Willow Creek Township (part 3 of 4)

Hetlers, farmers, Dixon. Many men there are who, though quiet and unassuming, "leave footprints on the sands of time." The deep stream moves silently on with scarce a ripple, yet far greater are its burdens and more lasting its wearings on rocky bank and bed. So it is with silent men. They bear the burdens of society. They are lighthouses to the generations on the billowy ocean of time, which men seeing, take heed and steer their frail life-boats into calmer waters, away from noisy dashings of surf-beaten rocks and reefs. It is well that such men live. Such a man was Nathan Hetler, a name positively German. Mr. , Hetler was born in Columbia count}^ Pennsylvania, February 14, 1809. He early learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed till coming west. He was married to Katharine Kulp, who was born in the same county in 1806. Mr. and Mrs. Hetler, with their three children, Anna M., now Mrs. James A. Heaton, Mary A., wife of Aquilla Spencer, and Hiram, moved across the country with a two-horse wagon, bringing their all and landing about June 6, 1837. Their lirst residence was on Sec. 35, T. 22, R. 9, W., in what is now Nachusa township. At the end of two years a change of location found them on Sec' 2, T. 21, R. 9, on an eighty-acre farm. This he improved, and on this farm Mr. Hetler built the first barn erected on the prairie. In this barn the Lutherans held services prior to the erection of their church. In a few years this farm was sold and what is now the homestead was purchased. Here Mr. Hetler died. May 22, 1877, and here Mrs. Hetler still survives. The names of both these pioneers are on the records of the Lutheran church as among its organizers. After their arrival in Lee county five'children were born to them : Jesse, Jeremiah, Amanda, John, Henry C. (dead), Hiram, the third child, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1836. His early years were such as were common to pioneer children, the farm and the subscription school. In 1859 he made a trip to California, whence he returned in 1860. August 11, 1862, he was united in marriage to !Nancy, daughter of Seth and Elizabeth (Smith) Crippen, both natives of New York, and who moved in 1856 to Dixon, where they resided mau}^ years, but subsequently made their home in Michigan. Mrs. Hetler was born near Rochester, New York, May 17, 18i3. August 22, 1862, Mr. Hetler enlisted in his country's service in Co. F, 1st 111. Light Art. He was actively engaged at Yicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi, Missionary Ridge, in the series of battles and skirmishes from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and thence with Thomas to Nashville. When mustered out he was transferred to Co. A, with which he was iinally discharged July 12, 1865. Mr. Hetler then returned to the quiet pursuits of the farm. He has now a farm of 240 acres, well improved. He has been much engaged in the affairs of his vicinity, having been school director continually since the war with the exception of three years, also assistant supervisor since 1878 and highway commissioner since. 1873. In the family are three children : Ida G., Lulu M. and Minnie E. John Hetler, the seventh child of Nathan and Katharine Hetler, has charge of the homestead. The farm, buildings, and all, speak order and system, doing honor to the owner.

Jeremiah Hetlek, farmer and stock raiser, Dixon, son of Nathan and Katharine (Kulp) Hetler, was born in Lee county, Illinois, October 4, 1842, and, like his father, was reared a farmer, and strictly trained in the ways of industry and economy, receiving such an education as could be obtained in the pioneer schools of this county's early history. He remained at home with his father till the farm was cleared of debt, at which time he was about twenty-six years of age. December 25, 1867, he married Miss Mary E., daughter of William and Selinda (Morehead) McCleary. She was born in Lawrence count}', Pennsylvania, March 15, 1843, and came to Lee county in 1864. They have three children : Grace M., Katie M. and Nettie S. In 1877 Mr. Hetler moved on his farm in Sec. 10, T. 22, R. 9, and engaged in farming and stock raising.

Thomas J. Buckaloo, farmer and stock raiser, Dixon, was born in Dixon, March 17, 1842. His early youth was spent in farming and attending school, the latter to a very limited extent, as his father died leaving him to care for liimself at the age of twelve years. The next five years of his life was spent in working out by the month, after which he engaged in farming for liimself. January 23, 1867, he married Miss Maggie A., daughter of Mr. John and Margaret (Mong) Craddock, who was born in Maryland, May 11, 1813, and came to Lee county when a child nine j'ears old. They are the parents of live children : Clinton C, Mabel E., Grace, Elizabeth L. and Allen T. Mr. Buckaloo is now the owner of the old homestead, where he now lives engaged in farming and stock raising. His father, Joseph Buckaloo, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, January 22, 1811; was united in marriage, in 1835, with Miss Eliza Kerr, \vho was born January 21, 1815, in Northampton county, Pennsylvania. In 1839 they came to Dixon, where, after renting around two years, they, in ISll, bought a claim in Sec. 15 and 16, T. 22, R. 9, permanently settled, and lived till the death of Mr. Buckaloo in 1852. He is buried in the Dixon cemeter3\ Mrs. Buckaloo is still living, and resides at her pleasant home in the city of Dixon. Of their six children three are living: Thomas J., Amanda, and George W. ; the latter in 1881 removed to Wisconsin.

Stephen Fuller, flirmer, Dixon, is a son of Joshua and Sybel (Chappen) Fuller, and was born March IT, 1797. His business through life has been farming. He came from Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, to Dixon in an early day. At the time he first saw Dixon there were but a few houses or cabins there besides the old fort. His first winter was spent near Dixon, but in the spring he moved out on his claim in Sec. 37, T. 22, R. 9, and bought the same (320 acres) when it came into market, and has ever since made this place his home, preferring a home in the beautiful State of Illinois to one in the old rocky state of his nativity. He left Pennsylvania with a team and wagon and drove through to Dixon, The country was then so sparsely settled that from twenty to thirty miles could be traveled and without seeing a house. He was married December 12, 1822, to Miss Anna H. Pratt. She died in 1851, leaving him with three children living: Champion, Caroline, wife of James Poorman, now living at Lyons, Iowa, and Abraham, who was born in Lee county, February 9, 1837, and is probably the oldest native born citizen now living in the county.

William Depuy, farmer and lime dealer, Dixon, is a son of Harmon and Catiiai'ine Depuy; was born in Tioga county, New York, October 16, 1833, and in 1838 came with his parents in a wagon to Lee county. For six weeks after their arrival in Dixon the}' lived tented in their wagon, after which they moved into a house on rented ground. Mr. Dcpuj' soon after bought a claim, but continued to rent land about five years before moving on his new home. This delay was caused by his loss of money ($1,500) lent to a man in the mercantile trade in Dixon. After moving on his farm about two miles northeast of Dixon he remained there till the time of his death, which occurred September 15, 1856, aged sixty years. Mrs. Depuy died August 20, 1869, aged sixty-two years. They are buried, and are now resting side by side in the beautiful cemetery in Dixon. January 25, 1870, William, the subject of this sketch, was married to Miss Mary J. Mc- Evitt, a native of Ireland but of Scotch parents. They are the parents of six children, as follows : Oscar, Lillian, William H., Edner, Jacob C. and Frances. About 1851 Mr. Depuy, with his brother, began burning lime near their home a short distance up the river from Dixon, but some years later they purchased a large and valuable body of limestone adi'oining the city of Dixon, where Mr. Depuy is now constantly burning large quantities for both home and outside demand.

Hon. Joseph Crawford, surveyor and banker, Dixon, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1811, and is the son of John and Catharine (Cassedy) Crawford. In 1822 he removed with his parents to Huntington, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, and at the age of twenty he engaged in school teaching, in which profession he continued for four 3'ears. On April 4, 1835, he started for Illinois. Passing Chicago and Dixon's Ferry, he stopped at Galena, where he remained but a short time, returning to Dixon's Ferry, and located on a farm south of Grand Detour, in May of the same spring. He also engaged in business as surveyor, which he followed extensively until recent years, and made the original survey of most of the villages on Rock river from Rockford to Rock Island. In 1836 he was appointed deputy county surveyor for northwest Illinois, and was elected county surveyor of Ogle county, which then included Whitsides and Lee, and was elected surveyor of Lee county at the time of its organization in 1840, in which office he served for eighteen years. He served in 1841 as member of the first board of county commissioners for the county of Lee, and was elected to represent Lee and Whitesides in the Illinois state legislature in 1849, and reelected to the same in 1853, In 1852 he settled in Dixon, where he still resides. He has dealt, extensively in farming lands, and owns about twelve hundred acres of fine farming land in Lee county ; one farm of 1,000 acres in one body three miles east of the city of Dixon, and one four miles southwest of the city, embracing 200 acres. Both farms are devoted to grain and stock-growing. He was one of the chartered members of Lee county national bank, which was organized in 1865, since which time he has sustained the relation of president. He was elected mayor of the city of Dixon in 1873, and reelected the two following terms. On September 16, 1852, Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Mrs. Huld (Bowman) Culver. Resulting from this union is a son, Joseph Willber Crawford, born

August 20, 1859, and still making his father's house his home. Mr. Crawford had two brothers and three sisters. His brother, Dr. John S. Crawford, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was killed by a train of cars while erossino- the track in his buggy. His brother, Samuel Crawford, resides at Sterling, this state; liis two surviving sisters are Sarah and Catharine ; the former, Mrs. L. W. Hale, resides in Lee county, and the latter married Mr. John Litle, of Pennsylvania. They now reside in Hardin county, Iowa. His parents were born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and his forefathers were of Scotch blood. Mrs. Joseph Crawford was the daughter of John and Mary (Bretten) Bowman ; the father was born on the banks of the Delaware river in Pennsylvania, and the mother on Staten Island. Her grandfather, Christopher Bowman, was of Germany.

