Marshall County IL Biographies
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Taken From the Henry Republican, Henry, IL The cold clods of the valley fell and covered the mortal remains of Mr. Matthew Hoyt, on Tuesday afternoon. He was one of the pioneers of this prairie, an old settler, who endured much of the struggles of the early day, of whom a few words of honorable mention is not only fitting but deserved. He was born on Trenton, Oneida county, N. Y., September 18, 1803, and at the time of his death had reached the age of three score years and ten. His boyhood was spent in his native town, where he also married Eliza S. Wheeler, in December 1829. He followed his father to Illinois in November, 1839, and for several years lived in a house (now torn down) on the Locke farm in Snachwine township. And here it may be noticed that he was one of the first men who settled there, Riddle Taliaferro being the only survivor who settled there before Mr. Hoyt. Mr. George Sparling came soon after Mr. H. and boarded some time in the family. He moved to Henry in May, 1844, where all of his future life has been spent. At one time he was justice of the peace, holding the same four years, and was also a member of the board of supervisors many years ago. He was always a quiet, unpretending man, but a good and estimable citizen, one whose life and habits were swayed by the best of motives. He has had feeble health for many years, which has compelled him to forego farming, and all hard work, though he was always industrious. His wife is six years or more his junior, hale and hearty, and coming of a family whose longevity is proverbial, promises to survive her husband many years. She was one of 12, 10 of whom are living, the oldest 75, and the youngest over 50, all robust and strong. The funeral took place at the homestead in the north part of town, on Tuesday, where were present his brothers Ephraim and William Hoyt of Chicago, formerly of Henry, and all his children, viz.: Frederick Hoyt of Clinton, Iowa; Ephraim Hoyt of Clarence, Iowa; Mrs. Charles Fulford of Peru; Mrs. T. F. Capp of Bloomington; and Miss Theola Coyt of this city. Thus passes away old and young - like the flower cut down and is withered - not knowing who may go next. |
Eliza Smith Wheeler Hoyt
Taken From the Henry Republican On Saturday morning last Mrs. Matthew Hoyt passed from earth. Her disease was dysentery, her illness being but a week. Her birth place was Russia, Herkinner county, N.Y., near Rome, where she married Matthew Hoyt of a neighboring town. Mr. Hoyt accompanies Silas Locke and family to Illinois in 1839, his family following soon after, occupying for a couple of years a log cabin on the farm now owned by Ed. Sparling at Snachwine Lake. Subsequently Mr. Hoyt bought land near town, and for the last 33 years Mrs. Hoyt has been the occupant of the homestead, where she ended this mortal life. Her husband, Matthew Hoyt, died a few years ago, both living to that venerable epoch which scores three years and ten. Five of seven children survive the parents - two sons and three daughters. The daughters - Mrs. Charles Fulford of Dixon, Mrs. Frank Sapp of Bushnell, and the unmarried daughter living with the widowed mother, were present at the funeral on Sunday afternoon, the services being conducted by Rev. M. Moore of the Presbyterian church, from the house. There was a large gathering of the friends and neighbors to pay the last offices for respect to one they had associated with of 30 years and upwards, and of whom they cheriched high regard. Of this number we notices Mrs. Chauncey Hoyt, Mrs. John Locke, Mrs. Orsemus Culver, Mrs. William Gallaher all of whose heads were silvered with age, and we might repeat the list ad infinitum had we space. The sons Frederick and Ephraim, residents of Iowa, were unable to be present at the obsequies. Mrs. Hoyt was one of the pioneers of the west side, and was one of the few left who endured the trials and privations of the early days of the settlement of the Prairie State. She rounded the cycle of a good old age ere she was gathered to the life to come. |
John S. Hoskins
Taken From the Henry Republican John S. Hoskins, the subject of this sketch, died of consumption, Nov. 3, 1877. Was born Jan. 12, 1814, near Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio. Was married August 10, 1834 to Eliza Bonham, daughter of Warford Bonham, deceased. Emigrated to Illinois the same year with the family of his father-in-law, landing in Tazewell county October 24. In the spring of 1835 came to Marshall county; settled and improved a farm two miles north of Sparland. In the spring of 1850, removed to his late residence, where he lived until his death. He was a good and useful citizen, filling offices of church and township with fidelity and trust. Was a member of the M. E. church 35 years, and labored earnestly in its support. He leaves a wife and six children, who are bereft of a kind companion and indulgent father. The funeral services were conducted at the Bethel church, by the Rev. A. Beeler, after which the remains were conveyed to the cemetery near Sparland, followed by many sympathizing relatives and friends - Journal
