Wyoming Township (part 2 of 5)

In the year 1869 Elder Lazenby, of Paw Paw circuit, preached at the school-house. About 1870 a class of five members was formed ; these were James Fonda, Jane E. Fonda, Sarah E. Swarthout, Edward Patrick, Harriet Patrick. That winter many more joined. In 1875, under the labors of Rev. Pomeroy, the Methodist Episcopal church was erected. Paw Paw, as a separate charge in the Rock River conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, was organized in October 1S79. Previous to that time it had stood in connection with Paw Paw circuit, with preaching once in two weeks. When organized into a charge there remained an indebtedness on the church of $440. Within the last two years that amount has been paid, together with a floating debt of $250 ; besides a good parsonage has been bought and paid for in full. The church has eighty members, and is in a good, healthy working state. Rev. B. Close, the only pastor since this became a station, is now entering upon his third year. His generous labors in behalf of this church will long be a theme of pleasing retrospection.

In 1857, under the efibrts of John Fleming, a missionary pastor from Earlville, was organized the Wyoming (now Cottage Hill) Presbyterian Society, with the following eight members : Barton Bisbee, Joseph Blee, William Winter, Sally G. Bisbee, Euphremia Blee, Mrs. Wm. Winter, Mrs. Wm. Sproul, James Sproul. Mr. Fleming continued to preach here once in two weeks. Meetings were held in the school-house now known as the Cottage Hill school-house. In 1858 or 1859 a building was erected, about 20x40, costing some $200, which was paid by subscription. Rev. Mr. Fleming and Rev. John Eustic were present. In 1863, this being too small it was sold to

Joseph Blee, and is now owned by his son, Jaraes Blee, and used for a granary, and a larger church was built a little north of where the other one stood. This is about 36x60, with a steeple probably eighty feet high ; cost, $2,200. This was remodeled in 1881. Preaching was by difierent ones, but no one settled as pastor till about 1870, when Alexander Peck was duly installed. He served seven years. 'Rev. McFarland succeeded for one year. In 1878 Rev. George D. McCulloch, pastor at Paw Paw Grove, became the supply at Cottage Hill, and continued three years. James McDowell and Wm. McCard are elders. As showing tiie simplicity of these times, Mrs. Barton Bisbee tells that when she and her husband came in 1856 they were right from fashionable New England, just married, and of course on Sunday she came out dressed in her best. What was her surprise and chagrin to see the pastor enter dressed in blue jeans, and bare-footed. She says, "How I longed to get out of sight." That white dress did not appear again till it had been dj'ed, and all her finery was treated as superfluous. Probably that preacher's dress was fully as elFective as his address,

Sunday-Schools

The first Sunday-school at the Grove was itistituted by the Rev. Benoni Harris in the little Mead school-house, the second one at the Robert Walker school-house, and the third in the new frame schoolhouse near the "big spring." About this time was held the first Sunday-school picnic at the Grove; two schools represented. Paw Paw and Four-mile Grove ; James Goble, marshal of the day, and Eldei' O. W. Bryant, orator. After the erection of the present school building at Paw Paw a Sunday-school was organized in the upper room, with Reuben B. Johnson, now of Aurora, as superintendent; Jacob Hendershot, secretary, and H. H. Hamilton, librarian. This had a large attendance for many years. It was a union school, kept up only in the summer season. When the different churches in the village were built and they organized their own separate schools, this one, of course, was discontinued. The Baptist society, being the first here, drew ofl^ its members ; then followed tiie Presbyterians, taking away some, and lastly the Methodists. So the several churches now have schools maintained the year round.

Fraternal Organizations

In a community where the rude rabble and "cup convivial" are unknown, it is but natural that there should be fervently fostered those higher types of civilization, those beautiful groupings in the panorama of life, where kindred hearts are banded together to aid the needy, comfort the distressed, strengthen bonds of friendship, and promote general good. In Wyoming societies thrive, but saloons die; farmers, mechanics and merchants prosper, while the lawyer, justice and sheriff find little to do, and the calaboose is unknown.

Corinthian Lodge, No. 205, A. F. and A.M., was instituted at West Paw Paw, August 14, 1856, under a dispensation granted by the grand master, W. B. Herriek. Elias Mott was named as W.M. ; J. C. Heath, S.W. ; D. W. Madden, J.W. ; Henry Rosencrans was appointed Secretary; Jedediah Foster, Treasurer; C. M. Cheeney, S.D. ; George Wirick, J.D., and J. O. Crooker, Tyler. The charter was granted October 7, 1856, and the above-named persons, J. O. Crooker excepted, were the charter members. The present membership is sixty-one, and the officers are T. D. Palmer, M.D., W.M. ; George Kelly, S.W. ; Jacob Hendershot, J.W. ; T. H. Stetler, M.D., Secretary ; S. C. Mitchell, Treasurer; W. L. Nicholson, S.D.; W. S. Tingling, J.D. ; Rev. O. W. Bryant, Chaplain ; E. G. Cass, S.S. ; Robert Ritchie, J.S. ; William Mayor, Tiler. The lodge is in a vei"y fiourisiiing condition. Its work can hardl}' be excelled. It meets regularly on the first Thursday evening on or before the full moon of each month. Jedediah Foster, the founder of this lodge, was at the date of his death the oldest Mason in the state, having been a member of the order sixty-seven years. He was born in Brookfield, Massachusetts, August 5, 1780, and died December 21, 1869. Corinthian Lodge has erected a handsome monument to his memory.

Veeder Conclave, No. 11, Kights of the Red Cross of Rome and Constantine, was instituted March 20, 1877, by Inspector General Dr. J. J. French, with the following charter members: T. D. Palmer, M.D., J. W. Swisher, Evan Thomas, B. G. Barratt, George Kelly, S. C. Mitchel, W. L. Nicholson, T. Doty, William McMahan, Asahel Prentice, Adam Miller. The first officers were Sir Knights T. D. Palmer, M.D., Sovereign ; J. W. Swisher, Viceroy ; Evan Thomas, Recorder; B. G. Barratt, Senior General ; George Kelly, Junior General ; S. C. Mitchel, High Prelate ; W. L. Nicholson, Prefect, and Thomas Doty, Herald. The present officers are Sir Knights T. D. Palmer, M.D., Sovereign ; George Kelly, Viceroy ; Theodore Doty, Senior General ; J. H. Blee, Junior General ; Asahel Prentice, High Prelate; D. B. Pratt, Treasurer; S. C. Mitchel, Recorder; W. L. Nicholson, Prefect; W. C. Holden, Herald; William McMahan, Standard Bearer; John K. Mannon, Sentinel. Regular meetings on the first evening before full moon, and two weeks thereafter in each month.

Anchor Lodge, No. 510, I.O.O.F., was instituted April 16, 1873, by Anderson C. Radley, Acting Grand Master. The charter members were John Patrick, G. W. Lindsej^, jr., Alexander Field, B. J.

Wlicolor, and Jacob Epla. First officers: Alexander Field, Noble Grand ; B. J. "Wliccler, Vice Grand ; G. W. Lindsey, jr., Recording Secretary; J.Patrick, Treasurer; Jacob Epla, Permanent Secretary. This lodge meets regularly on Wednesday of each week. It has a membership of sixty-five, and one of the best furnished halls in the county. Its present officers are Henry Potter, Noble Grand ; William Siglin, Vice Grand ; J. Rosen bei'ger, Secretary ; R. S. Near, Permanent Secretary ; W. A. Pratt, Treasurer; J. Wood, Grand Warden ; R. M. Yalcntine, Gi'and Sci'ibe ; J. Kctchum, Grand Treasurer; C. Perr}^ Grand Master; Joseph Radley, Grand Chaplain ; J. W. Mayor, representative to Grand Lodge.

Paw Paw Encampment, No. 52, I.O.O.F. This advanced branch of the order was originally at Earlville, and instituted there July 22, 18G3, nndcr the name of Earl Encampment, by E. Y. Griggs, of Ottawa, Deputy Gi'and Patriarch. The following were the charter members: D. M. Vosburgh, C. P. Moore, John Patrick, T. M. Robinson, Jolin B. Luce, Cornelius Ragan, and David Lewis. The iirst officers were II. P. Moore, Chief Patriarch ; John Patrick, High Pi-iest ; T. M. Robinson, Senior Warden ; Willard Robinson, Junior Warden ; John B. Luce, Scribe. Its history comprises the loss of records and other property by a disastrous fire, and subsequent removals to East Paw Paw and Paw Paw. Its first meeting in Paw Paw was March 10, 1879. Its present membership numbers forty-two, and its officers are J. W. Mayor, Chief Patriarch ; W. M. Geddes, High Priest; J. H. Sprague, Senior Warden ; James A.Warren, Junior Warden; D. R. McLaughlin, Scribe ; William Siglin, Treasurer ; M. W. Goble, representative to Grand Encampment. Regular meetings Monday evening on or before full moon, and two weeks thereafter.

The social habits of a community are of the first importance, for on these all else of value depends. In no single fact of the history of Wyoming is there so much of gratifying significance as that for twenty 3'ears no person has been licensed to sell ardent spirits, and for ten years strong beer has been prohibited. Pauper expenses are only about $100 a year. Public order and decency have not to be maintained by standing effort; they are voluntary results. As such they point to what is above shoddy pretense, the really high character of the inhabitants. Organization and sumptuary labors have aided in the growth of the temperance sentiment. Societies are formed ; they flourish and decay, but the eternal good they represent, and in some measure work out, never dies.

Three lodges of the I.O.G.T. have been established in Paw Paw. Empire Lodge was organized in the spring of 1860, but in the snmraer of the following year was moved to south Paw Paw. In October,

1865, Anchor Lodge was instituted, but the next summer it suspended. Advance Lodge, No. 104-, dates from April 5, 1877. . The charter members numbered about 35 persons, including some of the most useful and prominent in the place, among whom were Rev, J. Ilartman and wife, II. II. Harrington and wife, G. II. Gates and wife, Louisa and Addie Fields, Cornelia Goodyear, S. J. Pearsol and wife, and D. B. Mason. Meetings were held in Harrington's Ilall until suspended July 26, 1879. In all these lodges Mr. Harrington was deputy. Besides himself, Mr. and Mrs. Fields, their daughter Addie, and Mrs. Sarah Swarthout, were earnest workers.

The "Dare to Do Right" blue-ribbon club was organized in February 1878. A public meeting was held in the Methodist cliurch Sunday evening, the 3d, when 88 persons tied on the red and white ribbon. A week later the organization was efiected, and Josiah Morris was elected president, Teal Swarthout secretary, Mrs. Dr. Palmer treasurer, and S. A. Abbott, J. Fonda, and S. C. Agler, executive committee.

The Wyoming Horse-Thief Protective Association was organized in the summer of 1862, having for its object the security of its members against horse-stealing, and it has so -well answered its purpose that not one has since lost an animal by theft. The twenty-three original members were some of the foremost citizens of this and Willov,^ Creek townships. The first officers were Ira Baker, president ; J. M. Blee, vice-president; Hiram Terry, secretary; John Edwards, treasurer, and J. C. Heath, agent. Present officers: S. II. Uline, president; Jacob Epla, vice-president; F. E. Rogers, secretary and marshal, and B. J. AVheeler, treasurer.

Wyoming Grange, No. 360, of the order of Patrons of Husbandry, was organized April 10, 1873. Many of the solid men of the surrounding country were members, and during its existence of one year the average enrollment was about twenty-five.

While J. C. Heath, as we have stated elsewhere, was the first at Paw Paw, the pioneer resident practitioner of Wyoming was Geo. S. Hunt. His professional services in this region began in the spring of 1844. His residence was at South Paw Paw and his practice extended to every settlement within reach.

located in practice at Paw Paw in 1850, was admitted to the bar to practice as an attorne}^ in 1858 ; in 1860 was elected by the republicans of the count}' to represent them in the general assembl_y ; recruited part of Co. K, 75th 111. Vols., in 1862, and was first colonel of that regiment; in 1866 was again sent to the legislature by the republicans of his county; in 1869 removed to Amboy, where he still resides. W. T. Sherwood, Thos. Fish and M. H. Everett are remembered by their many friends. Dr. Everett is now at Troy Grove, and is said to be something of a naturalist. Practicing with Dr. Fish at East Paw Paw in 1871 was a young man fresh from college, J. Oliver Stanton. Born and brought up in Paw Paw, the only son of Elisha and Sarah Stanton, a patriot soldier, a graduate at Rush Medical College in the class of 1871, this young man of promise was cut down just as his ambitions anticipations were beginning to open up as realities. He located at Dennison, Iowa, and died in October 1874, at Laramie City, Wyoming Territory, where he had gone hoping for benefit from the mountain air. James H. Braifet, Thomas D. Palmer and Thomas Stetler are now the resident practitioners. So efficient are their services that anyone from abroad is seldom, if ever, seen in this region. Dr. Braff'et has practiced here and in the immediate vicinity since 1856. Dr. Palmer located here in 1867, and Dr. Stetler in 1876. Both of the latter were in the drug business in Paw Paw for several years.

Jacob Wheeler, who came and settled here in 1848, bought from George Town the tract of ground on which a part of the village is laid out. In 1864 the remainder of the Town property was sold to the Grummonds, and on this purchase the two Grummond additions were platted.

The original survey of Paw Paw was defective and never recorded, and the result was serious uncertainties and einbarassments in the matter of partition lines. Some years ago, before the construction of the railroad, all persons having brought forward their deeds and consented to abide by his work, William McMahan re-surveyed the plat and established the rights of each.

By the tenth census the village had a population of 504. The subjoined statements from two of the most sagacious business men of Paw Paw form a fitting conclusion to this topic.

" The railroads coming here in 1872 was the prime cause of the town's start to grow. The prices paid for butter and other products of the farm have added materially to the growth of the town. Many old settlers who have become a little forehanded have sold or rented and moved here on account of the school and churches. We have a very good school, Vidiich is presided over by three teachers; also three churches in good condition, out of debt, and with strong membership.

Another reason which I give for the prosperity of the town is that we are not cursed with many hard drinkers, having never, during the ten years hist past, allowed intoxicating drinks of an}^ kind to be sold within our borders, having learned that where saloons go up church steeples must come down. The town has been self-sustaining, never having been incorporated. We govern ourselves accordingly, without selling fire-water to pay expenses incurred in running the town. These are sufficient reasons why the town has met with such success."

"I would attribute the thrift and prosperity of this place to the excellent farming country by which it is surrounded, and more particularly to the class of inhabitants, they being almost exclusively eastern people."

An American Elephant

" Mr. L. W. Bidwell, in the employ of George Lindsey, was excavating a slough near Lindsey's residence, with the intention of making an ice-pond to be overflowed in winter, when, at a depth of four feet, he struck a peculiar soil, which it is supposed at one time constituted a bed of quicksand. In removing this his shovel struck some hard substance, at the time considered a log of wood ; what was his surprise when, as he pried, a large piece of hip-bone, thirteen inches across, was first removed. This excited his curiosity, and another equally as large a specimen was removed. With these he proceeded to interview Dr. Bralfet on the importance of the 'find,' and what precaution to observe in its removal. It was evidently a carcass of some mastodon, and the doctor and Mr. Bidwell proceeded next morning to investigate. Meantime the news spread, and the inquisitive multitude began to flock to the resurrection, and a dozen anxious hands were soon busily at work removing the earth. The first portion removed was the upper joint of the hind leg or hip-bone, which measured four feet four inches in length and was found to be twenty-one inches in circumference at the knee-pan, from there to the ankle-joint three feet two inches. The foot was in such a state of decomposition that it could not be removed, but was observed to be about ten or twelve inches high, resembling a bear's foot, and twenty inches long. This would make the hind leg eight to nine feet long. One of the legs was preserved by splintering, and can be seen by calling on Mr. Bidwell. The backbone and ribs were uncovered and found to be of an enormous size, some of the ribs measuring six inches in circumference. The head, which was thrown in such a position as to show that the animal had died in a struggle, was found to be nearly three feet in length ; the lower jaw figured up twenty-six inches. In this were two huge teeth, one measuring twent3'-one inches in circumference, and weiglicd nine pounds, the other two inches smaller. The larger one is now in Mr. Lindsey's possession. No upper teeth nor tusks were found. Then came the upper part of the head with an eye-socket as lai'ge as a teacup, and brains enough till a bushel basket. The balance of the monster only formed an outline for measurement, being so badly decomposed as to make it impossible to retain in good shape anything but the fore legs, which were found to be a trifle longer than those before described. Upon actual measurement, we are told its length is twentytwo and a half feet, and in height would stand between fifteen and sixteen feet, and was undoubtedly covered with a thin coat of liair, as upon the skeleton were found streaks and mossy fibers. It is a matter of conjecture to what species of the mastodon this prehistoric specimen belongs, but it would have offered a valuable addition to the work of scientists and zoologists if it could have been preserved as found."

These are the remains of an American elephant, and are more rare than those of the mastodon. The monstrous animal, when living, had evidently been mired in the quicksand bed of the slough. A better idea of his immense size may be formed by comparison with large animals of the present day. Elephants in Asia or Africa, where only they are found now in native state, are about ten feet high, flftecn or sixteen feet long, and weigh from three to five tons each, when full grown. But the elephant whose bones were here exhumed, when he roamed over these prairies, long ages ago, was twenty-two feet long, and sixteen feet high, according to the estimates of Dr. M. II. Everett, of Troy Grove, and his brother, who made a long and careful investigation. The animal's foot was twenty inches long, and as large as a kerosene barrel. When alive it probably fed chiefly on grass.

East Paw Paw

William Rogers was the first settler and built the first house, which was used for a hotel. The date of his arrival is not definitely known, but it was not later, probably, than 1836. He was endowed with great bodily strength, and had a fondness for gambling, which he gratified without restraint. He obtained a large part of the Ogee reservation and sold it out piecemeal. From here he went to Dixon, was proprietor of the Western Hotel some time, and finally drifted to California. He was everywhere known, particularly on the river between here and New Orleans, being a man of inuch energy and practical experience. His reappearance in these parts recently is mentioned. In 1877 John Wentworth and other old residents of Chicago got up a banquet for Rogers. He died a year or two ago.

now owned by Mrs. Criswell, as early as 1836. His notable characteristic was his great physical strength, he being accounted the most powerful man in all this country. He lived here till about 1850. One Mead, whose given name is lost, came in 1838, located in the grove south of this village, and took a claim reaching to the county line on the east, and to the Chicago road on the north, on which the site of the town partly is. Job Alcott, who came in 1836, had his improvement adjoining Morgan on the east ; in a few years he sold to a man named Mussulman, who built the Hollow House.

