That the pursuit of agriculture is conducive to sound health and prolonged physical vigor is manifest in the large proportion of men engaged in that occupation who live to advanced years in the enjoyment of the full vigor of their bodily faculties. The close companionship with nature incident to a farming life serves, moreover, to stimulate that reflective mood, which tends to strengthen the moral character and invigorate the mind. An apt illustration of the truth of this statement is notable in the career of the subject of this sketch, who is now living in comfortable and healthful retirement at Good Hope, McDonough County, Ill., after more than three score of his mature years have been spent in tilling the soil. Mr. Black was born in Clark County, Ohio, on March 19, 1826, a son of James and Catherine Black, natives of Virginia. James Black was a farmer in the "Old Dominion", from which he moved in 1811 to the state of Ohio, where he still continued farming, and was also engaged in milling. Thus occupied, he passed the remainder of his days. He was a man of amiable disposition and correct deportment, and his record was free from reproach. His son, S. H., attended the common schools of Ohio in boyhood and assisted in the operation of the home farm until he was about twenty-three years of age. In 1849, accompanied by his brother, he traveled on horseback to Chicago, proceeded thence to Rock Island, and after visiting Iowa, came to Emmet Township, McDonough County, where he tarried for a short time. Subsequently, he spent about four years in carpenter work at Macomb, Ill., after which he went back to the Buckeye state. Returning in 1857 to McDonough County, he purchased 183 acres of land in Emmet Township; and also bought ninety acres in Sciota Township, where he lived most of the time during the rest of his active life. His labors were attended with successful results until, having acquired a competency, he retired from active pursuits and made his home in Good Hope. Nearly all the improvements on his farms were made by himself. On December 4, 1856, Mr. Black was united in marriage, in Miami County, Ohio, with MARY M. BOSLER, who was born in Indiana, and there, in her youth, enjoyed the advantages afforded by the public schools. The following named children resulted from their union, namely: ELLA (MRS. HUCKLEY); ISAAC, who carries on farming in Emmet Township; JAMES, a resident of Newark, Ohio; ELIZABETH (MRS. RUNYAN, whose home is in McDonough County; and WILLIAM, who occupies the homestead farm. In politics, Mr. Black is a supporter of the Democratic party. Previous to the Civil War, he held the office of Assessor of Sciota Township, and also served as School Director and Commissioner of Highways. He subsequently filled the positions of Supervisor and School Trustee of Sciota Township. The duties of these several public trusts were discharged by him with ability and fidelity, and to the entire satisfaction of the people of the township. In religious belief Mr. Black adheres to the faith of the Baptist Church.

morgans4@swbell.net What a great list! You have been so helpful in sending information on these families and it is gratefully accepted and I appreciate all the time and effort involved. So much history and names to add to my tree. Many many thanks - you have made my day and my week, Noeline

John Watson, who has been engaged in farming in scotland Township, McDonough County, Ill., for more than half a century, is a native of Argyleshire, Scotland, where he was born March 9, 1824, a son of HUGH AND JANE (MCMILLAN) WATSON, also natives of Scotland. Mr. Watson is the eldest of a family of five children, four of whom were boys. He learned the shoemaker's trade in Scotland after finishing his schooling in Glasgow, and worked there until he was thirty-two years old. The family then emigrated to the United States, proceeding directly to McDonough County, Ill., where they arrived in August, 1851. Three years later, together with his brothers and sister, he bought a farm in the north half of Section 12, Scotland township, and lived with them until 1857. He then build a house and moved to his portion of the farm, to which he added until he had 200 acres, eighty acres of which he has sold to his son. At first he worked at shoemaking together with farming, but later abandoned the trade work and devoted his whole attention to agriculture. When Mr. Watson came to this country the land was unbroken prairie, and very hard work was necessary in order to place it in cultivation. The timber used for his fences and buildings was hauled a distance of twenty-five miles. On January 15, 1857, the subject of this sketch was married to JANETTE DOUGLAS, who was born in Roxburyshire, Scotland, where she attended public school in her youth. Four children blessed this union, namely: JANETTE (MRS. JOHN MCALLISTER), a resident of Scotland Township; MARGARET (MRS. ALEXANDER MCMILLAN), also living in that township; JOHN H.; and SARAH, who lives across the road from the old homestead. Mr. Watson's religious belief is based on the creed of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a Republican. He has done his full share in developing McDonough County, and the material and moral conditions, now observable in Scotland Township, attest the earnestness of his endeavors and those of his contemporaries.

