New Boston Township (part 3 of 6)

The fu'st Presbvterian minister who settled and lived in Keithsburg was the Rev. Smith. This was before the church was linished. A number of persons of this faith having their membership in the Pope Ci'eek church in Ohio Grove township, in 1854 enclosed the house they now own, but were not able to hnish it for use until three years afterward. May 2, 1857, the present societ)' was organized with tvventy-eiiiiit members, and was named the ''First Presbyterian Church of Keithsburg." Joseph P. Wycoif and Paul Sheriif were elected ruling elders, and Dr. I. N. Anderson deacon. Two days after, Paul Sheriif, A. B. Sheriif and Harvey Senter were chosen trustees. The Rev. E. K. Lynn was the first to supply the church after the organization ; he preached half the time for one year. The Rev. Samuel Hart commenced his labors in the spring of 1858 and ministered to the church till September 2, 1862. During this period twenty-six members were added. The Rev. H. Hanson came as stated supply November 2d, and ended his pastorate ten years aftei-ward, ISTovember 1,"1872. The church was increased during this time by the reception of eightyfour members. From the last date until October 15, 1873, only occasional supplies filled the pulpit, but at this time the Rev. John L. Martyn commenced his ministrations as regular pastor. He was superseded October 15, 1876, by the Rev.* J. E. Williamson. The latter gave place, October 16, 1879, to the Rev. Thomas Hicklin, who remained one year. There was no stated supply again until the present occupant of the pulj^it, the Rev. R. IL Fulton, connnenced his labors in September, 1881. In December, 1859, Philip Gore was elected deacon. November 30, 1862, Dr. I. N. Anderson was elected, ordained and installed a ruling elder. He was removed by death January 22, 1863. Dr. Samuel Kelly was elected ruling elder March 13, 1869, and ordained next dav. Calvin S. Orth and W. S. Home were elected and ordained deacons on tlie same days. George S. Wolf was elected a ruling elder December 16, 1876, and was installed next day, the usual form of ordination being dispensed with as unnecessary for the reason that he had been an elder in the Reformed church. In 1866 an American church organ was placed in the church ; in the winter of 1S67-S a new bell was hung in the steeple ; October 25, 1871, the society paid $100 for five Gothic chairs and a marble-top communion table; March 15, 1872, a new communion service was purchased at an e::^pense of $65 ; and in 1875 the church was renovated at an outlay of $1,000. The building is 36x51 feet, built of brick, graceful without and tasteful within, where it is cheery and agreeable, without any of that air of the dungeon so common in houses of this description. The number of members is foity-five. An organized Sunday school is maintained.

St. Mary's Catholic church comprises in its membership not fewer than fifty families. Mass was celebrated in this place over thirty years ago, but the people had no regular pastor until Father Lorimer, of Monmouth, established stated ser\^ces in 1865. He continued in charge of the parisli until the Rev. R. P. O^Xeill came in 1867. Under the pastorate of the latter funds were raised, and in 1869 a house of worship was enclosed and subsequently finished. The Rev. Bowles came next after Father O'Xeill and remained until 1872, and was succeeded by Father Ilalpin, who was followed in 1875 by Father O'Farrell. The first priest to settle in the parish was the Rev. Weldon, who arrived in 1877, and in October began the erection of the parsonage. This stands on Thirteenth street, adjoining the church, and was finished the following spring and fornished at a total cost of $2,000. The Rev. C. F. O'Neill took charge of this society in 1879 and was replaced the same year by the Rev. William McKenna, who ministered until early in 1882, when the Rev. B. H. Corley took his place. The church is situated in the southeast part of the town, in Sherifi^s addition, on land one-half of which was donated by T. B. Cabeen. It is cruciform, 24x72 feet in the main part, with a transept 24X56, and was built at a cost of about $6,000. This property is vested in the bishop of the diocese, according to the custom and laws of this church. In the early history of the society services were held in the old courthouse and at the residence of Dennis Murto.

The Rev. Bernard II. Corley, present pastor, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, March 11, 1.S55, and is the son of Michael and Elizabeth (McCaron) Corley. llis father is a mixer of colors used in printing calicoes, and resides in Providence, where the mother of Father Corley died March 4, 1882. He was educated at the Jesuit college of St. Mary at Montreal, and at the Ottawa University, of -Canada, and finished his studies at the latter institution. His ordination took place at Peoria, Illinois, in June, 1879, and he at once became assistant pastor at Bloomington, where he remained one year. He was next called to the pastorate of Lewiston, from whence he went to Monmouth as assistant, and in the present year was settled over this parish.

A Christian society was organized here about 1856, but traveling preachers of this denomination stopped here and held services, beginning some years earlier. The Rev. Davidson, of Monmouth, was the main dependence of these people at first. Others well remembered "were the Shortridges, Revs. Wallace, Moses B. Warren and W. B. Fisk. The latter was here three or four years, and it was in his pastorate that the unused church standing in the east part of the town was built. This was done in 1866. The Rev. J. B. Royal occujiied the pulpit about ten years ago.

Farmers' Bank

This institution began business in Keithsburg in April. 1871, as the Farmers' National Bank, with a capital of §50,000, and was the second "bank ever organized in fiercer county, and the only one under the national banking act. Tlie stockholders are William Drury, F. P. Burgett, T. B. Cabeen, R. J. Cabeen, John Seaton, Hiram Burgett, 3. P. Frick, Thomas S. Flack, C. S. Orth, Mrs. Julia H. Frick, and

Mrs. Yashti Driiry- William Driirv, one of the wealthiest and most valued citizens of Mercer county, has been president from the beginning, and Hon. Thomas B. Cabeen, of Keithsburg, vice-]>resident. C. S. Orth was the first cashier. In 1874 the capital was doubled, -and the same year Mr. Orth resigned and was succeeded by F. P. Burgett, who had been connected with the bank from the first opening, as assistant cashier. On January 1. IS'^O, the charter was surrendered, and the bank became a private corporation. It passed through the crisis of 1873 without shock, and its integrity and reputation rest upon a firm basis.

Mr. Cabeen is of Irish lineage. His grandfather, Thomas Cabeen, had seven sons and two daughters bom and reared in Ireland, and who emigrated to this country at different times, and settled in various localities. His father, Samuel Cabeen, crossed the Atlantic in 1808 and had his home first in Pennsylvania, where he married Miss Elizabeth P. "Wright. In 1815 he removed to Muskingum countv, Ohio. In 1836 these parents with their five sons, Thomas, Joshua, Samuel, Pobert, and Pichard, removed to Mercer county and improved a home in Oliio Grove township. The father died at his residence, May 1, 1856, when sixty-eight years of age. He was a man of good talents and natural Irish wit and versatility ; his conversation was intelligent and sparkling and always enlivened with appropriate quotations fi-om his favorite poet Bums. Mr. Thomas B. Cabeen was bora December 15, 1815 ; he learned the carpenter's trade, and for the fii'st dozen years that he lived in Mercer county was employed at that useful occupation. In conjunction with Abram B. Sherift' he built the first fi-ame house south of Pope creek; in 1845 he did some of the first cai-penter w^rk in Keithsburg, and the next year the joiner work on the first brick house in the place, which was owned by Robert Keith. He and Mr. Sherift" built under contract the first court-house in Mercer county, for wliich they received about Sl.-lOO. It was begun March 6, 1839, and was -finished the same vear. This was situated at Millersburg: a two-story frame, still standing. During the time that Mr. Cabeen was chifiy engaged at his trade he also improved a farm of 160 acres in Ohio Grove to\^Tiship. He settled in Keithsburg in 1845, and from 1847 to 1848 he was a clerk for the firm of X-oble & Gavle ; in the latter year he gave up his position with that firm to accept the oftice of clerk of the circuit court, wliich he filled ^vith satisfaction until 1856. In 1862 he was elected by the democrats to the lower house of the general assembly to represent the counties of Mercer and Henderson. For over thirty years Mr. Cabeen has been a ]>rominent business man of his countv, and has been most of that time largelv interested in real estate transactions. He owns 2,000 acres of valuable land besides a. large amount of town property. He celebrated liis nuptials with Miss- Lucy, daughter of William and Sarah (McHerron) Wilson, on June 26, 1849. She was a native of Danville, Pennsylvania; and her father's family removed to Mercer county about 1837. Mr. Cabeen's children have been: AVilliam S., Sarah E., and Boyd "W. The last died in infancy. AVilliam was married in 1881 to Miss Lou Dempster, and Sarah is now the wife of Thomas A. Marshall. Mr. Cabeen's mother died December 6, 1874, ripe in years.

Mr. Frederick P. Burgett, cashier, was born in Hartland, Windsor county, Vermont, April 24, 1839, and is the oldest child of Hiram and Charlotte (Willard) Burgett. In 1851 he emigrated with his parents to Ellisville, Fulton county, Illinois, and lived there till 1859; in that year he went to JSTashville, Tennessee, and remained there till 1864, clerking in the principal hotels. In 1867 he came to Keithsburg and at once engaged in selling dry goods ; after two years he changed to lumber and was in that business the same length of time ; then in 1871 he assisted in organizing the Farmers' National Bank and became assistant cashier. Since 1875 Mr. Burgett has owned a well improved farm of 800 acres ten miles southeast of Keithsburg, mostly in pasture ^ and meadow, and devoted to stock-raising. He regards ample and comfortable shelter as indispensable to the profitable rearing of domestic animals, and purposes to improve his place with barns and sheds to furnish sufficient housing for all the stock that his large farm can support. He is introducing improved sti*ains of blood into his cattle ; and as a favorite scheme of breeding he is giving special attention to rearing a distinctive type of horses which shall combine the qualities of roadster and draft horse and produce a class useful, and even superior, for all purposes. Mr. Burgett is a Mason and a republican. In 1880 he was a delegate to the republican state convention at Springheld, and was elected a delegate under the unit rule to the republican national convention at Chicago ; but he and his associate appointees were not seated by the latter body. December 20, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary J., daughter of the late B. D. Ellett, Esq. Her father was an early settler in Mercer county, having begun a home in New Boston township in 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Burgett have four children : Grace, Bessie, Louis ()., and Kate.

