Pontoosuc Township

Pontoosuc Township

As biographical sketches of well-known residents are interesting, and as they legitimately constitute an important part of the history of acommunit}', we now give a few:

Alexander AhernetJiy is the son of Dr. William Abernethy, who was one of the iirst settlers of this county, a native of Canada, born in 1S13, and who settled in this State in 1846, locating in Pontoosuc township, engaging in the practice of his profession, which he continued until 1875, when he retired from active practice and engaged in mercantile business, which he continued until his death, June 22, 1878. Dr. Abernethey was the first physician in the township, and was known as the " Pioneer Doctor." He took an active part in expelling the Mormons from the county, and captured several prisoners and a quantity of arms and ammunition. He was married in 1836 to Miss Lucy E. Kreps, of West Virginia. They have had 7 children, 5 of whom are now living. The Doctor was for 19 years Postmaster at Pontoosuc, and held other ofBces of importance in the township.

Alexander Abernethy was born in 1844, at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and came to this State with his parents in 1846. He was engaged in teaching for nine years, and upon the death of his father he bought the drugstore his father had established, and has since been engaged in trade. He is now Postmaster at Pontoosuc, being the successor of his father in office. He has the only drug store in the place, and does a large and remunerative business. He has held a number of township offices of importance. He was a volunteer in the 16th Wis. Inf., and was with Sherman on his march to the sea.

F. C. Little was born in Ohio in the year 1829, and emigrated with his parents to this State in the spring of 1847. His parents settled in Pontoosuc tp., in the fall of 1847, on sections 16, 17 and 20. Mr. Little now resides on sec. 16, having one of the best producing farms in the tp. He was married in the spring of 1849 to Miss Nancy McAuley, daughter of Major McAuley, of Pontoosuc. She died in 1877, leaving him and five sons and four daughters to mourn her loss. Mr. Little has a large number of friends and acr quaintances, and is well and favorably known throughout the county.

settled in Warren county, where he lived until 1S38. He settled in Durham tp., this county, in 1841, where he resided a short time, and then came to Fontoosuc, where he now is. Mr. Logan was one of the principal men in effecting an organized force to oppose the depredations of the Mormons. He was Captain of the noted company known as tlie '' Bloody Poutoosiicians," through whose efforts principally the Mormons were driven out of Nauvoo. Captain Logan was married in Fort Madison, Iowa, in 1860. Mr. Logan was engaged for a long time in mercantile business at Pontoosuc ; also managed and owned a large l)rick-yard at the same place. He is one of the self-made men, and is now in his old age enjoying the fruits of his industr}' and energy in early life. He has many friends and acquaintances in Pontoosuc and the surrounding country.

John Moyes, another of the early settlers of this county, is a native of Scotland, and was born in 1809; came to this country in 1833, and settled in ISTew York city. He moved to Ohio iu 1836, and came to Illinois in the spring of 1S39, stopping a short time in Springfield; he then came to Pontoosuc, where he has since resided. He was in the U. S. Army during the Mexican war, and was with Gen. Scott's division when they captured the city of Mexico. He was married in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1835, to Miss Catharine Furgeson. Mr. Moyes is one of the oldest residents now living of the village of Pontoosuc. He has held a number of the town and county offices, and has the confidence and esteem of the entire community^.

TT. J. Riggins. the second son of Right Riggins, one of the pioneer settlers of Hancock county, was born in La Harpe tp., this county, in Jan., 1837, where he resided with liis parents until 1858, when he started out in life for himself. He was married to Miss Eliza A. Peck, of Durham tp., in 1S5Y; moved into Pontoosuc tp. in 1S76, and purchased a farm on sec. 27, where he has since resided. His wife died in 1871, leaving him and their children to mourn her loss. Mr. Riggins has been identified with every movement for the advancement of the township interests, having held all the offices of importance and trust in the township. Mr. R. has always been engaged in farming, and now has a farm of 160 acres under a high state of cultivation.

John M. Schramm was born in Germany Feb. 19, 1809, and came to this country in 1S37, settling in Pickaway county, Ohio, where he resided nine years ; he then came West and located at Keokuk, Iowa, where he remained a short time; then went to Burlington, Iowa, and built a flouring mill, which he ran for one year, and then moved back to Keokuk. In 18-16 he came to this State and settled in Pontoosuc, this county, where he now resides. He built a large flouring mill and was superintendent of the same for a number of years. In 1S41 he was married to Miss Annie Miller, of Ohio. She died in 1843, leaving her husband with two small children. In 1845 he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza N. Swinhardt, of Ohio. They have 4 children now living.

