Suez Township (part 1 of 4)

Suez Township

The broad domain of Illinois did not afford a more inviting spot to the eye of the early pioneer than the territory embraced within the lines of what is now known as Suez township ; consequently that ])ai't of Mercer county has kept pace with any part of the state in settlement, in thrift, and in religious and educational progress. Along the crystal streams that flow through the township an abundance of timber grew, and, underlying portions of the township, inexhaustible beds of coal are found. Back from the streams a beautiful expanse of fertile prairie greeted the eye of the observer ; and, shortly after the close of the Black Hawk war, the snug log cabin began to take the place of the Indian wigwam ; the white-topped wagon, the lowing of cattle, and the sound of the axe announced the fact that the day of civilization was dawning. Among the first to cast their lot in Suez township we find the following names: David Williams and George Blake came together from the State of Indiana in 1835, the former locating on the S. W. i of Sec. 22, and the latter on the S. E. i of Sec. 21. In the same year James Stewart and family, Robert Pollock and family, and William Moore and family came from the State of Ohio. Mr. Moore located on the N. E. J of Sec. 5, James Stewart on K. E. ^ of Sec. 21, Robert Pollock on the W. ^ of Sec. 27.

In 1835 Hanson Brown, formerly a resident of Kentucky, came and located on the S. E. ^ of Sec. 1. William Martin came in the same year, and located on the N. W. ^ of Sec. 5. In 183-1 James Baine entered a claim on the N. W. ^ of Sec. 29.

The first birtli in the township was the daughter of George Blake, who was born in 1835. Tlie first marriage occurred in the same year, the contracting parties being Robert Caldwell and Miss Mar}^ Pollock, The first death was that of Mrs. Preston, daughter of Robert Pollock, which occurred in 1841.

In 1837 Asa Ransom, a native of j^ew York, located on the S. W. J of Sec. 3. In 1838 John Mauk located half a mile north of Suez postofhce. In 1837 the Pease familj came and located on section 20. In 1840 John and William Lafferty came from Trumbull county, Ohio, the former locating on section 21 and the latter on section 22. In 1841 John Greenwood bought the claim owned by Henry B. Fleharty and located thereon. The Bridger family were also among the earliest settlers. William Moore was the first blacksmith in the township, and William Martin the first carpenter.

The only road laid out through the township, at the time of the earliest settlement, was one running from Macomb to Galena, which extended diagonally across it from the southeast to the northwest corner. The first bridge was constructed on North Henderson creek, where the Macomb and Galena road crossed it, in 1838 or 1839. The structure was built of oak logs, which were split and the fiat sides turned downward, the hollows on the top being filled with earth.

The first school-house in the township was erected by Robert Pollock, James Stewart, Samuel Shaw, and Mr. Pease in 1837, on the S. W. J of Sec, 21. This rude structure was built of logs, with a clapboard roof, doors of the same material, and puncheon floor. In this building the first religious services were held, the sermon being preached by a traveling minister of the Baptist persuasion. The first teacher to wield his hickory within the walls of this antiquated building was R. Caldwell.

The first postofiice was established at the residence of Moses Decker, on the ]Sr. E. J of Sec. 3, in 1840. The next one was established on the S. W. J of Sec. 22, and was called North Henderson, Robert Pollock officiating as postmaster. Later the name was changed to Norwood. In 1839 a saw mill was built by Pelatiah Pease on the S. W. ^ of Sec. 21 on the banks of North Henderson creek, being propelled by the waters of that stream. In 1873 a steam grist mill was built by C. S. Hart at Norwood.

Suez Toaatcsiiip

An abundance of timber grows along the banks of North Henderson creek, oak, hickory, walnut, linn, hard maple and elm being the predominant kinds. An occasional honey locust and cofiee tree may be seen. Wild crab apples, gooseberries, plums, grapes, strawberries and- blackberries, abounded in early times.

The settlers used farming implements that would bring a smile to the countenance of our modern farmers. Theii* plows had wooden mold-boards, and their harrows were all of wood. William Lafferty states that the tirst plow he used in the west was one with a wooden mold-board. He started in with the clumsy aflair, whei'e the weeds and prairie grass were higher than his head. He rooted along without regard to sectional lines, furrows, angles, or corners, and by night found lie had rooted over about twelve acres. The land appeared as if a drove of long-nosed hogs had been turned loose on it. IMr. Lafferty states that he planted his corn in it, but for reasons best known to himself did not return to look at it until after harvest.

The early settlers along Xorth Henderson creek did the principal part of their trading in Oquawka and Peoria. Grain was frequently hauled to Chicago, and sold at a very low price. Asa Ransom states that he once worked a week with a yoke of oxen to thresh out and haul to the house of his creditor a hundred bushels of oats, which went to liquidate a debt of five dollars. Dressed pork brought $1 to $1.50 per hundred. Mr. Ransom once gave 1,100 pounds of pork for a pair of pantaloons, after having hauled it to Rock Island.

This st)-ingencv in monetary afiairs existed from 1840 to 1848. During that period it was almost impossible for the fanners to get money with which to pay for their claims when the land came into market. Money was sometimes borrowed at fifty per cent, for this purpose.

Wolf hunts in early times were of frequent occurrence. Large numbers of the settlers would turn out on these occasions. They were carried on in the following manner: a meeting was called, captains elected, and a day chosen for the hunt. Every settler for miles around would generally be on hand, and every musket, shot-gun, rifle, and pistol was brought into requisition. The lines would form at a uniform distance from the appointed place, and at a given signal from their respective captains would advance, from all points of the compass, keeping time to the melodious nmsic of the hound and the hunts- man's bugle. The wolf, with his usual cunning, would usually make Ms escape, however, before the point was reached, and the hunt would prove fruitless so far as wolf-scalps were concerned.

On the niglit of August 10, 1851, a terrible wind and rain storm visited the southern part of the county, which, owing to its disastrous results, will long be remembered by those who witnessed it. For about four hours the rain fell in slieets ; every brook and rivulet was swelled into a mad, roaring torrent. The waters of IS^orth Henderson ci*eek rose about fifteen feet above their normal height. Every bridge, from its source to the Mississippi, was carried away before the rushing flood. This was the most severe tempest in the recollection of the oldest settlers. It is said that barrels standing in dooryards, away fi'om buildings, were actually filled with water.

The coldest winter in the recollection of the old residents was that of 18-12-43. On November 12 Jack Frost "came down from the north" and held high carnival until the following April. During the month of March the sun shone brightly every day, but so firm was the grasp of the winter king on the shrouded earth that its rays were without eftect.

Organization

Previous to April -1, 1854, this township was known by the name of Palmyra. It was ascertained however that the name of Palmyra had })reviously been conferred on another township and postoffice in the state, and consequently the name was abandoned and a new one substituted at the time of organization.

On the date above mentioned a meeting was held at the residence of Henry Bridger, at which the township was organized and officers elected. The names of the first ofiicers chosen are as follows : supervisor, Thomas Likely ; town clerk, John B. Hoag ; assessor, William Lafierty ; collector, F. M. Postlewaite ; overseei* of the poor, James E. Ray ; commissioners of highways, Harisoii Brown, John Lafierty, William McGreenwood ; justices of the peace, Robert Pollock, J. O. Edwards ; constables, David Molar, A. Trask.

Suez Postoffice

What is now known as Suez postoftice was established in 1842, Henry Bridger being the first postmaster. The ofiice was then known as Pope Creek, and still more generally known as Bridger's Corners.

In 1851 Asa Ransom erected a hotel building at the Corners, where for many years he did a thriving business. Towns being few and far between, emigrants on their way westward would always aim for Bridger's Corners, for a stopping place.

Samuel Shove opened the lirst store. He was succeeded by Mr. Turner, who was followed by Mr. Xourse. JVlessrs. Shaw, Mauk and Sedwick also did business successively at the Corners. James Page is now running a grocery, and is the ])resent ])ostmaster.

The school-house at Suez, commonly known as the "White Lilly'' school, was erected in 1851, a Miss Stuart, of Greene township, being the iirst teacher.

In August, 18S1, a band was organized at Suez, consisting ctf a few of the music-loving gentlemen of that locality. The names of the ])erformers are as follows: C. L. Ivans* )m, E flat cornet; John C. Bowers, B flat cornet; Charles Furr, B flat cornet; Ezra Ilartzell, flrst alto ; II. AVoltham, second alto ; P. F. Mauk, tenor ; J. Hughes, B Bass ; James Page, E flat tuba.

The above-named congregation was the outgrowth of a union of tlie "Associate " and "Associate Reform '' churches. In 1842, by order of the Associate Presbytery, of Iowa, the Bev. James G. Bruce preached in a small wooden house at the crossing of the roads one mile west of Norwood, which was then the residence of S. L. Brownh^e, and organized the Associate congregation, of Korth Henderson. The membership then numbered fifteen, whose names are as follows : James, Elizabeth, and Nancy Imbrie ; Robert and Mary Caldwell; John Humi)lireys and wife ; S. L. and Sarah Brownlee ; AVilliam and Mary Jane Caldwell; John W. and Sarah A. Caldwell, and Samuel and Maro-aret Graham. James Imbrie and Robert Caldwell were chosen elders.