Mr. Cornelius O'Leary, book-keeper and assistant cashier, was born in the city of Cork, Ireland, March 25, 1826. In 1848 he emigrated to this country, arriving in New York on the 19th of June. He came directly to Wisconsin and became employed in the pineries, transacting; business principally for Francis I>iron of Grand Rapids, Wisconsin^.

until 1S5S, in which year hu arrived at Keithsburg with a rati: of lumber. Having disposed of that he associated himself '^'ith B. D. Ellett in the lumber trade ; and excepting the time that he was absent in the army, he was in company with Mr. Ellett until 1869. Immediately on the first call of President Lincoln for troops, in April, 1861, he enlisted in company I. 17th reg. 111. Yol., and was appointed first sergeant. He fought' at Fredericktown, Missouri, at Fort Donelson, and at Shiloh, and in the last engagement commanded his company ; he was in the siege of Corinth, and after that returned with his regiment to Bolivar, Tennessee, where he was discharged October 29, 1862. In 1869 he built a store and a residence in Keithsburg, and was in the grocery trade a year; ft-om 1871 to 1876 he made several changes in business : was first manufacturing plows with W. C. Taliaferro, then wagons with H. Campbell ; a part of the time was in Wisconsin, and the last year and a half was running a steamer on the Missouri river. In May, 1876, he came into the Farmers' Bank as hook-keeper and assistant cashier, and has been steadily engaged in this position since November, 1880. He was united in marriage with Miss Roxanna De Haven April 29, 1869, and by this union three children have been born : Margaret, Arthur, and Eichard. !Mr. O'Leary has been town trustee three terms, and is now treasurer.

Robert Burns Lodge, Xo. 113, A.F.AM., was organized mider dispensation in 1850, and the first meeting was held on the 19th of November. Tliomas Freeman, was master ; A. C. Adams, senior warden ; W. J. Ungles, junior warden : James Gibson, senior deacon ; Wyman Parker, Daniel Winslow and Hiram Mills, from Kew Boston, completed the organization. Petitions were received from I. X. Anderson. H. (i. Calhoun, R. C, Cabeen, and Truman Lord. The charter was issued October 7, 1851, to Thomas Freeman, Alexander C. Adams. AVilford J. Ungles, and James Gibson. The lodge was constituted under the charter Xovember 21-, bv Gov. William McMurtrv, of Henderson, deputy grand master. In 1855 a two-story brick building, 20x50 feet, was erected by the lodge on Washington street at a cost of $1,9()0. The contractors and builders were John Dunn and Jahalon Tvler. The hall, which is-neatlv fimiished and decorated with emblematic charts, is one of the best in Mercer county. Communications are on Friday nights on or before the full moon of each month. The officers for the current vear (1882) are R. C. Humbert, W.M.; Ira Jay, S.W.; H. Pratt. J.AV.- W. H. Phares, T.-. A. F. Glover, S. ; Samuel Kelly, >C.; E. J. Glancv, S.D.; ^\. B. Phillips, J.D.; J. J. Hawkins, S.S.;

Illinois Chapter ]S"o. 17, A.F.A.M., was chartered in 18.54, Robert. Keith, Thomas D. Cabeen, and R. Cyrus Cabeen being granted powers to organize. The first meeting took place August 9, 1853, and the chapter was instituted by Harmon G. Re\Tiolds, acting as grand high priest. A steady career of ]jrosperity marks the whole history of this organization. Meetings are held on Wednesday night before the full moon of each month in the Masonic building. This chapter owns a one-third interest in that property. Present officers : C. A. Mertz, H.P.; T. II. Freeman, K.; J. J. Hawkins, S.; A. F. Glover, S. W. H. Phares, T.; R. C. Humbert, C.H.; H. G. Calhonn, P.S. T. B. Cabeen, R.A.C.; L. L. Mertz, M.T.Y.; C. A. Frick, M.S.V. W. Hadley, M.F.V. ; Benjamin Lloyd, T. An efficient working membership of 37.

Mercer Lodge, No. 210, LO.O.F., was instituted July 29, 1856, by W. B. Linel under dispensation issued by P. A. Armstrong, grand master. The first elective officers were M. J. CBrien, N.G. ; L. W. Thompson, Y.G.; J. Scott Pinkerton, R.S.; J. N. Shoemaker, P. S. ; Thomas Stephenson, T. When the organization took place applications for membership:) were received from William M. Glover, John Weidner, Erastus Thompson, and O. C. Richardson ; aU these were favorably rej^orted upon and elected, and the first two were initiated at this meeting. . October 17, 1856, a charter was. granted to M. J. O'Brien, Thomas Stephenson, M. P. Rippy, L. W. Thompson, J. S. Pinkerton, J. N. Shoemaker, and Ferdinand Davis. The number of initiates is 201, and 44 have been admitted by card, making a total of 245, including a present membership of 6S. The amount paid out for charity is $1,136. Meetings of the lodge are on Tuesday evenings at their pleasant and well-furnished hall on Main street. This building was purchased about 1871 for $1,000, and rebuilt in 1873 at a cost of $700. The present officers are W. A. Willard, KG.; Lemon Dewitt, V.G.; P. Q. Nestle, Sec; Thomas Souster, Treas. H. H. Pratt is the representative to the grand lodge.

are named in it: T. S. Cummins, W. II. Pliares, G. W. "Wliiting, J. H. T. Madden, Paul Q. Nestle, E. Ratliburn, G. W. Ditto, D. M. Halsted, M. G. Rice, C. S. Frick, H. Stancer, G. K. Beard, Jacob Abrahams, Joseph Venable, Fred. Nagle, T. J. JVIoffatt. The last nine of these were the earliest initiates, and were admitted at the first meeting. Present officers: T. S. Cummins, C.P. ; John Ilelwig; H.P.; J. S. Allen, S.W.; T. A. Marshall, J.W.; II. H. Pratt, Scribe : AY. II. Pliares, Treas. Both lodge and encampment are in a. highly satisfactory condition.

Mary Burns Chapter, No. 24, Order of the Eastern Star, was organized by D. AV. Thompson, and chartered July 31, 1872, with 30 members. Mrs. Pose A. Cumby was Worthy Matron ; W. P. Strong, Worthy Patron ; and F. B. Stout, Secretary. C. A. Mertz represented the chapter in the convention held in Chicago November 6, 1875, tcv institute a grand chapter of the order for Illinois, and he was elected deputy grand patron of the organization. The grand chapter having been formed, Mary Burns Chapter surrendered its original charter, number 118, and accepted the one under which it is now working. The organization has a healthy membership of nearly 60 persons, and holds its regular meetings in Masonic hall on every Thursday evening before the full moon. The present elective officers are C. A. Mertz, W.P.; Mrs. A. B. Mertz, W.M.; Mrs. Lillie Glancy, A.M.; Miss Sue Calhoun, C. ; Miss Hattie Jay, A.C. ; Mrs. Millecent Heaton, S., Miss Agnes Jay, T.

The Keithsburg Thespian Club, a dramatic association, was organized January 10, 1863, and has been in existence until the present time, though of late years it has not been before the public with regular performances. It has always been composed of some of the most respectable ladies and gentlemen of Keithsburg, and has given numerous entertainments abroad, consisting of both comedy and tragedy. The first president, or manager, was G. F. Gurley ; William H. Ungles was secretary at the same time, and C. S. Orth, treasurer. Besides these officers, the earlier members were : G. W. Whiting, M. J. O'Brien, C. O'Leary, J. O. Butler, C. C. Matlock, W. D. Smith and G. F. Parsons. The first ladies connected with the club were: Mrs. R. C. Cabeen, Mrs. Matlock, and the Misses Famiy M. Sheriff, Mary J. Holland, Rebecca Frick and Ivittie Ellett.

Among those who came into the organization afterward were: J. B. Holland, Joshua Willits, R. C. Humbert, Henry Mellinger, G. K. Beard, T. S. Cummins, F. P. Burgett, Dr. A. P. Willits, Mrs. J. O. Butler, Misses Emma AVillits and Emma Swezey, C. A. Frick,

After becoming thoroiiglilv organized, this troupe secured the assistance of four of the most popuhxr professionals on the boards. Melissa Breslau, Old Breslau, and Montgomery and Johnson made their residence here two years and took the tragic parts in the plays. The tovra trustees granted the use of the old court-house to this company with permission to fit it up to suit their purpose, and the building has ever since been used for an opera house, and now goes by that name. It is proper to add that this house was purchased of the county several years ago for the sum of $500.

The Keithsburg Reading and Conversational Club, having a membership of forty, young and old, was formed Dec. 4, 1S80, with a general view to social improvement, but for the particular object of studying the lives and characters of noted authors, and of becoming familiar with their writings. This end is sought to be accomplished by assigning a selected author to one or two persons who come to the next meeting with papers embodjdng their study of the subject, while others, also appointed, read selections from the same author's works. Weekly meetings take place at the private residences of members, and the club is under the government of a set of officers elected in pursuance of its constitution and by-laws. Mrs. Yisa Griffin and Miss Marie Hebbard were respectivel}^ the first president and secretary. The officers are chosen bi-monthly. The club has a free library of 120 volumes.

The Keithsburg Silver Band and Musical Association was chartered under the law of the state June 3, 1880, by Karl A. Range, G. C. Humbert, T. A. Marshall, II. P. Humbert, W. F. Kolkenbeck, Edward Ott and B. L. McKnight. W. B. Ellet, E. E. Humbert, W. S. Cabeen, Elmer Deterline, Fred Ellet, Louis Range, Charles Helwig, Robert Jackson and H. C. Cook complete the present membership. The first officers were George Beard, president ; W. S. Cabeen, vice-president ; G. C. Humbert, secretary; Dennis Merto, treasurer; and T. A. Marshall, contracting agent. Present officers : Edward Ott, ])resident ; W. S. Cabeen, vice-president ; K. A. Range, secretary ; II. P. Humbert, treasurer ; and T. A. Marshall, agent. This is one of the best instructed and most popular bands in this part of the west, and was engaged to accompany the Jim City on her first trip between St. Louis and St. Paul. It embraces a full orchestra.

