Sheldon Township

Sheldon Township

The years 1859 and 1860 will ever be memorable in the history of the broad prairies south of the Iroquois. The latter days of the former year dawned on the completion of the Toledo, Peoria & "Warsaw railroad, which proved to be, comparatively, the beginning of the era of settlement of the vast prairies through which it passed. As early as January, 1860, a switch was placed on Sec. 2, T. 26 IN"., R. 11 "W., and named Sheldon ; thus, during that cold winter month, the seed of a future city was planted. Soon after the completion of the switch, Messrs. Sherman & Smith put up a small shed and pair of scales, and began grain-buying. This firm was the first to ship goods outward from the switch. Probably the first goods shipped to the switch were five cars of lumber to Mr. Jacob Wingard, who was improving on his farm about one mile south of the switch. The business of the station was transacted from Gilman until March 1, 1860, when William B. Fleager came from there and took charge of the switch - a charge that would have sent less energetic men away in despair. The first day he failed to find a place to board, and so returned to Gilman that night. But the next day found him there again, and he was more successful, finding a boarding place with Mr. William Bussert, who lived about three-quarters of a mile from the switch. He, however, remained there but a short time, as the walking was so very bad, and so he concluded to " batch " it. Accordingly he procured a car, placed it on the switch, and had it serve as residence, depot, freight-house and all combined. He dwelt there until some time in May, when he erected the first resi- dence at the switch, the style of which was two buildings, size 14x20 and 12x16, one placed two feet behind the other. Upon their completion they were occupied by himself and family. In September following, Mr. H. Messer, the county surveyor, surveyed the village of Sheldon, the plat consisting of one ten-acre piece along the railroad, and about 200 lots around the same. The place was laid out on land belonging to the Hon. Judge Chamberlain and James Lawrence, who became the proprietors of the town. The lots were priced from $25 to $75, and the sale began at once. The first purchase was two lots for $100, made by William B. Fleager, who in October following built the first store at the place, and occupied the same with a stock of groceries in November. Later he received the appointment of postmaster. Other early settlers in the village were William Smith, Dr. Barry (who was the first physician to take up a residence in the township), Hugh McCutcheon and William Wood. Dock Brandon opened the first blacksmith shop in the village about 1862. October 8, 1865, Messrs. E. G. Collins and John Steele began business in their steam flour-mill. In 1870 a steam elevator was erected by William B. Fleager. Thus the village steadily increased, and on December 26, 1871, it was incorporated; the vote stood, for incorporation, 24; against, 1. January 2, 1872, the following trustees were elected : William B. Fleager, S. A. Barry, Thomas Thornil, W. B. Fowler and J. E. Tyler. At a meeting held January 8, they elected S. A. Barry, president, and David Greenl'ee, clerk. On May 5, 1874, under Art. II of the act for the organization of villages, Sheldon was reorganized ; the vote standing, for reorganization, 44; against, 13. The trustees were B. Bishopp, J. E. Tyler, R. Eoss, William Sloan, O. King and E. Carroll ; A. B. Caldwell, police magistrate, and David Greenlee, clerk. The first meeting of the new board was held June 17, 1874. B. Bishopp was elected president, and J. E. Tyler, treasurer ; all were sworn in by D. Greenlee, justice of the peace. The village pursued the even tenor of its way, each year adding to the number of its residents and business houses until 1875, when a movement initiated by W. B. Fleager, and joined by other leading citizens, produced a scene of activity seldom ever witnessed outside of the larger cities, - it being no less than the building in one continuous block of fifteen two-story brick store-buildings, known as " Central Block," thus securing to Sheldon not only the best business block in the county, but the best for many miles around. But such has been the magnitude of the improvements of this thriving, growing city, that they are not confined alone to the " Central," south of which stands the old pioneer, " Fleager's Bank Block," which is a two-story brick, containing the bank and a large double-front store- room, between which a broad hallway leads to Fleager's hall and the " Enterprise " office. East of the north end of the " Central " is " Commercial Block," which consists of three adjoining one-story brick storerooms. These blocks, with the single one-story brick store-room opposite the " Central," complete the list of brick business stands in the city, the remaining places of business being frame.

The city is located at the crossing of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw and Cincinnati, Lafayette & Chicago railroads, and is noted for its activity in all branches of trade, more particularly the grain trade, in which it has a great and growing interest, stimulated by an active competition.

March 10, 1871, Messrs J. B. Spotswood and E. A. Burns began the publication, from a press in Kentland, Indiana, of a six-column folio, weekly independent newspaper, called the " Sheldon Courier." It was supported by a liberal number of cash advertisements and subscriptions, but expired in a few months.

The " Sheldon Enterprise " is a five-column quarto, weekly independent newspaper, first published December 31, 1874, by H. R. Fields and H. L. Henry. The first copy was sold for $2.50 at auction, to Joe Bell. Since February 1, 1877, it has been under the management of D. J. Eastburn, the present editor and proprietor.

Societies. Etc

Sheldon Lodge, No. 609, A.F. and A.M., was chartered October 5, 1869. The charter members were: James Cauvins, "William Wood, John Hill, L. B. Brown, C. B. Willard, Scott A. King, Enos T. Soper, A. C. Man tor, A. J. Willard, H. J. Miller, William Warrick and Jacob

Sheldon Lodge, No. 1098, Knights of Honor, is a mutual benefit society, and was organized by L. D. Roberts, D.G.D., May 30, 1878. It meets in Odd-Fellows' hall every two weeks. It has a membership of thirteen.

The village of Haxby was surveyed, May 19, 1868, by E. W. Dodson, for George Haxby, on land belonging to the latter. The survey was recorded July 17, 1868. The plat contains about 12 acres, located on the north side of the railroad, at the state line, in Sheldon township. The population is about 75 to 100. Albert Salsbury bought the first two lots for $50. Oscar Bishop built the first house in the winter of 1862, and sold liquor in the same. In the winter of 1862 the railroad company built two frame engine-houses and a hotel. A few other saloons, and a general store for a short period, constituted the business of the place. Its close proximity to Sheldon excludes a post-office. In the spring of 1879 a school-house was erected on a lot donated by Mr. Haxby. The chief and perhaps only object of the village is to afford convenient accommodations to the railroad hands who constitute the population.

Though a few pioneers made settlements within the present limit of this township as far back as the thirties, they were confined to the timber in the northwest corner. The vast prairie, embracing almost the entire township, was not settled until a much later date, and surely the pioneer period extended until 1860^ if not later. Since that time the broad expanse of wild prairie has been transformed into a scene of industrial activity, scarcely equaled by any township in the county. Since that time two railroads have passed within the bounds of the township, affording an outlet to all the cardinal points of the compass for the surplus products; nearly 2,000 people have become residents; a city of 1,000 people has sprung up, as if by magic ; the rude log cabins and shanties have all disappeared, and have been replaced by beautiful specimens of modern architecture, until on every hand we seem to be reminded that this is wonderland.

