History of Stark County Illinois

BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCES

in Henry County, Ill., in 1852, came to Wyoming in 1870, died in October, 1882, from the result of wounds received from a saw.

J. W. Morrison, born in Winchester, Va., in 1830, came to Stark county in 1853, and settled in Goshen. His parents, J. W. and Evaline (White) Morrison, natives of Virginia, were old settlers of Fayette county, Ohio, where they died. They moved to that county in 1836. Mr. Morrison received a practical education in Ohio, and there married Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Thomas and Ann (Irvine) Hart, natives of Ireland. This lady was born in Canada in 1834. The Morrison family must be considered early settlers of Goshen, for they resided there several years before their removal to Toulon. In March, 1877, Mr. Morrison received the appointment of superintendent of the county infirmary. His own executive ability and the genial, practical methods of the family have made his term of office thoroughly satisfactory and successful. In December, 1886, he was reappointed superintendent for the year ending March, 1888, and allowed $100 rent for his house at Toulon until the proposed new infirmary is completed. In 1865 he enlisted in Company K, Forty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served at Mobile, Ala., until February, 1866. In society matters he is a member of the R. A. Chapter, of the Blue Lodge, and of the Odd Fellows's society at Toulon. He is also a member of Wright Post, G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison are the parents of seven children—Leroy F., Martha (now Mrs. Andrew Bradley), Jennie (Mrs. Fred. Rhodes), Belle C., John S., Mary L., and Thomas W.—all natives of Stark county, and all residents here except Leroy, who is in Idaho. In the destruction of the infirmary building, December 5, 1886, Mr. Morrison lost heavily in personal property.

N. B. Morse, M. D., born in Knox county, Ill., October 16, 1838, is a son of Thomas A. and Harriet C. (Jones) Morse, natives of Western New York and pioneers of Illinois, and grandson of Samuel Morse, who came to Illinois in 1816 and settled in St. Clair county, being among the prominent lawyers of the state. He was a lineal descendant of the early Morses of America in history and a cousin of B. F. Morse. Samuel Morse was prominent in all the early affairs of the state, both public and industrial. Dr. Morse passed boyhood in Knox county on the farm, and obtained a good common school education. He commenced medical studies under Dr. J. W. Scudder, of Prairie City, and continued to until 1862, when he enlisted in Company G, Eighty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry as private, and served in the ranks for ten months; was then promoted to orderly sergeant, which position he held when mustered out at the close of the war. He served in all the battles of the campaign in which the regiment was present. After the war he reentered Cincinnati Medical College, from which he graduated in 1866-7, and in 1867 commenced practice at Utica, Ill. After two years he removed to this county, and locating at Duncan was in active practice for nine years. In 1879, on account of ill health, he removed to Colorado and embarked in mining operations successfully for one year, when he resumed professional duties at Silon Cliff. In the fall of 1882 he sold his interests in Colorado and returned to Stark county. He was married in Knox county, Ill., in 1864 to Miss Elizabeth,

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daughter of Joel W. Slaughter, of Knox county. They have two sons and one daughter—Willie, a student of music; Nettie and Hally D. The doctor supports all churches, is a member of De Wolf Post, G. A. R. and of the I. O. O. F. lodge at Wyoming.

James Harvey Newton, son of Elizabeth (Newton) Newton, was born in Greenbrier county, W. Va., November 3, 1820, where their people belonged to pioneer families. There Mr. Newton worked on his grandfather's farm until 1847, when coming west he purchased and improved eighty acres on section 26, Goshen township, to which he added 200 acres, all now managed by his sons, James Isaac and William A. Newton. He was married at Toulon to Miss Hester A. McCance, a native of Indiana. Their two children are James I., just mentioned, and William A., owner of the meat market at Toulon. James I. Newton married Miss Lucy Thomas, they are the parents of two children, and William A. married Miss Lucy Shinn, parents of three children. James H. Newton, Sr., was a Presbyterian, but now belongs to the Congregational church. He served on the township school board for nine years. His wife is a member of the Christian church at Toulon. In politics he is republican, with strong sympathy for prohibition of the liquor traffic.

Benjamin A. Newton, born in Susquehanna county, Pa., October 12, 1835, is the son of David and Sarah A. (Brundage) Newton, both natives of Pennsylvania. David was the son of Benjamin and Phoebe (Stearns) Newton, the American ancestors of whom were from Great Britain and France respectively. This Benjamin was born in 1776, married Sarah Carey in 1802, who died the following year, and to them Sarah Newton. (who came to Illinois November 5, 1844, and died February 4, 1885), was born. In 1804 he married Miss Stearns, and to this union ten children were born. Phoebe, wife of Robert Sharer, came to Illinois in 1835; died August 4, 1879; Nelson died in Pennsylvania; Sarah wife of Peter Shaver, came in 1835, died in 1879; David came in 1844, died in Iowa in 1879; Joesph came in 1835, died in 1871; Benjamin came in 1835, died in 1869; Newman came in 1835, moved to Kansas and died in 1883; Flora, who married Horace Gregory, died in 1848; Naoma, wife of Anderson Mounts, resides at Peoria. The grandfather of Benjamin A. settled in Penn township in 1835, and there was a farmer and stock-grower until his death in 1851. His wife preceded him to the grave in 1849 David married Miss Sarah Ann, daughter of John and Phoebe (Brandage) in 1834. Her father was a Pennsylvanian and her grandfather a soldier of the Revolution, although a native of Great Britain. On account of his services in the American army the British government confiscated his property in England. Her mother was a German. The children of this marriage were Benjamin A., of this township, and Sarah Ann, residing at Peoria. In 1840 he married Miss Ada Delemater, to whom ten children were born, six of whom are living, James in Iowa; Anderson in Nebraska; Isaac, a widower, Stephen L., Olive and Ida, all residents of Iowa. Benjamin A. Newton passed his early years at school and on the farm. In 1856 he married Miss Susannah, daughter of William and Barbara (Calerman) Dunn, natives of Kentucky, (who

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settled near Springfield, Ill., in 1830, and engaged in agriculture up to the period of his death.) Mrs. Newton was the youngest, except one, of six children. Her brothers Thomas and William are in Iowa; James and Daniel and her sister Margaret, who married John Harmon, are deceased. Mr. Newton was a farmer until 1865, when he became a mechanical engineer, a trade to which he has given attention for over twenty years. His children are Frank A., of Osceola; Eliza M., residing at home; Lora B., wife of Johnson Harris, of Toulon; Mary S., wife of George Hanchett; Elbert P. and Fred B., at home. He cast his first vote for Fremont, and since that time has been a pronounced republican. He supports the M. P. church, while Mrs. Newton is a member of the M. E. church. In society rnatters he is a Mason, and as related in the township history, always prominent in what concerns the schools, the township or the county.

Jason Montgomery Newton, son of Perry M. and Rebecca (Haller) Newton, was born February 25, 1855, at Canton, Fulton county, Ill. His parents, natives of Pennsylvania, moved to Illinois in early days and were among the pioneers of Canton. The father served in the Black Hawk war, and also in the Civil war, dying in the army some years later. In 1878 his widow married Thomas James, and in 1879 moved to Nebraska. Jason N. Newton received his education at Lewistown, Ill., graduating in 1872. That year he came to Wyoming and took a position as printer in the office of the Post, under E. H. Phelps. Tn 1874 he worked at the case on the Union and Democrat, at Lewistown. In 1876 he entered the Transcript office at Peoria, and subsequently worked on the Journal and Democrat there. In 1880 he revisited Wyoming, took charge of the Post printing office, holding this position until February, 1885, when he was appointed on the local staff of the Post-Herald. In March, 1886, he assumed editorial charge under Mr. Sandham, whose duties as superintendent of schools did not afford him time to give such attention to his journal as it required. Mr. Newton now holds that position with most satisfactory results. In society matters he was connected with the Good Templars from 1880 to the time the lodge disbanded. In 1886 he became a charter member of the Modern Woodmen. His three uncles, George and William Agnew and Jason Boyle, served through the war of 1861-5.

George Nicholas and his son were killed by lightning near Wyoming, May 17, 1862. The former was an industrious farmer aged fifty-two years.

Rev. Thomas J. Nesmith, a resident of Putnam county for twenty-one years, died September 22, 1886, aged ninety-one years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and afterwards a minister of the M. P. church.

Mrs. Elizabeth Nixon, who died April 20, 1884, in Iowa, was a native of Virginia, where she was born in 1807. In 1831 she moved to Peoria, and subsequently resided at Toulon with her son-in-law, J. W. Hewett.

Will E. Nixon, one of the founders of the Stark county Sentinel, is the third child of Edward and Margaret (Kenney) Nixon, and was born in Toulon, Ill., November 14, 1859, and educated in the public

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schools of Toulon. Learned the printer's trade in the office of the New Era, in 1873, and has been connected at different times with every newspaper since published in the county. The publication of the Sentinel was begun by Blair & Nixon, October 8, 1880, Thomas H. Blair retiring the following spring on account of failing health. In May, 1882, W. F. Nixon also retired from the paper, and the business was continued by J. K. Hall. He was married November 30, 1882, to Miss Lottie P. Brace. eldest daughter of Orlando Brace, county treasurer. Edward Nixon, a native of Virginia. came to Peoria county in 1836, was married there in 1851 or 1852, and moved to Toulon village in 1854, where he died May 8, 1883. Mrs. Nixon, Sr., is living at Peoria, where two of her sons reside. Her daughter, wife of M. A. Hall, resides at Emporia, Kansas.

James Nowlan, son of Michael and Frances (Kearney) Nowlan, natives respectively of Carlow and Wexford counties, Ireland, was born at Grafton, Mass., February 6,1837. In 1810 the family-parents and four sons, moved west and settled on the homestead in Goshen township, where the father died in 1882. Of the sons who came here John died in 1869, aged 29 years. His brother Michael died in 1867. Patrick, James and William have for years held a foremost place in citizenship. Edward, David, Michael, Mary, Henry, George and Joseph were born here. Patrick resides at Hastings, Neb., is married, and is the parent of five children. William, Henry and Edward are men of families, residing in Goshen township. Dr. David Nowlan resides at Havelock, Iowa. Their sister is Reverend Superioress of St. Mary's school. Baltimore, Md. George is cashier of Burge & Dewey's Bank at Toulon, and Joseph, until recently, has served in the Stark county News office. James Nowlan was brought up on the farm, and was subsequently a farmer on his own account for about eight years. In 1865 he entered mercantile life at Toulon, and in company with one or other of his brothers, carried on a large business until 1879, when he left the firm to engage in his present business. He married Miss Nellie A. Plummer, of Yates City, to whom were born James A., and Mary Irene. The family are members of St. Mary's Catholic church, and claim in a very marked degree the confidence of the people of all creeds and classes. It is beyond the limits of this sketch to follow the members of this large family through official life. A reference, however, to the chapters on county societies, pioneers, township and village organizations, churches and schools. will show very distinctly the various parts taken by them in the drama of settlement and progress. (Vide history of county and of Toulon and Goshen.)

Thomas A. Oakes, born in Orange county, Va., in 1811, married Mary Carter, of Mt. Vernon, O., in 1888, settled in Warren county, Ill., in 1839, died at Toulon, at his daughter's, Mrs. C. L. Packer, March 15. 1866.

Sylvester Francis Otman, whose ancestors came from Germany prior to the Revolutionary War, was born at Stockbridge, Madison county, N. Y., November 5, 1828. His grandfather served in the Revolution, and was captured by that fierce ally of the English - Theyendanega - or, Joseph Brandt, who was returning fresh from his bloody harvest

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in the Wyoming valley. At the age of seven young Otman moved with parents to New Hartford, N. Y, was educated there, and at the age of eighteen completed his course at the Sanquoit Academy. He taught two terms of school at this county, and arrived at Peoria, Ill., on his twenty-first birthday, where he presided over the then Third Ward school until May, 1850, when he moved to Wyoming. In 1853 he was elected surveyor and served eight years. In 1857 he was elected justice, resigning to enlist in Company E., One-hundred-and-twelfth Regiment, in 1862. He recruited this company and was elected captain, which position he held until November 30, 1864, when he took command of the regiment, at the battle of Franklin, Tenn. He commanded until February, 1865, when he was detailed as Acting Assistant Inspector-General on General Henderson's staff, and this rank he held until the command was mustered out, June 22, 1865. He participated in every battle of his regiment, was never wounded, and only "under the weather" for eleven days. In 1866 he was elected member of the legislature. In 1869, with A. W. King, he engaged in the general merchandise trade here, and for five years carried on a large trade. In 1874 he formed a partnership with A. G. Hammond, which continued for four years. In 1878 he was reelected a member of the legislature, reelected in 1880, thus serving three full sessions and three extra sessions, and having the honor and satisfaction of aiding in sending Lyman Trumbull and John A. Logan to the United States Senate. Captain Otman formed a partnership with John Jordan in 1881, and since that time has been extensively engaged in the lumber trade. Politically he was Democratic until 1856, when he voted for John C. Fremont. His services to the country and county tell plainly that he has been a Republican since that time. He married Miss Emma Denchfield in 1855, to whom one daughter was born - the mother and child dying the same week, in September, 1864. In 1867 he married Mrs. Sarah Smith Denchfield, who is the mother of the popular A. N. Otman, now seventeen years of age. In 1851 he joined the Masonic Lodge here, and is now also a member of the Chapter. He is one of the original members of DeWolf Post here. During the years 1850-3 he worked at the carpenter's trade, and this work, with his professional labors in school, his military career, and his commercial experiences, having contributed a share to give to Stark county one of her very best citizens. (Vide general history).

Benjamin Packer, son of Benjamin and Polly (Johnson) Packer, was born in Plainfield township, Otsego county, N. Y., August 23, 1818 His father was a son of Jeremy Packer of Bennington, Vt., who served through the Revolution against the British, and his mother, a daughter also of a revolutionary soldier, Ebenezer Johnson of New York. In 1824 the family moved to Windham county, Vt., in 1828 to Saratoga, N. Y., where Benjamin was raised and received a practical education. In 1851 he moved west and purchased 160 acres in Toulon township, which he sold, and then purchased 400 acres. Of this last purchase he exchanged 320 acres for his present property of 240 acres, to which he has added 560 acres, making 800 acres, a part of which he has divided between his sons. He was married in Saratoga county,

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N. Y., in 1851 to Miss Hannah. daughter of Ezra Lyon, who is buried in the cemetery near Northville. Of the ten children born to them, five sons and three daughters are living. Eli is a Baptist minister in Linn county, Ia., who studied five years at the University of Chicago, and two years at the Northwestern Theological Seminary, Morgan ark; Mortimer A. is a theological student; Ezra Lionel and Charles Lee, both farmers of Toulon township; Camilla May, the wife of Millar Patterson, of Wyoming; Frances Hannah, Elmer Benjamin, and Maggie F., still at home. By his first marriage with Miss Rebecca Leggett there were four children, two sons and two daughters, three of whom are dead, and one of the daughters, Sylva Paulina, is wife of Henry Walton of Black Hawk county, residing near Jessup postoffice, Iowa. Mr. Packer is one of the original members of the Stark county Agricultural Society, and one of its most active members and officials. He has been a member of the Baptist Church since the age of eighteen, and Mrs. Packer has held membership since the age of thirteen. Politically Mr. Packer is a Republican. In the history of the township as well as in the general history the parts taken by Mr. Packer in public and religious affairs is very fully shown.

Charles S. Payne, son of John and Asenath (Mattoon) Payne, was born at Hartford, Conn., October 25, 1818. His father, a native of Long Island, N. Y., served with distinction in the Revolution, subsequently settled at Homer, N. Y., and erected one of the first buildings there; thence moved to Hartford, Conn., near which city he died. His mother was of French extraction, and descended from the pioneers of Connecticut. Their daughter, at whose home John Payne died, was the wife of a nephew of Ex-Governor Tompkins of New York. Charles S. Payne spent his boyhood in the east. In his youth he worked in a wooden-screw factory ; at the age of fourteen years he entered in sash and blind making; at the age of twenty years went to New York City, and in partnership with Mr. McKenzie established a business there; which they conducted until 1845, when Mr. Payne visited the South. In 1846 or 1847 he traveled to Chicago, via St. Louis, and there engaged in the lumber, sash, door and blind business. In 1848 he established the first sash and blind factory at Peoria, which he carried on jointly with his Chicago concern --it being related that there he made the first diamond sash manufactured in the West. In 1851 he sold out his western interests and returning to New York City purchased the interests of his former partner, McKenzie, in a large manufacturing house. In 1853 he disposed of this interest, and returning to Illinois, settled on lands in Valley township, which he had previously purchased. These lands he improved and cultivated until 1857, when he moved to Wyoming, built and opened a large store here, next erected a flooring mill at a cost of $10,000, laid out a park, established tile works, constructed an opera house, and altogether placed about $100,000 in building up his own industries at Wyoming. The part he has played in the several acts of the drama of citizenship is only partly related here. In the general history as well as in that of Wyoming more precise mention is made of him, even the fact of his

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monument in the cemetery being erected, let us hope, a quarter of a century before he will seek its shelter, is not omitted. Mr. Payne was married in New York city to Miss Elizabeth Angevine by Rev. Dr. Tuttle of the Protestant Episcopal Church. This lady is descended from Charles of Anjou and Beatrice, daughter of Raymond de Berenger, famous in French history of the thirteenth century. The Paynes also came of old French stock, surnamed Païen from the well-known skepticism of the family in religious matters. Mr. Payne is a democrat of the old school; but an earnest worker with that party. (Vide general and township history.)

Harvey Pettit, son of Joseph and Polly (Nichols) Pettit, was born at Galloway, Saratoga county, N. Y., October 4, 1819. At the age of fourteen years he went to Knowlesville, Orleans county, where he served an apprenticeship in a mercantile house. Subsequently, he moved to Westfield, Chautauqua county, N. Y., and there learned the woolen business. From 1840 to 1843 he resided at Napoleon, O. Returning in the latter year, he married Miss Phoebe F. Whitman, a native of New York state, born at Milton, September 11, 1824. Moved with his family to Napoleon, O., in 1844; one year later (1845) to Peoria county, Ill.; a few years after, they settled in Stark county, where their seven sons and three daughters were raised and educated. Their children are named as follows: William H., of Texas, born in Henry county, Ill., January 21, 1844; Susan A., wife of Abram Buffington, of Trego county, Kan., born in Peoria county, Ill., February 22, 1846; Elijah B., a farmer of Stark county, Ill., born in Peoria county, Ill., October 14, 1849; Sylvester L., a merchant of Sterling, Col., born in Bureau county, Ill., October 8, 1851; Joseph, born in Marshall county, Ill., October 23, 1853; George C., of Peoria, born in Marshall county, Ill., May 18, 1857; Mary, Arthur and Alonzo, residing at home; Clara B., who married Ezra King, is dead. She was born in Stark county, Ill., August 22, 1862; Mary A. was born May 29, 1885, in Jasper county, Ia.; Arthur was born March 13, 1859, in Stark county, Ill.; Alonzo was born June 10, 1865, in Stark county, Ill.

Dr. Allen McArthur Pierce, son of Samuel and Mary Louisa (McDonald) Pierce, was born in Ross county, O., December 19, 1836. In 1847, his father and family of six children moved to Chillicothe, Ill., and subsequently to Stark county, where he died September 13, 1879. His widow survives him, while his children, with the exception of Dr. Pierce and his sister, Mary L., reside outside this state. Frank and John are engaged in mining operations in Colorado, and Charles E. is a mill-owner at Pawnee City, Neb., where he has a family. Dr. Pierce spent his earlier years in Ross county, O. On coming to Illinois, he devoted himself to study, and at the age of twenty-one entered the office of Dr. Thomas at Wyoming; subsequently attended Rush Medical college, and graduated from that institution in 1861. The following twelve months were devoted to practice at Toulon, and then he entered the union service as army surgeon, under commission of Governor Yates. In the fall of 1862, he returned home on "sick-leave," and early in 1864 was commissioned first assistant surgeon,

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One-hundred-and-thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which service he remained until the close of the war. Locating at Peoria in 1865, he had his office with Dr. Robert Boal, was pension surgeon there, and continued in active practice until 1869, when he was induced to move to Galesburg. In 1870, he took up his residence at Wyoming, and has practiced there with marked success for over sixteen years. The doctor is an active member of DeWolf Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Pierce belongs to the Methodist society here. He married Miss Mary W., daughter of 'Squire Isaac Thomas. Their children are Harry L., of the Peoria bar; Mary E. and Jerome T. Pierce, residing at home.

Henry Ranger Pierce, native of New York state, came to Stark county about the year 1849. He resided in southern Illinois for several years prior to 1849 and was engaged in mercantile life in this state from his boyhood. After coming to this county the gold fever took him to California, where he passed about three years, with success. Returning, he located a farm just north of Toulon and subsequently located in town, where he died in 1861; leaving a family of three sons and one daughter: Isabella A., Harlan W., Corrance and Harry M., an attorney of Chicago. His wife was Miss Martha A. Catterlin, daughter of Joseph Catterlin, a pioneer merchant, who came from Virginia in 1849, as referred to in this chapter. Mr. Pierce was a strong supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church and an old member of the Masonic lodge here. Harlan Pierce spent his boyhood here, and here received a good common-school education, supplemented by a course of commercial study at Quincy. He began clerking at the age of eighteen years, in 1866, in the store of Hiram Willett; was subsequently clerk in the store of George S. Lawrence, and again clerk and overseer of the lumber business of the Stark county lumber headquarters, at Wyoming, for three years and a half. Returning to Toulon, in 1885, he engaged with his brother, Corrance, in business here.

F. O. Phelps, a brother of E. H. Phelps, died in August, 1875, at Riverhead, L. I.

Mrs. Franklin Pratt died near Wyoming, in June, 1870.

Henry T. Prentiss, of the firm of Bogue & Co., Wyoming, was born at Monroeville, O., November 26, 1851. His father, Charles P., also a native of that county and postmaster at Monroeville, is a son of Thomas Prentiss, of Lebanon N. Y., who settled in Ohio in her pioneer days. Henry T. was educated in Ohio, and was interested in his father's manufacturing interests until 1880, when he accepted a position with Bogue & Co., at Chicago; coming to Wyoming in April, 1884. He was married at Plymouth, O., to Miss Jennie Beekman, daughter of 'Squire Abram Beekman, an old settler of that town. Mr. Prentiss is an important addition to the citizenship of Wyoming and is well established here.

John Prior, whose cabin in 1842 was transformed into a church, and in 1844 into a school-house, presided over by John W. Henderson, was the pioneer chair-maker of Toulon. Mrs. Shallenberger, referring to him and his home, says: "The fireplace was rough and large, into

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which good-sized logs could be thrown when occasion required; a pole, the dimensions of a common hand-spike, served as poker, or lever, and an old saw inverted played shovel. Then, as a pointed illustration of the proverb, 'shoemakers wives always go barefoot,' there never was a whole chair seen in this establishment. A number of frames with shingles laid on them accommodated the adult listeners, while a turning lathe in the corner afforded perching places for the little folks. Thus the people gathered, the men wearing patches without shame, and the girls in sun-bonnets and coarse shoes, or the little ones without any, and listened to the Powells and Blakes, the Wilkinsons and Boyers of old; but what our memory still retains of those meetings with peculiar pleasure is, the rich, full tenor of Caleb Flint, which, when wedded to some of Wesley's glowing lines, bore all hearts aloft and made a sanctuary of the rough dwelling where we met. 'Brother Prior,' too, was wont to sing with the spirit, if not with the understanding; and we recall an occasion, after fashion or more thorough culture had rendered the congregation a little fastidious as to its music, and a 'Brother Woollascroft' led well, both the circuit and singing, this 'Brother Prior' was cantering on a measure or so in advance of his leader, despite his earnest gestures to arrest his course. When human nature could endure no more, Mr. Woollascroft said, in his most decided tones, 'Brethren, we will commence that verse again; and not so fast, Brother Prior.'

Nelson Prout, son of William and Jane (Davis) Prout, was born in Greene county, N. Y., in 1812. His parents were natives of Greene county, N. Y. Mr. Prout moved to Newark, N. J., where he married in 1832, Miss Sarah A. Gardner, daughter of John Gardner, of Newark, N. J. They were the parents of ten children, all of whom were born in Newark, N. J. When the family moved to Stark county in 1855, they were accompanied by two of their girls and three boys. Albert is in Kansas. Frank is a lawyer in Nebraska, and Fred, who served in the First New Jersey Infantry in 1861, died in Jersey City. All the daughters are married except Miss Anna, who conducts a millinery store at Toulon. Mr. Prout, Sr., has been janitor at the court house for the last ten years, and by his precision in all matters relating to his duties, has made himself, in fact, a part and parcel of the court house.

Mrs. Elijah Ransom died at Oregon, Ill., November 26, 1881.

Francis Rennick (deceased), was born near Enniskillen, Fermanagh county, Ireland, April 16, 1819. He lived in his native country till his twenty-second year, when he came to Canada, where on the 16th of April, 1844, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Cousens. of Montreal, and during the time of his residence in Canada, his family of ten children were born, the eldest of whom died there. In the year of 1867, he moved with his family to Stark county, where he continued to reside until the time of his death, December 21, 1886.

Joseph D. Rhodes, one of the pioneers of Stark county, died at Toulon, in February, 1880, aged sixty-one years. (Vide Goshen township.)

Eugene Rhodes, born in Toulon township, August 13, 1859, is a son

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of Charles and Caroline (Cram) Rhodes. He was raised and educated in this county and here married Miss Clara Wright, a daughter of T. J. Wright, of Toulon, to whom one son Arthur Rhodes, was born. He gives some attention to stock growing and has always taken an active part in agricultural matters. Mr. Rhodes has held a membership in the Stark county Agricultural Society since coming of age, and is considered one of the most popular of the younger farmers of this county.

Mrs Byrne Riley, whose husband died in Ireland while on a visit, in March 27, 1886, is now a resident of Lincoln. Neb. Mr. Riley settled at Peoria in 1840, was a large landholder in this state and owner of ten acres at Wyoming.

Anthony Robinson, an old settler of Wyoming, died May 2, 1886, aged sixty-one years.

George Rockwell, of Toulon, while jumping off the cars at Plattsmouth, Neb., in January, 1882, fell under the wheels and was killed.

James Morris Rogers, born in Mamaroneck, New York state, April 17, 1824, is the son of Benjamin W. and Hannah (Vreeland) Rogers, and grandson of Benjamin W., also a native of that state, who served in the war of 1812-15. The Vreeland's were one of the Knickerbocker families. In 1837, his father moved to Illinois, settled twelve miles west of Peoria, near Kickapoo town, where he died in 1846, leaving a widow, one son and three daughters. Here James grew to manhood, and received a practical education. In 1851, he came to Stark county, purchased land in Valley township and improved two farms. He has given considerable attention to fine stock-growing, and it is said that his Chester white hogs and short horns have carried off many good premiums. In 1874, he retired from farm life, and locating at Wyoming, carried on a large hardware trade there until 1878, when he retired from business. From 1854 to 1870 he was justice of the peace in Valley township, meantime served on the school board and as supervisor, represented the township on the county board as related in the sketches of Valley and Essex townships. In 1882, he was elected police magistrate of Wyoming. a position he has since filled very acceptably. He was married in Peoria county early in 1847, to Miss Harriet Beall, daughter of Asa Beall, a native of Kentucky. They have an adopted son, Henry J., a farmer here and now the head of a family. During war times Mr. Rogers served actively in collecting funds for the aid of the soldiers, and in other local measures for the defense of the Union. A reference to the sketches of the Stark county Agricultural Society, and of the Central Agricultural Society will point out at once, the parts he has taken in building each organization up. He is also a member of the Blue Lodge, chapter and council at Wyoming; while Mrs. Rogers is a member of Easter Star. Himself and lady have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years.

Frank Rosseter, formerly principal of the Toulon schools, and more recently a lawyer of Kewanee, moved to Chicago in March, 1886.

William R. Sandham, came to Illinois from Herkimer county, N. Y., in March, 1867, taught school in Henry county several terms, and came to Stark county in September, 1871, to take charge of the Brad-

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ford schools. In 1873 he was chosen principal of the South Side school at Wyoming, which position he held until the end of the spring term in 1879. During the last named year he purchased and assumed the editorship of the Wyoming Post. In November 1882 he was elected County Superintendent of schools, and reëlected to that office in November, 1886. He was educated in the common schools of the state of New York and at Fairfield Seminary, one of the leading institutions of learning in that state, located at Fairfield, Herkimer county. In August 1873, he applied for and received a state certificate, which entitles him to teach in any school district in Illinois. In the year 1885 he was appointed a member of the State Board of Education by Governor Richard J. Oglesby, in recognition of his thorough practical knowledge and ability in school affairs. He was married at Atkinson, Ill., July 16, 1871, to Miss Rhoda S. Tuttle, a native of New Haven county. Conn., then a resident of Annawan, Ill. They had but one child, a son named Arthur, born December 13, 1874, who died May 15, 1882. A reference to the sketches of Wyoming and Bradford schools to the chapter on the press and to the political history will point out very definitely the important parts taken by Mr. Sandham in the latter-day progress of the county.

Peter Sanner, born in the Grand Duchy of Nassau, Germany, August 28, 1844, came with his parents to the United States in 1851, and settled with them in Wisconsin, locating for a short time at Milwaukee, but subsequently settled at Janesville. In the last named town the youth grew to manhood, learned the harness-maker's trade there, and became, so to speak, an American of Americans. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Fortieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and after two years' active service with that command was honorably discharged. In 1870 he came to Wyoming, and worked steadily at his trade here until 1886, when he leased the Truax House. In 1881 he was married at Wyoming, to Miss Bertha E. Dalrymnple. They are the parents of three children; Laura E., Rosa M. and John P. Like her husband, she gives much attention to the hotel, so that the house is considered one of the best conducted hostelries to be found outside the large cities of the state.

Winfield Scott, son of John and Minerva (Hubbell) Scott, was born at Sidney, Shelby county, Ohio, September 13, 1827. In October, 1836, he came with his mother, Mrs. John Leidley, to Tazewell county, Ill., where he received a common school education. In 1844 he entered on the work of carving out his course through life in this State, and traveled in search of something permanent until 1854, when he moved from Adams county, Ill, to Stark county, and purchased an 80 acre tract on section 29, Penn township, which he improved. Since that time he extended his land holdings considerably, and has become one of the first growers of fine stock in Illinois. Mr. Scott was married in Adams county to Nancy Ann Haines, a native of Virginia. Their children are George E., a farmer and stock-raiser of Penn township, John E., of the same township; William A., associated with his father in the Wyoming meat market, is also associated with him in fine stock-growing and in the shipment of all kinds of stock; Charlie F., stock-grower of Ad-

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air county, Mo.; Emma M., wife of George Mathewson. of Mayhew, Wis.; Frank W., farmer of Penn township; Adeline A., wife of Frank Davis, of Wyoming. Mr. Scott was always an active member of the county Agricultural Society, and one of the most prominent builders-up of the Central Agricultural Society, as related in the chapter on county societies. Mrs. Scott is a member of the Methodist Protestant church. He is a supporter of all Christian denominations, is a member of the R. A. chapter, an excellent neighbor and undoubtedly one of the leading spirits among the enterprising men who made Wyoming what it is, and continue to push it forward toward its destined place among the large towns of Illinois.

George W. Scott, banker of Wyoming, was born July 21, 1832, at Fredonia, Chautauqua county, N. Y. his parents were Ephraim Scott, Jr., and Lydia Sherman, both natives of Ware, Mass., the former of Scotch and the latter of English origin. This Ephraim was a son of Captain Ephraim Scott, a soldier of 1812, who commanded a company at Buffalo, when that post was burned. Miss Sherman's mother was a daughter of Reuben Sherman, a soldier of the Revolution, and a cousin of Roger Sherman, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. There are now in possession of George W. Scott two commissions ,—ensign in 1802, and captain in 1806—issued to his grandfather by Caleb Strong, Governor of Massachusetts. The original owner of these old parchments died in 1838, but without exposing the family to hardships, for although a soldier in manner and spirit, looked well to the future of his family. George W. Scott was educated at Millbury Academy, Mass. In 1853 he settled in Peoria county, Ill., purchased lands there and engaged in agriculture. Ten years later he moved to Wyoming and entered at once on a most successful mercantile career, continuing in trade for seven years. In 1870 he established the banking house of Scott & Wrigley, and by that chose attention and most careful management, which have marked the projectors and proprietors, it is now classed among the leading banking houses of the northwest. Mr. Scott's marriage with Miss Mary C. Cox, a native of Ohio, was celebrated December 23, 1858. Of their five children, they have lost two, while three daughters are living. His thoughtfulness and liberality are exemplified in the educational opportunities and advantages he has placed at the disposal of these children. Nor do these virtues cease here, for his interest in educational matters extends to the whole system and to the whole community. A reference to the school history of Wyoming and adjoining townships points out his services on the board of education for 13 years, while other pages deal definitely within his public and business career in this county. He has taken a full part in making Wyoming what it is today, and continuing the good work does not permit the failure of any enterprise which promises or gives public benefit.

Martin Shallenberger, born in Fayette County, Pa., December 3, 1825, received a common school education in that county. and resided there until April, 1838, when the family moved to Illinois. Mr. Shallenberger is of a Swiss family, from the Canton Uri, one of the original cantons that won independence from the Austrians in 1307.

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The record of this family goes back to that date, when it first appears in the history of Switzerland. The name takes its rise from the original home of the race, the Schallenberg, a noted mountain in Uri, which in ancient times was the rallying, or mustering place for the first cantons in times of invasion or public danger. It means in English, the "Echoing Mountain." When surnames came in vogue in the eleventh century, the chief dweller on that mountain was called the Shallenberger. The family first settled in Lancaster County, Pa., but afterwards removed to Fayette County, where the subject of the present sketch was born, as above stated. On coming to Illinois with his parents, he assisted them in making a home in the northern part of Fulton County, and remained with them until 1843, when he was sent to the "Peoria Academy," kept by David Page. Early in 1846, he entered the office of Andrew Peters, then one of the leaders of the Old Bar of Illinois, a year later was examined by the late Isaac N. Arnold and Patrick Ballingall, examiners appointed by the court, was admitted an attorney-at-law by Judges Caton arid Treat, and the same year took up his residence at Toulon, opened the third law office established in Stark county, and for forty years has practiced in the courts of this county and circuit. His marriage with Miss Eliza J., daughter of the pioneer Dr. Thomas Hall, took place June 25, 1849. This lady was born in England in 1830, and came with her parents to Osceola Grove in 1837, as related in the history of the Hall family. To her the people are indebted for the work entitled, "Stark County and Her Pioneers,'' noticed in the chapter on journalists and authors, and the literary circles of Toulon for many well prepared essays. With a few members of her family she resides in the old Shallenberger homestead in Fulton County. Of the children, the two younger ones, Herman and Percy are on the farm in Fulton County. The eldest daughter, Matilda, keeps house for her father at Toulon. The rest are in Nebraska. Thomas A., originally a lawyer, is now a banker at Bradshaw, Neb. Eugene is postmaster there; Anslen P. is a lawyer at Hastings, Neb.; Ashton C. is postmaster and dry goods merchant at Osceola, and Pauline is the wife of J. M. Ragan, the leading lawyer of western Nebraska, residing at Hastings, the senior member of the firm of Ragan, McDonald & Shallenberger. Mr. Shallenberger has held office but once. He was a member of the legislature of Illinois in the winter of 1856-57, from the district composed of Peoria and Stark, John T. Lindsay, now of Nebraska, being his coadjutor. This legislature contained many able men well known in Illinois history: John A. Logan, Isaac N. Arnold, William C. Goudy, William R. Morrison, Shelby M. Cullom, C. B. Denis, Silas Bryan, Samuel W. Moulton, and many others of like character. It goes without saying that Mr. Shallenberger held his own among them. Mr. Shallenberger is often styled "The animated encyclopedia," on account of his vast fund of general knowledge. He has painted more than 200 pictures, many of them of rare excellence, and all good. Since 1847 Mr. Shallenberger has been prominent in law circles. Although two lawyers had settled at Toulon before his coming, they did not stay long enough to share the honors of pioneership, so that to him is generally accorded the credit of being the

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pioneer attorney, the last of the Old Bar in the county, and one of the few members of that great old circle still residing in the military tract.

Hopkins Shivvers, son of James and Mary (Cowger) Shivvers, was born twelve miles south of Hillsboro, Highland county, O., June 15, 1817. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Kentucky. In 1822 the family moved to Washington, Fayette county, O., where his father died in 1850, and where the subject of this sketch acquired a common education and engaged in farming. In 1836 he married Miss Isabella, daughter of Jacob and Druzilla (Harrison) Jameson, a near cousin of President Harrison. To them were born ten children, of whom seven are living, namely: James, at Washington, Ia.; Mrs. Druzilla Trickle, Atkinson, Ill.; Mrs. Sarah Q. Wing, of Newton, Kan.; J. Randolph, farmer of Scandia, Kan.; Mrs. Belle Baldwin of Goshen township, Ill.; Charles H., merchant of Scandia, Kan., and Davis L., of Pawnee City, Neb. They are all married, and with the exception of Davis, are all the heads of families, the grandchildren now numbering fourteen. One of his sons served in the War for the Union, as recorded in the military chapter. In 1853 Mr. Shivvers came to Stark county, purchasing 196 acres on sections 5 and 6, Essex township, where he now owns 232 acres. At one time he was owner of 1,000 acres in this county. He has served as supervisor of Essex township several times; has been school director for thirty years; was one of the original members of the County Agricultural Society, of the Old Settlers' Association, and representative of the Farmers' Aid Society at Springfield. For over half a century he has been in full communion with the Methodist Episcopal church, so was his first wife, who died February 22, 1882, a member from her girlhood. Mr. Hopkins and Davis Lowman were the original introducers of "Short-horns" into this county. Up to 1876, when he retired from agriculture, he was one of the most enterprising farmers of Stark county. Mrs. Isabella Shivvers, born in Pickaway county, O., in 1816, died near Toulon, February 22, 1882. She married Hopkins Shivvers in 1836, and in 1853 moved to Toulon. Mrs. Lydia A. (Strong) Shivvers, born September 27, 1824, in Pennsylvania, came to Illinois in 1842, married Ansel Fuller, of Osceola in 1844. He died in 1863. In 1882 she married Hopkin Shivvers, of Toulon. She died November 16, 1884, and on June 16, 1885, he married Mrs. Lucinda Wright.

William U. Sickles, junior member of the firm of Carlin & Sickles, was born September 24, 1861, in Marshall county, Ill. His parents, William and Abigail (Freeman) Sickles, natives of New York state, were early settlers of Marshall county. William Sickles, Jr., came to Wyoming in 1873, engaged as mercantile clerk, and subsequently became a traveling salesman. In 1877 he came to Toulon, and on June 15, 1884, joined Mr. Carlin in the manufacture of cigars. Like his partner, he embraced all the joys of matrimony by uniting himself in marriage with Miss Nettie, daughter of Charles Rhodes, to whom one daughter, Gertrude Ethel, has been born. Mr. Sickles possesses many qualities which carry with them success, and in business circles at Toulon and Wyoming he holds a high reputation.

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Levi Silliman, son of Minott and Henrietta (Bathan) Silliman, was born in Goshen township, Stark county, September 17, 1842. His father, the pioneer county treasurer of Stark, is noticed in the pages of the general and local history. His mother was a native of Ireland and a pioneer of Stark county. Up to 1862 Levi Silliman was engaged in agriculture, having for fifteen years devoted himself to agriculture and education. On August 13. 1862, he enlisted in Company F, One-hundred-and-twelfth Illinois Infantry, was wounded at Resaca, Ga., but served to the close of the war, when he resumed farming, and engaged in school teaching winters. In 1876 he established himself in the grain trade. In 1877 joined Mr. Oliver in this business, and also purchased a lumber yard and carried it on individually. In 1885 he purchased H. H. Oliver's and Charles Myers' interests in the grain trade and warehouse at Toulon, and now is sole owner of the two elevators at this point. Apart from this he owns a fertile farm on section eight, Essex township; is interested in the building trade; is school treasurer of the township; an active temperance worker, and representative to the Masonic Grand Lodge of Illinois. Mr. Silliman married Miss Mary E., daughter of Robert and Ellen (Tuttle) McKeighan. They are the parents of three children, viz: Minott, Henrietta and an infant. A reference to the history of Tonlon and to the military chapter of the general history will point out more clearly the social, military and business enterprises in which he has been engaged. (Vide Goshen history.)

Perry Hazzard Smith, third son of Greenleaf and Lettice L. (Sparr) Smith, was born in Essex township, November 8, 1831, being the first male child born in Stark county, within the American pioneer period. His father was born in Maine, who in very early years moved with his father, Benjamin Smith, to Ohio, and thence to Putnam county, Illinois, in August, 1829, being among the very early settlers. Benjamin died here. His son, Greenleaf, father of Perry H., died here on July 12, 1848, followed about 1862 or 1863 to the grave by the mother of our subject, leaving three sons and three daughters, one have preceded her a few years. Perry H. Smith was educated in the district schools, labored on his father's farm for years, learned the carpenter's trade, and from 1850 to July, 1885, was identified with that trade here. He was married to Miss Barbara E., daughter of John Emery. This lady, referred to in sketch of Eastern Star chapter, died on April 21, 1882, leaving one son and one daughter, Charles A. and Linnetta, with wife of Thurman H. Francis, of Wyoming. On May 8, 1884, he married Mrs. Anna D. Ewers, nee Hochstrasser. She has four children: Ira, Murray R., Artie and Clark C. Mr. Smith is Republican in politics, but not an office-seeker. He has served earnestly on the school board and in the council. He may be named as the senior old settler and member of that association, as well as one of the oldest members of the Masonic circle in this county. His wife and daughter are members of the Eastern Star chapter.

John W. Smith, son of Joseph and Rebecca (Parsons) Smith, was born near Wheeling, W. Va., January 25, 1846. His father, a native of Chillicothe, O., was one of the old river steamboat men. His

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mother was a native of Virginia. In 1849 the family moved to Illinois, and locating on a farm in Marshall county, was engaged in agriculture there for sixteen years. In 1865 they moved to Valley township, Stark county, and in 1868 to Harvey county, Kan., where the father died in October. 1884, leaving a wife and eight children. John W. received his early training in Marshall county. Here he was engaged in agriculture from 1865 to 1868, when he entered the lumber business, which he carried on for fourteen years. He was married in Peoria county, in 1866, to Miss Clarinda, daughter of Daniel and Serena (O'Neil) Peppers, natives of Ohio, but old settlers of Illinois. He has always taken part in political matters, has served as supervisor of Toulon for two terms, was elected member of the council of Wyoming several times, and is now the president of that body. He was an active worker in the establishment of the Central Agricultural Society, is a supporter, but not a member, of the Protestant Episcopal church of Wyoming, and altogether a citizen who, laboring wisely for himself, is ever ready to exercise the same judicious round of labor in the interest of the community of whom he is one.

John Smith, born at New Berlin, Pa., in 1805, came to Pekin, Ill., in 1848, published the Mirror and Whig until 1856, when he moved to Toulon, and with Judge Hewitt projected the pioneer journal of this county, the Prairie Advocate. In 1860 he returned to Pekin, in 1862 moved to Hennepin, and in 1863 to Princeton, where he died July 23, 1880.

Mrs. Barbara (Emery) Smith, born in Richland county, O., in 1830, died April 21, 1883. She moved to Wyoming from Galva with her husband, Perry H. Smith, in 1866.

Mrs. Phoebe H. Smith died at Modena, June 29, 1881, where she settled with her husband in 1832.

Whitney Smith son of Jonathan Smith, who came from Connecticut to Luzerne county, Pa.. while yet the Shawnee Indians inhabited the region, was born at Wilkesbarre, Pa., July 14, 1804. He came to Spoon river about 1834, with his wife, a daughter of General Thomas, and established a general store at Wyoming. It is said that he had several copies of a plat of Wyoming printed, showing docks along Spoon river, a steamboat, negroes unloading cotton, warehouses etc. It is further alleged that this very much overdrawn picture of the settlement was distributed throughout the eastern towns and cities, and won for its author a very unenviable notoriety. He moved to Galena, Ill., in later years, where he died.

Isaac B. Spilman, a son of one of the old settlers of Stark county, who went to "Egypt" years ago, was elected state's attorney for Franklin county, Ill., in 1884.

Nathan Snare was born in Huntingdon county Pa., on February 3, 1826; is the son of John P. and Esther (Baker) Snare, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Pennsylvania, being one of the old Quaker families, born near Philadelphia. The ancestors of John P. Snare were from Germany, coming to this country at an early day, the father of John P. serving as a teamster in the War of 1812. Esther Baker also had one brother, Joseph Baker, who was a captain in

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the same war. John P. Snare removed to Pennsylvania while he was yet a boy and engaged in farming. He was married June 8, 1820, to Miss Esther Baker, by whom he had a family of seven children, four of whom still live, namely, Nancy, widow of Alexander Kissenger, residing in Penn township, this county; Nathan Snare, of Toulon township; James and John are married, both residing in Penn township, this county. The mother of this family died in 1840. Mr. Snare remarried in 1844 to Mrs. Nancy Gharrett (Kurfman), by whom he had a family of six children, four of whom still live— Cyrus C., married, living in Minnesota; Khesa S., married, living in Penn township, this county; Edwin, married, living in Valley township, this county; Albert, married, living in Nebraska. John P. Snare removed to Illinois in 1847 and settled in Penn township, where he purchased four hundred acres of land and engaged in farming; he remained so engaged until his death, which occurred in 1872, his widow, Mrs. Nancy Snare, still residing there. In political matters he was in early days a whig, but when the republican party was organized he embraced that platform and remained a thorough-going member of that party until his death. He was at his death a member of the M. P. church, with which he died in full communion. Nathan Snare passed his younger years on the farm and attending common school. In the year 1846 he removed to Illinois, locating in Penn township and engaged in farming. In 1850 he married Miss Lydia A. Davidson, daughter of Chaldron and Abbey (Stark) Davidson, both natives of Luzerne county, Pa. To this marriage three children were born, one of whom still lives, namely, Lily, now residing with her husband in Kansas. Mrs. Lydia Snare died in 1865, and he was remarried in 1866 to Miss Isabella H. Williamson, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Cook) Williamson, both natives of Pennsylvania. To this marriage eight children were born, namely, Hattine, now living in Kansas; Charles J., John H., Ernest M., Laura B., Walter D., Albert E., and Edith. The subject of our sketch was engaged in farming in this county until 1867, when he removed to Missouri, remaining there for seven years engaged in farming. In 1874 he returned to Illinois and purchased land in Toulon township on section 12, where he now resides. In connection with his farm interests he also has several coal mines on his land. In politics he was an early-day abolitionist, and when the republican party was formed he accepted their platform, but of late years has rather affiliated with the greenback party. He is not a member of any church, but lends his support to the M. P. church. He was a member of the Union League and was a staunch supporter of all things pertaining to the benefit of his county.

Perry Stancliff, farmer, stock raiser and horticulturist, Wyoming, was born in Athens county, Ohio, January 21, 1822, the son of David and Amy (Miles) Stancliff, the former of whom was born in Canada near Niagara Falls. He was the son of Stambaugh B. Stancliff, a native of New York state, whose father was a native of Germany. Stambaugh B. Stanchiff did action and honorable service in the War of the Revolution, from which he carried wounds to his grave, but for which he felt himself too patriotic a citizen to ask for or to receive

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indemnity. He moved into Canada (in consequence of business interests) some time after the war, but upon the outbreak of the difficulties which caused the War of 1812, he chose to abandon his interests there, and selected for himself a home in Ohio. He reared a family of twelve children—seven sons and five daughters—whose characteristics (that of large-sized and tall people) follow the Stancliff family. David Stancliff, his son, learned the shoemaker's trade and followed it for many years, but he finally retired from it and died on his farm in Ross county, Ohio. He, like his father, had a family of twelve children, eleven of whom grew to manhood—six sons and five daughters. Perry, the eldest of the family, learned the mason trade in Ohio, and followed it there for a few- years. In 1844 he came to Illinois, and in the same year Purchased the present property ("Sunnyside Farm") which he has improved and developed to its present handsome condition. He married here in 1848 Miss Martha C. Davis, daughter of Daniel and Rachael (Ennis) Davis, both deceased. The former was a native of New York state and the latter of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Stancliff have reared eight sons and two daughters, all of whom have grown to manhood and womanhood, and have taken a leading part in the interests of their different localities. Daniel W. is a worthy farmer of Valley township, and has one daughter. William is a successful farmer and stock raiser, of Saline county, Neb., and has four daughters. George is in the agricultural implement business in Valley county, Neb., and has one son. Stephen Miles is in the ice business in Fairfield, Iowa, and has one daughter. James is in the transfer business in Wyoming, and has a son and daughter. David is located at Fairfield, Iowa. Mary is the wife of Alfred Neeley, of Peoria. Emma, Herman and Albert are still under the parental roof, and help to cheer the fireside and enhance the comforts of their worthy parents. Mr. Stancliff has always been a liberal contributor to measures attending the advancement of the public good of his locality, and in his time here has done an important part. He has always held aloof from the snares of public office but has always carried his share of the "load of office'' on the school board and in township offices.

Patrick Sullivan, born in Rosscarberry Parish, Cork county, Ireland, March 14, 1836 is the son of Cornelius and Catherine (Howell) Sullivan, natives of that parish. The father was a linen-weaver by trade and manufactured largely. He came to the United States in 1852, settled at Grand Rapids, Mich., and invested in city property. He died in that city in 1880, in his ninety-second year, leaving a widow, three sons, and one daughter, namely: James A., steamboat man and a bachelor; Patrick, of this county; John, a brickmason and contractor, and Mary, wife of Geo H. Soule, a merchant of Grand Rapids. Patrick Sullivan passed his boyhood days in his native country. Upon coming to the United States, he was apprenticed to the moulder's trade at Grand Rapids, but after four years turned his attention to tinsmithing at Peoria, Ill., where he served an apprenticeship. He then engaged in the hardware trade at Princeville, where he was successful. In 1876 he came to Stark county, and carried on business at Castleton until he opened his large store at Wyoming. Mr. Sullivan

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was married at Peoria to Miss Hannah Hanlon, a native of that county, daughter of Patrick Hanlon, of Limerick county, Ireland, but an old resident of Kickapoo, Ill. They are the parents of five sons and three daughters, namely: John, Mary, James, William, Edward, Robert, Ellen, and Kate. The family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church.

Charles M. Swank, son of Reuben and Martha A. (Heaton) Swank, was born in West Jersey, Stark county, February 23, 1856. His father, a Pennsylvanian, and mother, a native of New Jersey, came here about 1853 while yet this now beautiful township was a wilderness, and, as related in the history, took a full part in building it up to its present prosperous condition. Their children are Flora B., now Mrs. W. H. Johnson, of West Jersey; Clyde W., student at Knox college; Eva G., a girl of eleven summers, deceased, and Charles M., of Toulon. The latter received a practical agricultural and common-school education, completed studies at Hedding college, Abingdon, Ill., and in 1876 entered mercantile life at West Jersey, continuing in trade there until March, 1883, when he established his house at Toulon. On June 20, this year, he married Miss Cora B., daughter of Charles and Lucinda Finery Potter, of Toulon. They have one boy, Glenn R. Both are members of the Congregational church, and each holds a high place in the estimation of the people.

Andrew Swartz, who settled near Toulon in 1837, died April 22, 1884.

Sylvester Sweet died at Toulon. February 8 1883. He was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., in 1795; served through the War of 1812; married Mary Adkins in 1818 (this lady died in 1825). In 1828 he married Cynthia Strong, and with his family settled near Saxon in 1841. In 1848 he was living three miles northwest of Toulon, where his second wife died in 1875. In 1877 he married Catherine Rounds, who survives him.

Mrs. Wm. Sweet, who died in Toulon June 16, 1886, added another name to the long list of Stark county pioneers who have crossed over the river. Mrs. Sweet's maiden name was Jane Pearson; she was born in Oswego county, New York, in 1826, and came with her parents to Peoria county in 1836. She was brought up in the Universalist faith, her father and grandfather both being ministers in that denomination. After the death of her father, she came to Stark county in 1844, and made her home with a family by the name of Bowen. In 1848 she was married to William Sweet. She was the mother of three children, two of whom, a son and a daughter survive her and are living in this vicinity.

Bushrod Tapp, whose name occurs so often in the pages of the general history and of this township, is one of the old residents of this county.

Charles Madison Teeter, the fourth and youngest of the family of John and Sarah (Van Brunt) Teeter, the latter a descendant in line from a New Amsterdam family in which Anneke Jans Bogardus was principal, was born near Florida, N. Y., June 30, 1817, where his parents occupied a farm. The beginning of the family was marked in

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Orange county, by the settling of John Teeter, grandfather of Chas. M., who arrived from Brunswick during the Revolutionary war. Charles Madison received a thorough, practical education, and entered mercantile life as clerk on the corner of Front and Fulton streets in New York City. After three years' active service, owing to failing health, he resigned his position as book-keeper and took up the employment of instructor, both public and private. At this he continued for a number of years, and while at Chester, New Jersey, he became acquainted with and married, March 7, 1843, Miss Julia Horton Stout, who was born December 25, 1820, being a daughter of Thomas B. and Deborah (Terry) Stout, the former a descendant of the union of Richard Stout (England) and Penelope Van Princis (Amsterdam) in New Amsterdam about the year 1624. Discontented with the business of teaching, he at length accepted the situation of Station Agent at Asbury, N. J., where he remained until October, 1854, when, spirited by the glowing accounts of the great west, he, together with his wife and two sons, namely: John H., afterward a soldier in the Forty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, who sickened and died March 31, 1865 at Camp Butler, and Elias S. came to Illinois and settled at Henry, Marshall county. During the three years' sojourn at this place his family was increased by the births of a daughter, Maggie A. and Charles W., the third son. Having finally decided upon agricultural pursuits he removed his family to the "Teeter" farm at Bradford, Stark county, which he occupied until November, 1874, when he again changed his residence and located at Wyoming. His career throughout was marked as one of industry and integrity, of irreproachable character and widespread influence. Finally, surrounded by his family and worldly comforts, he fell suddenly sick and departed this life June 13, 1883. A reference to the official and religious history of the townships shows the part taken by him in public affairs during his residence in this county.

Elias Stout Teeter, second son of Charles Madison and Julia H. (Stout) Teeter was born at Chester, Morris county, N. J., Oct. 20, 1847. Early in youth he accompanied his parents to Illinois where the family located at Henry, Marshall county, in October. 1854, and resided there until 1858, when they moved to Osceola township, Stark county, and engaged in farming until 1874. In this year Mr. Teeter retired from agriculture, took up his residence at Wyoming, and made that town his home until his death in 1883. Elias S. spent boyhood's years on the farm, and attending school in Osceola township until 1869, when he moved to Iowa, and embarked in mercantile life. In July, 1872, he sold his Iowa interests and returning to Stark county in August, purchased a partnership with O. G. Smith. In March, 1873. Dr. J. G. Green purchased the Smith interest, which in 1876 was bought out by C. W. Teeter, the firm being known since as Teeter Brothers. Their large house at Toulon was not established until February, 1885, although Elias Teeter had an interest in Chas. Wright's drug store from 1878 to 1881. He married in Osceola township Miss Emma M., daughter of J. M. Huffman, a native of New York State. Their children are John R. and Mariam J., both now attending school. Mr. T.

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was one of the original stock-holders and directors of the First National Bank, one of the original members and stock-holders of the Central Agricultural Society, has been a member of the Illinois Pharmaceutical Society, also holding a certificate since the passage of the Pharmacy Act, a member of the I. O. O. F., and one of the aldermen in the town council. He was appointed notary public in 1886. In the history of Wyoming and of Osceola township references are made to this family. The foregoing record points out clearly their place in the industrial history of this county.

Isaac Thomas, a resident of Stark county since 1844, is a native of the Green Mountain State. He is a son of David and Hannah (Dwyer) Thomas and dates his birth in Berkshire, Franklin county, Vermont, January 22, 1809. His father was of Welsh and his mother of Scotch-Irish decent. David Thomas was a blacksmith by trade, born in East Haddam, Conn., May 27, 1783; served as captain of militia in Vermont about the year 1813. Moved with his family to Kingston, Lawrence county, Pa., when Isaac was about 13 years old, the latter finishing his education at the Kingston Academy. When 17 years of age, our subject was engaged by his uncle, General Samuel Thomas, who was a contractor on the Pennsylvania canal, and with whom he remained about two years, superintending the men at work. Subsequently returned to Mahoopany and engaged in the mercantile and lumber business. Served there as post-master under President Van Buren. In the year 1844 moved with his family to Wyoming, Ill.; engaged for a short time in farming, also served here as post-master under Polk, Taylor and Fillmore. During his residence in this county, has served as a justice and police magistrate 35 years, and still holds the office of J. P. Has been a member of the M. E. church from early manhood, was identified with the Democrat party until the firing upon Fort Sumter, after which he became a Republican, and was active in getting up sanitary supplies in war time.

James Monroe Thomas, son of General Samuel and Marcia (Pettibone) Thomas, was born near Kingston in the Wyoming Valley, Pa., October 1, 1822. There his mother's two uncles were murdered by the British and Indians during the massacre of July 3, 1778. The Pettibones however, were not driven away for ever, as throughout Luzerne and adjoining counties, they are found today, as in the past, both in the trades and professions, and as ready to defend the country as were their fathers of the Revolution. James M. Thomas came here in 1834 with his father. At an early age he acquired a taste for mechanics, and here engaged in mill-building, designing implements, and did construct the first threshing machine in Stark county, as well as the first thresher and separator in this or Peoria county. He continues to devote attention to mechanics, having built some of the finest buildings in the county. He was appointed master of Wyoming post-office, June 30, 1853. by James Campbell, Postmaster-General, under the administration of President Pierce, and on July 28, 1885, he was recommissioned by A. E. Stephenson, acting Post-master General, under the administration of President Cleveland. In early years he was married at Peoria, Ill., to Miss Ellen, daughter of Squire Isaac White, a native of

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Pennsylvania, born at Loudon, Franklin county, in that State. Their children are Frank, a genial and clever member of the Stark county bar, residing at Wyoming; Payne P., a farmer on the old homestead in Essex township; Samuel, a mechanic. and James M., a student of the University of Michigan, and Isaac, who died at Wyoming, Ill., December 5, 1865, when eight years of age. Both Mrs. and Mr. Thomas attend the Methodist church, although the former had been a member of the Presbyterian faith up to December 5, 1847, at that date Mrs. Thomas united with the M. E. church, while the latter has been connected with the Methodist faith since his nineteenth year. General Samuel Thomas was the nominator of Andrew Jackson for President in 1832, so his son has been equally attached to the old Democratic party. James M. was one of the original members of the Stark county Agricultural Society. In 1877 he took an active part in organizing the Central Agricultural Society ; has always been a member of the State Agricultural Society and an official of that body, also of the Stark county Old Settlers' Association, and of other local organizations established for public benefit.

William F. Thomas came from Wyoming Valley, Penn. with his father, Gen. Thomas, in 1834. In 1850, he was sheriff and ex officio collector, was one of the aiders of the American Central Railroad, and in every sense one of the most useful citizens of the county; died in May, 1875.

Frank Thomas, son of James M. Thomas, was born here September 17, 1848. He received the rudiments of his education in the Wyoming schools, then attended for two years the Clark seminary at Aurora, and subsequently passed one year at the Northwestern university, Evanston, Ill., and taught school for three terms. In his nineteenth year he attended school at Ann Arbor, Mich., then he affiliated with the state university, following took a literary and scientific special course in the university, and took up the study of law there under the preceptorship of Hon. T. M. Cooley, L. L. D. He graduated from the university in 1871, and, returning to Illinois, was admitted an attorney-at-law of the state. He married Miss Anna Walsh, of Ann Arbor, Mich., and to them two children were born. This lady died June 3, 1876, and some years later he married Miss Julia, daughter of Dr. W. H. Hoover. A reference to the pages devoted to the law and political chapters of the General History and to the history of Wyoming will point out very clearly the part Mr. Thomas has taken in the political, legal and social life of the county.

Samuel Thomas, born in Connecticut, February 2, 1787, settled in Wyoming Valley, Pa., in 1816, and on May 10, 1807, married Miss Marcia Pettebone, a native of Kingston, Pa., daughter of Oliver Pettebone. On the breaking out of the War of 1812, he was captain of a company of volunteer artillery composed of one hundred young men, none of whom were over twenty-five years of age. Their services were tendered to the government, and accepted, and the company was ordered to Erie, Pa.. when the fleet of vessels were building for the use of Captain (afterward Commodore) Perry. On reaching Erie, Captain Thomas was put in command of the post, and a block-house

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and breastworks built and cannon planted thereon to protect the building fleet, while on the stocks, as the British fleet were then cruising on Lake Erie with the avowed intention of burning our vessels before their completion. Several efforts were made by the British to burn our fleet during the time the boats were building, but were driven off by our artillery. After the battle upon Lake Erie, Captain Thomas was ordered out into Canada to join the Northwestern army under the command of General William H. Harrison. After the battle of the Thames at that place with the British and Indians in which the celebrated Indian chief "Tecumseh" was killed, Captain Thomas was ordered over to Detroit, which was then held by British and hostile Indians. Our forces drove out the hostile English and held Detroit until ordered back into Ohio near the mouth of the Maumee river, and thence to Pittsburgh and to Wyoming Valley, Pa. Soon after peace was declared, Captain Samuel Thomas was made brigade inspector of the Northeast Division of the Pennsylvania militia. This position he held until commissioned as brigadier general in 1828, which position he held until moving to Illinois in 1834. He was a member of the legislature of Pennsylvania two terms, was a leading Methodist from an early day, and in the early settlement of Spoon River his house was the only chapel for a number of years. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity from an early date. He arrived with his family after forty-two days' travel, on the site of the present town of Wyoming, in October, 1834, where his brother-in-law, Sylvanus Moore, had a cabin and claim. Purchasing Moore's interest here he entered the land at Quincy in June, 1835, opened a store there and also began farming, and continued to reside here until his death, as noted in the history of Wyoming. Mrs. Marcia Thomas died here July 21, 1865. Their son, William F., who came with them into the wilderness of Spoon River, was born in 1817, died at Wyoming, May 25, 1875; Ruth Ann, born in 1819, who married Giles C. Dana, in May, 1836, died at Peoria in July of that year and James M.. born in 1822, who in 1847 married Miss Ellen White, has for over half a century been a prominent figure in the history of the district. In the history of the Agard family reference is made to Martha P. Thomas, who married J. W. Agard in 1834 and came with him in September, 1836, to Wyoming. Mary Ann Thomas, who married Whitney Smith, of Wilkesbarre, Pa., one of the early traders here, came with him in 1835, and for many years shared his home here until her separation from him when she married E. S. Brodhead, who died at Toulon in 1873. Some time after her second husband's death, she became Mrs. Chase, of New York City. From 1808 to 1879 the general is said to have voted the Democratic ticket, and as told in the political history, was elected on that ticket a member of our legislature in 1846. The life of this enterprising pioneer of Stark county claims extended notices in many pages of this work; yet this sketch of the family is necessary to complete our history. General Thomas was called to Michigan in 1832 and spent a part of that season there, and in the fall of 1833 was called to old Fort Dearborn, at the time the Indians, who fought under Black Hawk were paid off by the United

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States government. After their payment, he with two neighbors, traveled over the entire state of Illinois on horseback and over Black Hawk’s purchase, now Iowa. At that time he selected this place for a future home, and bought a section of land before returning to Pennsylvania, which return was made all the way on horseback. When he came here he invested largely in land, but sold much of it before his death.

Owen Thomas was born at Norristown, Penn., December 12, 1818, and on arriving at manhood married Miss. Sarah Pierce in the year 1844, and for nine years longer lived there, following his trade, that of a nail-cutter. In the year of 1853, he with his family came to Stark county, and, with the exception of a very short time, has lived on the same place where his last moments were passed ever since. Of his ten children, five only are living, two daughters here, Mrs. A. Galbraith and Mrs. A. Wilkinson, two daughters, Anna and Mary, living in Missouri, and one son, Abraham, that lives near Oskaloosa, Ia. In 1882, his companion was taken from him. On Saturday, November 6, 1886, he married Mrs. Sarah Lake, and bid her the last farewell November 20, 1886.

Mrs. Harriet Taylor, sister of H. Shivvers, and mother of Mrs. Henry Harrington, died in Hooper county, Kan., July 13, 1886, aged about 65 years.

Captain Bradford F. Thompson, son of Benjamin M., and Ann B. (McLaughlin) Thompson, was born at Montville, Waldo county, Me., November 6, 1837. His parents were Scotch and Irish respectively, early settlers of Maine, and among that state's most industrious citizens. In 1856, the family, consisting of parents and four sons, moved to this county. Here the captain engaged as a clerk in a store, but, after the lapse of a few years, entered Martin Shallenberger's office at Toulon as a law student. The rebellion broke over the land shortly after, and in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, One-hundred and twelfth Illinois Infantry, was promoted first sergeant on organization of company; second lieutenant April 10, 1863; first lieutenant in December, 1863; adjutant of the regiment March 7, 1864; and captain of Company B, May 9, 1865. On his return, he engaged in merchandising at Bradford, and continued in trade until 1874, when he resumed law studies, was admitted to the bar, and has been in practice since that time. In 1859, he was elected town collector of Osceola, served one term as supervisor, was town clerk, justice of the peace and assessor. In 1868, he was elected representative in state legislature, and in 1876, state's attorney. In the latter year he removed to Toulon, was reelected state's attorney in 1880, and served until 1884. Captain Thompson was married in 1860 to Miss Elizabeth A., daughter of Zachariah and Lydia (Bevier) Bevier, who settled here in 1851, coming from New York. Their children are Miss Marry and Anna and Earl W. He is prominently connected with local and district military circles, is secretary of the One-hundred-and-twelfth Veteran club, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, a mason since 1862, and now secretary of the "Old Settlers' society" of Stark county. In every position he has aimed to do well what he undertook

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