Harmony Township

Harmony Township

Township 4 - 6, with a harmonious name, is seven-eighths prairie-land, there being a few sections of partly broken and roughtimbered land on the head-waters of Bronson's creek, and another small body on another tributary of Crooked creek. A portion of tliis township is rich flat prairie, valuable for meadow; and a large part is sufficiently rolling for corn and grain. It has flne farms, and some rich and enterprising farmers. This township, being so largely prairie, was not settled as early as the townships surrounding it. It contains two villages on the T., W. & W. railroad, Bentley and Denver, both small places but doing considerable local business.

Bentley lies ten miles west from St. Mary's and five southerly from Carthage, and was laid out in August, 1863, by John Sutton, Jr., and first called after his name, but for some cause changed to Bentley. It lies just south of the well-known Big Meadow. Postmasters in Bentley - T. J. Bates, A. R. Robinson, J. A. James, pi'esent incumbent.

Denver was laid out Jan., 186J:,by S. C. Seybold andG. W. Bush. It is distant nine miles from the county seat, and ten miles due west from Plymouth. The P. 0. was formerly called Rough and Ready.

Among the earlier settlers in this township we may name George M. Browning, Truman Hecox, E. S. Cannon, S. B. Walton, B. F. Tucker, George Langford, Samuel Ramsey, Isaac S. Burner, Samuel Dickenson, Larkin Scott, Wm. Pike, Mr. Feebler, Mr. Wedding, Mr. CoUison, James Major, and the several sons of Samuel Ramsey - Enoch, Henry K. and Samuel F.

Religious Pbogeess

The oldest Church in Harmony is that known as Mount Pleasant, belonging to the Christian denomination, located on sec. 13, near the east end of the township. It was organized about 1837, and the building erected as early as 1850. No statistics.

The Baptist Church was organized about 1873, with a small membership. The edifice was erected about the same period; present number of members about 20 or 25. (593)

Following we give personal sketches of the early settlers and prominent citizens of Harmony township, which form an important factor in its history:

Joseph C. Anderson, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Kentucky in 1810, son of John and Elizabeth (Conaway) Anderson, the former a native of Maryland, and of Irish descent; and the latter of Kentucky, and of German descent. Was educated in the common schools of Morgan county, 111.; in 1832 he married Melinda Wilhite, and they have had one son and one daughter; the latter is married. Mr. A. came to this county in 1833, settling near Augusta, where he commenced a poor man, but by industry and ecunomy has been successful as a farmer, now owning 190 acres of highly improved land; he is a Democrat.

j\I. D. Bal:er, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Washington county, lud., Jan. 14,181:2; is a sonof Zephaniahand Polly (Davis) Baker, of English descent, the father a native of New York, and the latter of North Carolina; he was educated in the common schools of this county; in 1861 he married Mary Frances Scott, and 5 of their 9 children are living. Both Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Christian Church in Denver, 111. Mrs. B. was born April 1, 1839, in Kentucky, and is of English ancestry. Mr. Baker came to this county in 1851 from Indiana, and has lived here ever since. He owns 90 acres of land, and resides on sec. 22. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been School Director five years, and Commissioner of Highways.

B. W. Beijler, farmer, sec. 11; P. 0., Bentley; was born in Page county, Va., in 1833, and is the son of Samnel and Eliza (Wood) Beyler; has had a common-school education; as a farmer and dealer in stock for 15 years he has been successful. In 1856 he married Ann R. Lionberger, a native of Virginia, and they have had 2 children, Ardella, born April 7, 1860, and Willie H.", June 25, 1870. His immigration to tliis county was also in 1856. In politics he is a Democrat, and he is a studious reader. His father was killed during the last war by some desperadoes because he had said that the North would whip the South; he was taken out and shot down like a brute and left lying on the ground for some time. He was an intelligent, well-posted man.

