Sheridan Township

Sheridan Township

TOWBERMAN WILLIAM, grain dealer. New Holland; was bom in Virginia in 1838; came to this state in 1858, and to this county in 1874; married Barbara M. Windle in 1868. who was bom in Ohio; Her father.William Windle, was one of the pioneers of this and Mason Co; he was bora in Virginia in 1 792; his wife was Effa Delong, who was bom ^ in Maryland in 1797, and both died in September, 1876. having lived together about sixty years; Mr. T. has been assessor several years; dem; liberal

WARNER JOSEPH, farmer. Sec. 17; P.O. New Holland; was born in Switzerland in 1829; came to St. Louis. Mo. in 1854, and to this county in 1855; dem; liberal; married Martha A. Baxter Oct. 6, 1861; she was bom in Menard Co. in 1842; have one child living: Joseph W. and two dead: Lewis and Ella; owns 160 acres, valued at $9,600

WHITE JOHN, farmer and stockraiser. Sec. 15; P.O. New Holland; was born in Ireland in 1837; came to Pennsylvania in 1851; to Menard Co. 111. in 1855, and to this county in i860; married Margaret Flinn August 23, 1868; she was bom in Orange Co. N. Y. in 1852; have three children living: James, John and Rosey, and one dead: Catherine; owns 510 acres, valued at $25,600

WINDLE GEORGE, farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 30; P.O. New Holland; dem; liberal; was born in Ohio, Dec. 30, 1845; came to this county m 1861; marrien Sarah C. Ohmart, Sept. 18, 1872; she was bom in Menard Co. in 1850; have two, children living, Lulu May and Lizzie Ellen, and one dead, Charles O; has held the office of collector and town clerk; he has a fine lot of thorough-bred Berkshire hogs, and also thorough-bred short-horn Durham cattle

WINDLE THOMAS, farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 34; P.O. Lincoln; dem; Cath; was bom in Ohio in 1820; came to Logan Co. in 1861; he represented this district in the legislature through the session of 1875; is "supervisor now, and has been for the last eight years; owns 1,135 acres of land, valued at $45,400, and has a fine herd of thorough-bred short-hom callle. and fine-bred cotiwold sheep; majried Frances Warren in Ohio, April 33, 1843; have KTm children living: William, Geo^e, John H., Mu? E., Uriah. Thomas James, and Satlie A; have lost fonr children: Nancjr E,, Loom O., Barbara A., and ChaVles E.

YAEOEB EDWABD W. merchant. New Holland; dem; Mcth; bom in Illinois, Jan. 16, 1853; came to this coantj in 1S67; married Helena K. Ford, Dec 4. 1873, who was bom in Wanen Co. Ohio, Ma; 13, iBsSi ha*e one child, Oscar Edward, bom Sept. S, 1673; he is a of the film of Bnrton & Yteger

Source changes here: from History of Logan County, Illinois, Together with Sketches of Its Cities, Villages, and Towns, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History, Portraits of Prominent Person, and Biographies of Representative Citizens : Also a Condensed History of Illinois, Embodying Accounts of Prehistoric Races, Indian Wars, and a Brief Review of Its Civil and Political History, by Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.), published 1886; 7,336 words in this source stream.

Sheridan Township

Sheridan Township, in the western tier of townships, is bounded as follows: On the north by Prairie Creek Township, on the east by West Lincoln Township, on the south by Corwin Townahip, and on the west by Mason County. It is drained by Sugar Creek, flowing west, and crossed in nearly the same direction by the Champaign & Havana Line, with two stations. Burton View and New Holland. At the former place is no village - merely a postoffice and railroad station.

1867 - Supervisor, George W. Gayle; Clerk, Sumner T. Dickman; Assessor, Thomas J. Athey; Collector, "William H. Mc- Murphy; Highway Commissioners, David P. Lee, A. M. Osborn and "William Anderson; Justices, "William C. Mitchell and Calvin M. Grapes; Constables, Joseph Lucas and George McKinnie.

1869- -Supervisor, "William H. McMurphy; Clerk, George "Wendie; Assessor, "William Towberman; Collector, A. M. Osborne; Highway Commissioner, Thomas "Wendle; Constables, Simon Koons and A. B. Roberts.

1873 - Supervisor, Thomas Wendle; Clerk, A. M. Caldwell; Assessor, H. W. Lunt; Collector, D. M. Burner; Higliway Commissioners, Jacob Boliugher and William Fogarty; Justices, T. P. Garretson and G. W. Gale; Constables, Simon Koons and M. Hogarty.

1877_Supervisor, Thomas Wendle; Clerk, P. H. Rourke; Assessor, T. J. Athey; Collector, J. W. Coffman; Highway Commissioners, Robert Miller and William H. McMurphy; Justices, T. P. Garretson and G. W. Gayle; Constables, Alexander Campbell and Michael Wurtzbough.

Statistics

Sheridan is not increasing in population, on account of removals to the West. The census reports of 1870 and 1880 showed as follows: 1,002 and 948. There are now about 950 inhabitants.