Hugh Watson, (deceased), formerly one of the most prominent and prosperous merchants of Macomb, Ill., was born near Campbelltown, Argyleshire, Scotland, March 26, 1851, a son of ALEXANDER AND ISABELLA (GALBRAITH) WATSON, natives of Scotland. Alexander Watson was a farmer by occupation, and, in 1857, came with his family to the United States. Proceeding west to Illinois, he located in the vicinity of Camp Creek, McDonough County, subsequently removing to Scotland Township, the same county, where he bought a farm and carried on agriculture until 1893. At that period he retired from active life and moved to Macomb, Ill., where he and his wife now reside. In his boyhood, Hugh Watson attended the district schools in Scotland Township, and later pursued a course of study in the Branch College, Macomb. Following this he worked for his father on the farm, and afterward he and his brother operated a threshing machine. About the year 1889 Mr. Watson bought the interest of MR. BROOKING, of the firm of SCOTT & BROOKING, hardware and implement dealers, and was engaged in this line up to the time of his death, which occurred June 30, 1892. His untimely demise was the result of an accident which befell him while in the public service and engaged in the discharge of his official duty as Alderman of Macomb. He was a member of the Water Works Committee of the City Council, and was occupied in inspecting the construction of that system, when a scaffolding fell and struck his head, inflicting fatal injuries from which he died a few hours later. Mr. Watson was a liberal-minded and public-spirited man, was a model citizen, and took a constant and lively interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the community. On March 29, 1882, Mr. Watson was married to JENNIE S. BLAZER, who was born November 3, 1854, near Table Grove, McDonough County, Ill., and in girlhood received her education in the schools in the vicinity of her home. She is a daughter of DAVID AND NANCY A. (CAVITT) BLAZER, natives of Pennsylvania, where they became husband and wife. The Blazer family came west in 1853, and located in McDonough County. DR. DAVID BLAZER, Mrs. Watson's father, enlisted at Chicago, in 1862, in the Twelfth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, in which he served three years. He lost his health during this period, and was honorably discharged. On account of the impairment of his health, he was compelled to retire from the practice of his profession and to undertake the operation of a farm. He died March 26, 1873, and his widow now resides in Macomb. Dr. Blazer was a Presbyterian in his religious belief, and in politics, gave his support to the Republican party. To Mr. and Mrs. Watson were born five children, namely: ALZA C., a teacher in the public schools of Macomb; FLORENCE M., a stenographer in the Illinois Manufacturing Company, of Macomb; RUTH E., who took a business-college course in Macomb; IRENE A., who is a pupil in the Macomb High School; and HUGH IVAN, who died at the age of eight months. The four daughters are especially bright and intelligent young ladies, and their mother, who presides over the domestic circle in their pleasant home at No. 624 East Jackson Street, Macomb, is a most worthy and estimable woman. In politics, Hugh Watson was an earnest Republican. Besides serving as Alderman, he held the office of Township clerk for a number of years, and served a long period as Supervisor. While filling this office he was a member of the committee which supervised the erection of the County Poor House. Religiously the subject of this sketch was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. In fraternal affiliation, he was identified with the I. O. O. F. and the M. W. A. In all the relations of life he was loyal to the highest ideals. He was a lover of home, a devoted husband and father, and the object of warm regard from hosts of friends throughout the city and county.

Dugald A. Watson, a well-known and substantial farmer of Macomb Township, McDonough County, Ill., was born in this county, March 4, 1853. His parents, ALEXANDER AND ISABEL (GALBRAITH) WATSON, were natives of Argyleshire, Scotland. The grandfathers, HUGH WATSON AND DANIEL GALBRAITH, were also of Scotch origin. Alexander Watson and his wife came from Scotland to the United States and, in 1851, located in McDonough County, where the father purchased a farm in Section 12, in Scotland Township. Both are now living retired in Macomb. Dugald A. Watson, who is the second of the seven children born to his parents, pursued his boyhood studies in the public school, after which he attended the Macomb Branch Normal School, remaining at home until he was twenty-seven years old. At that period he bought a farm of 160 acres in Sections 35 and 36, Macomb Township, which he has since successfully operated. On February 19, 1880, Mr. Watson was united in marriage with CATHERINE MCMILLEN, who was born in Scotland Township, where, in girlhood, she attended the public schools. The offspring of this union are: ALICE C., EDGAR AND CLARENCE. As to religion, the subject of this sketch accepts the doctrine of the Presbyterian Church, and gives his political support to the Republican party. In 1895 and 1896 he held the office of Supervisor, and has served as School Director since 1893. Fraternally, Mr. Watson is identified with the M. W. A.

Clarence E. Waddill, who is engaged in coal-mining and lives at Tennessee, McDonough County, Ill., was born in Tennessee Township, that county, May 7, 1869. He is a son of DANIEL B. and MARY E. (DULL) WADDILL, natives respectively, of the states of Tennessee and Virginia. The grandfather, THOMAS WADDILL, was born in the state of Tennessee, and grandfather WILLIAM DULL was a Virginian. At an early period Thomas Waddill settled on the site of the present town of Tennessee, and in consideration of granting the railroad the right of way through his land, he induced that corporation to name the railroad station Tennessee, in honor of his native state. Clarence E. Waddill was reared on his father's farm, and in early boyhood attended the public schools in his neighborhood. from the age of seventeen years he worked during the winter seasons in the coal mines. In 1899 he started a breeding barn, and now keeps three stallions. In politics, Mr. Waddill is a Republican. In fraternal relations, he is identified with the I. O. O. F. and the i. O. R. M.

Among the enterprising farmers of Tennessee Township, McDonough county, Ill., is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Tennessee Township March 8, 1855. His father, WESLEY WADDILL, was born in East Tennessee, and his mother, MARY E. (LAWYER) WADDILL, was a native of Ohio. Wesley Waddill came to Tennessee Township with his parents, who were among the earliest settlers in this vicinity. His father entered land in Section 32, and Wesley Waddill also bought land in the township at a later period. Charles R. Waddill is the second of four children. His only sister, MRS. JAMES R. TABLER, is older than he. He lived under the parental roof until he was twenty-four years old. Then he occupied a rented place for two years, after which he moved to a farm of his own consisting of eighty-nine acres, in Section 30, where he has since lived, with the exception of the period between 1898 and 1901, which he spent in Plymouth, Ill., for the benefit of his health. On June 16, 1886, Mr. Waddill was married to HANNAH E. FOLLIN, who was born and schooled in Richland County, Ohio. The children born of this union are: LOUISA (MRS. ERWIN OUSTERHOUT), who lives near Des Moines, IA.; WALTER, who also resides in that city; and CANDICE, who is with her parents. Politically, Mr. Waddill belongs to the Republican party.

Andrew Binnie, (deceased), formerly one of the prominent and successful farmers in Scotland township, McDonough County, Ill., was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, March 3, 1844, a son of ANDREW AND AGNES (WADDILL) BINNIE, natives of Scotland. The paternal grandfather was ROBERT BINNIE, also of Scottish origin. Andrew Binnie came from Scotland to the United States in 1847. He proceeded to Illinois and was first located at Astoria. Somewhat later he moved to Scotland township, McDonough County and settled on Camp Creek. The subject of this sketch staid (sic) at home until he was of age, when he bought 200 acres of land on Section 15, Scotland Township. He also owned eighty-five acres on Section 9, of the same township. Long before his marriage he lived on the farm on Section 15, and remained there until his death, which occurred February 3, 1905. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Macomb, Ill. On January 18, 1888, Mr. Binnie was married to SARAH HERNDON, who was born and schooled in Morgan County, Ill. Mrs. Binnie is the daughter of ALLEN AND FRANCES (CAVE) HERNDON, natives of Rockingham County, VA. EZEKIAL HERNDON AND REUBEN CAVE, the paternal and maternal grandfathers, respectively, were Virginians. In infancy, Mrs. Binnie was brought by her parents to McDonough County. Her father, a soldier in the Civil War, died in a hospital at Nashville, Tenn., as a result of exposure in the service of his country, and she was reared by her mother. Mr. Binnie was a devout member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he was a Republican and fraternally he belonged to the A. F. & A. M., being a member of Industry Lodge, chapter No. 19, Macomb Commandery No. 61, and Eastern Star Lodge of Industry. Having rented her farm, Mrs. Binnie is to move to Macomb, Ill., where she will in the future reside.

Robert Binnie, one of the oldest and most substantial farmers of Scotland Township, McDonough County, Ill., was born in Falkirk,, Scotland (one of the greatest cattle market towns), March 14, 1842. He is a son of ANDREW AND AGNES (WADDILL) BINNIE, natives of the same place, his father being born in 1805. ROBERT BINNIE, the paternal grandfather, was also of Scotch origin. On August 19, 1849, Andrew Binnie arrived with his family at Sharp's Landing, Fulton County, Ill., and thence removed to Astoria, where they remained three months. He then settled on Camp Creek, in Scotland Township, where he purchased the well-known BIRD PYLE farm and engaged in farming during the remainder of his life. He died March 1, 1855, his widow surviving him until July 30, 1878. Robert Binnie is one of twins, and is the eldest of a family of seven children. He attended public school in his boyhood, and remained on the paternal farm until he was twenty-one years old, and then applied to farming in this township for two years. At the end of this period he bought a tract of raw prairie land in the southwest quarter of Section 15, Scotland Township, where he has since lived. He has purchased other land in this township and now owns 360 acres, which, with the exception of eighty acres, is all in one tract. Mr. Binnie has witnessed the development of his township from a lonely wilderness to one of the busiest and wealthiest farming communities in the state. On February 25, 1869, Mr. Binnie was married to MARGARET J. WATSON, who was born and schooled in Scotland Township. Three children resulted from this union, namely: MARY ADELINE, born March 13, 1870 (and now MRS. FRED KNIGHT); WILLIAM A., born April 21, 1872; and JAMES ROBERT, born June 19, 1875. Mr. Binnie is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is an Independent - voting for the men and measures he thinks are to the best interests of all the people.

Albert J. Stoudt, born Pa.? in 1861 married Ida Ellen Duncan in 1888, Fulton County Illinois, New Philadelphia Eda born 1862, Macomb, Il. McDonough County, Illinois their children Ruby Charles Earl and Ethel? can anybody add to my Stoudt/Stout family information?

Hello, I am researching BINNIE, BARCLAY, WATSON. These families are all intermarried and settled in Scotland township, Mc Donough county in the 1850s and were originally from Scotland UK. If anyone else is researching these names I would like to hear from you. Noeline

Hi Laura: There are 31 persons named Myers buried in Bushnell Cemetery. Included are five names that appear to match, or are connected by marraige, to those you listed in your message. They are: MYERS, David M. Born 1846 Died 1934 (Mauseleum) MYERS, Kate Ana W/David M. Born 1860 Died 1934 (Mauseleum) MYERS, John F. Died 3 April, 1886 Age abt 67 (?) BLOCK 106 LOT 1 SEC B MYERS, Mary Ann W/John Died 19 Aug. 1889 Age 72 BLOCK 106 LOT 1 SEC B MYERS, John A. Died in Bushnell Born 1859 Died 26 Feb. 1932 Paupers Field Infant of John died 5 Ja. 1905 Free Ground SEC B Good luck, Nancy G.

