Richmond Township

Richmond Township

Richmond is a thrifty and prosperous community. The land is well adapted to farming and grazing and the improvements are generally first-class. The surface is nearly level, though sufficiently undulating to furnish good drainage. The JNippei-sink Creek and its north and south branches are the only streams in the township. The North Branch enters the township at Genoa Mills. The South Branch comes in at the southwest corner of the township. The forks unite near Solon, and the creek makes its exit near the center of the eastern township line. Solon is situated on the main stream, and the village of Richmond on the North Branch. The Twin Lakes on the north side of the township have a small outlet flowing into the Nippersink.

The first settler in the town was Hon. Wm. A. McConnell, who , came in 1837 and erected the first building, a log structure, size 16 x 18 feet. Following him came Charles A. Noyce, John Purdy, Todd Francis, Daniel Newcome, Wm. and Alexander Gardner, Stephen Pardee and R. R. Crosby, most of whom settled in 1838. Thenceforth settlement progressed quite rapidly until all the land was occupied.

The first death in Richmond Township was that of Francis Purdy. He died in August, 1839, and was buried on the 21st of the month in the Richmond cemetery. One week later Miss Hannah Thomas, daughter of Briggs and Amy Thomas, was buried in the same cemetery.

The first election for town officers was held at the house of John Purdy in 1850, when the following were chosen to the offices named : C. H. Russelh'Snpervisor; Win. A. McConnell and - Blivin, Trustees: Gr. W. Daney, Treasurer and Assessor; Wm, A. McConnell, Justice of the Peace; Pliny Sales and David Baker, Constables.

The officers for 1884-'5 are: A. R. Alexander, Supervisor; John McConnell and John Coulman, Trustees; J. W. Hay thorn, Treasurer and Clerk; W. L. Turner, Assessor; R. K. Booth, Collector.

In 1838 Alexander, David and Wm. Gardner began the erection of a saw-mill on the ISTippersink. It subsequently fell into the hands of Henry White and his sou, John W. In 1840 they erected at Solon the first grist-mill in the county.

The first school in the township was taught by the daughter of Elder Pease, of Crystal Lake, in the Montelona school-house. This school-house was built in 1841, on the corner of Wm. A. McConnell's farm, west of Richmond. In 1842 a school of forty pupils was taught at Solon by Charles Knapp.

The graded school at Richmond was first opened in the fall of 1861, immediately after the completion of the school-house, with Dr. S. F. Bennett as teacher. The principals of this school have been Dr. Bennett, Mrs. Mclntyre, Ed. Burton, M. H. Soper, E. R. Young, Albert Young, W. H. Clark, John Fisk and H. C. Faber.

The town contained at the last enumeration 221 males and 170 females of school age; total, 391. There are seven districts and seven school-houses - one brick and six frame. The value of school property is $7,450. Richmond school and Washington District both have libraries containing many volumes of valuable works, which were received through donations and the exertions of friends of education.

Cheese Factories

The first cheese factory in the county was started in Richmond in 1866, by Dr. R. R. Stone and Hon. Wm. A. McConnell. It is now conducted by John McConnell.

The "Wheeler Cheese Factory started June 8, 1884. It was built by James Westlake at a cost of $3,500. The building was paid for in part by subscription. P. A. Allen and E. Bowers were the originators. The capacity of the factory is 15,000 pounds of milk per day.

Richmond Village

The village of Richmond was laid out in 1844 by Charles Cotting and Theodore Purdy. An addition was made to the town plot in 1846 by the same proprietors.

In 1844, at the raising of the mill, it was proposed that the one who climbed to the top of the building should have the privilege of naming the village. This feat was accomplished by Isaac M. Reed, who gave it the name of Richmond in honor of a village in Vermont, known to him in childhood days. The township was named Montelona by Chas. A. Noyce, but afterward it was changed to Richmond .

The first house in the village was built by Chas. A. Noyce who owned the section where the village now stands. It was a log structure 20 x 24, and stood on the lot now occupied by George Purdy's buildings near his residence.

The mill built in 1844 was erected by Cotting & Purdy. It was 35 x 40 feet, and two and a half stories high. It is still in use but remodeled, improved and enlarged. Cotting & Purdy also erected a store-room the same year, which was occupied by Hale, Lee &

The first wagon-maker was Ralph Andrews; first blacksmith, David C. Andrews; first lawyer, C. K. Couch; first physician, Dr. Hessett. The first hotel was built in 1843 by Heman Gibbs, who kept it several years. It is now the only hotel of the place aud is kept by C. N. Culver.

Bennett, John Haythorn, George Purdy, "William Purdy, John Holian, J. B. Hyde. Present officers or members of the board: President, Eichard Wray; Magistrate, George Purdy, Constable, P.J. Skinkle; Clerk, F. W. Mead; Trustees, A. M. Pettingal, L. W. Howe, T. Schrader, E. Eandall, Dan Dennison. The cheese, box factory and wagon factory are among the business interests.

The Eichmond Pickle Factory was built in 1872 by G. W. Eldridgeand John McOonnell at a cost of $5,000, and has since conducted a successful business. Pickles are salted here and sold to other establishments for pickling. The capacity of the factory is 25,000 bushels annually.

Eichmond Merchant and Flouring Mills are among the principal industries of the village. W. K. Bacon bought the property of Cotting, and in 1871 sold out to Cole, Cooley & Co. The mill was then worth $15,000 and is now worth $7,000 more. The present firm put in new machinery and refitted the establishment throughout in 1883. They also have a grain warehouse. They make all kinds of choice flour by the roller process. The capacity of the mill is fifty barrels in twenty-four hours.

The first postoffice established in the township was the Montelona postoffice, now Eichmond. Wm. McConnell was the first Postmaster and received his commission in 1838. The following have since served as Postmasters: Wm. Adams, D. Bennett, Luther Emmons, Dr. Stone, Allen Potter, J. V. Aldrich, D. A. Potter and Marcus Foot, the present Postmaster. The first moneyorder was paid at this office Aug. 2, 1869, to G. W. Conn. It was issued at Black Eiver Falls, Wis., July 16, 1869, to W. B. Porter; amount, $20; number of order, 8,470. It was received at the office July 19, 1869. The first money-order issued by this office was to Eussel Fuller, of Eichmond, July 13, 1869; amount, $49. 50, made payable to J. & M. Earley, Eockford, 111.

Methodist Episcopal Church of Richmond was organized Nov. 3, 1838, by Eev. L. S. Walker who preached two years. At this time the society formed a part of the Crystal Lake Circuit which comprised about thirty appointments. This society has been supplied by the following ministers: Eev. Walker was succeeded by O. A. Walker as preacher in charge with Nathan Jewett as junior preacher. Walker preached one year and was succeeded by Nathan Jewett as preacher in charge with Father Gaddis as an assistant. They were succeeded by Nathaniel White and Dr. Decker the year following. At the expiration of one year Dr. Decker was appointed senior preacher with L. Whipple, junior preacher. Amos Wiley succeeded Dr. Decker, Whipple'remaimng as junior preacher. L. S. Walker was again appointed to this charge as senior preacher with John Ehodes, junior preacher. After their term of services expired Nathan Jewett came for the second time. After one year he was succeeded by B. F. Jacobs, assisted by Eeverend Grant.

They were succeeded in one year by Eev. Calvin Brookins. At this time the church assumed the name of Eichmond charge with Eichmond and Hebron as the two preaching points and has since so continued. Eev. Brookins was succeeded by Edwin Brown who remained one year, when Dr. J. H. More became pastor and served nearly two years, going from this charge into the army as Chaplain of the Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry.

Thomas Corwin succeeded him and died after sei ving the charge only a few months. He was quite an able man and a much beloved preacher. E. M. Battis succeeded, who served two terms and was followed by H. M. Triggs, who served two years. After him came G. S. Wiley, two years; Nathan Critchett, two years; Samuel Earngey, three years; P. C. Stere, two years; W. F. DeLap, two years. In October, 1881, Grover C. Clark was appointed pastor. During the ministry of Eev. Brookins, Dr. More and Eev. Earngey great growth of the church was manifest. Previous to the building of their house of worship they held religious services in the Montelonaschool-hou6e. They dedicated their house in 1855. It is situated on Main street, is a frame building and will seat about 250. It cost $2,500. Its present membership numbers forty. Present officers: Stewards, Wm. A. McConnell, John McConnell; J. L. Downing, Eussel Fuller and Daniel Dennison, Trustees: George McConnell, Treasurer; Wm. A. McConnell, Class-Leader. Previous to the organization of the Sunday-school, a union Sabbathschool was attended by the children of all the denominations. Peter Whitney was the first Sabbath-school Superintendent. The present officers are: J. L. Downing, Superintendent ; Mrs.

Mary Fuller, Assistant Superintendent; Geo. McConnell, Secretary; George McConnell, Librarian and Treasurer. The enrollment numbers fifty scholars. The church is in quite a prosperous condition; its success since its organization has been mainly due to the energy and liberality of Wm. A. McConnell, who has not only paid out his money with a bountiful hand but has been one of the spiritual pillars of the church and has for the past nineteen years been the Class-Leader.

Solon M. E. Church, was organized in 1873, and a house of worship erected soon after at a cost of $1,600. The congregation is prosperous, with a good membership. There is a flourishing Sunday-school, of which Mrs. Fannie Overton is Superintendent.

Congregational Church of Richmond was organized Dec. 18, 1843, by Rev. L. Rodgers. Its first members were only seven in number. Robert W. Chapman and Dan. Rowe were elected Deacons at the first church election. Robert Rowe and wife presented the first child for baptism. The following is a list of the ministers in charge: Rev. I. A. Hart came April, 1847, and preached half of the time and remained till June 1, 1848; Rev. J. V. Downs, till Feb. 4, 1854; Rev. C. C. Cadwell, till Mav 2, 1869; Rev. Francis J. Douglass some ten or twelve years. Since October, 1883, Rev. Charles Fraser has been the pastor. The congregation held services in the Montelona schoolhouse prior to securing a house of worship, which consists of a remodeled school-house, which will seat about 100. The present membership is 150. Present officers: Deacons, Walter Jones and C. S. Reeder; Treasurer, C. S. Reeder; Clerk, Dr. S. L. Ward.

