Greenfield Township

Greenfield Township

now making a specialt}- of horse-shoeing. It is onl}^ justice to say that but few are his equal in this branch of smithing. He is a son of R. Atkins, a popular coal dealer of this village, who started life in tiiis countrj- with onlj- $15. The father is a native of Ireland, aud came to America May 3, 1839.

O. J. BOOTH, retired farmer, P. O. Gardnnr. The siibject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this history, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, April 8, 1824; his father and mother were natives of Connecticut, the former born in 1794; followed farming for a livelihood; died in June, 1842. The latter was born March 1(5, 1794; is still living, but feeble with age. Their names were Truman and Rebecca (Percey) Booth; to them were born nine children, eight of whom grew to matiu'ity. O. J. received such education as the common school of his native town aflforded. In the spring of 1840. when in his sixteenth year, he visited Illinois; then railroads were not built, and young Booth took stage from Warren to Wellsville, and then a boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi to St. Louis, where he arrived in eight days; his finances were now reduced to $1 good money, and a S2 bill that ho had received unsuspectingly on a broken bank; he invested his SI in crackers and cheese and reshipped for Peru, offering all he had left, the poor note, to the Captain in payment of fare; his note was refused, aud he was threatened with being " put ashore " but was finally allowed to stay aboard, nibbling sparingly the while, about five days, on his crackers and cheese; ho helped a man carry his baggage from Peru to Ottawa, and for his service received dinner, supper and lodging. He started from (Ktawa at 3 o'clock the following morning, and walked to his uncle's, at Georgetown, now Xewark, twentyfive miles, before breakfast. This line from life's record shows something of the push and courage that have ever characterized the man, and given him in business more than ordinary success. Returning to Ohio upon the death of his father, he took charge of the farm and looked after the interests of the family. Mr. Booth was married. January 4, 1844, to Miss Sarah Hulse, native of the same county, born May ">, 1824, dying August, 1876. He came with his family to Illinois in the spring of 1846, and located in Mazon Township, buying forty acres of Government land. By industry and economy, he added to this from time to time, until he owned over 500 acres. His fields were well cultivated, and his thoroughbred stock of cattle and hogs were admired by all who saw them. In the spring of the present year, he sold his farm and moved to Gardner, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Booth had nine children, three of whom, viz. , Rocelia, Wesley and Amelia, are dead; the latter grew into womanhood, and was engaged in teaching when she contracted her fatal disease. Permelia, Judson and Frank are iu Kansas, the two former being married. Emma, Adora and Minnie are at home. Mr. Booth, while he has looked carefully to his finances, has been given to hospitality, not turning the worthy poor empty away. Mrs. Booth was a careful, devoted wife and mother, and to her the family are indebted largely for its success. Mr. Booth has been a Republican since the organization of the party, and was delighted with the overthrow of American slavery; he has watched over his children with zealous care, in every way guarding them from temptation and wrong, and has the satisfaction of seeing them grown up, esteemed for their virtues by all, and to him a solace in his declining years.

Biographical

Pennsylvania, is the son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Witmer) Bookwalter, also natives of Pennsylvania, and the parents of ten children, nine of whom grew up - Mary, John, Daniel, David, Samuel, Anna, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Michael. The family came to Greentield Township in 185-4, where they bought a large tract of laud at $9 per acre, a portion of which had been entered by Dr. Abbott, an early settler. The father died on this farm, in June, 1872, and the mother in July, 1882. They were Mennonites. Mr. B. attended the country schools, obtaining but a slight education; ho has always devoted his time to rural labors. He was married, in 1859, to Susan Barkey, a daughter of Enos and Eve (Sigler) Barkey, early settlers of Mazon Township; she was one of five children - Susan, Sigler, John, Enos and Jude. Mr. B. now has 660 acres of well-improved laud, well adapted to stock-raising, to which he is applying his personal attention; he has raised some of the fastest horses in this country, among which is Troubadour and Chicago Maid; he is also raising Durham cattle. He has served the township as Trustee and Road Commissioner, and votes the Republican ticket. He is the father of four children, two of whom are living - Emma and Abraham, each of whom has received a good education, having attended the Normal, McLean County. Miss Bookwalter ranks among the best musicians in this county, and is giving instruction to many.

MICHAEL BOOKWALTER, farmer, P. O. Gardner, was bom in Pennsylvania April 7, 1835; is a bi'other of Benjamin, whose sketch appears elsewhere; his life has also been spent on the farm. He was married, in 1861, to Sarah, a daughter of George B. and Rebecca (Somers) Kulp, natives of Pennsylvania; her parents came to this county about 1854; their children were four - Joseph,

Sarah, Jacob and Alvin; the mother survives, living in Iowa. Our subject has five children as a result of his marriage, three of whom are living - Rebecca, wife of John Robertson; Minerva E. and Alice C Mr. B. settled for awhile after his marriage on his father's farm. In 1874, he located on his present farm of eighty-four acres; he has in all 240 acres of tine land, on which he is raising fine stock; his first wife died, and, in 1873 he was again married, to Mary Kenline; he took an interest in educating his children. He votes the Republican ticket.

ELIZABETH BAUMGARDNER, teacher, Gardner. The father of our subject, John Baumgardner, was born in the Canton of Glarus, Switzerland, May 1. 1825. He started for America April 15, 1849, landing at New Orleans. Tlie mother, Magdalena (Bahr Baumgardner, was born near Wurzburg, Kingdom of Bavaria, German}', July 30, 1832, leaving her native land for this September 20, 1848, landing at Baltimore. Thej- were married in Galena, 111., July, 1853 ; are the parents of ten children, eight of whom are now living - Elizabeth, next to the oldest, was born in Thompson Township, Jo Daviess County, January 14, 1856 ; arriving at sufficient age, wa.s sent, for a time, to the public schools of Galena, and in the fall of 1875, entered the Illinois State Normal University, from which she graduated in Ma}-, 1880. Two of the five years were spent earning the means with which to complete her course. She received her " degree ' with nineteen others, and was chosen "valedictorian." Upon the completion of her studies, she accepted the position of teacher of the Gardner Primarj- School, for the school j'ear commencing September 1, at $45 per month. Her services in this department were so acceptable to the patrons, that she was gladl}' retained for another year, at an advance of $10 per month. She is now Principal of the Gardner Public Schools, at a salary of $75 per month. She is offered the position, as "teacher of the primary training department" of the State Normal School at Carboudalc. As a teacher, she is eminently successful, gaining already a reputation as wide as the State, and for her the future appears rich with promise.

CHARLES BLANEY, farmer, P. O. Gard ner, was born in Pennsylvania August 17, 1804; is a son of John and Mary Blaney, natives of Pennsylvania and early residents of Licking County, Ohio; they v^ere the parents of four childi'en that grew up - George, Maria, Charles and Benjamin. Our subject received schooling in a pioneer cabin; he has always been a farmer. He was married, in 1833, to Rebecca Kimpton, the result being three children that attained their majority - Vincent, Benjamin and Mary; his wife died in 1873, and he has since kept house with his niece, Mrs. Mary Latta, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Cox; she was born in 1823, and had a like chance with Mr. B in the pioneer schoolroom; she was married, in 1842, to John Latta, and has one child - Anna - living, of a large number. Mr. B. came to Illinois in 1865, and settled on the farm where he now resides, consisting of 100 acres, which he has under good cultivation; his two sons, Benjamin and Vincent, were in the late war. He votes the Republican ticket.

