Quincy Township (part 26 of 74)

Charles Augustus Maertz

One of the notable figures in the pioneer history of Quincy was Charles A. ]\Iaertz, now deceased. He was probably one of the best known of the early residents of Quincy, locating in that town in ]\Iay. 1S36. Prom that time forward he took' an active and helpful part in the work of upbuilding and general improvement of the embryo city, and his co-operation could always be counted upon to foster any measure for the public beuefit. Displaying as his salient traits of character the qualities of energy, industry, thrift, integrity, humanity, piety and patriotism, he commanded the respect of all who knew him and left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name and a record well worthy of emulation.

His father Avas one of several sons of a wealthy citizen of Dautzic, an important city of Prussia. Choosing a career of art, he went to St. Petersbiirg to pursue his studies, for in that city Catherine II was patronizing art and learning with a munificent hand. Leaving St. Peterslnirg, he settled in Berlin, Prussia, to prosecute his profession of portrait painter. In 1733 he married Catherine Marin, the daughter of a small farmer in a neighboring village. Six children were born to them, of whom the youngest and the sub.ject of this sketch was born in Berlin, May 31, 1831. and was the last of that generation when he died, January 7, 1890. The father of Mr. Maertz died when his little son was only five years old, leaving him and his older sister to the care of a devoted mother, a woman of rare intelligence and remarkable force of character and to whose memory her son loved to pay the tribute of affection and respect down to the day of his death. Left a widow with slender resources, Mr. Maertz 's mother nevertheless procured for her children the best educational advantages that lay in her power, providing them even with the opportunity of acquiring some of the graceful accomplishments, such as French, drawing, etc. However, knowing that her young son must fight his own way through the world, and realizing the value of an industrial education, she secured for him an apprenticeship at a trade, a thing very difficult to do in those days, but for which her wisdom and foresiirht made her willing and anxious to make many sacrifices in order to pay the large premium demanded for such an apprenticeship.

Mr. ilaertz first entered a book bindery, but the business proving detrimental to his health he was obliged to give up that business, and then was apprenticed to a coppersmith. After having completed his trade he traveled through some of the cities of his native land; then, in 1831. went to London, England, where he remained two years. Attracted by the opportunities offered by the new world, he sailed for New York. He stayed but a short time in that city, going from there to New Orleans, where his sojourn was brief, and then to St. Louis, where he located. Finding, however, small demand for brass and copper work in the rude and crude mode of life of those early days, he was obliged to transform himself from an artificer in noble metals into a tinsmith, whose work required far less ability and capital. In 1836 he made a prospecting trip to Quincy, where he found one tinsmith already established in business, and, one being quite sufficient to fill all demands of the small population, he decided not to remain and, hearing of a good opening in Warsaw, Illinois, he went up to that village, invested in a lot and then retiirned to St. Louis for his wife and child. Stopping at Quincy on the return trip and learning from friends of the departure of his competitor, he decided upon this place as his residence and field of future labors. His shop was first located at Fifth and Hampshire street and later at the southwest corner of Sixth and Hampshire streets, where the ]\Iaert7 buildint;' now stands and in which Augustus Jacobs has his jewelry establishment.

The year 1837 was memorable to ^Ir. Maertz and his family as the ejioch of a teri'ible calamity - the loss of his left eye. Wliile at his work a scale of iron struck the eye, lodging in the pupil. After horrible suffering through unskillful treatment, he lost the eye as well as the sight. Possessing an intense love of the beautiful, Mr. Maertz suffered a life-long pain from a sense of the disfigurement as well as that of physical disability. For some time after the accident it was doutitful whether he would even be able to see well enouch to resume his regular vocation, and friends iirgently recommended that he open a srrocery, as a saloon was called in those early days. At that time the sentiment of temperance had only a slender development. Mrs. ]\raertz. however, entered a vigoroiis protest against such advice, not out of deference for public opinion, for. as we have seen, that was not against the business, but from a conviction of the evil and its detrradinu- influence. She declared herself willing to support the family herself by takinc in washing rather than that her husband sliould maintain her by dealing- ont ruin to others. Happily, however, she was never obliged to bring this great sacrifiee to the altar of her principles, for before their savings were exhausted Mr. Maertz was able to resume business.

While in St. Louis Mr. IMaertz formed the acquaintance of Miss Ottilia Obert, to whom he was married on the 27th of October, 183-1, by Dr. William Potts, of the Presbyterian chui'ch. jMrs. Maertz was a daughter of Peter and ]\Iary Obert and was born at Bai'bach, Grand Duchy of Baden, May 16, 1811. She had a sister and several brothers, two of whom, Mathias and Peter, accompanied her to America in 1828. j\Ir. and Mrs. Maertz were very congenial in their fundamental characteristics, and to his wife he always attributed his success in life. They had eight children, four of whom are now living : Mrs. Dr. Durant, Miss Louise Maertz, Mrs. Captain John M. Cyrus and ilrs. Dora R. M. Loclrvvood.

In 1850 he sold oiit his business at a great sacrifice for the sole pui'pose of vi.siting his aged mother in Berlin. On his retui*n he again engaged in business, but, comi>elled by delicate health to give up the work, he retired from active business life in 1857, devoting himself thenceforth to the care of his property. In 1867, with his entire family, excepting one daughter, he made another trip to Eiirope, this time to visit his sister, to whom he was very devoted and who was the only descendant beside himself of his grandfather's large family. During this last trip, covering a period of two years, Mr. Maertz, at the age of fifty-seven, took up the study of painting, which proved a most delightful pastime to him until within two years of his death. His marked ability for fine execution of details proved the great success he might have achieved in the art of steel engraving, and one must remember that his success in this fine work was greath' hindered by his having but one eye.

A devoted husband and father, his s\nnpathies extended beyond that of his immediate family into friendships deep and lasting and whose fragrant memories were cherished throughout life. One of his early friends was J. M. Booth, founder of the Quincy Herald, who.se portrait and that of Mrs. Booth were donated by ilrs. IMaertz after her husband's death to the historical room of the Quincy Library. Mr. Maertz took out his naturalization papers in 1840. ITntil 1858 he was a democrat, writing a great deal for the Quincy Herald, and often called upon to make stump speeches in German in the county. The city papers were always g^acl to have his articles. They were awake to the interests of the town, vigoi'ous and original. About 1838 ^Ir. IMaertz changed his political \'iews. .«tanehly supporting the republican party for the remainder of his life. "^Hien the Civil war broke out Mr. Maertz felt deep regret for his inability to serve. His deepest sympathies were with the government. There was not a more loyal man in American nor a more enthusiastic patricjt than he. The death of Lincoln was a personal loss to him.

In religious matters ilr. Maertz took the deepest interest from his youth, recognizing man's dependence upon a supreme power. For a short time he was identified with the Salem chui-ch, German Luthei-an. Later he joined the CongTegational church, during the pastorate of Reverend Foote, biit, being convinced that he ought to be immersed he united with the Baptist church, to whicli his wife belonged and of which he remained an active and consistent member to the end of his life, contributing with a large liberality to its .support. The poor and suffering found in Mr. Maertz a ready friend and helper. His benevolences were many, his sympathies broad and warm-hearted. He had a keen and discriminating judgment that enabled him to anticipate the needs and possibilities of the city and as a private citizen he did all in his power to promote substantial growth and improvement. He was found trustworthy in all of his business transactions, and his life record proves the force of industry, economy, honesty and energy. His name should be carved on the keystone of the pioneer arch of Quincy. ilr. ilaertz left his family in vei'y comfortable circumstances, and his three daughters. Miss Louise Maertz, l\Irs. John M. Cyrus and Mrs. Loclavood, reside at the family home. No. 328 Elm street, one of the best residences in that part of the city. They also own other property and are well known in literary circles and in the charitable work of Quincy. Mr. Maertz died at his home January 7, 1890, after an illness of two weeks. He died surrounded by his loving and sorrowing family and trusting in the God whom he had so long and faithfully served.

Dr. Henry Rodefeld, one of the younger members of the medical fraternity, who, however, is making rapid progress in his profession, was born in Quincy, October 30, 1879, his parents being Henry and Louise (Haubrock) Rodefeld. The paternal grandfather, Herman Rodefeld, was a native of Germany and emigrating to .\merica in 1850 settled in Quincy. He died at the age of seventy-six years. He was accompanied to America by a brother, who also died in Quincy. Henry Rodefeld, father of Dr. Rodefeld, was born in Germany and was only nine months old when brought by his parents to the new world. Reared in (Jniney, he learned the inolder's ti'ade and subsequently became one of the founders of the Gem Oity Stove Works. In the later years of his life he was engaged in merchandising in Quincy. but he died at the comparatively early age of forty-seven years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lonise Hanbrock, is a daughter of Carl Haubrock. a native of Germany, who settled in Quincy in 1852, and is now living iu Adams county, Nebraska. She is the mother of six children : Henry, Dai-o, Lulu, Herman, Emma and Carl.

Dr. Rodefeld, the son of Henry and Louise Rodefeld, attended the public schools of Quincy, continued his studies Tinder private instruction and was a student in a business college and later in the Illinois University, in which he was graduated with the class of 1902, on the completion of a course in medicine and surgery. Having applied himself with assiduity to the mastery of the l^rinciples of the medical science, he entered upon practice well qualified for his chosen calling and has been successful, securing a liberal patronage and at the same time rendering valuable aid to his fellowmen in checking the I'avage of disease and restoring health. He has offices at No. 429 South Eighth street and No. 900 iMonroe street. He is a member of the Illinois State Medical Society, the American ^Medical A.ssociation, and the Adams County Medical Society. He is e.Kamining physician for the IMutual Protective League and for the Yeoman of America.

