Mercer Township (part 2 of 4)

March 10, 1880, to Govert H. Stephens, of Sunbeam, Mercer conntj, where the}^ still reside. Lulu M., born June 0, 1861 ; died July 14, 1878, in Aledo. William Corwin, born May 21, 1866 ; resides with his parents at Albion. Ada, born October 12, 1868 ; died December 22, 1868. Jessie A., born October 31, 1870 ; resides with her parents. Mr. Harroun and his family have many w^arm friends yet in this county. Mrs. H. was raised here, and they still feel a deep interest in all pertaining to their old home, and we doubt not will be among the most eager readers of this history.

The Seat Of Justice

By the act of the legislature, of January 31, 1835, creating the county of Mercer, New Boston was designated as the "temporary county seat"; and in 1837 an act was passed appointing "William McMurtry, of Knox county ; Thomas Spragins, of Jo Daviess ; and John S. Stephenson, of Ogle, commissioners to select a permanent location. They selected Millersburg as the site, making their report September 15, 1837, which was signed by the last two named. John and Sarah Miller donated the amount of land required by the act, making their deed therefor December 18, 1837.

This decision was not satisfactory to the citizens of the west side of the county, and in 1839 they secured an act authorizing an election in April of that year, to vote for or against removing the county seat to New Boston, which, however, resulted in favor of retaining the "seat" at Millersburg.

Here a two-story frame court-house was built, and a stone jail ; but the latter was of little use in holding such prisoners as desired to gain their freedom, for they could, and frequently did, dig out the soft mortar and remove "stones enough to gain a safe and easy egress. We remember when a boy of being shown a hole in the gable of the building through which a prisoner had recently made escape from "durance vile." To render the building more secure the county commissioners had it lined throughout with three-inch oak plank, held in place by three-cornered studs in the angles, these being driven full of nails to prevent their being cut into.

Agitation was still kept up, and another board of commissioners was secured, who again decided in favor of Millersburg. In 1847, however, another election was held, and resulted in 3!)6 votes for Keithsburg, 340 for New Boston, and 210 for Millersburg, Iveithsburg caiTving off the prize. Land was again donated, a substantial brick court-house erected, and the county archives removed to the new location. After the removal of the county seat from Millersburg, the court-liouse, jail, ])ublic square, and considerable adjoining land was purchased by Mr. II. "\V. Thornton, who still resides on the outskirts of the village, and to whom we are indebted for a portion of this history. The jail was torn down and the material ]nit to other uses. The court-house was removed to a lot near the then center of the village, and has for jnany years been used as a wagonmaker s shop. 1 Keithsburg wore the laurels for nearly ten years, when another election was held, August 3, 1857, and by a vote of 1,47!> to 549 the j>eople decided to remove the county seat to Aledo, which was situated almost in the center of the rapidly growing county. Land and money were donated, a building was ready for the reception of the officers and the records, and the work of removal was quickly accom|)lished.

For some time court was held in a building erected for a schoolhouse, but being unlit for that purpose, was sold to the county for a nominal sum for a court-house, and is still so used. It is not well adapted to the |)urpose, being illy-ventilated, and ])ositively wnhealthv, and the feeling is growing in the county that a new building is a necessity, and it will doubtless be erected at no distant day upon the block donated for that purpose. A commodious and substantial jail was erected in 1869, and a fire-proof building for the county offices in 1873. The latter, while perhaps a safe place to keep the records, is a very uncomfortable ])lace to work in, either winter or summer, owing to poor ventilation. It stands upon Court-House square, and the jail is in tl e block immediately west of it.

1 he old court-house at Keithsburg has become the property of the to^vn and is known as the Opera-house, it being fitted up with stage and J 'enery.

P, sbyterian Church. - The first organ i^^ation of this church was effects 1 JSTovember 10, 1856, in a school-house west of Aledo, which was at that time known as " the mile school-house."

The officers who were then elected were : elders, Messrs. "Wm. W. McCandless and Edgar Allen ; deacon, Mr. Yanbuskirk ; trustees, Messrs. Simon Macy, John McKee, and John S. Thompson.

This congregation for some time after its organization, worshi})ed in the same old school-house, and after leaving it, occupied a room in Dr. Macy's drug store building, which was used for a private school, and which stood upon the lot now occupied by the residence of Mrs. Jane Strother. Some time about the year 1857, they worshiped in another scliool-room, where Dr. Town ley taught a select or private school. The same house is now occupied as a dwelling by F. A. Holleubeck, in the west part of Aledo. Services were held in the above room until 1865, when the congregation iitted up the chapel room of a college that was under the care of the Presbytery, and which was situated in the south part of the town. This room was occupied by them as a place of worship until ISTl, from which time, until the building they now occupy was finished, they worshiped in the house of the Methodist brethren. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Samuel Linn, who continued in charge until the spring of 1861, when he was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Williams, formerly of Ohio. It was during the pastorate of Mr. Williams the chapel room spoken of before was fitted up for worship, and the prosperity of the congregation at that time, and the means of advancement and growth, were largely due to the energy of Thos. Candor, familiarly known as "Fatlier Candor," a man of untiring zeal and christian devotion ; he died in 1871. Mr. Williams remained in charge of the congregation till the fall of 1866, when he was succeeded by Rev. John S. Loots, who remained nearly three years, when he resigned, was released by the Presbytery, and was succeeded by Rev. F. A. Shearer in the winter of 1868 and 1869. Dr. Shearer was succeeded by Rev. Samuel T. Davis, in 1875, who remained about two years and was succeeded by Rev. Robt. Edgar, who remained with the congregation about three years, when, by his own request, he was released by the Presbytery. The congregation is large and in a prosperous condition. They have a large and handsome place of worship, which cost about $6,000. There are only two surviving members of the original organization, Mrs. Amanda M, Macy and Mrs. Martha Detwiler.

United Presbyterian Cliurch. - In the year 1853 or 1851, Rev. Matthew Bigger preached occasionally to a few members of the Associate Reformed Presbytei'ian church, living in Millersburg township, Mercer county, Illinois. Services were generally held at the house of Samuel Carnahan, and sometimes in a school-house near his place. An organization was effected in the year 1855 by the election of Samuel Carnahan, Sr., and AVilliam Haverhill, as ruling elders.

The first pastor was the Rev. D. C. Cochran, who was installed Nov. 9, 1856, and continued with the congregation as pastor for about two years. The records show that five persons were received into membership by certificate during the first pastorate. In the year 1856 the village of Aledo was laid out, and the name of the congregation was soon changed from "Millersburg" to that of "Aledo." Near the time that the first pastor was released, the Rev, Matthew Bigger, pastor of Pope creek congrecjation, now Sunbeam, removed to Aledo with liis family, and jDreached "statedly" as supply to the Aledo congregation. During his labors the Sabbath school was organized and AV. D. Henderson was the first superintendent.

John S. Paxton and W. 1). Henderson were installed as ruling elders February 12, 1859. 'Mrs. Warwick, wife of J. M. Warwick, was the first person received into the Aledo congregation, upon })rofession of faith, and her chihlren the first baptised.

Rev. Matthew Bigger entered the army during the war of the rebellion as clia])lain of the 50th reg. 111. Vol. Inf. After the close of the war he entered the active work of the ministry, in which he continued till his death at Bushnell, Illinois, in December, 1873. The second pastor was Rev. J. R. McCallister, who was installed in Decembei', 1862.

Shortly after the above date a new church building was erected at a cost of about §2,400. This bulling was afterward sold to, and is now in use by, the Swedish Lutheran church, of Aledo. December 10, 1867, Mr. McCallister was released from his pastorate by Presbytery,

The third pastor was Rev. A. W. Clokey, who was installed December 22, 1868, and released by Presbytery June 11, 1872. The fourth and present pastor is Rev. T. B. Turnbull, who was installed April 16, 1873. A new church building was erected in 1876 ; it was completed for occupancy in the basement, the auditorium being unfinished, at a cost of $8,689.12, when, on June 25, 1877, a tornado passed over the village of Aledo, blowing the tower of the new church building over ujion the roof of the church, carrying -svnth it to the ground about one-third of the main structure. The work of re])airing was immediately begun, and was finished at a cost of about $2,200. The church building is the finest in the county, being of frame work after the gothic style, and when com])leted and finally furnished will cost tlie congregation about $15,000.

The actual membership of the congregation is about 140. The Sabbath school is large, under the superintendency of Dr. D. R. Johnston, formerly medical missionary to Egypt. The officers of the church at present are : eldei's, Stewart J. Frew, Alexander Rankin, Paul Black, Joseph AVallace, W. K. Fulton ; trustees, Thomas Love, William B. Frew, J. F. Pyles. This church is in a flourishing condition, and out of debt.

