John Dewitt
John Dewitt, who lives in the township of Milo, Bureau County, was born on Long Island, State of New York, March 29, 1769, and is now, consequently 101 years old. He has been confined to the house for the last three months from erysipelas in his feet, but his bodily health is quite good. His memory and conversing powers are perfect. He often tells of his mother hiding the cow in the cellar to keep the British from killing her. He remembers many events of the Revolutionary war; saw General Washington many times. He lives in Ohio and Indiana before coming to Illinois; was in Cincinnati when there were but three houses there. He has buried three wives, and is now living with the fourth; has had thirteen children, of whom but two survive. He has been a member of the Methodist Church eighty years. --The Chicago Tribune, 8 July 1870. Contributed by Cheryl