Nathan A. Cortrigiit, farmer, Dixon, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, on September 27, 1852, and is the son of Isaac and Mollie (Pollock) Cortright. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and resided in that state until 1862, when they removed to Illinois, and located in Dixon township. His father died in the spring of 1880, but his mother is still living. Mr. Cortright received the principal part of his education after his removal to Illinois, and after leaving school engaged in farming, in which occupation he still continues. He was married in 1873 to Miss Katie Burket, daughter of John M. Burket, deceased, an old resident of the township. They have three children : John W., aged six, Charles N., aged four, and Shelby M., aged two years. Politically Mr. Cortright is a republican, and his wife is a member of the Lutheran church.

William P. Coetright, an elder brother of Nathan, was born in Pennsylvania in 1835, and when a young man was engaged in mercantile business, but at the breaking out of the civil war he enlisted in Co. A., 28th Penn. Yols. From exposure in the service he became disabled, and being discharged, he returned home, and was employed in the otiUce of a mining and railroad engineer company, at Hazletoii, Pennsylvania. He remained with them several years, though in extremely bad health, the result of his army career, and in the spring of 1868 his body from the waist down was completely paralyzed. He was then brought to the home of his parents at Dixon, and remained in a perfectly helpless condition until July 4, 1880, when death released him from his suffering, which he had borne with heroic fortitude and resignation for over twelve years.

Prof. Jesse B. Dille, principal of the Northern Illinois Normal School and Dixon business college, was born in Huntington county, Indiana, on December 10, 1856, and is the son of Ichabod and Rebecca (Havens) Dille. His father is a farmer, and still resides in Huntington county.

Prof. Dille received his primary education in the schools of his native county, and then entered the normal school at Yalparaiso, Indiana, from which he graduated in 1878, and then took charge of the school at Lagro, Indiana, remaining there a year. He then returned to Valparaiso and became a teacher in the normal school, where he remained until hi& removal to Dixon in 1881, when he, in connection with Mr. John C. Flint, established the school of which he is the head. Prof. Dille was married in 1879, to Miss Florence Flint, a resident of Yalparaiso. He is a republican in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The flonrishino: institution which is under the manaijement of Prof. Dille is yet in its infancy, its first term having but just been completed, but owing to the pluck and energy of its founder its success was assured from the beginning, and it already vies in the number of its pupils and in the variety and extent of its branches of study with similar schools of years standing and of established reputation. Prof. Dille has ten assistant instructors, and the course of study includes -evei^thing from the common branches to music and fine art. Phonography and type-writing are also taught by a competent and skilled instructor, Prof. J. D. Derr. So large has the attendance already become, and such popularity has the school attained, that it has become a necessity to erect a new college building, and a campus ground of twelve acres has been purchased on which a large college building will be erected in the spring. The estimation in which the school is held by the citizens of Lee county is shown in the fact that they have donated to the institution the sum of $27,000, which will, without doubt,, be increased to $40,000.

" Whereas, Robert Hunt, son of Robert and Abigail Hunt, of Evesham Township, in Burlington County, in the Province of West New Jersey, Deceased, and Abigail Pancoast, Daughter of Samuel Pancoast, of Salisbury, in the County of Bucks and Province of Pennsylvania, Deceased, and Abigail his wife, now Abigail Duer, have declared: their Intentions of Marriage with each other before Several Monthly Meetings of the people called Quakers, at the Falls, in the County of Bucks and Province aforesaid, according to the good Order Used amongst them, and having Consent of Parents and Relations concerned, their said Proposals of Marriage was allowed of by the said Meeting. Now, these are to certify all whom it may concern, that for the full accomplishing^ their said Intentions, this Nineteenth Day of theTwelvth Month, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Four, they the said Robert Hunt and Abigail Pancoast, appeared in a Publick Meeting of the said people at Makefield, in the County and Province aforesaid, and the said Robert Hunt taking the said Abigail Pancoast by the Hand, did in a Solemn manner openly declare he took her/ the said Abigail Paneoast to be his Wife, promising thro' the Lord's assistance to be unto her a loving and faithfull Husband nntill Death should seperate them ; and then and there in the said Assembly, the said Abigail Paneoast did in like manner declare that she took the said Robert Hunt to be her Husband, promising thro' the Lord's assistance to be unto him a loving and faithfull Wifeuntill Death should seperate them. And moreover, they the said Robert Hunt and Abigail Paneoast (she according to the custom of Marriage assnmeing the Name of her Husband), as a further Confirmation thereof, did then and there to these presents set their Hands. And we whose Names are hereunder also Subscribed, being present at the Solemnization of the said Marriage and Subscription has as Witnesses thereunto set our Hands the Day and Year above Written.

Rachel Duer, The marriage of Robert Hunt and Abigail Paneoast took place on December 19, 176i, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, as shown by the foregoing copy of the marriage certificate, and resulted in the birth of the following children : Joshua, William, Samuel, John, Joseph, Seth, Mary, and Abigail. Joshua died at the age of sixty-two, and his only surviving son, Samuel, is and has been a prominent physician, but has now retired from practice and resides at Richmond, Indiana. The descendants of William and Samuel both reside in the State of Ohio, the former in Columbiana county, consisting of Elizabeth Coy, Martha Mall, and John Hunt; the latter resides in the southern portion of the state. John died at the age of twenty, and Joseph, who served in the army during the war of 1812, died at the age of thirty-one, soon after leaving the service in 1815. Abigail was the wife of Judge Henry, of Wooster, Ohio, and was the grandmother of the Henry family, of

Waterloo, Iowa, and of the Cummins family, of the same town, and of Des Moines, Iowa. The Painter family, living near Salem, Ohio, are descended from Mary. Seth Hunt, the youngest son of Robert and Abigail Hunt, was born in Culpepper county, Virginia, whither lii& parents had removed on February 2, 1788. When he was four years of age his parents removed to Winchester, Yirginia, and some time after went to Brownsville, Pennsylvania. In 1804: they again changed their habitation, this time going to Ohio, where his father died the following year. Seth was left in an almost unbroken wilderness, surrounded by wild beasts and savages, to earn a subsistence for his mother and himself from a tract of land which was still unpaid for, but by the time he had attained his majority he had cleared oflf the debt and made a comfortable home. After residing here six years he sold this place and bought a quarter-section near Massillon, Ohio. His brother John, who had entered 140 acres in the vicinity, died in 1813, leaving Seth a part of his land, and he was now on the high road to prosperity, but by indorsing for one of his brothers he lost all he had accumulated. He then engaged in the manufacture of carding and spinning machines for several years at Millersburg, Ohio, of which town he was one of the founders. He also invented a machine for cardino- flax and engae^ed in their manufacture, investing all he had, some $1,600 in the business ; but this venture proved unfortunate, and he again lost everything and was in debt some hundreds of dollars. He then commenced selling dry-goods on commission, and made money. He remained in the drygoods business for about ten years. His mother died early in 1827, and on September 20 of that year lie was married to Miss Rebecca Hull, of Coshocton county, Ohio, who was descended from an old Yirginia famil3\ Her parents removed to Ohio in 1808, and her father dying soon after, her mother took charge of the farm, and after many trials and hardships became wealthy, leaving at her death seven well improved farms. After his marriage Seth Hunt read law, was admitted to the bar, and eventually became one of the associate judges of the circuit court of his district, which position he held for fourteen j^ears. He died in July 1864, at the age of eighty-four, and was buried in the Methodist cemetery at Nashville, Ohio. He left three surviving children : Mary A., now the wife of Col. E. J. Pocock, a merchant of Coshocton, Ohio; Robert B., a resident of Columbus, Ohio, and Charles Cummins Hunt, of Dixon, Illinois. The latter was born in Millersburg, Holmes county, Ohio, on ISTovember 25, 1840. He was reared on a farm and attended the neighboring schools. At the age of fourteen he entered Spring Mountain College, Coshocton county, Ohio, where he remained for two years. He then became a teacher at Hohnesville, Holmes county, and taught for twenty-six days a month.

and from eight in the morning until five in the afternoon. He was also a hard student at this time, remaining at the school-house during the evening and pursuing his studies by the light of the lire, feeling he could not afford the luxury of candles. It was at this time he first began his medical studies, going to Millersburg, Ohio, five miles distant, each week, to recite to his preceptor. Dr. Thomas McEbright, one of the most prominent physicians in that part of Ohio. After remaining at Holmesville for two years he was appointed jDrincipal of the high school at Jefferson, "Wayne county, Ohio, which position he occupied two years. He then entered the office of Dr. McEbright, at Millersburg, for the purpose of continuing his medical studies, and remained there, with the exception of one term, during which he taught at Jefferson, until the spring of 1863, when he entered the Long Island Hospital, at Brooklyn, N'ew York. Here he attended a course of lectures, and was then made assistant-surgeon of the 137th Ohio Vols. He had charge of the post hospital for several months, and was then detailed to Fort Ethan Allen, on Arlington Heights, where he was soon after placed in charge of the right wing of the brigade by the brigade surgeon. His regiment was mustered out in the fall of 1864, and he immediately entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, where he remained during the ensuing term, and received the degree of M.D. in March 186.5. Dr. Hunt then settled at Wooster, Ohio, and engaged in the practice of his profession, and after remaining there for two years he went to Philadelphia and New York, and received private instructions in the colleges and hospitals of those cities. On November 1, 1867, he came to Dixon and engaged in practice, which he has continued since, with the exception of three months in the winter of 1873-4, during which he was receiving special instruction in the hospitals of New York city. Dr. Hunt was first married on March 1, 1871, to Miss H. Jennie "Pinckney, of Dixon. She died on December 17 of the same year, leaving an infant son, who died some months later. He was again married on September 16, 1874, to Miss Lucy I. Webster, of Polo, Ogle county. They have two children : Eelura P., born July 18, 1875, and Nannie T., born October 9, 1876. Dr. Hunt has been a typical successful practitioner. Coming to Dixon young and unknown, he has built up an extensive and prosperous practice, and has made a host of friends. At the urgent solicitation of prominent and influential friends in New York city he has taken the question of his removal to that metropolis into consideration, expecting to find there a wider field for the exercise of his talents ; and in the event of his removal, those who know him best are the most positive in the belief that a successful and honorable career will reward his efforts.

