Quincy Township (part 40 of 74)

In 1891 I\Ir. Butterworth was again married, his second union being with Miss Sophia M. Kidney, who was born in Adams county in 1854, and they have one son, Edgar, now eight years of age. Her father, Thomas Kidney, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1822, and was about nineteen years of ase when he eame to Quincy in the fall of 1837. with his pai'ents. John and ^latilda Kidney, the journey westward lieiug made by way of the river route. Returning to the east, John Kidney died in New York city about 1879. at the advanced age of eightysix years, while his wife was eighty-one years of age at the time of her death. In their family were three children : Jacob, who died in Kansas: Ann ilaria ; and Thomas. Coming to Ad- ams coimty a young man without capital, Thomas Kidney made the most of his advantases and by earnest and persistent labor succeeded in acquiring a handsome competence. He became the owner of a fine farm which was divided at the time of his death, ^March 8. 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Butterworth coming into possession of the tract upon which they now reside. In early manhood Mr. Kidney married Sophia L. Rerrian. and to them were born six children, of whom two are still living : ^Mrs. Sophia M. Butterworth ; and William A., who lives on Broadway in Quincy. He married Clara Rentze, and they have one daughter, Louise. After a useful and well spent life, Mrs. Sophia L. Kidney died at her home in Ellington township, January 23, 1904. She had lived for almost a half century in Adams county and her estimable qualities of mind and heai't endeared her to the many friends she had made during her long residence here. She made her home with IMr. and Mrs. Butterworth ui^on the old homestead, where she had resided for fortytwo years.

IMr. and IMrs. Butterworth were mai'ried liy Rev. Dana, a Congregational minister, having both been members of the Congregational church since early life. In his political views ^Ir. Butterworth is a democrat but though he keeps well informed on the qiiestions and issues of the day. as every true American citizen should do, he has never sought office. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern "Woodmen of America. His entire life has been spent in the Mississippi valley and he possesses the enterprising spirit which has been the dominant factor in the rapid upbuilding and progress of this portion of the countrv.

William F. Bacon, deceased, was a resident of Adams county for many years and was identified in early life -with its agricultural interests and afterward with mercantile pui-suits. He was a native of ^fassachusetts, born Jul.y 18, 1834, his parents being Benjamin and Mary (Smith) Bacon, the former a native of England and the latter of Pennsylvania. At an early day the father came to America, settlins in .Alassachusetts, where he was married and resided for several years. He afterward removed to Saratoga Springs. New York, and was there engaged in the hotel business until his death. His wife also died at Saratoga. They were the parents of eleven children, one son being a resident of Saratoga Springs. New York, while another son makes his home in Scranton, Pennsvlvania.

William F. Bacon acquired his early education in the common schools of his native state and then began to study pharmacy, completing a full course in that branch. He afterward engaged in teaching school in ilassachusetts for a few years, when, attracted by the business conditions and opportunities of the west, he came to Illinois, settling first in Chicago. There he was engaged in railroading for a few .vears, after which he came to Adams county and settled upon a farm in Liberty township in 1S59. He continued in the tilling Ol the sdil until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry, the company going soon aftei'- ward to the soiith. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, and in that engagement was shot in the hand, after which he was taken to the hospital at St. Jose]ih, i\Iissouri, where he remained for some time and was then discharged, being incapacitated for further duty by his wound.

When IMr. Bacon could no longer render his country active aid in the field he returned to his farm in Libert.v township and was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits for a brief period. He then removed to the village of Liberty, and soon afterward established his home in the village of Fairweather. A few years later he removed to the village of Eldara, Pike county, where he conducted a drug business, continuing to carry on that business with gratifying success up to the time of his death, being a reliable, enterprising merchant, whose prosperity was attributable entirel.v to his well directed efforts and Imsiness sagacity.

Mr. Bacon was married, October 2, 1862, to ^liss Sarah E. Harkness, a native of Liberty township, born March 30, 1838, and a daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (Golden) Harkness, the latter born in Virginia. Mr. Harkness was a native of Maine and became on(> of the eai'ly settlers of Fall Creek township, where he engaged in general farming during the greater part of his life. In his later years he removed to the village of Payson ancl lived retired until called to his final rest. Mr. and ^Irs. Bacon had but one child. Edna E., now the wife of Henry H. Bartholomew, a registered ])harinacist who is employed in the Newcomli pharmacy in Quincy and they make their home with her mother. Mr. Bacon departed this life November 17, 1884.

In politics he was a very .stanch republican and did all in his power to promote the groAvth and insure the success of his party. The government granted him a liberal pension for his services in the war and by reason of liis good business ability and carefiil management in mercantile affairs he was enabled to leave his widow in comfortable financial circumstances. He was numbered among the pioneers of the county and had many warm friends in Quincy, so that his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. After her husband's death ]\Irs. Bacon sold the drng- store in Eldara and removed to Qiiiney, having promised her hnsband to do so. and she now resides at No. 425 Sixth avenne north. She is a member of the Baptist church of this city and, like her husband, enjoys the favorable regard of manj^ friends here.

(ieorge W. Bei'riim. deceased, was one of the eavly farmers of Ellington township. He was born in New York city in 1823. and is descended from French ancestors, who came to America at an early period in the colonization of the new woi-Jd. His paternal grandfather was William Berrian, his father William A. Berrian. The latter was bf)rn in New York city and married Miss Sopliia TJiker, who was also a native of the eastern nieti-opolis and was a daughtei- of James Riker. William A. Berrian engaged in merchandising in the east and in 1833 came with his family to Adams coiinty, being six weeks in making the tri}). On the 7th of November. 1833, he arrived in (^uincy. which was then a mere hamlet, containing only a few houses, Avhile the outlying districts were largely unsettled, the work of improvement and progress having scarcely begun in this part of the state. After a year spent in Quincy. Jlr. Berrian purchased a farm from his brother, Washington Berrian, wlio liad entered land a mile east of the farm ujion which Mrs. George Berrian now resides. Taking up his abode thereon he continued its cultivation until his death, which occurred when he was seventy years of age, while his wife reached the age of seventy-seven years. He was a M'hig in his political views and was one of the worthy pioneer residents of the county, advocating and supporting all pr-ogi-essive measures which promoted the early and sulistantial development of the county.

George W. Berrian was ten years of age when his parents came to HHnois and was educated and reared in this county. His father purchnsed the present Berrian farm soon after their ari'ival and George Berrian resided thereon until his death. In his youth he worked in the fields through the summer months and in the winter season pursued his education in the public schools, and later his undivided attention was given to the farm work, which he continued to carry on with luireniitting energy until his death.

John K. Anderson in 1848. She is still living ujaon the old homestead, to which her husband took her as a bride and on which she spent her entire married life. Their children are: Mrs. Sophia Hunsaker: Ella, the wife of Charles TTirth; Walter E.. wlio has purchased and operates the home fai'ui : 'I'heodore ; Etta; William and George.

Mr. Berrian died at the comparatively early age of foi'ty-four yeai's. He was a republican in politics and his fellow citizens called him to a number of township offices, the diaties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. In his biisiiiess affairs he (n-ospered, becoming the owner nf a valiiahle farm of one hundred and twelve acres seven miles northeast of the courthouse of Quincy. on which he placed excellent improvements. He worked earnestly and persistently in (U'der to provide well for his family for his interests centered in his home.

George W. Alexander, who is filling the position of fireman at Dick's Brewery, was born in Quincy, February 22, 1856, and has always resided in this city. His parents were George Noble and Jane Emily Alexander, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of County IMonauhan, Ii'cland. The mother came t<i America when :i little maiden of seven years and was mai'ried in Quincy in 1853. Her death occurred in November, 1903, when she was seventy-two years of age. The father was a soldier of the Civil war, having enli.sted in 1861 in Company D, One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and when hostilities ceased he was honorably discharged on the 15th of September, ]Sti5.

To the ])iiblie school .system of Quincy George W. Alexander is indebted for the educational privileges he enjoyed, and on putting aside his text-books he began earning his own living, having since been dependent upon his own exertions. He has been variously employed but is now fireman at Dick's Brewery.

On the 15th of September, 1.SS5, .Mr. .Vlexander was united in marriage to iliss Octavia Frances Roland, who was born February 14, 1860, and they have become the parents of five children: Lee Earlv, the eldest, was born July 12, 1886. Glenn Roland, born July 5, 1888, died when three and a half vears of age. Lillian Bell, liorn ^^Fay 22, ISlH.'died November 14. 1898; Chauncey jVrthnr was named for Chauncey Castle, a wr-ll k-nnwii business man of Quincy; and William Bryan. wIid was lioi-n June 14, 1900,

Mr. Alexander is a democrat in his political views, but while he always exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the party, he has never sought or desired office. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Royal Arcanum, and he has many friends in Quiney, where he has spent his entire lifi'.

Francis D. Schermerhorn, for many years active and jirominent in business circles iu Quiney, wa.s born in Geneva, Ontario couuty, New York, February 26, lH:Mi. His father, John Van Rensselaer Schermerhorn, was boim in the city of Albany, New York, October 8, 1795, the family removing some years later to Geneva, New York. On November 30, 1852, he was accidentally killed in the city of New York. On Ajari] 24, 1817, he was married to Amia Charlotte Mantz, who was born in the city of Frederick, Maryland, January 14, 1796. This marriage was blessed with ten children, all of whom have passed away with the exception of Francis D., of this review.

