New Boston Township (part 5 of 6)

The towaisliip electi<>ns were first held at the school-house near Edward Brady's corner, but continued to be chanii:ed from here to Millersburg, and then from Millersburg back to Brady's corner, as it is called, till 1879, then by vote the place of holding elections was settled permanently at Brady's corner, and a town-hall built over the school-house for town and public purposes, excei)t for dances, shows and such things that are considered to be detrimental to morality. The cost of the hall - was $387, a part of which was made up by private subscription to secure the use of the building from entertainments of the character mentioned.

The census report of 1880 gives the population as 1,071. The taxable property in the township in 1881 was valued at ^401,618. The real estate was valued at $328,410, town lots at $16,060, personal property at $117,148. The equalized value was $425,127.

The tax money collected on the above assessment, for general state purposes and schools, $2,255.45 ; county pm^poses, $1,065.25 ; road tax $6«;i.35 ; district school tax, $2,391 ; dog tax, $166.

The township has one railroad, the Keithsburg & Galva division of the Chicago Burlington & Quincy. For voting a tax of $13,400 to the American Railroad Company, which built the road, a meeting was called in 1868, which carried by 114 votes for, to 27 against such donations. The bonds were issued in 1869, on ten years time. They have all been paid, the last in 1881, and the townshij) feels wise enough not to vote any more such taxes, as the following call-meetings show.

In 1870 a meeting was called with the expectations that the township would vote an appropriation to the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad Company, and for the donation there were 107 votes against 126. A second attempt was made to get the township to vote the tax, but with no better result this time; the votes when counted showed 106 for taxation and 117 against.

In conclusion let us add, the present population of the township are a thrifty, energetic, well-to-do, and hosjiitable people. In agriculture and stock raising they are up with the times, and few laggards exist among them. For a more extensive history of the prominent business men, farmers and stock raisers of the township, reference may be had to the biographical department of Millersburg township, where the i)ersonal and tamily history of almost all of them may be found.

Among the pioneer settlers yet living is William H. RiuciS, a farmer and stock raiser, a native of Kentucky, born in l'^28, son of Thonuis M. and Rebecca B. (Jenkins) Riggs, both of Kentucky. The

Riggs family came from Virginia to Kentuckv, but are of Scotcli descent, as also is the Jenkins family. Both families emigrated to America at an early period in the history of the colonies. William II. Riggs' grandfather, Richard Jenkins, came to Mercer county in lS3f!, and was cr)nstable before the township organization. He died in Aledo, After his death his wife returned to Kentucky. William H. located in Mercer county, where he now resides, in 1836, where he has been engaged in farming and stock dealing. His early education was limited, as the advantages at that early period for education were few. When a young man he went one year to an academy at Galesburg. In 1851, he was married to Elizabeth Dungan, native of Indiana, born 1830, daughter of Benjamin and DeLabor Dungan, by occupation farmers. The former was a carpenter by trade. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and came to Mercer county with the early settlers. By this marriage AVilliam H. Riggs has one chihl, Thomas B., educated at Abingdon. He was married in 1872 to Loretta D. McClanahan, native of Mercer county, born in 1851, and daughter of James McClanahan, who came in 1837 and located in Mercer county, and now resides in Henderson. Thomas R. Riggs has, by this marriage, four children : Guy H., Robert A.^ Lillian (deceased), and James H. Thomas B. lives on the farm of his father, and helps to carry on the business. Among the tine stock men of Millersburg township William H. Riggs has been known for many years. He imports the best of cattle from the noted fine stock localities. While he makes cattle a specialty, both as to fine stock and feed cattle, he by no means keeps a poor grade of hogs and horses. His farm of 330 acres of plow land and seventy acres of timber is second to none, as a stock farm, in the township. Mr. Riggs is a genius, doing almost all his own work whether it be smithing, carpenter work or otherwise. While he has raised but one child of his own, several orphans have found under his roof a pleasant home, where they were the recipients of motherly and tatherly kindness.

Tlic subject of this sketch, J. F. Harvey, is a native of Indiana, born in 1833, son of Beauehamp and Margaret Harvey, both of Maryland. They emigi-ated to Indiana and settled on White river about 1825. They were both members of the Christian church. The former died in 1874^ aged sixty-three years, the latter now makes her home with her childi-en. Mr. Harvey was married in 1866 to E. J. McClure, of Indiana, daughter of John and Sarah McClure. They came to Mercer county about 18-17, and now live in Abingdon township. J. F, Harvey has, by this marriage, two children : Charley B. and George F. Mr. Harvey came to Illinois in 1838 and located in

Richard Kiddoo

Clianipaig'ii county. Jk- thoii cininTatcMl to Misi^ouri, and at'ter\vtir(.l came to Mercer county and located where lie now resides. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He has a farm of 125 acres, fairly im})roved and stocked with good grades. lie served in the army, during the late war, from 1861 to 1865, a period of three years and ten months, in the 18th 111. \'ol. He was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Pritton's Lane; went down the Mississippi with Grant to Watervalley and back to Memphis ; was iu the siege of Yicksburg; was wnth Sherman on his march to the sea, then on the ocean, through the Carolinas, tlien to ItichnKjnd, Washington and Louisville, where he was mustered out. During his term oi' sei'vice in the army he passed through ten of the southern states.

Among the several old settlers and prominent gentlemen of Mercer county who have taken an active part in its development, we mention the name of Edward Griffith, who M-as bom November 13, 1834. in Hancock county, Indiana, and is the oldest child of Charles and Martha (Scott) Grithth. He came with his parents to Mercer county in 1839. As he was the oldest child he was so much needed at home that his education was limited to a common school. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age, when he started out in life 'for himself as a tiller of the soil. He purchased the S. -J of the X. "W. ^, Sec. 14, in Millersburg township. He remained on this place for seven years, when he sold out and bouglit the N. E. ^j of Sec. 12, where he remained for eight years, when he sold out and bought the S. AV. ^ of Sec. 18, Millersburg township, where he resides at present. He has been very successful in accumulating considerable property. March 24, 1859, he was married-to Miss Elizabeth Church, daughter of Thomas and Rachel Church. She was born March 25, 1838. Mr. Griffith has been a member of the order of Masons since 1869.

William Kiddoo, farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Pennsylvania. His parents are Richard and Eliza Kiddoo. Lie came to Mercer county with his parents when a child, and was reared on the farm, receiving only such educational training as the pioneer school of his neighborhood could furnish. He has always pursued the occupation of his father. Lie takes great pride in keei»ing a good grade of stock of all kinds. He is introducing on his farm shorthorn cattle. He was mamed in 1864 to Mary Edgar, daughter of R. S. and Elizabeth Edgar. She is a native of Pennsylvania and came with her parents to Mercer countv when a ccirl. Pv this union William Kiddoo has eie:ht children : Henry G., Harry (de), Francis (de), Maggie M., Alvin A., Nettie P., Kora P., Mary V. He and wife are members of the Metho-

Jefferson Fuller, farmer, now resident of Millersburg township, near Joy, is a native of Maine, born in 1839, and came with his parents in 1842 to Mercer county, where he has since resided ; here he was reared on the farm. He enlisted in company I, 17th 111. Vol., in 1861, in which regiment he served three years, and then veteranized and was transferred to the 8th 111. Vol., and continued in the service till June, 1866. He was in the battles of Frederickton, Sliiloh, Fort Donelson ; in the siege of Vicksburg, Mobile, and numerous skirmishes in Texas. At Fort Donelson he received a slio;lit wound, the only one received during his term of service. He was married in 1866 to Josephine Awbery, native of Kentucky, and daughter of Gabriel "W. Awbery, of Kentucky, wdio served during the war in the federal arm}' as a volunteer from his native state. In 1865 the southern sentiment becoming too warm for a federal soldier in his own state he came north. Mr. Fuller has by this marriage two children: Mary O., and Dora E. His parents Jeiferson and Tabitha (Libby) Fuller, located in Xew Boston township, where the former still lives, his wife having died when their son Jefferson was a child. Jefferson Fuller, Jr., raised four sons, three of whom were in the army. He and wife were members of the Baptist church. Jefferson Fuller, the subject of this sketch, began life for himself with such capital as nature supplied him, energy and muscle. He now owns a good farm of 100 acres, which he has well .stocked.

Da^dd and Lucinda (Baldwin) Felton, the parents of our subject, Herchel Felton, came to Scott county, Illinois, in the latter part of 1840, where they remained till the following spring, when they came to Millersburg, Mercer county, where the former died in 1849, at the age of thirtv-six years. They were both natives of Vermont : he of Tunbi'idge, Orange county ; she of Sharon, Windsor county. The parents of David Felton were Amos and Sarah Felton, both of Massachusetts. The parents of Lucinda BaldM-in Felton were John and Lucinda (Clark) Baldwin. Tlie former was born in 1783, the latter 1785. David Felton was by profession a school teacher, which business he followed till his death, clerking during the intervals between his schools. He was a member of tlie Coni^reo-ational church. Mrs. Felton after the death of her husband returned to Vermont with her family, where she remained ten years. She now lives witli her son Herchel, one mile east of Millersburg. Flerchel was married in 1864 to Elizabeth Sliafer, born in 1842, daughter of Aaron P. Shafer, whose history will appear on another page. By this marriage he has five

: Milo P.. deceased, Anna E., Benjamin R., Lucinda B., and Hiram E. He and wife hold to the Missionary Baptist fjiith.. He was born in 18-H. in Millersburg township, where he now resides. His early education was that of the common school. He enlisted August, 1861, in company H, 3Tth 111. A'ol. He was wounded at Prairie Grove, Arkansas, December 8, 1862, and M'as discharo-ed the followinsi; February. Previous to his being wounded, he was in the battle of Pea Ridge. He held the office of sergeant in his comjjany. His brother, Aaron D.. enlisted in company C, 45th PJ. Vol., and died shortly after he was mustered into the service. His brother Hiram died in 1875, at the age of thirty-five, at home with his mother.

One of the old settlers of Millersburg township that remains is Asa Knox, who came to Mercer county in 1842, and located where he now lives. In 1841 he took a claim in what is now Xew Boston township. Mr. Knox is a native of Maine, born in 1814, and reared in the town of Jay, New Hampshire. His parents were Moses and Susana Knox, natives of Dover, Kew Hampshire. They emigrated to Maine shortly after their marriage. He was by trade a shoemaker. About 1841 he and wife joined the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1841 he located in Millersburg township, where he died in 1858, at the age of seventylive years ; his vnfe died in 1848, aged sixty-four years. Asa received no literarv training beyond the common school. Dislikino; the trade of his father he chose farming for a livelihood, which he has always followed. He was married in 1836 to Elmira Perkins, native of Fairfield, Maine, born in 1815, daughter of Daniel and Polly Perkins, both of whom resided in Maine till tlieir death. By this marriage Mr. Knox has eight children: David P., Sumner B., James T., Asa D., Margarette, Elzina, Ellen M. (deceased). Elmira (deceased). Sumner B. and James T. served in the army during the late war. The former en- ' listed March 14, 1865, in the 83d III. Vol., and was transferred to company E, 61st 111. Vol., and served eight months. The latter enlisted in company I, 17th 111. Vol.. and was in the battles of Fort Blakely, Spanish Fort, and Jackson, Mississij^pi, and served three years. They both now live in Millersburg township. Asa Knox and wife are members of the United Brethren church, at the Palestine congregation in Abington township. He has a farm of sixty acres, on which he keeps a good grade of farm stock.

The subject of this sketch is a native of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania; was born October 16, 1812, and is the son of Eli and Rachel Thornton, both of whom were of English descent and natives of Pennsylvania. H. W. Thornton's early e<lucation was limited to the common schools of the country at that time. In his eii»:hteenth year.

William G. Hiu'ley, Esq., a prominent lawyer in the county, gave him the privilege of his othce for study (and with whom he read law), and in 1S37 was admitted to practice in the courts of Columbia county. He came to Illinois and located in Millersburg in 1838, where for several years he followed his profession. In 1839 he was elected clerk of the county court, which office he resigned the following spring, being nominated and, in 1840, elected, with Hon. Thomas Drummond, now judge of the United States court in Chicago, to represent the ten northwest counties in the state legislature. In 1842 he was elected recorder of tlie county to fill a vacancy, and in 1844 re-elected for four years. At the end of the term the county seat was located at Keithsburg. For six or eight years he engaged in selling goods and in impro^'ing his farm adjoining the town of ]Millersbm*g. In 1858 he was elected president of the Warsaw, Rock Island & Galena Railroad Company, which position he held for ten years, and during his term of presidency secured the building of the line from Port Byron junction (six miles above Rock Island) to Savanna, a distance of forty-eight miles. After the completion of the road from Port B}Ton to Savanna, thirty-eight miles, Richard Irvin, senior member of the firm of Irvin & Brother, bankers, of New York, and financial agents of the Bank of Glasgow, Scotland, who furnished funds for the work, gave him the following letter as a testimonial :

"New York, April 25, 1866. "Dear Sir, - I have jileasure in stating it as my opinion that to your exertions in presenting plans and surveys for extending the Northern Illinois railroad from Savanna to Fort Byron, and in setting forth the feasibility and probable advantages of such extension, has it been owing that the work was undertaken and completed at a period of very high prices both of material and labor. Whatever benefit to your district of country has accrued, or may in future accrue, from the work referred to, you are fairly entitled, I should say, to great credit for the active and intelligent part you took in forwarding it.

Mr. Thornton was 'married February 25, 1839, to Elizabeth F. Norbury, of Philadelphia, born December 19, 1816, daughter of Joseph B. and Rebecca M. Xorbury, both natives of Pennsylvania. By this marriage they had seven children ; two died in infancy, one (Susan) at the age of twenty-one ; four are now living : Martha X. , Sarah E. , oS'orbury AV., and George E. Since 1868 he has lived quietly on his farm, and in the same house he built forty-three years ago.

Richard Kiddoo, deceased, was a native of Beaver (now Lawrence) county, Pennsylvania ; born April 25, 1816. His parents, James and Mary Kiddoo, were natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Millers- burg- township, Illinois, some twc) or three years after their son Richai'd. . They located where Mrs. Brvant, formerly ]\frs. John Kiddw>, now resides. Here they lived out theu' days in the faith of the Presbyterian church. Richard Kiddoo was married October 12, 1S37, to Eliza Yannatta, native of Pennsylvania, born in 1821, and daughter of James and Betsv Vannatta, both of Pennsvlvania, The former died in 1837, aged sixty-one years; the latter came in 1844 to Mercer county, where she remained four years ; went to Jasper county, this state, and there died at the ripe old age of seventytwo years. They were of good family, well-to-do farmers, and honored members of the Presbyterian church. By this marriage Richard Kiddoo raised a family of thirteen children : Mary (deceased), William, James. John (deceased), Xancy, Eliza, Martha (deceased), Thomas, Hannah, Amos F., Cjtus C, Adda, Caroline S. In 1845 with his family he came to Mercer county and located in Millersburg township, where he resided till his death, which occurred February 3, 1882. He came here with small means, which, combined judiciously with his good business judgment and industry, crowned his life with success. He never engaged in speculation but made his money by raising grain and feeding stock. He left his family a property valued at $.50,000. To use the words of his neighbors, he accumulated wealth rapidly and practiced strict economy. But his economy was not of a close and penurious kind ; his family lived comfortably and he gave generously to every public benefit. He was a man of warm impulses and strong convictions, and never inconsiderate of the convictions of others, a helper of the needy and a friend to all. His great simplicity of character and moral integrity won the esteem of many and coinmanded the respect of all. If many who are disposed to complain of their surroundings would adopt his rules of life they would move more smoothly over life's impediments. Xo man manifested greater interest in the upbuilding of Christianity and morality in the community than did Richard Kiddoo. "It will not be regarded a disparagement to others whr» were helpful in the same direction, to say the high morality and marked religious character of this comnnmity are largely due to the influence and efi:V)rts of Richard Kiddoo." The expression of all who knew him is that a good man has gone out from among us. He and his ancesters so far back as we are able to ascertain have been strict members of the Presbyterian church. His widow, who was a coworker in all his undertakings to build uj) society, the church, and to make home happy and pleasant for all, still resides on the farm where they have lived since they came to Illinois.

Among the tirst settlers of Millersburg township was M. IL Riggs^ and family. Thev located on section 30 as early as 1834. The surrounding country was then only a wilderness. He planted his first crop and fenced it afterward. Mr. Riggs is a natiye of Kentucky. lie married in 1S37 Julette Froman, daughter of Thomas and Dice, (Ilichison) Froman, both of Vii-ginia, but emigrated to Kentucky as ])ioneers, where their daughter Julette was born and reared. They both died in Kentucky, members of the Baptist church. The olfspring of tliis marriage is : Thomas, Isaac, AVilliam, James. Filman, Washington, Marion, Jasper, Clay. Mrs. Riggs liyes on the old farm of 400 acres where they first located, and is the oldest settler liying in the township at this time. Her son Marion resides with her. He was born and reared where he now liyes. In 1862 he enlisted in the 124th reg. 111. A^ol. Inf., company G, and seiwed three years and a few days. He was in the siege of Yicksburg, with Smith at Mobile, the taking of the Sj^anish fort. He returned home and was married in 1865 to Sarah A. Hubbard, natiye of Illinois and daugliter of "Willard and Xancy Hubbard, the former of Massachusetts, the latter, Kentucky. By this union Marion Riggs has three children: Julette, Xancy and Adda. He is a farmer, and keeps a good grade of farm stock, grade cattle and hogs and Cotswold sheep. In politics he is a republican straight.

AV, A. Bridgford, farmer, is by birth a Kentuckian, born in 1810, and the son of AY. J. and Elizabeth Bridgford, both of whom were natiyes of Virginia and emigrated to Scott county, Kentucky, where our subject was born. In 1813 they moyed to Ohio, where they bcttli died, the former aged eighty-four, the latter thirty-six years. Mr. Bridgford was reared and educated in Ohio, where he resided till 1832, when he emigrated to Indiana, near Indianapolis, where he remained, eight years, and then came to Illinois and located in Richland Groye township, where he remained till 1856, when he moyed to Millersburg, where he has since liyed. He was married in 1839 to Nancy AVorkland, natiye of Kentucky and daughter of Charles and Permelia "Workland. They have ten children, fiye of whom are liying : ( )liyer A., Malinda, ^Mai-y E., Martha and Laura, two of whom live in this county and three in Kansas. He has held the office of justice of the peace for about forty years and is now acting in that capacity. He also holds the office of notary |>ublic. AVhen his ])resent term expires he will have served in that office sixteen years. He held the office of c< >llector eleven years. He belongs to both the secret orders, I.O.O.F and Masons. He sold goods in .Millersburg from 1850 to 1860. The last few years he has been engaged in farming. Previous to leaving Ohio- he studied law and was admitted to tlie bar at Oxford in 1832. but never en<j:a*;ed in active practice. "When he arrived in Mercer conntv his wealth in this world's goods for most part consisted of a team, and cow and six sliee[). lie now owns a farm of eighty acres in Mercer countv, eighty acres in Kansas, and considerable town property.

Among the early settlers of Millersburg is Mr. James Vekxon.- He made his advent into this county when it was yet almost a wilderness. His parents, Joseph and Sarah Vernon, settled in Warren county, Ohio, in 1812, where their son James was born ; then moved to Preble countv, Ohio, then to Shelbv countv, Indiana, where thev lived out their natural lives. Mr. Jose|)h Vernon was a native of New Jersey, his wife of South Carolina. James Vernon, disliking the vocation of his father, which was that of mechanic, in early life engaged in farming, which he has pursued successfully till within the past lew years, when he sold his land, resei'ving seventy -three acres for a home, and has virtually retired. ' In 1836 he married Eliza Duncan, native ot Virginia, and daughter of Buford and Fanny Duncan, both of Virginia and among the first settlers of Duncan township. This marriage was blessed with three children: Thomas A., Sarah F., and Viola I. He and tamily are members of the Latter Day Saints church, but very different to the church at Utah. They disapprove of the doctrine ot plurality of wives.

Edward Brady, native of the "Buckeye"" State, born in 1825, is the son of John, Sr., and Eliza Brady. The former is a native ot Ireland, born about 1792, and came to America in 1813. He located in Green countv, Ohio, where he remained about twenty-five vears, when he came, about 1842, to Mercer countv and settled on the farai where his son John now resides, where he lived during the rest of his life. His wife, a native of New Jersey, is yet living, and is seventyseven years old, hale and heait}^ for a person of her age. They raised a family of twelve children, five of whom now live in Mercer county. Edward's early literary training was that of the common school. In 1848 he was married to Jane Gingles, native of Pennsylvania, born in 1827, and a daughter of James and Elizabeth Gingles, both of Pennsylvania. They came to Mercer county in ls39 and settled in Perrj'- ton township, where he died in 1S72. His wife, Elizabeth, is yet living. Edward Brady has by this union five children: James N., Clara E., Ella M., Nellie J. (deceased), and Eddie G. He and wife are Presbyterians and belong to the society at Peniel church. He has lield the olfice of school treasurer in MillersVjui'g township for the past twenty years, and has been severel times elected commissioner of highways. In politics he is a straight out re}>ublican. He has a

LuciEX B. Howe is one of the early settlers of the township and county. He came here when the deer were yet plenty on the prairies of Mercer county. He was born in Vermont, shortly after which his parents. Ezekiel and Louisa, moved to Troy, Kew York, where he was reared and educated. His parents were natives of Massachusetts, and descendants of the pioneer families. The Howe family at first, in America, consisted of three brothers who came from England to Massachusetts. Among their descendants is the great inventor of the Howe sewing machine. Lucien's father was a carpenter and joiner. He died in 1837, aged sixty-two vears. His 2:randfather Howe fouo-ht at the battle of Bunker Hill. The subject of this sketch graduated at Union colleo-e, Schenectady, Xew York, in 1840, at the ao-e of twentysix, in the classical course. Then read law 'udtli J. P. Abertson, at his home in New York; was admitted to the bar in 1841, and practiced in Troy two years, then he came to Mercer county and located at Millersburg, where he has since resided. He has held the office of justice of the peace two tenns. He is a charter member of the masonic lodge, at Aledo. and formerly a member at New Boston. He was married in 1846, to Martha King, a native of Massachusetts, and daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth King. They have six children, four .of whom are now living: Charlotte A., Otis M., Cahin K., and David T. He has a farm of seventy acres and pursues his ])rofession. In politics he is an old line democrat.

Charles York emigrated with his lather to Illinois, in the tail of 1843, and located in Keithsburg township, where they remained a short time when they bought a farm in Abington to^^mship, which they sold and then went to Henderson county, where his mother died. His fiither died in October, 1874, aged eighty-two years. Charles York was born in Kentucky, in 1825, and is the eldest of a family of six children. His early educational training was limited. Fen- eighteen years after he came to Illinois he broke prairie. He was nuirried in 1855 to Mary J. Landreth, native of Mercer county, and dauo-hter of Zacharia and Elenor Landreth, both natives of Virginia and among the early settlers of Mercer county. By this union hv has seven children living: Nancy E., Nettie, Alice, Olive, Eva, AVilliam L., and Linie Mr. York and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Millersburg. He has given his entire attention to farming and stock raising, both of which Ik- has made successful. He now owns three farms in Mercer county, containing 432 acres. He brought with him and still ivtains the a}»]n'eciati()n of a good horse, for which

Capt. Oliver A. Bkidgford is a native of Ohio, born in 1830, and is tlie son of AV. A. and Nancy ("Wakland) J>rido:f()rd. whose sketch will appear in the bioo:rai)hical department of this townshi]). Capt. Bridgford was educated in the ccanmon school, and ciime to Mercer county in 1843, one year after his father. Tlis early life, till he-was nineteen years old, was spent on the farm. At that age he went to California on a gold hunt; he went across the ]»lains with a team, remained in California two vears, when he returned bv wav of Cuba and New York, satisiled that gold was chea})er in Illinois than in the gold regions. In 1851 he settled in ^Sfillersburg, bought a half interest in his father's store, in which business he remained till istil. when he raised Company I. 45th 111. Vol., and entered the army, haWng been commissioned ca}>tain by Gov. Yates. He was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Fort Henry and Shiloh ; was wounded in the last named engagement. Having remained some time in the hospital at Savannah, he was furloughed home, and returned after forty days. At the end of twelve months after he entered the service, he resigned his commission because of disabilitv to discharo-e the duties of his office, caused by the wound received at Shiloh, and was discharged from the service and returned to his home in ^lillersburff. In the fall of 18(32 he was elected sheriif of Mercer county, and served the full term, and then he returned to his store in Millei'sburg. where he continued till ]\Iarch, 1878. The following year he moved ujjon his farm near Joy, where he now resides, since which time he has given his farm his entire attention. Ca])t. Bridgford was married in February, 1852. to ]\Iiss Eliza A. McLain. native of Kentucky, born in 1833, and -daughter of Joseph and Susan McLain, now residents of Millersburg. They have ten children, five living: Medora E., Clayton AV., ]\rinnie L., Archie G., Miles E. He owns a farm of 1.720 acres of land, all of which except eighty acres is hi ]\Iercer county. He raises thoroughhred cattle. Poland china hogs and Leicester sheep. He keeps on his farm 100 head of stock cattle, 200 hogs. 150 sheep, and horses to carry on his farm work. He is among, if not the largest, tax payers in Millersburg tcnvnship. He is a charter member of the I.O.O.F. lodge at ]\rillersburg, only two of whom are now living. Notwithstanding his disal)ility from the wound received at Shiloh, he receives no pension, neither has he made application for one. Politically he is a republican.

townshi}) and located near tlie Peniel clmrcli. He was the countj surveyor at the time the country was being settled, and held the office of judge. He raised his family in Millersburg township, and is now a resident of Aledo. Edwin Gilmore was reared and educated on the farm. Tlie advantages for obtaining an education at that early period in the settlement of this part of the ' county were few. He was born in 1844, on the farm where he now lives, on section 21. In 18<')2 he enlisted in the service in Company C. 102d 111. Yol., and served till the war closed. He was on the skirmish line till he left Chattanooga with Sherman's division on his march to the sea. He was married in 1870 to Miss Mary A. Morrow, native of Pennsylvania, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Kiddoo) Morrow. They have three children : Nellie, Burton, and Xewton R. Mr. Gilmore and wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Peniel. He has a fine stock farm of 320 acres, and raises a good grade of cattle, sheep and hogs.

John T. McGinnis, came to Alercer county in 1846, and located in Millersburg township. At that time the country was sparsely settled. Like most of the pioneers, he came \\dth small pecuniary means, to seek a home. He is a native of Pemisylvania, born 1821. His parents are William and Elizabeth McGinnis, both natives of Pennsylvania, his father of Irish, and his mother of Scotch descent. They followed agriculture for a livelihood, and belonged to the United Presbyterian church. John T. received little literary training in his early life, but was well bred in the characteristics of the people of the Quaker state, namely, energetic industry and honesty. Two years, before his coming to Mercer county he was married to Margaret Kiddoo, of Pemisylvania, born in 1824, and daughter of James and Mary Kiddoo, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis's children are Mary E., Sarah, Emily, William, Alice. Maggie, Charlie E., and C«:)ra S. He was justice of the peace before the township organization, and has held the (»ffice of supervisor fourteen years. He represented Mercer and Knox counties in the legislature during the sessions of 1874 and 1875. Apart fi'<»m the offices mentioned he has been chosen to till most of the offices of the township. Mr. McGinnis has a beautiful home of 100 acres, located on section 21. Here he lives a quiet farmer'^ life, while his accumulated capital is employed in other directions. He has never engaged in speculation, but kept his means em})loyed where reasonable returns were certain. He was at one time stock holder in a bank at Keithsburg, and at this time owns an interest in the Farmer's Bank in Aledo, and also in one in Kansas. He and wife are members, of the Peniel Presbvterian church. Politicallv he is a republican.

will be fouiul in connection with the sketch written of E<lward Brady. John Brady, Jr., was born in Green connty, Ohio, in ls;-5.s. He came with his parents to Mercer county in 1S42. lie received no educational training beyond the district school. lie was reared to the business of fanning, which i)ursuit he has followed for a livelihood. In 1S02, he enlisted in company D, 83d 111. Vol., and served till July, 18f>5, nuiking his term of service two years and eleven months. lie was with the army of the Cumberland, in the second battle fought at FortDonelson, and at Franklin, and Lawrenceburg. The remainder of tlie time he was kept chasing gnerrillas. At Fort Donelson he was wounded. He was married in 1861 to Martha C. Gibson, daughter of George and Isreal Gibson, the former a native of Tennessee, the latter of Ohio. They were among the first to locate in AVarren county, Illinois, in 1832. The indians had not quit the country. Among the slain by the Indians of Warren countv was a brother to Georij;e Gibson. Thev were members of the Associate Presbyterian church. John Brady has four children: William, George P., Harry (deceased), and Mary. They hold letters of membership in the Presbyterian church. He has a well improved farm of 160 acres, and keeps a good grade of farm stock. He held the ottice of township clerk for several years, and is now commissioner of public highways. In politics he is a republican.

The subject of this sketch, William Kiddoo, is a native of Lawrence county (now Beaver county), Pennsylvania, where lie was bom in 1830 ; came to Mercer county in 1847, and located w^ith his parents, James and Margaret Kidchxj, where his widow, now Mrs. Bryant, resides. He and wife and jjarents were members of the Presbyterian .church. He married in 1853 Catharine Yance, native of Pennsylvania, b(jrn in 1834, and who came with her parents, AYilliam and Rachel (Vannatta) Vance, to Mercer county, and located in Keithsburg in 1836. They were members of the Presbyterian church. The former died in 1867, the latter now resides with her daughter Caroline, and is seventy-eight years old. William Kiddoo had by this marriage seven children: E. Vila, Xancv, Olive, Forbes M., Marv, William M., and Rachel E. He left his family in good circumstances. Like the rest of the Kiddoo family he was a man of exemplary habits, a gcxjd citizen, kind husl)and and lather. His widow married in 1871 Fi-ank I>. Bryant of Ohio, by whom she has three children: Laura B., Frank (deceased), and Archie H.

John S. Ivil)I)<:»o, deceased, emigrated from his native state, Pennsylvania, to Illinois, in 1847, and l()cated in Millersburg towiisliip, where he resided till his deatli in 1866, in the thirty-seventh year of" his age. His parents were James ami Maiy Kiddoo, who emigrated to Mercer coimtj at the sam^ time as tlieir son Jolm S. Their remains repose in the cemetery of the old brick church. John S. Kiddoo, was married in 1S50 to Eliza Day, of Pennsylvaina. born in 1821, and emigrated with her parents, John and Mary Day, to Iowa, in 1S36, and then to Mercer county in 1S46, where they still reside. Her father, John Day, in early life was a boatman on the Mississippi riyer. He is n member of the United Brethren church, his wife of the Methodist Episcopal church. John S. Kiddoo had by this marriage six children: John, Kobert (deceased), Mary (deceased), Alonzo, William (deceased), and Lizzie. John S. Kiddoo and wife were members of the Free Presbyterian church, but both united with the Methodist Episcopal church a few years before his death. His wife still remains a member of the church. He began in this county with small means ; when he died left his family a property worth $8,000. Alonzo, son of John S. and Ehza Kiddoo, was born in 1860, near where he now resides, in Millersburg township. His early educational training was that of the common school of the neighborhood. He is by occupation a farmer. He was married in 1881, to Florence Shingledecker, born in 1858, and daughter of James and Caroline Shingledecker, both of Pennsylyania. They came to Mercer county in 1858, and located near Joy, where they haye since resided. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Jo}'. Alonzo Kiddoo and wife are members of the same church. They haye a farm of 140 acres well stocked. In politics he yotes the republican ticket.

Mr. J. II. Cr/Vne located in Millersburg township in 1849. His -early education was that of the commoi^ school. He began business for himself as a farmer, which he followed ten years, when he opened a store in Joy and engaged in shipping grain, both of which he still carries on. He is the son of Dr. John W. and Ruth Crane, of Ohio, early settlers of Fc)untain county, Indiana. J. H. Crane was born in 1837. His parents came to Mercer county in 1847, and located on the old Bassett farm, where they died, his father in 1850, aged forty years, his mother in 1841. His parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His father by profession was a doctor, and practiced in Illinois till his death. Mr. Crane was married in 1861 to Sarah A. Griffith, a natiye of Indiana, and daughter of Charles and Martha Griffith. In 1861 he enlisted in the army of the late war, in company K, 10'2d 111. Vol. He was out twelye months, when he was discharged, because of ill health. He owns a line farm of 24< » acres, and is present postmaster at Joy.

and kept liotel for two and a half years, then moved upon his farm east of the village, where he remained till seven years ago when he returned to take up his residence in Millersburg, where he now resides. He came to Mercer county ^vith small means which, combined with unabating energy, has made him a successful former. He owns a fine farm of 354 acres of plow land and 100 acres of timber. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Is 14: liis lather of Pennsylvania and his mother of i!^ew Jersey. In 1S47 they came and settled in Perryton township, Mercer county, where the former died in 1S57, aged seventy-tsvo. His wife, who is still living, is a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. They raised a family of nine children, all of whom grew up to adult age. Three yet remain in Mercer county. J. M.'s early educational trahiing was such as the common schools of his neighborhood could furnish. He served an apprenticeship to a tanner, and began immediately to raise the material for making leather instead of dressing it. He held the office of county assessor for six years, and also the office of county treasurer for the same time. He was married in 1838 to Margaret Taylor, of Pemisylvania. born in 1815, daughter of Jacob and E. (Hoover) Taylor, both of Pennsylvania. By this union Mr. Gilmore had eight children, five of whom are now living: George M. (deceased), Eva C, Catharine (deceased), Taylor, Mary, Richard (deceased), Jannett, and Fanny A. George M. served three years in company E, 9th 111. Inf.; was veteranized and promoted to steward. He was wounded at Fort Donelson, having his index finger on the left hand carried awav bv a ball. He was with Shennan on his' march to the sea, and died of disease in the ser^^ce two months before the war closed. Taylor served three years in the 14th 111. cavalry, and was commissioned hospital steward. He and wife are ardent supporters of Christianity and good morals, and belong to the Presbyterian church at Millersburg. In politics he has always been a democrat.

J. D. Thornt<jn is 'a native of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, and born in 1828, and is a son of Eli and Abagail (Ilittle) Thornton, b(^th natives of Pennsylvania. J. D.'s early education was limited to the subscription school of his home. He learned the trade of blacksmithing in his fathers shop. This he followed ten yeai's, when he left the fori>;e to enlist in the service of his country. He seiwed in the army through the Mexican war. His soldierly qualities were soon recognized, and he was appointed to fill the first vacancy in Capt. Pemberton's company, to which he belonged, which was the office of sergeant. He was with Scott when he made his campaign to the city of Mexico. Then he joined the U. S. marines and went to West Africa to suppress the slave trade. In 1862 he again enlisted in the 124th 111. Yol. Inf., company G, and served three years as sergeant. He was with Grant «nd in all the rear battles at Yicksburg, the siege of the Spanish Fort, and the taking of Mobile, making in all seven years he has served his country as a soldier. In 1S40 he came to Illinois and settled at Millersburg where he has since resided. J. D. Thornton was married in 1855 to Lucy AVharton, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Jacob and Martha Wharton. She died in 1871. He was married a second time to Letticia L. Carver, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Jesse Carver, a descendant of Gov. Carver, first governor of Massachusetts. Mr. Thornton has been a republican since the organization of the party.

J. AV. Wood is a native of Tennessee, born in 1810, and is the son of Isaac and Elenor Wood, both of whom were natives of Virginia. They located in Indiana in 1822, where they died, the former in 1839, aged sixty years ; the latter in 1852, aged eighty-two years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and respected members of society. Isaac Wood by trade was a wheelwright, by profession a local preacher. J. W. Wood emigrated to Indiana with his parents where he remained till 1842, when he came to Mercer countv where he has since lived. He is a caii3enter by trade, which he folk)wed till within the few j'ears past. He was lii'st married in 1832 to Frances Reed, native of Indiana, daughter of Jacob and Mary Reed, -of South Carolina. She died in 1869, aged fifty-eight years, leaving nine children, of whom the living are James R.., Enos A., and Samuel S. He was married a second time to Mrs. M. C. Robinson, native of England, born in 1830, and daughter of George and Catharine Staftbrd, natives of England. J. W. Wood has held the office of justice of the peace most of the time during his residence in Illinois, is now notary public, and served one term as constable. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Joy. In politics he votes the republican ticket. He keeps the only hotel in Joy.

The subject of this sketch, David A. Steele, came to Mercer countv with his parents, James and Mary Steele, in 1860. They located on section 29 in Millersburg township, where they both died, the former in 1856. at the age of sixty-five years ; the latter in 1868, seventy-six years. They were natives of Pennsylvania, and successful farmers, and members of the Presbyterian church. David was born in 1832, and reared and educated on the farm of his father in the Quaker state. In 1859 he was nuirried to Matilda Denison, native of Illinois, and daughter of Joseph and Sarah Denison, both of whom were from Ohio. Bv this union he lias ten children, seven of whom are living: Elizabeth, William, Walter, Cora, Maud, Fred., and Asliel. He lias a farm of 130 acres, weir improved and faii-ly stocked with a good grade of farm stock. In ]>olitics he votes with the republican party. He is a man who takes great interest in sup})lying his children with literature to feed their minds. He has always lived a c^uiet life without seeking the notoriety of office.

The subject of this sketch, James E. Bay, is the son of James and Hannah E. Bay, both of whom are natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Oliio at an early period of its settlement. They were farmers. The former was a soldier in the war of 1812, and emigrated to Cedar Eai)ids, Iowa, where he died in 1843, aged fifty-tAvo years ; the latter died in 1856, aged fiftv-six years. J. E. Bav was born in 1829, in Guernsey county, and in 1851 came to Millersburg where he has since lived. He was married in 1860 to Mary Marsh, a native of -Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and daughter of John B. and Lydia (Porter) Marsh, the former of New Jersey, the latter of Pennsylvania. The f(^rmer was a soldier in the war of 1812. He and family move<l in 1848 to Illinois, where he died in 1864, aged seventy-three years; his wife in 1834, aged thirty-six years. He was by trade a carriage trimmer. He first emigrated to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, ti-om Xew Jersey. The Marsh family were formerly from Scotland. J. E. Bay has by this union four children : H. M., John M., Fanny S., and Catharine M. Mr. Bay is a farmer and stock trader. He has several times been chosen by the voters of his townshi]i to fill various offices. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church at Millersburg. Mr. Bay and family are quiet and respectable citizens.

Among the early settlers of this township is Richard S. Edgar. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1818, and came to Mercer county in 1851 and located in Millersburg township where he has since been a citizen. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, members of the Associate Presbyterian church, and died there, his father, Richard, in 1861 at the age of sixty-five years ; his mother, Margaret, in 1862, aged sixty years. R. S. Edgar was married in 1841 to Elizabeth A. Steele, daughter of James and Mary Steele, of Pennsylvania. They have three children: Margaret, James S., and Mary A. He served three years in the late war as a soldier, in Company A, otith 111. Vol. Inf., during which ser^ace he lost his health and now receives a pension. He owns a well improved farm of thirty acres, and keeps a good grade of farm stock. , He and wife are membei'S of the Methodist Episcopal church at Joy. In politics he is a rei>ublican.

to Ohio when their son Jacob was a mere child, where they resided the remainder of their lives. They were pioneer settlers of Ohio. Jacob remained in Ohio until he arrived at the age of twenty-three and then came to Mercer county and located on section 19, Millersburg townshi]), where he has since resided. He has pursued the occupation of farming, the vocation of his father. He married, in 1S51, Christina Eiter, a native of Germany and daughter of John F. and Machdalana Riter, who came to America in 1831 and located in Ohio, and afterward to Mercer county, locating in Millersburg to'waiship. Th'e latter died in 1871, aged seventy years. The former, John F. Riter, resides with his daughter, Christina. He served as a soldier in his native country, Germany. Jacob Braucht has by this marriage six children : Jemima, David AV. , Lucinda, Sarah (deceased), George, and Catharine. He has a fine farm of 227 acres, well improved and well stocked with the best of farm stock. Xo better stock farm is to be found in this section. In politics he is a democrat. His parents and also his wife's parents were of the Lutheran faith. His wife's father, John F. Riter, still holds his membership in that church.

Among the citizens and soldiers now resident of Millersburg township is George Boone, native of Ohio, born in Medina county in 1837. His parents were Hezekiah and Sarah A. (Greene) Boone, the former of Pennsylvania, a great-nephew of Daniel Boone, the Kentucky hunter, the latter also of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Medina county with its early settlers with their parents, and were married there. Thej came to Mercer county in 1851. The latter, George's mother, died in 1857, aged thirty-eight years. Her remains repose in the Millersburg cemetery. Tlie former is a tailor by trade and now lives at Fort Dodge, j^ebraska, and is a member of the Lutheran church. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. George Boone came to Mercer county with his parents and located in this township, then went to Perryton township, where he resided for a time, and also for a while in Aledo. His early education was that of the common school. He first enlisted in Company I, 17tli 111. Vol., served two years and was discharged because of ill health. Li 1864 he, in company with R. S. Osborne, raised a company for the llOth 111. Vol. Osborne was captain of the company, and George held the office of first lieutenant. The company was out seven months. He was in the battle of Fort Donelson and a part of the two days' fight at Shiloh. During his second term of service the company was detailed to fight the guerrillas. He was married in 1865 to Mrs. Xancy J. Fullerton, daughter of Robert and Eliza Shearer. By this marriage George Boone has one child, Ella F. His wife bv her former husband has one

James Ve Rnon

James K. Morrow was born in 1852, on the farm wliere he now resides. His parents, David and Elizabeth (Kiddoo) Morrow, were both natives of Pennsylvania. The latter was the daugjiter of James Kiddoo. David Morrow came to Mercer county with his family in 1847 and located in Millersburg township, where he resided till his death, which occurred in 1854, in his thirty-seventh year. His wife, mother of James K., died in 1872. They were married in 1846 and raised a family of four children, two sons and two daughters. They were quiet farmers and good citizens and members of the Presbyterian church. They left their children in good circumstances. Their son, James K., occupies the old homestead of 120 acres. He pursues the vocation of his father. He keeps a good grade of farm stock. He has imbibed the republican spirit of his neighborhood. His early educational training was that of the common school.

Dr. Joseph P. Boyd, deceased, was born inWa^oie county, Indiana, in 1826. His parents were James and Hester Boyd, both members of the Christian church. Dr. Boyd earlv exhibited a fondness for books, and at the age of sixteen entered the profession of school teaching, which he followed till he began reading medicine with Dr. James Ruby at Abington, Indiana. He began tlie practice of his chosen profession at Benton ville, Indiana, then went to Randolph county, wliere he remained two years, and then came to Millersburg in 1852, where he had a large practice. He began life for himself with limited means, but died in 1878, leaving his family in easy circumstances. He was man-ied to Ellen Commons, daughter of William and Sarah Commons, who emigrated ti'om England to America. The Commons family in England were members of the aristocracy. The offspring of this marriage were three children: William C, Sarah H., and Omer. He was a member of the masonic order at Aledo, and the Mercer County Medical Society. The community mourned his death as a great loss. He was a man respected for his ability and thorough going business ability.

Thomas Landreth is a native of Owen county, Indiana, where he was born in 1842. His jjarents, Zacharia and Elonder (Fender), both natives of A'^irginia, settled in Owen county, Indiana, about 1825, where the subject of our sketch was reared and educated on the farm. In 1852 they came to Mercer county and located in Perryton township, where the former died in 1872, aged sixty years ; the latter in 1875,' aged sixty years. They were quiet, good farmers and earnest suj> porters of good societv, and were members of the Missionary Baptist 15 ^ i I church. Our subject came to Mercer county when a small boy with his parents. He had two brothers, Crisby and Andrew, in the army in tlie late war. The former belonged to the 126tli 111. Vol., and died at La Grange, Temiessee, but a few montlis after his enlistment ; the latter died two days later at the same place. Mr. Landreth is a member of the I.O.O.F. at Millersburg. lie was married in 1865, to Rachael Reed, a native of Mercer county, born in 1843, and a daughter of Harper and Louisa (Drury) Reed, early settlers in Mercer county. They have three children: Lillie M., William R., and Nola L. He has a farm of ninety acres well suited to stock raising. He keeps a good article of farm stock. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church. In politics he is a Greenbacker.

Caey Dryden is a native of Ohio, born in 1840, and is a son of J. M. and Elizabeth (Ellis) Dryden, the former of Ohio, the latter of Virginia. She came to Ohio with her j^arents when eleven years old. J. M. and Elizabeth Dryden came to Illinois in 1851, and located in Peoria county, where thej^ remained till 1853, when they came to Mercer county. In 1855 they went to Iowa, but returned to Mercer county in 1864, where the former died in 1872, aged sixty-eight years; the latter is living in Keithsburg, this county, and is seventy-four years old. Gary Dryden accompanied his parents, first to Peoria county, then t(^ Mercer county and to Iowa, and returned in 1858 to Mercer county, where he has since lived. He has pursued the occupation of farming aU his life, except three years and one month he served in the army. He enlisted in 1861 in company G. 27tli 111. Vol. He was a non-commissioned officer all the time of his service, and was in the battle of Belmont, siege of Island No. 10, the numerous skirmishes around Corinth, battle of Stone River, Chickamauga, siege of Knoxville, Resaca, Georgia, and Kenesaw Mountain, where he Was wounded and taken to the hospital, where he remained till after his term of enlistment expired. In 1867 he was married to Catharine Wolfe, native of Illinois and daughter of Solomon and Evaline (Marlatt) Wolfe, both of Indiana, and came to Mercer county with its early settlers. Mr. Dryden by this marriage has four children: Eva (deceased), Mary, Frederick, Xellie L. He and his wife are members of the Seventh Day Advent church, at the Marsh school-house. He has a farm of KiO acres of fine land, well improved, located near the south line of the township, upon which he keo]~»s a good grade of all kinds of farm stock.

John Bell is a son of John and Mary (Cliftbrd) Bell, both of Irehmd. He was born in Ohio in 1848, and came with his parents to Illinois in 1862. He was reared on the farm. His early education was such as he couhl ijet in the district schooL He was married in 18S1 to Fh)rence S. Adams, native of Illinois, born in 1858, and daughter of Samuel and Mary Adams, of Kentucky. They came to Rock Island county, Illinois, with its early settlers, and now reside in Eliza township, Mercer county. The former is a member of the Latter Day Saints church. Mr. Bell has by this marriage one child, Harry Earl. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Aledo ; his wife is a member of the Latter Day Saints church. He has a farm of 160 acres of tine land fairly stocked. Politically he is a democrat.

The subject of this sketch, William A. Marsh, is by birth a native -of New York, bom in 1833, son of M. L. and Eliza Marsh, both of New York. They came to Mercer county in 1853, and are now residents of Aledo, where the former is justice of the peace. M. L, INIarsh is by vocation a farmer. He first settled in Illinois, in Millersburg township, where he now owns a farm of 150 acres. He and wife first moved to New York city, where their son, William A., was born ; then to Buft'alo, New York ; from there to Licking county, Ohio ; then to Illinois, where they have since resided. William A.'s early education was that of the common school and two years as a student in a graded school. He accompanied his parents in all their removals till they located in Mercer county, and then he located on the farm where he has since resided. While he has pursued the vocation of farming for a livelihood, he has by no means given all his time and thought to making the farm pay, but is one of the most active members of the Mercer County Historical and Scientific Society, the truth of which his lai'ge collection of well-arranged specimens of shells, woods, grasses and Indian implements demonstrate without further question. No one, we have good reason to believe, has added more to the conchology and botany of Mercer county than Mr. Marsh. So large is his collection in ^ these two sciences, and that of Indian implements, that one who has any taste in either of these directions could spend months in his cabinet with both pleasure and profit. The proficiency Mr. Marsh has .acquired in these branches of science clearly shows that success de}»ends U])on the amount of labor we give to one thing, and not to the number of branches we take up. Mr. Marsh was married in 1855 to Mary J. Patterson, of Licking county, Ohio, born in 1837, daughter of AVilson and Isa Patterson, both of Pennsylvania. They emigrated in 1835 to Mercer county, where they are both living. They are members of the predestinarian Baptist church, and farmei'S by occupation. Mr. Marsh has nine children: Philip, Eliza, Francis L. (deceased), Mary J., Isa E., William A., Frederick A.. AVilson, and Estella E. Mr. Marsh has a good farm of 24o acres, well im})roved

A. A. Sherer, the subject of this history, is a native of Pennsylvania, Lawi-ence coimty, born in 1839. His parents were Robert and Eliza Sherer, both of Pennsylvania. The latter died in 1841 ; the former was married a second time in 1843, and came to Mercer coimty in 1853, where he died in 1861, aged lifty-six years. His business was that of stock dealing. At the time of his death he owned 600 acres of land. He was a devoted Cliristian and member of the Presbyterian church, as was also both his wives. His second wife now lives in Joy. Robert Sherer did much to improve the stock of horses in the county. No one carried off more first premiums from the county fairs than he. A. A. Sherer came to Mercer county with his father. His early education was limited to the district school. He was reared to the business of the farm, which he has alwavs followed. He was married in 1861 to Hannah Church, native of Illinois, born in 1841, daughter of Thomas and Racliel Church, both of Indiana, and early settlers of Xew Boston township. They were prominent farmers and respected citizens, of the community where they resided. The former died, 1859, aged forty-eight years ; the latter in 1871, aged seventy-three years. Mr. Sherer has by this marriage seven children: Ella M., Willie T. (deceased), Robert C, Jane E., Adda P. (deceased), Rachel C, and Frank E. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian faith and hold their membership with the congregation at the Peniel church ; and also his two eldest children have embraced Christianity in the same church. Mr. Sherer has a tine stock farm three miles south of Millersburg, which consists of 420 acres. He deals in both stock and fat cattle. His herd of sheep is of the Leicester stock ; hogs, Poland China. He follows in the footsteps of his father as to class of stock he keeps.

Tlie Wilitts familv came from Pennsvlvania to Mercer coimty among its early settlers ; but at the present writing but few of the once large family resident remain. Thomas Wilitts was born in Columbia county, Tennessee, in 1804. His parents, Nathaniel and Sarah AVilitts, were natives of Pennsylvania, where they lived out their lives. His. mother lived to the ripe old age of 60 ; his father died ten years younger. His vocation was that of a shoemaker. Thomas came to Mercer county in 1854 and settled in Duncan township, where he now owns a farm, and lived there till the winter of 1881-2, Avhen he retired from active farm life and took up his abode in Millersburg. In 1828 he was married to Margaret Taylor, of his native state. She was boi-n in 1810, and is a daughter of Christopher Kahler, a native of Germany.

Tliey had twelve children, eight of whom are now living: William, To^^^lsend, practicing i»hysician in Philadelphia ; Horace, Charles, Korman, Thomas, Maggie, and Chester. His four sons, Xorman, Ohester, Charles, and Horace, were soldiers in the late war. The first served as quartermaster; the second, in the 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., was out three years, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea ; the third served eight months in the IHh 111. cavalry ; the fourth served six months in the 27tli reff. 111. Yol. Inf. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Millersburg. In politics he i& a straight out republican.

S. H. KiDDELL is a native of Clinton county, Ohio, born in IS-tO, and came to Mercer county with his parents, Humjdirey and Mary (Mori) Riddell, in 1855. His father was a native of Maryland, his mother of Pennsylvania. The former emigrated from his native state to Pennsylvania, where he was married, and emigrated to Ohio in 1836, where he remained till he came to Mercer county. He died in 1871, at the ripe age of seventy years. His wife now resides in Aledo and is sixty-four vears old. He was bv trade a slioemaker, bv vocation a farmer, and superintended the county farm for ten years. He and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The early literary training of S. H. Riddell was that of the common school. He began a collegiate course at Delaware, Ohio, but owing to his ill health it had to be abandoned. From the age of twelve he was reared on the farm, which business he fdlowed for himself only three years. In 1861 he was married to Sarah F. Yernon, boi-n in 181:3, daughter of James and Eliza Yernon, whose history will appear elsewhere. Mr. Riddell by this union has five children : Jennett, James (deceased), Frank A., Milo A., and Thomas Y. In 1865 he engaged in the mercantile business in Millersburo;, which he carried on till 1871. Since that time he has been employed as clerk, and is now engaged by W. W. Egbert. He now holds the offices of notary public and supervisor, and has filled most of the township offices. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge.

John Farax came to Millersburg in 1855, where he has since resided. He is by trade a plasterer, which trade he followed till 1879, when he engaged in the grocery business. In 1882 he bought the store of J. D. Strattan, and now is engaged in general merchandise. In connection with his store he keeps the postoffice. Mr. Faran is a native of Dearborn county, Indiana, born in 1832, sou of John and Stinche Faran. The former was a native of Ireland. He first located in Cincinnati, where he was married, and then came to Indiana and settled in Dearb(5rn county, where his son John was born. The wife of the Latter was a native of Ohio. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal chnrch. The former died in 1835, at the age of thiity-eight years. The latter tlien moved to Topeka, Kansas, where slie died in ISfiJ. Mr. Faran was married in 1857 to Harriet Riddell, dangliter of Humphrey and Mary Riddell, whose history will appear in the sketch of S. II. Riddell. By this marriage he has three children : Jeneva J., Ida, and Howard. Mr. Faran is one of the men now living in Millersburg who was instrumental in driving the saloons from the village and stopping the whisky traffic. He now has a good business, with an increasing trade.

Henry Huttman, farmer and stock-raiser, Aledo, was born in Pennsylvania in 1824, and is the son of Henry and Charity (Feazel) Huffman, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, and resided in Washington county. Tlie former died in 1827, aged forty-iive years^ and the latter in 1845, aged fifty -two years. They were farmers and members of the Methodist Episcopal churcli, and were quiet, well-to-do and highly-respected people in their community. Henry Huffman came to Mercer County in the fjill of 1854, and located in Keithsburg, where he resided till the following spring, when he located on section 25, Millersburg township, where he has since lived. He was married in J.854 to Mary Witherspoon, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1S31, daughter of John and Margaret (Kennedy) Witherspoon. They weremembers of the Presbyterian church, kno^vn as Seceders. They were peaceable farmers and highly respected citizens. Mr. Huffman has six children : John (deceased), Maison B., Samuel I., Willie E. and Dora A. (twins), and George AY. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian churcli. He has a farm of 2<)8 acres of fine farming land, located one-half mile from the east line of Millersburg townsliip and four miles from the county seat. He keeps a good grade of all kinds of farm stock.

Among the business men of Millersburg is J. D. Strattan, native of Clinton county, Ohio, bc)rn in 1839. His parents were Da\ad and Harriet (Ilinman) Strattan ; the former of Lynchburg county, Virginia, the latter of Connecticut, near Xew Salem. Thev came to Mercer countv and located at Millersburg in 1855, then emigrated to West Liberty, Iowa, where the former died in 1807, aged seventy-four years. The latter then moved to Mt. Vernon. Illinois, where she died in 1880, at the age of seventy -three years. David Strattan was by profession a merchant and did business in Cincinnati as early as 1812-13. He sold goods both at Millersburg and West Liberty, Iowa, where he resided at the time of his death. David Strattan and wife were members of the

Ilic'ksite Friends. J. D.'a literary education was that' of tlie common school. lie learned the business of merchandise with his father. He began business for himself as a merchant in 1803, in Millersburg,. at which he continued till 1882, with the exception of one and a half years, during which time he engaged in farming. In 1881 he and Lunn established in Millersburg a creamery, to which he now giyes all his time and attention. He was married in 1862 to Fanny E. Merrimar, native of Maine, born in 1843, daughter of Thomas and Mary E. Merriman. who came to Illinois about 1844. ]>v this marrias:e he had six children, three of whom ^ire liying: Ora A., Frank P., and George C. The mother of these died in 188(7. He was married a second time to Adella V. Turner, natiye of Illinois, daughter of John H. and Mary J. Turner. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge at Millersburg.

William Valentdve is the son of Absalom and Susan Valentine, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio when a child, with his parents. The latter is a native of Ohio. Tliey emigrated to Mercer county in 1855, having spent the winter of 1854-5 in Lawrence county, Illinois. Tliey located in Mercer county, where Absalom Valentine died, in 1864, aged sixty-two years. His wife is now living w4th her son William, and is seventy-four years old. She is an old soldier of the cross in the Methodist Episcopal church, and holds her membership at Joy. William Valentine received but a meager literary education such as he was able to obtain during the winter months, in the district school of his neighborhood. He was reared to the vocation of farming, which he has followed. He was born in Ohio in 1837, and came with his parents to Mercer county in 1855, where he has since resided. He enlisted in the seiwice of his country in I8(i2, in company K, 102d 111. Vol., and served till the close of the war, and was mustered out June 6, 1865. He was in the battles of Resaca, Georgia, at the siege of Atlanta, and with Slierman, on his march to the sea, at Goldsborough, and Savannah, and from there to Richmond, and Washington. He was married in 1869 to Easter Bell, daughter of John and Margaret Bell. By this marriage he has one child, Benjamin II. He has a fai-m of 120 acres of tine land, and keeps a good grade of farm stock.

Wilson P. Zentaore's parents, David and Dianna (Minick) Zentmire, emigrated fi-om their native state, Ohio, where their son, Wilson P., was born, to Illinois, in 1855, and located in .Vbington township, Mercer county, where they resided nine years. They then moved to Millersburg township, where the former died in 187<>, aged sixty years, the latter in 18(U), aged forty-nine years. He was a carpenter and iaiTiier. The Zentmires family emigrated to America from GeiTuanv at an early time. Wilson P. came to Mercer county with his parents, when eight years old. His early education was such as the common schools of that time could fin-nish. He has given his entii'e time to farming. He was married in 1S6S. to Miss Xancv Kiddoo, daughter of Richard and Eliza (Tannatta ) Kiddoo. whose sketch will appear in the work. They have live chikb'en ; Harry, Hattie, Ray (^deceased), Tellv (deceased), and Tuse. He owns a tine stock farm of 160 acres, and keeps a good grade of fai-m stock. In 1881 he had his house on section 33. burned, loss $2,20Cr, $1,300 of which was covered by insmance. Politically he is a republican.

William M. Miller, tanner and teacher, is one of the early teachers in Millersburg. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 182V>. His earlv educational ti-ainins: was that of the common school of his home, and ten months at an academy. Five years pre^'ious to his coming to Illinois, which was in 1855, he began teaching in his native state, when he was in his nineteenth year, and has taught school eighteen years in ]Millersburg township, lodging at the same house all this time, making twenty-tlu-ee years he has spent in tlie profession. His parents, James and Mary (McCreary ) Miller, were natives of the Quaker state. The former died in 1881, aged seventy-seven years, the latter is yet living and is in her seventy-third year. His parents were well-to-do fanners, and members of the "VVestiield Presb"\'terian church. His father came from Ireland; his mother's family, the McCrearvs. emigi-ated to Pennsylvania in its early settlement. Mr. Miller was married in 1856 to ^liss Elizabeth Galaway. native of Ohio. She came with her parents to Mercer county in 1854 and located in Millersburg township. Her parents were natives of Ohio. They had pre%-iou8ly emigrated to Kansas. There the fathft- died in 18 Ti, aged sixty-three years. Tlie mother is still living:. Mr. Miller bv this marriao'e has a family of eight children : Mary J.. Laura B.. Eva S., Granville S., Jessie S., Jolm G.. Mattie R.. and Lizzie L. He and family, except the three youngest, are members of the Presb}i:erian faith. His present occupation is that of farming. He has a line farm of eighty acres, on which he keeps a good gi-ade of fann stock. In politics he is a republican.

A-VRox P. Shafer is a native of Xew York state, born in 1811, son of Adam and Hellena Shafer, both of Xew York. He was by occupation a farmer. For a number of years he held the office of colonel of the state militia. Both were members of the Baptist church. They were reared, educated and spent their lives witliout emigrating from their native state. Then* son, Aaron P., was reared on the farm with such educational advantages as the pioneer scliouls of his boyhood -couhi furnish, which were limited. He lived on the farm till he arrived at the age of twenty-three. He was then engaged for a time as clerk in a store, then began in the mercantile business in Xew York for himself, which he followed for a time when he sold out his business and bouirht a farm which he sold and came to Illinois in 1S56. and located in Millersburg. where he has since resided. Here he learned the wagonmaker's trade and has earned on a shop since 1856. He was mari-ied in 1S41 to Eliza Da^-ls, of Xew York, born in 1818, daughter -of John S. and Elizabeth Davis, both of Xew York. They were wellto-do tanners. Mr. Sliafer has by this mai-riage two children : Elizabeth, now ]\L'S. Felton. and Annie A. Their mother died in 18J:6. He has since remained unmarried. He is a member of the Baptist church, and a republican in politics.

William C. Buyd, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Indiana in 1847, and is the son of Dr. Joseph P. and Ellen (Commons) Boyd, whose history ^^'ill appear in the sketches of Millersburg township. "William C. came to Mercer county with his father when a mere boy. His educational training was that of the -s-illage school at Millersburg. During his boyhood his father was engaged more or less in stock raising, for which AVilliam C. formed a liking and has chosen for a livelihood. He lives one mile west of Millersburg. near the line between Millersburg and Duncan townships, on a j^art of the farm owned by his father, which consists of 64<> acres, and is yet undivided between his thi-ee children. "U^illiam C. Boyd was married in 1873 to Emma Longshore, native of Indiana, born in 1853. and came to Mercer with her parents. J. H. and Sally ( Hadley ) Longshore. Mr. Boyd has bv this marriaare two children : Archie L. and Edna. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Millersburg. La politics he is a republican.

Joseph A. Downey is 'the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Wilson) Downey, both of whom are natives of Ireland. He first located in Pennsylvania where he worked uj^on the railroad for several years, then came to Mercer count}- where he rented land for a while, and now o^vns a fine farm of 419 acres in Millersburg townshiji, where he resides. He was married in Philadelphia and has a family of eleven children: Joseph A.. John, Mary (deceased), William. Wilson, Andrew, Martha, Annie (deceased). Moses, George (deceased), and Harry. Josej)h. the eldest of his father's family, is a native of Mercer county, born in 1858. He M-as nuirried in l>>sl to Mary ]\Ic(Tinnis. of Mercer county, daughter of John J. McCiinnis now a resident of Duncan township. Mercer county. Joseph A. lives (^n the farm of his father and keeps a good grade of farm stock. His early educational training was tTiat of tlie common school. He was reared on the farm and thia business he has always followed.

James H. Longshore was formerly from Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He first emigrated from his native state to Ohio, Clinton county, where he remained till 1852, then he moved to Indiana, where he remained seven years, when he came to Mercer county and located in Millersburg, where he has since remained, pursuing the trade of his choosing for a livelihood. He was born in 1823. His parents, James and Sarah Longshore, remained in their native state all their lives. His father was a wagon builder by trade. The religion of his parents was that of the Hicksite Quakers. Mr. J. H. Longshore's earlv educational trainino; was such as the common schools of his time could fin-nish. When a boy he learned his trade with his father. In 1849 he was married to Sally Hadley, of Clinton county, Ohio, whosebirth dates to 1842. She is the daughter of William and Susanna Hadley, both of whom are natives of Virginia. They came to Ohio quite early, where they both departed this life, the former at the age of tifty years, the latter at eighty-seven years. Both were members of the orthodox Friend's church. By this marriage Mr. Longshore has four children: Alvin E., now in California, Emma B., Carrie, and Howard. In politics his principles are those advocated by the republican party. He was one of those men who came to Millersburg in tha zenith of its prospects of prosperity and yet remains, having secured a good run of trade in his line.

D. A. Davison was born in 1833, in the State of Pennsylvania. His parents were Moses and Elizabeth Davison, both of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Wells county, in 1843. There they died, the former in 1880, aged seventy-seven years ; the latter in 1864, aged iifty-seven years. The former was a farmer, miller and millwright. D. A. came fi'om Pennsylvania to Mercer county in 1859, and located in New Boston township, where he remained two years, then moved to Keithsburg two years. In 1866 he located in Millersburg township, where he now resides, near the south line. He was married in 1860 to E valine Wolfe, a native of Indiana, born in 1842, and daughter of Solomon and Evaline (Marlatt) Wolfe. They came to Illinois in 1846. They are both natives of Indiana, and are now" citizens of Abington township, Mercer county, and members of the Methodist Episcopal cluirch. Mr.. Davison has by this marriage twelve children : Ida (deceased). May, Cora, Ealpli, Walter, Edward (deceased). Albert, Clarence, Morgan, Grace, Rose, and Maud. Mi-. Davison enlisted in 1862 in the late war, in company G, 124th III. Vol. Inf, served three years, and was.

in the following encrag-ements: Fort Gibson, Brownsville, Jackson^ Champion Hills, Black river, siege of Yicksburg, nnmerons skirmishes, and at Spanish Fort. lie lives on a tine farm of 320 acres.

W. AV. Egijkrt is a native of Stark county, Illinois. His parents, James C. and Catharine (Swank) Egbert, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Pennsylvania, came with the early settlers to Stark county, where our subject was born in 1854. There his tatlier depai'ted this life in lSf>3, aged thirty-six years. W. W. Egbert recei\'ed a fair common school education and five tenns at Iledding college. He first began business for himself as druggist in j)artnership with Dr. D. J. Perry at AVest Jersey, Illinois. In 1870 he brought a stock of drugs to Millersburg and opened a store. In 1878 he engaged in general merchandise in which business he is at present. He has a good trade. In 1878 his store was burned; loss S2,00U, $1,000 of which was paid by the insurance company. He was married in 1877 to Miss Margaret M. Green, native of Illinois, daughter of AY. L. and Rebecca E. Green, both of Pennsylvania, and came to Alercer county in 185-I. The former was by ti'ade a carver and gilder. He held the office of justice of the peace for several years, was in the mercantile business with H. AY. Thornton, and was for a time postmaster at Millersburg. He enlisted in the army in 1861 in the 45th 111. A^ol. Inf., in company I, as second lieutenant. He was in the battle of Sliiloh, and died of wounds in 1862, while in the service. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. His widow now receives a pension and resides in Millersburg. She was at one time postmistress at Alillersburg for about fifteen years. AY. AV. Egbert has by this marriage two children : AYilliam C. and Frederick AV". He is a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge at Millersburg. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Among the well-to-do citizens and farmers of Millersburg township is John Pubert, born in New York in 1838, and son of John and Magdalena (Chat) Pubert, the former a native of France, the latter of New York, and of German descent. John Jr.'s father died when he was an infant ; his mother died when he was fourteen years old, aged thirty-seven years. She came to Chicago in 1843, where she resided for a time, when she removed to Peoria county. John's parents were members of the Christian church. Mr. Pubert's early education was limited. He came t<j Mercer county in 1858 and located near New AA^indsor, where he remained till 1861, when he enlisted in the army in August of that year, in company A, 30th 111. Yol. Inf , and served till December, 1862. He was in the battle of Belmont and bombardment of Fort Henry. .Vt Fort Donelson he was taken prisoner, and taken first to Memphis where he remained six weeks, then to Mobile, then to Tuscaloosa, fi-om whence he was sent to parole camp at St. Louis, and discharged December, 1862. He returned home and located in Millersburg township in 1863, where he now resides. In 1863 he was married to Miss K. J. Hughes, of Pennsylvania, born in 1842, and daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Hughes, the former of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio. Thev came to Mercer county in 1857 and located in Millersburg township,- where both now reside. He is a wagon maker b}' trade and carries on a shop in the village of Joy. Both are members of the Seventh Day Advent church at Marsh school-house. John Eubert has by this marriage three children : Bertha E. (deceased), Joseph B., John C, and Jennie E. He and wife are members of the Seventh Day Ad^'ent church. He o\yns a well-improved farm of eighty acres, fairly stocked with a good grade stock.

One of the early families yet resident in Millersburg towhship is the Dool family. Of that family now resident of this township is John Dool. His father, Robert Dool, was a native of Ireland (Antrim county), and came to America in 1819, landing in Pennsylvania, where he remained two years when he moved to Ohio, and died in 1829, aged forty-two years, leaving a wife and eight children to mourn his loss. His wife, Margaret (Spears) Dool, was a native of Ireland ; her parents were John and Mary (Hannah) Spears, who came to America in 1S2-1- and settled in Ohio, where they both died. Robert Dool's -children were named as follows: William S., Henry and Hannah (twins). Rosanna, Margaret, Mary, John, Thomas. Robert Dool and mfe were farmers both in Ireland and America, and were members of the Presbyterian church. His wife, who still survives, lives with her daughter on the farm of her son John, and is now eighty-eight years old. John Dool was born in 1826 in Harrison county, Ohio, where he remained till 1858, when he came to Mercer county with his mother and her eight children. Here he has since resided. He was married in 1.S63 to Sarah Havertield, daughter of James and Mary Ilaveriield, the former of Ohio, the latter of Ireland. The former died in 1862, aged sixty-two years, while in the service of the 9th 111. Vol. Inf The latter died in 1857. They were both members of the United Presbyterian church. By his marriao-e John Dool has four children : Anna L., James L, William H., and Robert B. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He has a farm of 120 acres of tine farming land, well improved and fairly stocked, and fifteen acres of timber. In politics he is a democrat.

oountv, Iivhuid, born in is?, 7, and came to America with liis parents, Daniel and Ellen Xoonan, both of Ti])[»erarv county, Ireland, in iSoD. Thev first located for a time in Massachusetts; then came to Mercer county. Both were members of the Ronnm Catholic church. The former died in 1878, aged ninety-live years ; the latter, his wife, lives in the village of ]\[illersbnrg, and is ninetv'-two years old, hale and hearty for one twenty years her junior. Timothy Noonan learned the trade of his father, which was that of shoemaker. He and his father carried on a shoe shop for a time in the village of Millersburg. In 1859 he made a trip to the Rocky Mountains, and was gone nearly one year, when he returned to Millersburg and opened a shoe sho]), but soon left the shop for the farm where he now resides, some three miles west of Aledo. He was married in 1860 to Sarah Mc(4innis. born in 1839, and daughter of Thomas and Mary McGinnis, both of Ireland. They first located in Pennsylvania ; \hen moved to Keithsburg, Mercer county, when their daughter Sarah was seven years old. The former died in 1863 ; the latter in 1872. Both were of the Roman Catholic faith. By this nuirriage Mr. Noonan has six children: Thomas F., William, John L., Eddy 11., Mary J., and an infant. He and wife are members of the same church as their parents. He has a fine farm of 240 acres, well improved and well stocked.

P. D. Shingledecker, Aledo, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1852, son of John and Sarah Shingledecker, both of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Mercer county in 1852, remained one year, and returned to their native state, where they spent the remainder of their days. The former died in 1858. at the age of fifty-two ; the latter in 1872, aged fifty-one years. They were members of tlie Presbyterian faith. P. D.'s early education was that of the common scho<fl. He came to Illinois in 1862, staid five years and returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained se\'en years, when he came again to Mercer county, where he now resides. He was married in 1872 to Racliel Richards, of Whitesides county, Illinois, born in 1858, daughter of George and Eliza Richards, both of Illinois. The latter died in 1864, and was a member of the Presbyterian church ; the former is now living in Colorado. Mr. Sliingledecker is a man of steady habits and industrious turn. He keeps a good grade of farm stock, but raises grain to sell rather than to feed.

John Bell, farmer and stock raiser, Aledo, was born in 1805, is a native of Ireland, and came to America in 1841. His ])arents were Benjamin and xVnn ]>ell, both of whom were Presbyterians. Mr. Bell first landed at Philadelphia, and proceeded to Ohio, where he remained till 1S63, when he came and settled in Millersburg township, on the farm of 360 acres where lie now resides. He was married to Margaret Gilford, native of L'eland, and daugliter of John and Mary Clifford, of Ireland, both of whom came to America in 1841. They were farmers and members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Bell by this marriage has six children: Mary. John C, Easter, George, Aiui, and Jane. His wife is of the Presbyterian faith. In politics he is strictly a democrat. He keeps on his farm a good grade of farm stock. His farm is the result of his own labor, economy and business ability.

Zachariah Jewel, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Harrison countv. Ohio, born in 1824. He was reared on the farm in his native state, where he resided till 1873 when he came to Mercer county where he now resides. During the late war he was a member of the Harrison Countv Home Guards, and was called out to drive Morgan from the state. He was married in 1847 to Mary Dool, native of Ohio, daughter of Pobert and Margaret Dool. By this marriage he has seven children: Margaret A., Nancy E., James W., Rebecca J., Hannah L., Mary O., John W. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Peniel. Mr. Jewel's parents were James and Xancy (Spring) Jewel, both of whom came to Harrison county, Ohio, from their native state, Virginia. They were pioneer settlers of Harrison county, and still reside in Ohio. They are farmers and members of the Baptist church.

Dr. JdHN P. Chowning, Millersburg, was born January 21, 1843, in the town of Payson, Adams count}', Illinois. His parents, Thomas J. and Louisa (Holman) Chowning, -were nati^'es of Tennessee, of Scotch descent. They emigrated to Adams county in 1840, and located on a farm near Payson. In 1850 they removed to Adair county, Missouri, Jjut returned to Adams county, after an absence of tlu-ee years, where they remained till the close of the rebellion. They are at present living in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Chowning was the oldest of nine chiklren, eight of whom are still living. After completing the common school studies he spent two years in the academy of his native town. The rebellion having broken out he enlisted August 7, 1862, iu Company E, 84th 111. Vol., in which he served till the close of the second days' fight at Chickamauga, when lie was taken prisoner. He was taken to Kichmond, Virginia, and confined in what was known as ''Castle Pemberton." for one and one-half montlis, after which he was removed to Danville, A^irginia, where he remained four and onehalf months, from thence to Andersonville, Georgia, where for seven montlis he was subjected to scenes of cruelty and suffering that beggar description. On the night of October 1, 1864, while being transferred from Andersonville to Charleston, South Carolina, he escaped with one of his fellow prisoners, by jumping from the train while in motion. Keduced by starvation and disease to a mere skeleton, the tendons of of his limbs contracted till he was literally compelled to walk on ti}) toe by the aid of a "walking stick.'' After a perilous journey of eighteen days, through an enemy's country, subsisting on sweet potatoes and such other edibles as were obtainable, he at last reached the Union lines, then at Atlanta, Georgia. Through the kindness of Cien. Stanley he was at once detailed as a clerk in the di\ision hospital, where he remained till the close of the war. In the fall of 1S64 he entered tjie Iowa Wesley an University, from which he graduated in 1869, defraying his expenses by teaching during the mnter months and working at the car})enter's trade during the summer vacations. In the spring of 1870 he commenced the study of medicine, with Dr. E. L. Marshall, of Keithsburg, Illinois, as preceptor, lie continued his medical studies, teaching in the meantime ; was principal of the schools in Keithsburg and Barry, Illinois, respectively. During the winter of 1872-3 he attended lectures at Rush medical college. Locating at Millersburg, he practiced two j-ears and six months, when he again attended lectures at Bellvue hospital medical college. New York, from which he received the degree of ^M.D. Dr. Chowning was married to Florence, daughter of A. B. and Anna Sheriff, in 1871; her father a native of Pennsylvania, her mother of Ohio. By this marriage they have four children : Florence M., "William M., Josephine, and Eva. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The doctor is a member of the masonic fraternity ; is also a member of military tract medical society.

John Downing, Aledo, is a native of Belmont county, Ohio, born in 181:0, son of John and Ellen Downing; former, native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio. They came to Mercai- county in 1864, and located one and a half miles east of where their son John now resides, and where they both died ; the former in 1873, at the age of seventy-two ; the latter in 1874, at the age of sixty-eight years. They were members of the Presbyterian church, and their remains repose in the cemetery of the Peniel church. John Downing came to Mercer county with his ])arents. He was married in 1863 to Rachel J. Cami)bell, native of Belmont county, Ohio, daughter of John and Jane Cani})bell, both of Ohio, and are now residents of their native state." Mr. Downing has by this union iive children: Jane E., Maggie L., Robert L.. Birdie S., and John 0. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He served in company K, 102d 111. Vol., was mustered into the service in 1862, served six months, and was discharged because of ill health. He moved upon the farm where he now lives in 1877. His farm con-