Fountain Green Township

Fountain Green Township

The beautiful village with fanciful name gave title to township 6 n, 5 w. It is agreeably diversified with woodland and prairie, and about evenly divided. Its timbered and broken lands lie along the several branches of Crooked creek.

The village of Fountain Green was laid out in 1835, by Jabez A. Beebe and Stephen G. Ferris, two of its early and enterprising settlers. The township also contains the town of Webster. This was originally a Mormon town, laid out in 1840 by Wm. Wightman, and called Ramus, or Macedonia. After they left, its name was changed to Webster. Its population in 1815 had reached about 600, mostly Mormons. The villages are only about a mile apart; the first is much better built than the latter, and seems to be in a more flourishing condition.

This township now contains a large number of excellent and well-improved farms and substantial farmers, many of them descendants of early settlers who have passed away. A few of them are yet remaining, their heads whitened by the frosts of many winters.

The earliest settler in the township is supposed to have been Ute Perkins, who came in 1826. The next was John Brewer, in 1S27; followed by Abram, James and Mordecai Lincoln, Benjamin Mudd, John Day, Andrew and Pittillo Perkins and Wm. Saylors, all in or about 1830. Then Wm. DuflF, Jabez Ia. Beebe and Jonathan Prior, 1831; Stephen G. Ferris, 1832; Amos Hobart, 1833; "Wm. Allton, 183i; Jary White, 1835; Martin Hopkins, 1836; CoL Thomas Geddes, 1836; David Allton, 1836.

James Lincoln was the first Justice of the Peace in the township, from 1832 to 1836. From his docket, still extant, in the hands of L. Vandyne, Esq., of Webster, we obtain the following additional names, either as parties in cases or jurymen: William Robertson, Eben Wiggins, James Gray, Edward Farley, William Shipley, George W. lioward, John Secrist, John Massingall, Nicholas Jarvis, Leney Bloyd, Edward Shipley, Ira Gridley, Samuel Prentice, Evan Martin, John Shelton, Jacob Coilman, Jacob Clark, Thomas Whitaker, Samuel Brown, Daniel Prentis and Anson Hobart. Charles Hungate succeeded to the docket in 1836.

The first child born in the township is said to have been Thomas J. Brewer, son of John Brewer, in 1829; the second, James Day, son of John Day, August, 1831; and third (perhaps second, date not obtained), Alexander Saylors, also in 1831, son of William Saylors.

The first death was that of Pittillo Perkins, Sept. 15, 1834, who died from the efiTects of poisonous herbs taken for the ague. Wm. Duff died 1837, killed by a limb falling on him from a tree.

Tlie Perkinses joined the Mormons at Ramus, and went with them to Salt Lake. Andrew Perkins was a County Commissioner at the time, and left his seat vacant.

The Lincoln brothers were from Kentucky, and were cousins to President Lincoln. They were connected by marriage with Day and Mudd. The latter left years ago for Missouri. All three are deceased years ago; Mordecai, the latest, in 1866. He had lived a bachelor.

David Alton was born in Connecticut about the year 1786, and was married to Lucy Farwell, a native of Vermont. Mr. A. died at Fountain Green about 1850, aged 64 years. ]\Irs. Alton survived him till the month of May, 1880, when she passed away, at the advanced age of 92.

A postoflice was established two years before the town was laid out, in 1S33, and Jabez A. Beebe appointed Postmaster. The first regular school-teacher is supposed to have been Judge John M. Ferris, son of S. G. Ferris, and now of Carthage. The first school house was erected about 1836.

Mr. Beebe was a New Yorker, born July 1, 1789; came to Fort Edwards previous to deep snow, and wintered on the Aldrich place in the vicinity ; in the spring settled in Fountain Green, where he died July 2, 1871, aged 82.

Who was first to open store in the village we are not advised; but Martin Hopkins (at present living there), Mathew McClaughry and Stephen H. Tyler, junior, carried on general merchandising business there as a firm for many years. They were all prominent and much respected men in the community.

Jary White, Sr., was born in Wales about 1790; came to America in 1811, and settled in Fountain Green in 1835; his death occurred September 8, 18-±4; aged 57.

Daniel Prentis, still living in the village, was a native of Vermont, son of a Revolutionary soldier, and was born in 1799; came to Fountain Green and settled in 1833; was engaged in merchandising in Carthage about 1835, and under the wild scheme of internal improvements had a contract with the State for grading a portion of the Warsaw & Peoria Railroad, in 1838-'9. "Prentis' Shanty," on the line of said road, was for years a well-known landmark.

Eeligious Pkogeess

Revs. Abell, Logan and Lawton are remembered as among the earliest gospel ministers in Fountain Green. There were a number of Catholic families in the neighborhood, and a Catholic Society was organized at an early day, and a house of worship erected about the year 1838. The organization was kept up but for a few years, when the edifice was sold. This organization was eflected through the instrumentality of Rev. Mr. St. Cyr. ,

Of the several Churches in Fountain Green we have only been able to procure the history of the Presbyterian, for which we ai-e indebted to Rev. Thomas M. Walker, its Pastor.

The Presbyterian Church of Fountain Gi-een was organized Nov. 27, 1840, by a committee of the Presbytery of Scliuyler (O. S.), consisting of Revs. Wm. Stewart and James M. Chase, of Macomb, in the district school-house in the village. Members enrolled: Thomas Geddes, Susan Geddes, James McConnell, Margaret McConnell, Martha McConnell, Samuel Glass, Rachel Glass, Jane Seal, Wm. Foy, Ruth Foy, Irene Foy, and Mary McClaughry; Thomas Geddes and James McConnell, Elders.

The congregation was supplied by the before-named ministers till the summer of 1849; then for nearly two years by Rev. Ralph Harris, residing in Carthage; afterward by Rev. Joseph Worrell, of Chili. In June, 1852, an invitation was extended to Rev. Thomas M. Walker to become the stated supply, and in 1853 he was regularly installed Pastor of the Church, and from that time to the present (1880), he has, almost without interruption, ministered to this congregation. Other Elders: Aug., 1852, James Blair, John M. Walker and James Miller; March, 1855, James Campbell and John McClaughry; Oct., 1874, Solomon Ivions, Joseph Spangler and Cyrus M. Geddes. The present session consists of Thomas Geddes, John M. Walker, Joseph Spangler and Cyrus Geddes.

