Rock Creek Township

Rock Creek Township

This township, 6-7, as elsewhere stated, is all prairie laad. Larry's creek, emptying into the Mississippi, and Kock creek and Pilot Grove creek emptying into Crooked creek, all head within its limits, and yet none of them have any timber. It contains about three miles of the T., P. & W. across its southeast corner, and six miles of the C, B. & Q., on a due north line. The villages of Ferris and Adrian are two pleasant little places witliin its limits. The first laid out, June, 1869, by Charles G. Gilchrist and Hiram G. Ferris, is at the crossing of the T., P. & W. and C, B. & Q. roads.

Adrian, on the latter, was laid out by Warren Yaple and G. "W. Jacks, September, 1S73, and named from Adrian, Mich., by Arthur Rice, son of Orrin Rice, then running as postal clerk on the C, B. & Q. Railroad. Orrin Rice was born in New York, came from Cincinnati, 0., about 1857, to Oakwood, and settled in this township in 1866.

Among the first settlers in Rock Creek township may be named the Ellisons, Lamberts, Saulsburys, Yaples, McCalls, Baileys, Abl)otts, Alstons, Terrys, Thornbers, etc. Isaac Roseberry, George Singleton, Isaac Bellew, Jedediah Bellew, John Bellew, are old settlers in the neighborhood.

For the following statement concerning the first school taught in the township, we are indebted to Mr. M. Alston, a present citizen there. The first meeting held for the election of school officers, was at the residence of Mr. John Alston, a log cabin 15 feet square, located on the southwest quarter of sec. 9, now no more, having gone into stove-wood. [We have before us a sketch of this cabin for insertion, but must omit it, as we could print little else if we undertook to insert all tlie log cabins of 18-17.] The meeting was held Oct. 16, 1847, nine voters present, electing Henry Thornber, Timothy Ten-y and Matthew Ellison, Sr., for Trustees, and John Alston, Treasurer.

After the election of officers, the next thing must be a school. But there was no school-house, and no funds to build one. So it was decided to employ Mrs. Ann Alston, wife of John Alston, school to be taught at their residence. A bargain was made for her to teach ten weeks for $20.00. School began in January and ended in March, 1818. The following are the names of the pupils, ten in number: Thomas Ellison, Margaret Ellison, Mary H. Ellison, Ralph Ellison, John Terry, Sarah Terry, George Terry, Ellen E. Terry, Matthew Alston, Ellen Jane Alston. The old original schedule of said school is still in possession of John Alston. (861)

Our correspondent refers to this as a school of the " pioneer times," and it is for that prairie township; but he will find mention herein of schools taught fifteen years earlier in the county.

There are a number of neat school buildings in this township at present, indicating that educational matters have progressed at even pace with other improvements from that first small beginning.

Religious Progress

Our information of Church matters in this township is very limited. There is a Methodist church edifice and society at Adrian, number of members not stated ; and one, if not more churches and societies, at Ferris, of which we have no account.

There is a congregation of the Reorganized Church of Latter- Day Saints (commonly known as the Josephite Mormons) located near the west line of the township. It was organized in 1S63, by Elder James Burgess, with about 20 members. It was composed principally of persons wlio, having belonged to the old organization, rejected the polygamy doctrines and other teachings and practices of the Brighamites, and chose to remain behind, rather than follow a false prophet into the wilderness. This branch continued steadily to increase, and now (1879) numbers iO or 50 members, Elder Lambert being its Pastor. The snug little building for worship erected for this branch is situated near Mr. Lambert's residence, and was put up several years ago.

Biographical Sketches

Charles Ahhott, being an earlier settler of the "West, deserves more than a passing notice in a work like this. He was born in Lorain county, Ohio, Dec. 8, 1833, and is a son of Orlan and Lucinda Abbott; he came with his parents to Schuyler county, 111., in 1840, and to this county in 1844; at that time wild animals were numerous; he saw at one time sixty deer in a single drove. Mr. Abbott was reared on a farm and educated in a subscription school. When they first located in Illinois there were no schools of any character within his reacli; he attended the academy at Carthage about eight months, but in the main he is a self-made man. He has taught school for eighteen winters, farming in the summer. He was married in 1850 to Miss Nancy J. Jones, a native of Tennessee; they have had 11 children, of whom 6 boys and 3 girls are living. Mr. Abbott also owns an agricultural store in Ferris, in which he keeps all kinds of agricultural implements, and is doing a good business. His brother George was a soldier in the late war; his father resides in Jefferson county, Kansas, at the age of 75 years.

David Akin was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, October 12, 1809, and is a son of John and Jane (Weatherspoon) Akin; the former was a blacksmith, and our subject earh' learned to sling the hammer and make the anvil ring. He worked at this trade the greater part of his life, and also added wagon work to it, which gave hiiii a great deal of work both in iron and wood. He was married in 1831 to Miss Hannah Cooper, by whom he has had 4 children; of these, 3 are living; viz., James F., John W. (a Doctor in Tennessee, Illinois) and Rachel Jane. Mr. Akin came to Schuyler county, Illinois, in 1859, and to this county in 1S6S; in 1875 he engaged in thesaleof agricultural implements in the town of Adrian; in this he has been very successful; he also sells a great number of wagons; he resides on sec. 9, Hock Creek tp.

W. O. Alphin. - This enterprising young business man was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, February 26, 1850, and is a son of Henry and Hannah Alphin ; the former laid out the original first part of the town of Adrian, in 1871. W. O. was reared on a farm and educated in common schools and Hedding College at Abingdon, Illinois; he was married in 1874 to Miss Mary Leonard, by whom he has had 3 children, 2 of whom are still living; viz., Llewella and Adda. Mr. Alphin came to this county in 1874, and engaged in farming for three yeai's; he commenced the drug business in Adrian in 1877, and now carries a full line of drugs, notions, groceries, cutlery, etc., and is doing a good business. One very remarkable feature in his business is, he is strictly a temperance man, and neither keeps nor sells spirituous liquors.

