Groveland Township

Groveland Township

This township received its name from the village of Groveland, and it from the beautiful groves in the neighborhood. A visit to the township at this late day shows it to have been very appropriately christened. The first settler to locate here was James Scott. He built his cabin in the timber on section 35, as early as 1827. Others who came in shortly afterwards were Milton Shurtleif, John O'Brien, Daniel and John Mooberry, John Anderson, Joseph Landes, Benjamin Dobsone, Alexander Caldwell and George Dupree. The only ones of these pioneers now living are John Mooberry, Joseph Landes and John O'Brien. The first school in the township was taught by John McGinnis, in a little log cabin built for that purpose on the southwest quarter of sec. 11, in the winter of 1834-35. Some claim that Mathew Kingman was the first " master."

Mrs. James Scott, wife of the first settler, gave each new comer into the settlement a hen with her chickens. This was her mode of welcoming them to their new homes. Austin Harding, when a lad of ten, remembers well the circumstances attending the gift of his hen and chickens. With a light heart he carried them home from Mrs. Scott's, but the hen managed to get out of her place of confinement, the chickens scattered, and his present, which was so highly prized, was lost to him. The good motherly Mrs, Scott, however, replaced it by another hen and her brood. James Scott moved to El Paso in 1859, where, in 1860, he died. George, son of Joseph Landes, bought the original Scott farm, being the southeast corner of section 35, (not 33, as has been recorded,) in 1858, of Mr. Elijah Brown, Mr. Scott's son-in-law, who accompanied Mr. S. to El Paso.

The first settlers here experienced many hardships. During the winter of the big snow, 1830-31, they suffered greatly. The slight snow and sleet that fell before the heavy snow came froze the mast to the ground, which, when the big snow came, the wild animals were unable to get to subsist upon, and, consequently, many died. Those, however, that could get to the cornfields lived well. Wild hogs were quite abundant these times. These were the progeny of the hogs the old French traders formerly raised about Wesley City. They would often mix with the hogs of the settlers running in the timber. Sometimes they would become furious and attack other stock. One old hog, with ancient and mammoth tusks, became quite fierce and troublesome. Many eifijrts were made to kill him, but in vain. His thick callous hide resisted many a shot and rifle ball. However, Franklin, son of B. J. Montgomery, found his weak spot one day, and sent the fatal lead to the monster's forehead, and relieved the neighborhood of their dreaded terror.

Alexander McKnight had a horse mill here, where the settlers could get all kinds of grain ground, but the bolting had to be done by hand. This mill was located on section 1, Elm Grove township, three-quarters of a mile from the south line of Groveland. There was another mill in Elm Grove, driven by tread-wheel power, using horses or oxen. Bolting was also done by hand here. Both mills did good work. The latter, Mr. Shipman's mill, was running in 1830, how long previous, not known. A negro by the name of Mose was the miller. A fuller sketch of this historic individual may be found in the history of Sand Prairie. The other of the three mills in the county, at this time, was a small water mill in Dillon township. This did the bolting by water power ; it could only run, however, in wet seasons. In an early day there was a saw-mill on sec. 27. It was first run by horse-power, afterwards by steam. It was built by Charles Hinnian, but changed hands many times afterwards. Others have been built and flourished for a time, but only one remains, and it is in the north part of the township.

The streams of the township are the South, Middle and North forks of Lick creek, named from the Deer licks of salt springs. At the lick on the Middle Fork, Mr. B. J. Montgomery found the skeleton of two large bucks, that had locked their horns together, and unable to separate themselves died. He kept these horns for many years. This same gentleman also describes the Indian burying places of this section. A pen was made about the size of a coffin, of split timber about four inches square, nicely locked together at the corner, joints all very close. These were covered with bark. A hole was cut through either side of this pen, one for the good spirit to go in, and the other for the evil one to go out. These when first seen were somewhat decayed. The bones, beads and an old hat were all that was visible in the enclosure, where, evidently, an Indian woman, with a child abont four years old, were laid to rest. As many as half-dozen of these pens were seen on ths east bluff, near Wesley City, section 6.

