Williams Township

Williams Township

The township of Williams is one of the northern tier of townships, and is bounded on the north by Logan county, on the south by Clear Lake township, on the east by Buffalo Hart township and Logan county, and on the west by Fancy creek township. The surface of the country is level, while the soil is good and very fertile, yielding large crops of grain and fruit. Fancy creek, Wolf and other smaller streams furnish water for the stock raised here. Fancy creek waters most of the western tier of sections, while W^olf creek and its tributaries water the central portion of the township.

Eaely Settlers

This township was settled as early as 1820, and between that date and the "deep snow" of 1830-31, many families came in, among whom were James Stewart, Mr, Kellogg, Benjamin Stillman, Jacob Yocum, Oramel Clark, John Dixon, Meredith Cooper, Ambrose Cooper, David Riddle, David Clark, Michael Mann, W^illiam Proctor, John Simpson, Captain Hathaway, Solomon Brundage, the Taylors and Constants, John Stalings, Samuel Wilson, came during that decade.

John Taylor was born May 1, 1772, in Maryland. Three brothers, Isaac, James and William Taylor, came from England to America long before our Revolution. Where James and W^illiam settled is unknown to the decedents of Isaac, who settled in Maryland, and who was the father of John, whose name heads this sketch. The parents of John Taylor emigrated when he w^as quite young to Chester district. South Carolina, where John was married to Susan Mobley. The family moved in 1818, to White county, Illinois. In the spring of 1819, they moved to Wayne county, then to Sangamon county, arriving in May, 1829, on Wolf creek, in Williams township. Of all the children of John Taylor, three only settled permanently in Sangamon county. Simeon, the eldest, James, the fifth, and Isaac, the eighth, all by the first marriage.

James Taylor, born November 2, 1801, in Chester district, South Carolina, moved with his parents to Hart county, Kentucky, and thence to Wayne county, Illinois, where he was married to Mary Kelly, who was born in Hart county, also, and taken by her parents when young to Wayne county. They moved to Sangamon county in the spring of 1829, settling in what is now Williams township, near Barclay.

Isaac Taylor, born February 9, 1807, in Hart county, Kentucky, came with his father to White county, and from there to Wayne county, Illinois. He came alone, in 1828, to Sangamon county, being the firs-t of the family to arrive. He was married February 13, 1834, to Sarah M. Elliott, at Springfield, Illinois.

John Simpson was born September 30, 1801, in Tennessee, and when a young man Avent to St. Clair county, Illinois. Mary Taylor was born August 25, 1803, in Georgia, and when a child was taken to Looking-glass Prairie, St. Clair county, Illinois. They were married there in 1821, and moved to Shelby county in the same State; from there to Sangamon county, arriving in 1824, in what is now Williams townshijD.

Jacob Yocum was born December 17, 1787, in a fort or block-house, in Bourbon county, near whtre the city of Lexington, Kentucky, now stands. Mary Booth was born February 11, 1791, in the same county. They moved to Marion county, Illinois, and from there to Sangamon

David Clarke was born August 28, 1776, in Essex county, New Jersey; came to Kentucky in 1798, and was there married in 1800, to Rachel Rutter. Mrs. Rachel Clarke died in 1804. David Clarke moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1805, and made brick for the first brick house built in that city. He returned to Somerset county, New Jersey, in the same year, and was married there in February, 1806, to Sally Winans, who was born October 25, 1788, in that county. They moved to Miami county, Ohio, in 1809, and from there to Sangamon county, in 1829, settling on Sugar creek.

Meredith Cooper first settled in Fancy Creek, and previous to 1830, settled a mile and a half east of the present village of Sherman, and died there. His widow lives near there.

Isaac Constant was born in Clarke county, Kentucky, April 3, 1789. He was there married July 4, 1811, and in 1830 the family moved to Sangamon county, arriving October 7, 1830, in what is now Williams township. He died on Christmas day, 1854, on the farm where he then settled.

William Proctor was one of the earliest settlers, arriving here in 1820 or 1821, and settled on section seven. He subsequently sold the place to Isaac Constant, and moved to Lewiston, Fulton county, Illinois, where he died about 1874. Mr. Proctor, shortly after his arrival, planted an orchard, which was bearing in 1830, when the place was purchased by Mr. Constant. He also established a tannery on the place.

The first settlers of the township settled along the timber, near Fancy creek. The same fear of the prairie, and the same reason that caused other early settlers to locate in the timber, governed the pioneers of Wiliiaras. It was not until 1845 the prairie began to be settled. Some of the best and most improved farms are now prairie farms.

Educational

The first school was in the winters of 1822-3, in a log cabin on Fancy creek, Patrick Lynch being the teacher. One among the first teachers here was Erastus Wright, well known in all parts of the county, who taught a term of school in a small log cabin on section seven, as early as 1823. The change made in the mode of teaching, and in the conveniences of the school room, are great, indeed. There are now, in 1881, seven school houses in the township.

Religious

The minister of the gospel ever keeps pace with the western tread of civilization, and a settlement is no sooner formed than some zealous defender of the Cross begins to plead to sinners to obey the word and bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. Elder Stephen England was probably the first to conduct religious exercises with preaching, in the township. Revs. James Sims, Rivers Cormack and Peter Cartwright were among the first ministers in the township. The first meeting conducted by a minister of ihe Methodist Episcopal Church was at the house of David Riddle, in 1821.

A Mr. Ilarburt settled on section seventeen as early as 1820. He built and operated the first mill of any description in Williams township, and probably north of the Sangamon river. It was the old band mill, run by horse power. A cabin was erected near the mill for the accommodation of those bringing their grain to be ground. Mr. Harburt left in 1822, taking his mill with him.

David Riddle built a horsp-mill in 1826 with which he ground wheat and corn, though he had only one run of stone. It could grind about twenty bushels a day.

Thomas Constant built a water-mill on Wolf creek, on section twenty-three, in 1825, which was the first in the township. The mill was a combined saw and grist-mill, and did a large business in both branches, having custom for many miles around. The mill had two runs of burrs, one for corn and the other for wheat. It was run until about 1854, and was owned or run by the following named: Thomas Constant, Alexander Edmonds, John Simpson, George Fisher and John Johnson, the latter of whom tore it down. All that now remains of the mill are the stones, which yet lie upon the banks of the stream.

Fikst Marriage

As stated in the sketcli of Philo Beers, his marriage with Martha Stillman was the first in the township, and the first north of Sangamon river. Several of the descendants of this couple occupy prominent positions in society.

Village Of Cicero

On the 15th of April, 1836, Archibald E. Constant had platted and recorded the "northwest part of the southeast quarter of section twentysix, township seventeen, range four west," a village under the name of "Cicero." Like hundreds of others in the West, the village existed only in name.

First Merchandise

William Hamilton and Mr. Mack sold goods here on section seventeen, in 1821. Myron Phelps came in 1822, and purchased their stock, and continued the business about two years, when he sold out and went to Lewiston, Fulton county. The store was in a log cabin, and a general assortment, usual for the times, was kept for sale.

