***Captain John P. Higgins, of Monmouth, was born in Cumberland Co., KY., Aug. 08, 1830, and his parent swerve Durrett and Mary Graves  Higgins, who reared seven sons and four daughters, John being the third son in order of birth, and one of the three sons now living. The sons were brought up as tillers of the soil upon the farm of their parental ancestor. The family came to Illinois in 1835, and the parents spent the their lives in Tazewell County, the father dying in 18512, at the age of 62 years and his widow in 1860, at the age of 62 years.

From the common schools of Tazewell County, the subject of our sketch took a scientific course at Galesburg Liberal Institute now known as Lombard University; and in 1855 began teaching school. For nearly 20 years he taught in Warren County. His home was in Swan Township, where he held the office of Supervisor for four years, beginning in 1879, and was also holding his office of Justice of the Peace at the same time. In 1881, he removed to Monmouth, where he was at once appointed County Superintendent, to fill out an unexpired term of that office.

Capt. Higgins has always been a Democrat, and as such has held several minor offices in the county. In 11883, he was the candidate of that party for Sheriff, but was defeated, almost as a matter of course in a county as radical in its blind following of party as to exclude the possibility of recognition of the claims of even a battle-scarred veteran when he chose to assert a conviction contrary to their own.

At Macomb, Ill, in July, 1862, Mr. Higgins enrolled as a private soldier in the service of the United States, and at the organization of Co A, 84th Ill Vol. Inf. He was chosen Captain, a position he filled until Jan 25, 1865. When on account of ill health he was forced to resign.  Up to that time he was with his regiment all the time, and participated in its numerous engagements. In March, after leaving the army, he came to Warren County and has since made is his home. Capt. Higgins inherited nothing in way of a fortune. What he has he has earned by the sweat of his brow.

He was married in Swan Township, Dec 4, 1856, to Miss Zoa A. Simmons, and their three children were amended respectively, Hezekiah D., who died in 1871, Robert P. and Nellie C. The Captain is Past Master in Good Hope Lodge in Masonry, and for two years was first Commander of the G. A. R. Post at Monmouth. Page #557

***Michael W. Hall, residing in Cold Brook Township, a gentleman of more than ordinary business ability, owning 1, 500 acres of land in Warren County, and a successful farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Barren Co., Ky, April 30, 1837.

The father of Mr. Hall, Robert S. Hall, was also a native of Barren Co., KY, and followed the occupation of a farmer during his life time. H. The three latter are by their second marriage. Was married in the county of his nativity to Julia Harber, and six children were born of the union, in Kentucky. After the demise of his wife he w as again married to Julia Madded, a native of Ohio. Of both marriages of Mr. Hall, senior, nine children were the result—six by the first marriage and three by the second, with record as follows: Susan married A. B. Miller and resides in Kansas: six children have been born to them of whom two are deceased. Mildred became the wife of Alice Anthony, and the mother of five children: she is now deceased, as also are two to the children. Mary Jane married Edward Grover, and they reside in Mercer County and have a family of five. Michael W. was fourth in order of birth. John D. Married Phoebe Airsmith and they became the parents of two children: father and mother are both deceased. Joseph lives in Texas. Kate is married and resides in Michigan. Robert S. lives in Monmouth. The three latter are by the second marriage.

Michael W. Hall came with his parents to this county and located in Monmouth Township. His father purchased partly improved land, whose value he augmented by cultivation, and at the date of his death was the owner of 400 acres. His death occurred in Monmouth Township at about the beginning of the War for the Union, his wife, the mother of Michael W., having departed this life some five years previous. She was killed near the city of Jeffersonville, Ind., by the train on which she was riding being thrown from the track. The cause of the accident was a bovine, who obstinately refused to give way to the “iron horse.” She was at the time on a visit to her former home in Kentucky, and the accident she received was so severe that, although she reached her native State, she lingered but a short time, and then in Louisville, Ky, departed this life. 

After the death of his mother, Mr. Hall engaged in farming on his own account. He had previously purchased about 50 acres of land in Monmouth Township, and on this he began the occupation which he has continued during his entire life. Sept 08, 1859 at the residence of the bride’s parents in Monmouth Township, Mr. Hall was unite din marriage with Miss Candis, the accomplished daughter of John and Permelia Tapscott Miller natives of Barren Co., KY. Her parents were married in Glasgow and were of Virginia parentage and Scotch extraction. Her father was a cabinet-maker, and for some years after marriage resided at Glasgow Ky, at whish place Mrs. Hall was born, Dec 16, 1843, She was next to the oldest in order of birth of four children, viz: Charley, who was married to Adaline Parker, now deceased; Candia the wife of Mr. Hall; and tow who died in infancy. In 1845, when but two years of age, Candis, now Mrs. Hall was brought by her parents to this State. They followed his trade up to within a short time before his death, which occurred June 07, 1854. Her mother was again married, and died in Cold Brook Township Dec 22, 1876.

After Mr. and Mrs. Hall were united in marriage, they located upon a farm in Monmouth Township, which Mr. Hall had previously purchased. Six months later they moved on a farm in Cold Brook Township, consisting of 124 acres, to which Mr. Hall has since added tracts located in Cold Brook and Monmouth Townships to the extent as heretofore mentioned and most of which is under an advanced state of cultivation, with the exception of 125 acres which is timber. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the Christian Church located at Talbott Creek, to which denomination they have belonged for some 25 years. The issue of their union has been seven children. The living are Frank, see sketch, George C., Addie B., Ella M., James B. and George M., all o whom are lining at home and have received good educations Edison G. is deceased.

**James Harvey Wallace, M. D. a prominent physician and surgeon, residing at Monmouth, and whose portrait is giving on the opposite page, traces his ancestry back to Scotland. Robert Wallace was driven from Scotland and fled into Ireland during the persecution of the Presbyterians. His son, William, was born in Ireland, and lived many years in the County Tyrone, in which place he was married, and while there had a son, James, born in 1771. James Married Mary Barfit, in Tyrone, and the eight children born to them were named respectively: William, Eliza, Benjamin, Mary Ann, James, Robert, John and Margaret Jane. Robert was the father of our subject and came with his parents from his native country, Ireland, in the year 1810, this, W. W. Wallace, is a Professor of Mathematics at Westminster college, Pa; and John C. is an M. d. at Port Austin, Mich. The other three are farmers in Wayne Co., Ohio.

The Wallace’s spent their first year in American the city of Baltimore, removing thence to Juniata Co., Pa, where Robert grew to manhood and married Eleanor Shaver, a native of the Keystone state, of German extraction, tracing her ancestry back to an early product of the two very distinct races, the Scotch and the German.

Robert Wallace, born Feb 21, 1807, was by occupation a farmer before retiring from active life, and at this writing *October, 1885) resides on a fine farm in Wayne Co., Ohio, where he removed in the year 1854. He is 78 years of age and his wife is 74 years. They reared six sons and two daughters, James Harvey Wallace being the second in order of birth. One of the brothers W. W. Wallace is a Professor of Mathematics at Westminster College, Pa; and John C. is an M. D. at Port Austin, Mich. The other three are farmers in Wayne Co., Ohio.

The present Dr. J. H. Wallace, who was born in Juniata Co., Pa., Nov. 16, 1834, spent the first 19 years of his life upon the farm and at the common schools, completing his literary education at Vermillion Institute, Hayesville, Ohio. In 1857, he began reading medicine at Wooster, Ohio, with Dr. T. H. Baker; attended lectures at Buffalo University medical department in 1861, and graduated from the Ohio College of Medicine, Cincinnati, in 1862. Directly after receiving his diploma he began practice at Lakeville, Ohio, in partnership with a Dr. McKee, and at the end of 15 months removed to Canaan, that State, where he practiced with much success for about 11 years, in the meantime taking a post-graduate course at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. He went next to Smithville, Ohio, where he remained till his removal to Monmouth in April, 1876. Here he was associated with Dr. S. K. Crawford about one year and has since been for the greater part of the time, without a partner. At the present time, however, Dr. Hon Troutman is associated with him.

After the battle of Pittsburg Landing, in 1862, the Doctor was there as a volunteer surgeon, and assisted with his skill in caring for the sick, wounded and dying, so also, at Vicksburg, from which place he brought home his invalid brother, who was a soldier in Co H 120th Regt. Ohio Vol Inf. Dr. Wallace is devoted to the profession he so adorns, and the good people of Monmouth amply attest their appreciation of his skill as a physician, and of his high merit as a citizen.

