Putman Township

Putman Township

Of the 22,232 acres of land in Putman township, 9,397 are under cultivation. The total assessed vakiation of the land in the township is ^329,084. There are 789 horses, 1,559 cattle, 426 sheep, and 2,382 hogs in the township. It is a good agricultural township and is crossed by the T., P. & W. and C, B. & Q. Railroads, which afford excellent transportation facilities to market the produce raised and the coal mined.

The township is well covered with timber and must have been picturesque and romantic in its natural condition. Then, doubtless, the points of timber and the valleys must have been attractive resorts for the red man. Even now, when dotted over with fields and houses and barns and lowing herds, its stillness broken by the rumbling of long, heavily-ladened trains of steam-drawn cars, one cannot help but admire the beauty of the scenery as presented by these groves.

The township received its name in honor of its first settler, Mr. Reading Putman, who located upon the southeast quarter of sec. 2 in 1823. Embracing a good deal of timber land, as this township did, it soon attracted a liberal share of immigration, as it is a fact that all the pioneers sought the timber districts in which to locate their c aims, believing that it would be easier to make farms by grubbing and clearing the lands, than it would be to reduce prairie land to farm tillage and remunerative returns. But as time advanced, and the later settlers were forced out upon the prairies and began to experiment upon them, the first settlers were made to realize that thev had made a somewhat costlv mistake bv selectino- timbered claims. They had been pitching brawn and muscle against nature; for all that the prairies needed was to be tickled with the plow to make them yield living crops the first year and heavy, remunerative returns the second.

Not many years rolled by after Mr. Putman had erected his cabin on section 2, before Stephen Strickland, John Holcomb, William Pearson, Hugh and Absalom Maxwell, Stephen Eveland, Seth Hilton, Asel T. Ball, Salmon Sherwood, David Haacke, Elijah and William Putman, Asa and Samuel Mallory, Hi rah Saunders, Andrew Laswell and Levi Millard came in and improved farms. Messrs. Strickland, Holcomb and Pearson were all Regular, or " Hard-shell," Baptist ministers.

The first grist-mill was built by Jacob Ellis on Big creek, upon sec. 35, in 1824. This was the first mill in Fulton county. Mr. Ellis also had a cotton-gin here. Much of this article was cultivated in this countv at an earlv dav. The first marria";e was solemnized Feb. 20, 1825, the contracting parties being Asel T. Bali and Miss Rebecca Ellis. Seth Hilton was the first Justice of the Peace. He subsequently moved into Liverpool tOM'nship and became one of its first settlers. The first school Avas taught bv Wm. Putiuan in a small log cabin on sec. 11. The first church was built at Ceuterville (now Cuba) in 1840, by a congregation of the Christian Church. It passed out of their hands and is now owned by the ^lethodist people.

Cuba

This town is situated upon the northwest quarter of section 20, and is one of the oldest towns of the county. It is very pleasantly situated in the midst of a fine agricultural district, and is one of the leading places of the county at which coal is mined. Large quantities of coal are shipped from Cuba, and the mines situated northwest of the village are quite extensive. A small railway track is laid from the mines to the depot of the T., P. & W. Ry., a distance of over a mile. Coal is hauled in small cars by horses to the depot.

Cuba is a good business point and contains several good stores, churches, school-houses, and many pleasant residences. In 1834 Ephraim Brown laid out a little town upon the northwest quarter of sec. 20 which he christened Middletown. Two years afterwards (Nov. 16, 1836) Joel Solomon, D. W. Vittum, Samuel Brooks and T. B. Coggswell, platted another town upon this section and gave it the name of Centerville. Two towns upon one quarter-section was too much, so they were consolidated and named Cuba. Cuba is on the line of the Toledo, Peoria ct Warsaw Ry., and about an equal distance from Canton and Lewistown. It is also on the line oi the Fulton Countv Narrow-Gaug-e Rv., which runs from Fairview to Havana. Grading is now (fall of 1879) progressing finely upon this line.

Civer is a small station on the line of the T., P. & W. Ry. It is located on the northeast (piarter of sec. 12, and about 7 miles from Cuba. There is a dej)ot building, postoffice, store, shop, etc., here, but its close proximity to Canton will prevent it from becoming any great commercial center, or ever of local importance, although situated in the midst of a fine farming district.

Personal Sketches

Levi Berarc], farmer, sec. 2; P. ()., Cul)a. licvi is a son of Jacob and Anna (Bnckley) Bevard ; was born in Licking connly, O., in 1825. Eleven years later he was brought to this county. Mr. B. had very meager opjiortunities to gain an education. He used to work out by the month. He remembers working for Isaac Dowell at $7 per month, and also for A. C. Thomas at same figures. He now owns 240 acres of good land. He was married in the J^uckeye State to Miss Bettie Newel, who has borne him 5 children. Susan, John and Jasper are living: one girl and one boy deceased.

John Bldchihjf, farmer, car])enter, proprietor of a saw-mill, sec. 35; P. O., Lewistown ; was born in Licking Co., C, Feb. 18, 1829, and is the son of John and Polly (Golden) Blackaby. Mr. B. came to the county in 1854 and has since lived within 3 miles from where he does now. He built his saw-mill in May, 185(i, and ran it successfully for 15 years. He now owns 889 acres of land and has improved all of his farm except ()0 acres. In 1857, Ai)ril !), in Mc- Donough Co., he was married to Sarah Brown, Mho was born Nov. 26, 1 836. Their children number 7, - Luella May, Mary E., Velma, Estella, John T., Andrew P]dson, David Dayton, and one deceased.

Jo/i)t Bolton, merchant, Cuba. Mr. B. was born in England Feb. 19, '05, and is of Scotch and English descent, his mother being a native of Scotland and his father of England. He came to this county in 1844. He attended the connnon schools, and ])r('])ared himself for the ministry and has preached the Gosjud for 40 years, 17 years in England. He is at ])resent conducting a boot and shoe and general store. He is a member of the M. E. Church. In 1826, while in England, he married Margaret Brown. They have 4 sons and daughters living and all married, out of a family ol'io children born to them.

George H. Boynton, commercial traveler, was born in Fulton Co. in 1845, and is the son of Albert and Nancy Boynton. Mr. B. attended the common schools, Buffalo ]iul)lic schools and Brvant & Stratton's Commercial CoHege, Chicago. July 6, '62, he enlisted in 17th U. S. Inf, regular service, and took part in 1(5 battles, and was taken prisoner at Peable's farm. He was united in marriage with Sarah Pising July 11, 1877. They reside in Chicago.

C. F. Bump, farmer, sec. 14; P. ()., Civer. Mr. B. was born in the Emjnre State in 1829. His parents, Herman and Ziphia (Fuller) Bump, were natives of the same State, where they died. Mr. B. came to this State in 1848, and since 1850 has resided in Fulton Co. He was united in marriage in New York State with Anna Maria Foote, a native of that State and born in 1832. Mr. B. has led a quiet, peaceable life, and in his business has been moderately successful. His residence is on sec. 14; postoffice, Civer,

Mrs. Henri/ Clatjburf/ was born in Richland Co., C, Sept. 5, '20, and is the daughter of Simon Peter and Eve (Harpster) Kesler. S'.ie attended the common schools in Ohio, where she secured her education. She was united in marriajje with Henrv Clavburfi: in 1841, and 10 vears later thev came to Fulton Co, Thev had l)orn to them 3 sons, of whom are living John and James. Charlie, the oldest child, died when 22 months old. Her husband's occupation was that of a farmer, and she resides on sec. 11. Mr. C. died in 1863. Mrs.'C.'s postoffice address is Cuba.

A. Cruise)!, harness and shoemaker, Cuba, was born in Hanover township. Licking Co., O., July 11, '23, and is the son of Francis and Catherine (Ryne) Cruisen, of Pennsylvania. In 1849 became to this county, where he engaged in farming. This occupation he was comj^elied to abandon on account of being afflicted with rheumatism, which he did in 1854. Jan. 6, '46, he was married to Nancy Irwin, who bore him 3 children. She died Nov. 25, '55. He was united in marriage the second time March 16, '57, with Sarah Wheeler, daughter of an old settler. She is a member of the Christian Church.

Henry De Graff, barber, Cuba ; was born at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., Jan. 15, '43, and is the son of Joseph and Catharine (Hews) De Graff", of Xew York. He first came to this county in 1847, was taken to Iowa and returned in 1850, since which time this has been his home. He also is a i)laeksmith by trade, as well as a barber. He has worked at the former trade with his father, who was also a blacksmith. He enlisted in the 103d 111. Inf. Oct. 2, '62, under Capt, Vandevander, of Canton. Was mustered out July 5, '66, at Chicago. He took part in every engagement his company did save one. He married Miss Xancy Hasty Aug. 16, ^^Q. Margaret Ellen and Mattie Viola are their 2 children.

George W. Doicns, farmer, sec. 13; P.O., Civer; came to this county in 1857 at the age of 8 years, and was educated in the common schools of this county. He was born in Knox county, O., Sept. 20, '49, and is the son of Theoj)hilus and Catharine (Mansfield) Downs. His father was a native of Maryland, and died here on the farm in 1870, and his mother was born in the Buckeye State. George was married in Lewistown on the 9th of Oct., 1873, to Sarah O. Bryant. Their only child is named Charles Franklin.

John H. Einrji was born in Joshua townshiji, this county, in 1841, Dec. 25, and was a Christmas present to his j)arents, David F. and Catharine (Alms) Emry, who were married on New Year's Day of that year. His father was from Ohio and his mother a native of Pennsylvania. They reside in Canton township. At the outbreak of the war Mr. E. enlisted in the 67th 111. Inf. and was discharged at Cam}> Douglas in Oct., '62. On the 4th of Dec, '67, in Canton, he was married to Harriet E, Vaughan, who was born May 27, '45,

P. IF. GaUagcr, attorney at law, Cnba, was a native of Liverpool, Eno;land, where he was born July 1, 1852 ; parents were Wm. and Mary (Rilferty) Galla<2;er, the first a native of County Mayo, the last of County Roscoinuion, Ireland. They came to the United States in 1854, bringing a family of two children, locating the same year at Canton this county. The subject of this sketch obtained his education in the Canton high school; in 1868 he went into the office of the Canton Ledger to learn the printing business, remaining there about three yetirs ; he then commenced the study of law in the office of J. L. Murphy, Esq., of Canton; read law for five years; while studying law he taught school for 4 terms in this county ; was in 187.'5 elected Police Magistrate of Canton, to fill a vacancy; served two years; then was elected Justice of the Peace; Sept. 18, '75, he was admitted to the Bar by the Supreme Court, then in session at Ottawa ; has been located at Cuba for the past four years. Mr. G. has probably as large a practice as any lawyer of his age in the county, having been unusually successful. We give his portrait.

John George, farmer. Mr. G. came to the county in 1854 and settled on sec. 10, Putman township, and resides there to the present time. He was born in Brooke county, W. Va., June 16, '31. His parents, Thomas and Sarah (McCamant) George, died in this county. Mr. G. enlisted in the 7th 111. Cav. under Capt. Herring, in 1862; served till July, '65. His wife, Henrietta Fanning, was born in this county on the 6th day of Nov., '47. They were married in this township Sept. 25, '73. Harry, born fluly 25, '75, and Mary, born Sept. 8, '77, are their children.' Mr. G.'s P. O. is Civer.

Sumner L. Gorham, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Civer. Among those who did valiant service for his countrv in the hour of her great peril was the subject of this sketch. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. E, 103d 111. Inf, under Capt. F. C. Post and served till July 1, '65. He participated in every battle his regiment did and did not receive a scratch. He was never in a hos])ital and was not away from his regiment a day during the 3 years. Mr. G. was born in Ashland county, O., Oct. 31, '43, and is the son of Nathan and Roxana (Charlton) Gorham, of the Bay State, l)oth of whom are living in this township. In 1868 Mr. G. was married to Susanna jSIcCrary, a native of Fulton county, and who was born in 1851. Their children are Addle, born in 1869, and Fannie, born in 1871.

Francis M. (rrlgshi/, brickmak(>r, Cuba, was born near Lcwistown, this county, June 19, 1840. His mother, Dorcas Grigsby, nee Collins, was a native of Ohio, and his father, William Grigsby, was born in Kentucky. Francis attended the country schools, and also the seminary at Lcwistown. Pie has engaged in farming and also in the mercantile business. In 1861, July 21, he enlisted in Co. F, 8th 111. Inf, and participated in all of the battles the noble 8th did save one. He is a Justice of the Peace. He was married Oct, 3,

1870, to Josephine Davett. Grace, born Oct. 16, 1873, is their only chikl. Both he and his wire belong to the M. E. Chnrch. Mr. G. is an active member in the Order of United Workmen, and in the I. O. of O. F.

J. W. Harper. Dnring the dark days of our conntry, when our flag was assailed by traitor hands, J. W. Harper shouldered his musket and went to the front. He served for 3 years in Co. K, 103rd 111. Inf., and was in all the battles the regiment participated in except one, when he was sick. Mr. H. was born in Licking Co., O., May 12, 1843. His father, Andrew PIar])er, was a native of the Keystone State, and at present lives in Iowa. His mother, Sarah Ann Laws, died in 1854 or '55. J. W. was brought to this county in 1849 and has since lived here. He was never sued, nor did he ever sue a man ; was never on the witness stand, never was on a jury and never held an office. He is engaged in farming on sec. 11, P. O., Civer.

