Marengo Township (part 3 of 3)

W. Parker was born in Erie County, N. Y., July 3, 1824, a son of David and Esther (Hoage) Parker, and a grandson of Levi Parker, who was a soldier in the war of 1812. David Parker was a farmer, near Buffalo, N. Y., many years, but in 1844 came to Illinois, and settled in Kichmond. In 1849 he moved to Lake County, where he died April 9, 1863, aged sixty-three years. His wife died Aug. 12, 1877, aged sixty-nine years. They had a family of eight children ; all are living, save Levi, who died March 26, 1883. W. Parker attended school in the winter till thirteen years of age. When fourteen years of age he went to live with his uncle, Aaron Parker, and remained with him till the fall of 1844, when he came to Illinois, and was employed on the lake a year. He was then employed a year as baggage-master in the Skinner House, Chicago, and in 1846 went to Lake County, and worked on a farm by the month five years. He then bought a farm, but four years later sold his farm, and moved to Iowa, and remained six years. He then came to McHenry County, and engaged in the livery and hotel business till 1875. He is now carrying on his farm of 160 acres, a mile and a half south of Brodhead, Wis. He was married Aug. 14, 1848, to Eliza L., daughter of William E. and Evaline Sherman, of Vermont. They have four children - F. A., proprietor of the Parker House, McHenry, married Sophia Kenneda, and has one son - Otis, born Feb. 4, 1876; Theresa R, wife of C. N. Culver, proprietor of the Richmond House, Richmond, 111.; Sarah E., wife of John Dermont, and Rowena V., at home. Politically Mr. Parker is a Republican.

James M. Sayler was born in Schuyler County, N. Y., Dec. 17, 1822, a son of Henry and Hannah (Reynolds) Sayler. Henry Sayler learned the house-carpenter's and cabinet-maker's trades when a boy, and after reaching manhood bought a farm, and built his own house and made his own furniture. He died in 1866, asred seventy years. His brother John was for many years Judge of the Circuit Court, and represented the district in Congress. His brothers, Daniel and Jacob, were soldiers in the war of 1812. Our subject's mother died in 1834. His maternal grandfather, James Reynolds, was a Baptist minister. He died in 1854. James R.

Sayler remained with his father till 1847, and then came to Illinois, and worked for A. H. Hanly about eighteen months. In 1849 he went to California, and worked in the gold mines four years, when he returned to Illinois and bought a farm. He has been successful, and has increased his farm to 440 acres. It is well stocked with the best grades of cattle, sheep and hogs. His horses have taken the first premiums at the county fairs. Mr. Sayler was married Nov. 6, 1853, to Melissa Sherman. They had four children - James H., deceased; Alma A., wife of George Thomas; .Ella, wife of Edward E. Smith, and D. E., a noted stock-raiser, who has some of the finest stock in the county. Mrs. Sayler died in 1861. March 12, 1862, Mr. Sayler married Jane, daughter of William Potts. They have one child - William A. Politically Mr. Sayler is a Republican.

Henry Simpson was born in Yorkshire, England, May, 1833, a son of Thomas and Grace Simpson. His father died in England in 1846 and his mother in 1851. He attended school till thirteen years of age and was then apprenticed to learn the shoemaker's trade, at which he served six years. He then came to America and located in Sullivan County, N. T., remaining there two years. In 1854 he cam : to Illinois, and lived in McHenry County two years, then went back to New York, but two years later retu ned to McHenry County, where he has since remained. He owns eighty acres of good land which is well improved. Mr. Simpson was married Nov. 4, 1868, to Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Mary Thompson, natives of England, who came to America and located in McHenry County, in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have one daughter - Mary G., born Oct. 18, 1871. Politically Mr. Simpson is a Republican.

