Suez Township (part 3 of 4)

As originally organized, Alexander G. Hawes, of Belleville, was captain of Co. E, whicli was largely raised in Mercer county. William D. Craig, of Aledo, was first lieutenant, and Roswell B. Patterson, of Belleville, was second lieutenant. The first and last named served in their respective oftices until the experiation of their terms in 1S64. Wm. D. Craig was promoted June 8, 1862, to the ofiice of first assistant surgeon, and retained that position until the expiration of his term, August 20, 1864.

T^ear the expiration of their term, the regiment was reorganized and consolidated, and Thomas C. Kidd, of Springfield, was chosen captain of Co. E, Thomas F. McClintock, of Aledo, first lieutenant, and Wm. P. Reese, second lieutenant. David D. Bigger, of Henderson, was surgeon ; Charles B. Fleming, of Keithsburg, was second lieutenant of Co. A, and was afterward promoted to first lieutenant. For some time before and after the consolidation, the regiment followed the fortunes of Sherman's bummers, as they were styled, through to Savannah, and north through the Carolinas. In all the 9th is credited with being in 110 battles and skirmishes. Thirteen of Mercer county's best citizens, members of Co. E, gave their lives as a sacrifice for their country's salvation.

This coinpanv was made u]) largt-ly of men from Millersburg and vicinity. The rest of the company was from Bond county. It was organized August 23, 1861, and mustered into service the same day. George W. Keener, of Bond county, was elected caj)tain, Thomas L. Vest, of the same county, iirst lieutenant, and James A. Dugger, of Millersburg, second lieutenant. Dugger was, upon the resignation of the captain, and again of the first lieutenant, promoted to each jjosition, and in the otfice of captain he was serving when he was killed, July 16, 1863. James H. Comer, of Millersburg, served awhile as second lieutenant, and James Manies and John McAllister, of the same place, each served as first lieutenant. This company was, however, considered a Bond county company, and in the main was officered by men from tliat county. Seventeen members, formerly residents of Mercer county, were either killed or met their death from disease contracted in the army.

The !2Bth regiment was partially organized at Camp Butler, August 31, 1861, and were ordered to Quincy for the protection of that place. Their first arms were as primitive as could be desired, being simply hickory clubs. During the latter part of the year they changed their munitions of war to something but little better, the old English musket. These did quite well, however, as they were not called u])on to put them into active use until three other companies (the original number being seven) were added. The marches, engagements, skirmishes and privations, from that time forth, were all that the most lieoric could desire. At New Madrid the regiment was first engaged, after which Fort Pillow, siege of Corinth (Co. G of this regiment being the .first to enter after evacuation ), luka, siege of Jackson (where Captain Dugger was killed). Mission Ridge, were scenes of conflict in which the regiment was engaged. At the last named place the regiment suftered greatly, losing in killed and wounded one-tenth of the regiment. On June 1, 1864, there were only 515 men present ready for duty, of whom -163 re-enlisted as veterans. After a home furlough the regiment went on the Atlanta campaign, thence to Savannah, and finally through the Carolinas, and participated in the grand review at Washington. The general features of the marches and engagements are so fully given in this book, in the course of other regiments, that details and repetition are not considered advisable at this time.

Preemptiox Toavnship

Than tlie township of Preemption, as the traveler now beliolds it, it would be hard indeed to conceive a place which attbrds scenes of greater beauty, homes indicative of more thrift, or resources more available and giving stronger assurance of wealth and luxury ; so diversitied is its surface, so various its products. In the north are broad, fertile prairies, occupied by prosperous farmers, who have expended no little money in beautifying their homes. Indeed, the gently undulating j)rairies invite irresistably to expend time and taste in ornamentation, so fully do they revealand enhance every touch of beauty given them. They have accordingly been studded with tine residences, set amidst ornamental trees and shrubs and full-blooming orchards ; their rich acres enclosed with neatly trimmed hedges, whose dark-green contrasts harmoniously with the broad fields of waving grain.

In the south the surface is sharply broken and covered in ]:)laces with a heavy growth of jack-oak and hazel, but well adapted to purposes of grazing. Here also are found large quantities of excellent coal and Imilding stone. The Edwards i-iver affords perfect drainage to the entire township, besides adding to its varied beauty of scenery by the deep gorges and precipitous ravines cut l)v its numerous tributaries.

Very different, but scarcely less beautiful, nnist have been this favored section when, in 1835, John Farlow^ and Hopkins Boone, inshort succession, with their families, entered and set about prepaiing homes. Then the ]>rairie stretched away to the north, brightened with the gorgeous hues of native flowers ; about him was the deep silence of a large white oak forest and all the rudeness and lonliness of the untrodden wilderness. At their doors flowed the beautiful but treacherous Edwards river, its banks now rising rough and precipitous, now spreading out into broad, fertile bottoms. Instead of the busy sounds of labor, the cheerful voices of friendly neighbors, were heard the howl of the wolf, the cry of the wild-cat, the hateful rattle of the rattlesnake. Instead of herds of cattle, deer roamed the ])rairies and started from the thickets ; instead of the cries of domestic fowd were heard the wdiir of the grouse's wing, the whistle of the quail, and the call of the wdld turkey, while multitudes of geese and ducks covered the ponds in the bottoms of the Edwards river. Yet with all its rudeness, its beauty and promise must have foreshadowed to the mind of the pioneer the j resent prosperity and wealth of Preemption township. For nearly a year Jolin Farlow and rioj)kins Boone had no neighbors, there being

Tn tlic followinii; s])nng there came into tlie sctth-nient, with thriifamilies, liev. John Montfj^omerv, a Presbyterian minister, and James Boone, from Pennsylvania, and from Indiana, (Tabriel Barklev, diristopher ^filler and Rev. Joseph Jones, a J>a})tist j)reaeher. Ihit they wei'e still isolated from any considerable settU'nient. for thert; was no road, the only line of communication being an LnUan trail leading from Monmouth to Pock Island, which could be tra\'eled only on foot or on horseback; there was no postotHce, no convenient market, no mill. Ihit this state of atlairs did not long continue; the natural advantages of the location attracted settlers ;nid the increasing population and production demanded increased facilities for the transfer of emigrants and the transportation of crops to market.

In 1832 a road had been laid out from Beard stown to Cralena, following the main route to the lead mines located at the latter place. This road, however, was impassable by wagons on account of the river banks being so cut out by the swift currents of the streams, until in ls;',7 the county built across the Edwards river, on section 34, a trestle bridge, covered with oak |)lank. The only other regularly laid out road previous to lS-1-0 w^as the state road, leading from New Boston, Mercer county, to a town in Henry county, now defunct, named Richmond.

In 1838 there came into the noi-thern ])ai1; of the township Benjamin Clarke, David Little, John Beirbeau, and Charles Minick, settling on section 1 and 2, and E. J. Farwell, on section 14. Only those who went tlirough the trials of these early times can appreciate their severity. Xow" railroads intersect the county in various directions ; hard roads and good bridges make stations easily accessible ; mercantile enterprise brings the products of the best mills and factories to one's very doors. Not so at the earlv davs of which we write. Then the settler must go long distances to mill with his grist, and there wait his turn to have it ground. The particular settlers of whom we write, were obliged to go to Monmouth to mill, forc4ing on their way both the Pope creek and the Edwards river. To market their produce they must go miles away over the prairies to New Boston, or to the town of Stevenson, now Rock Island. Had the prices of their croj)S brought been proportionate to the labor of getting them to market, or had the cost of the necessaries of life been correspondingly low, their hardships, though still great, would have been much relieved, rnfortunately, neither condition existed ; witness the following schedule of prices: AVheat, twenty -five cents per busliel, to be paid for in goods

(at wluit prices we sliall presently see) ; corn, if one could sell ut all, ten cents per bushel ; dressed hogs weighing 200 pounds and upward, $1.50 per hundred ; hogs of lighter weight at a less price. Mr. Boone relates, as a fair illustration, this incident : learning that a certain merchant at Andalusia, Iowa, w^as paying $2 pei- hundred for good dressed pork, and needing some salt, he 'and his hand sjjent a day at killing and dressing such hogs as he had ready for market. Proceeding by a laborious route to Andalusia, he sold his pork, 450 pounds, foi" $9. liecrossing the river at Davenport, to Rock Island, he bought his salt, paying therefor $9, or -150 pounds of dressed pork. In 1837 these settlers obtained a postottice, located at the residence of Hopkins Boone, the second in the county, called the Farlow's Grove postoffice. The postage was twenty-five cents a letter, just the price of a bushel of wheat. The mail came at long intervals and irregularly, carried on horseback along the old Indian trail. As the county grew, the postal facilities increased, till now tlie office, removed since to the village of Preemption, receives and sends daily mails. With the growth of the farming interests, the development of the mineral resources has kept equal pace. The demand for stone has steadily increased with the population. The quarries have furnished the stone for most of the cellars and wells of the township. Shortly after the settlement of the township, coal was found cropping out in various places. It has proved to be of good quality, abundant in (iuantitv. easily accessible. One vein is live feet in thickness. The depth of the veins "below the surface varies from twenty-five to seventy-five feet. This industry has far outgrown the demands of the township and surrounding country, and the railroad, built by Mr. Cable, finds lucrative employment in conveying to other points the surplus production of this and Richland Grove township mines. This brief sketcff but very insufficiently indicates the great resources of the township. Perhaps the best indication of what is in store for its citizens in the future will be a statement of its present wealth, accumulated in less than a half century since the first settler pitched his tent within its limits. The population has increased to 1,410 in 1880. In ^1881 the assessed value of lands was $362,743 ; of town lots, $1,170 ; of personal property, $125,104. But this can be hardly more than an earnest of what is yet to be attained here in point of wealtli. Besides all this there has grown up a busy village with excellent buildings and enterprising merchants. The first hotel, opened by PI. E. Wright in 1 854, has given place to the excellent house of Mrs. Robt. Hammond. The business of blacksmith shop of Xorton Griffith, established in 1853, the wagon ^hop, opened by W. C. Gray in 1855, has been augmented by the beautiful drug store of Dr. Jas. H. Seyler, the extensive general store of AVm. Hammond, Mr. Brigg"s grocery, the large mill o])eratecl by Mr. Carver, the lumber yard, and the creamery, controlled respectively by J. E. Otto, and D. W. Little. From this list must not be omitted the name of the veteran merchant, Mr. Pliilli]) E. Stevens, successor with Mr. Wright to Messrs. Wharton & Crawford, the Urst general merchants of the township.

