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 M - N - O

DAVID McCLIMANS.  (Volume II, Page 78)

David McClimans is a retired farmer of Clinton, whose life record is creditable and whose success is well merited.  He was reared in DeWitt county when it was a frontier district, having been brought to Illinois when but eight years of age.  The family had previously resided in Madison county, Ohio , where his birth occurred August 20, 1841.  His parents, Samuel and Rachel (Pearson) McClimans, were both natives of Ohio , but in 1850 left that state and came with their family to Illinois , settling in Barnett township, DeWitt county.  Mr. McClimans became one of the largest stock-raisers in the county and, making judicious investment in land, he was the owner of nearly a thousand acres at the time of his death.  He passed away on the old homestead farm in August, 1855, at the age of fifty-six years, and his wife survived him until the 28th of November, 1886, when she passed away at the age of eighty-two years.  Both were members of the Presbyterian church in early life, but Mrs. McClimans afterward united with the Christian church of Clinton and died in that faith.  Comparatively little is known concerning the ancestral history of the family.  The grandparents of David McClimans in the paternal line both passed away in Scotland .  Their family numbered three children: Samuel, David and Isaac, who lived in Madison county, Ohio .  The maternal grandfather of Mr. McClimans was a native of Scotland .  In the family of his parents were five children, four daughters and a son: Nancy, the wife of John Bartley, who is living in Barnett township; Mary, the deceased wife of William Gardner; Sarah, the wife of Joshua Humphrey; Margaret, the wife of Robert Black of Clinton; and David.

The last named, arriving in this county in early youth, became familiar with the scenes and environment of pioneer life and assisted his father in the cultivation and improvement of the new farm.  He was a pupil in one of the old-time log schoolhouses, attending at a day when each scholar had to take his turn of going to the timber and cutting wood to be used in keeping up the fires in the schoolroom.  When not occupied with the task of mastering the lessons taught in the district schools, Mr. McClimans was largely engaged with the work of the home farm and remained thereon until he had attained his majority.  His father bequeathed him a farm of two hundred and forty acres, to which he afterward added ninety acres by purchase.  He still owns that place of three hundred and thirty acres which constitutes a valuable property, highly improved.  For many years he continued to till the soil, living upon his farm until 1891, when he went to Colorado , where he resided until 1893.  In that year he returned to Illinois and settled at Hallsville, where he remained until 1898, at which time he took up his abode in Clinton, where he owns a fine home at No. 519 West Main street.  His rest has been well earned and he deserves that leisure which enables him to devote his time to the things which are of most interest and pleasure to him.

On the 15th of March, 1860, Mr. McClimans was married to Miss Elizabeth Humphrey, who was born in Barnett township in 1841, a daughter of John and Thirza Humphrey, who were pioneers of that township, where they remained until death.  In the family of Mr. and Mrs. McClimans there were six children, of whom one died in infancy.  Ann, the eldest, is the wife of Charles Bowles, a resident of Des MoinesIowa, and they have four children, William, Myra, Ella and Ola.  Laura married Spencer Samuels, who died leaving a daughter, Maude, now the wife of Orvil Morris.  Mrs. Laura Samuels, after losing her first husband, became the wife of Arthur Bell.  There is one son by that marriage, Homer.  Mr. and Mrs. Bell reside in Hallsville.  Eva is the wife of John Kinney, of Clinton, and they have one son, Carroll.  John, who died at the age of thirty-six years was a farmer much of his life, but spent his last six years in the drug store of Charles Williamson in Clinton.  William, who died at the age of thirty-four years, was engaged in the grocery, produce and bakery business.  Mrs. Elizabeth McClimans, the mother of the above mentioned sons and daughters, died in March, 1877, at the age of thirty-six years.  She was a devoted member of the Christian church.

On the 14th of February, 1879, Mr. McClimans was again married, his second union being with Miss Sarah E. Neal, a native of DeWitt county and a daughter of William and Sarah Elizabeth (Hall) Neal.  Her birth occurred in Tunbridge township, Dewitt county, on the 11th of May, 1859.  Her parents were natives of Kentucky and were among the early settlers of this county, owning a farm in Tunbridge township, where both passed away, the father in 1861 and the mother in 1863.  Left an orphan at the early age of four years, Mrs. McClimans was reared by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Black, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work.  The history of her paternal grandfather is lost.  Her mother’s father was Darius Hall, who married a Miss Jones.  Both were natives of Kentucky and pioneer settlers of DeWitt county.  Their last days were spent in Clinton and Mr. Hall was more than eighty years of age at the time of his demise.  He had been a miller of Clinton and was well known as an enterprising business man there.  His wife died in middle life.

Both Mr. and Mrs. McClimans are members of the Christian church and he is one of its honorary elders.  He joined the church when twenty-four years of age and has since been loyal to its teachings and active in its work.  His position on the temperance question is indicated in the fact that he votes the prohibition ticket.  He has served as school director in the county for many years and was commissioner of highways for one term.  His life has been a busy and useful one and, while there have been no spectacular features in its history, it is that of a man always loyal to duty and faithful to every trust reposed in him.  His memory goes back to the time when DeWitt county was a pioneer district, when many of its homes were log cabins and much of its land was uncultivated, but there were evidences that a brave and resolute band of pioneers had taken possession of the land and were putting forth earnest and effective effort to claim it for the purposes of civilization.  He has always been interested in what has been accomplished and has cooperated in many movements for the public good, so that he deserves mention among the valued citizens and honored pioneer residents of this part of the state.

SAMUEL O. McCULLOUGH.  (Volume II, Page 350)

When Samuel O. McCullough gave a busman fifty cents for hauling his bag of clothes from the station at Clinton to the lodging-house where he elected to stop for the night, he parted with his last cent.  But he did not part with his grit and determination to make good, for he has steadily made his way until now he is rated as one of the wealthiest men of Barnett township.  The incident of the busman and his charge is forty-three years old, for that is the length of time Samuel O. McCullough has been a resident of De Witt county.  But it is an incident that will not be forgotten by him, for it marked the beginning of his successful fight against poverty with which he had struggled so unsuccessfully in his mother country—Ireland.

Mr. McCullough was born January 1, 1847, in County Antrim, Ireland, and was a son of Samuel and Margaret (Owens) McCullough.  His father was a son of William McCullough.  Samuel O. McCullough is one of a family of six children, the others being: Jane, who lives in New Jersey; Mary, who died when four years old; Margaret, the wife of Henry Bogardus, of Clinton, Illinois; Anna, who is living at the old home in Ireland; and Frank, who lives in Australia.

Given but a meager education in the land of his birth, Samuel O. McCullough knew more of farming and agriculture than he did of books.  At the age of twenty years he left Ireland and came to America.  When he stepped off the train at Clinton, Illinois, with his bag of clothes, he was making his first venture into the great, new country, of which he had heard so much.  A busman asked him where he would go, and the young traveler said "into the town."  Into Clinton they went and the busman charged him fifty cents for the trip, which Samuel paid with his last piece of money.  Nothing daunted, he set out to find work and found it the same day.  Frank Howard, who lived just east of Kenney, Illinois, needed a hand, and there young McCullough worked for five months at twenty dollars per month, at the same time learning the new and quicker methods of farming.  For three more years Mr. McCullough worked out, then married and started housekeeping on a rented farm, the place now owned by Charles Jones in Barnett township.  In the fall of 1872 he bought one hundred and twenty acres on section 18, Barnett township, later adding one hundred and five acres to that.  Several years later he bought one hundred acres near Waynesville, making his holdings at present about five hundred acres of the most valuable farm land of the county.

On February 22, 1872, Mr. McCullough was married to Miss Maria A. Michaels, a daughter of Gustavus and Elizabeth (Barr) Michaels.  Her father was the son of Adam and Johanna Michaels, who came from Germany shortly after their marriage.  Her mother was a daughter of John and Comfort (Marvel) Barr.  John Barr was a son of P. Barr, of Indiana.

Mrs. McCullough was born June 6, 1854, in Logan county, Illinois, on the old Michaels homestead.  She has the following brothers and sisters: John H., who married Amelia Hunn and lives in Atlanta, Illinois; Amelia, the wife of John Hoose, who lives near Waynesville, Illinois; Sarah C., the wife of George Mangle, living near Bloomington, Illinois; Melissa, the wife of Charles Reinhart, of Farmer City; Mary, the wife of James Rogers, of Bowling Green, Missouri; and Minnie, the wife of George Brown, living near Washington, Iowa.

Mr. and Mrs. McCullough are the parents of the following children: Clara, the wife of Nathan Shivley, living near Midland City, Illinois; William G., an attorney of Decatur, Illinois; Nellie, who is the wife of Harry Powers, of Barnett township; Cora, the wife of M. V. Taylor, of Wapella township; Flossie, who married John Wikle and lives near Kenney, Illinois; and Ava and Gussie, both of whom make their homes with their parents.  There are six grandchildren: Lorine, Verneil and Francis Shivley; Morine Powers; and Eva and Lola Taylor.

Mr. McCullough is known as a self-made man, and his record as a worker and business man shows that he has every qualification that goes to make up such a figure.  He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having identified himself with the Waynesville lodge.  He is also a member of the Knights Templar of Clinton and his life is an exemplification of the teachings of the orders in which he holds membership.

ALONZO D. McHENRY.  (Volume II, Page 228)

Alonzo D. McHenry, who has lived retired in Clinton for the past eighteen years, has resided within the borders of DeWitt county for more than a half century and in former years was prominently identified with its business interests and public life.  His birth occurred in Muskingum county, Ohio, on the 15th of November, 1834, his parents being Alexander and Mary Ann (Love) McHenry, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively.  Reuben McHenry, the paternal grandfather, was born in Virginia and participated in the war of 1812.  Unto him and his wife, who lived to be about one hundred years of age, were born the following children: John, James, William, Alexander and Mary Ann, who first married a Mr. Hamilton and later a Mr. McCormick.  The McHenrys came from the north of Ireland.  The maternal grandfather of our subject became an early settler of Ohio and passed away in that state.

Alexander McHenry, the father of Alonzo D. McHenry, followed the shoemaker’s trade in early manhood and later became a harness-maker.  In 1837 he took up his abode in Peoria county, Illinois, there residing until about 1855, when he came to DeWitt county.  Here he successfully conducted a harness shop until the time of his death, which occurred in 1857 when he had attained the age of fifty-four years.  His wife was called to her final rest about 1842.  They were both consistent members of the Methodist church, exemplifying its teachings in their daily lives.  Their children were six in number, as follows: Albert, who died in infancy; Jane, the deceased wife of W. Gray; Alonzo D., of this review; Robert P., of Clinton; Lucetta H., the wife of Boyd Smith, of Fresno, California; and Mary Melissa, who is deceased.

Alonzo D. McHenry, who was but three years of age when he came to this state with his parents, grew to manhood in Peoria and obtained his education principally in the schools of that city.  After putting aside his text-books he learned the wagon and carriage maker’s trade, which he followed for some years, doing the work entirely by hand.  In 1857 he removed from Knox county to DeWitt county, locating in Clinton, where he has resided continuously since.  He was first engaged in the manufacture of wagons in partnership with J. C. Stoker until 1859, when he became inoculated with the gold fever and journeyed to Colorado with an ox team.

In that state he remained from spring until fall and then returned to Clinton, resuming work at his trade.  When the Civil war broke out he offered his services in defense of the Union as a member of Company F, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, continuing with that command until January 4, 1864, and holding the rank of orderly sergeant.  He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Jackson and many minor engagements, ever proving a most brave and valorous soldier.  At the battle of Jackson, Mississippi, he lost a leg.

After returning from the war in 1864 he was nominated and elected sheriff of DeWitt county and on the expiration of his term was made deputy sheriff, also acting in the latter capacity for one term.  Subsequently he was again elected sheriff, while for one term he acted as mayor of Clinton and for two terms was an alderman.  He was likewise a member of the board of education for several terms and ever discharged his public duties in a manner that won the approval of all concerned, so that over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil.

In 1870 Mr. McHenry formed a partnership with Philip Wolfe for the conduct of a hardware and implement store, but at the end of six years they abandoned that line of activity and began buying and selling lands.  Subsequently they were engaged in the furniture and undertaking business for a number of years, afterward dealt in stock and then embarked in the hardware business again.  In January, 1884, Mr. Wolfe disposed of his interest in the hardware business to I. N. Bailor and the enterprise was then conducted under the name of McHenry & Bailor until 1892, when the senior partner sold out to W. W. Newman.  Since that time Mr. McHenry has lived retired save for the supervision which he gives to his farming interests, owning three hundred and seventeen and a half acres of land in Harp and Clintonia townships.  His home is at No. 502 North Center street, where he built a substantial and attractive residence in 1868.  He always maintained a high standard in his business life and relations and by honorable methods won the success that now enables him to spend his declining years in well earned ease and that entitles him to a place among the prosperous and leading citizens of Clinton.

On the 15th of January, 1865, Mr. McHenry was united in marriage to Miss Melsena Miller, a native of Pekin, Tazewell county, Illinois, and a daughter of John H. and Ellen (Staples) Miller.  The paternal grandfather of Mrs. McHenry was born in Virginia, while her maternal grandfather, John Staples, was a native of Indiana, and a farmer by occupation.  The parents of Mrs. McHenry left Indiana at an early day and took up their abode in Pekin, Illinois, where they continued to reside throughout the remainder of their lives.  They had three children: William, Melsena and Ellen.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. McHenry were born five children, as follows: Ida, who gave her hand in marriage to W. E. Sprague and lives in Clinton; Grace, living in St. Paul, Minnesota, who wedded Daniel D. Cole and has two children, Alonzo Dean and Muriel Melsena; Winifred, who is the wife of Dr. S. L. Thorpe, of Decatur, and has three children—Veta, Alonzo V. and Fred; Ellen, who wedded Jule J. Royce, resides in Clinton and is now the mother of a daughter, Mercedes Date; and Arthur M., who is engaged in mining in Alaska.  The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 27th of March, 1880, passing away in the faith of the Methodist church.

Politically Mr. McHenry has always been a stanch advocate of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government.  Fraternally he is identified with DeWitt Lodge, No. 84, A. F. & A. M; Goodbrake Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M; Clinton Council, No. 74, R. & S. M; and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.  He also maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Frank Lowry Post, G. A. R.  His life has been honorable, his actions manly and sincere, and his worth as an individual and citizen is widely acknowledged.

ROBERT P. McHENRY.  (Volume II, Page 242)

Robert P. McHenry, who since 1866, or for a period of more than forty-four years, has served his city continuously in various public capacities, is now filling the position of justice of the peace, his long continuance in public office being indicative of the ability and fidelity with which he has ever fulfilled the duties devolving upon him.  He was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, June 1, 1837, and is a son of Alexander McHenry and a grandson of Reuben Henry, who carried on general farming in Muskingum county, Ohio, where his death occurred when he was only thirty-seven years of age.  His son, Alexander, was one of a large family and in early manhood engaged in agricultural pursuits.  Later, however, he learned the harness business, and in 1837 came to Illinois, locating in Peoria county, where he engaged in farming while he also conducted a harness shop in Pekin.  He then removed to Decatur and thence, in 1856, came to Clinton, where for some time he was engaged in harness-making.  He had long since lost his wife, who passed away in Rome, Peoria county, when the son Robert was yet an infant, while death came to him in 1857, while a resident of this city.  In their family were five children, as follows: Jane, the deceased wife of W. Gray; Alonzo D., of Clinton; Robert P., of this review; Lucetta, who married Boyd Smith and makes her home in Fresno, California; and Mary Melissa, deceased.

On his father’s farm in Peoria county Robert P. McHenry spent the period of his boyhood amid the busy activities of rural life and was a youth of fifteen years when he accompanied his father on his removal to Pekin.  His education, which had been begun in the country schools, was completed in the public institutions of the latter city and of Decatur.  When a young man of nineteen years he came to Clinton and has since made this his home.  Upon laying aside his text-books he was apprenticed to the chair-making and cabinet-making trade for fourteen months, and then under his father’s direction took up the harness-maker’s trade, which he followed until the year 1866.  In the meantime he had enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company C, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry in August, 1861.  With his command he participated in some of the important battles, being present at the engagements of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh.  After a service of a little less than a year he was discharged after the last named battle because of inability, and with a creditable military record returned home.

In 1866 Mr. McHenry first became identified with public affairs, in that year being elected constable, which office he filled for ten years.  He was then appointed deputy sheriff, serving in that capacity for six years, and then, in 1882, became police magistrate of the city of Clinton, continuing in that office until 1899.  In 1901 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, in which he is still incumbent.  In his connection with the police department he proved himself an able officer, conscientiously doing his duty in the execution of the law and enforcing strict adherence thereto.  In his present capacity he has met every obligation that has devolved upon him in a manner which has won the approval and commendation of his fellow citizens, who recognize and appreciate what he has done for the community at large through his efforts to maintain law, order and peace.

On the 3d of June, 1858, occurred the marriage of Mr. McHenry and Miss Mary T. Monson, a native of Ohio and the daughter of Bushrod W. and Sabrey (Bates) Monson, also natives of the Buckeye state.  They came to Illinois about 1844, locating four miles west of Chinton, where their remaining days were spent, the mother passing away at the age of seventy-nine years, while the father reached the venerable age of ninety years.  In their family were four children, all of whom grew to maturity.  They were as follows: Nancy, the wife of Wallace Hutchin; Walter, now deceased; Mary T., the wife of Mr. McHenry; and William, a lawyer of Clinton.  The family circle of Mr. McHenry was broken by the hand of death when, on the 7th of April, 1905, he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, who passed away at the age of sixty-four years.  She was a consistent member of the Christian church and a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind, who was held in high esteem by a large number of friends in this city.  By her marriage with Mr. McHenry she became the mother of three children, namely: Ella M., the wife of Edward Houston, who resides in Decatur; Lilly M., at home; and Gertrude, who married Charles W. Pifer and resides in this city.  With his daughter Lilly, Mr. McHenry resides in a comfortable and attractive home at 303 South Center street, which he erected in 1892.

His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, while he also belongs to Frank Lowry Post, G. A. R.  Politically he gives his support to the republican party, and for one term represented, his ward in the city council.  A resident of Clinton for more than a half century, his history will therefore be of interest to its citizens whom, for almost that entire period, he has served in a public capacity.  Although he has now passed the Psalmist’s allotted span of three score years and ten, he is still active in the world’s work, taking an interest in all matters of vital importance to the city, state and nation, and is recognized as one of the representative and esteemed citizens of Clinton, his adopted city.

THOMAS A. McMILLIN.  (Volume II, Page 179)

The reward of a well spent life is an honorable retirement in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil and a period of rest from labor.  This has been vouchsafed to Thomas A. McMillin as the reward of his energy and perseverance in former years.  He was born in Logan county, Ohio, in 1850, and is a son of John and Clarissa (Niles) McMillin, also natives of the Buckeye state, the former born in 1828 and the latter in 1834.  There his parents were reared, educated and married and continued to make their home until coming to De Witt county, Illinois, in 1856.  The father followed the occupations of farming and blacksmithing and on locating here conducted a blacksmith shop for ten years.  At the end of that time he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Barnett township and was engaged in its operation until a few years before his death, which occurred in March, 1901.  His wife survived him about four years, passing away in 1905.  Their family consisted of three children, the daughters being Ellen, who died at the age of fourteen years, and Emma, the deceased wife of J. Jones.

Thomas A. McMillin, the only son, was about six years of age when brought by his parents to Illinois and he is indebted to the public schools of DeWitt county for the educational advantages he enjoyed.  During his boyhood and youth he aided his father in the work of the home farm, where he remained until his marriage, and then located upon a rented tract.  In 1905, on the death of his mother, he inherited his present farm, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, and was engaged in the further improvement and cultivation of this place until his retirement from active labor.

In 1871 Mr. McMillin was married to Miss Louisa Howard, a daughter of Madison Howard of Logan county, Illinois, and they have become the parents of five children who are still living, while two have passed away.  Minnie, born in 1872, is now the wife of John Wingarner [Winegardner] of this county; Frank, born in 1874, married Mamie Owen and resides in Clinton; Thomas, born in 1876, married Carrie Carpenter and has one child, Thomas; William, born in 1878, married Ora Waller and has one child, Iva M.; Kizzie, born in 1880, is the wife of P. Kunz of Oklahoma and they have two children, Lloyd and Loren, twins.

By his ballot Mr. McMillin supports the men and measures of the republican party, taking an active and commendable interest in public affairs as every true American should do.  He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is one of the leading and representative citizens of his community.

GEORGE B. MARVEL.  (Volume II, Page 41)

On the roster of attorneys in Clinton appears the name of George B. Marvel who in the practice of law has proved his ability to cope with intricate and involved legal problems.  Through the ten years of his active connection with the bar he has made continuous progress and has been connected with much of the important work of the courts in this part of the state.  He was born in Barnett township, DeWitt county, on the 5th of February, 1871, and is a son of Wiley and Elizabeth M. (Williams) Marvel, who are likewise natives of DeWitt county.  The grandfather, Prettyman Marvel, was a native of Indiana and became one of the pioneer settlers of DeWitt county, Illinois , arriving here in 1825, only seven years after the admission of the state into the Union and seven years before the Black Hawk war put an end to the dominion of the red man in this state.  He settled about half a mile southwest of the present site of Waynesville and at that time Pekin and Springfield were the nearest trading points.  He improved a farm there and became the owner of six hundred acres of valuable land which he owned to the time of his death which occurred in 1842.  His wife, Mrs. Rebecca (Barr) Marvel, lived to an old age.  In their family were ten children: Mrs. Nancy Teal, John S., James, Mrs. Lavinia Armstrong, Mrs. Cynthia Armstrong, Prettyman, Mrs. Rebecca Loer, Mrs. Mary A. Gambrel, Wiley and George.  The family is of English descent.  The Williams family, however, is of Welsh lineage.  The maternal grandfather of our subject was Samuel D. Williams, who devoted his life to farming and he, too, became a pioneer of DeWitt county, making his home in Waynesville township where he died at an early day.  His widow still survives and is now living in LancasterMissouri, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years.  In their family were four children: Elizabeth M., who became Mrs. Marvel; Mrs. Barthena Price, who is now deceased; Mary, the wife of William Jeffreys, of Lancaster, Missouri ; and Samuel D., living on the old home place in Waynesville township.

Wiley Marvel, the father of George B. Marvel, also made farming his life work and continued to reside in DeWitt county until called to his final rest.  He was reared as a farm boy but lost his father when only three years of age.  His mother, however, carefully guarded the interests of her child and upon attaining his majority he inherited forty acres from his father’s estate, after which he devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising in Barnett township until about two years prior to his death.  In the meantime, however, he had added to his land holdings until his possessions aggregated seven hundred acres and he was recognized as one of the largest and most prosperous farmers of the county.  He died July 2, 1906, at the age of sixty-seven years and four months, having for a considerable period survived his wife, who passed away September 10, 1894, at the age of forty-nine years.  She was a member of the Methodist church but a few years prior to her death united with the Christian church.  In their family were nine children, five sons and four daughters: Ida M., who is the wife of Dr. George A. Starkey, of Chicago; Adda, the wife of Nelson E. Swam, of Clinton; Otis C., living in Barnett township; George B.; Luther M., whose home is in Weldon, Illinois; Cora A., the wife of David M. Black of Tunbridge township; William J., of Chicago; Charles W., who occupies the home farm in Barnett township; and Verna B., the wife of James Steven, Jr., of Chicago.

George B. Marvel was reared in Barnett township, his boyhood experiences being those that usually fall to the farm lad.  He attended the district schools but later had the benefit of instruction in the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington where he was graduated with the class of 1896.  In the meantime he had devoted one year to teaching.  Following the completion of his more specific literary course, he took up the study of law in the Bloomington Law School and was graduated in 1898, after which he was admitted to the bar.  He first opened an office in FairburyIllinois, where he remained in practice for three years and in January, 1902, he returned to Clinton where he has practiced continuously since.  Earnest effort, intuitive wisdom, unflagging perseverance and keen discrimination in applying the principles of law have been salient features in his successful progress.  Moreover, he is known as a stockholder in the State Bank of Clinton and is the owner of a farm of sixty-five acres in Waynesville township.

Mr. Marvel belongs to the Knights of Pythias Lodge and to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.  His political allegiance is given to the democracy but he never seeks nor desires office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon the duties of his profession.  His devotion to his clients’ interests is proverbial and his careful preparation of cases is manifest in the many verdicts he has won favorable to the interests which he represents.

LUTHER M. MARVEL, M. D.  (Volume II, Page 141)

Dr. Luther M. Marvel, who is now successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Weldon, is one of the DeWitt county’s native sons, his birth occurring in Waynesville on the 31st of December, 1872.  His parents are Wiley and Elizabeth M. (Williams) Marvel, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of George Marvel on another page of this volume.  The Doctor began his education in the common schools of his native place, was graduated from the Waynesville Academy and completed the literary course by one year’s attendance at Wesleyan University .  Having decided to enter the medical profession, he then matriculated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Chicago and was graduated in 1904.  Being licensed to practice, he then opened an office at DeLand, where he remained for four and one-half years, but in February, 1909, came to Weldon.  Although his residence here is of short duration, he has already built up an excellent practice, which is constantly increasing, as his skill and ability in his chosen profession have become recognized.

In October, 1901, Dr. Marvel was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Trigg, who was born near Beason in Logan county, Illinois, June 10, 1873, her parents being Charles and Susan (Folks) Trigg, both natives of England and now deceased, her father having passed away about 1901 and her mother in 1899.  Their children were as follows: George, now a resident of DeLand; Charles, who lives near Beason, Illinois; Henry, of Atlanta, Illinois; A. J., of Lincoln, Illinois; Frank, who died in 1891; Minnie, now the wife of our subject; and Lavina, the wife of William Sullivan, whose home is near Beason.  The Doctor and his wife have a little daughter, Pauline, who was born in DeLand, July 9, 1906.