Bradford Smith is a native of Johnson, Lamoille Co., Vt., born Nov. 12, 1855, a son of Lemuel and Love L. Smith, and grandson of Aaron and Mehitable Smith. His grandfather was born May 6, 1765, and died March 8, 1830. His father was born in "Vermont, May 5, 1799, and came to Illinois in 1856. He was one of the most prominent men of McHenry Township, and died at his home in Ringwood, Aug. 27, 1868. Bradford Smith received a good education in the public schools, and since leaving school has given his attention to farming. He now has forty-five acres of good land and is one of the most energetic and industrious young men of the township. He was married March 27, 1878, to Ellen Disbrow, a native of McHenry County, born May 14, 1856, a daughter of Lucas and Cornelia Disbrow, natives of New York. They have two children - Ethel M., born Aug. 25, 1879, and Jennie M., born Sept. 30, 1882. Politically Mr. Smith is a Republican.

H. G. Smith, is a native of Vermont, born in April, 1837, a son of Obijah and Thankful Smith, natives of Vermont. His grandparents Aaron and Mehitable Smith, were also natives of Vermont, the former born May 6, 1765, died March 8, 1830. In 1840 his parents came to McHenry County and settled about a mile east of McHenry, where his father died in 1866. His mother died in 1876. He was reared on a farm, receiving but a limited education in the early public schools. He continued to work on the farm till 1871 when he moved to McHenry County, and has since been engaged in the lumber trade. He was married in 1858 to Alcena, daughter of George Gage. They have had six children - George, Marion, Henry, Hattie, Mattie and Alice. Politically Mr. Smith is a Democrat in his views, yet is liberal enough to vote for the man he considers the most fitted for office. He is a member of McHenry Lodge, No. 158, A. F. & A. M., and Chapter No. - ,R. A. M.

W. L. Smith is a native of Johnson, Lamoille Co., Vt, born Oct. 13, 1821, a son of Lemuel H. and Abby L. Smith, and a grandson of Aaron Smith. His grandfather was born in Vermont, May 6, 1765, and died March 8, 1830. His father was born May 5, 1799, and died Aug. 27, 1868. He was reared and educated in Vermont, and remained there till 1855 when he came to Illinois and located in McHenry County. He has always followed agricultural pursuits and now owns 300 acres of choice land. His stock, to which he has given especial attention, is of the best grades. Mr. Smith was married Oct. 13, 1846, to Maria Wilson, daughter of Thomas and Huldah (McKinstry) Wilson. They have five children - Huldah, wife of Simeon Covill; Aaron, Samuel W., David N. and Amos W. Politically Mr. Smith is a Republican. Mrs. Smith is of Irish descent. Her father was a son of Robert, grand-son of James, and great-grandson of Robert Wilson, who came from Ireland and settled in New Hampshire in a very early day. Her mother was a daughter of Amos and Sarah McKinstry, granddaughter of John, and great-granddaughter of William McKinstry who came from Ireland in 1661 and settled in Sturbridge, Mass.

Williams Stevens was born in Wayne County, Pa., Sept. 11, 1819, a son of Silas and Esther (Merrill) Stevens. His father was born in Vermont in 1773, and when a young man went to Wayne

County, Pa. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and was killed at the battle of Banker Hill. He received a common-school education, and when not in school assisted his father in the hotel. After his father's death, in 1843, he took charge of the hotel four years, and then rented it and came West on a visit, but after his arrival concluded to remain and bought 279 acres of land. He cultivated his land and raised three crops of wheat, then returned to Lebanon, Pa., and carried on the hotel three years, when he sold it and returned to Illinois, and with the exception of three years spent in Valparaiso, Ind., in the lumber business, during the war, has since lived in McHenry County. He was married July 3, 1845, to Zillah, daughter of Nathan and Sarah Skinner. She was born April 6, 1819. Her grandfather, Daniel Skinner, was the first man ho sent a raft down the Dela ware to Philadelphia. Her great-grandfather made the first entry of land in Wayne County, Pa., and when on his way returning to Connecticut was shot and killed for the purpose of robbing him, it being inferred that he had the deeds and money with him. Her maternal great-grandfather, Moses Thomas, was a soldier in several Indian wars. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens have had six children; four are living - Sarah, wife of Benjamin A. Park, of Ohio; Alice, Nathan and George. Politically Mr. Stevens is a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Jacob Story, one of the most prominent and influential men of McHenry County, was born in Fairfax County, Yt., Dec. 25, 1814, a son of John and Rebecca Story, natives of Vermont, his father of English descent. His mother died June 24, 1824. In 1844 his father moved to New York, where he died March 23, 1878, aged ninety-one years. He remained with his father till twenty-two years of age working on the farm in the summer and attending school in the winter. He received a good education for those days. Dec. 10, 1837, he came to McHenry County, and has since made this his home. The first year he worked on a farm for $150. After land came into market, in 18*40, he bought 120 acres, and began working for himself. He kept adding to his original purchase till he owned a large tract. In 1853 he started a dry-goods store in McHenry, but in 1856 sold the store and engaged in the loaning and real estate business. He was married Sept. 15, 1844, to Mary A., daughter of Ira and Mary Colby. They have two children - Julia A., and John I., a hardware merchant of McHenry. Politically Mr. Story is a Greenbacker, being a Whig in his earlier days.

