Newell Township (part 1 of 2)

Newell Township

The pioneers were early attracted to this section of country. Its rich soil, pure water, abundant timber, and picturesque configuration, afforded strong inducements to them to accept with cheerfulness the deprivations of the border. The earlier settlers came mostly from Ohio and Kentucky. In those theaters of stirring experience they had been trained to vigorous exercise and ingenious resource. Their capital - steady and industrious habits, strong wills and constitutions - was the best for the times and the circumstances; with little else, they came to build homes and to gather around them the ordinary conveniences of civilized life. To leave comfortable firesides and happy associations and emigrate to this wild region, was no trifling episode in their lives. It was not unmixed with trials and difficulties, which abounded with disheartening constancy. The splendor and mazy activities of the present day so monopolize our interest that we cannot content ourselves, while looking back, to dwell on the picture long enough to get a distinct view of objects. The failure, therefore, nigh universal, to comprehend and appreciate the personal sacrifices of these resolute men and women, is not surprising. But the fact, however, is the same - that they laid the foundations of the local inheritance and prosperity of this generation. To the Le Neves must be accorded the honor of making the first beginning in Newell township. In the fall of 1823, Obadiah Le Neve journeyed on horse-back from Vincennes to St. Louis, and thence into Northeast Missouri, and on his homeward trip made a circuit in northern Illinois. With very correct judgment he pronounced the region enclosed in the present limits of Newell township the best that he had seen. Obtaining the numbers of the following tracts - W. \ N.W. \ Sec. 23, and E. \ N.E. \ Sec. 24, town 20 N., range 11 W., 3d principal meridian - he returned home, and a public land sale shortly after occurring, he purchased those pieces. Just prior to Christmas, in the year 1824, Obadiah and John Le Neve left their relations in Lawrence (then Crawford) county, Illinois, and with a team loaded with provisions and a small outfit of bedding, they set out for their future home. A third person accompanied to take the team back. On arriving at their destination, they rived a few rails and laid up a square, chinking and filling the interstices with pulled grass, and covering one half of the rude structure with puncheons. The Indians were numerous, and came to their camp with freedom, and behaved in the most friendly manner. They never disturbed anything while the men were away, though they often came about the place during their absence. They proved themselves honest and conscionable neighbors. When the pioneers spread their homely meals, the Indians, if any were present, were invited to the repast, and they always accepted with the best familiarity which hunger and gratitude could prompt. The immigrants had other neighbors far less companionable. These were the wolves that came about in great numbers, making the woods resonant with their hideous nocturnal serenade. The two brothers had come to prepare for their ultimate removal, and during the whole winter, which they spent in this neighborhood, were splitting rails. Toward the latter part of February they began to prepare for their departure. They first erected a cabin on section 14, town 20, about forty rods west of where John Le Neve has always lived. This was for occupation by Ben. Buttertield, who was expected to arrive soon with his family. He came near the close of the month, and two or three days later the Le Neves went back. The actual settlement of Newell township was thus begun by Buttertield, in February, 1825. In the course of the summer and fall quite numerous additions were made to the number of inhabitants, as the following list will show: John Current arrived from Virginia. The Howards - Henry, Lackland, Amos, Aaron and Nathan - and William and James Delay emigrated from Ohio. Jeremiah Delay, son of James Delay, probably came at the same time. Oliver Miller settled on Stony Creek in section 14. The Le Neves returned in November or December. Samuel and John Adams and Joseph Martin came together, from Harrison county, Kentucky. The first located on section 22, town 20, where he has always resided. William Newell, from the same place, settled on section 23, just east of Adams. John Lamb and his son Simeon (Quakers), natives of North Carolina, came from Indiana. John Goodener, Elijah Hale and John Swisher settled in the timber between Samuel Adams' and Solomon Rodrick's. Three brothers of John Swisher - Samuel, Lewis and Jacob - also lived in the same neighborhood, but the date of their settlement cannot be given. All these persons were from Ohio. George Ware came to Vermilion county this year. He made a farm on section 16 in this township. The next year Adam Starr came up from Georgetown. Samuel Swinford, Richard Blair, William Adams, Edward Martin and James Newell came from Harrison county, Kentucky. The last came the year before to examine the country, and entered land on section 10, on the 5th day of October. Abraham and Frederick Stipp, from Virginia, settled on section 9. John Watson settled in the south part of the township. In 1827 William Current, from Virginia, settled on section 36, town 20. David Tickle, Jacob and George Swisher, and Eli Hewitt, came from Ken- tucky. Nathaniel Taylor settled in the Le Neve neighborhood, and afterward went to Denmark. Joseph Gundy began improvements near Myersville, but did not bring his family until the next year. Luke Wiles, from Indiana, settled across the Fork from Myersville. In 1828 Hugh Bolton and Solomon Rodrick emigrated from Ohio. The latter settled where he now lives, on section 34, town 20. Dr. John Woods, a native of New York, located in the southeast part of the township as early as this year. It is believed that his father-in-law, Supply Butterfield, came not far from this time. Those from Kentucky were Thomas Hendren, Jehu Chandler, Jacob Eckler, James Duncan and his sons Asa, Alpha, Darius and James. In 1829 Ralph Martin and his step-son John P. Lindsey, Henry Ferguerson, William Cunningham and his minor sons James and Joseph, Harrison Oliver, George W. Smith, Samuel Oliver and his son Bushrod, John Shafer, and James and Andrew Makemson. arrived from Kentucky. Ambrose Andrews and his family, including his son Ambrose Phelps, just then of age, Nathaniel Glaze and family, Thomas Carter and family, Jacob Bumgardner, William Longshore, Robert Thornsburg, and John Stalcup, came together. Abram and Josiah Henkle, Henry Wood, Peter Starr, a native of North Carolina, William G. Blair, a native of Kentucky, Andrew Davison and his sons James and Robert, Virginians, all came from Ohio. Samuel Torrence came this year or earlier. In 1830, George Stipp, Robert Price, Richard Brewer, William J. Barger, and Consider Scott, a native of New York, came from Ohio. Valentine Leonard and his sons-in-law, Charles S. Young, John Young and Otho Allison, emigrated from Kentucky. The next year Caleb Worley arrived from Kentucky, and George French from Indiana. Louis Neely came in 1832; also Daniel P. Huffman came from Kentucky. John Campbell, and Samuel Campbell, jr., migrated from New York in 1833. In the following year Harper J. and Joseph Campbell, brothers to these, and Samuel Campbell, sr., located in this township. Clarendon E. Loring, a native of Maine, came from Indiana. Zachariah Robertson, Jacob Huffman, John Deck and John Rutledge, arrived from Kentucky. Michael Deck probably came at the same time. Jacob Deck, a Pennsylvanian, settled here in 1835. John Stipp, a brother to those who had already located in the township, and John Williams, recently from England, came about this time. The following is a list of early settlers who came perhaps not later than 1835: Armenus Miller, Michael and James Leonard, Edward Morgan, Samuel Briarly, Isaiah Treat, William Stevens, a preacher, Robert Layton, from Kentucky, Abel and Vatchel Newborough, Duncan Lindsey, a man named Long, and another named Moss. The latter built a tannery on section 26, town 20, but in 1834 sold his place to Samuel Campbell, sr., and settled in Danville township, where he built another tannery.

Henry Wood came from Ohio about 1829, arriving in October. He split rails and laid up a square, covering it with clapboards, which he also rived, and this he occupied for a house. Mrs. Wood, with her four children, used to stay alone in this place over night while her husband was away at the Wabash after provisions. The wolves and Indians abounded in the neighborhood, seemingly in equal numbers; but, fortunately for Mrs. Wood's equanimity of mind, the former exhibited the greater anxiety to cultivate acquaintance. By Christmas they had a more substantial habitation enclosed. Though neither door nor floor was made, nor chinking and daubing done, they were forced to occupy it. One day about midwinter the Henkles came over, and the three men chinked and daubed the house. That night it set in cold, and continued so a long time. The fire-place was planked up only as high as the mantel, and their experience with a "smoking chimney" was indeed distressing. In course of time, as opportunity was given, the floor was put down, the door hung, and the flue Raised to its proper height. This is a specimen of the experience of quite a number who came early. Those who came later were generally in better circumstances. They had means to enter a little piece of land for a home, some eighty, some one hundred and twenty, and a few one hundred and sixty acres. Until they had built and become settled they camped out and bunked down in the most convenient manner. As a rule, all had to struggle hard to get a living, and were content if they could make a few scanty improvements. Making rails became the staple employment for those who could spare any time from home, and they eagerly sought the opportunity to work for thirty-seven and a hall cents per hundred, and did not feel themselves unfortunate if they got but twenty-five.

In the summer and fall of 1832 John Johnson worked on the Wabash, rafting logs. He came home on foot Saturday nights, a distance of thirty miles, bringing on his back provisions for his family. The hard situation of all things was so grievously borne by many that, could they have returned, they would gladly have accepted any occasion. About all they possessed was required of them to reach the place, and then it was only through much fortitude that they could remain, even after it seemed impossible for them to depart. It may seem strange to the later generation in Newell township that any discontent should ever have been excited by the course of life here, and ever; but many bitter thoughts and burning tears of women have indelibl}" impressed on the memories of many venerable ones now living, in the midst of every comfort, the simple story of their trials. Sickness added more, perhaps, to the discouragements of those who were, heart-sick in their new homes than any other thing. The prevalent diseases were ague, typhoid fever, milk sickness and congestive chills. Usually in summer and fall, sickness prevailed to a melancholy extent throughout the country ; very often, whole families were down together. Dr. John Woods was the first regular physician. James Makemson borrowed books and studied physic with the view to treat his own family, and his success soon became so conspicuous that his neighbors began to employ him, and in a little time he had a good practice and reputation.