For some time services were held in the little dwelling, excejit in pleasant weather, when the people would assemble under the trees to listen to the divine teachings. Lumber wagons drawn by oxen were the only conveyances. The men in checkered shirts and the women in plain calicoes came from far and near to listen to the teachings of the scripture. These were the men and women who paved the way for civilization, and made smooth the paths for those who were to follow. Should one of those humble worshipers enter a church in one of our towns or cities to-day, cold indeed would be the reception with which he would meet. The domed and frescoed ceiling, the rich carpets, the upholstered seats, the people in gaudy attire, and the great pipe-organ would present a strange scene to him, and we fear he would feel that he was not welcome there.

accepted. October 26, in that same little dwelling- in whicli the infant congregation was organized, lie was ordained, the brothers James and William Bruce, being the officiating ministers. The young pastor entered upon his (hities cheerfully, although the salary was -very small. The house in which he was obliged to live afforded a very poor shelter for his wife and little ones against the summer rains and winter blast. In the followina; year James Graham gave a lot from his farm recently purchased, and a number of able-bodied men turned out and erected a plain but comfortable dwelling thereon, and the pastor was soon occuppng more pleasant quarters.

An amusing anecdote is related of the reverend gentleman that is worth repeating. It was Saturday morning, as they supposed, wlien Mrs. French, having an errand to perform, went to a neighbor's house, and meanwhile her husband began some work on his lot. Imagine her sui-prise on being told on her arrival at the neighbor's that it was Sunday, and people were by that time seen wending tlieir way toward the church. She went home and informed her husband of the fact. He dropped his tools, donned his Sunday garments, and hastened to the church, where he found most of his congregatton waiting for services to begin.

In 1810 the first church building was erected, being two miles west and a mile south from Korwood. The place is still marked by the cemetery. At the end of four years Mr. French was at his own request released from the charge of the congregation. After a brief period of vacancy the congregations of South creek and Bethel were united with that of Xorth Henderson in one charge, and they united in a call for the pastoral services of the Rev. Nathaniel McDowel, which was accepted. His installation took place in the Smith creek church. In 1854 the pastoral relations were dissolved.

During the second period of vacancy, extending over almost two years and a half, a very decided current of emigration carried i)rosperity to the rising congregation. Eighty-seven names were added to its membership. In the month of September, 1866, a call was extended to the Rev. J. A. Edie, which was by him accepted, and on the following March he took charge of the congregation. At his ordination and installation, Revs. A. A. Rogers and John Scott, D.D., officiated.

The Associate Reformed Branch

In the early days of North Henderson 'there ap})eared many warm adherents of the Associate Reformed church. On May 12, 1856, the Rev. M, M. Bigger, by direction of the Associate Reformed Presbytery, of Monmouth, preached in the Associate Reformed church at Spring

Grove, where he organized the Associate Reformed churcli of Xorth Henderson, and twenty -one names were enrolled. ( )n the same day the Spring (xrove and Xorth Henderson congregations each extended a call for the half-time services of the Kev. J. (1 McKniijht, which was by him accepted, and in the following June he was installed in the united charge and entered upon his labors. This i)astorate was brief, ending in the release of Mr. McKnight from his charge in the month of March, 185S.

On June 14, 1858, a joint meeting of the Associate and Associate Reformed congregations of Xorth Henderson was held in the Associate church, at which it was agreed that the two congregations would unite in one organization, whicli has since been known as the United Presbvterian cl>urch.

After the union of the two branches it became necessary to erect a larger and more commodious church building. Accordingly during the summer of 1859 the neat. comfortal)le l)uilding, in which the congregation still worshi])S, was erected. The building is situated one mile west of Xorwood, is 45x72 feet in size, and cost about ^^5,000.

During the dark hours of the rebellion, that began soon after, the congregation gave their undivided support to the union cause. Many of its members bade farewell to friends and relatives, to the happy associations that made the old homes dear, and went forth to defend the principles they loved. Tlie gray-haired father and mother knelt under the roof of their cottage home and i)rayed for the success of the tlag, while their sons marched forth to tlie wild music of war, and gave U|» their lives in its defense.

Mr, Edie, the pastor, spent some time in the anny, administering to the spiritual wants of the soldiers in camp, and to the heroes as they laid mane:led and blackened on the field of battle.

Alter the close of the Avar Mr. Edie continued his labors for several years, but finally desiring to change the field of his labors, he offered liis resignation. Being strongly urged by his congregation to remain for a time, he decided to do so. In 1869 he again offered his resignation, which was reluctantly accepted. During the period of eleven years, through which Mr. Edie's pastorate extended, 388 persons were added to the roll of membership.

In April, 1872. a call was made to the Kev. J. M. French, which was accepted. He entered immediately upon his labors and had charge of the congregation three and a half years, during which time seventysix were added to the roll of membership. In June, 1876. the Kev. J, T. McCrory took charge of the congregation and was officially instiille(l in April, 1877, and was released in 1880.

In 18S1 the Rev. AY. A. Spalding began his hibors and was installed by the Eock Island Presbytery August 23 of the same year. In the past few years this congregation has greatly decreased in number, owing to the fact that many of the members have sought homes in the western states, but it is still one of the largest and most prosperous in the county.

The Sunday school in connection with the church is in a very prosperous condition, the average attendance being about one hundred. The land on which the church stands w^as donated bv David Molar. The parsonage stands one mile south of the church on land donated for the purpose by Thomas Likely.

The Cemetery

tJontiguous to the grounds owned by the Presbytei'ian church is located the Norwood cemetery. The first person buried here was a child of Alexander McKenstry in 1854.

The association which has this cemetery in charge was organized undei- the state law in 1877, and receiv-ed its charter in 1881. The present officers are : president, Thomas Likely ; secretary, George M. Evans ; treasurer, John Hutchison ; trustees, John Lafferty, J. D. Porter, William P. Morgan. The neatly kept grounds indicate the feeling of reverence and love entertained by the surrounding community for their departed dead.

The initiatory movement of organizing this society was made by the members of the Monmouth Presbyterian church, who resided in the vicinity of North Henderson. A meeting was called and held in a school-house on Section 29, on March 17, 1853. R. V. Mathews was chosen chairman, and J. D. Porter secretary.

It was unanimously agreed to petition Schuyler Presbytery to organize a church at Norwood, and J. D. Porter was selected to present the said petition. For some reason not shown by the records the church was not organized at that time.

In the spring of 1851, F. Postlewaite, S. R. Boggs and Thomas Likely were appointed a building committee, and a church building, for which purpose funds had already been raised, was begun. The committte contracted with Russell ct McFarland, of 0(piawka, Illinois, to erect a frame building, 36x10, which was to cost about $2,100. The building was begun in tlie fall of 1S51 aiul completed in the spring of 1855. In that year, a petition, signed by tliirty-six membei's of the Presbyterian cluircli, and eleven ])ersons who were members of no denomination, was presented to the Presbytery of Schuyler, which met in Knoxville, in April of 1855, being in accordance with the sentiment of the members who held the tirst meeting, viz.: that a church should be organized at North Henderson. The prayer of the petition Avas granted, and Rev. R. C. Mathews and the Rev. T. S. Vaile, with elders John Eiken, of Knoxville, and A. C. Gregg, of Monmouth, were appointed to organize the church. The committee met in the new building at North Henderson, July 7, and proceeded to organize the society. Forty names were enrolled, twenty -four of whom had formerly been members of the Monmouth congregation. Messrs. J. R. Boggs, R. W. Porter, and S. R. Boggs, were chosen elders, and Thomas Likely, M. T. Postlewaite and T. S. Robb, were chosen trustees. No regular pastor was employed by the congregation until June, 1856, when J. II. Nevius began his labor, as stated supply, and was installed as pastor, November 11, of the same year. Mr. Nevius officiated as pastor until April, 1863, when he was succeeded by Rev. George Norcross, who acted as stated supply until June 6, 1865, when he was officially installed as pastor, in which capacity he served about a year.

The Rev. J. II. Moore was the next pastor called npon to take charge of the congregation. Mr. Moore began his labors on June '2, 1867, but was not installed until November 2 of the same year. This gentlemcin served as pastor until March, 1876, when he removed to a new field of labor.

The church was without a pastor until January, 1877, when Rev. E. B. Miner began his ministerial labors with them. Mr. Miner was installed in the summer of the same year. His relation as pastor was continued until 1881 when he relinquished his charge.

On April 1, 1881, the Rev. I. T. Whitmore responded to a call from the congregation and entered u])on his duties as pastor. This gentleman still has charge of the congregation.

On December 3, 1880, the name of the church was changed from Nortli Henderson to Norwood. The present memberseip is 206. Since the organization of the congregation, four hundred and fifty-four names have been added to the list of membershii». The names of the elders who have been successfully chosen by the congregation are as follows : James Boggs, R. AV. Porter, and S. R. Boggs were elected on July 7, 1855 ; James 0. Stewart, elected November 19, 1855 ; James C. Postlewaite, elected November It). 1855; Robert Woods was elected January 18, 1860; Jose])h B. Stewart, elected January 18, 1860;

Tlie society of the above name was organized December 20, 1873, by the Rey. P. R. Adams. The first trustees were : H. R. Peters, George AY. Sedwick, and John McLaughlin. Their church building was erected in the summer of 1875. The building and grounds costing fourteen hundred and tiftj dollars. The building was dedicated August 6 of the same year by the presiding elder, N. A. Walker. The membership at the time of organization numbered thirty-six, but now numbers only ten.

Methodist Episcopal Church

In 1875 a number of citizens of the aboye persuasion, with the liberal assistance of the enterprising people of other denominations, erected a neat church building two miles west of Suez postoffice. The building is 36x40 in size, and stands on the N. E. J of Sec. 8.

Biographical

George A., son of Christian and Catharine Shearer, was born in Herkimer county, Xew York, April 17, 1828. When sixteen years of age the family came to Licking county, Ohio, where they resided nine years. In 1853 they removed to Moultrie county, Illinois, and remained one year, after which they went to Stark county, remaining until 1859, when they came to Mercer county, where they bought land in section 18, Suez township. The father died in June, 1861. The subject of this sketch was first married, August 24, 1852, to Miss Sarah A. AYhitten, who died in the winter of 1861. He was again married. May 27, 1862, to Miss Sarah J. Morgan. The names of his children are as follows: Mary C, Margaret LL, Anna B., Fannie R., Cora B., Sadie (deceased), Nellie R., Blanche E., Fred. M., and George O. Of these the two former are by his first wife. Mr. Shearer now resides on the S. W. ^ of Sec. 17, which he purchased in 1865.

Dax. W., son of Washington and Elizabeth Sedwick, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1834, When twelve years of age he went to Lawrence county, where he was engaged two years as clerk in a dry goods and grocery store. At the end of that time he went to Columbiana connty, Ohio, where he remained one year and a-half, where he was engaii;ed in farming and sheep-(h-iving. From here he returned to the town of Mercer, in Pennsylvania, where he was employed as turnkey in the county jail under Sheriff McKean, in which capacity he acted about six months, after which he went to Crawford county and located at Steuben, on Oil creek, where he remained a few months and then went to Centerville, where he remained about five years, doing general work around a store and sawmill. In 1855 he emigrated to Mercer connty, Illinois, and located at Bridger's Corners. During the two following years his time was occupied alternately in teaching and clerking. On September 3, 1857, Mr. Sedwick was married tft Miss Frances A. Bridger, a native of Troy, New York, and daughter of Henry Bridger, one of the pioneer settlers of the county. The fruits of the union are six children, whose names in the order of their ages are as follows: Ida E., Cora A., Henry D. (deceased), Edwin E., Bertram B., and Fannie M. In the spring of 1857 he was *})pointed postmaster at Pope Creek, which position he held until 1870. In the same year he purchased the stock of goods owned by his employers and embarked in business for himself. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted as a private in Co. E, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf "When the company was organized he was elected first lieutenant, and on April 28, 1863, to the position of captain. In 1865 he received the following letter from the secretary of war:

^VA^^^IX(iT()N, D. C, Juue 19. 18()."l. SiK, - You are hereby informed that the Pre>;ideut of the United States has appointed you, for gaUant and meritorious conduct during the war, a major of vohmteers b\' brevet in the service of the United States, to rank as such from the 13th day of March, 1805. Should the senate at tlieir next session advise and consent thereto, you will be commissioned accordingly.

'No further comment is necessary concerning the bravery and fidelity with which he served his country. In 1866 Mr. Sedwick was elected to the legislature, where he represented his district for a term of two years. In 1870 he sold out his* store, })urchased a farm south of Bridger's Corners, and since that time has devoted his entire attention to tilling the soil. lie is a member of the Mercer Country Agricultural Board, and during the year 1879 acted as president of that body. He is also president of the Soldiers and Sailors' Association, of Mercer countv.

LoRiivrER Johnston, a portrait of whom appears in this book, son of Andrew and Mary Johnston, was born in Richland county, Ohio, November 20, 1820. He resided in that county until 1850, in which year he went to California, crossing the plains with a wagon and a mule team. He located on the Middle Fork of the American river and there engaged in mining in company with his brother, William, Alter having accumulated a considerable amount of wealtli his brother started back to their native state, but died on the way of ' ' Panama fever," and theii- hard earnings stolen from his person after death. In the spring of 1852, Lorimer returned to Ohio and remained until l.s5T, when he came to Mercer county. In 1861:, he bought land in section 13, Suez township. He now owns a farm of -115 acres, the results of economy and industry. Mr. Johnston was married July 3, 1849, to Miss Hannah Hayes, a native of Guernsey county, Ohio. The fruit of this union are live children, William S., Park P., Michael H., Flora M. (deceased), and Laura A.

Thomas Likely, whose portrait appears in this book, son of Williani and Agnes (Taylor) Likely, was born January 29, 1823, in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. The family on both the father and mother's side are of Irish origin. His father came from Ireland in 1791 and located in the Tuscarora valley. He had six sons and five daughters. Of these Thomas is the youngest but one. He was raised a farmer, assisting his father perform his labors. He was married September 26, 1844, to Miss Diana A. Doyle, also a native of Huntingdon county. The fruits of this union are ten children, whose names in the order of their ages, are as follows : Ann E. (deceased), Agnes J. (now the wife of E. L. Simpson, of Ringgold county, Iowa), Martha B. (wife of J. C. Foster, of the same county), William D. (deceased in infancy), Henry T. (deceased), Thomas D. (now residing in Bueua Vista county, Iowa), Lyman L. , Samuel R. (also of Buena Vista county, Iowa), William M., and Mary J. For about three years he was engaged in landing general merchandise in Trough creek valley, Huntingdon county. In the spring of 1850 he came to Pike county, Illinois, and remained until fall, after which he went to La Salle by boat ; after arriving here he set out on foot to find a suitable place to locate. He traveled in this manner over Lee, Henry, Whiteside, Ogle, Bureau and La Salle counties, and failing to find a place to suit his taste, he came to old Mercer and bought land in the N. E. J Sec. 32, in Suez townshij:). In 1858 he was elected justice of the peace. At the beginning of the war he received authority from Adjutant-General Fuller to organize a company, which he did in seven days, and was chosen captain. The company was afterward attached to the 102d 111. Inf., and known as company E. He remained witli that regiment until April, 1863, when he resigned on account of disabilities, and was succeeded bv D. W. Sedwick. In the winter of 1863 he was elected

Harisox Brown, whose portrait appears in this book, son of Samuel and Henrietta Brown, was born in Nelson county, Kentuckv, March 17, 1808. When eight years of age his father removed to Breckenridge cc)unty, Kentuckv, and remained until the fall of 1834, when he emigrated to Illinois and located in North Henderson township, Mercer county. In the spring of 1836 he'bought land in section 1, Suez township, where he has since resided. Being one of the pioneers he has encountered all of the hardshi[)S and trials incident to })ioneer life. By hard labor and economy he has accumulated a large property and in his declining years he is enjoying the fruits of his toil. He was married in the fall of 1830 to Miss Martha Greenwood, a native of Virginia. Nine children are the fruits of this union, whose names are as follows : Mary A., Samuel (deceased), Thomas, Floj-d (deceased), Sally, Benjamin, Peter, and Isabel. His second son, Thomas, was a member of Capt. Sedwick's company in the 10:2d Ills. Inf.

Asa AV. IvANSoir, another of the pioneers, son of James and Phoeba Ransom, was born in the town of Camillus, Onondaga county. New York, May 6, 1818. When seventeen years of age he turned his face toward the setting sun and started to Illinois by way of Buffalo and Ashtabula, thence by stage across the state of Ohio to Wellsville. From here he went by steamboat to Cairo, then up the Mississippi, landing at New Boston, June 10, 1837. On the following day he, in company his brother, started on foot toward the eastern part of the county and located on N. W. ^ of Sec. 3, in Suez township. In the fall he returned to Ohio, remaining until the spring of ]S38. On his return he came as far as Michigan with his uncle and walked from there to Mercer county, a distance of about 300 miles. He states that at that time settlements were as high as sixty miles apart. He stopped for a short time in Chicago, and while there was offered a lot on Washington street in payment for a month's work. ]\Ir. Ransom was married in February, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth S. Edwards, a native of Kentucky. The names of their children, in the order of their ages are as follows: Altliea F., Charlora (1, Chester L., Adraenna, Marcilla C, Vesta, Asa S., and Olive. In 1866 Mr. Ransom removed to Chicago and engaged in the commission business. He remained in the city four and a half years, during which time his children availed themselves of the excellent educational advantages the city affords. In the spring of 1870 he returned to his farm in Suez township, and, excepting a few months, has resided there since that time. Mr, Ransom arrived in Illinois with nothing in the way of worldly wealth, but by hard labor and judicious management he has become one of the largest land owners in the county. He furnishes an example of pluck and perseverance, which the rising generation would do well to follow.

William, son of Jefferson and Tabitlia Fuller, was born in Millersburg to^\Tiship, Merger county, October 27, 1843. He remained at home until July 26, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. H, 84th 111. Inf.. and was with that regiment until June 9, 1865. He received a wound at the battle of Stone river, from the effects of which he was confined in the hospital eleven months. He was married February 20, 1867, to Miss Joanna Brown, a native of Ohio. The names of his children are Elmer and Edgar C.

James W. Page, son of James and Susan S. Page, was born in Sussex, England, December 15, 1840. In 1841, the family emigrated to America, and located at Hudson, Summit county, Ohio. In August, 1856, he came to Mercer county. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 30tli reg. 111. Inf., and remained in the service of his country until August, 1864, when he was discharged. On the bottom of his discharge we find the following :

" Private James W. Page has sustained an unblemished character in the army; has been a faithful soldier, and is entitled to the gratitude of his adopted countrjand the confidence of all.

December 20, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie E. Bridger, daughter of Henry Bridger, one of Mercer county's pioneers. Five children are the fruit of this union, four of whom death has claimed as his victims ; Xina G. alone remains to brighten the home. Mr. Page is now located at Suez, engaged in the grocery business. Fie has many friends, and is highly respected by all.

Andrew Trask was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1813. AVhen thirteen years of age he experienced a desire to go to sea. and accordingly obtained a position on the Trident, of New Bedford, and was on the ocean three years, being most of that time on the Pacific. He was married in 1845, to Miss Ellen AVeld, who died in eighteen months after their marriage. He was again married in 1848, to Miss Lucinda Ramsey. The names of his children are as follows : Edward, Harriet, Lucina, and George. His second wife died in 1862. Mr. Trask came to Mercer county in 1850, and located on section Ki, Suez township, where he still resides.

Thomas, son of Thomas and Martha (Wilson) Spicor, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 2, 1823. Tlie Spicer family are of English, and the Wilson of Irish, origin. Mr. Spicer was married in

Suez Townsiiii'

1840, to Miss Ivebbecca D. Wilson, a luitive of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Spicer was born December 15, 1.S28. The names of the children born to the coui)le are as follows: Oliver W., born October 26, 1848, in Ohio; Mary C, born August 80, 1851, in Ohio; James C, born December 9, 1854, in Ohio, and Thonuis II., born June 9, 1858, in Illinois. In 1856, Mr. Spicer came to AVarren county, Illinois, where he remained until 1859, when he removed to Mercer county, and* located on section 8, in Suez township.

Wii.iJA^i A., son of John and Grizelle (Stewart) Lafferty, was born in Suez townshii), December 13, 1850. The log cabin in which he was born, still stands, and is situated near his present residence. He was married in ISTO, to Miss Mattie Edie, a native of Kentucky. The names of their children are as follows: John II., George G., Minnie, William L., Charles, Harry A., and Maggie. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Latferty are members of the United Presbyterian church.

John B., son of William and Louisa Latferty. was born in Suez township, Mercer county, Illinois, October 19, 1847. He was married August 30, 1870, to Miss Ada A. Brownlee, daughter of D. S. Brownlee, Esq., of Suez township. The fruits of this union are live children, whose names are as follows: Harry S., Maggie L., Annie M.,AVilliam E., and Olive 0. Mr. Lafferty owns a tine farm of 320 acres, situated on sections 15 and 27. He and Mrs. Lafferty are b(jth members of the United Presbyterian church, with wliich they united in 1867.

Matthkw S., son of John and ]\[ary Campbell, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1848. The fiimily are of Scotch-Ii-ish decent, the early ancestors having fled to Ireland during the covenanters' rebellion. In 1863 Mr. Campbell came to Illinois, and located in Warren county, near the ]VIercer and Warren county line. A few years after he removed to Suez townshij) and located on section 26. He was married in 1866 to Miss Annie AVatt, a native of ^lifHin county, Pennsylvania. The names of their children are as follows : AYillii3 R. (deceased), Clyde Pt., and Clarence W.

AViLi.iAM P., son of Arthur and Hannah (Postlewaite) Graham, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, Alarch 13, 1S33. In 1839 the family came to AVarren county, and located near Little York. Mr. Graham's early days were spent in the wilderness, and roaming through the trackless forest constituted the amusements of his boyhood. He was married in 1858 to Miss Margaret Hutchison, also a native of Pennsylvania. The names of their children are as follows: ^Mildred L., Mary II., Arthur H., Daniel II., :Maggie E., and Mattie E.

L'isli origin, and came to tliis countrv at a very early date ; his grandfather, John Latta, serv^ed as major in the revolutionary war. He was married in January, 1850, to Miss Jane Lossell, a native of Ti-umbuU county, Ohio ; she died May 15, 1862. In 1S<U he married Miss Louisa Sedwick, a sister of Cajjtain Sedwick, of Suez townshij). The names of his children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Oscar, Eliza J., Ella, Amanda, Charlie, Maggie, Alice, Lewis, Dora, and Roy. The live latter are by the second wife. In ISo-l Mr. McLaughlin came to Illinois and bought land in section 2, in Suez township. He now owns about a section of land in Mercer county, and 160 acres in Iowa, situated about twenty miles north of the city of Davenport. Mrs. McLaughlin is a memljer of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. McLaughlin started out in life witliout anything to aid him, but by perseverance and an untiring energy, he has made his life a success. He has many friends and is highly respected wherever known.

William H., son of James A., and Anna Simpson, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, July 12, 1835. He was reared a farmer, and followed that pursuit until April 19, 1861, ten days after Fort Sumter was fired on, when he responded to the call of the government and enlisted in Co. H. 15th Pa. Inf., acting as second lieutenant. x\t the expiration of three months, the time for which the regiment was enlisted, he returned home and remained until August, 1862, when he raised a company, which was attached to the 125th Pa., and designated as Company F. In the battle of Antietam he was struck by a fragment of a shell which made a severe ilesh wound in the side of his face. He was discharged in June, 1862, and returned home. He was married in December, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth Smith also a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. The names of the children in the order of their ages are as follows : Carrie, Charles E., Archie E., Mary E., Earl and Pearl, who are twins. In the spring of 1865 he emigrated to Mercer county and located on the S. E. J of sec. 28, Suez township. Mr. Simpson and his family are kind and hospitable. Their home is a happy one, and we hope the future through whose misty veil none can see may smile as brightly upon him and his loved ones as the past has done.

John A., son of William and Martha Marrow, was boi-n in Guernsey county, Ohio, December 8, 1828. He was reared a farmer. When twenty-three years old he left his native county and went to Eldorado county, California, where he remained about five years, during which time he was engaged in mining and various occupations. In the spring of 1856 he returned to Ohio, and in the spring of the following year came to Mercer county, Illinois, and located on section 32 in Greene township. In January, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G. 30th 111. Inf., and was with that reii:;inient at Fort Donelson, Siege of Corinth, Brittain's Lane, llaymond, (Champion Hill, Siege of Vicksbnrg, and Kenesaw Mountain. He was taken prisoner at Peach Tree Creek, and was in the hands of the enemy about two months, when lie was exchanged. He was discharged January 22, 1865. In 1869 he opened a coal mine on his farm in Greene township. The producing caj^acity of which is forty thousand bushels a year. In 1870 he removed to his farm in section 5, in Suez township. Mr. IMarnjw was married in 1865 to Miss Mary Ogden, a native of Fountain county, Indiana. The names of his chiUlren in the order of their ages are as follows: Samuel O., John W., Mary J. (deceased), and Estella. lie and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian church.

Henry Bridger. A portion of the early ancestors of the Bridger family were driven from France during the religious j^ersecution. The other branch of the family came from Xormandy with William the Conqueror, and cast their lot in England. One of the descendants of this family was Henry Bridger (deceased), who was born in Sussex county, England, near the town of Hastings, October 25, 1798. In October, 1820, he came to America and located in Albany; after remaining a year he went to Troy. He was married in that city to Elizabeth Terrey, October 7, 1822. Miss Terrey was a native of Suffolk county. Long Island. In the spring of 1836^ Mr. Bridger emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois. In Xovember of that year he entered a claim on the N. E. \ of Sec. 35, Greene township. In June, 1841, he removed to Suez township and bought land in section 2, where two of his sons now reside. The names of his children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: William H., Mary E., Julia M., Barbara A. (deceased), Henry T., Frances A. (wife of Hon. D. W. Sedwick, of Suez), James C, Philip T. (now residing in Chariton county, Missouri), and Annie E. (wife of James Page, of Suez). The death of the father occurred December 17, 1873, and he was buried in the family burying ground, situated on the N. E. \ of Sec. 2.

George M. Evans, son of George D. and Mary (McCague) Evans, was born in Ripley, Ohio, March 9, 1830. Left an orphan at an early age, he was reared by relatives in Adams county. At the age of seventeen he began attending school at South Salem, where he remained about two and a half years. Between the ages of seventeen and twenty he taught school about six months. He was married June 22, 1853, to Miss Ruhanui Mclntire, a native of Adams county. Shortly after his marriage he embarked in the mercantile business in Ripley, which he continued until the spring of 1855, when he came to Mercer county, Illinois. In the fall of that year he engaged in business at Norwood; since that time he opened a store in Aledo. In 1880 he removed to his farm northwest of Norwood, his business being conducted by his partner. His first wife died December 1, 1854. He was again married February 19, 1863, to Miss Barbara J. Allison, a native of Pennsylvania, who died December 23, 1873. His third mari-iage occurred June 6, 1876, Miss Mary W. Carson, a native of Ireland, being the next connubial partner. Mr. Evans has two chikh'eu livinw both of whom were born to him bv his second wife. Their names, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Mary E., aged eighteen, and Robert A., aged sixteen years. He is a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1853 at Ripley, Ohio. Mr. Evans is a man of kindly manner, and the stranger being thrown upon his hospitality is treated with great courtesy.

John Lu-^ferty, whose portrait appears in this book, son of John and Ann Lafferty, was born July 28, 1816, in Trumbull county, Ohio. In the spring 'of 1840, he, in company with his brother, William, emigrated to Illinois and bought land in the N. E. J Sec. 21, Suez township. Mr. Lafferty was married June, 1843, to Miss Grizell Stewart, a native of Indiana. The fruits of the union are eio-ht children, w^hose names are as follows : James IL, Harriet A., Nancy A., AYilliam A., John S., Susan E-, and Mary E. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1850. Mr. Lafferty is spoken of by his neighbors as an excellent citizen, and possesses the love and esteem of all. A spirit of liberality has ever chacterized his actions, and to all charitable, educational, and religious purposes he has given with a willing hand.