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union, auxilliary to the organization of this name for the State of Illinois, was organized by the ladies of Keithsburg, January 31, 1880, under a call issued by Mrs. Kirkpatrick, president of the imion for the tenth congressional district. Mrs.

M. E. Slocnmb was the first president. The union is in a flourisliing condition, and is composed of sixty of the most earnest, active, zealous women of Keithsburg and vicinity. Temperance organizations of various kinds have been establislied here from the time the town has had a business history, and eacli lias lived the life of the awakened impulse which brought it forth. We cannot undertake an account of them, for the data are not accessible; nor would it be desirable, as this class of organizations go and come like the seasons, and are but the effects of a principle or power as fixed and sure as that which called the light day and the darkness night. It is enough to know that there has always existed in Keithsburg a strong, unwavering public sentiment in favor of improved social customs, and that every effort in this direction has been ennobled with the labors of good men and the chastening exertions of not less devoted and noble women. In the month of jNIarch, this year (1882), the professional temperance lecturers Ward and Hughes held a revival of one week and formed a red ribbon and a I)lue ribbon club, the two embracing several hundred members.

An event, the result of a movement started by the W. C. T. Union occurred in the spring of 1880, which is noted less for its local significance than the wide attention it attracted at the time. On the petition of over 300 men and women, the town board, in February, passed an ordinance permitting men twenty-one years of age and women eighteen years of age, having qualifications of residence, to vote for or against licensing the sale of intoxicating liquors, at the election for municipal on the fifth of April following, and annually thereafter. A separate ballot-box and election board had necessarily to be provided, and the ordinance made it mandatory on the board of trustees to appoint three persons to receive and canvass the votes, two of whom should act as judges and one as clerk. When the day came a number of female celebrities in the suffrage and temperance reform had gathered from distant parts of the country to assist the fair contestants to touch off' what Miss Frances E. Willard had christened "the Sumter Gun." The work of preparation began on Saturday afternoon, when the first meeting was held in the Presbyterian church. A mass meeting followed in the evening. On the Sabbath very solemn services took place at the churches, and the strangers from abroad were conspicuous in all the public exercises. Early on the morning of election day the women assembled for religious worship, after which a procession of forty-seven, headed by Mrs. E. G. Ilibben, of Peoria, president of the W. C. T. Union of Illinois, marched to the polls. Committees of women were on the street throughout the day laboring with active and effective zeal in the christian cause, under tlie incitement of a grave preparation and the first ilush of gratitude for their enlarged privileges. Twice in the day the band, with brazen horns, paraded Main street, discoursing awakening strains. Boys trooped in advance carrWngbanners with the legends, "Bad luck to whisky," "Down with license," etc. Xo opposition was made, and the poll stood 159 women and 98 men against license. A solitary man voted by mistake for license. The same thing was repeated the next year, but with less demonstration, and this time a license board was elected, when on the eighth of April the famous home protection ordinance, which had excited the liveliest interest and comment, and had brought letters of inquiry and gratulation from all" parts of the United States and from Europe, was rescinded.

The Keithsburg Building and Loan Association was organized early in. the present year (1882), by some of the leading citizens of the town, who were licensed on the sixth of February, by the secretary of state, to open books for subscriptions to the capital stock. The object aimed at is to assist members to procure and improve real estate. T. B. Cabeen is the president, and T. S. Cummins, secretary.

Green Mound Cemetery lies one mile east of Keithsburg, on ground donated by Paul Sheriff, in 1852, and laid out the same year. Some handsome monuments have been erected, but the enclosure has fallen into a state of sad neglect.

Reuben Williams, being assailed by James Fierman, in his defense killed him by accidentally breaking his neck. The men were shelling corn for William Gayle when the difficulty occurred. This was in the summer of 1851. Williams was forthwith arraigned at the September term of the circuit court, pleaded guilty to the indictment charging him with manslaughter, and was sentenced to the penitentiary for nine months, one day's solitary confinement and the remainder of the time at hard labor.

Mrs. Ungles, the aged mother of W. J. Tingles, was suffocated in her bed by the clothing taking fire from the stove. This occurred about 1855.

A little daughter of G. L. Dunn fell into a tub of hot water and was so badly scalded that she died after six days, April 22, 1859. Her age was four years.

Catharine, wife of James Geiger, and her infant child perished from a foolish attempt to fill a fluid lamp while burning. This was on September 1, 1860. Mrs. Geiger lived six hours in terrible suffering.

In the summer of 1860 Columbus Caufield shot and killed Jake Price in self-defense. Caufield was fully exonerated by the coroner's jury. At another time he killed a man in New Boston township and departed the country and has not since been seen.

Two years later Nathan Shockley, a Missouri secessionist and desperado, stabbed and killed North Fleming. Political malignity was the moving cause, though a trumped-up subterfuge was assigned and so efi'ectively used as to secure the murderer's acquittal. He was afterward fatally cut to pieces in Missouri by a butcher whom he was on the point of shooting down in cold blood.

On the third of November, 1864, Alexander Holland was thrown from his buggy by a runaway horse at the corner of Main and Second streets, and died in a few hours from his injuries.

A little nine-year old daughter of Joseph Wadsworth's caught her clothes on fire from the stove while the rest of the family w^ere out, and was so burned that she died in a few hours. This was in the autumn of 1864.

Hannah Jane Frazier, the handsone and intelligent daughter ot Andrew Frazier, lost her life in 1868 by the imprudent use of kerosene in kindling a fire. Her body was horribly burned and she lived only a few hours, but in excruciating agony and conscious to the last. She was about sixteen years of age and had a disposition of great sweetness.

The most considerable fire which ever took place in this town was on the night of July 4, 1870, and broke out in the livery stable belonging to H. N. Ives and situated on the west side of Fourth street, between Main and Jackson. The Nelson House adjoining was burned, as were also Mrs. Emily Wade's and Joseph Thompson's dwellings, and O. Holland's corn house. The total loss, after deducting $5,500 of insurance, was $13,000. The distressing feature of this sad misfortune was the loss of the two young boys, Frank Ives and Willie Dempster, who perished in the flames while sleeping in the livery stable. These lads were about fourteen years old. They suffocated, it is thought, before the fire reached their couch. Their cliarred bodies were removed and the burial took place from the Methodist church where most solemn and impressive funeral services were performed. The fire is believed to have been incendiarv.

John T. Calhoun was drowned in the river at the foot of Main street, on Sunday morning. May 12, 1872. He and his wife were in a skiff which was capsized by the current. She was insensible when rescued but recovered.

AVillie Pliares, son of W, H. Phares, a very beautiful and promising child of little less than four years, was left slee})ing in bed in the morning. The family being startled by his screams rushed to the room and found his night-clothes in flames. It is supposed that he set himself on fire with matches. This was on July 22, 1875. He survived until the next day.

M. Kelly, of this place, while on a trip to Canada for his health, committed suicide by drowning at Michigan City, Indiana, September 19, 1876.

Mrs. Julia Strong, a useful and respected woman fifty-six years of age, living in the country, was thrown from her buggy by an unmanageable team, and after being dragged some distance violently struck a tree on Main street, which fractured her skull and caused instant death. This melancholy accident happened iS^ovember 20, 1880.

Frederick Fry, a saloon-keeper on Black Hawk or AVillett's island, was shot and mortally wounded by AVilliam A. Gritfin, on the evening of February 28, 1881, when avoiding arrest \ipon a ca})ias in the hands of Thomas L. Pippey. These men were in pursuit of him upon the ice near the main land, and when within twenty yards of him he began shooting at Gritfin, who returned his fire with fatal efiect. He- lived twelve hours. Upon the inquest Gritfin was acquitted of blame.

About ten years ago some.bo^'s were pushiug a car on the track near the Rockford, Rock Island tfe St. Louis depot, when Frank Gotclialk, aged ten or twelve years, was crushed under the wheels.

Keithsburg Towxship

In the earlier history of this township the people went out to Glancy's mill to vote. Keithsbnrg was made a polling ])lace in 1S40, and on the third of August the first election was held. In the fall of 1853 Mercer coimty adopted townshij) organization, and the next spring the lirst officers were elected in Keithsbnrg. Below is a list of the principal ones from that time to the present date :

* These persons refused to qualify and serve, and the town board on the second of Jlay filled the vacancies with the following appointments : John Xevius for town clerk and Jacob Spangler for assessor.

The following citizens of the township have been elected to the office of justice of the peace: 1840, J. McH. Wilson, resigned in 1841; 1843, B. D. Ellett, Nicholas Edwards, John W. Nevius; 1847, James Ganier, Xathaniel B. Partridge, B. D. Ellett, John AV. Xevius ; 1849, O. C. Allen, James Garner ; 1852, Peter Eckly, X. B. Partridge ; 1854, H. G. Calhoun, P. W. Kile; 1855, John Dunn, vice Kile, resigned; 1858, John Xevius, Mark J. O'Brien; 1860, H. G. Calhoun, ^^ce O'Brien, resigned ; 1862, John Xevius, resigned in 1865 ; M. J. O'Brien, resigned in 1864; 1864, J. A. J. Birdsall ; 1865, O. C. Pichardson; 1866, Matthias "Wickiser, O. C. Pichardson; 1868, Jacob B. Spangler; 1870, Matthias Wickiser, resigned same year and J. B. Sj>angler elected to vacancy; A. F. Glover, resigned in 1873; 1873, T. S. Cummins, II. S. Scott\ 1877, T. S. Cummins, II. S. Scott; 1881, T. S. Cummins, Pichard Wolf; 1882, II. S. Scott, Wee Wolf, resigned.