Fraternally Dr. Marvel is identified with the Masonic order, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.  Politically he is a stanch supporter of the democratic party and while living in De Land served as supervisor two years.

His wife is an active member of the Presbyterian church and during their residence in Weldon they have become widely and favorably known.

GEORGE C. MAXWELL.  (Volume II, Page 116)

The farming interests of De Witt county are well represented by George C. Maxwell, who owns four hundred and thirty acres of valuable land in the county, his home place comprising two hundred and seventy acres in Wapella township.  He is a native of this township, born June 11, 1869.  His father, J. A. Maxwell, was the first male child born in Bloomington, Illinois.  After reaching mature years he wedded Miss Julia Traxel [Troxel], who was born in Wapella township, a daughter of Samuel Traxel [Troxel], who served in both the Black Hawk war and the war of 1812.  Mr. Maxwell has followed farming in Wapella township for many years and at one time owned one hundred and eighty-seven acres of land but now owns eighty acres, on which he makes his home.  He is one of the best known citizens of this section of Illinois, for he has spent much of his life in DeWitt county.  He is a democrat in his political views.  His family numbers seven children: Frank, George C., Isaac, Lee, Richard, Ella and Ezra.

George C. Maxwell, the second in order of birth, was reared on the home farm and at the early age of thirteen years began working at farm labor by the month.  After reaching mature years he invested his money in farm lands and he has accumulated four hundred and thirty acres, two hundred and seventy acres of which constitutes the place on which he makes his home.  He conducts business on quite an extensive scale, following both farming and stock raising and at times employing seven men on his farm.  He is a wide-awake, enterprising man, who has utilized the opportunities that have come to him and this constitutes the basis of his success.

At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Crum, who was born in Wapella township, May 4, 1870, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James F. Crum.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell have been born four children: Fay, now the wife of Alfred Conners, of Wapella township; Ina F.; Bessie I.; and Jennie M.

In his political views Mr. Maxwell is a democrat, taking a lively interest in everything calculated to promote the best interests of his locality.  He has served as township supervisor, while at the present time he is school director and an advocate of good schools.  He is a member of the Christian church.  He may truly be called a self-made man, for, starting out in life at the early age of thirteen years without capital and with but a limited education, he has worked his way steadily upward until today he stands among the wealthy citizens and large landowners of this section off Illinois.

CYRUS MAY.  (Volume II, Page 104)

Cyrus May, an honored veteran of the Civil war and a representative citizen of DeWitt county, has made his home here for fifty-five years and during that time has borne an active part in the agricultural development of this region.  He claims Ohio as his native state, his birth occurring there September 21, 1846.  His father, David May, was also born in Ohio, in 1812, and remained a resident of that state until coming to Illinois in 1855, his destination being DeWitt county.  About three years after his arrival here he purchased the farm upon which our subject now resides, consisting of one hundred acres, which have been placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings.  During his entire business career the father was engaged in agricultrual pursuits, continuing to reside on the old home farm until his death at the age of eighty-three years.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Hickle, was also a native of Ohio, born in 1813, and they became the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters, namely: Frank, now deceased, who married Lydia Baldwin of this county; Marinda, who is the widow of Josiah Davenport and resides in Texas; Margaret, the deceased wife of James Morrison of DeWitt county; Jacob, who married Levina Winslow and lives in Clinton ; Susan, the widow of Enoch Betzer and a resident of Nebraska; Henry, who married Maria Leaver and lives in Clinton; Elzina, the wife of Samuel Newell of Clinton; and Cyrus, of this review.

In the state of his nativity Cyrus May began his education but was only nine years of age on the removal of the family from Ohio to Illinois.  He continued his studies in the schools of DeWitt county and on the completion of his education devoted his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits, remaining at home with his father until the latter’s death.  He is now the owner of the old homestead, consisting of one hundred acres, and in connection with general farming is engaged to some extent in the raising of thoroughbred cattle.

In 1875 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. May and Miss Sophia Nebel a daughter of Henry and Dora Nebel, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in early life and settled in DeWitt county, Illinois.  Here the father died in 1909 at the advanced age of ninety years and her mother passed away about 1895.  In their family were three children: Henry, who married Bessie Rundel and lives in this county; William, who married Eva Swisher and also lives in this county; and Sophia, the wife of our subject.  Mr. and Mrs. May have five children who are still living, while Doretta died at the age of eleven months.  The others are: Fred, who was born in 1880 and is still at home; Olive, born in 1884, who married Harry Parvin, a minister, now located at Sterling, Illinois, and has two children, Irene and Cecil; Eva E., who was born in 1890 and is now the wife of Rolla Randall of this county, by whom she has one child, Velma; Floyd, who was born in 1897, and Clara, who was born in 1901, both at home.

Mr. May was only fourteen years of age when the Civil war broke out but during the last year of that struggle he entered the service and went to the front as a member of the Fifty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.  When hostilities ceased he was honorably discharged and returned home.  He is today an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic and his religious faith is manifested by his membership in the Methodist Protestant church.  He gives his support to the men and measures of the republican party and has filled the office of road commissioner but has never cared for political preferment as his time and attention are wholly occupied with his farming and home interests.

SOLOMON F. MERRIFIELD.  (Volume II, Page 150)

Solomon F. Merrifield, now living on the Mason farm, on section 31, Wilson township, is successfully engaged in general farming, stock raising and dairying.  He is a native of Missouri, born on a farm near Salem, Davis county, on the 13th of January, 1858, his parents being John and Rebecca (Johnson) Merrifield, who came to Illinois in 1860 and settled on a farm near LeRoy in McLean county.  While residing there, the father enlisted in the Ninety-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and remained in the service for three years, taking part in many battles.  Fortunately he was never wounded nor taken prisoner, but was in the hospital for a time.  After the war he returned to his Illinois home and subsequently settled in Wilson township, DeWitt county, where he purchased eighty acres of land from the Illinois Central Railroad Company.  After operating that farm for some years he sold it and purchased another near Farmer City in Santa Anna township, which he cultivated for some time but is now living in that city, at the age of seventy-nine years, while his wife has attained the age of seventy years.

Solomon F. Merrifield was a very small boy when the family came to DeWitt county and his early life was mainly passed in Wilson township, where he attended the country schools and aided in the work of the home farm.  When about twenty years of age he went to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he obtained work in a factory belonging to the Cambria Iron Company and while there learned the trade of wire drawing.  He spent three years in the east, during which time he managed to save some of his earnings, and on his return to DeWitt county embarked in the grocery business at Parnell, continuing to carry on a store there until his marriage.

It was on the 19th of January, 1885, that Mr. Merrifield led to the marriage altar Miss Delia Mason, who was born and reared on a farm in Wilson township, where they now reside, her parents being Truman and Eliza J. (Beard) Mason.  This union has been blessed by seven children, namely: Harry; Hallie, now the wife of Harry McKinley; Jennie, the wife of Homer Beatty; Gladys; Zula; Pauline; and Earl.

After his marriage Mr. Merrifield began farming on property belonging to Mr. Snell in Clintonia township, where he remained five years, and next operated Mr. Walters’ farm in Wilson township for seven years.  At the end of that time he removed to the Mason homestead, while his father-in-law took up his residence in Wapella.  He has since engaged in the cultivation of this place and has also carried on stock-raising and dairying.  He is a stanch supporter of the republican party and has served as school director and road commissioner, filling the latter position for three years, during which time the Farmer bridge was built across Salt Creek and one mile of new road was laid out between Wilson and Wapella townships.  He has also served as collector for two years and his official duties have always been promptly and faithfully discharged.  He has filled all of the chairs in the Odd Fellows lodge at Wapella, to which he belongs, and in February, 1910, took the Grand Lodge degree of that order at Bloomington.

BIRCH B. MILLER.  (Volume II, Page 115)

Birch B. Miller, one of the leading citizens and successful farmers of Creek township, who owns and operates a well-improved place of one hundred and forty acres on sections 8 and 9, is a native son of DeWitt county, his birth occurring near Clinton on the 4th of August, 1869.  His parents were Abner and Sarah (Brown) Miller, the former a native of Virginia, born July 15, 1834, and the latter in Ohio, November 30, 1838.  Throughout his active business life the father followed farming but is now living retired near Clinton, enjoying the prosperity that has come to him through his former labor.  Nine of his twelve children are still living, namely: Linley and Elwood, both residents of Clinton; Dale, the wife of Charles Argo of the same city; Birch B., whose name introduces this sketch; Minnie, the wife of Grant Howard of Clinton; Birdie, the wife of Ora Poland of Chicago; Fred, who lives in Creek township; Edgar, also of Creek township; and Otie, at home.

During his boyhood and youth Birch B. Miller pursued his studies in the Smallwood school, Creek township, and out of school hours assisted his father in the work of the fields, aiding in plowing, planting and harvesting as soon as old enough to be of any assistance.  He remained with his parents until the age of twenty-six years and on starting out in life for himself engaged in farming upon rented land in Creek township for two years.  In 1898 he purchased his present farm, consisting of one hundred and forty acres in the same township and to its further improvement and cultivation has since devoted his entire time and energies with most excellent results.  He is a progressive farmer and a man of good business and executive ability who usually carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

On the 5th of February, 1896, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Minnie Shaw, who was born in Creek township, November 29, 1876, and is a representative of one of the leading families of that section of the county, being a daughter of James Madison and Mollie (Brown) Shaw, who continue to make their home in Creek township.  The father, who is one of the substantial farmers and stock raisers of his community, was born in Illinois on the I7th of July, 1854, while the mother’s birth occurred in Ohio, November 29, 1849.  They are the parents of six children, one of whom is now deceased.  Those living are: Minnie, now Mrs. Miller; Arthur, a resident of Creek township; Emma, the wife of Orville Lane of the same township; Nellie, who married James Reynolds and lives with her parents; and Grace, at home.  She had an uncle, William Brown, who joined an Ohio regiment during the Civil war and aided his country in the preservation of the Union.

Mr. Miller uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and, taking an active interest in politics, is a member of the central committee.  In his fraternal relations he is a Knight of Pythias, while religiously his wife is a member of the Christian church at Clinton, but now attends the Lane church as a matter of convenience.  Both are widely known throughout this their native county and their circle of friends is only limited by that of their acquaintances.

JASPER S. MILLER.  (Volume II, Page 341)

In developing and settling the open country which comprised this county’s entire extent, pioneers and their children of adjacent counties played an important part.  Among these early settlers of DeWitt county who so materially aided in its development were the parents of Jasper S. Miller, who though born in an adjacent county, yet is practically a native of DeWitt county, where almost his entire life has been spent.

Mr. Miller was born in Sangamon county, Illinois , July 7, 1848, a son of Jacob and Nancy (Beam) Miller, pioneer settlers of that county, from which they removed to DeWitt county in 1852, bringing with them their family of six children.  They chose as their home a portion of prairie which now lies near RowellIllinois.  Here the parents passed their lives in farming and at their death Jasper S. Miller inherited eighty acres of his father’s farm, where he continued to reside until 1906, when he bought a house in Kenney, where he has since lived.

Jacob Miller, father of Jasper S., came from the state of Pennsylvania when quite a youth, traveling across the country in a wagon train with his family.  Nancy Beam, who subsequently became his wife, was a descendant of the Beam family of Ohio , her parents having emigrated to Illinois in 1802.  Our subject’s brothers and sisters are: Mary Jane, the wife of M. B. Spicer, of DeWitt county, both now deceased; John H., deceased, who lived in Clinton; Minerva E., the wife of S. A. Barnett of High Valley, Idaho; Jacob F., deceased, who was a resident of Tunbridge township; and Cordelia, the wife of E. T. Wills, of Saline county, Illinois.

On March 19, 1868, Jasper S. Miller married Miss Adilia Spicer, a daughter of Elias and Lucinda ( Kent ) Spicer, of Sangamon county, Illinois , and immediately following their marriage they took up their residence in the old Miller homestead near Rowell.  Elias Spicer, father of Mrs. Miller, was a son of Upsard and Nancy ( Clifton) Spicer, pioneer residents of Sangamon county, who came from Indiana by wagon in the early history of the development of Illinois .  The Spicers and Cliftons were descended from families of that name in England , and they and their families have played no small part in the development of this country.  Mrs. Miller is one of a family of four children, the others being Molly E., the wife of William Brelasfoard, of Oklahoma City; Alice, the wife of Robert King of Flagstaff, Arizona; and W. T., of Tunbridge township, this county.

Four children and six grandchildren bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Miller.  The children are: Maud, the wife of Clay Crump, of Rock Island, New Mexico; Moses T., who married Vina Wilson and lives in Tunbridge township; William J., who married Lillian Green and lives on the old Miller homestead; and Lydian, the wife of Harvey Jennings, who lives in Kansas City, Missouri.  The grandchildren are: Maurien and Maurice Miller, children of W. J. Miller; Zepha and Jasper Miller, children of M. T. Miller; Elizabeth Crump, a daughter of Mrs. Maud Crump; and Harvey Jennings, son of Mrs. Lydian Jennings.

Mr. Miller has, in addition to cultivating and improving his farm of over two hundred acres, given much of his time and labor to the development of the district in which he lives.  He has served as school trustee for many consecutive terms and has acted upon many important measures affecting the welfare of the township.  He is a member of no organization whatsoever, believing that his first and only duty lies at his home.  Quiet and unostentatious in manner, yet he has won the confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen to such an extent as to reflect most creditably upon his character.

THOMAS MILLIGAN.  (Volume II, Page 332)

Thomas Milligan, filling the position of county coroner, was born in Canton, Ohio, April 16, 1845.  The Milligan family is of Irish origin.  The grandfather, John Milligan, was born in Dublin, Ireland, and throughout his life engaged in farming.  On crossing the Atlantic to America he settled in Stark county, Ohio, twelve miles from Canton, where he owned and cultivated a farm.  For years he drove teams from Canton to Baltimore, Maryland, hauling goods and keeping his teams upon his own place.  He married Abigail Riggs, also of Irish birth, and they reared a large family, including John, William, Joseph, James, Clement, Samuel, Esther, Phoebe and Jane.  The father passed away at the age of sixty-two years but the mother reached the advanced age of ninety-three years.

Samuel Milligan, the father of Thomas Milligan, was born in Ohio, where he was reared on the old homestead farm, early becoming acquainted with the task of tilling the soil and caring for the crops.  He wedded Ann Hamlin, a native of Virginia and a daughter of John and Mary (Johnson) Hamlin.  They, too, were natives of the Old Dominion and on removing to Ohio settled in Stark county, where they were connected with farming interests.  Both died there when well advanced in years.  Their children were: Mary, Martha, Esther, Phoebe, Ann, Jane, Elizabeth and John.

After his marriage Samuel Milligan established his home upon a farm in Stark county, Ohio, where he lived until the 20th of April, 1875, on which date he arrived in Illinois.  He made his home four miles east of Weldon, where he rented a section of land and carried on farming.  He reached the very venerable age of eighty-three years, while his wife passed away ten years before, at the age of seventy-two years.  They were both members of the Society of Friends or Quakers and guided their lives in accordance with the teachings of that sect.  Their family numbered four sons and four daughters, namely: Louisa, deceased; Elizabeth, who has also departed this life; John, a resident of Tampico, Illinois; Thomas, of this review; Joseph, of Webb City, Missouri; Lydia, who became the wife of Reuben Wise but is now deceased; and William and Mary Jane, also deceased.

Thomas Milligan spent his youthful days on the old home farm in Stark county, Ohio, and at Bellefontaine in Logan county.  His experiences were those which usually fall to the lot of farm lads and his educational privileges were afforded by the district schools.  He was but seventeen years of age when he offered his services to the government and enlisted in the Union army on the 2d of May, 1862, as a member of Company D, Eighty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for almost three years.  He was first corporal of his company and participated in the battles of Frankfort, Cynthiana and Paris, Kentucky, after which he was sent back to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he guarded prisoners for over a year.  He was transferred to the Army of the Potomac, being sent from Camp Chase to Washington, and was in front of Petersburg during the siege.  From that point his regiment was sent to Norfolk, Virginia, and afterward to Cape Henry.  He became ill and was in the hospital at Portsmouth, Virginia, from which point he was sent northward, being honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio.

When the war was over Mr. Milligan returned home but his health was so greatly impaired that he was unable to work for six years.  Thus great was the sacrifice which he made for his country.  He afterward drove the express wagon for the Merchants Union Express Company and later resumed farming.  In 1875 he came to Illinois with his father and settled upon the section of land which his father rented.  He carried on general agricultural pursuits for a quarter of a century.  At length he retired, from active life, his success being such as to enable him to put aside further business cares.  In 1902 he removed to Clinton, where he has since made his home. However, indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and since taking up his abode in the city he has bought and sold property and has built two or three residences here.

On the 8th of October, 1865, Mr. Milligan was united in marriage to Miss Mary Evans, a daughter of William and Anna (Hawk) Evans.  Mrs. Milligan was born ten miles east of Columbus in Franklin county, Ohio, while her parents were natives of Maryland but became early settlers of the Buckeye state.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Milligan have been born eight children: Jennie, the wife of Daniel Boone, of Clinton, by whom she has a daughter, Audra; Delia, the wife of William Pettijohn, by whom she has two children, Nina and Aurine, the family home being at Kenney, Illinois; William, who is engaged in farming, married Birdie Twist, by whom he has two children, Aubrey and Mary; Frederick, who is engaged in the undertaking business at Fairbury, Illinois, married Jennie Miles, by whom he has three children, Marie, Buril and Carl; Edward, who is deputy county coroner under his father; Drew, who is a marble cutter and is located in Los Angeles, California; Curtis, who is an undertaker of that city; and Charles, who died in infancy.

In their religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Milligan are Methodists, loyal to the teachings of that church, with which they hold membership.  Mr. Milligan belongs to Frank Lowry Post, No. 157, G. A. R., and has been officer of the day for seven years.  Through his connection with that organization he keeps in touch with the boys in blue with whom he marched to the defense of the Union.  Politically he is a republican and has served as district clerk and as school director, while at the present writing he is filling the office of county coroner.  He believes in local option, believing that the people should have the right to settle for themselves the questions which are of vital significance to them.  As a business man he has been energetic and persevering, as a citizen is progressive, and in all the walks of life has commanded the respect and good will of his fellowmen because of his fidelity to and support of all that works for justice, truth and right.

JOHN C. MILLS.  (Volume II, Page 216)

DeWitt county probably has no more patriotic or loyal citizen than John C. Mills, who fought for the preservation of the Union during the dark days of the Rebellion and has always been found true to every trust reposed in him, whether of a public or a private nature.  A native of Ohio, he was born on the 27th of September, 1840, and is a son of James and Eliza (Wright) Mills.  The birth of the father occurred in New Jersey in 1796, but in early life he removed to Ohio, where he followed farming as a means of livelihood.  He was a member of the state militia when a young man and died in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1844.  His wife, who was a native of that state, was born in 1801 and died in Indiana in 1873.  They were the parents of nine children, of whom three are still living: Daniel B., a resident of Palestine, Illinois; John C., of this review; and James G., a resident of Logan county, Illinois.

John C. Mills passed the first eight years of his life in his native state and then accompanied his mother on her removal to Indiana.  He worked on the farm until he attained the age of twelve years and then sought employment with others, hiring out as a farm hand in Indiana until 1857.  During that year he removed to Missouri but in 1859 came to Illinois, first locating in Logan county.  In 1864 he became a resident of DeWitt county, where he worked as a farm hand for a time, but in 1865 purchased a tract of land on which he located in 1873.  This property consisted of forty acres in Wilson township and to its cultivation and improvement he devoted his energies until 1891, when he bought a forty-eight acre tract on the outskirts of Clinton in Clintonia township and has since made his home thereon.  He is engaged in general farming and also in the raising of stock.

After the country became involved in Civil war Mr. Mills decided to enter the service and on the 2nd of August, 1862, enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years.  He was taken prisoner at Jackson, Tennessee, and participated in a number of important engagements, including the siege of Vicksburg.  The war having ended, he was at length honorably discharged in July, 1865, and returned home.  He is today an honored member of Frank Lowry Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Clinton.

In 1869, Mr. Mills was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Roach, a daughter of Phineas and Rachel Roach, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively.  In 1860 her parents came to Illinois and settled in Logan county.  They had a family of nine children, of whom two are living: Mrs. Virginia Monts, of this county; and Samuel T.  Mrs. Mills died on the 25th of November, 1908.  Our subject and wife had one child, Cora Belle, at home.  The family is one of prominence in the community where they reside and they have a host of warm friends throughout the county.

EDWARD B. MITCHELL.  (Volume II, Page 22)

A Clinton attorney, with a large practice and of known devotion to the interests of his clients, Edward B. Mitchell aside from his professional duties has had time to give valuable service to the public in various official positions and is highly esteemed as well in fraternal and church circles, where his activities are productive of progress.

A native of Springfield, Ohio, born September 10, 1867, Edward B. Mitchell is the second in a family of three sons and two daughters, whose parents were John F. and Carrie (Myers) Mitchell, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively.  The former was a son of Archibald Mitchell and the family is of Scotch-Irish descent.  Born in Virginia May 26, 1796, Archibald Mitchell afterward became a resident of Clark county, Ohio, where he followed the occupation of farming.  Both he and his wife, Sarah (Swigart) Mitchell, died in that state when well advanced in years.  Their family numbered five sons and four daughters, namely: Isaac Newton, Pomeroy, James A., John F., A. B., Mary J., Sarah M., Charlotte E., and Florence.  The Myers family was of German origin and the maternal grandfather of Edward B. Mitchell, coming to America, settled near Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his children were born and reared.

John F. Mitchell devoted his early manhood to teaching school and afterward became a salesman for a nursery devoted to the cultivation of fruit trees.  He was thus engaged in the south prior to the Civil war.  He was married to Carrie Myers in Springfield, Ohio, April 7, 1863.  In 1868 he became a resident of Illinois, settling west of Clinton in DeWitt county, where he engaged in farming.  There his wife died, February 14, 1875, at the age of thirty years, and Mr. Mitchell becoming badly afflicted with rheumatism, retired from the farm.  Returning to Springfield, Ohio, he spent his last days there, passing away May 6, 1907, when more than seventy-nine years of age.  The sons and daughters of his household were: Charles A., a resident of Bellevue, Nebraska; Edward B.; Archibald, living in Audubon, Iowa; Carrie, the wife of Dwight J. Roberts, of Los Angeles, California; and Florence, the wife of Fred C. Naylor, of Chicago.

Edward B. Mitchell was less than a year old when brought by his parents to DeWitt county, so that practically his entire life has here been passed.  He was reared a farm boy in the family of Eli and Catharine Brown, who treated him always as a son, sent him to school and made him heir to their farm.  After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools, Mr. Mitchell, at the age of seventeen years, began teaching and then to further improve his own education entered the Clinton high school in the fall of 1885 and was graduated in 1887.  Four years thereafter were devoted to teaching with good success, but, regarding this as an initial step to other professional labor, he then entered the Bloomington Law School and was graduated in 1892.  In that year he was admitted to the bar and opened an office in Clinton, where he has now practiced for about eighteen years.  During this period he has been accorded a good clientage, connecting him with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of the district, and in the preparation and presentation of his cases his thoroughness, close application and clear understanding of legal principles have been potent elements in his success.

On the 18th of June, 1902, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Eva M. Gilliland, a daughter of Rev. E. A. and Isadore (Holmes) Gilliland.  There are two children of that union, Muriel and Donald.  Mrs. Mitchell was born in Vermont, Illinois, and her parents were also natives of this state.  Her father is now pastor of the Christian church of Lincoln, Illinois, but her mother died on the 15th of January, 1910, at the age of Forty-six years.  They were the parents of two daughters and a son, Mrs. Mitchell being the eldest, the others being Owen E. and Elfleda H.

Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell hold membership in the Christian church, in which he is serving as an elder.  They take an active and helpful interest in all departments of the church work and do everything in their power to extend its influence and promote its progress.  Mr. Mitchell belongs to DeWitt Lodge, No. 84, F. & A. M.; Goodbrake Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M.; Clinton Commandery, No. 66, K. T.; Mohammed Temple of the Mystic Shrine; Olive Lodge, No. 98, I. O. O. F.; and Plantagenet Lodge, No. 25, K. P.  He has been chancellor commander of the Knights of Pythias lodge and was grand representative for a term of two years.  For four years he was master of the Masonic lodge, for two years was high priest of the chapter and for one year was eminent commander of the commandery.  He has been secretary of the Central Illinois Building, Loan  Homestead Association since its organization in 1894.  His political endorsement has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise.  From 1896 until 1901 he was city clerk of Clinton and resigned to accept the position of county judge, serving on the bench for a year.  In 1904 he was elected president of the board of education and did everything in his power to promote the interests of the schools, assisting materially in the erection of the new high school building and one of the ward schools.  He resides at 604 West Main street, where he erected a good residence in 1902.  His life history is another proof of the fact that no matter what the advantages and environment of youth the individual must eventually give shape to his own character and powers and prove their worth in the school of experience.  Choosing as a life work a profession in which advancement must depend solely upon individual merit, Edward B. Mitchell has made continuous progress and is now numbered among the strong and able members of the Clinton bar.

JAMES J. MOBERLY.  (Volume II, Page 63)

James J. Moberly, who has been successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, now devotes his attention to the operation of a well improved farm of forty acres in Wapella township.  His birth occurred near Indianapolis Indiana, on the 11th of July, 1853, his parents being William and Lucy (Ross) Moberly, both natives of Kentucky .  They were also born in the same year—1837.  The father followed farming in Indiana until 1856, when he took up his abode in McLean county, Illinois , locating south of Bloomington.  The year 1902 witnessed his arrival in DeWitt county and he is now living retired in Clintonia township.  His political allegiance is given to the republican party.  Unto him and his wife were born the following children: James J., of this review; John L.; Jesse; Oakney, who wedded G. W. Givens; Mrs. Ella Mitchell, who is deceased; and Bert.

James J. Moberly was reared in McLean county and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist.  The work of the fields has claimed his attention throughout his entire business career and for the past eight years he has been a resident of DeWitt county, taking up his abode in Wilson township in the fall of 1902.  In January, 1910, he removed to his present farm in Wapella township and is now actively engaged in its further cultivation and improvement.  The property comprises forty acres of rich and arable land and in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Moberly chose Miss Alice Bell Roach, a native of McLean county and a daughter of Samuel and Mary Elizabeth (Chapin) Roach.  The father was born in Pennsylvania on the 8th of September, 1815, while the mother’s birth occurred in Ohio on the 20th of November, 1822.  Their marriage was celebrated in the Buckeye state on the 26th of November, 1841.  Samuel Roach was engaged in the woolen mill business and spent most of his life in BloomingtonIllinois.  He passed away on the 8th of July, 1893, having for more than three decades survived his wife, who was called to her final rest on the 23d of January, 1862.  The record of their children is as follows: William H.; George D.; Sylvesta L.; Samantha E.; Dexter; Emeline; Benjamin F.; Mary E.; Mrs. Moberly; and Ida M.

In politics Mr. Moberly is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church.  Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  His excellent traits of character inspire personal friendship of unusual strength and all who know him have for him high admiration and esteem.

REV. T. F. MONAHAN.  (Volume II, Page 97)

Rev. T. F. Monahan, who since 1906 has faithfully served as pastor of the Catholic church in Wapella, was born in County Clare, Ireland, May 17, 1879, a son of M. J. Monahan, who was likewise born in County Clare and is there engaged in mercantile pursuits.  Father Monahan is one of three sons.  His brother, Dr. M. J. Monahan, follows the profession of dentistry in Chicago, while the other brother, Edward, manages the father’s business interests in Ireland.

Father Monahan attended the Christian Brothers School in his native town, took the classical course in the Diocesan Seminary and the Royal University of his native land and studied philosophy and theology in All Hallows College at Dublin.  He was ordained June 24, 1903.  In the fall of the same year he emigrated to the United States .  His first work in the new world was as assistant to Bishop P. J. O’Riley, at PeoriaIllinois.  He continued in that work until December, 1905, when he became assistant to Vicar General Weldon of Bloomington, his work there being at Holy Trinity church.  He remained in the latter city until October, 1906, when he was made pastor of the church at Wapellla.  Since his ministry here the church has been greatly increased in membership, the congregation now numbering fifty families.  The church is a neat brick structure, which was recently remodeled at a cost of eight thousand, five hundred dollars and is now one of the most modern, up-to-date houses of worship in DeWitt county and would be a credit to a city much larger than Wapella.  It was rededicated December 14, 1909, by Rt. Rev. E. M. Dunn.

Rev. Monahan is not only highly esteemed by his own parishioners but has many friends throughout the community in which he makes his home.

WILLIAM MONSON.  (Volume II, Page 7)

Practicing at the DeWitt county bar since 1875, with the exception of a brief period of a year, William Monson ranks with the ablest lawyers of Clinton, having gained high place in his profession by hard work and earnest application.  The zeal with which he has devoted his energies to his profession, careful regard evinced for the interests of his clients and an assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases, have brought him a large business and made him very successful in its conduct.

Mr. Monson was born near London, Ohio, December 21, 1845, his parents being Bushrod W. and Sabra (Bates) Monson, the former a native of New York and the latter of the Buckeye State.  The paternal grandfather, Dr. Monson, was born in the Empire state and there spent much of his life but later removed to Ohio, settling in Madison.  He engaged in the practice of medicine and won considerable prominence in his profession but died in middle life.  The maternal grandfather, Ansel Bates, was a native of Vermont and became a sailor in young manhood.  Subsequently, however, he turned his attention to farming and in the latter part of his life came to DeWitt county, where he died at the age of eighty-six years.

Bushrod W. Monson learned the blacksmith’s trade but afterward gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits.  Removing from Ohio to Illinois in the fall of 1847, he settled in Barnett township, about four and a half miles west of Clinton, where he purchased land and improved a farm, becoming the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich and well developed land.  The last fifteen or eighteen years of his life he spent in Clinton, where he passed away in 1900, at the age of eighty-nine years.  His wife had died in 1885, at the age of seventy-nine years.  In their family were four children: Mianda, the wife of Isaac W. Hutchin, of Decatur, Illinois; Walter, who was killed by lightning in 1857, when seventeen years of age; Mary Temperance, who became the wife of R. P. McHenry but is now deceased; and William of this review.

William Monson was only two years old when brought by his parents to DeWitt county and upon the home farm he remained until twenty-seven years of age, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist.  He attended the district schools and later entered the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, from which he was graduated in 1865.  In the meantime, however, he had put aside his text-books and offered his services to the government, enlisting in 1862 as a member of Company E, Sixty-Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he severed for four months.  After his return he resumed his education and following his graduation he engaged in teaching for a number of terms.  During that period he made his home upon the farm but in 1873 removed to Clinton, where he began reading law under the direction of Fuller & Graham, prominent attorneys of this city, who remained his preceptors until his admission to the bar at Mount Vernon, in June 1875.  He then located for practice in Clinton and the following year formed a partnership with his former preceptors under the firm style of Fuller, Graham & Monson.  This was continued for several years, after which Mr. Graham withdrew and the firm became Fuller & Monson.  They were afterward joined by a third partner, under the style of Fuller, Monson & Ingham, which continued for several years, when Mr. Monson was appointed master in chancery for a term of two years.  During that period he entered into partnership with George B. Graham, a relation that was maintained until 1889, when both removed to Fresno, California, where they opened an office together.  A year later, however, Mr. Monson returned to Clinton, where he formed a partnership with R. A. Lemon but after two years this was dissolved and he has since remained alone in practice.  His arguments have always elicited warm commendation not only from his associates at the bar but also from the bench.  His handling of his case is always full, comprehensive and accurate; his analysis of facts clear and exhaustive and he sees without effort the relation and dependence of the facts and so groups them as to enable him to throw their combined force upon the point they tend to prove.

Mr. Monson was married on 8th of March, 1868, to Miss Harriet Hutchin, who was born in DeWitt county, and is a daughter of John D. and Elizabeth (Proud) Hutchin, who were natives of Ohio.  Their family numbered five children: Nancy M., the wife of George B. Graham; Andrew, Harriet; Elvira, the widow of Dr. F. E. Downey; and Stephen W.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Monson have been born three children: Ray, who is engaged in teaming in Clinton; Iva, the wife of H. E. Shaw, of Bement, Illinois; and Leon A., who wedded Miss Lillian Gordon and is an undertaker of Decatur, Illinois.

Mrs. Monson holds membership in the Presbyterian church.  Mr. Monson is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and both are highly esteemed in the community where they make their home.  His political allegiance is given to the democracy and in 1876 he was elected city attorney, which office he filled for two years.  He has no ambition for office, however, preferring to concentrate his energies upon other interests.  In 1893 he erected a pleasant residence at No. 816 West Main street, where he and his family reside, dispensing the cordial hospitality of their home.  Mr. Monson has been a resident of the county for sixty-three years and has therefore witnessed almost its entire growth and development, maintaining at all times the deepest interest in its welfare and improvement and therefore becoming a cooperant factor in many projects and movements which have wrought for its welfare.

Submitted by Mike Malerich

ALFRED H. MONTGOMERY.  (Volume II, Page 274)

Alfred H. Montgomery, editor and proprietor of the Weldon Record, was born on a farm in Menard county, Illinois, on the 15th of February, 1876, and is a son of William and Sarah (Dunmire) Montgomery.  On the paternal side he had three uncles who were soldiers of the Civil war and of these Thomas and Hugh both died on the battlefield in Texas and were buried in that state.  James, now the only surviving member of the family, is living near Middletown, Illinois, at an advanced age.

William Montgomery, the father of our subject, was born near Owensville, Indiana, in 1833, and removed to Menard county, Illinois, in the early ’50s, continuing to reside there up to the time of his death, which occurred April 21, 1881.  At Petersburg, Illinois, he was married January 15, 1857, to Miss Sarah Dunmire, whose birth occurred near Middletown, Holmes county, Ohio, in March, 1838.  They became the parents of ten children, of whom eight are still living, namely: Mary, the wife of Charles Tom, now a resident of Rufus, Oregon; Ellen, the wife of Rev. C. B. Parkhurst of Cherokee, Oklahoma; James, of Middletown, Illinois; Charles, of Moro, Oregon; H. E., of Clinton, Illinois; Alfred H., of this review; J. H., of Le Roy, Illinois; S. D., of Hutchinson, Kansas; Jennie, who was the wife of Rev. Willis Patchen of Carlinville, Illinois, and died April 25, 1885; and Thomas J., who was the fourth in order of birth and died near Middletown, October 9, 1872.  In November, 1886, the mother was again married at Petersburg, her second union being with R. M. Ewing, a native of Kentucky, who died at Weldon, Illinois, in 1894.  She was again married in 1908, her third husband being James E. Wylie of Minden, Nebraska, where they are now living.  She is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a most estimable lady.

Alfred H. Montgomery was a lad of five years when his father died and four years later he accompanied his mother on her removal to Farmer City.  His education, begun in the public schools of Menard county, was completed in the high schools of Farmer City and Weldon and since the age of nine years he has been more or less connected with the printing business, first working for his stepfather, who was one of the veteran newspaper men in Farmer City.  Under his direction Mr. Montgomery learned the printer’s trade and in the spring of 1892 came to Weldon with them, where the Weldon Record was established and which his parents owned.  He subsequently purchased the business.  He now has up-to-date and complete offices on Main street and in the conduct of his paper has met with good success, it being regarded as one of the leading journals in this part of the state.

On the 15th of February, 1898, Mr. Montgomery was united in marriage to Miss Birdie McAboy, who was born near Lane, Illinois, March 3, 1875, a daughter of William and Sarah (Simpson) McAboy.  She was only nine years of age when her father died, in 1884, at the age of fifty-four years, and her mother, who is a native of Kentucky, subsequently became the wife of the Hon. Tillman Lane and they now make their home in Lane.  Mr. McAboy crossed the plains with an ox cart in 1849 and spent some time in the gold fields of California.  In his family were five children, one son and three daughters, namely: Julia, the wife of S. K. Carter of Clinton, Illinois; Lydia, the wife of C. G. Pennington, whose home is near Lane; Blanche, the wife of W. T. Lane, also living near Lane; Birdie, the wife of our subject; and Pattie, who died at the age of six years.  Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery have three children: Helen Irene, aged eleven years; Robert William Harold Yates, aged ten; and Sarah Harriet, aged eight.

In 1898 Mr. Montgomery built a comfortable modern residence in the southwestern part of Weldon, which was destroyed by the cyclone in June, 1908, but was subsequently rebuilt.  He has dealt to some extent in real estate and besides his residence, newspaper and business property owns a good farm of eighty acres near Weldon.  He is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Pythian Sisters, and the Court of Honor, while his wife holds membership in the Methodist Protestant church.  His political support is always given the men and measures of the republican party and he is now most creditably serving as treasurer of the village board.  He has also served as a member of the republican central committee of DeWitt county and through the columns of his paper and personally has exerted considerable influence in public affairs.  He has served several terms as clerk of the village of Weldon and also of Nixon township.  His support can always be counted upon to further any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit and he is regarded as one of the leading and progressive citizens of Weldon.

ROBERT H. MONTGOMERY.  (Volume II, Page 395)

It is a well known fact that the younger generation are more and more coming into control of business affairs, and prominent among the young men of Clinton who are meeting with substantial success is Robert H. Montgomery, proprietor of a cigar store located on the north side of the public square.  He is a son of William H. and Margaret Ann (Houseman) Montgomery, his birth occurring in Casner, Illinois, on the 25th of November, 1886.  His paternal grandfather was a native of Virginia and with his family settled in Illinois at an early date, being numbered among the pioneers of Macon county, where Mrs. Montgomery lived to a ripe old age.  In their family were four children, James, Catherine, William H. and Charles M.  The maternal grandfather is George W. Houseman, a native of Ohio and a veteran of the Civil war.  A farmer by occupation, he at one time owned a large tract of land on the present site of Chillicothe.  Upon his arrival in Illinois he located in Macon county, where he has since continued to make his home.  In his family were the following children: Margaret Ann, Mendosia, Agnes and James.

William H. Montgomery, the father of our subject, was born in Wheeling, Virginia, and in the Old Dominion a portion of his youth was spent.  He accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois, and in Macon county grew to manhood.  He acted as a sutler in the Civil war, and after the close of hostilities he engaged in the hotel business in Casner for a number of years.  He passed away in the faith of the Methodist church on the 25th of December, 1889, at the age of fifty-four years.  His wife, in her maidenhood Margaret Ann Houseman, was born in Ohio and survives her husband, making her home in Decatur, where she is well known to a large circle of friends.  She holds membership in the Presbyterian church and her life has ever been guided by its teachings.  By her marriage to Mr. Montgomery she became the mother of six children: Charles and Etta May, twins, of whom the latter is now the wife of Charles D. Price, of Decatur, Illinois; Olive F., also of Decatur; Arthur, deceased; Robert H., of this review; and Margaret M., who became the wife of William Lake, of Decatur.

Robert H. Montgomery, whose name introduces this review, spent the period of his boyhood and youth in Decatur, and in the public schools of that city he acquired his education, passing through consecutive grades until his graduation from the high school in 1902.  He at once started out to earn his own living, going to Chicago where he was employed by the United Cigar Stores Company for a year, after which he returned to Decatur and for a similar period was a pupil in the James Millikin University.  He then embarked in business on his own account, becoming the proprietor of a dye house in that city which he later sold, again, becoming an employee of the United Cigar Stores Company of Chicago, with whom he remained for three years.  In 1907 he came to Clinton and upon his arrival in this city he again engaged in the dyeing business, continuing in that line of activity until April, 1908, when he sold the business and entered the service of E. M. Steel, owner of a cigar store.  He remained with the enterprise after it passed into the hands of R. M. Cleveland, on the 5th of June, 1909, purchased the business from Mr. Cleveland and has since continued in the conduct of the store.  He handles good grades of cigars and tobacco, and his place has already become popular with a large number of satisfied patrons, his business increasing daily in volume and importance.

On the 15th of April, 1908, Mr. Montgomery was united in marriage to Miss Grace E. Jolly, who was born in Clinton, Illinois, a daughter of James and Lucy (Cramer) Jolly, natives of Ireland, who at an early date settled in Clinton.  Mrs. Montgomery belongs to the Universalist church, while Mr. Montgomery holds membership relations with the Elks fraternity.  Their home at No. 613 West Washington street is a favorite resort with a large number of friends whom the young couple have gathered around them, and they are held in high regard by all who know them.  A republican in politics, Mr. Montgomery gives stalwart support to that party at the polls, but has no desire for public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business interests.  A young man of marked energy and determination, he has already reached a creditable place in business circles which augurs well for a successful future, and he is to be commended upon the progress which he has made in the commercial world.

CHARLES E. MOODY.  (Volume II, Page 375)

Charles E. Moody, a veteran of the Civil War and one of the earlier settlers of DeWitt county, is a resident of Creek township where he owns and operates a splendid farm of two hundred and seventy-seven acres.  He was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, April 5, 1843, a son of John and Martha (Hahn) Moody, both natives of Maryland who had emigrated to Ohio quite early in life.  When Charles Moody was twelve years old his parents came to DeWitt county and made their home here until their deaths.  John Moody died in 1867, aged sixty-three years, while his wife passed away fifteen years ago at the age of sixty-five.  In the family of which Charles Moody was a member there were eight children, six of whom are living: Harriett, the wife of John Watt, of Creek township; Comfort A., who lives in Nebraska; R. B., living in DeLand, Illinois; James W., of Tuscola, Illinois; J. M., of Weldon; and Charles E., of this review.

During his early youth while living with his parents, Charles E. Moody received the usual educational advantages accorded the youth of the country at that time.  He remained with his parents, assisting them in the prosecution of their farm labors until he was twenty-one years old.  Then he started out for himself, farming by the month for other persons.  In 1867 he bought eighty acres of land on section 18, Creek township.  Diligently pursuing the course of life he had chosen for himself, he steadily accumulated property until he became the owner of the fine estate which he at present operates.  Twenty-seven years ago he erected a good, substantial house upon the property and from time to time has added needed buildings, the latest of which are an excellent corn-crib and barn which were erected in 1909.

On November 1, 1866, Mr. Moody was united in wedlock to Miss Charlotte M. Cross, a daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Tuggle) Cross, both of whom were natives of Kentucky.  Mrs. Moody was born in DeWitt county, February 29, 1849, and has always lived here.  Her mother died when Mrs. Moody was but a child of three years, and her father died eleven years later.  Both her parents are buried in DeWitt county.  She was one of a family of ten children, four of whom are now deceased.  The other living members of her family are: George, a veteran of the Civil war, as was his bother, Solomon, now deceased; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Bennett, of Creek township; Nancy, the wife of Jacob Hassinger, of Clinton; Ivy, the wife of Joseph Bennett, of Maroa; and Levina, who is the widow of John Miller and lives in the southern portion of Creek township.

There were nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Moody, six now living.  The eldest of these children is H. N. Moody, who was born August 21, 1867.  He married Miss Emma Tucker and lives in Creek township.  They are the parents of nine children: Hattie, the wife of Floyd Welsh, of Clinton; and Eva; Ida; Everett; Lottie; Edith; John; Dudley; and Emma.  Ida, born in 1869, is the wife of Frank Brown and lives in Maroa.  They have eight children, namely: Winifred, the wife of Albert East and the mother of a child, Leonard; and Wesley; Florence; Roscoe; Charles; Ora; Sarah; and Bob.  Everett, born February 19, 1874, married Mariette Hall and lives in Clinton.  Charles, born February 16, 1881, married Flora Williams and lives with his parents.  Nora, born May 30, 1883, married Oscar Hoff and lives in Creek township.  She is the mother of two children, Eva and Allie V.  Homer, born January 9, 1894, is living at home with his parents.

Mr. Moody served in Company C, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, during a portion of the Civil war, while one of his brothers, Bruce, known as R. B. Moody, was a veteran of the war, having served in the Twentieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry for five years.  In politics Mr. Moody is a democrat and has served as school director and as road commissioner.  He attributes much of his success in life to the aid rendered him by his wife who has ever been his counselor in all his undertakings.  Upright and honest in his every act there are few men who are held in higher esteem than he in the entire countryside.

CHRISTOPHER C. MORRIS.  (Volume II, Page 110)

Christopher C. Morris, prominent as a representative of the agricultural interests of DeWitt county, is now successfully engaged in farming in Clintonia township.  He is a native of this county, his birth occurring in Barnett township, June 19, 1862, and is a son of Henry H. and Catherine (Weldon) Morris.  The father was born in Clark county, Ohio, January 28, 1827, and there spent his boyhood and youth, coming to Illinois in October, 1854.  His parents were James and Patsy (Henry) Morris, natives of Kentucky, whence they removed to Ohio about 1800.  Our subject’s paternal grandfather was Joseph Morris, a Baptist minister, who was born in Virginia and became an early settler of Kentucky.  On coming to this state Henry H. Morris, the father of our subject made the trip by wagon and on reaching DeWitt county commenced farming on a rented tract.  He subsequently purchased one hundred acres of land in Barnett township and to the improvement and cultivation of that place he devoted his energies for ten years.  He was next in partnership with Lawrence Weldon for several years and then bought Mr. Weldon’s interest in 1876, being alone in business throughout the remainder of his life.  He died here on the 11th of March, 1904.  Before leaving his native state he was married in 1853 to Miss Catherine Weldon, also a native of Ohio, born in 1831, and a daughter of Michael Weldon, who came to this country from Ireland and was married in the United States.

During his boyhood Christopher C. Morris attended the district schools near his home and worked on the farm with his father until his marriage when he commenced farming on his own account.  In 1904 he purchased his present farm, consisting of one hundred and ten acres in Clintonia township, and in partnership with his brother also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Nebraska.  From 1888 to 1890 he conducted a mill at Clinton but with that exception has always devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits.  The neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates his progressive business methods and shows that he thoroughly understands the occupation in which he is engaged.

On the 6th of November, 1884, Mr. Morris was united in marriage to Miss Allie Cline, whose parents are James M. and Lizzie (Edmiston) Cline, natives of Illinois and Ohio respectively, who now reside in Clinton.  Mr. and Mrs. Morris have five children, namely: Walter Weldon, born July 9, 1885, married Georgia Hilt and is now engaged in the undertaking business in Chicago; Nellie M., born January 7, 1887, is a stenographer employed in a lawyer’s office in Chicago; Herbert C., born February 2, 1890, is employed in the postoffice at Clinton; Harold, born October 31, 1893, and Louisa, born April 10, 1896, are both at home.

For a quarter of a century Mr. Morris has held membership in the Christian church and takes quite an active part in church work. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and affiliates with the republican party.  Public-spirited and progressive, he takes a commendable interest in all enterprises which he believes will advance the moral or material prosperity of his community and is justly regarded as one of the leading and representative citizens of Clintonia township.

FRANK N. MUNCH.  (Volume II, Page 334)

In the history of DeWitt county no name is more worthy of a place among the representative citizens than that of Frank N. Munch, who lives on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 36, Creek township.  On July 26, 1864, in the county of Menard, Illinois, he was born, his parents being Nicholas and Catherine (Greenwalt) Munch, early settlers of that county, having come to America from France in 1854.  He was the sixth child in a family of seven children, and a curious and really remarkable incident concerning their births is that the oldest of the seven children is aged sixty years while the youngest one is aged forty-three.  The mother died in 1886 and is buried in Mason county, Illinois , where the family lived for a number of years.  The father is now living in Weldon.  The seven children are: Joseph; Nancy, wife of Thomas Wagner; William, of Illinois ; Emma, wife of William Crisman; Sarah, the widow of C. L. Coffman; Frank, of this review; and Mattie, the wife of A. J. Cross.

Frank N. Munch secured an education in the schools of the county, supplementing this by a three years’ course at Westfield College .  Upon his graduation he taught school for five years in Creek township, after which he took up general farming and stock-raising, handling the one hundred and sixty acres which constituted the home farm on section 36, Creek township.

Upon the 1st of September, 1887, Mr. Munch was united in marriage to Miss Stella Shuey, a daughter of the Rev. J. L. and Eliza (Kuntz) Shuey, of ArgentaIllinois.  Mrs. Munch was born in Clark county, Illinois , July 19, 1867, and is a graduate of Westfield College , having received a scholarship in music.  For several years she gave instruction in music and continued to do so until her marriage.  Her father was born in Clark county, October 2, 1844, and is now serving his third term as postmaster of the town of Argenta.  He is a veteran of the Civil war, having served throughout the entire five years of that bloody conflict in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Illinois Infantry.  Mrs. Shuey died in 1905 when sixty years of age and her remains are interred in the Cumberland cemetery, Mason county.  Mrs. Munch was the eldest of a family of four children.  Her brothers and sisters are: Myrtle, the widow of George D. N. Dunham, of Arlingo; Sherman, a contractor of Argenta; and Bruce, a barber of the same place.

To Mr. and Mrs. Munch there have been born five children, all of whom were born in Creek township.  Ada Mae, born August 28, 1888, has taught in the Nixon township schools and is now teaching in the Shiloh schools, in both of which places her father had taught in his early life.  She is an expert pianist and gives instruction in piano and is also the pianist of the Shiloh church, where she has been occupying that position for the past five years.  She is a graduate of the Millikin University of Decatur, having taken a special course there.  Gertrude M., born October 25, 1890, has taught school in Creek township for three years, the first year teaching the primary department at Lane, the other terms teaching at the Miller school in Creek township.  She is a graduate of the Westfield College , as is her sister Ada, an institution which has been attended by her grandfather and grandmother Shuey and her father, too.  Castle F. S. Munch, the third child, was born January 11, 1894, and has completed the common-school course, now attending the Weldon high school.  He aids his father on the farm during his leisure hours and in the summer.  Luella, born October 16, 1898, has just completed the course in the Creek township schools and will enter the Weldon high school in the fall of 1910.  Maurice, youngest of the children, was born August 28, 1904.

Mr. Munch holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America and in the Court of Honor.  He has served as school director for a number of terms and is one of the progressive men of the township in educational matters.  Since early childhood both he and his wife have been members of the United Brethren church of Shiloh .  He is chorister and a trustee of the church and is a teacher of the young ladies’ Bible class.  He has also served as superintendent of the Sunday school and is an earnest church worker.  But his specialty is evangelistic work.  With his wife, who sings soprano, and Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Cross, who sing respectively tenor and alto, he tours the county and the northern portion of the state during the winter months, doing evangelistic work.  For the past twenty-three years this quartette has been the church choir of the United Brethren church at Shiloh and has participated in all sacred concerts and church benefits that have been held within a radius of many miles.  Throughout the entire county they have sung at the funerals of their friends and neighbors and they constitute an institution that is one of the best in the country.  Mr. Munch is a member of the Northern Illinois Male Quartette, of which his life-long friend and brother-in-law, A. J. Cross, is also a member.  He is eminently a self-made man and has been able, by hard work and care, to give his children the advantages of excellent educations.  A life-long prohibitionist, he resolved, with Mr. Cross, never to vote for any candidate of another party, and to work earnestly in the cause which has for its purpose the bettering of the entire human race.

LEVI R. MURPHEY.  (Volume II, Page 98)

Levi R. Murphey, well known in financial circles of this county as the cashier of the State Bank at Clinton, resides near Farmer City , where he owns a valuable and highly improved farm of two hundred and eighty acres.  His birth occurred in Frederick county, Virginia, on the 28th of December, 1847, his parents being Hiram and Grace F. (Mitchell) Murphey, who were likewise natives of the Old Dominion.  The father, who was a harness maker and saddler by trade, came to DeWitt county in 1853, locating in Mount Pleasant, now Farmer City .  During the remainder of his life he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits, passing away on a farm in Santa Anna township iin 1881, when he had attained the ripe old age of eighty-four years.  His wife, whom he survived for only about twelve months, was seventy-four years of age when called to her final rest.  Both were Methodists in religious faith and their lives were in consistent harmony with the teachings of that church.  Unto them were born nine children, six sons and three daughters, three of whom are yet living.  The eight children who grew to maturity were as follows: Thomas E., who is now deceased; Deborah, the deceased wife of James Hammond; William W., a resident of Farmer City, Illinois; John P., who died of illness while serving as a soldier in the Union army; Robert A., who died from the effect of wounds received in the Civil war; Mary, the deceased wife of Alexander Holmes; Fannie M., the widow of George H. Page; and Levi R., of this review.

The last named was a little lad of six years when he came to this county with his parents and was reared on a farm, attending the district schools in the acquirement of his early education.  He continued his studies in a select school at Farmer City and subsequently followed the profession of teaching for one year.  Abandoning educational work, he returned to the home farm and rented the property from his father until the latter’s demise, when he purchased the place.  Soon afterward he sold this farm of eighty acres and bought a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, to which he subsequently added forty acres, then eighty acres and still later another tract of forty acres, so that his landed holdings now embrace two hundred and eighty acres.  In addition to his farming interests he is likewise a factor in financial circles as the cashier of the State Bank of Clinton, filling that position of responsibility in a creditable and satisfactory manner.  His understanding of modern banking methods and his diligence and progressive spirit constitute him a valued factor in the successful control and promotion of this institution.

On the 2d of November, 1876, Mr. Murphey was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary M. Bracken, a native of Menard county, Illinois , and a daughter of James H. and Hannah (Johnson) Bracken.  Mr. and Mrs. Bracken were the parents of two daughters and three sons, as follows: Mary M.; Cynthia J., the wife of J. Lee Smith; William H.; Harvey; and Roy.  Our subject and his wife have two sons, Albert F. and Earl C., who still live on the home farm.

Mr. Murphey is a democrat in politics and has served his fellow townsmen in the capacity of road commissioner and also as tax collector.  In 1890 he was elected sheriff and for four years capably and fearlessly discharged the duties of that office.  Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Masons, belonging to Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 710, of the latter order.  His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist church.  They occupy a prominent position in social circles, and their home is the abode of a warm-hearted and generous hospitality which is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.

WILLIAM W. MURPHEY.  (Volume II, Page 219)

William W. Murphey, who has been the president of the John Weedman National Bank of Farmer City for the past thirteen years, still resides on his fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Santa Anna township.  His birth occurred near Winchester, Virginia, on the 15th of October, 1838, his parents being Hiram and Grace F. (Mitchell) Murphey, who were likewise natives of the Old Dominion.  The father, who was a saddler by trade, came to DeWitt county, Illinois, in 1853, locating on a farm in Santa Anna township, where he was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life.  He passed away at the age of eighty-three, having survived his wife for several years.  Both were Methodists in religious faith. Unto them were born nine children, six sons and three daughters, as follows: Thomas; Deborah, the deceased wife of James Hammond; John, who died while a soldier in the Union army; William W., of this review; Robert, who died from wounds received in the Civil war; Mary, the deceased wife of Alexander Holmes; Levi, who is mentioned on another page of this work; Fannie, the widow of George H. Page, of this county; and Isaac, who passed away in early life.

William W. Murphey, who was in his fifth year when he accompanied his uncle on his removal to this county, was reared on a farm.  He first attended the subscription schools and later continued his studies in the Normal school at Bloomington, after which he was engaged in teaching for several terms.  During the summer months he worked at farm labor and in the winter seasons taught school.  After abandoning educational interests he devoted his attention exclusively to general agricultural pursuits for a time.  On the 27th of July, 1861, he enlisted in the Union army as a member of Company F, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years and one month, holding the rank of sergeant.  He participated in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Jackson, Mississippi, the siege of Vicksburg, the skirmishes at Corinth, Coldwater, Hernando and many others.  He was likewise in the Atlanta campaign as far as Marietta.  He was wounded in the engagements at Fort Donelson, Tennessee, and Jackson, Mississippi, and his military record is one of which he has every reason to be proud.  When hostilities had ceased he once more took up agricultural pursuits, devoting his time and energies to the cultivation and improvement of his farm of eighty acres in Santa Anna township.  After disposing of the property he bought another tract of one hundred and sixty acres in the same township and on this farm, which is situated two and a half miles northeast of Farmer City, he still makes his home.  In 1897 he became president of the John Weedman National Bank and has served as the chief executive of that institution during the intervening thirteen years.  He has studied banking from every possible standpoint and accurately solves the intricate problems which are continually arising in connection with the banking business.

On the 5th of October, 1865, Mr. Murphey was united in marriage to Miss Nancy H. Burford, whose birth occurred near Corydon, Indiana, her parents being Carey and Ann (Shields) Burford, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee respectively.  After the close of the Civil war they took up their abode in Marion county, Illinois, and subsequently came to DeWitt county, here spending the remainder of their lives.  Mr. Burford passed away at the age of seventy-five years, while his wife lived to attain the ripe old age of eighty-eight.  Their children were eight in number, namely: Catharine, Maggie, J. M., Sylvester, James C, Elizabeth, Nancy H. and John.  Mr. and Mrs. Murphey are the parents of six children, as follows: Edwin C., who died at the age of twenty-seven years; Grace A., who wedded Benjamin Overstreet, of Farmer City, and is the mother of three children-Walter, Albert and William; Viola, who married Frank W. Swiney, of Santa Anna township, by whom she has three children-Mervil, Pearl and Virgil; Blanche, who is the wife of Alonzo Sturgell, of Tuscola, Illinois, and has one daughter, Constant; Wayne W., at home; and one who died in infancy.

In politics Mr. Murphey is a stanch republican and for a number of years he held the office of road commissioner.  The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion and he is now acting as school trustee.  He belongs to Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 126, I. O. O. F., and maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Lemon Post, No. 201, G. A. R.  He is a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is also a devoted member.  In the county where he has resided for more than half a century he is well known and highly esteemed as a prominent, prosperous and progressive citizen.

CLINTON J. NIXON.  (Volume II, Page 149)

Among the residents of DeWitt township who devote considerable attention to the breeding of stock in connection with their farming operations is Clinton J. Nixon, who makes a specialty of Duroc Jersey hogs and imported Shropshire sheep.  His home is on section 31 and in the house where he now lives he was born on the 14th of April, 1865, his parents being William and Margaret (Johnston) Nixon, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of George G. Goble on another page of this volume.  He is next to the youngest in a family of ten children and was reared upon the home farm, pursuing his studies in the public schools of that locality.  He continued to reside with his father until his marriage, which was celebrated on the 20th of December, 1888, his wife being Miss Cora B. Wilson, also a native of DeWitt township and a daughter of William and Louise ( Bradford ) Wilson.  They have become the parents of two children, Rozella Marie and Iva Mae, both at home.

Mr. Nixon’s father gave him eighty acres of the old homestead and he purchased one hundred and twenty-six acres, for which he paid from forty to fifty-five dollars per acre, but the property is now worth one hundred and fifty dollars per acre.  Industrious, Progressive and energetic, he has met with marked success as a general farmer and breeder of stock and is today regarded as one of the substantial citizens of his community.  He is also a man of prominence, taking an active interest in public affairs and supporting the candidates of the republican party.  For two years he served as assessor of his township and is now filling the office of road commissioner for the second term.  During his incumbency in the latter position the Fullerton bridge was built at a cost of four thousand dollars and he was instrumental in saving twenty-five hundred dollars for the tax-payers.  Fraternally he is identified with DeWitt Lodge, No. 261, A. F. & A. M., and religiously both he and his wife belong to the Presbyterian church of DeWitt.  They are representatives of honored and prominent old families of this county and are themselves widely and favorably known.

IRA I. NIXON.  (Volume II, Page 260)

Among the men who have been prominently identified with both the business and agricultural interests of DeWitt county for many years and have now laid aside business cares to enjoy in well earned ease the fruits of former toil is Ira I. Nixon, a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state, for whom the township of Nixon was named.  He was born on the 30th of October, 1855, in Nixon township, where the family settled on coming to DeWitt county in 1845.  His father, George Nixon, was born in Crawford county, Ohio , August 16, 1826, and on coming to this state worked at the carpenter’s trade for short time and with the money thus acquired purchased a farm in Nixon township, after which he devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits.  He was married in 1853 to Miss Mary Jane Swigart, whose birth occurred near Sandusky Ohio, in 1835, her parents being Daniel and Elizabeth Swigart, who settled in DeWitt township in 1849.  Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. George Nixon, namely: Ira I., of this review; Flora A., the wife of Benjamin Cain, of Decatur; Dwight Lincoln, also a resident of Decatur; G. W., who is now connected with the stockyards in Chicago; E. S., a resident of Kansas City, Missouri; and Idella, the wife of C. L. Antisdel, a resident of Pana, Illinois.

George Nixon started out in life for himself in very limited circumstances, but he worked industriously and lived economically and at length became the possessor of a handsome property.  Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he held office, and they contributed liberally to the erection of the Methodist Episcopal churches at Clinton and Weldon.  The poor and needy always found in Mr. Nixon a friend, for he gave liberally of his means to all worthy objects and in many respects was a most exemplary man, never using liquor nor tobacco in any form.  In 1867 he left his farm and removed to Clinton on account of the ill health of his wife, and she died there on the 21st of April, 1869, being laid to rest in the DeWitt cemetery.  In 1870 he was again married, his second union being with Miss Lavina J. Poole, who did not long survive her husband.  His death occurred on the 25th of July, 1879, and his remains were also interred in the DeWitt cemetery.  There were no children by his second marriage.

Ira I. Nixon acquired his early education in the DeWitt schools, but he enjoyed excellent educational advantages and later attended the Wesleyan University at Bloomington and Illinois College at Jacksonville Illinois.  He remained with his father until his marriage, which was celebrated on the 26th of September, 1878, Miss Minnie Campbell becoming his wife.  She, too, is a native of DeWitt county and belongs to a very old and prominent family here.  She was born in Clinton, October 16, 1856, and is a daughter of Lewis and Philena (Argo) Campbell, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this volume.  They became the parents of one son, Lloyd Campbell Nixon, who was born on a farm in this county, February 19, 1881, and died of spinal meningitis on the 24th of January, 1899, his remains being interred in Woodlawn cemetery of Clinton .  At that time he was a high-school student at Weldon and was a bright promising boy, a very manly fellow who was loved and respected by all who knew him.  He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and had a host of warm friends, who held him in the highest regard.  Out of the kindness of their heart Mr. and Mrs. Nixon have taken into their home a little girl, Helen Marjorie Nixon, who was born November 27, 1894, in Clinton, and has attended the Notre Dame College at Bourbonnais , Illinois , for ten years and will graduate in music in 1912.  She is a very lovable girl and finds a good home with her foster parents.

For two years after his marriage Mr. Nixon was engaged in farming but at the end of that time removed to Weldon, though he still retained possession of his farm, and was there engaged in merchandising for twelve years.  He first conducted a hardware store but afterward carried a general stock.  He next turned his attention to the grain business, which he carried on for twelve years, but in 1900 he practically laid aside all business cares and has since lived retired, although he still has supervision of his farming interests, owning two hundred and eighty acres of very valuable and productive land, known as the Hill Top Stock Farm.  It is one of the best improved places in Nixon township, where it is the only farm with a silo upon it and it also has the only elevator to be found on any farm in the county.  The place is also supplied with the latest improved machinery used in farming and in every respect the place is up-to-date.  Mr. Nixon is an extensive feeder of cattle and now employs three men to carry on his business.  He has a beautiful home in the southeastern part of Weldon, surrounded by shade trees and shrubs of his own planting.  Here he and his wife spend the summer months but the winters are mostly passed in St. PetersburgFlorida, where they have gone for the last eleven years.  They delight in travel, however, and have visited many parts of the country, including the Pacific coast, New Orleans, Cuba and HalifaxNova Scotia.

