Marengo Township (part 1 of 3)

Marengo Township

Given. - Early Events. - First Election. - First and Present Officers. - School Statistics. - Cemeteries. - First Grist- Mill. - Marengo Village. - Location. - Description. - A Temperance Town. - Date of Settlement. - Town Additions. - First Events. - Date of Incorporation. - First and Present Officers. - Churches. - Societies. - Graded School. - Postoffice. - Opera House. - Banks. - Manufactures. - Busines Directory. - Biographic al.

This township is situated in the west tier of townships in the county. It is bounded on the west by Boone County, on the east by Seneca, on the north by Dunham, and on the south by Riley Township. It is township 44, range 5.

This township is surpassed by none for its rich lands and splendid improvements. Go where you will and nothing but beautiful farms under the highest state of agriculture greets the eye, together with the finest of residences and farm buildings. Nowhere in all the country do we see such marked evidence that enterprise has kept perfect pace with time and all its wondrous changes and improvements, and rapid strides in the interests of civilization. The township consists chiefly of prairie land which is so well drained by Nature's own provision that every foot is tillable and productive. For grain and stock raising the township is equally well adapted. The dairying business has grown to be quite an industry here, while thousands of bushels of grain are yearly raised. The township is scarce of timber, except along the branches of streams where some small timber is found, it being more plenty in early times than at present. Kishwaukee Creek crosses sections 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, and is joined on the east by Rush Creek. This is the only township in the county that can boast of a stone quarry. It is situated on section 31, and has proved to be a marked benefit. From it was taken the stone to build the school-houses at Marengo and Union. Near the southern line the railroad traverses the township from east to west, and the location of the depot at the village of Marengo makes an advantageous point for ship ping the products of adjoining townships.

Settlement

Calvin Spencer was the first man to take np a claim in Marengo Township. He came from Seneca County, Ohio, in the spring of 1835, accompanied by his sister, who was the first white woman whoever kept house in the township. At the time of Mr. Spencer's settlement his nearest neighbor was Joseph Boyington, whose residence was ten miles distant. Soon after coming to Marengo, Mr. Spencer married Miss Mary Ann Hance. They had a family of eight children. Her death occurred in the year 1875. In the fall of 1835 Moses Spencer, father of Calvin Spencer, located in Marengo Township. In November of the same year he buried his wife. This is said to be the first death that occurred in the township. The next settler was Ward Burley, who came to Marengo during the winter of 1835 and '36. He purchased a piece of land east of the present village bite, which he afterward traded to Frank Safford for a stock of dry-goods, and carried on the dry-goods business for a time in connection with his practice of medicine. He was the first physician to locate in the place, and here he remained in practice till his death, which occurred July, 1847. John Sponable came here in 1836 and made his claim in Garden Prairie, Boone County, where he remained but a short time, when he came to Marengo, where he remained till his death, which occurred in 1846. Among the very earliest settlers of Marengo Township was Bichard B. Simpkins, who came in September, 1835, and made his claim where William Sponable afterward resided. He afterward located in Coral Township. He came from Bradford County, Pa. In 1838 he married Eveline Ames, of Boone County, who made his home a happy one till her death, which occurred in 1860. He died in 1884, leaving a family of seven children.

Late in the fall of 1835 came William Sponable and purchased part of the Simpkins claim, and made his home with Warren Blakesley,who had preceded Sponable's coming by several months. Blakesley soon afterward moved to Nebraska, where he is still a resident. Mr. Sponable soon afterward sold his land and moved to Seneca Township. In the fall of 1835 L. Bache came from

Pennsylvania, and bought a claim upon which he resided till 1840 when he returned to Pennsylvania, where he still resides. Amos B. Coon came to Marengo, October, 1835, from Bradford, Pa., and after spending a short time here went South, where he remained till 1837. He is still a resident of Marengo, and has the honor of being the oldest practicing attorney in McHenry County. Theophilus Kenwick settled in Marengo in 1836. He came from New York State, and took up the Vail farm, and after a short time moved to Elgin, and from thence to California. M. B. Bailey came from Vermont and located in Marengo in 1837, where he started a small store which he ran for a time. His death occurred in 1882. George Bennett became a citizen of the place in 1837. Geo. R. Page came to Marengo in 1836 and remained till his death in 1853. J. A. Davis came in 1837 and afterward moved to California where he died. William Barnes, wife and son Charles came to Marengo in September, 1839, and remained here till his death, Feb. 26, 1864. He was born in Litchfield, 1ST. H., June 5, 1797. His wife died in 1882. Their son Charles died at the age of fifteen years. Another son, Charles H., died in Chicago in September, 1884, and left a widow, son, and daughter, residents of Marengo. Timothy McNamara came to Marengo in November, 1839, and was followed the next spring by his wife and three children. He entered the Joel Smith farm. His wife, who was Phcebe Barnes, died May 10, 1851, and he the 10th of the following August. Their children have all moved from McHenry County. This comprises chiefly the early settlers of Marengo though scores settled here in 1837-'9.

Name Given

This township was called Pleasant Grove by its inhabitants from the time of its first settlement till the establishment of the postoffice, which was called Marengo, and for convenience sake the township received the same name.

Early Events

It is a disputed point as to who was the first white child born in the township, but since we find none of the older inhabitants willing to dispute the positive statement of a few of the first settlers that a son of Dr. Ward Barley was the person, we give him the credit. This child only lived to the age of two years.

Histoky Of Mo Hkney Oountv

The first school was taught by O. P. Rogers in a small log 6chool-house nearly opposite Calvin Spencer's present place of residence. The first school taught by a lady was in 1839, Caroline Cobb being the teacher. The school was held in a small log house built for a shoe shop and her pupils numbered nine in all.

The first house built for educational purposes was the log one in which Mr. Rogers taught the first school. The building was erected by private parties at their own expense. The first frame school-house was erected in 1841-'42. It stood on the site of the present fine school building of Marengo Village. It served its purpose many years when it was supplanted by a fine stone building to which was afterward added a stone wing, the whole covering the same space as the present building. This structure was burned in 1882. The following year the present grand commodious and costly educational edifice was erected.

The first religious services held in the township were at the house of Calvin Spencer, in March, 1836, by Rev. Southworth, who afterward settled in New Orleans.

First election held after the organization of the township was upon the 2d day of April, 1850. The following is a list of officers then elected: A. B. Coon, Supervisor; Geo. R. Page, Assessor; H. H. Chapman, Town Clerk; David Barron, Collector; Christian Sponable, Overseer of the Poor; Ephraim Smith, Thomas Lillabridge and Marcus "White, Commissioners of Highways; Charles E. Pulver and Daniel Stewart, Justices of the Peace; Thos. J. Richards and L. D. Spencer, Constables. The following is a list of present township officers: Ira R. Curtiss, Supervisor; T. J. Belden, Clerk; G. D. Belden, Assessor; H. M. Fillmore, Collector; C. H. Pease, Patterson Pringle and T. W. Porter, Commissioners of Highways; Wm. Shearer and A. Norton, School Trustees.

The first grist-mill built in the township was erected in 1846, about one and a half miles northwest of Marengo. It has been out of use for many years, and long since fell into decay. The dim outlines of the old race are the only land-marks of its past existence.

School Statistics

The following statistics show that this township has not neglected its educational interests in its rapid and prosperous strides in. other interests and vocations. Number of school-houses in the township, nine; amount of salary paid to teachers annually, $4, 367.01; Number of children of a school age in the township, 520; value of school property $4,300.

There are within the limits of the township three cemeteries. The one lying north of the village of Marengo about two miles is owned and occupied chiefly by the Scotch people who laid it out several years ago. It is in good condition and of fair size. The other two cemetries are situated in the village of Marengo and are owned by the Catholics and Protestants. The Catholic grounds lie in the northern portion of the village and contain about two acres. These grounds were laid out only four or five years ago.

The Protestant, or village cemetery, as more commonly called, lies directly north and quite near the railroad. It contains ten acres and was laid out in 1861. No where are more beautiful grounds for the burial of the dead found than here; neither time, labor nor expense have been spared in ornamenting and beautifying this city of the dead. The lots are regularly laid oft" with beautiful walks and drives between. The long lines of lovely shade trees extending from the north to the south side of the grounds, together with the many beautiful monuments and head-stones standing as regular and straight as a line can be drawn, present indeed a charming sight and one which causes a person to view the spot with quite a degree of pleasure despite the sad thought of death so vividly suggested.

Marengo Village

is the pride of McHenry County and the cherished home of her happy and prosperous citizens. Its location is a most happy one indeed when viewed in a pecuniary point of view for here centers the trade of nearly every surrounding township, and other trading points are at such a distance or cut off for want of direct railroad facilities that they interfere but slightly, and scarcely enter into the field of competition. Its rapid and substantial growth and the exceptional prosperity of her business men bear out this statement.

Date Of Settlement

Upon the present site of Marengo was thej&rst settlement in the township made, and here seems to have been the nucleus from which the settlement spread and afterward the city grew. Several families lived in this vicinity when the village was laid out by Messrs. Damon & Spencer in the year 1846. The surveyor was

A. B. Coon. Since the first survey two additions have been made by Calvin Spencer. The first one was made in 1853 and lies on the north and cast sides of the village. The second one, lying north of the first, was made in 1856. The charter granting Marengo the privilege of becoming an incorporated village is dated Feb. 24, 1857. First officers: F. Safford, President; Calvin Spencer, Fletcher Lindsley, A. R. Parkhurst, I. P. Warner, Trustees; J.

B. Babcock, Clerk. Present officers: B. S. Parker, President; S. K. Bartholomew, A. J. Shurtleff, C. W". Ingersoll and A. W. Kelley, Trustees; I. T. Belden, Clerk.