Methodid EpUco])al Church - Was organized in the sj^ring of 1857 by Rev. J. Shelton, then traveling Camden (now ]Milan) circuit. In the fall of 1857 Aledo was connected with Millersburg circuit, and D. A. Faulkenburg appointed as pastor. The subsequent appointments

In 1862, under the administration of J. D. Taylor, the society purchased a half interest in the Free Presbyterian church, and in 1865 the Free Presbyterians sold their remaining interest in the building to the Methodists. The society owns a good parsonage. The membership now numbers 220, and the Aledo Methodist Episcopal church is, and has been for years the most prosperous Methodist church in the county. It is regarded as one of the most pleasant stations in tlie conference. When the society was organized in 1857, J. P. McEwen was appointed leader. The additional members were : Mary McEwen,

Aledo J^ajjt/'st Cliurch. - The first organization of this church in Aledo took place January 5, 1867, with twelve members constituting the congregation. The meeting was presided over by Eev. J. C. Post, who remained in charge of the congregation until October, 1867, when his term expired. The officers of the original organization were as follows: clerk, Clias. M. Kay; trustees, AYm. B. Crapnel, C. M. Kay, J. B. Taliafero, Moses White, Aaron P. Sliafer, Pobert H. Day, Aaron Patterson. Mr. Post was succeeded by Rev. Win. Whitehead, who was called by the congregation January 1, 1868, and remained in charge until January 19, 1869. On September 11, 1870, a call was extended to Rev. D. G. Zook, who took charge of the congregation and remained until August 2, 1873, when he resigned. Mr. Zook was succeeded by Rev. O. W. Yan Osdel, who was called December 4,

1875, and remained till ()ctober 30, 1878, when he resigned and was released March 31, 1880. A call was extended to Rev. M. D. Murdock, who accepted and remained with the congregation till January 5, 1881, when the present pastor. Rev. J. T. Hoye, was called. For some years prior to 1874 the congregation worshiped in private houses, holding covenant and prayer meetings. About this year steps were taken leading to the erection of the handsome place of worship they now occupy (which was dedicated December 5, 1875), at a cost of about $3,500. Mucli credit is due to a few members of this churcli, who ftimished a gi'eat part of the means for tlie building. As the ehurcli was comi)aratively po(^r, the burden fell upon the few. In 1877 the congregation also built a tine parsonage, at a cost of a))out $1,500. The congregation now numbers about eighty-five members. The sabbath school is large and interesting, and is superintended by the pastor. Of the original members of the congregation only four remain.

t'o?i(/re(/ati'onaI C/iurc/i - "Was organized Februar}- 15, 1869. The otticers of the original organization were: trustees, John S. Thompson, Horace E. Wright, and P. Koberts ; clerk and treasurer, M. S. Boice. They built a house of worship, which was dedicated July 3, 1870, and cost about $4,500. Rev. P. F. Warner was the first pastor, who continued in charge till the fall of 1872. The congi-egation was then without a pastor till the year 1874, when Rev. Robert Nurse was called and presided over the church till September, 1877. The congregation was again without a pastor, having only occasional supplies, till A])ril, 1880, when the Rev. W. E. Smith was called, and who continued in charge until January 1, 1882, when he accepted a call from the First Congregational church of Canton, Illinois. The present officers of the church are : trustees, Joseph McCoy, Joseph Abercrombie and James H. Council ; deacons, Robert Woods and Wm. Pinkerton ; treasurer, Wm. A. Lorimer ; secretary and superintendent of sabbath school. Miss Laura McCoy ; chorister, A. M. Woods ; organist. Miss Aggie McCoy.

Swedish Lutheran Church - ^Was organized May 19, 1873, the Rev. A. Andreen presiding. There were about forty members who signed the church roll. The following officers were elected : trustees, J. O. Lundblad, P. Ringdall, Clias. Neiberg, and Samuel Andersen; deacons, C. Bjorkman, C. Runborn, John E. Swomsen, and (). G. Olsen. They were without a house of worship until March, 1877, when the old building of the United Presbyterian church was purchased for $400, which they removed to the lot owned by them in the east part of town, and repaired and fitted up at a cost of about $2,000. The first pastor was the Rev. A.. Andreen, who was succeeded in July, 1873, by Rev. Nils Fersander, who was succeeded by Rev. Andreen again, who had charge of the congregation for about a year. September 8, 1878, a call was issued to the Rev. T. H. Winguist, who took charge of the congregation in March, 1879, and is the present pastor. The congregation has at present about eighty membei-s, is out of debt and pros])ering. Sabbath school exercises are held in English every Sabbath, under the direction of Mr. A. G. Johnson, superintendent.

- Ejjiscopal Church.- - This church was first organized by a few members in 1870, and in the year 1878 was received nnder the care of the fijeneral church as a mission. The church since has so prospered that in February of the present year (1882) it was organized as an independent congregation. The church is entirely out of debt, and have a fine place of worship erected by the members at a cost of about $4,000. The rectors in charge since 1870 have been: Revs. Chamberlain, Brown, Gates, Allen, and the present rector, Rev. Farrar, in the order named.

Seventh Day Adventists. - Early in the year of 1869, a Rev. R. F. Andrews, a minister of this denomination, delivered a series of lectures in Aledo upon the doctrines of his church, continuing his services until some time in March of that year. He made a number of converts to his doctrine, though no organization was eftected at that time. A number of the followers of his faith, however, banded together, appointed a leader, and for nearly a year met for regular service in the court-house. '

Mr. Andrews came back after being absent about a year, and commenced operations six miles south of Aledo, and sent for Rev. Mr. Whitham, who had embraced adventism, to help him in the work. The two brethren labored in this locality for some time, when an organization was eftected, the brethren meeting in what is known as the "Marsh school-house." They held meetings regularly, with quite a large Sabbath-school as auxiliary, until within a few years past. Many members of the organization have moved away, weakening its strength ; but the interest is still kept alive among the few, and the organization is still intact.

Free Preshyterian church. - There is now no such church. The necessity for such an organization ceased when slavery died. It was the outgrowth of that love of principle which burned in the hearts of those noble men who loved liberty and morality, and its cardinal doctrines as a church were founded upon the sternest ideas and principles of morality. As early as 1852 there were three organizations of this church in Mercer county ; one in the '' Carnahan neighborhood.'' The place was commonly known as "Nigger ridge," on account of the number of abolitionists living in the neighborhood. Another organization was in the " Kiddoo neighborhood," and the third at the McClure school-house. Messrs. Carnahan, McClure, and Kiddoo were the leaders in the movement in Mercer county, and are all now dead. There was a church built in the Carnahan district, and it is still standing, as is another church built at the same time in the Kiddoo district.

about tlie year 1857, previous to wliicli time Rev. Joseph R. AVliitliam, at i)resent livini^; east of Aledo, a zealous cliristian man, had preached to the three organizations in turn. After the union Rev. James S. Pogue was the pastor of the congregation until the close of the war, when the organization was dissolved and the church building sold to the Methodist Episcopal church, the members uniting with various churches in Aledo.

Aledo Lodge No. ^5^, A.F.A.M. - The charter was granted under the signature of James Hibbard, Grand Master of the State of Illinois, and bears date of October 7, 1857. The charter members were William M. Brown, Lucien B. Howe, Pleasant B. Mathews, Elislia Miller, and Simeon Macy. The first officers of the lodge were as follows: Simeon Macy, W.M. ; William M. Brown, S. W. ; R B. Mathews, J. W. ; O. C. Allen, Sec. The lodge at that time met in the third story of the building now owned by J. C. Richey, on the south side of Fifth street. The lodge was constituted, under the charter, by Deputy Gi'and Master Rice, of Monmouth Lodge, October 10, 1857, when the above-named officers were installed. The first election of officers was held December 14, 1858, which resulted in the following being chosen : Simeon Macy, W.M.; Thomas Maddox, S.W.; G. A. Luvin, J.W.; Isaac K Bassett, Treas. ; Elias Willets, Sec. Elias AVillets was the secretary till 1860. He received his demit from the lodge about 1862, when he moved to Warren county, where he practiced his profession, that of the law, till about the year 1870, when he was appointed county judge, to fill an unexpired term, at the close of which he was elected to the same office, which he held till his death in December, ISSl. M. L. Marsh was the next secretary elected, who held the office for several terms, when he was appointed tyler, which office he has continuously held under the successive administrations of the lodge until the })resent time. At the election in December, 1862, William M. Brown was elected W.M., and Thomas Maddox, Sec. January, 1864, Simeon Macy was again elected W.M., and I. N. Bassett, Sec. The next change was in 1865, when Dr. W. D. Craig was elected W.M., and James M. Macy, Sec. The successive annual elections resulted as fohows: December 18, 1866, J. M. Willson, W.M., J. M. Macy, Sec.-, December 10, 1867, J. M. Willson, W.M., John C. Wellion, Sec; December 22, 1868, L. L. Troy, W.M., Geo. P. Graham, Sec; December 19, 1869, W. D. Craig, W.M., C. H. Smith, Sec; December 6,

Geo. P. Graham, W.M., James L. Bentle3% Sec; December 30, 1873, Geo. P. Graham, W.M., M. L. Marsh, Sec; December 15, 1874, D. F. Brock, "VY.M., A. B. McCanclless, Sec; December 7, 1875, Geo. P. Graham, AV.M., Luke Strong, Sec; December 26, 1876, J. M. Willson, W.M., Joseph Boyd, Sec; December 18, 1877, J. M. Willson, W.M., Alex. McArthur, Sec; since which election James M. AVillson has held the office of W.M., and the same officer was secretary till the election of September 14, 1880, when Fred Clark was elected. The present officers of the lodge are as follows : J. M. Willson, W.M.; K. E. Patrick, S.W.; Philip Killey, J.W.; J. F. McBride, Treas. ; I'. Clark, Sec; Alex. McArthur, Senior Deacon ; K. M. Whitham, Junior Deacon ; A. E. Mead and Joseph Boyd, Stewards ; M. L. Marsh, Tyler. The lodge now occupies a commodious and neat hall in the Aledo bank building. They are comfortably situated and in a very flourishing condition. In talking over the history of this organization some very pleasant memories are revived, not the least of which was the presentation in 1880 to Worshipful Master J. M. Willson, who had served the lodge for many years as its principal officer, of a magnificent cane to support the declining years of him who, " as a Master Mason, enjoys the happy reflection of a well-spent life."

J. S. Pinkerton, of Aledo, a member of this lodge, was the first member of the order initiated in Mercer county ; his initiation took place in New Boston Lodge, No. 188, in November, 1855. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, has forty-four members, and net assets of $626.31 in the hands of the treasurer. They meet in Abercrombie hall.