The pioneers had many novel rules that are lost to the present generation. For instance, rules for trailing Indians and wild beasts. The course taken was known by the way the grass leaned, or had been pressed by the foot. The Indian travels with his toes turned in, the white man with his pointing outward. The panther, wolf and other like animals make a hollowing track, with grass gently bent. The deer, with its small sharp hoof, cuts or makes a short bend in the grass. These points were all noted. Children were also taught to do many things whereby their course might be followed, should they be captured and carried away by the Indians. One was to break spears of g'rass, leaning them the way they were going. Also to tie as many knots in strings as there were Indians in their company, dropping them in their path. This was done, to show the force of their captors.

The oldest house in Groveland is owned by Thomas Hancock, section 27. Some twenty years ago it was moved from the bottoms near Wesley City, and is said to be over fifty years old. It is made of logs and looks quite pioneer-like, as also the present owner, who believes in old-time ways and customs, and has never been on a railway car. Although he does not believe in sewing machines and many other modern improvements, yet we see he has a modern mowing machine. Still he is of that liberal turn of mind which leaves every one, without let or hindrance, to enjoy his own chosen ways.

The first sermon, it is said, was preached in 1<S34, by Rev. Neele Johnson, but Joseph Landes tells us he heard Rev. Wm. Brown preach a sermon in 1831, on a farm on section 25, near where the cemetery now is. The first church organization was by IVIormon's, in 1831 or '32. There are five churches now in the township.

Fird M. E. Church. - The first M. E. class was formed in 1840, at Nicholas Burroughs' residence. Rev. Zadock Hall formed the class. In the early part of the winter of the same year, Reuben H. Moffatt being the preacher in charge, a protracted meeting was held at the tavern house, built by Homer Roberts, at which sixty were converted, most of whom joined the M. E. Church. The First M. E. Church is located on lot 7, block 4; is a frame, erected in 1848, and cost $1,500. It was organized by Zadock Hall. The Church contributes $800 per year. There are in the Sunday-school 75 scholars.

Presbyierlan Church. - Mrs. Jane Harding, wife of Alijah Harding, formed the first Sunday-school in Groveland township, in 1834, in her own house, which was a double log cabin in the north edge of Pleasant Grove. She seemed to be the right person to do this work. She stepped forth to the task, and did her work well. Rev. Flavel Bascom came into the neighborhood soon after and formed a Presbyterian Church, which organization continued till about 1855, when it was abandoned. Moses Pettengill and wife, Jan. 20, 1837, deeded the ground for the erection of the Church edifice.

Zions Church of the Evangelical Association of North America. - The church edifice is located on sec. 17, and is a frame 36 by 56, and cost $3,000. It was erected in 1876. William Kolp was first pastor. The trustees are John Roedee, Frederick Ramige, Simon Swartz, Nicholas Eller, Joseph Strickfaden. Present membership, 121 ; value of church building, $5,000; contribution $800 per year.

Mennonite Church is located on sec. 26. It is a good frame 30 by 50; was built in 1878, at a cost of $1,100. The pastors who served were, Peter Hochstadler, Nicholas Roth and Michael Mosselmen.

The old Mennonite congregation have no church building, but meet around in houses of members. Andrew Ropp is Bishop, and Peter Ropp, Daniel Roth, John Bachman and John Birkey, ministers. This denomination has a large Church at Hopedale, and also at Washington. The people of these congregations design erecting a house of worship soon.

Johii Ackerman, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 26 ; P. O., Groveland. This gentleman, who has been living in this county for thirtyfour years, was born in Germany, May 24, 1819, and is the son of Jacob and Catherine (Redeger) Ackerman. He attended the common schools of the Fatherland and gleaned a good education, which, with his practical knowledge, fits him for an active business life. He was married July 13, 1845, to Magdalena Birke, who died, and he again was joined in marriage, Feb. 9, 1871, with Elizabeth Sutter. He is the parent of ten children, all of whom are living save one.

Lutie Burhans. Miss Burhans was born in Chicago, 111., Sept. 27, 1856. Her father, Henry J. Burhans, was born in New York State, April 17, 1818. Her mother, Abigail Tarbell, was born in Vermont, Nov. 9, 1817. They were married July 13, 1839, at Peoria, 111.

They had born to them six children, five of whom are now living. Mr. Burhans died in Chicago, Sept. 12, 1859. His widow came to Groveland in 1859, and with her youngest daughter, Lutie, reside at their own beautiful home. Miss Lutie is engaged in s-chool teaching. She only received a common scool education, and now teaches in the same school where she was educated. She has taught here for a year and a half to the entire satisfaction of all. She has taught fourteen months elsewhere. Post-ofhce, Groveland.