Fikst Events

The first hotel was built by Calvin Spencer in 1835; it was situated on the corner of State and Main streets. It was a log structure sixteen feet square which he erected for his own private use, but scarcely had he the building completed when he found himself entertaining strangers who were seeking homes in the West. Scarcely willing to be crowded into the duties of a landlord, he found the exigencies of the circumstances and times demanded it of some one, hence in the spring of 1836 he built two log structures, one 18 x 26 and the other 18 x 18, situated far enough apart to have a kitchen between. This served the purpose of a hotel till 1838 when he added to this structure a frame building 16 x 18. At this time he was fully initiated into the numerous duties and perplexities of a frontier landlord. His custom had gradually increased till his trade exceeded by far the fondest hopes of the landlord of modern times. He kept the hotel till 1842. In 1841 David Haminar erected a log house in which he kept hotel a short time. In 1842 Mr. Spencer sold his hotel to a Mr. Basford who soon afterward took David Hammar in as partner. Basford & Hammor afterward erected a frame building of considerable size which was used by different parties many years as a hotel. It is now the property of D. Johnson and is occupied as a private residence. About 1853 or 1854 Jacob A. Davis built a hotel where the Ryder House now stands. This was the third hotel built in the place. It was used as a hotel till 1876, when it was consumed by fire. At the time of its burning it was the property of A. Ryder who immediately rebuilt what is known as the Ryder House.

The religious interests of Marengo have not in consequence of its rapid advancement in other directions fallen in the background, but to the contrary, we might say, they stand paramount to all other surrounding interests.

The Presbyterian Church, was organized in 1850 under Rev. Geo. F. Goodhine, who came directly to this field of labor from Princeton Theological Seminary, New Jersey. He preached for this people seven years, at the expiration of which time he was elected President of the Collegiate Institute. He was followed in the church by Dr. R. H. Richardson who remained about one year. He was succeeded by Rev. Gill who supplied the church one year. Rev. L. M. Stevens was then called as pastor to the church which position he filled five years. His successor was Rev. H. P. Peck who remained about three years when he was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Carpenter who filled the office of pastor about the same length of time. Rev. J. JN. Hutchinson was then called to the pastorate January, 1875, which position he has since filled. The church was organized with but fifteen members. It enrolled 110 in 1875, and at present has a membership of 182. No congregation in the place has made more sure and steady advancement than this one. Its members and pastor seem to be united in their one great and common cause, and the church is indeed a strong one, both financially and spiritually. In 1852 they erected their beautiful house of worship at a cost of about $8,000. It is a fine stone structure and will seat 300 people.

Baptist Church. - This society was originally organized in the fall of 1840 by Rev. Isaac Marvin, with seven members, viz.: Isaac Marvin and wife, A. Bridges and wife, Elijah Dunham and wife and Abigail Rogers, all of whom are dead exce.pt Isaac Marvin and Mrs. Bridges. The former is a resident of Wisconsin and the latter a citizen of Riley Township, this county. Elder

Marvin was sent to take charge of this society by the Home Mis sionary Society. The church, at the time of organization, was called Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. In 1842 they held services regularly in a school-house in Coral Township, about three miles southeast of Marengo, and the name was changed|to Coral Baptist Church. Previous to this change they held their meetings in private houses, chiefly at the residence of Moses Spen cer. The society grew in numbers till its membership numbered eightythree. In 1852 Elder Marvin organized another church which some suppose to be the original organization of the Baptist society in Marengo. This new organization commenced to build a house of worship, but failed for want of funds. Their membership numbered only thirty-eight. The Coral church then joined with this new organization and consolidated the two, agreeing to use the books of the Coral church, as it was the large stand longest established body, but the church records were either accidentally or intentionally lost and were never recovered, hence it is that the majority of people have no knowledge of a Baptist church beyond the organization of the lost branch which was swallowed up by the first organization. The history of the present and second organization of the church was given us as follows, which shows how the Coral church became a part of the Marengo church, as the people of that church understand.

At a meeting held Aug. 28, 1852, at the old school- house, the First Baptist Church of Marengo was organized. At this date a house of worship was erected in company with the Free- Will Baptists, whose pastor, Rev. King, preached for them a time. When Bev. Xing retired the Baptists purchased the church property, and called Rev. L. W. Lawrence to preach for them. At this time the Coral Baptist Church joined them. The old records were closed and new ones opened. Rev. Lawrence was succeeded by Rev. Roe, of Belvidere, who supplied the pulpit till 1857, when Rev. Z. A. Bryant became the pastor. The following January, Rev. W. !N. More held a revival service which resulted in adding forty members to the church. In August, 1858, Rev. D. E. Halteman was elected to the pastorate. He afterward became the Chaplain of the Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. During his stay in the army his place was filled at Marengo by Rev. James King, who resigned in favor of the pastor upon his return home. Rev. T. F. Barchurs was their next pastor. He preached till about the year 1872 when Rev. 0. B. Stone became the pastor. A. B. White succeeded him in 1879. After him came R. L. Halsey the present pastor. The church has since its earliest existence had reason to rejoice in its prosperity and the good it has accomplished. At present it is in quite a nourishing condition with bright prospects for future prosperity.

The first Deacons of the church were James Andrews and M. Butterfield. E. N". Howe was the first Clerk and M. Butterfield the first Sunday-school Superintendent.

Free Methodist. - This society was formed in 1860. The first meetings were held in the house of Mrs. Damans, and afterward they held meetings in Lansing's Hall. For a time previous to holding services in their church they occupied the parsonage. Their church was dedicated by Rev. B. T. Roberts in September, 1862.

The following is a list of the first members: J. W. Ridfield, M. S. Ridfield, O. Joslyn, Mary Joslyn, W. M. Sanford and wife, M. L. Hart aud wife, L. H. Bishop and wife, John Hance, Dan Boyington, H. A. Coon, Julia Ward, Francis Barron and wife, Martha Bishop and W. D. Bishop. The following were the first Trustees elected: L. H. Bishop, O. Joslyn, 0. P. Rogers, R. Wagar, H. A. Crandall and F. Barron. First Class-Leader, D. Boyington. At the time of the church organization they organized a Sundayschool with O. P. Rogers, Superintendent. Their first pastor was Rev. E. P. Hart and their present one E. C. Best. Fifteen pastors in all have had charge of this body.

Methodist Episcopal. - This might be properly called the pioneer church of the county. As early as 1837 the conference formed a circuit which was named the Sycamore Circuit and embraced all the territory from Sycamore north to the Wisconsin line, running east as far as Fox River and west to Rock River. The regular appointed places for holding services were Sycamore, Rockford, Belvidere, Round Prairie, Garden Prairie, Marengo, Harmony, Ridgefleld and McHenry, besides many private places where services were held when found convenient. At this date churches were not as numerous as at the present time. Of all these appointments there was no place provided for holding services except in private houses. During the year 1837 and most of 1838 the preachers in charge of this circuit were Leander S. Walker, P. C. Gaddis and Wm. Gaddis. The latter came to Marengo in the fall of 1837 and preached his first sermon at the house of Dr. Eli Smith, in Riley Township. The audience did not exceed eight persons besides the Doctor's family. Sometime in the year 1838 the minister in charge formed a class in Marengo, holding meetings in the house of Calvin Spencer. The following were the first members of this society: Eli Smith, Class-Leader, Asenith Smith, Samuel and Folly Smith and Eunice Cobb. A few days afterward the names of O. P. Rogers, Mary S. Eogers and Clester Williams were added to the list. During the following winter, meetings were held at the residence of O. P. Eogers, and the following names were added to the church roll of membership: Thomas Thorn and wife, William Thorn and wife and Mr. Thorn's two sisters.

In consequence of this circuit spoken of being about 300 miles in circumference, requiring nearly one year for a pastor to make - the round, the circuit was subdivided. In 1838 Rev. L. S. Walker and Nathaniel Jewett were sent to Marengo appointment.

At the first quarterly-meeting held at Round Prairie, the following Stewards were elected: Wesley Diggins and O. P. Rogers. Revs. Walker and Jewett received for their services about $100 per year, and their duties were to preach one sermon each week day and three on Sunday.

In 1852 Marengo was made a special point on the circuit and ever after was favored with regular religious services and stated ministers. During the winter of 1856-'57 one of the most remarkable revivals ever known in the West was held here. It commenced in the fall and lasted till spring with no decrease of interest from first till last. From far and near the people gathered, filling the house to overflow. The result of this revival was the conversion of over 400 souls. In the year 1855 this society built their fine house of worship. It was dedicated in the spring of 1856 by Rev. John Demster.

Since first organization of this society up to the present time there have been in charge forty-seven ministers, Rev. L. S. Walker being the first and Rev. J. M. Clendening the last. The Sabbath-school was organized in 1840 and held in a log house where S. H. Goodsell now resides. The first Superintendent was P. Ferry, a local preacher. The school began with nine scholars and has to-day over 100.

Independent. - This body of Christians was organized in 1876, by Rev. N. D. Fanning. The members were principally from the Methodist. Episcopal church, though all denominations were represented, making a membership of ninety to begin with, which soon increased to 160. They remained an Independent body but a few years when an attempt was made to form a Congregational church of it, which failed and resulted in the formation of a Wesleyan Methodist church. This occurred in December, 1882, and the fast decrease of membership indicates that it is not a growing institution at least. Its present membership is but forty. This falling off is due to the fact that the majority of the members of the Independent body were Congregationalists at heart, and did not join the rest in the formation of the "Wesleyan Methodist church. During the time they existed as an Independent body the following pastors ministered unto them : Rev. N. D. Fanning, Rev. Coleman and Rev. Bailey. When they became a "Wesleyan Methodist church they were supplied for a time by Rev. Bedford, from Wheaton Theological Seminary. The present pastor is Rev. Shephardson. Their church is a frame building, capable of seating about 175 persons. Its cost was nearly $7,000. At present it is occupied by the German Lutheran church, which was organized only recently, and is still financially weak, though rapidly growing.