Montelona Baptist Church was organized Sept. 3, 1842, by Elder P. W. Luke, with the following members: Seymour Miller, Christopher Grant, John Stewart, Marcellus Pritchard, Eli Miller, Rachel A. Miller, Mary Streeter, Thomas Bucklin, Eliza Bucklin, Thomas C. Stewart, Eliza Stewart, Eliza Grant, Matilda Miller - thirteen in all. Elder Wheeler, who was the prime mover in the formation of the church, had preached to the people for some time before a congregation was organized. He has since ministered frequently to the church. The first pastor was Elder McOmber, who was succeeded by Elder S. Stimson for three years and a half, Elder Joel Wheeler (1859-1861), Elder Young, Elder C. H. Smith', (1862), E.O.Taylor, a student, Elder Dye, Elder. G. Cressey, Elder Wheeler, Elder J. Young, Elder E. Anderson, Elder H. A. Palmer - all students. The church was then without a pastor until

Elder Wheeler again took charge and is still acting as supply. Services were held in school-houses until 1865, when the present church building was erected in the northern part of the village of Kichraond. Its cost, including lot, was about $1,200. The membership is not now over twenty-five, though in 1878-9 it reached 100. The present officers are: Wm. Harrington and Jeremiah Eobinson, Deacons; Mrs. D. A. Potter, Clerk.

Richmond Lodge, No. 143, F. & A. M., was organized in 1854 with the following charter members: C. E. Bromley, C. H. Crossman, D. A. Martin, A. L. Smith, J. F. Hamilton, D. Mc- Kibbens, Rhoads Parker, David Parker, William Pratt, Edwin Brown, W. J. Hamilton. The first officers were: Charles F. Cotting, W. M.; Robert Bennett, S. W.; Geo. E. Leach, J. W.; David Baker, Treasurer; Asa Bennett, Secretary; Rev. Nathaniel Jewett, Chaplain; Alonzo Ramon, S. D.; Alex. Brandtr, J. D. ; James W. Sherlock, Tyler. Present number of members, fifty-nine. Present officers: J. V. Aldrich, W. M.; P. K.Allen, S. W.; H. J. Christian, J. W. ; George McConnell, Treasurer; A. R. Alexander, Secretary; John J. Moore, S. D.; Geo. H. Shibley, J. D. Stewards: Homer Hastings, S. S.; Robert Tweed, J. S.; Chas. Coulman, Tyler.

John C. Smith, Q. M.; L. B. Rice, Surgeon; G. C. Clark, Chaplain; Henry Christian, O. D.; John Sellings, O. G. Commander Ira R. Curtius, of Harley Wayne Post, No. 169, Marengo, being present, came forward and duly installed the above named comrades into their respective offices. Post Commander S. F. Bennett thereupon appointed Edward E. Brown, Adjutant; H. EL Nichols, Sergeant-Major and S. O. Stevens, Q. M. Sergeant, who were also by Commander Curtiss duly installed. It was then on motion resolved that this post be named and known as Richmond Post, No. 286, G. A. R., Dept. of Illinois. The present number of members is twenty-nine. The post is in a growing condition and considerable interest is manifested in its welfare by its members.

The following is a summary of the business interests of the town of Richmond: Agricultural implements, F. W. Mead; boots and shoes, George Alts; blacksmith, Robert Johonnott; barber, H. Chevillion; wagon-maker, A. P. Grey; dress-makors, Mrs. Libbie Darling, Mrs. S.J. Emmons; dentist, L. B. Rice; druggist, A. R.Alexander; furniture, Downing & Dennison; harness manufacturers, John West; hotel, C. E. Culver; hardware, H. E. Boutell, Milan Hicks; jewelry, C. F. Paxon; merchants, Aldrich & Burton, C. F. Hall & Co., D. A. Potter, Smith & Haythorn; meat-markets, John Billings, Cropper & Paxon; milliners, Mrs. G. B. Carpenter, Mrs. S. O. Stevens; physicians, S. F. Bennett, S. R. Ward; flour-mill, Cole, Cooley & Co.

The business of Solon Mills is represented as follows: Agricultural implements, James Robbins; carpenters,' William Gardner-, John Merrill, John Sutton; cheese manufactory, J. S. Overton; dressmaker, Mrs. Sarah Hodge; harness manufactory James Corkhill; merchant, R. B. Gardner; mason, John Skillicorn; physician, Henry Hornby; restaurant, Robert Patterson.

Biographical

J. V. Aldrich was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., June 26, 1837, a son of Sylvanus and Lydia (Crandall) Aldrich, his father a native of New Hampshire and his mother of Connecticut. Sylvanus Aldrich went to New York when a young man and in 1832 to Angelica, N. T., where he was married, and in 1835 moved to Michigan. In 1840 he moved to South Bend, Ind., and from there in 1843 to Logansport, and two years later came to Illinois and lived in Lake County two years, moving to MeHenry County in 1847. He was by trade a miller and followed the business in the various places in which he lived. In 1862 he enlisted in the Thirty-second Illinois Infantry and when in Chicago, before his departure for the field, fell from a bridge into the river and was drowned, Sept. 1, 1862, aged fifty-seven years. He was buried in the Solon cemetery with Masonic honors. His wife is living at Richmond, aged seventy-one years. J. V. Aldrich worked with his father at milling till twenty-five years of age. He then began clerking in a dry-goods store and in 1867 went into the dry-goods business with M. H. Booth. In 1869 J. W. Haythorn became a partner and the business was carried on three years, under the firm name of Haythorn, Aldrich & Co. He then sold his interest to Smith & Haythorn and built the store where he is now located and opened a dry-goods store. In 1881 Mr. Burton bought an interest in the business and the firm became Aldrich & Burton. Mr. Aldrich was married Oct. 20, 1870, to Nellie, daughter of David Sackett, of DeKalb County, 111. They had one child- Ella B., who died in infancy. Mrs. Aldrich died Aug. 22, 1871, aged nineteen years. Aug. 27, 1873, Mr. Aldrich married Mary, daughter of Shepherd Ercanbach, of Hebron, 111. They have four children - Harold, Boy, James and Kennie; also an adopted son, Claud S. Bolitically Mr. Aldrich is a Bepublican. He has been Postmaster of Bichmond four years, was Justice of the Peace two terms. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1857, and has taken the Knight Templar degrees.

George Andrews was born in Essex, Mass., Jan. 22, 1813, the eldest of ten children, five sons and five daughters, of Tyler and Eunice (Goldsmith) Andrews, and grandson of Zachias Coldsmith of Bevolutionary fame. When he was nine years old he left home and from that time took care of himself. He was obliged to work hard for the privilege of attending school three months in the winter. The winter he was fourteen he helped get the hay for the stock and hauled it two or three miles; got the year's wood and cut it, and walked a mile to school. The spring after he was sixteen he went to work in a ship-yard and remained there three years with the exception of two months each summer in haying time. He then began to work at the carpenter and joiner's trade. His father being poor and owning no home, he went to work to get one for him. He bought a lot and built the most of the house from the cellar to the chimney, even blasting the stone for the cellar walls and foundation. Dec. 25, 1835, the family moved into the new house. The same month Mr. Andrews left for Salem and worked at teaming through the winter. The next summer and fall he worked at the carpenter and house joiner's trade, and in November went to Lynn, and worked at the same trade ten months;' then bought a threshing machine which he ran in Essex and adjoining towns. In the spring of 1838 he came West, landed in Chicago, May 12, and worked on the canal till July: then traveled over the country a couple of weeks, and finally located in McHenry County, worked for S. Pardee the most of the time for two years. Feb. 2, 1840, he was married to Cordelia M. Allen, of New York, and bought the first frame house in this section, built by Martin Hoffman. He moved it to his farm and lived there three years, when the land was bought from under him by a man whom he had befriended many times. By the kindness of neighbors his house was moved to the place where it now stands. Hi6 farm then contained eighty acres but he has been prosperous and now owns 210 acres. In 1841 he and Mr. Pardee went to Chicago and bought a threshing machine which they ran two years, receiving §2 and four bushels of wheat for every 100 bushels threshed. The wheat was taken to Chicago and sold for 40 cents a bushel. In 1847 his health became impaired and he rented his farm and moved to Union Kidge, near Chicago. In June, 1847, his wife died, leaving four children - Henry L, born Dec. 10, 1841; John Q. A., born March 9, 1843; A. W., born April 7, 1845, and an infant that died before the mother. The following October he went to Essex, Mass., making the trip from Chicago to Albany by water. His children were noticeable for their good behavior and thus the care of them was not so hard for the father. He worked at his trade nine months and in the meantime sent an order to Chicago for one of the first McCormick reapers. In July, 1848, he returned to Illinois, bought a span of horses and a harness, and in company with R. Pierce ran the reaper and a Wimple separator two years in Richmond. Of late years Mr. Andrews has paid special attention to stock-raising, and has the finest grades of cattle, sheep and Poland-China hogs. He has always taken a great interest in school matters and was one of the first School Trustees in the township. He has never aspired to official honors, although one of the foremost to aid any project that promises benefit to the county. He took ten shares in the Milwaukee & Fox River Railroad and it cost him $2,000 to get rid of it. He was married a second time in 1850, to Mariam L. Coon, of New York, who died

July 21, 1878, leaving one son - Charles G, who was born May 7, 1853, and was marriedJnly 2, 1876, to Emily Thompson, a native of Medford, Mass., born in May, 1855. They have had four children and are now living on the old homestead. The three eldest sons were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion, and John Q. A. lost his life in the service. H. I. was with Sliennan in his famous expeditions. After his return home he followed farming a few years in Illinois and Missouri, when his health failed and he began the study of law and was admitted to the bar, and subsequently moved to Prescott, Arizona. A. W. remained at home a year after his return from the army. He then went to McLean County, thence to Missouri; a few years later returned to McLean County; then bought a farm in Richmond, McHenry County, which he sold two years later and moved to West Cedar, Kan. He married Ann Morford and has four children.

