Walker Township

Walker Township

The township jS'o. 3-S was named Walker, from Hon. George Walker, one of its earliest and most honored citizens. Its north half is a most excellent tract of rich prairie country, and well settled by well-to-do farmers. Its south half is principally timbered, on the waters of Bear creek, and considerabl)' broken, though containing good farms and farming lands. This township contains two villages:

Tioga, laid out by George Ensminger, in March, 1855, near the south line of the township. This latter occupies the site of what was Yelrome, or Morley Town, in the Mormon days, and which was so ruthlessly burnt out in the fall of ISio, and its inhabitants driven away. [See Chapter YL]

The first settlers in this township were Hon. George Walker, from whom it was named, Col. Levi Williams and sons, John Harris, Elder Joseph Hatchett and his sons, Enoch Hankins, Kobert and Eli D. Gillham, Harrison Grant, B. F. Howes, Harrison Kan es, and others.

Mr. Walker was a conspicuous mail in the county, having served in the Board of County Commissioners and several times in the Legislature, as will be seen in other chapters. Mr. Williams was also a conspicuous leader in the Mormon war, was Colonel of one of the regiments at the time the Smiths were killed, and was one of the nine indicted for that offense. [See Mormon Histor}'.] He was a settler of about 1S32, and on coming to the county first located at Calamus Spring, below Fort Edwards, in the cabin that Major Marston had occupied. He soon afterward took a claim up in Green Plains, where he resided till his death.

Esquire Walker and Col. Williams were neither of them educated men, yet were each leading men in the community - the one an unswerving Democrat and the other as pronounced a Whig of the old school.

Rev. Joseph Hatchett was a Yirginian, a descendant of the French Huguenots; was reared in Kentucky; emigrated to Indiana in 1821, to Illinois in 1S33. Has children now residing in the township. Logan Hatchett, a young son, went, about 183-1, across the river to help build Fort Des Moines, where he died and was buried, Dec, 1834. His brother Livy, and brother-in-law, John Harris, went to Montebello, crossed the river in a skiff with Hazen Bedell and Cyrus. Felt, in the ice, saw the body buried, and returned the same evening.

Of Enoch Hankins the least said the better. He has the reputation of heing the first murderer in the county. His story is told, however, in another chapter.

The first school taught in the township was probablj' by Rev. Hatchett, in 1S33 or 183i. The first school-house built was of logs, located on Col. Williams' farm, and in it the first teacher was Mrs. Kinney, the mother-in-law of John R. Wilcox, at Fort Edwards.

The first child born is supposed to have been Mrs. Elizabeth (Harris) Vaughn, now of New Mexico, in the spring of 1834. It is claimed that one of Mrs. Williams' (Mrs. Hardin Massey) was earlier. John E. Walker, now of Warsaw, was born in 1835.

Religious Progress

As stated. Revs. Hatchett and Knox were the earliest preachers about Green Plains. They each held meetings in the neighborhood, at the houses of settlers; often at the residence of Col. Williams. Mr. Walker was also an occasional exhorter. It is stated that Rev. Norman Parks, a Missionary Baptist, was ordained to preach at the Colonel's house, what year not recollected. Of later Church organizations and work we are not informed.

In continuance of the local history of the township we will give personal sketches of many of the old settlers and prominent men of the same:

Ijifayette H. F^azer was born in Harrison county, Ky., Sept. 11, 1818, and is a son'of George Frazer, deceased, so well known in the early history of Adams county. 111. George Frazer emigrated with his family to Adams county in the spring of 1827, where he labored hard, and, like other pioneers, endured many privations in preparing the waj' for the prosperity of future generations. The Indians at that time were numerous, and the wild animals were to be seen on almost every liill, and in every valley of the land. While these pioneers endured untold hardships, they never lacked meat. Wild honey was also to be found in great abundance. Our subject raised a " farmer's boy," and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising, and resides on section 30, Walker township. He was married Feb. 10, 1848, to Miss Caroline Wilson, daughter of Isaac Wilson, deceased, an early settler of Adams and Hancock counties. This union has been blessed with 2 children; viz., James C. and George W.

Win. Guymon was born in North Carolina Jan. 23, 1815, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah Guymon, deceased. He came to Edgar county. 111., in 1827, where he remained until 1838, when he removed to this county. He was married in 1834 to Miss Sally H. Hanks, daughter of Cornelius Hanks, deceased. They liave had 13 children, of whom but 6 are living; viz., Julia A. (now Mrs. Robert F. Laughlin, of this county), AYashington, Jefterson, Alonzo,

Prairie Tp

Basel D. Howard was born in North Carolina Oct. 13, 1817, and is a son of Leven and Tabitha Howard, deceased. He came to Adams county about the year 1844. He was married Feb. 17, 1848, to Leah M. Brenneman, by whom he had 9 children. Of these but 3 are livina:; yiz., William, Jasper and Walter. Mrs. Howard died Oct. 2, 1871. She was a consistent Christian and worthy member of the M. E. Church. She was a kind wife and tender mother, and none knew her but to respect her. Mr. Howard resides on sec. 36, Walker tp., and is engaged in farming and stock-raising.

Dr. Yirgil Kingsley, physician and surgeon, Tioga, 111. The Doctor is a native of Hancock county. 111., and was born April 7, 1852, in the old Montebello House, near Hamilton. His parents -were A. S. and Cynthia Kingsley, who came to Illinois about 1845. The former was a prominent farmer of this county, and was sadly missed after his death, whicli occurred Feb. 3. 1878, at the age of 70 years, 9 months and 17 days. Our subject is related to the well known Piggotts, who were among the first settlers of St. Louis. The Doctor graduated at the Keoknk College of Physicians, June 14, 1877, with high honors. He also attended lectures in the St. Louis Medical College during tlie session of lS75-'6. He began practice July 25, 1877, in Tioga, this county, where he now has a good patronage. He was married Sept. 15, 1874, to Miss Pearle O. Howes, daughter of F. M. Howes, of Montebello tp., an early settler of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley have 2 children, - Chester H. and Cleo M. The Doctor has also made a very fine collection of geological specimens, and is still pursuing this study with energy. During the winter of 1878-'9, he delivered a course of lectures to the citizens of Tioga, on the subject of human anatomy, the laws of health, and hygiene.

