If someone has a Union Co cemetery book, would you be so kind as to do a lookup for Elizabeth or William Wall SETTLEMOIR. It's possible they are buried at St. Johns. They lived between Dongola & Balcom. Thanks, Glenda

Hello Fellow Listers, Does anyone know if someone has transcribed a listing of deaths for Union Co? I am looking for Neely's in the Jonesboro area in the late 1800's and early 1900's. I have found 2 of these family members in the State index after 1916, still looking for the remaining 6 family members. They are as follows ---- Martha A. Fowler Neely Coy O. Neely Minnie P. Neely Erant/Grant Neely Myrtle E. Neely Salley J. Neely I undersatand that they died prior to 1919. Any help on this matter is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Debbie

Rollins Henderson, on 24 April 1820, bought for cash two parcels of land in Union County at the Shawneetown Land Office. He, his wife Minerva, and their eight children lived there, probably in the vicinity of Anna and Jonesboro, at least until Rollins died in 1851. The children grew up, married and most of them lived in the same general area. Rollins' widow, Minerva, later married Hamilton Woods, and remained living in the Anna/Jonesboro vicinity. What cemeteries existed in that area in 1851 where Rollins might have been buried? Are there published lists of burials in local cemeteries for that period of time? Thank you for reading this query, and for any help you may offer to me. Betty Henderson Bohrer [email protected]

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by Wm. H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883, biographical section, Alto Pass Precinct, pages 167-169. HENRY STONE, farmer, P. O. Alto Pass, was born in Kentucky November 13, 1813, to John and Elizabeth (Williams) Stone. They were both natives of North Carolina, but moved to Kentucky after they were married, and had one child. Soon after the birth of our subject, they moved to Alabama, where they resided till moving to this county, when our subject was about 15 years old. They settled near the present home of our subject, and died on the old homestead. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom are still living. When our subject was first married, which was on his 23rd birthday, he settled on his present farm, and has resided here since. His first wife was Elizabeth Langley. She died March 7, 1862. By her he had seven children, six of whom are still living. Soon after his wife's death he was again married, to Mrs. Nancy Underwood, daughter of John Childress. By this wife he has but one child - a son. On his farm Mr. Stone does general farming, raising corn, wheat, berries, etc. In politics he has always been Republican. ========================================================================= J. M. TWEEDY, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born March 22, 1817, on the banks of the Mississippi River, in this county, just below Preston. He is one of the oldest men now living in the county who were born here. He is the son of John and Mary (Craft) Tweedy. John Tweedy was born in South Carolina, but came to this county when young, coming with his father, who built the first horse mill in the county. His wife, by birth, was a Pennsylvanian, but her parents moved to Kentucky, and from Kentucky to this county. Mrs. and Mrs. Tweedy both died in this county. They were the parents of eleven children, only two of whom are now living, our subject and his brother, S. P., who is a resident of Cobden. Our subject was quite a large boy before he ever heard of a scholar or teacher, but after the first school was opened they had a school of about three months every winter, and as there was quite a settlement near his father's, the school was well attended. August 30, 1838, he was married to Mrs. Charlotte (Bizzel) Craig, daughter of Isaac Bizzel, who was from Tennessee, and lived near where Anna now stands. Mr. and Mrs. Tweedy have raised a family of 12 children; one daughter, however, died after she had a family of her own. Mr. Tweedy's family has been a remarkably healthy one, he himself never having had but one spell of sickness in his life. So, for 43 years, since first learning to swing the cradle, he has never missed a harvest. His farm consists of 258 acres, about 200 being under fence. His farming is mostly grain and stock-raising, but still raises some fruits, but does not make them a specialty. The first farm Mr. Tweedy opened up was in the Mississippi River bottom. He had entered the land before his marriage, and lived on it till the flood of 1844, when he had to move off, and never again returned to make it his home. In politics Mr. Tweedy has always been Democratic. ========================================================================= W. K. UNDERWOOD, farmer, P. O. Alto Pass, was born in Tennessee November 20, 1841, to Jesse and Mary (Ledbetter) Underwood. Both were born in North Carolina and moved to Tennessee after their