A. O. U. W. - A lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workingmen was instituted in Aledo, December 20, 1878, with twenty -five charter members. The officers of the original organization were as follows : P.M.W., A. R Morgan; M.W., Wm. N. Graham; F., James M. Macy ; Overseer, Jas. A. Cummins ; Receiver, J. I. Edwards ; Recorder, W. A. Lorimer ; Financier, W. C. Galloway ; Guide, D. T. Hindman ; I. Watch, A. R. McDonald ; O. Watch, Ben. Warlow. There has been only one death in the order since its organization, that of James M. Macy in January, 1882. There is a present membership of sixty-four, and the order is on a sound financijd basis and is otherwise prosperous. The order meets every Thursday evening in Abercrombie's halL The present otticer's are: P.M.AV., S. M. Evans; M.W., W. A. Lorimer; F., James Bickets; Overseer, J. H. McPherren ; Recorder, A. R. McDonald ; Receiver, W. C. Galloway ; Financier, R. J. McDonald ; Guide, Jas. A. Cummins ; I. ^Yatch, J. H. Abercrombie ; O. Watch, Wm. Winders.

Townley'S Tile And Brick Manufactory

This enterprise was started by Mr. Townley in 1874, by his buying a block and a half of ground just east of town, from which he procures a good article of brick clay. The clay for his tile he procures from soil about a mile north of Aledo. Since starting his works, Mr. Townley has been making about 700,000 brick, and about 400,000 feet of tile per year. He finds a good market for his entire product from local trade, and is running his works to their full capacity.

This new enterprise was projected in November, 1881, by Messrs. Stratton & Lunn, of Millersburg, who began making butter on a large scale, and readily finding a good market for their product, increased their facilities to what they are at present. They run a churn of the capacity of 250 gallons by a four-horse power engine.' They use the common Settle cans of which thev have in use 400. and have 500 more on the way from the manufacturer. Since starting the enterprise they have made on an average 100 pounds of butter per day, employing four men to gather cream. The proprietors now expect to run twelve or thirteen diiferent routes in gathering their cream, covering a scope of over twenty miles square. About the first of March they will put up two more vats for cream, which will make their capacity 1,000 gallons, at which time they expect to make 500 pounds of butter per day. They find a good market for their butter in Chicago, and have recently had an ofier from Pueblo, Colorado, for their entire product for the coming year. Messrs. Stratton <Sz Lunn are thorough business men, and will doubtless make this enterprise a successful one.

Biographical

Le\t AYillits (deceased), is one of Mercer county's noblest dead. His life was full of good works which in his death stand out in bold relief in honor to the doer. Mr. Willits was bom May 31, 1808, in Pickaway county, Ohio, on a farm. His parents, William and Mary

AVillits, moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio and in after years to Indiana. Levi spent his youth on the farm, enjoying but few school advantages, vet he early manifested peculiar mathematical ability. When about of age he began the trades of carpentry and cabinet making, which he followed some years. He was married December 1, 1832, to Miss Clariuda Drury, daughter of Edward and Jane Drury, born in Wayne county, Indiana, July 20, 1811. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Willits resided in Raysville, Indiana, for four years, when it was decided to move to Illinois. Accordingly, in the fall of 1836, with ox-team, the journey was begun. Mrs. Willits became sick with the measles, having to keep her bed in the wagon. Ari-ived near Mud creek, not far from Blue river, the day being w^arm, the oxen seeing the water were uncontrollable by the driver and rushed toward the muddy element. In their race the wagon was upset, precipitating Mrs. Willits, sick as she' was, into mud and water, completely drenching her and piling the heavy goods on her. In extricating her she was further bruised. She was then taken on horseback by a passing woman to a poor hovel and there treated as well as the circumstances would allow. The dirt and squalor of the hut could not be mentioned. As soon as able the party pushed on with their ox-team to Indianapolis, where they remained some time. Wliile there Mrs. Willits' sister was taken ill of the measles and died. They buried her there in the bloom of her youth. It was then dicided to return to Wayne county for the winter, at least, which they did. In the following spring the journey was again undertaken. Mr. Willits purchased three cows and considerable voimo; stock, one horse and the ox-team. Mr. Willits was to ride the horse and drive the cattle, while Mrs. Willits should drive the ox-team, the man hired for the purpose being sick. Mrs. W. rode the horse for a time which, becoming scared at the cattle whip the driver carried, jumped, throwing the rider, but causing no dangerous injury. Slowly and interruptedly was the jou]:ney made. The three cows and much of the young stock were lost on the way. Arrived at Xew Boston, they found three or four log cabins and more Indians than white men. An old log cabin was occupied by them, necessitating, so dilapidated was it, the hanging of bed clothes, etc., over cracks and holes in the walls. With the ox-team Mr. Willits hauled all the lumber he could get ar IVIillersburg and with it built one small room for a dwelling, with a sort of loft above for sleeping apartment for men employed. Below a bed and a trundle bed occupied one corner. Across one corner was hung a sheet, partitioning off a little room for flour and smoke room. Hired men slei)t u]) stairs and on the floor down stairs, while the "guid" couple occupied the bed. In that house was born the first child to the Willits. In that house court was lield when Xew Boston was the county seat and there the court and jury were boarded and lodged. The beds, etc., served as seats and the tioors were their beds. Mrs. W. did her cooking in a cabin near by. The young cattle brought with them were slaughtered for food, a scarce article that year. A small stock of goods had been brought with them, such as groceries, paints, medicines, liquors, etc. With tliese merchandising was begun, whicli grew into a very lucrative business. Wm. Drury was for years Mr. Willits"' ])artner. Soon Mr. Willits added to his home and with different additions the house became large. The frame is now owned by Henry Denison. During these early days ]\trs. Willits, to aid in fortune, did washing and ironing for the young men of that day ; also made pants, vests, etc. A man and a woman had been hired to do the baking for the trade, but they quitting, Mrs. AVillits undertook it. She had an oven made, constructed of straw, shavings, mud, etc., and plastered with mud, then burned, as there were no brick. She paid for this from her own earnings. She also paid for her first cook stove by her own efforts. Mr. Willits, two years after opening his store, declared he would sell no more liquors to his neighbors, making them drunk, but would put in a supply of dry goods instead. He continued in trade many years. He also became engaged in merchandising in Millersburg a short time. He was extensively and many years engaged in the lumber business, trading in land, buying grain, packing pork, contract building, erecting a number of buildings in New Boston. It is unnecessary to speak here of his laying out the town of Aledo ; of his founding, in connection with Judge John S. Thompson, a college for the Presbyterians and one for the Methodists, the foundation of the latter being laid and material ready, at his death ; of his building the Barton hotel, and various other buildings. All this will be found in the history of Aledo. No doubt his exposures to water in laying out the town at the time he did, caused, in scnne degree, the rlieumatism that brought on his sickness. He spent much of his time in Aledo the last year or two of his life. He returned to his home in New Boston to entertain friends, and while there was taken ill. He recovered somewhat, but moving about too much, he took a relapse, had a chill on Thursday, and on the following Tuesday died of inflanuitory rheumatism, March 2, 185S. On the following Friday evening a large concourse of people gathered at the court-house in Aledo and passed resolutions of respect for him and admiration of his character. He was not a church member, yet was considered a good man. His house was always open to ministers and christians generally. The e^'ening before his death he called for a glass of water and holding it up, beantifully remarked : "Before to-raorrow morning I shall be drinking purer water than that." He died before morning. Pie was always interested in the educational and general good of the people. In politics he had been a whig, but was a republican before he died. Five children had preceded him to the grave, all he had. One child of James Thompson, at its motliei-'s death, had been taken to raise. It had died. Four children of Harriet Willits had also found a father and mother in the persons of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Willits. One died in her fourteenth year. The others were well educated and provided for in his will. Mr. Willits' good works live after him, but not as they would had he been spared to further prosecute his designs. Disease deprived the people of a noble mind, warm heart and willing hands. His works cannot be individualized in the space allotted here.