Andrew Thomas was born in "Windsor, Mass., Oct. 14, 1806, a son of Zidoc and Chloe Thomas, natives of Massachusetts. His father was born in Plymouth, Sept. 20, 1772, and died April, 1848, in Yolney, Oswego Co., N. T., where he had moved in 1825. His mother was born in Middleburg, May 30, 1780, and died in Yolney, Oswego Co., 1ST. T., Sept. 20, 1828. Andrew spent his boyhood days on the farm, and when seventeen began working at the carpenter and joiner's trade, serving an apprenticeship under his eldest brother, James. In 1827 he went West to Yolney, Oswego Co., N. Y., and remained till 1840, when he came to Illinois, and entered eighty acres of land in McHenry County, where he has since resided. He has added to it from time to time till he now owns 220 acres of fine land. He is one of the most successful stock-raisers in the township. He has a fine grade of Poland- China hogs and 350 Spanish merino sheep. Mr. Thomas was married Sept. 25, 1833, to Elvira A. Brown, a native of Massachusetts, born Oct. 4, 1813. They have had a family of ten children - A. W., born Jan. 9, 1835; James M., born Deo. 23, 1836 died July 18, 1855; Julius A., born Oct. 6, 1839; Mary A, bornv Feb. 23, 1842, died Aug. 5, 1850; Eliza J., born May 16, 1844; George O, born Dec. 16, 1846; William H, born July 31, 1849; Laura M., born Dec. 26, 1851; "Warren, born July 26, 1855, and Emma D., born Jan. 25, 1858. Politically Mr. Thomas is a Democrat.

Levi A. Waterman is a native of Johnson, Lamoille Co., Yt., born Oct. 26, 1818, a son of Asa and Anna (Dodge) Waterman, his father a native of Connecticut and his mother of New Hampshire. He is of Welsh descent, his ancestors coming to America from Wales in 1620. The Waterman ancestry is traced to one Thomas, who held a commission as Ensign, under Queen Elizabeth.

pine-tree shillings, the first money used in America. Thomas Waterman was the uncle of Arunah Waterman, grandfather of Levi A. Arunah was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and after the war moved to Yermont, where he lived till his death in 1837, aged eighty-nine years. Asa Waterman was born Dec. 2, 1772, and died Nov. 22, 1860. His wife died in 1863, aged seventynine years. The Waterman family have been eminent for their legal and executive ability. Levi A. Waterman spent his early life oil the farm, attending the common schools when practicable till sixteen or seventeen years of age. After attaining his majority he worked for neighboring farmers for wages a year, and then returned home and took charge of the farm till the death of his parents. He left Yermont, Dec. 1, 1865, and arrived in Mc- Henry County, III., Dec. 4, and bought the farm where he now lives. He owns 180 acres of choice land. His farm is well stocked, his buildings are commodious and comfortable, his residence is pleasantly located, and he can look forward to an old age of peace, free from perplexing cares. Mr. Waterman was married Nov. 25, 1851, to Hannah D., daughter of Zachariah and Lncinda "Whiting, natives of New Hampshire. They have had five children; four are now living - Walter W. and Anna A. at home; Lucinda, wife of Albert Francisco, and Howard, Superintendent of the McHenry Pickle Factory. Politically Mr. Waterman was originally a Whig, but has affiliated with the Republican party since its organization. In religious faith the family are Congregationalists.