He received his education in the public schools of his native town. His father's death caused the family home to be broken up, and he came to Quiney, November 18, 1853, when seventeen years of age. He was employed as rodman in the engineering party locating and on construction of the Northern Cross Railroad, between Quiney and Galesburg, now a part of the Chicago. Burlington & Quiney Railroad, and later he held a similar position on the location and construction of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad. In the fall of 185(i he returned to Quiney and secured employment as clerk in the roadmaster's department of the Northern Cross Railroad, which position he held until the road passed into control of the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney Railroad, when he was given charge of the ticket-office. He opened the first up-town ticket-office in the city, located in the old Quiney House. In 1858 he resigned this place to accept the position of bookkeeper in the Quiney Savings & Insurance Company's Bank, now the Fir.st National Bank. In 1863 he resigned this position on account of ill health and engaged in the grain and connnission business on Front street between Maine and Hampshire streets. This he continued until November, 1875, when the warehouses and contents were destroyed by fire. These .years were busy ones for river commerce, many large steamboats coming daily to our landing, secnriiio' cargoes of hay, corn, oats, flour, etc.

Frequently during these years our levee was one vast storehouse piled with produce awaiting shipment. During the season of navigation, every day was a busy one on the river fi"ont. In 1866 he accepted the position of general agent for the Merchants Despatch Past Freight Line for the southwestern district, with headquarters at Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1868 he resigned that position to accept the general agency at Quiney for the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railroad. In 1871 he was contracting agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quinej' Railroad and Merchants Despatch Fast Freight Line ; agent for the St. Louis & Keokuk Packet Company ; and was elected harbor master for Quiney. In 1875 he was commissioned by President U. S. Grant as* surveyor of the port of Quiney, and held this latter position until the port was closed. In 1877 was appointed general superintendent of the Quiney, I\lissouri & Pacific Railroad; in 1880 was division superintendent of the Quiney, Missouri & Pacific branch of the Wabash Railroad. In 1885 he was appointed superintendent, general freight and ticket agent of the Quiney, Missoin-i & Pacific Railroad, which road had been turned over to the trustees of the first mortgage bondholders and which was reorganized as the Quiney, Omaha & Kansas City Railroad. He gave it the name "0. K." Quiney Route, by which the road is known today. In April, 1889, he resigned the position he held with this company. Later he became resident agent for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New Yorjc, acting in that capacity a few years, and then retired from business life. This briefly embraces the history of a busy life.

]\Ir. Schermerhorn was married in 1859 to Miss Mary Emily Marsh, who died in 1865. They were parents of three children, but one only is now living, Mr. A. D. Schermerhorn, of Omaha, Nebraska. On the 7th of January, 1868, Mr. Schermerhorn was again married, his second union being with Miss Anna B. Burns, who was born in Payson, Adams county, Illinois, on the 10th of September, 1841. Six children were the result of this union, of whom four are living : Anna B., Avho is the wife of Addison N. Calkins of Quinc.v ; Francis D., Jr.. of Omaha, Nebraska ; Helen E., who is the wife of AY. Leonard Smith of Dallas, Texas: and William, at home.

The parents are active, influential and helpful members of the Presbyterian church. Politically Mr. SchermeT'horn is a strong republican, unfaltering in his allegiance to the part.v which he has supported continuously since its organization; thj'ouah more than a half century he has been familiar with Quiney and its history, has been acquainted with the men of prominence here, and has formed strong friendships with many of tlie leading citizens, a fact which is in-

Joseph Eiff

Joseph Eift', who is doing a eontraeting business in plastering in Quiucy, is numbered among the native sons of this city, his birth having ocenrred on the 1st of September, 1858, his parents being Barnard and Christina (Terlisner) Eiff, both of whom were natives of Holland. They came to the United States in early life and were residents of Quiney nntil called to their final rest. In their family were twelve children, of whom four are now living: Joseph; Anna, tlie wife of Frank Ernst; Lena, the wife of Georgi> JManning; and Bariuird.

Joseph Eiff is iiidelited to the pai'ochial school system of Qniney for tlu' educational privileges he enjoyed and wiiich jn-epared him for life's lU'iictieal duties. Aftei' putting aside his textli(i(il;s he was employed :is a general workuian for aliout four years and then learned the plasterer's trade. «'hich he followed for five years. On the expiration of that period he began business on his own account and has since taken contracts for plastering, being to-day one of the leading representatives of that line of business in Quiney. A good patronage is accorded him because of his excellent work, his faithfulness in the execution of a contract and his straightfoi'ward, honorable dealing. He has r<'ceived soiue important contracts and has made for himself an honorable name in business i'ii-eles.

On the 3d of May, 1882, Mr. Eiff was married to ]\Iiss ]\Iary Vogel, wlio was born in Quiney, July 2, 1S;58, and they have become tlie parents of two children : Edward J., who is now twentyone years of age and is in the employ of the Quiney Grocery Company; and Emilt M. C, who is nineteen years of age and is attending the St. Joseph Academy. The parents are members of St. Francis Catholic church and ^Ir. Eiff belongs to the Firemen's Benevolent Association and the "Western Catholic Union. As the architect of his own fortune he has Iniilded wisely and well, ;ind bis life record ]>roves the foi-ce and valui' of unf.dti'ring effoi't as a factor in wiiniing prosperity.

Andrew Oblander

Andrew Oblander, deceased, was long a r(>sident of Adams coTinty, identified at times with industrial interests in Quiney and at otlier timi's with agricultural interests in Rivei-side township. He stood esjiecially high in the regard of the German-American citizens of his locality. He was a native of the fatherland, his birth having occurred in Baden, in 1831, and his parents spent their entire lives in that country, the father following the occupation of farming in order to provide for his family.

Andrew Oblander, reared upon his father's farm, was educated in the connnon schools of Germany and when a young man left his native country in the hope that he might find more favorable business opportunities in the new world. He made his way direct to Quiney and was first employed in this city at wagon-making, following that trade here for two years. lie then purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty acres near Newark, Missouri, and, taking up his abode thereon, he engaged in general farming for about foiu' Vicars. On the expiration of that period he returned to (Quiney. where he resumed work at the wagon-making ti'ade; but after a time his health failed and hoping that he might be benefited by a business pursuit whicli would release hiiu from tlie <'losi' confinement of the shop, he removed to a J'arm in Riverside township, near .Quiney, and gave his attention to agricultural liursuits and gardening, but his health gradually grew worse and his life's labors were ended in death on the 5th of March, 1!)01.

]\Ir. Oblander had been married in Quiney to IMiss Vassaline Bosmann, who was born in Germany, October 16, 1835, a daughter of Paul F. and Christine Bosmann. The father was a baker by ti'ade and conducted a bakery in Germany until his death. His widow afterward married again in that country aiul later emigrated to America, settling first in New Orleans and afterward coming to Quiney, where she and her second husbanci died. Unto Mr. and IMrs. Oblander were born nine children, but only four are now living. Pauline, the eldest, is the wife of E. Hopke, a farmer residing in Riverside township ; George also owns and operates a farm in that township ; Katie, living with hei' mother, is a milliner by trade and is employed in Quiney; and Frederick, pursuing a course of study in the Gem City Business College, also ri'sides with his mother.

^Ir. Oblander gave his political allegiance to the republican party and was deeply interested in its success, for he believed that its platform contained the best elements of good government. His life was piire and upright, in consistent harmony with his professions as a member of the New Jerusalem church, of Quiney, and those qualities which awaken respect and confidence he possessed in an eminent degree. His widow is also a member of the New Jerusalem church, of this city. After her husband's death Mrs. <)blander sold the farm and removed to Quiney, purchasing her present home at No. 312 South

Mr. And Mrs. Andrew Oblander

Seventh street, where she and her two children reside. She also owns other property in Quiney, which she rents, and thus has a good income, her husband having left her in comfortable eireumstanoes. All that he possessed and en.joyed was gained through his own labors, for when he came to the United States he had very little capital.

Rev. William Schaller

Rev. William Schaller, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran church of St. John in Quiney, and residing at No. 331 South Seventh street, was boi-n in St. Louis, Missouri, March 23, 1868. His father, Gottlieb Schaller, was a native of Bavaria, born in Kirchenlamitz, February 12, 1819. He was educated in Germany for the ministry and graduated from the Germany university at Ei'langen, Bavaria. In Bremen he was married to Miss Bertha Volck, whose birth occurred in Augsburg, Bavaria, December 18, 1826. Almost immediately after their marriage they sailed for the new world, crossing the Atlantic in 1848. Here the father entered iipon the active work of the ministry, his first charge being in Philadelphia, and later he went to Baltimore and thence to Detroit, Michigan. Removing to St. Louis, Missouri, he was pastor of Trinity church from 1854 until 1872, when he accepted the chair of church history in Concordia Seminary, filling that position \intil his death, which occurred on the 19th of November, 1887. His entire life was devoted to the work of the ministry and kindred labors and the world is better for his having lived. He was a poet of no slight mark, who enriched by his deep and well flowing verse the treasury of German sacred song. His poems were collected after his death by his son Adelbei't and were published at St. Louis, in 1891, under the title of "Leider und Gediehte. "

In his family were ten children, of whom six (iro now living: Lucie, the wife of Pi'ofessor 'l'lici)c](if(i Brohm, a member of the faculty of ('(iiicoi'dia Seminary, at Addison, Illinois: Aiuia, the widow of Professor D. August Graebner. who died December 7, 1904 : John, the director of the Dr. IMartin Luther College, at New Ulm, Minnesota: Hedwig, the wife of Rev. William Heyne, of Decatur. Illinois: Adelbert, who is assistant editor of The Herold at Milwaukee. Wisconsin : and William, of this review.