marriage, and then to this county in 1847. He died here in 1851; she, however, is still living, and was 80 years old her last birthday, July 23, 1882. They were the parents of 14 children - seven sons and seven daughters - all of whom lived to have families of their own, and all were members of the Baptist Church, their father being a Baptist minister. Nine of the 14 are still living. Our subject was raised on a farm, and received his education in this county. Most of his life has been spent in farming. His attention is given now, almost exclusively, to the raising of strawberries and raspberries. He was married in this county February 1, 1863, to Caroline Nipper, who was born in Tennessee to James and Mary Ann (Smith) Nipper. Mr. and Mrs. Underwood have five children living - Mary Annabel, Frank M., Lenora Alice, Arthur Calvin and Minnie Effie. They also have had five sons who died when young. Mr. Underwood has lived on his present farm since November 1868. May 9, 1871, he met with quite a serious accident, in which he lost his right hand by catching it in the machinery of a sawmill. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., Alto Pass Lodge. Is also a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are members of Ridge Baptist Church of Alto Pass. Five of Mr. Underwood's brothers were in the Civil War, one of them dying in Andersonville Prison. Four of the five were in the Federal army, but one went from Missouri to the Confederate army. ========================================================================= DANIEL WILLIAMS, farmer, P. O. Alto Pass, was born in Fayette County*, Penn., June 20, 1800, to Charles and Mary (McLain) Williams. He was born in Goshen, N. Y.; she in Fredericksburg, Va. Both saw many of the exciting times of the Revolutionary War, but were small at the time. In 1817 they moved to Bracken County, Ky., then to Ohio**, and finally to Henry County, Ind., where they died. They were the parents of 13 children***, three of whom are still living****. Our subject moved to Ohio with his parents, but from there to Madison County, Ind.; then to Allen County; from there to Miami County; thence to Cass; from Cass to Tippecanoe County, and then, again, to Madison County, where he remained till 1846, when he came to Union County, Ill., and settled on his present farm. Most of the time when in Indiana he was contracting on the Wabash & Erie Canal and on the Indiana Central Canal. By trade, however, he is a blacksmith, but has not followed it scarcely any since coming to Illinois, but has followed farming. He was married in Indiana February 15, 1836, to Rebecca Peugh, daughter of Evan and Sarah Peugh. She was born in Licking County, Ohio, January 31, 1811, and he is still living. Her parents were from Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have had seven children, five of whom are still living; three in this county, one in California, and one in Arizona - Lester, Joseph A., John A., Mary E. and Caroline R.; Philander K. and Sarah J., deceased. Lester and Joseph were both in the Civil War; Lester for four years and Joseph for some time over three years. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Baptist Church. In politics he has been Republican since the party started, voting for John C. Fremont. ----- *Daniel was probably born in Connellsville. **Charles' household is listed in the 1830 census of Brown County, Ohio. *** The names of 11 children are listed in a transcript of Charles' family bible: John, Jesse, Daniel, Samuel, Eliza, Charles Jr., John R[andolph], Mary McLain, Ethan Allen, Isaac and Susannah. **** Evidently four were living at the time this article was written: Daniel, Samuel (1802-1887), Eliza (1804-1905) and Ethan Allen Williams (1813-1904). ==========================================================================

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by Wm. H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883, biographical section, Alto Pass Precinct, pages 164-167. J. S. RENDLEMAN, farmer, P. O. Alto Pass, was born in Rowan County, N. C., October 26, 1811. In October 1816 his father, Jacob Rendleman, came to this county and settled three miles northwest of Jonesboro, and was a member of the first board of county commissioners with George Hunsaker and William Thornton. The history of the Rendleman family would include a great many incidents of hardships; such as going to New Madrid, Mo., for cotton, from which they would manufacture their own clothes, and of going to Saline, Ill., for salt and packing it on horses, having only an Indian trail to follow. At first, their milling was done by pounding corn in a hollow stump or block, with a wooden pestle attached to a sweep. Their sugar was made from the sugar maple, and instead of tea and coffee they used sassafras and sycamore chips. However, the children of the family grew up strong and robust. Frequently, while a young man, our subject has gone to a house-raising in the morning, where