History Of Hancock Cocnty

Mr. Schramm has been engaged in milling ever since he came to this country, and he, in company with his three sons, now owns the only flouring mill in the tp., the mill having a capacity of 40 barrels per day of 10 hours. They have a large trade, giving especial attention to custom business, and are popularly and favorably known in this and adjoining townships. Mr. S. also has a farm of 40 acres near town. Mr. Schramm is one of the self-made men, and has acquired his large property by his own industry and efforts. lie has been a life-long Democrat, and a strict adherent to the party and its principles.

John R. Tull was born March 26, 1807, near the bank of Nanticoke river, Sussex Co., Delaware. His parents and grandparents were Asbury Methodists, the first churches in that country having been planted b}' Bishop Asbur^' and his co-workers. Tiiey remained on the same place till John was about twelve years old, when they removed to a large farm three miles ofl', over in Maryland. Here they remained six years, when they came West to Ohio, and settled on the Miami, eighteen miles north of Cincinnati.

Arriving at manhood, Mr. Tull returned to the place of his nativity, and married Miss Nancy Langford, daughter of Littleton and Hannah Langford. Here he lived two years and then returned to Ohio, where he resided in various localities till 1836.

In the spring of that year he came with his family to Hancock county, and squatted beside a hazel thicket on the southeast quarter of sec. 7, in 7 north, 7 west. Here he obtained help to put up a log cabin 16x18 feet, and moved in, with the ground for a floor, himself, wife and four children. He then rented a few acres of land from Hezekiah Spillman. About that time his brother, Reuben Tull, arrived with a span of horses for him, and the}^ soon got the ground planted to corn, potatoes, etc. But bread becoming scarce, and none to be obtained, he succeeded in purchasing from a steamboat that stopped to wood at Spillman's Landing, a barrel of flour for $8.00, which sufiiced awhile longer.

Mr. Tull's experience in procuring corn for bread is given. He heard of some for sale down below Lima, in Adams county. This he procured, paying 2>1\ cents per bushel, and after. a hard drive of forty miles and back, got it home; but now it was to be ground into meal, and the nearest mill to get it done was down on Crooked creek, some fifty miles awa}-. To this he went, obtained the meal, and returned, after a travel altogether of ISO miles. This lasted till roasting-ear time. Then the family had roasting ears for breakfast, for dinner, and for supper; and when the corn became too hard, they grated it for meal. By the time it became dry enough to grind, there had been a horse-mill erected near Commerce. In the fall deer and turkeys were plenty, and living was excellent.

Agnew, John Garner, Henry Williams, Robert Atherton, Alexander Martain and Aaron Atherton, perhaps others. In the spring of 1837 Mr. T. received from the Shaker Village, in Ohio, a lot of grafted apple-trees, which he planted. They all grew, and this was the first orchard of grafted fruit set out in the north part of the county.

Mr. Tull was throughout an active and discreet opponent of the Mormon aggressions; and his personal experiences with that people were of an interesting and often highly dramatic character. Some of them are told in other chapters of this book. For notice of his career as a nurseryman, see also chapter on '' Nurseries and Horticulture."

Mr. T. has been through his long and useful life, an active and devoted member of the M. E. Church, and since 1S50, a licensed minister in its pulpit. He assisted in organizing the first Church and Sabbath-school in his neighborhood, and was ever among the foremost in sustaining them.

His residence is still on the land on which he settled 44 years ago; and its fine condition and neat surroundings bear testimony to a life of labor, industry and taste.

Biographical Sketches

//-is SfTiYey was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Lycoming county in 1834; he emigrated to this State in 1S52 and settled in this county. He was married to Miss Martha J. Kedson, of this State in 1S57. Mr. Bailey began life as a "cabin boy" on the Mississippi river, which he followed for aliout two years; he then engaged in farming and rtmning a threshing raacliine, which business he continued for twelve years; he then engaged in trade on the Mississippi, making trips from New Orleans to the North. In 1870 he engaged in the grain and stock trade at Colusa Station, this county, and in 1871 opened a dry-goods and grocery store in connection with his other business. In 1877 he sold his interest in the store, and is now exclusively engaged in the stock and grain trade. He owns and operates the elevator at Colusa, which is supplied with all the modern improvements and has a capacity of 52,000 bushels. He also owns a fine farm near the station. Mr. Bailey began life for himself by working out. receiving for his labor 12i cents per day. He is a self-made man, having begun at the bottom round of the ladder, and has worked his wa}' up, being at the present time the most extensive grain and stock dealer in this part of the county.