Dr. Wallace was married at Wooster, Ohio, Oct 16, 1862, to Miss Sarah J. Troutman, daughter of J. G. and Caroline Frybarger Troutman. Of the children, we make the following mention:

George E, druggist at Monmouth; Charles R. born in November, 1865, died at age of five years and five months; Franklin E., student; Carrie L. student; Anna May and Lewis E., at home; and LeRoy, born in 1875, died in 1877.

Both Doctor and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church and active workers in various benevolent organizations. He was a member of the Independent Order of the Mutual Aid, and also a member of the Knights of Honor, a charter member of the order of the “Golden Rule” and a Director in the Monmouth Loan and Homestead Association. Republican in politics, he cast his first vote for John C. Fremont in 1856, and form that time to the present has remained firm to his first convictions, but takes no active part in politics.

***John C. Wallace, proprietor of a fashionable restaurant and fancy grocer, also wholesale and retail dealer in fruits, vegetables, oils, etc., of Monmouth, was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, July 4, 1848, was the fifth child in order of birth of six sons and two daughters of Thomas and Jane Hutchinson Wallace, natives of the Buckeye State, and descended respectively from Scotch and Irish ancestry. The senior Mr. Wallace was by occupation a farmer; emigrated from Ohio to Iowa in 1867, and there died in 1878 or ’79, aged 61 or 62 years, surviving his wife probably about three years.

John C. Wallace was brought up as a farmer’s boy, and at the common schools, supplemented by two years’ attendance at Monmouth College, acquired a fair English education. After clerking awhile in a grocery house, he in 1871, bought the interest of Hurdman, of the firm of Wallace & Hurdman, and for three years, or thereabouts, the house existed under the style and firm name of Wallace Bros. Since the retirement of his brother, Mr. Wallace has been alone in the business, and that he has been more than ordinarily successful is fully attested by the brief record here published of him. In 1875, after sustaining a sever loss by fire; he built the brick block now occupied by him. He owns one of the finest residence in the city, is a large sock-holder in banking house in Greely, Colo., and an extensive ranch owner in both Texas and Kansas. All this, and more and yet it is but the product of his individual effort and industry.

He was married in Henderson Co., IL Dec. 28, 1871, to Miss Mary A. Hutchinson, and their only child is named Clyde.

***J. F. Lowther, of Kirkwood, was born in Columbus, Ohio, April 14, 1826. His father, Thompson F., and his mother, Sarah Lowther nee Black, were natives of Pennsylvania. They were married and came to Illinois in 1835, locating in Schuyler County, where they resided until 1841. During the latter year he came to Warren County and settled in Hale Township, where he purchased 96 acres of land on which he lived, following his vocation until April, 1869. At that date he purchased a house and lot in Kirkwood and in company with J. H. Gilmore engaged in the grocery business, which he continued for about ten years. About three years prior to his death he retired from active business, his death occurring in 1885, and that of his wife in 1876.

The gentleman whose name we place at the head of this notice, lived with his  parents until he was 23 years old, having received a fair education in the common schools. After leaving home Mr. Lowther purchased 80 acres of land in hale Township, on which he resided for one and a half years, when he sold it and removed to Lenox township, and there purchased another 80 acre tract, and for two years was engaged in its cultivation. He then returned to Hale Township, and lived until 1869, when he came to Kirkwood and purchased property, since which time he has continued to reside there.

The marriage of Mr. Lowther took palace, July 19, 1849, at which time Miss Julia A. M. Robinson, a native of Virginia, became his wife. There were seven children of this union all dead, but they took an orphan boy, H. H. Sterling, at the age of 18 months, whom they reared to manhood, and since he has attained his majority have assisted him in obtaining a foot hold, whereby he may acquire in this busy world of strife as competency.

Politically, Mr. Lowther affiliates with the Democratic Party, and he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has also been a member of the Town Board in Kirkwood.

***John T. Reichard, the leading dry-goods merchant at Monmouth, was born in Washington Co., Md., and Nov 1, 1842. His parents, Daniel and Maria Brewer Reichard, natives respectively of the States of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and dating their ancestry back to Germany, reared six sons, and they were all brought up to the occupation of the father, farming, but judging from the memorandum before us, while they inherited any quantity of industry and native ability, the love of labor in the fields was one characteristic the old gentleman failed to transmit. Two of the sons became prominent physicians, one a druggist and three dealers in merchandise.

The father removed to Warren County, in 1863, and located on a farm in Cold Brook Township, where he lived and labored until his death, in 1866, aged 55 years. His widow survived him until 1873, when she died in Monmouth at the age of 63 years,

John T. Reichard was educated in Maryland, and was at Hagerstown College when his patriotism overcame his desire for classics, and August 1, 1862, saw him “right dress” as a private in Co A 7th Maryland Vol Infantry. There is no reason in the world to believe that he asked for the change, but the writer knows a great many reasons why he should have been very glad of the transfer from the ranks to clerk in the Quartermaster’s department. He had been out only about two months when this occurred, and the fact that he was retained in the position until the close of the war, proves that he was as efficient as clerk as it is known he would have been as a soldier.

Leaving the service at Baltimore, Md, he came at once to Monmouth and engaged in farming with his father, and at the death of the latter administered upon the estate and closed it up. In February, 1868, he embarked in mercantile business, and the story of his success was told us by his rivals. Mr. Reichard is a man who would succeed in anything, except hat of being ungentlemanly. This is no sort of training could induct him into.

When the Monmouth National Bank changed hands, in 18--, Mr. Reichard became one of its Directors, and subsequently Vice-President, a position he filled up to January 1, 1885. He is largely interested in agriculture and stock-breeding, and has been for some years President of the Warren County Agricultural Society. He is a popular Mason, and member of the largest Consistory in the worked, that the of the Oriental, of Chicago. July 15, 1875, Mr. Reichard was married at Newcastle, Ind. To Miss Jeane Elliott, daughter of Hon. J. T. Elliott, late Judge of the Supreme Court of Indiana and his children are named Lillian, George, Marie and Elliott.

***Hiram Baldwin, proprietor of the Baldwin House and one of the pioneers of Monmouth, was born in Chester Co., Pa, Dec 09, 1808. His parents, Wathel and Catherine Barr Baldwin, were married, reared their six sons and four daughters’ and died in Chester County. Hiram Baldwin was brought up on his father’s farm and fairly educated at the subscription schools.

Mar 28, 1832, he was married in his native county to Miss Mariah Mackey, a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., and of Irish and Dutch parentage. Their two sons, James W. and George W., were born in Lancaster County, the first in 1833 and the latter in 1835. They are both connected with the management and direction of the hotel and have been for many years. The Baldwin’s originally came from England, probably in 1645, and settled in Massachusetts. The Barr’s came from Germany, in 1683, and settled at Germantown, Pa.;

The family came to Monmouth in the spring of 1840, and here Mr. B. began the manufacture of wagons and plows, and followed it about 15 years. In 1846, he moved upon the spot now, and since 1855, known as the Baldwin Hotel. It was originally a two –story house 20 room building; in 1876 it was remodeled and converted in to a three-story 40 room house. Mr. B. learned the trade of carriage maker in Lancaster Co., Pa. He farmed some since coming to Illinois, but for 20 years has devoted his time to hotel business. His house, for many years the best in Monmouth, was for many years the rendezvous of the famous Lincoln and his friends. The room the great man occupied is now No. 17 and contains he furniture he so often used. Mr. Douglass, when at Monmouth, stopped at the old Warren House, when not with his friend, Hon. J. W. Davidson. Mr. B. is a member of no church; has never sought office but the history of Warren County must in truth print his name upon its pages as one of the best men the county has ever claimed as a citizen.

***Henry H. Pattee, secretary and treasurer of the Pattee Plow Company, of Monmouth, was born at Canaan, Grafton Co., N. H. April 17, 1840, and ws the youngest son living of Daniel and Judith Burleigh Pattee, natives of New Hampshire, and descended from the French. The senior Mr. Pattee was by occupation a farmer, and brought his four sons up to that vocation, though none of them followed it any great length of time. The father and mother both died in New Hampshire, he in `1875, aged 76 years, and she in 1883, aged 83 years.

Henry H. Pattee was educated at the common schools of his native state, and after learning of the art of telegraphy repaired to Canada, in 1862, as manager of the Vermont and Boston Telegraph Co. He left Canada in 1866, and came to Galesburg, Ill where for three years he was engaged in milling business. In 1869, he came to Monmouth, and in company with his brother ran the Star Flouring Mill four years in 1873, he engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements. See Pattee Plow company. The stock company was organized in 1881. And Mr. Pattee has since been it’s secretary and treasurer.

He was first married at Canaan, N. H. in 1867. His wife nee Miss Lizzie R. Morgan, daughter of Dr. Arnold Morgan, now deceased died in her native town Canaan in 1879.