H. H. BJack, physician and surgeon, Denver; was born in Todd county', Ky., in 1810, the son of James Black, a farmer now of Denver. The Doctor graduated in 1865 at the Northwestern Christian University (now called Butler University), with honor, and Feb. 28, 1878, he received a diploma from the Indiana Medical College. Dr. Black was a diligent and determined student, and his efforts for a high standard of qualification for his work have been attended with success. Nov. IS, 1869, he was united in marriage with Sarah Jane Kelley, and they iiave had 5 children, 3 of whom are living. The}' are both members of the Christian Church, in

Denver, and he is a Republican. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. E., 71st 111. Vol. Inf., under Captain Parker, and served during his term. He commenced the practice of medicine in Indianapolis, Iiid., in 1878, with Dr. John A. Campbell, under whom he continued his studies of the healing art.

John H. Boston, farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Carthage; was born in Kentucky, Feb. 27, 1832, and is the son of George and Mahala (Southerlin) Boston, natives of Kentucky; he was educated in subscription schools of this county, having been brought here by liis j'arents in 1836. In 1867 he married Charlotte Fletcher, and of their 6 children 4 are living, 2 boys and 2 girls. Mr. B. owns 151 acres of land. Although he is a good speller he cannot write. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.

George M. Browning , Sr., farmer, sec. 35; was born in Davidson county, Tenn., March 25, 1820, son of David and Vashti (West) Browning. His father was a native of Virginia, and was the son of Edmund Browning, a native of the same State, and his father emigrated from England, his native country, prior to the Revolutionary war, locating in Culpepper county, Va. The parents of were of English ancestrj'. Edmund Browning emigrated to Illinois in an early day, settling in Wayne county, where he died. David Browning came to Illinois in the spring of 1835, locating in Augusta tp., this county; he was a cooper by trade, but always followed farming in this county. He brought a family of 11 children with him here, only i of whom now live in this county; all of the 11 lived to be heads of families, and nine of them are still living. David Browning died in 1839 and his widow Aug. 9, 186-4; they are both buried in the Providence Church burying ground in St. Mary's tj). They were both members of the Baptist Church, and in politics he was a Whig.

The subject of this biography was the fifth child of the preceding, and passed his earl}' years on his father's farm; at the age of 22, Xov. 25, 1841, he married Hannah Ramsey, who was born in Clarke county, Ind., July 22, 1821, daughter of Samuel and Eleanor (Kime) Ramsey, the former probably a^ native of Kentucky, and the latter of North Carolina. The Ramseys are of Scotch-Irish descent and the Kimes of German. Samuel Ramsey's parents were James and Betsey (Pitman) Ramsey. He came to this county in the fall of 1836, locating in Chili tp. for one year, and then moved to sec. 25, Harmony tp., where he lived until his death, April 27, 1861. His wife died in Dec, 1873, and they are both buried on the old homestead. They brought 4 children with them to this county, and 2 others were bora to them here; 5 of these descendants are still living. Tiiev were members of the Cliristian Church, and he was a Republican.

moved into a house on tliis land, 16 feet square and one story high, with frame clapboards inside and out, and mud-and-stick chimney. Here they lived about five years, and here their first 2 children were born - Eleanor V., born Feb. 19, 1813, and Sarah, Jan. 20, 1845. Then he built a part of his present residence on the north part of the quarter, where the rest of their children were born, namely: Adaline, born Ang. 16, 1847, died at the age of 18; Hannah, deceased, born Dec. 29, 1849; George M., born April 11, 1852; Hannah J., born Sept. 30, 1854; Melinda, born March 22, 1858; David S., deceased, born Jan. 2, 1861; John J., born July 22, 1862, and Fannie M., deceased, born June 7, 1868. All the living children have families except John J., who is single and living at home.

In 1842 and 1846 Mr. B. hauled pork to Warsaw, selling it at $1.25 per cwt. and wheat at37i cents a bushel; he hauled 10 bushels of oats to market and sold them for just money enough to buy a pair of stoga boots and one pound of nails; he had the oats tramped out by horses. He started in life bare-handed, going in debt for a team.

