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 J - K - L

FRANCIS M. JEFFREY.  (Volume II, Page 214)

After a long, active and useful career, Francis M. Jeffrey is living in honorable retirement in Waynesville, enjoying in ease and comfort the fruits of a well-spent life.  He was born in Fayette county, Indiana, September 21, 1832, and in the paternal line comes of a long line of Scotch ancestry, the progenitor of the family in America being William Jeffrey, the great-grandfather of our subject, who came from the land of hills and heather at a very early day.  He located in New Jersey and served in the war of the Revolution.  It was in that state that his son William was born.  The latter served in the war of 1812 and in the war with the Indians, taking part in the battle of Tippecanoe.  After reaching mature years he removed from the state of his nativity to Utica, New York, and was there married to Miss Ruth Allen, by whom he had four sons and four daughters, of whom William, the father of our subject, was the eldest.  In 1811 he removed with his wife and children to Fayette county, Indiana, there remaining until the year 1856, when he came to DeWitt county, Illinois, settling in Waynesville township.  His son William had come to this section a few years before.

William Jeffrey, who was the third to bear the name and who became the father of our subject, was born while his parents resided in Utica, New York, his natal day being October 27, 1807.  He was a tanner by trade and also followed the occupation of farming.  He wedded Harriet De Camp, who was born March 2, 1813.  To them were born twelve children but only four sons and two daughters are now living.  The mother died August 5, 1883, when seventy years of age, and the father had preceded her to the home beyond, his death occurring August 23, 1877, when he was also seventy years old.

Francis M. Jeffrey, the immediate subject of this review, spent the period of his boyhood and youth in the county of his nativity.  He learned the tanner’s trade and also engaged in farming, working with his father until 1856.  At that time he took up carpentering, following that pursuit until the outbreak of the Civil war, when, inheriting the patriotic spirit that was dominant in the lives of his honored ancestors, he could not content himself to remain at home when his country was in peril and offered his services to the government.  He enlisted for three years as a member of Company F, Thirty-eighth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, and with his command took part in some of the hardest fought battles of the war.  His regiment became a part of the First Brigade, First Division.  Fourth Army Corps, and took part in the battles of Fredericktown, Champion Hills, Stone River, Liberty Gap, the first and second battles at Corinth, Missionary Ridge, Chickamauga and Jonesboro, his time expiring at the last named place.  In the meantime he had also taken part in the Atlanta campaign.  He was wounded at the battle of Perryville, where his command was repulsed in an attempt to capture a battery.  He also received two wounds at the battle of Stone River and at the battle of Liberty Gap was one of sixty men who volunteered to capture a battery.  They succeeded in their desperate undertaking but it cost them one-fourth of their men in killed and wounded, and here Mr. Jeffrey also received a wound in the head.  During his three years’ service he had some narrow escapes and proved a most gallant and brave soldier, never faltering in the performance of his duty, no matter in what perilous position he was placed.

Following his discharge, Mr. Jeffrey returned to his home in DeWitt county and resumed work at the carpenter’s trade, which he followed until 1903, when on account of failing eyesight he retired and now makes his home in Waynesville.  He has long been numbered among the honored citizens of this section, for he has ever been faithful to the terms of a contract and his excellent workmanship is seen in many of the substantial structures in Waynesville as well as in other sections of the county.

It was on Christmas day of 1850 that the marriage of Mr. Jeffrey and Miss Sarah Mclntire was celebrated.  Two children were born of this marriage but both are now deceased, and the mother’s death occurred in March, 1857.  On the 21st of July, 1865, Mr. Jeffrey was again married, his second union being with Miss Harriet Alice Kidd, who was born in Miami county, Indiana, a daughter of Captain Edmund Jones and Christiana (De Camp) Kidd.  The father was a native of Carolina county, Virginia, and served in the war of 1812 with the rank of captain.  The De Camp family is of French ancestry, and Mrs. Christiana (De Camp) Kidd was born in Vermont.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey were born four sons and five daughters, of whom two sons and two daughters are deceased, the surviving members being Roxie B., Mable St. Clair. Edmund Ernest, Charles Kidd and Bessie, all of whom are married and, with the exception of Charles and Roxie, who reside in Missouri, all live in DeWitt county.

Mr. Jeffrey has been a stanch supporter of the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, his first presidential ballot being cast for John C. Fremont in 1856.  On the subject of religion he subscribes to none of the formulated creeds but believes that in the Golden Rule are embodied the principles for right living, and these principles find exemplification in the life of Mr. Jeffrey.  He belongs to Prairie State Lodge, No. 104, I. O. O. F., and to the Grand Army Post, No. 298, at Waynesville.  He served as first commander of this post and is now adjutant and patriotic instructor in this organization.  There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect which is universally accorded to Francis M. Jeffrey, but through more than a half century’s connection with De Witt county’s history, his has been an unblemished character.  With him success in life has been reached by his sterling qualities of mind and a heart true to every manly principle.  He has never deviated from what his judgment would indicate to be right and honorable between himself and his fellowmen.  He has never swerved from the path of duty whether as a soldier, an official or a business man and now, after a long and eventful career, he can look back over a life well spent and enjoy the declining years of his earthly pilgrimage with a consciousness of having gained for himself by his honorable and straightforward career the full esteem and confidence of the community in which he lives.

MARION B. JENKINS.  (Volume II, Page 93)

Marion B. Jenkins is the owner of a well improved and valuable farm in Texas township, whose neat and thrifty appearance indicates to the passerby the careful supervision of a painstaking proprietor.  He has spent his entire life in this county, his birth occurring August 15, 1864, in Tunbridge township.  His father, Thomas W. Jenkins, was born in Ohio in 1821 but at an early day came to this state and subsequently purchased eighty acres of land in De Witt county, upon which he resided for some time.  He afterward bought a forty-acre tract in Texas township and on that place made his home until called to his final rest on the 5th of May, 1905.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary C. Garrett, was born in Virginia in February, 1825, and from that state removed to Ohio, where their marriage was celebrated.  Her death occurred June 11, 1900.  This worthy couple were the parents of eight children, of whom one died in infancy, the others being: Helena, now the wife of George Garrett of Missouri; Sylvester, a resident of Clinton, Illinois; Henrietta, now the widow of James Blasingame and a resident of Clinton; William, who also makes his home in that city; Alice, who married Tylee Wooley and lives in Iowa; Samantha, the wife of Jefferson Kramer of Maroa, Illinois; and Marion B., of this review.

The last named accompanied his parents on their removal to Texas township and he is indebted to its public schools for the early educational advantages he enjoyed.  He remained with his father until the latter’s death and since attaining manhood has devoted his time and energies to farming.  His first purchase of land consisted of a tract of eighty-nine acres adjoining the old home place and he now has one hundred and seven acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings.

It was on the 20th of November, 1888, that Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage to Miss Laura M. McKinney, also a native of this county and a daughter of Archibald and Amanda (Cox) McKinney, who were natives of Indiana and Illinois respectively.  This union has been blessed by three children, namely: Mabel, born April 25, 1889; Lucy, born May 30, 1891; and Berl, born May 10, 1900.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Jenkins has cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democratic party.  He is an active and consistent member of the Christian church, to which his wife also belongs.

ROBERT F. JENKINS.  (Volume II, Page 355)

Born and reared in the western portion of DeWitt county, where his parents had settled very early in the development of the country, Robert F. Jenkins, who operates over one hundred and sixty acres of the finest prairie land in Barnett township, is well entitled both by birth and by reason of his good citizenship to prominent mention in this volume.

On the l0th of September, 1847, Robert F. Jenkins first saw the light of day, his birth occurring on the old homestead farm near Jenkins switch, his parents being Thomas and Lucinda (Smith) Jenkins, both of whom came from Virginia, originally, though having lived for a portion of their early married life in Ohio.  The father lived in Kentucky prior to his removal to Ohio.

The youngest child in a family of eight, Robert F. Jenkins was reared to know the value of hard, earnest work on a farm.  His brothers and sisters, of whom none are now living, were: Cassandra, the wife of Samuel Baker of Waynesville, Illinois; James, of DeWitt county; Luanda, the wife of Joseph Pollock of Barnett township; Mahulda, who married John Pollock and lived in the same township; Pascal J., who also lived in Barnett township; Ellinor Jane, wife of David Ellington of Bamett township; and Thomas, who died while in service in the Fourth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil war.

Robert F. Jenkins and Miss Ada J. Parker were married on the 4th of February, 1869.  She is a daughter of John and Clarinda (Carter) Parker of Virginia, though both died in DeWitt county, where they came in early life.  After his marriage Mr. Jenkins followed farming exclusively, bringing his land on the Clinton road to a high state of cultivation.  He reared a family of four children, all of whom are living in DeWitt county. Flora, the eldest, married J. W. Woosley and lives in Texas township.  She is the mother of three children, Roy, Frederick and Dual.  Oscar married Etta Anderson and conducts a fine farm in Clintonia township, DeWitt county.  He is the father of three children, namely: Goldie Marie, Robert Loren and Alta.  Frank is single and makes his home with his parents.  Bernard married Miss Zura White, and to them has been born a son, Ivan.

From the time he first assumed control of the farm near Jenkins switch Mr. Jenkins has operated his place with a view toward improving the place as to quality and condition of the soil as well as in appearance and it is now one of the finest farms in the county.  Sixteen years ago he purchased several hundred acres near the old property but lying directly on the Clinton road.  This place he has brought to the high standard of excellence which he maintained upon his other holdings.

Mr. Jenkins has served as road commissioner of the township of Barnett for many consecutive terms, has been school director for sixteen years and at the present time is again serving as road commissioner of the township.  He has a distinct recollection of the condition of the country during his early youth.  At the time he first was able to get about, the Jenkins home, which stood at the edge of the open prairie, was the only house to the north of the Salt creek line for many miles.  Waynesville, six miles away, was about the first farm that he can remember seeing, though James Onstatt and John Coppe had farms lying slightly to the east, yet out upon the prairie.

Of the older settlers whom Mr. Jenkins recalls, the Halls, Barnetts, Mills, McClimans, Bowles, Adams, Newcombs and Pollocks were the nearest neighbors, though those in the immediate vicinity of the Jenkins farm were over two mites away.  But at that time neighbors were considered as such even though they were six and eight miles away.  Mr. Jenkins knew the Sumner, Teal, Marvel, Barr and Lane families, though they were miles away to the west and north.  He was familiar with the country for dozens of miles around his home and rode the open prairie with confidence born of perfect knowledge of the entire district.

Mr. Jenkins recalls well the old protracted meetings which the settlers attended, driving their families across the prairies in wagons, drawn by oxen.  These meetings would be held for weeks at a time, the preacher stopping with the various settlers who happened to live near the meeting place.  The home of Joseph Pollock was the favorite meeting place for the settlers of the district in which Mr. Jenkins lived, and he frequently attended the revivals which were held there before a church was erected.  There were no railroads crossing the country when he was born, though while yet a small child he recalls hearing his folks talk of the coming of the great locomotive which first traversed that portion of the country at Clinton, where the Illinois Central came through. Farming in those early days—his parents settled in the county in 1829, his father entering forty acres of land—was a very trying work.  The settlers were poor, too poor in many instances to own more than one ox.  Frequently they owned none, but borrowed their neighbors, working the ox by means of the peculiarly shaped single yoke.  School was held only when the settlers arranged for it by subscription, neighbors sending their children to receive instruction.  The first school was taught in a house built by Levi Davenport, now owned by John L. Jenkins, and the second school in a house now owned by our subject, formerly owned by William Gadberry.

The Jenkins family has played an important part in the development of the county and no one has done his portion of the work more thoroughly nor more willingly than the subject of this review.  An able and conscientious farmer, a well balanced business man and an estimable citizen, Robert F. Jenkins occupies a creditable position among the men of stability of the county.

JOSEPH E. JOHNSON.  (Volume II, Page 134)

Joseph E. Johnson, who for the past five years has ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of township assessor, resides at No. 521 South Monroe street in Clinton.  His birth occurred in Champaign county, Ohio, on the 23d of February, 1857, his parents being Eason and Alice (Callender) Johnson, the former a native of Rhode Island and the latter of Ohio.  Joseph Johnson, the paternal grandfather, was likewise born in Rhode Island.  His children were as follows: Ira, Joseph, Eason, Lydia, Mrs. Alura Lincoln and Mrs. Salinda Fairchild.

Eason Johnson, the father of Joseph E. Johnson, followed merchandising in Champaign county, Ohio, in early manhood.  Later he took up his abode on a farm and drove stock through to Buffalo.  In 1859 he came to DeWitt county, Illinois, purchasing and locating on the Thomas Snell farm of ninety-two acres in Texas township, where he continued to reside throughout the remainder of his life, passing away in 1905 when in his ninetieth year.  His wife, who still survives him, has attained the age of ninety-three years.  She is a Universalist in religious faith, while Mr. Johnson was a Spiritualist.  Unto them were born nine children, five of whom are yet living, namely: Amos, who is a resident of Great Bend, Kansas; Hulda, the wife of Charles K. Zorger, of Clinton; Ira C., living in Clintonia township; Joseph E., of this review; and Emma, the wife of James M. Kirk, of Clinton.

Joseph E. Johnson, who was but two years of age when brought to this county by his parents, was reared on a farm and obtained his early education in the district schools, while later he attended the Clinton high school.  After putting aside his text-books he turned his attention to the operation of rented land and at the end of several years purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Texas township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devoted his energies until 1900.  In that year he leased the property and took up his abode in Clinton, where he was identified with the hardware trade as a partner of John Killough for three years, when he sold his interest to his associate.  For the past five years he has served as township assessor and his official duties have ever been discharged with promptness and dispatch.  He has recently disposed of his farm and in 1906 erected a beautiful modern residence on Monroe street, where he now makes his home.

On the 22d of February, 1876, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Cordelia Sloat, a native of Clinton and a daughter of Philip A. and Jane (Morrison) Sloat, who were born in Ohio and became early settlers of Clinton.  The father, who was a plasterer by trade, passed away in 1898, while the mother died in young womanhood.  Philip A. Sloat served as an officer in the Mexican war.  Unto him and his wife were born five children, three of whom are yet living, as follows: Mrs. Johnson; Sarah, the wife of Ralph Rockwood, of Fairbury, Illinois; and Charles A., a resident of St. Louis.  Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two sons: Marion, who is a plumber by trade; and Philip E., a city mail carrier, who wedded Miss Lulu Buck.

In politics Mr. Johnson is a republican and while living in Texas township he was twice elected supervisor, while for one term he served as town clerk.  He has various fraternal relations, belonging to DeWitt Lodge No. 84, A. F. & A. M.; Goodbrake Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M.; Clinton Council, No. 74, R. & S. M.; and Clinton Lodge, No. 758, B. P. O. E.  Both he and his wife are charter members of the Eastern Star and also belong to the White Shrine.  Their son Marion is likewise a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, while Philip is identified with the Knights of Pythias.  Mrs. Johnson is a faithful member of the Presbyterian church.  The period of Mr. Johnson’s residence in DeWitt county now covers more than a half century and he is well known and highly esteemed within its borders as a most substantial, representative and progressive citizen.

WILLIAM JOHNSON.  (Volume II, Page 358)

William Johnson, deceased, had been a resident of Nixon township but four years when called to the great beyond, yet in that space of time had made a record for himself as a man of sterling worth and withal a sincere Christian, and he left many friends gained after coming here, all of whom mourned his early death.  Born in Richmond, Madison county, Kentucky, March 19, 1865, he spent his youth and early manhood in the county of his birth.  His parents were A. J. and Mary (Forbes) Johnson, both of whom were born in Madison county, the father in March, 1840, and the mother ten years later.  They are still living.  Eleven children were born to them, nine of whom also survive.  William was the eldest of the family.  The others are: Dovie, the wife of George Phelps, of Le Roy, McLean county, Illinois; James, of Brown county; Wiley, of Finks Grove, Illinois; Fannie, the wife of William Mitchell, living near Farmer City; Casius, living near Clinton; Brutus, also living near Clinton; Lulu, the wife of William Doile, of Colorado; Anna, the wife of Clyde Wade, living near Clinton, Illinois; and Evenes E., living near DeWitt, this county.

The early education of William Johnson was received in the schools of his home county in Kentucky, where he grew to manhood and was married to Miss Mattie Portwood, a daughter of Zachariah and Susan (Keene) Portwood.  Mrs. Johnson was born in Richmond, Kentucky, November 15, 1863, and is the eldest of two daughters, her sister being Mrs. Anna Meyers, the wife of James Meyers of Danville, Kentucky.  Her father was born in Richmond, Kentucky, November 15, 1827, and passed away in the same city in December, 1893.  Her mother was born in the same place, August 29, 1828, and died there January 9, 1890.

There were born to William Johnson and Mattie Portwood, three children, all of whom are living.  Orville P., born November 13, 1892, remains at home with his mother, assisting in the work of cultivating the farm.  Anna Mary, born August 7, 1894, is now attending school and is also receiving a musical education, fitting herself for a useful life.  William was born July 26, 1898.  All of the children are natives of Kentucky.

With his wife and family Mr. Johnson came to DeWitt county, December 29, 1900, living in the village of Weldon for about a year.  Then he removed to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 5, Nixon township, and engaged in general farming and stock-raising, being exceptionally qualified to handle the work.  He was making a success of the venture when his death occurred December 21, 1904.  A man of kindly nature, he always had a smile for those whom he met, either in a business or social way, and his many fine traits of character endeared him to all who knew him.  He was a member of the Baptist church and his life exemplified the teachings of that denomination.  A democrat in politics, he cared absolutely nothing for the offices that might be had, giving all his time and energy to his home and family.  His widow, who is a member of the Methodist Protestant church and who is highly esteemed by her many neighbors and friends, continues to reside upon the home farm.

WILLIAM W. JOHNSTON.  (Volume II, Page 337)

When a city or country is in the building there are always to be found two types of men who are interested in the progress of the undertaking.  They are the planners and the builders.  It is to the latter class that we wish to refer in this history and it is to William W. Johnston that special reference is made.  When the village of Kenney was not yet organized, when even those who first gave thought to such a project were working on the physical plans for the place, there was one man who was planning and making ready for its development and when the time came he was in the forefront of those who made the movement grow.  Kenney was organized as a village in 1871 and among the trustees elected that year was W. W. Johnston—the first resident of the place.  At the first meeting of the trustees he was unanimously chosen as president of the board, a position which he filled with credit and profit to the village which he represented.  That was forty years ago and since that time Mr. Johnston has filled every office within the gift of the electors of Tunbridge township and Kenney, at the same time conducting his own affairs in such a manner as to place himself in the front rank of the progressive and successful men of DeWitt county.

Born in Madison county, Ohio , June 13, 1847, W. W. Johnston, son of John and Mary J. (McClimans) Johnston, spent his early youth in the county of his birth.  He has one brother and one sister, Isaac, a resident of Kenney, and Mrs. Nancy M. Mitchell of Little RockArkansas.  In 1852 the family came to DeWitt county, settling in Wilson township on a farm ten miles northeast of Clinton, where they remained four years.  They then removed to Tunbridge township, where they farmed the Hutchin farm.  Here they spent two years, after which they located on a portion of the Kenney farm, which is now the northern portion of the village of Kenney , where the family have since continued to reside.  John Johnston, father of W. W., was born in Johnsonburg, Elk county, Pennsylvania , 1807, and died in Kenney at the Johnston home in Tunbridge township, March 21, 1868.  His father was a soldier of the Revolutionary war.  His brothers and sisters were: Alexander, Mrs. Nancy Chapman and Mrs. Mary Brown, all residents of Jay county, Indiana.

Mary J. (McClimans) Johnston, mother of W. W. Johnston, was a daughter of James and Margaret McClimans.  She was born in Madison county, Ohio , in 1816, and died in KenneyIllinois, December 27, 1896.  Of the McClimans family of which she was a member, none are now living save one brother, Daniel, who is a resident of Barnett township, DeWitt county.  The other children were: Mrs. Margaret Howard; William, of Barnett township; John P., of Greene county, Illinois ; George, of Marion county, Illinois ; and James, of Tunbridge township.

Miss Ada Bell Turley, a daughter of James and Mary B. (Kenney) Turley, both of whom are deceased, became the wife of W. W. Johnston, December 17, 1874.  She was the eldest daughter in a family of six children, her brothers and sisters being: Thomas, Ambrose, Charles, Laura B. and Eliza A.  Her father was the son of James Turley of Kentucky , who came to DeWitt county from Sangamon county, Illinois , where he had settled in the early ’20s.  Her mother was a daughter of James and Catherine Kenney of Kentucky , who came to Tunbridge township, DeWitt county, in 1832, settling on a farm which now forms a large portion of the village of Kenney .  They had the following children: Ambrose, a veteran of the Mexican war, who died from the effects of severe service; Moses, who laid out the village which bears his name; Mrs. Mary B. Turley; Melinda, the wife of Francis Bowles, of Barnett township; John, who also laid out two portions of the village of Kenney; and Robert.

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Johnston ten children, all of whom are living.  They are: Sylva May, the wife of W. L. Watson of Macon, Illinois; Lora Myrtle, the wife of Daniel W. North, of Tunbridge township; William H., famed as a baseball player; Robert M., a blacksmith at Kenney, Illinois; Olo Imo, the wife of A. G. Mitchell, of Decatur, Illinois; Edna K., assistant postmistress at Kenney, Illinois; Grover C. and Frances Folsom, twins, and Lola and Raymond T., all living at home.  The grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are: Clifford Watson; Floyd, Wilford and Harold North; Wilmuth A. and Edna Bell Mitchell.

William W. Johnston was educated in the Cain district school in Wilson township for a time, then finished his education in the schools of Tunbridge township, where the family had removed during his youth.  For quite a time he followed farming, meeting with such success that he was enabled to start in general mercantile business with Robert Orr in KenneyIllinois, in the year 1876.  They continued in business for twenty-four years, after which they sold out, and Mr. Johnston has since that time handled real estate and insurance.  Several years ago he purchased a blacksmith shop in Kenney and installed his son Robert therein to attend to the business.  Since the incorporation of the village of Kenney there has not been a single year that has not known Mr. Johnston as the occupant of some office or elective position.  He has served as school and village trustee for many years; has been assessor, collector, road supervisor and census enumerator for many consecutive terms, while for the past sixteen years he has held the office of justice of the peace and notary public, his townspeople declining to consider any other candidate for the place.  Johnston street , the main street of Kenney, is named for him.

Mr. Johnston is a member of Henderson Lodge, No. 820, A. F. & A. M., of Kenney, being one of the charter members, and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.  He has held every office within the gift of each of the lodges mentioned and is one of the most enthusiastic members of the several organizations.  Mr. and Mrs. Johnston and their family are members of the Christian church and all are esteemed residents of the community in which they live.  No one is better posted on the history of the village or the different divisions of the township then Mr. Johnston.  He is a great reader and is well informed on all public questions.  It was by his assistance that the plat of Tunbridge township was perfected in the plat book of the DeWitt county in 1894.

JOHN B. JONES, M. D.  (Volume II, Page 28)

Dr. John B. Jones is a successful practitioner of medicine in Wapella, where he has been located since 1906.  He was born within a few miles of Wapella, his birth having occurred on a farm near Waynesville, DeWitt county, March 31, 1877, a son of Charles W. and Sarah (Vincent) Jones.  The former was a son of John B. Jones, who was colonel of the Illinois State Militia.  He was a native of North Carolina and, coming to DeWitt county, settled on a farm which later reverted to his son Charles W. and is still in possession of the Jones family.  Charles W. Jones, who became the father of our subject, was born in Waynesville and was reared to the occupation of farming, which he followed throughout his entire life, his death occurring here.  The mother still survives and now makes her home in Clinton.  Unto them were born five children, three daughters and two sons: Rachel, the wife of Ira Wakelin; John B., of this review; Charles M.; and Ella and Ida, twins, the latter now deceased.

After completing his early education in the Fairview school, John B. Jones further pursued his studies in Waynesville Academy and, having decided upon the practice of medicine as a life work, to this end entered the medical department of the University of Illinois , graduating therefrom with the class of 1905.  Having thus carefully prepared for the practice of medicine, he located in Waynesville, where he spent a short time but on the 4th of January, 1906, came to Wapella and opened an office and has since successfully followed his profession.  He occupies a comfortable home in this village and on the same lot is a neat office building, adequate to the needs of his profession.

Dr. Jones was married to Miss Florence Mabel Wright, a native of BeatriceNebraska, and they have a little son, John, whose birth occurred October 4, 1909.  His fraternal relations are with the Odd Fellows.  The Doctor is known not only in Wapella but in various sections of the county, where his entire life has been passed and his courteous, genial manner has won for him a large circle of friends.

JOHN M. JONES.  (Volume II, Page 344)

A veteran of the Civil war and one of the few men who can trace their ancestry through those who fought in the war of 1812, John M. Jones, one of the stanch citizens of DeWitt county and a life-long resident of Midland City and vicinity, stands as a figure of note among the men who have made history for their country.  He is a son of James S. and Nancy (Bay) Jones, of Indiana, his mother being a daughter of Joseph R. Bay, of Kentucky, who had the distinction of having served through the war of 1812.  At the battle of Tippecanoe, he was wounded and left upon the field for dead.  He was taken captive by the Indians, nursed back to strength and health and then sold to the French for merchandise.  Through an exchange of prisoners he was enabled to rejoin his people.

James S. Jones, the father of John M., was a son of Benjamin Jones, of Bourbon county, Kentucky, who had originally come from North Carolina in his youth.  He emigrated to Indiana with his wife, Hattie, when their family was young.  Mrs. Jones died there.  He came to DeWitt county, Illinois, in 1851 with his son, James S., who also brought his family, consisting of his wife and the following children: John M.; Mary J.; now deceased, who was the wife of Prettyman Marvel; Joseph M., who died at Annapolis from wounds received in an engagement near Atlanta, Georgia, during the Civil war while serving in Company E, Twentieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry at the battle of Leggett’s Hill; Charles, who died at the age of three years; Keziah, the wife of G. W. Duncan, of Westmoreland, Kansas; Almira, who died at the age of sixteen years; William W., of Midland City, Illinois; Alice, deceased, who was the wife of S. D. Matthew, of Midland City, Illinois; Fidelia, the wife of a Mr. Matthew; and Nannie, the wife of Charles N. Robbins, of DeWitt county, Illinois.  The last three were born in this county.

John M. Jones was born February 17, 1836, in Decatur county, Indiana, where his parents were old established residents.  He was educated in the common schools of his home place, his father being one of the teachers of that district during his early manhood.  In fact, during the lifetime of the elder Jones he was called upon frequently to teach and taught one winter term at a school near Hallsville, DeWitt county.

When the Jones family came to this county in 1851 they settled in a log cabin which stood upon a prairie bordering the timber, just four miles southeast of Midland City, and they lived there for two years, farming.  They then removed to a farm near where the village of Hallsville now stands.  After several years spent on this farm they removed to a prairie farm which now adjoins Midland City, the present home of Mr. Jones.  Here the father took up land under a land patent the date of which was January 3, 1855.  This property is now known as Jones’ addition to Midland City.  The family lived here until the father’s death, when they separated, though John M. continued to operate the farm until 1896.  In that year he sold his interest there and bought a home in Midland City, retaining, however, some land adjoining the town.

After the outbreak of the Civil war John M. Jones enlisted August 9, 1862, and he received his first instructions in the art of war in Company B, One Hundred and Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry.  This regiment assembled at Camp Butler, and then near Springfield, Illinois, was sent to the south.  Jeffersonville, Louisville and Elizabethtown, Kentucky, were some of the points where the regiment guarded railroad property and skirmished with the rebels, and then it was divided and set at work guarding the Louisville & Nashville Railroad.

After several months of this desultory fighting and skirmishing the regiment was assembled and brigaded with other troops and eventually took part in the noted chase after the rebel Morgan, who was raiding Ohio and Indiana, and after his capture they went to Lebanon, Kentucky, where they mobilized under General Burnside.  Under his leadership they crossed the mountains into eastern Tennessee and spent the winter there.  They fought at the siege of Knoxville, following the raising of which they went farther east into the state after the famous General Longstreet, who had besieged them during the long winter.  The next spring they were sent west to Chattanooga and assigned to Sherman’s army, making the famous march to the sea.

The regiment did considerable fighting just below Atlanta, and shortly afterward Mr. Jones was taken sick and sent to the rear.  He lay in the hospital at Knoxville for several weeks.  Upon his recovery he was granted a thirty-day furlough and then reported at Knoxville.  He began duty again January 1, 1865, rejoining his regiment which was on its way to Washington.  They embarked there and cruised down to the North Carolina coast, where they disembarked and fought and skirmished through the Carolinas.  Mr. Jones was in the battles at Fort Anderson and Wilmington, North Carolina, then met Sherman’s army at Goldsboro, North Carolina, shortly before Lee’s surrender.  The regiment next went to Raleigh, North Carolina, at a time when negotiations were in progress for the surrender of the southern forces under General Lee and also General Johnston.  It was while encamped at Salisbury, North Carolina, that the regiment was mustered out of the service June 13, 1865.  Mr. Jones then went to Washington and Baltimore by boat and cross country to Springfield, Illinois, where he and his comrades received their final discharges.

Mr. Jones was married January 26, 1892, to Miss Sarah J. Chandler, a daughter of J. S. and Zerilda (Bennett) Chandler, of Vermilion county, Illinois.  Her brothers and sisters are: John T., William B. and James E., of Oklahoma; Mary, Charles and Reason, who died in infancy; Lillian, the wife of Albert Snow of Audrain county; Missouri; Julia B., the wife of William Snow, of Kirkpatrick, Indiana; Robert A., of Oklahoma; Samuel, who lives in Missouri; and Jesse A., who lives in Vermilion county, Illinois.

Mr. Jones is a member of Frank Lowry Post, No. 157, G. A. R., of Clinton, Illinois.  He has served as census enumerator for Barnett township for two terms, has been postmaster of Midland City for three terms, is at present a justice of the peace and has always been a republican.

MRS. PARMELIA JONES.  (Volume II, Page 379)

Mrs. Parmelia Jones, the widow of the late John Jones, was born August 27, 1836, in Gibson county, Indiana, and is a daughter of Jacob W. and Jane (McFadden) Montgomery, natives of Indiana, whose parents removed to that state from Ohio and Virginia.  She is one of the early settlers of DeWitt county, her husband having broken the raw prairie when first he came to the county with his brother, the late Jacob W. Jones.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jones occurred October 25, 1856, in their home town in Gibson county, Indiana.  Immediately after the wedding ceremony the couple, accompanied by his brother Jacob, started west.  Their first stop was in DeWitt county, the brothers purchasing a half-section of land from the Illinois Central Railroad Company, which is still in the possession of the family, being the site of the homestead, where Mrs. Jones has lived since coming to the county.

John Jones was born March 13, 1825, and passed away September 22, 1902.  His brother, Jacob, who remained single all his life, was born January 25, 1821, and also on the home farm died June 19, 1909.  There were eleven children in the family of which they were members, the others being: Eliza, now deceased, who was the wife of Captain William Walters and lived in Owensville, Indiana; Franklin, who married Comfort Sharpe and also lived in Owensville; Nancy, the wife of Abram Mauck, both deceased, who lived at Mount Carmel, Indiana; William, now deceased, who married Martha Massey and also lived in Indiana; Charles, who died while a young man; Thomas, who married Mary Kesterson and who lives in Indiana; Marshall, who married Jane Reddick and lives in Beatrice, Nebraska; and Martha and James, both of whom died in infancy.

Mrs. Parmelia Jones is the eldest child in a family of six.  Her brothers and sisters are: Lucinda, the wife of James Pruit; Walter, who married Docie McCreary; Martha, who became the wife of Henry Clark; John, who married Mary Montgomery; and Joseph, who married Mary Ann Yeager.  All live in Owensville, Indiana.

There were six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones.  Ellinor, the eldest, became the wife of Thomas Marvel, of Waynesville, Illinois, and is the mother of four children; Dr. John Everett Marvel, of Chicago, Illinois; Eva, deceased; Ethel and Opal, both living at home.

Warrack Jones, who has never married, has charge of the homestead, where he engages in general farming, although making a specialty of raising blooded stock.  He is noted as a breeder of fine horses.

Charles Jones married Miss Minnie Cross, a daughter of Wesley S. and Evelyn (Bruner) Cross, of Barnett township.  She is one of a family of four children, the others being: Ernie, the wife of William Fullenwider, of Heyworth, Illinois; Nellie, the wife of Edmund Flaig, a theatrical manager at Indianapolis, Indiana; and Alvin, a real-estate broker at Amarillo, Texas.  Her father, Wesley S. Cross, was born on the old homestead on the Macon and DeWitt county line and is today one of the older residents of the county.  During the Civil war he enlisted at the early age of fifteen years for three months’ service as a member of the Sixty-eighth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers and later reenlisted in the One Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until hostilities ceased.  He participated in the engagements at Atlanta, Georgia, Franklin, Tennessee, Resaca and Johnson, Tennessee, and other battles.  He is a son of William J. and Lottie Cross, who came to Illinois from Casey, Kentucky, in 1852, and located three miles west of Maroa, where William Cross purchased a large tract of land at one dollar and a quarter per acre.  In his family were three sons and five daughters and to each he gave a farm.  The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Charles Jones were John and Carlocy Bruner, who had two children, Evelyn and James.

Frank, the fourth child of Mr. and Mrs. John Jones, died in infancy.  Mary and Martha, twins, are the youngest of the family.  Mary is the wife of G. A. Randolph, of Decatur, Illinois, and has a daughter, Virginia.  Martha makes her home with her mother.

Mrs. Jones is a stanch member of the Presbyterian church and is noted for her Christian spirit and her gentle, kindly manner.  Although seventy-four years old, yet she has no gray hairs in her head and is enjoying perfect health.  She is possessed of a remarkable memory and recalls the life of the earlier settlers with great accuracy.  Throughout the entire country she is known as the most estimable and loving of women, and her friends are legion.

PRESTON JONES.  (Volume II, Page 99)

Preston Jones, an honored veteran of the Civil War, now living retired in Farmer City, was born on the 12th of November, 1831, in Tazewell county, Tennessee, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Fullington) Jones, in whose family were three children, the others being Campbell and Albert.  His father was a native of Virginia and a son of William and Susan Jones, who were also born in that state.  By occupation William Jones was a carpenter.  During the Revolutionary war he entered the service and served as a courier, carrying dispatches for the officers.  He died in Overton county, Tennessee , at the advanced age of eighty-five years and his wife survived him only six months, being over eighty years of age at the time of her death.  They had a large family of children, including William, Robert, James, John and Lucy.  Our subject’s maternal grandparents were David and Susan Fullington, lifelong residents of Tennessee , their home being in Tazewell county, where he was engaged in business as a hatter and powder manufacturer.  His wife died in that state, but his death occurred while on a business trip to New Orleans.  They reared a large family and one of their sons, Alexander, was killed during the Civil war.

John Jones, the father of our subject, accompanied his parents on their removal from Virginia to Kentucky , of which state they became pioneers, and he afterward settled in Tazewell county, Tennessee , where he was married.  In 1838 he brought his wife and children to Illinois and settled in Santa Anna township, DeWitt county, where he purchased land and also took up a government tract, continuing to make his home here until called to his final rest at the age of eighty-eight years.  His wife survived him three years and was eighty-five years old at the time of her death, which occurred at the home of her son Preston .  They were originally Methodists in religious belief but later belonged to the United Brethren church.

Since the age of seven years Preston Jones has been a resident of Illinois and upon his father’s farm in Santa Anna township he grew to manhood, pursuing his studies in an old fashioned subscription school.  He experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life and early acquired an excellent knowledge of farming, to which he devoted his time and attention for many years.  After attaining his majority, he left the parental roof and engaged in the operation of rented land for two years and also improved and cultivated a tract of eighty acres in Santa Anna township, which his father had entered for him.  He was successful in his farming operations and as his financial resources increased, added to his property from time to time until he owned five hundred and four acres.  He continued the cultivation of his land until 1896, when he rented the farm to his son, Frank P. Jones, and removed to Farmer City , where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest.

When the country became involved in civil war Mr. Jones entered the service, enlisting in August, 1862, in Company I, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, remaining at the front until hostilities ceased.  He enlisted as a private but when discharged was holding the rank of second lieutenant.  He participated in the siege of Knoxville, the Atlanta campaign, the battles of Franklin and NashvilleTennessee, and was later sent to Washington, D. C.  For a time he was stationed near WilmingtonNorth Carolina, and was at Raleigh when Johnston surrendered to General Sherman.  He took part in a number of hard fought engagements and in numerous skirmishes.  When the war ended and his services were no longer needed, he returned home and resumed farming.

In July 1852, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Mary Johnson, a daughter of Matthew and Margaret (Vanote) Johnson, and they have become the parents of three children: Cynthia, who married Samuel Hoover and died leaving five children, Preston, Chester, Charles, Clyde and Loma; Albert, a farmer living near Ligonier, Indiana, who is married and has five children, Fred, Walter, Nola, Ruby and Clarence; and Belle who married a Mr. Nobel and removed to western Kansas, where both she and her husband died.  The mother of these children passed away in 1866 when about thirty-two years of age.

On the 12th of November, 1867, Mr. Jones was again married, his second union being with Miss Laura A. Riggs, who was born in BloomingtonIllinois, a daughter of Jackson and Charlotte (Vanote) Riggs.  Her father, who was a native of Ohio , came to Illinois at an early day and settled in Bloomington.  During the Civil war he entered the service as a member of the Ninety-Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and after the war removed to Farmer City , where he died well advanced in years.  His wife was born in New Jersey and also died in Farmer City .  They had three daughters.

The children born to Mr. Jones by his second wife are as follows: William went to Canada and married Cora Nelson, by whom he has one daughter, Sylvia.  Maude married William Drum and has one daughter, Shela.  They make their home in Los AngelesCalifornia.  Frank, who is living on the old homestead in Santa Anna township, married Alice Johnson and has three children, Iris, Hope and Lincoln.  Charlotte is the wife of Jack Lighty.  May is the wife of Thomas McClure and lives in Farmer City .  Olie married Ray Cook and they reside in Los AngelesCalifornia.  John, a farmer of Santa Anna township, this county, married Flora Voorer and has two children living, Derrell and Percy.  Lance is a resident of McLean county, Illinois .  Pearl, who completes the family, married Todd Farmer, of Los AngelesCalifornia, and has one daughter, Jessie.

Mr. Johnson is a member of the United Brethren church, while his wife is connected with the Methodist Protestant church.  Fraternally he is identified with Mt. Pleasant Lodge, No. 710, A. F. & A. M.; Farmer City Chapter, No. 175, R. A. M.; and Lemon Post, Grand Army of the Republic.  He uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party and while living on the farm took quite an active interest in local politics, serving as tax collector one term and as road commissioner several terms.  The family is one of prominence and both he and his estimable wife are widely and favorably known throughout the county where the greater part of their lives has been spent.

TIMOTHY F. KEATING.  (Volume II, Page 336)

Timothy F. Keating, one of the most progressive and up-to-date citizens of Wilson township, owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 21.  A native of this county, he was born on a farm in Wapella township, December 20, 1860, his parents being John and Mary (O'Neil) Keating, both natives of Ireland, the former born in County Limerick and the latter in County Sligo.  They came to America after reaching maturity and met and were married in New York state.  In 1857 they came to Illinois, bringing with them their only child, James, now a resident of South Dakota, who was born in New York.  The family located in Wapella township, DeWitt county, where the father engaged in farming upon rented land until 1874, when he purchased the place now owned and occupied by our subject.  Here he spent the remainder of his days.

Timothy F. Keating grew to manhood upon the home farm and pursued his education in the public schools.  He remained with his father until twenty-nine years of age and then rented the farm which has since come into his possession, and to its further improvement and cultivation he has since devoted his energies with marked success.

On the 3d of February, 1892, Mr. Keating was married, in Wapella, to Miss Carrie Skelly, of that place, who was born in Bloomington, Illinois, and is a daughter of Richard and Kate (McTague) Skelly.  Her parents were also natives of Ireland but were married in Ohio and from that state came to Illinois.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Keating have been born four children.  John W. has just finished the eighth grade in the public schools and won a scholarship in the State Normal School through a competitive examination and entered that institution in the fall of 1910.  Thomas F. also completed the eighth grade course with his brother and received his diploma at the same time.  Mary E. and Katy are still in school.

Politically Mr. Keating has followed in the footsteps of his father and since casting his first presidential vote for James G. Blaine in 1884 has supported the republican party and its principles.  He was elected commissioner of highways and served in that capacity for three years, during which time a large bridge was erected across Salt creek between Wilson and Harp townships, and in 1903 he was chosen justice of the peace to fill a vacancy, having since served in that office with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.  Although he is now serving his seventh year he has never tried a case, his duties consisting of making out legal papers, etc., and there is no township in the county that can show a better record.  In the spring of 1910 he was elected assessor and is now filling that position.  Both he and his wife were reared in the Catholic faith and he was confirmed under Bishop Spaulding at Wapella, while three of his children have been confirmed under Bishop O'Reilly.  In 1910 he purchased an automobile, which is the first owned in his township.  He is thoroughly up-to-date and progressive, keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, and in public affairs has always borne an active and prominent part.

OLIVER M. KEELE.  (Volume II, Page 385)

By persistent, steady effort and upright living Oliver M. Keele has won success in life, which fact is evinced by the appearance of his farm lying on section 4, Nixon township, one of the best in the country.  Born in Dix, Jefferson county, Illinois, April 17, 1866, he is a son of Ambrose and Mary J. (Conway) Keele.  His father is also a native of this state, having been born in 1846 on a farm a short distance from the birth place of his son.  Ambrose Keele is now living in Milmine, Illinois.  His wife, who is dead, was born in Indiana in 1844.

Oliver M. Keele is the oldest child in a family of eight children, six of whom are now living.  The others are: Elisha Edward, living in Dallas, Texas; Charles, of Springfield, Illinois; Frederick, of Monticello, Illinois; Lucy, the wife of Quinter Snyder, of Illinois; and Rose, who lives at home with her father.  In Marion and DeWitt counties, Oliver Keele received his education, attending the district schools while working on the home farm with his father.  He remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age, when he started out to make his own way.  For some time he worked for various farmers by the month, and then he farmed for himself, commencing in this county, where he bought eighty-acres of land in section 8, Nixon township.  This place he continued to farm until 1908, when he bought eighty acres on section 4, Nixon township, where he now resides, carrying on general farming and stock-raising.

March 8, 1893, was the date of the marriage of Oliver M. Keele and Miss Sarah Pryer, a daughter of Isaac and Minerva (Bailey) Pryer.  She was born in Indiana, February 27, 1874, and came to Illinois with her parents when quite a young girl.  Her father was born in Ohio, June 17, 1849, and died in Oklahoma City, February 8, 1909, while her mother, who was born in Indiana, September 16, 1851, now lives in Shawnee, Oklahoma.  Mrs. Keele was the second child in a family of eight children, seven of whom are yet living: Charles, of Oklahoma; Mrs. Keele; Lillie, the wife of J. C. Wood, of Howell; James M., of Oklahoma; Oliver, of Oklahoma; Bertha, the wife of Edward Neuber, of Litchfield, Illinois; and Harry, of Oklahoma.

Following his marriage Mr. Keele, as related previously, rented a farm in Nixon township, where he lived fourteen years, and then spent two years in town because of sickness in the family.  From there he removed to the eighty acre farm on section 8, Nixon township, where he lived until 1908, when he came to his present home.  Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Keele: Gertrude, who was born September 27, 1897, and is attending school and also studying music; and Clarence, who was born on the 27th of September, 1899.

Mr. Keele is a democrat in politics but has never sought office.  Both he and his wife are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Weldon and their lives bear witness of their Christianity.  Never having inherited anything save a sound constitution and good common sense, Mr. Keele is essentially a self-made man, his own steady efforts and honest mode of dealing with his fellowmen having won him substantial success in worldly goods and the confidence of his many friends and acquaintances.

JAMES M. KEMP.  (Volume II, Page 136)

In his own particular line of work James M. Kemp has no equal in this or any other county, or, for that matter, state or territory or any country in the world.  This statement is not made with a desire to flatter, but is the plain, unvarnished truth as told, not only by his neighbors and friends, but by such impartial critics as the officials of the International Stock Show which is held annually at Chicago.  They say, and the entire United States as represented by hog raisers and breeders, approves their utterance, that Mr. Kemp is the best judge of hogs in the world—none excepted.  This statement is borne out by his record as official judge of hogs both at county, state and international shows.  His services are in demand during the entire exhibition season, calls being received from the eastern, southern and western states, as well as the middle west.  As a breeder of fine hogs, especially of the Poland China breeds, he has no equal, some of his stock taking highest awards at state and county fairs and at the international show.

Born in Morgan county, Illinois, February 14, 1854, James M. Kemp is a son of Anderson Marshall and Mary Ann (Funk) Kemp, both of whom were early settlers of DeWitt county.  The father was a son of Murphy and Mary (Howell) Kemp, who came to Morgan county, Illinois, at a very early day.  On January 20, 1875, Mr. Kemp married Miss Fidelia Ellen Owens, a daughter of James H. Owens, of Posey county, Indiana, who, however, came to DeWitt county, Illinois, in 1857, thereafter making this county his home.  To this union were born three children.  Charles F., who lives in DeWitt county, married Miss Etta Hawkyard, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hawkyard and they have one son, Franklin Lee.  Miss Cora Bell, the second child, resides in Kenney with her parents.  James Anderson, the youngest of this family, married Miss Zura Crawford and now lives on the old Kemp homestead about four miles east of Kenney, which was purchased from the heirs by James M. Kemp.  They also have a son, Maynard Castle.  Fourteen years after their marriage was celebrated, Mrs. Fidelia E. Kemp passed away.  Mr. Kemp was again married, September 28, 1889, his second union being with Miss Mary Frances Kenney.  They have one daughter, Carrie Lucile, born July 31, 1896.

Mrs. Mary F. Kemp is the daughter of John and Susan E. (Bowles) Kenney, and was born on the old Kenney homestead just west of Kenney, October 7, 1858.  Her father owned the farm which is now the western portion of the village.  He was the youngest of a family of five children, all the others now deceased.  The other members were: Ambrose, Robert, Moses and Nancy Ann.  There were two other children born to James [John?] Kenney by his second marriage to Miss Katie Hibbler.  These children, now dead, were: Mary B., wife of the late James Turley; and Melinda, the wife of the late Franklin Bowles.  Mrs. James M. Kemp is the eldest of a family of six children.  James H., of Creston, Iowa, is the second child of the family.  Emma A., the wife of J. A. Meadows, is also living at Creston, Iowa.  Melinda is the wife of Dr. H. D. Morris, of Hebron, Nebraska.  Joseph is living in Kenney, Illinois.  Millie L., who at he time of her death was the wife of B. R. Morris, of Kenney, was the youngest of the family.

James M. Kemp was educated in the district schools of Macon county, Illinois, near Maroa, where the family moved shortly after his birth.  He spent his boyhood days and those of his early youth upon his father’s farm, perfecting himself in his chosen calling.  He early evinced a desire to handle stock and practically made this work his specialty.  He continued to work on the farm until 1890, when he disposed of his holdings and started in business with his brother, A. M. Kemp, in the village of Kenney.  The brothers conducted a general store there until 1900, when James sold out his interest in the store and again took up stock raising.  He devoted himself especially to producing exceptional hogs of the Poland China breed, though general stock raising also commanded a portion of his attention.

It was several years ago that Mr. Kemp secured the general recognition now accorded him as the finest judge of hogs in the world.  His record of work done at the solicitation of the various fair associations and stock exhibitions and expositions bears out the statement to the effect that he has no equal in his special line.  He first judged at the Lexington, Kentucky, fair in 1905.  The same year he judged at the Union Fair of four counties at Princeton, Illinois.  In December of that same year he was called upon to act as judge in the swine department at the International Stock Show at Chicago, handling the Poland China and the Duroc breeds.  In 1906 he again acted in the same capacity at the International Show at Chicago.  During the year 1907 Mr. Kemp did not act as judge, owing to the fact he was an exhibitor of stock of his own breeding.  However, in October 1908, he again entered the arena as judge, traveling to Dallas, Texas, where he was judge of all classes of swine at the State Fair, spending six days in determining the awards.  In December of the same year he again served the International Stock Show officials as judge of swine.  The year 1909 found him at work as judge of swine at Princeton, Bureau county, Illinois, where the Union Fair was again in progress.  All classes of swine fell to his discriminating ability and he again handled the awards with an impartiality that was highly commendable, the officials of the fair commending him in a letter of thanks for his efficient services.  Almost immediately following the close of the Union Fair, Mr. Kemp was summoned to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was given free reign over all classes of swine at the Wisconsin State Fair.  He made his awards with his usual vigor and fairness and for the remainder of that season he showed stock of his own breeding.

Mr. Kemp has exhibited swine at the Illinois State Fair since the season in 1901, showing every year save those of 1907 and 1909.  He has developed such notable hogs as Kemp’s Perfection, which swept the pens at the State Fair in 1901.  Later on he fed On-the-dot, a prize-winning hog in the State Fair in 1906, which gained fame throughout the hog world by reason of its tremendous value, a half interest selling for two thousand and five hundred dollars, making the total value of the hog five thousand dollars.  This hog was known as the champion hog of the world and is still in the possession of Mr. Kemp.

In 1909 Mr. Kemp bred, fed and showed Banker the Second, which won first prize in the junior yearling class at the State Fair and champion and grand champion of the show and was sold for eight hundred and five dollars cash.  In that year at the Illinois State Fair at Springfield Mr. Kemp took with him six hogs for exhibition purposes.  With them he captured champion and grand champion in contests open to entries from all over the world.  In these same contests he took seven first prizes, one second and one third; senior champion boar; junior champion boar; junior champion sow and grand champion boar.  This feat established a record for the breeding of swine of a prize-winning strain that has never been equaled.  The record has made not only Mr. Kemp but this entire section of the country famous in stock circles.

Mr. Kemp is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Kenney and of the local lodge of the Masonic order.  He has served as supervisor of Tunbridge township for eight years, has twice been elected assessor, has served on the Kenney school board for several terms and is responsible in a great measure for the high standard of efficiency maintained in the local schools.

FRED R. KENT.  (Volume II, Page 270)

A lifelong resident of Clinton, Fred R. Kent is now engaged in business as a dealer in lumber and building materials.  While he was fortunate in entering upon a business already established, many a man of less resolute spirit would have failed in promoting the enterprise in keeping with the progressive spirit of the times, but Mr. Kent has wrought along modern lines of trade with the result that his business has increased in volume and importance, becoming one of the leading enterprises of this character in Clinton.

The Kent family comes of English ancestry.  The grandfather, Laurens Kent, was a native of Vermont, however, and, in fact, eight generations of the family have resided in this country.  Laurens Kent was a cabinetmaker by trade and, removing to the west, died at an old age in Chicago, his remains being interred in Oakwood cemetery of that city.  Unto him and his wife were born three daughters and two sons: Mary Ann, the wife of Adam Johnston; Amelia, the wife of Thomas Hefferen; Augusta, who died in early womanhood; Emmett; and Morton.

Emmett Kent was born in Vermont but was reared in Chicago, where his parents removed in 1843.  He became a resident of Clinton in 1859 and here established a lumberyard, which he conducted with success up to the time of his death.  In early manhood he wedded Elizabeth Clapperton, a native of London, England, and a daughter of William and Harnet (Ford) Clapperton, who were also natives of that country.  Her father was a herald painter and an artist of considerable ability, who painted coats of arms.  Coming to America, he settled in Chicago, where he died in middle life.  He is still survived by his widow, who is now living in Clinton.  Their daughter, Mrs. Emmett Kent, is also living but the death of Emmett Kent occurred March 31, 1890, when he was fifty-five years of age.  In religious faith he was an earnest Presbyterian, serving as an elder in the church and taking an active part in all of the church work.  Mrs. Kent is also a member of the same church.  He did business under the firm name of E. Kent & Company and at his death his widow and son Fred became the owners of the business and it was conducted by them conjointly until 1909, when the subject of this review became sole proprietor.  In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Kent were two sons and three daughters: Fred R.; Mabel, the wife of Guy Hensley, of Logansport, Indiana; Augusta, the wife of Benjamin Martin, also of Logansport; Maude, the wife of W. S. Payne, of San Fransco [Francisco?]; and Paul, of Clinton.

In the public schools Fred R. Kent mastered the elementary branches of learning and further qualified for a commercial career by pursuing a course in a business college at Jacksonville.  He then became bookkeeper in his father’s office and while thus engaged thoroughly acquainted himself with the business, so that he was well qualified to assume its management upon his father’s death.  As previously stated, he was associated with his mother in its ownership until 1909, when he purchased her interest and became sole proprietor.  He has since carried on the business with marked success and his commercial integrity is a strong feature in his prosperity, while his enterprise is also recognized as an important factor in his business advancement.

On the 11th of November, 1885, Mr. Kent, was united in marriage to Miss Rose L. Walter, of Alton, a daughter of Valentine and Caroline (Hoffmeister) Walter, both of whom were natives of Germany.  Valentine Walter, the paternal grandfather, was likewise born in Germany and passed away when sixty years of age.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Einsele, had also attained the age of sixty when called to her final rest.  Unto them were born three sons and two daughters, namely: Eleanor, Benedict, Justina, Londoline and Valentine.  Johann and Lizetta (Rebmann) Hoffmeister, the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Kent, passed away at the ages of fifty-eight and sixty-six years respectively.  Their children were six in number, as follows: Johann, Kate, Louise, Christopher, Elizabeth and Caroline.  Valentine Walter, the father of Mrs. Kent, was a school teacher and professor in Germany and when twenty-one years of age emigrated to the United States, locating at Alton, Illinois.  There he became a professor of music and subsequently embarked in business as a dealer in pianos and sheet music.  He was also largely instrumental in organizing the Maennerchor.  In 1885 he removed to Omaha, Nebraska, where he was engaged in the music business for a number of years and then retired.  His demise occurred on the 28th of February, 1910, when he was nearly eighty-three years of age.  His wife had passed away on the 14th of December, 1909, when in her eighty-first year.  They traveled life’s journey together for fifty-seven years and were the parents of ten children, seven of whom grew to maturity, namely: Carrie M., the widow of Robert Wilson; Otto L.; Emil, deceased; Mrs. Kent; Edward H. Ben V.; and Frederick R.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kent have been born five children: Lillian, Rose, Ruth, Emmett and Walter.  The eldest is now assistant librarian in the Clinton public library.  Mrs. Kent is a lady of many attractive social qualities.  Mr. Kent holds membership with the Modern Woodmen and is a republican in politics.  He has served as a member of the school board for nine years but has never sought nor held political office.  He resides at No. 624 North Center street, where he erected a residence in 1884, but in 1900 enlarged and remodeled it, making it an attractive modern home.

JOHN KILLOUGH.  (Volume II, Page 58)

For more than a third of a century John Killough has been a representative of mercantile interests in Clinton where he is dealing in hardware and farm implements and conducting also a plumbing and heating establishment.  He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 16, 1845.  His paternal grandfather, John Killough, a native of Pennsylvania, was a descendant of Scotch ancestors.  He was a farmer by occupation and met his death in a wagon accident.  Their children were: Robert, Eleanor and Eliza.  By a former marriage John Killough had one son, David.

Robert Killough, the father of our subject, was born in the Keystone state and made farming his life work.  He died in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1886, at the age of seventy-three years, while his wife passed away in March, 1890, at the age of sixty-nine years.  She bore the maiden name of Sidney Hoopes and was also born in Pennsylvania, as were her parents, Thomas and Mary Hoopes.  They were farming people of the Society of Friends or Quakers, and in that faith reared their children, Phoebe, Thomas S., Sidney, Jane and Mary.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Robert Killough there were born seven children, two sons and five daughters: John; Mary M., deceased; Maggie, the wife of Jesse Wood of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania; Fannie, the wife of Leander O. Wright, also of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania; Jane E., the wife of C. W. Moore of Clinton, Illinois; Roberta P., of Lancaster county; and Elmer E. of Clinton, Illinois.

In taking up the personal history of John Killough, we present to our readers the life record of one widely and favorably known in Clinton inasmuch as his identification with its business interests covers a period of thirty-five years.  He was reared in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, upon the home farm where he early learned the lessons of industry, diligence, determination and perseverance.  He attended the district schools and further supplemented his knowledge by study in the Pennsylvania State Normal and in the Polytechnic College of Philadelphia.  He came west in the fall of 1868 and for a time resided in Tazewell county, Illinois, teaching school the first winter.  He then went out with an engineering corps and engaged in railroad construction for the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company and in the fall of 1871 he was engaged in the same business with the Canada Southern Railway, in Ontario, Canada.  In 1875 he came to Clinton where he has since engaged in the hardware and implement business, establishing the store that he has now conducted for thirty-five years.  He carries a large line of shelf and heavy hardware and implements and conducts an extensive plumbing and heating department, the various branches of his business proving a source of profit.  His trade is now extensive and he is justly accounted one of the leading and representative merchants of his adopted city.

On the 22d of December, 1874, Mr. Killough was united in marriage to Miss Delia B. Briggs, a native of Tazewell county, Illinois, and a daughter of Uriah and Cornelia (Hatch) Briggs, who were natives of Ohio but in 1850 removed westward to Tazewell county where the father died at the age of sixty-four years.  His widow still survives and in their family were three children: Delia B., now Mrs. Killough; Jennie, the wife of Elmer E. Killough; and Melvin E. Briggs.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. John Killough has been born a daughter, Merna C., now the wife of Lee Fosnaugh of Lane, DeWitt county.

Mr. Killough belongs to De Witt Lodge, No. 84, A. F. & A. M.; Good-brake Chapter, R. A. M.; Clinton Commandery, K. T.  He is also identified with Frank G. Lowry Post, G. A. R., being entitled to membership therein by reason of his service in the Civil war.  He was a member of the state militia in 1863 and the following year enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.  His political allegiance has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise.  He served as alderman for one year, was a member of the school board for seven or eight years, also served on the board of supervisors for about the same number of years and was then called to the highest office within the gift of his fellow citizens, being elected mayor for a term of two years.  His administration was businesslike and progressive, for in the care of municipal interests he displayed the same watchfulness to avoid useless expenditure and to promote legitimate progress that he does in the management of his private business interests.  In many ways he has proven his worth as a citizen and his fellow townsmen recognize in him a man of genuine value to the community.

ANDREW T. KINCAID.  (Volume II, Page 391)

Andrew Todd Kincaid is numbered among the men who, having spent busy years in garnering the good things of this world, are now ready to leave their former activities to others and enjoy what they have earned.  One of the respected residents of Farmer City, he is now living retired, taking no active part in business affairs except to look after his invested interests.  He was born on the 9th of March, 1844, in Menard county, Illinois, a son of William C. and Louisa (Hale) Kincaid, both natives of Kentucky.  At an early day in the development of this state his grandfather, Andrew Kincaid, removed from Kentucky to Menard county, Illinois, becoming one of the pioneers of that region where he continued to make his home until his death.  He was a soldier of the war of 1812 and both he and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Ann Caldwell, died in Menard county.  They reared a large family, consisting of Canada, Eliza, Archibald, William C., Mary, Thomas, Edgar and Emily, besides some who died when young.

Robert Hale, the maternal grandfather of our subject, died in Kentucky when a comparatively young man.  He had married Elizabeth Williams, a daughter of James and Hannah (Mappin) Williams.  Her father was born September 29, 1772, and died October 27, 1834, while her mother was born July 21, 1776, and died November 30, 1855.  Mrs. Elizabeth Williams Hale came to Sangamon county, Illinois, before the removal of the Kincaid family to this state and there died at a ripe old age.  The only child of her first marriage was Mrs. Kincaid, the mother of our subject, but she was again married, her second union being with Andrew Moore, who died in McDonough county, Illinois, and by whom she had two children, Isaac and Dulcina Moore.

It was in the early ’30s that William C. Kincaid, the father of our subject, came to Illinois and settled in Menard county when it still formed a part of Sangamon county and there he entered a tract of government land, his entire time and attention being given to farming after reaching manhood.  At his death, which occurred in 1882, when sixty-three years of age, he owned between four and five hundred acres of well improved land.  His wife died in 1890.  They were members of the Presbyterian church and were highly respected by all who knew them.  Their children were: Robert H., now deceased; Eliza, the deceased wife of William Conant; Andrew T. of this review; William T., who is still living on the old homestead in Menard county; and Elizabeth, the wife of Charles Moberly of Chicago.

In the county of his nativity Andrew T. Kincaid grew to manhood upon his father’s farm and pursued his studies in the district schools, later attending an academy at Indian Point, Menard county.  He remained under the parental roof until eighteen years of age when he joined the boys in blue to fight for the preservation of the Union.  He enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and remained in the service for three years, participating in the siege of Vicksburg and many skirmishes.  On his return home he resumed farming and continued a resident of Menard county until 1870 when he came to DeWitt county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of partially improved land in Santa Anna township and to the further development and cultivation of that place he devoted his energies for about eighteen years and then bought another one hundred and sixty acre tract.  He subsequently owned and operated another one hundred and sixty acre farm north of Farmer City and after living there for about eighteen years, took up his residence in the town where he has since erected a large and beautiful home which he now occupies.  He has since sold most of his farm property in this county, retaining only forty acres, but has invested in the Saskatchewan country of Canada, where he now owns two sections or twelve hundred and eighty acres of very fine land.

On the 8th of February, 1870, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Kincaid to Miss Frances Ritter, who was born in Menard county, May 18, 1848. Her parents, Anno and Elizabeth (Anno) Ritter, were both natives of Kentucky and from that state removed to Illinois in 1832, locating in Menard county, where her father served as county surveyor at an early day, laying out nearly all of the county.  He was a farmer by occupation and died in 1855 at the age of forty-seven years and her mother passed away June 1, 1861, at the age of forty-seven.  They had six children, two of whom reached years of maturity, Miss Anna Ritter and Mrs. Frances B. Kincaid. Richard Ritter, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Kincaid, was a native of Maryland and of German descent.  He was a soldier of the Mexican war, belonging to a Kentucky regiment, and from that state removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, at an early day.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Pollard died in Kentucky, while his death occurred in Sangamon county.  They reared a large family, including: Jackson; Elizabeth; Thomas; John; and Anno.  Mrs. Kincaid’s maternal grandfather was William Anno, who was born in Maryland, of French extraction, and was a shoemaker by trade.  He was one of the early settlers of Kentucky, where he died when past middle life.  He married Rebecca Pollard and unto them were born twelve children, including: Frances; Pollard; John; Nancy; Julia; and Elizabeth.  After the death of his first wife he remarried and by the second union had seven children.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid were born seven children: Brittie M., now a resident of Wilmette, Illinois, married C. A. Wheeler and they have two children, Gertrude E. and Edward Todd; William R., a physician of Lyons, Colorado, married Jessie Burford and they have five children, Lucile B., Frances P., Nellie I., Helen Marie and William; Monte B. married Effie M. Rutledge and is engaged in business as a shoe merchant at Farmer City; Claude B. died at the age of three years; Leslie P. is now engaged in farming in Canada; Gertrude A. is at home with her parents; and Andrew, who completes the family, is also in Canada at the present time.

Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is now serving as church trustee.  His political support is given the men and measures of the republican party, but he has never cared for official honors, his extensive business interests claiming his entire time and attention.  For twenty-five years he has served as vice president of the John Weedman National Bank of Farmer City and he occupies a prominent position in business circles where his true worth is widely recognized.  He is now, however, practically living retired but still retains an interest in public affairs and ranks among the representative citizens of the community.  His has long been an honored name in commercial circles and his upright and honorable life is well worthy of emulation.

GEORGE M. KINCAID.  (Volume II, Page 244)

George M. Kincaid, cashier of The John Weedman National Bank of Farmer City, is a man exceptionally fitted by experience and training for his present responsible position, as evidenced by the closeness with which he keeps in touch with everything connected with the institution, with which he has now been identified for almost a quarter of a century.  A native of Illinois, he was born in Menard county, September 4, 1866, his parents being Robert H. and Sarah (Moore) Kincaid, also natives of Menard county.  His grandfather, William C. Kincaid, was likewise born in Menard county and there made his home throughout life, dying at the age of over sixty years.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Louisa Hale, outlived him a few years.  They were the parents of five childdren, Robert H., Eliza Aim, Andrew Todd, William Thomas and Elizabeth.  Our subject’s paternal great-grandparents were Andrew and Ann (Caldwell) Kincaid, natives of Kentucky and pioneers of Menard county, Illinois, where Andrew Kincaid opened up and developed a farm, being engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout life.  On the maternal side our subject is a grandson of John and Phoebe (Scott) Moore, the former of whom died in Menard county in middle age, but the latter lived to be quite old.  They were the parents of several children, namely: James S., Margaret, William T., John, Nancy, Jane, Milton T., Robert A., Mary, Sarah and Martin L.

It was in the spring of 1871 that Robert H. Kincaid, accompanied by his wife and their only child, George M., came to DeWitt county, Illinois, and settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Santa Anna township, where he continued to make his home until his death, December 30, 1872, when he was only thirty-one years of age.  His wife survived him many years, passing away May 31, 1903, at the age of sixty-two.  She was twice married, her second union being in 1876 with G. B. Newell, who died in 1892.  Both parents of our subject were members of the Presbyterian church and were held in the highest esteem by all who knew them.

George M. Kincaid was in his sixth year when he accompanied his parents on their removal to DeWitt county and his boyhood and youth were here passed upon the farm.  He attended the public schools of Farmer City and also took a course in a business college at Springfield.  On starting out for himself he was first engaged in the coal business in Farmer City for one year but in 1886 entered The John Weedman National Bank as bookkeeper.  He soon became thoroughly familiar with the banking business and in 1893 was elected cashier, in which capacity he has since continuously served to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.  He is a man of exceptional business and executive ability and sound judgment and has been largely instrumental in building up the business of the bank.

Mr. Kincaid was married on the 4th of September, 1889, to Miss Viola French, who was born in Panola, Woodford county, Illinois, a daughter of Isaac H. and Maria (Saltzman) French.  Her mother died during her infancy but her father, who is a native of New York state, is still living and now resides in Urbana.  Throughout his business career he has been a grain merchant.  After the death of his first wife, he married Miss Laura Woodward.  His parents were Samuel and Serepta (Rosebrook) French, of New Hampshire.  His father died at a comparatively early age but his mother was well advanced in years when she, too, was called to her final rest.  Mrs. Kincaid’s maternal grandparents were Henry and Polly (Carpenter) Saltzman, New York people, who became early settlers of Woodford county, Illinois, where they died at a ripe old age.  In their family were ten children.  Mrs. Kincaid is the only child of her father’s first marriage and by her union with our subject has become the mother of two daughters, Marie and Ruth.  The former was graduated from the Farmer City high school in 1907 and is also a graduate of the piano and organ department of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.  Ruth is still attending the high school.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and he is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and is a member of Farmer City Lodge, No. 710, A. F. & A. M.; Farmer City Chapter, No. 175, R. A. M.; and Clinton Commandery, No. 66, K. T.  His political support is given the republican party and he has taken quite an active and influential part in local politics, serving as city treasurer for several terms and also as alderman for one term.  Besides his city property he still owns the old home farm in Santa Anna township and is one of the substantial men of his locality as well as one of its most honored and highly respected citizens.  In business affairs he has always been found prompt and thoroughly reliable, and he well merits the high esteem in which he is universally held.

MONTE B. KINCAID.  (Volume II, Page 397)

Among the worthy representatives of business interests in Farmer City may be mentioned Monte B. Kincaid, proprietor of a shoe store.  He was born, on a farm in Santa Anna township, December 28, 1874, a son of Andrew T. and Frances B. (Ritter) Kincaid, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work.  The son began his education in the district schools and later entered the high school at Farmer City, from which he graduated with the class of 1892.  During the periods of vacation he had been trained in the work of the fields and after putting aside his text-books he gave his undivided attention to farm work, remaining under the parental roof for thirteen years thereafter.  Like most successful business men, however, who receive their early training on the farm, he then sought a field in the commercial world and coming to Farmer City here opened a shoe store, which he has conducted for the past five years.  He carries a complete line of footwear and the high quality of his goods and moderate prices have built up an excellent trade, making this enterprise one of the best known in this section of DeWitt county.

On the 8th of February, 1897, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Kincaid and Miss Effie M. Rutledge, a daughter of John Allen and Caliste Jane (Arbogast) Rutledge, both natives of Illinois.  The father has passed away but the mother still survives and makes her home in Farmer City.  Mrs. Kincaid was born in Rutledge township, and in both the paternal and maternal lines is a representative of some of DeWitt county’s earliest settlers.

In politics an ardent republican, Mr. Kincaid has ever manifested a deep interest in public affairs and is now serving his second term as alderman of the second ward.  Prominent in fraternal circles of the city, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen and the Red Men.  Perhaps the highest tribute that can be paid Mr. Kincaid is that he has been successful in all of his undertakings and that he has so discharged his duties as a citizen and as a business man as to merit the confidence of those who know him best.

ALVA E. KINGSTON.  (Volume II, Page 147)

Alva E. Kingston, a progressive and enterprising farmer living on section 11, Nixon township, claims Illinois as his native state, his birth occurring in Piatt county, on the 21st of February, 1880.  His parents, George W. and Mary Ann (Cooper) Kingston, are also natives of this state and now make their home in Piatt county.  The mother was born in that county on the I4th of March, 1860, but the father’s birth occurred in Woodford county, July 23, 1855.  Alva E. is the eldest of their five children, the others being: Dora V., now the wife of Vern Hatch, of Piatt county; Bertha J., the wife of Dwight Plankenham, of Piatt county; and Ray F. and Carl, both at home.

Alva E. Kingston acquired his elementary education in the common schools of Piatt county and later was graduated from Brown’s Business College at Bloomington, Illinois.  For six months he acted as agent for an insurance company in Lincoln, Illinois, and engaged in clerking in a wholesale grocery store for one year.  Later he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and operated a tract of rented land in Piatt county for two years, but at the end of that time he came to DeWitt county and in 1904 located upon his present farm, which consists of forty acres of well improved land, and also operates another forty acre tract, which he rents from his father.  He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising and is meeting with well deserved success in his labors.

Mr. Kingston was married on the 23d of December, 1903, to Miss Ethel V. Shaver, who was born in this county on the 2ist of August, 1881, her parents being John and Belle M. (Anderson) Shaver, both of whom are still living and continue to reside in DeWitt county.  Her father, however, was born in Ohio.  In the Shaver family are four children, Earl, Ethel V., Ray B. and Opal, all at home with the exception of the wife of our subject.  Mr. and Mrs. Kingston have one son, Rex L., born in DeWitt county, April 15, 1908.

Though Mr. Kingston usually supports the men and measures of the democratic party he is a prohibitionist in principle, for he is a strong temperance man and gives his support to those measures which he believes will advance the temperance cause.  He is one of the most progressive and enterprising citizens of his community and is the owner of a nice automobile.

JAMES M. KIRK.  (Volume II, Page 113)

Among the many men who have contributed to the reputation of Clinton as being the home of energetic and progressive business men, must be numbered James M. Kirk who is today a prominent brick contractor.  He was born in Bellefontaine, Logan county, Ohio , on the 26th of July, 1854, and comes of an old and honored family of that state.  The birth of his father, Orange L. Kirk, occurred in ZanesvilleOhio, on the 11th of November, 1829, and from the Buckeye state he removed to Indiana with his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Kirk.  It was about 1857 that he became a resident of ClintonIllinois, and here he engaged in business as a brick contractor throughout the remainder of his active business life.  Becoming one of the most prominent and influential citizens of his community, he was honored with public office and for about twelve years served as a member of the city council.  After a useful and well spent life he passed away on the 11th of October, 1897.  His first wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Robinson, was also a native of the Buckeye state and died when our subject was only thirteen months old.  The father was again married, his second union being with Lucretia G. Morlan, who was also born in Ohio , but they were married in Clinton.  She is still living and is the mother of eight children, namely: Frank, Albert L., Leon, George, William, Harry, Mrs. Anna Dale and Mrs. Lucretia Hatfield.  By his first marriage there were but two children, the brother of our subject being Samuel, who died April 21, 1910.

James M. Kirk was only about three years of age when the family took up their residence in Clinton and he is indebted to the public schools of this city for the early educational privileges he enjoyed.  On completing his education he began work for his father, who at that time, in 1872, was erecting the McGill [Magill] House.  He continued in the employ of his father for six or eight years and then started in business for himself, conducting a restaurant for a year and a half.  He then served as chief of police for one term and for four years, from 1885 to 1889, was a resident of Eldorado and WichitaKansas, and Kansas CityMissouri, where he engaged in the contracting business.  At the end of that time he returned to Clinton, where he has since made his home.  As a contractor he has made a specialty of public work, having erected many of the school buildings throughout this section of the state.  He is a man of much more than ordinary ability and usually carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

Mr. Kirk was married October 3, 1876, to Miss Emma J. Johnson, a daughter of Eason and Alice Johnson, who are represented on another page of this volume.  She was born in Champaign county, Ohio , and removed to Clinton with her parents about 1859.  Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kirk, five are still living, namely: James R., born in 1878, married Mrs. Sadie Thomas, their home being in Danville, Illinois; Alice L., who was born in 1881, is at home with her parents; Willoughby E., known as Dick, born in 1883, married Miss Kate Dempsey and resides in Clinton, having a family of two children, Ira M. and Winifred L.; Frederick K., born in 1885, married Florence Cooper by whom he has one child, Royal C., his home being in Memphis, Tennessee; and Ruben W., born in 1891, is also a resident of Memphis.

Mr. Kirk has a pleasant home at No. 621 East Main street , which is presided over by his estimable wife, who is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  He is a prominent Mason, belonging to DeWitt Lodge, No. 84, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled all of the offices and is serving his fourth year as high priest of Goodbrake Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M.; for the past eleven years he has been thrice illustrious master of Clinton Council No. 74 and for six years filled the office of recorder in Clinton Commandery, No. 66, Knights Templar.  He is a member of Mohammed Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Peoria and is past patron of Myrtle Chapter, No. 131, Order of the Eastern Star.  He is watchman of Shepherd Magdala Shrine, No. 18, White Shrine of Jerusalem, and is supreme chancellor of the Order of Alabama , conferred on Royal Arch Masons only.  Since attaining his majority he has always affiliated with the republican party and has been called upon to serve as a member of the city council two years, besides filling the position of chief of police.  The men who have been brought in contact with him in business or social life have but corroborated the reputation he has gained of being a man of principle and strong character and well worthy of the respect he enjoys.

CHARLES S. LAFFERTY.  (Volume II, Page 84)

Charles S. Lafferty, who is now living retired at Clinton save for the supervision which he gives to his property interests, is widely recognized as a prominent citizen and extensive landowner of DeWitt county.  His birth occurred in this county on the 26th of March, 1850, his parents being William and Amanda (Anderson) Lafferty, who were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively.  Samuel Lafferty, the paternal grandfather, was born in Virginia and came of Irish descent.  He acted as city magistrate in Ohio for fifty years and was also identified with educational interests as an instructor for many years.  The last four or five years of his life were spent in DeWitt county, Illinois, with his children and his demise occurred in the town of DeWitt when he was about ninety years of age.  Unto him and his wife were born the following children: Catherine, William H., John, Joseph, Isaac, Susan and Mary.

William Lafferty, the father of Charles S. Lafferty, followed general agricultural pursuits throughout practically his entire business career.  In the fall of 1838 he took up his abode at DeWitt, Illinois, but soon afterward purchased a farm near the village, continuing to reside thereon until 1874, when he returned to DeWitt and there made his home until called to his final rest in 1875 at the age of sixty-eight years.  His demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained many friends during the long period of his residence here.  For two terms he had served in the office of county judge.  He joined the Presbyterian church when still but a youth and his Christian faith permeated his entire life.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Amanda Anderson, and who was an only child, lost her parents when very young and was reared by John M. Richter of Springfield, Illinois.  She came to DeWitt as a young woman and here spent the remainder of her life, passing away in 1902 at the age of seventy-eight years.  She was a devoted member of the Methodist church and her kindly, helpful spirit endeared her to all with whom she came in contact.  Unto William and Amanda (Anderson) Lafferty were born eight children, five sons and three daughters, as follows: Isaac C., who lives on the old home place in DeWitt county; William S., whose demise occurred April 5, 1910; Amanda Ann, who died when eighteen years of age; Charles S., of this review; Susan M., the deceased wife of M. B. North, of Hastings, Nebraska; Samuel, who passed away in 1908; Perry, who died in early life; and Clara A., the wife of J. R. Bosserman, of Clinton.

Charles S. Lafferty was reared on his father’s farm in Rutledge township and attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education.  When twenty-one years of age he became crippled.  After recovering he was engaged in the mercantile business at DeWitt for two years and then went to Weldon, where he conducted a general store for thirteen years.  On the expiration of that period he came to Clinton and for eight years was here identified with business interests as a shoe merchant.  Subsequently he became cashier of the DeWitt County National Bank but at the end of five years was obliged to resign that position on account of failing health.  Since severing his connection with the institution he has given his attention to the supervision of his property interests, owning two fine farms in DeWitt county as well as tracts in Oklahoma and Winnipeg, Canada.  Since 1897 he has lived in a handsome residence which he erected at No. 417 South Center street.

On the 27th of September, 1882, Mr. Lafferty was united in marriage to Miss Edith M. Crumbaugh, whose birth occurred near Le Roy, Illinois.  Her parents, James H. L. and Amanda M. (Buck) Crumbaugh, were natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively, the latter being born on the 10th of February, 1828.  Henry Crumbaugh, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Lafferty, was a native of Maryland and a farmer by occupation.  In company with his wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Baldock, he came to Illinois in 1828, first residing near Springfield for two years.  They then took up their abode near Le Roy and there spent the remainder of their lives.  They were the parents of twelve children, six of whom reached years of maturity, namely: Narcissa, Lucy M., James H. L., John Edgar, Jackson and Lewis Cass.  Hiram Buck, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Lafferty, was born in New York and also followed farming as a life work.  For his wife he chose Miss Mercy Karr and they came to Illinois in 1833, passing away near Le Roy when well advanced in years.  Unto them were born six children, namely: Amanda M., Thomas Lee, Martha E., Nancy J., Charles Albert and Rebecca Elizabeth.  James H. L. Crumbaugh, the father of Mrs. Lafferty, was but two years of age when brought to this state by his parents in 1828.  His demise occurred at Le Roy in 1904, when he had attained the age of seventy-eight years.  His wife, who still survives him, has now passed the eighty-second milestone on life’s journey and is well preserved and in excellent health for a woman on life’s journey and is well preserved and in excellent health for a woman of her age.  They reared a family of three children, as follows: Laura Elizabeth, the widow of William Lafferty, a brother of our subject; Mrs. Lafferty; and Hiram H., who is a resident of Le Roy, Illinois.

In politics Mr. Lafferty is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Universalist church, with which his wife is also affiliated.  Fraternally he is identified with DeWitt Lodge, No. 87, A. F. & A. M.; Goodbrake Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M.; Clinton Commandery, No. 66, K. T.; and Mohammed Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.  Both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star and the latter also belongs to the White Shrine.  Mr. Lafferty enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance in the county where his entire life has been spent and is widely recognized as a most substantial and respected citizen.

JAMES W. LANE.  (Volume II, Page 230)

James W. Lane, who for twenty-one years has been car inspector for the Illinois Central Railroad Company at Clinton, his long continuance in that position attesting his capability and reliability in the performance of his duties, was born in a little log cabin twelve miles west of Clinton, on the 28th of December, 1856.  On both the paternal and maternal sides he comes from old southern families who figured prominently in the early settlement of DeWitt county.  The paternal grandfather, William Lane, was a native of Kentucky and at an early day came to this county, where he and his wife, Mrs. Mahala Lane, passed away.  The grandfather on the maternal side was James Washington McCord, a native of Tennessee, who was also numbered among the pioneer settlers of DeWitt county.  Upon his arrival here he located near Farmer City, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring when he had reached the ripe old age of eighty-five years.  His wife, who in her maidenhood was Martha Wheeler, passed away at the age of forty-two years.  In their family were twelve children.

James W. Lane, of this review, was the only child born unto Jesse H. and Martha (McCord) Lane, both natives of Illinois.  The father was born four and a half miles north of Wapella, while the birth of the mother occurred a mile and a half southwest of Farmer City.  The son was but thirteen days old when the mother, at the early age of seventeen years, ten months and twenty-six days, passed away.  After her death Jesse H. Lane was again married, his second wife being Susan Barnes, and unto this union were born six children, Lucinda E., Lois A., Henry B., Oliver E., Ned and May.  The father died April 7, 1892, but his second wife still survives and makes her home in Clinton.

James W. Lane has spent his entire life within the borders of DeWitt county.  Left motherless when a tiny infant, he was reared by an aunt, Mrs. Jane Sloatz [Sloat], who maintained her residence in Clinton until our subject was a lad of eleven years.  They then went to live with his father at Long Point, and there on a farm James W. Lane grew to manhood.  On attaining his majority he returned to Clinton, where for twenty-one years he has been in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company.  Throughout that time he has served as car inspector, and the fact that he has for almost a quarter of a century served the company in that capacity is proof positive that he has ever been prompt and thorough in the discharge of his duties and loyal and faithful to the interests of his employers.

Mr. Lane laid the foundation for a happy home life of his own by his marriage, on the 4th of July, 1878, to Miss Emily Jane Sparks, who was born in Iowa county, Iowa, on the 19th of February, 1857.  Her parents were Richard and Elizabeth (Elder) Sparks, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana county, Pennsylvania.  They located in Iowa county, Iowa, at an early day, when the Indians still roamed the prairies, and after many years of pioneer life on the frontier removed to Indiana, locating in Brown county, where Mr. Sparks passed away in 1883 at the age of sixty-five years.  He had been a soldier in the Civil war and while serving therein had two fingers shot off.  His wife still survives at the ripe old age of eighty-one years.  In their family were seven children, four of whom are yet living: Emily J.; Isham Isaiah; Rowena J., the wife of Adariah Hall; and Ezra W., of Clinton.  The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Lane was Watson Sparks, a native of Kentucky and a soldier of the war of 1812.  On the mother’s side her grandfather was Thomas Elder, who was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, and married Ann Faloon.  He died from illness contracted while serving as a soldier in the Civil war.  His wife passed away at the age of sixty-four years.  In their family were nine children, two of whom survive, Mrs. Elizabeth Sparks and Mrs. Sidney Hesse.

With the passing years the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lane was blessed with five children, George W., Ray W., Roy H., Walter H. and Martha Elizabeth.  Of this number George W. married Effie Wright and they have three children, Margaret, Curtis William and Jack Wesley.  Ray W. married Blanche Neal, by whom he has one son, Lyle.  Roy H., a twin of Ray W., is mentioned elsewhere in this volume, while the daughter passed away when only eighteen months old.

Mr. and Mrs. Lane are members of the Christian church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest, and he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.  Politically he gives his support to the democratic party where national issues are involved, but at local elections he votes an independent ticket, standing for the best men and most desirable measures.  The family residence is at No. 314 West Jefferson street, where Mr. Lane has erected a comfortable and attractive house, and the hospitality of their home is enjoyed by a large number of warm friends.  Having passed his entire life in this county, Mr. Lane has become well known here and that many of his warmest friends are those who know him the best is indicative of the fact that his life has ever been guided by upright and honorable principles which win respect, confidence and good will.

ROY H. LANE.  (Volume II, Page 305)

Roy H. Lane, identified with business interests of Clinton as a cleaner and presser of clothes, is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of DeWitt county, his great-grandfather, William Lane, coming from Kentucky to this county at an early date in the history of this state.  His son, Jesse H. Lane, was born near Wapella, Illinois, and in this state followed agricultural pursuits throughout his lifetime.  The Sparks family, of which Roy H. Lane is a representative on the maternal side, was founded in DeWitt county by Richard Sparks, also a native of Kentucky, who came to Illinois at a time when Indian villages were still a feature of the landscape and much of the land was open prairie, covered with the native grasses and unknown to the plow or harrow.

It was within the borders of DeWitt county that James W. Lane, the father of our subject, was born, reared and educated, and he now makes his home in Clinton, where for twenty-one years he has been in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company.  Extended mention of him is made on another page of this volume.  He married Miss Emily Jane Sparks, a native of Iowa county, Iowa, and unto them were born five children: George W.; Ray W. and Roy H., twins; Walter H.; and Martha Elizabeth.

Roy H. Lane has spent his entire life in Clinton, his native city, his birth here occurring on the 19th of January, 1885.  He is indebted to its public-school system for the educational advantages which he received during the period of his boyhood and youth, and after laying aside his text-books he entered business life as a clerk in a grocery store, while later he worked in a similar capacity in a bakery.  Then, desiring that his efforts should more directly benefit himself, he purchased a tea and coffee store, which he conducted with success for one year.  Being elected to the position of justice of the peace, however, he sold his store and for a time devoted his time and attention to the discharge of his duties in that capacity.  He has since, however, become the proprietor of an establishment for cleaning and pressing clothes, and in this undertaking is proving most successful, for the prompt service and excellent character of the work which is done has drawn a large patronage from the people of Clinton, and the enterprise, which has already reached profitable proportions, is constantly growing in extent and importance.

Mr. Lane’s fraternal relations are with the Order of Eagles, and although not a member thereof he attends the services of the Christian church of which he is a liberal supporter.  Stalwart in his support of the democratic party, the position which he holds in the esteem of his fellow citizens is indicated by the fact that at the town election in April, 1910, he was elected to the office of township assessor by a majority of one hundred and eighty-nine votes, and he is now filling that position.  He is performing the duties of this office in a manner that is meeting with the approval of all and is winning the endorsement of the entire community.  He maintains an office over the Leader Cash store, while he makes his home with his parents at 314 West Jefferson street.  Although he has barely passed the twenty-fifth milestone on life’s journey, nevertheless he, has already won a creditable place for himself in the business and public life of his native city, and displays those qualities—energy, industry and perseverance—which make for future success.  Having spent his entire life in Clinton, he has won a large circle of warm friends here who entertain for him high regard, while the place which he holds in public esteem indicates the upright and manly principles which govern his life.

TILLMAN LANE.  (Volume II, Page 247)

Probably no man in DeWitt county is held in higher esteem than Hon. Tillman Lane, one of its oldest residents and largest landowners.  He was born on the 14th of October, 1823, in Monroe county, Kentucky, and is a son of Ezekiel and Tabitha (Guest) Lane, both natives of Tennessee, the former born in 1800.  They came to Illinois in 1828 and first settled in the southern part of the state, making their home in Hamilton county until our subject was ten years of age, when they came to DeWitt county.  With the early development and improvement of this locality the family have since borne their part and they have always been prominent and influential in public affairs.  The father served as sheriff of this county for some years and was a recognized leader in the democratic ranks.  Of his ten children, only three now survive: Tillman, of this review; Miranda, the widow of Job Stone and a resident of Ford county, Illinois; and Mary A., the wife of Jerry Lane, of Clinton, Illinois.

Being only five years of age on the removal of the family to this state, Tillman Lane was reared amid pioneer surroundings, early becoming familiar with all the hardships and privations incident to life on the frontier.  He obtained his education in the primitive schoolhouse common during his boyhood and assisted his father in clearing, breaking and improving his farm.  On leaving the parental roof he purchased a small tract of land in Creek township, the village of Lane being laid out upon his farm and that of his brother and for them it was named.  He entered eighty acres of land from the government and as he prospered in his farming operations kept adding to his property until he had four hundred and fifty acres and is still the owner of four hundred acres in Creek township.  For many years he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits, devoting considerable attention to stock raising, but is now living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest.

In November, 1847, Mr. Lane was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, who was born in Sangamon county, this state, in 1830, her parents being Jeremiah and Nancy (Lisenby) Thompson, natives of Tennessee and North Carolina respectively.  They were also honored pioneers of Illinois and made their home in Sangamon county.  Here the mother lived to be over ninety years of age and at their demise both were interred in Lisenby cemetery.  They had several children but only one is now living, Alfred, a resident of Creek township, this county.  Mrs. Lane died in February, 1884, and was also laid to rest in the family cemetery.  She was the mother of ten children, of whom six still survive: James, now a resident of Quincy, Illinois, married Susan Graham and has six children living; Martha, is the wife of George Gibson of Creek township and ten of their twelve children, are living; Richard, a resident of Clintonia township, married Ethel Luttrell and has one son; Jeremiah, of Creek township, married Nellie Roberts and has two children; Ezekiel, a resident of Hebron, Nebraska, married Adaline Willmore and has three children; and William, who makes his home in Creek township, married Blanche McAvoy and has four children.

Mr. Lane was again married October 5, 1885, his second union being with Miss Sarah Jane Simpson, who was born in Davis county, Kentucky, December 29, 1835, a daughter of John and Eliza (Augustus) Simpson.  Her father was born in Tennessee in 1815 and her mother in Jefferson county, Kentucky, in 1817.  Both died and were buried in the latter state.  They had two children, but Mrs. Lane is the only one surviving.  Mrs. Lane was first married December 5, 1860, to William B. McAvoy, who was born in Champaign county, Ohio, in 1824, and died in 1883, being laid to rest in Rose cemetery at Lane.  He was a farmer by occupation and made his home in Creek township after coming to Illinois when a small boy of about twelve or fourteen years.  By that union there were five children, four of whom are now living, and all were born in DeWitt county: Eliza, born January 30, 1863, is now the wife of Grant Pennington of Creek township.  Pattie, born in 1865, died in March, 1874.  Blanche, born February 28, 1868, is the wife of William Lane of Creek township.  Julia A., born August 5, 1873, is the wife of Kinzie Carter of Clinton, Illinois, and they had four children.  Mrs. Carter taught school in Creek township prior to her marriage and was regarded as one of the best teachers of the locality.  Birdie L., born March 3, 1875, is the wife of Homer Montgomery of Weldon, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.

On leaving the farm about 1898, Mr. Lane removed to the village which bears his name and there purchased a small cottage on Center street, which he has remodeled and improved until he has a nice home.  In 1907 he and his wife attended a home-coming in Kentucky, visiting that state after an absence of eighty-one years.  They usually take some trip every year, having spent much time in the west and having visited many points of interest throughout the United States.  Mrs. Lane is an exceedingly bright and active woman for one of her years and is an excellent conversationalist.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Lane has been a stanch supporter of the democratic party and its principles and has served for several terms as supervisor and school director.  In 1883 he was elected to the state legislature and so acceptably did he fill that position that he was reelected and served for two terms.  For many years he held membership in the Masonic lodge but owing to his feeble health he is not affiliated with the same at present.  Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Christian church, in which he has held all of the offices, and he was a liberal contributor to the erection of the first and also the present Christian churches in Lane, being instrumental in reorganizing the congregation here.  He has always been one of its most liberal contributors and has never withheld his support from any enterprise which he believed would prove of public benefit, supporting all measures for the moral, intellectual and material development of his community.  He can relate many interesting incidents concerning the early days in this section of the state, well remembering seeing the Indians in their wigwams during his boyhood, and he has watched with interest the progress that has been made along many lines.  He is widely and favorably known, being loved and respected by young and old, rich and poor alike, and is familiarly known as "Uncle Tims" by a large circle of warm and admiring friends.

JAMES F. LEGGETT.  (Volume II, Page 405)

James F. Leggett, a prominent farmer of Wapella township, was born in Carroll county, Ohio, December 19, 1857, a son of Robert G. Leggett, deceased, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume.  James F. Leggett was reared in the state of his nativity and acquired his education in the public schools there and at New Hagerstown Academy.  On the 4th of March, 1885, he was married in Ohio to Miss Julia Hixson, also a native of that state, her parents being Abner and Isabel (Moody) Hixson, both natives of Harrison county, Ohio.  The father, whose birth occurred on the 2d of October, 1834, passed away in January, 1895, while the mother, whose natal day was October 8, 1837, died in December, 1894.  Their marriage was celebrated in the year 1859, and their union was blessed with six children, namely: Charles B.; Laura; Julia A., who was born on the 18th of September, 1865; William H.; Mary C.; and Gertrude L.  The surviving members of this family, with the exception of Mrs. Leggett, still reside in the state of Ohio.  Unto our subject and his wife were born seven children, six of whom are yet living, as follows: Robert O., Mary A., Clyde O., Hazel B., John J. and Glenn W.  Jimmie, who was the fourth in order of birth, died at the age of three years.

Coming to Illinois, James F. Leggett located with his family upon a farm in DeWitt county, the tract adjoining his present farm. This was in April, 1888.  His home place now comprises two hundred and sixty-one acres of rich and arable land, constituting one of the valuable farm properties of the section.  He is busily engaged in general farming and stock-raising, raising horses, cattle and sheep, all of which are pure bred.  He is an excellent judge of farm animals and in all of his business affairs displays sound judgment and undaunted enterprise.

In his political views Mr. Leggett is an independent democrat, nor does he seek nor desire office.  However, he is serving as school treasurer of Wapella township, having been appointed to that position sixteen years ago.  Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and with the Odd Fellows.  While not a member of any church, he is a liberal contributor to numerous churches and is in hearty sympathy with all practical movements for the material, intellectual, political and moral progress of the community.  He is a stockholder in the State Bank of Clinton, is now serving as a director in that financial institution and is well known as an enterprising business man and progressive citizen.

ROBERT G. LEGGETT.  (Volume II, Page 153)

Robert G. Leggett, deceased, was one of Wapella township’s honored citizens and successful agriculturists.  He was born in Union township, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, April 3, 1834, and was descended from a family that was early established in the new world.  The first to cross the Atlantic was his great-grandfather, who was born in the north of England and was probably of Scotch descent.  He settled in Maryland and his son, Thomas L. Leggett, the grandfather of our subject, was born near Baltimore and from that state the latter removed to Washington county, Pennsylvania, about 1803, becoming one of the pioneers of the county.  He crossed the mountains on horseback, bringing his entire belongings with him, which consisted only of his clothing in saddlebags and his rifle over his shoulder.  In the Keystone state he was married in 1805 to Miss Amelia Dempster, who was also a native of Maryland and of Scotch descent.  She had removed to Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1804, and by her marriage became the mother of the following children: Joshua, James, Robert, Pamelia, William, Harriet, Thomas, Sarah, Mary A., David and Anderson.  By occupation the father of these children was a farmer and in politics was a democrat.  He died at the age of eighty-four years but his wife lived to the advanced age of ninety-seven.

Joshua Leggett, the father of our subject, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, November 20, 1807, and was there reared to manhood.  On the 4th of March, 1830, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Guthrie, also a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where her parents, Robert and Mary Guthrie, settled during the latter part of the eighteenth century.  They were of Scotch-Irish descent and were the parents of nine children.  The father of this family died at the age of eighty-eight years and the mother passed away at the age of seventy-nine.  Not long after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Leggett removed to Ohio, settling in Union township, Tuscarawas county, where Mr. Leggett had previously entered a quarter section of land from the government.  He was a member of the Presbyterian church and took a very active part in its work, serving as elder for thirty years.  In politics he was a republican.  His death occurred in 1893 and his wife passed away June 4, 1887.  Their children were as follows: Margaret A., who became the wife of Arthur Latimer; Thomas; Robert G., of this review; William; Martha J., the wife of J. L. Kennedy; James; Joshua; Pamelia H., the wife of Ira Kennedy; and Sarah E., the wife of Horace Riker.

In the county of his nativity Robert G. Leggett spent the days of his boyhood and youth and obtained his education in the common schools and new Hagerstown Academy.  He subsequently engaged in teaching for a time and then turned his attention to farming and stock-raising, which he pursued throughout the remainder of his life with excellent results.  In 1854 he purchased a tract of land in Orange township, Carroll county, Ohio, which he improved and cultivated, and added to his property until he had about four hundred acres there.  It was in 1893 that he came to DeWitt county, Illinois, and purchased the farm of two hundred and eighty acres now owned and occupied by his widow.

On the I3th of September, 1853, Mr. Leggett was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Forbes, a native of Carroll county, Ohio, born October 2, 1834, and a daughter of James and Margaret (Jeffery) Forbes, of Harrison county, that state.  She is of Irish descent, her paternal grandparents, John and Mary (Anthony) Forbes, having been born on the Emerald isle.  They had seven children, namely: James, Robert, Mary, Eleanor, Joseph, Jane and Martha.  After the mother of these children passed away he came to America in the year 1820, bringing his children with him, and settled near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where he was again married.  By the second union he had the following children: Ann, Rebecca, John, Susan, Margaret and Sarah.  He located in Ohio in 1828 and died at Waynesburg, Stark county, that state.  Subsequently most of the family took up their residence in Iowa.  Among his descendants there are many now living in Iowa and Kansas.

James Forbes, the father of Mrs. Leggett, was born in Ireland on the 17th of August, 1802, and upon coming to America settled near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.  There he was married in 1825 to Miss Margaret Jeffery, a daughter of Benjamin and Ann Jeffery.  She was a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, but her father was born in Ireland in 1744 and was a son of John and Rachel (Chambers) Jeffery, of County Antrim.  It was in 1760 that Benjamin Jeffery came to America and settled in the colony of Pennsylvania.  He married Miss Ann Swan, a native of Pennsylvania, and the children born to them were John, Katherine, Rachel, Rebecca and Margaret.  During the Revolutionary war he entered the continental army and was wounded during the battle of Brandywine by a light-horse infantryman.  His son John was a soldier of the war of 1812 and died while in the service.  In religious faith Benjamin Jeffery was a Presbyterian and in politics was a democrat.  He died in 1834 at the advanced age of ninety years and his wife passed away at the age of fifty-six years.  After his marriage James Forbes, in company with his wife, removed to Ohio, making the journey across the country in a one-horse wagon.  In 1827 he embarked in merchandising in New Hagerstown, that state, opening the first store in the place and continuing business there for about thirty years.  He died in Harrison county, Ohio, April 14, 1870, and his wife departed this life March 18, 1864.  They were faithful and consistent members of the Presbyterian church and the poor and needy always found in them a friend, willing to aid them in every possible way.  In his political views Mr. Forbes was a democrat.  His children were: Mary A., now Mrs. Leggett; and Rebecca J., who married William B. Law, residing near Kansas City, Missouri, and passed away on the 22d of July, 1910.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Leggett were born seven children, namely: one who died in infancy; Margaret J.; James F.; Adda E.; Clyde O.; Robert L.; and Lena E. The eldest daughter, Margaret J., was married November 5, 1879, to J. N. Johnson, a farmer and stock raiser living near New Hagerstown, Ohio, and they have three children, Mary F., Carrie N. and Frank, who survived their mother at the time of her death in 1901.  Of this number Carrie N. is now deceased.  James F. Leggett, the eldest son, was married March 4, 1885, to Julia A. Hixon, and their children are Robert O., Mary A., Clyde O., Hazel B., John J. and Glenn W.  One son, Jimmie, the fourth in order of birth, passed away in 1896 at the age of three years.  James F. Leggett came to DeWitt county, Illinois, in 1888 and has since made his home here.

Mr. Leggett continued his residence in Ohio until April, 1893, when he came to Illinois and settled on the farm in Wapella township, DeWitt county, where his widow and children still reside.  He was permitted to enjoy his new home for thirteen years and passed away on the 20th of January, 1906.  During his residence here he had become widely and favorably known and all with whom he came in contact had for him the highest esteem.  Upon the homestead Mrs. Leggett and her son Clyde O. and daughter Lena E. still reside.  Since coming here the family have added to their property and now have about two hundred and forty acres apiece, making a total of about nine hundred acres, all in the same locality.  Success has attended their efforts and they are numbered among the substantial and prominent citizens of their community.

EDWIN J. LEWIS.  (Volume II, Page 339)

Among the active and enterprising business men of Clinton Edwin J. Lewis is numbered.  He is conducting an abstract, loan and insurance office and in this connection has secured a good clientage, making his business a profitable one.  He represents one of the old families of Illinois, his parents, Solomon F. and Esther B. (Quigg) Lewis, having settled in this state at an early day.  His paternal grandfather, John Lewis, was a native of Ohio and was of Welsh descent.  Both he and his wife spent their entire lives in Ohio, where they died when well advanced in years.  Their family numbered four sons, Joseph, John, Lemuel and Solomon F.  The maternal grandfather of Edwin J. Lewis was Abel G. Quigg, a native of New Hampshire of Scotch lineage.  He owned and operated a large tract of land in the east and in his old age came to the middle west, investing quite extensively in farm land in DeWitt county, Illinois.  He died at the home of a son in Chicago at the very venerable age of ninety-four years, while his wife, Mrs. Lydia (Bixby) Quigg, passed away in Clinton when nearly eighty years of age.  In their family were the following named: Mary G., who became the wife of Dr. Dow, of Lowell, Massachusetts; Martha M., the wife of Charles C. Brown, a captain in the Civil war; David, a lawyer of Chicago; Esther B. and Ellen, twins.

