Marion Township

Marion Township

ATWOOD JOHX A. Farmer; Sec. 10; P. O. Stillman Valley: was born in Canada in 1850 ; married Arvilla A. Andrus in Harlem, Winnebago Co., June 30, 1874; she was born in Winnebago Co. in 1852 ; lie is a member of the M. E. Church ; came to this Co. in 1853 with his father, Jos. Atwood, and settled on the present estate, a part of which he now occupies; has been Assessor five years, and still fills that office ; has 44 acres, valued at $2,500 ; the land has been improved on the farm, and a fine dwelling erected on a commanding site. ATn^OOD JOSEPH, Farmer; Sec. 10; P. O. Stillman Valley; was born in New Hampshire in 1803 ; married Mary Smith in Canada, who died April 19, 1843 ; married Elizabeth Utter, widow of Joseph Underhill, in Canada, in 1844; she was born in that province in 1810; have seven children, three by first husband : Mary A. and Rebecca, both married and reside in Canada, and Ann Eliza, who died in 1876; John A., Nathan J., and Melinda, wife of Andrew Elsing; Patten Atwood, youngest son, enlisted in 1864, in 92d I. S. V., Co. K, and reached New York, where he died ; Mr. A. came to this Co. in June, 1853, and settled on his present estate; have 146 acres, which is now conducted by Nathan J., who married Sallie F. Chaddock, in Rockford, March 22, 1877 ; have one child, not yet christened, born Jan. 19, 1878; both reside on the homestead ; Mr. and Mrs. A. are both members of the M. E. Church.

BIRD RUIiEPH, Farmer; Sec. 26; P. O. Stillman Valley; was born in Morris Co., N. J., April 16, 1819 ; married Azuba Ainsworth Nov. 8, 1842 ; she was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., May 9, 1824; came to this Co. and settled near his present estate, in 1844 ; have had eight children, five of whom are living: Albert M., born March 6, 1844; William A., May 19, 1848; George R., June 23, 1850 ; Ella E., Nov. 8, 1855; Bertha A., Jan 4, 1861; have 160 acres; both are members of the Congregational Church; lived in a log cabin when he first settled, from which no human habitation could be seen.

BJLECKEB WM. Farmer; Sec. 32; P. O. Oregon; was born in Washington Co., Md., Sept. 26, 1821 ; married Elizabeth Welty, who was born in Washington Co., Md., July 25, 1823; have three children living: John Henry, born Jan. 14, 1848; Marion D., Oct. 29, 1857 ; Delia N., Jan 1, 1859 ; Mr. Blecker came to this state in 1841, remaining two years, when he returned to Md. ; in 1846 he settled in Carroll Co., and in 1847 moved upon his present estate, consisting of 160 acres, and 400 acres in Pine Rock ; the country was not much settled when he bought his farm, and experienced all the hardship of Dioneer life. BLY JOHXS. Farmer; Sec. 36; P. O. Stillman Valley; born Herkimer Co., N. Y., June 10, 1835; married Ann Atwood in this Co. in 1855 ; she was born in Canada, June, 1837; have had nine children, seven of whom are living : Ida L., born Jan. 16, 1856; Walter W., Oct. 27, 1858; Perley F., April 23, 1860; Clara E., Oct. 15, 1863 ; Alice A., May 26, 1865 ; Irena E., June 5, 1868; Lydia A., June 1, 1872; Eliza M., Jan. 31, 1873; Wesley E. and Walter W. deceased ; came to this Co. in the Fall of 1854 and settled upon his present estate ; has over 200 acres. Bly Nathan, Farmer ; Sec. 10 ; P. O. Stillman Valley. BliY ^WIIililAM M. Farmer; Sec. 25; P. O. Stillman Valley; born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1837 ; married Frances Bennett in Scott Co., 1866 ; she was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1846; have five children: Julia E., Mary E., Nathan N., Ada M. and Cora M. ; came to this Co. and settled in 1856; enlisted Aug. 11, 1862, in 92d Regt. I. S. V., Co. K, and served until June 24, 1865; was with Kilpatrick in all the battles he engaged in, Chicamauga and other engagements ; was sick in hospital four months, and captured March 8, 1«65, near Fayetteville and held ; traveled 250 miles under rebel guard; was confined in Libby Prison twenty-two days ; was parolled and obtained furlough for thirty days, when he was sent to Springfield and honorably discharged ; he then returned to this Co. and settled on his farm of 185 acres, valued at $7,500; both members of the Methodist Church. Bradley C. C. physician ; Stillman Valley. BBOWIC AliBERT F. Farmer; Sec. 1; P. O. Stillman Valley; born m Brimfield, Mass., in 1819 ; married Eunice C. Cothrinat Byron Precinct, Dec. 8, 1843} she was born in Yates Co., N. Y., May 8, 1823; both members of Congregational Church ; Mr. Brown came to Dixon, Lee Co., with his father, Dauphin Brown, in 1837, and settled in Ogle Co. the same year; have seven children, all living: Henrietta C, Chai-les F., George H., Nettie E. J., Cora C, Albert C. and Silas Percus, Mr. Brown is present Supervisor of this town, having served in this capacity three years, and been otherwise identified with the interests of the Co. ; many incidents are related by Mr. Brown of his pioneer life, interesting and filled with the stirring events of his early history; the scene of the famous Black Hawk battleground is upon his farm and near the door of his dwelling. Brown Gee. H. farmer; Sec. 36; P. O. Stillman Valley.

BUBBOUOHIS O. Jb\ Farmer; Sec. 34; P. O. Paine's Point; born in Erie Co., N. Y., 1822; married Selina W. Grant in this Co. in 1851 ; she was born in Canada Jan. 31, 1832; have three children living: Ida L., Jerome L. and George J., twins; Horace L., born Aug. 14, 1860, and died March 31, 1863; Mr. B. came to this Co. in 1847, and settled in Lynnville, remaining some years ; has occupied his present estate eleven years, consisting of 550 acres valued at $25,000 ; Mrs. B. is a member of M. E. Church.

CABB J0H:N, Farmer; Sec. 31; P. OOregon; Road Master; son of Eleazar Carr; who was born in Mass. April 11, 1790, came to this Co. in 1839, and died July 26, 1856; the late Mr. Carr was a Physician of the Thompsonian School, practicing in this Co. and elsewhere with the best of success for a number of years ; his wife, who survives him, was a Miss Nancy Dutton, born in Chenango Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1809; they have had five children: Almon, born in N. Y. State Sept. 8, 1831 ; Sarah E., Ulster Co., N. Y., Nov. 13, 1836 ; Adeliza in Ogle Co. May 1, 1842; Hiram F., Ogle Co. March 19,

CHAXEY EL.I M. Farmer; Sec. 35; P. O. Paine's Point; born in Harrison Co., Va., Oct. 7, 1824; married Ellen B. Austin, Feb. 12, 1856 ; she was born in Northumberland Co., Sept. 26, 1834; have three children: Emma L., John B. and Ella B.; Mr. C. came from Ohio to this state with a colony in 1834, and settled in Putnam Co. ; traveled mostly with wagons drawn by oxen ; this colony purchased the claim of John Hall, consisting of six rude dwellings and a large tract of land ; Hennepin was the nearest market place, and salt was $15 per barrel ; organized a body of men, and with teams started for Chicago, being the first teams that had traveled this part of the country ; were in water waist deep twelve miles west of Chicago ; crossed the Chicago River on rafts constructed by the party ; was four weeks on this journey ; many days going only five and six miles; the second day out reached a place called (by them) Pluck Creek, a stream wide and deep, where they halted, unable to cross; while here a team was discovered running at full speed toward the creek and opposite shore ; the wagon contained two men, and the' horses plunged with them over the precipitous banks into the stream; they were with great diflOiculty rescued, one of them proving to be Shabbona, a celebrated Indian chief, the buggy and team, with a suit of clothes, being the same presented him by the U. S. Government; secured salt in Chicago at 80 cents per barrel, and loaded 150 barrels in wagons, reaching home after many difficulties and trials ; in 1835 Mr. C. moved to Galena, remaining until the following April, when he settled in Bureau Co. ; in the Spring of 1837 he came to this Co. and settled on his present estate; has 248 acres, valued at $15,000; Mr. C. is a member of the Baptist Church ; Mr. C. met Shabbona in Chicago, in 1847, and when he had made himself known, he clasped him in his arms as if meeting with a lost brother.

CliAYTOlT JAMES M. Farmer; Sec. 2; P. O. Stillman Valley; born in Brimfield, Mass., in 1814; married Harriet Norton in Byron Sept. 22, 1841 ; she was born in Trenton, N. Y., July 16, 1823 ; had ten children, eight of whom are living : Adelaide L., Mary C, George H., John E., Charles S., Harriet I., Carrie F., and Lena E.; Delia N. died Oct. 15, 1843; William H. died Aug. 21, 1843; Mr. C. came to this Co. in 1837, and settled in Dixon Ferry, where he became engaged as ferryman ; attempting to cross the stream when it was frozen, his vessel was carried away with tlie ice; he settled upon his present estate in 1842 ; held the office of Constable at Byron in 1838-39 ; Mr. C. participated in the arrest and punishment of the famous DriscoU affair, which occurred in his early life.

CBOWELIiSOIiAK S. Farmer; Sec. 31; P. O. Oregon; was born in Merrimac Co., N. H., in 1812; married Mary K. Marshall ; she was born in N. Y. and died in 1842; his present wife, Sarah Curran, was born in Madison Co., N. Y., in 1826 ; they have nine children, all living: Fannie J. B., born Dec. 3d, 1852; Mary E., Oct. 7, 1854; John C, March 14, 1858; Elizabeth G., March 23, 1860; George G., March 12, 1862; Frank G. March, 1864; Robert D., 1867; Solon W., 1869; Shirley K., 1872; Mr. C. came to this Co. in 1836, and settled near Mt. Morris, remaining till 1842, when he settled on his present estate ; has a farm of 510 acres, valued at $30,000; was County Commissioner for three years; when he came to this place he built a log cabin, in which twenty-two of them lived, keeping Bachelor's Hall ; Mr. C. relates many interesting incidents of his pioneer life.

EYSTER JOHUr, Farmer; Sec. 21; P. O. Oregon; born in Berks Co., Penn., Dec. 27, 1801 ; married Susanah Barto in Northumberland Co., May 1, 1823; she was born in Berks Co., Pa., and died May 4, 1843 ; had nine children, eight of whom are living: Melinda, Lucy, Benjamin, Joseph, Ester, Lovina, Siras and Susan; William, the oldest son, was drowned while crossing Rock River, in March, 1858.; Lovina was the first girl born in this Co. ; she married Reuben R. Prentiss, and lives on the homestead; they have two children : Henry W., born Aug. 16, 1873, and Helen L., Oct. 3, 1875 ; Mr. P. enlisted in the 8th I. S. V. cavalry; served four years and was honorably discharged ; in 1857 Mr. E. married Eliza Lacy, and she died April 3, 1872; he came to this Co. in 1837, and settled on his present estate of 400 acres, valued at $20,800 ; has been Poor Master and Road Master ; lived three weeks in a tent while he erected a log hut to live in; also participated in many claim fights.

FERRII!^ HIBAII J. Pastor of the Congregational Church; Sec. 2; P. O, Stillman Valley; born in Johnstown, Rock Co., Wis., April 20, 1847; married Harriet Sanburn, at Milton, Sept. 5, 1872 ; she was born in Union Village, Orange Co., Vt., Aug. 18, 1842 ; have two children : William S., born June 30, 1873, and Sarah L., June 7, 1876 ; Mr. F., while a student had studied with great earnestness in his profession for the ministry, until failing health induced him to seek the dry and bracing atmosphere of the western climate, where he remained three years, when he returned and became pastor of this people Jan. 1, 1876 ; he also officiates at New Milford, and is beloved by all who know him ; his father, Wm. P. Ferris, was one of the earliest settlers in Wisconsin ; also Levi Sanburn, father of Mrs. F., left Vermont and settled in Rock Co., Wis., in 1854.

FBAXE JOHX D., Sec. 27; P. O. Paine's Point; born in Northampton Co., Pa., in 1810 ; married Lydia Newhart in Columbia Co., Pa., and she died Oct. 8, 1868; his present wife, Mary A. Kill,, was born in Fort Plain, N. Y., in July, 1814; has four children: Hannah, Sarah, Lucinda and John D., Jr.; have lost four: Betsy, Josiah, Hiram and one that died in infancy ; Mr. F. came to this Co. in 1849 and rented a farm for two years, when he purchased his present estate ; has 160 acres valued at $10,000; when he settled in this Co. Chicago was the nearest market ; sold wheat for 30 cents per bushel and corn at 20 cents ; it occupied about three years to build the house in which he still resides, such was the labor of his early pioneer life ; also lost all his crops by tire in 1851 ; both members of M. E. Church.

GUYXJr JOH]\% Farmer; Sec. 27; P. O. Paine's Point; born in Washington Co., Md., Oct. 16, 1824; married Elizabeth Cramer in same Co. April 18, 1847 ; she was born in Sharpsburg, Md., June 25, 1832 ; they have ten children : Joseph S., John F., Robert A., Majr S., Allen B., Emma C, George W., Nettie J., William A. and Thomas T.; lost two children: Charles H., died Sept. 28, 1865; Benjamin M., Feb. 27, 1863; Mr. G. came to this Co. with his father, Joseph, in 1855, and settled in West Grove; has occupied his present estate three years, consisting of 158 acres ; his residence is located on the Stillman Road, so called from Stillman's famous retreat over this section of country; not far from his dwelling is a grave of one who fell in the reti-eat, over which the willow bends its weeping branches.

HAOAMAX JOSEPH B. Farmer; Sec. 25 ; P. O. Byron ; born in Amsterdam, N. Y., in 1812 ; married J^Iaty A Lepper Dec. 8, 1836, in Amsterdam, N. Y. ; she was born in same place in 1818; came to this Co. and settled on his present estate in . 1843; they have had seven children: Clark L., Hannah A., James L., who enlisted in 67th Regt. I. V. I., Co. A, three months men, and died while in the service, Francis M., George J., John M. and Charles W. ; both members M. E. Church ; the log hut in which he lived when he settled in this place still stands near his present dwelling.

HAXIi SMITH, Farmer; Sec. 26; P. O. Stillman Valley ; born in Schenectady, N. Y., in 1818; married Sarah Lepper in Amsterdam, Nov. 14, 1844 ; she was born Aug. 5, 1823 ; they have had four children, three of whom are living : Rebecca, born Sept. 18, 1847; John M., Nov. 6, 1849; Nelson, Sept. 16, 1858; Sabine, Nov. 29, 1851, died July 8, 1854; came to this Co. in 1851 ; lived in Rockford a few years, and returned, since which time has resided upon their present home ; have 80 acres ; Mrs. H. is a member of the Congregational Church.

HAKI^UM AliVIX, Farmer; Sec. 22; P. O. Paine's Point; born in Hampshire Co., Mass., June 22, 1821 ; married Lydia A. Boyce in this Co. in 1849; she was born in Washington Co., N. Y., March

22, 1824 ; they have three children, Mattie, born May 22, 1852; Henry, March 11, 1855; Walter E., Aug. 2, 1856; came to this Co. in 1832 with his father, Julius Hannum, and settled in BuflFalo Grove, where he lived for some years, when he purchased his present estate ; has 200 acres ; Chicago was the nearest market place, and he hauled the lumber from Chicago that was put in his first dwelling; has a tooth of a Mastodon that weighs four pounds, found near his farm ; went to Cal. in 1851 and returned in 1852 ; Mrs. H.'s father, William Boyce, was one of the earliest settlers. Harris W. H. Sec. 2; P. O. Stillman Valley. HART JOH:sr Farmer; Sec. 23; P. O. Kishwaukee, former estate of John T. Merrifield ; born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Dec. 4, 1819 ; married Lucy Stuart in her present home, in 1846; she was born in Ireland, Nov. 12, 1826 ; had eight children : William L., Lorain M., Louisa C, Riley J., Louis E., Samuel J., Gorden N., Carrie L., and Ann J., all living ; Ellsworth F., Alma J., and Clarence L. deceased ; Mr. M. died July 19, 1866; married John C. Hart in 1875, and both reside upon the estate, and are members of the Wesleyan M. E. Church ; have 1,400 acres ; Mr. M. was one of the earliest settlers ; was School Commissioner, and held other offices of trust; the log hut that Mr. and Mrs. M. were married in still stands where it was erected. Henry John, lab ; Sec. 20 ; P. O. Oregon. Hickey Mathew, farmer; Sec. 2; P. O. Stillman Valley. Horleman D. A. farmer; Sec. 36; P. O.

P. O. Stillman Valley; born in Norway, N. Y., Jan. 5, 1809; married Persis P. Brown, who died Aug., 1861 ; his present wife, Margaret V. Vandyke, was born in Union Co., Penn. ; both members of the Congregational Church ; have seven children : Sarah A., Henry E., Hiram H., Seward, Horace G., Dauphin B. and Arnold E., Jr.; Dr. Hurd is one of the oldest settlers ; he came to this Co. Dec. 25, 1836 ; was Justice of the Peace some ten or twelve years ; held office of School Commissioner some years, and been prominently identified; his residence stands near the site ot ground once the scene of the famous Stillman defeat; many incidents are related by him of his early pioneer life.

JOHXSO^ PETKR I^T. and PETER LrAWSOM", Farmers; Sec. 22; P.O. Stillman Valley; Mr. Johnson was born in Sweden in 1847; married Nellie Lawson in May, 1871, in this Co. ; she was born in Sweden in 1845 ; have five children : Jennie, Tilda S., Caroline, Hildemary, and Ida M. ; came to this country in May, 1871, and served with Homer D. Lewis two years; has occupied the present farm about four years, which he rents with his brother-in-law, Peter Lawson.

Elly Sylvester Leivis Frederick

LEIVIS FREDERICK H. Farmer; Sec. 24; P. O. Stillman Valley ; born in Ogle Co., in 1849 ; married Lucy A. Johnson, in Stillman Valley, in 1871 ; she was born in Ohio, iu 1848; have two children : Charles H., born Sept. 28, 1873, and Harry, March 26, 1876 ; Mr. L. is son of Homer Lewis, one of the early settlers ; have a farm of 160 acres, valued at $10,000; was born near his present estate, which was a complete wilderness; has often seen deer and wolves near the door when a boy, and Mrs. L. attended the Seminary at Rockford when the daughters of Stephen Mack were there to learn the ways of the whites.

liEWIS KOSHER D. Farmer; Sec. 15 ; P. O. Stillman Valley ; born in Belchertown, Mass., Jan. 18, 1822 ; married Adeline Bacon Jan. 6, 1848 ; she was born in Worcester, Mass., in 1826; have had seven children: Frank H., Laura M., Mary E., Carrie A., Lucy D., Charles H. (died March 10, 1860), Frank E. (died March 16, 1860) ; Mr. Lewis came to this Co. with his father, David Lewis, in 1838, traveling in an emigrant wagon from Mass., which occupied about six weeks ; Mr. Lewis was the first Collector of this town in 1850; has farm of 250 acres ; Mrs. L. is a member of the Congregational Church.

liEWIS li. MASOX, Farmer; Sec. 26; P. 0. Stillman Valley; born in Belchertown, Mass., in 1830; married Helen Preston in this Co. Jan. 7, 1855 ; she was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1836 ; have one child, Frank F., born Nov. 17, 1861 ; lost two children : Mitv, four months, and Gertie, ten months of age ; came to this Co. with his father. Deacon David Lewis, an old settler, in 1838, where he has since lived ; moved upon his present estate some four years since; was six weeks on the road from Mass. in a wagon ; Mrs. L. attended the Seminary at Rockford when the children of Stephen Mack were scholars in the same institution.

