Out of Scrapbooks obits, Fulton co., Illinois. do not know the year of these unless I mention it, type by Foxie at the Canton Library, canton, Il while helping a friend. Your contributions are more than welcome. just type up in notepad or word doc & attach to an email to Foxie, Thanks for your time & help!!!

Mrs. Lafayette Barker of Kansas City, Mo., passed away Friday, Jan 11, and was buried Monday the 14th She had been in failing health for the past few years and her death was due to complications, diabetes and heart trouble.

Frances Steele, was a ;daughter of Grafton and Elizabeth Pontius Steele and her girlhood days were spent in Bushnell, where her parents resided, until they moved to Fulton county.

She was united in marriage to Lafayette Barker, who was a prominent school teacher in Fulton and McDonough counties forty years ago. The husband passed away two years ago this March and since that time she has lived with her daughter, Mrs. Cornell.

She is survived by five children, Mrs. Ora ?Cornell, Melvin, Mrs. Beasle Smith, Mrs. Faye Mooks and Mrs. Verle Cartwright, all who reside in Kansas city and three sisters, Mrs. Jan H??nall, Omaha. Nebr. Mrs. Matilda Spencer, California and Mrs. Mary Baughman of Macomb.

Mrs. Barker was a woman about 78 years old and will be remembered by many of her older friends, and acquaintances.

THE DEATH RECORD --- TWO PROMINENT CITIZENS OF FARMERS TOWNSHIP ANSWER THE FINAL SUMMONS--

GEORGE R. BARKER--From failing health extending over a considerable period of time and from a briefer period of severe sickness from he had not the  vitality to rally George R. Barker one of the oldest continuous residents of Farmers township passed away Thursday, June 17, 1909 three miles north and one mile west of Table Grove. at the age of 70 years 9 months and 24 days.

The funeral was held at 2 o'clock  Saturday afternoon at Barker's Church, Rev. Rigney of Adair officiating. The burial services were in charge of the I. O. O. F. AND Woodmen lodges OF Table Grove, OF WHICH ORDERS Mr.. Barker WAS A MEMBER. the FUNERAL WAS ONE OF THE LARGEST EVER HELD IN THE TOWNSHIP, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS GATHERING FROM FAR AND NEAR TO PAY THEIR LAST TRIBUTE OF RESPECT.

George R. Barker was born in Farmers ownership, Fulton county, Ill August 26, 1838. His father was John Barker, the first settler in Farmers township, and from the beginning the Barkers have taken a prominent and honorable part in the affairs of the township, the subject of this sketch being no exception. As rarely happens at his age he passed away at the place of his birth, hence his life was as open book to the people of the entire township and beyond its borders, and during his long life no deed of his leaves a bitter memory or unkind thought in the heart of a single fellow man. That of itself is the ---

George R. Barker died at his home in Farmers Township last Thursday June 17, 1909, age 70years 9 months, and 24 days. He was married to Margaret O. Frizell January 16, 1862. To this union was born eleven children, seven of whom with the mother survive, namely: Lewis F. Lucy M. of McDonough Co., Margaret C. McKenzie Farmer's township, Fulton Co., Illinois, Carrie Stewart of New Philadelphia, Florine Carrison of Washington Iowa and Luella and Ezra L. residing at home. Mr. Barker was born on the farm where he died, and had lived there all his life. His farther, John Barker having settled there in 1820. being the first settler in Farmers township. \Mr. Barker he literally carved out a farm and ample living and no small competence, not the least of which is the heritage of good name. All this was shared in by his devoted wife, who survives him.

Mr. Barker was a member of no church, but contributed to their maintenance and to the support of every other good cause. His life was a practical application of the Golden Rule on the this principle he won the respect and esteem of a wide acquaintance among his fellow men. In political  convictions he was a democrat and never offensively partisan. and was long prominent in the councils of his party and never neglected them.

DEATH OF MRS. BARKER

Mrs. Margaret Barker was born August 31, 1840, at Wellsburg, West Virginia, and passed away at her last home in Farmers township, Fulton County, Illinois, on August 18, 1926, aged 85 years, 11 months, and 18 days.
When she was 12 years of age she came west with her parents to Ohio where they lived one year. Moving at the end of that time to Illinois and settled in Fulton County where she has since resided.
She was one of Illinois' pioneers and began life when the country was new and thinly settled and being of a sturdy class of people contributed much toward the advancement of the neighborhood in which she lived for over 72 years and ever proved herself one of the worthy citizens as well as a true mother of Israel. The world does not now realize the full value of the life of such people, for they built the homes, established the churches and schools and laid the foundation upon which the present generation dwells.

The cemetery in which the body now rests bears the family name. Before the church known as the Barker (or Epworth) church four miles east of Adair was built the neighbors gathered for worship in the school house where a class was formed and where Mrs. Barker became a member. When the church was built she took a leading part in the building and sustained it and was ever devoted to the cause of Christ having become a Christian when a young girl she has been a most worthy support to the highest ideals. Only Heaven has a just record of her many good deeds.

On January 15, 1862 she was united in marriage to George R. Barker and together they shared life's joys and sorrows until he passed away on June 17, 1909. To this union there were born 11 children, of this number three died in infancy. Those remaining are: Louella Barker, Table Grove, who lived in the parental home and tenderly cared for her mother during her declining years; Mrs. Carrie Stewart, Wichita, Kansas; Lucy? Barker, Lewistown, Ill.; Mrs. Edith McKinzey, Marietta, Ill.; Mrs. Florence Carrison, Table Grove; Ezra Barker, Anthony, New Mexico; Frank Barker, Cuba; Mrs. Emily Rinker, who died in 1897. There are two brothers, Joshua Frizzelle, of Walla Walla, Wash., and George Frizzelle of Illinois, one brother and one sister are deceased.