The titles to the lands occupied by the early settlers upon the tract lying between the Illinois and Mississii)pi rivers, upon the security of which depended so largely the pros})ority and peace of the settlement, were not established without difficulty and the exercise of much decision and courage on the part of the ])ioneers. At the time the settlers came the land had not been offered for sale, and there were no ])reemption or other laws to protect the settlers in their claims and improvements. Two classes of persons sought to take advantage of this to reap profits of the frontiersman's sacrifices and labors, - the claim-jumper and the moneyed speculatcn-. The former sought to obtain a claim upon land already occupied and im[)roved by settling upon it ; the latter b}' bidding against the settlers at the ])ublic land sales. This conflict of claims had been the fruitful source of serious difficulties and the occasion of some murders. To prevent any such trouble, the settlers of Preemption and some other townships formed an association for mutual protection. One of their number, Mr. Hopkins Boone, was chosen recorder, and the claim of each settler duly recorded, according to its location on the prairie; each settler, moreover, being limited in the size of his claim to a reasonable amount of land. Previous to the sale of the lands of this township, two claims were "jumped.'' In b(^th cases the settlers at once sent a committee and ordered the parties to "leave the diggins."" They left. The land of Preemption township came into market October 30, 1844, the last of Mercer county to be sold. The fact that ])rior to this sale the settlers of this township held their homes under the preemption law, gave it its name - Preemption.

For voting purposes, this section belonged to the Richland drove precinet. It is rehxted that at the presidential election of 1830, the people of this precinct gathered to vote ; but vainly had they come, for no one knew who were the electors. Converting their disai)pointment into a resolve that some one in the settlement must take a newspaper thereafter, they had a neighborly chat and went home. That they were so far neglected by the solicitous politician is most con- proof (jf their complete isolation. The first election in the township was held the following year, at Hopkins Boone's residence. The township organization was effected in IS.">4. The officers elected at this and the successive elections are given in the following list, furnished by the courtesy of Mr. Thomas L. Johnson, appointed, at the last town meeting, clerk, in place of Mr. 11. J. Stewart, during the latter's illness :

The life of the pioneer was not undarkened by domestic sorrow, nor unbrightened by domestic joys. The minister of the little settlement early found occasion to share the sorrows and the joys of his neighbors, to offer the consolations of religion to the bereaved, to extend his congratulations and god-speed to those who in marriage had united heart and hand to subdue the wilderness, and make it blossom as the rose.

Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins Boone first claimed the pastor's tender seivices in the burial in this hmely place of their infant son. They, too, were the first to hail the birth of a child, a daughter, who lived to grow up in the old homestead, to assist her parents in their hardships. and, with Mr, Geddes, to make another home.

With all their hard labors, these pioneers still found time to woo and win the fair daughters of their neighbors. Scarcely the second winter passed since John Farlow built his cabin cm the banks of the Edwards river, when (in a figure) the first wedding bells called to the marriage of Susan, daughter of -lames and Hannah Boone, to Dr. Joseph S. Mans, of Pekin, Illinois. In 1838 another daughter became the helpmeet of Mr. Alfred Perry.

Rapid and absorbing as has been the material development of this township, the claims of religion have not been neglected. Among the tirst settlers was a Presbvterian minister, Rev. John ISIontgomer}', who became pastor of the tirst chnrch in the commnnity, organized at Farlow's Grove in 1889. with the following constituent members : Elder John Linn and wife, Elder Robert Stewart, wife and two daughters, Elder Barrows and daughter, Samuel AVhan and wife, Mrs. H. Boone, Mr. Black and wife, and others. In 1848, John Montgomery, now deceased, was followed in tlu' pastorate of the church by Thomas S. Vale, a very talented man from Princeton college. He remained until alxjut 1840, when he was succeeded by Rev. L. B. Crittenden, who continued as pastor till about 1850. About this time, Mr. John Whitsitt, who had been ordained as elder in 1845, removed his membership to Rock Island, where his children were at school. In ISHT, ]\Ir. Whitsitt's energy procured a church-building on his farm adjoining the village of Preem])tion. Here in 1868 a church was organized with Jolm Whitsitt, Hugh Livingstone, and James Henry as elders, of wdiom the latter two were elected and ordained at this time, the tirst named having been ordained vears before at Farlow's Grove. For manv years this church flourished, having in its membei'shi}) a number of the very best citizens of Preemption townshij). In 1881 an unfortunate controversy arose, which has severely injured the oro;anization. The society now hold sei'vices in Hammond's Hall. The church at Farlow's Grove still exists, though less vigorous tlian informer years. They have no settled pastor but have occasional preaching.

The lirst Methodist society in the townshi]j of Preemption was organized in the year 1841, at the house of Mr. Benjamin Clarke, with six members, viz : Benjamin Clarke (leader) and wife, David Little and wife, Andrew Gilmore, and Margaret Gilmore. They held their meetings at this place until 1846, when a house of worship was built, under the following circumstances : Judge Savage, who had been in this section looking after his real estate interests, observing the lack of means for the develo})nient of either or both educational and religious interests, and believing, as do all intelligent men, that tlirough these mediums only come true prosperity and the successful building up of a new country, he deposited in Rock Island $50 to be used in building a house for church and school purposes. This fact Mr. Savage communicated to flohn Whitsitt, who soon after conferred with Mr. C. A. S])ring, an agent of the American Sunday School Union of

ISTew York, who was tlien here in the interest of that society. Througli Mr. Spring's inliuence Mr. Lemuel Brewster, a benevolent gentleman in New York, was induced to build three houses here, one at Farlow's Grove in section 34, one at Preem])tion Corners in section 11, and one in Rock Island countv ; the $50 donated bv Judge Savage was tinally used in improving and fencing the Union cemeterv at Farlow's (irrove. In this house at Preemption the Methodists worsliiped until they erected their present commodious church edifice on the southwest corner of David Little's farm in section 2, adjoining the village of Preemption, in 1867. The old building is still (and may it for many years to come) standing as a memorial to the memory of its benevolent builder.

The perusal of the following pages will be the evidence of how the All-wise Ruler of all things crowned these early, yet feeble, eftbrts with success. Reverting in the history of the Methodist Episcopal church to 1865, we tind it in charge of Rev. Amos Morey as i)astor, with 101 members and fourteen probationers. Rev. Mr. Morey filled this j)()sition up to 1868, when he reported three preaching places, 123 members and nineteen probationers, a church worth $3,000, and a comfortable parsonage. The pastors succeeding him were : M. P. Armstrong, W. M. Sedore, and J. E. Rutledge (each one year), J. Q. Adams (three years), Thomas Watson (two years), Charles Atherton (two years), who was assisted in his last year by Frank Doran. At the close of the conference year of 1878, the charge was divided, Reynolds taking all the other appointments, leaving Preemption alone, tacitly a station without any outside appointments, ninety-six members and three church buildings going to the Reynolds circuit, while fiftynine members, one church and the ])arsonage were left with Preemption.

In 187!) Rev. Thomas Watson was for the second time appointed to this charge. He died the May following, and his time was filled out by W. C. Knapp and the Rev. B. C. Dennis. In 1880 brother B. C. Dennis became pastor in charge, retaining the same three years, which is the full extent of time allowed by the conference on one charge. During the broken year above referred to no change numeriically was made, but during the last three years of Brother Dennis' labors the membership has grown from fifty-nine to eighty-six.

The Sunday school is in a specially flourishing condition, and at the j)resent time (1882) larger than any ever before held in the township. Tiie charge is one of the best patrons, per member, of the missionary and other benevolent societies of any church in the bounds of the conference, if not of the state. Their missionary collections for the year 1881 were $3,000, and during the last two years the benevo- lent collections of tlio charge have averaged considerably over §11 per niemher, while home ex]»enses are all ])aid up promptly in advance, all of which grows out of the fact that a few of the leading liberal and wealthy men in the community apj)reciate the value of the church and the benefits of its benign inliuence.

Of the church history from 1845 to 1865 nothing authentic could be obtained, as there are no records earlier than the latter date, and the only party now living wlio could give any reliable information stubboi-nly I'efused to do so.

Quite early in the history of Preemption township, the Conways, Odays, Brenens, and a few others of the Catholic faith, settled in and aroun(i the southeast part of the township, and to them occasionally priests from Rock Island would come and minister, holding meetings at the cabins of the early settlers. This was continued up to 1875, when steps were taken to build a church, which was soon accom])lislied. On January 23, 1875, a subscription was drawn up by Daniel ]\fack. who subscribed slQO. This was followed by several other SlOO subscrij> tions. The Macks, the Conways, the Mc^fanises, the Dooleys, and the Lucuses, leading. Many of what might be termed outsiders and members of other churches also lent a helping hand to the enter})rise ; foremost among whom was William W. Johnston, who donated twentyfive dollars. On January 30, 1875, the contract to build a church, in size 30x42, of good material, with stone foundation, was let to Mathias Schnell, who completed the work the following July.

On September 9, 1875, the church was dedicated by Kev. Father I. P. Powles. The editice cost $1,600, which was j^romptly paid. In 1878 a vestry, 12x14 feet was added, at a cost of §166. The building now presents a neat and substantial appearance, and the interior outfit and finish would do credit to an older and wealthier congregation. They now have a membei-shi]? of about thirty families, and have services every alternate Sabbath. Their ])astor is a resident of Keithsburg, and as both this and the Iveithsburg church are one charge, reference maybe had to the history of that church for the names of the past and present officiating priests. This, like all other Catholic church property, is vested in their bishop.