Matthew Alston is a native of Hancock county. 111., and was born December 11, 1S42. His parents, John and Ann Alston, removed to Chicago when Matthew was but two years old, where they remained three years. His mother taught the first school in Rock Creek tp. Mr. Alston was reared on a farm and educated ir the common schools. He served thi-ee years in the late war, in Co. F, 50th Regt. I.V. I., and participated in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Resaca and others. He was married October 14, 1867, to Miss Tabitha A. McConkey, by whom he has 2 children; viz., Robert H. and David J. Mr. Alston owns 106 acres of valuable land, and is engaged in farming and stockraising, on sec. 4.

J. E. Atkins was born in "Wake county, N. C, March 26, 1826. His parents were Wm . L. and Frances Atkins. Mr. J. R. Atkins was reared on a farm and educated in a subscription school. He was married in 1848 to Miss Roxana Hargraves, by whom he had 12 children; of these, 7 are living; viz., Robert, Alexander, Benjamin, William, Charles, Eva and Nettie. Mr. Atkins removed to this county in 1850, where he still resides and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. A. began life with nothing, and now he owns 200 acres of valuable land. Mrs. Atkins died Jan. 16, 1876.

Wright B. Bailey was born in Harrison county, Ya., Oct. 7, 1810, and is a son of Samuel and Agnes (Hudson) Bailey (dec. . The latter was a descendant of the noted Henry Hudson, who first discovered and sailed up the Hudson river. Mr. Bailey was reared on a farm and received a very limited education in a sub- scription school. His text-books consisted of a Testament, a speller, and an arithmetic. So anxious was he to learn to write, that he procured a piece of soapstoue from the creek and dressed its side smooth, and when a neighbor would happen in, he would have him make the letters of the alphabet at the top of this rude slate, and Mr. B. would sit for hours imitating the copy. He never heard a grammar lesson recited in school. He was married in 1834, to Miss Melinda Bailej-, by whom he has had 9 children: oftliese, 7 are living; viz., Margaret, Sallie, Colbert, George, Maria, Victoria and James 0. They removed to this county in 1850. Mr. Bailey is a farmer and stock-raiser, on sec. i.

Alfred E. Barnard was born in Canada July 14, 1841. His parents were John and Freelove Barnard (dec). Mr. Barnard was reared on a farm near Rockville, Canada, on the St. Lawrence river. He was educated in a common school taught in a log house. He went to Buiialo, New- York, in 1859, whei-e lie learned the carpenter's trade. He came to this county in 1866, and pursued his trade for 2 years. He was married May 18, 1867, to Miss Mary Alston, and they have had 4 children, of whom two are living, Anna G. and Frances T. Mr. B. erected a store-house in 1874, in Adrian, and engaged in the drug business for two years there, when he sold out and commenced farming. He has been Justice of the Peace for Rock Creek tp. for 3 years, and is the present incumbent.

Dr. R. W. Barr was born in Wood county, Ohio, April 7, 1847. He was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He served 2 years in the late war, being a member of Co. A., 14th O. V. I. He first went into the war merely as company for some of his friends, as he was at that time but 14 years old. But he soon afterward enlisted, and carried a gun, too. He was taken prisoner at Shenandoah Valley, and held for one year. He was kept three months in the noted Libby prison, and his brother John was also kept 40 days in the same place. Dr. Barr participated also in the battles of Wildcat, Cumberland Gap, Mill Springs, Pittsburg Landing, Wilmington and others. He was present and saw Gen. Frye shoot and kill Gen. ZoUicofler at Mill Springs. The Doctor was married in 1S73, to Miss Genevra E. Lynd, by whom he has had 2 children; viz., William H. (dec.) and Frederick.

Dr. Barr is a graduate of the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons, and began the practice of medicine in Ferris, this county, in 1872, and by close attention to business and the conscientious discharge of ever}' known duty, has won the confidence of the people, and has thus built up a large practice, which is steadily increasing.

James H. Camphell was born in McDonough county, Illinois, May 1, 1836, and is a son ot Nicholas and Mary (McGee) Campbell, pioneers of McDonough county. Mr. C. was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He came to this county with his parents in 1851; was married Aug. 9, 1856, to Miss

History Of Hancock Countv

America Frakes, by whom he has 2 children; viz., Francis M. and Ida A. Francis M. is a leader of the Ferris Cornet Band, which was organized in 1S77. Mr. Campbell took a Western tour in 1864, through Montana, Idaho, LFtah, and other Western countries, visiting Salt Lake City and other noted cities in the West. He resides on sec. 33, engaged in farming.

Samuel Coleman, deceased, was born in Zanesville, Ohio, March 16, 1850, and was a son of John and Letitia Coleman (dec); was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He was married in March, 1842, to Miss Jane Bennett, daughter of Silas and Lucinda Bennett (dec). They have had 9 children, of whom 7 are living: Letitia, John W. , Lucinda M., Rosaltha, Charles, Martin L. and Harry I. A son, Clifton T., died in Colorado, Jan. 11, 1879.

Mr. Coleman and family came to Greene county. 111., in 1843, and to this county in 1844. He was a farmer by occupation. He died May 9, 1874.