Daniel W. McKennet, liveryman, Dixon, is a native of Canada, where he was born May 17, 1830, and is the son of Jacob and Mary (McCall) McKenney. His parents removed to Illinois and located near Dixon in 1848, where his father engaged in farming, which occupation he still follows. Daniel remained on the farm until 1852, when he went to California. He returned in the fall of 1853 and again engaged in farming nntil 1862, when he removed into Dixon and engaged in the livery business and has carried it on up to the present time. In 1878 he took in as a partner Mr. Yinal Hackett, under the firm name of D. W. McKenney & Co. Two of the nncles of Mr. McKenney were among the earliest settlers of Dixon, where one of them, Fred. C. McKenney, still resides. Mr. McKenney was married about twenty -five years ago to Miss G. A. La Porte, a resident of Wyoming township, Lee county, Illinois. Both Mr. McKenney and his pai'tner, Mr, Hackett, are stalwart republicans.

Palmer Atkins, merchant, Dixon, was born in Rome, Oneida county, JSTew York, August 28, 184L His parents were Seth and Jane (Palmer) Atkins, who were among the earliest settlers of Oneida county. His father is still living at Monmouth, Illinois, but his mother died in April 1857. Mr. Atkins was chiefly educated in his native town, and when about fifteen years old his parents removed to Chicago, but in 1857 Mr. Atkins went to Mendota, Illinois, where he began to learn the printing trade. In December, 1858, he came to Dixon and entered the office of the " Republican and Telegraph," where he remained until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the 13th reg. 111. Inf. May 24, 1861. He served for over three years, during most of the time being detailed as stafl printer at the headquarters of Gens. Grant, Thomas and Curtis, his position giving him an excellent opportunity to become acquainted with the peculiarities and characteristics of these famous leaders. When mustered out of service he returned to Dixon and resumed his connection with the " Telegraph," where he continued until August 1876, when he engaged in the grocery business. He was elected collector of taxes in 1870, and is now serving his third term as town clerk. Mr. Atkins was married April 8, 1865, to Miss Cynthia Tillman, and they have one child living, Louis B. Atkins, fourteen years of age. In his political views Mr. Atkins is an out-and-out republican of the straightest sect.

John Hess, real estate dealer, Dixon, is the son of Jacob and Salome (Fenstermaker) Hess, and was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, April 3, 1831. His father was a farmer, and both parents died in Pennsylvania. Mr. Hess was reared and educated in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, whither his parents removed during his infancy, and when seventeen years of age became a clerk. In 1852 he went to California via Cape Horn, and remained there about a year and a half, most of the time in the raining districts. After returning to the east he again engaged as a clerk, but about a year later removed to a farm which he had purchased. He sold his farm in 1858 and about a year later came to Lee county, where he decided to locate, and in 1860 brought out his family, and the next four years were about equally divided between farming and clerking. He then engaged in the real estate business, which he has since carried on. For the last three years he has done an extensive business selling railroad and speculators' lands west of the Mississippi, having taken out several excursions, which resulted in the sale of large tracts of land. Mr. Hess was married in 1855, to Miss Eliza M. Hogenbaugh, whose family are residents of Columbia county, Pennsylvania. They have three children living: Leander, born May 17, 1856, Albert, born March 8, 1861, and Koyce, born April 17, 1873. They have also lost four children, all of whom died before reaching five years of age except Adele M., who was born October 13, 1857, and died June 27, 1879. In his political sentiments Mr. Hess is a republican.

George M. Berkley, farmer, Dixon, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, May 15, 1831, and was the son of Gideon and Mary (Bowring) Berkley. His father followed the trade of a millwright, and moved into Bureau county, Illinois, in 1836, and died there a year after. His mother died in Lee county in May 1881. His father was a lineal de scendant of Sir. William Berkley, one of the governors of the province of Yirginia, and both parents were natives of that state, but after their marriage removed to Oliio. The family removed to Lee county in 1814 and located in Sublette township, where Mr. Berkley was reared and educated. He also attended the normal school at Bloomington for a year. After growing to manhood he engaged in farming, but rushed to arms at the outbreak of the civil war, enlisting in April 1861, in Co. C, 13th 111. Yols., and after serving taithfully for more than three years was mustered out of service in June 1861. He then returned home and resumed his agricultural pursuits, but in 1866 was offered the position of deput}^ sheriff", which he accepted and took up his residence in Dixon, In 1868 he was elected sheriff and reelected in 1870, 1872 and 1871, holding the office for eight years. He then purchased the farm in Dixon township on which he now resides. He was lirst married July 4, 1860, to Miss Minnie M. Douglass, a daughter of John L. Douglass, of Sublette, who was born in Genesee county, ITew York, in 1837. She died April 10, 1865, leaving one child, Minnie D., who was born November 4, 1864. He was again married September 20, 1868, to Miss Jane Adams, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, but then residing at Sublette. They have three children :

Daisy A., bora September 30, 1871; Imo, February 23, 1873, and Maud, May 4, 1877. Mr. Berkley is a supporter of the republican party, and his repeated elections to a responsible position attest the esteem and confidence in which he is held by his fellow-citizens.

Henky C. HiGGiNS, Dixon, joint proprietor with his brother, Thomas Higgins, in the Dixon Gas Works, was born in Ireland, December 18, 1848, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Gannon) Higgins. His parents came to the United States when he w^as five years of age, and settled at Freehold, New Jersey, where he was reared and educated. In 1864 he came to Illinois and engaged in farming in Whitesides county, and remained there until about 1870 when he became interested in contracts upon the Baltimore & Ohio and Pittsburg, Ft. "Wayne & Chicago railroads, and continued in this line of business until 1876, when he commenced the erection of gas works in different towns, which business he still carries on. He has made his headquarters at Dixon since 1876, the works there being the first built by him. Mr. Higgins is a democrat, but broad and liberal in his views, and is a young man of much enterprise and energy.

James W. REAEDoisr, Dixon, was born in Manchester, England, September 5, 1829, and is the son of Hobbs and Margaret (Cunningham) Keardon. His father entered the British army in 1800 as a volunteer, and was shortly after made an ensign. He participated in the campaign on the Spanish peninsula which resulted in the complete defeat of Marshal Soult, of the French army, by the Duke of Wellington. He was in almost every battle fought in that campaign, among others those of Yittoria and Corunna. After the overthrow of Bonaparte he was on duty at St. Helena for some time during the confinement of that great chieftain. He was still in the service at the time of his .death, which occurred in 1847 in the north of Ireland. James W. Reardon, when a little over two years of age, was sent to live with an uncle in Tipperary, Ireland, and remained there until twenty-one years old, when he came to America. He soon after came to Lee county, and becoming acquainted with Gov. Charters, he, at his suggestion, decided to make his home here, and with the exception of several trips to Europe he has since been a continuous resident. In 1863 he recruited a company for the 69th 111. Yols., of which he became captain. After serving some three months he was mustered out, their term of service having expired. He was married in County Waterford, Ireland, in 1860, to Miss Alicia J. Stokes, and has two children: Clifford C, aged twenty, and Annie S., aged fourteen years.

Harriet E. Garrison, physician, Dixon, was born in Dixon township, and is the daughter of William and Amelia (Omen) Garrison. Her father is a farmer, and resides in ISTachusa township. Dr. Garrison

M'as partly educated at the Dixon public school, and partly at Rock River Seminary, at Mount Morris, Ogle county, Illinois. After leaving school she entered the Women's Medical College, at Chicago, from which she graduated in 1876, and at once entered upon the practice of her profession at Dixon. She is a member of the regular school of medicine, and has met with gratifying success in her career as a physician.

