Toulon Township (part 2 of 6)

Now the additions to population and enterprise created new aspirations. Nothing less than separate government would suit the big ideas of the httle hamlet, and a petition to this effect was signed in 1865, its })rayer granted, and ''The Town of Wyoming" was in fact a town. The records of the village are not in good shai)e, l)ut fi'om them the following list of village officers is made out:

The Wyoming election of 1882 was hotlj contested, J. B. Kobinson, of the People's party, receiving 130 votes ; J. A. Klock and E. Clark, antiJicense, 122, and Elisha Clark, People's party, 127 - the three members elect. CUiarles Sargent received the total vote, 250, for village clerk. By order of the board the certihcate of stock, :I^10,ooO, which Wvoming held in the Dixon, Peoria & Hannibal Railroad, was sold in 1882 to A. H. Castle, of Chicago, for ^500. This is a sad eulogy on the morals of railroad companies. In 1883 C. P. McCorkle and Dr. J, C. Copestake were elected trustees, Charles Sargent, clerk, and James M. Rogers, police magistrate. The trustees elected in 1884 were J. A. Klock, Allen M. Pierce and W. A. Truax ; Charles Sargent, clerk. A. M. Pierce was chosen president and Frank Thomas attorney. The trustees of 1885 was, John AV. Smith, llenr}- Duckworth and F. A. Sweetland ; S. K. C/onover was electetl clerk, succeeded bv F. P. Hill

The Wyoming election of 1886 resulted in the choice of E. S. Teeter, AA"^. A. Truax and Peter Sanner, license men, over Dr. J. C. Copestake, J. E. King and ]\Iiller Patterson, anti-license men. J. AV. Smith was elected president; L. F. Hill, clerk; H. A. Hammond, treasurer and Frank Thomas, attorney. The clerk's position was filled by S. K. Conover. The expenditures of the village, shown by appropriation of August, 1886, aggregate tlie sum of :$3,(»00, to be levied, assessed and collected.

Toulon and Essex townships, and to these sketclies the reader is referred. The school records in existence comprise a number of books, some well kept, some very poor in data and facts. From them, however, the following- memoranda is taken: In May, 1857, the district composed of sections 1 and 2 and part of 3. Township 12, range 6, and sections 35, 36 and part of 23, Township 13, range 6, was presided over b\^ J. B. Brown, H. A. Hoist, S. F. Otman, Isaac Thomas, Wm. B. /Armstrong. Dr. Milliken, Perry Stancliff, Isaac X. Tidd, directors or parties in interest. At this time the question of additional school room was considered ; and on June 13 decided affirmatively. It was ordered to levy a tax for keeping the summer school in operation, and also to establish a graded school. On June 22, a vote on raising $3,000 was voted against - 20 to 17; so that the district had to be satisfied with some repairs to the old building. Miss Harriett Milliken was teacher at this time; but in the fall of 1857 Enoch K. Evans was engaged to teach the winter school. In 1858 J. G. Greene and Isaac Thomas, clerk, are named as directors. Mrs. M. A. C^heney was teacher, at 83(1 per month until May, when Miss Mary W. Thomas took her place. In the winter W. II. Greenwood was engaged. Early in 1859 the district was divided, and H. A. Hoist, Perry Stancliff and Dr. J. G. Greene chosen directors of "Wvomino- district. In ^[ry Miss Marv Hayden was appointed teacher, at §20 per month ; and so well did she conduct this scliool, she was reengaged in July. At that time there was no summer vacation. In September, 1859, Dr. Wm. Hayden, W. H. Butler and John B. Pettit were elected directors, and the first named served as clerk. In April, 1860, Miss Minerva Woodrnff was engaged as teacher at §25, to succeed Augnstus Hammond, who tauo-ht here during the five previous months. Mrs. Hammond assisted him voluntarily, and to her the directors granted $20. Isaac Thomas succeeded J. J]. Pettit as director. Playden left the village in 1860, but his successor was not elected that vear. Augustus Hammond ^vas reengaged to teach the winter school at $35 per month. In May, 1861, Miss Marv Pettit was eng-ao-ed to teach the summer school. In Augnst W. II. Butler and J. M. Thomas were elected directors, and Charles Myers engaged as teacher at $30 per month. James M. Thomas was elected director in August, 1861, vice Dr. Hayden. Isaac Thomas was elected in 1860 and Wm. H. Butler in 1861 ; reelected in 1863 with J. G. Greene. In 1863 Isaac Thomas resigned. W. II. Butler was chosen clerk, and in 1868 Perry Stancliff was a})pointed clerk. In 1869 the school tax was increased from sixty cents to $1.50 per $100 valuation. In 1864 J. P. Lashells was elected, and in 1865, Samuel Butler, to serve until August, 1868. In 1868-9 Perry Stancliff, J. (t. Greene and John C. Copestake were the directors. In 1871 the names of Wm. Schroeder, builder; Beal & Gray, brick manufacturers ; (3ttman & King, quarrymen, and J. G. Briggs, lime Ijurners, occur in connection with building the school house. The name of Samuel Thomas is in connection with the sale of school lot. In 1869 S. K. Conover was elected as director, and subsequently appointed cler'k. In 1870 Pei-ry Stancliff was re-elected director, the meeting being held in the brick school house, for District of Township 12, range 6, and District ISTo. 8 of Township 13, range 6. In September, 1870, the first movement was made toward erecting a large school building. At that time it was resolved to raise one ]3er cent for a sinking fund, to borro\v $5,000, and to dispose of the old brick house. In April, 1871 J. C. Copestake was elected director, and in May a vote of the two districts was taken in re new school house, when it was decided to build on the old site. In July a vote of 27 to 1 agreed to increase indebtedness of the two districts to five per cent of the " assessed valuation.

In 1861 Miss Mary Pettit taught three months, and in 18G2-3 Charles Myers presided for five months. Mrs. S. A. Beatty and D. H. Allen were teachers here in 1863 ; Greorge A. Seaver and Anna E. McGlashan in 1861-5. In 1866 she and Miss Cheery were here, the former continuing in 1867 with Miss Ardehne Jarneau. In 1869 Miss Kate McGlashan assisted in the schools here, and the names of C. O. Lambert, Miss R. A. Courtright, Miss Abbie Ilulsizer, and Miss Belle Brown appear as teachers. In 1870-71 Miss Evans, J. Sohnand E. G. Wynkoop were teachers. In 1872 the names of William Nowlan, Miss H.' Stone, Miss M. E. Stone, Miss Mattie Stone, Alonzo Kicholls and Miss Fletcher appear as teachers in the new school building, with Simeon Ellis janitor. In 1873 the names of Wm, Nowlan, Miss Fannie Thomas, Annie M. Rule, Rebecca Butler, W. R. Sandham, appear as teachers ; Peter Pettit was janitor. During Charles Myers term there were nineteen boys and fifteen girls admitted to school, who, with the thirteen boys and sixteen girls at beginning of term, in N"ovember, 1861, made up sixty-three pupils.

On July 1, 1871, Newton Matthews, of Peoria county, bought $3,- 500 of district bonds for $3,150, due July 1, 1876, and $2,000 on July 1,1881. Levi Silliman also purchased $f,000 worth of bonds for $900, due July 27, 1877. In 1872 S. K. Conover, clerk and director since 1869, was reelected. On his resignation in 1873, Perry Stanclifi" and T. W. Bloomer were elected directors and John C. Copestake, a member of the board, was appointed clerk. In 1871 George W. Scott was elected director. In Se])tember, 1874, the "Wyoming south side schools opened, with Prof. Sandham in charge of high school ; W. W. Hammond, grammar; Rebecca Butler, intermediate; Nellie Walker, primary ; 1('4 names were enrolled.

in 1878 James M. Rogers was elected a director; in 1879 Thomas W. Bloomer; in 1880, G. W. Scott, reelected (former clerk, was elected president of the board). In 1881, James M. Rogers (also appointed clerk). In May, 1879, a school term of eight months was adopted ; $700 made the'salary of princi])al, and $10 per month the pay of other teachers. In January, 1877, the south Wyoming school house was destroyed by fire, but the damage was secured under insurance policies of $7,000. In July, 1878, W. R. Sandham was princijial ; Miss Carrie Butler, teacher in grammar school ; Rebecca G. Butler, intermediate classes ; and E. E. Stevenson, primary classes. L. Hill was chosen janitor. The principal received $90 per month, each teacher $12.50, and the janitor $25. In 1879 Mrs. C. W. YanPetten was appointed teacher, vice Mrs. R. G. Butler, resigned. A. B. Hill was appointed

In June, 1880, B. G. Hall was appointed principal, and in September Miss Alice Kellar was appointed teacher. In 1 881 B. G. Hall was reengaged as ])rincipal, and Miss Louisa Down emploj^ed as teacher. In April, 1881, it was resolved to borrow SI, 000 from Wyoming village to meet bond maturing. In 1882 A. W. King was elected director, George W. Scott still serving as clerk. In 1883 Mr, Scott was reelected. In 1882 Wm. Boggs was appointed janitor ; B. G. Hall reengaged as principal ; Miss Anna Keller, Miss Alice Keller and Miss Louisa Down, teachers. In April, 1883, Miss Grace Jones and Miss L. H. Searle took the places of Susan Down and Anna Kellar. Miss Alice Kellar was retained with them, and B. G. Hall, principal. John Ilnlsizer was employed as janitor. The teaching staff of 1883 were reC'ngaged. An offer to Edward Bangs of $1,000 per year as principal was declined, when Mr. P. K. Cross was engaged at |900 for term of eight months and twenty-two days. In October, 1881, the na-mes of Miss Grace M. Jones, Ella M. Hall and H. L. Tucker appear on the roll of teachers, and that of George Osborn as janitor. In January, 1884, the first record of punishments is made - the ordinar}^ boyish freaks justifying such ])unishments. During this year Mr. Scott was elected president and A. W. King was chosen to fill his place as secretary.

In 1881 a steam heater was introduced into the schools at a cost of $975. In 1885 the same principal and staff served the schools, the principal receiving $1,000 per annum. In March, 1886, Miss Clara Cook was appointed assistant teacher, with the former staff. In 1881 Henry I^. Fox was elected director ; in 1885, Albert W. King reelected, and in 1886 George W. Scott reelected, John E. Decker receiving only 47 votes out of 171 polled. The vote on levying special tax was 107 for, 62 contra.

In April, 1886, the question of building an addition to and improving the south side school building was decided affirmatively, and a loan of $3,000 in $500 bonds was authorized. These bonds were sold to Church Sturtevant, of Bradford, at par, on his bid of 5^ annual interest. In June the contracts were sold, in August a tax levy of $3,500 for 1886 was ordered, and in September the schools opened, completed according to contract.

