Pilot Grove Township

Pilot Grove Township

Numbered 6-6, was named for a grove of timber, which stood alone in tlie prairie, in the early days, near the old Indian Trail, or what we in Hancock county termed the " Rock Island Trail." This trail ran from point to point on the prairie, following the general course of the Mississippi, avoiding thus its many tortuous windings. In Hancock county it ran from Green Plains to Golden's Point, thence past this grove and through Durham, to some point in Henderson county, and so on to Rock Island. It had apparently been long traveled, and when the white settlements began, it became a much-used local road.

This township was settled mainly by people from Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, and New York. They are mostly a thrifty and hospitable class of immigrants, and have come generally to stay, as may be judged by the appearance of their farms and residences. They have a cemetery, but claim that it is seldom used, except for the interment of those who die of old age, or who come in from other parts of the county. What was a wide expanse of prairie, covered with ducks and deer and waving grass and wild flowers forty years ago, is now as one beautiful checkered farm, with not a single open quarter section. Grain and stock are the chief products, Peoria furnishing the principal market for both. Politically, this township has usually given from 20 to 40 Democratic majorities.

The first postofEce was called Pilot Grove, and was kept by Nelson Andrews; afterward removed to the village of Burnside. The first J. P.'s were Isaac C. Howd, Nathan Mason and John Huckins. William Glaze is the oldest man in the township at this time, aged 86; and Mrs. Perkins is the oldest woman, aged 85. She says she came there early enough to have Indians about her door, and to have to hide her meat from the wolves.

Probably the first settler in the township was one Franklin, a few miles northeast of Carthage. This was about 1830. This claim was bought by Ephraim Perkins, in 1835, a son of Ute Perkins, who was about the first settler in Fountain Green. Among other early settlers in the township, we have the names of Neill McKay, Joseph Lionberger, Thomas Perkins, Elting Thompson, Wm. B. Wilson, Wilson Wright, John Ilamrick, Ralph Gorrell, James Goldsburg, Mr. DeHart, Dr. Cheney, and Nelson Andrews - all now deceased. Among those living are, Merrill Andrews, Nathan S. Cheney, Isaac Cooper, John Bailey, Solomon Elifritz, Harry Earles, James Gibson, Wm. Gorrell, Isaac C. Howd, Mr. Hathaway, John Huckins, John Manering, Nathan Mason, Samuel F. Pray (now of Montebello), Neil Rice, John Roth, Joseph Thomp-

Pilot Grove stands well in the line of common schools. Her people are fully up to the standard in that respect. She now counts nine school houses used exclusively for that purpose. Beginning in the northeast, they are named - The Rock, Pilot Grove, Madison, Liberty, Burnside, Oak Grove, Cottage, Jubilee, and Grant. The Burnside school building has two departments, and is well suited to the wants of the people. This and the Cottage are mentioned as creditable to the community.

Pilot Grove sports one very pleasant little village on the line of the T., P. & W. Railway, Burnside. It was laid out by J. B. Mc- Millan in ls6S. It now contains near 300 inhabitants. There are 10 business houses and one mill doing a good business. And far from the least item to its credit, it has no saloon, and few who would patronize one.

Another, La Crosse, also on the line of the railway, is on the extreme eastern edge of the township, on land owned by John W. Lionberger, who was its first P. M. It has but two or three business houses and thirty or forty inhabitants. Both La Crosse and Burnside are surrounded by fine fai'ms and thriving and enterprising farmers.

Religious Peogeess

Concerning early religious work in this township we have little data. The village of Burnside contains two churches. The Christian church was built in 1S73, at a cost of about $4,000. The Methodist Episcopal church was built the next year, costing about the same amount.

The Jubilee school-house, in the southwestern portion of the township, was formerly also used for church purposes, and very likely others also.

Eiogeaphical Sketches

William Aleshire was born in Meigs county, Ohio, in 1814; emigrated to this State, Fulton count}'. 111., in 1842, and to this county in 1848, where he has since resided. He received no other education than such as the common schools of his day afforded him, but has been generally successful in life, and has raised a considerable family. His father, Ephraim Aleshire, was a native of Ohio, and after moving to this county, died in 1864. His mother whose maiden name was Elizabeth Williams, and who was a native of the same State, is still living and in good health; she is now 83 years of age. Mr. Aleshire was married in 1S37 to Sarah Ewing; she is a native of Ohio, and of Scotch Irish descent; she is the mother of 10 children, S of whom are still living, 2 girls and 6 boys; the oldest, Sauford, is a merchant of Coburg, Iowa; Levi is a farmer in this township; "William is a teacher, and is now traveling in Southern Illinois; Edward is in Stanbury, Mo., an attorncfv at law; Albert is still with the family at home; Oscar E., who is a youth of 18, is attending school at Carthage College, in the third year of liis course. The girls, Angeline and Margaret, are married, and are the wives of two industrious citizens of this tp. Mr. Alesliire has spent the greater part of his life as a farmer, but is now running a hotel in the village of Burnside, this tp., where he has been engaged for six years past. He has passed through several tinancial discouragements, but has accumulated a reasonable amount of real and personal property. Besides his hotel he owns a small farm in this vicinit}' and some personal property.

JoJin A. Barr is of light complexion, medium stature, weighs 160 pounds, and wears a genial smile upon his countenance, indicative of his natural good humor. He was born in Breckenridge county, Kj\, in 1S51, and emigrated with his parents to this county in the spring of 18-59, settling in Rock Creek tp. His father, Charles Barr, is of German descent, and a native of Kentucky; a farmer by occupation, and a member of the Methodist Church. His mother, whose maiden name was Sallie Beaucham, is of French descent, and a native of Kentucky. She is a zealous member of the M. E. Church, and the mother of 11 children, all living, 5 boys and 6 girls. The Doctor received his literarj' education at the LaHarpe Seminary of this county, and after graduating at the Keokuk Medical College he received a diploma from the faculty of the Jefferson Medical College, Indiana. He is now a practicing physician, having good practice at Burnside, this tp., where he has been located for four years. He is a member of the Hancock County Medical Society; also belongs to the Christian Church of his village. The Doctor is a young man for one of his experience, unmarried, and owns a beautiful and comfortable residence, besides a liberal share of personal property. He visited Philadelphia and the New England States during the Centennial of 1S76; has been very successful in the business operations of life. He now holds 80 acres of well-improved land in Rock Creek tp., besides an undivided interest in the home farm of 160 acres.

William Bray was born in Somerset, Ky., Jan. 7, 1S26 ; his father, Xathan Bray, is of English descent and a native of North Carolina; he is a hatter by trade, in later life becoming a farmer, and is now 81 years of age. William's mother, nee Catharine Rauard, was of Welsh descent and a native of Kentucky; of her children, 2 daughters and -1 sons, William is the only one in this county. Mr. B. received his education in the Indiana State University, and was engaged for a time as teacher in Mississippi. He married in Indiana to Martha A. Foster of Monroe county, of that State; she has raised a family of 9 children, 5 sons and 4 daughters. Mr. Bray, a farmer by occupation, moved to this county and settled on sec. 20 of Pilot Grove tp., where he now has 300 acres of land and a plain and unassuming but commodious residence; does not court public note nor political favor, yet he is awake to the necessit^^ of moral and political elevation of our nation. Mr. B. and lady have been for thirty-five years connected with the Church known as the Disciples Church, with which he has labored as Elder for several years. He is politically a Republican but not a radical; has represented his township as Supervisor several terms, and is now enjoying the highest blessing shared in this life, i. e., a quiet country home with a kind wife and a happy group of children.

Williarn R. Bu7-hridoe is small in stature, quick in movement and wears an expression indicative of his knowledge, sagacity and determination. He was born in Paris. Bourbon county, Ky., in 1S46. His father, Robert Burbridge. was a native of Kentucky, and of French-German descent. He was a Baptist minister by faith and profession, and died at the age of 61, at Paris. The grandfather, with 6 brothers, were a part of the crew with LaFayette, in 1777. Mr. B.'s mother, whose maiden name was Mary Rader, was a native of Nashville, Tenn., and of Anglo-Prussian blood. She died at the age of 59, in Tazewell county, of this State.

Mr. Burbridge began as an apprentice to learn the blacksmith trade in 1862. After engaging in steady business in a plow factory, he was married in lS6s to Josephine Blizzard, of Mason county, 111. She was the mother of one child, now a bright little girl of 10 years, and died when Annie was seven, leaving her and her father, the only members of the household. She was buried in the McKay cemetery, in the vicinity of Burnside. She was a member of the Christian Church, and of the Eastern Star order. Mr. Burbridge was married the second time. May 9, 1880, to Miss Annie Steffey, of Basco, 111., a worthy'and accomplished young lady. She is the daughter of a highly educated widow lady of Eastern birth, and an early member of the M. E. Church.

Mr. B. has been generally successful in his business, having traveled as salesman for J. H. Power & Co., Cincinnati. He has gained by this means a thorough knowledge of men and things, and has a very neat little residence, a shop, and other town property. He is doing a fair business and enjoys life in an equally high degree.

Charles B. Coleman WAS, born at Zanesville, 0., in 1828. His father, John C. Coleman, was a native of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch descent; emigrated to this State, settling in Fountain Green tp., in 1S42, where, after spending a few years with his children, he died, at the age of 82. His mother, whose maiden name was

Lutitia Erwin, of Scotch descent, died in May, 1S55. Mr. Coleman had the poorest advantages of the common-schools for an education, but is practical in business and has spared no pains in giving his family all the benefits his circumstances would permit. He was married to Nancy M. Hnckins, daughter of John Huckins, -who is one of the early settlers of this county, and has been identified with the history of Pilot Grove tp. for more than 80 years. He has had 6 children, 5 of whom are still living. The 3 younger are Mattie E., Edwin G. and Lula M. The 3 older, Charles O., Anna A. and Addie, began a general merchandising business in LaCrosse, in 1S7S, but in a short time a sad misfortune left the young firm with but two members. Addie, a kind and loving sister, was burned to death by the explosion of a kerosene lamp. Charles and Anna still remain, having the postoflice added. They are not only esteemed in business circles, but socially their genial hospitality makes them many friends.

Zalus Davis, medium-sized, man weighing 140 lbs., was born in Preston county, W. Va., in 1824. At the age of 18, he enlisted as an engineer upon the packet Irene, running from Cincinnati to Parkersburg, W. Va. He followed the Ohio as an engineer for 14 years, and during the war had charge of the Tigris, the headquarter vessel of Gen. Grant and Com . Graham during their river engagements up the Tennessee and Cumberland. He was present at the noted battles of Pittsburg Landing, Ft. Andrews and Ft. Henry. His father, James Davis, a Virginian by birth, was an early pioneer of the West. His mother's maiden name was Margaret Hughes; she was also a native of Virginia. Mr. Davis was mai'ried in Racine, O., in 1850, to Margaret Bailey, a native of that State. Mr. Davis emigrated to Richland county. 111., where he remained but a short time, when he removed to this county and settled in Dallas City. He remained here six years and moved to Clinton, Iowa, and after six years stay at this place, he came to Burnside, this tp., where he purchased a grist-mill and is now doing a good business in this line. Mr. Davis has 7 children living, 4 boys and 3 girls. He traveled westward during the year 1872, exploring the Indian Territory and New Mexico. He has struck a bonanza in the business in which he is now engaged, and is enjoying the comforts of a pleasant life with his happy family.

Cromwell Gibson is the son of James Gibson, one among the oldest settlers of this county, and a native of the Emerald Isle. He was born in 1813, and emigrated with his father to New York, when very young. His father, Robert Gibson, /removed to this State in 1837; he died and is buried on Green river in Bureau county. The mother of James, whose maiden was name Jane Black, was a native of the same countr}', and died in New York, aged 33. James was married in Nevv York, to xlngeline Bennet, and their children are 3 girls and one boy. She died in 1860, and is buried in the McKay cemetery. He next married Mrs. Hannah Dufiield,

Mr. G. received little of the advantages of the common schools of his day; has been remarkably successful in his business transactions, being a man who has never shrunk from the hardest manual labor. lie has the hard-earned results, consisting of two farms in this tp., comprising 156 and 230 acres respectively, eich well improved and upon each a residence, both extensive and beautiful, iiis two eldest daughters, Achsah and Mary, are residing with their husbands in this county.

His son, Eobert Cromwell, was married in 1S73 to Hattie Lowry' of Schuyler county, this State. She is the mother of 3 boys, Elmer, Charles and James F. He and his accomplished lady are enjoying all the blessings of a domestic life together, residing 2^ miles southeast of Burnside. Cromwell is a farmer by occupation, and is a joUj' one. for he does not allow the " blues " to settle over himself nor any one with whom he associates.

John L. Goldsherry is the son of James Goldsberry, who was born 171 Hampshire count}', Va.; emigrated to Hlinois in 1S39; went back to Virginia, married, and came a second time, in 1S43; removed to Kansas in 1S56, and died near fifty years of age. The mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Gibonj-, was a native of Worefield, Va., is buried in the McKay cemetery, this tp. Mr. G. has one brother, George H., who is a farmer residing in this county, Carthage tp. John was born herein 1814; has served the faithful life of a farmer, and now resides on his 90-acre farm, on sec. 34. He spent his years from 11 to 16 in Kansas, and in 1875 took a trip to California; was married in 1870 to Elizabeth Knowles, daughter of Captain Knowles, of a merchant vessel at Baltimore, the same Captain Knowles who saved a crew at Jersey Island, for which the Government presented him a fine telescope. She was born in Baltimore, Md., is of English descent, and the mother of one son and 3 daughters: Charley C, Annie M., Edith A. and Sarah E. Mr. G.'s grandfather was one of the few who survived the expedition with Lewis and Clark in the West.

Dr. John S. Gordon was born in Greene county, Penn.,in 1825. His father, Bazel Gordon, was a native of ]New Jersey, and of Scotch descent. He was killed in liis 28th year, by accident, at a house-raising. His mother, Sarah nee Shriver, was of German descent, and a native of Virginia; she died in Pennsylvania, 46 years of age. The Doctor, after his parents died, made his home with his uncle for a time; received a limited education in the common schools; afterward attended Green Academy, teaching through the winter and attending the Academy through the summer. He began studying medicine under Dr. Alexander Shaw, now of Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated at Jeiferson Medical College, and began the practice of medicine in Pilot Grove tp. in 1860, where he has since been located. Dr. Gordon has been a remarkably successful physician, and has become the owner of considerable real estate. He occupies a choice residence in the north part of Burnside, where he shares the comfort of his own home with his many friends. He owns 295 acres of land in this county. The Doctor was married in 1850 to Lucinda Whitlatch, a native also of Pennsylvania, and of English descent. Slie is the mother of -i boys, 3 of whom are living: Sylvanus H., Thomas J. (who died at 22), Albert M., now a dentist in Keokuk, and William M., a youth of 15, at home .

3frs. E. A. Hamrick was born in Muskingum county, O. Her father, Henry Baty, was a native of Virginia, and died in Ohio at the age of 55. Her mother, whose maiden name was Mary A. Watts, was a native of Eolt, Md., and emigrated to Ohio with her parents when only three years old. She is living at this writing, at the age of 78. Wm. M. Hamrick was a native of Clarksburg Va., and was married in 1852; emigrated to this tp., and settled, in 1853. Mr. Hamrick was a farmer b}' occupation, and after a successful career as such, he died in May, 1873. He left a comfortable residence and a good farm of 310 acres to his wife and heirs. Mrs. H. has 6 children living, 3 girls and 3 bo^'s - Alice, Delia, Frank, Willie, Alva and Effie. Alice, the oldest, is attending school at Carthage College, and paying some attention to music. She is active, energetic, and seems to be the chief operator of the Hamrick farm. Her mother is a lady much respected in her community, and has a business tact seldom equaled by her sex.

Smith Howd was born in Camden, X. Y., in 1827. His father, Isaac Howd, a native of iNew York, emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1832, thence to Hlinois, where he settled in Carthage in 1836, and where he remained five years, after which he settled in this tp., the first time on sec. 16. He died at Pontoosucin 1856. His mother, whose maiden name was Annie Johnson, died when he was but four years old. Mr. Howd was in this county too early to have the benefits of a common-school education. He went West in 185-4 and traveled in Nevada and California, remaining ten years. He was a miner, and one of the successful ones. He understands the meaning and use of "sluice," "box," "rocker," "flume," etc. When he came back to Hancock he purchased land, and in 1864 was married to Catharine Yetter, of this county, who is now the mother of 6 children, 5 of whom are living - Emma, Curtis, Flora, Joel and Barr. Mr. Howd has been equally successful as a farmer and stockraiser, and now owns an extensive farm, fertile and well improved, consisting of four 80's, besides several timber lots, - 433 acres in all. Mr. Howd has met with few financial discouragements through life, and has had general good health, attending strictly to his farm duties.

Stephen Jacob, aged 69, was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., and emigrated to this county in 1837. His father, Udney H. , was a native of Massachusetts, and of German descent. After remainino; here for several years he went to Utah (soon after the Mormons were driven from this county), where he died, nearly 78 years of age. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Hubbard, the mother of 7 children, all of whom lived to be men and women. The elder son, Norton, built the first mill in this county, run by Wilcox & Co., at Warsaw, in 1834. Mr. Jacob has been a farmer during his past life, and was married in New York, to Minerva Ostrander, of Saratoga county. She is of German descent, and the mother of 5 sons and 4 daughters - Margaret A., a milliner, of La Harpe; Abraham, Mary, Marvin, Emma, Elisha P., Eliza J., Prosper H. and Stephen. Two of the above are at home; two are dead." Eliza, after teaching four yeairs, died a few months since with consumption, contracted by exposure. Mr. Jacob is one of the old pioneers of this countj% but took no part in the Mormon war.

Wellington Jenney was born in Wheeling, W. Va., May 14, 1820. He is of large stature, weighs 240 lbs., and bears a dignified yet unassuming appearance. He emigrated to this county, Durham tp., in 1860; after remaining 6 years he removed to where he now resides in this tp.. on sec. 7. His father, Andrew Jenney, was a native of Massachusetts, of English descent, and was in early life a farmer, later a sailor and river captain, running the first, steamboat that was ever run up the Wabash river. He died in West Virginia, after a few years of retired life, at the age of 62. Mr. Jenney's mother, whose maiden name was Eliza Copeland, was a native of Massachusetts, and of English-German descent. She died in Marshall county, Va.

Wellington, her onl)' sou, was married to Sarah Wayt, and by her has 7 children living, - Annie, Eliza, Charles, a teacher by profession, Ella W., William, Laura and Perry L., a youth at home. Mr. Jenney, when a boy of 19, began life at his own risk as a teacher, and afterward became a farmer. He represented his district in Virginia, in 1849-'50, as a member of the General Assembly; was sent from this county to Illinois Legislature in 1876. He also served as Supervisor from this and Durham tps., for six years. He is now living with his second wife, a kind and loving mother and a worthy member of the M. E. Church.

After passing through the financial disaster of four years ago, which shook the faith of so many farmers of this commiinity, he is now afloat with tlie following real estate: 80 acres in Rock Creek tp., well improved, and a home farm of 80 acres, where he now resides.

John W. Lionberger was born in Page county, Virginia, and emigrated with his father to this county in 1835, finally settling on sec. 12 of Pilot Grove tp. ; his father, Joseph Lionberger, was of German descent, also a native of Virginia; he was a farmer by occupation, but built the first saw and grist mill in the township, on

Crooked creek, in ISSS. He made this the chief care of his business life, but was also engaged in merchandising with a man by the name of Grove, in LaHarpe. After raising a lai-ge family, died at 74 years of age, and was buried in the Andrews Cemetery, January 15, 1S6S. His motlier's maiden name was Esther Burner, and she was of German-English descent, a Calvin istic Baptist by faith, and a native of Virginia; she died nearly 72 years of age, and is buried beside her husband. She was the mother of 7 children, 4 sons and 3 daughters. J. W. is the youngest living son, and resides now on the old home farm ; though quite young at the time he took an active part in the Mormon difficulty, being one of the Artillery Corps of gun number two; he was among those who bid the unfortunate Brighamites a last farewell at Nauvoo, as they took tlieir departure for Zion. Mr. L. was the recipient of instruction such as the common schools of ISli afforded, but he did not stop with this; by faithful practice he gained a fair business education. He was married in 1850 to Philena Roberts, a native of New York, and of Scotch-English blood; she is the mother of 5 children, 3 sons and 2 daughters. The eldest, Mary, is the wife of W. A. Pickernell, a farmer of this tp. ; Edward, Clara, Robert and John are still under the parental roof. Mr. L. has been tortured with the official honors of his tp., all the way from Supervisor up to School Director, and is still suffering a like oppression. He was the founder of the little village of LaCrosse, and was tlie first Postmaster, in 1S6S; he has been actively engaged as a grain and stock shipper for several years past, and makes it still his chief care. He has been remarkably successful in his business operations, as a census of his estate will show. Home farm, 200 acres; timber, 180, and SO acres on sec. 10. Mr. L. is a hard worker and takes special care that none with whom he comes in contact escape his genial hospitality.

Miles B. Mann was born in Buffalo, IN". Y., in 1813; his father, Nathan Mann, a native of Massachusetts and a mechanic by occupation, died soon after settling in New York. His mother, whose maiden name was Cynthia Blakely, was of English descent, a Methodist by faith, and died in Wisconsin in 1872, at 81 years of age. Mr. M., now 67 years of age, has two brothers and two sisters living, at last accounts. He emigrated to this county in 1839, and was employed for a time with Streets & Bro., then doing an extensive merchandising business in Carthage; during the time he was married (1842) to Amanda Hamilton, who was born in Ohio, and of German origin; she is the mother of 9 children, only 3 of whom are now living: Delia M. is the wife of Charles Hyslop, a merchant in Missouri; Celestia M., who was one of the successful lady-teachers of this county in lS73-'5, is now the wife of R. S. Woodruff', of Iowa; Mary E., a girl at home. Mr. M. has had his full share of misfortunes to bear, yet he has maintained a high repute as a citizen, and has accumulated a reasonable share of real estate, chattels, etc. His farm of 210 acres lies on either side of the Dallas and Carthage road, and is under high cultivation and improvement.

Mr. M. has acted as Justice of Peace eight years, and has assessed his township seven times; he was among those of his time who worked for his board and paid his own tuition while attending school, a rare circumstance now, but common then.

Sidney C. Mendenhall is the son of Nathan Mendenhall, whohas been so long identified with the history of Durham tp. The father is a native of Madison county, Ind., but his forefathers, formerly from England, settled in North Carolina. lie emigrated to Sangamon count}', 111., in 1S35, thence to Henderson, and to Hancock in 1837, settling in Durham tp. He is now engaged in farming, near Appleton City, Mo., St. Clair county. His mother, whose maiden name was Lucy "VV. Lincoln, was born in New York and is still living, 55 years of age. She with her husband have been identified with the Christian Church 29 years. She is the mother of 4 sons and 5 daughters. Milo, a boy of five, died in St. Clair county. Mo.; Nathaniel died in this county, at the age of three years; Eliza died in 1S56, an infant of one year, as also did Lucy J.; Paris J. is now a young man of 20, with his father; Lucetta is the wife of Wm. H. Hutchison, a farmer of Bates county. Mo.; Mary Etta is the wife of John D. Smith; Sidney C, the subject of this sketch, was born in Durham tp., in 1853, is of medium stature and weight, dark hair and eyes, wears a piercing yet singularly pleasant expression upon his countenance. He left the farm at IS, after sharing the benefits of the common schools of this county, and the graded schools of Appleton, Mo., and engaged as an artist in the last named place. He went from this place to Girard, Kansas, thence to Oswego, of the same State, where he was married Dec. 3, 1875, to Alice V. Kinnear, formerly from Indiana. Her father, John L. Kinnear, emigrated to Missouri in 1S66 and to Kansas in 1873. He was a mechanic by occupation, and of Irish descent. Mrs. Mendenhall is the mother of one child, a little girl, one and a half years old; belongs to the Christian order. Mr. M. is identified at present with Ross & Springer, as salesman. He owns a neat little residence in the little village of La Crosse, where he and his young wife share all tlie joys of a wedded life.

Johi D. Miller, now permanently located on sec. 2 of this tp., was born in Scott county, 111., and is a son of Wm. Miller, a native of Eastern Tenn. Mr. Miller's father was a farmer by occupation, and died when his son was but four years of age, after he had emigrated to this county in 1S37.

William's mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Dixon, was of Irish descent and also a native of Tennessee. She died in Durham tp., at the age of 50, in 1866. Mr. Miller was married first in this county, in Dec, 1857, to Mary E. Riggins, who died Feb. 18, 1879, leaving 7 children, one girl and 6 boys, whose ages range from four to 20. He was married a second time, to Victoria Saj'r, of this county, with whom he now enjoys the comforts of home and family. Mr. M. began life with no resources other than his good will and muscle,'and by this means has succeeded in gain- ing a well-improved farm of 120 acres, a neat and comfortable residence, besides his personal property. He had the advantages of instruction such as the common schools aiiorded, and has a special delight for works of art and history.

Thomas 2^iohoh'07i, a native of Carlisle, England, was born in ISoO. He emigrated to Boston. Mass., in 1S32, where he and his father were employed in the cotton factories. He was the son of George Nicholson, a flax-dresser by occupation, who died soon after settling in this tp., in 1S37. His mother died in Winsington, Mass., in lS3i. Mr. N., who has never bowed before the hymeneal altar, or assumed the cares and responsi])ilities of a wedded life, is enjoying his happy old days of seventy-live years, the principal light, life, and substance, of the little village of LaCrosse. Mr. W. has two living sisters and one brother: Wallace, Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth is the wife of Calvin Westfall, a farmer of this tp. Mary McCollock, a widowed lady who cares for the domestic interests of Mr. N., is the younger sister, and the mother of 2 children. "Uncle Tommy" is of a genial turn of mind, always in a good humor, and with his appearance, the " blues " and all despondent feelings must vanish. During his better days he took a tour to California, Central America, and New York; was one of the boys who gave the Mormons their special invitation to cross the Mississippi. He resides on his farm near LaCrosse, where he owns several business houses and lots.

Henri/ Pennoch is the son of Syh'ester Pennock, who was a native of New York, and came to tliis county in 1S40. After staying one year in Fountain Green, he settled on sec. 22 of this tp., where the old residence still stands. He died in 1S62, and his remains are interred on the old home farm, where he raised a large family. His mother, also a native of New York, died in Jan., ISSO, and lies buried beside his fathei-. She was a Methodist by faith and the mother of 5 sons and 5 daughters. Henry, the oldest son, is of medium stature, weighs 1-1:5 lbs., and was born in N. Y. in 1834. He is a farmer and stock-raiser, and resides on sec. 22, where he owns 3-15 acres of land. He also owns 80 acres in sec. 3. He was married in 1859 to Margaret Tyner, a daughter of Squire Tyner, of Burnside. She is the mother of 5 girls and 2 boys: George, Virginia, Lucy, Murry, Florence, Ethel andLula; and are all at this time, on the home farm. Mr. P. shared with many others the financial disaster of 1876, but otherwise has been a successful manager. He has one of the best farms in the county, and a very neat residence in which, with his happy family, he spends his leisure hours.

Alexander Phillippi is a farmer by occupation. He was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. His father, George Phillippi, was a native of Penn., and of German ancestry. He is a member of the Church of L^nited Brethren. He is living, at this writing, aged 78 years.

His step-mother, Catharine Knomire, was of German descent and a native of Penn. She is still living, and is but seven daj's his father's junior.

Mr. rhillippi emigrated to Fulton county. 111., in 1862. He was married in that county in 1856 to Martha Burnett, a native of the same county. She died Jivh' 6, 1S65. Her only child, George, is now a boy of 17. Mr. Phillippi was married the second time to Mrs. Mary Frye, of Fulton county, in 1868. She at that time was the mother of two girls. Alma and Emma. Alma is now a teacher. Ella and Frank, aged respectively twelve and seven, are of the last union. Mr. Phillippi received an education such as the common schools of his day afforded. He has been successful as a farmer, and now owns 28 acres of well-improved prairie land, on which he has recently constructed a comfortable residence and barn costing nearly $3,000.

Joseph F. Place was born near Winchester, Frederick county, Va., Feb. 13, 1816; parents' names, Abraham and Siarah (Kindrick) Place, both natives of Ya. Abraham Place was of English descent, his father having come from " Merry England."

When the subject of this sketch was si.x years of age, his parents moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, taking him with them. One 3'ear afterward his father died in that county. His mother then moved to Pickaway county, Ohio, near Circleville. About one month after her arrival in that county, she also died, leaving a family of 8 children, 6 at home, our subject, Joseph F. Place, being next to the youngest. Thus, at the tender age of seven years, he was thrown upon the world. His mother's brother, Thornton Kindrick, took him home, where he lived some six years. During his uncle's absence he returned to Muskingum county, O., and lived with a brother-in-law, George Gayer, six years. Then being about nineteen years of age, he commenced working on his own hook, at seven dollars per month, on a farm. During the following two years he attended the district school, two months each winter, in all four months. This, with intervals of a few daj's at different times, was all the opportunities for education that Mr. Place ever had. He estimates that ten months would include all his time spent in school. Mr. P. worked in this way up to the fall of 1839, when he sowed a crop of thirty acres of wheat on shares. Before this was harvested he entered 120 acres of land in Putnam county, Ohio. This cost him $150 in money that he had saved while working by the month. He then "cropped" with Samuel Baxter for the next two years, at which they were successful. In 1812 he was married to Eliza Garsuch, who died in Februar\', 1815. He followed farming and cropping on his and other lands until 1846, when he engaged in trading and dealing in sheep, driving them to market across the Alleghany mountains into Yirginia and Maryland, selling to farmers, etc. In 1848 he was married to his present wife, whose name was Eleanor Baxter, daughter of Samuel Baxter, a native of Virginia. About this time Mr. P. turned his attention to farming and stock-raising on a larger scale than he had previously, renting large farms of 300 acres, and giving half of what was raised - the same as $2,000 per year. He fallowed farming in this way until the war broke out. He then bought twenty-three acres of land on credit of four years. Before this time expired, he bought fifty acres more adjoining, at $50 per acre. In 1864 he sold this seventy-three acres for $5,500, and came to Illinois, locating on section 15, Pilot Grove tp., June 5, 1865. The homestead now consists of 1-40 acres of good farm lands and 36 acres of timber. Mr. Place has a family of 3 children - Rilla F., Charles B., who married Mary James, and now lives in Disco (they have one child), and John B.. who lives at home with his parents.

Mr. Place is a Republican, and while in Ohio served as Supervisor, School Trustee, and County Clerk. He has the reputation of being a thoroughly honest and conscientious man in all dealings with others, and generous and hospitable in an eminent degree. When quite a young man he was often selected bj' neighbors to arbitrate and settle differences where they existed, they having the utmost confidence in his good judgment and impartiality in deciding an}' case presented to him. As an acquaintance who has known him for years says, he is '* honest" for the pure love of honesty. A higher compliment could scarcely be paid to any one.

Joseph Thompson was born in Wayne county, O., in 1823. His father, Archibald Thompson, was a native of Virginia, of Scotch origin, and a mechanic by trade. He died at the age of 74, and is buried in Wayne county, O. His mother's maiden name was Martha Fitzsimmons. She was of Irish descent, a native of Pennsylvania, and she died a Presbyterian by faith, at the age of nearly 74, in Ohio. Mr. Thompson is a farmer, and has had good health during his entire life. He was married in Crawford county, O., in 1847, to Sarah E. Flarper, of Pennsylvania. She is the mother of 4 daughters and one son: Jennie, Mattie, Alice, Walter and Hettie. Alice is a teacher of acknowledged ability and seven years' experience. Walter, a young man of 20, has taught one term, and is now attending Carthage College.

Mr. Thompson shared but few of the benefits of the schools of his day, and is wisely profiting by his own loss, in giving his children due encouragement. He has weathered through all financial disasters. Has a comfortable home of 174 acres, on sections 9 and 17 of this tp., where he settled in September, 1854.

William Tyner is one of the oldest settlers in this tp. ; is 64 years of age, weighs 180 pounds, and has enjoyed good health during his entire life. He was born in Franklin county, Ky., in 1814, and emigrated to this county in 1846. He has been a resident of this tp. 34 years. His father, Solomon Tyner, was a native of South

Carolina, and of Scocth descent. He was a farmer by occupation, and a Calvinistic Baptist by faith. His mother, whose maiden name was Jemima Henderson, was also of Scotch descent a member of the same Church as his father, and a native of South Carolina. His parents in early life emigrated to Franklin county, lud., thence to Hancock county of the same State, where they remained until death. Mr. Tyner was married in 1832, to Susan Egan, of Franklin county, Ind. She is a worthy member of the Christian Church, and the mother of 9 children, 8 of whom are now living - 3 boys and 5 girls. Mr. Tyner received his education at the Greenfield (Ind.) Seminary, and was sent to the Legislature from Hancock county, in 1856; has acted as Township Treasurer of school funds 28 years, and Justice of Peace 24 years. He has been very successful in his business, which has been chiefly farming. He is now making loans and dealing in notes, bonds, etc. He has a large and beautiful residence in Burnside, where he makes the eomfort and happiness of his family the chief object of his life.

George Waggener is the son of James Waggener, an early settler of Kentucky, formerly from Virginia. George was the only son in a family of 3 childi-en. He was born in Jefterson county, Ky., afterward removing to Todd county, where, after his father died, he was the overseer of a large farm. His mother was also a native of Virginia, and died in Todd county, Ky. After his mother died, George emigrated to this State, and settled on sec. 31, of this tp., in 1837. He had such advantages for education as the subscription schools of that day aft'orded, which were very meager. He was married before he emigrated, in 1835, to Mary F. Anderson; nativity, Kentucky; parents, from Virginia. She is the mother of 3 sons and 2 daughters, all living; James N., William J., Jasper B., Sarah E, and Mary O., all residing in this vicinity, except William, who is farming in Jasper county, Iowa. Mr. W. by occupation is a farmer and stock-raiser; also has a small farm or two and a handsome income, which amply provides for his declining years. Although a man of 60, he has the business snap of most men of 30. He was an active operator in the Mormon difficulties, not one of those who did the shooting, but the man who hauled the amunition for those who did. He was first into the jail when the Smiths were killed, and picking up the revolver which Smith had emptied, presented it to the authorities when called on the Coroner's jury. Uncle George is loyal from the ground up. He had 2 sons, William and Jasper, in the 2d 111. Cav., under Col. Marsh; were in several battles, among which were Holly Springs, Vicksburg, etc.; were taken prisoners at Organza. Uncle George and lady belong to the Missionary Baptist society. He and Stephen Jacobs are the only pioneers of 1837 remaining in Pilot Grove tp.

Henry C. Yetter is a man of medium height and weight, quick movement and the appearance of a shrewd, sagacious business man. He was born in Dayton, O., in 1843; came to this county in 1853, and settled in this tp. His father, Louis Yetter, was a native of Pennsyl ' vania, and a farmer by occupation. Ills mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Bear. She was a native of the same State; her chief characteristic was the interest she took in the moral advancement of her community, and an honored member of the Christian Church. She lies buried in the Fountain Green cemetery, beside her husband.

Mr. Yetter was married Sept. 2, 1877, to Miss Ida McGee, ot Zanesville, O. Her parents removed to this county, and now reside in Rock Creek tp. This marriage has been blessed with 2 children, one boy and one girl. Mr. Yetter has suffered no material financial losses in his time, and is now engaged in the drug business. He is in easy circumstances, living a happy life with his little family, at this place. He is, politically, a Republican in every sense of the word. He belongs to no particular religious denomination, yet is a hearty supporter of temperance, and the highest moral standard of his community. He has had charge of the Burnside postoliice 10 years; served a term of three years in the late civil war. He was in several very warm engagements, among which were the battles of Champion Hills, Fort Gibson, Black river bridge, siege of Yicksburg, besides several minor skirmishes. He received an honorable discharge at Baton Rouge, and arrived safe in Hancock county, without the slightest scratch.