Alexander Chaetees, deceased, M-as a native of Belfast, Ireland, where he was born July T, 1800. He was the son of Alexander and Eleanor (Mackey) Charters. He was reared and educated in his native city, and when sixteen years of age came to America and located in New York city, where he had two brothers established in business as linen importers. He entered their store, and in the course of time was made a partner, the firm name being J. A. Cliarters & Co. In 1838 he retired from business and removed to Dixon, where he purchased a section of land unsurpassed by any in the state for natural beauty and fertility. He erected a house on a bluff of Rock river, from which views can be obtained of the surrounding country for many miles, and abounding in scenery of the most lovely and picturesque description. Here he exercised an unbounded hospitalitj^, and his genial yet dignified address, and imposing personal appearance, well entitled him to the appellation of "Governor" Charters, by which he was so long and so widely known. Many of the political and literary celebrities of our own and other lands have met a warm welcome beneath his hospitable roof, among whom may be mentioned AVilliam Cullen Brj^ant and Margaret Fuller Ossoli. His death occurred September 18, 1878, and he was laid to rest among the scenes he loved so well, amid the sincere regrets of the multitude of friends by whom he was so loved and honored. He was married in 1827, to Miss Ellen Boomer, of Belfast, who died in New York in 1832. His only son, James B. Charters, is now the able and popular county judge for Lee county.

Henet C. Beooknee, farmer, South Dixon, is a native of Hanover, where he was born in 1827. He is the son of George H. and Mary (Engel) Brookner. He came to America when eighteen years of age, and located at Dixon, After attending school for some time he learned the trade of a carpenter, at which he worked until 1849, when he removed to St. Louis, but soon returned to Dixon, and continued working at his trade until the spring of 1859, when he was employed by the Illinois Central railroad to superintend the building of bridges upon their line. He remained with this company for about ten years.

and then entered the employ of the Indianapolis & St. Louis railroad in the same capacity, remaining with them some eight years. During this time he purchased the farm lie now occupies, and some two years ago moved upon it and engaged in farming. Mr. Brookner was married in April, 1875, at Litchfield, Illinois, to Miss Emma K. Keithley, a daughter of Seth M. Keithley, an old resident of Litchfield. They have one child. May D., born February 21, 1876. Mr. Brookner is a republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

E. H. AND D. B. Raymond, farmers. South Dixon, are the sons of Daniel and Lucy A. (Woodruff) Raymond. Their father was for many years a resident of Greene county. New York, where he carried on a farm, but removed to Michigan in 1833, and followed the same occupation there until his death, which occurred in 1815. The eldest of the brothers, E. H. Raytnond, was born in Steuben county. New York, in 1821, and removed to Michigan with his father. Upon the death of the latter he carried on farming operations in Michigan until 1865, in connection with his brother, but in that year he removed to Illinois and settled in South Dixon, Lee county, where he has since resided. He has no family. D. B. Raymond was born in Lenawee county, Michigan, in 1833, where he was reared and educated, but came to Lee county with his brother in 1865. He was married in Michigan in the year 1860, to Miss Maria S. Clark, a native of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and their union has resulted in three children: Daniel E., aged twenty, Agnus C, aged eighteen, and Florence M.,aged thirteen. He is a thorough-going republican, and a member of the Presbyterian church.

Hakvey E. Williams, farmer, was born in Onondaga county. New York, in 1817. His parents were Abijah and Lucy (Edwards) Williams, and his father followed farming and died in Onondaga county in 1871. Mr, Williams was reared and educated in his native county, and when grown to manhood commenced taking contracts upon public works in the State of New York. In 1852 he came to Illinois, having a contract on the Northwestern railroad, and the following year took a similar contract upon the Illinois Central railroad, and remained upon this road until its completion. He purchased his present farm in South Dixon in 1857, and has ever since been engaged in farming. He was married in 1843, to Miss Wealthy E. Cropsey, in Madison county, New York. Three children were the result of this marriage, of whom two survive: Cornelia A., who is the wife of John A. Greene, of Morrison, Whitesides county, Illinois, and Ella C.,who resides with her parents. A third daughter, Emma, was the wife of A. C. McAllister, of Morrison, Illiinois, but died in April 1875, leaving one child, a daughter. Politically Mr. Williams is a member of the democratic party.

Benjamin W. Haknish, farmer, Palmyra, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1830, and is the son of Michael. G. and Elizabeth (Warfel) Harnish. His father is a farmer, and both are still living and reside in Lancaster county. Mr. Harnish received his education in his native county and was a farmer there for many years. In January, 1875, he came west and settled in Carroll county, Illinois. After residing there for three years he removed to ISTebraska, where he remained until 1880, when he came back to Illinois and located on a farm in Palmyra township. He was first married in 1856, to Miss Mary B. Hess, of Pennsylvania, who died previous to his removal from that state. There are four children by this marriage, all of whom reside with their lather, the eldest being Henry, aged twentythree years ; Michael is sixteen, Samuel fourteen, and Elizabeth eleven years of age. He was married a second time in 1875, to Mrs. Catharine (Klein) Leonard. Mr. Harnish is strongly republican in his political views.

Robert J. Drynan, farmer, Palmyra, is a native of Canada, where he was born June 12, 1845, and is the son of William and Elizabeth J. (McMurtry) Drynan. His fiither was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was a ship-carpenter by trade, though farming was his occupation during the latter part of his life. He died in Canada in 1851, and his widow was married in 1853, to Mr. Johnstone, a clergyman, and removed the same year to Lyndon, Whitesides county, where Mr. Johnstone preaclied for some three 3''ears and where he died in 1857. Mrs. Johnstone is still living and is a resident of Palmyra. Mr. Drynan came with his mother and step-father at the time of their removal to Illinois, and in 1855 settled in the town of Palmyra, where he has ever since resided. His principal occupation has been running thresliing and corn-shelling machines. He was married September 6, 1867, to Miss Rachel A. Delp, a native of Pennsylvania, but at that time residing in Whitesides count3^ They have seven children living: Willie A., born May 14, 1868 ; Otis E., born September 1, 1869 ; Emma E., born May 15, 1871; Gertie M., born January 20, 1873; Fremont R., born January 23, 1876 ; Grace E., born December 15, 1878 ; Leone E., born January 20, 1881. Politically Mr. Drynan is a thorough republican.

Fletcher Seavey, farmer. Palmyra, is a native of Sandwich, New Hampshire, where he was born September 2, 1839, and is the son of Asa and Ruth (Ricker) Seavey. His father was also born in New Hampshire, and for many years was a farmer in that state, but in 1853 he came west and settled in Lee county, bringing his family from the east in the spring of 1854. He was carrying on a farm in Palmyra until 1877, when he purchased a farm in Ogle county, to which he re- moved and wliere he still resides. Fletcher Seavey has been farming on his own account for the past thirteen years, and has recently purchased and removed to the farm of the late David A. Holly. He enlisted in the summer of 1864, in Co. D, 140th 111. Vols., and was honorably discharged after six months' service. Mr. Seavey was married November 9, 1862, to Miss Eveline C. Eastwood, a native of Palmyra, and they have six children: Harry C, born January 17, 1864; Fred A., born February 19, 1866; Eda B., born December 30, 1867; Allen E., born March 24, 1870; Clyde L., born August 10, 1874, and Ruth M., born June 6, 1877. In his political sentiments Mr. Seavey is strongly republican.

William W. Tilton, farmer, Palmyra, was born in New Hampshire on July 15, 1817, and is the son of Jesse and Mary (Fitield) Tilton. His father was of English descent, but was a native of New Hampshire, and in his youth was engaged in tanning and shoemaking, but afterward became a farmer and died about 1845. W. W. Tilton acquired his education in his native state, and when grown up engaged in farming, but came west in 1838, arriving in Dixon July 13, just two days prior to his twenty-first birthday. He located in Palmyra township, and having learned the trade of shoemaking in the east, he engaged in that business. At the election in the fall for state officials he acted as clerk, and his recollection is that fourteen votes were polled. After working at his trade for about four years he turned his attention to farming, which he has followed since. He was also f(^ a number of years engaged in buying and selling stock, and was connected for some time with the late E. B. Stiles, in this business. He was married on November 3, 1843, to Mrs. Eliza (Martin) Hubbard, a native of Sandwich, New Hampshire, who came to Lee county with her brother, Jacob Martin (lately deceased), in 1836. They came all the way in a buggy, the trip taking a period of five weeks. She was married in 1833, to Oliver A. Hubbard, also a resident of New Hampshire, who had come to Lee county in the spring of 1836, where she rejoined him a few months later. Mr. Hubbard died September 16, 1840. M. D. Hubbard, still residing in Palmyra, is the only living issue of this marriage. Two children resulted from her union to Mr. Tilton : Francis J., born August 15, 1846, who resides with his parents ; and Hortense L., born on January 30, 1851, and married to Horace M. Gilbert, a resident of Palmjn-a. Mr. Tilton is a life-long democrat, and though contending against odds in the political struggles in which he has taken part, he has never faltered in his devotion to what he considers the true principles of government.

gence can achieve wealth and influence by his own efforts, unaided by any accidents of birth or position. Lincoln, Garfield, and many other brilliant and able men in various walks of life, have afforded notable examples of what can be done by untiring industry, sterling honesty and well-directed ability to overcome all adverse circumstances, and every county and every town all over our broad land will show instances of a similar character, differing only in kind and degree, and one of these is found in the career of the Hon. Abltah Powers, of Palmyra township. He was born in Hamy^shire count}', Massachusetts, December 16, 1814, and is the son of Joseph and Sarah (Powers) Powers. His father was a lai'iner, and was descended from a long line of New England ancestry. He had four children, of whom three are still living, one son, Joseph Warren Powers, being still a resident of Massachusetts ; Abijah Powers and a daughter, Mrs. Allen, have lived for many years in Palmyra township ; the other child, a daughter, died in infancy. In 1S3S Mr. Joseph Powers and his son Abijah determined to leave the old Bay State and seek for more abundant returns for their labor on the western prairies. After the usual privations and trials of snch a journe}^ in those days they arrived at Dixon's ferry, where they remained several months, but in the fall of 1838 tbey located in Palmyra township and engaged in fanning, and here Mr. Joseph Powers died, April 28, 1853. His son has been a continuous resident of the township since his first settlement, in 1838, and for many years has been one of the largest and most successful farmers in the Rock river valley. He has also been extensively engaged in the breeding and sale of thoroughbred cattle, with gratitying results. He now owns about 900 acres of land, a portion of which lies in Whitesides county. Mr. Powers has always been a popular man and was elected justice of the peace at an early day ; was also commissioner of public highways for a number of years ; has served four terms as supervisor for his town; was elected a member of the state legislature in the fall of 1876, and has been president of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Palmyra, for the past fifteen years. In 1839 he returned to Massachusetts, , where he was married, September 8 of that year, to Miss Amanda Sprout, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, who is still living. They have had six children, five of whom survive : Elvira A., born November 30, 1842, was married to Charles Eckles in 1868, and is a resident of Marshalltown, Iowa; Helen C, born August 21, 1845, married to Anson E. Thummel in 1868, and lives in Palmyra ; Mary A., born October 30, 1848, married to James Nickerson in 1870, and resides in Chicago; Franklin W., born September 13, 1851, was married to Miss Mary Miller in 1872, and lives in Whitesides county; Austin A., born October 18, 1857, was married to Miss Adela Tallman January 6, ISSl. He resides with his.

Charles H. Hughes, farmer. Palmyra, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1846, and is the son of Ell wood and Elizabeth (Hill) Hughes. He was brought up and educated in his native county principally, but also attended for a time the Missionary Institute at Selin's Grove, Pennsylvania. He removed to Lee county in 1868 and engaged in farming, which he still carries on ; he has also dealt considerably in cattle and horses, and his especial pride at present is a fine bay stallion, a cousin of the celebrated queen of the turf, Maud S, and Mr. Hughes feels certain that at some not distant day his horse, or at least some descendant of his, will win a name not entirely unworthy of their distinguished relative. In July 1881, in company with O. T. Melick, he embarked in the coal and salt trade at Dixon, under the firm name of Hughes & Melick, and is making preparations at present to engage in the real-estate, loan and banking business at Peterson, Kansas, in company with his brother, Ellwood C. Hughes. He w^as married ISTovember 17, 1868, to Miss Hannah E. Williams, daughter of Mark Williams, Esq., of Palmyra township, and they have but one child living, Adessa, aged twelve years. In his political views Mr. Hughes is a republican.

Having organized and drilled the Chicago Light Guards, the first company in Chicago that acquired any reputation, his services were sought by the authorities at Springfield at the breaking out of the war. There was a great lack of knowledge of military matters at this time, but what Col. Wyman possessed, combined with a mind of wonderful activity and business experience, made his services of great value, and caused the 13th 111. Inf. to select him as their colonel, and Gov. Yates to commission him on April 20, 1861. The 13th was a magnificent regiment, filled to the maximum, and composed almost wholly of young men who knew and appreciated the issues of the struggle before them_ Wyman realized the great charge that was intrusted to him in the command of this regiment, and stated to a member of the same as he looked over the body of 1,000 on drill, "I never felt before so much the need of being a christian as I do now. I am responsible for the lives and welfare of these men, and I do not believe that any man in his own strength is equal to so great a responsibility." His experience as a railway superintendent fitted him for the very important duty of forwarding supplies to an army campaigning a long way from its base of supplies, which he did from Polla for the armies doing service in southwest Missouri under the command of Gens. Lyon, Fremont and Hunter respectively. This duty he did so well that his reputation spi'ead through the western army, and when some months after Gen. Steele desired to eml)ark his division on steamboats at Helena, Arkansas, to joiti Gen. Sherman's campaign against Vicksburg, he sent for Cob Wyman to assist him. The general and the colonel disagreed as to the number of steamboats required, but the latter in his positive, decided way said he could have all the transportation, artillery and horses loaded on his number of boats b}'^ five o'clock that da}', and he did, to the surprise of the general and his regular army staff.

It was during the campaign referred to above that CoLWyman lost his life. It was the campaign under Gen. Sherman against the outside defenses of A^icksburg at Chickasaw Bayou. He here had the first opportunity to show his capacity for active service. It was here that be and bis regiment were under fire for the first time. He had shown marked abilities in the marching and care of men ; had no superior as a drill-master, and no man had more perfect control of a regiment than he had of his. The 13th was the old regiment placed in Gen. F. P. Blair's brigade, composed of new recruits, to act as a safety-valve. The 13th always had the post of honor, which is the advance, wdiich gave Col. Wyman the lead that he never relinquished, and really commanded and maneuvered the brigade in the engagements referred to above until he was killed.

In the preliminar}' skirmishing Wyman's bravery was put to the test, but it was pure gold, like that of an old veteran. He placed the battery, told the men how and where to shoot, and encouraged the men by his own fearlessness and utter disregard of danger. The clear, belllike tones of their colonel's voice to the regiment, now under fire for the first time, had the effect of magic upon their spirits, somewhat disconcerted by the shriek of rebel shells bursting in close proximity to their position. His commands were obeyed with alacrity, and his smiling face as he was quietly seated on old Jeri'j^'s back imparted courage to liis men, and they would have charged upon any rebel position if he but commanded.

The second day found Blair's brigade in position to fire upon a confederate fort, while Morgan L. Smith charged it from another direction. Col. Wyman walked up to the edge of the fallen timber lying between the two positions, took out his field-glass and coolly surveyed the enemy's position ; during all of which time the rebel sharpshooters were popping away at him, and often shooting very near his person, as we could see by the falling of leaves and cutting of vines. Not until he had finished his survey did he lower his glass, and as he walked back to his regiment he said, " The bullet is not moulded that will kill me," and ordered the company commander nearest to him to send six of the best shots in his company and kill a certain sharpshooter, with a globe-sighted rifle, that had been firing at him.

Additional Mattek

Lieut. -Col. Gorgas was ordered down to the center of the regiment to give the order to rise and fire, and then to order that they lie down while another regiment immediately in the rear should do the same thing. Col. Gorgas was slow about executing the order for some reason^ and Wyman becoming impatient of the delay stepped a few pacesdown the line and in front, and gave the order himself, retiring as h& did so, so that he should not be in front of the men when they fired. Immediate!}^ after he passed the right of the regiment he was shot. He was stooping down that the regiment in the rear might fire over our heads, when he was hit under the right arm, the bullet passingentirely through his body and lodging in his clothing on his left side. Sergt. Pinkham, of Co. A, was the first to reach his side and unbutton his coat, and the writer was the next. The bullet hole through his shirt was in front of his shoulder, and led me to believe that that was the wounded part and not necessarily fatal, and I was on the point of saying, "Colonel, this will make a brigadier of you; " but he looked so pale and death-like it was not uttered, but instead, " Colonel, I do not think this wound is dangerous, it is through your shoulder." " You are mistaken, Harr}'," he replied. "This whole side is paralyzed already ; it is all over." We laid him down behind a stump, to protect him from the bullets that were now coming in thick and fast, and in a few seconds he was in a stupor. He was taken from the field and revived by stimulants for a few minutes, during which time he conversed about his family and private affairs. He uttered no word of complaint nor gave expression to any signs of regret at his lot, but on the contrar}', met his fate with a smile. The only question Col.. Wyman's making a brilliant record as a soldier was the one whether- -he would live through an engagement. His fault was rashness. What he did, he did it with all his might. Every soldier in his regiment admired and loved him. From him they could borrow a dollar when; all other resources failed. His name had been sent to the senate for confirmation as a brigadier by the president, and in a few weeks more,, but for his untimely end, he would have been in command of a brigadcc.

P. H. ScHocK, farmer. Palmyra, was born on February 4, 1814, in; Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Henry and Magdalena (Beck) Schock. His father was a miller, and also carried on a. farm, and died in Pennsylvania about 1835. Mr. Schock waseducated in his native count}', and when old enough assisted his father in the mill. In 1840 he engaged in mercantile business, which he followed for about six years, after which he became a farmer, and continued in that occupation until 1850, when he removed to Illinois,, and settledat ' 50

ComOjWhitesides county. The followino- year he came toPrairieville, Lee comity, and purchased a farm, on which he has since resided. He was married in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, on November 27, 1841, to Miss Louisa Eyer. She died December 30, 18T2, leavingfour children surviving: Josephine, born November 11, 1843, who is the wife of Charles W. Marston, and resides at Lawrence, Kansas ; "William, born January 21, 1816, and a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah ; Howard E., born March 31, 1859, and married in 1879, to Miss Lia Kelsey, of Sterling, Whitesides county. They reside on the old homestead. Florence L., born October 19, 1862, also resides at home. Mr. Schock has been twice elected supervisor of his town on the republican ticket, and has filled almost every other town office.