John Mauk, son of Peter and Catharine Mauk, was born in 1814, in the picturesque valley of the Shenandoah, Virginia. His father, Peter Mauk, was born January 4, 1775. His family are of German origin. For many years Mr. Mauk was employed as an engineer on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. In 1836 he emigrated to Warren county, Illinois. In 1840 he was united in marriage to Miss Amerett Tinkham, a native of Windom county, Vermont. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Martha A., Benjamin (deceased in his fourteenth year), Mary E., Anna L., Alice, Peter, George P>. In 1838 he came to Mercer county, and settled in Suez township. In 1841 he removed to Davenport, Iowa, and was employed as an engineer on the ferry boat plying between the cities of Davenport and Rock Island. In 1841 he returned to his farm in Suez township. He was for several years engaged in the dry goods business at Bridger'S Comers. Mr. Mauk died at his residence June 19, 1879, and liis departure was mourned by many friends, some of M'liom liad often received favors at the hands of the deceased.

William P. Morgan, son of Sankey and Ann (Brown) ^forgan, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, Marcli 18, 1839. lie received his early education in a log school-house in Pennsylvania. In 1858 the familv emio;rated to Mercer countv, Illinois, and located on section 19, in Suez township. Mr. Morgan was married in 1868 to Miss Martha J. Atchison, a native of Ohio. The fruits of this union are seven children, six sons and one daughter. He enlisted August 9,

1863, at Laveme, Tennessee. Mr. Morgan is a member of the United Presb}i:erian church with which he united in 1868. lie is also justice of the peace.

BicHARD C. McClellan, SOU of Richard and Susana McClellan, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, September 25. 1838. Mr. McClellan received his education at what is now known as the Jeiferson College, in Washington county. In February, 1865, he enlisted in the 8Tth Penn. Inf, and was with the regiment until mustered out. He was married October 26, 1866, to Miss Martha McCutcheon, a native of Ohio. The fruits of the union are live children, whose names, in the order of their ages, are as follows : Nathaniel P., Evart S., Clarence P.. Minnie G., and Armadilla S. Mr. ^McClellaii is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1866.

Gus Bruixgtox, son of Alfi-ed and Adeline Bruington. was born in Suez township, Mercer county, Illinois, September 22, 1846. He was married in 1871 to Miss Annie Lafferty, a daughter of William Lafferty, Sr., one of the earliest settlers of Suez township. Mr. Bruington, although quite young, has surrounded himself by all the luxuries and comforts the country affords, and has before him a bright and prosperous future.

Joshua II. Browx, son of Benjamin and Lucinda Brown, was bom in the town of Xorth Henderson, July 6, 1841. His father was one of the pioneer settlers of Mercer county. Mr. Brown received his education in the public school of Xorth Henderson. July 22, 1862. he entered the service of his country in Co. II, 84th 111. Inf. and remained in that regiment until June 16, 1865. On January 1, 1867, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary (Dilley) Podgers, a native of Mercer county, and daughter of William Dilley, of Ohio Grove township. The names of his childi-en. in the order of their ages, are as follows : Vinnie P., Cyrus D., Gus B., and Lucinda M. (deceased in infancy}. In August, 1878, Mr. Brown was nominated for slierifi: at the republican convention, at Aledo. In the following November he was elected, receiving as man}- votes as both his greenback and democratic opponents. Mr. Brown is a member of the Universalist church, of Suez.

Henry T. Bridger, son of Henry and Elizabeth Bridger, was born April 28, 1832, in Kenssalaer county, Xew York. In 18o(i, the family moved to Mercer county. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Bridger enlisted in Co. E, 102d 111. Inf. He remained in the service of his country about one year, being discharged on account of disabilities. In December, 1867, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Sarah J. McLaughlin, a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania. The fruits of this union are three children : Amy M., William J., and Edna E. The family are attendants at the Methodist Episcopal church.

Thomas G. Brown, son of Harison and Martha Brown, was born in jS^orth Henderson township, Mercer county, March 25, 1836. Mr. Brown received his early education in a log school-house that stood on section 6, JSTorth Henderson townshi}). In December, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 102d 111. Inf., and was with that regiment in every engagement until mustered out of service. He was discharged June 7, 1865, at Chicago. In February, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Coleman, a native of Ohio. The fruits of this union are two children, Kellie and Peter F. It will be seen that Mr. Brown was one of the first white children born in the county. His father, Harison, spoken of elsewhere in the work, is one of the few surviving pioneers of Mercer.

William L., son of James and Jane Stewart, was born in LTnion county, Indiana, in 1827. In 1835 the family emigrated to Illinois, and his fatlier bought the claim owned by George Blake, in section 21. In 1858 he was married to Miss Harriet Dryden, a native of Ohio, who died in 1859. March 7, 1861, he was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Caldwell, a native of Shelby county, Ohio. The names of his children in the order of their ages are: Nanc}' J., Mattie E., Mira L., AYilliam J., Mary J., Ettie F., and Earl O. In August, 1862, Mr. Stewart enlisted in Co. E, 102d 111. Vol. Inf., and remained with that regiment until the close of the war. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1858. In politics he is a republican. His father, James Stewart, now residing in Alexis, was one of the earliest settlers in Suez township, and assisted in preparing some notes for the historical association.

Thomas Likely

In 1866 lie left the quiet life of the farm and went to Galesburg and attended school at the Lombard imiversitv. He remained here one year. In 1881 he was elected justice of the peace for a term of four years. In 1878 he was elected assessor for one term, and in this office, as in all others which he has filled, he gave excellent satisfaction. September 22, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Goddard, a native of Warren county, Illinois. Mr. (Treenwood owns a fine farm of 120 acres, on sections 10 and 15, and we predict for him a bright and prosperous future. He is a prominent republican, and takes an active part in political affairs. Mr. Greenwood is a member of I.O.O.F. lodge, 526, at Alexis, with which he united in August, 1880. He has many friends throughout the country, and is highly respected by all.

JoHX DiNGWELL was bom in county Donegal, Ireland, in March, 1814. At an early age he came to xVmerica, and followed the star of empire westward to Illinois, locating in North Henderson township, Mercer county. . In 1S40 he bought a farm near Norwood, in Suez townsliip. In 1849 he went to Galesburg and began a course of study in the academy at that place. At the end of two years he returned to Mercer county, and in 1852 was married to Mrs. Mercy Crabtree, a native of England. In the same year he bought land in section 3, in Suez township. The names of his children are: Jennie E., (deceased in her twenty-fourth year), AVilliam G. (now residing in Suez township), and John (deceased in infancy). Mr. Dingwell died Nov. 4, 1873. The timeral services were perf'ormed in the United Presbyterian church, at Viola. In his early life Mr. Dingwell had been a Covenanter, but later united with the United Presbyterian denomination.

Hexry W., son of David and Elizabeth (Snyder) Mauk, was born in Harrison countv, Indiana, June 14, 1830. When ts\'entv-four vears of age he came to Mercer county, and in 1856 purchased land in section 11, in Suez township. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E. 102d 111. Inf., and was with that gallant regiment until June, 1865. He was married January 4. 1871, to Miss Annie Smith, a native of Warren county, Illinois. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are : David R. (deceased), Freddie G. (deceased), Ora B., and Alta M., who are twins.

Robert Campbell, son of IMatthew and Hannah Campbell, was born November 26, 1822, in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. In 1848 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, and in 1850 he bought land in section 30, in Suez township. His father's family are of Scotch and Ii-ish descent, and his mother was born in the land of freedom. In 1844 he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Morgan, a native of

Pennsylvania, who died in 1874. In 1875 he was married to Mrs. Amanda M. Cantrall. The names of his children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Hannah R., Matthew F., Ann E., Franklin P., Helen C, Robert I., Martha J., Mary N., Lydia M., Sarah L. (deceased), and Eugene R. ; the last-named is by the second wife. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Baptist church, and his wife is a member of the old school Presbyterian church. He has a farm of 120 acres of excellent land in Suez township.

George, son of George and Maiy Bruington, was born in Breckenridge county, Kentucky, in 1821. In 1852 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and bought land in section 24, Suez township. Mr. Bruington was married in 18^2 to Miss Dowel, also a native of Kentucky. The names of their children, in the orderof their ages, are as follows : Benjamin, James, and Amanda. He is a member of no church, but tries to do his duty toward God and his fellow men.

James H. Brownlee, son of William and Catharine (Hutchison) Brownlee, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, May 1, 1828. His family are of Scotch origin. He received his education in the public schools of his native county. In 1853 the family came to Illinois, and locating in Mercer county, purchased land in section 31, in Suez township. His father now resides in Labette county, Kansas. Mr. Brownlee was married September 20, 1855, to Miss Martha J. Barclay, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. Their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Etlia L., Blanch M. (deceased), Elmer F., Ulysses G., Albin B., Ennis R., jN^ora K., and Roy. In the winter of 1855 he bought land on the N. E. ^ of Sec. 31, and he is now the possessor of a one-half section of fine land. Mrs. Brownlee is a member of the United Presbyterian church, having united early in life. The family are highly respected by all, and many and true are their friends.

Martin Pease, son of Pelatiah and Nancy Pease, was born in 1824, in Waldo county, Maine. In 1837 the family emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and located on section 20, in Suez township, the nearest postofiice being Spring Grove. He saw the men building the first school-house in the township, which was of logs, and stood on section 21. In 1847 he was married to Miss Martha A. Pollok, daughter of Robert Pollok, one of Mercer county's pioneers. The fruits of this marriage are seven children: Alonzo U., Nelson S. (deceased), Edwin (deceased), Charles R. (deceased), Mary I., Martin A., and May. Mr. and Mrs. Pease are both members of the United Presbyterian church, with which they united in 1850. In 1850 he bought land in section 20, and now owns a fine farm of 150 acres. On

October 24, 1880, his liouse took fire from a defective flue, and burned to tlie ground. Loss $200, and no insurance. In 1881 Mr. Pease erected a handsome residence on the same foundation. He has many friends and is respected wherever lie is known.

JosKi'H Pkask, son of Pelatialu and Nancy Pease, was born in Knox county, Maine, February, 5, 1822. Tlie family on his father's side are of English origin. In 1837, the family emigrated to Mercer county, and bought a claim in Suez township. October 14, 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Libby, who died March 15, 1852. January 24, 1853, he married Miss Sarah Stewart, who died September 27, 1864. March 15, 1866, he was again married to Miss Christiana Sprowl. The names of his children are: Zorah E. (deceased), Laura G., Nancy F. (deceased), Joseph S., Campbell B., John A., Pelatiah, Ausley, Elizabeth J., Sarah L. (deceased), Mary L., and George W. Mr. Pease is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he was united in 1876. He is one of Mercer countyjs pioneers, and did his part toward paving the way for civilization.

John A., son of Joseph and Sarah Pease, was born in Suez township, June 23, 1858. He was married Febiniary 14, 1878, to Miss Susan Lalferty, daughter of John Laiferty, of Suez township. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, with which they united in 1879.

A. Pease, son of Joseph and Sarah Pease, was born in Suez township, Mercer county, May 8, 1859. He was married January 23, 1879, to Miss Maggie A. Wallace, a native of Warren county, Illinois. They have one child, whose name is Guy C. Mr. Pease owns land in section lt>, where he, with his pleasant family, resides.

James H. Lafferty, son of John and Grizelle Lafferty, was born in Suez township, Mercer county. May 24, 1844. He remained at home until August 8, 1862, when he entered the service of his country, in Co. E, 102d 111. Inf., and remained with the regiment until June 9, 1865, when he received his discharge. On February 28, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Porter, a native of Pennsylvania. The fruits of this union are: Frank S., Mattie G., John (deceased), and Guy C In 1874, Mr. Lafferty engaged in the stock business and keeps on hand from fifty to one hundred head of short horn cattle. While at his farm the writer had the ])leasure of being shown s(mie veiy handsome animals, a few of which were recently imported from England. His farm is admirably adaj)ted to the business, and this fact, together with the enterprise of the proprietor, will, doubtless, render his labors highly successful.

John L., son of Henry and Jane McLaughlin, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1817. His father and mother were both of Irish descent. His mother was a niece of Gen. Potter, of Revolutionary fame. In 1856, he emigrated to Illinois, and in 1857, bought land in section 2, Suez township. His father died in September, 1881, a^ed eighty-six, and w^as buried in the Norwood cemeterv. Mr. McLaughlin was nian-ied in 18-14 to Miss Martha J. Angelo, also a native of Mercer county. The names of the children born to them are : Sarah J., James H. (deceased), Cassius C, Willis J., Marv M., and Josephine. Both are members of the United Brethren church, at Suez.

George W. Sedwick was boru in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, His father's given name was AYashington, and his mother's Elizabeth. When thirteen years of age he went to Williamsport, Ohio, and entered a machine shop, for the purpose of learning the trade. After working liere two years he went to Mount Jackson and worked two j^ears more under instruction. At the end of that time he went to New Castle, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1861. In that year he was married to Miss Caroline Peeble, a native of Bayaria. Their children's names are as follows : Willis D., Harry L., and an adopted child, Lillie R. In the spring of 1861, Mr. Sedwick came to Mercer county, Illinois. In 1864 he bought land in section 16, in Suez township. In 1870 he sold his farm and engaged in the mercantile business at Suez, which he continued until 1874, when he closed out his stock and bought a farm in section 9, where he now resides. He and Mrs. Sedwick are both members of the Ignited Brethren church.

The Brownlee family are of Scotch origin. David S., the subject of this sketch, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, January 1, 1820. His father's name was David, and his mother's Betsey. In 1839 his father and family emigrated to Warren county, Illinois, and located near Little York. In 1842 the subject of this sketch came to Mercer county, and for about a year was engaged in breaking prairie and threshing. In 1843 he bought land in section 16, Suez township. In 1873 Mr. Brownlee was elected supervisor of Suez township, in which capacity he served for several terms. He was married in 1845 to Miss Margaret Pollok, daughter of Robert Pollok, one of the earliest settlers in Mercer county. His lirstwife died November 23, 1872, and he was again married January 11, 1877, to Miss Maria Montgomery. May 27, 1881, his second wife died. The names of his children, in the order of their ages, are as follows : Robert B., Addie A., and Ida M. Mr. Brownlee is a member of the Ignited Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1848.

Dk. James F. McCutchan was born in Adams county, Ohio, in 1833. His early life was spent on the farm. When twenty-two years of age he entered college at Washington, Iowa, and graduated from that institution in May, 1861, Immediately after completing his studies he enlisted in Co. II, 2d reg. Iowa Vol. Inf During his connection with that regiment he became personally acquainted with Gen. James B. AYeaver. In the fall of 1863 he was nuide captain of Co. D, Dth reg. Iowa Vol. Cav., and acted in that ca})acity until the close of the war. Pre\nous to his promotion, however, he participated in several engagements with the 2d Iowa, among which was the battle of Fort Donelson, wliei-e that regiment won for itself a name that will go down into the pages of history. The doctor was discharged in May, and was married in August, 1865, to Miss M. J. S. Graham, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Mary Edna and Sarah Edith (twins), were born November 13, 1866; A. Joseanna, born December 14, 1870; Alma O., born June 12, 1876; and Clara G., born April 2, 1881. In the fall of 1865 he entered the office of Dr. Webster at Monmouth, and was under that gentlenum's instructions one vear. In the fall of 1866 he became a student at Keokuk, Iowa, and received his diploma in the spring of 1868. In that year he located at Norwood, and since that time has practiced in that vicinity. In conversing with the doctor the writer found him to be a gentlemen of more than ordinary intelligence, Huent in conversation, and progressive in all things.

James M, Lee, son of John and Eliza Lee, was born in Centre county, Pennsylvania, in May, 1836. In the spring of 1857 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, where he worked at carpentering until the spring of 1861. August 8, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., and was with that regiment until the close of the war. lie was married November 22, 1866, to Miss Harriet A. Lalferty, daughter of John Lafterty, of Suez township. Their children's names are: John A., Miriam E., Marietta, Lela I., and Ethel A. They are both members of the United Presbyterian church.

Geology Contributed 15V Dk. J. V. Fraziek, Of Viola

Greene township is traversed throughout its length from east to west by an irregular, broad and elevated phiteau or water-shed, the drainings from which on the north bear a north and westerly direction to the Edwards river, while on the south the water courses bear south and westerly to join Pope creek.

The Edwards river, coming from the east, flows just north of and along the northeastern portion of the township, for two and a half miles, when it enters the township about midway of the north line of section 3, running thence nearly west until it passes beyond our township's line on section 8. Pope creek enters the township at near the the southeast corner and passes in a westerly direction entirely through it on its southern border. The Donohue and Skunk runs, as also two or three unnamed deep-cut water-ways, fed here and there by springs, carry the surface waters from the north half of the township into the Edwards river, while North Pope, Collins, or "Nigger" run, with two or three deep ravines, serve to drain the south half into Pope creek.

These streams and water-courses, while furnishing an abundant supply of water, at the same time shape the surface of the country' and determine the quality of the soil. Not more than three-fifths of the township is prairie. Along the immediate valleys of the larger streams there is a deep black soil, rich in humus, and in some places covered by heavy growths of timber, while upon the ridges bordering the water-courses are the so called ' ' barrens. " The soil of the prairies is mostly deep and of a blackish or chocolate colored loam, with a yellow or light brown cla}- subsoil. The soil of the "barrens" is similai- to that of the ])rairies, only lighter colored and less in de]>tli, becoming of a light brown or yellowish color along the sides and over the tops of the ridges, on account of the character of the subsoil which comes near the surt'ace.

The surface deposits of the townshij) comprise the ordinary subdivisions of the quarternary period, alluivium, loess, and drift. The alluiviuin deposits are mostly confined to narrow belts along the lai-ger streams. Some of this land is so low as to be too much subject to ovei-fiow for growing cereals, but affording excellent meadow and grazing grounds.

Grkene Towxshii'

The loess deposit is found sparingly, ca])ping some of the high points along Pope creek, but not sufficient in cpiantityto require special notice.

Drift. - The deposits of this subdivision consist of a series of brown and blue clays, mixed here and there with sand, gravel and small pebbles, which are S])read over the entire surface of the townshi]). Quite a number of boulders of igneous or metamorphic rocks lie scattered along the borders of the streams and in the valleys of most of the temporary water courses.

Coal Measures. - The stratified rocks exposed in this township all belong to the coal measures and include the lower groups, from cf)al No. 3 of the Illinois section down to near the base of this formation. They consist of various strata of limestone, sandstone, clay, shale, and coal, and are supposed to reach a thickness of from 100 to 150 feet. A boring on section 1-1, near Viola, reaches 130 feet without passing entirely through this formation.

There luive been three seams of coal found and more or less worked in the township, although No, 3 and No. 1 have been the most extensively mined. Coal No. 3 has been found only on sections 31 and 32. The mines of Mr. Martin and Mr. Morrow are on this seam, while about twenty-five feet lower down coal No. 2 was formerly woi-ked by Mr. Martin by a drift into the hill. The discovery of the thicker and more profitable vein No. 3 above caused its abandonment several years ago. Coal No. 3 at Martin's bank varies from three to five feet in thickness, is safely and profitably worked, and affcjrds one of our very best fuel coals.

Coal No. 2 of the Illinois group, in all the exposures thus far made in the township, has shown too thin a vein for profitable mining at preseht, varying from one and a half to two feet in thickness. This seam has been found at several points, notably on the Gilmore farm. S. W. \ of Sec. 23, on the Morey farm, N. E. \ of Sec. 27, and at Martin's bank in the S. W. \ of Sec. 31. Besides the mining formerly done on this vein on Martin's bank, the openings on the Gilmore farm and on B. F. Morey's old farm attbrded a fair quantity of fuel coal, but were never operated except for the use of the owners' families and some of their neighbors. At the two last named farms the coal was mined by strip|)ing the soil, clay and slate overh'ing it, but the increasing depth of the overlying clay and shale as they neared the higher ground rendered its mining unprofitable by this process, and the promise of a poor " roof" over the coal discouraged the owners from running a drift into the hills.

From the shales overlying coals No. 3 and No. 2 our amateur geologists have gathered many of the fossils peculiar to tlie coal measures of this part of the state. Besides several species of bryozora, these sections furnish conularia. haniproartes creuistro, lima retifero, spirifer lunitus, attryrus subtitito, productus nebrascensis, pleurophorus solenifornius, etc. The greater portion of the coal produced, for which our township is somewhat famous, comes from coal No. 1 of the Illinois section. This seam varies in thickness from three and a half to four and a half feet, the general average reaching about four feet. The deposit of this coal seam stretches across the township fi'om east to west, being a part only of the great Edwards river seam. It has been found and extensively mined on sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and the N.W. ^ of 11. The principal shafts now in operation are N. B. Frazier's, on the S. E. of section 2, Russell Park's and H. Boone's on section 3, Wm. Blaine's, W. P. Collins' and Gutlirie's shafts on section 4 ; Bell Brothers' on section 5 ; Geo. Pinkerton's and Hegg's works on section 6. This vein of coal probably underlies a very considerable portion of the township, particularly along the northern half, but will be found at a considerable depth, if found at all, under the higher water shed of the township, all the openings heretofore made being located in the valleys of the streams, fully 150 feet below the plateau upon which Yiola stands. This vein shows, in some localities, a peculiarity worthy of mention. Starting from the east side of the township, where we find but little admixture of slate, there is a gradual development of this material westward until we reach section 4, where it constitutes a parting strip of about four inches, about midway of the seam, and from thence west thickens out so rapidly that on section 6 it forms a parting varying in thickness from eighteen to twenty inches. While this layer of shale between the upper and lower coal does not impair its quality seriously, still it renders mining tedious and expensive on account of the necesssity of taking care of so much refuse matter.

Potteri Clay. - A test of some of the whitish or ]3ale blue clay found above coal No. 1, proves it to possess excellent qualities for the manufacture of stoneware. Several barrels of it were shipped, a few years ago, to a firm in Iowa who pronounced it, after a thorough trial, worthy of the attempt to erect a factory near by it. Some negotiations were entered into with the manufacturer alluded to and parties here, but the enterprise was finally abandoned.

A superioi- deposit of clay, suitable for the manufacture of sewer tile and fire-bi'ick has been developed within the ])ast few years. This deposit is just below coal No. 2. and the heaviest body of it is found on the S.W. ^ of Sec. 35. The Momnoutli Mamifacturing Company, of Monmouth Illinois, purchased forty acres of this land and have shipj)ed, ior several years past, as high as 150 tons per year of their clay, the greater portion of which they use in making fire-brick and in heavy sewer tile. They claim it to be the best clay in the west for their purposes.

Lime. - Some of the blue limestone found above coal Xo. 1 has been burned for and yielded a fair quality of lime, but on account of impurities needs to be sorted and screened before using, and the amount so obtained is comparatively small, rendering its manufacture scarcely profitable.

Building Stone. - The sandstone lying just above Coal No. 2, Illinois section, is of a light color, varying from a dull white to yellow, and soft when first quarried, but hardens on exposure. There are several quarries of this rock in the towTiship, some of which are yielding a fine quality of building stone. In some of the quarries it can be taken out in blocks of almost any desired size. This stone is found on section 33, near F. McGaughey's house ; on the N. W. \ of Sec. 26 ; on the K. E. J of Sec. 34 ; and inferior (pialities at other places. The best and most extensive quarry is that of H. Gilbert on section ;i4, from which has been taken a large portion of all the sandstone for cutting and use in heav}- masonry about Viola and the surrounding country.

The limestone which overlies Coal Xo. 1, of the Illinois section, is a drab-colored, impure limestone, varying from eight to fifteen feet in depth, with about two feet of a very solid blue limestone just below. In some localities we find a flinty limestone interi)Osed between the blue and gray. The blue limestone is of small value for building material, as it soon falls to pieces on exposure to the atmosphere. This drabcolored rock is extensively quarried on sections 3, 4, and 5, and is held in high esteem for building purposes, many hundreds of tons having been hauled out into other portions of the county for economic uses. The rock is found mostly in layers from two to eight inches in thickness, the layers growing thicker gradually from above downward. Some of the lower layers can be broken into almost any desired sizes, up to ten or twelve feet square. The large slabs that form the floors and roofs of the cells in the county jail were quarried on section 4, as also the large slabs lining and covering tlu' vaults of the Aledo bank.

From the shale above the coals of Greene township and the overlaying limestones are gathered nearly every species of our ^Mercer ceunty coal measures fossils ; in fact, the fossils found in this township are the typical fossils of the coal measures in the county. It would be tedious and uninteresting for many of your readers were we to name a tenth part of these interesting relics of a by-gone period of our earth's growth, which have only in recent years possessed anything of interest or signiticance to human understandings ; but we will say, in general terms, that in addition to those already noted above, we find some species of the nautilus, the goniatite, the straparolus, murchisonia, pleurotomaria. bellerophon, productus. and several varities of crenoidise. more or less broken and fragmentary.

Of fossil ferns, some of them very well preserved, we have several species, while fragments of the rhododenden and sigillaria. with the roots of the latter (stigmaria), are common trophies of our amateur collectors.

That inany of the monster mammals of the quarternary period once had a home in our neighborhood and roamed over the then marshy and fern-clad plains, which now constitute the high rolling prairie and grass-covered valleys of Greene township, there can be but small doubt. Their bones, which were buried here in that distant age, are now and then recovered from their unmarked burial grounds, and stand as witnesses of their former occupancy of the soil. In my cabinet are a part of a tooth of the mastodon, and a large and well-preserved tooth of the elephas primogeneous (0 found on section 3 in this township. The locality where found bore evidence of having been in former times a marsh or swamp, and the evidences from the place and its surroundings are strongly suggestive that the monsters whose teeth now grace my cabinet died where the teeth were found.

^ Tlie first actual settler in what is now known as T. 14, R. 2, west of the 4th P.M., was David Williams, who came in 1836 and entered a claim on the S. W. J of Sec. 14. In the following year came Xathan McChesney, who located in the eastern part of the township, and Thomas Weir, who located in section In the spring of 1839 John Collins, formerly a resident of Columbiana count v, Ohio, came from the eastern part of the county, where he had located in 1837 near the present site of Joy. !Mr. Collins located on the W. ^ of ^. E. ^ of Sec. 15. He erected a log cabin about twenty rods east and on the opposite side of the road from the present residence of his son, William P. Tlie last vestige of this rude habitation has disappeared, and immediately over the spot daily passes the "iron steed, switler tlian eagles fly."

of Sec. IT ; William Brownleo, who located on the N. E. ^ of Sec. 17; John Linn, who located on S. E. J of Sec. 14; and Elijah Stewart, who bought the claim of David Williams. John Caniahan, Sr., formerly of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, came and located on section 18. His sons, AVilliam and David, and his son-in-law. Frank Anderson, took claims in the same section.

William Pinkerton, Sr., came in 1S40, and also settled on section 18. John Walker also came at a very early day. The Park family came in 1889. George McFerren, Matthew Doak, and Henry Griffin were also among the early settlers of the townshij). Charles Durston was the first white child born in the township.

Although the strong armed pioneer experienced many hardships, privations and difficulties, his life was not destitute of sunshine. His rude log cabin, with its inmates, was as dear to him as though it had been a palace. After a hard day's work in the ''clearing,'' he would retire to rest with his loved ones about him. and was rewarded for his toil by a night of sound sleep

Being neighbors and companions in a wilderness cut off from civilization, a genial spirit of friendship generally existed among the settlers, and a neighbor was as welcome to share the rude comforts of the pioneer's cabin as a brother. Xor did the settlers lack for amusement. "Corn huskings," "spelling schools," "taffy pullings," and "shooting matches," were frequent, young and old pai'ticipating, and on the "puncheon floor" the young men and blushing maidens trip|)ed the "light fantastic toe" as merrily, if not as gracefully, as the more accomplished dancers of the present day. AVhile the traditional "back woods' tiddler" patted the fioor with his number ten "cowhides," and made the log cabin ring with such melodies as the "tisher's horn-pipe," and the "devil's dream."

If a "new-comer" desired to build a house, he had the services of all the settlers in the surrounding neighborhood at his disposal. Carpentering was then in its sim])licity, a broad-ax, an auger, and a cross-cut saw constituted a set of cai*penter"s tools, ami out of a }>ile of logs of various sizes a cabin was soon constmcted, the cracks "chunk and dobbed," with a kind of mortar made of clay and prairie grass. A chimney and fire-[>lace made of the same material, and the house was ready for its occupants.

