Union Township

Union Township

Union township was first settled by Robert Grant, Isaac Hnlick and a Mr. Betson, who located in 1829 on section 12, near where the ancient town of Troy stood. Job Babbitt settled on the same section in 1831. The first Justice was James Ogden. Rev. Mr. Betson preached the first sermon. Melinda Babbitt was baptized at Troy in 1832, which was the first baptism in the township, and also the first in Cedar creek. The first married was John Rogers to Miss Taylor. Mary Ogden was the first child born in the township. The first death was a son of Rev. Mr. Betson. Among the early pioneers who settled in this township prior to 1838 were Rev. Richard Haney, Stephen Tompkins, Job Babbitt, John Gallet, and others. Jonathan Babbitt is the oldest pioneer now living in the township. The first school in Union township was taught by John Parkerson in 1836, in old St. Augustine. The first mill was built by >vathaniel B. Childs in 1833. For further history, see history of Avon, biographies, sketch of the Churches, etc.

Troy

The town of Trov was founded bv Xathaniel B Childs, in 1833. It was a prosperous town in the days of ox carts and mule teams, but has mouldered away since the advent of railroads in Fulton county.

was an enterprising little town, but there being no suitable place for a depot, new St. Augustine was founded near by in Knox county, on the completion of the C, B. & Q. Railroad, and like many other once fortunate places old St. Augustine is one of the towns of the past.

This lovely little village is situated in the western part of Union township, on the C, B. cV: Q. Railroad, and was founded March 5, 1854, by R. Woods, O. H. Woods and D. N. Wright, and now has a population of about one thousand inhabitants. The town of Avon was chartered March 8, 18G7, by a sj)ecial act of the Legislature, and tiie first corporate election was held the same year, at which the following officers were elected: D. H. Small, President; J. L. Coe,

L. H. Hewett, A. J, Churchill, and M. R. Gutridge, Trustees; Simon Stevens, Police Magistrate; J. W, Frarapton, Clerk. The first name of the town was Woodvillc, but in 1843 an application was made for a postoffice, and as there was an office of that name in Adams county, the town and office were changed to, Woodstock. On April 4, 1852, the Postmaster General, James Campbell, changed the name to Avon, as the county seat of McHenry county had also the name of Woodstock. The first postmaster was Stephen Tompkins, who held the office 7 years. It is said that he at first kept the postoffice in his hat, so that he would not have to leave his work when any person called for mail, as he was a shoemaker, and was very busy.

Mr. Tompkins is the oldest merchant in Avon ; commenced business in l<s;3ij, and has been engaged in business ever since, with the exception of one year. In 18G5 he took his son, A. B. Tompkins, in partnershij) with him, since which time the firm was known as S. Tompkins & Son, until January, 1878, when they took another son into the firm, and is known now as S. Tompkins & Sons.

The Avon District Agricultural Board was organized under the corporate name of the ''Avon Agricultural Society," Oct. 11, 1872, with the following officers, viz : L. F. Ross, President; D. H. Gorham and John Woods, Vice Presidents ; H. V. D. Woods, James Lockwood, O. Crissey, Geo. L. Snapp, L. H. Hewett, R. A. Saunders, John A. Butler, A. A. Mailliard, W. J. R. Fennessy, J. B. Hatch, and Wm. J. Austin, Directors; A. B. Tompkins, Treasurer, and A. J, Churchill, Secretary. The present officers are, D, H. Gorham, President; O. Chatterton, J. B. Hatch, S. Tompkins, and L. M.Green, Vice Presidents; Treasurer, O. J. Beam; Secretarv, A. J. Churciiill. Authorized capital, $10,000.

One of the leading features of this society, is that it offers two classes of premiums, one to the general public, and one to the stockholders of the society. In the early part of its history the society maintained monthly stock sales, when all the farmers could bring stock, farming impleni'-nts, etc., and sell them at auction, the company emi)loying the auctioneer. It had held eight annual fairs, each with considerable profit to the stockholders.

The School

The first school in Avon was taught in 1840, in a small house near the present residence of E. D. Mailliard; the teacher was Charles Davis. The first school-house built is the present residence of A. J. Churchill. The j)resent structure was erected in 1857, and is a two-story brick, with four rooms, and cost about $6,000. The first teacher in this building was Henry Stump. The Avon schools have reached a high degree of excellence, through

First 3L E. Church - Organized 1849 by Rev. Uri J. Giddings, with a membership of six, viz: D. N. Wright, Mrs. E. Wright, Mrs. Hannah Wright, Joseph Mings, Mrs. Mings, and Mrs. A. Stout. The first house of worship was built by this society in 1857, at a cost of $7,000, and is the largest edifice in town. The corner-stone was laid by Rev. Richard Haney, one of the pioneers of Union township. Through death and removals this society has grown so weak that public services are not held at present (1879).

Fird Congregational Church. - Organized Nov., 1855, with 8 members, by Rev. L. H. Parker, Rev. Samuel Dilley and Deacon E. G. Roe. Dec. 1 of the same year Stephen Goodspeed was elected Deacon for two years and G. A. Marsh for one year. Church edifice erected in 1861. This organization sprang from the First Congregational Church of Virgil in Lee township, which removed to Prairie City about the year '58, and changed its name to First Congregational Church of Prairie City. Communicants 29. Services every Sabbath by Rev. A. P. Loomis, Pastor.

First Baptist Church. - Organized July 9, '64; bought a house in 1865, in which they have worshiped until the present. At one time this organization was the strongest Church in the village ; but by death and removals it has been reduced to the small number of 36. Sabbath-school everv Sabbath at 10 a. m. ; services everv Sabbath at 3 p. M. by Rev. William Sturgeon, Pastor.

First Universalist Church. - Organized Jan. 18, '69 ; church edifice erected in 1869; Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 12 M. ; services each alternate Sabbath at 10 :30 A. m. by Rev. B. X. Wiles, Pastor. Communicants, 66.

Avon Catholic Church. - Organized in the summer of 1871, when a church edifice was also erected. Communicants about 150. Services every 3 weeks by Father Riley, Pastor.

The Paragon Mills were erected in the spring of 1875 by Garret "Van Winkle as a planing mill, and was converted into a grist-mill in 1877. To this in the spring of 1879 was added a tile and brick factory, both of which are being operated with success.

Personal Sketches

Nicholas H. Ackerman, proprietor of the Ackerman House, Avon, was born in Bergen Co., N. J., Aug. 11, 1829, and is the son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Yeoman) Ackerman ; the former is liv- ing with his son at Avon at the age of 90 years. He reads every day without the aid ot'gUisses, and is very active and healthy. Mr. A. was educated in the common schools of New Jersey. Oct. 23, '49, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Winters, by whom he had 4 bovs, 2 of whom, Charles and Harry, are living. Mrs. A.'s grandmother, Winters, is living in Newark, N. J., at the age of 100 years.

David J. Austi)i, son of Elwell E. Austin, was born in the town of Gouverneur, N. Y., Dec. 20, '20; removed to Mount Sterling, Brown Co., HI., in 1850, and the following year came to this county. He has been twice appointed Postmaster, and twice elected to the office of Collector; was married Juue 12, '4.3, to Nancy C. Smith, by whom he had 4 children, 3 of whom are living. They are members of the Missionary Baptist Church of Avon, and are zealous workers in the Master's cause. He has driven a huxter wagon for 14 years. P. O., Avon.

Isaac F. Babbitt was born in Hamilton Co., O., March 18, '10; is the son of Stephen Babbitt, a native of Washington Co., Pa. Mr. B. left home at the age of 14; came to Indiana, where he remained until 1842, when he came to Fulton Co.; was educated in subscription schools in Ohio and Indiana. He was Captain of the militia in Indiana for 5 years, and has filled the offices of School Director, Highway Commissioner, Town Clerk for 11 years here, also Justice 4 years in Indiana. He married, Jan. 13, '29, Samantha Hurley ; she was born in the same house that Mr. B. was, July 6, 1810, his father having moved out shortly after his birth, and her father moved in the house a short time previous to her birth. By her he had 5 children ; she died, and Feb. 17, 1848, he was married a second time, this time to Ailsie Phelps, sister to Mrs. Lois Cooper, of Union township, and was born near Hochester, N. Y. Thcv have 6 children. Botii Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Christian Church. He is a mason and plasterer by trade, but is farming at present. P. O., St. Augustine.

James Babbitt, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., St. Augustine. One of the first pioneers of Union townshij) is James Babbitt, who was born in Fayette Co., O., April 9, 1813. He is a brother of Jonathan Babbitt, of whom mention is made in this volume. He was united in marriage with Mary A. Randall Nov. 5, 1837. She became the mother of 12 children, 8 of whom are living, - Jonathan J., Delilah, James, Eliza J., Sarah C, Edwin, Azuba and Wiltbrd. They also have a grandniece, Estelle Jiabbitt, whom they have raised from 5 years of age.

Jonathan Babbitt, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O., St. Augustine; was born in Fayette Co., ()., March 13, 1811, and is the son of Job Babbitt, who removed with his family to Indiana in a flat-boat in 1818, thence to Springfield, III., in 1829, and to Fulton Co. in '30. Job Bibbitt was one of the first pioneers of Union township, and helped carry the chain for General Stillman wiiile the latter was

Piirvcvin<r the State roafl from Farminorton to Btirlinffton in I80O. The .sul)jeet of tl'.is sketch i.s the oldest pioneer now iivinj"^ in Union townshi]), and has undergone the anxieties and hardsliips of pioneer life. In 1832 he, in company with the otlier members of the family and neighbors, left their log luits during the Black Hawk war and went to the Fort at Canton. He helped bury the first person that died in the township. To Mr. B. belongs the honor of naming the township (Union). Several years ago Mr. Babbitt saw a trough (dug from an elm log) containing the skeleton of an Indian, which had been fastened in the fork of a leaning tree on Spoon river, where the State road crossed said river; hence the name, Indian Ford. Mr. B. has been married 3 times: first, Oct. 18, 1832, to Amelia Jennings; second time, Oct. 12, 1834, to Charlotte Ducolon ; third time, Dec. 6, 1838, to Elizabeth E. Taylor. He is the father of 7 children. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Christian Church.

S. B. Bays was born in Champaign county. 111., Feb. 14, '41, the son of John and Susan Bays, the former (deceased) a native of East Tennessee and the latter of Fayette county. Pa., now residing in Avon at the age of 76 vears. Mr. Bavs came to this countv with his mother in 1846. He is now doing good business as a photographer in Avon, where he established himself })ermanently as an artist in 1876. He was married May 15, '73, to Phcebe Caverly, daughter of Peter G. Caverly, of Elmwood, 111. They have 3 children, viz: Harry S., Debert C, and an infant. His brother J. W. is a leading photograhher of Peoria, 111. He has 3 other brothers in Illinois, all in the photograph business.

0. J. Beam, banker, Avon, whose portrait we give, was born in Clark county, ()., Dec. 30, 183<S. His parents moved to Champaign county when he was quite small, and he came to Warren county, 111., in 1851, and to this county in 1875. He attend the common schools and then entered Abingdon College, from which he graduated in 18()9. He was united in marriage with Miss Emma Laiftus on the Christmas of 1870. She was born in Warren county, 111. Grace E. and Walter H. are their children, Mr. B. united with the Christian Church in Feb., 1859, and is now serving his fourth year as President of the Western Illinois Christian Conference. In 1870 he began business as a farmer with a capital of $1,000, and the following year bought a farm of 40 acres. Having a desire for a commercial business, however, he quit farming, and, Nov. 2, '75, embarked in the banking business in Avon. So successful has he been that even at this early day he is numbered among the wealthiest and most enterprising men of Avon. During this year (1879) he erected a magnificent brick block in which his bank is situated. The ujiper and lower stories are used for various branches of business.

of his native State and came to this county in 1856, and since has filled several local offices. He spent 20 years upon the railroads of the East. He was united in marriage with Maria Stoddard, in Putney, Vt., May 1, 1840. She was born in Westminster, Vt. They had 7 children born to them, (3 of whom are living. William clerks in the store for his father, who is engaged in general merchandising. Royal's father has recently returned from California where he has been living for several years.

Jeremiah S. Bofkin, farmer, was born in this township March 3, '43, and is the son of Levi O. Botkin, who was born in Clark county, O., Nov. 7, '09, and came to this county in '39. He rented a house of Mr. Kline, and the following spring erected a log-cabin, which has long since been Replaced by a more substantial and spacious residence. Mr. J. S. B. was married Feb. 8, 1877, to I^aura Simington, daughter of James Simington, of Union township. They have 2 children, - James and Elsie. Mrs. B. is a member of the M. E. Church. P. O., Ellisvillc.

Colonel John Butler was born in Greenbrier Co., Va., July 2(5, 1802, and is the son of William and Tacy (Gray) Butler. His parents took him to Gallia Co., O., in 1804, where he remained nntil '33, when he went to St. Joseph Co., Ind., thence to Warren Co., 111., in '39, where he entered land, raised and dealt largely in cattle, and grew quite wealthy, owning at one time 1,300 acres of well-improved land. Although the Colonel was never in the army he has long merited the title Colonel on account of his valuable services as a militia officer, both in Ohio and Illinois. In the former place he served as Lieutenant, Cajitain, Major and Adjutant; and in the latter was elected Colonel of the 84th 111. Militia. His father helped build Fort Recovery under Gen. Wayne. His uncle, Isaac Butler, helped capture Black Hawk. A southern man, but true to the L^nion. He built the first frame barn in the Southern part of Warren Co. He married Mary Adney April 25, '22, who gave him all his education. They had !-> children, 7 of whom are living, and all married except Mary Helen, who is now in Minnesota traveling; for her health. Mrs. B. died while on a visit to Kansas, Nov. 12, 1875,

James Carr, sen., was born in Pennsylvania, Oct. 17, 1808, and is the son of John Carr, who was of Scotch descent. The subject of this sketch removed to Cass (then Morgan) county, III., in 1825, and went through our jircsent capital, which then contained but few houses, and looked through, between the logs of the first courthouse there, and saw what was transpiring on the opposite side of the house. His father said he was a prisoner of war when but 4 years old, while the British had possession of Philadelphia. Mr. C. was educated in the common schools; has been the School Director; School Trustee here, and was Justice of the Peace 12 years in Cass county ; has been married twice, and is the father of 4 boys and 4 girls, 7 of whom are living. He married his second wife,

Mary N. Reavis, in 1837. Mrs. C. is a member of the M. E C-hurch. Son James is married and living on the farm of Mr. C John and Edward remain with their parents. He is a farmer and stock- raiser. P. O., Avon.

George Childs, farmer, sec. 13 ; P. O., Avon. Mr. C. was born in Canton, this county, May 6, '32, and is the son of Nathaniel B. and Jane (Hall) Childs. He was educated in Canton; celebrated the 4th of July, 1856, by marrying Margaret A. Cane, who was born near Canton in '38. They have had born to them 8 children, 6 of whom are living. Mr. C. has never seen the soil of any other State, and is now 47 years old. His father was in the dry-goods and distillery business with General Stillman in Canton previous to the Black Hawk war; also built Troy, on Cedar creek, and in early days used coon-skins as a legal tender.

Sylccster S. Clai/berg, physician and surgeon, Avon ; was born in Cuba, this county, Jan. 4, 1838, and is the son of George and Elizabeth (Baughman) Clayberg, of Cuba, who came to Fulton Co. in 1837. The Doctor attended the common schools of Cuba, and entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, whore he spent two terms. He subsequently graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, and returned to Cuba in 1860 and began the practice of his chosen profession. From Cuba he went to Fairview, and to this place in 1873, where he has won a large practice. He was married May 25, 1864, to S. Belle Bowen, who bore him 3 children. She died Oct. 29, 1870. Mr. C. obtained another helpmeet June 22, 1875, in the person of N. Abigail Mings, also a native of Fulton Co. The result of this union is 1 child.

J. W. Fisher, son of Jacob and Lucy (Gardner) Fisher ; was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., April 1, 1842. He came with his parents to this county in 1855, and was educated in Wenona Seminary, Wenona, 111. He is also a graduate of Eastman's Business College, of Chicago. He served 3 years in the late war in Co. B, 103d 111. Inf ; was in the battles of Mission Ridge, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, siege of Atlanta and others; was wounded in the battle of Griswoldville, and draws a pension. He was married, Oct. 18, 1871, to Addie Flake, who was born in Union town^i^hip, this county, June 24, 1855. They have 2 boys and 2 girls. Both Mr. and Mrs. F. are members of the E. M. Ciiurch. Mr. F. taught school successfully for 10 years; is now a farmer and mechanic. P. O., EUisville.

E. S. Gorham, former, son of F. S. and Parna (Sullivan) Gorham, was born Nov. 2, 1833, in Alleghany Co., N. Y. His parents first removed with him to Onondaga Co., N. Y., thence to this county in 1837, where he received a common-school education ; attended the first school that was taught in EUisville, which was in 1840. His father died in EUisville in 1847. Mr. G. was married June 4, 1868, to Harriet Sweet, daughter of G. S. Sweet, who lives with his daughter. Mrs. G. was born in Erie Co., Pa. They are the

Allen H. Harrod was born in Seott Co., Ind., Jan. 4, 18;U. His father, Wm. Harrod, was the first child born in Louisville, Ky., and was related to L\A. James Harrod, of Harrodsburg. In his younger days, like Daniel Boone, he spent most of his time in the forest, hunting deer, ])anthers and other game. He lived a devoted member of the })aptist Chureh till his death, which occurred Jan. 28, 1835. He lel't a family of 10 chiklren, of whom Alien H. was the youngest, being but 4 years old. His mother, Elizabeth (New) Harrod, was born in N. C, Dec. 6, 1786. AVhen 12 years of age she moved with a colony of 300 into Kentucky, a distance of 500 miles, the journey being made through a wilderness with packhorses. After the death of her husband she labored hard to support and educate her children, which she did well. She died July 4,1875. Her father, Jethro New, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and helped cajiture Major Andre, and witnessed his execution. The subject of this sketch, Allen H., came to Illinois in 1848, and in 1850 married Ailcy, the eldest daughter of James Cox, a pioneer of Fulton Co. She was born in Canton, II!., Dec. 7, 1830, and possessed those noble Christian graces which so beautifully adorn life. She died Aug. 28, 1875, leaving a family of 5 children. Mr. H. was again married March 16, 1876, to Eliza J. Babbitt, daughter of James Babbitt. They have one child, Silva New, born Sept. 10, 1877. Mr. H. was musician in Co. I, First Board of Trade Begiment. He is a cousin of John C. New, ex-IT. S. Treasurer, now living at Indiana})()lis, Jnd. He has held many local offices and is an Elder in the Christian Church at St, Augustine.

Jerome B. Hatch, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., Avon; was born in Medina Co., Ohio, March 9, 1827, and is the son of Noah Hatch, who removed with his family to Cass county, Mich., in 1836, where he died. Mr. Hatch's educational advantages were confined to the common schools of Ohio and Michigan, and received but little of that. His father was in the war of 1812. Mr. H. came to this county in 1845. He was married Nov. 7, 1852, to Mary Woods, by whom he has 6 boys, 3 of whom are living, viz : Warren W., Geo. A. and Arthur E. They are members of the Universalist Church. He lived in Warren county 7 years. He made a tour through the West a few years since ; owns a farm of 320 acres.

John M. Heller, attorney, Avon. The subject of this sketch was born in Cuba, Fulton county, April 3, 1847, and is the son of Simon S, and Susan (Dunnivan) Heller, of Cleburne, Texas. He was reared and educated in Peoria, also attended the St. Louis Law school one term. Some time |)rcvious to 1869 he was pierced by Cupid's arrow, hurled by a Miss America Mowery, whose father was decidedly opjiosed to any intimacy whatever between his daughter and the said Mr. Heller. On the night of Nov. 1 7, '(^^, as he (Heller) was entering the premises of Mr. Mowery, the enraged old gentleman hurled another arrow (which was made of lead), and this second arrow did its work so well that in consequence, on the l-4th day of Jan., '69, the right arm of Mr. H. was amputated. Finally, on the 21st of Vfh., '139, he succeeded in wedding his dearly bought wife. Five children are the result of this union, 3 boys and 2 girls, all living. Mrs. H. is a member of the M. E. Church. During the war Mr. H. kept sutler's tent, and in '65 enlisted in Co. D, 14th 111. Cav., but was discharged before he reached the regiment. Went to Texas in '73, and there in '74 began the practice of law. Also practiced law in Kansas one year, and in '77 was admitted to the Bar in 111., since which time he has practiced with great success in the courts of our State.

Chandler Holli-'ifcr, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O., Avon ; son of Dr. Elisha Hollister, was born in Gill, Franklin Co., Mass., Aug. 14, 1804; received a common-school education in Mass., and moved to Catteraugus Co., X. Y., in 1833; thence to Trumbull Co., O., in 1836, and to this county in 1837. Mr. H. has served in many local offices. He was married in Oct.. 1833, to Delana Stubbins, who is a native of N. Y. They had 7 children born to them, 5 of whom are living. Both Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the M. E. Church. He kept hotel in P^Uisville 4 years; went to his native State in 1878, visiting everv State on the wav.

Thomas C. Hovell, tarmer, P. O., Avon, is a son of Thomas and Prudence Hovell, of Union township; was born May 20, 1848, in this township. His father was at Fort Madison and saw the great warrior, Black Hawk, expire; was also one of the first settlers in EUisville. Mr. Hovell received a common-school education in this county; w^as married April 2, 1872, to Angeline Brown, daughter of \Vm. Brown, of Lee tp. They have 4 children, - 2 boys and 2 girls. Mrs. H. is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. H. and his brother J. J. are proprietors of a butcher shop in St. Augustine, Knox Co.

Eloy D. MaiUlard. The subject of this sketch, Monsieur Eloy D. Mailliard, was born at Mortfontaine, then a country-seat belonging to Joseph Bonaparte, near Paris, France, March 9, 1797. Here the treaty of peace between the United States and France was signed in 1804, an event which Mr, Mailliard well remembers. The Mailliards being retainers of the Bonaparte family, he and his two brothers were taken by Joseph Bonaparte and educated in Paris and became members of his household. In 1811, when Joseph Bonaparte was crowned king of Spain, Mr. Mailliard acconi] anied him. In 1814 Mr. M. accompanied his lord to Switzerland, and in 1815 returned with him to Paris, where he remained until the battle of Waterloo. He remembers Xa]>oleou I, and says the last time he saw him alive was at the last grand review of his army at the Palace of the Tuileries, just before that great battle which was so disastrous to the Bonaparte family. He saw him frequently at

Mortfoiitaino, and followed his funeral cortege on the return of his remains from St. Helena. Mr, M.'s oldest brother, Louis Mailliard, accompanied Joseph Bonaparte in his flight to America. In 1816, Mr. Mailliard, with .Ios('])h Bonaparte's family, joined the unfortunate exile in Bordentown, New Jersey. He was present when Lafayette paid the family a visit, and saw Bonaparte and Lafayette embrace and kiss, and heard their conversation. ]\Ir. ISIailliard still has vivid recollections of the younger members of the Bonaparte family. He was very familiar with Louis Napoleon, and when, in 1848, while living in Avon, he read of his election to the Presidency of the French Rej)ublic, he wrote to him, congratulating him on his election, and received an autograjJi letter in re])ly, which is full of affectionate remembrance and bears date, "- Paris, 8 May, 1849." In 18')9, after Napoleon had been crowned Emperor, he caused a letter to be written to Mr. M. enclosing a token of remembrance more substantial than words, as the following letter from Baring Bros. & Co. of London, will show :

Sir: - Confornial)le to an order that has heen given tons by His Exeelleney, the Minister of State and of tlie Honseiioid of thr Eiii]>ire of France, we have ordered Messrs. James King's Sons, bankers, of New York, to pay to you the sum of 10,000 francs. *

Baring Bros. & Co

Victor Hugo was one of Mr. Mailliard's young companions, and was page to King Joseph. In 1826 Mr. Mailliard went to Italy to reside with Napoleon Louis, elder brother of Louis Napoleon, who was the husband of Princess Charlotte, daughter of Joseph and Julie Bonaparte, remaining with them in Florence until 1832; from thence he returned to France and residcKl at the castle Sureillirs, in the dcj)artment of the Seine, until l8ol. He was married Dec. 29, 1824, to Amanda Teresa (iallet; by whom he has had 3 sons and 7 daughters - seven of whom are living in and near Avon. Mrs. M. was born at the castle of Mortfontaine in 1806, and was a god-daughter of Joseph I^oiiaparte and his daughter Zenaide (for whom their daughter Zenaide was named) and was adopted by the family, reared by Queen Julie, Joseph's wife, who educated her in Paris. Miss Gallet had gone with her godmother to Germany in 1816, and in 1821 came with the Princess Charlotte to America to visit Joseph Bonaparte, and returned to France in 1823. Mr. Mailliard followed, and they were married as above stated, at Mortfontaine. Mrs. M. was Queen Julie's confidential maid, and has several kind letters from her. After their marriage the Mailliards returned to America and resided with Jose]>h Bonaparte two years, when they returned to Florence, Italy, to reside with Princess Charlotte, who was then an exile to that ])lace. They resided there six years, then returned to the place of their birth, Mortfontaine, and in 1841 returned to America and settled in Avon. They have a oolleotion of valiniblo presents from difforont members of the Bonaparte family. Among these is a painting- by the immortal Rapluiel of the head of Christ in his last agony. This is a masterpiece of art, and was a present from Qneen Jnlie to Mrs. Gallet, mother of Mrs. Mailliard, and when presented, it was with the understanding that it slu)iild be inherited by her. It was a present to the Queen by Xapoleon First. A daughter of Mailliard's, Mrs. Geo. Simmons, who was a goddaughter of the Princess Charlotte, has an opal cross and ear-rings, of great value, presented by her godmother. The cross contains an ojxil an inch long, with two others one-half inch long, surrounded by twelve rubies set in gold. This set was a present to Charlotte from Bernadotte, King of Sweden. Mrs. Mailliard has a gold watch and chain, the watch a present from Princess Charlotte, and the chain from Queen Julie. AVhile living in Rome, Mrs. M. was intimately acquainted with Madame Letitia Ramolina, mother of Xapoleon the Great, and visited her frequently. She was at that time 90 years old, and had seen her family rise until they ruled Europe, and saw their influence and power decline until all were exiles. Mr. M. occupied the position of purveyor of the household in the family of Joseph Bonaparte for several years, and was Captain of Militia under Louis Phillippc, haVing still the uniform he then wore. Mrs. M. was two years older than Princess Charlotte, and four years younger than her godmother Princess Zenaide, and was their companion and confidential maid until she and they reached years of maturity. On the death of Princess Charlotte she directed in her will that an annuity of §380 be paid to Mrs. Mailliard from her estate so long as she should live, and it is received promptly each year. Mr. Mailliard's brother, Louis, staid with Joseph lionaparte until his death, and was executor of his will. He was also in the Franco- Prussian war, and was in Paris during the Siege, attending to the interests of Joseph Bonaparte's family, and sent out a letter by balloon to INIr. Mailliard, which was received. Mr. Mailliard is a hale old man, a little deaf, i)ut quite jovial. Mrs. M. is also hearty and an entertaining old lady. The children are all married except Zenaide, who lives with and takes care of her parents.

Robert A. Mitchell, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O., Avon; was born in the Emerald Isle, Aug. 12, '29, and is the son of Chas. Mitchell, who came across the ocean with his family to Pennsylvania in 1831, thence to Ohio, and from thence to Knox county, 111., and in 1865, Mr. M. settled in Fulton county. He was married, April 12, '55, to Sarah Hendricks; she was born in Indiana, Aug. 21, '30. They had 12 children, of whom 10 are living, viz: Caroline, Oliver, Stephen A., Henry, George, Elizabeth, Silas, Emma, Mary and Robert. Mr. M. owns between 400 and 500 acres of land.

His parents removed with their family in 1815 to Oneida county, N. Y., thence to Huron county, Ohio, in 1831, and in 1837 Mr. M. came to Fulton county. In 1838 he hauled wheat to Chicago, sold it for 50 cents a bushel. He was married Sept. 16, '33, to I^ydia H. Wright, by whom he had 10 children. Mrs. M. died April 8, '76, and he again married, Oct. 22, '76, to Elizabeth J. (Shoemaker) Little. They are members of the M. E. Ohurch ; was Paster of the Avon ^I. E. Church last year; is now a supcranuated minister. His sou Geo. M. is Pastor of the M. E. Church at Millersburc:, and was Pastor of the M. E. Church at Lewistown 2 years. His daughter Emily E. is the wife of Rev. George W. Martin, Pastor of the Prairie City M. E. Church. His son, Amos F., is patentee of Morey's iron truck and of a sulky attachment for j)lows.

Thomas Pool, son of John and Elizabeth (Fulton) Pool ; was bora in La Porte county, Ind., March 31, '33; removed with his parents to ]\Iontgomery county, Ind,, in 1837, thence to AVayne Co., Ind., in 1840, and to this county in 1843. He served 3 years in the Rebellion, in Co. I., 72d 111. Inf., and was in the siege of Vicksburg, and the battles of Cham])ion Hills, Mobile, Franklin and K^ashville; was married Jan. 16, '57, to Charlotte Leeper, in Fairview township. They have had 7 children, 6 of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. P. are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Pool began in life poor, and has gained a large farm which is well improved and stocked. His brother, Joseph Pool, went to California in 1858, and died there in 1859. Mrs. Pool's brother, John Leeper, married a sister of Gov. Cullom. P. O., Avon.

A. P. Potter, farmer ; P. O., Avon ; son of Nathan B. and Lucy (Northrop) Potter; was born in Sussex county., N. J., Jan. 21, '27, and came to this county in 1858. He enlisted, Aug. 22, '62, in the late war, and was discharged June 29, ^Qi) ; was taken prisoner near Scottsborough, and afterward exchanged. He has held local offices, Mr. P. was married Jan. 26, '48, to Elizabeth B. Crate, of New Jersey, by whom he had 10 children ; 7 of them are living. E. Y. C. and Lucy D. are married. He is a member of the Presbvterian Church. Mr. P. has cleared over 100 acres of land in the timber.

Alvah S. Ric/idrdson was born in Harrison Co., Md., Sept. 8, '36, and is the son of Pliny and Elizabeth (Pierce) Richardson, who started West in an ox wagon when Mr. R. was but JO days old, and settled in Knox Co., 111. Mr. Richardson was educated in the common schools of Knox Co., and settled in this county in 1868; was married, April 1, '57, to Ann Eliza Dagget, by Chas. B. Housh, J. P., in Warren Co. Mrs. R. was born in Knox county April 1, '39. They are the parents of 11 children, of whom 9 are living, - Eden S., Samuel A., Rodric R., Sarah E., Harmonia, Christina W., Minerva C, Orpha D., and John P. They are Universalists. He is a farmer and stock-raiser. P. O., Avon.