Aug 25, 1881 Mr. Pattee married Miss Anna E. Willets, daughter of the later Hon. Elias Willets. See biography of Judge Willets, this volume.

****John W. Matthews, State’s attorney for Warren County, resident at Monmouth, is a son of the late Rev. Robert D. and Louisa Matilda Martin Matthews, and was born at Macon, Noxubee Co., Miss., July 7, 1848—see Biography of Rev. Robert Matthews, D. D.) John W. Matthews was educated at Monmouth College, graduating  and in the class of 1871, with the degree of A. B. Immediately after  leaving college he began reading law with John J. Glenn, and two years later in the office of Harding, McCoy, & Pratt, Chicago. He was admitted to the Bar at Ottawa, in September, 1874, and returned to Monmouth, where he became the junior member of the firm of Glenn & Matthews, for a year, and which then became the Firm of Glenn, Kirkpatrick & Matthews. At the end of one year Mr. M. withdrew from the firm, and was one year alone in practice, and having satisfied himself that he was able to hold his own at the Warren County forum, he formed, in 1880, the existing partnership, Matthews & Peacock, Mr. T. G. Peacock being a talented young attorney, and the junior member of the firm.

In the fall of 1880, Mr. Matthews was elected State’s Attorney, which office he filled with such satisfaction to the people, that four years later they place him again at the helm as a pilot of the pleas of the commonwealth.

May 30, 1864, he made up his mind the rebellion had gone on long enough, so offered his country his service as a “backbone breaker” and high private in Co A, 138th Ill Vol. Inf., for the term of 100 days. Serving out his term in the 138th, he was discharged Oct 14, 1864, at Springfield, Ill, and on the 18th of February following enrolled as a musician in Co H, 47th Ill. Vol. Inf. And served until August 17, 1865, With the 47th he penetrated well into “Dixie” and his experience in that country will be remembered by him for many a long year. He left the service to accept a scholarship at Annapolis Naval Academy, but ill health forced him to abandon it.

He was married at Monmouth, in 1876, to Miss Mary G. Stevens, a native of New York, and his son is named Robert C. a daughter, Anna Louisa, died in infancy.

Mr. Matthews is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and also of the A. O U W and I. O. O. F.

****J. C. Twitchell, one of the most prominent young business men of Roseville, where he is engage quite extensively in the business of a merchant, was born in Delaware Co., N. Y. April 22, 1856, his parents being Perry and Belarma Woodmansee Twitchell, natives of the Empire State. Mr., Perry Twitchell, the father was a soldier in the late civil war, having enlisted in 1862, and served within two months of it close. He was member of Co C 12th Conn Vol. The 12th was a part of the army of the Potomac, subsequently transferred to Butler’s command at New Orleans. He is at present a resident of Wallingford, Conn. His wife died April 25, 1878.

J. C., our subject, remained companion to his parents until he had attained the age of 22 years, having worked in the meantime with his father at the carpenter’s trade, and attended the public schools, receiving a fair education.

He arrived in Roseville Dec. 8, 1877, and began clerking for J. L. Woodmansee, his uncle, remaining with him until 1881. He then bought out the business, and has continued to conduct the dry goods, grocery and boot and shoe business, in which he has met with splendid success, with a trade constantly increasing.

Mr. J. C. Twitchell and Miss Margaret Harbaugh were married in 1882, she being a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Peter Harbaugh.

Mr. Twitchell is a member of the Methodist Church, and regarded as a representative and sold business man of Roseville.

Politically, Mr. Twitchell affiliates with the Republican Party.

***William E. Hall, of the firm of Mundorff Y Hall, hardware merchants at Kirkwood, this county, was born in the State of New York, Lewis County, in 1846. The parents of Mr. Hall, of this sketch, Gaylord N. and Hannah M. Slocum Hall, were also natives of York State. They came to this State in 1865 and located on section 32, Tompkins Township, where his father purchase d110 acres of land and followed the occupation of an agriculturist until 1878.

The gentleman who name stands at the head of this notice remained with his parents, receiving at the common schools a good education and assisting his father on the farm until he became of age. On becoming his own man, he worked out by the month until he accumulated some means, when he rented a farm and cultivated the same for a few years. In 1875, his accumulations and savings increasing, he purchased 79m acres on section 16, Tompkins Township, and remained on the same for eight years, engaged in energetic and continuous labor as an agriculturist. He then sold his land and came in Kirkwood and in company with Mr. Mundorff, engaged in the hardware business, which he has continued to the present time. He is the owner of a residence and lot in the village, and his firm, by strict attention to business and fair and honest dealings with their customers, have established a good and paying trade.

In 1869 Mr. Hall formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Delialah Mundorff, a native of Pennsylvania, and of their union have born two children. –Myra E. and Leo M. In politics, Mr. H. votes with Republican Party, and in religion, he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. As a Business man Mr. Hall stands prominent among the foremast of Kirkwood village.

Newton P. Bruington

A resident of Alexis, has retired from the turmoil of an active business life.  He is a native citizen of Warren County, having been born in the township of cold Brook, July 16, 1845. Thomas Bruington, his father, was born in Breckenridge Co., Ky., May 13, 1807. He was the son of James and Jane (McGlothlin) Bruington. He was of Scotch-English origin, the mother being of Scotch descent.

Thomas Bruington was reared on the homestead of his parents, in the land of handsome women and good horses, and on the 22d day of January, 1822, succumbed to the charms of one of the belles of the Blue-Grass county—Miss Jane McGlothlin. She was a native of the same county as her husband and was born Aug. 14, 1809. In 1833, the father, determining that there was a broader field wherein to rear his growing family, set out for the State of Illinois, traveling with his household in the conveyance common to the journeying of the pioneers of those days. He owned a pair of oxen and a wagon and by their aid the route was made. The method of operation was quite after the gypsy pattern and the journey was not wholly without interest and pleasure, notwithstanding its tediousness. The cooking was done by the wayside and the family slept in the wagon. Their destination was Warren Co. and on their arrival they made their first location in Barnett’s Grove, in what is now Cold Brook Township. Mr. Bruington took a timber claim and built a log house. He placed the structure in the midst of the timber and split logs to make its roof. He cleared a few acres of timber and held possession of the property there about ten years. On selling out he moved to the prairie in the same township and built another log house. This the family occupied a few years and, as their circumstances improved, they erected a frame house for their accommodation. The father improved an entire section of land. About the year 1856 he determined to make another change, and on again selling out, he bought a farm in Kelly Township, or rather a large tract of land in the immediate vicinity of the line of Mercer County. There he erected a house, which was one of the first frame building in this locality. There he improved another farm and made the common additions of fruit and shade trees to his estate. This remained the homestead while he lived, until a very short time previous to his death he moved to the property belonging to the lady who became his second wife, in the same township. There he passed the latest years of his life. His demise took place Oct 9, 1882. His first wife died Sept. 18, 1849. In 1859 he was married to Mrs. Annie Goff. She is still living. The issue of the first marriage was nine children, and six are yet living. James is a citizen of Kansas; John M. lives in Texas. Elizabeth and Jane are deceased. George is a resident of the township of Cold Brook. Thomas lives in Mercer County. Newton P. is the subject proper of this sketch and is a resident of the township already named. Eugene lives in Spring Grove Township, and one child not mentioned.

Newton P. Bruington passed the years of his boyhood and youth in his native county; was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools. In 1861 he went to Idaho, crossing the plains with his brother John. They had a mule-train consisting of four animals and a wagon. They set out from Warren County on the 1st day of April, of the year named. They made a halt of a few days in Marshall County, Iowa, and with that single exception pushed on to Omaha without pausing. There they replenished their stock of provisions and started from there in the latter part of April. They arrived at their destination about the 1st of August. Mr. Bruington interested himself in mining and continued that exciting and delusive occupation about 18 months. He then commenced packing goods from Umatilla Landing to the camps in the mountains. In 1863 he returned to Warren County. As soon as he was fairly at home he resumed the occupation of a farmer. In 1870 he bought land in North Henderson Township, Mercer County, and devoted himself to the rearing of stock. He was the occupant of the farm in North Henderson Township until 1879, when he sold out and came to Alexis. He bought a suitable residence, which has since been his abode. It is located in that part of Alexis which is situated in Suez Township; Mercer Co. Mr. Bruington is still the proprietor of 390 acres in North Henderson Township and also of 50 acres in Kelly Township, in Warren County. His a acreage is all in first-class condition for farming, and he rents a part of the land; the remainder is stocked and continues under his management. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., Alexis Lodge, No. 526. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

His marriage to Nannie Johnston occurred July 13, 1872. Mrs. Bruington was born in Breckenridge Co., Ky., March 30, 1854, and is the daughter of P. W. and Martha (Hayes) Johnston. Her parents were natives of Virginia. On the paternal side she is of English origin. The grandfather came to this country at an early day and settled in Virginia. On the maternal side she comes from old Virginia stock. Blanche and Walter are the names of the children that have been born of her marriage to Mr. Bruington. Blanche was born July 22, 1872; Walter was born Aug. 30, 1878. 

