History of DeWitt County Illinois: with biographical sketches of prominent representative citizens of the county.  Chicago: Pioneer Publishing Co., 1910

Note: These biographies were transcribed as written and may contain errors.  We welcome your corrections concerning factual data.  Just send an e-mail to the County Coordinator, and be sure to give us your name and return e-mail address.

Submitted by Judy Simpson unless otherwise noted.

Biographies A - B - C

ANDREW ALLAN.  (Volume II, Page 151)

Andrew Allan occupies a prominent position among the foremost citizens of Weldon, where he is now practically living retired.  His early life, however, was one of untiring activity and was crowned with a high degree of success, yet he is not less esteemed as a citizen than as a man and his kindly impulses and charming cordiality of manner have rendered him exceedingly popular among all classes.

Mr. Allan was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, December 27, 1830, his parents, Thomas and Grace ( Stirling ) Allan, being natives of the same country.  In 1857 they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and settled in Randolph county, Illinois .  In 1866 they removed to Nixon township, DeWitt county, and here spent the remainder of their lives.  In their family were ten children, nine sons and one daughter, of whom four are still living, Andrew being the eldest.  James is a resident of Randolph county.  David makes his home in Weldon.  William is also living in Randolph county.  The last named entered the Union army during the Civil war and now draws a pension in recognition of his services.  He is unmarried.  Thomas, the second child in the family, divided his time between Scotland and America , crossing the ocean twenty-two times.  While in this country he made his home in Weldon, but died on the old homestead in Scotland about nine years ago.  Alexander, who died three years ago, owned and operated a fine tract of five hundred acres in DeWitt county.  He left nine children.  Grace, the only daughter of the family, became the wife of Alexander Brown, of Randolph county, and died in August, 1907.  She left a fine family of eleven children, of whom our subject is very proud, as they cannot be surpassed physically or mentally.

Reared in the land of his birth, Andrew Allan attended school in Galston parish for seven years and thus acquired a good practical education.  At the age of seventeen he went to England , where he was employed as a clerk in a store at two dollars per week, remaining there four years and seven months.  He then established a store of his own in the same town and continued to engage in the dry-goods business there until 1882, which year witnessed his arrival in the United States .  He had previously visited this country several times but it was not until the year mentioned that he became a resident of this country, since which time he has made his home in DeWitt county.  Here he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land at thirty-five dollars per acre and as time passed he steadily prospered until he has become one of the most extensive landowners in DeWitt county, now having about eleven hundred acres all within four miles of his present home.  He continued to engage in general farming for eight years, but in 1892 bought a nice home in Weldon, where he is now enjoying all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, having practically laid aside all business cares, though he still keeps an active supervision over his landed estates.  After coming to Weldon, however, he was engaged in business as a dealer in coal, lumber and building material for a time and erected from four to five houses every summer.

In 1855 Mr. Allan was united in marriage to Mrs. Caroline (Denham) Murphy, a native of Somersetshire, England, who died March 18, 1895, leaving two grandchildren by her first husband, one of whom now lives in New York—James Sterling Stewart, who is principal manager for the Royal Typewriter Company.  The other, Caroline, became the wife of Frank O. Salisbury, of Bangert, Dent county, Missouri .

Mr. Allan was again married, May 12, 1896, his second union being with Miss Charita Flood, who was born in this county, April 10, 1858, a daughter of Robert and Eliza J. (Walker) Flood.  She attended school in Dixon Illinois, and prior to her marriage engaged in school-teaching in DeWitt county for fourteen years.  Her mother died in 1867, but her father, who is a native of Clark county, Ohio , is still living and now makes his home in Weldon.  By his first marriage he had four children: Oscar, who died in Montgomery county, Illinois , February 18, 1910; Sarah, the wife of Amos Berkley, of Weldon; Charita, the wife of our subject; and Mary, the widow of Leonard Hardesty and a resident of Weldon.  For his second wife Mr. Flood married Mrs. Armadilla Jones, by whom he had two children: Charles, who died about 1890; and Mattie, who makes her home with her parents.  During the Civil war Mr. Flood joined the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry and is today an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic.  He is also prominently identified with the Methodist Protestant church, with which the family has long been connected.  His father, Francis Flood, and uncle, Jonathan Flood, were present in Baltimore Maryland, in 1828, on the organization of the first Methodist Protestant church in this country, the former as a lay delegate and the latter as a minister.  Mr. Flood has filled all of the offices in the church with which he is connected and has been a local preacher.  He threw the first shovel full of dirt in making the excavation for the new church at Weldon and took a very active part in its building.  Although he is now eighty-three years of age he is still doing some business as an auctioneer.

Mrs. Allan is also an active worker and prominent member of the Methodist Protestant church, to which her husband was a generous contributor to the erection of the new house of worship.  She has served as steward of the church and her aid can always be counted upon to promote its advancement along any line.  Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Allan have spent their winters in the south, mostly at Ocean SpringsMississippi, but they still continue to reside in Weldon during the summer months.  Mr. Allan is a director of the State Bank at this place and is regarded as one of the best and most reliable business men of DeWitt county.  He is enterprising and progressive, is also exceedingly generous and charitable and, being very witty and an entertaining conversationalist, he is popular in both business and social circles.  He has never regretted his emigration to America , for here he has steadily prospered and today stands among the men of prominence and affluence in his community.

DAVID ALLAN.  (Volume II, Page 158)

David Allan, now living retired in Weldon, was for many years one of the representative farmers of this locality, who in his chosen field of labor met with most excellent success.  He was born in Scotland on the 31st of January, 1840, and is a son of Thomas and Grace ( Stirling ) Allan, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of Andrew Allan on another page of this volume.  He was reared and educated in his native land and at the age of fourteen years began earning his own livelihood, being employed for two years and a half by a rich man who owned a sorn-castle in Ayrshire.  It was on the 4th of March, 1858, that he landed in New York and came direct to SpringfieldIllinois.  Locating in Randolph county, this state, he worked as a farm hand for about four years and then engaged in farming on his own account upon rented land for five years.  The spring of 1867 witnessed his arrival in DeWitt county and he purchased a tract of eighty acres in Nixon township.  To the improvement and cultivation of that property he then devoted his energies and so successful was he in his labors that he was able to add to it until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres, one-half of which is in Piatt county, while the remainder is in DeWitt county.  He continued to engage in general farming and stock-raising until the spring of 1900, when he left the farm and removed to Weldon, having purchased a pretty place in the west part of the village.  Here he is now living retired, while he rents his farm property.

On the 3d of May, 1871, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Allan and Miss Jane Stewart, a native of Ireland , in which country her parents, Charles and Maggie (McMillan) Stewart, spent their entire lives.  She had one brother, Charles Stewart, who came to America and is now living in New York .  Mrs. Allan passed away August 17, 1891, and was laid to rest in the Weldon cemetery.  The children born of that union were five in number.  Grace, born in DeWitt county, May 2, 1872, is now the wife of Clarence McConkey, of this county, and they had nine children: Vesper G., who was born January 19, 1891, and died November 28, 1899; Lynn, born June 4, 1893; Lyle, born March 27, 1895; Wayne, born November 24, 1896; Beulah, who was born October 18, 1898, and died March 12, 1910; Ivan; June; Glen; and Kenneth.  Charles S., born in this county, September 18, 1875, died in 1896 and was buried in Weldon.  Carrie, born August 27, 1880, married Nellie Glasgow and lives in this county.  They have one child, Miriam.  Ethel May, born May 1, 1883, died at the age of nine years.  David Roy, born February 20, 1885, married Lola Carr and lives in Piatt county

Mr. Allan was again married March 7, 1894, his second union being with Miss Margaret McElroy, a native of Randolph county, Illinois, born July 17, 1866, and a daughter of John and Margaret (McDowell) McElroy, who were born in Ireland and came to the new world about 1860.  Her father, who was born in 1830, died about 1880, and the mother, whose birth occurred in 1838, passed away in 1906.  Their children were: Margaret, now Mrs. Allan; Mary, a resident of Randolph county; Rachel, the wife of William Beatty, of SpartaIllinois; and Elizabeth and Agnes, who are graduate nurses and now live in Randolph county.  By his second marriage Mr. Allan has two children: Edith, born December 3, 1904; and Lee, born July 30, 1907.

The Republican party has always found in Mr. Allan a stanch supporter of its principles, but he has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office.  Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Protestant church, of which he is now a steward, and she is treasurer of the woman’s Christian Temperance Union.  They have a host of warm friends throughout this section of the state and are held in the highest regard by all who know them.  Mr. Allan has ever occupied an enviable position in business circles, for he is a man of known reliability and his honesty, integrity and industry have been the means of bringing to him a gratifying success that now enables him to lay aside all business cares and live retired in the enjoyment of the prosperity that has come to him.

EDWARD ALLYN.  (Volume II, Page 234)

Edward Allyn has passed the seventy-second milestone on life’s journey.  He was long identified with educational interests as a teacher but is now living retired.  His interest in intellectual progress, however, has never abated and his influence has ever been on the side of improvement and in support of those projects which work for the betterment of the community.  A native of Ohio , he was born in Hiram, December 17, 1837, his parents being Pelatiah and Angeline (Joslin) Allyn.  His paternal grandfather also bore the name of Pelatiah Allyn and was a native of Connecticut , where he devoted his life to farming.  He was a fifer in the war of 1812, and possessed considerable musical talent and ability.  He married Amelia Taylor and both lived to old age, rearing a family of seven sons and three daughters; Mary, Pelatiah, William, Walter, Amelia, Christina, Ozias, Watson, Orson and Orville.  The maternal grandfather of Edward Allyn was Reuben Joslin, who was likewise of New England birth and was a native of Vermont .  He followed carpentering throughout an active life that at length brought him to an honorable old age.  Unto him and his wife were born ten children: George, Welcome, Angeline, Loraine, Sarah, Eleanor, Benjamin, Harriet, Laura Udell and Nancy Hinckley.

Pelatiah Allyn, Jr., was likewise a native of Connecticut and in his youthful days learned the carpenter’s trade and eventually began contracting on his own account.  He was awarded the contract for building Hiram College in Ohio .  He died at Hiram in 1851, when forty-eight years of age, while his wife had passed away a month previous, at the age of forty-five years.  They were both earnest members of the Christian church and took an active and helpful part in its work.  Mr. Allyn was a man of liberal education and a fine musician and assisted in the composition of a song book.  He served as a trustee of Hiram College and did everything in his power to promote intellectual and moral progress in the community in which he lived.  Unto him and his wife were born eight children, six sons and two daughters, six of whom reached years of maturity: Edward, of this review; Edwin, twin brother of Edward; Emily, the widow of John G. Mason, of Hiram, Ohio; Mary, the widow of Sherman Leach, also of Hiram, Ohio; and Pelatiah and Corwin, deceased.

Edward Allyn spent the period of his youth in his native city, attended the public schools there and afterward pursued a course of study in Hiram College .  He removed to Illinois in 1859, taking up his abode in Clinton, after which he engaged to teach the Excelsior school, three and a half miles east of the city.  He devoted twenty-seven years to teaching in DeWitt county and for four years was a teacher at Bellflower in McLean county.  During all that period he never arrived at school after the hour of its convening.  He was a good disciplinarian and, moreover, had the ability which enables the teacher to hold the interest of his pupils as he imparts to them a knowledge of the branches which constitute the public-school curriculum.  He never felt that the methods which he employed at the outset of his professional career were adequate to the needs of later times but always progressed in keeping with the tendency of the age and thus did excellent work in the schoolroom.  For the past five years, however, he has lived retired, enjoying well earned rest in a pleasant home at No. 321 North Maple street in Clinton.

On the 18th of March, 1867, Mr. Allyn was united in marriage to Miss Adelia F. Hutcherson, a daughter of Thomas S. and Susan (Henry) Hutcherson.  Mrs. Allyn was born in Greene county, Kentucky , May 27, 1844.  Her father was also a native of that state but her mother was a Virginian.  He died in New Mexico , at the age of seventy years while his wife, surviving him for some time, passed away in DecaturIllinois, when in the seventies.  Their children were Adelia, Arminta, deceased, Sarah Elizabeth, Mary, Nancy I., deceased, Sophia, Stephen A., Fannie and Robert, deceased.  The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Allyn was Dr. Huttie B. Hutcherson, a native of Kentucky and a physician by profession.  He married a relative of General Robert E. Lee.  The maternal grandfather was Charles Henry, a native of Virginia and a farmer by occupation.  He was a descendant of Patrick Henry.

Mr. and Mrs. Allyn had but one child, Nellie, who died at the age of three and a half years.  Mrs. Allyn had been formerly married, her first husband being John E. Thomas, and there was one child of that union, John, who died at the age of two and a half years.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Allyn hold membership in the Christian church and he was baptized by President James A. Garfield, who at that time was active in the ministry of the church.  In his political views Mr. Allyn is a prohibitionist but was formerly a Republican.  He is a stanch advocate of the temperance cause and has always been opposed to anything which tends to lower the standards of life or proves detrimental to the individual in any way.  His opposition to slavery in the south and his loyalty to the Union cause led him in August, 1861, to become a member of Company A, Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, known as the Normal Regiment.  He served for four years and three months and although he enlisted as a private he became division clerk under General Osterhouse when in camp.  He was in the battles of Vicksburg, Mobile, and a number of other important engagements.  Returning from the war on Friday, the following day he secured a position as teacher and took charge of the school on Monday.  The same spirit of energy has characterized his entire life.  He is a man of strong purpose and his position in regard to any vital question has never been an equivocal one.  Righteousness, truth and justice find in him an exponent and his cooperation has always been given to those lines of activity which he believes will benefit his fellowman, promote temperance, advance religious work and stimulate the cause of charity.

DANIEL H. ARBOGAST.  (Volume II, Page 11)

Daniel Huffman Arbogast, one of DeWitt county’s well known and prominent business men, occupies an attractive residence just outside the corporation limits of Farmer City , where he has a farm of forty-seven acres, which he purchased about 1874.  There he is conducting a brick and tile factory, and his enterprise and diligence, overcoming all difficulties and obstacles in his path, have enabled him to obtain a substantial measure of success.

He was born on a farm near Mechanicsburg, Clark county, Ohio , May 2, 1827, his parents being Henry and Mary (Huffman) Arbogast.  He was a lad of but twelve years when he arrived in DeWitt county in 1839, coming to Illinois with his parents.  His father was a farmer and bought land near Parnell.  It was upon that farm that Daniel H. Arbogast grew to manhood.  He acquired a fair common-school education, however, largely pursuing his studies at home for it was before the day of the public schools.

In his youth he worked out to some extent and such of his earnings as were not needed for his support went to his father until he was about eighteen years of age.  Subsequently he was allowed what he could earn and as there was little money in circulation he took his pay in a horse, cow, hogs or other live stock or farm products.  He thus had some stock of his own by the time he was twenty-one years of age.  He would haul grain to Chicago for his father in his youthful days and sold it at fifty-five or sixty cents per bushel.  It required twelve days for a team of horses to haul the grain to Chicago and return and sixteen days for a team of oxen to make the round trip.  There was not a bridge between DeWitt county and Chicago at that time, all streams having to be forded.  Some times the rivers would be so swollen that it was necessary to camp out by the side of the stream until the water subsided to some extent.  Chicago at that time had but four thousand inhabitants.  The streets were unpaved, business was developed to only a slight extent and there was little indication that the western prairie town would one day become the metropolis of the great Mississippi valley and the second city of the Union .  Mrs. Arbogast was at that time a resident of Kankakee and bore the maiden name of Minerva Payne.  She knew well the one who built the first brick house in Chicago—Guerdon Hubbard—and the contract was let to Thomas Durham, who manufactured the brick in Chicago and then erected the building.  Mr. Arbogast says at that time the largest scale would weigh but ten bushels.  How great is the contrast to the present method of handling grain in a city which is today one of the chief grain centers of the world.  Mr. Arbogast had to carry the sacks and empty them in a boat and other difficult labor was connected with the disposal of the farm products.

About the time he attained his majority Mr. Arbogast began farming on his own account and on the 25th of February, 1849, was united in marriage in Santa Anna township to Miss Minerva Payne, who was born in east Tennessee on the 28th of May, 1829.  Her parents were John Adam Grenade and Catharine (Johnson) Payne.  She was only six months old when her people removed to Vermilion county, Illinois , where her father established a tanyard, which he conducted for a number of years.  He then removed to Will county, now Kankakee county, Illinois , where he became the owner of a farm, which he brought under a high state of cultivation.  His daughter, Minerva, was about twenty years of age when she went on a visit to her paternal grandfather, Henry Payne, then living in DeWitt county, and it was during that visit that she first met Mr. Arbogast.  The friendship they formed ripened into love and they were married the following year.  They began their domestic life on land owned by Dr. Zerah Wakefield and the fall following their marriage John A. G. Payne, the father-in-law, came to this county and in connection with Mr. Arbogast purchased five hundred and thirty-five acres of the estate of Dr. Wakefield at five dollars per acre.  After a few years he sold out and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land.  The other place had been in the edge of the timber.  He paid seven dollars an acre for the tract, which is about a mile and a half northwest of Farmer City .  The place was then known as Mount Pleasant and contained about one hundred and fifty inhabitants.  It had been laid out in 1836.

Upon his second farm Mr. Arbogast began the manufacture of brick, but after a year, realizing that he was too far from town, sold out and came to the place where he now lives.  Here he made the brick of which the house is built.  His factory has produced most of the brick that has been used in the buildings of Farmer City .  It was after the railroad was built that the name of the town was changed.  This was brought about by McCord and Weedman.  In the late ’70s or in the early ’80s Mr. Arbogast began the manufacture of tile and has been instrumental in furnishing the tile that is used in draining much of the rich farm land in this vicinity.  His life has indeed been a busy and useful one, characterized by unfaltering diligence that has brought to him substantial and well merited success.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Arbogast have been born nine children.  Elizabeth is the wife of A. D. Webb and lives in DecaturIllinois.  They have three children, two of whom are married and have children.  Lydia N., the second member of the family, is the wife of John Swiney, of Iowa FallsIowa, and has three sons, two of whom are married and have children.  John, who married Susan Muir, lost his life through an accident in a brickyard at LambertonMississippi.  He had no children of his own but reared an adopted son, Fred Arbogast, who is now clerking in a clothing store in Farmer City .  George, the next of the family, died at the age of one year.  Amos, who is a contractor of Clinton, wedded Mary Griffith and has five children, of whom one is married.  Edward died when twenty-two years of age.  Sherman married Hattie Gardner and has three children, of whom two are married and one has a son, making ten great-grandchildren in the Arbogast family.  Walter J., who wedded Mary Fry, lives at NormalIllinois, where he is engaged in contracting.  Grenade died at the age of nine years.  In the fall before his death he was in the woods and, picking up an acorn, asked his mother to plant it in her flower bed.  She did so and the next spring it sprouted and today it is the finest shade tree in the yard, being about fifteen or sixteen feet in circumference.  There it stands a stately memorial to the lad who planted it.  At a very early age he had become identified with the Methodist Episcopal church and was a splendid boy, in whom the parents felt the most justifiable pride.  Three of the sons of the Arbogast family became contractors and all did well in the business.  They worked together for several years, during which time they erected the First Methodist Episcopal church at Decatur at a contract price of one hundred and ten thousand dollars.  The son, now living in Normal, has erected many churches, having made a specialty of ecclesiastical architecture.