Elijah Capps----Died December 20, 1891

The death of Elijah Capps occurred Sunday morning at 8 o’clock, at his home on West Locust street. Mr. Capps was probably the oldest person in Canton. He would have been ninety-five years of age in January had he lived.
         Elijah A. Capps was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, in 1897. Mr. Capps came to Fulton County in 1838 and resided in Buckheart township until 1860, when he came to Canton. He was married in 1823 to Rebecca Walter. Mrs. Capps died about one year ago. Mr. Capps has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for about seventy-eight years.
     Mr. Capps was the father of seven children, five of whom survive him. The children are James C. Capps, Maquon; Sarah J. Emery, Canton; Elizabeth Smith, Bushnell; Mary E. Baughman and Maria A. Main of Canton. The above mentioned children survive their father, but Lettice Hulit and Martha A. Capps, preceded their father to the grave.The cause of the death of Mr. Capps is supposed to have been the grippe and also the effects of a fall which he received about a week ago.

The deceased was a most kind and generous man and a staunch believer in the future great destiny of this Republic. The latter fact was evinced by an occurrence when he disposed of his magnificent farm in Buckheart township during the early part of the late war. The United States Government had begun issuing greenbacks. Many people were dubious about accepting them in payment, but Mr. Capps expressed a willingness to accept in payment for his farm that which the government said was legal tender, “for this Republic,” said he, “promises nothing which it will not perform.” Mr. Capps was a familiar figure in Canton for thirty years and was personally known and beloved by nearly every resident in the city, besides by all the older inhabitants of the county. Elijah Capps is buried in the West Midway Cemetery, Hickory Twp., Fulton Co., IL, beside his wife.

Mrs. Rebecca Capps--- November 03, 1890

      Mrs. Rebecca Capps, wife of Elijah A. Capps, died at her home in Canton at nine o’clock Monday evening.
      Mrs. Capps’ age was ninety five years, seven months and nine days. Her death was due to the weight of years rather than any specific ailment. Since 1838 herself and the aged husband who survives her had been residents of Fulton County – living until 1860 on a farm in Buckheart Township, and since then in Canton.
    The maiden name of Mrs. Capps was Rebecca Walter. She was a native of Virginia, but her family early emigrated to Ohio from the Old Dominion, as did her husband’s from North Carolina, and her marriage took place in Highland County, Ohio, in 1823. The venerable couple had thus lived together more than three score years – or longer than any save a very small portion of the human race are privileged to dwell in this world. They had long been the oldest couple in the county, and perhaps the oldest in the state. Mr. Capps’ age being only about one year less than that of his wife.
     She was a truly good woman, whom all her acquaintances deeply esteemed. For very many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, she lived a consistent, beautiful Christian life.
One son and three daughters are living – James C. Capps, of Maquon, and Mrs. A. O. Baughman, Mrs. C. J. Main and Mrs. Emory, of this city.
        Funeral services were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church on Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock. The Rev. Dr. J. W. Haney, Mrs. Capps former pastor, came from Kewanee to preach the sermon. Burial was in the West Midway Cemetery, Hickory Twp., Fulton Co., IL-- Foxie's note to herself for Dave.

Portrait & Biographical Album of Fulton Co., IL

William Franklin Barker. The subject of this notice is a native of Farmers Township, has grown to man's estate on the farm which he now owns, and has never been away from home an entire week at a time. He is a son of one of the earliest pioneers of the township, and grandson of a man who came to Peoria with his family when but three white families were living there. He is therefore well posted regarding the history of this section of country, its wonderful development, and proud of his connection with those who have aided in making it so flourishing a locality.

John Barker, the grandfather of our subject, ran the first ferry between Peoria and Wesley City. After working there a year or so, he took up his abode on Totten's Prairie, whence he and his son John W. came to this county to select land in the fall of 1825. The first night out from home they slept in a deserted wigwam. Having found a tract to please them they broke some land and in the spring planted some corn which was destroyed by wild hogs which were very numerous. This land was on section 7, and eighty acres of it was given to the son when he became of age. He also entered and bought several hundred more at various times. On one occasion he purchased forty acres at a sale for $5 when returning home in company with several companions, remarked that anyone who would give him a dollar for his bargain might have the land. His brother George took up the offer and after keeping the property several years sold it for some hundreds of dollars.

This John W. Barker lived to be about seventy years of age, dying January 8, 1888. He had been married three times and was the father of ten children, eight of whom now survive. His first wife was Rachel Harris who bore him two children. His second wife, the mother of our subject, was Eliza, daughter of George and Eliza S. Brand, who were among the early settlers of this county whither they came from Virginia. Of the eight children born to this good woman he of whom we write was the next to the youngest. His mother was called from time to eternity in 1877.

Our subject is now in possession of the old homestead, having bought out the other heirs. His cherished companion was known in her maidenhood as Lucy A. Boyer, being the daughter of Wilford Boyer of McDonough County. Their happy union has been blest to them by the birth of one child--John Wilford.

The Barker family has long been identified with the Democratic party. Grandfather Barker held the office of County Judge or Commissioner and our subject was elected Township Collector, when but twenty-two years old, being the youngest man who has ever held that office here. An intelligent farmer, a worthy citizen, and a kind neighbor, Mr. Barker receives his due measure of respect from his fellow-men.
 

