Isabel Township (part 1 of 2)

History Of Fulton Cotjxty

the snow had disappeared, they often found the stump long' enough to cut into fence rails. The snow lay on the ground until about the first o£ April ; and we have little doubt that many a weary one during that long winter sighed for the comforts of the "old home;" still, notwithstanding its great dreariness and the greater sufferings of the people, none became disheartened, for we find them in the s])ring of 1831 as determined as ever to carve out for themselves a home in this truly beautiful country.

. During this winter, from Dec. 29, 1830, till Feb. 13, 1831, it snowed nineteen times. After the snow had melted we are told that the bones of deer were so numerous in some places that for onequarter of an acre one could step from bone to bone over the whole surface, so many deer had perished there. The season following the winter of the deep snow was a very late one, and frost came every month in the year. The crops were jjoor, as may be well supposed, and the corn did not ripen.

The longest winter ever experienced since this country was settled by the whites was that of 1842-3. The cold Aveather set in November 4, and lasted until the following April.

Sudden Change. - The most extraordinary atmospheric phenomenon occurring within the knowledge of the oldest settler took place in January, 1836. The intensest suffering was caused to man and beast by this sudden change. Quite a snow had fallen the day ])revious to the change, and upon that day a slow, drizzling rain fell, makiny, of the snow a " slush." The storm came from the northwest, and the clouds, upon its approach, assumed a threatening and extraordinary aspect, those higher being dark, and those below of a white frosty appearance. As fast as the storm advanced it instantaneously changed the temperate atmosphere to that of frigid coldness. Incidents are related in connection with this sudden change which are indeed marvelous. During the sudden change John Walters tells us that he was out hunting, and had just killed a large buck deer. He heard a terrible roaring in the northwest, and upon looking in that direction saw a black cloud. The cold came on so suddenly and became so intense that he started for home on a run, leaving his game. Before reaching his home he had frozen his feet and ears very badly.

High Water. - We have spoken of the deep snow and the sudden atmospheric change ; we now wish to record the seasons that the greatest amount of water fell. It is claimed that the greatest rainfall that has ever occurred in this country was in 183". There waf> no record kept of the amount of water that fell by any of the methods in use at the present time, and all we have to judge by is the high water in the streams. The Illinois, Spoon river and their tributaries are said to have been higher than at the breaking up of the big snow in the spring of 1831, or at any time since. The rains commenced falling in the early springand continued throughout the early summer. There have been, perhaps, other seasons just as wet, but the streams were never so high at any other time. During this period there were many hard rains. In the early part of July a storm of rain, thuuder and lightning occurred, which for severity has scarcely ever been equaled. It spread throughout the West. The great prairies, then uncultivated and undrained, were a vast lake, and fish were plenty in almost every locality. The large ponds found here and there over the prairies in an early day contained fish large enough for domestic purposes. These ponds would dry up in the summer but in spring-time were well filled with water, and how the finny tribe managed to get there is a query the " old settler" cannot answer in a more satisfactory way than " they rained down when small." During this season but little in the way of crops was attempted to be raised. Hogs were fattened in the fall upon the mast, and those that were not killed for food had to subsist during the winter upon acorns; with them it was literally "root hog or die."

The Severe Winter of 1842 - 3. - To add to the popular excitement occasioned by Rev. Miller's prophecy of the end of the world, and by the unprecedented comet of 1843, etc., one of the longest and severest winters ever known in this region, happened to be that of 1842-3. Xov. 7, 1842, it commenced to rain; the 8th was cloudy; and on the 9th 18 inches of snow fell, which did not go off altogether until the 12th of the following April! Soon after the snow fell a rain came upon it, and a crust froze so strong as to make it almost impossible for a time to work or travel. A hunter, however, could walk on the ice-covered snow, and deer were more easily caught than domestic swine are nowadays. When alarmed by the proximity of the hunter they would attempt to run, but breaking through where the snow was very deep, they would lodge there almost helpless. Turkey and other wild game were abundant and easily obtained. On account, however, of the abundance of game and a sufficiency of grain, the people lived very comfortably.

The years of 1844, 1851, and 1858, are also notable as years of great rain-fall. During the early history of the county, when there were no bridges, great difficulty was experienced in getting from place to place in the spring-time on account of the high waters. At such times ferrymen were allowed to charge double fare for carrying people or goods across the streams. It is remarkable that so few lives were lost during these seasons of high water, ])ut the pioneers were all expert swimmers, and it was very seldom one was drowned.

Moneu. - Monev''was an article little known and seldom seen among the earlier settlers. Indeed, they had but little use for it, as all business was transacted by bartering one article for another. Great'ingenuity was developed in the barter of their commodities, and when this failed longJ,credits contributed to their convenience. But for taxes and postage neither the barter nor credit system would answer, and often letters were suifered to remain a considerable time in the po.stoffice for want of twenty-five cents, which was then tlie postage on all letters from any great distance ; nor were they carried on the fast express or mail trains. It was only every week or so that a lone horseman, with mail bag thrown astride, would ride into a settlement or village. If, however, the village was on the line of a stage route, the old stage-coach would make its apj)earance as often. It was not common, then, for persons to get many letters; indeed, one or two a month was considered a large mail. Nor did three cents pay the postage upon a letter at that day. It seldom took less than twenty-five cents, or two "bits," as Kentuckians would say.

To illustrate how very scarce money was in an early day we record the following incidents : Mr. Joseph H. Gardiner, of Joshua township, tells us that although he owned a farm of six hundred acres, with stock, grain, etc., he could not raise cash sufficient to pay postage on letters that came to him. They would often have to lie in the postoflfice for weeks before he could get them out. At one time in the early history of the country he had a legal dispute and was sued, the party getting judgment for |oO or 160 against him. He sent East for money and it came in a $100 bill. He ofFered it in payment of judgment ; they could not change the bill, nor could they find enough money in Canton to do it with ; consequently the judgment was not paid for some time afterwards.

A member of one of the leading business firms iu Canton had noticed that his partner had charged to himself fifty cents cash each week. This. caused him so much uneasiness to know that cash was being withdrawn from their business that he took his ])artner to task about it. He admitted the fact, of course, and explained that it aatis to pay postage on letters received from a young lady in the East, perhaps his sweet-heart, which, though money was scarce, must be attended to.

Coon-skins passed as currency in many places up to 1835, and values were frequently expressed in coon-skins. Whisky was one coon-skin per quart. Childs Stillman, of Canton, were selling it at that price, and their store was a place of resort in consequence. The counter of this store was a rude affair, and the front of it not closely jointed : indeed, there were interstices between the clapboard panels through which a coon-skin could be readily pulled. One day Jesse Dollar called for a quart of whisky, and in payment handed over his coon-skin. The coon-skin was tossed" under the counter, and the whisky drank among the crowd. Dollar had a ramrod in his hands with a wiping-screw on the end. This he slyly inserted through the cracks in the front of the counter, and, twisting it into the fur, drew it out, and with it paid for the second quart, which was also passed through the admiring crowd. Dollar was liberal, generous, indeed prodigal, with his one coon-skin, making it pay for five quarts of whisky in almost that number of minutes. Childs & Stillman were pleased at their prosperous trade. The crowd were pleased at the joke, and Dollar was glorious.

The Beautiful Prairies. - The large prairies of the eounty presented a most beautiful sight before they were settled. The following very descriptive lines on "The Prairies of Illinois/' by Captain Basil Hall, graphically portrays their beauty in their wild and native state :

''The charm of prairie consists in its extension, its green, flowery carpet, its undulating surface, and the skirt of forest whereby it is surrounded ; the latter feature being of all others the most significant and expressive, since it characterizes the land^icape, and defines the form and boundary of the plain. If the prairie is little, its greatest beauty consists in the vicinity of the encompassing edge of forests, which may be compared to the shores of a lake, being intersected with many deep, inward bends, as so many inlets, and at intervals projecting very far, not unlike a promontory or protruding arm of land. These projections sometimes so closely approach each other that the traveler passing through between them, may be said to walk in the midst of an alley overshadowed by the forest, before he enters again upon another broad prairie. Where the plain is extensive, the delineations of the forest in the distant background a])- pear as would a misty ocean beach afar off. The eye sometimes surveys the green prairie without discovering on the illimitable plain a tree or bush, or any other object save the wilderness of flowers and grass, while on other occasions the view is enlivened bv the groves dispersed like islands over the plain, or by a solitary tree rising above the wilderness. The resemblance to the sea which some of these prairies exhibit is really most striking. In the spring, when the young grass has just clothed the soil with a soddy carpet of the most delicate green, but especially when the sun is rising behind a distant elevation of the ground and its rays are reflected by myriads of dew-drops, a more pleasing and more eye-beneflting view cannot be imagined.

"The delightful aspect of the prairie, its amenities, and the absence of that sombre awe insjiired by forests, contribute to forcing away that sentiment of loneliness which usually steals upon the mind of the solitary wanderer in the wilderness ; for, although he espies no habitation, and sees no human being, and knows himself to be far ofl' from every settlement of man, he can scarcely defend himself from believing that he is traveling through a landscape embellished bv human art. The flowers are so delicate and elegant as apparently to be distributed for mere ornament over the plain ; the groves and groups of trees seem to be dispersed over the prairie to enliven the landscape, and we can scarcely get rid of the impression invading our imagination, of the whole scene being flung out and created for the satisfaction of the sentiment of beauty in refined men.

"In the summer the prairie is covered with tall grass, which is coarse in appearance, and soon assumes a yellow color, waving in the wind like a ripe crop of corn. In the early stages of its growth it resembles young wheat, and in this state furnishes such rich and succulent food for cattle that the latter choose it often in preference to wheat, it being no doubt a very congenial fodder to them, since it is impossible to conceive of better butter than is made while the grass is in this stage.