Ahram Clark was born in this township in 1831 and is one ot the oldest settlers here; his father, Johnson Clark, emigrated to this State from Virginia, and located in Dallas township in 1830, on sec. 11, where he resided until he died. Mr. Clark was married to Miss Mary J. Farr, of this county, September 9, 1858. He has been engaged in farming the greater portion of his life, and now lives on the old homestead where he was born. His brothers were volunteers in Captain Logan's company during the Mormon troubles. Mr. Clark has a large farm in a high state of cultivation, and is one of the prosperous farmers of this township.

Joseph F. Dietrich was born in Pennsylvania in 1826, emigrated to this State in 1865, and located in Dallas tp., this county, in 1867; was married in 1852 to Miss Sarah Ann Benner, of Pennsylvania; in 18h2 she died, leaving him with 5 children; in 1865 he was married to Miss Sarah E. Wolfe, of Pennsylvania, and they have 5 children now living. Mr. Dietrich has been engaged in farming since he has been in this State; he has a fine farm under a very high state of cultivation, on sec. 13, and he has the reputation of being the mode] farmer of the tp. Mr. D. has been a life-long Democrat and alwaj's a zealous supporter of his party and its nominees. He has held several offices of trust in the county, and is the representative of Dallas tp. on the Board of Supervisors.

Thoina!< Dixon was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born near Little York, in Troy, in 17S9; he moved with his parents to Kuoxville, Tenn., when about 18 years of age. He was married to Mrs. Susan Green, of Virginia, in the year 1811. They raised a famil}' of 9 children. In 1830 he moved to Alabama, and in 1831 he came to this State and located in Morgan county, and in 1833, to this county, locating in Durham tp., where he lived until 1855. He then moved to Dallas City, where he lived until he died. Mr. Dixon was a volunteer in the war of 1812, under Gen'l Johnson; he was in the battle of Horse Shoe Bend, and many other engagements.

In 1832 he again enlisted in the U. S. Army, and remained in the service during the Black Hawk war. He was thefirst settler of the township of Durham. The nearest postoffice was 12 miles distant, where the mail arrived about twice a month. Mr. Dixon was present when the Smiths, the leaders of the Mormons, were killed, and was Captain of the La Ilarpe company of volunteers, during the Mormon troubles. His son, Thomas L. Dixon, was l)orn in the State of Alabama, in 1828, and came to this State with his parents in 1831. He staid at Home and worked on the farm, until the year 1857, when he traveled through the Southern States teaching penmanship; returning in 1860, he settled in Dallas. In 1861: he removed to Chicago, and was engaged upon public works as foreman six years. He was married in 1861 to Miss Alline A. Hendel, of Waterbury, Conn. They have 4 children now living. He was a volunteer in Capt. Jim Logan's company during the fight with the Mormons in this county. He has held many offices of importance in the township and county.

John M. Finch was born in Pennsylvania, in 1815, and came to this State in 1838, locating in Rock Island, and engaged for a short time in stearaboating and speculating, being then the owner of one of the best steamers on the Mississippi. In 1841 he went to New Orleans and bought a very large stock of groceries, and landing them at Warsaw, hauled them with teams to Nauvoo, where he engaged in trade with Mr. Rollosson, the firm being known as Finch tfe Rollosson. They continued in business at Nauvoo until the killing of the Smiths, then the leaders of the Mormons, and it not being safe to remain there longer, they moved their stock to Appanoose, where they were stored for some time. They then moved to Pontoosuc and opened a store there, also opening a branch store at Appanoose and La Harpe. Subsequently Mr. Finch came np the river to where the city of Dallas now stands, and after looking over the country, he and Mr. Rollosson built a large warehouse here, it then being the only building except a log farm house, which Mr. Finch now owns, andjwhich is now a part of his resimSTOEV OF HANCOCK COUXTY. 939

At this time the_y bought the best quality of winter wheat for 25 cents per bushel, and corn, shelled, ready for market, at 6J cents, and dressed pork for $1.25 per cwt. ; and it was a losing trade, even at these rates. The next year Mr. Finch bought the Athertou farm and subsermently the Thompson farm, constituting what is now the city of Dallas. The firm added the grocery business to the warehouse trade and moved their families here the same year, and made the first plat of this city. They then built a flouring mill and distillery, that turned out 100 barrels of flour and 20 barrels of whisky per day. The mill and distillery burned down the following spring.

They continued in business here until the death of Mr. Eollosson, Mr. Finch continuing in business until 1S75. Mr. Finch was actively engaged in the mercantile business for over 40 years, and is one of the oldest merchants in Hancock county. He has been identified with all enterprises of the city, and has done more to advance the interests and build up the city than anj' other man now living here. He was the first Postmaster of the city, and could easily carry all the mail matter in his pocket; his first quarterly returns to the Government was ^1.06|-. He has been Maj-or several terms and held other ofiices of importance and high trust. He M'as a volunteer in Capt. "Jim " Logan's company of " Bloody Pontoosucans," during the Mormon troubles. He has been a life-long Democrat, and expects to live to vote that ticket for many years to come.

John Hacker was born in Cruz, Germany, March 9, 1845, and came to this country in 1857, landing in New York city on the 27th day of September, and went to work on a farm, which business he followed until 1862. He then went to Dunkirk, N. Y., and engaged in sailing on the lakes until the fall of 1S63. Dec. 15, lS63,'he enlisted in the 22d Regt. N. Y. Cav., and was in all the battles of the army of the Potomac, from that time until his discharge. He had his horse shot under him twice, but was never wounded. He was discharged in August, 1865, and again engaged in sailing, which he followed until May 29, 1869, when he came to this State and located at Dallas City, and engaged in butchering and in buying and shipping cattle, and has been in that business ever since. By strict attention to his business he has a large and lucrative trade, and he is one of the progressing and enterprising men of the city.

Manford G. Harris was born in "Wheeling, Va., in 1841. He migrated with his parents to this State in 1S53, locating in Durham tp. He worked upon a farm until 1861, and in August of that year he enlisted in the 50th Ills. Vol. Inf , and served as a soldier three years and two months, and was honorably discharged. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing and

Corinth. In IS 73 be located in Dallas City, and entered the mercantile business, in which he is still engaged. He was married to Miss Sarah G. Hagerty. of Dallas Cit}', Dec. 17, 1865, and they have four children. Mr. Harris is one of the leading men of Dallas City, and has a large circle of friends and acquaintances in the city and vicinity.

L. W. Landaker, M. D., was born in the District of Columbia, March 3, 1820, where he remained with his parents until 183S. He then went to "Winchester, Ya., and in the following year commenced the study of medicine with Dr. David T. Sulinstyne, remaining with him four years. In ISIO he emigrated to Licking county, Ohio, and engaged in the practice of medicine in Licking and Knox counties. Dr. Eggleson being associated with him a part of the time he was there. In 1851 he came to this county and purchased a tract of land in Dallas, and in 1S56 removed his family to this place, and commenced the practice of medicine and surgery, which has been his exclusive business ever since. The Doctor was married to Miss Elizabeth Garrett, of Kno.x county, Ohio, on the 4th of July, 18-47. They have 6 children now living; viz., Napoleon O'Brine, Helen Roecene, Justice Greenbury, Elizabeth Josephine, Virginia Lee, and Claybonieur. His wife died in Januar\', 1865, and the same year he was again married to Miss Barbara Hocker, of Dallas City. His second wife died June 10, 1S72, and he was married to Miss Eurena Humer, of Dallas City, in June, 1878. Dr. Landaker is one of the pioneers of this township, and one of the oldest pliysieians in the (j^ty of Dallas, has always had a large and successful practice.

David S- Lionberger was born in Licking conntj', O., August 2, 1827, and emigrated to this State in 1838, locating in Dallas tp., this county, where he remained a short time, and then moved to Adams county, where he lived until 1851, when he returned to this county and located on sec. 13, this tp., where he has since resided. Mr. Lionberger has been engaged in farming nearly all his life, and is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. He was married to Miss Mary Brown, of Pike county. 111., in 1851. He has represented Dallas tp. in the Board ot Supervisors three years, and has held other offices of trust in the tp. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge in Dallas City, and is one of the leading men in the township.

John M. Lionherger was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1835, and came to this county with his parents in 1839 and located in Pilot Grove township, where they remained a short time, and then naoved to Adams county, and settled in Paysou township. In 1851 he returned to this county and located in Pontoosuc township, and followed farming for several years, and then went into the nursery business with J. P. TuU, which he continued amtil 18^0, when he entered partnership with his brother and they engaged in the nursery business in Dallas township. He was married to Miss Margaret J. TuU, daughter of J. E. Tull, in October, 1861, and his wife died March 7, 1S65. In the fall of 1862, he, in partnership with his brother, went out with the llsth E&i>'. 111. Vol., as sutler, and remained with the regiment until it returned and was mustered out. In the fall of 1866 he went to Quincj' and studied dentistry, and after the completion of his course of studies he located in Dallas City. He is a member of the Blue Lodi^e, Chapter, and Council. lie is also a member of the order of "Kni^-ht.s of Pythias."

Dr. Lionberger has on sec. 12, this tp., one of the finest fruit farms in tlie county, having over 1,000 fruit-trees. He has also fitted up and put in excellent order a fine driving park, known as the " Lionberger Driving Park." The Doctor is the only dentist in Dallas Cit}-, and has a large and lucrative business. He is one of the prominent men of .the city, and has many friends throughout the county.

Benoni Alendenhall, the youngest son of Jacob Mendenhall, is of Quaker origin, and was born Nov. 6, 1827, on Highland creek, county of Washington, Ind.; removed with his parents in 1830 to Tazewell county, this State, near Pekin. In 1833 they again removed to AYarren county, this State, opposite Flint Hills, near Burlington, la.; again removed to Camp Creek, this county, in 1836. Having obtained his majority, Benoni assisted his father on the farm, and agreeably to an old custom, received the old homestead as a remuneration for taking care of his parents in their old age. In lS4o-'6 he was a volunteer under Thos. Carlin, to assist in expelling the Mormons from the county. In 1852 he, in company with 20 others, crossed the plains to the gold fields of the Pacific coast. In 1854- he returned to the old homestead and was united in marriage with Miss Margaret L. Phillips, March 30, 1854. In December, 1856, he removed to Dallas City and engaged in the mercantile business with his cousin, P. C. Mendenhall, which vocation he has followed, with a few short intermissions, ever since. In 1861, being then Captain of an independent military company, he immediately offered his company to tlie Government for active service. On account of an aged invalid mother, he resigned his command and waited until her death, when, under the call for 600,000 volunteers, he enlisted as a private in Capt. Allen's company (Co. H, 78th 111. Yol.), serving two years and six months, when he was honorably discliarged at Camp Butler by reason of the Surgeon's certificate of disability. Jan. 1, 1866, he was appointed Postmaster at Dallas City, which position he held for 11 years, then resigned. He has filled several offices of trust, and is now a merchant.

John Mendenhall came from England about 1685, with one brother and one sister. He was cotemporary with Wm. Penn in settling Pennsylvania. John married Elizabeth Maris, 5th mouth, 1685; she dying, he again married Esther Dix, 8th month, 1708

By his last wife he had 3 sons and 4 daughters: Mordeeai, the eldest, married Charity 'Mills, and removed to New Garden, N. C, (now Springfield), and had S sons and one daughter. Their names were John, Mordecai, Moses, Thomas, Stephen, Isaac, Aaron, Charity and Kichard. Isaac, the seventh son, married Rachel Hoggatt and had S children ; viz., Ruth, Isaac, Jacob, Aaron, Zadok, Mordecai, John and Miles. Jacob removed, when a young man, to Wasliington county, Ind., then an Indian territory, and married Rachel Lamb, and they had 3 sons and 2 daughters; viz., Zadok, Milo, Madison, Mary and Ruth. His first wife dying, he married Nancy Hoggatt, and had 3 sons and one daughter; viz., Owen, Nathan, Rachel and Benoni. The first are all dead; of the hist only 3 are living, - Owen, Nathan and Benoni, of Dallas City.

Jacob Mendenhall was born Oct. 10, 1784, in Guilford county, N. C. Living with his parents until he attained his majority, he was importuned by his father to remain at the old homestead, but he had a ^-earning desire to try the new country then known as the Northwestern Territor}'. So he bade adieu to home and the old red hills of North Carolina, mounted his nag and made his way through the States of Tennessee and Kentucky; crossing the Ohio at Louisville (then a small village) and landing at a point where New Albany now stands, he struck out through the back woods, intending to halt at Salem, Ind. There he went to work clearing up the beech forests, fencing a patch and building a cabin. Obeying the divine injunction, Jacob Mendenhall was united in marriage to Rachel Lamb, in the 27th year of his age. in January, 1810, by Avhom he had 5 children. Fortune smiled on his efforts, and after six years of toil, he engaged in the mercantile business, which proved very disastrous, and wound up by the Sheriff levying on and selling everything in his possession (there were no exemption laws then), even to the knives and forks of the dining table.

Misfortunes never come single; his faithful wife sickened and died; still he bore up, kept his famih' of small children together; was united again in marriage to Nancy Hoggatt, in ISIS, by whom he had 4 children. Again misfortune frowned on him. Although considered the stoutest man in Washington county - being six feet two inches in his stocking feet - yet by exposure and hardships he was attacked by inflammatory rheumatism, which completely prostrated him for six months.

Recovering, he resolved once more to try the West, and with his family sought the wilderness prairies of Illinois. Arriving at Pekin, on the Illinois river, he was advised to go no further, as " old Black Hawk" was about to levy war on the whites. Here the oldest son, Zadok, enlisted under Capt. Adams, and was killed at the defeat of Maj. Stillman, on Rock river. Remaining at Pekin until the war was over, he again faced westward, and settled eight miles east of Burlington, which then contained only a few log huts; was the first man that located the mill-seat and town of Warren now in Henderson county. Finally settling in Hancock county' he selected two quarter-sections in township seven north, six west, on Camp creek; lie paid the entry fee and secured the United States patent. Here he found a resting place, and commenced permanent improvements, in lS3i. Putting up a large double cabin, and fencing in a small patch of ground, he returned to Warren county (now Henderson) to winter. In the spring of 1835 he brought his family with liim, and went to work improving his new farm on a larger scale. The nearest neiglibor was then eight or ten miles. Deer, wolves, and other wild game, were in abundance. Prairie chickens were trapped in the door-yard; deer were frequently killed in the small fields close to the house. For several years after settling on the Camp creek farm, the wolves were very troublesome, and made nightly raids on the pig-pens and sheep-folds. But a plan of trapping soon developed, and the old gray wolves wei-e made to succumb to the cunning of man. For a term of eight years or more Jacob Mendenhall carried on an exterminating warfare against the wolves.

Jacob Mendenhall was noted for his kind and liberal heart and square dealing. On his first settling in the county of Warren, he was elected a Justice of the Peace, and many were the angry disputes he was called on to settle between neighbors. Being reared in the staid old Quaker school, he was noted for his urbanity and just decisions. When removed to Hancock, he was again and again called on to till the olfice of Esquire. His house was ever open to the poor and needy; the stranger and emigrant seeking a home in the West, found a resting place under his roof. When the Mormons were driven out of Missouri, and settled at Commerce, they woiild go out through the county begging for the necessaries of life: they never went away from the door of Jacob Mendenhall without being supplied and getting employment, if desired. This kindness was ill repaid by them when tliey were ordered out of the county, as they took a horse, saddle and bridle from him, and killed one of his best cows. This was so aggravating, that, Quaker as he was, he freely consented to driving them out of the county.

Prosperity crowned his latter days, and wealth finally came to him in the shape of a large farm, with a good brick dwelling, large barn, and other substantial improvements. But age was coming on, and the days of his pilgrimage were drawing to a close. Arranging his earthly affairs, like a true man, he prepared to pass over the river, which he did on the 31st of January, 1857, in the 72d year of his age. He survived all his children but 3, who are still living; 2 near the old homestead, and one in Missouri.

Dr. Benj. F. Newlon^^i, born in Louisville, Ky., July 27, 1833, and emigrated with his parents, in infancy, to Edgar county. 111., who settled near Paris, where he was raised. He was educated at the Edgar County Academy; he received his medical education at Peoria, 111., under Dr. Shubal York. Dr. Xewlon first came to Hancock county in 1845, and in 1847 located at Dallas City, and commenced the practice of medicine in partnership with his elder brother, Dr. Jolin F. Newloa, which partnership continued for fire years. His brother then moving to Kansas, he continued the practice alone. He had a large and lucrative pracitice until 1S62, when his health failed him, and he had to give up. active business for a time. He then formed a partnership with a younger brother, Dr. Wra. L. Newlon, who relieved him of the laborious part of the business; this partnership lasted for five years. Dr. Newlou has practiced in his present location over 30 years, and has perhaps given more medicine in tiiat time than any one jjhysician in the count}'. He has given medicine to S-t persons in one day of 2-t hours. In early times it was more sickly tiian of late years, and there were fewer physicians. There is a familv now living in this vicinity who were all sick at one time, that Dr. Newlon visited, and before he left the house, issued 77 doses of medicine. Dr. Newlon has been identified with all the enterprises of this city, was present when the town was first surveyed and laid off. He wrote the charter of the city, and was sent with Col. Eollosson, in 1S59, by the people, to Springfield, to lobby it tlirough the Legislature, and was successful. He penned the present ordinances of the city, that were adopted when the city was first chartered. He was the first Mayor of the city, which oflice he held two years. He has held the office of Supervisor five terms.

Dr. Newlon was the founder of Dallas City Lodge No. 235, A. F. & A. Masons; was its first "\Y. M., and is now and has been for many years in that position; was one of the charter members of Dallas Ciiapter No. Ill, and was its High Priest. He has also been District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Illinois. He has represented his Lodge and Chapter in their grand bodies very frequently, and is i-egarded by those who know as *' bright" in Masonic lore. He has also been a close student, not only in science, but in the literature of the day. He at one time edited the Dallas City Democrat, frequently corresponded with the publications of the country, and his nom de plume, " Don Osso," is well known and appreciated by the reading public.

