Willow Creek Township (part 2 of 4)

Albert Glasspoole, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, was born in the county of Norfolk, England, October 14, 1834. His father, who died when Albert was but ten years old, was commander in the Honorable East India Company service. Albert w^as educated first at the Yarmonth Grammar School, and then at a naval school, in the city of Yarmouth. At sixteen years^of age, as midshipman, he made his first voyage to Melbourne, Australia, in the government service, taking out one hundred and fifty distressed needle-women from the port of London. From Melbourne, with a cargo of smoked mutton-hams, he sailed to Hong- Kong, China, and thence, with teas and silks, returned to London. His second voyage was from the port of Yarmouth to Constantinople, with a general cargo, in his uncle's schooner, a pleasure trip described by the sailor phrase, " In everybody's mess and nobody's watch." In 1853 he was appointed to the Poyal Mail Steam Packet service, as fifth ofKcerj and for nineteen months was stationed out at the Island of St. Thomas. Diirino^ this stay the ship encountered one of the most fearful hurricanes on record. It was about this time that Gen, Santa Anna made his final escape from Mexico, and young Glasspoole thus describes his connection with that affair : " Having run into Havana on our return voyage word came to us through the Spanish pilot that we would find Gen. Santa Anna in the Bahama channel on board the Spanish man-ofwar, and he would like to have us stop and take him to St. Thomas. Accordingly I was sent ofl:' in charge of a boat to get him. On going aboard the Spanish steamer I was introduced to the general's wife and told her I was ready to take them aboard. After taking the general and his wife aboard I returned with two boats for his money and his suites. The money was in silver bars; there were two good boat loads of that." While "lying to" at Grey town, on the isthmus, Glasspoole saw that whole town burned to ashes by American men-of-war. Failing in an attempt to bombard it down the men went ashore and fired it with tar and kerosene. Glasspoole assisted in taking the refugees oiF to an island. It may be of interest to mention that the last ship to which he was appointed in this service was the Trent, afterward so noted in the Mason and Slidell case. Mr. Glasspoole received a very complimentary letter from the court of directors, dated May 10, 1856. We quote just enough to indicate its character : " Conveying expression of their satisfaction at the praiseworthy conduct displayed by you on the night of the 30th ult., and also at the high character given you by Capt. Abbott." Shortly after receiving this letter, as a further mark of esteem, he was honored with a very gratifying promotion. In 1857 Mr. Glasspoole emigrated to America. At Batavia, Illinois, he was married to Miss Laura Carr, daughter of Capt. Carr, of the U. S. Merchant service. His first years of western farming were spent on rented land in Kane county. Here his change from sailor life was attended with some curious and somewhat expensive experience. He was wont to say, "Yes, I am naturalized, at a cost of $2,000." About 1866 he came to Willow Creek township and bought 160 acres. He has a good farm all paid for. He has one son, who has crossed the Atlantic twice and is now a student at East Paw Paw ; also a brother is colonel in the Queen's service.

Christopher Yandeventer, farmer, Lee, son of John and Mary (Boyer) Yandeventer, was born in Erie county, New York, in 1815. His grandfather Yandeventer was captain of a company of rangers in the revolution, which did duty as scouts for Gen. Washington. His grandfather Boyer was a soldier in the same war. Both these fought at the Cowpens and in several other battles. His father served on the frontier in the war of 1812, invaded Canada under Gen. Yan Rensselaer, and helped storm and capture the British fort at Queenstown, October 13, that year. The subject of this sketch was raised a farmer, but took up the carpenter and joiner trade, and followed it most of the time during his earl}^ life. On September 6, 1838, he was married, in Michigan, to Miss Miranda Salisbury, who was the mother of four children : Irwin (dead) and Edwin (twins), William and Christopher, and died in 1845. His second marriage was with Mrs. Eozillow Low, June 6, 1846. The children by this union were Mary E. (dead), Martha -(dead), Ellen J., Eber R. (dead), Isabell, James and John (dead). This wife died September 27, 1858, and he married again, December 1, same year, Mrs. Ann Baker. By her first marriage she had ten children ; by the last, one, Mary Alice. Her death occurred January 24, 1874. Mr. Yandeventer's fourth marriage was to Mrs. Elizabeth Braithwaite, on February 11, 1875. By the first husband she was tlie mother of the following children : Maria Elizabeth, Sarah Ella, Cai'oline (dead), Laura, Emily, Ida, Ada, and Louis P. Mr. Yandeventer has been commissioner of highways of Willow Creek township, and school director in his district eleven years. As an Odd-Fellow he belongs to Spartan Lodge, No. 272, at East Paw Paw, and to Paw Paw Encampn:ient, No. 52. He has passed all the chairs in the lodge, and in politics is a democrat. His farm of 182 acres, valued at $11,000, contains never-failing wells and springs, and is the best watered farm in the country. He has an orchard of choice fruit unequaled in this region. His sons, AVilliani and Christopher, volunteered and served for three months at the beginning of the war, and fought at the battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. The latter reenlisted for three years, and served his full time. Irwin entered the service in the fiill of 1861, for three years, and was color-bearer of his regiment; he fought at Forts Henry and Donelson, and at Shiloh, where he was taken prisoner by the rebels and confined until the following June, when he was released and died the same month of typhoid fever, at Huntsville, Alabama. Eber enlisted in the regular army just after the war, and went to Fort Scott, and from thence to Fort Stanton, New Mexico, where he died.

James C. Howlett, farmer and stock raiser. Paw Paw Grove, son of Horjitio G. and Amanda M. (Canfield) Howlett, was born in Onondaga county. New York, March 22, 1837. When six months old he came with his father to Chicago, then to Dixon, and finally, in 1839, to his present home at Allen's Grove. He was well prepared with a practical education for the business of life. His earlier instruction was obtained in the log cabin schools of the neighborhood. His first term was in one part of the Shoudy treble log house, and his teacher was a Miss Nettleton. His next preceptress was Laura Brace. At a later date he was a pupil of Bobby Walker, who had a school near the old Robinson place. This knight of the ferule was excellent both as a scholar and teacher, and was fond of quoting Bobby Burns, which he had at his tongue's command. Mr. Howlett finished his studies at the Lee Center and South Side academies. In 1860 he went to the Rocky Mountains. He taught three terms of school in Missouri, and was in that state at the breaking out of the war. In June, 1861, he enlisted in a company which was recruiting there, and was appointed orderly sergeant ; but not being mustered into the service, and suspense and inactivity ensuing, he came home, driving through with a herd of cattle, and barely escaped being taken by guerrillas. This company was afterward accepted and cut to pieces at Wilson's creek, where two-thirds of the men were killed. Before his departure from Missouri he spent an evening with Gen. Price, and on his arrival at Quincy saw the first rebel flag captured in that state. On August 6, 1862, Mr. Howlett volunteered in Co. Iv, 75th 111. Inf., and served till the close of the war. He fought at Perrysville, and his regiment was engaged at Stone River, Chickamauga, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, and elsewhere on the Atlanta campaign, and the subsequent service in Tennessee against Hood, ending in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. The last half of his term was served in the assistant adjutant-general's office, where he had charge of the clerical force. He was one of thirty who competed for the position ; all having sent specimens of penmanship, he was selected for the detail. One of his duties was to go through the brigade every evening and obtain a list of the casualties, in which duty he was often very much exposed. On his return home he went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and was with his brother several months in the post-office. His marriage to Sarah Jane, daughter of James Fowler, of Shabbona, occurred April 13, 1867. To these parents five children have been born, namely, Mary, George G., Amanda B., Wilbur and Florence C. Mr. Howlett is a republican, and takes a lively interest in the success of his part}^, and contributes his personal influence, which is by no means limited, to keep it in power. For many years he has been a member of the republican central committee for Willow Creek township. He has filled the office of supervisor five terms, town clerk four, collector one, and is present incumbent of the office first named. He is well known as an experienced and efficient school teacher.

HoEATio G. Howlett, retired, Paw Paw Grove, is the son of Parley and Phebe (Robbins) Howlett. He was born in Onondaga, Onondaga county, New York, August 31, 1809. His father was a native of Yermont, and one of the earliest settlers in Onondaga county. His mother was born in Connecticut. Mr. Howlett enjoyed good oppor- tnnities for securing an education, and did not let them pass unimproved. He took a course of studies at the Onondaga and Homer academies, and is now one of the five only living ones who were fellow students at the latter institution when he was there. In his twentyfirst year he and a brother engaged in salt manufacture at Geddes ; at tlie end of a year they sold out and went to merchandising for another year. On his twenty-first birthday Mr. Howlett was united in marriage with Amanda Malvina Canfield, of Syracuse, with whom he lived in great happiness until August 3, 1850, when she was taken from him by death. Not long after his marriage he settled on a farm, which he sold when he came west in 1832. In January of that year he emigrated ; he started for Chicago, and had his goods shipped there by way of the lakes, but on reaching Niles, Michigan, was taken sick and compelled to remain at that place till his resources were exhausted by exorbitant charges. His parents were wealthy and he could have obtained assistance from them by making known his condition, but he disdained to do this, and had his effects sent back to Niles. Here he was appointed deput}^ sheriff on his recovery, and filled this oflice and remained in the town three years. In 1835 he came to Chicago and opened a meat market, near the spot where the Tremont House now stands. At that time there was but one white woman in the place. He got control of all the butchering business and secured a driving trade, Indian and emigrant patronage being very large. George Smith, since one of the heaviest bankers in the city, and Alexander Mitchell, the railroad magnate, of Wisconsin, had a little brokers' ofiice, and Mr. Howlett deposited with Mitchell every night his wildcat funds, in which business was then mainly transacted. The first day his receipts were $60, the second day $400, and at the end of thirty days $3,000. All that he ever got back into his hands was the small sum of $60. In the autumn of 1837 he left Chicago and came to Dixon, where he resided two years. A few log cabins and two frame buildings stood at that date in the town. In 1839 he settled at Allen's Grove, where he has had his home until the present time. He purchased a claim of 160 acres on Sec. 36, for $1,000. The land was not surveyed into sections till two or three years afterward. Mr. Howlett boarded the surveying party when the work was done in this neighborhood. Aside from his interests in farming since he came here, he has been an active and influential business man. At one time in the early history of the county he kept hotel in Dixon ; about 1851 he went to merchandising in Paw Paw, in company with A. B. Sears, who decamped, leaving him to pay the heavy debts of the firm ; he was justice of the peace ten years and constable four. While trading in Paw Paw his children were living in the east, attending school ; from the time his eldest daughter returned to keep house for him he has since had at least one of them with him. He was the parent of nine chikiren, four of whom died in infancy. George Marvin, agent for the JEtna Life Insurance Company, lives at Fort Dodge, Iowa ; James C. resides on the homestead ; Harriet Amanda is the wife of O.J. LeMoin and lives in Michigan ; Cornelia Caroline married Cornelius Vosburg, of Pennsylvania, and Frances Maria, relict of Samuel Foresman, is now Mrs. George Piatt, of Kansas. The first two years that Mr. Hewlett lived here he cast the only whig vote in the precinct, and for his devotion to his principles, the democrats, when speaking of his politics, designated him by an inodorous adjective. The polls were held alternately at Malugin's Grove and Paw Paw Grove.