The Episcopal Church

The first clergyman of the Protestant Episco])al church who performed missicm labor in Preemption townshi]», was Rev. Jacob S. Chamberlain, who was called in the month of December to minister to the spiritual wants of Mrs. Rachel Johnston, the wife of Joseph Johnston, Jr., who was at the time on her death bed. This was his introduction as missionary in this field. Early in tlie spring of 1868, Rev. Chamberlain commenced active missionary work, which resulted in 1869 in the erection of the present church building on land deeded by Robert Foster and wife to James Johnston, AVilliam Johnston, Thomas Armstrong, and Thomas Doonan, trustees, and described as a part of Sec. -1, T. 15, R. 2 AV., bearing date of June 1, 1869; consideration |llOO. Rev. (liamberlain closed his labors in this iield, as missionary, in August, 1871.

In October, 1872. Rev. Wm. Thomas Currie was appointed missionary in the same held, and continued his labors until October 1, 1875. On September 6, 1874, permission was obtained from the standing committee of the diocese of Illinois to organize a parish, and on October 19, 187-1, a meeting was held in tlie chui-ch, a parish organized, and othcers duly elected, consisting of wardens and vestrymen, as follows : AVilliam 11. Johnston, John Manes, and Thomas Doonan, wardens ; Thomas L. Johnston, George Clark, and Robert Hix, vestrymen. The organization to be known as St. John's Parish, of Preemj)tion, Illinois. Shortly after the termination of the labors of Rev. Mr. Currie, as missionary, the Rev. T. M. Thorp was called to the rectorship of the parish, but resigned in the spring of 1877. Rev. N. P. Chariot was elected as the rector by the wardens and vestrymen in May, 1877, and entered upon his duties as such July 1. 1877, and resigned, after a labor of hve years, on July 1, 1882. The present membership is small, and but little interest seems to be manifested by them in matters pertaining to religion.

Masonic

Preemption Lodge, No. 755, A.F.A.M., was organized June 27, 1877, under dispensation, and so held meetings till October 21 of the same year, when they received, their charter from the grand lodge. The charter members were W. C. Gray, Henry II. Ilayford, James II. Seyler, H. H. Hammond, Win. Steirdiauer, Geo. Bartlett, B. W. Thom])son, J.' B. Harris, jr., Wm. H. Hickock, Samuel Bailey, S. F. Everett, Geo. C. Gray, Leander Stiles, John Weiler.

The following officers were appointed under dispensation and elected when organized and chartered: Wm. C. Gray, W.M.; James II. Seyler, S.W. ; Joseph B. Harris. J.W. ; 1>. W. Thompson, S.D. ; Samuel Bailey, J.D. ; S. E. Everett, Treasurer; II. II. Ilayford, Secretary; II. H. Hammond, Tyler; Geo. C. Gray and John Weiler, Stewards. They now have a membershi]) of twenty-six, with seven on

Preeni})ti()n Loyal Orange Lodge 2S'o. V\'2, was organized .luly 3, 1876, by Matthew Mayne, of Chicago, with the following chartei" members : James Connelly, W.M. ; Thomas Doonan, Dejiuty W.M. ; Wm. Plolden, Secretary ; John Ilolden, Treasurer ; Wm. Wilson, Chaplain ; Thomas Wilson, Tylei' ; and Thomas J. Armstrong, James Gawley, James F. Johnston, Kobei-t Wadsworth, George Wadsworth, John Wadsworth, James R. Doonan, James AUwell, John H. Johnston : in all fifteen. There is now a membership of forty.

The tirst year they lield their meetings in the school-house of district No. 2, after which they Iniilt a hall on the farm of Jose])h B. Johnston, about two miles west of the village of Preemption. I). AV. Little is the present secretary. Their established holiday is on the twelfth of July, when they meet, as is to them a time honored custom, and with singing, speaking and martial music commemorate the day when protestantism gained the ascendancy in Ireland at the battle of the lioyne in 1690.

The first school was taught at Farlow's Grove by Miss Boone, and the second at Preemption corner, on section 11, in the house built by Mr. Brewster, spoken of in connection with the Methodist Ej)iscopal church history. At the present writing there are a goodly number of well patronized schools in the township. The houses are neatly built and present a very attractive a})})earance to the traveler as he turns at many of the section corners or cross roads.

. In closing this brief sketch, some little mention nmst be made of the few noble men who were to some extent the founders of this nourishing section. John Farlow remained here but a short time when he sold his claim to James Boone, made a short move, died a few years later, and his family went, in 1S47, with the Millers, to Oregon, where they still reside. James Boone died here in 1842, and his faithful wife in 1858. Hopkins Boone enjoys the ])rosperity his early sacrifices merit, living in liis comfortable home in the village of Viola. .A fuller account of this worthy gentleman will be found in the historv of that place. Rev. Joseph Jones died here some years after his settlement. A daughter of his, now Mrs. Joseph Pitman, still resides here. Benjamin Clarke died here in 18J:-i, and his family still reside on the farm tirst entered. David Little, now the largest land owner in the township, if not in the county, is still living on his first purchase. He was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1815, and came to America in 1834, and started Mdthout means except a pair of Avilling hands and a determined will. In addition to the accumulation of a large amount of property, he has reared a very interesting and prosperous family of eight children, live only (^f whom are now living. His oldest son, William F., was killed at the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, during the late war. Of Charles Minick, and John Bierbeau, nothing was ascertained. Among the successful and hardy pionners may be mentioned Mr. J. Conway, who settled and now owns a large farm in the southwest part of the township. W. W. Johnston also came in an early day, and has since become one of the large real estate owners not only in this township, but also in Rock Island county. Wm. H. Johnston, too, will be remembered as among the industrious and enterprising farmers of Preemption township and for many years its supervisor. He was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1819, came to this township iu 1>>48, and settled on section 16, where he now resides. Among the more public spirited and push-a-head men who came in an early day to tliis township, may be mentioned Mr. John Whitsitt. He settled here on section 2, in 1844, and has devoted much of his time to improving and beautifying his home. He has, for a number of years, been turning his attention to breeding thoroughbred short horned cattle. Judge Wm. Wilmerton, whose name has been so familiar to his fellow citizens since his coming, in 1S42, enjoys the honor and respect his straightforward course has merited. A full biography of him will be found in its proper place.

In closing, we desire to mention also some of the fine farms and residences which characterize the township. First among these we mention the beautiful home of Mr. Samuel F. Everett, who came from Ohio in 1852, and entered lands in sections 18 and 20. His house was erected at a cost of $6,000, and is acknowledged the finest in the township, and among the finest in the county. Less costly, but very elegant, are the residences of Judge Wilmerton, George Smith, John Y. Johnson, Thomas L. Johnson, D. W. Little. That so many residences are worthy of special mention leaves no room for further comment, or prophecy as to its future prosperity.

Preemption Toavnship

landmarks to rising young men to direct and invite to success, even though life begin in most straitened circumstances. Many a poor boy has worn the honors, civic or financial, 'ere gray hairs counted his allotted years. William Wilmerton was born May I, 1822, in New Jersey. He is the son of Fenimore and Permila (Van Kirk) Wilmerton. His father was a cousin to the celebrated American author, J. Fenimore Cooper, founder of Cooperstown. His father died soon after his (William's) birth, so that the boy was left to the cold graces of the world. .Vt the age of six years he found a home with a Quaker family, with whom he remained till (juite able to su})port himself. He then became a common laborer at whatever might otfei-, applying his earnings to the acquirement of an education. He attended college some years, gaining a good fund of general information. In the summer of 1842 he made his way to Preemption township, Mercer county, Illinois. The first summer he spent in prospecting for a location suitable to general purposes. He taught school the first winter. He bought a surveyor's outfit and engaged in surveying for some time. His first purchase was eighty acres of land, necessitating the expenditure of all he had. He was elected justice of the peace in 1846, which ofiice he filled for over twenty years, doing a very extensive business. His business was largely making collections. This was before the days of so many banks. He was trusted by everybodv and performed his business with satisfaction to all. He also served four years as judge. He has accumulated his savings and his earnings till he now owns more than 1,000 acres of land, a mark of his unusual success. Just subsequent to the war he was commissioned an attorney, that he might prosecute soldiers' claims without the ceitificate of a regular attorney living at a distance. Mr. Wilmerton was married December 10, 1850, to Miss Rhoda A. Kelsey, a native of New York state. They have three children : Louisa (wife of N. J. McDonald, of Davenjiort, Iowa), Frank (real estate agent in La Mars, Iowa), and William W. (at home). Prior to the war Mr. Wilmerton was democratic in politics ; since that time he has voted independently.

The family of John Whitsitt originated in Scotland, but his more recent ancestors were natives of Ireland. His father was Benjamin Whitsitt of county Fermanagh, in the province of Ulster. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Fitzgerald. He was a land proprietor, and also engaged in mercantile and milling business. There were eleven children, of whom only now are living the subject of this sketch and his sister, Margaret J. (married to Mr. J. (\ Morehead), in Ireland. In 1871, his father died at the age of eighty-four years, and his mother many years previous, when forty-eight years of age. A second wife still survives tlie eldest Mr. Wliitsitt in thecountrv of their birth. Mr. John Whitsitt, the second son, fourth chihl, was born in Itosslea, Fermanagh county, Ireland, June, 7, 181(i. He was reared with good advantages of education for business purposes, and also made familiar with farming and stock raising. He was married August 12, 1836, to Miss Eliza Henrev, a native of Monaghan county, Ireland, and of Scotch ancestry. In IS-i-i Mr. AVhitsitt and family sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans, where they arrived after a forty-three days' passage, and from that ])lace by river to St. Louis and thence to Kock Island. He selected land in section 3, Preemption township, and bought the claim of Ezekiel Morey, and entered the same at the land office in Dixon. All the rest of his ])resent premises of 600 acres, he bought, excepting forty, at various prices from time to time. The dairy business lirst occupied them, and their ])roduct was carried to Rock Island and shipped to Galena, then crowded with miners and abounding with wealth. When help was absent Mr. Whitsitt and wife have milked twenty cows per day, and it is not surprising that the energy and ])rudence thus exhibited brought wealth and comfort in their train. Their brand of butter always commanded the highest market price, and their commission merchants, Messrs. Cam]> bell & Smith, were always anxious to handle their article. In the com*se of ten years Mr. Whitsitt began to make a specialty of handling blooded cattle, and he was one of the tirst in this i-egion to a})preciate the importance of this interest. He brought on his farm some choice selections from Mr. Alexander's celebrated Kentucky herds. He has disposed of many tine cattle at private and public sale, and has at present some whose pedigrees are traced back to imported stock and entered in the American Herd Book, Vol. XIII. In 1875 he had on his place two-year ojd and coming three, cattle that weighed 1,600 lbs. and upward. Misses Elizabeth and Sarah, his two daughters, are li\'ing with their ])arents m their ha])py home near the village of Preemption. A son, Benjamin, the oldest, who is married to Miss Elizabeth Bitty, is living near them on a part of the original home farm, and another son, Bichard 11. (married to Miss Henrietta Fitzgerakl), also lives u])oii a ])ortion of his father's place. Both sons have had a due appointment from their father upon their outstart in life. There were two children additional to the above named born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitsitt, now deceased ; one was an infant, Robert, and the other a daughter, Mary Ann, who died in Illinois in her fourteenth year, and whose funeral-mound grows green beneath the orchard trees of her early home. Mr. Whitsitt has never been a politician, but lias always held decided views u])on the leading questions of the day. Lie was not a republican, l)ut when the question of sup])ortiniz; the administration of his adopted country came up against the other issues of rebellion, Mr. AV. was on the side of the union witli his money and influence to assist in lillinii; uj) the quota of the townshi}). His personal integrity and worth were always recognized bv his nei2;lil)ors, so that for four terms he was returned as supervisor of his township when the party with which he was identilied was always in a two-thirds minority. With Mrs. Whitsitt, who has always been a devoted wife and mother, and partner in all the plans and purposes of his life, he visited the home and the scenes of her early years. Mr. Whitsitt's affections and duty are fidly given to the country of his adoption. They- are connected with the Presbyterian church, that stands on land donated by Mr. AVhiti-'itt ujmn a corner of his farm.

Samuel F. Everett was born in Mari(;n county, Ohio, February 12, 1834. He is the son of Samuel F. and Sarah (Karr) Everett. His father was a native of Vermont, of Scotch and Irish ancestry, while his mother was born in Meigs county, Ohio. He was reared on a farm where he enjoyed the advantages of good schools, linishing his education with a course at the Marion academy. In the spring of 1852 he came on a prospecting tour to Illinois. Liking the land, and other advantages being equal, he entered a half section in sections 18 and 20, Preemption township, Mercer county, and returned to Ohio. In the fall of tlie same year, in com])any with his motlier, sister and sisters husband, G. D. Miller, he came b}^ team to the new home. After his arrival here he at once began to make and improve his home, which is now one of the most pleasant in this part of Mercer county, having, in 1880, built a very tine and beautiful residence, at a cost of ;ik.out $6,000. His real estate comprises 550 acres. June 4, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. McIIard, a daughter of William and Mary Mellard. She was born in Mercer county, Illinois, January 5, 1840, and is one among the first born here now living. They are the parents of two children, William R., and Sarah R. Mr. Everett's father died in Ohio about 1842, and his mother died at his home in this township in the winter of 1868. Mr. Everett is now actively engaged in farming and stock raising. He is now filling his second term of supervisor.

As a man who not only merits but enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, David Andrew Ci-arke occupies no second place. He was born October 24, 1885, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his parents were married October 31, 1834. In 1838 they came to Mercer county, Illinois, and permanently located on Sec. 1, T. 15, R. 2, Preemption, and there Mr. Clarke, David's father, died in 1844, leaving, besides his wife who still sui-vives. live children, three of whom are living: David A.. Maggie, and Mary (wife of Ilenrv Ketzel, of Perrvton township). Those deceased were : Jane (who died in 1866), Henry B. (died in Xew Orleans aged twenty years, during the late war, a victim of the malarial fevers of a southern clime). David A. now owns and occupies the old home farm of 360 acres, and is actively engaged in stock raising and farming. He served the township eight years as clerk, and in 1876 was elected justice of the peace, which trust and honor he still holds. He is also a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and contributes largely of his means for its support and prosperity. Himself and mother have been longer residents in the township than any others now living within its borders. His father, Benjamin Clarke, was born in the county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1802, and was reared a farmer, following that vocation through hfe. His mother was also a native of Ireland. Mr. Clarke was married in 186-1 to Sarah Ellen Little, daughter of David Little. She died in 1865, and he has not since married.

Jesse Carver. In the colony founded by William Penn in 1682 were three brothers by the name of Carver. One of these (John Carver) settled in that part afterward set off as Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He became prominent in the colonial history of Pennsylvania. Jesse Carver, the subject of these lines, is the son of John Carver and the grandson of John Carver, and a descendant of the John Carver above noted. The Carvers were, of course, Quakers or Friends in early days. Jesse Carver was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, January 29, 1816. His education was limited to the common school of his day. Farming has been his avocation all his years, having been sufficiently successful to save a competency for old age. He was married August 23, 1838, to Miss Sarah W. Lewis. She was born March 10, 1810, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. She is connected with the Elicott family, thoroughly wiitten up in a book set apart to that family alone. After marriage Mr. Carver rented a farm near Buckingham, Pennsylvania. In 1851 he emigrated westward, settling in Preemption township, Mercer county, Illinois, where he entered land in section 14. In the following year he built and soon moved into his own housCj a consummation sought for many years. No longer a tenant but a lord. He has added to his first purchase till he owns over 360 acres of good land. He has eight children : Watson T., Letitia L. (now Mrs. Jackson Thornton of Millersburg), Readding L., Thomas E., Edward W., Winfield S., John M., and Marietta (wife of Harvey T. Trovillo).

]\Iai-ch (i, 1843. He has spent the hirger i)art of his life in Mercer county. He enlisted in Co. C, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., August, 18G2. He carried the colors through the war to the restoration of peace. He was wounded at Kesacca, Georgia, having three 'teeth shot out and his mouth badly shattered. His career is the career of the 102d regiment. At his return he resumed farming, but soon engaged in the mainifacture of sorghum. In 1877, at the solicitation of many of his friends, he was induced to embark in the milling business, and he began building in that year in Preemption. His mill has grown from incipiency to flour and feed mill, general machine and repair shops, and grain elevator. Mr. Carver was married June 19, 1872, to Mrs. Jane Geigei-, a native of Ohio and daughter of William David. They have live children : "William D., Laura, Emma 0., Janies R., and Jesse.

Prominent among the early settlers, and members of the Catholic church, may be mentioned Mr. Joseph Conway, who was born in county Clare, Ireland, in 1826. He was reared to the principles of economy and industry. He emigrated to America in the summer of 1846. He sailed from Limerick Jime 25 in the sailing ship Emma, and after a voyage of many weeks landed in Oswego August 20. Eor the following six years he applied himself to any honorable employment which would turn an honest penny. In the fall of 1852 he came to Rock Island, Illinois, and the following February put his axe on his shoulder and walked to Preemption townsliip, and began to improve the land he had entered. The following June he received the ])atent for his land, signed by President Pierce. July 10, 1854, he was united in marriage with ^liss Bridget Ayers, a native of L'eland. She died January 6, 1870, at the early age of thirty-nine years, leaving, besides her loving husband, six children to mourn her early death. The children's names, in the order of their birth, are : Thomas, Margnretta, Joseph Patrick, Mary A., Lizzie (deceased), and Martin W. Mr. Conway, since the death of his comj)anion, has remained single. His estimable daughter is his housekee])er, and cheers his home by her pleasant and affable manner. AVhen Mr. Conway first settled on section 30 in this township he had but 8200 ; money earned in this country, and when he landed at Oswego, New York, he had but one-quarter of a dollar. But honest industry has its reward, and he has long since been the independent owner of 680 aci'es ot land.

John Y. Johnston (deceased), came from the county Fermanagh, Ireland, to Mercer county, Illinois, in the spring of 1864, bringing Muth him his wife, Mai"v, and two children, one of whom was born to them while on the way. They permanently located in Preemption township, on Sec. 9, T. 15, R. 2, where they reared a family of six children. Mr. Johnston died in January, 1870, and Mrs. Johnston August 6, 1866. James Y. Johnston, their second child, was born on the Mississippi river in April, 1846, while on their way from Xew Orleans to Rock Island. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. July 3, 1871, he was married to Miss Matilda, daughter of John H. and Jane (Welch) Johnston. She was born in Preemption township, October 22, 1852. They are the parents of three children, whose names, in the order of their birth, are Nina A., Henry A., and Mary J. Mr. Johnston now owns and occupies the old home farm and other land adjoining, to the number of 236 acres, and is engaged in tarming and stock raising.

John Y. Johnston is a son of William AY. and Margaret (Lipton) Johnston, and was born in this township, April 1, 1857. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools, with the additional advantage of a college course at Abingdon, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. March 10, 1881, he was married to Miss Rebecca Johnston, the daughter of William H. and Jane (Allen) Johnston ; she was born in this township, February 7, 1859. In 1881 Mr. Johnston built his present tine residence on his farm on the N. E. J of Sec. 18. His father is now living near Reynolds, in the northwest part of Preemption township, and is one of the wealthy land owners of this county, after having given to each pf his sons a good farm.

Thomas L. Johnston, farmer and stock raiser, is a son of William W. and Margaret (Lipton) Johnston, and was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, November 16, 18-18. With the exception of from 1852 to 1855, with his parents in California, his years have been spent in Preemption township, actively engaged in farming. His educational advantages were good and well improved. Pie remained at home with his father until about the age of twenty-six years, and was well rewarded by the gift from his father of a good 160 acre farm ; the N. E. J of Sec. 7, on which, in 1880, he built a tine, two-story residence at a cost of over $3,0o0. July 1, 187-1, he was married to Miss Mary J. Goodner, a daughter of William p. and Edith J. (Griswold) Goodner. She was born in Indiana, August 7, 1850, and came with her parents to Mercer county, in 1853. They are the parents of four children : Edward W., Edith E., Maggie B., and an infant. Mr. Johnston is engaged in farming, but devotes much of his time to buying, feeding and sliipping stock.

William Connolly is a son of James and Elizabeth (Little) Connolly, and was born in the county Fermanagh, Ireland, May 21), LS32. In November, 181:6, with his ])arents, he left the land of his birth, and sailing for America, landed in New Orleans early in the winter of 1847. Soon after tlieir arrival in New Orleans they started up the ^Mississippi river, landing at Rook Island on April -l-th of the same year. They soon after purchased land in Sec. 3, T. l.'). K. -! AV.. in Preemption township, where our subject still lives, and where his parents lived till the time of their death. The father died in September, ISSl, aged eighty-two years, lie was an enthusiastic Orangeman, and through his instrumentality a lodge of that order was organized at Preemption, in this county, and one at Ih-ooklyn, Iowa. In the workings of these organizations he used largely of his means, having twice visited Canada in the interest of the order. The mother died in 180!) at the age of seventy-eight years. They were the jiarents of seven children : Mary (now the wife of Dr. Mai'tin), James, ^Margaret (now Mrs. William Vye), William (the subject of this notice), Jane (wife ot Thomas Burchby), Eliza (wife of Frank Johnston), and Sarah A. (wife of William J. Ransom). William was mari-ied February 14, iSfH. to Miss Elizabeth A. Moffett, a native of Fermanagh county, Ireland. She died in 1873. Mr. Connolly's second marriage was on Xovember 12, 1874, with Miss Fanny Motfett, who was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, April 24, 1849. He is the father of eight children, whose names in the order of their birth are : James W., William F., Elizabeth, Robert, and Lucinda, by his iirst wife, an<l Edward W., Mary A., and Gilbert H., by his present wife, who is an excellent mother to the whole family. Mr. Connolly is taking great interest in the education of his children.

David W. LrrxLK, the thrifty and enter})i-ising proprietoi- of the Preemption creamery, is a son of David and Elizabeth (Wiltshire) Little, and was born in this townshij) March 28, 1851. He received a good common school education while growing up on tlu' farm, to which he added several terms at Abingdon, Illinois, and Mount Vernon, Iowa. He was married December 18, 1874, to Miss Clara E. Goudy, daughter of William H. and Margaret (Smith) Goudy, of Mount Yernon, Iowa. She was born in Linn county, Iowa, April 5, 1853. They are the [)arents of four children : William II., Elizabeth E., Benjamin F., and Margaret A. After his marriage Mr. Little engaged in farming, but since 1880 he has turned his attention exclusively to the manufacture of butter. The prospect of success in 1882 induced him to establish a branch creamery in Rivoli township, and he has extended the buying of cream into the adjoining counties.

William Bri(;gs, the subject of this sketch, was born about 1^07 in Ireland, where he spent his early life. When at the age of twentytive he came to America, in company with his brother Thomas, They first landed on the British Islands, in Canada. Thej stayed there two months, and then went to IS^ew York, where he followed teaming and weaving. He next moved to Illinois in 1846, iirst stop])ing at Rock Island ; from there lie moved to Swedonia, where he found employment at ilfty cents per day for ten years. In the meanwhile he bought a small piece of land ; but not having a team of his own, he was forced to hire one, for which he gave his own labor in excliangc for the use of a horse. He bought his first eighty acres of Levi Wasson and paid for it in trade. He next bought some government land from a man who had entered it. He was married in New York in 1834 to Miss Isabella Clay. By this marriage they had live children born to them, one only of wliom was born in Illinois. John, the oldest, married Miss Ann Armstrong, who is deceased. He was married a second time to Lena Colter. They have one child living and one dead. Henry married Miss Vina Smitli, and they have one child. In Mr. Briggs'' father's family there were live boys and three girls, all of whom were born in Ii-eland : Margaret, John, Richard, Jane, Mary, Murphy, Thomas and Robert. Margaret is deceased ; John lives in New York ; Richard died at Pleasant Hill ; Jane, wife of David Bates, I'esides in Ireland ; Mary married John Murphy ; Robert married in Nesv York. When the war of the rebellion broke out Mr. Briggs furnished two soldiers from his family. Robert entered the service as a private and was promoted second lieutenant, and, at the time of his discharge, a captain's commission was forwarded by the governor. He was a brave officer, and was with his regiment through all the various battles with the western army, and was wounded at the battle of Lexington. He was a member of Co. B, 65th reg.-Ill. Vol. Inf Thomas, a merchant of Preemption, was a member of the 140th reg. 111. Vol. Inf., commanded by Col. Sherman. He entered the service in 1864 at Dixon. Ai\er his return home he met with an accident, a misfortune which necessitated the amputation of his arm. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs are members of the Episcopal church, of Preemption.

Potter Kelly, son of Samuel and Sarah Kelly, was born in Jefl'erson county, Pennsylvania, in 1843. He attended a common school until sixteen years of age, when he began a course of study in Glade Run Academy, in Armstrong county. After attending here two sessions he began teacliing. In the summer of 1860 he came west to Jackson county, Iowa, where he taught one year. In the spring of 1867 he came to Mercer county, IlHnois, and began teaching one mile south of Bridger's Corners, in Suez township. Since that time Mr. Kelly has pursued the profession of teaching in that and adjoining townships in Mercer county, and his labors have always been attended by success. ,

Peter Cameron was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1820. In his father's family there were nine children, of whom our subject is the sixth child. His father was nuirried about 1819 to Miss Sarah Jones, a native of Pennsylvania, whose father came from Wales in an early day and settled in that state. His father, John Cameron, was born of Scotch parents, on the highlands of Scotland. He came to Pennsylvania and settled near the Juniata river, where he died. Mr. Cameron came to Illinois in 1850, in company with a brother and sister. They first settled in Ohio Grove township, near the line between Ohio Grove and Abington, where he entered a piece of government land containing a quarter section. Before his removal to this state he followed milling and worked with his fatliei'. Our subject was married in Pennsylvania, February 26, 1861, to Miss Margaret E. Crabtree, whose parents had moved to Illinois a short time prior to Mr. Cameron's arrival here. By this union they have had four children born to them as follows : Malinda (wife of Frank Ilumpstead, of DeKalb county), Lewis E., born January 25, 1866, George M., born September 29, 1868, Clarence F., born November 2, 1872. When the war broke out Mr. Cameron entered the service and was engaged in all the battles with his regiment, from Chattanooga to Hardeeville, (South Carolina), and was wounded at Resacca, May 15, 1864. Mrs. Cameron's parents on her father's side, were of English descent, and on her mother's side, Irish. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron are both members of the Methodist church.

Robert Hicks was born in Ireland, May 24, 1817, and came to America in 1844. He landed in New York and from there went to Butfalo, Chicago, and Canada, and finally to Galena, where he found employment in the mines in the winter, and in the summer worked upon a farm. Being industrious and saving, he laid up a part of his earnings and in 1856 invested in 160 acres of raw prairie land. He at once began to improve the same, to accomplish which he was forced to borrow money, for which he paid fifteen per cent interest. Mr. Hicks is a prominent member of the Protestant Episcopal church.

Julius E. Otto was born in Berlin, Prussia, June 16, 1847. His early youth was partly spent on a farm, but before his majority he had learned the trade of shoemaker with his father. In 18()6 he left the home of his birth and sailed for America, with a view of securing a home in a land of plenty. After his arrival he engaged as a hand in a brick-yard, at Whitewater, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1868, when he removed to Davenport, Iowa, and there and in Rock Island worked in a lumber-yard till November, 1878. Then he came to Preemption to take charge of the station on the Rock Island & Mercer

County railroad. Here lie is also engaged in selling himber on commission. October 4, 1870, lie married Miss Philepene Ehrhard, a daughter of Jolin Ehrhard. She is a native of Rhein Baiern, (lermany. She came to America in the fall of 1868, landing here January 1, 1867. They have four children, August H., Ludwig L., Amelia T., and Edward J. They are mi-mbers of the Lutheran church, of Rock Island.

Among the leading physicians of Mercer county may be mentioned Dr. James H. Seyler. He was born in central Pennsylvania, January 6, 1842. His early years were spent on the farm and in the common schools, beginning at the age of sixteen to attend the higher grade of schools. In his seventeenth year he entered the academy at Glade Run, remaining nearly four years. He then became a student at Jefferson literary college, in the State of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with the class of 1865, receiving his diploma from the united AVashington and Jefferson college. He then began reading medicine with Dr. Scott, o*f Cleveland, Ohio. He also attended medical lectures at Cleveland. He finally entei'ed the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received his degree of M.D., in 1868. After practicing his profession one year at Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, he removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and permanently located at Preemption, where he has established an enviable reputation as a successful physician. In 1881 he erected a fine brick building which he occupies as a drug store. In November, 1874, he was married to Miss Lauretta Criswell, daughter of Mattliew Criswell, Esq., a native of Pennsylvania, but at that time a resident of Rock Island county. One child, Sarah F., was born to them in 1876. Dr. Seyler is a prominent member of the masonic fraternity, and lie and wife are active members of the Presbyterian church.

William Hammond is a son of Robert and Margery (Bird) Hammond, and was born in Mercer county, Pennsvlvania, June 3, 1839. His early youth was spent on a farm where he received a good common school educati(m,- which he finished with two years at Westminster college. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Co. B, lOOtli Pa. Vol. Inf., as first lieutenant, from which he was promoted to captain. He participated in the following battles : Port Royal and Port Royal ferry, S. C. ; James Island, Bull Run and ( 'hantilla, Va. ; South Mountain and Antietam, Md.; Fredericksburg, Ya. ; Vicksburg and Jackson, Miss.; Blue Si)rings, Campbell's Stations and siege of Knoxville, Tenn; the battles of the wilderness, Spotsylvania, Spotsylvania court-house, North Ann river. Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Va. ; and ]\Iine explosion. At the latter place he was wounded for the third time during the service, and was sent to Georgetown hospital, D. C, from wliicli he was tinallj discharged. After the restoration of ])eace and his return home, he spent some time in prospecting in several states, for a suitable place to settle, and in 1866 came to Preemption. He was at once impressed with the beauty of the country, and settled in Preemption, and for a short time engaged in the drag business but soon run into a general store, selling out the drug department. In 1877 he built his present fine brick store, where he is now engaged in a prosperous trade. March 12, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Olive M. Morey, a daughter of Ezekiel and Esther (Underhill) Morey, who were among the early pioneers of this county. She was born in Preemption township, March 11, 1844. They have one child living. Will D.; Bird U. died November 24, 1878, aged over four years. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond are j)rominent members of the Presbyterian chui'ch.

George Smith is a son of Thomas and Mary (Potts) Smith. He was born in Ireland, July 2, 1827. In 1846, his parents, with their nine children, came to America, sailing from Belfast in the ship Annie. They lirst settled in Bytown, now^ Ottawa, Canada, where they remained six years. They then removed farther west in Canada, and settled in the county of Bruce, west of Toronto, where the parents remained until the time of their death. George, the subject of this sketch, was the third son. He was reared like his father, a farmer, at the same time receiving a good, common school education, as well as early training in the way of thrift and industry. Xovember ;^), 1858, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Wadsworth, daughter of John and Jane (Johnston) Wadsworth. She was born February 11, 1836, in the county Fermanagh, Ireland, and came with her parents to the United States in 1847. They are the parents of an interesting family of eleven children, whose names, in the order of their birth, are : Emma J. (wife of Thomas Johnston, of Rock Island county), William J., Caroline Y., Mary E., George A., Sarah E., Jemima K., Angeline M., Harriett E., Charles E., and Losada L. After his marriage Mr. Smith engaged in farming till 1865. when he sold his Canadian home and removed to Mercer county, settling in Preemption townshij), on section 16. For his first eighty acres he paid S2,0(»(t, for his second he paid $4,500, and for his last forty acres, bought in 1882, he paid $3,000. Mr. Smith is now^ (1882) actively engaged in stockraising and farming. The raising of pork for market has been with him a decided success. Himself and his estimable wife are memliers of the Methodist Episcopal church.

early in the spring of 1853, he, with his mother and her family, set sail for America in the sailing ship Mary Pleasant, and all safely landed in Philadelphia on May 10, 1853. In the spring of 1855 they removed to Pock Island, Illinois, where our subject spent the next four and a half years clerking in a hotel and working at otlier odd jobs from which he could earn an honest penny, at the same time making the best use he could of all spare time in securing an education. Though he did not have the advantage of a college course of instruction, he is one of those practical, self-made men occasionally found among the emigrants to tins coimty who were by poverty thrown upon their own resources. After coming to Preemption township, in 1859, he engaged in breaking prairie, and became known as Dan. Mack, the prairie breaker. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. H, 84th 111. Vol. Inf , and served his ado])ted country until the close of the war. While in the service he was wounded at Chickamauga, September 19, 1853. January 1, 1866, he was married to Miss Catharine Oday, a daughter of John and Margaret (Burk) Oday, who is also a native of Ireland, and came to America in about 1860. They are the parents of seven children, living: John W., Daniel, Thomas F., Elizabeth, William, James P., Joseph C, and three deceased. Though Mr. Mack began a poor boy, he is now the independent owner of 510 acres of land in this township, and is actively engaged in stock raising and shi^^ping as well as farming.

R(iBERT Foster is a son of Robert and Margaret (Nickson) Foster. He was born in the county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1820, and was reared on a farm, at the same time receiving a good education. On March IT, 1845, with his brother John and others of his father''s family he left his native home for America, and about May 1 of the same year arrived at Rock Island, Illinois. The first summer was spent by him working in a brick-yard at Rock Island, while John worked the first season in Preenipti(jn township for John Whitsitt, Esq. Thus they made their start " slow but sure." The brothers finally pu)-chased land in section 3, in Preemption township, where Robert still lives, and where John lived till the time of his death, December 30, 1881, in the seventieth year of his age. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he gave liberally of his means, making it a point to give annually fifty dollars toward the support of the church of which he was a membei". Some years before his death he gave a house and lot in Rock Island to the Methodist Episcopal Church there to be used as a parsonage, and a short time previous to his death he willed to the missionary society of Rock Island property to the value of $2,000, the proceeds of which is to be used in foreign missionary work, and during the last year of his life he contributed in cash $100 to the missionary fund. In 1859 Kobert was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Kennedy, a native of county Fermanagh, Ireland, by whom he became the father of twelve children, seven of whom are now living : Matilda, John, William, Walter, Sarah J., Abba M., and Robert D. The oldest daughter, aged twenty years, and the third son, aged fifteen years, fell victims to that dread scourge diphtheria, as well as did some of his family in younger years. Mr. Foster and wife are consistant members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Quite a number of Mercer county jnen entered this company, which was organized in Warren county and was othcered almost entirely by men from that county. The organization took place August 20, 1861, and the muster-in took place about one month later at Aurora. A day or two after the organization the regiment went to Quincy, Illinois, and thence to St. Louis, Missouri. Some of the principal battles in which this regiment was engaged were : Bentonville, Pea Ridge, Perry^dlle, Stone river, Chickamauga creek. Many other skirmishes and light engagements were partici})ated in by this regiment. Nine of Mercer county's citizens died at the enemy's hands (H- from disease contracted in the service.

This was a Rock Island county company, and like many other companies and regiments from adjoining counties, drew liberally on Mercer county for men. The regiment was made up of squads from all parts of the state and from other states. Company A, to which the Mercer county boys attached themselves, was organized August 14, 18f)l, and a month and a few days later the regiment was organized and the men mustered into service at Chicago. The war had then begun to be a reality and troops were not ke[)t in the state long for show or drill, but, as was the case with the thirty-seventh, were sent immediately to the scene of action. The next day after the com[)letion of the organization this regiment was sent to St. Louis, and a few days later to Booneville, Otterville and Springfield. On January 24, 1862, the regiment was in the battle of Pea Ridge and September 29 at Newtonia, the battle of Fayetteville soon after being the scene of an engage- ment in which this regiment participated. The regiment was mustered out May 15, 1866. Twelve iiam^s on the monument at Aledo attest the devotion of Mercer county's heroes to the okl flag.

Compaxy I, Seventeenth Regiment

Co. I, of the 17th reg. 111. Yol. luf , was raised from men at New Boston, Keithsburg and Aledo. Dr. E. P. AYood, of New Boston (afterward lieutenant-colonel of tlie regiment), Geo. W. Sanders, William Avery, E. S. Bruington, and D. T. Hind man were leading spirits in organizing the company. Enos P. Wood was afterward (April 20, 1861) elected captain, and a month later, on the organization of the regiment, elected lieutenant-colonel ; Edward S. Bruington, second lieutenant (afterward captain); and Geo. W. Sanders, who also afterward was promoted to the captaincy, as first lieutenant. William Avery succeeded from second to first lieutenancy on the formation of the regiment. Wm. A. Lorimer was promoted to second, then to first lieutenant, and was mustered out as captain of the company. Tlieodore Glancey was chosen second lieutenant April 2, 1863, and afterward, and until the expiration of his term, promoted to second lieutenancy.

The company left New Boston April 19, 1861, for Monmouth, whither they marched. At Monmouth they tarried four days, and in the meantime were met by company F, of Warren county. April 23 they took the cars to Peoria, and went into camp, the cam}) being named Camp Mather. Company I was raised as a three months' company, but the call for the three months' men was already full and overflowing when they arrived in camp. It was generally understood before arriving there that such was the case, and nearly all were ready to enlist for three years. A few, however, declined and returned home. May 2-1 the regiment was organized, and company I, with as brave a lot of men as ever carried the musket, was assigned the position indicated by the letter given above.

One item in the history of this company will be remembered as long as a member of it remains. Though rough usage and privations incident to army life left their impressions, yet they were not sufi'ered to sink so deeply into the heart of the rough soldier as did the act of kindness of the citizens of Monmouth during the four days of their stay in that city. The best and foremost peoj^le of the town opened their doors, their cupboards, and their hearts to the boys, and nothingwas considered too good for them. Long years have ])assed and many of the incidents of the war have been obliterated from the minds of the grim warriors, but these acts, which went down deep into tlie heart, are as fresli as thougli ])eiformed but yesterchiy.

The Seventeenth llegiment of III. Vol. Inf., was nuistered into the the United States' service at Peoria, Illinois, on May 24, 1861, and left camp on the ITth of June for Alton, Illinois, for the purpose of more fully completing its organization and arming. Late in July it proceeded from Alton to St. Charles, Missouri, remaining but one day ; thence went to AVarrenton. Missouri, where it remained in camp about two weeks: company A being detailed as body guard to General John Pope, with headquarters at St. Charles.

