Paradise Township

Paradise Township

This township is situated in the extreme southwest corner of the county, and is bounded on the north by Mattoon Township ; east, by Pleasant Grove Township ; south, by Cumberland County, and west, by Shelby County. In its primitive state, before the timber and underbrush were cleared away, for the earliest-made farms, three-fourths of iis surface were woodland to one-fourth prairie. Its surface is for the most part rolling, and easily admits of drainage. The Little Wabash, a stream rising a little south of the center of Mattoon Township, flows in a southern direction through the western half of the township, and, with its tributaries, effectually drains the central and western portions. Dry Grove Run, a small stream rising in the northeast corner of the township, and flowing south through a belt of timber of the same name, affords drainage for the eastern half. The extreme eastern and western portions are prairie, while the timber is found lining either side of the Little Wabash. There is, however, a small belt of timber in the eastern portion called Dry Grove, the average width of which does not exceed one-half mile, and its length not more than two miles and a half. How it acquired its name, Dry Grove, we have not been able to determine. The soil, for the most part, is of a deep-black cast, very rich, and prodvices well. The soil of the woodland, in the eastern portion, reduced to a state of cultivation, exceeds in richness and fertility even the adjacent prairie. Like the surrounding townships, it is well adapted to the growth of the various cereals, but corn is the staple product. The western portion produces fine wheat, and, for the past few years, quite an amount has been sown. Taking it one season with another, those possessing woodland farms are much surer of a good crop, than those upon the prairie, as the soil is generally more rolling, and of such a character as to withstand either a wet or dry season better. Much valuable timber has been removed from her groves, since the days of the early pioneers, and still there is much remaining. In different parts may be seen large tracts of woodland, from which the underbrush has been removed, well set in blue grass, which yields excellent pasturage. The Chicago Branch of the Illinois Central Railroad enters the township at the northeast corner of Section 3 and passing through in a general southwestern direction, leaves it at or near the center of the southern boundary of Section 21. The Grayville & Mattoon Railroad just touches the northeast corner of the township. Paradise contains no cities or towns, and but two small villages. Paradise and Etna, neither of which is incorporated. Of these, we will speak more specifically at the close of the township history. To offer, as a complete history of this section of the county, only what may be truthfully written of the township since reduced to her present limits, would be an act of great injustice to the descendants of her pioneers ; and yet, the early history and settlement are so intimately blended with that of the surrounding townships that to separate them with any degree of accuracy will be a task attended with no little labor and diflficulty. Soon after the formation of Coles County, the territory comprising it was divided into three voting precincts, Charleston, Woodbury and Paradise. Paradise, at that time, included in addition to its present limitsall the territory now embraced in Mattoon and Pleasant Grove Townships, a portion of North Okaw and a large scope of country in the present limits of Cumberland County. Thus we find that the name Paradise, as applied to a portion of the county, was almost cotemporary with the formation of the county itself. At a later date, we find it became necessary, in order to retain it, to submit it to a vote of the citizens. In the division of the county into townships. Paradise was made a full Congressional township ; but a few years later, when Cumberland County was erected, she was shorn of her two southern tiers of sections ; this gave her her present limits, four miles north and south by six east and west. When the question of naming the township came before the people, two parties appeared in the field. The one, led by H. B. Worley, proposed the name Wabash, while the other, headed by Aaron W. Hart, adhered to the ancient landmark, and voted for Paradise. Hart and his friends carried the day. It is said by some, that as the village of Etna was just then starting up, and Worley was largely interested in her welfare, he designed, if the name Wabash carried, to go before the Commissioners, and, through his personal influence, secure a change from Wabash to Etna. A decided majority in favor of Paradise put a quietus on all further proceedings in the matter of name.

Early Settlement

No little difficulty has been experienced in the attempt made to determine when, where and by whom the first settlement was made in the township. The statements of the oldest citizens of the present day are very much at variance on this point. The claims of one Daniel Drake seem to be more fully established than those of any other, and perhaps to him may be justly accorded the honor of building the first cabin and making the first improvement in what is now Paradise Township. Thomas Hart, son of Miles H. Hart, still resides in the village of Paradise, and from him we have gained the following statement of facts: In the fall of 1826, the Hart families came from Hardin County, Ky., to Wayne County, 111., with a view to settling there. Silas Hart had settled in Wayne County as early as 1822. Disappointed in their expectations, the Harts determined to prospect the country further north, with the avowed intention of returning to Kentucky should they fail in their attempts to find a desirable location. In the winter of 1826-27, Miles H., Moses and Thomas Hart, Jr., left Wayne County and came north. On reaching that portion of the Little Wabash timber now included in Paradise Township, they determined to locate. Moses and Thomas, both single men, remained, and, during the winter, constructed a cabin, near the site of the present residence of W. B. Ferguson, on what is now known as the Cunningham farm. Miles H. returned to his family in Wayne County, and, in March, 1827, Uncle Tommy and wife. Miles H. and family, came and occupied the cabin erected by Moses and Thomas. Soon after coming, they found, about four miles west of them, on the bank of the Little Wabash, about one mile south of the site of the present village of Paradise, Daniel Drake, from Tennessee, and from the appearance of his improvements, Mr. Thomas Hart is of the opinion that he must have come as early as the fall of 1825 or the spring of 1826. Settlements were made, no doubt, at an earlier date on the South Kickapoo, in what is now Pleasant Grove Township, east of the Hart settlement ; but the evidence is pretty conclusive that Drake was the first man to make an improvement in Paradise Township. It is maintained by some that one Thomas Wilmuth, a sort of second-rate shoemaker, had built and occupied a cabin or half-faced camp east of the Hart settlement, and prior to their coming, in March, 1827, and that he made the first settlement in the township. His claims, however, seem not to be so well authenticated as those of Drake. In June, 1827, Charles Sawyer, who is recorded as the first settler of Mattoon Township, stopped a few days at the Hart settlement, and then moved north and west to his place of settlement. The settlers of 1827 were Daniel Drake, Uncle Tommy Hart and his sons Miles H., Moses and Thomas. There may, indeed, have been two or three other families, but, if so, their names have been lost or are incorporated with those of a later date. In February, 1828,

Silas and Jonathan Hart, the two remaining sons of Uncle Tommy, came up from Wayne County, and settled near their father. During the year, there was quite an influx of population. Among the number dating back to that period, "we find the names of Jefferson Coleman, Jacob Slover, Isaac -Slover and his son Jacob Slover, Jr., then a young man, Ichabod Radley and his sons Nicholas, Samuel, Hiram and Barney, familiarly known as Shoot, Jacob Bales and his sons Jonathan, Mace and Levi. Most of these were men of families. The Slovers, Radleys and Coleman were from Kentucky ; the Bales families came from Tennessee. These all settled in the timber east of the Little Wabash. In the fall of 1829, Dr. John Apperson and family, George M. Hanson and David Hanson came in. Dr. Apperson came direct from Virginia, while the Hansons, brothers-in-law, had come from the south part of the State. Apperson purchased a small cabin from John Graham, a son of Rev. James Graham, one of the early pioneer preachers, whose history is given in connection with Mattoon Township. This cabin stood in the timber about one hundred yards east of the roadbed of the I. C. R. R. He paid for it the magnificent sum of $21, an amount of ready cash not possessed by one in twenty in that early day. Here he lived through the winter of 1829 and 1830. In the spring of 1830, he moved his cabin to the edge of the timber and broke and put in cultivation thirty acres of prairie. George M. Hanson located the farm now owned by John E. Tremble, and David Hanson the farm on which Dr. Apperson passed nearly fifty years of his life. And here an incident of pioneer life occurred which is well worth preserving. David Hanson, desiring to move to the National Road, which was then in process of construction, offered to sell his improvements to Dr. Apperson. The Doctor made the purchase, with the view of entering both Hanson's and his own improvements, so soon as the land should come into market. Before this was done, however, a man of the name of Ike Walker, encouraged by Sylvester Dunbar, his brother-in-law, having learned of Dr. Apperson's purchase, and that his own improvement was not yet entered, posted off to Vandalia, the seat of government, and, taking the necessary steps, " entered him out." Soon the fact became noised abroad, and, in their indignation, the settlers, a few nights afterward, came with their teams, loaded up the Doctor's goods, tore down and loaded up the cabin, with every other vestige of improvement, and moved all to his late purchase. They even went so far as to kill a dog and throw its body into the well, with other rubbish. Having severed its head from the body, they placed it upon a pole and set it up in front of Dunbar's cabin, where Walker was stopping. This simple device was full of meaning, and, as it was a work in which the very best men of the entire neighborhood had played a leading part. Walker felt that, for the sharp game he had played, he had been ostracized. He made no improvement, and soon left the country. Dunbar tarried a few years later, and then also left.

law, Mrs. Yocum, with her sons Ambrose and Thornton, and her daughters Fanny and Mary Jane. Her other daughters, Catharine, wife of Miles H. Hart, and Eliza, wife of Jeiferson Coleman, had preceded her. While these settlements were being made along the eastern edge of the Wabash timber, and in the vicinity of what is now called Dry Grove, we find settlements multiplying ; also on the west of Wabash River. As early as 1828, a man of the name of Joseph Smart made an improvement near the present village of Paradise. Whence he came, or what became of him, no one seems to know. Farther west, we find as early settlers, the Currys, Moores, Mclntoshes, Alexanders, Crosses, Brinegars, Champions and others. Some of these came as early as 1828 or 1829, and all were among the early settlers of the country. A very large percentage of these early pioneers were from Kentucky. A few, however, came from Virginia, some from Tennessee, and still others from North Carolina. About the years 1831 and 1832, the Gannaways, Norrises and Nabbs put in their appearance. From this date forward, additions were constantly made to the various settlements, and to attempt to give the exact date, the names of parties, or the order in which they came, would be a work of supererogation.

Of the early settlements, it may not be out of place to remark that all were made either in, or very near, the timber. The monotony of the vast stretches of prairie on either hand were unbroken by the appearance of a single human habitation. Indeed, the early settlers never expected to see these broad and fertile plains reclaimed from their native wildness and reduced to rich productive farms. But, in a few short years, the tide of emigi'ation swept by, and far away from timber on the open prairie, where once it was thought impossible that man should abide and gain a sustenance, the humble cabin was erected, the tough and matted sod was overturned and the golden corn rustled .and waved in the autumnal breezes.

The people of to-day living in comfortable homes, equipped with the many improvements and inventions of modern times and beautified and adorned by art, have but faint conceptions of the difficulties and privations endured by the early settlers of this Western country. Most of them were men of large families, and poor in this world's goods ; but they were men of stout hearts and willing hands, and, leaving the older-settled portions, came here in the fond hope of bettering their condition. The first care of the early settler, on arriving at the end of his wearisome journey, was to provide for himself and family a suitable shelter from the bleak winds and pelting storms. Their homes, as a a matter of course, were of rude construction, but, by certain appliances well known to the pioneer, they were made very comfortable, and to-day many an old pioneer recounts as among the happiest days of his life those spent beneath the clapboard roof of his little old log-cabin. The homes of the early settlers presented to the eye much the same appearance both internally and externally ; their chief difference consisted in size, most of them being single, while a few were built double. As the manner of constructing them has been accurately portrayed in other portions of this work, we deem it unnecessary to particularize. A house provided, next came the necessity of laying in supplies for man and beast. Game of all kinds abound on every hand. Deer, turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, quails and such like, were here in plenteous profusion. The faithful dog and the unerring rifle seldom fail to bring the fat buck and plump, rich turkey to the cabin-door. Meat is easily supplied, but bread, the mainstay of life, is not so readily obtained. Corn is far away in the older settlements and must be brought by that fast express of early times, the ox-team. And when at hand, often the settler must make a pilgrimage of twenty-five to thirty miles to mill and wait a day and night for his "turn." And, gentle reader, should you wonder why the old pioneer speaks so often of the "johnny-cake" and hoe-cake, to the utter disregard of the snowy, light bread and flaky biscuit which you so much enjoy, let me remind you that one biscuit to each member of the family on Sunday morning of each week, or, perchance, once a month, was a luxury that few families enjoyed. Around the rude table, often consisting of a goodsbox turned on its side, loaded with venison or fat turkey, with his johnny-cake, smoking-hot from the board, and that added luxury, wild honey, obtained from the bee-trees near his cabin, the pioneer, with his family, sat down and fared sumptuously every day. Generally speaking, the pioneers were men of simple habits, noted for their hospitality. They knew how to receive and bestow a favor. In this age of cultivation and refinement, they would, doubtless, be regarded by many as rude and uncouth ; but this was not the fact. The latch-string of their cabin-doors hung out by day, and this was a standing invitation to enter and share their comforts. Often a simple act of kindness has resulted in the establishment of a friendship between those who were strangers at the time which has remained unbroken throughout remaining life. Such an instance occurred in Paradise Township in an early day. Soon after the coming of Dr. Apperson, Silas Hart, in passing near his cabin, concluded to call and form the acquaintance of the new-comers. Riding up to the cabin, he discovered Mrs. Apperson weeping and in great distress. Exchanging the usual salutations with the Doctor, Hart inquired, " How are you prospering, and how do you like your new home?" The Doctor replied that he was well pleased, but that his wife was fearful that starvation would overtake them, as their only supply was a small amount of meal. Without a word of encouragement or sympathy. Hart turned about his horse and rode away. In speaking of this in after years, Dr. Apperson often remarked that, at that time, he looked upon Hart as a man in whose soul there was no sympathy. Hart had not been long gone when the clear, ringing report of his trusty rifle resounded through the woods. He had sighted a fine, fat doe, and the game was his. Hastily removing the entrails, he placed the deer on his horse, in front of his saddle, and, in half an hour from the time of his departure, he again rode up to the Doctor's cabin, and, tumbling oflf his load, quietly rode away, leaving the Doctor in full possession. From this simple act, there grew up a firm friendship between these two men which remained unbroken for almost half a century. Dr. Apperson was Hart's family physician as long as he lived, and for all his services he would never receive one cent of compensation.

But from this digression, we must hasten back to the main thread of our history. The early settlers of Paradise Township were highly favored in many respects, above others who settled in other parts of this and adjacent counties. About the year 1830 or 1831, Jacob Slover, who had settled in 1828, opened a store in one department of his double log cabin, then standing on what is now known as the Moffett farm. This was the first store opened in Paradise Township, and, indeed, in all this section of country. Here the settlers came for miles around to barter their products for such wares and merchandise as they most needed. Wild honey was abundant in those days, and was taken in exchange for goods at the rate of eleven pounds to the gallon. In speaking of this honey, Mrs. Dr. Apperson, who is still living, says it had a much better flavor than any produced at the present day, and that, in appearance, it was so pure and white that strangers before whom it was placed often mistook it for lard. Some time after the opening of the store, Isaac Slover, a brother to the merchant, built a horse-mill in the immediate neighborhood. In point of speed, this was a great improvement on the grater and hominy-mortar. In a few years, these became obsolete, and were only preserved as relics of the past. Though the horse-mill, as has been said, was a wonderful impi'ovement on the former methods of obtaining meal, yet it by no means equaled the water or steam mills of to-day. To grind out a grist of two bushels required a full day. Paradise was blessed with a steam-mill as early as 1838; but as its history belongs more properly to the history of Paradise village, we will defer writing it till the village history is reached.

The spiritual and intellectual culture of themselves and their children was by no means neglected. Many of them were men of deep religious convictions, and not a few were acceptable proclaimers of the Gospel of Peace. Among the early preachers may be mentioned the names of Revs. James Graham, George M. Hanson, Daniel Bryant, Miles H. Hart, Hiram Tremble, Dr. John Apperson, Clemence Goar and others, who are worthy of being here recorded, but whose names have passed from memory. Meetings were held in an early day in the cabins of Miles Hart, Dr. Apperson, John Sawyer and others, and when they met, the men clad in their homespun and the mothers and daughters in their linsey-woolsey, it was not for the young sisters to discuss and criticise the latest fashions, or for the boys to ogle the o^irls, but to engage in solemn devotion to the Giver of all good. Simplicity of manners was characterized by simplicity of dress, which, though plain, was always neat. After a week of hard, laborious toil, it was esteemed a blessed privilege to be permitted to ride five or six miles, on horse-back, to engage in hymning songs of praise to God and to hear the sweet words of Gospel truth, as they were read and expounded by some revered brother. These were not the days of cushioned pews, in which the audience lazily dreamt the hour away, but, gathered beneath the roof of the humble cabin, seated on backless benches, of rude construction, men, women and children gave earnest attention to the preached Word. The impressions made by those early and earnest workmen in the vineyard of the Lord were lasting, and their influence for good has been felt through the ongoing years. Most of the early ministers in this section were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the many flourishing societies of that denomination to-day throughout this section of country bear testimony to their early labors. The first church built in Paradise was in Dry Grove; the exact date of building cannot be ascertained. In 1860, the present church, a neat, substantial frame, was erected. Two others are in the township, one in Paradise village and the other in Etna.

The schoolmaster put in his appearance in an early day, and, as schools were supported by individual subscriptions, the first schools were taught in the most populous neighborhoods. The first school in the township was kept by a Mr. Drake, and some of his pupils, still living, state that he was by no means a successful teacher. The second school was kept by a Mr. Kellar, near the residence of Miles H. Hart. To those already given may be added the names of William Moifett, David Campbell and Ebenezer Alexander. To-day, the township is provided with comfortable schoolhouses in each district, and the children enjoy the benefits accruing from our well-regulated school system.

Going back a little in point of time, we find the winters of 1830, 1831 and 1832 were very cold. The last of November, 1830, there came a fall of snow of thirty-two inches in depth, which remained until March. About the middle of February, it rained part of two days, reducing the snow to a slush, and suddenly turning cold, froze the water and soft snow into ice. The whole face of the country was one continuous sheet of ice. Great difficulty was experienced in caring for stock, as it was obliged to be cared for just where the freeze caught it. It was a complete blockade, and the only way they had of providing fuel was for the men to draw it from the timber on hand sleds, as horses and oxen could not be moved about over the smooth surface. Notwithstanding the difficulties with which they were environed, they often had days of real enjoyment. Three or four neighbors, accompanied by their trusty rifles and all the dogs they could muster, would often engage in what was called the "deer drive." As the fleet-footed deer could not stand on the smooth, glassy surface, and as the dog could make good headway, few that were started up succeeded in making good their escape. It was not an unusual thing to capture some half dozen in a single day ; and so, however meager might be the supply of breadstuff", there was no lack of fat, juicy venison.

When, in 1832 and 1833, the whole Western frontier was thrown into wild commotion by the re-appearance of Black Hawk and his warriors, although the call for troops to repel the invaders did not include the young county of

Coles, yet there were brave hearts in Paradise Township that flew to the rescue of their imperiled countrymen. The following-named persons went from this township: Thomas Ross (Captain), John Shadwell, Thomas Studer, John Young, Moses Hart, Jonathan Hart, John C. Jones, David Hanson, Trusse Hanson and Thomas Hayes. There were others, doubtless, whose names have passed from memory. Mrs. Dr. Apperson has in her possession the snuflf-box of the renowned warrior, taken from his wallet by her brother, David Hanson, and by him presented to Dr. Apperson, on his return from the war. The meteoric display of 1833, and the sudden freeze of 1836, have been treated at such length in other portions of this work, that we feel justified in passing them by without comment.

As early as 1830, George M. Hanson circulated a petition for and obtained from the Government the establishment of a post office. Mr. Hanson was the first Postmaster, and the office was first kept at his house on the farm where J. E. Tremble now resides, in the northeast corner of the township. It was called Paradise Post Office, and was afterward removed to Slover's store, thence to Richmond, in Mattoon Township, and finally to Paradise Village, where it has since remained. This was the first post office established in what is known as the Wabash Point settlement, and differs in some points of its history as here recorded, from the account given in the history of Mattoon Township, and is, perhaps, the more accurate statement of the two.

The fii'st burial that occurred in the township was that of James Nash, who died at his home in Mattoon Township, December 24, 1829, and was buried on Christmas Day, just across the line in Paradise Township, a short distance south of where Capp's mill now stands. The second was that of Grandma Bush, a very elderly lady, whose grave was the first opened in Dry Grove Cemetery.

At the first election held in the county for county officers. Paradise furnished her full quota of candidates and secured the election of a large number of them. George M. Hanson was chosen a member of the Board of County Commissioners, Ambrose Yocum was elected first Sheriff, Ichabod Radley, first Coroner, and Nathan Ellington was appointed first County Clerk. This office Mr. Ellington held afterward by successive re-elections, till 1853 or 1854, when he lost his life by violence at the hands of Dolph Munroe, his son-in-law. The following account is given of Mr. Yocum 's election as Sheriff. The election was held at the residence of a Mr. Ashmore, in Kickapoo Point. A candidate from the Kickapoo settlement was making the race for Sheriff. Early in the day, Ashmore made the remark that his fire was free to all who would vote for his candidate. This speech at once aroused opposition. Some of the Harts and others built a log heap, declared that their fire was free to all, and immediately put in nomination for Sheriff, Ambrose Yocum. Then the contest began in earnest, and at the final summing-up of the votes it was ascertained, to the great satisfaction of his friends and to the utter discomfort and chagrin of the Kickapooites, that Yocum had been elected by a handsome majority. Among others of her citizens, who, at an early date, were honored with political preferment, were James T. Cunningham and George M. Hanson. Cunningham was a member of the Legislature eight years in succession. Hanson was chosen to the Legislature in 1842, and two years later - 1844 - was sent to the State Senate. In 1846,* he was a candidate for. Congress, but was defeated by Hon. T. R. Young, at present a resident of Mattoon. George M. Hanson figures so largely in the early history of Coles County, and his memory is so highly revered by the citizens of this township that there is seemingly a demand for more than a passing notice of his acts. The early settlers of Kickapoo, Muddy and Wabash Points, were included in the limits of Clark County, and as the county seat at Darwin was at a distance of fifty miles from the northwest corner of the county, they experienced no little difficulty in attending to legal proceedings. In 1829, soon after coming, Hanson drafted and circulated a petition for the erection of a new county, which should contain within its limits the settlements of the above-named places. He was made bearer of the petition to the seat of Government, then at Vandalia. Through his own personal influence, seconded by that of Col. William B. Archer, then a member of the Legislature as Senator from Clark County, he succeeded in getting the bill passed, and in less than two weeks returned home with a certified copy of the bill in his pocket.

As soon as the Governor approved the bill, Mr. Hanson went to the land office and entered the first tract of land ever purchased in Coles County. He was the intimate associate of Dr. John Apperson, Elisha Linder, Eben Noyes, Sr., and others of the leading settlers ; and being, perhaps, the ablest and most cultivated man in all this section, became the leader in the intellectual arena of those early days. Soon after the establishment of the Charleston Courier, he became a valued contributor to its columns, and his suggestions were almost universally accepted by the early settlers. Whatever he believed would advance the interests of his county and the welfare and prosperity of her citizens, met his earnest encouragement. The grand wolf-hunt which he organized in an early day will not soon be forgotten. Hs proposed that the settlers on all sides should assemble in the edge of the timber, and, spreading out, move over the prairie in which Mattoon now stands, toward Dodge (now Herkimer's) Grove, and that each should so time his advance as to reach the grove precisely at 12 on the day appointed. The settlers from all parts came, and the hunt was instituted. The wolves, driven from their secret hiding-places, would dart away to the opposite side of the prairie only to find a cordon of men and dogs drawn completely around them, and thus hemmed in, with the boundaries continually contracting, a large drove was corraled in the grove, where expert marksmen picked them off as they were driven out by the dogs. That wolf-hunt was among the memorable events of those early days, and is still referred to with pleasure by those who participated in its fun and frolic. Hanson was a minister in the ranks of the M. E. Church, and, surpassing most of his brother minis- ters in power and vigor of thought, was justly regarded as a leader. In 1849^ he emigrated to California. He died in that State in the latter part of 1878.

Dr. John Apperson was the first physician in all this section of country. He was born in Culpeper County, Va., January 8, 1794, and died at his home in Paradise Township, June 5, 1877. He came here, as has been elsewhere stated, in the autumn of 1829. Here he spent over forty years, engaged in the duties of his profession. His practice was large, and often he was called to attend the sick at a distance of twenty-five miles from his home. He was highly esteemed as a practitioner, and even after he had repeatedly declared his intention to retire from active life, and his unfitness through age and infirmity to longer serve his friends and neighbors, yet the old settler, when afflicted with disease, would suffer no one to prescribe for his ailments save the good old Doctor. As a novel way of collecting a bill, the following may not be out of place : On a certain occasion, when the Doctor was called to visit a patient on the east side of the North Okaw, he had thought to cross the stream and collect some bills. The stream was bank-full and past fording, and, unfortunately, no canoe was at hand. The Doctor being sadly in need of a little money, and seeing one of his patrons across the stream, politely asked him for his bill. The man, having procured a suitable stick, proceeded to cut a hole in one end with his knife ; and having placed some bank-bills in the cavity thus formed, fastened up the opening with a wooden plug, proceeded down the stream some distance to a narrow place and threw stick, money and all across to the Doctor.

After the adoption of township organization, in 1860, the following officers were chosen in Paradise Township : John Hendrix, Henry Burgher and A. Y. Hart, Jr., Commissioners of Highways ; Adam W. Hart, Supervisor ; James H. Wilson, Collector ; R. B. Tate, Assessor ; John Campbell, Town Clerk ; J. W. P. Deckard and Blaine Matthews, Justices.

By way of closing our township history, we would add that the mineral wealth of Paradise Township lies to-day wholly unexplored. Doubtless rich deposits of coal are underlying much of her territory. Veins, varying in thickness from four to seven feet, have been passed through in Mattoon Township, just north of her, but at such a great depth below the surface as to render their successful working impracticable, especially so since such an abundance yet exists in different parts of the State much nearer the surface and far more easily accessible. To reach it here would require the sinking of a shaft to a depth of from four hundred and fifty to five hundred feet. A number of rich specimens of copper ore have been picked up on Section 4 of this township. One in the possession of J. W. Doran, of Mattoon, would yield from 75 to 80 per cent of pure metal. Future explorations and developments may reveal the fact that a rich deposit of ore exists there. We shall now pay our respects to the villages of Paradise and Etna, and, with their history, conclude this part of the work.

History Of Coles Couuty Paradise Village

On the principle that age should be venerated, we will proceed to trace the history of Paradise first ; a history extending through a period of forty odd years, and which must be comprised in the short space of a page or two. This village, situated in the northwest corner of the township, and often facetiously referred to by the citizens of to-day as " Paradise Lost," was surveyed and platted by Joseph Fowler for Miles W. Hart and Clemme Goar, in the spring of 1837. In order to procure the erection of a steam-mill at this point on the Little Wabash, Thomas Brinegar and David Moore had made to Hart and Goar a donation of forty acres of land, and on a portion of this, adjacent to the millsite, the town plot was laid. James T. Cunningham was at that time a member of the Legislature at Vandalia, and to him was accorded the honor of naming the place. He called it Paradise, and it was so recorded. Soon after the laying-out of the village, a public sale of lots occurred, and some $500 or $600 worth were disposed of. In the fall of 1836, Hart came from Kentucky on a visit to friends and relatives living in Wabash Point, and on his way called to see Mr. Goar, his brother-in-law, who was then living in Indiana. While here, he perfected the arrangements for building a mill and starting a town. He afterward induced Goar to take an interest with him. He returned to Kentucky, and, in the winter of 1836, came back with his family. Mr. Goar, with his family, came early in the spring of 1837. The first citizen of the place was Pleasant Hart, who built his residence and occupied it during the winter of 1836. In the spring of 1837, Hart and Goar each constructed a mud house, and the same spring began the erection of their mill. This was the first steammill built in all this section. During the summer, they raised the frame, covered it in and arranged for running one set of corn buhrs and a saw. It had been in operation but a short time when it caught fire and burned down. The loss was total, there being no insurance either upon the building or machinery. Having received liberal donations from the citizens in aid of the loss sustained, in 1839, they again built upon the same site, at a cost of not less than $5,000. This mill was operated some eight or ten years. Not long after the completion of the second mill. Hart sold his interest to his brother, Aaron Hart, and at the end of six months he disposed of his interest to Mr. Goar. In 1845, Goar sold out to George M. Hanson, who operated it about one year and then sold to Bird Munroe. Munroe continued the work one year longer and then moved the machinery up to Charleston. Thus Paradise lost h^ greatest and best improvement. Miles W. Hart brought and sold the first goods in the village. He is not, however, regarded as the first merchant, as he simply brought what he did for the purpose of supplying the hands while engaged in constructing the mill. Bird Munroe opened out the first store about the year 1842 or 1843. Soon after, John Cunningham moved his stock down from Richmond in Mattoon Township. Others, of smaller pretensions.

from time to time essayed to play the merchant. Sam PuUen started a tanyard about the time Paradise was laid out, and a Mr. Gear opened a blacksmith shop. Miles W. Hart put up the first storehouse and was, perhaps, the first Postmaster. A brick church was erected by the Methodist society in 1853 or 1854. This has since been removed and rebuilt on the hill just west of the village and is called Mount Zion Church. The new building was erected in 1869, at a cost of $2,500, and has a capacity for seating 300 persons. Before the building of the church, public worship was held at the house of Uncle Clemme Goar. Schools may have been, and probably were, kept in the village at different times, but so far as we have been able to learn no building was ever erected for that special purpose. The post office, as has been said, was brought from Richmond to Paradise, in an early day, and here it has since remained. A. Y. Hart, Sr., is the present Postmaster. The mail is carried twice per week, on horse-back from Etna to Paradise. Wabash Lodge, No. 179, A., F. & A. M., was organized here under dispensation from the Grand Lodge in 1855, but as it has since been removed to Etna, its history will be given in that connection. When, in 1854, the I. C. R. R. was finally located about one mile and a half east of Paradise, her star of destiny began rapidly to decline. Mattoon sprang into existence at the crossing ; a station, a few years later, was established at Etna. Trade flowed into other channels ; soon her merchants deserted her for fields promising a more abundant harvest, and she was left alone to weep over blighted prospects and buried hopes. Once she was the pride and joy of the surrounding country, now her name is often spoken with a jeer. Yet, in the midst of her distresses, she can truthfully say to the proud city of Mattoon, with her boasted 6,000 inhabitants, "long before thou wast, / existed." At one time Paradise counted her citizens by the hundred; had four good stores, shops of difierent kinds and was a place in which much business was transacted. Now her citizenship does not exceed fifty; she has a very small grocery store operated by William Morrison & Son, and one blacksmith and wagon repair shop owned by Hiram Surber. In her case, at least, there seems to be a clear demonstration of the truthfulness of that seemingly paradoxical expression, that to kill a thing effectually, it is sometimes only necessary to miss it. Had the railroad passed through Paradise village, she had still been living; but passing by as it did, it effectually destroyed her.

Etna

A small village on the I. C. R. R., seven miles southwest of Mattoon, was surveyed and platted by James Richards, County Surveyor, on land belonging to Daniel R. Bland and Richard Sayer, in March, 1860. Harry B. Worley and Robert S. Mills secured each a one-fourth interest by purchase, and, soon after, E. B. McClure (now General Superintendent of the I. & St. L. R. R.), who was at that time Roadraaster on the I. C. R. R., was given a one-fifth undivided interest for his influence in securing a station. The citizens of the surrounding community, at their own expense, put in the switches and side-track. The village is situated on the adjoining corners of Sections 15, 16, 21 and 22 in Paradise Township. Soon after the laying-out and platting, Bland built a residence and occupied it. Others soon followed, and Etna rapidly grew from a station into a village. Isaac Hart and his son James L. Hart, Mrs. Veach, Dr. Deckard, J. F. Lawson and James Elhart were among the earliest citizens. As early as the winter of 1860, Isaac Hart & Son opened out a stock of dry goods and groceries. They moved their stock over from Paradise. This was the first store kept in the place. Soon after the coming of Hart & Son, Cornelius Owens, of Charleston, opened up a stock of hardware, groceries and liquors. This enterprise was managed by Robert S. Mills. In February, 1861, J. F. Lawson bought out the senior member of the firm of Hart & Son, and the firm of Hart & Lawson was established. In the early part of May, 1862, Hart & Lawson sold out to Charles Sawyer, of Neoga, and a short time afterward, Lawson purchased the establishment started by Cornelius Owens. He rolled back the building in which the store was kept and built a new front. This building was since destroyed by fire. After conducting the business alone for six months. Dr. Deckard became a partner. Deckard died in February, 1863, and J. R. Wortham took his interest. They added to the business that of buying and shipping grain. In 1865, Lawson bought out the business, and continued it till 1867, when he sold to a Mr. Percy, and he to James Bishop, a brother of Dr. Bishop, who now resides in Etna. Norris & Allen built a store-room in the early part of 1864, and brought on a stock of general merchandise. S. Vanderen k Son began business about the same time, and a short time afterward Dr. S. D. Gardner erected a building and opened out a drug store.

In 1860, a ueat frame church was built by a general contribution from the citizens and friends of the town, and is free for the use of all religious denominations. The Masonic Hall occupies the second story of this building. A schoolhouse was built in the village in' the summer of 1868. James Richardson began the first session taught in the building, but died while the school was in progress, and Dr. S. D. Gardner, finished the term. At one time Etna had four stores, and did quite an extensive grain business. On a commission of 5 per cent, Mr. Lawson says his receipts for handling grain often amounted to $80 per month. Her population at present does not exceed one hundred. She has one small store, that of Montgomery & Tate, and two smith shops. The post office was established in 1860, and Robert S. Mills was appointed Postmaster. He was also the first agent for the R. R. Co. at this point. J. F. Lawson was made Postmaster and agent on the retiring of Mills, and held the position till he removed from the village. The post office and ticket office are both now kept in the store of Montgomery & Tate. Wabash Lodge, No. 179, A., F. & A. M., as has been elsewhere stated, was organized in Paradise village. Its charter bears date October 3, 1855, issued under the seal of the

Grand Lodge, presided over at that time by J. L. Anderson, G. M., and H. G. Reynolds, G. Sec. The charter was issued to Augustus H. Chapman, Newton W. Chapman, A. W. Waller, Dr. John Apperson and others as charter members. A. H. Chapman was appointed W. M. ; N. W. Chapman, S. W. ; and A. W. Waller, J. W. The meetings of the Lodge were held for a time in the second story of the mud house built by Miles W. Hart in 1837. The Lodge continued to meet in Paradise till 1860, when, by a vote of the Lodge and by consent of the Grand Lodge, it was moved to Etna. Its present officers are: B. H. Lawson, W. M. ; Col. T. A. Apperson, S. W. ; J. F. Wooldridge, J. W. ; A. L. A. Green, Sec. ; J. W. Montgomery, Treas. ; Joseph Carins, S. D. ; H. H. Anderson, J. D. Its membership numbers about fifty. Regular meetings, Friday night on or before full moon each month. Two different methods of spelling the name of the village seem to be fully recognized. The citizens, and Government, through the Post-Office Department, seem to accept as correct orthography Etna, while the R. R. Co. invariably adopts the spelling ^tna. But whether we use the single vowel or the diphthong at the beginning, we are inclined to believe that neither will materially add to or detract from the prosperity of the village.

Valedictory

Friendly reader, our task is done - not well, we know, but truly. To you who have followed us through these pages, and especially to the old pioneers and patriarchs, whose heads are " silvered over with the frosts of many winters," we come now to part, never, perhaps, to meet this side of the tomb. Our intercourse with you is of the pleasantest character, and it is with a feeling of sadness that we bid you adieu, each to go his way, mingling in the great world as the tiny raindrops mingle with the waters of the sea. Should our diverging planets never more cross each other's orbits, and we meet no more here - and it is more than probable that we shall not, for our work lies in another direction - we crave your kind remembrance of us and a generous criticism of our work.

have had one child, viz., Rebecca J. The farm of Mr. Turner consists of ninety-two acres, valued at $2,000 ; since his residence in the township, he has held the offices of Assessor, Supervisor and Col-

WILLIAM WRIGHTSELL, farmer; P. 0. Turner's Point ; was born in Jefferson Co., Tenn., Oct. 9, 1811; came to this State and settled in Coles Co., in 1856. He was married to Miss Permelia White Oct. 31, 184'4; she was born in Jefferson Co., Tenn., Nov. 15, 1825 ; they have four children, viz., Sarah J., James M., Louisa E., and Margaret Ann. The farm of Mr. Wrightsell consists of sixty acres valued at $1,800. He was a participant in the Black Hawk war, and is quite an early settler in the western part of Coles Co.

JOHN WILSON, farmer, and Constable for Coles Co ; P. 0. Cook's Millss ; was born in Grermany, March 8, 1840; came to the United States in 1857, and to ! this State in 1865 and to Coles Co. in '

1871. He was married to Miss Sarah Ann Prince, who was born in Indiana Jan. 19, 1848 ; they have two children deceased, viz., Mary C. and Louisa. Mr. Wilson has served a term in the United States Regular Army ; he enlisted from New York City in Co. D, in 1861 ; he served all through the late rebellion, and at its close was discharged with honor.

JAMES P. WHITE, farmer and stockraiser ; P. 0. Mattoon ; was born in Tennessee, March 5, 1841 ; came to this State in 1856, and to Coles Co., and settled in North Okaw Tp. in 1 858 ; his farm consists of forty-nine and a third acres, valued at ^1,500. He was married Nov. 23, 1865, to Miss Mary J. Wade, who was born in Coles Co., 111., June 4, 1847; they have had six children, five of whom are living, viz., Mary A., Nancy E., EfFa N., Minnie and James E. ; deceased, Jessie. Since Mr. White's residence in the township, he has held the office of School Director six years.

HENRY E. ALEXANDER, farmer ; P. 0. Paradise ; is the son of Ebenezer and Dorcas Alexander ; was born in Tennessee, Obion Co., Sept. 2, 1827 ; moved with his parents to Coles Co. Dec. 20, 1828. Is the owner of 210 acres of land valued at or near $8,000 ; School Director two or three terms. Was married to Mary B. Curry, of Coles Co., June 10, 1852 ; names of children - boys - James E., William D., George 0. (Edward F., deceased) ; girls, Mary D., Margaret J. (Nancy E., deceased) ; Edward F. died June 16, 1865 ; Nancy E., Aug. 1, 1878 ; his father, Ebenezer Alexander, died Jan. 8, 1857, at 64 years of age; his mother died April 12, 1871 ; his father was one among the oldest settlers in this county, and was Justice of the Peace until the time of his death.

WM. W. APPERSON, farmer ; P. 0. Mattoon; was born March 19,1834, in Paradise Tp., Coles Co., 111. Owns 240 acres of land all well improved but 40 acres, probable value $9,000 or $10,000 ; public offices held - Supervisor, one year. Commissioner of Highways, three years. Maiden name of

CHARLES W. BISHOP, physician i P. 0. Etna ; is the son of H. S. and Harriet L. Bishop ; was born in Litchfield, Ky., Dec. 15, 1846 ; moved to Coles Co. Jan. 12, 1869, and stayed ten months, and then moved to Missouri; from there to Wilson Co., Kan., then back to Kentucky, and commenced the practice of medicine in Litchfield, and practiced two and onehalf years, then came back to Coles Co., 111., and commenced the practice of medicine here, which he still continues ; was a graduate of Louisville Medical University Oct. 1, 1866. Is the owner of ninety acres of" land, valued at $2,400. He was married to Emma E. Clark, of Coles Co. ; the names of the children by this union are a boy, Francis E. Bishop, born Nov. 27, 1876. His father is still living in Litchfield, Ky.; his mother died Dec. 21, 18G3, in the 39th year of her age.

GEORGE W. BENEFIEL, farmer; P. 0. Etna ; is the son of Robert and Nancy Benefiel ; was born in Lawrence Co., 111., on the 1st day of July, 1817. He was married to Jane Ryker the 23d day of January, 1838, and moved to Coles Co. Oct. 19, 1855 ; names of children, boys - Robert N., James H., John S., Peter R., Francis M. ; girls - Sarah A., Amy A., Ida M. His wife, Jane Benefiel, died Sept. 7, 1867. His son John S. died in the army March 1, 1863, and his daughter Ida died Dec. 4, 1873. He served in the late war as Wagonmaster and Battalion Sergeant in Co. E, 5th I. V. C. He was married to his second wife, Diantha F. Smith, of Coles Co., 111., Feb. 6, 1868. Mr. G. W. Benefiel is one of the oldest settlers of Lawrence Co., Illinois, and the second white child born in that county ; his father was one of the three first settlers of this State ; was in Government service.

PATRICK BRADLEY, farmer; P. 0. Mattoon ; is the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Bradley ; was born in Morgan Co., Ind., Jan. 17, 1830, and moved to Coles Co., 111., Oct. 12, 1866; is the owner of 110 acres of land, valued at or near $3,000 ; was Commissioner of Highways three years, also School Trustee a number of years. Was married to Elizabeth Stroble Feb. 26, 1 854 ; names of children, boys - John C. F., born July 14, 1856; Zachary, born Aug. 24, 1862; James B., born July 1, 1866; girl - Estella, born Jan. 5, 1872. His father, Benjamin Bradley, was one of the oldest settlers of Morgan Co., Ind. ; settled Nov. 12, 1829; died Nov. 11, 1865, in the 77th year of his age ; his mother, Elizabeth Bradley, died March 24, 1862, in the 64th year of her age.

Mrs. Diantha F. Benefiel

MRS. DIANTHA F. BENEFIEL, farmer; P 0. Etna; is the daughter of James and Elizabeth Shores, of Bradford Co., Pa.; moved to Coles Co., Oct. 12, 1843; was born in Bradford Co., Penn., Shesheciuin Tp., April 22, 1823; her maiden name was Diantha F. Shores ; was married to her first husband, William N. Smith, March 31, 1844; names of children, boys - George W., Miren h.y Julius E., William W. ; girls - Elizabeth H., Arloa N., Irena S. George W. died Jan. 24, 1871 . Her husband, William W. Smith, died April 8. 1861 ; is the owner of 320 acres of land, also a large flour-mill at Kickapoo, also three oflBces and four stone houses in Mattoon ; is all valued at or near $30,000 ; was married to her second husband, Mr. George W. Benefiel, Feb. 6, 1868 ; has no children by her second husband ; her first husband's parents' names were Jerrad and Clarinda Smith, of Coles Co., Ill; Jerrad died Sept., 26, 1844; Clarinda died Sept. 18, 1850.

JAMES M. BRESEE, farmor; P. 0. Etna ; is the son of Dorous and Fanny Bresee ; was born in Cumberland Co., 111., Jan. 30, 1847 ; moved to Coles Co. Feb. 12, 1870; is the owner of 120 acres of land valued at near five thousand dollars ; was Road Overseer and School Director for ten years or mure ; was married to Sarah J. Stowers, of Coles Co., April 5, 1868. Names of children - boys: Bird E., born Nov. 18, 1875; girls: Minnie v., born Aug. 22, 1869; Lillie E., born Oct. 17, 1871 ; Hellen M., born March 1, 1873, Was in the late war, 156th I. V. I., Company A. His father, Dorous Bresee, died in California July 15, 1852. His mother is still living in Mattoon; was born July 5, 1821.

JOSEPH CAVINS, farmer; P. 0. Mattoon ; was born in Marion Co., Ohio, Jan. 24, 1838; moved to Coles Co., Paradise Tp., 111., in 1840; was married Dec. 25, 1862 ; maiden name of wife Melissa E. Ferguson. Names of children: Elmer W., Joseph 0., Elzy C, William F., Stanley T., Lester B. Owns 80 acres of land worth about six thousand dollars. Public ofiices held : Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk, School Trustee, Supervisor, and taught school nine terms in the same District; was also in "the late war. His father and mother, Joseph and Nancy Cavins, were born in Loudoun Co., Va. ; moved to Coles Co., Paradise Tp., 111., in 1840. His father died about May 12, 1846 ; his mother Aug. 20, 1852, or there about. Names of their children - boys : John, James, Randolph, William,

P. 0. Etna ; is the son of Felix and Eliza Dornblaser, of Lehigh Co., Penn.; was born in the same county and Sfate April 20, 1838 ; moved with his parents to Coles Co., Paradise Tp., 111., April 20, 1855 ; is the owner of 170 acres of land, probable value, S7,000 ; was School Director six years, also Road Overseer one year. Was married to Mary E. Jeffries, of Coles Co., Dec. 29, 18G0 ; was the daughter of Jain es and Matilda Jeffries ; names of children, boys - French I., born Jan. 28, 1862; James A., born Feb. 6, 1868; Edward (deceased), born Nov. 18, 1869, died March 20, 1872 ; girl - Antoinette, born Nov. 28, 1864. His father, Felix Dornblaser, served his time, three years, in the late war ; died on his way home on the boat, near St. Louis, August 12, 1864 ; 5th Cavalry 111.

JOSEPH F. GOAR, farmer and stockraiser ; P, 0. Etna ; was born in Parke Co., Ind. Jan. 8, 1832 ; he is a son of Clemme and Elizabeth (Hart) Goar ; in 183G, his father came to Coles Co. and entered a large amount of Government land, returning for his family in 1837 ; he built the first steam mill in the county, and was a prominent citizen of Paradise Tp. until 1862, when he removed to Jacksonville, III, where he now resides ; his mother died in this county in 1855. Joseph F. was raised on the farm, and on the 2d of Oct., 1855, married Miss Mary L. Buckles, of Hardin Co., Ky.; they have three children - Robert C, Kate M. and Sarah B.; Mr. Goar resides on a farm of 220 acres, adjoining the old homestead ; he served six years as Constable, and resigned the office in August, 1862, to enter the Union army as a member of Co. D, 123d I. V. I., serving through the war ; among the engagements in which he participated may be mentioned the battles of Milton, Tenn., Hoover's Gap. Chickamauga, Farmington, Peach-Tree Creek, seige of Atlanta, battles of Jonesboro and Selma. In 1867 he was elected Commissioner of Highways, and served three years ; in 1 874, he was chosen Collector of his township, and on the 6th of Nov., 1877, was elected County Treasurer of Coles Co., which office he now holds.

WILLIAM B. FERGUSON, farmer ; P. 0. Mattoon ; is the son of William and Nancy Ferguson ; was born in Bradford Co., Penn., Dec. 8, 1828 ; moved with his parents to Paradise Tp., Coles Co., 111., Oct. 15, 1839 ; is the owner of 601 acres, valued at or near $18,000. Was married to Fanny M. Hart, of this county and township; she is the daughter of Miles H. and Catherine Hart, and was born Dec. 13, 1837 ; married March 8, 1854; there are eight children by this union, viz., Ed, Thomas, James, George, Ella, Ann and Almira; (deceased) Mellissa, Deckard died Jan. 28, 1878. His father, William Ferguson, was born in 1805, died in 1877, in the 73d year of his age ; his mother was born in 1805, died in 1877, in the 73d year of her age. He has held the office of Supervisor two years. Assessor one year and School Trustee three years.

ADAM B. GREEN, farmer; P. 0. Mattoon ; is the son of Ira and Mary Green, of Washington Co., Tenn.; was born in Green Co., Tenn., April 17, 1827 ; moved to Paradise Tp., Coles Co., 111., Feb. 12, 1867. Was married to Caroline E. Peters May 5, 1866; they are the parents of six children, viz., James B., Dora D. and Laura (deceased), George W., Amanda M. and Ida M. Mr. Green is the owner of 163 acres of land, valued at S6,500. He was in the late war and served three years as Sergeant. His mother died April 12, 1861, and his father Aug. 20, 1848. Children deceased, George M., died May 27, 1870, aged 2 years 10 months and 19 days; girls, Amanda M., Oct. 21, 1869, aged 1 month and 15 days; Ida M., June 17, 1871, aged 2 months and 17 days ; children living, girls, Dora, born June 19, 1872; Laura, born Sept. 16, 1875; boy, born (James B.) April 27, 1878. Florence A. Green is a neice of A. B. Green, and makes her home with him ; aged 18 ; born Dec. 25, 1860.

R. GANNAWAY, farmer; P. O. Paradise; is the son of Wm. and Saliie Gannany ; was born in Grayson Co., Ky., Oct. 23, 1810; moved with his folks to Coles Co., 111., March 27, 1828; is the owner of 131| acres of land, valued at or near $7,000., Was School Director, Road Overseer for several years. Was married to Elizabeth Gannaway, of Coles Co., 111.,

Dec. 28, 1836; names of children - boys, Robert, Samuel, James W.; deceased, John W. ; jrirls, Roda J., Susan; deceased, Louisa. His father, William Gannaway, was in the war of 1812, served as Captain, came home and died Sept. 12, 1814. His mother is still living in Des Moines, Iowa, in the 91st year of her age.

ADAM W. HART, farmer; P. 0. Mattoon ; is the son of Silas and Hannah Hart, of Davis Co., Ky. ; was born in White Co., HI., Jan. 3, 1823 ; moved with his parents to Coles Co., Paradise Tp., Jan. 3, 1827 ; is the owner of 475 acres, valued at $20,000. Was married to Nancy D. Gannaway, of Coles Co., Dec. 28, 1843. Was Supervisor, School Trustee, Director, Treasurer and Road Commissioner. The names of their children are Amanda E., Elizabeth J., Hannah M., Polly A. and Mercena; deceased, Abraham D. and Thomas, who died in infancy ; Mary, Louisa jind Adda and three infants not named. His father, Silas Hart, was the oldest settler of this township ; died Oct. 12, 1848; his mother, Hannah Hart, died in this county and township Sept. 18, 1863, in the 68th year of her age.

AMBROSE Y.HART, Jr., farmer; P. 0. Pai'adise ; is the son of Miles H. and Catharine C. Hart ; was born in Effingham Co., 111., Nov. 15, 1834; moved to Coles Co. Feb. 12, 1836 ; is the owner of fifty acres of land, valued at $2,000. Is Justice of the Peace, and has been for twelve years ; also Town Clerk, School Treasurer and Commissioner of Highways. Was married to Nancy Sexson of Coles Co. Jan. 22, 1857 ; the result of this marriage is - David S., John M. ; deceased, Miles 0., Willie A., Catharine C. and Ada. Mr. Hart was in the late war, serving as Corporal of Co. D. 123d 111. Reg. His flxther, Miles H. Hart, died in Coles Co. Feb. 17, 1855, in the 59th year of his age ; his mother, Catherine C. Hart, died in Coles Co. Nov. 12, 1872, in the 68th year of her age; they were one of the three first families who settled in this township.

JAMES L. HART, farmer; P. 0. Etna ; is the son of Oliver and Zorada Hart ; was born in Grayson Co., Ky., June 18, 1846 ; moved with his parents to Coles Co., 111., Oct. 12, 1848; is the owner of seventy-six acres of land, valued at near $3,500. Was Postmaster at Etna for one year. Was married to Elizabeth Smith, of Coles Co., Sept. 24, 1866, His father, Oliver Hart, was born in Grayson Co., Ky., March 31, 1825; died Jan. 25, 1867, in the 42d year of his age ; his mother, Zorada Hart, was born in Hardin Co., Ky., Oct. 26,' 1823, and is now living in Cleburne, Johnson Co., Texas ; his wife's folks are still living, Mr. and Mrs. George N. Benefiel, of this county, township and State. His father was the first man who built a house south of Etna, and one of the first settlers of this township.

THOMAS HART, farmer ; P. O. Paradise ; is the son of Miles H. and Catharine C. Hart, of Coles Co. ; was born in Hardin Co., Ky., Sept. 5, 1824; moved to Coles Co. with his parents March 12, 1826 ; was Assessor, School Trustee, Overseer of the Poor and Road Overseer. Was married to Vianna Sexson, of Coles Co., March 2, 1851 ; names of children : Mary E., Hallie B. ; deceased - Annie Hart. His father. Miles H. Hart, was born in North Carolina July 24, 1796 ; was married to Catharine C. Yocum, of Kentucky, and moved to Wayne Co., 111., and then to Coles Co. ; names of children - boys, Thomas, Joseph B., John D., Ambrosa ; girls, EHza A., Martha P., Mary H., Fanny M. ; deceased, Joseph B. (^died in Paradise, Coles Co., Jan. 26, 1874) ; all living in this county with the exception of Mary H., and she now lives in Harrison Co., Mo.

BENJAMIN D. HAMBLEN, farmer ; P. O. Etna; is the son of Francis and Martha B. Hamblen ; was born in Mt. Pleasant, Hardin Co.,Ky., March 17, 1840; moved with his parents Dec. 24, 1852, to Moultrie Co., and then to Coles Co., March 13, 1868 ; is the owner of 120 acres of land, valued at or near $5,000 ; was Justice of the Peace five years ; also School Director and Road Overseer. Was married to Sarah M. Newport, the daughter of Benjamin and Ellen Newport, of Coles Co., 111.; names of children - boys, Henry F. (born Oct. 3, 1870) ; girls, Nellie M. (born Dec. 28, 1871), RossaM. (born Dec. 6, 1873) ; deceased - boys, Claude (died Aug. 4, 1876). He was in the late war; served as a Duty Sergeant of Co. C, 10th I. V. C. ; his father, Francis Hamblen, died Oct. 27, 1877 ; his mother died Nov. 12, 1865.

JOHN A. MOSS, farmer ; P. 0. Etna; is the son of James H. and Catharine Moss, was born in Fleming Co., Ky.,July 25, 1837 ; moved to Coles Co. March 12, 1878 ; is the owner of forty acres of land, valued at $1,000. Was married to his first wife, Mary Johnston, April 5, 1866, died Feb. 16, 1872 ; names of children deceased (boy) Willard S., died March 11, 1872 ; girls deceased, Dulta B., died Aug. 11, 1870 ; was married to his second wife, Phebe Eaton, of Rush Co., Ind., Dec. 21, 1873; names of children (living), girl, Bushna, born April 20, 1875; deceased girl infant, died Jan. 17, 1874. His father, James H. Moss, was born May 15, 1809, died Jan. 8, 1876, in the 67th year of his age ; his mother, Catharine Moss, was born April 15, 1810, died Sept. 12, 1866, in the 56th year of her age.

GEORGE W. PETERS, farmer; P. 0. Mattoon ; was born in Green Co., Tenn., Sept. 14, 1814 ; is the son of Reuben and Elizabeth Peters, of the same county and State; is the owner of 163 acres of land, valued at $6,500 ; has held no public office. Was married to Harriet Rector March 22, 1838; the names of the children by this union are Alexander S., Reuben A., George W., Lewis B., John R., Caroline E.; deceased, Reuben A., died July 17, 1875, aged 34 years 6 months 16 days; living, Alexander S., born March 22, 1839; George W., May 3, 1843; Lewis B., Dec. 3, 1846 ; John R., May 3, 1856; Caroline E., born Jan. 2,1852. Reuben and George served three years in the late war, in Co. I, 1st Tenn. V. C. A. S. is in Oakland, Oregon ; George is in Sumner Co., Kan.; the rest are living here.

JOHN A. WILSON, farmer; P. 0. Etna ; is the son of John A. and Elizabeth Wilson, of Coles Co.; was born March 16, 1842; is the owner of ninetytwo acres of land, valued at $2,500. Was married to Elizabeth Jones, of Paradise Tp., Coles Co., Dec. 3, 1868 ; the names of the children by this union, are William S., George N., John 0., James M. (died Oct. 3, 1874), Mary E. and Effie G. Mr. Wilson served in the late war in Co. D, 123d Regiment I. V. I. His flither, John A. Wilson, died Oct. 12, 1842, in St. Louis, and his mother, June 18, 1852 ; Mr. Wilson's father and mother were

27, 1853; moved to Coles Co., 111., March 12, 1863 ; is the owner of fiftyfive acres of land, valued at $2,500. Was married to Mary D. Alexander, of this township, Sept. 25, 1870 ; the names of the children are James 0., born Feb.

28, 1873 ; Margaret A., deceased ; Nora J., born Oct. 29, 1874; Cora M., born March 29, 1876; Henrietta, born Aug. 24, 1878. Mr. Wheat's father, James 0. Wheat, is still living, and is practicing medicine in this township. Was in the late war as surgeon in 21st Kentucky Regiment. His mother, Margaret Wheat, died Sept. 12, 1861, in the 25th year of her age. His father