G. D. Dissman, farmer and coal miner, was born in Prussia, March 15, 1828, and came to this county in 1849. His parents were William and Elizabeth Dissman, Prussians. He served as surgeon in Louisiana volunteers in the war between L^nited States and Mexico. He was at Vera Cruz and the surrounding country conducting supply trains from place to place. The company in which he served, composed of sixty men, and twenty-four teamsters, put to rout 5,000 Mexican lancers, while conducting twelve wagons load of money to the head of the army, at the city of ^Mexico. The Captain, a German, formed his men into a circle around the wagons. They waited until the enemy advanced to within fifty yards of them, when they all fired at once and the Mexicans dispersed. He was married to Christiana Harmon in 1847. They have only five children living, out of the eleven that have been born to them. On his farm, section 19, he has a coal shaft 86 feet deep, and gets a good article of soft coal. The first vein of coal is 16 feet from the surface and over 4 feet thick, but very irregular in thickness, so they go to the second vein. He works four or five men. Post-office, Pekin.

Fredrick Hamm, shoemaker, sec. 17; was born in Bavaria, Ger., Aug. 18, 1815. His parents were Jacob and M. E. (Brown) Hamm, natives of the same country. Mr. H. was educated in the common schools of Bavaria, and came to the United States in 1836, and to this county in 1848. He was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss S. Kamige, April 2, 1842. Their children number six, five living, one dead. He made a confession of his faith in the Savior of the world, in 1837, and is connected with the Evangelical Association. Post-office, Peoria.

Benjamin H. Harris, physician, Groveland, is a son of Lemuel and Mary (Kearmy) Harris, of West Chester county, N. Y., where he was born. He prepared himself and entered the medical department of St. Louis Univ^ersity and graduated. On the 23rd of July, 1846, he was married to Ann Hutchison. They have had born to them three children all of whom are living. Dr. Harris united with the Baptist Church in 1843. Politically he is a Republican.

John A. Hodge was born in Pekin, this county, Oct. 16, 1850; received his education in the common schools of Groveland and entered upon the occupation of farming. Mrs. Kezer Hancock, fostermother of Mr. Hodge, who took him while an infant and with whom he has since lived, came to this countv in 1831. The hard- ships of that snowy winter will never be forgotten by ber. She was born in Pennsylvania. Mr. Hodge advocates the principles promulgated by the Republican party. Residence, sec. 21 ; P. O., Groveland.

William Hodgson, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 32 ; P. O., Pekin. This gentleman came into the county at an early day, and at the time was sixteen years old. Soon thereafter he entered upon the duties of active life, and has proven himself equal to mould his own destiny, very largely. He has accumulated considerable property - enough to give each of seven children a small farm, and still have a farm left. He has been a member of the Christian Church since about 1866. In his habits he is temperate, never having bought a drink of liquor in his life. He is the son of Amos and Mary (Barnett) Hodgson, North Carolinians, and was born in Clinton Co., O., Aug. 15, 1816. He was married Dec. 18, 1836, to Phoebe Bennett. They have had eight children born to them, seven living. He has filled several local official positions.

Lewis Kepcha, farmer, was born in Germany, Sept. 25, 1825. His parents were also Germans. They were Lewis and Margaret (Bruk) Kepcha. He came to this county from Pennsylvania in 1851 ; had only opportunities of attending the common schools. He took unto himself a wife on the 27th of Feb., 1848, in the person of Mary Ankeney. Mr. K. is a member of the German Lutheran Church, having made the good confession about 1845. He identifies himself with the Republican party. P. O., Pekin.

George Landes, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 35, is a native of Elm Grove township, this county, having been born there Jan. 26, 1831. His parents, Joseph and Jane (Mitchell) Landes, were early settlers of this county. He received a limited common school education. June 22, 1859, he was married to Barbara Smith. Three children have been born to them, one of whom, only, is now living. In politics he is " Republican to the core." P. O., Groveland.