No enterprise of Wyoming has made more rapid strides in progress than its schools. The town has always been fortunate ui electing school trustees who ever looked well to the interests and education of the rising population, and spared no trouble to provide all the facilities for good, thriving schools that the demands should warrant. Since the two school buildings were erected, Wyoming's population has doubled, and the schools are among the enterprises which have kept pace with this growth. W. K. Sandham, to whom the school interest owes so much, was appointed a member of the state board of education in May, 1885.

of 1836 ; but the members of this class belonged to Adam Perry's class, organized early that year in the Essex settlement. The senior members were the Thomas family, Agards, Holgates, Greorge Sparr, Ann Carney, Adam Day, Mrs. Adam Perry and Eliza Essex. Pev. Jesse Heath, father of the pioneer mercliant, preached here shortl}^ after, followed by Zadoc Hall, and Leander Walker, Newton G. Berr}?^- man, Enos Thomson, Wilson Pitner, A. E. Phelps, John Morey, H. J. Humphrey, John Hodgson, John Sinclair, A. Worhiscroft, or Wolliscroft, and other preachers and presiding elders well known on the circuit. The first authentic record is that of the class of 1847, under Isaac Thomas, with place of meeting at the Wyoming school-house. The meml)ers were Isaac, Samuel and James Thomas, with their wives, Lydia A., Marcia and Ellen Thomas ; Ellen Greenough, Polly and Mary A. Thurston, James M. Rogers, Harriet Pogers, David Wiffings, James Lashelle and wife, William G. Welch and wife, Sam Farding, Julia A. Welch, Clarinda Bishop, Ezra Wooden, Bethena and Lydia Wooden, Thomas and Eliza Essex, Emily Aumick, Lucy T. Dennis, John and Frances Bateman, John B. and Eliza Brown. (Thomas Essex died in 1853.) Eddy Brown, Maria, Samuel and Joseph Cummings, ]Sr. P. Doolittle and David Cooper. In 1848 John Sinclair was presiding elder, A. Wolliscroft preacher and Isaac Thomas class-leader. In 1844 services were held in the Smith store. In 1837 Gen. Thomas donated 1^ acres for a methodist parsonage, the same on which George Sparr erected the parsonage in 1838. In 1856 he donated the site for an M. E. Cliurch, which was l^egun and completed that 3^ear. In 1852 Rev. A. E. Plielps was presiding elder, C. Lazenby preacher, W. Thomas assistant and Isaac Thomas class-leader. The class was the same as in 1847, with the exce|)tion of the Essex family transferred, and the addition of Elizabeth Williams, Catherine Johnson and Ann Bearley. In 1854 a few new names were added, making u]) a class of twenty-eight members. In March, 1858, Betsey Wrigle}^, Eliza Donaldson, John B. Pettit, Dewitt Hunt and wife, C.'W. Brown and wife, Isaac Tidd and wife, H. Greenough, James Greenough and wife, John Knott, James Martin and wife, Edmund Wrigley, Joseph Balsley and Avife, David Maine and wife, Joseph Mi lor and wife, and others, were admitted.

Drawyer exliorters, J. Seeley steward, jSTat. Richards and James Tanquary leaders, Thomas Heywood, Sunday-school superintendent, appear among other members of the conference. In August, 1859, the names of James Miller exhorter, Elijah Ferris and John Farmer leaders and Stephen Hill, Sunda\" school superintendent, appear, with others above-named, at the conference then held. At this meeting the committee from the Elmira society reported their church at that point, built after the style of the Osceola church, almost completed.

In October, 1859, liev. J. J. Gue succeeded Mr. Fleharty as assistant to Rev. J. W. J. Smith, Elder Morey still presided and the personel of the conference remained generally the same. On January 1, 1860, the report of membership credits the following numbers to each societ}'^ : Wyoming, GO, quota of funds, $234 ; Roger's Grove, 4 miles southeast, 32, quota, $75 ; Seeley's Point, 33, quota, $85 ; Pleasant Ridge, 24, quota, $45 ; Centre, 13, quota, $40 ; Bradford, T, quota, $25 ; Osceola, 29, quota, 125; Elmira. 45, $135 or a total membership in circuit of 243 and total contribution of $760. The conference of January, 1860, was constituted as in August, 1859. In July, 1860, this part of the district was known as Wyoming Circuit of Toulon district. Central Illinois Conference. H. C. Greenough's name appears as exhorter with Revs. Morey, Smith, Gue and Ferris. In Sunday-school matters there were 111 officers and teachers, 9 bible classes, 405 scholars, 1,131 volumes, and 72 scholars in infant classes. In October, 1860, John Chandler was presiding elder, Jacob Matthews, preacher in charge, J. G. Lamper, local preacher, S. Hill, Chas. Brace, Jas. L. Ferris and Jas. W. Woods exhorters. In 1861 the preachers of the circuit were the same as in October, 1860. In July, 1861, J. B. Brown, Wesley King, John Bateman, Art emus Whitman, J. B. Kent, Wm. Hall, W. M. Fuller, Israel Seele}^ and Daniel Drawyer were elected stewards.

In May, 1862, William Hall gave place to Isaac Thomas as clerk of the conference. Rev. Hamilton was appointed assistant to Rev. Matthews on the circuit and the same stewards were reelected. In November, 1862, Rev. W. J. Stuljbles was preacher in charge, with J. W. Woods exhorter. At this time the purchase of a parsonage at Elmira was placed in the hands of the preacher, W. M. Fuller, S. Hill, L. Bailey, and J. M. Clark. This house was sold in 1865. In April, 1863, resolutions on the death of Wm. Hall, an early friend of Methodism, were placed on record. In July Lewis Bailey was junior preacher. In October, 1863, Rev. Adam Plepperly came as preacher in charge. Here he showed some signs of insanity, which grew at other stations and led him ultimately to the asylum. W. M. Fuller was clerk of conference, John Chandler being still presiding elder. In July, 1864, Isaac Thomas was reappointed clerk. In October, 1864, Elder Sammons presided. In April, 1865, the trustees of the church at Pleasant Ridge paid out on their church building $13.22, John Childs being treasurer. Among the trustees elected iu 1865 were Isaac Thomas, Geo. Strong, Shepherd AVestfall, Walter Fuller, Geo. Shaw, Daniel Drawj^er, and A. Whitman. In January, 1866 W. Shafer was preacher in charge. A. H. Hepperly and J. W. Agard were also here as superan- nuates. Missions known as Holmes, Ebeys and Franklin belonged to this circuit about this time. In 1867 Rev. J. Cavett Avas j^reacher. Kev. D. M. Hill came the same year, the same who gave the blessing at old settlers meeting in 1886 at Toulon. In October, 1867, J. W. Agard, "Wesley King and I. Thomas were chosen trustees, the latter being then clerk. Revs. E. Roof and Estees i)reached here then. In 1868 Wm, Underwood was presiding elder, and Rev. Torry, L. P. In 1869 Rev. A. B. Morgan took charge of the circuit. In 1870 Pleasant Green was detached, and in November of this year, M. P. Armstrong was preacher in charge. In 1871 came Rev. Carpenter, and in 1872, J. W. Agard was in charge of the circuit. In 1873 Elder C. Springer presided with "Wm. Wooley, preacher in charge, Isaac Thomas being still clerk. In ISTovember, 1873, Rev. Stouffer took charge. In 1874 E. C. "Way man came. In 1876 M. E. Beal, R. S., signs the records after Isaac Thomas. In November the name of W. H. Hunter appears as presiding elder and L. Janes as pastor, and B. H. Ober, now of Galva, secretary. In 1877, J. J. Fleharty was pastor, and early in 1878 Isaac Thomas was reappointed clerk. The following year, 1879, T. L. Falkner was pastor, and in 1881 came Rev. L. F. Cullom. During these years of progress I. M. Rogers, W. King, I. Thomas, Hall, Mallor, Edwards and otliers were stewards, and H. I. Brown, presiding elder. Presiding Elder Forsj^the and Rev. Seadore are named in November, 1881, with Ezra and Wesley King, E. J. Edwards, I. Thomas, Wm. Holgate, Benj. Bunnell, Chas. Sargent and B. G. Hall, trustees. In December, 1882, Rev. A. L. Morse became pastor. In 1883 Elder M. Y. B. White presided with Rev. R. B. Seaman, pastor. Mr. Seaman was succeeded in 1884 by Rev. A. R. Jones, and he in November, 1885, by Rev. D. G. Stouffer the present pastor. The trustees are AVesley King, E. J. Edwards, J. M. Rogers, Isaac Thomas, Jacob Smith, Thomas Beall, E. J. King and Benj. Bunnell. Messrs. Edwards, Thomas and Smith of the trustees are now stewards with Madames Colburn, Smith and Patterson. In January, 1882, the Methodist Episcopal Society bought the Drinnin lot on North Main street, and erected the new church thereon that year. The old building was sold to C. S. Payne in May, 1882.

St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal church may be said to have been founded here in 1848 by Rev. Richard Radley at the house of Henry Butler. Mr. Radley held monthly services here until March 1851, Avhen he moved to New York, his position here being taken by Rev. Philander Chase, who held services in the school house. On September 2, 1855, the society was organized with the following named members : Henry A. Hoist, Henry Butler, Charles S. Payne, L. S. Milliken, T. B. Whiffen and W. B. McDonald. On October 18 the parish was admitted into the diocese. The wardens were Henry Butler and Henry A. Hoist, in 1855; with Charles S. Payne, Thomas B. Whiffen and A. B. Butler, vestrymen. Of those, A. B. Butler, now of New York Post for about twelve years, and Charles S. Payne are living. In December, 1856, Peter Pettit off ered to do the carpenter work on the church and schoolhouse for $385. Dr. McMillen was elected vestryman, vice C. S.Payne, resigned. In July 1857, II. A. Hoist and Henry Butler were ward'ens, and J. H. Hopkins and R. Trasker elected vestrymen. In Jnl}^ 1857, J. Hopkins, A. E. Butler and H. A. Hoist were ap])ointed a building- committee. Up to this time services were held in the old brick schoolhouse, but changed to the old Methodist church (then new) on invitation. Their own church, begun in May 1857, ^va.s dedicated in Februarj^ 28, 1858, at a total cost of $1,020, of which Chicago contributed $271 and eastern people $172 A. B. Butler hauled the first load of building material.

Among tlie families belonging to this church in August, 1877, were Dr. J. G. Greene,L. 1). Ellsworth, Mrs. E. McLaughlin Brimfield; Ann E. King, Miss M. A. Allen, A. Root, of Blue Ridge; H. Byatt, William Thomas, Lucy Butler, Belle Kearns, Jerrems family in Nebraska; O. H. Stone, California ; W. J. Bond, Mrs. Amelia Hall, Bradford ; Dr. W. Cook, Edward Cook, the Ilochstrassers, Harrison Cqoper, Bradford; the Chase family, Heber Chase, Wada Petra; C. H. Yoorhees, Princeville ; Charles Me\^ers, of Toulon, now of California ; Mrs. Keffer, Toulon; G. Porter, Wada Petra; the Malone family, of Penn township (withdrawn) ; George White, of Toulon ; Mr. F. Renneck, of Toulon ; Richard Parker, of Stark ; Charles Wright, Toulon ; T. B. Wall, Modena ; John Hardy, E. H. Laymiller, C. S. Payne, W. Scott,

Robert Hunter, Osceola ; Robinsons, Heberlings and Hamilton Hockstrasser. The families named above formed fifty-seven members of this church in 1877.

There is no record of the church from 1858 to March, 18G0. In this year the Drummond house was leased at $215 per annum, for rector's house, and in October, 1869, Rev. T. N. Benedict was called, Messrs. Hoist, Greene, W. H. Butler, C, S. Pavne'and D. C. Kelloo-oforming the board.

Rev. F. II. Potts remained until Dr. Lloyd, now in Iowa, came and he was succeeded by Rev. T. H. Eddy, who, after three years service moved to Keokuk, Iowa. Rev. George Moore, who came early in 1883, left in 1881 and thei'e were no services held until August, 188(!, when Rev. John Hoist, a son of Henry A. Hoist, was appointed rector. Among the members of this society in later days were Dr. Cook, Dr. Castle, Charles D. Castle, W. J. Bond, here ; Ilenr}^ P>utler, deceased ; O, II. Stone, now in California ; L. D. Ellsworth, in Nebraska; Dr. J. G. Greene, deceased ; John Wrigley, Mrs. William F. Thomas, nee Mary Butler, Mrs. Amelia Bond, Mrs. Laymiller, Mrs. Hochstrasser, Mrs. Charles S. Payne, Henry A. Hoist, deceased.

In Se])tember, 1871, the board accepted Dr.. Castle's proposition to donate a lot opposite the residence of O. II. Stone; although William Tliomas offered two lots and $1,000, provided the church would be moved to the present location of the Congregational church. In 1872 the building was removed to its present site.

The Catholic Church of AVyoming, the building of which Avas begun in October, 1880, on grounds donated by Dr. Castle, was dedicated by Bishop Spalding, July 27, 1881. The subscription of the Protestant element of Wyoming very near equaled that given by the members. Tlie building was erected by James Murray for the committee, which comprised John Seibold, Michael Colgan and John Colgan. It is 32x04 feet, 20 feet to ceiling-, and seats 350 persons. Its cost was over $3,000. Father Moynihan began the work and completed it. The old members of the Catholic Church are named as follows : Michael, John, Edward and Thomas Colgan, of Penn, Yalley and Essex townships; Edward Weston and Michael Rj^an, of A^alley ; John Siebold, of "Wyoming ; James Colgan, of Yalley ; Andrew Cain, Toulon ; Patrick Cain, Essex ; Wm. Marlatt, Dominick Harty, Penn ; Peter Pauli, Toulon ; Edward Garman (deceased), Valley ; John Moloney, Essex ; the Frails, and a few others, who belong to the older Church at Camp Grove, or at Toulon. The Catholics of this district were visited by missionary priests from Lacon and Peoria prior to the building of the church, who held services in various homes. Since 1881 the church has been attended by Fathers Moynihan, Cullen and Rev. Delbarre, now stationed at Bradford. The congregation at present exceeds in number 200.

The Baptist Church of Clirist, of Wyoming, ma}^ be said to have been organized in August 1807, when Elder Dodge, of Toulon, presided here with A. J. Wright, of Saxon, clerk, and J. M. Stickney, reader of the articles of covenant. A number of ministers were present, among them J. W. Agard. The original members were James M. Stickney, Eplirairn M. Ilolton, Eliza M. Ilolton, Margaret A. Conover, Sai'ali Wilson, Francis Wallcer, Mary Butler, Louisa S. Hearse, Josephine A. Ilolton, Martha E. Wilson, Rachel Long, Adelaide Cole, Lucy Timmons and Rachel Davis. Of the above only Mrs. Cole and Mrs. Wilson now l)elong to tlie church here. The present membersliip is 42. The whole number received since 1807 was 170. Marshall Winn, the present clerk, beame a member in 1809. Elder Dodge was chaplain of the Ellsworth Zouaves, and commanded after the death of Colonel Ellsworth. The present clerk also served in two or more Union commands. The pastors since his time are named as follows : J. M. Stickney, Samuel Brimhall, Thomas Reese, George C. Van Osdell, Adison B. Tomlinson, AVilham Sturm and A. C. Edwards. The clerks were Ephriam Ilolton, Wm. S. Wilson, Marshall Winn, Edward Gimlett, Charles R. Wilson and J. B. Hammatt.

The Congregational Church of Cln'ist, of Wyoming, was organized April 3, 1873, with fourteen members. First services were conckicted by Rev. A. A. Stevens, of Peoria, the following Sunday. Rev. W. "Walters served this church from 1873 to August 23, 1883. when he resigned to take charge of the church at Lacon. Lie is now at Hastings, Neb. Rev. John Mitchell succeeded Rev. W. Walters, March 9, 1884. On February 18, 1873, a meeting was called to consider the question of founding a Congregational society here. This meeting was held at Dr. Copestake's house, John Hawks presiding, with J. F. Rockhold, secretary. The question was decided affirmatively, and on April 3, the following named members signed articles of association : John Rockhold, Prudence Rockhold, John C. Copestake, Sarah C. Co]:>estake, John Hawks, Augusta Llawks, Henry F. Turner, Charlotte Turner, James Buckle}^, Susannah Buckley, Ann Wrigley, Mary C. Scott, William Walters, Mary Ann Walters. The organization was received into the general body of the church, August 2Y, 1873, when the first council was held. The next proposition was to erect a house of worship. The Congregational Union granted §500 in 1874, and in August of that year the following solicitors were appointed : J. C. Copestake, H. Turner, John Walters, ]\[rs. G. W. Scott, Mrs. T. Stephenson, Mrs. A. Lyon, Mrs, Bailie, Mrs, Hawks and Will Hammond.

The building committee, composed of Eev. AValters, John Hawks, and Henry F. Turner, was appointed July 15, 1871:. This body reported in August, 1871, that W, F. Thomas offered one lot on Main street for 8100, and donated a similar lot. This report was adopted, and the deed of the property given to J. C. Copestake, Jolin Wrigley, H. F. Turner, John Hawks and George Kerns, trustees. The dedication took place May 4, 1875. Up to this time the societ}" worshipped in the Baptist church, Rev. William Walters filling the ])ulpit for botii congregations. The building stands on a lot donated by AV. F. Thomas, opposite the house of John Ellis. John Hawks was the architect. Smith tfc Wolfe were the carpenters, W. H. Gray builder of foundation, E.. R. Worley, of Toulon, plasterer, Haines & Bruce painters, Payne & Turner supplied the seats. The entire cost of the building was $3,583 ; all paid except 8500 at date of dedication. The deacons in 1873 are named as follows : J. Hawks, H. F. Turner, Joseph Mellor, J. Buckley, Prescott Blood, George Kerns, Mr. Corder and Mr. Wygant. The trustees in 1871r-5 were: Dr. Copestake, John Hawks, John Wrigley, H. F. Turner and George Kerns. In 1875, the latter was electecl ; in 1876, John Hawks; 1877, E. H. Phelps; 1878, Henry Duckworth and Adam L3^ons; 1879, Prescott Blood; 1881, John Hawks and A. W. King; 1882, J. W. Walters, J. C, Copestake and George Kei-ns; 1883, Dr. Copestake; 1884, Mrs. John Wrigley; 1?585, Mrs. George Kerns; 1886, Roval H. Miller and John Hawks. The clerks have been : John F. Rockhold, 1873; John W. Wahers, 1873; James Hunter, 1874: WiUiam W. Hammond, 1875; Miss Ahce B. AYrigley, 1876; John W. Walters, 1877-81 ; Miss Laura M. Jordan, 1882-6 ; Mrs. Addie Colwell, 1886. John W. Walter has been the financial secretarv since 1884, the first time the office was founded. The treasurers have been : J. C, Copestake, J, Hawks, Mrs. C. B, Hammond and James Buckley, the present treasurer.

The Sunday-School is contemporary with the church, John Hawks was first superintendent, succeeded by E. H, Smith some six years ago, and he bv Roval H, Miller,

The first baptisms were: Francis Xewlan, Laura M, Edwards, Will Hammond, 1874. Since 1876 the rite of baptism has Ijeen solemnized in 46 cases. The total number of admissions to membership, since 1873, is 196. The present membership is 106. Of the original members there are now connected with the church 6. Mrs, Buckley is dead and the others removed.

The United Brethren Societv, which mav be said to have existed here from 1872 to 1882, claimed no less than 54 members in 1875, among wliom where : Samuel and Lorina Farden, Samuel Bishop, Malinda O'Yanda, Mary (now Mrs. White; and Martha (now Mrs. Winfield) Beaver, Samuel and Lucretia Redding, Gasper Bogard, and Rebecca

Bogard, Jesse and Cynthia Redding, Lillie (now Mrs. Polly) and Olive Redding, Henry Curfman and wife, Edwin Baldwin and wife. Rev. J. S. Smith attended here for the last time October 28, 1882, but a traveling preacher held services here afterward on one occasion. The United Brethren church building is now the residence of Thomas Dugdale; sold in 1884 to John Francis. It used to stand south of the north side schoolhouse, and was used as a schoolhouse up to 1875.

Secret, Benevolent and Literary Societies. - Wyoming Lodge, 4Y9, A. F. & A. M., was organized February 28, 1886, and chartered October 3, the same year, with J. W. Agard, W. M.; George W. Scott, S. W.; Henry M. Rogers, J. W.; John Wrigley, treasurer; H. A. Hoist, secretary; S. K. Conover, S. D.; T. W. Bloomer, J. D.; and J. H. Cox, T. These, with Simon Cox and Isaac Thomas were the original members. Mr. Agard was master from this time to 1872, when he was succeeded by T. W. Bloomer, who served until 1881, when A. W. King was elected. In 1883, James M. Rogers was elected master, and in 1884, T. W. Bloomer was reelected. He represented Wj^oming at the meeting of the Grand Lodge in 188G, at Chicago. The secretaries were: 1867, Henry A. Hoist; 1868, W. H. Butler; 1869, Isaac Thomas; 1871, H. A. Hoist; 1873, E. H. Phelps; 1874, C. Collier; 1876, W. H. Butler; 1877, E. H Phelps; 1878, C. F. Hamilton; 1879, J.C. Bloomer; 1880-5, C. F. Hamilton ; 1885, P. K. Cross; 1886, S. K. Conover.

The members of the Blue Lodge on roster in 1886, are Thomas W. Bloomer, J. C. Bloomer, T. J. Bocock, S. K. Conover, J. H. Cox, Simon Cox, J. C. Copestake, Foster Coulson, J. M. Cox, Myron Cox, Charles Childs, P. K. Cross, H. Duckworth, W. T. Ditman, F. E. Davis, Frank Davis, C. S.; William and George Eagelston, H. N. Fox, G. M. Fuller, Orange Fuller, William Ilolgate, Dr. James Ilolgate, jr., C. F. Hamilton, Charles Hanipson, Richard Hight, A. G. Hammond, II. A. Hammond, James G. Hunter, J. B. Ilammatt, L. M. Graves, John Jordan, W. LI. Jordon, Albert W. King, J. M. Mendenhall, M. F. Meeker, C. McCorkle, George Moore, B. A. Newton, S. F. Otman, J. M. Rogers, J. T. Rogers, J. B. Robinson, G. W. Scott, Perrv 11. Smith, A. Snidiker, Winfield Scott, E. O. Swift, F. A. Sweetland, I. Thomas, Frank Thomas, John Wrigley, Samuel Wrigley, E. C. Wayman, J. K, Weller, J. E. Woods, V. A. Welton, and Geo. W. Nicholas.

Tlie first hall was over Llolst's drug store, the next in the Thomas building, the third over tlie '' Boston Store," the fourth in the '' Agard," or " Masonic Hall," and the present over Hammond & Walters' store, dedicated January 3, 1882.

to present. J. C. Copestake, secretarv in 1870; Henrv A. Hoist, 1871 to 1874; C. Collier. 1871; S. Miner, i875 to 1880 ; A. AV. King, 1880 to 1886; and S. K. Conover, 1886. Other members not noted in Bine Lodge are: S. G. Hatch, AV. F. Speer, W. Peterson, H.J. Cosgrove, E. H. Dej's, George D. Eagelston, W. P. Dator, A. Y. Fuller, J. A. Klock, D. G. Hurd, J. W. Morrison, Eev. George Moore, J. K. Hall, Wdliam Lowman, Charles Sargent. James Montooth, W. J. Washburn, Hiram Phenix. Harlan Hopkins, William M. Pilgrim, and W. "Williams.

Wyoming Family, Eastern Star, jS^o. 134, was organized Ma}^ 29, 1862, "^with J. W. Agard, Martha Agard, George W. Scott, Mary C. Scott, H. A. Hoist, S. K. Conover, Margaret Conover, John AVrigley, Ann Wrigley, James M. Rogers. Harriet Rogers and Eebecca Butler members. This organization continued in work nine years.

Wyoming Chapter, ISTo. 52, Eastern Star, was organized out of Wyoming Family February IS, 1871, and must be considered a continuation of the old lodge under a new name. The officers for 1886 are : Mrs. C. P. McCorkle, W. M.; A. W. King, AV. P.; Mrs. Dr. Sweetland, A. M.: Mrs. A. W. King, C.; Mrs. A. Thomas, A. C; Miss Fanny Rockfellow, Secretary ; Miss Laura Jordan, Treasurer.

Wyoming Lodge Xo. 244, I. O. O. F., was organized October 15, 1857, with the following charter meml)ers: Henry x\. Hoist, W. B. Armstrong. John Hawks, C. AV. Brown, U. M. Whiifen and Isaac N. Tidd. In October, 1863, they surrendered theii' charter, but the lodge was reinstated bv the following named members: Henry A. Hoist, Thomas W. Bhjomer, John Hawks, Charles S. Payne, John C. Wright and C. AV. Brown, Felnniary 6. Ib71. The list of members of AVvoming I. O. O. F. Lodge in 1886 is as follows: G. AY. Scott, W. A.^Boyer, James E. Rogers, Hiram AVeller, AY. W. Jarman, Jesse L, Aloffitt, Denis Guvre. James Bucklev, AY. Lvons, Henrv Newton, T. C. Dunlap. D. AL Crone, C. A. and R. T. Trapliagan, J. Kernaghan, D. C. Greene, S. R. Graves, G. E. Bonnell, AI. II. Teets, E. D. H. Couch. AA^ H. Jordan. AY. A. Truax, F. C. Wilson, D. M. Stancliff, M. T. Routzahn, O. ¥. Jacobs, Josepli W. Conger, John Scott. Charles H. Aloore, X. B. Alorse, AI. D.. AY. II. Proctor, G. S. Rakestraw, AY J. Legg, A. AY. Hotchkiss, A. Simmons and C. F. Hamilton.

De Wolf Post, No. 371, Wyoming, dates back to 1867-S, when Colonel Ford, State Adjutant of the G. A. R., met Dr. J. C. Copestake at Lacon, and again at Toulon, mustering- him in to tlie Grancl Army of the Republic at the latter tow^n, with power to organize posts throughout the county. On his return he brought the subject before some military men at a meeting in tlie old Boston Hall, who signed articles of association and were mustered. Dr. Copestake was elected first commander, succeeded by Capt. S. F. Otman, and he by Lieut. S. K. (Jonover, who commanded when the old Post disbanded, in 1868 or 1869. During its existence no less than thirty members were received, among whom were : William Llolgate, Sylvester F. Otman, S. K. Conover, Henry Otman, J. C. Copestake, Marshall Winn, George Murna, John Oldacker. P)arton Fox, Ancel H. Woodcock, Wallace W. Emanuel, Nelson Bell, John Pettit, Richard Frazier and Rufus Woodcock, a soldier of 1812. This old Post rendered material services to those widows, orphans or soldiers whom the pension office could not reach at that time. Henry Otman, a member, was buried with military honors, a Post was organized at Toulon and one at Elmira through its example, and much good accomplished ; but the introduction of politics killed this Post, as it did formerly other beneficial associations here.

In November, 1883, an effort was made to organize a Post undec the new laws of the G. A. R. A charter was ap})lied for and granted Noveiuber 26. This effort succeeded, and on December 6, 1883, Andrew Galbraith, of Post 327, Toulon, assisted by brothei's from Elmwood and Brimfield, mustered in nineteen members into Post 371, with Harvey Forman, C. ; John Hawks, S. V. C. ; Jacob Graves, J. V. C. ; C. J. Colburn, S. ; Peter Lane, Q. M. ; H. K. Hochstrasser, O. of D. ; Thomas Nicliolas, Chaplain ; David Kerns, O. of G. ; C. F. Hamilton, Adjutant ; M. M. Sparr, Sergeant Major ; William Sewards, Q. M. S. The officers were then installed by Dept. Com. Samuel A. Harper. At a subsequent meeting the names of Lient. W. Denchfield and Captain DeWolf were proposed to select a name from, for the Post ; and on a vote the latter name was carried, the authority l)eing his record as given in the military chapter and in the biography of Toulon township. In 1884 C. F. Hamilton was elected Commander ; A. Simmons, Q. M. ; D. B. Kellogg, O. of G. ; and Marshall Winn, Adjutant. In 1885, J. C. Copestake was chosen Commander ; Marshall Winn, Adjutant ; C. F. Hamilton and C. G. Colburn, S. V. and J. V. respectively ; A. M. Pierce, Surgeon; H. LI. Hochstrasser, O. of D. ; A. Timmons, Q. M. ; John Hawks, Chaplain ; Ancel H. Hanchett, O. of G. ; Leroy Mash, S. M. ; and John Jordan, Q. M. S. In 1886, Marshall Winn was

The names of the membei's who signed application for charter are as follows: S. F. Otraan, Ananias Timmons, C. G. Colburn, David Kerns, Peter Lane, Joseph Peve, John G. White, Charles P. McCorkle, William Dixon, Allen M. Pierce, Harvey Foreman, John C. Copestake, John Jordan, Ancel H. Hanchett, John Hawks, Matthew M. Sparr, Franklin Pratt, Dennis D. Kellogg, Thomas Dugdale, William Sew- Sewards, Thomas Nicholas, Harmon H. Hochstrasser, Alfred B, Armstrong, Charles F. Hamilton, Jacob Graves, William E. Thomas, William Holgate and James Ditman, Commander Marshall Winn, to whom the writer is indebted for the above names, dates and incidents, says : " As we close our chapter on DeWolf Post we realize the fact that she is now in the ver}^ zenith of her strength, and that these gray haired veterans are nearing the sunset of life's journey, and one by ones will, in obedience to orders from their Supreme Commander, cross over the river, and pitch their tents in the silent camping ground of our heroic dead."

The Fourth of 1863 was one one of the gala da3^s in the history of Wyoming. Capt. H. Butler presided, with Capt. W. B. Armstrong marshal. The assistant marshals were : A. G. Hammond, J. G. Mc- Graw, W. F. Thomas, J. M. Eoger and Henry Otman. The executive committee comprised Isaac Thomas, Dr. A. M. Pierce, G. M. Fox and H. A. Hoist and Dr. J, G. Greene. The ladies raised $150 for the relief of soldiers on that day. The following named soldiers were at rest in Wyoming cemetery in May, 1879 : Capt. David DeWolf, Lieut. William H. Denchfield, Lemuel Dixon, Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry ; Samuel Dixon, Fifty-first Illinois Infantry ; Henry J. Otman, William Wilkinson, One-hundred-and-twelfth lUmois Infantry; Harr}^ Price, Peoria Battery ; Joseph Diggle, Eighth Missouri Infantr}^ ; John Brandon, war of 1812 and of the Black Hawk war. The pensioners residing in Wyoming in 1883 were : Belinda Bessett, Hannah Dixon, Mary A. Cole, Annie Curfman, Charles P. McCorkle, Morris C. Lampson, Dennis Kellogg, John G. White, George Newton, John Harvey and Eliza Brown, $8 each ; Michael Alderman, Carey Colburn, Asabeil Wilmot, §4 each ; AYilliam Holgate, $2 ; Thomas C. Dunlap, $6 ; Alvah Sturtevant, $5 ; and John Hawks, $24 per month.

Miscellaneous Societies. - In March, 1862, the Wyoming Sons of Temperance organized, succeeding the old temperance association, and preceding a few others organized between 1866 and 1880.

The Wyoming Temperance L^nion was organized in JVIarch, 1882, Avith A. G. Hammond, P.; Mrs. W. Sturgeon, Y. P.; A. F. Stickney, secretary and statistician, and Isaac Thomas, treasurer.

The Wyoming Band of Hope (temperance) claimed for its executive board in 1882 the following members : W, H. Barrett, A. F. Stickney, Mrs. Mary Sturgeon, W. H. Barrett, J. Hawks, Mrs. E. H. Smith, J. C. Copestake, Mrs, Martha Colby, Mrs. Jacob Smith and Mrs. S. E. Sedore.

The T. O. G. T, Lodge of Wyoming, was organized April 9, 1885. The officers in order of senority elected were : W. H. Barrett, J. K. Conger, Grace Jones, Isaac Thomas, H. A. Hammond, Algina Harwood, C. K. Wilson, Mrs. E. C. Breese, P. K. Cross, Mrs. H. A. Hammond, Mrs. Kellie Clark, Marsh Winn, Isaac Thomas, Mrs. P. K. Cross, Blanche Wolf, Mrs. M. Fox, A. G. Hammond and Robert Jordan.

The organization of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union here is noted in the general history. In October, 1886, Mrs. Castle and Mrs. McCl3mient represented tliis society in State Convention at Moline.

On April 8, 1883, an auxiliary Women's Foreign Missionary society was organized at Wyoming with the following named members : W. Adams, I. Thomas, Anna Sharp, Sarah Wall, P. (). Hall, M. Pierce, M. A. Colburn, M. A. Ward, Robinson, E. O. Swift, I. Smith, Robertson, Drummond, E. M. Edwards, A. L. Morse, R. Miller, Alice Miller, E. King, W. King ; Misses Alva King, Kittie Thomas, J. Conover, Grace Jones, O. Harwood, A. L. Morse and B. G. Hall.

Wyoming camp-meeting association is modern in organization but old in practice. In 1810 the first meeting was held, almost on the present camp grounds, with N. G. Benyman, Enos Thomson, and Wilson Pitner, leaders. Two years later a similar meeting was held near Lafayette, and during Mr. Morey's time as presiding elder, a third meeting was held there. Every year since Mr. Morey's time a camp meeting or local revival meeting has been held successfully ; but in later vears the camp at Wyoming has robbed the ordinary church revival of so much romance and religion, that it became a permanent nstitution. James M. Rogers, B. G. Hall and E. J. Edwards, a committee on building for the W^^oraing camp meeting association in 1883, ordered the old boarding-house to be removed and a new building erected. No tobacco is sold upon the ground. Swearing is discouraged. The crowd is composed of the average sort of church-going people, interspersed with a company of pleasure seekers of more worldly stripe but of some social position. Upon these '' worldly " folk, who stay longenough for the Methodist brethren to " place," every redeeming power is brought to bear, A large out-door auditorium is used whenever the weather ])ermits, and there are chapels for stormy days, rooms for boarders, always a good dinner, and permission for all visitors to pitch their tents, cook, eat, pray and sleep. The lectures and religious discourses are practical appeals.

A lodge of Modern Woodmen of America, a new benevolent and benefit society, was organized July 29, 1886, with about a score of charter members. The following were elected and installed as officers for the iiisuing half-year: E. A. Trimmer, V. C; A. W. King, W. A.; J. E. Decker, E. B.; 'J. M. Thomas, jr.. Clerk ; W. E. Nixon, Escort ; D. S. Burroughs, Sentrj^ ; J. H. Garside, AYatchman ; C. D. Castle, A. ^¥. Ilotchkiss. and D. S. Burroughs, Managers ; Dr. H. IS^. Fox, M. E.

The circulating librar}- located at E. D. Hewitt's, which opened September 25, 1886, is established upon the most commendable plan, and the reading people of Wyoming are fortunate in secmMngso large a collection of books l)y standard authors. This library was opened witli 80 members at ^1.50 each membership, and every two new subscril)ers or members at the membership price $1.50 will buy three books ; that is each sul)scril)er's membership price buys a book and a half. There are now some 120 volumes in the library' and all are the pro|)erty of the members.

The Po8t Ojfice is an old institution at W3^oming. Mrs. Shallenberger states that "in 1834 General Thomas came to Wyoming, bringing with him a large family of sons antl daughters and sons-in-law, besides several other men, among them AVilliam Godley who accompanied him in some capacity. All at once AVyoming began to assume importance, and aspired to the post office. The Osceola settlers too, favored the change, always choosing to cast their lot with Wyoming. Accordingly a petition was gotten up, and William Godley was the fortunate appointee of government. Mr. Holgate accompanied Mr. Godley to Essex's to receive possession of the books and papers, mail matter and appurtenances of the office generally, and to convey them to Wyoming, lie soon noticed indications of a coming storm in the countenance and conduct of Mrs. Essex. She was washing when they entered, and for a while continued her occupation with a vim that astonished her visitors, rubbing and scrubbing almost furiously, then she deliberately turned from her tub, wiped her arms and hands, sat down, and gave them her opinion of men who would steal a post office, in terms which those gentlemen could never forget. The office has been generally well filled down to the present lime. On August 1, 1870, it was created a money order office and in recognition of its growing im])ortance a sidewalk was at once l)uilt from Castle's addition to this office. For 3^ears the late John B. Brown had charge of this office. In 1884 C. G. Colburn was appointed master here, but was succeeded b}^ J. M. Thomas in 1885,, the present courteous and able incumbent.

The Wyoming Cemetery Association was formed May 8, 1871, when the following named organized under that title : J. AV. Agard, S. K. Conover, J. B. Pettit, A. J. Conover, E. S. Conover, Isaac Thomas, J. B. Brown, John Hawks and H. A. Hoist. Messrs. Agard and Thomas were elected president and clerk respectively, and S. K. Conover, A. J. Conover and J. B. Pettit, directors. They were in fact the successors of the old cemeter}^ trustees - a body in name only, and being so, agreed to purchase the land between the okl cemetery and First street, S. K. Conover being a committee to negotiate such purchase with Gen. Thomas. Messrs. Agard, Pettit and A. J. Conover were to plat the grounds and build a fence. The tract was purchased for $100, and sold at from S^l to $15 per lot ; E. S. Conover was lirst superintendent. In 1872 J. C. Copestake, J. Hawks and S. K. Conover were elected directors; in 1S73 A. G. Hammond, G. A¥. Scott and Samuel Pierce were chosen directors, the president and secretary holding over; in 187-1 E. S. Conover replaced S. Pierce, and C. Collier was appointed collector of an improvement fund. Tliis board continued until 1877, when the president, secretary with Robert Jordan, John Wrigley and S. F. Otman were chosen, and the latter elected president. In 1880 Rev. Wm. Walters, John Wrigley, S. F. Ottman, A. G. Hammond, F. Thomas and J. C. Copestake formed the board, with Capt. Otman, president, and Isaac Thomas secretary and treasurer. In 1882 A. G. Hammond was chosen ])resident; in 1883 tlie same officers served and continued in office down to the present time. James Bucldey, the first regular sexton, is now filling that position. Isaac Thomas, who for years has been secretar}^ of the association, permitted J. G. Greene to make the followino' entrv in the old school recortl, which is also the cemetery record, April 23, 18.58. It is witnessed by H. A. Hoist and reguhirly signed l)y Greene: "I hereby agree to give Isaac Thomas $5 a year for abstaining from the use of tobacco from this date." The present cemetery at Wyoming may be said to be opened by tlie burial of Artemus Lake, brother of Mrs. Barley and Mrs. Sewell Smith, next AVm. Godfrey, and next Ann Carney Hodges. The land was donated by Gen. Thomas to trustees for public use on condition that it would be fenced and kept in order.

The C. S. Payne monument, erected by the owner, is an elegant work of art. Mr. Payne has undoubtedly outwitted death, and gives promise of battling with Old Time for years to come. John Brandon, a soldier of 1812, and of the Black Hawk war, is buried liere, but the headstone lies broken. The o-rounds contain manv excellent monumental pieces.

Traders. - In May, 1869, F. J. L. sent to the Prairie Chief for publication thirty-one quartettes - a long mathematical poem on Wyoming. Messrs. Payne, King, Ottman, Kellogg, Brown, Winn, Hoist, Bouglin, Bunn, Bonner, Dennis, Bloomer, Doctors Green, Fox, Copestake and Castle ; Conover at the mills, all find mention in this poem in connection with their business and their enterprising town.

The removal of the Bond store to Coal village in August, 1878, where about fifty men were at work on the big shaft, gave AVyoming the appearance of being divided up into three distinct })arts, the original town, tlie Castle addition, and Coal village.

When W. J. Bond came in 1872 to take charge of the Lathrop Co.'s store, there were 100 men working on the shafts, the company then furnishing the C, B. & Q. R. R., and local consumption. The works were burned April 28, 1880 - the mule used in the mine escaping ^vith little injurv. A¥m. Taylor and Joseph Swanson are said to be the first regular miners, John McCarthy was their contemporary, also John and Anthony Robinson. After the founding of the Lathrop Co.'s works the men named continued to supply local trade, Taylor being engaged actively up to a few years ago, Swanson still in harness. McCarthy is also here, so also are the Robinson's. Thomas Stevenson, who worked for the Lathi-op Co. up to about 1878, now operates his own mine. In 1882 James Higby oj^ened a bank on Mr. Bond's farm. In Coal Hollow are a number of small operators, while along the C, B. & Q. shafts are worlced economically.

The interests of the Latlirop Coal Co. here have ceased - their leases having passed into other hands. About 1878-79 the weighmaster, Richard Kent, stepped on the cage, which descended rapidly,

For the purpose of making a record of the new buiklings erected in Wyoming during the ten years ending in 1882, a bst of the same with the names of the occupants in 1882 is presented.* Where the occupant does not own the building the name of the owner is also given.

During the ten years the Episcopal church was re-built. United Brethren church moved to its present location and remodeled, and the South Side school rebuilt.

The following buildings have been moved into town from outside the corporation during the ten years : House occupied by I. H. Cowen, house owned bv W. J. Bond and occupied bv F. C. Wilson, store and dwelling owned by W. J. Bond and occupied by W. T. Wood, mill occupied by C. Priester & Co., elevator occupied by Charles Sargent. There have been several sho]is and offices put up during the ten years.

The Yapp log-house, which in 1850 stood on the S. W. corner of Beers lot, and which was sold to Beers by John Wrigley in 1855, and moved in rear of his stable was torn down in April. 1882, by Harry Hammond, wlio purchased the Beers' liomestead. The old Methodist building of Wvomino- and the old Conoregational building of Toulon were moved by C. S. Payne and transformed into an opera house.

In Xovembei?, 1860, the Wyoming Banking Company filed articles of incorporation in the clerk's office, jJacing the caj)ital stock at 8500,000. The Exchange Bank of Wyoming was opened in October, 1869, at Wyoming, in Eockhold's building, by Anson Miner. Otis Dyer was appointed cashier of this bank in November, 1869. The Farmers' Bank lield an important place for some time. The Wyoming- Building and Loan Association was incorporated in August, 1882, on the petition of John Wrigley, S. F. Otman, W R. Sandham, C. P. McCorkle, Wm. Holgate, John A. Klock and Wm. II. Barrett.

1882, viz.: James Holgate, President; John A. Klock, Cyrus Bocock, W. JP. Bus well, Wm. Holgate, Lev^i Silliman, Vice-President s, and Andrew F. Stickney, cashier. The other stockholders were S. W. Eastman, E. S. Teeter, Isaac Thomas, A. Bailey, J. Smith, E. M. Bocock, C. W. Teeter, Brj^an Eielh", John Delzer, Peter Lane, John Snare, H. Brown, A. F. Bloomer and Abram Phenix. - The bank was opened March 15, 1883, and continued as a National bank until January 1-4, 1885, when the company went into voluntary liquidation.

The banking house of Scott & Wrig-ley dates back to 1870. It is the predecessor and successor of the National Bank. With its capital of $100,000, and the men who control and manage this capital, the house justly claims as high, if not a higher position in the estimation of tlie people as it would if working under a national charter.

The leading business circle at "Wyoming comprises Joseph Anderson, John A. Klock, grain merchants; C. H. Bogue, H. T. Prentiss and Otman & Jordan, lumber; C. S. Payne, grist and planing mill; Scott & Wrigley, bankers; Hammond & Walters, King Bros., P. H. Miller & Co., Chas. S. Payne, merchants ; Winfield Scott, meat market and stock dealer; Chas. Hill, John Seebold, C. P. Wilson, meat market ; J. W. Smith, dealers in dry goods and groceries ; J. M. Cox & Co., F. E. Davis, Teeter & Co., Wm. C. Wall, druggists; Patrick Sullivan, Patterson Bros., E. A. Trimmer, hardAvare and farm implements; Viola Flouring Mills, Smith & Miller, Samuel G. Breese, furniture; Mrs. G-. Tyrrell, Mrs. Ella McCorkle, Misses Hopkins, milliners ; Mrs. J. Morgan, dressmaker ; Damon & Co., wind-mills and Avagon boards ; John Steer, Hour and feed ; William H. Gray, William Holgate, Edward Keeling, Iligby & Damon, brick and tile manufacturers; W. A. Truax and Fuller & Co., livery stables; Peter Sanner, hotel ; F. K. Fuller, restaurant ; J. B. Robinson, carriage manufacturer; Jacob Smith, Geo. W. Davis, James Burns, and E. II. Lawmiller, boots and shoes ; Teets & Davis, granite and marble works ; Joseph Noret, sorghum works ; Charles L. Davis, photographer ; W. R. Sandliam, newspaper and printing office; C. P. McCorkle, Marsh Winn, E. J. Kellogg, harness manufacturers ; Geesey & Meeker, builders ; Edgar D. Hewitt, jeweler ; Leon Fuiks, clothing ; W. H. Boyer, bakery and restaurant.

The merchants who have acquiesced in the early-closing movement from October to March are : Hammond & Walters, King Bros., Chas. S. Payne, E. H. Miller & Co., Jacob Smith, Patterson Bros., J. W, Smith, Hunter & Hartz, E. A. Trimmer.

The great milling business of Spoon river dates away back to the years credited in the general history. Samuel G. Breese, of Wyoming, has one of the buhrs of the Dorance & Breese corn-cracking mill of fifty years ago. B. F. Fuller, C. D. Fuller and Miles A. Fuller were among the many old settlers who worked hard on this primitive grist mill, nor was it unknown to many of those men, a few of whom are still here, who built up Wyoming to its present prosperous state. Such milling enterprise as now obtains here was then unthought of, and he of forty 3^ ears ago, who would agree with Charles S. Payne, that his big industrial ideas .would ever find a field here, would be counted as one of the old-time crazy men. He has accomplished even more than he 23romised in the long ago, and brought up in the very heart of the town two manufacturing industries of great importance. These have been planned and equipped by himself, and much of the actual work of building, fitting and placing new machinery was performed by him. His flouring and feed mills, as well as planing mill have all been brought iuto existence by him and form to-day a part and parcel of Wyoming's progress.

The Viola Flouring Mills in North "W3^oming, operated by Charles C. Priester, were remodeled in 1886 and the roller process introduced. In the neighborhood is the old, old mill, known for years as Cox's Mill; older one's still have been swept away, while S. K. Conover's was destroyed by fire.

Payne's Opera House, Wyoming, was opened Januaiy 1, 1885, by the Peoria Parlor Party. In October, 1882, the old congregational building at Toulon was purchased by Charles S. Payne and moved to W3Tjming. The price paid was 81 "5. Subsequently he purchased the old Methodist building, and out of the two derelicts of religion he formed a temple and dedicated it to music and the drama. 'The exterior of this dual edifice is as unique as the idea which brought them together. The interior is witliout doubt worthy of the originator. The frescoing, scenery, arrangement of seats and ante-rooms were all carried out after Mr. Payne's plans, and all reflect his good taste.

In September. 1870, the American House was opened by Greenwalt & Culbertson, and the name changed from the Wyoming House. This house was burned in A})ril, 1876, wliile tenanted hy Mr. Linscott and family. The hotel was the propert}^ of C. S. Payne. The " Tremont," formerly known as the " Castle House," was opened by G. B. Fern, in April, 1882. The Truax House, or Clifton, one of the leading hotels of the district, is now (September 20, 1886,) conducted by Peter Sanner. W. A. Truax sold this house to John Slater, of Duncan, in September, 1886, of whom Mr. Sanner is lessee. The house is all that is claimed for it, the leading hotel of W^^oming, and one of the best conducted in the whole district.

The Payne building at Wyoming, in which McCully carried on the grocery business, was burned April 6, 1868. McCully lost his stock, $200 in cash, and barely escaped himself. Wilson Bros.' sorghum works were burned in Se])tember, 1879. In 1876 the American House was destroyed by fire. The Castle Block at Wyoming was destroyed by fire March 11, 1885. This building was owned by Teeter & Co., druggists, G. B. Fern, A. H. Castle, and the Dr. Green estate. Patterson Bros, carried on business in this building, but were not among its owners. The destruction of Jarnaghan's tile works, owned bj' Wm. Holgate, took place in 1886. The destruction of the Conover mills, about eight years ago, entailed heavy loss on the owner. These fires, with a half dozen of smaller ones, make up the list of cc>nflagrations here.

Biography And Reminiscences Of Toulok Towisiship

This, however, is not the case ; for in the unwritten, unrecorded history of the men who made the township is found the minutise and the most interesting parts of her history. These sketches are arranged alphabetically.

John W. Agard was born in Odessa, Schuyler county, New York. He was educated at Cazenovia, New York. March 1, 1834, he and Martha P., a daughter of General Thomas, were married at Kingston, Luzerne county, Pa. In 1836 he resolved to make his home in Illinois. He arrived in Wyoming September 25 of that year, and though he lived in other places since he always looked upon Wyoming as his home. From 1836 until 1845 he followed farming as a business, occasionally working as a carpenter, In 1845 he applied to the M. E. Pock River Conference for a preacher's license. He took an active part in the work of the conference, and was for several years one of the leading presiding elders. He returned to Wyoming, there to devote himself more fully to the care of his sick wife, completing this duty with her death September 21, 1870. Mr. Agard then considered it his duty to give his time and attention to the care of his wife's father, the aged General Thomas. A few months after General Thomas' death, which occurred July 7, 1879, Mr. Agard removed to Chicago, where he resided until his death, October 11, 1881.

John R. Atlierton,, born in Kentucky, in 1 802, moved with parents to Ohio in 1803, married Jane Armstrong in 1825, moved to a point near Nauvoo in 1835, and to Stark county in 1844, where he settled on what is now the James Biggs farm ; died January 31, 1885.

Jvlius Barnes, son of Martin and Ruth (Dart) Barnes, was born at Florence, Oneida county, New York, August 27, 1826. His parents were natives of Connecticut, who, with their family, moved into York state. Their children numbered six sons and four daughters, all of whom, with the exception of two sons and one daughter, grew to manhood and womanhood - one son and one daughtor dying in late years. In 1836 the entire family moved to Elmwood township, Peoria county, coming tlie whole distance by wagon, and occupying six weeks in making the trip. Julius received his education at Elmwood, and was there engaged in agriculture and stock-raising until 1853, when he settled in Valley township and improved a farm of 160 acres there, since extended to 400 acres. For thirty years he resided on this farm ; was school director of his district for fourteen years consecutively, and served in several township offices, always taking a pride in the progress of the community. In 1853 he married Miss Sarah, daughter of Arni and Susan (Bosworth) Kellogg, who came from Clinton county, N. Y., to Stark county in 1836. Mrs. Barnes, however, was born in Vermont. Their children are Martin J., a farmer of Davis county, la.; Mrs. Mary A. Tilton, of Bement, Neb.; Rufus A., of Davis county, la.; Franklin A., farmer on old homestead ; Alvin S., of Otoe county. Neb.; Edson S., who died in his fifth year ; Frederick H. and Emma L. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, originally Methodists, but of old Presbyterian families, are members of the Congregational church. He was a member of the Stark County Agricultural Society, but since the organization of the Central Agricultural Society has given it full support. He devoted much attention to tine stock growing up to 18S3. when he moved into AYyoming, where he has a pleasant residence and a farm of 7< » acres of well located and fertile land.

Jonas Ballentine^ born in X. Carolina, April 3, 1815, married Miss M. R. Edwards in 1841, settled in Stark county in September of that year, died near Monica, Peoria county, in his H3d year.

Mt8. Eunice {Ferguson) JBass^ born in Northampton, X. Y., in 1820, married E. B. Bass there in 1810, came with her husband to Blinois in 1854, settled five miles northeast of Toulon, and resided there until 1878, when she moved into the village, where she died August 10, 1885.

Thomas A. Beall, S/\. born in Dubois county, Ind., March 11, 1823, is the son of Asa and Mary (Co^de) Beall, natives of Kentucky. The former of Favette countv and the latter of Bullitt countv. The father was a millwright and helped Iniild the first grist mill at Cincinnati, O. He died in Peoria county in June, 1873, aged eighty-four years, his wife preceded him in 1872, leaving three sons and two daughters. Asa Beall was a son of Thomas Beall, an old settler of Kentucky. Asa Beall removed with his family to Illinois in 1832 and located where is now ^[ossville, Peoria county, but removed to Kickapoo, where he resided for many years. His children are: Thomas, Harriet, wife of James Pogers; William, a farmer of Valley township ; Francis, a resident of Peoria, and Josephine, wife of William Lawrence, of Peoria county.

T/io/nas Beall was educated in Peoria county and there married Miss Ophelia, daughter of David and Poxanna (Minter) Bush, of Pennsylvania and Kentucky, respectiveh% and pioneers of Peoria county. At thirty years of age he left there and ]iurchased a property in Valley township, section 2, known since as the Beall farm Of his five sons and six daughters, Marion is a farmer in Harlan county, Neb.; Fred'k, an attorney-at-law, of Alma, Harlan county. Neb. ; Asa, a minister of the Methodist church (Peoria conference) : Hattie, the wife of David McLeish, a minister of the Methodist church, at Eoseville, 111.; Thomas Allen, at Hedding College, pursuing a literary and classical course; Mary, at Squire Pogers; John is a clever musical genius; Susie, Etfie, Minnie and Ada residing liere. He is a supporter of the Methodist church, while Mrs. Beall and many of the children are members of that church.

John Berjield, son of Benjamin and Martha (Sloan) Berfield. was born in Summer HiU townshi]x Crawford county, Pa., April 24, 1814. His father was born in Cleartield countv, Pa., and his orandfather at London, Eng., who came to our shores as a Bi'itish soldier during the Franco-Indian War, settled in ]\Iahoning county, and afterwards embraced the cause of the Revolution ; lived to see the country rid of t3'ranny, and a family of five sons and two daughters growing up m a free state. His wife was a Miss Hall, who, like the old soldier, ended her days on the old farm beside the Susquehanna. Mr. John Berfield's father served in the War of 1812; settled in Crawford county. Pa., where he raised a family of four sons and five daughters. In 1834 he moved to Peoria county. 111., and in 1836 took up land in West Jersey township, where he and his wife died in 1840, and were biu'ied in the

McClenaghan cemeteiy. His wife was a daughter of John SJoan, of Crawford county. Of his family, Ehzabeth, wife of JSTatlian Stockton, of Peoria county, is dead; Maria, wife of Jacob Kightlinger, of Yates city is dead. The former was the mother of two sons and three daughters, and the latter of eleven children, seven of whom are living. Sarah, wife of Mr. Ball, of Dakota, is dead ; Carson and John, of Stark county; George, who died in 1845; Martha, wife of Joseph jST. Benedict, of Moline, deceased, leaving three children - Wheatle}^ B., a farmer, near Hokah, Minn., and Mary Anne, wife of Miner Hedges, of Denver, Col., deceased. John Berheld received a fair education in his native county, learned the carpenters trade there, and on coming to Knox county, now a part of Stark, purchased and improved a farm in what is now West Jersey township, and ever since has been identified with the county's progress. He married here Emily, daughter of Squire Thomas Colwell and a native of Boss county, Ohio. They are the parents of two sons and two daughters, who are also the heads of families. Mr. Berfield has served as justice of the peace for West Jerse}^ supervisor of Toulon, whither he moved in 1852; has been township treasurer of schools and member of school board, as related in the histories of these townships. Mr. and Mrs. Berfield at one time were members of the Baptist church, and are numbered among the most useful citizens and honored pioneers of the count}^

Patrick M. Blair, son of William Preston and Hannah (Craig) Blair, was born at Frankfort, Ky., April 10, 1829. His father was also born at Frankfort, son of James Blair, a native of Richmond, Va., - attorney general of Kentuck}^, and grandson of John Blair, also a native of Yirginia - a name known in the judicial histor}^ of Virginia. James Blair served with distinction in the Eevolution, and William P. Blair in the War of 1812 as captain in the U. S. army. After the war he was in command of the first regular garrison at Ft. Clark (now Peoria) ; subsequently in command at Rock Island, Council Bluffs and Ft. Smith, Ark!, where he married Miss Craig, daughter of one of the first settlers of Arkansas. Patrick M. Blair was educated at St. Louis Universit}?^, studied law in the office of his cousin, Montgomery Blair, and was admitted to the Illinois Bar at Ottawa in 1850. In 1816 he visited Toulon ; returned to St. Louis in 1818, and took up his residence at Toulon in 1851. He was married November 5, 1851, to Miss Harriet M. daughter of Dr. Hall, born in Derbyshire, Eng., July 20, 1832. In 1854 he and John Berfield established the first lumber yard at Toulon, where his present residence now stands. In 1858 he and G. A. Clifford opened ^ law office. Before the war this partnership was dissolved, and one with Judge James Hewitt formed. In 1860 he was elected circuit clerk, which position he held eight years, the vote being in 1868 for Mr. Blair 112S, a majority of 570, the largest majority given at this election. In 186T he assisted in organizing tlie R. I. & P. R. R. Co. ; was one of the incorporators, and in 1869 was elected first vice president, serving until succeeded, b}^ Captain S. F. Otman. In 1886 he was appointed master in chancery, as successor to Allen P. Miller. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Blair none are living. WiUiam P., born December 19, 1854, died December 25,

TJiomas TT. Bloomer, born in Fayette county, Ohio, January 15, 1833, is the son of Jesse and Matilda (MacDonald) Bloomer, the former a native of Ohio and son of "W^m. Bloomer, a farmer who settled in Favette county on movino- from Alabama. Jesse Bloomer was a farmer in Favette county Ohio when he died. Thomas W. received a fair education there, and there learned the blacksmith's trade at "Washington, Ohio. In 1855 he came to Stark county with his uncle Squire 5lacMillen. Here he established business for hunself and has since been identified with "Wvomiuo:. He was married in Favette county. Ohio to Miss Mary J. Kimble, daughter of IS^athan Kimljle, a merchant of "Washington. The}^ have one son and one daughter. Jesse C, a real estate dealer, and Ida A., the wife of George H. Lyons of "Wyoming, a traveling salesman. A reference to the history of "Wvoming will pomt out Mr. Bloomer's connection with the city council, school board, masonic circles, while in the general history many references are made to him. He is one of the original members of the Central Agricultural Societ}".

Major Bohanon, of Trivoli, 111., father of Mrs. J. D. Pierson, of Toulon, died in September, 1881. in liis S5th year. He came from Syracuse, K. Y., to Peoria county in 1835.

William J. Bond, a native of Maine, was born in Lincoln county, township of Jefferson, January 25, 1827. His father was William Fullerton Bond, a farmer, and son of Henry Bond, a farmer, originally a brick-mason, a native of "Winchester, Mass. "William J. was one of three sons and three daughters of TVilliam F. and Hannah (Jackson) Bond, the latter daughter of Joseph Jackson, who served in the Kevolution. He spent boyhood in his native county. At the age of seventeen years he engaged as clerk in a mercantile house, and after a few years became a partner in a general store at Jefferson. In 1850 he went to Bockland, Me., and was engaged in mercantile woi'k until comino- west in 1868. During: his stay at Kockland he served in the council of that city six years, was clerk of the city three 3'ears, and member of the board of assessors of Eockland for eight years. In 1868, sold out his interest, came west, and after spending four years in Missouri in traveling trade, he was sent here in 1872 to take charge of his coal mining compan^-'s interests. Those interests he subsequently purchased, and was promiuenth" connected with business here until 1881. U]wn the organization of the Central Agricultural Society he became a ;>tockhokler. He was married in Missouri to Miss Amelia Gvegory.

University Of Illinois

A reference to the official history of the village of Wyoming, of the Protestant Episcopal church, of tlie Masonic circle and commercial interests will point out very definitelv the part he has taken in the progress of this town.

Orlando Brace, son of Myrtle G. and Phoebe (Munson) Brace, was born in Elmira township, this county, August 8, 1838. His father, a native of Xew York state, was reared and educated in Luzerne countv, Penn. His mother Avas also a native of that countv. In 1836 Myrtle G. Brace, his wnfe and two children caine to Osceola Grove, making the trip overland. Of their eleven children, three sons and six daughters survive. Tlie pioneers were laid to rest in Elmira cemeterv, the father dying in 180(i, the mother in 1873. Orlando Brace spent his boyhood on the farm, again farmed his own lands in Henry county, and was so engaged when the civil war broke out. In 1862 he entered Company A. One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois infantry, and followed the fortunes of that command until April 1, 1865, when he received a wound in the right shoulder joint at Spanish Fort, Ala. Su])sequently he spent three months in the hospital at New Orleans, and in October of that jquy w^as honorably discharged at Springfield, 111. In 1867 he resumed farming, but owing to the failure of his health had to discontinue agriculture. In 1873 he was elected treasurer of Stark county, which position he held for five consecutive terms, and doubtless would be elected and reelected had not the legislature adopted a law fixing the tenure of that oifice. During all these vears not one cent has been incorrectly entered or unaccounted for, precision marking all his dealings with the office. In December, 1886, he was elected commander of the G. A. R. post at Toulon. He married Miss Lucy A. Hudson, of Elmira township, whose parents, Daniel and i\[ary Hudson, settled tlier'e about 1854, moving that year from Washington county, Ohio. They are the parents of seven children, namely: Lottie, now Mrs. William Nixon, of W3^oming ; Luella, now Mrs. F. S. Rosseter, of Chicago; Frank, Florence, Harry, George and Edith. A reference to the military, political and pioneer chapters of the general histor3\ to the chapters on Elmira township, and to that on the town of Toulon, will point out definitely the various positions held by Mr. Brace.

Henry C. Bradley, son of George and Ann (Campbell) Bradley, w^as born in Goshen township, Fe])i'nary 7, 1849. His parents were old residents of Stark countv, comino- here from New York Citv. Of their five sons and four daughters, Bessy died in infancy ; William G. is a farmer of Nicholls county, Neb.; Sarah J, is the wife of Jacob Goliey, of Nicholls county. Neb.; Henry C. resides at Toulon ; Andrew C. and Mary, the wife of Robert Nicholson, reside in Goshen; Frank B. is a farmer of Nicholls county, Neb.; Annie is the wife of Cory Moore of Toulon townshi}), and Ora A. is the wife of James Lamb, of Fillmore countv, Neb. Henrv C. received a common school education in his native township, and learned the blacksmith's trade at Toulon. At the age of 21 years entered farm life for himself, and continued agriculture until 1881, when he sold his farm, moved into Toulon, and commenced the blacksmith's trade. His wife, Miss Alice A. Edwards, is a daughter of Lewis Edwards, formerly of Essex township, now of Antelope county. Neb., residing near Keeley village. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are tlie parents of four children, namely: Fannie, Jessie, Addie and Bertha. Both are members of the Christian Church, and he is a member of the County Agricultural Society. George Bradle}^, the pioneer of the family in this county, is now a resident of Thayer county, Neb. His wife died here July 9, 1881. Geo. Bradle}^ was born in Tyrone county, Ireland, in 1820, came to New York in 1839. His wife, Ann Campbell, was born in same county in 1822, and came to New York in 1841, was married in 1844 and started for Toulon the same spring.

Sarjiuel G. Bpeese, son of Henry and Sarah (Johnson) Breese, Avas born December 25, 1836. His father was born in Luzerne county, Wyoming Valley, Pa., December 21, 1797, died October 21, 1875. He was one of nine children of Samuel and Llannah (Pierson) Breese of Somerset county. New Jerse}', and grandson of John and Dorothy (Riggs) Breese of Basking Ridge, N. J., the same John who was a soldier of the Eevolution. Henrv Breese, father of Samuel G. came here from Luzerne couuty, Pa., in 1835, with three sons and two daughters, namely : Stephen JD., Milton, Johnston, Ellen and Anw, while here the subject of this sketch Avas born. He, with Stephen and Amy, now Mrs. A. Y. Fuller, are the only survivors here, of this large and prominent family. Milton resides at Neponset, Johnson, at Kewanee, and Ellen is the wife of Samuel Besett, residing near Chenoa, 111. Samuel G. grew to manhood here, at 18 years he engaged in his father's business at Neponset, 111.; visited Omaha, Neb., returned in 1864 to Prairie city, and was engaged in mercantile work until 1870, when he moved near Castleton, where he was engaged in farming up to 1882, when he took charge of his present business at Wyoming, still holding his farm in Penn township. He was married December 24, 1865, at Prairie city to Miss Elvira C, daughter of Moses and Martha A. (Yocum) Craig, of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. They are the parents of Maude, Henry C. and Mattie. Mr. Breese supports all religious denominations, but is not a member of any church. Throughout the township history and in man}^ pages of the general histoiy, this famil}^ is referred to. Mr. Breese was born in a small log cabin, and at time of birth, had four teeth, two above and two below, a rather striinge or unusual thing, but necessit}- is always the mother of invention, and the teeth must have been provided, so as he could become self-sustaining very A^oung, and learn to live on nuts and acorns, etc., as at that time most pioneers had very little of the luxuries to eat. His elder brothers used to heat clapboards by the lire place and carry them out to the wood pile to stand on barefooted while the}" chopped wood. Such are a few incidents peculiar to life here over half a century ag-o.

John B. Broion, born inVirginia in 1806, settled near Kickapoo, 111., in 1837; came to Wyoming in 1853, was postmaster here from 1800, which position he filled until his death, May 23, 1880. ( Vide chai^ter on Penn Toianship.)

Captain John Marshall Broion, son of John Benton and Elizabeth Ann (Jofmson) Brown, was born in Hampshire count}', Va., August 10, 1837. His father settled in that state and foliowed the millwright's trade in his youth ; while his mother's people - the Johnsons - resided there for over a century. In the summer of 1837, the family (parents and three sons) moved west to a ])oint near Kickapoo, Peoria county, 111. In 1853, the father settled in Wyoming, engaged in mercantile work and was one of the town's most energetic and public-spirited citizens up to his death in 1880. He was postmaster there for nearly twenty 3^ears. At the beginning of the Civil War, John M. Brown was engaged on the farm in Valley township. In August of that year he enlisted in Company K, Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and was at once appointed orderly sergeant of the comjiany. Eai'ly in 1862, he was premoted first lieutenant. Follo\ving the battle of Corinth he was commissioned captain antl held that position until honorably discharged, October 10, 1861. In JSTovember, 1864, he was elected sheriff by 555 majority over the popular democratic nominee, James Now Ian. In 1868, he defeated William Lownian for circuit clerk by 534 majority, and reelected each term since that time. In 1850, he married Miss Margaret K., fourth daughter of John and Margaret (Robinson) Hawks. Of their three children, Ella M. is now the wife of Herbert D. ISTott, of Galva; Maud E. resides with parents, and Lew M. Brown is a very courteous and competent assistant in the circuit cleric's office. A reference to the history of the G. A. li. post at Toulon, that of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and of the Encampment will show the part he has talcen in these important organizations. As an officer of the county his record is without rejiroach, as a soldier he won his laurels and wears them, while as a citizen he has shared in the labors of adding a pleasant home to Toulon, and has become interested in a farm in the county. ( Vide history of Penn Townshij).)

" Grandjxi''' Buchanan, who died at Olympia, W. T., Septembgr 27, 1881, once resided on the land now known as the county Poor Farm. He was born in 1801, married in 1822, and crossed the plains in 1853, with his family.