Episcopal. - This church was organized many years ago, but its membership has always been quite small. A church was built and occupied for several years when the society disbanded and the church was sold to the Catholics, who still occupy it. It is a frame building with a capacity for seating about 150 people.

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was formed in March, 1883, Mrs. S. A. Crissey and Mrs. George Saunders being the prime movers in the enterprise. The list of charter members numbers seventy-five, and the present membership is over 100. The officers first elected, and who still hold their seats, are as follows : Mrs. Crissey, President; Mrs. Saunders, Secretary; Mrs. Flanders, Treasurer. In March, 1884, they established a readingroom on Main street, which affords a rare opportunity for all so disposed to acquaint themselves with popular authors and valuable works. Here daily papers are always found, together with the standard magazines and periodicals. Here is also found a fine circulating library consisting of over 300 volumes of the choicest of literature.

Marengo Lodge, No. 138, A. F. <& A. M., was established under the Dispensatory March 3, 1853. The lodge was organized under the charter Dec. 7, 1853. The date of the charter is Oct. 5, 1853. The following is a list of charter members with the first officers: J. W. Green, W. M.; C. D. Canon, F. W. ; A. B. Coon, J. W.; David Barron, <,Wm. Barnes, N. Terrill, A. Bogers, B. Alcott, B. B. Simpkms, Cornelius Lansing, D. Wilbur. The present membership is seventy-seven in good and regular standing. The size of the lodge has diminished and increased owing to removals, deaths and new-comers, but has at all times had a good, full membership. During the whole time of their existence they have been calledupon to support but two or three families of deceased members. The lodge had been running along finely for about four years when complaint was made against many of its members which nearly resulted in the downfall of the lodge but good management on the part of some of its leaders soon rallied the forces and placed the lodge on sounder footing than before. The following will show who has held the office of Master Mason each year from the time of its organization : Dr. J. W. Green in 1853, 1855, 1858, 1860, 1863, 1875, 1878, 1880, 1883; A. B. Coon, 1854; Colonel Lansing, 1856; O. S. Jenks, 1857; O.H. Bogers, 1859; T. K. Ercanbrack, 1864; G. B. Wells, 1865; J. B. Babcock, 1866, 1874. Present officers are as follows : L. Barber, W. M. ; S. B. Oakley, S. W.; H. M. Fillmore, J. W.; F. S. Sogers, Secretary; J. Y. Wells, Treasurer; O. H. Lincoln, S. D. ; F. A. Patrick, J. D.; A. G. Beath, Tyler. The lodge meets every second and fourth Monday evening of each month.

Select Ktiights of the A. O. U. W. - This branch of the order was established July 29, 1884, with the following thirty-six charter members: A. P. Abbott, A. G. Beath, Thos. Bright, H. Barber, W. J. Casely, Chas. Church, N. F. Calver, J. M. Clapp, M.

First officers were as follows: F. G. Hockley, S. C; E. F. Mc- Kinney, V. C; M. F. Drake, L. C; A. S. Norton, Recorder; A. P. Abbott, Treasurer; R. G. White, Recording Secretary; L. J. Hills- J. F. Wilson ' and F. L. Nutt, Trustees; F. L. Nutt, Chaplain; Chas. Church, Standard Bearer; H. B. Smith, Sen. Workman; J. T. Smith, J. W. ; A. F. Fickes, Marshall; H. H. Barber, Guard of Legion; F. L. Nutt, Medical Examiner. This list of officers constitutes those whose time has not yet expired, hence the first officers are the present ones. The society holds its meetings the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month in the Masonic Hall. Their uniforms consist of ostrich plumed chapeau, black silk cap, for evening wear, three chain plaited link, belt and sword with buck gauntlet gloves. The spirit of the lodge is a mutual life insurance of its members. The friends of each member receives at his death $3,000; assessment made and money comes through the Grand Lodge of the State.

Lancing Chapter, No. 73, E. A. M. - This chapter was organized under a dispensation and held its first meeting Oct. 27, 1864- charter issued Oct. 6, 1865. The following are the charter members: G. V. Wells, D. C. Peck, W. A. Treat, F. 0. Fillmore, John Couch, Lefler Strell, T. K. Ercanbrack, P. S. Griffeth, H. Nickerson, W. W. Poyer, C. B. Read, W. H. Rockwood, Jas. Underwood, P. T. Parkhurst, L. Woodward, E. F. McKinney, G.

This chapter held their meetings once a month in the Masonic Hall. Their meetings are well attended and the chapter is in a flourishing condition, though their membership has been higher than at present, which is forty-five in number.

Barley Wayne, Post No. 169, G- A. E., Dep. of III - This post was organized Dec. 29, 1882, with the following charter members: J. W. Green, R. Miller, C. S. Strickland, C. A. White, W. J. Casely, W. H. Sanders, B. F. Parker, J. B. Babcock, J. Q. Adams, D. A. Steadman, Samuel Rowland, Amos J. Boyington, A. London, W. A. Mallory, C. W. Mallory, H. M. Fillmore, John Kennedy, Wm. Sullivan.

The first officers elected were as follows: Ira R. Curtiss, Post Commander; John Kennedy, Sen. Yice-Commander; B. S.Parker, Junior Yice-Com.; W. H. Sanders, Q. M.; A. J. Boyington( Adjt. ; J. W. Green, Surgeon; J. B. Babcock, Chaplain; D. A. Steadman, Officer of the Day. Present number of members is eighty-nine and meet every second and fourth Friday evenings of each month in the Masonic Hall. Below will be found a list of the present officers: Ira R. Curtiss, Commander; John Kennedy, Sen. Vice-Corn.; B. F. Parker, Jr. Yice-Com.; W. H, Sanders, Q. M. ; A. J. Boyington, Adgt. ; J. W. Green, Surgeon; J. B. Babcock, Chaplain; Wm. Sullivan, Officer of the Day.

Kishwauhee Farmers' Club. - This club was formed some time in March, 1875, through the instrumentality of Messrs. Israel Boice, T. McD. Richards and Patterson Pringle, who met at the house of Mr. Richards early in the spring of 1875, and after discussing the feasibility of the matter among themselves, selected fifteen of their best neighbor farmers to join them. Their plans were heartily accepted by all, and it was not long before the membership of the club exceeded fifty. They held their meetings once a month, at the residence of one of its members, where they discussed in a friendly manner the propriety of various modes of farming, together with all the various branches of agriculture, horticulture, stock-raising, dairy business, etc. By previou appointment some member would read a lecture which he had prepared for the occasion, treading upon some subject relative to the interests of the farmer and which subject was afterward taken as a topic for discussion. In this and various ways they not only advanced their interests and informed themselves upon useful subjects, but it proved to be a source of great pleasure to the participants and a splendid school for cultivating the social and moral qualities of the neighborhood. Time forbids further mention of the numerous enjoyable occasions witnessed by this club, or it would be our delight to enter into detail and to show the great attractiveness loaned to these various occasions by the ready hands of the wives and daughters of the club's members. Thos. McD. Richards was the first President, which position he held six consecutive years. Present President, R. M. Patrick.

Marengo Agricultural Board

In the year 1872 a Driving Park Association was formed in Marengo, consisting of J. M. Anderson, R. M. Patrick, T. H. St. John, L. W. Sheldon, A. H. Vail, Calvin Gilbert, S. K. Bartholomew, W. A. Boice, Calvin Spencer and others. This association leased of Calvin Spencer for a term of years the grounds which the Agricultural Board now controls. They went to considerable expense in grading the track and erecting an amphitheatre, and after holding two exhibitions found the project was a financial failure. The association went down, and the property and lease fell into the hands of a few of the former members, who tried to run it for a time with the hope that some horsemen might be persuaded to purchase the property. Failing in this, they turned the property over to an Agricultural Board recently formed in Marengo, consisting of A. Jones, R. M. Patrick, E. H. Seward and Calvin Spencer. This board ran the grounds for the three following years, meeting yearly with increased success and abundant encouragement. This induced others to join the enterprise, and the following year a State charter was obtained from the Government, and 220 shares of stock were issued at $10.00 each. This resulted in a full paid-up stock. They have held three fairs, and each year, after paying $2,000 premiums, have had a dividend of ten per cent, on the capital stock left. They are well prepared to give accommodations to sightseers and exhibitors. Their mile-track is not excelled in the country, while the capacious grounds, containing fourteen acres, is a show-deld not often seen in the West. They have ninety box-stalls. Their amphitheatre holds over 1,000 people, and the agricultural hall is large and commodious. The officers of the Society consist of a president, secretary, vice-president, treasurer, general superintendent and nine directors. The following is a list of those who at present fill the respective positions: L. W. Sheldon, President; H. Underwood, Vice-President; S. K. Bartholomew, Treasurer; R. M. Patrick, Secretary, and L. Barber, General Manager. W. A. Treat, C. Spencer, O. H. Thorn, L. W. Sheldon, H. Underwood, L. Barber, R. M. Patrick, J. S. Rogers and S. K. Bartholomew, Directors.