S. W. Weeks, hardware merchant, Lee, was born in Kendall county, Illinois, in 1852. His parents, "Wier and Susan (Sunde) Weeks, emigrated from Norway in 1846, and settled at Big Grove, Kendall county, wdiere both are still living. He was engaged in general farm work until seventeen years of age, and then was attending school the next three years at Luther College, in Decorah, Iowa. From twenty to twenty-eight he taught in the common schools. In the spring of 1880 he became a partner with Christopher & Jorgens, of Lee, in the grain trade, and in December disposed of his interest and formed a partnership with O. J. Heng, under the firm name of Weeks & Heng. They purchased the hardware store of Stephens & Prestegard, and began trading just at the close of the year. Mr. Weeks was married October 29, 1878, to Miss Trudy J. Kogde, of Willow Creek township. She was the daughter of Jacob and Elsa Rogde. They have one child, Elsa Sophia, born in 1879. Mr. Weeks is a republican, and he and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

William H. Bryant, postmaster and implement dealer, Lee, was born in Wyoming township in 1847. His parents were Obed W, and Sarah (Lindsey) Bryant, with whom he lived at home on the farm until he was sixteen, when he went to Hillsdale College, Michigan, and devoted himself to study four years. The following year he spent in Sedalia, Missouri ; returning to Illinois, he was engaged in 1869 in farming, and in 1870 went to Idaho and Oregon. In these places he passed a year sight-seeing and prospecting in the mines. In 1871 he returned home and farmed until the autumn of 1872, when he went into a general store at Meriden, La Salle county, and on March 30, 1874, associated himself in partnership with P. A. White, of Lee, buying out the interest of Henry Moore. They did a general merchandising business, and extended it to include agricultural implements. After three months Mr. White retired, and was succeeded as postmaster by Mr. Bryant, who also continued the trade three years alone. At the end of that time lie sold his stock of goods, and has since confined his business to the post-office and the sale of farming implements and machinery. Mr. Bryant was united in marriage with Miss Ada M. Haish September 15, 1881. She is a comniunicant in the Methodist church. He was collector of Willow Creek township in 187T, and in 1879 he was the republican nominee for county treasurer against Isaac Edwards, of Amboy, but failed of election by sixty-four votes. He is an Odd-Fellow, and was a charter member of Fidelia Lodge, No. (!35, I.O.O.F., which was organized in Lee, and in 1880 removed to Steward. Mr. Bryant is a whole-souled man, of pleasing manners, gentlemanly and accommodating.

Ole G. Jelle, farmer, Lee, fifth in a family of seven children by Gonder and Ayer (Jorgendatter) Jelle, was born in Norway, September 13, 1850. He attended the common schools of his country and worked as a laborer until his emigration in 1871. Two of his brothers arrived later, Atlaak and Ole, the youngest in the family. He settled in this township, and has made his home here until now. April 21:, 1881, he was married to Mrs. Amelia Prestegard, widow of George Prestegard, and daughter of Lars Oleson. She was married the first time February 2, 1876, and her husband died May 30, leaving two children : Georgiana, born November M, 1876, and Isabella Lida, November 21, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Jelle both belong to the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Edw^n Edwards, farmer, Lee, son of Einner and Christina (Einnerson) Edwards, was born in Norway in 1828. He was in the military service of Norway seven years ; he was drafted when twenty-one, and drilled and did garrison duty. A part of the time he was permitted to be at home. When in camp he at first received six cents per day, but toward the close of his service got ten cents, and the last year his wao'es w^ere increased to twelve cents. When Amund Hilleson emigrated to this country, in 1851, Mr. Edwards took his place with the employer, Thurstan Hoagland, and worked for him two years as $10 per year. After that, until he came over himself, he worked independently as a laborer. In 1858 he embarked for America in a sailing vessel in command of captain Bunaway, and Avas two months in crossino- the ocean. He settled in Bradford township, where he was married in the autumn, soon after his arrival, to Miss Johanna Kitter, who was born in 1832. She took passage with him from Norway. Mr. Edwards, like most of his countrymen, is a good example of what industry, steady habits and careful management will do in this free land of equal privileges. When he came here he had but §14 to begin with, but he had learned not to shirk hard work, and he laid hold at once of the tools of labor with a fixed resolution to make a respectable home, and whoever visits his place cannot fail to mark how completely he has succeeded.

He has an intelligent family growing up around him to receive from his indulgent care the comforts and benefits which he has marshaled around him. In the spring of 1862 he came to this township and bought eighty acres of land, the N. f of N.E, ^ Sec. 11. He has since added 120 more, and values the whole at $10,000. Both himself and wife are members of the IsTorwegian Lutheran church, and he is one of the trustees. Their children are Gabried Hanson, Nellie Henrietta (now Mrs. Barney Jacobson), Julia, Edwin, John Michael, Lena, Anne, Edwardena, and Swan Arnoldos. Mr. Edwards is a republican in politics.

William Geoye, farmer, Lee, son of William and Cornelia (Clay) Grove, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1834. His father was a soldier in the last war with Great Britain. In 1837 his father settled in Knox county, Ohio, and there his mother died when he Avas twelve years old. Shortly afterward the family removed to Seneca county, and some years subsequently to Fulton county, where they lived ten years. In 1863 they left Ohio and came to Willow Creek township, and bought from 'Squire Ira Durin the farm on which Mr. Gi'ove is now living. It is the N.W. J Sec. 21, and is valued at $8,000. Here the senior Grove died May 3, 1872. The subject of this sketch was married February 17, 1861, to Miss Amanda Gee, daughter of Henry and Eliza (Williams) Gee. She was born May 20, 1811. Mr. Grove enlisted in December 1863, in company H, 100th Ohio Yols., and was attached to the first brigade, third division, 23d army corps. He served on the Atlanta campaign and was engaged in a good deal of small fighting; he returned to Tennessee under Thomas to resist Hood's invasion, and fought at the battles of Franklin and JS^ashville. Before this, late in the autumn of 1863, he marched to Knoxville, to the relief of Burnside. After the destruction of Flood's army in Tennessee he went with his corps to !Nortli Carolina and helped to finish up the rebellion. He was discharged at Toledo, Ohio, in July 1865. Mr. Grove is a republican. His nine children are ail living, and are named as follows : Emma C, Mary C, Nora L., Ada L, Ella C, George P., John H., Nellie Frances, and Clyde Arthur.

Lewis P. Boyd, farmer, Lee, third son of Peter and Sarah (Olson) Boyd, was born in Norway, December 7, 1838. He emigrated to America in 1857, and stayed the first summer in Kendall and Bureau counties. Next year he went to Iowa, where he remained till the autumn of 1859, and then went to Mississippi for some months. Coming back to Iowa the following spring, he left there in June for Kendall county, Illinois, and there enlisted in July in Co. D, 36 111. Inf. He campaigned in Missouri, fought at Pea Pidge, marched from there to Cape Girardeau and Pittsburgh Landing, and reached Corinth just as the rebels had evacuated the town. The following summer he was in

Mississippi, campaigning; he was taken from Ryan by boat and rail to Cincinnati when Bragg marched to the Ohio; from there he fell down to Lonisville by boat, joined in Buell's pursuit, and fought at Perryville. Subsequently he was in the engagements at Stone River, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge ; marched to Knoxville ; campaigned some the following winter in the Cumberland mountains; went on the Atlanta campaign ; fought at Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, and Lost Mountain, and was wounded June 18, being shot through both thighs. He lay in the general field hospital several days, then was sent back to Chattanooga, then to Nashville, next to Jefferson ville, and from thence to Camp Butler, Springfield. At Jefferson ville, through the carelessness of surgeons and nurses, gangrene got into his wound and he was nearly sacrificed to bad and harsh treatment. His time expired four months before he was discharged from the hospital, in January 1865. He could not abandon his crutches for a long while ; still has to use a cane sometimes, and draws a pension from the government. In 1867 he began farming on his own land ; in 1870 he went to his present home of eighty acres, which is worth $4,800. In 1871 he was married to Miss Sophia Johnson. Their children are Sarah Louisa, Isabel Melinda, Anna Maria, Olena Martinda, Peter Oly and Engerborg. Both parents are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and Mr. Boyd is a republican. He has been constable four years, collector three years, and is now road commissioner and school trustee.

John Yetter, steward, is one of the most prominent citizens of Willow Creek, and a leading farmer and stock raiser. He is the only living son of John G. and Katrina (Meyer) Yetter, and was born in Germany in 1835, where he was reared to farming, and received a good common school education. In the spring of 1854 Mr. Yetter emigrated to this country, and stopped nine months in New York, where he was joined by the rest of the family, - two parents, four brothers, and seven sisters. They all came to Putnam county, Illinois, and engaged in farming there on rented land. In the fall of 1859 Mr. Yetter came to this township and purchased 160 acres where his house stands, being the S. i of KE. i and the N. i of S.E. i Sec. 5. His relations soon followed him here, except a sister, who resided in the West but one summer and now lives in New York, and his mother, who died in 1857. His father has since lived with him. He was married in the autumn of 1857, to Miss Lena Schoenholz, by whom he has a large and interesting family of nine children : John P., Carl T., Lena E., Mary M., George, Jacob, Fred, Franklin B. and Julia May. Mr. Yetter and his wife and the two eldest daughters ai-e members of the German Evangelical or Zion church, and he is a republican. Of public offices, he has held that of supervisor eight years, and of road commis- sioner three. He owns 312 acres of land, 192 where he lives, and 120 just over the line in Alto township, which is improved with valuable buildings ; large, perfect and imposing willow hedges, and is stocked completely with the best patterns of farm implements and machinery; but it is as a stock farm that it is itiost important, for Mr. Yetter, during some years, has made the breeding of thoroughbred cattle a special feature of his business. His horses are of high grade, and all his animals give evidence of his care and skill in this favorite branch of industry which he has chosen. His farm is valued at $20,000. No man in this section of country is more widely and favorably known than Mr. Yetter, and the portrait which is given of him in this work, we feel sure, will give great satisfaction to his numerous friends.

Geoe&e L. Erbes, farmer, Lee, oldest child of George and Elizabeth (Grossardt) Erbes, was born at Knox Grove, in this county, April 28, 1855. He has always worked at farming and attended the English schools. He was married May 23, 1876, to Miss Mary E. Hackmann, who was born May 2, 1855, in Peru, Illinois. Her father, William Hackmann, came to America in 1849 a single man ; in 1850 he returned to the old country and was married to Henrietta Klute. The couple then came and settled in Peru. Mr. and Mrs. Erbes have had two children, George William, born October 9, 1877, died November 7, 1879 ; and Elizabeth Sophia, born April 9, 1880. They both belong to the German Lutheran society, which worships at the Byrd school-house. Mr. Erbes is a republican.

George Erbes. farmer, Lee, eldest son of George and Philopena (Schwabenland) Erbes, was born in Germany in 1824. He was a farm laborer in the old countiy. In 1853 he emigated to America and settled at once in Peoria county, Illinois, where he lived four years, the first three working as a hand, and the next year renting land. His marriage with Miss Elizabeth Grossardt, who was born also in Germany in 1826, and came to this country in 1853, was in 1855. In 1857 Mr. Erbes moved to Lee county, and lived three years at Knox Grove. In 1860 he brought his family to Willow Creek, and bought the E. ^ of S.E. ^ Sec. 11. He began here with very small means, as he himself says, " a poor man, almost without property," but with true German pluck and industry he struggled along, aided by his equally persevering wife, until they now have a home of 210 acres, valued at $12,000. He subsequently bought the W. ^ of N.E. ^ Sec. 14, and the N. i of S.W. ^ Sec. 12. They have raised four children and have one dead : George L., who married Miss Mary Hackmann, Fred W., William D., Kate E., wife of John Greene, and John P. (dead). The whole family belongs to the German Lutheran church. Mr. Erbes is a republican and an esteemed citizen.

Ole W. Oleso:n', farmer, Lee. In 184:7 his father, Lars Oleson, emigrated from Norway to Bradford township in this county. He was a carpenter in his native country, and soon after his arrival obtained employment as a workman in the Grand Detour plow-works, and was there with Col. L. Andrews four years. While working in that place he saved enough money to buy forty acres of land in Bradford township in partnership with Lars Hilleson. On quitting the plow factory he bought more land, and finally had 120 acres, which he improved. He was married in that township in 1818, to Isabel Hilleson, and the first child born to them was the subject of this notice, in the same year. Besides Ole they had three others. Hoi den, Amelia, now Mrs. Ole G. Jelle, and Betsy, wife of Ole Rogde. In the spring of 1863 the father moved with his family to Willow Creek and settled on Sec. 10, where he still lives. He owned here at one time 480 acres, but sold 160 and divided the remainder among his four children, all of whom reside in this township. Ole was married in February 1868, to Miss Augusta Oleson, Avho was born in Norway October 4, 1849. Her mother died when she was eleven years old, and two years later she emigrated with her father, who died five years afterward. The three children of these parents are a son and two daughters, Isabel Florence, Lewis, and Gnre. Mr. Oleson and his w^ife belong to the Norwegian Lutheran church. He owns the S.E. J Sec. 10, valued at |18,000.

Amund Hilleson, farmer, Lee. The first Norwegian settler in Willow Creek townsliip was Amund Hilleson, second son of Hilla and Emaline (Emmonson) Helge, born in South Bergen stift (state), Norway, June 20, 1821. His father died wdien he w^as six years old, and his mother being left in destitute circumstances with six children, the latter were bound out according to the custom of that country in regard to the poor, that is, each farmer takes one in his turn for a length of time corresponding to the amount of property he owns ; while sometimes the poor are bid off at auction, the keepers being paid for their care and trouble. Mr. Hilleson was provided for according to the former method. When sixteen years old he was able to take care of himself, and hired out the first year for $5 and his clothing, the second year for $7 and clothing, and so on, gradually but Yery slowly increasing until he had worked thirteen years, the last two or three years receiving as high as $10 and a little clothing per year. Four years before he had enough money saved to emigrate he began to turn his thoughts wistfully toward America, and from that time worked with the sole object of coming at the earliest time he could be ready. That time arrived in 1851, and he came directly to Sublette township, where his brotherin-law, Lars L. Risetter, was living, and worked tlie first year in the employ of Thomas Fessenden through haying and liarvest for $11 per month. In 1852 he bought the N.E. ^ Sec. 15 in Willow Creek for $1.25 per acre, and continued to hire out as a laborer until he had been here five years. In 1855 he began to improve his land, keeping house for himself , two years, when, in 1857, he was married to Miss Emaline Larsen, who was born May 8, 1822, and emigrated to Sublette in 1855. They have had two children : Helge A., born in 1859, and Evaline, born September 6, 1863, and died December 16, 1866. The whole family belong to the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Hilleson contributed liberally toward the erection of their house of worship, having given to that object some $600. In 1875 he bought the K.W. ^ Sec. 15 for $8,150. He has one of the best improved and most desirable farms in the country, which is valued at $19,000. He is a republican and one of the solid men in means and character in Willow Creek township.

Heney Baenhaed, farmer, Lee, son of Henry and Eva (Rinehart) Barnhard, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1808. In 1850 he came to Twin Groves, and after renting land one or two years from James Thompson, bought his farm, which he still owns and occupies, on Sec. 9. He entered the southwest quarter, and afterward sold the south half. His farm of eight}' acres he values at $5,200. He was married in Ohio about 1839, to Miss Harriet Kearns. They have had the following children: Matilda, wife of George Davenport, living in Kansas ; Joseph (dead), Bigelow (dead), Emma, married Ebenezer Pettenger (dead) ; Henry, living at home ; Melville (dead), and Marj^, at home. Joseph enlisted in 1863, fought in two battles, and died at Yicksburg from disease. Bigelow enlisted first for one hundred days ; he served his time and then enlisted for three years, and died in New York before reaching the seat of war. Mr. Barnhard is a republican.

Robert J. Thompson, farmer. Steward, was born in Hampshire county. West Virginia, March 2, 1847. He was the son of Robert and Zulemma (Taylor) Thompson, was reared a tiller of the soil, and received a common school education. His grandfather Thompson ran away from his home in Ireland and came to America before the revolution. He fought in the cause of the colonies, and after the war settled in Hampshire county, where the subject of this notice was born. His grandfather Taylor was an Englishman and fifer in the revolutionary war, and Mr, Thompson's mother has his fife in her possession. In March, 1865, Mr. Thompson emigrated to this county and settled in Willow Creek, and in 1868 he was followed by his parents. His father had owned land in this township a good many years before he came here to live. Mr. Thompson owns 150 acres, left him by his father, valued at $10,000. He is a democrat in politics, and is filling his fourth term as town clerk of Willow Creek. He was married

March 15, 1870, to Miss Eva L. Flagg, daughter of Lucius H. and Alraira Flagg. She was bom April 16, 1847. They have had four children to bless their home : Gruy, George, Nora, and Eddie (dead).

Jacob B. Fisher, deceased, son of Thomas and Mary M. (Bookes) Fisher, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 6, 1810. He lived at home on his father's farm until of age. In that day the custom among shoemakers was to go around the country and make the boots and shoes for families at their houses, the leather being furnished b}' those having the work done. The subject of this sketch took up the trade without serving an apprenticeship, and did the work for his father's family, the arrangement being that the other boys should do the out-door work. When he became twenty-one he went on a farm of eighty acres, mostly woodland, and was married January 28, 1833, to Miss Ruth Carleton, who was a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Reese), and was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, May 2, 1812. About 1836 they removed and settled near Columbus, on a farm of 120 acres of their own; and in 1853 they emigrated to Willow Creek township, where Mr. Fisher bought 400 acres of land. These parents had fourteen children : Martha E. (dead), Mary J., now Mrs. Patrick Daughert}^; Thomas C, married Miss Avais Moore; Sarah Ann, wife of John Hickey ; William (dead) ; Adeline, now Mrs. William H. Dow ; Margaret, wife of Benjamin W. ISToe ; Hannah (dead) ; Lydia (dead) ; Adolphus, married Dolly Siglin ; Phebe, wife of John C. Grove; Eleanor; Jacob, married Miss Elma J. White, and James, married Miss Estella Conklin. Mr. Fisher was a democrat in politics, held the office of supervisor and road commissioner, and was a member of the Presbyterian church from early life. Mrs. Fisher belonged to the same denomination, but as there was no Presbyterian church here she first joined the United Brethren and afterward the Methodist church, of which she is at present a member. She and Jacob and James live upon the old homestead, which contains 240 acres, valued at $12,000. Mr. Fisher died January 9, 1857, much regretted. Mrs. Fisher was left with a very large family, but she proved equal to her heavy responsibilities in successfulh' rearing her children and managing the affairs of the farm.

William Dunkelberger, farmer, Steward, was born in Pennsylvania in 1820. His parents, Solomon and Christiann (Harmon) Dunkelberger, had six sons and four daughters. His great-grandfather emigrated from Germany before the revolution, and two uncles named Dunkelberger served the country in the war of 1812. When the subject of this notice was eight years old his father removed with his family to New York, and he lived there, w^orking as a farmer, until 1867. In that year he camQ to Willow Creek and bought the N.E. ^ and a part of lot 1, N.E. I of S.W. i and lot 2, N.W. i of S.E. i Sec. 17. He has recently purchased thirty-two acres adjoining on the west, and now owns a pleasantly situated farm of 215 acres, which he values at $15,000. ,In 1815 Mr. Dunkelberger was married to Miss Sarah Knedler, who was born in 1819. They have had seven children, as follows : Mary Sophia, wife of Henry J. Evers, Sarah Jane (dead), Caroline Elizabeth (dead), Phebe Adelia, Hannah Amelia (dead), Christiann Esther (dead), and Maria Catherine, now Mrs. August Mertons. Both parents are members of the German Evangelical church of Willow Creek, and Mr. Dunkelberger was the first class-leader in that society. He is a republican.

Louis P. Smith, farmer, Lee, son of Charles and Mary (Clayton) Smith, was born in Pennsylvania in 1815. His father served in the last war with England, and was in some engagements. Mr. Smith left home when a j'oung boy and went to live with a man named Isaac Smith, who was a miller, aud from him he learned the same trade. He was employed at this twenty years. In 1831: he settled in Ohio, where in 1840 he married Miss Mary Spring, who died in 1841:, leaving one child, Byard. He was married again January 24, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Armstrong. By the second marriage six children have been born, as follows: William, Hannah Jane, Jacob, Daniel B. (in Colorado), George, and Louis Milton. In 1854 Mr. Smith removed to this township and selected a home at Twin Groves, and the following year came to live on his present farm, the S, ^ of S.W. ^ Sec. 9, which he now values at $5,200. He has been road commissioner several terms, and is a democrat in politics. His son Byard enlisted in the 27th 111. Yols. in 1862, but was shortly after transferred to another regiment and served his term of three years. He fought at Stone River and Lookout Mountain, served on the Atlanta campaign, the march to the sea, and the campaign of the Carolinas.

HiLLA L. HiLLESON, farmer, Lee, eldest son of Lars and Augusta (Swanson) Hilleson, was born in Sublette township, this county, May 15, 1857. His father, a brother to Ommon Hilleson, the first Norwegian settler in Lee county, emigrated from Norway in the same party with I^ars L. Risetter, in 1847. A brother and sister accompanied him all the way to Lee Center. These were taken sick with cholera, and as everybody was afraid to go near, the care of them fell on him, and his whole time was divided between the work he had to do and his attentions to them. He had $100 when he arrived, but this was soon spent for the sick, and at last both died. By proper precautions he was prevented from taking the disease. But the saddest office was the last, a painful one, when l\e had to give his own brother and sister sepulture without assistance. The next year, in partnership with his brother Oinmon, he rented ground and sowed seventy acres of oats and planted twenty acres of corn. The oats these two cradled, and the W'hole crop they hauled to Chicago after it was harvested. From this crop he got a little start, and after working with his brother a few years got a piece of land in Sublette. Finally he married, and lived in that township until about 1866, when he came to Willow Creek, where he now lives. Hilla, his son, was married March 15, 18Y7, to Miss Bertha E. Winterton, who was born in Bergen stift (state), Norway, in 1857. She emigrated with her parents Allen O. and Bertha P. (Espy) Winterton, in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Hilleson belong to the Norwegian Lutheran church, and are the parents of two children: Augusta Louisa and Betsy Margaretta.

Jacob E. Miller, farmer. Paw Paw Grove, was born in the town of Greenfield, Saratoga county, New York, in 1827. His father fought in the battle of Plattsburg, New York, in the last war with England, and married for his wife Maria De Grauph. Mr. Miller was raised on' his father's farm, and at the proper age was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade, but he never worked at it after he finished his time. In 1848 he left his native state and settled at Bristol on Fox river, in Illinois, and lived there eight years, working by the month at farming. In August, 1854, he was married to Miss Jane S. Brown, of Bristol, who was born in 1827. In September, 1856, Mr. Miller moved with his family to his present home on the S.E ^ Sec. 28, in which he owns eighty acres. In addition to this he has forty acres in Sec. 27, and both pieces are worth $6,000. His building location is one of the most sightly in Willow Creek, and admits of an extended view of the country which is beautiful and picturesque in this region. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have reared four children : Charles L., Florence D., Frank G. and Thaddeus E. Charles was married in 1879, to Miss Celestia Griswold ; Florence lives in Colorado, and Frank is a soldier in the 21st IT. S. Inf , is orderly sergeant of his company, and superintendent of the post school on Vancouver's Island. The subject of this notice is independent in politics.

AxDREW Stujujs, farmer. Paw Paw Grove, was born in Hartford, Oxford county,f,Maine, March 11, 1820. His parents were Nathan and Sophia (Allen) Stubbs. Mr. Stubbs worked at farming till he WMS twenty years of age, and then went to New Bedford and shipped on board a whaling ship and was away during a four years' cruise. He sailed around Cape Good Hope, visited New Zealand, Australia, the Society Islands, and the Navigator Islands. His second voyage lasted nearly four years. He went around Cape Horn, visited the Chilian part of St. Carlos and Talcahuano, the Peruvian port of Callao, went to Lima, nine miles back of Callao in the interior, called at the

Sandwich Islands several times, and cruised in the Japan and the Okhotsk seas. The third and last voyage he made consumed over three years, and on this he shipped as second mate. He landed lirst at the Azorec, next at the Cape Yerde Islands, then at the Sandwich Islands, stopped at Sitka, spent one season along the coast of Kamtchatka and in the Arctic ocean as far north as the 72° of latitude and the ice barrier. Here he came near being devoured, at one time, by Esquimaux dogs. He sailed now to the Sandwich Islands and Hong Kong, then back again to those islands on his passage home around Cape Horn. His vessel touched at Pernambuco, and loaded with oranges. Between the second and third voyages he was at his home in Maine one year farming. He was on the water twelve years, and from the time he began following the sea until he quit was fourteen years. Mr. Stubbs was married in Massachusetts in 1850, to Miss Lucinda Green, from near Cleveland, Ohio. She was born in' East Cleveland in May 1832. Her grandmother Gunn was one of the earliest, probably the second white woman, to settle on the western reserve. These parents have nine living children : Elizabeth H., now Mrs. George Hinckley ; Charles A.; Benjamin, married to Miss Ella Shoudy : Almond L. ; Mary, wife of Charles Davenport ; Albert, Lillie May, Ida, and "Wealthy. Shortly after the close of his last voyage, and in July 1853, Mr. Stubbs came to Lee county, and settled in Willow^ Creek township, where he has since lived. He was first on the Nettleton farm a short time, and then came to his own 120 acres on Sec. 27. He has been road commissioner, and is a republican. Mrs. Stubbs belongs to the United Brethren church.

JS^ATHANiEL C. Allen, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, born in Hartford, Oxford county, Maine, in 1822, was the son of Nathaniel and Polly (Tinkham) Allen. His mother was descended from Ephraim Tinkham, who came over in the Mayflower. The descendants had in their possession until recent years a kettle which their ancestor brought with him, and which was used until the bottom wore through. Mr. Allen pursued farming and lumbering as his occupation while in Maine, and in 1845 his father's family came to this township, and he followed the next year. He still occupies the land which he then entered - a, quarter of a section, worth now $8,000. In the w^inter of 1848-9 he went to Minnesota, and worked at lumbering. In the spring he went down to St. Louis with a raft of logs. This was the cholera year, and one of the raftsmen died on the float. The following winter he went to Mississippi to cut cord-wood, but having cut his leg badly, and being taken with chills and fever, he returned in February. In 1861 he was married to Miss Emaline Johnson, of Yiola township, who came with her parents from Yermont, and settled there about 1849 or 1850. They have tour sons and tliree daughters : Cora, Nettie, Rut'us, Aranda, Clarendon, Adelbert, and Blanche. These are all living, and Cora is the wife of Terry Stevens, of Shabbona. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of the United Brethren church, and he is a republican. In February, 1865, Mr. Allen enlisted in Co. I, 15th 111. Inf. He rendezvoused at Camp Fry, Chicago ; went thence to New York, and from there to North Carolina, joining his command at Raleigh. He marched to Washington City, participated in the Grand Review on May 2-1, then was transferred to Louisville and St. Louis, and was furloughed at the latter place. He rejoined his command at Fort Leavenworth, where he was mustered out on September 17, 1865. Mr. Allen has been twice almost fatally injured. The first time he was run over by a runaway team, and had his facial bones broken. The next time he was knocked down and terribly gored by an infuriated bull. Mr. Allen held to the rope by which he was leading him, while the animal rolled him about on the ground, and when in reach of a tree wound it around and tied it, and then rolled away. It was supposed each time that he could not live.

Noah W. Davenpokt, farmer. Paw Paw Grove, was born in Harpersfield, Delaware county, New York, in 1823, and was the eldest child in the family. His mother, whose maiden name was Pamelia Dayton, was a native of Weathersfield, Connecticut. His father, Erastus Davenport, was born in Columbia county, New York. His grandfather Davenp)ort was a revolutionary soldier. The subject of this notice traces his lineage in this country from the Rev. John Davenport, a co-founder of New Haven. In his "History of the United States " McCabe thus refers to him : " In the year of the Pequod war (1637) John Davenport, a celebrated clergyman of London, and Theophilus Eaton, a merchant of wealth, and a number of their associates, who had been exiled from England for their religious opinions, reached Boston. They were warmly welcomed, and were urged to stay in the Bay colony ; but the theological disputes were so high there that they preferred to go into the wilderness and found a settlement where they could be at peace. Eaton, with a few men, was sent to explore the region west of the Connecticut, which had been discovered by the pursuers of the Pequods. He examined the coast of Long Island Sound, and spent the winter at a place which he selected as a settlement. In April, 1838, Davenport and the rest of the company sailed from Boston, and established a settlement on the spot chosen by Eaton." In the campaign against the Indians, which resulted in the total destruction of the Pequod nation, Capt. Davenport acted a conspicuous part. When their fort on the Thames was assaulted and taken he commanded one-half of the assailing party, and Capt. John Mason, who was in command of the whole expedition, directed personally the movements of the other half. Mr. Davenport received a good English education, and in 1846 commenced reading to prepare himself for the practice of , medicine. In 1848 and 1849 he attended lectures at the Albany Medical College, of New York, and in 1850 located in Lorraine count}^ Ohio. Subsequently he settled in Yan Wert county, where his health failed, and then he came to Lee county, Illinois, remaining one year. In January, 1874, he went to Washington Territory, living there two years. In 1876 he returned to the east, and finally- settled down on a farm in Willow Creek township. In the summer of the present year (1881) he took a foreign tour. Dr. Davenport has had an eventful, as it is an interesting, history, but his native modesty will not permit us to detail it in full. He was descended from old-line whig stock, and is naturally a republican.

Geoege a. Beittain", farmer, Paw Paw Grove, was the second son of William and Elizabeth (Oman) Brittain, and was born in Lycoming county, Pennsjdvania, in 1848. His paternal ancestors were residents New Jersey, and those on his mother's side belonged to Pennsylvania. His parents reared a large family ; their twelve children were named as follows : Margaret, Susannah, Sarah, Effie (dead), Hester Miranda, Amelia, Mary, Rebecca, John, George, William Wesley, Oman Peter (dead). John was a soldier in the 156th 111. Yols., and served nearly a year. In 1855 Mr. Brittain's parents came to Lee county and rented land ten years. In 1865 his father bought the farm where our subject now resides, the S. -| of N.W. J Sec. 28. On this place the former died in 1878, at the age of seventy-nine years. Mr. Brittain has increased the homestead which he received from his father, by the addition of the S.W. J of N.E. I Sec. 28, making 120 acres valued at $6,000. He was married in 1876, to Miss Marietta Hall, who is the daughter of Reuben Hall, and was born December 22, 1859. Their children are Oman R., born August 15, 1878 ; and Martha, September 9, 1880. Mr. Brittain has been constable and collector, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a republican. Mrs. Brittain is a member of the United Brethren church.

Saedis Yosbuegh, farmer, Lee, son of Charles and Millicent (Yanluvanee) Yosburgh, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1836, His life-long occupation has been that of a farmer. In 1856 he came to De Kalb county, and settled at Shabbona, living there till 1867. The year before he had purchased of his present farm the S.E. i Sec. 23. He has since bought eighty acres adjoining in Sec. 26, making a total of 240 acres of very desirable land, valued at $12,000. On March 27, 1867, he removed from Shabbona to this homestead. His marriage with Miss Ellen Atherton, who was born in 1835, took place on March 24, ISGi. They have three intelligent children : William, born July 10, 1867; Fannie, December 22, 1868; and Nellie, October 31, 1870. Mrs. Vosbnrgh is a commnnicant in the Baptist church. Mr. Yosburgh has been road commissioner six years, and is a republican in politics. The present year (1881) he put up a handsome store building in Lee, the first brick structure ever erected in that village. Mr. Yosburgh is one of the most respected men in Willow Creek.

Thomas Nelsox, farmer and teacher, Lee, son of Nels and Guro Samson, was born in Hardanger, Norway, September 26, 1843. His youth from six to fourteen was spent in the district schools of the country ; afterward he attended Yoss higher school for teachers at Yossvangen, two j-ears. He taught one year, beginning in the spring of 1861, and the following spring emigrated to America, and was engaged as a teacher in the Norwegian select school in Chicago. He taught till the autumn of 1864, and on November 1 enlisted for two years in the nav}'. His whole service was on the Mississippi transport Yolunteer. He was retained but half his time, and was mustered out November 3, 1865. On his return to civil life he took one term of instruction at the Paxton University, in Ford county, Illinois, and then taught again in Chicago until the autumn of 1866. Having been previously engaged to teach in the Norwegian Lutheran congregation in Willow Creek, he came here that fall. Until 1870 he was teaching and clerking; in that year he bought his present farm of forty acres; since that date he has taught both English and Norwegian schools, and clerked and farmed. Plis homestead is valued at §2,000. In the autumn of 1868 he returned to Norway, and on April 2, 1869, took in marriage Miss Bertha Swassand. They embarked the same season for America. The fruits of this union have been three children : Nels William, Carrie Louise, and x\ndrew. These parents are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and Mr. Nelson is a republican. In 1880 he was commissioned notary public, and appointed census enumerator for Willow Creek township. In the spring of 1881 he was elected to the oflice of justice of the peace.

Caleb M. Bacon, farmer, Lee, eldest son of Daniel H. and Mary (Zuber) Bacon, was born in Pennsylvania in 1826. From his father's farm he went at the age of nineteen to New Bedford, Massachusetts, and engaged to go on shipboard. His first voyage was through the Indian ocean, by way of Australia and New Zealand, to Kamtchatka, thence to the Sandwich Islands, and from there home via Cape Horn. This occupied twenty-two and a half months. From 1847 to 1849 he was on a voyage in the Indian ocean, visiting Australia, island of Java, strait of Sunda, thence home by way of Cape of Good Hope, touching^ on the passage back, at St. Helena, In October, 1849, he sailed for the Pacific ocean and Polar sea, making ports on the west coast of Sonth America and at the Sandwich and other islands. This voyage lasted thirtj'-one months. On his subsequent ones he went out and returned by the way of Cape Horn. He shipped again for the Pacific and Arctic oceans in October 1852, and visited the Sandwich and other islands and Hong Kong, and was absent twenty-nine months. In the autumn of 1855 he sailed over nearl}'^ the same route on his fifth and last voyage, which he brought to an end in the spring of 1858, when his health broke down and he took a discharge from the ship at the Sandwich Islands, and came home from there as a passenger. The whole of his sea-faring life was spent in the whale-fishery. In the fall of 1858 he came to Willow Creek township and made permanent settlement on the S.W. ^ of Sec. 14, where he has lived until the present time. He had been twice to Illinois before, having come on visits between his voyages. His first marriage was with Miss Sarah Pettibone, of New York city, who survived her nuptials only five months. In 1862 he was married again, to Miss Sarah Brittain, who was born in 1833, and was the daughter of William Brittain. Five children have been born to them : Rhoda, Daniel, Elizabeth (dead), Mary, and Homer. When Mr. Bacon first came to the township he purchased 240 acres of land, afterward he added 80 more, but now has 300, handsomely cultivated, improved with substantial buildings, and valued at $15,000. He is a Congregationalist, but the society to which he belonged, and which assisted in building the Twin Groves Methodist church, has ceased, by reason of removals, to exist. He has been road commissioner, town clerk twice by appointment, assessor two years, and constable and collector. He is an independent republican, and a public spirited and prominent citizen.

Lars Laesen Risetter, retired farmer, Lee, was born in Hardanger, Bergens stift (state), Norway, March 30, 1826. He was the youngest son of Lars Larsen and Anna (Peterson) Risetter, and was reared to farming, and received a common school education. In the middle of March, 1847, he left his home in Norway to take passage for America ; he was delayed a month in the city of Bergen, was a month crossing the ocean, and still another month in reaching Chicago. He proceeded from New York by the Hudson river to Albany, from tlience by rail to Bufi:alo, and the remainder of the way by the lakes. Ommon Hilleson, the first Norwegian settler in Lee county, had brothers and sisters in the party with which Mr. Risetter came, and he was to meet them in Chicago and transport them to Lee Center, but failed to reach tliere before they got away, although they were detained awhile in the place. "Big Nels," the most j)rominent Norwegian in the Fox river colony, conveyed them as far as his home, and there they hired a man and his team to bring them to Lee Center, where they arrived on June 20. Mr. Risetter was taken with fever and ague and was ill all summer, and not able to work before December. He arrived at Lee Center sick, penniless, and unable to make himself understood and his wants known to the strangers among whom he was cast, for Ommon Hilleson was still in Chicago, or between the two places. To say the least, this was a painful situation, and Mr. Risetter will never forget it. But the cloud lifted somewhat and the sun shone with a brighter effulgence when Hilleson returned, for then was the meeting of old-time friends and near relations after long years of tedious separation and waiting. In the autumn he was married to Miss Gertrude Hilleson, who had taken passage with him from Norway, and immediately they hired out in Sublette, to Thomas Fessenden, for $15 per month for the labor of both. They continued so employed one year, and until they had saved enough to buy 80 acres of land from the government, when they began farming on their own account. They reared a little log cabin, in which they dwelt with much comfort until 1856, when they sold out and in February moved to Willow Creek. It should be recognized in this place that they were the first family of Norwegian settlers in Sublette township and the second in this. Mr. Hisetter bought the S. W. J of Sec. 15 at the price at which the government sold public land, §1-25 per acre, but was not forehanded enough to pay for it ; so Col. Dement advanced the money at ten per cent interest, and held it in his name three years, when Mr. Risetter became the virtual owner. He and his Mnfe labored with severe industry, and from this time dates a period of signal financial success in their history. At one time they owned 920 acres of valuable land in a body, besides tracts in various other places, but they have sold off 280 acres, and the rest is occupied by their children. Both belong to the Lutheran church, and Mr. Risetter is a republican. They have had seven children : Anna, Lewis, Holden, Thomas (dead), and three infants (dead). Anna is the wife of A. C. Olson, minister and farmer, and lives in Kankakee county, this state; Lewis married Miss Melinda Johnson, and lives on the old homestead, and Holden, who was married November 11, 1875, to Miss Julia Christopher, lives on the N.E. ^ Sec. 21. Holden's three children are Louisa, Betsy, and Lewis. The Risetters are among the most substantial, influential and best respected people in this part of the county. Hexey Stevens, farmer, Compton, was born in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, in 1826. He was tlie eldest son of Nicholas and Ann (Ketterson) Stevens, and was reared a farmer by his parents. In the autumn of 185-1 he came to Willow Creek and bought fifty-nine acres ; returning to Pennsylvania he remained there that winter, and in the following spring came back, and at once set about improving his land. He has added to his original purchase until he now owns 126 acres of choice farming land, estimated to be worth $6,000. In politics he adheres, to the principles of the republican party. He has been twice married, and celebrated his first nuptials with Miss Sarah Ann Sisco January 1, 1860, and by her he had two children, John and Sarah Annie. She died in February 1863, and on December 13 following lie was married to Miss Mary Jane Sivey, who was born June 4, 1810. By this second marriage there have been born to him three children. The names of all his children and the dates of their birth are as follows i John, October 15, 1860 ; Sarah Annie, January 31, 1862 ; Rosetta, September 19, 1864; Clarence, Januarj^ 21, 1866, and Levi, October 24, 1869.

Jacob Edwards, farmer, Lee, the fifth of eight children by Od and Dora (Odson), was born in Norway, May 25, 1842. In June, 1866, he emigrated to America and settled in La Salle county, where he lived till 1872, working first as a hand and afterward renting land. In that year he came to this township, and was married February 10, to Miss Inger Odeson, daughter of John and Ann Odeson, who emigrated from Norway in 1858. Mrs. Edwards was born in the old country June 27, 1854. Their five children were born as follows : Oscar John, November 8, 1873: John Ephraim, May 4, 1875 ; Dora, September 18, 1876 ; Andrew Oly, November 3, 1878, and Marshal Lewis, December 2, 1880. In 1873 Mr. Edwards purchased the farm he now occupies from his father-in-law, and his parents-in-law reside with him. His homestead consists of eighty acres on Sec. 22, is five miles north of Paw Paw, and is worth $3,600. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are members of the Norwegian church. The former left his parents in Norway, and his mother died after his departure, at the age of seventy, but his father is still living. In 1874 Mr. Edwards filed his declaration of intention to become a citizen, in 1878 obtained his naturalization papers, and iu; 1880 voted for Gen. Garfield for president.

Samuel B. Miller, farmer and stock raiser. Paw Paw Grove, was^ born February 15, 1843. His father's given name is William, and his. mother's maiden name was Eliza Vosburg. In the autumn of 1856- his father brought his family to Illinois, settling in Yiola township,, where the subject of this notice lived until the spring of 1867, and then came to his present farm on Sec. 30. He owned 120 acres until the spring of this year (1881) ; at that time he purchased 100 acres more, and the whole, in a good state of cultivation, well stocked with implements, and containing first-class buildings, is valued at $11,000. Mr. Miller never learned a trade, but was descended from ancestors who were all natural craftsmen, and his own practical ability in this line of industry has enabled him to use tools all his life with no little skill and real benefit. He does his own wood-work, and has put up -all his buildings except one barn. His marriage with Miss Sarah Miller, daughter of Adam Miller, was celebrated July 22, 1866. Mrs. Miller was born January 1, 1847. They have had seven children : Joseph, Llewellyn and Lewis (twins), the latter dead, Nettie, Clement, Delia, and Mary. Mr. Miller is a republican.

Ralph Kettley, farmer, Compton, son of John and Ann (Paul) Kettley, was born in Wales in May 1828. He learned the shoemaker's trade, and in 184!) emigrated to America with only enough money to pay his way, and settled in Chicago in the boot and shoe trade in partnership with John Blow. At the end of three years he moved to Peoria, followed his trade there three years, then came to Ottawa a few months, after which he moved to Bloomington, and was in that place nearly a year. Kext he settled in Wyoming township, this county, working at farming summers and at his trade winters for several years. In December, 1864, he came into this township, where he had previously bought 160 acres of land on Sec. 18, which is now well improved and valued at $11,000. Mr. Kettley was married in 1852, to Miss Eliza Beddow, who was born March 6, 1827. They have had eight children: William, John, Lizzie (now Mrs. James Anglemj^er, of Compton), Julia, Thomas, Harriet, Lillie (dead), and Mary, All these children except William were born in Wyoming township. John lives in I^ebraska, and was married this year (1881) to Miss Nettie Knapp. Mr. Kettley is a republican. Mrs. Kettley's mother died when the former was only ten years old, and for the next fifteen years she worked as a domestic. She borrowed money on her own promise to pay, and emigrated to America, in 1852, and after her arrival repaid it from wages she earned. Her grandmother Beddow lived to the great age of one hundred and three years, and when a hundred years old walked six miles to Mrs. Kettley's mother's funeral and back. This couple have climbed a rugged path together, but they have reached the summit of life, and the descending sun looks down upon a happy family and a comfortable home.

James Thompson, deceased, was born in Virginia in 1803, and was the son of John and Martha (Beard) Thompson. His parents remained .and died in Virginia, while he, when a j'oung man, came to Ohio, and living there two years, removed to Indiana. He was in that state some twelve 3^ears, and in 1834 was married to Miss Amanda Dunten, who lived near Fort Wayne. She was the daughter of Ephraim H. and Abigal Dunten, and was born in Watertown, New York, in 1815, and united with the Methodist church when eighteen years old. In 1841 Mr. Thompson moved to this county and settled at Malugin's Grove, remaining there two years. In 1842 he bought a claim of William

Moore at Twin Groves, in company with Levi Lathrop, and the following year settled there. His health having become impaired, in 1851 he drove to California with an ox-team, remained there a little less than two years, aiid returned b}^ steamship. JSTot long after his marriage he became a member of the Methodist church, and was always an active and exemplary christian. He took the principal interest in the building of the Methodist chnrch at the Groves, and contributed very liberally toward that object. He was constable once in Indiana, and was once elected justice of the peace here, but did not qualify, and would never afterward hold public office. He was modest in manner, retiring in disposition, and loved a good name more than worldly goods, but secured both, and left behind many warm personal friends to revere his memory. His overflowing kindness to everybody, particularly to people moving into the country and needing assistance, was proverbial. He was a large-hearted man, benevolent always, and very active in his charities, and many a poor heart has warmed in gratitude to him for such practical remembrances as drive the wolf from the door. In all his good works he was cordially supported by his estimable wife, whois still living on the homestead which their joint labors secured to make comfortable their declining years. Mrs. Gilbert Durin, formerly Catherine Norris, was reared in their home, as was also their niece, Lucy Jane Blair, daughter of Robert Blair, who is now Mrs. Ebenezer Pettenger, and lives in the Thompson home. "Aunt Amanda" has, no less than Mr. Thompson had, a warm place in the hearts of a wide circle of acquaintances. The latter died July 5, 1868.

Patrick H. Daughekty, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, was born in Hancock county, Maryland, March 17, 1833. His parents, John and Mary Daugherty, both died when he was young. He has been a farmer most of his life, but during the four years immediately preceding his immigration to Illinois he was on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, the first six months as brakeman and after that as freight conductor. Except the first three months that he ran from Baltimore to Washington, he was on the road from Baltimore to Martinsburg. In January, 1855, he came to this state, and though he never learned a trade, has worked as a mason since, about ten years altogether. He settled first in Lee county. In 1858 he married Miss Mary Jane Fisher, who was born July 28, 1835, and in 1861 he moved to Knox county, living there nearly three years. Returning, he lived at Jefferson Grove, Ogle county, one year. In 1865 he moved into Rochelle and was there two years, and for two years after occupied a farm adjoining the town. In the fall of 1869 he came into Lee county, and has since been in Yiola and Willow Creek, four years in the former and the remainder of the time in the latter. In politics he is a democrat.

Mr. and Mrs. Daughertj have had ten children : Thomas F., Alice J., Lydia Ann, James A., Ella P., John H., Etta E., Jnlia F., Jennie (dead), and Minnie.