Daniel Reichart, farmer. Palmyra, was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, on April 9, 1829, and is the son of Samuel and Catharine (Weidman) Reichart. His father died in Pennsylvania in 1852, but his mother is still living in that state. After leaving school Mr. Reichart learned the carpenter's trade, and also farmed considerably, and in 1853 came to the west, but returned home during the following winter. In 1854 he came to Palmyra township and settled permanently, and still owns the original eighty acres of land on which he commenced to farm, but which has since increased to over two hundred acres. He was married January 1, 1853, to Miss Elizabeth J. Kressler, also a native of Northampton count}^ Pennsylvania, and they have eight children living: Susan F., born May 13, 1854, married to Albertus Miller, and resides in Clierokee, Iowa; Job, born June 21, 1855, also a resident of Cherokee; Elizabeth, born May 28, 1857, and married to William F. Seavey, who resides in Palmyra; Samuel, born January 25, 1859; Sara, born May 8, 1860; Minnie, born October 30, 1865 ; Edith J., born November 3, 1866, and Carrie C, born September 10, 1868, all reside with their parents. In his political affiliations Mr. Reichart is a !uember of the democratic party.

Hiram P. Parks, farmer. Palmyra, is one of the earliest settlers of the town. He was born in Franklin county. New York, on August 29, 1808, and is the son of Aaron and Rebecca (Prescott) Parks. His father was a farnjer, and died some twenty years ago. Mr. Parks was reared as a farmer in his native county, and removed to Illinois in 1836, locating in Dixon, where he remained two years, after which he bought a farm in Palmyra township, where he has ever since resided. He and his sons own some six hundred acres of the finest land in the county, and he has seen his township progress from an almost unbroken prairie, inhabited by some half dozen families, to its present state of development as one of the best cultivated and most fertile sections in the west, and settled by as enterprising and intelligent a class of citizens as can be found within the borders of our own or any other country. Mr. Parks was married in the State of New York, in December 1829, to Miss Martha Moon, a native of Otsego countj^, New Yorlv, whose parents were natives of Vermont. They have been married more than half a century, and are still in the enjoyment of good health, and active and vigorous both mentally and phj^sically. They have eight children, the eldest of whom is Mary, born July 24, 1833, and the wife of John Lawrence, of Palmyra ; Eunice H., born February 25, 1836, is married to William Ayres, and resides in Iowa; Rebecca D., born April 13, 1838, is the wife of Thomas Ayres, a resident of Palmyra ; Wayne H., born August 24, 1840, is a farmer and resides in Palmyra; Robert B., born December 13, 1843, is a resident of Pennsylvania; Henry A., born January 15, 1846, resides in Ogle county, Illinois; Frederick N., born September 22, 1849, is a farmer and resides in Palmyra; Abner H. was born in Palmyra township on February 19, 1853, and has always resided in his native town. He was married May 5, 1875, to Miss Mary Drew, of Ogle county, Illinois, who died February 21, 1881. Hg resides at the old homestead. Mr. Parks has always been an earnest republican, and he and his wife are members of the Baptist church of Dixon, the latter being the only survivor of the original founders of that church.

James L. McGinnis, farmer. Palmyra, was born in JSTew York city on August 22, 1831, and is the son of Stewart and Mary (Law) Mc- Ginnis. His father was a very skillful machinist, and died, while James was a lad, in Louisiana, whither he had gone to superintend the erection of machinery upon a large sugar plantation. His widow being left in reduced circumstances, and with four young children to support, decided to accompany her father, David Law, and his family, to Illinois, and they arrived in Dixon in September 1839. During the following wnnter they suffered greatly from sickness and privation. In connection with Capt. Hugh Graham they purchased the claim to some 700 acres of land lying along Rock river, their portion of which is still owned by the family. James L. McGinnis was educated in the primitive schools of the neighborhood and at Dixon, and when grown engaged in farming. Soon after the discovery of gold in California he went to that state, and after remaining there several years he returned to Palmyra township, and resumed his agricultural pursuits, which he has since followed. He was married on March 12, 1861, to Miss Mary B. Becker, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, but whose parents were old settlers of Palmyra. They have nine children living: William C, born June 22, 1862; Ella, born March .12, 1864; Mabel, born August 15, 1865 ; James F., born May 3, 1867, Keziah, born March 11, 1869; Mark E., born November 12, 1870; Harry, bora June 20, 1872; Oliver, born August 17, 1874, and Paul, born June 15, 1878, all of whom reside \vith their parents. Mr. McGinnis is a republican in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian church. William G. McGinnis, the brother of James L., is also a native of the city of New York, where he was born on September 19, 1833. The history of his earlier days is like that of his brother, and with the exception of tliree years' service in Co. A, 13th 111. Vols., into which he enlisted on the outbreak of the rebellion, his entire life since he was six years of age has been passed in Palmyra township, where he is engased in farming. He has never married, but his mother and grandmother reside with him. The latter, Mrs. Keziah (Hillis) Law, will be just one hundred years of age in July 1882, and is undoubtedly the oldest person living in Lee county.

Among the successful farmers of Ashton township may be mentioned Peter L. Brecunier, born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1834. He was reared to the sturdy occupation of a tiller of the soil, receiving but a limited education in the subscription schools of his native state. In the spring of 1849 he with his father's family started for Illinois, and reached Franklin Grove, Lee county. May 12, that year they rented the farm now owned by J. C. Lahman. During the same year they purchased the land on which a part of the village of Franklin Grove now stands. This, however, they soon sold, and purchased land in the southwest corner of Ashton township. Peter L., the subject of this sketch, purchased for himself a farm of 205 acres in Sec. 31, T. 22, K. 11. This is one of the model farms of Ashton township, and indicates that its owner is a man of thrift, industry and enterprise. In 1874 he added to the beauty of his home by erecting a fine brick residence at the cost of $4,000. Besides farming he is now engaged in stock raising, giving some attention to grades. February 22, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan M., daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Foreman) Riddlesbarger, Esq. She was born in Franklin county, Pens3dvania. They are the parents of one child, Quinby A., born August 29, 1867. Mr. Brecunier's parents both died here and were buried in the cemetery at the German Baptist church near Nachusa.

Thomas Paddock, retired farmer, is a native of Ohio, and was born August 14, 1814. He, with his parents, Ebenezer and Nancy (Furguson) Paddock, left Ohio at an early day, and removed to Vigo county, Indiana, where our subject was united in marriage, in 1835, to Miss Nancy Payne, a native of Vigo county. In 1837 Mr. Paddock left Indiana, and removed to Ogle county, where he made a claim, and thus became one of the pioneers of that county, whose nearest market was Chicago, or Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he hauled his produce many years with teams and wagon. He sold his produce for a price that now would not be considered sufficient to pay the expense of such a trip. But Mr. Paddock made the best use of his time and means, and has by industry and saving made a good property, now owning 340 acres of land in Lee and Ogle counties. April 28, 1879, his home was broken up for the first since it was established, b}^ the death of his noble wife. Since then he has made two or three moves, but is now permanently settled on his farm in Ashton township, and is enjo_ying the rest needed after a life of hard labor. His children are William H., now in Ogle county, and Jefferson, who died in the south during the war; Eliza J., wife of Joseph Cummins; Rebecca A., wife of Oeorge Brown ; Leathy, wife of Capt. J. L. Frost, of Ashton township ; Rosella, at home with her father, and Lorilla, wife of Enoch Self.

John C. Boavees, deceased, came from Germany with his wife, Margaret (Fogle) Bowers, and settled in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and there had born to them three children, one of whom is Lawrence Bowers, born August 19, 1829. He was reared on a farm, without the benefit of free schools, and but very little subscription school privileges. In 1853 he came to Lee county in search of a place to make his future home. After looking over the remaining government land he decided it was too low and wet, and returned to Pennsylvania, but the next spring came back, and purchased eighty acres in Sec. 19, T. 22, P. 11, paying $8 per acre for the same land he could have had the year before for $1.50. Land rose rapidly in value after the advent of the railroad through this section. Some years later he bought an additional 120 acres. In the fall of 1865 he married Miss Dianna Fogle, a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania. They have six children : William C, Malinda, Hettie, George W., Harry G. and Nina May. Mr. Bowers' parents came to Lee county, where they died, and are buried in the Ashton cemetery. His brother and sister are now making their home with him.

KiNOAiD, son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Swisher) Runyan, farmer and stock raiser, Ashton, was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, January 19, 1838. He was brought up on a farm, and with but a limited means of education, though by much reading and cai-eful observation he has gained what m[ght be called a good business education. In the spring of 1861 he came to Lee county, and hired out to work on a farm. This he followed till the winter of 1865, when he enlisted in Co. K, 3d 111. Cav. After the close of the war, and a tour among the Indians through northern Dakota to the British possessions, he was honorably discharged, and returned to Lee county. January 19, 1869, he married Miss Charit}-, daughter of Daniel and Christena (King) Brecunier, and in the spring of the same year began as a renter on the farm he now owns. In the fall of 1874 he bought the farm and became permanently located, and is now engaged in farming and stock raising on Sec. 31, T. 22, R. 11. His parents were born* lived and died in the State of Pennsylvania. Mr. Runyan is of the opinion that his ancestors are of French origin, the name far back in its history being De Runyan. Since the above writing Mrs. Kincaid Runyan departed this life, November 17, 1881, after an illness of about live weeks. She bore her long suffering with great patience, and leaves, besides her almost broken-hearted husband, a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn their loss. She was a citizen of Franklin from childhood, and a member of one of the best families in the county. Her early death is severely felt by her grief-stricken friends.