Christian Craraherg was born in Prussia, July 2, 1835, and is a son of John V. and Martha E. Cramberg: he was reared and educated in the town of Niederdorla, Prussia. He came to this country in 1851, by way of !New Orleans and St. Louis, stopping in Adams county. 111. While at New Orleans he came near losing his life when bathing in the gulf. He there labored on a farm. He was married in 1857 to Mary Weisenborn, by whom he had 8 children; viz., Emily, George, Sophia, Ida, Johnnie, Tillie, Anna and Oscar. He came to this county in 1872. He owns 160 acres of valuable land on sec. 3, and is engaged in farming,

Benjamin Franklin Duvall was born in Todd county,- Ky., May 24, 1835; his parents names were Moses and Martha (Butler) Duvall, the former of Virginia, and of French ancestry, and the latter of Kentucky and of Irish descent; they both died in Todd county, Ky. He was a farmer and stone-cutter. Benj. F. lived in Todd county until nearly 21 years of age, when, in November, 1855, he came to Harmony tp., this count}-; attended school the first winter here; in the spring commenced working as a hired hand on a farm, at $16 or $17 a month; taught school the following two winters. September 2, 1858, he married Sarah J. Burnett, who died Feb. 22, 1863, leaving 3 children, Martha E., William H. and Joseph J., who are still living. Mr. D. lived in Macoupin county, 111., from the time of his marriage until his wife's death. In the fall of 1863 he returned to this county and bought 50 acres on sec. 15, Harmony tp. ; sold it the next year and purchased theN.W. \ of sec. 23, Rock Creek tp., a piece of raw prairie land. He immediately built a small house, 16 by 24, and also put up barns, fences, orchard, etc. January 1, 1867, he married Miss Mary F. Miller, a native of Kentucky and a resident of Macoupin county at the time of marriage. Their children are: Charles E., George F., Frederick A., Albert G. and Clara A. In the spring of 1872 Mr. D. exchanged the last-mentioned farm for his present one, which is the

N. W. i of sec. 15, this tp. He carried on the ^rain and commission business at Ferris for several years, but at present liis chief occupation is that of agriculture, the raising of live stock, etc.; pays considerable attention also to the buying and shipping of stock.

Being left a half-orphan at the age of 14, his father having died, he was early thrown upon his own resources, and he was the eldest of S children. They were obliged to rent land, and young Benjamin was virtually the head of the family until he left home. Through his exertions all the children received some education. At tlie age of 20 he was given time by his mother, and he immediately came to Illinois.

O'dhert Eirl was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., Jan. 3, 1823, and is a son of John E. and Hannah Earl, also natives of New York. Tiiey were the parents of 7 boys and 3 girls, of whom 5 boys and one girl are living. Gilbert was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. In 1841: John E. Earl and family (except his eldest son, Stephen D.) came to this county by the following circuitous route: By boat on the Erie canal to Buffalo; thence on Lake Erie to Cleveland, Ohio; thence by the Ohio canal to Portsmoutli, Ohio.; thence down the Ohio river to Cairo, and from there on the Mississippi river to Warsaw. They were three weeks and three days in accomplishing the journey. The Earl family are considerably scattered. Three are in this State, two in Minnesota, and the sister in Kansas. Mr. Earl was married in September, 1853, to Miss Arsula Thompson, by whom he had 7 children; of these but 2 are living - John and Frances. Mrs. Earl died April 10, 1863. Mr. Earl was again married April 22, 1865; this time to Miss Minerva A. Jackson, by whom he has had 4 children; of these, 3 are living - Elizabeth, Charles G. and Jane. Mr. Earl was a soldier in the Mormon war, and stood guard over some fire-arms while the Mormons were crossing the river in their flight from Xauvoo, to prevent their being stolen by the Mormons. He took an active part in the battle of Nauvoo, and has corrected the statement that seven of the citizens were killed in this contest. He states that 13 men were wounded, and one mortally wounded; but not a man was killed outright. Mr. Earl is a farmer b}' occupation, but now has his farm rented, and resides in Ferris, where he owns four houses and as many town lots. His elder brother, Stephen D., who came from Xew York in the fall of 1879, now resides with him in Ferris. It would be proper here to remark that when the Earl family arrived in Warsaw in 1844, the father had but ,^2.50 in money, and but very little if anything with which to begin keeping liouse.

Thomas Ellison, fanner, sec. 9; P. O., Adrian; was born in Yorkshire, Enc;land, Nov. 18, 1830, and is a son of Matthew and Jane Ellison (deceased), who emigrated to this county in 1843, settling in Rock Creek tp., and was among the first who made improvements in the tp. "When the Ellison family arrived here there were four men in Rock Creek tp. ; viz., Timothy T. Terry, Abraham Shaw, Richard Lambert and a Mr. Spencer. Mr. Ellison was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. He was married Nov. 12, 187-i. to Miss Eleanor, daughter of John Davison, of this tp. Mr. and Mrs. Ellison have one child, Ida. Mr. E. is engaged in farming and stock-raising, owning 620 acres of valuable land.

John Spicer Ewell. - Mr. Ewell, whose portrait is given on page 863, was born in Greene county. Pa., April 4, 1835. His parents' names were Thos. H. and Abigail (Phillips) Ewell, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Pennsylvania. Plesy Ewell was the father of Tlios. H., and lived in Virginia. John S. Ewell's advantages in an educational way were limited; his father being a farmer, his time in the summer was employed on the farm, and he attended school only in the winter and very little at that.