Mr. Browning's homestead now contains 280 acres of laud, and he has given all of his children 160 acres or its equivalent, and all are doing well. Mr. Browning has been a member of the Christian Church lor ten years and Mrs. B. about 40 years. In politics he is a Democrat, has been Supervisor seven 3'ears, Commissioner of Highways 10 or 12 years. Assessor, School Director, etc.

George Madhon Browning^ Jr., farmer, see. 36; P. O., Denver; son of the preceding, was married in 1874 to Martha J. Brown and they have one son, Holla, who was born Sept, 28, 1875. He is a successful farmer and stock raiser, owning 240 acres of land; is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Adventist Church.

J. W. Burton, physician and surgeon, Bentley, was born in Davidson count}-, N. C, Jan. 3, 1847, the son of John V. and Elizabeth (Klinard) Burton, natives of the sunny South, father of English descent and mother of German. The Doctor worked on a farm with his father in his boyhood, and also worked at carriagemaking and blacksmithing; and to this day, although having a good practice as a physician, be makes many usefnl articles, having ingenuity and skill enough to do almost anything in the mechanical line. He is a man of nerve and ambition and a diligent student. During the last war he was a member of the Junior Reserves, the first regiment of North Carolina, being in the Quartermaster's Department most of the time, where he improved his penmanship and advanced his general education. His medical education he received at Washington University, in Baltimore, where he graduated Feb. 22, 1872, but he had practiced three years previously, commencing at Highport, Guilford county, N. C. He came to Bentley in 1876, where he established a reputation in advance of bringing his wife here. In this vicinity he stands at the head of his profession.

Rev. A. C. Calkins, B. xS., a minister of the M. E. Cliurcb, was born near Oneida, 111., Dec. 11, 181:9. His father, Edwin Calkins, formerly of Columbia county, iS^. Y., is one of the earliest settlers of Illinois, arriving in 1S37. Ilis mother, now dead, was a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Parke, and sister to the noted Baptist divine. Rev. S. F. Parke, of Clifton Springs, N. Y. Rev. Calkins was the fourth child in a family of live, and of course did not personally feel the brunt of toil and privations incident to the settlers of a new country; yet from his earliest years he was accustomed to bear his part of labor on the old homestead farm. Being possessed of maturity beyond others of his years, young Calkins was soon recognized as a leader among his fellows, and was in danger, from his ardent temperament, of becoming reckless and dissipated. His conversion, in January, 1S66, was a fortunate occurrence, and wrought a wonderful change in his previously skeptical opinions. After his conversion he remained out of the Church about a year, which he much regrets. In January of the following year he united with the M. E. Church, at Oneida, 111. Under his own convictions as well as the expectations of his brethren of the Church, he reluctantly confessed to a call to preach the gospel. This was a battle, as he had set his heart upon the study of medicine.

Though possessed at this time of a good common-school education, he wisely concluded this was not sufficient for a Methodist preacher, and in September, 1867, he was enrolled a student of Hedding College, at Abingdon, 111. He was enthusiastic in his stiidies, especially of the natural sciences, and graduated with honor in the class of 1871. On the day of his graduation (June 15, 1871), he was united in marriage to one of Abingdon's fair daughters. Miss Mary L. Vanvleet, who was also a student of Hedding. This pleasant episode was followed in September by a recommendation to the "traveling connection" of the Central Illinois Conference of the M. E. Church. Rev. Calkins labored for three years in the eastern part of the State, the balance of his ministry mostly in McDonough county. He was ordained Deacon by Bishop Andrews, at Galesburg, in 1873, and to the office of Elder, two years later, at Moline, by the venerable Bishop Ames, now deceased.