Solomon F. Lewis, the father of our subject, came from Ohio to Illinois in 1854 and settled in Clinton, where he practiced law for a number of years.  He then turned his attention to the abstract and loan business, in which he continued until his death.  He was a brother-in-law of Leonard Swett, a noted Chicago lawyer, and they were great friends and associates of Abraham Lincoln.  In public affairs Mr. Lewis took an active and helpful part and was a man of considerable local influence and prominence.  He was elected mayor of Clinton, was also a member of the city council and likewise filled the office of school treasurer, discharging his various duties in a prompt and capable manner that greatly promoted the welfare of the city.  The death of Solomon F. Lewis occurred in September, 1886, when he was sixty-two years of age, while his wife passed away in 1901 at the age of sixty-eight years.  She was a native of Massachusetts and by her marriage became the mother of eight children, of whom five are now living: John Q.; Fred G., a resident of Chicago; Edwin J., living in Clinton ; Mae E., of Clinton; and David Q., of Chicago.

In taking up the personal history of Edwin J. Lewis we present to our readers the life record of one of Clinton’s native sons.  He was born May 21, 1862, and has always resided here.  His education was acquired in the public and high schools and after putting aside his text-books he entered his father’s abstract office and at the father’s death became his successor and still continues the business.  He not only makes abstracts but also is a loan and insurance agent and is interested in real estate, both buying and selling.  He has thoroughly acquainted himself with property values and has made many judicious realty transfers.

On the 25th of August, 1902, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Minnie M. Dewey, a daughter of William Z. and Helena (Andrews) Dewey.  Mrs. Lewis was born in Clinton.  Her father was a native of Vermont but he and his wife became early settlers of this city, where they spent their remaining days.  They had three children, Minnie M., Charles and William Z.  By a later marriage the father had another daughter, Frances, now the wife of Oscar A. Bailey, of Iowa.  Mr. Dewey was a soldier in the Civil war.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have been born two children, Esther Helena and Edwin J.  The family home is at No. 624 North Madison street and is the same residence in which the birth of Mr. Lewis occurred.  He is a republican in politics, with firm faith in the principles of the party, yet does not desire nor seek office.  He has given his entire time and attention to business and has made a creditable record in this connection.

JOHN Q. LEWIS.  (Volume II, Page 282)

Throughout his entire connection with business interests, John Q. Lewis has been identified with the banking house of John Warner & Company, and the success of the enterprise is attributable in no small measure to his efforts and straightforward and progressive business policy.  Clinton numbers him among her native sons, his birth having here occurred October 1, 1857.  His parents were Solomon F. and Esther B. (Quigg) Lewis, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New Hampshire.  The Lewis family was represented in the Buckeye state at an early period in its development.  The grandfather, John Lewis, died in Zanesville, Ohio, when well advanced in years.  To him and his wife were born four sons, Lemuel, Joseph, John and Solomon F.  The Lewis family is of Welsh lineage, while the Quigg family, of which John Q. Lewis is a representative in the maternal line, were of Scotch descent, the name having been originally McQuigg.  The grandfather, Abel G. Quigg, was a native of Chester, New Hampshire, and was reared in the old Granite state.  He came to Clinton in old age and spent the evening of his days with his children in Clinton and Chicago, dying in the latter city after passing the ninety-sixth milestone on life’s journey.  His wife, Mrs. Lydia (Bixby) Quigg, died in Clinton when well advanced in years.  They had a large family, including Martha, Laura, David, John, Esther, Ellen and Mary G.

Solomon F. Lewis was a lawyer by profession, preparing for the bar in Ohio.  About 1854 he came to Clinton and here met the woman whom he married in Massachusetts in 1856.  Returning to Clinton, he engaged in the practice of law for many years and afterward devoted his attention to affairs of the city and for several terms presided over municipal interests in the office of mayor, exercising his official prerogative in support of many measures of practical reform and progress.  He died in 1886 and his wife survived him for a time.  Both were consistent members of the Presbyterian church and their influence was ever on the side of righteousness, justice, truth and improvement.  Their family numbered eight children: John Q., of this review; Fred G., of Chicago; Edwin J., a resident of Clinton; May E., also of Clinton; David Q., of Chicago; and three who died in infancy.

John Q. Lewis has spent his entire life in Clinton, passing through consecutive grades in the public schools and mastering the branches taught in the high school.  After putting aside his text-books he accepted a position in the bank of John Warner & Company in 1875 and has since been connected with that institution, covering a period of thirty-five years.  He was at first employed as a bookkeeper and as the years have gone by larger responsibilities and more important duties have been entrusted to his care.  His position for about thirty years has been practically that of cashier and his labors have constituted an important element in the growth and extension of the business which has been conducted in accordance with a policy that never seeks nor requires any disguise.  In this connection Mr. Lewis has come to be known as one of the representative financiers of DeWitt county, thoroughly familiar with the value of commercial paper and investment securities, stocks and bonds.

On the 31st of January, 1895, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Emma D. Klocksiem, who was born in Valparaiso, Indiana, while her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Klocksiem, were natives of Germany.  Coming to the United States, they settled in Indiana and the father carried on Merchandising in La Porte until his death.  His widow is still living.  Their children were Emma D., Laura, Clementine, Julius, Fred, J. Halliday, Herbert, Adele and one who passed away in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are devoted members of the Presbyterian church, greatly interested in its various activities and organized lines of work.  He is serving as one of the deacons and for a quarter of a century has been church treasurer.  His father was one of the early members and an elder of the church and was active in the erection of two houses of worship, acting as a member of the building committee at the time of the erection of the second.  He was also school treasurer from 1855 until 1886 and at his death, which occurred in the latter year, his son John Q. Lewis was chosen as successor and has since held the office, so that this public service has been performed by the members of the Lewis family for more than a half century.  In his political views John Q. Lewis has ever been an earnest republican, conversant with the leading questions and issues of the day, yet the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him.  He is, however, interested in all matters of citizenship relative to the municipal welfare and has cooperated in many projects which are matters of civic virtue and civic pride.  In his entire life history there is no esoteric phase.  His record is well known to his fellowmen and is one well worthy the high regard in which he is uniformly held.

ARIE LONG.  (Volume II, Page 266)

Arie Long owns and operates a well improved and highly cultivated farm on section 23, Creek township.  He was born in the neighboring state of Indiana on the 30th of September, 1865, his parents being William and Marietta (Royce) Long.  His mother was also born in that state on the 12th of June, 1843, but his father was born in Ohio , October 16, 1838.  They are now living in Lane.  Of the nine children born to them only four survive, namely: Martha, the wife of Michael Taylor, a resident of Macon county, Illinois ; John Henry, of DeWitt county; Arie, of this review; and Charles V., who still lives in Indiana .  The father had one brother, Philip Long, who became a member of an Indiana regiment during the Civil war and was killed in the service.

Arie Long was only four years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to DeWitt county, Illinois , in September, 1869, and to the country schools of this locality he is indebted for the early educational privileges he enjoyed.  He remained on the home farm until twenty-seven years of age and then located on a farm of eighty acres on section 23, Creek township, where he has since continued to make his home.  He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising and has made many improvements upon his place, including the erection of a nice, cozy home in 1909.  The farm is supplied with all the accessories and conveniences found upon a model farm of the twentieth century, and in his work Mr. Long is progressive and enterprising.  He is today the owner of one hundred and twenty acres on sections 22 and 23, Creek township, and in connection with the operation of his own land he cultivates another one hundred and twenty acre tract, which he rents.

On the 21st of February, 1894, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Long and Miss Minnie Bennett, who was born in Creek township on the 27th of May, 1876, a daughter of John S. and Mary E. (Meyers) Bennett.  The birth of her father also occurred in Creek township, May 18, 1856, and there he has continued to reside up to the present time.  Her mother, however, was born in Pennsylvania , June 3, 1856, and died in 1884, being laid to rest in a cemetery in Creek township.  In their family were five children, four of whom are still living: Minnie, now Mrs. Long; Elmer, a resident of WaterlooIowa; Elizabeth, the wife of Robert Thurber, of Creek township; and Nellie, the wife of George Arnold, of the same township.  For his second wife Mr. Bennett married Miss Winnie Colebaugh, a native of Kentucky .  By this union there is one child, Roy, living at home with his parents.  Mr. and Mrs. Long have four children, all born in DeWitt county, namely: John William, born April 4, 1895; George Lesley, May 6, 1896; Ruby May, July 30, 1898; and Wesley Raymond, January 22, 1903.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Long has affiliated with the democratic party and has served on the school board.  He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, while his wife belongs to Center Chapel of the United Brethren church.  She has been to him a true helpmate and companion and to their combined efforts is due the success they have achieved, so that Mr. Long now ranks with the well-to-do and prosperous farmers of his locality.

JOHN H. LONG.  (Volume II, Page 315)

John Henry Long, one of the leading agriculturists of Creek township, his home being on section 27, was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, on the 13th of March, 1864, and is a son of William and Marietta (Royce) Long, of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of Arie Long on another page of this volume.  At an early age he became a resident of DeWitt county and his education was acquired in the Cox school.  Upon the home farm he also gained an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits and remained with his parents until twenty-six years of age, assisting in the labors of the fields.

It was on the 13th of February, 1890, that Mr. Long was united in marriage to Miss Viola Arcoda Thrasher, who was born in this county, October 29, 1868, a daughter of Rhodom and Mary (Reckner) Thrasher.  The birth of her father occurred in Virginia, January 8, 1831, while her mother was born in Maryland, October 31, 1829.  They were early settlers of the Prairie state and here the father died on the 18th of February, 1905, being laid to rest in Rose cemetery at Lane, Illinois.  Of his nine children, five survive, namely: Millie, the wife of Samuel T. Arthur of Clinton, Illinois; Martha Jane, the wife of Chester Cowels of DeWitt county; Thomas and Asa, also residents of DeWitt county; and Viola A., the wife of our subject.  Mr. and Mrs. Long have six children who, in order of birth, are as follows: Ivy Maude, born June 8, 1891; Josie Florence, born August 3, 1894; Lucy Ann, born December 16, 1897; Clarence Henry, born December 13, 1899; Fern Blanche, born April 2, 1903; and Oscar Alva, born December 5, 1906.

After his marriage Mr. Long settled upon his present farm of eighty acres on section 27, Creek township, which he purchased about 1901, and in connection with its cultivation he also operates the two hundred acre tract on which he lives.  Upon his place he is now erecting a nice, ten-room residence and he has made many other improvements which add to the value and attractive appearance of the place.  He is a progressive farmer who thoroughly understands the occupation which he has followed throughout life and his success is due entirely to his own unaided efforts.

The democratic party always finds in Mr. Long a stanch supporter of its principles and he is now serving as school trustee and road commissioner.  In his social relations he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, while his wife belongs to the Royal Neighbors and the Pythian Sisters.  Both are consistent and faithful members of the United Brethren church and their lives have ever been in harmony with their professions.  They have worked hard and persistently and certainly deserve the comfortable competence which they are now enjoying.

NELSON W. LUTTRELL.  (Volume II, Page 359)

Nelson Willmore Luttrell, who lives upon his splendid farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 6, Creek township, began life by working out by the month.  Through tireless energy and determination to succeed he made his way against great odds until finally he became one of the substantial self-made men of the county.  He is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Morgan county, October 12, 1860, and is a son of James M. and Martha (Willmore) Luttrell, his father having been born in the same county as he.  His mother was a native of Virginia and came to Illinois when quite a young girl with her parents.  His father died when Mr. Luttrell was but fourteen years old, being in his fortieth year, and his mother had passed away while in her thirty-fifth year, her son being then but nine years of age.  At the time of the deaths of his parents the Luttrell family lived in Kansas City, Missouri, and a cousin of James Luttrell took charge of the three motherless children.  This cousin was Mrs. R. H. Nelson and with her N. W. Luttrell remained until he had attained the age of twenty-one years.  He was the second child in a family of four, his brothers and sister being: William Douglas, now in Nebraska near Hebron; Ernest, who died when quite young; and Effie Lee, the wife of G. R. Lane, of Clinton, Illinois.

Working upon the Nelson farm, N. W. Luttrell attended the public schools of Missouri and secured a fair education.  In the winter of 1880-81 he came to DeWitt county, Illinois, and worked by the month for farmers in Creek township.  Then he rented a farm for a time and in 1894 he bought the first tract of land he ever owned, which consisted of forty acres in Creek township.  Disposing of this in 1896, he bought eighty acres in Nixon township and farmed that place until 1902, when he disposed of it at a good profit and bought the farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 6, Creek township, where he at present lives.  Upon this farm he has built a good, comfortable house and has also erected new sheds and haymows and remodeled other buildings until the place has become one of the best equipped in the country for stock-raising and general farming.

On December 31, 1885, Mr. Luttrell was united in marriage to Miss Katie Davenport, a daughter of Hugh and Mary (Hall) Davenport, of Creek township.  Mrs. Luttrell was born in that township, June 7, 1868, her father being a native of Illinois and her mother also a native of the state, born in Sangamon county.  Mr. Davenport died April 5, 1908, aged sixty-six years, and is buried in Woodlawn cemetery at Clinton.  His widow is now living in that city.  There were eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and but one of them, Mrs. Luttrell, is now living.  Mr. and Mrs. Luttrell are the parents of seven children, two of whom are deceased.  All were born in Creek township, DeWitt county.  James G., born May 26, 1888, secured an excellent education and has become a good business man, being now connected with the Warner Bank at Clinton, a position which he creditably fills.  He married Miss Alba Shaw and they make their home in Clinton.  Hugh D., born January 29, 1892, Guy Davenport, born February 9, 1894, Raymond Claire, born May 24, 1899, and Martha F., born June 30, 1907, all make their home with their parents.

In addition to farming the place he resides upon, Mr. Luttrell rents an eighty acre tract in Clintonia township, and with his sons’ assistance also cultivates that place.  Voting the democratic ticket at national elections, he is independent in local affairs.  He has served as tax collector of Creek township for two terms and has been school director for six years, being clerk of the board at the present time.  Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, having occupied all the various offices within the gift of the lodge to which he belongs as well as serving twice as representative to the grand lodge held at Springfield and Quincy.  Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church of Lane, where they are regular attendants.  Mr. Luttrell owes what success he has attained entirely to his own efforts as his capital in life when he began battling for himself was good health and a clear brain and the determination to succeed by honest and persistent effort.