In May, 1S57, Mr. Ewell was married to Miss Nancy Schriver, a daughter of Abraham Schriver, of Monongahela county, Virginia. Mr. Ewell afterward took up his residence in that county and commenced farming. On the breaking out of the war of the great Rebellion he, being an ardent Union man, felt it to be his duty to enlist as a soldier for the defense of the nation's life. With this purpose in view, he lett his family to the care of his friends and enlisted in the 14th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry in 1862; with this regiment he served three 3-ears, being one year a prisoner of war. He was with his regiment at the battles of Martinsburg, Va., Williamsport, Md., and Little Petersburg, Va., and participated in the battle of " Flo3-d's Mountain," Va. ; in this engagement he was shot three times: first, on the upper lip; second, on the left shoulder; and third, under the right arm. Each was made by a musket ball. None of these wounds was of a very serious nature and did not discommode him. He with 35 men belonging to his company were detailed to take care of the wounded on the battlefield, and while doing so were captured by Rebel cavalry under command of John Morgan. The battle occurred on May 9, 1864; and toward the last of May he and his comrades, 36 in all, found themselves inmatesof Andersonvilleprison, Georgia. At this "prison pen " he with the others sufiered untold misery from hunger, thirst, filth and disease; and saw prisoners subjected to all manner of cruelty and abuse, even in some cases shooting them in their sleep. Mr. Ewell had dwindled nearly to a skeleton, when the news of Gen. Sherman's famous march alarmed the prison authorities and they ordered the prisoners removed to other quarters for safer keeping. After leaving Andersonville the prisoners wei-e " corraled " in camp at a place called ''Black Shear." Mr. Ewell and a comrade succeeded in m^aking their escape in this wise:

There were guards or sentries stationed all around the camp. Mr. E. and comrade approached one of tlie guards and requested to be allowed to step out a few feet to gather some pine kuots to bnild a fire, as it had been raining; and the guard, being a good-natured fellow, granted the request. Not over 50 feet from the camp was a dense swamp. Thej' commenced (as the guard doubtless thought) picking up pine knots, but in reality getting nearer the edge of the swamp; and while the guard's back was turned, on a signal from Mr. E., both jumped into the edge of the swamp, as it was down a bank and in dense bushes. They of course were out of sight, though they expected to be fired upon by the guard instantly, but were happily disappointed, and never could account for this fact, except that the guard was afraid to attract attention to the escape, as his part in allowing them to pass might be discovered. They struggled through the swamp, and that night at great risk approached a house which they found occupied by a gay party of dancers. Rebel officers; in a cellar near this house they dug out some sweet potatoes, even while people were passing in a path 15 feet away, but were not discovered. They immediately retired to the timber, built a fire and ate roasted sweet potatoes until morning. The next day or so they were given food by a negro, who also piloted them on their way toward the Union lines. Finally one morning they were discovered by some citizens, when they took refuge in a swamp, which was immediately surrounded by a picket guard; but that night they crept through the guard, and when only 12 miles from the Union lines they were captured again by the Rebels. Thus it lifid been nearly six days since their escape; had lived on sweet potatoes all the time, and had traveled over 250 miles. After an absence of 12 days they were sent back to " Black Shear" camp, and some time afterward returned to Andersonville. April 28, 1865, Mr. Ewell was released from Andersonville, he and two others being all that were left alive of the 36 that were taken prisoners at the same time.

As the war was about ended, the regiment was some time afterward ordered to Columbus, Ohio, to be mustered out. Mr. E. had not heard a word from his family for over a year. Before going to Columbus, he went home. In passing up a path, approaching his farm, he met a woman, who proved to be his wife; and after the first words of greeting and surprise had passed, told him that herself and all his friends had heard that he was dead. It was a glad surprise to all. On his return Mr. Ewell again went to work on his farm, but believing that Illinois offered a better field for his energies, in 1S67 lie moved to the State, locatingin Rock Creek tp., on northwest J of sec. 11, buying SO acres. W^hen Mr. Ewell first came to this tp., there was not a honse where Adrian now stands. In the fall of 1871, Mr. Ewell entered the mercantile business, opening a store for that purpose at Adrian, and in which he has been engaged up to the jjresent time. He keeps a general stock of goods, and his sales amount on an average from $25,000 to

$30,000 per year. He also deals largely in buying and shipping stock and grain of all kinds; lias two warehouses which have a capacity for 10,000 bushels of grain. He ships, on an average, from 250 to 300 cars of grain perj'ear, and 7-5 cars of stock. Mr. Ewell also owns the southeast J of sec. 14, in this tp. Mr. and Mrs. Ewell reside at Adrian, and are surrounded by a family of 5 children, whose names are Marion D., Marvin Ellsworth, Wateman T. AVillie, Daisey and an infant. Mr. Ewell is a Republican in politics, and has been Postmaster at Adrian since 1S71.

William R. Frahes. Being a native of this county, Mr. Frakes is identified with its history, and therefore is entitled to more than a passing notice in a work like this. He was born, June 15, 1S35, and is a son of Thompson and Elizabeth Frakes (dec), early pioneers of this count}*. He has followed the pursuits of farming and plastering. His education was received, for the most part, in a subscription school. He was married in August, 1S71, to Mrs. Am}' (Camp) Fisher, by whom he has had one child, William R. Mrs. Frakes has one child by her former husband, Katie Fisher. Mr. Frakes is engaged in farming and resides on sec. 33. His two brothers, Daniel and Joel, were soldiers for Uncle Sam in the late war.

Benton Heath is a native of Crawford county, 111., and was born Jan. 28, 1834. His parents were Renick and Malinda Heath, early settlers of that count}'. Mr. Heath was reared on a farm and educated in a common school. He was united in marriage in the year 1860, with Lydia A. Stiles, by whom he has had 7 children; of these, 4 are living;'viz., Malinda, Eleanor, Silas and Lester. Mr. Heath came to this tp. in 1857, where he now resides, on sec. 2, engaged in farming. His father was a soldier in the Black Hawk war.

Elijah B. Hughes was born in Butler county, O., Kov. 10, 1845, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Hughes. He came with his parents to Adams county, 111., in 1855. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common school. He was married in 1867, to Miss Laura Powell, by whom he has had 8 children; of these, 6 are living - Emma E., Mary L., Annie E., Ella R., Elijah B. and an infant girl. Mr. Hughes came to this county in 1879, and resides on sec. 22, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising.

Bichard Lambert -was horn Nov. 17, 1822, in Yorkshire, Eng., where he was reared and educated. His parents were Richard and Patience Lambert. He emigrated to Nauvoo in 1840. In 1841 he went to Carthage, where he engaged with Marvin & Charles Street, as clerk and overseer of the warehouse, for the period of 15 mouths. He then, in 1842, located in this tp. He was married in 1843, to Miss Jane Thornber, by whom he has had 15 children; of these, 12 are living, 6 boys and 6 girls. Mr. Lambert owns 240 acres of valuable land, and r sides on sec. 7, this tp., where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He is a very prominent worker and Elder in the re-orsranized church of the Latter Dav Saints.

John W. Lowrey was born in Schuyler county, 111., Aug. 23, 18i5, and is a son of Edward and Harriet Lowrey, now residing in Carthage tp. He was raised a farmer's boy, and received a commonschool education. He was married Dec. 22, 1870, to Miss Anna A. Boice, by whom he has had 4 children; of these, 3 are living; namely., William E., Clara M. and Lina Irena. Mr. Lowrey is engaged in farming on sec. 26; postoffice address, Ferris.

Robert F. McCall was born in East Tennessee, Jan. 10, 1847, and is a son of Wm. N. and Sarah S. (Lyon) McCall, who removed to Adams county. 111., in 1852, where Mr. McCall taught school one winter. They removed to this county in 1853. Our subject's grandfather, Asher Lyon, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died during the late war. Mr. McCall was reared on a farm. He attended the academy at Fort Madison, Iowa, for two years, when it was conducted by Prof. Knight, and afterward taught one month. He was married March 18, 1873, to Miss Catherine Stewart, by whom he has 2 children - "William W. and Bertha E. Mr. McCall is engaged in farming and stock-raising, on sec. 36.

'William G. McCuhhin was born in Green county, Ky., Nov. 28, 1820, and is a son of Joseph and Eleanor McCubbin. He came with his parents to Hancock tp., this county, in the year 1834. He was raised on a farm and educated in a subscription school, as there were no free schools here in the days of his boyiiood. He was married May 4, 1854, to Miss Zilpha E., daughter of Ephraim and Eda Perkins, who were very early settlers in this county. Mrs. Perkins was the first white woman to reside in McDonough county, 111. She lived there two years, when she came to this county. She learned to speak the Pottawatomie language, and can still speak the language, though rather broken. She resides at Pilot Gi'ove, in this county, and is in her 84th year. Our subject's father resides in Hancock tp., at the age of 84 years. Mr. McCubbin taught school in his younger days, but has been a farmer for the most part through life. He owns 260 acres of land, besides a nice residence and other property in the town of Ferris, this tp. He is also a local agent for the Hartford Fire Insurance Company. He is a member of the Christian Church at Ferris, of which he is Elder. He is ever an uncompromising temperance worker. He belongs to no political party, and in no case will vote for an intemperate man for any office whatever. He has always managed, by the aid of a few other temperance workers, to keep all saloons out of the town or village in which, or near which, he resided. Several times have the bad folks tried to establish a saloon in Ferris, but Mr. McCubbin is always at his post to fight against the monster, and has thus far been victorious in every battle.

George McKellips was born in Erie county, N. Y., near the city of Buffalo, Dec. 29, 1837, and is a son of Deimis and Elizabeth McKellips, who brought their family to Adams county, 111., in 1840. Dennis McKellips was a contractor on railroads and other public works, and died in 1863. The McKellips family removed to this county in 1851, when this township (Rock Creek) was then a wild prairie. The wolves and deer were very numerous. The wolves would catch the chickens in tlie yard, and Mr. McK. has shot deer in the corn-field. He was married in May, 1861, to Miss Ellen A. Gill, of English ancestors. They have had 8 children, of whom 6 are livinff; viz., Cecilia, Emma, Frank, Dora, Georgia and Marv. Mr. McKellips was laboring in the South at the time the war broke out, and in 18(31 or '62, when he returned, he was arrested, no one knew for what. He was held a ])risoner for some time, and then released. He has spent several winters in Mississippi. He now resides on sec. 20, engaged in farming and stock-raising.

Welch N'ewnia7i was born near Louisville, Ky., Feb. 2, 1832, and is a son of John and Charity Newman. His parents removed with tlieir family to Pontoosnc, tiiis county, in 1836. This was in a very early day, and Mr. Newman was early inured to pioneer life. He saw the Indians at different times. He was reared on a farm, except four years he worked in a wool and carding mill near Payson, HI. His early educational advantages were very limited, he having attended school but 12 months. Mr. Newman spent six years of his Western life- in A.daras county. 111. He was mar- -ried in 1857 to Miss Juliett Duff', by whom he had 5 childi-en; viz., William W., Mary E., Thomas W., John A. and Bertha A. Mrs. Newman died Dec. 1, 1876. She was a loving wife and a devoted mother. Mr. N. resides on sec. 16, engaged in farming.

George Singleton was born in Ireland, Aug. 15, 1819, and is a soojaf Thomas and Ann (Mitchell) Singleton. He was reared and educated in Ireland and came to Philadelphia, Pa., in 1815, where he engaged for a time as a coach-driver. He then engaged in farming until 185-1, when he came to this county'. Mr. Singleton is a farmer on sec. 2, raising and feeding stock. He has been eminently successful, and has done a 'great deal toward improving and making this township. He owns 580 acres of valuable land, 20 of wliich is timber. He was married in Philadelphia in 1851, to Miss Rebecca Wilson, by whom he has 7 children; viz., Anna, Margaret, Rebecca, Thomas, Almira, George and William. Mr. and Mrs. Singleton are members of the Presbyterian Church.

H. M. Sleater was born in Bath, England, Dec. 80, 1838, and is a son of Robert and Mary Sleater, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of England. He was reared and educated in England, and came to America with his parents in 1852. The first work he did was to assist the Circuit Clerk in his duties at Carthage. In 1854 he engaged as a clerk in a dry -goods store in Carthage, where he remained until 1862. He then enlisted as a private in Co. B, 118th 111. Vol. Inf., in the late war. He was soon promoted Sergeant Major, afterward 2d Lieutenant. Dui'ing the time he was Lieutenant, he was acting Adjutant of the regiment. He participated in the battles of Chickasaw Blnffs, siege of Vicksburg, Black river bridge, Jackson, Miss., Champion Hills, Thompson Hill, and others. He then was transferred to the De- partment of the Gulf, with monnted infantry. He was married in 1862, to Miss Emmaretta !Mack, by whom he has 5 children: Robert. William, Loiiisa, ]S'ella and Helena. He was Deputy County Treasurer for this county two years. He was clerk, paymaster, etc., for Major McClaughry at his stone quarries for two years. He removed to his farm in Rock Creek tp., on sec. 16, in 1869. He began business in Adrian, in 1872. He carries a large stock of dry-goods, groceries, hardware, cjueen's-ware, etc., and does a large business. He also buys and ships grain. He was engaged in the grain business here, alone, for five years.

John Stevenson, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 8, was born in Leicestershire, Eng., Oct. 31, 1833, and is a son of Thomas and Ann Stevenson, of this tp., also natives of England. They came to Nauvoo in the winter of 1846-'7, and remained a short time, when they removed, in the year 1847, to Clarke county, Mo. In 1848 the family came to this (Rock Creek) township. Mr. S. was married, September 13, 1855, to Miss Mary Ellison, by whom he has had 9 children. Of these, 7 are living; namely, Mary A., Thos. M., Ralph W., Emma L., Susannah E., John F. and Alice J. Mr. Stevenson is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and owns 234 acres of valuable land. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson are members of the Latter Day Saints' Church, more commonly known as Mormons.

Wm. Stevenson, a promipent farmer on sec. 8, is a native of Nottinghamshire, Eng., and was born July 23, 1831. His parents, Thomas and Ann Stevenson, are also natives of England, and emigrated to America with their family in 1846, arriving at Nauvoo in the winter. Early in 1847 they settled in Clarke countj% Mo., remained there only until in 1848, when they located in this tp. Mr. S. was married in 1863, to Miss Elizabeth Pilkington, by whom he has 8 children; viz.. Magnolia, Alice J., John, Adam, William, Ira M., Marlow and Ida.

Mr. Stevenson is a prominent member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, which order has a thriving organization and a commodious church edifice in tliis tp. He gives us the following information concerning Joseph Smith, the original leader of the true Mormon Church. Mr. Smith was opposed to polygamy in any form whatever, and never taught spiritual-wifery as was charged upon him. He had but one wife himself, and never would permit the nefarious practice of polygamy among his people.

Mr. Stevenson also states that the true Mormons think Smith's death was indirectly caused by the polygamists. He further states that the great crime of stealing, which the Mormons were charged with, was largely committed by prejudiced Gentiles, who would take the stolen property and place it in the fields and lots of Mormons at Nauvoo, and then return and tell the owners of the missing property, that they had seen their piroperty at a certain place; and the owners would go and find it as the persons had informed them they would. And further, the polygamists would steal the property of the non-poh'gamists, placing it in the temple lot at Nauvoo; and when the owners attempted to take their own propert}', "they were shot down like dogs." These statements just related were submitted to several leading men of Rock Creek tp., and were all corroborated, especially that one concerning the stealing of property by the prejudiced Gentiles: for after the contact was over, the G-en tiles acknowledged and boasted of it.

Henry Thornier is a native of the county of Lancaster, England, and was born Jan. 10, ISlfi. His parents were liichard and Anna Thornber, also natives of England. Our subject was reared and educated in his native country. He then learned the trade of wooden-shoemaker. He set sail Jan. 12, 1842, and arrived at New Orleans March 9 of the same year. He then came up the Mississippi river to jSTauvoo, where he remained four years. He then, in 1846. removed to this tp., where he still resides and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married July 11, 1845, to Miss Lncy Ellison, by whom he has had 8 children ; of these, 6 are living; viz., David R., Marj' II., John T., Lucy M., William H. and James M. Mrs. Thornber died Jan. 25, 1866. Mr. Thornber again married, March 3, 1868; this time, Margaret Pilkington, and they have one child, Joseph. Mr. Thornber resides on sec. 6, and owns over 1,000 acres of valuable land.

Sylvester T. Turney, whose portrait is given on page 763, is a native of Fairfield county, (Jonn., where he was born July 30, 1833. His early years were spent on his father's farm in that county. His advantages for an education were limited to attendance at the common schools, mostly in the winter, until about the age of 17, when he, being the only son, employed his winters in assisting his father in cutting and hauling ship timbers, and in the sumn:er working on the farm. This manner of life he followed until the age of 22, when he left his father's house and commenced life's labors on his own account, locating in Delaware county, N. Y., where he remained three months, and then went still farther West, arriving in Chicago, 111., in the fall of 1855. In a day or two he started for Peoria by rail, and from that point by stage to Canton, Fulton connty. At this point, finding his means had dwindled so that his worldly possessions amounted to only one $20 gold piece, lie immediately looked np something to do, and soon found work on a farm at §17 per month, at which he worked two years. In 1857, realizing the usefulness of the Osage orange as a hedge, he went into the bnsiness of raising hedge plants for market, and planted 30 acres on land rented for the purpose. Owing to the hard times of this year (1857), he found very little sale for the plants in that section, and was obliged to haul them as far as 80 or 90 miles for a market. In 1858 bnsiness revived, and in 1859 he turned his attention to contracting with parties and planting the hedge himself, at §112 per mile. This spring (1859) he planted 30 miles of hedge in Hancock and Henderson counties. This same year Mr. T. came to this county, locating at La Harpe, and in 1860 planted 15 acres of hedge in Durham tp. This crop failed to come up, and in ISGl he planted another 15 acres; this turned out well, and he sold $3,750 worth of plants and set out about 15 miles of hedge fence for parties besides. Mr. T. was the first to successfully introduce the hedge fence in this section, his setting being abont the first that did well.