This Church has enjoyed at least an ordinary degree of prosperity. In the winter of 1S73 an extensive revival of religion added about forty to the number of its membership; and again, in 1ST5, seventeen more wei-e added by profession of faith. But while there have been additions, there have also been losses by almost continual emigration to the West, so that this Church has stood in the relation of a feeder to many newer congregations in the localities beyond the Mississippi, and to some nearer home. There were 115 reported as members in the spring of 1879.

William Allton was born in Lewis county, N. Y., in 1811. He is of a family of 11 children, 7 of whom are living. The father, David Allton. was of English descent; was a farmer by occupation; emigrated to Western K. Y. in 1S20, and in 1S36, to this State, settling in Fountain Green tp. He died in 1848, 65 years of age. The mother, who died recently, at the advanced age of 91, was also of English descent and a native of the same State. The oldest daughter, Salona, the wife of Conrad Cratzenbui-g, died in this county in 1854. David F., the elder brother, was married in New York; emigrated to this State in 1834, and died in 1871, leaving a widow and 8 children. Lucy, the oldest sister, is the wife of Cyrus Kyes, of New York. Betse}', wife of Henry E. Yroman, emigrated to this State in 1834; her husband dying, she married Clement Logston, of Macomb, who died in 1 866. W. S., N. A., Elliott and Miles, are farmers of this county. Miles died a soldier before Vicksburg, in 1865.

William, the subject of this sketch, the third in age, in early life a farmer, emigrated to Rushro in 1833; was educated in the common schools. He was married in 1840, to Mar}' A. Gibson, who, wirhone child, died in 1843. He then came West to Indiana, where he was engaged for a time in merchandising at Crown Point. Here he remained eleven years, returning in 1854 to New York, and settled as a farmer. In 1860 he came to Knox county, near Galesburg, where he engaged in farming. He was married again, to Sarah Meredith, who became the mother of one child, Wm. B., who died with*his mother in 1866. He was married again in 1874, to Miss Maggie Fitch, of New York, with whom, and their sweet little girl Lillie, he is now enjoying the greatest blessings of a domestic lite. Mr. A. resides within a quarter of a mile of the village of Fountain Green, where he settled on a farm of 80 acres, in section 33, also 40 of timber. His neat and commodious residence stands upon a rise of ground so as to give liim a view of the surrounding country to be seen in no otlier part of the tp. Mr. A. has never been before the people as a candidate for ofBce, but from his extensive librarj', and his genial, social qualities, he would not be an unfit servant for any position in which his friends might place him.

Richard Branden was born in Adams county. Pa., in 1S09, and died at the age of 4.5, near Iowa City. He was an early settler of this tp., and the father of a family of 11 children, 6 of whom are living. The mother, whose maiden name was Mary M. Favorite, of the same nativity, and of French-German descent, is living, at this writing, in good health, and enjoj'ing a happy life at the old homestead. The family came from Ohio to McDonough county in 1839, and in '46 to the farm now occupied b}^ Mrs. B., on sec. 15, consisting of 160 acres. The oldest daughter, Teresene, is the widow of Daniel Kimport, of Pa. She now resides in Macomb. James F., now a widower, is salesman for the McCormick Reaper Company. He has 3 little children - Ernest, Richard B. and Myrt Mabel. Lizzie, the third in the family, is the wife of Robert Geddes, a farmer of this township. Richard B. died in the late war. Edward E. died in infancy. Mary A. died near the date of the father's death, at the age of seven. Elias M. (wife, Susan Hay) has one child, Bessie. Julia F. is the wife of John Miller. Edward B. is now carr^'ing on the farm with his mother. George was born in McDonough county in 1S42. His early experience was on the farm and in the common schools. He was married in 1871 to Miss Laura Geddes, daughter of Col. Geddes, a lady devoted not only to her husband and children, but to her Christian work. Mr. B. ha^ a family of 2 sons and one daughter - Maud, Royle and Robert G. The Branden family are Presb3'terianin religious faith and Republican in political principles. George was with the memorable llSth under Col. Fonda; was gone three years, and was discharged when the war was over. He moved to his farm in 1S71, and in 1876 built the neat residence which may be seen three-fourths of a mile south of Fountain Green. George is a wide-awake citizen,^ and from his movements does not intend to rest complacently and see the world drive unless he is one of the drivers.

Johii Bullock was born in Western Canada in 1819, his father emigrating from Scotland a short time before. Mr. B. is of a family of S sons and 4 daughters. Five of the sons came to this county. John came in 1853, ten years after his brother William, who is reckoned among the early and most progressive settlers. His father and mother died at an advanced age, at their old home in Canada. John stayed with his father until he was 26 years of age, when he began farming on his own hook. He was married in 1834, to Miss Jennet Anderson, a Scotch lady of refined taste and manners. She is now the mother of 8 living children - Margaret, the wife of A. M. Cratzenburg; Thomas, Gilbert, John, Jennet, William and Mary (twins) and Gracie, the j'oungest.

Mr. B., learning of the agricultural features of this country, and being a farmer, came here for the purpose of staying. He makes a specialty, and considers it as sure as any other crop. He owns 260 acres of good land on sec. 16, all in cultivation or pasture. Himself and lady have been members of the Christian Church for 16 years. Mr. B. is not a Radical in politics, and the treatment a stranger receives at the hands of the family is indicative of their generous Scotch hospitality.

William Bullock, father of John II., was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1S07; came to Canada in 181S with his parents, settling at Lanark, in Lanark county. He was married about 1830, to Miss Christina McDougal, a Highland Scotch lady. His children were all born in Canada, namely, Catharine, Thomas A., John H., Andrew R. and James S. Mr. B. came to Hancock county in 1842, and resided in Fountain Green tp. until his death, June 23, 1872. His wife died May 24-, 1845. Two of Mr. B.'s sons were in our last war, Thomas A., a member of Co. A, llSth 111. Vol. Inf., and John H. in Co. G, 2d 111. Cav. The company was raised by Col. B. F. Marsh, as good a commander as ever drew a saber.