Rev. William Schaller obtaine^l his jiriniai-y education in the Lutheran pai'ish schools of St, Louis and continiied his studies at Walther College in that city, where he was a student for three years. He next entered Concordia College at Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and later pursued his theological studies in the Theological Seminary of St. Louis, from which he was graduated in 1889. His first charge was at Baltimore, Maryland, and he became the founder of St. Thomas Lutheran church in that city. After remaining there for twelve years he came to Quiney and has since been pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran church of St. John. He has done an excellent work here and the difi:'erent societies of his church are now in a flourishing condition. He has the entire respect and love of his people and the good-will of the representatives of other denominations. He is a man of strong intellectuality and high attainments and added to these is a broad, humanitarian spirit which is evident in his kindly sympathy for all.

Charles J, Cordsiemon

Charles J. Cord.siemon, manager of the Cordsiemon Implement Company of Quiney, was born in this city, on the 6th of July, 1866. His father, C. S, Cordsiemon, a native of Germany, came to America with his parents, the family home being established in Quiney, where he has since resided. He Avas an iron moulder by trade and worked ah)ng that line of industi-ial activity for twenty-eight years, connected with stove manufactories of Quiney. lie is now farm superintendent at the Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Home in Quiney. He married Miss Francesca H. Overjolin, who was also a native of Germany and came to Quincj' with her parents. Unto this marriage were born seven childi'en, the three brothers and three sisters of our siib,iect being: Rosa, Ida, Henry, ^lary, Walter and Albert Cordsiemon,

Chailes J. Cordsiemon pursued his education in the German and public schools of this city and on putting aside his text-books went upon a farm, where he remained until nineteen years of age. He then returned to the city and secured a position in an agricultural implement house, acting as salesman for several years. In 1900 lie secured a position in a grocery store at the corner of Eleventh and State streets, where he remained for two years, when he became manager for the Cordsiemon Implement Company, dealers in all kinds of farm machinery and agricultural implements. His former connection with this line of trade well ((ualified him for the work which he undertook in his present position, and under his guidance the business is growing. He is enterprisino'. possesses considerable executive force and Imsiness sagacity, and has made for himself a creditable position among the young business men of the city.

towii.ship, Adams connty, and has spent lier entire life within tlie l>orders of thi.'-: county. They now have one child. Edith V. H., who is now attendino- school. The parents are members of the Salem Evangelistic church and they have gaiued many friends, both within and out of the church. In his political views ^Ir. Cordsienion is a stalwart republican and, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, is enabled to support his position by intelligent argument. He belongs to several fraternal organizations - the Knights of Pythias, Knights of ;\Iaceal)ees, the ^Mutual Protective League and tlr> Sons of Veterans, acting as treasurer of the last named and past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. He is in hearty .sympathy with the purposes of these orders, shaping his life in accordance with their beneficent principles. That his life is worthy of admiration is indicated by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from lioyliood and are familiar with his history from his youth to the present time.

Amos Sharp

Amos Shai'p, who has now passed away, was for a number of years accounted one of the (enterprising and prosperous farmers of Concord township. He was born, March 23, 1836, in Yorkshire, England, and pursued a good educatio}i in the schools of his native land, thus being well equipped for life's practical and responsible duties. On the 24th of December, 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Hylas Nelson, who also a native of Yorkshire, born July 1.5, 1836, her parents being Richai'd and Helen (Miehler) Nelson, natives of Yorkshire. She has two brothers and three sisters living, namely : William Nelson, who resides in Detroit; Francis Nelson, who is still living in England; Sirs. Emma Mendick, a resident of Canada ; Mrs. Mary Ann ilarflett and Miss Anna, Nelson, both of whom are living in England.

Hearing favorable reports of America, its advantages and business opportunities, Mr. Sharp strongly desired to come to the new world, but in this was opposed by his wife, who dreaded leaving her native land, so with a friend he sailed for the new world in 1872, without bidding adieu to his family, knowing that when he had come to the United States his wife ^vould then bo willing to follow him. He landed in New York, in j\Iay, 1872, and at once sent for Mrs. Sharp, who, accompanied by her four small children, made the voyage across the Atlantic, arriving in the eastern metropolis in the month of October. The family then made their wav into the interior of the country, and Mr. Sharp pui-ehased a farm on section 20, Concord township, Adams county, Illinois, where his wife now resides. With characteristic energy he began the development of his farm and within a few years had placed his land under a high state of cultivation, the tields becoming very productive. He used good farm machinery in operating his place and in all his work was practical as well as progressive, so that as years went by he gained a fair measure of prosperity. He was also active and influential in public affairs in his locality and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to office, serving as town clerk and also as highway commissioner. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp became the parents ' of seven children, namely : John, who resides in Kellerville, Illinois; Ellen, who is the wife of Theodore Kesting, and lives in Clayton, Illinois: Amos, who resides near the old homestead; Richard, who makes his home with his mother ; Hylas, the wife of Charles Beckman, living in Concord township : Mrs. Eliza Childs, who resides in Oklahoma ; and Emma, who married Charles Amen and lives on the home place.

It was on the 21th of May, 1886. that Mr. Sharp was calh-d to his final rest, being then fifty years of age. He was a self-made man, owing his prosperity enlirely to his own labors. He worked persistentl\' and enei-getically year after year and his life record showed what could be accomplished through perseverance and diligence. IMrs. Sharp still remains on the old home fai'ni and is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of fine land on section 20, Concord to\'\TQ- .ship. Tliis jiroiiei-ty is superintended and operated by hei- son-iii-law, Mr. Amen. Mrs. Sharj) is a most jileasant lady, courteous and kindly in mannei', and enjoys the wai"m friendship of many with whom she has been brought in contact during the third of a century in which she has lived in Adams countv.

William Appenbi-ink, who has been chief engineer of Dick Bi-othei-s Brewery for numy years, and whose residence in Quiney covers thirty-five years, is a native of (iermany, his birth having thei'e occurred on the 14th of February, 1846. He is a son of William and Hannah (Brinkman) Appenbrink, lioth of whom were native of Germany, and they emigrated to America about 187;}, settling in Quincy, where he lived a retired life. Both he and his wife died in this city. There were four children born unto them, as follows : Henry, William, August and Albert.

iiiaining a resident of Germany until 1869, when, at the age of twenty -three yeai's, he sailed for the new world, landing at Castle Garden, New York. He then came direct to Qnincy, where he began work at the machinist's trade and at the same time learning the engineer's trade. He worked as a maehinist for abont three years and then accepted his present position as engineer in Dick Brothers Brewery, where he has remained for thirty-five years, a fact which indicates that he lias given excellent satisfaction through capable service and fidelity.

Mr. Appenbrink was married, in 1875, in Quincy, to Miss Philipina Ronnte, also a native of Germany, and they have become the parents of ten children, namely : Hannah, Aldrich, William, Tom. Lena, Albert, Lizzie, Emma, John and Ida. The family home is at No. 1.536 State street, Mr. Appenbrink having purchased this property in 1884. The parents are members of the Salem Evangelical church and Mr. Appenbrink gives his political support to the democracy, l)ut the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. He is a busy man and it was liis faithfulness to duty and excellent work that caused his promotion in the brewery until he has long served as chief engineer in an establishment which is one of the largest productive industi'ies of this character in the country. Mr. Appenbrink displays excellent mechanical ingenuity, and in his leisure hours invented a flue scraper Mhieh he has patented and which he hopes will prove very remunerative. He has the entire confidence of the business community, and his success is the outcome of his unfaltering and earnest purpose.

Ferdinand Klene

Ferdinand Klene, who is engaged in business as the proprietor of a wholesale and retail cigar factory, having been a representative of this line of trade in Quincy since 1869 and now located at No. 127 South Fourth street, was born in Hanover, Germany, January 21, 1835, and was one of four children, only two of whom are now living, his sister being Mi's. Elizabeth ilenke. He came to America in 1852, being then a young man of seventeen years, and locating in Quincy, he remained in this city for two years. On the expiration of that period he i-emoved to California, crossing the plains with two ox-teams. He spent nine years on the Pacific coast, engaging in mining and cigar making, after which he returned to Quincy by way of the Lsthmus of Panama. Here in 1869 he began business on his own account as a cigar manufacturer and has since contiinied in this line, building up an excellent

Mr. Klene was married to ^Miss Mary Lennert in 1871, who was born in Quincy, and the children of this union are the two sons mentioned. Sir. Klene is a self-made man, deserving much credit for what he has accomplished, for when he came to the new world he had no capital, but he placed his dependence in reliable qualities, close application and untiring energy, and these have proved the basis of his success. He has given to the public a product from liis factory that because of its excellence and his reasonable prices has won a large sale on the market and brought to him financial return that makes him one of the sulistantial citizens of Quincy. He built considerable property in this city.