Augbine L. Austin, one of the most successful farmers of Richmond Township, was born in Onondaga Couuty, 1ST. T., Nov. 26, 1836, the eldest son of Rufus and Phosbe A. (Lockwood) Austin. In September, 1842, his parents moved to McHenry County, 111., and settled in Richmond Township, entering a claim from the Government on section 21. The father died in 1S59. The mother makes her home with her daughter in Ohio. They had four children - -A. L., William H., Lafayette, and Harriet H., now Mrs. M. S. Colgrove. A. L. Austin has a fine farm of 370 acres, lying on the main road a mile and a half south of Richmond. He has been very successful both as a farmer and stock-raiser, and also carries on quite an extensive dairy, milking twenty-five cows. When he commenced life for himself he had very little capital, and his success is due to his energy, perseverance and good judgment, assisted by the supeiior management of his wife. He was married in 1867 to Sarah, daughter of William Gillespie. They have three children - David, Hattie B., and Edward. Mrs. Austin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

John A. Beck was born in St. Clair County, Mich., Sept. 21, 1845, a son of William P. and Louisa (Fox) Beck. In 1853 his parents moved to McHenry County, 111., and settled in Richmond Township, where the mother died in 1859, and the father in 1878. They had a family of four children, three of whom are living. After reaching manhood Mr. Beck chose agriculture as a means of livelihood, and settled on a farm in Richmond Township. In 1871 he sold his farm and bought the one where he now lives on the

Nippersink Creek, which contains 120 acres of choice bottom land. He has a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. Mr. Beck is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. In the latter industry he makes a specialty of 6heep and horses. He was married in 1866 to Eliza, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Overton) Harness, natives of England, who came to America and settled in McHenry County, 111., in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Beck have four children - Carrie, "Willis T., George G. and Sarah E.

grandparents died about 1820. His maternal grandfather died about 1824, and his grandmother on the day he was born. His father died Sept. 8, 1859, aged seventy-three years, and his mother in 1863, aged seventy-three years. He received but a limited education, his youth being spent in assisting his father on the farm. In 1846 he came to the United States, landed in New Orleans, and from there came North to Chicago, reaching the latter place March 29. He remained in Chicago ten years, and in 1856 moved to McHenry County, and bought a farm in Richmond Township. He now owns 340 acres of choice land and the finest grades of stock. He was married Feb. 5, 1851, to Elizabeth, daughter of James and Ann Reed, natives of Yorkshire, England. Mrs. Bowers was born Feb. 16, 1830, and came to America with her parents in 1843. Her father died in Richmond in 1848, and her mother in 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Bower have two children - Thomas, and Delia, wife of James Grier. An infant is deceased. Politically Mr. Bower is a Democrat. He has been one of the most extensive dealers and shippers in stock in the county.

Alanson L. Brown was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., April 18, 1814, a sou of Alanson and Jane (Thomas) Brown, his father a native of New York, and his mother of Connecticut. He learned the carriage-maker's trade when a young man, and worked at it in his native State till 1854, when he came to McHenry County and located in Richmond. He worked at the carpenter's trade in Richmond, contracting and building some of the best residences and business houses of the place till 1870, when he retired to a less active life. Mr. Brown was married in 1837 to Nancy Gardner, who died leaving three children - Jane L., wife of Chauncey Coates; Arabelle, wife of L. L. Bennett, M. D., and Alice, wife of J. H. Reynolds, of Chicago. He subsequently married Eliza, widow of Nelson W. Herrick, and daughter of Henry and Ruth Porter. She has one son by her first marriage - Porter H. Mrs. Brown's mother is living in Ontario County, N. Y, aged eighty-six years. Mr. Brown's parents followed him to Illinois and made their home with him till their death. The father died in August, 1876, aged ninety-two years, and the mother in August, 1879, also aged ninetytwo years. They lived together seventy years. Six of their family of eleven children are living. Mr. Brown has been a member of the Odd Fellow's order a number of years. He is a member of the Baptist, and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs- Brown's father related at his golden wedding the following account of the capture of his mother by the Indiaus: "My mother was American born and her maiden name was Catherine Armstrong. While she was a child, living with her father at Fort Stanwick (now Eome, Oneida County), she was one day picking wild cherries about one-fourth of a mile from the fort, accompanied by another girl, and was taken prisoner by the Indians. The girls tried to elude them, and the other girl succeeded, but as my mother was climbing a fence she was taken. She was shown then the scalps of seven neighboring women, fresh and dripping, and was in great fear. She saw her mother at evening, when she went to milk, but was told if she made a loud noise her scalp would be there too. She was a prisoner among the Indians two years and nine months, and was then ransomed by her uncle for five guineas and several gallons of rum. After the ransom she was sent to Albany with other prisoners, and there General Washington conversed with them about their hardships, and giving them their dinner and a crown each, sent them home. She died at the age of seventy-six." Frederick Collison, an enterprising and successful stock-raiser ot Richmond Township, was born in East Kent, England, July 10, 1829, a son of Daniel and Ann (Cary) Collison. His mother died when he was ten years of age and his father two years later, leaving him penniless. His education was necessarily limited as he was obliged to depend upon his earnings for a livelihood. When eighteen years of age he came to the United States. He obtained employment of a man named Walter Cooke, in New York, but soon after went to Otsego County, N. Y., and lived with an uncle six months. He then worked two years for Robert Hooker, receiving $120 the first year and $130 the second. In the fall of 1853 he came West and was employed as clerk for his uncle, James Hayward, of Huntley. He subsequently formed a partnership with his uncle in buying and shipping produce, lumber and grain and located at Eichmond. After the death of his uncle he continued the business alone for some time. He afterward sold out the lumber business and confined his attention to grain, produce and cattle) till 1867, when he bought the land which is now a fine farm. It was at that time but partially improved. He has been engaged in general farming but has also paid special attention to the raising of short-horned Durham cattle and Vermont merino sheep. His cattle and sheep are registered in the American Herd Book and Vermont Register. Mr. Collison was married in 1862 to Elizabeth Aldrich. They have five children, three sons and two daughters. Mr. Collison has served Richmond Township as Treasurer eight years and as Commissioner nine years.

Rensselaer R. Crosby was born in Hartford, Conn., Jan. 8,1809, a son of Ebenezer and Bretta (Steele) Crosby. His father was born in Hartford, March 19, 1788, and died in Montpelier, Vt., April 16, 1813. His mother was born in Hartford. Sept. 10, 178S, and died in Solon Mills, 111., April 18, 1846. They had but two children - Rensselaer and Mariette, who was born Jan. 12, 1811, and was married Feb. 15, 1831, to Edwin S. Johonnott. She died at Grant, Lake Co, 111., Jan. 6, 1841. Mr. Johonnott died Aug. 10, 1847. They left three children, who found a home with Mr. Crosby - Robert Johonnott was born at Burlington, Vt., Nov. 2, 1833, and was married March 15, 1859, to Frances A. Rice. They have seven children - Mariette S., Louisa, Gertrude C, Henry Wooster, Louis B., Catherine and Josephine. Gertrude Crosby Johonnott was born at Saugatnck, Allegan Co., Mich., April 16,1836; married Dr. S. F. Bennett (author of " The Sweet By and By" March 1 5, 1860. They have had three children - Edwin Richardson, Robert Crosby and May Ruth, all born at Elkhorn, "Wis. Edwin S. Johonnott was born in Grant, Lake Co., 111., Dec. 29, 1838, and was married Aug. 16, 1866, to Frances L. Brown. They have four children - Edwin S., Eben Crosby, Ruth Mary and William Bradford. These children of Robert, Gertrude Crosby and Edwin S. , are of the tenth generation, descended from William Bradford, first Governor of Plymouth colony, who landed at Plymouth Rock, Dec. 22, 1620. R. R. Crosby was married Oct. 16, 1836, to Louisa Johonnott, daughter of Peter and Sarah Johonnott. Her mother died in Barre, Vt., at the age of eighty years, and her father in Solon Mills, 111., aged ninety-three years. Mrs. Crosby 'was born Sept. 13, 1814, the sixth of eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Crosby have no children. Mr. Crosby came West in 1333; remained a short time in Chicago; then lived in Michigan four years, when he returned to Illinois. In 1840 he opened a dry-goods store in Lagrange, Tenn., but in 1841 moved his goods to Chicago,and'a year later to Solon Mills, where he was in business nineteen years with Leverett Steele and John C. Wooster. He was Postmaster in Michigan three years and in Illinois twelve years. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace twelve years. Politically he is a Kepublican. He is a member of the Congregational church.

O. N. Culver was born in Caynga County, N. Y., in 1837, the second son of Isaac Newton and Maria Clark (Scammon) Culver. When eighteen years of age he left home and was employed five years as engineer on a railroad. He superintended the building of the Bowling Green & Tontogany Railroad. After leaving the employ of the railroad he was engaged three years as traveling auctioneer for a carriage manufactory of Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1880 he purchased the Richmond House and is one of the mo3t successful landlords in the State. Genial and obliging, he allows no guest to leave his house dissatisfied, but once a guest at the Culver House, always a guest, when business or pleasure calls to Richmond. In connection with the hotel is a first-class livery stable. Mr. Culver married Martha W., daughter of James and Phoebe Bartlett, of Nesv Jersey. She died in 1875 leaving four children - Sarah Ellen, Georgiana, Walter W. and Richard Bartlett. He subsequently married Theresa, daughter of Winslow and Eliza Parker. Mr. Culver is Deputy Sheriff of McHenry County, and is an efficient and reliable officer.

Clarence D. Denison, eldest son of Daniel and Julia (Foulken) Denison, was born in McHenry County, 111., July 16, 1858. He was reared on a farm and is now one of the most successful young men of the township. He owns 160 acres of good land, well improved. He makes a specialty of stock-raising and dairying, having some of the finest Poland-China hogs, Norman horses and Holstein cattle in the county. He was married in January, 1882, to Elizabeth Bates, daughter of Granville and Sarah Bates, of Douglas County, 111.

Marcus Foote was born near Skaneateles, Onondaga Co., N. Y., March 27, 1813, a son of Ebenezer and Lydia Foote, and a grandson of Timothy Foote. Ebenezer Foote moved to Ohio in 1832 and located in Huron County. He built a steam mill in what is now Fairfield. His wife died in 1846 aged sixty-three years, and he in 1857, aged eighty-one years. Timothy Foote moved to Ohio in 1834 and died the next year aged eighty-three years. His wife had preceded him two or three years, dying at the age of eighty years. Marcus Foote spent his early life on a farm. After moving to Ohio he was foreman in his father's mill twelve years, and then engaged in dealing in stock ten or twelve years. He then began the study of law and was admitted to the bar by Judge Brinkerhoif at Norwaik, Ohio. In 1874 he came to Illinois and settled in Kichmond, but in 1877 returned to Bowling Green, Ohio. He remained in Bowling Green only a year, when he came again to Richmond. He has served as Postmaster since 1878, and is a Justice of the Peace and Notary Public. During the war he was Deputy Marshal of Sandusky, Ohio. Mr. Foote was married in June, 1838, to L. K., daughter of Jabez and Lydia Gere, natives of New York. They have two children - Lydia, wife of G. W. Eldridge, and Marcus, a clerk in Commissioner Hoyne's office, Chicago, 1111 Politically Mr. Foote was originally a Whig, casting his first Presidential vote for General Harrison, but now affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and has been Grand Master three years.

ried Mary, daughter of Daniel Weeks, of Richmond Township. They have had three children - Arthur A., born June 17, I860- Mary, Aug. 10, 1868, and Alice Oscra, Sept. 12, 1871, died April 4, 1872. Stanley W. is a farmer; lives at Norwood, Mo. Ester. M., married Eudolph Primer and lives on the home farm. Arthur A. is a stenographer and typewriter; he lives in Chicago. May lives with her parents, in the village of Richmond. Politically Mr. Fuller is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Samuel G. Gale was born in Andover, N. H., Dec. 4, 1808 a son of John and Abigail (Smith) Gale, natives of Massachusetts, and among the earliest settlers of New Hampshire. His father was a cousin and schoolmate of Daniel Webster. He died in 1875, aged ninety-two years. His mother died in 1852, aged seventythree years. Our subject received but a limited education in the log-cabin schools. When sixteen years of age he went to Lowell, and from there to Manchester, Mass. He drove a stage from Lowell to Boston thirteen years. In 1843 he came West as far as Ohio, and thirteen years later came to Illinois, and settled in McHenry County, on the farm he now owns. He has 116 acres of land, which he cultivates, and also carries on a dairy, milking fourteen cows. He was married in June, 1832, to Louisa Alexander, a native of Goffstown, N. H. They are the parents of six children ; but two are living - Henry and John. Edward was killed in the battle at Guntown. Sophronia and two infants are deceased. Henry is in the gold mines of California, and his three children - John, Luella and Ellis, are with Mr. Gale. Politically Mr. Gale is a Republican.

William Gardner was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, Feb. 12, 1815, a son of Alexander and Mary (Brodie) Gardner. When he was seven years of age his parents came to America, landing in Montreal, and remained a year; then moved to Dundee, Canada, where his father died in 1858, aged seventy-five years. His mother died in 1872, aged ninety-two years. William Gardner and Ann Brodie were married at Fort Covington, Franklin Co., N. Y., April 17, 1837. Ann Brodie was the daughter of Robert and Jeanet (Crawford) Brodie. a native of Ayershire, Scotland, born July 15, 1817, and came to America when five years of age. Her father died in Canada, 1855, aged seventy-three years, and her mother in 1832, aged thirty-two. Her grandfather, Robert Brodie, died in Scotland in 1836, aged 100 years. He had thirty- eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Mr. Gardner and write came to Dundee, Kane Co., III., June, 1837. While here he assisted in building the first grist-mill in Dundee. They moved from Dundee to Solon in October of the same year. They first lived in a log-cabin, their nearest neighbor living from them a distance of three miles. Their nearest village and postoffice was McHenry, seven miles distant. Mr. Gardner and two of his brothers commenced to build the first saw-mill in the county. Before completing it they sold it to a Mr. White and his two sons. They then completed the saw-mill, and then built a grist-mill, the first saw and grist mill in the' county. Soon after the saw-mill was in operation Mr. Gardner built him a frame house. He came to the county before the land came into market, and laid a claim of 160 acres, which lie bought at the land sale in Chicago. On the next morning after he bought his land Mr. Gardner started for his home afoot, and readied home in the evening of the same day, having traveled a distance of fifty-seven miles. After living several years in their frame house, a large, two-story brick dwelling was built in 1851, and in which they still live. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner had eight children, of whom two only are living - James, born Nov. 23, 1838, was married in 1872 to Mary Cropley, and has one child - Edna B., born 03tober, 1875; Eobert B., born March 25, 1847, is in Colorado for his health, lie was married in 1873 to Adelia Turner, who died March 18, 1874, leaving a daughter, Carrie A., three days old, who is living with her grandparents. March 15, 1879, he married Amelia Turner. They have three children, two sons and a daughter - Willis H., William and Flora J. Mary was born Aug. 27, 1840, was married to John Merrell, and died Oct. 14, 1876, leaving three children, of whom one only, Arthur, is living; Helen, born Oct. 30, 1842, died Feb. 27, 1844; Agnes, born Dec. 20, 1844, died July 25, 1846; Willis W.,born April 20, 1849, was married in 1872, and died Sept. 7,1873; Flora A., born March 31, 1852, was married in 1874 to Charles Turner, and died April 29, 1882, leaving one child, Reuben R., born July 29, 1878, who is living with his grandparents; Anna J., born Jan. 6, 1856, died Feb. 5, 1865. Mr. Gardner now owns a fine farm of 240 acres. He has always been an honest, industrious man, and merits the success he has achieved. Politically he is a Republican.

Colonel H. Gibbs was born in Bethel, Windsor Co., Vt., Jan. 22, 1807, a son of Lemuel and Hannah Gibbs, natives of Vermont. His mother was a descendant of General Putnam. His father died about 1835, aged sixty-three years; his mother Dae. 9, 1870, aged ninety-five years. He remained in Vermont till twenty years of age and then went to Massachusetts, but two years later returned to Vermont and learned the clothier's trade. In 1832 he went to New York, and in 1843 came to Illinois and settled in Richmond, remaining here till his death, March 6, 1875. Jan. 22, 1834, he was married to Sarah Ensign, who was born in Stillwater, N. Y., Sept. 28, 1815, a daughter of David and Polly Ensign, natives of Saratoga County, N. Y., and granddaughter of Ezekiel and Abigail M. Ensign, early settlers of New York. Ezekiel Ensign kept a hotel two and a half miles from where Burgoyne surrendered his forces. Mrs. Gibbs's father was born in 1792 and died Sept. 16, 1865. Her mother was born in 1798 and died Jan. 24, 1871. To Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs were born three children - Joseph F., born April 28, 1835, died Oct. 10, 1854; Mary E., born Jan. 5, 1838, married Edwin M. Potter, and died Dec. 19, 1857, leaving one child - Mary E., born Oct. 28, 1857, now the wife of Thomas Bower; Ella L., born Nov. 21, 1843, married John Wray, and died Feb. 25, 1875, leaving two children - John F., born March 23, 1865, and Guy, born March 13, 1871. One son, Fred M., born March 2, 1867, died May 8, 1870. Mr. Gibbs was a prominent man in the township and held many offices of trust. He was a member of the Odd Fellows order at Richmond, and was Noble Grand of his lodge. Politically he was a Republican.

William Goodhand is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born Aug.'9, 1829, a son of John and Maria Goodhand, of the Parish Burwell, Lincolnshire, England. His father died Sept. 5, 1874, aged seventy-one years. His mother died Aug. 27, 1884, aged seventy-nine years. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Goodhand, lived at Grimbleby. He carried on an extensive business as butcher. He died at the age of eighty years. His maternal grandfather, George Woodliff, died Oct. 4, 1844, aged eighty-two years. He spent his boyhood on the farm and in school, until eleven years of age, and then went to work on a farm for three shillings a week. At the age of twenty-five he was married, March 15, 1855, to Mary A., daughter of George and Mary Daniels Cottager, of Freiston Fen,Lincolnshire, England. They came to the United States ; landed in New York, July 6, 1855; from there to Concord, Jackson Co., Mich., where they remained a year; then came to Illinois and located in Solon, McHenry County, where they have since resided. To them have been born nine children; but four are living - Anna,

Charles, Mabel and Mary. Mark, Alice, Jennie and William all died in 1865. George died Feb. 21, 1881. William Goodhand owns 100 acres of choice land, well improved. Politically he is a Republican.

Robert Hesselgrave was born in Yorkshire, England, May 22, 1812, a son of Thomas and Mary Hesselgrave. His parents came to America in 1845 and located in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where the father died in 1857, aged seventy-seven years, and the mother in 1864, aged eighty-two years. Thomas Hesselgrave was a farmer and a Free-Will Baptist preacher. He at one time went to England to preach a funeral sermon. His family consisted of thirteen children - William, born in 1800, died in 1882; Mary, born in 1802; James, in 1804; Nancy, in 1806; Thomas, in 1808; John, in 1810; Robert, in 1812; George, in 1814; Edward, in 1816; Sarah, in 1818; Martha, in 1820; David, in 1822, and Abram in 1824. Robert Hesselgrave was married in May, 1839, to Jane, daughter of Robert Dixon, who died July 4, 1846, leaving two children - George N., born July 4, 1842, and Mary A., born February, 1840, now Mrs. Robert Todd. In January, 1854, Mr. Hesselgrave married Margaret, daughter of Joseph Handen", who died Feb. 10, 1870, leaving six children - Edward P., born Oct. 20, 1855; William F., born in 1857; Phoebe E., in 1859; May M., in 1861; Robert A. L., in 1863, and Lillie I., in 1865. July 24, - 1870, Mr. Hesselgrave married Sylvania, widow of Chris. Wilson. Mr. Hesselgrave has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church twenty-three years, and has filled the offices of Trustee, Steward and Class-Leader. Politically he is a Republican. Hehasafine farm of 160 acres all well improved.

Thomas Holmes, deceased, was a native of England, but came to the United States when a young man. From New York he came West and lived in Wisconsin for some time. Then moved to Mc- Henry County, 111., and settled in Hebron Township. Subsequently moved to Richmond Township, and bought a farm of 160 acres a half mile southwest of the village, where he died in 1880. He married Maria Roddle, a native of England, who survives him and is living on the old homestead. To them were born nine children - Stephen, William R., Alfred, Russell E., Frank, Alice E., Delbert, Anna M. and Ida L.

Asa J. Johonnott was born in Barre, Washington Co.,.Yt., Sept. 11, 1802, a son of Peter and Ruth (Shelding) Johonnott, natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut. In early life he began working in a tannery, and followed that trade till twenty years of age, when he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and now owns eighty acres of choice land. He came West in 1845 and settled near Solon, and is now the oldest man in the county. He was married in 1848 to Mary Puller,. a native of New York. They have two sons - Frank S. and R. J., both farmers of Richmond Township. Politically Mr. Johonnott is a Republican. He is a member of the Episcopal church.

E. 8. Johonnott. - The history of McHenry County would be incomplete did it not contain a biographical sketch of E. S. Johonnott, who has been identified with the interests of the county from its infancy. He was born in Lake County, 111., Dec. 29, 1838, a son of E. S and Mariette (Crosby) Johonnott. His parents were natives of Vermont, and moved to Michigan in 1835 and two years later to Lake County, 111., and were among the most prominent of the early settlers of the county. Our subject passed his early life on the farm of his father, and when his services were not required at home attended the district schools. He subsequently attended Waukegan academy, where he laid the foundation of his future successful career. After leaving school he went to Michigan and worked in a saw-mill a year, then returned to McHenry County and commenced his mercantile career. He clerked in a store in Solon Mills till the winter of 1858, and then went to Memphis, Tenn., and was employed in a wholesale dry-goods house till May, 1862. He returned home, but the following July went again to Memphis and remained till December, when he was taken prisoner by the rebels, who tried to force him to take arms against the Government. Notbeing successful they paroled him on condition that he return North. The next day he started for Illinois. He soon after settled on his farm in Richmond Township, and has since been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He owns 240 acres of good land with comfortable buildings, etc. He consults the best authorities on stock-raising and has made this industry a successful and lucrative one. His sheep are the best grade of thoroughbred, Spanish merinos, registered in the "Wisconsin and Vermont records. His cattle are of the high grade, short-horn, and his horses of Morgan and Hambletonian stock. Mr. Johonnott was married Aug. 16, 1866, to Fannie L. Brown, a native of London, England, born March 2, 1847, a daughter of James and Fan- ' nie Brown. Pier parents came to the United States in 1854, and settled in Waukegan , 111., where they both died in 1865. Mr. and

Mrs. Johonnott have four children - E. S., born Nov. 9, 1868; Eben C, born April 16, 1870; Mary Ruth, born April 16, 1872; and William B., born Sept. 11, 1873. Mr. Johonnott is independent in his politicil views. He his never aspired to official honors, although one of the foremost to encourage and sustain every project that promises advancement to the county or township. Benevolent and sympathetic, he is always one of the first to be called upon for assistance by the needy and oppressed, and none who are found to be worthy are ever turned empty away. His home is the home of friend and stranger alike, and hospitality and good cheer make all feel welcome. In all his business transactions he is honorable and upright, and makes friends of his business acquaintances. Mr. Johonnott is an honored member of Richmond Lodge, No. 143, F. & A. M.

Richard Lawson, the eldest of six children of Stephen Lawson, was born on English Prairie, McHenry Co., 111., Dec. 24, 1844. His father was born in England, in 1810, and in 1835 came to the United States and located in Michigan, where he worked a year for Samuel Pratt. In 1836 he came with his brother-in-law, Richard Wray, to McHenry County, 111., and laid a claim. He was married in 1839, and built a house on his land, and lived here till his death, Feb. 12, 1S83, aged seventy-three years. Richard Lawson was reared and educated in his native county. He has always followed agricultural pursuits, and now owns 274 acres of land, which is well improved. His stock is of the finest grades of short-horn cattle, and Poland-China hogs. Mr. Lawson was married Dec. 1, 1869, to Mary E., daughter of Robert Simpsou, of Ringwood. They have had three children; two are living - Frank E. and Mildred A. Stephen R. died Aug. 4, 1883, aged thirteen years. Politically Mr. Lawson is a Republican.

Henry Marsh was born in Orleans County, N. Y., Oct. 27, 1826, a son of Alvah and Hannah (House) Marsh. In 1738 William, Joel and Linus Marsh came from London, England, and settled in Charlestown, Mass. Joel and Linus died soon after coming to America, and William moved to Keene, N. H., and remained till after the war of the Revolution. He was a Quartermaster-General in that war, and one to help throw the tea overboard in Boston Harbor in 1774. He died in Brattleboro, Vt., in 1833, aged ninety-six years. He was the father of three sons - William, Hosea and Jacob. William enlisted in the war of the Revolution when only sixteen years old. He was captured with Ethan Allen and taken to Halifax, where he remained six months, when he was exchanged and served under General Steuben till the close of the war. He died in Brattleboro, Yt., in June, 1843, aged eightyseven years. He had a family of seven children - William, Joel, Marcus, Linns, Alvah, Vienna and Orpha. Alvah was born in Brattleboro, Vt., Nov. 13, 1796, and in 1824 moved to Orleans County, N. Y. He came from New York in 1841 and settled in Naperville, Da Page Co., 111.; nine years later moved to De- Kalb County, and in 1866 to California, where he died May 13, 18S2. He was married in 1821 to Hannah House, who was born June 14, 1804, and died June 14, 1883. They had a family of ten children - Julia A., Yienna, Henry, Marcus, Betsey, Joseph, Matilda, Adolphus, Alvah and Olive. Henry Marsh remained with his parents till twenty-live years of age. In 1852 he went to California, and in 1854 to the Sandwich Islands; remained a short time and returned to California, and Feb. 15, 1855, sailed for New York City, reaching there April 2; and from there came to Illinois, and has since resided in McHenry County. He was married June 1, 1857, to Sallie A., daughter of John and Harriet Tibbetts. They have had five children - Emma, Jennie (deceased), Nettie, Bertha and Hattie. Politically Mr. Marsh is a Democrat. Mrs. Marsh's father, John Tibbetts, was born in Maine, Aug. 6, 1792, and when a young man enlisted in the war of 1812 and served five years and nine months. He participated in several battles, including Quebec. He had a family of nine children - William, Humphrey, Rufus, Hiram, John, Henry, Susan, Sally A. and Julia A.

L. L. Martin was born in Berkshire County, Mass., Oct. 28, 1818, a son of Edward and Mary (Chase) Martin, and grandson of Edward Martin and Benjamin Chase, natives of England, who came to America in an early day. He was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. In 1836 he went to New York, and ten years later came to Illinois and settled in Richmond Township, McHenry County, where he now owns a fine farm of 170 acres, well stocked and with good farm buildings. He has been a prominent man in the township and has held many of the public offices. He voted the Republican ticket a number of years, but now is independent in politics. He was married Oct. 3, 1846, ' to Fannie L. Whiston, a native of Deerfield, N. Y., boru Feb. 27, 1831, a daughter of John and Hannah Whiston, natives of New York, the father born Oct. 2, 1802, and the mother Nov. 10, 1805.

J. N. Mason, a native of Manchester, N. Y., born May 29, 1827, is a son of Hezekiah and L«ira (North up) Mason. His father died in the fall of 1828, and his mother in 1878, aged seventy-two years. His early life, after the death of his father, was spent in Cheshire, Berkshire Co., Mass, where his grandparents, Joshua Mason and Stephen Nbrthup, were bom and died. His greatgrandfather, Stephen Northup, was a soldier in the war of the Kevolution, and was wounded in the knee. He died in 1836; aged ninety-six years. April 5, 1862, Mr. Mason came to Illinois and settled in Hebron. In the spring of 1863 he began buying cows, and in company with George W. Conn built the first cheese factory in the county, on what is known as the Jones farm. In 1866 he moved to the farm where he now lives and established the Kilgore factory. In 1873 he went to Walworth County, Wis., and carried on a factory two years; thence to Chemung, and built a factory; and in 1877 to Byford, and ran a factory a year. He owns thirty-six cows and makes a fine grade of butter and cheese. Mr. Mason was married Oct. 27, 1849, to Abigail Conn, who was born Oct, 28, 1832, a daughter of Emory and Edith Conn. They have ten children - George IS"., Minnie J., Ralph M., Laura E., Frank J., John C, Orchie, Lois E., Ida B. and Earl. Politically Mr. Mason is a Democrat.

George McConnell, youngest son of William and Elizabeth (Bodine) McGonnell, was born in Richmond Township, McHenry Co., 111., March 3, 1845. He spent his youth on the farm, attending the district schools. He then attended Mount Morris Seminary, and when nineteen years of age began teaching. He taught several years in the winter and worked on the farm in the summer, and finally devoted his entire attention to the farm. He now owns 520 acres of choice land, all well improved. His farm buildings are all in good repair, his barn being the largest in Mc- Henry County. He has a flock of 450 fine Vermont merino sheep and a good grade of cattle and hogs. He married Susan Cushman. They have five children - Cora, May, Frank, Harry and William.

History Of Mo Henry Ooctnty

John McConnell, second son of William A. and Elizabeth (Bodine) McConnell, was born in Richmond Township, McHenry Co., III., July 8, 1842, and was the first white child born in Richmond Township. He attended thedistrict school and later Mount Morris Seminary. In 1864 he went to California making the trip overland by teams. He left home April 24, and arrived at Sacramento City, Sept. 20. He remained four years engaged in the lumber business. He then returned to Illinois and has since engaged in farming. He owns 365 acres of choice land all well cultivated. He has a substantial frame residence, and commodious farm buildings. In connection with general farming he carries on a dairy, milking from twenty to thirty-five cows. He has been connected with the Richmond Cheese Factory fifteen years and in 1877 became the sole proprietor. In 1883' he sold an interest to Frank Howden. In 1882 he assisted in establishing the Richmond Pickle Factory, the only establishment of the kind in Richmond. Mr. McConnell was married in 1868 to Mary A., daughter of Samuel arfd Mary Frothingham. They have two children - Bertha 0. and Charles D. Mr. McConnell has served his township ten years as Trustee. He is a member of Richmond Lodge, No. 143, F. & A. M.

William A. McConnell was born in Williamsport, Lycoming Co., Pa., March 20, 1810. His father, John McConnell, was a native of Peach Bottom Valley, Lancaster Co., Pa., of English parentage, and died in Muncie, Lycoming Co., Pa., at the age of forty-four years. His mother, Agnes, was of Scotch descent, born in Brenton, Lancaster Co., Pa., and died in Jackson, Mich., at the age of eighty-four years. Mr. McConnell is the only surviving member of a family of five sons. Thomas died in Muncie, Pa., aged sixty years, and left a family of five children - John, Porter, Mary, Elizabeth and Susan. John died in Jackson, Mich., aged sixty years, and also left five children - Turner, Oscar, John, Agnes and Delia. Charles died in Muncie, Pa., at the age of twenty-six years, unmarried. William A. was the next in order of birth. James died in 1881 at Toledo, Ohio, aged seventy years. He was a widower at the time of his death and left no children. William A. McConnell spent his early life on his father's farm, attending school in the winter till twenty years of age. He then went to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he worked seven years. In 1836 he came West, and located in Richmond, McHenry Co., 111., in May, 1837. He was the first settler in the township, and his nearest neighbors were at McHenry and Geneva, there being two families at each of these places. He laid his claim and when the land came into market in 1840 bought it of the Government. His first purchase was 480 acres; to this he added till he owned 1,400 acres of choice land. In 1872 he gave each of his sons a fine farm, with buildings and stock, and grain sufficient for one year's use. His residence is a half a mile west of the center of Richmond. Here he built a log cabin in which he lived fifteen years and then built the frame dwelling just across the road, in which he lived twenty years. In 1872 he built a new house on the site of the old log cabin, where he now resides. Mr. McConnell was the first Justice of the Peace of the township and also in the county, and has held that office for the past thirtysix years. He was the first Postmaster of Richmond, receiving his appointment from Martin Van Buren. He was Associate Judge of McHenry County sixteen years. He was elected Commissioner of McHenry County in 1844, and served two terms of three years each. He served one term on the Board of Equalization and one term in the State Legislature, the first session after the organization under the new Constitution. Mr. McConnell has served several years as Supervisor and was always elected their Chairman. He has been a member of t odist Episco church fifty-three years, and a Class-Leader since 1S38. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was a member of the first, temperance organization in the county, the Washingtonians. Mr. McConnell was married in 1838, in Pennsylvania, to Elizabeth Bodine, a native of Lycoming, born in 1811. They have three sons - A. B., residing near Woodstock, married Hattie Potter, and has five children - Elizabeth, Lena, Ida, William and Fred; John, of Richmond Township, married Mary Frothingbam and has two children - Bertha and Charles; George, of Richmond Township, married Susan Cushman and has five children - Cora, May, Frank, Harry and William.

F. W. Mead was born in Pittsford, Vt, May 25, 1S43, a son of William S. and Lucretia Mead, natives of Yermont. His parents moved to McHenry County, 111., in 1844, and located in McHenry Township, where the father died in 1876 and the mother in 1878. They were the founders of the Methodist church at Ringwood, and also assisted in building the Congregational church at that place. F. W. Mead received a good business education graduating from Todd's Seminary. Soon after leaving school,

Aug. 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company M, First Illinois Light Artillery. He participated in the battles of Lebanon, Ky., Franklinville, Chickamanga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Eidge, Knoxville, Buzzard Eoost, Kesaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee, Peach Tree Creek, seige of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Nashville, second battle of Franklinville, and a 'number of less importance. He was mustered out at Chicago, July 29, 1865. After his return home he worked on the farm two years and in 1867 bought a blacksmith's shop and learned the trade. In 1875 he sold out and bought a shop in Kichmond which he soon after enlarged, and added a stock of farming implements. Mr. Mead was married Jan. 1, 1866, to Emma A., daughter of Allen P. Colby, of Mc- Henry Township. Tbey have had five children; but three are living - Carrie A., Myrtle and William Eaymond. Lora and Lennie are deceased. Politically Mr. Mead is a Kepublican. He has been Trustee of Kichmond two years, and a member of the School Board and City Clerk two terms. He is a member of Kichmond Post, No. 286, G. A. R., holding the office of Senior Yice-Commander.

William Moore is a native of the Isle of Man, born in Andreas, Dec. 11, 1824, a son of John and Catherine (Monear) Moore. His father died in 1872, aged seventy-five years, and his mother in 1878, aged seventy-four years. They reared a family of ten children - John, died in California in 1882; William; Daniel, died in New Orleans in 1849; Catherine, living on the Isle of Man; Thomas, a sea-captain, died on ship-board; Dollin, was a sailor, but subsequently came to Illinois and died in Solon, Aug. 1, 1861; Louisa, was killed by a runaway milk wagon in Chicago, 111. ; Jane, of Liverpool, England; Edward, a farmer in Dakota, and Cseser, a sea captain, running from Liverpool to Egypt. William spent his boy-hood on the farm with his father. He attended school till seventeen years of age, then followed the sea and farming three years. In May, 1844, he left Liverpool and landed in New York, July 4. From there he went to Milwaukee, Wis., and two weeks later to Kenosha County, Wis., where he remained three months. He then came to McHenry County, 111., and located in Kichmond Township, where he now has a good farm of 166 acres. He was married Jan. 12, 1850, to Eliza, daughter of William and Jane (Curlett) Gawne, of the Isle of Man. She was born Aug. 26, 1824, and came to the United States April 12, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have had nine children; but four are living - Anna, wife of

B. Covell; John J., Edith and William. Louisa, Ella, Agnes, Catherine and Lydia are deceased. Politically Mr. Moore is a Republican. He has served one year as Assessor of his township. His son, John J., is a member of the Masonic fraternity, lodge, chapter, council and commandery.

G. H. Myers was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., Jan. 27, 1826, a son of J. D. and Catherine (Hess) Myers, natives of New York, and grandson of John D. Myers and Joseph Hess, both of whom came from Germany to America in an early day. John D. Myers was a soldier in the Revolution. His son, J. D., was in the war of 1812. Sept. 10, 1844, our subject's father came to Illinois and took up land in McHenry Township. He died March 17, 1868, aged seventy-eight years. The mother died in New York in 183^, aged forty-five years. G. H. Myers came West with his father in 1844. He received a good education in his native State and since reaching manhood has devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising. He has a good grade of stock and owns 220 acres of choice land. He was married in February, 1851, to Margaret, daughter of J. P. and Elizabeth Snell, natives of Little Falls, N. Y., of German descent, who came to McHenry County,' in 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have five children - Bertie, wife of Charles Radcliff, of Elgin, has one child - Grace; Emma, wife of William Radcliff, of Elgin, has one child - Dwight; John S., Margaret and Susan. Politically Mr. Myers is a Republican.

Major Nolle was born in Chicago, 111., Nov. 23, 1853, the youngest son of Major and Emily (Steadman) Noble, his father a native of Yorkshire, England, and his mother of New York. His parents came to Illinois in 1830, and settled in Chicago, then a mere hamlet. In 1869 they moved to McHenry County, and lived in Ringwood two years. In 1871 moved to the farm on sections 19 and 20, Richmond Township, where our subject and his mother now live. The father died Nov. 15, 1883. The family of five children are all living - Clara, wife of John Coats; Robert W.; Elizabeth, wife of Harrisou Oberton; Mary I., wife of G. W. Herbert; and Major. Robert and Elizabeth are living in Iowa, the rest in McHenry County. Major Noble was married in 1875 to Maude Reader. They have four children.

Richard W. Overton, youngest son of James S. and Harriet A. Overton, was born in Richmond, McHenry Co., 111., Aug. 6, 1855. He received a good education, completing it at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, Chicago, graduating in 1875. He then taught school live years and since 1880 has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. He is also a partner in Nippersink Valley Creamery and Cheese Factory. Mr. Overton was married March 29, 1875, to Fanny K. Killey, a native of the Isle of Man, daughter of "William and Elizabeth Killey. Mrs. Overton's father died in 1880. Her mother is a resident of Richmond.

James 8. Overton, proprietor of Nippersink Valley Butter and Cheese Factory, is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born June 7, 1826, a son of "William and C. A. (Lockwood) Overton. In 1845 his parents came to the United States and located in Richmond, 111., where the mother died in 1861 and the father in 1870. But three of the ten children are living. After coining to Mclienry County James S. worked as a farm-hand at $12 a month, and by saving his earnings bought twenty acres of land; to this he added till he owned a fine farm of 215 acres. During the war he dealt extensively in live-stock, shipping the greater part to Chicago. In 1880 he established his factory and is now carrying on an extensive business, using 1,700 pounds of milk, and manufacturing forty pounds of butter, and eighty-seven pounds of cheese per day. His factory is supplied with the latest improved machinery and the products are of the finest grade, Mr. Overton giving the work his special supervision. Mr. Overton was married in 1852 to Harriet Kowson, a native of England. They have two sens- William J. and Richard "W. Politically Mr. Overton is a Republican. He has served his township as School Trustee and Path master.

D. A. Potter is a native of New York, born April 23, 1834, a son of Stephen P. and Charity Potter: Stephen P. Potter was a native of New York. In 1856 he moved to Illinois and settled in Richmond, where he died May 8, 1876, aged seventy-three years, and his wife May 8, 1878, aged seventy-one years. D. A. Potter attended school till fifteen years of age and then began clerking. When eighteen he went to Burlington, 111., and from there to Chicago, and McHenry County. He remained in McHenry County a year and then in the spring of 1856 opened a store in Richmond. He now carries a stock of goods valued at several thousands of dollars, keeping every thing to be found in a general store. He was married Dec. 1, 1858, to Kate, daughter of Thomas and Maria Hagerdy, natives of New York. They have two children-Carrie, born Dec. 17, 1859, married William R. Heath, of Benton Harbor, Mic'h,and has one child-Mabel, b>rn Septem- ber, 1881; Frank G., born Aug. 22, 1862, married Ella, daughter of John Haythorn, and has jne son. Mr. Potter is a member of Eichmond Lodge, No. 143, F. & A. M. Politically he is a Republican.

George Purdy was born in New York, Feb. 1, 1826, a son of John and Maria S. (Fiagler) Purdy, and a grandson of Francis Purdy, one of the earliest settlers of New York. John Purdy was born in Fishkill Landing, N. Y., July 21, 1792. In his early life he was in the mercantile business and afterward moved to Washington Hollow and kept a hotel several years. In 1837 he moved to Illinois and spent a winter in Joliet, and in the spring of 1838 came to McHenry County and located in Eichmond. In 1839 he built the first water-power mill (a saw-mill) in the county, and in 1844 built the first flour-mill in company with C. G. (Dotting. His wile died in New York, in November, 1836. They had a family of five children - William H., deceased; Francis, died Aug. 19, 1839, and was the first person buried in the Richmond cemetery; Edward, died at Council Blufls, Iowa; Jane; Maria M.,diedinMay, 1"824. George is the only one living. Mr. Purdy afterward married Permelia Lockwood. They had two children; both are deceased - - Sarah M. and Helen. Sarah was born July 4, 1838, the first child born in Eichmond. Mrs Purdy died Jan. 30, 1843, and Nov. 6, 1845, Mr. Purdy married Mary Eeeden. He died Sept. 13, 1861. George Purdy, the only survivor of his father's family, was reared on a tarm, and on reaching manhood chose that vocation for his lifework. He was also engaged in milling a number of years, working for his father. He received a good education attending the public schools till nineteen years of age and then the High School two terms. He was married July 9, 1863, to Amanda, daughter of David Fisher. They have had three children - Frank F., born Aug. 22, 1865, died July 9, 1883; George N., born Oct. 22, 1870, and Blanche M., born June 15, 1874. Mrs. Purdy died Jan. 24, 1882. Mr. Purdy has been a Justice of the Peace eight years, and has also served his township as Trustee, Director. Member of Village Board and President of the same. He is a member of Richmond Lodge, No. 143, F. & A. M. Politically he is a Republican.

James Robbins was born in Oswego County, N. Y., Aug. 1, 1829, a son of John and Polly Robbins. His parents were natives of New York, and in 1844 came to Illinois and located in Solon, McHenry County, where the mother died April 18, 1857, aged fifty-nine years, and the father, June 16, 1869, aged seventy-nine years. They had a family of three sons and four daughters; three daughters are deceased. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Ebenezer Robbins, came from England to America before the Revolutionary war and settled in Keene, N. EL, where he died in ISiO. His wife, Ruth, was of Irish descent and died in the fall of 1840. They had a family of four daughters and one son. The maternal grandfather of our subject, James Ferguson, came from Scotland in an early day and died in Oswego County, 1ST. Y., about 1848. His wife was a native of Germany. They had a family of four sons and five daughters. James Robbins received a good education and after leaving school followed agricultural pursuits several years, and then sold his farm and opened an agricultural implement store in Solon, where he is doing a good business. Nov. 11, 1856, Mr. Robbins was married to Mary, daughter of Sylvanus Aldrich. She died April 15, 1871, leading seven children - Hattie, wife ofE. R.Young, ofEagan, Moody Co., Dak.; Sylva, wife of William F. Huntington, of Howard, Dak.; James, of Austin, Texas; Edward, of Williamson County, Texas; Lena C, in Osage, Iowa; John, at home; Albert E., in Dakota. Dec. 10, 1877, Mr. Robbins married Sarah, daughter of George and Sarah Turner, natives of England. They have two children - George T., born Dec. 18, 1879; and Walter, born Dec. 11, 1883. Mr. Robbins is politically a Republican. He has served as Justice of the Peace fifteen years, and has held many other offices of trust, fie is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and of the Good Templars order, but still stands by the Republican party. Thomas Ryder Sheldon was born at Duanesburg, Schenectady Co., JM. Y., Oct. 20. 1818, allied by direct descent to the first families who settled in Rhode Island of English extraction. He was the second son of Timothy and Sarah (Jenkins) Sheldon. His father's grandfather, Jonathan Sheldon, was kidnapped from his home in Rhode Island in the night and pressed into the British service and taken to England. After a long series of hardships he made his escape and returned to his home. His mother s grandfather. Captain Christopher Jenkins, was one of the earliest settlers of Long Island. The family were Baptists. His paternal ancestors were Friends, or the sect more commonly known as Quakers, and in these earlier times suffered heavy persecutions. The ancestors on both sides were men of strict integrity, did not bow down to public opinion, but held that the eternal principles of immutato ble justice must be maintained. The subject of this sketch, Thomas R. Sheldon, remained with his parents until 1837, then entered the commercial world of New York City. These years were filled with religious thought and observation. At the age of twenty-three he became, a member of the Fourth Congregational Church, under the charge of the Rev. Dr. Noble; was an active member in the service of the church and an earnest worker in the Sabbath-school. March 2, 1843, he married Mary, eldest daughter of John and Barbary Ulbrich, of Philadelphia. Mrs. Sheldon is a devoted member of the Baptist church. In the spring of 1844, his health failing:, became West and settled in "Wisconsin, while yet a Territory, three miles north of his present home, which he purchased in 1854. He owns one of the best and most valuable farms in McHenry County, containing 300 acres of choice land, well improved. Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon have four children - Sarah E. (Sheldon) Wilson, of Norwood Park, 111. ; John Chancey, of Newport, Iowa, a farmer; Fred, attorney at law, Osage, Iowa; Mary B., who resides with her parents at Richmond. He has twelve grandchildren.

C. F. Stewart was born in Madison County, N. Y., May 24, 1819, a son of John and Martha Stewart, the former a native of New York and the latter of Vermont. His grandfather, John Stewart, was a soldier in the Revolution, and died in 1846, aged ninety years. When sixteen years of age C. F., in company with three older brothers, H. A., H. C. and H. J., came West. The first day they walked sixtj^-two miles, and at Buffalo took a boat for Toledo. From theie they walked to Michigan City, Ind., in abont two weeks. C. F. and H. A. then walked around the lake to Chicago in a night and part of two days, and went fb Geneva and worked in a mill two months, and then came to McHenry County and worked for Abijah Barnuin on his saw-mill. They built a boat for him, and with it brought a load of provisions to McHenry. In the latter part of 1836 they came to Richmond and bought a half-section of land from the " Jack-knifers ;" paid them $25 for the privilege of locating. They erected a small cabin, which is yet standing, and while one worked at improving the land the other worked on the public works to furnish the means of livelihood. They continued in this way three years, when they had saved enough to allow them both to remain on the land. C. F. has made this township his home, with the exception of three years, since his first arrival. In 1843 his parents came West and lived in Illinois five years. They then went to Fond du Lac County, Wis., where the father died in 1854, aged seventy years, and the mother in 1860, aged seventy-seven years. They had a family of eight sons - H. A., H. C, David C, H. J., C. F.j F. JR., Lewis C. and E. C. Politically they were all Republicans. H.' J. Stewart was married in 1839 to Margaret D. Smith, of Lockport, 111., and she was the first white woman resident in the district now known as Keystone.

J. B. Stone was born in Norwich, N. Y., March 19, 1827, a son of Silas B.Jand Marita (York) Stone. His father was born in Whiting, Vt., Aug. 30, 1800, and died in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., Aug. 3, 1862. His mother was born in Brookfield, N. Y., June 27, 1803, and in 1862 came to McHenry County, 111., where she died March 28, 1884. His grandfather, Josiah Stone, was a native of Rhode Island, and died in New York about 1837, aged eighty years. His grandmother, Lois (Bennett) Stone, died in 1851, aged 100 years. J. B. Stone received a good education in his native county. He then engaged in farming several years. In health failing he returned East and worked at wagon and carriage making. He afterward canre again to McHenry County and bought a farm of 200 acres in Hebron Township, where he lived till 1883, when he moved to Richmond. He was married Sept. 6, 1847, to Ellen C, daughter of George and Maria (Street) Myers, natives of New York. To them have been born three children; two are living - Mattie, wife of W. H. Rotnour, and Mark M. The latter married Loma Watkins, who died in 1882; and in 1884 he married Mary G-reely. Acta M. was born Dec. 5, 1851, and died Sept. 9, 1853. Mr. Stone is a member of Richmond Lodge, No. 143, F. & A. M. Politically he is a Republican.

C. H. Tefft was born in Providence, R. I., Feb. 4, 1831, a son of Jesse and Dency Tefft, natives of Rhode Island. When he was an infant, in 1831, his parents moved to Allegany County, N. Y., where the father died in December, 1859, aged sixty years, and the mother is still living, aged eighty-one years. His grandfather, Jesse Tefft, died in 1840, aged seventy years. He received a good education, attending school till twenty years of age. He was married Jan. 1, 1854, to Mary E., daughter of Ira and Cynthia Churchill, natives of New York. Her father died in 1850, aged forty years, and her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Tefft have two children - Charles B., born Oct. 27, 1854, was married July 4, 1878, to Flora, daughter of W. H. Ballard. Ada, born Dec. 25, 1868. Politically Mr. Tefft is a Republican. He lias served his township in several of its offices.

Brlggs Thomas was born in German Flats, Herkimer Co., N. T., and died in McHenry County, 111., Sept. 10, 1881. He followed the vocation of a farmer till 1830, when, on account of his health, he took a sea voyage. Returning six months later he engaged in the mercantile business and canal-boating five years. In 1836 he started for the West, stopping first in Marshall, Mich., thence to Chicago, and Milwaukee, Wis. In 1837 he returned to New York for his family, and came again to Illinois, and took up a claim in Richmond Township, McHenry County. He became one of the most prominent men of the county, and held several offices of trust in his township. He was married Oec. 10, 1820, to Amy Mason, who died Nov. 23, 1870. They had a family of seven children, six born in Herkimer County, N. Y. - Hannah, deceased; Mary, wife of Abel Noyes; Abijah and Electa, deceased; Jane, wife of Rufus Randall; Clarissa, wife of Isaac M. Reed, and M. B. Sept. 10, 1872, Mr. Thomas married Mrs. Maria Mason. He was a member of the Baptist church.