James Makemson was one of the earliest blacksmiths. He worked some at his trade in connection with farming, until he got to doctoring. William Current, though not a shoemaker by trade, began doing such work as soon as he came. Richard Brewer, who came a little later, was a regular tradesman. Customers bought leather at Moss' and Taylor's tanneries, and employed the shoemakers to manufacture it into boots and shoes. The tanneries furnished a considerable business to the people in peeling and hauling bark, which increased either their available funds or their stock of leather. Their harnesses, which were of the chain-tug pattern, were home-made. The collars were fast at the top, and had to be forced over the horses' heads.

The "hard winters,1' universally mentioned as such, were in 1830-1 and 1831-2. Deep snows covered the ground all winter. The first was the more remarkable for the depth of snow and the severity of the weather. The snow began falling on the 27th of December, 1830, and lay on until March. Fences were buried out of sight. First a thaw and a rain came, and afterward a freeze, forming a crust, when stock roamed about at will, and teams were driven over fences and fields. The eaves of the houses did not drip for forty-one days. Game of all kinds perished in great numbers. Deer became a prey to the wolves who pursued them to the woods, where they slumped so as to be unable to escape, and were devoured. Wild turkeys totally disappeared.

At the time of which we write, the inhabitants of this region, lacking the agents of locomotion which annihilate time and space, were removed from the markets of the world by toilsome distances.

Flat-boating soon became general. Boats built on the Wabash were commonly about one hundred and twenty feet long and fourteen feet wide, but those constructed on the Vermilion were about sixty feet long. A Vermilion boat was manned by a steersman and two oarsmen.

These boats were laden for New Orleans, and the freight comprised hogs, staves, poultry, produce, hoop-poles, baled hay, barreled pork, etc. The hogs and poultry were not fully fattened when put aboard, but became so on the trip, which lasted about six weeks. This time included numerous stoppages at points along the Mississippi, for trading with merchants and planters. They sold their boats and cargoes for what they could get, and then returned, - some on foot, some buying horses or mules and riding; but all, however, taking care to keep well back from the river, to avoid the numerous banditti who infested the shores. After the steamboats got to plying the rivers they came back on them. William Guthrie was one who did much of this business. He walked back from New Orleans two or three times. William Martin was another.

Before the invention of matches, people used flint and steel to strike fire, igniting a piece of tow with the sparks. On one cold winter morning, at the house of George W. Smith, the flint and steel would not fulfill their office, and one of the family was dispatched to a neighbor's for a coal. Mrs. Smith could not wait so long, so placing a handful of tow in the fire-place, she charged the gun with powder and fired into it, when she soon had a blazing hearth.

Denmark

This ancient town, situated on the left bank of the North Fork, two miles above Danville, was settled by Seymour Treat, probably in 1826. In "Coffeen's Hand-Book of Vermilion County" we find this information : "The first settler within the present limits of this county was Seymour Treat, in 1819, or perhaps in 1820. He came with a man by the name of Blackburn, to the salt springs, on Salt Fork, for the purpose of manufacturing salt. He afterward settled Denmark and built a saw-mill at that place." Treat's mill was a "corn cracker" and sawmill combined. He was the first blacksmith in Newell township, and besides operating his mill, worked some at his trade.

In a few j^ears a considerable settlement had been made. Two drygoods stores were started, one belonging to Alexander Bailey and the other to Stebbins Jennings. Probably the former was the first established in business. He attained to much local prominence. Jennings was gifted with practical talents. His acquirements, also, were good for the times. He took a leading interest in business and educational concerns, and was freely intrusted with responsible duties. James Skinner, too, was an early settler and prominent citizen. He kept a store, and with William McMillin, purchased the mill from Treat. It is said by some that he opened the first inn. McMillin came from

Franklin county, Ohio, about the latter part of 1832. He was a farmer. Before there was a tavern in the place he regularly furnished entertainment to whomsoever drew up to his door. Jonathan Patterson settled here in quite an early day, and opened a public house. Robert and Thomas Wyatt and John Williams, also came quite early, the latter in 1834 or 1835, and the others about the same time. These and some others had, at different times, an interest in the mill. The Wyatts were the last owners who ran it with profit, either to themselves or the community at large. Williams kept a general store. John Hunt and John Hathaway kept groceries. Several of these were supported in the place. A " grocery " was what is now called a saloon. Only liquors were kept and sold. Abel and Vatchel Newborough were early blacksmiths. John Young had a smithy in the neighborhood, across the Fork. John Knox, who settled in Blount, worked here at the shoemaker's trade. Solomon Kooder was the carpenter. He built the first bridge across the North Fork, which was located at the Denmark Crossing. Nathaniel Taylor, who settled in the Le Neve neighborhood about 1828, came the following year to Denmark and started a tan-yard. About 1835 an independent rifle company was organized, and regularly drilled here. William G. Blair was the captain.

Denmark was laid out before Danville. During the final agitation of the county-seat question a strong effort was made to have the seat of justice located here. This desired object was nearly realized. As the history of this matter will be fully related in its proper connection elsewhere, no details upon the subject will be attempted at this point. Denmark became a noted place. The bad name it received was first deserved. Whisky brought it to ruin. Brawls and street fights were an everyday occurrence. Religious worship was scarcely known. Daniel Fairchild preached there some at an early time, but the obduracy of the place evidently caused it to be abandoned in despair. From 1835 to 1842 was#the period of its greatest prosperity.

Blackhawk War

Newell township, as well as other sparsely settled localities which contributed men, felt the serious burden of the Blackhawk war. The demand for volunteers fell chiefly and heavily on the frontier settlements. While these, lying first in the pathway of the savages, were the more concerned in the events of the war, they also needed, more than people in the remoter and older settlements, their whole time to raise a crop, and to fit up comfortable abodes. Those most exposed to danger are always justly expected to evince the greater alacrity, and to make the greater sacrifice for their defense. So it devolved upon these people to leave the plow in the furrow, with but a part of the sod turned, and much of that implanted, and to shoulder their pieces and go from the fields of domestic peace and rural song to those which resounded with Indian yells and mortal conflict. The following is believed to be a complete list of those who went from this township : Charles S. Young, Asa Duncan, Alpha Duncan, James Cunningham, . Ambrose P. Andrews, Bushrod Oliver, Obadiah Le Neve, John Le Neve, William Current, William G. Blair, Soam Jennings, John Deck, Samuel Swinford, Jacob Eckler, Jeremiah Delay, John Watson, George Ware and Alexander Bailey. The two last commanded companies. Bailey's was the largest in Col. Moore's regiment. John Young went too, but, notwithstanding he was a leading spirit in Denmark, he does not properly belong to Newell township, for he lived across the Fork.

The only percussion-gun in the regiment was one owned and brought from Virginia by Abraham Stipp. Uncle Charles Young borrowed it from Stipp, and bore it through the campaign. The people left at home were harassed with racking apprehensions, and, as a consequence, kept in continual readiness for surprise or flight. After the axes and pitchforks had been brought inside at night, all the doors were safely barred. Many retired for rest haunted with the terrible fear that they would be killed and scalped before morning. Only a part at a time laid down, and those never with left-off clothing. The horses were kept standing in harness, and the wagons with covers on. Dishes and household utensils were buried. Only a few, to be placed in the wagon at the alarm, were reserved from concealment for present use. The number of those who " died a thousand deaths in fearing one " was in extravagant disproportion to the number actually harmed, for there were a good many of the former and none of the latter.

The volunteers, having returned home, set themselves industriously at work mauling rails to make a support, as they had lost by their service the season for raising a crop.

The Mormons

The Mormon church was organized by Joseph Smith at Manchester, Ontario county, New York, on the 6th of April, 1830. This delusion was energetically propagated, and at once spread into Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. No later than the following year missionaries, in the persons of Orson and Parley Pratt, appeared in Newell township. The former is now a prominent leader in the church at Salt Lake City. His brother Parley is represented as having been the abler and more eloquent of the two. It is conceded that he was one of the brightest intellectual lights in the church bf the Latter Day Saints. The center of their operations was in Blount township. The first preaching point they made in Newell was at the house of Oliver Miller. Afterward they occupied the Eckler school-house, and made appointments at Harrison Oliver's and Jehu Chandler's. The latter neither joined them nor approved their customs. Elders Sherer, George Morey, Coon, Packard, Jackoway, and perhaps others, labored in disseminating the Mormon doctrine. Very bitter opposition was encountered from some. In preaching, they called themselves "the children of the kingdom"; they pretended to heal the sick, and talked some of raising the dead, but made very little point of this last ingredient of the imposture. The efficacy of their treatment consisted in the laying on of hands. In several instances they tested their healing powers with ignominious failure. Consider Scott was one of their first converts. Harrison Oliver, Louis Neely and Oliver Miller also embraced their doctrine, and, taking their families, went to Independence, Missouri, with the missionaries, when the latter shook the dust of Newell township from their feet. A number who had joined them refused to follow.

The following grotesque incident is related: The Mormon elders made a convert of one Robert Baxter, an itinerant tailor, who was as deaf as a stone. A day was fixed for his baptism at Denmark; he attended punctually. It was winter, and pretty cold. On approaching the water he looked up and all around as if in torturing doubt whether to be plunged beneath the chilly wave, or openly and flatly to retract his profession before a crowd of gaping spectators. At length, with an uneasy twitch of his shoulders and a toss of his head, he cried out, abruptly, in wretched voice, " I guess I'll withdraw ! " " Oh, no ! you must not withdraw now," said the officiating elder. He looked painfully about him again for a moment, then blurted out, excitedly, "I guess I'll withdraw!" and at the same instant broke and ran at the top of his speed till he was out of sight.