Henry F. Joseph Ricker, Sr

Henry J. F. Ricker, Sr., banker, promoter and capitalist, rose from obscurity, to a position that commanded the attention of financial circles in America and that made him a recognized leader in the material improvement and the commercial and industrial upbuilding of Quincy. Honored of all men liecause his success was so worthily won and honorably used, he had been so closely connected with many measvires of direct benefit to the general public that his death was the occasion of deep and uniform sorrow throughout Quincy, when on the 4th of March, 1904, he passed away.

Blr. Ricker was a representative of the Teutonic race which has planted the seeds of civilization in many lands. He was born in Lotten, Hanover, Germany, August 31, 1822, and in the schools of his native land accjuired his education, which was by no means superior to that given the average German youth. He was in his seventeenth year when he came with his parents to America, landing at New Orleans, whence they proceeded up the Mississippi river to St. Louis. On the 4th of March, 1840. they arrived in Quincy, then a town of small pretentions, but even early in his business career Mr. Ricker recognized its possibilities and labored for its development. Without financial assistance he entered upon his business career here, being first employed as an ordinary laborer by Governor John Wood, in order to assist in paying for two town lots which his father had purchased of the governor. Not long afterward he secured a position as salesman in a retail grocery house belonging to Mr. Hunt, and his business capacity, integrity and energy won recognition and led to the offer of a position from the well known firm of Syl- vester & Thayer, with whom he remained for a ]>eriod of years, being' subsequently employed l)y Charles Holmes and Albert Daneke, early merchants of the city. The careful husbandin"' of his resonrees enabled him to become a factor iu the commercial life of Quinoy in 1849, when he formed a partnership with Leopold Arntzen, in a general store, under the firm style of Ricker & Arntzen. Sueee.ss attended tlie new venture and the firm later extended its field of labor by engaging also in the produce business. As the years had pa.ssed Mr. Ricker had become well known in Quincy as a man of unquestioned probity, of business capacity and .sterling w^orth, and in 1858 he was elected to the office of police magistrate, being continued therein, by re-election, for four years. In 1859 he began selling steamship tickets, at the corner of Seventh and Hampshire streets, removing later to 508 Hampshire, and from this beginning he developed a banking and exchange business, beginning operations on a small scale as commensurate with his limited capital. The business, however, grew constantly and with rapidity and in 1865 he pui'chased the banking business of John Wood & Company, on Fifth and Maine streets, while not long afterward Bernard H. F. Hoene w'as admitted to a l)artnereship. In 1875 ground was purchased and a modern bank building was erected on Hanqishire, between Fourth and Fifth streets - the present home of the Ricker National Bank. In the meantime" the business of the bank was constantly growing until ilr. Ricker was in control of one of the largest private banks of the state. On the 4th of April, 1881 it was reorganized as the Ricker National Bank, and through rontinued develupment became one of the greatest banking institutions of the west, with resources of more than three million dollars. In the meantime the extent and importance of his operations had \\on for Mr. Ricker the attention and admiration of financiers throughout the country and his ability became recognized by all the great financial leaders.

What ]\Ir. Ricker accomplished in connection with the upbuilding of this splendid banking institution would alone entitle him to distinction and class him with the foremost men wdio have ever made Quincy their home, and yet his efforts were extended to varioi;s other lines, which had direct bearing upon the w-elfare and prosperity ol the city, while promoting his individual interests. He became a financial factor in many enterprises and his opinion also proved of value in their management. He was one of the organizers of the German Insurance & Savings Institution, a director in the Gas & Electi'ic Light Companies, treasurer of the ]\Ienke & Grimm Planing Mill Company, and was active in the promotion of the Quincy, Missouri & Pacific Railroad Company, iu which he owned a large amount of stock. He labored in another field that proved of decided advntage to the city as well as a source of large profit to himself - that of speculative building. Under his direction unsightly parts of the city, lacking all modern improvements, were turned into beautiful residence districts or iml)roved with industrial or commercial houses. Perhaps no man has done .so much for Quincy in this direction.

Mr. Ricker was at one time the choice of the democratic party for state treasure)", a position for which his financial ability would have well (jualified him. The nomination came ixnsolicited, foi- he cared not for tlie honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to do his service for the public as a private citizen. No measure of practical value to Quincy sought his co-operation in vain. He furthered every moment for the public good and his endorsement thereof furnished an example that others followed. His wealth was so honorably won that the most envious could not grudge him his success, and he stood as a splendid type of the American citizen who in the utilization of opportunity and the strength of his manhood conquers an adverse environment and wins respect and honor no less than prosperity.

Henry Ottman

Henry Ottman. for thirty-eight years a resident of Quincy, where he was engaged in the engraving business, was born in Germany, July 4, 1833. His parents spent their entire lives in that country and the father and all of his brothers w'ere engravers and artists. In the public schools of the fatherland Heni'y Ottman was educated, pursuing his studies until fifteen years of age, W'hen he sailed for America to join an uncle, an engraver of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Ottnum proceeded directly to that city and began learning the trade with his uncle, continuing in his employ for a few years, after M-hich he removed to Chicago, where he was similarly employed until 1866.

That year witnessed his arrival in Quincy and here he began business on his own account as a designer and engraver in a small room on Fourth street, between Hampshire and A'ermont streets. In 1896 he purchased the present building in which the business is now carried on and in which his widow yet resides, the upper floors being made into flats, Mr. Ottman succeeded from the beginning and with the growth of his jiatronage he employed twelve men, making all kinds of badges and doing all kinds of engi-aving, being the first and only manufacturer in this line ill Quincy. Himself a practical and proficient workman, he was enabled to intelligently direct the efforts of those whom he employed so as to produce the best results for his customers and at the same time secure a fair profit from their labors. ]\Ir. Ottman continued the business until his death, which occurred October 11. 1904, when he was succeeded in the management by- his grandson, August H. ]\Ieyer, his widow yet retaining a financial interest in the enterprise.

Mr. Ottman was married in Cincinnati to ^[iss Adelaide "Wilzbacher. a native of Germany, where her parents resided until their deaths. Seven children were born unto J\Ir. and Mrs. Ottman, of whom four are living: Agnes H., the wife of August S. Meyer, a resident of Quiney; Elizabeth, the wife of William Hasse, who is sole agent in Quincy for Joseph Schlitz beer: Mrs. Pauline Glaser, who is a graduate nur.se and with her three children. Adelaide. Emil and Elsa. reside with her mother : and Rose, also at home. Tho.se deceased are Henry, Antoinette and Annie.

In the early days of his residence in Quincy Ifr. Ottman held several local offices and was always a stanch republican. He belonged to Humboldt Lodge. A. 0. U. TV., and his family belong to St. Boniface Catholic church. He was a very industrious, energetic and successful business man, reliable in all his dealings and his prosperity was well deserved. He left as the visible evidence of his life of industry the Ottman building, located at Nos. 615-617 Maine street, where the business is still carried on. while Mrs. Ottman and her daiighters occupv the second flat.

]Major Joseph L. ^Morgan, deceased of Quincy. - a man of spotless integrity and worthy of the highest honors - an opinion voiced by many and .shared by all who knew him, left the impression of his life and efforts for good upon the material and moral development of the city in which he long made his home. He was bom in Alton, Illinois, March 8, 1843. His father, James iladison Morgan, was a representative of one of the old and honored families of ^Maryland and emigrated from Baltimore to Alton, Illinois, in 1836. taking an active and helpful part in the development of the latter city. It was there that JIajor Morgan acquired a thorough education, well preparing him for life's responsible and practical duties and his entrance into the business world was in the capacity of a clerk, but ambitions to benefit by further intellectual instruction and training, he entered college in Quincy in 1861.

Events of greater importance, however, crowded out his desires in this direction and he put aside his text books on the 10th of Aiigust, 1862, in order to respond to his country's call for assistance to crush out the armed rebellion in the south.

Ma.jor ^Morgan was then only nineteen years of age but no veteran of twice or thrice his years was more loyal to the stars and stripes. He became a member of Company H, Seventy-third Illinois Vohmteer Infantry and was appointed .sergeant, while, on February 28, 1863, he was elected first lieutenant, and in April following was commissioned captain of his company in recognition of meritorious and faithful service. In June, 1864, he was detached from his command and detailed as assistant inspector general, serving in that capacity during the Atlanta campaign with the Second Division, Fourth Army Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. In December, 1864. he was brevetted ma,ior by President Lincoln, in recognition of his courage and efficient service at the battle of Na.shville. He served at different times on the staff' of General John Newton, General Wagner and General Washington L. Elliott and continued at the front until after the close of the war. His service was particularly arduous, his command being frequently in the fiercest campaign. He had been a soldier only four months, when, on the 12th of December, 1862, he took part in the five-days sanguinary conflict at Stone River under General Rosenkranz, and in the succeeding March he participated in the special campaign around Fi-anklin, Tennessee, while on the 16th of June he started with his troops in an advance which was to drive Bragg 's army out of the state. He participated in the hard fought engagement.s of Cliickamauga and Lookout IMountain, and in the former engagement Colonel Castle, who was by his side was wounded five times. Major Morgan's command was in the advance at Mission Ridge, proceeding up the mountain side immediately in front of General Bragg 's headquarters and capturing a part of his staff. Not long afterwards the division to which he was attached was ordered to Knoxville to relieve Burnside, and in that campaign he was in command of the regiment. I\Ia.jor Morgan served throughout the Atlanta campaign, taking part in the engagements of Rocky Face Creek, Dalton. New Ilope Church, Peach Tree Creek, the seige and capture of the city of Atlanta and the campaign to Jonesboro. He was almost constantly on active duty from ilay 3 until September 8, getting little rest night or day and the service was fraught with much peril. In the fall of 1864 his division was ordered to Pulaski, Tennessee, to check Hood's progress and also impede the rebel advance and from Pulaski to Nashville - seventy- two miles - there \\as almost constant fighting for four or five days. Major Morgan's division formed the rear guard of the army until Franklin, Tennessee was i-eached. and at that place, November 30. 1864, his division bore the brnnt of the battle. At midnight following the battle his command marched to Nashville where General Thomas reorganized the army, and on the 14th and 15th a hard fonght battle occurred there, Hood's army being completely i-oiited the second afternoon. In winter quarters at Huntsville, Alabama, with the opening of spring, in 1865 Major Morgan's command participated in the campaign in eastern Tennessee and on the 12th of June, 1865 was mustered out at Nashville. ]\Iajor jMoi'- gan's entire service was marked by unfaltering loyalty, by unquestioned performance of every duty assigned him by his superior officers, and by unwavering fidelity to the cause which he espoused, and yet he was no more faithful to his country in times of strife than in days of peace.