by evening they would have the puncheons split and laid for a floor, the roof on, and then be ready for a dance that night, and in this sport Gov. Reynolds would frequently take a hand with them. The second school that Mr. Rendleman attended was taught by Gov. Dougherty, and the last by Winston (sic; possibly should be Winstead) Davie. In 1832 he enlisted and served through the Black Hawk war, B. B. Craig being captain. While out on the campaign, he cast his first Presidential vote for Jackson, and has been voting for a Jackson man ever since. Of the 100 who went out under Capt. Craig, only six are now living - John Corgan, James Morgan, Wilson Lingle, H. E. Hodges, Solomon Miller and our subject. For four years after coming out of the army, Mr. Rendleman taught subscription schools. In 1838 he was married in this county to Margaret Hartline, her family also being one of the earliest families in the county, coming from North Carolina. By this marriage Mr. R. had five children, two sons and two daughters now living. In 1848 his wife died, and some time after this he was married to Elizabeth Donovan, who was born in Missouri but came to Union County when but a small girl, being here during the flood of 1844, and only escaping by being taken out of the second story window just as the house was about to go to pieces, crushed by the flood. By this wife Mr. R. has four children, two sons and two daughters. In 1838 he moved to his present farm, and in 1840 built the house he still lives in. Mr. R. is a strong temperance man. ========================================================================= JOHN RENDLEMAN, farmer, P. O. Alto Pass, was born in this county December 23, 1844, to Henry and Mary (Hess) Rendleman. He was born in 1805 to Jacob Rendleman, and came to this county from North Carolina in 1818, and died here in 1873. She was born in North Carolina also, and came with her parents to this county about the same time as the Rendlemans. She is still living, but over 70 years of age. Our subject is one of a family of 17, eight of whom died when small; the remaining nine are now living in this county. He was educated in the schools of this county, and has always been engaged in the same occupation as his father, that of farming; but he has not confined himself to farming alone, but has engaged in other business in connection with his farm. For three years he was in the mercantile business in Alto Pass, but in 1881 he sold his stock of goods to James Harreld, but this present year has again put in a stock of groceries, but leaves the business in the hands of clerks. For three years Mr. Rendleman has been in the employ of F. Nickerson & Son, fruit commission, 91 South Water Street, Chicago. December 28, 1865, he was married to Miss Isabel Keith. She was born in this county to Abner and Louisa Keith. He was also a native of this county and died here; she, however, is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Rendleman have five children - William Arthur, Herbert, Maud, May and Mamie. In politics he has always been Democratic. ========================================================================= A. J. RENDLEMAN, general merchandise, Alto Pass, was born in Union County, Ill., April 6, 1848, and is the son of J. S. Rendleman (see sketch), his mother dying during his infancy. Our subject attended the schools of this county, and remained on the farm till 1860, when he went to Cobden and clerked in the store owned by his father and James Fowley. Here he remained as clerk till he was about of age, and then engaged in business as Mr. Fowley's partner. He continued in the store till 1875, when his health failed and he went to California, where he remained for about eight months, then returned to Cobden. In 1876 he sold his interest in the store and went to Dallas, Tex.; but losing a little child by death, and his wife's health failing, he again returned to Cobden. Here his remaining child died April 20, 1877, and May 22 following his wife also passed away. Mrs. Emma M. (Stearns) Rendleman was born in Bangor, Me., May 12, 1856, and was married to Mr. A. J. Rendleman April 15, 1873. She was the daughter of Osborn R. Stearns, who settled in Cobden in 1867 and died December 22, 1873. After the loss of his family, Mr. R. went to Iowa and engaged in the commission business, but in 1878 he again returned to Union County and bought a fruit farm, which he still owns. In 1879 he engaged in mercantile business at Alto Pass and has continued here since, doing a general merchandise business, his store building being 48x60 feet. He carries a stock of about $10,000, and his annual sales amount to about $35,000. Mr. Rendleman is a member of the I.O.O.F. of Alto Pass and is also Democratic in politics. ========================================================================= C. C. RENDLEMAN, general merchandise, Alto Pass, was born in Union County, Ill., December 18, 1854, and is the oldest son of J. S. Rendleman, by second marriage (see sketch of J.S.R.). He remained on the farm till he was 16 years old, when he began clerking in the store of Fowley & Rendleman of Cobden. He continued in this store till 1879, when he went into partnership in general merchandising in Alto Pass with his brother A. J. His health failing in the spring of 1882, he sold his interest in the store to his brother, and for the succeeding year avoided all confinement, and so regained health. During the year, he was engaged collecting and straightening up the old store accounts of Rendleman Bros. Now, however, he has again opened a $5,000 stock of general merchandise. In October 1881 he was married in this county to Miss Adelia Rich, who was also born and raised in this county, daughter of John M. Rich. Mr. and Mrs. Rendleman have two little girls - Ara and Villa. Mr. R. is a member of the I.O.O.F. and a Democrat in politics. ========================================================================= E. R. SKIMLAND, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born in Norway May 16, 1832, to Richard and Karey (Knotson) Skimland. They were both natives of Norway. He was a farmer, but through misfortune lost his farm when our subject was but a small boy, and after that he held a position in Norway called "skafer", it being one in which, if a traveler came along and wished to be carried to a certain point, he would have to find the conveyance for him, and generally in that place they traveled in rowboats, so Mr. Skimland would have to see to getting the rowers. He, however, died when our subject was but 16. His widow, the mother of our subject, is still living. She is in this country, with a daughter, and is 82 years of age. She came to America in 1872. They were the parents of nine children, all but one of whom are still living, and that one died in 1882 at the age of 60 years. To follow the changes and to give all the incidents of importance in the life of our subject would make a volume in itself, so we will mention but a few. As soon as he was able to earn his board, he was taken on a vessel with his uncle, as waiter. He continued here except what time he was compelled by the laws of Norway to attend school, till he had past his last examination at school. From that time till he was 22 years old, he was a sailor on a coasting vessel, going to the German, English and neighboring coasts. In 1856 he came to America and settled at Ottawa, Ill., where he remained until 1858, when he went to Texas. Here he was at work on a railroad when the war broke out, and he was compelled to enter the Southern service. But as soon as he could, he deserted and fled to Mexico, where he remained most of the time till he heard that Lincoln was killed, and also that there were Union troops at the mouth of the Rio Grande River, to whom he made his way, and after a great deal of hardship he joined them and took the oath of allegiance. They then started for the North, and while at Cairo the war was declared over, but Mr. Skimland was without transportation or money with which to reach his friends at Ottawa. But he started out and went to Cobden, and here he stopped to work for money to carry him on, not having food, clothing or money. His only shirt was one he had worn from March 7 till he got to Cobden June 29 following. Going into the store of Henry Blumenthal, Mr. B. saw his need and gave him a new shirt. By the time Mr. Skimland had made money enough to carry him on to his friends, he had decided that he would try raising strawberries for a year or so - and the result is that he is still here in Union County, and one of the most successful fruit-raisers in the precinct. From the time of his arrival here till 1873 he had various reverses of fortune. After making some money, he went into a mill, on which he lost all that he had, and still found himself about $800 in debt; but, nothing daunted, he bought his present place that year, (paying) $62 down, but in a few years he paid off all his debts, built a good residence and made other improvements. December 18, 1867, he was married in this county to Elizabeth Haup of Baltimore, Md. In politics Mr. Skimland is Republican. ========================================================================= S. H. SPANN, farmer, P. O. Alto Pass, was born in North Carolina August 3, 1811, to William and Hannah (Flack) Spann. She was born in North Carolina and died there, but he was born in South Carolina and went to North Carolina when a young man, but moved to Alabama and died there. They were the parents of 13 children; three sons and one daughter are still living. Our subject was raised and educated in his native State and learned the same trade as his father - that of carpentering. He followed his trade for several years, but most of his life he has been engaged in farming. In 1851 he moved to this State and settled in Jonesboro, where he remained till 1876, when he moved to his present home at Alto Pass. For some years, while in Jonesboro, and also for three years in Alto Pass, he was engaged in the mercantile business. He now, however, gives his attention to his farm. Mr. Spann has always been Democratic in politics, and while in Jonesboro he served one term as justice of the peace. He is now police magistrate of Alto Pass. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity; also of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Spann is now living with his fourth wife, and is the father of 15 children, ten of whom are still living, and all are in this county except one son, who is a lawyer in Vienna, Ill., and one son in St. Louis, Mo. =========================================================================