Joseph Landes. Mr. Landes is one of the pioneers of Tazewell county, having emigrated here Oct. 17, 1830. One year and a half later he entered the Black Hawk war, serving in Capt. Adams' Co. He was in the command of ]\Iajor Stillman, and took part in the famous battle of Stillman's Run, and was one of the number that made good their escape. He is one of four or five Black-Hawk war soldiers now living in the county. He was born in Hampshire Co., Ya., Sept. 16, 1803. His parents, Rudolph and Nancy (Plum) Landes, were Virginians, He received his education in the log school-house of Pickaway county, O. He has been twice married: the first time to Jane Mitchell, April 8, 1830. His second marriage occurred April 15, 1858, and was with Elizabeth Hathaway. He is the father of eight children, three boys and five girls, four of whom are living. He is a Republican in politics, and "proud of it." Post-office, Groveland.

from France, in 1830, to Wayne county, X. Y., married and lived there until 1844, when he came to Chicago. In 1847 he bought a farm on sec. 7, this township, and finally settled on sec. 16, where he now lives and is engaged in fanning and stock raising. He at first was engaged in the carpenter's trade. Mr. L. was the first of a large nuuiber who came from Wayne county, and led the way for the others, among whom are many of the most substantial citizens and farmers of this township. His parents, George F. and ]\[ary E. (Velden) Lux, were natives of France. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for two terms, and other offices. March 18, 1833, he was married to Magdalena Rtunige, who has borne him twelve children, nine of whom are now living. He united witii the Baptist Church, at Peoria, in ISGG. Politically he is a Republican. He was the first German-French Whig in Xew York State, and led many others to follow him as such. Post-office, Pckin.

B. J. Montgomery, farmer, sec. 31 ; P. O., Pckin, This gentleman is well advanced in years, having been born Feb. 8, 1799. He is quite spry for a m:in past fourscore. He is the son of Elisha and Margaret Montgomery, natives of Kentucky, and he was born in Washington Co. of that State. He came to this county in October, 1835, and has since won the love and esteem of thousands. Before coming here, in 1820, he traveled from Charleston, S. C, to Council Bluffs, Iowa, by land, and in 1823 went from the Gulf of Mexico to the same city. He is a self-educated man, and his first wife taught him the rudiments. He has lived a long, peaceable, quiet life, and now in the evening of his earthly journey he can say, I never sued a man in my life, and the law was never required to collect a debt from m-j. But few can say that even at a much earlier age. He enlisted in the Black Hawk war, but was discharged without service. He has held many local offices. In 1829, Sept. 22, he was mirricd to Elizabeth Walker. In 183G, May 7, he was married again, this time to Eliza Drace. He has five children living and seven dead.

John Mooberry, Sr. A review of the life of a gentleman such as we have here is interesting in the extreme. He was born in York Co., Pa., Feb. 2, 1801, and is the son of AVilliam and Eliz;il)eth (Ramsey) Mooberry, natives of the same State, He went to Columbus when a young man and came to this township in Oct., 1832, and settled on sec. 14, where he has resided ever since. He visited the county in 1830, and again in the spring of 1832, and satisfied himself that no better location could be found than Tazewell Co. He bought his farm in June, and returned to Ohio after his family. There were but few settlers here when he came. The country was almost one vast wilderness, the red-man its owner. Rev. Neele Johnson was preaching in Pleasant Grove when he came in 1832. In the winter of 1831-32 the intensest cold weather prevailed. For forty days the snow did not thaw enough to run from the eaves. This was called the cold winter, the previous one the snowy winter.

When Mr. M. and family were nearing their Western journey they met a family returning to " Indianar." On being asked why they were leaving such a good country as this was said to be, the woman replied, " well, this may be a very good country for men, but its the devil on woman and oxen." Mrs. M. tells us that she had to light a candle to enable the family to see to eat breakfast, dinner, and supper during the first winter. When summer came they sawed out a log to let in the light of heaven and made oiled-paper "glass" to prevent the rain from pouring in.

Mr. M. attended the common schools of Ohio, where they had the alphabet pasted on a board and a sch(jol-house with greased paper windows. He has been successful in life and has been enabled to give a good "setting out" to each of thirteen children. Jan. 25, 1825, he was married to Lydia Merion, who bore him fourteen children, eleven of whom are now living. John York, a grandson of Mr. M., was born Sept. 6, 1862. His mother, Lydia E. (Mooberry) York, died when her son was an infant of eleven days old. His grandparents took him at the age of one year and have cared for him since. He is a lover of history, and his grandfather has willed that he shall have his copy of the History of Tazewell County.