Following the close of hostilities Major Morgan accepted a clerkship in Quincy and was thus em.ployed until April, 1871. when he joined James H. Clark in the establishment of a bakery and confectionery business, which under the firm name of Clark & Morgan was conducted with success until 1903. They became leaders in their line in the city and they also dealt in imported fruits, enjoying a constantly growing trade which brought with it a rich financial return. So closely did Major Morgan apply himself to the upbuilding of the business that his health began to fail and this led him to sell his interest to his partner, September 25, 1903, although the business was continued under the old firm name. Major Morgan then turned his attention to the insurance business and only the day before his death was preparing for the opening of a local office for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. The energy and integrity of Major Morgan were valuable assets in the business enterprises with which he was connected. He concentrated his entire attention, for the time being, upon anji;hing which he undertook, and his business judgment was sound, his methods above question. The city also profited by his labors and his co-operation proved an effective factor in many public measures whose results were farreaching and beneficial.

In politics, earnest and enthusiastic, he never wavered in his allegiance to republican principles but he was never bitter in his opposition. In his personal life he proved that one could be a gentleman, Avith high ideals and lofty purposes, and yet be actively connected with political and commercial life. Indeed he took his high ideals into these relations, and they were purified or elevated thereby. He did not care for office, although many positions were proferred him, but he worked with unfaltering loyalty in support of a friend who was a candidate. At the time of his death many were urging his appointment to office under the new state administration and over their signatures many of the leading citizens of Quincy said he ' ' was worthy of the highest public honors." He belonged to the Royal Arcanum and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and he was for many years a devoted member of the Congregational church, a .service of which he attended the night before his death.

In his home Major Morgan largely displays the relations of the ideal husband and father. He was married, February 7, 1867, to ]\Iiss Helen Van Doom, the eldest daughter of John K. Van Doom, at one time pi-ominent in Quincy. They became the pai-ents of two children : Jessie A., wife of Dr. Herman F. Goetz, of St. Louis, and Frederick D. Morgan, clerk in the Gibson House, at Cincinnati. Death came to him suddenly, occasioned by a stroke of apoplexy on the morning of December 16, 1904. No word of criticism could be said against him in any relation of life, for his motives were always the highest, prompted by a regard for his fellow men that had its root in Christian teaching. A Quincy paper said of him : "It would be difficult to designate a man in the city of Quincy m(ire thoroughly respected than was Major ]\Iorgan. He fought a good fight and he kept the faith. In his business career he was tireless, and always an example of commercial probity. He faced many obstacles in his time, but always with courage and cheer and he was ever ready to sacrifice his own efforts for the good of others. He was therefore a shining model in both civil and domestic life. ' ' Fighting the battles of his countrj' as he entered upon manhood, the soldierly qualities which he there developed were manifest throughout his career, and the willingness with which he undertook every service which came to him, was an inspiration to those with whom he was associated.

Peter Henry Muegge

Peter H. iMuegge, who is engaged in the upholstering business at No. 609 Maine street, has been a resident of QuiTu\v since the fall of 1865, and throughout the intervening years has been actively connected with the industrial interests of the city. He is a native of Germany, his birth having oecured near Herford in Westphalia, on the 1st of July, 1851. His paternal grandfather -was Prederich Christoff Muegge, in whose family were the following children : Franz Christoff, David, Minna, Haiina and

Frederika. Our subject's father, Franz C. Muegge, was born in Germany, June 27, 1819, and served for three years in the German army. He first married a ;\Iiss Jiemann, by whom he had one child, J. Henrj', and after her death he wedded ]\Iiss Louise A. Koch, who was born April 18, 1822, and they became the parents of six children: Peter Heni-y, August, Frederika, who died at the age of nine years ; one who died in Quinc}' during infancy ; Louise and Hanna. The father brought the famih' to the LTnited States and located in Quincy, 111., in the fall of 1865. He secured employment in a brickyard, where he remained until a short time prior to his death, which occurred on the 9th of December, 1891. His second wife died in Quincy, January 6, 1894.

In the schools of Germany Peter H. Muegge acquired his early education and was a youth of fourteen years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He attended private school in Quincy for a time, and after putting aside his text-books worked in the brickyard with his father for two years. Later he learned the trades of upholstering, mattress-making and carpet-laying with Charles Hanbach, and at the end of three years took charge of F. W. Jansen's upholstering department, remaining with the firm for seventeen years, when they discontinued business. Mr. IMuegge then embarked in the upholstering and wall paper business on his own account as a member of the firm of iluegge & Garrett, but this partnership has since been dissolved and he is now alone. He has directed his efforts toward the development of a business which has now reached extensive proportions. He has a good patronage and his labors are proving profitable, so that he is now numbered among the substantial business men of the city. He is a worthy representative of industrialism here, and his life record proves the force of energy and determination as resultant factors in the world of trade. He has a thorough, practical knowledge of the bu.siness and the excellent work which he does insures a continuation of patronage from those whose trade he once secures.

Mr. Muegge was married October 17, 1874, to Miss Mary Sickman, who died September 14, 1888. The children born of this union were Franz H., who was born December 21, 1875, and died July 24. 1877; J. F. Oscar, born November 3, 1877 ; H. L. Amelia, born August 18, 1880; J. Louis, born May 10, 1883, and John H. A., born January 9, 1886. On the 7th of April, 1889, Mr. Muegge was united in marriage to JMrs. Julia Prante, a widow, who had one child, Karl Prante, by her first marriage. The children bv the second union are

In his political views I\Ir. IMuegge is a stanch rei^ubliean and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but is not an office seeker. He and his wife are members of St. Paul's Evangelical church, with which he has been connected since 1874, and has taken a very active and prominent part in its work, serving as trustee for twelve years and superintendent of the Sunday-school for eighteen years. He does all in his power to promote the moral interests of the city and was the organizer of the German Young Men's Christian Association. He is a member of the National Union, T. 0. M. A., and of other societies. For many years a resident of Quincy, he has a wide acquaintance here and has always been a champion of progressive movements in the city.

Hon. Albert W. Wells

Hon. Albert W. Wells, at one time a leading member of the Quincy bar, was born in Woodstock, Connecticut, May 9, 1839, his parents being John Ward and ]\Iaria (Cheney) Wells. The father was a farmer by occupation and was a man of .sterling integrity and a quiet Christian character. His ancestors came to ^Massachusetts in 1633 and representatives of the family have since been found in New England with the succeeding generations. The ancestry of the Cheney family came to the new world on the jMayflower and both names were represented in the Patriot army during the war of the Revolution.

Hon. Albert W. Wells began his education in the district schools of his native county and continued his more specifically literary education in Woodstock Academy, whei'e he was graduated about 1869. He prepared for his chosen profession in the Columbia Law School of New York city and in early life he engaged in teaching in New Jersey. It was in his early manhood also that he became a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting with the New Jersey regiment soon after the inauguration of hostilities. On the expiration of his first term he enlisted and remained in this conunand until the close of the war, participating in a number of important engagements.

]Mr. Wells became n resident of Quincy. and here entered upon the practice of law, where he was destined to achieve success, owing to his careiii6 till preparation for the profession, his huidiWe ambition and his devotion to his clients' interests. He carefully studied his cases so that he entered the court-room well equipped to meet any attack of his adversary and in his x'easoning he was logical, his deductions following in natural sequence. He presented his case clearly and cogently and the force of his argument seldom failed to convince. He was, therefore, accorded a distinctively representative clientage and the public as well as the profession acknowledged his right to rank with the leading members of the Quiney bar.

On the 27th of July. 1S76, in this city he was married to Miss Amanda Pomeroy, and they Idcoame the parents of a daughter and two sons: R.uth, Albert W. and Edward P. In early life Mr. Wells became a member of the Baptist church and he was deply interested in the welfare and progress of his adopted city, becoming the champion of measures which he deemed would prove of public good. His life was one of continuous activity in which was accorded due recognition of his labor and talent. His interests were thoroughly identified with those of the west and at all times he was ready to lend his aid and cooperation in every movement calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful development. In private life he gained that warm personal regard which arises fi-om true nobility of character, deference for the opinions of others, kindliness and geniality.

Mrs. Margaret J. Willard

Mrs. Margaret Jane Willard, whose home is pleasantly located about five and a half miles from Golden, in Houston township, has resided in Adams county since early pioneer times, having been brought to the county in 1834. Quiney was then a small village with little promise of rapid development in the near future. The majority of towns in the county that are now fiourishins and enterprising centers of trade had not then sprung into existence, and much of the land was still in its primitive condition, being covered only by the native prairie grasses. There have lieen many pictures hung upon memory 's wall by l\Irs. "Willard as the years have passed, bringing many changes to the county and its people.

Born in Kentucky, November 23, 1832, ^Mrs. Willard was a daughter of Samuel and Amanda (]\rori-ow) Woods. Her father M'as born in Kentucky, November 27, 1800, and his wife's birth occurred December 9, 1812. They came to Illinois when Mrs. Willard was only six months old and spent two years in Sangamon county, after which they came to Adams county in 1834 and assisted materially in the pioneer development of this part of the state, Mr. Woods aiding in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present development and progress of the county. He lived to see wonderful changes here, passing away July 24, 1885, while his wife's death occurred on the 21st of September of the same year.

Their daughter, ]\Iargaret Jane, was reared iinder the parental roof, sharing with the family in the privileges, privations and pleasures which formed the lot of the settlers in frontier districts. After reaching womanhood she gave her hand in marriage to Thomas 0. Willard on the 24th of June. 1855. He was born February 11, 1825, his parents being Tennessee people. He was educated in the common schools, was trained to farm life, and throiTghoiit his business career engaged in the tilling of the soil. The young couple began their domestic life on a farm, and at the time of his death Mr. Willard was the owner of five hundred and ninety-eight acres of rich land in Adams county. All this indicated much labor on the part of Mr. Willard and capable management of the household affairs on the part of his wife. He possessed good business judgment, untiring energy and determination and, as the years passed by, his unremitting diligence and .judicious inve.stments made him the owner of valuable property interests.

I\Ir. and ilrs. Willard became the parents of three children, but all are now deceased, and the husband and father passed away February 10, 1900. TTad he lived a day longer he would have reached the age of seventy-five years. Men respected him for his straightforward business dealing, and his friends entertained for him warm ]iersonal regard. Mrs. Willard is now the o^vner of one hundred and seventy acres of land on section 27, Houston township, and this valuable farming property returns to her an excellent income. She is a member of the Methodist church at Golden, of which she has long been a representative, and her life has been in keeping with the teachings of the church. She is liked by young and old. rich and poor, and is. indeed, one of the worthy pioneer ladies of the county.

W. T. Craig

W. T. Craig, who cari-ies on general farming on section 5, Concord township, where he owns and cultivates an excellent farm of two hundred and eighty acres, was born April 21st, 1860, in Liberty township, his parents being Henry and "Virginia Craig. The ancestory can be traced back to Ii-eland, whence his great-grandfather came to America. His grandfather, John Craig, was a native of Kentuckv and served in the war of 1812, being stationed most of the time at Jefferson Barracks, at St. Loiiis, and holding the rank of first lieutenant. Removing to Indiana, he became one of the prominent settlers of Scott county and assisted in founding the to-nii of Vienna, where he conducted a hotel for a number of years. He married Lulu Crampton, and among their children was Henry Craig, whose birth occurred in Seott county, Indiana, in 1818.

Henry Craig acquired his education in the subscription .schools of Indiana and accompanied his parents to Adams county, Illinois, the family starting by boat. The vessel on which they took passage, however, sank, and although the parents and children escaped, their goods went to the bottom of the river and when they arrived in Adams county their cash capital consisted of only fifty dollars. The father, however, secured a farm, devoting his attention to its futher improvement throughout his remaining days. Henry Craig assisted in its development and later he carried on farming for himself in Liberty to^vnship for a number of years, purchasing one hundred and .sixty acres of land for which he paid two hundred dollars. When thirty-two years of age he took up his abode in Kingston, where he engaged in the purchase and sale of horses and cattle until 1853, when he went to Brown county, Illinois, where he purchased a tract of one hundred and ten acres of land. He made many improvements upon that farm and at length sold it for five thousand dollars. He then returned to Libert}' township, Adams county, where he engaged in speculation and through careful investment and well directed business efforts he accumulated a handsome competence. Later he lived retired in Clayton, where he passed away September 20, 1897. He was married in 1837 to Virginia Palmer, who was born in 1820 and died December 8, 1897. Their children are as follows : John W., who was born in Adams county, Januaiy 4, 1839, and died in 1852 ; Robert A.", born October 14, 1840, and died March 20,

1862 ; Margaret E., who was born ^larch 4, 1842, and is the wife of George Ausmus, a liverjinan of Clayton; Emily S., who was born November 17, 1843, and is the widow of Lafayette Ausmus ; Martha J., born September 18, 1845, Oscar P., February 27, 1847, Lucinda, August 10, 1849, and Susanna, November 20, 1851, all now deceased ; Charles H., who was born December 23, 1854, and died in 1870; and Warren T., of this review.

Warren T. Craig pursued his education in Clayton and in Gem City Business College of Quincy and has since devoted his time and energies to farming. In this he has prospered and is today the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, the fields being very productive and return him good harvests. He also has a fine home in Clayton and other property and his realty interests are the visible evidence of his life of thrift and industry.

On the 24th of November, 1881, Mr. Craig was married to Miss Lizzie Sargent, who was born in Maine and came to Adams county in her girlhood days with her parents, Walter and Lydia (Wheeler) Sargent. Her father, who was born February 10, 1822, died January 21, 1901, while her mother, who was born September 17, 1824, is now living in Concord to-miship. Mrs. Craig was born November 26, 1853, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Walter H., who was born November 27, 1882, is now a student in Knox College, at Galesburg; and Elsie v., born January 17, 1888, is at home. Mrs. Craig belongs to the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Craig is a democrat in his political views and both are well known and highlj' esteemed in Clayton and the surrounding district, having gained many friends during a long residence here. Mr. Craig is regarded as a reliable and enterprising business man, his carefully directed efforts as a fanner and stock-raiser having resulted in bringing him a very desirable competence.

Source changes here: from Quincy and Adams County History and Representative Men, by Wilcox, David F, published 1919; 530,377 words in this source stream.

Edward "Wells. A life of peculiar power and significance in enriching the business and civic development of Quincy from pioneer times was that of the late Edward Wells, manufacturer, business man and banker. Some of the steadying qualities of his enterprise and character are felt even today in the city. There is no need of apology for telling briefly the story of this Quincy citizen, since it is in truth a vital part of Quincy 's history.

It is from Thomas Wells that the Quincy branch of the family is descended. Thomas was born in Essex County, England, in 1605, and in 1635, at the age of thirty, set sail from Ipswich, England, and landing in Massachusetts joined the little colony at Agawam, which the colonists soon named Ipswich. Thomas Wells took his freeman's oath May 17, 1637, and soon built his substantial frame dwelling which was still standing as late as 1850. Besides his growing interests as a property holder he was a stalwart member of the noted Ipswich Church and was also magistrate and physician. Many of the early records referred to him as distinguished in different capacities. He died October 26, 1666.

Samuel Williams Wells, father of Edward Wells of Quincy, was born at Newbury June 12, 1774. During his life he was chiefly distinguished for his rare scholarship and ability as a teacher. He died June 30, 1851, at the age of seventy-seven.

Edward Wells was born at Newbury March 23, 1813, and was named for his maternal grandfather, Edward Swasej' Wells. He acquired a strong distaste for double Christian names, and in Quincy was always known simply as Edward Wells. The following story of his life is largely made up of quotations from his published biography.

In childhood Edward Wells gave evidence of the push, energy and courage which led him in early manhood to leave the beaten way of men and go out across the mountains to make a name, place and home for himself on the eoirfines of civilization. At the age of fourteen he .sought and obtained employment with a rope maker in his native town, who perceiving in him the promise of unusual business ability endeavored to retain his services, when at the end of the year he gave notice of his intention to withdraw, bj- offers of immediate promotion and eventually a share in the business. But the lad wanted a larger field for the exercise of his powers than a rope walk in an old town that had ceased to grow.

Influenced by these considerations, young Edward Wells packed his modest box, said good-bye to his employer and home friends, and on the top of the sta^e coach that plied semi-weekly between his native town and Boston made his first trip to that famous city. On India Wharf he found a cooper by the name of Lang, who, attracted doubtless by the lad's business-like manner, agreed to take him as apprentice till the time of his majority. Then followed seven busy years, in the course of which the lad not only acquired a knowledge pf his craft and satisfied the master whom he was bound to serve, but by working overtime as the opportunity offered earned $100, which, bit by bit, as it was gathered, he sacredly set aside to give him a start in business when the days of his service sliould be over.

In the last days of his service the young apprentice belonged to the city fire department and the Mechanic's Liljrary Association, and whether sitting in solemn conclave witli the members of the latter organization or taking his turn at the old hand engine in the smoke of a city fire, was cquallj' willing, energetic and helpful.

After the terms of his indenture were fulfilled he worked at his trade, boarding somewhere on Fort Hill, waiting the opportunit.y to invest the savings of his years of apprenticeship. In April, 1834, he writes to a sister, "I shall remain here but six months longer unless there is some gi-eat change in the prospects that are before me." No change for the better seems to have taken place, for in October of the same year we find him, equipped with a new stock of clothing and tools, purchased with part of his savings, the remainder of the $100 in his pocket, and the blessings of his father and home friends in his heart, cutting himself adrift from the moorings of familiar scenes and launching out into the unknovni "West.

In October, 1833, Capt. Nathaniel Pease, a man of great energy and enterprise, w'ho had been trading in Cleveland, Ohio, and other points on the lakes, made his way to the little town of Quincy in Adams County, Illinois, bought 300 hogs, had them slaughtered and packed and carried them oft' to sell in other places. Succeeding in this venture and deciding that Quincy was well located and destined to gi'ow, he determined to return with his family and settle there permanently. His home was in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In the spring when his plans for emigration were nearly perfected young Edward Wells met him, heard his story, and concluded to join his party which was to start in the fall.

Thus it is we find him on a mild October day saying good-bj-e to friends, and boarding the train for Providence and the West. At that time, as the railway system was in its infancy, connections were uncertain and accommodations limited. * * * They journeyed from Boston to Providence by rail, from Providence to Amboy by boat, and then by rail from Amboy to Philadelphia, from Philadelphia to Baltimore, and from Baltimore over the mountains to the Ohio River. Down this stream they voyaged by steamer, frequently delayed by low water, and helped over the sandbars, where they grounded, by men who worked day after day in the water for the low wage of 3 shillings. The.y passed at times through a noiseless woodland solitude and boundless prairies level and lonely as the sea. The boat was run by no schedule. It stopped anywhere to let ]iassengers off, at a creek, a cabin or a young busy town. It tied up wherever it was convenient to wait for wood to be cut and loaded or repairs to be made. Waiting for repairs seems in fact to have absorbed a great deal of the time of those early steamboat trips. Finally they reached the Mississippi and boarded an upward-bound steamer for the last stage of their journey.

Quincy at that time contained only about 500 inhabitants. There were some half dozen very respectable frame houses, a good many log cabins, a log courthouse and jail, several smaller frame houses, two small brick dwellings and a frame tavern. An infant town indeed, but its location on the Slississippi in a region unsurpassed for fertility and productiveness, with an unlimited supply of building stone in its bluffs and timber on the islands and margin of the river, gave promise not only of rapid but continuous growth.

Into, this town incorporated but four months previously entered young Edward" Wells, wearied with a thirty- four days' journey, slightly homesick, destitute of money except for a single silver dollar, but well fiirnished with Yankee ingenuity, pluck, energy- and determination to succeed. Like his Puritan ancestor he stepped into a new world, consecrated to the task of helping to

Failing to find work at liis trade he took hold of any honorable employment that presented itself. I have heard him say that having a thorough knowledge of but one trade he had worked at all. He learned by observation what he did not discover by a fine mechanical sense that was his in no common measure. That first winter was uncommonly mild, a contrast to the cold and storm of the New England Coast, until the "iSth of January, when a cold -wave passed over lUlinois and Kentucky that pulled the mercury down to 32° below zero, killed or injured nearly all the fruit trees, and brought death to large numbers of horses, cattle and hogs.

In the spring of 1835 Edward Wells formed a partnership in the cooper business with James D. Morgan, a friend who had followed him from Boston. * * * Mr. Morgan having a wife and child took up his abode in a log cabin, but the younger member of the firm lived in the shop, his modest housekeeping arrangments hidden by a curtain from the business end of the establishment. To coopering he applied himself with characteristic energv' for a few years. His work brought him into relations with the pork packers, and seeing in their business a wider opportunity for the accumulation of wealth he discontinued his partnership with IMr. ]\Iorgau and began to pack and ship pork. In 1839 he was one of four pork packers who packed 5,000 hogs, in 1840 one of four who packed 4,000, in 1842, one of four who packed 7,000, in 1843 one of four who packed 20,000. and in 1846 one of four who packed 10,000. Afterwards he engaged in business on a more extensive scale and laid the foundations of a fortune to which he added by judicious operations in real estate in Chicago.

Though possessed in a remarkable degree of the business instincts which detect success or failure at the outset, his judgment was not always infallible in those early years of his business career. Twice, through the failures of other men, he lost everything he had 'accumulated, and twice with undaunted courage he began to build anew. It was perhaps while waiting an opportunity to start a place in his chosen career that he went into the solitude of the Des Moines Kiver to trade with the Indians, made trips to New Orleans to dispose of produce, and even served as mate on a Mississippi steamboat. He was never at a loss for employment of some kind. In a letter written in 1839 to his father he refers to the growth of the city: "Quincy is still improving. If we keep on a few years longer we shall have a place larger than Xewburyport. There has been a; great deal of emigi-ation to this country this year. We now have six dii¥erent religious denominations, Congregational, Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, Unitarian and Catholic. So you see there are plenty of chances to go to church if a person is so disposed." About this time Edward Wells united with a few others in founding the Unitarian Church, of which Rev. George Moore was the first settled minister. Edward Wells continued for more than fifty years not only a regular attendant but a stay and support, giving with bounteous hand in response to all calls for help. Nor did he waiver when in the last years of his life the financial burden of the church rested largely on his shoulders.

With his advent into the town Edward Wells joined the volunteer fire department, which he served as chief for one term. Old "No. 1," which was purchased some time between 1837 and 1840 for the sum of $1,125, felt his hand in those early famous fires on Hampshire Street and "under the hill" as well as in less noted blazes.

From the time of his majority he gave himself with diligence to the study of the political situation, allying himself in turn with the whig and republican parties. In the log cabin campaign of 1840 he was a delegate to county conventions that endorsed the nomination of "Tippecanoe and Tyler too."

constituted his capital when he disembarked at Quincy in 1834, his energies were not all given to personal gain. He was a leading spirit in all projects for the advancement of the city of his adoption, which he saw develop from a town of 500 inhabitants into a large and flourishing center of trade. For many years he was greatly interested in procuring railroad connections, and became personally acquainted with the prominent railroad men of the countiy. He succeeded in getting the Pennsjivania Central to agree to come to Quiney; but before the purpose could crystallize into action success became failure through the secret sale of the Quincy and Warsaw Road, with which the connection was to be made. Still he did not lose heart nor did he become discouraged when negotiations for connections with the Baltimore & Ohio roads came to naught ; but spurred by failure and broadened by contact with men of wider experience, took up the work again with a zeal that compelled success. He was the originator and principal factor in the passing of the bill through Congress for the building of the railroad bridge across the Mississippi River at Quincy in 1864, spending weeks in Washington while engaged in this work. In the drafting of this bill he insisted on a clause which was original with him, that all roads should have right of way over the approaches to bridges and thus prevented for all time excessive tollage or monopoly. He was at one time president of the Quincy & Warsaw Railroad Company, and was on terms of intimacy and influence with J. L. Joy of the Wabash Railway for many years.

Though all his life intensely interested in the political affairs of city, state and nation, the subject of this sketch resolutely refused political office. One term as alderman from the Third Ward is his meager record. His counsel was sought by men who held office as well as by men who walked the quiet paths of private life. He was well acquainted with Lincoln, Douglas, 0. H. Brownning, W. A. Richardson, Richard Yates, John A. Logan, General Sherman and many others of world wide reputation. He had large influence in both state and national capitals, which was used effectively but quietly, and without making himself so pi'omineut as to antagonize others. He sought no reward, remaining silent while others appropriated credit that belonged to him. From the formation of the party he was an uncompromising republican, as he had been for years a subscriber to the principles on which it was founded. In war time he was intensely loyal, sending two substitutes to the field and spending money freely in the cause. Director of the First National Bank of Quincy for a long period, his wise counsels, founded on his accurate knowledge of the finances of that institution, made it a paying bank as long as he was in office. He was a stockholder in the Quincy Gas Works, the Newcomb Hotel Company, Quincy Savings Bank, Library Association, director of the Vandiver Corn Planter Compan.v, which he helped to organize, and officially connected with many other business, improvement and charity organizations of the city.

Edward Wells did not fail to keep up close associations with his old New- England home. He journeyed back to Newbui'yport in 1840, and again in 1848 and his third and fourth visits were made in the summers of 1856 and 1858. From 1858 Edward Wells journeyed eastward every summer with the exception of two until his death in 1892, his party increasing to sixteen and eighteen as children were given to his married sons and daughters. The heated term was passed at some resort on the Massachusetts or New Hampshire Coast, and the month of September in Boston, where his youngest sister had removed with her family in 1859 ; while some portion of the holiday was invariably spent in the birthtown of his mother, which was always regarded by her wandering son with affectionate interest. These annual returns to the sea were the only occasion of recreation in the life of a very busy man : for though he retired from active business when he was but little over fifty years old, his transactions in real estate and his interest in corporations and institutions called for ever increasing mental activity.

ceding, a Sunday, he attended church apparently in his usual health and spirits. The Quincy AVliig said editorially at the time: "Mr. Wells was a man of fine presence, kindly manners, and so active and interested in the details of the world's life that although he had nearly touched four score years he never impressed one as an old man. He was active in his church, the Unitarian, of which in this city he was a pioneer member, active in politics, attending even the primary meetings of his party, the republican, as regularly as when it came into existence, keenly alive to everything that affected the credit, the good name or the prosperity of the city in which he had lived so long, and maintaining his social interests to a degree that made him a congenial companion to young and old alike. He was a man of unblemished integrity, a prudent and sagacious adviser, a firm and faithful friend, and his life contact with men in these relations will make him widely missed, but nowhere will he be so sorely missed as in the home which was, after all, the chief object of his affection and devotion. ' ' ilarch 19, 1836, at Quiney, Edward Wells married Mary Babson Evans. Her father, Capt. Robert Evans, was born near Germantown, Pennsylvania, in 1784, had migrated from Boston to Adams County in 1835, and died at the home of Edward Wells in Quiney in 1866. As a youth he ran away from home to become a sailor and was a vessel master and captain of a privateer during the War of 1812 and had many strenuous adventures, ending with his capture and imprisonment at Dartmoor Prison in England to the close of the war.

April 11, 1813, before making this final cruise. Captain Evans married Betsey Babson Haven, a widow. She was born at Gloucester, Massachusetts, and died at Quiney in 1855. The Babsons were among the first settlers of Gloucester. Captain and Betsey Evans had four children, George, Mary B., James L. and Harriett. Mary was born at Gloucester March 3, 1819. After the War of 1812 Captain Evans was engaged in the West India trade for some years, and in 1835 joined the tide of emigration that brought him to the banks of the Mississippi. He first bought a farm near Bloomfield, twelve miles from Quiney, but was soon discouraged by the loneliness of the place and the homesickness of his family and removed to Quiney. Learning of the presence of a Ma.ssachusetts family in that locality, Edward Wells rode out to call at their country home. It was then he first saw young 'Slary Evans. She was barely sixteen, slender, fair, with waving masses of soft dark hair, a dimpled smile and a reticent manner. Captain Evans bought a house on the corner of Eighth and Hampshire streets in Quiney, and there Edward Wells and Mary Evans were married. After boarding for a time Mr. and Mrs. Wells had their first independent home in a small house near the corner of Sixth Street and Broadway. Several years later they moved to a substantial brick house at 408 Jersey Street and about 1860 moved to 421 Jersey Street, the home where he died.

His wife, Mary, survived him less than two years, passing away March 27, 1894. Her death also came suddenly, from heart disease. Of her the famil,y biographer has written :

"Mary Wells was distinctively a home woman. To her immediate familj' and a narrow circle of relatives and friends she gave herself with devotion. She was interested in what was going on in the world and in her home nook informed herself of affairs and gave utterance to very decided opinions concerning them. Her charities, which were large, were dispensed without ostentation, as were those of her husband; and that she saw the woes and needs of humanity even more clearly than he did was evidenced by the fact that she frequently told him where to bestow his bounty. Too proud to disclose the need of SA-mpathy, she hid personal loss and sorrow as well as personal gain and joy under a quiet exterior, giving the careless observer the impression that she lacked in sensibility. Only those who knew her best ever measured the depths of her feelings. She was shy of thanks, but took delight in seeing her gifts used and appreciated. She helped to build the structure of her hus- band's prosperity by self denial and faithful administration of home affairs. One of the organizers of the Unitarian Church in Qnincy, she was for nearly sixty years quietly active in maintaining its interests and extending its influence. Her creed, like that of her church, was to be sincere and do good."

The children of Edward and ilarj- Wells were : Eliza Ann, born July 2, 1838, died April 29, 1839 ; Mary Eliza, born ilareh 22, 1840, died September 20, 1854; Edward, born December 21, 1841, died November 3, 1849; Harriet, born February 28, 1844, died April 14, 1846; George, born August 22, 1846, whose life record is told in other paragraphs; Frank, born March 28, 1849, for thirty years a prominent business man of Chicago ; Ella, born November 10, 1852, mari'ied James Russell Smith, a leading figure in business and politics at Quincy for many years; and Kate, born June 22, 1857, who married William Russell Loekwood.

George Wells, long prominent in iiuancial and business affairs at Quincy, and associated with Major James Adams as mortgage bankers, is the oldest living child of the late Edward Wells.

He was born August 22, 1846, at Quincy, on the site of the present armory. He attended private schools in his native town to the age of thirteen, and was then put in school at Kingston, Massachusetts. He has always led a very active life and though now past the age of three score and ten has every appearance of the man of fifty. At the age of sixteen he entered his father's pork packing establishment and remained in that line of business until 1879. From 1869 to 1876, during the summer months he also manufactured canned goods and pickles. From 1880 to 1886 Mr. Wells was in the grocery business, but in the latter year formed his partnership with Ma.ior Adams under the name Wells & Adams, mortgage bankers. About 1860 his father had bought the present Wells Building, which was erected in 1856 at the corner of Main and Fifth streets. This building was subsequently remodeled by George Wells, and it is now his office headquarters.

Mr. Wells inherits his father's interest in the republican party as well as his aversion to holding political office. He is oiie of the prominent Masons of the city, serving as Master of Quincy Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted ^lasons, in 1888-89, and for a number of years was eminent commander of El Aksa Commandery of Knights Templar. He has also served as a trustee of the Anna Brown Home for the Aged and is a trustee and official for the Woodland Home for the Friendless and Orphans. In 1909 Mr. Wells built a beautiful home on Twentieth Street, where he has a spacious house surrounded by ample gi-ounds, one of the homes that give dignity to a beautiful residential section. Mr. Wells and all his family are members of the Unitarian Church.

August 29, 1869, at New York, George Wells married Sarah Jane Castle, only daughter of Dr. Edward G. Castle of Quincy. Doctor Castle and wife were both born at Carlisle, England, and came to Quincy in 1849. Doctor Castle was a well educated and trained physician in English schools and institutions, and was regarded as one of the foremost ph.ysicians and surgeons of the city for many years. During the war he was busily engaged in local hospital service. Doctpr Castle died in September, 1880, at the age of sixty-five. He married Jane Carrick, who survived him about ten years. She was of a fine old English family, her father, David Carrick, having been an English banker.

Mr. and Mrs. George Wells had eight children, four of whom are still living. Edward Castle Wells, the oldest, born June 27, 1871, was educated in ilassaehusetts from the age of fourteen, graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1892 and receiving his degree in mechanical engineering before his twenty-first birthday. For a number of years he was connected with the firm of Wells & Adams, mortgage bankers at Quincy, biit in the fall of 1913 moved to Dayton, Ohio, and has since been head of the Piatt Iron Works of that

X The University Of Illino'

James Russell Wells, second child of George \\^ells, was born September 11, 1872. His twin brother, Albert George, died in infancy. James E. Wells after his fourteenth j'ear attended private seliools in ^Massachusetts, graduated from Dummer Academy in 1891, and studied architecture and design in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Boston Art School. For about a year after completing his education he followed his profession iu Boston, but has since been connected with the firm of Wells & Adams and is busied with handling his father's varied interests. November 8, 1898, he married Henrietta Rosamond Eaton, and they have four sons and one daughter.

The fourtli and fifth sons of Mr. George Wells were named Willie George and Frank Harrison, and w'ere born respectively December 4, 1873, and June 21, 1875. Both died in infancy. The sixth son was Charles Lawrence, l>orn January 19, 1883, and elsewhere referred to in this publication. The only daughter of the family was Harriet Evans, born July 28, 1884. She had a twin brother, who lived only a few months. Harriet is now the wife of Lafayette D. Musselman of Quincy.

Ch.^rlep Lawrence Wells, sixth son of ilr. and ^Mrs. George Wells and a grandson of the late Edward Wells of Quincy, is one of the most prominent younger men of the city, a leading spirit in all public movements and a constructive factor in all that makes for advancement in this section of the state. He inherits much of the enterprise and vigor of his grandfather, but has directed them largely to civic interests.

He was born at Quincy January 19, 1883, and like his older brothers was educated chiefly in the East. He attended the noted Lawreneeville School in New Jersey, also the Phillips Academy at Exeter, New Hampshire, and in the fall of 1903 entered Harvard University, from which he graduated in 1907. After his return to Quincy he became identitied with his father's business, and is still connected with the firm Wells & Adams, Mortgage Bankers.

In June, 1910, he was appointed by the mayor to the City Board of Local Improvements, and wa.s one of its executive committee until 1912. During that time the board effected a great deal of pennanent improvement in the city, especially in constructing new streets, sidewalks and sewers and doing probably more in this line of improvement than Quincy has ever had at any similar period before or since. In 1912 Mr. Wells was appointed a member of the Boulevard and Park Association and is a member of the executive committee of that organization.

He has served as secretary of the Civic League, and through this organization has done some of his best work for the city. Mr. Wells since May, 1916, has been pi-esident of the Woodlawn Cemetery Association, having succeeded his father, who had been president for many years. This is the oldest and finest cemetery in the city. It is owned by the city, but is cared for by the Cemetery Association, which was organized thirtj'-six years ago.

Mr. Wells is one of the most enthusiastic Masons in Western Illinois. He has been junior deacon of his lodge, illustrious ma.ster of Quincy Council No. 15, Royal and Select blasters, high priest of the Royal Arch Chapter, active in the Knight Templar Coramandery No. 77, and a member of the Quincv Consistory of Scottish Rite. During the winter of 1918 Mr. Wells served as "chairman of the local fuel administration under John E. Williams of Chicago, state chairman. Mr. Wells is independent in politics, and is a member of the Unitarian Church.

In November, 1915, he married Miss Lois D. Benton, wlio was born in Quincy, daughter of Joel Benton. Mrs. Wells is a highly cultured woman, was educated in the Quincy High School, at Davenport, Iowa, and finished her education in the Mason School at Tarrytown, New York.