Thomas Campbell was born in Franklin county. Pa., in 1805. His father, of the same name and nativity, died at his old home at the age of 68. Mr. C. was of a family of 2 sisters and 8 brothers. His mother, whose maiden name was Isabel Elder, was buried beside his father in 1816. He began to learn the hatter's trade, afterward taking an interest in the business, and carried on the factory for 39 years. He was married at the age of 22 to Margaret Campbell, of the same county and State, daughter of John Campbell. Mr. C. and lady have raised a family of 9 children, 2 sons and 7 daughters, who are scattered from Eastern Pennsylvania to Western Kansas. Henrietta is with her parents.

Mr. Campbell emigrated to this State in 1853, settling in this tp. directly south of the village of Fountain Green, where he purchased a farm of 80 acres; built a commodious residence, and after occupying it for nearly 20 years, he engaged for a short time in merchandising. He is now living a retired life in the attractive little village of " The Green."

Mr. C. was a Whig before the war and has been a Republican since. He sacrificed one son, John W., in the memorable trials before Vicksburg on Black river. Mr. C. and family are connected with the Presbyterian Church, and are among the faithful ones who have preserved the fair name of their little village from being tarnished by intemperance.

John M. J. Cox was born in Breckenridge county, Ky., in 1820. He was the 3d in a family of 6 children; Benjamin and Elizabeth, the father and mother. ' The father was born in Westminster county. Pa., in 1774. The mother, whose maiden name was Midcap, was a Virginian by birth. Mr. Cox was a farmer in early life, receiving the merest benefits of the subscription schools, traveling four miles to procure what he did. He has one sister in this tp., the wife of George McElvain. After spending a fewyears on the farm with liis father, he hegan teaching, and followed that business during the winter terms for eight or ten years. He was married to Miss Elizabeth E. Welch, tlie daughter of James "Welch, an early settler of this county. They have no children. In 1872 Mr. Cox purchased an interest in the store run by Riley & "Wright in 1873, but sold out to Smith ifc Booze. In the spring of 1876 he engaged in business with John B. "Welch, who went "VYest in 1878. Hethen moved the goods to where he now holds forth in the village of "Webster, doing a general merchandising business. He was appointed Postmaster in 1876, which position he now holds. Mr. C. has held the office of Justice of the Peace 20 years. He is a sound Republican and a genial friend; this, with the pleasant address of his lady (which is a characteristic of the Welch family), cause all to feel comfortable in their presence.

B-injamin Crahill was born in Shenandoah county, Va., in 1815. His father, John C, of German descent, died at the advanced age of 91. His mother died in Ohio, nearly 70 years of age, where the family had emigrated a few years before. Mr. C.'s school days were like the Irishman's potatoes, few and far between. He was married in Ohio in 1836, to Angeline Steinburger, whose parents were natives of Virginia. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and died Jan. 1, 1880. Had raised a family of 7 children, as follows: John H., Olander, William, Joseph R., Lizzie, Louis and Lucinda. Lizzie died at the age of 33. Mr. C. came to this county in 1819, and settled on sec. 5, where he now has 280 acres of land well improved, on which he built a large and commodious brick building in 1858. John H., the eldest of the family, remained with his father in early life, and was married in 1861 to Miss Prudence Typton, daughter of John Typton, of Macomb, formerly from Ohio. After wandering for a few years in Iowa and elsewhere he finally took charge of the old homestead, where he has since resided. The father, now being relieved of the cares of the farm, enjoys his declining days with a happy group of grandchildren, 8 in number: Ida "W.,Ella A., Benjamin, Emma L., John F., Mary E., Jane A. and Freddie AV. The family, one and all, know how to dispense kindness and hospitality, making the Crabill residence assume the character of the stranger's home.

Morris Crump, M.D.,, is the «on of Wm. Crump, a native of Chelton, Eng.,and formerly editor and proprietor of the Chelton Morning Chronicle; emigrating to Philadelphia in 1836, he became editorin-chief of the Pennsylvania Enquirer. Died about 1860, ao;ed 66. Morris is the 5th of a family of 7 sons and 3 daughters. His brother George is now acting as British Vice-Consul. John is the proprietor of the noted Colonnade Hotel at Philadelphia.

Morris spent his early life with his father in the Quaker city, attending the public schools. He entered Philadelphia College ot Medicine, graduating in 1851, locating the first year as resident physician of the Philadelphia Clinical Infirmary. He came to this county in 1855, settled in tlie village of Fountain Green, where lie has since had a reasonable practice. Mr. C. was married in 1860 to Miss Rachel White, daughter of Major White, of McDonough county, who died in 1866. She is the mother of 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys. Marj', the eldest daughter, is now taking a course of study at St. Mai-y's College, Nauvoo; Janie, aged about nine; Wm, H. and George, the 2 boys at home. Mr. Crump has begun a residence, which, when finished, will be a model of taste and comfort. Though somewhat eccentric in manners, he does not allow any one who calls to escape his genial hospitality.

Solomon Dill was born in Jackson county, Tenn., in 1822; his father, Stephen Bill, was of Scotch descent, and a native of Pennsylvania; fought under Gen. Jackson in the war of 1812. His grandfather also fought the British under Gen. Washington, in 1776. The father emigrated to this State with his family in 1832, and died at an advanced age about 1858. His mother, whose maiden name was Catharine Harris, and who was a native of North Carolina, died in 1870. Solomon, the fifth in a family of 7 children, is now 58 years of age, has had general success in life and goodhealth. He has one sister living now in Iowa, and a brother in Kansas. Mr. D. was deprived of the advantages of an education when a boy, and is showing his appreciation of the loss by giving his children all the advantages accessible. He was married in McDonough county in 1842 to Leanna Harris. She is the mother of 7 children living, 4 sons and 3 daughters, whose names are Mary, Elijah, Anna. Ada, Reuben, Ethelbert and Charley. Anna is the wife of Samuel Brown, and Ada of a Mr. Dorothy, both farmers of this tp. Mr. D. owns near 470 acres of land, 160 acres in his home farm in a fine state of cultivation. His residence and barn are plain but neat, and are surrounded by tasteful clusters of trees, some of which are of more than a century's growth.