Public Improvements

The first roads in this townsliip were opened by order of the county commissioners June 3, 1839. one havina; been surveyed from the bridsre on the Edwards river, on the New Boston and Knoxville state road, through Keithsburg to Gavitt's cabin (alias Cohimbia City) on to the county line, and the other from Keithsburg to Isaiah Willits', and from thence intersecting with the county road leading to the Ohio settlement on Pope' River. This is substantially the description given in the petitions which Robert Keith presented at the regular term, March 9, 1839. June 7, three dollars were deposited with each petition to pay the viewers, Lewis Xoble, Rezin Pratt and Joseph Leonard. For laying out these roads the follovtdng disbursements were made from the road fund: Lewis Noble, for three and a half days' viewing, $3.50; John Noble and Isaac Bates, for two days' chaining, $2 each ; and Paul Sheriff, for hauling stakes one and a half days, $3.

A railroad fi'om "Warsaw to Rockford having been projected to run through Keithsburg, November -1, 1855, the town unanimously voted to subscribe $20,000 to the capital stock of the company. The work of grading was commenced in 1856, B. P. Frick and J. C. Cabeen having the contract from Warsaw to Keithsburg, the former taking charge of the construction at this end of the route and the latter at the other. To settle all doubt as to the legality of the subscription and to make it available, an act of the legislature chartering the town was procured, with a special provision legalizing the subscription and authorizing the issue of bonds. This was approved February 16, 1857, and on the 4th of May following an ordinance was passed directing the presi" dent of the board of trustees to subscribe to the stock of the Warsaw & Rockford Railroad Company in the above-mentioned sum, and empowering that officer and the clerk to execute the bonds of the town, due in twenty years, with interest at the rate of ten per cent, payable semi-annually. They were to be delivered as work upon the road progressed, to pay the assessments upon the stock taken by the town, and on the 1st day of June eight bonds for $1,000 each were issued. On the 16tli four of them were passed over to B. P. Frick, and on the loth of July the remaining four were surrendered to the same person. In this last month the company failed, and work on the road was permanently suspended. No part of the route was finished. Below Sagetown some bridging was done, but as the contractors were never paid for the bridges these were afterward taken down.

The corporation paid the interest on the indebtedness made in aid of this railroad uritil the hardship prompted the town to resist further collection, and in 1863 suit was brous^ht in the circuit court of Mercer county and carried to the supreme court of tlie state, from which a writ of mandamus was procured, compelling the town to levy a tax to meet this obligation. In 1874 one of these bonds was paid and canceled, the second in 1876; and August 3, 1877, a corporation election was held to vote on the question of a new issue to retire the six then outstanding. A unanimous vote of forty-seven decided this in the affirmative, and on the lirst day of December the bonds were issued in denominations of $100. Next year ten of these were redeemed, leaving the presented bonded debt of the town So^OOO.

Hiram W. Thornton, last i)resident of the Warsaw & Rockford railroad, brought suit against the company for services and obtained judgment ; and when the road was sold under execution he bought the grading and has since disposed of it piecemeal at private sale. The Kockford, Rock Island tfe St. Louis railroad having been projected with the intention of running the line through Keithsburg, a part of the road-bed of the Warsaw ife Rockford was purchased by this company.

To preserve the continuitv of events it is necessarv to sav that in 1869, through the exertions of Col. Isaac McManus, state senator from the fourteenth district, a charter for the Dixon ife Quincy railroad was obtained, with the ulterior design, no doubt, of transferring it to the Chicago, Burlington 6z Quincy corporation. The Dixon & Quincy company was forthwith organized with Col. McManus as president, and on the 18th of May a special election was held in Keithsburg to decide whether the township should take $35,000 of stock in the road, the bonds covering the subscription not to be issued until thei'e should be a running connection by rail from Keithsburg to lines connecting with Chicago. This was favorably determined by a vote of 229 against 11. Abington township also voted to subscribe $10,000 to the ca])ital stock of the company.

Subsequent to these elections a meeting of the directors was held in Chicago, at which a very warm discussion took place regarding the transfer of the charter. A representative was present from each of the Chicago, Burlington <fe Quincy and the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis companies. McManus was still interested in behalf of the former, but w^ien the vote was taken his object was defeated, the rest of the board voting solidly to turn over the subscriptions to the other coi-jjoration on conditi(jn that it give to Keithsburg railway connection with Chicago by the way of Rockford.

To be certain that this proceeding was satisfactory to the people, the directors caused a special election to be called for the 4th of October, and submitted the proposition to recall the aid formerly voted to the Dixon 6z Quincy, and to grant the same amount to the Rockford,

Eock Island cV: St. Louis railroad. Tliis was understood bv the directors themselves to be simply informal and without legal consequence, as the charter invested the board with fidl power in the premises. Their action was endorsed by 197 against 5.

From the moment the assignment of the subscriptions was made, work on the Rockford, Rock Island tk St. Louis road was pushed north, from Sagetown (now Gladstone) with great vigor ; and December 14, 1869, the first locomotive ran into this town amidst the ringing of bells, the firing of an^'ils, and the blowing of steam whistles. Very little, if any, aid. except that guaranteed by these two townships, had been secured upon this route ; but about tliis time "Warren county tendered a liberal donation upon condition that the road should be built through Monmouth, and this had the effect to divert the line at Bushnell from the contenq^lated com'se, and to break off" consti'uction suddenly at this point. The grading had been done betw^een here and the American Central railway, but the iron was not down, and the bridge which had been erected over Pope creek was partly washed out, when the remainder was removed. The tenninal depot was built on the eastern verge of the town, and up to 1877 this was the river branch of the main line.

This action of the Rockford, Rock Island cVr St. Louis Company in changing their road left the Dixon & Quincy Company in a position tomake a new arrangement, and the matter slumbered until the summer of 1870, when it was revived by Theodore Glancy. The result of this fresh agitation was that the directors held a meeting and passed a resolution to open the books for new subscriptions. Gen. A. C. Harding, of Monmouth, appeared at this meeting and subscribed an amount sufficient to give him control of the affairs of the company ; and immediately a new board of directors was elected, of which Harding, by virtue of his power, became president, when he filled the other positions according to his own caprice. But the general refused to proceed with the consti'uction of the road until the bonds should be issued, and toward the close of the year 1 870 a citizens*' meeting was held at which H. S. Scott, AVilliam Willett and C. C. Matlock were appointed custodians to hold them in trust and to deliver them to- Harding when the road should be completed from Keithsburg to the American Central railroad. C. S. Orth, heading the opposition, sued out an injunction to restrain the issuance and delivery of the bonds, and before service could be had on Matlock, the supervisor, the latter, not^vith standing he had promised not to evade service of the wi'it, hastened off to Monmouth and turned them over to Harding, takingthe generaPs bond for $70,000, binding him to surrender them to the townshi}) in the event that the road sliouhl not be built between the points above-named by the first of Januarv, IS Tilt is said tliat it was never eonteniphited to build this road; that while the ostensible purjjose w^as to lav a track between the two cities named in the charter, the real object was to construct only the six-mile section from Keithsburg- to the Ameiican Central railway. AMiatever may have been the covert design, this was all that was done. The work was performed late in 187<> with the capital and by the construction comjjany of the Chicago Burlington 6z Quincy Railroad Company, the deception being kept u}) meantime until the Dixon & Quincy corporation could secure the township bonds, which were the great prize that at last fell into Harding's hands for disiJosal. It is alleged that all that was asked of the general by the Chicago Burlington ik: Quincy Railroad Company, was to obtain for that corporation the right of way, which he did for something less than $3,000.

Trains ran into Keithsburg over this short line on January 1, 1871. At the annual towmship election, in April of this year, Benijah Lloyd was elected to succeed C. C.Matlock as supervisor; on the 11th he qualified, and the following day demanded the books and ])apers belonging to the office. A few hours previous to this demand Matlock certified to the auditor of state that the towniship bonds issued to the Dixon iS: Quincy Railroad Company w^ere entitled to registration. These bonds, seventy in number, were for $500 each, bearing ten per cent interest, dated November 1, 1870, and payable January 1, 1891. The township regularly paid, by taxation, the aimual interest on these bonds up to and including the year ISSO, when a suit in equity was brought by the township in the circuit court of Mercer county, to declare them void. Tliey were supposed to be payable at the will of the people after five years, as this was one of the conditions on which the subscription was voted ; but no knowledge of their pro\asions could be obtained, and to pay so high a rate of interest had become unnecessary and impolitic. The people were willing to refimd at lower interest, but when no trace of the bonds could be discovered and the matter began to have the appearance of a design on the part of the liolders to thwart any endeavor to retire them, inquiry w^as excited and in^-estigation followed, when the numerous irregularities surrounding their issue and registration came to light, and it was decided to contest their validity. As a further defense of the people against the presumptions raised against them by the fact that for ten years they ])aid the interest without ])r()test, it is true that a lai-ge majority were not aware that a tax for this puri)ose was being levied and collected.

municipal indebtedness filed an answer to the complainant's bill ; and on his motion the case was removed to the district court of the United States for the northern disti-ict of Illinois, where it was heard bA' Judge Blodgett, who, on January 9, 1882, dismissed the suit. The case is now pending in the United States supreme court, where it has been taken on appeal.

When Gen. Harding obtained possession of these bonds it only remained for him to transfer the road to the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Company, which he did ; and during several succeeding years Keithsburg was the terminus of the Galva branch, the depot being situated where it now is, close to the river. Finally, the main line and branches of the Rockford, Eock Island & St. Louis railroad were absorbed by this company, and in the latter part of July. 1S7T, the right of way through the town between the two depots was procured, and in August the extremities of the two lines were brought into connection by a half mile of new track.

The Keithsburg, Lacon & Eastern Railroad Company was organized here, and a survey made for a standard gauge road from this point to Lacon in 1873, and a considerable amount of subscriptions was taken along the line, but the financial revulsion of that year caused the enterprise to be abandoned.