L.EVEY BEXJAMIX, Farmer; Sec. 26; P. O. Stillman Valley; born in Amsterdam, N. Y., Dec. 18, 1839 ; married Margaret Lepper in Amsterdam, N. Y., Dec. 27, 1868 ; she was born in Amsterdam, N. Y., Sept. 17, 1834; no children; both are members of the Methodist Church ; owns 90 acres; came to this Co. and settled on his present estate in 1868, where he has since remained,

MILIillS JOHX, Farmer; Sees. 29 and 8; P. O. Byron; born in Guilford Co., N. C, in 1824 ; married Mary A. Whitaker in this Co. in Jan., 1854; she was born in Sangamon Co., 111., Oct. 15, 1828; have two children, - Addie and Paul ; came to this Co. in 1848, remaining until 1850, when he crossed the plains to California; returned in 1853 and settled upon his present estate ; owns 150 acres ; had a thrilling experience on the plains, and experienced all the hardships of pioneer life.

irOBL.E SETH, Farmer; Sec. 26; P. O Byron; born in Hampden Co., Meiss., Jan. 20, 1803; married Mary Maclntvre Nov. 16, 1827; she was born in Delhi, Delaware Co., N. Y., Sept. 16, 1805; came to this Co. and settled on his present estate in Sept., 1836; wife died July 6, 1845; married Maria Moore Dec. 6, 1852; she was born in Amsterdam, N. Y., Jan. 20,. 1816; have had seven children, four of whom are living: Lorenda, Lucy, Francis A., Julia A., Osman, Lorain and Silas;

Mr. N. is one of the earliest settlers ; he raised some of the first wheat that was ever shipped to Chicago; was 18 miles to mill, and paid $1 per bushel for wheat, and threshed it himself; many incidents of pioneer life are told by him of interest ; two sons, Osman and Silas, have adjoining farms; has 400 acres, valued at 20,000; both are members of the M. E. Church. NOBIiE SIIiAS, Farmer; Sec. 27; P. O. B^ron; bom in this Co. in 1837; married Amanda Preston, in this Co., in 1861; she was born in Camden, N. Y., July, 1844; have four children: Osmer, Georgie, Albert and Frank; both are members of the M. E. Church; has 140 acres ; Mr. N. is second son of Seth Noble, one of the earliest settlers in this Co.

"Widow of George Northrup; Farmer; Sec. 7; P. O. Byron; born in Bradford Co., Penn., in 1803, and died in 1873 ; he married Nancy M. Snyder in Athens, Pa., in 1834; she was born in Bradford Co., Penn., in 1816; came to this Co, in 1854, and settled on the present estate; the children are: George M., Orlando S., Charles L., Mary M. and Sarah L. ; two sons are married and live in Iowa ; Mr. N. was a self-made man, natural mechanic of unusual capacity ; was beloved by all who knew him, and was prominently identified with the interests of the Co.

PATRICK EDU^ARDIV. Farmer; Sec. 9 ; P. O. Stillman Valley ; born in Ogle Co. in 1839 ; married Ellen Gould at her father's, Jan 4, 1870 ; have two children living: Emma G., born March, 1872; Arthur E., Oct., 1873 ; has 320 acres ; was born and brought up on the farm he now occupies, his parents being among the earliest settlers of the Co.

PRESTO]^ GARl>HfER fS. Farmer: Sec. 33 ; P. O. Bryon ; born in Oneida Co., N. Y., June 11, 1828; came to this Co. in Oct., 1849, and settled upon his present estate; have five children, all living: Curtis A., born Jan. 4,1855; Carrie A., Jan.

' 20., 1857; Frank H., March 10, 1859; Jay W., April 18, 1862; Lyman, May 3, 1867; has 300 acres, valued at $20,000 ; is Highway Commissioner of Marion Tp., School Trustee at present time; lived in a log house when he first settled on his present estate.

REE VERTS OEERD, Farmer; Sec. 20 ; P. O. Oregon ; born in Kingdom of Hanover, Prussia, Oct. 24, 1840; married Hilke Shaffer in Oregon Sept. 13, 1862; she was born in Kingdom of Hanover, Prussia, Feb. 14, 1843 ; have eight children living: Elizabeth G., Frederick G., Mary G., Andrew G., Jennie D., Haukea G., Gertie L. and Frederica G. ; lost one, Aadrew G., died Feb. 14, 1867 ; came to this country in 1852 and settled near his present estate, where he has since resided ; owns 160 acres, valued at $12,000; is School Director; members of Dutch Reformed Church.

SHEIiL-Y SAMUEIi, Farmer; Sec. 30; P. O. Oregon; born in Butler Co., Pa., in 1825 ; married Mary A. Schwartz, in Northampton Co., Pa., in 1851; she was born in same Co., in 1831 ; children are George A., Elizabeth J., Maggie M., Rosie A., Lydia E., and Abraham S. ; Mary A. married William H. Knauss, who diea and left one child, Edwin W"., a^ed fourteen months ; Mr. S. came to this Co. in

18(51, and settled on his present estate, consisting of 230 acres, valued at $20,000; is present School Director; are members of Dutch Reformed Church.

SHU ART ISTEPHEX B. Sec. 3 P. O. Byron; born in Ohio, in 1837; mar ried Jiilia A. Whitaker, at Marion, Jan 22, 1867; she was born in Putnam Co, 111., in 1833 ; have two children, Emma E. born Dec. 6, 1868, and one adopted boy, born Jan. 1, 1875; came to this Co. in 1857, and settled on his present estate: have farm of 155 acres, value $7,500 ; Mr S. enlisted in 15th I. S. V., Co. H, in 1861 ; participated in battles of Shiloh, Vicks burg, Pittsburg Landing, and taken pris oner at Ackworth, Ga., while with Sherman on his March to the Sea; held in An dersonville prison six months, when he was exchanged and discharged; he served over four years.

SOVEREIGIT IJSAAC H. Farmer; Sec. 24; P. O. Kishwaukee; born in Canada, Feb. 20, 1831 ; married Sarah J. Bartlett in 1852 ; she was born in Beanville, Canada West, in 1832: have four children: Clara E., Carrie E., William, and Minnie B. ; Mr. S. came to this state in 1840, residing in Winnebago Co. until 1842, when he came to this Co. and settled on his present estate ; is the only surviving son of George Sovereign, who was born in Sussex Co., N. J., Aug. 12, 1798, and married Phoebe F. Powell, Nov. 15, 1820; both are living on the homestead; they had nine children, only two of whom are living; Mary J., survivina; daughter, present wife of Harvey Ross ; George Sovereign has been prominently identified with the interests of the Co. during his life, and is in the enjoyment of good health; have farm of 300 acres.

SPAIiDIETG HARRY, Farmer; Sec. 4; P. O. Byron; born in Bradford Co., Pa., Aug. 29, 1822 ; married Emily N. Parsons, in his present home, Dec. 25, 1851 ; has four children, all living : Ellen S., George L., Etta P., and Alfred K.; came to this Co. in 1836, with his father, Geo. W., the family following in 1837 ; served 6 years as Constable ; has been School Director 21 years ; has 270 acres, valued at $14,000; was Ferryman at Byron 5 years, and Path Master 5 years ; Mr, S, numbers among the early settlers, and relates many incidents of interest ; has slept on the open prairie many nights, and remembers seeing the bones of the dead on the field of the Black Hawk War.

TAYt,OR JAMES, Farmer ; Sec. 2 ; P, O. Byron ; born in Franklin Co., O., Feb. 16, 1823 ; married Martha Conway, in this Co., Dec. 12, 1852 ; she was born in Morgan Co., O., July 25, 1831 ; have four children living: Ambrose, Evalina L., Sherman and Martha ; lost one, Benson ; died Jan, 12, 1865; came to this Co, with his father, Ambrose Taylor, and settled on his present estate a few years after his coming; has 420 acres ; made many trips to Chicago with oxen ; he lived in a log house which still stands near the door of his house ; bored holes in the side af the shanty and hung pegs upon which he constructed a bedstead and other necessities of pioneer life,

TRAXtER PETER, Farmer: Sec. 27; P. O. Stillman Valley; born in Canada Nov. 26, 1808 ; married Agnes E, Messmore in Canada in 1828; she was born March 14, 1811 ; they have had seven children : Chas. R., Michael W., Rebecca E., Mary J., Lucy A., Edwin D. and Francis L. ; Charles R. died while crossing the plains near Laramie June 11, 1852 ; Mary J., March 7, 1845 ; Edwin D., Sept 16, 1851 ; Mr. T, came to this Co. in 1840, and settled near his present estate; has 120 acres ; his wife is a member of Congregational Church; country was new when they came, and Mrs. T. has often yoked up the oxen and gone miles gathering wood ; it was thirty miles to nearest mill.

TRUMBUIili ASAPH M. Farmer; Sec. 9; P. O. Stillman Valley; born in East Windsor, Conn., Sept. 13, 1813 ; married Sarah M. Gotshall in Northumberland Co., Pa., March 8, 1838; she was born April 6, 1819, and died Aug. 3, 1843; Mr. F. came to this Co. in July, 1839, living near Byron two years, when he settled upon his present estate ; married Mary M. Patrick Oct. 12, 1843; she died Aug. 10, 1860 ; left two children : George and Minnie, both deceased ; married his present wife. Honor Preston, Aug. 6, 1861 ; have one son living, and settled upon adjoining estate; Mr. T, has 300 acres; has been Supervisor onte year, Assessor, Trustee, Treasurer and Highway Commissioner; settled in a log house near Byron ; the first crop of wheat he raised traveled to St. Charles, fifty miles, to get it ground, snow fifteen inches deep and bitter cold, this is but an instance connected with his pioneer life.

DAWIEIi, Farmer; Sec. 16; P. O. Stillman Valley ; born in Windham Co., Vt, March 10, 1801 ; married Almira Lee in Conway, Mass., Sept. 26, 1827 ; she was born in Abbott, Vt, Oct. 28, 1799; they had eight children : William Henry, "Warren D., Edward H., Sarah J., John M., Charles F ; two twins deceased ; Mr. "Weld settled in this Co. on his present estate in 1844, and has experienced all the hardships of pioneer life; made many trips to Chicago, occupying one week in the journey; has 207 acres besides grist mill ; his son Henry enlisted in 34th Regt. I. S. V. as Captain; served seven months and was honorably discharged ; Edward Weld enlisted in 34th Regt. I. S. V., First Lieutenant, mustered in 1862 ; participated in battles of Corinth, Murfreesboro ; was taken prisoner at Stone River and sent to Libby Prison; was exchanged some months afterwards and returned to his regiment ; engaged in the battles at Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and crossed the country with Sherman on his March to the Sea; Republican.

