Stockton Township

Stockton Township

This name was suggested by Alanson Parker, who desired it named after a town in the East, and, also, as suggestive of the future development of the township, as one devoted to the raising of stock. The prophetic eye which foresaw this, was not in error, for to-day the farmers of this township are nearly all exclusive stock-raisers, and the beautiful prairies through it are devoted to pasturage or meadows ; and stacks of hay are far more numerous than piles of straw, while the stubble is that of grass and corn, rather than of oats and wheat. The first settler of the township was Henry Rice, who moved from Galena to Section 3 in 1832 with Philip Rice and others, who have been referred to more at length in the history of Rush Township. John Hayes moved to this township in 1836, from Indiana, where soon after his little daughter died - this being doubtless the first death of a white person in Stockton Township. Discouraged by the hardships of Western life, Mr. Hayes sold his claim and cabin, in 1837, to Elisha C. Hamilton, and returned to Indiana. Mr. Hamilton continued to live there until the time of his death, gaining a large circle of friends and being elected the first Supervisor of his township.

The fourth settler of this beautiful valley was Nathaniel Morris, who built a cabin on section 24, in 1838. He afterwards sold out to Mr. Jesse Wilson, and moved to Missouri, where he died. Mr. Wilson still resides in the original log house erected by Mr. Morris.

The next resident was John Wilkins, who settled in 1838, on the north part of section 28, where he died. After 1839 the country became more rapidly inhabited. In that year Alanson and Benjamin Parker settled on section 24. Then followed Whipple C. Ward, Wm. Richards, Fred Tucker, and J. R. Patridge.

In the north half of the township the Wilsons were prominent among the early settlers. They took up large tracts of lands, and made extensive farms. Wm. Stayner was also an early settler. Ashael Morse came in 1841, and settled in the southeast corner of the township, on the site of Morseville. George L. Dow, Chester Parker, Orange Gray, the Lyons', and Stephen Johnson soon followed. A school-house was built where Morseville now stands in the year 1846, where Betsy Lyon first taught. In 1855 a stone school-house was built on the same lot, and in 1871 a new two-story wooden building was erected, the stone structure being sold for a residence. Here C. C. Waldo first gave instruction. At present the teacher is J. Hamilton.

The first school records were made in 1843, when E. C. Hamilton, J. R. Patridge and B. F. Parker were appointed trustees by the Commissioners Court. An enumeration of school children was made that year and it was found that there were seventy-five in the township. In 1868 there were 670, and at the present time there are 559. In 1843 the township was divided into two districts; now there are eight school-houses and a number of joint districts with other townships. The early history of Stockton and Ward's Grove Townships is intimately connected, and many men who are now residents of Stockton Township, came to Ward's Grove as early as 1835 to '38. The Tyrrells came in 1838; Miles and Frank are now living in Stockton Township. James Blair was also an early settler of Ward's Grove, although now living in Stockton. The vicinity of Morseville has been a trading point for a great many years ; a blacksmith shop in 1851 by Jonathan Parker, and store, was one of the early institutions. In 1852, Miles Tyrrell purchased the business of Talbot, and has since been continually connected with the business interests of the place. In 1866, Ashael Morse had the Village of Morseville platted and recorded. In 1871 he built his hotel there, and, during the same year, the greater part of the buildings in the village were erected. In an early day the people were poorly provided with post-offices, although the township now has five. There was a post-office in the south part of the township known as West Plum River, but that was abandoned in 1842. Another office was established at or ne'ar the same place about 1849. During Buchanan's administration it was removed to Morseville, and Miles Tyrrell made postmaster. R. Strickland at present manages the office. In the Spring of 1862 another office was established, known as Yankee Hollow, and G. L. Dow made postmaster. He held the office until 1865, when B. F. Parker took it and held it until his death in 1874. His daughter was commissioned in Feb., 1875, and now holds the office. At quite an early day an office was established near the centre of the township known as Stockton, and Fred. Tucker was made postmaster. He went to California several years ago, when his wife took charge of the office, and continued to discharge the duties until May, 1875, when it was removed to Geo. Justus', and he was made postmaster. A post-office called Pitcherville was established in the northeast part of the township in 1868, and Mr. Pitcher officiated as postmaster. S. T. Eade now has charge of the office. In 1874 an office named Winters was established near the centre, with Henry Winter as postmaster. He still acts in that capacity. There are two church buildings in the township ; one at the centre, and one at Morseville. The centre church nominally belongs to the Free Will Baptists, but the organization is very weak, and maintains no regular services. It was built in 1868. The church at Morseville is a Union church which was erected in 1870, and any denomination is welcome to the use of it. The Winebrenarians have a feeble organization, but do not hold regular services.