Hi Richard: David Hawn is buried in Bushnell Cemetery (Owned by the Town of Bushnell). HAWN, David died 8 Jan. 1913 age 90 - BLOCK 105 LOT 2 SEC B HAWN, Martha wife of David died 1883 age 59 SEC B His second wife, your Mrs. Mary Coursey, is not listed. I also checked to see if any COURSEYs are buried in Bushnell but non are listed. My source is the McDonough County Genealogical Society's book listing all the burials at Bushnell Cemetery as published in 1982. Since it is obvious that they were both widowed, you may find her buried in some neighboring town with her first husband. Hope this help's you towards your goal. Nancy Gerbino (researching NIRDLINGER - SCHAEFER - OSBORNE - ZEKIND - ERVIN)

I am looking for information about Mrs. Mary Coursey who m. David Hawn in McDonough Co., Il. on 4/10/1884 Lic. #1861, no other data on her. David was b. 4/22/1822 and was living in McDonough Co. in 1905. Any help is greatly appreciated. Richard W. Coursey

If there is someone living in the Mcdonough area that would be willing to doing one to two hours of courthouse research for me in land, please e-mail me privately. I am willing to to pay a fee. I need to check land records in the area of Colchester in the 1850-60's. thanks Gayle gayle1@wheatstate.com

unsubscribe -----Original Message----- From: ILMCDONO-D-request@rootsweb.com <ILMCDONO-D-request@rootsweb.com> To: ILMCDONO-D@rootsweb.com <ILMCDONO-D@rootsweb.com> Date: Thursday, October 21, 1999 9:47 AM Subject: ILMCDONO-D Digest V99 #101

Hello, all, I am new to the list and have subscribed for the purpose of possibly discovering information about several Fergusons, one of whom is a direct ancestor. The three people on whom I'd like lookups, or information generally, are as follows: Rue Ann Ferguson (1832-1867), who m. Jeremiah Briscoe (1823-1868) in McDonough County on 11-21-1850. After the wedding, they lived in Pike County. Jeremiah Briscoe was my 2g granduncle. Henry Ferguson, b. about 1840. He shows up in the 1870 Pike Co. census, 30 years of age, married to Sophia, and caring for the orphans of Jeremiah and Rue Ann (Ferguson) Briscoe. Mariah Ferguson, b. about 1834. She married Edward Briscoe (1829-1882) on 8-29-1850 in Pike County. This Edward Briscoe and the Jeremiah Briscoe who m. Rue Ann Ferguson were brothers, both sons of Ira and Polly (Crump) Briscoe of Pike County. Edward Briscoe and Mariah Ferguson Briscoe were my gg grandparents. I have often wondered how Rue Ann and Mariah were related, and now we have Henry, too. Since he was caring for Rue Ann's orphans, I wonder if he wasn't her brother. Of course, the reason I am looking for these people in McDonough County is because I haven't been able to find the answers in the Pike Co. census or from others on the Pike Co. mailing list; and because Rue Ann was married there, and so I wonder if her parents lived there, too. Since Rue Ann's marriage took place late in the census year, I am hoping she can be found living with her parents on the date when the census taker came around. I tried this theory with Mariah in the 1850 Pike Co. census, but she is found in Oct. 1850 living with her new husband (Edward) at his parents' farm, with all her in-laws. However, if she is still with her own parents earlier in the year when (hopefully) the McDonough Co. census was done, perhaps she would show up there before her August 29 wedding. Any help that anyone can give me on this would be greatly appreciated. -- Annie Utick