BARTON W. BARBER, farmer, P. 0. Gardner, was born in Rutland County, Vt., August 31, 1828, son of James W. and Lerain (Parker) Barber, natives of Vermont, he born in 1797, died in July, 1875; was a farmer by occupation; she was born in 1802, and died in 187-1; she was the mother of five children, of whom our subject was the second child; he received a common-school education and worked upon the farm; he came to Grundy County in 1869, and located on his present farm of 160 acres. In connection with general farming, he handles some stock and carries on a dairy. January 8, 1861, Mr. Barber married Marietta E. Farwell, born at Castleton, Rutland Co., Vt, March 23, 1833; she is the daughter of Salomon and Louise (Pond) Farwell, natives of Vermont, both dead. This marriage has been blessed with four childi'en, viz., Carrie L., Adelbert F., Frederick D. and Edith L. ; the latter died in infancy. Mr. Barber is a member of the A., F. & A. M. Although he commenced as a poor man, he is now in comfortable circumstances, as a result of his own labors.

CLOVER BROTHERS, lawyers, Gardner. Edward Clover, the junior member of this firm, was born in Hardin County, Iowa, January 25, 1861; he came to Illinois with his parents in 1864, they locating in Mazon Township, where they remained fourteen years; they lived in Kansas three years, after which they settled in Gardner. The parents of our subjects are Gerettus and Susan (Maddox) Clover, natives of Indiana, he born February 22, 1836; is a retired farmer; she was born February 7, 1840, and is the mother of three children - Bartlette, deceased; Thomas F. and Edward, who compose the firm of Clover Bros. Edward re ceived a good education, and, after reading law with N. M. Purviance, of Kansas, was admitted to the' bar, November 26, 1881, when he was but twenty years of age. Thomas, the senior member of the firm, wa^ born in Leavenworth County, Kan., January 23, 1859; he received a good education, and, after studying law with Webb & Glass, of Oswego, Kan., was admitted to the bar June 10, 1880. He served as City Attorney of Oswego, Kan., one year, and then entered into partnership with his brother, at Gardner, III., April 22, 1882. In connection with their law practice, the Clover Bros, are extensively engaged in the insurance busib«

AMOS CLOVEE, stock-dealer, Gardner, was born November 25, 1822, in Hamilton County, Ohio; is a son of John M. and Mary (Williams) Clover, natives of Pennsylvania. The mother was of German and Welsh descent, and died about 1840; she was the mother of eleven children. When our subject was an infant, his parents removed to Vermillion County, Ind., where he attended school and worked on the farm until twentyone years of age. In 1843, he came to Grundy County, where he now owns about 600 acres of farm land. Subject was married, in 1848, in Grundy County, to Martha J. Fayler, who was born in 1832, in McLean County, 111., and died August 15, 1878; she was the daughter of John and Cynthia (Smith) Fayler, and left four children - Emma J., Joha L., Flora C. and Mary B. Mr. Clover has retired from active labor; he rep. resented Grundy County in the Thirtieth General Assembly of Illinois-, has held the offices of Justices of the Peace and Supervisor; he is a member of the A., F. & A. M, and of the National Greenback party.

THADDEUS P. CEANE, farmer, P. O. Gardner, was born in Middlebury, Vt., September 9, 1829, son of Mahlon and Abigail (Eeed) Crane, he a native of New York, born January 3, 1794; is a farmer, living in Grundy County; she a native of Vermont, died in November, 1873, aged about seventy years. They were the parents of nine children, of whom our subject was the fifth child. When two years of age. he, with his parents, removed to New York State, where he was educated in the common schools. In 1862, he came West, locating in Grundy County, where he engaged in farming. In the fall of 1864, he removed to his present place of residence; his first purchase consisted of forty acres of unimproved land, to which he has added until now he has 200 acres, all under a state of cultivation that stamps Mr. Crane as a first-class, practical farmer; his buildings and general surroundings betoken neatness and thrift. He makes no specialties in farming, but grows the usual crops and handles some stock. June 12, 1855, in Steuben County, N. Y., he married Phebe Thompson, born in New York State November 16, 1831, a daughter of Eobert and Dolly (Skinner) Thompson, natives of Connecticut, both deceased. This union resulted in five children, viz., Fred, Nellie, Harry, Frank and Charles, the last two deceased. Mr. Crane is something of a traveler, having spent three years in that pleasant recreation in South America. During one term of three years, he held the office of County Commissioner of Grundy County. He is a member of the A., F. & A M. at Gardner.

JOHN H. COLES, shoemaker, Gardner, was born in Delaware County, Penn., February 5, 1822; son of Enoch and Margaret (Henderson) Coles. The father, a native of New York State, was a shoemaker, born in 1792, and died in 1854. The mother, a native of the State of Delaware, was born in 1802, and died March 17, 1879. Our subject received a common-school education, and at the age of twenty-one learned the trade of a shoemaker. In September, 1857, he came to Gardner, and continued at his trade. In September, 1848, he was married, in Pennsylvania, to Miss Mary E. Hart, born in that State January 23, 1823; she died January 22, 1861, and was the mother of five children - George, Henry A. (both deceased), Mary E., John A. and William F. Mr. Coles was again married, April 10, 1862, to Mrs. Martha J. Dunmore, born March 1, 1826; she has four children, viz., Jessie M., Elwood

A., Herbert M. and Nathan E. 'Mr. Coles was the first President of the Board of Trustees of Ciardner, and was also the fu-st Police Magistrate of that place; has been Town Clerk about twelve yejirs, and Township Trustee four terms; has had the commission of Notary Public about seven! een years, and is now serving his fifth term as Justice of the Peace: ho has always been a strong temperance man; has been a member of the M. E. Church forty years, and has belonged to the Eepublican party since its foundation; his wife is a Presbyterian.

SAjNIUEL CHRISTY, farmer, P. O. Gardner, was born in Ireland November 5, 1833; is a son of James and Mary Graham Christy, the jjarents of eight children - Robert, Ellen, John, Joseph, Thomas, Samuel and one deceased. Mr. C. spent but three weeks in the schoolroom. In 1853, he came to New York City, where he engaged at weaving, and afterward in a dry goods factory. In 1800, he came to Kankakee County, 111., where he rented a farm for nine yeai's; in the meantime, he bought forty-three acres, and kept adding until he owned 125 acres in Kankakee County, which he sold in 1875, and bought forty acres in Grundy Coiuity, where he now lives. Ho was married, in 1S50, to Sarah McConnell; they have no children. He is making a specialty of breeding Norman horses and fast stock, having at this time two tine stallions of the abovenamed breed. When he settled in New York he had about $500, which, by frugality, has been increased until he ranks among those of excellent circumstances; he has reared two boys - Christopher and Michael Daily.