One of the worst enemies the settlers had to c(mtend with was the prairie tire. Hunters would frecpiently set tire to the tall grass, which.

in the fall, would readily ignite ; the prairie would soon be a sea of Hame, and woe unto the unlucky farmer who had not taken the proper precautions to protect his property. These ftres were sometimes arrested in their flight by the settlers, who would turn out and ''flght them. " Mr. AV. P. Collins states that be, in company with his father, brother, and several neighbors once fought a fire from Saturday until Sunday night, without food, water or sleej). The manner in which this was done was to plow a furrow in front of the fire, and then burn the grass between, being careful in the beginning to prevent the grass on the opposite side from igniting.

The people also experienced great difficulty in getting breadstufi". Mills being scarce, they were frequently, in case of bad weather, compelled to manufacture their own meal, which was done by grating the corn while on the ear. Corn bread and pork constituted the bill of fare.

William Terry was also one of the earliest settlers in Greene township, having came in 1836, from New York state. lie entered in all about 440 acres of land, 160 of which was entered in his son's name. Mr. Terry is now nearly eighty-four, and is apparently as rugged as when the writer first saw him a score of years ago. His mind is as clear and his memory as retentive as in his boyhood. He is familiarly spoken of as "Uncle Billy.'"' During an interview with this venerable gentleman, the writer listened to many amusing incidents illustrative of pioneer life. When Mr. Terry came to Mercer county, there was but one other settler in Ureene township. Game of all kinds abounded He states that he has seen as many as fifty deer in a drove, browsing on Pope creek bottom. Lynx and wolves were also very plentiftil. One evening, while driving his cows down to the creek bottom, he heard a rustling in the .bushes near at hand, and on walking up nearer to ascertain the cause, a huge black wolf sprang at him, with glaring eyes and open jaws. Uncle Billy sprang across a little stream that ran near by, and started homeward at a rate which he thinks was the fastest on record at that time. He ari'ived safely at home, minus his hat. On the following morning he went back to the scene of the fright and found from its tracks, that the wolf had pursued him as far as the water and stopped. He was returning home one evening from Bridger's corners, where he had been transacting some business which had not gone to suit him. This rendered his feelings very unamiable, and as he was passing through Pope creek timber, his mind was very suddenly diverted from his financial aftairs by the appearance of a large gray wolf, immediately in front of him and i-ight in his i)ath. He stopped for a moment, and the wolf raised himself on his haunches, and sat glaring at him in a very threatening manner. But Uncle Billy's eombativeness would not allow him to Hee, nor to turn from the path. He seized a club, started toward the animal, and it politely stepped aside, allowing him to pass, but he states that he kept one eye on his wolfshi]) until he disappeared in the distance. Mr. Terry states that the settlers in that })art of the county did their trading at Hendersonville, Knox county, where they paid as iiigh as twenty dollars per barrel for Hour, and other commodities in proportion. His family once subsisted for several weeks on bread made from wheat ground in a coffee mill. The first religious services Mr. Terry attended in Illinois were held in the cabin of Mr. James Mann, in North Henderson township. People then drove to church with ox teams.

Hopkins Boone, now a resident of Viola, was the second settler in Preemption township, having located on Edwards river in the fall of 1835. Mr. Boone first made a trip to Illinois in 1830 and had decided to make his home in the southern part of the state. But on returning after the close of the Black Hawk war he found that locality tf)0 thickly settled to suit his ideas of a new country, and he accordingly came farther north. .Vt that time and for several years subsequent the county was divided into three voting precincts, his being called the Pichland Grove precinct. The polling place was then at the residence of a Mr. Parker in what is now Richland Gi'ove township. On election day in 1836 Mr. Boone, in company with a neighbor, walked to Mr. Parker's to cast their votes. On their arrival they fV)und fifteen or twenty settlers from other parts of the precinct who had congregated there for the same purpose. They had no printed tickets, and as not a soul of them knew the names of the electors, it was impossible for them to vote, and after laughing and joking considerably over their predicament they returned to their respective homes.

Mr. Boone states that at that time there was no road leading north and south except an Indian trail, which could be traveled only oji horseback, and which lay between Monmouth and Rock Island. He states that there had been a state road laid out from Beardstown to Rock Island, but as there had been no work done on it through Mercer county it could not be traveled by wagon.

Until after they had raised a crop the settlers were obliged to get their provisions from Knox and AVarren counties. In order to reach Monmouth by wagon they were obliged to go west to the Mississippi and there take a road running from New Boston to that place, which made a roundabout journey.

county. As tliere was but little wheat raised the settlers were obliged to subsist principally on corn bread, and occasionally on ''- hog and hominy." As game was plentiful a piece of venison or a wild turkey frequently broke the monotony. Mr. Boone states that a drove of wild hogs was seen along the river in 1836 and some of them were shot by the settlers.

He is one of the four remaining pioneei-s of Mercer county. He is a distant relative of the famous Daniel Boone, and like him, in his younger days, excessively fond of life in a wild country. He says the happiest days of his life were spent in a log cabin. In early times he could stand in the door of his rude habitation and look far up and down the river and across the country for miles, seeing nothing but prairie, mth here and there a belt of timber ; hills adorned with flowers of every hue, between which glided the silvery waters of the i-iver, and here and there herds of deer feeding on the plain.

But what a change time has wrought. Civilization in its onward march has blotted out all traces of the cabin, and where the bounding deer dwelt and the wild flowers bloomed, are school-houses, dwellings and fields of gi-ain.

The canoe of the swarthy savage is seen no more darting up and down the stream, while in the distance can be heard the shriek of the locomotive and the clanging of the church bells.

He like many others has stepped out of the busy whirlpool of life, aud is living in quiet retirement. He has the satisfaction of knowing that he assisted in paving the way for civilization and for progress, and in his later years his memory loves to dwell on the past, which for him has been marked by many hardships and dangers, yet has not been without its pleasures

Greene township assumed organization in 1854. The name of Greene was suggested by John Collins, with whom General Greene of revolutionary fame was a great favorite. The first town meeting was held in a school-house that stood on a hill in what is now the eastern part of the village of Viola. John Collins was chosen chairman Ijy acclamation, after which Uri Smith was chosen moderator, and Henry Hoagland, clerk pro tern. The polls being opened the following ofiicers were chosen by ballott : Elisha Miles, supervisor ; Henry Hoagland, town clerk ; William P. Collins, assessor ; Alexander McGauhey, collector ; John Frazier, overseer of the poor ; Samual E. Russell, John

H. Park and David Somerville, Jr., commissioners of highways; John Griffin and Henry Iloaghxnd, justices of the peace ; William T. McGauhey and W. P. Collins, constables ; Jeremiah Boyer, and David Somerville, Jr., pound masters ; Alexander M. Stewart, Van R. Harriott, and C. Doty, overseers of highways.

Viola

The village of Viola was laid out by Ford, Shepard and Perkins in 1856. As that time the old Air Line railroad was being surveyed through the country, and Viola was one of the points selected for a station. The name was conferred upon the infant village by Judge Perkins, and is said to have been suggested to him by one of his daughters. In 1856-7 the judge erected the large brick hotel, supposing that a prosperous town would soon surround it. But owing to the collapse of the railroad scheme the great building stood almost alone in its glory for several years aftei', and proved to have been a very unprotitabte investment to the builder.

The first business house erected after the laying out of the village was that of Dyer Ford, father of M. M. Ford, one of the proprietors of the town. Soon after, the Crosby brothers erected a building and opened up a stock of general merchandise. The tirst drug store was opened by Mr. Balkam. The postoffice was established in the village in 1856 at the residence of Samuel Perry, Mr. Perry officiating as postmaster for a short time, resigned, and was succeeded by Dyer Ford. The names of the successive postmasters down to the present time in the order of their appointment are as follows : B. F. Warner, resigned, E. S. Fugate, resigned, X. H. Pond, resigned, E. T. Crosby, resigned, E. L. McKinnie, removed, and V. R. Harriott. The latter named gentleman was appointed in 1880, and has discharged his duties faithfully and satisfactorily.

For a period of nearly twelve years after the laying out of the village, but little growth or progress was made, but after the completion of the branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad in 1869, it began to show some signs of life, and entered upon an era of prosperity and growth which surprised the most sanguine. In 1869 Park & McKinnie erected a handsome drug store. In 1870 Crosby & Phares erected a building in the same block. In 1871 H. B. Frazier built a handsome two-story store building 22x60 feet, and has since added twenty feet in length. In the winter of 1869-70 John G. Gilbert erected a store buildinii; and masonic hall on the corner of Shepard and Eighth streets. Since that time he has added two other handsome store-rooms, nuiking the entire building 6*^X64 feet. The first stock of hardware was put in by Y. R. Harriott, in the old hotel building. In 1869 an elevator was built bj Mack, Reynolds tfe Co., of Galesburg, which was operated by the Manning brothers. In 1880 E. J. Morgan also erected a large grain elevator west of the former one, which is now owned by Pinkterton Brothers. The capacity of this building is 20,000 bushels.

During the winter of 1880-81, 400,000 bushels of corn were shipped from Yiola, which we presume was not exceeded at any point in the county. The village was incorporated Marcli 19, 1870, Dr. J. Y. Frazier, E. J. Morgan, Henry Allen, P. L. McKinnie, and W. K. Garwood being the first trustees. During the twelve years of her incoi-porated existence Yiola has had a licensed saloon within its limits but two years. During that time king alcohol held undisjjuted sway, and with his polluting breath sent misery and wretchedness, want and despair into many households. With his subtle power he tore the dimpled arms of the laughing child from about its father's neck, and changed him from a loving father to a demon. Thanks to the unceasing labors of the temperance people, he was checked in his devilish career. They declared, through the ballot, that the saloonkeeper must go, and he has gone, let us hope, forever.