In 1S61 Mr. T. was married to Miss Kittle A. Barr, born March 15, 1SJ:3, in Kentnck}', and a danghter of Elias and Sallie (Beauchamp) Barr, both natives of Kentuck}', and came to this county in 1859. The next year after his marriage he bought the southwest one-fourth of sec. 1, Rock Creek tp., which was raw prairie; not a fence or improvement had been placed upon it by the hand of man. He immediately erected a frame house 16x2-1 feet, one and one- half stories high, which in those days was considered No. 1. He also built a frame stable. The house is still standing near his present residence. This season Mr. T. bought five yoke of cattle and started them, on one large plow, breaking prairie, and, as he said, it was as much as they could do. The country was covered with hazel-bush and willow, audit required all the power of the five yoke to tear up their roots. He fenced the whole with a four-board fence, and that fall sowed 50 acres of wheat, which turned out 1,000 bushels. In lS6i lie put in 120 acres of wheat, doing all the work himself with the assistance of a boy to drive a harrow. This turned out 2,000 bushels, which he sold at §1.75 per bushel. These were the only two wheat crops he ever put in. Since that time he lias turned his attention to raising corn and feeding it to hogs and stock; never sold but two crops of corn, - one. 2,000 bushels at 85 cts. ; and one, 2,500 bushels at 75 cts.; has turned off in one 3'ear as high as 90 head of cattle and 200 hogs; on an average. 60 head of stock. In 1871 Mr. T. turned his attention to breeding and raising a fine grade of draft horses, of Norman stock, and introduced the first imported Norman stallion (" Kothamagus") ever introduced into this country. Since that time he has made it his whole business; has on hand now two thoroughbred stallions, and eight graded stallions from one-half to seven-eighths, and 27 brood mares of graded stock, as high as seveneio'hths. This business, besides being a benefit to the country at large, in furnishing superior draft horses, has proved a paying investment to Mr. Tnrney. Mr. T. has since added to the home farm, so that now it consists of 240 acres. Mr. T. also bought and improved the northeast one-fourth of sec. 10, Rock Creek tp., but sold it in 1875, when he erected his present fine residence, at a cost of 86,500. It is a 2-story frame, 50x33 feet, 10^ feet ceiling below and nine feet ceiling above stairs; is fitted with all modern improvements; has hot and cold water up stairs and down. The place is one of the pleasantest and best-improved in the county; has also fine barns, etc., etc.

May 11, 1862; Everett Z., bora March 29, 1866; Abarilla P., born July 31. lS7i. The Turneys are of EngHsh descent; the Barrs of German, and Beanchamps of French origin.

Marshall V an Bii skirl:, deceased, was born May IS, 1821, was a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he resided until 1850, when he crossed the plains to California; there he sojourned until 1858, having twice visited in that time his old home; he then returned to the place of his nativity; the same year moved to Peoria, Illinois. He was a tailor by vocation, but on account of failing health he abandoned this business and began traveling. Becoming tired of traveling, after he arrived at Peoria, he purchased a farm in Schujder county, Illinois, near the town of Huntsville. At the latter place he married Miss Anna Baxter, in 1858, and they have had 4 daughters and one son, of whom but two are living; viz., Annie May and Hattie E. The names of the deceased were Marshall, Mattie and Elsie. Mr. VanBuskirk was made a Mason by J. L. Anderson, Lodge ISfo. 318, located at Augusta, this county. He was a worthy member of the M. E. Church and a consistent Christian; he was also a member of the Chapter and Council of Augusta, Knighted in Almoner Conimandery No. 32, Augusta, on the second day of April, 1859. He was also a charter member of Huntsville Lodge, A. F. and A. M., number -±65. In 1869 he removed with his family to his farm one mile east of Adrian, and became a member of the Dallas City Lodge, A. F. and A. M., number 235. He died February 12, 1879, with triumphs of living faith in a crucified Eedeemer. He was a favorite among the citizens of the different localities in which he dwelt, and was widely known and a very prominent man ; none knew him but to love him.

Dwight Whitcomh was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, November 12, 1830, and is a son of AVyman and Lura Whitcomb, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New York. Our subject was brought to Adams county, Illinois, by his parents in 1842; he never saw a school-hoiise until he was ten years old. The citizens of the locality in which he spent his boyhood days erected a school-house of split frame work and shaved boards; in this rude -benches were placed, upon which the little Suckers would sit and " larn their spellin' lesson." Mr. Whitcomb came to this county in 1853, and in 1856 was married to Miss Mary H. ElliSon, by whom he has had 13 children; of these but 5 are living; viz., "Wyraan T., Farnham M., John D., James A. and Lewis M. Mr. Whitcomb is engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec. 6, this tp., and owns 410 acres of valuable land.

John Winship was born in Franklin county, Vermont, Feb. 19, 1833, and is a son of Josiah and Rebecca, also natives of Vermont. He was reared mostly on a farm, and received a common-school education. He was married in the spring of 1859, to Miss Mary C. Ramey, by whom he has 4 children; viz., Llewella, Frances E., Wm. E. and Annie E. Our subject went to New York in 1842, and came to Bureau county. III, in 1856, where he engaged in farming until 1861, when he removed to Schu3'ler county, 111. He came to this county in 1863, where he now resides, in the town of Ferris, engaged in farming. He is also proprietor of the Ferris Hotise, whicii, by tlie way, is a good liotel. A brother, Horace Winship, died in the late war at Fort Birancus.

Warren Yaple was born in Madison county, 111., Mar. 20, 1824, and is a son of John and Alice (Squires) Yaple. The former a native of New York, and the latter of Connecticut. Mr. Yaple was reared on a farm and educated in a common school. He early learned the carpenter's trade. His parents removed with their family to this county in 1831, and located in Poutoosuc township; but at the beginning of the Indian troubles, just prior to the Black Hawk war, tliey ^removed back to Madison county. Warren came to this county in 1865. He married Miss Elizabeth Bates, in 1816, a daughter of Joseph H. Bates, and they have had 11 children, of whom 9 are living; viz., Joseph J., Alice J., Leander J., Belle M., Albina H., Thomas M., Letitia A., Artimisia E. and Mary K. Mr. Yaple and family spent two years in Sedgwick countv, Kansas. He is now engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec. 12, owning 165 acres of valuable land.

!N"uiriberecl 6 - 8, lies on the rapids, extending from the head of Nauvoo to the mouth of l^arrj's creek. The bluffs of this stream and of Chandler creek below Nauvoo, with those alonej the river shore, supplj' considerable timber; and the land is very broken over most of the distance for a mile or two, inland. The east twothirds of the township contains some handsome prairie laud. Sonora contains some as valuable and well-appointed farms as are to be found in the count}'. A portion in the northeast is very fiat, and not well adapted 'to grain.

The first settlers were along the river. Several of the first jurymen were in this township, at date of organization, among whom we can name the Moiiitts, Hugh Wilson and his son James and son-in-law Dunn, Kev. Charles Robison and others. Later settlers were Abram Golden and his sons, Dr. Adolphus Allen, Christian Ivreymeyer, Abel Casto, the Sheridans, Roger Hibbard, Hezekiah Bradley. Still later we find tlie names of Geo. Benner, G. W. Black, J. J. Gardner, D. G. Luce, Christopher Smith, Joseph Miller, George Smith, Samuel Brownlee, O. J. Hall, John Brown, W. H. Fulton, George Edmunds, Hezekiah Brant, Isaac, Thomas, Henr}* Benner, and o.thers.

Sonora Landing is the business center on the river line, and Sonera postoffice, at the same point, is the only postoffice in the township. The township seems to be well provided with school-houses, they being, with one exception, located in thi'ee 'rows in each direction across the township, and equi-distantfrom each other. No other township in the county, except Rock Greek, approaches this regularity.

Golden's Point, of noted fame in the history of the county, received its name from Mr. Abram Golden, one of the early settlers in the edge of the prairie. The place was at a point of timber projecting into the prairie, at or near the farm since owned by Mr. Chris. Smith.

Mr. G. was born in New Jersey, and raised in Kentucky. Was a volunteer under Gov. Shelby at the battle of the Thames, when Tecumseh was killed; and tells the story that he saw that chief's hide stripped oli' him, by the soldiers, after he was killed, to make razor straps of ! Mr. Golden was born in 17S0, and died aged 86. Mrs. G. died in 1875, at about the same age.

The famous Sonora stone quarry is located on the river, about a mile above the mouth of Larry's creek. Large quantities of building stone have been taken from this quarry, and shipped to various points for use in public buildings.

Eeligious Peogeess

The only churches within Sonera, are; first, a Christian Church in the forest near Larry's creek, just north of the Montebello line; and another, free to all denominations, situated on the prairie above Sonora Landing. The Christian Church must be 20 or 30 years old; has had a good congregation, now somewhat reduced, and has been for some years past without a regular Pastor. The building is a fi'ame, has been neglected of late, and looks dilapidated.

The free church is a few years old only, and was built by a union of the different sects with outsiders, a plan to be commended by sparsely settled neighborhoods.

Isaac Baxter is a native of tliis countj% and was born Jan. 13, 1855; he is a son of David and Catharine Baxter, both natives of New Jersey. He was reared in this county, educated in the college at Carthage, but was deprived of the privilege of securing a complete education on account of his father's ill health. His father lived until June, 1879, when his disease became acute, and death was the result. Isaac still runs the home farm. His mother is still living, at the age of 61. Dec. 31, 1S79, he married Miss Eugenie Kellogg, of this county.

Hezekiah Brant, whose portrait is presented on page 873, is descended from British ancestry, but whether of Scotch, or English, or both, is not certain. At all events the first of the family in America were very early settlers here. The first by the family name was John Brant, a soldier in the Eevolutionary war, under "Washington, and a resident of Maryland. After that war he moved to Kentucky, then to Indiana, near Evansville, where he died about 1834 or 1835, aged about 82 years, leaving one son, John, Jr., and 2 daughters. The son was married in Indiana to Sybil White, a native of New York, near Buffalo, and a daughter of Anson White, of English origin, and also a Eevolutionary soldier. Soon after marriage John moved to Wabash county. 111., taking with him his wife and one child, Hezekiah, tlie subject of this sketch, who was born Jan. 1, 1826. They located on Barnett's Prairie, on a farm, although Mr. Brant was a cooper by trade; about six years afterward they moved to Yincennes, Ind., where Mr. B. followed coopering several years. He then moved to Lawrence county. 111., where he died about 1836, leaving 6 children: Hezekiah, Alfred, Silas, Horatio, Jolinson and John, all yet living except John, who died in infancy. The widow married again, and