George Bruington 

Engaged as a general farmer and stock raiser on section 16, Cold Brook Township, was born in Knox County, near the Warren County line, on the 4th of October, 1840. His father, Thomas Bruington, a farmer by occupation and a native of Breckenridge Co. Ky., was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was married in the county of his nativity to Jane McLaughlin, who was also a native of Breckenridge Co. Ky., and of the same parentage and descent. Before their emigration West in 1833, when they came to the State of Illinois and located in Knox County, they had a family of three children. Mr. Thomas Bruington came into the new western country and found it an improved, unbroken prairie, and made a trade of his horse and a gun for his first farm of 160 acres. After improving that farm and when George, of whom we write, was but a small child, they removed into Cold Brook Township and here purchased 160 acres, where the son now resides, and entered actively and energetically on its improvement. While residing at this place the mother’s demise occurred, in the year 1849. She was the mother of nine children, of whom our subject was the sixth in order of birth. The father then married again in Kelly Township, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1883. His second wife was Mrs. Anna Goff, nee Ingersol.

When 18 years of age, George Bruington, of whom we write, set out to battle for himself, going in 1858 t Missouri, and the following year to Pike’s Peak, Col. To this latter place he went in view of mining, but having no success, in the spring of 1861, he returned to his township and began to farm on his own account.

The marriage of Mr. Bruington with Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas Wallace, one of the old settlers in this county, occurred June 7, 1863. The ceremony was performed at the residence of the bride, who was born Sept. 1839, in Cold Brook Township, and resided at home with her parents until her marriage. Her mother’s maiden name was Margaret Murphy. She now resides with her son, John Wallace, a resident of this township, at the venerable age of 85 years. Mr. Wallace, her husband, and father of Mrs. Bruington of this notice, died in this township, April 99, 1861.

Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bruington five children have been born. Margaret J., teacher; Jessie L., Arnold, Elmer and Alma. Margaret and Jessie have been educated in Lombard University, Galesburg, ILL. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. B. settled on the farm where they now live. Mr. B. is the owner of 440 acres of well-improved land, supplied with all the necessary outbuildings, and a fine residence.

Mr. Bruington is a member of the Christian Church. He has been Road Commissioner for 15 years and in politics is an active Democrat.

John B. Campbell

            Is the present Township Clerk of Spring Grove. He was born in Huntingdon Co., Pa., Aug. 6, 1853. He is a member of the fourth generation from his earliest known ancestor in this country, being of Scotch-Irish extraction. John A. Campbell, his father, was born in 1807, in the same county in Pennsylvania where the son was born. He was bred a farmer, that having been the calling of his race for many generations. He was married in the Keystone State to Mary J. Wray, who was also born in Huntingdon County, Oct. 16, 1817. After his marriage the senior Campbell bought a farm in Brady Township, seven miles from the county-seat, which remained the home of the family until 1865, when the property was sold and a removal to Illinois effected. A farm was rented in Suez Township, in Mercer County, where they reside one year, during which time the father was engaged in prospecting for a suitable location for a permanent homestead. In company with his eldest son, he bought a farm on section 9, in the township of Spring Grove, which, in the spring of 1866; he took possession of and made it the family residence until the death of the father, which took place in 1873. His widow now resides in Norwood, Mercer County. They were the parents of 11 children, of whom eight are still living.

            Mr. Campbell is the fourth child. He was 12 years old when his father’s family removed to Illinois. He had obtained a fair education before coming to this State, but after removal hither he continued his studies in the common schools of spring Grove Township. In the interims of school he engaged in the duties of farming. He obtained a practical education, and in 1874 he commenced teaching. He made his first engagement as a pedagogue in District Nov. 5, of the same township in which he now lives. In July, 1877, he bought an interest in the dry-goods establishment of G. B. Hardy, at Alexis, and carried on a commercial business for 14 months. He sold out at the end of that time and resumed teaching, to which profession he has since devoted himself exclusively, having been engaged for nearly eight years in the schools of Alexis.

            Politically, Mr. Campbell is a Democrat. He has officiated as collector in his township and is serving a second term in his present official position.

He formed a matrimonial alliance with Ida McBride, Oct. 11, 1877. She was born in Monmouth, and is the daughter of Abisha and Parmelia (Alley) McBride. Their children are Freddie H. and Stanley Vergne. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are members of the Presbyterian Church and is one of the Elders of his congregation. 

James Campbell           

            A prosperous and highly respected farmer of Hale Township, residing on section 6, is a son of James and Jane (Reed) Campbell. The former was a son of William and Margaret Campbell, and was born in County Antrim, Ireland, ir. 1799. He married Jane Reed, daughter of John and Margaret Reed. The parents were married on their native isle and emigrated to the United States in the autumn of 1850. Soon after, they came to this State and settled in Henderson County, where they lived until their death. They both died in December, 1874, and only eight days apart, the mother’s death occurring on the 12th and the father’s on the 20th. Their children were nine in number, of whom the subject of this notice was the eight in order of birth. The first-born died in infancy, the next was William B., then Joseph, Elizabeth, Margaret, Maria, James and Jane Ann. Joseph is deceased.

            On his father’s side, James Campbell is of Scotch descent; his maternal grandfather was of English descent, his wife, however, was of Scottish ancestry. She was one of the Dansons of Scotland. Both the ancestors of Mr. Campbell bore arms under William of Orange. The family were among the first Protestants of Scotland, but the father and mother of our subject joined the Methodist Episcopal Church shortly after their marriage. All of his children, as they grew up, united with that Church, of which they are still members.

            Six of the elder Campbell’s uncles came to America prior to the Revolutionary War. They were a strong, stalwart race, over six feet in height, and all of the six brothers enlisted in defense of the Colonies.

            James Campbell, Sr., set sail for America with his family, Aug. 18, 1850, and were many weeks on their journey to New Orleans, where they landed. They came up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Cuba, when they could go no further by water on account of the river being frozen over. From that point, Mr. Campbell walked to where his brother lived in Henderson County. He there procured teams and moved his family and effects to Greenville Precinct, Henderson County. He arrived there Nov. 18, 1850. He remained with his brother’s family for a short time, when he bought a quarter-section of land on what was then know as the Lost Prairie, now embraced in Ball Bluff Township, Henderson County. There was a small log building upon it, in which the family spent the winter, and the following year he erected a frame dwelling. Here the children were reared. The land that the elder Campbell purchased when he arrived in Henderson County was from James Fair, the father of Senator James Fair, of Nevada. He came to America some years before Mr. Campbell did, but they were old acquaintances in Ireland. His son, John Campbell, now owns the old home place. When the elder Campbell arrived here he had $500 in gold, which enabled him to purchase his place, a team, some farm implements, some cattle and household utensils.

            James Campbell, the subject of this sketch, was born in Shanco, County Fermanagh, Ireland, Oct. 28, 1848, and was two years old when his parents emigrated from the land of the shamrock to America. James continued to reside on the parental homestead in Henderson County until the death of his father and mother, when, in the spring of 1877, he came to Hale Township, this county, where he purchased a farm of 182 acres, on which he located with his family and at once began the active labors of his vocation, when he has followed until the present time. He also owns a farm of 175 acres in Henderson County, and, in following the pursuit of his chosen vocation, is meeting with that success which energy and perseverance are sure to bring.

            April 24, 1877, Mr. Campbell formed a matrimonial alliance with Nancy E., the accomplished daughter of John and Elizabeth (Younger) Williams. John Williams’ father was also named John. He was a Virginian, and on his paternal side was of English descent, while through his mother was of Holland-Dutch ancestry. One of Mr. Williams’ uncles served in the War of 1812, and the grandfather in the Revolutionary War. They were all farmers. John Williams and wife came to the State in 1846, and the first four years lived in Warren County, when they moved to Henderson County and lived until the spring of 1880, when, on account of old age, they sold out their property and now make their home with their son-in-law, Mr. Campbell.

            Mrs. Williams’ grandfather was Thomas Younger, a descendant of Scotch ancestry, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and also in the War of 1812. His home was in Williamson co., Tenn., where he was engaged in farming, and continued to reside there until his death. He was a native of South Carolina, a Whig in politics and a member of the Baptist Church. His wife, Mary Knowles, was of English descent. Her father, John Knowles, was a native of North Carolina and a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

            Mrs. Campbell’s parents were natives of Virginia and Tennessee respectively and had nine children, of whom she was the youngest. She was born in Henderson County, this State, June 6, 1857, and has borne her husband three children—Ada M., Frank A., and John E. Frank A. died in infancy.

            James Campbell became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in October, 1868, since which time he has taken a prominent part in the work of his congregation. He has been Steward every year since, excepting one, and a part of the time as local and district Steward. He has also been superintendent of the Sunday-school and for a time Class-Leader. In Greenville Township, Henderson County, where he attends Church, he is Secretary of the township organization of the American Bible Society.

            In political matters, he has held the offices of Highway Commissioner and Justice of the Peace. IN Politics, he votes with the Republican Party. 

George W. Claycomb

Supervisor of Monmouth, and a retired farmer living there, is a son of Frederick and Mary Ann Claycomb. He was born in Breckenridge Co., Ky., Feb. 4, 1828, and came with his parents to this State in 1836. He was brought up on his brother’s farm and educated at the common schools.

            At the age of 21 years Mr. Claycomb began business for himself. He bought an 80 acre tract of land in Cold Brook Township and improved it. He then traded it for a 120 acre tract in the same township, which he now owns and which is occupied by his son; and from this comparatively small beginning he owns at this writing (Oct. 18, 1885) one of the best farms in the county. It contains about 415 acres and lies about eight miles northeast from Monmouth Court House.

            He was united in marriage in Floyd Township, Dec. 17, 1851, with Miss Sarah A. Godard, a native of Indian, and daughter of Francis Godard, one of the pioneers of Warren County, wither he removed from Indiana at an early day. He was a native of Kentucky and died at the age of 84 years. Mr. Claycomb retired from active farming in 1882, and in April, 1885 was elected Supervisor.

            Mr. and Mrs. Claycomb have had born to them four children—Laura e. (Mrs. P. H. Shelton), Albert R., born Nov. 7, 1853, died aged seven years; Frank E. and Alta M. The family belongs to the Christian Church, and Mr. Claycomb, socially, is a member of the Order of Masonry. 

Jesse Walton Bond           

            An energetic and successful farmer of Lenox Township, residing upon section 19, is a son of John C. and Polly (Grimsley) Bond. A biography of the former is given elsewhere in this volume. The Bonds came from Ireland with Lord Baltimore and settled in Maryland, in 1632, and from there were scattered throughout the South. Jesse W. Bond, the grandfather of the subject of this notice, was born in South Carolina, in 1777. When a small boy, his father’s family removed to Kentucky, in which State his father was killed by Indians, leaving three children—Jesse W., Lucy and Nathan.

            In 1798, Jesse W. bond, the eldest of the children, was married in Overton Co., Tenn., to Miss Susannah Crane. She was born in Georgia, in 1777, and of their union seven children were born—John Crane Bond, the father of the subject of this notice; Benjamin, Joel, ruby, William B., Jesse W. and Nathan, only two of whom are living, Nathan Bond, of Albany, Oregon, and Mrs. Ruby Looney, of Salem, Oregon.

            Jesse W. Bond, the grandfather, removed to Jackson Co., Ala., in 1819. From there he went to Morgan Co., ILL., and in 1830, came to this county, and here resided until his death, in 1842, the demise of his wife occurring in 1858. The grandparents are both buried on the old homestead, in the family burial ground, Greenbush Township, where six generations of Bonds are resting. The homestead at his death passed into the hands of Maj. John Crane bond, father of the subject of this notice, whose biography we give, and when he died he left it to his grandson, John Crane Bond, Jr., eldest son of the subject of this sketch.

            Jesse Walton Bond was born in Jackson Co., Ala., Sept. 7, 1825. When he was a year old, his parents moved to Morgan Co., ILL., and he was nine years of age when he came with his parents to this county. His education was received in the common schools, and he continued to reside with his parents until his marriage. He lived in Greenbush Township until 1850, when he crossed the plains to California in search of gold, where he remained two years, meeting with partial success, when he returned for his family and soon afterward went back to California. The following year, 1853, his wife died, and Jesse W. once more returned to this county, but only remained a short time, when he went back to California, the third time crossing the plains. He remained in the latter State until 1862, when he returned to this county and two years later removed to Iowa, and was there engaged in Agricultural pursuits until 1869. During that year, he again came back to this county, and took charge of the Warren County Poor Farm, on which he lived until March, 1885. Not desiring a reappointment, he removed to his farm in Lenox Township, where he at present resides. He is the owner of 320 acres of land in Lenox Township, all of which is under an advanced state of cultivation.

            Mr. Bond, of this sketch, was first married in Swan Creek Township, this county, Feb. 12, 1848, to Sarah E. Terry, who was born in Madison Co., ILL. She was a daughter of George and Nancy G. (Stice) Terry, and bore him three children—Edwina, Ellen S. and John C. Edwina is the wife of Dr. Randall, of Greenbush Township. Ellen S. married Benjamin F. Reed, who resides in Swan Township. John C. is engaged in farming in Greenbush Township. Mrs. Bond died in Sacramento Co., Cal., Jan. 28, 1854, and Mr. Bond was again married in Greenbush Township, Oct. 25, 1863, to Anna C. Harrah, daughter of John N. and Helen (Wharton) Harrah. Her parents came to Warren County about 1860, and settled in Greenbush Township, where they lived until about 1878, when they moved to Sedalia, Mo. Mrs. Bond was born in Belmont co., Ohio, Feb. 25, 1835, and has borne her husband three children—Sara Helen, Jesse Walton, Jr., and Anna J., who resides at home. Mr. Bond is a member of the Masonic Order, and in politics, is a supporter of the principles advocated by the Democratic party. His father and grandfather were likewise members of the Democratic Party.

            The Bonds are related directly to Gov. Walton, of Georgia, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and also to Shadrach Bond, the first Governor of Illinois. 

Major William G. Bond 

            A citizen of Monmouth, retired from active business, was born in Jackson County, Ala., April 2, 1823, and is a son of Major John C. and Mary (Grimsley) Bond, natives of Tennessee, who combined in their make-up the blood of Celt and Teuton

            The subject of this sketch accompanied his father to Warren County in 1834, and grew to manhood upon the farm; in fact, he followed farming uninterruptedly up to 1862, and left it only to join the army in defense of his country. Aug. 26, 1862, Mr. Bond became Captain of Co. H, 83rd ILL. Vol. Inf. In February, 1863, he was promoted to Major of the same regiment and was in full command there from June, 1863, until he was mustered out of the service, at Nashville, Tenn., June 23, 1865. His first battle was at Garrettsburg, Ky., in November, 1862; his second, Fort Donelson, February, 1863; next was with wheeler, along the Great Louisville & Nashville Railway, in 1864, where they were engaged everyday and sometimes twice a day for a month or more; later on at Franklin and the six weeks’ fighting of that campaign. The Major was twice wounded at Fort Donelson, once by a Minnie Ball and again by a shell, both times in the leg, but neither proved serious. From February to August, 1864, he was seriously ill from an attack of pneumonia, which seized him at Nashville and left him at Clarksville. While at the latter place and before sufficiently recovered to report to his command for duty, he acted as President of the Military Course.

            Leaving the regular service, he went into the Quartermaster’s department at Fort Donelson, and was there employed up to 1868, hunting up the dead and depositing their remains in the National Cemetery at that place. From here he entered the Revenue department and was employed as store-keeper on the Cumberland River for two years, going thence into the secret service of the Government, with headquarters at Clarksville, Tenn., up to 1873. IN January, 1874, he returned to Monmouth, and the following December received the appointment of Deputy Sheriff, a position he filled for two years. His next and last official duty was performed as Sheriff of Warren county, being elected to that office three times in succession, namely: 1876-78 and ’80, closing his services in 1882.

            With such a record any man might be content to retire to private life. Wherever Maj. Bond has been placed, either by force of circumstances or of his volition, he has done his duty, and there is in neither his military nor civil career any skeleton to haunt the closet of his prosperity. Maj. Bond was first united in marriage in Joe Daviess County, this State, when about 22 years of age, to Miss Elizabeth Henry, who died in 1863, while the Major was in the army, and left four children—Clarissa Ann, Looney M., Jesse W. and George C. To his present wife, Mrs. Mary E. Moore, nee Taylor, he was married at Dayton, Ohio, in 1868.