Homer E. Thomas, youngest son of John and Rosina (Tiffany) Thomas, was born in Alden Township, McHenry Co., 111., Feb. 1, 1846. His parents were native of New York, his father born in Dutchess County, May 19, 1814, and his mother in Chenango County, May 11, 1813. His parents were married in 1840, and the same year moved to McHenry County, 111., and settled in Algonquin Township. Two years later they moved to Alden Township, and in 1853 to Richmond, and settled on a farm just south ot town, where the father died in June, 1881. He was a genial, sociable man, a good citizen, and an honored member of society. But two of a family of four 'children are living - Fayette A. and Eugene I. enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in the Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry. The former died while in the service, the latter came home but died from the effects of disease contracted while in the army. Leverett W. is a physician of Eden, Marshall Co., Iowa. Homer E., the youngest, lives on the old homestead with his mother. He was married in 1881 to Amelia F. Stevens, of Richmond, and has two children.

M. B. Thomas, a son of Briggs and Amy Thomas, was born Dec. 13, 1842, in Richmond Township. He received a good education, attending the public schools in the winter till seventeen years of age. He has always followed agricultural pursuits, and now owns 180 acres of tine land. He was married Dec. 16, 1860 to Katie Eowe, daughter of Hiram and Susan Eowe, natives of New York. They have five children - Hattie, wife of Harry Stewart, has one child - Bessie M. ; Myrtle, Laura, Ethel and Oscar. Politically Mr. Thomas is a Eepublican.

G. W. Truesdell was born in Greene County, N. Y., Jan. 21, 1808, a son of Stephen and Catherine (Storm) Truesdell. His father died in 1859, aged eighty-three years, and his mother in 1876, aged ninety-two years. His youth was spent in assisting his father on the farm in the summer and in the carding-mill in the winter. In 1842 he came to Illinois, and in lS^went to his native county, and on his return brought his carding-machine with him. It was the first one in the county. He set it up in McHenry but two years later moved it to Solon, where he ran it a few years. He then sold it and bought the farm of 160 acres on sections 25 and 26, where he now resides. Mr. Trnesdell was married in 1837, to Margaret Simpson, a native of Greene County, N. Y. Of their five children but one is living - Adelaide, wife of George Coates. Caroline, Mary, John and an infant are deceased. Politically Mr. Truesdell is liberal in his views.

George E. Turner, deceased, was a native of Yorkshire, England, born Jan. 3, 1817. In 1834 he came with his parents to America and settled in Detroit, Mich. He moved to McHenry County, 111., in 1840, and located on the farm now owned by Mrs. Turner, where he died Dec. 9, 1872. He was an energetic, intelligent farmer, and one of the most esteemed and influential men of the township. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and one of its most liberal supporters. He was a Class-Leader in the church several years. He was married in 1844, to Sarah A. Reed, who died leaving five children. He afterward married Jannette Adams, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, who came to America with her parents when five years of age. To them were born five children - James H. ; Clara E., wife of K. Johonnott; Edward, who has charge of his mother's farm; Cora B. and Ida I. Mrs. Turner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and one of its most active workers.

Daniel Weeks is a native of Boston, Mass., born Aug. 18, 1813, a son of Daniel and Hannah (Gale) Weeks. His grandfather, Benjamin Weeks, was born in New Hampshire in 1746; was married May 26, 1774, to Sarah Weed, and died in 1828. His father was born Dec. 28, 1775, and died Dec. 27, 1853. His mother died Julv 9, 1852. His father was in the mercantile and lumber business, but he preferred the life of a farmer and since reaching his seventeenth year has followed that vocation. He came to Illinois in 1856 and now owns a large tract of land in Beadle County, Dak. He is an extensive stock-raiser, dealing in the finest blooded grades. Mr. Weeks was married Aug. 20, 1835. to Anna Elkins, who was born May 5, 1815, in New Hampshire, a daughter of John and Sarah (Sibley) Elkins. They have had seven children - Anna M., born Jan. 1, 1837, died in 1854; Sarah R., born July 11, 1838, died July 19, 1870; Mary S., born April 30, 1840, now Mrs. Russel Fuller; John B., born Feb. 5, 1842, resides in Dakota; William S., born Oct. 20, 1844, and died in October, 1883; Eben, born April 1, 1846; Ocker, born Nov. 11, 1848, died in 1868. John and William were in the war of the Rebellion, and participated in the siege of Yicksburg. Politically Mr. Weeks was first a Whig but now affiliates with the Republican party. Mrs. Weeks's father was born in 1790, and died in 1841. Her mother was born in born Dec. 29, 1760, and died in 1850. His wife, Hannah (Heynes) Elkins, was born in 1760, and died in 1838. Her maternal grandfather, William Sibley was born July 16, 1768, and died June 22, 1828. His father, William Sibley was born in 1738 and died in 1789.

Eben B. Weeks is a native of Belknap County, N. H., born April 1, 1846, a son of Daniel and Ann (Elkins) Weeks. In 1856 his parents moved to McHeury County, 111., and here he grew to manhood. He taught school one year and then settled down to the life of a farmer. He owns a fine farm of 220 acres in Richmond Township. He has a good two-story frame residence and commodious farm-buildings. He pays special attention to raising Poland-China hogs and merino sheep, having some of the finest animals in the county. He is also a partner in the Genoa Mill Company at Genoa, 111. He was married in 1868 to Bell Parmalee, daughter of L. B. and Mary (Alexander) Parmalee. Mrs. Weeks is a member of the Congregational church in Richmond. Mr. Weeks is a member of Richmond Lodge, No. 143, F. &A. M.

Christopher White, a son of Robert and Mary White, was born in Yorkshire, England, March 23, 1810. He never had any educational advantages, the Sunday-school being the only school he ever attended. In 1830 he came to America and lived in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., two years; then came to Illinois with "William B. Ogden, and drove a team in Chicago fourteen years. In 1846 he moved to McHenry County, and settled in Richmond Township, where he now lives. He has a fine farm of 200 acres. He was married March 15, 1845, to Mehitable Cowling, a native of New Hampshire, born March 30, 1827, a daughter of David and Pollie Cowling, of English and Scotch descent. Her parents moved to Cook County, 111., in 1843, where the father died in 1846, aged fifty-two years, and the mother in March, 1849, aged fiftythree years. Mr. and Mrs. White have had eleven children; four sons died in infancy; seven are living - Julia, born July 1, 1847, is the wife of William Toyenton and has five children - Mahlon, Willis, Frank, Lulu and James; Frank, born June 16, 1849, married and has one son - John; Sarah, born Sept. 18, 1852, married Thomas Madden and has three children - Daniel, Cora, and Frederick; Josephine, born Oct. 12, 1856, married William Seaton, and has had two children - William (deceased) and Harry; Cora, born Oct. 9, 1858, married Joseph West, and has one son; James, born Aug. 10, 1859, married and has one daughter - Clara; Kittie, born April 13, 1868. Politically Mr. White is a Republican.

Richard Wray was born in Yorkshire, England, March 2, 1814, the eldest of ten children of Thomas and Alice (Midgeley) Wray. His father was born March 2, 1790, and died in Richmond, III, in 1866. His mother died in White Pigeon, Mich., in 1834. He was endowed by nature with a quick, inquiring mind, and although his school-days ended when he was fourteen years of age, he had acquired a good education, which was the foundation of his success in life. In 1833 he came with his father's family to America and lived in Michigan three years. In June, 1836, he came to Mc. Henry County, and made a claim near English Prairie, which he bought as soon as the land came into market. He has been a useful man in the township and has been chosen by his fellow townsmen, who recognized his executive ability, to many official positions. He has given agriculture much thought and attention and has held the oflice of Vice-President of the County Association several years. Prior to the Kansas trouble Mr. Wray was a Democrat; later he affiliated with the Republican party, but now is independent in his views. He was married in 1841 to Jane Archdale, a native of Yorkshire, England. They have had six children ; but four are living.

John Winthrop Sanborn, farmer, postoffice, English Prairie, was born on hia father's farm, on this prairie, in December, 1842. His father, John Sanborn, was a native of Salisbury, N. EL, and came "West in 1837, and located in MeHenry County, on English Prairie, remaining here tiil 1840 when he returned East, and July 5 was married. In 1842 he brought his wife to his prairie home, where they passed the rest of their lives. John Sanborn died Feb. 26,1866. His wife, Mehi table, died Aug. 16, 1883. They had a family of five children - Levina, born in Salisbury, N. H., resides on the old homestead; John "Winthrop; Clarinda, died at the age of eighteen years; Benjamin Franklin, and Minerva, who died at the age of twelve years. John and Mehitable Sanborn possessed strong, upright characters, which nothing could daunt. His courage and bravery were subjected to severe tests in the early settlement of the county by the constant assaults made upon him by the English, who tried to make the prairie a purely English settlement. He was once attacked by twenty English, but he met them coolly with his old musket which he often carried into the field with him, and ordered them to leave, saying: " Start your boots, or by the gods I will make this prairie smell of British worse than hell does of brimstone." This unexpected reception caused a panic and his enemies fled in dismay. At another time Mr. Sanborn had been ill and several English attacked and pounded him severely and took away his hat and he was obliged to go bareheaded the rest of the summer, as the market was so far away that they could go to it only once or twice a year. Many instances of a similar nature rendered Mr. Sanborn's early life on his claim one of almost constant warfare. John Winthrop Sanborn spent his early life on his father's farm, receiving his education in the district schools. Aug. 10, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, and served till Aug. 17, 1865. He participated in the battles of Champion Hills, Vicksburg, Red River expedition, Fort De Russey, Old River, Clauterville, Yellow Bayou, Guntown, Nashville, and others. Since his return home he has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits and is now located on a portion of the old homestead. He was married in Geneva, 111., in May, 1869, to Olive Walker, of Forest Port, N. Y. They have six children - Clyde "Walker, Harry "Winthrop, Flora Mabel, Guy Chelsea, Edith Lillian and Wade Hampton. Mr. Sanborn is a member of Richmond Post, No. 286, G. A. R.