John S. Mooberry, farmer, see. 14, was born in Franklin Co., O., Nov. 5, 1826. He is the son of Daniel and Margaret (Stunbaugh) Mooberry, natives of Pennsylvania. At the early age of six John was brought to this township by his parents, and ever since has been identified with the interests of Groveland. Few men live so long in one locality as has Mr. ]\I. He owns good farm property to the amount of 340 acres, well improved. He has held local offices such as J. P., Collector, Road Com., School Trustee and Director. On the 7th of Jan., 1851, he was married to Jane Cunningham. She was the mother of seven children, six of whom are noAV living. She died April 10, 1877. He advocates the principles of the Republican party. Post-office, Groveland.

'J. a Finckardv^AA born in Alton, 111., Feb. 18, 1820. His parents, William G., and Eliza (Warren) Pinckard, were natives of Virginia. Mr. P. came to this county in 1839, resides on sec. 26. He received his education in common schools and McKindry College. For nineteen years he was a traveling minister in the M. E. Church, and for twenty years has been living on a farm, and grown considerable fruit. He has held the office of Assessor, Collector and Road Commissioner. March 1, 1843, he was united in marriage with M. C. Gibson. They have ten children, six of whom,^ however, live on the shores of eternity. He made a profession of religion when in his tenth year of age, and united with the M. E. Church. He regards that as the most im])()rtant event in his life to be commemorated. Mr. P. was a junior preacher with the celebrated Zadock Hall, of pioneer fame. Republican in politics. Post-office, Groveland,

George Ramige, preacher, was born in Germany, Oct. 22, 1811. His parents were Henry and Sally (Koontz) Ramige, of Germany. Mr. R. came to Wayne, N. Y., in 1829, and to Groveland in 1848. He was educated in the common schools of his native country. He first entered upon the ministry of the Gospel, then changed to farming, but has returned to proclaiming the "glad tidings" again. He resides on section 7. He was a traveling preacher in the State of New York for nine years, but his health failed him, and since has been a local preacher. Feb. 22, 1834, he was married to Barbara Eyers. They are the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living. He made a profession of religion in 1836; is now connected with Zion Church of Evangelical Association of North America. In politics he is a Republican. Post-office, Pekin.

Benjamin Roe, farmer, is the son of John and Sarah (McCune) Roe, Virginians, and was born in Posey county, Ind., Nov. 15, 1811. He came to this from Fulton county, 111., in 1846. He attended the common schools for only eighty-eight days, yet has held six commissions to important position from the Governors and President. He has been Justice of the Peace for two terms, Enrolling Officer, Provost Marshall, Notary Public, and United States Assessor. Nov. 7, 1833, he was married to Susan Whaley, and to his second wife, Helen Davison, July 24, 1838. He is the parent of four sons and seven daughters. Religiously he has been a life-long Swedcnborgian. Before the freedom of the slaves he was a radical Abolitionist, now an independent voter. Post-office, Groveland.

John Shannon was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, Aug. 16, 1789, and is therefore over ninety years old. His parents were Robert and Jane (McElhany) Shannon. Mr. Shannon came to this county from Ohio in 1834, and located on sec. 15, Groveland township, where he has since continued to reside. All who know Mr. S., and they are many, know him to be an upright, kind and benevolent man, always ready to extend a helping hand to the needy. Many a person will bless the day they first saw Mr. S. and accepted the free and kindly offers from his generous and bountiful hands. Mr. S. remembers when there stood a pioneer horse-mill at Pleasant Grove, Elm Grove township. It did a good business, and was a great help and convenience to the early settlers. The pioneers found it an exceedingly difficult matter to do their marketing at some seasons of the year. Peoria was the point where most of the people in the northern part of the county went to do their trading. Often Mr. S. has seen the river banks full to overflowing, and the current sometimes more than a mile wide. When no further than a half dozen miles from Peoria, the hindrances were often so great that pioneers who started in the morning did not get home till midnight. No bridge then, nor steam ferry, only a flatboat or skiif in which to make the transit. Mr. S. was in the war of 1812 and served in Ohio. He was a member of Gen. Foos' battalion, to keep back the Indians after Gen. Hull's surrender, March 9, 1826, he was married to Mary Stambaugh, who was born Feb. 11, 1799. They had six children, only two of whom are living: Mrs. Elizabeth Cleveland and Mrs. Margaret Hancock. Mr. S. made a profession of religion in 1835, and united with the Presbyterian Church. He is now connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He has always lived a quiet and peaceable life with all men, and expects soon to pass over and join the Church Triumphant. He is "Kepublican in sentiment, always." Mr. S. was formerly a large stock raiser and farmer, but has retired from active business, and is spending his declining days with his son-in-law, Horace Hancock. Post-office, Groveland,

