Bryn, Here is the Biographical article on Rev. Thomas S. HITT: Rev. Thomas S HITT, besides being an early settler of Mt. Morris, was a poneer Methodist minister,And was largely insrumental in securing Rock River Seminary for Mt. Morris. He was the son of Martin and Margaret (SMITH) HITT, and was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, Feb. 14, 1797. He was educated for the Methodist ministry, and preached at various points in Ohio, and Indiana. In 1830, he married Miss Emily JOHN. In 1837, he decided to come to Mt. Morris, where his brother's Samuel M. and Daniel F., had just located. He established his homestead on a 400 acre claim just north and west of the present village limits of Mt. Morris. He took a great interest in the religious and educational interests of the community. Mr. and Mrs HITT raised five sons and three daughters: John HITT, for many years deputy collector of customs in Chicago; Robert R. HITT, for 20 yrs. representative in Congress from this district: Martin., Thomas M., and Henry P., who located in South Dakota, Elizabeth, wife of Capt. R.B. WAGNER; Margaret (Mrs. Albert NEWCOMER) and Maria, wife of Major Chas. NEWCOMER. Rev. HITT died in 1852 and Mrs. HITT in 1881. They are buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Obits. Mrs. Barbara HERSHEY HITT, widow of the late Samuel M. HITT, of MT. MORRIS, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Simon GRIM, in this city, on Sunday, Feb. 2nd, 1890, at 84 years, 1 month, and 7 days. The funeral was held at Dunkard church in this city, on Monday, Elder Whitmore officiating. The burial was made at Mt. Morris. Mrs. HITT was one of the earliest settlers of this county, and her husband Samuel M. HITT contributed largely to the establishment of the original Mt. Morris Colony, which came from Maryland in the thirties. Have to quit for now, I have an article that names all of the families that came to the Ogle, and Carroll Counties area, from the Maryland Colony, I will send that next . Till later, Good Hunting, Ellen