Stephen Hayden, farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Civer; was born in the Empire State April 15, 1840, and is the son of Nathaniel and Sarah Havden. At the age of 4 years he was brought to this county, where in the subscription and common schools he received his education. He enlisted in the 155th 111. Inf. in 1865, and was discharged at Springfield in 1866. He was Corporal and promoted to Sergeant. He has filled several local offices. He was married to Oes Fanning in 1869. Austin H., born July 4, 1869, is their only child. Mrs. H. is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

./. H. Heller was born in Ohio Dec. 1, 1815. His father, John Heller, was a native of the Keystone State, while his mother, Balenda Heller, 7}ee Vanauker, was born in New Jersey. Mr. H. came to this county in 1835 and settled upon section 19 of Putmau township. He owns 461 acres of land, and his children attend to his farms while he resides in town, clerking. ISIr. H. does not exact any rent from them other than to pay the taxes and keep the imjirovements up. He gained his education principally in the State of Ohio in the lt)g school-house, seated upon slab benches. When he came to the township he thinks its population was not over 100. He has held about all of the local offices, serving in some for many years. In .Ian., 1<S;')9, he was married to Hannah Raughman. Only 3 of the 6 children she has borne arc living: Elizabeth, Daniel and Cyrus.

Joseph R. Herrinr/; farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Civer; was born Aug. 27, 1819, at Baltimore, Md. ; jiarents were Thomas and Hannah (Burnett) Herring. His father was accidentally killed at sea. He was first mate of the vessel u))on which he lost his life. His mother died in Maryland. Joseph R. came to this State in 1835, and has lived on his present farm ever since. He enlisted in Co. K, 7th 111. Cav., in 1861, as Lieut.; was promoted to Captain and Major. He was wounded in the battle of Corinth, and again in the battle near Summerville, Tenn., and, singularly, was wounded in the same place - in the left arm - both times. In 1846 he was united in marriage with Margaret Moran, who was born in Maryland in 1815. Their children are Hannah, Nelson, Josephine and Maggie. Mr. H. owns 490 acres of land, 150 acres of which he has improved himself. We give the portraits of the Major and wife.

Jacob Jloircri/, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Cuba. Mr. INI. is a native of the grand old Keystone State, having been born there Dec. 28, 1810; is the son of Peter and Polly (Shover) Mowery. Mr. M. attended school in the old log school-house in his native State. He landed in this county in June of 1838. He learned the blacksmithing trade, working 3 years as an apprentice. In 1841 all of his tools were sold by the Constable to ])ay a security debt. He has met with success since, however, and is now the possessor of 600 acres of land. He was married Dec. 20, 1843. His children number 4 : Elizabeth Ellen, America, Mahlon and Judia Caroline. We give Mr. M.'s portrait.

Elder Solomon Neff was born in 1814 in Virginia, and is the son of Christian and Anna (Hamaker) Net!'. He attended the common schools and also a college of Ohio. Elder Neflf is a minister of the Missionary Baptist Church ; he is traveling in that capacity at present. He has been preaching the Gospel with success for 41 years, and has organized several Churches and Sunday-schools in the State of Ills. He was pastor of the Pleasant Grove Church (south of Cuba) for 14 years, and for 13 years held pastorate over a Church in Ashland Co., O. He has been Town Clerk of Putman and Suj)ervisor of Cass township : He was married to Alletha Bailey May 23, 1838, who bore him 6 children, 5 of whom are living all are married and 4 living in Fulton Co. The Elder is a self-sacrificing worker for the Master's cause. P. O., Cuba.

B. Newton was born in this tp. Jan. 26, 1842, son of Dr. Charles and Mahala (Louderback), natives of Ct. and Penn., respectively. The subject of this jKiragraph Avas educated in the common school ; Aug. 19, 1860, he married Phoebe Barklcy, and now lias 4 children, all living. He is a farmer on sec. 14, has been successful, and now owns 60 acres. In 1862 he enlisted in the 70th 111. Inf., and reenlisted in 1864 in the 148th ; was Corporal. Since the war he has been School Director and Constable.

Isane Neiiion, farmer and stock-dealer, sec. 11 ; is the son of Charles and Mahala (Louderback) Newton, and was born in Putman tp., Aug. 14, 1836, and has never lived 3 miles from where he lives now. His father died aliout 20 years ago and his mother lives in Canton. In 1864 Mr. N. was drafted to serve in the war, but hired a substitute whom he gave §1,000 to take his place. He was united in marriage with Rebecca Chits at Bcrnadotte, this county. There has been born to them 5 sons and 2 daughters: Charles J., Phebe, Caroline, deceased, A. Lincoln, Frank, Oliver and John.

Fulton Co. in 18.31 and has lived licre since. His father, Elisha, was a native of New York and died in this county Oct. 10, 1847, aged 58 vears. His mother died here in 187.'J. Daniel enlisted in Co. E, i03d 111. Inf., in 1862 and served till 1805. He was wounded at the battle of Mission Kid<r<'. There was hut one house between where he lives and Canton when he settled there nearly a half century ago. He resides on sec. Ji, engag(;d in farming; P. O., Civer.

H. C. Owen was born in Orange Co., N. Y., Aug. 24, '25, and is the son of John and Caroline (Horten) Owen. INIr. O. came into Adams Co., 111., in 1837, and to this county in 1849. He learned the cooper's trade with his father and for many years worked at it, but during the past 11 years he has been engaged in farming. Mr. O. took part in the Mormon war of 1840. On Christmas of 1852 he received as a present the hand of Miss Margaret Duryea in marriage. Jenette, Charles, Juline and Abraham are the names of their children. Mr. O. is a member of the M. E. Church. P. O., Cuba.

G. 8. Fitfman, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Civer; was born in Fulton, Penn., Nov. 25, '47, son of John and Caroline M. (Ayers), also natives of Pennsylvania ; came to Fulton Co. in 1858 ; educated in a common school here; has 80 acres of land, and as a farmer has been moderately successful: has been Justice of the Peace; is a Democrat, and a member of the U. B. Church ; married March 5, '74, and his children are: Charles M., who died Dec. 5, 1870, and Kate L.

John Pitfman. There was born to Mary (Sipe) and Richard Pittman, while living in Bedford Co., Pa., and on Nov. 12, 1821, a son, the subject of this sketch. His j)arents were natives of the Keystone State. He came to Ohio in the fall of 1853 and to Fulton Co. in 1857, and has since resided here. He has served as School Director 14 years, and Constable, Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Highways and Supervisor. INIr. P. never subscribed but for one book in his life, that the History of Fulton Co., 111. He was married Aug. 27, '44, in Fulton Co., Pa. He married his second wife, Elizabeth Kimes, in Putman tp., Fulton Co., 111., April 9, '65. He has 4 children. Mr. P. is engaged in farming on sec. 13 and owns 240 acres. P. ()., Civer.

Chnrlen Pufnian. Of the numerous members of this time-honored family, Charles is engaged in agricultural pursuits upon sec. 1 ; P. O., Civer.

Francis Piitman was born in Putman township, Fulton Co., Oct. 27, '37. His parents, Harrison and Malinda (Fonts) Putman, now reside in Canton. Francis enlisted in the 7th 111. Cav. at Peoria Aug. 20, '62, discharged July 12, '65. He was with Ca])t. Herring when he was wounded the last time ; was also on Grierson's famous raid, and on detached duty twice for a short time. In February, 1866, at Canton, he was united in marriage with Clara Sanders, who

George C. Fufman, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Civer. G. C. Putman, son of Reading and Staey (Combs) Putman, was born in Indiana Oet. 3, '14. In 1821 he was brought to this county, where, in the primitive schools of pioneer times, he obtained his education. He has held local offices, and in 1834 was married to Charlotte Crosthwait, who bore him 10 children, - 8 boys and 2 girls, - 7 of whom are living. Three of the sons are dead, one of them being killed in the army.

ir. A'^ .SVnic/crs, farmer, sec. 15 ; P.O.; Civer; was born in this township Jan. 7, '52, son of Augustus H. and Martha J. (Brush), father a native of New York and mother of Missouri ; father came to this county in 1832. In 1877 Mr. W. K. Sanders married Alice Sanders, and their children are Laura, born July 23, '78, and Fred., Aug. 26, '79. Mr. S. is a Democrat, and as a farmer has been moderatelv successful.

]\'lorHs Smith, iarmcr and teamster, sec. 21 ; P. O., Cuba. Mr. Smith stepped forward to defend his country in hours of danger, - when she was assailed by rebel hands. He enlisted in Co. D, 70th 111. Inf , in 1762, and served till close of term. He was born in Union Co., O., Feb. 28, 1842, and is the son of William and Mary - Thomas - Smith. He received his education in Delaware, O. In 1869 was married to Martha Laswell. All the children given them - 4 boys and one girl - are living. Mrs. S. is a member of the Christian Church.

£li B. Stevenson is worthy a notice in a work like this. He was born in Ross Co.,0., July 20, 1833, and was brought to this county 5 years later, where he has continued to reside. His i'ather and mother were John and Catherine - Black - Stevenson, of Maryland. Mr. S. was married in '56, Oct. 30th, at Cuba, to Miss Ellen Waklron, who was born in Warren Co., III., in 1840. He is an active member of the M. E. Church. He is one of the Trustees and Steward, and has served as Superintendent of the Sundayschool. Mr. S. has a nice farm on sec. 36, which he and his good wife have made themselves. When they settled there it was in a wilderness. P. O., Bryant.

John Still is a native of Germany and came to this county in '50, and has resided here since. He was born on ihe 2d of Feb., '27. His parents were John and Mary Still, Germans. John learned to speak English at Sunday-school. He first learned cabinet-making and carpentering, but is now farming, and owns 2 farms, l)<)th of which he made by his own exertion. He was joined in matrimony with Rebacca Bay, a native of Ireland, who was born in the year 1828. They are the parents of 3 children : Arthur, Reson, John and William D. His postoffice is Civer.

county in '65, and has engaged largely in coal-mining and has his coal works at Cuba, where, besides this interest and running a general store, he owns the hotel of the place. He was married in '58, and has 2 children, - Elizabeth and James. Mr. S. has succeeded in life bv his own personal exertions and energy.

John SfoMair/er, farmer, sec. U) ; P. O., Cuba, was born in l\ninsylvania on the '29th of Aug., 1811, and is the son of Michael and Catharine Stockbarger. He came to this county in 1856. He has been exceedingly unfortunate in meeting with accidents. Aug. 20, 1872, he was run over by the cars, breaking an arm and a leg. Again in 1878 he was run over. In 1S44 he was united in marriage to Mary Watson, who bore him 7 children - 4 boys and 3 girls, all living, and 3 of them are married.

Jonathan 31. Thomas, retired farmer, Cuba, was born in Sangamon Co., 111., Feb. 10, 1836. His i)arents, Nathan and Sarah (Lott) Thomas, were natives of Kentucky. Jonathan was brought to Fulton Co. in March of the year of his birth. Here he received su.ch learning as the schools oi' his boyhood afforded. lie has held many of the local official positions, and in 1857, Aug. 21, he was married. Hattie M., born July 30, 1860, is the only living one of 3 children. He attends the United Brethren Church.

Berintha Thompson, relict of A. C. Thomi)son, whom she married in Sept. 1834, and M'ho died Sept. 15, 1863. There were born to them 11 children, 8 of whom are living, - 3 boys and 5 girls. Mrs. T. was born in Yates Co., N. Y., and is the daugiiter of Allen and possessing unusual business capacities. For 16 years she has managed a large farm consisting of 322 acres at ])resent. She has purchased 320 acres of land since she has been a widow. P. O. address, Canton.

J. E. Turner, farmer, sec. 12; P. O. Civer. On the 3d day of June, 1840, in Putman tp., the subject of this sketch was born to Samuel and Sarah (Bro«»king) Turner. His father died in this Co. in 1867 and his mother in 1870. His father came from New York to Illinois in 1835. Mr. T. was educated in the common schools of this county and has held several of the local offices. He has a finely-improved farm, well drained with tiling. Oct. 6, 1863, he was united in marriage with Mary A. Turner, who was born June 3, 1844. The birthday anniversary of both himself and wife occur on the same day. " Henry, Carrie, Carroll and Sadie are their children.

Junes K. Welch, M. I)., Cuba, whose portrait we give in this book, was born in Nelson Co., Ky., Sept. 4, 1845, and is the son of James W. and Marv (Swazey) 'Welch, l)oth of Kentucky. His flither died July 27,'l878, in 'McDonough Co., 111.; his mother at the same place in 1859. Dr. W. was brought iuto the State at the age of 3 years, and was educated at Blandinsville. He received his professional education at the Iowa Medical University, graduating in 1865, and June of the following year located at Cuba and has continued in practice to the present. He served as President of the Town Board, and was in the hospital service 8 months. His first wife was Hulinda Clayberry, the mother of 2 of his girls. She died Sept. 23, 1874. He married E. E. Wilson, Feb. 21, 1878. They have one child, a son.