Charles Miller has in his possession a rifle once owned by his father, and brought by him from Virginia in 1802. The gun is a hammered barrel, full stock, and finished in a neat, workmanlike manner, with engraved brass mountings, with cap-box apartment in the stock. It was originally a flint-lock, but was changed when percussion caps began first to be manufactured.

Mrs. Rebecca Miller has a silver half-dollar given to her when a child by her mother, bearing date 1822, the year in which Mrs. Miller was born. In 1846, her husband desired to purchase a piece of land, and lacked one-half dollar of having the necessary amount to pay for it. The coveted half-dollar was given to him, and paid out on this purchase. In 1876, the identical half-dollar was given to him in change by a merchant in Williamsville, and by him returned to Mrs. Miller. Thus, after a lapse of thirty years, she received back the precious coin, paid out in Jackson City, Missouri.

Mrs. Maria Chenoworth has in her possession a wooden chest brought from Europe in a historical and noted vessel, the Mayflower. Mrs. Chenoworth traces the chest back through her ancestors to her great, greatgrandfather, and the chest, with its history, has been preserved in the family.

George W. Constant has an old-fashioned wooden clock, which was purchased by his father in 1827, and brought with the family to Illinois, in 1830. It has been running fifty-four years and is yet a splendid time-keeper. It stands on a pedestal some eight feet high, and marks the time by seconds.

Mr. Constant has also ared cedar churn, bought by his parents the week after they were married, which occurred July 4, 1811, and is in a good state of preservation. He also has his grandfather Constant's family Bible, one hundred and ten years old.

Organic

Williams township was organized at same time wnth the remaining townships in the county in 1861, and was named as was the village in honor of Colonel John Williams, a noted pioneer and business man of Springfield. The first election was held on the first Monday in April of 1861. The following named being elected to the offices mentioned: Miletus W. Ellis, Supervisor; George T. Hickman, Treasurer; George H. Brown, Clerk; F. A. Merriman, Assessor; George W. Sutton, Collector; Eben M. Douglas, John O. Towner, Justices of the Peace; George W. Sutton, Meredith Cooper, Constables; James Lester, William Yocum and George T. Hickman, Commissioners of Highways.

The village was laid out in 1853, under the name of Benton, so named in honor of Hon. Thomas H. Benton, of Missouri. The plat as recorded in the ofiice of the Register of Deeds, describes it as comprising the " southwest quarter of section four, township seventeen, range four west," and owned by Abraham V. Flagg.

The first merchandise sold here was in the spring, of 1854, by Peter L. Earnest, who opened a stock of general merchandise, and continued in the trade here for some years.

But little Avas done in the way of building up a town until the Chicago & Alton Railroad established a station here in the spring of 1854. This gave confidence to interested parties that their anticipations would be realized in the building up of a town. The growth of the vil-

A Post Office

A petition of the citizens was circulated, praying the post office department at Washington, to establish here a post office. Their petition was granted, and an office established in the spring of 1854, named Williamsville Post Office, with John George as postmastei*. Mr. George was subsequently succeeded by his son, Wesley George, who served until 1858, when Jacob Mc- Clure was appointed. From 1858 to the present time, the[.following named have had charge of the office: George Brown, Jacob McClure, Charles Elder, R. M. Lawrence, William Stewart, Sarah Stewart, and Jacob McClure, the second time, the incumbent.

Medical

No community can exist without the aid of the doctor, at least this is the general opinion. In 1850, Dr. Connery, of Ohio, moved to the township, and commenced here the practice of medicine. In 1855, he moved into the new village of Benton, now Williamsville, and continued to practice, being the first physician in the place. He was a clever man, a good physician and enjoyed the respect of the community in which he lived. He secured an excellent practice, but died in 1857. Since Dr. Connery's time there have been a number of physicians who have practiced their profession in the place, among whom were Drs. Henry VanMeter, J. M. West, Thomas M. Helm and J. Y. Winn. The present resident physicians of the place are: M. Mathus, J. Y. Winn, A. D. Tavlor and K. E. McClelland.

The village of Williamsville comprises a portion of District No. 5, which was organized in October, 1855. The first school-house erected in the village was that same fall; it was a frame building eighteen by twenty, one story in height, and only one room. At this time the building was amply large enough to the demands of the district, but subsequently the addition of another room was made. In this house the following named were employed at different periods as teachers; Erastus W. Mills, Jacob Beck, A. W. Botsford, A. J. Leach, Stephen H. Wilbur, Homer E. Aylesworth, Francis Springer, George P. Carpenter, W. H. Raymond, J. S. McClure, Edmund Rogers, C. H. Mitchell and Henry Allen.

school-rooms - three occupied - and is capable of accommodating one hundred and sixty pupils. The building is neat, tasty and convenient, and would be an honor to a much larger place than Williamsville. The schools were then graded into three grades, that system being in operation ever since. The following named have served as principals, the year given being that in which they commenced their work, and serving until their successors were installed: H. A. Allen, 1867; B. F. Connor, 1870; B. F. January, 1871; Charles Howard, 1872;- O. S. Webster, 1873; C. H. Mitchell, 1875; O. S. Webster, 1876; E. D. Matheny, 1877; W. L. Perce, 1878; Charles F. Wilcott, 1880; Hezekiah Miller, 1881.

The religious element of the place is represented by three denominations, each having a neat house of worship. Christian, Methodist Episcopal, and Presbyterian.

The Christian Church was organized at the house of William T. Jones, November, 1843, and was first known as the Fancy Creek Christian Church. A large part of the original membership were connected with the Wolf creek congregation, and on account of the distance from the place of worship, it was thought best to organize another congregation. The Wolf creek congregation consented to so many of its members as desired, withdrawing for this purpose.

In consequence of Mr. Ellis having gone to Oregon, and other officers being needed, in March, 1852, an election was held, and William T. Jones and James Lester were elected elders, and George W. Constant and James Barr, deacons.

On the first of March, 1854, James Banresigned and Andrew Lester was elected to fill the vacancy. Subsequently Mr. Ellis returned from Oregon, and was still recognized as an elder.

house was secured for regular services. Here they raet until 1858, when a house of worship was erected in Williamsville, and the services commenced there that fall. The building is thirty-six by fifty-six, frame, twenty-feet posts, and is valued at $2,500.

On removal to the village, the name of the church was changed from Fancy Creek to Williamsville Christian Church. At this time J. M. Britton was elected Deacon in place of Andrew Lester, deceased. In April, 1866, two additional elders were chosen - T. M. Helm and A. W. Elder, each of whom were ordained by Elder A. J. Kane, of Springfield. At the same time F. A. Merriman, Charles Turley and Isaac Groves were elected and ordained deacons.

In June, 1879, in consequence of removals and deaths, it became necessary to elect other officers, and accordingly A. J. Bronsom, N. R. Taylor, G. B. Jones and G. W. Constant were elected ciders, and J. B, Taylor, Jr., J. H. Groves, G. F. Strawn and W. F. Constant were elected deacons. On the 5th of October, 1879, they were each set apart to the office in which they were called. Elders A. J. Kane and M. R. Elder conducting the ordination.

The first regular minister who served the congregation was A. J. Kane, Joel Ethridge and J. H. Hughes also preached for them at an early day. As regular pastors, the following named have served: A. J. Kane, April, 1858, to October, 1859; Alex. Johnson, October, 1859, to July, 1861; Charles Berry, July 1861, to September, 1862; John S. Sweeny, November, 1862, to September, 1863; A. H. Rice, September, 1863, to September, 1864; A. J. Kane, October, 1864, to February, 1867; Thomas W. Ramey, June,

A number of "revivals" have been experienced by the congregation. W. W. Happy held a protracted meeting at Lake school house, which was continued about three weeks with good results. A. H. Rice held a meeting beginning November 9, 1863, and closing December 13, with eighty additions. L. B. Wilkes and A. J. Kane in February, 1867, with a number of additions; Charles Rowe in March, 1868, with about sixty; D. R. Lucas in October, 1873, with

An interesting discussion was held in this village in March, 1864, between John S. Sweeney, of the Church of Christ, and Rev. Davies, of the Methodist Episcopal, lasting ten days.

The present membership of the church is one hundred and sixty, and the church is in good working order, with a Sunday school numbering one hundred members, of which J. H. Groves is superintendent.

The Presbyterian Church, of Williamsville, was organized by the Presbytery of Sangamon, August 26, 1857. The following named were enrolled, and became part of the original congregation: Bryant Purcell, Dority Purcell, John Earnest, Elizabeth Earnest, Elizabeth Fisher, Mary Hunter, Eliza I. Munce, Hannah Stock] dale. The first ruling elder was Bryant Purcell.' After its organization the meetings of the congregation were held in the Methodist Church for a number of years, imtil 1869, when a very neat brick house of worship was erected, at a cost of $7,000. The following named have served as pastors, or stated supplies. Revs. George McKinley, D. R. Todd, R. Rudd, A. Bartholomew, W. G. Keady, Edward B. Mays, M. M. Cooper, Samuel B. Ayres, the last being the present pastor, who began his labors in 1880. The congregation is now in a fiourishing condition, with the following named elders: Richard Fulkerson, Thomas J. Shreve, George W. Shepherd, Benjamin Donnan.

The Williamsville circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church has four appointments and two churches. Fancy Creek and Williamsville. Fancy Creek was built in 1856, and Williamsville in 1857. The church edifice at Williamsville is a frame, about thirty-five by fifty feet, is in very good repair, has a good bell - the only one in the village - and is valued at $2,000. The society also own a good parsonage, valued at $700. The church property embraces half a block, with the house of worship on one corner and the parsonage on the other. The society numbers ninety members, and is in a healthy, prosperous condition, with no indebtedness. Rev. James W. Sin nock is the present pastor. The present oflScers are: Stewards, W. L. Perce, W. S. Hussey, J. R. Jones, J. P. Mountz, and John Nauson; local preacher, Fred Joynt. The church has in connection a flourishing Sunday echool, of about one hundred members, with W. L. Perce as superintendent.

1858, in Fancy Creek Chapel, The pastor in charge was then Rev. W. F. Short; W. S. Prentice, presiding elder. The board of stewards at that time were William Yociim, W. R. Brassiield, and M. M.Ramley. Mr. Short was followed by Rev. D. Bardrick in 1860, Rev. J. Slater, succeeded him in 1861, before the close of the conference year. Peter Cartwright w^as appointed presiding elder in the fall of 1861. Rev. W. T. Bennett became pastor in the fall of 1861. He was succeeded in the fall of 1863, by Rev. L. Smith; he by Rev. George Stevens, in 1865. At the same time J. L. Crane succeeded Peter Cartwright as presiding elder. Rev. W. H. Rayburn, became pastor in 1867, and was followed by John S. Barger, in 1868. Rev. O. H. P. Ash was next, in 1869, with Rev. M. M. Davison in 1870. In 1871, Rev. H. C. Adams was sent to the charge, and remained until 1874, when Rev.

C. A. Obenchain was appointed; Rev. W. E. Johnson was the next appointed, and remained two years, and was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Wolfe, in 1878, who remained until the fall of 1881, when the present pastor was sent to the charge.

Incorporation Business Of Williamsville

For the benefit of future generations, and not for the present, is the following directory of the business of Williamsville here given: MerchantTailor - Adam Sehy; Wagon-Maker - Urias Haines; Blacksmith - A.D.Clark; Tinware and Stoves - J. L. Fourmier; Groceries, Tinware and Hardware - John McKee; Drugs and Stationery - L. W. Perce; General Merchandise - Lemon T. Berryhill, Strawn, Mayo & Co., R.M. Lawrence, G. Groves & Sons; Boot and Shoe- Maker - Geo. Ketzler; Restaurant - D. C. Duncan; Boots and Shoes - Henry Miller; Groceries and Hardware - N. R. Taylor, John B. Zader; Harness Maker- - J. B. Kiplinger; Elevator and Grain Dealer - Wesley Council; Groceries - J. S. McClure; Postmaster - Jacob S. McClure.

The Barclay Coal Mining Company shipped their first coal from Barclay, December 3, 1872. The same company built the first house, the first store and the first hotel. The first parties employed to manage the business were R. D. Lawrence, superintendent; Michael Palmer, pit boss;

R.; II. R. Stevenson, postmaster. Of the foregoing all have left save one - H. E. Stevenson, who still remains with the company, and who is now acting as manager of the store, coal agent and postmaster. The mine has been operated steadily since 1872. At present all accounts of the business done in the mine is all accounted for in the store. From $7,000 to 19,000 per month is required to pay the men employed in the mines.

The Barclay Christian Church was organized by Elder Robert Foster, September 3, 1837, and was known as the Wolf Creek Christian Church, The following named composed the original officers: Andrew J. Grove, Rezin H. Constant, Miletus W. Ellis, elders; Samuel Wilson, James- Taylor, William F. Elkin, deacons; W. W. Ellis, clerk. The first meetings were held at the house of Isaac H. Constant, in Williamsville township and at R. H. Constant's in Clear Lake. After the congregation was organized meetings were held at Mr. Grove's, about three miles south of Williamsville, then at a school house about a quarter of a mile from R. H. Constant's, then at a school house on southwest corner of the southeast quarter of section two. They then built a church house at Barclay at a cost of |2,700, in size thirty-two by fortyfour. Since its organization the church has been ministered unto by the following named: Elders Foster, Powell, Sweet, Kane, Bowles, Peeler, Wilson, Vawter, Orcott, Mallory, Lindsley and T. J. Burton, ths present pastor. R. H. Constant is at present the only elder, with Isaac Taylor, John Taylor, William Dunavan deacons. R. H. C onstant is clerk. Out of this church has grown in part that of Williamsville, Clear Lake and Cornland. When it removed to Barclay it took upon it the name of that village. The present membership is sixty-five.

George K. Herry, minister of the Christian Church, was born in Washington county, Virginia, October 24, 1854, and is a son of Nathaniel and Isabella (Keys) Berry, natives of Virginia. Our subject came from Virginia to Illinois in 1866 with his parents, who located in McDonough county. His early schooling was received in the country district schools in Virginia and Illinois; began teaching in 1873 in McDonough county, and has taught about four terms in the county - from 1873 to 1876 - during which time has attended Abingdon College, Illinois, and Normal School for teachers, in Macomb, Illinois, He united with the Christian Church, in Macomb, Illinois, April 2, 1876, and the following day entered Eureka College, Illinois, a pupil for one term. During his vacation, canvassed for raising funds for the General Christian Missionary Society after which spent two terms in the above named college. Mr. Berry preached his first sermon November, 1876, in Tazewell county, Illinois. His first regular employment as a preacher was at Antioch, Illinois, during which time he taught school three months. In 1878, returned to Eui'eka College for a short time; was ordained as a minister of the gospel, at Macomb, Illinois, the third Sunday in June, 1878, by G. W. Mapes; employed at Toulon, Stark county, to preach for two years. In 1880, he visited his old home in Virginia, which is an event in his life never to be forgotten. The same year preached in Indianapolis. Indiana, and attended Butler University. The Christian Church at Williamsville employed Mr. Berry in 1 881, for their pastor, and for whom he is laboring at this writing. His present position in life is due to his personal energies and perseverance which merits and receives the respect of all his acquaintances.

Mrs. Maria Chenoweth, Williams township, widow of the late Gideon Chenoweth, was born in Sciota county, Ohio, January 3, 1815. Mrs. Chenoweth was married to Gideon Chenoweth (deceased), January 27, 1842, who was a native of Pike county, Ohio, and born January 1 3, 1813; Mr. Chenoweth was a son of Abrara and Rebecca (Car) Chenoweth, natives of Virginia, who came to P/ke county, Ohio, from Kentucky, in IT 96, where they remained until their death. To them were born fourteen children, viz: William, Jacob, Ann, Susan, John, Joel, Abram, Noah, Gideon, Martha, Hannah, Sarah, Rebecca and Mary. Gideon Chenoweth remained on his father's farm until he was twenty-two years old; taught school several years, and then engaged in the mercantile business in Piketon, Pike county, Ohio; he was a successful merchant; he remained in Piketon until his death. Mrs. Chenoweth is a daughter of John W. and Polly (Headley) Miller, natives of Virginia; Mrs. Chenoweth's education was received in the common schools of her native State; she came to Sangamon county, in 1876, and located in Williams township, where she owns a good farm of three hundred and eighty acres, on sections nineteen and twenty, and a good residence; she is a member of the M. E. Church.

William F. Constant was born in Williams township, February 25, 1838, is the son of Nathan E. and Mary M. (Stewart) Constant; the former was born in Kentucky, the latter in New York, and had five children; William F., and Nathan E. the only ones now living. Mr. Constant has enjoyed good school advantages. After attending the common school in his district, hecame a student of Berean College, Jacksonville, Illinois in 1856. He began to farm for himself at the age of nineteen, and has continued to do so. Mr. Constant was married in Sangamon county, October 15, 1861 to Elizabeth A. Lake, of Sangamon county, is the daughter of Thomas and Harriet (Dillen) Lake, natives of Virginia, to whom were born nine children, Ann E., Bayliss E., Susanna, James, John F., Elizabeth A., Agnes C, William B., and Mary M. Mr. and Mrs. Constant had one child, Mary E., who was born October 4, 1862, and died February 7, 1879. Mrs. Constant died August 7, 1881; she was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Constant owns two homesteads; one containing one hundred, the other two hundred acres. Both farms ai*e well improved and under cultivation. Mrs. Constant is a member of the Christian Church, George W. Constant, farmer, was born in Kentucky, near Winchester, October 23, 1818, and is the son of Isaac and Amy (Dean) Constant, natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively, and came from Kentucky to Sangamon county. Illinois, in the fall of 1830, and settled on Fancy creek, in Williams township, sction seven. They had eight children, all born in Kentucky, viz: John, Rebecca, Abigal D., Mary Ann, Abery G., Samuel D., James and George W. Mr. Constant came to Sangamon county with his parents, who were among the early settlers of the county, and remained at home on the farm until he was twenty-one years old, and then began to appropriate his earnings to his own use, making rails from a piece of timber-land given him by his father. His education was obtained in the country schools of his boyhood days. Mr. Constant was married in Williams township, November 26, 1840, to Martha B. Stewart, daughter of James and Roxanna (Stillman) Stewart. The former was born at Fort Ann, New York, in 1777, and the latter in Massachusetts, March 22, 1786, to whom were born eight children: Mary M., Roxanna, Jane C, Benjamin H., William A., Abigal C, Martha B., James O., and Joseph B., the first two mentioned, Mary M., and Roxanna, are the only ones living. Mr. and Mrs. George Constant were blessed with three children: William S., born October 24, 1841; James H., born February 23, 1845; Mary A., born December 12, 1847, all of whom were born in Williams township, and are living. Mrs. Constant was a member of the Christian Church, which membership lasted till her death in June 1, 1850. She was

Mr. Constant was married again in the city of Springfield, October 7, 1852, to Mary W. Stapleford, a native of the State of Delaware, came to Illinois in 1836, and spent a few months at Salisbury, then went to Springfield. Mrs. Constant has enjoyed good school privileges, and in her earlier life was engaged in teaching school for several years, in the following places: Springfield, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; Vermont, Illinois, and at Fancy Creek, Illinois; became acquainted with Mr. C. while teaching at the latter place, Mr. Constant entered the mercantile business in Williamsville, Sangamon county, Illinois, January, 1859, in Avhich he remained till January, 1863. After closing out his mercantile interests, he gave his attention to farming. He is in possession of three good prairie farms, one in Logan county, the other in Williams township, two of which consist of one hundred and sixty acres each, the others two hundred and ninety-one acres, all improved, and all, save one hundred and thirty-five acres, under good cultivation. The old home farm is partly in timber, and included in the above farms mentioned. Mr. Constant has served in offices for several years, in Williamsville, serving as a member of the town trustees, and president of the same body for several years, and has been on the board of education in Williamsville for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. C. have been active members of the Christian Church for over forty-three years.

His children: Wm. S. occupies one of his farms in Williams township; James H. carries on his farm in Logan county; Mary A. is the wife of James H. Groves, and resides ^in Williamsville.

George W. Constant thinks the first chinch bugs discovered in Illinois was in 1832, by his father and his uncle and himself in a low basin of prairie land on his father's farm, section seven, first discovered in a small number and area, while cutting corn, and they so named them from their peculiar ofi^ensive odor. It was several years befoi'e this pest was much known or did any damage to growing crops.

Wesley Council, grain dealer, Williamsville, was born in Fancy Creek township, November 21, 1824; he is the son of Hardy and Jane (Hanna) Council, born in North Carolina, 1*795, and Kentucky, 1'79'7, respectively. They were married in White county, Illinois, in the spring of 1819, and settled in Fancy Creek township, Sangamon county, the same year; had seven children who lived to be adults; one lately died; the living are John H., Wesley, Wm. F., George W.; Robert died this fall. Mr. Hardy Council, father of Wesley Council, took quite an interest in fine stock, and kept some of the best in the county, and took the premium on Short-Horn Durhams, at the Sangamon County Fair, 1837, Mr. Wesley Council's education was received in the old-time schools in his early life, and the work at home prevented his attending school regularly, and his education was obtained outside the school by his own personal efforts; he took the control of his father's saw-mill, the first portable saw-mill in this region, which he managed for five years; this mill was established by his father in 1849, and did the sawing for a large area of country. Mr. Council re, mained at home until his marriage, April 14,. 1853, to Martha A. Wigginton, and by this union had thirteen children, of whom four are living, viz: John W., Willie H., Nellie and Bessie. January 1, 1857, Mr. Council moved to Williamsville, and soon after began the grain business, acting as agent for Samuel N. Fullinwider; before the close of the year 1857, he engaged in the same business for himself, in which he is still engaged. Mr. Council has one of the best elevators of its capacity on the Chicago and Alton Railroad; all of its machinery and apparatus for the unloading and carriage of grain to their respective departments are of first-clas& modern improvements, thus rendering it convenient for receiving and shipping grain. Its spouting capacity is fifteen thousand bushels; crib room for ear corn, four thoixsand bushels. He can dump, shell and ship five thousand bushel per day. In 1863, he bought out Carlin Buffum, who was dealing in grain and lumber in Williamsville, and has ever since carried on the lumber business also. He has two elevators in the building - one for corn on the ear and the other for wheat, oats, rye and shelled corn; Mr. Council handles two hundred thousand bushels of grain each year; has a mill in the elevator which will grind fifty bushels of meal or sixty bushels of feed j^er hour; the engine is of thirtyfive-horse power; the original cost of the building is $10,000, erected by him in 1877; in connection with the grain business Mr. Council deals in lumber and agricultural implements. He was the first president of the board of town trustees of Williamsville, Illinois, and has held the office of police magistrate, and now holds the office; he is also president of the Williamsville Protection Association. Mrs. Council is of a family of eleven children, viz: William, Samuel, Andrew,

James, John, Eliza, Dollie, Martha, Mary, Elizabeth A. and Nancy E., of whom only four are living. Mr. and Mrs. Council identified themselves with the Methodist Church in the early years of their life, and are zealous believers and livers of their early religious faith.

Mary M. Ellis is the daughter of James and Roxana (Stillraan) Stewart. Mrs. Ellis was born in New York, April 6, 1813, and is the fifth of nine children, viz.: Jane C, Benjamin H., William A., Abigal C, Mary M., Roxana, Martha B., James O., and Joseph B. Mrs. Ellis came to Sangamon county from New York, and in 1820 settled in Williams township. Mrs. Ellis was married to Nathan E. Constant, August 25, 1843, aiad by this union were born to them William F.,born February 25, 1838, and Nathan E., Jr., born December 19, 1843. Nathan E. Jr., enlisted in the late war August, 1862, foi' three years, in Company G, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Wilson. Was taken prisoner at the battle of Guntown, Mississippi, June, 1864, and taken to Andersonville prison, and subsequently to other southern prisons, but spending most of his prison life, which was nine months, in Andersonville. He w^as liberated at the close of the war. Nathan E. Constant, Sr., was born April 8, ISO*/, in Clark county, Kentucky, and is the son of Thomas and Margery (Edmondson) Constant. He came to Sangamon county in 1820. He owned one hundred acres of land in Williams township. Enlisted in the Black Hawk war at Springfield in the Sangamon county company. Mr. Constant was a successful farmer, was a member of the Christian Church, and loved by all who knew him. His death occurred August 8, 1843.

Mrs. Ellis was married to Miletus W. Ellis, farmer, and native of Virginia, is the son of Levi and Cynthia Ellis, natives of South Carolina and Virginia, respectively. Mr. Ellis came to Sangamon county, where Springfield now stands, in 181'7. After they were married moved on his farm, which is her present home. Mr. Ellis was a member of the trustees of Williamsville. He was a member of the Christian Church and acted as elder for thirty-eight years. Mrs. Ellis is a member of the Christian Church and is faithful to all her duties, and respected by all who know her.

Frank Hickman was born June 25, 1845, and is the son of George T. and Elizabeth (Lyon) Hickman, natives of the State of Kentucky and moved to Sangamon county in the fall previous to the deep snow. Mr. Frank Hickman received his early education in the common schools in his county, and subsequently completed the commercial course in the Springfield Business College in 1866. He continued to farm at home after his return from college until twenty-five year old, then began to control his farming interest for himself. Mr. Hickman was married on the 2'7th of December, 1871, to Sophia Burns, daughter of John R. and Lucy Burns, natives of Kentucky, and settled in Sangamon county, about 1828, were also the first persons married in Buffalo Hart township, and to them were born Mary J., Thomas, William A., Martha, Armentia, Iva, John T., Robert and Sophia. Mr. Hickman has six brothers and sisters, viz.: William H. enlisted in the late war in Company B, One Hundred and Thirtieth Illinois Regiment Infantry Volunteers, August 1862, and died January 19, 1863, in the hospital in Memphis, Tennessee; Mary E., Richard O., Henrietta, Thomas C. Mr. Hickman enlisted in the late war in May, 1864, in response to the government call for one hundred day soldiers and was discharged September 24, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Hickman had one child Arthur Franklin, born February 2, 1875, and died February 14, 1879. Mr. Hickman has in his possession a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, all under cultivation. Mr. Hickman is a Republican.

William 8. Hussey was born in Green county, Ohio, November 2, 1809; is the son of Nathan and Mary (Stewart) Hussey, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively, came from Ohio to Sangamon county in 1819, and settled on Fancy creek, and this was the first settlement on that creek. Here he lived until 1845, when he moved to Oregon, and died there in 1858, being seventy-three years old. His wife, Mary Hussey, was born in 1786, and died 1842. Mr. William Hussey came to Sangamon county with his parents, in 1819; his education was received in the district schools of Sangamon county. At the age of twenty-one he commenced farming for himself, by improving and cultivating new prairie land which his father had given him. By his industry and untiring will he added largely to his first farm, and in 1851, had accumulated twelve hundred acres of land. Mr. Hussey was married to Sarah Yocom, in Williams township, in 1834. They were the parents of the following named children: Nathan, Jacob Y.,Mary J., William F., and Stephen, are living. Mrs. Hussey was the daughter of Jacob and Mary Yocom. Mr. Hussey moved to Oregon in 1851, Avhere he remained till 1864, when he returned to this county. Mrs. Hussey died the 18th of March,

Mr. Hussey enlisted in the Black Hawk war, in 1832, in Captain Clay well's company. Fourth Kegiment, and Third Brigade, and was mustered out at Fort Crawford, Prairie du Chien. Wisconsin; was in the battle of Wisconsin and Bad Ax, on the Mississippi river. Mr. Hussey has been supervisor of Williams township two terms, and justice of the peace and collector of the township. He was married the second time to Mrs. Jemiraah Gilbreth, daughter of Samuel and Catharine Thompson, natives of South Carolina. Mrs. Hussey has two children living, by her first husband, William C. Gilbreth, and by this last marriage two, Josephine and Charles A., living. Mr. and Mrs. Hussey are members of the Methodist Church, and respected by all who know them. In politics a strong supporter of the Republican party, and voted first for President Harrison.

John R. Jones was born in Louisa county, Virginia, December 18, 182'7, is the son of Samuel and Lucy (Desper) Jones, natives of Virginia; died in the State of Ohio. They had ten children, of whom five are living, viz: David G., Samuel H., Mary J., John R. and William A. Mr. Jones came to Sangamon county in 1854 and located on his present home, on section nine; was married January 24, 1856, in Pike county, Ohio, to Mary A. Talbott, of Ohio, born June 24, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were blessed with six children, three of whom are living, viz: Samuel T., Nellie M., and Milton E. Mr. Jones received his education in Ohio. He began to work for himself at the age of seventeen and followed farming and stock driving. He has driven stock to the eastern markets of New York and Philadelphia; owns one thousand three hundred and sixty acres of land of which forty acres are of timber, and the remainder prairie land. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mrs. Jones of the Foreign Mission Society. Mr. Jones is a successful and enterprising farmer. Stephen King was born in Bracken county, Kentucky, March 29, 1823, and is the son of William B., and Anna R. (Geening) King, natives of Virginia, and settled in Sangamon county in the fall of 1830. They had twelve children, of whom Thomas, James M., Harry J., Stephen, Fielding, John F., Hesther and Anna R., are living. Mr. King was married in Sangamon county, February 15, 1855, to Elizabeth Hendricks, and by this union were born seven children, of whom Nellie, George L., Charles H., William, Kate and Eddie are living.

Mr. King received his education in the common schools in Sangamon county. When twenty years of age, he began teaching school, which he pursued for seven years. After his marriage, began farming and raising stock on the farm of his wife's former husband, John Smith, which comprises two hundred acres of good prairie land, well improved, and under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. King are members of the Christian Church.

Ira S. Knights was born February 9, 1833, in St. Lawrence county. New York; is the son of John and Adeline (Perrin) Knights, natives also of the Empire State. To them were born nine children, of whom four are living, viz.: Suman, William, Charles, and Ira S. Mr. Ira S. Knights was educated in the common schools in his place of nativity and in Williams township; came to Sangamon county September, 1850, at which time was in his eighteenth year, and the following year his parents came from New York State, and resided in Sangamon county for eighteen years, farming, at the end of which time moved to Champaign county, Illinois, where they now reside.

Mr. Knights began to farm for himself at the age of twenty-one, without any means of comfortable support. He was married in Williams township, January 30, 1873, to Roxana Stewart, born September 8, 1818, in New York, and is the daughter of James and Roxana (Stillman) Stewart, the former born September 28, lYVV, at Fort Ann, Washington county. New York, the latter born March 22, 1786, in Massachusetts, and came to Sangamon county 1820, in what is now known as Williams township. They had nine children.

Mr. James Stewart died at the age of ninetyfour past, April 16, 1872, on the farm on which he lived for more than fifty years. To his memory, his daughter erected a beautiful monument in the cemetery near the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Knights are living on the farm on which her father first settled when he came to SangatDon county in 1820, of which there are three hundred aud twenty acres, one-half prairie and one-half timber, Mr. and Mrs. Knights are members of the Christian Church.

Michard M. Lawrence, merchant, Williamsville, was born in Tennessee, July 4, 1827, and is a son of David B. and Nancy (Ballenger) Lawrence, natives of Tennessee. Mr. L. came to Sangamon county, near the time of the "deep snow" - 1830 - with his parents. There were nine children in the family, of which Richard M., William, Allen, Silas, Hannah and Walter are living. Mr. Lawrence's school privileges were limited, as he only had opportunity of attending the district school a short time. His work on the farm was not continued long, as he learned the trade of chair-making, which he followed in various places. Mr. Lawrence commenced the mercantile business in Mountain Grove, Missouri, in 1861, and has pursued the same to the present time. He started with a small capital and during the years of his mercantile life, has added to his stock and now owns the building which he occupies. Has held the office of president of trustees of Williamsville two terms; has been a citizen for a number of years. In politics, he is a Democrat. Was postmaster three or four years in Williamsville, Illinois.

Dr. Mahlon K. 3Iathus, Williamsville, was boin in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1824, and son of Samuel S., and Esther Mathus, the former born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the latter in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. They had two children, Mahlon K., and Caroline. The Doctor came to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1843 with his parents, who located in Springfield, Illinois. His earliest education was received in the common schools of his native State. After the death of his father, his mother was married to Dr. Patricius Moran, a native of Ireland, and a practicing physician in Springfield eleven years. During this time, his stepson, Mahlon K., became his pupil. After studying with his step-father some time, Mahlon attended McDowell's Medical College at St. Louis, Missouri, in 1854 and 1855, and after receiving the honors of a graduate, became a partner of Dr. Moran. In 1856, he located in Williamsville, where he has practiced successfully a number of years. He has been a faithful student in his profession, which is shown by the interest manifested in securing the latest and best medical publications.

Dr. Mathus' first marriage was in Fancy Creek township, to Miss Rebecca Mount. By this marriage there were three children: Carrie R., Lulu and Samuel, of which Carrie is the only child living. Mrs. Rebecca Mathus died, and April 6, 1875, Dr. Mathus married Mrs. Sarah L. (Shick) Stewart, widow of William Stewart, and daughter of Samuel and Sarah Shick. Mrs. M. is a member of the Christian Church. Dr. M. has held the ofiice of town trustee, and is now treasurer of Williams township, which office he has held for twenty-five years. He is a member of the Catholic Church, formerly a member of the German Reform Church in Pennsvlvania. The homestead of his first wife's parents is in his possession - a good farm of two hundred and forty acres. The Doctor is a respected citizen, and by his industry enjoys the blessings of a nice home in Williamsville. In politics, a Republican, and cast his first vote for Taylor, for president.

liohert M. McClelland., Williams township, was born in Fancy Creek township, July 12, 1841, and son of James and Mary (Brown) Mc- Clelland, the former a native of Illinois, the latter of Kentucky. The subject of our sketch was married to Miss Lydia A. Groves, December 1, 1870. She is the only living daughter of Jacob and Barbara Groves, who are natives of Pennsylvania and Illinois, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. McClelland have two children living: Minnie B., born September 15, 1872, and Jacob, born October 6, 1873. Mr. M. received his education in the common schools of his native State. He is a member of the Masonic Order. In connection with farming, he formerly dealt in stock, and is now farming one hundred and sixty acres of fine prairie land, well improved and under cultivation.

Robert E. Mc Clella^icl, M. J)., was born in Williams township, September 1, 1850, and is a son of John and Elizabeth A. (Mitts) McClelland, natives of Illinois and Ohio respectively; had seven children, of whom John, Martha, Charlotte F., Luticia and the Doctor, are living. Mr. McClelland has enjoyed good educational privileges. He attended the State University at Springfield, Illinois, in 1867, and after four years of a student's life in the Wesleyan University, at Bloomington, Illinois, graduated in the eclectic scientific course.

In 187 I, studied medical works under Dr. Van Meter, in Williamsville, Illinois; attended his first course of lectures in 1872 and lb73, at Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, and in 1874, graduated in the same institution, receiving a diploma. He begun the practice of medicine in Williamsville, and practiced two years with Dr. AVinn, of the same town. At present Dr. McC. is without a partner, and is reaping the reward of his earnest and faithful research in his calling; has been a member - secretary - of the town trustees, four years.

Dr. McClelland was married to Miss Sue C. Turley, September 8, 1874. She is a daughter of Charles and Louisa Turley, old settlers, and of their children, Stephen S., Margaret, David C, Amanda, Sue C, James P., Marshall, General Mead and Ina, are living. The Doctor has two children, Pearl, born August 14, 1876, and Ha, born May 13, 1878. Dr. McC and wife are members of the Christian Church. He manifests an interest in all he advocates, and is a respected citizen. In politics he is a Republican and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant.

Charles Miller, was born in Scioto county, Ohio, July 18, 1820; is a son of John W. and Polly (Headley) Miller, natives of Virginia; the former born 1781, the latter 1782. Mr. Charles Miller came to Williams township, Sangamon county, Illinois, October 22, 1854, and took up his abode, in a log cabin; afterwards he purchased four hundred acres of land on which he located, and has resided since. To this possession he has added five hundred acres of land in Sangamon county, and four hundred and ten acres of land in Menard county, Illinois, all of which is under cultivation. Mr. Miller's education was of that character which so many of our early settlers experienced, spending only a short time in the log school house during the winter.

His marriage took place in Ohio, October 12, 1843, to Rebecca Miller, daughter of Abraham and Rebecca Miller, natives of Virginia, the former being born in the historic year of 1776. Charles Miller and wife were blessed with eight children, W. H., born February 8, 1845, enlisted in the Civil War in May, 1864, at Williamsville, Sangamon county, in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment, Infantry Volunteers, with Captain Orendorff in command. Was sent to Rock Island, to guard prisoners, and died while in camp, August 28, 1864; Franklin R., born March 1, 1847, died March 21, 1847; Gideon C, born July 9, 1848; Polla H., born December 20, 1850, died December 7, 1875; Edwin B., born July 30, 1853; John A., born March 19, 1856, died March ] , 1881 ; James T., born December 28, 18 - ; Oscar H., born December 4, 1859, and was killed August 5, 1880, by a railway accident, while en route for Chicago, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

William L. Perce, druggist, Williamsville, is a son of John A. and Mary J. (Lilly) Perce, natives of Ohio. Mr. Perce was born in Ohio, March 7, 1847. His early schooling was obtained in the common schools, and at the age of fifteen, entered the Springfield University, of which he was a student four years. In 1808, Mr. Perce graduated in the law department at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the same year was admitted to the bar, and at once entered the legal profession and practiced in Springfield. Prefering teaching, he entered this profession in 1870 and taught five years in public schools, part of which time was principal of the graded schools in Williamsville. In the year 1875, Mr. Perce purchased the drug store owned by J. C. Ballow, in Williamsville, and has greatly enhanced his stock, and now has a first-class drug store and carries a stock of $3,000. Mr. Perce has been township supervisor two terms and is now president and treasurer of the trustees of Williamsville; was a member of militia known as Cullom's Guards, for five years, in which time he was promoted from First Sergeant to Captain. He is a member of the Masonic Order with which he united in 1869. Has passed through several gradations. Blue Lodge or Master Mason, Chapter, Council and Commandery. Mr. Perce participated it the laying of the corner stone of the new State House in Springfield, and the unveiling of Lincoln's monument. Mr. Perce and sister Anna are at home with his mother, and are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, be is a Republican.

Isaac D. Poorman was born in Sangamon county, December 25, 1851; his parents, John M. and Susan (Bush) Poorman, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio. Isaac Poorman assisted his father on the farm until 1869, when he began to clerk in a wholesale grocery store in lola, Kansas. He continued with them until 1874. While clerking, he was married to Miss Mary F. Hamblin, in lola, Kansas, December 25, 1872. She is the daughter of Wm. H. and Elenor (Boyd) Hamblin, natives of Kentucky, and had ten children, of whom Elizabeth, Emily, John, William, Henry, and Mary F. are living.

Mr. and Mrs. P. have two children: Susan F., born July 18, 1876, and Perry R., born September 20, 1880. In 1875, Mr. Poorman began farming in Williams township, on one hundred and sixty acres of good prairie land, of which he now is the owner. Mr, Poorman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is an energetic young man, a good citizen and merits the respect of all.

John M. Poorman was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, December 20, 1814, and is the son of John and Catharine (Hofi'man) Poorman, natives of Pennsylvania. John M. Poorman came from Ohio in the fall of 1842, and moved to Shelby county, Illinois, and the following year came to Sangamon county, and located on the farm formerly owned by B. B. Branson. The farm is located in the south half of section eight, in Williams townshi}), and con- sists of three hundred and twenty acres; two hundred and sixty acres are under cultivation. Mr. Poorman is of a family of ten children, of whom John M., D. L., Joseph L., Anna and Rebecca are living. Mr. Poorman was married in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 9, ]840, to Martha S. Bush, daughter of William IBush, a native of Virginia. By this marriage six children were born: Mary C, Flora E., Clara S., Lillie D., Isaac T>. and John M. Mr. Poorman attended school in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and his wife in the common schools, of Ohio. In his early life he was bound out to serve an apprenticeship to a tanner in Pennsylvania for four years, after which time he turned his attention to another pursuit in life. He began in the struggle of life poor, and his present accumulation is due to his energy and perseverance.

John Prather^ Williamsville, is the son of Enos and Mary (Sargent) Prather, who were born in Virginia and Maryland respectively. John Prather was born December 16, 1813. He began the business of farming and stock raising with his brothers, Enos and William, at the age of fifteen years, and continued with them sixteen years, since which he has carried on the business. Drove cattle from Ohio to Philadelphia and New York before the days of railroad transportation. Mr. Prather was married in Pike county, Ohio, December 11, 1836, to Mary J. Jones, daughter of Samuel and Lucy Jones, of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Prather were blessed with the following named children: William, John, Samuel E., Henry S., John F., and Mary Lucy. Samuel E. and John F. are living. Mr. Prather came to Springfield in 1867, in which city he lived ten years, and then moved to Williamsville, Illinois. He owns twenty-two hundred acres of good land in Sangamon county, part of which is in Williams township; eight hundred and fifty acres in Logan county, and twenty-two hundred acres in Kansas. Mr. Prather owns the old home farm in Pike county, Ohio, purchased by his grandfather Sargent about the year 1794, and in connection with said farm owns fourteen hundred acres in Ohio. Mr. Prather was in connection with a company which imported shorthorn cattle from England and brought them to Ohio. Was one of the first stockholders in the State National Bank in Springfield, Illinois; was assistant assessor of the United States Internal Revenue for the Twelfth District of Ohio, in Waverly, Pike county. His father was one of the first circuit judges in Pike county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Prather's education was received in the common schools. Mrs. Prather is a member

James Ryan Price was hoxn in Ohio, December 16, 1835, is the son of James and Margaret (Ryan) Price, the former born in Plere ford shire, England, the latter in Hardy county, Virginia. Mr J. R. Price received his education in common schools, in his native State. Mr. Price has been a resident of Sangamon county for twenty years; coming here in 1861, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and at present may be classed among Sangamon county's most extensive stock growers. On Mr. Price's beautiful farm of three hundred and twenty acres may be seen the only herd of Hereford cattle in Sangamon county, and the breeders of fine stock in Central Illinois, owe much to him for his enterprise in this matter of introducing many fine breeds of cattle into this section. In 1863, Mr. Price was married to Miss Ellen Flagg, a native of Sangamon county, born June 6, 1842; A. V. Flagg and Sarah (Hoffman) Flagg were her parents. The lives of James and Ellen Price have been blessed with eight children: Ned, Lorette, May, Robbin, Ella and an infant child, are living, two having passed to the better world. Mr. and Mrs. Price worship in the faith of the M. E. Church. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Lincoln.

Ninian R. Taylor^ merchant, Williamsville, was born February 13, 1825, in Wayne county, Illinois, and is the son of James and Mary (Kelley) Taylor, the former born in South Carolina and the latter in Kentucky. To them were born twelve children, of whom five are living: Ninian R., Isaac J., Simeon M., Francis K. and Martin V. Mr. Taylor was married to Catharine Halbert, April 1, 1847. She is the daughter of Doctor James and Nancy (Reynolds) Halbert, born in the State of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor had born to them eleven children, of whom John B., Lewis C, Ellen, Emma and Frank H. are living. Lewis C, graduated at Bellevue Medical College, New York, March 1, 1875; practiced in Springfield a short time, then located in Auburn five years ago; has an extensive practice. Mr. Taylor's education was obtained in the schools of Sangamon county. At the age of twenty-one he began to work for himself, by cultivating and improving a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land on section eleven, on which he located after his marriage and followed farming, raising grain and stock till 1866, and then moved to Williamsville. To the farm above mentioned, he has added one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land, ard both farms are well improved and under cultivation. He commenced in the mercantile busiress in "Williamsville shortly after he moved there, and in IS^l, formed a partnership with his son, John B. Taylor, under the firm of Taylor & Son. They keep a general stock of hardware, cutlery and provisions, and have a good trade. Mr. Taylor was elected in 1870 to represent Sangamon county in the Twenty-seventh General Assembly, of Illinois, for two years. In Williams township he has served as police magistrate for two toms, trustee of the township three years, and was re-elected in 1881. Mr. Taylor is a Master Mason, and a member of Lavely Lodge, No. 203, "Williamsville. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are members of the Christian Church, with which religiousbody they united at seventeen and. fifteen years, respectively. Mr. Taylor is an elder, and hisfiist connection with the church was on Wolf cretk. Mr. Taylor is enterprising and eneigetic, and bj his integrity has been successful in his business, and won the respect of all who know him.

James Taylor, was born in Chester district, in the State of South Carolina, November 2, in the first of this century, and moved with his parents to Hart county, Kentucky, and thence to Wayne county, Illinois, where he was married to Mary Kelley, of Kentucky. Mr. Taylor settled in Williams township, on section thirty-five, in 1829, emigrating from Kentucky with his wife and four children, over-land, in an ox-cart; entered eighty acres of prairie and timl>er, to which estate he after added two hundred and eighty acres of land. He followed farming and stock raising. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were charter members of the Christian Church when organized on Wolf creek, of which Mr. Taylor was chosen deacon, and contini;ed in that office until his death, in 185V. Mrs. Taylor died of cholera, July 2*7, 1852. Mrs. and Mr. Taylor were efficient members to the church and society, and he an energetic business man; were parents of Ninian R. and Isaac J. Taylor, whose biographies appear in this volume.

is the son of James and Mary (Kelley) Taylor, natives of South Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. Twelve children were born to them, of whom five are living: Ninian R., Isaac J., Simeon M., Francis K., and Martin V. Mr. Taylor's education was obtained in the district schools of Sangamon county, and also by his own personal efforts. He began to work for himself while a young man ol twenty, in opening up a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land in Williams township, which was improved and put under cultivation. Mr. Taylor was married to Margaret Halbert, October 16, 1851. By this union there were three children, two of whom are living, Alexander D., and Mary E., both born in Sangamon county. The first mentiored is a gi'aduate of Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois. In 1875, he commenced practice at Cotton Hill, Sangamon county; moved to Williamsville in March, 1877. Mrs. Margaret Taylor was a native of Ohio, and the daughter of Dr. James and Nancy (Reynolds) Halbert, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Taylor was a member of the Christian Church until her death. May 16, 1863. May 27, 1864, Mr. Taylor was married to Mary A. McGinnis, the daughter of Thomas McGinnis and Mary Cunningham, who were born in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were blessed with five children, four boys and one girl, of whom John E., Leonard R., and James T., are living. Mr. Taylor began the business of a merchant, by forming a partnership with Alexander Fisher and opening a general store in Williamsville, in January, 1859. This partnership lasted two years, and then Mr. Fisher sold out his interest to I. J. Taylor and John Rush. This firm continued till March, 1862. Mr. Taylor withdrew from the mercantile business and returned to his former pursuits the next spring - farming - which he is still following. He was assessor in 1862, and commissioner of highways two terms. Is a member of the Masonic Order, Lavely Lodge, No. 203.

Mr. Taylor has been actively identified with the Old Settlers' Association, and is serving his second year ^ as vice-president for Williams township.