WEIiD HENRY, Blacksmith; Sec. 24; P. O. Stillman Valley; born in Windham Co., Vt., in 1828 ; married Sarah D. Pa^e in this Co. in 1860 ; she was born in Ohio in 1844; have one child, Grace E., born in Feb., 1861 ; came to this Co. in 1844 with his father, Daniel Weld, one of our earliest settlers ; built a shop in Big Walnut Grove, where he first worked at his trade, after serving an apprenticeship ; in 1849 he crossed the plains to Cal., where he remained until the Spring of 1851 ; he again crossed returning in 1853, when he purchased a farm, following that business some years; two years ago he settled on his present place, building the shop he now occupies, and has erected a fine residence adjoining; is Justice of the Peace, and has held that office about four years ; has been Township Treasurer, and otherwise connected with the interests of the Co. ; enlisted in 34th Regt. I. S. V., Co. E, as Captain, and served seven months.

Farmer; Sec. 8; P. O. Byron; born in Putnam Co., 111., Sept. 13, 1833 ; married Adelaide Mix June 21, 1865 ; she was born in Jacksonville Jan. 20, 1836; have had five children : Lelia E., William St. John and Ann E., ; twins, Addie M. and George, who died Jan. 15, 1875 ; she is a member of the Congregational Church ; came to this

Co. with his father, John W., in 1885, and settled near his present estate ; has been School Director twelve years; his father was Justice of the Peace many years; Mrs. W. remembers of riding from Dixon to Byron when a small girl with Stephen Mack; and both tell of seeing a dead squaw encased in bark and left in a tree for burial; other incidents are told by this early pioneer of their early life ; has 205 acres.

\VH1TE JOHN H. Farmer and Dealer in Agricultural Implements ; Sec. 3; P. O. Stillman Valley; born in Virginia, Jan. 14, 1811; married Melinda S. George, in Va., Dec. 5, 1833 ; she was born in May, 1817; have had eleven children: Mary E., James G., Thos. M., Ann E., Robert F. J., Joshua H., Willie V., John S., John Samuel, named after an elder brother now deceased, Joseph B., and one son that died in infancy; Mr. W. came to this Co. and settled in Black Walnut, where he lived seven years, removing to Rockford, where he engaged in the grain business eight years, when he settled upon his present estate; he is Commissioner of Highways, Trustee of Schools, and has been otherwise identified with the interests of the Co. ; has 160 acres of land and a warehouse at Stillman Valley, where for two years past he has engaged in grain business and agricultural implements.

H^HITE JOSHUA, Farmer; Sec. 2; P. O. Stillman Valley; born in Loudoun Co., Va., in 1814; married Lucy A. Brown at Byron, 111., in 1842; she was born in Mass., Oct. 13, 1817; they have seven children living: James D., Charles F., George W., Julia, John E., Frank and Lizzie; two twin brothers deceased; Mr. W. settled in this Co. in 1838 ; engaged in stock business ; in 1841 built flat boats and shipped the first live stock ever shipped to New Orleans ; engaged in furniture business at Rockford two years, and settled in White Oak Springs, (then) Territory of Wisconsin, where he engaged in mercantile business; in 1846 was a delegate to the 1st Territorial Convention that formed the constitution of the state ; spent the season of '48 in Chicago, and returned to this Co. and settled upon his beautiful farm; represented this Co. as Supervisor seventeen or eighteen years ; also this district in the Legislature in '57-'58 ; has been a resident of this Co. forty years.

W^IIiBUR CHARI.es, Farmer; Sec. 32; P. O. Byron; born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1817; married Ann Shaw in Trenton, N. Y., Feb. 20, 1839; she was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 7, 1817; have one child living, Harriet N., present wife of John C.Stires; they have one child, Mabel, born Sept., 1877 ; Mr. W. came to this Co. in 1843, and settled on his present estate ; his family are descendants of Sam- uel Wilbur, from Dorchester, Eng., who came to this country in 1634; they purchased Rhode Island, and William Coddington was governor and Samuel Wilbur, assistant; he died in 1656; Sam'l Wilbur, Jr., came to Portsmouth in 1644 and died in 1700; he inherited all the land in Rhode Island; William Wilbur, son of Joseph, died in 1710; Samuel W., son of William, came in 1610, and died in 1640; Charles Wilbur, son of last named, born Aug., 1732, and died at a good old age; grandfather Aaron Wilbur moved from R. I. to N. Y. in 1770 and died in 1828; Mr. Wilbur's father, Barnabas, was born in Vt., May 3, 1782, and died in 1862 ; Mr. W. has been Justice of the Peace sixteen years, and otherwise ^ identified with the interests of the Co.; have 160 acres of land.

li^ILCOX FRAIS'CIS W. Farmer; Sec. 16; P. O. Stillman Valley; born in Windham Co., Vt, in 1840; married Mary A. Atwood in this Tp. Jan. 1, 1867 ; she was born in Essex Co., Canada, in 1848 ; have three children : Chester, born Oct. 8, 1867 ; Martha, Sept. 20, 1871, and one not yet christened, Sept. 30, 1877 ; Mr. W. came to this Co. in the Spring of 1861, and settled in Black Walnut Grove, near his present estate; has 100 acres; has been School Director and served as Town Collector one year; is half brother to Stephen G. Perry, one of the earliest settlers ; both members of M. E. Church.

liVOODCOCK JOH:9r B. Farmer; Sec. 27 ; P. O. Byron ; born in Prescott, Canada, in 1825 ; married Lucy Martin in Ogle Co. in May, 1849 ; she was born in Canada July 20, 1822; have had six children: EllaE., Walter S., Antoinette N., John D. and two deceased ; came to this Co. with his father. Freeman W., in 1845, and settled in Nashua Tp., where he remained five years, then moved upon his present estate ; both are members M. E. Church; owns 500 acres; held office of Deputy Co. Clerk.

Y0UX08 OGDSlir B. Farmer; Sec. 13; P. O. Stillman Valley; born in Cuya hoga Co., O., June 14, 1822; married Emma C. Norton; she was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., March 7, 1828;. have had seven children : Mary E., Thomas G., Henry J,, Bertha E. and Alice M., all living; Mary E. and Bertha, deceased; Mr. Young settled in this Co. in 1838 and engaged in farming ; represented this Co. in the Legislature in 1868-'69 ; also has been Justice of the Peace for several years, both before and since his term in the Legislature ; also served two terms as Supervisor of this Co., and been prominently identified ; he participated in the organization of the lynch company formed for the protection of their homes from thieves that infested the country at an early day.

Source changes here: from Portrait and Biographical Album of Ogle County, Illinois, Containing Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County, by Various, published 1886; 805 words in this source stream.

Marion Township

range 11 east, lying south and east of Rock River. It is a fine body of land, the greater part being prairie, but having several groves, which attracted the attention of the pioneers of thas region. Among the early settlers of the township were M. M. York, L. O. Bryan, Seth Knodle, Mr. Juvenal, John Whitaker, Peter Smith, James Scott, Dauphin, Brown, A. P. Johnson, James W. Johnson, Wm. D.

The first settlements were made in and around Black Walnut Grove, about 1835-6, and soon extended to other groves, the prairie land being the last taken up.

Peter Smith and James Scott were probably the first to locate in the township, selecting their claims and erecting cabins in the fall of 1835. They remained here until 1837, when they sold out and

John Whitaker and M. M. York also made claims in the fall of 1835, but did not remain on them. Mr. Whitaker came back in the spring of 1836, and has usually received the credit of being the first permanent settler. Mr. York returned in 1836. Mr. Bryan, Mr. Knodle and Mr. Juvenal are also numbered among the settlers of 1836. The greater number of the old settlers have passed away, but their works, indeed, follow them. Dauphin Brown and E. Payson Snow were quite prominent ; a sketch of the former is given elsewhere. His son, A. F. Brown, is the present representative in the Legisla- died in Vineland, N. J., April 10, 1884. He was the first to introduce in the county the celebrated Merino sheep. He was Vice-President of the first Agricultural Society in the county and the first Supervisor from Marion Township.

Joshua White has also been a prominent character here. For 17 years he was the Supervisor from the township. He has always been prominent in political circles. Originally a Democrat, with Free Soil proclivities, when the Republican party was organized he became a prominent advocate of its principles (see sketch).

Marion Township is well watered by Rock River, Stillman's Run and their tributaries. Stillman's Run is the name given to the creek near which Major Stillman and his command during the Black Hawk War had an engagement with Black Hawk's men, and ingloriously fled. The creek will always commemorate the great scare of Stillman's men.

The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad passes through the township from east to west, having one station, Stillman Valley, a flourishing village, of which more will be said.

In the spring of 1885 the township Assessor reported the following items: Improved land, 26,843 acres; unimproved land, 1,754 acres; total value, $423,825; town lots, 137; valued at $23,515. Of personal property there were: Horses, goo; cattle, 3.537; mules'and asses, 19; sheep, 57; hogs, 3,272; steam engines, 2; fire and burglar-proof safes, 6; carriages and wagons, 356; watches and clocks, 243; sewing and knitting machines, 125; pianos, 15 ; melodeons and organs, 32; total value of personal property, $106,294.

Marion was among the first townships organized in the county. Those serving it as members of the Board of Supervisors, from its organization to the present time, are as follows: giving evidence of wealth and refinement. Mr. White is a resident of the village, while Hon. A. F. Brown resides adjoining the village plat.

The village boasts of a fine school house and well kept graded school, which is up to the times in every respect. The business of the place is good, dealers all doing well. Among those engaged here in the fall of 1885 were Humphrey & Hurd, (Silas Humphrey and H. G. Hurd), Harvey Kennedy, and Theodore B. Partridge, each of whom carry a fine line of dry goods, groceries, and all articles usually found in. a general store. Johnston & Brown, (Frederick D. Johnston and George H. Brown), are dealers in hardware, harness and farm machinery, and have an excellent trade. Miss Grace Weld carries a fine line of millinery and ladies' furnishing goods. King & Wilbur (James H. King and Charles H. Wilbur), do a general banking business, with Albert C. Brown as wind mills. E. W. Patrick and Andrew Raney are live stock dealers. Charles Perry is a mianufacturer of boots and shoes. James D. White is a lumber dealer, while J. D. & J. J. White deal in grain, coal and salt, C. L. Conant feeds the hungry, as a village baker. Nathan James, "lathers and shaves 'em," and supplies all with confectionery and cigars. Luke Dickman runs the hotel. W. W. Bagley is station and express agent. The Stillman Valley Tile and Brick Co. is one of the institutions of the place. L. Johnson is president of it; F. F. Potter, manager. It was established September, 1883. W. H. Weld is a manufacturer and repairer of wagons and carriages. Steinmax & Main are the village blacksmiths.