Marengo Fire Corps

was organized Oct. 29, 1883, through the instrumentality of H. B. Smith, J. Teeple and A. W. Kelley. The number of charter members was fifty-two, and while several have dropped out of the ranks, others have filled their places, so that a good, strong corps is ever ready to turn out and fight the fire-fiend, which has on several occasions made its power felt in this city. Many will long remember the destructive fire that occurred on Jan. 4, 1867, as well as the one on March 5, 1876, when the Ryder House and several adjoining stores and shops adjoining were destroyed by fire. The citizens of Marengo seemed slow in wakening up to the full sense of danger in which they stood, without any means to exterminate a conflagration, and not till 1883 did they make any such provisions. At this date the city purchased two chemical engines, at an expense of $1,800. These engines are under the control of the fire corps, whose gratuitous duty it is to keep them in good working order and place them on the grounds ready for action soon as possible after the alarm of fire is given. The following is a list of officers elected at the first meeting of the corps: A. S. Norton, Secretary; E. A. Vandevere, Treasurer; H. G. Otis, Charles Ingersoll and J. Teeple, Directors.

Educational

Owing to the fact that the records were burned at the time the school-house was burned, we are unable to give the exact time when this became a graded school. We are informed that the first Principal after the school was graded was Prof. Wheeler, who remained about two years. Following him was Dr. Miller, who was succeeded by Prof. J. Allen. After holding the position ten years, Allen remained as Principal four years, when he returned to his native State, Vermont. He was succeeded by Prof. Talmage, who remained but a short time. The present Principal, C. M. Barlow, came in 1883. The attendance of scholars is about 350, and seven teachers are employed.

The school building is one of the finest in the State, built at an expense of over $20,000. It is a two-story stone building, containing seven rooms above the basement, where is situated the furnace by which the building is thoroughly warmed by steam. Much credit is due to the directors who have so successfully managed the financial and educational interests of this institution since its completion. The present board, consisting of Drs. W. H. Mesick and E. E. Peck and W. P. Abbott, seem to be the permanent choice of the community, who in the main have watched as guardian angels many years over this worthy object.

Presbyterian Academy

This institution was established in the basement of the new church soon after it was built. The first Principal was E. B. Conklin, who held the position but a few years, when he was succeeded by Prof. Scudder. The attendance enrolled from 80 to 120 scholars. This academy was in existence some five years when, in 1857, an Educational Institute was formed. A large, commodious five-story brick building was erected for the purpose of carrying on the institute. The institute had scarcely run one year when, for want of sufficient endowment, it fell into the hands of other parties, who might possibly have made a success of it had they not met with the misfortune of having their building burn down.

David Hamtnar was the second Postmaster, the office being kept for a time at the residence of Joseph Deitz, and afterward taken to what was known as the old Vermont Home, on corner of State and Main streets. The office was next moved to where Henry Underwood's livery stable now stands, and Col. Cornelius Lancing appointed as the third Postmaster. Win. F. Combs was appointed the fourth Postmaster. The office was then kept in a store just in front of the building now occupied by the Free Methodist church. The office was then established on the southwest corner of Main and State streets, where it remained but a short time, when it was taken to the northwest corner of the same streets. Here the fifth Postmaster, L. L. Crandall, held the office. Anson Sperry was next appointed in 1853 and held the office till 1861. The office at that time was located where the Marengo Opera House now stands. From 1861 to 1873 Dr. O. S. Jenks held the office in the building now occupied as a dry-goods store by Wm. C. Stewart. In the same building "Wm. C. Stewart held the office from 1873 to 1882. J. Q. Adams, the present incumbent, took charge of the office Feb. 1, 1882. The office is now in the building on the southeast corner of State and "Washington streets. The first money-order was issued at this office Sept. 9, 1867, to Albert H. Vail. The first moneyorder paid at this office was to Rev. David Teed, Sept. 25, 1867. Prior to the year 1841 the mail for this section was delivered at Coral postoffice, three miles southeast of Marengo, which at that time was the only one between Marengo and Chicago.

Opeba House

This beautiful structure was built by R. M. Patrick at an expense of nearly $30,000. It was opened in April, 1883. The dimensions of the building are as follows: 95 x 53 on the ground, and two stories high, the lower story being fourteen feet and the upper thirty-two feet. The full height of the building is fifty-four feet. Its seating capacity is 750, though 1,000 can readily be accommodated by the addition of chairs. The seats are modernly arranged and of the latest pattern of the opera chair. The stage appliances and outfit are complete. .Fifteen full sets of scenery and many odd pieces comprise the present facilities in that line, though there are being constantly added new scenes.

This house is a model of neatness in every department. The waiting and dressing rooms, the capacious stairway, the grand scenery, the beautiful frescoed ceiling and gilded walls, illuminated by over 100 gas-jets, presents a picture almost enchanting in its dazzling brightness and rare beauty.

The house was erected by Mr. Patrick more with a view of promoting the interests of Marengo than for financial gains, and in consequence the privileges of the use of the house is extended only to first-class troupes and those known to possess nothing but the highest reputation.

Farmers and Drovers' Bank was first established by Seth Lewis in 1872, who ran it till 1875, when B. S. Parker purchased the bank and all its interests of Mr. Lewis at an expense of $5,000- Since Mr. Parker became the owner of the bank the business has been done chiefly with farmers, stock-dealers and business men generally. At the present time the bank is doing the financial business of over twenty cheese factories and creameries. Since 1875 Mr. Parker has added to his business several thousand dollars, and is at present doing a remarkable business, handling annually over $1,000,000. In 1883 Mr. Parker built his fine bank building at an expense of nearly $4,000. The building and office are rarely surpassed in the West. Mr. Parker's long acquaintance with the people of this community has afforded them ample time to become thoroughly acquainted with his strict business habits and integrity, who through his perfect uprightness has thoroughly established himself not only in business but in the confidence of the people, which he most justly deserves.

The First National Sank of Marengo was organized on the 29th day of July, 1871, when the following Directors and officers were elected: Directors, R. M. Patrick, Eli as Patrick, Geo. Smith, Ira E. Searls and G. V. Wells; Officers, G. V. Wells, President; K. M. Patrick, Cashier. At the first special meeting Geo. Smith was elected Vice-President, and Elias Patrick, Assistant Cashier.

The first annual meeting was held Jan. 9, 1872. The following Directors and officers were elected: Directors, G. V. Wells, R. M. Patrick, O. P. Rogers, George Smith and Ira E. Searls; Officers, G. V.Wells, President; O. P. Rogers, Vice-President ; R. M. Patrick, Cashier; Elias Patrick, Assistant Cashier. Directors at this date (Dec. 12, 1884), G. V. Wells, R. M. Patrick, O. P. Rogers, Geo. Smith and H. Underwood; Officers, R. M. Patrick, President; 0. P. Rogers, Vice-President; N. V. Woleben, Assistant Cashier. Capital stock paid in, $50,000; surplus to date, $21,000.

Pickle Factory - This factory was built in 1880 by a joint stock company with a paid up capital of $5,000. The stock company is incorporated under the State laws. Annual meetings of the members are held, while the officers meet once a month. The capacity of the building is 30,000 bushels. Sine its first debut it has been doing a good paying business and the company are thoroughly in earnest in the enterprise. The present officers are as follows: Ira R. Curtiss, President; R. M. Patrick, Secretary; B. S. Parker, Treasurer.

Cheese-Box Factory. - This building was first erected for a sash and blind factory which purpose it served about six years when it was converted into a cooper shop which ran only two years and after lying idle a few months, in 1879 it was purchased by Messrs. Wood & Sherwin, of Elgin, and converted into a cheese-box and tub factory. About one year ago the manufacturing of tubs was dispensed with, and they are now engaged in the manufacture of cheese-boxes alone.

Marengo Flouring Mill. - This once paying institution, situated near the railroad track, was built in 1861 by Butsford, Howe & Spencer at a cost of $10,000. A steam engine afforded the power and they did a fine custom business. Not long after the mill commenced to run, Mr. Spencer withdrew from the firm. Butsford & Howe continued to do a good business for many years. The present proprietor is S. K. Bartholomew, who uses it exclusively as a feed-mill. While it is still a property of considerable value its depreciation was chiefly on account of the wheat failure in Illinois.

Foundry and Machine Shop. - About the year 1868 Henry Deitz built a structure 18 x 28 feet with a wing called a lien 26 x 18 feet, for the purpose of carrying on the foundry business. For about four years he was engaged at it in a small way with only three hands. In 1872 C. E. Kelley purchased the property and proceeded at once to increase its capacity by enlarging the building and adding machinery. The wooden front is now 16 x 62 feet, two stories high. The one-story stone part is 28x68 feet, iron roofed. His store-room is a separate building 18 x 50 feet and two stories high. An eight horse-power engine furnishes the power; while three iron lathes, two drills, one planer and gear-cutter besides a host of other appliances constitute the machinery. He usually employs from four to ten hands, though through the busy season a dozen or more are employed. Besides doing a great deal of job work he manufactures small engines and pumps and all kinds of pump supplies.

Canning Factory. - About the year 1875 E. F. & F. L. McKinney started this business which has since proved a wonderful industry. Scarcely aware of laying the foundation to such an enterprise, jellies and jams were furnished in limited quantities to some of E. F. McKinney's friends in Chicago, where he at the time was keeping books at the Stock Yards. These products were so highly praised that Mr. McKinney was induced to make some of the leading grocerymen acquainted with his goods, who upon examination encouraged him to enlarge his facilities beyond the kitchen stove, and engage in the business of making jams and jellies, canning all kinds of fruits and berries. In 1877 he erected a building 20 x 30 feet near his residence which he used till 1880, when he moved it to its present site and added to it till its present dimensions are now as follows: Main building, 24x70 feet with two wings on the east, each 24 feet square, and two wings on the west side each 20 x 24 in size. The machinery consists of boiler and engine, corn-cutter, pitting machine, steam vats, etc. He employs all the way from twelve to sixty hands and often during the busy eason employs as high as seventy-five hands. The principal business is canning goods though hundreds of dozens of jams and jellies of the finest type are produced here annually. The goods are sold chiefly to the Government and consumed by the standing army. Much of the success of this enterprise is due to the careful oversight of the foreman, John Noble, who has been in the employ of this company since they engaged in the business.

The following is a summary of Marengo business interests: Agricultural implements, F. G. Vail, Skinner & Treat; banks, Farmers & Drover's Bank, B. S. Parker, President; First National

Biographical

J. B. Babcock was born in Westford, Otsego Co., N. Y., May 14,1831. His father, Enoch Babcock, moved with his family to Livingston County, N. Y., in 1833, and in 1846 moved to McHenry County, 111., and settled in Riley Township. J. B. attended the schools of Riley, taught school and worked on the farm till 1852. In the meantime attended Rockford Academy a year. In 1852 he became a citizen of Marengo, where he was employed as clerk in a store, and continued that vocation till 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry. He was appointed First Sergeant, and subsequently was promoted to Second and then to First Lieutenant. He served eighteen months, and at the battle of Vicksbnrg was disabled for future service. He subsequently resigned and returned home, and after his recovery was employed as clerk in the Provost Marshal's office eighteen months. He was then employed as bookkeeper for McKenney & Ingersoll till 1868, since which time he has edited and published the Marengo Republican. Mr. Babcock has served as Clerk of the township twelve years, and as Clerk of the corporation seven years. He has been a Justice of the Peace four years, and Trustee two terms. He is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M. ; Lancing Chapter, No. 73, R. A. M., and Harley Wayne Post, No. 169, Or. A. R. He was married in 1853 to Marcia Dewolf, daughter oi Stephen and Bethe Dewolf. They have five children - Jennie, wife of H. E. Patrick; Kate E., wife of C. M. Crego, of Cnionville, Iowa; Emily L., Harlan E. and F. D. E. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock are members of the Methodist Episcopal churc .

Israel Boies was born in the town of Blanford, Mass., May 27, 1808, and moved with his parents to Cortland, Cortland Co., N. Y., in 1812, where he grew to manhood. He was married in 1833 to Miss Mary Ives. In 1859 he moved to Darlington, Wis., where he engaged very largely in buying and selling cattle and hogs. He followed this business until 1865, when he moved to a farm in the town of Coral, McHeury County. At the end of one year he sold the farm, and while his family moved to Marengo, he went back to Darlington and continued the stock business until 1869. In the year 1868, together with his son William, he bought the farm oi 0. P. Rogers, near Marengo, and on this farm commenced the famous system of winter dairying which made the names of Boies & Son known all over the East and West in connection with the manufacture of fine butter. This butter was always in demand at fancy prices in Providence, R. I., Boston, Mass., and Chicago, and from this small beginning has grown the immense creamery business of Illinois. Mr. Boies died Nov. 15, 1884, aged seventy-six years, at the home of his sou William.

William A. Boies was born in the town of Cortland, Cortland Co., N. Y., Dec. 15, 1841. In the year 1859 he moved to Darlington, Wis., with his father's family, where he lived until 1865, when he was married to Miss Lottie M. Shimmins, and moved to Marengo, 111. In the year 1868 he went into partnership with his father, I. Boies, and commenced the famous system of winter dairying and the manufacture of fine butter, which made the name of I. Boies & Son known all over the land in connection with the manufacture of fine butter. In the year 1876 I. Boies & Son. dissolved partnership, W. A. Boies retaining the old homestead and continuing the manufacture of fine butter. From this small beginning he now owns and controls nineteen factories, which make a specialty of fine butter and cheese, and annually distributes half a million of money to the farmers of McHenry County.

Merrick Butterfield, one of the most prominent farmers of Mc- Henry County, is a native of Vermont. He was born in Andover, Dec. 18, 1819, a son of Joseph and Sarah (Lawrence) Butterfield, who were natives of Massachusetts, of Scotch descent. He remained on the old homestead in Vermont till 1855, when he removed to Illinois, and settled in Eiley Township, McHenry County. In 1875 he moved to his present farm in Seneca Township. In 1882, owing to failing health, lie moved to Marengo, where he now resides. Mr. Butterfield was married March 1, 1843, to Lucy M. Taylor. They had a family of three children - Lucy Jane, Harlan M. (deceased), Leroy T. Mrs. Butterfield died Dec. 20, 1860. March 16, 1862, Mr. Butterfield married Eliza S. Phinney, a native of New York and a daughter of D. P. Phinney. They have one child - Laura M. Mr. Butterfield has been a member of the Baptist church since he was sixteen years of age, and has been Deacon of his church for about thirty years, and for about twenty years of that time has been Superintendent of the Suuday-school. Politically he was an Abolitionist till the formation of the Republican party, and has always been an active worker in the party. He has served his township in several of its minor offices, and has always proved himself to be worthy of the trusts imposed upon him.

Charles Crego, deceased, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y. His mother died when he was six years old and he subsequently lived with his grandfather till manhood. He married Althea Moffitt, a cousin of General Winfield Scott. She was a native ot New York, of Irish descent. After his marriage he engaged in farming and dairying in his native county, and was successful, but afterward lost all his own property and $1,800 of borrowed money in a speculation in sheep. He then, in 1840, came to Illinois and entered a farm in McHenry County, and soon had his farm paid for and his debt canceled. He afterward sold this farm and bought another in Coral Township, where he lived till 1875, when he sold it and moved to Marengo, where he died in June, 1879. His wife died in 1875. They had been members of the Methodist Episcopal church many years. They had a family of six children - Olive, George, Laura, Jane, James, and Marquis (deceased). Mr. Crego was the first Postmaster of Harmony, and held the position twenty years. He held the office of Magistrate twenty-four years.

George Grego the eldest son of Charles and Althea (Moffitt) Crego, was born in Cortland County, N. Y., June 4, 1832, and was eight years of age when his parents moved to McHenry County. He lived in Coral Township till 1865, when he moved to Marengo and opened a livery stable. He has also dealt extensively in horses, buying for the Eastern markets. Mr. Crego was married April 9, 1856, to Adelaide Phinney, a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y., a daughter of David Phinney. She died leaving three sons - Charles, Frank and George Dell. July 2, 1874, Mr. Crego married Mrs. Hannah (Horner) Parkhurst, a native of Syracuse, N. Y. They have two children - Mary and Maud. Mrs. Crego is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Crego is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M., and Lancing Chapter, No. 73, R. A. M. Politically he is a Republican.

Sherman A. Crissey, Marengo, was born in Stockton, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Aug. 19, 1835, the second son of Sylvanus and Mary (Nicholson) Crissey. On reaching his majority, in 1856, he came to Illinois and located in Marengo, where he engaged in farming till 1861, when he opened a harness shop and carried on an extensive business till 1883. In 1872 he added a stock of hardware to his other business and now has one of the largest stores in the county. Mr. Crissey was married Sept. 9, 1858, to Martha, daughter of Hilon Capron. They have had four children - Effie, Edward, Artie and Fannie, the eldest and youngest are deceased. Mr. Crissey has been a member of the Baptist church since 1857 and in 1881 was elected Deacon. He has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school since 1879. He casts his suffrage with the Republican party.

Elisha Dayton was the third son of Henry and Sarah Dayton. He was born near River Head, Suffolk Co., Long Island, on the 3rd day of February, 1817 His ancestors were mainly of Scottish and English origin with a slight mingling of the Norman. His early discipline was rigidly religious, his baby primer the chatechism, his boyhood stories confined to the good old book that told of Joseph and his brother. But combined with this Puritanical training, he was taught and imbued with the most thorough love of the truth, integrity and morality. And when in early manhood he had obtained by his own energy and industry a thorough education at Allegheny College, Meadville, Penn., 60on thereafter entering the Universalist ministry, his honored father and revered mother though strong Orthodox, bade him God speed, knowing that the spirit of Christ would go wherever his words were uttered. For a number of years his pastoral work through different portions of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky was productive of great good, his sermons were ever marked by strong logic and deep research. After a time, his physical health, never very good, began to fail rapidly and it was deemed best for him to relinquish all taxing mental labor. As the Western fever was then rapidly spreading throughout the East, he decided to emigrate to our Prairie State and subsequently located in McHenry County, near the village of Huntley, 111. At this place on Nov. 11, 1847, he was united in marriage to Mary Whittemore, and a combination of various circumstances now decided him to make farming his future vocation. One of his most prominent characteristics was to never procrastinate but ever attend immediately to any duty before him. For many years he was prominently identified with the business and official relations of the village of Huntley and town of Grafton. Here husband and wife amassed a comfortable competence, and resided until 1869 when they moved to Marengo, 111. After the death of his wife, in 1878, he resided with his only child, Mrs. Ira K. Curtiss, until the grim reaper called for him who was so resigned, so ready, peacefully passing to the other shore in the possession of all his faculties, a mind ripe and plentifully stored with a great diversity of knowledge until those who knew him best referred to him questions of Biblical, literary, or historic interest, and felt that the replies would be nearly as accurate as an encyclopedia. Thus passed to the better land, Aug. 24, 1884, one who always advised and comforted those in affliction, gave strength to the weak, substantial aid to the needy, and charity to all.