The Keithsburg 6z Eastern Railroad Company was organized under the law of the state providing for a general system of railroad incorporations, September 22, 1873, by the following incorporators : "W. D. Smith, T. B. Cabeen, C. A. Frick, E. L. Marshall, G. W. Whiting, B. C. Taliaferro, Harry Weaver, AVilliam Gayle, Theodore Glancy, J. P. Wycoft; A. B. Sheriff, R. J. Cabeen and'WiUiam Willett. The project was to construct a narrow gauge railroad from Keithsburg to the east line of the state in Kankakee or Iroquois county, with a branch to Chicago ; but it was never surveyed east beyond the Illinois river. Grading was begun at Keithsburg in the spring of 1874, and when the line had been extended eight miles it was decided to change the route either to Galesburg or Monmouth. Denny, in Warren county, distant twenty miles, being readied, work came to a standstill in 1875. Sub- 'sequently the road was sold in sections under execution, and finally the whole property was sold under mechanic's lien, but in each case it was purchased for D. M. Halstead and T. B. Cabeen. Halstead assigned his interest to George Seaton, R. J. Cabeen and T. B. Cabeen, who received a sherifi''s deed. Recently these owners have contracted with William Hanna and B. P. Phelps, of Monmouth, who represent the Peoria >k Farmington railroad, to convey to them for a consideration all their interest in the Keithsburg S: Eastern, if the former shall be completed to this point by February 22, 1884.

The subject of this sketch, Isaiah Willits, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, November 2, IS 12, where his boyhood, days were spent in rambling over the rocky bluffs and' helping his father on a small farm. In 1826 the family removed to Wa\Tie county, Indiana, where he was engaged in farming near Centerville, ten miles west of Kiehmond. In 1835 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, where he took a claim near Pope Mills, now known as the old Frick farm. lie went back to Indiana several times for cattle, driving them through on horseback, until 1838, when he permanently settled at Bald Bluff", Henderson county, erected a rude log cabin and endured all the hardships and privations known to the earlier settlers. It was in this year that the famous Black Hawk chieftain visited the Bluff", together with four hundred of his warriors. Mr. AVillits says tliat his courage was never questioned, but when he saw them all approaching under full gallop, he is willing to acknowledge that he felt somewhat "shaky." Thev were tribes of Sacs and Foxes, who were on their wav to their reservations on the Des Moines river, Iowa. April 4, 1839, Mr. "Willits was united in marriage to Elizabeth Peynolds, daughter of Caleb Reynolds, of Ohio, she too being one of the pioneers, having come to Mercer county among the first who settled here. They lived on their Henderson county farm till the year 1857, when they removed to Keithsburg, where he went into the mercantile business, continued in this pursuit for four years, sold out and purchased a farm south of town half a mile, where he resided till the spring of 1873, when he became so afflicted as to unfit him for active duties, and he moved again to Keithsburg, where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Willits are parents of ten children, nine of whom are living. Joshua, the eldest, was born in Henderson county March 13, 1840, was raised on a farm with limited educational such as existed at the early settling of the country, yet by close ap]>lication and study at home he acquired a good practical education. He was married November 31, 1873, to Miss Clara Willits. They have two children : Norman, born December 6, 1875 ; and Harry, born July 5, 1879. His vocation is farming. His farm joins the old homestead place. Emily, the eldest daughter, bom in Henderson county, November 11, 184], obtained the rudiments of learning in a little log school house, subsequently attended graded school in Oquawka and Keithsburg, was married to Mr. A. B. Childs November 10, 1880. They have one son, Benny, born November 14, 1881. Leander, second son, born November 21, 1843, and Minerva, second daughter, born September 6, 1845, both unmarried, are living at home with their parents. Byron, born April 5, 1847, died

November 21, 1847, aged seven months. Jo. H. Wird, daughter, born August 26, 1848, received her education principally in the graded schools at Keithsburg, where she began teaching at the age of seventeen years, and has been constantly engaged in the work in this place for sixteen years, attending normal schools during the vacations. Last year (1881) she was at State Normal, at Bloomington, Illinois. AzYO p., born July 19, 1850, was educated in Keithsburg; read medicine with Dr. E. L. Marshall and attended two courses of lectures in Rush Medical college, Chicago; was a member of the graduating -class of 1877 ; received his diploma on examination before the Illinois State Board of Health, and is now (1S82) a practicing physician ; January 19, 1880, he was united in marriage with Lizzie F. Wliiting, of Keithsburg. "William A., born November 10, 1852; passed creditably through the high school at Keithsburg ; began his career as teacher in the State of Missouri, after which he came to his native county (Mercer) and taught three years in the district schools ; then took the principalship of the Keithsburg graded school, and is now (1882) occupying that position. Leone, fourth daughter, born August 11, 1855, is unmarried and living with her parents. Lydia A., youngest daughter, born January 12, 1859, was married to Heman N. Childs, November 16, 1881. They are living on their farm in Henderson county, live miles southeast of Keithsburg.

Benjamin D. Ellett (deceased) was born near Richmond, Virginia, February 2, 1813. He was reared partly on a farm, but early in life turned his attention to merchandizing in the dry goods line. In the spring of 1836 he emigrated to Illinois and settled in Henderson county, where he however remained but a short time, and removed to Mercer county, April 19, 1838. He was united in marriage with Miss Grace E., a daughter of Mr. Charles Jack, an early settler of Mercer county. She died in October, 1850, leaving three children, but one of whom is now (1882) living: Mrs. Mary J., wife of F. P. Burgett, banker, of Keithsburg. Mr. Ellett's second marriage was on September 8, 1851, with Miss Oq^ha B., daughter of Andrew and Mary (Lloyd) Myers. She was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, September 1, 1827, and came with her parents to Mercer county in 1836. Here she received such an education as was obtainable in the pioneer schools of this county's early history. At the time of his second marriage Mr. Ellett was filling the position of sherifl* of Mercer county. After the termination of his official term, he permanently located in Keithsburg and engaged in the lumber business, which he followed till the time of his death, which occurred October 29, 1880. By his last marriage he had borne to him nine children, as follows : Frank A. ;

Minnie, wife of Martin Rice; Nellie, wife of C. S. Frick ; AVilliam B., Harry B., Bettie, Ethvin M., Frederick D. and Thomas A. Mrs. Ellett and family are living in her comfortable home in Keithsburg.

Benijah Lloyd was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania March IT, 1825, and is the second son of Benijah and Elizabeth (Dunn) Lloyd, who were among the early settlers of Mercer county, coming here in September 1835. Mr. Lloyd settled in Millersburg township where he lived till the time of his death (1864). He was the father of six children, one of whom was killed by falling out of the wagon near Keithsburg while on their way to their pioneer home. Benijah, the subject of this notice, thus early became identified with the count}" and enjoyed only the means of pioneer school education. December 9, 1847 he was united in marriage with Miss Arrelda J., daughter of Dr. Mark Willits, an early settler of Mercer county. Tliey have reared a family ol' nine children, A-iz: Omer H., Ella J., ISTettie, Charles M., William W., George W., Maurice E, and Maude. After his marriage Mr. Lloyd engaged in farming which he successfully followed till the fall of 1856, when he was elected Sherift' of Mercer. He then located at Keithsburg, then county seat, where he remained till its removal to Aledo. At the expiration of his official term, in 1859, he returned to his farm but in 1860 came to Keithsburg where he has since resided enjoying the respect and esteem of his many friends who have almost continually kept him in some position of trust, as shown b}' the records of the township.

As early as 1836 there came one to Mercer county with limited means but hearty and industrious, and with a strong resolution to pro^^de for the present and procure plenty for the future. Such a character was Paul Sheriff, who was born in Columbia county Pennsylvania, February 16, 1810. He was married December 23, 1832, to Miss Mary daughter of John and Margaret Doak. Four years after their marriage they left their native state and came to Mercer county where they have resided ever since. Mr. Sheriff has always taken a lively interest in public enterprises and given largely to their benelit. He has been very successful in accumulating quite a large property. He has a large farm that comes to the corporation limits of Keithsburg, Politicaly Mr. Sheriff has always been a republican. Religiously he has been a member of the Presbyterian church for thirty years. In temperance movements he has always taken an active part and has tried to show men that liquor will ruin those who become its slaves. Mr. Sheriff' has always been engaged in farming. His father was born in Ireland, and emigrated to this country in the year 17!><> and settled in Pennsvlvania.

Thomas and Marv (Woodhain) Bridger emigrated fi'om Sussex, England to America in 1826, landing at New York. They then went direct to Troy where they lived until 1836, when they came west to Mercer county, Illinois, and settled in what is now Suez township, where he and his wife lived but one year when they both took sick and died about ten days apart. Mrs. Emma Doak, daughter of the above, was born Febraary 4, 1819, in Sussex England, and crossed the Atlantic when seven years of age. She remembers the trip well and many facts connected therewith. In May, 18'42, she was married to Dajstel F. Doak, second child of John and Margaret Doak. He was born August 5, 1810. After their marriage they first lived in Green township two miles north of Viola until 1850, when they sold out and removed to Perryton township where they li^'ed one year. They then removed to Keithsburg township where they have lived ever since. In 1864 they bought the S. W. J of Sec. 2, in Keithsburg township, whicli makes a very comfortable home for them. They have about one hundred acres in cultivation, the balance in pasture. Tliere have been ten children from this luiion, eight living, two dead. James T., Martha J., Mary A., Sarah E., Nancy M. (married to T. J. Hayes), Anna, Daniel W., Ida M., John, Fannie A. Mary A. and Ida M. are dead. Daniel (their father) died in September, 1869. Mrs. Doak is still li\ang but in poor health.