In 1848 Mr. Arbogast cast his first presidential ballot for Zachary Taylor and when the Republican party was organized he voted for John C. Fremont and has since been an earnest Republican but has never sought nor desired office.  He was fifteen years of age when he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his wife joined the church when about eighteen years of age.  He has served as steward and both have taken an active interest in the church work, doing all in their power to promote its growth and extend its influence.

In 1895 Mr. Arbogast met with an accident which almost cost him his life.  At that time his hip was dislocated and rendered him a cripple, making it necessary for him to retire from the active management of his business.  He has passed the eighty-third milestone on life’s journey and his record has been one that exemplifies the best traits of honorable manhood and of loyal and progressive citizenship.  For more than the Psalmist’s allotted span of three score years and ten he has lived in this county and is today one of its oldest settlers.  Few men are better informed concerning the history of this part of the state.  He relates many interesting incidents of the early days and of the progress which has brought the county to its present advanced position.  He has a very wide acquaintance in Farmer City and throughout the surrounding districts and no one is ever heard to speak of Mr. Arbogast save in terms of kindly regard and high respect.

SHERMAN G. ARBOGAST.  (Volume II, Page 400)

It is not only because Sherman G. Arbogast is a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families of the county that he deserves mention in this volume but also because of the important and helpful part which he is taking in promoting the business activity and consequent prosperity of this section.  He is now actively engaged in the manufacture of brick, tile and cement work, including cement blocks and cement tile of all sizes up to five feet.  His plant is located at Farmer CityIllinois, and is one of the most important industries there.  In its management he displays keen business discernment, with a recognition of all those qualities which are essential to success.  Along well defined lines of labor he has conducted his business and the substantial success which has attended his efforts indicate his sound judgment, keen discernment and indefatigable energy.

His birthplace was a farm about a mile and a half northwest of Farmer City and his natal day was March 6, 1865.  He is a son of Daniel H. and Minerva (Payne) Arbogast, two of the best known and most honored pioneer citizens of DeWitt county.  His father established one of the first brick and tile manufacturing enterprises in this part of the state and as his assistant Sherman G. Arbogast early became familiar with the trade, which he has since followed.  He received his education in the schools of Farmer City and lacked but one year of graduation when, at the age of sixteen years, he became ill with scarlet fever and had to leave school.  He afterward served an apprenticeship at brick laying and when he was twenty-two years of age began contracting in connection with a younger brother, Walter J., to whom he taught the business.  Later their elder brother, Amos L. Arbogast, learned the trade under them and all three then worked together, Sherman G. Arbogast taking the contracts.  The important work which he has done ranks him with the leading contractors in this part of the state.  He had the contract for the building of the First Presbyterian church at Clinton; the Warner Hospital and the Douglas School , also of Clinton.  He likewise had the contract for the Christian church at Jacksonville, Illinois, which was built at a cost of sixty-five thousand dollars; the Christian and Methodist churches at Stanford, McLean county; the First Methodist Episcopal church at Decatur, which was erected at a cost of one hundred and forty thousand dollars; the high school at Duquoin, Illinois, at a cost of forty-five thousand dollars; the Chillicothe (Ohio) Methodist Episcopal church at eighty-five thousand dollars; the Christian church at Coshocton, Ohio, at sixty-five thousand dollars; the Methodist Episcopal church at Farmer City at nineteen thousand dollars; and the Catholic church at Farmer City at thirteen thousand five hundred dollars.  He has also erected many important business blocks in all parts of the country.  The extent and character of his contract work is indicative of the superior skill and ability which he displays and which has given him high standing among the representative contractors of central Illinois .

On the 22d of November, 1887, Sherman G. Arbogast was married to Miss Hattie Gardner, of DeWitt county, and unto them were born three children: Lydia, now the wife of Roy E. Dockum, living near Cherokee, Oklahoma, by whom she has one son, Sherman Maston; Leta, the wife of L. R. Ross, a farmer residing in DeWitt county; and Edward D., now a high-school student.

In his political views Mr. Arbogast is a stalwart Republican and has served as deputy game warden of DeWitt county for seven years, being appointed to the position under Governor Yates, since which time he has served continuously in the office.  He has also been a delegate to various conventions of the party.  He and his family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are most loyal to its teachings.  Mr. Arbogast belongs to Kenilworth Lodge, No. 60, K. P., in which he has filled all of the chairs.  He likewise belongs to Manitou Lodge, No. 75, I. O. R. M., in which he has filled all of the offices, while several times he has attended the great council and was deputy great sachem for two years.  For about sixteen or seventeen years he has been identified with the Modern Woodmen of America.  At all times he is loyal to the principles of these organizations and his record makes him an exemplary member.  He stands for that which is progressive in citizenship and as the years go by his worth is most clearly demonstrated.  He is honored and respected by all who know him and his warmest friends are those who have known him from his youthful days.

EMANUEL G. ARGO.  (Volume II, Page 120)

Emanuel G. Argo, who has lived retired in Clinton for the past decade, was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in DeWitt county throughout his active career and also conducted an ice business in Clinton for a quarter of a century.  His birth occurred in Clermont county, Ohio , on the 17th of August, 1838, his parents being Alexander and Eliza Ann (Wallriven) Argo, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye state.  The paternal grandfather, Moses Argo, spent his entire life in Ohio , passing away in Hamilton county, that state.  His wife was Mrs. Sarah Argo.  The maternal grandparents of our subject lived and died in Clermont county, Ohio , both reaching an advanced age.  They were farming people and reared quite a large family of children.

Alexander Argo, the father of Emanuel G. Argo, was a wagon maker by trade and came to ClintonIllinois, in 1840.  He purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land from Daniel Newcomb and in 1844 took up his permanent abode thereon.  It was on that farm that he reared his family and successfully carried on agricultural pursuits for many years.  He built a large and substantial residence, which has now been standing for sixty years or more and is still in a good state of preservation.  The framework is of oak and the laths were spit by hand, the pine lumber being hauled from Pekin.  After shelling his corn Mr. Argo hauled it to Pekin, where he received twelve and a half cents per bushel for it, while his wheat brought thirty cents a bushel.  His farm was platted and divided among the heirs and has all been transformed into town lots, upon which many houses have been erected.  It was deeded to the family as “all south of the center line of Main street ,” and the present site of the Illinois Central depot was the northwest corner of the quarter section.  At his home in Clinton Mr. Argo often entertained Abraham Lincoln, Judge David Davis, Leonard Swett and other celebrities.  His death, which was occasioned by an accident, occurred on the 8th of August, 1883, when he had attained the age of seventy-five years, eight months and fifteen days.  His wife surviving him for number of years, was called to her final rest on the 17th of April, 1899, when eighty-three years of age.  Both were Methodists in religious faith and their lives were in harmony with their professions as members of that church.  As pioneer residents of this community they aided largely in the work of development and upbuilding and their names figure prominently on the pages of the early history of DeWitt county.  Unto them were born five sons and one daughter, as follows: Philena, the wife of Lewis Campbell, of Clinton, Illinois; Samuel Martin, who passed away on the 2d of July, 1903, when sixty-six years of age; Emanuel G., of this review; Thomas Jefferson, who was born July 12, 1841, and died on the 20th of April, 1907, when sixty-six years of age; William, whose birth occurred March 20, 1844, and who resides in Clinton; and Martin Luther, whose natal day was July 5, 1848, and who passed away January 20, 1849.

Emanuel G. Argo, who was a little lad of six years when his parents established their home in Clinton, was reared on his father’s farm.  He obtained his early education in a building that is still standing on East Main street , the teacher being a Mr. Haskins.  Subsequently he and his brother Samuel spent one year in McKendree College at Lebanon , St. Clair county, Illinois , Peter Acres being at that time president of the institution.  He remained under the parental roof until after his marriage and then took up his abode on a tract of land belonging to his father and situated on section 8, northwest of the town.  Later he purchased the farm from his father and it remained his home for several years.  He next bought a tract of one hundred and forty acres in association with his brother Samuel and divided the property, receiving seventy acres as his share.  The farm is situated a mile east of Clinton and in its cultivation and improvement he was actively engaged until 1900, when he put aside the active work of the fields, leased the place and came to Clinton, where he has since lived in honorable retirement.  He likewise owns three hundred and twenty acres of land in Harp township in association with his brother William, and he also had a tract of eighty acres which he sold for twelve thousand dollars.  While residing on the farm he also conducted an ice business in Clinton, carrying on an enterprise of this character from 1875 until 1900.  He is a director in the State Bank of Clinton and has long been numbered among the prosperous and prominent residents of the county.

On the 15th of November, 1860, Mr. Argo was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Sandusky Parker, who was born on Darby Plains in Ohio , her parents being Abraham and Ann (Gideon) Parker, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively.  Her maternal grandparents were George and Catharine (Miller) Gideon and the former was a Revolutionary soldier.  The parents of Mrs. Argo were among the early settlers of Clinton and her mother still resides here at the age of ninety years.  The demise of her father occurred in Clinton a number of years ago.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Argo were born eight children, the record of whom is as follows: Florence, who is the wife of Perry Hughes, of Clinton, and has a daughter, Ruth; George G., assistant cashier in the State Bank of Clinton, who wedded Miss Leonora Rose, now deceased; Charles C., who was formerly a farmer and is now a carpenter of Clinton and who married Miss Lillian Dale Miller, by whom he has one son and two daughters—Leslie, Ina and Edna; John Jason, who is a resident of Peoria; Eliza Ann, who lives in Lexington, Cleveland county, Oklahoma, and is the wife of John L. Graham, by whom she has three children—William Argo, Arthur J. and Catharine; Catharine, who now keeps house for her father and is the widow of J. C. Gray, a civil engineer; Minnie Nixon, the wife of Horace J. Flack, who is employed in the stock yards at Chicago by Armour & Company; and one who died in infancy.  The wife and mother passed away on the 17th of July, 1909, at the age of sixty-five years, eleven months and fifteen days.

Mr. Argo is a democrat in his political views but not strictly partisan and always takes into consideration the fitness of a candidate rather than his party affiliation.  At one time he held the office of school trustee.  His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias, of which order he has been a member for more than thirty years.  The period of his residence in this county covers two-thirds of a century and he is therefore largely familiar with its annals from pioneer times down to the present.  His well-spent life, characterized by all that is honorable in business and straightforward in his relations with his fellowmen, has brought him the uniform respect of all with whom he has come in contact.

WILLIAM ARGO.  (Volume II, Page 31)

Among DeWitt county’s pioneer citizens, mention should be made of William Argo, who for two-thirds of a century has lived in this portion of the state.  With agricultural, commercial and financial interests he has been identified, now giving his attention to the management of the State Bank of Clinton, of which he is the president.  He is a man of determination and ability, who carries forward to successful completion what he undertakes and at the same time belongs to that class of man who in promoting individual interests also advance the general welfare.  New RichmondOhio, was the place of Mr. Argo’s birth and his natal day was March 20, 1844.

His paternal grandfather, Moses Argo, reared his family in Hamilton county, Ohio .  He had three sons and several daughters, the former being Alexander, Ebenezer and William.  The first named was a wagon maker in early manhood and about 1840 came to ClintonIllinois.  Soon afterward he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres and in 1844 removed his family to DeWitt county.  He then began the cultivation and improvement of his land and also worked at the wagon maker’s trade for a number of years.  Finally, however, he concentrated his energies entirely upon his farm which, under his careful cultivation, became a valuable and attractive property.  In 1859 he erected a large and substantial residence which he occupied until his death, which occurred in 1883, when he was seventy-six years of age.  His wife died in 1899 when eighty-three years of age and both were consistent Christian people, holding membership in the Methodist church.  Mrs. Argo bore the maiden name of Eliza Ann Walriven and like her husband was a native of Ohio .  Her parents were also natives of that state where her father followed the occupation of farming and lived to an advanced age.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Argo were born six children: Philena P., the wife of Lewis Campbell, of Clinton; Samuel M., deceased; Emanuel G., of this city; Thomas J., deceased; William, of this review; and Martin Luther, who passed away in infancy.

William Argo spent his youthful days on his father’s farm which has since been divided among the heirs and platted into city lots, constituting now a populous portion of the city of Clinton.  In his boyhood days he attended the old time select schools and later the public schools of Clinton.  He carried on farming until after the outbreak of the Civil war and in 1864, at the age of twenty years, enlisted at the call for men to serve for one hundred days.  His brother, Thomas J. Argo, was a member of the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving from 1862 until 1865, and with his regiment participated in many important battles of the war.  He was in the Atlanta and North Carolina campaigns and participated in the grand review at Washington .  Following his military experience William Argo returned to farming and was identified with that occupation until 1871, after which he engaged in railroad contracting and building for two years.  He then joined his brother Emanuel G. Argo in a partnership and for twenty-five years they were engaged in the ice business under the firm name of Argo Brothers.  During that period they won for themselves a prominent position in business circles in Clinton.  Not only did they enjoy an extensive trade in ice but also became owners of about two hundred and seventy-five acres of valuable farm land in this county.  In addition William Argo owns one hundred acres besides some town property including his own residence which, though standing for sixty years, is still in a good state of preservation.  For the past twelve years he has been president of the State Bank of Clinton, and thus is active in the management of one of the leading financial institutions of the county.

In his political views Mr. Argo has long been a republican, giving to the party his stanch support because he believes that its principles will best conserve good government.  He belongs to Frank Lowry Post, No. 157, G. A.R., and is widely and favorably known in this portion of the state.  The Argo family is one of the oldest in DeWitt county, the father, Alexander Argo, coming here more than seventy years ago at which time he purchased his farm.  William Argo has been a resident for sixty-six years and has therefore witnessed much of its growth and development.  At the same time he has participated in the promotion of various public projects for the betterment and advancement of the community and has carefully managed his business interests until his persistent and well-defined efforts have been crowned with a most gratifying measure of success.

ISHAM J. ATCHISON.  (Volume II, Page 389)

The farm of two hundred and fifty-seven acres, located in Waynesville township, and now owned by Isham J. Atchison, has been in possession of the family throughout a long period, for the Atchison family is one of the earliest of DeWitt county.  Mr. Atchison was born on a farm near Waynesville on the 2d of July, 1865, a son of Charles W. Atchison, whose birth occurred in the same house on the 17th of April, 1842, his parents being Isham and Mary (Crawford) Atchison, natives of Virginia and Kentucky , respectively, who became early settlers of Illinois .  The father was reared to the occupation of farming, which he followed throughout his active business career.  He inherited three hundred acres of land from his father’s estate, and to this he added one hundred and forty-five acres by purchase.  He not only farmed but raised stock on quite an extensive scale, making a specialty of raising Percheron horses.  He has always supported the republican party and is now making his home with his son Isham.  He was three times married.  His first union was with Miss Maria Hull, who ws born October 21, 1840, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson Hull, their marriage being celebrated on the 1st of September, 1864.  Mrs. Atchison died on the 11th of July, 1865, when her son Isham was but nine days old.  By the second marriage of Mr. Atchison there was a daughter, Bertha, who was born on the 29th of December, 1870, and died when but two years old.  There were no children of the third marriage.

Isahm J. Atchison was reared on the home farm and acquired his education in the schools of Waynesville, graduating from the high school June 4, 1886.  Subsequently he assisted his father in the work on the homestead, which has been his home to the present time.  He has inherited from his father two hundred and fifty-seven acres, located in Waynesville township, and is here engaged in general farming and stock-raising, keeping Percheron horses, Poland China hogs, Jersey cattle and Shropshire sheep.  Both branches of his business are bringing him good returns and he is today numbered among the most substantial farmers of DeWitt county.

On the 1st of September, 1887, occurred the marriage of Mr. Atchison and Miss Lavina Gambrel, a daughter of William and Mary (Marvel) Gambrel, who were natives of Indiana , and who became early settlers of Illinois , locating in Barnett township, where the daughter’s birth occurred April 9, 1869.  She is the ninth in order of birth in a family of six sons and ten daughters.  By her marriage she has become the mother of one daughter, who was married October 29, 1907, to John T. Hammitt, by whom she has a son.  They make their home with Mr. and Mrs. Atchison.

Mr. Atchison has followed in the political steps of his father by giving his support to the men and measures of the republican party and for one term served as township collector.  In 1880 he united with the Methodist church at Waynesville and from that time to the present has been an active worker in the church and Sunday school.  He is now a steward in the church, while for many years he has served either as teacher or superintendent of the Sunday school, at the present time acting in the latter capacity.  He is a Mason, belonging to Wayne Lodge, No. 172, of which he has served as master and has filled other chairs in that organization.  The work instituted by the grandfather and carried on by the father is still continued by Isham J. Atchison, who is a man of exemplary habits and whose daily life reflects his true Christian character.

ISAAC N. BAILOR.  (Volume II, Page 132)

One of the progressive business enterprises of Clinton is the hardware and agricultural implement store of Isaac N. Bailor, located on the west side of the public square.  The owner has always conformed his business activity to the rules which govern unfaltering enterprise and strict and unswerving integrity.  A native of Ohio , he was born in Fairfield county, April 26, 1850, and is a son of Louis R. and Charlotte (Martin) Bailor, both of whom were natives of Ohio , living for many years in Fairfield county.  The paternal grandfather, Jacob Bailor, was a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent.  He served as a soldier in the war of 1812 and afterward removed westward to Fairfield county, Ohio , where he cast in his lot with the early settlers and followed the occupation of farming.  Unto him and his wife, Mrs. Susan Bailor, there were born several children, Louis R., Samuel, Julia, Eliza and Mary.

Of this family Louis R. Bailor became the father of Isaac N. Bailor.  He was reared to the occupation of farming and throughout his entire life carried on general agricultural pursuits.  His death occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio , in 1864, when he was forty-seven years of age, while his wife survived until 1876 and was more then sixty years of age at the time of her demise.  They were formerly old school Baptists but afterward united with the German Reformed church, and their lives exemplified their Christian faith in their just and kindly treatment of their neighbors and friends.  Mr. Bailor held the office of county commissioner and was somewhat prominent locally.  Unto him and his wife were born eight children: Catherine, the wife of Samuel J. Thomas, of Farmer City, Illinois; Rebecca, the deceased wife of Reuben Barnett; Louisa, also deceased, who married William Moore; Isaac N., of this review; Ella, the wife of Joseph Lycinger, of Rippey, Iowa; Anna, the widow of Albert Abbott, of Mintone, Indiana; Jennie, the deceased wife of William C. Pearce; and John, who has also passed away.

Isaac N. Bailor entered the public schools at the usual age and therein mastered the branches of learning which are regarded as an indispensable element to success in later life.  His youth was passed on the old homestead farm and in fact he there remained until twenty-five years of age.  His father died when the son was a lad of fourteen years and he afterward conducted the farm for his mother.  In the spring of 1875, however, he came to Illinois and for one year was engaged in the grocery business at ShelbyvilleIllinois.  In 1876 he arrived in DeWitt county and took up the occupation of farming in Harp township.  There he rented land for several years or until 1883, when he came to Clinton and entered into partnership with A. D. McHenry, buying the interest of Phillip Wolf in the hardware business which had formerly been conducted by McHenry & Wolf.  The new firm maintained an existence until 1892, when Mr. McHenry sold out to W. W. Newman and the firm of Bailor & Newman was thus formed.  For eight years they conducted business and in 1900 Mr. Newman sold his interest to J. E. Bryant, who was Mr. Bailor’s partner for a year.  At the end of that time Mr. Bailor became sole proprietor by the purchase of Mr. Bryant’s interest and has since conducted the business alone.  He has a well equipped establishment, handling a large line of hardware, agricultural implements, buggies, seeds, etc.  His trade is extensive for he has made every effort to please his patrons and is found thoroughly reliable in his dealings.

On the 24th of October, 1877, Mr. Bailor was united in marriage to Miss Orilla Lemen, a native of DeWitt county, born near the town of DeWitt.  She is a daughter of Colonel George B. and Mary J. (Wood) Lemen, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana .  Removing westward they settled in DeWitt county, Illinois , at a period when the work of progress and development seemed scarcely begun here.  For many years they continued residents of this part of the state, the death of Mr. Lemen occurring January 27, 1886, when he was seventy-seven years of age, while his wife passed away August 3, 1900, when almost eighty years of age, her birth having occurred December 20, 1820.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bailor was born an only daughter, Lena , who is now the wife of Dr. O. B. Edmonson, of Clinton.  The family residence is at No. 513 North Center street , Mr. Bailor having erected a fine modern home there in 1890.  He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is serving as one of the church trustees.  He belongs to Plantagenet Lodge, No. 25, K. P., and to Metzger’s Company, No. 21, of the Uniformed Rank.  His political endorsement is unfalteringly given to the Republican party which he has always supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise.

HENRY BAKER, JR.  (Volume II, Page 276)

Henry Baker, Jr., an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser living on section 36, DeWitt township, owns and operates a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres.  He was born on the 3d of May, 1871, in Yorkshire, England, of which country his parents, Samuel and Sarah (Hardesty) Baker, are also natives.  He was, however, only ten months old on the emigration of the family to the new world.  They made their way at once to Illinois and settled in DeWitt county, where the father, who was then in limited circumstances, rented land of Jacob Swigart and engaged in its operation for a few years.  Living economically and saving his earnings, he was at length able to purchase forty acres of land, which he soon afterward sold, and subsequently bought eighty acres in DeWitt township.  As time passed and he prospered in his farming operations he added to his possessions until he is now the owner of over five hundred acres of very rich and valuable land.  At the present time, however, he and his wife reside in Weldon.

Henry Baker, Jr., is indebted to the public schools of this county for his early educational advantages and under the able direction of his father he gained an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits during his boyhood and youth.  At the age of twenty-two he commenced renting his father’s farm and operated it quite successfully for five years.  In 1899 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, where he now resides, paying for the same seventy-five dollars per acre.  He erected thereon a nice residence in 1906 and has given to that place the name of Cottonwood Grove Farm.  It is well improved and under a high state of cultivation, being supplied with all the conveniences and accessories found upon a model farm of the twentieth century.

Mr. Baker was married on the 22d of February, 1900, in Nixon township, to Miss Emma Howard, who was also born in Lincolnshire, England, and was about twenty years old when she came to America alone.  They now have one child, Lester, born August 15, 1908.  Their religious faith is manifest by their membership in the Methodist Protestant church at Weldon and in politics Mr. Baker is an ardent Republican but has never cared for the honors nor emoluments of public office.  He is one of the leading farmers of his community and is a man highly respected and esteemed by all who know him.

JAMES BAKER.  (Volume II, Page 124)

Among the prosperous and influential citizens of Creek township whose lives have mainly been devoted to agricultural pursuits is numbered James Baker, now residing on section 15.  His early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in North Petherwin, Devonshire, England, on the 17th of February, 1850, his parents being John and Grace (Bone) Baker, also natives of England , the former born in 1809 and the latter in 1811.  Our subject was only six weeks old, however, when the family emigrated to America and settled in Walworth county, Wisconsin , where the father continued to reside until his death in 1898.  The mother passed away in 1897 and both were laid to rest in the village of Little Prairie , Wisconsin .  The family of this worthy couple consisted of nine children, all of whom are still living, namely: William and John, both residents of Wisconsin; Mary Jane, the wife of John Gilbert of that state; Julius and Francis, who are also living in Wisconsin; James, of this review; Richard, Edwin and Alfred, all of whom continue to reside in Wisconsin.  Seven of the brothers and one sister own about six miles of land following a little creek where the father once had seventeen hundred acres.  He was a man of excellent business ability and in his new home met with substantial success.  The three youngest sons were born in America and all of the children were given excellent educational advantages, the most of them being graduates of colleges and excellent schools.  Nearly all of the sons have at some time engaged in teaching school and several of our subject’s nephews have been principals of schools.  Not one of Mr. Baker’s brothers uses tobacco in any form or intoxicating liquors and all are devout members of their respective churches.  In fact, the family is an exemplary one and wherever known are held in the highest esteem.  The eldest son was a soldier of the Civil war and was wounded just as he was going to the front.

James Baker acquired his elementary education in the common schools of Troy Wisconsin, and later in Milton College in Rock county, at which college he was a student for five terms.  He next attended the Wesleyan University at Bloomington Illinois, and after leaving that institution engaged in teaching school for several terms in Creek township and for four terms in the village of Lane .  He held a first grade certificate and made a very popular and successful teacher.  In 1869, however, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 15, Creek township, and has since given the greater part of his time and attention to agricultural pursuits.  He subsequently bought fifty-two acres on section 8, thirty-three acres on section 5 and eighty acres on section 15, making a total of three hundred and thirty acres in Creek township.  Here he is now engaged in general farming and stock-raising, feeding a large number of cattle and hogs each season.  In 1898 he erected upon his farm an elegant barn, sixty-eight by one hundred feet, with a twenty-four foot basement, which is today the largest barn in the county.  The other buildings upon this place are modern and up-to-date in all their appointments, many of these being supplied with concrete floors.  He has also erected a fine nine-room residence with a cellar under the entire house.  It is finished in the most approved style, is built of excellent material and is lighted by acetylene gas and heated by a furnace.  Besides his own fine residence there are three other good houses upon his place, which are occupied by tenants, a fine orchard furnishes its fruit in season and the fields are under a high state of cultivation.

Mr. Baker was married October 20, 1887, to Miss Ella Edwards, a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Baric) Edwards, of whom mention is made in the sketch of T. J. Edwards on another page of this volume.  Mrs. Baker was born in Creek township, April 22, 1867, and by her marriage has become the mother of three children, all natives of the same township: Julia Mary Jane is the wife of W. F. Gray of Clinton and has one son, James; Edwin Ernest is at home with his father; Katie, born October 30, 1893, died in 1895 and was buried in Rose Cemetery, Lane, Illinois.  Mrs. Gray is a graduate in music at Wesleyan University , and also pursued a course in other departments of that institution, while the son has attended both Wesleyan and Champaign Universities and will continue his studies in the latter in the fall of 1910.

Although Mr. Baker usually votes the democratic ticket, he is a stanch believer in prohibition and has ever been an active worker for the temperance cause.  He is a member of the Good Templars, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and both he and his wife are earnest members and active workers in Central Chapel, United Brethren church, where he has served as class leader for several years and also as trustee.  Upright and honorable in all relations of life, he commands the respect and confidence of those with whom he is brought in contact, either in business or social relations, and he well merits the esteem in which he is universally held.

SAMUEL BAKER.  (Volume II, Page 176)

Through the long years of an active business career Samuel Baker was extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising and became well known as a representative of that business, but is now living retired in Weldon.  His birth occurred in Lincolnshire, England, December 26, 1842, and his parents were Jarvis and Elizabeth Baker, who spent their entire lives in that country.  The father died about ten years ago but the mother has been dead for almost thirty years.  In their family were eleven children, five of whom are still living, namely: Henry, John and Samuel, all residents of Weldon, Illinois; James, who also makes his home in DeWitt county; and Keziah, the wife of James Brewer, of Lincolnshire, England.  Two sons were soldiers of the Civil war, Jarvis and William, who enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry from Clinton.

Samuel Baker practically had no opportunity to attend school and the education he has acquired has been secured in later years through reading and observation.  At the early age of nine years he began earning his own livelihood and has since been dependent upon his own resources.  In November, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Hardesty, a native of Yorkshire, England, and soon after his marriage he quit farming and turned his attention to the brick-mason’s trade.  In the spring of 1872 he brought his wife and their only child to America and took up his residence in DeWitt county, Illinois , where he followed farming until 1894.  Although he came to this country with no capital he steadily prospered and is today the owner of five hundred and fifty-six and one half acres, two hundred and eighty and a half acres being in DeWitt county and two hundred and seventy six acres in Christian county, Illinois.  He remained upon the home farm with his sons until 1901, when he removed to Weldon, having retired from active labor, and erected there a pretty cottage in the north part of town, where he is now living retired.

Mrs. Baker is one of a family of eleven children, of whom only three came to the United States, the others being: Jessie, now a resident of Taylorville; and William, deceased.  To our subject and his wife have been born five children, the oldest being Henry, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.  Kate, born in DeWitt county in 1874, is the wife of William Dawson of DeWitt county, and has five children, Elsie, Grace, Ethel, Ralph and Ray.  Jarvis, born in 1876, married Nellie O’Brien and lives in Montgomery Illinois.  Belle, born in 1877, is the wife of Fred Dressler, of DeWitt county, and has two children.  Garfield, born in 1880, married Miss Lola Christman and lives in this county.

In 1895 Mr. Baker returned to his native land, where he spent five months in visiting old friends and the scenes of his boyhood, and in 1898 made another trip to the old world, being gone this time two months.  His father, who was living at that time, passed away June 6, 1900.  Since becoming a naturalized citizen Mr. Baker has affiliated with the Republican party and has been called upon to serve as road commissioner for six years and as a member of the school board for the same length of time.  His wife is a devoted member of the Methodist Protestant church and both are held in highest esteem by all who know them.

BERT B. BATES.  (Volume II, Page 321)

Bert Blakemore Bates, a member of the firm of Williams & Bates, publishers of the Farmer City Journal, is well entitled to prominent mention in this volume not only from the fact that he is a leading representative of journalistic interests in DeWitt county but because he belongs to one of the pioneer families of this section of Illinois.  He was born in Clinton, DeWitt county, March 28, 1871, a son of George W. and Anna M. (Woodward) Bates, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Logan county, Illinois .  His paternal grandfather, Asa Bates, was a farmer and stock-raiser.  In early life, prior to the era of railroad building in this state, he made journeys to Chicago with stock, and on the last of these trips he disappeared and his fate was never definitely known.  His family included: Angeline, Temperance, Zenus, Elizabeth, Sarah, Isabel, Franklin and George W. Bates, who became the father of our subject.

The last named was a plasterer and paper hanger by trade and also engaged in farming, settling in Clinton prior to the Civil war.  In that city he worked at his trade but at the outbreak of hostilities enlisted for service with the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for a little more than a year being discharged on account of disability.  He wedded Miss Anna M. Woodward, whose parents, Dr. James W. and Mary (Blakemore) Woodward, were pioneer settlers of Illinois .  The father who was born in Lee county, Virginia, July 28, 1813, was a physician and also a local preacher in the Methodist church.  Their family included Mrs. Olive Bullock, Mrs. Anna M. Bates, Mrs. Elizabeth McDonald, Mrs. Ellen Holloway and William Blakemore Woodward.  The father of this family died at the home of a daughter in Bloomington Illinois, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-six years.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. George W. Bates were born four sons and two daughters, as follows: James A., a resident of Clinton; Mary, the wife of O. S. Harrison, of Rosedale, Indiana; Charles W., living in Farmer City; Maude, the wife of Henry L. Williams, also of this city; Harry R., who makes his home is Seattle, Washington; and Bert B., whose name introduces this review.  The father died in Farmer City , August 12, 1892, while his wife surviving until October 1, 1905, passed away in the faith of the Methodist church, of which she was a consistent member.

Bert B. Bates, the youngest in his father’s family, began his education in the public schools of his home city, leaving the high school in the spring of 1887.  Soon thereafter he entered the Journal office as an apprentice to the printers’ trade, the paper at that time being published by W. C. Devore.  After various changes the Journal became the property of C. L. Wood, who leased a half-interest in the plant to Mr. Bates in 1894, he having in the intervening years been retained in the employ of the various owners of the paper.  Mr. Wood sold the paper in April, 1895, to F. S. Nutt and Mr. Bates, and in the fall of 1896 Mr. Nutt died.  In March 1897, Mr. Bates formed a partnership with E. A. Williams and from that time to the present they have edited and published the paper, which is a bright, newsy sheet, devoted to general news and as an advertising medium it has gained favor in DeWitt county, for on its list of subscribers may be found the names of residents in various sections of the county as well as those of Farmer City.  Mr. Bates’ long connection with newspaper interests has given him a thorough knowledge of the business in all its phases and he is now numbered among the enterprising citizens of DeWitt county.

On the 23d of June, 1896, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bates and Miss Jennie Wynn Brooks, who after graduating at the age of sixteen, engaged in teaching until the time of her marriage.  She is a daughter of Gilbert E. and Henrietta (Allen) Brooks, who resided in Pike county, Illinois , but soon after their marriage became residents of Clinton, where the daughter’s birth occurred.  Their family numbered five children: Maude, who became the wife of D. Kaufman, of Chicago, but is now deceased; E. May, who became the wife of L. W. Taylor, and is also deceased; Gilbert E., a resident of Pasadena California; Earl E., of Clinton; and Jennie, now Mrs. Bates.  Both the parents have departed this life, the mother dying in 1904, while the father was called to his final rest in 1907.  Gilbert E. Brooks was born at Tattersall , England , and came to America at thirteen years of age, the family first locating in Chicago, from which place Mr. Brooks went to Pike county, Illinois .

In politics Mr. Bates is a Republican, while in fraternal circles he is prominent, belonging to the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Sons of Veterans in Farmer City .  Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Having spent his entire life in Farmer City, coming here from Clinton at six months of age, Mr. Bates is one of its well known citizens and his courteous, genial manner has won him many friends, and his estimable wife shares with him in the esteem and respect which is universally extended to him, having performed with signal success the exacting duties of a teacher in the public schools during the majority of the years since her marriage and location in Farmer City.

HENRY G. BEATTY.  (Volume II, Page 368)

Henry G. Beatty, who as chief executive of the firm of H. G. Beatty & Company, manufacturers of harness and dealers in buggies and general hardware, at the head of one of the important and successful enterprises of Clinton, has long been identified with the business interests of this city, to which he came as a lad of eight years.  A native of Ohio , his birth occurred in Findlay, on the 14th of April, 1845, his parents being Isaac B. and Eliza Ann (Crowl) Beatty, likewise natives of the Buckeye state.  The paternal grandfather, William Beatty, was born and reared in Pennsylvania and was a Scotch descent.  His entire life was spent in that state, where he followed farming and where he and his wife lived to old age and reared their family.  The maternal grandfather of Mr. Beatty lived to a ripe old age, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Jane Crowl, passed away a few years prior to his demise.  They had several children.

Isaac B. Beatty, the father of our subject, was born in FindlayOhio, on the 10th of December, 1817, and was there reared and married.  His wife, who was born on the 15th of July, 1819, passed away August 13, 1849, and immediately after her death Mr. Beatty came west, locating in Clinton.  He was a manufacturer of harness and saddlery and upon his arrival in this city became engaged in that business, so continuing until his death in 1887.  He and his wife were consistent and loyal members of the Methodist church, and both were held in high esteem throughout the communities in which the resided.  In their family were six children, namely: John William, who was born August 28, 1840, and passed away December 10, 1867; Charles Wesley, who was born February 8, 1843, and died January 8, 1866; Henry G. and James C., twins, the former the subject of this review and the latter, who was born April 14, 1845, a resident of Decatur, Illinois; Isaac B., Jr., who was born on the 17th of January, 1847, and has also passed away, his death occurring April 3, 1886; and Julia Ann, whose birth occurred on the 7th of July 1849, and who became the wife of Calvin Adams, of Wauseka, Illinois.

Henry G. Beatty spent the first eight years of his life in the city of his nativity and then in 1852, accompanied his father on his removal to Clinton and here grew to manhood.  In the select schools of this city he acquired a good education, and in 1863, when but eighteen years of age, enlisted for service in the Civil war as a private in the Second Illinois Light Artillery.  With that command he served until the close of the war, participating in many of the important battles including the siege of Atlanta.  Later he was detailed to boat service on the Cumberland river , being located at Clarkville Tennessee.  When his country no longer needed his service he returned to Clinton and learned the saddlery business, becoming a partner of his father, with whom he continued in business until 1873.  In that year he went to Kenney and there followed his trade until 1889, when he met with a heavy loss through fire, after which he returned to Clinton.  He then purchased the business of William Metzger and has since organized the firm of H. G. Beatty & Company, associating two of his sons with him in partnership.  The firm manufactures harness, deals in buggies and general hardware, and enjoys a large and increasing trade.  Mr. Beatty has developed the business along systematic and progressive lines, and his wise and careful management and keen business sagacity have been potent forces in its substantial and healthy growth.  His store is located at No. 405 southwest corner of the Public Square , and he is accorded a large and gratifying patronage.

On the 27th of March, 1867, occurred the marriage of Mr. Beatty and Miss Solemly S. Stocking, a native of Trempealeau Wisconsin, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Turner Stocking.  Both parents were born in Michigan , where the mother passed away, whiled the father’s death occurred in Texas .  In their family were four children, two of whom are yet living: Elizabeth, the wife of George L. Huntington, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin ; and Hobart, a resident of St. Paul Minnesota.  The home of Mr. and Mrs. Beatty was blessed with a family of five children, as follows: Nellie L. is the widow of Charley Armstrong, by whom she had one daughter, Sylvia Macy; Ernest H., who married Mary Stewart, by whom he has one daughter, Mary Ernestine, and in 1899 became a partner with his father in business; William T. married Cora Arnold and has one son, Henry A.; James Royal passed away at the age of twenty-three years; Hobert R., who married Leota Slick, in 1906 also was admitted to a partnership with his father in business.  On the 3d of November, 1889, the wife and mother was called to her rest, passing away at the age of forty-eight years.  She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is also her husband, and was a lady of most estimable character, who at her death left a wide circle of warm friends.

Mr. Beatty holds membership relations with Olive Lodge, No. 98, I. O. O. F., and also belongs to Frank Lowry Post, No. 157, G. A. R.  His political allegiance is given to the Republican party at the polls, and he served as president of the village board ere Clinton became a city.  His tendencies, however, are strongly temperance, and he does all in his power to further the cause in the community, realizing that the liquor traffic is one of the greatest evils against which the nation has to contend.  He makes his home at 516 West Adams street, where he has just completed a beautiful new home, equipped throughout with all modern conveniences and is elegantly appointed.  This structure is an outward expression of the success which Mr. Beatty has attained, while his honorable and manly character is indicated by the respect, confidence and good will in which he is held by all who know aught of him.

JAMES W. BECKWITH.  (Volume II, Page 296)

James W. Beckwith, who is now living retired in a beautiful home in Farmer City , derives a good financial income from his farming interests in DeWitt county and in Buena Vista county, Iowa .  Born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, March 31, 1848, he is a son of David and Emma (Ray) Beckwith, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state, in whose family were four sons and three daughters: Kate, who became the wife of Daniel Peck but is now deceased; Emma, the wife of George Rice; James W., of this review; David, who has departed this life; Joseph and John, twins, the former a resident of Arlington, Iowa, and the latter deceased; and Mrs. Louise Shippy, a resident of Peoria county, Illinois.  The father was a laborer and spent his entire life in Franklin county.  He served in the Civil war for three years and died in Franklin county when almost sixty years of age.  His wife, who had formerly married a Mr. Ray, had one daughter by that marriage, Margaret, the wife of Isaac Harper.  Mrs. Beckwith belonged to the Dunkard church and died in 1866 at the age of forty-five.

James W. Beckwith, the eldest son and third in order of birth in his father’s family, was reared in the county of his nativity and there pursued his education in the district schools.  In 1864, when a youth of sixteen years, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company I, Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.  He enlisted as a private and although he was in no hard fought battles, he took part in many skirmishes and served until the close of hostilities.

Following his discharge, Mr. Beckwith returned to Franklin county and there engaged in farming.  On the 25th of August, 1867, he established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Laura Levy, a daughter of Mrs. Mary Levy.  In the spring following their marriage, 1868, Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith came to Illinois , locating in Fulton county, where they spent three years.  At the end of that time they made a removal to Piatt county, this state, and for twenty-eight years Mr. Beckwith was there engaged in farming, owning a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which he sold upon his removal to DeWitt county in 1900.  While living in Fulton and Piatt counties three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith: John Lawrence, who is single and lives with his father; Emma, the wife of Charles Dewey, of Piatt county, by whom she has two children, Clyde and Ethel; and Katie, the wife of Frank Keefer, of Fisher, Minnesota, by whom she has two children, Adrian and Avis.  After a happy married life covering almost a quarter of a century, Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith were separated by the death of the wife in 1891, when she was but forty years old.

On the 7th of January, 1894, Mr. Beckwith was married again, his second union being with Miss Emma Etta Shreve, a daughter of John and Angeline (McKibben) Shreve.  Mrs. Beckwith was born in Tazewell county, near Minier.  Her parents were both natives of Ohio and became early settlers of Tazewell county, Illinois , while later they took up their abode in Piatt county.  They had a family of two daughters and one son: Emma E., now Mrs. Beckwith; Belle, the wife of Joseph Caruthers, living near UrbanaIllinois; and Lewis, a resident of Piatt county.  Mr. Shreve had formerly been married to Elizabeth Koons and by that union there were two children, Mrs. Letitia Glotfelter and Mrs. Sarah Justice.  Mrs. Shreve had likewise been married before her union with John Shreve, her first husband being William Cooper, by whom she had six children, William, Evangeline, John, Frances, deceased, Joseph and Roberta.  Mr. Cooper was a teamster in the Civil war and died in a hospital while at the front.  The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Emma E. Beckwith was Isaiah Shreve, a native of Pennsylvania and a farmer by occupation.  Her maternal grandparents were Joseph and Thurza (Brown) McKibben, the former a native of Ohio and of Scotch descent.  He was a shoemaker by trade and passed away prior to the Civil war.  Mrs. McKibben was a native of Kentucky .  Both the parents of Mrs. Beckwith are now deceased, the father passing away in Urbana in 1897 at the extreme old age of eighty-six years, while the mother died in Piatt county in 1908 when seventy-five years of age.

Following his second marriage Mr. Beckwith continued his residence in Piatt county for a few years but in 1900 he came to DeWitt county, purchasing one hundred ninety-six and a half acres of land at seventy-two and a half dollars per acre.  This farm has greatly increased in value, Mr. Beckwith having refused an offer of two hundred dollars per acre.  In addition to this property he likewise owns a half section of land in Buena Vista county, Iowa , and his invested interests bring him a gratifying annual return.  He is now living retired in a nice modern home in Farmer City , which he occupies together with his wife and their daughter, Ruth.

Mr. Beckwith gives his political support to the Republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs.  He is a member of Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 126, I. O. O. F., and he and his wife belong to the Rebekahs.  Mr. Beckwith likewise belongs to the Lemon Post, No. 211, G. A. R., and his wife is a member of the Woman’s Relief Corps.  His loyalty to his country when he enlisted in the Civil war at the age of sixteen years is a prominent chapter in his history.  There is no blot or stain of dishonor upon his name and he can now look back over a life well spent, feeling that he has made the best possible use of his opportunities.  He has met with marked success in his undertakings and deserves prominent mention among the retired citizenship of Farmer City .

TILMAN M. BENNETT.  (Volume II, Page 211)

With the agricultural interests of DeWitt county Tilman Morgan Bennett has long been identified and is today regarded as one of the representative farmers of Creek township, his home being on section 30.  His birth occurred in this county on the 5th of January, 1856, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth (Cross) Bennett.  His father was born in Ohio, September 23, 1834, and died in this county on the 2d of February 1902, but his mother, whose birth occurred in Virginia in 1836, is still living and continues to make her home in Creek township.  They were the parents of thirteen children and nine of the number are still living, namely: John, a resident of Creek township; Ella, the wife of Albert Hughes, now living in Colorado; Tilman Morgan, whose name introduces this sketch; Lavina, the widow of Jackson Perry Brake, a resident of Argenta, Illinois; Martha, the wife of Bently Conn, of North Dakota; Bertie, the wife of Herbert McCommon, of Creek township; Lydia, the wife of Lewis Grady, of Tazewell county, Illinois; Henry, of Missouri; and George, of Creek township.

During his boyhood and youth Tilman M. Bennett pursued his education in the Miller school and remained with his parents, assisting in the work of the home farm, until he reached the age of twenty-two years.  After his marriage he rented one hundred and forty acres of land of his mother on section 30, Creek township, and to its further cultivation and improvement he has since devoted his energies and has met with most excellent success in his labors.

On the 7th of July, 1887, Mr. Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca J. Spainhour, who was born in Creek township, September 4, 1867, her parents being Allen and Emeline (Miller) Spainhour, also natives of DeWitt county.  The father was born October 15, 1846, and the mother January 11, 1856 [1850], and they now make their home in the village of Lane .  Mr. Spainhour and his brother Carl entered the Union army during the Civil war as members of an Illinois regiment and Mr. Bennett also had two uncles, Solomon and George Cross, who were in the service.  Mrs. Bennett is the oldest of the five surviving children in a family of seven, the others being: Mary, the wife of Isaac Hossinger, of Creek township; Thomas, a resident of the same township; Laura, the wife of Abel Gray, of Creek township; and Nellie, the wife of David Henry Turner, a farmer of Clintonia township.

There were five children born to our subject and his wife, all natives of DeWitt county, but only three of the number are now living.  Charles C., born August 13, 1889, lives at home with his father.  He married Miss Minnie Thoma and has one child, Velma Verneta.  Ida May, born July 10, 1892, is the wife of Clayton Roberts, of Creek township.  Jennie Emeline, born January 22, 1895, is attending the Miller school and is still at home with her parents.  Mr. and Mrs. Bennett hold membership in Center Chapel, United Brethren church, and he affiliates with the democratic party.  He keeps well posted on the questions and issues of the day and is a well informed man, who has efficiently served as school director in his district.

EMORY B. BENTLEY.  (Volume II, Page 196)

Emory B. Bentley, editor of the Clinton Daily and Weekly Public, one of the leading papers of Clinton, in which he embodies the ideas of progressive journalism, was born in West Middlesex , Pennsylvania , June 27, 1864.  His parents, W. Hutson and Margaret M. (Bailey) Bentley, were both natives of Ohio .  The former was a son of Joseph Bentley, who was born in Pennsylvania and made farming his life work.  He married Sarah Veach and died when about eighty-one years of age, while his widow reached the very advanced age of ninety-eight years.  Their family numbered six children, namely: W. Hutson; Mrs. Anna Randall; Emory, deceased; Mrs. Lucy Pothour; Martin; and Mrs. Viola Jacobs.  The maternal grandfather of Emory B. Bentley was David Bailey, a native of Connecticut .  He, too, engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life.  His last days were spent in Ohio , where he died November 6, 1860.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Early and was a native of Ireland , died in Pennsylvania , August 27, 1872, at the age of seventy-one years.  They had nine children, Jane, Eppy, Thomas, Margaret, Ermina, Caleb, Lizzie, Lucian and James.

The marriage of W. Hutson Bentley and Margaret M. Bailey was blessed with a family of two sons and four daughters: Sarah, the wife of John A. Anderson, of Hubbard, Ohio; Mary, who wedded Rev. L. M. Lewis, of Arch Springs, Pennsylvania; Ella, the wife of Frank Shook, of Hubbard, Ohio; Emory B., of this review; Innez, who became the wife of Samuel Cover, of New Bedford, Pennsylvania; and Joseph T., of West Middlesex, Pennsylvania.  The father is a farmer of West Middlesex , Pennsylvania , having one hundred and thirty-nine acres of land in the home farm in addition to other property.  He is now seventy-seven years of age and his wife has reached the age of eighty-two years.  Their children are all living and all have children of their own, and there is no death recorded in the immediate family—a most remarkable record.

Emory B. Bentley spent his youth on his father’s farm at Middlesex Pennsylvania, and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist.  He attended the district schools and later was a pupil in the high school at HubbardOhio, and afterward in Mount Union College at AllianceOhio, where he was graduated with the class of 1891.  He taught for a time at Makanda and afterward at Murphysboro, Dongola, Anna and Clinton.  He came to Clinton in 1898 and was superintendent of the city schools for six years, the cause of public instruction being greatly promoted through his effective, practical and earnest efforts.  He had become recognized as an able educator of Illinois , his work being attended by excellent results.  On retiring from the superintendency of the Clinton schools he became editor of the Daily and Weekly Public and is thus closely associated with journalism, instituting a progressive policy in connection with the publication of the paper and making it an attractive sheet to local readers as well as to many who have previously resided in this portion of the state.

On the 10th of June, 1894, Mr. Bentley was married to Miss Della L. Chase, and unto them have been born two children, Beulah and Howard.  The family residence is at No. 520 West Adams street and was erected by Mr. Bentley in 1900.  He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and are well known in the social circles of this city.  Mr. Bentley gives his political endorsement to the Republican party, and, while the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, he has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, and believes it to be the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to exercise his right of franchise and thus support the principles which he deems most conducive to good government.

ROBERT BLACK.  (Volume II, Page 252)

Although now living retired, making his home at No. 717 West Clay street , Clinton , Robert Black was for many years closely, actively, honorably and successfully connected with agricultural interests in DeWitt county.  A native of Ohio , he was born about six miles west of Bellefontaine in Logan county, March 20, 1835, and in the paternal line comes of Irish ancestry, his grandfather, Alexander Black, having been a native of the Emerald isle.  Crossing the Atlantic to America , he died in Allegheny Pennsylvania, at the remarkable old age of one hundred and four years.  In his family were Robert, Morton, Thomas, James, Samuel and Margaret Black.  It was not until after the birth of James Black, the father of our subject, that the family emigrated to the United States .  He was, however, an infant when his parents crossed the Atlantic , establishing their home in Allegheny City Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood.  When a young man he drove a five-horse team at that place.  He was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Nancy Powers, a native of that state and of German descent.  Her father was John Powers, who for many years lived at Allegheny Pennsylvania, where he died at the age of ninety-one years.  His three children were John, William and Nancy Powers.  Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. James Black rode from Pennsylvania to Ohio on horseback and in that state established their home in the midst of the forest, Mr. Black purchasing a tract of timber land, from which he cleared the trees and then brought the fields under cultivation.  He continued to carry on the work of the farm there until his life’s labors were ended in death when he was about sixty years of age.  His wife survived him, reaching the age of seventy years ere called to her demise.  Both were members of the Associate Reformed or United Presbyterian church and their many good qualities were manifest in the careful training of their children.  They had nine sons and two daughters, namely: Johnson; John; William; Oliver S.; Henry; Robert; Lettie; Elizabeth, the widow of Reuben Short; Nancy E., the widow of Terry Huber; Joseph A., deceased; and one—the first born—who died in infancy.

The old home farm in Logan county, Ohio , was the playground of Robert Black in his boyhood days and also his training school for business life.  He mastered the common branches of English learning as a pupil in the district schools, but through the periods of vacation worked in the fields, early becoming familiar with the task of plowing, planting and harvesting.  Remaining on the farm until he had attained his majority, he then started out in life for himself by working as a farm hand by the month.  In 1856 he came to Illinois and was employed by C. L. Lanham on a farm at a salary of nineteen dollars per month.  He then married and settled upon a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres owned by his wife.  this he improved and to it added three eighty-acre tracts and a sixty-acre tract situated in Barnett and Tunbridge townships.  There he lived until 1902, carefully, systematically and successfully carrying on the work of the West Clay street, which he still occupies.  His prosperity when on the farm made it possible for him to put aside all the cares of business life and since taking up his abode in the city he has sold two hundred and forty acres of the home farm and other lands, but still has one hundred and sixty acres, which returns to him a substantial annual income.  While living on the farm he also engaged in buying stock for about ten years and likewise met success in that undertaking.

On the 10th of June, 1858, Mr. Black was united in marriage to Mrs. Margaret Humphrey, a daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Pearson) McClimans.  Mrs. Black was born in Madison county, Ohio , and her father was also a native of that state, but her mother was born in Pennsylvania .  Their children were: Nancy, now the wife of John Bartley; Mary, the wife of William Gardner; Sarah, the wife of Joshua Humphrey; David; and Margaret, the wife of Mr. Black.  The last named have five children: Curtis L., the eldest, is now a farmer of Texas township.  He married Dora Piatt and they have three children, Edna May, Floyd and Dennis N.  Mary M. is the wife of William C. Wallace, a resident of Midland CityIllinois.  Joseph, who married Edna Howser, is engaged in farming in Tunbridge township.  Rachel died when a year and eleven months old.  David, who wedded Cora Marvel, is a farmer of Tunbridge township.

Mr. and Mrs. Black hold membership in the First Christian church of Clinton , of which he is now a trustee, and for some years he was an elder in the church in Tunbridge township.  Politically he is a democrat, giving inflexible support to the principles of the party.  He served as road commissioner for several terms and was school director for over twenty years, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion.  He has ever been deeply interested in the welfare of the community, in which he has lived for more than a half century, witnessing much of its growth and development and taking active part in all that pertains to its progress.  Starting out in life for himself as a farm hand, his diligence and energy have enabled him to attain prosperity, and with a handsome competence he put aside business cares and is now living retired.

EDMUND W. BLUE.  (Volume II, Page 30)

Although one of the younger representatives of farming and stock-raising interests in DeWitt county, Edmund W. Blue is carrying on business on quite an extensive scale, managing a farm of six hundred acres in Texas township and owning fifty-seven acres.  He was born in DeWitt county, October 28, 1878, a son of Uriah and Jennie (Eckert) Blue.  The father was born August 2, 1850, in Virginia , and was but two years of age when brought by his parents, Uriah and Jemima Blue, likewise natives of Virginia , to DeWitt county.  The father was reared in this county, remaining with his parents until the time of his marriage, when he began farming for himself.  He became a very prosperous man, owning at the time of his death over four hundred acres of land.  He also raised stock, keeping large numbers of sheep.  He was a democrat in his political views and held a number of township offices.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Jennie Eckert, was born April 7, 1852, a daughter of Henry and Sarah Eckert, who were natives of Ohio, whence they removed to DeWitt county in pioneer days.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blue were born seven children but the three eldest, Frank, Charles and Lillie, died in infancy.  The other children are: Edmund W., of this review; Carl, who wedded Mabel Randell, by whom he has two children, their home being in Texas township; William O., who resides on the home place; and Alice, who is with her mother.  The father died December 23, 1891, when but forty-one years of age, but the mother still survives and now makes her home in Clinton.

Edmund W. Blue was educated in the district schools near his father’s home and during the periods of vacation assisted in the work of the farm.  He gave his father the benefit of his services until twenty-four years of age, when he began working out by the month.  He is now the owner of fifty-seven acres of land but in addition to cultivating this land operates a farm of six hundred acres on the shares.  He does some farming but the greater part of his time is devoted to raising stock, making large shipments each year to the city markets.

Mr. Blue was married September 20, 1903, to Miss Verna Kirby, a daughter of William and Mary Kirby, natives of Ohio and Illinois respectively.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kirby have been born five children: Irvin, who wedded Pearl Byerley, of Dewitt county, by whom he has five children: Emma, the wife of Walter Andrews, of this county, and the mother of five children; Arva; Eva, the wife of Joseph Todd, also of this county, by whom she has one child; and Verna, now Mrs. Blue.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blue has been born a little daughter, Mary Jennie, whose birth occurred March 26, 1908.

A democrat in principle and practice, Mr. Blue is a public-spirited citizen and has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill some local offices, having served one term as assessor, while in 1909 he was elected supervisor of Texas township.  A lifelong resident of DeWitt county, he has at all times been an interested witness of its progress and is today accorded a place among the substantial farmers and stock-raisers of this section of the state.

CHARLES S. BOGARDUS.  (Volume II, Page 60)

Holding to high ideals in professional service and discharging all of his duties with a sense of conscientious obligations, Dr. Charles S. Bogardus, although one of the young members, has come to be regarded as one of the prominent representatives of the medical profession in Clinton.  He was born in SpringfieldIllinois, February 25, 1872.  The Bogardus family is of Holland Dutch origin, descendants of Everardus Bogardus, the first Dutch preacher in America , who came to the new world in 1633, and owned a farm where Trinity church, New York , now stands.  The paternal grandfather, Israel Bogardus, was a native of New York and in early life lived near Syracuse, but came to Illinois in 1847 when this state was largely an unimproved and unsettled district.  He took up his abode near Belvidere, in Boone county, where he engaged in farming.  He made his home there for many years, or until called to his final rest at an advanced age.  Unto him and his wife were born four sons and two daughters, Henry, Stephen, Seabury, Seymour, Marian and Sarah.

Of this family Stephen Bogardus, who was born in Cortland county, New York , became a school teacher.  He was a graduate of the Illinois State Normal and taught for a number of years in Springfield, in which city he conducted a business college for a quarter of a century.  He was also principal of one of the schools there for several years, but in June 1903, came to Clinton, where he passed away in September, 1904, at the age of sixty years.  He had in 1868 wedded Mary J. Smith, who still survives him.  Her father, William B. Smith, was a native of Kentucky , born in 1819.  He and his wife became early settlers of MechanicsburgIllinois, and afterward came to Clinton, DeWitt county, in 1853, where they lived for twelve years.  Subsequently they became residents of NormalIllinois and afterward went to WichitaKansas, where Mr. Smith is still living at the age of ninety-one years.  His wife was well advanced in years when she was called from this life.  The family numbered four daughters, Mary, Martha, Emma Rebecca and Eva, but the last named died in 1870 at NormalIllinois.  As stated, their eldest daughter became the wife of Professor Bogardus and is well known in Clinton.  By her marriage she had five sons: William I., who is now manager for the Southern Rock Island Plow Company, of DallasTexas; Charles S., of ClintonIllinois; Frank S., living in Terre Haute, where he is professor in the Indiana State Normal; Fred B., a physician of Eureka Montana ; and George W., of PittsburgPennsylvania.

Charles S. Bogardus was reared in the capital city and was graduated from the high school of Springfield with the class of 1889.  He then did office work for a few years and in 1894 began studying medicine, his course being completed by graduation from the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College in 1897.  In July of that year he located for practice in Clinton, where he has since remained.  He has shown himself competent to cope with many of the intricate problems of the medical science and that his ability is recognized by members of the profession is indicated in the fact that he has been honored with the presidency of the Central Illinois Homeopathic Medical Association.  He is also a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy and through his connection with those societies, as well as by private research and study, he keeps in touch with the advancement that is being made by the medical fraternity.

On the 16th of November, 1899, Dr. Bogardus was married to Miss Nellie Taylor, a daughter of William H. and Jennie (Rennick) Taylor.  In January, 1901, Dr. Bogardus was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 16th of January of that year.  In August, 1904, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Kate Weld, a daughter of Edwin and Emily (Hill) Weld.  There is one daughter by that marriage, Katherine.  Mrs. Bogardus was born in DeWitt county, where her parents settled in 1837, her father coming from Boston, her mother from Kentucky .  Mr. Weld died in the spring of 1908, but his widow still survives.  They had a family of five daughters and one son: Carrie, the wife of Clark Ellie; Minnie, the wife of Ed Hartsock; Frances; Edwin; Mrs. Bogardus; and Nettie.

Dr. Bogardus is a member of the Methodist church, while his wife belongs to the Presbyterian church.  He is also affiliated with the odd Fellows lodge, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen camp.  His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and its principles receive his strong and ready endorsement.  He built his present residence in the fall of 1907 and is pleasantly situated, his professional activity indicating his success in tangible terms of profit.  His investigations into the realms of science have kept him in touch with the progress made in his chosen field of labor and the results which follow his practice justify the confidence that is reposed in his professional ability.

WILLIAM BOOTH.  (Volume II, Page 314)

William Booth, prominently connected with the profession which has always been regarded as the conservator of human rights and liberties by maintaining justice and righteous administration of the law, is now accorded a liberal clientage which connects him with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of the district.  He has remained a representative of the Clinton bar since 1879.  He was born in CedarvilleOhio, April 24, 1849, and comes of English ancestry, although the family was founded in America in colonial days.  His grandfather, Caleb Booth, was a native of Virginia and served as an American soldier in the war of 1812.  He devoted his life to the occupation of farming and removed from Berkeley county, now West Virginia , to Greene county, Ohio , establishing his home in the midst of a forest.  There he cut down the trees, cleared away the stumps and in time developed a farm.  He died at an old age.  In his family were for sons and two daughters, including John Booth, who was born in Virginia .  After arriving at years maturity he wedded Rosa Piles, a native of Ohio and a daughter of William Piles, who for many years resided in the Buckeye state, where he followed farming.  He lived to be about eighty years of age.  Following his marriage John Booth established his home upon a farm in the Buckeye state, where he remained until 1881, when he came to Illinois , settling near Waynesville.  After a time, in order to educate his children, he took up his abode in the town, where he died in 1890 when about sixty-five years of age.  His wife long survived him, being called to her final rest in 1907 at the age of eighty-four years.  She was a member of the Society of Friends or Quakers.  In their family were six children, three of whom are now living: William, of this review; Nancy, the wife of C. W. Williamson, of Clinton; and Melda Booth, residing in Waynesville Illinois

From the age of two years William Booth has made his home in DeWitt county, Illinois , being brought here by his parents in 1851.  His youthful days were spent upon the old home farm near Waynesville and in that town, where the public schools afforded him his educational privileges, and later he engaged in teaching in order to defray the expenses of a college course.  Ambitious to enjoy the advantages of an advanced education, he entered the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, from which he was graduated in 1874.  He then returned to Waynesville, where he engaged in teaching for three years, and afterward spent one year as a teacher at Kenney.  He regarded this, however, merely as an initial step to other professional labor, and taking up the study of law was admitted to the bar in 1879.  In the winter of that year he opened an office in Clinton, where he has since remained.  The fact that he has never changed his place of residence is an indication of the success which he is here enjoying.  In 1880 he was elected state’s attorney and filled that office for twelve years, his reelection being proof of his ability.  As a lawyer he is resourceful, never being surprised by the unexpected attack of an adversary for his preparation of cases is thorough and exhaustive and qualifies him to meet any possible turn of a case that may arise.  He is familiar with precedent as well as with principle and in argument his deductions follow in logical sequence.

Mr. Booth is entitled to wear the Grand Army button from the fact that he was a drummer boy in the Civil war, enlisting in Company I, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry in 1864 when but fifteen years of age.  He served in that capacity for five months and now holds membership in Frank Lowry Post, No. 157, G. A. R.  His political views are in harmony with the principles of the Republican party and he is now serving as master in chancery.  He was married on the 18th of June, 1890, to Miss Theresa Crang, a daughter of Richard R. and Theresa (Moon) Crang, but in 1905 was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife.  He is widely known in Clinton and DeWitt county, where he has lived for so many years, and the success which he has achieved is the reward of individual merit and intelligent direction of his abilities.

HARRY O. BRITTIN.  (Volume II, Page 300)

Harry Otis Brittin, one of Clinton’s younger citizens, who has spent the entire period of his business career in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, has, in connection therewith, remained continuously in the office of the master mechanic, working his way up from the position of messenger boy to that of chief clerk.  One of Illinois ’ native sons, his birth occurred at Lane on the 27th of April, 1884, his parents being Joseph M. and Louisa (Willmore) Brittin, natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively.  Both grandparents of Mr. Brittin were farmers by occupation.  The paternal grandfather passed away at MechanicsburgOhio, when well advanced in years.  In his family were seven sons, James, John, William, Nathan, Joseph, Isaac and Harry.  The maternal grandfather was the owner of a number of slaves in RichmondVirginia, but disposed of them a short time before the outbreak of the Civil war and about 1855 came to DeWitt county, Illinois , settling in Harp township.  Here, in connection with his brother Benjamin he engaged in farming, and at the time of his death, which occurred when he had passed the eightieth milestone on life’s journey, was laid to rest in the Willmore cemetery.  His family consisted of three daughters and one son, Martha, Louisa, Charles and Clementine.

Reared upon a farm in Ohio , Joseph M. Brittin, the father of our subject, came to Illinois in 1857, taking up his abode in DeWitt county.  He became the owner of a farm of eighty acres in Harp township, about six miles east of Clinton, and thereon continued to make his home for a number of years.  Later he entered the grain business, conducting an elevator at Lane until it was destroyed by fire about twenty-eight years ago.  He then for a number of years bought grain for L. N. Tyler & Company, of Chicago, but in recent years has lived retired from active business life.  He has for the past six or eight years filled the office of town clerk and is deeply interested in all community affairs.  He and his wife are members of the Christian church and are highly respected by all who know them for their many excellent traits of heart and mind.  As the years passed they became the parents of five children, four daughters and one son, who are as follows: Hattie May, the deceased wife of James Thompson; Caddie, who married Riley H. Thompson, of Lane, Illinois; Lizzie, the wife of R. E. Gray, also of that city; Edna F., who wedded Hallie Thorpe and resides near Lane; and Harry O., of this review.

In the city of Lane Harry Otis Brittin spent the period of his boyhood and youth, passing through consecutive grades of the public schools in the acquirement of an education.  Upon the afternoon of his last day of school, January 18, 1903, he accepted the position of messenger boy in the office of the master mechanic of the Illinois Central Railroad Company at Clinton and has since remained in that office, working his way up through various promotions to his present position of chief clerk.  He has performed all duties devolving upon him with a promptness and fidelity that has won the attention and approval of his employer and has resulted in promotion from time to time.  Although numbered among the younger business men of Clinton, he yet manifests those qualities which augur well for a successful future.

On the 20th of February, 1907, occurred the marriage of Mr. Brittin and Miss Eva Burns, a native of Blue Mound, Illinois , and a daughter of Francis and Florence (Mercer) Burns, early settlers of Macon county, this state.  In their family were three children who grew to maturity, Elmer, Eva and Anna.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brittin has been born one daughter, Nodene Mae, the light and life of the household.  The family resides in a comfortable and attractive residence at No. 200 South Wilson street , which is the property of Mr. Brittin, and the hospitality of their home is enjoyed by a large number of friends.

Mr. Brittin holds membership with the Masonic body, while in politics he gives stanch allegiance to the democratic party.  On the 20th of April, 1909, he was elected alderman from the fourth ward, which position he now occupies, and was the only member of the local option ticket elected.  Public-spirited in his citizenship, in his official capacity he is working for the best interests of the community and lends his influence to all measures which have for their object the development and upbuilding of Clinton.  Recognizing that labor is the basis of success, he is diligently applying himself to the work in hand, and his energy, industry and spirit of progressiveness rank him among the coming business men of Clinton.

JOHN E. BRITTIN.  (Volume II, Page 33)

John E. Brittin has for fifty-eight years been a resident of Clintonia township and throughout that period has been identified with agricultural interests.  He was born in Ohio , March 8, 1828, a son of John and Letitia (Houseman) Brittin, the former born in Harpers FerryVirginia, August 20, 1796, and the latter in Ohio , in 1806.  The family was founded in America by three brothers, who came from Wales in 1609, one settling in JamestownVirginia, while another located in Harpers Ferry .  They brought with them across the Atlantic an oaken chest which, having been handed down from one generation to another, has been in possession of the family three hundred years.  John Brittin was a youth of sixteen years when he left his native state of Virginia and located in Ohio .  During the war of 1812 he was a guard at the old blockhouse in that state.  He was married about 1822 to Hiss Houseman, a representative of an old Pennsylvania family that located in the Buckeye state in early times.  She became the mother of seven sons and one daughter but only three are now living, the two brothers of our subject being Nathan T., of Nebraska , and Joseph M., a resident of DeWitt county.  All have served as justice of the peace.  After her death the father continued his residence in that state until 1858, when he came to Illinois, making his home with his son until the time of his death, which occurred when he was eighty-seven years of age.

John E. Brittin spent his youthful days under the parental roof and acquired his education in the district schools but owing to their primitive condition, his advantages in this regard were rather limited.  As soon as he was old enough to earn his own livelihood, he began working as a farm hand, being thus employed for five years.  It was at about that time in his life that he was married and he continued to farm in Ohio for two years, after which he came to Illinois , making a permanent settlement in Clintonia township, DeWitt county, in 1852.  About four years after his arrival here he purchased eighty acres of land and later bought an additional tract, his farm now embracing one hundred and sixty acres of valuable and productive land.  He has successfully carried on general farming to the present time and has raised a few head of cattle for shipment each year.  His farm is well improved, being one of the best in the township, and its equipment is the result of the labor and enterprise of the owner.

It was in 1850 the Mr. Brittin was married to Miss Mary Cummings, who was born in Ohio in 1830, a daughter of Jonas and Rebecca Cummings, who removed to Ohio in early pioneer days.  Her father was a native of Virginia and her mother of Vermont .  They were farming people of the Buckeye state and there spent their last years.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brittin have been born four children: Sarah Ida, who was born in 1855 and is now the wife of William Ellis, of Iowa, by whom she has three children; Emma L., who was born in 1857 and is now the wife of H. M. Samuels, of South Dakota, by whom she has four children; Charles L., who was born in 1864 and wedded Luella Robb; and John W., who was born in 1870 and wedded Myrtle J. Griner, by whom he has two children.

Politically Mr. Brittin is a Republican, conversant with the leading questions and issues of the day, and his vote has always been cast at the polls in Clinton.  For twenty-one years he held the office of justice of the peace and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, always being based upon the law and equity of the case.  For a similar period he served as highway commissioner and did much for the improvement of the roads in this section of the county.  His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church.  He has converted his farm from an unimproved tract into one of the valuable and substantial properties of the county and from it he derives a substantial income that supplies him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

VERNELLE F. BROWNE.  (Volume II, Page 386)

Filling the office of states attorney of DeWitt county, to which position he was elected after nine years’ active connection with the bar, Vernelle F. Browne entered upon the practice of law at Farmer City in October, 1899.  His election to his present office caused his removal to Clinton, where he now makes his home.  He was born in the town of DeWitt on the 8th of January, 1873, and is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the state.  He is a descendant of John St. Clair and wife and the line can be traced back to the year 1000 A. D.  John St. Clair was a Scotchman and the owner of an old castle in that country, where was found an oil painting of himself and wife made shortly after their marriage.  Mr. Browne is also a descendant of John Alden and Priscilla Mullin, whose names were made famous by Longfellow’s poem “The Courtship of Miles Standish,” being one of those to come to this country on the Mayflower.  Our subject’s great-great-grandfather Brown was an officer in the Revolutionary war and was one of the original “ Cincinnati,” and as the rights of this organization descend to the oldest son, Vernelle F. Browne is eligible to membership.  His great-great-grandfather John St. Clair was also a Revolutionary soldier and his honorable discharge papers were signed by George Washington in person.  Major Kingston, a great-great-uncle on his mother’s side, secured his title as an officer in Washington ’s army.  Among the Scotch plaids of the different clans that of the St. Clair’s was very beautiful.  The Robins family, to which our subject’s mother belonged, has a coat of arms, and many of his ancestors have been represented in all of the great wars of this country.

His grandfather, Vernon J. Browne, was for many years a resident of De SotoIllinois, and devoted his life to farming after establishing a home in this state among its pioneer settlers.  Both he and his wife lived to an old age and they were the parents of three sons and a daughter, namely: J. B. F., living in Hooker, Oklahoma ; William, of Virginia ; Henry E.; and Nellie, who became Mrs. Corbin, of CrawfordsvilleIndiana.

Of this family, Henry E. Browne was the father of Vernelle F. Browne.  He was born in Illinois and devoted his life to the profession of music, holding a professorship in a Mississippi College .  He was also an artist and a man of highly cultured taste, keenly appreciative of beauty in nature and art.  He lived at different times in Cincinnati Ohio; Frankfort Kentucky; Carbondale and MurphysboroIllinois.  He was married in Dewitt county and afterward established his home in Clinton.  He died in Bonne Terre Missouri, in 1908.  As stated, he was married in DeWitt county, the lady of his choice being Emily E. Robbins, also a native of Illinois .  Her father, Dardanelles F. Robbins, was a native of Kentucky and of English descent.  He conducted a successful business in tobacco-raising near Covington Kentucky , and in 1835 came to Illinois , settling near DeWitt.  That was long prior to the period of railroad building, and he would haul his wheat to Chicago with a wagon and ox-teams, twenty-one days being required to make the trip.  In this state he married Elizabeth Hutchinson, who came to Illinois in 1828 with her parents, who first settled near Petersburg, afterward near Waynesville and finally at DeWitt.  In pioneer times Mr. Robbins enjoyed a wide reputation because of his prowess as a deer hunter.  Many deer were seen upon the prairies and in the forest, while all kinds of lesser game was to be had in abundance.  He continued a resident of DeWitt county until called to his final rest at an advanced age.  His wife died in Chicago while on a visit to her daughters.  In their family were nine children, as follows: Cordillerus; McDonald M.; Mary V., the wife of Captain J. F. Harrold; Maude E., the wife of Charles N. Cass, of Spokane, Washington; Emily E.; Martha, the wife of Henry Le Feber; Louise, the wife of Harry Reynolds; Ella E., the wife of Charles Nagely, of Chicago; and Della, the wife of Samuel O’Neal, of Chicago.  Of this family Emily became the wife of Henry E. Browne.  She still survives him and lives at Farmer City .  She is now the wife of Henry A. Buchele.  By her first marriage she had three children: Vernelle F., Ledelle and Maude E.  The younger daughter is the wife of John M. Ijams, of Farmer City .

Vernelle F. Browne accompanied his parents on their various removals, living in Cincinnati and several Illinois towns during part of his youth, and was about eighteen years of age when he came to DeWitt, since which time he has made his home in this county.  After completing his education in the DeWitt schools he began teaching and, finding that he could with profit continue his studies, devoted his evening hours to further research and received a first-grade teacher’s certificate.  In 1896 he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and in 1899 was graduated from the law department of the Northwestern University and was admitted to the bar in October of that year.  He began practice at Farmer City , where he resided until October, 1909, when he removed to Clinton necessitated by the duties of states attorney, to which office he had been elected.  He had previously served at Farmer City as city attorney for three terms and was also city clerk there for one term.  His political allegiance has ever been given to the Republican party and he is unfaltering in his advocacy of its principles.  He discharges his present duties with promptness and fidelity, unbiased by personal influence or prejudice, and neither fear nor favor can swerve him from the course which he believes to be right.

On the 6th of December, 1899, Mr. Browne was married to Miss Daisy G. Reeser, who was born about five miles southwest of Farmer City and is the daughter of Jacob and Theresa C. ( Kendall ) Reeser, who are natives of DeWitt county, now living at Farmer City .  They have two children, the younger being Grover C. Reeser.  The grandfather of Mrs. Browne was Alfred Reeser, a native of Pennsylvania , who married Margaret Overmeyer.  They spent their last days at Farmer City after rearing their children, namely: Floyd; Mrs. Amy C. Swartz; Jacob; Henry, deceased; George; Lyman; and Belle, deceased.  The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Browne was John W. Kendall, who became an early settler of DeWitt county, Illinois , where he carried on farming.  His wife died when about fifty years of age and he passed away at the age of seventy.  Their children were Perry, John, Grant, Joseph, Bert, Zimmora, Massey and Althea, the last named being the wife of Drew L. Barnes.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Browne has been blessed with two children: Theresa G. and Vernelle F., Jr.  Mr. Browne belongs to Farmer City Lodge, No. 710, A. F. & A. M.; Farmer City Chapter, No. 175, R. A. M.; and the Lodge of Perfection in Bloomington.  He is likewise connected with the Knights of Pythias and Elks fraternities.  His interests, however, center in his profession, and the ability which he displays indicates his comprehensive understanding of the principles of law and augurs will for future success.

JOHN W. BROWNING.  (Volume II, Page 204)

Professor John W. Browning, prominent as a representative of the system of public education in Illinois, now filling the responsible position of principal of the high school at Clinton, was born in Seymour, Indiana, October 4, 1868, and is the son of Nathan B. and Elizabeth (Cross) Browning, natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively.  The former was a son of William Browning, whose birth occurred in Cox county, North Carolina .  The family is of English descent and was founded in America in early colonial days.  William Browning wedded Eliza Todd and they reared a large family, while both parents lived to advanced age.  The maternal grandfather of Professor Browning was Jacob Cross, a native of Virginia and a farmer by occupation.  He married and removed with his family to Jackson county, Indiana, casting in his lot among the early settlers there.  His pioneer experiences in that district well qualified him to meet similar conditions when he removed to Iowa , taking up his abode near Independence, when that section of the state was still on the frontier.  There he died at the very venerable age of ninety-three years, while his wife passed away some years previously.  Their family numbered eleven children and after losing his first wife Mr. Cross married again and had thirteen children by the second union.

Nathan B. Browning on leaving the south became a farmer of Jackson county, Indiana, establishing his home there when comparatively few settlements had been made in that portion of the state.  He died there in 1889 at the age of sixty-three years.  His wife survived him for four years and was sixty-three years of age at the time of her demise.  Mr. Browning held membership in the Baptist church, while his wife was a Methodist in religious faith.  In community affairs he took an active and helpful part and for two terms served as county recorder of Jackson county.  His family of five children, two sons and three daughters, included: Jacob C., now deceased; Eliza, the deceased wife of Curtis M. Robinson; Marietta, the wife of Andrew F. Robinson, a resident of Brownstown, Indiana; John W., of this review; and Effie, the deceased wife of Christian H. Brannaman.

Professor John W. Browning spent his youthful days in Jackson county, Indiana, where the work of the farm early became familiar to him.  He attended the district school near his father’s home and later continued his education in the Brownstown high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886.  He then entered the Indiana Normal at Terre Haute and was graduated in 1889.  Subsequently, he became a student in the Indiana State University , where he completed the regular course by graduation in the class of 1903.  His entire life has been devoted to study and to teaching.  He entered upon the active work of the profession in 1889 in connection with the Cortland township high school in Jackson county, Indiana.  Later his services were engaged by the Clear Creek township high school and he afterward became superintendent of the city schools of Loogootee.  In the fall of 1906 he came to Clinton and has since served as principal of the high school of this city.  He has pursued post-graduate work in the Chicago University and is an able educator, who has attained considerable eminence in his profession.  With ability to impart clearly, readily and concisely to others the knowledge that he has acquired, to stimulate the interests of pupils and teachers and to win cooperation in his efforts to make education of practical value, he is proving each day worthy of the favorable opinion entertained for him in connection with his school work.

On the 12th of June, 1889, Professor Browning was married to Miss Effie Brown, a daughter of Elias D. and Lucinda (Jones) Brown.  Her paternal grandfather was Jacob Brown, a native of Virginia, who devoted a portion of his life to farming and also engaged in dealing in grain.  He was one of the earliest settlers of Jackson county, Indiana, and died when about eighty-nine years of age, while his wife reached the remarkably old age of ninety-six years.  Their family numbered three children, including: Elias D. Brown, who was a prominent and influential resident of Jackson county, Indiana, and there served as sheriff.  He died while on a visit to ClintonIllinois, in the fall of 1908, when sixty-four years of age, having for several years survived his wife.  They were buried at the old home in Jackson county.  Their family numbered three children, but only two are now living: Effie and Anna, the latter the wife of Columbus Robinson, of Jackson county.  Unto Professor and Mrs. Browning three children have been born, Lucinda Ruth, Lenora Estelle and Albert Nathan.

Both Professor and Mrs. Browning are interested in religious work and the former holds membership with the Methodist church, while the latter is a member of the Christian church.  Professor Browning belongs to DeWitt Lodge, No. 86, A. F. & A. M.; Goodbrake Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M.; Clinton Commandery, No. 66, K. T.; and to the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Cortland, Indiana.  Politically he is an independent republican, nor has he any aspiration for public office.  He feels that he has found in teaching his real life work, that to which he is best suited, and his ability is evidenced in the favorable regard which is expressed concerning him on the part of the public.

THOMAS W. CACKLEY.  (Volume II, Page 65)

Thomas W. Cackley, who was brought to DeWitt county in his first year and has made his home within its borders continuously since, has for many years carried on an extensive and successful enterprise as a grocery merchant at No. 123 North Monroe street in Clinton and is widely recognized as one of the city's respected and representative residents. His birth occurred in Pocahontas county, West Virginia, on the 10th of May, 1857, his parents being Jacob F. and Rebecca (Lowery) Cackley, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The paternal grandfather, William Cackley, was likewise born in Virginia and was of Scotch descent. He acted as sheriff of Pocahontas county, West Virginia, and was also a member of the legislature. He did creditable military service in the war of 1812 and became one of the pioneer settlers of this county, passing away here when well advanced in years. His wife bore the maiden name of Gay. The maternal grandfather of our subject was of German descent and died in Virginia at a ripe old age.

Jacob F. Cackley, the father of Thomas W. Cackley, has followed general agricultural pursuits throughout practically his entire business career. In April, 1858, he came to Dewitt county, Illinois, settling in Clintonia township, where he remained for some years and then took up his abode in Texas township. There he reared his family and has made his home for the past forty-one years, owning a well improved farm of ninety-two acres. The period of his residence in this county now covers more than a half century and he is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cackley were devoted members of the Methodist church, in the faith of which the latter passed away in February, 1869, when thirty-eight years of age. They were the parents of three sons and two daughters, as follows: Thomas W., of this review; Ella the wife of James R. Chamberlin, of Clinton; Richard, who is a resident of Mason City, Illinois; Charley, living in Clinton; and Lula, the wife of Samuel Middleton, of Heyworth, Illinois.

Thomas W. Cackley, who was nine months old when brought to this county by his parents, has therefore lived here for a period of fifty-three years. His educational opportunities were quite limited, for he lost his mother in early life and was but thirteen years of age when he left home and began providing for his own support. He secured a position as clerk in a grocery store and was thus employed for ten years. On the expiration of that period, feeling that his capital and experience justified him in embarking in business on his own account, he opened a grocery establishment at Clinton and has since successfully conducted an enterprise of this character here. He carries a large line of staple and fancy groceries and the years have witnessed a steady growth in his trade, for his business methods commend him to the confidence and support of the general public.

On the 6th of November, 1879, Mr. Cackley was united in marriage to Miss Sadie J. Phares, a native of Texas township, DeWitt county, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Phares, who took up their abode among the early settlers here. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Cackley was Samuel Phares. Her maternal grandfather, John J. McGraw, was for many years county judge and circuit clerk of DeWitt county. John A. Phares passed away in 1905, having for many years survived his wife, whose demise occurred in 1878. Their children were seven in number, namely: Charles C.; Mrs. Cackley; Libbie, the wife of W. L. Stagg; Francis C.; Effie, the wife of Loren Hildreth, of Decatur; Ella, the wife of Charles Ritchie; and John A., Jr.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Cackley has supported the men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in the principles of the party. He has attained high rank in Masonry, belonging to DeWitt Lodge, No. 84, A. F. & A. M.; Goodbrake Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M.; Clinton Council, No. 74, R. & S. M.; Clinton Commandery, No. 66, K. T.; and Mohammed Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Peoria. Both he and his wife are connected with the Eastern Star, Mrs. Cackley acting as worthy matron for two terms. She is likewise a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist church. Mr. Cackley owns a handsome residence at No. 322 East Washington street, where the many friends of the family find a hearty welcome.

DAVID F. CAIN.  (Volume II, Page 294)

Throughout life David F. Cain has followed farming and for the past twenty-six years has given special attention to the breeding of pure bred Poland China hogs.  He is the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres, his home being on section 26, Wilson township, and in the conduct of his business he has met with most excellent success.  He was born in the house where he now resides, April 7, 1850, and is a son of Nehemiah C. and Rachel (Herron) Cain.  His father was a native of Orange county, New York, but during his boyhood accompanied his parents, John and Phoebe Cain, on their removal to Licking county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and was married.  In 1844 he came to DeWitt county, Illinois, and entered eighty acres of land, where our subject now lives, building thereon the house occupied by his son.  Here the father spent the remainder of his life and as he prospered in his farming operations he added to his property until he became the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of valuable and productive land.  In his family were seven children, of whom one died in infancy, the others being: John C., who was a soldier of the Civil war and died at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1865; Elizabeth H., who married John Gardner and is now deceased; Thomas W., a resident of Wabash county, Indiana; Alfred G., who is residing in Livingston county, Missouri; David F., of this review; and Rachel C., who married Webster Newman and lives in Niles, Michigan.  The father, who was a strong abolitionist, died in 1863 and the mother passed away in 1866.  Both were earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Upon the old homestead David F. Cain spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and in the local schools he obtained a fair education, later attending the Wesleyan University at Bloomington for one year.  His father had died when he was only thirteen years of age and two years later he began working for others, continuing to be thus employed until he attained his majority.  He then began farming the home place and he and his brother Thomas purchased the interest of the other heirs.  Things were adjusted in such a manner that all were satisfied and not a dollar was spent in the courts.  They continued to carry on farming together until 1882, when the property was divided and our subject has since added to his place until he now has two hundred and forty acres of well improved and highly cultivated land.

On the 9th of January, 1883, in Wilson township, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cain and Miss Kate Troutman, a native of that township and a daughter of Michael and Louise (Ziegler) Troutman.  Her father was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, and came to America in 1830, and she now has in her possession the pass issued to him by his government on leaving that country.  He brought with him an old Bible, printed in 1600, and on landing in Baltimore proceeded on foot to DeWitt county, Illinois, carrying this large Bible in his handkerchief.  While in Indiana he and his companion, John Gitman, became acquainted with the Wilsons and proceeded with them to this county.  Here Mr. Troutman purchased land on section 35, Wilson township, and continued to make his home thereon throughout the remainder of his life.  He met with success as a farmer and at length became the owner of four hundred acres of land.  He was about sixty years of age when he was united in marriage to Miss Louise Ziegler.  She was born in Munich, Germany, and was about eighteen years of age when she came with her parents to the United States, the family living for a time in Ohio, after which they proceeded to Illinois.  To Mr. and Mrs. Troutman were born three children, of whom Mrs. Cain is the eldest, the others being: Hattie, now the wife of Solomon Williams, of Bellflower, Illinois; and Lillie, the wife of Claude Miller, of Carrollton, Missouri.  The children born to our subject and his wife are Harley, Fred, Webster, Walter and Rachel.  The family has become prominently identified with public affairs and Fred has served as tax collector two terms, while Walter took the census in his township in 1910.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Cain has voted for the men and measures of the republican party, but has never cared for office.  He is a member of DeWitt Lodge, I. O. O. F., at Parnell, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Daughters of Rebekah.  She also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church at Bell Chapel.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Cain are widely and favorably known and their circle of friends seems only limited by their circle of acquaintances.

LEWIS CAMPBELL.  (Volume II, Page 70)

Lewis Campbell, a retired farmer and merchant, whose success resulted from close application, perseverance and intelligently directed effort, is now numbered among the venerable and respected citizens of Clinton, having passed the eighty-third milestone on life’s journey.  Mr. Campbell was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, about seven miles northwest of Springfield, November 17, 1826.  His parents, John N. and Phoebe (Clark) Campbell, were natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively.  The Campbells were of Scotch-Irish descent, but the family was early planted on American soil and the grandfather, Enos Campbell, a native of Maryland, served as a soldier of the Revolutionary war under General La Fayette.  He devoted his life to farming and in early manhood married Miss Polly Nowe, after which they removed to Pennsylvania and late in life became residents of Sangamon county, Illinois, removing westward in order to live with the son, John N. Campbell.  Both passed away in Sangamon county and were buried there.  The death of Enos Campbell occurred when he was eighty-one years of age, while his wife died at the age of sixty-nine years.

John N. Campbell was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1794, and was reared to the occupation of farming, making it his life work.  In 1806 he accompanied his parents on their removal from his native state to Dorrtown, Butler county, Ohio, and four years later they became residents of Hamilton county, Ohio, where the succeeding fourteen years were passed.  In 1818 he wedded Miss Phoebe Clark and they lived together as man and wife for the long period of sixty-three years.  Coming to Illinois in 1824, he settled in Sangamon county, just about six years after the admission of the state into the Union.  There he lived for many years, devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits.  As his parents were in limited circumstances his educational privileges were limited, but he always made the most of his advantages.  On his removal to this state he was accompanied by his wife and children and they made the journey across the country in wagons, he paying the expenses of ten neighboring families who were poor.  In 1857 he became a resident of Clinton, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1890, at the age of ninety-three years, five months and fifteen days.  For nine years he had survived his wife, who died February 10, 1881, at the age of ninety-one years.  She, too, was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1791, and was a daughter of Barzilla and Nancy Clark, who removed from Maryland to Ohio about 1800.  Her father was a native of the former state and was a tailor by trade.  At an early day in the development of Illinois Mr. and Mrs. Clark became residents of Sangamon county, where they died at the ages of eighty and eighty-three years respectively after rearing a large family.  Both were members of the Methodist church.  The Clarks were of English descent and the branch of the family to which Mr. Campbell belongs were among the pioneer residents of Maryland.

John N. Campbell served his country as a soldier of the war of 1812 and when an attempt was made to reclaim Illinois from the dominion of the savages he became a soldier of the Black Hawk war.  He never participated in any battle but took part in several lively skirmishes with the Indians and when hostilities ceased was mustered out at the home of his son-in-law, Philip Clark.  His political allegiance was given to the whig party and on its dissolution he aided in the organization of the republican party, of which he continued a faithful follower until his death.  He was a warm personal friend of Abraham Lincoln and had for him the highest admiration.  He was a strong anti-slavery man and an advocate of temperance and, in fact, his influence was ever on the side of righteousness, truth and justice.

Both he and his wife were consistent and faithful members of the Methodist church and were people of the highest respectability.  It was proudly said by him that he never defrauded a man out of a dollar or took advantage of any of his neighbors.  He never bought anything unless he had the cash to pay for it.  As a mark of respect the Grand Army and also the Sons of Veterans marched at his funeral.  He was not extravagant but was generous to a fault and was loved and respected by rich and poor, old and young alike.  He never smoked or chewed and never used intoxicating drinks.  In his family were the following children, all of whom lived to mature years, namely: Israel, Christiana, William Clarkson, Enos Barzilla, Lewis, John, Sallie Ann and Mary Ann.

Lewis Campbell spent his youthful days on the old home farm in his native county and the district schools afforded him his educational privileges, but thinking to find other pursuits more profitable and congenial than the cultivation of the soil he became a clerk in Petersburg, Illinois, at nineteen years of age.  In 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he made a trip across the plains with mules and wagons.  There were eight persons in the company and the journey across the plains and through the mountain passes was a long and tedious one, but at length their eyes were gladdened by a sight of the green valleys of California.  Mr. Campbell sought a fortune in the gold mines and when the water was too high to work at mining engaged in chopping wood.  Like thousands of others, he did not meet the success he anticipated and on the 20th of June, 1850, left California, returning by way of the Isthmus of Panama, richer by far in experience and in an understanding of the conditions which existed in the state at that time.  His journey, however, was not entirely fruitless from a financial standpoint, for he managed to save about twenty-three hundred dollars and after reaching Illinois purchased a stock of goods at Springfield, which he brought to Clinton by wagon.  Here he opened a general store, becoming one of the pioneer merchants of the city.  There was no railroad here at the time but a survey had been made for one.  Mr. Campbell devoted twelve years to merchandising and then returned to the occupation of farming, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of land northwest of the town.  To this he added seventy acres but in time sold that property and in 1881 purchased his present home farm of fifteen acres, whereon he has lived since 1881.  He has now disposed of this and will soon take up his abode in the city.

On the 11th of November, 1852, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Philena Argo, a native of New Richmond, Clermont county, Ohio, where she was born in 1835, her parents being Alexander and Eliza Ann (Walraven) Argo.  Her father was born in Ohio, November 24, 1807, and continued to reside in that state until after his marriage, which was celebrated in 1834.  He came to Illinois in 1844 and was one of the first settlers of Clinton, locating there when the town contained but sixteen families.  At that time the first Methodist church was being erected and he donated a large amount of the material used and performed much of the labor in its construction.  He was a pious Christian man, of good principles, and no man in the community was held in higher esteem.  He died on the 8th of August, 1882, at the age of seventy-five years, eight months and fifteen days, C. H. Moore and John Warner being the only surviving men residing at Clinton when he located there, and both have since passed away.  Mr. Argo was a self-made man, who on starting out in life for himself had only fifty cents in his pocket, but at his death was the owner of much valuable property, including four hundred acres of fine farm land and several residences in the city.  His wife was born in Clermont county, Ohio, September 19, 1815, and was a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Walraven, who were among the first white families to settle in that county.  It is recorded of Mrs. Walraven that she was the first white woman to locate in that historic county, which has produced so many noted men, among them being General Grant.  It was on the l0th of June, 1834, that Alexander Argo was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Ann Walraven.  The house in which she died was used as a station on the underground railroad and many an escaping slave owed his freedom to her timely aid while being conducted to Canada.  She was one of the charter members of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union in Clinton and was beloved by all who knew her.  She was the mother of five children.

Mr. and Mrs. Campbell celebrated their golden wedding on the 11th of November, 1902.  To them were born seven children.  William Clarkson, the eldest, is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business at Clinton.  He married Josephine Brown and they have two children, Clara and Lewis.  Minnie is the wife of I. I. Nixon, of Weldon, Illinois.  Lewis is a Methodist minister now preaching at Raymond, Illinois.  He married Elizabeth Mueller and they have four children, Georgia, Ira, Gracie and Eugene.  Alexander, living in Petersburg, Illinois, married Rachel Grady and they have two children, Nelson and Catharine.  Eliza Ann is the wife of T. A. Reed, of Aurora, Nebraska, and their children are Edna and Boyd.  Philena is the wife of George Hayes of Clinton.  Nellie, who completes the family, is the wife of Edward J. Flatt.  They have an adopted son, Milton Flatt.

Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are faithful members of the Methodist church, having conformed their lives to its teachings.  He has served as trustee and steward in the church and was Sunday school superintendent for many years, while for a short period he was also class-leader.  When age conferred upon him the right of franchise he gave his political support to the whig party and upon its dissolution joined the ranks of the republican party, which he continued to support until Grant’s administration.  He has been called to several local offices, serving as supervisor, commissioner of highways and was one of the first village trustees of Clinton and secretary of the village.  He is now independent in politics, supporting the candidates whom he thinks best qualified for office.  He has been a resident of Clinton and De Witt county for sixty years, during which period he has not only witnessed its growth and progress from pioneer times but has also borne an active and helpful part in its development, cooperating in all measures and movements which he deems of public benefit.  His has been a well spent life and he has come to an honored old age, receiving the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded one of his years.  His example is in many ways worthy of emulation and because of his long residence in the county and upright life no history of this section of the state would be complete without extended mention of Lewis Campbell.

Submitted by Mike Malerich

ELMER E. CANTRELL.  (Volume II, Page 24)

Elmer E. Cantrell, successfully conducting a meat market on the west side of the public square in Clinton, is proving in his life work what may be accomplished through close application and indefatigable energy.  Born in Barnett township, DeWitt county, on the 21st of August, 1861, he is a son of Z. D. and Susan (Foreman) Cantrell, natives of Illinois and Ohio respectively.  The former came to this county with his parents from Sangamon county, Illinois, during his infancy and here spent his remaining days.  He was reared to farm life and devoted his attention to the tilling of the soil until he removed to Clinton in 1890.  His remaining days were spent in the enjoyment of well earned rest and he passed away in 1897 at the age of sixty-three years.  His widow still survives him and is now seventy-five years of age.  She is a member of the Presbyterian church to which her husband also belonged.  He held various township offices, the duties of which he discharged in a most capable and satisfactory manner, serving as supervisor for several terms while for twenty-seven years he was justice of the peace.  Unto him and his wife were born five children, three sons and two daughters: Carmi G., of Prentice, Illinois; Joanna, the deceased wife of D. W. Lanterman; Elmer E., of this review; Thomas D., a physician practicing in Bloomington; and Martha Angeline, the wife of James P. Lichtenberger, of Philadelphia.

Comparatively little is known concerning the ancestral history of the Cantrell family, but John M. Cantrell, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the pioneer settlers of Dewitt county where for a long period he followed farming.  Throughout much of his life he also carried on blacksmithing and in his later years devoted his entire attention to that pursuit.  He died in Waynesville at the age of fifty-three years while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Joanna Jones, survived him for only a few years.  They had a large family.  The maternal grandfather of Mr. Cantrell was a native of Ohio and died in Champaign county, Illinois, at a remarkably old age.  His wife, Mrs. Mississippi Foreman, was born in what is now St. Clair county, Illinois, upon the present site of East St. Louis.  Her mother was killed by the Indians in pioneer times.  Mrs. Foreman died in Champaign county at a very old age, after rearing her family of twelve children.

Elmer E. Cantrell spent his youth upon the home farm in Barnett township, dividing his time between the attainment of an education and the work of the fields.  He started out in life on his own account by renting his father’s farm which he cultivated for six years.  In 1890 his father took up his abode in Clinton and the farm was turned over to Elmer E. Cantrell, who purchased the old homestead and continued as its owner until 1900, when he sold it.  For the past four years he has been conducting a meat market in Clinton, removing to the city in order to give his children better educational advantages.

On the 24th of December, 1884, Mr. Cantrell married Miss Jennie Brittin, a daughter of Isaac and Sophia (Plummer) Brittin.  Mrs. Cantrell was born in this county where her parents, who were natives of Ohio, settled at an early day.  They afterward removed to Jefferson county where they remained until called to their final rest.  Mrs. Cantrell was there reared to the age of eighteen years, when she returned to this county and was here married.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cantrell have been born seven children, namely: Rayper Z., Floyd S., Alma F., Mary Abilene, Jennie Lela, Elmer, Jr., and James Ralph.  Of this number, the first born died in 1902 at the age of sixteen years, while Floyd S. is a partner with his father in the meat business.  The other members are all at home.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Cantrell hold membership in the Christian church in which he is serving as a deacon and in the work of the church they are deeply interested.  He is also a Master Mason and a member of the Odd Fellows society, while his political allegiance is given to the democratic party.  He represents old and honored pioneer families of the county long connected with its agricultural development and was himself a representative farmer here until he removed to Clinton where he has established himself as a capable business man.

CHARLES W. CARDIFF.  (Volume II, Page 62)

Throughout his active business life Charles W. Cardiff has been identified with the agricultural interests of DeWitt county and now owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and ninety acres in Harp township.  He was born in DeWitt township on the 4th of November, 1855, and is a worthy representative of one of the old and honored families of this county.  His paternal grandfather served in the war of 1812.  His father, William A. Cardiff, was born near CirclevilleOhio, in 1838, but early in life came to Illinois and first settled near Monticello but afterward removed to DeWitt county.  For some time after locating here he was in the employ of others but subsequently purchased over a half section of land in Harp township and was engaged in general farming throughout the remainder of his life.  He became one of the prominent and influential citizens of his community and, a recognized leader in democratic circles, he was called upon to serve as supervisor, collector and assessor of his township for several years.  His useful and well spent life was ended on the 25th of December, 1895.  In early manhood he had married Miss Kitura Harrold, whose birth occurred in Virginia in 1832, but she also became an early settler of Illinois .  She passed away May 17, 1904.  The children born to this worthy couple are: Charles W., of this review; Oliver, a resident of DeWitt; Eli G., of Clinton; and Viona A., the wife of I. Robinson.

During his boyhood Charles W. Cardiff attended the public schools and aided his father in the work of the farm, giving him the benefit of his services until twenty-two years of age, although he practically remained with him throughout life.  In 1884 he purchased one hundred and ninety acres of land in Harp township and upon this place has since successfully engaged in general farming and has also devoted some attention to the raising of stock.  He is a progressive and up-to-date farmer and his success is but the just reward of earnest and persistent labor.

On the 25th of December, 1879, Mr. Cardiff was united in marriage to Miss Rosetta J. Tyler, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Schultz) Tyler, who were born, reared and married in Ohio and came to Illinois in 1856, locating in DeWitt county.  Here her father died in 1896 but her mother is still living and now makes her home in Harp township.  Mr. and Mrs. Cardiff are the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters.  Daisy P., born in 1881, became the wife of Joseph E. Polen, of this county, and they have three children, Olive M., Carl W. and Bertha P.  Nellie M., born in 1882, is the wife of Clyde Sutton, of ClintonIllinois, and they have one child, Homer.  Harry S., born in 1884, is at home.  Clarence O., born in 1886, is now in Montana .  Nora E., born in 1888, is the wife of William Proven, of this county, and they have two children, Alta May and Fay E.  Charles Elmer, born in 1890, is at home.  Ada, born in 1892, died in infancy.  William E., born in 1893, Roy S., in 1895, Ellis B., in 1896, Mary Zella, in 1898, and Opal I. , born in 1900, are all at home.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Cardiff has affiliated with the republican party and he is a prominent Mason, having attained to the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite, and is a member of Lodge No. 261, A. F. & A. M., at DeWitt.  He is a man of high and honorable principles and those who have known him longest are numbered among his staunchest friends.

WILLIAM RAY CARLE.  (Volume II, Page 16)

Hon. William Ray Carle is one of Wapella’s most prominent citizens whose success has come as the result of earnest labor, close application and intelligent direction of his energies.  He was born on the 24th of March, 1832, in what is now Wellsburg, Brooke county, West Virginia , but then formed a part of Virginia .  His father, John Carle, was a native of FranklinPennsylvania, born in 1794, and in early manhood married Rebecca Miller, a native of WellsburgWest Virginia.  When a young man he worked at the cabinet-maker’s trade but about 1828, in partnership with a brother and uncle, established a cotton mill, which he successfully conducted for some years.  He died at his old home in West Virginia in 1870.  In politics he was a democrat and his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Christian church.

Leaving home at the age of twenty-two years, William R. Carle came to Bloomington, Illinois, making the trip by way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to St. Louis, then by boat to Alton and by railroad from there to Bloomington.  On reaching this state he commenced school-teaching in September, 1854, and continued to follow that profession for three years at a salary of thirty dollars per month.  He taught one term at Dry Grove for forty dollars per month.  In 1857, having saved some of his earnings, he embarked in the grain business at Bloomington, buying a warehouse ready for business, but his property was soon afterward destroyed by fire and he lost all that he possessed—six hundred dollars.  Nothing daunted, in partnership with David S. Hord he soon afterward rebuilt and resumed business later in the same year, continuing to carry on operations there until the spring of 1859, when he sold out and paid off all of his debts.  In March of that year he removed to Clinton and entered the grain business with a Mr. Taylor, but the following August came to Wapella and shortly afterward became interested in the grain business with a Mr. Dixon.  One year later he purchased his partner’s share in the enterprise and continued alone until the fall of 1862, when he sold out to Mr. Kent of Clinton and embarked in the mercantile business, which he carried on with excellent success for three years, clearing about fifty-five thousand dollars.  On disposing of his store he again turned his attention to the grain, lumber and stock business in connection with E. B. Harold, but on account of failing health was obliged to sell out in 1869 and go to California, where he remained from June until the following September.  Returning home much benefited by the change, Mr. Carle again embarked in the mercantile business in the fall of 1870, but about a year later sold his store to a cousin.  Subsequently he again came into possession of the same establishment and for two years continued to carry on merchandising, selling at the end of that time to A. J. Lattimer.  In the meantime he was interested in the grain business in partnership with James Butterworth, who subsequently sold out to J. M. Green, and with the latter gentleman Mr. Carle still carries on that business.  At one time he also started a tile factory, but closed this in 1870.  With others he assisted in organizing the DeWitt County National Bank at Clinton, of which he became the first president and was succeeded by Thornton Snell.  He is now, however, president of the Farmers & Mechanics [Merchants?] Bank at Wapella, which was organized in 1908.  It will thus be seen that he has been actively identified with many business enterprises, which have not only materially promoted his own interests but have been of great benefit to the community in which they have been located.  He is a very progressive and energetic business man and usually carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

In 1856 Mr. Carle united with the Christian church at Bloomington, but since 1868 has held membership in the church of that denomination at Long Point.  He is a man of upright and honorable purpose, forceful and energetic, and the prosperity that has come to him is but the just reward of his own unaided efforts.  In the fall of 1870 he was elected to the legislature on the independent democratic ticket and filled that position for one term.  He has also served as supervisor of Wapella several times and was justice of the peace for four years.  He has, however, never found much time to devote to public affairs as his extensive business interests have claimed most of his time and attention.  His good judgment in utilizing opportunities within his reach has resulted in conspicuous success for himself and Wapella is proud to number him among her citizens.

EDWARD J. CAYTON.  (Volume II, Page 34)

Edward J. Cayton is now successfully engaged in farming and in the raising and feeding of stock, his home being on section 20, Rutledge township, where he operates two hundred acres of the Van Deventer farm.  A native of West Virginia, he was born in Pendleton county, January 10, 1863, his parents being Edward J. and Mahala (Hinkle) Cayton.  He lost his father when only three years of age, but continued a resident of his native state until about nineteen, when he came to Dewitt county, Illinois, as he had a brother-in-law living here.  For a number of years he was in the employ of others, working by the month as a farm hand.

Upon his present place, February 11, 1892, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cayton and Miss Mary E. Van Deventer, who was born and reared upon this farm, her birth occurring June 15, 1851.  She died on the 28th of November 1909, and was laid to rest in Oak Grove cemetery, Leroy.  Her parents were Thomas and Elizabeth (Arbogast) Van Deventer, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Ohio.  For three years after his marriage Mr. Cayton was engaged in farming in McLean county, Illinois, but at the end of that time located upon his present farm, of which his wife was an heir.  They had no children of their own but reared three.

Industrious, progressive and enterprising, Mr. Cayton has met with well deserved success in his farming operations and in 1902 purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Guthrie county, Iowa, for which he paid fifty dollars per acre, but it is now worth one hundred and fifty dollars per acre.

As a republican he has taken quite an active and influential part in local politics and in 1904 was elected supervisor of Rutledge township, being the first republican to fill that office.  He served for four years in a most creditable and acceptable manner and was a member of the committees on finance, roads and bridge building.  During his term the courthouse was remodeled and several bridges were erected throughout the county.  He keeps well posted on the questions and issues of the day and takes a commendable interest in those enterprises which he believes will prove of the public benefit.  He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Rucker Chapel, to which his wife also belonged, and he is a member of DeWitt Lodge, No. 126, A. F. & A. M.; DeWitt Lodge, No. 188, I. O. O. F., at Parnell; Rebekah Lodge at Farmer City; and the Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 2873, also of the latter place.  He is prominent both in social and political circles and his course in life has ever been such as to commend him to the confidence and high regard of those with whom he is brought in contact.

WILLIAM H. CONN.  (Volume II, Page 189)

William H. Conn, a well known citizen of Nixon township, residing on section 29, was born near Lane in DeWitt county on the 1st of November, 1882, being a son of Robinson and Isabelle (Rasbuch) Conn.  The father was born in Ohio on the 4th of February, 1853, and was only about two years of age when brought to DeWitt county in 1855, locating near Clinton.  He became a stanch supporter of the democratic party and filled various township offices, including those of collector and assessor.  By occupation he is a farmer and now lives in Macon county, Illinois.  His wife, who was born in New York, March 17, 1857, died on the 16th of April, 1898, and was laid to rest in Weldon cemetery.  They were the parents of five children, namely: Guy, a resident of Maroa, Macon county, Illinois; Charles Wilson, who lives near Warrensburg, Illinois; William H., of this review; Grover, living near Weldon; and Clarence Edmond, at home.  Our subject also has a half-brother, Leland Sanford, at home.

William H. Conn was educated in the common schools of this county and was married at the age of nineteen years to Miss Bertha Ethel Costley, who was born in DeWitt county, March 22, 1884, her parents being John F. and Debbie (Williams) Costley, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.  Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Conn: Fay Lorene, born March 8, 1902; Carl Francis, born October 20, 1906; one who died in infancy; and an infant, born March 29, 1910.

For one year after his marriage Mr. Conn engaged in farming upon rented land in Nixon township and then removed to Piatt county, where he rented a farm until 1904.  In that year he located upon his present farm of four hundred and sixty acres belonging to Eric Bergland of Newark, New Jersey, and here he has since successfully carried on general farming and stock raising.  As a democrat he has taken an active interest in public affairs and is now serving as tax collector.  Fraternally he affiliates with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  Both he and his wife hold membership in the United Brethren church and are held in the highest esteem by all who know them.

WILLIAM F. COPPENBARGER.  (Volume II, Page 94)

William F. Coppenbarger, a citizen of Kenney, whose many substantial qualities have won him high regard and whose influence is always found on the side of reform, improvement and progress, was for many years closely associated with agricultural interests in this part of the state but is now living retired.  He was born in Logan county, Illinois , July 18, 1846, a son of Peter and Polly ( Randolph) Coppenbarger, both natives of Virginia .  The paternal grandfather was John Coppenbarger, likewise a native of the Old Dominion and of German descent.  He and his wife removed with their family to Blount county, Tennessee , from which place they went to Sangamon county, Illinois , and later came to DeWitt county.  Many Indians were still found in this district, and Mr. Coppenbarger was the first settler on Salt Creek.  He had twelve children, including John, Joseph, Mrs. Frailkil, Mrs. Frailkil, Mrs. Treaklin, Mrs. Butler, George, Jacob, Elias, William, Peter and Emily.  Both Mr. and Mrs. John Coppenbarger lived to an old age, passing away in DeWitt county.

The maternal grandfather of our subject was William Randolph, who came of English stock and engaged in farming in Virginia , in which state he was born.  He wedded Miss Matilda Fletcher and they became pioneers of DeWitt county, Illinois , but later removed to Bloomington, where they died at an old age.  They had the following children, Willoughby, William, Levi, Jehu, Moses, Judson, Love, Mary, Sarah, Salina, Matilda and Louisa.  Moses was a Baptist minister and was killed in the Civil war.

The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation and became a settler of this section of the state when DeWitt county formed a part of Sangamon .  He accumulated two hundred and sixty acres of land and died on the home place in 1847, at the comparatively early age of thirty-three years.  Of this union there were three children: Josiah, a resident of Arkansas CityKansas; William F., of this review; and Matilda Catherine, who became the wife of Robert Barnett and is now deceased.  After the father’s death the mother married again, her second union being with Henry Burton and both have now passed away.  Of that union there were five children but only two are now living: Lavina, the wife of Rev. Joseph Eninger, of Argenta; and Grant Burton, of Storm LakeIowa.

William F. Coppenbarger, who was the second in order of birth of his father’s first marriage, was reared on the home farm in Logan county, within a few rods of the DeWitt county line.  His education was acquired in the district schools and he was reared to the work of the home farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist.  At the early age of fourteen he left home to make his own way in the world, being employed at farm labor by the month for several years.  Through inheritance he eventually came into possession of thirteen acres and he purchased sixty-seven acres of his brother and sister, his farm then comprising eighty acres in Aetna township, which was originally the homestead.  Mr. Coppenbarger at once began farming his land and as he prospered he purchased another farm of one hundred and twenty acres, situated north of Kenney.  While living in the country he was recognized as one of the most enterprising and progressive agriculturists of the community, following practical and advanced methods which brought him substantial success as the years went by.  He was identified with farming until 1904, since which time he has leased his land and now lives retired in Kenney.

Mr. Coppenbarger was united in marriage to Miss Ida Cassel, who died in August 1906, when forty-five years of age.  She was a member of the Christian church.  Her parents became early settlers of DecaturIllinois, and her father served in the Civil war.  Mr. Coppenbarger exercises his right of franchise in support of the democratic party.  His fraternal relations connect him with Henderson Lodge, No. 802, A. F. & A. M.; Goodbrake Chaper, R. A. M.; Clinton Council, No. 74, R. & S. M.; and with Kyle Lodge, No. 282, K. P.  Although he was compelled from an early age to make his own way in life, he has through his persistency, energy and economy, accumulated a competence that now enables him to live in honorable retirement.

J. F. COSTLEY.  (Volume II, Page 194)

J. F. Costley, the popular and efficient postmaster of Weldon, was born in Green county, Illinois, July 26, 1849, his parents being William H. and Alzina (Brannan) Costley, both natives of Kentucky and early settlers of Illinois, making their home in Greene and Sangamon counties at different times.  The father, who was a soldier of the Mexican war, died when our subject was quite young.  He had a son, William H. Costley, who participated in the Civil war.  In his family were ten children, of whom four are still living.

J. F. Costley was reared and educated in Sangamon county and remained with his mother until twenty-two years of age, when he came to DeWitt county, and here he successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until January, 1905, when he sold his farm and removed to Weldon, accepting the position of postmaster there.  The republican party has always found in him a stanch supporter of its principles and he has been honored with various local offices, serving as supervisor for five or six terms and as road commissioner for one term.  He affiliates with the Masonic fraternity and Knights of Pythias and has always taken a very active and prominent part in public affairs.  He is now the owner of a nice home in the northern part of Weldon and is one of the leading men of the town.

In November, 1872, Mr. Costley was married to Miss Debbie Williams, a native of Macon county, Illinois, and a daughter of Alfred and Lucinda (Ogden) Williams, who were originally from Tennessee.  Her father is now deceased, but her mother is still living and makes her home in Decatur, Illinois.  Of the ten children in the Williams family, six are living, namely: William, a resident of Argenta, Illinois; Martha, the wife of Henry Stein; Edward, a resident of Decatur; Mary, the wife of Perry Nelson, also of Decatur; John, of California; Cordelia, the wife of Henry Mason of Arkansas.  Mrs. Costley died in January, 1893, leaving five children: Arthur, who was born in DeWitt county in 1873, married Emma Walker and has two children, Leta and Gertrude.  They now make their home in Fresno, California.  Grace is the wife of Edward Mitchell and lives in Johnson City, Illinois.  Bertha, the wife of William H. Conn, of Nixon township, has three children, Fay, Carl and an infant.  Frank and Gertrude are young ladies living at home with their father.

JOHN L. COSTLEY.  (Volume II, Page 226)

John L. Costley, one of the most prominent educators of De Witt county, now a candidate for the office of county superintendent of schools, for which position he is eminently qualified, was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, on the 17th of February, 1868, about sixteen miles west of Springfield, his parents being William H. and Maggie B. (Johnson) Costley.  His father was also a native of Illinois, his birth occurring in Greene county, February 19, 1841.  He died 4th of October, 1903, his remains being interred in the Weldon cemetery.  His wife, who was born in Indiana, February 9, 1841, is still living in Weldon.  Our subject’s father served for three years in the Union army during the Civil war, being a member of' the Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and he participated in many important engagements and was with Sherman on the march to the sea.

John L. Costley attended the public schools of this county and was one of the first to graduate from the Weldon high school in the class of 1886.  After completing his education he began teaching at the age of eighteen years and has since successfully followed that profession.  He is not only a well informed man but has the faculty of being able to impart readily and easily to others the knowledge that he has acquired.  He has taught in Harp, Clintonia, Barnett, Waynesville, Nixon and De Witt townships, having continuously followed his chosen profession since starting out in life for himself.  In 1910 he did not accept a position as teacher as he is now a candidate for the office of superintendent of schools in De Witt county.

Mr. Costley was united in marriage to Miss Jennie L. Greenwood, who was born in De Witt county, May 2, 1870, her parents being Thomas and Louisa (Brooks) Greenwood, both natives of Ohio.  Her father was born March 4, 1840, and her mother June 11, 1844.  Prior to the Civil war they came to this state and settled on a farm in De Witt county, where they still continue to reside.  During the Rebellion Mr. Greenwood entered the service and was, wounded in the head by a bullet.  Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Costley.  Perle, who was born March 24, 1895, is now a senior in the high school of Weldon and is also taking piano and violin lessons.  Faron Quinton, who was born October 21, 1904, died in infancy.  Lloyd Owen was born September 10, 1906.

In June, 1898, Mr. Costley erected a pleasant residence in the northern part of Weldon on North street and besides this property he owns a quarter section of land in Kansas.  He is entirely a self-made man, having from the age of fifteen years been dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood.  In his social relations he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, having filled all of the offices in the last named order, including that of venerable consul.  Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist church and he has served as superintendent of the Sunday school, for ten years.  Since attaining his majority he has affiliated with the republican party and four times was elected assessor of Nixon township.  He was also elected trustee of the village board on the anti-license ticket for eight years and is one of the trustees of the Methodist Protestant church, being a member of the building committee when the house of worship was erected in Weldon at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars.  He is a very refined, intellectual man and as candidate for the office of superintendent of schools has the support of the best people, who fully realize his fitness for the office, and as a man and citizen he commands the unqualified respect and esteem of all.

