Valley Township

Valley Township

First election of school trustees, July 17, 1847, at the house of David Rouse. Five votes cast. David Rouse, AVm. Cummings and Z. G. Bliss elected trustees.

And Its Pioneers

In 1851, a petition was presented to S. G. Wright, School Commissioner, asking- for the sale of the school section. The petition had 23 signers. There were 27 voters in the township at that time.

Source changes here: from Documents and Biography Pertaining to the Settlement and Progress of Stark County, Illinois : Containing an Authentic Summary of Records, Documents, Historical Works and Newspapers Relating to Indian History, Original Settlement, Organization and Politics ..., by Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.), published 1887; 13,932 words in this source stream.

Valley Township

HE township received its name in 1853 from the commissioners appointed to divide the county into townships, under the law of 1S51. The prairie character of the soil, and its location, at the foot of the liighest divide in the State, suggested the name " Valley." The streams credited to this township in the topography of the county form at once a water-snpi)ly and drainage system. Unlike a regulation ])rairie ti'act. deep wells afford a never-failing supply of excellent water, and this, in connection with a most fertile soil, tend to render Valley one of the finest agricultui'al towns in Illinois. Throughout the township evulences of thi'ift and industry are manifest, and it is said that of the 986 persons claimed by the census of the township in 1880, not over forty had the time or inclination to indulge in

John L. Griswold, n. hf. n. w. qr., sec. 27; Aug. 27, 1851. T. Heagany, n. 80 of n. w. qr ; George Jackson, John Powers, James L. Dawson (90), John Powers and William Petersen (100), owners lots Ito 7 inclusive, of remainder of section.

A. Waistcoat, n. e. qr., sec. 30; Dec. 27, 1817. Percy Jackson, 80; J. L. Dawson, I2314; Hull est., 29; C. N. Hull, D. Martin, Erastus Morrow, George L. Jackson, J. L. Dawson, C. T. Newell, J. N. Brown, Joe Anderson, John A. Berg, C. P. Stisser, Nathan and George Eby, William Dawson, Sr.; ^I . Smith, W. F. Speers, and Percy Jackson, are also the owners of lots on sec. 30, all on this section.

The township was organized for scliool purposes in 1847, and on July 17, five voters assembled at David Rouse's house and elected David Rouse, William Cumming's and Z. G. Bliss, trustees. At this time there were only nine families, comprising fortv-one children, in the township. In 1851, twenty-three of the twenty-seven voters then in the township petitioned for the sale of the school section, which was granted. On January 21, 1856 the trustees organized by appointing Charles S. Payne, president; W. D. McDonald, treasurer; J. S. Hopkins, secretary, and Wesley King. In March, 1856. the large districts were subdi sided into six school districts, each two bv three miles. Prior to this the school of district No. 2 was taught bv P. A. Ferbrache.

In district Xo 1, Ithamer Daybault taught. At this time the house in district No. 3 was erected, and in April the house in district Xo. 2 removed. In August, 1856, James M. Rogers was appointed treasurer. In A])ril, 1858, John Schanclc succeeded C. S. Payne as president. J. M. Rogers was continued as treasurer, aud J. IIopl3:ins, member of tlie board. In October, 1859, the names of John Speers, John Schanck, and S. Dixon. In April. 1862, Messrs. Schanck, Beal and Nicholas formed the board, the first.named being still president. James M. Rogers acting as treasurer and clerk. In April. 1S»U, R. 8. Kiloore and Peter Y. Van Patten petitioned for the formation of two new districts. James M. Rogers served up to 1 867, when he was succeeded by Charles S. Blood. In 1870 the name of Hinman appeare as trustee, with AV. M. Speers, Schanck and Blood. In 1872 Henry F. Blood's name appears as trustee. In 1873 the trustees were J. M. Rogers, H. F. Blood and Henry Duckworth, Charles S. Blood still serving as clerk. On March 10, 1874, the present treasurer, Samuel AYrigley, was appointed and served uninterruptedly since that date. In October the names of John Graves, W. Down, and H. Duckworth, Avith Mr. AVrigley, formed the board. In October, 1875, John L. Dawson was elected vice Graves, and in 1876. G. AV. Duryea was chosen trustee vice Duckworth. In 1877 W. Dowii. J. L. Dawson, and G. AV. Dur\'ea formed the board, with Samuel AVrigley. clerk. In 1878 Alessrs. Duryea. AVilliam F. Speers and Eri II. Alallary. They with Air. AVrigley served until 1882, when D. AI. Crone took a place on the board, and he as ])resident, with Samuel AVrigley. treasurer, A\". F. S])eers and Eri H. Mallary continue to serve to the present time.

In 1886 there were 280 males and 211 females under twenty-one years, or 356 scholai's, nine ungraded schools, 256 attending pupils, four male and thirteen female teachers, one brick and eight frame school houses; district tax 82.929; value of property. S5.660; three illiterates; total receipts, s5, 192.01; amount paid to male teachers, 81,765.55; to female teachers. 82,256,36; expended, 82.597.69; fund invested, 8843.66. Samuel AVrigley was serving- as secretary and treasurer.

Officials. - In pioneer days, this disltrict was a part of Spoon River Precinct. The first town meeting, under the law of 1851, was held on the 4th day of April, 1853, at the brick sclioolhouse in what now is school district Xo. 7. Z. G. Bliss was chosen chairman and James H. Hathway clerk of said meeting. Charles C. AVilson ('now Judge AVilson, of Henrv county) was chosen supervisor, George Alarlatt, town clerk (the Alarlatts s\]ll reside here); J. S. Hopkins, assessor; Harry Hull, collector; Paul Rouse, jr., overseer of the poor; E. C. Stowell. Joseph Ebv, James AI. Rogers, commissioners of highways; David Rouse, overseer of roads; P. Chase, Z. G. Bliss and D. Whitfin, a committee to divide the town into three road districts. The supervisors of the township have been : '53-4. Charles C. AA'ilson ; '55, Jacob Speers; '56, Charles C. AVilson; '57-60, J. S. Hopkms: '60, Simon Dixon, who died this vear, when Henrv AI. Rogers was elected ; '63-5, James AI. Rogers; '65, Xathaniel Smfth; '66-8, James AI. Rogers; '68, John Speei^; '69-75, Henry AI. Rogers; '75, John Jordan; '76, Henry M. Rogers; '77-87, Edward Colgan.

The justices of peace elected in A'alle}^ are named as follows : '54, D. D. Furbracbe and J. M. Eogers ; '58, Joseph Woodward, Jacob Spears and J. M. Rogers; '60, Simon Dixon; '61, Joseph Woodward, T. Beall ; '65, Joseph Woodward, George Wier; '69, George W. Nixon, Joseph Wolf, Thomas Beall, Edward Colgan ; '73, Edward CoWn and Eli H. Mallary ; 77, C. F. Newell and E. Colgan; '81, Jacob ShuUow, C. T. Xewell; '82, Morris Smith; '83, W. F. Speers ; '85, Michael Ryan, Eli li. Mallary ; '86, Erastus Morrow.

Nekjliboring SeUlements. - Lawn Ridge dates its settlement back to 1845, when Charles Stone made his home there. He was followed b " Deacon " Smith and Joshua Powell, the deacon being the first blacksmith. Alden IFull settled in the township about 1845, and shortly after the United Presbyterian Church was organized there. In 1846 the Congregational Chiirch of Blue Ridge was founded, and in 1850 the Methodists organized at the Centre. On October 5, 1864, Lawn Ridge Lodge, No. 415, was chartered. Close by, the lost towns of Chambersburg and Troy City were laid out in 1836, - the former by John T. Shepherd and Jesse J. Cox, and the latter by Sanford Klock.

The wolf hunt of 1830 was organized December 25, 1830, with the Roots, Sillimans, Reddicks, Clevelands, Coopers, Holmes, Miners and Reeds leading hunters. In 1845 the great hunt w^as organized.'

Akron Township, of Peoria county, was first settled by Hugh Montgomery, in 1831. The same year D. Prince, James Morrow and Thomas Morrow settled there. In 1832 Rev. Hill, of the Methodist Episcopal circuit, preached at James Morrow's house, and four years later Mrs. Hester Stoddard taught in the first schoolhouse. In 1871 the first house of worship was erected by Seventh Day Baptists.

Valley Cemetery. - ^In Yalley cemetery are interred the following welhknown residents: W. Dowm died in 1878; James Jackson, '71; Jane Hodges, '59; Margaret Jackson, '82; Lovina Ann Eby, '70; Harry Hull, '78; Sally Hull, '62; Carlton A. Fox, '72; William Marlatt, '86. A number of young people are interred, among whom are George O. Marlatt, Company E, One-hundred-and-twelfth Illinois A^olunteer Infantry, died April 8, 1864, in Libby prison; Joseph M. Marlatt, died in 1873; Lizzie Down, died in 1882; and William Down, Jr., in 1883. At Camp Grove, Lawn Ridge, Wyoming, and other restingplaces for the dead in the vicinity, many old settlers are at liome, while throughout the west others have found the end of life's journey. - Stark Village was never platted. It grew up spontaneoush', so soon as the railroad was opened, as the competitor of Wady Petra for the trade of the township. Tlie business circle is made up as follows : Joseph Anderson, grain and tile; Simpson <k Smith, general store; AYilliam Speers, live stock and insurance; Mrs. Roth well, millinery ; Erastus Morrow, creamery ; Charles X. Hull, merchant ; Joseph Brown and D. Martin, blacksmiths ; John Burr, shoemaker ; John Brooks, restaurant ; Eric Weberg, railroad agent ; E. Morrow, postmaster. Mr.

Anderson built the first residence there some years a^o. Many cottages have since been erected, and with the stores, depot, grain warehouse, and stores and shops named, give tlie liamlet a business-hke appearance.

The pensioners residing at Starkville in 1883 were William Peterson, receiving $10 per month; Erastus Morrow and Alonzo Kingsley, $8 each ; and David Martin. 84.

The Stark Congregational Aid societv. organized March 3, 1885, at the little village of Stark, collected SSOli.oO, and expended 8282 the first year. Mrs. C. T. Xewell is secretary.

Congregational church originated in a series of meetings which from 1880 to 1885 were held in various places in the vicinity. The first effort to organize a meeting -was made by holding services in the Avarehouse of Simpson ik: Smith, but subsequently held in an unused cheese factory. Ilere a Sunday-school was started in 1883, which, in connection with regular services, continued until it was proposed to build a church. This enterprise ' was to be known as the Union church. Accordingly, on the evening of February 19, 1885, many citizens of Stark and vicinity met to complete arrangements.

M. S. Smith presided, with W. F. Speers, secretar3\ A committee of five, consisting of M. S. Smith. 11. Blood, W. F. Speers, Charles Ham])son and L. Dixon, were elected as a financial committee. On February 21st, this committee met and elected M. S. Smith treasurer. By February 26th, 8620 was subscribed, and April 19th a meeting Avas called to consider the question of organization, at which meeting M. S. Smith presided. A committee to call a council to organize a Congregational church, com])risiHg 11. F. Blood, M. S. Smith and L. E. Brown, was appointed April 28th, with M. S. Smith, chairman, and William Simpson, secretar\^, and a Congregational church was organized with the following members holding letters from other churches: H. F. Blood, Morris S. Smith, Susan Anderson, Albert Jordan, Erilda Jordan, Louisa Dewev, AVilliam Peterson, Mary Peterson, Eunice Blood, Kate Blood, J. M. Brown, L. E. Brown, Elizabeth Speers, nee McCowen, and Prescott Blood, Sr. On Ai)ril 29th, II. F. Blood and Morris S. Smith were elected deacons; William Simpson, clerk; Sister L. E. Brown, treasurer; and Albert Jordan, trustee for one 3'ear, Prescott Blood, Sr., for two years, and J. Anderson for three years. On May 31st, Rev. J. Mitchell, of Wyoming, was called as ])astor to preach once each Sunday for the consideration of 83<)0 per annum, and H. F. Blood, William Peterson, and AVilliam Simpson appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions. On September 20, 1885, the church, which in the meantime had been erected and finished at a cost of aljout 82.00(», was dedicated, the sermon being preached by Pev. J. K. Tomkins of Chicago. On the day of the dedication, S331.78 was collected to liquidate all the indebtedness of the church. From its foundation the church has continued to grow.

Wady Petra. - The village of Wady Petra stands on the northeast quarter of section 31, township 12, range 7, comprising twenty acres. It was surve3'ed in 1873 by Edwin Butler for Anna K. Chase, just east of the Rock Island ct Pacific Pailroad. The plat shows Chase and Front streets running north and south, with Main and Hamilton stretching east from the depot grounds. At the time of survey an Osage orange hedge formed the northern and southern boundaries. The purchasers of lots were John Brombaugh in 1870 ; Harry A. Hammond in 1879, Henry I. Chase in 1873, Thomas B. Selders in 1876 ; Wm. F. Speers and John Freedman in 1878; Joseph Freedman in 1882. The business circle comprises Heber Chase & Co., general merchants, railroad agents and luml)er dealers, and agents for E. S. Eaton A: Co., grain; T. B. Selders, builder; A. K. Chase, lime and stone.

Churcli and Society. - -The Methodist Protestant Church of Yalley was organized in February, 1808, with the following named members : Welden Reagan, Sarah Reagan, Maria Luper, Richard and Ann Hight, Daniel S. and Clarinda Thurston, John C. and Rachel Wright, Thomas and Ann Ileywood, Emma Pilgrim, Alice and Nancy A. Scott, Elizabeth Pettit, JosejJi and Rebecca Essex, John and Mary Haines, Viola (Haines) Keeling, Elizabeth Simms. Of the above six removed. Emma Pilgrim died in 1881 and Joseph Essex also died. There were 123 receptions into the churcli up to June 13, 1886, no less than sixteen becoming members during tlie revival meeting of January, 1884. Wady Petra Grange was presidetl over by Jacob Taylor, witli William Peterson, secretary.

The settlement of Valley was postponed beyond that of au}^ other division of the county owing to the fact, that many of the soldiers of 1812 selected their land grants there as shown in the list of original entries. In taking up the personal history of the representative families now in the townsliip, several brief notices of men and women, who resided here, are giveii, each little sketch being based on newspaper reports or collected from other recorded matter, while the material for the complete family histories here given was collected by Messrs. Moffitt and Barringer, rewritten in the office here, revised by a member of each family, and then rewritten and printed. In the his- tory of Toulon township, Avhich emliraces the history of the town of AVyoniing, very many ])ages are devoted to former residents and pioneers of X^alley township.

Joseph Anderson, son of John and Hannah (Davis) Andereon, was born in Butler county. O., March IS. 1827, to which state his father removed from his native Penns3^1vania. About 1821 John married Miss Davis, of Ohio, and for the ten following years made his home there. The family moved to Taze\yell county, 111., in 1831, and there were known among the leading farmers until 1851, when John Anderson retired, selling the farm. Sixteen vears later Mr. Anderson. Sr., died in Indiana in his eighty-second year; bis widow residing with the children until her death, in 1880, at her son's home in her eightj^-third 3" ear. Of their thirteen children seven are living. Joseph Anderson, the fifth child in order of seniority, resided with his parents on the farm until twenty-one years of age. At this time he married Miss Susanna McGinness, of Peoria county, remained two years in Tazewell county, then moved to the farm in Peoria county, where for twentvfive years they made their home, prior to their removal to Stark county. Here he built a modern residence for his home and an elevator for the grain trade which he established, together with other buildings, accomphshing as much to build up Stark village as any other one man. Politically he is Republican, in society matters, holds a high place in (Jdd Fellows circles. His wife is a member of the Congregational church and prominent wherever woman's work is called for. Of their eleven children, George W. is deceased ; James W., conductor on C. I. P. P.; Mary J., in Kansas ; Frank M.. in Stark ; Sarah E., deceased ; John II., engineer at Rock Island ; Lewis AY., Robert C, and Ulyssus L., in Iowa ; Xathan A., here ; and Edward E., deceased. U. L. Anderson is vardmaster of the Central Iowa Railroad at Keithsljuro-, 111. Mr. Anderson is now about sixty years old. He was an infant pioneer of Ohio and came to the military tract of Illinois while it was a wilderness, so that in two states he has passed through the pioneer period, and appears today to be a man of forty rather than sixty summei's. Idleness has not brought him this look of youth, for in every part he has taken, whether on the farm, in the grain warehouse, oi' luml)er yard, he has always been a worker. AVith Mrs. Anderson his home at Stark is a model one.

Margaret {Cowley) Brain. ( Yide history of H. Chase.) William Afkinson, son of AVilliam aud Jane (Lambert) Atkinson, Avas born in England. March 14, 1835. His father was born there, May 21, 1796. On February 4, 1826, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane, daughter of James and Marv Lambert, the latter born Julv 23, 1804. Several vears after their marriage thev emiorated to America and settled at Philadelphia, Pa., where Mr. Atkinson was bookkeeper for a large wool purchasing firm. Several years were spent in various parts of the East and in 1853, he and two of his sons came to Illinois to prepare a home for the familv, Avho followed them hither in 1854. makino- a home in Marshall count v for three vears. Having purchased eighty acres on section three, A'alley township, they came while the place was wild, unbroken prairie. On February of

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ISGO, Mr. Atkinson, after an illness of three weeks, slept his last sleep in Ills seventy-first year. His widow remained with her children nntil 1884, when the last summons came to her also, in her eiglitieth year. Of their ten children five are still living, four of whom are in Stark county and one in England.

Williavi Ath'nson antl his sister Mariah J., with filial affection clung to their parents and their old home, and since the death of their parents tliev have together taken the management of the farm. The original farm has been consideraljly increased, as shown in the list of present landowners.

Perry C. Burdiok, son of Clark and Permelia (Coon) Burdick, was I)orn in Otsego county, N. Y., March 2(), 1824. His father was born in Vermont, December 1, 1798, and his mother in New York, December 31, 1800. The Burdicks were known here in the mercantile marine prior to the Bevolution. Clark Burdick moved from Vermont to York state at an early date, dying there January 1, 1862. In May, 1853, Perrv C. came direct from his New York home and purcliased KJO acres on section 29, Valley, which he sold in a short time after and bought the southwest quarter of section 34. In 1863 he married Miss Mary Ann Ilickson, to whom two children were l)orn, Grant, residing here, and Sherman, deceased. His wife died in 1869. In 1871 he married Mrs. Sarah (Dwall) Stout, a native of Virginia, whose father died there, and whose mother died in Missouri in 1884; removing there on the death of her husband. Mr. Burdick holds to no church in particular, but is a friend of all Christian denominations. In political affairs he is decidedly Republican, but as decidedly non-aggressive. Both in New York state as well as in Illinois he has given his undivided attention to farming - the common school alone, of all institutions, claiming such attention as he can giv^e outside his business. Since his settlement here he has served as school director for twelve years.

Heher Chase, a native of Jubilee, Peoria county. 111., removed with liis parents. Philander and Anna K. Chase, to Stark county at the age of four vears, and for the six succeeding years resided with them on the honiestead farm on section 31, Valley. He then attended a winter term of school at Jubilee, i^turned home and some time later took a course in the Normal University and in Jubilee College. Then resuming work on the farm, he resided there until 1871, when he was a[)pointed postmaster at this place, of which his father was founder, and by whom the name Wady Petra (Stone Valley) ^vas given. A^ery soon after he received the a])pointment of railroad and express agent. In the spring of 1878 he sustained a heavy loss in the death of his father, wlien the ]*es]ionsibility of head of the family, and indeed of the community, Avhich his father had gathered around him, fell upon him. About this time he formed a partnership with his brother, William J. Chase, to carry on the mercantile liouse which his father established. In 1874 he married Miss Emma Isal)elle, daughter of George and Margaret Brain, of Burlingame, Kan. Her father had been dead a nundjer of years, but the lady and her mother were then visitino' here and with Mrs. Chase's cousin at Galva, Thomas Milcrist,

Mrs. Brain died at Wad^^Petra in July, 1886. She married Geo. Brain in 1854, six years after lier emigration tVom the Isle of Man, and eight years preceiling the death of her Imsband. To Mr. and Mrs. Chase four children were born, of whom Virgin ius H. and Victor P., are at home. In politics he is Republican, and in all local and county affairs hberal and enterprising.

Bernard Colgan, one of the most prominent farmers of A'alley township, was born in Down county, Ireland, in 1836. He remained in his native land until twent}^ years of age, and then started to make a home in the new world, landing at New York. He came at once to Stark county, 111., and began working as low as twelve dollars per month. After several years he rented land which he worked until 1865 when he purchased an eighty tract on section 16. In Jan., 1867, he married Miss Ann Slogan, who is also a native of Ireland. After their marriage the}' remained some seven years upon this place and then removed to a farm on section 2, which he had purchased. Here they have since resided, and built up their present beautiful home. Eight children have l)lessed their marriage, all of whom make their home with their parents. Mary, Francis, Edward. James, John, Bernard, JMargaret, Rose. Thomas is numbered among the dead. Mr. Colgan is a member of the Catholic church, of which his family are all members. In politics he is decidedly Democratic. He has now 210 acres of choice farming land, and is well known as one of our best farmers.

John A. Colgan, born at Greencastle, Down county, Ireland, February 11, 1836, is the son of Edward and Sarah (Brennan) Colgan, and grandson of Patrick and Catherine (Fitzpatrick) Colgan, of Lisnacree, in that countv, who were the children of Edward Colgan, of Auoliioonhill, and Denis Fitzpatrick, of Ballymacdurphy, of Down county, the former a weaver, and the latter a farmer and blacksmith. The maternal grandparents of John A. were James and Rose (Lands) Brennan, of Ballamena, and on l)oth sides the family history can be traced liack to the Irish Ijrians and to the illustrious Colgan family, one of whom was the celebrated historian. To Patrick and his wife Catherine nine children were born, one of whom came to the United States. Edward Colgan was married in 1834 ; moved to Greencastle, where he died in 1848. His witlow came to America in 1865, and now resides with her son, John A. Her children are John A. Colgan, James, who was drowned at St. John's, Patrick, Mary, Kate, now Mrs. Wni. Gill, Peter, drowned near Liverpool, and Thomas, all survivors of the family residing in this township. John A. Colgaii was taken by his paternal grandparents in 1837, and lived with them eighteen years. He then moved to Liverpool to learn the ship-carpenter's trade, but returned in a short time and remained at home until 1856, when lie came to Illinois, residing near Brimfleld for three years. Subsequently he freighted between Kansas City and Ft. Leavenworth and Ft. LTnion, N. M., but after seven months, returned to Peoria county. In the spring of 1863 he ])urchased eighty acres in Valley. In Feln-uary, 1867, he married Miss Sarah Colgan, a very distant relative, who shared his fortunes until death took her away in June, 1882, On

August 16, 1880, he married JMiss Emma Williams, of Valley. Of seven children born to the first marriage, Mary M., Sarah A., Patrick E., John, liosa and Peter V. reside here ; Katie died. Mr. Colgan has increased his acreage to 400, all excellent land, and well improved. Politically, he is independent, and as a citizen, ranks with the best in Stark count ^^

Thomm Ilevry Crone^ son of Benjamin and Mary ^McDonald) Cr'one. was born in Fayette county, Ohio, January 20, 1820. His o-randfather, Henry Crone, went to Canada to learn the carpenter trade, from Pennsylvania, of which state he was a native like his wif^, and during the year the family spent there, Benjamin was born. In 1812 Ilenrv returned to the "United States and was a soldier in the Union service, even as his father was a soldier of the He volution Benjamin Crone married Nancy McDonald in 1828. Her parents were natives of New Jersey. They were the parents of seven children: Thomas H., Albert W!, John, Henrietta, James F. (deceased), Wm. A. and Douglas W. Thomas H. learned the car})enter's trade at an early dav, and at the age of twent}^ years married Miss Eliza J., daughter of Ananias and Ehzabeth Allen, a native of Madison count}^ Ohio. Six years later this lad}^ died, leaving two children : AVilliam, now of Nod'awav county, M(j., and Ammia E., now of Crawford count3% Iowa. After the deatl/of his wife he came to Stark county, 111., worked at his trade until 18.54-, when he settled on his present farm, and in 18.56 revisited Ohio, wliere he married Miss Catherine, dau^'hter of Dr. and Ann (McClean) Eol)inson. They are the parents of seven children : John B., married. May, married, both of Crawford county, Iowa; James F., of Valley township, married; Henry L., of Essex township, married ; Kosella, married, residing here ; Thomas S. aiul Nancy A. with parents. Like both his grandfathers, Thomas H. also was in the Union service, having enlisted in the Seventh Illinois \"olunteer M. Infantry in February, 1865, and served until the close of the war. For thirty years he has filled the office of school director, is a member of the Central Agricultural Society, a supporter of the Methodist church, and in political life, a Itepublican.

Willi am Dawson, born in Boss county, Ohio, in 180!), moved with his parents to Hawkins county, Ohio, where he passed his youth and received Jiis education. About 1881 he married Miss Amelia Dorman, with whom he was a playmate from childhood. For nine years after this marriage they made their liome in Hocking county, engaged on their farm, and there four children were born to them. In 1839-40 the famil}^ moved to Henry county, 111., and two years later settled in Stark count}^, where Mr. Dawson liad ]mrchased lands. Here nine children were born to them, live of whom are living, and two, John L. and Minerva, residents of this county. The father of this large family, a pioneer of Henry, a pioneer of Valley and an old settler of Stark countv, was called away by death Se[)tember 10, 1885. Forty days pi'ior to this event he fell, receiving such injuries as would cause the death of a much younger man. Mrs. William Dawson was born in Boss county, Ohio, January 1, 1805, but in her youth accomj)anied her parents to Ilock'ing count}^, Ohio, where she was also educated and where she met and married her late husband. She was amonothe very earliest settlers of Talley, coming here when Peoria had only one store, while yet it was a day's journey to a neighbor's house. She is considered one of the foreraothei's of the township, for, with her husband, she particii)ated in the drama of settlement and progress, and has even distanced old Time. Since her husband's death she has resided on the homestead with her daughter Minerva.

John L. Dawson^ son of William and Amelia (Dorman) Dawson, was born in Essex, Stark county, September 9, 1842. Here he was educated and continued to reside until August, '62, when he enlisted in Company E, One-hundred-and-twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and for three vears participated in the fortunes of that command as related in the military chapter. He received honorable discharge June 20, '65, returned to his father's house and resided there until Februar}^ 2. '71. when he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jacol) and Alice (Ho wart) Ta3'lor, and took up -their residence on section thirty, Valley, where he was owner of 124 acres. Of three children born to them. William A. and Jacob S. are living. Mrs. Dawson was born in Lancashire. England, January 5, '5U. In her ninth vear she accompanied her parents to America, and settled with them in Vallev. was educated here and remained with them until her marriage in '71. Mr. Dawson is a republican in political life, in social matters a member of the I. O. (). F., has served one year as collector, and since '62 has proven a most creditable citizen, whether in war or peace.

James L. Daioson^ son of Andrew and Mar\^ (Little) Dawson, was born in Koss county, O., in 1826. His father was born near Pittsburg. Pa., where he married Miss Little, of the same county. In the fall of '43 the family moved to ChiUicothe, 111., and thence to Stark county in '47-8. Here both of them died as recorded in the sketch of the cemeteries - Mr. Dawson dying in '64. Of their nine children, three are living. James L. resided with his parents - working on the farm or attendino- school in his vouth. In *47 he came to this countv. and two years later purchased his farm here. Owing to the fact that the notes on his family histoiy were returned without corrections and with complaint of inaccuracies, the greater ])art is omitted rather than knowingly ]iublish what is alleged to be incorrect.

Mrs. Elizaht'th Down, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Hammot) Cutler, was born in Sutfolkshire, England, in 1832, came to Buffalo, X. T., -y/a Quebec, with her parents in '36, and after two years removed with them to Batavia, X. Y.. where they reared a family of eight children of whom five are living. In '57 Mrs. Down, accompanied by friends, came to Kickapoo Town, and here she married William Down, also a native of the same shire in England, whose parents, Thomas and Mary Down, never left Eno-land. This William Down left Enofland at the age of sixteen years, came to Batavia, X. Y., there learned the shoemaker's trade, and there met Miss Cutler, to Avhom he was married December 25, '56, They at once settled in Stark county, where Mr. Down died September 29. '78, - typhoid fever, from which he suffered only one week, being the direct cause. He was collector of this township two terms, and filled the office of assessor several terms Mrs.

Down resides upon tlie homestead, surrounded by her family of six children: John. Mary, Thomas, Samuel, Cora and Bertha. The eldest son, William, is deceased. He married Miss Lizzie Torrington in '82, who died the same year, he following her to the grave in September, '83. Both lie in the Fox cemetery.

Mrs. Mary ji. Dewhurst, born near Hey wood, England, tlied near Stark village April 2, 1880, aged fifty-eight years. She came to Peoria county in '50, and for years resided in or near Wyoming.

Laicrence DncJnoorfh, Sr., born in 1800, came to the United States in '-i'J, resided in Peoria county for thirteen years, \vhen he moved to Valley township, thence to his son's home at Shenandoah, Page count3% Iowa, died near Yates City, 111., April 0, '80.

G. ir. Diiryea, son of AVesley and Elizalieth (P)arnum) Duryea, was born at Mt. Sterling, Brown county. 111., in 1885. His parents were natives of Kentucky, who after marriage, removed to Brown county, 111., about the year '33, where he continued his profession of law, at which he labored so earnestl\" that he became totally blind, when oui' subject was but six years of age. A few months later he passed to the "l)etter land." During his illness his proj)erty had been about consumed, and after his death Mrs. Duryea labored hard to keep her family of four children together. Since they have grown up she has matle her home with her daughter near Cuba, 111. G. W. Duryea, when but nine years of age, left homie and went to live with a merchant of Mt. Sterling, working in the store there for five years, when he removed to Canton where he was a clerk until 'HI, when he married Miss Louisa M., daugliter of James and Sarah A. (Carver) Turner, who was born in December, '41. Her parents were both natives of Mercer county, Ky., who in '31 and '33 removed to Menard county, 111., '32 to Fulton county, where they were married April 25, '37. Of their thirteen children, nine are living, three of them in Stark county. {Vide page Jf.7o, J^^/lton countij Jiistoi'y.) Mr. and Mrs. Duryea began farming in Woodford county, 111., wliere the^' remained foi* eight years, when tTiey removed to their farm in Valley townshi]) about the year '72. In '83 Mr. Duryea, after several months' illness, resolved to go to the Straits of Mackinaw for his health, and, being taken suddenly worse, died at Berrien Springs, June I, '83. His remains now rest in Pleasant Valley cemetery. He was an active member of the Methodist Protestant church, and in politics a republican, having held vai'ious offices of trust in his township. About two years prior to his death he rented the farm and removed to La Harpe to educate his children, but being restless for some occupation he returned to work as ])artner in a store at St. David. The year following hei" husl)and's death Mrs. Duryea returned to their beautiful home on the farm where she still resides. Of her seven children, two died in infancy. (Uiarles E. resides at Washington, L). C., Minnie Blanche, James, Frank, Otto C, Atina, B. C. i-eside at home. In the history of Fulton county, brief notices of the Turner and Carver families a])])ear.

Faulkner, was born in Peoria county, 111., March 10, 1857. His father, a Virginian, moved to Ross county, Ohio, when but seventeen years of ao-e. where he ensfao-ed in the mercantile trade and also tended the locks on the canal. At the age of twenty he married Miss Pollen Ditmon, who died aliout fourteen vears later. To his first marriao-e five childi'en were born, only tAvo of whom are now living. About three years aft(^r the death of his first wife, he married Miss Lucy Arthington. Immediately after their marriage they came to Illinois in 1852, and settling in Peoria county, began farming. Six years after they removed to ^^alley townshi}), where they purchased a farm, and where, in 1S<!?), Mrs. Faulkner died, leaving five children, all of whom are living. On March 19, 1885. ^Iv. Faulkner was called to his reward, in his seventythird year. Andrew J. Faulkner is the third child of a family of five children. His early life was spent at home with his parents, assisting- in the duties of the farm. In 1 880 he married Miss Minnie F., daugliter of William and Eliza l^eth (Killingei') Eeckling. She was born in Boone county, Ind., December 30, 18<)0. Her parents, natives of Ohio. removed to Indiana at an earlv da v. where thev engaged in farmino-. In 1864 they came to Illinois and settled in Penn township, Stark county, where, one ye;.r later. April 2-1-. 1865. Mr. Redding's death occurred, in his fifty-sixth year. He was the fatiier of nine children, six of whom were living at his death. After her husband's death Mrs. Redding removed to AYvoming- with her familv. She was married, in 1868 to Mr. Charles Andress. with whom she lived until her death. A]U"il 13. 187<i. By her second marriage she was the mother of one child. Minnie, after her eleventh year, made her home in the family of Mr. Thomas Timmons until her marriasfe, in 1S80, with Mr. Faulkner. ]\[r. and Mrs. Faulkner have resided in Stark county, and at present live on their farm about three miles south of AVyoming. Their union has been blessed by two children, Ilattie P. and Matie E. Politically Mr. Faulkner is, like his father was, a Democrat.

Amhrose Gelrrt, born in Saxony, Germany, in 1837, came to the United States with his brother sixteen years later, landing at Baltimore, June 13, 1853 They pushed westward at once; renuiined in Jefferson county, Ohio, twenty-one months; early in 1855 he came to Peoria countv, 111. : worked bv the month there for three vears; then commenced farming as a tenant, and next established his own farm, which he im|)roved until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-sixth Illinois Infantry. He took part in all the battles and skirmishes of that command, as related in the military chapter, and came out at the close of the war without a wound. Returning to Peoria, he resumed farming, and in 18(i8 bought a farm in this county. The following year he married Miss Margarite G. Wessensee. daughter of George and Catherine (Zinck) Wessensee, of Xew York City. After this marriau-e he resided on the inirchase of 1868 for nine vears. and then moved to his farm of 165 acres on section 26. Valley, where they have since lived. Of seven children born to them there are living: Clara L.. Albert G , Emma L. (deceased), Martin J.. Joseph L.. Annie. Wilhelmina and Otelia A., all residing here. For almost twenty years this gentleman has labored here successfully. He has increased his fJo acres to 325, all ini])roved. In religious life he is a member of the Lutheran church ; in politics, a Republican, and in society, a member of the Grand Army, and altogether a most useful citizen.

A. W. Ilendricl's, son of Jonathan and Luranae (Morey) Hendricks, was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., in 1812, of whicii state his parents were also natives. In 1875 his father moved to Illinois, and in 1877 died in Livingston county in the eighty-seventh year of his age. His wife, the mother of A. W. ELendricks, died in New York State in 1827. Up to this time and for seven years after, the son resided at home. .At the age of twenty-two years he married Miss Betsy Record, also a native of his countv, and for ten years after this marriage he was engaged in a, variety of work, but then adopted a farmer's life and resided on the same ti'act until 1864, when the familv moved to section 28, Valley Township, this county, where for twentythree years he has been an agriculturalist. Of their nine children five are living: Alexander in Michigan, George in Kansas, Lucy in New York; Mary, now Mrs. E. Hampson, of X^alley ; Lottie, now Mrs. M. Graves, of Essex. The deceased were: Joel, the thnxl son; Francis, the fourth son, died in the war of the Rebellion; Sally S., died here, and also an infant. This family gave two sons to the Union, whose records are given in the military chapter. The father has always been a Lhiionist, and today while yielding hearty supj)ort to the Republican party, votes for men and measures according to his judgment of them. Mrs. Hendricks is a member of the Baptist church.

J//%S'. Sarah llanipson^ daughter of David and Elizalieth (Hearst) Gilworth, of Cawthorn, England, was born there in 1811, wdieie her ])aternal grandparents, Thomas and Maiy Gilworth, also resided, while the maternal grandparents, Joseph and Mary Hearst, were natives of Wakefield. David was one of seven children. At the ag'e of twentv-nine lie married j\Iiss Hearst, and to tliem seven childi'en were l)orn, of whom Mrs. Hampson is the only one surviving. Her father died at the age of fifty-nine years, and her mother died twenty years later. Mrs. Hampson resided with them until 1825, when she moved to Newtonnian, Cheshire, and there, a,t the age of eighteen, married Henry, son of Newton, and grandson of Thomas and Nancy (Newton) Hampson. For seventeen years she resided there, and there seven children were born to them, who came with them to America in 1840. The following eighteen months were jiassed at Newport, R. I.; the succeeding four years at Salem, Mass.; thence moved to Yonkers, N. Y., where they remained one year. Meantime the father had visited Illinois and ]nirchased a farm in Essex Township, and in 1853 the familv came bv I'ail to LaSalle, bv boat to Peoria, and bv waji'on to their Essex farm, where they resided three years. Then the Essex farm was sold, and 16u acres in Yalley purchased, wliich was increased to 255 acres prior to Mr. Hampson's death in December. 1871. Here Mrs. Hampson and family continue to reside. Her children are : Elizabeth, Alice (now Mrs. Harris, of Attlel)orough, Mass.), Mary (now Mrs. Simmons of Attleborough), Anna (Mrs. Jackson, deceased), Jane (Mrs. Mills, of Middletown, N. Y.) ; Sarah (Mrs. Bowes), Charles, and Enieline (widow of Mr. Kelsch), residing here ; Martha A. (Mrs. Jones, of Missouri) ;

David H., of Massachusetts ; Emma M., of I^ew York, all deceased. Mr. Ilampson, Sr., was democratic in politics, as his son is today. During life he was a most industrious worker and good citizen, and gave to this count}' a family who have aided in its building up as thev shared in its prosjierity.

Thomas Heaghney, son of Charles and Rosa (McGurk) Heaghney, was born in Tyrone County, Ireland, in 1834. Twenty years later he moved to New York State, where he labored as a farm hand for two years, when he came to Illinois and worked on a farm here until 1861. In this year he nuirried Miss Margaret Kinsley, of Stark County, rented a piece of land which now forms a part of his estate, and other tracts until 1S(U. when he purchased eighty acres, residing there in a 12x16 house until his lands were paid for, when he built his present residence. Mr. Heaghne}" has now a tract of 240 acres of excellent farm land, together with several quarter sections in the west. Of their eight children six are livino-. He has in little overtwentv vears wrunii' from labor a just reward, and today holds an enviable place in the esteem of his neighbors. In religious life he is Catholic, in political life Democrat, and in agricultural affairs a hard worker and close calculator.

Dai'ld ILxhjffn, boi'ii in Kentshire, England, February 5, 1822, is the son of Thomas and Mary Hodges, natives of England. As neai' as can now be ascertained Thomas was married in 1818 or '19, and in 1834 he came to America, and settled at Saratoga Springs, K. Y.; but after a short time moved six miles north of the springs, purchased a farm and engaged in farming. Of their eight children six are living: Matihla, of Worcester. Mass.; Harriet, of Washington county, ]S^. Y.; Edwin, of Saratoga county, X. Y.; Amos, of Page county, Iowa; George H., of Greenfield, Saratoga county, X. Y.; and David, of this countv; all the heads of families. Tliomas Plodges remained where he last settled, engaged in farming, until his death, in 1853. His wife survived him until tlie year of 1880. David Hodoes was thirteen years old when he left England. In America he remained with iiis father, helping to clear the farm, until 1851, when he came to Illinois, purchased land in this county. Eetui-ning home he Avas married in 1852, to Miss Jane Standish, a native of Xew York, to whom were born Harry, residing with ])arents, and Joseph, married, of Kingsbury countv. Dak. The vear followino- his marriao-e David settled on the land he had ])urchased in this county in 1851, building a house thereon. On March 23, 1860. his wife died, and on February 1, 1861, he married Miss ]\Iarv Hutchison, a native of Ohio, whose parents removed from Ohio to Illinois about 1851, and settled in Peoria county, where they i-emained until their death. They are the parents of five children, namely : Otis. Clark, P'red, Frank, and one deceased. The first purchase of land Mr. Hodges made was the southeast quarter of section 33, and since that time he has added 540 acres to this, all of which is well im]n'ovea. He is not a member of any church, Init is a liberal saj)porter of the Methodist church. In politics he is a Republican, takes a great interest in schools, and in all matters pertaining to the public benefit. He has held several township offices, and is at present commissioner of highways.

Charlesi M. TIuU^ son of Hany and Sarah (Shaw) Hull, was born in St. Lawrence county, 1^. Y., in 1836. His father, a native of Yermont, was born near the New Hampshire hne in 1799, and his grandfather in xsew Hampshire in 1758. This latter man served through the Revohition, soon after was married and settled in tlie village of Kane, Essex county, N. Y., where he was an agriculturalist until his death, in '-±1, his' wife dying about '51. Of their nine children all lived over sixty years, and four are still living. He with five of his sons served in the War of '12. Harry Hull was married about '24, moved to St. Lawrence count}' about '26, and twenty 3'ears later to Wisconsin. In '47 he came to Peoria county ; in January, '50, settled in Stark, purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 30, Yalley, and died here in '79. His first wife died here in '62. In '64 he married Mrs. Alice Surnberger, of Yictoria, 111., who survives him and resides on the homestead. To his -first marriage twelve children were born, and to his last, two children. Of the first, six are living : Sdas, Clrorles N., Xathan II., John D., Mrs. R. E. Dickenson, and Mrs. Sarah A. Boutan, of whom Charles IN", resides in Yalley with Eu])hrasia and Catherine, children of the second marriage. Charles Hull shared in the travels and fortunes of the family until '52, when he went to Princeville to learn tlie blacksmith's trade. In '60 he moved to Osceola and followed his trade there. In '61 he married Miss Calista E. Bales, of Orange countv, ()., then visiting her sister at Princeville. On September 20, '62, he enlisted in Company A, Second Illinois Light Artillery, and was in active service with the battery for thirty-four months without receiving a wound. On returning he worked at his trade until '70, when he removed to his Yalley farm, which he had purchased prior to the war. In '76 he estabhshed a general store at Stark village, the first business there. In '82 Mr. Speers and he built the grain elevator there ; in '84 he purchased his partner's interest therein, and since has carried on his large interests alone. In politics he has always been a Eepublican, avoiding office, and ever attentive to his own business and the development of his district. ( Vide military and Valley histories.)

George L. Jaclson, son of R. and Jane (Lonsley) Jackson, was born at Marrick, Eng., in 1818. His father was born and lived there forty-four years. His mother was born at Heley, in 1788, married at nineteen years of age, and fifty-two years later her husband died, she following him to the grave in a few years. They came to Orange, O., in '35 with their eleven children, purchased two farms there, and there died, as noted. George L. came with his parents to Ohio, and engaged in farming there until '47, when he revisited his native country foi" ten months, married INliss Margaret Carse there at Ilichmond, returned in '48, and after spending the winter in Ohio, moved to Brimfield, 111., where he was engaged in agriculture for eight years, and then purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, Yalley. In '82 his wife died here. One of her children died in '59, but three still reside here : Thouias C. and George R. on the homestead, and Percy near Stark station. In June, '82, Mr. Jackson deeded his lands to his boys, lived with them until '85, when he built a residence near Stark

3£rs. Judith S. Joh, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Frum) Furbrushe, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1820. Her fatlier was born on the Island of Guernsey, a French possession, in 1797. Came with the Guernsey colony to Ohio, and here in 1818 married Miss Frum, a native of Yirg-inia. A number of years later the family moved to Preble county, Ohio, and moved thence in 1S54 to this county. Peter Furbrushe died here in 1855, and twenty 3'ears later his widow followed him to the grave. Of their seven children four are living; Mrs. Joh, however, being the only one residing here. Mrs. Joh remained with her parents until 1811, when she married David Joh. David Joh was born in Yirginia about 1816. In 1832 he moved with his parents to Preble county, Ohio, where he met and married Miss Furbrushe. After four years they moved to Butler county, and eight years later settled on a farm in Valley township, of this county, where, after a long illness, he ])assed to rest in August, 1879. Of their seven children, Elizabeth A. is deceased, John A. resides in Kansas, Mary E. is Mrs. H. Martin, of Castleton ; Emma S., Mrs. A. Schanck, resides here ; George L., in Colorado ; Clara L., engaged in school teaching in this county, and Nellie E., residing at home. Mrs. Joh has been for 3^ears a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which her husband was also a member up to the period of his death. She resides on the old homestead in Valley with two of her children.

Thomas Kelly died at his home in Valley June, 1881. He leaves a wife and four children. Was buried in the Camp Grove Catholic burying ground.

Gotliel) Klepfer''s body was found in the creek near Stark by his son and Michael Heggenberger May 23, 1881. He was one of the old German I'esidents of the count}'^, wealthy, but the death of four of his children within a few months preyed so heavily on his mind, he was driven to commit the rash act.

Aloriso K'nxjsley, son of John and Hannah (Pussell) Kingsley, was born in Peoria county in 1839. His father was born at Brattleboro', Vt., in 1815, learned the mason's trade there, and at the age of twentyone years married Miss Russell, and both came to the wilds of Peoria county, where their famih^ was I'aised and educated, and themselves have resided. Of their four children three are among the best citizens of the state, and one crossed over the river of time. John Kingsley, the father, was an ardent politician until his sudden death in November, 1878. His widow resides on the old home. In 1861 Alonzo mar- I'ied Miss Hannah, daughter of James and Mary A. Dewhurst, native of Hey wood, Eng. Tliis lady was born there in 1811, and followed her father, wlio came in 1848. In 1850, with other members of the family, all settled at Peoria, and five or six years later settled in Valley, section 29. There the Dewhursts resided for sixteen years, when they moved to Wyoming. Mi'S. Dewhurst, while visiting Mrs. Kingsley' in 1880, died\ Her husband moved to Oswell, Burton county, Ind., where he died, in 1885. He was a soldier of the late war. Alonzo Kingsle}^ enlisted in Company K, Seventy-seventh lUi- nois Infantry Angust 6, 1862, but suffered so terribly on the march that his weight reduced to ninety jiounds, so that he was left sick at Ft. Pickering; was honorably discharged, and is now a United States pensioner. His son, James L. Kingsley, resides at home. Two years after his return from the war the family moved to the Dewhurst home. In politics he is Republican, and in works of benevolence and charity always foremost. Mr. Kingsley, Jr., twenty-two years of age, was the first member of the Sons of Veterans in Stark county, was first in the move to organize the Sons of Veterans Camp at Wyoming, and is the commander. He is also connected in Sunday-school work, being superintendent of the Stark Sunday-school. He is also a Republican. 3frs. Malinda Madatt^ widow of the late George Marlatt, and daughter of Alexander and Betsy (Chatham) Porter, was born in Gallatin county, Ivy., in 1817. At the age of seventeen she moved with her parents to Indiana, find the following year mari'ied George Marlatt. In 1838 she moved with him to Pittsburg and in 181:8 came with him to Illinois. Her father was born in Mercer Co., Pa., October 12, ISOT), and her mother in South Carolina. Alexander Porter moved wich his father to South Carolina, where they engaged in weaving. There the son worked hard, studied at night, and at the age of eighteen years opened a school ; afterwartl he studied engineering and became a good surveyor. He married Miss Chatham, removed to Kentucky, and' for several years they remained there in the wilds as the friends of Daniel Boone. In 1805 Mr. Porter enlisted in the exploratory part}^ under Lewis and Clark, but owing to his wife's illness did not go. After several years he moved to Indiana and engaged in fai'ming and teaching there until his death in 1838, his wife having preceded him to the grave several years before. Of tlieir twelve children Mrs. Marlatt is the only survivor. As has been stated, Malinda Porter married Mr. Marlatt in 1835. In 1848 tiiey came by river to Peru, but die following year settled in Stark county, where Mr. Marlatt refitted the Spoon river mill north of W^'oming, and found shelter in a log-cabin which had no floor and little roof. Meantime he built a house, sawing all the lumber, framing and erecting with his own hands. In 1850 the family moved into this house - with wolves as the most numerous neighbors and frequent visitors. There they resided for years; the father increased his original farm to 320 acres, built a new house, and when death came, October 15, 1886, the grim monster called on one who did a life's work well. George Marlatt was born Octol)er 12, 1806. In 1817 he moved with his ])arents to Adams county, Ohio, and worked with his father as millwright for two years, when he joined his brother at Pittsljurg in sliipjiing coal to the New Orleans sugar refineries. After his marriage he l)uilt a warehouse at the mouth of the Anderson river and conducted a general store therefor several years; returned and resumed coal-sliipping at Pittsburg, and in June, 18-1:8, set out for Illinois. Of their nine ciiildren two* died in infancy; Druscilla married Edward Colgan, of Valley ; -lames and Joseph M. are dead, the latter leaving- a widow and two children ; Georo'e O. died in the rebel prison at Belle Isle ; Emeline is Mrs. Barrett, of Peoria; Wilham, Homer J., F. M. and Myron P. All reside here. The boys have all grown to manhood here, and like their father, till a place in the economy of the county completely. Myron F., who resides on the homestead with his mother, was born July 20. 1800, in the present iiome. On September 15, 1S84. he married Miss Kate, daughter of James and Mary (Alyward) Walsh, of Peoria. To them a little ^irl, Malinda M., has been. born. Thus runs the history of a family who for almost forty years have added largel\' to the wealth of this district, while aiding themselves.

William McCoiineU, son of Robert and Martha (Scott) McConnell, was born in Down county, Ireland, in the year 1814. At the age of twenty-five years he married Miss Susanna Jelly, daughter of John and Margaret (McBride) Jelly. In 1851: they came to America and settled with the son of old Bishop Chase, at Jubilee, Peoria county. 111. Here they spent nine years, then removed to Valley township, Stark county, and purchased a farm of eighty acres on section 1. Three children have come to their home, namely: Margaret (Mrs. S. Malone, of Stark county); Mary Ann (Mrs. J. Kelly, of Valley township), and Martha, residing at home. Mr. McConnell and his family are members of the old. Presbyterian church, in which faith he and his wife were both reared. He has always been a Democrat.

SaraJi JL-Ginni.% born September 20, 1812, is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Harris) Montgomery. The former, born in North Carolina in 1764, at the age of sixteen enlisted as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and served until liberty was secured. At the close of the war he moved to Russell county, Va., and taking from the government a title to a piece of land, called a "corn ri^ht,'' began its improvement. His first wife, to whom he was married at the close of the Revolution, removed with him to Virginia, where after several yeai-s she died, leaving him a family of eight children, four boys and four girls. He was again married to Miss Elizabeth Harris, of Virginia, with whom and his family he moved to Russell county, Va., where he purchased land and continued fai-ming for a time, when once more he removed with his family to Floyd county, Ky. At the end of three years he took liis familv in wagons, and, carefully avoiding the Indians, arrived safely in Franklin county, Ind. There he remained for seven 3^ears, when he and his faithful wife removed with the subject of this sketch, who in the meantime had married, to Peoria county. 111., in 1835, where he died in 1815 in his eighty-second year; some "eighteen months later his wife followed him. This union was blessed by four children (the first two boys died in infancy), and two girls, Sarah and Susanna, the latter deceased, leaving Mi-s. McGinnis, the sole representative of the family. At the age of eighteen she was married to Geo. I. McGinnis, and settled on a farm in Park county, Ind., where she remained some nine yeare, and then with her husband and two children moved to where Prince ville now stands. There Mr. McGinnis died at the age of seventy-two years. Mrs. McGinnis still resides upon the farm, one and a half miles north of Princeville. Of their twelve children nine are still living, namely : Susanna, Sarah Ann (deceased), John, James, Xancy, Mary, Elizabeth, Temperance (deceased), Jane, WiUiam (deceased), George I., Charles H. Susanna, the wife of J. Anderson, resides in Stark county, 111. John and James are at Rochester; Nancy resides on homestead; Mary resides at Wyoming; Elizabeth is postmistress at Stark; Jane is in the Indian Territory ; Georo-e I. at Princeville, and Charles H. in Peoria county. The father of the subject of this sketch was for a time a friend and companion of Daniel Boone, being with him at Fort Boone when it was besieged by the Indians.

John Morrissy^ son of John and Margaret (Knox) Morrissy, was born in Kilkenny county, Ireland, in 1820, and there he resided for twenty -eiglit years, when he moved to Boston, Mass. Later he worked on railroad in New Ilamjjshire as section hand, but after one year engaged in farm work in Virginia, where he remained eighteen months, then moved to Peoria, 111., where he remained three years. While there he married Miss Joanna Prendergast. who in 1856 settled with him in Yalley on 160 acres which he purchased on section thirtytwo, an area since increased to 400 acres. Mrs. Morrissy died here in Ma}'', 1875, follo\ying three of her children to the grave and leaving five, namely : John, James, Pobert, Kate, and Bridget. In 1850 his parents came to the United States, settled in Peoria county, where the father died in his eighty-fourth year, and the mother in her eighty-second year. Mr. Morrissy has always been a Democrat, and prominent in national election matters. His industry has won for him an excellent social position, and, what is next best, a good estate - a something which neither manliness, honor, nor industry could accomplish under British laws in his native land.

William Petevf^on^ born in Franklin county, Ind., August 23, 1812, is the son of Henry and Ziporah (Halberstadt) Peterson, and grandson of John Peterson, of Trenton, N. J., who settled in Indiana in 1823, eight years after his marriage with Miss Edith Gaines. After spending thirty-four years in Indiana the family moved to LaSalle county, 111., where they resided nine years, when they removed to Philo, 111., where parents died, each in the eightieth year. Of their fourteen children thirteen became heads of families, of whom seven are still living. John Peterson held a claim to a tract of land on which the Union depot and other valuable buildings of Philadelphia now stand, but this claim was set aside by sliarpers, who produced false titles. Being a man who desired peace he submitted to this robbery, but his heirs contem]:>late taking steps to recover the millions of which Mr. Peterson was defrauded. Henry Peterson was born at Trenton, N. J., where his twin brother died at the age of one year. He shared his parents' labors and travels until the age of twenty-one years, when he married Miss Halberstadt. In 1850 he moved to Lee county, Iowa, where he remained until 1862, when he removed with his familv to the Missouri boundary. His sons, Samuel and William, who enlisted, ditl not join in this migration. Later the family removed to Philo, III., where, on March 14, 1873, he bid farewell to his church brethren, stating that he would never meet them again. On the succeeding day, while drawing corn across his meadow - the sky showing but a single cloud - he was struck by lightning and instantly killed. His widow resides upon the homestead at Philo. Of their famil}^ of ten children : Samuel G. is in

Missouri ; William resides here ; Nelson, deceased ; Maiy E. is in Missouri ; B. F. in Iowa ; C. W. in Kansas ; Margaret A. at Philo ; John in Missouri ; Thomas at Philo, and Charlotte in Iowa. Samuel was one of the first to respond to the call for troops in 1861, then entering the Twenty-first Missouri Infantry, served ninety days and enlisted in the Fourth Iowa Cavahy, serving to the close of the war ; was promoted several times for braveiy in different l)attles. William Peterson removed to Lee county, Iowa, with his parents when eight years old, and at the age of eighteen enlisted in the Fifteenth Iowa Infantr}^, participated in the battles of Shiloh, Bolivar, luka and Corinth ; was discharged for w^ound received at Corinth, Miss., in October, 1862. On returning he married Mrs. Mary Woodin, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Town) Jackson. After his marriage they settled on their present Valley farm, where all their children were born : Florence, Mary, James W., Belle, Albert M., Henry A., Orion E., all residing at home, and one, Henry, deceased. In politics he is decidedly Republican, but takes no active part in political contests - his farm and stock claimino' the attention of all his business houi-s. Himself and familv are all members of the Congregational church, and jn'ominent in all matters relating to the welfare of the county. In Masonic circles he belongs to the Chapter. James Jackson, his father-in-law, Avas born in Yorkshire, Eng., in 1796 ; married Miss Town, of London, when twentyfive 3^ears old ; six years later came to America and settled in Dutchess county, N. Y., and in 1841 moved to Peoria county, 111., and to Stark count}^ in 1852. Here James Jackson died in 1870 in his seventy -fifth year, and his wife in 1876 in her eighty- second year, leaving seven children, of whom four are living - Mrs. Peterson being the j'oungest member of the family.

John Sehanck, who died at Wady Petra April 27, 1880, aged fiftyeight years, was born in Preble county, Ohio, January 16, 1823 ; moved with his famih^ to Yalley township in 1854. In 1875 he purchased the Chase store and was in business there until his death.

A. J. Siinmei'vian, son of Jacob antl Malinda (Sheets) Simnierman, was born in West Jersey, October 11, 1846. His father was a native of Wythe county, Ya.; born in 1815. Came with his parents to Hancock county, IlL, in 1833, overland, and in 1835 to Stark county. He worked on the father's eighty acre farm until 1838, when he married Miss Sheets, and took up their residence on a farm which he purchased near the David Simnierman farm in West Jersey. Eight years after his young wife died here, leaving three boys. Some few years later Jacob traded his farm for another in that township and resided on his new farm until i860, when he moved to his father's homestead, remaining there until his migration to Linn county, Iowa, in the spring of 1884. In 1848 he married, for second wife, Mrs. Permelia Lane. To tlie first marriage were born : James H.. deceased ; George H., now in Fillmore county, Neb.; and A. J., the subject of this sketch. To the second marriage were born: -Malinda, Sarah A., Albert and Lydia, all of whom are married and' residents of Linn county, Iowa. In politics he was a Democrat; in religion a Methodist, and in the social and business circle one of the county's first and most useful pioneers. A. J,

Of Valley Townshlp, 065

Simmerman passed all his earlier years on his grandfather's (Peter Sheets) lands or attending school in the district. He was but six months old when his mother died. He resided with grandfather Sheets t\\ enty-one years, and in 1868 moved to his farm of ninet}^ acres on section 18, Yalley, with his young wife - Miss Susan M., daughter of Jonathan and Loraney (Fowler) Luce, of Indiana, to Avhom he had been married only a short time. To them six children were born : Mary L., Isadora M., Ada J., Daisy B., Ernest M., and Koy, all residing here. His wife was born near Indianapolis in 1818. In 1852 moved witli her parents to Fulton county, and in 1855 came to Essex, remaining with Jefferson Trickle's family until her marriage. Mr. Simmerman has now 270 acres of prime land, and since 1867 has taken all the parts credited to him in history.

Kkoin Snare, son of John P. and Nancy (Kurfman) Snare, was born in Penn township, 111., April 21, 1849. His father was a native of Pennsylvania of Grerman descent. Edwin received a practical education on the farm and in the district schools. In 1872 he married Miss Nellie J., daughter of Harlow and Harriet (Stouffer) Brown, of Penn township, and soon after purchased a farm there, on which he resided until 1879, when he sold his interests there, and removing to Valley, purchased his present l^arm. Of three children born to Mr. and Mrs, Snare, only one - an infant, is living. This little one with an adopted daughter 'constitute their family. He is a supporter of the M. P. church, in political life a Eepublican, and in everyday affairs a liberal helper of ever}^ enterprise which gives promise of public benefits. ( Vide also sketch of 11. Brown and Snare fa-niily, Penn township.)

Captain John Speers, son of Henry and Esther (McCrearv) Speers, was born in Washington county. Pa., January 13, 1822. His grandfather, of German descent, was a Baptist preacher of Pennsylvania, and died there in 1810. His mother was of Scotcli-Irish origin. Of her nine children, three are now living : William, in California ; Pless}^, wife of E. Baker, of Springfield, Mo., and John, of Valley township. Samuel Speers, uncle of John, served in the Pevolution, and was wounded - remaining a crippled victim of British tyranny up to the period of his death. Abraham, a brother of our subject, served in the Mexican war. His father was a soldier of 1812, and was present at the capture of New Orleans by " Old Hickory." He avenged there the wounds inflicted on his older brother by the British during the Eevolution. Captain Speers passed his early years on the farm or attending school At the age of fifteen he entered a machine shop, remained five years there, and then took the position of engineer on a western river steamboat. For thirteen years he was in this service, being captain of the vessel for two years. Early in 1855 he came to Valley township, ]iurchased a quarter section to Avhich he has since added 360 acres together with presenting eighty acres to one son, 120 acres to another and the cash equivalent of eighty acres to a third son. He also owns a section in Washington county, Kan., half of which is fenced and stocked. In 1811 he married Miss Sarah Cartwright, a native of England, who came to the United States with her aunt, Mrs. Sarah, wife of George Price, a machinist, who settled at Brownsville, Pa., moved to Jackson county, Ohio, in 1852, where he died, and where Mrs. Price still resides, in the eighth-sixth year of her age. Both of Mrs. Speers* parents died in England, hut a brother and sister reside there still. Captain Speers and wife were the parents of eleven children, two of whom died in infancy : William F., the eldest, who served three 3^eai's m Company E, EightA^-sixth Illinois ^''ohinteer Infantry, lost his wife in 1882, leaving three children. He married Mrs. Elizabeth (McCowan) Boughton, for second wife and resides at Stark Station. Henry C, who served one year in the war, married Miss Mary IS^ixon, resides in Kansas. Albert J. is a farmer of Valley township ; Mary R. was a school teacher until her marriage with "William Gray, of Chillicothe, November 25, 1880 ; Thomas M. died in his twenty-nintli year, February 21, 1886 ; Oliver C. died March T, 1868, in his eighteentli year ; Esther C, Ella M. and James A. reside with their parents. The father of this large family is a staunch Republican, and declares liis boys and girls to be also of that political faith. Is a member and stockholder of the Central Agricultural Society, liberal in religious matters, and equally liberal in his financial support of all Christian churclies. He has been school director for twenty-three years ; has served as supervisor, road commissioner, justice, collector, and tilled other township offices, and during his residence here of over thirty-one years has never been plaintiff or defendant, but served as juryman several times in a court of justice. Many of his children attend the Congregational church, and some of them are members thereof. At the date of his marriage he had eighteen dollars capital.

Carle Stagg^ son of Isaac and Mary (Carle) Stagg, was born in Montgomery county, N. Y., in 18-10. Ilis paternal ancestors were French, who came to America at a very early date and settled in New York. His father when a young man learned the trade of a carpentei', and at the age of twenty was married to Miss Mary, daugliter of John and Lucretia Carle, also natives of Neu^ York. Since his marriage, he has divided his attention between farming and liis trade. Their home has since been in theii' native state, althougli seeking I'est from hard labor. They now reside in the town of Canajoharie on the New York Central. Of their famil}' of six children, four still live. Carle Stagg being the onl}^ one m Stark county. Carle remained at home until the age of twenty-two years. He taught school two terms in New York, and then removed to Wisconsin, and engaged as a farm-hand for the summer, and as teacher for the winter. In the sprmg he removed to Whiteside county. 111., and, desiring to learn the trade of his father, he began work with a carpenter, but soon returned to agriculture. After seven months, he visited Storv countv. la., in search of land, but, finding none to suit him, he went to Cedar county and purchased eighty acres of prairie, which he soon had in good condition for farm work, although beginning work with onlv 150 cents. The season following, he sold at a bargain, returned to prairie breaking, and doing whatever work promised remunei'ation until the next summer, when, in partnership with a brother, purchased eighty acres, which the}^ improved. Two years later, he married Miss Anna, the daughter of Henry and Eliza (Scott) Wingert, a native of Peoria county, 111., whose parents were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Maryland, and settlers of Peoria county since 1846, where they still reside. Some three years after their marriage, they removed to their present farm in Yalley township, whicli was then but little and verv pooi'ly improved, now, however, one of the finest and most productive fa'rms in the county. In 1880, Mr. Stagg built his present substantial home, together with barns and out-buildings. Tlieir family consists of three children, Mary, Fred, and Everett, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Stagg are members of the Methodist Episcoj)al church of La Prairie. Mr. S. is a Pepublican in sentiment, although not tied to party, but uses his judgment to support tliose whom he considers the best suited for public position.

Charles 1). Stisser^ son of Solomon and Catherine (Bane) Stisser, was born at Lenox, Madison county, N. Y., March 15, 1828. Solomon was born in Seneca county, JST. Y., where his father. Dr. Stissei', and wife, both natives of Germany, settled after the Pevolution. During the Pe volution he was surgeon, and won a national reputation. After the war he settled in Seneca county, and practiced medicine there until his death. Solomon received a fair education, and selected the blacksmith's trade, which he followed until the war of 1812 broke out. Pie served tliroughout this last strnggle of the Britisli to strangle freedom in her home. After peace was declared he married Miss Kate Bane, to whom was born three children, the subject of this sketch being the only survivor. This lady died at Lenox, N. Y.. in 1880. A year later Solomon married his late wife's sister, moved to Orleans county, and resided there until his death in 1875. Charles D. passed his boyhood years in York State. In 1852 he moved to Chicago, and was in the river and canal marine for a, number of years, being the owner of seven canal boats, and of the steamer Wenona^ which he sold at St. Louis, Mo., in 1863. While there he purchased a farm in Stark county, and in 1866 purchased a second farm in Peoria county, on which he resided two years. In 1868 he added to his acres in Valley township, sold his Peoria farm, came to reside here, and has since made it his home, owning 488 acres in Yalley and 80 in Goshen. In 18()8 he married Miss Carrie F., daughter of Sylvanus and Permelia Mallory, the former a native of Vermont, who, moving to York State, was married there, and with his family came to Marshall county, 111. In 1852 he moved to Adair county, la., returned to Marshall county after the war, and died there in 1882. To Mrs. Stisser live children were born, four of whom are living: Edgar E., Alida B., Atta W., Charles L. and Nettie D. Mrs. S. is a meml^er of the Congregational church, of which her husband is a supporter. Politically, he is Pepublican, and in school matters zealous and earnest. Being of a domestic nature, he refrains from active participation in local or state affairs, but what is worthy of moral or financial aid finds always in him a patron.

George C. Van OxdU son of James M. and Margaret (Bates) Van Osdel, was born in Fishkill, Dutchess county, N. Y.. December 13, 1812. His ancestors migrated from Holland to New York at an early day; his parents were natives of New York, who removed to Illinois in 1854 ; settled in Kendall county, where his father engaged at his trade of blacksmith, and continued so engaged at Millington until his death, Januaiy 16, 1884. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and ahva3^s held the position of class-leader. His mother, now aged sixty-four years, resides at Yorkville, Kendall county. George C. Van Osdel is the second child of a famil}'^ of ten childreji, of whom seven are still living ; one brother being engaged in the ministry. He spent his early life at home, assisting m the duties of the farm. His educational advantages were limited to the common schools, bnt applying himself diligently to study he acquired a practical education. At the ao;e of twentv-one he entered Brvant tfe Stratton's college, at Chicago, and. completing his studies there, in 1864, returned to Kendall county, where, at Xewark, he engaged in clerking. After a shoi't time he joined Company F. One-hundred-and-forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, was promoted corporal, and at the close of his term of enlistment returned to his duties at the store. In 1865 he went to Aurora, where he engaged as clerk for a short time, ^vhen he was attacked by sciatic rheumatism, from which he suffered about a vear. Recovermg from this attack sufficientlv to resume business, he was eno-ao-ed as instructor in the public schools of La Salle and Kendall counties. In 1867 he was granted a license to preach in the Methodist Episcopal church. In 18«i8 he married Miss Clara A., a daughter of Edward P. and Hannah (Gridley) Bibbins, born in Kendall count}^. 111., December 13, 1847. In 1871 Mr. Yan Osdel became a member of the Baptist church, and was engaged in the ministrv at Xewark, Somonauk, Wvoniino- and Toulon, 111. In 1876 he came to AVvomino- and assumed charge of the Baptist church there, for one 3^ear ; he moved to Toulon, where he was engaged as pastor of the Second Baptist church. He was instrumental in uniting the two churches. He was also engaged in photograi)iiv. which he still follows, being the onlv photographer at Toulon. On February 16, 1883, ^[rs. Yan Osdel died. Of the four children who blessed this union, one died during infancv. In 1884 he married Miss Isaljel Stuckey, of Washington Courthouse, O., Avho was born in Fayette county, O.. in 1843. Politically, Mr. Yan Osdel is a Republican. In 1881 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he stdl holds. He has been quite active in political affairs, and has held the office of village clerk. His penchant for home studies has accompanied him in his later years and he is now reading law. with a view of becoming a member of the bar of Illinois.

Harriet N. V^'dniot, daughter of William and Harriet ]^. (Morrill) Picker, was born in Topsham, Me., Xoveml^er 17, 1845. Her father was born in ^[aine, August 12, 1812, received a liberal education, and from the a"e of eighteen to thirtv-three was engaged in school teaching every winter. At the age of twenty-one he moved to Topsham, and was identified with mercantile interests there until 1851, when he moved to Marshall county. 111., ]nirchased land, and in 1853 was joined there b}" his wife and children. He married Miss Morrill October 1, 1840, at Topsham. Eleven children blessed this union, seven of whom are living: Mary E. L., Lyman J.. Harriet N., Samuel M., Willie C, Annie E.. Susannah I., P. A., Timinicus, Lucy O. and Freddie O. In 1867 the family moved to Peoria county, where Mr. Picker was engaged in mercantile life nntil his death, in 1878. His widow resides at Chanipaig-n, 111., since 188U. Mrs. Wilmot shared the travels and fortures of the family until 1863, when she married Asahel AYilmot, of Steuben county, X. Y. He was the son of Stephen B. and Bets}' (Clawson) Wilmot. At the age of thirteen years he came to Marshall countv\ 111., with his parents. In 1852 his brother, brother-in-law and himself crossed the plains to California, met with disappointments, and turned his steps toward the silver mines of Mexico, but would not be allowed entrance with firearms. Returning on foot to California, raiseda crop of wheat, \vhich ^vas rusted so badly that he turned in a drove of hogs to fatten, but bears came and carried the hogs off. He then engaged in splitting rails, and in 1857 left the " golden land," coming home via the Isthmus, the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. He remained on a farm in La Prairie until 1801, wlien he enlisted in Co. G, Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and served at Sliiloh and in all subsequent actions for fourteen months, receiving honorable discharge October 15, 1862. In the fall of 1862 he purchased eighty acres in Valley, and after his marriage with Miss Kicker, in November, 1863, settled here. After nine 3' ears he removed to his Chillicothe farm, but in 1878 returned to Valley, and died January 19, 1881, at his home, where the family still reside. Of eight children born to them, Asahel C, Lillie I*., Ambrosia D., Fred L., Eoyal AV., Clawson M., Ethan A., are at home; Willie R. is numbered with the dead. This large family has held an important dlace in the history of Stark for almost a quarter of a centuiy, and since its 3'outh the Wilmots and Kickers weA^e known here.

Samuel Wrk/Jey, son of Edmund and Alice (Howarth) Wrigley, was born at Hooleybridge, England, in 1830. There he first worked in the cotton factories, and afterward learned the blacksmith and machinist's trade. In 1853 he came to the United States, and settling at AVyoniing, followed for five years his ti-ade. In 1858 he moved to his farm on section 6, Valle}' township, where his home has since been made. Before leaving England lie \vas married to Miss Betsy, daughter of Jos. Garred. Twoyears later she joined her husband in America; to her five children were l)orn here and here she died, in 1862, as related in other pages. Mr. Wrigley was married to Miss Joanna E. Armstrong. Tliey are the parents of six children. Politically, he is a Kepublican. In townsnip matters he has for about thirt}^ years l)een prominent, having held the positions of assessor and treasurer of the township, and school treasurer, iilhng all with credit to himself and the townshi}). He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. For fifteen years he has been engaged in stock-growing, and has converted his farm of 320 acres from the wild prairie which it was when he moved upon it, into one of the finest and most productive tracts of which his township can boast. His home is modern in style and conveniences.