Dr. Isaac Loclcioood, P. O., Hickory Ridge. The Doctor is a native of Cayuga county, IST. Y., and was born April 27, 1805. His parents were Daty and Anna Lockwood. He removed to Pennsylvania in 1834, to Cleveland. Ohio, in 1838, to Indiana in 1845, to Kentucky in 1857, to Iowa in 1859, and to this county in 1861. He is a physician of the Eclectic School, and has had a large practice. Being very old he does not ride much now, but makes the curing of cancers a specialty. He has never failed to cure the cancer in a single instance. He cures them without cutting or burning. He was married in 1837 to Miss Elizabeth Baird, by whom he had 7 children {sX\ dead ). He married a second time in 1846, this time Anna M. Riggin. This union was blessed with 3 children; viz., Cordelia J., Nancy A: and Laura Bell.

James Ramply was born in Hartford county, Md., Aug. 11, 1803, and is a son of Thomas and Christiana Ramply (dec), natives also of Maryland. Our subject was reared on a farm and educated in a subscription school. He came to Adams county, 111., in 1847, where he remained for two years, when he removed to this county and settled on sec. 24, Walker tp., where he still resides, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He also carried on the coopering business in connection with farming, for several ^-ears after he located here. He was married in 1831, to Miss Elizabeth Cheney, by whom he has had 7 children, of whom 5 are living; viz., Thomas, Hiley, John, Martha and James. Martha is now Mrs. John Loft. Riley, John and James were soldiers for Uncle Sam during the late Rebellion, and fought nobly for the stars and stripes, and won laurels that will ever be remembered.

J. W. Rankin was born in this tp. March 26, 1S49, and is a son of J. S. Rankin (dec), au early settler of Adams count3% 111., and who came to this county in 1847. He was a farmer and resided on sec. 23, Walker tp., where Mr. J. W. bow resides. The latter was raised a farmer's boy and educated in the common schools. He was married March 29, 1871, to Miss Elizabeth Symmonds, daughter of Dr. S. L. Symmonds, of Breckenridge. This union .has been blessed with 2 children, Sanford and Sarah E.

Adam Snyder (^dec.) was born in Washington county, Ind., Feb. 9, 1815; was a brick-molder and worked as such until his death. He came to Indiana in 1838, where he married Miss Catharine Burns, Jan. 21 of the same year. They emigrated to this county in 1840, where Mrs. Snyder still lives on the old home place on sec. 30, Walker tp. They had 5 children, of whom 3 are living; viz., John S., Mary J. and Geo. Thomas. Mr. Snyder died June 27, 1852.

Below is a list, somewhat imperfect, of the Supervisors, Clerks, Assessors and Collectors of the past and present Boards of Walker township:

This township at the present writing (July 1, 1880) about half under water, embraces No. 3 north, 9 west, and what the Mississippi has left of 3-10. It receives its name from a stream that runs through it from the prairie of Walker township. Three-fifths of this township is bottom land, composing the rich alluvial bottoms bordering the river, and subject to overflow in seasons of high water. It is intersected by numerous bayous (called sloughs) from Warsaw down through Wilcox and Rocky Run, and emptying into a broad pond on the south line of the county, called Lima lake. This bottom land is generally warm, sandy and rich; and the best and most productive corn land in the county. A portion of it was covered with a fine growth of valuable timber, most of which has now been cut ofi' by its owners, thousands of cords in old times having been sold to steamboats, or sawed into lumber.

An efibrt has been made to reclaim this land from overflow, by leveeing, under the State Drainage act, with encouraging prospects. In ordinary spring rises, this will be probably ample protection; but when the Father of Waters gets on a boom, such as we have witnessed four or five times within the last forty years, it will be found that his efiorts to spread himself will not be so easil}' controlled.

The portion of the township on the bluff is mostly broken timbered land, among which are some good farms and thrifty farmers. It is excellent for wheat, and cannot be excelled in the county for fruit, a fact which its citizens are not slow to profit by, as the inci'ease of orchards there will testif}'.

Among the early settlers of Rocky Run may be named several who were in the county previous to organization; viz., Luther Whitney (resided at one time in Montebello), Daniel Crenshaw, Davis Hill, Curtis Caldwell, Henry Nichols, Leonard L. Abney and Charles Hill; others later are Henry Newton, Stephen S. Weston, Charles C. Stevens, Hiram Woodworth, John Banks, John Harness, Luther Ferry, William Shlpe, John A. Morrison, James Carmean, Daniel P. Clark, John Fletcher, A. Daugherty, Joseph Caldwell, the Jenifers, Fraziers, Fredericks, Bolts, Worthingtons, etc.

Andreas' Atlas of Hancock county states that Luther Whitney built the first house in Rocky Run in 1822: a statement that needs confirmation. That was two years before the evacuation of Fort Edwards by the soldiers; and we nowhere meet with any evidence of a settlement below the fort previous to that event. A relative of Mr. Whitney informs us that he came to the county just previous to the Black Hawk war, a statement wide of the mark, as he

If, however, Mr. Whitney was a settler in 1822, he was the earliest one in the county of whom we have any account, antedating Col. Whipple of St. Alban's by one year, and Capt. White and John Waggonner, of the rapids, by two years.

The son, Edson Whitney, so long Sheriff of the county, resided for many years on a farm about nine miles below the fort, near where Judge Henry Nichols, his brother-in-law, also resided. The first marriage in the township is said to have been Mr. Nichols to Miss Sophronia Whitney. The Crenshaws were early settlers, the elder being one of the first ofiicials; and the first death reported is said to have been a member of the family.

Religious Pkogeess

The first preaching in this township was doubtless by those same pioneers who led in AYalkerand Wythe, namely, Walker, Hatchett and Knox, as the}' were in close proximitj-. Of this we have no data. There are two or three church organizations in the townsliip, with church buildings, but we fail to obtain statistics concerning them.

The personal mention of any community forms a most interesting feature of its history; therefore, as part of the history of Rocky Run tp., we make mention of the following early settlers and prominent citizens:

David Ayers, deceased, was a native of Ireland, and came to America in 1836, and to this county in the fall of tlie same year, settling in Rocky Run tp., whea-e he resided, engaging in farming and stock-raising until his death, which occurred in June, 1876.

David Clair, the subject of this sketch, was a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., and was born Sept. "20, 1829, the son of Benjamin Clair. He was married in the year 18-57, to Miss Martha J.Martin, of Indiana, by whom he had 7 children; of these 6 are living; viz., Benjamin, John, Mary A., Joseph W., Jennie M., Jessie M. Mr. Clair came to Adams county. III., in 1850, and to this county in the year 1851, and located in Rocky Run tp., where he has since resided. He was here during the time of the Mississippi overfiow, and when game was very plentiful, such as deer, wolves, turkeys, prairie chickens, etc., and he participated in many a hunting expedition in the forests of this tp. He owns a farm of 154 acres, located on sees. 2 and 3.