The regiment left Warrenton for St. Louis, and embarked on transports for Bird's point Missouri ; remained at Bird's point some weeks, doing gai-rison duty ; then proceeded to Sulphur Springs Landing ; debarking there proceeding via Pilot Knob and Ironton, to Predericktown, Missouri, in pursuit of General Jeff. Thompson, and joined General B. M. Prentiss' command at Jackson, Missouri. They thence proceeded to Kentucky and aided in the construction of Fort Holt. They were then ordered to Elliott's mills ; remained there a short time and returned to Fort Holt. They went from thence to Cape Girardeau, and with other regiments were again sent in pursuit of Gen. Jelf. Thompson's forces ; participated in the engagement near Greenfield ; lost one man killed and several wounded, and returned to Cape Girardeau, doing provost duty until early in February, 1862, when they were ordered to Fort Henry ; participated in that engagement and Fort Donelson, losing several men killed, -wounded and taken prisoners. They then proceeded to Metal Landing, Tennessee river, and embarked for Savannah, Tennessee ; from thence to Pittsburg Landing and were assigned to the First Division, Army West Tennessee, under Gen. John A. McClernand ; were engaged in the battles of April 6 and 7, and suffered great loss in killed and wounded

They were with the advance to Corinth. After the evacuation of Corinth they marched to Purdy, Bethel and Jackson, Tennessee, and remained there until July 17, when the regiment was ordered to Bolivar, and was assigned to duty as provost guard. They remained at Bolivar until November, 1862, during which time they participated in the expedition to luka, to reinforce Gen. Rosecrans, and afterward at the battle of Ilatchie. They returned again to Bolivar, and remained there until the middle of November. They were then ordered to Lagrange, rep(jrting to Major Gen. John A. Logan, and were assigned to duty as provost guard. Col. Norton being assigned to the command at that post. Early in December they marched to

Holly Springs ; tlience to Abbeyville guarding railroads, and tlience to Oxford. After tlie capture of H0II3' Springs tlie regiment was assigned to the Sixth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, under Maj. Gen. McPherson. They then proceeded, via Moscow, to Collierxalle ; from there to Memplis, and the regiment was assigned to duty at the navv yard. They remained there until January 16, and then embarked for Yicksburg ; re-embarked and proceeded to Lake Providence, Louisiana, then the headquarters of the Seventeenth Army Corps, doing duty there until the investment of Yicksburg commenced. Arriving at Milliken's Bend, on or about May 1, they commenced to march across the Delta to Perkins' landing, on the Mississippi river ; thence to the crossing below Grand Gulf, advancing with McPherson's command, via Raymond, Champion Hills, Jackson, Big Black, and to the final investment of Vicksburg. After the surrender of that city, the regiment remained there doing garrison duty and making incursions into the enemy's country as far east as Meridian, and west as far as Monroe, Louisiana. Returning to Vicksburg they remained there until May, 1864, the term of service of the regiment expiring on May 24, of that year.

The regiment was ordered to Springfield, Illinois, for muster-out and final discharge, when and where those of the original organization who did not re-enlist as veterans were mustered out and discharged. A suificient number not having re-enlisted to entitle them to retain their regimental organization, the veterans and recruits whose term of service had not expired consolidated with the 8th 111. Yol. Inf , and were finally mustered out with that regiment and discharged in the spring of 1866.

Seventeen names are engraved on Mercer county's soldiers' monument as having given up their lives for their country's warfare. Some of these were killed on the battle-field ; some were wounded, and, after long and painful sufiering, died from the eftects of wounds ; and some were victims of diseases brought on by exposure in the camp and on the march.

Early History

Arasmith Grove was changed to Richland Grove in 1837. The circumstances connected with the change were these : Josiah Jordan was building a house, and a talk arose as to the name of the grove. He proposed to those present that, as some did not like the name

Arasmitli, tliey there and then change the name to Ricliland Grove. Tlie name was almost nnanifnously a<lo})ted, and has come down to the present time. In 1834 tlie township was a solitary tract of desert waste, not a single house having yet been built.

The first house was built by Abner Arasmitli, in the S. AV. ^ of Sec. 13. The first store was kept by Asa McMurtry, and the second by Willis Peckingpaugh. The first blacksmith shop was kept by George Lorance and the second by Luther Barnard.

Chancy Stanard, the hero of those early days, taught the first school, in the winter of 1837-8, in a log-house (size 12x14 feet) which stood on the Peter Metzler farm (S. E. I of S. E. I of Sec. 14). Chancy Stanard also conducted the first Sunday school, in 1837, near the same place.

In 1835 Wesley Arasmitli, Sr., Abner and Alvin Arasmitli, and Thomas Sellers constituted the settlers. In 1836 Peter and John Metzler, George and John Love, Hugh Montgomery, Charles Norman, Sr., Henry Stowers, Henry, George and John Peckingpaugh, Thomas Chires, Sr. and Jr., William Parker, Hugh McMullen, Almond Wilcox, James Manning, Daniel Valentine, and Levi Shaw, came to the township.

In 1837 James Glenn, Alden Perce, Chancy Stanard, Alfred Dorsee, Parker Tinney, Wm. Lowther, Jonathan Smith, and Albert Merrvman settled here, and in 1838 Thomas J. Jordan, John A. Jordan, John Rhodenbaugh, Lucius Dimmock, L. F. Langford, Joseph B. Trego, John Morey, and Abner Yanmeter. Of those named who are known to be living there are : John Metzler, George Love, Charles Xorman, Sr., Henry Stowers, Thomas (Jhires, Jr., Alfred Dorsee, John A. and Thomas J. Jordan, Parker Tinney, L. F. Langford, Albert Mei-ryman, John Rhodenbaugh, Joseph B. Trego, and John Morey. The graveyard west of Swedona contains many honored dead of those early days, and as the early settler talks of his old associates, the tears will fill his eyes, thinking of the many happy days spent together.

Village Of Swedona

Tlie village now known by the above name was laid out in 1838 by Abner Arasmitli, now of Kansas. Being located on what was known as the state road, between Knoxville and Rock Island, it became quite a thriving village, reaching at one time a po])ulati<)n of about 500. The first store building was erected by Asa Mc^Iurtry. The name was changed from Berlin to Swedona in 1869, and, as the name implies, the population consists largely of Swedes.

Methodist Episcopal Chuech, Swedona

The society of American Methodists was organized by Rev. Asa McMurtrv in 1837. The leader was Chancy Stanard. Some did not join for some time, bnt all remember the early days. The names are : Chancy Stanard, leader, Mrs. Stanard, William and Mrs. Lewis, Lucins Dimmock, Alvin and Mrs. Arasmith, Thomas and Mrs. Cliires, Thomas Chires, Jr., Ann and Sarah Chires, Mary Love, Stephen and Mrs. Smith, Thomas and Mrs. Brittingham, Mrs. William Smitli, John Khodenbaugh, Stower's family (four), Mr. Consider, and Mrs. Barney, Sr., Jose])h Crawford, Irvin and Mrs. Stone.

The Lutheran church society was organized by Rev. Jonas Swanson in 1858 with fifty communicants. The church was built in 1859. This society has continued to grow until now it is one of the largest, if not the largest, in the county. There are now over 500 communicants, and they always have a large congregation. Mr. and Mrs. N. M. Chilberg, who are the oldest Swedish settlers in the township, still live near the church, and they look back with pleasure over the history of the society.

United Brethren In Christ

The American Society of United Brethren was organized by the Rev. Abner Norman in the winter of 1871-2, with a membership of about thirty. The church building was erected in 1873.

The Swedish Methodist Episcopal church society was organized by Rev. Victor Yitting in 1856 with a small membership. The church was built in 1860. The society has continued to grow and is now large and prosperous.

Griffin Brothers' Tile Works

On "the S. W. J of Sec. 34, are situated the tile works owned and operated by the Griffin Brothers. The works were established in 1879, and since that time these enterprising gentlemen have been scarcely able to meet the great and increasing demand for their tile. The clay underlying their land is of a very line quality, and is pronounced by Prof. Weber equal to any in the state. These gentlemen are sons of William E. Griffin, Esq. (deceased), who was for many years supervisor of the township.

Samuel Clark Ec Ease

The population of tliis village consists chiefly of miners in the employ of the Cable. A shaft and slope are operated here under the su})ervision of Robert Lee. The aggregate capacity of the two mines being about 80,000 tons annually, about 400 men are constantly employed, besides eight mining machines, each performing the labor of about six men. The coal is transported over the Mercer County railroad to Rock Island, and thence to surrounding towns.

On the afternoon of June 5, 1844, a mass of angry clouds were seen gathering west of Swedona, which, owing to their peculiar appearance, attracted considerable attention. About five o'clock in the evening they began to move rapidly eastward, and in a few moments the storm burst with terrific fury upon the village and surrounding country. The air seemed full of electricitv, the crackling): of which sounded like the discharge of musketry. Huge trees were torn oft", a great many barns and dwellings were badly damaged, and a number of })eople killed, among whom were Mr. Trego and son a few miles northwest of Swedona. This storm was probably the severest ever known in this locality, but the country being very sparsely settled the fatality was not so great as attends some of those whirling monsters of later days. An eye witness states that for some time after the storm had subsided, streaks of phosphorescent light were seen creeping over the ground, and the air hud a peculiar smell resembling sulphur. The storm moved eastward strewing death and desolation in its patli, and was last heard of in Henry and Bureau counties.

Among the many men and women who in early times bade farewell to friends and kindred and took up their abode in the wilds of Illinois, none are more deserving of the reverence of posterity than Samuel Clark, and his wife, Sarah Clark. The burden of life which they had borne together through so many years has been laid down by the wayside, and the venerable coui)le rest side by side in the peaceful sanctuary of the tomb. Samuel Clark was born near Londonderry, Ireland, in 1813. He emigrated to America in 1833, and located in Brooklyn, New York, where he remained two and a half years. In the fall of 1836 he came to Mercer county, and located on section 12. He was married in 1838 to Miss Sarah Huyck, of Dayton, Ohi(x Five children were born to the couple, whose names are as follows : James G., Jennie (deceased wife of Dr. Ansley), Louisa (deceased in infancy), Florence (deceased), and Florence (now residing in Swedona). Mrs. Clark died April 5, 1878, and Mr. Clark in May, 1882.

George Eckley was born in Ricliland county, Ohio, January 5, 1821. He emigrated with his parents to Fulton county, Illinois, in 1834, and from there to Stark and Knox counties, in the latter of which, ISToyember 23, 1843, he married Miss Melinda Cullenson. Together they removed to Riyoli township, Mercer county, in 1851, and finally to Richland Groye township. Swedona, where they now liye. In August, 1862, Mr. Eckley enlisted in Co. C, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf , and seryed until the close of the rebellion. After the rebellion he was the leader in the long struggle against saloons in Old Berlin, and they were finally banished the place. His education is limited, but with many other earl}^ day men he has good general information. He is an ardent republican and supporter of republican principles. A member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for many years leader of the class in Swedona. Mr. Eckley is a man of energy and firmness, and when he undertakes a work he is determined to carry it through. Mrs. Melinda Eckley was born in Knox county, Ohio, J^ovember 18, 1821, and came to Illinois with her parents in 1842, and marrying Mr. George Eckley November 23, 1843, her work has been to assist in all that could make home pleasant and prosperous. They are the parents of eight children, four of whom are liying: Rebecca Jane, Margery Ellen, Susan Caroline, and Benjamin Franklin. If you ever yisit Swedona be sure and call and see uncle George, who still liyes on his farm west of the yillage.

C. Beecher Bristol, was born in Oxford, Connecticut, September 14, 1798. His great grandfather was born on the ocean, in 1714. He located in Connecticut when the ]^ew England states were almost a wilderness, cleared a farm and built a home where our subject and his father and grandfather were born. Early in life Mr. Bristol experienced a desire to enter the ministry, and he began studying for that purpose. After having received an academical education, he entered the Princeton seminary, receiving his diploma from that institution at the end of three years. He officiated as pastor of various congregations until 1856, when he came to Preemption township, where he was sent as stated supply. He was married, shortly after completing his studies, to Miss Maria Henderson. Four sons and four daugliters were the fruits of this union, two of whom died in infancy. One of his sons, Beecher, enlisted in the 60th 111. Inf, and after two years re-enlisted as veteran. He is now located in Monmouth, as is also a younger son, Leavitt, who recently graduated from Monmouth college. This venerable gentleman has lived to a ripe old age, and can feel that he has not lived in vain.

Richlaxd Grove Towxsiiip

run academy, after which he went to Philadelphia, where he received his medical education, graduatin*; from Jefferson college. After finishing liis studies he practiced about five years in his native state, after which he came to Illinois and located at Swedona, where he now has a very lucrative practice. In February, 1869, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Jennie (Clark) Trego, daughter of Samuel Clark, one of the pioneers of Mercer county, who died in May, 1873. Two children were born to this cou]»le, Clark F. and Charley; of these the latter died in infancy.

Jamks G., son of Samuel and Sarah Clark, was born in Richland Grove township, November 7, 1840, and is consequently a production of Mercer county. He received his education in the district schools, attending his first term at Oxford, Illinois. He is the eldest of a family of five children, whose names are given elsewhere. He was married February 2(>, 1873, to Miss Emma Iv. Engle. The names of the children born to this worthy couple, are as follows: Charles A., Grace, Jennie, and Samuel. Mr. Clark was elected supervisor in 1879, and is now serving in that capacity a third term. He is highly spoken of by his neighbors, and we believe has established a character and reputation that are above reproach.

Jaisies S., son of Jesse and Ann Quaintance, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, September 5th, 1831. In 1854 he came to Illinois and located on section 15, Richland Grove township. Married in February, 1857, to Miss Martha A. Hardenbrook. The fruits of this union are seven children, whose names in the order of their ages are as follows : El-wood J., Stella A., Hadley W., Adeline M,, Bertha B., Harry, and Jesse C. Mr. Quaintance is a member of the A.F.A.M., Xew "Windsor lodge. He is also assessor in Richland Grove township, and is highly respected by all who know him.

David, son of David and Elizabeth Sherrard, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1818. He was married in 1836 to Miss Eliza Sawers, a native of Mercer count}', Pennsylvania. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows ; Rachel H., James W., David II., John Y., Olive, Vance S., and Frank AV. In 1854 he came to Mercer county, and located on section 4, Richland Grove township, where he has since resided. By hard labor and industry he has accumulated a large property.

Hexry, son of Albert and Jane Merryman, was born in Richland Grove township, in January, 1843. ]\farried December 29, 1870, to Miss Flora Peters, a native of AVhitesides county, Illinois. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows : Winnifred

John B., son of William and Mary (Butler) Adams, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. When twenty-five years of age he came to Illinois and entered land in sections 31 and 32, Richland Grove township. He was married in the spring of 1S54 to Miss Hannah E. Crossley, also a native of Pennsylvania. El wood, Harvey, Jennie, Dallas B., George, William, and John, are the names of their children.

Albert D., son of Timothy and Elizabeth Merryman, was born in Cumberland county, Maine, Novembei* 7, 1812. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. In the fall of 1836 the family emigrated to Fulton county, Illinois. In the spring of 1837 they located on section 27, Richland Grove township. Our subject was married August 25, 1836, to Miss Jane Patten. The names of the children born to the couple are as follows : Emily, Amanda, Joseph P. (deceased), Plenry, Thomas J., William A. (deceased), Ann E. (deceased), Sidney, and Marion.

David D., son of Timothy and Elizabeth Merryman, was born in Kennebec county, Maine, in 1819. In the fall of 1836 the family came to Fulton county, Illinois, and remained until the following spring, when they came to Mercer county and located. Mr. Merryman was married in August, 1816, to Miss Phrebe A. Hibbard, who died June 22, 1848. He was again married in 1852 to Miss Mary M. Evans, who was born in Galena, Illinois, October 8, 1827. The names of their children are as follows : Freeman, Flora A., Florence A., Nelson I., Perry A., Charles A., George E., Frank L., and Fannie A. His eldest son was a member of Co. C, 102d 111. Inf

D^vNiEL, son of John and Elizabeth (Shiffler) Mo wry, was born in Washington county, Maryland, October 6, 1819. In 1856 he emigrated to Mercer county, and located on section 3. Richland Grove township. He was married Nos^ember 14, 1843, to Miss JSTancy Newcomer, also a native of Maryland. Following are the names of the children born to the worthy couple: George D., and Charles M., both of whom now reside in Nodaway county, Missouri; Cornelia J., wife of B. F. Trego, of Rock Island county; Otho J., and Lena J. (deceased in her third year). ( )ur subject and wife are both members of the United Brethren church, with which they united in 1852. The Mowry family are of German origin. Mrs. Mowry was born in 1818. Her mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Garber. In 1871 Mr. Mowry was elected supervisor of Richland Grove township, in which caj)acity he served five terms, giving universal satisfaction.

David, son of Samuel and Charlott AVilson, was born in Rensselaer county, New York, June 1, 1820. Tlis father liad charg-e of the commissary department, at East Troy, (hu-ing the war of 1812. In 184-1- our subject came to Mercer county and located at Berlin (now known as Swedona), where he remained four years. At the end of that time he went north, where he was, for ten ^^ears, engaged in the lumberingbusiness. He enlisted in the spring of 1804 in Co. A, 156tli 111. Inf., and served until the following Se})tember. He was nuirried in 1841 to Miss Caroline Ilungford, a native of New York, who died in 1848. lie was again married in 1858 to Miss Mary Abbott, a native of Minnesota. He is the father of one son, Ilartland, who was born to him by his tirst wife.

Charles Engle, son of Joseph and Hannah Engle, was born in Burlington county. New Jersey, August 3, 1822. In the spring of 1844 he joined the throng of emigrants })ouring westward, and continued his journey toward the setting sun, until he reached Mercer county. He located on section 4, in Richland Grove townsln'p. He was married September 11, 1846, to ]\[iss Sarah Kinsey, daughter of Edmund Kinse}', who came to the county in 1841, having formerly been a resident of Knox county, Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Engle was born. The names of the chiklren born to them are as follows : Joseph, (now of Dallas county, Iowa), Emma K. (wife of James Clark, Esq.), Martha K. Trego (deceased in her twenty-sixth year), Mary E. (wife of Frank Trego, of Orion, Illinois), William H., Edgar W., Fred, and Sadie K. The family are of Quaker descent, which fact may partially account for the kindness and courtesy with wliicli even a stranger is greeted, who visits their ha])py home.

Although at jjresent a resident of Rock Island county, Capt. John A. Jordan deserves a place in the history of Mercer. He was born in Rockland, Maine, January 11, ISIJ). The family are of English origin. The grandfathers on both sides were soldiers in the revolution. His father participated in the war of 1812, and our subject and tw^o of his sons took u}) arms in defense of the flag, in the late rebellion. Tluis have the Jordan family took part in all the great struggles that have taken place upon American soil since the birth of the republic; a remarkable fact, and one of which they and their ancestors may well be proud. His father, Robert Jordan, was a seaman by profession, having spent twenty years of his life on the ocean wave. Tlie family emigrated to Tiffin, Ohio, wlien our subject was in his youth. Here his father died on November 4, 1832. In 1838 the two brothers, John A. and Thomas J., came to Illinois and located on section 14, Ricliland Grove township. In 1841 oui- subject Avas nuirried to Miss Rachel

Metzler, of Coshocton county, Ohio. The names of the chikh-en born to them are as follows: Byron, Edwin T., Olive M. (deceased in her seventeenth year), and William IT. In August, 1861, Mr. Jordan, with that promtitude and enthusiasm which characterize his every action, raised and organized Co. A, 37th 111. Inf , of which he was made captain. On January 1, 1862, he resigned his position on account of disabilities, but raised one full company and part of another after his return home. The captain now resides in Kural township. Rock Island county, and is its present supervisor. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and his kind, genial ways leave pleasant impressions upon those who have ever enjoyed his hospitality.