New Boston Township (part 1 of 6)

New Boston Township

Tlie township of New Boston embraces congressional to-^aiship 14 north, and ranges 5 and 6 west, extending to the Mississippi river. The eastern part is undulating and contains a depth and richness of soil unexcelled in the county. The westeiTi part of the township is level, containing a narrow strip of sandy soil, in some places almost destitute of vegetation ; between this strip and the undulating region of the east the bottom land is extremely fertile and })roduces heavy crops.

river. The drainage is excellent. Tlie swamp lands so common to some localities are almost wholly wanting here. The Edwards river flows through the townshij), entering on section 1 and })assing out on section 33. In the western part are several small lakes, of which Bald Eagle, Eliza and ISwan lakes are the principal ones. The township is well supplied with timber in the eastern part and along the river bottom, the kinds being oak, maple, walnut, sycamore, and similar deciduous trees.

The township has a somewhat interesting railroad history, to which we shall refer more fully farther on. The Galva and Keithsburg branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy enters the township on section 2-i and takes a diagonal course to the to\vn of New Boston, a branch running to Keithsburg from a point on section 27, thereby giving a southern outlet and southern connections.

This, in brief, is a description of the tow^l today, ^vith its happy, independent, self-reliant people. Let us tuiTi back to earlier days and trace the work of the hardy pioneers, who bravely struggled to reclaim the land trom its native wikhiess, and plant here the institutions of the more favored east.

To Mr. William Denison and his son John W. belong the honor of planting the first settlement in the township, as well as in the county. They were Pennsylvanians, and came directly fi-om Wa}Tie county, Indiana, ha%nng previously lived for a short time in Ohio. They settled near the site of the present town of New Boston in ] 827, and there lived in close and friendly relations with the Indians who at that time frequented the place. The \'icinity offered many attractions to the Indians in the shape of hunting and fishing ; and, indeed, at the present time it has more than a local celebrity in this respect.

H. W. Denison, a son of John W. Denison, born in 1832, was the first white child born in Mercer county. He is still a resident of New Boston, as is also his mother.

Let the reader pause here a moment and call to aid his imagination in picturing a settlement of this kind. On the one hand a boundless waste of prairie, covered with tall waving grass, which sinks and rises with a billow}- motion, as far as the eye can reach. On the other lumd the great Father of "Waters, spread out in silent majesty, or lashed to fiiry by the untrammeled winds which sometimes sweep over the ])lains from the west. Here was to be found the savage in his native wildness. Here he smoked his pipe of peace or hallooed his wnld war-dance. And here was started the first settlement of what was to be, at a tuture time, one of the myriads of fair towns that dot the broad State of Blinois.

ed above. Among them were Erastns, James, Joseph, Ezra, Xewton and Ehner. . The family of Denisons, individually and collectively, (»ecn])ied the greater portion of the region bordering on the river, including what is now the to^^^l of Xew Boston.

During the Black Hawk war of 1832, the Denisons left the county, but returned after the close of hostilities. Tlieir being enabled to leave the county iminjured was due wholly to the warning of friendly Indians. Tlie tirst of these warnings were not heeded, but at last those Indians with whom they were friendly came and told them that, as they seemed determined to stay and be killed, it was thought best to let the friendly Indians kill them decently. The ftimily concluded that they would take an excursion in preference to staying at home, even though the staying would secure "decent" killing by their friends. The story is told that, after they had left, their Indian friends gathered up all the articles that had been left in the hurrv and excitement of the occasion and placed them in the deserted cabin, marking the spot with such signs as would deter other marauding parties from committing any depredations. These articles were found on the return of tlie family, all in good order and nothing missing. A detailed account of the dangers and narrow escapes is given elsewhere.

Mr. Denison's recollections of the manners, customs and traits of the Indians in tliis vicinity, are curious and interesting. Though exceedingly cruel after the actual commencement of hostilities, they invariablv abstained from anv preliminarv bloodsheddinff, Wlien

Black llawk was passing his warriors up the Mississippi, previous to the last campaign of 1832, he came ashore, stopped at Mr. Denison's house, partook of tlieir hospitality, and guarded the house until the last canoe had passed up the river. They were capable of the strongest sentiments of friendship, and held in lasting remembrance any act of kindness, rewarding the same, sometimes, after the lapse of 3'ears. They were strictly honest with those whom they considered honest, and though the Denison family lived among them for years they never suifered a loss from theft or other depredation committed by them.

Immediately after the death of an Indian, the family and friends went into mourning for a length of time proportioned to the dignity of the deceased, which continued day aud night until the appointed time had expired. When the sick became conscious of approaching death, they usually selected their own burial place, which was located generally on some commanding eminence, thus enabling the spirit to have a commanding view of the surrounding country, with its more or less busy scenes of wartare or friendly intercourse. In burying the dead, a small amount of food was deposited with the body to last the spirit a year. This was repeated until the rehitioii oY body and spirit was 8ui>- posed to be tf)tally severed ; nsnally till about tlie third year. A stranger was disposed of by beinpc \n'aj)ped in bark and hoisted among the branches of some comnumding tree. From this fact doubtless arose the supposition that this style was a mode of burial among some of the tribes.

Black IFawk is described as a short, thick-set indiWdual, wlio was the war chief, wliile his associate, Keokuk, was a peace chief Although knowing the su]>erior power of the whites, lie made war relying on the help of the Great Spirit to sustain the right. He was taught by bitter experience, as many another has been, the time when ''right shall trium])h over might '' is still in the future.

From Mrs. Margaret Denison, widow of John W. Denison, who was one of the original settlers at the Upper Yellow Banks, we have derived the follo^ving information, here given almost in her own words:

William Denison, and his son John W. Denison, with their tamilies, came from Conners^-ille, Ind., to Springfield. 111., in lS2<i. In 1827 both families came to this county, arriving on the 2oth of A])ril, and made settlement at New Boston. They were the first white settlers in Mercer count v. A week afterward John Vannatta arri^-ed and located his home on the present site of Keithsburg. His brother Benjamin came two or three years later to the same place. The Denisons pitched their home on the river bank, half a mile below New Boston, where they started and kept a wood yard for supplying steamboats. They lived opposite the old graveyard. William Denison made a claim in that place, and John Denison took the ])resent site of New Boston. Until the Black Hawk war they planted their garden close to where Dr. Willits' house stands, in rear of the Union hotel. The soil was a rich mold on which vegetables flourished ; but it was blown ofl" by the winds, and is now only a bleak sand ridge.

The Indians called this locality "Upper Yellow Banks." From the time of their settlement here till the spring of 1831. the Denisons lived in perfect peace with the Sacs and Foxes. Only occasionally did a Winnebago Indian show himself in these parts. The men of this tribe were large, tall, broad-shouldered, and superior in stature to the Sacs and Foxes, and spoke a difl'erent dialect. The Indians dwelt here in great numbers.

In the s])ring of 1831 the friendly Indians, who l)i'Ionged to Keokuk's band, told the whites at the Upper "i'ellow Banks that there was going to be war, and urged them to dej)ai't to a place of safety among their own people, or to go with them and they would secure them from hann. Keokuk was livhig on the Iowa river; he said he was going to build a town, and tried to persuade them to come to his settlement, promising to give them ftill protection, but they declined to go, feelingthat, if they must leave their homes, it would be better to be among their kindred race.

Tlie only settlers at this place at that time were the Denisons, and Daniel S. Witter and Avife, and his hired man, named Twist. A captain coming down the river ti'om Rock Island brought word that an outbreak was imminent, and all these persons were taken on board his steamer and carried to Nauvoo. Aiter a sojourn there of two months tliey returned, but found their com, which was up large enough to be cultivated when they went away, all destroyed, and not an ear was raised that year. Witter and Twist never came back. The latter had taken a claim and was cutting wood.

Concerning the troubles of this year, it is recorded in the Atlas Map of Mercer county, that after the whites "had been moved to Fort Edwards, now Warsaw, the ti'iendly or 'pet' Indians assembled on the deserted premises, gathered up all the articles of their friends that had been left in tlie hurry and excitement of the occasion, stored them safely away in the loft of the house, closed the doors securely, and put a mark upon them well understood by the tribes. When the family returned home not an article was missing."

Against this recreation of fancy stands the ti'ustworthy statement of old Mother Denison, that they left behind a part of their movable effects, as dishes, books, soap, chairs, chickens, and that such goods as tliey could they buried ; but the despoilers carried off everything. Her lady's saddle was found with the plush covering taken ofl' and the skirts cut into strips. Mrs. Denison complained to Keokuk of the loss of this, and when he went to St. Louis, he bought another and gave her.

At that time there was not business enough on the upper Mississippi to call for a special class of boats. The furnishing of wood to these boats was a considerable business. About $3 per cord was paid.

The Denisons all conversed readily in the Indian language, having learned it after their settlement on the river. The Indians could talk but little in English.

Early in 1S32 a council of war was held at New Boston. This was attended by Black Hawk, Keokuk, and some 3,000 followers. Black Hawk came down the Mississi])pi, and Keokuk down the Iowa river, on which he was living. New Boston was a central point, and the general rendezvous on grave or mirthful occasions. The council was held on the site of the town, beneath some scattering trees. The Denisona were present and heard the speeches of the two chiefs. Keokuk spoke first. His counsel was jjacific. He told his people that a war with the wliites would be wasteful, hopeless, disastrous ; that they were as numerous as the trees of the Mississippi valley, and could not be conquered. Black Hawk sullenly closed his ears with his fingers, and refused to hear what was said. He followed in a speech" for war. He said the whites had stolen his land; that his father was buried at Rock Island, and his desire was to be laid among his ancestors.