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A resident of Lacon, a stock dealer by occupation and proprietor of a meat market. Mr. Hoffrichter was born in Prussia in 1829, came to the United States in 1854, and in 1859 located in Lacon. The same year of his settlement here he married Margaret Krach, a resident of St. Louis, born in Bavaria. They have four children - Louisa E., Clara M., Anna T. and Bertha E. They are members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. H. belongs to the Masonic order and the I.O.O.F. He has been in business in the same location since 1859. - Record of Olden Times or 50 years on the Prairie, 1880, Page 682 Lacon Township. Transcribed by Nancy Piper
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LYMAN C. HUNT, an agriculturist of energy and ability, who is residing on section 15. Whitefield township, Marshall county, was born in Putnam county, April 20. 1835, about four miles above Magnolia, at the head of Sunday creek, and is the son of Richard and Ruth (Horrom) Hunt, both natives of New Jersey. The mother's birth occurred at Trenton, in 1812, and as early as 1832 she came to Illinois with her brother Lyman Horrom. Her mother having died, her father, Dr. Timothy Horrom, came to Illinois soon afterward, and engaged in practice near Morris, but his last days were passed at the home of his son Daniel. On the 1st of January, 1833, Ruth Horrom became the wife of Richard Hunt, and they became the parents of the following children-Lyman C., of this review is the eldest; Mahlon L., who during the civil war became a member of Company B, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, was wounded at Lookout Mountain, from the effects of which he died in the hospital in October, 1862, at the age of twenty-five years, and his remains were brought home and interred six months later; Timothy owns and operates a farm which belonged to his father; Sylvia is the wife of A. J. Deihl, of Henry, Illinois; Eleanor is on a claim at Hennessey, Oklahoma; Jennie, 'who became the wife of R. H. Delmedge, died at their home in Lorimer, Iowa, July 26, 1894, at the age of forty-seven years, leaving a husband and three children to mourn her loss; Ruth is the wife of Benjamin Andrews, of Ford county, Illinois, and Mary 1S with her sister on a claim at Hennessey, Oklahoma. It was in 1828, that Richard Hunt, the father of our subject came to Illinois, located a claim on Ox Bow prairie, and three years later the family removed to the place. Although born in New Jersey, from the age of nine years he had resided near Zanesville, Richland county, Ohio, whence he came to Marshall county. After a two years' residence here, his father. Enoch Hunt, went to Bloomington, where he made his permanent home and there died, but his sons, John, Cornelius and Richard, all made homes near the head of Sunday creek. There the uncles of our subject reared their families and spent their last days. For some time his parents lived on the Ox Bow, and for two years at the head of Sunday creek, after which they returned to the former place. In 1842, however. they settled on the west side of the river in Whitefield township, Marshall county, then but sparsely settled. He entered several tracts of land, which he would subsequently dispose of and in this way made considerable money. The land office was then located at Galena, a distance of one hundred and twenty-five miles, and the journey thither would occupy one day and two nights, and he would generally reach the land office in time for it to open at nine a. m. He had many a race to that city in order to get ahead of some competitor. He dealt in land quite extensively and still had at the time of his death one thousand acres, which were divided among his children. He improved two good farms of about one-half section. He participated in the Black Hawk war, being a member of a scouting party for four months and helped to bury the Davis family who were massacred and two of the Hall girls carried away. His death occurred in September, 1881, at the age of seventy-seven years. Originally, he was a democrat, but later supported the Republican Party, whose principles he staunchly advocated, and did all he could to sustain the government during the civil war. Though not a member of any church, he was quite familiar with the Bible, and gave his support to religious organizations. Mrs. Hunt survived him until the summer of 1894, when she too was called to her final rest. They were buried side by side in Whitefield cemetery, where a nice family monument marks the spot. Lyman C. Hunt, whose name introduces this review, spent his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farmer's sons, and remained under the parental roof until thirty-five years of age. the last ten years having charge of affairs. He first settled on land adjoining the old homestead. which he had partly improved while .at home. but since 1873 has lived upon his present farm. which consists of five hundred acres of valuable land. He has engaged quite extensively in stock raising, making a specialty of horses, and has had some imported Shire horses upon his place. He has also raised cattle and sheep in considerable numbers. Besides his home farm he has also invested in lands in Kansas and Nebraska. In 1871 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hunt and Miss Mary Coan, daughter of David Coan, of Henry, and to them were born two children. but one died in infancy. The other Ola Grant, is operating a farm near his father. In 1874 the wife and mother died, and on the 8th of March. 1882. Mr. Hunt was again married, his second union being with Miss Maria Van Allen, who was born near Wenona, Illinois, in La Salle county, and is the daughter of J. L. and Sarah Van Allen. Previous to her marriage she had engaged in teaching in Marshall county. Three children grace the second union- Lawrence R. and Elmer Lee, both in school, and Estella, who for the past two years has been in ill health, and receives the watchful and tender care of her mother. Although not taking an active part in politics, Mr. Hunt always supports the republican ticket and generally attends the county conventions. He and his estimable wife hold a prominent position in the social circles of the community and have the confidence and esteem of all who know them. [Source: The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1896., Page 361-363 - Transcribed by Nancy Piper] |
[The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois, Published in Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company. 1896. - Marshall county Biographical extractions pages 100-199 - transcribed March 2011 by Norma Hass] Andrew Ramsey HANCOCK, of Lacon, president of the Sparland Coal Company, is one of the best known men in Marshall county, having been prominently before the people for a quarter of a century, and very active in the councils of his political party, the democratic, having served as chairman of the county central committee, and is at present secretary of the same. He is not only well known locally, but throughout the state, having for many years attended every state and national convention of his party. A native of Marshall county, born in Hopewell township, November 23, 1848, he has here resided his entire life. His father, William W. HANCOCK, was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and came to the United States when a young man of twenty years. For a time he resided in Pennsylvania, and later removed to Dayton, Ohio, where he remained until the latter part of the '30s, when he came to Marshall county, and here resided until his death. Soon after coming here he formed the acquaintance of Elizabeth ORR, with whom he was united in marriage, and with whom he happily lived until separated by death. She was a daughter of James and Sarah ORR, natives of Maryland, and pioneers of Marshall county, the family locating in Lacon township, just north of Lacon. Her father died in 1867, at the age of seventy-eight, being born in 1787. Of the family only one now survives. On coming to Marshall county, William W. HANCOCK worked for a time by the day and month until he had saved enough to purchase a small piece of land in Hopewell township, to which he removed and where he resided until his death. To his original purchase he subsequently added other tracts until he had a fine farm of six hundred and eighty acres, which he placed under a high state of cultivation. He was an excellent farmer, a good judge of stock and made a specialty of fine cattle. In addition to his home farm, he was the owner of three hundred and sixty acres in two farms located elsewhere. When he made his first purchase his capital consisted of six hundred dollars, the savings of years. By strict economy and careful attention to his business, he was enabled to place himself in comfortable circumstances and died the possessor of a fair share of this world's goods. His death occurred in 1890, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife survived him one year, dying in 1891. They were the parents of six children: Ann Louisa married Morgan BOYS, and died in 1865, at the age of twenty-seven years; James Washington, while making his home at Lacon, is a storekeeper in the United States internal revenue service at Peoria; William Emmett resides in Lacon; Andrew R. is the subject of this sketch; Alpheus died at the age of nineteen years, and Ira F. resides in Lacon. In politics, William W. HANCOCK was a democrat of the old school, and was well posted in the political and general history of the country, and knew how to express himself clearly and forcibly upon all questions of public interest. He cared nothing for the honors or emoluments of public office, but did care for the principles of his party, in which he had the greatest faith and confidence. For years he served as supervisor of his township and also school treasurer, and was such at the time of his death. At the Baltimore convention in 1860, at which Stephen A. Douglas was nominated for the presidency, he served as an alternate delegate. He was strictly a temperate man, using no liquor or tobacco in any form. Reared in the Episcopal faith, in later years he attended the Presbyterian church, and died in the faith of a blessed resurrection. He was always an active, pushing and hard working man, and kept his business intact until the last, giving personal attention to every detail. Andrew R. HANCOCK, our subject, remained at home until he attained his majority, assisting in the farm work from the time he was old enough to "drop corn" or follow the plow. His education was received in the public schools, but he has always been a great reader and observer of passing events, and is therefore one of the best posted men in the country. It may be said that he inherited a taste for political warfare, and from the time he cast his first vote in the spring of 1870 he has been prominently identified with the political history of his county and state. For two terms he served acceptably in the office of supervisor from his township, and in 1880 was nominated for the office of sheriff. Notwithstanding at this time the county had a republican majority of six hundred, he entered the canvass with a determination to win. The large republican majority was not only overcome, but he received a majority of one hundred and forty-eight votes. Re-nominated, he was elected by over five hundred majority. During his term several important murder trials occurred, and in the discharge of the duties of the office he displayed great ability. His abilities were recognized by the State Sheriff's association by his election as president of that body, an office which he filled in a most acceptable manner. About this time he served one year as deputy United States marshal. After serving his second term as sheriff, he was nominated for the office of county treasurer, but was defeated by a small majority. It must not be considered from what has already been said that Mr. HANCOCK is a politician pure and simple, for the fact of the case is he is recognized as one of the leading business men of the county, having for the past seven years been president of the Sparland Coal Company, and giving the business his personal attention. The company employs about one hundred miners and has a daily output of one hundred and twenty-five tons. Its main shaft is located near the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad at Sparland, and the company is now working its third vein, which is thirty inches thick. In addition to his duties in connection with the coal business, Mr. HANCOCK is engaged in buying and shipping stock, and supplying stock feeders with young animals. He has a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, five miles from Lacon, and also owns one hundred and forty acres of the old homestead. In looking after his various interests it can be conceived that his time is fully occupied. Mr. HANCOCK was married December 16, 1880, to Miss Phoebe A. MYERS, a daughter of John and Mary (WRIGHT) MYERS, of Roberts township. Her father, who now resides in Peoria, came to this county with his parents before the Black Hawk war, which occurred in 1832. His father, also named John, died here when past seventy-eight years of age, and the old homestead is yet owned by him. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. HANCOCK - Tracy and Lura - both yet residing at home. Mrs. HANCOCK is a woman of domestic tastes and habits, a member of the Congregational church, and is well known and universally esteemed. Fraternally, Mr. HANCOCK is a Mason, a member of Lacon lodge, No. 61, F. & A. M.; of Lacon council, R. A. M.; of Peoria commandery, No. 3, K. T., and also the Shrine at Peoria. In Masonic work he has taken an active part, and is well posted in the history and work of the order. He is a lover of fast horses, and is at present president of the Lacon Driving association. As a citizen he has the best interests of his town and country at heart, and at all times is ready to give his influence in behalf of any good work. |
The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois, Published in Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company. 1896. - Marshall county Biographical extractions pages 100-199 Transcribed March 2011 by Norma Hass Samuel HOLMES, known throughout the entire section of the country in which he lives as Squire HOLMES, is one of the most prominent citizens and farmers in Hopewell township, Marshall county. His father, also named Samuel, was a native of Lancashire, England, born in 1786, while his grandfather, James HOLMES, was also a native of the same shire. His mother was Hannah JACKSON, a native of Chestershire, England, and a daughter of James JACKSON, who came to America in 1812, locating in New Jersey, near Trenton, where he made a permanent home. Samuel HOLMES, the father, came to America in 1818, landing in New York city, and going from thence to Clinton, New Jersey, where he married Hannah JACKSON. Shortly after their marriage they removed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a common laborer for a time, and subsequently operated a lumber yard. In 1835 the family came west and settled in Putnam county, Illinois, in the heavy timber land. The country was then very sparsely settled, and the father at once commenced the clearing up of the small farm. In his native country he had been educated as a veterinary surgeon, and it is said that he had not a superior in this line in America. Before coming to this country he was veterinary for the Earl of Balcares, and had considerable experience in the line of his profession. He never followed that business in this country for money simply, but responded to calls from Ottawa to Bloomington, and throughout this entire section of country. Samuel HOLMES, Sr., was a pioneer in Putnam county, and came to this country with his wife, two sons and a step-son. One child died in infancy. Of the sons, Joseph, born November 20, 1819, married Miss Avis TABER, and now lives in southern California. They are the parents of four children, Mary, J. H., Avis and Samuel J. The latter is a graduate of the state university of California, and is a professor of biology in the Chicago university. The other son is the subject of this sketch. In 1850 the father went to California, making the journey overland, and there died shortly after his arrival, October 29, 1850. The mother survived him many years, dying on the old homestead in 1876. Under the old constitution of Illinois, Mr. HOLMES became a voter, but never became a partisan politician and never held office. Samuel HOLMES, our subject, was born January 4, 1822, at Trenton, New Jersey, and commenced attending the public schools at Philadelphia after the removal of the family to that place. He also attended one or two terms in the pioneer schools of Illinois. His education, it may be said, was principally obtained by reading and observation. In his desire to acquire knowledge he has many times jumped upon a horse, ridden ten miles to borrow a book, then by means of a dip made of lard, in a saucer, with a rag for a wick, he and his brother would study after their day's work was completed. The two brothers helped clear the farm in Putnam county, and both remained at home until after attaining their majority. For some seasons they made brick, which they sold throughout the country. On one occasion after manufacturing a large number of brick they constructed a flatboat to carry their product south, but were prevented from doing so by low water. In the fall of 1843, in company with another man, our subject engaged in cutting wood for the steamers on the Illinois river. After piling up some eight hundred cords and looking hopefully forward to the time when they could dispose of the results of their hard winter's work, the flood of 1844 came upon them, carrying every stick of their wood down the river. He then went to work with his brother on the farm, and worked thus for nearly two years. On the 6th of November, 1846, Mr. HOLMES was united in marriage with Miss Sarah WHITE, a native of North Carolina, and daughter of William WHITE, also a native of the same state, but who came to this county about 1836. By this union there are four children, Anna, who married George HUME, is now deceased; Jane, who married Amos DeBAULT, now resides in Oklahoma; Samuel, who married Hulda NEWPHINE, now lives in the state of Washington, and Emma B., who married Joseph TABER, is now deceased. Soon after marriage Mr. HOLMES purchased a tract of wild prairie land in Henry township, of which he improved one hundred and sixty acres, building thereon a small cabin, in which the family lived from the spring of 1847 until 1849, and then sold out. In the summer of 1850 he went to the gold fields of California, across the plains. He started from Council Bluffs, Iowa, with four men under contract to work for him a year. They crossed the Missouri river May 28, and arrived at Placerville, California, August 21. After working in the mines until the spring of 1852 he returned to his home by the Nicaragua route, arriving home August 1, 1852. While he was away his wife purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land lying east and south of his present farm, but was living in the house where they now reside. From that time until the present he has followed farming, with the exception of two years spent in visiting his brother in southern California. For the past six years he has rented the farm, which comprises two hundred and forty acres of well improved land. Mrs. Sarah HOLMES, his first wife, was born in 1825, and died in 1868. One year later he married Miss Sarah C. TABER, a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and a daughter of Benjamin Nerab (COFFIN) TABER, the former a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and the latter of Nantucket, Massachusetts. They came west in 1837, and settled in Knox county, Illinois, where he died many years ago. The mother died and was buried in the cemetery at Henry. They were the parents of eight children, three of whom are now living: Dr. Benjamin, now residing in Dallas, Texas; Sarah C., the wife of our subject, and Avis, who married Joseph HOLMES, and now resides in southern California. Mrs. HOMES was born January 30, 1816, and was educated in the public schools of New Bedford, finishing her course in the seminary at Providence, Rhode Island. The Taber family were descended from the Coffin family, which was founded by Tristam COFFIN, who settled at Salisbury, Massachusetts, in 1642. In politics Mr. HOLMES is an uncompromising democrat, and has taken a somewhat active part in local affairs. For four years he served as justice of the peace in Hopewell township, three years as commissioner of highways and school director and trustee for many years. His grand-daughter, Maud E. HOLMES, is a graduate of the Henry high school, and has been a successful teacher. She is a very cultured and highly refined lady, and takes great interest in ancient lore, especially all matters pertaining to the history of the family.
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The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois, Published in Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company. 1896. - Marshall county Biographical extractions pages 100-199 Transcribed March 2011 by Norma Hass William HAWS, a leading and representative citizen of Magnolia, belongs to a family that has been identified with the interests of Putnam county since the earliest days of its settlement. The first to locate here was his uncle, Captain William HAWS, who was born in Orange county, Virginia, September 23, 1800 and in 1805 was taken by his parents to Ohio, and there remained until reaching his majority. On the 27th of August, 1821, he became a pioneer of Sangamon county, Illinois, where he conducted a tannery for a time, and in 1826 came to Putnam county, settling on section 26, Magnolia township, which was, at that time, however, a part of Tazewell county. He built a log cabin and there made his permanent home. He married Lucinda SOUTHWICK, a native of New York, who was a typical frontier woman, brave and fearless, and shared with her husband all the trials and privations of pioneer life. Indians at that time were more numerous than the white settlers and wild animals lurked round their little cabin. Mrs. HAWS died on the 4th of July, 1867, leaving no children. The captain secured his title as commander of a volunteer company in the Black Hawk war. At his house in 1831 Putnam county was organized, and he served on the first grand jury that here convened, the first term of court being held at the old traveling house near Hennepin. Governor Ford was then prosecuting attorney of the district. The captain died in March, 1885, and was buried in the Magnolia cemetery. After the death of his first wife he was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Louisa MOFFITT, nee DEFENBAUGH, now deceased, and to them were born five children, two still living: Clifford, who married in Boston, Massachusetts, and Joel. In 1845, a sister of Captain HAWS - Mrs. KELLEY - and her family came to Putnam county, locating in Magnolia township, but three years later removed to La Salle county, Illinois, and about 1860 removed to Missouri. An unmarried sister came in 1838, and made her home here until her death, dying at the advanced age of ninety-two years, and was interred in Magnolia cemetery. Joel HAWS, the father of our subject, was born in Madison county, Virginia, August 15, 1796, and was a son of Conrad and Susan HAWS, who emigrated in 1805 to Clinton county, Ohio, where both died. The grandfather and two brothers took up arms against the mother country in Revolutionary war, aiding the colonies in their struggle for independence. The father was one of a family of eight children, the others being Elizabeth, William, Mrs. Fannie JOHNSON, John, Mrs. Nancy KELLEY, Susan and Tandy, all now deceased. Until ten years of age Joel HAWS lived in Virginia, and then accompanied his parents to Ohio, where he remained until coming to Putnam county, Illinois, in 1838. In Clinton county, Ohio, April 27, 1824, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth GIBSON, who was born in 1805, and was the daughter of John GIBSON. On coming to his state they lived upon Captain HAWS' place until 1845, when the father purchased the farm now owned by Gustave OTTO, becoming its original owner. This he continued to cultivate and improve until his death, which occurred June 24, 1883. His wife, who was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, died in January, 1876. They were the parents of ten children, namely: Mrs. Mary Ann HUBBARD and Thomas G., both of Magnolia; Mrs. Elizabeth McCULLUM, deceased; William, of this sketch; John, of Ottawa, Illinois; one, who died in infancy; Mrs. Sarah J. McCOMBS, of Ottawa; Mrs. Eunice L. OTTO (see sketch of Gustave OTTO on another page of this work); George W., of La Salle county, Illinois, and James A., of York county, Nebraska. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving with the Second Ohio Volunteers under Captain William Fordyce, in Colonel Sumalt's regiment and General Denoe's division, and was honorably discharged in 1814. He was an upright, honorable man, a faithful friend, liberal to a fault, and in politics a Jacksonian democrat. Mr. HAWS, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, September 10, 1833, and when quite small was brought by his parents to Putnam county, where he became familiar with the arduous duties that fall to the lot of the pioneers. His education was such as the district schools of the locality afforded, and he remained at home until reaching maturity. For seventeen years he was then employed by his uncle, Captain HAWS. In 1858 Mr. HAWS led to the marriage altar Miss Helen CLISBEE, a native of Marshall county, Illinois, born April 11, 1842. She was reared from childhood by Captain HAWS, and after a short married life died February 3, 1864. Two children were born to them, Minnie L., wife of Riley B. ROBERTS, of Magnolia township, by whom she has four children, Burl William, Helen Haws, Margaret Livingston and Ollie Marie, and Helen, deceased. Mr. HAWS was again married March 2, 1865, Miss Mary Jane TRONE becoming his wife. She was born in York county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1845, and is a daughter of David and Christiana (PHILBY) TRONE, also natives of York county, the former born January 9, 1816, and the latter in 1820. In the spring of 1847 her parents located in Caledonia, Magnolia township, Putnam county, Illinois, where the father died in June, 1863, and the mother in January, 1879. They had four children: Mrs. Margaret SMITH, deceased; Mary J., wife of our subject; Mrs. Elizabeth KIDD< deceased, and Jerry. The parents were earnest members of the Methodist church, and the father served as postmaster of Caledonia for some time. Mr. HAWS is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue lodge at Magnolia, in which he has served as treasurer for many years, the chapter at Lacon and the commandery at Peru. Politically he has been a lifelong democrat, taking a deep interest in the success of his party, and has been called upon to serve in several official positions, being road commissioner one term, supervisor two terms, a member of the school board and also a member of the village board of Magnolia, of which for several terms he was president. Since the war he has devoted his time and attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits, and now owns a valuable farm of three hundred and sixty acres, well improved and highly cultivated. Riley B. ROBERTS, Mr. HAWS' son-in-law, was born October 26, 1854, on the old Roberts homestead in Roberts township, Marshall county, and is a son of Livingston ROBERTS, now deceased. In the district schools he acquired his education, and on reaching manhood he was married June 26, 1876, to Miss Minnie L. HAWS, who was born in Magnolia township February 17, 1859, and, as previously stated, they have four children. They began their domestic life upon the farm where they now reside, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, highly cultivated and well improved. Mr. ROBERTS raises a high grade of Jersey cattle and fine horses, and has sold some excellent teams. In Magnolia lodge, No. 103, F. & A. M., he holds membership and is past master, while he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen, in which he has served as the presiding officer. His political support is given the republican party, and for twelve years he has been road commissioner, and has also served as school director in his district.
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