Dr. Leonard T. Ferris was born in Chenango county, N. Y., in 1817. He is the son of Stephen G., whose biography is given on page 707. He was a native of Dutchess county, where the family had settled at an early day; emigrated to this county in Dec, 1832, and was one of the foundersof the village of Fountain Green. He improved a farm near this place and raised a family of 3 sons, J. M., H. G. and the Doctor, all well known in this county. He removed to Carthage, and after remaining 12 years, died at the residence of his son in Fountain Green, in November, 1877. The mother, who was a sister of Jacob Beebe, who was the chief founder of the village spoken of, died in 1857, and is buried beside her husband in the beautiful cemetery of Fountain Green. Dr. L. T. Ferris was employed in early life on the farm with his father; after receiving his first education in the common schools he graduated in the study of medicine at the medical department in the St. Louis University, in the spring of 1848, and began practicing soon after. Mr. Ferris was married in McDonough county in May, 1859, to Helen M. Gilchrist, sister of

Gen. Gilchrist, civil engineer. They have a family of 7 children living, 4 sons and three daughters: Charles L., Lelia, Alice L., Ulysses S., Ralph W., Helen, a little girl of 10, and lliram G., a boy of 8. Charles S., the oldest son, after graduating at Carthage College in the class of '76, attended Rush Medical College, Chicago, and also graduated there in 1S7S, since which time he has had an encouraging practice with his father. He was married in 1878 to Miss Ella Connor, of Warsaw, 111. Mr. F. was attending school during the Mormon difficulties in lS4:5-'46, and therefore took little part with his fellow citizens in that noted affair, although he was a Whig and an Anti-Mormon. He owns a farm of SO acres besides his town residence and a few other lots. He is one of the quiet and imassuming business men of his tp.

John G. Fonda was born on the Mohawk river, in Montgomery county, jNfew York, March 8, 1S22. His parents were Giles Fonda and Maria, nee Dockstader. The Fonda famil}' are of Low Dutch descent and the Dockstader, of German. The subject of this sketch came to Hancock county with his parents in 1835, and has regarded this as his home most of the time since. In 1840 he commenced the practice of surveying with J. Wilson Williams, and the greater portion of his life has been spent as a surveyor and civil engineer, in which profession he is engaged at the present time. From 1841 to 1843 he acted as Deputy Connty Surveyor under J. Wilson Williams. In 1844, in company with Alanson Lyon, he visited the island of Cuba. In 1847 he enlisted as a private in Capt. Stapp's company of J^llinois Mounted Volunteers, and went to Mexico; did service between Vera Cruz and the city of Mexico. At the close of the war, the following year, he was discharged as a Lieutenant. In 1849 he was married to Mary McConnell, and the same year was elected County Surveyor, and settled in Carthage; lived there until 1854, when he moved to Warsaw and was appointed an assistant engineer on the Warsaw & Eockford Railroad.

In 1860 he spent the summer in Colorado and New Mexico. In July, 1861, he entered the L^nited States Volunteer Service as a Lieutenant in Capt. B. F. Marsh's Company of 2d Illinois Cavalry. In January, 1862, he was appointed Major of the 12th Illinois Cavalry, and soon after placed in command of Camp Butler, near Springfield. In October he was made Colonel of the 118th Vol. Inf., and in December went with his regiment to Louisiana, where he served most of the time in command of a brigade until the close of the war. With his regiment he participated in all the battles about Vicksburg. After the fall of Vicksburg he had command of a cavalry brigade, and was breveted Brigadier-General. After the close of the war, in 1866, he settled on a farm near Fountain Green, and lives there yet. In July, 1877, he was appointed a Commissioner of the Southern Illinois Penitentiary, and still holds the position. In September, 1879, he was appointed Chief Engi-

William M. Hartley was born in Union county Ky., in 1S31, aTid is the son of John Hardey, of English descent, and a native of Maryland, who emigrated to this county in 1835 and settled on sec. 36 of this tp., where he died at the old homestead, aged 79.

The mother, whose maiden name was Mary A. Riley, a native of Kentucky, is still living (1880), aged 74. William has had the whole experience of a farmer's life, and being satisfied, will be likely to continue that branch of industry. He attended the common s^chook of this county, which were not the best, 40 years ago. lie was married in 1869 to Maria Tallis, daughter of Wm. Tallis, a native of Ireland, now in McDonough county. They have had 4 children : AVilliam 11., Eva, Kittle and Blanche. Mr. H. has the care of his father's farm, now belonging to the Ilardey heirs: it consists of 320 acres.

There are 3 brothers and 5 sisters of the family, none of whom reside in this tp. except William. Mr. Hardey and lady have been life-long members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Hardey is liberal in his views, charitable in action, and has the faculty of making one feel at home in his company.

Byers Hensly is the eldest son of Nathan Hensly, who was a native of Kentucky, and who died at the age of 65, in Hopkins, Mo. The father was of English descent; emigrated from Kentucky to Indiana. After remaining there for some time he sold his farm, moved to Texas and began dealing in money and stocks. He resided for a time in Washington city, then went to Hopkins, Mo., where the mother still resides, aged 65. The mother, whose maiden name was Mary Mosier, was a native of Middle Tennessee, and of German descent.

Byers and Henry, a younger brother, are among the thriving farmers of this tp., and take deep interest in educational and religious interests.

Byers came from Texas in 1856, and in 1858 was married to Martha Anderson. In 1868 he came to this county, settling finally on sec. 14, where he has a farm of 80 acres. Having a very strong taste for mechanism he early began work at the carpenter's bench, in the end proving himself to be quite a success, and winding up his career in that branch by constructing a very neat and substantial residence, in 1876, upon his own farm.

Mr. H. has a family of 2 daughters, Mary and Lizzie. Sparing no pains to show his appreciation of the value of an education, he gave them all the advantages at his command. They are both successful teachers, at this writing, and are teaching in districts near their home.