James Gardner. A traveler throughout this county would be forcibly impressed by some features of the estate owned and occupied by the subject of this biographical sketch. In approaching it his eyes would be attracted by the appearance of order and thorough cultivation seen on every hand, as well as by the extent of the acreage and the efforts that have been made to add to its original beauty. Perhaps the most conspicuous object, however, to the stranger would be the residence--a large building presenting the appearance of great comfort and home likeness and built of stone and wood. It is so situated as to overlook the Illinois Valley for many miles, furnishing one of the grandest views of natural scenery in the State. From the front door one can look into Schuyler, Cass and Mason Counties. It will be seen at a glance that the mansion has been built many years, as there is no appearance of modern architecture but one of great solidity and the fashion of a former day. Inquiry elicits the information that it has stood since 1845, and was built by the father of the present owner. Our inherited traits and the surroundings of our early lives prefigure to a great degree our own careers. It therefore affords no surprise to the student of human nature to find the subject of this sketch an enterprising and orderly agriculturist, a moral, intelligent man, and a reliable citizen, when facts in the ancestral history are taken into consideration. The grandfather of our subject was born in Scotland, possessed a mind of more than ordinary strength and took a deep interest in political matters. Near the close of the eighteenth century he was exiled from his native country on account of his political beliefs, and sending his family to America he stole away in the night and followed them. He settled on a farm in the Empire State and about 1808 turned his footsteps westward, locating in Sangamon County, this State. As he was one of the first settlers of that county, it is probable that Gardner Township was named in his honor.
 

Andrew Gardner farmed in Sangamon County until late in life, when he came to live with his son, father of our subject, in this county. He was industrious even in his old age and obtaining apple seeds from St. Louis planted the first orchard in the county, on his son's farm. It covered twelve acres and bore large crops. Buyers used to come from Iowa, Missouri, and the city of Springfield, and the receipts from the sale of apples was frequently as high as $100 per day. Mr. Gardner died here and his mortal remains were first interred at Springfield, but in 1858 were removed to their final resting place in the Foutch burial grounds in this county. James Gardner, Sr., father of our subject, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., about the year 1800, shortly after the arrival of his parents in America. He came to the Prairie State with them in his boyhood and grew to manhood on the farm in Sangamon County. He hunted quite a good deal during his youth, and when eighteen years old began to assist the Government Surveyors, aiding them for several years. In 1818 he crossed the Illinois River near the place where he afterward settled and where our subject now lives. At one time, while he was with a surveying party, the supply of tobacco gave out and he was sent on foot to St. Louis, a distance of one hundred and fifty miles, to get some. While on this journey he suffered so from thirst that he was compelled to drink water from holes in which bull frogs staid. His route to St. Louis lay through a dense wilderness and he was guided by a compass. He remained with the surveying party until he was competent to perform their labors and on one occasion took the place of the leading surveyor who was sick. In the fall of 1822, James Gardner, Sr., and Charles Gardner, accompanied by a stranger left Sangamon County to seek a location in this section of the State. They crossed the Illinois River at Havana where they found three white settlers saw no further trace of white men until they reached Lewistown where Ossian M. Ross had located. They found a place to suit them on section 34, Isabel Township, and James Gardner, Sr. built a log cabin at the foot of the bluffs just below the mansion afterward erected. He planted corn and melons the following spring and increased his agricultural operations as he was able to prepare the land for crops and add to his conveniences for cultivating it. When he first came the Indian--Potawatomie's and Kickapoo--were numerous and would come in his absence and take melons from his patch. They would, however, always leave a piece of venison hanging by the door for payment. Mr. Gardner became very familiar with the red men, learning their language and frequently hunting with them. He was an expert with a rifle and successful in his pursuit of various kinds game. His son now has the old flint-lock rifle, hunting knife, buckskin coat and pouch which he carried on his expeditions. The knife saved his life on several occasions, once in an encounter with a wolf and once with a wild boar. In those days Mr. Gardner used to grind corn in a hand mill form which to make Johnnycakes. At the time of his death which took place August 18, 1873, he was the owner of three hundred and sixty acres in Isabel Township, and two hundred and eighty acres in Kenton Township and was carrying on extensive agricultural operations. In religion he was of the old Scotch-Presbyterian belief, strictly just in all his dealings, intensely loyal, and careful in his observances of law and principle.

The wife of James Gardner, Sr., was known in her maidenhood as Delilah Gray. She was born in the Buckeye State and died in Illinois, June 27, 1853. She bore her husband two children--he of whom we write, and Charles who died in 1852 at the age of two years. Our subject, who was born on the homestead he now occupies, February 17, 1850, was left motherless at a tender age, but received from his father the kindest of care and best of training. He was reared on the home farm and attended school in Havana and Lewistown. The day he entered school he took his position in the fifth-reader class, having previously been taught at home. Our subject follows his father's footsteps as an extensive farmer and also raises considerable stock. He has spent most of his life on the farm, his only other home having been in Havana, where he resided three years. He has held various township offices but is not a seeker after public honors, preferring to devote himself to his large personal interests and the enjoyments of private life. His vote is always cast with the Republican party, as his judgment concurs with the principles advanced by it. A congenial companion was won by our subject January 27, 1874, when Miss Martha E. Hukill became his wife. This lady, intelligent, cultured and efficient in womanly duties, was born in Isabel Township, this county, March 24, 1852. The union has been blessed by the birth of four children--Pearl, James, Charles and Lloyd--and the parents have sustained a grievous loss in the death of the first two named.

Alfred Hughbanks may be considered a pioneer of Fulton County. He has been actively identified with its practical, prosperous farmers for many years, and is the proprietor of a large and valuable farm on section 30, in the southwestern part of Joshua Township. He is a Kentuckian by birth, born near the town of Newport, November 15, 1823. His parents, George and Retty Hughbanks, were natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively. His father was a farmer and removed from Kentucky to Parke County, Ind., in 1837, making the long and tiresome journey through the intervening wilderness with a yoke of oxen, he and his family subsisting partly on the game that they killed on the road. Mr. Hughbanks lived in Indiana for many years, but he did not make much headway in acquiring property so he concluded to try life in the Prairie State, and in 1840 came hither. He located in Young Hickory Township, and lived there until the time of his death, which occurred in 1843. His wife departed this life one year before he did. They were the parents of ten children.
He of whom we write, remained an inmate of the parental home until he was twenty-two years old and was of great assistance to his father in his farm labors. In 1846 he married and established a home of his own, taking Miss Louisa Wilson as his wife. Her parents came from New York and were early settlers of this State. Mr. and Mrs. Hughbanks have reared a large family of children, all of whom are living but two. Three of the boys are at home and all of them are interested in agricultural pursuits in connection with their father.