Adam Miller, farmer and blooded stock raiser, Paw Paw Grove, was born in Xorth Hampton, now Monroe countj^, Pennsylvania, Aiiffnst 19, 1816. He was the eie^hth child of Frederick and Catherine (Brong) Miller, and was descended from Teutonic ancestr^^, one of his great-grandfathers being a German. He attended the common schools of his day, was raised to farming and lumbering, and at the age of eio-hteen beffan at the millins^ business. This he followed until the spring of 1857, when he emigrated to Illinois, a poor man with nine children and i^GOO, and located his family on the W. ^ of N.W. ^ Sec. 29. Afterward he bought the E. i of E. ^ of N.E. I Sec. 30, and the S. W. i of S.W. J Sec. 20, making 160 acres altogether, valued at $12,- 000. This is beautifullj^ situated, highl}^ improved, and bears the name of " Rosedale Stock Farm," on which Mr. Miller raises thoroughbred short-horn cattle, grade horses, and blooded Poland China hogs. He was born in Wilkesbarre, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, January 20, 1839, to Miss Mary ISTeyhart, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth J^eyhart. She was born October 10, 1817. They have had ten children : Cornelia (dead), Merritt, Clement (dead), Jenette (dead), Sarah, William, Seldon, Holden, Charles, and Leonora. Merritt enlisted in Co. K, 75th 111. Vols., in August 1862, and fought at Perryville ; after that battle he was detailed as clerk, and in that position served the remainder of his term of three years. Clement volunteered in February 1865, went to Chicago, where he was taken sick, and did not recover till after the close of the war. Mr. Miller has been a professing christian since 1852. He united w^ith the Methodist Episcopal church in that year, brought his church letter west, and when tlie Protestant Episcopal church was organized here, united with that and remained a member as long as it existed. He has no connection with any religious society at the present time, but helps to support preaching at the Twin Groves Methodist church. Mrs. Miller was for many years a Presbyterian, but has not united with any church since coming to Illinois, and is now a Methodist in belief, having rejected the doctrine of election. Mr. Miller was raised a Master Mason in Brooklyn Lodge, No. 282, January 28, 1863 ; he was dimitted January 20, 1875, and affiliated with Corinthian Lodge, 'No. 205, JSTovember 4, 1875. He is a member of Rochelle Chapter A.F. and A.M., and belongs also to the Masonic Benevolent Society of Princeton, Illinois. He was a democrat up to 1856, but in that year cast his vote for Gen. John C. Fremont, and has adhered to the same line of political faith since.

Asher (Lenning) Heng, was born in Norway, April 19, 185i. In 1864 the family emigrated to America and settled in Alto township. Mr. Heng attended the common schools at first, and was at the graded school at Marshall, Wisconsin, two winters. In 1877 he began to learn the tinner's trade in Leland, and was in that place up to the time he came to Lee, in March 1879. He is junior member of the firm of Weeks & Heng, and has been in trade in this town since December 1880. These gentlemen have a full assortment of goods in their line and are doing a large business. They are young men full of enterprise, honorable in their dealings, and agreeable in their intercourse. Mr. Heng was married Septeinber 14, 1878, to Miss Belle Thompson, of Lee, daughter of Thomas Thompson, who still lives in Norway. Tliey have one son, Jacob Otto, born August 7, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Heng are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and he is a republican. When an infant, Mr. Heng was overtaken by a serious accident in the loss of his right leg, in the fall of 1854, in a horse power. In the spring of 1878 his parents removed to Iowa, and on July 4, the next year, while attending a celebration at Callanan, Hamilton county, his father was fatally shot by a drunken rufiian, and died in about two weeks.

George Mullins, farmer, Lee, son of Robert and Sarah (Hnllet) Mullins, was born in Sheffield, England, in 1843. His father had formerly worked in the cutlery business, but when Mr. Mullins was a very small infant he quit that craft and went to farming, and followed it as long as he was engaged in any regular employment. In 1852 the family emigrated and made a home in Shabbona township, De Kalb county. His father's house stood within forty rods of the track of the tornado which swept through these parts in 1860, and the doors and windows were shattered. His mother had been in feeble health for a long time ; the shock to her nerves was more than she could bear, and she died in about two weeks. His father is now living retired in Shabbona. Mr, Mullins was married November 14, 1866, to Miss Mary Ann Bostock, who was adopted by William and Ann Bostock, when she was three months old. Her own mother, Catherine Gray, died of consumption nearl}' four years afterward. Mr. Bostock came to America in 1865 to view the country, and was followed by the family the next year. They located themselves first at Shabbona Grove, but now live on the county line in De Kalb county. They never had children of their own, but have reared seven adopted ones. Mr. and Mrs. Mullins have seven children : Sarah Minnie, Emma Louisa, William, Robert, George F. and Maud Mary (twins), and Mary Ann. Mr. Mullins owns 220 acres, valued at $11,000. His farm comprises the S. -J of S.E. ^ Sec. 12, ninety acres on the N. W. ^ Sec. 18, in this township, and fifty acres on tlie S.W. J Sec. 7, T. 38, R. 3. He is a republican. Charles Guilds, farmer and stock raiser, Lee, was born in Sharon, Vermont, January 28, 1830, and was the eldest child of Harvey and Clarissa (Little) Childs. His father was a noted millwright and bridgebuilder. In 1838 he moved to Illinois, and settled in Mendota, La Salle county. Both parents are yet living in that place, well advanced in years, and enjoying a comfortable fortune. The origin of the Childs famil}' in the United States was the settlement of Ephraim Childs at Watertown, in the Massachusetts colony, 1630. The ancestor of the larger number of this name was Benjamin Childs, presumably a nephew of Ephraim, who, it is thought, crossed the ocean from England at the same time. He settled at Roxbury, where he lived a busy and useful life. The subject of this sketch assisted his father in the opening of several prairie farms in his younger days, when the country was in a comparatively wild state. After having served out his minority on a farm, having a strong inclination to be a worker in wood, in his twenty-second year he took up the use of tools without ever serving an apprenticeship. He w^as handy with these by nature, so when he engaged in carpentering it was without inconvenience, and he followed the business successfully fourteen years as architect, builder and contractor. In 1851 he went to Lamoille, and though he was not there all the time, yet it was the place he called home, and it was there that he began his career as a craftsman. On September 28, 1858, he was married to Miss Eliza A. Smith, daughter of Alonzo and Rebecca (Sheldon) Smith. She was born March 26, 1834. They have reared four children, as follows : Viola Alvaretta, Frank Leslie, Lyman Wheelock, and Nellie Eliza. Mr. Childs is a republican. On July 10, 1861, he came from Lamoille to his present location in Willow Creek, and bought eighty acres. He made his start in life unaided, and without outside aid he has kept adding on to his first purchase until he now owns a very desirable homestead of 285 acres, three-fourths of a mile south of Lee, and valued at $20,000. It is situated on the county line, and lies in both Lee and De Kalb. When Mr. Childs came, twenty years ago, not a shrub grew in sight of his place, and not a panel of fence obstructed travel between here and Rochelle. Now he is in the midst of beautiful improvements that have no limit on any hand. The iron horse that careers past the door of his pleasant and tasteful home sets him down in Chicago in little more than two hours. All the advantages of a brisk and flourishing town are at command at the end of a few moments' pleasurable ride in fine carriages and behind spirited animals, such as Mr. Childs keeps and drives. Should we wonder if social joy abounds in a home where stately rows of willows line the

Additional Mattee

William H. Emmett, book-keeper, Lee, was born near Niagara Falls, Canada, in 1849, and lived there with his parents, James and Elizabeth (Dalson) Emmett, till he was seventeen years old, farming at home summers, and attending the common schools winters. He then pursued a three years' course of study at St. Catherine's, and at twenty commenced teaching, following this two years. In 1871 he celebrated his marriage with Miss Susannah Castleman, and in the autumn of that year he came to Willow Creek and engaged in teaching, keeping three terms in this township and one in Alto. In the spring of 1873 he moved to Lee, and was employed by J. Cheasbro & Co., and after a few months took charge of their books as book-keeper. He continued in the ofiice of McLanc, West & Co. after they bought out Cheasbro & Co., and until December 1874. In the winter following he taught the first school in the village of Lee, and in April accepted the position of book-keeper in the grain office of Christopher & Jorgens, and has filled it to the present time. He has the agency, also, for eight of the leading insurance companies now doing business. Two years he was village trustee, and at the annual meeting in 1881 he was elected justice of the peace for this township. He is afiiliated politically with the republican party, and both himself and Mrs. Emmett have their membership in the Baptist church. They have three children : Burton Ellis, Clara, and Arthur D. Mr. Emmett has been active in promoting the Sunday-school interests and temperance work of Lee, and has been superintendent of the Union Sabbath-school two and a half years. We acknowledge with pleasure his valuable assistance in furnishing material facts for the history of the village.

Additional Matter

The matter that follows, much of it of a very important character, was received too late for insertion in the portion of the book originally designed for it. Some of the sketches were held for revision by friends until the sheets containing the matter most appropriate for them had gone to press.

John W. Wodsworth, agricultural merchant, Dixon, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, November 1, 1844. He is a son of Christopher and Matilda (Feaster) Wodsworth, pioneer settlers of this section, who endured the many hardships and inconveniences alone known to pioneer life. John W., the subject of this sketch, came to Illinois with his parents in 1847, when three years old, and re- mained with his parents on the home farm, located in Ogle county, until 1866, when he secured and creditably filled the position of freight clerk and telegraph operator at the Illinois Central depot at Dixon for five years. He then went to Amboy,in Lee county, and acted as superintendent's private secretary in railroad office at that place, which position he filled for a year and a half; thence removing to Bloomington, Illinois, filling the important position of station agent in that city for six years. During his association with railroad matters he gained the esteem and confidence of his employers, and his efficiency in the w^ork made his resignation in 1873 a matter of regret. By economy during this period he saved from his earnings a sufficient amount to purchase 120 acres of fine farming land in Harmon township, to which he soon added 40 acres more, onto which he moved after severing his relation with the raih'oads. In the two years following he was very successful, and his income enabled him to purchase 120 acres more, giving him 280 acres of well-improved land. From this land in 1880 and 1881 he sold as follows: corn, 9,000 bushels; oats, 2,500 bushels; car-load of fat hogs, besides other stock, the whole aggregating over $4,525. He has now rented his farm, cash rent, and moved to Dixon to reside, having purchased the beautiful residence in North Dixon known as the Manny property, and is associated with Maj. Downing in the agricultural implement business. In 1868, while residing in Dixon, he was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Goble, daughter of James Goble, Esq., an old citizen of Dixon, and for many years sheriff" of Lee count}'. The issue of this union was six children, four boys and two girls. Mr. Wodsworth has five brothers and five sisters, all living. His mother is also living, but his father passed away in 1875.

James Santee, farmer, Dixon, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, on April 9, 1803, son of James M. and Rachel (McNeal) Santee, of Pennsylvania. He was married February' 21, 1837, to Miss Margaret Clinetop, daughter of Christopher and Margaret (Yarner) Clinetop, of Pennsylvania. In the month of April, 1837, they left their native state, and reached Illinois in June following, and settled in Lee county during the summer. They were among the first settlers of Lee county, and are associated with its early history in this work. The issue of their marriage was four children, two of whom are living: James M., who resides on the home farm, and Lyidia, who lives with her aged mother on the same place. James Santee, the subject of this sketch, was an enterprising citizen and good farmer, and his death, on December 16, 1871, was generally lamented. His family that survive him are highly esteemed and respected.

Bowles. His parents removed from Hagerstown, Maryland, to Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1822, and resided there until their death. Mr. Bowles acquired his early education at an old log school, house in the vicinity of his home, and when twenty years old entered the office of a large ironworks in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, as a clerk. He remained there for nearly four years, and then removed to Cambria county, Pennsylvania, where he occupied a similar position. In 1860 he removed to Rejmoldstown, Lee county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm upon which he remained until 1875, when he rented his farm and removed into Dixon, and soon after engaged in the grocery business, which he still carries on. Mr. Bowles was married in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, October 31, 1855, to Miss Rebecca D. Scott, daughter of Thomas Scott, Esq., and a sister of the Hon. Thomas A. Scott, lately deceased, who wns assistant secretary of war during the administration of Abraham Lincoln, and widely known in later years as the president of the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Compaii}^, and as one of the most energetic and capable railroad men in the United States. Mr. Bowles has six children : Thomas S., George IST., Harriet, David R., Minnie J. and DeCharms B., all of whom reside with their parents. In political sentiment Mr. Bowles is a republican, but votes and uses his influence for what he deems the best interests of the country, independent of party ties.

B. B. HiGGiNS, merchant and stock raiser, Dixon, was born at Perry, Wyoming county, 'Now York, in February 1829. His parents were Selden and Polly (Taylor) Higgins. His father was a furniture manufacturer, and died while Mr. Higgins was quite young. He received his education at Perry and at the Homer Acadeoi}', located at Homer, Cortland count}'^, New York. When he was seventeen years of age he started into the drug business at Perry and carried on that branch of business for some five or six years. He removed to Dixon in the spring of 1858 and opened a drug store, which he still conducts. He also owns a stock farm in the vicinity of Dixon and has achieved great reputation as a successful breeder of blooded stock. An account of this farm appears elsewhere. Mr. Higgins was married in Perry, New York, to Miss N. A. Huntington, of Shaftsbury, Yermont, in 1856, who died at Dixon in 1865. He has but one surviving child, Arthur S. Higgins, who was born at Dixon, August 2, 1863. Mr. Higgins is a republican in politics and an elder in a Presbyterian church.

John A. Weenick, farmer, Dixon, was born in Saxony, June 14, 1789, and is now in his ninety-third year. Notwithstanding his advanced age he is active and in the enjo3anent of all his mental faculties. In his youth he served under the great Napoleon, and was present at the battles of Berlin, Reisenbacli, and Katzbaeh, and was a participant in the disastrous Russian campaign. He was also present at the battle of Leipsic, during which the Saxon troops deserted the waning fortunes of Bonaparte and went over to the enemy. From that time until the final overthrow of Napoleon at Waterloo Mr. Wernick fought against bis former commander, and carries with him two certificates of honorable service in the shape of a saber-cut upon his head and a terrible scar upon his wrist caused by the thrust of a lance. Mr. Wernick migrated to America in 1848, settling first in Ogle county; but in 1851 retnoved to Lee county and purchased the farm now occupied by him. Plis son, Ernest Wernick, was born in Haringen, Prussia, in 1832, and was brought up in his native country. He came to America in 1848 with his father. He has been engaged in farming ever since and is now the owner of some 450 acres of fine land in Dixon township. In September, 1862, he enlisted in 75th 111. Inf. and served in that regiment for three years with great credit to himself. He was married at Dixon in 1855, to Miss Mary Page, who died in 1862, and in 1865 he was again married, to Miss Catherine Pupert. He has eight children living: Henry, Annie, Mary, George, Minnie, Wesley, Oscar, and Carrie. Mr. Wernick is an earnest republican and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

Elias B. Stiles, capitalist, Dixon, was born in Huntingdon, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, on March 9, 1820, and was the son of Lewis and Sarah (Dodson) Stiles. He was brought up and educated in his native county, but when twenty years of age came to Dixon, where he became a clerk, which occupation he followed for two years, after which he formed a copartnership with Otis A. Eddy, under the firm name of Eddy & Stiles, which continued until 1846, when Mr. Stiles moved to St. Louis. In 1848 he returned to Dixon and engaged largely in the land agency and real estate business. He opened a private bank in 1853, and enjoyed a large and prosperous business until 1864, when, owing to unfortunate speculations, he was obliged to suspend. Since 1864 he has been largely engaged in farming and agricultural pursuits, and is also one of the largest and most daring operators on the Chicago board of trade, having experienced many favorable and unfavorable vicissitudes, but meeting good or evil fortune with equal nerve and fortitude. He has long been a prominent member of the democratic party in his district, and was for ten years county treasurer. In 1862 he was the democratic candidate for congress in his district against Hon. E. B. Washburne, and made a sharp and close contest for the position. Mr. Stiles was married at Dixon on August 8, 1847, to Miss Sybil Van Arnam, and they have three sons : Charles, born September 18, 1848 ; Alexander, born July 18, 1854 ; and Eugene B., born No- vember 8, 1861. On the morning of August 26, 1881 (and after the foregoing sketch was written), the sad and sudden announcement of the death of Mr. Stiles, in Chicago, from paralysis of the heart, came to the citizens of Dixon, taking them by surprise, as very few knew of his illness. lie had experienced one severe stroke of paralysis some three years since, and one comparatively slight attack since, but had gone from Dixon to Chicago but a few days before his death in his usual good health and spirits, and no one anticipated such a sudden termination of his active and energetic career. His remains were brought to Dixon, and the funeral services took place at the Methodist Episcopal church on Sunday-, August 28, a large concourse of his fellowcitizens attending and showing by their presence the esteem and respect in which he was universally held.

RiciiAED B. LovELAND, dcccased, Dixon, was born in Bainbridge, New York, May 1, 1819, and was the son of Otis and Mehitabel (Parker) Loveland. He was reared and educated at Bainbridge, and at an early age entered the employ of Smith Gilbraith, who afterward moved to Dixon and became one of the leading business men of that section. When Mr. Loveland was twentj^-two years of age Mr. Gilbraith sent for him to come to Dixon, which he immediately did, arriving at his destination almost penniless. His first employment consisted in overseeing the workmen employed in removing obstructions from Rock river with a view to making it navigable. In 1842, in company with Elijah Dixon, a son of Father Dixon, he procured, through the influence of Mr. Gilbraith, the contract for carrying the mails between Milwaukee and Janesville, Wisconsin, Mr. Dixon dying a year later, his interest was purchased by Mr. Loveland, who continued to hold the contract for some years longer, making considerable money ; but when the passenger coaches of Frink & Walker were put on the route he returned to Dixon and engaged in the general mercantile business, which he continued up to his death, which occurred in August 1851. He was married in May 1843, to Miss Susan Clute, of Dixon, and left three children surviving: Willett O., born in 1844, and now a merchant at Byron, Illinois; George, born in 1847, and now engaged in business at Mount Carroll, Illinois; Kittie, born in 1850, and married in October 1871, to Dr. H. E. Paine, of Dixon. Mrs. Loveland was married a second time in October 1854, to Maj. James A. Watson, of Dixon, who served for three years in the 75th 111. Yols., and since the close of the war has been activel}^ engaged in railroad contracting and bridge building. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have three children: Fred M., born in 1854, and Samuel, born in 1858, both of whom are in the employ of prominent wholesale houses in Chicago, and Nellie, born in 1864, who resides with her parents.

James M. Santee, fanner and stock raiser, Dixon. Prominent among the pioneers of Lee county may be mentioned James M. Santee and his wife Margaret (Klintob) Santee. They came here from Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1837, with a team, and settled in Dixon township. Mr. Santee died December 16, 1873, after a life of usefulness and honest toil, loved and respected by all who were favored with an acquaintance with him. Mrs. Santee is still (1881) living on the old home, at the advanced age of eight)^ years. Their son James M. was born in Lee county, Dixon township, September 11, 18-15, and was reared and educated on the farm, finishing his education at the Mount Morn's (Ogle county, Illinois) and Mount Yernon (Iowa) acadamies. After this he engaged in farming on his father's farm. On June 22, 1871, he married Miss Susanah, daughter of John and Martha (Cooper) Blackman, a native of England, who came with her parents to America in 1851 and to Illinois in 1859. They are the parents of three children : Charles, Martha, and Wilber. Mr. Santee is now living on the old home in Sec. 10, T. 22, R. 9, of which he OM-ns half, there being in the farm 2-10 acres. Stock raising and farming are his permanent employment.