Submitted by Mike Malerich

CLARK C. COVEY.  (Volume II, Page 383)

Professor Clark C. Covey, who for the past twenty years has so acceptably served as superintendent of the schools of Farmer City, was born here on the 11th of September, 1860, when the place was known as Mount Pleasant.  His father, Stephen H. Covey, was a native of New York, born in Cayuga county, September 23, 1816, of English ancestry, but was only a year old when he accompanied his parents, Edward and Hannah (Northrup) Covey, on their removal to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, the journey being made by sled.  There the family resided until 1835, when they became residents of McLean county, Illinois, our subject’s grandfather buying a farm of eighty acres, on which now stands the Big Four depot in Bloomington.  A few months later, in the same year, however, he sold that place and settled on the farm now owned by Mrs. J. Q. Jones, just southeast of Farmer City, where he owned a tract of one hundred and sixty acres and to its improvement and cultivation devoted the remainder of his life.  He was one of the very first settlers of DeWitt county, locating here when it still formed a part of McLean county, and here he continued to reside until called to his final rest in 1855, at the age of seventy-five years.  His wife passed away in 1860, at the age of seventy-seven.  She was a daughter of Stephen Northrup.  He entered the colonial army during the Revolutionary war and became an officer on General Arnold’s staff, being later detailed to take charge of Arnold after his capture.  Sixteen children were born to Edward Covey and his wife, of whom the following reached years of maturity: Byron, Cornelius, Stephen, Amaziah, Isaac, Hannah, Mary and Lucretia.  The last named married a Mr. Banner and theirs was the first wedding celebrated in Santa Anna township.

Stephen H. Covey, the father of our subject, was about nineteen years of age when, in 1835, the family took up their residence in DeWitt county, and here he continued to make his home throughout the remainder of his life with the exception of three years spent in California during the gold excitement there.  He crossed the plains in 1849 with a team of mules, it requiring six months to make the trip, but he returned home by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New York city in 1853.  During the remainder of his life he devoted his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits, owning a farm of eighty acres within the present corporation limits of Farmer City, which tract he purchased on his return to California and which continued to be his home until called from this life.  Besides this property he owned other farm land.  During the Civil war he was a loyal advocate of the Union cause and did much toward caring for the widows of the soldiers who had died at the front.  He passed away January 18, 1902, when nearly eighty-six years of age, and his wife died in 1889 at the age of sixty-three years.  Both were earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Mrs. Covey bore the maiden name of Elizabeth C. Erwin and was a native of Ohio.  Her father, Joseph Erwin, was born in Staunton, Virginia, and was of English extraction.  By occupation he was a farmer.  In early manhood he married Miss Margaret Montgomery, who was of Scotch-Irish descent and came to America in 1803.  They were also pioneers of DeWitt county, making their home in Farmer City, where Mr. Erwin died at the extreme old age of ninety-six years.  His wife had passed away when sixty years of age.  The children born to Stephen H. and Elizabeth C. (Erwin) Covey are: Pam, of Farmer City; Theotus L., of Weldon, Illinois; Clark C., of this review; and Ulysses G., of Urbana, Illinois.

On the home farm Professor Covey grew to manhood and acquired his early education in the Farmer City schools, being graduated from the high school there.  He then took a course at the Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington and on leaving that institution commenced teaching in Farmer City, where he has now followed that profession for twenty-five years.  During the first five years he was principal of the high school here and since that time has been city superintendent.

In 1886, Professor Covey was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth L. Savage, a native of Virginia, Illinois, and a daughter of Judge J. W. and Caroline M. (Springer) Savage.  Her father was born in Cass county, Illinois, but her mother was a native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, though her family was founded in Cass county, this state, at an early day.  Removing to Emporia, Kansas, Judge Savage there spent his last days, dying at the age of fifty-six years.  His widow still survives him.  In their family were eight children, namely: Ledru. a graduate of the naval academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and later an officer in the United States army; Flora S.; Elizabeth L.; Leyman H.; John W.; Lydia; Ida; and H. Mayo.  Mr. and Mrs. Covey have two children, Clara Allegra and Arete Caroline.  The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Covey also belongs to Farmer City Lodge, No. 710, A. F. & A. M.; Farmer City Chapter, No. 175, R. A. M.; Clinton Commandery, No. 66, K. T.; and Mohammed Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Peoria.  He is also a member of Kenilworth Lodge, No. 60, K. P., and in politics is affiliated with the republican party.  During his long residence in Farmer City he has become widely and favorably known and today occupies a prominent position in educational circles.

VALENTINE A. CRAFT.  (Volume II, Page 346)

Valentine A. Craft, who owns and operates a valuable farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Waynesville township, is one of the progressive and enterprising farmers of this section of DeWitt county.  He was born in Boone county, Indiana, August 24, 1860, and little is known of his ancestry.  He and his sister, Sarah Isabel, who was eighteen months his senior, were brought by their mother to DeWitt county when the son was a little lad of four years.  They were left with Henry Hickel in DeWitt county, with whom Mr. Craft remained to his seventeenth year.  His sister, who was also reared by Mr. Hickel, married and died in Missouri in 1895.

Valentine A. Craft was reared to the occupation of farming and acquired his education in the public schools of DeWitt county.  At the age of seventeen years he started out to face the responsibilities of life on his own account and after accumulating a sum of money sufficient to invest in land, he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in Kansas in 1892.  He removed to that farm in the February following, making his home in the Sunflower state until 1900, when he returned to DeWitt county, purchasing one hundred thirteen and a half acres, four miles southeast of Heyworth.  He later disposed of that property and invested his capital in his present home farm, comprising one hundred and eighty acres in Waynesville township.  He has here a well improved place, and, in addition to carrying on farming, makes a specialty of raising stock, keeping Percheron horses, and he also raises hogs, cattle and mules.  He keeps good grades of stock, which command a high price on the market.

Mr. Craft was married February 28, 1884, to Miss Emma L. Finger, a daughter of Ferdinand and Marie (Virgiel) Finger, natives of Germany.  Emigrating to the new world in 1853, they located near Bloomington, Illinois.  They reared a family of six daughters and four sons, all living with the exception of one daughter, who died at the age of thirty years.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Craft have been born three sons and three daughters, as follows: Albert Dick, who was born December 26, 1884; Nellie G., whose birth occurred January 25, 1887; William F., born October 7, 1888; Etta E., born August 2, 1893; Leola V., who was born June 29, 1896; and Litta M., whose birth occurred June 2, 1898.  All the children are still with their parents with the exception of the eldest, Albert D., who wedded Miss Clara Roberts, of Wapella, their home being in DeWitt county.  They have one daughter.

Mr. Craft is a republican where national issues are involved but at local elections he casts his ballot in support of the men whom he deems best qualified for the office of which they are candidates.  He belongs to Hepler Lodge, No. 115, A. O. U. W., at Hepler, Kansas, and is likewise identified with Forest Lodge, No. 255, I. O. O. F., at Wapella, Illinois.  At the age of four years, practically friendless and alone in the world, Mr. Craft began life in DeWitt county and the success which he has attained is well merited, for it is due to his own diligence, energy and economy, and today he finds a place among the substantial and well-to-do citizens of Waynesville township and Dewitt county.

WILLIAM P. CRAMER.  (Volume II, Page 279)

With the farming interests of DeWitt county William Perry Cramer has been identified since reaching man’s estate and is today numbered among the well-to-do and substantial citizens of Creek township, his home being on section 23.  He was born in this county, on the 22d of May, 1858, his parents being Thomas J. and Martha (Simpson) Cramer, both natives of Ohio , the former born in 1832, the latter in 1830.  They came to Illinois in 1854 and settled in DeWitt county, but are now residing in Maroa, Macon county, Illinois .  Of their five children three are still living: Samuel, also a resident of Macon county; William P., of this review; and Maggie, the wife of John Marsh, of Maroa.

During his boyhood William P. Cramer was taken by his parents to Missouri , in which state the family lived for a number of years, and he remained upon the home farm giving his father the benefit of his labors until he attained his majority.  After his marriage he located upon a tract of rented land in Creek township, to the cultivation of which he devoted his energies for nine years, but at the end of that time he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 23 and has since engaged in its improvement and cultivation.  In 1893 he erected a pleasant and commodious residence, has also built barns and outbuildings and today has an up-to-date and highly cultivated farm.

On the 28th of February, 1885, Mr. Cramer was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Hendricks, who was born in Arkansas , July 28, 1864.  Her parents, John and Mary (Black) Hendricks, were natives of Tennessee , and her mother, whose birth occurred October 18, 1828, is now a resident of ClintonIllinois.  Her father was born February 7, 1829, and died on the 5th of April 1905, being laid to rest in the Maroa cemetery.  He was a soldier of the Civil War, enlisting from Arkansas and remaining in the service until hostilities ceased.  For seven months he was employed as a spy, receiving no pay for his service.  In 1864 he came to DeWitt county, Illinois , and was subsequently engaged in farming in Creek township, where he became the owner of a fine farm of four hundred acres on sections 26 and 35.  This property is still in possession of his family and is now occupied by Mr. Lubbers.  To this worthy couple were born eleven children, ten of whom are still living, namely: William Henry, a resident of DeWitt county; John and James, both of Piatt county; Theodore, of Clinton, Illinois; Fannie, the wife of Thomas Nelson, of Clay Center, Nebraska; Celia, the wife of William East, of Clay Center, Nebraska; Minerva, the wife of our subject; Emma, the wife of Thomas Harding, of Clinton; Edward, of Maroa; and Nellie, the wife of Dr. Robert Nesbitt, of Clinton.  The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cramer are as follows: Nettie Maud, who is the eldest, and is now the wife of Fred Ostrander, of Clinton; Pearl, who was born >October 24, 1891, and died in infancy; and Thomas, who was born January 22, 1893, and is at home with his father.

Mr. Cramer is a self-made man, his success being due to his own enterprise and good management as well as to the assistance of his estimable wife, and they are today in possession of one of the fine farms in the locality.  Mrs. Cramer holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Clinton, while fraternally Mr. Cramer belongs to the Knights of Pythias.  His political support is given the men and measures of the democratic party and he has been called upon to fill the offices of road commissioner and school director.  He has always been found true to every trust reposed in him and well merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held.

ANDREW J. CROSS.  (Volume II, Page 26)

An earnest, quiet worker for the cause of humanity, with the welfare of his fellowmen ever before him, A. J. Cross, farmer and evangelist and noted church worker, is reckoned as one of the foremost of the representative men of the county.  He is known practically throughout the entire middle west, and more particularly throughout the Illinois district, where he has sung in nearly every community wherein revivals have been held or meetings of religious workers of any note.  An earnest worker upon his farm in section 36, Creek township, he gives freely of his time, ability and money to the cause of Christianity, and is known and loved by thousands whom he has helped over rough spots in life’s journey.

Born in DeWitt county, November 13, 1862, A. J. Cross is the son of George and Sarah (Roberts) Cross, both of whom are yet living at their home in Argenta, Macon county.  George Cross was born in DeWitt county, March 20, 1832, while his wife was born in Piatt county, January 11, 1839.  They became the parents of seven children, five of whom are yet living.  A. J., of this review, is the eldest.  Ida, the wife of Edward Nelson, lives in Macon county.  Jacob, third of the living children, is a resident of Argenta, while Myrtle, now the wife of Grant Bell, lives in Decatur.  Elizabeth is the wife of Nicholas Berkler and lives in Argenta.  The father served a year and a half during the Civil war in the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, while some of his brothers were in the Confederate army.  Solomon Cross was one of the members of the family who served in the Union army, while William Roberts, postmaster of Lane, Illinois, was another.  Methias Munch, an uncle of Mrs. Cross, served throughout the entire five years of the war in the Union army.

A. J. Cross taught school following his graduation from Westfield College, which he attended after passing through the grades of the public schools of Weldon, having charge of schools in Creek and Nixon townships for seven years.  Giving up teaching, he settled upon a farm in Creek township, renting one hundred and sixty acres in section 36, which was owned by his father-in-law, Nicholas Munch.  He had been united in marriage March 11, 1888, to Miss Mattie Munch, and followed general farming for some time upon the rented place.  His wife was the daughter of Nicholas and Catherine (Greenwalt) Munch and was born in Creek township, November 27, 1866.  Her parents were of French birth, her father having been born in France, August 22, 1823, while her mother was born in the same country in 1829.  They came to America in 1854 and settled in Illinois.  Mrs. Munch died in 1886 and is buried in Macon county.  Mr. Munch makes his home in Weldon.  Their seven children are: Joseph, of St. Joseph, Missouri; Nancy, wife of Thomas Wagner, of Arkansas; William, living in Illinois; Emma, wife of William Crisman, of Wilcox, Nebraska; Sarah, wife of Charles Coffman, of Nixon township; Frank, of Creek township; and Mrs. Cross, the wife of our subject.

Mr. Cross has served the district as school director for several terms, but that is the only office he has held in the township.  He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the United Brethren church of Shiloh, which was built in 1874.  It was dedicated and rebuilt largely through the efforts of Mr. Cross and others of the congregation in 1909.  At the forty-fourth anniversary of the establishment of the Sunday school, May 10, 1910, there was present the minister who was instrumental in organizing the first Sunday school, the Rev. M. Predmore.  Invitations were sent to all the charter members of the church who are now living and many of them attended.  The first superintendent of the school was unable to attend but expressed his regrets in a suitable letter to the officials who had the exercises in charge.  Mr. Cross has been superintendent of the Sunday school for the past fifteen years.  He is general treasurer of the classes and is secretary of the quarterly conference.  His wife, who is also deeply interested in church work, is branch treasurer of the Northern Illinois Missionary Society of the United Brethren church.  She is also teacher of the primary class in the local Sunday school.  It is as an evangelist that Mr. Cross is most widely known.  He is a member of the Northern Illinois Male Quartette, an organization which travels all over the state attending the various conventions and religious meetings that are taking place, as well as participating in evangelistic work.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cross.  Cassie, born in Creek township, December 27, 1894, has completed her term in the rural schools and now attends the Weldon high school.  Elma, born October 25, 1897, has just finished the course in the local schools and will enter the Weldon high school in the fall of 1910.

A. J. Cross has lived his entire life in DeWitt county, and the citizens know him.  Therefore there may be no closer estimate of the character of the man made than that which his fellowmen and neighbors have formed.  They say, both in the village of Weldon and throughout the whole township and countryside, that there is no finer man in the United States than he.  Associated with him in his work as Christian worker is his brother-in-law, Frank N. Munch, and what has been said of Mr. Cross is said also of Mr. Munch.  Progressive, intelligent Christians, these two have worked together side by side for the past twenty-three years, ably assisted by their wives, to whom they owe much of their success in their chosen work.  Both men vowed years ago to vote only the prohibition ticket.  Not only have they never broken their vow, but they have earnestly striven with all their talent and wonderful energy to convert others to the great cause which they know is for the uplift of humanity.

JEREMIAH A. CURL.  (Volume II, Page 407)

A career characterized by activity along many different lines of business is the record of J. A. Curl since he first crossed the threshold of the business world more than four decades ago, and after directing his efforts into various fields of labor is now engaged in the conduct of a book and stationery store in Clinton, in which he is meeting with substantial success. A native of Illinois, he was born in Creek township, DeWitt county, near the village of Lane on the 13th of August, 1858, and is a son of Jeremiah and Lucinda (Summer) Curl, natives of Ohio.

His great-grandfather Curl was an Englishman, born in Wales, and on coming to the United States settled in New Jersey where our subject’s grandfather, Jeremiah Curl, was born. The latter entered the Colonial service during the Revolutionary war and also participated in the early Indian wars, being wounded at one time in the throat by the Red men. Later he removed to West Virginia where he married Miss Cynthia Romine and they subsequently became residents of Clark county, Ohio. He was a member of the Universalist church and two of his brothers became ministers, one of the Methodist and the other of the Baptist church. Both he and his wife lived to an advanced age. In their family were five children, namely: Lewis; William; George; Jeremiah; and Betsy, who became the wife of William Coffey, all of whom are now deceased. Lewis, who was a farmer by occupation, removed to Missouri at an early day and in his family was one son, A. C. Curl, now a practicing physician of Cross Timbers, Hickory county, Missouri. George also followed farming in Ohio and was a successful physician. He had one son who became a Methodist minister.

On the maternal side, the grandfather was John Summer, a native of Pennsylvania, in whose family were three sons and three daughters, namely: Daniel, a Christian (or Newlight, as they were then called) minister; Charles, who followed the wagon-maker’s trade; Andrew, a practicing physician; Betsy, the widow of Thomas Groves; Susan, who after the death of her first husband, a Mr. Wooley, was united in marriage to R. S. Price, of Marengo, Iowa; and Lucinda, who married Jeremiah Curl.

The parents of our subject came to DeWitt county at an early day, the family home being established near Waynesville for a few years, after which they removed to a farm near Lane, and from there to Harp township, where the husband was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting as a member of Company D, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry for a term of three years. He was discharged, however, at the end of about six months because of disability. He had contracted a cold while on duty which settled on his lungs. He passed away May 31, 1873, when more then sixty years of age, while his wife survived him for twenty years, dying in 1893 at the age of seventy-five years. Both were consistent members of the Christian (or Newlight) church, and their lives were in harmony with the teachings of that denomination. Of their family, one son, John W., also served in the Civil war, being a member of Battery F, Second Illinois Light Artillery. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Atlanta and endured all the horrors of life in Andersonville prison. He weighed one hundred and fifty-six pounds when captured, but upon his release weighted only fifty-two pounds. Another son, Thomas, taught school in DeWitt county for over twenty years. Sarah D. married John Miller. All of the children, with the exception of our subject, were born in Ohio.

Jeremiah A. Curl spent his boyhood and youth amid the busy activities of rural life, and remained upon the home farm until twenty years of age. He had acquired a good education in the district schools near his home, and upon laying aside his text-books engaged in teaching school for one year. He then embarked in the general merchandising business at Swisher, remaining there for sixteen years, while for thirteen years of that period he also served as postmaster. He conducted a branch store at DeWitt for over two years, and after his removal to Clinton he purchased the large livery barn belonging to W. H. Wheeler. This he operated for nearly two years, and then traded it for Iowa land and became identified with the insurance business, writing life, fire and lightning insurance for a time. Later he went on the road as traveling salesman for a Chicago grocery house, and upon his return to this county purchased a general store at DeWitt, which he conducted for about a year and a half. At the expiration of that period, he sold out and again came to Clinton, where he has since made his home. In January 1905, he purchased the book, stationery and wall paper business of J. D. Rogers, which he has since operated at the old stand. Aside from a well selected and up-to-date supply of books, stationery and school supplies, he carries an artistic line of wall paper and also deals in paints, etc., and his business has now reached most profitable proportions owing to the fact that he has ever endeavored to supply the demands of the general public and also meet the requirements of a select trade.

On the 28th of September, 1886, Mr. Curl was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Smalley, a native of DeWitt county and a daughter of John A. and Julia Ann (Reckner) Smalley. Unto that union have been born three daughters, Livona Frances, Lucy Elnora and Lela Ann, of whom the first two are engaged in teaching school, and the younger one is attending the Clinton high school. The family home is at 403 N. Mulberry street, which has been the property of Mr. Curl since making a permanent settlement in Clinton.

The family are members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Curl has fraternal relations with the Modern Woodmen, the Royal Neighbors, the Court of Honor and the Loyal Americans. Politically he is a republican, supporting that party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. A stanch champion of the cause of education, he served for some years as school director, and in all matters of citizenship is a strong advocate of progress, reform and improvement along material, intellectual and moral lines. With wide and varied experience in the business world to assist him in the conduct of his present enterprise and recognizing that perseverance, diligence and integrity constitute the guiding posts to success, he has now attained a most creditable position in the business circles of Clinton, where he is held in high regard and esteem, not more so because of the gratifying degree of prosperity which is now his than for the upright and honorable principles which have ever governed his relations with this fellowmen.