Alfred B. Hotchkiss was born in New Haven county, Connecticut, in 1820; he is the son of Alfred Hotchkiss, of French descent, a shoemaker by trade and in later life a farmer. He died at eightysix years of age in Cayuga county, N. Y. His mother, whose maiden name was Lana Rosa, of Scotch- German blood, died in Cortland county, N. Y., 1839. Mr. H. has but two brothers living, Andrew A., a farmer in Micliigan, and Samuel L., a hotel-keeper in Chenango county, N. Y. When but a small boy Mr. H. was left alone, and like many of the homeless yet ambitious orphan boys of New York, sought employment as a " tow boy " on the Erie Canal. After four years' drive in this capacity he was promoted to the position of pilot, afterward Captain, on J. H. Hooker's line. He next went to London, Canada, where he drove stage for some time, and followed the same business at Detroit, Kalamazoo, Chicago, Burlington, Barnesville, Virginia, etc. April 18, 1849, he was married at Montrose, Iowa, to Miss Sarah P. Campbell, a lady from Burlington, Iowa; she is of Scotch-Irish blood and the mother of 2 children, living; Roseltha, the wife of Wm. Mull, of Joliet, 111., and Carrie B., an accomplished young lady at home. Mr. II. had a scant advantage of the subscription schools of New York in 1830; he took an interest in a livery stable at Keokuk, began running transportation wagons in that city, and with Wm. Graham owned and ran a stage line between Keokuk and Augusta; he afterward purchased a livery in Plymouth and remained there two years, when he went back to Keokuk in 1860; he enlisted in Co. C, of the 3d Iowa Cavalry, was promoted Veterinary Surgeon for the coi^ipany, afterward for the regiment; so remained until discharged at the close of the war. He was engaged for a time as contractor on the D. M. R. R. ; came to Hamilton, where he remained until he began a general merchandising business in Fountain Green in 1877. Mr. H. is one who believes in an active life, and is one also who enjoys his home, family and friends in the highest degree.

Joel Howd was born in Oneida county, N. Y., 1821, the second son of Isaac and Anna (Johnson) Howd, both of Connecticut. The mother died in Oneida county, N. Y., in February, 1833, 34 years of age. The father came to this State and died at Pontoosuc, this county, March, 1856, 56 years of age. Joel in earlj^ life attended the farm with his father, during which time a white swelling caused one of his lower limbs to become shorter than the other. The family emigrated to Pilot Grove tp., and were the first to turn the sod on sec. 16. The sad misfortune which befel Joel caused him to look for an occupation better suited to his physical condition ; he therefore went to Warsaw in 1841 and remained three j'ears, learning the tailor's trade. He began business in that line at Webster, about the time the Mormons made their exit, 1846, which he continued till 1855; he then began a general merchandising business in the same place which he has since continued, and is now doing a successful business. Mr. H. during this time held the postoffice twenty-four years, resigning in 1875; was also J. P. for a number of years. March 26, 1849, he was married to Hester Mc- Elvain, whose parents had emigratedifrom Ohio; have 4 children living; Inez, the wife of Geurge Evans, a merchant of Burnside; Sarah J. wifeof B.Wright, of Fountain Green; Hattie E. and Nellie

B., at home. Mr. Howd during his past life has not merely encouraged the moral elevation of his community by words and walk, but has actually sacrificed time and money. His neighbors testify to his life-long struggle against the monster evil, intemperance, in wliich his toils have not been in vain; for one knowing what the village of Webster was ten years ago he could hardly suppose it would now be without a licensed saloon. To know that he has prospered socially and financially one needs only to go and visit his business establishment and see his residence and family, where, in their music and merriment, he in his decline of life is spending his happiest days. His portrait appears on the opposite page.

The first of this family we can learn by name is Samuel Howd, a native of Connecticut, a farmer, who moved to Oneida county, N. Y., where he died about 82 years of age. His son, Isaac C, was born in Connecticut, and from the age of ten years was brought up in Oneida county, N. Y., where he was married in 1S18. His wife died in 1833, leaving a family of 8 children: Edmund, Joel, Betsey, Otis, Smith, Julius and Julia (twins), and Eveline. The second time Mr. Isaac C. Howd married Mary Roe, and moved to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, with his family in 1835, where he remained until 1837, when he, with his wife and 5 children, removed to this county, settling in Carthage. He bought a farm in Pilot Grove, tp., where he lived many years, and afterward moved to Pontoosmc, where he built the Franldin House, which he kept as a hotel nearly until his death. Mr. H. was Justice of the Peace for many years in this county, and was a man highly esteemed by the community for his many sterling qualities.

David Leach was born in Litchfield county, N. Y., in 1816; he emigrated to this State finally in 1852, settling on the northwest of sec. 31, this tp. Being of an ingenious mind, he turned his . attention early in life to mechanical exercise, serving for a time as a carpenter upon vessels at sea. Later he has attended strictly to the duties of farm life, paying some attention to bees and horticulture. Mr. Leach was married Feb. 26, 1838, to Eliza Sherwood, nativity same as himself. She died Feb. 28, 1878.

Mr. Leach has had 8 children, 4 now living: Jesse, Sarah, Kendrick, Barak, Henry, George, Ilettie and Chitty are their names in order of their ages. The i younger boys are not living. Kendrick was with Sherman in the 2d Iowa, was left sick at Lovejoy Station, where it is supposed he died in 186i. Barak was in Co. A, 7th Mo. Cav., under Capt. Brawner; he died at Sedalia, Mo., Oct. 6, 1852. Mr. Leach being on the decline of life, has given the management of his farm into the hands of Jesse, who is now running it. Jesse, like his father, uses every spare moment in perusing substantial works on science and art.

K. Jy. Leach, brother of the preceding, was born in the State of New York in ISIS. He emigrated to this State in 1852, purchased a farm owned by Jabez Beebe, directly north of the village of Fountain Green, which he still owns. His father, Jesse Leach, was a native of Litchiield county, Conn., and of English blood. He died in 1S31, aged 53 years. Ilis mother, nee Zaruah Loomis, was of the same connty and State as his father. She was also of English descent and a relative not far distant from Prof Loomis, of Yale College, who has published a genealogy of the family. She was born^May 16, 1791. She died in New" York, nearly 80 years of age. Mr. Leach was employed in early life on the farm, and at the age of IS, engaged as a tow boy on the Erie canal. "Was with Col. Stephenson on his expedition around the Gape to California, during the Mexican war. Mr. L. was married in New York in 1S51, to Mary J. Read, whose parents were from Mass-. She is the mother of 3 children living; 2 sons and one daughter. Benjamin F., is a drover in Kansas; Silas, a farmer at home, and Celia, a miss of 10, also at home. Mr. Leach has had reasonable success in life, though but little encouragement to start from. He has been Justice of the Peace longer than any one now living in the county, 28 3'ears, His chances for education when young were poor, but he has gained a practical knowledge of things as he has advanced through life, and seems to be at home with scientific subjects. He owns the most costly and beaiitiful residence in the tp., which was built in lS62-'3, situated on the south end of his farm of 185 acres, adjoining Fountain Green. Mr. Leach is a Republican, and is not ashamed of his faith.

James McConnell emigrated to this county in 1838, and purchased an improved farm on sec. 29. He was born in Franklin county Pa., and is of Scotch descent. The family consisted of 6 children, 4 of whom are still living. The mother, who is of the same nativity, has died. Martha, the eldest sister, is the wife of the late Alex. Walker, of this tp. Samuel went to Colorado during the gold excitement of 1850, and has since died, leaving one son. Mary is the wife of Gen. John G. Fonda, now of Quincy, III. Alexander, the elder of the two brothers, now residing in this tp.J spent his early life on the farm, and is still making agricultui-e his chief vocation. He was married in 1851, to Miss Mary E. Walker, daughter of John M. Walker, of this tp. A family of 5 children have blessed their domestic ties, two of whom are married. Fannie, the second in age, is the wife of Frank Fortney ; and Aima is the wife of Price Lathro, both farmers by occupation. Linda, Charley and Johnny are at home. Mr. McConnell has 300 acres of land, principally on sec. 29, to which place he moved in 1866. James, the younger of the two mentioned, is now keeping hotel in the village of Fountain Green. He was born in Franklin county, Pa., in 1827, and emigrated to this county with his father; was married during middle life, in 1868, to Mrs. E. L. Conner, of Pennsylvania. She is the mother of one child, Ealph, a boy now 10 years of age. Mr. M. began the business in which he is now engaged in 1869, during which time he has held the postofEce. He was Sergeant three years with Co. G, 12th 111. Cav. ; was on the Stoneman raid to Richmond, at Antietam, Gettysburg, etc.

Robert McConnell was born in Franklin county, Pa., and emigrated to this count}' in 18i5. His father, Francis McConnell, was of English-Irish descent, who also emigrated to this county and died soon after, at the age of 83. His mother, whose maiden name was Hannah Campbell, died at the age of 72 in this tp. Robert, now 70 years of age, is of a family of 11 children. He has been engaged in farming during his entire life, and now owns a farm of 160 acres on sec. 29, this tp., where his father and mother are buried. He was married in 1849, to Miss Joanna Brewer, daughter of John Brewer, an early settler of this county. She is the mother of 3 children, living; viz., Morris C, Mary P. and Walter L.; all at home. Mr. M. was here in time to take part in the Mormon troubles. He was detailed to transport supplies to the brave (?) defenders of our liberties, near JVauvoo, and was present when the last remnant were placed on the opposite shore of the great river. "Uncle Bobby" has been several times Supervisor of his tp., and is still held among his people as a kind and generous citizen.

Thomas Miller, deceased, emigrated to this county in May, 1836; was born in Cumberland count}', Pa., in 1795. He opened up a farm on sec. 21, where he raised a family of 8 children: 4 sons and 4 daughters. Mrs. Miller, whose maiden name was Margaret Meredith, was born in 1817; is of Irish-German descent, and a native of Pennsylvania. The father died in 1878, being 83 years of age. The mother is still living, and in good health at this writing. Kebecca died at the age of 7. The sons are all farmers of this tp. William is on a farm of 160 acres, in sec. 15, where he has resided since March, 1868. William was married in 1868 to Mi^^ Christina Sibert, who is the motlier of a happy little group of 3 children - James C, George W. and Josephine E., the last a little girl of 7 years. Mary is the wife of Wm. McCullough; Kate, unmarried, is a milliner at Fountain Green. Sarah E . is the wife of John Sibert. Robert, the second son, was born in 1842. At the age of 20 he enlisted in the war, under Col. Marsh, and was with that regiment for over two years; was at the engagements of siege of Yicksburg, Jackson's Mills, Holly Springs, etc.; was wounded at the latter place, but was not discharged until after that memorable 4th of Jul}', 1863, when V^icksburg yielded to the great General. James, born Sept. 4, 1846, also enlisted in the late war, but in the 12tli 111. Cav., Co. G. He was only 17 years old at the time, and therefore had to take a turn holding horses ; was with the regiment on the Red river expedition, and was discharged at the close of the war. He was married Sept. 19, 1875, to AnnaKelley, whose father, James Kelley, was a native of Kentucky. The little girl, Maggie, a loving little child, died June 13, 1880. James resides on sec. 15, where he owns 80 acres of good prairie land. John Miller, the youngest of the family, who now resides on the old homestead, was married in 1877, to Julia Brandon. They have but one child, a little girl of one year. The Miller family were amon£{ the oldest settlers here, and have all settled in life in the immediate neighborhood where they were brought up. The fatlier was active during the ]\[ormon ditficulties, and was a live Republican during the late war. The Presbyterian Church record contains several of the family as members.

L. J. Rhea is a native of this county, and was born in 1834, of Scotch descent, and is a son of Lewis Rhea, of Tennessee. Mr. R. received his early education in the common schools of this county, afterward graduating in the Keokuk Medical College in 1856. After traveling for some time in the West, he enlisted early in 1861, in Co. B, 2d Inf., under Gen. Lyon. He was among the troops ordered to Fort Scott to settle the Jayhawkers, thence to St. Louis; afterward he was at the 2d Bull Run. Among other engagements was " the seven-days fight," Gettysburg, Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg. He was discharged at the close of the war at Washington city, 1865. His father and mother died at the ages of 64 and 58, and lie buried in Hancock tp. , this county. Mr. R., at an advanced age in life, was married in 1876, to Mrs. White, widow of Jno. W. White, deceased.

Mrs. Rhea is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Conn, of Hancock tp., formerly from !N^ew York, who are still living, aged 74 and 72 respectively. Ermina was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., in 1821. She was married to Mr. White in March, 1865; by him she has 2 children, J. AVillard and John Prosper. Also has under her cai-e Lewis Leslie Rhea and little Ralph Parsons, a grandchild. Mrs. R. has 2 sisters, Caroline Bullock and Lucy Rhea. Marlow M. and Lorenzo T. are two brothers, in Hancock tp.