John Geiger. The frosts of sixty-eight winters have whitened the hair of Mr. Geiger, but in mind and body he is still vigorous and capable. His maternal grandparents were German. His father's people were of South Carolina, but of German extraction. His father, John Geiger, was born and raised in Martin sburg, Virginia, but became a resident of Maryland. He became a soldier in the war of 1812. Shortly after the war closed he removed to the southern part of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Exposure and hardships incident to army life brought on pleurisy, progressing with consumption, and terminating in death about 1825 or 1826. He was not a strong man at any time. His wife, Elizabeth Kable, sons and daughters, after remaining in Hancock, Maryland, a few years, settled in Marion county, Ohio, where she, her sons (but John) and one daughter, have since died. John Geiger was born in Williamsport, Maryland, January 15, 1814, while his father was yet fighting the British. He was quite young when his parents moved to Bedford county. There, on the Little Licking river, under the shadow of one of the high eastern ridges of the Allegheny mountains, he passed his youth till seventeen years of age. He says, in speaking of his school days : ' ' ISTaturally studious and of a somewhat retentive memory, I led my friends and teachers to think me precocious. So I was unmercifully pushed deep into the intricate parts of arithmetic before twelve years old. But by the imperfect methods of teaching that prevailed at that time, I understood nothing of consequence beyond the operations of the ground rules." He further says: "Aided by some adverse circumstances, I escaped further attendance at school until nineteen years of age." In 1881, young Geiger, in company with his oldest sister and her husband, Daniel Linn, crossed the Alleglieny mountains via the national turnirERCER TOWNSHIP. 587 pike road to Ohio, assisting at times in caring for the teafti or driving. At that time the northwest and much of the interior of the state was wild and thinly settled. A new country presented dreary prospects to a lad seventeen years old, with naught of wealth to assist. But the love and good counsel of his mother were free. lie began to plan and do for himself. He worked at whatever might offer, farming principally, although alternated with work in the stone quany. Means of transportation were meager, oxen furnishing the larger part of the motive power. Wages were low, so that money making was tedious. His love for study continued unabated. He attended school part of two or three terms, near Caledonia, Ohio, finishing arithmetic and gaining a fair knowledge of grammar and geography. His study of school-books was interspersed with perusal of such works as natural philosophy, chemistry, astronomy. Goldsmith's Greece and Rome, Walson's Institutes, Pla}'fair"'s Euclid, Locke's Essay on the Human Understanding, Good's Book of Nature, Butler's Analogue, AVatts on the Mind, and other solid reading. In 1836, after five years' labor and economy, he had saved $200 in silver. This he expended in a quarter section of heavily timbered congress land, in AVhitley county, Indiana. During the ensuing winter he taught school in Huntington, remaining in the county one year, making improvements on his purchase. Land speculation at the date of his buying was at its height, but the crash of 1837 depreciated values leaving much land nearly worthless. After keeping his farm thirteen years and expending much labor on it, he sold just before the rise in prices caused by the railroad excitement. Mr. Geiger still made his home in Ohio, where he was much employed as an accountant in auditors' offices for a series of years, and in some four difierent counties. Feeling the necessity, from experience, of some tables for computing taxes, he, in 1847, compiled and printed a small book of tables. This was sold almost exclusively in Ohio. In 1854 he prepared a much fuller work. This being too expensive for his limited means he memorialized the Ohio legislature, obtaining an appropriation of $3,500, to enable him to publish his work with dispatch, the state taking 300 copies in consideration of the appropriation. The edition of 800 copies was sold mostly in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri. Michigan and Minnesota. Mr. Geiger's other literary work has embraced a few lectures, essays, poems, etc., some of which have appeared in the columns of the press. In ])olitics he has been an unfaltering democrat through life. His first political activity was corresponding for Sam. Medary's "Ohio Statesman," in 1840, when he had the opportunity of seeing and hearing some of the greatest platform orators known to the public. In 1850 he became editi)r-in-cliafge of tlie "Mount Gilead Messenger,'" continuing a short time during the compromise session of congress of 1849 and 1850, and the canvass for the Ohio constitution of 1850. Prosperity crowned the efforts of the industrious, so that in 1852 Mr. Geiger was able to purchase 1,000 acres of land in Alercer county, Elinois, buying in a body in Greene and Preemption townships, to which several hundred acres were added in 1853. In 1854 he planted live or six miles of osage orange fence, built plank fences, tenant houses, and made other improvements looking to its occu|)ation as a grain and stock farm. May 27, 1858, he was married at Wabash, Indiana, to Mrs. Martha P. Arthur, widowed daughter of the late Judge Parish, of Columbus, Ohio, a union that has ever been happy. With his wife and her two children, (). P. Arthur and the present Mrs. James H. Connell, he moved to his Illinois farm in October of the same year. He carried on the grain and stock business till 1858, when he settled in Aledo. He still owns part of his farm. Since his residence in Aledo he has been successfully conducting the Aledo "Banner" and the Aledo "Democrat," some account of which appears in the history of Aledo. He also superintends his farm. Officially he has occupied a few local positions, but has more frequently declined than acce^^ted opportunities as candidate for such honors. Without intending any special laudation it is but pro])er to say that Mr. Geiger's life has been one of success, and may teach to poor boys the lesson so often repeated, that even though poverty may be their lot in j^outli, they may, if willing to try, rise and become useful citizens.

The Gilmore Family. - Among the few white families who constituted the iirst permanent settlers of Mercer county, and who have taken prominent and active parts in its history and development, is that of which Judge Ephraim Gilmore is a member. He and his father. Col. Robert Gilmore, arrived in Warren county as early as 1833, and the following year the judge moved into that part afterward set off as Mercer county. Mr, Gilmore was born February 7, 1810, hence was in full manhood when his career became blended with that of Mercer county. After a residence of two years in New Boston he settled at a point about half way between Aledo and New Boston, on a farm subsequently owned by the Hon. John McGinnis. Hei"e he lived and labored from 1837 to 1871, when he changed his residence to Aledo and embarked in the banking business. November 4, 1834, he married Miss Julia Ann Denison, daughter of William and Rachel Denison, who were the first white settlers of the county. Miss Denison was the only single white lady of the county at the time of this marriage. Seven sons and two daughters have been born to them :

"William, Tiobcrt !N^., John A., James E., Edwin, Erastus E., Lvman C, Annie E,, and Marv. William and ^larv are dead. Robert is a resident of Johnson county, Missouri, and Annie E. (now Mrs. James Kiddoo) is of Rice county, Kansas. John A. enlisted August H, 1861, in com[)any E, Dth reg. 111. Vol., and served three years and one month. His regiment was mostly recruited from St. Clair county, and was commanded by Col. Paine. John A. as a soldier was engaged at the lirst battle of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth. lie then became a mounted infantryman, and accompanied Sherman to Atlanta, l)Ut in the meantime aided in guarding the Memphis and Charleston railroad. He was mustered ou: at Springfield. March 22, 1865, he was man-ied to Miss AUie Pryme. She died June 28, 1866, leaving one child (Charlie). He was next married February 17, 1870, to Miss Sarah McGinnis, whose parents (John T. and Margaret McGinnis) are i)rominent in Mercer county history. John A. has s])ent many years on the farm, but is now in the bank. Robert N., James E. and Edwin were in company K, 102d reg. 111. Vol., which regiment is so fully noticed in the history. Robert was discharged on account of ill-health incurred in Buell's famous forced march, flames and Edwin served through the war. Judge Gilmore's history is so intimate with that of the county, that a review of the one includes that of the other. He was the first postmaster of New Boston, first circuit clerk and first survej'Or of Mercer county, once probate judge, once county treasurer, and twice a member of the state legislature. During his ofticial career his conduct was marked by a coui'tesy of manner, an honesty of action and a purity and ])atriotism of motive to such a degree that there is not now in the county a single man to be found who does not honor and feel proud of his record and relations with his people. The Gilmore family are of Scotch-Irish descent. The ancestry came to the United States when they were dependent colonies, and were during the revolutionary war active patriots, Mr. Gilmore's grandfather, Ephraim Gilmore, being a continental soldier, who, after the close of the war, continued to reside in Chester county, Pennsylvania, where he raised four sons : Robert, Ejjhraim, John and Thomas. Robert afterward served as captain in the war of 1812. He was twice married, first to Miss Elizabeth Collins antl then to Miss Maria Pilgrim. By his first wife he raised Ephraim (the subject of this sketch), John, Arabella, Ann, and Joseph; and by his second w^fe, James, Thomas, Elizabeth Rachel, Lawrence H., Benjamin F., and Robert C. The first marriage took place in Jcft'erson county, Ohio, and the second in the city of Columbus, he being at that time a member of the legislature of Ohio from the same county. Immediately after coming to

Warren county, Illinois, lie was elected one of the commissioners for this county, which position he held two or theee terms. He died about 1856, and was buried at Monmouth. He was To years old and was a man of strong force of character. He died in the fellowship of the Presbyterian church.

Nicholas Edwards, farmer and lumber merchant, Aledo, is a natiye of Crawford county, Indiana-, M^liere he was born October 23, 1816. His father, Isaac Edwards, died of small-pox before he can remember, and his mother, whose maiden name was Rachel Rice, married again. Mr. Edwards liyed on the old homestead till 1834, when he engaged in flat-boating to New Orleans, working at flrst for $15 per month. In 1838 he quit the riyer, came to Illinois, and in the spring of 1839 settled at Henderson, Knox county, and merchandised there until 1843. In September, 1839, he attended the land sales at Galena, but being obliged by preyious engagement to return before he made his purchase, he left his money with friends who bid ott' for him the tracts he had selected, the same being the S. W. ^ Sec. 18 and the N. W. i Sec. 19, T. 14, R. 3, which land he still owns. Arriying home he celebrated his marriage with Miss Lydia Ann Edwards, of Hamilton county, Ohio, on the 6th of October. In 1843 he settled at the mouth of the Edwards riyer, below New B(»ston, where he ran a saw-mill in connection with William Willit, now of Keithsburg, and Isaiah Brown, who died in California. He was elected the same year to the ofiice of justice of the peace. At that time there was no yoting precinct at Keithsburg, and elections were held at what is at present known as Glancey's mills. The death of his wife in 1850 broke up his family ; and the next to the oldest child, Sydnie Elizabeth, and the next to the youngest, Isaac Edward, were taken and raised by their uncle, William Edwards, of Hamilton county, Ohio. They still liye in that state. The other children were Emily Frances, Rachel Elvira, John W., Mary Eliza, and Nancy Jane, both of which died in infancy. Immediately following this change in his domestic affairs, he went to trading on the riyer between Cincinnati and New Orleans, and was thus engaged for fiye years. In 1856 he returned to Mercer county, and from 1857 to 1860 liyed in Aledo. Between the last date and 1869 his home was in Keithsburg and Oquawka, and the rest of the time until now in Aledo, where he has been carrying on trade in lumber. In politics Mr. Edwards is a republican. He was formerly a whig, and relates as an incident of the early political history of Keithsburg township that his party once held a primary meeting to elect delegates to the county conyention, and that himself, William Willctt and John McH. Wilson composed the attendants. Willett presided, Edwards acted as secretary, and Wilson made the motions. The meeting was decidedly harmonious. Mr. Edwards has for many years been a warm advocate of the tem])erance cause, and is at present directing his efforts and influence to assist in bi-inging about an entire prohibition of the manufacture and sale of spirituous, vinous and malt liquors.

