Ross Township

Ross Township

In one of Shakespeare's comedies he makes one of the players to say that " All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man, in his time, plays many parts." He further describes the acts of man as being of seven ages: the infant, the schoolboy, the youth, the soldier, the civil officer, then old age, and lastly the end of life, which waits us all. It would be hard to find, in the lit¬ erature of the world, words that would more fully express the idea of the history of nations, localities or individuals, than these of the great poet. In some of the Chinese theaters, it is said, some of the plays have been going on for many years. Some of the actors in the drama having died since the beginning of the play. The government of the city thus utilizes the stage to impress upon the people of that country the events transpiring, and which have transpired in the history of the world, and especially that which pertains to the Chinaman's own country. The history of every locality has its comedy, its pantomime, its melodrama, and, perhaps, its tragedy. Though the history of Ross Township cannot be said to be highly sensational, yet, in all the phases of the drama, it has had its representation.

The history of the township dates back to comparatively an early period. While whole counties to the north and west were, as yet, without a single inhab¬ itant, and while the site of the now great city of Chicago was yet a marsh, this part of the State was beginning to show signs of population.

Indeed, in one sense of the word, it may be said that the territory now known as Ross Township also embraced that city. At the first meeting of the County Commissioners, in 1823, the county was divided into four townships, or voting precincts, the south and east parts being called the townships of Fairfield, Pike and Wayne, and the settlements about the north branch of Brouillett's Creek receiving the name of Carroll. The territory embraced by Carroll Township consisted of parts of Edgar and Embarrass, all of Young America, Ross and Prairie, and all of the territory north to an indefinite point. The fact is, none of the counties north were organized for some years after. In 1826, the county of Vermilion was organized, and became cumbered with the territory now embraced in Iroquois, Kankakee, Will and Cook ; and thenceforth the boundaries of this township were somewhat more clearly defined.

On the west side of the north branch of Brouillett's Creek, the first perma¬ nent settlement was made in 1825, by William Trimble, from Kentucky. He settled in the east part of what is now known as Ross Township, near the Prairie Township line. This was two years after the county was organized, and about eight years after the first settlement was made in the county. Five or six years before, Capt. Truman Blackman, Lambert Bona, Remember Black¬ man, Peter Allen, George Beckwith, Seymour Treat and Francis Whitcomb had made up an exploring party to the Vermilion River, four miles west of Danville, to prospect for salt. Salt was found and Treat was left in possession of the lands, about the point at which the salt-springs had been discovered. Most of these persons were from this vicinity or further south, on what was termed the North Arm of the prairie. The design of these men was to erect, at the point named, works for the manufacture of salt. The enterprise was ulti¬ mately carried out by other parties. By the time that Mr. Trimble settled here, a few families had located at the " Salt Works,'' and a few more on the Little Vermilion. Besides these, the county of Vermilion was a " desert waste. To the east, quite a number of settlements had been made; and on the south, or the North Arm, a number of families had settled, some of whom had entered land. It will be seen, therefore, that Mr. Trimble was on the bor¬ ders of civilization. There were plenty of Indians still in the country, and though their headquarters were at other points, they often came to this vicinity to hunt. They were quite friendly, and did not seem disposed to interfere with the settlers, except occasionally to steal a pig, and, if it were a dead one, they seemed quite as well satisfied. The squaws were not notorious cooks, or, rather, they were not notorious for cleanliness. The only culinary process with which they seemed to be acquainted was that"of boiling. Wheat, corn - green or ripe - the entrails of a sheep, deer or pig, and a few herbs, thrown together into a kettle, were, when boiled, a common diet. After the mess was well mixed by ebullition, it was partaken of by dipping wooden spoons into the pot in which it was cooked. Mr. Trimble continued to reside here about twenty-seven years, when he removed to Texas, where he died a year ago. None of the family now reside in the county.

About two years after Trimble's settlement, Frank Lowry came from Ken¬ tucky and settled near Trimble's. ' He had lived, for a short time, on the North Arm. The farm settled by him was afterward owned by John Somerville, and is now in the possession of Charles Caraway. Lowry resided here about three years, sold out to John Somerville and removed to Piatt County. Som¬ erville was also from Kentucky. He came to this place in 1830, and bought out the claim of Lowry. Some years after, he removed, with his family, to Oregon, where he lived, with his children, until about ten years ago, when lie returned to Bloomfield, saying that he "had come back to be buried by the side of his wife,'' who had died before his removal. Not long after his return, his wish was granted, and the faithful couple lie side by side, awaiting the morning of the resurrection, when they will be re-united on the shore of the newer and better country. Somerville and Trimble both took part in the campaign against the Indians in 1832.

Enos Martin was a son-in-law' of Somerville, having married one of his daughters. He lived with his father, Joshua Martin, on what was afterward known as the Stage farm, in Edgar Township. When Somerville and his family removed to Oregon, Martin accompanied them. Horatio Blanchard is now the longest resident of the township, having lived on the same place, just east of the village of Chrisman, since the year 1835. Five years before, he had removed from Ohio, and settled in Prairie Township, only a few miles east of his present home. Mr. Blanchard has been a close observer of all that has passed in this vicinity, and, having a remarkable memory, especially as regards the earlier events, we are able to congratulate our readers that whatever is here recorded is as reliable as it is possible at this date to obtain it. Mr. Blanchard says that, when he came to the township, there were not exceeding a half-dozen families, scattered up and down the edge of the timber, among which were the ones named, and a few others, whose names appear further on. lie says that all lived in very humble style, and were satisfied with the simple necessities of life. He describes society, though quite rude and simple, as being much more cordial and neighborly than at present. When a hog or a beef was butchered, all of the neighbors were remembered with a piece. When a cabin or a stable was to be raised, everybody for miles around was asked and expected to work all day, or until it was completed, without pay ; and, were a neighbor, by acci¬ dent, missed in the invitations, he would consider himself slighted ; and the other party, on the discovery of the omission, would feel himself bound to apologize. Sometimes, however, when such a mistake occurred, the neglected party would reason that " certainly Mr. A did not mean to slight him, and would feel sorry if he were not present to give his assistance and cheer on the occasion," and would, accordingly, mount his horse and be among the first on the ground, to find that his reasoning had been well based, and that he was among the most welcome. Such occasions were universally enlivened by imbibitions of the " beverage that, while it cheers, also inebriates." He also says that styles of clothing then in fashion would now appear quite novel. Buckskin pantaloons were quite common, and coonskin caps, with the highly - decorative tail hanging down the back, a la Crockett, were to be seen. Almost every man was the shoemaker for his family, and manufacture of this class was but little superior to the moccasins in use by their red neighbors, the Indians. Farming was done mostly by oxen, and many were too poor even to own a team or wagon. Mr. Blanchard relates that, to obtain money with which to pay for his land, he made several trips to Chicago, on foot, to work for Gurdon S. Hubbard, in the erection of the first brick building that was ever put up in that city. At that time, there were not a dozen families on the road from this point to the then village. Each of the families, however, constituted a hotel or tavern, in connection with farming operations ; and the traveler was always sure of a welcome, with fare consisting of corn-bread, bacon and milk. Indeed, at the time of which we write, though all did not charge for such entertainment, every cabin was open ; and nobody was suspected of being a tramp, but was welcomed and treated to the best the house could afford. Mr. Blanchard is now seventy-four years of age, but bids fair to turn another score, as he is quite as lively as most men of fifty.

Augustus Wyatt was one of the earliest settlers in the township. He came from Virginia, and settled here in 1830. In 1832, he volunteered in the service of the United States as a soldier, to rid the State of the presence of Black Hawk, mentioned in a general way elsewhere, and more particularly with reference to ijiis county in the history of Grand View Township. Mr. Wyatt died soon after his return from that expedition. A son of Mr. Wyatt now resides near the village of Hume.

Thomas Holden also arrived about 1830. He was a native of Kentuckv, and had lived there till he was well advanced in life. He lived here until his deaths which occurred many years ago, being one of the very few old men who seek the hardships, excitements and privations of a pioneer life. Edgar County, in this regard, presents a very different aspect from what it did forty years ago. Then the proportion of aged people was comparatively small ; now the proportionate number is as great as is found in other localities.

None of the Holden family, to our knowledge, now reside in the county. Joshua Van Fleet wTas a carpenter, or what was then called a " framer." After a few years, subsequent to the first settlements, the character of the buildings in this vicinity changed very greatly, the little log-cabins giving place to the more pretentious frame structures. In the building of these, Mr, Van Fleet was a skillful workman. This class of buildings, in vogue for a quarter of a century - from about 1835 till 1860 - was of heavy, hard-wood timbers, hewed and framed together with mortise and tenon, and fastened together with wooden pins. Many of the buildings constructed in this vicinity during the first part of the period named bear Mr. Van Fleet's marks. Van Fleet was a native of the East, but of what State we are unable to inform our readers. He removed from this county to Coles County a good many years ago, where he has since died. None of the family now reside here.

Christopher Ward, a brother-in-law of John Somerville, lived in this town¬ ship three or four years. He was an early settler in the vicinity of Logan, coming to that place about 1830, and residing there till 1844, the date of his removal to Ross Township. While a resident here, he studied medicine under Dr. Hopkins, of Baldwinsville, and, on the completion of his studies, he removed to Piatt County. He has since become one of the leading physicians of that county, and, from his practice, has become wealthy. In the early times of this locality, though it was comparatively a " sickly " region, it was scarcely a good location for a physician. Almost every new importation from the hilly country of the East or -South was sure to have a siege of the chills and fever, or "ager " as it was commonly termed; and, until the new arrivals had become thoroughly acclimated, they were more or less liable to attacks of the " shakes." This disease, though exceedingly annoying, and rendering its subject sick in the extreme, was not considered a very dangerous one, and was seldom fatal. It usually attacked its victim in the fall of the year, at the time the rank veg¬ etation of this region began to decay. There were three marked stages to the

,H. L. BOVELL, clerk, Chrisman ; born in Paris, Paris Tp., Ill., June 14, 1848; he removed with his parents when about 2 years of age, to Coles Co., and located in Pleasant Grove Tp., living there until 1864, when he attended school in winter, and assisted his father farming un¬ til 1864, when he removed to Areola, Douglas Co., where he learned and worked at the carpenter's trade for five years, when he engaged in school-teaching for a period of six years ; he then went to Rob¬ inson, Crawford Co., and engaged as clerk in the furniture business for nearly three years ; from there he came to Chrisman, July 1, 1878, where he is now manager in the general merchandise store of S. W. Thayer. Mr. Bovell is son of Stephen Bovell, who located in Illinois in 1836, emigrating from East Tennessee, and who is now living in Osage City, Kansas.

L. B. BACON, farmer ; P. O. Chris¬ man ; born in Ross Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., Dec. 10, 1845, where he has since contin¬ ued to live; he owns eighty acres of Sec. 21, and an interest in 200 acres in other parts of the township, with property in Chrisman valued at $1,600. He married Jan. 29, 1869, Nancy J. Baldwin; she was born in Richland Co., Ill., July 6, 1849; they have by this union two chil¬ dren, now living - Charles G., born Jan.

12, 1870 ; George E., born Jan. 25, 1874. Mr. Bacon was son of Elijah and Zalima Bacon ; they were early pioneers of the West, locating in Indiana at about 1818, where they remained two years, when they returned to New York, his na¬ tive place, remaining there until 1845, when they again came West, and entered about 400 acres of land, at $1.25 per acre, where he lived until his decease, which oc¬ curred Nov. 17, 1877. He devoted a large part of his life to the abolition of slavery, and lived to witness the total extinction of the above institution ; he also made the canvass for Congress at an early date on the Antislavery ticket, but was defeated.

HOBATIO BLANCHABD, farmer, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Chrisman ; one of the early settlers of Edgar Co.; born in Brown Co., Ohio, Oct. 17, 1805, where he en¬ gaged in farming until 25 years of age, when he emigrated West and located in Edgar Co., in 1830; he has lived within two miles of his present home for a period of forty-eight years ; he owns his home farm, which contains 175 acres, and 320 acres in Missouri. At the close of the Black Hawk war, in 1832, he walked to Chicago, to be there at the treaty ; re¬ maining there a few months, he walked back, and the following year repeated the trip, and was employed on the first brick building built in Chicago, being a ware¬ house, built by Henry and Gurdon S. Hubbard ; Mr. B.'s trip to Chicago was through a wild and unsettled country, the distance between houses in some places being twenty-five miles ; he afterward, for several falls, made the trip with his team, loading up with grain and fruit, and taking back groceries and salt ; he made -one trip to Bock Island via Joliet, taking up dried fruit and feathers, returning via Chicago with groceries and salt. He mar¬ ried in the fall of 1830, to Bebecca Han¬ nah ; she was born in Ohio March 13, 1813; they have six children now living by this union - John H., Asa, Elizabeth C., Jennie, Bruce B. and Harvey W. Mrs. Blanchard died Aug. 20, 1863.

C. T. C ABA WAY, farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 36 ; P. O. Chrisman ; owns up¬ ward of 1,200 acres of land in Boss and Prairie Tps. ; he makes a specialty of rais¬ ing, buying, selling and feeding stock ; born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Dec. 14,

1821, where he was engaged in farming until 1851, when he emigrated to Illinois and located upon Sec. 36, where he pur¬ chased upward of 500 acres where he now lives ; he afterward added by purchase, as he was able, until he now owns upward of 1,200 acres; in 1860, he erected a fine brick residence upon his home farm. He married, October, 1849, to Sarah J. Ken¬ ton ; she was born in Champaign Co., Ohio \ they are the parents of seven children, now living, viz., Martha C., Susanna, John H., Mary S., Sarah E., Laura A. and Minnie F.

D. M. CAMEBEB, physician and sur¬ geon (firm of Camerer & Musselman, druggists), Chrisman ; born in Clermont Co., Ohio, July 10, 1824; he removed with his parents in 1830, and located in Edgar Co., Ill., where he attended the common school while in session until 20 years of age, when he devoted two years to constant study, then entered upon the study of medicine with Dr. Ten Brook at Paris for three years, during which time he attended two courses of lectures at Bush Medical College in Chicago, graduat¬ ing from the same in 1848 ; he then located in Brouillett Tp., and followed his profession three years; in 1850, he made a trip overland to California, being absent fifteen months, during which time he was engaged in mining and practic¬ ing medicine; returning in 1851, he again located in Brouillett Tp., and followed his profession until his removal to Chris¬ man Nov. 24, 1873 ; he then engaged in the drug trade, but devotes his whole time to his profession; in 1876, he built the only three- story brick building in Chrisman, the first story being occupied by his drug store, the second as Town Hall, and the third as Masonic Hall. He mar¬ ried March 4, 1849, to Ella Brown ; she was born in Edgar Co., Ill., March 13, 1833; they have three children living by this union - John D., George Y. and Laura D. Mrs. C. died Sept.- 20, 1868. His marriage with Eliza J. Pritchard was celebrated Dec. 27, 1870. Mr. Camerer owns a fine residence in Chrisman, which he erected in 1873; also a farm of 400 acres in Brouillett Tp.

Biographical Sketches

ing until 1851, when he emigrated to Ross Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., and with his hrother purchased 550 acres of unim¬ proved land, which they worked together for three years, when he purchased the interest of his brother in the above land, and soon after added 250 acres more, mak¬ ing a farm of 800 acres, which Mr. Chrisman operated until in 1872, when the Paris & Danville and the Illinois & Indiana Central Railroads (the latter being now known as the Indianapolis, Decatur & Springfield Railroad) were completed through here, dividing his farm in nearly four equal parts ; at the above date, laid out about 100 acres in town lots and organized the town bearing his name, which has built up very rapidly with good substantial buildings of both frame and brick ; it is the largest and best business point between Danville and Paris. Mr. Chrisman erected in 1876 a fine residence upon his home farm, which contains 250 acres of wellimproved land ; he also owns upward of 1,000 acres in other parts of the county. He married in October, 1866, to Mary Jane Mitchell, of Ohio ; she died Aug. 16, 1867. His marriage to Mary J. Brown was celebrated Nov. 24, 1868; she was born in Edgar Co. ; her parents were among the pioneers of this county, her mother being now the oldest resident of the county ; three children were the fruits of the last uuion - John, Mathias, Clar¬ ence.

THOMAS CARSON, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Metcalf; born in Washington Co., Penn., May 15, 1825, where he engaged in farming until 1852, when he emigrated to Tipton Co., Ind., at the above date, liv¬ ing there three years, engaged in farming; in 1856, he removed to Vermilion Co., Ill., living there one year; then to Edgar Co. for one year; then to Vermilion Co. until 1868, when, selling his farm, he removed with his family to Kansas, but not liking the county he returned to Mar¬ shall Co., Ill., for two years, then to Ross Tp., Edgar Co., and settled, in 1870, upon his present place. He owns 360 acres of well-improved land in one body, which he has earned by his own hard labor and industry. He married Sept. 15, 1848, to Bathsheba Mitchell ; she was born in Washington Co., Penn., Jan. 18, 1831 ; they are the parents of six children now

GEORGE O. DINSMORE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 19 ; P. O. Cherry Point City ; born in Rockingham Co., N. H, July 7, 1828, where he was engaged in farming until 1850, when he removed to Chicopee Falls, Mass., and worked in the cotton factory for two years, when, in 1852, he emigrated to Edgar Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., and was employed as clerk in Bloomfield for two years, when he engaged with N. B. Stage in buying, feeding and shipping stock for three years, when he withdrew from the above firm and con¬ tinued in the same business until 1860, at which time he located upon his present place, where he has siuce continued to live. He owns 240 acres in one body, and makes a specialty of stock raising and feeding. Landing in Edgar Co. in 1852 without capital, he has secured all of the above property by his own hard labor and good business management. He married in the fall of 1852 to Annette E. Hazelton ; she was a native of Chester, N. H. ; they are the parents of five children by this union - Abbie H., Emroy H., John T. G., George H. and Sadie A. Mrs. Dinsmore died in Ross Tp. Nov. 8, 1867. Mr. Dinsmore's marriage with Fannie Choate was celebrated Nov. 9, 1869 ; she was born in Derry, N. H., July 6, 1827 ; they have no children by this union.

F. &. J. EARHART, general black¬ smiths and dealers in pumps and agricult¬ ural implements, Chrisman. F. Earhart, the senior member of the firm, was born in Warren Co., Ohio, April 3, 1846, where he learned and worked at blacksmithing until 22 years of age, when, in 1869, he came to Paris for a short time ; then to Bloomfield, where he engaged at his trade for two years ; then to Cherry Point nearly two years ; he located in Chrisman in 1873. He married Sept. 9, 1874, Adelia Smith; she was born in Edgar Co.; her parents were among the early settlers of Edgar Co.; they have one child - Daisie C. James A. Earhart, the junior member of the above firm, was born in Warren Co., Ohio, July 29, 1850, where he learned and worked at the above trade until 20 years of age, when he came to Bloomfield, Ed¬ gar Co., and engaged in business with his brother, which business he has since fol- lowed. They are the pioneer blacksmiths of Chrisman, being the first purchasers of real estate in the town ; they keep on hand all their own hardware and wagon stock, and manufacture farm wagons in addition to their other business.

D. W. FOUTS, Police Magistrate and No¬ tary Public, real estate and collecting agent, Chrisman; born in Vermilion Co., Ind., March 4, 1843 ; he removed with parents when he was an infant to Lawrence Co., Mo., living there five years, when they re¬ turned to the old home in Indiana, living thereuntil 1858, when they removed to Ed¬ gar Co., Ill., and located in Young America Tp., living there and engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1870. He enlisted in September, 1864, in the 44th I. V. I, and was engaged under Sherman until the close of the war, and was mustered out June 10, 1865. He located in Chrisman in 1872 ; engaged in carpentering, being one of the first in the town, which business he followed for two years, when he was elected Justice of the Peace of the township, to fill an unexpired term ; at the expiration of the term, he was elected Police Magis¬ trate, which position he now holds. He married Feb. 29,1871, Rebecca Kelly; she was born in Plymouth, Ohio, April 18, 1843; they are the parents of two children now living - Florence K., born Nov. 17, 1875 ; Burt, born June 28, 1877.

D. H. FACKLER, farmer ; P. 0. Ridge Farm; born in Dauphin Co., Penn., in 1823 ; he lived in Pennsylvania until 30 years of age, being engaged in the hotel business, when, in 1853, he removed to Ohio, and located in Van Wert Co., and engaged in farming for a period of twelve years ; in 1865, he removed to Champaign Co., Ill., and engaged in farming for five years ; then to Kansas for three months, when he returned to Edgar Co., Ill., in 1874, and located in Chrisman, where he followed butchering for two years ; when he removed upon Sec. 4, Ross Tp., and en¬ gaged in farming, which he has since fol¬ lowed. He married Dec. 20, 1845, Louisa A. Elbridge ; she was born in Chester Co., Penn.; they have four children by this union now living - Rachel A. (now Mrs. Sam N. Hoaglln), Aaron A., Augustus C. C. and Charlie W.

Co., Ill., March 4, 1846, where he engaged in farming until 1874, when he removed to Ross Tp., Edgar Co., and purchased 320 acres of land in Sec. 9, since which time he has added, by purchase, 120 acres more ; he has 360 acres in one tract in his home farm ; he has about seventy-five head of cattle, about twenty horses and thirty-five hogs. He married in March, 1874, Cyn¬ thia Ross ; she was born in Ross Tp., Ed¬ gar Co., Ill.; they are the parents of three children, all living, viz., Ethel Bianca, Etna May and Nora. Mr. Fisher is now School Director in the township in which he lives.

F. P. GREEN, Principal of the Public School at Chrisman, Edgar Co., Ill.; born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., July 21, 1852 ; his parents removed, when he was quite young, to Edgar Co., Ill., and located in Ross Tp., living there two years, when they removed to Palermo, Young America Tp., where they now reside ; Mr. G. lived with his parents until 15 years of age, when he attended school at Oakland one year ; from there to the college at Bloomingdale, Ind., for six months ; from there to the high school at Attica, Ind., where he remained fifteen months, when he en¬ tered Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, Ind., where he remained for a period of five years, graduating June 22, 1875 ; from there he studied law with Judge Eads, in Paris, for three months, then attended a course of lectures at Ann Arbor, Mich.; then studied law with Capt. T. J. Smith, at Champaign, Ill., for a short time ; he was admitted to the bar in Terre Haute, Ind., in February 1877 ; he engaged as Principal of the school at Chris¬ man, in September, 1877, which position he now holds. He married Sept. 13, 1876, to Alzina M. Conrad ; she was born in Cass Co., Ind., Jan. 2, 1853 ; they have one child by this union, viz., Lena, born July 13, 1878.

ABIJAH B. GIBBS, farmer ; P. O. Chrisman; residence on Sec. 16 ; born in Troy, N. Y., April 1, 1830 ; at 12 years of age, he emigrated with his parents to Middle Tennessee, where he engaged in cotton manufacturing until February, 1862, when he enlisted as private in the 2d regi¬ ment Tenn. V. C., and was at once detailed as scout, which position he occupied for upward of two years, when he was ap- pointed local agent of the trade stores of Middle Tennessee, which position he held fqr six months, when, his time having expired, he emigrated North and located at Tuscola, Douglas Co., Ill., and engaged in carpentering until 1872, when he came to Chrisman, Edgar Co., and was one of the first carpenters engaged in building in that town, living there until 1875 ; he removed five miles northwest of Chrisman, where he has engaged in farming since that date. He married Oct. 10, 1854, to Eveline M. Shannon ; she was a native of Tennessee ; born Oct. 10, 1832; they are the parents of eight children now living, viz., William Wallace, Ada A., Anna E., Gazelle, Leon¬ ard, Lilly May, Lincoln, Tennessee.

. W. W. GRAHAM, lumber, etc., Chris¬ man ; the subject of this sketch, a member of the firm of George W. Henry & Co., was born in Frankfort, Ky., Nov. 7, 1831. He married Miss Ellen F. Henry, Sept. 11, 1860 ; she was born in New Orleans, La., Sept. 19, 1839; they had eight children, six living, viz.: George G., Harry M., Julia W., Lillie S., Nellie M. and Robert H. While he was yet in infancy, his mother died, and he lived with his grand¬ parents ; he lost his father while he was yet under age. Upon getting married, he en¬ gaged in farming for two years ; he then engaged in general merchandise at Peak's Mills ; continued four years, when he erected a saw-mill and engaged in the lum¬ ber business ; continued six years ; he then followed general trading until 1878, when he came to Chrisman and engaged in his present business.

SAMUEL R. GRAY, physician and surgeon, Chrisman; born in Washington Co., Penn., Sept. 5, 1838 ; when 7 years of age, he emigrated West, and located in Greencastle, Putnam Co., Ind., where he engaged in farming and attending school until 1860, when he entered the State University at Bloomington, Ind., where he remained four years ; then, after devoting two years of constant study to medicine, he entered the Linn Medical College, at Chicago, now known as the Chicago Medical College, where he remained through two courses ; he then received an appoint¬ ment as Surgeon in the army, and went to Indianapolis to receive his commission ; but upon his arrival there, orders having been issued to grant no more commissions, he came to Edgar Co., and located at Baldwinsville April 20, 1865, where he practiced medicine until March 4, 1873, when he removed to Chrisman, where he has given his whole time to his profession,, being the first physician in town ; he owns sixteen acres within the corporation, upon which he has a fine residence and other suitable buildiDgs ; he also owns a farm of 100 acres one mile south of town. He married Dec. 13, 1866, to Isabella Morse; she was born in Kentucky Feb. 13, 1847 ; they have by this union two children now living, viz.: Mary Bell, born Sept. 21, 1867 ; Maggie, born Jan. 7, 1872.

WILLIAM T. HUNT, law student, Chrisman ; born in Randolph Co., Ind., March 23, 1837, where he engaged in farm¬ ing and attending school until 19 years of age, when he attended Liber College, Ind¬ iana, for one year, at the expiration of which time he came to Vermilion Co., Ill., and taught school one year ; then to Asbury University, Greencastle, Ind., for one year; returning to Vermilion Co., Ill., he taught school most of the time until 1870, at which date he removed to Edgar Co., and farmed until 1874, then he removed to Chrisman and engaged in the dry goods business until 1876, since which time he has been farming in a small way, but has given most of his time to the study of law. He married Sept. 1, 1859, to Celestine N. Baum; she was born in Vermilion Co. Mr. Hunt owns a fine residence in Chris¬ man, which he erected in 1877.

J. S. HARTLEY, general merchandise; of the firm of Smith & Hartley, Chrisman ; born in Edgar Co., Ill., Feb. 15, 1837, where he attended school in winter and engaged in farming during the summer, until he finished his education, when he devoted his whole time to farming, remaining with his father until 24 years of age, when he married and purchased a farm of 200 acres, which he worked successfully, making a specialty of raising and feeding stock, until 1873, when he engaged with Mr. C. A. Smith in the above business, which they have since suc¬ cessfully followed. The above firm are the pioneer merchants of Chrisman ; Mr. Smith selling the first goods sold in this town in November, 1872; they carry a large and complete stock of goods, and have a. trade which is rapidly increasing. He married Margaret Scott Feb. 19, 1861; she is a native of Edgar Co. ; they are the parents of three children now living, 'viz., Nettie, William T., Susan. Mr.. Hartley has held the office of Assessor of Ross Tp., and Town Collector of Edgar Tp.

EUGENIO HOULT, farmer, Sec. 28; P. 0. Cherry Point City; one of the pioneers of Edgar Co.; born in Monon¬ galia Co. (now known as Marion Co.), W. Va., May 12, 1825. He emigrated with his parents when 7 years of age, to Edgar Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., where he en¬ gaged in farming until 23 years of age, when he purchased 120 acres of land on Section 28, Ross Tp., where he lived, and engaged in farming and stock-raising for eight years, when he purchased his present place, where he has since resided ; he after¬ ward added by purchase 200 acres more, making in all a farm of 360 acres, which he has secured by his own hard labor, en¬ ergy and industry. He erected his pres¬ ent residence in 1870, his other buildings being erected in 1867. He married Nov. 5, 1848, to Martha H. Lowry; she was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Aug. 5, 1823; four children were the fruit of this union, viz.: Virginia, born Feb. 5, 1850, died July 18, 1851 ; Charles, born Jan. 26, 1853; Maria, born Jan. 19, 1855 ; Caroline, born Sept. 14, 1858, died May 24, 1873.

S. D. JENNESS, general merchant, firm of Tucker & Jenness, Cherry Point; born in Rockingham Co., N. H., Aug. 26, 1845, where he engaged in farming until 21 years of age, when he emigrated West and located in Edgar Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., and engaged in raising, feeding, buying and shipping stock to the Eastern markets, for three years. He then engaged for two years in farming, when, selling his farm in 873, he formed a partnership with J. A. Tucker, and engaged in the above business, which he has since successfully followed. He also owns 122 acres of well-im¬ proved land, within one mile from Cherry Point, the above place being located upon a part of his farm. He married Jan. 25, 1872, to Rachel Hoult, she was born in Edgar Co., Jan. 17, 1855; she was the daughter of James Hoult, her parents being ! among the early pioneers of Edgar Co. They have, by the above union , two children now living, viz., Florence and Emma L.

| the pioneers o iRoss Tp.; owns 700 acres on Secs. 22, 23 and 24, valued at $30 per acre ; born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Dec. 15, 1830, where he engaged in farm¬ ing and stock-raising until 22 years of age, when in 1852, he emigrated to Ross Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., and located upon his pres¬ ent place, where he has since continued to live ; he makes a specialty of raising and i feeding stock ; he now has 200 head of ! cattle and 100 hogs. He was married Jan. 10, 1856, in Edgar Co., to Mary Scott; she was born in Edgar Co.; they are the parents of two children now living - John, born Oct. 30, 1856, and Susan, born February, 1858. Mr. Kenton was a son of Mark Kenton, one of the early settlers of Ohio, locating in Champaign Co., Ohio, in 1801, where he lived until his death, which occurred May 5, 1851 ; he was a native of Kentucky ; his mother was born in Maryland, and died in Ohio about 1858. Mr. Kenton owns, aside from the above land, 300 acres.

JESSE LOWTHER, far., S.30; P.O. Cherry Point City ; born in Harrison, now known as Ritchie Co., West Va., March 29, 1823, where he lived and engaged in farming until 1865, when, selling his farm in West Virginia, he emigrated West and located on Sec. 30, Ross Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., where he has since continued to live ; he owns 160 acres of well-improved land in his home farm, and has an interest in eighty acres more, which he has secured by his own hard labor and industry ; liv¬ ing in West Virginia during the late re¬ bellion, and being a strong Union man, the inconveniences and persecutions which he suffered 1'rom his outspoken sympathies and heartfelt interest in the success of the Union army, led him to look for a new lo¬ cation, where he could settle quietly, free from the above persecutions ; coming West, he selected his present place, which at that time was unimproved ; he has im¬ proved it since that time until it is second to none in the township. He was married Dec. 25, 1845, to Hannah Leeson ; she was born in West Virginia March 27, 1827 ; they are the parents of eleven child¬ ren now living, viz., Granville, Mary J., Eliz¬ abeth, Nancy, Rosetta, Charles L., Sarah A., Rachel, William A., Virginia and Arminta.

Mitchell Bros., Chrisman ; born in Edgar Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., Jan. 12, 1844, where h^ engaged in farming until July 29, 1862, when he enlisted as private in Co. A, 79th I. V. I.; he first encamped at Mattoon, Ill., for several weeks, when he was sent first to Louisville, Ky., then to Shelby ville, Frankfort. Elizabethtown, Danville and Bowling Green ; he served in many hard-fought battles, among which were Stone River, for seven days, after¬ ward Liberty Gap, one of the passes to the Cumberland Mountains, where he was severely wounded, and placed in the hos¬ pital at Murfreesboro, where he remained several weeks, when he was assigned duty in the 153d Co Veteran Reserve Corps, on detached duty at Nashville, Tenn., where he remained one year, the last eight months of which he had command of the Company ; at this time the war being at a close, he was mustered out of service at Nashville, Tenn., July 8, 1865; he was promoted while in camp at Mattoon, to Corporal, and was afterward promoted to Sergeant for meritorious conduct at the bat¬ tle of Stone River, Dec. 25, 1862 ; he then returned to Edgar Co. and engaged in farming until the spring of 1873, when he associated with his brother as partner in the above business and located at Chris¬ man, Edgar Co.; they are largely engaged in buying and shipping grain to Chicago and the Eastern markets, and keep a full supply of agricultural implements ; he owns 230 acres of land in Prairie Tp., and thirteen acres of timber in township adjoining. He married March 1, 1868, Lucinda Thompson ; she was born in Ed¬ gar Co. March 4, 1848 ; they are the parents of three children by this union, viz., Charles W., Laura A. (deceased), and Freddie J.

WILLIAM H. MATHENEY (de¬ ceased), one of the early settlers of Edgar Co. ; born in Harper's Ferry, Va., March 25, 1820, living there until 10 years of age, he removed to Newport, Ind., where he lived until 1850, when he emigrated to Prairie Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., and secured 320 acres of wild land, after which he bought more to make 500 acres, which he owned at the time of his death; in 1867, he rented his land in Edgar Co., Ill., and removed with his family to Parke Co., Ind., and followed farming and stock dealing until 1871, when he returned to his farm in Edgar Co., Ill., and lived until his death, which occurred Sept. 21, 1878. He married March 25, 1852, Julia A. Thompson; she, was born io Owen Co., Ind., April 26, 1830 ; five children were born to them, two of whom are deceased ; the living are : Melvin, who is a partner of Joseph Weaver in the furniture business at Chrisman, Ill. ; he was born July 22, 1853 ; Fannie, born Oct, 20, 1856; Otis, born May 31, 1868.

SAMUEL McKEE, farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 27 ; P. O. Cherry Point City ; one of the pioneers of Edgar Co. ; born in Montgomery Co., Ky., Dec. 8, 1822 ; he emigrated with his parents in the fall of 1829, and located in Edgar Co., Ill., in what is now known as Edgar Tp., where he lived and engaged in farming until 1854, when he located upon his present place, where he has since continued to live ; he owns 240 acres of well-improved land, which he has improved by his own hard labor. Mr. M. has held the offices of Town Clerk, Supervisor, and School Di¬ rector and School Trustee for upward of eight years, and Justice of the Peace for twelve years. He married Feb. 23, 1843, Lethe Tucker ; she was born in Clark Co., Ky., Nov. 29, 1823 ; they are the parents of ten children by this union, viz., Garrad R. (died in U. S. service), Enoch E., Ben¬ jamin F., Kelly T., Rachel, Sarah Anna, Marsaline, Marv. Susanna and one which died in infancy.

WILLIAM NUCKLES, farmer, Sec. 16 ; P. O. Chrisman ; one of the pioneers of Edgar Co. ; born in Vermilion Co., Ind., Dec. 9, 1829 ; he removed with his parents in 1838 to Edgar Co., before the organization of the township of Ross, where he engaged with his father in farming until 18 years of age, when he went to Iowa and worked upon a farm one year, then to Mississippi for one winter ; returning to Edgar Co., Ill., he worked as farm laborer about two years, when, at the age of 21, he married and worked upon a farm until March, 1865, when he enlisted as private in the 28th I. V. I., and went forward to battle for the Union ; he was sent to Mo¬ bile, from there to Texas, when on account of sickness he was sent to New Orleans and placed in the hospital, when upon his re¬ covery he was detained as nurse for about seven months; he was mustered out of service with his regiment in the spring of 1866, when he again engaged in farming. He owns eighty acres, valued at about $35 per acre. He married in 1851, to Eliz¬ abeth Pierce ; she was born in Indiana ; one child now living from that union - Caroline ; Mrs. N. died Feb. 27, 1854. His marriage with Margaret E. Clark was celebrated Nov. 8, 1855; they are the parents of eight children now living - Mary E., Dorinda E., Charles, Edgar, William H., Albert, Nancy J., James H.

WILLIAM V. PRUNTY, farmer; P. 0. Chrisman ; born in Ritchie Co., W. Ya.j Jan. 12, 1853, where he lived until March, 1865, when he emigrated with his parents and located in Ross Tp., Ill., re¬ maining there until 1868, when he re¬ moved to Paris Tp., where he lived until 1871, when he removed to where he now lives. He married Jan. 12, 1875, Mary C. Ellis ; she was born in Indiana ; they are the parents of two children now living - Ida G-., born Jan. 10, 1876 ; Virgil E., born Nov. 28,1877.

S. J. PRUNTY, farmer ; P. 0. Chris¬ man ; born in Taylor Co., W. Va., April 24, 1824 ; he removed when quite young to Ritchie Co., and engaged in farming until 1865, when, selling his farm, he emigrated West and located in Ross Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., purchasing 120 acres, which he worked until 1868, when, selling his farm, he removed to Paris Tp. for three years,' when, in 1871, he removed one-half mile from Chrisman, where he has since lived. He married Elizabeth Lowther July 8, 1847 ; she is a sister of Jesse Lowther, whose biography appears in this work ; she was born in Ritchie Co., W. Va., June 12, 1828; they are the parents of four children now living, viz., Thomas A., Sarah E., William V. and Mary Virginia, the last two being twins ; the oldest daughter married Clayton Ross, a native of Ross Tp., and now resides in Southern Texas.

T. A. PRUNTY, farmer ; P. 0. Chris¬ man ; born in Ritchie Co., W. Va., Nov. 7, 1848, where he lived until 16 years of age, where he attended school in winter and worked upon his father's farm in summer, when, at the above age, he emi¬ grated with his parents to Ross Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., and engaged upon his father's farm for four years; then, in 1868, he removed to Paris Tp., and engaged in farming three years, then removed to his present location, one-half mile from Chrisman, where he has since lived for six years. He -married Jan. 3, 1875, to Catharine Rebecca Leg¬ gett ; she was born in Ritchie Co., W. Va., May 8, 1853; they are the parents of one child by this union - G-racie Maud, born Oet. 24, 1875.

W. H. ROTH, County Superintendent of Schools, Chrisman ; born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, where he engaged in farming during the summer and attending school during the winter until 1857, during which time he attended school two and one-half years constantly ; he removed to Douglass Co., Ill., in 1857, living there one year; from there to Embarrass Tp., Edgar Co., in 1858, living there and engaged with his father farming until 23 years of age ; from there to Henry Co., Iowa, and engaged in farming during the summer and teaching during the winter for a period of five years ; he removed back to Edgar Co. in 1868 ; he located at Redmon, where he remained un¬ til 1876, when he located in Chrisman and engaged in teaching school one year, when he was elected County Superintendent of Schools, which office he now holds ; he owns his residence in Chrisman and 100 acres of land in Iowa. He married Jan. 10, 1865, Lenora M. Prichett; she was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, Nov. 30, 1840 ; two children were the fruit of this union, both deceased.

E. ' Gr. RAFFETY, livery and feed stable, dealer in lumber, manufacturer of wagons and buggies, and general black¬ smith, Chrisman ; born in Dearborn Co., Ind., Jan. 6, 1847 ; at the age of 8 years, he removed with his parents to Edgar Co., Ill., where he engaged in farming until 22 years of age, with the exception of one year in the army, when he removed to Clinton Co., Ind., a short time ; then to Logan, Edgar Co., Ill., and engaged in farming for two years, when, in 1873, he located in Chrisman, in the hardware, grocery and lumber business for several months, then, selling out, he engaged in the furniture and stove trade for a short time, when, selling out, he started his present business, which he has since suc¬ cessfully followed ; he keeps from twelve to fourteen horses and good carriages, which receive his own personal attention, and are always in good repair ; he has kept the only livery in Chrisman since the town was laid out. He married Jan. 20, 1870, Hannah Stubbs ; she was born in Marion Co., Iud. ; they are the parents of three children - Gracie, Maud and Mabel. In

1864, he enlisted, at the age of 17 years, in the 43d Ind. V. I., and served until the close of the war, being mustered out of service at Indianapolis, in the summer of

JOSEPHUS STANFIELD, general merchant, of the firm of Stanfield & Mitchell, Chrisman ; born in Edgar Co., March 1, 1846, where he engaged in farm¬ ing until 21 years of age, when, in 1867, he engaged as clerk in Bloomfield, where he worked until 1873, when he engaged with John Mitchell in the general mer¬ chandise trade, in Chrisman, which they have since successfully continued, with a rapidly increasing trade ; they keep a full and complete stock of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, groceries and drugs, and are also largely engaged in buying grain and shipping to Chicago and Eastern markets. He married, March 9, 1869, Lucy A. Heflelfinger ; she was born in Ohio ; they have by this union three chil¬ dren now living, viz., Otis, Miley and Olie.

C. A. SMITH, general merchant, firm of Smith & Hartley, Chrisman ; born in Highland Co., Ohio, Aug. 24, 1836, where he engaged in farming and stock dealing until July, 1861, when he enlisted in the 2d Ohio V. C., as private, and remained with the above command until the close of the war; he served under Buell and Burn¬ side in the West, during which time he Avas in many severe engagements; among them Pea Ridge, Knoxville and Cumber¬ land Gap ; he was transferred with Burn¬ side's command to the Eastern Army, in the spring of 1864, serving with his com¬ mand, then under Custer, in all his battles ; afterward with Sheridan, with whom he remained until the close of the war, par¬ ticipating in all the severe engagements with the army, under the above Generals ; fought in the Shenandoah Valley, Stone River, Wilderness, etc. ; he was promoted in 1864, to Lieutenant of Co. L, which position he held until being mustered out of service in October, 1865. He then visited his home in Ohio for a short time, when, coming West, he engaged in general merchandising trade at Cherry Point, Ross Tp., Edgar Co.. Ill., until 1872, when, upon the formation of Chrisman, he located here in his present business, being the pioneer merchant of Chrisman ; he asso¬ ciated with Mr. J. S. Plartley in the fall of 1873, under the firm name of Smith & Hartley, and has been doing a very suc¬ cessful and constantly increasing business. He married Sept. 9, 1870, to Martha Scott, her parents being among the early pioneers of Edgar Co. Mr. Smith was Postmaster at Cherry Point, from 1866 to 1872 ; was appointed Postmaster at Chris¬ man in 1872, which office he has since held.

ALLEN SLY, retired farmer; P. 0. Chrisman ; one of the pioneers of Prairie Tp., Edgar Co.; born in Northamptonshire, England, Aug. 15, 1827, where he lived until 24 years of age, being engaged in farming until the above age, when he emi¬ grated to America ; landing in New York Feb. 1, 1852, going directly to Pennsyl¬ vania, he engaged in railroading for two months, when he came to Edgar Co., Ill., and settled in Prairie Tp. in the spring of 1852 ; here he worked as farm laborer for five years, when he purchased forty acres of land, which he improved until 1860, when he added, by purchase, forty acres more ; in 1865, he purchased one hundred and twenty acres, and, in 1868, forty acres, making a farm of two hundred and forty acres, all in one body, which he worked and improved until 1875, when he sold his entire farm, and retired from hard labor ; he then purchased his present place, containing sixty acres, upon which he has a fine residence, located just north¬ east of the village of Chrisman, and known as Chrisman Park. He married Jan. 8, 1848, to Eliza Boone; she was born in Northamptonshire, England, Nov. 28, 1824. Mr. Sly has filled the office of School Director for six years.

COMMER SMICK, farmer and stockraiser, Secs. 28 and 29 ; P. O. Cherry Point City ; born in Salem Co., New Jer¬ sey, Jan. 10, 1812, where he engaged in farming and teaming until 18 years of age, when he removed to Delaware ; for three years engaged in teaming ; from there to Pennsylvania, where he worked at farming and teaming until 1850, when he came West and located in Edgar Co., Ill., working upon a farm for five years, when he settled upon his present place, where he has since lived ; he owns 253 acres of well-improved land, which he has bought since he came here, entering 80 acres in 1850. at $1.25 per acre, and has since added by purchase as he has been able to ; the above property, he has secured by his own hard labor, energy and perseverance. He married, Oct. 3, 1867, to Emeline Madden ; she was a native of Kentucky ; they are the parents of six children - John W., Charles E., Mary Jane and Jacob P. (the last two being twins), Hannah A. and Lucilla. , 4

ISAAC SCOTT, farmer and merchant ; P. 0. Chrisman ; one of the pioneers of Prairie Tp., Secs. 13 and 24 ; born in Prairie Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., in 1843, where he resided until 1868, when he re¬ moved to his present place, where he has since resided ; being engaged in farming and attending school until he attained his majority ; when he remained with his father two years, and at the age of 23, he engaged in farming and trading upon his own account, which business he has since successfully followed. He owns 288 acres of well-improved land in Ross Tp., and 37 acres of timber in townships ad¬ joining his home farm, and store being located two miles north of Chrisman. He married Dec. 24, 1866, to Sarah E. Crow; she was born in Kentucky Oct. 27, 1836 ; three children were born to them, viz., Emily C., born Aug. 10, 1869 ; Benjamin F., born Sept. 8, 1870 ; Carrie B., born July 21, 1872. Mrs. Scott died July 13, 1878, of consumption after three years of patient suffering.

HARYEY STUBBS, insurance and stationery, Chrisman ; one of the pioneer business men of Chrisman ; born in Union Co., Ind., Oct. 10, 1839 ; he removed when quite young with his parents to Marion Co., Ind., living there until 1855 ; then to Decatur Co., Ind., where he en¬ gaged in farming until 1858 ; then to Paris Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., until 1861, when he engaged in a saw-mill at Ver¬ milion for one year ; then he removed to ElbridgeTp., and followed school-teaching for four years; returning to Vermilion, he served as clerk in a general store one year ; he then removed to the village of Kansas, where he served as clerk in a grocery and hardware store for three years ; he then formed a partnership and purchased the above business of his employers which he carried on for two years. In November, 1872, he sold his interest in the above business and located in the above business at Chrisman, which he continued for a short time, when he sold out and engaged in his present business, which he has since successfully followed. He married, August, 1863, to Martha J. Miller ; she was born in Preble Co., Ohio ; one child was born to them - Maggie J., born Oct. 7, 1866. Mrs. Stubbs died Dec. 5, 1866. Mr. Stubbs' marriage with Judith H.Lansdown was celebrated Jan. 1, 1868 ; one child was born to them which died in infancy. Mrs. S. died June 22, 1878.