Charles C. Tyler, though young in looks and action, is among the oldest settlers in the village of Fountain Green. He is the son of Alvin Tyler, and the nephew of Stephen Tyler, so well known in the northeastern part of the county. The family is of English ancestry, and emigrated at an early day to Connecticut. Alvin was born in Harwinton, of that State, in 1809; emigrated to Marietta, O., where he settled and began practicing medicine. He raised his family here and was very successful in his business. He visited his relatives in this county in 1846, and on his return he sickened and died at Gilead, 111., aged 47. The mother, whose maiden name was Adaline E. Church, was of same descent and nativity, and came West in 1854, residing with Chas. C. until her death, at the age of 46. C. C. was born Dec. 22, 1837; has one brother living, John H, an engineer of this county. He received his education principally at Macomb College, after which he was salesman for a time for Begby & Payton, a dry-goods firm in LaHarpe; was in Northern Illinois from 1858 to 1860, at the end of which time he purchased an interest in a general merchandising store with Mathew McClaughry, father of Warden McClaughry, of Joliet. He purchased his partner's interest in 1864, since which time he has been in business alone in the building popularly known as "Arcade," erected in 1864. Mr. Tyler was appointed

Postmaster in 1875, and from the hosts of friends who daily compliment his management of the office, one wonld judge that no presidential change ^vould be apt to affect his position. C. C. was married in June, 1860, to Johan "Webster, daughter of Chauncy "Webster, of Harwinton, Conn. She is the mother of 8 children, 5 of whom are living, - i sons and one daughter: Charles L., George C, Albert S., Clark L. and Mary F.

Mr. Tyler and family are members of no denomination, but they make the Churches feel their friendship. His residence, the old homestead, is both neat and tastefully arranged. He also has a farm of 90 acres one mile north of the village. Mr. T. is a man who enjoys the blessings of home comforts, and does much to make others do likewise.

Hev. Thomas M. Walker is the son of Alexander "Walker; nativity, Rockbridge county, Va.; he is also a half brother of the late Cyrus Walker, so well remembered as the recipient of Mormon treachery. Mr. "W. was born in Adair county, Ky., Feb. 26, 1S19. His grandfather is of Scotch-Irish birth, and came to tlie United States in 1736; stopped in Chester county, Pa., afterward in Rockbridge county, Ya. His father, a farmer by occupation, emigrated to Adair county, Ky., in early times, where he remained until he died, at the age of 62. His mother, nee Margaret Frost, afterward the widow of H. L. Combs, and the mother of one child, Jesse Combs, was a pious Christian lady, and after several j-ears' residence, died in McDonough county, and is buried in Hickory Grove cemeter3^ Mr. "W. remained with his father on the farm and attended the common-schools until 20 jeavs old, when he entered the Macomb College. He received private instruction under the Rev. Chase, of Macomb, after which he graduated at the Theological Seminary at New Albany, completing his course in 181:5; was ordained the next year a minister of the Presbyterian Church, and located at "Willow Creek, 111. His wife, nee Mary Montgomery, is the daughter of "Wm. Montgomery, an Indian missionary, residing in Arkansas. She is the mother of 5 sons and one daughter: William, Alexander, James, Thomas, Charles and 'Margaret. Mr. Walker came to this county in June, 1852, locating as Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the village named.

Jary White was born in Mt. Holly, Vt., in 1809. His father, Jary W., was a native of Wales; he emigrated from Vermont to New York, in 1812, and remained until 1835, when he came to this county, arriving June 17 of that year. He, with 2 brothers, took an active part in the Mormon war.

His mother, nee Lucina Lawrence, was a native of Connecticut. Both his parents lie buried in the Fountain Green cemetery. Mr. W: is one of the pioneers of this county; he came when there was no mill nearer than Rushville, 35 miles distant. He knows how to make a " lizzard" (a kind of sled made from the fork of a tree, much used by the frontiersmen), and has yet in his possession one of the old-time corn-meal graters. He was married in 1833, to Miss

Laura Eaton, daughter of Frazier Eaton, of Allegany county, N. Y. Mrs. "W". was the mother of 8 children, 4 of whom are still living: George, Charles, Laura and Augustus. She died May 21, 1860. Mr. W. was married a second time, July 11, 1861, to Mrs. Elizabeth James, daughter of John "Williams, a veteran soldier of 1812.

Mr. W. located on a piece of Congress land, on sec. 23, 80 acres, where he still resides. Mr. W. had two sons, Daniel and George, in the late war. Daniel entered the Sith 111. Inf., under Capt. Parrot, Sept., 1S61, enlisting for three years, during which time he was taken prisoner, took the small-pox, and he was taken to a pesthouse in Maryland and died. George entered the 84:th 111. Inf. in 1862, was wounded at Stone river in 18G3, was in the hospital 9 months, re-entered his regiment, and was discharged June 9, 1S6.5, having received two wounds, one in the thigh and one in the head, the latter injuring him for life.

Hickerson Wright, now deceased, was born in Virginia and raised in Kentucky. His grandfather came from Scotland prior to the Revolution. His father died when he, Hickerson, was a small boy; not having the advantages of school, he did not even learn to distinguish the denominations of paper money, nevertheless, after coming to this count}' with his brother Basil in 1S33, he accumulated considerable real proj^ert}' and proved to be a good financier. Wilson and Hubbard, two younger brothers, came soon after. Mr. Wright was the father of 11 children; viz., Sebean, Seneca, Pattrice W., Thomas G., Charles G., Henry D., now in California, Arzilla Ward, Martha Yetter, Cynthia, Willey, and James B., who died at the old homestead in 1851. Seneca, the oldest in thistp., remained at home until 22 years of age, when he was married in 18J-9 to Miss Eliza A. Burnham, who died in Dec, 1866, leaving 2 children, Douglas and Seneca L. Between the years 1850 and 1855 he made three trips across the Bocky Mountains, coming back by way of Nicaragua and New York. Growing somewhat tired of the traveler's life, he built a residence in 1860 on sec. 32, where he now owns 130 acres of tillable land, besides 40 acres of timber. In 1868 he was married a second time to Miss Damietta Rose, whose parentage was of New York; the mother now resides in Carthage, the wife of Garland Beneathy.

By his last wife he has" 3 children: Cora D., Ella A. and Robert Bruce, a little boy of seven summers. Mr. W. grew like a sunflower and is considerably above the average in statue, now weighing over 200 lbs. The family generallj' hold to no sectarian faith, and are liberal in sentiment both in politics and religion. To realize their liberality, socially, one needs only to call at their homes, where he will share whatever may be reasonably bestowed by the family.