Our subject may be considered one of the early settlers of Fulton County and he has done much to promote its material prosperity. He is one of our self-made men and had to start out in life with but little education. A cool head, sound common sense, and good business tact have perhaps served his purpose better as by hard work and close economy he has placed himself amongst the wealthy farmers of this part of the county. He owns two hundred acres of good farming land, which is well stocked with cattle and hogs of a fine grade, and from his agricultural interests he derives a handsome income. When he and his wife began life together, they started out with but the bare necessities and none of the comforts of home. They had no bed to sleep on but had to devise a rough couch to take the place of one, and their other furniture was of the same primitive order. Now they have a pleasant home, replete with every comfort that one could desire. For several years Mr. Hughbanks resided in McDonough County, and his investment in land in that county in eleven years gave him a net profit of $10,000, or forty per cent realized on the worth of his real estate in that region. His present residence is on his fine farm on section 30, in the southwestern corner of Joshua Township.

Mr. Hughbanks is a strong advocate of the Republican party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and have been for many years, and they take a conspicuous part in church matters. They are worthy people whose pleasant, social and moral qualities have won them many friends during their many years residence here and have made them an influence for much good in social and religious matters. Foxie's Note to herself--make sure Lois gets a copy of this.

Hiram Hunt-- There is something about the experience of a pioneer in any new country vastly interesting, but at the same time it is undoubtedly fraught with many hardships and privations. To see on every side a long, unbroken stretch of land covered with heavy timber, or a carpet of wild grass, is not a charming sight when one must perforce dwell in the midst of such a wilderness. But there is but little doubt about the fact that such a scene develops all one's energies, inspiring one with undaunted courage in clearing up the land and cultivating it. Such was the experience of Hiram Hunt, who was numbered among the first pioneers of Pleasant Township, and has been largely instrumental in bringing about its present prosperity, and making it truly a pleasant dwelling place.
 

Our subject was born in Orleans County, N. Y., on the 10th of February, 1818, being the son of Joseph L. and Lydia (Davenport) Hunt, natives of New York. His paternal ancestors were Irish by birth and education, and his maternal forefathers were Scotchmen. When about twelve years of age he removed with his parents to Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he continued to reside until 1834, receiving in the meantime a good education. At the expiration of that time he came alone to Fulton County, continuing to make this his home up to the present writing. His education being received in the subscription schools of New York and Ohio was naturally limited, owing to the fact that schools in those days had not reached their present perfection, but he has always been fond of reading, and has consequently kept himself thoroughly posted upon the topics of the day.

Mr. Hunt commenced agricultural pursuits at an early age and has met with marked success in that line. Upon first coming to this State, he worked out by the month, receiving only $12 or $14 per month in compensation for his services. He next ran a threshing-machine, one of the old style, known as "ground thresher," his being the first one in Bernadotte Township. At first he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Farmers Township, and improved the property very much.
The subject of this sketch enlisted in the late war in the year 1861--the month of August--joining Company F, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry, becoming thus a part of the Army of Cumberland. He served under Rosencranz, Thomas, Grant and Ahliman, and took part in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, and numerous others of minor importance. He was honorably discharged in 1865, and immediately returned to Fulton County, and purchased the estate upon which he now lives. The land at that time was all bush and timber, and he labored hard to get it under a system of cultivation.

Mr. Hunt, in 1838, married Miss Mary A. Walters, and to their union were born seven children, six of whom are now living, viz: Jane, wife of Michael Nunnamker, of Warren County; Daniel, in Nemaha County, Kan.; Mary, wife of Joseph Livingston, of Lewistown, Ill.; Sarah, wife of James Grewell, of Bernadotte Township; Anneta, wife of Melvin Johnson, of Bernadotte Township; and Catherine, wife of Charles Mathews, of Pleasant Township. His first wife dying in December, 1861, our subject in 1865 married Miss Catharine Mackey, a native of Ireland, and to them have been born four children, viz: Alice S., Charles E., Hiram D. and George.

The subject of this sketch has been an eye-witness of the rapid strides progress has taken in this county and township, and has won a host of friends by his interest in public matters and his willingness to assist in the advancement of all worthy causes. He served at one time as Constable, and again as Coroner of the county. He is now the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land. He is a member of the Democratic party, a most liberal-minded and public-spirited gentleman, and one held in the highest esteem by the entire community.

Cornelius B. Butler, a brief sketch of whose life now claims attention from the reader, is a son of Abel Butler, one of Farmington's earliest and best known pioneers, who came to this place as early as 1842, while yet the surrounding country was in reality "a forest primeval." His coming was prior to the time of any railroads; in fact, everything was in a thoroughly uncultivated state, but he followed teaming as an occupation and succeeded admirably from a financial point of view. He was born and reared in New York and married Miss Eliza Loomis from the same State, and brought his wife and two children West with him even at that early day. After the steam horse ran through this section of the country he commenced to farm, and became the owner of one hundred and seventy acres of valuable land. At the age of seventy-eight he is still living at Farmington, and his wife is in her seventy-fifth year. To them were born four children, viz: Mary, who died when fifteen years old; Charles C., Cornelius Brown, and Frederick A., all of whom reside in Farmington.

The subject of this sketch was born September 21, 1846, at Farmington, where he spent his youth and attended the High School. Upon reaching his sixteenth year he commenced teaming, hauling many ties and other material for the building of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. He was married in the year 1872 to Miss Frances Leeper, daughter of Charles and Rachel Ann (Williams) Leeper, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, and married in the latter named State, both having been previously married. Of this union there were born four children, viz: Thomas J., Mary M., John and Fannie Z. Mrs. Butler's father was first married in Pennsylvania, and by that wife had six children, two of whom are now living, viz: Allen, a resident of Kansas; and William, who makes his home in Missouri. His mother was first married to Robert Laurence, of Ohio, and to them were born four children, three of whom are living; Thomas, who lives in Ohio; Benjamin, a resident of Trenton, N. J.; and Robert, who lives in England.

The father lived to be seventy-seven years old and the mother sixty-six years. They came West, settling in Bloomington, Ill., where Mrs. Butler was born. Her parents removed to Iowa when she was three years old, and in this journey she was led across the Mississippi river, which was covered with thick ice. She grew to maidenhood at DeWitt and Burlington, attending the High Schools at the former place, and the Baptist University in the latter. In 1868 her parents removed to Farmington, Ill., and for one term she taught school there.

Mr. and Mrs. Butler became the parents of four children, viz: Blanche, Adella A.; Charles E., who died when four years old; and Harry E. All of these children are noted for brightness, and their parents are justly proud of them, because of their intellectuality and musical talent. Their home is indeed a charming one, the interior being filled with books, music, works of art, and all that pertains to culture and elegance. Both Mr. and Mrs. Butler are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this city, and they delight to do deeds of charity to those less fortunate than themselves, having won thus a warm personal regard throughout the entire community. He is an ardent Republican, true at all times to the interests of his party. Contributed by Jackie Sheets

Frederick A. Butler is a native-born citizen of this county and is now an important member of its farming community, owning and ably managing a finely improved farm within the corporate limits of Farmington. In this town of his birth he is a leader in social and political circles, and he has here a very handsome residence on East Fort Street.
     Mr. Butler is the youngest son of one of Farmington's oldest settlers. He was born on his father's homestead, January 9, 1850, and was reared and educated here, completing his education in the High School. He was bred to the life of a farmer, and having a natural taste for the calling he adopted it for his life work when he arrived at years of discretion. He owns a sixty-acre farm within the corporate limits of Farmington, which is under excellent tillage and is amply provided with neat and well-ordered buildings. Besides this farm he has an interest in two hundred and ten acres of land, in partnership with his brothers Charles C. and Cornelius B. His career as a farmer has shown him to be sharp, practical and a good manager. He conducts his work in a business-like manner, and so as to secure good returns, and the income that he derives from the cultivation of his land is very satisfactory. He is actively interested in all that pertains to the welfare of his native township, and no one is more zealous in promoting its interests than he. He is a keen politician, keeping himself well informed in regard to party movements. In his views he is a decided Republican, and in 1890 his political friends came within four votes of electing him Mayor of Farmington.
           Mr. Butler and Miss Lettie Butler were wedded in the month of December, 1875, and the marriage has proved one of mutual happiness. They have a fine family of five children living--Ford (or Rutherford), Ivah, Bertha, Myrtle and Earl. One died unnamed.
Mrs. Butler is a daughter of Peter and Sarah Jane (White) Butler. Her father was born in Allegheny, Pa., and her mother was also a native of that State. The father was a farmer by occupation, and was married in his native State. In 1868 he came to Illinois and settled in Young Hickory Township.       

     They are enjoying the declining years of well-spent lives in the peace and comforts of a cozy home. They are the parents of eight children--Rachel, Mary, Jane, Minerva, Charlotte, Lettie, Peter and Eva. Rachael became the wife of Mr. Van Spence, a farmer of Farmington; Mary is a dressmaker in Farmington; Jane married B. Berry, of Canton; Minerva is the wife of John McCoy, of Independence, Pa.; Charlotte married I. N. Hayslip, a barber in Farmington; Peter, who is a farmer, resides near London Mills; Eva is the wife of Jerry White, of London Mills. Mrs. Butler was born in Allegheny County, Pa., and came to Illinois in 1868 with her father. She is a woman of fine character and good Christian principles, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Butler is prominently connected with the Odd Fellows, and is serving at present as Noble Grand of Memento Lodge, No. 44. He has served in all the chairs of the order. Contributed by Jackie Sheets

History of Fulton Co., Illinois  published in 1879.

John W. Abbott, deceased, was born in the Keystone State Dec. 12, 1812, and came to this county as early as 1838. In 1846 he bought land and settled in Farmington tp., where he lived until 1865, when he bought a farm in Joshua tp. and moved upon it, remaining there until his decease, which occurred April 10, 1877. During all his life-time he took a deep interest in educational matters, aiding the same both morally and financially. He accumulated a large property, leaving an estate of 800 acres of land. His widow still resides upon the homestead. He was married in Farmington tp. to Christina Babbitt in 1837. She was a daughter of Daniel Babbitt of Washington Co., Pa., who settled in this county in 1827. Two of the family, Jacob and Wm. Babbitt, served in the Black Hawk war. Of the large family of 14 children, only 6 are living, 3 of whom reside with their widowed mother on the farm. The names of the children are: Daniel, Jacob, John W., Nancy C., Geo. B. and Jeremiah. Those deceased are: Alexander, died at the age of 25; Sarah L., at the age of 21; Stephen A., at the age of 17, and Elizabeth, Cynthia, Silas, Wm. A. and Bethany died in infancy. Of those living, Daniel and Jacob are attorneys at law in Canton. The children were all born on the farm homestead near the Dunkard church in Farmington tp. Mrs. Abbott was a native of Scott Co., Ind., and is the only one of the pioneer family of Daniel Babbitt living in this county.