Alexander McArthur, circuit clerk, Aledo, only child of Alexander and Ann (McGregor) McArthur, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, February 4, 1850. lie came with his widowed mother to this country, landing at New York July 4, 1856. The following si)ring they came to Aledo, where he has since resided. Mrs. Mcxirthur, to whom our subject acknowledges with true filial gratitude that he owes all he is or may ever be, supported herself and her son until J 860, wdien he began to work out. From this date till ISTO he worked as a tVirm hand, im])roving the winters by attending district school. In 1871, he obtained employment in the store of McKinney & Lorimer, as bookkeeper and salesman. In the autunm of 1874, his old employer, Mr. Lorimer, being circuit clerk, he was taken into his office as deputy. In January, 1876, the clerk resigned, and Mr. McArthur was appointed by the judge of the circuit court to fill the unexpired term of eleven months. In the fall of 1876, he was elected by the republicans to occupy the office, and in 1880, was re-elected. He is a member of Aledo Lodge, No. 252, A.F.A.M., of Keithsburg Chapter, No. 17, and Everts Commandery, No. 18, of Tiock Island.

Isaac N. Dunlap, of the firm of Richey & Dunlap, Aledo, was born in Pennsylvania, May 12, 1836. His parents were Andrew and Jemima (Poby) Duidap. In 1857, he came to Illinois, and after living one year in Knox county he made permanent settlement in Mercer. In June, 1861, he volunteered in Co. I, 17th 111. Inf., and fought his only battle at Fort Donelson where he lost his left leg by a six jDound shell. The missile took off two men's heads before it lodged in his thigh. He was left six days in an old house on the battle-field afler his leg was amputated, without care, in expectation that he would die. He recovered and was discharged in April, 1862. The shell is preserved in the museum of relics of the war in Washington, and this case is cited in the medical history of the rebellion. Mr. Dunlap was elected county treasurer in 1865, by the republican party, of which he is a staunch and zealous member, and discharged the duties of that position with credit and satisfaction six years. On January 23, 1866, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Tirza A. Pinkerton. They are both communicants in the Methodist church. In 1874, Mr. Dunlap engaged in selling groceries with John W. Dilley. Afterward he was alone in the same trade ; and next was out of business two vears. In

1877 lie began dealing in boots and shoes in company with TVilliam Day ; the latter died the next year, and he closed out soon after. In September, 1879, he formed his present partnership with C. S. Richey, Esq., in general merchandising.

Benjamin F. Toavnsley, brick and tile manufacturer, Aledo, was born in England in 1850, and in 1852 was brought by his parents, John and Anna (Stockdale) Townsley, to Toronto, Canada. In 1867 he came to Mercer county, and during the first fiye or six years worked at blacksmithing, afterward he engaged in the brick and tile business. He was manufacturing brick in Xew Boston in company with his brother James ; in 1876 they sold out and started again at Aledo. His brother died the next year, and he has since managed the work without a paitner. In 1874 they began making drain tile on a small scale, and now Mr. Townsley has extended the business to include a brick yard at Joy. In the manufacture of tile Mr. Townsley uses Tiffany's centennial brick and tile machine for molding, and the square, downdraft kilns invented by the same patentee for burning. This business represents an industry of increasing importance that is destined to exert an incalcuable influence on the productive wealth of the country. The advantages of tile draining are thoroughly proven and becoming well understood, and the amount of land tiled each year is immensely large. Mr Townsley is an Odd-Fellow, and a member of Aledo Lodge No. 136, I.O.G.T.

William A. Lorimer, merchant, Aledo, born in Perth, Scotland, in 1840, emigrated with his parents in 181:8 and lived first in Pennsylvania, then a short time in Ohio, and in 1853 came to Keithsburg. He was taken from school when twelve years of age and put to work in the Hudson (Ohio) "Observer" printing office. On arriving at Keithsburg he went to clerking, and continued to be so employed until the breaking out of the war. He promptly enlisted in April, 1861, in Co. I, 17th III. Inf., and was fighting the battles of his country a little over three years. The most prominent actions in which he was engaged were Fredericktown, Missouri, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and Yicksburg. To this list of great battles should be added the usual amount of small fighting. He went out as sergeant of his company and was first promoted to second lieutenant, and next to captain, which latter rank he held when mustered out at Springfield in June, 1864. After returning to civil life he spent the first year in Chicago ; then coming back to Keithsburg he clerked for C. S. Orth, after which, in 1868, he was selected circuit clerk by the republicans of the county. This ofiice he filled two terms of four years each. He was trading in dry goods in company with John Mcffinney Jr., a part of the time during his incumbency as an officeholder, and since his retirement from public business has occupied his present stand on the southwest comer of Seventh street and College avenue. !Mr. Lorimer was married in 1868 to ^liss Orj)ha J. Calhoun. Tlu'v have had live children, three of which are dead.

MoRDECAi L. Marsh, justice of the peace, Aledo, was born in Rahwav, New Jersev, in IS 18. His i)arents were Solomon and Fannv (Brown) Marsh, whose Quaker ancestors came to America in the latter part of the seventeenth century, to escape the English |)rosecution of their sect. In New York Mr. Marsh learned the cabinet and piano trade. In 1834 he settled in Ijuffalo and embarked in land speculations. When the crash of 1837 came he was caught, like the rest of men, at a disadvantage, and lost about all his property. In the same year he emigrated to Ohio, and lived there till 1852, when he came to Illinois and located his family in ^lillersburg township, this county, and made farming his occupation until Christmas, 1857. He then moved to Aledo, having since resided here, and continuously held the office of justice of the peace, his first election having been in the spring of 1861. He has been treasurer of Mercer township several years. In 1832 he was united in marriage ^\^th Miss Eliza Gregory. She has been an unfortunate invalid forty-eight years. Both were at first members of the Baptist church, Mr. Marsh joining in 1835 ; but about 1855 they became enrolled in the Presbyterian church, to which they now belong, and in which our subject has been a deacon nearly twentyfive years. These jDarents have one son, AVilliam. ]\[r. Marsh was a whig until that party disappeared as a jjolitical organization ; since then he has been a republican.

JoHX G. McGl'fp^ix, grocer, Aledo, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1829. He taught school seven years in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. In 1855 he arrived in the latter state and settled in Warren county ; in 1857 he came to Aledo and began clerking for Dr. Isaac Edwards, and remained in his service until he went into the army. He volunteered in August, 1862, in coin])any K, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf , and on the organization of the company was elected orderly sergeant. He remained with his regiment through all its earlier and disciplinary service, and finally when it lefl Lavergne, Tennessee, for the front, in February, 1864, he was sent back to Nashville, unfit for duty, and in October following was honoraWy discharged on account of disability. On his return home he took charge of Luvin's store, in tiiat gentleman's absence on a visit to the old country ; then he clerked for Poage tt Senter four years. He was ne.xt a member of the dry goods fii*m of Richey Bros. <fe McGuffin for four years, and after that was in the grocery trade in the iirm of Atchison & McGiiffin. The last sold out, and he soon started in business alone. Afterward M. E. McDonald purchased a half interest, and in May, 1881, was succeeded in the partnership by H. D. Marks, Mr. McGuffin's present partner. The subject of this notice was maiTied, February 25, 1857, to Miss Maggie S. Harris. They have one son, William Rice, now preparing himself .for the profession of medicine. Mr. and Mrs. McGuffin are Presbyterians ; and he is a republican.

James C. AYrigiit, retired farmer, Aledo, is a descendant of revolutionary stock, both his grandfathers having been soldiers in the war for independence. Mr. AVright's parents, Arunah and Polly (Wentworth) Wright, lived in Oneida county, New York, where there were born to them six sons, two of whom died young ; those who grew up to manhood were Alpheus W., Horace E., George W., and the subject of this sketch, who was born in the year 1817. The mother died in 1829, and the father in 1838. In the latter year Alpheus came to Mercer county from Ohio, to which state he had previously emigrated. The following year the three remaining brothers left their native state and came here, and the four settled at Warr's Corners, in Richland township. In the autumn of 1842 these brothers made the lirst settlement at Preemption Corners, four miles west of their original location, though some others had made homes in the neighborhood a few years earlier. In 1846 Mr. Wright rode back to New York on horseback, in company with Andrew Conant and wife, and led six horses. He had come here without means. He remained in New Y'ork till 1851, and directly on his return was married, March 17, to Miss Julia A. Stone. She was a native of jSIanstield, Connecticut, but was raised in Mr. Wright's own county, where they became acquainted. Her fathers family removed to Lee county in the fall of 1850, and then the next vear he followed to Illinois, and this couple were married. They have two living children : Newell N. and Louie A. Mr. Wright was supervisor of Preemption townshi]) two terms. He was originally a democrat, but in 1856 joined the new republican party.

William Winders, produce dealer, Aledo, son of John and Elizabeth (Paden) Winders, was born in Fairtield county, Ohio, September 25, 1836. In 1856 he came to Mercer county and settled in the country near Aledo, and worked at his trade of plastering and two years at farming. The war of the rebellion being in progress, on August 13, 1862, he volunteered as a private in company K, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf. On the organization of the company he was aj^pointed third cor- [)oral, but always did duty as sergeant, and was mustered out as lirst sergeant. He was with his regiment during its whole term of service, except one week, when it was operating and fighting at Resacca. This embraced the Atlanta campaign, which Gen. Ilalleck pronounced the greatest of the war, the march to the sea, and the campaign of the Carolinas, to which may be added the marcli to Washington and the grand review, lie helped to bnild the three hundred miles of breastworks and the same amount of corduroy road which Sherman's army made, fought in several battles, including Feachtree creek and Averysboro, and scores of skirmishes and small fights. His musterout was at Washington, D. C, June 6, 1865. He was married June 12, 1862, to Miss Catharine E. Detwiler. In the spring of 1866 he removed with his family to Finley, Hancock countly, Ohio, where he clerked in a dry goods store. In 1867 he came back and remained a month or two, after which he again went to Ohio and stayed another year, then returned to Aledo, where he has since lived. He was butchering three years, the rest of the time he has been in his present business. Mr. Winder's children are: Julia E., George S., Thornton D., Willie M., Charles Henry, and Araminta Pearl. He has been town trustee one year, and is a mason, a workman and a republican.