Isaac Smith, farmer and small fruit grower, resides upon section 7. His parents, Samuel B. and James (Smalley) Smith, (the former a native of Kentucky the latter of Ohio,) came to Tazewell county and were living in Mackinaw township when their son Isaac was born, which was May 25, 1853. His father was a Methodist minister, and Isaac attended the common schools wherever his father chanced to reside, and the graded school at Morton. February 16, 1874, he was married to Abbie Welcher. Politically he is "for the honest, loyal man wherever he may be." Post-office, Hilton.

Joseph Strickfaden came from Wayne county, N. Y., to Tazewell county, in 1848. He resides upon section 20, and is engaged in farming, owning 1,000 acres of land, which is the best indications of a successful life one can oifer. Mr. Strickfaden was born in Baden, Germany, Feb. 22, 1814. His parents, Andrew and Elizabeth (Yost) Strickfaden, were also Germans. He was educated in the common schools of his native land. He has held the office of Road Commissioner for nine years, and that of School Director for sixteen years. February 4, 1838, he was married to Mary E. Ramige. They have had borne to them eleven children, ten of whom are yet living. He made a profession of religion in 1838, and is connected Avith the Evangelical Association of North America. He is a "Black Abolitionist" in politics. Post-office, Pekin.

William Strickfaden, farmer and stock raiser, section 17, was born in Wayne county, N. Y., Jan, 6, 1840. His father, Joseph Strickfaden, was a native of Baden, Germany, Mhile his mother, Mary E. Pamige, was born in France. ]Mr. S. came to this county when a lad of eight years of age. He had a very limited common school education. He entered the U. S. service during the trying days of the Rebellion, and served as corporal in Co. B, 108th 111. Infantry. Took part in the siege of Vi('ksl)urg, and many other noted engagements. He was united in mai'riage witli Elizabeth Preacher, Nov. 6, 1865, who has borne him three sons and two daughters, three of whom are now living. Made a confession of his faith in our Savior in 1859, and is c(innectcd with the Zions Church, Evangelical Association, Groveland. Politically he is "a Republican that stands up for his own rights." Post-office, Pekin.

George W. Tou-ne was born on sec. 18 of this township, March 15, 1844. He attcMidotl the common schools here and received a good education, wliic-h, coujiU'd with his practical knowledge, fits him for an active and successful life. He has lu'ld many of the local official positions. March 11, 1809, he was united in marriage to Angeline ]Meyer, but was not permitted to enjoy her society long after the happv union. While ridiug in a sleigh on the 18th of Jan., 1871, in company with his wife, infant son, and his wife's sister. Miss M. Meyer, the horses took fright, turned u[)on the approach from the bridge, was thrown over, and his beloved wife received a fatal injury. Her skull was fractured by her striking the fence, and she expired witiiin half an hour. She left one son, Earnest ()., born January 2, 1870, and an affectionate husband to mourn her sudden death.

Lewis S. White, farmer and stock dealer, was born in Sangamon countv. 111., March 23, 1842. His parents were Robert White, a native of Ohio, and Mary Short, a Kentuckian. They were married in Springfield, 111. When a lad of six years of age Lewis was brought to this county. He resides on sec. 9. He served in Co. D., ilth Illinois Cavalry. He has been married twice : the first time, Jan. 2(3, 1865, to Miranda Stout, and Nov. 3, 1872, to Catherine L. Swan. His children number four living, two dead. Robert B., born Oct. 26, 1862; Drusilla B., April 17, 1873; Flavel L., born March 3, 1877; Lewis B., born Feb. 8, 1879; James Henry, born Dec. 26, 1874, died by being scalded May 17, 1876; Thomas, born Aug. 17, 1864, died April 17, 1865. Politically he is a Democrat. Post-office, Hilton, Tazewell county.