CYRUS M EASTON, physician, Gardner, was born in Trmubull County, Ohio, October 23, 1842, to Alexander and Hannah (Lee) Easton, he born in Franklin County, Mass.,

September 25, 1801, a local preacher by profession and also a farmer; his death occurred November 1, 1880; she, born in Oppenheim, N. Y. , January 5, 1811, died December 7, 18-43; she was the mother of six children, of whom the Doctor was the youngest child. During his early childhood, his time was employed in rendering what assistance he could to his parents upon the homestead farm and in attending the common schools of the county, where he received the foundation of his subsequent education. At the age of fifteen years, he emigrated to the then far West, and eventually located in Grundy County, where he was engaged about three years as a farm hand; he then returned to Ohio and entered the Western Reserve Seminary, with a view of fitting himself for school teaching, which occupation he followed a part of the three years following, when not engaged with his studies. His literary education was completed at the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington; commenced the study of medicine with Dr. J. D. Curl, of Mazon; attended his first course 'of lectures at Ann Arbor. Mich.; completed his studies and received his diploma as an M. D. at Rush Medical College of Chicago, January 17, 1872, but had been practicing about five years previous; came to Gardner in August, 187-1, where he has the satisfaction of conducting a very successful practice. Baing ambitious to keep abreast of his profession, the Doctor attended the practitioners' course at Chicago, in the spring of 1882, where he also received a diploma. He was married in Kankakee County, August 20, 1867, to Miss Mary Ann Armstrong, who was born in Calhoun County, Mich., September 13, 1813, to Wellington G. and Grace (Glass) Ai-mstrong, he a native of New York, born in 1814, March 27, died April 1, 1876; she a native of England, born Julj' 6, 1811, still living. Mrs. Easton is the mother of three children, viz.. Cora May, born July 10, J 8(59; Leaa Almira, born August 19, 1870; Rufus Wellington, born February 11, 1875. During the rebellion, Dr. Easton entered the service, in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Illinois Infantry, Capt. Barber, and served on detached duty as -Clerk and Warden of the military prison at Columbus, Ky. , until mustered out in 18(54. Politically, he is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Republican party.

ALCINOUS E.ISTON, farmer, P. 0. Gardner, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, July 25, 1837; is a son of Alexander and Hannah (Lee) Easton; his education was limited to the common school of his native county. When seventeen years old, he left the homestead farm and engaged in school teaching and farming. In 1854, he came to Grundy County, 111., and the following year went to Minnesota, where he remained about three years. After spending three years in Iowa, he returned to Grundy Cou^nty, where he has since been engaged in farming. In Wisconsin, April 23, 1857, Mr. Easton married Miss Mary Jane Doan, who was born in Lake County, Ohio, October 25, 1841, is a daughter of Seth and Lucy (Francis) Doan, natives of Ohio, both deceased. By this marriage there were ten children, viz., Hannah, wife of Daniel Showalter; Henry, Frederick, AUie, Howard, Minnie, Effie, Eva, Emery and Elmer; the three last mentioned are deceased. In 1875, Mr. Easton was granted a license to preach by the M. E. Church, and he is now one of the local preachers on the Gardner Circuit. Politically, he is a Republican.

HARVEY ELDRED, furniture dealer, Gardner, was born in Milford, Otsego Co., N. Y. , September 3, 1830, son of Robert and Phebe (Swartwout) Eldred, natives of New York State. The father, who is dead, was a farmer and stock-dealer. Our subject is the eldest of six children, and received a commonschool education; when eighteen years of age, he came with his parents to Illinois and located in Kendall County, where, November 25, 1848, he entered into partnership with his father and three brothers, and for si.x years they rented and worked land. Our subject then learned the trade of a mason, which trade he followed in Gardner from 1850 to 1871; he then purchased the furniture business of William F. Hastings; this he has since been engaged in. Our subject was married, in New York State, in October, 1848, to Miss Margaret Self, a native of England, born in 1828; she is the mother of seven children - Dr. C. C. Eldred, of Braidwood, 111. ; Mary A., wife of Charles Butler; Robert J.; Phcebe J., a school teacher; Hattie B. ; Mary and Amy, both deceased. Mr. Eldred has held several town and county offices, such as Collector and member of the Town Board, of which he is now President. He commenced life asja poor boy, and is now in good circumstances; was formerly a Democrat, but voted for Garfield, and will remain in the Republican party.

ROBERT FOSTER, retired farmer, P. O. Gardner, was born July 8, 1812, in Old Virginia; he is a son of Vincent and Oma (Hickman) Foster, natives of Virginia, and the parents of three children - Sarah, Robert and Vincent. The father was in the war of 1812. Robert attended school in the pioneer cabins, walking a distance of five miles. His father was killed in the war spoken of above, and the son was reared by his grandfather Foster. At the age of seventeen, he began for himself in rural pursuits for some time, and then engaged in a brewery at Zanesville, Ohio; he was married, November 28, 1834, to Malina, a daughter of Jesse and Mary (Toben) Smith; she was born April 5, 1813, and was one of seven children - Maranda, Ann, Malina, John, William, Eliza and Emily. Mr. Foster's union gave him six children, five of whom survive - George, a farmer of Benton County, Ind.; Sarah E., wife of Josiah Foreman, farmer, of McLean County, 111.; Mary A., the wife of Franklin Clark, she is deceased; Thomas J., in Colorado; James M. , married to Sarah Daniels, the result being two children, viz., Ella B. and Anna F. ; he is also a farmer in Benton County; the last son is Robert J., farmer in same county. After marriage, our subject settled in Muskingum County, Ohio, and eubse([ueutly in Belmont and Washington Counties. In 1852, he settled in Mazon Township, Grundy County, 111., where he bought sixty acres of improved land, which he sold in 1876, and has since retired to Gardner, his present residence. He and wife have been members of the M. E. Church for forty-five years, in which he has held office and has been Superintendent of Sabbath school in said organization. He cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Jackson, and is now identified with the Republican party. BRIGGS FULLER, retired farmer, P. O. Gardner, was born January 27, 1824, in Seneca.County, N. Y., is a son of Jesse and Rachel Allen Fuller, the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of New York; his great-grandparents. Allen, were of German descent, and emigrated at an early day, from Holland, to America ; his parents had five children - Leroy. Abel B. , William W., Sarah M. and Callista J. ; the father was a ship carpenter; the parents were Methodists. Our subject attended school but little, and that in a log cabin. In his younger days, he worked at calking canal boats and ship-building. In 1800, ho came West and engaged in farming, renting for three years, and then bought eighty acres in Grundy County, and has since added forty acres, all of which is well improved and the attainment of his own labors, together with that of his estimable con.sort, whom he married in 1851. Her maiden name was Maranda Vanhouten, born April 2, 1832, and is a daughter of Aaron and Mary (Daily) Vanhouten, the former a native of Holland and the latter of New York. Her parents came to Grundy County about 1854r, settling in Goodfarm Township, where her father died August 20, 1880; her mother is still living; she was one of seven children - Betsey, Ann (deceased), Mary, Maranda, Jane (deceased), Sarah, William; her mother was a Methodist. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have no children; they have reared Mary, a daughter of Thomas Campbell, whom they took when four years old: they are also rearing Samuel N. West, a son of Mrs. F. 's sister, Jane (deceased). The father of Samuel was an early settler of this county. The grandfather Allen was a blacksmith, and made the nails for the construction of the first house in the State of New York. Mr. F. votes the Repub lican ticket. Is now living in Gardner, retired from farm labors.