Martix Boyd, farmer, Aledo, oldest living child of JNIiles and Catherine (Fisher) Boyd, was born in Madison county, Indiana, February 12, 1831:. In 1839 his father emigrated to Mercer county and settled in what is now Eliza township, and four years afterward died in Indiana, while there on business. His mother married again to James Turner, and is living on the old homestead. April 6, 1856, Mr. Boyd was married to Miss Lydia, daughter of Martin Bear, one of the original settlers of Eliza township, and the same spring settled on the K. W. ^ Sec. 16, Duncan townshi}), and lived there twenty years. In 1876 he moved to Aledo. He was generally and quite extensively engaged while on his farm in feeding cattle. For a number of years he was supervisor and assessor of Eliza, and held, besides, other otfices in his township. In 1880 he was elected by the democrats to the legislature, where he attended the regular session of 1880-81, and the recent special session convened the |)resent year (1882) by Gov. Cullom. He has served on the committees on county and township organization, library, and miscellanies. Mr. Boyd has never been identified with any other than the democratic ])arty. He was actively associated with his friends in the farmers'' movement from 1873 to 1875, was master of a grange, and delegate therefrom to the state grange. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have three children : Catharine, Lenore and Bertha. Catharine is the wife of Minor Miller.

August 14, 1837. His parents emigrated from 'New York to this county in 1836 and settled in Rivoli township, where they lived till their death. The mother departed this life in 1866, and the father, an Englishman by birth, in 1878. This subject attended school one year at AVheaton College. Combining his studies there with other instruction which he received, he secured a very good English education. He was married in 1865 to Miss Sarah Gould, of tliis county, and by her has had three children : Lizzie, Alice and Adelphia. Both jjarents are members of the CongreiJ-ational church. Mr. Durston Jived bv farming until 1873. In that year he was elected coimty clerk, and filled that office with acceptance to the people till his successor was elected in 1877. He has been deputy circuit clerk the last three years. Politically he is a republican.

Joseph B. Moore, cabinet maker and furniture dealer, Aledo, was born March 14, 1827, and is the youngest living son of Foreman and Anna (Worley) Moore. He followed carpentering, farming, undertaking and boating in Ohio, and was several years justice of the peace. In 1865 he emigrated to Mercer county and for ten years worked an eighty-acre farm adjoining Aledo. In 1875 he gave up farming and engaged in his present business. In 1850 he celebrated his nuptuals with Miss Margaret McCall. Their family has comprised three children : Robert K., music teacher ; John W., died in infancy ; and Mary Ellen, who married O. P. Arthur, and is now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are communicants in the Methodist church. lie is church trustee and has been steward and class leader. He has filled the ofiice of trustee of the town of Aledo five years and was president of the board part of the time. In politics he is a democrat, as a rule, though he has voted for republican candidates for president, and does not adhere strictly to party lines. Mr. Moore's father was the son of Joseph Moore, and was born in Mason county, Kentucky, June 20, 1792. He came with his parents to Scioto county, Ohio, when six 3'ears old and lived in that county, except a year or two he was in Adams county when first married, until he came west with his son Joseph in 1865. He lives in Aledo, and at the advanced age of ninety years retains goodly health and activity. He was married in 1814 to Miss Anna Worley. They had nine children : Patience, Rebecca, Leroy, Charles, Scienda (dead), Joseph, John (dead), Jedediah (dead), and Asbury (dead). The mother of these cliildren died about 184!>, and a year afterward the fatlier married Mrs. Rebecca Iloobler, who is still living. Mr. Moore united with the Methodist church at the age of twelve and has always been a steadfast, zealous laborer in the Master's vineyard. He has been a licensed exhorter over forty years, and has held official connection with the church at different times as trustee, steward and class leader. He is pensioned b}' the government for service in the war of 1812. He was mustered as a soldier in his own countv and sd\ev marching to Sandusky was discharged.

Thomas Maddux, farmer and stock raiser, Aledo, is a native of Fleming county, Kentucky, where he was born July 19, 1820. His father, George B. Maddux, was three times married, and the subject of this was the third child among four sons and five daughters by the second wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Green. Mr. ]\Iaddux's father was born and reared in Fauquier county, Virginia. He married for his last wife Elizabeth Hill and by this union became the father of two sons, making twenty-one children of his own. He died in Kentuckv, and his wife in Aberdeen, Ohio, in 1875. Mr. ]\ra(ldux learned the tinner's trade in Maysville, Kentucky, with Josepli Frank ; in 1843 he removed to Laurel, Franklin county, Indiana, and lived there, engaged at his trade and carrying on the hardware business, till June, 1857, when he located his family in Aledo. He continued the same business here till 18P)8 and then sold out to W. H. Holmes. On his settlement in the place he erected the first building ever put u[) on the business lot now occupied by Mr. Holmes on College avenue. In 1873 Mr. Maddux resumed his old business on the corner of Seventh and Maple streets under the name of Maddux cfe Son. In March, 1876, he sold to Detwiler ife Son and retired from trade. He had previously become interested in farming and is now the owner of two good farms near the county seat. He started a poor boy and has made a success of his undertakings. After serving his apprenticeship he had SI14 with which he began business. He has been twice married ; first in 1846 to Miss Mary E. Williams, of Laurel, Indiana. The issue of this marriage were three children : Elizabeth (died in infancy), Lewis S., and Frank L. Mrs. ]\Iaddux died July 25, 1855, and on January 5, 1862, Mr. Maddux was married to Mrs. Pliebe Whitelaw, of Franklin county, Indiana. They have had a little daughter, Kate A., who died when three years old. Mr. ]\Iaddux is a Mason, an Odd-Fellow and a republican.

Charles C. Wordix, county clerk, Aledo, oldest son of Joseph J. and Sophia (Brown) Wordin, was born in Keithsburg township, September 25, 1840. He enlisted August 5, 1861, in Co. E, 9tli 111. Inf., and served with credit in that command until the expiration of his term, in August, 1864, when he was sent back from before Atlanta and mustered out at Springfield, Illinois. He fought at Fort Donelson, Shiloh. battle of Corinth, October 3 and 4, 1862, and after his regiment was mounted, in March, 18<)3, was continually on scouting service, and participated in numerous small fights. He was also engaged in the arduous senice of the Atlanta campaign. He enlisted a second time March, 1865, in Co. F, 4tli reg. U. S. Yet. Vol., an organization formed by Gen. Hancock, to which none were admitted who had not seen at least two years service. One year was spent in garrison at Columbus, Ohio, Washington city, and Louisville, Kentucky. In March, 1866, he was mustered out at the latter city. After the war he kept books in Keithsburg five and a half years ; then he was running a hotel two and one-half years ; and in November, 1877, he was elected county clerk, and is still an incumbent of the office. Mr. Wordin has been an Odd-Fellow since 1868. December 18, 1872, he celebi-ated his marriage with Miss Jennie McPhee. In 1876, they lost their only child, a son, who was three years old. Mr. Wordings father was born in Rensselaer county, New York, in 1815. He came to this county from Ohio, in 1837, and settled in Keithsburg in March, 1838, living at the landing till 1810. Moving out two miles, he lived on a farm three years ; then he returned and has since had his home in the town. He followed his trade of wagon-making till 1862 ; since that he has been a house painter. He is one of the few venerable pioneers left as monuments whose shadows link the present with the aboriginal period in Mercer county.

WiLLiAAi Henry Holmes, hardware and stove dealer, Aledo. oldest son of AVilliam and Hannah (Lantey) Holmes, was born in Hull, England, February 15, 1847. His father emigrated with his family to Brantford, Canada West, in 1850; and in 1857 he removed to Wisconsin. The next year they came to Aledo, where they have all since lived. After coming here, Mr. Holmes attended school and worked at form labor until the spring of 1864, when he commenced to learn the tinner's trade. At the end of two months he volunteered in the one hundred days' service in Co. F, 140tli 111. Inf He was mustered into the service at Dixon, Illinois, and after five and one-half months spent in doing guard and garrison duty in Missouri and Tennessee, he was mustered out at Camp Fry, Chicago. He returned to Aledo and finished his trade, with Thomas Maddux, Esq., and in 1868 bought out his employer, and has been in business on the same ground since. He was married in 1874 to Miss Mary C. Hause. The fruits of this union have been two children, Clyde W. and Fannie May. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are both members of the Methodist church. He has been steward in the church, trustee of the town, is a member of Aledo Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and a republican in politics.

Margaret (Trembly) Ilindman. The former died in Union county, Indiana, in 1852 ; and the next year the mother came with lier five sons to Rock Island county, Illinois, aifd in 185-1 settled with her family in New Boston. The subject of this sketch received an academic education; in 1857 he went to Richmond, Indiana, and attended school one year ; afterward he studied medicine a year and a half; and in 1860 returned to Mercer county. In April, 1S61, he enlisted as a private in Co. I, 17th 111. Inf , and was in the military service over tive years. He fought at Frederickstown, Missouri, October 21, 1861, at Fort Donelson, Shiloli, Corinth, luka. the Ilatchie, and Yicksburg. In November, 186;}, he came north to Springiield, and then to Mercer county, as recruiting sergeant, and during the winter obtained twenty-one recruits for his regiment. He returned with them to Yicksburg, and by order of tlie commanding general, Slocum, organized these recruits and the veterans of the 17tli into a battalion of two companies. These were allowed to elect their officers, and Mr. Hindman was chosen captain by the " veteran'' comi)any. By order of Gen. McPherson, commanding the Army of the Tennessee, this detachment was consolidated with the 8th 111. Inf, in June, 1864, and owing to the resultant change in the line officers, Mr. Ilindman accepted a second lieutenant's commission in Co. E, to which the "veterans'' from the 17th were assigned. He was in command of this company during the remainder of his service, and drew pay as commanding officer. After the consolidation he fought at Jackson, Mississippi, in Juh% 1864, and at Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, Mobile. After that he was stationed a year at Shreveport, Louisiana, and in Texas, and was mustered out at Baton Rouge, May 4, 1866. He soon after went into business in New Boston, which he continued till the fall of 1875, wdien he was elected on the republican ticket to the office of county treasurer, to which he has been successively elected and is now serving his third term. He is a member of the A.O.U. W., and has been a Mason since 1866. In the latter year he was married to Miss Viola J. Willits. They have a son and a daughter.