I thought this might interest someone. I have an 1891 Biographical History of Pottawattamie Co, Iowa, which has many bios of former Illinois residents. These two names were prominent in the "Early Days in Greenbush" book which everyone was talking about a few weeks ago. Here is the bio; I hope it connects with one of you: A.B. PERKINS, of section 12, Keg Creek Twp, Pottawattamie Co, came to this county in the spring of 1872 where he has since resided. He was born in WARREN CO, ILLINOIS, February 6, 1845, the son of D.R. PERKINS, a native of Kentucky, and the grandson of D.R. PERKINS SR., a native of Virginia and of Welsh descent. Our subject's mother was MARIA LIENRANCE, a native of Virginia and of French ancestry. The father, with his parents, came to Warren Co, Illinois, where he was married, being one of the first pioneers of that part of Illinois. They reared a family of 11 children. The mother died in the summer of 1878 and the father, in March 1888. He was a farmer all his life. In politics he was a Democrat and both he and his wife were members of the Christian Church. A.B. PERKINS, the eldest child, was reared on a farm and in 1859 his parents came to Warren Co, Iowa, and in 1870 removed to Kansas, where they lived until their death. He lived in Warren Co, Iowa, until 1871 when he removed to Sarpy Co, Nebraska, and remained two years, then came to Pottawattamie Co, Iowa. He first bought 61 acres of wild land, on which he lived one year, then purchased 80 acres where his home now it, and later 40 acres north of it. He now owns 120 acres of well improved land in a body. His residence, which was built in 1887 cost $2,300. "Park Place" is a beautiful home, and Mr. PERKINS and family are surrounded with many of the comforts of life. He was married in Warren Co, Iowa, February 3, 1870 to MALINDA W. WHITED, who was born, reared and educated in the same county. She was the daughter of LAZARUS and MARIA (SURBER) WHITED, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Indiana. The parents were among the first settlers of Warren Co, Iowa, and afterward removd to Cass Co where they lived until their deaths. The mother died in 1870 and the father in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. PERKINS have 8 children, viz.: Mary Blair, who was a successful teacher; Beriah B., Daniel R., Bert, Rolla W., Minnie L., Nellie, Maria, Solomon and Pusey. Mr. PERKINS was formerly a Democrat but is now independent. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and has served as Township Trustee and also as Assessor. The family are members of the Christian Church. end I have posted many other bios at the Iowa GenExchange site at: http://www.genexchange.com/IA/Pottawattamie/index.cfm Sincerely, Mona Sarratt Knight

Hi Everyone: I have family photos of three Schaefers buried in Bushnell Cemetery (George who died in 1905, his wife Catharine who died in 1909 and a daughter Carrie Schaefer Ervin who died in 1893). Someone who recently visited the cemetery sent me a photo of the Schaefer family headstone. It clearly is not an original stone and appears to be a thoughtful recent replacement. Could someone provide me with the correct address and names of the Board appointed by the Town of Bushnell who run the cemetery so that I can pursue this line of inquiry towards contacting living members of the Schaefer family. I own the McDonough County Genealogical Society book of burials at the cemetery and it notes that such a board runs the town owned cemetery. Thanks from Nancy of Granite Springs, NY (researching SCHAEFER, ERVIN, NIRDLINGER, OSBORNE)

Archie J. Berry, who is among the most energetic and progressive of the younger farmers of Eldorado Township, McDonough County, Ill., was born in Eldorado Township, December 12, 1880, a son of JAMES J. AND MARY (CAMBELL) BERRY, his father being a native of the same township, and his mother of Oquawka, Henderson County, Ill. His grandfather, THOMAS BERRY, was of English birth, and the maiden name of his grandmother was HARRIS. Archie J. Berry is the second of a family of four children born to his parents, three of whom were boys. He received his early education in the public schools of his neighborhood, and then took a course in the university at Lincoln, Ill., and the Metropolitan Business College, Chicago. He spent two years as a student in the university and completed the mercantile college course. After finishing the latter he returned to the paternal farm which he has been conducting for three years, his father's family having moved to Decatur, Ill. He is engaged in general farming, and his intelligence, careful method, and diligent application to the task which he has undertaken are manifest in the results already produced. The beginning of his agricultural career seems bright with the promise of notable success in this sphere of labor in future years. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage on January 12, 1905, with BLANCHE JOHNS, who was born in Ackley, Iowa, and after undergoing a preliminary scholastic training in the public and high schools in the vicinity of her home, pursued a course of study in Ellsworth College, Iowa Falls, Iowa. Politically, Mr. Berry casts his vote and exerts his influence in favor of the Republican party. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the K. of P.