            Major Bond went into the army a Democrat, but came out a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is an officer in the G.A.R., and one of the respected and well-to-do citizens of Monmouth. 

Harry G. Harding 

            One of the best known men in Warren County, and whose portrait is given on the opposite page, resides on a fine place, in the suburbs of Monmouth. He was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., Aug. 25, 1811, and was a son of Chancy and Anna (Gates) Harding, natives of Connecticut and of old English descent. Nathan Harding landed at Cape cod, in 1640, and from him sprang the Harding's of this country. His grandson, Chancy Harding, named as the immediate ancestor of the subject of this sketch, was born in Middle Haddam, Conn., Jan. 8, 1775, and died at Iowa Falls, Dec. 11, 1876; his first wife, mother of H. G. Harding, was also born at Middle Haddam, 11 years later than Chancy, and died while yet a young woman, at Richfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., Nov. 3, 1794, and died at Iowa Falls, in April, 1885. Thus it will be seen the families upon both sides have been uniformly long lived. Chancy’s first marriage occurred at Chatham, Conn., and he removed thence to Otsego County, N. Y., probably in 1809. From there he removed to Iowa Falls, Iowa, after having buried his wife, who died April 6, 1819. She bore him two sons, H. G., the eldest, and his brother, Chancy.

            He was brought up to farming, an occupation he has claimed all his life. The common schools of Otsego Co., N. Y., and an academy at Hamilton supplied him a good education, and from 16 to 26 years of age he alternated the seasons with farming and teaching. IN 1857, he came to Warren County, bought a farm, now part of the city of Monmouth, laid a portion of it off as Clark’s addition to the town, and later on, in 1859, he purchased a 40 acre tract in connection with Gen. Harding and laid out Haley’s addition. At this writing (October, 1885), he lives upon a part of his original purchase, owns several hundred acres of the finest farms in the county, and has given his children a handsome competency. He was one of the organizers of the Monmouth National Bank, in 1870; was a director therein up to 1874; sold out, and, assisted by his brother, Chancy, and others in January, 1875, organized the Second National Bank of Monmouth, with which he is now connected as a director. Mr. Harding has long been one of the wealthiest men of Warren County, and yet, aside from a few hundreds inherited from his father, he has acquired it by his individual effort and industry.

            Away back in 1844, before leaving New York, Mr. Harding was elected to the State Legislature from Otsego County, but, to his credit, it must be written that he was wise enough to profit by his first lessons and to steer clear of such a fate in Illinois. The  most the people to have been able to get out of him, in the way of public service, has been to push him into an aldermanship, and twice into the mayoralty. He has always been an ardent Republican and during the war he was an active supporter of the cause of the Union and good government.

            After returning from the Legislature in New York, he resumed his farming operations. He was soon thereafter elected Justice of the Peace, and served the people in that capacity for several years. He was a member of the Board of Education for about 15 years, during his residence in Otsego County, and contributed to the best of his ability in fostering and encouraging general education. He was also a member of the Board of Education in Monmouth for about 15 years.

            At the time of the laying out of what is known as Haley’s addition to the city of Monmouth, in connection with General Harding, the lots were divided and Mr. Harry G. Harding adopted what was then a new plan in this Western country, in getting his property into market. This was by selling lot and assisting many poor people to build small houses thereon, with the understanding that they should become owners after complying with the specified agreement. This was, that they should pay him a monthy installment of but little more than ordinary rent. By this arrangement the prudent and economical mechanic was enabled to secure a home. Mr. Harding in this way disposed of about 100 lots, at prices ranging from $150 to $300 each, and also contributed largely to the building up of the city of Monmouth, as well as performing a most commendable act towards his fellow townsmen and neighbors. Careful business methods like these will naturally bring a fair financial return to their projectors. Mr. Harding also furnished most of the lumber with which to construct the dwelling, and in exceptional cases, where the man was very poor, he furnished all the lumber and gave long time for payment.

            May 17, 1838, he was married, at Exeter, N. Y., to Salinda Brainard, a native of Otsego County, and daughter of Nathan Brainard. She died at Exeter, Aug. 15, 1843, leaving tow sons—Delavan, who died soon after her, and De Lloyd. On Nov, 17, 1844. Mr. Harding, at the same town, married Elvira C. Hubbard, daughter of Seth and Lucy (Swan) Hubbard, and had born to him four children. Of his children, De Lloyd, the eldest son, married Mary Bacon; they have one daughter, Elvira, now a young lady, who has been educated at Knoxville. The son resides near his parental home and owns a splendid farm of 225 acres, a mile from the city limits. He is principally engaged in stock dealing and farming. Fred E. was born Sept. 20, 1847, attended Monmouth College and completed his business education at Schenectady, N. Y. He is now Cashier of the Second National Bank of Monmouth. He was married to Lucy Nye, of that city. Frank W. was born March 1, 1849, and was united in marriage with Nannie Davenport, of Monmouth. They have three daughters. He was educated at Monmouth College and is the Assistant Cashier of the Second National Bank, at Monmouth. Jennie I., born Sept. 4, 1885, died Jun 2, 1861. Willie, the youngest, was born Oct. 22, 1857, died Sept. 6, 1858.

            Mr. Harding’s life has been devoted to the prosecution of his business and the education of his children. He has ever been careful and methodical in all his operations, and his courser has won the esteem and respect of his neighbors. He is public-spirited and liberal, and any object having for its aim the advancement of the material or moral development of Monmouth or Warren County, finds in him an able and earnest supporter. We are pleased in being able to present a portrait of this good and prominent citizen.

Josiah C. Lucas

One of the largest land-owners in Warren County and also one of her most successful farmers and respected citizens, resides on section 18, Cold Brook Township.  He has been a resident of this county during his entire life, having been born in Monmouth Township, July 30,1832, and has consequently witnessed the development of the county to the present magnificent agricultural condition which it presents to-day.

The farmer of Mr. Lucas of this sketch, Marsham Lucas, was a native of Hart Co., Ky., and a farmer by occupation.  He was married in his native county to Miss Cynthia Ann Whitman, likewise a native of that county and State.  They emigrated to this State in 1829, locating in Morgan County, and after a residence there of some time, came to this county, in 1831, where Marsham Lucas purchased land from the Government, located on section 31, Monmouth Township, and where the parents continued to reside until the death of the mother, which occurred in October, 1837.  Marsham Lucas, by his first marriage, had five sons and two daughters.  In order of birth they were, Thomas H., now a resident of Oregon; Christopher W., who died in 1880; Albert W., also a resident of Oregon; Sarah E. became the wife of Elijah D. Butler: they moved to Oregon, where they both died; Josiah C. was next in order of birth; Emily J. became the wife of James M. Ellis, and they live in Palmyra, Mo.; and Samuel C., a resident of Indiana.

The gentleman whose name heads this article was a child of five years at the date of his mother’s death.  He was the youngest but two of his parents’ children, and after the death of his mother, his father was a second time married, when Mrs. Elizabeth Davidson, nee Deweese, became his wife, with whom Mr. Lucas of this sketch continued to reside until four years after attaining his majority.  In 1865 his father and step-mother moved to Abingdon, where they are at present living, retired from the active labors of life and enjoying their accumulations of the past.

Josiah C. Lucas resided with his parents until he was 24 years old, at which time he was married in the township of his nativity to Hannah J. Townsend.  She was a native of Putnam Co., N.Y., born March 22,1833, and came to Illinois with her parents when a young lady.  She resided at home, acquiring an education in the common schools and assisting her mother in the household labors, until her marriage to Mr. Lucas.  Her parents are both deceased.  They were James and Polly (Baldwin) Townsend.  They became residents of this county in 1855 and were farmers and members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Townsend, in politics, was a Democrat.

Our subject and wife have had born to them eight children, namely: Berry, who married Katie B. Jamison: they live near Abingdon, Knox Co., Ill, where he is engaged in farming and the breeding of Polled Angus cattle; Guy is deceased; Ola A. is now a student of law at the Chicago Union College of Law: he is a graduate of Knox College; James L., Jessie E., Rosa J., Harry C., and a daughter who died in infancy, are the names of the other members of the family.

After Mr. and Mrs. Lucas were united in marriage, Mr. Lucas made his first purchase of land in Cold Brook Township, consisting of 80 acres, on which he located and engaged actively and energetically in its improvement.  Hw has subsequently, by his energy, good judgment and perseverance, added to his original purchase of land in this county at different times until he is at present the proprietor of 1,800acres of good farm land, the same being located in Cold Brook, Floyd and Monmouth Townships, and some in Knox County.  The landed interests of Mr. Lucas have been acquired through that indomitable energy and perseverance of which he is characteristic.  He is a gentleman possessed of far more than ordinary ability as a business man, and is regarded as one of the successful farmers of Warren County.  He is also engaged in breeding thoroughbred Polled Angus cattle.  A view of his home is shown on another page of the Album.

Mr. Lucas and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and in politics Mr. Lucas is a believer in and a supporter of the principles of the Democratic Party. 

Col. James W. Davidson 

            An attorney and counselor at law, residing at Monmouth, has practiced at the Warren County Bar a greater number of years than any other man now living. He was born in Barren County, Ky., Sept. 16, 1813, and was the third of six sons bred and reared to manhood by Hezekiah and Eleanor (Wilson) Davidson, natives of the States of North Carolina and Kentucky, and of Irish and Scotch extraction respectively.

            Hezekiah Davidson was a mechanic, and in his day was the most extensive manufacturer of guns and cotton gins in the country where he resided. He came to Warren County in 1831, and spent the rest of his life on his farm near Monmouth, dying in 1841, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. His widow survived him up to the winter of 1857-8.

            Col, James W. Davidson was in his youth inured to the toils of farm life, and also learned the trade of his father. He afterward acquired a thorough academic education, teaching school two years in Logan and two years in Simpson counties, Ky. He went to Mississippi and remained there about one year. He returned to the old Kentucky home to find that the rest of the family had some time before emigrated to the West. He had traveled from Brandon, Miss., to Barren Co., Ky., on horseback, and without delay he pressed forward, and by the same conveyance reached Monmouth. Remaining there but a short time, he returned to Kentucky, and at Bowling Green, in the office of W. L. Underwood he taught school in Simpson County, going thence to Logan County, Ky., where he taught about two years. At Russellville, Ky., he finished his course of study with lawyer Benjamin E. Gray, and was admitted to the Bar. He landed at Monmouth, May 10, 1839, and at once hung out his shingle as attorney-at-law.

            Something of the confidence with which young Davidson inspired the people in his abilities as a lawyer, may be surmised from the fact that before the convening of the first term of Court after his arrival in Warren County, Nov. 1839, he was entrusted with no less than 83  causes. When Court set, however, his early ambition was doomed to disappointment. The cold November day augmented the decline of his young, though invalid wife, and her condition became at once so precarious as to forbid his absence from her bedside, and the Court convened and adjourned regularly for more than two years without his attendance. Not that his young wife yet required his attention, for before the roses bloomed and while yet the new spring time was just warming into life the little seeds that were to shoot forth the bright flowers and green grasses, Mary E. (Wickware) Davidson, to whom he was married in Kentucky, Aug. 26, 1838, yielded up her life, leaving to the care of her husband an only child, Thaddeus C. Davidson now a business man at Kansas City, Mo.

            Mr. Davidson has led the Democratic party of his district in two heated campaigns for Congress, his last nomination being by acclamation at Peoria, in the fall of 1858. In the first, he ran 1,271 votes ahead of Buchanan. Senator Douglas publicly complimented him by saying, “his campaign was, under all circumstances, the grandest he had ever witnessed.” In June, 1857, James Buchanan appointed Mr. Davison United States Marshal for the Northern District of Illinois, but because the influence of the office was not used against Mr. Douglas, Davidson was soon afterward replaced.

            At the request of the members of the Bar of his Judicial District, Mr. Davidson ran for the Circuit Judgeship in 18--, but his Democracy was too pronounced to carry a majority in a district so ultra radical, and previous to the election he withdrew from the contest. In 1844, he was defeated by seven votes for the Illinois Legislature. For 46 years Mr. Davidson has devoted his time to the practice of law, and during the last decade has been ranked as the Nestor of the Warren county Bar. Criminal causes have received so much of his attention as to make it proper to say that that branch of his practice has been his specialty

April 4, 1843, Mr. Davidson was marred to his second wife, Mary E. Coleman, a native of Hopkinsville, Ky., who was born July 2, 1823.

            The parents of Mrs. Davidson were James and Lucy O. (Hawkins) Coleman. The father was of German extraction and the mother of Scotch. The family of Mr. Coleman consisted of ten children, five brothers and five sisters. The only survivors are Mrs. Davidson and one brother, William P. Coleman, who is now a resident of Sacramento, California, President of a Sacramento bank, and an influential citizen; and one sister, the wife of Dr. Huston, of Blandinsville, McDonough Co., this State. One of Mrs. D.’s brothers, Stephen O. Coleman, formerly of St. Louis, Mo., was a soldier in the Mexican war, and in the late war was Captain of the St. Louis Grays and with his company served until near the close f the war, and was killed at the battle of Wilson Creek, near Springfield, Mo.

            Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Davidson, we make the following brief memoranda Rosalind O. and Cordelia A. died in infancy; Jessie P. is now the wife of Mr. H. A. Webster; Lucy Ellen, is the widow of Frank Huff; Harry died in infancy; Stephen Lee is a business man in Kansas city; Julius M. resides at Monmouth; Kate married a Mr. Johnson; and Pearlie was united in marriage to a Mr. Montgomery.   

William H. Dawdy 

            Owing 260 acres of land in Berwick Township, 80 acres of which is under an advanced state of cultivation, and residing upon section 11, of the township named, was born in Knox Co., this State, Oct. 2, 1845, and is a son of John Dawdy, a native of Kentucky, where he was born in 1798. The father was one of the pioneer settlers of Illinois, coming to this State in 1828, and locating in Knox County; he died in 1874. His marriage occurred in 1834, in this State, at which time Miss Tobitha Boydson became his wife. She was born in 1809, in Kentucky, and is still a resident of Knox County, this State.  Of her union with Mr. Dawdy, ten children were born, named Benjamin M., Eliza, Emily, Malinda, William H., Jacob W., Alexander C. and Sarah E.

            The gentleman whose name stands at the head of his notice was married to Miss Amanda J. Howard, Jan. 3, 1871. She was born Oct. 28, 1852, and is a daughter of Nathan Howard, who was born in 1826, in Kentucky, and came to this State in 1855, locating in Warren County. Her father married Miss Martha Hood, and they had nine children, viz.; Lucinda E., Isaac S., Amanda J., Mary C., Sarah A, Joseph, Cora A., Rosa B. and John E., twins.

            Mr. and Mrs. Dawdy, of this sketch, are the parents of six children; Della M., born in 1873; Jessie V, in 1874; Daisy D, in 1875; George W., in 1877; Perley E., in 1881, and Bertha R., in 1883 Mr. Dawdy is pleasantly located and has a good residence. He is turning his attention to the raising of cattle, his specialty being the Short-horns. He is also dealing in Poland-China hogs, and is meeting with success in both his farming and breeding interest.

            Socially, he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., to which order he has belonged for the last 12 years. In politics, he is a Democrat.

Eli Dixson 

            From an early history of Greene County, Ind., we get the following facts of the Dixson family; Eli Dixson, who is the father of Mrs. Jemima Disxon’s husband, referred to elsewhere in this work, was a son of Solomon and Sarah Dixson and was born in 1769, in Virginia, near the Blue Ridge mountains,. He emigrated to Georgia, where, near the city of Augusta; he married Rebecca Hart, in 1799, and moved to Preble County, Ohio, in 1806, settling in what is now called Dixson Township, being the first to settle in that township. He remained there about twelve years, during which time he cleared a farm and exercised a prominent influence in the settling of the neighborhood. He removed to Greene co., Ind., in 1818, and settled in Smith Township, where he improved a farm. He was noted for his liberality and benevolence in helping such as were not able to help themselves. He served two terms in the State Legislature, from Green, Owen and Putnam counties. He died respected by all who knew him, March 9, 1836. He had six brothers and three sisters, viz.; Samuel, John, Joseph, Henry, Solomon Stephen Ruth, Sarah and Elizabeth. Sam’l Dixson died in Green co., Ind., Aug. 30, 1850, aged 53 years. John Dixson was drowned in the Ohio River, near Shawneetown. Joseph Dixson died at this residence, in Greene Co., Ind. Henry Dixson died in Tennessee. Solomon Dixson was born Oct. 4, 1771, died Oct. 8, 1824, in Greene Co., Ind. Henry Dixson died in Tennessee. Solomon Dixson was born Oct. 4, 1771, died Oct. 8, 1824, in Greene Co., Ind. Stephen Dixson was killed by the Indians, near Terre Haute, Ind., during the war of 1812.

            Rebecca, the wife of Eli Dixson, was the daughter of Isaac and Hester Hart, and was born near Augusta, Ga., Sept. 2, 1779, and died Oct. 1, 1852. She had four brothers, viz.; William, Isaac, Thomas and Phineas; and two half-brothers, viz.: Amos and Jerry Greene; and one half-sister, who married a Mr. Jones. Her brother, William, died in Georgia; Isaac and Thomas died in Preble co., Ohio, and Phineas in Peoria Co., ILL. Her half-brothers, sister and mother emigrated to Michigan at an early day.

            Eli and Rebecca Dixson’s family consisted of eight sons and three daughters, viz.: Samuel, Sarah, Solomon, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Eli, Stephen, John, Phineas, William and Prior. Samuel was born June 22, 1800, died Dec. 17, 1844; Sarah (Johnston) born Aug. 27, 1801, died April 29, 1839; Solomon, born June 21, 1803, died June 20, 1851; Elizabeth, died in infancy; Rebecca (Johnston), born Oct. 24, 1807, died June 27, 1834; Prior, born Nov. 15, 1809, died Sept. 10, 1850; Eli, born May 5, 1811, died Oct. 27, 1857; Stephen, born Dec 21, 1814, died March 1, 1879; William, born 1822, died Feb. 9, 1870. John Dixson was born in 1816. He, being the only survivor of the family, still resides in Green Co., In.; Samuel, Solomon, Eli and Rebecca (seniors), Samuel, Solomon, Sarah, Rebecca Prior, Phineas, Eli, and William all being buried in the Dixson graveyard, in Greene Co., Ind.

            Mrs. Jemima Dixson, of Point Pleasant Township, is a settler of Warren County of 1858. She came here after the death of her husband with her four children, and located in the same township in which she is still living. She was born in Bath Co., Ky., Jan. 28, 1817, and is the daughter of Drury B. and Elizabeth (Hurd) Boyd, of whom an account is given on another page in this volume. The latter removed toPulaski Co., Ky., when his daughter, Mrs. Dixson, was a  child of five years. The family was transferred to Green Co., Ind., in 1825, when she was eight years of age. There she passed the remaining years of her youth, and was married, March 12, 1840, to Eli Dixson. He was born in Preble Co., Ohio, and was the son of Eli and Rebecca (Hart) Dixson, mentioned above. At the time of their marriage, they settled on a farm, which he had purchased in Smith Township, in White River Bottom, in Green Co., in the State of Indiana.

            Mr. Dixson was a man of excellent character and a successful farmer. He improved and added to his acreage to a considerable extent. He resided on the same place until 1850, when he came to Illinois to prospect. In 1855, he came again, and at that time to Warren County. He decided to make an investment here, and he accordingly bought unimproved land in Point Pleasant Township. He returned to the farm in Indiana with every intention of removing his family to Illinois and of settling on the land he had bough. In 1857 he was engaged in making the necessary arrangements for a transfer of his interests, and in the midst of t his operations, with that end in view, he was taken sick and died, Oct. 27, of that year. His widow rented the Indian farm the following year and removed to Illinois. Her father and other relatives had located in Warren county, and she joined them, settling on section 12, in Point Pleasant Township. The farm on which she took up her residence was at the time unimproved, but that has all been changed, and the place is in a splendid condition for prosperous management. Mrs. Dixson and her children are still the owners of the property in Indiana.

            To her and her husband five children were born. The oldest, Samuel B., was born Jan. 10, 1841. He married Jennie C. Davis, April 14, 1870, and they had one child, Bertha. He died Aug. 14, 1874, in Point Pleasant Township, where he had lived and managed the family farm up to that time. His widow and daughter reside in Burlington, Iowa. Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of Mrs. Dixson, was born Aug. 16, 1842, and died in her infancy. Rebecca was born May 1, 1845, and died March 30, 1862. Mary E. the only daughter now living, was born April 13, 1849, and is the wife of Lambert Lester, of this township. Eli is the youngest child and is the only surviving son. He was born in Jefferson Township, Greene County, Ind., Jan. 8, 1853, and was five years old when he accompanied his mother to Illinois, where he has since lived. He was educated in the common schools primarily and afterwards attended Abidngon College (Knox County) two years. Later, he went to the commercial College, at Monmouth. He is a farmer and a citizen of prominence, and is one of the Directors in the Roseville Union Bank. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Roseville. The farm of which he and his mother are the joint owners contains 560 acres and is one of the finest and most valuable places in the township. He is also part owner of the Indian homestead. 

Leonard W. Edelman 

            Is a farmer on section 34, in the township of North Henderson, Mercer County, ILL., his farm lying on the line between Mercer and Warren Counties. He was born Feb. 15, 1832, in Rush Co., Ind., and is the son of Alexander Edelman, who was a pioneer of Knox Co., ILL. The grandparents of Mr. Edelman were natives of Germany. The latter was born in Tennessee, in 1801, and accompanied the family of his father to Kentucky when a youth. Thence they went to Indiana, where he was a resident through the remainder of his early life and was there married to Mary Heflin. Her great-grandfather Heflin was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and his daughter lived until a few years ago, when she died, at the age of 95 years. The wife was a native of the State of Kentucky, and the newly married people lived in Rush County until 1840. In that year they came, with the four children which had been born to them, to Illinois. They traveled with ox-teams and covered wagons and brought with them all their household belongings. They made their first location on the prairie, in the township of Rio, in Knox County. A log house was constructed for the accommodation of the family and it was the homestead 14 years. The father then sold the claim and came to Warren County and settled in Kelly Township. He bought a quarter-section (of section 2), resided there a few years, and went thence to Union County, in this State in the spring of 1860, where his life terminate. The death of his wife preceded his own by several years. They were the parents of seven children. Lewis G. lives in Willamette, Co., Oregon; Leonard W. is the next in order of birth of the survivors; James A. lives at Snake River, Idaho; Elizabeth resides with her brother, the subject of this record. These are the surviving children of Alexander and Mary Edelman. Rachael A., one of the daughters, married Samuel Smith in October, 1854, and died in March, 1856. Leonard W. came to Knox County with his parents in 1840, and was a resident there with them through his youth. He was reared on the farm and attended the common schools as a pupil. When he was 14, his mother died and he remained with his father until he was of age. He had become infected with the Western fever to such an extent that when he found himself at liberty to engage with the world in in a single-handed contest, he connected himself with a party to go to the Pacific coast. The company set forth April 5, 1853, to cross the country, and Mr. Edelman drove an ox-team the entire distance from Warren County to the valley of the Willamette, in Oregon. He arrived there in September, after a journey of five months. He slept on the ground every night while on the road. After crossing the Missouri River, the party cast lots for the choice of a sentinel to guard the camp from Indians, and the lot fell to him. When he located in Oregon, he settled on a piece of land, of which he was the occupant four years and six months. He made some improvements and fenced a portion of the property, and while he held possession of it was a part of the time at work in the mountains. In 1858 Mr. Edelman set out to return to his former home in Illinois. He came by way of Panama and New York, landing in May, of the same year. On Aug. 26, 1858, he was married to Lydia J. Miller. Mrs. Edelman is the daughter of Christian and Mary (Brown) Miller. They passed the first year after their marriage on the farm of her father, and the year succeeding was devoted to the care of a rented farm. In 1861 Mr. Edelman purchased 40 acres of land in the township in which he now lives. He paid one-half of the purchase money in obtaining a title to his property and on the remainder paid 25 per cent. Interest. In 1864 he bought 100 acres on section 33, in the same township, and removed his family to the newly acquired farm. He has added to his acreage by later purchase and is at present the owner of 280 acres in North Henderson Township and of 80 acres in Kelly Township, in Warren County. The latter is situated just across the line of the two counties. All the land belonging to Mr. Edelman is in first class agricultural condition. It is equipped in the best possible manner for the business of a successful farmer. Mr. Edelman is giving his attention to mixed husbandry, and raises cattle of an excellent grade. The farm residence of the family is on section 34, of North Henderson Township, on the county line, and a view of it is given in this Album on page 428.

            The record of the births of the children of the Edelman household is as follows: George W., Au. 15, 1864; Frank M., April 4, 1867; Alfred A., Oct. 3, 1869; Eddie L., June 8, 1872; Ida M., Sept. 1, 1874; Lotta D., March 10, 1878. Mary E., the first born child, was born July 7, 1859, and died Dec. 30, 1863; Ella E., born Sept. 18, 1861, died Feb. 18, 1864. Politically, Mr. Edelman is a Democrat. He is not a member of any church organization.

 

 
These biographies were typed by Foxie while everyone thought I was doing nothing. but I can' t remember which book I got them out of. they are paper copies from a book so are either from 1927 or the 1903 but I bet it would be the 1927 will check later and let you know.  Thanks The graphics are this page I bought please do not take them. Thanks you very much for your kindness in understanding this.


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