Benjamin F. Geuwell, was born in Greene count}', Ohio, November 22, 1808. In 1825 he removed with his parents, Jacob and Prudence (Dill) Gruwell, to "Wayne county, Indiana, where he lived at farming until 1837. He was mamed in Miami county, Ohio, to Miss Lucy Hurst, December 18, 1829. In the autunm of 1837 Mr. Gruwell, taking his wife, their two children, and his wife's sister, emigrated to this township, he driving a six-ox team and hauling the family effects, while Mrs* . Gruwell and the others kept company in a one-horse carriage. They arrived at the blufl:' on the 18th of October, and Mr. Gruwell bought out the claim of Jack Harris, a single man, to 80 acres on the N. AV. ^ of Sec. 1. Tlie time was short for making improvements before the biting blasts of winter, so a 10 X 12 foot cabin was hastily constructed from small ti-ees eight inches in diameter rived and stood upright, with one end in the ground. Sod fi-om the prairie formed a tight roof, and sticks and mud composed the chimney. The crevices were daubed in the usual way, and a quilt was hung up at the door to keep out snow and wind. The parents and two little children lived in this four months in great enjoyment. During the time many visitors came to their cabin. It was here that their .fourth child, Martha, was bom. Boxes in which they had brought their household goods were their bedstead that winter, and their "fall-leaf table was the only one that anybody had knowledij^e of in the country. There was just room enough for two to sit dowii to the table at once. They had hired help that winter, and when the hands had got their supper they went to their own homes to lodge. Tlie people then thought nothing of going ten miles to yisit ; all within a radius of that distance were neighbors ; and at that time most people knew everybody in the count}\ The family lived on this farm until they owned 300 acres of land. In 1850 Mr. Gruwell went across the plains to California, and returned by steamship the next year. In 1852 he disposed of his fai-m and moved to Keithsburg, where he bought the Calhoun House and kept hotel seven years. They have been the parents of seven children, as follows : Joseph, who died in infancy ; Melissa ; Francis Marion, who was killed in Keithsburg Xovember 24, 1859, by the bursting of a cannon while celebrating a victory at the polls ; Martha ; Erastus, who was killed at Fort Donelson February 13, 1862 ; Alice ; and Edna (dead). Martha was married February 21, 1856, to John Tliomson, a native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, a carpenter by trade, who came to Keithsburg in 1853 and worked here till the summer of 1862. At that time he enlisted in company 11, 84th reg. 111. Vol., and served upward of a year in the field. The hardships of the service completely shattered his health, and he has since been a confimied and helpless invalid. Of his eleven children eight are now living. One daughter, Miss Mary L., has lived with her grandmother Gruwell since the age of five. These two are commimicants in the Presbyterian church.

Oliver P. E^ierson, retired farmer, is a son of Edward and Sarah (Swaford) Emerson, and was bom in Wayne county, Indiana, June 17, 1817. He was reared on the farm, where he helped to clear up and make a home among the tall Indiana timber. In 1839. he came to Mercer county, Illinois, but soon returned to his father's home in Indiana. In 1840 he again came to this county, where he worked till 1842, when he went back to Indiana, and on Febniar}- 15th of the same year was married to Miss Sarah Kelly, a native of that place. In about 1847, with his family, he came to this county and permanently located and engaged in fenning and stock raising, following the business for many years. Mr. Emerson begun for himself, with but very Httle except a pair of willing hands and an industrious disposition, but by dint of hard work and good management, has accumulated a large farm, comprising over 600 acres, the most of which he has recently divided among his children. Plimself and wife have been life-long members of the Christian church. She died August 29, 1881, and is buried at the Xew Boston cemetery. His five li\-ing children are : Hester, wife of IMi-. Charles Dryden ; Monroe ; Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Alexander Calhoun ; George L. ; and Grind Y. , wife of Mr. William Prvne.

David Pardee, farmer, was born in Xew Haven countv, Connecticut, June 26, 1809. Early in life he served an apprenticeship at carj^entering. In 1831 he went to Xew Grleans, where he worked at his trade till 1840, when he came to Illinois and bought land near Tiola, in Mercer county, where he lived three years. At the time he bought his land he paid down a large part of the purchase money, agreeing to pay the balance out of money then due him, but which he failed to get, and consequently lost his land. He then came to Keithsburg and built a flat-boat in which to carry himself out of the country. After floating down the Father of Waters into Louisiana, he landed near Port Hudson, where he remained on his boat till by chance he met a friend of whom he borrowed a few dollars, went ashore and bought a suit of clothes, and then soon found work. In 1861: he again came to Mercer, purchased his present home in Sec. 14, T. 13, P. 5, Keithsburg townsliip, where he is now pleasantly located engaged in farming. Mr. Pardee has been twice married ; first, in Louisiana, to Miss Ellen Crenan, by whom he has three sons living in Kansas : Jf)hn, Thomas, and Josiah. His second marriage was with Miss Sophia Green, a native of Iowa, by whom he has three children living : Elbert F. , Stephen, and Ora May.

M.VRTIN Wirt was born in Ohio in 18*20. He was educated in the <?ommon schools of his native state. In 1840 he came to Illinois and settled on a farm near the ^'illage of Keithsburg, Mercer county, Illinois, and engaged in farming. June 11, 1850, he was married to Miss Esther Groves, a native of London, England, who was born January 24, 1831, and came to America in 1849. They became the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living : Jane, wife of Fred Freter ; Ada C. , wife of J. Lester ; George G. ; Emma Y. , wife of A. L. Emerson ; Willie M., Maggie M., Fred. N. and Samuel, deceased. In 1868 Mrs. AVirt fidfilled a long cherished desire of her heart in returning to see her parents in the old home in England, where she remained on a visit six months. On August 5, 1879, Mr. Wirt died, leaving his aftectionate family a comfortable home.

JosEPHUS Wade (deceased), was born in Highland county, Ohio, Xovember 19, 1826, and spent his early youth on the farm. His education was such as could be obtained in the common schools. In 1840 lie emigrated with his parents to Llinois, landing at Keithsburg on December 4. October 16, 1851, he was united in marriage with

James Heaton

Miss Emily 1)., (Uiuglitor of .Tolni M. Nicholson, who was born in "Washington oonntv, Indiana, February IS, 1S33. In iSoH he permanently located in Keitli.sbiirg and engaged in the livery business, following the same thrfaigh life. He died at St. Anthony's Falls, Minnesota, August 1, iSfls, where he had gone with a view of improving his health. While there he was accompanied by his wife who brought ))ack his remains to Keithsburg for interment. Besides an affectionate and sorrowing wife, he left two living children. Two are deceased. The two living are John M. and Mary J. The former, born October 20, 1855, was married November 24, 1880, to Miss Mollie E. Cummins, a daughter of T. S. Cunnnins, Esq. lie died January 18, 1880, of consumption. Mr. Wade's only surviving child, Mary J., was bom in Keithsburg, January 13, ISfJl, and is living with her mother, and by the pleasant sunshine of her presence renders home very happy and agreeable. Mv. Wade's mother died in Keithsburg, January 20, 1882, and was at the time of her death the oldest person living in the town.

Among the 'few early settlers of Keithsburg townshi]) still remaining we find Mr. Benjamin L. Hardin. He was born in Wayne county, Indiana, April 29, 1818, and is a son of Thomas and Polly Wilson Hardin. He was raised on a farm with only the advantages of a pioneer log cabin school, but where he enjoyed the means of fully developing his muscular powers in the- tall timber of Indiana. December 24, 1840, he married Miss Minerva, daughter of James (-ribson, Esq., of Indianapolis, Indiana, and the next year emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and settled near where he now (1882) lives in the township of Keithsburg. After his first settlement in the new country he realized the lack of religious worship and soon engaged the services of a Methodist preacher to liold meetings at his cabin, which was continued till a more suital)le place could be provided. Suffice it say that to his energy and untiring zeal is largely due the prosperity of the chui'ch in this townshi]). Mr. Hardin has reared a family of nine children, all living: William, now farming in Iowa; Joseph W.. now farming in Iowa ; James A., also fai-ming in Iowa ; John P., at home; Alvis, on a farm in Keithsburg; Thomas, Lava, Perry and Frank, at home. Mr, Hardin's farm of 3f)(> acres is located in Sees. 11 and 12, T. 13, R 5.

Among the early settlers who came to Mercer county, Illinois, may be mentioned the name of William S. Emerson, who was 1)oi'n in AVayne county, Indiana, Jamuiry 15, 1822. He is the fourth child of Edward and Sarah (Swaford) Emerson, living with his parents until twenty-two years of age, when he commenced fai'iniug for himself on II a small scale, in wliicli business he lias been engaged ever since, having accunuilated considerable property, lOo acres in section 11, ninetj- acres in section 10, and fortv-eight acres in section 10 of the neM^ survey. He came to Mercer county, Illinois, during the year of ISlrl, leaving his parents and his native state for the purpose of securing him a home in the valley of the Mississippi, where so many have accumulated wealth from its fertile soil. November 13, 1845, he was married to Delila Hurst, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, February 15, 1828. They have had seven children, five of whom are living and two dead : Edward L. was born August 18, 1846 ; William E., February 10, 1850 ; Francis M., May 8, 1852 ; Lynden, August ly, 1857 ; Thomas H., April 16, 1861 ; Xettie F., October 22, 1865 ; Ida May, June 25, 1870. Edward L. is married to Miss Ella Gailey, and is at present practicing medicine in New AVindsor, Mercer county. Lynden is married to Miss Emma Wirt, and is engaged in farming. Francis M. and Nettie are dead. Thomas and Ida remain at home with their parents. In politics Mr. Emerson has always been a republican. He has been a member of the Christian church since twenty-two years of age.

Henry G. Calhoun, fourth in a family of ten children, by Thomas and Jane (Gray) Calhoun, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 31, 1820. He was reared on his father's tarm, obtained a common school education, learned the cooper's trade, and after working at that three or four winters took up with carpentering. In 1844 he left the home of his childhood and embarking at Wheeling came by river to Keithsburg, landing here on the fifth of April. He worked three years at carpentry, and meantime, June 10, 1846, was married to Miss Sarah J. Brown, who died ten months afterward, leaving twin daughters, one of which lived a year, while the other, Sarah Jane, is yet living and is the wife of AVilliam S. McCormick, of Ohio Grove townshi}). From 1847 to 1849 Mr. Calhoun was clerking for Messrs. Noble tic Gayle. After that he was in the employ of Abrani liife for some time, and while engaged wath him was married again to Mrs. Julia A. Hubbell, November 29, 1849. In October of the same year he opened the Calhoun house and conducted it over two years, and in the same time he im})roved a farm of eighty acres near the town. In 1853 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace and was api)ointed deputy recorder, and also held tlie a])pointment of notary i)ublic. He was thus engaged in ]iublic l)usiuess foi- eight years. Septeml)er 30, 1861, he enHsted in coinpany (t, 30th 111. Vn]., and was elected and connnissioned first lieutenant of lii> (-()mi)any. lie was taken prisoner September 1, ls62, at Brittain's Lane, Tennessee, and having been paroled on the IHth he resigiK'<l and came home broken down in health. Since that time he has been variously engage<l in building, clerking, book-keei)ing and canvassing. Mr. Calhoun is prominent in the Masonic order. In December, 1850, he was made a Mason in Kobert Burns Lodge, No. 113, A.F.A.M., and in October, 18.51, he took the chapter degrees in Horeb Chapter, No. 4, R.A.M., at Knoxville, and in June, 1880, the degrees in Galesburg Gommandery, No. 8. He has filled all the offices in the lodge and the cha|)ter, and has been a representative to the grand lodge at two different periods, first in 1850 and at a subsequent time four consecutive years, in each of which last he held the appointment of district deputy grand master. lie was also a member of one of the standing committees seven or eight years from the expiration of his service as representative. Mr. Calhoun was originally a whig. On the dissolution of that party he, with the Hon. John S. Tliom})Son, was the first to take active measures looking toward the organization of the republican paitj in Keiths))urg townshi]), and he is still as ardent as ever for the success of the same party. By his second marriage he has two daughters : Josephine Louisa and Augusta Belle. The latter is the wife of C. A. Mertz.

Jacob Wolfe was born in the State of Maryland, near Harper's Ferry, October 10, 1792. His parents moved to the State of Ohio in 17J>8 and settled twelve miles south of Dayton, near Germantown. May Yount, his wife, was born in the State of North Carolina May 9, 1797, near the Shallow Ford on the Yadkin river. Her parents removed to ( )hio and settled in the same neighborhood. They were married in the State of Ohio in 1814, moved to Indiana in 1822, and raised a family of nine children. The mother died ( )ctober 19, 1838, and the father August 23, 1861. W. AVolfe, son of the above, was born in the State of Ohio, July 22, 1816, and his 'sdfe, Rebecca Marlatt, in the State of Yii-ginia, November 14, 1816. They were married in Wayne county October 19, 1839. In 1844 they moved t(» Mercer county, Illinois, landing here on the 23d of October. At that time there was but one house on what was called the Prairie road from Henderson Grove to the bluff", and that was a small frame. There was then only a track where the horses walked, and prairie grass was as high as the horses' backs. There were then only a few families in the bottom, and not a house could be seen from the bluft" to Keithsburg. At that time there was not what couhl be ])roperly called a house where Keiths])urg now is. He says the first time he was in town he «aw Bill Brewer shooting ducks where now stands the Birch building^ owned by T. B. Cabeen and occupied as a drug store. There was then only one small frame house ])artly tinished and sided half wav up.

Tlie town iin}»roved, and built up smartly in a short time. He recollects being ]>resent at the tirst trial of any importance that was liad in the }»laee. The newly-elected justice, by the name of Garner, was the court. The parties to the suit were G. Mossman, plaintitt", and I. Lakey and I. Raynolds, defendants. Tlie attorneys were B. C. Taliaferro, for the plaintiff, and C. M. Harris, of Oquawka, for the defendants. In the course of the trial there was some trouble as to the admissibility of some evidence. The attorneys argued their points before the court. When one of them would get through, the court would admit the e\'idence. Then the other attorney would make a speech showing the case in a different light, when the court would exclude the evidence. It went on so for some time, when the attorneys as well as the court became much excited and one of the attorneys used enough to collect the tine.'' He says New Boston was a town when he came here. He went over to see the town and the Mississippi. There was quite a crowd there, and every man carried a gun and was followed by one or more dogs. Most of the men wore the coon-skin, cap with the tail hanging down the back. After Mr. Wolfe had been here some time he thouglit he would look around some and see the country. He was anxious to see some timber. These bluffs were comparatively bare of timber at that time. The first growtli had been cut off, and he was told of Sugar Grove, north of Aledo, which was represented as nice timber as heart could wish, so he struck out for the gi'ove. On the road to this settlement were then the cabins of H. Biggs, Eb. CVesswell and N. Edwards. The last named is north of the road and is still standing. Another was unoccupied. At the grove he found the Millers, and they were anxious to sell out. They had the Oregon fever badly, but he did not like the location. Mr. Wolfe finally bought in the bottom where he now lives.

l*rominent am<^)ng the young business men of this town, who have by industry and good management succeeded in making a pleasant home and building up a j)ros})erous business, may be mentioned Mr. Joseph Venabi.e. He was born in the county of Tyrone, Ireland, April 2, 1848. Ill ls.")<'). in com])any with his mother and her family, he embarked on the sailing vessel New Australia for America. Soon after their arrival they settled in Mercer county, Illinois. At the age of twenty he commenced work as an apprentice with Mr. Charles Clark, in the shop he now owns, and in wliich he keeps six steady workmen and is turning out a su|)erior class of wagons, carriages and other farm machinery. November !<!, 1S05, he was married to Miss Sarah Ivrenier, a native of PeJinsylvania. They have a family of three children, Frederick L., Harry C. and Joseph C He is a member of Mercer Lodge, Xo. 210, I.O.O.F., and also of the encampment.

The Xoble Family. - ]\Irs. Harriet W. Xoble, who is the widow of James A. Xoble, was born in Danville, Columljia county, Pennsyl- \'ania, September 22. 1830. She is the daughter of Frederick and Nancy A. Frick. She was married to Mr. Xoble June 20, 1849. They liad born to them seven children (Alice F. and Harry F. dead). The living are Kate A., Ida J.. Hattie X., James L. and M. Adella. Kate, the eldest child, is postmistress at Keithsburg, and has served in that capacity for about twelve years, and it may not be out of place to say, in this connection, tliat in everv i)articular she has been a model officer. Tlie ability with which Miss Xoble has lilled her im^iortant ])lace t)f tiiist proves, beyond the possibility of a doubt, that woman is (pialitied as well as man to liohl positions of responsibility. Hattie has been deputy postmistress for a good many years, and she, also, in connection another hidy, can-ies on a millinery establisliment. Tlie home of Mrs. Xoble and tamily is a pleasant and desiral)le one. Mr. Xoble died March 3, 1862, which place<l the responsibility of rearing their family of small children upon the mother, and the result })roves that ehe was equal to the emergency. Mrs. Xoble is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Among the business men of Mercer county none occu[)ies a more tiidy honorable position than WiiLLL\it Gayle. The thoughtless masses bestow hasty credit u})on men who have only climbed the hill of fortune; but it may be necessary to pass down the sharp declivity on the other side, in the face of all who know them, to discover the proportion of i)ure gold in their characters. Mr. Gayle is a conspicuous example of that class who have trod the wine-i)ress of business prosperity an<l adversity, and whose rugged qualities of integrity and fortitude luive been proven by .severe trial. He is a native of Fi-ankfort, Kentucky, where he was born August IH, 1819, of })arents descended from purely English ancestry, that settled in this country prior to the Revolution. In the autumn of 1845 he formed a partnership with James A. Xoble, with whom he had been co-clerk in Louisville, and this firm of Xoble & Gayle brought a stock goods at once to Oquawka and (opened out in trade. The following si)ring they divided their business, and Mr. Gayle came to Keithsburg with half their stock and began selling goods on the first day of May. This shortly proved to be a superior location, and the next fall the senior partner came here from Oquawka and the business was consolidated in this place. Early in 1850 Mr. Noble witlidre-sv. and his place wastaken % Mr. Gayle's brother-in-law, R. H. Alvis, of Henderson^ Kentucky, who was a partner two years. Before his retirementv B. F. AYilson, who had been clerking in the house a number of years^ was ffiven a small interest and continued with Mr. Gavle until the crash of 1857, when the latter failed with assets five-fold greater than his liabilities. The exceeding stringency of affairs caused his complete financial ruin. Declining all offers of assistance, he at once engaged in clerking, first in St. Louis and afterward in Keithsburg, and was so employed until 1871 when he again started in trade on his own account, and is now firmly established and doing a large business in grain, flour, coal, lime and cement. Mr. Gayle was liberally educated, chiefly under the priyate tuition of his father, George Gayle, who was a scholar of 'scientific and classical attainments. He is a man who enjoys an unconscious exaltation in being always kind and accommodating to all men. September 7, 1851, he was maiTied to Miss Margaret A. Ungles, who has been the mother of ten children by this marriage, four of whom are liying.

Allen F. Glo\t;r, tailor, oldest child of Silas and Mary (Robertson) Gloyer, is a native of Abbeville, South Carolina, where he was born June 17, 1823. At the age of ten he emigrated with his fathers family to ( )hio. At Fairhaven he learned the tailor's trade,, and in 184-2 he left the state and the following year settled at Oquawka. In the spring of 1848 he removed to Keithsburg. and next year was married to Miss Sarah L., youngest daughtQi- of Jesse and Christinia Brewer. Her birtlqjlace was Wayne county, Indiana, where she was born in 1^27. Her parents were originally from North Carolina, and came to this county in 1835 and settled on the farm now owned by Solomon Wolf, northeast of Keithsburg. This wife died without issue in 1850, and three years afterward he was married a second time to Miss Minerva Catlin, who bore him six children and died in 1873. In 1854 Mr. Glover removed to Wisconsin, staying there two years. During some eighteen years after his return he was tending grocery store as clerk ; since that time he has worked at his trade. About eii^ht vears aijo lie united with the Methodist church and is now one of the stewards. He has been a member of Mercer Lodge. Xo. 210, I.O.O.F. ; he has jjassed all the chairs and been representative to the grand lodge. In 1864 he was ''raised"* in Robert Burns Lodge, No. 113, A.F.A.M.. and has been Secretaiy of that lodge since. He has been elected to the offices of assessor and justice of the peace ; the latter proving distasteful lie resigned it. lie affiliates politically with the republicans. His children have been Irene, who died at the

John Heaton was born at Xenia. Oliio, November 2, 18(»4. His father was John, son of Jonah Ilcatoii of Bryant's Station, Kentucky, who was from Connecticut, and who. history says, made the first gun ever manufactured in the former state. Jouali's son John was educated by his uncle Daniel, and was a prominent man in his county, holding the office of county commissioner anfl justice of the peace for twenty-two consecutive years. James Ileaton worked at and thorouglily learned the trade of his father, that of a bhicksmitli and gunsmith. In the spring of 1820 (May 25), he was married to Miss Nancy Henry, daughter c^f William Henry, who was a lirst cousin to Patrick Henry, of Virginia. It may be proper here to state that while Patrick was a democrat of the Jefferson school, William was a federalist and did not sym])athize with him as his descendants have done. Mrs. Heaton is a woman of great practical ability and native good sense, who believes that the patent of real royalty belongs to those who do right and live by industry. They have lived a long and useful life. Fifty-six years have tliey passed together, and in this time reared a large family of children : John, of Red Bluff, California, the eldest, and William Henry, the second child, now of Keithsburg, being the only sons of six born to them now living. George died in Texas at the age of forty-three ; James at the age of eleven ; Chauncy, when eight months old ; and his twin Ijrother Oliver at the same age. Their six daughters are all living. These ai'e : Sarah Salisbury, at Red Oak, Iowa ; ^Maria Adair, in Hutcliinson county, Dakota ; Marienne Phares, at Keithsburg (with whom Mr. and Mrs. Ileaton make their home); Margaret Ilanna, at Fort Scott, Kansas; ]^[attie Hanna, at Ocpiawka ; and Sippie Wolff, at Clarinda, Iowa. Mr. Ileaton was a great lover of stock, and when first married fenced a tract of 3,000 acres on the head of the Little Miami river in Clark county, Ohio, where he kept in pasture several thousand head of cattle. In 1836 he came to Edgar county, Illinois, and engaged in lousiness. In 1842 he moved to the New Purchase in Iowa. In the fall of 1843 he came to Henderson county, Illinois, opposite the tlien small town of Burlingtctn. In the spring of that year he settled on a farm on the Ellison, in Warren county, and the same season Ixnight the farm where the to\vn of Ellison now stands. In the fall of 1848, wanting better facilities for schooling his children, he came to Keitlisburg, where he lived till the s})ring of 1852, when he moved to Bald Bluff. There he and his boys made a large farm and gratified that old love of stock by raising cattle, hogs and horses. In 18<>;s William went to Abingdon,

Knox county, and the next year (leorge went to Texas. It was then that he gave u\) the farm and nio\ed to Keithsburg, where he now has a pleasant home and varies his exercise e\ery day with a walk down town. He is perhaps the best known man in the count}'. He has always lived a quiet, unassuming life, has worked hard and aimed to deal fairlv with all who huve had intercourse with him. He is in religion a predestinarian Ba})tist, in politics a democrat, having cast his tirst vote for Andrew Jackson in 1828, and adhered to that school ever since. Like most of the early settlers, Mr. Heaton's home was tlie abode of hos|)itality, and friend or stranger who came his way was alike M-elcome to share its refreshments. In his old age he still retains his love of society, and enjoys recounting the incidents and adventures of the past. This worthy couple are never happier than when their house is full of their children and grandchildren, of whom they have a great number.

Jerome A. Swezy, deceased, was born in Go.slien. ( )range county, 'New York, August 15, 1815. He removed to Quincy, Illinois, in an earl}^ day, and was there niamed to Miss Mary J. Atkinson October 12, 1843. He removed to 0(|uawka in 184<!, where he engaged in merchandising till 1850, when he started on an overland tri}> to California taking with him two four-horse teams and twelve men. He remained in California till the following December, when he started home via the Isthmus, on a passenger steamer. At Grenada. Centi-al America, he was taken down with a severe fever and remained there till the following June. When he reached his home he wa.s still in feeble health, and with a view to impro\ing it, went with his wife to his boyhood liome in jS^ew York. In 1852. hining regained his health, he returned and settled in Keithsburg. During his thirty years residence here, he was in business as book-keeper, shipper, lumber and real estate dealer. He died March 26, 1882. His wife and six children survive him. The latter are : Emma, \vife of C. T. Combs; Jessie C. ; Somerville E., wife of H. C. Cook, whose biography follows ; HattieE. ; Georgia A.; and Hub er.

Henry Chalmers Cook was born in McConnellsburg, Pennsyh'ania, February 7, 1856, where he grew to manhood. He served an apprenticeshi]) of three years in the office of the "Fulton Kepublican"" at McConnellsburg. In 1876 he came to Illinois and for three years worked dt his trade of printer at Princeton. In the spring of 1879 he came to Keithsburg, where he engaged as foreman in the ''News" office for W. H. Heaton. In June, 1881, he formed a partnership with R. Wolfe and started the ' ' Keithsburg Times. " In December following he sold his interest to his partner and returned to his former place in the "News'"' office. August 19, 1880, he was united in marriage w^th Miss Swezy. They have one child, Michael Jerome, born September 14, 1881.

WiLLi.ui D. Reynolds, stock dealer, was born in Pennsylvania, September 14, 1841. His parents, William C. and Catharine A. (Tiger) Reynolds, removed to Mercer county in 1846. and settled in Ohio Grove township, where they early became identified with the affairs of the county. Mr. Reynolds, Sr., remained here till the spring of 1882, when he sold out and went to reside with his daughter in Iowa. Young William received his education at the pioneer schools of this county's early history, as well as a thorough knowledge of farm labor. In 1861 he responded to the President's call for men to preserve the honor of their country's flag and became a member of company A, 30th reg. 111. Yol. Inf During the service he was twice wounded, first at Belmont, Missouri, and afterward at Fort Donelson, -and was soon after discharged on account of disability. He was married February 11, 1869, to Miss Sarah E., daughter of Lewis and Maria Sponsler, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Mercer county in 1860. They are the ])arents of six children living: Maud E., Clara A., Lora E. (died March 22, 1882), Lewis G., Guss, Glenn, and Lucv. Mr. Revnolds is now a resident of the town of Keithsburg, but expects to I'emove to his farm of 160 acres in Edwards county, Kansas.

John J. Hawkins, retired farmer, was born in Bath county, Kentucky, September 7, 1 829, and is the sou of Thomas and Malinda Hawkins. In 1847 they came to Illinois and settled in Abington town- islii]", Mercer county, wliere lie engaged in funning. December 1, iSoO. he was united in marriage with Miss Maria E., daughter of Russell Wordin. Esq., an early settler of Mercer county. She was born in the State of New York, June 7, 1831. They are the parents of tliree children, as follows : Lucy, wife of Mr. A. F. Winslow, who is a conductor on the Central Pacilic i-ailroad and resides at Ogden, Utah ; Alvis T., and Albert D., on the farm neai- Keithsburg. They are both members of the ]\Iasonic fraternity. Mr. Hawkins is a member of liobei-t Burns Lodge, JS'o. 113, Illinois Chapter, No. IT, and Galesburg (V)mman(lerv, No. s. A few years after his marriage Mr. Hawkins removed to the north ])art of Henderson county, where he lived till 1878, when he took up his residence in Keithsburg. By hard work and honest industry he has accumulated, besides his town property, 466 acres of farming land.

Edward Ott, blacksmith, was born in Henderson county, Hlinois,. March 23, 1848, and was left an orjthan when about eleven years old. Li December, 1862, when but a little over fourteen years of age, he^ enlisted in the war for the Union as a member of the 12tli Illinois cavalry and followed the fortunes oi' war till May, 1866. On returning home he engaged in the butcher business, but soon after turned hisattention to learning the trade of blacksmith and permanently located in Keithsburg. February 26, 1875, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Hall, of Henderson county, Illinois. They have two children : Mary C. and William C.

Thomas Marlatt, retired farmer, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, September 12, 1824. His father was a farmer and reared his children to that hardy and honorable occupation. Mr. ]\Iarlatt obtained such an education as the common schools of his boyhood days afforded. At the age of twenty-one he began for himself at farming. In 1849 he caiiie to Mercer county, wliere he permanently located and engaged in farming and stock raising. February 2, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline, daughter of James M. and Elizabeth (Ellis) Dryden. She was born in Highland county, Ohio, September 4, 1834, and came to Mercer county in 1853. Thej are the parents of xVlta I., Adella V., Jessie F.. and two children deceased. On August 17, 1870, Mr. Marlatt met with a painful misfortune, this being no less than the instant loss of his eyesight, caused by a kick in his face from a nnile. The following year he gave u]> farming and took up his residence in Keithsburg, where he is now (1882) enjoying the comforts of a very ])leasant home. Early in life he became a member of the United Brethren church ; in 1853 was. licensed to preach, and is now a member of Illinois annual conference,.

His parents are of English and German ancestry, and were born in Burkley county, Virginia. The father, Thomas Mariatt, was born in April, 1792, and the mother, Miss Elizabeth Bellar, in 1799. They reared a family of twelye children : seyen sons and fiye daughters. In 1823 they remoyed to AVayne county, Indiana, where they resided till the time of their death after a life of industry and usefulness. He died in March. 1877, and she in March, 1875. They were consistent members of the United Brethren church.