Be7ijamin F. Crenshaw, sec. 26. The subject of this sketch is a, native of Jefferson county. 111., and was born Sept. .30,1818. His father, Daniel Crenshaw, was a native of Yirginia, but resided in Georgia a short time, and then started for Illinois, placing all his chattels on a keel-boat, which sank on the way, and all his goods were lost. He was one of the first settlers of Jefferson county, and did much toward improving and making that county. In a few years he removed to Jefferson count}', Mo., where he remained until 1827, when he returned to III, and settled in Hancock county. He is the youngest of 8 children, 6 boys and 2 girls; was raised a farmer's boy, but spent a portion of his time in mining, selling goods and blacksmithing; but his general vocation is farming and stock-raising. He was married in 184-5, to Miss Teresa A. Allen, a native of Jefferson county, 111., and .they have had 6 children, of whom 3 are living, - John T., Joel F., and Celatha A. Mrs. Crenshaw died Sept. 28, 1860, and Mr. C. again married in December, 1861, Miss Martha A. Ellis, by whom he has 6 children; viz., Lucy J., Wm. D., Charles L., Sarah E., Henry "W. and Isaac W. When Mr. Crenshaw first came to this county the Indians were very numerous. He traded a great deal with them, and learned to speak their language. He took part in driving the Mormons from this county during the Mormorn war.

David Frederick was born Jan. 22, 1831, near Lancaster, Fairfield county, O., and was of German descent. His parents, Abraham and Catharine Frederick, were Germans. Our subject was married Dec. 28, 1S5S, to Miss Harriet Huse, b}' whom he had 10 children. Of these, 9 are living; viz., Henry C, Waldo S., Flora A., Willard T., Edwin P., Maurice H., Charles K., Harriet A., Fred. C. Mr. Frederick came to this county April 11, 1848, and located in this tp., where he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising. Our subject owns a farm of 287 acres; of this, 160 acres are in the Mississippi valley and the rest are in two different lots.

William W. Jones is a native of Hancock county, and was born March 17, 1852. His parents are Thomas and Nancy Jones, of Eocky Hun tp. Mr. Jones is a farmer and stock-raiser, and resides on sec. 11, this tp. He is the present Constable for this tp., and performs the duties of the ofiice to the entire satisfaction of his many constituents.

Geo. W. McKlmie was born in Clarke county. Mo., March 28, 1838, and is a son of James McKinzie, deceased, who emigrated to Clarke county. Mo., from Henderson county, Ivv., in the year 1832. James McKinzie and a brother, Wm. H., were in the Black Hawk war. The McKinzies were among the first pioneers of Clarke county. Our subject's grandmother, Webb, lived to the age of 104. Mr. McKinzie came to this county in 1852, and worked as a farm hand for Mr. John Morrison, now of Eocky Eun tp. His mother died when he was but two years old, and at the age of about five years, his father obtained a new mother for him, who did not seem as a mother to him. He therefore left home to battle with the cold and heartless world. He first resided with his brother-in-law, A. A. Weston, for two years. He then worked with Mr. 0. Freeman, at eight dollars per month, for nearly a year. Then he went to Winchester, Mo., where he engaged in breaking prairie; returned to Illinois and labored for J. A. Morrison until 1856, when he emi- grated to Lake Pepin, Minn., where he engaged in driving and herding cattle until autumn, when he returned and worked for Mr. Morrison again until 1S.58. He tlien went to the Rocky niountains in the spring of 1859, and while on the head waters of the Republican river, was captured by the Ute Indians, and was held by difterent tribes until August, when he escaped in the night and arrived at Fort Riley, Kan., and remained in tliat vicinity until in September, when he returned and began work for Mr. Weston. He remained here until 1S61, when lie went to Alexandria county. 111., but he soon returned and enlisted in tlie army, in Co. E, 7th Mo. Cav., and fought for Uncle Sam until Nov. 20, 1S64. Of 136 who went out in that company but 15 returned. They were known a.5 the " Southwestern Missouri Scouts " in the service of the United States. He was married Sept. 17, 1865, to Miss Lucinda Worthington, daughter of Samuel J. Wortliington, of this tp., and they have had 8 children, of whom 5 are living; viz., Clarissa S., Willis H., Viola, James S. and Artiiur. Mr. McKinzie is engaged in farming and stock-raising, on sec. 15.

James H. Morrison. - The subject of this sketch was born in this (Rocky Run) township, Nov. 23, 1852, and was married Feb. 18, 1875, to Miss Florence B. Richardson, b^' whom he has had 2 children; of these, one is living, Alfred M. Mr. Morrison is engaged in bee culture, and is very successful.

William S. Shipe is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born July 12, 1832, the son of John and Sarah Shipe, and was married Nov. 7, 1853, to Miss Mary C. Shipe, by whom he. has had 8 children; of these, 6 are living; viz., Martin L., Rebecca E. (now Mrs. Frazier), Emma J., Cora A., Hattie G., and Catie. Mr. Shipe came to this State in 18i2, and in 1852 came to this county, locating in this tp., where he has since resided, engaged in agriculture, stockraising, and fruit-tree culture. Mr. Shipe is a very prominent man in this vicinity, and has been elected to some of the most important township offices, but declined to fill them. He owns a valuable farm of 280 acres on sec. 25, and his residence is the finest in that vicinity.

James M. Shipe was born in Hancock county. III, in the year 1856, and is a son of John and America Ships, of this county. He received a common-school education, and was raised a farmer's boy. He was married Jan. 20, 1876, to Miss Susan E. Quick, by whom he has one child, Rosa. Mr. Shipe is engaged in farming and raising stock. He has two very fine horses, - one. Eureka II. , sired by Eureka, of French Percheron stock. The latter was imported from France about the year 1872 or '73. His other horse is Romeo, sired by same. Eureka II. is four years old and weiglis 1,450 pounds.

H. C. Parker was a native of Kentucky, born March 1-1, 1834; was the sun of William and Rebecca Parker; was married March 23, 1854, to Miss Eliza E. Weaver, by whom he had 10 children; of these 7 are living; viz., Mary A. (now Mrs. Peoples), Gustina H.,

Susanah H., Emmit J., Lewis E., Aniietta B., and Florence L. Mr. Parker came to this county in the year 1851, and afterward located in this tp., where he has since resided, engaged in agriculture and stock-raising, and owns a very fine fruit orchard. Mr. Parker lives in one of the finest residences in that part of the tp.

George A. Trautvetter is a native of Germany, and was born Aug. 16, 184:2; was married Jan. 20, 1869, to Miss Anna Schildtmann, by whom he had 4 children; viz., Elizabeth, Anna S., Henry Harman, and Francis L. Mr. T. emigrated to America July 3, 1853, and located in this township Sept. 10 following, where he has since resided. Mr. Trantvetter was a soldier in the late war, in Co. H, 14th 111. Vol. Inf., under Col. Hull and Gen. Stallbrand; served one year, during which time he traveled over Virginia and North Carolina. When he was on his way to Kansas to protect the white settlers on the frontier, on arriving at Ft. Scott the army was disbanded and he returned home and resumed his former occupation, farming and stock-raising. Mr. Trautvetter has in his possession a sword which his great-grandfather used at the battle of Waterloo, under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Morris A. Weaver, sec. 2, is a jolly bachelor, residing on his little farm near the Mississippi river. He was born in Clermont county, O., Nov. 29, 1849, and is a son of Thomas and Mary Weaver of this county. He came to Hancock county with his parents in the spring of 1852, where he has since resided, and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising.

William C. Worth ingto?iv^a.s born July 26, 1852, in Lee county, Iowa. His father's name is Samuel J. He was married in November, 1874, to Miss Martha E. Clark, and of their 2 children one is living, William C. Mr. Worthington came to this county with his father in the year 1856 and located in this tp. Farming has been his occupation. He owns a farm of 280 acres, a part of sec. 10, which is one of the finest farms in the Mississippi valley.

St. Maiy's township (-in., 5w.), second from the south, on the east line of the conntj, is anotlier of the rich and well-settled townships. It is well watered and wooded by a section of Crooked creek in the northeast, and by Bronson's creek, one of its tributaries, running through tlie center. It has much valuable land within its limits, about two-thirds being prairie. It derives its name from the village of St. Mary's, one of the old towns of the county, laid out bv Walter R Hurst and Wesley Williams in 1835.

Two of St. Mary's very oldest citiziens are still living in Plymouth, Allen Melton and Edward Wade; others as early reside in the vicinity. John Atchison, in the northwest, a native of Ireland, is thought to be one of the oldest settlers now in the county. Minor R. Deming is supposed to have been one of the first schoolteachers in the tp. His career is fully treated of in the chapter on Mormon aflairs. Jesse Roberts and family reached their new home near the village of St. Mary's, the evening the " stars fell," 1833. The first elephant show ever in the county was exhibited on Mr. Roberts' place. Mr. Roberts died in 1851. His widow was still living a year ago.

Capt. Rowland T. Madison (Lieutenant in the regular service U. S. 28th Infantry, and previously in Ky. Militia) was born in 1794, near Bowling Green. Was at the battle of Fort Meiggs, and served under Harrison in the Canada campaign. Came to Rushville 1836, and to Plymouth, 18-10.

Aug., 1831, Mr. Matliew Melton, his son Allen and John Trammell, settled ou sec. 36, on which Plymouth now stands. Mr. Melton's daughter Marissa, afterward Mrs. Ezekiel Bowman, is said to have been the first white woman on Eound Prairie; and her daughter, Eliza Jane, born March, 1833, now Mrs. Walty, of Ply- Hiouth, the first child born there.

John W. Crockett was said to have been a relative of the renowned '-Davy," of Tennessee and Texas fame. David Greenleaf held various public ofiices, among (hem that of Probate Judge, and HOW resides in Carthage.

Crockett, James Clark, Benjamin Terrill and Lamarcus A. Cook succeeded the Melton family on sec. 36, and in January, 1836, laid out the town of Plymouth. Levier Tadlock erected the first building.

" One bright spring day in 1833, Mr. Ezekiel Bowman, who but a short time before had become the happy father of his first-born child. - now Mrs. "Walty, - started out, with his infant in his arms, for a walk. Led, perhaps, by that intuitive love for nature in her wilder forms, so common in the human breast, he found himself presently at Cedar Bluti". Here his wandering steps were suddenly arrested by an ominous rattle and coiled form, that man never meets unexpectedly without being startled. Unarmed for fight, his first impulse was to seek a place of temporary safety for his precious luggage, and then a weapon of stick or stone for the attack; but as he turned another met his gaze, and then another, and another. In fact, hecould see snakes all around him without the aid, now retfuired, of numerous glasses of strychnine whisky. Picking his way cantiously out of the enemy's encampment, the attack was deferred until reinforcements could be brought up. Returning with two of his brothers-in-law, Allen and ilenry Melton, the slaughter began. The enemy proved to be strongly intrenched within the rocky ledge; their den was inaccessible, but by frequent raids during that season and part of the next, surprising and killing them as they ventured ont of the den, over 600 rattlesnakes were killed by these parties at that locality." - Young'' s History. Snakes enough for one township.

A postotfice was established in the place in the fall of 1836, Carroll O'Neil being the first Postmaster. He was succeeded by Wm. M. King, Esq., who held it from 1839 to '57. Then followed

David Higby, a citizeu of Plymouth for several years, had previously met with a tragical experience. He and his family were passengers on the ill-fated steamer Moselle, which blew up at Cincinnati, about 1S36, with such destruction to human life. By the disaster, Mr. H was blown into the air, falling in the water, wounded, and maimed for life, and his wife and children killed.

The first celebration of the Fourth of July in this township, and probably the first barbacue in the county, was held in 1S37 in Plymouth, Senator Little orator of the day.

Mr. L. A. Cook spent a year or two at an early day, in company with his wife,asan agent of the Government, among the Winnebago Indians, at Fort Atkinson, west of Prairie du Chien; then returned to Plymouth, where he still resides, aged about S6 years.

The people of St. Mary's, like all the rest of the early settlers, had more trouble to solve the Iread than the meat question. The immigrants of the first year or two came mostly from Morgan or Sangamon counties, and brought supplies with them; afterward they could produce the raw material for bread at home. But to turn it into flour and meal was the question. Of course the " hominy block'- was easily made, and most families were provided with one, or else with that more elaborate and costly contrivance, the Phillips mill. With either of these the ghost of famine was kept away. Wild game supplied them with the best of meat, and hogs soon multiplied. A mill at Quincy, one at the mouth of the Mauvaisterre, at Beardstown, and later, one at Brooklyn, on Crooked creek, were to be reached at great labor and difficulty. Prairies had to be crossed without roads, creeks forded, marshes and ravines avoided or " stuck" in - all generally on horseback or with other poor modes of conveyance. The pioneer, it may well be believed, earned his bread by the sweat of his brow.

At Cedar Bluft'are a number of small mounds, and also indications of an Indian encampment. We are not aware that the mounds have ever been excavated to any extent.

The village of St. Mary's, so many years the center of business for that region, has been outgrown by its more favored rival on the railroad. Another station still nearer than Plymouth - Colmar, in McDonough couutj' - has also injured its trade in that direction. It is beautifulh" situated, however, and surrounded b}- one of the richest and handsomest farming sections in the county. We have no record of its early Postmasters. John R. Nichols, at the same time a Justice of the Peace, held the office in 1846.

Mrs. Sabra (Wilkes) Botts, wife of Rev. Joseph Botts, married in Ky. in ISIO, died in St. Mary's in 1865, aged 76, - after a conjugal union of fitty-five years, - and now lies in the St. Mary's churchyard.

Revs. Thomas H. Owen and Bradley were, perhaps, the earliest ministers of the Baptist denomination in St. Mary's. We do not learn where Mr. Bradley resided, but Mr. O. lived just over the line in tlie Carthage township. They ministered frequently in St. Mary's and other parts of the county. Rev. Joseph Botts, a venerable minister, now residing near the village of St. Mary's, in bis 91st year, came to the county in 1S36, and since his residence here has organized and assisted in organizing 12 or 15 Churches of this denomination in Hancock and adjoining counties. In 1837 he organized the St. Mary's Baptist Church, with the following as members: Reuben Graves and wife, William Graves and wife, Henry Garnett, Mrs. Frederic Walton, Charles Friend and sister, and Joseph Botts and wife - ten members. This was in St. Mary's village. For place of worship they used the old building in town, till 1866, when a new church was erected. Present membership over 150.

Rev. Mr. Botts tells the following anecdote, which he had from his friend Bradley, and as it illustrates " religious progress," will do to insert here. Mr. Bradley tells that, in early times, having occasion to cross the Mississippi on Amzi Doolittle's ferry boat, in offering to pay his ferriage, he was told by Mr. D. that he would not charge him anything, as he was a minister; but he would like to have him pray for him. Mr. Bradley replied, " I don't like to remain in your debt; come out on the bank and I will pay the bill." And the bill was settled to the satisfaction of both parties.

The first M. E. class was formed in 1833, but nearly all its members resided out of St. Mary's. Rev. Henry Summers, and Revs. Boring, Pitner and T. N. Ralston, were ministers in the early days. The noted Rev. Peter Cartwright sometimes officiated among them. So did Rev. Applebee, now of Hamilton. In 1853 this society built their church in Plymouth. Membership at present, about 100.

The Congregational Church of Round Prairie (Plymouth) was organized in 1836, over in Schuyler county. A meeting-house was built in 1837. Later, in July, 1855, a neat house in Plymouth was dedicated. Among its pastors have been Rev. John Lawton (occa- sioual), Win. Kinby, Anson Hubbard, Guv C. Sampson, Z. K. Hawlev, C. E. Murdock and Wm. C. Rankin. Later have been Revs. Milton Kimball, N. P. Coltrin, Wm. B. Atkinson and Wm. A. Chainberlin. Later pastors not named.

The Presbyterian Church at Plymouth, though with a house of its own, has for ten years of its life been joined with the Congregational, and for many other years, when separate, has united with that in the support of pastors. It was organized in 1836, and of late years its membership has ranged between 50 and SO.

The Christian Church at Plymouth was organized in 1855, with 28 members; lias increased since to over 100 persons. It occupies a house built in 1866. It has had among its pastors the following: Elders James and J. Carroll Stark, of Augusta; E. J. Lampton, George Brewster, E. Browning, James R. Ross and others.

Biographical

As the most essential part of the history of a township consists in biographical sketches of its principal citizens, we give as many of them in this connection as space will permit.

Esta Bidwell, blacksmith and dealer in agricultural implements, Plymouth, was born in New York in 1830, and came to Illinois in 1848, settling in Fulton county, until 1855, and then came to Plymouth. In 1851 he married Hannah R. Whaley, who was born in Indiana in 1832, and they are the parents of 9 children, 7 of whom are living; Effie, wife of E. J. Ellis, of Plymouth; Elizabeth, wife of M. M. Mark, of Plymouth; Anna E'; Hattie and Homer, twins; Minnie; Charlotte, deceased; Thomas L. and an infant. Mr. B. owns two lots, with dwelling and shop. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity' and of the Presbyterian Church.

Alonzo Blair, farmer and stock dealer; P. O., Plymouth; was born in Ohio in 1824, and is a son of Robert and Mary (Johnson) Blair, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio; mother still living, at the age of 80. Mr. B. has followed his present business through life except for 15 years, in which he taught school. He owns about 500 acres of fine farm land. He fattens and sells 50 to 75 head of cattle every season, besides some hogs. In this county, in 1861, he married Miss Mildred Coke, daughter of James and Luc}' Coke, natives of Kentucky, and Mrs. Blair was also born in that State, in 1840. The 4 children are, Mardula, Edgar L., Frances M., and Ina. Mr. Blair has been Supervisor four years, and Assessor four years. He is a Freemason and a Republican.

Jacob J. Blair, brother of the preceding, is a farmer on sec. 4, owning 160 acres of land; P. O., St. Mary's; he was born in Ohio in 1818, married in this countj' in 1844 to Mary Nichols, daughter of John R. and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Nichols ; they are the parents of 5 children, - Mary, Robert, Elizabeth, Alice and Alonzo J. Mr.

J. D. Botts^ farmer sec. 2 , owning 280 acres of land, was born in Kentucky in 1,^33, reared on a farm, and has followed farming through life; taught school several terms; came with his parents to this county in 1836; was tnarried in 1859 to Mary E. Perkins, danghter of Jefferson and Charlotte Perkins, natives of Rhode Island; she was born in 1839; of their 8 children 7 are living: Sarah F., Mary, Miner J., Helen, Harriet, Cora, Carey and an infant, deceased. Mr. Botts is a Republican, and has been Township Assessor.

Joseph Botts, retired farmer, sec. 2, was born in Virginia in 1790; came to this county at a very early day; in 1835 he was ordained a Minister of the gospel in the Baptist Church, and has been in the ministry ever since, althongh 90 years of age; walks a half-mile yet to preach. In Kentucky, in 1810, he married Sarah Weeks, who was born in Kentucky in 1790, and they had 12 children, 6 of whom are living: Matilda, Jane, William O., Absalom, James and Louisa. Mr. B. owns 240 acres of fine farm land. He is much respected in his neighborhood.

William 0. Botts, farmer and stock-dealer, sec. 11; P. O., Plymouth. This gentleman was born in Kentucky in 1817, and emigrated to this county in 18-12. He has been twice married, the first time in this county in 18i2, to Marj- Darnell, who was born in Ohio in 1825, and died in 1850, leaving 3 children - Sidney J., wife of Edward Gilcyhurst; and Margaret E., wife of Robert White, of Iowa. Dec. 26, 1850, Mr. B. again married, this time to Mary F. Walker, and they have 5 children - Robert W., Joseph J., Myrtle A., AVilliam G. and Charles. Mr. B. is a member of the Baptist Church, is a Republican, has held the oflices of Assessor and Collector, and in earlier days was a participant in the Mormon war.

William D. Burdett, keeper of livery stable in St. Mary's, was born in Castle county, Ky., in 1835, and is a son of Thomas and Martha Burdett, both natives also of Kentucky, and of German descent; he came to this county in 1851, settling in Plymouth, where he followed butchering eleven years, but for the past three years has kept a livery stable. In 1867, in this county, Mr. Burdett married Miss Harriet Ellis, a native of this county, and born in 1848 ; she is a daughter of William and Margaret Ellis, natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. B. have 3 children, Charles, Otto and Winnie E. Mr. B. has held the office of Constable. He owns four lots in St. Mary's, four dwellings and the livery stable.

W. K. Cornell, dealer in boots and shoes and ready-made clothing, west side of the public square, Plymouth, was born in Washington county, N. Y., in 1^20, and came to this county in 1844; in 1862, in Iroquois county. 111., he married a native of New York. Since he has been in this county he has dealt very largely in live stock, especially sheep. He owns three lots, with dwelling and store-house, in Plymouth.

J. W. Cox, farmer and dealer in stock; P. O. , St. Mary's; was born in Virginia in 1822; was brought np in the vocation of farming, which he has followed through life with success; he came to this county in 1843. In 1847 he married Julia Wilson, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Wilson, of Scotch descent, who came to this county in 1833; she was born in Virginia in 1823, and she is the mother of 6 children, 4 of whom are living, namely, Webster, Amanda, Allie H. and Esther; deceased, George and Belle. Mr. Cox owns 560 acres of well improved farm land, and deals extensively in cattle. He also was in the "Mormon war." Politically he is a Democrat.

in 1819, and of their 9 children, 8 are living - Mary, Frances, Eliza A., Harriet J., George W., Elizabeth A. and David A. Jane is deceased. Mr. E. is a Republican, and has been Commissioner of Highways. His maternal grandfather served seven years in the Revolutionary war; and his father was in the war of 1812. Mr. Ellis owns three blocks in St. Mary's.

John G. EoUin, Y>^iysicia.n and surgeon, Plymouth, is a son ot Daniel and Hannah (Ewis) Follin, natives of Virginia, and was born in Ohio, Oct. 7, 1825; early opportunities for a school education limited; followed farming until he was 21; in 1847 he commenced the stud}' of medicine, and graduated in 1849, at Cleveland, O.; he also graduated at the university of Iowa, in 1861; he commenced the practice of medicine in 1850, in Missouri; he settled in Plymouth in 1864, where he has had an extensive and successful practice. In 1849, near Bowling Green, Ky., he married a native of that State, who was born in 1834. Of their 10 children, 5 are living, - Mary, wife ofWm. Ramick, of this tp.; Julia C, Ida B., James and Ernest. The Doctor owns four lots, with dwellings, here, and 60 acres of land in Kentucky, three miles from Bowling Green. In politics the doctor is a Democrat.

Elias Giohs, farmer, sec. 5, owning 130 acres; P. O., St. Mary's; was born in Burlington county, N. J., in 1819, and came to this State in 1842, settling in Schuyler county; came to this county in 1870. In 1847, in Schuyler county, he married Sarah A. Boder, a native of Ohio, born in 1828, and they are the parents of 9 children; namely, Mary A., wife of Frank Newcomb, of Missouri; Henry B., Smith J., Sarah, wife of Walter Case, of this tp. ; William B., Philip N.; Nettie, wife of Samuel Coke, of this tp.; Charlie and Carl. Mr. Gibbs is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is a prosperous farmer.

Lewis Graham, undertaker, Plymouth, was born in Ohio in 1820; emigrated to this county in 1836; settled in Plymouth in 1854. Was married in 1843, in Schuyler county, 111., to Frances M. Lansdon, who was born in Kentucky in 1822, and they are the parents of 6 children, only one of whom is living; namely, Henrietta, wife of Samuel S. Fox, of this tp. Both of Mr. Graham's grandfathers were in the Revolutionary war. He has been Town Trustee. He owns two lots, one with dwelling and one with shop. He keeps a good supplv of stock in his line.

Henry A. Hendricks, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., St. Mary^s; is a son of John and Nancy Hendricks, natives of Tennessee, and of German descent, and was born in that State in 1822; in 1841 he married Melvina Jones, who was born in Kentucky in 1826, and they are the parents of 10 children, 6 of whom are living; namely, William S., James Lavender, George E., Cord and lona; John and 3 infants are deceased. Mr. H. came to this county in 18.51, where he owns 146 acres of tine land. He is a Baptist, a Freemason and a Democrat; has been Commissioner of Highways.

W. S. Hendricks, physician and surgeon, St. Mary's, was born in Kentucky, Jan. 31, 1851; was brought to this county in 1852; commenced the study of medicine in 1869; studied and taught school for five years; graduated at the Keokuk Medical College in 1875; settled in this county in 1877, where he has since been practicing. In 1878 the doctor married Mattie P. Johnson, who was born'in this county in 1854, and they have one child, named Pearl. Dr. Hendricks owns five lots in St. Mary's, one with store building where he keeps groceries and notions, and one lot with dwelling house. He has been Postmaster since 1878.

John J. Hippie, merchant, Plymouth, is a son of Henry and Catharine Hippie, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania; Mr. H. was born in Ohio in 1821, and came to this county in 1855, settling in Plymouth, where he now keeps a general store, of dry goods, groceries, etc., on the south side of the public square. He owns one lot with dwelling, and 350 acres of fine farm land. He was married in this county in 1848, to Miss Caroline Darnell, who was born in Ohio in 1830, and they have had but one child, Catharine, the wife of W. E. King, of Plymouth. Mr. H. has been Town Trustee six years, Supervisor one term. Both his grandfathers were in the Revolutionary war, and his father was in the war of 1812. Politically Mr. Hippie is a Democrat.

Hiram B. Johnson, farmer, etc., sec. 14; P. O., St. Mary's; is a son of John T. and Maria Johnson, natives of Ohio, and of Irish descent; they came to this county in 1839, where Hiram was born in 1844 and raised on a farm; he was married in this county, Oct. 30, 1872, to Lizzie Hendricks, who was born in this county in 1854, and their 2 children are Frankie and Freddie L. Mr. J. is a Republican.

J. T. Johnson and wife emigrated from Champaign county, O., in 1839, tq this county, in company with his parents, a brother and two sisters, the brother having a wife with him and one sister a husband. Mr. J. and wife also had their only child_ with them. Since that time, in 1840, the younger sister married John J. Graves, now of Carthage; Mr. J.'s mother died in 1845, his young- est sister in 1S52, brotiier in 1857, and father in 1S69, in tlie 81st year of his age. His sister, Mrs. Talbot, and himself are the only ones left of the family now alive. Mr. Johnson settled on the N. E_ i of sec. 2. St. Mary's tp., one and a half miles north of the town of St. Mary's, a piece of land which his father bought of Judo-e Williams, of Carthage. Mr. J.'s house was then the outside one of the settlement in that direction, and he and his family were very lonely indeed. Mr. Johnson's first work was to make 400 sugar-troughs, as there M'as a good stand of sugar trees near, which has indeed yielded well ever since. After laying in provisions for the winter Mr. J. had $50 left, which he loaned to Mr. Comer, of Carthage; but he took his uncle's advice, who had told him: " John, when you git to Eelinoise, buy calves." He did so, lias made money, and has not been out of the calf trade since. He drove his lot of'calves, which he had kept till the fall of lSi3, to Warsaw, and sold them for §11 a head, or about 75 cents a cwt. The first pork he sold was in ls42, which he hauled to Quincy and sold for $1.50 a cwt. net; it took four days to make the trip. After that he sold his pork to Benny Clark, of Carthage. While his neio-hbors all consumed the proceeds of their pork sales in store o-oods he could call for money in payment. One day Mr. Clark asked: "Johnson, what do you live on at your house? 1 always have to pay you the money." The reply was, " Hog and hominy." The old man grunted a little and paid over the money.

One day in 1840 Mrs. J. came out to the field to her husband, with her babe in her arms, and said there was the awfulest big snake in the house she ever saw. Mr. J. returned to the house with her, and sure enough, there lay coiled up in a corner a big black snake over four feet long.

In 1843 Mr. and Mrsrj. returned to Ohio on a visit, not crossino- a single railroad on the whole route. They repeated the visit in"'l851, going by wagon. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have now been keeping house 45 years, have raised 7 children, all of whom are married and settled in the vicinity. The parents live alone now, aged respectively 68 and 65. In 1S76 Mr. J. visited the principal Eastern cities.

Mr. Johnson is a farmer and stock-dealer on sec. 10, owning 1,300 acres of land; P. O., St. Mary's; was born in Ohio in 1813, and married in same State, in 1836, Miss Maria Wright, also a native of Ohio and born in 1816; of their 10 children 7 are living - Mason, Hiram, Joseph, Nelson, Martha, wife of W. S. Hendricks; Orella, wife of Lewis C. Green. Mr. J. has been Eoad Commissioner, is a Kepublican, a Baptist, and took part in the " Mormon war."

Andrew J. Massingill, blacksmith, St. Mary's, was born in McDonough county in 1836; was married in this State in 1866, to Georgia A. Rankin, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1845, and they have 5 children, Hattie M., Andrew J., Anna B., Yiola and William R. Mr. M. owns 15 acres joining St. Mary's, and one lot with shop. In 1S61 he enlisted in Co. G, 72d 111. Vol. Inf., and served three years; was in the siej^e of Vicksburo-, the battle of Franklin, Tenn., and several other hard-fought engagements. He is a member of the Baptist Church.

Ii. C. Michaels, local agent of railroad, Plj'mouth, was born in Maine June 21, 1822, and came to this State in 1S61, settling in Knox count}'. He married in Maine in 1852, to Charlotte Estes, a native also of that State, and the following are their children: John R., train-master on the C, B. & Q. R. R. ; Mary E. ; Lewis E., agent at Sagetown; Charles E., telegraph operator at Kirkwood; and Nellie G. Mr. M. has been agent for the road 16 years; has been Township Collector one term, Assessor one term, which office he now holds. His paternal grandfather was in the war of 1812. He owns one lot witli dwelling, belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a Democrat.

J. W.Moore, farmer and stock dealer, sec. 9; P. 0., Plj'mouth; was born in Canada in 1832, and is a son of John and Maria Moore, of English ancestry; they came to America in 18-31, and to this county in 1841, where Mr. J. W. Moore has ever since resided. He now owns 200 acres of tine farm land, worth .$35 per acre. He deals in cattle, horses, sheep and hogs. His first marriage was to Catharine McCurdy, in this county, in 1852; she was born in Kentucky in 1833, and died in 1875. Mr. M. again married, in this county, in 1876, Honore Wolf, a native of this county, and born in 1850; their 2 children are Maud and George. Mr. Moore is a Freemason, a Baptist and a Democrat.

Elmer D. Olmsted, physician and surgeon, Plymouth, was born June 6, 1848, in the State of New York; commenced the study of medicine in 1872, at a medical college, where he graduated in 1877, but he began practice in 1875; he settled in Plymouth in 1878, and now has an extensive and successful practice. He was married in Knox county, 111., in 1869, to Ella F. Lane, a daughter of John and May Lane; she was born in this State in 1852, but died in 1874, leaving 2 children. Amy F., and Cary E. Mr. O. is a member of the Masonic and Good Templar orders, and in religion is a Liberalist.