Kentucky and Ohio gave liberally to Newell township of the flower of their emigrant population. These people had been reared in communities where habits of thrift and general intelligence were prominent objects of private care and public patronage. That they should cherish the sentiments which underlie these constituents of societary and political growth - which are the pabulum of the state - and labor to cultivate the same in their new position, was to be looked for with just expectation. They engaged early in organizing schools, and socie- ties for religious worship. The pioneer log school-house was one of the simplest, yet most celebrated, institutions that has figured in the settlement of our country. It was built of round or hewed logs, and contained one room. Puncheons covered the floor ; a rude fire-place in one end reached nearly from corner to corner; in the other end an opening had been made by leaving out a log, and in this upright pieces were placed at proper intervals, and oiled paper pasted on them to admit light. The furniture consisted of rough benches. Pins were driven into the logs, or wooden hooks fastened up, on which the boys hung their caps, and the girls their hoods and shawls. At the window a long writing-board was put up, with the customary pitch, and a bench which reached across the room was placed before this desk. Here, in the flood of light, the scholars practiced their copies.

This period antedates the establishment of the free system by the state. Schools had to be inaugurated by direct exertion, and supported by private contribution, and only those who paid received their benefits. School-houses were built in the same voluntary manner. The settlers met at a place agreed on for the site; some cut down the trees, others hauled them up ; while another set of hands were employed in cutting, saddling and putting them in place in the building. On the frontier, where the distribution of labor was little equalized, and all men had to depend principally on their own hands to fabricate articles of necessity, most people were more or less skillful with tools. In the public gatherings of this kind, the best workmen took the lead and did the most particular portions of the work. Schools were not limited to those houses alone which were built for that purpose, but vacant cabins, suitably located and not less commodious than the school-houses themselves, were customarily devoted to this use. Whoever proposed to organize a school, went around among the settlers and took subscriptions for the number of scholars that each would send. If a stranger came into the settlement and announced a like intention, someone would volunteer to accompany and introduce him to all interested in that object. The usual price paid was $1.00 and $1.50 per term of three months for each scholar, but sometimes twenty-five cents extra were added for a winter term to pay for fuel. Often those whose financial ability would permit, and who were much concerned to have a school, would subscribe for three or four scholars when they had not more than half the number. Others, who had three or four old enough to be instructed, could subscribe, perhaps, for only one, and would divide the attendance among them, or between the two older, by sending them alternately a week at a time. Reading, writing, spelling and ciphering comprised the studies.

The first school-house in Newell township was on section 23, at the four corners just east of Samuel Adams', situated on William Newell's land, and was called the Newell school-house. It was built in 1827. A man named Scott, who is described as a good-natured, fatherly old soul, was the first teacher. The second was Duncan Lindsey. He directed the shooting ideas of the young with frequent and vigorous applications of the hickory. Corporal punishment was little remarked in those days, and was, as a rule, laid on in scripture quantity, according to the inexorable dictates of supposed duty. It is not to be doubted that Duncan Lindsey used the rod with a zeal worthy of a holy cause. His liberal disposition in this respect left impressions which are distinct to this day. This man's scholars learned well, and in other respects he taught a good school. Present methods of school government are in striking contrast to this barbarous and degrading recourse for correction. The second was known as the Eckler school-house, and was built on land owned by Jacob Eckler. It was situated between Joseph W. Osborne's and William R. Campbell's. A person riding along that road will not fail to see a large beautifully spreading walnut tree standing in the southwest corner of Mr. Osborne's pasture. Just back of that a few paces was the site of this house. It was built in the fall of 1830. Valentine Leonard, who came with his family about that time, lived in it the following winter. The next summer the first school was opened, with Miss Elizabeth Stipp as teacher.

As early as 1833 a school-house stood on the banks of the North Fork, about eighty rods south of Denmark. Mary Beasly, Noah Sapp and Elizabeth Stipp were among the earliest teachers. After a few years the building was abandoned, and a private house in Denmark used. The latter is yet standing. The Lamb school-house, located on the southeast corner of section 26, was built about 1835. It had a window on each side, consisting of a single row of 8x10 inch panes placed close up to the eaves, and running the whole length of the building. Among the teachers at this place may be mentioned Robert Price, John McKee, J. Poor and James A. Davis. An incident is related as having transpired at this school-house : The door fastened on the outside by means of a padlock. An irate youth whom the teacher had just punished, went out and secured the door, and then climbed on top of the building and covered the chimney. Coming down, he seated himself on a log to await developments and to enjoy his revenge. Blinded and almost suffocated by smoke, the school was soon in exasperated confusion. At length the teacher thought to extinguish the fire from the water-pail, when one of the boys crawled up the flue and uncovered it. The Cunningham school-house was built about 1840, and for a number of years stood some distance west of its present site. Levi Cronkhite is said to have been the first teacher. Since 1858 the town elections have been held at this place. Wonderful and happy changes have occurred in Newell township, but in nothing is the revolution greater than in the matter of the education of the youth. The old log hut with its puncheon seats and paper windows, has given way to comfortable little temples of learning, with the modern patent iron-framed desks. Blackboards, charts and apparatus, which in the pioneer times were unknown, now tempt the willing feet Rapidly along the path and up the hill of science.

Religious History

The first preaching in Newell township was at the house of Wm. Delay, in 1826. One day a Methodist preacher was passing, and Mr. Delay invited him to stop, and before he left he delivered a sermon to the neighbors who had been collected to hear him. The Delay class was immediately organized, and circuit preaching begun. Mr. Delay and his wife Susan were original members. At different times between this date and 1835 the following, with many others whose names cannot be obtained, joined the society: Mary Boston, Anthony Howard, John Brewer and his wife, Lavina; Aunt Polly Makemson, and her husband, James Makemson ; Christina Brewer, Sarah Rodrick, Jane and Jacob Delay, Aunt Polly Current and her husband, William Current. Aunt Polly Current is the only living representative of this class. The next point was at Peter Starr's. Services were commenced there soon after his settlement in the township, in the fall of 1829. This was a stated place of worship for several years, and became a noted resort for christian people. The genuine piety and hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Starr endeared them to all the brethren. Mother Starr still lives at a very advanced age, to cheer the hearts of her children. The Eckler school-house, in the same neighborhood, was also used for services, and by several denominations. The Methodists, Predestinarian Baptists, the Disciples or Campbellites, and a sect distinguished by the local name of Radical Methodists - all had classes here. James Harshy and Wrisley were the first Methodist preachers ; either one or the other filled the appointment fortnightly. James Norris was the first to the Baptists, and Dr. Hall the first to the Disciples. Another prominent preaching place was at Jeremiah Delay's. Subsequently, meetings were held several years at John Johnson's and Wm. G. Blair's. The United Brethren held monthly meetings at Samuel Adams' a few years, and afterward at the Newell school-house. The

Christians held meetings in an early da}- at William Cunningham's. Some of the earliest preachers in that denomination were Dr. Hall, Walters, Hibbs, Watson Clark, Solomon McKinney, John Ashby, Sears, Law and Thurman.

In 1834 or 1835 the christian society called Walnut Corners church was organized, and held meetings at the house of William Cunningham and at the Eckler school-house. Several years later the place of worship was changed to the Cunningham school-house, a very- good frame building for those days. In the summer of 1850 the meetinghouse at the Corners was built, Frank Stevens and Samuel Mussulman being employed to do the work. It is a low-post building 30x40 feet. Its cost cannot be known. Money was subscribed and work given b}7 the people, regardless of church or other affiliations. It was erected as a Union house, though its control has either been assumed by the Christians or left to them by general consent. Its pulpit has been freely used by ministers of all denominations. About nine years ago the larger part of the Christian society settled in State Line City, and built an edifice there, but the brethren remaining in the vicinity of the old church preserved their membership with the majority. After standing unused, and in a dilapidated state, for some time, the house was lately repaired, receiving fresh coats of paint and plastering, and it is now in a condition for indefinite use. The repairs were made by the community at large. This was the first frame church ever erected in Newell township. At present the pulpit is not regularly supplied. A flourishing Sunday-school is maintained in the summertime.

The Asbury church building is Methodist property, and was erected in 1851. The community contributed the timbers and hauled all the material. The work was done by Frank Stevens and a man named Wilson. About $700 in cash were distributed by the society in its construction. It is 26x36 feet, low-posted, and what would be called an old church. The frame is of the old-fashioned kind, and consequently substantial. Should the building be kept in repair there can be no doubt that it will outlast many more imposing structures. It is situated on land given for the purpose by William Current, sr., in section 36, town 20. The house was consecrated on the 4th of April, 1852, Elder Fairbanks preaching the dedication sermon. Religious services are held once every three weeks. Rev. G. B. Goldsmith is the preacher in charge the present year. A Sunday-school is kept up through the summer season.

about the year 1848 or 1849. Among the original members were an old lady named Morris, Abram Long and his wife Barbara, Elizabeth Clapp, Augustine Clapp, and a few others. In the course of the first year numerous additions were made. Isaac Emily, who was so nearly blind that on dark days he was obliged to have a guide, was the first minister. He was a noted organizer of churches, both in Illinois and Indiana. He and his successor, Z. M. Wilkins, were the leading spirits of this society. Samuel Gregory and Absalom Kearny were the two next elders. In the summer of 1852 a house of worship, 30x40 feet in size, was built at a cost of $1,200. The site was donated by 'Squire Leonard. Four years ago it underwent a general refitting, and is at present in first-rate condition. This organization was once very numerous, having as many as three hundred. Though now decreased to one hundred and fifty, it may yet be said to be strong. The church enjoys a fair degree of prosperity. The Rev. Jones is pastor the current year. On the 11th of June, 1871, Mahlon Thrapp and his wife Sarah, Mrs. Francis F. Scott, Elizabeth Campbell and Mary Knott organized a United Brethren society, and arranged for holding regular monthly meetings. Mr. Thrapp and the local preacher at Danville, George Holycross, conducted the services. The former was appointed classleader. In the fall the Rev. William Coffman was stationed at Danville, and this charge was attached to his circuit. At his first ministration Ruth Saunders and Martha Campbell united with the church. A protracted meeting was commenced at an early day and eighteen were added to the membership. In the following spring subscriptions were taken for erecting a house of worship. The undertaking received liberal encouragement, and before autumn the house was built. Farmers Chapel is a plain, substantial structure, supported by a brick underpinning. Its size is 30x40 feet. Its cost was $1,400, exclusive of considerable donations of labor. Alexander Johnson gave an acre of ground for a church and a grave-yard. It is situated in the Blair neighborhood on section 21. The membership is fifty -seven, and the class, of which Francis F. Scott is leader, is in a flourishing condition. Regularly on the 1st of May of each year a Sabbath- school is organized and maintained in excellent life, until the cold weather and the bad roads of winter render its discontinuance expedient. During the winter season a regular weekly prayer-meeting is kept up.

The first improvement in Myersville was the Chrisman mill, which formed a nucleus for this once thriving and important village. The Gundys, Davisons, Henkles, Wiles, Kerr, Wood, Andrews, Carter,

Glaze, Barger and a few others were living in a cordon around the place. In 1838 Peter Chrisman, of Indiana, bought the mill site and commenced work on the building. He designed erecting a combined saw and grist mill, but when the first was up, and before the second was begun, his son, Joseph, was killed while prosecuting the work, which melancholy event so affected him that he left it unfinished. A sharp ridge lay transversely to the mill-race which the men were cutting, and it was determined to tunnel it to avoid removing so much earth. Young Chrisman had driven the digging too far without propping up the immense weight overhead, and it broke down, instantly crushing him to death. This occurred in February, 1839. The exact spot of this accident is pointed out at the north side of the bridge across the race. In the fall Chrisman sold the property to a man named Koontz, living in Indiana. He employed John and Samuel Myers, who were millwrights, to come and complete the work which was begun. They arrived in the spring of 1840, and not long afterward bought out Koontz. Early in 1841 they removed their families from Indiana. These brothers, besides running the saw-mill, at once put in a run of stones, and also set a carding-mill in operation. In June, 1843, they raised the grist-mill. This last is the only one remaining. They owned and operated it nearly twenty years. It has been a paying property. Joseph Smith, of Danville, is the present owner. William and Andrew Zeigler, of Attica, Indiana, built the first store and sold the first goods in the place. William Briggs succeeded them, and he in turn was bought out by Green & Gundy (Joseph Gundy) in the spring of 1852. Columbus Crossen started the first wagon shop, and Thomas L. Silvey was one of the earliest blacksmiths. Dr. John B. Holloway located here as early as 1844, and opened a drug store, but he was not an early settler. Early in 1854 Andrew Gundy took charge in his own name of the business previously carried on by Green & Gundy. In 1857 he retailed $36,000 worth of goods from the establishment. His business embraced corn and wool-buying, and the feeding of cattle and hogs, and this branch by itself considerably exceeded $100,000 that year. People came here for distances of seventy miles to trade and to get milling done. That intoxicating liquors were never sold in this place is the best possible evidence of the high social and moral character of the people. Joseph Gundy and the Myers owned the land, and they guarded the interests of the little community as men having a lively sense of their responsibility, and of the evils of this costly and unholy traffic. Myersville has always excelled in celebrations of our national holiday. The pretty location of the place upon the North Fork, the adjoining wood, and the public spirit of the citizens, have contributed to 'recommend it to everybody. The matrons of the place have always borne a prominent part in these affairs, and it is but just to add that their spirit and their services were indispensable. Aunt Sarah Holloway, Aunt Susan Header!, Aunt Katie Duncan, Mrs. Joseph Smith and Mrs. Ava Tuttle constitute this roll of honor. The first post-office established here was called Myers' Mills, but owing to some irregularity it was discontinued for awhile, and when it was reestablished was named Myersville. Prior to this change the village had always been designated by the first name. Before they had a post-office in this place the people got their mail at Samuel Gilbert's, in Ross township.

The early history of the Methodist society at Myersville is nearly dissolved under the triturating wheels of time. As near as we have been able to ascertain, it came into existence as a complete organization about 1840. James Davison, Henry Wood and his wife, Jesse Wood, Robert and Elizabeth Davison, Nathaniel Glaze and Joseph Kerr are all the original members who can now be recalled. All these were pillars in the church, but this distinction is particularly applied to James Davison. Meetings were held at Henry Wood's, John Humphrey's, James Davison's, and the Kerr school-house. In 1854 the meeting-house at Myers' Mills (since Myersville) was built, and called Wesley Chapel. It is thirty by forty feet on the ground, one story of fourteen feet, four windows on each side, and two in one end. It is a heavy, substantial frame, and cost $1,375. On the 28th of July John B. and Sarah Jane Holloway conveyed the site in fee simple to the trustees. The church is experiencing some lukewarmness, but there are hopeful indications of a recovery of interest. The society numbers about sixty members. A flourishing Sabbath-school has been doing continuous work for the four last years. Joshua A. Shockley is the superintendent. The Rev. G. B. Goldsmith has been the pastor during the last conference year.

The Coal Branch of the C. & E. I. R. R., which intersects the main line at this place, was surveyed and built in 1872. Charles S. Young and Dr. John B. Holloway each gave twenty acres of land for a town site. John Myers added ten acres, reserving the alternate lots and selling the remainder to the railroad company. The town was laid out in the fall. The first building put up in the place was by Robert Kerr, a year or more anterior to the laying out of the town, and was used for a store. He was succeeded bv John Leonard and Asa Bushnell. The latter bought out the former, and, entering into partnership with Francis M. Gundy, they erected a commodious building, and are now keeping a general store. They also deal largely in hogs and some in cattle. William Tate first sold lumber and bought corn. He put up several buildings. At the end of two years he sold out to John R. Carter, who is engaged in the grain trade. Green & Phillips kept a grocery and provision store two years, and were succeeded by the Phillips Brothers, who are not now in business. In the winter of 1871-2 the post-office was removed from Myersville to Bismark. Robert Kerr was the first postmaster. Asa M. Bushnell is the present incumbent. About four years ago the railroad company built an engine-house and turntable here. The former was destroyed by fire in the spring of 1879, and another was erected. The district school-house, standing in the village, is very old, having been in use nearly thirty years. On the 24th of May, 1879, at an election held for that purpose, the people authorized an issue of bonds to build, a new one. The principal buildings are the depot, engine-house, a general store, drug store, wagon and blacksmith shop, and a boarding-house. About thirty families live here. Two physicians have established themselves in the place. In 1876 a voting precinct was established at Bismark, and the first poll held at the general election of that year.

The Methodists have held meetings at Bismark about six years. The United Brethren had meetings much earlier. The former have no regular organization ; their membership is at Myersville. The Rev. James T. Barr began preaching for them. Services have been continued at this place ever since. They have a successful Sunday-school, with an average attendance of about fifty. The Rev. Gilbert B. Goldsmith is the present pastor. An effort is making to build a church at an estimated cost of $1,500 - $600 being subscribed, and a small portion of the sum paid. Their plan and specifications are drawn, and if they succeed in raising the necessary funds to erect the house as contemplated, it will be a Gothic, 30 x 50 feet on the ground, fourteen-foot posts, arched ceiling, two class-rooms and a gallery. When the house shall have been erected the Myersville society will be removed, and the two appointments merged in one.

The Christian Society was organized on the 11th of January, 1879, by the Rev. Henry H. Gunn, assisted by the Rev. John A. Clapp, with eleven members. Subsequently, seven were added. The Rev. Gunn is pastor of this congregation. They have no house of worship.

Description And Organization

Blount. It embraces all of township 20, range 11, except a strip on the west side three-fourths of a mile wide, but includes about an equal quantity of range 10 on the east. It further comprises all the sections from 19 to 36 inclusive, in township 21, range 11, except the west half of sections 30 and 31, which belong to Blount, making an irregular west boundary with four mediate right-angles. It covers an area of about fifty-three sections - the first tier in township 20 being short one half - and, with a trifling variation, is eight and one-half miles from north to south, and six miles from east to west. It presents a boldly undulating surface of prairie and timber land, the latter embracing the three southernmost tiers of sections, and the remaining space west of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad. The more valuable timbergrowth is found in the southern portion, and consists of the common varieties, including some beech. Great quantities of black walnut abound. Stony and Lick Creeks are the principal streams. The North Fork of the Vermilion winds along the western border, crossing it half a dozen or more times.

At the election held on the 5th of November, 1850, Vermilion county adopted township organization. John Canady, Alvan Gilbert and Hamilton White were the commissioners to divide the county into townships. Newell township was originally named Richland. At the first meeting of the board of supervisors on the 13th day of June, 1851, the name was changed to Newell, as there was another town of Richland in the state. The town bears its present name in honor of 'Squire James Newell, the first justice of the peace. The first election in the township after the adoption of the new system of county government was the annual town election on the first Tuesday in April, 1851, held at the house of Otho Allison. John Woods was chosen moderator, and Benjamin Stewart, clerk pro tempore. The electors then proceeded to elect a moderator and a clerk of the town. John Woods received twelve votes for the first position, and William R. Chandler, eleven, and Benjamin Stewart, two, for the second. The remaining offices were filled by the election of the following persons: Asa Duncan, supervisor; William G. Blair, Samuel Copeland and Solomon Clapp, commissioners of highways; Willard Brown and Benjamin Stewart, justices of the peace; David Cosatt, constable; Augustine Clapp, assessor; J. C. Rutledge, collector; and Peter Starr, overseer of the poor. At this meeting two pounds were established ; one, known as the East pound, was located at Peter Voorhees', and the other, described as the West pound, at David Cosatt's. It was voted to hold the next annual town meeting at the Nauvoo school-house. Elections were held at this place till 1857. No minutes of this meeting were recorded. Those of the previous one show no action on the question of removal ; and as it appears by the record that the annual meeting of 1858 was held at the Cunningham school-house, we infer that the change of polling-place was voted at the spring election of 1857. The value of the town records is greatly affected by the numerous hiatuses which occur, one of which, in the very important period of the war, covers a space of four years. The annual meetings have since been held at the Cunningham school-house, but at the last election (April, 1879) the polling-place was transferred to the Le Neve school-house, where, for the first time, an election will be held in the fall of the current year. Stock has always been permitted to run at large. The town has uniformly been democratic, and may boast with no unseemly pride that it is free from debt.

In 1856 Fremont (now Blount) township was created from Newell and Pilot townships. In the formation of this new town Newell lost about one third of its area.

War History

The defective town records oblige us to resort to verbal information for much material which otherwise would be documentarv and far more complete and reliable. This recourse is especially enforced in an account of the raising of funds to hire substitutes in the time of the war. Whatever errors or omissions occur in this relation should be attributed to the natural weakness and failure of the memory - no more in those who have supplied these scanty materials than in the great mass of men. Sometime in the summer or fall of 1864 a requisition was made on Newell township for twenty-eight able-bodied men for the military service. Several public meetings were convened at the regular polling-place at the Cunningham school-house. At the first of these, committees were appointed to obtain subscriptions to a fund for hiring substitutes and filling the quota of the town. Fourteen thousand dollars were subscribed in sums varying from ten dollars to two hundred dollars. Andrew Gundy and Harry Ross were deputed to go to Cairo, Illinois, to contract the required number of men. This duty the}' performed with entire success and satisfaction. Early in the succeeding winter a demand for twenty-eight men was again made on the township. An election was ordered to ascertain the will of the people in regard to issuing bonds for another quota of money to avert a draft. Authority was given by a large majority to issue fourteen thousand dollars of bonds. This measure met with some opposition from the wealthier men of the town, and it was sought to defeat it by stratagem after it had been decisively carried. The town-clerk was secured by this faction to act in their interest. He was to postpone his signing of the bonds until the latest moment, when he was to resign his office, and so leave no competent authority to complete the transaction. The party favoring the issue of the bonds got notice of this snare in time to have a qualified person on the ground to be immediately appointed by the town board. The arrangement was fully carried out on both sides, and the bonds were issued in pursuance of the authority granted by the people. The face of the bonds was twentyfive dollars and fifty dollars, with ten per centum annual interest. They were offered for sale on the fair, grounds at Danville, and were disposed of at par. Solomon Starr bought the first one, and Joseph W. Osborne the largest amount, one thousand dollars. When put up for sale, announcement was made that they should be received for the taxes of that year - which announcement, of course, contained no legal obligation. This promise was fairly observed, though it was not strictly lawful for the collector to receive bonds in payment of taxes. To avoid trouble, and to satisfy any scruples which might be felt, the town-clerk (we think it must have been the supervisor) daily receipted to the assessor in a sum equal to the amount of the bonds he had taken.

The present town officers are: Andrew Gundy, supervisor; Richard M. Jenkins, town clerk; William O. Cunningham, assessor; T. J. Scott, collector; Joseph Cunningham, Martin Adams, and J. D. Campbell, commissioners of highways ; J. S. Johnson and William R. Wilson, justices of the peace; Stephen Daniels and William R. Osborne, constables.

The Newell Horse Company was organized in 1854, and held its first quarterly meeting in October of that year. It was composed of many of the best citizens of Newell township. The earliest records are not extant. The objects of the association are expressed in the preamble to the constitution to be " to shield us from the depredations of horse-thieves, counterfeiters and swindlers, and to afford mutual assistance in reclaiming stolen horses and in apprehending thieves." Depredations had been extensively committed in the township by horse-thieves. Just over in Indiana was a nest of them, who combined counterfeiting with their other crimes. John Deck, sr., Geo. Luckey, and one or two others who had been sufferers by their operations, after vainly urging upon the citizens the organizing of some means of protection, entered into a compact, pledging themselves to assist and protect one another. Soon others were attracted to the company, and when the number had increased to twenty-five, they effected a permanent organization, at the Nauvoo school-house, by adopting a constitu- tion and by-laws, and electing officers. This body steadily grew in numbers and efficiency, till it became so formidable to the depredators that it was a standing menace to them, and an invaluable protection to the community. They captured counterfeiting presses, recovered stolen property, and ferreted out and apprehended horse-thieves and counterfeiters. They broke up and dispersed the gang that had infested this region of country, and so completely overawed one of the ring-leaders, named Lane, that whenever applied to by them he gave information against his fellows, and rendered material aid in bringing them to justice. He afterward moved to another county, where he and his son became so notorious in stealing and counterfeiting that both were killed. One notable instance of summary execution occurred in the early days of this organization. A horse had been stolen in the vicinity. The company overtook the thief at Beaver Lake. He was about to escape, when Abiah Luckey snatched a fowling-piece from a gamester in their midst, and, after commanding the escaping criminal to halt without heed to the summons, shot him dead. For several years at first this company held meetings at the Nauvoo school-house, afterward at the Rutledge school-house, and still later at the Smith school-house. Like most other mutual organizations, this has lapsed at times in interest and vigilant operations, for want of employment. It is a member of the Wabash General Association of Detective Companies, which includes forty-eight similar bodies.

State Line City And Illiana

The site of State Line City and Illiana was the western terminus of the Toledo & Wabash railroad. The Great Western, built and owned by another company, and a continuation of the same route to the southwest, about the same time formed a junction here, whereupon the town began immediate growth. State Line City was laid out in the spring of 1857, by Robert Casement, and on the suggestion of A. P. Andrews was christened by its present name. Not long afterward that part of the town lying on the Illinois side was laid out by Parker Dresser and Edward Martin, and designated Illiana - a name formed from the first two syllables of Illinois and the last two syllables of Indiana. Two engine-houses and a passenger depot with a large eating-house attached were at once erected by the railroad companies. Passengers changed cars, and all local freight was trans-shipped here. A large region, embracing the towns of Covington, Perry sville, Eugene, Rossville, Myersville and Marysville, shipped and received freight at this point. About forty railroad hands were kept employed. Some time during that season John Briar and A. P. Andrews, under the firm name of

Briar & Andrews, built a general merchandising establishment. William Toole started a grocery and saloon. In the fall Robert Casement erected two large buildings north of the track, for a grain elevator. The next year Perrin Kent and his son William, and Col. E. F. Lucas, under the firm name of Kent & Co., built, on the same plan, another elevator. Harvey Barkley opened a dry-goods store, and Boyd & Partlow a druo' store. Dr. Porter came in the fall. Robert Craig: and John Ludlow set up in the blacksmith business. By this time a considerable number of shanties had been put up by railroad employes, and also a few good dwellings by other persons. In the fall of this year Prof. Elbridge Marshall, with a view of establishing a manual labor school, solicited subscriptions to that object, and issued stock certificates entitling the holders to tuition for the amounts subscribed. He purchased ten acres of ground and erected a two-story brick building, 40x42 feet in dimensions, at a cost of $4,000. This institution was named Evans Union College. Marshall was a thorough instructor, and under his able management the school gained a pleasing efficiency. In 1864 his connection with it ended, and John H. Braiden became the controlling spirit in its affairs. Prof. Aaron D. Goodwin succeeded as principal. These changes became the fruitful source of sectarian dissension, and the prosperity of the school rapidly diminished. Two or three years afterward the trustees of Kent township purchased the house for $2,700. It is now used for the public school.

In June, 1865, the passenger house and railroad hotel were burned. The two roads having been consolidated, the engine-houses were removed to Danville. The town suffered from this last event, and perhaps still more from the building of other railroads, which cut off territory tributary to it, and in consequence has undergone serious decline.

The question of incorporation having been presented to the people, the issue was decided affirmatively at an election held for that purpose on the 26th of April, 1873. An election for trustees was held in June. The board consists of five members. State Line City contains a population of about three hundred ; has eight business houses, one large three-story flouring-mill, three churches and two secret societies.

The Methodist society was organized in 1857. About 1865 they erected a substantial and imposing meeting-house, whose dimensions are 35x55 feet. Samuel Beck was the preacher in charge at that time. A Sunday-school is maintained throughout the year, with an average attendance of twenty-five. The Rev. Jonathan B. Coombs was the pastor during the conference year just closed.

In the summer of 1864 the Rev. Jacob Wright came to State Line City, and began holding meetings in the seminary. A society of the Christian denomination was soon organized, when the one at the Walnut Corners united with them. In 1867 they began and enclosed a brick church, 36 feet wide by 54 feet long, and 18 feet high from floor to ceiling, and in the following year completed it. The building cost $3,000. Asa Duncan, George A. Miller, John H. Braiden, James H. Simpson and James Hoover were elected trustees. The first two are dead, and the vacancies have not been filled. Not long after the erection of this church the society at the Kiser School-house transferred their membership to this place. Both the church and the Sundayschool have been animated by little interest for some time past, but members express a hopeful belief that there will be an early reawakening. At present no regular preacher is employed.

Mound Lodge, No. 274, A.F. & A.M., received a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Indiana, on the 19th of December, 1860, and a charter on the 29th of May, 1861. The first officers under the charter were Walker Hurd, W.M. ; William Jones, S.W. ; William Dixon, J.W. In May, 1865, this Lodge purchased the hall in the railroad hotel, which was consumed the succeeding month. The same year, in conjunction with R. Munnell, they erected a building 22 feet wide by 50 feet long, of which he owned the lower half, and they the hall above. The cost of the latter was $850. They own, besides, an undivided half of the building lot. Munnell's part of the property is now owned by James Cunningham. The new hall was dedicated on the 21st of December, 1865. The present officers are : E. R. Burch, W.M.; Amos Brooks, S.W.; Lester Leonard, J.W.; C. H. Campbell, Treas.; B. F. Marple, Sec; A. M. Porter, S.D.; Martin Current, J.D.; John P. Lucas and John D. Campbell, Stewards, and William Barger, Tyler. The membership is thirty-seven. The Lodge enjoys a fair degree of usefulness. Its regular communications are on the first Wednesday of each month, before the full moon.

The Order of Patrons of Husbandry was instituted to ameliorate the condition of the agricultural population by fostering diversion and social intercourse ; by combining more calculation with muscle in the operations of the farm ; by providing a medium of popular education on all topics relating to their occupation ; and by avoiding unnecessary middlemen, bringing producer and consumer nearer together, and enabling them to secure better returns for their labor, - not by production alone, but also by a check upon the waste of profit. It comprehends the highest and broadest culture, and the encouragement of every useful industry. It may be doubted if any institution, not professedly religious, devoted to more lofty and practicable ends, has ever been devised, or has ever reached such a degree of general favor among any class of people as this did. The most noted grange that existed in Newell township was Star Grange, No. 909. It was organized on the 13th of January, 1874, by John Abbott, count}' deputy, with twentythree charter members. The first officers were George W. Smith, M. ; George W. Woods, O.; George W. Cunningham, L.; Thomas J. Allison, S.; James Starr, A.S.; Mary C. Woods, L.A.S.; John A. Wilson, C; Solomon Starr, T.; Zachariah Starr, Sec; George W. Allison, G.K.; Cleantha Starr, C; Jeanette Wilson, P., and Margaret E. Wilson, F. The growth of this grange was prodigious. At the end of the first year the membership amounted to one hundred and fifteen, and at last reached one hundred and forty-five. The present number is seventysix. Just now the grange is in a lethargy. A revival of interest at an early day may be justly and confidently expected. In 1874, in conjunction with district No. 8, town 21, this grange erected a brick building, 24 x 36 feet, the lower part being used for a schoolroom and the upper part for a grange hall. The members of the grange subscribed and paid $750 toward the construction of this building. At Stewart's Grove, on the 4th of June, 1874, the Order held a picnic which was a notable affair. A programme of uncommon merit was prepared for the occasion, and Col. E. M. Johnson, and the Rev. Theodore L. Stipp, delivered addresses. Two tables, each ninety feet long, were spread with provisions of such richness and delicacy, as quite to surpass the powers of ordinary description. A year later another festive gathering was held at the same place.

In 1849 cholera raged with great mortality in many northern cities. In July it appeared in Danville township where its ravages were mostly confined. The disease was at its height in August, and the last cases occurred in September. The former month was very rainy, and with every shower it seized other victims. Jacob Herrin's cooper shop was taken for a hospital. The number of deaths was thirty-four. Three of those who died were inhabitants of Newell township, namely : Joab Martin, Jacob Olehy and his wife. The two last volunteered as nurses and died at the post of duty, which discovers the noblest humanity, and compels, if we except truth and honor, the highest sacrifice.

A post-ofiice was once established at the Walnut Corners, which is thought to have been the first in the township. Ambrose P. Andrews was the postmaster. Another, at Myers Mill, was probably opened about 1854. Still another, called "Kentucky," was first located opposite Pleasant View church, and was kept by Mordecai Wells, a blind man, who had a little store at that place. He held it only a short time, when 'Squire Philip Leonard became the postmaster, and retained the office above twenty years. The fourth is at Bismark.

Biographical

William F. Adams, State Line, farmer, was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, on the 20th of November, 1822, and is the son of Samuel and Nancy (Martin) Adams. His father was born in the same place on the 27th of April, 1800, of Nancy (McCarty) Adams. His grandfather, William Adams, was a native Virginian. His parents were married on the 7th of February, 1822, - his mother being the sister to Joseph Martin, one of the earliest settlers of Newell township, and the first carpenter in it. The family came from Kentucky in 1825, and Samuel Adams located where he now lives. His first wife died on the 31st of March, 1847, and he married a second time, on the 30th of April, 1848, to Sarah Wiles, relict of J. Pails. They have fourteen living children. For a number of years circuit preaching was held at his house regularly each month. Though he never united with any denomination, he has always been a friend to the cause of religion, and a well-wisher of those who were trying to live pious lives, and now in his eightieth year looks back on a life of humble usefulness, and forward to a state of reward for those who have done well. The subject of this biography is one of the substantial citizens of Newell township. He was married on the 7th of March, 1844, to Jerusha Price, who was born on the 18th of February, 1824, and died on the 17th of May, 1860. His second marriage, on the 1st of December, 1863, was to

Josephine Booe, who was born on the 9th of July, 1832. They have live living children : John L., William M., Samuel R., Eleanor S. and Elsie I. In politics Mr. Adams is a democrat, and in religion a Christian or Disciple.

Andy Gnndy, Bismark, was born in Ross township, near Myersville, on the 20th of November, 1828, and is a son of Joseph and Sally (Davison) Gundy. His father was born in Pennsylvania or Ohio on the 20th of August, 1796. He lived a short time in Indiana, and removed to Illinois, and settled in Ross township, Vermilion county, in 1828, where he resided until his death. His business was farming and stock buying and raising. This he carried on quite extensively for the times. Between 1852 and 1854 he owned an interest in the principal store in Myersville. He was an influential and highly respected man, and died on the 9th of July, 1864. Mrs. Gundy died on the 24th of April, 1857, aged nearly fifty-four years. Andy began his school life under the tutorship of George Stipp, a pioneer school teacher, in a vacant private house on the Luke Wiles place, just west of the North Fork, at Myersville, and finished his education at Georgetown, under Prof. J. P. Johnson. At the age of twenty-three he commenced business on his own account, engaging in merchandising in Myersville. He carried on an extensive outside business in wool, grain and stock. Mr. Gundy has held various offices of trust and responsibility. He was a member of the twenty-ninth general assembly. Mr. Gundy had a large private interest in coal lands, and was recognized as a person well qualified to serve on the committee on mines and mining. He was a member of the finance committee, and one other not remembered. He is at present serving his third term as supervisor of Newell township. At one time Mr. Gundy owned about eighteen hundred acres of real estate, but in the failure of the banking firm of J. C. Short & Co. he was a loser to the extent of $150,000. He owns some six hundred or seven hundred acres. He is an original whig; on the dissolution of that party joined the republicans, in which he has since faithfully served. Probably it was out of respect for the wish of St. Paul, that all men were like himself, that Mr. Gundy never married.

James Cunningham, State Line City, Warren county, Indiana, was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of March, 1810, and is a son of William and Mary (Humes) Cunningham. His parents removed with him at an early age to Harrison county, Kentucky. There Wm. Cunningham and his sons, of whom he had seven, cleared one-half of a farm of one hundred and fifty acres. Much of the land in those parts was military land, and the titles were defective. Mr. C. paid for his land twice, when a third man presented himself and his title to the unimproved half (which was now fenced). Declining to buy this claim, he shortly after sold the remainder and removed to Vermilion county, Illinois, settling in Newell township in the fall of 1829. The subject of this sketch was married on the 8th of September, 1833, to Mary Andrews. He was bred to farming, and by hard labor and careful management acquired a good property. He was a member of Col. Moore's regiment during the Sac war. Shortly after his return from this campaign he improved a farm, on which he has always lived until within fourteen years, since which time he has resided in Illiana, doing no business. His son William occupies the old homestead. He is the father of four children : Hannah C, Ambrose F., William (3. and James A. In politics he is a republican. Both Mr. and Mrs. C. are Presbyterians.

Ambrose Phelps Andrews, State Line City, farmer, was born in Madison county, New York, on the 22d of October, 1808. In December, 1818, his parents, Ambrose and Hannah (Phelps) Andrews removed, and settled on the Scioto bottom, in Pike county, Ohio. Here his father bought a farm, but, losing it through a bad title, was induced to emigrate to Illinois. Accordingly, in 1829 he settled in Newell township. The subject of this sketch removed hither with him and others who came in company. He was married on the 8th of April, 1832, to Elizabeth Newell, daughter of 'Squire James Newell. She died on the 11th of May, 1856. Mr. Andrews has always been a farmer, which vocation he has followed with profit and success. For some years he was engaged in merchandising in State Line City. He served in the Blackhawk war as a member of Col. Moore's regiment. At one time he owned three hundred and forty-two acres, but has sold all but one hundred and thirty. He has six living children : Amelia H., Sophia, Ellen, Helen Victoria, Austin S. and James O. He is a republican in politics.

David P. Andrews, deceased, was born in Madison county, New York, on the 17th of July, 1815, and was a son of Ambrose and Hannah (Phelps) Andrews. He was reared a farmer, and pursued that calling during life. His parents removed to Ohio when he was quite young, and from thence to Illinois, settling in Newell township, near Bisraark, in 1829. On the 14th of July, 1848, Mr. Andrews was married to Rhoda Zumwalt, who was born on the 21st of February, 1818. He led a successful life, and acquired the respect and confidence of the community. He died on the 17th of February, 1879, leaving four children: Dewit C, born April 20, 1849; James A., June 3, 1850; Charles P., April 26, 1853, and Clara J., June 25, 1858. He was a republican in politics.

Joseph Cunningham, State Line City, Indiana, farmer, was horn in Harrison county, Kentucky, on the 27th of February, 1828, and is a son of William and Mary (Humes) Cunningham. His father removed to Newell township in November of 1829. Mr. Cunningham was married to Mary Ann Swisher on the 5th of April, 1849. He is always found on the side of right, encouraging justice, good morals and good government. He has filled the office of commissioner of highways the past six }Tears. He has six living children : Cleantha, John I., Nora, Eddie, Ida M., Joseph S. He owns two hundred and eighty-five acres of land, worth $11,000. In politics he is a democrat, and in religion, a Christian or Disciple.

Philip Leonard, Bismark, farmer, was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, on the 20th of December, 1820, and is the son of Valentine and Mary (Fowler) Leonard. His father was a native of North Carolina, and for several years in his youth was a captive among the Indians. He died at the extreme old age of ninety-six years. In the fall of 1830 the family settled in Newell township on the tract of land now owned and occupied by William R. Campbell, on section 3, T. 20, R. 11. 'Squire Leonard was married on the 25th of March, 1841, to Angelina E. Williams. He was postmaster twenty years, and has been justice of the peace a longer period. Only two appeals were ever taken from judgments rendered by him ; one of these was to gain time, and in the other case his judgment was sustained. He was personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, and enjoyed his confidence, and, during the war, held a civil appointment at his hands. He took the stump and did effective service in enlisting men in Newell township. His son, John, was a member of Co. D, 125th Reg. 111. Vols. He was crippled in the army, and laid in the rebel prison at Richmond nine months. Mrs. Leonard was a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bloomfield) Williams, and was born in Worcestershire, England, on the 17th of September, 1825. She came with her parents to America in 1831 or 1833. Mr. Leonard has eight living children. In politics he is a democrat, and in religion a Christian or Disciple. He owns two hundred acres of land, worth $8,000.

Charles S. Young, Bismark, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Woodford county, Kentucky, on the 16th of September, 1809, and is a son of James and Lucinda (Baldwin) Young. When sixteen years old he moved into Harrison county, Kentucky, and on the 14th of January, 1829, was married to Elizabeth Leonard. He emigrated to Newell township, Vermilion county, Illinois, where he arrived on the 14th of October, 1830, and settled near the present site of Pleasant View church. He served as a volunteer in Col. Moore's regiment during the

Blackhawk war. In 1843 Mr. Young engaged in the stock business, which from that time forth grew into an extensive trade. Seventeen summers in succession he bought and drove horses to market, in 1846 extending his business to include cattle, and, during the whole of that year, kept stock in Cincinnati on sale. He was a heavy patron of the Chicago, Danville & Vincennes Railroad, donating to the company on certain conditions twenty acres of land on which Bismark stands, and deeds to the "right of way" for six and a half miles of track of the Branch road through Newell township. As agent of the company he superintended their improvements about Bismark. He has changed his abode but once since he came here. In 1860 he bought and occupied the farm where he now resides. He commenced in Newell township with two ponies and seventy -five cents in cash, and is now one of the wealthiest farmers in Vermilion county, and has made his riches without aid from anybody. Mr. Young has some two thousand acres of land and twenty-one tenants. He reared three sons and six daughters. One of the former served in Co. B, 125th 111. Vols., and was discharged shortly before his term of service expired, on account of disability. He since died. Mr. Young cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and has been voting " Old Hickory " principles ever since. His wife died on the 21st of November, 1871.

Thomas Elder, State Line, farmer, was born in Pike county, Ohio, on the 3d of March, 1822. His parents, Thomas and Rachel (Boiler) Elder, moved to Perrysville, Vermilion county, Indiana, in 1830; thence in 1838 to Danville township. His father was a native of North Carolina, and his mother of Virginia. On the 11th of December, 1840, he was married to Sarah Brewer, who was born also in Pike county, Ohio, on the 12th of May, 1824. In 1828 her parents removed to the neighborhood of Lafayette, Indiana; thence to Newell township, Vermilion county, Illinois, in 1830. Mr. Elder settled in Newell township in 1841, and in the following year moved to Marion county, Illinois, returning from there to Newell in the fall of 1848. He began poor ; split rails for twenty-five and thirty-seven and a half cents per hundred to buy a few necessary articles for housekeeping and farming, but by industry and frugality has acquired an honorable competence. Mr. and Mrs. Elder have been members of the M. E. church, respectively, since 1843 and 1839. He has held the office of school trustee in town 20, range 10, for twenty-two consecutive years, and been steward in the church twenty-three years. He is the father of seven living children : Richard M., Simeon A., Rachel, Charles W., John H., George A. and Frank. He owns four hundred and twenty acres, worth $16,500.

Benjamin Brewer, Danville, farmer, was born in Pike county, Ohio, on the 14th of June, 1820, and is a son of Richard and Christina Brewer. His father was born in Ohio in 1789 ; was a soldier in the second war with England, belonging to Gen. Cass' detachment, and was surrendered with that body on its return to Detroit after the capitulation of Gen. Hull, on the 16th of August, 1812. On his return home he immediately married Christina Rodrick. In the fall of 1830 he migrated to Yermilion county, Illinois, and settled in Newell township on the farm now owned and occupied by the subject of this sketch. The latter was married on the 26th of April, 1847, to Rebecca Van Kirk. He has the following children : Joseph W., John R., George E., Anna. He owns four hundred acres, worth $16,000. In politics he is a democrat.

Edward Rouse, Danville, farmer, was born in Scioto county, Ohio, on the 18th of March, 1825, and is a son of Reason and Martha (Olehy) Rouse. His father dying when he was five years old, his mother, with six small children, removed to Danville township in the fall of 1830. In the following March she died and left her family to be cared for and reared by friends. Five were taken back to Ohio, and while on the return trip the oldest child, a girl, was stricken down and died soon after reaching the destination. Two years later the surviving members returned to Danville, since which time the subject of this sketch has resided within five miles of the city. He was married on the 4th of October, 1846, to Minerva Martin. He has been school trustee, supervisor, and a prominent member of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. He was a director in the Vermilion County Association, having headquarters at Danville, after the business was put into the hands of an assignee. Mr. Rouse is the father of eleven living children : Martha Ann., Dennis H., Susan, John B., Rosan, Mary Ann, Rebecca Ann, Julia Ann, Minerva Ann, Sarah Ann, Edward Austin. He owns two hundred and twenty acres of land, worth $9,000, and is a democrat in politics.

Nathan J. Norris, M.D., Bismark, farmer and physician, was born in Brown county, Ohio, on the 14th of December, 1824, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Carter) Norris. His father was born in Mason county, Kentucky, August, 1798. At the age of nine years he removed with his parents to Ohio. In November, 1833, he settled in Oakwood township, and in the spring of 1845 moved into Newell, where he died, on the 21st of September, 1850. The subject of this sketch married Martha Norris, on the 29th of January, 1852. He removed to Brown county, Ohio, in 1854, and engaged in the practice of medicine. In February, 1858, he graduated from the American Medical College,

Cincinnati. In 1864 Mr. Norris returned to Newell township, where he has since lived, tilling the soil and practicing his profession. He has been supervisor of Newell township five terms. He owns one hnndred and twenty acres of land, worth $4,800. In politics lie is a democrat, and in religion a Baptist.

Austin S. Andrews, State Line, farmer, was born in Newell township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 31st of December, 1836, and is a son of Ambrose P. and Elizabeth (Newell) Andrews. He was bred a farmer, and has always followed that occupation. He enlisted in Co. C, Capt. W. I. Allen, 12th Eeg. 111. Vol. Inf., Col. McArthur, and mustered into United States service on the 7th of September, 1861, at Padncah, Kentucky. He was orderly sergeant of the company, and bore a share in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Corinth (October, 1862). In the winter of 1863-4 he was detached and put in command of twenty-four mounted men to guard the railroad from Pulaski to the Tennessee River, and to do general scouting duty. He served throughout the Atlanta campaign, being engaged in the two great battles in front of Atlanta on the 22d and the 28th of July, 1864. He was mustered out on the 8th of September, 1864. Mr. Andrews was married on the 27th of November, 1867, to Eliza J. Clark. He owns two hundred and thirty acres, worth $9,000. He has six living children : Morton C, Herbert S., Betty A., John O., Nancy E. and Eliza J. In politics he is a republican.

Ambrose F. Cunningham, State Line, farmer, was born in Newell township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 2d of November, 1836, and is a son of James and Mary Ann (Andrews) Cunningham. He was married on the 17th of March, 1859, to Mary Ann Lockhart. He has been assessor of Newell township two terms. Mr. Cunningham has six living children : Oscar, Charley, Mattie, Ella, Morton and Rolla. He owns one hundred and ninety-four acres, worth $6,000. He is a republican in politics, and an influential Odd-Fellow.

William C. Saunders, Danville, abstract clerk, was born on the 28th of May, 1824, in the county of Norfolk, England. In 1835 he came with his parents, John and Maria (Raynor) Saunders, to America. A residence of one year was made in Indiana, when they came to this county and located in Danville, his father engaging in blacksmithing. His mother died on the 26th of September, 1842. Shortly after this he became employed in the county clerk's office, by Amos Williams, who at that time held all the important offices. In 1844 he went to Iowa, and on the 28th of November, 1848, Mr. Saunders was married to Ellen Sleef. He was the first mail messenger from Chicago to Burlington on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, which position he held five years, when he was transferred to the Burlington & Missouri River railroad. In the spring of 1862 he returned to Danville, and since that time has been engaged chiefly in the county and circuit clerks' offices.

Watkin W. Williams, Bismark, farmer, was born in Worcestershire, England, on the 11th of August, 1826, and is a son of John and Eliza (Bloomfield) Williams. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1831 or 1833; settled and lived in Ohio two or three years, when the family removed to Illinois, and located at Sugar Grove, Champaign county ; but, not liking the place, his father traded his farm to James Skinner for the Denmark mill, taking Robert Wyatt as a partner. He changed his residence several times subsequent to this ; at one time living three years on the Kankakee river. The subject of this sketch was married on the 11th of November, 1854, to Marth Ann Worley, daughter of Caleb Worley, born on the 23d of April, 1831. They have eight living children : Emma C, Adelia C, William Sherman, Elizabeth Ann, George Bunyan, Eliza C, Martha Jane and Simon Peter. He owns two hundred and ten acres of land, worth $6,500. In politics he is a democrat.

Francis M. Rodrick, Danville, farmer, was born in Newell township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 9th of July, 1838, and is a son of Solomon and Sarah (Brewer) Rodrick. His father was born on the Scioto River, in Pike county, Ohio, on the 15th of September, 1803; married three times, and has six living children. In the fall of 1828 he came to Illinois, and settled in the south part of Newell township, where he has ever since resided. He speculated some in land, and until the building of the T. W. & W. R. R. kept tavern, from which he realized a handsome property. The subject of this sketch was married on the 21st of March, 1860, to Catharine Shindler. They have seven living children: Hester A., Emma M., Solomon, Peter, Alvin, Sarah, Simeon. He owns eighty acres, valued at $3,200. He is a democrat in politics.

David Clapp, State Line City, farmer, was born in Orange county, North Carolina, on the 24th of November, 1817, and is a son of John and Margaret (Huffman) Clapp. He came to Newell township in 1838 ; was employed during seven years, alternately, by 'Squire James Newell and Asa Duncan, and thus accumulated enough to buy the first piece of land. By successive additions he has increased the quantity to two hundred and fifteen acres, valued at $8,500. He was married on the 24th of February, 1847, to Hannah Blair, who died on the 11th of September, 1852. He married again on the 16th of August, 1854, to Mary Jane Cunningham, who was born on the 25th of July, 1834.

Four living children have been born nnto them : Sarah Jane, John Wesley, James Henry, Charles Asbury. In politics he is a democrat, and in religion a Methodist.

Noah Young, Bismark, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Newell township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 20th of July, 1838, on the Hollensworth farm. He is a son of Charles S. and Elizabeth (Leonard) Young, and has always been engaged in farming and the stock business. Mr. Young was married on the 19th of February, 1863, to Mary Cunningham, who was born on the 3d of August, 1844, on the Franklin Adams farm, and was reared on the Price or Martin Powell farm in Newell township. They have six living children : Halena, born on the 25th of December, 1863 ; Charles Scott, on the 9th of November, 1865; Ann Elizabeth, on the 7th of October, 1867; James "William, on the 17th of February, 1875, Josie Dean, on the 5th of June, 1878, and Lillie May, on the 10th of April, 1879. He owns three hundred and seventy acres, worth 815,000. In politics he is a democrat, and in religion a New Light.

George W. Cunningham, Bismark, farmer, was born in Newell township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 18th of May, 1838, and is a son of John and Nancy (Lindse}7) Cunningham. He was married on the 17th of November, 1859, to Holly A. Taylor, who died on the 5th of January, 1874. He married again on the 31st of Julv, 1874, to (formerly) Mary Lang, relict of Jonathan Lesher. He enrolled in Co. B, 125th 111. Vols., on the 12th of August, 1862, and mustered into United States service on the 3d of September following at Danville, Illinois; fought in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky ; was detached form his command during the battle of Stone River, with a squad of train guards, and had a sharp encounter of an hour's duration in repelling a cavalry attack. He fought subsequently at Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Buzzard Roost, Rocky Face Ridge, Dallas and Kenesaw Mountain. At the latter place Mr. Cunningham lost his right arm. He was discharged on the 10th of December, 1864, at Springfield, Illinois. He has served as collector of Newell township three successive terms. In politics he is a republican.

William O. Cunningham, State Line, Indiana, farmer, was born in Newell township, Vermilion county, 111., on the 15th of December, 1838, and is a son of James and Mary Ann (Andrews) Cunningham. He spent five years in California, between 1858 and 1863. He was married on the 22d of February, 1865, to Matilda J. Chandler, who was born on the 27th of July, 1848. He is one of the substantial farmers and respected citizens, and the present assessor of Newell township. He has three hundred and forty-five acres of fine farming land, worth

$13,000. He has four living children : Irvin, Alice, James and Porter. Mrs. Cunningham's father and mother, and a brother and sister, died in the same week of milk-sickness.

Perry C. Cosatt, Danville, farmer, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 1st of January, 1838, and is a son of Peter and Nancy (Tooma) Cosatt. His father was born near Harrodsburg, Kentucky ; was a life-long whig ; settled in Blount township in an early day; died in November, 1859. The subject of this sketch was married on the 23d of September, 1858, to Ellen Wood, who was born on the 3d of January, 1839. He was formerly a republican, but is now neutral in politics. They are the parents of two children : Commodore P. and Sarah D. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, worth $6,500.

John Myers, deceased, was born on the 28th of January, 1808, near Hagerstown, Maryland, and was reared there. The Myers family moved to Dayton, Ohio, in an early day. From there two of the sons, John and Samuel, removed to Indiana, and located near Lafayette. In 1840 they came to Yermilion county and purchased the mill-improvement begun and owned by Peter Chrisman, and commenced building their grist-mill. In 1841 they brought their families to Newell. The village received its name from these brothers. They ran their mill about twenty years and sold it to William Goodwin. John now began farming, and for some years the brothers were engaged together in the manufacture of coffins. John Myers died on the 8th of January, 1878, leaving two children : Frank A. and Mary E.

David K. Woodbury, Danville, saddler, was born in South Danville on the 24th of August, 1840, and is a son of Gardner and Elizabeth (Songer) Woodbury. He was married on the 18th of October, 1866, to Mary M. Kerr. He has been town clerk of Danville township. He owns a country residence and grounds of twenty acres of land near the fair grounds, and on the boundary between Danville and Newell ten acres lying in each township, valued at $5,000. He also owns six lots on Hazel street, three hundred feet front, containing two dwellings, worth $5,000. Mr. Woodbury is a manufacturer of harness and saddles, and a jobber in goods pertaining to that business. He is the father of one child, named Winstead. In politics he is a republican.

Samuel Duncan, Danville, farmer and stock-dealer, was born in Newell township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 23d of November, 1840, and is a son of Darius and Margaret Duncan. His mother was a daughter of 'Squire James Newell, from whom Newell township derived its name. Mr. Duncan has been both assessor and collector of his town. He was married on the 23d of September, 1869, to Eldora McDoel. Mr. Duncan's principal business has been dealing in stock. He has one child : Henry McDoel Duncan.

1841. He is a son of Obadiah and Polly (Lemons) Le Neve. He traveled in the south during the war; was a clerk in the sutler establishment of Charles Pratt in Nashville, Tennessee, in the summer of 1864. Previous to this employment Mr. Le Neve was a clerk in a dry-goods store in Vincennes, Indiana, six years. In politics he is a republican.

1842, in Newell township, Vermilion county, Illinois. He was married on the 22d of September, 1859, to Amy Rabourn. He is the son of John R. and Susanna (Martin) Watson. He is the father of eight children : Eliza A., Susanna, Ida, Minerva J., Ada, Eben, Walter L, and Thomas. Mr. Watson owns one hundred and seventy acres of land, valued at $5,000. In politics he is a democrat, and in religion a Baptist.

Francis M. Gundy, Bismark, merchant, was born in Ross township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 17th of May, 1843, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Davison) Gundy. He was married on the 15th of October, 1875, to Mary E. Smith, who was born in Attica, Indiana, on the 30th of September, 1854. Mr. Gundy has been engaged several years in selling goods, at Marshfield, Indiana, and at Myersville, Illinois. He is now keeping a general store at Bismark, in company with A. M. Bushnell. He owns an undivided half of eight hundred and sixty acres, worth $30,000. Mr. Gundy is the father of one child, Clara G., born on the 19th of September, 1878.

Obadiah Phillips, Bismark, farmer, was born in Newell township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 22d of October, 1844, and is a son of William and Julia Ann (Luckey) Phillips. He enlisted in Co. B, 25th 111. Vol. Inf., on the 4th of August, 1862, and was in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Kenesaw Mountain, and Peach Tree Creek. The 25th was mustered out on the 4th of August, 1864, and his time not having expired, he, with others, was sent to the headquarters of the fourth corps, where he remained, doing duty, the rest of his term. He was present at the battles of Franklin and Nashville, and was mustered out on the 9th of June, 1865. Mr. Phillips was married on the 25th of January, 1866, to Martha E. Kidwell. They have six living children: Nellie, Emma, Willie, Josie, Ross, and Morton.