Singleton W. Ash, farmer, sec. 23, Joshua tp.; was born in Morgan Co., Va., March 5, 1834. His father was a farmer and Singleton worked also on the farm up to 1851, when he with the rest of the family came West and settled in Joshua tp., Fulton Co., Ill. On March 3, 1856, he was married to Mary Jane, daughter of Joseph H. and Margarette Gardiner of this township. They have 3 children,—Charles Eugene, Lorin Melville and Lucy Ann. Mr. Ash is a Democrat.

Chas. E. Barker, sec. 7, Farmers’ tp.; P. O., Table Grove; was born April 4, 1842, in this township, the son of John Barker, the first settler here. He was accustomed to the lot of pioneer boys, and hence his educational advantages were very limited. He owns a half interest in 300 acres of land, and is a prosperous farm4er and stock-raiser of Farmers’ township. He was married April 19, 1866, to Mary E. Pontious, daughter of Andrew Pontious, of Page Co., Iowa. They have 5 children living,--Leonard W., Ira C., Willie L., Harry and Perry, besides one deceased.

Geo. R. Barker was born in Farmers’ tp. Aug. 26, 1838; son of Joseph Barker, mentioned a little further on. Like other pioneer boys, he was familiar with hunting deer, wolves and other wild animals that were then so numerous in Illinois. His educational advantages were limited. Mr. Barker was raised to hard work, having cleared a great deal of land out of the brush. He is now a farmer comfortably situated, owning a half interest in 300 acres of valuable land. He was married Jan. 16, 1862, to Margaret C. Frizzell, a daughter of Johnsy Frizzell, of McDonough county. They have had 9 children, of whom 7 are living, viz: Luella, Ezra L., Lewis F., Emily C., Carrie, Lucy M. and an infant girl. Sec. 7, Farmers’ tp.; P. O., Table Grove

John Wilford Barker---was born in Pike Co., O. April 15, 1819. His father brought his family to Illinois when our subject was but a six month old baby. While they lived at Fort Clark there were but 3 white families there. For further particulars of their removals, etc, see biography of his brother Joseph Barker, next mentioned, his father, John Barker, came to this township in 1827leaving his family on Totten's Prairie, except John and his mother whom he brought along with him. John was quite small, but has vivid recollections of sleeping in an old Indian wigwam, and of seeing his father break prairie with an ox team. The old gentleman  planted several acres of sod corn, but reaped nothing from it as the wild hogs destroyed the entire crop. John W. was married in 1841 to Rachel Harris, by whom he had two children, --- Warren and Harriet. Mrs. Barker died Dec 01, 1842. He again married in 1849, this time to Eliza S. Brand, by whom he had 8 children--- Mary J. Lalin ( deceased, William F. deceased, and George M., twins, Franklin deceased, William F. and Sarah E. William and Sarah E. are at home with their father. Mrs. Barker died Feb 18, 1877. Mr. Barker owns 240 acres of valuable land, and is a successful farmer and stock-raiser.

Joseph Barker, sec 18, Farmers twp P. O. Table Grove. The Barkers were the first settlers in Farmers' Township. Their nearest neighbors were the Totten's in Cass tp., a distance of 9 miles. He was born in Pike Co., O., Oct 30, 1816. His parents brought him to Fort Clark, where Peoria now stands, in 1819; there they resided until 1827 when they removed to Totten's Prairie in Cass township, and in 18298, as before stated, became the first pioneers of Farmers' township. Mr. Barker is a hale old gentleman of 63 years, making a full hand at the different employments on the farm. He owns a well improved farm of 129 acres of very fertile land. He was married Feb 21, 1844 to Priscilla McKinzey, and they have had ten children, of whom 5 are living, viz: Roanna wife of James E. Brand, of Farmer's tp.., Elizabeth E. wife of Isaac Pickle, of Guthrie, IA, Josephine wife of Benton McCance, of Harris tp., Daniel E. and Joseph M. Mr. B. has always been and is still a prosperous farmer.

Lafayette Barker, P. O. Table Grove; res sec 17 Farmer's tp was born in Fulton Co April 23, 1851, son of John W. Barker. Mr. Barker received a common-school education in Fulton Cop., after which he attended the Business College of St. Joseph Mo and graduated there Nov 02, 1870. He was married May 07, 1874 to Frances Steel, daughter of Graft Steel, formerly of Bushnell. This union has been blessed with three children, viz: Ora M., Melvin and Bessie. Mr. Barker is a prominent school-teacher of this township and parts of McDonough Co. He is at present farming yet his old school patrons are constantly requesting him to resume teaching.

Samuel Baughman, sec. 18; P.O., Table Grove; was educated in the common schools here. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. F, 103d I. V. I., and honorably discharged July 7, 1865. He participated in twenty battles, among which were the following: Mission Ridge, Kennesaw Mountain, siege of Atlanta and many others. He was married Sept. 10, 1868, to Mary J. Carlin, by whom he has 3 children, ---Wm. Perry, Mary R. and Sarah E. They are very intelligent children, especially Mary R., who has great literary talent.

Alvin Bossort; P.O., Table Grove; was brought here by his parents when but 3 years old, which was in 1850. He received a common-school education, and is the son of Daniel Bossort of Farmers' township. Alvin was raised a farmer, and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising, in which he has been eminently successful. He was married, Aug. 22, 1872, to Martha A. Carlin, daughter of Mr. Thomas Carlin of Farmers' tp. They have four children, viz: Mary E., Mattie R., Jennie M. and Katie M. His parents are buried in the Barker Cemetery.

Albert Carrison, sec. 5, Farmers' tp.; P. O., Table Grove; born in this township Jan. 1, 1846, son of the next mentioned. He received a common-school education in Shinn's school-house. He was raised on the farm, and is now a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of this township. He was married Feb. 17,1876, to Florence Barnes, daughter of Isaac Barnes, of this township. They have had two children; but one is living, Charles.  Buried in the Barker Cemetery.

Robert Carrison, sec. 8, Farmers' tp.; P. O., Table Grove; was born in England Feb. 12, 1816, and is the son of John and Diana Carrison, who were also natives of England. They came to America in 1837, and located in Pittsburg, Pa. At that time Pittsburg was a small town. He came to Illinois in 1839, settling at Table Grove. He started in life with nothing, and now owns 300 acres of valuable land, mostly under excellent cultivation. He was married in June, 1842, to Elizabeth Berry, by whom he had 8 children, —5 girls and 3 boys,—of whom 5 girls and 1 boy are living. He is a prominent farmer and stock-raiser, in which he has been very successful. Three of the girls are married, and 2, Harriet and Mary J., remain at home. buried in the Barker Cemetery.

Stephen Carlin; P. O., Table Grove; resides on sec. 20; was born in Ireland May 3, 1814; came to America in 1834, and remained in Pennsylvania until 1837, when he went to Virginia, and there remained until 1842 ; is a stone mason, and as such has worked while in the East. He came to Fulton Co. in 1842, bought a farm, and improved it, laboring hard, until he at one time owned over 700 acres. He gave his children each a farm as they were married. He now owns 210 acres of valuable land. No man in Farmers' tp. has worked harder or accumulated more land than Mr. Carlin, with the same amount of capital, in the same length of time. He was married Feb. 8, 1852, to Jane S. Dolan, by whom he had 6 children. Mrs. Carlin died in November, 1871. Mr. Carlin again married in July, 1874, this time to Catharine Rigner, by whom he has 3 children. He has 7 children living, namely: John A., Thomas O., Sophia J., Stephen D., Catharine A., Sarah and Carrie B. Mrs. Carlin, being a widow, had 4 children when Mr. Carlin married her. They are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. C. is regarded as a very charitable man, lending his aid for the support of the Church and other benevolent institutions. John married Rosa Sipples, and resides in McDonough Co. Sophia is the wife of Jeff. Crail, of Vermont. (page 654, Farmers Township section.

Almiron G. Morse was born in this county in 1849. His parents, t. M. and Elvira (Blakeslee) Morse, were natives of Ohio. A. G. attended the common schools and then learned the carpenter’s trade, which he has followed for ten years. He is now engaged in the tile business. Sept. 24, 1875, he was united in marriage with Edith Shinn. His P. O. address is Farmington; his residence on sec. 2.

T. M. Morse, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Farmington; was born in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 10, 1820. His father, Jedediah, was a native of the same place and died Aug. 8, 1852; his mother, Huldah Bolton, was a native of Woodstock, Ct. Mr. M. landed here Sept. 28, 1839, and has resided on his present farm most of the time since. He had a liberal education, and was the first Supervisor elected from the township. He has held other local official positions, and was J. P. for 20 years in succession. Mr. Morse has been elected to the Legislature three different times, and served with credit and honor. He has taught school much, and remembers teaching subscription school for $15 a month, took wheat in pay, hauled it to Farmington and sold it for 25c per bushel. Oct. 1, 1846, he was united in marriage with Elvira Blakeslee, who was born Jan. 31, 1830. Almiron G., Menzo, Timothy, Emerson, Burt, Elvira and Hattie are the names of their children.

D. Wilson, farmer, P. O., Fairview; was born in the State of New Jersey March 11, 1831, and is a son of Rev. A. D. and Julia Wilson. He was brought to the county in 1838, and at the common schools of Fairview received his education. At the age of 23 he entered the agricultural pursuit for himself, and has succeeded in it. He is School Director and has served as such for 9 years. Feb. 9, 1854, he took unto himself a wife in the person of Mary Negly. Katie, John, Lulu, Maggie, Harry M., Neeley and Mamie are their children.

H. M. B. Wilson, farmer, was born at North Branch, N. J., April 21, 1837. Although Mr. W. has chosen farming as his occupation, his father educat4ed him for the ministry. He attended the college at New Brunswick, and also Knox College, Galesburg. Mr. W. is by no means an old man, yet deserves to be classed among the pioneers of this county. His father was the well-known Rev. A. D. Wilson, who organized the congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church west of the Alleghany Mountains. The Rev. Mr. W. came to this county in 1837, so our subject has spent almost his entire life here. He was married in Feb., 1870 and has 3 children,--Oscar L., Bertha and Loda. He has represented his township in the Board of Supervisors.

John E. Wilson was born in the State of New Jersey Dec. 22, 1833. He is the son of the zealous and widely-known Rev. A. D. Wilson. His mother’s name was Julia Wilson. No man did more to establish the Reformed Church in the West than Rev. A. D. Wilson, and his memory is held in pleasant and sacred remembrance by thousands. John E. came to the county in 1838 and has resided here since. Mr. W. is engaged in farming upon sec. 32. For 3 years he followed the mercantile business. In financial matters he has been moderately successful. He first married Maria Rodener, and Feb. 14, 1860, was married to Nettie Hamrick. Abraham, George, Daniel and Julia are their children.

John Wilson, farmer; P. O., Fairview; was born in Hunterdon Co., N. J., Oct. 25, 1806, and is the son of Achilles and Ann Wilson. His father died when he was 5 years old and when 10 he was bound out. When 15 he commenced to learn the blacksmith trade. He has succeeded in life and now owns 245 acres of land, which he has made by his own labor and exertion. His wife’s given name is Lucretia. Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Peter Groom, is their only child. Mr. W. has filled several of the local offices. Politically he is a Democrat.