Mr. Calkins is an earnest, vigorous speaker, careful, though qi;ick in utterance, using correct language, and is a good elocutionist. Possessed of no extraordinary talent, yet he is a successful minister, a pleasant speaker and is very acceptable among the people he serves. As this is only his ninth year in his chosen profession, it is quite certain that he has not yet reached the zenith of his power as a pulpit orator. His personal appearance contributes to his success. Possessing a well-proportioned body, expressive face, high forehead, long flowing beard, combined with a wellstored mind and courteous manners, he certainly can appear well. As a friend he is social, though not talkative. Though courteous

As to his family, his wife is a companion in all his work as a Methodist preacher, sustaining the shock of frequent removals from one appointment to another, enjoined by the itinerant system of the Church of their choice, with uniiinching courage. Of a pleasant and social nature, Mrs. Calkins is always a favorite upon the various charges that her husband has occupied. Mr. Calkins and wife have been blessed with 3 bright, romping children, - 2 girls and a boy, who make the parsonage home complete.

At the present date (1880) Mr. Calkins occupies an important field of labor known as the Bentley Circuit, including Bentley, Elm Tree, St. Mary's and Franklin " appointments."

George TF. Capron was born in this county in 1843, and is the son of George H. and Mary (Read) Capron, of English descent, the former of Rhode Island and the latter of Ohio. George W. was educated in the common schools, and attended Hedding College at Abingdon, Knox county, 111., one year. In 1870 he married Ellen Bickford, and they have a son and a daughter. He is a member of the M. E. Church; is a KepublicaTi, and has been Road Commissioner. He owns 281 acres of well-improved land. Like his highlyrespected father, Mr. C. maintains a high standing in the community for industry, integrity, etc.

M. L. ClarTi was born in New York in 1837, son of Henry and Sarah Clark. Being left alone in the world at an early age his advantages for education and a good start in life M'ere rather limited; but, contrary to the general rule, he has been steady, remaining at one place, namely, with Mr. Albert T. Cloud, who certifies to the high character of our subject. Mr. Clark, in 1865, married Nannie Summers, and their two children are Lawrence R. and "William Linn. Mrs. C. is a member of the Christian Church, and he is a Democrat, and has been School Director three years. He has been remarkably successful in business, being a farmer and general trader. He ran a store in Carthage; a lumber j'ard one year al>out the close of the war, and has dealt in dry goods and groceries in Denver nearly four years. He is now a dealer in grain at Denver and two other stations, and is prosperous. He came to St. Mary's tp., this county, in 1812. His life has been a peculiar one. W. 0. Oouchman, farmer, sec. 11 ; P. O., Bentley; was born in Clarke county. Mo., in 1838, and is the son of M. and Delia (White) Couchman; parents of German and Irish descent, natives of Kentucky, the former of Bourbon county' and the latter of Car- I'oU county. The subject of this notice was brought to this count}' by his parents in 1843, where he received his education in the common schools. In 1868 he married Eliza Metcalf, and their three children are all living. Mrs. C. is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. C. is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. He has traveled considerabl}', especially in the West, among the mountains. He owns a well-improved farm. His father has been County Judge,

Samuel Dickhi-^on, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Bentlej; was born in Queen county, Ireland, in 1819. and is the son of Thomas and Jane (Deveral) Dickinson, natives also of Erin's Green Isle. He has attended school but three months in his life, but can read and write with ease. He was brought to America when 13 years of age, and to this county when 17. He is now 61. He has lived in this county nearly all the time since 1S32. He was in Carthage the day Joe Smith was killed, and was one of the guards to the jail, being relieved just before the mob came. He was opposed to that style of doing things. His tirst marriage was to Martha Johnson in 1845, and of their 4 children only one is living. Mrs. D. died in 1S51 or '52, and he married again in 1855, Nancy Atchinson, a pioneer's daughter. Her father is a liberal, high-minded gentleman, and a well-known Democrat, and is still living in St. Mary's tp. Mr. D. and wife are both members of the M. E. Church, and they have 3 sons and 2 daughters. Mr. D. owns 311 acres of choice land. He has seen many changes in the history of the county since his arrival here. He helped to build the first jail in the county. He was formerly a Whig, but is now a Democrat. He has been Road Commissioner, Commissioner of Highways and School Director several years. Is still, and always will be, interested in school matters.

Samuel B. Fleming, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Denver; was born March 5, 1835, in Delaware, and is the son of William and Eliza Fleming, natives of Ireland, but mother of English ancestry. He was brought b\' his parents in 1838, to this county, settling in Plymouth. He was educated in the common schools here, and brought up in the farmer's life that is characteristic of the West. In ISGo he married Miss Sarah J., daughter of Samuel Ramsey, a native of this county. They have 6 children, all living. Mr. F. owns -400 acres of land ; is not in debt, and raises and sells stock to some extent. In early days he broke prairie with an ox team; ran a threshing-machine seven years, and as a consequence of pioneer discipline he has been successful. Mr. and Mrs. F. are members of the Christian Church in Denver.

John E. Oerdes, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 18; P. O., Eentley; was born in Germany Feb. 3, 1823. In 1850 he was married in Germany, and has had 2 children, both girls ; the eldest died when only six months old; the other, Rachel, was born in 1856, married in 1874 to Hiram Jnrjens, and they have had 4 children, 3 of whom are living. Her husband died in April, 1880. Mr. Gerdes lost his companion the same month and his daughter is now keeping house for him. He owns 425 acres of land, most of it in good cultivation. Lutherans. Democrats.

Hiram Geren, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Denver; was born in Knox county, Tenn., in 1825, and is the son of Iliram and Celia Ann (Sumpter) Geren, natives also of Tennessee, and of French descent; was educated in the common schools of Indiana; he has been twice married, but both wives are dead. His first wife left 4 children, 3 of whom are married; the second wife left one child, a son. He and both his wives were members of the Adventist Church. He came to this countj-, Nov. 15, 1$48, settling in Chili tp. As a farmer he has been successful, being a hard-working man, attending strictly to his own business. He owns 205 acres of good land; is a Democrat.

Truman Hecox, proprietor of the Denver House, was born in New York, June 21, 1798; his parents, Truman and Sallie (Hosford) Hecox, were natives of Kentucky and of English descent; was raised on a farm, but is able to do many kinds of mechanical work, - wagon-making, carpentering, etc. In 1822 he married Martha E. Quinby, and they have had 5 children, 2 of whom are living. He located in Hancock county in 1836. He is a regular Jackson Democrat, has been Constable, School Director and Trustee.

Eden Hopkins, deceased, was born in Virginia in 1833, and is of English descent; he came to Hancock county about 1855. In 1858 he married Emeline Cox. who was born in this county, and they have 3 children, all living. Mr. Hopkins was brought up on a farm, and followed farming and stock-raising on sec. 1 in Harmony tp. Mr..H. enlisted in the 118th 111. Vol. Inf.; was enrolled March 17, 1865, and was discharged the following October. He died of diseases contracted in the army, in 1866; was a Baptist. Politically he was a Republican. His sous manage the farm. Mrs. H. is the owner of 183 acres of land. The children are: Ernest E., born July 7, 1860; Edgar Carlton, March 9, 1862; Isaac Eden. April 12, 1864.

TFi7^iaTO t/ames, deceased, was born in Indiana in 1834; was a farmer all his life; in 1S55 he came to Hancock, and in 1859 he married Mary Wack, who was born in New Jersey, March 5, 1849, of German-English descent; her great-grandfather was a preacher, and preached in Geo. Washington's array, in the forenoon in the English language, and in the afternoon in German. Mr. and Mrs. James had 3 children, 2 boys aud one girl. Both members of the M. E. Church. He was also a Democrat. Since her husband's death Mrs. J. has carried on the farm very successfully.

Rev. Thomas Jones, farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Bentley; was boi'u in East Tennessee, in 1811; his parents, James and Nancy (Butler) Jones, were natives of the South, the former of Welsh aud the latter of English descent; he was raised on a farm, and has plowed every year of his life since he was 11 years old. Aug. 13,1830, he married Harriet C. Haggard, a native also of Tennessee, and they have raised 14 children. One sou was killed in the Rebellion; 2 daughters died since their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been members of the Primitive Baptist Church 54 years. He was ordained in 1853 by Revs. Jacob Castlebury, Joel G. Williams and Geo. Walker. He has preached 36 years; has had charge of the Middle Creek 28 years, and is still their Pastor. In Tennessee he was Captain of the militia three years, and was then jironioted Major, whicli position lie held until he came to Illinois in 1851 and settled in Harmony tp. Has been successful as a farmer and is the owner of 100 acres of land. He has been Supervisor one term, but will not have any office. He is a Democrat.

Wilei/ Jone-i, t'&vmei; sec. 15; was born in Tennessee April 3, 1S34; his parents, James and Nancy (i3utler) Jones, are natives of the south; he was first married to Polly Jenkins, and they had 3 children; only one, a daughter, is living, and is the wife of James T. Tucker, of this county. His second wife was Mary Jane Turamons, and four of their live children are living. Mrs. J. is a good cook, and the family seems to be a happy one. Mr. J. owns 172J acres of land on sec. 15. He came to this count}- in 1850, settling six miles north of Carthage. In 1851: he worked out by the month for -SISO per annum. His father gave him about $800, but his house was afterward burned down and he had to commence again without anything. He votes the Democratic ticket, and does not want any office.

Robert M. Kimbrouglb vi2i% born in this county April 20, 1814; his parents, William and Martha B. (Canthorn) Kimbrough, were natives of Kentucky. Jan. 19, 1871, he married Almera Bryant, a native of this county, and the}' have had one son and one daughter. Mrs. K's parents were natives of Virginia. Mr. K. is a Democrat; is a School Director. Mrs. Iv. owns 228 acres of land, and they i-eside on sec. 1, raising stock, etc. P. O., Middle Creek.

T. J . Lionberi>er, ia.Ym&v, &QC. 21; P. O., Bentley; was born in Virginia Dec. 2, 1825, the 6tli child of a family of 9 children, all living; his parents, Abraham and Anna (Koontz) L. were natives of Virginia, and came to Hancock county in 1887. T. J., obtained his education in the cabin subscription schools of his time. In 1850 he married Sarah Tracy, daughter of Elder Geo. Tracy; she died in 1877: 7 of their 11 children are living. In 1878 he married Elizabeth Miller, and they have one child. Mr. L. has seen as many as 37 deer in one drove, as he came here in pioneer daj's. He started without money or property , and is now the owner of M6 acres of land, worth .$80 per acre. In politics he is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the M. E. Church.

John McAllistei\ fai-mer and stock-raiser, sec. 1 ; was born in Ireland in 1S48; his parents, James and Barbara (Humphrey) McA., were also natives of the Emerald Isle; in 1860 he married Mary Callister, and they have one son and two daughters. He came to this count}' in 1861. Now owns 90 acres of choice land. Is a Democrat; has been Stewacd of the M. E. Church, of which he and his wife are members.

Jccmes McAnultj/, feirmer, sec. 12; P. O., Bentley; was born in Ohio Feb. 23, 1S30; his parents. Wm. and Tlinrsy ('McFarlin) Mc- Anulty, were natives of Ohio and of Scottish descent, who came to Adams county. 111., in 1832; James came to Hancock county in 1855 and settled on sec. 12, where he has lived ever since. Feb. 1,

1852, near Camp Point, he married Susan Robertson, daughter of James Robertson, an early settler of that county'. She is a native of Illinois, and her parents are of German ancestry. They have had 7 children, 5 boys and 2 girls. Mr. McAnnlty's father was in the Mormon war, sickened and died in Carthage from the effects of exposure. Mr. McA. owns 140 acres of well-improved land, and is one of the leading farmers in this section of the county. He raises a car-load of cattle almost every year.

E. McClure, merchant and Postmaster at Denver; was born in St. Mary's tp., this county, in 181:7; his parents were Thomas and Mary E. (Samuel) McClure, father of Scotch descent, and a native of Kentucky, and mother of Polish ancestry and native of Virginia; he was educated in the common school, and also attended Abingdon and Knox Colleges. He married Mary Scott, and 2 of their 3 children are living. Mrs. McC. is a member 'of the Adventist Church. Mr. McClure enlisted in Co. A, 137th 111. Vol. Inf. ; was under ex-Gov. Wood, who was Colonel of the regiment. He came to this tp. in 1S72. Has taught school three terms. Is noted for his genial and obliging manner, and is a Republican.

Thomas W. Orton. farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 33; P. O., Denver; was born in Kentucky in 1831. His parents, Thomas and Mary (Ashby) Orton, are also natives of Kentucky, father of Irish and mother of Scotch descent. He came to this county in 185i, and in 1858 lie married Eleanor V. Browning, and they are the parents of 2 children. He owns 190 acres of land, 160 of which are under a high state of cultivation. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat.

Enoch Ramsey^ farmer and dealer in stock, etc., sec. 34; P. O. Denver; was born in Clarke county, Ind., in 1824. His father, Samuel Ramsey, was a native of Kentucky, and his mother, Eleanor (Kine) Ramsey, was a native of North Carolina, and of German descent. He emigrated to this county in 1836. He has been remarkably successful in business; owns 1,840 acres of land in this State, most of which is very choice and is largely stocked. He owns considerable town property, and is also a money-lender to a great extent. He pays as much tax as any man in the county, if not more. He seldom has any trouble in business; is a happy and contented man. He was heir to 160 acres of land, worth, at the time, $10 an acre. The rest of his propert}' he has made himself. In 1853 he married, and of his 7 children 3 are living. His son is a merchant in Denver, doing a good business. He has been Supervisor two tei'ms. School Director and Township Treasurer for 20 years, and School Treasurer and Collector. He is a Democrat.

Amos R. Robertson is a man of medinm height, and weighs 140 pounds, is quick in movement and wears a genial sunshine upon his countenance, which betokens his natural good humor. He assumes a plain, business-like appearance, and allows none to surpass him in neatness; neither in his dress nor in dispatching his business. Although young in years, he is the oldest settler in the town of Bentley, where he now resides. He was born at Camp Point, Adams county, III., in 1S42. His father, James Robertson, is still living at that place. He is a Hoosier by birth, and has spent the most of his life in farming. He married Eliza Downing, formerly a resident of Virginia, who is a lady much respected in her community for her liberality and Christian virtues. The subject of this sketch was educated in the graded schools, and began business early in life, in his native town. Since his removal to this county, 15 years ago, he has been in the employ of the T., W. & W. Railroad Company, where he is still engaged. He has generally been successful in his business, and has accumulated a reasonable share of real estate in the way of a small farm, town property, etc. Among business men he is counted the best financier in the tp. He has also been Postmaster, Town Clerk, Collector, etc. At the age of IS he married Miss Sarah A. Browning. Neither he nor his wife is a member of any particular denomination, yet they are hearty supporters of public morals, and make the Churches feel that they are their true friends, if not members. They have 4 children living, - Idella, OUie, Walter and George. Mr. R. makes home comforts and happiness a chief item of his social life, as any one can see. In social circles Mr. Robertson is counted the most handsome man, and in politics the most " contrary" one, being a staunch Democrat.

S. G. Rook, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 34; P. O., Denver; was born in North Carolina in 1819. His father, Stephen Rook, was a native of Maryland,' and his mother, Charlotte (Couch) Rook was a native of North Carolina. In 1842 and 1844 he came to Illinois, settling in McDonough county; in 1849 he went to California, where he remained two years; in 1854 he settled in this county on sec. 34. He has been married three times; his third wife was Mary McCoy, whom he married in 1855; they have had 8 children, of whom 3 boys and 2 girls are living. The family are Methodists. He owns 520 acres of land, most'oi which is in good cultivation. "When he first settled in Illinois he had but $54.25. He attributes a large share of his success to his wife. Her mother, who was born in 1789, is living with them. The children are receiving a collegiate education.

Harm Rosenhomn, farmer, was born in Germany in 1845; in 1873 he married Mary Klatenberg. Their 2 children are Tonjes and Jans. He owns 50 acres of good land. He came to Hancock county in 1870; is a Lutheran, and in politics a Democrat.

Moses Scott, farmer, sec. 25 ; P. O., Denver ; was born in Kentucky, Feb. 2, 1816. His parents, William and Mary(Ryle) Scott, were also natives of Kentucky, father of Scotch-Irish descent, and mother's parents were natives of North Carolina. Oct. 20, 1836, he married Harriet Rice, a native of Kentucky. They have had 13 children, of whom 7 are living, and are all married; there are 14 grandchildren. They came to Hancock county in 1850 and settled on sec. 25, this tp. He owns 320 acres of land, most of which is in high cultivation; he has a good, substantial residence. Mrs. Scott is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Scott used to be a Whig, and now votes for men, not part}-.

Perry A. Scott, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Den%-er; was born in Kentucky Oct., 27, 1846. His parents, Moses and Harriet (Kice) Scott, were natives also of Kentucky, and of German descent. He came to this county in 1849. He was married by Rev. Mr. Stark, in Augusta, Oct. 1, 1874, to Miss Hattie Browning, a native of this county, and tlieir 2 children are Sir AValter, born Sept. 1, 1875; Mattie Iva, July 9, 1878. Mr. Scott belongs to the 'Missionary Baptist Church, and Mrs. S. to the Christian Church. Mr. S. ran a threshing machine for live years; owns 86 acres of good land; is a Hepublican.

Abraham Shoitj), farmer, sec. 10; P. O.. Bentley; was born in Pennsylvania April 27, 1808. His parents. Michael and Mary (Keller) Shoup, were also natives of the Keystone State, and of German-English descent. He came to Fulton county, III., in 1837, settling in Canton, and came to Carthage in 1851; he lived within one mile of Carthage 16 3'ears, and then moved to his present i-esidence. He has been twice married; his first wife died in 1842, leaving 6 children; his second wife was Sarah E. Patterson; they have 10 children. He owns 172i^ acres of well-improved land. He has been School Director, Trustee and Commissioner of Highwa3-s; is a Democrat.

William A. Vcmce, farmer and stock-raiser, Denver, was born in Pennsylvania April IS, 1S35. His parents, Josepli and Jane (Cook) Vance, were also natives of that State, and of English ancestiT. He emigrated to this county in 1854 and settled in Chili tp.; in 1871 he moved to his present home. In 1862 he married Lydia Dick, who was also a native of the Kej'stone State. Of their 5 children 2 boys are living - Sherman Dick, 13 years old, and Thomas Cook, 7 years old. In 1864 he enlisted in the 36th 111. Inf. and served one j'ear, being engaged in several battles; he was discharged at Springfield. He owns 465 acres of land, mostly prairie. He has been School Director, and is a Republican; lie is a man who attends to his own business, refraining from public dictation and political prominence.

Simeon B. Walton, farmer, was born in Kentucky Nov. 9, 1818; his parents, Wm. and Barbara Walton, were natives of Virginia, and father of Welsh descent. He emigrated to this county in 1840, settling on sec. 13. Jan. 20, 1842, he married Elizabeth Stark, a native of Scotland, and they have 7 children, all living and married. Both Mr. and Mrs. W. belong to the Christian Church. He used to be a Whig, and is now a Repiiblican ; he has been Highway Commissioner and School Director several terms, and has been elected to other offices which he would not accept. He owns 280 acres of well-improved land; he gave 5 of his children 80 acres of land and the other 2, $2,500 apiece.

in this county Ang. 15, ISi-i; his father, F. M. Walton, was a native oflventnck}', who died April ICi, ISSO, in Augusta tp.; his mother is living; her maiden name was Emily Rice, and her parents were also natives of Kentucky. Feb. 14, 1S67, married Mary C. Clark, and their 3 children are, Frederick M., Emily Ann and an infant. Both the parents belong to the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. W. owns 200 acres of good land, well improved, 40 acres being timber. Kepublican.

The following is a list of the Supervisors, Town Clerks, Assessors and Collectors who have served or are now serving Harmony township, with perhaps some unavoidable omissions: