White Hall Township (part 2 of 3)

Breese Brown Felix, coal miner, P.O. Roodhouse Brown James, renter, P.O. Breese Brown John A. renter, Sec. 6, P.O. Breese Bruce C. F. prop, tile factory, Barrow BURNS Dr. GEORGK W., for ten years a resident of Wilmington, was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania ; his father was Thomas II. Burns, a native of Pennsylvania ; there married Miss Sarah Duff; of eight children born of this marriage Dr. Burns was the second child ; his preliminary education was received in the district schools of his native jjlace ; for some time he became a school teacher, and then entered the Lebanon Academy, wliere he became versed in the higher classical studies ; prior to the war he studied medicine under Doctor T. H. Fulton ; when the call came for 600,000 more troops, the young student enlisted in Company A, 139th Penn. Vols., in the service of Uncle Sam ; during the war he was wounded at the second battle of Fredericksburg; transferred to the Army Medical Corps as an assistant to some of the most eminent army surgeons, he gained an experience that has helped materially to make of him a skillful physician and surgeon ; he was among those detailed to bury the dead afier the famous battle of Bull Run ; among the more famous battles participated in by Dr. Burns were Anlietam and Fredericksburg, where the regiment was seven days under fire ; while on duty at Armory Square Hospital he was the student of Professor G. K. Smith, of the Long Island College Hospital ; when the war closed he returned to Pennsylvania, where he studied medicine under Dr. White of Harlemsburg ; proceeding to Philadelphia, he attended the medical college there for two terms pursuing the higher medical studies ; in 1868 he moved to Wilmington, Greene County, where his skill as a physician is well known ; in 1872 he returned to Pennsylvania, where he was united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Black, a daughter of A. H. P. Black ; returning to Wilmington, he resumed his practice and now ranks among the leading men of the town his parents, Leonard and SylvaniaCarriger, emigrated from Tennessee to Illinois ; settling on the property now owned by Nicholas ; the old folks, after many years of hard toil among the pioneers of long ago, were laid at rest beneath the prairies of Greene County that they loved so well. Nicholas was the third child born of this marriage ; his schooling was obtained where the studies were limited to a spelling book or a testament. November 8, i860, he was married to Miss Louisa Breden ; of ten children born of this marriage the following are living : Sylvania E., George F., Orlena C, Henry McLean, Charles Perry, and Florence E. Carter A. J. farm hand, P.O. Roodhouse Carter John, renter, P.O. Roodhouse Ciscoe Charles, laborer, Wilmington, P.O.

Breese COATES W. B. dealer in dry goods, boots, shoe?, hardware, groceries, drugs, etc., etc. .Wilmington, Greene Co., 111. Mr. Coates was born in South Carolina, October 1S35 ; the following year his parents moved to Illinois, locating at Wilmington, in Greene County ; here the head of the family erected the building now owned and occupied by George W. McCollister; shortly after this he moved down on the bluffs, and purchased the grist mill then owned by David Hodges ; he transacted a successful business until 1844, when he leased it for twenty-five years to Lemuel Patterson George Sholts, and A. S. Seeley. Mr. Coates died many years ago ; he was the father of ten children, of whom W. B. was the fourth ; he first worked for neighboring farmers ; for four years he worked in the mines of Montana ; on his return to Wilmington he entered into the mercantile business, purchasing the building he now occupies, one of the most substantial in Wilmington ; here he has held forth many a year, meeting with a large patronage due his honesty and square dealing. He was married in 1859 to Miss Elizabeth Watt, a daughter of Miner Watt, an old settler of Greene County. Mr. Coates has seven children : Peroria, Denver, Mary, Martha, Lillie, Tilden, and infant child Cochran J. R. plasterer, Barrow

COLLISTER GEORGE W. farmer. Sec. 18, P.O. Breese. Mr. Collister is an early settler of this county, and was born in Vermont, November 6, 1818; in company with the Hon. Judge Worcester, of White Hall, he set out by way of the Lake Erie Canal and Ohio River for Illinois ; in due time the two emigrants arrived at White Hall when it contained a few scattered houses. Mr. Worcester became a school teacher. Mr. Collister worked at his trade, that of a blacksmith, for three years, proprietor of a shop ; he now moved on Apple Creek, between Wilmington and White Hall, where he opened a blacksmith shop ; during this time, date 1S39, ^^s w^s married to Miss Maria Johnson, a native of Vermont ; for many years he worked as a blacksmith, and in 1852 set out for the golden shores of the Pacific, where he remained five years among the gold mines, becoming moderately successful; in 1857, returning to Illinois, he settled down to the sweet life of a farmer, having purchased 130 acres prior to his journey to the Pacific ; for forty-two years, with the exception of his short residence on the Pacific coast, Mr. Collister has made his home here ; for thirty-six years he has been a resident of Wilmingto 1, and is the oldest settler now living within its limits; the marriage of Mr. Collister was blessed with six children, five of whom are living : Alfred, George, Lucy, Julia, and Mellisa ; Mr. C. owns a valuable town property

Cunningham George

CUNNINGHAM GEORGE M. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 17, P.O. Breese. Mr. Cunningham is the youngest son of Joel and Theresa Cunningham, who came to Greene County in an earl day, settling near White Hall. Joel Cunningham was a farmer by occupation, fk)llowing this calling successfully until his decease, which occurred during the Autumn of 1873; he was at one time a large property owner; a trip to California proved peculiarly disastrous. Among the pioneers of Greene

County he was known as Uncle Joel, who respected him for his personal worth ; to his wife he left the care of five children. George grew to manhood in Greene Co.; in 1S74 he was united in marriage to Sarah Virginia Davison, by whom he has two children : Lenora and Arrinea

DAAVSOX NATHAN P. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 25, P.O. White Hall ; the subject of this sketch was born in the State of Maryland, in the year 181 7 ; he was in his twenty-fourth year when he left the scenes of his youth for the boundless West; this date, 1S41, was an early date in the history of Illinois, whither he directed his footsteps, but locating at Missouri, where he married Miss Ruth Amos in the month of December, 1842, making his way to White Hall and remaining one year; he then went to Manchester, in Scott ; for many years Mr. Dawson has lived near White Hall, where he owns 42 acres of land well cultivated, which he offers for sale at low rates ; of the marriage referred to ten children were born, eight of whom are living: Mary M., George F., Matilda, Amelia M., James A., Charles W., Thomas A., and Rulha B.

DIXOX WILI.IA3I, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 24, P.O. White Hall. William Dixon was born in the north of Ireland,' about 1S26, where he followed the occupation of farming from boyhood to manhood; at twenty-six he crossed the Atlantic for America, landing in New Orleans City in 1S49 ; he now proceeded to Ohio, where he was married to Miss Sarah Ann Dodsworth; leaving Ohio in 1850, he settled in Greene Co., near White Hall, where he worked as a farm hand three months ; he then rented property and finally became enabled to purchase; he now owns 225 acres; this farm, for its size, is one of the best in the county, containing no waste land. Mr. D. has become a successful farmer through in. defatigable industry; he has a family of six children : Emma, Mary, Charley, Nellie, Carrie, and Robert to America ; after a long voyage the little party of emigrants landed in New York City, thence to the broad prairies of Illinois, and located near CarroUton, in Greene County ; in his twentieth year he married Miss Brown, of Greene County, by whom he had eight children, five are living ; shortly alter his marriage, Mr. D., a very energetic man, purchased an 80 acre tract of land, and for a number of years was well and favorably known as the CarroUton butcher. Mr. and Mrs. Dodgson have long since passed away ; his second wife was Miss Sarah Garrison, by whom he had seven children : Maria, Eliza, William, Alice, Carrie, Charles, and George not living ; Mr. Dodgson owned at the time of his death 350 acres of valuable land, part of which lies in the corporation of White Hall; he was held in high esteem by all

DUNN G. V. boot and shoemaker, Barrow Station. Mr. Dunn has been established in business in Barrow for the past six years, where, and in the surrounding country he has the reputation of being both a rapid and skillful workman ; he was born in Upper Canada, near Toronto, February, 1839 ; he was but twelve when his parents emigrated to Ohio, locating at Cleveland, where the head of the family followed shoemaking some six years, when he moved to Kentucky, and thence to Indiana, where young Dunn grew up, completing the trade of a shoemaker ; when the war broke out he enlisted in Co. K, 8ist Indiana Infantry, shortly after going to the front, where he became engaged in the following battles : Atlanta, Chickamauga, Franklin, Lookout Mountain, and many others famous in history ; on the close of the war he was honorably discharged and returned to Indiana, where he married Miss Margaret A. Hollingsworth ; in 1867 he moved to the southern portion of Illinois; one year later he moved to Kane, Greene Co.. subsequently at Roodhouse, and thence to Barrow. Mr. Dunn has three children, Charles R., Geo. v., and Ira E.

-* - ' resides in Wilmington. Mr. Eaton was born in Lincoln Co.,Tenn., July 6, iS23,the third child of Jonathan and Mary Eaton. C. C. Eaton, better known as 'Squire Eaton to the early settlers of Greene County, grew to manhood in Tennessee, where he followed the occupation of a blacksmith. When war was declared with Mexico, he unlisted in Col. Campbell's regiment and Uncle Sam one year, under the command of Gens. Scott and Taylor. He became engaged in the famous battles of Monterey, Cerro Gordo, and Vera Cruz ; honorably discharged in the city of New Orleans. During the Spring of 1847, he returned to Tennessee, working at his trade until 1849, when he moved to Illinois, locating near Wilmington, Greene County. In 1850 he went to California ; remaining but a short time, he returned to Wilmington, where in connection with A. J. Whitesides he ran a saw mill two years, when he turned his attention to farming. His first purchase of land was made in 1S53, and consisted of 80 acres. For four years Mr. Eaton held the position of justice of the peace. He is one of those whose good judgment make the successful farmer ; his sympathies are large, and his impulses generous. In Tennessee he married Miss Martha McSain Edwards George, renter, P.O. Barrow Edwards G. W. farmer, P.O. Barrow EDWARDS ISHAM, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 10, P.O. Barrow. Isham Edwards is among the first settlers of Greene County, and was born in Virginia Nov. 26, 1800. He was seven years of age when his parents moved to Logan County, Ky., where he arrived at maturity and married, April 10, 1823, Miss Sarah Day, by whom he had four children. Prior to his departure for the West, in 182S, when after some weeks of westward travel, he located north of Apple Creek prairie, near White Hall, Greene County, where he rented land some six years, from Vinas Hicks and others, when he entered from the government and purchased some 600 acres of land. In 1859 he disposed of this property, and moved on to the farm he now owns, comprising IIO acres. After many years of hardship and self-denial that we of to-day know little of, Mr. E. has retired from the active duties pertaining to the farm. To such early pioneers we are indebted to our present prosperity in no small degree. In 1S62, Mrs. Edwards found a last resting place in Greene County. This marriage was blessed with sixteen children, six only of whom are living; all married and residents of this State. During the Autumn of 1862, Mr. Edwards married Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, a daughter of Joseph Thomas, who during the Black Hawk W^ar contributed liberally of his mean* toward its prosecution. The present wife of Mr. Edwards was born in 1817 EDWARDS T. G. farmer and stock raiser. Sec. I, P.O. Barrow. T. G. Edwards is the oldest son now living of Isham and Sarah Edwards. He was born in Kentucky, on the 29th day of August, 1828. It was during this year that the family migrated to Greene County, where the subject of this sketch arrived at maturity. Attending a log cabin school prior to manhood, he perused the few simple studies then in use, on benches constituted of slabs, the other furniture of the room being of a similar nature. In his twentieth year he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of David Smith. This marriage was blessed with ten children ; only three are now living: Henrietta, Octavia, and Emma. In 1869 Mrs. E. departed this life ; during this year Mr. E. was married to Miss Serena Ann Moore, of Manchester, Scott County, by whom he has four children : MaryE., Fannie B., Minnie, and Gracie. Mr. E. began life without a dollar, and all that he has is due to his pluck and energy, and prominent traits of his character. He owns 248 acres of valuable land ; always taking an interest in educational matters ; for eighteen years he has been school director ber, 1842 ; youngest son of John and Viola Ford ; receiving a subscription school education at such odd times as the work of the farm would permit. When the war came on he enlisted in Co. I, 12th Tennessee Infantry, for one year's service ; engaged in following battles : Pittsburgh Landing, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Resakia, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, etc., etc. Returning to Tennessee when the war closed, he remained two years and then came to Scott Co., 111., where he married Miss Mary E. Roberts, by whom he has five children, Rosa H., Nettie Ann, Laura V., Fannie J., and Lillie Belle. For the past four years a resident of Greene County ; Mr. Ford owns 80 acres ; at times follows teaching FORD AVILLIAM F. who settled in Greene County in 1835, was the second child of James and Jane Ford, and was born in Tennessee in 1S21 ; he was but seven years of age when his parents moved to Bond Co. ; this was in 1828. After the location of the family in Greene County, they first farmed it on the Grand Pass and afterwards on the Sand Ridge. James Ford became a successful farmer and trader ; in 1844 he met with great misfortune through the overflow of the river, that carried away a great deal of his personal property, and likewise dama^^ed a great deal of his land ; he died about 1863. William early became noted for his industry ; on attaining his majority he was married to Miss Lucinda Drummond, a daughter of Benjamin. The first crop of small grain raised by Mr. Ford, was swept away by the flood mentioned. After many years of hard toil Mr. Ford has amassed a competence ; he row owns of valuable land over 500 acres ; he is amonj,' our most enterprising citizens who are progressive and liberal. Mr. Ford has a family of eight children whose names are, Sarah J., James S., Cynthia C, William Perry, Eliza Eldorado, Benjamin F., Mary Ida. Mrs. P'ord has one daughter by a former marriage, Paulina FKY GEOKGK, farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 22, P.O. White Hall. Among the early settlers of Greene County c.ime the subject of this sketch ; a native of North Carolina, he was born in iSoo, where he resided until 1S36. In his twentysecond year he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Grouse, by whom he had two children, Alvina and Anna E, Four years after her marriage, Mrs. Fry was laid at rest. In 1830 Mr. Fry was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Grouse, a sister of his former wife, by whom he had six children, John W., Christian S., Margaret M., Andrew F., George H., and Delphi E. Mr. F. came to Greene County in 1844; locating near White Hall, where he purchased a tract of 106 acres, the property he now owns ; even at this date, Mr. F. relates, that he could go from Carrollton to Jacksonville, in Morgan Co., without hindrance across the tall prairie grass. His land, purchased on time, required all the energies of his nature to pay for. Many years ago the second wife of Mr. Fry passed away to a home not made with hands. In 1S62 he was married to Mrs. Emma Townsend, relict of Andrew J. Townsend, and a daughter of Jac )b Dodsman, who was once a well to do planter in the South

Hall Greenwood James, renter, P.O. Barrow GRIMES JOHX, deceased, for many years a farmer in Greene County ; was born in Kentucky, July 21, 1S15. In a very early day he wended his way to the West, first settling in Jersey County where he remained a short time, when he moved to Greene County, locating on what is now known as Lorton's prairie, where he erected a small rough log cabin ; living in this rude affair until he located near White Hall on the farm properly now owned by Mrs. Grimes; this land was bought at a low price, as the means of tl.e pioneer were limited. Here he worked and pros- pered for many a year, acquiring a property of some 200 acres. Mr. Grimes departed this life January 28, 1872. Mr. Grimes was first married to Miss Mary Ann Potts in 1S36, by whom he had seven children, Ellen M , Margaret J., William B., Julius F., Sarah Ann, Anna A., Elam A. and Mary E. His second wife Sarah Webb, is a daughter of James Rawlins and relict of John Webb ; children by second marriage are Charles, Julia F., Dora B., Jennie S., and John R. Mrs. Grimes is the owner of a large estate in Greene County Groce William, farmer, Sec. 9, P.O. Barrow Gurley F. M. drugs and groceries, Wilmington, P.O. Breese Gurley Hugh, farmer, Wilmington, P.O. Breese

TTAHX BENJAMIN, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 8, P.O. Breese. For nearly half a century Mr. H. has lived in Greene County ; born in the county in 1833, he grew to manhood on the old homestead of his parents, David and Mary Hahn ; he received but little education, as the principal studies were then a speller and the New Testament. In his twenty-

- second year he was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Wells, a daughter of John Wells of North Carolina ; about this time Mr. Hahn was worth but little ; he first rented property, and after a time became able to buy 120 acres at $18 per acre, adding to this year by year ; he now owns 398 acres, nearly all under cultivation. There are eight children, John, Anderson. Lewis, Ellis, David, William, Mary F., and Matilda E.

HAHN DAVID, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. White Hall. Mr. H. was born in Missouri, 18 10. Came to Greene County 1829 ; owns 200 acres. First wife. Miss Mary Hubbard ; second wife, Miss Keziah Seeley

HAHN WILLIAM, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. Schutz Mill. Mr. Hahn is a son of David and Mary Hahn ; he was born in 1835 ; his preliminary education was received in the log cabin of the period, the studies consisting of spelling, reading, writing, etc.; he, for the most part, attended school during the winter, for during the summer season he found employment on the farm. On attaining his majority he was married to Miss Mary Gurley, a daughter of Hester Gurley, by whom he had seven children, five living, George W., Charles E., Virginia B., Minnie V., and Hattie L. Mrs. Hahn passed to her reward September 29, 1876, Mr. Hahn is the owner of 113 acres Hall George, farm hand, P.O. Breese Hanks John, farmer. Sec. 2, P.O. Barrow Hanks John, farmer, Sec. 11, P.O.Barrow HANKS THOMAS, farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 32, P.O. White Hall. The above named gentleman, representative pioneer and founder of Hanks' Station, was born in North Carolina in 1793 ; on his westward trip he first settled at Cape Girardeau, Mo. Remaining one year he then proceeded to Alton, Madison County, Illinois, with Joshua Hanks, a brother. He remained at Alton one year and moved to Greene County in 1818. When it is remembered that steam or sail boats were the only means of transportation on water, and the stage or wagon by land, some idea of the daring nature of the youthful pioneer iiiay be realized. On his arrival in the County of Greene, Carrollton was being staked out as a town. He left the old homestead, in North Carolina, with barely sufficient to pay the expenses of a horse-back journey to Illinois, and accordingly his first start in life was procured by the splitting of rails for three shillings per hundred. The first few hundred dollars of Mr. Hanks were obtained slowly but surely, and in time he became enabled to purchase 80 acres of land, part of the property he now owns. Early in his career he became largely interested in the raising of hogs, thereby realizing a handsome profit, and he now a<lded 40 acres more to the estate. Some six years ago he was instrumental in the laying out of the village of Drake, heretofore known as Hanks Station, contributing liberally of his means. Mr. Hanks is now upward of eighty-five, still vigorous, whose memory is unimpaired. Now the owner of 500 acres and the village of Drake. He has indeed been prosperous Harvey A. laborer, Barrow

HAYS DR. .T. B. for the past two years a resident physician of Barrow, was born in Indiana in 1845 ; he there studied medicine under those skillful practitioners, Dr. W. 11. Price and A. W. Porter, for three years, afterward attending the American Medical College situated at St. Louis, and under the management of Dr. George C. Pitzer ; at Cincinnati he also attended tlie Eclectic Medical Institute. In Indiana, where he became a practicing physician, he became well and favorably known for his skill in materia medica. In 1868 he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Crane, a daughter of W. T. Crane, of Indiana ; there was one child born of this marriage, Geo. W. In 1861 Dr. Hays enlisted in Co. A., 53d Indiana Volunteers, serving fourteen months ; he was engaged during this time in the following battles : Aversborough, Bentonville, and others ; honorably discharged when the war closed, he returned to Indiana. It should be stated Dr. Hays twice enlisted in the service of Uncle Sam, and, between enlistment, served as sutler's clerk, 2d P.attalion, Pioneer Brigade

HICKS CALVIX, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 22, P.O. White Hall. Mr. Hicks was born in Greene County, September 10, 1827, on the old homestead of his father, Vinas Hicks. He was the fourth child, and while a youth attended school in a log cabin, presided over by Jessie Smith ; the building, long since gone to decay, stood on the farm now owned by Thomas Hanks. In his twenty-first year he married Miss Catherine Martin, a daughter of Reuben Martin, of Tennessee. From his father Mr. Hicks came into possession of a 40 acre tract, and now set up housekeeping in the usual primitive fashion, the family dinner being prepared by means of skillets or pots suspended in the broad old fashioned fireplace. Years have gone by since then, but the stirring scenes of western life make a vivid impression on the minds of those who struggled for a scanty livelihood on our western prairies. The large tract of land now owned by Mr. Hicks, consisting of 3CX) acres, is one of the most valuable farms in this county. One child, Marcus L., who was born in Greene County, October 3, 1855

Hicks Isham, renter, P.O. While Hall Hicks William II. farmer. P.O. White Hall Hitch William, farm hand, P.O. Breese Sta. HOKTZ JOllX, farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 3, P.O. Barrow. Mr. Hoetz was born near Chattanooga, Tenn., October 13, 1S24; the oldest son of David and Hannah Hoetz; he was but si.\ years of age when his parents moved to Illinois, settling near Winchester, Scott County, in 1831, prior to the deep snow. During this Winter the family, exposed to the rude blasts of winter through the chinks of their cabin, suffered at times terribly ; when the Spring came the thaw that ensued caused the water to rise rapidly, carrying with terrific force the personal effects of the early settlers, in many instances washing the land and rendering it comparatively useless in Scott County. After many years of hardships, the old folks found a last resting place within its borders. John, whose name appears at the top of this sketch, moved to Greene County, thirteen years ago. In 185 1 he was married to Miss Sarah Ann Ilayney, by whom he had eight children, four of whom are living : David M.. Stephen A., Ephraim and Jasper. Seven years ago Mrs. Hoetz was laid at rest in the beautiful cemetery near Barrow. September 3, 1872, Mr. Hoetz was married to Miss Mary E. Young, a daughter of .Sandford Young, of .Scott County HOGG DAXIKL, farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 34, P.O. White Hall. The above named gentlemen, one of the most enterprising men in Greene County, was born in Hamilton County, Illinois, August, 1823. 1 1 i.s father was Samuel Hogg, who was born in Illinois, and here married Miss Jane Gore, by whom he had nine children. Daniel, the second child, was but an infant when his parents located in the southern portion of Illinois. Samuel Hogg died some two years ago, in Madison County ; his wife, who is still living, resides at Collinsville. Daniel has followed farming from boyhood. In 1846 he was married to Miss Mary E. James, a daughter of Gilbert James, of Missouri ; married at St. Louis, the youthful couple proceeded from there to Madison County. For many years Mr. H. has been a resident of Greene County, where he owns 90 acres. There were six

HOUSE JOHIS", farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Breese. Mr. House was born at Hcssen, Germany, December 2, 1827 ; when quite young he became apprenticed to the trade of a plasterer and stone mason. He became a skillful workman, and in his twenty-third year, 1849, emigrated to America. He immediately made his way to Pennsylvania, thence to St. Louis ; remaining three years, working at his trade, he then made his way to Wilmington, Greene County, where he worked at his trade many years. While here he united his fortunes to Miss Sarah Granfield, by whom he has four children : Mary S., Laura, Adelia and John E. For twenty years Mr. House has been a farmer, owning 35 acres; he also rents. Jleis a member of the town board

HOWARD JOHN, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 22. P.O. White Hall. Mr. Howard became a resident of Greene County in 1836, and was born in Ford County, Tenn., February23, 1S19; he was the fourth child of Henry and Charlotte Thompson, whose maiden name was Ballard. John was in his sixteenth year when he accompanied his parents to Greene County, locating east of what is now the flourishing town of White Hall. In his twenty-fifth year he married Miss Margery Ann Bell, a daughter of Francis Bell. At this time he had little save some small personal property. Twelve years from this time he purchased 100 acres from his father; disposing of this he purchased part of the property which he now owns, which consists of 195 acres. Mr. H. also owns property in the corporation of White Hall. Mr. Howard has by his first wife, who died in 1857, three children : Frances M., William H. and John A. In 1859 Mr. Howard was married to Miss Marlha C. King, a daughter of Samuel King, by whom he has, now living, Thomas, Edgar and Her bert. Mrs. H. died in 1869. In 1870 Mr. Howard was married to Miss Harriet C. Smith, by whom he has one child, Catherine Howard William, laborer, Wilmington, P.

JAMES JOSEPH, farm hand, P.O. Breese James Lem, renter, P.O. Breese JOHXSOX JOHN P. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 16, P.O. Roodhouse. Mr. Johnson is the oldest son, now living, of Henry and Nancy Johnson, who settled in Illinois in an early day, locating in Morgan County, where the old folks now reside, and where Henry Johnson is well known as an able minister of the gospel. Nearly all his life young Johnson has followed farming. During the present year he was married to Mrs. Cordelia Day, a daughter of W. F. Ford and widow of Nimrod L. Day, who died four years ago, from the effect of a gun shot wound received by accident. By her first husband Mrs. Johnson has two children, Nancy L.and Minnie L.; through him she also became heir to a valuable farm, consisting of 120 acres Johnson Riley, renter. Sec. 19, P.O. Breese JOHNSON THOMAS M. farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 10, P. O. Barrow. Mr. Johnson was born in Cumberland County, Kentucky, December 5, 1S23. He was in his fourth year when his parents set out for the State of Missouri, settling in Brown County, where the family remained some two years, and then moved to Greene County, in 1S29. Thomas, from whom this sketch is obtained, relates that at this early stage of the county's progress deer were very numerous, and venison was frequently found on the family table. The father of Thomas has long since been gathered to his fathers. He was a most worthy man and a noble type of the western pioneer. His wife, who shared the privations of western life, still survives. There were many Indians still in Greene

' County, and when Thomas was a hoy he became a frequent visitor of their camps. He was fourteen when he first attended school in a log cabin, wliere the studies consisted of spelling, reading, writing, and ariiiimeiic. It has often fell to his lot to put in his time at a rough horse mill, common enough in early days. In hi-; twentyfourth year he was married to Miss Elizabeth Webb, a daughter of William Webb, by whom he had si.x children, two living. Mrs. Johnson died in 1S59. In 1S60 Mr. Johnson was married to Mrs. Lucinda iJradshaw, a daughter of Thomas Lorton and relict of Vance Bradshaw. Of this marriage seven children were born, six living. Mr. Johnson is a prosperous farmer, owning isq acres of valuable land Johnson W. L. farmer, P.O. Roodhouse Jones David, renter, P.O. IJreese Jones Josiah G. farm hand, P.O. Breese Jones Robert, R.R. employee, Barrow

T^ EMP JAMES F. farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 16, P.O. Roodhouse. Mr. Kemp was born in Tennessee, January 10, 1825. lie was the second child of Murphy and Anna Kemp. He was two years old when his mother died, and in 1S29 or 1S30, his father, accompanied by a small family of children, among whom was James, set out for Illinois, locating four miles northwest of Winchester, in Scott County, where a crop was raised and a cabin ren'.ed, in which to live. Murphy Kemp proved a good farmer and a successful trader. He passed away some six years ago. He was twice married; his second wife dying some years prior to her husband. Young Kemp received a good common school educaiion. When the Mexican War broke out, in 1S46 he enlisted in Co. II, 1st Reg. III. Vol., and became engaged in the famous battle of Buena Vista. On being honorably discharged from the service, he reuirneil to Scott County, and ths following year was married to Samantha Jobanion, a daughter of Garrett and .Martha Jubanion; shortly after he purchased farn> property and also had an interest in a saw mill. Mr. K. has bought and sold a gre.-xi deal of farm property, and now own > 120 acres in Greene. There were tight children born W

KIXG JOSEPH N. farmer and stock rai.ser, Sec. 34, P.O. White Hall. Mr. King was born in Greene Co., in 1S30; his father, a native of England, crossed the Atlantic in an early day, and after remaining a short time in the East, made his way to

- Greene County, III., where he turned his attention to farming and stock laising ; in 1S33 he was married to Miss Saiah Lindsay ; in a rough log cabin, where the pioneer housewife wove and spun for the children, many happy years were passed away among a people whose generosity was unbounded, who frequently assisted each other in the erection of a cabin, where the be^t of humor prevailed ; many years have gone by since this jiioneer was wont to attend the rude horse mill, or make long trips by wagon to procure the necessaries of life for his family. The parents of Joseph have long since passed to a home not made with hands. In giving due notice of Joseph King, it may be said that from his earlier years he has - followed farming ; receiving a liberal education in the district schools, and with an ambition to acquire greater knowledge, he attended the McKendrick College, situated near St. Louis, here pursuing the higher English stutlies ; in his twentieth year he was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth Morrow, daughter of James Rawlings, and relict of .Samuel Morrow; in the counties of I'iatt ami (jreene Mr. King owns 318- acres, anil is among the more substantial farmers of Greene County ; Mrs. King is the owner of 130 acres; of nine children born of this marriage, seven are living, w hose names are : Frances E , Maiy E., Mary L., Sarah R., .\lbert II., Frederick C, and Rachel E.

T AWRENCF. JESSIE, farm hand, Sec. ^ 14, P.O. Kooilhousc Lawrence I., f.irm hand, P O. Barrow Station LINDEIt J.\S. M. for the paNt eleven years black.Tmiih at Wilmington, wa^ Lorn in Greene Count)', September, 1836; James was the oldest son of Joseph and Matilda Linder. In early life he became apprenticed to the trade of a blacksmith, first with Price, Rabb ^ Co., afterwards with Carr & Higbee ; in 1862 he was married to Miss J. J. McLain ; during the Spring of 1864 he emigrated to Montana Territory, where he secured employment in the mines, remaining three years ; he returned to Greene County, locating at Wilmington; he opened a blacksmith shop near his present large one ; here he has lived up to the present writing, is a skilled workman, and receives plenty to do ; he is a member of the town board, and well known for his generosity and enterprise Long L. A. renter, P.O. Barrow

McCONNELL ANDREW L. farmer. Sec. 29, P.O. White Hall. Mr. Mc- Connell was born in Ohio Co., Va., June 13, 1830, fifth child of Samuel and Olivia McConnell, natives of Virginia and there married, a farmer by occupation ; he died in Virginia in his twenty-third year ; the subject of this sketch came west and located in Scott County, where he first worked by the month in a flour mill, receiving as pay $25 per month, high wages for that day ; in 1855 Mr. McConnell was married to Miss Elizabeth Armstrong, daughter of Geo. Armstrong, a Kentuckian ; one child born of this marriage died in 1857; March 22, 1859, Mrs. McConnell was also laid to rest ; June '27, i860, Mr. M. was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts, relict of Joshua Roberts and daughter of Vinas Hicks ; there were born of this marriage eight children, six are living : Mary E., Elizabeth T., George G., Thomas J., Samuel N., and John L.; Mr. McConnell is one of our live, energetic men, who make the farm a success ; he owns a nice property of 90 acres in township 12, range 12, one of the finest farms for its size in this township ; for nine years school director McNait John A. farmer. Sec. 9, P.O. Barrow Merrick Daniel, renter, P.O. Roodhouse Montgomery Mat. farm hand, P.O. White

Hall MURRAY A. W. REV. farmer and pastor M. E. Church of Barrow, was born in Monroe Co., 111., March, 1821 ; while still a youth, his mother died ; at seventeen, he concluded to go it on his own hook, so to speak, and accordingly made his way to Greene Co., locating near what is now the flourishing town of Roodhouse, procuring board with Thos. Thompson ; for some time he worked as a farm hand ; January, 1842, he was married to Miss Amelia Watson, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Watson ; for a period of years he rented land, and then entered 80 acres. Mrs. Murray died in 1S57, the family, on the decease of the mother, consisting of four children: Thomas J., Elizabeth, James, and George ; in 1858, Mr. Murray was united in marriage to Miss Delila Thompson, a daughter of Thomas Thompson, of this county ; there were two children born of this marriage : Elihu W., and Mason L.; after a residence of thirty-five years in Greene County, moved to Macoupin Co., where he owns 8 acres of land ; for many years he has been pastor of the M. E. Church of Barrow

Hume ; moved to Greene Co., 111., 1844, and in company with A. S. Seeley and George Schulz leased of John Coates the David Hodges mill on Hurricane Creek, and started a steam distillery, the first in the county, and a great novelty at the time ; bought thousands of bushels of corn at 10 cents per bu.; ran it till the Spring of 1849, and sold out his interest to Geo. Schutz ; moved to Wilmington and engaged in the mercantile business ; was elected justice of the peace that Fall, served six years, and in 1856 was elected sheriff; served two years, living in Carrollton ; 1858 had to discharge one of the most disagreeable tasks, that of hanging Hall and Goffner, for the killing of Curren Hinton ; he then moved to his farm near Wilmington ; in 1862 was appointed government inspector, and in the Fall of 1864 wqs elected one of the county judges of Greene County for four years ; in 1S60 was appointed postmaster at Breese, in Greene County ; held the office ever siuce. Has a family of four boys and three girls, all living in the county and doing well in 1829, where the family remained two years, and then moved to Greene County, locating on the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch, who received a good common school education, partly under the instructions of L. E. Worcester; in his twenty-fifth year he was married to Miss Susan Culver, a daughter of S. H. Culver ; by his father he was deeded an 80 acre tract of prairie and 30 of timber; this he disposed of to Anthony Potts; several years after purchasing the valuable tract he now owns ; Mr. Peter once owned a thousand acres in Montgomery County. Feb. I, 1863, Mrs. Peter departed this life, to the care of the husband nine children were left, six now living ; in 1866 Mr. Peter was married to Mrs. Mary Smith, a daughter of Andrew Finley and relict of Jesse Smith, of Upper Alton ; Mrs. Peter is the mother of two children by first marriage ; the farm property now comprises 140 acres, considerable having been sold ; in 1840 Mr. Peter maJe the brick and helped to build his present residence

POKTEK WILLIAM A. farmer and stock rai>er, Sec. 26, P.O. White Hall. Mr. Porter was born in New Jersey, Feb. 14, 1822 ; he was the oldest of a family of seven children ; at the early age of fourteen he became apprenticed to the trade of a stone mason and plasterer; on completing his trade, for a while he worked at White Hall, and then proceeding to Jacksonville, Morgan County; he there became employed on the State insane asylum, female seminary, and many other buildings of note ; removing to Greene County, he was married to Miss Rachel Ann Auten in 1850; in 1846, when war was declared between Mexico and the United States, he enlisted as a soldier in Capt. Fry's company at Carrollton, a participant in the famous battle of Buena Vista ; honorably discharged the following year, he returned to Greene County, working at his trade at White Hall, until his location above ; on returning from the war, he made his way to Tazewell County, where he entered 160 acres by means of a land warrant for services rendered during the war ; he also bought an 80 acre tract, remaining a resident of Tazewell County seventeen years, following the occupation of farming successfully ; in 1867, removing to Greene County, he purchased a tract of valuable land near White Hall ; at the present writiu'j; owns 240 acres, 160 lying within the corporation of White Hall

POTTS ELAM A. farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 29, P.O. White Hall. Among the farmers of Greene County Mr. Potts takes a leading position ; he is the oldest son of William and Margaret Potts. William Potts was a native of England, who crossed the Atlantic in an early day ; he became a resident of Ohio, where he married in 1S20; \Vhen Illinois was so deep in the wilderness that Chicago was unheard of, and the moccasined foot of the North American Indian trod with independent step the broad unbroken prairies, this fam- ily of pioneers made their way to Greene County mostly by river, on a keel boat, settling near what is now Carrollton ; land was entered from the government, and soon there nestled amid the tall prairie grass the pioneer's log cabin, where many happy years were spent ; Wm. Potts became a successful farmer, who passed away in 1862; Mrs. Potts died in 1871. Elam received a liberal education, and in 1846 was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Culver, a daugliter of Dr. S, H. Culver; for several years he rented property until able to purchase ; he now owns 330 acres, unparalleled in the West, on which he has erected a handsome farm residence ; in 1S67 Mrs. Potts died, leaving to the care of her husband two children, William H., and Julius E.; the same year Mr. Potts was married to Miss Naomi Zillinger, by whom he has two children : Clarence E.. and Maud E. POWELT. CHARLES M. farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 31, P.O. White Hall. Mr. Powell was born in M.idison County, Illinois, December 29, 1S35. His father was James Powell, a native of Kentucky, who emigrated to Greene County in an early day, \\here lie was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Silkwood. He passed away when Charles was but twelve years of age, and but little can now be gleaned relative to his life career in I.linois. Mrs. Poaell survived her husband many years. Charles, from whom this sketch is obtained, grew to manhood in Greene Co., plenty of hard work falling to his lot, as his parents' circumstances wtre limited, and this deprived him of educational advant.nges. In 1S60 he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Pear, who was born in Greene County. One child, Lorenzo, born of this marriage. Mr. Powell procured his first start in life in the following manner: In an early day, overflowed land on the bottoms was owned i)yr speculators, who >vere often alxent for years. On this land Mr. Powell raised some abundant crops, and made considerable improvements by means of fencing. In a short time so great was his indu-;try that he was enabled to purciia-e an eighty acre tract of land. He now owns 247 acres which is nearly all under cultivation. xVllhoiigh quite a )oung man Mr.

Powell is among our most substantial farmers, whose energetic nature has conduced very materially toward his present prosperous condition Powell J. H. clerk, Wilmington, P.O. Breese Pruitt William, renter, Wilmington, P.O.

RALSTOX WILLIAM A. farmer and stock raiser. Sec. i, P.O. Barrow. Was born in Greene County, Illinois, in 1842, oldest son of James B. and Ramy Ralston, natives of Kentucky and Illinois. James Ralston settled in Greene County in 1830, remaining a resident over forty years. On his first arrival he was in very moderate circumstances. Having no team with which to propefly cultivate the soil to provide for his family he has often gone to a horse mill many miles distant with a sack of corn thrown over his shoulder, and here he would patiently await his turn, sometimes a day, or perhaps two. He acquired a large estate in this county, comprising 444 acres and was one of the best men here. For the past fourteen years he has been a resident of Christian County, where he owns a farm property of 160 acres, and is also the proprietor of a livery stable at Illiopolis. William was early | ut to work, almost from the time his head reached the plow handles. In Noveml)er, 1S50, he was united in marri.ige to Mi>s Sarah Jane Martin, a daughter of Charles R. Martin, of Greene County. He first rented property until such time as he was enabled to purchase, and is now the owner of 120 ecres of well-improved land. Has four children: Rebecca, Edward P., Dora E. and llayden F.

Sec. 8, P.O. Breese. Among the early settlers and educated men of Greene County, we mention the name of James M. Riggs. He was born in Virginia in iSi2, and was but a lad when his parents moved to Ohio. In his eighteenth year he attended the Ohio University, obtaining a a classical education and graduating with high honors in 1826. For one season the also attended Kenyon College. The young student determined to adopt the profession of an attorney, and accordingly entered the law office of Judge Swan, of Columbus, Ohio, With him he remained for a considerable length of time, when he studied under the Hon. Samuel D. King, of Newark, and also attended a course of law lectures for the benefit of law students. Gaining admission to the bar in 1837, he practiced a short time in Oiiio, when he -came west and located in Carrollton, where for a short time the young attorney taught school, and then entered actively upon the practice of his profession with Judge Cavalry. For many years the struggle among the legal fraternity was an uphill one, as settlers were few, and most cases were for assault and battery. As emigration came westward, however, the county settled up rapidly and the prospects of the young attorney began to brighten. In 1842 he purchased 320 acres of land, on which he erected a saw-mill. This proved a failure. Mr. R. is an able lawyer, having for hissociates at the bar Judge Hodges, Judge Woodson and others. Gained a fair start in life in 1858. He was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Carriger ; of this marriage two children were born, Florence and infant child; not living. Mr. R. is a fine linguist and a gentleman far above the average inability, whose impulses are most generous Riggs G. proprietor saw mill, Barrow Rimleigh W. T. works tile factory, Barrow ROBERTS ISHAM, farmer and stock raiser, P.O. White Hall. Mr. Roberts was born in Greene Counry in 1841. His parents were Lewis and Rebecca Roberts. Of Lewis Roberts it may be said that he was a native of North Carolina, born in 1797. In early youth he became a resident of Kentucky, where he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Day. In 1820 he set out from Kentucky to Illinois in a covered wagon. Then, in his twenty-second year, he was possessed of great powers of endurance. He first worked by day's labor, receiving therefor the sum of twenty-five cents per day. Saving what he could from his small earnings he entered land from the government, afterwards making a purchase of the farm property of Charles Kitchen. This old pioneer and Mr. Roberts made the first improvement, it is said, in township 12, range 12. He became a well to do farmer, acquiring a property of some 600 acres. Isham received his preliminary education in a log cabin, which afterwards gave place to a small frame dwelling. December II, 1S60 he was united in marriage to Miss Artimesia Baird, a daughter of Zebulon Baird, of Scott County. There were born of this marriage seven children, five now living: Lucy J., Marietta, Margaret E., Norman J., Louisa G. and infant child. Mr. Roberts is the owner of 138 acres of valuable land. In 1868 he was ordained a Baptist minister, and now takes charge of the following churches : Richmond, and Pleasant Dale in Greene, and Glasgow and Mauvaisierre in Scott County ROPER WILLIAM, farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 6, P.O. Breese. Mr. Roper, who for the past twenty years has been a resident of Greene County, was bom at Manchester, England in 1822. His father, John Roper, was a machinist by trade, and to him young Roper was regularly apprenticed. Completing his apprenticeship he worked some time as a journeyman, and on the decease of his father became proprietor of his shops. In 1844 he married Miss Mary Ann Sherwin, a daughter of William Sherwin, of Derby, England. In 1849 William determine<l to emigrate to America. On two occasions he was nearly shipwrecked. Landed in New York City, and from here he made his way to Scott County, thence to St. Louis, where, he worked in the Western Foumlry for seven years. He then went to Springfield, from Springfield to Jacksonville, and thence to Greene County, where he now owns a farm of forty acres. He has four children living:

SEELEY A. STEWART, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 30, P.O. White Hall, one of the most prominent farmers of Greene County, whose generous nature makes him universally respected, was born at St. Louis, Missouri, December 27, 1812. He was left an orphan at the early age of eleven years, and thus early thrown on his own resources, he made his way to Illinois, locating in Greene County in 1823, near his present magnificent property. For a boy he developed an energy of character that accounts for his success in life. He first hired out as a farm hand. In his twentyfirst year he was married to Miss Laney Hodges, a daughter of Samuel Hodges. About this time Mr. Seeley had for capital a wife, energy and perseverance. But in a short time he was enabled to purchase eighty acres of land. To break the stubborn soil he first used a Bull plow, subsequently a Carey, Borshire and Diamond. The young man worked hard, living in a simple way, his home being a rough cabin, where venison frequently graced the table. Often he would go miles to a horse mill to procure a little meal to supply the family larder. Mrs. Seeley relates that prairie chicken were so numerous that they were a burden. At this date, to use the language of Judge Seeley, CarroUton was but a hamlet, where some half dozen stores and dwellings went to make up the place, and here the early settler was wont to lay in his provisions. As years went by the orphan boy of former years began to accumulate property, and soon took a leading position as a farmer. He to-day owns over 2,000 acres of land, in township 12, range 12, township 12, range 13, and township II, range 13. The success of the pioneer boy w^as something wonderful. For fourteen years Mr. Seeley was county commissioner, and for a number of years justice of the peace. Of ten children born ot this marriage, what is somewhat remarkable, all are living : Rufus G., Louisa,

SEELEY RUFUS G. farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 21, P.O. White Hall. R. G. Seeley was born on the homestead of his parents, A. Stewart Seeley and Laney, in 1836. His preliminary education was received in the log cabin of by-gone days, where the seats were constructed of slabs, the writing desks of the same material. The first teacher of Mr. Seeley was Col. Richard Johnson, who was liberally educated for the period of time in which he lived. On leaving the school room young Seeley's time was fully occupied on the farm. In his twenty-second year he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Bigham. His first purchase of land consisted of ninety-five acres. Adding to this yearly he now owns 240. Mr. Seeley has three children : Nora Jane, Maud and Eda B.

SMITH DAVID, deceased, once a prosperous farmer of Greene County, was born in North Carolina, where he grew to manhood. Received a common school education. He early learned to rely upon himself, and on coming westward he first settled at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The journey west was made in a covered wagon, which slowly wound its way over the tall prairie grass; on crossing small streams, it became necessary to transfer the household goods to boats, which on crossing were again placed in the wagon and travel resumed. For a period of fifteen years or more Mr. Smith remained a resident of Missouri, locating in Greene County in 1838. Purchasing 160 acres near White Hall and Wilmington, he settled down to farm life in Greene County. While here his wife died. His second wife was Mrs. Newton, by whom he had four children. This lady departed this life in 1S66. In 1871 he married Mrs. Serena Manuel, a daughter of Cumberland James and relict of Thompson Manuel, who died many years ago. Mr. Smith died in 1875. He was a man of extraordinary energy, and this, added to great steadiness of purpose, made his life a success Smith John, farmer, P.O. Roodhouse Smith John E. renter, P.O. Breese S3IlTtI .TOHX R. farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Roodhouse. Mr. Smith was born in Scott County, 111., Jan. 8, 1843. oldest son of J. R. Smith, a native of Tennessee, who accompanied his parents to Illinois, when eight years of age; employed first as a farm hand, he afterward became apprenticed to the trade of a blacksmith. He was married to Miss Jane Six, by whom he had five children. Mrs. Smith died many years ago. His second wife was Miss Patsey Ann Overton. Mr. S. is still living, a resident of Scott County. John R., in 1873, was married to Miss Alice Cline, daughter of John and Julia Cline; one child, Birdie

SMITH ROBERT, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 29, P.O. White Hall. The above named gentleman was born in Gre.ne County, March 24, 1839. Receiving a common school education, for a nuinber of years he worked on the old homestead. In his twenty-third year he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ballard, a daughter of Avery Ballard, a native of Tennessee and an early resident of Greene County, of whom an account is given elsewhere. Of this marriage four children were l)orn, tliree living : Eva A., Ida M., Minnie O., and Charles O. (deceased). Mr. Smith is the owner of 128 acres prairie and timber, situated in Tp. 12, R. 12, and is one of the most industrious farmers in the county

SPERRY CHARLES W. farmer, Sec. 33, P.O. White Hall. Mr. Sperry was born in Greene County, June, 1841. He was the fourth child of M. C. P. and

Hannah Hodges. Of the head of this family it may be said that he became one of the first settlers of Greene County, and put in many a hard day's work within its borders. Locating near Kane, his land was entered from the Government, on which he built a log cabin. When Black Hawk made war on the few daring settlers of Illinois he volunteered as a soldier. After the war he returned to his pioneer home. He passed away during the Autumn of 1865. Mrs. Sperry died during the early infancy of him whose fortunes we now follow. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, I22d 111. Inf., organized in Macoupin County. He became engat;ed in the following battles : Parker's Cross Roads, Tupello, Town Creek. Nashville, Fort Blakely, etc., etc. When the war closed he returned to Jersey County, III., where he married Miss Rachel E. Marshall. Remaining in Jersey County two years he then moved to Sangamon County, remaining one year, and also was a resident of Montgomery County. There are three children : Walter O., Emma J., and Lucy A. STEELMAN A. L.. farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 9, P.O. Bairow. Mr. .Steelman is one of the leading farmers of Greene County, and was born in Surrey County, North Carolina, April 19, 1824, He was the second child of James and Catherine Steelman, who emigrated to Illinois from Tennessee in 1S51. It should be stated, however, that Ashley Steelman became a resident of Greene County prior to this settling, in 1843. He was then married, his family consisting of a wife and one child, his capital thirty-five cents. Renting a house in Wilmington, he now looked about him for work. Becoming employed as a farm hand, working at the rate of $10 per month, for the late Judge Woodson, he worked one year; when war was declared between Mexico and the United States he enlisted in Company D, 2d 111. Reg. as 3d sergeant, and was afterward elected by the company orderly sergeant, serving under General Scott ; mustered out of Uncle Sam's service at Alton, Illinois. He was married, on his return home, to Martha J. Ford, a daughter of James Ford. In 1851 or 1852 Mr.

Steelman entered 80 acres of land, which is comprised in the property he now owns, and 40 acres north of this. From this small acreage came an estate of over 500 acres. In conclusion, it may be stated, Mr. Steelman's success in life is due to no lucky chance, but to solid hard work, uniting energy and honesty. His marriage took place in 1S49 Steelman Alfred, renter, P.O. Barrow Steelman Andrew J. renter, P.O.. Barrow

HTANNER JAMES, renter, P.O. White J- Hall TAYLOR BURGESS, deceased, was a successful farmer in Greene County. He was married, in 1S44, to Miss Martha Record. Of this marriage three children were born, two are living: Lucy J. and William P. Mrs. Taylor owns I20 acres of valuable land. As a matter of history, Mrs. Taylor's father was a soldier in the Black Hawk War. Samuel Baird, a patron of this work, was born in Scott County, in 1829, third child of Zebulon and Belinda Baird. He was but seven when his parents moved to Greene County, near Barrow. Receiving a district school education, at twenty-one he was married to Miss Lucy J. Taylor, a daughter of Burgess Taylor. Five children blessed this marriage: Martha S., John B., James Z., Alonzo C, and William O. Taylor Thomas, blacksmith, Wilmington, P.

O. Breese Teeples James, renter, P.O. White Hall Thaxton W. B. farmer. P.O. White Hall THOMAS A. PROF, insurance agent, liberal lecturer and public reader, was born in Mead Co., Kentucky, on the 6th of April, 1826; the second child of Benjamin and Hepsibah Thomas. At the age of two years his parents emigrated from Kentucky and settled at the Saline Salt Works, Gallatin Co., Illinois ; it was here our subject passed his boyhood upon a farm, where it was frequently his lot to plow all day with a yoke of unruly steers.

During the winter season he acquired a liberal education in the common rough, round log cabin school house. When war was declared between the U. S. Government and Mexico, Mr. Thomas, then in the flush of early manhood, enlisted in the 14th U.S. Infantry Regt. at Shawneetown, Gallatin Co., 111., under the command of Col. Truesdell. On reaching the scene of carnage he afterwards became a participant in those battles so famous in history as Cherubusco, Molino del Rey, and Chepultepec. When the war closed he returned to Illinois and settled in Brown County, afterwards proceeding to Pike County, he became a teacher of district schools ; locating in Scott County during the Spring of 1849. On the fifth of October, 1851, he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Anderson, a daughter of Andrew Anderson, of Delaware. March, 1856, Mr. Thomas became a resident of Greene County, locating at the village of Wilmington, where he was destined to play a prominent part in its growth and development, and for the long period of time in which he has lived here he has proved himself a wide-awake business man, and has gained considerable local celebrity as a public reader and lecturer. The marriage of Mr. Thomas to Miss Anderson was blessed with five children, two of whom are living, whose names in order of birth are : George and Charles ; children not living : Eugene, Josephine, and Julia age if eleven, he departed from England for America. He first stopped at Philadelphia, and afterward became a resident of New Jersey, where he learned the trade oi a shoemaker. About this time glowing accounts reached him of the fertile prairies of Illinois, and accordingly the youth directed his footsteps westward, and first settled, on arrival in Illinois, in Sinclair County, near Belleville, where he worked at his trade some two years, when he accompanied his parents to Pike County, settling near (}riggsville, where he married Miss Mary Ann King. After his marriage he lived one year near Florence, where he owned a farm. In iSsohe moved to Greene County, where his health became so poor that he gradually sank and passed peacefully away, in 1S5S. To the care of his wife he left one child, Samuel W., who resides on the old homestead, who during the present year united his fortunes to Miss Hattie Smith, a daughter of Mrs. Peters. Mrs. Wade, who is an excellent Christian lady, resides in Tp. 12, R. 12, where she owns a valuable farm property, in the neighborhood of 300 acres. She was born July 24, 1S24, in Greene County Wadkins A. farmer, P.O. Barrow Station Wales Charles, renter, P.O. Roodhouse Walk John, farmer, P.O. Breese Wallace John, renter. Sec. 6. P.O. Breese WELLS ROBERT, deceased, a farmer during his life, and who settled within the borders of Greene County in 1830, and who was well and favorably known to the early settlers of this county, was born in Tennessee, January 16, 1803, and there married Miss Emma Jones, Dec. 24, 1826. Mrs. Wells was born January 14, 181 1, and died in 1875. Mr. Wells died many years prior, Oct. 3, 1853. There are three children : William G., Robert C, and Mary A. Warner Charles, renter, P.O. Roodhouse Watkins Aaron, farmer. Sec. 4, P.O. Breese Welch Thomas, farm hand, P.O. White Hall Welch William, farmer, P.O. Roodhouse Wells John, farmer, Sec. 6, P.O. Breese Wells William, farm hand, P.O. Breese WHITTAKER & RIGG, proprietors Barrow flouring mills, Barrow Station. Messrs Whittaker & Rigg became established in the above business during the present year, purchasing the property formerly owned by Chas. F. Bruce. The new firm, composed of young men of enterprise and energy, are determined to manufacture only a superior grade of flour, and thereby hope to gain a liberal patronage. In conclusion we heartily recommend them to the citizens of Greene County, who are not slow to bestow patronage where worthy Whittaker Cyrille, flouring mill, Barrow Whittaker Samuel, proprietor flouring mill,

Barrow Wilkinson Ira, farm hand, P.O. Barrow WILKINSON GEORGE, the late, who deserves more than a passing notice due his kindly nature and generous disposition, was born in Kentucky ; emigration was moving rapidly westward, and he determined to carve out a fortune upon the prairies of Illinois, and accordingly, after many weeks of travel, settled in what is known as the Sand Ridge, Greene County, where he followed farming up to the time of his decease, which occurred in 1852. To the care of his wife, whose maiden name was Lusetta Martin, he left a family of three children : James, Midas E. and George, Mrs. W. is a native of Tennessee ; born August 5, 1829, and was married to George Wilkinson in 1846. Mrs. Wilkinson relates that when she began housekeeping her husband was very poor, and for several years it was an up hill struggle for an existence. Mr. W. survived his trip but five years ; his wife, thus left in moderate circumstances, was materially aided by her children who, though young, were industrious. James, the elder, developed an energy of character that has made him a successul farmer, and he has helped very materially to bring the home farm to its present state of cultivation ; it comprises 360 acres, and is owned jointly by Mrs. Wilkinson and oldest son ; the substantial farm residence was erected in 1865. The statement should have been made that Mr. Wilkinson died near North Platte River, on his way to Oregon WILKINSON JAMES, farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Breese. Mr. Wilkinson was born in Kentucky, June 11, 1831 ; in early infancy his parents, William F. and Jane Wilkinson, settled in Greene County, 111. Mr. Wilkinson was a carpenter by trade, who worked at this calling and that of farming many years. In 1858 he moved to Piatt County, 111., where he now resides, retired from active life ; Mrs. Wilkinson passed away during the Spring of 1877. James.whose name heads this sketch, grew to manhood in Greene County, where the greater portion of his life has been spent, as a farmer. For two years he made his home in California. November 23, 1S53, he was married to Miss Mary Allen, a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Allen. This marriage was blessed with seven children : Elaine W., William Ira, America T., George A., Lewis C, Effie L., and Louisa J., deceased WILKIlSrSON WM. J. farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Breese. Mr^^ Wilkinson is among our most substantial farmers ; he was born in Casey County, Ky., February 25, 1828 ; he was but three years old when his parents moved to Scott County, 111., and shortly afterward to Greene, where a cabin was first rented. Mr. W. says that at this time wild game was very plenty and frequently graced the table of the pioneer, for, like nearly all Kentuckians, the head of the family was an excellent shot, and became a frequent participant in that interesting sport called a deer drive. Passing his boyhood among the sturdy veterans of the prairie, many of whom are gathered to their fathers, young Wilkinson attained a vigorous energy that few possess. From 1849 until 1S60 he rented property. At twenty-two he married Miss Elizabeth Jane Lovelace. When the war came on he enlisted in the 91st Regiment 111. Vol. ; he served one year in the service of Uncle Sam ; after his return from the army he went to California, where he remained nearly four years. Mr. W. owns, to-day, 301 acres of choice land, on which he has lately erected a handsome farm residence ; he has only one child, Laurett, who resides at home Williams Benjamin, farmer. Sec. 10, P.O.

Business Cards

ASHLEY & BRUCE, tile mnfrs. Barrow. We would respectfully call your attention to our superior drain tile. Our clay is procured at the same bank from which the White Hall tile is made, and is in every respect, equal to the best manufactured there. Our machinery is new and of the improved pattern. By using steam power, we are enabled to work clay much stiffer and therefore make much better tile than can be made by horse-power. Our tile are also burned in a regular potters kiln, and, like stoneware, burned to a stone body impervious to water, therefore can not be affected by frost. In selecting tile, see that they are smooth inside. Tile that are rough inside will gather dirt, roots and other particles that will finally stop your drain. Buy none but those manufactured from fire clay. By using these precautions and having your ditching done by an experienced workman, your ditch will not trouble you nor your successors

A KERS JOHN, plasterer, Koodhouse "^^ Allred Marion, plasterer, Roodhouse AK3ISTKONG FRANK P., timber contractor C. & A. R.R., Roodhouse, was born in ^^aine, March, 1840. Becoming of age, he left the scenes of his youth for Illinois, and locating at Brown County, where he first worked by the month, afterwards he became very successful as a contractor on the C. & A. R.R., and one among the contractors for the woodwork entering into the construction of the Louisiana bridge; from Bloomington to Alton, contracted for and built the fencing for the C. & A. R.R. In 1S73 he was united in marriage to Miss Annie Ross, of White Hall, a daughter of Simeon and Eveline Ross. We have thus given in brief a sketch of one whose life has been marked by decision of character and honesty of purpose and benevolence AK3ISTKOXG GEO. AV., dealer in groceries, queensware, hardware, wooden ware, willow ware, glassware, etc., eic. The above named gentleman was born in Maine in the year 1S43. He is the youngest son of John and Isabella Armstrong, natives of Boyhill. Ireland. John A. married, in the beautiful isle of the sea. Miss Atwell. Crossing the broad waters of the Atlantic in 1S20, after a long, tedious voyage, the youthful couple set foot in Mass., where the husband procured employment in a tannery, at which vocation he served his time in Boston - the date is not known - from Boston to Maine, where following this some years he turned his attention to farming, an uphill business, although a large family contiibuted toward the family maintenance. In reference to the children it may be said that Humphrey W. is timber agent on the C. & A. U.K., and resides at Minneapolis, Minnesota; here also is the home of John A.,wlioisan extensive wood and coal dealer ; Robert, who follows farming, resides in North Missouri ; Sarah E. is not living ; Frank A., R.R. contractor, resides in Roodhouse; George W., from whom this sketch is obtained, first settled on arriving in Illinois in Brown County, there and in Menard and Greene, in conjunction with his brothers, he became a R.R. contractor, and by skillful management laid the foundation for his successful career of to-day. Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage to Mary L. Sharp, a daughter of Peter L. Sharp, of Dubuque, Iowa. This marriage was blessed with three children : Katy, Georgia and Albert A. For the past seven years Mr. Armstrong has been a resident of Roodhouse ; for the past four in the business mentioned ; in the venture he has been very successful, due to his efforts to please and unswerving honesty ; the last mentioned article, if so it may be called. is the true secret of Mr. Armstrong's success, and the Jjoy who entered Illinois years ago poor as the poorest of Illinois youths, has won his way in the world through merit, hard work and integrity ARMSTKOXG JAMKS M. lumber dealer. Oldest child of E. T. and Isabella Armstrong. E. T. Armstrong, the head of the family, was born in Madison County, Illinois, and in the year 1818, during his boyhood, he accompanied his parents to Sangamon County, Illinois, and afterwards to I'lke. In 1S52 E. T. Armstrong moved to Oregon, where he now resides, a well to do citizen of that State. J. M. Armstrong, from whom this sketch is obtained, did not accompany his parents to Oregon. From the age of sixteen to twenty-one he taught school, and then made his way to Chicago where he entered Eastman's College, securing a classical education ; he also became a telegraph operator, serving afterwards in this capacity on the Wabash R.ii., also ticket agent and operator on the Jacksonville Division of the C. & A. R.R. In

1868 Mr. Armstrong came to Roodhouse, and the statement is made on good authority that he was the first telegraph operator here. He afterwards entered into business with Geo. Armstrong and P. J. Sharp. This house transacted a dry goods, grocery and lumber trade. This firm dissolved partnership by mutual consent, Mr. J. M. Armstrong taking the lumber department, made the first shipment of lumber for Roodhouse. At Winchester, in Scott County, he married, in May, 1S62, Miss Anna M. Reed, a daughter of John M. Reed, of Morgan Co. One child, Mattie Belle. Mr. A. is a strict advocate of temperance

L. Smith, cash. Bames Robert, laborer, Roodhouse BARRETT WILLIAM. The above named gentleman, who came to Roodhouse one year ago and opened a first class tailoring establishment, was born in Dublin City, Ireland, in 1823. In 1847 he emigrated to America, landing in New York City, he remained there many years of his life, and there learned the trade of tailoring, becoming a very superior workman. To the city of Richmond, Virginia, he directed his footstepSj before the war, where he began business, and was very successful. Remaining during the stormy scenes of the Rebellion, in 1869 he made his way to Philadelphia, thence to New York City, thence to Illinois. Mr. Barrett married in Ohio. From past experience in the leading houses in Ohio and Illinois he is prepared to do first class work at as low prices as first class work can be done. Give him a call Becratt E. fireman C. & A. R.R. Roodhouse Berkal Joseph, shoemaker, Roodhouse Birge R. J. engineer switch engine, Roodhouse Bixby Richard, engineer, Roodhouse Bolan Patrick, car repairer, Roodhouse Brace J. C. Roodhouse Bridge James, laborer, Roodhouse Briggs Ellis, of the firm of H. M. Hunt &

BROWN" ANDREW, retired farmer, for the past four years a resident of Roodhouse, was born in Frederick County, Virginia, near Winchester, October 24, 1820, His father, Leroy Brown, was a native of Virginia, who there married Margaret Hutton ; there were three children born of this marriage, of whom Andrew was the oldest. When seventeen he left Virginia for Ohio in company with his parents. They settled in Ross County, where tlie head of the family followed shoemaking. Leaving Ohio in 1849, the family came to Illinois, settling in Morgan County on a farm. In 1853 Andrew was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Burcher, a daughter of Clark Burcher. He now set himself resolutely to work, and soon became enabled to buy 160 acres of good land near White Hall, in Greene County, and followed agricultural pursuits successfully many years, and only abandoned it on account of ill health, produced by overwork. Selling his property, he moved to Roodhouse, where he now lives and where his wife has opened, to meet the wants of the enterprising people of Roodhouse, a first class millinery establishment. Five children born of this marriage : Jackson, Phoebe and Margaret living; John and Henry deceased Brown A. Mrs. milliner and dressmaker Btown John, blacksmith, Roodhouse BULLARD J. B. During the Summer of 1S73 Mr. Bullard made his first entree into Roodhouse, and entered into partnership with Mr. A. E. Freeto, of Dupage County, Illinois, for the transaction of a general hardware business. They entered at once upon a successful career, as the town built up rapidly, with a good class of citizens. November 5, 1877, on the retirement of Mr. Freeto as a partner, Mr. Bullard took entire charge and now transacts a large and constantly increating business, both in hardware and tinware. Mr. B. was born in Sangamon County, January 20, 1854. His father, John Bullard, one of the first settlers of Sangamon County, came west in very moderate circumstances, making his trip over the westem prairies on horseback. But little improvements were then manifest in Illinois, and money was generally an unknown quantity. In Illinois the wants of Mr. Bullard were few and

Source changes here: from Past and Present of Greene County, Illinois, by Miner, Ed. (Edward), published 1905; 8,415 words in this source stream.

White Hall Township

For the following sketch of this thriving city, we are indebted to the courtesy of Mr. J. D. Rowe, the hustling real estate agent there, who kindly permitted us to copy from the advance sheet of a little booklet he has in preparation entitled "Greater White Hall."

White Hall is located at the junction of the Chicago & Alton and Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railways, in Greene county, Illinois, and is 66 miles north of St. Louis, 241 miles from Chicago, and 257 miles from Kansas City. Carrollton. the county seat of Greene county, is ten miles south. Jacksonville twenty-five miles north and Springfield, the state capital, only sixty miles northeast, the way the crow flies. The Illinois river is twelve miles west. Wdiite Hall is surrounded by one of the richest and most fertile agricultural districts in the Mississippi Valley, and her excellent railroad facilities give easy access to the leading markets of the Middle \\'est.

Incorpor.Vtion

^^'hite Hall was founded by David Piarrow on Jan. 12, 1832. The town ])lat, which was recorded March 9. 1832. cuntained fortyeight lots and four streets, known as West street. East street. Main street and Church street.

was incorporated as a town in 1837. (Dates are conflicting, some giving 1833. others 1836 as official.) .Vs the original records were in some manner destroyed, it is not positively known who was president of the first town board. Under the law at that time the trustees appointed their own chairman and Archibald Clark and Chester Swallow' are the only ones known to have been members of the first board of trustees.

In 1838 another charter was obtained which remained in force until 1869, when a new charter was granted, and Samuel Higbee elected president of the board, and Philip Brantzel, S. V. V^illinger, J. Smith and G. S. \'osseller, trustees.

In 1884 White Hall was duly incorporated as a city. S. D. Chapin was elected mayor ; R. S. Worcester, clerk ; Isaac Powell, treasurer : Thomas Henshaw, city attorney ; F. I. Vedder, marshal ; T. P. Hackney, Superintendent of Streets ; Robert Neece, Supt. Lamps'; Aldermen : First ward, F. F. Worcester, Alfred W'hite; Second ward, D. Culbertson, A. O. Vosseller ; Third ward, M. C. Purdy, i\I. Brantzel.

Mercantile

Beverly Holliday was the first man to engage in the mercantile business in White Hall, his place of business being his residence, which stood on the lot now owned by David Hutchinson, south of the Catholic church. He was also the first postmaster, and of him it is truly said that when he recei\'ed mail (which was once every two weeks) he would put letters in his hat. walk about the little village and when asked by any one for mail, would take down the portable postoffice and after a careful perusal of its contents, hand over a letter, if there hap-

To give a correct detailed history of the clay industry in White Hall from its infancy to the present time would make an exceedingly large volume within itself. Therefore we will be obliged to refer only to some of tlie principal features, and in connection, give sketches of some of the manufacturers.

The first earthenware manufactured in White Hall was by Michael Baker in 1835, on the lot where Dr. H. \\'. Chapman's residence now stands. The unburned ware was then hauled to William Heath's kiln to l^urn. Mr. Heath owned the only kiln in Greene county at that time, it being located near the S. M. Henderson residence southeast of town. The second kiln was built just west of the house owned by Mrs. A. \\'. Foreman, now occupied by W. O. Tankersley.

In the 30's, John N. Ebey, who was making earthenware (not stoneware) in Sangamon county, came to White Hall and turned the first stoneware ever turned in Greene county. This was burned in the William Heath red ware kiln, and there was little or nothing more done in this line here for thirtyone years. Soon after the business was revived by Aug. Pierce, D. Culbertson and others. Mr. Ebey removed to White Hall and for several years, he, his sons, John V. and Charles, and his son-in-law, L. C. Murphy, carried on the manufacture of stoneware on tlie ground subsequently occupied by the Hill & Prindle factory.

Augustus Pierce, father of the pottery industry, as it now exists in White Hall, learned the potters' trade in Akron, Ohio, and while working as a farm hand near White Hall in 1863. interested B. G. Culver, a dry goods merchant, in the manufacture of stoneware, and in 1864 they erected the first pottery plant in \\"hite Hall. It was located on the lot where X. R. Mason's residence stands, at the north end of Bates avenue. yir. Pierce, it might be said, is the original manufacturer of stoneware in White Hall, although Michael Baker made the first ware. He at that time lived in a log house on the present site of his now neat and comfortable little home on East Lincoln street.

David Culbf.Rtsox

Some years later Da\id Culbertson became a partner in the firm with Pierce & Culver, but five years after, withdrew and erected a building where his present large, commodious plant stands. To Air. Culbertsim, it is said, belongs the honor of making the first drain tile in this part of the state. The capacity of the machine, which was run by hand, was 500 tile per day. Some years later when Mr. Culbertson installed machinery capable of making 4,000 tile per day, he was the subject of severe criticism, but he was then, as he is today, looking into tlie future growth of White Hall and the clay industry. The annual output of his plant is now 1,000,000 gallons.

Uncle Dave, as the is familiarly known, is the only pioneer potter who has been in Inisiness continuously to the present time and his plant, clay lands, residence and bank account are testimonials of his success.

A. D. Ruckel & Son

The seniiir member of this firm came from Akron, Ohio, t.i White Hall in August, 1870, and engaged in the pottery business with M. C. Purdy, the style of the firm being Purdy & Ruckel. The plant stood where the White Hall Electric Company's l)lant now stands. Five years later he sold his interest to Mr. Purdy, and bought in with A. F. \'edder, dealer in hardware, drugs, groceries, etc.

In January. 1883, }ilr. Ruckel re-engaged in the manufacture of stoneware, buying the factory owned by D. C. Banta. and has been in this business continuously since that date. In 1898, the present large and convenient structure was erected, new machinery added and modern methods for the manufacture of w-are introduced. About ten years ago, C. A. Ruckel, the junior member, was taken in by his father as a full partner in the business, the syle of the firm since being A. D. Ruckel & Son. The capacity of the plant is now about 1,000,000 gallons annually. Like other stoneware factories in White Hall, Ruckel & Son ship ware to various parts of the United States, Canada and Mexico.

drain tile and building l)rick by this company began in 1866 by S. S. and W. W. Arnold in a little frame building located near Clay City, about two and one half miles east of White Hall. The institution grew until 1876, when a plant was built in this city on the site of the present mammoth structure for the purpose of manufacturing sewer pipe, roofing tile, etc.

In 1892, H. C. IMorrow became manager of the company, and so continued until March 26. 1903, when fire completely destroved the entire plant. Vnv some time after the fire, things seemed rather gloomy for \\'hite Hall, but a new and much stronger company was organized by Mr. Morrow, the capitalization being $150,000. which was later increased to $200,000. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Morrow organized the White Hall Railway Company with a capital of $40,000. for the purpose of transferring clay from the "diggings" to the big works.

Tliis is. without doubt, tlie most nioderu and best equipped of any clay manufacturing plant in the United States, if not in the world. The buildings are heated and ware dried by waste heat drawn from the kilns by use of large fans, electrically operated. There are nine stoneware and six sewer pipe kilns, fiiur of which are said to be the largest in the world, each holding fourteen cars of ware, and being forty-two and one-half feet in diameter, inside measurement. About 120 tons of clay are dug by an electrical shovel and hauled by trolley line daily to the plant. A small railway is also used to take stoneware from the kilns to the yard, and from the yard to cars. One hundred tons of coal are consumed daily. The horse power in the boilers is 600, and in electricity, 266. The plant and yards cover twenty-five acres of ground, and the company owns 200 acres of clay and coal east of this city.

[Through the kindness of Prof. Paul E. Cox a sketch on the nature of our clay deposits is herewith presented. Mr. Cox is a chemist of marked ability, with a reputation at stake, and as his analysis was for the sole purpose of determining the quality of the clay in this section, the reader may rest assured that the report is impartial in every respect.]

The clays of this vicinity are adapted to the manufacture of lime nodules and the like, hut uiidouhtedly line red brick could be made. Owing to the richness of variety of other clays, shades could be produced to please the modern architect who demands restful shading in his w^all colore.

The buff-burning clays from which stoneware is made are suited to the manufacture of enameled brick, enameled bath tubs and all sorts of enameled wares. x\rt stoneware may be made of the sort made in England by the Doultons at the Lambeth potteries, or such as the Banko ware of Japan. No art stoneware is made in America. The last Paris exposition used any sort of plastic-formed ware except white ware. White ware can never be made from a body containing above one per cent of iron oxide. These stonew'are clays vary from one to four per cent, hence no white ware can be made from any local clays, as the bufif color would show strongly, no matter how worked. I'urther there is not a single raw material for white ware manufacture short of the wholesale dealers of St. Louis. So it would appear that White Hall resources should be developed along the lines that local conditions point out.

Out of the common yellow clays good red brick could be made. Some may be unfit from much glazed stoneware in friezes and other decorative work, the glazes being colored and applied with the brush to the hand-modeled piece. Architects are ever on the look-out for ta.sty fireproofing that is easily cleaned. This sort of stuf? is possible from local materials. Any sort of art w'are can be made from local clays except such as demand the white body. The Iris ware of the Rockwood pottery is of this type. Any other sort of ware made at Rockwood could be made from local clays.

The newest thing in art ware is the matt glazed stuff. Being entirely of aque, any clay is suited to them, and any clay, even the dust from the street, could be prepared by washing and lowning, and a matt glazed piece made from it, hence any local clay can be used for art ware, and in the transparent glazes many beaiTtiful effects can be obtained from clays that would be condemned for utilitarian wares. It may be said in this connection that the Jap potter owes his superiority to American ones entirely to his ability to appreciate an unexpected and undesired beautiful thing in his pottery work - his ability to realize on accident.

There is fine red-burning clay here, which matures about cone five. This would be very good for garden pots for the formal garden becoming so common in centers of wealth and position. \\'ith this could be blended other clays and minerals, producing effects to suit the landscape gardener.

Chemical stoneware might well be made. None is made in America. The best of pottery skill is required to produce it. but one need but to think of the number of chemical works to realize that much of the imported stoneware must belong to this class.

Architectural faience, glazed tile for grates and mantels, bath room tilings, mosaic tiles, encaustic tiles, all are possible in whole or in part from local clays.

These things and the wares already manufactured, plus a more extensive line of fireproofing goods, should, if well worked out, make White Hall the important clay \\orking city it should be. But, after all, it depends on the spirit of the people as to w hat shall develop; for science somehow finds a way to work clays where the spirit of the people makes it most profitable, and every day the advantage of established workings grows less where progress lags behind.

From an agricultural point of view White Hall ranks with the best towns in Illinois, and it is an indisputable fact that Illinois ranks with the leading states of the Union, not only in general production, but in that she has leading markets for her products. It is no idle boast when we say White Hall is one of the leading towns in Western Illinois.

The famous Apple Creek Prairie on tlie west, southwest and south and practically the same on the north, makes farming a pleasant and profitable business instead of a life of drudgery and toil, as is the case in many instances. The productiveness of the soil is abundant and it is useless to give in detail the merits of it. The reader may judge for himself when we say that some of this land could not be bought for $175 per acre - in fact it is not for sale at any' price. However, a few small farms have been offered at from $90 to $125 per acre.

The Big Fire

October 11, 187 J, occurred the most destructive conflagration in the history of White Hall. The fire originated about nine o'clock a. m., in a restaurant kept by L. A. Nor\iel and burned furiously until after noon. A defective flue was the cause, and when at last the flames were subdued, desolation remained, for all the buildings - fifteen in number - west of Main street between Franklin street and the building now occupied bv G. F. Todd, and from Main to Carrollton street on Sherman, were a total loss.

Soon after the fire began to spread from one building to another. Rev. D. S. Starr, seeing the imminent peril of the town sent the following telegram to Jacksonville :

Mayor IMcConnel at once informed tlie lire department and in a few minutes a special train with a tire engine, hose carts, etc., and ahout 150 men started for White Hall, making the run in twenty-seven minutes, including the time they took the siding at Roodhouse for the regular train. Heroic work was ilone hy both the local and Jacksonville firemen, but the combination of frame buildings, inadequate water supply and ineflicient lire-fighting apparatus, was too much to be overcome without great loss, which was variously estimated at from $50,- 000 to $75,000.

With a determination in which failure was (and is yet) unknown, the business men of White Hall began the erection of brick buildings on the lots thus laid waste, almost before the last cloud of smoke had settled on the horizon, and with the exception of two, all these business buildings are good, substantial Ijrick structures, containing stocks of goods that are far above the average for towns of the size of White Hall.

There is not a shabby dwelling in it. The mercantile business is chiefly confined to one street, and where the stores end. the "upper crust" residences begin and extend for half a mile, on a broad avenue, shaded on either side by a line of spreading soft maples. Every residence on this avenue is as neat, cozy and clean as a new pin or a schoolma'am's apron. * * * jhe retined and cultured ladies who w'ork hand-in-hand with heaven in this Eden must be awfully nice and sweet! And I know they are, for I saw a few of them peeping through openings among the plants, and 1 swow their cheeks and lips are prettier than pinks, their eyes are brighter than dew-drops on a daisj' - daisy and all - and their noses are nicer than the posies they smell of. I'll bet two bits the man they smile upon feels as if a seraph liad patted him on the cheek, and a cherub chucked him under the jaw.

The city is located on a pretty plain of the very best black soil and in the midst of as fine an agricultural section as even Illinois can show up anywhere. There is not a house to rent in the town - if there was it would soon be rented and the windows full of flowers.

* * * The churches are all line structures, paupers are unknown, and I didn't see but one dog in a two-hours' stroll and he was too lonesome to hark. The ladies carry bouquets instead of poodles, and llie men read papers and magazines instead of picking tleas off the dogs."

Should the same writer visit Wliite Hall today he would find existing some of the same conditions, practically, that he did twenty-one years ago, especially in speaking of vacant houses.