Political

In political affiliation Sheridan is a strong Democratic township, as shown by the following abstract of the vote for President at each election since 1868: a thriving village on the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Railroad, in Sheridan Township, was laid out by Oliver Holland in April, 1875. The first building erected in town was a dwelling by "William Towberman, who soon after built a store. He had been preceded a short time by Randolph & Co., who were the first to open a stock of goods here. An elevator was built in 1875 by M. La Forge, which is now operated by Y. E. St. John. The shipments of grain from town are enormous. It is in the midst of an excellent farming community, and the handling of cattle and grain, especially the latter, forms the chief business of town. The population is now 300.

The business firms of 1885 are: L. Burchett, general store; James Ryan, hardware; G. H. Warren, general store; S. O. Mc- Kennan, drugs; Binns & Bush, harness; Baker Bros., confectionery; McElhiney & Warnick, grocery; William O'Shea, hardware; V. R. St. John, grain, feed-mill, lumber and coal; D. M. Burner, coal; F. B. McKennan, jeweler and postal telegraph agent; P. H. Ryan, blacksmith; Julius Mayers, boots and shoes; William T. Smith, barber; S. O. McKennan, postmaster; Julian A. Smith, physician ; J. B. Hackler, station agent ; Jonas White, New Holland House; Mrs. T. M. McKennan, boarding house; A. A. Buzzard, boarding house.

JVew Holland Lodge, No. 741, A. Jf. & A. M., was chartered October 3, 1876, the following being the first officers: T. P. Garretson, Worthy Master; A. M. Caldwell, Senior Warden; D. M. Burner, Junior Warden. The other charter members were: Jacob and John Bolinger, Ed. Beaver, John Harter, S. E. Bickford, S. F. Jackson, George W. Gayle, Lee Chance, William Towberman, Eli Thomas, E. A. Baxter and Robert Miller. The present officers are: A. M. Caldwell, Worthy Master; Ed. Beaver, Senior Warden ; Sam. Faverty, Junior Warden; V. R. St. John, Secretary; D. M. Burner, Treasurer; George Harmon, Tyler; James Derr, Senior Deacon; Jonas White, Junior Deacon. The lodge has twenty-two members, and meets on Saturday evening on or before the full moon of each month.

The Methodist Episeopal society built a frame church in 1867, mile and a half southwest of the village. This was known as the Richmond Grove Church, and was used on alternate Sundays by the Methodists and Cumberland Presbyterians. In 1882 the former sold to the latter, and built for themselves a frame church in the village, at a cost of $3,000. The land on which it stands was donated by Garrett M. La Forge, who also contributed liberally to the building. The pastor was J. T. Simmons; Trustees, D. Elam, George W. Gayle, J. C. White, James Baxter and Gerald McKennie. The church was dedicated by Rev. Hiram Buch. After the village of New Holland was started the advantage of changing the place of worship was soon perceived. The pastor agitated the question of either moving the old building to town or '* erecting a new one. The latter seemed to be the most favorably considered by the society, and consequently, in the spring of 1882, a subscription was circnlSited to raise funds. Meeting with reasonable success, and having sold the old church building to the Cumberland Presbyterian society, reserving the bell, the contract for a new church building was let to L. D. Case, to be built from plans and specifications furnished by W. A. Carwine, of Lincoln. The pastor was W. A. McKennie; Building Committee, A. M. Caldwell, W. S. Watson, M. D., George W. Gayle and V. R. St. John; Trustees, L. Burchett, A. M. Caldwell, George W. Gayle and V. R. St. John. The church cost $3,000, and was dedicated January 28, 1883, by Rev. W. H. H. Adams, D. D., of Bloomington. The present membership of the society is thirty-five; Pastor, Rev. C. N. Sloan; Stewards, A. M. Caldwell and V. R. St. John. A. M. Caldwell is Superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has an average attendance of sixty-five.

T/ie Cumberland Presbyterian Society having purchased from the Methodist Episcopal society the old church building in the fall of 1883, they moved it to town, and placed it on lots donated to the society by Oliver W. Holland at the time of laying out the town, reshingling and painting and otherwise repairing it. It was in iSIovember rededicated by Rev. R. D. Millen, Pastor. The Sunday-school has an average attendance of about sixty-five; J. Derr is Superintendent, and F. B.McKennan, Assistant Superintendent. The present pastor is W. T. Rodgers.

Jacob Bolinger, an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Sheridan Township, is a native of Germany, where he was born December 26, 1833. Before he had reached the age of two years his father, Frederick Bolinger, came to the United States. Jacob remained with his parents till of age, assisting his father with the duties of the farm. In 1855 he was married to Frances Biebinger, a native of Germany. Of the eight children born to this union six are living - Katie, wife of David La Forge; Melissa, wife of William Bunn; Nora, wife of George Blaum; John F., Luster E. and Lena, at home. Alice, the third daughter, died at the age of twenty -two years, and Lutitia, the youngest, died aged four years. After his marriage Mr. Bolinger settled in Scioto County, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming till 1870, since which he has been a resident of Logan County, Illinois. He now lives on section 19, Sheridan Township, where he has a fine farm containing 400 acres of valuable land. He make a specialty of stock-raising. Mr. Bolinger has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for many years. He has held all the offices but that of master, in New Holland Lodge, No. 741. He is also a member of Lincoln Chapter, K. A. M. In politics he is a staunch Republican. While not a member of any church he believes in and acts the practical Christian life. '

John Bolinger was born in Neistant, Germany, April 5, 1829, a son of F. F. and Kate Bolinger. His parents came to the United States in 1832, and located in Pike County, Ohio, near Waverly, and there our subject was reared, and in 1853 married Ann Elizabeth Bebinger, a native of Manheim, Germany, born June 4, 1827, and came to America in 1851. Three months after his marriage he moved to the French Grant in Scioto County, Ohio, and lived there four years engaged in agricultural pursuits. He then kept a hotel in Portsmouth about a year, when he resumed farming and continued it in Scioto County till 1863, when he moved to Jacksonville, Illinois, and thence the same year to Lincoln, and rented a farm of Dr. Sargent a year. In 1864 he returned to his farm in Ohio, but in 1871 came again to Illinois and bought the farm on section 7, Sheridan Township, Logan County, where he has since lived with the exception of two years, one spent in Lincoln and one in Menard County. Mr. Bolinger's farm contains 310 acres of choice land, and his residence and building improvements are among the best in the county. He is a thoroughly practical farmer, and one of Sheridan's most reliable and energetic citizens. To him and his wife have been born five children - Jacob Allen, a physician and surgeon of Oakford, Menard County, a graduate of St. Louis Medical College; John Franklin, a farmer; George Lincoln, a graduate of Jacksonville Business College, now a bookkeeper for a prominent New Holland firm; Mary Emma, and Charles

Jolinson, a telegraph operator. In politics Mr. Bolinger is a Republican. He is a member of New Holland Lodge, No. 741, F. & A. M. Mr. Bolinger was reared in a log cabin on the frontier, and is thoroughly conversant with all the phases of life in a new country. In his youtii his mother spun and wove the clothing for the family, and often they went bare-footed, even to church. But their free life was health-producing and they were as happy as though clad in the finest linen. His father, F. F. Bolinger, served eight years in the army under the Emperor Napoleon, sharing all the hardships and glory of his most noted campaigns. He was -with him at the crossing of the Alps, and in the campaign on the plains of Italy that followed. Was also in the ill-starred campaign against Russia, 'and witnessed the burning of Moscow, being one of the few survivors of the disastrous retreat that followed. He fought at the battle of Waterloo, his service ending with the final overthrow of Napoleon.

Landrum Burchstt, the oldest settler and first merchant of New Holland, was bora in Boyd County, Kentucky, January 21, 1841, a son of William and Emily Burchett, also natives of Kentucky. His boyhood was passed on a farm, and in his youth he was employed as clerk in a mercantile establishment. When the civil war broke out he was surrounded by friends and neighbors who were in sympathy with the Confederacy, but his heart swelled with true patriotism for the Government, and he immediately enlisted in the service of the Union, and in 1862 was mustered in as a private in Company A, Thirty-ninth Kentucky Infantry, serving faithfully till mustered out as Second-Lieutenant in 1865. He received a few slight wounds, but was disabled for active service only a few days. His friends and neighbors who entered the service of the Confederacy nearly all lost their lives. After the close of the war Mr. Burchett preferred to live with loyal men and where free speech was allowed, and accordingly bade his native State farewell and immigrated to Illinois, stopping first at Mason City, where he was employed as clerk until he came to New Holland and formed a partnership with G. W. La Forge, under the firm name of Burchett & Co., and established the first mercantile business in the place. They did a good business and were prosperous till March 14, 1885, when their place of business and stock of goods were entirely destroyed by fire, involving a loss of about $11,000, their insurance being only $7,500. The partnership was then dissolved, but at the request of his numerous friends Mr. Burchett immediately telegraphed for goods, and on Monday, March 16, resumed business. During the summer of 1885 he rebuilt on the old site, his present tine brick store building, 50 x 70 feet in size, and now carries the largest stock of goods in the village. Politically Mr. Burchett is an ardent Republican, outspoken in his views. He was the first postmaster of New Holland, holding the office till November 4, 1885. He is a shrewd business man, and by his honest dealings and accommodating ways has made his customers his friends. In 1865 Mr. Burchett was married to Hattie Van Bibber, a native of Kentucky. They have one son - Oscar.

Alexander M. Caldwell is one of Sheridan's prominent agricultarists. His residence is on section 17, and his farm, which contains 240 acres, is one of the best cared for in the township. Our subject received a good education in his youth, and for a few years followed the profession of teaching. He was married December 4, 1873, to Lutitia White, a native of Ross County, Ohio, born November 9, 1854, a daughter of Jonas White. They have five children - Gracie L., Emma, Charles M., Richard A. and Brice. In politics Mr. Caldwell is a Prohibitionist. In 1885 he was elected school treasurer of his township, and has also served as clerk and collector of the township. He is a charter member of New Holland Lodge, No. 741, F. & A. M., of which he was the first senior warden, and has passed the master's chair. He is also a member of Lincoln Chapter. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Brice Caldwell, father of our subject, was born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1804, and was of Scotch descent. He came to the United States in 1825, the year he reached his majority. He lived in Boston till after his marriage with Miss Mary Ann Thompson, which occurred January 1, 1835. Mrs. Brice was also of Scotch descent. She was born in County Antrim, Ireland, December 22, 1816, a daughter of Alexander and Jane (Stuart) Thompson. Her father came to America in 1822 to try to regain his lost health, but receiving no benefit he returned to Ireland the following year. In 1834 he again returned to this country, makmg his home in Boston. He subsequently returned to Illinois, his death occurring in Mason County at the advanced age of ninetyfour years. His wife had died many years previous. Mr. Thompson had the following children - William, Mrs. Caldwell, Mrs. Jane Gore, Mrs. Letitia Perrine (deceased), and a son who was accidentally killed by a falling tree in Mason County. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.' Brice Caldwell went to Bucks County,

Pennsylvania, and a year later removed to Chatham, New Jersey, where they remained two years. After a short residence in Trenton, New Jersey, they came with their family to Scott County, Illinois, but soon after removed to Greene County. Two years later they returned to Scott County where they remained till coming to Sheridan Township, this county, in 1856, and here Mr. Brice Caldwell became one of the leading citizens. He lived to improve one of the best farms in this part of Logan County, and built for himself one of the finest residences in the township. His homestead farm is on section 17 and contains 160 acres. Mr. Caldwell and his wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Caldwell was a kind and indulgent father, and as a citizen was highly esteemed. He gave his children the benefit of a good education and each of them a start in life. Eight of his children engaged in teaching school. The children are - Jane S., wife of T. H. Price; Mrs. Margaret H. Chesnut; Mrs. Letitia Welch, widow of Elijah "Welch; William, deceased; Mrs. Charlotte A. Bray; Alexander M., whose name heads this sketch; Charles Edwin, M. D., and Mrs. Helen M. Shirley, residents of Chicago; Lizzie M. and Josephine. Mr. Brice Caldwell died June 20, 1882. His widow Btill lives at the homestead with part of her family.

George W. Oayle was born in Caroline County, "Virginia, August 16, 1818, a son of William E. and Elizabeth Gayle, natives of the same county. When sixteen years of age he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade in the city of Richmond, and served till twenty-one years of age. He then joined his parents who had moved to Flemingsburg, Fleming County, Kentucky, in 1836. His mother died there in 1842. In 1850 he moved to Peoria, Illinois, and six years later to Tazewell County, where he lived until 1859, when he became a resident of Logan County, making his present residence on section 22, Sheridan Township, his home. His good farm of 165 acres has all been improved since his removal to it, and he has erected his pleasant residence and farm buildings. Mr. Gayle is a thorough master of his trade, and one of the most prominent builders and contractors in Central Illinois. He was the architect and superintendent of the building of the Lincoln University. He erected the Musick Block and Spitly House at Lincoln and several other business blocks. Mr. Gayle was married Christmas day, 1849, to Ann E. White, a native of Nicholas County, Kentucky, born December 24, 1830: They have had eleven children , all of whom, save the eldest, John W., who died at Peoria, aged tliree years, are living - George W., Jr., resides in this township; Mrs. Martha J. McElhauey lives in Pottawattamie County, Iowa; Thomas D., in Council Bluffs, Iowa; William D., in this township; Anna M., at New Holland; James E., at Omaha, Neb.; Daniel E., Robert T., Frank P. and Harry S., at home. Mr. and Mrs. Gayle are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he has affiliated with the Democratic party since 1841, although he cast his first presidential vote for General Harrison. He is a member of New Holland Lodge No. 741, F. & A. M.

Jacob Isonhart, one of the pioneers of Logan County, Illinois, now residing on section 20, Sheridan Township, is a native of Poland, born June 5, 1811. His early life was one of hardship and toil, but one that taught him lessons of self-reliance. When an infant of three weeks the war carried on through his native country by Napoleon destroyed the home of his parents, John and Elizabeth Isonhart, compelling them to flee to France, where their home was again devastated by war. They finally embarked for America with their family, and after a stormy voyage of nineteen weeks landed at Baltimore, and made their home in Maryland. At the age of ten years Jacob Isonhart was bound out to learn the blacksmith's trade, serving as an apprentice till he was twenty-one years of age, during which time he only attended school twenty days. He was married at the age of twenty-five years to Hannah Bergen, who was born and reared in Baltimore County,Maryland. After his marriage he was employed as farm superintendent by Judge Buchanan, at that time Chief Justice of the State of Maryland. In the fall of 1836 Mr. Isonhart became a resident of Logan County, Illinois, making his home at Middletown. He first engaged in farming, but soon resumed work at his trade which he plied successfully at Middletown eleven years. He continued to reside at or near Middletown till 1883, when he settled in his present home, which property he had bought before the war. Mr. Isonhart was bereaved by the loss of his wife in February, 1878. Ten children were born to them, the first three dying in infancy. John resides in Spink County, Dakotp,; Marietta, deceased wife of Nelson Davis; Jacob, living on a part of his father's property in this township; Willia-m, living on the same property; Elizabeth, wife of Frank Ferris; Amelia, deceased; Cornelia, wife of James Turner, resides on Mr. Isonhart's farm near Middletown. Mr. Isonhart in the past has been one of the active men of Logan County. He has been suc- cessful through life, and is now the owner of 160 acres where he resides, and a farm of 155 acres in Thayer County, Nebraska, and still owns the old homestead near Middletown which contains 160 acres. His mother died at his home in 1846. Mr. Isonhart was a member of the first grand jury impaneled in Logan County. He is a member of the Lutheran church.

David H. La Forge resides on section 19, Sheridan Township, where he was born, December 1, 1860. His. grandfather, Garrett M. La Forge was born on a farm in Richmond County, New York, in 1809, and received a very limited education. From 1828 to 1835 he engaged in the grocery business in New York City, and then moved back to Richmond County (Staten Island), and engaged in farming till 1854, when he came to Illinois and settled on a farm in Lee County, and also ran a grocery store in Lee Center. In 1858 he came to Logan County and selected and bought a tract of 1.620 acres, the greater part being in Sheridan Township, and the rest in Mason County. He made his home on the west half of section 19, town 20, range 4, where he continued farming till 1871, when he went to Mason City and built the La Forge Block and afterward went into the grocery busiijess, but after spending several years retired, having been an active and successful business man. He was one of the progressive citizens of Logan County, and still retains the ownership of a large landed estate in Sheridan Township. He was married in 1830 to Catherine J. Martling, and had a family of three children - Martling R., Emily Thompson (who was married in Lee County), and David C, who died in Logan County in 1869. Martling R. La Forge was born in New York City, April 19, 1832. He was married on Staten Island in 1854, to Catherine A. Thorn, and the same year accompanied his father to Illinois. When they came to Logan County he settled on and improved the southeast quarter of section 19, and in 1856 built his residence. In 1868 he moved to Mason City and engaged in the grain trade, and when New Holland was laid out built the first elevator there. After several years of business life he returned to his farm, but subsequently moved to New Holland, where he died June 28, 1884. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in the defense of his country in Company D, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Illinois Infantry. He lived a life of great usefulness - a life so honorable and upright as to win the confidence and respect of all who knew him, and in his death the town lost one of its best citi- zens. His children were three in number - Kate A., born in 1856; David H., and Gertrude M., born in 1863. Kate married John Sharp and lives on a part of the grandfather's estate in Mason County, the mother having a home with her. Gertrude is the wife of B. S. Talbott, of this township. David H. La Forge, the only son of Martling R. and Catherine A. La Forge, is one of Logan County's representative young men. His life has been spent in the near vicinity of where he now lives, and he has always taken an active part in promoting the material and social interests of his township. He is an energetic, practical farmer, and a worthy representative of one of the promient families of Logan County. He was married November 3, 1879, to Mary C. Bolinger, who was born in Scioto County, Ohio, May 12, 1859, a daughter of Jacob and Frances Bolinger, now of this township. They have three children - Martling, born October 6, 1881; Grace, born August 16, 1883, and Katie, born May 25, 1885. Mr. La Forge affiliates with the Republican party, having been reared in that school of politics.

Henry Niewold was born in Holland, September 26, 1834. In July, 1842, he came with his parents to America, settling in New Tork, on Staten Island, the same year. They lived there two years and then started for the West, via the Erie Canal and the Lakes, stopping near La Fayette, Indiana, over the winter, and in the spring of 1845 came with an ox team to this county and settled in what is now Sheridan Township. Henry Niewold lived on the old homestead, settled on by his father in 1845, till October, 1869, when he moved to the place where he now lives. He was married December 19, 1867, to Harriet E. Derr, who was born at Irish Grove, Logan County, August 2, 1845, her parents, Ezra and Margaret Derr, having come to this county from Logan County, Ohio, in 1843. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Niewold have had seven children, of whom six are living - Charles E., Annie M., James H., Onno T., Hattie, Isa, and Robert E. JST. Hughey L. died March 30, 1879, aged three years. Mr. Niewold is a thorough practical farmer. His 310 acres of well-cultivated lands, witli good buildings and improvements, show him to be a model farmer, everything about his home betokening care. He and his brother Onno in date of settlement are the oldest residents of the township. In his political views Mr. Niewold is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Niewold and the three eldest children are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

Onno JViewold, one of the oldest citizens of Sheridan Township, was born in Holland, May 13, 1837. His parents embarked with their family for America in 1842, landing at New York in July of that year. They lived on Staten Island till the fall of 1844, when they came West, spending the following winter near Lafayette, Indiana. Leaving his family there, the father, accompanied by his brother-in-law, John Siersema, and a Mr. Beukama started for Illinois. All made purchases in this township, but only Mr. Niewold settled on his land. In the spring of 1845, with two ox teams, he brought his family to the new home. The first few years the family was prostrated by sickness, and poverty stared them in the face, their last team going to pay expenses, but as the country became improved and the family acclimated health was restored. The father lived to see the country well developed, and his family settled in life. He died April 22, 1865, aged sixty years. The mother died many years previous, her death occurring March 1, 1848, at the age of forty-two years. They had a family of five children - Margaret, deceased; Henry, living in this township; Clarissa, deceased; Onno, whose name heads this sketch; and Theodore. The latter enlisted in Company F, Seventy-third Illinois Infantry, and died in the hospital at Nashville, Tennessee, December 22, 1862. Onno Niewold, our subject, has lived on section 19 since 1845, when his father settled here. The farm contains 160 acres, and shows excellent care and thrift, and in view of its good building improvements and fine condition of the surroundings it may well be called the model farm of Sheridan. Mr. Niewold was married January 21, 1869. His wife was a native of Logan County, Ohio, born March 20, 1843. Her parents, Ezra and Margaret Derr, settled at Irish Grove, Logan County, in 1843. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Niewold have three children - Nellie Alice, George W. and Onno H., all at home. In politics Mr. Niewold is a Republican.

Thomas H. Price was born in Talbott County, Maryland, September 14, 1829. His parents, James and Ann (Hardin) Price, were natives of the same county, and there the father died in 1838, and the mother still lives, at the age of eighty years. Our subject was reared to farm life and has always followed that vocation. In May, 1854, he left his native State and the 20th of that month reached Mason County, Illinois. He immediately began to work as a farm hand at $20 a month, and in 1855 began to work rented land, which he continued till 1860, when he came to Logan

County and bousjht 160 acres of land on section 8, Sheridan Townsliip, where he lived till 1881, when he bought his present home on section 17, of Joseph "Warner. His home farm contains 160 acres of valuable land all under cultivation. Mr. Price has by constant and determined eflfbrt secured a good property, now owning 480 acres of choice land including iiis homestead and his first purchase on section 8. For twelve years he has served his township as road commissioner, and has fulfilled the duties of his office faithfully and efficiently. He has always cast his suffrage with the Democratic party on all national issues. Mr. Price was married April 29, 1856, to Jane S. Caldwell, a native of the State of Pennsylvania, born October 20, 1835, daughter of Brice Caldwell. In 1837 her parents located in G-reene County, Illinois, and in 1855 moved to Sheridan Township, Logan County, where her father died June 20, 1882. Her mother still lives on the old homestead on section 8. Mr. and Mrs. Price have had nine children; but four are living - Mary, Martha, Nena and William, all at home. James died aged eight months; Letitia, aged four years ; Frances, aged two years ; Alice, aged five years, and Effie aged one month.

Adolph Bimerman was born in Hanover, Germany, March 3, 1838. "When he was seven years of age his parents, Frederick and Frederika Rimerman, came to the United States, landing at New Orleans and thence coming to Illinois, located in Mason County. "When he was twenty-two years of age our subject commenced working for himself on eighty acres of land given him by his father. In the spring of 1862 he came to Logan County and bought 160 acres of land on section 29, West Lincoln Township, where he lived till 1879, when he sold and bought the farm where he now lives, on section 23, Sheridan Township. It is one of the best farms in the township, contains 520 acres of choice land all under cultivation, with one of the finest and most costly farm residence in the county, and the other building improvements are large and comfortable and in good repair. Everything about the place is indicative of the thrift and energy of its owner. Besides attending diligently to his own affairs Mr. Rimerman is an active worker in all that tends toward the development and improvement of the county. In school matters he takes an especial interest, and the most of the time since living in Logan County has been a school director. February 6, 1862, he was married to Henrietta Gehlbach, who was born in Germany, March

3, 1§39, and in 1854 accompanied her mother, Mrs. Mary G-ehlbach, to the United States, and settled in Mason County, Illinois. Ten children were born to them, of whom six are living - Mary, wife ofW. D. Gayle; Emma, Frederick, Victor, Clara and Minnie. Willie died in infancy; Rosa, aged ten years; Annie, aged one year, and George, aged nine months. Mrs. Rimerman died September 24, 1883, aged forty-five years. Mr. Rimerman subsequently married Mrs. Lucy (Haugenbaugh) Sheer, widow of John Sheer, who died August 14, 1882. By her first marriage Mrs. Rimerman has four children - Eugene, of Lincoln; Annie, Lillie and Frederick. She owns valuable city property in Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. Rimerman are members of the St. John's Evangelical Church, Lincoln. In politics he is a Democrat, but in local elections gives his suffrage independent of party. He is a member of Lincoln Lodge, No. 529, K. of H.

AdolpK Schroeder was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, December 27, 1830, the twelfth of thirteen children of Uhlrich and Minnie Schroeder. His parents died in the old country, as have also all their children save a daughter, Mrs. Sophie Schnell, of New York State, and our subject. He was reared in his native country to the life of a farmer, and was there married, October 27, 1856, to Sophie Holms, who was born in the same province April 4, 1832. Not having the opportunities they desired in their native country tor making a home for their children they determined to embark for America, the land of promise, and accordingly in December, 1865, left their native home and landed in New York City, a few days before Christmas. From there they came immediately to Logan Countj-, Illinois, and for eleven years rented land in "West Lincoln Township. In 1876 they moved to Sheridan Township, still living on rented land till the fall of 1884. During all this time the end in view was a home of their own and to this end they labored and practiced frugality till they were able to see the consummation of their hopes. The fine farm of 173 acres on section 24 was bought of C. T. Stephenson. It is one of the best farms in the neighborhood, and the residence and farm buildings are large and well built. Thus after years of self-denying toil Mrs. and Mrs. Schroeder have a pleasant home as their reward for labor, and are surrounded by all the comforts of life, with which to spend their last days. They have four children - ' Adolph, of West Lincoln Township, married Annie, daughter of William Rimerman; Reaky is the wife of Frank Rimerman, of

West Lincoln Township; Charles and William are with the parents. The former married Sophie Shepler. In politics Mr. Schroeder is a Democrat. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church.

J. Frank Sisaon is one of the leading agriculturists of Sheridan Township, public spirited and enterprising, and one of Logan County's most prominent citizens. He resides on section 13, where he has a fine farm of 400 acres all under cultivation, and his residence and farm buildings are large and comfortable. He also owns a farm of 160 acres on sections 23 and 24. Mr. Sisson came to Logan County in 1867 and has since lived in Sheridan Township. His father gave him 240 acres of land, which is a part of his present home, and he immediately began its improvement. He has been successful in his pursuits and by good management and frugality has accumulated his valuable property. He is well educated, and on all matters of public and national interest is well informed. He is in politics an ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican party. In the spring of 1885 he was elected supervisor of Sheridan Township, and takes great interest in the fulfillment of the duties of his office. Mr. Sisson was born in Macoupin County, Illinois, October 30, 1847, a son of John W. and Martha Jane (Eaton) Sisson, the former a native of Virginia, born March 7, 1813, and the latter of Kentucky, born April 16, 1827. He was married March 9, 1870, to Eliza J. Myers, a natire of Brown County, Indiana, born April 7, 1849, daughter of John H. Myers, who located in Menard County, Illinois, and there he and his wife died. Mr. and Mrs. Sisson have four children - John M., born September 20, 1871; Edgar E., February 6, 1874; Bessie J., August 7, 1880, and Emma C, April 1, 1884. Mr. Sisson's father, John W. Sisson, accompanied his father, Abner Sisson, to Jefferson County, Kentucky, in 1820, and from there came with his widowed mother 'to Macoupin County, Illinois, in 1837. Being the eldest son, he was her main stay and ministered to her comfort as long as she lived. He was married in Macoupin County, and to him and his wife were born ten children, eight of whom are living- Mrs. Susan S. Stephenson, of Seward County, Nebraska; Henry H., of Thayer County, Nebraska; J. Frank; Mrs. Louisa M. Bell, of Lancaster County, Nebraska.; Mrs. Emma 0. Noble, of Jersey County, Illinois; Jessie M., Cyrus A., and Olive A., reside with thfiir parents., Newton W. and Martha V. died in childhood. In

Van B. St. John is a native of Cayuga County, J^ew York, born September 1, 1842, a son of Harvey and Eliza (Mills) St. John, of Niagara County, New York. When twenty years of age he left home and was employed as clerk in the mercantile establishment of Underbill & Lyon, in Red Creek, Wayne County, New York, from September 1, 1862, till September 1, 1864, when he enlisted and was assigned to Battery C, Third New York Artillery, stationed at Newbern, North Carolina. He was detailed as prescription clerk in the dispensary of Foster's General Hospital in Newbern, and was taken sick with the yellow fever, which in the winter of 1864 and 1865 raged fearfully in and about that city; was sent from there in June, 1865, to McDougal's Hospital, New York Harbor, and from there reached home on July 1, 1865. He commenced clerking again for Underbill & Lyon, August 1, 1865, and at the expiration of the year took a third interest in the business under the firm name of Underbill, Lyon & St. John. This firm continued two years, when Mr. Underbill sold his interest to the other partners, thus changing the name to Lyons & St. John. Two years later Mr. St. John bought Mr. Lyon's interest and continued the business alone two years. He then ad mitted his brother as a partner in the business, but subsequently they sold out and Mr. St. John came West, and for a year lived, at Atlanta, this county. He then lived a year at Jonesville, Michigan, and in July, 1875, returned to Illinois, and. lived two years at Midland City, De Witt County. In the fall of 1877 he removed to the village of New Holland, where for two years he was in the employ of Coddington & Barrett, grain dealers, and in 1879, in company with Edwin Bur ton, bought his employers' business and conducted it under the firm name of Burton & St. John till January 1, 1884, when Mr. St. John became sole proprietor. He owns and operates an elevator and feed-mill. The former has a capacity of 14,000 bushels. He handles about 200,000 bushels of grain yearly. Mr. St. John was married in Red Creek, Wayne County, New York, September 20, 1866, to Jennie Turner, who was born in that county in 1842, a daughter of John Turner. They have four children - Winifred E., Myra May, and Alfred H. and Albert J. (twins). In politics Mr. St. John has always been identified with the Republican party. He was postmaster in Red Creek, New York, six years. He is a member and secretary of New Holland Lodge, No. 741, F. & A. M., and member of New Holland Lodge, No. 666, I. 0. O. F., and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Robert Andrews Taliott, one of Logan County's citizens, was born at Sherburne Mills, Fleming County, Kentucky, Novembers, 1825. His parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth (Johnson) Talbott, were pioneers of Sangamon County, Illinois, their pioneer home being made in 1826, within the present city limits of Springfield, and there the subject of this sketch was reared. Benjamin Talbott was a leading citizen of Sangamon. He was a man of sterling character and was esteemed by all who knew him for his many manly qualities. Soon after coming to Sangamon County he was appointed deputy sheriff under General Henry, sheriff of the county. In 1836 he was elected county recorder, which office be held till 1848, when that office was merged into that of circuit clerk. He was elected circuit clerk, holding that office four years, after which he served as recorder till his death. In early years, when Sangamon County comprised nearly one-third of Illinois, he was assessor for six years, executing unaided the duties of that office. Benjamin Talbott was born June 19, 1798, in Fairfax County, Virginia, and died at his home in Springfield, April 29, 1858. His widow survived till March 29, 1870. Of the six children born to them only two survive - Robert A., whose name heads this sketch, and Mrs. Martha Witmer. Eobert A. Talbott was educated in the schools of Springfield, and in his youth learned the carpenter and joiner's trade which he followed till about twentysix years of age. December 23, 1851, he was married to Miss Evelyn Robinson, a farmer's daughter, a native of Ithaca, New York. Her parents, James M. and Mary Robinson, who were early settlers of Menard County, Illinois, are both deceased. After his marriage Mr. Talbott engaged in farming, and was a resident of Menard County for ten years. In March, 1861, he came to Logan County, and has since resided on section 26, Sheridan Township. His farm, which contains 240 acres, is one of the best in the township, and his residence and farm buildings are noticeably good. All the building improvements have been made by himself. Mr. and Mrs. Talbott have four children living - Benjamin S., living near New Holland, in this township; Clara, wife of E.B. Maltby, of Lincoln; Bettie and "William R., at home. Their eldest child, James H., died after reaching manhood, and Helen J., Mary and Lucy died in childhood. Mr. Talbott has, wherever he has resided.

been a leading citizen, a man who exercises much influence with those with whom he comes in contact. Like his father, he was formerly a Whig, but since the organization of the Kepublican party has been an active worker of that political body. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1875. He takes an active interest in all that tends to build up and elevate his county, and is highly respected by all who know him.

Jonas White, proprietor of the New Holland House, is a popular and obliging landlord, and his house is a favorite resort of the traveling public. He was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, December 22, 1829, a son of Lloyd and Mary (Beaty) "White. His father was born in Virginia, but reared in Ohio, and his mother was a native of Ohio, of Virginian parentage. He was the eldest of eight children. One brother, "William L., lives in Mason County, Illinois; another, Albert, lives in Tazewell County, and two sisters and one brother, Lydia Ann, Mary Ann and Edward, live in Ohio. A brother and sister are deceased. His parents died in Scioto County, Ohio. When fourteen years of age our subject left the parental roof and from that time worked for his own support. He lived in Eoss County, Ohio, in the family of James Davis till his marriage, and then worked land for Mr. Davis till 1868, when he came to Illinois and has since lived in Sheridan Township, Logan County. He lived on a farm which he still owns, on section 16, till the spring of 1884, when he bought the hotel property in New Holland. Mr. White was married October 5, 1851, to Almira Steward, a native of Eoss County, Ohio, born October 12, 1834, a daughter of Thomas and Cinderella (Phillips) Steward. To Mr. and Mrs. White have been born nine children - Alonzo, one of the proprietors of the Mount Pulaski Times-Citizen; Lutitia, wife of A. M. Caldwell, of Sheridan Township; John W., in the employ of the Chicago & Alton Eailroad Company; George D., of Coddington County, Dakota; Emma, Willie, OUie, Oscar and Hettie are at home; Orlando died aged two years. Mr. and Mrs. White are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Eepublican. He is a member of New Holland Lodge, No. 741, F. & A. M.