Thanks to all who gave me information on cemeteries and funeral homes in Union Co. It was all very helpful. Shirley

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by Wm. H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883, biographical section, Alto Pass Precinct, pages 164-167. J. S. RENDLEMAN, farmer, P. O. Alto Pass, was born in Rowan County, N. C., October 26, 1811. In October 1816 his father, Jacob Rendleman, came to this county and settled three miles northwest of Jonesboro, and was a member of the first board of county commissioners with George Hunsaker and William Thornton. The history of the Rendleman family would include a great many incidents of hardships; such as going to New Madrid, Mo., for cotton, from which they would manufacture their own clothes, and of going to Saline, Ill., for salt and packing it on horses, having only an Indian trail to follow. At first, their milling was done by pounding corn in a hollow stump or block, with a wooden pestle attached to a sweep. Their sugar was made from the sugar maple, and instead of tea and coffee they used sassafras and sycamore chips. However, the children of the family grew up strong and robust. Frequently, while a young man, our subject has gone to a house-raising in the morning, where by evening they would have the puncheons split and laid for a floor, the roof on, and then be ready for a dance that night, and in this sport Gov. Reynolds would frequently take a hand with them. The second school that Mr. Rendleman attended was taught by Gov. Dougherty, and the last by Winston (sic; possibly should be Winstead) Davie. In 1832 he enlisted and served through the Black Hawk war, B. B. Craig being captain. While out on the campaign, he cast his first Presidential vote for Jackson, and has been voting for a Jackson man ever since. Of the 100 who went out under Capt. Craig, only six are now living - John Corgan, James Morgan, Wilson Lingle, H. E. Hodges, Solomon Miller and our subject. For four years after coming out of the army, Mr. Rendleman taught subscription schools. In 1838 he was married in this county to Margaret Hartline, her family also being one of the earliest families in the county, coming from North Carolina. By this marriage Mr. R. had five children, two sons and two daughters now living. In 1848 his wife died, and some time after this he was married to Elizabeth Donovan, who was born in Missouri but came to Union County when but a small girl, being here during the flood of 1844, and only escaping by being taken out of the second story window just as the house was about to go to pieces, crushed by the flood. By this wife Mr. R. has four children, two sons and two daughters. In 1838 he moved to his present farm, and in 1840 built the house he still lives in. Mr. R. is a strong temperance man. ========================================================================= JOHN RENDLEMAN, farmer, P. O. Alto Pass, was born in this county December 23, 1844, to Henry and Mary (Hess) Rendleman. He was born in 1805 to Jacob Rendleman, and came to this county from North Carolina in 1818, and died here in 1873. She was born in North Carolina also, and came with her parents to this county about the same time as the Rendlemans. She is still living, but over 70 years of age. Our subject is one of a family of 17, eight of whom died when small; the remaining nine are now living in this county. He was educated in the schools of this county, and has always been engaged in the same occupation as his father, that of farming; but he has not confined himself to farming alone, but has engaged in other business in connection with his farm. For three years he was in the mercantile business in Alto Pass, but in 1881 he sold his stock of goods to James Harreld, but this present year has again put in a stock of groceries, but leaves the business in the hands of clerks. For three years Mr. Rendleman has been in the employ of F. Nickerson & Son, fruit commission, 91 South Water Street, Chicago. December 28, 1865, he was married to Miss Isabel Keith. She was born in this county to Abner and Louisa Keith. He was also a native of this county and died here; she, however, is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Rendleman have five children - William Arthur, Herbert, