The Biographical Record of DeWitt County, Illinois, Illustrated.
Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901.

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.

EDWARD DANISON. (Volume 1, Page 379)

Among the well-known representative business men of Lane, Illinois, Mr. Edward Danison, of the firm of Danison & Hartsock, grain and lumber dealers, is worthy of special mention not only on account of his business enterprise, but also because of his many excellent traits of character. He was born in Franklin county, Ohio, November 7, 1854, and was a son of Isaac and Barbara (Bossinger) Danison, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father moved from his native state to Ohio with his parents when yet a boy and settled in Perry county, where he married, but later went to Franklin county, the same state. When our subject was eleven years of age the family came to Illinois and located in Creek township, DeWitt county, where the father purchased land and engaged in farming for a number of years. He died in 1881 at the age of seventy-eight and was buried in Rose cemetery, Creek township. His widow is living on the farm at the age of eighty-six. Of the six children born to them, four are now living, as follows: Eli, who lives at home with his mother farming the old homestead; Mary, widow of Amos Binegarden [Winegardner] and a resident of Brainerd township; Michael, who is living in Idaho Springs, Colorado, where he is mining; and Edward, our subject.

The early education of our subject was received in Ohio. He came to Illinois with his parents, remaining upon the home farm until he reached the age of twenty-one, when he began business life for himself. After his marriage, which occurred when he was twenty-five, he rented a farm in Douglas county, Illinois, for three years and then returned to DeWitt county, where he purchased land in Creek township, three and one-half miles southeast of the town of Lane. This farm he operated for four years, giving the greater portion of his attention to stock-raising for the market and making quite a success of this undertaking. In 1894 he came to Lane and purchased an elevator, which he conducted together with Tillman Lane for two years. This partnership was then dissolved and Mr. Danison embarked in the hardware business and continued in this line for about a year. In 1900 Mr. Danison formed a partnership with Emerson Hartsock, under the firm name of Danison & Hartsock. They have erected a fine elevator which has a capacity of thirty thousand bushels of grain, and conduct a flourishing grain, lumber and coal business, which has already assumed large proportions. By adopting and sustaining a uniform method of upright dealing, the members of this firm have established themselves firmly in the commercial life of Lane and built for themselves a good financial standing among the solid business men of the village and surrounding country.

Mr. Danison was married on November 25, 1875, to Miss Sarah J. Lane, a native of DeWitt county, and the daughter of Jerry Lane, who was one of the early settlers of this county and is now residing in Lane. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Danison, namely: Eli Otis, who died at the age of three years; Ira May, who died at the age of six years; Edward William, who died at the age of three years.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Danison are very active members of the Christian church, in which they are highly respected and to whose support they are very liberal contributors. Mr. Danison is a member of Gilman Lodge, No. 455, K. of P. and is also a member of Lane Camp, No. 1782, Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a strong Republican and cast his first vote for President Hayes, but has never sought or held office, feeling that his private affairs were more than sufficient to occupy his time.

(Note: Barbara Danison's maiden name was Bosserman, not Bossinger.)

HUGH DAVENPORT. (Volume 1, Page 405)

One of the prosperous farmers of Creek township, DeWitt county, Illinois, is Hugh Davenport, who was born in Texas township, DeWitt county, October 27, 1844, and is a son of Isaiah and Nancy (Shipley) Davenport, who were born in Kentucky, of Irish descent, and were married in DeWitt county, Illinois. When Isaiah was fourteen years of age, in 1826, his father, George Davenport, came with his wife and family to this portion of the state in an ox cart and settled upon ten acres of land west of Springfield where he built a log house. The family born to George Davenport and his wife was as follows: Betsy, Polly, Katie, Isaiah, Nancy and Hugh.

The father of our subject was educated in the district schools and worked upon the farm of his father. After attaining to manhood he came to DeWitt county with his brother Hugh and settled in Clintonia township, where he entered one hundred and twenty acres of wild prairie land and erected the first house in what is now Clinton, as that city is located upon this farm. After living there for about ten years he sold the property and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of wild land in Texas township, of which he cultivated eighty and left forty for timber. The house he built upon this land in 1840 is still thought to be standing. In 1851 he sold his property there and bought eighty acres in Creek township, which our subject now owns. A small portion of this was broken and a small cabin, fourteen by sixteen feet, was erected upon the property. This house Mr. Davenport improved and afterward rebuilt, and he put the farm in excellent condition. Here he resided until 1881, when he bought one hundred and sixty acres and sold the eighty acres. Later he sold that property and purchased eighty acres one mile south on sections 10 and 11, Creek township, where he died the 27th of October, 1886.

By his first marriage Isaiah Davenport had fourteen children, of whom our subject is the seventh in order of birth. Five of these fourteen children are now living, namely: Lucinda, who married Joseph Hanson and lives in Creek township; Jerry, who is a retired farmer at Weldon, Nixon township; Alsiena, who married Asa Corner and lives in Kansas; Hugh, our subject; and William, who lives in Kansas. The mother died in 1853, when about thirty-five years of age, and was buried in Texas township. The father later married Miss Jane Bennett, a native of Illinois, and to this union were born five children, who are living, namely: Gabriel B., who lives in Kansas; Green L., who lives in Franklin county, Illinois; Laura, who married Monroe Bell and lives in Lane; Nancy, who married W. Sutton and resides in Macon county, Illinois; and Goldman, who lives in Iowa. The second wife died in 1878, when about fifty-five, and was buried in Texas township. Isaiah Davenport and both wives were earnest members of the Baptist church and he was a very religious man. In politics he was a Democrat and held many of the local offices, including that of justice of the peace for many years.

Hugh Davenport received a very limited education in the district school held in a log cabin with slab benches and greased paper windows. He also attended a subscription school, but as his father's family was a large one the children were obliged to take turns, for he could not afford to send them all at once. Before he was seventeen our subject, fired with the spirit of patriotism, enlisted on August 1, 1861, for three years at Clinton in Company F, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Captain David Brown in command. Mr. Davenport was in [the] battles of Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, Carthage, Tallahassee, forty days' siege of Vicksburg, and Jackson, Mississippi, and participated in part of the celebrated march to the sea. He was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois. He never received a wound or was captured.

When he returned home he commenced farming in Creek township. In 1870 he purchased forty acres of land, to which he added eighty acres more, and then sold that farm and purchased an eighty-acre tract. On this property he erected a large and comfortable house and necessary outbuildings, planted shade and fruit trees, and now has one of the most pleasant homes in the county. The farm is devoted to grain and stock-raising, and Mr. Davenport is very successful.

On October 22, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary A. Hull, a native of Sangamon county, Illinois, and a daughter of James and Kate (Davenport) Hull. Mr. Hull was born in Scotland and came to this country at an early day. Mrs. Hull was from Kentucky. To them five children were born, all of whom are still living, namely: Andrew, who lives at Clinton; James, who is in Mason county; Hugh, who lives in the state of Texas; Elizabeth, who married William Davenport, of Kansas; Mary A., wife of our subject. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Davenport, namely: James, who died in childhood; Katie, who married Nelson Luttrell, a native of Illinois, and they have six children, James, Dorvin, Guy, Raymond, Grace and Nellie, deceased; David, who died young; Ollie; Albert; Cora; and Winfield, who also died in childhood.

Mr. Davenport and family are members of the Christian church, in which he was an elder, but resigned. In politics he is a Democrat and served for a number of years as commissioner of highways. Socially he is a member of the order of Knights of Pythias of Lane, and is as popular in that organization as he is highly respected throughout the neighborhood in which he resides.

JEREMIAH DAVENPORT. (Volume 1, Page 194)

Jeremiah Davenport, a prominent retired farmer of Weldon, late of Creek township, was born in Clintonia township, this county, February 10, 1839, a son of Isaiah and Nancy (Chipley) Davenport, both natives of Kentucky. His paternal grandfather was born of Irish parents in North Carolina. Later he removed to Kentucky and in 1824 came to Illinois and settled in Morgan county, later moved to DeWitt county, long before DeWitt county was organized. Here he lived as a farmer till his death in 1837. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Stewart, and to them were born eight children, of whom two were sons, Hugh and Isaiah. The latter, who was our subject's father, was born in Casey county, Kentucky, in 1814, and in 1824 came west with his parents and settled in Morgan county, but soon after came to DeWitt county, before it was organized, where he tilled the soil for a livelihood. Later he moved to Texas township and then to Creek township, near Lane station, where he died in 1885. He was a soldier in both the Black Hawk and Mexican wars. For his first wife he chose Miss Nancy Chipley, and they were blessed with twelve children, namely: Elizabeth, who became Mrs. John Linbert; Sarah A., who married John Bennett; Lucy S., now widow of Jerry Shumaker; Jeremiah, our subject; Alsorena, now Mrs. A. T. Corner; Hugh and William; the other five dying in infancy. His second choice was Miss Jane, daughter of Gabriel Bennett, of Creek township. His second marriage resulted in the birth of six children, as follows: Gabriel B.; Green L.; Laura B., who became the wife of Anthony Bell; John; Goldman; and Nancy A., who is now Mrs. Douglas Sutton.

Jeremiah Davenport was reared in Clintonia, Texas and Creek townships, this county, and on attaining his majority he began life as a farmer in Creek township, but in 1860 moved to Missouri. When the Civil war broke out he was a member of the Missouri state militia and entered the government service in August, 1862, as a member of Company A, Thirty-fifth Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He took part in several skirmishes; battle of Helena, Arkansas, July 4, 1863, and was also in the battle at Shell Mound, Mississippi, the same year, and on July 16, 1865, was honorably discharged from the United States service. For eight years he resided in Missouri, but at the end of that time, in 1869, he returned to Creek township, where he purchased eighty acres of land, to which he subsequently added twenty acres, which he placed under a high state of cultivation. Here he remained for several years, and by being of a saving disposition, working early and late, he was enabled in the year 1890 to lay aside the cares of the farm and move to Weldon, where he has since lived a retired life.

On January 28, 1858, he led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah J., daughter of John and Rebecca (Mathews) Hensen, of Creek township. To this worthy couple were born five children, of whom four grew to maturity, namely: Laura, who became Mrs. Luther Dillavan [Dillavou]; Marion C.; Farry B., who became the wife of Gilbert Crosson; and John. All are deceased except Marion C., who married Maggie Lane, and resides on the old homestead.

Mr. Davenport and wife are members of the Shiloh United Brethren church, and the Abner McNier Post, No. 783, G. A. R., of Weldon. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.

ANDREW J. DAVIS. (Volume 1, Page 233)

Andrew Jackson Davis, a life-long resident of the state of Illinois, was born in Madison county, September 8, 1851, and is a son of William and Ruth (Ebling) Davis, both of whom are now deceased. The father was a native of Tennessee and the mother of the Blue Grass state. To this worthy couple were born nine children, our subject being the fourth in birth. The other six living are as follows: F. J. Davis, William Harrison Davis, John Wesley, Amanda Ann, Louis Richard, and Thomas Washington.

Andrew Davis received his education from the schools in Effingham county and remained upon the home farm until he was nineteen years of age, at which time he rented a tract of land and started out on life's journey for himself. On August 11, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Ann Wilson, daughter of Philip and Margaret Wilson, both of whom have departed this life. Mr. Wilson was a native of Pennsylvania and Mrs. Wilson of Ohio, in which state Miss Sarah was born.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis became the parents of five children, as follows: Emma Rosella, who became the wife of Ezra Westlake, now resides in Logan county. Their children are Irvin, Ruth and Ruby, twins; and Pearl. Amy Estella married George Young, and resides in the home township. They have three children, Gladys, Ralph and Earl. Cora is the wife of James Reed, and they are the parents of two daughters, Hazel and Pansy. Pearl and Bessie, the youngest children, are at home with their parents.

In 1888 Mr. Davis moved to DeWitt county and continued in the agricultural pursuits until 1894, when he opened a general store at Birkbeck, his being the only store in that place for almost five years. In 1896 our subject was appointed postmaster of Birkbeck, under President Cleveland, and although a stanch Democrat he has given such satisfaction that he has held the office through the Republic administration to the present time. For two terms he was township clerk and has also served as school director. Religiously, Mr. Davis is a member of the Christian church of Charter Oak.

JONATHAN K. DAVIS. (Volume 1, Page 70)

Jonathan K. Davis, a retired farmer residing in the city of Clinton, Illinois, has made his home in DeWitt county for almost half a century, and his name is inseparably connected with its agricultural and business interests. His thoroughly American spirit and his great energy have enabled him to mount from a lowly position to one of affluence. One of his leading characteristics in business affairs is his fine sense of order and complete system, and the habit of giving careful attention to details, without which success in an undertaking is never an assured fact. Mr. Davis started in life with nothing but a strong determination to succeed, and now that his fondest dreams have been realized he is spending his last days in ease and quiet at his beautiful home in the city of Clinton, which was but a mere hamlet when he first came to this county.

Mr. Davis was born in Perry county, Ohio, April 7, 1821, and is a son of John Davis and grandson of William and Elizabeth Davis, the former a native of Wales, who came to this country prior to the Revolutionary war, in which great struggle for American independence he took an active part, serving from the beginning till the end under General Washington. He saw and endured many hardships and privations that the soldiers of those days were compelled to go through. He was with Washington the winter that this grand man encamped at Valley Forge, the history of which is familiar to everyone. After the close of this war he settled in Frederick county, Maryland, where he made farming his life occupation and where he was called to his final rest at the age of sixty-five years. His wife, Elizabeth, was an English lady, and lived to reach a good old age. They became the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, Benjamin and John.

John Davis, the father of the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1785. His early life was spent on a farm and he also ran a hotel and at one time operated a ferry across the Monoxico creek, near where it flowed into the Potomac river. In 1816 he decided that the west offered better inducements to a young man and accordingly bade goodbye to his native county and, after experiencing all the hardships incident to travel in those early days, he finally settled in Perry county, Ohio. This was just after the war of 1812, in which he took an active part. He was present at the burning of Washington by the British and took part in other important engagements. He was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Karshner, who was a native of Pennsylvania. The trip to Ohio was made by wagon, in which they lived for some time, or until a more suitable dwelling could be erected. Their stay in Perry county was of but a few years' duration, when they removed to Senaca county and were one of the first nine families to locate in Bloom township. This was in 1824 when Indians were more numerous than white men. Here he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, cut the trees and erected a rude log house in which to live. This dwelling was very primitive. At first it had no windows and later, when the march of improvements began to sweep over this vast western country, windows were put in, and our subject can recall how queer they looked, as they were the first that he had ever seen. Soon the farm was cleared and after a few years where the forest stood were well cultivated fields. On this place our subject's father remained until his death, which occurred on July 9, 1849. He was an earnest Christian man and a devout member of the Methodist church for over thirty years. His estimable wife also passed away on the old homestead at the age of fifty years. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: William, who is now living in Bloomville, Ohio; Jonathan K., or subject; Alfred O., deceased; Sarah, who married J. W. Stinchcomb; Elizabeth married Smith Taylor; Thomas W. is a physician and makes his home in Wapella, this county; Susanna; Milton R., of Charleston, Missouri. All these children were strong and robust and all lived to reach a good old age, with the exception of two who died before reaching maturity.

The educational privileges of our subject were very meager, as he attended a log school house with greased paper for windows and split logs for seats, but in the face of all these obstacles he managed to secure a good elementary education. Then by working at various occupations he managed to save enough to enable him to take a course of study in the Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, where he remained for six months. Since that time he has been a constant reader of good literature and to-day he is a finely educated man.

It was at the age of twenty-five years that he determined to start out in the world alone. He at first rented a sawmill and farmed on the shares. In this way he got a start and soon after bought eighty acres of land in Indiana, which he later disposed of and purchased a half interest in his father's farm. After a time he sold this and bought one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he lived until he came to DeWitt county, in 1857. He located in Clinton and entered into partnership with S. Taylor and engaged in mercantile business in a frame building that stood on the corner now occupied by the Magill House. This partnership continued for about three months, when he retired from the business and bought eighty acres of land in Wilson township, this county, which was first settled by a Mr. Cloud and which was partially improved. A log cabin had been erected and some fruit trees set out, a few of which were still living. At that time the only tree in sight of the house was a cottonwood that had been planted near the door. This grew to an enormous size. Soon a frame house took the place of the log cabin and from that time till the present day Mr. Davis has steadily prospered in his undertakings. He first added to his original purchase by purchasing the old Bell farm of one hundred and sixty acres. To this he added the Lewis farm of one hundred and twenty acres, then fifty-five acres of timber land and still later an eighty-acre [tact] of partially improved land. In addition to his farming he made a specialty of fine cattle, horses and hogs, which he raised for market. At times he has had as high as seventy-five head of cattle and one hundred and fifty head of hogs. His land he improved by tiling, putting several thousand dollars into tiles.

At Tiffin, Ohio, on March 8, 1849, Mr. Davis led to the marriage altar Miss Mary S. Wilcox, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Dealander) Wilcox, who were early settlers in Ohio. Her father was a wagon-maker and lived to the good old age of eighty-four and his wife also attained the same age. Eight children blessed this union, as follows: Mary S.; Samuel; George; Uriah; Catherine, who married F. D. Kestler; Peter; Lovina and Lurena.

To our subject and his wife were born six children, namely: Jesse S., who is agent for the Jones scales, married Mary Ross, now deceased, and they have one child, Kash; Evander resides in Kansas; Merrick, a large ranch owner in Texas, married Belle Brown, and they have seven children, Chauncey R., Mabel S., Jonathan, Harold, Ira, Grace and Ida Belle; Jonathan K. and Mary are both deceased; U. S. Grant is a farmer of Harp township, who married Ida Thorp, and they have two children, Sabella and Bernice.

For twenty-four years Mr. Davis served as justice of the peace and for two years as a member of the board of supervisors. On August 20, 1859, he induced Rev. William Hendel, a local minister, to have services in the school house, as he was one to build the first school house in the township. Here he was chosen leader and he and his good wife did all in their power to keep up the interest of these meetings. He was always found ready and willing to do even more than his share to help the good work along. He was a very liberal giver towards the new church, which was erected in 1891, Rev. Walter Mitchell being the first minister to occupy its pulpit, but now it is under the pastorate of Rev. Enis. When the school house was first built there were only seven families to send children to it, but now it is one of the best in the township.

In 1895 Mr. Davis came to Clinton and purchased an elegant home, known as the White property, a large spacious residence with beautiful surrounding lawns and shade trees, a place he and his wife can well enjoy the remainder of their lives and entertain their host of friends. Politically Mr. Davis is a stanch Republican, but was originally a Whig, having cast his first vote for Henry Clay in 1844.

Mr. Davis is in all respects a self-made man. Through his own exertions he has attained an honorable position and marked prestige among the representative men of DeWitt county, and with signal consistency it may be said that he is the architect of his own fortunes, and one whose success amply justifies the application of the somewhat hackneyed, but most expressive title, "a self-made man."

REMUS DAVIS. (Volume 1, Page 160)

In a little log cabin on the east bank of Hanley's Creek, Davis county, Kentucky, Remus Davis was born, November 7, 1819. His childhood days were passed in assisting in the duties around his father's farm and in attending the early subscription schools whenever the home work would permit of his absence. His father, Phillip was born in Maryland, and his mother, Margaret (Reed) Davis, daughter of Thomas Reed, was a native of West Virginia. Phillip Davis was a farmer during the greater part of his life, and in 1836 emigrated to the west, settling in what is now DeWitt, but what was then Macon county, Illinois, where he entered claim for eighty acres of land, thirty acres of which was prairie. In this wilderness the parents started to make themselves a home, erecting a little log cabin in which they entered upon their housekeeping, but their plans were alas doomed to unexpected change, for the following fall the mother was taken from her family by death. Five years later the father also died. There were in the family thirteen children, of whom eleven grew to be men and women, Remus being at the present time the only one living. He was seventeen years of age when the family came to Illinois, and therefore a large share of the work in the new and uncultivated region fell to his share, and among other things he hewed the logs for the building of the cabin. Though eighty-two years of age, he recalls all of the changes through which he has passed, and his memories and active life entitle him to a place among the very early pioneers of the state.

In 1846 Mr. Davis enlisted in Company E, Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served through the Mexican war under Generals Winfield Scott, Shields, Patterson and Polk, and was at the battles of Cerro Gordo and Vera Cruz. He enjoys the distinction of being the only living veteran of the Mexican war in DeWitt county. After the war he came back to his home and bought land which he improved, and later bought the first saw-mill in this section, which he continued to run on and off for forty years. In 1850 he married Elizabeth Jones, of Indiana, and of this union there have been eight children, although only one survives, Mary Belle, now the wife of Lewis Foster. Mr. Foster is a son of Andrew Foster, who was born about 1818, and was a farmer and millwright by trade, and ran a saw and grist-mill for many years. He died in 1883, but his wife survives him, and is living with her son, James, east of Clinton, Illinois. The union of Lewis Foster and Mary Belle Davis occurred August 30, 1884, and of this union there are seven children: Mable, Edna, Edith, Clotile, Homer, William J., and Lulu.

Mr. Davis is now the possessor of sixty-six acres of timely improved land, having sold the land that he originally purchased on the prairies. He is a Republican in politics and cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison. He is a member of the Christian church, as was also his wife and helpmate, who died September 5, 1892, at the age of sixty years.

LAFAYETTE DE BOICE. (Volume 1, Page 340)

This well-known resident of Clinton, who was one of the first men to make a success as a breeder of fine thoroughbred trotting horses, was born in Johnson county, Iowa, February 8, 1853, and comes of good old Revolutionary stock, being a great grandson of John De Boice, who fought for American Independence. He was born in Paris, France, May 15, 1750, and came to this country with the French Huguenots who were driven from their native land on account of their religious belief. He settled in Shaftsburg, Vermont, where he died in 1791. There he had married Amy Howlet, who was born at that place January 12, 1753, and died in 1823. The only known son of this worthy couple was William Ludlow De Boice, the grandfather of our subject. He was married, September 29, 1806, to Philanda Merrick, of Windham county, Vermont. She was born in Dummerston, that county, April 19, 1784, and died February 7, 1873. They had one son, William H. De Boice, who was born in Onondaga County, New York, June 28, 1810, and died in Clinton, Illinois, in 1891. On the 7th of March, 1858, he married Miss Annie S. Taylor, of Madison county, Ohio, who was born in Bangor, Maine, September 5, 1821. The children born of this union were William Harrison, who died in Ironton, Missouri, January 3, 1862, from injuries received in the war of the Rebellion; Frank Marion, who was injured in the siege of Vicksburg and died at Memphis, Tennessee, January 18, 1863; Amy A., wife of E. Sylvester Miller, of Clinton, Illinois; Sylvia Cerepita, wife of Charles Taylor, of Mexico; Annie Marie, wife of J. Warner, of Chicago; and Lafayette of this review. For his second wife the father married Mrs. Alma Ward, a sister of Peter Hagle, of Clinton. She is now living in Springfield, Illinois. By this marriage were born two children: Fred W., a resident of Kansas City; and Clara Jane, deceased wife of Richard Palmer. In early life the father removed to Madison county, Ohio; later went to Iowa, and in 1854 came to Clinton, Illinois. He purchased the Betzer farm in this county, which he improved, but after owning the same for ten years he sold and bought what is now known as the L. Abbott farm. This he disposed of in 1872, when he retired from active labor and removed to Clinton, buying the Leader property. He was a Republican in politics and served as commissioner of his township for a time. Socially he affiliated with the independent Order of Odd Fellows.

It was during the infancy of our subject that the family came to DeWitt county, and until seventeen years of age he followed farming here. He then went to Kansas and was engaged in freighting first from Wichita and later from Wellington, Caldwell and Reno, this being before the day of railroads in the west. In the fall of 1876 he returned to Clinton and was connected with the Sylvester mills for two years, but failing health soon forced him to seek outdoor employment. He then purchased the William G. Savage farm of fifty acres, and turned his attention to the raising and training of trotting horses. He has since owned some of the best breeds in the state, and usually sells from ten to fifteen annually. He now owns the noted stallion, Al. Kone, which is one of the finest in central Illinois, and which was purchased by him in 1892 when two years old. He also has Edna Kone, and has raised Sadie D. and Easter Lily, besides several two, three and four-year-olds, which he still owns. He has eight breeding mares and keeps fine trotters on hand all the time. Each year he has a regular sale. He has won races in various parts of the state, and wherever his horses have been entered they have gained such a wide reputation that large crowds gather to see them. They have won a large percentage of the races in which they have been entered. His fine large stable upon his place was destroyed by fire in 1900, and he has since used the stable at the Clinton fair grounds, where he has plenty of opportunity to exercise his horses. He employs only the most competent men to assist him in caring for his horses, but he breaks and drives all of them himself.

Mr. De Boice married Miss Ida Savage, a daughter of William Gibson Savage, deceased, who was one of the esteemed citizens of Clinton. He was born near Lake Champlain, New York, in August, 1811. Her grandfather, Gibson Savage, was born in New England, of Scotch and English parentage, and removed to Ohio prior to 1820. There her father grew to manhood and learned the tanner's and saddler's trades, but later followed farming in Champaign county, Ohio, until 1849, when he came to DeWitt county, Illinois. He continued to engage in agricultural pursuits for some years and also dealt largely in real estate, especially in business property. He amassed quite a fortune, and died honored and respected by all who knew him. In August, 1835, he married Miss Sarah Gideon, of Champaign county, Ohio, who was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, November 6, 1814, and is a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Miller) Gideon. She proved a valuable counselor and helpmeet to her husband, and since his death has displayed much business ability in the management of the large property left her. She is now erecting a fine residence for herself in Clinton. Very charitable and benevolent, she gives liberally to all enterprises calculated to advance the public welfare. Mr. and Mrs. De Boice have four children: Sadie C., who was graduated with honors at the Clinton high school in 1901; William H.; Edna; and Bennie.

The Republican party has always found in Mr. De Boice a stanch supporter of its principles, and he is now efficiently serving his third term as commissioner of highways. In religious belief he is a Universalist, and in his social relations is a member of the Uniform Rank of Knights of Pythias, the United Protective League and the Masonic fraternity.

JOHN F. DE LAND. (Volume 1, Page 64)

John F. De Land, the well-known and popular cashier of the National Bank of Clinton, Illinois, was born in that city on the 27th of December, 1861, and has been prominently identified with her financial interests since reaching manhood. His father, James De Land, was born in West Rutland, Vermont, and was reared and educated in that state. Coming west he was engaged in school teaching in Ohio, Iowa and Missouri until 1860, when he removed to Clinton, Illinois, and turned his attention to stock-dealing, handling and shipping all kinds of stock. In 1869 he opened a grocery store where Nicoli is now located and built what is now known as the Opera House block, but was first used as a town hall. Subsequently he was engaged in the dry-goods business and was also interested in the hardware trade for many years, becoming one of Clinton's leading merchants. He did railroad contracting for a time and, in connection with Colonel Thomas Snell and others, organized the National Bank of Clinton, of which he was a stockholder and vice-president. He was a capable financier and was one of the ablest business men of the city. Politically he always affiliated with the Republican party, and took a very active and influential part in public affairs. He filled the office of supervisor and circuit clerk, and also served as mayor from 1881 to 1883. Mr. De Land was instrumental in buying and locating the DeWitt county farm, and also assisted in establishing the Woodlawn cemetery. He died in 1896, at the age of seventy-five years, honored and respected by all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Emily Abbott, passed away in 1872, at the age of forty-nine. They had five children: a son, who died in infancy; Emma Lou, widow of Robert Magill; Ada M., wife of W. H. Wheeler; John F., our subject; and Lillie, deceased.

During his boyhood John F. De Land attended the public schools of Clinton and completed his education at the high school of Brandon, Vermont. He served as deputy circuit clerk under his father until 1880, when he entered the National Bank of Clinton as bookkeeper; was later promoted to assistant cashier, and in 1896 was made cashier. He is also a stockholder and director of the bank, and is a regarded as one of the most reliable business men of the city.

In 1883 Mr. De Land was united in marriage with Miss Belle Wolf. Her father, Philip Wolf, a retired citizen of Clinton, was born in Bellefontaine, Logan county, Ohio, June 12, 1834, and is a son of John B. Wolf, who was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but was reared in Ohio, and in 1847 came to DeWitt county, Illinois. He first located in Tunbridge township, but in 1853 sold his farm and removed to Clinton, where he engaged in the lumber business. Here he died in 1868, at the age of sixty-four years. He married Rebecca Stout, of Ohio, who died at the age of eighty years. Their children were Elizabeth, Lydia, Philip, Margaret, Ruzella, Joseph, Mary, John and Catherine. Philip Wolf spent his early life upon a farm, and was then engaged in the dry-goods business in Clinton with E. W. Taylor, and still later in the implement and hardware business with J. W. Bell, and later on with A. D. McHenry. He built the block now occupied by the hardware firm of Bailor & Bryant; erected a number of houses, and owns considerable farm property in this county. Having accumulated a comfortable property, he is now living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of former toil, and is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Clinton. He wedded Miss Mary, daughter of Henry Bell, an early settler of this county, and to them were born three children: Lura, wife of Rev. E. A. Hamilton; Annie, wife of J. R. Huston; and Belle, wife of our subject. In Politics Mr. Wolf is a Republican, and in his social relations is a member of the Masonic order. Unto Mr. and Mrs. De Land was born only one child, Lota, who died in 1900, at the age of fifteen years. She was an exceptionally bright, accomplished girl, very refined in manner, and her death was a severe blow, not only to her parents, but to her many friends.

The Republican party has always found in Mr. De Land a stanch supporter of its principles. He filled the office of city treasurer two years, but has never cared for political honors. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge and the Methodist Episcopal church. His father was also connected with that church, and was an Odd Fellow and Royal Arch Mason. In manner our subject is pleasant and social, and all who know him esteem him highly for his genuine worth.

JOSEPH DIETRICH. (Volume 1, Page 301)

Prominent among the German-American citizens residing in DeWitt county is this well-known and thrifty farmer whose home is on section 33, Barnett township. He was born July 26, 1841, in Baden, Germany, of which place his parents, Michael and Josephine (Pikel) Dietrich, were also natives. In 1857 they family emigrated to America and settled in Sangamon county, Illinois, where the father died shortly afterward. The children were then reared by the mother in that county.

There Joseph Dietrich grew to manhood with limited educational advantages as he had but little opportunity to attend school. He is therefore almost wholly a self-educated as well as a self-made man. After leaving home he worked by the month as a farm hand for several years, and then commenced farming for himself upon rented land. His time was thus passed in Sangamon county until 1874, when he removed to Logan county and operated a farm near Lincoln for over twenty years. In 1894 he removed to Barnett township, DeWitt county, where he had previously purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he now owns and occupies. This is now under a high state of cultivation and well improved with good and substantial buildings.

In Sangamon county, March 4, 1869, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dietrich and Miss Elizabeth Pressler, who was born in Bayer, Germany, and in 1861 came to the new world with her parents, George and Valentine Pressler, who spent their last days in Sangamon county, Illinois. There Mrs. Dietrich was reared, making her home in Springfield for several years. To our subject and his wife were born ten children, five sons and five daughters, namely: Joseph and George, both farmers of Macon county, Illinois; Jacob, a resident of Iowa; John and Henry, who are now carrying on the home farm; Mary Louisa, who is now keeping house for her brother George; Elizabeth, wife of Anton Farlow, of Springfield; Emma, wife of George Bloye, of DeWitt county; and Minnie and Carrie, both at home with their parents.

Mr. Dietrich cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, and since that time has never failed to support the Republican party at each presidential election. He is a member of the school board in his district, and does all in his power to advance the moral, educational and material welfare of the community in which he resides. He and his wife were reared in the Lutheran faith and are people of the highest respectability. They began their married life in limited circumstances, but by their combined efforts have steadily prospered until they are now quite well-to-do.

J. FRANK DIX. (Volume 1, Page 79)

This well-known merchant of Waynesville, Illinois, is a man whose sound common sense and vigorous, able management of his affairs have been important factors in his success, and with his undoubted integrity of character have given him an honorable position among his fellow men. He was born in Decatur county, Indiana, September 6, 1854, but during his infancy was brought to this state, where he has since made his home.

His father, J. W. Dix, was a native of Virginia and a son of John Dix. J. W. Dix grew to manhood in Virginia and then removed to Ohio, and settled near Xenia. There he married Martha Smith, a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of William Smith, who was one of the early settlers of Ohio. After his marriage he removed to Indiana, where he spent one year, and then in 1854 came to Illinois and took up his residence in Bloomington, where he followed blacksmithing for a few years, having learned that trade in early life. In 1869 he removed to Waynesville, DeWitt county, and opened a wagon, repair and blacksmith shop, carrying on business here for some years. He next went to Kingman, Kansas, in 1882, and spent the remainder of his life at that place, dying there in 1888. His wife still survives him and resides with her youngest son in Newton, Kansas. In the family were twelve children, four sons and eight daughters, all of whom reached mature years, and all of the sons and four of the daughters are still living.

J. Frank Dix, of this review, was a lad of about fifteen years when he came with the family to DeWitt county. He received his early education in the common schools, which he attended during the winter months, while he worked on a farm through the summer season. After reaching manhood he took charge of a store at Waynesville, which he successfully managed for two years, and during that time became thoroughly familiar with the mercantile business. In May, 1879, he opened a small restaurant of his own, and as soon as he had secured sufficient capital he put in a small stock of groceries, to which he added from time to time as his financial resources permitted. He built up quite a good business, but in 1884 sold out, and for three years was engaged in buying and shipping grain. At the end of that time he bought back his store and continued in the restaurant and grocery business until his building and stock were destroyed by fire in 1891. With characteristic energy he at once rebuilt, and now has a large double store, and carries a well-selected stock of groceries, hardware, boots, shoes, etc. Having made for himself an enviable reputation for fair dealing, he received a liberal share of the public patronage. On the organization of the Waynesville Bank he became one of the original stockholders, and three years later was made a director and vice-president, in which capacity he has since served. He owns a nice residence in Waynesville, which he has recently remodeled, putting in hot water heat and all of the conveniences found in a city home.

On the 15th of December, 1881, in DeWitt county, Mr. Dix was united in marriage with Miss Laura Sprague a native of Ohio and a daughter of James Sprague, who was one of the early settlers of this county and died in the service of his country during the war of the Rebellion. Mrs. Dix was reared and educated in this county, and by her marriage to our subject has become the mother of two children, Fred and Fern.

In political sentiment Mr. Dix is a Democrat, and has supported every presidential nominee of that party since casting his first vote for Grover Cleveland in 1884. He has taken quite an active part in local politics; has served as township clerk, and since 1879 has been school treasurer. He was a member of the town board several years; was its president one term; and was instrumental in securing the water works and other needed improvements in the city. He also served four terms as township collector, and in whatever position he has been called upon to fill he has most capably and satisfactorily discharged its duties. Socially he is a member of Waynesville Lodge, I. O. O. F.; Waynesville Lodge, F. & A. M.; and Atlanta Chapter, R. A. M.; and both he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star Chapter. Mr. Dix belongs to that class of men whom the world terms self-made, for beginning life without capital, he has conquered all the obstacles in the path to success, and has not only secured for himself a handsome competence, but by his efforts has materially advanced the interests of the community with which he is associated. He is a prominent figure in business, political and social circles, and ranks among the leading citizens of Waynesville.

HON. MICHAEL DONAHUE. (Volume 1, Page 93)

The man who achieves success in the legal profession is even more strictly the "architect of his own fortunes" than the average self-made business man, there being in the keen competitions of the lawyer's life, with its constantly recurring mental duel between eager and determined antagonists, no chance for the operation of influences which may be called to the aid of the merchant, the manufacturer or the financier. Among the men of DeWitt county who have demonstrated their ability in this difficult field the Hon. Michael Donahue holds a leading place, and his history affords an interesting example of ambition rightly directed and pursued with a zeal which overcomes all obstacles.

Mr. Donahue was born at Horseheads near Elmira, New York, March 17, 1841, and is a son of Neal O'Donahue and Ann (O'Riley) Donahue, both natives of County Tyrone, Ireland. The father followed the occupation of a teamster throughout the greater part of his life. In 1843 he removed to Chicago, where he died at the age of about fifty years, while his wife died at the age of forty-five. They had two children: Michael, our subject; and Thomas, an esteemed citizen of Clinton.

When the family removed to Chicago it had a population of only five thousand. After the death of his parents Michael Donahue was bound out to Rev. Isaac Merium, a Baptist minister living near Tremont, Illinois, with whom he remained until 1850. He then went to live with Mrs. A. O. Merium, who was a mother to him. From her he learned many valuable lessons which have been a guide to him through life, and he still tenderly cherishes her memory. In early manhood he commenced learning the harness maker's trade with William Metzger, of Waynesville, Illinois, but soon afterward decided to study law, and worked at various occupations in order to earn the money with which to meet his expenses while preparing for the legal profession. He pursued his studies under the direction of C. H. Moore and Henry S. Green, of Clinton, and was admitted to the bar in February, 1863. In August of the same year he removed to Boonesboro, Iowa, where he remained till the spring of 1864, when he returned to Clinton and opened an office and continued in the practice of his profession until 1884, when he removed to Omaha, Nebraska. He again returned to Clinton in 1888, where he has since resided and practices his profession.

In 1867 he formed a partnership with Colonel J. J. Kelley, who was later succeeded by his son W. R. Kelley. This partnership continued till 1878, when it was dissolved by mutual consent.

In 1864 Mr. Donahue was united in marriage with Miss Mary Clagg, daughter of William Clagg, of this county, and to them have been born four children: Mrs. Nancy Gill, of Kansas; Rosie; Florence; and Edna. As a Republican he has always been prominently identified with political affairs, and in 1870 was elected to represent the Bloomington district in the state senate. So acceptably did he fill the office that he was re-elected from the DeWitt and Macon counties senatorial district at the end of his first term. From 1862 until 1869 he served as city attorney of Clinton, and was again elected to that office in 1892, filling it up to the present time. As a trial lawyer he has shown unusual force and has developed great strength as well in the systematic and careful preparation of his cases and the shrewd and thorough examination of witnesses as in the eloquent, logical and convincing manner of their presentation before court and jury. He is one of the most prominent Republican politicians of the county, and was one of the presidential electors who elected Hayes in 1876. He has taken an active interest not only in politics but also in the welfare and progress of the county. Religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian church and a teacher in the Sabbath school and socially is a member of the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pythias, having been connected with the former fraternity since 1862.

REV. MICHAEL A. DOOLING. (Volume 1, Page 430)

As pastor of St. John's Catholic church Father Dooling is exerting a strong influence in Clinton and throughout DeWitt county, where he has endeared himself to many people through his devotion to the welfare and to the material as well as spiritual progress of those who come under his ministrations. He has been pastor of the church since the 26th of December, 1890,— the first resident pastor in Clinton.

About twenty years ago C. H. Moore donated one lot in Clinton, at the corner of North Monroe and Macon streets to the Catholic society for a church. At that time Father Reves was resident pastor at Wapella and came to Clinton to hold mass in the homes of the members of the parish. A frame church was built facing on Monroe street and called St. John's Catholic church. The first pastor was succeeded in turn by Fathers McGrath, Delbaur, O'Callahan, Corley, Conatey and Dooling.

The last named was born in the city of Carlow, Carlow county, Ireland, April 11, 1862, a son of Michael and Catherine (Munhall) Dooling, who came to the United States in 1862, locating in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The father engaged in railroad building and died June 2, 1877, at the age of fifty years, while his wife passed away in April, 1898, at the age of seventy. They were the parents of ten children, six of whom reached adult age.

Father Dooling was an infant when brought to America. He attended the public schools and then entered St. Vincent College, at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, while later he was a student in St. Charles College, at Ellicott City, Maryland. He next matriculated in Viatorian College, at Kankakee, Illinois, and after graduating in that institution he was ordained to the priesthood, at Kankakee, June 16, 1885. He was then made professor in the college and master of discipline, being thus engaged until 1890, when he was called to the pastorate of St. John's church in Clinton. He was resident pastor at Wapella for two years before locating in this city. When he began his labors here, there were only twelve families who were members of the church, but there are now six hundred souls in this parish. Father Dooling also officiates at Wapella in St. Patrick's church, which numbers seventy-five families, and he has remodeled and enlarged the house of worship there. He established a congregation at Weldon and at Kenney and in fact officiates and holds mass for all the Catholics of the county save those at Farmer City and in the extreme northwestern part of the county.

He now has the plans for a modern new church which is to be erected on the site of the old one in Clinton in 1902. It will be a brick edifice, modern in all its appointments and beautifully decorated. It will have a seating capacity of five hundred, not including the galleries. The parochial residence which occupies the corner lot was erected by Father Dooling and is a very handsome modern home, heated by steam and supplied with gas and electric lights. He has established a number of societies in connection with the church, including the Married Men of St. John's Society; Young Men of St. Michael's Society; Married Ladies of St. Monica's Society; Young Ladies Society of the Blessed Virgin; and the Children of Mary's Society. In his work he was assisted by the Rev. Father Jeremiah Donovan. He takes an active interest in the education and progressive movements of Clinton, is a valued citizen and has endeared himself to the people of all denomination by reason of his blameless life, for he teaches by precept as well as example.

CHARLES D. DOWNING. (Volume 1, Page 278)

This enterprising and progressive citizen of Wapella, who is now engaged in the grain business, was born on the old homestead farm near that village, May 2, 1863, and belongs to an old Kentucky family, his paternal grandfather, Reason Downing, being a pioneer of Mason county, that state. There the father, James E. Downing, was born May 22, 1823, and on reaching manhood was married there to Miss Susan Downing, who was also a native of Mason county. Her grandfather, Timothy Downing, who was one of the first settlers of that locality, took part in some of the frontier wars and became a noted Indian fighter. In 1852 the father of our subject came to Illinois, and after farming for about a year in McLean county, purchased eighty acres of land in Wapella township, DeWitt county, which he broke and improved, opening up a good farm. His first home here was a log house, in which he lived for several years, and he later built a good large residence. He added to his landed possessions from time to time and became one of the substantial farmers and stock-raisers of the county. His wife died in 1868, and on the 21st of October, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Best, also a native of Mason county, Kentucky. He died January 31, 1884, honored and respected by all who knew him. By his first marriage he had seven children, five of whom reached years of maturity, namely: Eleanor; Reason; Joseph; James T. and Charles D. The children by the second union were Elizabeth R., wife of S. J. McNutt, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Best and an infant daughter, deceased.

During his boyhood Charles D. Downing attended the home school, and remained with his father until the latter's death, after which he had charge of the old farm for a few years. He was married in this county September 28, 1892, to Miss Mary H. McNutt, a sister of S. J. McNutt, previously mentioned. She was born and reared in Kentucky.

After his marriage Mr. Downing located on a farm in Wapella township, where he owned one hundred and sixty acres of land, and he made many improvements upon the place, transforming it into a fine farm with good buildings, a nice orchard and well-tilled fields. In connection with farming he also engaged in raising and feeding grade and pure-blooded polled Angus cattle and good horses, and was accounted one of the most thrifty and enterprising agriculturists of his community. Renting his farm he removed to Wapella in 1900, and now has charge of the grain and coal business of the Roger Bacon & Company of Chicago, having control of their elevator there since 1897.

Mr. Downing has always given his political support to the men and measures of the Democratic party, as did his father before him, and he cast his first presidential ballot for Grover Cleveland. He has been a delegate to county, congressional and state conventions, and for a number of years has been a member of the county central committee, with which he is still connected.

He exerts considerable influence in the councils of his party, and has taken a very active and prominent part in public affairs. He served two consecutive terms as county supervisor, and while a member of the board he served on the finance, roads and bridges, and poor farm committees. He was also township collector one term and a member of the school board several years. Mr. Downing is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and Royal Neighbors, fraternal insurance societies, and is one of the most popular and highly respected citizens of Wapella.

SAMUEL A. EDWARDS. (Volume 1, Page 30)

Samuel A. Edwards, proprietor and publisher of the Kenney Gazette, is a native of Whiteside county, Indiana, and was born on November 22, 1868, and lived in his native place until he was seven years of age. He is a son of Samuel and Lavina (Norris) Edwards, both of whom were natives of Ohio, and the father was a farmer all his life. He came to Illinois at an early date and rented land in Woodford county, where he engaged in farming for some years. Then he moved to White county, Indiana, where he farmed until his death, which took place on November 25, 1875. His wife died in 1872 and she was buried at the home place in Indiana. She was the mother of nine children, only three of whom are living, two boys and one girl.

After the death of his father our subject was bound out to a farmer of Woodford county, near Roanoke, and here he remained for about five years. This man would not send our subject to school and the young boy had such a desire for learning that he resolved to start out in life for himself and be free to do as he wished with regard to attending school. With this idea in view he came to Wapella, where his eldest sister resided, and worked out by the month, attending school in the winter at Elm Grove school in Barnett township. It is wonderful how much education can be obtained under difficulties, for this young fellow with so few advantages studied so hard whenever he could that by the time he was seventeen he had secured a certificate to teach. Never was anyone so proud of a medal conferred upon him as was our subject when he obtained permission to impart the information he had worked so hard for, to others. In the spring of 1885 he commenced to teach and continued in this line until 1890, and by that time, although still so young, he was principal of the schools of DeWitt, Illinois. In 1890, 1891, 1892 and 1893 he was principal of the schools at Kenney. During all these years his active mind was constantly assimilating information, and in addition to his various duties he read law with the well known firm of Munson & Mitchell, of Clinton, and after two years of hard study he graduated from the Dixon Normal School in 1895 and received honors in literature and other lines. He also served as superintendent of the Mt. Pulaski city schools during 1895-6, but was compelled to abandon teaching on account of ill health. Few people could have stood the strain this ambitious young man put upon himself, teaching all day and spending the greater part of the night gathering together more information. Feeling the necessity of taking better care of himself he embarked in newspaper work, which his extensive studies had admirably fitted him for, and in March, 1897, he founded the Gazette and has continued it ever since, building up an excellent circulation and making it a popular paper with all classes and the organ of his party in that locality. Mr. Edwards is an easy, fluent writer. His knowledge of current events is almost unbounded and his command of language such as to make his editorials play a prominent part in the management and development of local affairs. In addition to being a fluent writer, Mr. Edwards is a good business manager and exhibits his executive ability in the conduct of the affairs of the Gazette, while his staff is particularly good. In politics he is a Democrat and is recognized as one of the party leaders. Since locating in Kenney he has served as town clerk to the entire satisfaction of not only his constituents, but also the city in general. However, his many duties and his ever-absorbing love of reading and study keep him from giving as much of his time and attention to public matters as his patriotic spirit would lead him to. Socially he is an active member of the Order of Odd Fellows, Kenney Lodge, No. 857.

On November 23, 1898, Mr. Edwards was married at Mt. Pulaski, Illinois, to Miss Mayme Lynn, a native of Illinois and the charming and accomplished daughter of John W. Lynn, who is a prominent retired farmer now residing at Mt. Pulaski, Illinois. Mr. Lynn was one of the early settlers of Sangamon county, Illinois, but recently moved to Mt. Pulaski, where he is surrounded by the comforts of life his own industry has provided for him, and he enjoys the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are very pleasant and intellectual young people, whom it is delightful to meet. Their friends are numbered by legions, and they are leaders in the social life of Kenney. Possessing in marked degree as they do the requisites of true hospitality, their home is often a pleasant gathering place for friends, and no social event is complete without their presence.

ISAAC ELLINGTON. (Volume 1, Page 398)

There is particular satisfaction in reverting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name introduces this review, since his mind bears the impress of the historical annals of the state of Illinois from early pioneer days. Since 1828 he has made his home in this section of the county for over half a century. He is now living on section 16, Barnett township, where he has an excellent farm of four hundred and eighty acres. Mr. Ellington was born on the 6th of April, 1822, in Madison county, Ohio, and comes of good old Revolutionary stock. His paternal grandfather, John Ellington, aided the colonies in their struggle for independence, and became one of the pioneers of Kentucky. Our subject's father, David Ellington, was born in that state, and at an early day removed with his father to Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married Miss Catherine Huffman, a native of Ohio. Her father, Esquire Huffman, was also a soldier of the Revolutionary war. For some years after his marriage, David Ellington was engaged in farming in the Buckeye state, and in 1828 came to Illinois by wagon. He took up a claim in McLean county, where he improved a small farm, but later removed to  what is now Waynesville township, DeWitt county, and bought a farm of  two hundred acres, on which he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1886, and his wife died later, both being laid to rest in the Waynesville cemetery.

Isaac Ellington, of this review, was principally reared in McLean county, and well remembers when Bloomington contained but three houses, and one of these was a blacksmith shop. In those early days when this region was all wild and unimproved the family was forced to endure many hardships and privations such as are incident to pioneer life. Our subject assisted his father in the arduous task of opening up a new farm, and with his breaking team has turned many an acre of virgin soil.

In 1846 Mr. Ellington was married in Waynesville to Miss Lucy Ann Nichols, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, March 12, 1830. Her father, M. P. Nichols, was born in England in 1812, and when a child came to the new world, locating in Ohio, where he wedded Miss Mary McConnaha, a native of Muskingum county. In 1838 they came to DeWitt county, Illinois, and settled in Wapella township, where Mrs. Nichols died, July 18, 1839, and her husband the day following. Their remains were interred in Wapella cemetery. In the fall after the death of her parents, Mrs. Ellington returned to Ohio with an aunt and there spent the winter. The following spring she and a younger sister again came to Illinois with a family, but had to walk the entire distance of five hundred and fifty miles, sleeping on the ground at night. She then made her home with David Ellington until her marriage. Her early life was full of hardships, but she always made the most of her advantages, and by her industry and economy materially assisted her husband in getting a start in life. They began their domestic life in a small house on the farm where he still resides, but at that time they had no near neighbors and were often very lonely. For fifty-five years they traveled life's journey together, sharing its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, and were only parted when death claimed Mrs. Ellington, September 6, 1901. She left many friends as well as her immediate family to mourn her loss.

After his marriage Mr. Ellington remained on the home farm with his father until 1850, when he purchased eighty acres of wild prairie land where he now resides, and commenced the improvement of his farm, which he has increased until it now contains four hundred and eighty acres, and is under a high state of cultivation. His home is a large neat residence, and everything about the place is in perfect harmony therewith. Besides his valuable property he owns two pieces of timber land of fifty-six acres. His life has been one of industry and usefulness, and due success has not been denied him. The Democratic party has always found in him a stanch supporter of its principles, but he has never cared for office, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his farming interests.

Mr. Ellington has two children: Cyrus, the only son, helps to carry on the home farm, and like his father votes the Democratic ticket. Martha is now the wife of Jefferson Sprague, who also lives with our subject, and they have five children, namely: Carter, Harry, Ralph, Frank and Carl. The family is one of prominence in the community where they reside.

JOHN L. ELLIS. (Volume 1, Page 130)

As a representative of the agricultural class, and one who has met with good success in his independent calling, we take pleasure in giving a brief sketch of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this notice.

The birth of our subject occurred in Newton, Hamilton county, Ohio, May 18, 1827, and he is a son of James and Susan (Curley) Ellis, who were natives of Nova Scotia. About 1820, they came to Ohio and rented land and lived the life of farmers but in the fall of 1839 they moved to Morgan county, Illinois, where he carried on the same occupation. The mother died at about forty-five years of age and the father at eighty-two. Eight children were born to this worthy couple, two of whom are now living.

When our subject was but twelve years of age he came with his parents to Illinois, remaining with them and assisting on the home farm until his marriage which occurred September 5, 1851. His choice was Miss Sarah Ann Whorton, daughter of John Whorton. She was a native of Illinois, and her parents were both originally from Kentucky. One child blessed this union, Sarah Emma, now the widow of Joseph Worburton. Mrs. Ellis's death occurred in 1852, and her remains were interred in Concord, Morgan county, Illinois, and on March 25, 1856, our subject was again united in marriage with Miss Hannah M. Funk, a daughter of Nimrod and Evey (Leib) Funk. She was a native of Morgan county, Illinois, and was one of twelve children. To this second union eight children were born, of whom six are now living, namely: (1) Milton G., resides in McLean county; (2) Susan F., now deceased, was the wife of Edward Barnes of Farmer City, one son, Ralph, gladdened their home; (3) Dora is the wife of George O'Neil, of Farmer City; (4) James Benton, deceased; (5) Lillie married Charles Johnson, and resides in DeWitt township; (6) Maud became the wife of Colburn Hammit, a farmer in DeWitt township; (7) Nonie is single and resides at home, she is a teacher in DeWitt township; (8) Lydia also resides at home.

Soon after his second marriage Mr. Ellis removed to McLean county, and purchased two hundred and forty-six acres of good farm land which he improved and placed under a high state of cultivation. He only remained here for a short time, however, when he moved to Jacksonville, where he spent two years. He next moved south of Clinton and purchased ninety acres of improved land. He remained here for four years, when he again made a change, trading the present farm for a larger one but not so highly cultivated. After three years in this place, he came to DeWitt township as a tenant on the C. H. Moore property of four hundred and eighty acres and here he has since resided, making many improvements and placing the land in a high state of cultivation.

Although he takes no active part in political affairs, he is a firm believer in high protection and his ballot is always cast in support of the men and measures of the Republican party. His first presidential vote was cast for John C. Fremont. Socially he is a member of the Masonic lodge and is a Master Mason. He has always been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is deservedly popular and has made hosts of warm friends since coming to DeWitt county, where he is numbered among the most valued and enterprising farmers.

ZADOK W. EVANS. (Volume 1, Page 466)

Zadok W. Evans, of Clinton, is one of the most successful, as well as the most popular photographers of this section of the state. He has thoroughly mastered every detail of his profession and in artistic taste and excellent results his work compares favorably with any produced in Illinois. A native of this state, he was born in Williamson county, January 13, 1861, and is a son of Charles W. and Margaret (Evans) Evans. His father was one of the most progressive farmers in southern Illinois.

Our subject remained on the home farm until sixteen years of age, and then, joining his brother, they embarked in the photograph business under the firm name of Evans brothers, doing a successful business until 1879, when by mutual consent the partnership was dissolved, our subject locating in Centralia, Illinois, where he did a fine business.

In 1883 Mr. Evans was united in marriage with Miss Mary Alice Gillett, daughter of Sidney B. and Martha (Smith) Gillett, of Centralia. Our subject remained in that city until 1888, when he sold his business and with his wife removed to Los Angeles, California, but the following year they returned to Centralia and Mr. Evans purchased the gallery which he had formerly conducted. He met with most excellent success there, but sill being in love with California, he returned to the Pacific slope in 1892, and remained there until the spring of 1893.

On again coming to Illinois, at that time, Mr. Evans located in Clinton and at once opened a studio. It was not long before the people here recognized the superiority of his work over the old photographers located here and gave him their patronage, so that he was soon the only one here. Since then others have come and gone, but he has mastered his art so thoroughly that he commands the most of the trade. He has an elegant suite of rooms, including parlors, dressing rooms, operating and work rooms, equipped with everything needed in his profession. He carries a large stock of Kodak supplies and does all kinds of up-to-date work pertaining to his art. He ranks high among the professional brethren, and in 1900 and 1901 was second vice-president of the Photographers' Association of Illinois. In 1900, at the state convention of photographers, held in Springfield, the displays of our subject were awarded two medals for superior work.

Socially Mr. Evans is a member and ex-officer of the Knights of Pythias fraternity; was a charter member of the Knights of the Maccabees of Clinton and its first secretary. Through his own unaided efforts he has prospered in business affairs and is today the owner of five houses and a vacant lot in Clinton, one of these being his handsome residence on West Main street, which he purchased of Charles Watson. He built two of the other buildings owned by him.

THOMAS EWING. (Volume 1, Page 94)

Mr. Ewing is one of the public-spirited citizens of Clinton, to whose energy and foresight that city is indebted for many improvements. While Mr. Ewing, as a prosperous business man, has given close attention to his own private affairs, he has never forgotten or ignored that bond of common interest which should unite the people of every community, and he has ever been ready to promote progress in every line. He was born near Zanesville, Ohio, May 24, 1842, and is a son of John Ewing, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, September 17, 1814. He was a shoemaker by trade, near Zanesville, before coming to DeWitt county. In 1858 he located in Barnett township, and later bought a farm in Harp township, which he cultivated until he reached his eighty-third year, when he retired and went to live with our subject. John Ewing is a son of Robert, who was a native of Virginia, whose father, with three brothers, came from the north of Ireland. Robert Ewing was one of the early settlers of Ohio, emigrating from the Old Dominion. He was a shoemaker by trade, and lived to reach the age of eighty years. His wife, who was Mary Beymer, died at the age of seventy years. Their children were as follows: Phillip, John, Simon, Stewart, Julia, Elizabeth, Ellen and Emaline. The parents were members of the Methodist church.

The subject of this review, Thomas Ewing, is one of the largest dealers in all kinds of grain and coal in the county. He buys grain, shipping mostly to Chicago, south to New Orleans and east to quite an extent. This business was established about 1878, by John J. McGraw, and about 1883, this, together with the beautiful home, was purchased by Mr. Ewing. But the improvements have been so great that it would hardly be recognized. A new office, scales, etc., have been erected, and the lawns surrounding the spacious house are beautiful. This pretty home is located in the southern part of Clinton, at what is known as McGraw's Addition. Aside from this property our subject owns the old farm in Harp township, which he has added to until he now has a quarter section of well cultivated land.

The early life of Thomas Ewing was spent on his father's farm, where he secured a good education in the public schools of the district, which was supplemented by a course of study in the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Illinois. In 1862, being of a patriotic nature, he enlisted in Company E, Sixty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as a private, but his worth was soon recognized and he was promoted to sergeant, in which position he served faithfully until the close of his enlistment. In 1864 he began teaching, which profession he followed for fourteen years, all this time confining himself to three districts in this county. At the end of this period he entered into his present business.

Our subject's mother was Miss Matilda Richey, a daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Jackson) Richey, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and who came to DeWitt county as farmers in 1854. Mr. Richey died at the age of eighty-three years and the wife at sixty-eight. They became the parents of the following named children: Matilda, who became the mother of our subject; Maria; Alexis J.; Catherine; Susan; Samuel J.; Austin J.; Hannah Ann; and Abel Thomas.

To Mr. and Mrs. John Ewing were born the following named children: Andinet, who married John Barnett and is now deceased; Austin, who died at the age of four years; Thomas, whose name introduces this review, was the next in order of birth; Ellen, who married James Barnett; Simon, a resident of White Heath, this state, married Miss Metta Mitchell; Nora, who married Madison Warrick, of Clinton.

Mr. Ewing chose for a helpmate in life Miss Ordelia A., daughter of Isaac McCuddy, one of the early farmers of DeWitt county. As a result of this union the following children have been born: Russell, a farmer in this county, who married Miss Nellie Foley; Mont V., formerly a baggage man on the main line of the Illinois Central Railroad, but who is now connected with his father in the grain and coal business, married Fern Thomas; Blanche is the wife of Walter Marvel, and they reside in Freeport, they have one child, Louise; Louise, the youngest daughter, died at the age of four years.

The Democratic party has no more stanch supporter than the man whose name introduces this sketch, and for four years served his township as justice of the peace and as a school trustee for several years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and was chairman of the building committee of erecting the K. Of P. building in Clinton, and has held several offices of the order with much credit to himself. He is also a member of Frank Lowry Post No. 157, G. A. R. Mr. Ewing has also taken a prominent part in the organization of the Clinton Chautauqua, which held its first meeting in August, 1901. The following, which we copy from the Clinton Daily Public, will be read with interest:

"About the first of this year a few of the citizens of Clinton conceived the idea of organizing a Chautauqua at Weldon Springs, the only natural place in Central Illinois for such an undertaking. A meeting was called and held in the county court room to select officers and the so called unlucky number of thirteen was present, and election of the following directors: Thomas Ewing, Judge G. K. Ingham, W. H. Oglesbee, John Fuller, W. B. Readey, F. C. Hill, Perry Hughes, F. E. Pinkerton, and C. R. Adair. The directors elected the following officers: President, G. K. Ingham; Vice-President, F. E. Pinkerton; Second Vice-President, W. B. Readey; Secretary, F. C. Hill; Treasurer, Thomas Ewing.

"The foundation of the association are those who first subscribed for fifteen dollars worth of tickets and to the guarantee fund, some agreeing to pay a deficit of one hundred dollars each and others three hundred dollars each. These guarantees entitle members to one vote each for every ten tickets and one vote each for each one hundred dollar guarantee. Thirty-two citizens of Clinton and vicinity signed this guarantee. The amount of the guarantee fund was seven thousand dollars, which will not be called for as there is a surplus to be used as a reserve fund for next year. Up to the present time there are sixty-two members of the Chautauqua association."

In life Mr. Ewing fully demonstrated the word success, which is due entirely to his own well directed efforts, for without the aid of influence or wealth, he started out to make his own way in the world, and to-day is one of the most substantial and prosperous men in his community, as well as one of the most highly esteemed citizens.

PETER FORD. (Volume 1, Page 441)

One of the early and highly respected citizens of DeWitt county and one who owns and occupies one hundred and sixty acres of rich farm land on section 34, Texas township, is Peter Ford. He was born in Ireland on February 14, 1829, and is a son of John and Margaret (Beirne) Ford, both of whom were natives of Ireland, where the father was born in 1783 and the mother in 1815. The father was a farmer by occupation and died in Ireland at the old home. Our subject was one of twelve children and the tenth in order of birth, and is the only one of the sons living. Of the six girls there is also only one now living and she resides in Ireland, but passed twenty years of her life in the United States. She is unmarried.

In 1850 Peter Ford came to the United States and landed in New York, but soon removed to New Jersey and later to Canada in 1854. He went to Chicago on June 10, 1855, and there worked as a member of the construction crew on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific and the Chicago & Northwestern railroads. These railroad companies also employed him as foreman of the grade two years. In 1856 he came to Maroa, Illinois, and entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad as a track repairer. In this capacity he was employed for fifteen years and resided in the village of Maroa.

In 1863 he purchased land in Texas township, DeWitt county, consisting of a farm of eighty acres, which forms part of his present property. This land he improved until he had it all under cultivation and to it he added more land from time to time until he now owns one hundred and sixty acres, all of which is improved. Here he has since made his home, with the exception of two years spent at Decatur, Illinois.

Mr. Ford was married on July 4, 1857, to Margaret Burden, a native of Ireland. She came to the United States with her father, George Burden, who settled in DuPage county, Illinois, and resided there until his death. He was a farmer during all of his active life. To Mr. and Mrs. Ford nine children have been born and all are living, namely: John, who resides in California and is a fruit shipper; George Bennet; Charles, who is a traveling man and resides at home; William, who is also a traveling man; Frank; Kate; Anna; and Ella and Jennie, both of whom are teachers.

In politics Mr. Ford is independent, and has been honored with the office of school director, which he filled to the satisfaction of his constituents. He always votes for the man he deems best fitted for the place. Both he and his family are members of the Catholic church, and they are very highly respected in the community in which they reside.

JAMES A. FOSNAUGH. (Volume 1, Page 295)

Among the leading merchants and representative business men of Clinton, Illinois, is James A. Fosnaugh, proprietor of one of the best general stores of the place. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, September 19, 1848, a son of Ezra and Eliza (Bushee) Fosnaugh. His paternal grandfather was Jacob Fosnaugh, who was born in Pennsylvania of German ancestry, and who was a farmer by occupation. He was twice married and by the first union had six children, namely: Eli, Noah, Amos, Edward, Mrs. Eliza Swarts and Mrs. Lape. The children by the second marriage were Hiram, Lafayette, Cornelus, Jerome, Archibald, Adeline and Artemesia. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Jacob Bushee, who was of French descent, and lived to be over eighty years of age. His children were Maria, Martha, Mary, Eliza, John and Jesse.

In 1856 the father of our subject came to Illinois and located on a farm in Piatt county, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying there October 1, 1873, at the age of forty-nine years. His wife, who was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, died in 1901, at the age of seventy years. They were the parents of eight children: James A., of this review; Salina, wife of George McCabe; Theodore, a resident of Springfield, Illinois; Europe, of Lane, Illinois; Elifus, of Piatt county; Dora Alice, wife of William Dungen; Laura Belle, wife of J. Dilsaver, of White Heath; and Irvin, of Decatur.

The subject of this sketch was only eight years old on the removal of the family to Piatt county, Illinois, and he grew to manhood on the home farm, his education being acquired in an old time log school house, where he pursued his studies until fifteen years of age. During the following ten years he engaged in farming, and then entered the employ of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Railroad, being appointed station agent at Lane, DeWitt county, in 1875, and filling that position for three and one half years. In 1878 he opened a general store at that place as successor to the firm of Nilson & Kidder and also built the residence known to-day as the Ed Danison home. Later he opened a branch store at DeWitt, which he conducted for a year and a half, and then, in 1887, removed his stock of goods from that place to Clinton. Leaving his brother Europe in charge of the store at Lane, he has since given his personal attention to his business in Clinton. He carries a large and well-selected stock of dry-goods, boots, shoes, groceries, in fact everything found in a first-class general store, and has built up an excellent trade. He began mercantile business on a capital of eight hundred dollars saved from his hard earned salary, but being energetic, enterprising and industrious, he has prospered and is today one of the best rated merchants of the county. He is also connected with the electric light plant. As a home, he bought the Kelly residence, which he has since greatly improved.

In 1872 Mr. Fosnaugh was united in marriage with Miss Kitty Cunningham, a native of New York city, who lost her parents in childhood and was reared and educated by James Wade, of Worcester, Massachusetts. She is a handsome woman of high social qualities and very popular, being a leader in society. By this union were born four children: Rovenia, now the wife of A. F. Miller, state's attorney of DeWitt county; Irwin E., who is his father's assistant; Austin, who is studying law with A. F. Miller; and Lee, who is also with his father in the store.

Frequently, Mr. Fosnaugh is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and politically is a supporter of the Democratic party. While a resident of Lane he served as justice of the peace four years. He is not only one of the leading business men of Clinton, but is a public-spirited citizen who is thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community.

JOHN W. FOSTER. (Volume 1, Page 287)

John W. Foster, who is now so successfully conducting the county farm of DeWitt county, in Barnett township, was born in Logan county, Illinois, on the 6th of March, 1846, and is a representative of one of the early families of New Jersey. There his paternal grandfather, William Foster, was born, reared and married, and later removed to Ohio, but he subsequently returned to his native state, where his death occurred. A. J. Foster, the father of our subject, was born in New Jersey but was reared in Ohio and there married Miss Eleanor Morgan, a native of that state. At an early day they removed to McLean county, Illinois, where they were numbered among the pioneers and from there went to Logan county, where the father, who was a miller by trade, owned and operated a flouring mill six miles west of Atlanta. In 1852 he took up his residence in Wapella township, DeWitt county, and devoted his attention to farming there and in Tunbridge township throughout the remainder of his life.

The subject of this review was principally reared in this county and educated in its common schools. After reaching manhood he was in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad for two years, but with that exception his life has been mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits. Receiving the appointment as superintendent of the county poor farm, he took charge of the place on the 1st of January, 1900, and has since given his entire time and attention to its management with most gratifying results. On two different occasions during his incumbency the honorable county board has made a thorough examination of the way affairs have been conducted upon the farm, and all have been greatly pleased with the present management, believing that they have found the right man for the right place.

On the 25th of November, 1875, in this county, Mr. Foster was united in marriage with Miss Elva Metz, a native of Pike county, Illinois, and a daughter of J. B. Metz, who is now a resident of Wapella. She died in 1884, leaving two children: Rutherford, who subsequently died at the age of seventeen years; and Ambrose, who assists his father in the management of the county farm. Mr. Foster was again married in Logan county, in 1886, his second union being with Miss Emma Wingate, who was born in that county. Her father was Dr. Wingate, who died in Kansas. The only child born of our subject's second marriage died in infancy.

By his ballot Mr. Foster has always been a stanch supporter of the men and measures of the Democracy. He was made an Odd Fellow in Wapella Lodge, with which he still holds membership. His wife is a member of the Christian church and both have the respect and esteem of all who know them.

EDMUND W. FRUIT. (Volume 1, Page 146)

The Fruit family were among the early settlers and pioneers of DeWitt county. On the paternal side they are of Welsh ancestry and on the maternal of Scotch-Irish. Two brothers bearing the name left Wales and emigrated to America prior to the old French and Indian war, and one of  them was with Braddock in his disastrous defeat. But before the battle the brothers were separated and the one was never heard of afterwards.

John Fruit, the survivor, who was the founder of the present family, after the war settled in the Carolinas. His son, James Fruit, left Carolina and went to Kentucky in the early days of that territory, where he lived for many years, but later came to DeWitt county, in the fall of 1830, where he died that fall. Thomas Fruit, the father of Edmund W., was born on October 5, 1784. In 1802 he removed with his parents to Kentucky and settled in Christian county, where he remained until 1834, when he came to Illinois and settled in what is now known as DeWitt county, but which was then a part of Macon.

The family landed here on November 15 of that year. In 1827, in company with some friends and land explorers, he came to the state and entered land, but he did not locate here permanently until 1834, when he settled on section 14, in what is now known as Tunbridge township. Here he remained until his death, which occurred on December 15, 1871. While a resident of Christian county, Kentucky, he married Elizabeth Thompson, July 31, 1806. She died March 28, 1866. By that marriage there were born six sons and six daughters. The mother of our subject was a native of North Carolina and was sixteen years of age when she went to Kentucky. She was the youngest child in her family, and when a mere child had the misfortune to lose her mother, who was drowned.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fruit took up their residence on a tract of six hundred acres of wild land and he at once commenced improving it and erecting the necessary buildings and a log house for the shelter of the family. He and his wife did the necessary labor of those pioneer days and had the satisfaction of developing a fine farm. The log house was twenty by twenty feet and although the property was large, he fenced it and spared no pains to improve both his land and home. The names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas [Fruit] were as follows: Susan W., James S., Thompson C., William L., Mary R., Sabilla, Sidney C., Edmund W., Martha J., Enoch a., John D., [and] Elizabeth P. The survivors of this large family are as follows: Martha J., who is the widow of John Henson, and she resides in Clinton, Illinois, and has a number of children; John D., who is a prominent farmer of Tunbridge township; and Edmund W., our subject.

Edmund W. Fruit was born in Christian county, Kentucky, September 21, 1823, and came to DeWitt county, Illinois, at the age of eleven years with his parents. Here he was reared among the customary surroundings of pioneer life. His early education was obtained in the log school houses of the day, chinked with mud and floored with split puncheons full of slivers. At the age of twenty he began life on his own account and worked at whatever he could get to do, his only possessions being the clothes he wore and one horse. He traded the horse for a forty-acre tract, which is the nucleus of his present large landed estate and was the first piece of land he ever owned. His success was wonderful, as he now owns over twenty-five hundred acres of land, as fertile as any in the state.

After his marriage he and his wife began housekeeping in the little log house that stood on the land on section 26, where he so long resided. Mr. Fruit worked hard, and in time had money enough to buy more land and continued to add to his possessions until he is now one of the wealthiest landholders in this vicinity. His estate is well fenced and under a high state of cultivation. He has besides his farms in Tunbridge and Barnett townships, valuable interests in Kenney, consisting of business blocks, dwellings, etc. On his farming land he has fourteen dwelling houses and rents most of his farms at present. In 1891 he moved from the old homestead to his present location on the edge of the town limit of Kenney, where he owns one hundred and seventy-one acres of excellent land in section 15, Tunbridge township, upon which he has erected a large modern house, supplied with all modern conveniences, and here he resides, surrounded by all the comforts of life.

Mr. Fruit was married March 6, 1845, to Elizabeth Boyd, he having returned to Kentucky to claim his bride. She was born and raised in Christian county, Kentucky, and died in Dewitt county, Illinois, August 28, 1852. Five children were born of this union, namely: Phoebe A. was born in Christian county, Kentucky, and died in infancy in DeWitt county, Illinois. Sidney Jane married John Barnett, a prominent farmer of Barnett township, and they have a large family of children, namely: Othrie; Mary, who is the wife of David Bartley, of Barnett township; Effie, who is the wife of Moses Boles, of Clintonia township; Alberta R.; Laura; Zoe; John; Charles; Frederick and Arthur. James A., who resides in Tunbridge township, married Sarah J. Stoutenborough, and they reside on section 26, where he farms, and they have three children, namely: Garrett E., Harry and Rose. Mary married Frank Barnett, and they reside on section 14, Tunbridge township, and they have five children, namely: Frank, George, James, William and Floyd C. William, who died in infancy.

Mr. Fruit married again on November 5, 1857, Miss Sarah E. Blue, a native of West Virginia, and three children were born to them, namely: Arthur W., who is a prominent farmer of Tunbridge township, married Ella J. Squires, and they have seven children, namely: Charles C., Clementine, Elizabeth, Elsie, Mabel, Nellie, [and] Edmund. Laura B. is the wife of Benoni G. Clark, a farmer of Tunbridge township, and they have two children, namely: Mary E. and Edmund W. Charles T. died at the age of two years. The mother of these children died on April 28, 1873. All the children of our subject were born in Tunbridge township, with the exception of the eldest, who was a native of Kentucky. The grandchildren were all born in DeWitt county, in Tunbridge and Barnett townships. Mr. Fruit married again in 1873, Susan E. Blue, who was born in West Virginia, and died January 16, 1880, without issue. He then married a sister of his late wife. Miss Isabella Blue, a most estimable lady, daughter of Garrett I. Blue, who was a native of Hampshire county, West Virginia. Mr. Blue was there reared and died, having been a prominent farmer in his day.

Mr. Fruit has very decided opinions upon all subjects and is a Democrat in politics, but was originally a Whig, casting his first vote for Henry Clay, and his first Democratic vote for George B. McClellan.

He is man who finds his greatest enjoyment in the companionship of his family and friends and he inspires admiration for his successful development of his land as well as for his many excellent qualities. Among his neighbors and friends he is recognized as a man of rare foresight and open-handed charity, and he enjoys a well-deserved popularity.

JOHN FULLER. (Volume 1, Page 122)

One of the ablest and most successful lawyers of Clinton, Illinois, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is a native of DeWitt county, born in Rutledge township, May 9, 1859, and on both the paternal and maternal sides is of Irish descent. His great grandfather, Daniel Fuller, Sr., was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and on his emigration to America joined the early settlers in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where he followed the cooper's trade. There the grandfather, Daniel Fuller, Jr., was born in 1790, and in early life learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for a time, but later gave his attention to farming, his home being in Greene county, Pennsylvania. He married Nancy Whitlatch, who was born in that county, in 1800, and was a daughter of William and Nancy Whitlatch, natives of England. He died in 1874, and her death occurred a year later. Their children were William, Daniel, Barnett, David, Smith, Bowman, John and Jonah, all of whom reached manhood, and were members of the Baptist church.

William Fuller, the father of our subject, was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, February 19, 1823, and was there reared and educated. For six years he engaged in teaching school, a part of that time being spent in Madison county, Ohio, and during his vacations he bought cattle and hogs in Ohio, driving the former to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the latter to Baltimore, Maryland. In early manhood he was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Martha Gillett, who died with her infant daughter. Subsequently he was again married in Madison county, Ohio, his second union being with Miss Rebecca Parker, a daughter of Solomon and Rebecca (Caskaden) Parker. Her father was a native of Virginia and a son of Aaron Parker, who was of Irish ancestry and the father of five children, namely: Mrs. Betsy Lodaman, Mrs. Mary Johnson, Solomon, Nathan and Aaron. Solomon Parker was a farmer by occupation and one of the early settlers of Madison county, Ohio, where he died at the age of fifty-five years, his wife at the age of seventy-five. Unto them were born the following children: Samuel, Harvey, Betsy, Mary, Eliza, Rebecca, Catherine, Martha, Rachel, Thomas and Solomon. The children born to William and Rebecca (Parker) Fuller were Daniel; David; a daughter who died in infancy; Mrs. Rebecca J. Vance, who now owns the old homestead in this county; Thomas J.; Mrs. Josephine Mitchell; John, our subject; [and] William and Sylvanus, both deceased. In 1848 the father came to DeWitt county, Illinois, and here taught school and read law with E. H. Palmer, being admitted to the bar in 1869. In 1854 he was elected sheriff of the county and removed to Clinton, where he ever afterward made his home, being successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. For a quarter of a century he never missed a term of court, and his counsel was sought far and near. He continued to own his fine farm in Rutledge township and took great interest in improving it and also in the raising of thoroughbred short horn cattle and draft horses. He was a man of many sterling qualities and was thoroughly reliable in all business transactions. In his religious views he was liberal, in politics he was a stanch Democrat, and in his social relations was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge No. 84, of Dewitt. He died in 1894, at the age of seventy-one years, and his wife departed this life in January, 1897, at about the same age.

During his boyhood and youth John Fuller attended the public schools of this county, and then took a literary course at the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, where he was graduated in 1891, and from the law department of the same institution in the following year. During this time, seven years, he worked during the summer months on the farm and used the money earned in that way to pay his own tuition. He immediately opened an office in Clinton, and the same year was elected state's attorney, being the first and only one elected to that office during the first year of practice, which shows that his ability in the line of his chosen profession was soon widely recognized. This was in the fall of 1892. That same election Grover Cleveland carried the county by 28 votes, while Mr. Fuller received 151. And the next time he was elected McKinley carried the county by about 300, while he was elected by a majority of 161. So acceptably did he fill the office that he was re-elected for a second term, serving in all eight years. He is now successfully engaged in private practice, and is much interested in the progress of Clinton, where he owns considerable property, including a fine home.

On January 16, 1893, Mr. Fuller married Miss Hattie L. Fields, a daughter of James Fields, who was formerly a resident of White county, but is now living in Wayne City, Illinois. Socially Mr. Fuller is a member of the blue lodge, chapter and commandery of the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Modern Woodmen of America, all of Clinton. In 1898 he was elected president of the DeWitt County Agricultural and Mechanical Society, which was established in 1854, and has given much time and attention to promoting its interests. The Democratic party has always found him a stanch supporter of its principles, and he takes quite an active and influential part in public affairs. The place he has won in the legal profession is accorded him in recognition of his skill and ability, and the place he occupies in the social world is a tribute to his genuine worth.