Bailey Breese emigrated from Morristown, New Jersey, in the fall of 1840, bought a quartei-section next the county line, and north of the Chicago road, from William Bogers, and the following summer, being joined by his family, began to improve it. A part of the village was afterward platted on his land, and his house, built where Mrs. Elizabeth Rosette lives, was the second on the site of East Paw Paw. At a subsequent time, having $400 in ready cash, a tender of foi'ty acres of land lying on Lake street, in Chicago, near the "Bull's Head" tavern, where all the drovers put up in that day, was made him for this sum of money. He got two weeks' refusal and came home. Bogers, wanting to sell, persuaded Breese to buy more land from him, and the money was invested at East Paw Paw; showing how this dull little village of to-day - at one time, by the way, a stirring, thriving place - was once, and not many years ago, to be preferred to a city in many respects now the most marvelous in the history of the world. Mr. Breese was a cousin to Sidney Breese, once senator from this state, and afterward member of the supreme bench. With a robust constitution, not a gray hair, not a tooth missrng, and eyesight unimpaired, he was a type of health. He was an active business man all his life, and his public-spirited usefulness raised his character and memory high in popular judgment. He died in 1859 at the ripe age of seventyseven.

Jacob Wirick came about 1842 or 1843 and bought out William Rogers ; a tavern was on the place and he M-as landlord there awhile. Later we find him living over the county line in the present southeast quarter of the village. Wirick was converted to Mormonism in Ohio; removed to Nauvoo, Illinois, and thence with his brethren of the faith to Missouri, where, after successive removals and hardships, he became dispossessed of most of his property, of which he had a competency. To escape the wandering condition of his sect, and the persecutions which chased it like avenging fate, he sought his individual fortune, as many of the "saints" did, b}'- dispersing themselves in all directions, and came to this place, where he became well off again, and died just before the war.

. Wiram Gates arrived in 1845, bought out Meade, and lived where Charles Pierce, who came the same year, now does. lie was a celebrated character, familiarly called "Bogus" Gates, from a kind of money unknown to the law elsewhere than in its penal provisions. Gates denied ever having handled counterfeit coin, but in the face of people's observations his denial was a travesty on truth. He had been a circus proprietor, and in such capacity became educated in the crookedness of the world. There is no doubt that he entertained and assisted the numerous horse-thieves who regularly pursued their occupation. Gates owned a good deal of property, at one time about 600 acres of land, and people said if he had been honest he would have become wealthy; but while setting traps for others, by a piece of sarcastic justice he was himself trapped. Gates built finely, even lavishly, for the time and place; lie had so many costly buildings that his home M'as unsalable except at great sacrifice ; suddenly his fine Gothic residence, erected at a cost of $3,000, burned down ; but he failed to collect the insurance. He was also a tradesman in East Paw Paw, and one of his notable operations was the bringing from New York of a stock of goods selected and bought on credit for $12,000 by his son, with the evident intention of defrauding the creditors. The plan did not succeed. Before the arrival of the goods an agent waited on him and required him, and another son who had means, to indorse for the purchasing son. Failing to meet the obligation at maturity, his stock was seized, he was broken up, and the career of " Bogus " Gates was practically at an end in this part of the country.

Jacob "VVirick and Baile}^ Breese sold the first village lots, the former owning east and the latter west of the county line. The first store, a little west of here, was opened by Charles Howard in 1817; possibly his brother George had an interest with him. At this period the nearest trading points abroad were Dixon, Ottawa and La Salle. The Howard stock of goods was afterward moved to "East Corners" (East Paw Paw) and sold to Sherborn Gates. In 1849 S. B. Warren bought this store and associated James Little with him as partner. Near the same time Wirara Gates, and a tradesman named Davenport, also began selling goods. A post-oftice was established in 1850, with Andrew Breese as postmaster. The present incumbent is Henry Yan Riper. About 1855 the Teachers' Institute and Classical Seminary was erected with funds subscribed for the purpose. A union church has existed in the place since 1868. The original pastors were the Rev, Layenbee, Methodist, and the Rev. Breed, Congregationalist. Rev. Stover, of the Methodist church, is ministering to the congregation at this time. He preached in this section of country over thirty years ago. A man of fine talent.

Once this was a point wliere a large trade was carried on ; but the signs of activitj^, abundant years ago, have departed, and the town gracefully accepts the tate with which the railroads have darkened its experience. The school is an institution of acknowledged merit, whose reputation is sufficient to maintain its thrift and usefulness.

Spartan Lodge, No. 272, I.O.O.F., was organized at East Paw Paw March 31, 1859, by the deputy grand master, Lee, and worked under dispensation until cliartered, October 9. The charter members and first elective officers were H. P. Moore, N.G. ; B. B. Griffith, Y.G. ; James Lansing, P.S. ; John Clark, T., and E. D. Wilcox. At the date of organization Lanson Hubbell and William Rosette were admitted by card, and D. R. Fuller, John Patrick and John Mickly were initiated. For a number of years the lodge was located on the other side of the county line, but consent having been obtained it was moved into Lee county. Its history, like that of most fraternal oi'ganizations, is checkered with trials; but it has done a beneficent work, and is the veteran parent of five other lodges, namely : Shabbona, of Earlville; Anchor, of Paw Paw; Fidelia, of Steward; Fertile, of Shabbona, and Triumph, of Malugin's Grove. The first three are alive and prosperously at work. Spartan lodge is in a flourishing condition, with a membership of forty-one. The present elective officers are George Firkins, N.G.; Elmer Day, Y.G. ; Nelson Morris, R.S. ; James Ketchum, P.S. ; Oren Marble, T., and Benjamin Frantz, C.

South Paw Paw

This hamlet is pleasantly situated on the county line at the south side of Paw Paw Grove and lies partly in both counties. It contains a school-house, Methodist church, 'creamery, cemetery, and about a dozen private houses. The first settler here was John Ploss, in the spring of 1835. Eber St. John bought his claim and then sold it to Deacon Orlando Boardman, who arrived in 1840. Deacon Israel Hallock came the same year, and has lived on his present homestead since that lime. The former, now dead, was prominent in organizing the Baptist society, and in erecting the church which once stood here, and was afterward removed to Paw Paw. Ralph Atherton, originally from Massachusetts, but later from Pennsylvania, came to this place in 1844, and is still living here. He was a fancy craftsman of the awl and last, and gladly received by the misses and others whose aspirations began to demand something: more tasteful than " cowhides." Dr. Geoi"o;e

Daniel Pine, now in his ninety-fourth year, came in 18-15, and settled on the Bacon farm. David R. Town, native of Waterbury, Vermont, moved with his father, Russell Town, to Ohio at the age of five, and in 1S35, when ten years old, came to Paw Paw Grove. He went from here across the plains in the government service in the spring of 1848. Timothy Goble came here is 1813 from the Wyoming valley, in Pennsylvania, where the rest of the family of that name had lived, and located on the connt_yline where Mott Goble resides. For some years he has been at this place. In 1847 the parents, Ezekiel and Margaret, moved fi-om the cast, and have since died. Years ago a graded school was here, at which many of the people now residing around were educated, and of which they speak in most commendatory terms. Edward Butterfield, the original settler of Wyoming township, and his wife, Polly, are buried in the cemetery at this place. The Rev. Norman Warriner, pioneer Baptist preacher, is also interred here.

As near as can be ascertained it was in the year 1838 when the Rev. Caleb Morris, Nancy, Caleb and Isachar Robinson, Betsey and Lydia Town, organized a Methodist class here, and named it the Paw Paw class. Caleb Robinson was appointed leader and steward and acted in these ca])acitics till 1858, when he moved away and was succeeded by Samuel A. Abbott. Although the number of paying members for several years did not exceed five, yet it has had regular preaching once in two weeks, and since 1878 every Sabbath. The chui'ch edifice was erected in the year 1807. It is about 36x60, surmounted by an eighty-foot spire, and is a neat and commodious house of worship.

The South Paw Paw Union Sabbath-school was organized in the school-house at that place in 1843, with C. M. Dickinson as superintendent. When the Baptist chui'ch was moved to Paw Paw the school was ti-ansferi'cd from that house to the Methodist.

Fi'iendsliip Grange, No. 143, was organized at South Paw Paw, where it continues to hold its meetings, in April 1873. The charter members were J. W. Chirk, F. B. Ilallock, G. Wirick, W. Campbell, D. C. Iloag, II. Butterfield, II. Burch, B. J. AVarren,' D. Chapman, J. G. Jones, Robert Hampton, W. P. Hampton, S. Butterfield, J. E. Ketchum, and W. Atherton. Robert Hampton and D. C. Iloag were the first master and secretary respectively. Present membership, twenty-five.

Sunny side Lodge of Good Templars was instituted at South Paw Paw in April 1877. Prominent members were Orlando Boardman and wife, Mrs. Louisa Hunt, D. C. Iloag, Solomon Butterfield, Edward Butterfield, Charles Ketchum, and Harry Warren. Augustus Ricker was lodge deput3^ Meetings have not been held the present year.

On the petition of thirty-four legal voters and tax-payers of Wyoming, John Harding, clerk of the township, issued a call for a special town meeting, to be held September 22, 1869, to vote on the question of the township's subscribing $50,000 to the capital stock of the Chicago & Rock River Railroad Company. The conditions were that the bonds, if authorized, should not be issued or draw interest or be delivered until the road should be completed through the township, and eai's running over it ; that the road should be constructed within 100 rods of the main street of Paw Paw, and a depot located within the same distance of the village, and that on the delivery of the bonds to the company the township should receive in exchange a like amount of stock. At the election 142 votes were cast in favor of the proposition to 62 against it.

The proposed termini were Calumet and Rock Falls, and the advantage to be secured was an independent line to connect with the eastern trunk roads without entering Chicago to pay the arbitrary tolls and exactions of the warehouse system. The road was not built according to the representations made to the people ; instead of extending it to Calumet it was diverted to Shabbona, where a junction was formed with the Chicago & Iowa railroad. The deflection in the course was made at Paw Paw, to which point the line was finished from the west on Wednesday, June 19, 1872, on which occasion the citizens banqueted the contractor, Isaac Edwards, and his men in hearty fashion. The route was at once leased to the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, and it now forms a part of their extensive system.

The township officers at first hesitated to issue the bonds, but as it was apparent that the conditions which the township had made had been fully complied with, as attested by the record, they at length executed the obligation. Fifty bonds of $1,000 each, to run ten years from July 1, 1871, drawing interest at ten per cent, with the first coupon detached, were delivered. The people were restive under the injustice of which they were victims, and appealed to the courts to restrain collections on this outstanding debt, but without success. In 1880 judgment for two years' unpaid interest on $10,000 held in Cincinnati, amounting to $8,400, was obtained against Wyoming. Upon maturity of the old bonds the present year new ones to the amount of $59,000, bearing six per cent interest, were sold to pay them off. In placing this issue $510 above their face value was realized, being the accrued interest and nearly one-half of one per cent premium. A plan of gradual payment was provided for, and the principal and interest fall due in the amounts and years following : 1882 - principal $500, amount $4,040 ; 1883 - principal $2,000, amount $5,510 ; 1884 - prin-

The Joliet, Rockt'ord & JSTorthern railroad, to be built by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, is under contract and located between Paw Paw and Sheridan, intersecting the branch of the latter road at the former place, and is to be extended from Paw Paw both ways to Joliet and Rockford. Grading, just begun (October 1881) at Paw Paw, is to be rapidly completed between the present termini.

Biographical

John Colvill, postmaster. Paw Paw Grove, is a native of Campbellton, Argyleshire, Scotland. His father and brothers were iron or hardware dealers, and at the age of twelve our subject showed such ability for mathematics and accounts that he was placed in the counting-room. A little before majority he emigrated with his brother-inlaw, John Smith, to this country, and for some years made his home with that family. He made a claim of what is now the Smith Pulver farm, on the north side of the grove, but without improving it sold to Matthew Atchinson. For several years he and Jacob Rogers were making shingles together, and when William H. Robinson started in business for himself on Peru street Mr. Colvill became his clerk. About this time, 1850, he took charge of the post-office, and continued as deputy until the accession of President Lincoln, in 1861, when he was appointed postmaster. When Mr. Robinson removed his store to Earlville Mr. Colvill went with him to that place, and excepting his two years' residence there he has been the incumbent of the post-office of Paw Paw Grove since his lirst appointment. On his return he went into trade in the old Robinson stand, and in 1875 sold out his business to William Merrill & Co., but retained the post-office. In 1863 he erected the Flagg & Baker clothing store, and in 1872 the Colvill building. As a business man he has been among the most useful and best respected in town. For many years he was almost the sole con- veyancer on whom the people relied to draft their papers when transferring property. At one time he was elected justice of the peace, but being postmaster was ineligible. He has filled the office of town clerk, and at different dates that of supervisor, and since 1863 that of township treasurer ; and all his trusts have been discharged with fidelity and satisfaction to the public. Mr, Colvill was accidentally deprived of one eye while in the cradle, and the other has always been affected with near-sightedness; but notwithstanding his defective sight he hasbeen a prudent and extensive reader, and has stored his mind well from the best current literature. On his table may be found the daily newspaper, the serai-weekly New York " Tribune," two county papers, and nearly half a dozen of the leading English magazines, ''Blackwood's" receiving his preference. At the date of his return from Earlville,, 1854, he contracted marriage with the relict of William Thompson, ta whom she was united in wedlock Kovember 2, 1840. Her husband died in 1848, and James Thompson is the only surviving child. Her maiden name was Nancy Harding, and she was born in Exeter, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. Her brothers, Lester and Isaac, are leading men of "Wyoming county, in that state, and the Hon. Garrard Harding is president judge of Luzerne county. Mrs. Thompson settled in Paw Paw in 1852, and taught school in this vicinity until her second marriage. She was greatly respected for her success in this profession, but not more than for her exalted virtues as a woman. The ceremony of marriage between her and Mr. Colvill took place September 26, 1854. Like her husband she was a great lover of reading, and in her he had a congenial and estimable companion, whose departure to rest April 18, 1881, was a loss to kindred and friends which can never more be supplied. Mr. Colvill's memory is a repository of early history, upon which, with his kind permission, we have drawn with a free hand.

William McMahan is the county surveyor and the supervisor of Wyoming, and resides on his farm, Sec. 27. He was born January 17,. 1829, in Montour county, Pennsylvania. His father's name was Benjamin, and his mother's Esther J. (Brearley). His grandfather was with the brave Gen. Wayne in the army of the American revolution,, and served through the whole of that war. William was educated at Danville Academy, in his native county, and learned surveying. At the early age of seventeen he taught school in Avinter, did satisfactory work as a surveyor through the summer, and helped his father in farming the rest of the year. This course he followed till 1854, when he came west and taught school at Franklin Grove. The next spring he went to Minnesota, where for five years he was employed in surveying for the government, by contract. Returning thence he married Sarah,

A., daughter of John Clark, of Trnrabull county, Ohio, and the following spring thev emigrated to their present home in Wyoming. The compass was laid away, and he gave his attention to farming, hoping he would thus be allowed to enjoy life in the companionship of his family. But competent surveyors were needed ; and when such men could not be secured, in some cases, unskillful persons ran the lines wrong and caused trouble. But it was found that when Mr. McMahan could be induced to set the boundaries they were accurate and sure. So much confidence came to be reposed in his ability tliat the owners of different lands at Paw Paw Grove and the village united in selecting him to make anew the lines that had been doubtful, agreeing to abide by his decision. The result was what they anticipated. Besides Paw Paw, he laid out Compton, Carnahan, Brooklyn, Shaw, Walton, and Hammon. Finally, in 1867, he was appointed the county surveyor, and has been continued in that service ever since. During his term as supervisor in 1869, at his suggestion, the county procured a copy of the government Held notes, which contain the original surveys of the whole county. This is kept at Dixon ; but Mr. McMahan has made a duplicate copy of the work, and added to it the accumulated surveys of Mr. Crawford and himself, so that this body of valuable records are now conveniently accessible at his office. Five times he has been elected supervisor, and seven times assessor. He has three children living: Hattie E., John C. and William B. His J Sec. of land is furnished with excellent buildings. One item of his crops in 1879 was 176 bushels of clover seed.

Deacon Iskael F. Hallock, farmer. La Clair, with his excellent wife, are among the few who survive of those who settled in Wyoming prior to 1841. Mr. Hallock is of the eighth generation from England, the son of Joseph Hallock, an Orange county farmer, and was born June 16, 1818. Leaving the Empire State in his seventeenth year, he spent four years in Pennsylvania. Married Persis P. M. Boardman, daughter of Deacon Orlando Boardman, in 1839. Li 1840 emigrated to Illinois, and that fall bought the claim where David Thomas now lives, on the south side of Paw Paw Grove. Next year he sold this and took up a prairie claim one mile south of the grove, on the township line, where to-day, on the Earlville road, may be seen as fine a grove as eye ever beheld. This grove is of hard and soft maple, partly fringed with tamarack and cedar. Mr. Hallock set the hard maples about 1850, and the soft about 1862. On this "Maple Grove Farm" Mr. and Mrs. Hallock lived thirty-seven years. In 1879 he sold to his son-in-law, Steven A. Tarr, and moved to the Boardman farm at ""South Side," where they now reside. Mrs. Hallock is one of the thirteen who organized the Paw Paw Baptist church, in 1841. Mr.

Hallock was the second member received ; he united in 1842, and wa& appointed deacon about 1850. They have two children, Mrs. Jane E. Tarr, on " Maple Grove Farm," and William H., on a farm of his father's in Stark county. When Mr. and Mrs. Hallock came as pioneers, they were six weeks and five days on the road, and besides the few things brought in their one-horse wagon they had three dollars left after buying a cow. Now, when forty-one years have elapsed, they appear to be young in social joys and virtues, and blessed with an abundance of whatever enters in to complete a successful life.

John Rosenbeeger, station agent of the Rock Falls branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, was born at Hatfield, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, September 18, 18-16. His parents' names were David and Elizabeth. His mother died when he wa& quite young. His early education was limited to attendance at a common school six months in the year, but he made good use of that. At the age of fourteen he became a clerk in a produce store in Philadelphia. Besides his service here, he assisted his father on his farm at intervals, and before he was twenty-one had also learned cigar-making. For several years afterward he worked at his trade in Michigan, Ohio and Illinois. While residing at Aurora he improved his evenings to learn telegraphing, and found this knowledge of great use afterward. He then mastered the details of railroad accounts and management, so far as he had opportunity, and was employed in railroad work in several offices, gaining much valuable experience. January 13, 1873, he was appointed to take charge of this station. In December of that year he married Miss C. J. Yanhorn, of Paw Paw, formerly of I^orthumberland county, Pennsylvania. They have two children, Fay Wilson and Georgie Floy.

Abner B. Olapp, farmer, lives east of Four-Mile Grove. He was born at Northampton, Massachusetts, April 13, 1825. His father was a farmer, and his grandfather, Simeon Clapp, was a soldier in the revolutionary war. He was not fond of books, and regrets that he did not study more when a boy. But he was early inured to hard work and loved it. After he was twenty-one, having no capital, he labored five seasons in a brick-yard in the warm weather, and in winter worked in the timber ; believes he earned a dollar with the axe easier than in any other way, for he was strong and tough. In 1850 he married Miss Alcimena Hastings, of Westhampton. They emigrated to Wyoming in the spring of 1854, and bought the eighty acres on which they now reside. If they had had the money then $800 would have paid for the farm ; but obliged to run in debt and pay ten per cent interest,. the original cost was increased by interest to $2,400 before they could call it their own. The hard work which these two persons did in the first years they were here would seem incredible, were it not that the facts cannot be doubted. AYorking for others in the day-time, and then in his own field till midnight, in harvest season, and assisted by his "wife, who was a true helpmeet, if the country had not been more healthful than many other places they must have broken down. But when the crops were taken to market prices received only paid the cost of living while raising them and a few dollars over. Corn, shelled and hauled to Mendota, eleven miles distant, brought 12 and 14 cents a bushel. At length, discouraged, Mr. Clapp started for Pike's Peak, hoping to obtain money enough to repay the loans from friends, and his wife returned east to work awhile at her trade as a dress-maker. Mr. Clapp drove 1,100 miles with an ox team, and then met numbers returning who said there was no chance for a living westward. He would have persevered, but his companions induced him to return. He had thus traveled 2,200 miles. His wife met him at their Wyoming home, and the two took up the battle of life with new courage. He had seen so many worse off than they were that he would not complain. Pluck and industry won, and prosperous times came. They have one son, Lewis A.

HoN^. Obed W. Bkyant has a farm of nearly 600 acres at Four Mile Grove, near Paw Paw, in Wyoming township. Here he has resided for nearly forty years, famous, as a farmer, for his industry and successful management ; tenderly beloved bj' an ever widening circle of friends; esteemed by his neighbors far and near for strict integrity, straightforward dealing, warm-hearted kindness, courage, prompt action, and public spirit. He is of Scotch descent on his father's side, a third cousin of the late William Cullen Brj-ant, the distinguished poet and editor of ]^ew York, and inherits much of the good common-sense grit and blunt ways of his sturdy ancestors. With few early advantages from the common schools of sixty years ago, he is mainly a selfeducated man, and has creditably filled many varied positions of honor and responsibility in the town and count}^, has been a frequent delegate to conventions and often called to preside, and has represented his district in the legislature. Obed Wilson Br^^ant was the son of Micah. and Polly (Twichell) Bryant, and was born at New Yineyard, Maine, March 9, 1815. His great-grandfather, Moses Twichell, was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill ; his grandfather of the same name was also in that battle, and served through the revolutionary war, as did likewise his grandfather Bryant. His parents could not give Obed much time to go to school, and very little mone}^ to start in life, but we may be sure they taught him excellent habits ; and when, in 1837, he emigrated from Maine to Princeton, Bureau county, Illinois, he at once found employment and kind friends. One family there, whose acquaintance he then made, befriended liim in many ways, and encouraged him to commence a course of stndy and reading which was faithfully followed in after years, and qualified him for the many places he has been called to fill. It is worth while for boys to notice the reason which induced this Princeton family to take such a kindly interest in the young man who had come to them an entire stranger: it was because they found that they " never had any work they wished him to do but that ]:e was ready to do it and did it as well as he knew how." In 1839 and 1840 depression of business caused Mr, Bryant to engage on the public works. It was the hardest kind of labor, but -lie had great strength and a tough constitution. Within a week he was placed in charge of a gang of men in a quarry in the Peru Bluffs, and soon after was promoted to a more responsible position. Here he was required to keep a record in his books in cubic yards, and knew nothing of the method ; but after the day's labor was over he set himself to learn, and before he slept worked out the problem, unaided. Mr. Bryant was married in 1840, to Lucy Lindsey, and in 1842 moved onto a farm he had purchased, on which George Yenerick now lives, at Four-Mile Grove. In 1843 his wife died, and to escape his sorrow he sold his farm, and with another party engaged in buying flat-boats with cargoes at points near the Red river, on the Mississippi, and selling them at New Orleans. Returning the next spring Mr. Bryant bought a farm near his present residence, but just over the line southward in La Salle county, where he lived for several years. In 1844 he married Sarah, sister of his former wife. At a later period he sold the land he had bought at government price for S15 an acre, and in 1854 purchased the farm where he now lives. Mr. Bryant has taken an active interest in public affairs. Besides serving in office in other places, he has been elected county supervisor here six terms, often a magistrate, and in 1865 was member of the legislature. Yet he prefers to be known simply as a farmer, never seeking any other position. ^' If you wish me to serve you and are satisfied with my efforts, I shall submit," he has often said when nominated for office, " but if 3^ou would please me, leave me on my farm." He has done a good deal of quiet christian work, preaching acceptably in churches and schoolhouses and outlying neighborhoods, and giving largely in proportion to his means to aid in building churches and endowing educational institutions, and has helped young men to enjoy at college the advantages that were denied to him. Several of the students whom he has helped have become ministers, one is a physician. While he will protest against this brief tribute, which is made up chiefly from the public records and the statements of fellow-citizens, less could not be said in justice, and other facts of interest concerning him may be pre- sented in another connection in this work, as others had to do with them. Mr. Bryant has seven children : Wilson C, Mrs. D. L. West, Wm. Howard, Frank B., Emma M. (Blee), Eva C. (Lewis) and Chas. H. DexVcon Daniel Pine, South Paw Paw (La Clair the post-office), in the ninety-fourth year of his age and the thirty-sixth of his residence in the township of Wyoming, is a man of really remarkable history. He was born in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, December 21, 1787. His grandfather was an Italian and died in Italy, Subsequently due and legal notice was received by Daniel's ftither, Joseph Pine, that a very valuable island was represented to belong to the estate of the grandfather in Italy, with the request to prove up a claim inside of ten years, else it would revert to the government. Dr. Alvin Bristol, of Rochester, New York, the only heir with means sufficient and competent for the work, went to Massachusetts, found the records all straight and adequate, and w^as about to proceed when he sickened and died. This put an end to the whole matter. Daniel's father was a clothier. His generosity in becoming surety for others kept the family poor. Of thirteen children Daniel is supposed to be the only survivor. In 1803 the family moved to York state, and while passing through the town of Arlington, Bennington county, Yermont, Daniel, a sprightly and attractive boy six years old, attracted the attention of the landlord of the tavern, named Baker. Baker says to Daniel's parents, " I like the looks of this boy ; would like to have you leave him with me." The parents being poor and having a number of children, could spare this one, and left Daniel with Baker on trial for a few months. His father returning and finding Daniel contented, he indentured him to Baker till majority. Unfortunately the clause relating to the boy's schooling was simply that he be taught "to read, write, and cipher," which proved altogether indefinite. Daniel's father fully intended the boy should have at least three months' schooling for years, and took Baker's word for it, and therefore did not submit it to writing. So in the tavern, always wanted, summer and winter, the boy grew up, devoid of even a rudimentary education, Baker promising well each year for the next, but "next year" never came. At Daniel's majority he came one hundred miles north to the town of Williston, where one Horace Allen was teaching school. Daniel went to school to him, saw his destitution ; his pride did not allow him to take the proper place to obtain the needed primary instruction. In 1813 Daniel married this Allen's sister, Luc}^ Allen, who, being an educated girl, became to Daniel his spelling-book. Being quick of observation, as she told him letters he memorized the orthography, until in a few years he was able to do business quite well. So we find him saying to his printer in 1878, " The diction is correct, but the spelling, I know, is not, and

I am unable to correct it; please do this for me." In the war of 1812 the subject of this sketch did service at the battle of Plattsburg, and received a land warrant, the net avails of which was $300, and sixtysix years later, in 1878, he commenced drawing a pension of $96 a year by virtue of the recent act of congress. In 1815 he moved to St. Lawrence county, ISTew York, where he resided till 1834, when he moved again to Ohio, county of Madison ; thence, in 1845, came to Illinois and settled at South Paw Paw on what is known as the " Bacon Farm." In 1866 he sold there and moved to his present residence at South Paw Paw. Mr. Pine has been a member of the Congregational church over sixty years, and thirty-six years of that time a deacon in that church, and in all this period his manner of life has been above reproach. He was a whig at first, and about 1846 identified himself strongly with the abolitionist party, then with the republican party, and for years has advocated strongly the legal prohibition ticket as the only remedy for drunkenness. He has everywhere been active in the cause of temperance, and his life has ever conformed to his teaching as an advocate of temperance and righteousness and true holiness of heart and life. Mr. Pine's natural constitution has been remarkable ; his general health now is as good as ever. Last year he planted and tended a half acre of corn, hoeing it three times, and he says, " Oh, yes ; what a fine crop I had ! " Samples of that corn and those potatoes have gone to numerous friends in other states. His strength has ever been beyond his weight. His height is about five feet eleven inches, and he never weighed over one hundred and sixty-five. He was an adept at wa-estling. One incident may be worthy of record : When about eighteen he went into a ring of wrestlers on training day and floored thirteen, every one of whom were older and heavier than himself, and was not thrown at all. When twenty-two, at Williston, at a similar game, he floored the champion wrestler of the state on each of the three holds. His faithful wife walked with him over sixty years. They had eleven children, eight still living, each and all of whom are active in difi'erent churches. They are Mrs. Perry Stowe, Mrs. Sylvester Carter, Mrs. David P. Town, Mrs. E. K. Whitemore, Julia, Horace, Daniel, and N^athan A. At the ninetieth anniversary of Mr. Pine's birthday his five daughters all came and gladdened their father's heart by a munificent gift, which he fully appreciates. Deacon Pine is to this dnj a remarkably fine penman. His correspondence is very large. His diction is easy and expressive. In 1858, at the solicitation of friends, he wrote the history of his religious life, which was published in Utica, New York, and in 1878 he wrote and published a small pamphlet of a religious character.

sented in another connection in this work, as others had to do with them. Mr. Bryant has seven children : Wilson C, Mrs. D. L. West, Wni. Howard, Frank B., Emma M. (Blee), Eva C. (Lewis) and Chas. H. Deacon Daniel Fine, South Paw Paw (La Clair the post-office), in the ninety-fourth year of his age and the thirty-sixth of his residence in the township of Wyoming, is a man of really remarkable history. He was born in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, December 21, 1787. His grandfather was an Italian and died in Italy. Subsequently due and legal notice was received by Daniel's father, Joseph Pine, that a very valuable island was represented to belong to the estate of the grandfather in Italy, with the request to prove up a claim inside of ten years, else it would revert to the government. Dr. x\lvin Bristol, of Rochester, New York, the only heir with means sufficient and competent for the work, went to Massachusetts, found the records all straight and adequate, and was about to proceed when he sickened and died. This put an end to the whole matter. Daniel's father was a clothier. His generosity in becoming surety for others kept the family poor. Of thirteen children Daniel is supposed to be the only survivor. In 1803 the family moved to York state, and while passing through the town of Arlington, Bennington county, Yermont, Daniel, a sprightly and attractive boy six years old, attracted the attention of the landlord of the tavern, named Baker. Baker says to Daniel's parents, " I like the looks of this boy ; would like to have you leave him with me." The parents being poor and having a number of children, could spare this one, and left Daniel with Baker on trial for a few months. His father returning and finding Daniel contented, he indentured him to Baker till majority. Unfortunately the clause relating to the boy's schooling was simply that he be taught " to read, write, and cipher," which proved altogether indefinite. Daniel's father fully intended the boy should have at least three months' schooling for years, and took Baker's word for it, and therefore did not submit it to writing. So in the tavern, always wanted, summer and winter, the boy grew up, devoid of even a rudimentary education, Baker promising well each year for the next, but "next year" never came. At Daniel's majority he came one hundred miles north to the town of Williston, where one Horace Allen was teaching school. Daniel went to school to him, saw his destitution ; his pride did not allow him to take the proper place to obtain the needed primary instruction. In 1813 Daniel married this Allen's sister, Lucy Allen, wdio, being an educated girl, became to Daniel his spelling-book. Being quick of observation, as she told him letters he memorized the orthography, until in a few years he was able to do business quite well. So we find him saying to his printer in 1878, "The diction is correct, but the spelling, I know, is not, and

I am unable to correct it ; please do this for me." In the war of 1812 the subject of this sketch did service at the battle of Plattsburg, and received a land warrant, the net avails of which was $300, and sixtysix years later, in 1878, he commenced drawing a pension of $96 a year by virtue of the recent act of congress. In 1815 he moved to St. Lawrence county, New York, where he resided till 183i, when he moved again to Ohio, county of Madison ; thence, in 1845, came to Illinois and settled at South Paw Paw on what is known as the "Bacon Farm." In 1866 he sold there and moved to his present residence at South Paw Paw. Mr. Pine has been a member of the Congregational church over sixty years, and thirty-six years of that time a deacon in that church, and in all this period his manner of life has been above reproach. He was a whig at first, and about 1846 identified himself strongly with the abolitionist party, then with the republican party, and for years has advocated strongly the legal prohibition ticket as the only remedy for drunkenness. He has everywhere been active in the cause of temperance, and his life has ever conformed to his teaching as an advocate of temperance and righteousness and true holiness of heart and life. Mr. Pine's natural constitution has been remarkable ; his general health now is as good as ever. Last year he planted and tended a half acre of corn, hoeing it three times, and he says, " Oh, yes ; what a line crop I had ! " Samples of that corn and those potatoes have gone to numerous friends in other states. His strength has ever been beyond his weight. His height is about five feet eleven inches, and he never weighed over one hundred and sixty-five. He was an adept at wa-estling. One incident may be worthy of record : When about eighteen he went into a ring of wrestlers on training day and floored thirteen, every one of whom were older and heavier than himself, and was not thrown at all. When twenty-two, at Williston, at a similar game, he floored the champion wrestler of the state on each of the three holds. His faithful wife walked with him over sixty years. They had eleven children, eight still living, each and all of whom are active in different churches. They are Mrs. Perry Stowe, Mrs. Sylvester Carter, Mrs. David P. Town, Mrs. E. K. Whitemore, Julia, Horace, Daniel, and ISTathan A. At the ninetieth anniversary of Mr. Pine's birthday his five daughters all came and gladdened their father's heart by a munificent gift, which he fully appreciates. Deacon Pine is to this day a remarkably fine penman. His correspondence is very large. His diction is easy and expressive. In 1858, at the solicitation of friends, he wrote the history of his religious life, which was published in Utica, New York, and in 1878 he wrote and published a small pamphlet of a religious character.

elected supervisor of Wjomiiig, and lias served nineteen years as commissioner of highways here. He was born in the parish of Locherly, county of Hampshire, England, ^November 21, 1821. His parents' names were William and Phebe. They were poor, and labored upon a farm. His school privileges were quite limited. In 1837 he sailed for the island of Barbadoes, in the West Indies, where he was two years in the service of the British government, in the navy yard, and taking care of naval stores. Thence he went to Canada, where he was still employed by the government, at Montreal and Quebec. A year and a half later he came to Syracuse, New York, worked in the county, and in the spring of 1846 enlisted in the United States army, 5th Inf. His regiment joined Gen. Worth's division, under Gen. Scott, at Yera Cruz, in the Mexican war, and was in all the engagements that followed to the capture of the city of Mexico. A ball from a sharpshooter took off liis forefinger here. Each man wounded in entering the capital was presented by Gen. Scott with $10 from his own purse. Mr. Edwai'ds received his discharge February 22, 1848, with a pension certificate for §96 a year, and a land warrant. The latter he soon after located in Wyoming, on Sec 6, In September, 1848, he married Eliza Ann, daughter of Henry Merwine, of East Paw Paw. They have three children. Mr. Edwards is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a worker in the Sunday-school.

Almerson Potter, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, was born October 5, 1847, in Wayne county, Pennsylvania. When he was nine years old he came with his parents, Lester and Miranda (Andrews) Potter, to Paw Paw Grove. At- the age of twenty-three he began farming near Twin Groves, and on January 27, 1870, married Miss Mary E. Bispham, daughter of William Bispham, of Wyoming township. In the autumn of 1872 he moved to his father's farm, in Sec. 8 of the same township, where he still remains. They have live children : AYilliam Lester, Henry Floyd, Jerusha, Clara, and Effie.

Elisha a. Stanton (deceased) was born in Exeter, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, May 28, 1821, brought up a farmer's boy, given good advantages at Harford Academy, and became a successful teacher. February 21, 1845, he was married to Sarah Oliver, of the same place, and on the following May-day set out on their wedding tour, it being no loss than a thirty-day journey with their own conveyance to Illinois. Stopping a few days at Harding, they arrived at Paw Paw Grove June 16. Mr, Stanton entered land located about a mile west of Paw Paw, and in due time received the deed from the government. This land never changed ownership till 1875. Mr. Stanton died in 1855. Their only son, J. Oliver Stanton, was in the war of the rebellion, under the last call, graduated at Posh Medical College in the class of 1871, was with Dr. Fish some six months at East Paw Paw in the practice of medicine, and then located at Dennison, Crawford county, Iowa; but his health giving way, he went to the mountains in July 1874, and died at Laramie City, Wyoming Territory, the following October. His two orphan children are with his mother, also his sister Hattie, the only surviving child of the subject of this sketch, their residence being in the village of Paw Paw.

Jesse Beemer, farmer. Paw Paw Grove, son of Henry and Mary (Spandinberg) Beemer, was born in Sussex county, New York, in March 1814. In the spring of 1820, a date which Mr. Beemer remembers with great distinctness owing to the surprising number of rattlesnakes he saw, removed and settled in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. In the backwoods schools of that period the privileges for education were of the slimmest character, but such as they were, Mr. Beemer improved them. He bought and improved a 100-acre farm. October 14, 1838, he was married to Hannah, daughter of John W. Yananken. She was born in 'New Jersey, June 8, 1821. Mr. Beemer emigrated to Illinois in the fall of 1847, and the next spring purchased his present farm, on Sec. 6, in this township. The land he bought was raw prairie, and the whole country was very wild, and on his way from Peru by way of Four-Mile Grove, to his purchase, he was followed most of the time by wolves. Mr. Beemer is an earnest republican, and during the late war had three sons in the Union army. George was a volunteer in Co. K, 75th 111. reg., and was severely wounded in the battle of Perryville. The other sons entered the service in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Beemer have been the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are living. Of these seven are married. Two live in Iowa, two in Nebraska, and all the others in Lee county.

Francis M. Case, farmer and stock raiser, Earlville, Illinois, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Wyoming county February 15, 1839. His father was Chauncy Case, and his mother's maiden name Mary E. Roberts. In 1845 they emigrated to Lee county, Illinois, and next year took up the claim now owned and occupied by the subject of this sketch. This is the S.E. ^ Sec. 35. It will be observed by the reader that a prairie claim two miles away from any timber at that early day was a thing almost unheard of, and indicates quite clearly that the claimant was one w^ho did his own thinking, regardless of the common opinion, and when we come to consider the value he placed upon an education, as seen in the advantages and attainments of his children, this view of him as an independent thinker w^ill be confirmed. Francis attended school successively at South Paw Paw, East Paw Paw, Lee Centre, and Clark's Seminary at Aurora. He then taught several seasons, and was oiFered the position of principal of the Batavia Academy, which ill health compelled him to decline. A sister, Hattie, is one of the finest scholars in the state, having a state certificate ; a brother graduated at Normal, also at Ann Arbor, and is now a probate judge in Kansas. As patriotism and intelligence are^ closely allied, we are not surprised to find the subject of our sketch responding to his country's call. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. K, 75th reg. 111. Inf ; w^as wounded in the terrible encounter at Perryville, and on account of this wound was discharged in 1863. In 1867 he bought the home farm, built his fine two-story house, and was married October 10 of that year to Cynthia J. Clark, daughter of John Clark, of Ogle county. Three children bless their union : Stella, Harr}" and Charlie. On his excellent farm are superior buildings, with orchards, hedges and shade-trees to correspond. Mr. Case has always voted for the successful candidate for president. He and his wife are both members of the Paw Paw Baptist church.

William M. Strader, a portrait of whom is given in this work, and a leading farmer of Wyoming township, was born in Sussex county, JSTew Jersey, August 18, 1824. His parents, Henry and Rachel (Moore) Strader, were in good circumstances, and when he was five years old they removed to the present county of Wyoming, in Pennsylvania, where they continued their occupation of tilling the soil. He made the most of the advantages for education afforded by the district schools near his home ; and after, a residence of twenty years in that place he emigrated to this township in May 1848, and entered the JST. W. ^ Sec. 6. He completed an unfinished log house, broke and fenced his land, and purchased 120 acres more on Sec. 31, in Willow Creek. His marriage to Miss Sarali A. Post, daughter of J. D. Post, of Lee Centre, and sister to Elder William H. Post, was celebrated February 22, 1852. Accompanied by his bride he immediately after started to cross the plains to California, The company, of whom William Hopkins, of Temperance Hill, was the captain, had seven wagons drawn by oxen, and a few saddle-horses. Seven women and about twenty-one men composed the party. After waiting three weeks at Iowa City for the grass to start they set out on their long and toilsome journey of six months. At this time there was a stretch of seventy-five miles between Iowa City and Council Bluffs unbroken by sign of human habitation, Shasta, California, was the terminus of the stage route, and that place was reached September 26. Mr. Strader located on Trinity river, in Trinity county, where he had a ranch on which he built a good house and barn, and at which point he operated a ferry, ahvays known by his own name. His house was the polling-place for that section of country, which was named " Strader's Precinct." In the fall of 1853 he disposed of his property, and in the latter part of Jan- uarj took the stage for Marysville, en route for " the States." At that place, on the 27th, he took passage for Sacramento on the steamer Pearl, carrying 122 persons, including the crew. At this time there was great rivahy for business and the fare had fallen from $5 to 50 cents. Between this and another boat which left at the same time there was a race the whole way. When nearing the wharf at Sacramento city, and not more than twent}^ rods from the landing, the Pearl exploded her boilers, injuring all on board except eight. Mr. Strader, wife and child bappening to be at that moment in the wash-room, escaped scalding, and were rescued before that end of the boat went down. The passage from San Francisco to Panama lasted fifteen days. This city, though having one of the finest roadsteads in the world, had no wharf, and the boats which came out three miles to the steamer at a signal from a gun, to land the passengers, could not, owing to the tide being out, reach the shore with their prows, and stranded. The passengers had paid $2 apiece to be put ashore, but were now required to "come down " with a dollar more to be carried out on men's backs. Mr. Strader was not a light weight, as he found when his transporter fell headlong with him in the water and left him to get out at his own pleasure. Crossing the isthmus, a distance of forty-eight miles, over the Panama railroad, a crooked, rickety concern, they reached Aspinwall, after six hours' travel, but on arrival were detained on the cars the greater part of a day, waiting for the specie boat, which was delayed outside the harbor by the ebbing tide. From New York they proceeded to Philadelphia, thence to Chicago, and reached Paw Paw Grove March 25. Mr. Strader bought his homestead from Russell Town the same season. Mrs. Strader had a second narrow escape from disaster at the fall of the Dixon bridge. May 4, 1873, having just crossed before the fatal accident. These parents have had six children: George C, born in California, died at the age of nineteen ; John, who died in his ninth year; Mary A., who died in her eighteenth year; Willis, Edward J. and Harry G. Mr. and Mrs. Strader are both members of the Paw Paw Baptist church, to which they have belonged the last seventeen years. Their deceased daughter was a young lady of unusual personal beauty, bright intellectual promise, and great excellence of soul. Of her the Rev. H. R. Hicks, her pastor, said : " She had added to her natural charms, that pearl of great price that most gracefull}^ adorned her remaining life." Mr. Strader is a man of cheerful and charitable disposition, well known and thoroughly respected. Under his roof are found hospitality and goodly comfort, due not more to his large-heartedness than to the smile, and skill, and tender care of his estimable wife. Mr. Strader recently lost a favorite nephew, who once lived with him, by a distressing accident on the Marietta &

Northern Georgia railroad, on which he was an engineer. The Marietta "Journal," in the course of an article extolling his character and heroic conduct, thus speaks of the manner in which he bravely met his death : " We say bravely, but we might say heroically, for we have been told that he said that he saw danger caused by a broken cross-tie, and could have jumped off and saved himself, but he knew the passengers would be killed, so he stood to his post, reversed his engine, and went down the embankment and was immersed in scalding water. Walking up to the crowd, he asked ' Is any one killed ?' he was told 'JSTo.' ' Thank God !' he exclaimed. Then with perfect coolness he said, 'I am scalded from head to foot!' although not a quiver of the lip was exhibited and not an expression of pain, yet strips of skin had peeled off of his hands, arms, legs and back. Such nerve is seldom met with. And thus he met death heroicalh^, and lost his own life to save othei-s. He was a young man of fine physique, splendid mental endowments, a skillful macliinist, honorable and just in all his dealings, punctual in keeping his promises, and gentlemanly in his deportment. Pie was past grand of Cherokee Lodge, a Mason, and a worthj^ citizen. Although he came to our city a perfect stranger, he made many true, warm-hearted friends, and was esteemed by our entire people. His sudden and shocking death is deeply regretted."

JoHx Baker, farmer, stock raiser and dairyman, Paw Paw Grove, was born in Jersey county, Illinois, October 14, 1846. At an early age his parents, Ira and Sarah Baker, brought him to Wyoming township, where they settled and have since made their residence. This subject obtained a fair education in the district schools, and on February 7, 1872, married Miss Hannah E. Hunt, only child of Dr. George S. Hunt, the first regular practitioner in the to\vnship. In the fall he went to Neosho Falls, Kansas, with a view of purchasing there, but returned tlie following spring. Next autumn he moved to the Hunt farm, where he now resides. Purchases by him have enlarged the homestead to 360 acres. His barn, nearly new, 30x80, was built in 1879; his other buildings, including a good granary, are large and commodious. His farm is well stocked with implements, neatly cultivated, and in his herd are about 110 head of cattle and horses. Louis Ward and Arthur James are their only children. Mr. Baker is a member of the Corinthian Lodge, No. 205, A.F. and A.M.

Francis E. Rogers, farmer and dairjnnan. Paw Paw Grove, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, August 2, 1840. He was the youngest son of Elihu and Bersheba (Styles) Rogers. The lineage of this family is traced directly back to that grand martyr to principle, John Rogers, who was hound at the stake. Jacob D. Rogers, who came to this town in 1837, was a brother to Elihu. The subject of this sketch has a fair education and has taught four years in this township. On March 4, 1865, he enlisted for one year in Co. G, 15th IlL Inf., and marched from Raleigh to Richmond. On the th.ree-hundred-mile march from Leavenworth to Fort Kearney and back he drove a team of six little yellow Spanish mules, that were just like wild cats. They had to be choked down and chained before it was possible to harness them. An officer looking on remarked, " Rogers, you are the only man who can handle mules without swearing." To hitch the tugs he was compelled to lie flat down and let their heels fly over his head. These were wild mustang mules, lassoed, choked down, and hitched up. His experiences with them were decidedly rich. On April 27, 1866, he married ISTancy Barratt, daughter of John A. and Rachel E. (Clark) Barratt. To gratify his father's wish he remained on the home-place, where the latter died in 1873. Their three children. Belle, Frank, and Mary E., are all minors. The large cottonwood in the rear of the house is ten and a half feet in circumference. It was the only living shrub on the place when his father came, and was left by the cradler the season before, it being just above the grain. Mr. Rogers is a stalwart republican in politics, and past grand of Anchor Lodge, No. 510, I.O.O.F., and secretary of the "Wyoming Horse-Thief Protective Association.

AvEKY Mereiman, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, was born in Geauga connty, Ohio, February 2, 1846. His father, born in Pennsylvania in 1812, came to Illinois in 1846, and settled flrst at Shabbona Grove, and two years later at Paw Paw. A carpenter by trade, he followed the same till he went to Nebraska, in 1875, where he died in 1878. His father was married in 1839, to Mary French ; his mother, who died in 1863, leaving five children. When tlie family moved from Shabbona Grove Avery was but three years old, and remembers seeing Indians who lived about forty rods from his father's place. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. K, 75th 111. Inf., and served till the close of the war. This command was flrst in action at Perryville, and next at Stone River ; it fought at Chickamauga, served during the Atlanta campaign, resisted Hood's invasion of Tennessee, and bore a part in the battle of Nashville and the pursuit of his demoralized forces into Alabama. An elder brother of the subject of our sketch was killed at Stone River. On December 23, 1868, Mr. Merriman was married to Josephine Potter, daughter of Lester and Miranda Potter, and came to his present farm in the spring of 1869. They have a happy family of five children r Albert, Levancha, Josie Ellis, Alice Pearl, and Charlie. Mr. Merrinum is liberal in politics, and a genial and intelligent man.

Little did his father think at that early day, when he owned the claim for the site of nearly all of the present Paw Paw, that the day would come in his son's time when a single lot of that land would bring nearly a thousand dollars. Andrew was born in Sussex county, ISTew York, May 28, 1834, and when seven years of age came to Paw Paw with his parents, and in 1846 went with them to their new farm at Malugin's Grove. At twentj^-three years of age, in March 1857, Andrew started for himself, without a cent of capital, in Viola township, by bujnng eighty acres raw prairie, all on credit, being allowed six years' time with interest at ten per cent ; went on it the following spring and improved and worked it until June 1865, when he sold it for thirty-five dollars an acre. In March, 1869, he bought 152 acres in Wyoming township, Sees. 6 and 7, and by hard work and patient industrj^ has acquired a clear title to this farm and also improved it to some extent. It is now worth $7,500. He has also on hand a good stock of cattle, horses, and sheep. So much for industry. He has five children: Thomas, Margaret, John, Edward, and Theodore, all at home. His youngest brother, Martin H., was born in Paw Paw and died in Andersonville prison in 1862.

LowREx Sprague, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, was born in Barnston, Lower Canada, August 21, 1828. His parents, Josiah and Fanny (Stowell) Sprague, with seven children, came to Paw Paw Grove in the spring of 1841. They rented land of William H. Robinson, now of Earl, and took up the claim adjoining it on the west, now owned and occupied by their son Lowren. Josiah Sprague was a veteran of 1812, a, hard-working, straightforward, upright man. He lived to be eighty-two and had thirteen children. As Lowren was in his thirteenth year when the family came to Paw Paw Grove, his school experience is too interesting to omit. Of course he only went winters. His first teacher was one Adams, who wielded the birch and rule in a log cabin some twenty rods east of David A. Town's. His second school was taught by Robert Walker in the same cabin ; his third by Willard Hastings in his own house at Fonda's corner; his fourth by one Basswood, in a log cabin where the old Wheeler house now stands ; his fifth at Deacon O. Boardman's, in a frame school-house, 18x20, bnilt where William Mayor's house now stands at South Side. In the spring of 1852 the subject of our sketch was one of eight or ten who went with Jacob Wheeler to California, Wheeler furnishing the team, - consisting of oxen and cows, - the rice and hard-tack, and charging each passenger $100. Sprague was there about nine years. After his return he was married to Evaline Bowen, daughter of Daniel Bowen, December 10, 1865. He has a good farm yielding the best of crops. They have six children, two boys and four crirls.

Deacon Isaac E. Hunt, farmer and stock raiser, Paw Paw Gi'ove, was a native of Indiana, born in Union count}', November 11, 1819 ; a son of William H. and Elizabeth (Esteb) Hunt. His parents being in moderate circumstances, and with a quarter-section in the woods to clear and till, the boy's schooling was naturally limited, at an eai"ly age, to the winter seasons. About 1836 his father bought a tract of wild prairie in La Porte county. Thither the family moved, built a log house, and here Isaac worked till he was twenty-three, when he purchased a farm for himself in the same county. On February 20, 1844, he was married to Miss Eliza A. Patterson, of La Porte, Indiana, In the fall of 1852 he moved to Illinois, and bought the farm that he still owns and occupies, about one mile south of Paw Paw Grove, His wife died March 31, 1858, leaving three sons: George, William, and James. March 10, 1859, he was again married, to Ann Eliza McBride, daughter of Frederick McBride, of Wyoming township. The children by his second wife are four: Martha E., Fred P., Mary E. and Milton K. In April, 1864, George fell from a stack and was paralyzed. He lingered along till August 1, when he passed away ; Mary died June 3, 1878; William is a farmer in Nebraska; the other children are all at home. Deacon Hunt united with the Baptist church in his twentieth year, and was appointed deacon of Paw Paw Baptist church in 1859. He was a Henry Clay whig, is no\v a republican, and believes in home manufactures. He has served as commissioner of higlnvays, and several years as trustee of schools, and has always been ready to bear his part in the support of educational and religious institutions.

Dr. James H. Braffet, physician and surgeon, born in Florida, Orange county. New York, October 16, 1834, eldest of three children of James and Mellissa A. (Firman) Braffet, now residing in Compton, Illinois. He attended school at Chester Academy under Deacon Bros., late of the Chicago "Tribune," and his successor. Rev. Phineas Robinson, as principals, completing a scientific course as also one in civil engineering. He studied there with a view to a course at West Point, passed the required examination and received the requisite credentials; but at this point he concluded to pursue the study of medicine, which he began in 1853. In 1855 he came to Illinois and located at East Paw Paw, Here he followed surveying a year, then went into the practice of medicine, wdiich he pursued until the session of 1860 and 1861, when he entered the Rush Medical College, Chicago. After this he was constantly in practice till the session of 1868 and 1869, when he entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York city, where he completed his college course. In 1868 he became a member of the Medico-Pathological Societj', in 1878 a -member of the North

Central Medical Association of Illinois, in 1879 of the Illinois State Medical Society, in 1880 of the American Medical Association. In tlie fall of 1860 he was married to Ellen S. Billings, of Shabbona, De Kalb county, Illinois, and daughter of Jas. M. Billings, now residing at Downsville, Dunn county, Wisconsin. Before leaving the east he was for five years a member of the Caliopean Literary Society, and for several years has been an honorary member of the Athenteum Literar}'- Society, connected with the Classical Seminary of East Paw Paw. He has seven children : Nellie N., John J., Charles C, Mark M., James H., jr., Willie, and Essie.

Thomas D. Palmer, physician and surgeon. Paw Paw Grove, was born August 15, 1846, and the only son of George and Catharine (Stetler) Palmer, of Dixon, Lee county, Illinois. He was educated at the Mt. Carroll and Dixon seminaries. During his seminary course he employed his vacations in the office of Drs. Hewitt and Spigler, at Franklin Grove, and in January, 1861, entered this office peruianently as a regular student. At the session of 1865 and 1866 he entered the Chicago Medical College, and, graduating at the following session, received his diploma in the spring of 1867. In June of that year he came to Paw Paw, where he engaged in the practice of medicine. January 6, 1869, he was married to Mary E. Detamore, a true lady and daughter of Mrs. Susan P. Detamore, of that place. In the fall of 1872, at the completion of the raili'oad, in company with T. II. Stetler, he opened the first drug store of the village; Dr. Palmer continued in it about eight months and then sold to W. C. Runyan, the firm then being Stetler and Runyan. In the spring of 1877 he, in company with Dr. Stetler, opened the Palace Drug Store, now owned by Pierce and Barringer. He is now in his eighth year as Worshipful Master of Corinthian Lodge, No. 205, A.F. and A.M. He is also charter member of Rochelle Chapter, No. 158, was exalted to the degree of Poyal Arch Mason, August 15, 1873, created a Sir Knight of Bethany Commandery. No. 28, March 6. 1874, received the thirty-second degree at the Chicago Consistory, October 15, 1875, and at the Grand Conclave of the Knights of the Red Cross of Rome and Constantine, convened in Chicago October 24, 1881, was elected Grand Junior General. With like enthusiasm in his profession Dr. Palmer is now taking a course of lectures at the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.

Andrew H. Rosenkrai^s, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, son of Abrani and Lydia (Henry) Rosenkrans, was born in New York, March 10, 1835. His grandfather Rosenkrans was a soldier of 1812, Before he was able to remember his parents removed to New Jersey, where his mother died when he was four or five years old. He was raised on a tarm until eighteen or^nineteen years of age, when he began learning the carpenter'* trade, and worked at it as a business up to 1859. The residence of the family in New Jersey was of short duration. They went from there to Pennsylvania and lived about a dozen years, when he came west to Wyoming township, and was followed a little more than a year afterward by the others. Mr. Hosenkrans' arrival here was in 1853. In 1859 he started with^a party, driving ox teams, for Pike's Peak ; but meeting many returning from there who gave discouraging accounts of the prospects in that new place, and being too strong willed to turn back for ordinary discouragements, they all agreed to proceed to California, and did not stop till they reached the Pacific slope, the journey consuming five months. Mr. Posenkrans had a brother who went to Pike's Peak just before he started, and died there the same summer. He remained in California a year and a half, and returned home by water. He was married October 15, 1863, to Miss Lydia A. Mittan, who was born October 29, 1839. Her parents were Jeptha P. and Jane (Beemer) Mittan, who settled in Willow Creek township about 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenkrans have two sons : Anson P., born July 31, 1869 ; and Byron M., November 22, 1871. He is a republican, and a member of Anchor Lodge, No. 510, I.O.O.F. He owns a pleasantly situated farm of 240 acres, three miles northwest of Paw Paw, valued at $12,000.

Henry L. Roberts, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, son of Hendrick H. and Elizabeth (Scott) Roberts, was born in New Jersey in 1845. He was the third child in a family of ten. Four were sons, three of whom are living. The other, Crawford, was a member of the 1st Wis. Cav. in the late war, and died at Cape Girardeau, Wisconsin. Mr. Roberts came to Pavilion,- Kendall county, in the spring of 1856, and in 1868 removed with his parents to Paw Paw, where they still reside. He i& a republican in politics, and belongs to the Sons of Temperance and to the Good Templars. January 1, 1873, he was married to Miss Evaleen Cornell, daughter of Harvey and Lura Cornell. She was born in 1856. Their three children are Crawford Leroy, born August 8, 1875 ; Etta May, October 11, 1877 ; and Lura, in August 1878.