These two men were strikingly dissimilar in personal appearance. Keokuk was large, of fine person, noble bearing, neat in dress, and went appareled like a white man, in fine blue broadcloth. Black Hawk was a heavy set man, not tidy like Keokuk, and wrapped his muscular form in his blanket, though sometimes he was seen to wear a coat.

Once more the Denisons were urged by their red friends to abandon their home. They were told that war was decided upon, and that to remain was to court cei-tain death. They were on familiar and friendly terms with the savages, and their experiences of the year before did not make them hasty subjects of fright. AVhen they asked why the war was not begun when threatened the first time, the Indians replied that they were not ready then ; that they submitted to the situation to gain time ; but that they were now fully prepared for war.

The Denisons hesitated about departing three or four days, and all the while the Indians showed a truly anxious interest in their safety and did not relax their exertions to induce them to go away to a white settlement. Keokuk, who was employing all his infiuence to prevent his followers from joining the war party, promised them protection if they would come and live with him. Appearing still to be determined not to forsake their homes, an Indian calling himself Captain Pepo, who seemed to have a solemn concern about their respectable extermination, came to them and with all the fidelity of a friend urged them to go, telling them that the young warriors who would come would roughly insult and barbarously murder and mutilate them, and that to save them from so painful and humiliating treatment, it they would not leave for a place of safety, "he would come and kill them decently .^" After this, discovering moccasin tracks among their garden-beds, they concluded that the savages were prowling around, and thought it no longer safe to tarry in the neighborhood. They were living about iialt a mile down the river, where the woody ard was, and opposite where the graveyard now is. Taking most of their goods, they began their removal one morning, and went down to Pence's Fort, which consisted of some block-houses, and was situated four miles northeast of Oquawka.

A Frenclnnan b}' the name of Pentacosa, who called himself Coty, had a trading house at ]^^ew Boston, and that evening the young Denisons went up to stay with him. In the night the Indians surrounded the premises and assaulted the building ; the three inmates escaped by the back way, and gliding swiftly but cautiously down to the edge of the nver, followed along precipitately under the bank, tlie Indians coming behind and whooping with vengeance. The fleeing men waded the Edwards at the mouth, and then struck for Pope creek, at a point where it was spanned by a foot-log, Ave miles distant. At this point a dog in pursuit closed up with them and Erastus Denison shot him. The Indians were last heard here, about a quarter of a mile back, and it is supposed they threw up the chase at the creek. The party continued their flight apprehensive of pursuit until * * Coty *" ga^'e out and was secreted by his companions in the tall grass, in a sink or basin. Tlie two men now went forward as rapidly as the darkness of night would allow, and arrived at Pence's at two in the morning, having accomplished the flight of sixteen miles since nightfall. At daylight the men at the stockade turned out to go for the Frenchman, and when he had been safely brought in they went up the river together in boats to the Upper Yellow Banks, and brought away all his goods from the trading post. Two squaws were found sitting in the house, having been stationed there to take care of the place and prevent its being despoiled.

After peace was made and the families returned, the Indians affected to have much sport in telling the Denison boys that in their flight they made the brush crack as if they had been bucks.

Not being satistied with their confinement at the fort, the Denisons, a week later, went to Monmouth to stay. John Denison bouglit a house and a small piece of ground, and lived there through the summer. In the fall they came back to New Boston in time to put up hay for winter. AVilliam Denison returned to his old place on the river, but John went back two miles, where he made a farm. Mrs. Denison had three small children, and that fall she stayed alone with the children in her house a week, while her husband went back to Monmouth to get his com and potatoes. Mother Denison was a brave woman and felt no alarm, though she heard the guns of the Indian hunters as they were fowling, and her husband's absence was prolonged several days beyond expectation.

Just before hostilities ended a party of seven Indians i)enetrated the country as far as Little York, and creeping uj) on a young num named Martin, who was mowing on the prairie, all fired ujjon him at once and shot him dead. They aftei*ward said that they could have killed many more, but being acquainted with them, and having been fed and warmed by them, they were deterred from taking their lives. Uufortunately, Martin was a stranger who had never had the privilege of bestowing a favor. A company of rangers was raised that summer at Monmouth, and this command scoured the country between Oquawka, New Boston and Monmouth. A detachment of these was sent out after this prowling band and pursued them so close that they threw away everything in their flight, and escaped across the Mississippi.

When Black Hawk returned from his tour to Washington, he had the candor to tell his people that Keokuk was right in his estimate of the strength and number of the whites, and assured them that instead of being as mnnerous as the trees of the Mississippi valley they were as numberless as the trees and the leaves together, -

William Denison had a very handsome daughter by the name of Julia, about lifteen years old, for whom the savages conceived a great fancy and to buy whom they exhausted every means. Mother Denison cannot remember the offers that were made by her savage admirers, but thinks that they at one tune brought thirty ponies. They came several times to urge a bargain. That young lady is now the wife of Judge E])liraim Gilmore, of Aledo. -

Nancy Denison, daughter of John Denison (now Mrs. William Willett, of Keithsburg), was another white child whom the savages were bent on possessing, and several times attempted to kidnap. The squaws would pick her up and wi'ap her in a blanket, but before they could get away the vigilant watch dog would discover their movements, and assailing them funously, compel them to leave her. They were often at the house, and by making much of her, and giving her presents, had artfully won her childish confidence so that she was greatly pleased at the prospect of going with them. She learned to converse in the Indian as early as in her own tongue.

All the Indians drank whisky. When they went on a spree two or more kept sober to take care of the others. When any got troublesome and ungovernable, these would bind them till they recovered themselves.

the bluffs. At the first glance he felt convinced he had found "God's country, " and he has never felt that he made a mistake in so estimating it. At that time there were but four distinct white families in the township.

VerN' soon after this, as the richness of the soil became tested, settlers began to come in rapidly. At about the same time land speculators from the east also turned their attention to this locality. The^ inordinate cupiditN' of these speculators often involved them in bitter contests with the settlers. As soon as the lands were surveyed and came into market, the settlers, in order to compete more successftiUy with the speculators, were in the habit of forming a ring around the land office, and endeavoring to keep out the " land sharks, " as they were called, by physical strength. Nearly all the land sold in this locality, was sold from the government land office in Galena. The settlers usually appointed some one person to attend the land sale and bid otF the several lots upon which they had made claims. The settlements mere made principally along the river, the settlement of the upland country being regarded as an absurdity.

In 1834 Wm. AVilson made a settlement. During this year tlie^ number of settlers increased so rapidly as to cause great inconvenience in some parts of the country on account of the great extent of territoryembraced in the jurisdiction of AVarren county.

In September of this year, 1834, the town of New Boston was laid out (the first of any in the county). The land, as has been previously stated, was owned originally by Wm. Denison. He sold out his claim, or two-thirds of it, to Elijah lies, of Springfield, and Edward Burrail, of Massachusetts. An honor attaches to it of more than usual importance fi'om the fact that the surveying was done by Abraham Lincoln, the Mart}T President of the United States. The site possessed peculiar natural advantages, and had been known as the upper Yellow Banks, the Lower Yellow Banks being located at Oquawka. To say that site was more favorable for a city than any other point for miles either way is certainly no discredit to the larger cities that have since been founded and hold populations largely in excess of New Boston. Situated opposite the mouth of the Iowa river, which is a navigable stream for some distance ; located on high banks, without the inconvenience of bluffs in the roar ; with Sturgeon Bay as a safe and commodious harbor ; a rich agricultural ccjuntry surrounding it, and no large city within a great distance ; what more natural than to suppose it simply a question of time when it should be the city of the west ! The thoughtful reader will undoubtedly satisfv himself why these expectations were not fulfilled as he peruses the subsequent history.

In 1835 the legislature passed an act erecting the new county of Mercer, and ap})ointing New Boston as the tempoary county seat. By the ])rovisions of the act an election was directed to be held on the first Monday in April, 1835, in tlie town of New Boston at the house of Eli Reynolds. Thirty seven votes were deposited for county officers!

S. V. Prentiss located here during this year, as did also Mr. Ed. Drury and M. L. Willits. They are all living in the township at present and have been since their settlement here.

About 1835 a school was organized at the bluff about four miles east of New Boston. This was also the first school-house in Mercer county. The first school teacher was the Hon. Geo. W. Julian, since that time almost countless numbers of teachers have been engaged in the work in the town ; but perhaps the most prominent and deserving of mentic)n is the name of Simeon P. Smith. Hardly a man now living in the vicinity but knows personally or by hearsay of his good work as an educator. Of him Dr. Thomas AVillitts says : "Among the aims and interests of human life, opening wide the avenues to independent thought and efficient intellectuality is paramount, and he who has been successful as an educator, is most tiiily a benefactor.

Having lived long, and been an interested observer of human progress in many of its phases, I can most conscienciously say that no other instance has come under my notice in which so much was achieved in common schools in the same time (short or longf as was done by my friend Simeon L. Smith in the town of New Boston and vicinity (begining about forty years since), in awakening the latent possibilities of the infant mind.

The causes and reasons for his singular and marked success in school were no doubt many ; perhaps some that were peculiar and purely intellectual.

But he seemed to form a clear and correct judgment quickly of the^ capacity of each pupil, and of their home discipline, and was so intensely earnest himself that his feeling and action seemed contagious. He seemed to know just what a jmpil could do, or should do. and was careful to know that it was done, or to require a suitable reason why it was not. If one in a class failed, he seemed to know whether idleness or inability was the cause, and promptly used the appropriate remedy. Evenings, mornings. Satin-days ; indeed, any unoccupied time the class, or the pupil, or any number that he deemed required awakening aid, were called to the residence of some employer, his boarding place, or the schoolhouse, where the appropriate exercises, instructions or questions were presented. Prompt and absolute obedience of evefy scholar seemed a prerequisite, and understanding every principle in the branches- taught himself, knew the cause of faihire or embarrassment, and lifted or led the pupil so gentlv into the light that he was impressed that he had found it himself. Scholars thus energized went on and up to greater and more successful effoi-ts, opening wider the way to greater attainments in the more advanced and progressive series of scholarly developements. Every pupil under his teaching for a few years is now easily distinguished from the mass in this, that they are good spellers, good readers, and prompt, ready and accurate mathematicians, all achieved by a thorough, clear, and logical mental analysis of the problem, ever making their own rules, and never committing those of another. Of his religious sentiments I can say that he was an admirer of puritanic rigidity in the observances of an ideal straight edge, as a guide in religious and moral duties. If not an apologist for its bigotry of the inspirational claim for or of the bible, he said or cared little, but ever obsen'ed, applauded and advocated the clearly marked moral duties as expressed by the life and precepts of Jesus, with little or no respect for the ceremonies and formalities of the churches, regarding them as figments ot that the world would be the better for losing.

Johnson Koble settled in the township in this year, 1835. Mr. Ephraim Gilmore was the first assessor and treasurer, appointed April 13, 1835. He was also the first surveyor and first postmaster.

The following settlements were -made in 1836. John "VV. Ditto, who settled on S. E. ^ Sec. 27, having previously made the claim in March of the same year. His was the only house out on the prairie except Joseph Denison\s on the S. W. ^ Sec. 34, which was built the same spring. John Denison was living in the timber out on the Edward's Elats, liaving settled there on his return after the Black Hawk war in the autumn of 1832. John Pratt, Milton L. Willits, Isaac Lutz, James M. Mannon, Gilbert Ives, and Harley Ives, also made settlements in this year.

During this year a somewhat animated discussion arose in regard to the removal of the county seat. ISTew Boston being situated at the extreme west of the county lacked a central location, an item of great importance in the days of horseback conveyances, and this fact was strongly urged as sufiicient grounds for the removal of the county offices to a more accessible point. Those who favored its retention did so on the grounds that as New Boston was the town of the county, and always destined to be, so far as could be ascertained at tliat time, nothing be more aj)propriate than to let the county seat remain.

In 1837 the legislature enacted a law by which Win. Mc.Murty, ot Knox county ; Thomas Spragins, of Jo. Da^-iess ; and John S. Stei)henson, of Ogle, were appointed a commission to locate a permanent seat of justice. The provisions of the act required that the proprietors of the place selected should donate to the county lots equal to at least twenty acres, the proceeds of the sale of which should be used in the erection of public buildings. The commissioners fixed the site at Millersburg on the N. E. i Sec. 3, T. 14, K. 4.

Dissatisfaction still existing, the question of its removal was agitated still further, until the legislature, in 1839, authorized an election to be held in April of that year, to decide its location by vote ; providing, how^ever, that, if it resulted in locating it at New Boston, the'propnetors "should donate not less than two acres of land and the sum of four thousand dollars in money,"- the money to be paid in four semi-annual instalhnents. The effort was unsuccessful. The matter did not stop ; but, as the topic is a matter of county history, we we will return to our settlements of tlie year 1836 and 1837.

Lots in New Boston were held at high figures in these earlier times, prices ranging from $20(1 to $7U0. The lot where the old "Drury Warehouse" stands brought $900. James S. Thompson settled and commenced business in New Boston in 1836, and from that time until his death, 1868, was closely connected in public and private life with the welfare of the community. In 1837 John Roberts, J. C. Sloan, N. N. Larrance and John Davis settled in the township.

In 1838 Isaac Lutz came to this township, and began the erection of a grist mill on Edwards river, on section 1. This mill has been kept up ever since, and is still running and doing good work. It belongs to some of the heirs of Isaac Lutz.

Elias Pullen, E. A. Crapnell and Joseph Alyea, with their families, settled in the towhship in this year. Elias Pullen settled on section 9, E. A. Crapnell on section 14, and Joseph Alyea in town, which at that time contained twelve or fifteen buildings. This was four years after the survey and plat of the town was made ; and, although the town was laid out, only a small portion had been subdivided into lots. Tliis, together with the lact that the majority of the proprietors were non-residents and held their property at high figures, ijartially accounts for the slow growth of the town.

In 1839 Jacob Beard settled on section 9, and Charles and Christian Rader settled on section 27. The settlements up to this time had been located mostly along the rivers Mississippi and Edwards ; but from this time forward the settlements increased rapidly in number and take a wider range.

a wide and extensive practice almost continually during his long sojourn in the county. *Drs. Hereld, Shiner and Howej were early physicians.

In 184.5 the first newspaper in tlie county was established at New Boston, under the name of the "New Boston Advertiser." The name and management were changed several times, being successively "The Yeoman of the Prairie Land," the "New Boston Broadhorn," "The Golden Age," ''The New Boston Nonpareil," "The New Boston Eepoiter," and lastly, the "New Boston Herald," the last number of the latter being published in 1872, C. A. Ballard, editor.

The township was organized in 1852 ; and the first super^^sor from New Boston was I. N. Bassett ; the first town clerk, Thomas Alyea ; the first justice, G. W. Warner.

The following have been supervisors for the township : I. N. Bassett, one year ; Sidney Chidester, one year ; Amos Prouty, one year ; William Drury, one year; John Boberts, five years; D. J. Noble, two years ; Thomas Martin, four years ; Walter Pryne, one year ; William

The village of New Boston is situated on a part of sections 31 and 32. It received an addition, known as Turner's Addition, in 1856, and in 1859 was incorporated under a special charter, lia\dng at that time about TOO inhabitants.

At the breaking out of the war in 1861, New Boston responded promptly to the call, and was always ready to aid the cause with men or money. To say there were none who sympathized with the South, would, of course, be an exaggeration ; but the town may justly feel proud of her war record. We give elsewhere a detailed history of company "G," 27th regiment. The whole interest of the town, during the four years of this bloody struggle, seemed centered in the welfare of her "boys in blue" and the success of the Union forces.

to vote for or against a subscription of $ IS, 000 to aid in the construction of the Western Air Line railway. The bonds were voted, but the road was never completed. In June, 1868, another election was held to vote for or against a subscription of $18,000 to aid in the construction of the American Central Kailway Company. One hundred and eighty-four (184) votes were polled for the subscription and three (3) against. The township bonds were to run ten years, bearing ten per cent interest. In June, 1879, the unpaid bonds were refunded at a lower rate of interest, and there now remains but $5,500 indebtedness against the townshi]), a mere trifle when her magnificent resources are taken into consideration.'

The village of New Boston voted bonds to the amount of $30,000, running twenty years and bearmg se^'en per cent interest, for the same purpose. All these bonds were voted -with the understanding that the road was to be extended to Fort Wayne, thus making connections with the eastern seaboard lines, and westward to Council Bluffs. The reaction in railroad speculation set in before the road was completed, and the company soon found themselves in want of capital, being finally compelled to sell the road to the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, by which company it is now owned and operated. Had the road been completed as projected, crossing the Mississippi at its present western terminus, there is hardly a doubt that New Boston would to-day have been one of the most thriving cities in the west. At the present time a new road is surveyed from Rock Island southward, crossing the Mississippi at or near New Boston, and making connections through to Kansas City. Should this road be completed, the future prospects of the town are indeed bright.

The first school was held in a log cabin out at the blutt", and presided over by the Hon. George W. Julian, in 1834 or 1835. The township was finally divided into eight districts, each supporting school for six or more months each year. The only graded school is the New Boston public school, it being divided into five departments. Tlie first school-house built in the city district still stands in a rather dilapidated condition on lot 1, block 3.

The religious sentiment of the people is quite diversified, a large number being in opposition to the ortliodox church. Of the three or more church organizations, but one, the Methodist, supports a resident pastor.

Emily Burleigh - 7. New Boston at that time was in what was called the Mercer Mission. There were so many appointments that the preacher was comi)elled to preach almost daily, having but two or three rest days in a month.

Tlie tirst resident preacher was George Smith, who was pastor over the society. The first meetings of the class were held at the residence of Emily Burleigh, but after Joseph Al^-ea had built his house in the toAMi of Xew Boston, the meetings were moved to that point. Mr. Smith remained with the church but one year, and but little is remembered concerning him. Henry Summers was the presiding elder at the time of organization. The next year Tliomas M. Kirkpatrick was the preacher in charge. This was about the year 1839. The preacher in those times had to be economical. He was allowed for that year, $75 for table expenses, and $100 salary, and a trifle for traveling expenses. He also remained a year,, and accomplished a good work. He was followed by Brothers McMurtry, Wilson and Burr. Brothers Doughty and Ross at this time were local preachers, and as the circuit was very large, most of the work devolved upon them.

In 1866 the society built the parsonage on lots 7, 8 and 9, block 4, in Thompson's addition. It cost about $1,500. The church building, in which the congregation has since worshiped, was erected in 1876, on lots 2, 3 and 4, block 13, in Thompson's addition. At the time of its erection it was the best in the county, and it still remains one of the best. Its cost was nearly $6,000. The present board of trustees consists of T. H. Bras, J. T. Bell, E. Stevens, John Stevens, W. A. Wilson,. Eli Ci-aft and Thomas Alyea. The last named has been trustee, with the exception of one year, since 1845, and class leader thirty-four years. Tln-ee of the members of the first class, Emily Burleigh, Mary Willits and Thomas Alyea, are yet alive and members of the church, having been engaged in the good work forty-four years.

The present pastor of the church is Rev. G. B. Snedecker. The church, like most organizations of such long existence, has had its ups and downs, sometimes in the valley of humiliation and sometimes on the mountain's top, as on the mount of transfiguration ; but always has its course been forward, and the good it has accomplished cannot be comi)ared with anything in this world. Only eternity will reveal the amount of treasure gathered on earth and stored in the Master's gran-

Hon. Frederick Pr I Ck Baptist Society

The Ba})tist society was organized in 1844 by Elder Hovey, with the following members, viz : William Denison and wife, James Denison and wife, Harrison Smith and wife, M. Poffenbarger and wife, E. A. Crapnell and wife, William Crapnell, William Xoble and wife, Mr. and Mrs. McChesney, and Miss Williamson. In 1845 a church buihiing was commenced on lot 5, block 13, and completed in 1848.

Elder Hovey is described as a man of great mental powers, and one thoroughly in earnest in his work. Although a man well advanced in years at the time he began his labors in the place, he remained as resident pastor for five years after its organization.

The building being situated on sandy foundation, was at length completely undermined by the action of the wind, and fell down about 1859. The last resident pastor was Elder Brimhall, who remained a year or two. The society has had no resident pastor since 1851, but has kept up the organization, and also a Sunday school, holding meetings at present in the town hall. It is hoped at some future time to see the scciety in a flourishing condition;

Presbyterian Society

This society was organized in February, 1857, ^\^th the following members, viz : Mrs. Eva Nevius, Mrs. Joseph Kane, Mrs. M. J. Edwards, Mrs. Sarah Poffenbarger, Mrs. M. J. McLaughlin, Mr. G. W. Crabb. The first and only church building the sogiety has had was begun about 1868. It is a large, commodious structure, and cost, when completed, $6,620.17. The first pastor was Eev. S. G. Hair. The church has had no resident pastor for some years, the last one being the Rev. William Gay.

At the present writing, no meetings are held, but the society still keeps up its organization, and the few members left hope at some future time to see the church resume its old position.

Independent Order Of Odd -Fellows

In the latter part of the year 1855 a few members of the society of Odd-Fellows determined to establish a working lodge of the order in New Boston, and the following facts have been presented by M. Chamberlin, D.D.G.M. : The mystic number (five) made a]>plication for a dispensation. Tlie Grand Master, by authority of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of Illinois, issued a charter dated October 12, a.d.

1855, granting tlie dispensation. Monday evening, November 20, A.I). 1855, a meeting was held with District Deputv Grand Master Kelley in the chair, Past Grand Sweeny acting as grand marshal. By order of Grand Master Kelley, the grand marshal presented Charles H. Bell, M. M, Prentiss, John L. Hartson, Mark J. O'Brien and W. T. Power, who were duly obligated, and the grand master declared the lodge duly instituted under the name and title of "JS^ew Boston Lodge, No. 188, I.O.O.F.

After election and installment of officers. Brothers J. C. Bell and Daniel Ilines were admitted by card, H. W. Denison and B. Milliken were initiated, and J. S. Thompson petitioned for membership. The meeting was regularly held on Monday evening of each week.

During the late rebellion the membership was reduced very nearly to the magic number, several brothers being enlisted as soldiers. The form of one now lies moldering away to kindred dust in southern soil - a tear to his memory. All credit is due to the few members who held their meetings, paid the capitation tax, and held their representation in the Grand Lodge. Several lodges in the state became defunct during the war.

After peace was again restored No. 188 increased in membership, and in October, 1865, the brothers were very arduous in their endeavors to secure a home for themselves. Clieerfully each brother donated to the building fund, and on the evening of May 21, 1866, the lodge met in their new hall, size 27x-iO feet, lodge room cai-peted and well furnished, and no one regrets the extra effort to secure a home, but with honest pride they can feel that they are beneath ''the shadow of their own vine." The membership enrolled from organization up to April 1, 1882, is 178. The number of brothers buried by the lodge has been nine. The amount of relief paid, $1,456.^0 (this amount was paid by the lodge and the members by individual donation). Charity abideth in the heart of every good and true Odd-Fellow. It is within tlie knowledge of members of our order that the relief extended by them, under their teachings, has been the means, under providence, of bringing within the church many who to-day would have been aliens from the household of faith. Many of the brothers cheerfully donated in honor to the "Wiley monumeut fund ; also to the Lincoln monument fund, not forgetting our worthy and honorable G.R.S. ; to his memory, we have a name in the Ridgley Monument Fund. Of the members at the organization of our lodge, only one. Brother Daniel Hiixes, now holds a membership.

This is the liome of the patriarch, the evergreen retreat of Odd- Fellowship, supported bv the three ])iilars of Faith, Hope and Charity, and here we have the tables of law, likewise the lesson as taught in the golden rule. A weary pilgrim can here find rest, eat at our table and drink of our pure water. IIosj)itality to the stranger is a pure principle within the heart of every true patriarch encampment.

No. 70 was instituted December, 1866. The number of patriarchs enrolled up to April 1, 1SS2, was eighty-two. Several of the patriarchs instituted a new encampment, others changed their residence, and like our subordinate lodge, the time came when there were but one or two more members than the original number ; but like the ancient Patriarch Abraham, the father of the faithful, our trust was in God, and to-day our tent is enlarged for the increase of membership.

A dispensation and charter were issued to New Boston Lodge No. 59, in the latter part of 1848. Tlie history from that time to 1853 is somewhat obscure, owing to the fact that in 1851 the records were burned ; also, all books, paj^ers, furniture, etc.

The lodge has had a prosjjerous existence, and to-day is one of the strongest and most efficient in the state. The misfortune of losing the records by fii'e is more to be deplored, fi*om the fact that the Grand ' Lodge of the state has also lost the records covering about the same facts.

Something over 200 members have been admitted since the reorganization, and at present the membership is sixty-seven, with the following corps of officers : George Lytle, W.M. ; Ed. L. Willits,

Biographical

Henry ^V. Dexisox was born in Mercer county, Illinois, IMarcli 16, 1832, being the first Avhite child bora in the county. His father, John AV., together with his grandfather, William, formed the first settlement in the county, which was in the year 1827. He is the youngest child of John AY, and Margaret (Swatford) Denison. His folks came overland with teams from AA^ayne county, Indiana, with Indians on all sides of them, reaching Mercer county without losing any of their family. They ever afterward lived on friendly terms with the Indians. One of the Indian warriors once remarked that if they killed them they would do it easy, which meant that they would never do anything more than whij) them. He has been mostly engaged in farmmg and stockraising. His chances for obtaining an education were limited to what he could obtain from Simeon P. Smith, who taught his first school in Henry's father's kitchen. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows since the first organization of that society in New Boston. He was either the first or second one taken into the lodge. He does not know whether he or B. Milliken, of A^iola, was first, as the}'' both came in at the first meeting. He has held all the oflices in Iiis lodge at various times. He was always a democrat until 1872. From that time to the present he has been a "greenbacker.''' He was married to Miss Turana C. Moore, daughter of John S. and Hannah Moore. Mrs. Denison was born February 17th, 1814. They have had six children, in the following order : Carrie (dead). Sail}' (married to Herbert Good), Alice (married to -John Fuller), Maggie (dead), "Willie (dead), and Freddie.

Stanton V. Prentiss, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Meigs county, Ohio, May 10, 1826, and is the fifth child of Stanton and Susannah (Brookheart) Prentiss. His parents came west and settled at AVarsaw, in Hancock county, where they remained until 1833. AVhile living at that pr)int, they were often compelled to leave their farm, and flee to Fort Edwards for safety from the Indians, as this was at the time when Black Hawk was making his raids up and down the Mississippi. In 1833 they came to Mercer county, where they have lived ever since, with the exception of a short time in Rock Island county, and two years spent in California. He has always been engaged in farming and raising stock, the latter very extensively. During the period between 1852 and 1857, he also ran a dry goods and grocery store. His means of attaining an education were very limited ; however, he managed to get a common school education between the intervals of farming. He owns l,l»o<i acres of land on Bay Island, all in one body and under fence, forming the largest pasture in the county, and the largest body owned by any one person. In })olitics he has always been, a rei)ublican. He was married to Miss Hannah E. Creveston in May^ 1865. They have two children: Park and Don. They are both living arid at home with their parents. Mr. Prentiss' m(»ther died in 1852 at New Boston, and his father in 1875.

William Drury, the subject of this sketch, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, September 17, 1809, and removed to Wayne county in 1811, with his parents, where Mr. Drury remained until he attained the age of manhood. The family were subject to all the ]>rivations of pioneer life as well as the alarms of savage warfare, and during the troubles in 1812 they often had to retreat to the block-houses for protection. Mr. Drurv's education was limited to a common school, but he attained education enough to teach several terms of school before he came west. In 1833 Mr. Drury came to Illinois to look at the country, and for the tii'st time saw real prairie land - quite a curiosity to one who has been reared in a wooded country. Mr. Drury <letermined to make this his home, made a selection, and in 1834 returned and made a claim, and settled down at the foot of the bluffs, near where he now resides. Through his influence several families came with him. So' disgusted wnth things were they, that they threatened a dissolution of friendship with him if he did not desist in S})eaking in praise of the country. In 184(» Mr. Drury returned to Indiana, and was married, July 1, to Miss Vashti Lewis, daughter of Caleb and Polly (Willits) Lewis. Mrs. Drury's father served as a member of the legislature a number of times. Immediately after the organization of Mercer county in 1835, Mr. Drury was elected to fill .the office of countj recorder a number of consecutive years. In 183(1 he was elected county clerk, in conjunction with the former office. While holding these offices Mr. Drury furnished all his own stationery and met his office expenses out of liis own private means. In 1836 he commenced a small trade in dry goods and groceries in partnership with Levi Willits, under the firm name of Drur}' <fe AVillits. They furnished the people with all necessaries that were required. They bought pork, grain and other products, and shipj>ed them to St. Louis. They did the first pork packing in the county. They continued business until 1848, when they sold out to Courtney Drury and James S. Thompson, who formed a partnership under the name of Thompson tk Drury. Mr. Drury spent about a year, after the sale ttf liis interest, in settling up his business, when, in 1850, he started a small cash store, whicii he conducted until 1853, when, on account of failing liealth, be sold out his interest, and has since given his attention to the management of his large estate, and to the importation and raising of fine stock, and the banking business. In 1871, in ])artnership with other wealthy men of the county, he assisted in organizing a Farmer's Xational Bank, at Keithsburg, of which he is a large stockholder and president. Mr. Drurj says he has made it a j)ractice all his life, that at the end of each year his income shall be greater than his expenses. He thinks this accounts for his large estate, and not to an}- mental gift. This he would recommend to all young men staiting in life. Mr.. Drury was among the first settlers of the county. lie was well acquainted with Black Hawk and Ivet)kuk, the two noted Indian chiefs.

Courtney Druky was born in WajTie county, Indiana, November 23, 1820. He came to Mercer county, Illinois, with William Willits and family, in the fall of 1834. He remained witli them for some time, and then sold goods for the firm of Drury it Willits. In 1842 he returned to his old home in Indiana, and went to school that fall and winter. He was married April 12, 1842, to Ruth Willits, and removed to Mercer county, Illinois, in the fall of the same year. That winter he bought eighty acres of land, partly improved. He sold his farm in the winter of 1845, and the following spring moved to the village of Kew Boston. Mr. Drury lost his wife February, 1847. He then returned to the State of Indiana, and spent the most of that summer there ; then returned to Kew Boston, and, with James S. Thompson, purchased the mercantile establishment of Drury & AVillits. The new fii-m conducted the trade of this house for eight years, at the end of which time they sold out, and Mr. Drury benight land near the village of New Boston, which he improved, and has engaged in farming and stock raising ever since. Mr. Drury has made a specialty of breeding fine horses, and has had some of the best stock ever kept or owned in Mercer county. He has a passion for a fine horse, and gratifies it.

William A. Wilson, farmer, was born in Shelby county, Indiana, August 18, 1831. Tlie family removed to Mercer county in the fall of 1834, and settled in Eliza to%ynship. Mr. W^ilson's education was limited to a common school, as in those early times the advantages were few and rude ; however, he acquired considerable of a business education, especially in arithmetic, as that was a favorite «tudy of his. When twenty-two years of age he commenced farming for himself on a small scale. His father wanted liim to take a horse when starting out, but he refused to do so ; but by persuasion he accepted a ten dollar biJ]. He rented three years, when he found he liad money enough to buy eighty acres of land lying in New Boston township. lie lived with his brother-in-law, Tiiehard Shields, and tilled his small farm until 1857, when he was married to Miss Kate "Woodward, daughter of Joel and Keziah Woodward. A year after his marriage he sold his farm for $2,5(>(J, and bought another in Mercer township for $3,500, wiiere he lived until 1S61. Mr. Wilson has always dealt considerably in live stock while farming. In 1861, in response to the country's call for troops, Mr. Wilson enlisted in the 102d Vol. Inf., and was elected second lieutenant of Company K, and before going into active service was promoted to tirst lieutenant. His first engagement the enemy was at Gallatin, Tennessee, after which he was elected captain of his company by a unanimous vote. Returning home from the war in 1864, he sold his - farm in Mercer township for $7,000, and again bought a farm of 120 acres in New Boston township, which he has increased to 420 acres in New Boston township, and 402 acres in Eliza. They have had eleven children : Jay, Ed., Dick, Ressa, Gen. Phil. Sheridan, John S., Harvey, Louie, Grace, Bert. M. and Frank M. Grace and Louie are deceased. The rest are in good health and at home with their parents. Mr. Wilson's mother still at the age of eighty-seven, and is in good health. D. J. Noble is the ninth child of a family of twelve children. He was born May 1, 1818, in Fayette county, Indiana. His parents, Lewis and Elizabeth (Burgess) Xoble, came to Mercer county, lUinois, in 1835, and settled on Sec. 16, in New Boston townsldp, where they lived until their death. His father gave D. J. seventy acres of Sec. 16, and to this he added the N. W. i of Sec. 22 and the N. E. i of Sec. 21. He has a large and commodious residence and is comfortably situated. Besides making a competency for himself he has helped each of his sons to a good home. He has the benefits of only a common school education, owing to the many disadvantages aft'orded in youth. He has been engaged in farming from boyhood up. He has always taken an active part in temperance, and has been a member of the ]\Iethodist church since 1840. He has held all the offices in his church at various times. In politics he has always been a republican. He was married July 5, 1840, to Miss Sally liadei-, daughter of Abraham and Catharine Bader. She was born March 4, 1818. They have had ten children, nine of whom are living : Melissa, married to Frederick Fleming; John N., married to Mary Hill, and lives in Dakota; Leroy, married to Miss Rachel Ilollingsworth ; David L., dead ; Harvey, married t<j Miss Luella Bowden ; Nathan, married to ]Miss Alida Pryne ; Sarah E., married to J. A. Coding; Dora, married to Melvill Danford ; Robert, married to Miss lola Ilolingsworth, ami James, who lives at home vArith his parents.

Milton L. Willits, farmer, son of Reuben and Mary Willits, wa& bom in Wavne conntv, Indiana, Kovember 13, 1826. He came west with his gi-andfather, Isaac AVillits, in the spring of 1836, and settled in New Boston township, where he has lived ever since, with the exception of three years spent in California. He crossed the plains in the summer of 1850, and returned in the spring of 1853 to Isew Boston, and started a lumber yard in partnership with Anderson Kirlin. They continued business until fall, when they dissolved, and Mr, Willits started a grocery store, which he continued till the spring of 1854, when he traded his grocery in part payment on seventy-six acres of land "five miles northeast of New Boston, where he has been engaged in farming ever since. He was married October 25, 185-1, to Miss Sarah J. Kirlin. They have had ten children : Horace G., born July 31, 1855 ; Mary L., December 23, 1856 ; Homer C, January 8, 1858; Lavina H., March 25, 1859; Elias M., December 13, 1860; William R., September 23, 1862; Minnie D., March 3, 1864; Frederick, June 22, 1866 ; Ruth, November 6, 1867 ; Sarah J., February 8, 1869. His wife died February 13, 1869 ; Mary L., October 31, 1857; Sarah J., March 17, 1869 ; Ruth, August 26, 1869 ; Frederick, January 5, 1873 ; William R., October 25, 1879. His oldest son, Horace G., mamed Miss Ida McGrew ; Clinton, to Miss Adda Kiddoo ; Lavina. to Levi Lewis. The other two remain at home with their father. Mr, Willits' education was liriiited in youth but improved by study in later life. He was one of the pupils of Simeon P. Smith, one of the first and best teachers of the county. His early youth was spent in farming until eighteen years of age, when he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for six years. He has always been an active temperance man. In politics he is a reijublican. He has at present 513 acres of Mercer county's best land situated in New Boston township.

We cannot expect in a short sketch to do justice to one who has resided in the county near foi*ty six years, but glean a few facts in which the readers of this work will feel a deep interest. Such a person is James M. Mannon, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, September 16, 1823. He resided in his native state until thirteen years of age and then came west to Mercer county, and with his parents settled in Eliza township, where he lived until he attained the days of manhood. He took such chances as were offered in those early times for acquiring a common school education. By much reading and general study he has become well infoniied on all the leading questions of the da}^ April 6, 1849, he was married to Miss Rebecca daughter of Patrick Sliirkey. After being married some nine years, his companion was called away to the silent tomb, September 5, 1857. He married his present wife, Sarah J. ^Nfoore, January 6, 1859. She is a daughter of George and Jemima Moore, of New Boston townsliij). Their ehihh-en are Bertha B., George M., James M., Levi E., and Charles N. Mrs. Mamion's grandfather, liobeit Moore, served in the war of 1776 - ^^and he and his two sons, Thomas and James, served in the war of 1812. CVjlonel ^[annon started out in life as tiller of the soil which business he followed some fifteen years, when he was elected sheriff of ]\Iercer county on the republican ticket. In 1858, after serving his term as sherift', he was elected circuit clerk and county recorder, w4iich positions he held for two years. In response to the call of the government for troops to put down the rebellion of the southern states, he enlisted in the 102d 111. Yt)l. Inf., and was elected captain of company K, afterward major, and latei-, lieutenant colonel. He was in all of the fighting in Sherman's march to the sea coast, until the siege of Atlanta, when pressed by home interests he resigned and came home. Soon after joining his family he commenced mercantile business in New Boston in partnership with Anthony Burdick under the firm name of Burdick and Mannon. They did a large business for some tjiree years when Mr. Mannon purchased the interest of Mr. Burdick and continued the business two years longer. He then sold off his stock of goods and bought a fann five miles northeast of New Boston, where he resides at present, comfortably situated. He commenced his business life vrith only eighty dollars. Mr. Mannon has always been an active republican and taken considerable interest in advocating its principles, and carrying into effect the doctrines advocated by that party.

John Fkatt, butcher, was born in Union county, Indiana, in 1829. He is the oldest son of Begin and Mary (Long) Pratt. His parents came to Mercer county in 1836, and are therefore among the earliest settlers of the county. He was engaged in farming and carpentering until 1876, since which time he has been engaged in the butcher's trade. In 1869 he joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which body he has been a member ever since. He has held numerous offices in his lodge at various times. In politics he is a democrat. His father lived in Mercer county until June 6, 1880, when he was called away to a better land. His mother is still living at the age of seventy-five, and maintains good health.

Of the representative men of Mercer county the name of none occupies a more honorable ]>lace in the list than that of Dr. Thomas- "WiLLrrs, of New Boston. He was a pioneer in his profession as well as a pioneer settler, and has been a practitioner fifty^six years. His nativitv was in Pickawav countv, Ohio, in 1S(I5. It was there his parents, James and Amy (Allison) Willits, wlio had emigrated from Penns}-lvania, were married. At the age of twenty he started out from home with the design of going to St. Louis, but stopped at Montezuma, Parke county, Indiana, where lie began the practice of medicine. In three or four years he returned to his father's home, which had meantime been removed to Richmond, Indiana. He remained there till 1837, and then came west and settled in AVarren, now Henderson, county, this state, on the line between that and INIercer. There he entered 500 acres of land, which property is now known as the Mickey farm. Having enclosed a large tract, he gave his attention for a few years to raising stock for market ; but after hauling to Xew Boston he could obtain only $1-50 per hundred for the hind quarters of neat animals and $1 for fore quarters, while pork brought but $1.25, all in store pay, and corn could not be sold at any price. N^ot pleased with this state of things, in 184-0 he decided to quit farming, and moved ta New "Boston and continued his practice.^ In 1850 he was elected a representative to the legislature from Mercer county and served one term. While a member of that body the charter for the Illinois Central railroad was passed, and he made a strenuous but futile eifort to fix the percentage which the company should be obliged to pay into the state treasury at ten per cent of their gross earnings, instead of seven. The doctor \'oted first for president for John Quincy Adams, but fell into line with the opposite party in the Jackson cam- })aign of 1828, and since that time has been an old school democrat. In controversy he has upheld the principles of his party, but never with hope of office or aspiration for it. With the exception of a division of the Sons of Temperance, which he organized in Kew Boston, he has not been connected with any of the secret orders which are now so common. To the extent that his example could give force to his convictions, he has encouraged the temperance cause, and under no circumstances could he ever have fallen to such depths of humiliation as to countenance or tolerate drunkenness or any patronage of the rum traffic. Dr. Willits was married in early life to Mrs. Catherine Libby, formerly Miss' Ainsworth, and five children were the fruits of this union. The eldest, Ehnira, died in infancy; Leroy lives in New Boston township; Viola, who was the wife of Russell Scudder, died over twenty years ago ; Celeste is now Mrs. William A. Anderson, of Chicago ; and Kate is the wife of Thomas Manning of the same city. We regret our inability to give a more extendi^d notice of one who has figured so largely in the useful aft'airs of this locality, and who, by universal consent, has been of so much service and benefit to the public at large as Dr. Willits. A man of liberal education and correct understanding, whose

Icnowledge covers a wide range, Mercer county has never liad a better tvpe of the old school practitioner and gentleman than he. As a conversationalist he is fluent, entertaining and instructive, with ]>leasing powei's of description.

Jacob II. Swoffokd was born in llenrv county, Indiana. A])ril 8, 1829. His ])arents were born in North Carf)lina. lie came to Mercer county, Illinois, August 10, 1837. He was a common laborer for a time, and then learned the ])rinting business, which he followed for ten years. Since leaving oft' the ])rinting business he has engaged in various avocations. He was married November 16, 1854, to Annie, daugliter of John and Mary Shuft". They are the parents of -eleven children, eight of whom are living. The family have resided in the villa":e of New Boston for manv vears.

IIarley I^'ES, farmer, was born in Connecticut, January 15, 1803. He is the third child of Caleb and Sarah (Booth) Ives. He came overland, and settled near Oquawka, in Henderson county, in 1836, where he lived two years, when he moved to Mercer county, and settled one mile east of New Boston, where he has lived ever since. During the early part of his life he was engaged in farming, and working at the cooper trade, being the first cooper in the county. In 1827 he was married to Miss Ruth Ives, daughter of Gideon and Charlotte (Hall) Ives. They have had five children born to them : Gilbert II., who is man-ied to Miss Mary A Scudder. a daugliter of Ennis Scudder ; Martha AV., dead ; Gideon, at home with his parents; Emery K., married to Miss Marv E. Hartsock ; Caroline, married to John AV. Histed. Mrs. Ives has always been a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Ives has always been an active temperance man. In politics he is a democrat. At present, Mr. Ives is seventy-nine years of age and in splendid health and ver}" active. Financially he is in good circumstances.

Thomas Alyea, druggist, was born at Miamitown, Ohio, Se]>tember 21, 1821. His fathei-, Joseph Alyea, from New Jersey, was tliree times married. By his first wife he had two children ; by his second, Margaret Love, mother of our subject, four were born ; and by the last, eight : three sons and five daughters. The family moved from Mr. Alyea's birthplace to Fairfield, Franklin county, Indiana, where his mother died when he was eight years old. In 1838 a second removal broujrht them to New Boston where Mr. Alvea has resided continuously until the present time. In 1845 he went to Mount Morris Seminary in Ogle county and attended school there one year. He was the second vender of drags in New Boston, and oj^ened in 1853 the first exclusive drug store, which he has conducted since. From 1847 lo 1853 he was selling dry goods, and from 1854 till now he has been engaged in the ice business. On the 28tli of June, 1849, he was mar-^ ried to Miss Sarali A., daughter of John and Amelia C. Signor. Thesame year he was elected county surveyor, and hekl that office one term of two years. He still devotes a little attention to surveying, and has in his possession the old field notes procured by Judge Gilmore nearly fifty years ago. He was the first town clerk after the adoption of township organization, and has filled the same position in the town of New Boston. A leading member of the Methodist church for many years, he has held official connection in the responsible positions of trustee thirty years, class-leader twenty-five years, and sexton, recording steward and Sunday school superintendent, also, for long periods. He was the first treasurer of the American Bible Society in this county. He has shown himself active and useful in the temperance movement, and has belonged to about all the organizations in New Boston. He was bred politically in the whig party, and cast his first vote for Henry Clay in 1844. He has maintained his fidelity to the republican party since its organization. Mr. and Mrs. Alyea have been the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are dead. The survivors are : Thomas Edmund, a physician, living at Princeville ; Willard Henry, Florence Luella, and Lily Belle.

Sidney Chidster, farmer, was born in Trumbull county, Oliio^ April 1, 1816. He is the fourtli child of Hezekiah and Lyda Chidster. He worked with his father at the carpenter's trade until twenty-two years of age, when he came west and settled in Mercer county, where he has lived ever since. Being one of the early settlers of the county, he had to endure all the hardships connected with pioneer life. His education was limited to a common school course. In politics Mr. -Chidster had always been a republican until 1875, when he joined the party known as the greenback party, of which he has since been a member. He was elected school trustee in 1845, and served twenty-five years consecutively. In 1847 he was elected justice of the peace, and served three years. In 1840 he was elected county associate justice for the term of three years. He was the first supervisor of New Boston township, and served as chairman of that board. In later years, he has served ten years as township collector. He has always been an active temperance man. In Mai-ch, 1842, he was married to Miss Rachel Stewart, daugliter of William and Nancy Stewart. She was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, August 10, 1823. They have had three children : William and Lyda, who are at home, and Bachel, who is married to Milton F. Weeden. August 10, 1853, Mr. Chidster was called to mourn the loss of his beloved wife.

August 11, 1819. He is nest to the youngest child of James and Elizabeth Roberts, who came to America in 1828, landing at Boston, ]\[assachusetts, where they lived until 1836. Mr. Roberts lived in Indiana two years before coming to Mercer county. He built a carding machine in New Boston township, which was the first in the county. This he ran for two years, M'hen he removed to P^liza townshi]), entered 120 acres of land and bought eighty acres more, and went to farming. He remained in this business until 185P), when he went to New Boston and built a large three-story brick carriage and wagon factory in partnership \dth Joe Graham, forming the Unn of Graham & Roberts. They continued business until 1860, when Mr. Roberts bought Graham out. In 1S61 Mr. Roberts went back to his farm, and farmed until 1865, when he went to Monmouth. Illinois, and started a sash, door and blind factory and planing-mill, which he ran until 1869, when his mill was burned down. Returning to New Boston, he refitted the building he had formerly occupied as a factory, for a hotel, the Roberts House, wdiicli he ran until 1875, since which time he has been engaged in the lumber trade. On March 20, 1845, he was married to Miss Mary Baker, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Baker. She was born December 7, 1826, and died June 16, 1858. He was mari-ied again September 29, 1859, to Miss Maria J. Dunn, daughter of Thomas and Nancy Dunn. By his first marriage he had six children : Elizabeth H. (married to Albert Denison), Marshall, Albert (dead), Harriet (dead), Clarence (dead). Charles S. (dead). By his last marriage he has two children : Richard II. and Ernest. Morally speaking, he has always been an active temperance man. Politically he was a republican until 1872, when he joined the greenback party, to which party he has ever since strictlv adhered.

^ Mary D. Willits was. born in Butler county, Ohio, May 31, 1823. She is the sixth child of Joseph and Margretta (Love) Alyea. She -came wdth her parents to Franklin county, Indiana, where they lived until 1838, when they came to Mercer county, settling in the town of New Boston. Her father was one of the first to start in business. She was married to William Danford September 13, 1845. i\Ir. Danford was born March 21, 1807. He was the third child of Enoch and Mary Danford. They had four children : William B., married to Alice Kesler; Melville C, to Dora Noble; Joseph A., to Famiie Strong; Mozart, to Clara Mannon. William B. was born June 29, 1846 ; Melville C, September 22, 1847; Joseph A., Decembers, 1848; Mozart, March 16, 1850. AVilliam Danford, Sr., died July 27, 1850. Mrs. Danford married again March 10, 1852, to William Willits, who was the seventh child of Jesse and Susannah Willits. He was bom sionally as far as Preemption. He was always present at the annual cam|>meetings at Sugar Grove, where he worked incessantly, arduously and willingly in the grand cause. He would frequently start from home early on the Sabbath, preach at 11 a.m. at one point, at 4 P.M. at another, and at early candle-light at a third, driWng home, twelve or fifteen miles, at the close of the latter serWce, and all from a love for the work, with no thought of reward in this life. He was very frequently called uj)on to perform the marriage ceremony and to preach funeral sermons, often riding fifteen to twenty miles in response to these calls, and recei\'ing only the thanks of interested parties as payment for liis serWces and loss of time. In the spring of 1850 his second wife went to her reward, closing a life of earnest, active and efficient christian work, loved and mourned by all who knew her, yet lea^dng the memory of her pm-e nature to be fondly cherished b}' all. In October, 1851, he was again married, his wife being Mrs. Rachael SahTU, of Warren county. On the night of his return to Isevf^ Boston with his bride liis residence was burned to the ground, and as it was bis all, he removed what little was saved fi*om the flames to the farm of his wife, lying in the northwest corner of Warren and the northeast comer of Henderson counties, adjoining the Mercer county line. Here he continued his pastoral labors, having regular aj^pointments at Sunbeam, Bald Bluff, Little York, Pleasant Green and other points. For three years he rode the Camden circuit. Rock Island county, as a "supply," and for one or more he supplied the Oquawka circuit, Henderson county. He organized what is now known as Belmont Church, in the latter county, and it was largely tlii'ough his influence that the church building was erected. In the winter of 1865, after a life of earnest work and usefulness, he passed ' ' over the river " to meet the Master whom he had so faithfully and conscientiously served, well assured of the welcome, "Well done, good and faithftil servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." His remains were interred at Belmont, but in 1872 were removed to the New Boston cemetery, where a small but appropriate stone marks his grave. His wife died in 1872. !Kot one of the early settlers of the county was more widely known, more highly respected, or more sincerely mourned than Father Doughty. Politically Father Doughty was identified with the democratic party, particularly the Douglas wing, until the breaking out of the rebellion, after which he voted with the republicans. His sympathies were all with the Union, and the enlistment of his youngest son, Lucien B., and two stepsons, F. J. and Benjamin Sarvin, deepened his interest and solicitude in the movements of the Union army. In answer to a letter announcing the enlistment of his son, he wrote :

" AVliile I sluill always feel an anxiety for your safety, and all the more keenly that I realize in part the dangers to which you will be exposed, I have no word of regret for your course. G<jd bless you and ])reserve you, and grant a sj.)eedy victory to our noble army." And again, when that son wrote that he had re-enlisted as a veteran, he writes : "I had hoped that you would return after your three years' service. It would seem that you had certainly pert'ormed your whole duty in that time, and that some one might take your place. But perhaps I am getting selfish, as it seems so long since I have seen you. Your iirst duty is to your country, and I will only say what I said when you first enlisted : *Do your duty, and may God protect and keep you.'" Who will say that the prayers of such a true christian were not answered in the return of that son unharmed after over four years of active service. His educational advantages were limited, but the Bible was his constant companion and study. Without the rhetorical flourish and orat(jrical display of the modern preacher, his sermons were delivered with a force and earnestness peculiar to the early itineracy, and with a power for good that would to-day seem phenominal. Of this power lie v. Richard Haney, still li^'ing, tells the following/ "I remember one scene at an early campmeeting at Sugar Grove. I had charge of the services for the day. Two sermons had been delivered, and in the afternoon Father Doughty occupied the stand. I never listened to such earnest appeals to the sinner, nor did I ever witness such an immediate answer to the prayers. Tlie large audience were completely carried away by the sermon, and the shouting, and praying, and crying soon drowned the voice of the preacher, who, with his gray locks flying m the wind, and the tears rolling down his cheeks, was vainly tr}4ng to make himself heard. Turning to me he asked, ' what shall I do V and I could only say, ' let them alone. Father Doughty ; the Lord has taken this meeting out of your hands. Let them alone ; He will take care of it now ;' and he sank exhausted to his seat. I repeat it : I never heard a sennon of more power, nor ever witnessed such an outijouring of the s])irit.'' With an early-day marriage at which he ofliciated, we will close this sketch. Driving along the "Blutt"' road one summer day, he was hailed by a man plowing cor", who, leaving his plow, invited Father D. into the house of his employer " on urgent business." Here was the daughter of the house, a comely maiden, engaged in mixing bread. After a whispered word from the plowman she wiped the flour from her hands, rolled down her sleeves, and the pair presented themselves for marriage, he in his shirtsleeves, she with a big apron on. The ceremony was promj)tly per- formed, the bride returned to her bread, the groom to his plow, and the minister proceeded on his jom-ney, all as if nothing unusual had happened.

The ancestors of John L. Hartson, of IS^ew Boston, came from England and settled at Haverhill, Massachusetts, and took an active part in the struggle for American indej)endence. Andrew Hartson, grandfather of J. L., who was bom April 6, 1756, was under twentj jears of age when serving under Gen. Washington at Dorchester Heights, etc. He was mariied to Miss Elizabeth Baldwin, November 28, 1780, in Connecticut, where he subsequently made his home, following the occupation of a mechanic, excelling in the manufacture of augurs. He invented the screw augur, although the credit has since heen claimed by another. His family consisted of three sons : Jesse, the eldest, who died in early childhood; Ebeuezer, still li^dng (February 11, 1882), at the advanced age of ninety-six years ; and John, the father of John L. John was born September 3, 1790 ; was married in March, 1810, to Miss Alice Utley, by whom he had three sons, named in the order of then- ages : Andrew, Lester and John Lyman, "born December 29, 1814. His father died March 5, 1816, when John X. was but little past fourteen months old. He remained with his mother until about ten years old, when he started out to make his own way in the world. The first two or three years he worked on a farm in summer, and went to school in winter, doing chores for his board. lie thus received the rudiments of an English education, and acquired £i love of reading, by which means he has stored uj) a large fund of useful knowledge and general intelligence. He next worked in a Tvoolen factory a year or two, but not liking that business aj)preuticed liimself to learn the trade of scythe-making ; but his employer being an intemperate man failed in business, and John L. was thus thrown out of employment before he had served his time. It was at this time, seeing the e\"il eifects of strong drink, he became a firm advocate of total abstinence, and has always been strictly temperate, using neither spu-ituous liquors, wine nor tobacco. He soon after found employment in an augur factory in Ashford, Windham c(mnty, where he remained until he was twenty-one years old, becoming a very skillful workman. He went to Ilumphreysville (now Seymour), New Haven county, in January, 1836, where he worked as journeyman at augurmaking. He was married April 24, 1836, to Miss Mary J. Hartshorn, by whom he had three children : one daughter, Alice A., and two sons, Lyman L. and John S., all of whom died under three years of age. In January, 1843, he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was an active and exempUiry member. In March, 1843, he was initiated into tlie Housatonic Lodg^e, No. 6, I.O.O.F., at Birmingluini, and in September, ls4<), he withdrew from tliat lodge in order to organize one in llmnplireysville, his ])lace ot' residence, and accordingly was a charter member of Mechanics Lodge, No. 73, and was the second N.G. (^f that lodge. In 1848 he purchased an interest in the manufactory where he had been employed since 1836. In 1850 he bought the whole establishment, which he carried on very successfully for a number of years. In 1852 he was elected re})resentative to the state legislature, which office he tilled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In 1854, having met with a considerable loss by indorsing for others, he sold out and came west, landing in New Boston November 8th of that year, where he i)urchased the N. W. ^ of Sec. 29, T. 14, R. 5, which he commenced improving the following s])ring. Soon after his settlement in New Boston. J. L. Hartson, Mark^ J. O'Brien, J. C. Bell, C. II. Bell, D. Ilhies and others, became charter members of the New Boston Lodge, I.O.O.F., which was the tirst organized in the county. Mr. Hartson was the lirst N.G. and the first representative to the state Grand Lodge from this town and county. He remained on his farm about four years, when he bought a drug store in New Boston, which he carried on a little over two years ; during that time his wife Mary died. On January 8, 1860, he was married to his present wife, who was Mrs. Fanny M. Campbell, nee Mead. In April of 1863, having sold his town property, he returned to his farm, where he is still enjoying the quiet of rural life in his home, surrounded by a few congenial friends who know him best and love him most.

William Lewis was born in Wayne county, Indiana, April 25, 1832. His parents were formerly from Greene county, Virginia. He received a common school education, and in 1854 came to Mercer county and settled in New Boston township, where he has since resided. He was married October 30, 1850, to Sarah Jane, daughter of Pettis and Maria J. Finch. They have one child : Levi. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been since 1862. He is an extensive farmer, owning 620 acres of land. He has very fine buildings on his farm, and is engaged largely in stock raising and shipping. Politically he is a republican.

William T. Murray was born in Frederick county, ^laryland, April 16, 1820. He is tlie oldest son of William and Susan (Jackson) Murray. William T. left his native state in 1840, and aftei- traveling over the states of Indiana and Ohio, he settled in Wayne county, Indiana, where he lived several years. In 1856 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, where he has resided ever since. During his early life he was formed, the bride returned to lier bread, the groom to his plow, and the minister proceeded on his journey, all as if nothing unusual had liappened.

The ancestoi-s of John L. Hartson, of JSTew Boston, came from England and settled at Haverhill, Massachusetts, and took an active part in the struggle for American indej^endence. Andrew Hartson, grandfather of J. L., who was bom Apiil 6, 1756, was under twenty years of age when serving under Gen. Washington at Dorchester Heights, etc. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Baldwin, November 28, 1780, in Connecticut, where he subsequently made his home, following the occupation of a mechanic, excelling in the manufacture of augurs. He invented the screw augur, although the credit has since "been claimed by another. His family consisted of three sons : Jesse, the eldest, who died in early childhood; Ebenezer, still living (February 11, 1882), at the advanced age of ninety-six years ; and John, the father of John L, John was born September 3, 1790 ; was married in March, 1810, to Miss Alice Utley, by whom he had three sons, named in the order of theii* ages : Andrew, Lester and John Lyman, Tjorn December 29, 1814. His father died March 5, 1816, when John L. was but little past fourteen months old. He remained with his mother until about ten years old, when he stai-ted out to make his own way in the world. The first two or three years he worked on a farm in summer, and went to school in winter, doing chores for his board. He tlnis received the rudiments of an English education, and acquired a love of reading, by which means he has stored up a large fund of "useful knowledge and general intelligence. He next worked in a "woolen factory a yeai* or two, but not liking that business apprenticed liimself to learn the trade of scythe-making ; but his employer being an intemperate man failed in business, and John L. was thus tlii'own out of employment before he had served his time. It was at this time, seeing the evil efiects of strong drink, he became a firm advocate of total abstinence, and has always been strictly temperate, using neither spirituous liquors, wine nor tobacco. He soon after found em})loyment in an augur factory in Ashford, AVindham county, where he remained until he was twenty-one years old, becoming a veiy skillful workman. He went to Humphreysville (now Seymour), I^ew Haven county, in January, 1836, where he worked as journeyman at augurmaking. He was married April 24, 1836, to Miss Mary J. Hartshorn, by whom he had three children : one daughter, Alice A., and two sons, Lyman L. and John S., all of whom died under three years of age. In January, 1843, he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was an active and exemplary member. In March, 1843, he was initiate(l into the Ilousatoiiic Lodge, Xo. 6, I.O.O.F,, at Birmingliam, and in September, 184<>, lie withdrew from that lodge in order to organize one in lluniphreysville, his place of residence, and accordingly was a charter member of Mechanics Lodge, No. 73, and was the second N.G. of that lodge. In 1848 he purchased an interest in the manufactory where he had been em])loyed since 1836. In 1850 he bought the whole establishment, which he carried on very successfully for a number of years. In 18.52 he was elected rejM-esentative to the state legislature, which office he tilled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In lSo4, having met with a considerable loss by indorsing for others, he sold out and came west, landing in New Boston November 8th of that year, where he purchased the N. W. ^ of Sec. 29, T. 14, R. 5, which he commenced improving the following s])ring. Soon after his settlement in New Boston, J. L. Hartson, Mark J. O'Brien, J. C. Bell, C. H. Bell, D. Hines and others, became charter members of the New Boston Lodge, I.O.O.F., which was the tirst organized in the county. Mr. Llartson was the first N.G. and the first representative to the state Grand Lodge from this town and countv. He remained on his farm about four vears, when he bought a drug store in New Boston, which he carried on a little over two years ; during that time his wife Mary died. On January 8", 1860, he was married to his present wife, who was Mrs. Fanny M. Campbell, nee Mead. In Ai)ril of 1863, having sold his town property, he returned to his farm, where he is still enjoying the quiet of rural life in his home, surrounded by a few congenial friends who know him best and love him most.

WiLLiAJM Lewis was born in Wayne county, Indiana, April 25, 1832. His parents were formerly from Greene county, Virginia. He received a common school education, and in 1854 came to Mercer county and settled in New Boston township, where he has since resided. He was married October 30, 1856, to Sarah Jane, daughter of Pettis and Maria J. Finch. Thev have one child : Levd. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been since 1862. He is an extensive farmer, owning 620 acres of land. He has very fine buildings on his farm, and is engaged largely in stock raising and shipping. Politically he is a republican.

WiLLiA]^! T. Murray was born in Frederick county, ^larvland, April 16, 1820. He is the oldest son of William and Susan (Jackson) Murray. William T. left his native state in 1840, and after tra\'eling over the states of Indiana and Ohio, he settled in Wayne county, Indiana, where he lived several years. In 1856 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, where he has resided ever since. During his early life he was engaged in tlie butchering business. Since coming to Mercer county he lias been cliiefly engaged in fanning and stock raisting. In 1877- he again engaged in the butcherhig bus-iness in New Boston. Pohtically he has been a republican since 1860, but previous to that time he was a democrat. He has been a member of the Methodist church since 1854, and has always advocated the temj^erance cause. In August, 1843, he was married to Miss Mary Jackson, daugliter of Amor and Debbv Jackson, of Wavne countv, Indiana. Althouii:h her maiden name is the same as his mother's, tliey are not related. They have reared three children: "William H., who is married to Miss Amna^ Essley ; Alice, married to Thomas Murphey ; and Gertrude, who remains at home with her parents.

Jacob Loozer, farmer, was born March 10, 1834, in Switzerland, and emigrated to this country in 1854, and after working one year in Michigan came to Mercer county, where he has since resided. Mr. Loozer came, hearty and industrious, and with nothing to aid himself in this distant land but a willing pair of hands. Although he did not come until much later than some, he ranks among the wealthiest men in the county. After he came to the county he labored for four years on the farm for William Drury. Living very economically, at the end of four years he found he had money enough to purchase eighty acres of land, which he did. He has added to it at different times, until he has at present 640 acres. He was married March 10, 1859, to Miss Barbary Sloan. They have four children, all of whom are living. Mr. Loozer was the first man in the county to put up a wind pump. He is also agent for the Halladay's wind-mill, which is one of the best mills manufactured. He has always been an active republican. Mr. Loozer farms on a very large scale. He generally puts in 250 acres of corn.

John Seastone, wagomnaker and blacksmith, was born in Sweden, August 3, 1834. He came to this country in 1858, landing at Quebec August 21. From Quebec he went to Minnesota, where he stayed until 1859, when he came on to New Boston townshi}), where he has lived ever since. He worked at the blacksmith trade about four years at the "brick yard," which is five miles northeast of New Boston. From this point he removed to New Boston, where he has been largely engaged in wagonmaking, blacksmithing, and selling machinery of all kinds. He does a very large business, especially in the way of selling machinery. May 23, 1860, he was married to ]\Iiss Eva S. Hilmore. They have had seven children: Mary, Dora, Kate, JolmE., Charles V., Emma, Charlotte. They are all single, and live at home with their parents. Mr. Seastone is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church, at Swedona, Mercer county, Illinois. He is also a