Isaac Wentworth was born in Greene County, N. T., March 3, 1832, a son of John and Catherine Wentworth, natives of New York, of English descent. He received a good education, attending the public schools in the winter, and working in a brickyard in summer, till he was eighteen years of age. He then devoted his time to the manufacture of brick, and in 1857 came to Illinois and engaged in the business in Chicago. In 1871 he came to McHenry, where he now is doing an extensive business. He was married Nov. 17, 1854, to Lucy J., daughter of William C. Stewart, of New York. They have five children - John, Jacob, William, Mary and Hettie. Politically Mr. Wentworth is a Republican . He is a Royal Arch Mason.

Rev. Joel Wheeler. - The first minister of the gospel to locate in McHenry County, was the personage whose name pears at the head of this sketch. He was born in Dunbarton, N. H., a village midway between Concord and Manchester. He was the eldest son of Deacon Joel and Esther (Hammond) Wheeler. His parents were of Welsh extraction ; Jonathan Wheeler, the great-grandfather, together with two brothers, emigrated from Wales to America about the middle of the sixteenth century. Jonathan settled in Salem, Mass., one of the others in Concord, the other in Rowley, Mass.

Koger Williams, who landed in Boston, Feb. 5, 1630. He was renqwned as the founder of civil and religious liberty, who with others of his countrymen fled from their homes to the new country where they expected to have liberty of speech and the opportunity of worshiping God in their own way and manner. In 1636 he founded a society in which perfect freedom in matters of faith was allowed, and in which the majority ruled in all civil offices. In this society was founded the fundamental principles of political and ecclesiastical liberty.

The grandfather, son of Jonathan and father of Deacon Joel Wheeler, removed his family, consisting of four sons and three daughters, to Dunbarton, N. H., in 1761. When the French and Indian war broke out, he enlisted under Colonel George Washington, and served during the entire campaign. At one time he was captured, and only by strategy escaped with his life. When the war of the Eevolution was declared, William and two of his sons, Plummer and William, Jr., enlisted, and history says they were brave and valiant soldiers. They served under General Gates, and were present at the surrender of Burgoyne in 1777.

Deacon Joel Wheeler was united in marriage with Achsah Colby. She was born in 1776 and died in 1807, leaving two daughters and one son. Joel afterward married Esther Hammond, who was also born in 1776. She was the mother of three sons. Her death occurred in 1844, and his in 1852. Their demise was deeply regretted by the community in which they lived, as they were devoted, self-sacrificing Christians and their acts of charity were without limit. He for thirteen years was the only Baptist member in Dunbarton; during this time he served as church Clerk in Bow, a neighboring village, and was by the church designated a man of talent, decision, piety and public spirit. From the date of his majority he paid pulpit tax to the " standing order" (Congregation alists) and also voluntarily paid for the support of the Baptist church, in which faith he was a firm believer. This tax was authorized and collected by the State, and his objections regarding its payment caused his arrest, and he with three others was confined in prison. They were afterward released but the matter was hardly fought by the people against the unjust taxation by the State to perpetuate only the Congregational church, and twelve years later the law was abolished. This was in 1819, and is directly traceable to the resistance made by his progenitor.

and his real estate, embodying three large farms, was second to none of equal size in the State. The educational advantages accorded his son were excellent, as the schools and academies in the neighboring towns were well managed and liberally patronized.

At the age of thirteen, he purchased a hand printing press, the first one ever known in that country, and distinguished himself by printing all the Democratic tickets used in the primary elections for town dnd county offices. As the tickets had heretofore been written, much surprise was manifested when the boy printer distributed among the populace the labor of his hands. Compensation was neither sought nor obtained, but from this time the public press furnished printed ballots.

His first term of school was taught when but sixteen years of age. The system of writing as practiced seemed to him an arbitrary one, and he determined to effect a radical change in penmanship. The " coarse-hand system" was by him changed to the round " business hand" form of to-day. He was the first to digress from the time-honored custom of stereotyped copies, and with his pen, made from the quill of a goose, he wrote the copies for his scholars who rapidly acquired proficiency in this branch of education. The superintending committee made their accustomed visit at the beginning of the term, and the class were put through the usual routine of exercises. When the writing was commenced the committee, among whom was the Hon. Gould, rather signified disapproval of what might be termed an innovation; at a later visit their opinion was universally in its favor, and before three years had elapsed the new system inaugurated by the young teacher was generally practiced throughout New England. His education was completed at the Young Men's Seminary at Meriden, and the New Hampshire branch of Fairfax College, Vermont. After graduation he taught for some time in the High-School before he was given license to preach. We give this document verbatim:

"This certifies that the bearer, Bro. Joel Wheeler, Jr., of Dunbarton, agreeably to the decision of the Baptist church of this town, is licensed to improve his gifts in Zion by preaching the gospel.

council being composed of Kevs. James A. Boswell, of Bow; Walter Bryant, of Jaffrey; Calvin Greenleaf, of Milford; Mark Carpenter and Deacon Nathan Putnam, of New Ipswich, and Asaph Merriman and Bela Wilcox, of Deerfield. Of this council, Rev. Calvin Greenleaf was Moderator and Bela Wilcox, Clerk. The ceremonies of ordination were duly observed in their order. Rev. Greenleaf made the introductory prayer, Rev. Boswell delivered the sermon, Rev. Merriman the consecrating prayer, Rev. Greenleaf the charge, Rev. Carpenter the right hand of fellowship, Rev. Wilcox addressed the society, and Rev. Strong made the closing prayer. Soon after his ordination he was elected School Superintendent of the district, and his written report of the term was, so far as known, the first of the kind ever returned to a board of selectmen. It was something both new and novel, and was largely commented upon by the press and people. The New England States adopted the plan which has been followed to the present time in all the States. Rev. Wheeler, therefore, may justly claim to be the originator of the system, as his was the first annual school report recorded in the United States, and bears date second Tuesday in March, 1835.

Colonel John Gale (afterward promoted General) and his staff, in token of their regard, procured for Rev. Wheeler a Chaplain's commission in the regiment of New Hampshire Militia, of which he (Gale) was Colonel. This commission as Chaplain was signed by His Excellency Governor David L. Merrill. This position we believe was not accepted, as he came West soon afterward.

Prior to his emigration he assumed charge of a church at South Hampton, from whence he was transferred to Newburyport. From this city he emigrated to McHenry County, arriving at the village of McHenry, Aug. 17, 1837. The entire distance was traveled with teams which required two months to complete the journey. On the Sabbath day, Aug. 19, he delivered the first public religious service ever held in McHenry County. His text was from Matt, ix : 36. At the close of this service he organized the first Sabbathschool that was ever held in the county, and may properly be credited as the pioneer founder of the orthodox faith in this county. Only a few families were at that time residents, but they considered it no inconvenience to drive eight or ten miles through the long prairiegrass, with nothing but Indian-trails to guide them, so eager were they to listen to a sermon. Only an occasional log-shanty could be seen, and they were of the rudest character. Dr. C. G.

Wheeler, his wife and three children, were among the first comers to the county, and Mrs. Wheeler was the first white woman located upon the present site of the village of McHenry. They came in 1836. The roof of the Doctor's cabin caught fire one morning, and while putting it out a shot was heard on the other side of the river. As new-comers were eagerly welcomed, the Doctor resolved to cross the river and ascertain, if possible, who fired the shot. With some friends, he started, and the search was rewarded by finding two families, Groodno and Rice, who had arrived a few days previous, and settled near what is now the village of Yolo. The trail made by them in moving from Chicago has been the thoroughfare from that city to McHenry and all intermediate points from that date to this.

On Feb. 21, 1838, while holding religious services at the home of Deacon H. Freeman, a disastrous fire occurred. The house was a double log structure, with a roof extending from one to the other, between which was a passage of sixteen feet, and was used as a residence and meeting-house. In one part of this house were placed the wraps of the congregation, as well as the clothing of the family. The entire half of the structure was consumed, and none of the people engaged in divine worship were aware of the fact until the congregation was dismissed. Rev. Wheeler's loss was considerable, as his outfit was made up of expensive materials. Everything, except the apparel he had on, was destroyed by fire at a later date, his goods that were stored in a log store-room being consumed by the flames which swept away the building with its contents. This fire occurred in May, 1838, and was a serious loss to our subject, as the goods had been transported hundreds of miles with teams, and none were at that time to be had in this new country. Prior to 1840 no organized church had been established in McHenry County. In the winter of 1840-'41 the first Methodist class was organized, at Crystal Lake. The field of labor that was traversed by Rev. Wheeler extended from Milwaukee, on the north, to Joliet on the south, east to Lake Michigan, and west to Dubuque, Iowa. Most of his travel was by his own conveyance, there being at that date no railroad or stage lines between the points named; but at no time did he waver or shrink from the fulfillment of his work.

The first school that we have any knowledge of in this county was taught by Rev. Wheeler, in a part of the log-house that he occupied as a residence. This was done without fee or reward, he never charging tuition. Some of the pupils came a long distance, but this was their only chance for learning. Some of the most prominent people of this county were at that early day pupils of Rev. Wheeler. There being no classical, theological or scientific course of instruction obtainable west of the great lakes, and several young men desiring to enter the ministry, he located at Warrensville, Du Page Co., 111., and the people of that village purchased a frame building, and finished it suitably for use as a school-room. It was named " The Warrensville Institute," and placed it in charge of Eev. Wheeler, and for many years it was well patronized. It ha since been replaced by a handsome brick structure, and was the first academy in the West. Among the mauy who were pupils at that school were S. P. Brown, M. D., of Elgin; Wm. Griswold

Rev. Wheeler has been married three times. His first wife was Miss Julia A. Elliott, daughter of Rev. Wm. Elliott, of Mason, N. H. Their marriage was celebrated April 2, 1835. The second marriage occurred July 7, 1845. He this time married Miss Mary J. Freeman, daughter of Rev. Peter Freeman, of Waukegan, 111. The third and last marriage was with Mrs. Eliza Dunn Berry, Jan. 18, 1869. She was a daughter of Hon. Levi Berry, of Wilton, Maine, and her portrait will be found in this work.

The fiftieth anniversary of his ordination, and the forty-seventh of his ministerial labor in McHenry County was celebrated at the village of McHenry, Aug. 17, 1884. He delivered the same sermon preached forty-seven years before, and from the same text - Matt, ix: 36. The occasion was one of general rejoicing, and long will it be rem embered

In concluding the biography of Rev. Joel Wheeler, we deem it mere justice to say that his talent and long lifetime spent in the ministry has been without fee or reward. He has labored long an earnestly, and but few men have accomplished greater success in the ministerial field. His life has been one of a self-sacrificing character, and in that knowledge of Divine truth which he so oft imparted to others, he has his reward. With a cozy home, and loving, trusting wife to cheer and keep him company, his last are his happiest days. Surrounded by everything which brings comfort to the body and peace to the mind, his time is pleasantly passed in reading, visiting old-time friends, or occasionally preparing a sermon, as he yet ministers from the sacred desk, notwithstanding more than three-quarters of a century have passed over his head. His portrait is one of the most highly prized in this volume, and posterity will rejoice at having an opportunity to note the first and one of the most talented divines that ever delivered a sermon in McHenry County. We are also pleased to attach to the biographical sketch of so good and noble a man as we know Rev. "Wheeler to be, a brief sketch of the lady who bears his name, and makes his home such a happy and cheerful one. She is courted and petted alike by old and young, rich and poor, but her heart is with her husband in every thought and action; never swerving from her highest, holiest and most sacred duties as a wife and companion. "With a face of which any woman would feel proud, a form that even a Yenus might envy, he brilliant repartee and rare conversational powers give her an entree into society in which she is most graciously welcome, and no gathering of a social nature in the neighborhood is considered complete without her presence. With a mind cultured by a long course of study, and developed in accomplishments by practical experience, she has few equals and no superiors. Eeared in luxury, knowing nothing of worldly cares, she cheerfully became the wife of one of the best of men, and to this fortunate venture may be attributed the knowledge of her many sterling qualities.

She was the petted daughter of Hon. Levi Berry, one of the wealthiest and most influential men of "Wilton, Maine. She was born Aug. 16, 1837, in the pleasant village mentioned above. Her mother was a very intellectual and highly educated lady, and took great pride in the education and accomplishments of her daughter. Mrs. "Wheeler has six brothers residing in the northern part of Maine, one of whom is a physician of large experience. The others are all men of integrity, and are highly esteemed in the community in which they reside. All of them are thorough Baptists, and two of them are Deacons of the Baptist church. There is also one other brother, of equal integrity, residing in Minnesota.

Mrs. "Wheeler is the mother of one daughter by a former marriage - Ella M., now the wife of Eugene S. Wheeler, the youngest son of Rev. Joel Wheeler, with whom our subjects make their home. They inherit the homestead by caring for and making comfortable a home for their parents.

As a teacher and superintendent of such work she cannot be excelled. With a heart overflowing with love for the youth, and possessing the faculty of interesting them in this most laudable work, her worth cannot be estimated.

Arthur 0. Whiting was born in Johnson, Lamoille Co., Vt., Jan. 9, 1838, a son of Zachariah and Lucinda (Dodge) Whiting. His boyhood was 6pent on the farm and in attending school. He obtained a good education, completing it at the academy in Johnson. He remained with his father till the fall of 1858 when he came to Illinois and located in McHenry County. In 1865 he went to Champaign, 111., and remained about two years, buying and shipping grain and produce. He then returned to McHenry and has since been carrying on his farm, paying special attention to stock-raising. He was married Sept. 11, 1863, and has eight children - Florence L. (deceased), Dora L., Minnie E., Burt A., Lena M., Myrtle L., Maud B. and Arthur B. Politically Mr. Whiting is a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the lodge and chapter.

Freeman Whiting is a native of Johnson, Lamoille Co., Vt., born Jan. 8, 1822, a son of Zachariah and Lucinda (Dodge) Whiting, his father a native of New Hampshire, born Sept. 24, 1789, and his mother of Vermont, born Feb. 13, 1800. Zachariah Whiting was a soldier in the war of 1812. He moved to Vermont when a young man and was there married to Lucinda Dodge, Jnly 31, 1815. He died Oct. 31, 1861, and his wife Dec. 22, 1872. He was by trade a wheelwright, and worked at his trade in connection with farming till 1840, when he opened a general mercantile store in Johnson. Freeman Whiting remained on the farm assisting his father and attending school till eighteen years of age. He then began clerking for his father, remaining in the store three years. In 1843 he came West via Buffalo and the lakes to Chicago, and thence to McHenry County. He remained seven months, working for $13 a month, and then returned to Vermont, but the next year came again to Illinois and worked in a lumber yard in Waukegan two years, and in the meantime made several trips to Michigan to buy lumber. In 1846 he bought a farm and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he has since successfully followed. He has added to his original purchase from time to time till he now owns 1,000 acres of choice land. His farm is well stocked with short-horned Durham cattle (registered), Clydesdale horses, Spanish merino sheep and Poland

China hogs. Mr. Whiting was married Jan. 8, 1850, to Lucy A., daughter of John "W". and Clarissa (Clemens) Smith. They have four children - Delbert A., born Oct. 30, 1850; Laura L., born Nov. 2, 1851, wife of Eichard Thompson; Lilian C, born March 5, 1854, wife of Charles Harrison; and Abbie, born Jan. 22, 1868. Politically Mr. Whiting is a Eepublican. He has been a stockholder in the First National Bank, Woodstock, since its organization, April 30, 1864, and has been one of its Directors several years. He is one of the most prominent and influential men of the township, supporting with a liberal hand all causes of public benefit, especially the cause of education.