town, July 18, '23. His father, Ossian M. Ro.ss, was the founder of Lewistown, and fifjured very prominently in the early history of the eounty. His mother, Mary Ross, nee Winans, died in Peoria in 1875, at the ripe old aj»;e of 82. 'V\\c General received most of his education in his father's private school, tutored hy Chas. E. Blood, who since died in Knox Co. He attended Illinois College, at Jacksonville, one year. Pie was the first Secretary of the Fulton Co. A<2:ricultural Society, and the first President of the Avon Agricultural Society. During the Mexican war the General served as Lieutenant of Co. K, 4th 111. Inf. He has in his possession a blood-stained sword taken at Cerro Gordo. Mr. R. organized the first company (Co. H, 17th III. Inf.) that went from Fulton county during the Rebellion. Of this com])any he was clK)sen captain, but upon arrival in camp he was elected Colonel, and in April, 18(j2, was promoted to Brigadier General. He participated in some of the most hotly contested engagements during the entire struggle for Union and supremacy of the General Government, and by superior judgment and having the unshaken confidence of his men, won some great victories. Prior to the war he was a Democrat, politically, but took a determined stand fi)r the Union, and won laurels while defending it that will cause his name to live throuy;h future ages in American history. He then acted with the Ivcjniblican party until the ''salary grab" in 1872, when he affiliated with the Independents until, recently, he returned to the Republican party. Besides occupying responsible positions in both the Mexican and civil wars, Mr. Ross has filled the offices of Probate Justice and County Clerk of Fulton Co., also Police Magistrate, Collector of Internal Rievenue, Supervisor and minor positions. He was twice defeated fi)r Congress, but was a strong candidate for his ticket. He never sought any office except that of County Clerk. He was married to Catharine M. Simms Nov. 13, 1845. She bore him 7 children, lie married a second wife in the person of Mary E. Warren Jan. 10, 18(35, by whom he has 4 children. Of all his children 1 is living. The General is engaged in farming and breeding Devon cattle. He has some fine herds, some of which took the j)remium last year (1878) at the St. Louis National Fair, and some at the Illinois State Fair. P. O., Avon.

Stephen Tomjjklns, merchant, Avon, is a son of Brownell Tompkins, and was born Jan. 17, 1815, in Madison Co., N. Y. ; renioved to Galesburg, 111., and entered the farm he now owns adjoining Avon, and a portion of the present town plat of Avon, in '37, and in '38 removed to his land and began imjiroving it. Mr T. is a much married man, having married three sisters: Mary F., Ethelinda (i. and Julia P. Woods. His love aif'airs are rather sadly romantic. He first became attached to Mary, and as her father was about to start to this country, Mr. T. could not think of forever partinp^ with the one he so dearly loved, hence he also started for Illinois, but was })erniitted to live but a short time with her until she was called away by death. He shortly afterward married Ethelinda, who also died in a short time. He then returned to the house of his double father-in-law and took the remaining daughter, with whom he has since ha]i])ily lived. They have had 8 children born to them, - 7 boys and one girl, 4 of whom are living. When he first settled here he followed shoemaking and began keeping a few groceries, after which he established the first store in Avon, and is still in business in this place with his sons, Albert B. and Stephen L. In '41 he erected a tannery, which he operated for several years; and in 1856 built the Avon flouring-mill, at a cost of ^20,000.

Joshua G. Walker, farmer, P. O., Avon ; son of Hugh Walker, was born in Lewis county, Ky., Oct. 6, 1831. His parents brought him to this country when but 4 years old; received his education in a log school-house with pap-^r windows and slab benches ; has served the people as Supervisor of Union township: is now one of the Trustees of Hedding College, Abingdon. He was married March 28, 1854, to iSIinerva Brown, who was born in Fulton county, June 18, 1831. They have had 9 children, eight of whom are living. Both are members of the M. E. Church. Mrs. W.'s grandfather, Samuel Barrows, served in the war of the Revolution, and she still preserves a lock of his silver hair, which was black when taken from his head. She also jireserves his wine vessel, which is in the shape of a barrel, and holds about a pint.

George Woods was born in Sullivan, N. Y., June 5, 1831, and is the son of Asa Woods, who came to this county with his family in 1836. They came in a two-horse wagon, and M'cre on the road six weeks, and the old gentleman was sick nearly the entire time. Asa Woods' brother, Salem Woods, came to McDonough Co., 111., in 1831, and still lives on the farm he first entered. The subject of this sketch, Mr. George Woods, attended the first school in Union township. It was taught by a Mr. Davis. He was married, Dec. 20, 1854, to Sarah A. Parkin, who is a native of England, and was born July 4, 1832. They have 5 children, 1 boy and 4 girls. Mr. W. is engaged in farming. P. O., Avon.