Miss Margaret, daughter of William and Margaret (Bunn) Campbell, born in Pennsylvania, December 16, 1833. Her father, a Pennsylvanian, died in 1835. In 1848 she came with her mother, who had married a Mr. Placher, to Peoria, where she met Mr. Johnson, as before stated, and married him in 1854. After this marriage he followed farming in Marshall county several years. In April, 1865, they came to Stark county where they had previously purchased one hundred acres in West Jersey township where they still reside. Nine children have blessed their union, eight of whom are still living: Charles W. (deceased), William H., Oscar J., Edgar L., Frank C., Lewis O., Robert B., Ida A. and Fannie M. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the M. E. church, as are also all of their children. Politically Mr. Johnson is a Republican, and has held several offices of trust, among them, justice of the peace, and supervisor for several terms. That he honorably discharged his duties to the satisfaction of the people is signified by his numerous reelections. He has increased his original farm of one hundred acres to 240 acres of choice lands, located within two miles of the village. Mr. Johnson has for several years been an officer and member of the agricultural society of this county.

William H. Johnson, son of Andrew J. and Margaret J. (Campbell) Johnson was born in Marshall county, Ill., August 6, 1859. In '65 he with his parents settled in West Jersey township. In '76 he entered Hedding College, Abingdon, Ill., and after a study there of four years he returned to his home on account of ill health, and at various times was engaged in teaching school. On December 5, '83, he married Miss Flora, a daughter of Reuben and Martha (Heaton) Swank, born in Stark county, September 22, '60. Previous to his marriage Mr. Johnson had purchased a store at West Jersey village, which he now owns. Mr. Swank was a native of Pennsylvania, born November 14, '30, and died April 14, '72. Mrs. Swank was born in New Jersey. November 23, '33. They came to Illinois at an early day, and after their marriage settled near West Jersey. where Mr. Swank died. At the age of fourteen Miss Flora entered Hedding College, where she studied for about three years, when she entered the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Ill. Subsequently she spent some time at Chicago in the study of the fine arts, and in '83 she married Mr. Johnson, as before stated. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have resided at West Jersey. They are both respected members of the Methodist Episcopal church, interested in all works of a progressive nature, and are held in high esteem. In politics Mr. Johnson. like his father, is a Republican, and has honorably filled the office of town clerk.

R. W. King, M. D., one of the old physicians of the county, was born in Columbiana county, O., in 1819. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Ware) King, were Virginians. who settled in Ohio about 1810, where both died. The father served in the War of '12, which resulted in the total banishment of the British from our coasts. Dr. King was educated in the early subscription schools of his district. In '45 he entered the study of medicine at Akron, O. under Dr. Bartges. He practiced in that city for eleven years. until coming to Peoria county in '56, where he practiced two years; resided at Brimfield two years,

and in '60 established an office at West Jersey. In addition to his professional duties he served as school director for sixteen years, collector one year, and in '85 was appointed postmaster. He is also engaged in the drug trade there, his son, now of Toulon, assisting in the store. Dr. King was married in '39 to Miss Sarah Bartges, to whom six children were born, of whom two are living -- Catherine E., now Mrs. James Jones, of Omaha, Neb., and Elizabeth, Mrs. George Slocum, of Ford county, Kan. A son, John W., enlisted in '62, but died at Port Hudson before muster-in. The mother of this family died in May, '56, and three years later the doctor married Miss Fannie E. Hunt. They are the parents of five children: Fannie R., deceased, Frank, Allen, Bert and Azora M. In political life Dr. King was decidedly Democratic up to a few years ago, when the fascinating goddess of Greenbackism won his allegiance.

Jacob Kissel, who settled in West Jersey about 1862. removed to Nebraska, and after a residence of nine years there returned to this county. Mr. Kissel was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1808, moved to Ohio, and subsequently resided in Indiana, Wisconsin and Nebraska, settling down here. In 1833 he married Miss Hester Clouser in Pennsylvania. Of their children, Reuben, Nathaniel, Mary, Emanuel, Sarah, Arabella, Henrietta, James (deceased), George and Jehial Kissel, are names well known. Emanuel served three years with a Peoria battery, escaped wounds, and is now a useful citizen of Dodge City, Kan.

Philip Knoff, deceased, was born in New Jersey, February 7, 1805, where his parents, Peter and Susan (Simmons) Knoff, then resided. In 1832 he married Miss Sarah Young, in 1845 moved to Ohio, and the following year set out for this county by wagon. On the journey hither, and after traveling forty miles, one of his horses died, when he returned to Ohio; but in the next spring made the journey and here purchased eighty acres of congressional land, built a log cabin, and entered on pioneer life. Here he resided until his death, October 11, 1876. He saw his original farm increased to 160 acres, and two survivors, of his five children, settled in life—Mrs. Kate Cross, of Toulon, and Mrs. Margaret Show, of West Jersey. In politics he was democratic. Jacob Young, brother of Mrs. Knoff, settled in West Jersey in 1846. For thirty years he was a pioneer here, and then became a pioneer of Iowa, where he now resides. Mrs. Knoff was born in New Jersey in 1809. Her parents, John and Susan (Daly) Young, died in that state about 1824. She has been connected with the Presbyterian Church of West Jersey since her settlement here, and has always been looked upon as a most exemplary member of the community.

William Mahany, deceased, settled in Toulon township, on the line of Essex, in 1836-7. He was born in the Shenandoah valley, in 1803; came to Illinois a single man and here married Miss Lydia McMullen. The farm which he purchased on coming here was improved by his own hands, and on it he resided until his death, in 1875. His wife died in 1866, at a time when her husband's success in life was assured and her young family provided for. Their children were: Paulina A. (deceased), James V. B., John W., residents here; Baxter M., died

while in the army; Marshall, residing here, and Oliver, deceased. J. V. B. Mahany married Miss Belle C. Cain, of this county. He is the owner of 350 acres of fertile land in West Jersey township, all well improved and thoroughly cultivated. Like his father, he is democratic in political life, but liberal and enterprising as a citizen. (Vide general history and sketch of Toulon township.)

W. S. McClanahan, physician and surgeon, a native of Monmouth, Ill., is the son of T. S. and Mary J. (Martin) McClanahan, natives of Ohio, but old settlers of Warren county, Ill., of which T. S. McClanahan was surveyor for many years. The doctor completed his literary education during a two years' course at Monmouth College. He taught school, principally at Berwick, for three years; read medicine under his brother. Dr. J. M. McClanahan, of Kirkwood, Ill., in the fall of 1881 matriculated at Rush Medical College, where he took a full course in medicine and surgery, and from which he graduated in 1883. He began practice immediately after in Mercer county, Ill., and six months later settled at West Jersey, where he has confirmed himself in the confidence and esteem of the people. As related in the history of the village, he is a member of the new I. O. O. F. lodge there. His marriage with Miss Mabel S. Matteson, of Berwick, Ill., was celebrated in 1884. They are the parents of one child. Earl M.

Rev. Allen Cowen Miller, born in Fayette county, Pa., February 12, 1807, was the fourth son of James and Agnes Miller. His father died early in the twenties, for in 1826 his mother resided at Sewickley, Pa., where her son united with the Presbyterian church that year. From this period until 1829 he devoted all his leisure hours to study. In this year he was employed by Dr. Jennings, of the Christian Herald, to canvass for that paper throughout Northern Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, and continued in this position until the full of 1831, when he entered the Bassenheim Manual Labor Academy at Zelienople, Pa. In 1832 he entered Jefferson College, and with the exception of the summer of 1835, studied there until 1837, when he graduated and entered the Western Theological Seminary. from which he graduated in 1840. He was licensed by the Ohio Presbytery June 17, 1840, and in June, 1841, was installed pastor of the church at Marseilles, Ohio. He presided over that church for seven years, and while there married Miss Mary Pierson, who died at Toulon, August 22, 1872. From 1848 to 1851 he presided over churches at Edna and Caroline, Ohio. On coming to Illinois in 1851, he preached at Roscoe one year and then became pastor of the church at White Rock, where he remained for nine years. During that time he organized the Presbvterian church at Rochelle and also preached there for two years. In the fall of 1861 he with his family settled at West Jersey, and in the spring of 1863 removed to Toulon and for four years supplied the pulpit at West Jersey. Subsequently he rested from ministerial labor, again preached to several congregations throughout this district, acted as bible agent and colporteur, and in 1873 revisited his old home and friends in Pennsylvania and churches in Ohio. On returning in January, 1874. he received a call from his old society at White Rock, which call he accepted. There he died May 12, 1874, and his remains

were taken to Toulon to rest. Of his three sons, two are leading lawyers of Stark county, and the youngest lies buried beside his parents in the cemetery at Toulon.

I. L. Newman, born in Warren county, N. J., July 7, 1827, is a son of Abraham and Eleanor (Lanning) Newman, natives of that state, and still residents there. His grandparents were Abraham and Mary (Hankinson) Newman, whose ancestors were British. Grandfather Abraham entered the service of the Continental Congress when fourteen years old and served throughout the grand struggle for freedom. At one time his brother and a man named Wykoff were captured by Indians who tomahawked one, while Wykoff escaped. This murder Abraham well avenged, both on the Indians and their teachers of England. After the war he settled in New Jersey, became a preacher of the M. E. church, and died there in his seventieth year. Isaac L. Newman was educated in the schools of Warren county. In 1851 he left his home in a one-horse buggy, and in forty-two days arrived at West Jersey Center with a capital of $300, and began life on the prairies. He purchased a tract of forty acres on section 15, at $3 per acre, and this small tract has grown, so to speak, into a magnificent farm of 600 acres. On September 12, 1857, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of James R. and Anna (Tuttle) Waibasse, whose brother Joseph came from Germany, and in 1858 settled here. Her father was the first to break sod in Sussex county, N. J. To this marriage there were born: Jerome, September 22, 1859; Anna, February 14, 1862; Melden A. and Selden A. (twins), March 24, 1866, all of whom are living. As related in the township history, he has been supervisor of West Jersey for five years; is a member of the Blue Lodge at Toulon, and politically a member of the Republican party. In 1881 Mr. Newman married Miss Permelia, daughter of John and Lydia (Maines) Pevey, who came from New Jersey to the township about 1850. Here her father died in 1863. aged about fifty-six years, and here her mother still resides in her seventy-sixth year. They were the parents of ten children, namely: Rachel, Joseph, Henry, John, Catherine, Permelia, William, Arthur, Jane, Aaron, Elizabeth and Clarrissa. Arthur resides in Peoria county, Aaron in Fulton county, Ill., and Elizabeth in Kansas. The other children are residents of Stark county. (Vide General History.)

Joseph Palmer was born at Brattleboro, Vt., in 1802. In 1827 he moved to Ashland county, O., and ten years after came here, settling on the farm now in possession of his son. He was married in Ashland county to Mary, a daughter of Elias Slocum. On coming here in 1837 he purchased 320 acres and made this township his home until after the war, when he moved to Galesburg. He was one of the old Board of County Commissioners, and for years the postmaster at Walnut Creek. Of his children, Willard resides here, James lives at Galesburg, Anna is wife of James E. White, of Garnett, Kan.; Averella and Rose (the latter known as Mrs. McChesney) are deceased. Mr. Palmer still survives pioneer hardships, and is a resident of Galesburg, Ill.

Willard Palmer was born in Ashland county in 1837, and when seven months old was brought into the wilds of Spoon river. He

received a practical education here, and here in 1861 married Miss Elsie, daughter of Wilson Garnu, of Michigan, who subsequently settled in this county. Mr. Palmer carries on a large farm and devotes much attention to stock-growing. While appreciating the value of good men in official positions, and like his father, unpartisan in political affairs, he votes with the Democratic party on all state and national issues.

John Pratz (deceased) was born near Carlisle, Pa., April 17, 1798. His marriage with Miss Nancy Layman took place there about 1819, and the following year this lady died there. Subsequently he married Miss Sarah Wetzell, and in 1827 moved to a point near what is now Ashland City, O. In 1837, with their eight children, and in company with the families of Elias Wycoff, Elias, Jr., Nehemiah Wycoff and Newton Matthews, they came to Illinois: Each family had two ox teams, a span of horses and a light wagon, with which they made the journey overland. Mr. Pratz settled on the east half of southeast quarter of section twenty-eight, and also entered a second eighty on the same section, built a log cabin, the chinks of which were filled with clay and chopped prairie grass. For a quarter of a century he lived here, moved to Rochester, where he died December 23, 1862, and Mrs. Pratz September 19, 1865. They were old members of the Congregational church, but later connected themselves with the Christian church, of which they were members at the period of death.