Biographical

The Eastburns. Prominent among the names of the early settlers of Iroquois county is that of Eastburn. The name appears as early as 1830, since which time five generations have appeared in this county. The early history of the Eastburns traces through a long line of ancestry back to England. Those who came to this county were descendants of Jesse Eastburn, who was born in Maryland in the year 1770. He was twice married, first to Miss Abigail Phillips, of Pennsylvania, and next to Mrs. Barbara Pitinger, of Ohio. By the second marriage there was one child, which died in Ohio, where Mrs. Eastburn had returned after the death of her husband. By the first marriage there were nine children, four of whom have lived in this county : Hezekiah, Joseph B., Jesse Jr., and William, all of whom were born in Adams county, Ohio. Jesse Eastburn, Sr., came to this county about the year 1833, and settled on section 5 of the present township of Sheldon, where he lived until his death. He had been preceded by his son Hezekiah, who settled about three miles southwest of the present village of Iroquois in the spring of the year 1830, and died October 29, 1832. June 6, 1822, he was married to Miss Ann Black, by whom he became the father of five children, three of whom are living : Margaret, Jesse R., and Mary J. May 4, 1836, Mrs. Eastburn married James Crozzar, who settled in this county in the fall of 1830, and died in 1869. Mrs. Crozzar is now living with her daughter, near the place of her early settlement. Joseph B. Eastburn settled in Iroquois county about the year 1833. He married Miss Sarah A. Truitt, a native of Adams county, Ohio. They settled in what is now Concord township, and in 1835 moved to his father's farm in the present township of Sheldon, where he lived until his death, April 14, 1850; she died August 28, 1870. Of their nine children four are living : William L., Parker T., A. M., and David C. Jesse Eastburn, Jr., married Miss Jane Smedley in Ohio, April 7, 1831. She was born in Pennsylvania, January 18, 1809. They settled near Iroquois, in this county, in 1835. In 1870 they moved to Sheldon, where, September 3, 1873, he died. They had nine children, four of whom are living : Isaac H., James JL, Annie A. and David J. Mrs. Eastburn married Mr. Harrison Hedge Novem. ber 21, 1875. He was born in Massachusetts, February 2, 1813, and moved to New York when quite young, thence to Indiana, where, September 8, 1836, he married Miss Elizabeth Ewan, of New York. She died in Iroquois county, Illinois, in 1868. They had six children : Mercy H*, Arthur S., Mary, Samuel, Amanda E. and Cordelia. In 1871 Mr. Hedge moved to Sheldon, and has lived there since. While in Indiana he learned the carpenter's trade, and followed it and farming, but of late years he has lived retired. William Eastburn married Miss Julia A. Moore, a native of Kentucky. They were married in Tippecanoe county, Indiana. He first came to this county in 1833, then returned to Indiana and came with his family in 1835, and lived here until their deaths, March 11, 1870, and February 22, 1871, respectively. Of their ten children four are living : Henry H., George W., Montgomery and Sidney T.

Jesse R. Eastburn, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, was born in Adams county, Ohio, November 4, 1824, and came to this county with his parents in the spring of 1830, and in the latter part of the same year they settled on his present place. In 1832 his father died, and in 1833 he went among his relatives in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and lived there until 1845, when he returned here and bought out the heirs, and lived on the old homestead since. November 6, 1848, he was married to Miss Tabitha Critchfield, of Ohio. She died November 9, 1854. They had two children : Ann and Ellen. May 1, 1856, he was married to Miss Margaret Howry. She was born in Warren county, Indiana. They had four children, three living : Sarah J., Mattie and Jesse. He owns 290 acres in this county, located three and and a half miles northwest of Sheldon. He has held the offices of school director, road commissioner and supervisor.

William L. Eastburn, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, is probably the first child born in Concord township, Iroquois county, Illinois. He was born February 22, 1834. May 12, 1854, he was married to Miss Massa Hougland. She was born in Coshocton county, Ohio. Of their eleven children nine are living: Charles, Joseph B., James, Minnie F., Ella J., Maggie, George, Cynthia and William P. Mr. Eastburn lived with his parents until one year after his marriage, when he moved to his present place. He owns 500 acres in this county, which he has earned mostly by his own labor. Two of his children are married : Charles and Joseph B. The latter was married, October 18, 1877, to Miss Sarah E. Gooding. Charles was married to Berthenia McKimson, February 14, 1877. His two children, George B. and Jesse, represent the fifth generation of the family in this county.

Parker T. Eastbnrn, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, is a native of Sheldon township, Iroquois county, Illinois. He was born November 20, 1838, and is probably the second child born within the present limits of the township. He began farming for himself in 1858. August 9, 1871, he was married to Miss Julia A. Moore, who was born in Scioto county, Ohio, July 25, 1843. Of their four children three are living: Luther F., Clara, and an infant. He has held the offices of school director, trustee and township assessor, and has served as supervisor for three years. He owns 326 acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor. The farm is located three miles east of the village of Sheldon, and is well adapted to stock-raising, in which he is extensively engaged.

A. M. Eastburn, farmer, Sheldon, was born on his present place August 29, 1842, and has always made this his home. In 1861 he began working on his own account, farming part of the present place, and improved an eighty-acre farm about four miles southeast of here. In the fall of the same year he enlisted in Co. C, 51st reg. 111. Yol. Inf., and remained in service four years and one month. From 1863 he was sergeant. He was in the battles of Island No. 10, Stone River, Chickamauga, Resaca, and Atlanta campaign. At Chickamauga he was wounded, and was in the hospital four months. With others he was captured at Stone River, but was recaptured in a few hours. From the army he returned home and bought out one of the heirs to the old homestead, and has lived on the place since. April 5, 1868, he married Miss Sarah E. Pinneo, who was born in Clark county, Ohio. They had five children, three living : Grace, Nellie and Allen P. He owns 286 acres in this county, which he has earned mostly by his own labor.

David C. Eastburn, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, is a native of Sheldon township, this county. He was born August 12, 1845, and lived at home until 1862, when he enlisted in the 76th 111. Vol., and remained in the service until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Sabine Cross Roads, siege of Vicksburg, Mobile, and the other engagements of the regiment. After the war he returned home and engaged in farming. April 21, 1866, he was married to Miss Annie E. "Webster, of England. They have h' ve children, Francis H., Edith C., Barton T., John C. and William P. In 1868 he moved to his present place and has lived here since. He owns 200 acres of land, which he has earned mostly by his own labor and management.

Isaac H. Eastburn, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, December 5, 1833, and with his parents settled in Iroquois county, Illinois, in 1835. He lived with his parents until he was twenty-four years of age. February 1, 1857, he was married to

Miss Susannah Foy, of Coshocton county, Ohio. After their marriage they moved to their present place and lived there since. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 76th 111. Yol., and was in the service three years, serving first as corporal and then as sergeant. He was in the siege of Yicksburg, and the battles of Jackson, Mobile, and the other engagements of the regiment. After the war he returned home and resumed business on the farm which contains 253 acres, located two miles northeast of Sheldon.

James H. Eastburn, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, was born in Concord township, this county, January 2, 1838, and lived at home until August, 1862, when he enlisted in the 67th 111. Vol. He was made second sergeant and was later promoted to first lieutenant. He was in the service three years and took part in the siege and capture of Yicksburg, and of Mobile, also the other engagements of the regiment. He returned home after the war, and October 26, 1865, was married to Miss Mattie "Watkins, of Montgomery county, Indiana. After his marriage he began farming on his own account. In 1866 he moved to his present place and has lived here since. He owns 300 acres of land in this county, located three miles northeast of the village of Sheldon.

Annie A. Eastburn was married to B. H. Thornton, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, February 21, 1834. He came to Iroquois county 'in 1854. The marriage took place November 29, 1857. After the marriage he bought and improved a piece of wild land, on which he lived until 1865, when they sold out and moved to Bates county, Missouri, where they lived until 1873, at which time they returned to Iroquois county, and in 1874 settled on the present place, which was the old homestead farm of Jesse Eastburn, Jr., settled in 1835. Mr. Thornton has held the office of assessor, and also the school offices. Of their eleven children ten are living : Ella, Benjamin, Minnie, Annie, Edward, Charles, Ross, Frank, Nettie and Albert.

D. J. Eastburn, editor and proprietor of the " Sheldon Enterprise," is a native of Iroquois county, Illinois. He was born in Concord township, May 10, 1845. His early life was spent on the farm and attending the district school until at the age of fifteen, when he attended school at Battle Ground, in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, remaining there during the winters and working on the farm during summers until he was nineteen years of age. He then attended the Asbury University at Greencastle, Indiana, at which place he remained for five years, graduating in 1869. He then returned home and engaged as teacher in the High School at Kentland, Indiana. In 1870 he formed a partnership with Dr. Brown, the firm being Brown

& Eastburn. They conducted the drug business in Sheldon for four years, when he sold his interest and visited Kansas, returning in the fall of 1874, and soon after engaging as book-keeper with Daniel Fry, of Watseka. March 8, 1875, he bought an interest in the " Sheldon Enterprise," and June 1 of the same year became sole editor and proprietor, and with the exception of a few months has continued as the same since. February 12, 1873, he was married to Miss Caroline H« Lyon, who was born in Clearh'eld county, Pennsylvania. They have one child, Ethel C.

Henry II. Eastburn, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, January 31, 1839, and came to Iroquois county in 1843 with his parents, and with the exception of two years in Tippecanoe county, has lived here since. He lived twenty-one years with his parents. In 1862 he enlisted in the 76th 111. Vol., and served over three years. He was at the siege of Yicksburg, Fort Blakeley, and the other battles of the regiment. After the war he returned home and went to farming on his father's farm. December 25, 1868, he was married to Miss Susie Hougland. She was born in this county. They have two children : Samuel and William A. In 1871 he came to his present place and has lived on the same since. His residence was burned January 23, 1879, and he at once built his present residence.

Geo. W. Eastburn, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, is a native of Iroquois county, Illinois. He was born, August 11, 1841, and livedwith his parents until 1862, when he enlisted in the 76th 111. Vol., and was corporal of Co. A. He remained in the service three years. He was in the battles of Vicksburg, Fort Blakeley, Alabama, and the other engagements of the regiment. After the war he returned home and attended school and worked on the farm. March 22, 1870, he was married to Miss Mary E. Bussert, of Ohio. They have two children : Arthur "W. B. and Zelda A. After his marriage Mr. Eastburn began farming in Sheldon township, and in the spring of 1872 he came to his present place, and has lived here since. He has held no office except connected with the school and road.

Sidney T. Eastburn, farmer, Sheldon, was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, in the year 1852, and came to Iroquois county. Illinois, in 1854. He lived with his parents for sixteen years, and then worked by the month until 1879. February 14 of that year he married Miss Ada Ray, who was born in Wisconsin, and came to this county with her mother when very young. After his marriage Mr. Eastburn settled on his present place and has lived here since. He owns 170 acres in this county, which he has principally earned by his own labor and management.

S. D. Fry, fanner and stock-raiser, Watseka, is a native of Coshocton county, Ohio. He was born January 16, 1832. In 1834 he came to Illinois with his parents, who settled near Bunkum, where he lived until he was twenty-one. April 21, 1853, he was married to Miss Harriet Smith. She was born in Ohio, and died January 30, 1856. Soon after his marriage he moved to Belmont township and farmed until 1867. He then came to his present place and has lived here since. March 22, 1857, he was married to Miss Emily Moore, who was born in Belmont township, this county, November 24, 1837. They had five children, four living : Marion, Annie, Minor and Dicie. He owns 160 acres in this county. He has made many trips by team to Chicago. His first trip was about 1842 or 1843, and he has since made as many as nine trips in one fall. His parents, John and Sarah (Doran) Fry, were born in Virginia. They were married September 27, 1827, in Ohio, where they moved when young. They settled near Bunkum, in Iroquois county, Illinois, in the year 1834. In 1836 he served as a juryman on the trial of Thomason. He has delivered hogs in Chicago as early as 1834. Of his eight children seven are living. He has always lived in this county. February 12, 1879, his wife died in Watseka, since which time he has been living with his son.

James W. Murray, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, was born in Greene county, Ohio, August 14, 1832, and lived there four years, when with his parents he came to Illinois and settled near Iroquois. He lived there until he was twenty years of age. He then moved two and a half 'miles to his brother-in-law's, and made his home with him for three years. July 23, 1855, he married Miss M. Johnson, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, and died November 25, 1871. They had eight children, four of whom are living : Mary A., Sarah E., Elva and Samuel. In the following December after his marriage he settled on his present place, which he entered in 1853, and has lived here since. He has not been an office seeker, his only office being connected with the school. He owns 129 acres in this county.

James Hougland, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, March 31, 1818. He was born on the farm and his education was limited to less than three months' schooling. At the age of twenty he began renting land of his father. December 25, 1837, he married Miss Hannah Fox, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio. After his marriage he moved to a house on his father's farm and lived there three years, then went to his father-in-law's farm, where he lived until 1845. He subsequently came to Illinois and rented of Squire Courtright three years, and in 1848 came to his present place. He owns 1,161 acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor. Of their ten children seven are living : Eli, Levina, Sarah, Ira, James, Nancy and Charles. His parents, Isaac and Polly (Carpenter) Hougland, were natives of Virginia. Her brother, Thomas Carpenter, is supposed to be the first white child born in Ohio. Eli and Levina (Andrews) Fox were natives of Connecticut, and moved to Ohio at an early day.

Christian Zumwalt, farmer and stock- raiser, Sheldon, was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, September 8, 1824. At the age of four years his parents moved to Fountain county, Indiana, and there conducted a saw and grist mill. In 1835 while there his father died. In 1842 with his mother he moved to Illinois and settled in Yermilion county, where he followed farming. In 1847 he moved to Belmont township in Iroquois county. In 1849 his mother died in Fountain county, Indiana, while on a visit. He then moved to Yermilion county, thence to Iowa, thence to Tazewell county, Illinois, living short periods at each place. He then came to his present place and has lived here since. He owns 180 acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor and management. He has not been an office seeker, his only offices being connected with the school and roads. In February, 1847, he was married to Miss Salinda A. Oder, who was born in Kentucky, and moved to Vermilion county, Illinois, while young. They had eight children, seven living : Mary J., Martha, Sarah J., Adelia, Charles, George and Franklin.

O. P. Bookless, farmer, Sheldon, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, January 15, 1820. He was born on the farm and lived there about twenty years. He then took a trip, visiting Philadelphia, Baltimore, etc., and in 1842 traveled south, going by water to Helena, Arkansas, thence to White river, thence on foot two hundred miles up the river, and returned by canoe, thence to St. Louis via Helena, thence to Peoria, Illinois, thence on foot to Middleport, the county-seat of Iroquois county, and worked through harvest. He then went east on horseback to his home in Ohio. In 1846 he went to Parke county, Indiana, and in the spring of 1848 came to Illinois and settled near Middleport. He engaged in farming and lived there until the fall of 1850, when he came to Concord (now Sheldon) township, and one year later settled on his present place. January 1, 1850, he was married to Miss Emily Lister, who was born in Fountain county, Indiana, April 18, 1830. They had seven children, five living: Rebecca A., William, Emily J., Leonard and James. All but William, who is in Kansas, live in this county.

At the age of twenty-one he moved to Rensselaer, Indiana, and in July of the same year came to Illinois and settled on a farm located two miles southwest of the present village of Sheldon. He and his brother Isaac M. were in partnership. Both came and lived together until the war, when Isaac M. enlisted in the 76th 111. Vol., and took sick and died at Memphis. Mr. Robert has always lived in this township since his settlement here in 1852. In October, 1878, he moved from his farm and occupied his present brick residence in Sheldon. In 1858 and 1859 he was assessor of Concord township. In 1860 he was elected justice of the peace and held the office until 1876. In 1878 he was appointed notary, and engaged in the insurance business, representing the Springfield Fire and Marine, and the !New York Life. On August 12, 1856, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Cynthia Pinneo, who is a native of Springfield, Ohio. They have had four children, three living : Orlando B., Leroy and Olive A.

J. R. Tyler, hardware dealer, Sheldon, was born in Waldo county, Maine, March 28, 1832, and lived there until he was eighteen years of age, \vhen with his parents he moved to Shelby county, Ohio, and lived there two years. While there he finished his trade of a carpenter. In the fall of 1852 he came to Illinois, and settled in Texas, Iroquois county, and worked at his trade and carried on his farm for the following fifteen years. He then came to Sheldon and worked at his trade two years, and then went to Gilman. The following year he returned to Sheldon, and worked one year at his trade. After this he engaged in the hardware business, and continued in the same two years. For awhile he worked at his trade again, until 1879, when he engaged in his present business. September 22, 1861, he was married to Miss C. V. Amos, who was born in Indiana, and died October 8, 1871. They had three children : Ora W., Sarah F. and Clara. July 22, 1873, he married Miss Kate Tullis, who was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana.

David D. Tullis, proprietor of livery and feed stables, Sheldon, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, December 4, 1822, and lived there six years, when with his parents he moved to Randolph county, Indiana, where he lived two years during, which time his father died. In company with his mother and family he then moved to Shelby county, where they lived until January, 1839. He afterward went to Tippecanoe county, where, July 27, 1849, he was married to Miss Jane Murdock. She was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana. In 1850 his mother died at the residence of her daughter in Wayne county, Indiana. In January, 1853, he came to Illinois and settled in Belmont township, this county, and engaged in farming. In March, 1855, he moved to Middleport township, and in the winter of 1862 he came to what is now Sheldon township. March 1, 1859, he came to Sheldon and engaged in his present business. He has held the office of constable in Middleport township, and for twelve years in Sheldon township. He has also served as deputy sheriff. He has four children living : Charles E., George W., Francis F. and Eleanor J. In 1843 Mr. Tullis drove a family from near La Fayette, Indiana, to Yellowhead Point, in Kankakee county. He passed through here, but there were no settlements between Parrish Grove and Iroquois (old Bunkum). His parents, John and Eleanor (Conwell) Tullis, were natives of Virginia, where they were married. They moved from Virginia to Middletown, Ohio, and thence, in 1816, to Wayne county, Indiana. They raised ten children, live boys and five girls, all of whom married and raised families. Mr. David D. is the youngest and only surviving one of the family.

Dr. Lucian B. Brown, physician and druggist, Sheldon, is a native of Jamaica, Vermont. He was born June 7, 1834, and lived there seventeen years. He then moved to Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and the following year returned to Vermont. In 1853 he moved to Iroquois (old Bunkum), Illinois, and began reading medicine under Dr. S. A. Barry, and continued the same four years. During the winter of 1855-6 he attended Ann Arbor, Michigan ; and in 185T he graduated from the Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois. He began to practice regularly in 1856, in Bunkum, and resided there until 1862, when he was commissioned first assistant surgeon 113th 111. Vol., 3d Board of Trade, and was in service until June 20, 1865. He was promoted to the rank of major-surgeon of the regulars in April, 1864, and March 8, 1865, he was detached and assigned as surgeon-in-chief of the post of Memphis and defenses, by an order of Maj.-Gen. C. C. Washburue. He was relieved June 19, 1865, by Brig.-Gen. A. L. Ch'etlain, and came to Sheldon, Illinois, where he again resumed his practice, adding the drug business in 1870. He has been identified with that business since, with the exception of two years. Mr. Brown was elected the first supervisor of Sheldon township, and has served as village trustee and president of the board of same. November 14, 1866, he was married to Miss Ella Soper, who was born in Maine. They had five children, three living: Nellie, Grace and Blanche.

A. C. Mantor, carpenter and builder, Sheldon, was born in Franklin county, Massachusetts, August 4, 1809, and lived there four years, when with his parents he moved to New York, where he lived until 1831, during which time his parents died. He then went to Cincinnati and engaged at his trade of carpenter and builder. He lived there until 1853, when he came to Illinois and settled in Iroquois county, living one year at Iroquois or old Bunkum. He then went on a farm he bought, and followed farming until 1875, when he sold out and built his present residence in Sheldon, occupying it in the spring of 1876. April 23, 1835, he was married to Miss Rebecca Wardall, who was born in England. They had eight children, five living: Lyman, Cornelia, Childs, Annie and Emma.

Dr. S. A. Barry (deceased), was born in Vermont, December 27, 1817. He became a physician, and removed to Anderson, Indiana, where, April 30, 1854, he was married to Miss Moriah Tharp. She was born in Madison county, Indiana. From Anderson they moved to Wabash county, Indiana, thence to Danville, Illinois, thence to Momence, and in about 1854 he came to Iroquois county, and settled in Iroquois. In 1860 he came to Sheldon. He was the first physician in Sheldon township. He continued his residence and practice here until his death, April 12, 1878. Mrs. Barry is living in the old homestead here in Sheldon. Of the three children, two are living : Winnie B. and Birdie B.

Andrew M. Darrough, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, was born in Bracken county, Kentucky, October 23, 1847, and lived there four years, when with his parents he moved to Montgomery county, Indiana, and lived there until 1854, when they came to Illinois, and settled in Sheldon township, where he lived until he was twenty-two years of age. He then moved to Benton county, Indiana, and taught school in the winters, and improved a farm he had bought during summers, living there six years, except one year spent teaching in Parke county, Indiana. He subsequently came to his present place. October 23, 1873, he was married to Miss Matilda Camper, who was born in Parke county, Indiana. They have three children : Ethan, Bicey and Truman. He owns 240 acres of land, located five and a half miles southwest of Sheldon. His parents, Samuel V. and Ricey (Quaintarice) Darrough, were natives of Kentucky. They were married in Maysville, and came here as stated.

J. W. Johnson, undertaker and dealer in furniture, Sheldon, was born in Sweden, November 13. 1847, and came to the United States with his parents in the spring of 1854. In the fall of the same year they settled in Beaver township, Iroquois county, Illinois. In the fall of 1855 his father died, and with his mother he went to Chicago, where they lived two years ; when, upon the marriage of his mother, they moved back to the farm, and lived there until the fall of 1863, at which time he enlisted in Co. C, 51st reg. 111. Inf., and served until October 21, 1865. He was in the battles of Rocky Face, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta campaign and Franklin, where he was twice wounded and carried from the field, and confined in the hospital until February, 1865. He soon after joined his regiment and remained with it until his discharge from the army. He returned home and bought out the other heirs to the farm, and conducted it until 1869. He then rented his farm, and visited his native country and the principal countries of Europe. He returned home and spent the summer of 1870 in a grocery store in Kentland, Indiana, and taught school in the following fall. In 1872 he engaged in buying grain at Donovan. He also acted as station-agent and built the first house of the place. He lived there until 1878, when he came to Sheldon and engaged in the hardware business, and in January, 1879, sold out and engaged in the real-estate business, the firm being Fields & Johnson. In July of the same year he added the furniture and undertaking business. March 16, 1873, he was married to Miss Emma C. Johnson, who was born in Sweden. They had three children, two living: Lillie G. and Helma May. In addition to his business interests Mr. Johnson retains his farm of 190 acres in Beaver township, which he has rented.

IS". H. Waity, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, was born in Norway, August 24, 1825, and lived there twelve years. With his parents he then came to the United States and settled at Beaver Creek, Illinois, where his parents died. He lived there but a few months, when he went to Moriticello, Illinois, and lived there about one year. He returned to Beaver Creek and hired to a Mr..Enslen, living on the Iroquois, and soon after was bound out for four years to a Mr. Seritchfield, with whom he lived six years. He then farmed for himself, and in 1854 settled on his present place. He owns 413 acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor. September 13, 1849, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Enslen, who was born in Indiana, and died August 3, 1868. Of their three children one is living, Henry E. February 13, 1870, he was married to Miss Rosanna Coughenour, who was born in Iroquois county, Illinois. Of their five children four are living: Delia E., Ella S., Charles N. and Frank.

B. Bishopp, dealer in lumber, coal and agricultural implements, Sheldon, was born in Kent county, England, in November, 1838, and lived there nearly sixteen years, when with his parents he came to the United States, and settled in what is now Sheldon township, in 1855, and lived there for fifteen years, during which time he learned the carpenter's trade. September 4, 1867, he was married to Miss Martha A. Moore, who was born in this county. After the marriage he moved to Stockland township, and lived there four years. He then came to Sheldon and engaged in the lumber business, and took contracts for building. They have five children : Eddie B., "W. Frank, Virginia M., Harry B. and John D. In 1878 he was elected supervisor of this township, and has held the office since. He has also held school offices, and the office of village trustee. He owns about 500 acres of land in this county, of which he manages 250, and has 250 rented.

Stephen Buckley, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, was born in Preble county, Ohio, January 2, 1823, and lived there three years, when with his parents he moved to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and lived there until 1856. He then came to Illinois and settled on his present place, which he bought from the government in 1854. June 3, 1848, he was married to Miss Eliza Jane Harper, who was born in Montgomery county, Indiana. They had six children, five living: Samuel, Delila, Sarah, Alonzo and Moriah E. He owns 645 acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor. His parents, James and Sarah (Lincoln) Buckley, were natives of North Carolina and Ohio. She died in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, in 1844. He later married Mrs. Jacobs, and in 1854 settled in this county, where he lived about eighteen months. He then moved to Carroll county, Indiana, where he now lives.

R. "W. Foster, grocer, Sheldon, is a native of Northampton county, North Carolina. He was born April 3, 1829, and when quite young in years, with his parents moved to Ohio and settled in Logan county, where they engaged in farming. He lived in Ohio until 1856, when he came to Illinois and settled in Iroquois county, in Crab Apple (now Stockland) township, and lived there until 1875, when he came to Sheldon and worked in a lumber yard about one year. Then, in partnership with Mr. Carroll, he bought out the lumber business and conducted it one year. They sold out and Mr. Foster engaged in his present business. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 76th 111. Vol. Inf., and remained in service two years. He was in the battles of Yicksburg, Jackson, Benton and the other battles in which his regiment was engaged. In March, 1851, he was married to Miss Huldah Inskeep, who was born in Logan county, Ohio. They had three children, one living, Annettie.

A. B. Caldwell, real-estate and insurance agent, Sheldon, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, December 17, 1833, and lived there twentythree years. He then traveled in the west for one year, and in the fall of 1857 settled in what is now Sheldon township. He was engaged in farming in the summers and taught school in the winters for the first ten years, and then confined himself to farming until 1874, when he moved to the village of Sheldon. He engaged in the hardware business, the firm being Holmes & Caldwell, which continued until June, 1875, when they sold out. In 1876 Mr. Caldwell bought back the business and continued the same until September 1, 1878, when he again sold out, and has since confined himself to the duties of his office as justice of the peace, and to his real-estate and insurance business. March 13, 1859, he was married to Miss Margaret Pinneo, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, and died June 17, 1863. They had one child, Eva. February 13, 1866, he was married to Miss Elizabeth L. Holmes, who was born in Highland county, Ohio. They have four children : Maimie, Nellie, Alburtos H. and Fred B.

A. V. Gard, proprietor of a general store, Sheldon, was born in Butler county, Ohio, March 28, 1820. He lived on the farm, working by the month, until he was twenty-two years of age ; then married Miss Mary Ann Robertson, who was born in Germantown, Ohio, and died November 5, 1854. After his marriage he began farming on his own account, and about two years later he engaged in the mercantile business in Trenton, Ohio. In 1848 he moved to near Yernon, Indiana, where he engaged in farming; thence to Indianapolis, where he conducted the Holmes House. In 1853 he move to Newton county, Indiana, and settled near the state line, farming for about two years; thence to Tippecanoe county, Indiana; and about 1857 he came to Iroquois county, Illinois, and settled in Beaver township, where he served as supervisor and justice of the peace, and established the Beaver Grove post-office during the administration of Mr. Lincoln. In 1863 he engaged in the general merchandise business in Kentland, Indiana, and in 1865 returned to his farm, where he remained until 1872, except one year in Pontiac, Illinois, where he was engaged in the general store business. In 1872 he again went to Kentland, and was engaged selling lumber and agricultural implements. He also conducted a grocery for two years. In February, 1879, he came to Sheldon, Illinois, and engaged in his present business. November 17, 1855, he was married to Miss Josephine A. Hanger, who was born in Tippecanoe county. Indiana. Of their six children four are living : Orris, Victory A., Fannie M. and Frederick H. There were three children by first marriage : Isaac N., Alexander J. and Ezra P.

William B. Fleager, banker, Sheldon, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, September 30, 1830, and lived there twenty-one years, during which time he received a limited education. In 1851 he came west and settled in Peoria, where he engaged as clerk in an iron store, remaining in the same four years. He then took the agency of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw rail- road, at Conger, Illinois, and in addition to the agency engaged in the grain and lumber business at that point. At the end of two years he was offered the agency of the P. & O. E. Ex. and Illinois Central railroads, at Gilrnan, Illinois, but was allowed only three days' time in which to decide. He concluded to go, and at once sold his business, receiving $3,000, and at the end of the three days was at his post in Gilman, and there remained until March 1, 1860, when he took charge of Sheldon Station, and subsequently became the leading spirit of the village. Short after his arrival he built the first house of the place, and later built the first store, in which he conducted the grocery business, and receiving the appointment of postmaster he used his store as the office. He also added the lumber business in 1861, and began buying grain and selling agricultural implements. Under his careful and energetic management all branches of his business were successful, and within a few years his grocery business, at first confined to a room 16x26 feet, became a general store with a stock valued at $10,000, and occupying a room 16x100 feet. The grain business that started in a small shed soon occupied a steam elevator. In short, his business was prosperous throughout in every branch, with the exception of two years when he served as railroad agent and postmaster until 1873, when he sold out his business and built the present Fleager's Bank Building. He engaged in the banking business, and has since invested $25,000 in buildings - championing a movement that has secured to Sheldon one of the finest brick business blocks in the county. He owns .about 500 acres of land in this township, on a part of which he has built his present elegant brick residence. In 1858 he married Miss Mariah Brubaker, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania; she died in Sheldon, May 15, 1875. There were four children, two of whom are living : Charles G. and Arthur B. March 1, 1877, he married Miss Florence M. Milliman, who was born in New York. They have one child, Clarence Earl. On account of strictly temperate habits and indomitable energy, Mr. Fleager has been successful in business. He is a consistent member of the Methodist church, and has the proud satisfaction, while remembering that he has been the architect of his own fortune, to know that he has so lived as not only to win, but also to deserve, the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

Jacob Wingard, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, March 18, 1819, and lived there nineteen years. With his parents he then moved to Indiana and settled in Carroll county, where he lived until 1861, at which time he came to Illinois, and settled on his present place. January 5, 1841, he was married to Miss Susanna Zook, who was born in Pennsylvania. They had seventeen children, twelve living: Abraham, John, Catharine, Susanna, Jacob, Alexander, James, Elizabeth, Rosanna, Benjamin, Mary E. and Emily. Formerly he owned over 800 acres of land, but has since divided all but 185 among his children. Two years before he came here he shipped five cars of lumber to his sons, at Sheldon, and they improved the farm. The shipment was the first of the kind to Sheldon, and later he sold Sherman & Smith the first wheat sold at Sheldon. In addition to his land in this county he owns 640 acres in Missouri, all earned by his own labor.

George Haxby, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, was born in Yorkshire, England, October 8, 1811, and lived there twenty-six years. He came to the United States and settled in Dearborn county, Indiana, and farmed there until February, 1862, when he came to Illinois and settled on his present place. In August, 1840, he married Miss Rachel Brown, who was born in England, and died here in 1870. Of their eight children five are living: Martha J., Ellen, Mary, William and Joseph. In November, 1874, he married Mrs. Ellsworth, formerly Miss Mary Ketchler, who was born in England. He owns 580 acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor, and upon which he has laid out the village of Haxby, an account of which will be seen elsewhere. He is no office seeker, and has held no office except connected with the roads.

R. G. Risser, of the firm of P. Risser & Son, dealers in general merchandise, Sheldon, is a native of Ashland county, Ohio. He was born in July, 1841, and lived in Ohio until 1862, wh,en with his parents he came to Illinois and settled in Onarga, Iroquois county, where his father engaged in mercantile business, in which Mr. Risser assisted for five years. He then became a partner in thte business, and the firm of P. Risser & Son was formed and has continued to the present time. In November, 1878, the firm opened a branch in Sheldon, Illinois, known as the New York store, of which Mr. R. G. Risser has the active control. He is also interested in the grain business, for which purpose he uses the large steam elevator lately erected. He is also connected with the firm of Risser & Dashiell, tailors and clothiers, Sheldon, Illinois. The active management of the latter firm is left with Mr. Dashiell. Mr. Risser has his time occupied in the management of the business of P. Risser & Son, and in attending to his grain interests. October 2, 1878, he was married to Miss Eva Dunlapp, of Champaign, Illinois.

T. N. Marquis, farmer and apiarist, Woodland, Illinois, was born in Knox county, Ohio, February 1, 1834. When he was yet quite young his parents moved to Logan county, and he lived there with his parents until he was twenty-three years old. March 12, 1857, he was married to Miss Hulda A. Curl, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, and died in Illinois in 1869. After the marriage he farmed on his father's farm until 1863. He afterward came to Illinois, and farmed a year in Richland county. He then came to Iroquois county and settled in Stockland township, where he lived one year, and then went to Belmont township, and in the spring of 1867 settled on his present place. By his first marriage he had six children, five living : Elizabeth A., Edith E, Alice E., Mary F., and Caloin. In the fall of 1874 he married Miss Sarah B. Canaday, who was born in Virginia. They have one child, Ellen. He owns 90 acres of land in this county. In 1869 he turned his attention to the culture of the bee, starting with a swarm he caught on the fence. From information he obtained from books on the subject, his business has been successful, and he now has sixty-five hives. His crop of honey for 1878 was 3,200 pounds.

David White, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, January 21, 1841, and lived there about seventeen years, during which time he received a limited education. He then came to the United States, and settled in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and lived there four years, working on a farm. He then went to Noble county, Indiana, where he worked in the woods ; thence to Warren county, Indiana, where he farmed. In 1866 he came to Illinois and settled on his present place, and has lived here since. At first he bought 40 acres, and has since increased his farm to 165. January 3, 1864, he was married to Miss Amanda Hemrnilright, who was born in Ohio. They have seven children : William T., John D., Nettie J., Agnes, Emma A., Artie and Ann. He is no office seeker, and has held no ofiice, except those connected with the school or road.

Thomas Thornill, insurance agent, Sheldon, was born in Lincolnshire, England, November 15, 1825, and lived there seventeen years. He then came to the United States and settled in Wheeling, Cook county, Illinois, where he lived seven years, and then went to Wilmington, Illinois, where he lived until 1863. From there he went to La Fayette, Indiana, where he engaged in the insurance business, and lived there until 1867, when he went to Reynolds and engaged in the drug business. In 1868 he came to Sheldon and engaged in the drug business. He was appointed postmaster that year, and held the office seven years. In 1876 he closed out his drug business, and has since been insurance agent. June 17, 1851, he was married to Miss E. J. Waldron, who was born in Onondaga county, New York. They had four children, three living: Franklin P., Endora E. and Jessie B.

University Of Illinois

Richland county, Ohio, July 7, 1826, and lived there twenty-five years, when with his parents he moved to Illinois, and settled in "Woodford county, near Eureka, where they engaged in farming. In 1853 he went to Ohio, and February 22 of that year he was married to Miss Anna M. Charles, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio. After his marriage he returned to Woodford county, Illinois, and engaged in farming on his own account, remaining there until 1868, when he came to his present place and has lived here since. He has served as road commissioner four years, and as school director 'ten years. He owns 490 acres in this county, which he has principally earned by his own labor. Of his four children three are living: Charles H., Wesley Y. and Frank A. Mr. Brubaker has been a member of the M. E. church for nineteen years, and steward of the same during that period.

George F. Hull, farmer and stock-raiser, Sheldon, was born in Warren count}^ Pennsylvania, November 1, 1840, and lived there seven years, when with his parents he moved to Aurora, Illinois, and lived there until 1859. He then engaged as salesman for Hewitt & Bro., general jobbers, Chicago, and traveled for them ten years, receiving the first month $30 ; the next six months he worked at the rate of $50, and then $125 per month and expenses. On his way from Louisville, Kentucky,' to Chicago, he passed this county, and liking its appearance, returned and bought half of section 36, which he has sold, with the exception of his present place of 140 acres. November 24, 1868, he was married to Miss Mary Filer, who was born in Pennsylvania, and died in 1875 here in Illinois. Of their three children two are living : Clara and Frank. April 24, 1877, he was married to Miss Margaret Roberts, a native of Indiana. They have one child, Bertha. Mr. Hull lived on his farm three years, and then, owing to sickness, moved to Sheldon and lived there five years, during which time he was engaged as traveling salesman for J. Bronson, of Detroit, Michigan, in the notion business ; J. O. Ely, wholesale jewelry, Chicago ; and B. F. Boston, of Pennsylvania, for whom he sold patent-rights in the middle and western states.

Dr. David Greenlee, justice of peace, Sheldon, was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, September 7, 1807, and lived there fifteen years. He then moved to Ross county, Ohio, with his parents. He lived there until 1837, and studied medicine under Dr. S. Burnham, a classmate, at Harvard, of Daniel Webster. He afterwards moved to Highland county, and began the practice of medicine, and then moved to Adarns, thence to Defiance, and thence to Henry county. In 1869 he came to Sheldon, Illinois, and began the practice of medicine. February 24, 1847, he graduated at the medical branch of the Ohio Hudson

College, his diploma being signed by President Pierce. He is now living with his third wife. Her maiden name was Lydia A. Parker, and she was born in Ohio. They have four children living : Willie F., Irene A., Ida K. and Mary A. In 1873 Mr. Greenlee was elected justice of the peace, and was reflected in 1877.

John Glass, farmer, Sheldon, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 25, 1833, and lived there until 1855. He then went to California via New York and Panama, and remained there five years. He was engaged in mining, and after returning the money he borrowed with which to go, he came back with $3,200. He went to Pennsylvania and lived with his mother, engaging in the sand business in partnership with Thomas Murdock. They furnished sand for many of the leading buildings of Allegheny. They continued two years. Mr. Glass then went to the oil regions, and superintended the Guepner, Heln & Co. Oil Company, and took interest in other wells. In 1869 he came to Illinois and settled on his present place. March 23, 1871, he was married to Miss Alice J. Darrough, who was born in Kentucky, and died February 1, 1877. They had four children, three living: Mattie, Gracie and Alice. He owns 175 acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor.

Robert Ross, carriage and wagon-maker and blacksmith, Sheldon, was born in Canada East, December 8, 1843, and lived there fifteen years. He then moved to Lisbon, Illinois, and lived there ten years, during which time he learned the carriage and wagon-making trade. February 7, 1866, he married Miss Margaret Graham ; she was born in Canada East. After his marriage he returned to Lisbon, where he had opened a shop in 1863, and lived there until 1869, when he sold out and came to Sheldon, Illinois. He bought out the carriage and wagon-shop formerly owned by Scott King, and in 1871 moved the business to its present location. There are three children in4he family : Olive V., Scott G. and Mary E. In addition to his business interests Mr. Ross owns 350 acres of land in this county. In 1873 he was elected village trustee, and reflected in 1879. He has also served as treasurer during the same period.

J. A. Holmes, postmaster, Sheldon, was born in Ken ton, Hardin county, Ohio, in December, 1842, and lived there until 1870, when he came to Iroquois county, Illinois, and settled in Sheldon. He taught school the first winter, and then superintended an elevator for Mr. Fleager for two years, when he engaged in the hardware business, the firm becoming Holmes & Wilkinson, which later changed to Holmes & Caldwell, and they continued the business until 1878, when he received the appointment of postmaster, and has held the position since.

W. A. Weeks, dealer in general merchandise, Sheldon, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, April 17, 1836, and lived there twelve years, when, with his parents, he moved to Monticello, Indiana, and lived there until 1871. He then went to Goodland, Indiana, and took charge of an elevator. In March, 1872, he came to Sheldon and engaged in the grocery and provision business. He has kept increasing his stock and variety, until now he has a general store with a stock of $7,000 worth of goods, consisting of a full line of dry-goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hats and caps, notions, queensware and glassware. January 6, 1857, he was married to Miss Ann Eliza Moore, who was born in Morgan county, Ohio. They had three children, two living : Paschal B. and George A.

H. R. Fields, real estate, loan and insurance agent, Sheldon, was born in Danville, Kentucky, June 10, 1837. At an early age he clerked in his father's store, and later in the Batterton House, of which his father became proprietor. In 1860 he engaged in the dry-goods business in St. Joseph county, Indiana, and continued the business until 1863, when he enlisted in Co. H, 12th Ind. Yol. He was promoted to second and then to first lieutenant. His first year's service was among the guerillas of northern Alabama. September 14, 1864 he was appointed ordnance officer on the staff of Maj.-Gen. Millroy. He was at Murfreesboro, second battle of Stone River and the other engagements of the regiment. After the war he Fre turned to St. Joseph county, Indiana, and farmed until 1868. He then went to Morocco, Indiana, and engaged in the dry-goods business. This he continued until 1872, when he engaged in the business at Iroquois, Illinois, and remained there until 1873, when he came to Sheldon, and in the latter part of 1874, in company with H. L. Henry, began the publication of the " Sheldon Enterprise." In June, 1875, he sold his interest in the paper, and has since been engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business. In the real estate department of his business he has associated with him Mr. J. W. Johnson, the firm being Fields & Johnson. They publish the "Real Estate Bulletin," and do a thriving business, in addition to which Mr. Fields represents several of the leading insurance companies, and is agent for the Anchor, Inman and State line ocean steamers. By unceasing toil and honest effort he has earned for himself the reputation of an active, energetic business man, and carries this trait into all branches of his business.

Chas. E. Dashiell, who is the active partner and business manager of the firm of Risser & Dashiell, was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, January 24, 1849. During his infancy his parents moved to Kankakee county, Illinois, where they lived about twelve years ; then moved to Iroquois county, Illinois, near St. Mary ; thence to Kankakee city ; thence to Chebanse, where his father died. The family then moved to Kankakee city. In 1871 he made a trip to Griffin's Corners, New York, where, September 6 of that year, he was married to Miss Cara E. Lee. They returned to Kankakee and lived there one year, he being engaged as clerk in the merchant tailoring business. He then bought grain at Waldron, Illinois, and subsequently sold merchandise there and at Morocco, Indiana. In 18T6 he came to Sheldon, Illinois, and bought the business of O. King and conducted the same until January, 1879, when the present firm of Risser & Dashiell was formed, occupying No. 5, Central Block. The first floor, 25 X 60 feet, is used as a salesroom, in which is exhibited a large stock of piece goods of great variety. The second floor (same size) is used as a work room, and is thronged with a busy set of city workmen of the best ability, thus affording to the city of Sheldon and surrounding country facilities in the tailoring line rarely to be found outside of the larger cities. In addition to their splendid tailoring establishment, the firm carries a large stock of ready-made clothing and a full line of gents' furnishing goods.

W. EL Harry, attorney-at-law, Sheldon, is a native of Woodford county, Illinois, and was born on his father's farm, near Eureka, November 28, 1853. In 1865, with his parents, he moved to Living ston county, Illinois, to their farm, two and a half miles from Chatsworth. He received a common-school education, and at the age of twenty taught a four-months term of school. April 1, 1874, he began reading law with the Hon. Samuel T. Fosdick, present state senator from the eighteenth district, comprising Livingston and Ford counties. He continued his residence at home, walking the two and a half miles morning and evening, and thus pursued his studies during the summers and taught school during the fall and winter until June 1, 1876, when having completed his course of reading, he was admitted to the bar, passing an examination before the supreme court, then holding at Mt. Yernon, Illinois, and July 24, 1876, he came to Iroquois county, Illinois, and began the practice of law in Sheldon, and has remained here since. He was married to Miss Minnie Yale, of Livingston county, Illinois, April 4, 1877. They have one child, Edward S. His parents, Thomas S. and Arena J. (Compton) Harry, were natives of Kentucky. They were born August 31, 1823, and December 11, 1823, respectively. They were married October 2, 1844.

H. G. Dryer, grocer, Sheldon, is a native of Butler county, Ohio. He was born March 9, 1830, and lived there two years, when, with his parents, he moved to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and lived there until November, 1865. He then moved to Champaign county, Illinois, and engaged in farming. In February, 1£73, he went to Newton county, Indiana, and engaged in the general merchandise and stock business at the village of Brook, and continued there until September, 1877, when he came to Sheldon and engaged in his present business. February 28, 1858, he married Miss Catharine Lindley. They had four children, two living, Irven and Charlie.

J. Watkins, dealer in lumber, grain, coal and agricultural implements, Sheldon, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, December 24, 1820, and lived there eleven years, during which time his father died. "With his mother he then moved to Montgomery county, Indiana, and lived there until 1851. He was principally engaged in farming. He afterward came to Illinois and settled in Momence, and farmed three years, after which time he came to Iroquois county and settled near Bunkum, and lived there until 1863. He went to Onargaand engaged in the bakery business, continuing the same four years. He then went to Will county, Illinois, and farmed for ten years, and in 1877 came to Sheldon and engaged in his present business. September 3, 1840, he was married to Miss Mary Conner, who was born in Ohio. They had seven children, six living : Elizabeth J., Clara E., Martha I., James W., John D. and Charles G.

Dr. A. C. Speck, physician and druggist, Sheldon, is a native of Preble county, Ohio. He was born August 3, 1830, and lived there ten years, when with his parents he moved to Miami county, Indiana, where at the age of twenty-four he began studying medicine with Dr. J. T. Speck. In 1855 he went to Minnesota, and settled in Dakota county, where he improved a farm and practiced medicine. He also continued reading, until January 1, 1863, when he enlisted in the 3rd Minn. Cav., and remained in the service about two years and nine months. After the war he went to Kentland, Indiana, and practiced medicine, attending lectures at the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, during the winters of 1865, 1866, 1867 and 1868, graduating in the latter term. In February, 1878, he came to Sheldon, Illinois, and engaged in his profession and the drug business. In 1854 he was married to Miss Naomi Taylor, who was born in Henry county, Indiana, and died March 18, 1863. Of their three children one is living, Frank E. His present wife was Miss Sarah M. Brokan, a native of Hamilton county, Ohio. They were married July 23, 1868.