Haklow E. Chadwick, son of Ambrose and Sarah Chadwick, merchant, Ashton, was born near Rochester, New York, June 11, 1840. When still an infant his parents moved to Oneida county. In 1856 the family removed to Iowa, and remained one year, after which they removed to Bradford township, in Lee county. Mr. Chadwick is one of the firm of Bly & Chadwick, engaged in business in Ashton in 1879, and is quite a prominent citizen. He conducted the count}^ farm several years. August 14, 1862, he enlisted in the 75th IH. Inf., was with the regiment one year, and was then transferred to the veteran reserves. Was discharged May 20, 1865. Is a member of Odd-Fellows' Lodge, No. 422, and also a member of the Presbyterian church, with,which he united in 1879. Was married in 1866, to Miss Esther P. Starks, a native of Lee county.

David Sanford, postmaster, Ashton, son of Salmon and Elizabeth Sanford, was born near Dayton, Ohio, December 25, 1820, where he resided until eighteen 3'ears of age, when he went to Noble county, Indiana, and resided nine years. Then he came to Ogle county, Illinois. In the spring of 1850 he went to California, and remained until 1857 in the gold regions, then returned to Ogle county, where he remained until 1862. In that year he enlisted in the 75th 111. Inf. and served until the fall of 1863. In that year he came to Lee county. In 1867 he was appointed postmaster at Ashton, and since that tinie has officiated in that capacity. Married, in 1863, Mrs. Mehetabel Oneil, a native of Ohio. Before his return from the army he was promoted to a captaincy of Co. G, and is now familiarly called "Cap."

Henry Bly, merchant, Ashton, son of Thomas R. and Nancy Bly, was born in Chenango county. New York, June 9, 1827, where he resided until eighteen years of age ; at that time he came to Light

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House Point, Ogle county, where he was engaged in farming until 1850, In that year he went with a party of wealth-hunters to California, crossing the plains in a wagon drawn by oxen. While there he traveled through a large portion of the mining district, and encountered a great many difKcalties and dangers that beset the paths of those hardy, daring men who cast their lot in the wilds of California. Wasin that state fifteen months; returned by way of New York. In 1857 was elected supervisor of Ashton township, and held the office eleven years. In 1853 was elected justice of the peace, and with the exception of a few years has held the office ever since. Is a member of Odd- Fellows and Masonic orders. Was married in July 1848, to Miss Anna J. Wood, a native of Canada.

Melvin Hardesty, hotel-keeper, Ashton, son of Richard and Sarah Hardesty, was born in Ogle county, Illinois, in 1844. His father came to Ogle county in 1835, and was one of the pioneers of that county. In. 1862 Mr. Hardesty removed to Ashton, and for ten years has been engaged in carriage and house painting. In 1879 he bought a hotel, now known as the Clifton house, and since that time has been conducting it in addition to his other business. He was married in 1872 to Miss Mary Beard, a native of Brooklyn, New York. In 1865 he enlisted in Co. H, of the 140th 111. Inf , and served six months.

Edwin M. Blair, farmer and stock raiser, Amboy, was born in Oneida county, New York, November 23, 1826. His parents, James and Fanny (Hamilton) Blair, were born and reared in Massachusetts. His father was hotel-keeping in Jamestown, Chautauqua county, New York, when in 1838 (the date is erroneously given in the township history a year earlier) he quit the state, and coming here made a claim 'on the N.W. i and half of the S.W. J Sec. 29, T. 20, R. 10, besides somewhat more land than this which we cannot describe. This subject now owns 200 acres of the original claim. In 1839 the rest of the family, including the mother, the two daughters, Elmina and Caroline, and four sons, Winthrop II., Edwin M., William W. and Charles L. joined him. The latter was drowned in Inlet creek in the autumn of 1850. Winthrop resides in Marion township, and William at Sandwich, De Kalb county. The eldest son, James R., stayed behind in the east until about 1846; he then also came and lived here, where he died in 1857. Mr. Blair was married December 24, 1854, to Miss Juliet, daughter of Jacob J. Conderman, of Marion township, who removed there from Steuben county. New York, in 1851. Her death occurred in 1873. She was the mother of four children : Ida (dead), Frank, William J. and Ruth C. Mr. Blair was married again on September 24, 1877, to Mrs. Ruth M. Marsh (Crowder), widow of Edmund Marsh. She had by her first marriage the following children: Nettie, Dessa, William (dead), and Albert W. Mr. Blair has held office most of the time since the township was organized. He has been deputy sherift'one term, school trustee three terms, road commissioner many years, and also assessor. He is a republican, and was a member of the Amboy lodge of Odd-Fellows before it lapsed, in the time of the war. Mrs. Blair belongs to the United Brethren church, but was formerly a Methodist.

Adoniram J. Tompkins, farmei', Amboy, son of Nathaniel S. and (Reynolds) Tompkins, was born in New York in 1831. As early as Mr. Tompkins can remember, his father, who was a blacksmith, moved to Ohio and settled on a farm, where he followed his new calling, and worked also at his trade. Mr. Tompkins learned the trade, and early in 1856 came to Dunleith, Illinois, and the following spring, obtaining employment from the Illinois Central railroad company, worked six months as foreman. After that he had charge of the carpenter work on station buildings between Dunleith and Wapella until about 1873, when his superintendence was extended to Centralia. In the spring of 1879 he quit the service of the company, and moved to his present farm, about two miles west of Amboy. Mr. Tompkins was married in 1858, to Miss Mary A. Smith, of New York, by whom he has three children : Walter, Elma, and Stella. Both parents are communicants in the Baptist church. He has been road commissioner of the township, and was alderman of Amboy five years. In politics he is a republican.

J. Harvey Ives, senior member of the firm of Ives & Slauter, lumber and coal dealers, Amboy, was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, December 29, 1827. He was the youngest son of John and Hannah (Ford) Ives, whose ancestors settled in New Haven, Connecticut, in the early days of the colony. Mr. Ives obtained a common school education, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. At the age of seventeen he engaged in carpenter work, and for twenty-five years that was his only business. On May 12, 1852, he was married, in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, to Miss Antoinette I. Tobey, of that place, who was born March 2, 1833. They have reared one daughter, Clara, now Mrs. Willis Bristol, of Denver, Colorado. In December, 1856, Mr. Ives and his family removed from the east and settled in Amboy, where he continued working at his trade until July 1, 1870, when he embarked in his present business in partnership with D. W. Slauter, under the firm name of Ives ct Slauter. He has been elected alderman of the city three times, and is a republican politically. Himself, wife and daughter are members of the Congregational church.

Aethur p. Wasson, farmer, Ainboy, son of Lorenzo D. and Aurelia (Gaylord) Wasson, was born in Amboy township, Ma^' 3, 1849. In his father's family there were six children : Henrietta, Benjamin (dead), Arthur P., Audentia E., Marietta, and John C- (dead). Mr. Wasson was married February 22, 1872, to Miss Lizzie M. Sprague, daughter of James Sprague, an earl}' settler of Putnam county. They have the following children : Oddy, Lorenzo D., Arthur Guy, and Winn. We append the following interesting sketch of the grandfather of our subject, his removal to the west in an early day, and settlement in Amboj' township. It was furnished by Mrs. E. DeWolf :

Benjamin Wasson removed with his wife, formerly Elizabeth Hole, and five children, from Broome county, Kew York, to Illinois, in the fall of 1836. The entire journey was made with their own teams, and consumed forty days. They camped out most of the time after leaving New York, as they found that pleasanter than the hotel accommodations on the frontier at that time. For the comfort of his family he stopped first in Farmington, Fulton county, where a house was procurable. The same fall, with his eldest son, Lorenzo, he visited the Rock river country, and made woodland claims in Palestine Grove, and prairie claims a mile or two north. On the latter they erected, during the following year, a log house. When they had the body of it up, an oil-cloth carpet was stretched over the top for covering, and here the eldest daughter, Clara, not yet fifteen years old, kept house for her father and brother, while they cut the trees and converted them into puncheon for the floor, and shakes M'ith which to cover the roof. When nightfall came, and the wolves began as usual to howl, the young girl used to seek shelter and safety in the covered wagon, drawing down the curtains closely all around, and waiting for the return of the men. This house, the first, I think, built on the prairie between Palestine and Franklin groves, was located about three-quarters of a mile northeast from the depot of the Illinois Central railroad, in the city of Amboy. Energy and perseverance were necessary to meet successfully the obstacles in the pathway of the early settlers, and these traits were prominent in the character of this pioneer. While the pine clapboards, glass, sash and all had to be brought from Chicago on wagons and sleds, in a very few years a new and more comfortable dwelling, with other farm buildings, surrounded the first rude home in the then far west. To this all the family removed from Farmington, in 1837, and here they lived unharmed through the perilous banditti times. The log house remained to welcome and give shelter to the families of relatives and friends who came, while they were building abodes for themselves. In this home the youngest child and daughter, the writer hereof, was born in August 1839. Although no sign of entertahiment ever hung beside the gate or door, the weary wayfarer was always cheerfully welcomed, and the question " Do you need dinner ?" or supper, as the case might be, or " Are you hungry?" became a habit with the ever kind and careful mother of the household. In 1849 the California excitement induced the old gentleman to take his youngest son and cross the plains. From this journey he never returned, but died of shagress fever while on his way home in February 1851. The widow continued to live on the old place until near the end of 1863, when, to the hardships of pioneer life, and numerous added afflictions, her health gave way, and the old home was broken up. The mother followed the fortunes of the youngest child until May 18, 1874, when she was called from earth to paradise. The older children, Lorenzo D. "Wasson, Dr. Harmon Wasson, and Roxy Emma, who became Mrs. Simon Badger, all died at Amboy in the prime of life. The surviving children are Mrs. Clara Backensto, of Iowa City, Iowa ; Mr. Warren Wasson, of Carson City, Nevada, and Mrs. E. DeWolf, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The eldest grandson, Arthur P. Wasson, owns and lives on the old larm, while the remaining grandchildren and great-grandchildren are scattered from New York to Colorado and Nevada.

Thomas Brown, Franklin Grove, was born in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1820. He is the only son and youngest child of Thomas W. and Rebecca (Vial) Brown, whose family numbered six, live of whom are living. His paternal grandfather was a " revolutioner." His father was a tailor, and the same craft was learned by the son. In 1839 Mr. Brown came to Lee county, in company with Erastus DeWolf, and soon after made a claim. In 1840 he returned to his native state, and in April of the following year was married to Ruth Simpson. He then came back to Illinois. In 1855 Mr. Brown came to the village of Franklin Grove, having previously lived about ten 3^ears in Lee Center, at "Inlet." His family are Thomas W., Robert P., Mary E., Harriet, and Lottie. Mr. Brown is one of those men whose good memory and friendly, affable nature are indispensable in collecting matter for a work of this nature. He has lived here to see the great growth of this county, its prairies transformed into beautiful fields producing a wealth of golden grain, its towns and villages, churches and schools, scattered all over this beautiful land.

S. A. Griswold, physician, Franklin Grove, was born in the State of New York, Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence county, in the year 1839, son of Justinian and Prudence S. (Dole) Griswold, both of Yermont. His father, a teacher by profession, had a family of one son and one daughter ; he died when our subject was two years old. The latter, while yet a lad, came with his mother to Lee Center; here he attended school, and as soon as qualified began teaching. In the spring of 1861 he enlisted in the 13th 111. Inf., Co. A, Capt. Koble, 1st Lieut. Henry Dement. He liad hardly learned the drill before he was made a hospital steward. He was in Missouri and Arkansas till he was mustered out, early in 1863. He then resumed the study of medicine, which he had but just begun before enlisting; in 1866 graduated from the Cincinnati Physio- Medical Institute. In 1864 Dr. Griswold came to Franklin Grove; January, 1867, he married Olive May, who died August 1873, leaving one son, DeWitt E., born April 30, 1869. Mr. Griswold is a republican and a Mason ; for six years he has been a member of the town school board. In February of 1877 his mother died, aged seventy-three years, after several years of married life with her third husband, Elisha Pratt, an early settler in Lee county. The doctor is one of those men who are always ready to lend a helping hand to any enterprise which tends to benefit or build up the community in which he lives, and his long and successful business profession in this part of the county has won for him a great many true friends.

In writing the history of the early settlers of this township we find the Reinhakts worthy of honorable mention. They were natives of Germany, and came to Lee county, Illinois, in an early day. Andrew Reinhart was born in Hesse Cassel in 1843. He has by hard work, good management, and a close attention to business, with the help of an industrious and faithful wife, accumulated a large amount of property. His farm, about two and a half miles south of Franklin, contains over 300 acres, is one of the best in that part of the township, and is evidence of the thrift of its owner. Coming with his parents to Lee county when a small child, he was thus deprived of the advantages of an education except such as w^as afi'orded by the pioneer schools of the county. In June, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Hafenrichter, a native of New York, who was born March 7, 1845, and came to Illinois when about one year old. They are the parents of eight children, five of whom are living : Charlotte F., Anna C, Henry C, Elizabeth, and John F. Mr. Reinhart's parents, Crist and Christina Reinhart, are buried at Lee Center.

That some families are more certainly successful than others with the same advantages, and by economy and industry rise to prosperity and wealth, is certainly illustrated by the Hansens. The two brothers, Henry and Harrison, are the pioneers of the family. They left their native home near Bangor, Maine, in the fall of 1838, arriving at Frank lin Grove in October, and soon after bought a claim of Erastus DeWolf, a man noted for his ambition to own every good piece of land in the county. The boys went to work on the principle that time is money, and that principle has characterized them through life. They went to farming and opening up their new home as soon as the means could be raised to make the start, hauling their wheat and pork to Chicago with ox-teams, and selling the former sometimes as low as forty cents per bushel, and the latter for two and a half cents per pound, and hauling back luuiber or such other commodities as could not be dispensed with. These trips were made»on an outlay of less than seventy-five cents in cash. For their milling they generally went to Aurora. In the fall of 1840 their father, Charles Hansen, with the rest of the family, came on and joined them in their new home. He soon bought a farm, the one where his son, S. C. Hansen, now lives. Here he lived till the time of his death, which occurred March 20, 1860, at the age of seventy-nine years. His wife died December 4, 1878, aged nearly eighty-nine years. Tiiey are buried in the cemetery at Franklin Grove, and a substantial monument marks their last resting place. He was the youngest of two brothers, Fredrick and Charles, whose paternal ancestor came from Saxony as an officer in the commissary department of Burgoyne's army in the time of the revolutionary war, and at the time of the surrender of that noted chieftain, when the choice was given the prisoners to be released on parol or join the Colonial ranks, he proposed that if Gen. Washington would assign to him the same position he held in the British army he would take the oath of allegiance to the American cause, and from that time he became forage master for Gen. AVashington, and rendered very efficient service in that position till the close of the war. He was a Saxon-German, born and reared in wealth, being a son of a family of high rank and a learned officer of that proud nation. He died in the State of Maine, where he had married and reared his familj^ His eldest son, Fredrick, remained east, where he reared a famii}', and his second son, Charles, came to Lee county, Illinois, as above stated, and reared a prosperous family, which is now (1881) living in the vicinity of Franklin Grove, where they first settled.

Sylvanus C. Hansen, farmer and stock raiser, Franklin Grove? was born in the State of Maine October IT, 1825, and in 1840 came with his parents to Lee county, Illinois. His school advantages were very meager, only such as were afforded in the old subscription schools of pioneer history. At the age of about sixteen he became the victim of a protracted fever, which finally resulted in a fever-sore settling in one limb. For a time his life was despaired of, at the age of nineteen not weighing 100 pounds. Soon after, however, he changed for the better, and at the age of twenty-one was entirely restored. December 20, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Sabina Fellows, of Belvidere, Boone county, Illinois. They have become the parents of five children : Ida C, Charles F., Lillian, Grace, and May. Mr. Hansen made his start by working on his father's farm as a renter. Following up his first start, and by hard work and good management, he has been successful in so much that he now owns 680 acres of good, valuable land, and is living on part of the old homestead one mile west of Franklin Grove.

William Fokbes, deceased, was born in North Carolina, June 20, 1817, and was reared a farmer, with but limited educational advantages. In 1856 he came to Illinois and settled in Ogle county, and there engaged in farming. December 20, 1857, he married Miss Susan Barges, a native of North Carolina, who was born January 22, 1827. They became the parents of six children, four of whom are living: Mary E.,. wife of John H. Parker, now in Kansas: Julias, Margaret, and Caleb,. now at home, A son died in Washington county, Kansas, March 23, 1881, aged nearly twenty-one years. His death was a sore affliction to his mother. In 1870 Mr. Forbes removed to Lee county, Illinois, and bought a farm in the north part of China township, and there engaged in farming till the time of his death, which occurred January 22, 1873. Mrs. Forbes with her children still live on their home in this township.

Henky W. Hillison, farmer and stock raiser, Franklin Grove, was born in Bradford township, Lee county, Illinois, September 12, 1850, and was reared on the farm. He received a liberal education. During his early youth he attended the common schools at home, but finished his education with about two years in college, or high schools. May 8, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John and Barbara (Burnhart) Roth. They are the parents of three children : John H., Christian A. and William C. At the time of his marriage Mr. Hillison moved ofn his farm of 200 acres in Sees. 26 and 36, T. 21, R. 10. This farm is but one of the many prosperous ones of this township, and proves its owner to be a young man of good taste and enterprise. In 1881 he erected one of the finest residences in the township.. His father, Oman Hillison, a native of Norway, came to Lee county in an early day, and settled near Lee Center. His first I'esidence was a sod house in what is now Bradford township. He died in June 1854. His mother, Elizabeth (Rienhart) Hillison, is by nativity a Hessian- German, and came to America when only fourteen years of age, and also became one of Lee county's early pioneers. She is still living in Bradford township.

in China townsliip, Lee conntj, Illinois, April 1, 18-16. He, like his father, was reared a farmer. In 1864 he enlisted in the 34th 111. Yet. Vol. Inf., and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. December 10, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Julia R., daughter of E. C. Thomas, Esq., of Franklin Grove. She was born in this township August 20, 1846. They have two children, Alice M. and Byron E. Mr. Eastwood began life by working out by the month, but not with the intention of making it his business through life, but only to get a start, for soon after we find him on a rented farm for a short time, and he soon after bought a farm of his own in Sec. 26, T. 21, R. 10, which he has finely improved, besides adding to his first purchase till he now owns over 200 acres, which, if no unforeseen misfortune overtakes him, he v/ill soon have clear of debt. His parents came to Lee county in 1840, and are still living.