Jonathan Pratz, their only surviving son residing here, was born in Pennsylvania February 14, 1820, came with his parents here when seventeen years old, was married here February 8, 1841, to Miss Eliza J., daughter of James and Maria (Trickle) Murphy, began farm life for himself, and in 1846 settled on his present farm. Of their eight children, five are living: Anna M., in Iowa; Rosetta L., Sarah C., John E. and Hiram N. The deceased were: Mary F., Royal L. and Ora E., who died in August, 1883. For thirty-five years they have been members of the Christian church, but prior to that time were Congregationalists. He owns 220 acres, apart from the broad acres which he gave to his children. He has been successful in all his dealings, strictly upright, and now lives in the midst of peace and plenty.

Sylvester H Sanders, born in Morris county, N. J., December 16, 1812, is a son of Darius and Mary (Lochman) Sanders, natives of New Jersey, where both died. At about the age of seventeen years he learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until 1845, when, with his wife, Miss Eliza Ann Bryan, to whom he was married October 8, 1836, and three children, he made the journey to Illinois by wagon, and located a farm of 160 acres in West Jersey, on the northwest quarter of section twenty-eight, where he resided for a number of years. On this journey he was accompanied by Thomas Fox, his brother-in-law, and family. Here his wife died August 17, 1869, in her fifty- fourth year. Of the three children who came with them, and six born here, Rev. Jacob H. is a Methodist minister, Peter K. is dead, Mary J. is wife of Rev. A. Atherton, Susan E. is deceased, Sophronia is Mrs. Win. Sterler, Susan A. deceased, Fred E., Darius E. and Lucy M., wife of Rev. H. A. Brown. In 1879 Mr. Sanders and wife moved

into West Jersey village, where their residence was then erected.  Mr. Sanders owns 160 acres, together with village property, all the savings of years of labor.  In religious matters he is a Methodist of over thirty years’ standing.  His second marriage was solemnized April 13, 1871, with Miss Catherine Egbert, who, like her husband, is a devout church member.  Prior to 1856 Mr. Sanders was a Democrat, but since that time has been faithful to Republican doctrine and party.

Darius Sanders, born in Morris county, N. J., in 1816, died March 27, 1884.  In 1868 he settled in West Jersey township.

Elder John Sargent, born in Maryland, October, 1793, served two campaigns in the War of 1812, after moving to Ohio with his parents; came to Henry county in 1850, to Stark county in 1853, later to Missouri, from which he was driven by the Jay-hawkers in 1861.  He returned and settling at Millbrook, Peoria county, died there July 14, 1882.

Belle (Trimmer) Shafer, born in West Jersey township in 1863; married Peter Shafer in 1884; died March 15, 1885.

Mary L. Swank (Shannon), died at Grimes, Iowa, February 1, 1863; aged twenty-eight years.

Peter Sheets, deceased, son of Michael and Elizabeth (Wygell) Sheets, was born in Hampshire county, Va.  His parents were of German origin and were married in West Virginia in the spring of 1836; removed to what is now Essex township; purchased 280 acres on section 16 for $1,000, including a small house and thirty acres broken.  Seven children accompanied them hither, namely: Malinda (deceased), Irene, Mrs. Alexander Christy; George, Valentine (deceased), Rosana, Benton county, Iowa; William M., Florida (deceased), Andrew J., of Nodaway county, Mo., was born here.   Jacob Wygell, brother of Mrs. Sheets, came with them, remained two or three years and returned to Virginia.  Peter Sheets and wife have passed away from their pioneer labors here as stated in the history of Essex township.  George Sheets was born in Switzerland county, near Patriot, in 1825, and was twelve years old when he settled with parents in Essex township.  He was married, December 24, 1844, by Justice Edward Trickle, to Charlotte, daughter, of David Simmerman, whose history is given in this work.  In 1848 he located in West Jersey township, and owns today an eighty-acre farm well improved.  Their children are Eliza A., Mrs. J. H. Emery, Sarah E., Mrs. G. B. Varside, Elmira J., Mrs. E. B. Swant, all residents of this township.  Mrs. George Sheets was born in West Virginia in 1828, and for over forty years has shared her husband’s labors and successes. (Vide History of Essex Township.)