In 1875, an insurance company, known as the " Stockton and Ward's Grove Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Company," was organized under the act of 1874. The present officers are M. K. Hammond, President, Geo. Justus, Secretary, and Samuel Tyrrel, Treasurer. The company has had only one loss, which amounted to $425. They now have 135 policies in force, and $150,000 liable to assessment. There is a Masonic Lodge at Morseville, known as Plum River Lodge No. 554. It was chartered Oct. i, 1867. The present officers are Francis Tyrrell, Master; A. B. Byrum, S. W. ; C. Tiffany, J. W. ; Wm. Farrell, S. D.; S. E. Waldo, J. D. ; J. N. Sharp, Chaplain; Samuel Tyrrell, Treasurer; F- S. Tyrrell, Secretary; Millard Johnson and W. H. Starkey, Stewards ; Jno. F. Tyrrell, Tyler. When the lands came into market the north half of this township was held as a mineral reserve, but the south half has proven the most valuable in mineral. More or less has been taken out since the country was first settled, but about 1871 the greatest quantity was found, and Morseville bid fair to become a lively mining town. But the lead suddenly gave out, and but very little has been done at it since. The manufacture of cheese was commenced, and two factories built. The work was abandoned, however, after a short time. At Morseville, H. F. Hastings has been in business in a general store for a number of years. He has always lived in the West, and is a thorough Western man. There are two blackmith shops in Morseville, also two wagon shops, one harness shop, one tin shop, one drug store, and one hotel. The latter was originated by Ashael Morse, who was killed about a year ago by being thrown from a wagon. Geo. A. Bixby now runs the hotel business. At the centre, Winter & Johnson are engaged in a general country store, and at Pitcherville, S. T. Eade is likewise engaged.

Stockton Centre Church is situated in the centre of the Town of Stockton. It was erected in the year 1868, by a Baptist organization then numbering about 100.

It is a beautiful and substantial structure, size 34 by 44 feet, and cost $2,500. It has 56 seats, capable of seating 280 people. Elder Torrey was their pastor. Unfortunately, however, the Baptist organization proved to be short lived. The work of erecting the building having been done during an excitement created by a revival, the members retreated from the ranks one after another, until there remain but few members.

The Township of Stockton has never been modified since its organization in 1853. It had, in 1860, a population of 1,044, and in 1870, 1,214.

Township Officers. - Supervisor, A. B. Byrum ; Town Clerk, Joel G. Ball ; Assessors, Wm. H. Starkley ; Collector, Ira T. Benton ; Commissioners of Highways, Chester Parker and Martin T. Carpenter, the third place being vacant since the decease of Mr. John Phelps.

BEDFORD C. E. Farmer; Sec. 12; P. O. Pitcherville ; born in Canada, near Kingston, in 1818; has lived in Madison Co., N. Y., and seven years in Lake Co. O. ; at the age of 16 commenced to sail on the lake, and followed that sixteen seasons; has lived in this Co. seventeen years; has a farm of 209 acres, valued at $18,500 ; was married to Caroline Stebnan, who was born in Mass, in 1822; has seven children: Ella M., Emma, Charles E., Florence, Susan, Frankie, Augi«ta.

BENTON IRA T. Farmer; Sec. 10; P. O. Stockton* was born in Stockton Tp., Oct. 25, 1851, and remained until 1868; his parents dying, he went to Wis. and lived with his aunt; after his return, worked by the month until 21 years old, when he came into possession of the farm he now lives on; went to Cal. and remained about one year; was married Feb. 24, 1876, to Elnora Manley, who was born in this Tp. in 1855; one child, named Bessie; Independent in politics; was elected Tax Collector in 1877.

BIXBY GEORGE A. Hotel Landlord, Morseville; P. O. Plum River; was born in Springfield, Windsor Co., Vt., July 2, 1885 ; at the age of 4 years he removed with his father to Canada, near Dundas, where they lived one year, and then moved to Battle Creek, Mich. ; lived there nine years, and then came to this Tp., where they arrived Nov. 22, 1849 ; lived with his parents until Dec. 25, 1857, when he was married to Diadama Clark, of Jo Daviess Co., who was born June 11, 1835 ; Mr. Bixby has been engaged extensively in farming and as a stock buyer, and was so engaged until the Fall of 1877, when he bought the hotel at Morseville, and has since been engaged in that capacity ; has four children: Frank, Noble, Hetty and Juventus.

BREED C. A. Farmer; Sec. 3; P.O. Pitcherville ; born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1830, and lived there until 25 years of age, when he came to this Co., and has lived here ever since ; was married in 1849 to Catherine Smith, who was born in Otsego Co., N. Y. ; they have five children: Hil, Charlie, Mary A.lice, Aleric and Amos Worth ; owns 102 acres of land, valued at $4,000; Greenback in politics.

CLAY JOHN, Farmer; Sec. 27; P. O. Winters; born in Southold, Upper Canada, .in 1824; remained there until 27 years of age, engaged in farming; then came to Michigan and bought a farm, but only staid 8 months and then came to Winnebago Co. this state ; was there two years, and then went to Boone Co. where he remained three years; came to Jo Daviess Co. in 1856, and settled on the farm he now owns; has 180 acres of land; was married to Jane H. Clark, Aug. 11, 1849; she was born in Canada, Feb. 8, 1828 ; has eight children : Louisa, Henry B., Ada A., Samuel E., Willard W., William L., Chas. Minnielaus, and James Lovell ; has been School Director for several terms ; farming has always been his occupation ; Republican.

GATES IS A AC, Physician; Sec. 24; P. O. Plum River; born in Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 13, 1815 ; lived there two years, when he removed with his parents to the Western Reserve, Ohio, and lived there until 1842; lived with his mother and brother-in-law, until 18 years old, when he began the study of medicine with Dr. Cox, his brother-in-law; studied, read and practiced with him some four or five, years; practiced in Ohio on his own account some time, aud then came to Aurora, 111., where he lived and practiced until 1850; then started to California with a company of 22 men, but only got as far as

St. Joseph, Mo., when he turned back and - came to this Co. ; bought property here ; sold his Aurora property, and has since lived here, practicing medicine and farming ; was married Sept. 6, 1838 to Aurinda Millett; she was born in Ohio, Aug. 16, 1816; have had thirteen children, ten of whom are living: Wm. E., Edward W., Solomon D., Chilleon Oreatas, Harmony Logusta, Abigail J., Emily Annette, Florence Lovina, Eliza Rosalia, Helen Aurinda; Republican. Gates S. D. billiard hall ; Morseville ; P. O

C*ltIER D. C. Physician; Morseville; P. O. Plum River; was born June 18, 1828, in Washington Co., Pa. ; attended the Jeflerson Literary College four years, and studied medicine under Dr. Murray, of Cannonsbury, Pa., three years ; in 1847 and 1848 attended the Jefferson Medical College, and commenced practicing in 1848 ; practiced about five years in Penn. ; in 1856 moved to Loran, Stephenson Co., where he practiced about twelve years; came to Morseville in 1867, where he has since resided, practicing medicine ; in 1852 married Eliza Jane Chambers, who died three years afterwards; one child, Martha Araminta ; Aug. 5, 1856, married Rhoda _ M. McCune, who was born March 27, 1838, at McConnellsville, Pa. ; she came West in April before her marriage; in 1867 she commenced thfe millinery business in Morseville in company with Mrs. Bixby, it being the first establishment of the kind in this vicinity; sold to Mrs. Bixby in about three months, and in about one and one half years bought the shop, and has since conducted the business; they have three children: Ida, Elmer and James.

HAMMOND HER WIN K. Farmer; Sec. 14; P. O. Stockton; was born in Summit Co., Ohio, in 1830; lived there until ten years of age, and then moved to Knox Co., 111., and remained there seven years ; then came to Galena, where he remained one Winter, the following Spring moved to Sand Prairie, near Hanover ; in 1852 went to California and went into the mines ; remained there until Nov., 1857, when he started home via the Isthmus and New York, arriving here in Dec.; was married July 7, 1858, to Samantha Fowler, who was born in Hanover, Jan. 14, 1836; they then came to this place, and have made it their home since ; bought 80 acres of land at first, but now has 320 acres in the homestead, 84 acres of timber, and 200 acres of Mississippi island land; Mr. Hammond makes a specialty of dairying, milks from thirty to forty cows, and has the finest barn in the Tp. ; they have eight children : Willis F., Charles A., Alice E., Anna S., Frank M., Royal K., Fred and Nellie; was Supervisor three years; independent in politics.

II A IJT SO I <; II PETER, Farmer; Sec. 6 ; P. O. Rush ; was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1813, and came to this Co. in 1845 ; was married in 1845 to Mary Arnold, who was born in Newfield, Tompkins Co., N. Y. ; have six children : Cornelia, Lafayette, Benjamin, Daniel, Franklin, Sarah ; owns 210 acres of land, valued at $6,300 ; has always been a farmer, and is a straight Democrat.

HASTINGS HENRY F. Merchant, Morseville ; P. O. Plum River ; was born in LaFayette Co., Wis., in 1842; came to Ward's Grove when a child, and when about 5 years old was brought into Stockton Tp.; in 1862 enlisted in Co. H, 96th Regt. I. V. I. and remained three years ; in the Spring of 1866 went into business here as one of the firm of Hastings & Tyrrell ; in 1873 bought out Mr. Tyrrell's interest, and has since conducted the business alone ; was married in Spring of 1870 to Abbie C. Tyrrell, who was born in Wis. Nov. 23, 1849 ; one child, Viola M. ; Republican.

HOFFMAN CHARLES, Farmer; Sec. 5 ; P. O. Rush ; was born in Prussia May 7, 1815, and came to America in Aug., 1836; landed inN.Y,; staid in Pa. about one month ; then went to Ohio, and then to Indiana, where he remained two years ; removed to Jo Daviess Co., lauding in Galena in July, 1838; worked five years for one man three miles north of Galena ; worked eighteen months in the lead mines ; in 1846 came to Stockton Tp. and took a claim on his present location; went to Cal. in 1850, and returned in 1854; was married in 1857 to Elizabeth Brickler, who was born in Shullsburg, Wis., in 1828; has one child, Linnie L. ; owns 170 acres of land; Republican.

HOLLAND THOMAS/ JR., Wagon Maker, Morseville; P. O. Plum River; born in Galena March 7, 1840 ; when quite young moved on a farm near Elizabeth, and lived there until 1862, when he joined Co. I, 96th Regt. I. V. I. ; remained with regiment about \% years, then went with the pioneers, and the next year was transferred to the engineer corps ; was detailed for topographical duty, and remained in that capacity until the close of the war ; after his return worked at carpentering and wagon making; married Rachel Guard in 1871; have one child, Cora; run a wagon shop in Elizabeth, and came to Morseville in 1869, where he has since been engaged in business ; Republican.

JUSTUS GEORGE, Farmer; Sec. 10 ; P. O. Stockton ; was born in Geauga Co., Ohio, April 14, 1822, and lived there until 1856; worked in a lanyard until about 20 years old, when he learned the shoeinaking trade, and worked at that until he came to this state ; was married April 11, 1847, to Huldah M. Byrum, who was born in Ohio July 3, 1830; came to this town in Jan., 1857, and lived on Sec. 3 the first Summer ; has held the office of School Treasurer sixteen years, and has been Justice of Peace seventeen years ; lias been Postmaster at Stockton about three years ; Republican until about four years ago, when he endorsed the Independent move-

WASH WM. S. Glove Maker; Morseville; P. O. Plum River; born July 31, 1844, in Oswego Co., N. Y. ; came to Jo Daviess Co. when about one year old, his parents settling in Pleasant Valley Tp.; lived with them until Aug. 15, 1862, when he enlisted in the 96th I. V. L, Co. F ; served three years, and was in the battles of Chicamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, the Atlanta campaign, Franklin and Nashville; was severely wounded in the shoulder and in the chin ; after the close of the war came home to Pleasant Valley ; was married Oct. 9, 1866, to Rachel Vanderlinder, who was born in Steuben Co., N. Y. ; in 1868 they went to Union Co., la., and lived there six years ; while there was engaged in farming, real estate business, and reading law ; returned to 111. in the Fall of 1874, and in Oct., 1877, came to Morseville ; since his return to this state has acted as auctioneer, been engaged in farming, glove making, and the practice of law ; have five children : Ida B., Francis A., Katie L., Willie R. and Jennie; Republican.

WEI^SOtf SYL, TESTER, Justice of Peace; Morseville; P. O. Plum River; was born in Rutland Co., Vt., March 27, 1817, and lived there until 1839 ; brought up on a farm, but worked most of the time at mason work ; went to Mich, in 1839, and was there and in Pa. about 18 months, and then returned to Vt. ; was married in 1841 to Maria L. Gibbs, who was born in Rutland Co., Vt., May 14, 1820 ; in 1844 moved to Rock Co., Wis., and lived there until 1855, when they came to this Co. ; was elected Justice of Peace in 1857, and served until 1864 ; in 1862, after prospecting a long time, struck the first paying mineral that was taken in this vicinity; moved to Mo. in 1868, and remained there four years, working in the mines and at his trade ; went to Texas in 1872, where he worked at plastering two years, and then returned to this place, where he has since remained, working at his trade, etc. ; was elected as Justice of Peace in 1877; is agent for Insurance Co.; was Township Treasurer four years ; has four children living: Elwin O., Hiram W., George W., Hattie A. ; Democrat.

PARKER ALANSOST, Farmer; Sec. 34; P. O. Yankee Hollow; was born in Chittenden Co., Vt., in 1805 ; this was his home until 1834, when he went to Mass, and remained about six months working to get money to come West- then went to Ohio, and walked from Geauga Co., Ohio, to»Kendall Co., 111., and back ; the following Spring started with his wife to Detroit, where he procured a conveyance for her to Chicago, he, himself walking through to Kendall Co., which he readied in the Spring of 1835 ; during his walk he often walked 40 miles per day, and one day made (50 ; was married March 22, 1835, to Sophia Johnson; she was born in Wiudham Co., Vt., in 1815 ; remained in Kendall Co. until 1838, when he came to this township with his brother, and they together made a claim about two miles long and one and a half miles wide ; in the Fall they went for their families, returning in the Spring of 1839, being the first permanent settlers in the south part of the Tp. ; has lived on the same farm ever since, and now owns 700 acres of land which he has made from the land, never having borrowed a dollar of money to buy land with ; has four children living: Leonora, Frank, Harriet, Adeline; five sons dead ; George died in the army ; Republican.

PARKER CHESTER, Farmer; Sec. 28; P. O. Winters; was born in 1809 in Vt., and lived there until 1844, living on a farm all of the time ; in 1845 he came to this Co. and Tp. and settled on the farm he now owns where he has since resided ; Mr. Parker's two brothers came here before him, and made the claim for his farm ; the three men with two others had a desperate fight with fifteen men who attempted to jump their claims; axes and other weapons were used and several men severely injured; was married in 1848 to Alma Humphrey who was born in Vt. in 1812 ; have three children : Jonas, Warren and Charles; Republican.

PUL.FREY JOIIX. Farmer; Sec. 22; P. O. Winters; was born in England in 1804, and came to this country in 1845, and landed in New York ; while in England was a farm laborer ; came to Winnebago Co. where he lived 14 years, and then came to this Tp. in 1859, and has since been engaged in farming here; was married in 1832 to Ann Weston who was born in England; has had twelve children: Henry, William, Jane, Weston and Annie came to this country with their father ; two of his sons were in the army; Republican in politics, and a Methodist; owns 100 acres of land.

REED RICHARD S. Miner; Morseville; P. O. Plum River; born in Cornwall, England, June 5, 1832 ; came to this country m 1833, his parents settling first at Pottsville, Pa. ; from there to Virginia, where they lived 5 or 6 years ; then back to Pa., and then to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, where they lived about 9 years ; they then came to Wis. ; was 4 years in the Lake Superior mines ; in Oct., 1863 enlisted in Co. C, 21st Regt. W. V. I., and served until Sept. 1865 ; was in every fight on the Atlanta campaign, and was under fire 40 days in succession ; after his return from the army went to Wis., and remained there until 1867 when he came to the Village of Morseville ; has been engaged in mining ever since; was in the/Utah mines about 18 months ; was married in March, 1868 to Mrs. Jane Rayen, who was born in Ohio in 1839 ; Mrs. Reed was first married in Jan., 1858, and her husband was killed at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, in 1864 ; had two children, Flora and Elliott; Mr. Reed has three children : William F., Louis F., Rosa May; Republican. Reynolds D. R. farmer ; Sec. 17 ; P. O. Winters.

Rixdesbacher Fred

Farmer ; Sec. 9 ; P. O. Winters; born in the Selkirk Settlement, on the Red River of the North, in 1822; his parents came down the river in Mackinaw boats, and landed at the old portage on Fever River, in Nov., 1826; they passed the Winter at Gratiot's furnace, and in the Spring moved to Wisconsin, where they remained three years, when they went to St. Louis, Mo. ; staid there until 1838, and then came to this Co.; afterwards was in Wis. one year, and five years near Galena;, in 1845 came to this Tp. and located his present claim, it being on the mineral reserve; in 1850 went to California, and remained until 1855; while there mined one year, and Unbalance of ihe time was engaged in teaming and staging; was married in 1857 to Elvira Claypool, who was born in Woodbine Tp. in 1839; has four children: P. M., Frederic C., William C., Frank S. ; owns 770 acres of land, and has a fine house, good stables, cattle sheds, and one of the best stock farms in Jo Daviess Co. ; Republican.

ROBERTS JOHN, Sr., Farmer Sec. 8; P. O. Rush; was born in England in 1821, and came to this country in 1848 worked in N. Y. and Pa. two years, anc then came to Council Hill ; worked there six years, and then moved to his preseni location, in 1850, where he has since followed farming; owns 300 acres of land valued at $10,000; married Elizabeth Roberts in 1845 ; she was born in England ; have six children: John, Jane, Annie, Mary, William, Joseph ; John and Jane were born in England ; Republican.

SHARP JEREMIAH ST. Physician; Morseville - P. O. Plum River; born in Warren Co., Mo., May 2, 1835 ; until five years old lived in that Co. with his parents, and then removed to Dubuque Co., la.; he lived there until about the age of 18, when he went West on a surveying trip in government service ; afterwards returned to Dubuque Co., and commenced the study of medicine under Dr. John Warmoth ; remained there, studying and practicing about four years, when he closed up his business and went to the Rocky Mountains in 1859, going into the mines ; was in the mines nearly four years, when he came back to the States and resumed his medical studies, going to Ann Arbor, Mich., and graduated at Keokuk, Iowa, in June, 1863; then went to St. Louis, passed examination, and was commissioned into the 32d Mo. V. I. as First Assistant Surgeon; he remained in the army until 1866, being engaged most of the time in the U. S. military hospitals ; he then engaged in mercantile business, but this proving disastrous, he sold out and came to Hanover, in this Co., and commenced the practice of his profession; in Oct., 1869, he bought out Dr. Grouse, of this place, and has since practiced here ; was married, May 2, 1865, to Miss Mary Adams, who was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., Oct. 27, 1839 ; Mrs. Sharp was in the military hospitals under commission from Mrs. Livermore, of the Sanitaiy Commission, and spent nearly four years at Chicago, St. Louis, Vicksburg, and Memphis; have one daughter

STARKEY W3I. H. Farmer; Sec. 13; P. O. Plum River; was born Nov. 5, 1826, in Geauga Co., Ohio ; lived in that state nearly all of the time until 1852; while there worked at carpentering and painting, commencing to learn the trades when about eighteen years of age ; when twenty years old went to Washington Co., Ohio, and worked one year at cabinet making, and taught school two winters; then went to Geauga Co., where he worked one season, then moving to Conn. ; there he worked at painting and carriage painting, and traveled nearly over the whole State of Conn, peddling; came here in 1852, and has since worked at his trade, teaching school and farming; was married in 1855 to Diancy Gray, who died one year after her marriage; Nov. 12, 1858, was married to Ada C. Baker, who was born in Prince Edward Island Nov. 8, 1840; they have six children. Charles B., Cora H., William F., Lottie L., Nellie A., Louis H. ; Democrat.

TYRRELL FRANCIS,Farmer; Sec. 24; P. O. Plum River; was born in Hillsboro Co., N. H., March 12, 1832; when four years old moved with his parents to Mass., where he lived five years; in 1841 came to this Co., settling in Ward's Grove Tp. ; at the age of fifteen commenced to work out by the month, and continued to do so until Aug., 1856, when he went to Mitchell Co., Iowa ; remained there two years, and then returned to this Co. ; was married in 1859 to Chloe C. Bixby, who was born in Windsor Co., Vt., in June, 1840 ; after returning from Iowa bought a half interest in a general store in Morseville, where he lived five years ; not being satisfied with the profits of this, he sold out and bought the farm he now lives on in June, 1870; farm contains 206 acres; has three children: Francis M., George M. and Herman D. ; Democrat.

TYRRELL .MILES. Druggist; Morseville; P. O. Plum River; was born June 12, 1820, in Hillsboro Co., N. H. ; lived there until about 'fifteen years old, and then went to Winchendon, Mass., and worked in a cotton factory ; remained there until 1838, when he came here, arriving Nov. 2, 1838 ; settled in Ward's Grove and had his home there, being a part of the time in the pineries and lead mines of Wisconsin ; in 1850 went to California and returned in 1851 ; the next year commenced business here, and has since been continuously in business here ; Mr. Tyrrell is one of the oldest settlers in this county, there being but few people here when he came; he is the oldest business man here ; held the post office here for some time, when Plum River office was first established; was married in 1875 to Mrs. Clair ; Democrat.

Glove Maker; Morseville; P. O. Plum River; was born in Pleasant Valley Aug. 21, 1852, and lived there with his parents uniil April, 1875, and was engaged in farming all of the time, except two winters, when he taught school ; in 1875 went to Lincoln. Neb., but only remained two months, and then returned to his home in this Co. ; since that time he has spent his summers farming in Bureau Co., and his winters in teaching in this Co. ; his home was with his parents until they moved to Kansas in December, 1877, since