Jefferson Perkins, farmer, sec. 33; P. O., St. Mary's; was born in New Hampshire in 1809, and came to this county in 1845; married a native of Massachusetts in 1837, and thej' have had 5 children, of whom 4 are living; viz., Mary E., wife of James G. Botts; Charlotte, wife of Thomas Smith, of Macomb; Alia C, wife of John "\Y. Wilson, of Missouri; Emma G., wife of R. R. Price, also of Missouri; James, deceased. Mr. Perkins owns 130 acres of fine farm land. Being in the county during the Mormon troubles he had a hand in driving them out of the State. His father was killed in the war of 1812. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

married Margarett Scott, who was born in 1S33 in Kentucky. Of tbeir 8 children 6 are living: David F., Marcus, Mary E., Lenora and Eleanora, twins, and Edward. ]\Ir. P. has been Constable and School Director, and is a Republican.

Stephen E. Roberts, farmer and stock dealer, sec. 14; P. O., Plymouth; is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth Roberts, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentuck}-; was born in this State in 1830, and came to this county in 1833 with his parents. He now owns 400 acres of fine farm land; buys, feeds and ships cattle and hogs extensivel}'. In McDonough county, in 1852, he married Junia A. Smitli, who was born in that county in 1836, and died in 1858, and their only child is John M. Mr. R. again mar ried in 1865 Nancy E. Robertson, who was also born in McDonough county, in 1841, and they have 4 children: Jesse, Eliza, Josie and Jose. Mr. Roberts is a Freemason and a Democrat.

Nezvell Sapj}, physician and surgeon, Plymouth, was born in North Carolina in 1825, and came to this State in 1831, settling in Rnshville; came to this county in 1866. He commenced the study of medicine in 1846, and graduated in ls64: lie has had an extensive and successful practice. He owns a farm of 160 acres in Schuyler county. 111. Was married in Galesburg, 111., Jan. 18, 1855, to Martha L. Payne, who was born in Vermont in 1834, and they have 5 children, only one of whom is living, Cora. Mr. and Mrs. S. belong to the Congregational Church. He owns one lot and dwelling in Plymouth. He was in the "Mormon war" under Gov. Ford.

Joseph E. Talbott, farmer and stock dealer, sec. 14. owning 410 acres, valued at $40 an acre. He is a son of Benjamin and Cynthia Talbott, natives of Ohio. He was born in this county March 7, 1858, and raised on a farm. Was married in this county in 1879 to Miss L. Kate Graves, who was born in Kentucky' Nov. 15, 1857. Mr. T's father was one of the pioneers of this county, having come here in 1839. The subject of this sketch is a prosperous farmer, and is a Republican. P. 0., Plymouth.

George H. Tuck, dealer in boots and shoes, south side public square, Plymouth, was born in Massachusetts Sept. 29, 1849; taught school six years; engaged in his present business in 1878, and does a lively business. Was married in this county in 1879 to Annie S. Bell, who was born in this county in 1854. Mr. T. is a Republican in politics.

Henry Tuck, boot and shoe manufacturer, Plymouth, was born in England in 1821, and came to America in 1844 and to this county in 1855, settling in Plymouth. In Maine, in 1849, he married Miss Perry, who was a native of that 'State, born in 1823, and they have 8 children: George H., Alice J., Nathan H., Angelica, Charlie S., Edward P., William O. and Benjamin F. P. Mr. Tuck owns one lot, with shop, one with dwelling, and three acres joining town and 107 acres of fine farm land. He is a member of the I. 0. O. F., and is a Republican.

William D. Wade, physician and surgeon, Plj-mouth, is a son of David and Nancj Wade, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Georgia, and both of English descent. Wm. D. was born March 22, 184:1, in Schuyler county, III; passed his boyhood days on a farm ; commenced the study of medicine at the age of IS, and graduated in 1S69 at Cincinnati; commenced the practice of medicine in lS61at Doddsville, Schuyler county; he settled in Plyinouth in 1866, where he has commanded a large practice, attended with good success. Was married in Carthage in 1862 to Elizabeth Fowler, who was born in Schuyler county, 111., in 18-43, and died Dec. 25, 1869, leaving 3 children - Elizabeth M., Lillie M. and Jennie. Mr. Wade owns 110 acres of fine laud, and one lot with dwelling. Is a Democrat.

Wesley Walton, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 36; P. O., Denver; was born in Boone count}', Ky., Sept. 20, 1S31, a son of Frederick M. and Emily (Eice) Walton, both natives of Kentucky, and their parents were from Virginia and of Welsh extraction. The grandfather of the subject of this notice, William Walton, was a soldier in the Revolution. Fred. M. Walton, his father, emigrated to Illinois in lS3o, bringing with him 2 children, Wesley and John, first locating on sec. 3, Augusta tp. This land, except a little more than 20 acres, had never been cultivated by white man. Here he lived until his death. He left about 2s0 acres of land at the homestead, but before his death he gave each of his 6 children over J sec. He was a Baptist, a Whig and a Eepublican. He was a most worthy citizen. At the age of 22 Mr. Wesley Walton married Martha L. Browning. Sept. 14, 1854, near Eushville. She was a daughter of AbsalomBrowning, who was born in Virginia and moved to Kentucky, and thence to Illinois. ]Mr. W. lives on sec. 31, this tp., where he has about 254 acres of fine farm land, and raises stock, feeding about all the grain that he raises. He has been Collector in this tp. one term, and is a Eepublican, and a member of the Christian Church, and now an Elder. His brothers and sisters are: Wesley, John. Frances, Matilda A., William C. and Simeon M. The deceased are Malvina, aged 2^ years, and Mons. S., who died when about grown. We give Mr. Walton's portrait in this volume.

H. P. Wier was born in North Carolina in 1825, and came to this State with his parents in 1835, settling in Schuyler county, and settled in this county in 1847. In 1848 he married Amanda M. Whittington, who was born in tiiis State in 1831, and of their 4 children 3 are living: Lida, Sandril and Eay; James is deceased. Mr. Wier owns one lot, with dwelling. He has been Deputy Sherifl', Postmaster, and was Constable several years. He is a Democrat. P. O., St. Mary's.

William L. Wristen, keeper of a restaurant, west side of the public square, Plymouth, was born in this State in 1845 ; taught school 14 years. He is a member of the Christian Church and a Democrat.

The following is a catalogue of the officers who have served and are now serving in St. Mary's township, as complete as returns enabled us to compile: