Nora Township

Nora Township

The first settler was Garrett Garner, who'located a claim on section seven, which is now included in the farms owned by Samuel and Tilman H. Dobler. The following year Garner sold his claim to Asher Miner, and removed to Wisconsin, where he died a few years ago. To Asher Miner, the second permanent settler, belongs a large meed of credit for many of the undertakings of the township and the high character it has always sustained. He was a man of sterling worth, and highly esteemed by his neighbors and acquaintances for his clear sense of honor. In early life he was a resident of Ontario County, New York, but subsequently removed to Alleghany County in that state, and after a few years' residence there, emigrated to Jo Daviess county and settled in this township. He died in the village of Nora, October i), 1867.

To Sarah B. Miner, daughter of the pioneer above named, belongs the honor of teaching the first school in the township. It was a subscription school, and was taught in the log house of her father in the Fall of 1846. This house

The first marriage in the township was between Miss Jane Miner, another daughter of Asher Miner, and Sylvanus Crowell. They were married April, 1841.

" Aunt Jane Crowell" (as by that name she is best known in Nora, where she resides) is now sixty-two years of age, and beloved and highly respected by all who know her, and to her the writer is largely indebted for the early history of the township. Her memory is remarkably clear and accurate as to incidents and dates, and her mind well informed upon what has transpired since her girlhood days.

A Mr. Shaw and Seth Post came to the county in the Fall of 1836. Post made a claim in the town of Rush, but Shaw did not select a claim until after they had gone back to Alleghany County, New York, and he returned with his family. When they started back to New York, Mr. Post left his two sons, Alonzo and Joseph, in charge of his claim and other property here, and during his absence " the boys " were very industrious in settling the house in order against the coming of their father, mother and the rest of the family, a coming they were destined never to realize.

When the two families were ready to leave New York for new homes in the west, they hired their passage on a lumber raft from Olean Point, which was bound for Cincinnati via Pittsburg. This raft not only conveyed the two families, but all their household goods, and one span of horses and wagon belonging to Mr. Shaw. Shaw was to come overland with his team from Cincinnati, while Post was to come by water to Galena. Arriving in Cincinnati, Post took passage on the steamer Moselle, and just as they were rounding the outer pier, the boiler exploded, killing Mr. Post, his wife and two children. This caused Mr. Shaw to remain until the goods belonging to the two families (which had been shipped on the steamer) could be saved. This delayed Mr. Shaw so that he did not arrive here until late in the Spring, and the duty of imparting to the Post brothers, who were "watching and waiting" for father, mother and little ones, the sad intelligence of the terrible calamity that rendered them parentless, was one that he would gladly have had imposed upon others. But there was no other to discharge that duty, and with a heavy heart and in trembling accents, he related to the griefstricken sons and brothers a full account of the terrible scenes attending the fatal boiler explosion.

After Shaw's arrival, he selected a claim on section 18, now the beautiful and attractive home of his son, J. P. Shaw. Alonzo and Joseph Post, the two sons of Seth Post, made a claim on section 19, just opposite that selected by Mr. Shaw. They have since pushed on "out West," and their whereabouts are unknown.

George W. Wiley, a Tennessean, came to the county in 1827, and after drifting around a while and participating in the Black Hawk War in 1832, made a claim on section 21, in the northeast part of the township, in 1836. The same season he commenced breaking and improving his claim, and in 1838 moved to and occupied it, and has made it his permanent home ever since.

Another economical, prudent old settler is Fordice M. Rogers, who located a claim in section 33, on 1841, built a little log cabin, but which long since gave way to a large and palatial like dwelling. Mr. Rogers was the first supervisor after the adoption of the township organization system, and is now township treasurer, an office he has held for twenty-seven consecutive years.

The four Simmons brothers and their families came to the township almost simultaneously with Mr. Rogers, and settled in the southwestern corner of the township. These brothers have always proven themselves honest, industrious, pushing farmers; their farms are adjoining each other, and for several years past they have raised large crops of tobacco, which is the principal product of the township.

From 1845 to 1849, immigration was heavy, and however willingly we would give the names of each successive settler, we find it impossible to do so, hence we mention only a few - not because there are none others equally as worthy of public mention, but because we have not the requisite space. There were Austin Warner, father of George and Goodwin Warner, and Cyrus Puckett, father of most of the Puckett families of the township. Captain George B. Stanchfield, was also among the early settlers, and was the founder of the Village of Nora. Not only has Captain Stanchfield been a warm supporter of the public enterprises of the village, but has always taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the advancement of the township of his home. His, to guide, and other kindred spirits to co-operate, has made Nora one of the best townships in the county. Although Mr. Stanchfield has retired from active participation in public affairs, his many good deeds and valuable services are not forgotten.

Among the active political and educational workers, may be mentioned the names T. Clarkson, Puckett, S. K. Miner, Robert M. Wilson and Alfonso E. Ricker. The acknowledged excellence of the high school and .the public schools in general, and the brilliant success of the Nora Lecture course, is attributed to the energy, intelligence and enterprise of these gentlemen. Mr. Forest Turner, anothef citizen, has also had the honor to represent this people in the lower branch of the State Legislature, having been elected in 1874.

The first hotel built in the township was what was known as the One Mile House, and was on the stage route from Dixon to Galena. It was a little, low frame building, but has been enlarged and improved until it is a respectable dwelling house, and is occupied by a pioneer settler from Wisconsin, Mr. James Hood.

War Record. - There was no draft in this township. The people were too full of patriotism and love of the Union for that. One full company was raised and sent out to fight against treason and traitors. This company was made to fovm a part of Hurlbut's Fifteenth Regiment, which was organized at Freeport, and mustered into the United States service May 24, 1861, and was the first regiment organized from the state for the three years' service. A full record of this regiment, and a brief history of the engagements in which it took part, will be found in another chapter, together with the names of the " brave boys " that Nora offered as a sacrifice for the cause of freedom and unity. Not only were the people liberal in their offer of volunteers, but of money as well, and, we are glad to be able to place within these pages the sum provided by the tax-payers, for the benefit of the soldiers and their families. These figures will be found in the War Record.

Village of Nora. - June 4, 1849, George B. Stanchfield and Samuel Stanchfield entered 320 acres of land in sections four and five. A part of this land is now occupied by the Village of Nora. The town site was laid out by George B. Stanchfield, John C. Gardner, County Surveyor. The plat was duly acknowledged before William C. Bostwick, County Judge, and Joseph Conlee. Associate Justice, June 20, 1853. Three additions have been made to the original plat, as follows : by Brigam, Binneson and the Illinois Central Railroad Company.

George B. Stanchfield built the first dwelling house, and Elijah Winslow the first store building, and kept the first store. The second store, but really the first in importance, was kept by a Mr. Leland. Mr. George B. Stanchfield is responsible for the story, that during the first Summer Leland kept this store, several barrels of eggs accumulated on his hands, because there was no market at which they could be sold. Some of the eggs rotted causing a bad odor to arise, when he hauled them out on the prairie in order to remove the stench, and where he might assort them at his leisure. Some little boys found the bar-, rels and opened them, and every day or two would bring eggs to Leland, who readily bought them at from one to two sticks of candy per dozen. For some days there was a remarkably large supply of eggs, and Leland thinking he was driving a good bargain, took occasion one day to boast to Mr. Stanchfield, how cheap he was buying eggs from boys who purloined them from their parents. The offering of eggs continued until several bushels accumulated on Leland's hands, before the trick was discovered. The "joke " leaked out and the laugh was at Leland's expense. Leland had been buying his own rotten egg's.

J. H. Hines is the pioneer agricultural implement dealer, doing a business the first year of $1,000.00, which has increased to $8,000.00 per year.

R. M. Rockey keeps the drug store and news depot, while A. Stevens and D. S. Farley are dealers in live stock, their aggregate business amounting to nearly $300,000.00 per year.

Besides the above named business men and business houses, there are a large number of others - mechanics, etc. - who carry on business in a small way, but all of which goes to make Nora a village of no mean importance in a commercial sense.

RELIGIOUS. - The Nora M. E. Church is the outgrowth of the labors of Rev. James McKean, who came up from Vermilion County in 1835 by consent of the Illinois Conference. In the Fall of that year he organized a class at Waddam's Grove, Stephenson County, about six miles east of Nora. At that time this settlement was the largest one between Freeport and Galena. Luman and Rodney Montague were then the only Methodists at the Grove. Luman Montague left a written statement of these facts which the Nora Church has preserved, and from which this early history is gathered.

This territory then belonged to Waddam's Grove class, and to the Pecatonica Mission. In 1837 it was embraced in Pecatonica Circuit, with Rev. James MeKean as its pastor. In 1840 it was in Freeport Circuit, with Rev. Richard A. Blanchard in charge. In 1850 it was embraced in Cedarville Circuit. In 1854 Rev. Joseph Hartman, from Warren Circuit, came to Nora and formed a class consisting of eight members, to-wit : Cornelius Ju.dson, Lucy Judson, Wyman Stephens and Deborah Stephens, Silas Hill and Ruth Hill, John Cowan and Mariah Cowan. The first services were held in a brick store now owned and occupied by Wm. B. Leach as a wagon shop. In this building and in the school house, services were held until 1868, when their present Church edifice was completed at a cost of $3,200.00. In 1855 this station was embraced in Lena Circuit with Rev. G. F. Gage in charge, but there were no services this year, as the people were too poor to raise the required amount. In 1865 Nora Circuit was established. The church now has a membership of fifty-five. The average attendance at the Sunday Sunday is sixty, with O. T. Spencer as superintendent.

Wesleyan Methodist. - This branch of the Christian church of America dates its separate and independent organization from 1842. In November of that year, Revs. O. Scott, J. Horton and L. R. Sunderland, three eminent divines ol the Methodist Episcopal Church, who had long been dissatisfied with the indifference of that society towards the institution of American slavery, as well as with the arbitrary rules of its church government, withdrew from that organization, and inaugurated measures for the establishment of a church body in opposition to slavery, and with a greater degree of liberality in government. Another source of objection entertained by these eminent divines against the present church was its quasi endorsement of Masonic and other secret societies. The old discipline of that church emphatically denied permission to its followers, especially its ministers, to become members ; but as the country and the church grew older, this forbidding clause ceased to be enforced, and seemed likely to become a dead letter in their faith and practice. Claiming to be true Methodists - disciples of Wesley, the founder of Methodism - Scott, Horton and Sunderland, when they took the decisive step of secession, because, in their way of thinking, the true spirit of Methodism and its teachings were being prostituted and violated, found many followers, and succeeded in establishing what is now known as the Wesleyan Methodist Church Organization. They retained the anti-Masonic clause of the old discipline, and rigidly enforced it ; they discarded bishops, and introduced a system of lay preachers in their annual and general conferences, that makes their church thoroughly republican in form. Their government recognizes no distinctions, as between elders, pastors or people. They are all equal in their church relations as they are equal in the sight of God.

In 1848, six years after Scott, Horton and Sunderland had withdrawn from the parent society, a general division of the Methodist Church occurred on the question of slavery. The General Conference was held at Louisville, Kentucky, that year, and its proceedings were marked with national interest and importance, resulting in a separation, or complete and, so far, irrevocable division. Northern Methodists had, in six years, come to regard slavery as a relic of barbarism unholy and ungodly - a league with hell, and a covenant with death - and were as bold in their denunciations of the evil as they had formerly been meek, submissive and acquiescent. Southern Methodists believed it to be a divine institution, and that it was a religious duty to uphold and sustain it. After the separation they came to be known as the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The separation is still maintained, although several meetings of the representative men of the Northern and Southern Methodists have been held with a view of fixing a way for a reunion.

From this brief reference to the Louisville division of the M. E. Church in 1848, it will be seen that the Wesleyans were the pioneer Methodists in opening war upon the system of American slavery.

A society organization of Wesleyans, known as the Chelsea Church, is maintained in this township. The early records of the society have been lost, however, so that we are unable to fix the date of organization, but it is remembered that Rev. Morrison Delap was the first Wesleyan Methodist minister to preach in Nora Township. He came in the Fall of 1849 and organized the .society, which held meetings in the school-houses of the neighborhood for twelve years, during which time the office of pastor was filled by Revs. Mr. Morgan, W. W. Steward, H. R. Will and his wife Mary A. During the charge of the latter minister, in 1861, their church was built on the township line road five and one half miles south of Warren. Since that time the following ministers have officiated : Revs. R. Baker, F. Mastin, D. W. Bond, Wm. Cummings, J. P. Spaulding, and the present minister - D. W. Bond. The present membership numbers about thirty-five. The Sunday school was organized in connection with the church at the time of the erection of their building. Its first superintendent was Rev. H. R. Will. At present Rev. D. W. Bond acts in that capacity. The Sabbath-school has a membership of fifty.

The German Baptist Church. - The members of this organization are noted for their industry and integrity, being nearly all farmers of thrifty and econom- ical habits. Unbelievers in worldly show or display, they wear clothes of the plainest kind, discarding entirely jewelry or ornaments of any description. The exact date of their church organization at Nora could not be obtained, but in the Fall of 1874 they erected a house of worship, a plain but neat structure 32 by 40 feet, at a cost of $1,400, on section 16, two and three quarter miles due south of the village of Nora. This church is a branch of the Waddam's Grove District in Stephenson County, and among its first preachers were one Mr. Fry and B. H. Kepner, who officiated as early as 1850, and held services in a store basement in what was known as the Chelsea School District. Mr. Kepner still lives in Nora, and is actively engaged in the church, and in conjunction with Wm. K. Moore, has placed the Sunday-school in a flourishing condition, with an average attendence of about sixty scholars. The church proper has a membership of 35 persons, and an attendance of upwards of 150.

LECTURE ASSOCIATION. - The Nora Lecture Association was organized in the Fall of 1875, with the following officers: President, T. C. Puckett ; Secretary, A. E. Ricker ; Treasurer, R. M. Rockey.

The Association .now has $150.00 at interest, which it has earned and saved above expenses since its organization. Among the Lecturers this Winter (1878) was Wendell Phillips, one of America's greatest orators.

JD Sec. 29; P.O.Nora; born in Putney, Windham Co., Vt., June 23, 1837 ; his parents moved to North Adams, Berkshire Co., Mass., when he was five years old ; working in a cotton mill until the age of 17, when he went to Clintonville, Otsego Co., N. Y., where he took charge of carding room; here he was married to Julia J. Hosley, March 25, 1857 ; she was born in Binghampton, Broom Co., N.Y.. Sept. 30, 1840 ; they moved to Cheshire, Berkshire Co., Mass., and after two. years went to Chenango Co., N. Y., and six years later found them in New Hartford, Oneida Co., N. Y., where he took charge of cotton mills ; came to Rush Tp., this Co., in 1869, and to this Tp. in 1876 ; John L. is their only child ; Abigail Hosley, mother of Mrs. Babcock, who was born Dec. 25, 1818, resides with her daughter.

BAYXE JAMES, Jr., R. R. Ticket Agent; Nora; born in Norwich, Del., Jan. 3, 1849; he spent the early years of childhood in his native place, when he, with his parents, moved to Galena, 111., and from there to Warren, in this Co. ; here he worked five years for the Illinois Central R. R. Co. ; he then came to Nora and has since had charge of this ofBce; in Warren he was married to Josie L. Tuttle, in Dec., 1870; she was born, Jan. 29, 1854, at Ottawa, 111.; Harry M. is their only child; Mrs. Bayne's mother and grandmother reside with them, making the unusual spectacle of four generations residing in one family.

Minister; Sec. 19; P. O. Nora; born in Wayne Co., Ind., Nov. 28, 1835; in 1847- he came with his parents to this Tp., where he has since resided; he entered the ministry ten years ago, which calling he has since followed ; owns 154 acres of land in this Tp. ; he married Matilda Shaw; she was born April 8, 1842, in Nora, Jo Daviess Co., 111.; John W., Silas W., George W., and Alvin S. are their children.

BOWER JOHN, Farmer; Sec. 21; P. O. Lena; born in Huntingdon Co., Pa., March 25, 1840 ; married Elizabeth Gunther, March 13, 1866, who was born in Allegheny Co., Pa., June 20, 1847 ; Mr. B. came to this Co. with his parents when he was but nine years old, first settling near Lena, Stephenson Co., 111. ; at this place he was married, and in Feb., 1870, he came to his present residence ; Mrs. Bower came to Stephenson Co., 111., when five years old ; they are members of the German Baptist Church ; the names of their children are : Mary J., Emma Nora, Aaron Edward, Ida Rose, and Clara Ann.

Jo Daviks8 Oountt Dibectoky

BURR MYROW H. Ketired Farmer; Nora; born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., May 21, 1820; he left home at the age of 15 and went to Buffalo, where he learned the blacksmith's trade in a ship-yard; after two years he went to Cattaraugus Co., and from there to Chautauqua Co., working at his trade ; he then went to Allegany Co., where he was married Oct. 8, 1843, to Mary E. Baldwin ; she was born at Mt. Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 10, 1823; in 1864 they came to Brady, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., where they lived five years, since which time they have resided in this town ; Eugene and Frank are their children; Gustavus A. was born Dec. 19, 1844, and died Feb. 11, 1845; Congregationalist ; Republican.

CAIN WM. (Deceased) born in N. J. Feb. 10, 1816; married Ada Scheanck Jan. 6, 1839 ; she was born in N. J. Sept. 3, 1822; moved to Wis., where they lived four years, then came to Stephenson Co. in this state ; lived there six years, and then went to Warren at the time the railroad was first putjthrough; he started the first lumber yard.' and also built the first hardware store in Warren; came in April, 1866, to the farm of 160 acres where his widow still resides; he died the following year; of their children, John, Amini D., George and Ada are living; Lucretia A., Emma M., William S. and Eva are numbered with the dead ; John enlisted Nov., 1861, in 45th I. V. I. and served three years; Amini D. was born Oct. 2, 1847, in Lafayette Co., Wis., and married Eliza M. Helverin March 17, 1874.

CARPENTER JOHN ]L. Farmer; Sec. 19; P. O. Warren; born in Allegany Co., N. Y., May 23, 1841 ; in 1845 he came to this Co. with his parents; in the Spring of 1866 he went to Montana Territory, where he was engaged in various kinds of work; returned home in July, 1873, and went back to Montana in March, 1874; he came back to this Co. in the Fall of 1874 ; married Amelia Leonard Nov. 22, 1874; she was born in Jo Daviess Co., 111., Jan. 3, 1851 ; Mr. C. moved on his present farm of 131 acres in the Spring of 1875 ; Republican.

CHAMPMN JOHN H. Retired Farmer; Sec. 17; P. O. Nora; born in Livingston, N. Y., Aug. 11, 1813; when he was three years old his parents moved to New London, Co., N. Y. ; here he taught school from the time he was eighteen years of age until he was twenty-two; came to Rockford, 111., in 1835, and there married Jane R. Kellogg, May 12, 1839, who was born in New Woodford, N. Y., March 10, 1820 ; they moved on the north branch of the Kishwaukee, with one yoke of cattle, wagon, and one bed, which was used also as a table ; went to Galena in 1841, where he was engaged in hauling wood for a livelihood ; has resided on his present farm twenty years; Baptist; Republican ; one child : Mrs. Alice E. Burns. Colier John ; Nora.

COON WI1LMAM A. Minister of the Evangelical Association; P. O. Nora; born in Crawford Co., Ohio, Sept. 3, 1839 ; on April 12, 1857, his parents emigrated to this Co.1; here he married Rachel J. Stock, Dec., 1861, who was born in Preble Co., Ohio, March 28, 1839; Mr. Coon enlisted on Jan. 24, 1864, in Co. F, 17th I. V. I., serving until Dec. 29, 1865 ; his regiment was in the battles at Allen Station, Boonville, California, Sedalia, Syracuse and Lexington; mustered out at Fort Leavenworth ; Hattie C., Perry R., Berton W. and Frank W. are their children.

COX BRONSON, Farmer; Sec. 9; P. O. Nora; born in Wayne Co., Ind., July 7, 1848; at the age of thirteen he came to this Co. with his father, J. L. Cox, and settled with them in Rush Township ; Feb. 25, 1875, he was married to Ruth Stock, who was born in Wayne Co., Ind., Nov. 23, 1849 ; Daniel and Sarah A. Stock, parents of Mrs. Cox, were old settlers in this county, coming here in 1853 ; they are now both dead, Mr. Stock dying at the age of sixty-five and Mrs. Stock sixty-one ; in the Spring of 1876 Mr. Cox bought his farm of eighty acres in this township, and with his wife has since resided there; they have one child ; Republican ; neutral in church matters.

CROWEM, MRS. JANE, Widow; P. O. Nora; Mrs. Crowell was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 16, 1815; with her parents, moved to Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1821, and lived there until 1839, when she came to this township, her father, Asher Miner, having moved here in 1836 ; she taught school until 1841, when she married Sylvanus Crowell, who was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 14, 1814; Mr. Crowell died Aug. 29, 1854; Mrs. Crowell adopted two daughters, Mrs. Jennie Luckner and Miss Viola Freeman, the latt now living with her.

Herkimer Co., N. Y., July 13, 1811 ; when about six years old he moved to Allegany Co., N. Y., with his parents and resided there until Oct. 1836, when he came to this Co., and settled in Rush Tp. ; at that time there was only one settler in Nora Tp. ; Mr. Crowell was married, April 20, 1843, to Zilpah M. Buckley, who was born in Unadilla, Otsego Co., N. Y., Aug. 3, 1817; in Dec. 1837, Mr. Crowell returned to N. Y. and remained there until 1850, when he again came West, settling in this Tp. on the place now owned by William Pucket ; Republican ; Independent.

Nora; was born in Lake Co., 111., Jan. 29, 1850; the doctor's parents mo\ed to Clinton, Worcester Co., Mass., when he was quite young, residing there about three years, then returned to Lake Co., 111., but soon after permanently located in Cedar Lake, Lake Co., Ind., where they now reside ; in 1870 the doctor took a trip to the West, and after visiting Denver and other points, settled in Kearney Junction, Neb. ; subsequently was appointed ticket agent at Waverly and other places, by the C. B. & Q. R. R. and in the meantime studied medicine; returning to Chicago, he graduated at Rush Medical College, and has since been in the practice of his profession in Madison, Will and Jo Daviess counties ; married Mary Alice Grant, Feb. 28, 1875 ; she was born in Jamaica, Vt, April 14, 1853.

?with his parents, moved to Oxford Co., Me., there resided five years, after which they went to Milo, and then to Kennebec Co., Me., in 1841 ; here he married Sultana Smith, who was , born in this Co.; they moved to Boone Co. in 1843, residing fourteen years, and emigrated in 1857 to Nora, where his wife died in 1868; married for his second wife Sarah A. Mclntosh, who was born in Dundas, Canada, March 6, 1830.

DIGGS ANTHONY, Farmer; Sec. Sec. 7; P. O. Nora; was born in Randolph Co., Ind., on Jan. 2, 1833 ; married Elvira C. Tliomas on Jan. 5, 1854; she was born in Wayne Co., Ind., Sept. 4, 1834 ; they lived with parents until nearly three years after marriage, when they went to Dallas Co., Iowa, but the Co. there at that time was so devastated that he came to this Co., arriving in Nov., 1856; the following

Spring he purchased 80 acres of land, and has since added another 80 to it; Anna J. is their only daughter; he has held the office of School Director, and was a member of the last Grand Jury of 1877 ; Republican; Independent.

DIGGS HENRY H. Farmer; Sec. 7 ; P. O. Warren ; born in Randolph Co., Ind., July 11, 1830; commenced business for himself in the Fall of 1851, operating the first threshing machine ever run in Randolph Co.; the following Summer he farmed with his brother, and in Sept., 1852, bought a half interest in a saw mill ; Oct. 23 of the same year he married J3arah Wright, who was born in Randolph Co., Ind., Nov. 25, 1829 : he sold out and came to Rush Tp. in 1853, and bought 175 acres land; held that until 1864, when he sold it, and bought his present farm of 210 acres; has added much to the value of his farm by the improvements he has made; his wife died March 12, 1877; has three children living: Wm. L., Angelia C., and Iven I. ; Effle Jane died March 19, '66.

DOBLER SIMON H. Farmer; Sec. 6; P. O. Warren; born in Limestone, Lycoming Co., Pa., March 21, 1840 ; until the age of 24, he remained with his parents in his native Co.; Feb. 11, 1864, he took to himself as helpmeet Elvira A. Showers, who was born in Limestone, Pa., Oct. 14, 1843 ; went to Lafayette Co., Wis., in 1865 and lived on his father's farm till 1869, when he came to this Co. and bought his present farm of 155 acres; Mr. Dobler has served as School Director for seven years ; Independent in politics; has six children: Sarah M., Joseph A., Mellie, Minnie Bell, Simon Peter, Cora.

FARLEY DAVID S. Shipper of Live Stock; Nora; born in Hastings Co., Canada, March 2, 1842; at the age of 21 he came to this Tp. and engaged in teaching school one year ; in 1864 he went to Memphis, Tenn., but returned to Canada in the Fall of that year; after about one year's residence in his native country, he again came to Nora and married Eliza L. Taylor March 4, 1866, who was born in Norwich, Hampshire Co., Mass., Oct. 10, 1845; Mr. Farley was engaged in farming until the past four or five years, when he moved to this village, where he has bought grain and live stock; three children: Edith M., Edna B. and Ethel C.

FOSS LEONARD, Farmer ; Sec. 9 ; P. O. Nora; born in Grafton Co., N. H., July 13, 1810; in 1829 he went to Boston, Mass., where he was engaged as a laborer for ten years, when he returned to his na tive county ; a few years later he emigrated to Lafayette, Wis., and after ten years' residence he came to this Tp., buying his present farm of 80 acres ; Nov. 20, 1850, he married Caroline Holmes, who was born in Campton, Grafton Co., N. H., Nov. 8, 1814: two children: Mary E. and Mrs. Sarah W. Holmes ; Republican ; Congregationalist.

FORESMAN JOHN T. Farmer; Sec. 22; P. O. Nora; born in Lycoming Co., Pa., July 7,. 1847; went to Northumberland Co. in 1868, and remained eleven months, when he returned to his native county and lived until March 4, 1871, at which time he came to this Co. and worked by the month or year; he moved to Stephenson Co., but after a short residence there returned to this Co. and bought his present farm of 80 acres; married Katie Swartz Dec. 31, 1873; she was born in Centre Co.. Pa., July 1, 1853; they have two children: Clayton B. and William ,W.; Methodist; Democrat.

FRANKLIN FREEMAN, Retired Farmer; Nora; born in Easton, N. Y., Feb. 22, 1811; his parents moved to Delaware Co., N. Y., when he was one year old, residing there until he was sixteen, when they went to Allegany Co., N. Y. ; here he married Sarah M. Baldwin April 10, 1839 ; she was born in Mt. Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., Dec. 19, 1820 ; they came to this Co. in March, 1868, first settling in this Tp., buving a farm of 80 acres; two sons, Enos E. and James B.; the latter was born July 19, 1847, and married Clara A. Dobler Feb. 4, 1S73, who was born in Stephenson Co., 111., Feb. 21, 1856; one son, Clarence F.

JOHN C. Farmer; Sec. 4; P. O. Nora; born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, Nov. 2, 1825; remained with his parents until he was of age, after which he worked at linen weaving, a trade he had learned of his father; in 1848 he came to this country, first settling near Baltimore, Md., where he remained one year ; he then went to what was then Claremont Co., near Pittsburg, Pa., and worked in the iron works and woolen factories four years ; in 1852 he married Sarah Tippery and moved to this Co., first making a home in Rush Township, which home he sold after a fifteen years' residence, and purchased his present farm of 80 acres in this township.

HALL GEORGE, Resides on father's farm ; Sec. 28 ; P. O. Nora ; born in Canada, Feb. 16, 1852; came to this Co. when quite young with his parents, first settling on their present farm, where he has been a constant resident ; married Nettie Bedford, Aug. 31, 1873, who was born in Madison, Co., N. Y., Feb. 11, '1855; she emigrated to Stockton Township, this Co., with her parents when seventeen years old; Lewis Edwin is their only child; Mr. Hall's father is now residing in Nevada Territory.

HARROWER ALONZO, Farmer; Sec. 9 ; P.O.Nora ; born in Albany Co.,N. Y., Sept. 8, 1825 ; he emigrated to Stephenson Co., 111., in 1849, where he was married to Lavina Osterhout, on Oct. 25, 1855; she was born in Albany Co., N. Y., March 15, 1831 ; they moved to Nora Township, and on their present farm of forty acres, in 1864; Cora B. and Emma are the names of their two daughters; independent in religion; Republican.

HOLLAND JAMES, Farmer; Sec. 21; P.O. Warren; born in Ireland, Jan. 6, 1833; he came to this country in 1840, first settling in Newport, R. L, where, in 1851, he married Julia Sullivan, who was born in Ireland; in 1853 they came to Stephenson Co., 111., residing until 1867, when he came to this township, buying his present farm of 160 acres, on which they have made valuable improvements; Mr. H. commenced life as a ship-carpenter ; he is now one of our best citizens, beloved and respected by all who know him.

HOOD JAMES, Farmer; Sec. 4; P. O. Nora; was born in Doe Run, Chester Co., Pa., June 13, 1816; he emigrated to Iowa Co. (now Lafayette Co.), Wis., in May, 1839, and obtained there 160 acres of land ;

Mr. Hood was one of the pioneers of the West, the Indians still roaming over their native prairies when he came here; was married June 30, 1854, to Margaret Stuce; she was born in Union Co., Pa., in Oct., 1817; they moved into this Co. Oct. 2, 1867 ; they now live in the house formerly known as the "One Mile House." on the stage route from Galena to Dixon ; their only child is Annie A. ; Independent in politics.

HYXES JA1IES H. Dealer in Agricultural Implements; Nora; born in Terrytown, N. Y., March 3, 1836 ; after his father's death he went with his mother to Hamilton, Ohio, where he remained one year; he then went to Elton, O., and learned the tinner's trade ; he resided in Elton four years, and then moved back to Hamilton, where he engaged in_the hardware business; he soon sold out'his interest at this point, and went to Cincinnati, and tried the wholesale hardware business ; this he left in 1865, coming to this Co.,; his first venture here was on a farm, but after tilling the soil one year he concluded that selling agricultural implements was more lucrative than using them, and consequently moved into Nora and established a store in that line, and has carried it on continuously ever since ; his wife was Anna K. Kline, who was born in Pa.

AtfSOtf, Farmer; Sec. 16; P. O. Nora ; born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Jan. 5, 1827 ; left his native Co. for Schenectady, and then for New York City ; from there to White Lake, Sullivan Co., returning again to New York ; in 1842 he went to New Orleans, working for the government ; we find him again in New York, where he shipped for coast surveying lo Cal. ; in 1849 he sailed for Panama, but returned to New York in a short time, shipping for Cal., and in 1854 returned to New York; emigrated to Wis. ; came to this Co. from Wis., buying his present farm of 80 acres ; married Hannah J. Stewart Nov. 18, 1856 ; she Avas born in Lockport. May 10, 1835. Keely D. J. lumber dealer ; Nora.

Ki;r\i;i{ BEX. I. H. Farmer ; Sec. 17; P. O. Nora; born in Juniata Co., Pa., July 21, 1817 ; married Sarah E. Bushey in this Co., May 13, 1841 : she was born in Juniata Co., Pa., April 22, 1821 ; they resided in their native state until Nov. 4, 1848; then emigrated to this Tp., coming all the way in a wagon, and settled on their present farm, which now consists of 320 acres ; a little log house 12 by 16 feet was about all the improvement on their place when they arrived, but now good buildings and fine improvements have taken its place, and are the results of honesty and industry ; soon after their arrival in this place, they attended church one Sabbath through muddy roads, with two yokes of cattle attached to one wagon; now a German Baptist Church building is within a few rods of their house, to which they belong, and over which Mr. Kepner presides, as one of its speakers ; Andrew L. (in Mo.), Erastus P., Aaron E. (in Mo.), Josiah B., Mrs. G. Wilson Myers, Mrs. S.Ellen Drew, Catharine A., Ida M., and Emma L. are their children.

U 5 It I ! \ PETER J. Retired Farmer; Nora; born in Augusta, Northumberland Co., Pa., Sept. 5, 1793 ; married for his first wife Betsy Hull ; she was born in N. J.; married for his second wife Mary M. Bighler; he lived in his native Co. till after his father's death, when he moved to Snyder Co., engaging in farming; after his sons left him, he sold out and spent a few years with friends ; in 1871 he came to Nora, where he has since lived a retired life ; when 74 years old, he bound grain in the harvest fields, keeping his station ; few men of his years possess his vigor and youthful elasticity ; he has followed hunting and fishing with avidity, and has still a keen relish for both; is still a sure marksman, without the aid of glasses.

Farmer ; Sec. 33 ; P. O. Howardsville ; born in Wadharns Grove, Jo Daviess Co., 111., Jan. 10, 1844; married Elizabeth Shoesmith, Jan. 9, 1868; she was born in Kent, England, Sept. 4, 1846; when about one year old she, with her parents, came to this country, first settling in Stephenson Co., where she resided until married ; Mr. Latham (with the exception of one year's residence in Stephenson Co.) has continuously resided in Wadhams Grove and Nora Township, in this Co.; he is the possessor of 80 acres of land ; his father, Ezra Latham, was an old settler of this Co., coming here in 1838 from Vt. ; he died a few years since, an honored and respected citizen ; his wife is a resident of Lena, Stephenson Co., 111.; Mr. F. Latham has two children : Lucy E. and Nancy L. Lauver Edward, farmer; Sec. 28; P. O. Howardsville.

LAIJVER JOIIV Farmer; Sec. 28; P. O. Howardsville; born in Juniata Co., Pa, March 28, 1824; on Aug. 3, 1848 he married Melissa Rhoads, who was bora in Chester Co., Pa., Oct. 27, 1829 ; they started for 111. the Oct. following their marriage, via the canal to Pittsburg, where they took passage on a steamer to Cincinnati, O., then they changed to the steamer "Colorado" for St. Louis, Mo.; when they reached Golconda, Pope Co., 111., the steamer sank, and they remained in this place until the following April, when they went to St. Louis, and then to Stephenson Co., this state, living there fourteen years, after which they came to this Tp., and rented land three years, then bought his present farm of 80 acres ; they have six daughters and one son ; he has held the office of School Director; Baptist; Republican.

prieior of the Lawrence House; Nora; born in Springfield, Vt., Aug. 2, 1811; when very young, moved with his parents to Joy, Essex Co., Vt. ; married Cornelia Way in 1833; had one child, Henry H. ; married for second wife Sibyl H. Kennedy in 1838; came to this Co. in 1855 ; the Spring following " his wife died; again married Lydia A. Atwood, April 27, 1857 ; she was born in Addison Co., Vt., Oct. 17, 1827; they resided on their farm eight years, and have kept their hotel ten years; two children: Perlie M. and Evangeliue.

LEPPER WM. L. Traveling Agent ; Nora; born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, July 4, 1831 ; married Perthana A. Ensign, Dec. 29, 1852, who was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Sept. 10, 1834; in 1856 they moved to what is now Brown Co., Kan., residing there two years ; returning to Ohio, when, after one year, they went to Crawford Co., Pa., and after 15 months' residence, came to this Co., arriving in 1859; Sept. 4, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, Fremont's Rangers Battery, and was wounded, near the headwaters of the Black River; after two years' service was discharged, at Houston, Mo. ; their living children are: Erie W., and Ida E. ; Seth H., born Jan. 20, 1857, was the first white child born in Brown Co., Kan., and died April 2, 1861.

LOVIX HEtfRY R. Meat Market; Nora; born in Wayne Co., Ind., Oct. 16, 1833; resided with his parents in Ind. 19 years, and learned the shoemaker's trade; came to this Co. in 1852, and was engaged successively in various kinds of work incident to settlements in new countries; married Lucia M. Cowan Jan. 1, 1857, who was born in Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y. Jan. 18, 1841 ; Mr. Lovin enlisted in the 142d I. V. I. and served one year, when he was honorably discharged; lived in War ren nine years and then came to this vil lage; bought grain one year, when he entered upon his present business with a capital of $50 ; seven children living.

chant; Nora; bora in Howard, Steuben Co., N. Y., March 24, 1846; resided in his native Co. until he was 20 years old, when he went to Arnoldsville to clerk, followin that occupation two years ; then remove' to Marengo, McHenry Co., 111., and from there went to DeKalb Center, DeKalb Co., where he clerked six months ; afterwards traveled one year for a book agency; clerked six months in Polo; engaged in business in Warren two years; then bought a farm in Gratiot, Wis., but exchanged it for a stock of goods and moved to Nora, where he has since resided; married H. Zelida York, who was born in Brookfield, Madison Co., N. Y., July 8, 1835 ; she graduated at Oneida Conference Seminary at the age of 17 ; went to Dodgeville, Wis., two years later; taught in Brookfield Academy one year, two terms in Wis., two terms in Polo, 111., and then came to this Co. ; the}7 have seven children.

MILLER CHARLES S. Farmer; Sec. 29; P. O..Nora; bora in Centre Co., Pa., March 27, 1850; when 16 years of age he went to Hamilton Co., O., from there to Vaue Co., and next to Stephenson Co., 111., residing a few months in each of the counties named ; then came to this Co., where he has since resided ; married Prusilla Warner Nov. 24, 1870, who was born in Clarion Co., Pa., Dec. 12, 1846, and came to Boone Co., 111., when she was nine years of age; ten years afterwards she moved to Stephenson Co.; they have three sons ; Independent.

HOYER JNO. Farmer; Sec. 33; P.O. Howardsville; born in Waterloo Co., Canada, July 4, 1858; emigrated to this country when he was but 17 years old, coming direct to Stephenson Co., where he married Maria C. Price ; she was born in Centre Co., Pa.; she came to Stephenson Co., 111., when but four years old, where she lived Until coming to this Co. with her husband ; they moved to Nora Tp. in Dec., 1876; the names of their children are: William H., Agnes and Robert A.

II YI-ISS ENOCH X. Farmer; Sec. 17; P. O. Nora; born in Juniata Co., Pa., Aug. 22, 1830 ; he, with his parents, moved to Mifflin Co., Pa., when he was five years old, and when twelve years old, to Huntingdon Co., Pa., where he married Nancy Garver Aug. 26, 1852; she was born in Huntingdon Co., Pa., July 29, 1835; in March, 1856, they came to this Co., first settling in this Tp. ; now owns 250 acres

David R., Geo. W., Sarah K., Allen B., Ira E., Ida, Sherman B., Clarence and Laura are their children ; married Harriet Garver Jan. 10, 1878 ; she was born Feb. 29,1845, in Huntingdon Co., Pa.

MYERS RITDOLrPH, Farmer; Sec. 16; P. O. Nora; born in Juniata Co., Pa., Feb. 28, 1833; married Harriet Musser Nov. 29, 1855; she was born in Juniata Co., Pa., Jan. 21, 1839; they came to this Co. April 11, 1856, first settling in this Tp., and moved on their present farm of 160 acres in March, 1868; are members of the German Baptist Church; have seven children living: Alfred, Clinton, Minnie M., Edward L., Cora E., Samuel W. and Maggie M. ; Jennie W. was born Nov. 24,1863, and died May 14, 1864.

JT Lena; born in England Jan. 23, 1833; lived in his native country nine years, when, with his parents, he came to America, first settling in Susquehanna Co., Pa., where they resided five years; in 1847 they emigrated to Galena, 111. ; the following March they moved to Stephenson Co., where Mr. Parris married Louisa Shoesmith Feb. 24, 1857 ; she was born in England Feb. 17, 1836; fifteen years ago they moved to their present farm in this Tp., containing 210 acres, on which they have made the entire improvements; they have had six children: Robert J., John H., Lucy E., Frederick F., Wm. E. and Geo. E.; the latter was born Feb. 6, 1865, and died Sept. 16, 1866; Sept. 28, 1877, on his born March 16, 1813, in Otisco, Onondaga Co., N. Y. His parents were from Mass., and were among the earliest settlers of Onondaga Co. When the Erie Canal was building, his parents moved to Amsterdam and lived five years. Here his father died, in March, 1828. After the death of his father, he worked one year with a wagon maker, and then with mother; part of family moved back to Onondaga Co., where he worked a term of years on farm, and then entered academy in Village of Elbridge. One year later, with his brotherin-law, emigrated to Illinois, in Oct., 1835; at St. Joseph, Mich., he took steamer to cross the lake, but a furious gale shipwrecked nearly every craft, and they were obliged to go around the head of the lake the best way they could - part by stage and part on foot. The brother-in-law followed in a few days. They settled at Squaw Grove, DeKalb Co., near the present site of Hinkley. This was in 1836. Two years later they were found living eight miles south of Belvidere. Here Mr. Pomeroy married their first school teacher, Miss Ann Eliza Kellogg, Aug. 2, 1838. Their first child, Myron Eugene, was born Dec. 21, 1839. They moved to Galena in the Spring of 1840, and engaged in mining at '- Fair Play " diggings. Here their second child, Eveline, was born, and died the same day, June 12, 1842. March 8, 1843, they buried their first born. They moved then to Galena, and manufactured small beer to take the place of strong drinks. Mr. Pomeroy was temperate, and thoroughly anti-slavery. Cyrus Watson was born July 31, 1844. In Fall of 1845, with A. B. Campbell, moved to what is now Nora, and engaged in farming. Here Marjr Angeline was born, April 1, 1847, and Charles Henry. March 27, 1849. With a soldier's warrant Mr. P. located on southeast quarter of Sec. 8, on which he moved his house and now resides. April 14, 1851, Ella Jane was born ; Myron Fremont, Sept. 6, 1856, now engaged in the house of Henry Sears & Co., Chicago; Charles Henry is a traveling agent for same house; Cyrus W. is traveling for Western Bank Note Engraving Co. ; Horace Jay was born July 17, 18r>8; Hattie L. H., April 7, 1861 ; Cyrus enlisted July, 1862, in Co. K, 96th I. V. L, before he was 18; was wounded at Chicamauga and discharged at Chicago on account of the wound ; Charles Henrv enlisted before he was 17, in 17th I. V. C.,

Dec. 1, 1863, and was mustered out Dec. 18, 1865; Ella Jane died Nov. 8, 1856. Mr. P. moved to Iowa City and lived there two years to better educate his children. Oct. 29, 1868, Mary was married to Grandville C. Tucker ; he lived south a while, teaching the freedmen, and returned home and died Aug. 2, 1876. Hattie, the only surviving daughter, died Nov. 17, 1877. Mr. P. has been a professing Christian since his 18th year.

PUCKET CYRUS J. Farmer; Sec. 7 ; P.O. Nora ; born in Newport, Wayne Co., Ind., Dec. 26, 1840; he came to this farm with his father, Cyrus Puckett, in 1849 ; there being no railroads west of Chicago at this time, they came from Indiana to this Co. with teams, passing through Chicago, Elgin, Rockford and Freeport; on their way out the small-pox was caught by the family, and Mr. Puckett's eldest sister died with it soon after reaching their destination; married Lydia Franklin, Feb.

- 23,1864 ; she was born in Angelica, Allegany Co., N. Y., March 15, 1840, and died Feb. 11, 1877, leaving three children : B. Frank, John W., and Willard; Wesleyan Methodist; Republican.

Farmer; Sec. 8; P.O. Nora; born in North Carolina, Nov. 10, 1818 ; he moved to Randolph Co., Ind., with his parents, when very young; after attending school at Winchester Seminary, he taught school, and surveyed until May 10, 1852; when he married Emily E. Patchin; in 1853 he came to this Co., and in April of the same year he purchased the farm he now owns, and has since made many valuable improvements on it; the writer of this wishes to say upon his own responsibility, that Mr. Puckett's efforts to elevate a high standard in all that pertains to education, have been untiring and unceasing; the success of the Lecture Course, in Nora (a full account of which is given in another portion of this work), is largely clue to the energy and devotion of Mr. Puckett, he being the president of the association.

PUCKETT WM. H. Farmer; Sec. 6; P. O. Nora; born in Wayne Co., Ind., June 22, 1838; came with his father, settling in this Co. in Dec., 1848 ; he remained at home until the breaking put of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in the 14th I. V. C., at Freeport; was mustered in as 2d Sergt., and promoted to 2d Lieut., Oct. 19, 1864, and received a 1st Lieut.'s commission, March 4, 1865; was engaged in the capture of Morgan, in Ohio, and fought in the battles of Cumberland Gap and Atlanta; was also on the Stoneman Raid, that ended in Stoneman's capture in Georgia; received an honorable discharge after three years' service ; married Emerance Crowell Oct. 28, 1862 ; she was born in Belfast, Allegany Co., N. Y., June 6,

RICKER \l.rilO\SO E. Nora; born in Corinth, Penobscot Co., Maine, Jan. 7, 1837 ; came from Portland, Me., to Warren, 111., in July, 1862, where he was engaged as clerk in dry goods store ; came to Nora in Feb., 1867, engaging in the mercantile trade under firm name of Ricker & Stickney ; sold out in 1870.

ROCKEY RICHARD Jfl. Druggist and Stationer; Nora; born in Clarion Co., Pa., April 29, 1841; remained with his parents, farming, until 18 years of age; then worked in the pineries during the Winter, and at the carpenter's trade during the Summer ; enlisted in the 105th Pa. V. I., Co. C, Aug. 28, 1861, and remained with the regiment until June 16, 1862; came to Stephenson Co., 111., in May,1863, and for two years worked at the carpenter's trade and clerked in a store; Feb. 9, 1865, he enlisted in the 147th I. V. I., and was honorably discharged at Springfield Feb. 7, 1866 ; returning to Pa., he taught school one year, and then came back to Stephenson Co. ; in the Spring of 1869 he drove a team through to Nebraska and Kansas, and pre-empted 160 acres of land in Osage Co., Kansas. ; was married Dec. 15, 1870, to Almeda Dively, who was born Sept. 24, 1847 ; moved to this Co. in 1871 ; children are Margaret M., born Dec. 5, 1871; and A. Emily, Aug. 23, 1874; in the Fall of 1876 he was nominated by the Independent Greenbackers for Clerk of the Circuit Court, but was defeated.

ROCKEY WM. F. Dry Goods and Groceries; Nora; born in Clinton Co., Pa., April 3, 1827; married Elizabeth Frasher in 1851 ; she was born in Clinton Co., Pa., March 28, 1820; in 1848 they immigrated to 111., first settling in Stephenson Co., where he was engaged in milling; then moved to Cedarville and Rock Run, following the same business; he then took the Buckhorn tavern, in which he had a small store, but soon moved to McConnell's Grove, going into the mercantile trade; in 1871 he came to Nora, where he is one of the leading merchants; Samuel B. and Emma J. are their only children.

Turin, Lewis Co., N. Y., July 4, 1806; his father, in 1810, moved to Cape Vincent, Jefferson Co., N. Y., where Mr. Rogers, Jr., was married to Chloe Fiske Feb. 17, 1835 ; she was born in Boonville, Oneida Co., N. Y., Feb. 6, 1814; in 1841 they emigrated to 111., with one span of horses, and one wagon, in which were packed a few necessary household goods, which comprised all their earthly possessions, first settling in this Tp. and on his present farm of 400 acres, building a little log house, which has since given way to a palatial dwelling; Mrs. Rogers died May 22, 1859, and Oct. 4, 1860, he married Emily Graves, who was born in Washington, Scioto Co., Ohio, June 18, 1817; at the first election after the Tp. organization, Mr. R. was elected its Supervisor; is the present Tp. Treasurer, which office he has held for 27 consecutive years ; James H., Merick A., Ossian R. and Duane are the names of the children by first marriage ; Win. H. died at Lagrauge, Tenn., while serving in the 92d I. v . I.

SHAW JOSEPH P. Farmer; Sec. 18 ; P.O. Nora ; born in Angelica, Allegany Co., N. Y., April 6, 1828; at the age of 9 years he, with his parents, started on a raft at Olean Point, on the Allegheny River, and canie to Pittsburg, and then down the Ohio River to Cincinnati, where they left the river and took a team and drove through to this Co. ; he married Nancy A. Clay, May 4, 1854; she was boru in Medina Co., Ohio, Nov. 18, 1836; Charles L., Lorm F., David C., Joseph P., and Enos W., are their children ; Charles L., the eldest son, was married to Sarah Lutlier, Dec. 15, 1875; they have one child, Mabel P.; Mr. Shaw was one of the first settlers in this Tp.

SIMMONS ANDREW, Farmer; Sec. 30; P. O. Greenvale; born in Albany Co.. N. Y., March 12, 1819; was married to Eliza Scofield, Jan. 8, 1840; she was born in Lysander, Onondaga Co., N. Y. Dec. 6, 1819; they remained in his native Co. until one year after marriage, when they moved to Baldwinsville, Onondaga Co., N. Y.; in 1850 he came to this Co and settled in this Tp., which has since been his home; Andrew A. aud Byron B are his sous; Franklin D. is an adoptee sou; he has held the offices of Road Com missioner and School Director many terms; there were only ten or twelve fain ilies in the township when he came to it Simmons B. B. farmer; Sec. 30; P. O Greenville.

SIMMONS JACOB, Farmer; Sec. 31 ; P. O. Howardsville ; born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Aug. 25, 1816; when six years old his parents moved to Cayuga Co., N. Y.; here on Sept. 26, 1839, he married Mary Coppernoll, who was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Sept. 27, 1814; her parents moved to Oneida Co., N. Y., and then to Cayuga Co.; in 1845 they were emigrants to 111., coming all. the way by laud ; one span of horses and wagon, a few household goods, and a little money was their all, when they arrived in this Tp., Dec. 8, 1845 ; taking a claim of 200 acres of land in !he above section ; by perseverance they have acquired a competency, and have retired from active life, leaving their son, B.F. Simmons, in charge.

SIMMONS MICHAEL, Farmer and Manufacturer of Cigars ; Sec. 30 ; P. O. Lena; born in Albany Co., N. Y., June 16, 18 14; married Mary A. Manley, July 5, 1835 ; she was a native of Mass. ; they came to this Co. June 29, 1844; from his birthplace in N. Y., he first settled in Rush Tp., then moved to this Tp. where he has 584 acres of land; he is an extensive raiser of tobacco, and manufactures cigars in Lena, 111.

SNYDER LORENZO D. Farmer; - Sec. 28; P. O. Nora; born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Aug. 22, 1814; when 16 years old, he went to Onondaga Co., N. Y., and again, in 1834, to Laporte Co., Ind. ; two years after his arrival in the above Co. he went to Ogle Co., 111., where he lived four years; then lie emigrated to Stephenson Co., 111., and in 1867 he came to this Co. and to his present farm of 120 acres; married for first wife Catherine A. Bryant, May 18, 1836; she was born in Pa.; and again, on April 7, 1843, he married Amanda McAffee, who was born in Canada in 1852; married his present and third wife, Rachel Hull, Nov. 21, 1866; she was born in Janesville, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1825; by the first two marriages he liad nine children; tho:-e living are: Hemy, James, Jesse and Martha; those dead are: Ezra, Wm. W., Catherine A., Samuel, and Jessie ; Wm. W. was killed in the battle at Buzzard's Roost, during the war of the Rebellion.

SPENCER OSCAR F. Dealer in Pumps and Wind Mills; Nora; born in Cayuga, N. Y., July 23, 1833; his parents moved to Jefferson Co., N. Y., v\heu he was one year old, where he was married to Mary Daniels Sept. 10, 1854; ^he was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Sept. 10, 1834; in 1865 they emigrated to this state, first settling in Christian Hollow, Stephenson Co., where they resided until Dec., 1869, when they moved to Nora ; Mr. Spencer is a member of the Methodist Church and Superintendent of its Sabbath-school; J. Alden, Edson h., Evelyn O. and Alvin D. are their children.

STAtfCHFIFXD GEO. B. Retired Farmer; Sec. 5; P. O. Nora; born in Wayne, Kennebec Co., Maine, Feb. 3, 1809 : married Abigail Cookson in Oct., 1829; she was born in Cornish, Maine, April 28, 1804; after their marriage, they lived at Milo, Maine, until 1843, when they came to this state, making Boone Co. their first stopping place; after residing there about two years, they came to this Tp. and have since made it their home; Mr. Stanchfield was the founder of the Village of Nora ; they have had seven children, all but two being now dead ; Rud W. and James are the names of those now living ; Geo. Henry, one of their sons, was captured during the Rebellion, and died while confined in Andersonville Prison.

STEVENS ALFRED, Stock Shipper ; Nora ; born in Ohio, Dec. 4, 1839 ; in 1841 he came to Stephenson Co. with his grandparents, and to this Co. soon after; and at this time he was quite young; he is one of our respected pioneer settlers and credited by his neighbors with always exerting his influence in furthering and advancing all undertakings for the improvement of the Tp. ; his good name has won for him a place among the best stock dealers in the Co. ; married Effie Haskell, Feb. 9, 1863; she was born in Nora Tp., this Co., May 21, 1846.

STICKXEY WAL.TER, Grain Dealer; Nora; born in Tyndinaga, near Belleville, Canada, March 22, 1840 ; until he was twenty-one years of age, he worked on his father's farm, going to school during the Winter months; after he attained his majority he studied nine months at Belleville Seminary, now Albert College, and then taught school two years; in Oct., 1863, he removed to Michigan, remaining there until the following Spring, when he went to Kansas City, Mo. ; at this place he was engaged as one of the express messengers on a line belonging to Barlow Cotrel ; this position he held until Dec., 1865, when he was engaged as a clerk in the

Sutler's store of Pool & Lambert, at Fort Aubrey; he bought the stock of goods belonging to this firm in May, 1866, and continued the business at that point for two years, when he moved his store to Kiowa Springs ; in 1868, he sold out his business, and came to this Co. in 1869; lie was married Sept. 1, 1869, to Helen E. Cowan, who was born in this Co. in Jan., 1848; Mr. Stickney worked by the month for L. H. Clark, from 1872 till 1874; he then went into business with Mr. Farley, whom he soon after bought out; has two children, Irving E. and John H. ; Methodist ; Republican.

SWARTZ EMAS M. Farmer and Raiser of thoroughbred Stock; Sec. 29; P. O. Nora ; born in Centre Co., Pa., Jan. 28, 1838; at the age of 19 he came toDe Kalb Co., 111., only remaining three months, he continued his journey to Kaneville, Kane Co., 111. ; in 1859 he returned to De Kalb Co. ; in i860 he went to Stephenson Co., but returned to Kaneville, Kane Co., the same year; iu July, 1861, he again went to Stephenson Co. ; after a nine months' stay, he moved near Whitewater, Rock Co., Wis. ; residing here only a short time, he returned to Stephenson Co., where, on Nov. 6, 1864, he was married to Susannah Rudy ; she was born in Centre Co., Pa., Jan. 6, 1845 ; Mr. Swartz purchased his present "Evergreen Farm," consisting of 148 acres, in 1867; with his brother, under the firm name of E. M. and G. F. Swartz ; they are engaged in raising thoroughbred stock, such as Shorthorned cattle, Berkshire and Poland China hogs ; no man in the Co. takes a more lively interest in advancing the standard of stock raising; the pedigree of his herd of thoroughbreds show that they have been carefully selected from the best herds in the United States and Canada ; all persons interested in raising the better grades of cattle, as well as those intending to purchase, will always receive a courteous welcome at " Evergreen Farm ; " the proprietors have found their past experience so encouraging that they intend making this a permanent business. SwitzerW. H. renter; P. O. Howardsville. /

Thohpsox Christopher

C. Farmer; Sec. 32; P. O. Howardsville; born in Plymouth Co., Mass., June 5, 1807; in the Spring of 1838 he emigrated to the West, first stopping for a few months at Winslow, Stephenson Co., 111., but permanently settling in what is now Thompson

Township ; this Tp. was given his name in honor of his public spirit of enterprise, and in assisting in making the Tp. what it is ; immediately upon his arrival here he built the second saw mill in the Co., and in 1840 built the first large grist mill in the Co., which supplied Galena with nearly all its flour; he built the first frame school house in Rush Tp., and the first stone school house in Thompson Tp. ; there were six families in his Tp. when he settled there ; came to Nora Tp. in Oct., 1874 ; owns 931 acres land ; married Almira Dunlap in 1842; she died in 1845; May 31, 1847, he married Mary A. Strong, who was born in Jefferson Co., O., June 14, 1821 ; two of their children, Whitfield J. and Tena, live with their parents ; Winfield S., an adopted son, was killed in the army.

THOMPSON WOODMAN, Farmer; Sec. 29; P. O. Nora; born in the Tp. of Thompson, Jo Daviess Co., 111., Jan. 13, 1851 ; he is the eldest son of C. C. Thompson, after whom his native Tp. was named, and who is one of the old settlers of this Co.; Woodman, Oct. 10, 1871, married Jenefor Eustice, who was born in Elizabeth Tp., Jo Daviess Co., 111., Feb. 24, 1847; they came to this Tp. and to their farm of 20 acres about one year a?o ; they have two children, John C. and Raymond.

VV Employe on Railroad; P.O.Nora; born in Yorkshire, Eng., Feb. 9, 1814; married July 8, 1838, Ellen Egg, who was born in Yorkshire, Eng., Dec. 21, 1816; they came to this country in 1849, first settling in Williamson Co., 111., and residing there a little over two years; Chicago was their next stopping place, but after two years in that city they came to this Co. in 1854 ; for 23 years Mr. Waddington has been employed at Nora by the Illinois Central Railroad, and still holds his position; their children are: Sarah, George, Catharine, Will, John A., Martha and Mary (twins), John Ellen, Albert L. and Gilbert C.

WARMER GEO. P. Farmer; Sec. 8; P. O. Nora ; born Jan. 17, 1832, in Strafford, Orange Co., Vt. ; his father, Austin Warner, was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1801, and he moved to Montreal, Canada, with his parents, where he was married June 17, 1845; George came with his parents to this Co., settling first on Sec. 18, and afterwards moved to Sec. 32 ; here . he resided ten years; he sold his farm and went into the lumber trade under the firm name of Drew

& Warner; he sold out his interest in this after six years, and bought his present farm ; married Phoebe Birdseye Sept. 28, 1859; she was born in Birmingham, Conn.

WARNER GOODRICH W. Farmer; Sec. 33; P.O. Nora; born May 30, 1824, in Strafford, Orange Co., Vt.; remained with his parents until 20 years of age, when his father gave himself and brother fifty dollars each and they came to Chicago, via the lakes, having five dollars left on their arrival; worked for $12 a month on a farm, during the Summer, near Aurora,IIL, and came to this Co. in the Fall of 1845, settling on Sec. 18,Nov. 6, 1847 ; he married Mary Davis, who was born in Wales, March 14, 1830 ; she came to this country when five years old, living in Ohio nine years, Keokuk, Iowa, one year, and since then, in this Co. ; they have a farm of 137 acres, on which they moved July 1, 1860; their children are Mrs. Sarah L. Garver, Bessie B., Evert D., Mary E. ; Republican ; Congregationalist.

WASSON W ALTER S. Manufacturer of Harness; Nora; born in Port Henry, Essex Co., N. Y., June 29, 1850; his father dying in 1854, he came with his mother to Lena, Stephenson Co., III., in 1855 ; married Alice J. Jones, Dec. 5, 1869 ; she was born in Lena, Dec. 13, 1850; in 1870 they moved to Harvard, McHenry Co., 111., where he engaged in railroading; they came to Nora in April, 1875, where they have since resided ; Mr. Wasson commenced his present vocation with Imt five cents in money, and by strict attention to business, has now a flourishing and lucrative trade; they have two children, Walter J. and Arthur L.

WIL.EY GEORGE "W. Farmer; Sec. 21; P. O. Warren; born in Murray Co., Tenn., Dec. 1, 1809 ; his father moved to Jefferson Co., Mo., and in May, 1827, he emigrated to this Co., coming up the Mississippi on a boat as far as Fort Edwards (now Warsaw), walking from that place to Galena; he took part in the Black Hawk War; lived in this Co., and Wis., near Galena, until 1836, when he began to break and improve his present farm, now consisting of 335 acres of land in this Tp. ; in 1838 he moved on the above land, and has continued living there since ; married Mrs. Ann Durham, July 10, 1853; she was born in St. Louis Co., Mo., July 17, 1818; George E., Catherine, Perry and Anna B., are their children ; Maria B. Keziah J., and Elizabeth Durham, were Mrs. Wiley's children by fir»t marriage

WILSON ROBERTM. Blacksmith; Nora; born in Tyrone, Ireland, Aug. 10 1843; came to this country in 1847, with his parents, who settled first at Boston

Mass., but soon after went to New York City ; moved to Ogle Co., 111., in 1853 ; at eighteen years of age he enlisted in the 34tli Regt. I. V. I., Co. H, but re-enlisted in the regular army, Dec., 1862, joining Co. M., 4th U. S. ; his discharge shows that he was engaged in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, Snow Hill, Middleton, Franklin, Shelbyville, Chicamauga, Okolona, Miss., Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Noonday Creek, Lovejoy, Jonesboro, Rome, Ga., Nashville, Tenn., Selma, Ala., and at Columbus, Ga., April 15, 1865, the last battle of the Rebellion ; Married Anna E. Dixon, April 7, 1870 ; she was born in Cambridge, Mass., Feb. 21, 1853, and came to this Co., in 1872; Mr. Wilson is a member of the Co. Board of Supervisors ; they have three children: Joseph B., Florence A., and Robert M.; Independent; Congregationalist.

WIRE BENJAMIN F. Farmer; Sec. 29; P. O. Nora; born in Canada Jan. 21, 1839 ; in 1848 he, with his step-father, came to Dodge Co., Wis., and in 1852 moved to Ward's Grove, Jo Daviess Co.,

111. ; here he was married to Mary A. Daws Nov. 10, 1857; she was born in England Dec. 23, 1838; the following year after marriage they moved to Stephenson Co., 111., where they have resided until within the last year, when they came to this Tp. ; their children are : Orpha V., Lydia A., Cora M., ^schylus A., Flora L. and Martha A. ; Mr. Wire served one year in the 147th I. V. I. ; Methodist ; Republican.

YOUNG ANDREW J. Of the firm of Young & Waddington, dealers in Hardware; Nora; born in Herkimer Co., N.Y., May 27, 1849; in 1852 he, with his parents, emigrated to Stephenson Co., 111.; some years after he was engaged in the butter trade in Lena, under the firm name of Newcome & Young ; in 1870 he came to Nora, and in 1871 commenced the hardware trade in his present store; married Mary Waddington May 27, 1874; she was born in Williamson Co., 111., March 11, 1851 ; have one child, Minnie.