Samuel Burge, son of Pev. Benjamin and Lucretia (Dewey) Burge, was born at Enfield, Grafton county, N. H., October 21, 1811. In 1856 Mr. Barge, his mother and sister, moved from Lewiston, Fulton county, to Stark county. The family having settled in Fulton county in 1853, four years after the death of Rev. Mr. Burge. This move was made on the suggestion of the late Samuel M. Dewey, a resident of Stark in 1819, who counseled his sister to bring her famil}' among a )eople whom he esteemed, and among whom himself was one of the eading citizens. On arriving here Mr. Burge entered his uncle's store and filled the position of clerk for ten years, until 1866, when he accjuii-ed a one-fourth interest in the house of Dewey, Lowman ^ Co. In the fall of that year Mr. Dewey died, but, by the terms of the will, the business was to be continued under the title of Dewey & Burge, and with the mercantile department the banking house, established in 1865, was included. Of all this Mr. Burge took the management Januar}^ 1, 18G7. Early in 1869 he purchased the interests of the Dewey estate, and in the sju'ing of 187U disposed of the mercantile department, so that he could give exclusive attention to the banking business. In 1879 Charles P. Dewev. son of the late Samuel Dewev, was admitted into partnership, and the firm name of Burge & Dewey adopted. On September 1, 1870, Mr. Burge was married to Miss Alice, daughter of AVilliam Lowman. To them four children were born, Annie M., Samuel D., Esther L. and Jessie, the latter now lying in the familr lot in Toulon cemeterv. Mrs. Buroe is a graduate of the Bockford Female Seminary, and, as evidenced by references in this work to local literary and musical societies, holds a first place among the alumni of thit seminary. In the history of the schools of Toulon township, of the Congregational church of Toulon, of the munici- ])ality, of the soldiers of the count}' and of the AV. W. Wright Post, G. A. R., the part taken by Mr. Burge in affairs of public interest is clearly porti'ayed. To him is credited the introduction of modern residence building into Toulon, and above all a desire to share in building up higher the industrial and social interests of the town, which he calls his home for over thirty years.

Rev. Benjamin Burge^ named in the foregoing sketch, vras born at Francistown, X. H. For years he was an esteemed pastor of the Congregational church, until his death in 1848. His widow, Mrs. Lucretia (Dewey) Burge, was a daughter of Andrew Dewey, a farmer of Hanover, X. H., who died on the farm in Goshen township, in 1857. Shortly after the death of her husband, Mrs. Burge and family moved to Nashua, X. II., where she resided until coming to Lewiston, 111., in 1853. The name and family are well known in the pioneer history of Xew Hampshire, particularly in the Hollis neighborhood, where the old residence of the Buro-es has a historv antedatino- 1740.

I). S. Burroughs., son of Lorin and Meribah (Boardmanj Burroughs, w^as born at Xapoli, Cattaraugus county, X. Y., Feb. 7, 1843. His father was a son of Porter Burroughs, and mother a daughter of Bichard Boardnum, prominent agriculturalists of Onondaga Co., X. Y. In 1867 Lorin Burroughs and family migrated to Prophetstown, where the father died Sept. 5, 1867, leaving five sons and three daughters living. Geo. W. is supposed to have been killed at Chancellorsville, under Hooker; Orlando, the eldest, is a farmer; Lewis P., died at Xapoli, X. Y.; Ira, like Orlando, resides in Sarp}' county, Xeb.: Daniel L. is a citizen of Whiteside county. 111.; Wallace M. is in insurance business at Omaha, Xeb.; Lavina is the widow of O. Fischer, Whiteside county ; Salina is the wife of John M. Richards, of Whiteside countv ; and Marinda V. IS unmarried. D. S. Burroughs is the sixth son of seven boys. Lie spent his boyhood at X^apoli, and obtained his education in Cattaraugus county. After coming to Illinois he traveled extensively through the west, was engaged in the creamery business in Whiteside county until 1884, but started in business in this place Xovember 10, 1875, the date of his commission house at Wyoming. His wife, whom he married at

Council Bluffs, la., was born at Cold Springs, Cattaraugus county, K. Y. They are the parents of one daughter, Carrie. Mr. Burroughs is a member of the masonic society, a strong advocate of temperance principles, and a supporter of all beneficial enterprises.

Captain Henry Butler\ son of Justus Butler, the famous hotelkeeper of New Haven, Conn., was born in tliat city about 1793. Wlien he was of age he mai'i-ied Miss Tlebecca Green, grand (hiughter of Samuel Green, the "Camljridge, Mass., printer." Captain Butler, depending on the accounts of tlie West rendered by one lk)gardus, a pioneer lawyer of Peoria, and Elias K. Kane, one of the first constitution makers of Illinois, left New York in June, 1835, traveled by boat to Chicago, and arrived at Wyoming in the fall. He was followed by his wife, three sons and five daugliters, who took up their residence in the double log-house whicii the captain had built and ])repared for them. In later years the brick residence was erected, and here the founder of the family in Illinois died, August 2, ISC)!:, his wife following him to rest, November 30, 1865. In this county two of their children were born. Lucy, George, Samuel, Henry, Rebecca, Mary, Charles, Abb}^ Elizabeth, 'All)ert, Virginia and Henrietta then made up the famil_y circle. In 1839, William F. Thomas married Mary Butler, and the same day Ira Ward, Jr., married Elizabeth. In January, 1840, Oaks Turner, of Hennepin, married Rebecca G., Elizabeth married John W. Henderson, Henrietta married Thomas J. Henderson, and soon through the list. George and Charles never settled here; the former held a leading position in A. T. Stewart's house. New York city, for years; the latter is a lawyer of that city. Virginia, who in her youth was deprived of hearing, was educated by the Gallaudets; Abby died while 3^et an infant.

Edwin Butler, })ublislier and editor of the Stark County Neivs, was born at Kewanee, Henry county, 111., January 9, 1841. Moving to Milan, 111., he remained there until 1849, when he came to Toulon. Here he attended some of the many private scliools then existing at the county seat, was a pupil at the seminary, and completed a four 3'ear's classical course at Knox college in June. 1801. During the next winter he taught the "Dutch Island" school in Essex township. On August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, One-hundred-and-twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, was appointed second sergeant, promoted orderly, and served three years. In September, 1863, he was detailed to assist in printing the Athens Union, Post in the office of the suppressed Athens I^ost. On the 17th the first number appeared, and contained a well-written salutatory, from which the following extract is made : " Our first issue of the Athens Union Post will present quite a diffei'ent appearance to what it did, when Union was not attached to its title. . . . The former editor, Mr. Ivins, probably not thinking that we would want to issue the paper in his absence, took witli him nearly all the material necessary to give it a genteel appearance." The motto of the new paper was " Our country, may she ever be right; but our country right or wrong." Mr. Butler worked faithfully on the Post until the sudden evacuation of Athens, when he was captured in the office. AVhile ^vith the rebels, he tasted the sweets of prison life at Atlanta, Danville, Richmond ; from March to September, 1864, in their notorious hotel at Anderson ville ; next at Charleston, and then at Florence, S. C. In December, 1864, he contrived to make his way to Charleston with the sick and wounded, who were there exclianged. Once witliin the union lines, he made the first hearty meal since his captivity, put on a new dress, returned to Toulon for thirty days, and in one week increased fourteen ]3ounds in weight. In April, 1865, he rejoined his command at Greensboro, N. C, and served until July. lieturning, lie worked on a farm, was elected county surveyor in November, a position he has since filled with the exception of two years. In Ma}^ 1869, he purchased Oliver White's interest in the News with Joseph Smethurst; early in 1870, purchased the hitter's interest, but in June, 1882, sold a half interest to James A. Henderson, who, dying in the fall of 1883, left the partnership to his widow. Mr. Ijotler was married in March, 1883, to ]\Irs. Maggie Porter, daughter of James S. Templeton, one of the early settlers of Toulon, who returned to his home near Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1872, he with Enoch Emery were delegates to the Republican National convention. ( Vide miluary and local history.)

Alfred Castle, M. i>., son of Samuel and Phoebe (Parraalee) Castle, was born at Sullivan, Madison county, N. Y., September 22, 1806. Plis father was a native of Berkshire county, Mass., and a cousin of Ethan Allen, and a descendant of the Irish family of Castles who settled in Connecticut among its pioneers. His mother was of Belgian lineage. Dr. Castle studied the languages under Dr. Sillsbee, of Cazenovia, N. Y., and medicine at Brockport and Pittsford, in Monroe county, meantime attending lectures at Berk's College, Pittsfield, Mass., at Jefferson College, Philadelphia, and at Vermont College, Woodstock. He was a resident graduate of Harvard College, and also at Massachusetts Hospital, Boston. He practiced two j^ears at Brock)iort before obtaining his degree of M. D. in 1834, at the Berkshire school. During the two succeeding years he practiced in Monroe count}^ On May 19, 1835, he married Miss Maria P., daughter of Col. Daniel Dana, of the IJ. S. ariu}^, who commanded the Vermont volunteers during the war of 1812-14. In 1836 he set out for Peoria, 111., on a one-horse buggy, leaving his bride to follow. He resided there five or six years, returned reduced in health to Vermont, but in 1842 he revisited Peoria, to find that, where onl}^ one house stood in 1836 (six miles west of Peoria), between Peoria and Wyoming, many were now built and bnilding. In 1843 he settled at Wyoming. Dr. and Mrs. Castle were the parents of five children, two of whom died in infancy. He was the active agent in building the B. & R. R. R., of which his son Alfred was president. The doctor only retired from jiractice a few years ago. During his forty years of duty in this county he merited and obtained many tokens of popular esteem. A reference to the chapters of the general history and to the sketch of Wyoming ^vill point out the various parts Dr. Castle has taken in that drama of real life which

Be)j. W. W. Garr, native of Vermont, born in Addison county, at Middlel)ury, July 23, 1850, is the son of William and Harriet E. (Rogers) Carr, both active members of the Methodist church. William Carr's father, also William, was a native of Rhode Island - of old Episcopalian circles there. W. W. Carr spent his boyhood at Middlebury, obtained a gc^od common school educatiou, aud took a preparatory course at the Middlebury High School, and at Brandon, Vt. lie also taught school duriug this time, and labored for himself since the age of twenty-oue. At the age of twenty-three he came west and entered the Noi'thwestern University, at Evanston, graduated in the class of 1877 with an honoraljle record, taking some prizes. During the last two years of the college course he preached at Brighton Pai'k, and upon graduating joined the Illinois conference, and was stationed at Yates City. He held this charge one year, then went to Trivoli, Peoria county, where he remained two years, signalizing his work by a hirge revival. At Ipava, Fult<ni county, he remained three years There he removed a considerable church debt, repaired the old building, and built a new parsonage. A church was built in his circuit during this time. Movino' to Bland insville, McDonouo'h countv, he held remarkable revival services, and during his one-year term repaired the church there. In 1884 he was appointed to the Toulon charge, and in 1886 to that of Kewanee. He married at his old Yermont home Miss Mattie L. Piper, daughter of David Piper, of Middlebur}^ an old family of that town. To them three sons and one daughter were born - - ^Ruby Pearl, Harlow Piper, George W., and Sidney McCord. Rev. Mr. Carr s relation to Stark county is best told in the history of the Methodist church and of the Masonic, Old- Fellow and Good Templar circles of Toulon.