Henry Kimel, (deceased), was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, August 6, 1800, and was a son of Isaac and Mary J. (Musser) Kimel, both natives of Germany. In 1808, the family emigrated to Trumbull, since Mahoning county, Ohio, where the old people lived till death. Henry Kimel was there married to Miss Anna M. Hirst, whose father was from England and whose mother was from Ireland. Nine children w^ere born in Ohio. In 1840, Mr. and Mrs. Kimel, witli five of the children, James "W., Thomas K., Jonathan T., Chauncey L. and William P., emigrated via the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to

Illinois, landing at Oqiiawka, June 10. They immediately took teams for what is now Ohio Grove township, Mercer county. Latter the other four children, Isaac, Eliza A., Mary J. and Julia, arrived after a journey overland of thirty days. Mr. Kimel entered 160 acres of congress land near the center of Ohio GroVe township, also secured a quarter section of military land. There were but few settlers in the township at that time. Xo roads were laid out for travel but all was wild and unbroken from Oquawka to where they settled. The usual improvements were begun and carried out. Small crops were raised ; corn was at one time six and a quarter cents a bushel, and the postage on a letter twenty -tive cents, thus four bushels of corn being required to pay postage on one letter. But Uncle Sam allowed an envelope to be tilled without any extra due stamps for a long letter. One child, John Harvey, was born in 1842. A sad bereavement befell the family when, August IS, 1816, death claimed the wife and mother. She was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Kimel subsequently married Mrs. Catharine Case, of Kock Island county, who became the mother of four children : Anna, John PL, Eddie, and Aseneath. She died July 5, 187L Mr. Kimel, in 1818, sold the tirst purchase and bought what is known as the Lamar farm, which he improved. In 1863 he moved to Rock Island county, where he lived till 1878. He then passed his remaining years about two miles southwest of Viola, Mercer county, where he died October 10, 1880. Religiously he was a Presbyterian ; politically an old line whig, and later a republican. When twelve years old he volunteered in the war of 1812, but was rejected on account of youthfulness. Shortly before his death he purchased the McBride and Stephens saw-mill, which he sold to his son, James W. James W. Kimel, the fourth child of the first family of Henry Kimel, was born February 27, 1831, in Trumbull county, Ohio, near Youngstown. His youth was spent on the farm, with but meager educational advantages. Several seasons he broke prairie with five and six yoke of oxen. In 1818, he spent a few months at school in Ohio, and in the following year returned to the farm in Illinois. In 1850, he was seized with the California fever. With a company froTin Moline, Illinois, April 1, he started overland for the far west, where he arrived in Sacramento August 17, following, after the experiences incident to such a journey. After remaining, with considerable success, financially, till 1853, he returned in January to Illinois. He purchased the McBride and Stephens saw-mill of his father, which he conducted for four years. In 1858, he displaced the saw-mill by a grist-mill, on the same site. The grist-mill he run till 1876, when he erected his present large structure, 36x16, three story and basement.

His attention having been called to the "wire transmission power," he visited several mills for examination and information. Satisfied as to its efficacy he determined to adopt it. He built his miU 300 feet from the stream and i)repared for his new and lately invented " power," which the aged and knowing ones predicted would fail. Time and nse have proven the success of this departure. The mill is generally in action. A small stock of groceries is kept to accommodate farmers. In 1^54, Mr. Kimel purchased the quarter section of land on which he lives. In 1874 he added a quarter, and in 1S76 an eighty. He was married May 4, 1^54. to Mary B. Burnet, who was born in Salem, Xew York, August 7, 1832. Her parents, Andrew and Mahettable Burnet, were of Scotch descent. The}- emigrated from Xew York to Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois, in 1838. They were emphatically pioneers who dared the new and wild west for homes. He died here May 31, 1861. She died at Mr. Kimel's home January 30, 1881. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Kimel lived near the old mill for nine years. In 1863, a house was built on the farm and occupied. In 1868 an addition was made, bringing the dwelling into considerable notice as a large and handsome building. Other improvements have added much to its beauty. It is enjoyed by a family of six children, comprising Lara, Lucy J., Abbie M., Jim B., Gussie C. and Bessie M. Mr. Kimel, politically, is republican, but meddles but little with politics. His business consumes his time entirely.

Mark Caxxitm's father emigrated to tliis country from England in 1852. and while on his wav to Illinois died near Xew Orleans where the family landed. The subject of this sketch was born near Peterborough, England in 1813, and settled in Mercer county, near where he now lives, in 1853. He entered the army during the late war, enlisting for three years in August, 1861, and participated in the engagements of Fort Donelson, Belmont, Yicksburg. Corinth, Brittain's Lane, ]\[eriden, and the Atlanta campaign. He was mustered out at Chattanooga Tennessee, August 4, 1864. He was slightly wounded at Fort Donelson. After his return fi-om tlie army he settled down to farming, in which occupation he is still engaged. He built his present handsome dwelling-house in 1876. 'Mr. Cannum was married in Se}»tember, 1866, to Miss C. J. Smith of Mercer county, and they have four children living; one child is dead. The names of the living are : Addie May, aged fourteen ; Carrie E., aged tliirteen ; Lewis D., aged eleven ; and Ephriam, aged six years. Mr. C. and wife are members of the Christian church of Ohio Grove township. Mr. C. is politically a republican.

the oldest settlers now living in ^Mercer township. They having lived in the township since ISil. The father of the McKee brothers bought the southeast quarter of section 28. from William J. Turner, the deed bearinor date of Mav 20. 1840. VTm. McKee was born in Lawrence county. Ohio. March 9, 1829. He left Ohio with his parents at the age of six vears. coming with them to AYarren counts*. Illinois, where thev staved till 1841. when thev moved to Mercer countv. Mr. Mclvee has been a tarmer all his life, and is unmarried. For several vears he has been director of school district Xo. 9. and politically is a <lemocrat.

Joseph McKjee was bom in Lawi-ence county. Ohio. July 31. 1831. His parents were John and Xancy McKee. His parents settled in Mercer county in 1S41. since which time Mr. McKee has lived upon a farm, and has been a constant citizen of Mercer county. He enjoys, with his brother William, the distinction of being the only living pioneers of Mercer township. He was married July 8, 1858, to Miss Isabel A. Waddle, formerly of Marshall count\-. West Virginia. They have six children living : Ella J., aged twenty : Samuel Elsie, aged tifteen ; Orvill S.. aged eleven; Koland H. : Elsey Clyde, aged live : and Ralph Waldo, aged one year and a half. Mr. M. is a member of the Presbyterian church of Aledo. and politically is a republican.

Charles Fremont Careen was bom in Mercer county in 1851, being the second son of Thomas and Mary Cabeen. He spent the early poition of his life upon his fathers farm and going to school. About the year 1879 he went to Aledo and for a time kept the Aledo House, and in connection with his brother. W. A., was engaged in an agricultural implement store. At the death of his father in ISSO he took charge of the farm, which he still manages and controls. Politically Mr. Cabeen is an independent democrat.

James L. Bentley was born in Trumbull county. Oliio. February 27. 1832, and was the eldest son of Elim and Rachel (Dilley) Bentley. His father being a fanner, he was raised upon a farm, where liis life was passed until his twenty-first year. He then emigrated to Mercer county and engaged in teaching school, at which occupation he continued till eleven years had passed, mostly in Ohio Grove township, district Xo. 3. At the expiration of this time he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in 1862 buving the place where he now resides, some three miles southeast of Aledo. This he has greatly improved and added to, and now, retired from active life to some extent, enjoys his well earned plenty. He was man-ied September 23, 1853, to Miss Xancy Smith, whose parents were among the earliest settlers of

Merceb Towxship

Mercer county. He has three children : the eldest, Charles E.. twentrfour years of age, is engaged in teaching and farming, making his home at his father's ; a daughter, Minnie E., aged nineteen, and a son, George S., aged fourteen. Mr. Bentley is a member of the masonic order, and by political faith is a republican.

Maktln" L. Cofflaxd was bom in Jetferson countv. Ohio, Februarv 11. 1S51. being the youngest son of Launcelot and Eliza CotHand. Mr. ColHand spent his early life farming in Jefferson and Belmont counties, Ohio. In the year 186S he came west and worked upon a farm most of the time for ten vears in TTarren counts-, when he settled in Mercer county, where he now resides, live miles east of Aledo. He was married February 21, 1S72, to Miss Phcebe J. Finley, of Warren county, and has three children : Mary Grace, aged seven years. Rose Anna, aged two, and Orion Finley. bom April 10, 1882. Mr. Cotfland and wife are members of the United Presb\-terian churc-h of Aledo. !Mr. ColHand is a republican.

Jacob Wils< "X Unaxgst was bom in TTarren county, Xew Jersey, May 13, 1819. Mr. I nangst passed his early life working on his father's farm. He left the farm and worked upon the Morris canal until 1815. when he was appointed as inspector of its west division. In this capacity he served till 1850. when he came to Mercer county and settled in Oliio Grove towhship. where he remained farming till April, 1882. He then bought the Bauer hotel in Aledo. over which he now presides, having changed its name to the Commercial House. Mr. Unangst was married in March, 1841, to Miss C. Gaston, of Warren county. Xew Jersey, and has three children, who are all grown and settled : Mrs. Margaret A. Pollock lives in Ringgold county. Iowa, and Daniel M.. who is a carpenter by trade, resides in Aledo, making his home with his father.

SxowDEx K. White was bom August 2. 1855, in Greene county, Pennsylvania. His parents' names were Isaac and Lydia (^Tustin) White. His father was a millwright. Snowden K. came to Mercer county ti-om Pennsylvania in 1877. where he soon started quite extensively in the ditchint; and house moving business. Starting with his brother, he at this time ran his business alone, and during the year 1881 cut over 50.CK)0 rods of ditch in Mercer and Warren counties, and moved upward of tifty houses. Mr. White is altogether a self-made man. and thousrh vounsr is a man of weiirht and standing, which his eneror^" and business talent deserve. He is a member of the Baptist church of Aledo. and a worker in the choir and Sabbath school. Politicjilly he is a democrat fatlier was a river man, taking liis first trip up tlie Mississippi bj steam from New Orleans, The subject of this sketch lived upon the farm of his father during boyhood, and spent his life upon the farm. He settled upon the farm on which he still lives in Mercer county, on March 1, 1856. The land was raw prairie at that time, but is now one of the fine farms of the many in the county. Mr. Lair was married August 26., 1847, to Miss Sarah E. Rose, of Fayette county, Indiana, and has had four children : Mrs. Emily Alice, wife of Richard Lemon, Millersburg township, now deceased ; a son, William W. , who lives on the next farm to his father; a daughter, Martha A., born in 1854, now deceased ; and a daughter, Flora Luellen, married to Mr. Roe Vincent, of Mercer township. Mr. Lair has for many years held the offices of road commissioner and school director. He is a member of the masonic order and a republican.

Henry Np:sBiTr. Mr. Nesbitt was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, October 5, 1834. His parents were Jonathan and Mary (McClure) ISTesbitt. His father was a blacksmith by trade, and onr subject passed most of his life upon a ferm ; emigrating to Illinois in 1855, and settling in Mercer county in 1857. He bought the farm upon which he lives in 1871, and by hard work and energy made it what it now is, one of the best improved farms in the county. His dwelling is second to none in the county for comfort, style, and choice of location, standing as it does upon an eminence which commands a view of the country for miles around. Mr. Xesbitt was married in 1861 to Harriet Smith, of Mercer townshi]), and has five children: Mary J. , aged seventeen ; Lula, aged thirteen ; Minnie, aged nine ; Myrtle, aged seven ; and Harry, aged one year. Mr. Nesbitt is director of school district No. 6, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Aledo, and politically is a republican.

Joseph Oscar Lundblad was born in Sweden, December 4, 1823, and landed in New York September 2(», 1852. He came west to Princeton, Illinois, and soon after moved to Rock Island, and finally settled in Aledo in 1869. He learned the shoemaker's trade in the old country, and has been engaged in the boot and shoe business ever since coming to America. He was married April 27, 1848, to Miss Sophia Gustaver, of Sweden, and they have three children living: George Oscar, aged twenty-three, who is in business with his father, and two daughters, Hilma Maria, aged twenty-one, and Hulda Christina, aged eighteen. Mr. Lundbland is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church of Aledo, and for many years was an officer of that church, and is also a member of the masonic and odd-fellows' orders. Politicallv he is a democrat.

Mercer Townshu'

Washington Boone, grocer, was born in Medina coimtv, Ohio, February 22, 1837. His parents' names were Hezekiali and Sarah A. Boone. He left Ohio with his parents in 1848, they settling in Illinois, in the southern portion of which they lived for some two years, when in 1850 they moved to Mercer county. At that time there were not more than a dozen families in the township. The subject of this sketch was raised upon a farm, but learned the shoemaking trade, at which he worked for many years, when he embarked in trade, being now engaged in the grocery business. He was married February, 1867, to Miss Belinda Baxtev, and they have had two children : Wm., aged fourteen, and Lois, aged twelve years. Mr, B, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and politically a republican ; he cast his first vote for John C. Fremont.

George A. Wright, the only son of Horace E. and Harriet (Jewel) Wright, was born August 10, 1849, in Rock Island, Illinois, being the first male child born in that city. He has lived in Mercer county nearly all his life, attended common school, and spent most of his life upon a farm. The last five years he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits. In February, 1882, he embarked in the flower and seed trade in Aledo. Politically he is a rejjublican.

Hon. John C. Pepper was born in Cambridgeshire, England, September 21, 1829. His parents were Charles A. and Susan Pepper, He left England when seven years of age with his parents in a sailing vessel, and after being seven weeks and three days out of sight of land landed in New York. His parents settled in Amboy, Oswego county, Xew York ; his father was a silversmith by trade. Mr. Pepper's boyhood was passed at home with his parents until his sixteenth year, when he entered Vernon academy, at Vernon, New York, where he attended two years. He then went to the Wayne county institute, where he attended three summers, teaching school in the winter, until 1848, when his health failed to such a degree that he came west with no expectation of ever regaining it. He staid one year in Peoria, and then came to Mercer county, first settling in Keithsburg, where he was admitted to the bar. He then came to Aledo, where he has since remained in the practice of his profession. Mr. P. was married in January, 1851, to Miss Mary A. Martin of Mercer county, and they have four children living : Helen, married to Frank Martin, an attorney of Falls City, Nebraska, three other daughters. Bertha, Norma and Mabel being at home ; three children died when young. Islr. Pepper is the president of the Illinois state temperance union, and an active worker in the cause. By political faith he is a democrat.

vania. His father's name was David Frew, and his mother's maiden name was Mary Jordan. His father was a mechanic. Mr. F. spent his youth imtil his seventeenth year chiefly in attending the public schools and St. Clair academy. At the age of seventeen he began to teach the public school at Noblestown, Allegheny county, which occupation he alternated with attending college, first at Duquesne at Pittsburgh, and afterward at Jefl^'erson at Cannonsburg, till 1854, when he became principal of the South Pittsburgh public schools, where he remained one year. For four years, from 1S55 to 1858, he was principal of the Birmingham public school. In tliQ summer of 1855 he made a trip west and bought the land which he subsequently improved, which is situated in Greene township, Mercer county, five miles east of Aledo, and which he still owns. At the close of 1858, on account of ill health, he was obliged to resign his school and spent the summer of 1859 at the seashore trying to regain his health. In the spring of 1860 he came to Mercer county, and, after spending a year as tutor in a family, was elected to the oftice of county surveyor, which ofiice he held for fourteen years. In 1879 he was appointed deputy county surveyor, which office he still holds. From 1862 to the present time he has been engaged in engineering, surveying and attending to his farm, which he uses chiefly for stock raising. He was married in 1870 to Miss Lydia J. Taylor of New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, at that time locating in the home he now occupies adjoining the town of Aledo. Mr. Frew is a member and a trustee of the United Presbyterian church of Aledo, and politically is a republican.

Alexander M. Woods was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in December, IS-iO. He came to Mercer county with his parents at the age of seven years. His parents settled on a farm about ten miles south of Aledo, where they remained about two years and then moved to Aledo. Mr. Woods attended the public schools, and learned the painter's trade, which occu})ation he still follows. With the exception of one year passed in the west, Mr. Woods has lived in Mercer county. He is a prominent man in musical circles. He has been leader of the Congregational church for nearly ten years. He was a member of the Aledo cornet band for several years, and was a member of the Woods Bros', male quartette during the existence of that organization, and has been the recognized leader of vocal music of Aledo for many years. Politically he is a democrat.

C. F. TuEDE, carriagemaker and blacksmith, was born in Hamburg, Germany, in April, 1832. He landed in New ^'ork in 1852, and shortly afterward settled in JNIichigan, where he had relatives. In 1856die moved to Rock Island and went into business. He lived tliere till ISTO, when he came to Aledo, where he still remains, carrying on the carriage-making business with his son Christian. Mr. Tliede was married in 1854 to Miss Laura Ilerhst, a native of Berlin, Prussia. They have had twelve children, ten of whom are living and two dead. Mr. Thede and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church of Aledo, and politically Mr. Thede is a democrat.

Jkssk Maekee was born in Allegany county, Maryland, in 1820; his father was a farmer. When Mr. Markee was a small child his parents moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, where they lived a few years. The elder Markee then moved to Belmont county, Ohio, and a few years after the subject of this sketch moved back to ^Muskingum county, upon the fai-m his father had occupied. Here he stayed till 1842, when he came west and stayed about a year and a half in Iowa, when he returned to Ohio. He remained in Ohio till 1853, when he came to Mercer county, Illinois, which was then very thinly settled. When in Iowa, about 1843, Mr. Markee witnessed, at an old trading house near Eddyville, the last treaty with the Indians, there being 2,700 red men present. Mr. Markee, though raised upon a farm, worked for about ten years at the carpenter trade. W^hen he came to Illinois he bought 240 acres of land in Ohio (rrove townshij), which he farmed till 1872, when he came to Aledo and engaged in buying and shipping stock. About 1875 Mr. Markee, together with Mr. Pichey and Mr. Spicer, built the Aledo machine shops, and started to manufacture farm implements. He was afterward for several years engaged in the grocery business. Mr. Markee and Mr. Dunlap, while in the grocery business, bought the lot and put up the building known as Union Hall, together with its store rooms. Mr. Markee then went out of trade, and has since been engaged in looking after the interests of his farm. He was married in 1849 to Miss Sarah Bevin, of Muskingum county, Ohio, and they have had five children, the eldest of whom are dead. Of the living, Mary E. is married to Pev. M. C Bolon, of ( 'arthage, Illinois ; Nira L. is married to Prof Silas Montz, of Dixon, Illinois ; and the youngest, a son, J. N. Markee, is employed in the drug store of Dr. Johnston, of Aledo. Mr. Markee is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Aledo ; is a member of the masonic fraternity, and politically is a republican.