"In the early stages of its growth the grass is interspersed with little flowers, - the violet, the strawberry-blossom, and others of the most delicate structure. When the grass grows higher these disappear, and taller flowers, displaying more lively colors, take their place ; and still later a series of still higher but less delicately formed floMers appears on the surface. AVhile the grass is green these beautiful plains are adorned with every imaginable variety of color. It is impossible to conceive of a greater diversity, or discover a predominating color, save the green, which forms a beautiful dead color, relieving the splendor of the others. In the summer the plants grow taller, and the colors more lively ; in the autumn another generation of flowers arises which possesses less clearness and variety of color and less fragrancy. In the winter the prairie presents a melancholy aspect. Often the fire, which the hunters annually send over the prairies in order to dislodge the game, will destroy the entire vegetation, giving to the soil a uniform black appearance, like that of a vast plain of charcoal ; then the wind sweeping over the prairie will find nothing which it might put in motion, no leaves which it might disperse, no haulms which it mlirht shake. No sooner does the snow commence to fall than the animals, unless already frightened away by the fire, retire into the forests, when the most dreary, oppressive solitude will reign on the burnt prairies, which often occupy many square miles of territory."

Prairie Fires. - Fires would visit the grassy plains every autumn. The settlers who had pushed out from the timber took great precaution to prevent their crops, houses and barns from being destroyed, yet not always did they succeed. Many incidents are related of prairie fires. The great conflagrations were caused either accidentally, or designedly from wantonness, or with a view of bewildering the game. The fire often spread further than it was intended it should. Wherever were extensive prairie lands, one-half was burned in the spring and the other half in the autumn, in order to produce a more rapid growth of the naturally exuberant grass, destroying at the same time the tall and thick weed stalks. Violent winds would often arise and drive the flames with such rapidity that riders on the fleetest steeds could scarcely escape. On the ajiproach of a prairie fire the farmer would immediately set about "burning back," - that is, burning ofi: the grass close by the fences, that the larger fire upon arriving would become extinguished for want of aliment. In order to be able, however, to make proper use of this measure of safety, it was very essential that every farmer should encompass with a ditch those of his fences adjoining the prairie. When known that the conflagration could cause no danger, the settler, though accustomed to them, could not refrain from gazing with admiration upon the magnificent .>;pectacle. Language cannot convey, words cannot express, the faintest idea of the splendor and grandeur of such a conflagration during the night. It was as if the pale queen of night, disdaining to take her accustomed place in the heavens, had dispatched myriads upon myriads of messengers to light their torches at the altar of the setting sun until all had flashed into one long and continuous blaze.

''Soon the flres began to kindle wider and rise higher from the long grass; the gentle breeze increased to stronger currents, and soon limned the small, flickering blaze into fierce torrent flames, which curled up and leaped along in resistless splendor ; and like quickly raising the dark curtain from the luminous stage, the scenes before me were suddenly changed, as if by the magician's wand, into one boundless amphitheater, blazing from earth to heaven and sweeping the horizon round, - columns of lurid flames sportively mounting up to the zenith, and dark clouds of crimson smoke curling away and aloft till they nearly obscured stars and moon, while the rushing, crashing sounds, like roaring cataract? mingled with distant thunders, were almost deafening ; danger, death, glared all around; it screamed for victims; yet, notwithstanding the imminent peril of prairie fires, one is loth, irresolute, almost unable to withdraw or seek refuge."

Incidents of Pioneer Life. - The amusements of the pioneers were peculiar to themselves. Saturday afternoon was a holiday in which no man was expected to work. A load of produce might be taken to "town" for sale or traffic without violence to custom, but no more serious labor could be tolerated. When on Saturday afternoon the town was reached, "fun commenced." Had two neighbors business to transact, here it was done. Horses were "swapped." Difficulties settled and free fights indulged in. Blue and red ribbons were not worn in those days, and whisky was free as water ; twelve and a one half cents would buy a quart, and thirty five or forty cents a gallon, and at such prices enormous quantities were consumed. Go to any town in the county and ask the first pioneer you meet, he will tell you of notable Saturday-afternoon fights, either of which to-day would fill a column of the Police ^^eics, with elaborate engravings to match.

Rough, ready to fight, as these pioneers were, their latch-string was always out. Xo stranger ever stopped at their cabins without receiving a heartv welcome. Mrs. Commodore Joshua Barnev, whose husband was famous in the war of 1812, and who was a daughter of Elbridge Gerry, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, in her old age told a chapter of her experience in Fulton county in 1829 that graphically illustrates pioneer life. She had gone with her husband from Washington City overland to the Mississippi river, and crossing the Illinois at Ft. Clark (now Peoria), the party stopped late at night at a log cabin near Utica. The hail, "Hallo ! the honse," was given, and in answer to the inquiry, "Can we get to stay all night with you ?" they were told, "Certainly ; come in ; there is always room in this country." "On entering the cabin" says Mrs. Barney, "we found a room twelve feet by sixteen in which there was a fire-place, table, bench or two, a couple of rude chairs and three beds ; but worse than all, when our party got in, there were nineteen persons to stay all night ! Supper was almost ready when we arrived. It consisted of the usual corn bread, fat bacon, honey and in this case genuine store coifee. When bed-time came the men were ordered to step out of doors, and beds were spread, consisting of blankets and buffalo robes, over the whole floor, and we women - there were ten of us - told to go to bed, married women in the center. The men were now called in and each husband lay down by his wife, the single men outside. We were so thick, occupying the entire unappropriated space of the floor, that when we desired to turn over the word of command would be given, 'Spoon,' and we would all turn over at once."

The settler in the early days was not only hospitable but also philanthropic, and never neglected an opportunity to aid a neighbor. House-raisings were hiw special delight. Let a new-comer arrive in the neighborhood and all were ready to help him. One would send a bushel or two of potatoes, another a piece of meat, another some other article that could be used to eke out the larder ; but when the new-comer had his logs cut and all ready for the raising, then the fun commenced. Teams, men, axes, all were on the ground at an early hour, logs were hauled, scored, one side hewed, it may be, and before night willing hands had erected a residence as comfortable and commodious as anv in the settlement, and at night was ready for the "house-warming," where dancing was kept up until the "wee short hours," and where all enjoyed themselves in a manner unknown to the people of to-day. Let a neighbor get sick in the fall, as frequently occurred, and some neighbor would inaugurate a "chopping bee" or corn-gathering for his benefit, when all his fall work would be done in a day, - corn gathered and cribbed, wood chopped and hauled, and everything put in good shape for winter. After the day's labors were completed, song and dance were in order, and until morning perhaps the younger members of the community would keep up their hilarity.

The only amusements of the pioneers had a hospitable, kindly core and were connected with some helpful act for needy neighbors. It was not only in amusements, but in all other acts of life that this kindliness was manifested, as an anecdote which living witnesses can testify to will illustrate.

Churcli sent an appointment into a neighborhood in what is now Isabel township, to preach. The honse wliere services were to be hekl did not belong to a Church member, but no matter for that. Boards were raked up from all quarters with which to improvise. seats, oue of the neighbors volunteering for this work, while the man of the house, trusty rifle on shoulder, sallied forth in quest of meat, - for this was truly a "ground-hog" case, the preacher coming and no meat in the house. The preacher had to come from the "Sangamon Settlements," and the few neighbors had assembled on his arrival. In the mean time the host of the occasion killed a deer and sent a boy on horseback with directions on what "point" to find it. After services, which had been listened to with fixed attention by the pioneers, "mine host" said to his wife, "Old woman, I reckon this 'ere preacher is pretty hungry, and you must git him a bite to eat." "What shall I get him?" asked the wife, who had not seen the deer; "thar's nuthin' in the house to eat." "Why, look thar," said the old gentleman ; "thar's a deer, and thar's plenty of corn in the field ; you get some corn and grate it while I skin the deer, and we'll soon have a good supper for him." It is needless to add that venison and corn bread made a supper fit for any jiioneer preacher, and was thankfully eaten.

Sometimes the amusements of the pioneers were rough, almost to the point of fatal results, - sometimes, as in the case we are about to narrate, more witty than rough. In the early days of Canton a church buildiup: belonoiny: to the Presbvterian denomination stood in the public square. This church had a steeple and bell, probably at that period the only one in the county. The belfry of this church always stood open, and one night a party of wild fellows conceived the idea of a huge practical joke to be played upon the citizens by means of this bell. Several balls of twine were procured, and after everybody had got to sleep an adventurous spirit mounted to the bell and tied one end of the twine around the clapper of the bell, throwing the ball of twine out at the window. The knot around the clapper was so arranged that by pulling on an extra cord the twine could be loosened and made to disappear. When one o'clock, "the hour when grave-yards yawn," approached, this cord was taken to a second-story window opposite, where, out of sight above any night passer, it was pulled, setting the bell to tolling solemnly and sloNvly. It tolled for an hour, when those who had awakened at its first stroke with a yawn began to wonder what it all meant, and one by one windows here and there were opened and heads peered out into the darkness. Soon curiosity began to get the better of sleepiness, and here and there a man might be seen going towards the church to see what the bell was tolling for. On reaching the church the bell cord was found hanging as usual with no mortal ringer pulling it; still the bell tolled on, ding - dong - ding ! Others came, from every cabin in the town a representative, still the l)ell tolled on with no visible mortal sexton swinging its iron tongue. "What is the mys- tery?" eager tongues asked of eager ears; ''what does it mean?" Some one suggested that some straggler had elind)ed up into the belfry and was doing the ringing, and one or two adventurous spirits climbed to the belfry to learn if such was the case, only to report that no mortal hand was tolling the bell ; and now the mystery deepened. Men with solemn faces spoke to men whose countenances marked deep concern, and declared that the end of the world must certainly be approaching. Some suggested that it was Satan, others his heavenly opponent, Michael, who was tolling the knell of a world about to depart; still the bell tolled on. At last James Wright, for a "spiritual" consideration, volunteered to solve the mystery. ' Of course the parties pulling the bell had confreres in the crowd, and, when Wright mounted into the steeple, gave the signal, and the cord was disengaged ; the bell stopped tolling; but the mystery was not solved. The mysterious bell furnished food for talk and texts for wise homilies for weeks, until at last the joke got too heavy to hold, and the parties dropped it, to the infinite relief of many a superstitious soul.