On the 12th of January, 1904, Dr. Rodefeld was married to Miss Emma Meyer, a daughter of Edward and Barbara (Mast) Steyer. of Quincy. Quiet and retiring in manner Dr. Rodefeld nevertheless has the force of character which has enabled him to win creditable success in the past and w'ill insure further progress because of efficiency and thriiugh conscientious preparation.

Captain William Steinwedell

Captain William Steiuwedeli, of German birth, whose love of liberty brought him to the new world in early manhood and whose efforts have been so discerningly directed along well-defined lines of labor that he seems to have realized at any one point of his career the possibilities for accomplishment at that point, ranks to-day among the leading citizens of Quincy, being a promoter of varioiis industrial and commercial interests here and interested financially or actively in a numbei' of business concerns at the present time.

Captain Steinwedell is a native of Hanover, Germany, born in 1827. His father was a lieutenant eiilnju'l in the ({erman army, and the same military spirit which he displayed was later shown in the career of the son. Excellent educational privileges were accorded him, and he directed his studies along scientific lines, wherein he has always continued his reading and investigation, so that to-day he is a master of several impm-tant departments of science. His love of liberty was the impetus which caused him to seek a home iu the new world. Dui-ing tlie German revolution of 1848, when it seemed that the bands of mouarchial despotism were being tightened about the fatherland, he crossed the Atlantic to the new world and established his home in Quincy, having now been identified with the interi'sts of the city for fifty-six years. He had resided here for two years when he became a factin- in commercial circles as a partner in the firm of Bertschinger & Steinwedell, dealers in hardware and iron. From the beginning the enterprise proved a success, the business constantly growing in volume and importance. They were the first business house to make direct importations. Hardware at that time was largely a foreign product, and Captain Steinwedell, iu order to secure a, stock for his store, frequently visited the leading manufacturing cities of Europe to make purcha.ses. The firm had a continuous and prosperous existence for more than twenty years, and the partnership was dissolved in October, 1873, when the senior member dei-ided to return to his native land.

Captain Steinwedell had given unremitting attention to the business and its development, save for the period of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit was aroused in behalf of the Union cause. At the outlireak of strife in the south he organized a local militaiy company which did valuable service in this locality, without compesnation and without expense to the government. He secured the money in the banks at La Grange and Canton and delivered it to the sub-treasury at St. Louis by order of Major-General Fremont; furnished an escort for twenty thousand stands of arms For Iowa troops from Quincy to Keokuk : I'elieved the Sixteenth Illinois Regiment, when it was besieged by Confederates at Monroe City, Missouri ; and was iu constant service for nearly four years. Captain Steinwedell 's interest in military affairs has never abated, and the welfare of the soldier is dear to his heart. He was president of the board of trustees of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home from 1894 until 1897, when the demands of his private business affairs caused him to resign.

As the years passed by Captain Steinwedell found opportunity for judicious investment in other business enterprises aside from the hardware stoi'e, and for over twenty years he was president of the Gas Company of Quincy, of which lir is now m local direc-tor. He has become interested in mining and is now pi-esident of the Arrowrock ^Mining- & grilling ("ompany and treasurer of Dick Brothers' ililling Company. He is, likewise, secretary of Dick & Brothers' Qnincy Brewing Company. For a long period he held stock in the First National Bank and is now a stockholder in the State Savings Loan & Trust Company. Wliatever he undertakes receives his most earnest attention and effort. He is a man of sound judgment, keen discrimination and marked enterprise. ]\Iatters of citizenship claim his thought and energy, and he has been an important factor in many mattei's which have contributed to the upbuilding and substantial progress of Quiney. He was one of the organizers of Qnincy Turnverein and one of the builders of Ti^rner Hall. Pie is now an honorary member, having a certificate for twenty-five years' membership. The hope which led Captain Steinwedell to come to America was a common and illusive one, biit has been more than realized, he enjoying fully the privileges and advantages of a free man. who has so directed his efforts that they have been crowned with success and at the same time he has .so labored that his work has proved of value to the city and, in times of warfare, to the nation. A contemporary biographer has said: "For many years he has directed the affairs of several extensive interests, any one of which would have demanded the entire time -of most business men. He is a commanding figure in the community; blutf and outspoken, yet hale and hearty, charitable and generous, a highly cultured gentleman and one of Qiiincy's most honored citizens."

Ebenezer P. Sammis, deceased, was one of the pioneer railroad men of Qnincy and was well known in connection with the train service, acting for a long period as passenger engineer of the Chicago, Burlington and Quiney Railroad. He became a resident of Quiney in 1853. His birth occurred in Norfolk. Connecticut, April 8, 1836, his parents being "William P. and Julia (Burr) Sammis, who were also natives of Connecticut, in which state they resided for many years. The father served as postmaster at Norfolk for several j-ears and his death occurred there. His widow afterward went to San Francisco. California, whei-e lier last days were passed.

ilr. Sammis of this review obtained a good education in the schools of Connecticut and at the age of fourteen years he put aside his textbooks and came to the west with a Mv. Betts. He traveled to some extent over the counti\\' and finally located in Quiney. where he secured a position in a machine shop owned by a Mr. Greenleaf. There he learned the machinist's trade, being employed in that shop for three years. He aftei"ward went to IMendon, Adams county, where he set up the first stationary engine in that town. He only remained there for a brief period, however, and then returned to Quiney, where he accepted a position as fireman on the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney Railroad. In 1856 his work in this line began. He had served as fireman for only a short time when his efficiency won him promotion to the position of engineer. It was then that he made the first riin from Quiney to Galesburg. He was later promoted to passenger engineer and had a regular run out of Quiney, serving in that capacity for many years, with the exception of one year spent in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company. He returned to Quiney, however, in 1863, when the well known .Toe West was master mechanic for the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney Railroad Company in this city. l\Tr. Sammis had no difficulty in obtaining his old position and for several years had a regular run between Quinc.y and Galesburg. He was then transferred to a run between Quiney and Louisiana, Mi.ssouri, and in order to be more conveniently siti;ated near his work, he removed his family to Louisiana, where he I'esided for about ten years. For that time he had the one run, or until the great railway strike in 1887. After the difficulty was settled, he returned to Quiney, but still continued on the run between this city and Louisiana, having a regular run up to the time of his death, which occurred on Sunday, July 31, 1898, at aboiit nine o 'clock in the morning. He was making his regular trip from Quiney to Hannibal and when the train was about two and a half miles soiith of Quiney. his engine run into an open switch, jumped the track and crashed into a tree. Knowing that death was certain, he jumped from the engine and was almost instantly killed, livinn- but two hours after the accident.

In 1860 Mr. Sammis was married in Quiney to ^li.ss Helen Phelps, a native of this city, born September 27, 1843. and the daughter of David and Fanny (Shaw) Phelps, the former a native of Canada, and the latter, Virginia. Her father came to Qiainey in 1833 and was engaged as a fisherman here in the early days, but died after a few yeai's' I'esideuce in Illinois. His wife resided here Tintil her death, which occui'red at the very advanced age of ninety-six j-eai's. Mr. and Mrs. Sammis became the parents of eight children: Emil.y G., the wife of Asa H. Todd, Quiney: William, an engineer in Parsons, Kansas ; Jiilia, the wife of Spencer Gi-over, a resident of LaGrano'e, Illinois; .Tosei)h, who was engaged in the commissiou business in Quincy for several years and was also a salesman for Annour & Company for one year, and is now residing with his mother : Pay, the wife of Charles James, of Angnsta, Illinois; Gertrude, Edith and Adelaide, who are at home with their mother.

ilr. Sammis was a democrat, always voting for the men and measures of his party. The family are all members of the Christian church of Quiney. ]\Ir. Sanmiis was one of the oldest and best known railroad men of this city and during his long connection with the railroad he won many friends and had the entire contideuce of those whom he represented, being a most efficient employe. His wife won in a large suit against the railroad company, as his death was the fault of the company. j\lrs. Sammis now owns a nice home at No. 529 North Thii-d street, where she and her children reside.

"William !-]. I\[iller, living on section 36, Ui'sa township is the owner of a rich and arable tract of land of one hundred and ninety acres and in addition to its cultivation he is engaged in dealing in stock at Ursa. His birth occurred June 2, 1835, in the townshij) which is now his home. He is the son of Bradshaw and Rebecca (Keath) Miller. The father was a native of Virginia, but was reared in Lexington, Kentucky, where he became acquainted with and married Miss Keath, who was born in that city. In 1827 they removed to ]\rorgan county. Illinois, and later came to Adams county, IMr. j\liller purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 36. Ursa township. With characteristic energy, he began the development of the farm and continued its cultivation until his death, which occurred in 1857. His wife survived him several years and died October 24. 186-4. Two of their children are still living: William E. : mid I\Irs. p]liza Waddle, of Wheatland. California.

William E. ]\Iiller was reared upon the old homestead farm where his entire life has been spent. He attended the public school and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He has also been progi'essive in his farming methods, using the latest improved machinery to cultivate the fields and harvest the cro]is. He has ever displayed marked energy in all business affairs connected with the raising of grain and in dealing in stock at TTrsa. where he is now associated with C. R. MeNay. He owns one hundred and ninety aci-es of choice land, and the farm is jileasantly idi-alrd ;i half mile west of the village of Marcelliue. lie has continuously followed farming with the exception of the period when he served in the Civil war. On the 5th of August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Seventy-eighth Regiment Illinois Infantry and served until the close of hostilities, after which he resumed his farming operations, having proved his loyalty to his country by his faithful services upon the battle-fields of the South.

On the 7tli of January. 1858. 'Sir. ^liller was married to Miss Sarah A. Anderson, a native of Breekenridge county. Kentucky, and a daiighter of John C. and Nancy (Smith) Anderson. She M'as born October 21. 1838. They became the ])arents of ten children, of whom eight are still living. They are as follows : Mary, born April 1, 1859, died the same year; U. K., who was born February 20. 1860, i-esides in Qiiincy and is married and has two sons; Olive, born February 7, 1863. is the deceased wife of Charles ]\IcNay ; John B., born January 4. 1867, married ^Irs. Lillie Bonnett and lives in Colorado; Chai'les W., born Januaiy 29. 1869. married Alta Agard and resides in PTurdlaud. ]\Iissouri; Dora, born May 12. 1872, is the wife of W. S. Worley. a merchant of Ursa; Bert, born July 24, 1874, married Lillie Miller and lives in Oregon; Edward F., born February 24. 1876, is at home; Laura D.. born .\pril 13, 1878, is the wife of Edward Loughton and resides in Oregon ; Fred, born April 14, 1880, is a graduate of a dental college and resides in St. Louis, Missouri.

Mr. IMiller gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and upon that ticket Mas elected road commissioner. Lie has also served as school director for several years and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. He has been an active member of ]\[arce!line lodge No. 114, A. ¥. & A. ]\I.. located at :\[arcelline. his identification therewith dating from 1859. during which time he has faithfully exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He is also a member of Marcelline lodge No. 127, I. O. 0. F.. of IMarcelline. He has reached the age of three score years and ten and yet possesses the energy ancl enterprise of a much younger man. His \r?e has been active and upright and the spirit of progress and improvement which has dominated this portion of the country has been manifest in his business career.

Louis C. Shriver

;i mile and a quarter south of Ursa. He was born June 2S, I860, in Adams county. His father, Louis Shriver, was born in Goddsheim, Germany, and came to the United States in 1854, settling first in Herman, ^Missouri, where he li%'ed for two year.s. He then removed to St. Louis, where he spent one year, and in 1857 came to Quincy. Here, on the 5th of ^Mareh, 1858, he was married to ]\Iiss Catherine Waggamon, who was boru in Saarbrueken, Germany, !March 25, 1832, and came to this country in 1855, crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, which dropped anchor in the harbor at New Orleans. They then proceeded up the ^Mississippi to St. Louis, where they lived for two years, ilrs. Shriver came to Quincy in 1S57 and resided in this county until her marriage in 1858. The young couple then located on a farm on section 24, IMendon township, where they resided for some time. Later they removed to section 26, in the same township, and there resided until the end of this life. The father died IMay 13, 1890, and the mother passed away August 19, 1896. Of the seven children born to tliem two died in infancy. Those living are: Henry, who was boru January 25, 1858, and resided in ilendon township : Louis C, whose name introduces this sketch; Leonard E.. who was born September 25. 1862, and lives in Ellington township ; ]\Irs. Louisa C. Wettig. who was born December 30, 1864, and resides in East St. Louis: and Frank, who was born January 11, 1867, and makes his home in JNIendon township.

Louis C. Shriver was born on the old homestead on section 24, ^Tendon township, and continued to assist his father in the farming operations up to the time of his marriage, on the 9th of August, 1885. He wedded Emma D. Bruggebos, of Ursa township, a daughter of Conrad and Sophia (Wliitefield) Bruggebos. Her father was born in Hanover. Germany, Januarv 19, 1815, and came to the United States in "l846, landing in New Orleans on the 30th of November of that year. He became a resident of St. Loiiis, Missoiiri, in 1848 and of Quincy in 1849. He soon afterward took up his abode in Burton township. He was married January 21. 1853. to Miss Sophia Wliitefield, who was born April 5, 1837, in Hanover, Germany, and came to the United States with her parents in 1846. In 1868 Mr. and ilrs. Bruggebos located on a farm in Ursa township, where they continued to I'eside throughout their remaining days, the father djnng on the 24th of August, 1903, while the mother's death occurred September 30, 1893. In their family were twelve children, but only two are now living: IMrs. Shriver and Rosa C. Bruggebos. who was born 'March 2, 1878, and is living on the old homestead.

owiird at one time by her father. Here they have since lived. Their home has been blessed with two children: Carl C, born ifay 30, 1887; and Victor XL, born June 22, 1902.

ilr. Shriver and his faniih' now own six hundred acres of verj' valuable and arable land in T'rsa to\\nship, the greater part of which lies just south of the village of Ursa, their home being about a mile and a quarter from town. They rent all of their land with the exception of a quarter section, which they cultivate, carrying on general farming. The family belongs to the German Lutheran church of Ursa and are verj' prominent in the social circles of this locality. j\Ir. Shriver has ever worked earnestly, saving his money as opportunity has afforded, and is now in the possession of a comfortable competence. Everything about his farm is in an excellent condition, and he has an attractive place.

B. A. Van Dyke

B. A. Van Dyke, who has been activeh' identified with educational interests in Adams county for many years and is now interested in farming and the supervision of telephone lines in IMendon, was born in ilendon township, ilarch 9, 1852, his parents being "William and Hester (Cort) Van Dyke, natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. His ancestoi's had lived there through several generations, the old family home being near the Bru.sh Creek church, at Ii-ving, Pennsylvania, where thej'' worshipped, and the great-grandparents of Mr. Van Dyke of this review are both buried at that place. The father William "^^an Dyke, was a farmer of Pennsylvania until his removal to the west in the fall of 1845. He located first at Quincy, Illinois, f(U" a short time, then settled on a farm on section 22, "Mendon township, placing the wild tract of land under a high state of cultivation and continuing its active operation until October 18, 1893. He died in Deeen]ber of the same year, passing away at the advanced age of eighty years. His wife died in 1856. at the age of thirty-three years. In this family were seven children, namely: P. C. who is now living with our sub.ject in Mendon; J. C. who I'esides in Ui-sa : IMary, who died at the age of eighteen years; Henrietta, who died when a j-ear old ; B. A. ; Vesta, who is living Avith our subject: and Huldah, the wife of E. H. Dudley, who is livimi' three miles southeast of IMendon.

'Sir. Van Dyke of this review pursued his preliminary education in the common schools of Adams county and afterward attended the State Normal School, at Normal. Illinois, thus being well prepared for the pi-ofession which for many years lie made his life work. At the age of eighteen years he began teaching school in Adams county and for twenty-five years he was tlnis engaged, spending the entire period within ten miles of Mendon, except one year, when he taught in Quiuey. He was a capable educator, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired, and was also an excellent disciplinarian, so that his services proved of marked value in promoting educational advancement in Adams county. He is now giving his attention to the supervision of his farming interests and also superintends about thirty miles of telephone line. He is likewise active and influential in community affairs and is pi-esident of the town board of Ifendon, ever interested in the welfare and upbuilding of the town. He gave to the creamery company the land on which it built its plant. His aid is a vahied factor in many progressive movements and he is classed M'ith the representative citizens of ]\Iendon.

Joseph Barker Frisbie, Sr

Joseph Barker Frisbie, Sr., is now eighty-six years of age, being one of the venerable citizens of Adams county. He was born October 19, 1819, in Branford, Connecticut, and is a representative of one of the oldest colonial families of America. The ancestry can be traced back to Edward Frisbie, who came from England in lfil9, when twenty-four years of age and settled in Virginia. In 1642 the governor of that colony ordered all those who would not join the church of England to leave Virginia and among those who were thus obliged to go away from their homes were Richard Frisbie and his two sons James and William. The name of Edward Frisbie appears on the first page of the town I'ccords of Branford. Connecticut, under date of 1044, as one of the first settlers. The family name has been spelled in various ways, being written at different times Frisbie, Frisbee and Frisby.

The grandfather, Joseph Foote Frisbie, fought in the Revoliitionary war and lived to the very advanced age of ninety-eight years. The Frisbies have always l)een devout church people from the time of Edward Frisbie down to the present. They have been identified with the Congregational church. They have at all times been law-abiding, maintaining the principles of their Puritan ancestors and in times of war have been loyal defenders of the country's cause.

Tjyman Frisbie, father of Joseph B. Frisbie. was born, February 23, 1794, aiid on the 31st of December, 1818, in his native town of Branford, Connecticut, was married to Anna Barker, whd was born June 9, 1796. They became the parents of seven children : Joseph, born, October 19, 1819, was the eldest. Caroline, born April 19, 1821, was married January 2, 1845, to Hon. Samuel R. Chittenden, who died Jan- ^^ary 22, 1899, while her death occurred June 11, 1903. They had three sons, John R., Samuel F. and Geoi'ge R. Emeline, born [March 18, 1823, was married December 18, 1851, to George H. Rea, who died December 24, 1886, while she died February 16, 1905, leaving no children. Mary Ann, born Aiigust 23, 1826, was married June 10, 1849, to Ebenezer B. Barker, and they have two children, Lucy A. and Elizabeth F. ilorris E., born January 31, 1830, was married in 1858 to Caroline McMillen, who died ]\Iarch 1, 1905, while his death occurred May 13, 1901. They had two sous, Lyman B. and Harry M. Elizabeth P., born December 25, 1831, was married June 10, 1852, to John A. Chittenden, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Calvin, born April 22, 1834, died May 7, 1837. Lyman Frisbie and his family of six children left Branford, Connecticut, May 10, 1837, and arrived at Jlendon, Illinois, on the 15th of June of that year. They fitted out to make the journey l.iy land, but on arriving at Wlieeling, West Virginia, ]\Ir. Frisbie concluded to complete the trip by boat because of the fatigue felt by the members of his party. Having arrived in Adams county he at once began to build a house, purchasing a half section of land on which the town of Mendon now stands. He followed farming throughout his entire life and took great pride in his agricultural pursuits, keeping his farm in excellent condition. Through his hospitality in caring for the ti'avelers who journeyed between Quincy and Carthage, he became well known throughout the state of Illinois. In 1838 he hung out a sign "tavern," which remained until 1864. when it was taken do^vn because of the feeble condition of the pai-ents.

Joseph Barker Frisbie, Sr., attended the public schools in Connecticut for nine yeai's. and afterward pursued a special course under direction of the Congregational minister in Adams county for six months. He then returned to Branford, Connecticut, in 1842, spending one year in James W. Frisbie Academy, subsequent to which time he returned to the west in 1844 to take up farm work with his father. Besides assisting in the operation of the home farm, he improved and developed four farms from a wild, untilled land, making all of these valuable property. Realizing the value of some work connected with the outside world, Mr. Frisbie joined Ed'ward H. Fowler in a movement to secure a station at what is now the town of Fowler. They instituted this movement in 1856 and attended to all details, including the building of a side- track in the same year. Mi-. Frisbie became the first station agent at Fowler and carried mail from Fowler to JMeudon without a contract until the government made different arrangements in 1S5S. Much credit is due Mr. Frisbie because of his efforts at that time to connect JMeudon with the outside world, thus affording her better business advantages for the sale of her prodiacts and for the sale of such commodities as had to be secured elsewhere. Pie was the second postmaster in ilendon and following his return from Connecticut he conducted a general mercantile store there from 184i until 1846.

Mr. Frisbie was a whig in politics and a stanch supporter of Henry Clay, giving his allegiance to that party until Abraham Lincoln was a candidate, since which time he has been an unfaltei'ing supporter of the republican party without asking, expecting or desiring office as a reward for his fealty. He is an expert with the snare drum and has always been connected with marching clubs in campaigns from the time William Henry Harrison was a candidate for president down to the present. He is still a hale and hearty man of broad mind, his intellect seemingly undimmed, and he can relate many interesting stories and anecdotes concerning early times in Adams county. Plis religious faith has always been that of the Congregational church and while he believed firmly in its doctrines and its principles he has never refused his financial support to other denomintitions.

On the 5th of ]May, 1845, in New Yoi^v city, Mr. Frisbie was married to Sarah Ann Lay, a descendant of one of the oldest colonial families, who was born, January 9, 1823, and is a daughter of Dr. Willoughby and Anna M. (Harrison) Lay, of Branford. Connecticut. Unto them were born seven children, of whom Sarah and James died in infancy. The others are : Frances, who became the wife of George W. Earle and had four children; Cornelia A., who was married in 1847 to James A. Parker and had one child that died in infancy ; James W., who was married in 1856 to Charlotte iL Mason, and had six children; and Emeline F., who married James L. Lane, of Richland, Louisiana, and had one child. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Frisbie was blessed with seven children : Sarah C. born July 11. 1846, was married November 16, 1869, to Dr. G. W. Rohr. of Rockford. Illinois, and died April 28, 1885, leaving three children: George F., who was born August 16, 1870, and married Kittie Best, of Rockford, by whom he has one child; Joseph L., born ]\Iay 17, 1873; and Edith, born September 21, 1884. Ann Louisa, the second member of the Frisbie family, was born February 7, 1848, and is at home. Willoughby L., born September 5, 1850, was married in April, 1873, to Clara Leach, of Rockford, Illinois, and they have seven children: Clara P., Sarah A., Fanny Willoughby Shepard, Han-ison, Leigh and Rea. Elizabeth, born May 5, 1852, died the same year. Mary P., born August 3, 1855, is at home. Joseph B., born March 20, 1858, married Sarah M. Meyers, is living in ilendon and has eight children: Sarah D., Raymond L., Flora, Walter, Alta, Rodger G., Clifton and Carlton. James G., born August 6, 1860, is at home. Mrs. Frisbie died October 22, 1904, at the ad-s-anced age of eighty-one years. She was a kind, charitable woman of forgiving dispo.sition and generous spirit. She was a friend to all, possessing a big heart that made her recognize the worth of every individual. She was most generous and self-sacrificing, was devoted to her family and although she lived a quiet life, she kept in touch with current events by reading the best magazines and other modern literature and she also made a daily and systematic study of her Bible. She united with the Congregational church at the age of twelve years and always lived a consistent Christian Ufe.

Charles T. Sterne

Charles T. Sterne, classed -with the progressive, practical agriculturists of Ellington township, is operating a farm of three hundred and thirty-five acres and in its control displays thorough familiarity with the most modern methods of conducting farm M'ork. His birth occurred on this farm December 17, 1864, and he is a son of William C. W. Sterne, who yet occupies the old homestead and who is one of the honored pioneer settlers of the county. His more remote ancestors lived in Vii-ginia, and the early history of the family is given at length in connection with the life record of his father on another page of this work.

Charles T. Sterne was reared upon his father's farm and, after acquiring his pi-eliminary education in the district schools, he attended the Gem City Business College and Chaddock College of Quincy, thus acquiring a good education, which qualified him for the transaction of business. His energy and industry have been manifest in the capable manner in which he controls his farming operations. He continued to a.ssist his father for some time and then became manager of the farm, which he now operates. It comprises three hundred and thirty-five acres of valuable land, constituting one of the laro-est farms in Ellington township. It lies on sections

Mr. Sterne was united in marriage to Miss Alice Burroughs, a native of ]\Ieh'ose township and a dauuhter of Benjamin Burroughs. He brought his bride to the old homestead on which he was reared, and here they have since lived, ilr. Sterne gives his attention to general farm work, his principal crops being wheat and corn. He also has a good orchard of ten acres, and there are ninety acres of timber, mostly elm and oak. There is also good pasture land, and in his pastui'es are seen high grades of stock.

A republican in his political views, Mr. Sterne is unfaltering in his advocacy of the principles of his party and is recognized as one of the local party leaders. He has served as justice of the peace and clerk of Ellingtcm township, and in 1902 was elected supervisor, in which capacity he is now capably and efficiently serving. He is a man of fine personal appearance, and his intellectual force, combined with his energy makes him a successful business man and capable officer.

Hon. Joseph C. Thompson

Hon. Joseph C. Thompson, who won prominence at the Adams county bar and at the time of his death was serving as postmaster of Quiney, for many years figured prominently in public life of the city, exerting an influence in municipal affairs that was far-reaching and beneficial. He was born in Blairsville, Pennsylvania, September IS, 1826, and was a son of Joseph and Maria (Culbertson) Thompson, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, where they spent their entire lives. The paternal grandfather, John Thompson, was descended from Scottish ancestry and served as a soldier in the war of 1812.

Joseph Thompson followed the occupation of carpentering throughout his entire life and his biisiness career was characterized by industi-y and integrity, and both he and his wife passed away in Indiana county, Pennsylvania. In their family were ten children, of whom four are yet living, namely: William, who resides in the state of Washington ; Thomas, of Portland, Oregon; Samuel, who is living in Leavenworth, Kansas: and Maria (Thompson) Davison, who is a widow and resides on the old Thompson homestead, in Indiana county, Pennsylvania.

the winter months liy attending the public schools of his neighborhood. AVhen nineteen years of age he began teaching and followed that profession for tAvo winters but he regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor. It was his ambition to become a member of the bar and he read law in the office and under the direction of Lawrence T. Smith, of Lebanon, Ohio, imtil the fall of 1847, when he came to the west Avith his uncles, Samuel and Isaac Culbertson. wiio had a contract to build a lock dam across the Wabash river, two miles north of Mount Carmel, Indiana. Judge Thompson acted as their manager and bookkeeper until the completion of the work, after which he returned to Lebanon, Ohio, where he attended school for two years. Later he again engaged in teaching for a year in Butler county, Ohio, and he resumed his law studies in Bloomington, Monroe county, Indiana, where he continued his reading for tAvo years. He was admitted to the bar at Anderson, Indiana, in the year of 1852. and there opened an office for practice, but after a year became a member of the bar of Johnson county, Indiana, his home being in Franklin. There he practiced for about two years. Avhen, in 1856, he removed to Macomb, Illinois, and in 1868 he became a resident of Quiney. Here he began the practice of law, and his familiarity with the various branches of jurisprudence enabled him to successfully conduct a large practice. He prepared his cases Avith great thoroughness and care, AA^as logical in his deductions and his arguments folloAved in natural sequence. In presenting his case before court or jury he Avas forceful, earnest and concise, and these qualities, combined Avith his knoAA'ledge of the laAv, commanded attention and usually Avon the verdicts desired. At the same time he engaged in general pi-actice, he also gave supervision to his farming interests thrcmgh ten years. As his financial resoui'ces increased he made iuA'estments in farm property, and at his death he left his family a A-alnable estate of six hundred acres of v^ery i-ich and desirable land in T'rsa and RiA-erside toAvnships.

Judge Thompson exerted a strong intiuenee in local political circles as an advocate of the democracy and was an earnest champion of his party in its policy concerning state and national affairs. He was elected on the democratic ticket to the office of judge of Adams coiinty and served upon the bench for four years, giving entire satisfaction to those Avhom he represented in a judicial capacity. The pi-actice of law was his real life work, and at the bai' or on the bench he Avon distinction. A man of unimpeachable character, of unusual iutelleutual eudinvnients, with a thorough iniderstanding of the law, patience, urbanity and industry, Judge Thompson took to the bench the very highest qualifieations for this responsible position of the state government, and his record as a judge was in harmony with his record as a man and a lawyer, distinguished by unswerving integrity and a masterful grasp of every problem which presented itself for solution.

Judge Thompson was also a member of the constitutional convention of 1862, and while residing in ilcDonough county he had served as school commissioner for several terms. He looked at life from a practical and humanitarian standpoint, desiring progress, yet understanding that it must be bi'ought about by the use of conditions at hand. He was never visionary in his ideas, and his efiforts, therefore, resulted beneficially to the city, county and state. He was indeed one of the leaders of democracy in Quiucy and his political course and career commanded the entire respect of the opposition. In May, 1893, he was appointed postmaster of Qi;incy under the administration of President Cleveland, and continued to serve in that capacity until his death.

In 1856 Jiidge Thompson was married to Miss Emeline (Post) Eells. who was born in Cornwall, Addison county, Vermont, May 18. 1829, a daughter of Truman and Betsy (Foote) Eells. who were likewise natives of the Green Mountain state. Her maternal grandparents were David and Mehetabel (Post) Foote. the latter a daughter of Roswell Post, whose descendants figured largely in the early affairs of the country, especially in church work. Two gandsons of Roswell Post were prominent in the west. Rev. Martin M. Post early settled in Logansport, Indiana, and his brother, Truman M. Post, was well known in Quincy. For a number of yeai's he was professor in the college at Jacksonville, Illinois, and was a pioneer in the establishment of the Congregational church in the west. In the early '50s he moved to St. Louis, Mi-ssonri, where he was pastor of a church of that denomination for many years and had a wide acquaintance in the ^Mississippi valley, contributing in large measure to its moral development. Dr. Post was always a welcome guest in Quincy, where he had many warm friends and admirers. He took part in the services at the time of the union of the two Congregational churches. The last time he was here was when he assisted at Governor Wood's funeral. Mr. and Mrs. Eells resided upon a farm in Vo'mont, where the father engaged in the raising of fine stock until the evening of life. His wife died in the Green Mountain state and he removed to the west in 1855, settling in Knox county, Illinois, where his son was then living. He lived retired for several years and then removed to Quincy, where he made his home with Judge and Mrs. Thompson until his death in 1877. He was well known among the early settlers here and commanded the good will and respect of all who knew him. His daughter, ]\Irs. Thompson, was educated in the seminary at Castleton, Vermont, from which she was graduated in the spring of 1852. In 1853 she accepted a position as teacher in the Young Ladies' Seminary at Franklin, Indiana, and it was there that she formed the acquaintance of Judge Thompson. She taught in Indiana for two years and then removed to Knox county. Illinois, where her brother was then living, and on the 3d of September, 1856, she gave her hand in marriage to Joseph C. Thompson. They became the parents of thi'ee children: Hattie, who died at the age of eighteen years; Culbertson, who was employed under his father as money-order clerk in the postofSce at Quincy, and died in December. 1893 ; and Joseph E., who makes his home in Quincy with his mother, but travels much of the time.

Judge Thompson's death occurred August 20, 1893, and he left behind him a record of a noble life, directing his ability and efforts so as to gain recognition as one of the representative citizens of Quincy. He occupied a notable position among the able lawyers of this city, and in social circles he commanded the respect which is accorded in recognition of an upright life and high ideals.

In January, 1888, ilrs. Thompson began the study of Christian Science and was a charter member of tliat church here, in which she is now a very active and interested worker. She resides at No. 119 1-3 North Sixth avenue, where she and her husband were living at the time of his death. She was left by him in comfortable financial circumstances because of the .iudicious investments which he had made in fai-m property at a time when his law practice was bringing him a good financial return.

Lulu 'Slay Felt, one of the founders of the Felt-Turner Studio of Music, of Quincy, is a native of Columbus, Illinois. Her parents. Peter Francis and Mary Louisa (Seaton) Felt, are residents of Laclede, JMissouri, where the father is engaged in dealing in as'ricultural implements.

lu the higli school of Laclede the daughter completed hei' publi(^ school education and then entered the State University at Columbia. Missouri, from which institution she was graduated with the class of 1889. Early manifesting a fondness and aptitude for music, .she supplemented her early training in that dii-ection l)y study in New York citj' imder Bruno Oscar Klein, in Boston under Arthur Foote, and in Chicago under Walter Spry, and has thus had instruction from some of the most distinguished and eminent musical educators of the country. She was awarded a diploma in piano, history, harmony and composition at the Quiney Conservatory of ilusic in ISDT, graduating under IT. II. liunt.

Determining to devote her life to teaching the art to which she has given her special attention and in which she had attained high proficiency, Miss Felt, associated with iMiss Sally E. Turner, established the Felt-Turner Studio of ^Music in 1903, and which has since enjoyed exceptional success, having a liberal patronage in its various departments of insti-uction. It is a valued addition to the music schools of the city and has received the endorsement of many of the most prominent and influential residents of Quiney. iliss Felt is well known, because of her talent, in luusic circles outside of the city, and, in addition to her skill, she has an executive force and business discernment which have enabled her to make the Felt-Turner Studio of Music one of the paying educational institutions of the city.

Frank AV. (.)s1ioi-h. si'ci'etary, treasurer and active manager of the Quiney Coal Company, is a coal-man with a conscience. Born in Quiney, here he received his education : here he has spent his entire business career, and it is here where he has always made his home that he is admired, respected and now occupies an emiable place of prominence among (Quiney 's successful business men.

The name of Osborn has long been prominent in the annals of Quiney 's histoi-y. II. S. Osborn, his grandfath(M\ was born in London, England, and came to Quiney in lS4(i. lie at once became cxtensiyely engjiged in the mainifacture of flour. His "Eagle ^Mill" was at one time the largest flour mill in this part of the country. He was also interested in the river packet lines before the days of railroads. He served two terms in the city council, representing the first ward. He always contributed largely of his time and means to encourage and foster Quiney men and enterprises, and at one time was president of the Blessing Hospital As.sociation, trustee of the Woodland Orphans' Home, director of the First National Bank, director of the Quiney Gas Light & Coke Company, director of the Quiney Paper Company and president of the Quiney Coal I 'ompany. He led an active and useful life, did much for Quiney and died in California in 1895. His body now rests in the handsome tomb which he erected in Woodland Cemetery (this city), several years before his death.

Charles C. Osborn, sou of H. S. Osborn and father of Frank W. Osborn, came to Quiney at an early age with his father and has been a resident almost continually since. He married Miss Mollie R. Arthur, daughter of John Arthur (deceased), April 18, 1864. He was at one time engaged in the flour milling business, but on account of failing health disposed of this business and purchased a fruit farm east of the citJ^ This he personally managed for several years. Regaining his health he returned to Qiiincy and was made superintendent of the Quiney Coal Company, and at the death of his father was made president of the company, the position he now holds.

Frank W. Osborn, the subject of this sketch, is secretary, treasurer and active manager of the Quiney Coal Company and secretary and treasurer of the Farmington Coal Company, the business of the companies with which he is identified aggregating a heavy volume and covering a, wide extent of territory. This business embraces coal mining on an extensive scale, as well as dealing in coal in large quantities.

Mr. Osborn was born August 24, 1867. After completing his common-school education he took a coin-se in the Gem City Business College. He connnenced work for the Quiney Coal Company in 1884, being then but seventeen years of age. He was advanced rapidly until he was elected to the responsible positions he now holds. In order to make his business education more complete he took up the study of law and graduated from Chaddock College in 1897, being given the degree of LL. B., and was also awarded the gold medal for having prepared the best law thesis of the class.

During the several years following the World 's Fair at Chicago in 1893 there was a depression in the coal Irasiness of Illinois as well as in other lines of business. Up to this time the larger part of the stock of the Quiney Coal Company was owned by Boston capitalists. With the diminishing of dividends the stockholders became restless and wanted to dispose of the holdings. jMr. Osborn, together with his father, promptly made arrangements to purchase all of the stock, and by progressive methods the business of the company was increased until within tive years time the dividends received from the earnings of the company had equaled the entire amount paid for the stock. The tonnage of the company into Quiney has for a number of years been the largest of any concern in any kind of business on the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney Railroad, and during the past year the company did the largest Quiney business they have done in the past twenty years. They have the reputation for not only furnishing the best qualities of coal at competitive prices, but for protecting their customers in times when coal has been scarce, such as dui'ing strikes and extreme weather, and are popularly called the "old reliable."

August 24, 1888, Mr. O.sborn married Miss Jennie B. Hull, daughter of James N. Hull. They have one son, Arthur S. O.sborn, born February 2, 1900. ]\Ir. Osborn owns a pleasant home at No. 809 Spring street, and takes spare time from business for recreation and enjoyment with his family. In 1898, together with his wife, he visited a number of European countries and, being a skillful amateur photographer, he secured an interesting collection of foreign views.

Mr. Osborn is a member of Vermont Street Methodist Episcopal church; Bodley lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; the Young Men 's Christian Association, Quiney Council Royal Arcanum and Quiney Council of the National Union, and has at one time or another held important official positions in all of these organizations. He is one of the charter members of the Quiney Country Club and is president of the Chamber of Commerce. In politics Mr. Osborn is a republican, and although never allowing his name to be placed in nomination for office, he takes an active interest in political affairs.

i\tr. Osborn is almost six feet in height, weighs one hundred and seventy pounds, is of elegant address, genial and affable, and is popular in social as well as in business circles. A clean cut business man, of quick perception and capable of handling any amount of detail, he is well calculated to bring about success in any of his undertakings.

Mrs. Eliza A. ]\IcClintock, living in Golden, is the owner of valuable farming land in Adams county which is cultivated under her supervision, and her business ability is demonstrated in her successful management of her property interests. She is a native of this county, born October 13, 1850, in Camp Point township, her parents being James E. and ilargaret A. (Adams) Downing. Her fatlier, who was born in Virginia, February 19, 1818, was taken by his parents to Indiana when only fo^ir years of age and there remained for thirteen years, when he accompanied his parents to Adams county, arriving in October, 1835. The family located in Camp Point township, where they remained until the death of the parents, the father dying January 3, 1881, at the age of ninety-two years, while the mother passed away November 26, 1880, at the age of ninety-seven years.

The farm of James E. Downing was not far from his parents' home, and there he carried on general agi'icultural pursuits. He was married in Camp Point township to Margaret A. Adams, who was born in Kentucky August 12, 1828, and died February 22, 1866. Mr. Downing afterward married again, his second union being with Jane MeClintoek, who was born June 9, 1838, and died August 11, 1888, while IMr. Downing died Jvily 6, 1898. He had carried on general farming throughout his biisiness career and was well known as an enterprising agriculturist and worthy pioneer settler, whose labors in behalf of the county were far reaching and beneficial.

For many years he served as school tru.stee in Camp Point township and was twice elected to the .state legislature, first in 1869 and later in 1883. While a member of that body he served on many important committees. Politically he was a life-long democrat and a leader of the party in his community.

]\Irs. ilcClintock was educated in the common schools of this county, and her girlhood days were spent in her father's home. On the 22d of November, 1870, she gave her hand in marriage to David Shannon MeClintoek, who was born January 12, 1849, a son of Thomas and Susanna (Kerns) MeClintoek. His fatlier was born in Ireland, February 10, 1797, and died March 5, 1884, while his mother, whose birth occurred in Peimsylvania Februai-y 20, 1806, passed away July 17, 1884. David' S. MeClintoek was educated in the schools of Camp Point township, was reared to farm life and made it his work throughout the years of his manhood, adding improvements to his home place and developing the land into very productive fields up to the time of his death, which occurred December 12, 1882.

Unto Mr. and ^Irs. MeClintoek wei'e born tour ehildi-en : Emery T., who was born October 26, 1871, and died February 15, 1878 ; David W., who was born Jiily 7, 1873, married Cora Marshall and lives on the home farm in Houston township ; Laura E., who was born June 28, 1875, and is the wife of Lewis Lefringhouse, a resident of Camp Point township ; and Jennie P., who was born jMay 19, 1877, and is the wife of Savil Eshom, of Houston township.

"Sirs. JlcCliiitoek is now the owner of two hundred and ninety acres of very valuable land on sections 22 and 27, Houston township, about four and a half miles northwest of Golden, to which she gives her personal supervision, her son operating the land, while she makes her home in the town, whei'e she owns a fine residence. She has a wide acquaintance in Golden and the adjoining districts, her entire life having been passed in this locality.

Henry Stcinbamp, who is engaged in the harness and saddlery business in Quiney at No. 709 State .street, was born in Prussia in 1837. He spent the fii'st twenty-one years of his life in his native country and pursued his education in its schools. On attaining his ma.jority he crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1858 and located in Quiney. He learned the trade of harness and saddle-making in this country and has been engaged in the business in Quiney since 1868. He is now conducting a well-equipped saddlery and harness establishment and has secured a good patronage.

Mr. Steinkamp was married in Quiney to Miss Mary A. Terliesner in 1863. She was born in Pi'ussia in 1841, and they now have three children, Henry, William and Anna. The parents are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Steinkamp is a democrat in his political views. He has been somewhat active in local political work and has been honored with several offices, serving as second assistant engineer of the city in 1870-71, as marshal in 1872, as city collector in 1875-76, and town collector in 1879, while for the past twenty-five years he has been assessor. His election to these various offices is indicative of the trust reposed in him, his capability in the discharge of his duties and his public-spirited devotion to the gener;d welfare.

Andrew Urban

Andrew Urban, deceased, was a representative of the wholesale business interests of Quiney for more than twenty years, becoming a resident of this city in 1880. He was born in Baden, Germany, March 25, 1830, and was a son of Andrew and Catherine Turban, who were also natives of Baden, where they spent their entire lives, the father engaging iu farming there.

remained a resident of the fatherland imtil 1852, when he sailed for America, landing in New York. He then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where his uncle, Charles Urban, was engaged in the safe manufacturing business, the product of his factory - the Urban safe - being now well known throughout the country. Andrew Urban eontin- Tied in the employ of his uncle for a few years and then went to Chillico'the, Ohio, where he was employed in a brewery for several years. He afterward came to Illinois, settling first in Hancock county. He borrowed money in order to make this trip, and this fact indicates somewhat his financial resources : but he possessed, instead of capital, a strong determination and resolute will. He settled on a farm in Hancock county and, throus'h hard work, was eventually enabled to purcha.sp land. Ijater he purchased two other farms in that county and he continued his agricultural pursuits for a number of years, or until he moved to Nauvoo, Hlinois, where he turned his attention to the milling business, purchasing the Piierian mills, which he operated for eight years; but he was swindled out of that property and, because of this, he removed to Quiney in 1881. Here he accepted a position as traveling salesman for the wholesale lic[Uor house of Meyer & Baeherich, occupying that position for several years, during which time he managed to save the capital that enabled him to enu'age in business on his own account. Poi'ming a partncrslii]i with his son, under the firm name of A. Url>an & Son, they opened a wholesale and retail house for the sale of wines, liquors and beer, this being located at No. 639 Hampshire street, Avhere the Gustav Urban, still remains in charge. Andrew Urban was engaged in this Imsiness up to the time of his death.

In 1858 Mr. Urban was married in Auburn. Indiana, to Miss Catherine Baer, a native of Chillicothe, Ohio, born February 11, 1837, and a daughter of Mathew and Catherine (Knewrine) Baer, both of whom were natives of Germany, Avhence they came to America. Soon after his arrival in this country Slv. Baer's health began to fail and because of this he returned to Germany, where he died in 1840. Mrs. Baer long survived him, passing away in 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Urban became the parents of ten children, of whom five are now living, namely: William A., who married Dorothea C. Bader and is vugaged in the liquor business at No. 508 Hampshire street; Gustav A., who married Catherine the Ikerian mills, which he operated for eight E. Lafers and was his father's partner in the in fiill control of this enterprise, having one of the largest houses of that kind in Quiney; ]\Iinnie. who is the wife of Romie Boekenhofif. of (Liuincy. I'hcoiliii'i^ who married Dora E. Taylor and is now bookkeeper in his brother's whole- sale house; ;iih1 Edward ('.. who iiiai'ried ^linnie Sherman and is a salesman for his brother. Those deceased are : Lucy, who was the wife of Robert Knhn ; Charles, who died at the age of one year ; Emma, who died when ten years of ase : one that died unnamed in infancy : and Rose, who died at the aare of one year.

llr. Urban gave an unfaltei-inc support to the republican party, keepin"' well informed on the issues of the day and doing all in his power to advance the party's success, yet never seeking or desiring office for himself. lie was particularly a self-made man, for. when he arrived in Hancock county, Illinois, he did not have five dollars. He worked earnestly and persistently year after year until he had acquired a handsome competence. His interests centered in his family, and it was one of his last requests that his wife and sons should remain tog'ether, and they are now associated in business, and the family residence is in the same block. Mr. Urban was a prominent and well-to-do business man of Quincy and was a warm, personal friend of Colonel Marsh, congre.ssman of this district. Since her husband's death Mm. Urban has sold the farms in Hancock county. She now resides at No. 63914 Hampshire sti'eet in a flat above the wholesale store, and also owns a large business block at the corner of Sixth and Hampshire streets.

Henry Bartlett

Prominent among the progressive, enterprising and capable business men and tinanciers of Adams county is numbered Henry Bartlett, who is successfully conducting a private banking business in Clayton. He was born in Adams county on the 9th of October, 1847, and is a son of Nathaniel Gorham Bartlett. whose birth occurred in Massachusetts, while the grandfather, George Bartlett, was also a native of that state and was of English descent, his ancestors having come to New England at an early period in the colonization of the new world.

Nathaniel G. Bartlett spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the state of his nativity and when a young man came west to Illinois, settling in Adams county in 183S. He traveled with a colony from Beverly, ilassachusetts and purchased a tract of land in what became Beverly township. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon the place, but, with characteristic energy, he began its development, cleared the lields, and in the course of time gathei-ed 2'ood harvests. He was married in this count V to ^liss Laura ^lills, a native of

Connecticut, who engaged in teaching school in that state and also in Adams county prior to her marriage. Mr. Bartlett continued to engage in farming in Beverly township for several years and then sold his original property and removed to Liberty township, where he purchased a farm and reared his family. In 1869 he took up his abode in Claj'ton, where he lived a retired life, passing away there in 1871. His wife survived him for a long period and died in 1893. In their family were six children, of whom three are yet living. One son, James W. Bartlett, was a soldier of the Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry and served throughout the Civil war, after which he received an honorable discharge, and later he settled in Iowa and subsequently removed to Wayne, Nebraska, where he is now living retired. He had a son, Elmer E. Bartlett, who was a soldier in the Spanish-American war and was killed at IManilla. Charles B., who was a soldier of the Union army, died while at the front and was buried at Andersonville. Mary G. died in 1892. Joseph died in infancy. Laura C. is the wife of Fred Kuntz, of Clayton.

PTenry Bartlett, whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in the common schools and afterward attended a private school for one year. Wlien he had reached man's estate he engaged in the di-vig business in 1869, purchasing a store, which he conducted for four and a half years. He then sold out and became the ])roprietor of a grocery store, which he managed .successfully for several years. He next turned his attention to the dry goods trade, which he conducted until 1889, wlien, in connection with J. R. "Wallace, he purcliased the jirivate bank of Montgomers^ & Craig and has since been an able representative of financial interests of Adams county. The business has con.stantly grown under their supervision, and they are now conducting a profitable banking establishment, having many depositors. Mr. Bartlett also buys and .sells real estate, and in the transfer of property has realized a srood financial reward.

?ilr. Bartlett was united in marriage December 9, 1875, to Miss S. M. Laelcey, a daughter of Abel il. Lackey, who is represented elsewhei'e in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett have two children : Charles L., an attorney, living in Quincj'; and Bertha E., who is the wife of Dr. Poltie, a dentist of Clayton.

^Ir. Bartlett has always exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party since easting his first presidential vote for General Grant in 1868. He was elected and served as supervisor of Clayton township for nine years, filling the office for eiffht consecutive years, and he served on a ninnber of important conunittees. He has been president of the town board of Clayton and a mem- ber (if the sfliool 'Kiard aud has been ideiititied with all public measures which have contributed to the geuei-al iniprovement and substantial upbuilding- of the town. He realizes the needs and possibilities of the town and has worked alonu' practical lines, so that his efforts have been far reaching and beneficial. Mr. Bartlett is a selfmade man in the fullest sense of the oft misused term, his prosperity in life being due to industry and integrity. His career is a living illustration of what ability, energy and force of character can accomplish, and his town and county have been enriched by his example. In everything pertaining to the upbuilding of Clayton he takes an active intei'est and is a liberal contributor to the enterprises which insure its progress.

Hon. Samitel R. Chittenden

The Hon. Samuel R. Chittenden was born October 2, 1817, in Guilford, Connecticut, and was the second of the seven children of Colonel John B. Chittenden, the founder of the village of J\Iendon and one of the early settlers of Adams county. He was born in Giiilford, Connecticut, January 16, 1790, and was the fourth of the seven children of Deacon Abraham Chittenden, of that place. John B. Chittenden 's early life was spent chiefly in agricultui'al pursuits in his native place. At an early age he became an active member of the Congregational church of Guilford and in his twenty-first year was chosen deacon, which office he continually held until he removed to the vallev of the ilississippi in the fall of 1831. On the 12th of January, 1814, he was united in marriage to Eliza Robinson, a daughter of Colonel Samuel and Content (Robinson! Robinson, the former of Guilford and the latter of Durham, Connecticut. Seven children were born of this union, namely : John A., Sanniel R., Heuiy R., Abram, Sarah C, John Augustus and Sarali Elizabeth.

On the 10th of September, Ls:il, with his wife and their four sons in a two horse covered wauon, Colonel John B. Chittenden started for Illinois. Quincy being his ob.jective point, and at East Haven, Connecticut, was .ioined by Samuel Bradley and family and others, making an emigrant ti'ain of five wagons and twenty-six persons when they took their departure from New Haven, Connecticut. In this undertaking he had two distinct ob.jects in view - first to establish, strengthen and extend the Christian religion by the organization of churches, Sunday-schools, Bible classes, etc. ; second to better provide for his family of boys in a new country. On the 11th of October this emigrant train reached Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where they engaged passage on the steamboat Ncav Jersey for the families and effects, the teams continuing by land. The boat arrived at Cincinnati, October 15. Mr. Chittenden, with his two sons, Samuel and Henry, left the boat at this place to visit his brother Abraham I. Chittenden at Oxford, Ohio. On the 25th of October, the teams having arrived, Sir. Chittenden proceeded on his journey from Oxftird, overland, passing through Terre Haute November 7, and arriving at Springfield, November 14, that being the first town he sighted after entering Illinois. There he received a letter informing him that his family were in Alton, Illinois. On the 30tli of November he found himself and family frozen in the JMississippi river at Scipio, a rival town of and near Hannibal, ]\Iissouri. After waiting three weeks a sled was secured and the balance of the journey was made on the ice, Mr. Chittenden walking in front with a pole sounding the ice for airholes and weak places. They arrived in Qaincy the latter part of December, 1831 and were there entertained the fii-st night, most hospitably, by Governor John Woods in his log cabin residence under the bluif below the town. Passing the remainder of the winter of 1831-2 in Quincy, on the 2d of March, 1832, Sir. Chittenden purchased of Jacob Gorshoug the southwest quarter of section 11, 1 north, 8 west, near the present site of Mendon, to which he moved his family. It was here that his daughter Sarah was born April 19, 1832, and it was in the same log house that the Congregational church of Sleudon was formed, the same being the first Congregational church organized in tlie state of Illinois.

In February, 1S33, Sir. Chittenden purchased the northeast quarter of section 11 and soon afterward laid out and platted the village of Slendon, building a house himself on lot 13, which he occupied three years. He then retired to his farm two miles north of Slendon. where he lived in comfort and case with pileasant surroundings until the death of his estimable wife on the 30th of October, 1862. A passing note of this good woman seems important to this sketch. Mrs. Eliza Chittenden's entire life was even and tranquil like a May morning. Her law was the law of kindness; she never allowed herself to speak an unkind word to any one and was an earnest, sym- Dathizing Christian, honored and beloved by all. The loss of such a wife and companion in his declining years overwhelmed Sir. Chittenden with grief, and this bereavement was the chief cause of his rapid decline and death from nervous exhaustion in less than three months after the death of his wife, dying January 23, 1863, at the age of seventv-three years.

Mrs. S. R. Chittenden

Hon. Samuel R. Cliitteiideu, subject of this sketch, attended the district schools of his native \'illage in his yonth, but after his arrival in Illinois he had limited advantages. Being the oldest of the living children the hardest tasks of the new country naturally fell iipon him. He faithfully performed his duty in splitting and hauling rails and breaking prairie, and he remained with his parents until his twenty-second year. In 1840 he saw an opening in the then growing village of ]\Iendon for a general store and with a partner, John R. Baldwin, he embarked in the mercantile business under the firm name of Chittenden & Baldwin. Two years later he bought Jlr. Baldwin's interest in the business and continued by himself until he turned the business over to his sons Samuel F. and George R.

]\Ir. Chittenden was united in marriage January 2, 1S45, to Caroline B., a daughter of Lyman and Ann (Barker) Frisbie, natives of Branford, Conneeticiit. The father, who was a farmer, came to Illinois in 1837 and here kept a hotel and carried on farming. Samuel R. Chittenden was originally a whig in politics but in 1856 became a democrat and occupied positions of pi-ominence in the political life of his covmtry. For twentyfour years lie was justice of the peace and four years served as supervisor. In 1866 he was elected to the Illinois state senate and served four years. While there he was a member of several committees, notably those on banks and corporations and on state institutions. He was a member of the state board of equalization and was a delegate to the St. Louis convention which nominated Til den for president. He was honored by Governor Palmer with an appointment to the convention at St. Louis to change the capitid from Washington, D. C. While serving in the legislature he was instrumental in securing the railroad known as the Carthage branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, of which he was vice president, the first train passing over this line in December, 1870. ]Mr. Chittenden 's health began to fail during the latter part of his public life, but he enjoyed a number of yeai-s of well earned retired life and died January 22, 1899. Caroline B. Frisbie, the very capable wife of Jlr. Chittenden, was born in Branford. Connecticut, April 19. 1821, and came to Mendon, Illinois, with her parents, Lyman and Ann (Barker) Frisbie, in the year 1837. IMrs. Chittenden was a woman that sparkled with life and animation and her labor of devotion to home, family, church and conmiunity were given with a free heart and untiring energy. She was the mother of three sons. John R., Samuel F. and George R. Chittenden. All grew to manhood and engaged in business in ^lendon. ^Irs. Chittenden retained hei- interests in the affairs of life to a remarkable degree and had active charge of her home within

John R. Chittenden was born September 14, 1847. His ambitious nature found him at an early age an active helper to his father in the capacity of clerk in the store and also in the work of the fariii during the busy season. In the year 1875 he embarked in the grocery business for himself, later on adding dry goods and notions to his stock. In 1882 he closed out the stock of dry goods and groceries, replacing it with hardware, including stoves and tinware. In 1902 he Imilt a repository and added a line of buggies to his business. To this, in connection with his farm and other interests, he gave his attention with marked energy and pleasure. On the 21st of October, 1875, ]\Ir. Chittenden was united in marriage to Anna S. Brinton, a daughter of W. B. and Sarah (Horn) Brinton, and two sons were born of this union -, William B., now of Springfield, Illinois : and Samuel R., who is conducting his father's hardware business in Mendon. Mr. Chittenden's happy, cheerful disposition and ever ready hand to relieve others in times of trouble or distress won for him manj' friends wherever his acquaintance extended. In the midst of the activities and pleasures of life a severe illness developed and lingering but a few days, he died September 23, 1904, at the age of fifty-seven years.

Samuel F. Chittenden was born August 12, 1851. At a very early age his father gave him the nick name of "Bob" by which he is commonly known to the present day. In his youth he attended school in his native to\\Ti - Jlendon - and later in Quincy, passing his vacations and odd times as an employe in his father's and other stores of Mendon and in farm work. At the close of his school days, in the year 1875, he became a partner in the mercantile business with his father, the firm name being S. R. Chittenden & Son. In 1886 the father retired from business, placing his youngest son, George R., in his stead, and the style of the finn became Chittenden Brothers and has continiied the same to the present day. This business has had a continuous existence for sixty-four years since its first establishment by the father, Samuel R. Chittenden, in 1840. Samuel F., or Bob. has given nearly thirty years of his life to the care of the business with a fervor and close confinement seldom equaled for the length of time. Mr. Chittenden was married June 24, 1893. to Ann Elizabeth ^fcCormick, of IMendon. a daughter of John and Leah (Kepple) MeCormick, and they occupy one of the prettiest and best kept homes in the village, constructed to his order. He is vivacious and active by nature, an entertaining conversationalist, positive and outspoken in his views and has a verv strong attachment for his friends.

George R. Chittenden, the youngest son of Samuel R., and Caroline B. Chittenden, was born April 8, 1858. He received his early education in the village schools of jMendon, which was later supplemented by a course of study at Denmark Academy in Denmark, Iowa, and Wasliiagton l^niversity at St. Louis, Missouri. In 1886 he entered the business firm of Chittenden Brothers as junior partner. In addition to this and other interests he owns and conducts one of the best stock and grain farms in the county. lie i.s enterprising and zealous in bu.siness att'airs and his considerate and unbiased judgment makes him a worthy member of the community - esteemed and honored. On the 6th of March, 1905, he was united in marriage to Miss Ilattie J. Forry, who was born February 22, 1866, and is a daughter of George C. and Adeline Y. (Jury) Forry, the former a native of Newark, Ohio, and the latter of Zanesville, Ohio. Mr.s. Chittenden was a resident of St. Louis for many years. She is the younger in a family of two children, her brother being Edwin II. Forry, who was born September 27, 1864. With public spirit and steady purpose, George R. Chitteuden is prominent in movements for the advancement of church, connnunity or l)ublic weal. The years of his devotion to the care and comfort of his parents in their declining years was an example of pleasurable duty. George is genial and aft'able in manner, and his s.vmpathy and perception of the different phases of suffering and trouble has made for him many wai'm fi'iends througliout the ciunmunitv.

The force of character, strong determination, executive ability and unfaltering energy which form the basis of all success have been manifest in the career of Emerson M. Jliller, who is a worthy representative of that sjiirit of commercialism which has made this country a leader in the field of production along industrial lines. Mr. Miller, starting in business life as an ap- ])rentice to the carriage-maker's trade and afterward working as a journeyman, is now at the head of one of the largest carriage manufactories of the country, engaged in the manufacture of landaus, broughams, victorias and hotel 'buses, and in Quincy, where he is best known, he enjoys the full confidence of the business community.

Mr. Miller was born in Middlefield, Connecticut, December 5, 18136, and represents one of the oldest families of that state. His great-greatgrandfather built the first sawmill in Connecticut and was afterward killed in the flume of the mill. William Miller, the father, also a native of Connecticut, served his country in the war of 1812, acting as a private for about thirty days. In 1838 he removed to Agawam, Massachusetts, in the vicinity of Springfield, and there he followed the occupation of farming. He died in 1853, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Campbell, died in 1861.

Emerson M. Miller attended school in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he passed through successive grades until he had become a high school student. When eighteen years of age he put aside his text-bonks and began learning the carriage-making trade in New Haven, Connecticut, where he served an apprenticeship of three years and three months. When twenty-one years of age he started westward, reaching Kansas City, Missouri, in the spring of 1856. He remained there two weeks, but, not being satisfied with the city and certain conditions there, he took a steamer down the Missouri river and came to Quincy. landing here in May. Here he began working at his trade as a journeyman in the employ of J. 11. Weaver, proprietor of a repair shop at No. 18 South Sixth street. He worked for six months and then entered into a partnership with Mr. Weaver under the firm name of Weaver & Miller, but, after ninety days, this relationship was terminated through a misunderstanding which caused ilr. ililler to purchase ]\Ir. Weaver's interest, and the business has since been conducted under the firm style of E. ]M. ^Miller & Company. He admitted his brother. S. D. ]\Iiller, of New Haven, IMassachusetts, to a partner.ship, and this relation was maintained until 1899, when E. K. Strong entered the firm as an equal partner, having purchased the interest of the silent partner. In 1856 the firm of E. 'SI. Miller & Company was organized, occupying the old site, No. 18 South Sixth street, and from time to time more ground has been purchased, until the lot is now one hundred and fifty feet front by one hundred and forty feet deep. This entire plot is covered l)y a fine four-story building, and the factory is equip]3ed with the latest improved machinery for carrying on a business of this character. One hundred and fifty men are employed and the company makes a specialty of the manufacture of landaus, broughams, victorias and hotel 'buses. Their business now covers the United States and IMexico and has been developed from a small repair shop until their factory is the largest in this part of the country and the second in size in the United States in this line of manufacture. j\Ir. Miller has been the controlling spirit in this enterprise, and his energj', his advancement in keeping up with the progress of the times and his keen business discrimination llr. Miller was married to iliss Maria Wheat, a daughter of ALmeron Wheat, one of the early settlers and an attorney of Quiney, who died July 12, 1895, while his wife still lives in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Miller became the parents of one child. Lanra 51., who married Harry A. Blackfoot. of Pindlay, Ohio, pi'oprietor of a printing establishment of that place. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Blackfoot have a son and daughter, Emerson M.. seven years of age, and Marie, fonr vears old.

Mr. and Mrs. MWlev attend the Unitarian church and in politics he is a stanch republican. For almost a half century a resident of Quiney, he has, thi-oughout this period, maintained a high reputation in business circles, while in social life he has gained the warm friendships and favorable regard which arise from true worth of character.

William C. W. Sterne is the oldest resident of Ellington township and, as a pioneer citizen, whose life has been upright and honorable, he receives and merits the friendship and regard of those with whom he lias long been associated. He occnpies the first brick residence built in the township, a part of this having been erected in 18-47. the remainder in 1853. Mr. Sterne wa,s born in Pendleton county, Kentucky, December 3, 1824, and is a representative of an old Virginian family. His father, John W. Sterne, was born in Stafford county, Virginia, while his grandfather. Charles Sterne, was likewise a native of the Old Dominion.

After arriving at the year of maturity, John W. Sterne ^\-as married to Miss Elizabeth Duncan, a native of Kentuclrv' and a daughter of Willis Duncan, of Fauqiiier county, Virginia. He had gone to Kentucky with his parents when a boy, the Sterne family being established there in pioneer days, and he continued to make his home in that state until after his marriage and until the fall of 1829, when, with his wife and child, he started for Illinois. They traveled in a wagon drawn by oxen and were forty days in making the trip, arriving in Quiney on the 6th of December, which that year fell on Sunday. They lived in the little village of Quiney for about a year, and John W. Sterne then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of what has since been the Sterne farm. He bought this from George Crosby, with whoni he had served in the war of 1812, thev being members of the same regiment. JMr. Sterne had command of a squad of six men, and in 1812 he visited the present site of the city of Chicago, although nothing was there at the time except Fort Dearborn. Wliile in the military service of his country he had formed the acquaintance of George Crosby, from whom he afterward bought his land, Mr. Crosby having received a land grant of one hundred and sixty acres on section 5, range 1. J\Ir. Sterne, purchasing the land grant, entered the same from the government in 1830 and it has since remained in possession of the family. He had conducted a distillery in connection with farming while in Kentucky and, after coming to Illinois, he confined his attention entirely to agricultural pursuits. The land which he piirehased had never been broken and was covered with timber and hazel briish. Mr. Sterne at once began to clear this and prepare it for the plow, and in course of time were seen Helds of waving grain where once stood the forest growths. He continued the active management and operation of his farm until his son William was twenty-one years of age, when he made him manager of the property and retired from active farm labor, spending his remaining (lavs in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.

John Sterne was a valued pioneer settler, aiding largely in the material development of the county as it emerged from frontier conditions and took on the evidences of an advanced civilization. He was active in political circles, first as a defender of whig principles and later as a supporter of the republican pai-ty. Three times he was elected to the office of coiinty commissioner. Pie died at the venerable age of eightyeight years and .seven months, and his wife passed away when eighty years of age. Their names ai-e inseparably connected with the pioneer history of Adams county.

AVilliam C. W. Sterne was only five years of age when brought by his parents to Illinois. He was an onh- child. His education was acquired in a log school house, the first in Ellington township, and the methods of instruction were very primitive in comparison with the system of public instruction to-day. Later he spent three winter seasons as a student in the schools of Quiney. He was early trained to the work of the farm, gained practical knowledge of the best methods of earing for the fields, and when he had attained his majority he assumed the management of the old homestead, which he continued to improve and cultivate for many years, or until he turned it over to the care of his own son. In the meantime, as his financial resources had increased, he had extended the boundaries of his property until the original tract of a quarter of a section had been increased to three hundred and thirtv-