Dr. Newlon was married three times, first to Mary Walker, daughter of William Walker, an old citizen of this place. She died in less than a year. His second wife was Almira A. Richards. She died, leaving 3 girls and one boy. His third and present wife was Kate Gassaway. daughter of Jas. Gassaway, of this place, b}' whom he has 2 children, a son and a daughter. Dr. Newlon studied law in his youth, and was admitted by tlie Supreme Court of this State, but never practiced. He is a life-long Democrat, was a staunch Union man during the war, and is liberal in his religious views, and has many friends wherever known. He is one of the three surviving first settlers of Dallas City.

Hon. W. H. RolloKson was born in Williamsburg, Va., Jan. 8, 1S16. He received a classical education at William and Mary College, Virginia. In 1840 he emigrated to the West, and settled in jS'auvoo, 111., where he engaged in mercantile business until June,

1844, when, owing to the trouble with the Mormons, he moved his goods to Appanoose, where they were stored for a short time; and in the fall of 1844 he commenced business in Pontoosuc, having branch stores in Appanoose and La Ilarpe. In 1846 he came to Dallas City and built a large warehouse and store-room, and began business, being largely engaged in the grain trade and packing, and in the fall of 1847 he built a large flouring-mill and distillery. He was one of the founders of the city of Dallas ; he platted and laid out the original site of the town; drew its charter and secured its adoption by the State Legislature. He was married in 1855 to Miss Marietta Bostwick, of Fort Madison, Iowa. Mr. Rollosson continued in business in Dallas Citj' until his death, Oct. 9, 1SG4, leaving a widow and three sons, and a large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn his early loss. He was a strong adherent to the Democratic party. In 1861 he received the nomination of his party, and was elected a Kepresentative in the Illinois Legislature. In 1858 he was appointed by Gov. Bissell Inspector General of the State troops, with the rank of Colonel. During his residence in this county he was actively engaged in business pursuits, with the varying fortunes incident to commercial life, but has ever maintained his character for honor and integrity, and has done much to advance the material prosperity and develop the resources of the country. Col. Rollosson was no ordinary man - a perfect gentleman in his manners; a ripe scholar; a statesman; noble, generous and brave; none knew him but to admire him. Possessed of all the attributes calculated to adorn society, alleviate want, he failed not to make a proper use of them. Whilst living he was an honor to his family, the pride of his friends, the benefactor of his race.

0. R. Rmsell^ the second child of Jonas Galusa Kussell, was born near Rochester, IST. Y., Nov. 25,1840. In 1848 he moved with his parents to Pioneer, Ohio, where he resided until he was 16 years old, when he entered Hillsdale College, Mich., where he remained between three and four years; he then went to Ohio and taught school for about 18 months, and returned to Pioneer in June, 1861, and read medicine with Dr. J. G. Gordon ; in the fall of the same year he attended medical lectures at the University of Michigan, where he remained and pursued his medical studies for two years. He was married to Miss Rosalia Morrison, of Ann Arbor, Feb. 17, 1872, and now has one son, James G. In 1863 he located at Amboy, Mich., and commenced the practice of medicine, where he remained a little over a year. In tb.e spring of 1865 he came to this State and taught school in Fulton county, and after traveling through Missouri and Iowa, not being pleased with the country,' concluded to return to New York. At Toledo he met a friend who induced him to return to Illinois; he came to Henry county, and located near Cambridge. During the spring of 1865 his father moved to Missouri ; in the fall he visited his father, and on his return he stopped at Keokuk, and attended medical lectures at the University of Iowa; then located there, where he remained until he graduated in 1S66. He then settled in Freedom, this State, where he practiced medicine for two years; he then moved to Gilman, where he remained one j-ear. In the spring of 1869 he was again married, to Mrs. Julia L. Gilman, of Galesburg, 111., and moved to Northern Missouri, where he lived about a year. He then returned to Illinois, and in 1872 located at Dallas City, where he has since resided and followed his profession, having a large and lucrative practice.

Hon. William Scott is a native of Indiana, having been born in Pennsylvania county, Dec. 26, 1827. He was married June 28, 1849, to Miss Caroline Dickey,, and came to this count}', locating in Fountain Green tp., where he resided three years; then moved to Durham tp., where his wife and one child died, Nov. 3, 1860, leaving him with si.x children. Dec. 31, 1861, he married Miss Lavina Dickey, of this count}'. Until 1861 Mr. Scott was engaged in farming and teaching. In the fall of 1861 he was elected County Superintendent of Schools, and in the spring of 1S62 he removed to Carthage and attended to the duties of his office. In the fall of 1862 he was the unanimous choice of his party for re-election to the office he then held, but failed to be elected by about 27 votes. In the fall of 1863 he returned to Durham tp., and resumed his former occupation. He moved to Henderson county in March, 1868, and same year was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he has held ever since. He was elected Representative to the State Legislature in 1872 from the 24th Senatorial district, and served through two sessions of the General Assembly. In 1876 he was_ elected State Senator from this district, which office he now holds, and has served through the 30th and 31st General Assemblies. In April, 1877» he bought the Central Hotel in Dallas City, which he repaired and refurnished, and opened to the public. His wife died October 6, 1877, leaving him with the care of seven small children. He was elected Mayor of Dallas in 1878, and re-elected in 1879. He has also held other offices of importance in the county and city. Mr. Scott is a self-made man, and one of the prominent men of this Senatorial district, and is possessed of many social qualities that endear him to his many friends and acquaintances.

Mark Tandy was born in Burton tp., Adams county, in April, 1848. He remained in Adams county until 1872, working part of the time on a farm, and part of the time was a clerk in the city of Quinc}'. He then came to Dallas City and engaged in the mercantile business, in which he has continued ever since. In 1869 he was married to Miss Laura Tibbets, of Payson, 111. In July, 1877, he was appointed Postmaster at Dallas City, which office he now holds. His father, William H. Tandy, was Sheriff of Adams county for several terms, and during the Mormon troubles in this county, was called on to assist in expelling them. He was one of the first settlers of Adams county, going there from Kentucky in 1832. He has one of the finest geological collections in this county.

History Of Hancock Countt

Echvard H. Thomas, editor and proprietor of the Dallas City 2^cius, was born at Pittsburg, Louisa county, Iowa, Sept. 14, 1841. Commencing in 1S53, he sers'ed an apprenticeship of four years at the printing business in the office of the Wapello (Iowa) Intelligencer. He worked at printing up to the commencement of the- Rebellion, when he enlisted in the 19th Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of the war. Since the war he has been connected with the following papers, as publisher and part owner: Wapello (Iowa) Republican, Keithsbnrg (111.) Kerana, Nauvoo (111.) Independent, and Burlington (Iowa) Monday Morning News. Mr. Thomas issued the first number of the Dallas City News April 6, 1S78. Owing to the many failures in the newspaper business in the place, he had many difficulties to contend with in the establishment of a new paper, but his experience of over 20 years in the business, and a determination to succeed, enabled him to overcome all obstacles and gain the confidence of the people; and the News is now in a prosperous condition, receiving a large advertising patronage from the merchants of Dallas City, Fort Madison and Burlington.

Henry Walker. - This gentleman is a native of the Buckeye Sta^e, and was born in 1808. He lived in Ohio 42 years; he worked nine years at the carpenter trade, then engaged in farming until 1850, when he emigrated to this State and settled in Pontoosuc, where he now resides. He embarked in mercantile pursuits, which he followed until 1860, when lie sold out and again engaged in agriculture, and is now one of the best farmers on the Mississippi bottom. He was Postmaster at Pontoosuc for nine years, and has .represented his township on the Board of Super visors several years. He was married Oct. 13, 1835, to Miss Margaret Agnew, of Ohio. They have 5 children now living. Mr. Walker has given considerable attention to political affiiirs, and is considered a leader of his party in this township. He is a staunch Democrat.

Jesse Wimp was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in the year 1803. He moved with his parents to Kentucky in 1813, and came and settled in Dallas township in 1830. He was married in 1826 to Miss Elizabeth Simmons, and they have had eight children . His entire life vvas spent in agricultural pursuits, and by his careful management and industry he acquired a large property. He took an active part in the Mormon war, and captured and held until after the troubles were settled, a brother of the prophet Brigham Young. He was a member of Capt. Logan's famous company of " Bloody Pontoosucans." Mr. Wimp was one of the first settlers of Dallas tp. He died April 24, 1S75, leaving a large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn his loss.

His youngest son, Jesse Wimp, who is now living on the old homestead, was born in 1840 in this township, where he has always resided. He was married in 1868 to Miss Susan Nolan, of this count}'. They have 4 children. He is one of the leading farmers of the county, having a fine pi-airie farm of 350 acres. He is also an extensive dealer in stock.