trade, which he followed until 180G, when he commenced dealing in butter and eggs. In 1872, he, with a partner, commenced general merchandising, under the firm name of Germain & Huss. In 1874, he purchased Mr. Germain's interest, and continued the business on his own account. In 1879, he sustained a loss by fire of about S12,0(t0; he does a business of about $00,000 per annum. Mr. Huss has been twice married - first, in 1850, to Miss Rachel A. Crumley, who died in January, 1872, leaving six children - Ellen E., Huldah A., Harriet J., Nora E., Cora A. and William S. Mr. Huss was again married, in 1871, to Miss Frances M. Waters, born in Grundy County in 1852, and two children have been born to them - Howard and Maggie. Mr. Huss is a member of the M. E. Church, and a Republican.

STACEY E. HARTLEY, farmer, P. O. Gardner, was born in Guernsey County, jOhio, June 1,,1839, son of Stacey and Mary (Wait) Hartley, natives of Ohio; he died in August, 1839; was a hotel-keeper: she was born in 1805, and is still living. Our subject was one of a family of nine children, and received such an education as the common schools of his native place afforded. In 1850, he came to Grundy County with George Willis, his brother-in-law, and engaged with him three years in farming, after which he labored on the railroad for one year. In 1855, he went to Iowa, whore he remained three years, then settled in Gardner and engaged in farming. During the rebellion, our subject served for three years in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty- seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with Cajit. Chandler, the regiment being commanded by Col. Van Amam. After returning from the war, Mr. Hartley resumed agricultural pursuits, near Gardner, where he has remained since, upon his farm of 190 acres of good land, all in a good state of cultivation. He makes no specialties, but grows the usual farm crops and raises some stock. Mr. Hartley was married, December 19, 1808, to Rose Butterfield, born in Pennsylvania April 3, 18-17; she is the daughter of Joseph and Susan Butterfield, both deceased. By this marriage, there is one child -Carrie, born October 25, ]870. Mi-. Hartley bas been School Director, is a member of the Republican party.

GEORGE W. HIBNER, farmer, P. O. Gardner, was born in Richland County, Ohio, November 10, 1840, son of John and Nancy (Kurtz) Hibner, he a native of Ohio, born in 1814, a farmer by occupation, and lives near Joliet, 111. ; she, born in Pennsylvania in 1810, is still living and the mother of thirteen children, twelve of whom are living. Our subject came to Illinois with his parents in 1847, received a common-school education and assisted his parents on the farm. In 1S7(), he came to Grundy County, where he has since been engaged in raising stock and carrying on general farming. He was married, in Will County, 111., April 12, 1800, to Almeda Elbe, born in Will County July 29, 1849; she is a daughter of George and Mary Ann (Zumault) Elbe. Mr. and Mrs. Hibner have been blessed with seven children, viz., Lewis A., Clara A., Mary A., George J., Emma A., Virginia I. and John A., the latter deceased. Mr. Hibner has been School Director about twelve years; he and wife are connected with the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Politically, Mr. Hibner has always been independent until latterly he has been identified with the Republican party. He commenced life a poor man, and, by his industry, has accumulated a property of 400 aci-es of land, well stocked and cultivated.

wego Co., N. Y. , December 18, 1845, son of John V. and Charlotte H. (White) Hamilton, he born September 9, 1818, at Ira, Cayuga Co., N. Y. ; was a ship builder by trade, and came to Illinois iu 1860, where he followed the trade of a carpenter until 1809, when he removed to Wisconsin, and, in 1880, to Dakota, where he lives in retirement from actual labor. The mother, also a native of Ira, N. Y., was born May 23, 1826, and died in Wisconsin December 26, 1877; she was the mother of five children, three of whom are living - Charles (our subject), Helen H. aad Edward E. Our subject availed himself of the educational privileges of the common schools of his native place, and, at the age of eighteen, commenced clerking in a store of general merchandise, which occupation he followed in different localities until 1876, when he came to Gardner, 111., and 'opened a hardware store. June 17, 1874, he married Miss Ellen Hustin, who was born in Grundy County February 21, 1853. and is a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Hustin, of Gardner. By this marriage there are three children, viz., Verner E., born April 9, 1875; Robert J., July 16, 1877, and ChailotteM., Mai-ch 2, 1879. IVIr. Hamilton has been more than ordinarily successful in his business as a hardware merchant, and his trade is steadily increasing. He has been Village Trustee one term, and is now serving his third term as Township Treasurer; is an active member of A., F. & A. M. His wife is a member ^of the Baptist Church.

HIRAJI JONES, farmer, P. O. Gardner, was born in Somerset County, Me., May 4, 1840, son of Thomas J. and Harriet (Small) Jon.^8, natives of Maine. The father was a farmer by occupation, and died in April, 1868. The mother died in August, 1870. Our subject availed himself of such educational advantages as his native place afforded.

and, when the late war broke out, he enlisted in Company E, Seventeenth Maine Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Sawyer, the regiment being commanded by Col. West. After serving two years and three months in the army, Mr. Jones engaged in farming. In 1867, he located in Highland Township, Grundy County, where he remained eight years; he then came to Gardner, where he has since engaged in general farming, occasionally drilling wells and sinking coal shafts. He was married, in Maine, August 20, 1863. to Hannah N. Collins, born in Maine October 28, 1839. This union has been blessed with five children, viz., Leland E. , Bertrand P., Willie B., Byron C. and Luella M. Mr. Jones is a Republican.

C. M. KING, editor and proprietor of the Gardner News, Gardner, was born at Chanibersburg, Fenn., and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (CofTroth) King. Samuel King, subject's father, who is still living, is a merchant, and was born at Mercersburg, Penn., in 1803 ; his wife, who was born in 1804, died May 9, 1882 ; they had a family of seven children. Mr. King received his education in the common schools of Pennsylvania, and began the business of life as a teacher, which occupation he followed for four years, 1860 to 1864. In the latter vear, he enlisted in the regular army was detailed to the Signal Service, and served till the close of the war. He married at Greencastle, Penn., July 1, 1874, to Minnie Hoke, and by this union they have one child - Samuel, aged four years. Mr. King learned the printer's trade, partly in Shirleysburg, in Huntingdon and Altoona, Penn. He has been engaged in the printing business for fifteen years, and established and owned the following papers : The Neponset Gazette, 1868, Prairie City (111.) Herald, 1870 ; Chenoa Times, 1872 ; Lexington Enterprise, 1872 to 1876; Altamont Telegram, 1876 to 1880, and in 1881 he established the Gardner News, which he now publishes.

The Gardner News was established with the printing estal)lishment of the late Altamont Ttlajnim, moved to Gardner witii fine equipment of material and power cylinder press. The size of the paper is 28x45. nine column folio. In 1882, Mr. King established the Braceville Miner, a Republican sheet, which is printed in the office of the Gardner N'rws. This paper is 28x45 folio, thirt>--six columns. Mr. King is a Republican, and is conservative in his religious views.

I. J. KEEPERS, farmer, P. 0. Gardner, was born in Beaver Count}-, Penn.. in March, 1829, and settled on his present farm in April, 1866. When he was but a small boy, his father moved to Guernsey County, Ohio, and there he lived till he came to Gruudy Count}'. He received his education chiefly in Ohio, but attended school a short time in Pennsylvania. In Guernsey County, Ohio, August 22, 1850, he married Miss Mary Kimble, a native of that count}', and by this union they have been blessed with sis children, all of whom, save one, were born in Ohio. Mr, Keepers has made farming his chief occupation, but he followed saw-milling in Ohio for some time. In September, 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of the war, the regiment being stationed at Nashville, Tenn,, the greater part of the time. He has lately sold his farm and bought another of IGO acres, located in the same township, three and one-half miles west of Gardner, He began life without any means, renting land at lirst, and by industry and economy has accumulated his present property. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church ; he is a Republican and been one ever since the organization of that party. Their children are William I.. ]\Iary J., Joseph H., Caroline 0., Hannah Myrtle and Olive W. Mr. Keepers is a son of Joseph and Hannah Keepers, who were born in Chester County, Penn.. where thev remained for some years, and, after their marriage, moved to Beaver County, Penn, Joseph Keepers died in Guernsey County, Ohio, December 6, 1842 ; his wife came to Illinois and died at her daughter's house in Iroquois County, April 28, 1873, Subject's wife is a daughter of Adam and Mary Kimble, who were born in Pennsylvania; came to Ohio when young, and died in Guernsey County, that State,

JACOB C. LUTZ, general merchant and banker, Gardner. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this history, was born in Wurtemberg. Germany, February 13, 1814. He was the son of Jacob B. and Katharina (Kern) Lutz, the former a native of Germany, born January 27, 1812, the latter born in 1814, To them were born three children- Christina, wife of John Weber, of Kansas ; Jacob C, subject ; Carrie, wife of Henry Fey, of Morris, The family moved to this country in the summer of 1855, stopping in Cleveland, Ohio, six months, and in Chicago one year, when they moved to Minooka, this county. The father was a carpenter by occupation ; limited in means ; died in Morris in 1879 ; the mother is still living. Our lad Jacob was put to herding cattle for R. Gardner, an extensive farmer and merchant of Minooka. The second year, he hired to the same party to do chores for $70 ; was employetl a part of the time in the store, where he soon became very efficient. So competent and faithful did he prove that his employer retained him as clerk for seven years. When twenty-one, he had accumulated $500, and with a partner opened a flour and feed store in Chicago. This proved unprofitable, and in six months he returned to Minooka with only $200. He took his old place in Gardner's store for a little time, when he went to Morris and clerked in the store for J. J. Irwin. In March, 1867, with $475 of his own and $1,000 borrowed money, he, in company with Charles Foote, opened a " general store " in Gardner. The first year's receipts were

$32,000, and Lutz paid his borrowed money in ten inontlis. After four j-ears, he was able to buy out his partner's interest, and, notwithstanding the increased competition, his first year's sales reached $62,000. Four years since, he took FAi Eklred as partner, and with a stock of $20,000 the firm is commanding a profitable business. A few years since, in company with C. K. Snyder and others, he went into the grain and lumber trade, and is now, in company with Louis Germain, buying and shipping grain. The business has been well conducted, and has been of considerable profit. With the means he had saved in his business, about five years ago he began buying real estate, adding from time to time, until, at this writing, he has 2,180 acres. His lands are in Greenfield and Braceville, and comprise some productive farms, which are being handsomely improved. Two years since, Mr. Lutz started the Bank of Gardner, making W. V. D. Bishop Cashier. The enterprise is yet young, but of goodly promise. J. C. Lutz was married to Annie Bowers at Minooka April 8, 1868, Leander Smith, Justice of the Peace, making the nuptial tie. She was born at Clifton Springs, N. Y., February 5, 18-16 ; was the daughter of William and Martha (Weston) Bowers, of English nativity. He died near Vicksburg, while in the service of his country. She is still living at Minooka. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz have six children, all born in Gardner - Carrie Louisa, born January 27, 1869 ; Annie Katharina, January 10, 1871 ; Bernhardt Otto, November 23, 1872; Jacob Charles, August 12, 1874 ; Robert G. Ingersoll, March 18, 1879 ; Carl Henry, March 12, 1881. Owing to the financial condition of his parents, Mr. Lutz had early in life to depend upon his own labor for support, and consequeutl}- his chances for education were quite limited. Nature gave him a mind to think and a memor\- to retain. With these endowments, coupled with industrious habits, using his leisure moments for reading, he has gained a very thorough knowledge of business, and in the general news of the day he is well versed. Financially, he has been successful in an eminent degree. Beginning his career with nothing save a determination to win, he has, while j'et but middle-aged, made an ample fortune. While desirous of adding to his estate, he is hospitably inclined, man}' a poor unfortunate receiving aid and comfort at his hands. Li politics, he is a Republican, in religion, a Liberal. In his home, he is cheerful and aflfectionate, in health generously providing for every want of wife and children, and in sickness caring for them with devoted tenderness. Mrs. Lutz is a woman of pleasing address and good judgment, caring but little for society, but attached to husband and children by the strongest ties. The will of the father and the little ones is the mother's pleasure, and to sacrifice for their good is no discomfort. Her every-day life and record prove her worthy of the husband she has chosen and the children she has borne.

J. W. LEWIS, Superintendent coal mines, Gardner, was born October 24, 1844, in Pennsylvania, is a son of William and Catharine (Matthews) Lewis, natives of Wales. The parents emigrated to the United States about the year 1842. They had seven children, viz., Winifred, Margaret, James, J. W., Albert, Lewis and Thomas. The mother died in 1846, and the father was married to Catharine Harris. J. W. attended school in a log cabin in his boyhood days and labored on a farm. He began learning the machinist's trade in 1855, under Harry Waters, at Tamaqua, Penn, with whom he remained until August 15, 1861, when he enlisted in Company - , Twenty - eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was afterward transferred to Company C, One Hundred and Forty -seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He re-enlisted at Wauhatchie, Tenn., in 1863, and was honorably discharged July 15, 1865. He then began working at his trade as foreman of a shop at Patten's Valley, in Scliuylkill County, Penn. November 9, 1867, he was married to Mary Bowen, and, in 1868 they moved to another part of the count}-, and later to another part of the State. In 1870, he moved his family to Iowa, where he was eraploj-ed as an engineer for Ira Stockwell, a saw-mill man. Here he remained for four months, and engaged in the Chicago & North-Western Railwa}- shops at Clinton, Iowa. Later, he was employed at Cleveland. 111. November, 1870, he commenced working in a coal mine for Taylor Williams, and continued until 1871, when ho transferred to the employ of the Davenport Coal Compau}- at Dayton, Henr}' Co., 111., putting up machinerj-. October 31, 1871, he, left there and engaged as foreman of the coal mines for Taj-lor Williams at Rapids City, Rock Island Co., 111. In 1874, he took charge of the machinery until 1878, at which time, he with Joseph Ramsej' took a contract to run the Port Byron coal mines of Sterling, Whitesides Co., Ill, owned by T. Williams, at a stated sum per ton, until 1870, when he was engaged bj- Mr. W. as Assistant Superintendent of the mines, which position he held until January 31, 1880, at which time he went to Utah Territor}-. In Februarj-, 1880, he returned to Illinois, and the following Ma}' he was emplojed by the Carbondale Coal and Coke Companj^ as machinist, which position he held until 1881, when lie moved to Gardner, where he is superintending the coal interests of Ta\-lor Williams. He has three children, viz., Ella, born September 7, 1869 ; Willie, November 23, 1872 ; John, March 28, 1874. Mr. Lewis has served the people as President of the Board of Trustees and School Director. He has good property at Murphysboro, Jackson Co., 111. It is due to Mr. Lewis to say that as a mechanic be has but few equals, and as a Superintendent he is courteous and kind to his men, and is careful, seldom ever having any accidents.

HENRY LEACH, farmer, P. O. Gardner, was born in Kendall County, 111., August 13, 1S45, son of Henry and Sarah (Bacheshow) Leach, natives of England. The father was a merchant while in England, but pursued farming after emigrating to America; he was an early settler of Kendall County, 111., and died in 1851, aged thirty-eight years. The mother died in ISSO, at the age of sixtyseven. Our subject was one of five children; received his education at the common schools and at Fowler's Institute. At twenty-three years of age, lie left home and worked at farming for six years, in Livingston County; he then removed to his present place of resi - dence, where he is engaged in general farming and stock-dealing. He was married, January 19, 18()9, to Miss lona Howland, born in Wayne, N. Y. , November 30, 1847, daughter of Stephen and Catharine Howland, natives of New York State, and early settlers of Grundy County, 111. ; he is decease!; she is still living. This marriage has resulted in four children - Henry C, Howard E., Roy B. and Arthur. Mr. Leach is a member of the order of A., F. & A. M., of Gardner; politically, he is a Republican.

ISAAC B. McGINNIS, Notary Public and Justice of the Peace, Gardner, was born in New Jersey August 31, 1815; is a son of John and Amelia (Woodruff) McGinnis, natives of New Jersey; the father was a carriage manufacturer, born in 1789, and died in 18(38. The mother was b^rn in 1795, and died in 1855; they had ten children, of whom our subject was the eldest. He attended the commjn schools of his native placo until sixteen years of age, when he entered a tannery. This business he continued until twentyseven years of age, when he came to Illinois, located at Joliet and engage.l in buying and sellintj brick and lime. In lSfi4. he settled.

in Gardner ami engaged in the lumber business. In 18G9, he was elected Justice of the Peace, when he sokl out his lumber business and gave his attention to the duties of his office, in connection with his agency for real estate. In 1S70, he was appointed Notary Public, and has filled several town offices. He was married, in New Jersey, iu 1837, to Miss Rachel Vanzandt, born in New Jersey May 1, 1820, and died June 7, 1879; she was a daughter of Richard and Rhoda (Kaywood) Vanzandt, natives of New Jersey, both deceased. This union resulted in eight children, viz., Eliza, Martha. John. Amelia, Edwin, Isaac, Kate W. and Augusta S. ; live of them are still living. Mi-. McGinnis is a stanch Republican.

A. S. MARTIN, agricultui-al implements, Gardner, was born October 4, 1836, in Ohio, is a son of Peter and Jane A. (Wells) Martin, natives of New York and Vermont, respectively; they were the parents of seven children - J. J., Maria. N. W., A. S., Catharine. Abigail and Isabella; the parents emigrated from Ohio to Beloit, Wis., in 1848, and thence to Green Bay, where they are living. Mr. Martin attended school and farmed during his younger days; at the age of fifteen, he was employed with his parents in a hotel at Kaukauna, Wis., until twenty years old, when he left for other parts of the State, for a short time, and then attended school at Aurora, 111., afterward teaching until 1862, when he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Illiouis Volunteer Infantry; was Sergeant, and served till the close. He then resumed teaching, and added real estate at Gardner. In 1875, he entered into the grocery and farming implement business. In 1879, he disposed of the grocery department and has since continued handling all kinds of farm implements at a small profit on the articles, yet aggregating a large amount of gain. He was married, in 1866, to Julia A. Petit, a native of New York, the result of this union being three children, two of whom survive - B. A. and L. A. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He votes the Republican ticket.

G. W. MELBOURN, plasterer, Gardner, was born in England March 23, 1835; is a son of Robert and Mary (Smith) Melbourn, also natives of England, where they died; they were the parents of seven chikhren, viz. , Thomas, William, G. W., James, John, Robert and Mary. Our subject had no chance to attend school in his native country, only Sunday school, his father having died when he was young. He came with his brother William to New Y'^ork, landing April 23, 1853; he soon engaged with a farmer by the name of Remington, whose son taught him to read, write and cipher. In 1858, he rented a farm in Michigan, and two years later, he farmed a short time in Missouri, and was driven out by the war of the rebellion. He came directly to this county, and when ho arrived, had but 50 cents. He early sought employment by the d.ay and began to build up. In 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war; he was slightly wounded in the face, the buck-shot yet remaining in his jaw-bone. On his return from the war, he labored in a coal mine in this county for sixteen months, after which he engaged with Henry Eldred in the mason and plastering business, which he has continued mostly since, and now ranks among the best plasterers in the county, his work always giving entire satisfaction. November 5, 1855, he was married to Liicy Day, the result of the union being seven children, viz., William, Katy (deceased), David, Charles, Hella, Hattie and Carrie. He is now Road Commissioner.

By economy and frugality, he secured eighty acres of iine land in Greenfield Township, which he recently sold for $4,000. He votes the Republican ticket.

L. A. McCULLM, hair dresser, Gardner, was born in Magnolia, Putnam Co., Ill, May 20, 1852, son of John and Prudence (Shipley) McCullm, he born in Ireland in 1801, was a Constable for twenty-live years, and died in Wenona, Marshall Co., 111., October 27, 1875; she was born in Kentucky December 2, 1820, and is living; the parents had ten children, of whom our subject was the eighth; he attended school in Magnolia, and began life as a farmer. In 1870, he located in Wenona, and worked at the trade of a barber. In December, 1881, he came to Gardner, where he has since carried on a first-class barber shop; he also deals in cigars, tobacco, candies and notions. January 28, 1875, in Wenona, Mr. McCullm married Emma L. Carson, born September 25, 1860, in Bethany, Harrison County, Mo. ; she is the daughter of Charles aud Nancy S. (Garner) Carson, natives of Ohio, he dead, she living. Mr. and Mrs. McCullm are the parents of two children - Clara B. and Mary L. Mr. McCullm is a member of the I. O. O. F. and a Republican.