Oibson H. Dorothy is the son of Robert Dorothy, an old settler of McDonough county who died in 1878, aged 82; was of English descent and born in Fairfax county, Va. The two sons, Gibson and Nathan, now reside in this tp., are well-to-do citizens, engaged in farming and stock-raising. Their mother, whose maiden name was Rhoda Stenate, was a native of Kentucky, and died at the old homestead, aged 66. Gibson remained with his father until 20 years of age, when he was married to Miss Elizabeth Wright, daughter of Basil Wright, an early settler of this tp. In 1856 Mr. D. purchased a farm of SO acres on sec. 8, afterward 48 acres on sec. 17. Mr. D. has a family of 3 children, whose names are: Charles B., John M. and Rachel; tlie latter is the wife of Samuel McPherson, a farmer of this tp. Mr. D. is now on the decline of life, but still is found plodding away on his farm preparing to make life less burdensome in the future. Ilis liberal Church and political views make his social life a pleasure both to himself and those with whom he conies in contact. He has been extensively engaged in shipping stock for nearly 20 years. John M., now the only son at home, is still carrying on the business. Mrs. D. can tell of many severe and trying privations thi-ough which the early settler had to pass when she was quite young.

Alexander Walker, now deceased, was born in Franklin county, Pa., Aug. 19, 1814, and came to Illinois, in Nov., 1838, settling in this tp., where he had friends and relatives. In 1841 he went, in company with Robert Gpddes, to New Orleans, where they were engaged in business for eight years. Returning to this county in 1849, Mr. Walker began improving the farm on sec. 20, where he died Dec. 2.'>, 1879. The Walker family is of Scotch-Irish descent and of the Presbyterian faith. Mr. W. was married in 1843, to Miss Martha McConnell, whose parents had emigrated to this county a short time after he came. Mrs. Walker is still living, on the old homestead, with her youngest son, John M. She is the mother of 5 children. Samuel received a severe kick from a vicious horse and died from the effects of the injuries. Maggie died when quite young. Alice is the wife of Dr. R. I. Law, a practicing physician in Fountain Green. James is a farmer of this tp.. \vas married Nov. 28, 1872, to Miss Mary E. Young; resides on a farm on sec. 32; has a family of 3 children - Martha R., Maggie M. and Ambrose 0. John M., the youngest son, is now residing on the homestead farm; was married Mar. 21, 1878, to Miss Eva AUton, daughter of Miles Allton, of Fountain Green. The favored pet of his little family is the little boy, Clarence, a year and a half old. John has that peculiar quality of dispelling the " blues " from those he meets and never permits any one to pass

Thomm B. Brumback. - Daniel Brumback, by descent a German, the great-grandfather of Thomas B. Brumback, came from Pennsylvania in an early day, to Virginia, and settled near New market; was a Baptist preacher ; had several children, but there are only two that we know anything about, John and Henry. John settled in Page county, Va. ; afterward moved to Ohio. He was the grandfather of David and Henry Hanson, who are now living near Oakwood, Hancock Co., 111. Henry Brumback, the younger brother of John, improved a farm on the Shenandoah river; he married Mary Grove, and their children were 11 in number, - John, Susan, Barbara, Anna, Samuel, Elizabeth, Jacob, Joseph, Mary, Frances and Henry; all remained in Virginia except Barbara, who married William "Wood and settled in Atchison county, Mo., and Jacob, who married Nancy Grove in Virginia, Feb. 5, 1S35, and settled on sec. 30, St. Mary's tp. Nancy Grove was the daughter of Samuel Grove, of Virginia, who married Mary Lionberger, the sister of Abraham, Joseph and Jacob Lionberger, who moved to Hancock Co. in 1835. Samuel Grove was the father of 9 children: Susan, John, David, Nancy, Barbara, Samuel, Martin, Mary and Isabella. He, with all of his children, except John, moved to Hancock county in 1835, in company with his son-in-law, Jacob Brumback. Both bought farms in St. Mary's and improved the same. Jacob B. bought on sec. 30, 2i0 acres, and was at bis death the owner of 1,100 acres. He was noted as a man of great industry, a good financier; never united with any Church, but had a decided preterence for the Old-School Baptist ; was a Democrat; held no offices. He died Jan. 5, 1853, aged -±3 years. His children were 8 in number, - Joseph S., Thomas B., Henry P., Mary E., Susan F., Emily E., John H. and Laura A.; 3 of whom died in childhood.

Thomas B. Brumback was married Feb. 10, 1861, to a very estimable and accomplished young lady. Miss Abbie D. Southwick, who was born in Massachusetts, and is a daughter of Baruch and Mary (Fowler) Southwick, also natives of that State. The latter came to this county in 1856, with 3 children, locating in St. Mary's tp., where Mr. S. resided until his death, July 16, 1871. His widow is still living, and resides with her daughter, Ruth, who is now the wife of George Shingle, of Harmony tp. Mary F.. another daughter of Mrs. Southwick's, is now the wife of John Walton and resides in Augusta tp. These three are the children brought in immigration to the West. The Southwicks are of English origin, and were very early settlers in America, coming here only 10 or 11 years after the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. The first settler's name was Lawrence Southwick, and he located at Salem, Mass. In religious belief they were Friends, and tliey suilered many persecutions in common with many of their brethren, banishment being one of the penalties. Mrs. Brumback's grandfather was George Southwick, also a native of the Bay State.

Henry P. Bruraback married Susan Kendall, and lives in St. Mary's tp; has 2 daugliters and one son. j\[ary E. Brumback married Roland B. Cannon ; lives in St. Mary's ; has 6 daugliters and one son. Emily E. Brumback married John W. Lewis, of Lafayette county. Mo., and settled there; has 3 sons and 3 daughters. Laura A. Brumback married John W. Grove, of Virginia, and is living there at this time.

T. B. Brumback, tiie subject of this biography, was Ijorn in St. Mary's, Hancock Co., 111., March 4-, 1S3S, on tlie farm where lie now lives; at the age of 14 his father died, leaving liim, with his mother, in charge of the farm. His advantages for an education were but few. The first summer after marriage he lived in a log cabin on a part of his mother's place; in the following fall moved back to the homestead where he now resides. Was Supervisor of his township in 186i; Assessor in lS6S-'9; was again elected Supervisor in 1875, and served two years; was elected to the Legislature in 1878.

His business is farming and stock-raising; owns 600 acres of land. He has but one child now living, Arthur H., the eldest, born March 31, 1862; the others, 4 in number, one daughter and 3 sons, died in childhood. "We give Mr. Brumback's portrait on page 297 of this volume.