The republican party finds in Mr. Nixon a stanch supporter of its principles and he has filled the office of justice of the peace for four years in a most creditable and acceptable manner.  He has also served as treasurer of the township school fund for some years.  Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, having filled many offices in the latter order.  He has also served as deputy grand chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, and his wife is a charter member of Clinton Lodge of Pythian Sisters.  During their childhood both Mr. and Mrs. Nixon united with the Methodist church and have since taken an active and prominent part in its work, having usually filled some office.  They became identified with the church at Weldon when it had but three members.  They have always been liberal contributors to its support and Mr. Nixon got out all of the timber for the original house of worship, and when it was remodeled the sills were found to be as sound as when put in place.  Mrs. Nixon was the originator of the Ideal Improvement Club of Weldon, in which she has held office for eight years, being the first president of that organization.  She is a lady of culture and refinement, who has displayed exceptionally good tastes in her elegantly furnished home, which is noted for its hospitality and good cheer, the many friends of the family always being sure of a hearty welcome within its doors.  Mr. Nixon has a fine automobile, in which he and his wife take great pleasure, and he is regarded as one of the most progressive and up-to-date citizens of the community.  They are the oldest residents save two now residing in Weldon

JOHN O'BRIEN.  (Volume II, Page 348)

The farming and stock-raising interests of Wilson township have a worthy representative in John O'Brien, who is now devoting considerable attention to the breeding of pure bred Percheron horses.  His home is on section 34, Wilson township, where he owns and operates one hundred and twenty acres of land, and he also has a fourth interest in a farm of seven hundred and two acres in this county besides another tract of thirty-five acres, which he owns.

He was born in the township which is still his home, his natal day being December 25, 1868.  His parents, David and Katharine (Kenney) O'Brien, were born natives of Ireland, the former born in County Cork and the latter in County West Meath.  Both were grown, however, on their emigration to America and were living in DeWitt county at the time of their marriage, which was celebrated in Bloomington, Illinois.  On coming to the United States the father was in very limited circumstances and worked for three months at seven dollars per month.  He persevered, however, and as time passed prospered in his undertakings, owning a tract of forty acres of land at the time of his marriage.  Later he added to his property as he found opportunity until he became the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of well improved and valuable land.  In politics he was a democrat but never cared for the honors or emoluments of office.  His death occurred on the 30th of May, 1900.  In his family were four children: John, of this review; James, a resident of Harp township, who married Bridget Burns and has three children; Michael, who married Sarah Walsh and lives in Barnett township; and Thomas, who wedded Mary Walsh and resides in Wilson township.

John O'Brien was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farm boys and remained with his father until twenty-seven years of age.  At the age of fourteen he was confirmed in the Catholic church by Bishop Spaulding.  On leaving the parental roof he commenced farming for himself upon land owned by his father and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits with marked success.  In the spring of 1907 he and his brothers became the owners of two fine pure bred Percheron horses and they also have three registered mares.  They are now giving considerable attention to the breeding of fine stock.

It was on the 23d of November, 1904, at Wapella, that Mr. O'Brien was united in marriage to Miss Kate Ryan, who was born, reared and educated in Wilson township.  Her parents, Patrick and Katharine (McGrath) Ryan, were also natives of the Emerald isle, the former born in County Wicklow and the latter in County Wexford.  Her father crossed the Atlantic when a young man and on landing in New York had but thirty-five cents in his pocket.  He prospered in his new home, however, and became one of the well-to-do citizens of his locality.  Mrs. O'Brien’s mother came to America with her parents during girlhood and was married in New York state, whence she and her husband came to DeWitt county, Illinois, and located in Wilson township.

Since attaining his majority Mr. O'Brien has affiliated with the democratic party and has been called upon to fill various local offices, serving as road commissioner for two terms, during which time the Fanner’s bridge was built over Salt creek at a cost of three thousand dollars and a new road was opened up between Mr. Bailey’s and Mr. Roy’s farms.

In the spring of 1910 he was elected supervisor of his township, receiving a majority of fifty-two, and was appointed chairman of the building committee and a member of the committee on claims.  His course in life has ever been such as to warrant the high regard in which he is held, and today he stands as one of the leading and representative citizens of Wilson township.

JAMES OLSON.  (Volume II, Page 293)

James Olson is one of the worthy citizens that Sweden has furnished to Illinois and after many years devoted to farming he is now living retired in Weldon, enjoying a well earned rest and the accumulation of former years.  He was born in Helsingburg, August 13, 1842, and is a son of Ola and Anna (Pearson) Johnson, who spent their entire lives in Sweden.  The father, who was born in Sweden in 1813, died on the 17th of January, 1903, at the age of eighty-nine years, while the mother, whose birth occurred November 20, 1812, passed away April 26, 1894.  Of the eight children born to this worthy couple, six are still living, namely: James, of this review; John, a resident of Piatt county, Illinois; Bengta, who continues to make her home in Sweden; Kjersti, who is the wife of Carl Seaborg of Weldon; Peter, who makes his home in Chicago; and Johanna, still a resident of Sweden.

In the land of his birth James Olson passed the days of his boyhood and youth and after the completion of his education turned his attention to farming.  Although he worked for others to a limited extent he mostly aided his father in the labors of the home farm.  He remained under the parental roof until about twenty-nine years of age, when in 1871 he crossed the Atlantic to America, arriving in Greenview, Menard county, Illinois, on the 21st of May, that year.  For two years he was employed on a farm near Sweetwater and then in partnership with his brother John he engaged in farming upon rented land a mile and a half from Farmer City for two years.  At the end of that time he removed to Piatt county, where they operated a rented farm for one year and then dissolved partnership in 1875, when he was married.  He then removed to another farm and continued to cultivate rented land for six years.  In 1884, however, he was able to purchase eighty acres in Piatt county and as time passed he steadily prospered.  As his financial resources increased he added to his property until he had two hundred and forty acres of very valuable and well improved land.  He continued to engage in general farming and stock-raising until the 12th of July, 1905, when he retired and removed to Weldon, DeWitt county.  Here he purchased a good residence in the southeastern part of the town and has since remodeled and improved it until he has a very comfortable and attractive home.  Besides this property he still owns his fine farm in Piatt county, which he rents to his sons.

On the 13th of February, 1875, Mr. Olson married Miss Christina Johnson, who was born near her husband’s birthplace in Sweden, April 21, 1850, a daughter of John and Anna (Anderson) Charstianson, who died in that country when she was a very small child.  Of their seven children only Olaf, now a resident of Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Olson came to America.  The others are: Anders, Johanna, Nels, Thilda and Anna, all residents of Sweden.  To Mr. and Mrs. Olson were born five children, but two are now deceased: Oscar L, born in Piatt county, December 21, 1875, is engaged in farming upon a place of his own and also cultivates a portion of his father’s farm in that county.  He wedded Josie Royse and has one child, Frances Bernice, aged two years.  Charles, born in Piatt county, January 13, 1879, is also engaged in farming upon a part of his father’s land and land of his own.  John Edgar, born in the same county, June 15, 1880, received a good education in the public schools there and later taught in both Piatt and DeWitt counties.  He also attended the Normal School at Normal, Illinois, and was graduated from the osteopathic college at Kirksville, Missouri, in 1904, earning his own way through these institutions.  He was first engaged in practice at Monmouth, Illinois, but is now located at Bushnell and is meeting with excellent success in his chosen profession.

Since becoming a naturalized citizen Mr. Olson has usually voted with the republican party and has taken an active interest in public affairs, serving as school director for fourteen years and pathmaster [postmaster?] for the same time.  Both he and his wife are active workers and faithful members of 'the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is now serving as trustee, while she is steward of the same.  He is one of the self-made men of the community, for on coming to the new world he was in very limited circumstances and the success that he has since attained is due to his own industry, perseverance and good management.  He is progressive and enterprising and very devoted to his wife and family and takes a just pride in the success that they have achieved.

NELS OLSON.  (Volume II, Page 183)

Nels Olson, one of the most substantial citizens and successful farmers of DeWitt county, now living retired in Weldon, was born in Sweden, April 21, 1844, his parents, Nelson and Guinalda (Olson) Nelson, having spent their entire lives in that country.  The mother was born in Helsinborg, Sweden, in 1800 and the father in the same place in 1804.  The latter died when our subject was only fourteen years of age, but the mother long survived him, passing away about 1890.  In their family were two children, Nels and Ole, the latter a resident of Whiteheath, Illinois.

During his boyhood and youth Nels Olson remained in Sweden and at the early age of ten years began earning his own livelihood, continuing to work in his native land until his emigration to the new world in 1870.  He landed in this country on the 18th of May of that year, proceeded at once to Illinois and settled in Menard county, where he engaged in farming for four years.  In 1874 he settled in Piatt county, but two years later became a resident of DeWitt county, where he followed farming for six years.  At the end of that time, however, he returned to Piatt county, making his home there for seven years, since which time he has been a resident of DeWitt county uninterruptedly.  After his return to this county he continued to follow farming with good success until 1905, when he removed to Weldon, purchasing a nice home in the southwestern part of the town.  Here he now makes his home, living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of former labor.  He still owns five hundred and sixty acres of very valuable and productive land, four hundred acres of which are in DeWitt county and one hundred and sixty acres in Macon county.

Mr. Olson was married on the 17th of March, 1874, to Miss Sophia Hallberg, also a native of Sweden, born April 21, 1856.  In the spring of 1873 she accompanied her parents, Gustaf and Cecelia Hallberg, on their removal to the United States, the family locating in Menard county, Illinois.  Her mother, born in 1837, died in the fall of 1906, but the father, born in 1831, is still living and now makes his home in Wisconsin with his children.  Mrs. Olson is the oldest of the eight children, the others being: Hannah, the wife of John Denner, of Peoria, Illinois; Tilda, the wife of Christ Youngreen of Indiana; Charles, of Minnesota; Nels, of Wisconsin; Edward of North Dakota; August and Alfred, both of Wisconsin.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Olson are as follows: Lena, born in Piatt county in 1875, married John Galoway of Nixon township and died in 1907, leaving one son, Clarence, born in 1901.  Frank, born in Nixon township, DeWitt county, in 1877, continues to reside in that township.  He married Maggie Glascow and has one child, Raymond, born in 1900.  William, born in DeWitt county in 1879, makes his home in Macon county.  He married Edna Coffman and has one daughter, Marjorie, born in 1906.  Walter, born in DeWitt county in 1881, lives in Nixon township.  He married Bertha Velga and has one child, Loraine, born in 1906.  James, born in Piatt county in 1883, died in 1904 and was buried in Weldon cemetery.  Lawrence, born in Piatt county in 1885, died in 1908, and was also buried in Weldon cemetery.  Effie, born in Piatt county in 1887, is the wife of Oscar Davis of Clinton, Illinois, and has one child, born in 1910.  Harry, born in DeWitt county in 1892, works for his brother on the farm.  One child died in infancy.  The children were given good educational advantages, Lawrence being a graduate of Brown’s Business College at Decatur, and James of the business college at Quincy, Illinois.

The family is one of prominence in the community where they reside and the children are a credit to their parents.  Mrs. Olson is a member of the Methodist Protestant church and is also a worker in the Ladies’ Aid Society.  On coming to this country Mr. Olson was in very limited circumstances but through perseverance, industry and good management his labors have been crowned with success and he is today one of the most prosperous and well-to-do citizens of his community being the owner of as fine farming land as is to be found in this section of the state.

WALTER J. OLSON.  (Volume II, Page 406)

Walter J. Olson, one of the successful agriculturists of Nixon township, operating a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, was born August 10, 1881, in Piatt county, Illinois, of which his parents, Nelson and Sophia (Halberg) Olson, were early settlers.  In their family were nine children, those still living being: Harry and Frank, who make their home near Weldon; William, who lives near Argenta; Mrs. Effie Davis, living near Clinton; and Walter J. of this review.  Those deceased are: one who died in infancy; James, who died in 1904 at the age of twenty-one years; Mrs. Lena Gallaway, who died in 1907 at the age of thirty-two years; and Lawrence, who died in 1908 at the age of twenty-three.

Shortly after the birth of Walter J. Olson his family came to DeWitt county, settling in Nixon township where he was reared and educated, attending the public schools and remaining at home until he attained his majority.  He worked with his father upon the home place and in this way acquired an excellent knowledge of farming which he decided to make his life work.  He is an up-to-date agriculturist and stock-raiser and is meeting with good success.

About three years after starting out in life for himself as a farmer Mr. Olson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Welge, who was born July 26, 1885, in Macon county, Illinois, where her parents, Henry and Sophia (Koch) Welge settled on coming to this country from Germany in 1872.  Mr. and Mrs. Welge are still living and now make their home in Maroa, Illinois, the father being sixty-four years of age and the mother a year younger.  Mrs. Olson is the youngest of their five children, the others being; Christopher, a resident of Maroa; Henry and Charles, both of whom live near that place; and Fred, who makes his home near Argenta, Illinois.  Mr. and Mrs. Olson had two children, Loraine, born February 4, 1906; and Ernest, who was born August 25, 1907, and died in 1910, his remains being interred in the cemetery at Weldon.

For five years Mr. Olson operated the old home farm and is today engaged in the cultivation of one hundred and sixty acres of fine farming land which he rents from his father and is meeting with splendid success in his labors.  Politically he is a republican but does not care for office, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs.  Both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Protestant church of Weldon and their lives are in harmony with its teachings.  A member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, he exemplifies the principles of these orders.  Full of energy and business ability and thoroughly honest in all his transactions, he undoubtedly has a bright future before him and gives promise of becoming one of the leading men of his community.