Hon. Peter W. Deitz was born near Oneonta, Otsego Co., N. Y., Jan. 29, 1808. His great-grandfather, Johannies Deitz, with his wife and the wife and four children of his eldest son, were killed by Tories and Indians at the time of the Eevolutionary war near Kensselaerville, N. T. Their house was plundered and then burned to the ground. The son, Captain Deitz, and two Scotch boys who were there at the time were taken prisoners and carried to Canada, and while there Captain Deitz died. James Deitz, our subject's grandfather, was away from%ome at the time of the massacre and thus escaped the fate of his kindred. He subsequently bought a farm on the east bank of the Susquehanna Kiver, opposite Colliersville, on which was an apple orchard which was planted by the Indians. Here William Deitz, father of Peter W. Deitz, was born. Martha (McGuire) Deitz, the mother of our subject, was a daughter of Hugh McGuire, who was pressed into the service of the British army and brought to America at the time of the Revolution. He soon joined the American troops, and was loyal till the close of the war. Peter W. Deitz spent the years of his minority with his parents. He attended the common school in the winter, and subsequently entered Cazenovia Seminary. In the fall of 1833 he left his native State for the "West, and spent some time in Michigan and Indiana, surveying, teaching school and reading law. He was admitted to the bar by Judge Bigger, at Rushville, lnd., in the spring of 1836, and then returned to his home in New York. In July, 1837, he came to Illinois and settled on a farm six miles from the present village of Marengo. In the spring of 1845 he moved to Marengo, where he has since resided. Mr. Deitz has been an active worker in the political field. In 1842 he was nominated by the Whigs to represent his district in the State Legislature, and, although he carried his own county, was defeated, the district being largely Democratic. In 1843 he was elected County School Commissioner. In 1847 he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. During the war he was a member of the Board of County Supervisors, and was in favor of giving liberal bounties to the soldiers. In the fall of 1868 he was elected by the Republican party a Representative in the State Legislature. His integrity and efficiency as a public officer is evinced by the number of times he has been chosen to fill responsible positions. Mr. Deitz was married in January, 1843, to Lucy Edna Jewett. Her mother was a cousin of Oliver H. Perry, the hero of Lake Erie. His wife died Aug. 16, 1861, leaving four children - Addison J., William P., Franz S. and Lucy Adelaide. June 29, 1868, his daughter, with a young associate, Lucy J. Adams, was accidentally drowned at Crystal Lake. Two of his sons reside in Marengo, and one in the .Northwest. Dec. 28, 1868, Mr. Deitz married Sophia Slingerland, of Oneonta, N. Y. She died Aug. 15, 1879.

David L. Fenton was born in Erie County, N. Y., July 20, 1824. His father was a native of Vermont, of Irish and Scotch descent, and his mother of New York, of English descent. He remained with his parents till after his marriage and then lived in Chautauqua County, N. Y., two years. In 1848 he came to Illinois and settled in Marengo Township. April 18, 1852, he started for California and reached his destination Sept. 14. He remained in California five years, and in 1857 returned to Illinois and settled on his present farm. Mr. Fen ton was married Feb. 1, 1846, to Acta Olcutt, daughter of Roswell and Lydia Olcutt. They have had six children - Fannie A., Emma E., Merritt Orr (deceased), Effie V., Lydia May and Frank A.

Calvin Hills was born in Charlotte, Chittenden Co., Vt., April 11, 1811, a son of Zimri and Malinda (Palmer) Hills. In 1815 his parents moved to Chautauqua County, N. Y., where he remained till 1837, when he came West, and entered a claim in Marengo Township, McHenry Co., 111. He built a house and in the fall returned to New York, and Dec. 31, 1837, was married to Annistine Y. Meed, a native of Chautauqua County. The following March he returned to McHenry County, and settled on his frontier farm, where he lived till 1880, when he moved to Marengo and retired from active farm life. He owns a good farm of 105 acres, all well improved. His wife died in the fall of 1876. She was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. To Mr. and. Mrs. Hills were born nine children: seven are living - Francis M., Martin S., Everel J., Ann A., Helen E., Lucian J. and John F. Politically Mr. Hills is a Republican. He is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F, & A. M.

E. N. Howe was born in Canaan, Litchfield Co., Conn., Feb. 21, 1803, a son of Elisha and Olive (Johnson) Howe, who were natives of Connecticut, of English descent. He remained in his native county with his parents till 1827, and then went to Smithville, Chenango Co., N. Y., and engaged in the mercantile business, remaining there till May, when he came to Illinois and located on the farm where he now lives. He now owns 340 acres of fine land and a good residence and farm buildings, and is surrounded with all the comforts of life. He was married in Chenango County, 1ST. Y., Oct. 10, 1830, to Miss Sophia Reuel, daughter of Silas Reuel, of Smith ville, Chenango Co., 1ST- Y. They had six children, three of whom are living - Mary J., Clifton and John P. His wife died July 21, 1843, and Oct. 17, 1844, he married Harriet Porter, who was born Sept. 15, 1806, a daughter of Ezekiel and Mary Porter. They have had one son - Emery E. Politically Mr. Howe has been an earnest worker in the ranks of the Whig and Republican parties. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

of John and Harriet (Tupper) Ingersoll, his father a native of New York, and his mother of Vermont. In 1857 he came to Illinois, and the following winter taught school near Ottawa, La Salle County. In the spring of 1858 he came to Marengo and enwawed in the grain and lumber business, and in 1860 became interested in the general mercantile business, his partner being E. F. McKinney. After the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-first Illinois Infantry, and was appointed First Lieutenant of Company F. He served till the close of the war, and after his return home continued in the mercantile business till 1868. He then sold his interest in the dry-goods and grocery trade, and turned his attention to the grain and seed business, together with agricultural implements. His elevator is 30 x 60 feet in size and his warehouse 30 x 40 feet. Mr. Ingersoll was married in 1865 to Martha E. Wenkman, a native of New York City. To them have been born five children; but three are living - Sarah W., James W. and Harriet T. Mr. Ingersoll has served on the Board of Trustees ten or eleven terms. He is a member of Harley Wayne Post, No. 169, G. A. E.

Connecticut, a grandson of Tell Keeney, who came to America in the Mayflower, and the latter a native of England, came to America with her parents when a child. H. B. Keeney remained in his native county till manhood. In the spring of 1836 he came to Illinois, bought a claim near Elgin and built a log house. In 1854 he sold his farm and moved to McHenry County and bought the farm he has since resided on. He was married Nov. 25, 1835i to Mary Munson, daughter of Horace and Mary (Rogers) Munson. They have had ten children - Martha, Edrick H., Mary A., Don Alphonso, Winfield Scott, Amanda ftL, Addie M. (deceased,) Germaine, Alice M., Ella M. (deceased). D. A. and Edrick and two sons-in-law, Mark Burton and E. W. Eden, were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion.

Charles E. Kelley was born in Canada in June, 1834, a son of James and Elizabeth R. Kelley, his father a native of Canada, and his mother of New York. When fourteen years of age he began clerking in a grocery store, and followed that vocation in his native town till the spring of 1861 when he came to Illinois and was employed as clerk in a hardware store in Marengo four years.

He then began manufacturing pumps, and in 1872 established the Marengo Foundry and Machine Shop. Mr. Kelley was married Sept. 2, 1855, to Sarah Couchren, a native of Canada, of Irish descent. They have six children - Mary J., Abner W., Martha A., Sarah E., James A. and Mina. Mr. Kelley is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

D. W. Lawrence, deceased, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y, in 1810, a son of John Lawrence. In 1836 he came West with his brother L. W"., and located a claim in Boone County, 111. He then returned to New York, but the following year came with his father to Illinois and remained a few months. He then returned again to his native State and remained till 1844, when he moved his family to Illinois and settled on his land in Boone County. Five years later he moved to Marengo, and was employed by the Northwestern Eailroad Company to take charge of the station. In 1859 he, with his son, went to California, and remained three years. "While there he taught school. Mr. Lawrence was married Nov. 1, 1832, to Precepta Ann Austin, of New York. To them were born five children - Elizabeth, Austin, Emily, Nettie and Narcissa. Their son enlisted in the Second California Cavalry and died in camp. Mr. Lawrence died in March, 1883. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church.

Omar H. Lincoln, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Genesee County, N. Y. , May 12, 1842, the youngest of seven children of Apollos and Millissa (Waite) Lincoln. In 1846 his parents moved to Illinois and settled in Crystal Lake, and in 1867 moved to Marengo where they died, after having lived together forty-nine years; members of the Baptist church. O. H. Lincoln was reared in McHenry County. He received a good education, completing it at the State Normal School, and when nineteen years of age began teaching, and for twenty-two years made that his principal occupation. He has been a very successful teacher, and his services are sought in all parts of the county. He was married March 19, 1872, to Mary Williams, daughter of Judge W. H. Williams, of Putnam County, 111. Mrs. Lincoln was also a successful teacher and is a member of the Swedenborgian church. Mr. Lincoln is a member of the Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M. Politically he is a Republican.

George R. Page was born in Hancock, N. H., August, 1807, and came to McHenry County, 111., in 1836, locating in Marengo, where he died Dec. 29, 1853. He was one of the wealthiest and noblest of the old settlers. He entered several farms for the old settlers, and many of them were left in his hands, but at his death left the property so that each could have his own. He was married Nov. 8, 1840, to MaryE. Lillibridge, a native of Connecticut, born Nov. 28, 1820. She is now living at Pleasanton, Linn Co., Kas. To them were born four children - "William was born in Marengo, Oct. 4, 1842; studied law with Colonel L. S. Church, of "Woodstock; was admitted to. the bar in the spring of 1865, and the following July moved to Bates County, Mo. He was married in August, 1873, to Mary 0. Slater, of Bates County. George ft. was born Dec. 18,1846. In the fall of 1865 he engaged in the hardware business in Harvard, but sold out at the end of a year and returned to Marengo, where he engaged in farming till the spring of 1869, when he moved to Bates County, Mo., and the following July removed to Pleasanton, Kas., where he is engaged in real estate, mercantile and agricultural pursuits. He was married Oct. 1, 1867, to Amelia M., daughter of 0. H. Smith, of Harvard. They have. six children - Mary E., born Nov. 25,1868; Emma S., Oct. 30, 1871; Genevieve C, Dec. 22, 1873; George K, July 10, 1877; Laura P., Feb. 6, 1879; and Lucina, Feb. 22, 1881. Lucy Jane Page was born May 29, 1850, and died Dec. 23, 1859. Louis F. was born Aug. 5, 1852; studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1873; is now engaged in farming in Bates County, Mo. He was married in August, 1880, at Boulder, Col., to Emma Mapes. Mrs. Page's parents, Thomas and Polly (Stanton) Lillibridge, were natives of Tolland, Conn., the former born in June, 1787, and the latter in August, 1791. They were married in 1808 and in 1836 moved to Marengo, 111, and subsequently to Belvidere, where the father died in June, 1866, and the mother in November, 1880.

Benjamin S. Parker, banker, Marengo, 111., is a native of Meigs County, Ohio, born Nov. 8, 1828, the eldest son of Edwin and Ann C. Parker, natives of Ohio, of English descent. "When fifteen years of age he began working at the cabinet-maker's trade, and served an apprenticeship of four years. He then went to Cincinnati and worked as a journeyman two years. In 1850 he went to California, and in 1853 came to McHenry County and followed agricultural pursuits two years. In 1855 he located in Marengo and worked' at his trade till the breaking out of the Rebellion. Aug. 2, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, as aprivate, but was promoted from time to time till he rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant. He participated in many severe battles - among them Champion Hills, Vicksburg and Nashville. While on the Red River expedition he was wounded and lay in the hospital some time. After the close of the war he returned to Marengo and worked at his trade till 1867, when he purchased an interest in a hardware store, which he carried on three years. He then opened a dry-goods store, and in 1874 began a banking business on a small scale in connection with his other business. Since 1878 he has given his exclusive attention to the bank and has erected a large building for the accommodation of his extensive and increasing business. Mr. Parker was married May 4, 1854, to Adelia Mirvin, a native of New York. They have one child - Emma, now Mrs. E. A. Yandervere. Mr. Parker is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M. ; Lancing Chapter, No. 73, R. A. M., and Post No. 169, Or. A. R. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

Fred A. Patrick, of the firm of H. E. & F. A. Patrick, is a native of Marengo, born Nov. 8, 1857, oldest son of R. M. Patrick. His early education was obtained in the schools of his native village, and subsequently he graduated from the Ann Arbor, Mich., High School and attended the University of Michigan one year. After leaving school he went into the store of R. M. & F. W. Patrick & Co., and remained there till April 1, 1883, when he and H. E. Patrick formed the new firm and became established in their present place of business under the Opera House. They carry a large stock of dry-goods, clothing and carpets, having one of the finest stocks and business houses in Northern Illinois. Mr. Patrick was married Oct. 18, 1880, to M. Louise Cook, of Marcellus, N. T. They have one daughter - Rosamond, born Oct. 23, 1882. Mr. Patrick is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M. and Lancing Chapter, No. 73, R. A. M. Politically he is a Republican. He was a delegate to the State Convention at Peoria in 1884. He attends the Presbyterian church of which he is a Trustee.

Dr. D. E. Peck was born in Oswego County, N. Y,, in 1829, a son of Daniel C. and Samantha S. (Curtiss) Peck. He was left an orphan at the age of ten years, and his early educational advantages were limited. After reaching his majority he attended school, and subsequently taught till 1852, when he came West and settled in Marengo, 111. After teaching in Illinois two years he engaged in the nursery business, devoting a portion of his time to reading medicine, commencing practice about two years later. Since that time he has practiced medicine as a homeopathist, in connection with his other business. For some little time he was well known as a breeder of fine hogs and poultry, in 1873 publishing a small work entitled, " Swine, Poultry and Fruit-Growers' Manual." He was married in 1856 to Eliza J. Crego, daughter of Charles Crego. They have four children - Eliza S., Millia A., Daniel C. and Charles C. Peck. Both daughters are graduates of Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, and are now located in Marengo. Dr. and Mrs. Peck are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Republican.

Thomas W. Porter, one of the most prominent farmers of Marengo Township, is the eldest of nine children of Thomas "W. and Charlotte (Lane) Porter. In 1833 Thomas W. Porter, Sr., came with his family to America, and lived on Long Island a year and a half. He then moved to Buffalo, and remained till 1838, when he came to Illinois and entered 160 acres of land in Boone County. He added to his farm from time to time till he owned 520 acres of fine land, all well improved. He followed farming till 1865, when he moved to Belvidere, where he lived till his death, Feb. 22, 1882, aged seventy-nine years. His wife died in 1873. They were members of the Universalist church. In politics he was in early life a Democrat, but after its organization affiliated with the Republican party. Thomas W. Porter, Jr., was born in England in 1826. He remained with his parents till manhood, and in the spring of 1850 went across the plains to California, and remained till 1854. He was successful there, and on his return to Illinois bought the farm where he now resides. He owns 285 acres of fine land. His large stone residence was erected in 1856. He also owns a half section of laud in Dakota. He was married Jan. 1, 1856, to Julia Roper, a native of England, daughter of Sion Roper, who came to Illinois in the spring of 1854. They have had six children; five are living - Arthur W., Charles H. , Nellie A. , Horace R. and SephaM. Politically Mr. Porter is a Republican. He has been Road Commissioner of his township fifteen years, and in 1878 served as Supervisor. Mrs. Porter is a member of tho Congregationa church.

Patterson Pringle, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Scotland, Oct. 30, 1821, a son of John and Sydney S. (Patterson) Pringle. In 1837 his parents came to the United States, and lived in Kentucky till 1840, then moved to Jo Daviess County, 111., where they remained till 1848, when they moved to McIIenry County, the parents coming a short time before our subject. The father died at the age of ninety-two years, and the mother at the age of* eightyeight years. They had lived together seventy-one years. Patterson Pringle worked in the lead mines in Jo Daviess County eight years. After coming to McIIenry County he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and also dealt extensively in stock. He was married in 1849 to Isabella .Donaldson, a native of Canada, a daughter of William Donaldson. They have eight children - Jane I., Flora S., John D., William P., Mary Anna, Sarah S., Rachel E. and Ethel McD. Mr. Pringle has been Road Supervisor fourteen years. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. Politically he is a Republican.

Orson P. Rogers. - The ancestry of Mr. Rogers is traced back to 1555. The first to come to America was James Rogers, who came in the ship Increase, Robert Lea, Master, and landed April 15, 1635. He settled in New London, Conn., in 1657 or 1660. He was a son of Rev. John Rogers, of Dedham, England, grandson of Noah Rogers, and great-grandson of Rev. John Rogers, the martyr, who was burnt at Smithfield (London), England, Feb. 4, 1555 . This is a matter of record in the Rolls office, Chancery Lane, London. James Rogers was born in 1615, and died in 1687. He married Elizabeth Rowland, daughter of Samuel Rowland, of Stamford, Conn. Their children were Samuel, born Dec. 12, 1640, married Mary, daughter of Deacon Thomas Standon, died Dec. 1, 1713;

John, born Dec. 1, 1648, died Oct. 12, 1720; James, born Feb. 8, 1652, married Mary Jordan, died Nov. 8, 1713; Eathsheba, married Samuel Morris; Jonathan, born Dec. 3, 1665, married Naomi, daughter of Elder Burdock, and died in 1697. John Rogers married Elizabeth, daughter of Nathaniel Griswold, of Lynn, Conn. She died leaving two children - Elizabeth, who married Stephen Prentis, and John, whose first wife was Bathsheba Smith, and second, Elizabeth Dodge. He afterward married Mary Ransford, and to them were born two children - Gershom, boru Feb. 24, 1699, died in 1770, and Mary, married John Hobbs. Gershom

Button and moved to Guildhall, Vt., where they both died; Desire, born March [19, 1771, died in childhood; Jedediah, bom Sept. 7, 1775, died in Coral, 111., Aug. 2, 1853, and is buried in Marengo Cemetery. Jedediah Rogers was married Jan. 6, 1797, to Sally Jones, a native of Plainfield, Conn., born Aug. 7, 1775, a daughter of Ephraim and Marian Blunt Jones. She died May 8, 1865, aged nearly ninety years, and is buried beside her husband. To them were born seven children - Jedediah, Jr., born Aug. 29, 1800, was married March 8, 1825, to Abigail, daughter of Jonathan Hart, of Chelsea, Vt., and had a family of nine children. He enlisted in the Rebellion in Company F, Thirty-first Iowa Infantry, and died while in the service of his country at Cairo, 111., Jan. 20, 1863; was buried at Mound City, 111., section B, No. 19. Anson was born Jan. 6, 1802, and died Sept. 4, 1868. He married Mrs. Rebecca (Hart) Jones, daughter of Jonathan Hart. She sleeps beside her husband in Marengo Cemetery. They left three children. Almira, born March 8, 1804, died Sept. 9, 1871. She married Daniel Graves, also deceased. They are buried in Marengo Cemetery; left six children. Elisha J., born May 27, 1806, died Sept. 17, 1867. He married Mahala T., daughter of John and Theresa Winslow, of Essex, N. Y., a descendant from the Winslow who came over in the Mayflower. He left no children. Sally, born Oct. 8, 1808, is the widow of Reuben Moulton, of Castleton, Vt, and lives in Fairfax, Yt. Ephraim, born Feb. 13, 1811, died Nov. 6, 1867. He married Delilah, daughter of Elisha Lamphere, of Toronto, Canada, who is now deceased. They had nine children. Orson P., the youngest, and the subject of our sketch, was born in Middletown, Yt., July 21, 1814. In 1835 he came West and taught school two terms in Indiana, the last term in South Bend. In the spring of 1836 he came to Illinois and entered 240 acres of land in Coral Township, McHenry County (near the farm of "William Boies). His log cabin was built in the fall of 1835, and was the first one in the township to be occupied by a white woman, John Hamilton and his family living in it while waiting for their own to be built. When he first came to the county, March 16, 1836, but five families lived in the precinct, and as the cabins were in the woods no signs of a white man's work could be seen from his house. He was married June 12, 1838, to Mary Smith, a native of Greenville, N. Y., born March 28, 1817, daughter of Elind and Phoebe (Button) Smith. She was a faithful wife, devoted mother, true friend and a most earnest Christian. She, with her husband, united with the Methodist Episcopal church in 1838, and helped to organize the first class in Marengo. She died Jan. 26, 1883, and is buried in Marengo Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were born five children - J. Smith, born April 5, 1839, married Ellen, daughter of James and Hester A. Lamb, of New York; Orson C, born Dec. 13, 1840, married Eliza M., daughter of Charles and Polly (Marshall) Whelon, of Canada; they have five daughters. He enlisted in 1861, and served three years as Sergeant of Company E, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry; was badly wounded before Atlanta, Ga. Hester Ann, born April, 1848, married Aug. 5, 1864, Charles Prescott, son of Horace Prescott, of Vermont, and has two sons. Frank S., born Jan. 13, 1850, married Eva E. Burr, and has one son. Mary D., born June 16, 1855, is unmarried and lives at home. All the children are living in Marengo. Oct. 3, 1883, Mr. Rogers married Mahala T. Johnson, the widow of his brother Elisha (who came to Illinois in 1850), and subsequently of Lyman Johnson. Mr.JJKogers moved to Coral in 1854, and in 1871 assisted in organizing the First National Bank. At the first annual election, Jan. 9, 1872, he was elected a Director and Vice-President, an office he has since held. He has been honored with offices in both church and State, and has always performed the duties devolving on him conscientiously and well. He is a man of genial disposition, determined to enjoy life while he can, leaving the future to take care of itself.

W, JET. Sanders, harness-maker, Marengo, 111., was born in Preston, New London Co., Conn., June 23, 1837, the third of seven Sons of Carmie and Susan (Brooks) Sanders, his father a native of Connecticut and his mother of England. About 1830 his parents moved to Otsego County, N. Y., where his father died. In 1846 his mother came with her family to Illinois and located in Mc- Henry County. In 1854 he began working at the harness-maker's trade and served an apprenticeship of three years. He then worked as a journeyman till after the outbreak of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry; was mustered in Sept. 4, 1862. May 19, 1863, he was wounded in the right leg at Vicksburg, Miss., and disabled for active service till the following October. Jan. 14, 1864, he was detailed to the recruiting service and sent to Springfield, 111., where he remained two months. Before reaching his regiment he was again wounded and was in the hospital thirty days. After joining his regiment he participated in the battles of Nashville, Spanish Fort and

Mobile, where he was again wounded, a spent bullet hitting him in the neck. Since his return from the war he has followed his trade and now has a good paying business. Mr. Sanders was married Oct. 4, 1866, to Mary A. Brown, daughter of B. B. Brown, of Waukesha, "Wis. They have had five children; but three are living and Mark S. Mr. Sanders is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M., and Harley Wayne Post, No. 169, G. A. R. Politically he is a Republican.

Z. W. Sears, retired farmer, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., Feb. 4, 1812, the seventh often children of Alden and Delania (Yincent) Sears, natives of Massachusetts, of English and French descent. He remained on the old homestead till 1839, when, his father having died, his mother and her children moved West and settled in McHenry and Boone counties, 111. The mother settled in Boone County, where she died in 1841. Z. W. bought land in Marengo Township, built a house and barn and set out making a frontier farm. He has been successful and now owns 5-46 acres of choice land. He was married at Letnont, this State, in 1846, to Louisa J. Harris, a native of New York. They have four children - Francis V., Laura E., Hiram A. and Henry W. Politically Mr. Sears is a Republican. He and his wife and daughter are members of the Congregational church.

William Shearer was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., Feb. 13, 1816, a son of John and Phileria (French) Shearer, his father a native of New York, of Scotch descent, and his mother of Connecticut, of English descent. When nineteen years of age he began working at the tanner's and shoemaker's trades, and served an apprenticeship of three years. He worked as a journeyman several years in New York and then started West and remained in Adrian, Mich., some time. In 1842 he moved to Wisconsin, and in the fall of.thesame year to McHenry County, III. He rented land ayear> and in the fall of 1843 purchased a farm of forty-six and a half acres in Marengo Township. In 1872 he bought the farm of 380 acres where he now lives. Mr. Shearer was married March 6, 1842, to Julany Mericle, daughter of John Mericle, of Tecuniseh, Mich. Of the nine children born to them, but four are living - Sarah J., wife of Otis Osborn; Phileria, wife of Joseph Cowan; Charles H. and Henry. Politically Mr. Shearer is a Republican.

father a native of Connecticut and the mother of Fairfield, Vt. David Shurtleff was reared in Massachusetts, and was there married. He subsequently moved to Canada East, but in 1835 returned to Massachusetts, and in 1839 came West and located in De Kalb County, 111. Alfred J. remained with his parents till twentytwo years of age and then began farming on his own account. He started with limited means but has been successful and now owns a fine farm. He has also been extensively engaged in the stock and lumber business, buying and shipping to Eastern markets. He moved to McHenry County in 1870. He was married in 1852 to Lydia Miller, a native of Ohio, who came with her parents to Illinois in an early day. To them were born two children - Mary Eva, who is now living, the other dying in infancy. Mrs. Shurtleff died in 1856, and in 1858 Mr. Shurtleff married Mary F. Higby, a native of New York. They have had four children - Carleton H., who died at the age of one year and three months; Kate D., Edward D., and a son who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Shurtleff are members of the Christian church. He is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, A. F. & A. M. Politically, he is a Republican.

E. P. Sperry, with the firm Sperry & Rice, hardware and stove dealers, Marengo, 111., was born in Marengo, Oct. 6, 1857, a son of Anson Sperry. He attended the schools of his native village till fifteen years of age and then entered the Northwestern University, at Evanston, 111. After reaching his majority he began clerking in a hardware store in Chicago, and remained there two years. In the spring of 1880 he went to Colorado and engaged in mining till the fall of 1883 when, on account of failing health, he returned to his native county and in the spring of 1884 formed his present connection with this firm. They have a large store and carry on an extensive business, having one of the best stocks in their line in the county. Mr. Sperry is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M., and Monarch Lodge, No. 23, K. of P., of Garfield, Col. Politically he is a Republican.

D.A. Stedman was born in Sinclairville, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Aug. 22, 1836, a son of Simon and Naomi (Higby) Stedman. He attended school till fourteen years of age and then began to work at the cabinet-maker's trade, and served an apprenticeship of three years. He then worked as a journeyman two years, and in 1854 came West and located in Marengo. He worked at the carpenter's trade three years and then at the cabinet-maker's trade till the breaking ont of the civil war. Aug. 7, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, and served ten months, when his health failed and he was discharged. After his recovery he worked at his trade two years, and then at the carpenter's trade till 1871 when he went to Champaign, 111., and was employed as Superintendent of the Industrial Machine shop till May, 1873 when he returned to Marengo, and worked at his trade a year. In 1876 he was elected Sheriff of McHenry County, and was reelected in 1878. Since the expiration of his term of office he has worked at the carpenter's trade. He has built the greater part of the business houses of Marengo, among them the Opera House, which is the finest building in the county. Mr. Stedman was married July 22, 1857, to Emily Lawrence, daughter of D. W. Lawrence. He is a member of Spring City Lodge, No. 156, A. 0. TJ. W., and Harley Wayne Post, No. 169, GL A. R. Mrs. Stedman is a member of the Baptist church.

Alexander Stewart, deceased, was among the earliest and most prominent settlers of McHenry County. He was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1795. When quite young he went with his parents to Edinburgh, and lived there till manhood. He learned the book-binder's trade and worked at it several years. In 1834 he came to America and lived in Canada five years. In 1839 he came to Illinois and entered a claim in McHenry County, near the present site of Marengo, and resided there the rest of his life. He was married in 1834, just before leaving Scotland, to Miss Jane Kansck. To them were born ten children ; seven are living - Elizabeth, wife of J. G. Nawter; Jeannette, wife of 0. C. Diggins; Jane, wife of S. S. Crandall; Alexanders., John A., William H. and Kate. The deceased are - Margaret, Ann and William. Alex. Stewart died Aug. 27, 1869, and Mrs. Stewart, .Sept. 4, 1883. Politically he was a Republican, and was one of the foremost workers in the party's ranks.

A. D. Stewart, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Canada, July 22, 1838, the youngest of four children of Daniel Stewart. In 1839 his parents came to Illinois and entered the farmwhere our subject now lives. Here he grew to manhood remaining with his parents till his marriage, when he bought the old homestead and with the exception of five or six years has always lived on it. His farm contains 200 acres of fine land, well improved. He has made farming his life work, but for a few years was engaged in the hardware and milling business in Marengo. He was married

Dec. 25, 1S62, to Helen M. Belden, daughter of John Belden. They have two children - Nellie G. and Daniel. Mr. Stewart is politically a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.