TRUMAN PHELPS, general merchant, Gaidner, was born in Herkimer County, N. Y. , April 11, 1837, son of Isaac and Ruth (Vickery) Phelps, natives of New York State, both deceased. Our subject was the youngest of a family of five children, and, when eighteen years of age, went to Trumbull County, Ohio, where he finished his education; he was engaged in teaching school and various other occupations until 18(53, when he came to Grundy County and engaged in farming; after following this occupation for about ten years, he located in Gardner"and engaged in merchandising. In 1878, the firm of Pratt, Martin & Phelps was formed, and continued for two years, when Mr. Phelps withdrew his interest and formed a partnership with George Lewis. The firm of Phelps & Lewis has been very successful and their trade is steadily increasing. January 2(5, 1862, Mr. Phelps was married to Carrie Griswold, born in Trumbull County, Ohio, September 20, 1843; she is the daughter of Jesse Griswold, a native of Pennsj'lvania, who died about 1874. This union has been blessed with one child - M'illiam M., born February 9, 1870. The Phelps family are of English descent, and some of the ancestry came to this country in its early years. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps are Baptists; he is a Republican.

JOHN F. PECK, builder, Gardner. Mr. John F. Peck was born in Addison County, Vt., September 24,1836; raised and educated in Vermont; learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he has worked for many years as contractor, working in his native State, in Troy, N. Y., and in Grundy County, 111. Besides, he has combined a thorough knowledge of moving buildings, which occupies most or his time of late years, moving more buildings, perhaps, than any other man in the State. Was in the Government employ during the war as foreman of a \vrecking train. December 23, 1858, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Kellogg, of Ferrisburg, Vt. ; she was born September 23, 1838, daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth Kellogg; they came to Grundy County in 1865; they have a family of four children - Frederick C. Peck, accountant in Chicago; Flora E. Peck; Edward J. Peck, jeweler by trade, and Walter F. Peck. He worked about two years as traveling agent for the Ruttan Heating and Ventilating Company. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Knights Templar. Residence on the corner of Dwight and Jackson streets, Gardner.

DENNIS PETIT, farmer, P. O. Gardner, was bom in Schoharie County, N. Y., October 20, 1832, son of Chester W. and Nancy (Collins) Petit, natives of New York State; he is a farmer by occupation; she died in August, 1873. Our subject was one of ten children; received a common-school education and assisted on the home farm; came to Kendall County, 111., in 1856, and to Grundy County in 1871; here he has since resided on a well-cultivated farm of eighty acres. Mr. Petit was married, November 4, 1852, to Catharine Baxter, who was born in Sharon, N. Y., June 14, 1827; this union has been blessed with three children - Charles, Nancy and Wesley. Mr. Petit is a Republican.

S. M. ROGERS, hardware, Gardner. Mr. Rogers was bom January 27, 1823, in Rensselaer County, N. Y. His parents, S. G. and Tenny A. (Armstrong) Rogers, were natives of the same State, and came from Wayne, N. Y., to Illinois in 1845. Here the mother died, and the father died in California. They were blessed with ten children - Mary, S. 31., William A., Phoebe K., Isaac P., Daniel, Martha, Jonn H., George M. and Eugene. Mr. R. had some good school advantages and applied himself at rural labors in his younger days. He began for himself at the age of thirty running a farm, which he continued until 1875, when he began the sale and repairing of wagons at Gardner, which he still continues, together with a general stock of hardware. His partner is George Smith. He was married, November 9, 1847, to M. L. Pond, who died soon after, and he was again married, in 1852, to Lucy M. Powers, of this count}-, the result of which was four children - Ida, wife of J. H. Wheeler ; Effle, wife of A. Spalding ; Edith M. and one deceased when an infant. He has held office in Livingston County ; was Deputy Sheriff in this and La Salle Counties. In 1880, was a candidate for Sheriff of this county. ;

Mr. Rogers possesses some excellent property in this county, the result of his own energy. He has seen some of the hardships that make up the life of the pioneer, such as hauling grain from here to Chicago, and plowing the soil with the ancient plows and ox teams. Votes the Greenback ticket.

CHESTER K. SNYDER, grain dealer, Gardner, was born in Red Creek, Wayne Co., N. Y., April 23, 1832; is the son of Amos and Sally (Enos) Snyder, natives of New York State; the former was born in 1801, and died in 1875; was a real estate dealer. Justice of the Peace and Judge of Wayne County, N. Y. The mother was born in 1806, and died in 1873; they had six children, of whom our subject was the iifth; he was educated in the common schools of his native place, and, at the age of nineteen, left home and learned telegraphy; for three years, he operated in New York State, Canada and Kentucky. In 1854, he came to Grundy County and located at Gardner, where he was the first telegraph operator. One and one-half years after coming here, he piu"chased a farm, and a year from this time went to Williamsville and engaged in the lumber and grain business. In 1861, he returned to Gardner, and farmed for one and one-half years; he then engaged in the railroad business for one and one-half years, when he again engaged iu farming. The latter occupation he continued until 1874, when he once more engaged in the grain and lumber business at Gardner; this he still continues. While farming, he bought and shipped stock extensively; he now owns a farm of about 400 acres, all under cultivation, as well as some town property. Mr. Snyder was married, November 17, 1857, to Polly J. Holland, born in May, 1836, in Cayuga County, N. Y. ; they have two children - Harry and Maggie. Mr. Snyder holds

G. F. SPENCER, farmer, P. O. Gardner, born December 7, 1822, in New York, and is the son of George and Laura Hatzel Spencer, natives of New Hartford, Conn., and parents of six children - Adaline, Lydia, G. F., Norton, Anna and one deceased. Mr. Spencer's mother died when he was eleven years old, and he was bound out to Joseph B. Koe until he was sixteen, when he was employed at a small salary by Mr. Roe. At eighteen, he hired outatSll per month. In the fall of 1850, he came to Grundy County, 111., and purchased his present farm of 160 acres, which was then mostly raw prairia With logs from the grove he erected a cabin, about 10x24 feet, in which he lived. Ho began breaking the soil with an ox-team and the pioneer breaking-plow. "With this same team, he hauled grain some distance. He was married, in 1851, to Eliza, daughter of Mahlon and Abigail Crane, she being one of nine children - Mary, William, Henry, Lucinda, Thaddeus, Edwin, Harriet, Howard, Eliza and Helen; her parents were Methodists: her father was in the war of 1812. Ml". Spencer has, as a result of the union, three children - Alice, the wife of Reed Keepers; Libbie; and Ida, the wife of Philip Southcomb, of Morris. The spring after his marriage, he was chosen one of the petit jiu'ors for this county, and, after having been kept two weeks at Morris, when he would liked to have been cultivating his crops, he was dismissed at 4 o'clock on Saturday evening; he walked all the way home; when he came to the foot log across the stream near his home, at 10 o'clock, when all was dark, he found that the rain had raised the branch about two feet above the one log bridge; he knew from the channel that the water was over ten feet deep, and that, should he fall in, he would, in all probability, bo drowned; he was bound for home, and at once " cooned" the log on all fours, his head only being above the water while passing over. This is only one of many such scenes which this pioneer experienced. When he built his cabin, he constructed a brick chimney, which was a curiosity to the neighbors, who often called out when passing, " take in the brick." In this building, the Methodists and other organizations held meetings. Near by Mr. Spencer's residence was located one of tho first schoolhouses in this part of the county, the construction of which was largely due to the efforts of our subject. The father of Mrs. Spencer is residing with them, at the age of eighty-eight. Mr. S. has been Assessor and Justice of the Peace.

JOHN SPILLER, retired farmer, Gardner, was born in Devonshire, England, November 28, 1808, son of Robert and Ann (Applin) Spiller, natives of England; he was a farmer by occupation and died in 1872, at the age of eighty years. The mother died in 1848, aged about, sixty. Our subject received a limited education, and assisted his parents upon the home farm, ixntil he was thirty years of age, when he went to farming on his own account. In 1851, he emigrated to America, locating in Kendall County, 111. October 31, 1839, Mr. Spiller was maiTied, in England, to Miss Joanna Wakley, born in Devonshire June 24, 1819; she is the mother of six children, viz., Ann, William, Joel, Thomas, Mary Jane and John. For eight months after landing in this country, our subject was ill, and the entire support of the family devolved upon Mrs. Spiller. Upon regaining his health, Mr. Spiller engaged as j a farm hand until, by his industry and economy, he had accumulated sufficient means to purchase eighty acres of farm land in Grundy County; this he added to until he had

168 acres, upon which he located in 1858. In the spring of 1875, he retired from active labor, and the farm is now managed by his son. Thomas Spiller, one of the sons of our subject, was born in England February 20, IB-IS. When six years of age, he came with his parents to America, and located in Kendall County, III; received a common-school education and assisted on the home farm until twenty-one years of age. In 1876, he came to Gardner and engaged in harness -making, which he has since continued and at which he has been very successful. He was married, in Grundy County, Januarj' 9, 1868, to Elizabeth Allen, born in 1846; they have four children - Walter, Frank, Clarence and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Spiller are members of the M. E. Church. Ho is a Republican; his father also a Republican; cast his first vote for Lincoln.

CHARLES H. SHERWOOD, dentist, Gardner, was born in Marshall County, 111., October 15, 1853, is a son of Lycurgus and Rachel B. (Wilson) Sherwood, he born at Saratoga, N. Y., in August, 1824, a retired farmer, living at Normal, McLean Co., 111.; the mother was born in Delaware County, Ohio, October 24, 1832, and has borne five children, of whom the subject is the eldest child. When ten years of age, he removed with his parents to the town of Wenona, where he received a common-school education; attended the Northwestern University at Evanston, one year, and spent four years at Wesleyan University, at Bloomington, where he completed the junior year. In addition to his other studies, our subject had studied medicine and dentistry, which subjects he continued prosecuting after leaving school, with Dr. S. C. Wilson, a prominent dentist and politician of Bloomington. In 1879, Dr. Sherwood entered the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he graduated with honors, March 26, 1881, as surgeon dentist. After nine months' practice at Galesburg, he came to Gardner, where he is nicely located and doing a good business. He is a supporter of the Republican party.

AARON SCOGGIN, farmer, P. O. Gardner, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, February 23, 1809; is a son of Eli and Elizabeth (Meisner) Scoggin; the former was a native of Pennsylvania, a farmer by occupation, and died in 1852, at about the age of sixty-five. The mother, a native of Virginia, died in 1860, aged about sixty -seven years; she was the mother of seven children, of whom our subject was the third child. He received a common-school education and commenced his business career as a trader on the Mississippi River; this he continued seven years, and afterward, for about six years, ran a steam-mill, in Dearborn County, Ind. In 1856, he came to Grundy County, and for two years engaged in the lumber business at Gardner; he next located on his present farm. July 4, 1851, he married Miss Sarah Kirkpatrick, who died in 1853, leaving one child, which died April 26, 1863. Mr. Scoggiu was again married, in 1857, to Anna B. Weaver, born in Juniata County, Penn., in 1827; they have had four children, one of whom is dead. Those living are Lizzie. Mary and John. Mr. Scoggin has a fa'-m of 320 acres of choice land, all under cultivation; he handles stock as extensively as his farm will permit, and also carries on general farming. He has been a Republican since the organization of the party.

FRED G. THOMPSON, City Marshal, Gardner, was born ilarch 29, 1844, in Somerset County, Me., son of Osgood and Hannah (Wentworth) Thompson, he born in Maine December 81, 18l9, a farmer by occupation; she, also a native of Maine, born in 1821, and the mother of seven children.

of whom subject was tlio second He received a common- school education; enlisted in Company B, Seventh Maine Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Albert A. Nickerson; regiment commanded by Col. E. C. Mason. Subject remained in the army two years and four months, when he again resumed farming, but, owing to injuries received in the war, was obliged to leave the service; for the ensuing fourteen years, he was engaged in photogi-aphy. In the spring of 1866, he came to Grundy Coimty, and, in 1867, located in Gardner. In 1880, Mr. Thompson was obliged to abandon photography, and at present is City Marshal, which position he has held about seven years. Ho has been twice mai'ried^ first, in Grundy County, April 7, 1867, to Miss Nellie A. Locke, born at Harmony, Me., and died October 21, 1871, at the age of twenty-six years, leaving one child - Inez W. Mr. Thompson's second marriage occurred June 26, 1872, when he united with Lina W. Briggs, who was born in "Wisconsin May 20, 1854, daughter of Enoch I. an Emma (Winslow) Briggs, of Gardner. By this second marriage there was one child - Emma Maud, born September 8, 1874, died October 20, 1880. Mr. Thompson held the office of Town Clerk one term, and has held other minor offices. He is an active member of the I. O. O. F., of Gardner, and is a Republican.

JAMES I. TURNER, farmer, P. O. Gardner, was born in Lake County, 111., May 18, 1854, eon of Richard and Sai-ah (Doaue) Turner, natives of Maine. The father was born in 1817; is a stock-dealer, living in Kansas. The mother died in 1876, at the age of fifty five; she had two children - Nellie, who died at the age of twenty-seven, and James, our subject. He came to Cook County when four years of age, with his parents; attended the common schools and finished his education at Bryant & Stratton'e Business College in Chicago. In 1872, he settled in Gardner, where he pursued the lumber business until 1877. In the fall of

1872, he erected the grain elevator now owned by Mr. Atkinson, and engaged in the grain business, in connection with his lumber trade. In 1876, he sold out his business to Mr. Atkinson, and the following year went to Sheldon, 111., where he engaged in the grain business a year. He next went to Min - nesota, where he engaged i);i farming until 1880, when he returned to Grundy County and settled on his present place. October 9, 1880, he married Miss Jessie Manegold, born in Kankakee County, 111., in 1860; she is the daughter of John and Mary Manegold, he dead, she living in Gardner. This union has resulted in one child - Richard. Mr. Turner carries on general farming and stockdealing; he has been School Director one year, and is a member of the order of A. , F. & A. M. of Gardner.

ABRAHAM TINS MAN, farmer, P. O. Gardner, was born in Biitler County, Penn., April 7, 1828, son of Adam and Elizabeth (Sigler) Tinsman, he born in October, 1802, and died in July, 1882, was a farmer by occupation. The mother was born March 2,