Jacob B. Smith, deceased, born in Reading, Pa., in 1801, settled near Ashland, Ohio, where he married Mrs. Maria Murphy, née Trickle, and in 1835 came to Illinois, making the journey by wagon and four horses.  They settled near Canton, and in February, 1836, settled on 160 acres, section 35, West Jersey.  There he built a log-cabin 16 by 16, and resided there for many years.  He spent his later days at Galva.  Both were members of the Christian Church, as were Julia A., now deceased; Eliza J. and Mary A., of Peoria county, daughers of Mrs. Murphy.  After her marriage with Mr. Smith, Wil-

Sarah H. (Lorance) Stimmel, widow of Jacob Stimmel, was born in Virginia November 6, 1812. Her parents, Virginians, in 1815 setteled near Columbus, Ohio, wehre they engaged in farming. Here, in 1825, her father, Mr. Lorance, died, death being caused by being out in a storm assisting a neighbor to erect a log cabin. Some time after her husband's death, Mrs. Lorance married a Mr. Dill. Again in 1836 she was left a widow. Several years later she started for Missouri, but changing her mind on the road she settled in Stark county, Illinois. In 1861 she died at her son's home, in Knox county, in her eighty-second year. Sarah Lorance is the fourth hcild of their family of ten chldren. On March 16, 1843, she married Jacob Stimmel, whose Virginian parents were also settlers of Ohio, near Columbus, where they both died. His father, Peter Stimmel, died at the age of seventy, and his mother, Elizabeth (Lantis), at the age of sixty-four. Jacob was the eldest of a family of eight children. He was born May 13, 1818. his early life was spent assisting his parents on the farm. After his marriage he began farming in Ohio. Six years later they moved into the village of Groveport. He came westward in search of a new home, and before moving made three visits. In 1857 they moved to Knox county, Ill., remained on their farm for one year, then removed to Peoria county and remained three years, and next settled in West Jersey township. A year later they purchased the place where Mrs. Stimmel now resides. At the time of their settlement Illinois was a wilderness; their most numerous neighbors being wolves, the howlings of which could be heard every night. On March 24, 1885, Mr. Stimmel died, having passed through the pioneer period of two States. He was a member of the methodist Episcopal church, andof the I.O.O.F. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom still live: Virginia A. (deceased), Jacob W., now residing in Missouri; Isaac L., also in Missouri; Peter (deceased), Josephine (deceased), Franklin (deceased), Missouri, now Mrs. Griffin, of Iowa; Virginia, now Mrs. Brady, of West Jersey; and Frank L., residing at home. Mrs. Stimmel is now in her seventy-fifth year. She has been crippled for thirty-nine years, and for nearly three years has been unable to walk, but she bears her affliction with patience and forbearance. Her farm consists of 250 acres, well improved.

Robert Stonier, son of James and Ziporah (Davis) Stonier, was born in Herefordshire, England, on Foxhall farm, May 2, 1819. His ancestors were of old English descent. His father died April 10, 1849, in his eighty-third year, and mother in 1851, being about the same age as her husband. At the age of fourteen Robert was apprenticed to a carpenter, receiving for his labor one shilling a week, this being increased as he progressed. His father paid (L)30 to secure him this position with Henry Haines, of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. After seven years he began working at his trade, first at Cheltenham a short time, next at Bristol, then at London, where he remained about three years; when he removed to Southampton, and in 1850 came to America.

Landing at New York he worked there at his trade about a year, when he went to Buffalo and remained a short time. While there he sent to England for Miss Elizabeth Bisco, met her at New York, where they were married in Trinity church, June 5, 1851. Returning to Buffalo, they remained a few months, and the same fall removed to Peoria, Ill. Elizabeth Bisco is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Arnold) Bisco, born in Gloucestershire, Eng., June 4, 1820. her father was proprietor of a large linen manufactory, until his death in 1857 at the age of eighty-three, being preceded by his wife three years, who died in her eighty-first year. After the arrival of the Stoniers in Peoria, Mr. Stonier followed his trade about sixteen years. They then purchased a farm in West Jersey township, where they still reside. At the time of their settlement here Stark county was without a railroad, and the people hauled their produce to Peoria. Seven children have been born to them, only two of whom are living: John J. (deceased). Robert A. (deceased), Arthur F. (deceased), Charles E. (deceased), Harry P., farmer of West Jersey township; Albert R., at home, and Eva E. (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Stonier were formerly members of the Presbyterian church. Their two sons are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Stonier was a member of the I. O. O. F., and had taken the fifth degree. In politics he was formerly a Democrat, but is now a supporter of the Republican party. While living in Peoria Mr. Stonier was one of the first to sign the first petition for the abolition of slavery. He now owns 240 acres of choice lands, a little over two miles from the village of West Jersey.

Charles W. Terry, son of Thomas and Harriet Ann (Hopper) Terry, was born at Wood Church, East Kent, England, April 25, 1849. In 1853 he came with his parents to America. the ocean journey lasting thirteen weeks. His parents first settled in New York for two years, then removed to Peoria county, Ill., settled near Elmwood; four years later moved to Knox county and purchased land, and for several years followed farming. In 1883 they moved to Yates City where they still reside. When Mr. Terry first reached Illinois he had but fifty cents in his pocket, but by industry and economy he has amassed a fortune and can now enjoy life to its fullest extent. Mr. Terry cultivated corn where the city of Elmwood now stands. He also helped to build the first railroad in Illinois, and has seen much of pioneer life in this state. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are at present strong and active. Mr. Terry is now sixty-five and Mrs. Terry seventy-three years of age. Charles W. Terry is the oldest of their family of two children. His early life was spent at hard labor. At twelve years of age he began school for the first time. The schoolhouse being built of logs, and the benches of planks. On September 23, 1873, he married Miss Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Eccless B. and Jerusha (Smith) West, born in Tazewell county, Ill., September 29, 1850. Her father was a native of Ohio, and her mother's people come to Chicago from Massachusetts, journeying overland with oxen, the trip lasting three months. He purchased forty acres where Chicago now stands, but removed to Tazewell county when Jerusha was but a child, having been born in Chicago. Her

father came to Putnam county, where he first met Miss Smith. He afterwards came to Tazewell county where they were married. When Mary was but seven years old they came to Stark county, and settled in Essex township, and later came to West Jersey township where they remained until 1886, when they removed to Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. West are members of the Christian church. Mr. West is now sixty-eight and Mrs. West sixty years of age. Of their ten children five died in infancy. Mary, now Mrs. Terry, is the eldest child. Her early life was spent at home assisting her parents. Her advantages also were only those of the pioneer period. Since their marriage in 1873 Mr. and Mrs. Terry have resided on their farm in West Jersey township, which Mr. Terry had previously purchased. Three children have blessed their union. Mary L., Harriet J. and William O. Politically Mr. Terry is a Republican, and is opposed to secret Organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Terry are descendants of Illinois' earliest pioneers, as this sketch will show. They have a pleasant home four miles from Toulon, where they own 145 acres of well-improved lands.

Washington Trickle.- Mrs. Wiley's father is the son of Christopher and Mary Trickle. He was born near Baltimore, Md., February 1, 1805. May 15, 1828, he married Miss Eleanor Smith, who was born in Delaware in 1807. In 1835 he came to Fulton county, Ill., and one year later to Stark county, and began farming. On July 15, 1883, Mrs. Trickle died at their home in Elmwood, Ill. Since her death Mr. Trickle has made his home with his son-in-law, Mr. Wiley. He is now eighty-two years of age, strong and active. In 1811 Mr. Trickle removed to Ohio from Maryland, where on account of the Indians he was quartered in the fort. Almost a quarter of a century later he came to Illinois.

Aaron D. Van Sickle, son of Aaron and Nomey (Decker) Van Sickle, was born in Warren county, N. J., March 24, 1831. His parents, New Jerseyians, came to West Jersey township, where his father died June 1, 1874. His mother is still living, and is seventy-eight years of age. Aaron D. is the second child of their family of ten children. In 1850 he married Miss Mary Kelly, a native of Ireland. After their marriage, Mr. Van Sickle was employed as a farm hand, he working for $90 per year, which occupation he followed six years. In 1856 he came to Stark county, and in 1863 he purchased a farm and began its improvement. In 1875 Mrs. Van Sickle died, her health having been failing for some time. She left five children, one of whom died in infancy; Harriet, now Mrs. Barr, of Buda, Ill.; George, a farmer of West Jersey; Josephine, Mrs. Laing, of Missouri, and Willie, at home. In 1877 Mr. Van Sickle married Miss Martha Ann Wiley, a daughter of Jacob and Julia Ann Wiley, born in Stark county, Ill., March 26, 1860. Her father, a native of New Jersey. being born in Morris county, April 27, 1802, removed to Illinois in 1853, and settled in Stark county. Here, in 1854 Mrs. Wiley died. In 1855 Mr. Wiley married Mrs. Julia Ann White. She was born in Ohio, May 27, 1872. Again Mr. Wiley was left a widower, Mrs. Wiley's death occurring March, 16, 1872. She left five children, Mrs. Van Sickle being the third child. Since his wife's death, Mr. Wiley has for

the most of the time made his home with his children, recently at Mr. Van Sickle's. He is now in his eighty-fifth year, and for so old a man is strong and active. Since Mr. Van Sickle's marriage with Miss Wiley in 1877, he has resided on his farm, about two and a half miles from the village of West Jersey. This marriage was blessed by two children, Bertha A. and Charles E. He has always been a Republican, and has held several township offices. He has increased his original farm of 100 acres to 500 acres of choice lands in West Jersey.

John Wiley, son of Jacob and Anna (Sanders) Wiley, was born in New Jersey in 1834. His parents, both born in New Jersey, came to Illinois in 1852. They settled in West Jersey township where, in '54, his mother died. His father is still living, being now eighty-five years of age. John Wiley is the third child of a family of seven children, in '52, when he was eighteen years of age, he came with his parents to Stark county, where he was engaged in agriculture, most of the time working by the month. In '65 he married Miss Eunice, daughter of Washington and Eleanor Trickle, born in 1836. After their marriage Mr. Wiley began farming in West Jersey township, where he now resides. By his first marriage four children were born, three of whom are living: Arthur J., Ella. Laura A. George W. is numbered with the dead. In '65 Mrs. Wiley died in membership with the Christian Church. In '66 Mr. Wiley married Miss Sarah C., daughter of Aaron and Dorcas Aten, born in Fulton county, Ill., in 1837. In '80 this lady died leaving five children: Alma A., Ira L., Thomas E., Emma T. and Clara L. Politically he is a Republican. He has increased his original farm of eighty acres to 290 acres, all well improved. (Vide sketches of Jacob Wiley and W. Trickle.)

W. W. Webster, to whom many references are made in the political and pioneer chapters, was for years prominent among the pioneers of Knox county as well as of Stark. In '56 W. W. Webster, two daughters, and Miss M. E. McIntosh, a friend, all of West Jersey, were stricken with disease, which ended in death. W. W. Webster was one of the first temperance workers in Stark county, and certainly one of the most earnest abolitionists in the State. (Vide general history.)

Mahala Young, died June 1, 1883, aged fifty-four years. She was born in Maryland in 1829; moved with parents to Ohio in '37, and to Illinois in '44. In '46 she married Mr. Young.

C. W. Young, retired merchant, was born in Washington county, Md., in 1825, of which state his parents, William and Mahala (Roby) Young, were also natives, where the latter died about 1833. In 1838, before Stark was organized, Mr. Young, with his five children, located in Peoria county, Ill., and died there in 1844 in his fifty-first year. Of his children who accompanied him to Illinois, H. S. is in Minnesota, Dorcas is deceased, C. W. resides here, Mary in Missouri, and Amanda, of Princeville, Illinois. William, Nelson and Charlotte remained in Maryland for some time, but ultimately came here. William now resides in Iowa, while Nelson and Charlotte are among the dead. C. W. Young was in his thirteenth year when he came to Illinois. He passed through all the pioneer vicissitudes of those times. in 1851 or 1852 he engaged in business at Kickapoo town, Ill., and in 1853 opened

a general store at West Jersey, where his family settled in 1854. For twenty years he carried on large trade here and was successful in every enterprise he touched. In 1855 he was appointed postmaster, which office he held until 1872. For twelve years he was justice of the peace and school treasurer here, also served as assessor, and a member of the Republican Central Committee of Stark county. He owns two hundred acres on section 16, all well improved and highly cultivated. Since 1872 he has abandoned many business cares, now devoting himself to the care of his landed property. Mrs. Young, an old member of the M. E. church, died here in 1883, aged fifty-four years. In 1885 he married Mrs. Martha A. (Heaton) Swank, who is also a member of the M. E. church. Mr. Young's life has been eminently active and successful.

J. Q. Young, born in Warren county, N. J., in 1826, is a son of Silas and Sarah Young, natives of that state. His parents died there. In 1852 Mr. J. Q. Young visited Fredericksburg, Va., and resided there four years, coming to this township in 1856. For some time he worked by the month, meantime acted the part of a land prospector and ultimately purchased the 160 acres on which he now resides. He was married to Miss Julia Ann, daughter of Wilson Garner, who came from Michigan years ago, returned and is now among the pioneers of a higher land. Mr. Young is a member of the Greenback party though formerly a Republican.

VALLEY TOWNSHIP.

Bishop Philander Chase, born December 14, 1775, in New Hampshire, graduated from Dartmouth College in 1795. He was brought up in the Congregational faith, but after leaving college became a member of the Protestant Episcopal body, studied for its ministry; was ordained in New York in May, 1798, and was missionary in that state for several years. From 1805 to 1811 he was pastor of the Protestant Episcopal church at New Orleans; next rector of the church at Hartford, Conn., and in 1817 we find him on the Ohio mission, of which state he was elected bishop in 1819. In 1823 he visited England and secured $30,000 aid for his church, then purchased 8,000 acres in central Ohio, and laid the foundation of Kenyon College. A dispute with the trustees of the college about funds led to his resignation as president of the college and also of his position as bishop, in 1831. Some time after he purchased land near Gilend, Mich., and resided thereon until 1835, when he was elected Bishop of Illinois, and settled in Peoria county. Revisiting England he secured $10,000, with which he founded Jubilee College, Peoria county, and there he resided until his death, September 20, 1852. It is said of him that he was the most useful, indomitable, earnest pioneer of Protestant Episcopalianism in the west, and indeed the history of that church does not point out a more distinguished worker on this continent. Bishop Chase married Miss Mary Fay. of Vermont, in 1795. She died, leaving three children: Philander, George and Dudley. The first named was a clergyman until his death in 1823; George became a lawyer, but died in early manhood; and Dudley, a clergyman, resides at Philadelphia.

To his second wife, Miss Sophia M. Ingraham, three children were born: Henry, manager of the Chase Elevator Company, Chicago; Mary, wife of Rev. Jacob S. Chamberlain, of Topeka, Kan.; and Philander, who resided in Stark county until his death in 1872.

Philander Chase, youngest son of Bishop Chase, was born at Worthington, Ohio, June 8, 1824; educated at Jubilee College, and ordained in 1846. For many years he was missionary preacher in Peoria and Stark counties. In November, 1852, he, with his family, settled in Valley township. In 1856 he removed to Wyoming, as pastor of St. Luke's church; but early in 1860 returned to his farm, still conducting services at Wyoming. In February, 1864, he moved to Jubilee, preached in Fulton and Iroquois counties until 1868. Early in 1869 he returned to Valley township, and resided on his farm until his death, April 23, 1872. He was married to Miss Anna K. Ingraham, May 14, 1842. Of their children, Heber is a merchant at Wady Petra; Philander, a farmer of Wymore, Neb.; William I., publisher of the School Herald, Chicago; Elliott, a merchant of Wichita, Kan.; Henry E., a teacher, of Clarksburg, W. Va.; Alice C., on the editorial staff of the Inter Ocean, Chicago; Laura, now Mrs. B. H. Freeman, of Freeport, Kan.; L. Sophia M., teacher at Riverside, Ill., and Anna Content, a teacher of this county. (Vide Histories of Toulon and Valley.)