J. L. Wolford, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Midway; was born in Washington Co., Ind., June 5, 1851. He is the son of Daniel and Mary Elizabeth (Masters) Wolford, and was brought to this county at the early age of 3 years. Feb. 22, 1877, is a memorable day in his life, for upon that date he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Wyckoff. Ida Ethel was born to them Dec. 27, 1878.

George Maxwell is a native of Cumberland county, Pa., where he was born in 1817. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Snyder) Maxwell, natives of the same county. Mr. M. came to this county April 16, 1851, and located in the city of Canton, where he lived for one year. He then bought a residence and 10 acres of land one-half mile from the city limits, where he has since lived. This land was covered with timber at the time, but not so much as a stump is to be seen there now. He is a carpenter by trade and has erected at least 100 good buildings in the county. He married, in 1848, Elizabeth Harper, of Perry Co., Pa., and a daughter of Michael and Nancy (McKenna) Harper. They came to this county in 1849, when quite aged, and lived till death overtook them with their son John Harper, near Farmington. George Maxwell has a family of 3 children,--Henry, Mary E. and Arabella. Mary married Geo. Langstaff, of Canton.

Samuel Maxwell, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 13; P. O., Astoria. Mr. Maxwell is native of Fulton Co., and was born on the old homestead of his parents Nov. 3, 1844. His father, James Maxwell, is well remembered by the pioneers of this section; he was born in Bartel Co., Va., and in an early day moved to Ohio and there followed farming. There he married Miss Polly Corbett, by whom he raised a family of 5 children, Samuel the youngest. In 1865 Samuel enlisted in Co. G, 155th regiment. In 1872 he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Bricker, daughter of Amos Bricker. They have had 3 children, of whom two are living,---Florence A. and Minnie M.

S. A. Hunter, cabinet-maker and undertaker, is a well-known business man of Astoria. He was born in Washington Co., O., in 1851. His father, John M. Hunter, was born in Washington Co., Pa., and at the age of ten he accompanied his parents to Ohio, and at Connellsville learned the trade of cabinet-making. While a resident there he married Miss Nancy Shriver, and during the autumn of 1852 came to Astoria, where he is now engaged at cabinet making. Samuel acquired the trade in Astoria, proved an apt scholar, and is to-day recognized as one of the most skillful workmen in this county. In 1875 he was united in marriage to Miss Olive McLellan, a daughter of Robert McLellan, a former well known agriculturist of the county. They have one child, Mabel.

Lewis E. Kelly, proprietor of the Kelly House, Table Grove, was born Nov. 1, 1816, in Fleming Co., Ky.; was educated in a log school-house, using Dilworth’s Speller, Guthrie’s Arithmetic, Kerkham’s Grammar and the Bible as text books. In 1836 he came with his parents to the wilds of Vermont. At that time there was but one house between Table Grove and Macomb. Mr. Kelly taught school four years, and then for eight years he was unable to pursue any occupation on account of sore eyes. He was Postmaster of Vermont 1851-4; he then engaged in the mercantile business in Vermont; also operated a saw and grist-mill in connection with the store, until 1860. He then engaged in farming until 1876, when he became proprietor of the Kelly House in Table Grove, which he successfully conducts. His father, Francis Kelly, was a prominent farmer of Vermont, and died in 1846, at the age of 67 years. He was drafted in the war of 1812, but circumstances being such that he could not leave home, he employed a substitute.

W. G. Kelly, farmer; P. O., Table Grove. Although a resident of McDonough Co., his western life has been spent principally in good old Fulton. Our subject was one of the “stand-bys” during the cholera scourge in Vermont in 1851. His wife and 2 children died with that dreaded disease. Great credit is due Mr. Kelly, Cephias Toland, Joseph Royle and others, for their untiring efforts to save the afflicted, and for the tender care they exercised over all stricken with the scourge. Mr. Kelly is a brother of the proprietor of the Kelly House, of Table Grove. He was born in Fleming Co., Ky., June 16, 1818; is now a prominent farmer of McDonough Co. Mr. Kelly improved the farm now occupied by David Corbit, one mile south of Vermont. He is the father of 5 children, of whom but 1 is living,--John W.

Prof. T. G. Love, of the Table Grove schools, was born in Mercer Co., Pa., Dec. 2, 1849. He was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education, after which he attended the Westminster College at New Wilmington, Pa., for 2 years in all, teaching at intervals to procure money to finish his education. He has been teaching for 15 years; is now entering upon his seventh year in the schools of Table Grove, than which there is no better evidence of his success as a disciplinarian and instructor. He governs without corporal punishment. He was married June 29,k 1871, to Miss Cassaline J. Wright, daughter of Granville Wright, of Vermont tp. They have had 5 children, of whom 3 are living, namely: Gabrielle, Rhea and Gladys. His father was also a native of Pennsylvania, and a prosperous farmer there until Sept., 1869, when he died.

Thomas Bybee was born in Fulton County April 15, 1853, and is the son of Judge and Mary Jane (Binenger) Bybee. His grandfather was among the earliest settlers in the State. Thomas received his education in the common schools of this county, and by occupation is a farmer. He has been successful, and at present owns 320 acres of land. He was married in 1875 and has two children -- James and Mary Jane.

John Berger, miller, the son of Jasper and Gertie (Wyckoff) Berger, was born in Hunterdon Co., N. J., Aug. 2, 1808. He landed in this county Nov. 20, 1841. He has been engaged in agricultural pursuits most of his life and at present owns a farm on sec. 1. Mr. B. and his son are the proprietors of the grist-mill at Fairview. Since this mill has come into their hands it has gained a good reputation and is doing a fine business. Mr. B. was married Dec. 10, 1833; his wife died Oct. 4, 1865. This union was blessed with 8 children,—3 boys and 5 girls, only 3 daughters and one son are living, all of whom are married. Mr. B. has been a member of the Reformed Church since 1838. P. O., Fairview.