What the Pioneers Have Done. - Fulton county is a grand countv, in many respects second to none in the State, and in almost everything that goes to make a live, prosperous community, not far behind the best. Beneath our fertile soil is coal enough to supply the State for generations; our harvests are bountiful; we have a medium climate and many other things that make us a contented, prosperous and happy people ; but we owe much to those who opened up these avenues that have led to our present condition and happy surroundings. Unremitting toil and labor have driven off the sickly miasmas that brooded over swampy prairies'. Energy and perseverance have peopled every section of our wild lands, and changed them from wastes and deserts to gardens of beauty and profit. When but a few years ago the barking wolves made the night hideous with their wild shrieks and howls, now is heard only the lowing and bleating of domestic animals. Only a half century ago the wild whoop of the Indian rent the air where now are heard the engine and rumbling trains of cars, bearing away to markets the products of our labor and soil. Then the savage built his rude huts on the spot where now rise the dwellings and school-houses and church spires of civilized life. How great the transformation ! This change has l>een brought about by the incessant toil and aggregated labor of thousands of tired hands and anxious hearts, and the noble aspirations of such men and women as make any country great. What will another half century accomplish ? There are few, very few, of these old pioneers yet lingering on the shores of time as connecting links of the past with the present. What must their thoughts be as with their dim eyes they view the scenes that surround them? We often hear people talk about the old- fogy ideas and fogy ways, and want of enterprise on the part of the old men Mdio have gone through the experiences of pioneer life. Sometimes, perhaps, such remarks are just, but, considering the experiences, education and entire life of such men, such remarks are better unsaid. They have had their trials, misfortunes, hardships and adventures, and shall we now, as they are passing far down the western declivity of life, and many of them gone, point to them the finger of derision and laugh and sneer at the simplicity of their ways? Let us rather cheer them up, revere and respect them, for beneath those rough exteriors beat hearts as noble as ever throbbed in the human breast. These veterans have been compelled to live for weeks upon hominy and, if bread at all, it was bread made from corn ground in hand-mills, or pounded up with mortars. Their children have been destitute of shoes during the winter; their families had no clothing except what was carded, spun, wove and made into garments by their own hands ; schools they had none ; churches they had none ; afflicted with sickness incident to all new countries, sometimes the entire family at once; luxuries of life they had none; the auxiliaries, improvements, inventions and labor-saving machinery of to-day they had not; and what they possessed they obtained by the hardest of labor and individual exertions, yet they bore these hardships and privations without murmuring, hoping for better times to come, and often, too, with but little prospects of realization.

As before mentioned, the changes written on every hand are most wonderful. It has been but three-score years since the white man began to exercise dominion over this region, erst the home of the red men, yet the visitor of to-day, ignorant of the past of the county, could scarcely be made to realize that within tliese years there has grown up a population of 50,000 people, who in all the accomplishments of life are as far advanced as are inhabitants of the counties of older States. Schools, churches, colleges, palatial dwellings, beautiful grounds, large, well cultivated and productive farms, as well as cities, towns and busy manufactories, have grown up, and occupy the hunting grounds and camping places of the Indians, and in every direction there are evidences of wealth, comfort and luxury. There is but little left of the old landmarks. Advanced civilization and the progressive demands of revolving years have obliterated all traces of Indian occupancy, until they are only remembered in name.

In closing this chapter we again would impress upon the minds of our readers the fact that they owe a debt of gratitude to those who pioneered Fulton county, which can be but partially repaid. Never grow unmindful of the peril and adventure, fortitude, selfsacrifice and heroic devotion so prominently displayed in their lives. As time sweeps on its ceaseless flight, may the cherished memories of them lose none of their greenness, but may the future generations alike cherish and perpetuate them with a just dev^otion to gratitude.

It was in this township that the first habitation for a white man in Fulton county was erected. Over three score years ago Dr. Davison came from his Eastern home and located in the dense forest upon the bank of Spoon river in this township. How long he had lived here before he was discovered by John Eveland is not known, but doubtless for many years. Dr. Davison, who is spoken of in the first cha])ter of this work, was the first white man to make iiis home between the Missis!<i))pi and Illinois rivers. He was leading the life of a hermit, and as soon as settlers began to be numerous here, he gathered his effects into a little boat, floated down Spoon river to the Illinois, and paddled his way up that stream till he reached Starved Rock, near the present city of Peru, where he landed, lived a few years and died.

This township was settled very early by others besides Mr. Davison. As early as 1822 James and Charles Gardner came from the "Sangamo country " and located in Isabel township upon section 34. Here Mr. James Gardner lived until his death, which occurred only a few years ago. Ilis brotlier returned to Sangamon county, where he died.

The townshij) contains some fine farm land, and under as high state of cultivation as any in the ('ounty. To illustrate how rajiidly timber has grown since the country Mas first settled, and how unfi)unded the fear of the pioneers that the country Mould soon be barren of timber, we will speak of a striji of timber upon ^Ir. Duncan's farm. At one tinu' since they came there the ground from Avhich now tower lofty fi)rest trees was used a grain field. It was ])l<i\ved and cultivated as other parts of the farm for a while, when it was left idle. Trees soon started up, and now some are 60 to 75 feet in height. From these few acres of timber rails enough could be obtained to fence his large farm into o-acre fields.

Duncan's Mills is a small place of business M-ith postoffice, on section 8 and on Spoon river, deriving its name from the gristmill at that ])oint fitrmerly OM'ned and operated by George Duncan, an early settler here and a very highly respected citizen. From 1840 to 185o, perhaps for a greater length of time, his was the largest grist-mill Mithin a radius of 15 or 20 miles.

mouth of Spoon river and directly opposite Havana, being on the southeast quarter of section 29. It is now the southern terminus of the Fulton County Xarrow-tnuige railway soon to be finished to Fairview, and thus the place will have enlarged o])jiortunities for trade.

Tiie jiersonal history of any comnuinity contains the most interesting features of its history. We s})eal<; of the prominent peoj)le and early settlers as ])art of the history of the township.

Jease Benson, whose j)ortrait we give in this volume, was born at Avon, Ivivingston Co., N. Y., Dec. 2, 1804, and there grew uj) to manhood. In earlv life he was eno;ineer in the construction of the New York ct Erie canal. He first came to Fulton county with Moses Freeman in March, 1828, and after looking at the country returned home the same year. Sept. 15, he joined a company com- ]M)sed of Isaac Benson, Moses Lewis, Alexander and Richard W. Freeman (including the families of Moses and Lewis Freeman), built a boat and came to Illinois by way of the Alleghany, Ohio and Mississip])i rivers, arriving in St. Louis in Nov., 1828, where they remained all winter; the following spring they came up the Illinois river, laiuling at the mouth of Spoon river April 15, 1829; the following spring he took atrip to the north ; while absent he hel])ed to re-build Fort Dearborn in Chicago when there were only a blacksmith shop and a very few other buildings in the place. About 1831, in company witli the l^reemans, he built (piitc an extensive mill, on sec. (5, Isabel tp., for grinding and sawing, on Sjjoon river near where the old Hackelton bridge used to stand ; but a big freshet and the use of quicksilver from the hands of some ill-disposed j^erson washed the foundation from un(h'r the building so much that they were in danger of losing their valuable structure, when they removed the building to Beardstown, a ])art of the machinery Ix'ing used in a mill on Otter creek where they operated successfully for a number of years. ^Ir. Benson and the Freemans made brick of which the ]>rcsent court-house was built.

Mr. lienson was first married in 1834 to ]\Iiss Mary W. Hackelton, sister of Maj. Hackelton, an ollicci- in the Mexican ami l)hick Hawk wars. She died June 3, 18.')5. His second marriage occurred Jan. 1, 1842, with Miss Mary A. Hcndcc. This lady died, and he again nuirried, in 1851, to ^liss Harriet E. Ilendee. His third and last wife has been dead four or five years. He was the father of 12 children, 10 of whom are living.

Mr. Benson was an Adventist in his religious views. He was widely known throughout this county and greatly honored. Mr. Benson held many local offices; indeed he was not free from official responsibilities for perhaps a third of a century. Thirty years ago he was one of the three Associate Judges of the county ; was also frequently elected Assessor. To this day his efficiency in these stations are remembered and commented upon by the ])ioneers as a pleasant memory of pioneer lite. Socially he was remarkable for his genial and hospitable characteristics. He was attached to his home and his chiUlren, as their grief at his death most pointedly attest. He had been in failing health for many months, caused by falling from a load of hay ; but on the day of his death seemed stronger and more hopeful than he had been in many days. March 27, 1879, he was sitting in his chair talking pleasantly with a neighbor and his children, when he desired to lie down ; he declined assistance as he walked to his bed and lay down; within five minutes he was dead. His remains were buried at Freeman's Cemetery.

G. W. Brewer was born in Indiana Oct. 28, 1838, the native State also of his parents, Bincent and Elizabeth Brewer. He came to this county in 1850, and married Mary Ann Peggs at Otto in 1861, who was born in England in 1839, and they have had 4 children, of whom 3 are living. Farmer. Republican. Sec. 30, Isabel tp. P. O., Otto.

Jacob Brouni was born in Ohio Feb. 24, 1826, the son of George and Xaucy Brown, of the same State ; in 1848 Mr. B. came by way of the rivers to Fulton county ; worked for S4 to 87 a month before coming here and 810 to $15 since, until in three years he laid up $250 and owned a horse ; worked at fanning two years and bought 80 acres of land on 7 years' time, at §750, and paid for it before this time expired; then bought another 80 acres at 81,600 and paid for it in less than two years; in 1863 he purchased 80 acres more, at 82,400 cash ; since that time he has bought 760 acres more. Aug. 23, 1853, he married Priscilla Cornell at Lewistown, who was a native of Meigs Co., O., Oct. 26, 1834; and they have had 10 children, some of them grown. Has been Highway Commissioner. Is a stock-raiser, sec. 21, Isabel tp. Republican. P. O., Duncan's Mills. Portraits of himself and wife are given in this volume.

Jane K. Brown was born Feb. 13, ISIO, in New Jersey, daughter of Joseph and Esther Gordon, natives of Pennsylvania ; in 1829 married Charles Brown in Ohio, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan. 5, 1809; came to Fulton county in 1831 ; discouraged, they returned East, l)ut before unloading the wagon concluded they could do better out West, and back to Fulton county they came and settled on sec. 20, Isabel township, where they have been reasonably successful. They brought up 14 children, 10 of whom are still living. Mr. Brown died Dec. 21, 1878, leaving her with but one child at home, a vounjj ladv 21 vears of agre. Mrs. B. is carrvinsc on the farm where her husband introduced the first Durham cattle of the county. P. O., Otto.

Thomas A. Broirn was born in this township June 19, 1854, son of Jacob and Priscilla Brown, the former a native of Harrison Co., O., and the latter of Meigs Co., O. Our subject received a fair ed- ucation, has filled offices of trust and is at present School Treasurer and Town Clerk. He manages for himself and father, on sec. 26, one of the nicest farms in the township. Re])ublican.

Geo. W. Clark was born in (Pallia county, O., Aug. 27, 1847. In lcS49 the family moved to Indianaj)olis, next year back to Gallia Co., then to Indianapolis again, where they remained till 1<S54; then started for Chickasaw county, Iowa, with 5 yoke of oxen ; lost two of his children in Peoria by sickness, but Avent on to Cedar river and entered a tract of land ; the Indians scaljMug a few natives in his neighborhood, Mr. Clark took his family back to Indianapolis in 1.S57, and soon to Gallia county, O., again ; in 1858 they emigrated to Schuyler county, Mo., and in 1863 he was killed by guerrillas; the remainder of the family removed to Adair countv. Mo., where they all remain, except (ico. W., who enlisted in Co. E, 42d Mo. Inf. ; in 1869, married Julia A. Smith, born in 1846 in Fulton county. 111. Mr. Clark is now in the general merchandise and drug business at Duncan Citv.

JI(ir(/(nrf Coleman, residing on sec, 18, Isabel tp., was born in 1819 in Va., daughter of Wm. and INIary Hawkins, natives also of Va. Mrs. C. first came to Tazewell Co., 111., where she married Mr. Coleman in 1843, who died several years ago. Thev had 9 children. Mr. C. is successfully carrying on her farm. P. ()., Duncan's Mills.

John Craig was born Nov. 18, 1858, in Isabel township, son of Wm. and Elizabeth Craig, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana; in 1844 the}'" came and settled here. John obtained a good education and is now carrying on the farm with his widowed mother. Sec. 17. P. O., Duncan's Mills.

William Fanv's, farmer and stock-raiser, see. 15; P. ()., Duncan's Mills; was born May 4, 1819, in INIissouri, son of John and Elizabeth Farris, natives of Virginia. The family first settled in Franklin Co., 111., in 1821 ; in 1828 they came to Fulton county, and have lived here ever since. Mr. Farris has been Commissioner of Highways, Supervisor, Assessor, etc., in Isabel tp. He is yet unmarried, but has a nice farm.

Ira M. Fish was born in New York in 1826, son of Moses and Debbie Fish; emigrated first to Ohio, then to tliis county in 1840; in 1867 (he being then 41 years of age) he married Mary I. Vaughn, who was born near Vermont, this county. They have three children. Mr. F. is a farmer, on a nice tract of land, sec. 16. P. ()., Duncan's Mills.

F. 31. Fonfrh Avas born in Sangamon Co., 111., in 183."), the son of John and Rhoda (Ray) Foutch, the former a native of Kentucky. The family emigrated to this county in 1835, where the subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools. He has served the township of Isabel acccj)tably as Assessor and Collector. In 1854 he married Elizabeth Leadmon, a native of Indiana, and they have had 5 children, 4 of whom are living. Mr.

John Foutch was born in Kentucky in 1806; when of age he married Rhoda Ray ; came and settled on sec. 22, Isabel tp., in 1827, where he still resides; commenced poor here, doing most of the cultivating with a hoe, having only an ox team, etc., but is noAv a wealthy man, all owing to perseverance and economy. He has had 13 children, of whom 12 are living. Nine of the children were by his second wife, Lucretia, nee Farris. Mr. F.'s father, John Foutch, was born in Virginia, went to Kentucky, married Nancy Wherrott, moved to Indiana in 1807, to Sangamon Co., 111., in 1823, where he died in 1845, Of his 5 boys and 5 girls our subject is the eldest son. P. O., Havana. His portrait appears in this work.

John H. Foutch, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 23; P. O., Havana. Mr. F. was born in Isabel township in 1848, son of John and Lutetia Foutch. In 1878 he married Anna Shirrel, born in AVhite Co., 111., in 1856, and a member of the Christian Church, They have one child.

Dexter Freeman. Alex. Freeman came with his family to Isabel township when this country was a wilderness, undergoing all the hardships that other pioneers had to suffer, and now resides in Pleasant tp. Dexter was born Jan. 5, 1843, in Isabel tp., where he still resides, a prosperous farmer and stock-dealer, owning 240 acres of land. June 11, 18()5, he married Mary A. Lt)ckard : 3 boys and 3 girls are their offspring. Mrs, F. was born in Ohio in 1845, and is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. F. is a Freemason. P. O., Otto.

James Garffner was born in Isabel tp. in 1850, son to James and Delia Gardner, natives of New York and Ohio respectively. In 1823 they emigrated to sec. 34 of this township, where the subject of this sketch now resides. He is a Republican. P. O,, Havana. In 1874 he married Martha K. Hukill, born in this township in l''^52. They have one child living and two dead. They have a good farm on sec. 34, and from their residence is seen one of the grandest views of natural scenery in this region of countrv. One can see into Schuyler, Cass and Mason counties, looking over the Illinois river vallcv with its htnor and weird

Jame.<i M. iMnc was born in Pleasant tp, Feb, 19, 1840, son of Relaford and Catherine Lane ; married Nancy Lane in March, 1870, who was born in Isabel tp, in 1S42, They have had one child. They occupy the old home on sec. 29, Isabel tp. Mr. Lane is a Democrat. His father served in the Black Hawk war. ]Mrs. L, belongs to the Christian Church. P. ()., Otto, the son of Montgomery and Alice Matthews. He served 3 years in the late war, in Co. I, 85th I. V. I., and participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamanga, Mission Ridge and otliors ; and was with Sliernian on his march to the sea. He was married in October, 18(io, to Eliza Smith, who was born in Ohio in 1848. They have had 4 children, of whom 3 are living. Sec. 22, Isabel tp. P. O., Dnncan's Mills.

3Iontgomcnj 3Iaffhei('s, former, sec. 15; P. O., Duncan's Mills. A' native of Greenbrier Co., Ya., born in 1811, son to Townsend and Nancy Matthews, also natives of Va. The family moved to Gallia Co., O., in 1815, where Montgomery married Alice T. AValker in 1836, a native of Fayette Co., O. Emigration - in 1838 to Sullivan Co., Ind., in 1840 to Fulton Co., in 1845 moved to Wisconsin, and in 1849 back to this county. They have had 9 children, 5 of whom are living. Asa former Mr. Matthews is successful. Republican.

Robert G. 3IuUca, sec. 15, Isabel tp. ; P. O. Duncan's Mills; was born in Cole Co., Mo., Aug. 27, 1837, the son of Jesse and Parmclia Mulica, the former a a native of New Jersey and the latter of Tennessee. He iirst removed with his parents to Franklin Co., Mo., and afterward to this county in 1845, where he grew to manhood. He served in the late war, in Co. I, 85th I. V. I., nearly 3 years; enlisted Aug. 14, 1862, and was discharged June 20, 18H5. He was with Sherman on his noted march to the sea, and participated in the battles of the Atlanta campaign, and others. Mr. Mulica has filled the offices of Town Clerk two terms, Supervisor one term, and is at present Com'r of Highways. He was married, Alay 1, 1858, to Isabel Farris, by whom he had 10 children: 9 are living. Mrs. Mulica was born in Fulton Co., Sept. 9, 1840. Mr. M. is a Greenbacker.

Bernard Rogers was born in 1844, in Lebanon, Warren Co., O., son of James H. and Ann Rogers, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Ohio. Emigration - in 1855 to Mason C\)., 111., and in 1874 to Fulton. Bernard is a graduate of liryant & Stratton's College, and has taught school considerably. During the war he served in the (Quartermaster's Department of the Cumberland. In 1867, at Havana, he married Anna M. Buck, born in 1844 in Mason Co. She is a member of the M. E. Church, and has been a school-teacher. Mr. R. owns 190 acres of land. Sec. 14. Democrat. P. O., Havana.

WiUiam Rose was born in Fulton Co., 111., in 1853, the son of Barnabas and Lizzie Rose, natives of England. Mr. Rose received a common education, and at the age of 21 married Miss Martha Vaughn in 1874; she was born in 1856, in Fulton Co., III.; they have had one child. Mr, R, is a farmer with good prospect of success. Isabel tp., sec. 19. P. ()., Otto".

I). M. S/iipp was born Oct. 11, 1832, in Ky., son of Walker and Rebecca Shipp, also natives of Kentucky ; came^o Illinois in 1855, stopping in Richland Co., then to Menard, then to Mason, and finally in this tp. in 1859 ; formerly an operator of a saw-mill, now a farmer ; has been School Director and Trustee, Road Commissioner, etc., and has alwavs been an influential man. He built the first levee on Spoon river. At the age of 20 he married Mary Seay, a native of Ky., born in 1834, and they have had 3 children, one only now living. Sec. 27, Isabel tp.. P. O., Havana.

Elizabeth Sterling was born in Ohio in 1818, the daughter of Henry and Caroline Bolender, both deceased. She came with her father bv the rivers, in 1839, to this county, landing at the mouth of Spoon riVer. She was married to Mr. Sterling in 1843; they had 6 children, of whom 5 are living. Sec. 27, Isabel tp. P. O., Duncan's Mills.

Harmon Thomas was born Dec. 17, 1852, in Fulton Co., 111., the son of Jesse and Martha Thomas, natives of Ohio. Mr. T. owns the old home farm where he was born. In the year 1875 he married Sarah H. Warner, a native of Indiana, born in 1853. Mr. T.'s occupation is farming. Sec. 21.

Jesse Thomas, Isabel tp. ; P. O., Duncan's Mills; was born in Ohio in 1833, the son of John and Elizabeth Thomas, natives of Ohio. His father is deceased. He received a common-school education, and came to Fulton Co. in 1843. He was married to Martha Landon in 1853, who was born in Ohio in 1836. They have had 11 children, of whom 10 are living. Mr. T. is a well-to-do farmer and stock-raiser. Republican.

Town Clerks Joshua Toavxspiip

Perhap> Fulton county cannot bonstof a better ao;ncultural township than thi.'? one. It is bounded u}>on the north by Fairview, the east by Canton, south by Putman and upon the west by Deerfield.

The first settler in Joshua township was Joshua Moore, who immi<2;ratet do Sani>amon county, Illinois, in 1819, and to Fulton county in 1<S24. Mr. Moore settled on the place well known as the Moore farm, west of Canton five miles. Mr. Moore was accompanied by his son-in-law, John Walters, who was killed at Still man's defeat in 1832. Mr. ^[oore was a Methodist, and at his house were held many of the earliest Meth(xlist meetino:s. Here, to such ])ioneers as David W. Barnes, the Sergeants, the Bufiums, John Hannan and his family, old Father Fraker, John Owens, Jacob Ellis, and a few others. Rev. Randall, Smith L. Robinson (the one-eyed preacher) and Peter Cartwright would ])reach sermons full of primitive fire and religious zeal. At his house were held the class-meetings and love-feasts, and here were held the merry-makings wherein those present had rarer sport than is known to the silk and velvet gentry of the present fast age.

The story of Mr. Moore's first visit to the county is related by Mr. Henry Andrews, of Canton. It will be remembered, as spoken of in the first chapter, that Capt. David W. Barnes M'as the first settler in the northern part of Fulton county. He erected his cabin about two miles and a half north of Canton. It was customary and exj)ected in those early days for men who <\-ere "prospecting" through the country to put uj) at the cabins of , the settlers, where they were treated with the greatest hospitality and shown all over the country and the best quarter sections pointed out to them. This was all done without remuneration. One day in August, 182-*), two men stopped at liarnes' cabin. These were Joshua Moore and Levi Ellis. Barnes invited them in the most cordial manner to make his house their head(|uarters while in the neighborhood, and the invitation was cheerfully acccjited. Mrs. Barnes announced to her husband that the meat was out that evening, and that she did not know what she was going to do for something to eat. As meat and cornbread or hominy was about the extent of the pioneer bill of fare at that period, this announcement was received with some consternation. Barnes had no stock to kill, and had neglected hunting, from the pressure of his full work. Ceorge Matthews was at that time working at Barnes', and in the morning he undertook to find some game. He started out oast of Barnes' cabin, and liad been gone but a few moments before the report of his gun was heard, and his halloo for help soon folh:>wed it. The whole family started for the scene of action, anxiousto know the result. Matthews had shot and killed a fine doe within a short distance of the house, and was proceeding to skin it. This gave Mrs. Barnes relief, and she furnished her guests an abundance of veuison during the balance of their stay.

Moore purchased land in what is now Joshua township, and gave the township its name. P^liis afterwards moved to Elllisville, which township was also named in his honor. He built a mill at the present site of P^Uisville. Both of them were prominent and useful men, and possessed of great influence among the people at that early day. Moore died in 1853.

Mr. Levi (i. Ellis first settled in this township and erected al)out the first mill in the county. A few years later he moved to EUisville and Joseph H. Gardiner bought his farm and mill in Joshua. Mr. Ellis had erected a steam saw and grist mill in Joshua, the first in the township and in all probability the first steam mill in the county.

Mr. Ellis had previously run a water mill on Put creek, which was swept away by flood in 1835. Mr. Gardiner did a large business and for many years shipped flour to New York city. He made flat-boats upon which he would float his produce to St. Louis, starting from Copperas creek landing. After tiiese boats were unloaded he would sell them to go further south. At one time he built a thirty-ton keel-boat, and carried it on wheels to Coj)peras creek, where it was launched. When the Illinois river was low and he could not run a boat to St. I^ouis he would take a team of four yoke of oxen and a team of horses, and put on about 100 bushels of wheat and start for Chicago, where he would get 60 cents to 62| cents per bushel, when wheat would only bring 25 cents at home. It would consume a month's time to make these trips. He would return with dry -goods and other necessaries. These tri[)s ifs we may well suppose were very tedious. The roads in some places crossed sloughs and were diflicult to get over. At such places they would be obliged to hitch sixteen to eighteen yoke of oxen to one wagon and pull it across, the wagon sinking often to the box. This they were able to do as there would be generally from fifty to one hundred teams in a train going to market. They camped out on the prairies every night. They turned their oxen out to graze but tied them up at dark. Mr. (iardiner said it seldom cost any money to make the trip, but on one occasion there had been a prairie fire and in consequence they were obliged to buy corn from the settlers along the route. This cost him about $3 for the round trip, consuming a month of time.

We give in connection with the history of Joshua, indeed as a part of its history, personal sketches of its leading citizens and old settlers of the township :

John W. Abbott, deceased, was born in the Keystone State Dec. 12, 181-2, and came to this county as early as 1838. In 1846 he bought land and settled in Farniington tp., where he lived until 1865, when he bought a farm in Joshua tp. and moved upon it, remaining there until his decease, which occurred April 10, 1877. During all his life-time he took a deep interest in educational matters, aidiny; the same both morallv and financiallv. He accumuhitcd a large property, leaving an estate of 800 acres of land. His widow still resides upon the homestead. He was married in Farniington tp. to Christina Babbitt in 1837. She was a daughter of Daniel Bal)bitt of Washington Co., Pa., who settled in this county in 1827. Two of the family, JaCob and Wm. Babbitt, served in the Black Hawk war. Of the large family of 14 children, only 6 are living, 3 of whom reside with their widowed mother on the farm. The names of the children are: Daniel, Jacob, John W., Nancy C, Geo. B. and Jeremiah. Those deceased are: Alexander, died at the age of 25 ; Sarah L., at the age of 21 ; Stephen A., at the age of 17, and Elizabeth, Cynthia, Silas, Wm. A. and Bethany died in infancy. Of those living, Daniel and Jacob are attorneys at law in Canton. The children were all born on the farm homestead near the Dunkard church in Farniington tp. Mrs. Abbott was a native of Scott Co., Ind., and is the only one of the pioneer family of Daniel Babbitt living in this county.

Shu/lcton W. Ash, farmer, sec. 23, Joshua tp. ; was born in Morgan Co., Va., March 5, 1834. His father was a farmer and Singleton worked also on the farm up to 1851, when he with the rest of the family came AVest and settled in Joshua tj)., Fulton Co., 111. On ]\IarPh 3, 1856, he was married to Mary Jane, daughter of Jose})h H. and Alargarctte Gardiner of this township. They have 3 children, - Charles Eugene, Lorin Melville and Lucy Ann. Mr. Ash is a Democrat.

John Berger, miller, the son of Jasper and Gertie (Wyckoff) Berger, was born in Hunterdon Co., X. J., Aug. 2, 1808. He landed in this county Nov. 20, 1841. He has been engaged in agricultural })ursuits most of his life and at present owns a farm on sec. 1. Mr. B. and his son are the proprietors of the grist-mill at Fairview. Since this mill has come into their hands it has gained a good reputation and is doing a fine business. Mr. B. was married Dec. 10, 1S33; his wife died Oct. 4, 18()5. This union was blessed with 8 children, - 3 boys and 5 girls, only 3 daughters and one son are living, all of whom are married. Mr. B. has been a member of the Reformed Church since 1838. P. ()., Fairview.

John W. Boiccn, former, sec. 4; P. ()., Fairview ; was born in Franklin Co., Pa., Nov. 20, 1840, and came to this county in 18()1. He was educated in the common schools of his native State. During the dark days of our country's peril he enlisted in Co. 1), lO.'^rd III. Inf., under Capt. AVyckofP. He was in the famous battle of Mission Ridoe, and took part in some 20 battles and skirmishes. He returned home and in 1867, Oct. 17, was married to Anna C. Davis. They have 4 children, - 3 boys and one girl,

Egbert G. Boi/uton, farmer, sec. 31; P. O., Fiatt; was born in Rensellaer Co,, N. Y., and came to this county in 1836, where he attended the common schools and entered Hedding College, Abingdon. In 1854 he was united in marriage. His son, V. C. Boynton, was born Sept. 30, 1856, and has taught school very successfully 4 terms. He is a member of the M. E. Church.

E. L. Boi/nton. This aged veteran was born in New Ham])shire, Aug. 31, 1796. His parents were Joel and Betsy (Wallace) Boynton, both of whom died in the East. The subject of this sketch came to Fulton Co. in 183(), and settled on sec. 31, Joshua tp., where he still lives. He has served as Su})ervisor, and in New York was aj)i)ointed by the Governor to inspect beef and pork. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Fancheir in 1817. She was born March 21, 1793. They had born to them 9 children, - 5 sons and 4 daughters. Mr. B. owns 270 acres of land and is engaged in farming; P. O., Fiatt.

Charles S. Brokuw, farmer, sec. 5 ; P. O., Fairview ; is a native of Somerset Co., N. J., where he was born Feb. 14, 1822, and is the son of William and Helen Brokaw. He arrived in Fulton Co. June 16, 1846, and l)egan farming, and his efforts have been crowned with success. He has served his district as a Director for 22 years; his township as Supervisor for 7 years. Collector 4 years and Assessor one year. He was united in marriage with Miss Jane Ten Eyck Feb. 11, 1844, the ceremony being perf)rmed at North Branch, N. J., by Rev. Cam])bell. They are the parents of 7 children, - 4 boys and 3 girls : all the daughters are dead. The oldest son married Mary Voorhees and resides in McLean Co., 111. In 1851 Mr. B. united with the Reformed Church.

B. F. Brown. This gentleman, who is engaged in farming on sec. 28, was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., Jan. 22, 1828. His father, Solomon Brown, of Vermont, died in 1839 ; his mother, Clarissa

Brown, »fc Blancharcl, died in lS74or '75. B. F. was brought to this county in 1835. He was married in this township to Louisa Scott in 1853. Mrs. B. was born Jan. 25, 1829, A son and daughter were born to them, - Amanda and Thomas Henry. The hitter died wlien c»nly one year of age. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Free-will Baptist Church and their daughter of the Methodist Church. Mr. B. owns 220 acres of hind, which he has made by his own energy and exertions. His postoffice is Fiatt.

David Bt^hrc, farmer, was born in Chirk Co., Ky., in 1<S17. His parents, Thomas and Rachel (Hagans) Bybee, were native Kentuckians. Mr. B. has no school education, having never attended school over 2 or 3 months. He was in military service in California. He has been married twice, - the first tijne in Fulton Co. to Margaret Spencer; the second time in Clark Co., Ky., to Margaret A. Ballard, and has children nearly 40 years old. He crossed the plains to California in 1850. At present owns just 1,000 acres of land in Illinois and 4 houses and lots in Canton, for 2 of which he paid S7,000 apiece. P. O., Fiatt.

Chester B. Churchill, agriculturist, sec. 27 ; P. O., Canton ; was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., April 14, 1824. His father, Chas. B. Churchill, of Connecticut, died April 17, 1878. His mother, Elizabeth Churchill, »r^ Hubbard, died in Fulton Co., July 21, 18()7. Chester B. was united in marriage with Catharine M. Purkle Oct. 30, 1848, at Farmington. Mrs. C. was born Oct. 3, 1828. They have had a family of 5) children, - 7 boys and 2 girls. He is a member of the Christian Clinch.

Leonard IL Churchill, farmer, sec. 32: P. O., Canton; was born in Boonville, N. Y., April 28, 1820, and is the son of Charles B. and Elizal)eth (Hubbard) Churchilll, who came to the county in IS'M) and settled in the Hickey neighborhood, Putman tj). In 1848, in Canton tp., Mr. C. was united in marriage with Miss Harriet ^IrBroom, who was born in 1831. There have Ijcen born to them 10 children, - 7 boys and 3 girls. Mr. C. .-tarted in life at hard work. He first worked for Jacob Emery. He now owns 244 acres of land, all of which he made by his own exertions. He ran a threshingmachine for 25 years.

Samuel Cunninr/ham, farmer, sec. 33 ; P. O., Canton ; Avas born in Fayette Co., Pa., Feb. 16, 1801 ; his parents were William and Xancy Cunningham. He came West, to Ohio, as early as 1828, and 7 years later came to Illinois. He received only such educati(ui as could be triuued at the common schools of his bovhood davs. He now owns 272 acres of land, all of which he has made himself. In 1828, March 25, he was married, and his wife bore him 3 sons, Abbott, Jesse and John, two of whom arc living.

Geo. IF, Klli.'<. This gentleman, who is engaged in farming upon sec. 24, is a native of Fulton Co., having been born in Canton tp. May 22, 1834. His j>arents, Isaac and Xancy (Jennings) Ellis, were natives of Tenn. His father died Dec. 21, 1877. He attend- ed the common schools here and olcaned a fair education. Jan. 1, 1858, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Peterson. LoUi D., born Nov. 9, 1858, Dora 1)., born June 16, 1866, and Fred I., born March 3, 1872, are their cliildren, all living. P. O. address, Canton.

Neirfon FAIix, son of Isaac and Nancy (Jennings) Ellis, Tennesseeans by birth, was born in Canton township, this county, Dec. 21, 1843. He is now engaged in farming upon sec. 24. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. F, 67th 111. Inf , under Capt. Trites, and served 3 months. During the same year he entered Co. C, 103d regt., under Capt. Stockdalc. He was in 10 regular engagements, and at Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864, was wounded; Feb. 4, 1868, he was married to Miss Bell McQuaid, and he married his second wife, Kate Negley, May 16, 1871. She was born Aug. 2, 1840. P. O., Canton.

ir. W. Ellis, farmer and tile manufacturer, sec. 23; P. O., Canton ; was born in Canton tp., Fulton Co., 111., Dec. 6, 1836. His father, Isaac Ellis, came to Fulton Co. as early as 1827, and lived here till his death, in Nov., 1877, a period of a half century. His mother's maiden name was Miss Nancy Jennings. W. W. attended the neighborhood schools, Fahnestock Academy, Lewistown, and the high schools at Cuba and Evanston. He was married in 1861, at Lewistown, to Phoebe A. Gardiner, who was born in Joshua township, this county, Oct. 10, 1841. Their only child, Stephen R., was born April 14, 1862, In 1875 Mr. E. began work at his tile factory, and the first year turned out 100,000 tile, but did not dispose of over $300 worth. The next year he made 450,000 pieces of tiling, and the sales amounted to about $5,000. He has averaged 140,000 tile a year for 5 years. The exj)ense he has been to in fitting up his factory is (piite large, amounting to $5,000. He has a superior quality of clay and makes very excellent tiling.

Albert H. Furrey, fiiruier and teacher, sec. 28 ; P. O., Canton. Mr. F. was born in Washington Co., Md., Feb. 16, 1844, and is the son of David W., of the same county, and Lovina (Long) Furrey, both of whom arc living. Albert was brought to the county in 1851, and educated in the common schools and the high school at Canton. He has also taught school, and served his townshij) in various offices. Aug. 13, 18()5, at Canton, he was married to Saliiui L. Rust, who was born March 27, 1847. Cora Alice, Charlie, Bertie Dell, and an infant, are the children boni to them. He became a member of the Lutheran Church May 12, 1861, and his wife in Jan., 1865.

David ir. 7'V/'/-(7/, farmer, sec. 26 ; P. O., Canton, ^\'hil(,' residents of Washington Co., Md., John and Catherine (Miller) Furrey had born to them on the I4th day of Oct., 1814, a son, he of whom we now write. His father died in 1821, his mother in 1823. He landed in this county April 22, 1851. He has taught school some; quitting this profession he learned the cabinet-making trade in Bal- timore; he again took up his profession and followed it for 12 years. He has. served his people as School Director, Assessor, Collector, and has been Town Clerk for nearly 20 years, and he is noted for his neat, clean, legible records. He was married to Lovina Long Nov. 15, 1838. Nine children have been born to them, only 4 of whom, however, are living, - Albert H., born Feb. 16, 1844; John H., Jan. 9, 1850; George M., March 29, 1857, and Emma, Nov. 28, 1859. ]Mr. and Mrs. F. arc Lutherans in religious faith.

John A. Furreii, son of Martin and Kosanna (My res) Furrey, natives of Maryland, was born in Washington county, Md., June 28, 1827. Mr. F. came to this county from Cincinnati in 1849. In 1852 he was married to Margaret Helen Havermale, who was born Feb. 8, 1830. She has the first sewing-machine brought into Joshua township, which was in 1855 or '56. Their son, Sylvester W., was born Feb. 11, 1853. Both Mr. and Mrs. Furrey are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. F. manufactured the first drain tile made in Fulton county in 1875, working under the firm name of Furrey & Ellis. Previous to that Mr. Ellis, who is a shrewd, farseeing business man, urged the Grangers to organize a tile manufacturing company, but they refused, when he and Mr. Furrey united and started one, which has proven a blessing to the farmers and very remunerative to its operators. Mr. F. lives on sec. 25; P. O., Canton.

Joseph H. Gardiner, farmer, sec. 25 ; was born at Point Judith, R. I., Feb. 22, 1811, and is the son of Beriah and Elizabeth (Hammond) Gardiner, botli natives of Plymouth, Mass. Hi? father was a sea-faring man, and Joseph often accompanied him on a coasting vessel on many of iiis trips when a boy and young man to the East Indies and other points. Mr. G. located at Penn Yan, N. Y., in 1831 and married Margaret RaAvalt, of that place, Oct. 13, 1831. He came to Illinois in 1836 and located on sec. 25, Joshua township, where he has lived ever since. He started and carried on the first blacksmith shop in this township, and also the first steam saw and grist-mill, though on the same farm Levi G. Ellis had built and run a mill by water on Put creek, which was carried away by the great storm of 1835. From this mill he shipped fiour to New Y^ork city for several years. He manufactured the first cultivators made in the county, the " Gardiner Cultivators," which were extensively used and favorably known. He made the first lathe for turning irou in the countv, and customers came to him from Iowa, Rock Island and Springlidd. He manufactured threshing nu\chines, reapers, etc., at ooe time. He has had a family of 9 children, 8 of whom are living: Elizabeth, wife of Jackson Quick; Maria, wife of Alexander Divilbiss, of Kansas; Nicholas, deceased; Mary J., wife of Singleton Ash, Phoebe, wife of W'm. Ellis ; Joseph B., lives in Canton ; John, stock-broker in Canton ; Margaret, wife of Bigelow Story, Canton township, and James, druggist, Canton. ^\ e give the portraits of Mr. and ^Irs. Gardiner in this book.

Joshua Tp

Daniel Hage, born in Franklin Co., Pa., Augnst 9, 1838. His Avife, Ellizibeth Hage, was born May 23, 1837. His ])arents arc Christian and Maria Hage. Mr. H. had but little opportunity to gain an edueation, and tlirough life has met "with many misfortunes. ^^'hile living in Oliio lie had all his effects, save the clothing of one betl, destroyed by lire. During the late war he was drafted. He came to this county in 1869. He was married Dee. 29, 18(54, and has 2 children, - Almedia and Mary. P. O., Fairview.

C/irisfnjj/icr Holmes is a native of Yorkshire, England, and is the son of Eli and ^laria (Ixiiley) Holmes. He sailed from Liver])ool Jan. 15, 1842, and landed at New Orleans March 9, and on the 26th of the same month arrived in this county, and now r(>sides upon sec. 13, and is engaged in farming. He owns 840 acres of land, 200 acres of it being in Fulton county, all of which he has made by his own exertions. He enjoyed no advantages while a boy to obtain an education, and he never attended school until after his marriage, and is what we term a self-educated man. He was married on Easter Sunday, 1834, to Jane Shawcross. He has filled several of the local offices. P. O., Canton.

Benjamin C. Johnson was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., Oct. 2, 1819, and was the son of D. S. Johnson. He received his education in the common schools of New York and came to this county in 1832. He held most of the township offices and was one of the earliest candidates for Sheriff of Fulton county. His first wife was Phoebe Hendricks, who died in 1859, and in 1861 he married Henriette Haywood, who was born in Covington, Ky., in 1827. Their only child, Charles Lincoln, was born April 7, 1863. Residence, sec. 32 ; P. O., Fiatt.

William Johnson was born in ISOS in New York, the son of Benjamin and Polly (Batman). His iiither of English descent and his mother of German. In his early life he was a sailor on liakc Ontario; was pilot, also Ca])tain several years. He emigrated to Fulton Co., Ill,, in 1835, and at present is among the leading farmers in Joshua township, living on sec. 30; is the owner of 300 acres of land in Fulton Co., 111. He has been twice married, two children by his first wife and by his second wife 7 : onlv 5 children are living. He and his wife are members of the J^aptist Church. In politics Mr. Johnson is a Republican.

Rev. J. R. Jones, of the Christian Church, was born in East Tennessee, Oct. 1, 1821. His father, Caunah Jones, a jii-omlnent man in the early history of the county, died July 10, 1870; his mother, Phebe (Darnal) Jones, died March 25, 1833. Mr. Jones was brought to this county in 1834. He received his education mostly in the c(Miimon schools of Fulton county, and began to preach in 1851. This profession he followed, together with that of farming, until 1875. He resides on sec. 28; P. ()., Canton. He was united in marriage with Emily Sells, April 1, 1841. Five boys and 4 girls have been born to them, all of whom are living, and 3 of the former and 2 of the latter are married.

George Kccfauver, farmer, sec. 36 ; P. O., Canton ; is a son of John and Mairflalcna Keefiinvor, of Marvland, and was horn in the c'onnty of Washinjiton of that State, Dec. 2, l.SKJ, His lather died May IH, 1870 and his mother many years before. George worked at the car[)enter's trade for 7 years while with his father. He came to this connty in 1851 from Ohio. In 1838, in the Buckeye State, lie was married to Elizabeth jNIiller, wlio was born in l8U(j. She is a member of the M. E. Church.

Henry Lock, farmer, sec. 27 ; P. O., Canton ; was born in Devonshire, Kng., March 29, 1824. His parents, William and Jane Lock, were English folk, and both are deceased. Henry came to the State in 1851, stopping in Peoria Co. until 1855, wiien he moved int(t Eulton, where he has since resided most of the time. He was married, July 28, 1861, to Polly Smith, wiio was born in Huron Co., ()., in 1823. Both of them are members of the Duidvard Church. Their 2 boys, AVilliam Henry and James A., were born in 1863, and Jan. 4, 1866, respectively.

J. N. Martin, farmer, sec. 12 ; P. O., Canton ; was born in Franklin, Penn., Aug. 2, 1846, and in May of the following year was broujiht to this countv, where he was reared and received his education. He now owns a farm of 200 acres. He has held local official positions. On the 6th of Feb., 1868, he was united in marriage with Laura Welsh, who has borne him 5 children; Minnie is deceased .

James r. MrQua'xl, farmer, sec. 22; P. ()., Cantou. Mr. ]Mc- Quaid was born in Cleartiehl Co., Pa., Dec. 11, 1840, and is the son of James R. and Elizabeth (Vandevander) McC^uaid, both of whom reside in Canton. His father was a gunmaker and the first in the county, as spoken of elsewhere in this volume. James was brought to the county Nov. li), 1844. He clerked in his father's store for 4 years, then went to California; since his return he has been farming. A])ril 4, 1869, he married Mintie Craig, niece of Judge Craig, ^ladison, Cora Bell, INIaggie, Fannie and Lula are their children.

J), y. Milhr was born in iSIorgan Co., A"a., A^iril 5, 1821. His father, flacob ]Miller, was a native of Maryland, and his mother, Elizabeth (Mowery) Miller, was born in Penn. In 1848 he came to this county and settled in Canton. In 18-19 he settled on sec. 49 and has been rather successful, and at ])resent owns 282 acres of land, although he has met with several reverses ; has suffered from 3 fires, and lost money sent from the East; and these misfortunes occurred while he was starting in life. The first business he ever did for himself was to make tree nails, or railroad ])ins. He and his brother to(»k a contract to furnish them and emj)loye(l 20 hands in their manufacture. In 1850 he married Maria Jane Randolph, wiio bore him 7 children, - 3 boys and 4 girls, - all of whom are living. One son is editor of the Canton Advertiser. Politically, Mr. M. formerly stood upoti the Democratic platform, but is at present identified with the Greenback party. P. O., Canton.

Thonia.^ C. Miner, farmer, sec. 14; P. O., Fairview. Mr. M. was united in marriage with j\Ia<)o;ie Van Arsdale on the 17th of Oct., '68. Charh)tte, the eklest of their 8 ehiUlren, was born Jan. 7, 1S70; Harriet Ann horn in June, 1872, and Zilpha in July, 1875 - allof whom are liviuir. Thomas C Miner is a son of A\'illiam V. and Deborah INIiner. The former died 3 years ago, and mother is still living. He was born in Somerset Co., N. J., Aug. 11, 1839. He is a meml)er of the Reformed Church.

Willidia Ihnirii Jliii-plii/, farmer, sec. 27; P. ()., Canton; was born Oct. 6, 18")], and is a native of this township. His father, James ]\Iurj)hy, was a native of Ireland, and died 20 years ago , his mother, Catherine (Heckard) Murphy, was a native of Virginia, and she is still living. They were among the early settlers of th(> county. AV. H. was united in marriage ¥oh. 17, '74, with Maria Goodwin, at the residence of Christopher Holmes, Joshua t}). She was born ISIarch 7, 1857. Frederic H., born in 1874, and Laura May, born in Dec, 1878, are their children. In 1870 INIr. M. met with a serious accident. A horse kicked him, causing the loss of one of his eyes.

David 3Ii/crs was born in Clark Co., O., April 4, 1819, and is the son of George and Mary Myers. He came to the county in 1S55, and has been successful in his vocation, - that of a farmer. He has a farm of 210 acres here ; resides on sec. 12; and has 980 acres of land in Texas. He has tilled several of the local offices. He was united in matrimony with Margaret Ann Thomas, Oct. 1, 1821, and his second marriage with Ann Maria Bonswell. He has 4 children living, - 2 boys and 2 girls. He says this is the first season he ever harvested before his corn came up. P. O., Canton.

Ddnicl P. Xe(/h\i/ is a native son of Fulton Co., having been born here on the 3d of Aug., 1856. He is the son of fb)se])h I>. and (\itharine (Wolfe) Xegley. He attended the common school of his neighl)orhood and the schools at Canton. He is (MigagxMl in farming on sec. 12, and does nuich to improve the stock of the county. He keeps only the best stock upon his farm. As an example, he sold a three-year old colt last year for -^350. Their children number 2, - one son and one daughter. Howard was born March 12, 1872, and Eva born Oct. 23, 1875. P. ()., Canton.

Joseph Of/den, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Fairview; was born in the year 179(j in Marietta, Ohio. His father, John Ogden, of New York, served 7 years in the Revolutionary war. His mother, Mary (Hinish) Ogd(Mi, was a native of the Keystone State. ]\Ir. O. came to the county lirst in 1833, and in l'S34 returned to Indiana; but in 1845 came to Illinois, settling in Fulton, and has lived here since. He married Mary Watkins, a native ol" Green Co., Ky., and who was born Jan. 9, 1818. They have a iiunily of 8 children born to them, 5 sons and ."> daughters. The first President Mr. O. voted for was Gen. Jackson ; he is still a Democrat. He worked for 15 years at wagon-making.

township, Fulton Co., 111., ^lay 4, 1849, and has resided in the county all his life. His parents were Daniel and Ellen Perrine. David received only such education as could l)e gained at the eomniyn schools of the county. He was married Feb. 8, 1871. Politically he is a Democrat.

J. Polhemus was born in Xew Jersey May 4, 1830, and is the son of D. G. and Maria Polhemus. He was brought to this county when a lad of 8 summers. He has been successful at his calling, that of a farmer. In 1854 he was married and is the parent of 8 children, - 6 living, 4 boys and 2 girls. ]\Ir. P., when he enlisted in Co. D, 103d 111. Inf., said he never would be taken prisoner. He served his full time and was in some 20 battles. He was wounded in the head at Mission Ridge. At Dallas, Ga., was taken prisoner during the battle. The rebels got between him and 5 others, and before they knew it, 20 of the enemy were on them and demanded their surrender. They gave up, and one rebel started to escort Mr. P. to the rear as a prisoner, but he was not destined to remain a captive long. He waited till out of sight of the other parties, when he grabbed the gun from his captor and made him beg for his life. He then started back and came up with two rebels. He ordered them to surrender ; one of them jumped behind a tree and lired at him, but missed him. He then made them surrender. He broke the rebel's gun over a tree and soon reached the Union lines. The company elected him Lieutenant and he served them faithfully. P. O., Fairview.

Andreir J. Quick, son of Joseph and Hannah (Vascoy) Quick, of Xew York State, was born in Yates Co., X. Y., April 22, 1831. His father died 38 years ago, his mother in Feb., 1876. Andrew came to this county in 1853, and May 31, 1854, at the residence of Joseph H. Gardiner, of this townshiji, he was married to Elizabeth Gardiner, who was born Aug. 21, 1S32. They have a family of 9 children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows : Joseph S., born March 31, 1855; George F., 1857; Marv B., March 17, 1859; Harriet G., Dec. 14, 1863; John R., June 22, 1865; Charles, March 7, 1869; Margaret M., April 22, 1872; James B., Dec. 18, 1875; Henry Rasco, Aug. 27, 1876. Joseph was married March 6, J 879, to Martha Grigsby, of Cuba. Mr. Q. was a carriage and wagon-maker until 14 years ago, when he began farming. He lives on sec. 31. P. ()., Fia'tt.

Lnris F. B(infhjlj)h farmer, sec. 13; P. O., Canton. Mr. R. is evidently from a patriotic family, having been born the 4th of July. He also has two sisters, each of whom was born u]>on that great anniversary day. Lewis was born in 1835, and in September of the same year was brought to this county. He is the son of John F. and Nancy (Rawalt) Randolph. He attended the common schools and gained a foir education, when he entered Lombard University, Galesburg. He has served as School Trustee and School Director, and his wife, Mrs. Lizzie Randolph, nee Andrews, is at present a

Of The

School Director. He was married in 1864. Mary, born in 1871, and Jephtha, born June 7, 1877, are their children. Mrs. R. is a member of the Baptist Church.

George M. Rust, teacher, is the son of Jason and Elizabeth (Parker) Rust. The former, a native of Tennessee, was born Jan. 15, 1811, and died April 13, 1878. His mother is a native of this State. His father was in Canton during the cholera epidemic and his wife had the disease. He was the principal physician in the town during the prevalence of this dread epidemic. He practiced medicine for 35 years in Fulton Co., coming to the county in 1844. George was born May 11, 1851^ He attended the common and high schools of this county and the law school of Ann Arbor, Mich. He began to teach immediately after leaving the Cuba high school, and since his return from Ann Arbor has taught most of the time. Residence, sec. 25; P. O., Canton.

Cecil Savill is a native of England and was born Aug. 22, 1832. He is the son of George and Bettie Savill ; the former died July 24, 186(), and his mother is still living in Fulton Co. Mr. S. came to the county in 1857 and has lived in the county since. He is a shoemaker by occupation and served as an apprentice in England for 5 years. He married Eliza Morton Sept. 15, 1856, and his secr ond wife, Polly Silvernail, he married Nov. 4, 1861. By his first wife he had one girl, Eliza, wife of Chas. Abbott. His second wife bore him 8 children, - 5 boys and 3 girls. Mr. S. lives on sec. 25 ; P. O., Canton.

Edwin Savill. Upon the 15th of Dec, 1820, in Yorkshire, Eng., there was born to George and Sarah (Whitehead) Savill a son, the subject of this sketch. He had very limited educational advantages, having attended school only 2 quarters, yet he has a good, })racti(ud business education. He came to this country early in life, and April 3, 1844, landed at C^)pj)oras creek, this county. He followed blacksmithing till 1860. In 1857 he bought a saw-mill and during 1860 added to it a grist-mill. He resides upon sec. 25, and gets his mail at Canton. Aug. 11, 1849, he married Lucinda Lemon, who has borne him 6 children, - 4 boys and 2 girls, - all living, and residing with their ])arents.

Peter Hhafer, farmer, sec. 8 ; P. O., Fairview. Mr. S. is a native of Germany, where he was born June 15, 1840. He came to America in 1866 and June 15 of that year arrived in I^ilton (V). He served in the German army 5 years and got 3J cts. per day, but had the privilege to hire out and made money by thus working. He settled on a farm on sec. 8, then all timber, but now 56 acres of it improved. The second year he was in the county he made $225 at chopping with his axe. In Oct., 1866, he married Catharine Sinvac, who was born in 1839. Catharine, Abba, Harriet, Mary Ann, Sarah Deborah and Peter are their children.

mor hasbaiul, came to this county in alxmt 1840. Mr. S. was an Abolitionist an<l ilid liis part in assistinjj: the workinfr of the Underground Kaih-oad. They were both raised in a shive State and early imbibed Abolition sentiments. Mr. S. died in 1865, leaving a widow and 9 children. John J. enlisted in the late war in 1861 and served '' years and a half". lie was accidentally shot in the hip while eharjj-inir the eueinv's works at Ft. Donelson. He enli.-ted as a private, but for gallantry was promoted to Captain.

George W. Smith, farmer, sec. 26 ; P. O., Canton. Unto Jacob and Sarah (Lells) Smith, in 1843, while living in Indiana, a son was born, George W. being the name given him. His mother died in 18o7 or '58, and his father in 1872. George W. was brought to this county in infancy (1848) and here attended the common schools. There are 5 brothers, who own in the aggregate about 1,000 acres of land. Two of the b(\vs arc married and all the sisters. Jacob Smith was one of Fulton county's successful farmers and esteemed citizens.

Joseph Smith, farmer, sec. 23 ; P. O., Canton ; was born in AVashington county, Ind., June 10, 1832, and is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Lells) Smith, l)oth of Virginia. His father died about 1870. He came to this county with his family in 1845 and lived 22 years on sec. 26. Their marriage was blessed with 7 children, - 5 boys and 2 girls. Joseph was married to Sarah Elizabeth Baughman, a native of Fulton county, in 1869. They have a family of 4 children, - 3 boys an-d one girl.

E. G. Standard is a native of Fulton county and has lived here all of his life, almost. He has a flirm of 210 acres, which he has improved mostly himself He lives on sec. 17, and his postotlice is Fairview. He was i)orn on the 13th of May, 1841, and is the son of Thomas and Rachel (Peterson) Standard. His father died Dec. 21, 1878, while his mother is still living and resides in this county. He received his education at the Kandolj)!! school, Joshua township. In 1860 Mr. S. was married, and again Feb. 14, 1864, this time to Margaret Walker. James, born March 20,1865; Kobert E., Oct. 4, 1866; John I., July 18, 1868; Lucy Bell, March 9, 1870, are their children.

frrin Staiut'ird, one of the oldest settlers of Joshua township, was i)oni near Vienna, Johnson county. 111., May 12, 182(\ and 8 years thereafter, Jan. 4, 182S, he was brought to this county. His j)arents were Thomas and Mercy (West) Standanl. Mr. S. came here when school advantages were <piite limited, and conscipiently gained onlv the rudiments of an educati(»n. He has served his district as School Director for 10 or 12 vcars and his township as Collector for two terms. He was united in marriage with Miss L. Bales, Nov. 7, 1839. They reared 2 adopted children, a boy and a girl, both of whom are living and married. ^larv, the girl's name, was born August 2(), 1840; Frank H. Standard, the son, was born Jan. 10, 1850, Mr. S, renK'm'>crs the time when he knew everv man in this

Lewis E. Tritc'S, farmer, sec. 13 ; P. O., Canton. During the dark days of the Rebellion Lewis E. enlisted to defend his country's flag. He entered Capt. Trites' (his brother) company at Canton in 18(i2, and served as Sergeant. On his return home, Jan. 11, 18G4, he was united in marriage with YA'v/ax A. Randolph. Halcyon, born May 25, 1868; Carl, March 22, 1871, and Minerva, born June 30, 1873, are their children. Mr. T. is the son of G. G. and Louisa (Davis) Trites, and was born in Delaware county. Pa., May 14, 1838, and was brought to this county six years later. He brought the first Norman horse into the county in 1873, at a cost of $3,500, and has done much to improve and better the stock of the county.

Fdi'f Van Dorcn, farmer; P. O., Fairview; was born in Somerset county, Oct. 17, 1841, and is the son of J. K. and Maria Van Doren. He arrived in this grand old county June 11, 1847, and after receiving a good common-school education embarked in forming, at which he has been successful. Oct. 15, 1868, he was married. - Politically, Mr. Van D. is a Democrat.

Snmuc/ T «n Sijckrl. AVhile residents of Hunterdon Co., N. J., William V. and Charity B. Van Syckle born to them a son whom they christened Samuel, the subject of this sketch. His father died in 1868. He came to the county in 1856 and at present resides upon sec. 1; P.O., Canton. In 1865 he was united in marriage with Mary P^chleman, who has borne him 5 children. Alice May died at the age of 3 years. They have 3 boys and one daughter living.

A.sler C. T/ioinjjfton was l)orn in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1799. He was united in marriage with Miss Berintha Eggleston, of Yates Co., N. Y''., in 1834. They came to this county in 1836 and settled in Putman t|). on sec. 1. He died Sept. 16, 1863, leaving large property. He was a miller by trade. Mrs. Thom])son manages their dairy, which is (piite extensive. They were parents of 11 children : Mary, deceased, Charles M., Parmelia AV., Harriet and Elizabeth, deceased, Phoebe C, Fannie, Sheldon, Rennet, Margaret Jane, deceased, James Carr and Catharine Agnes.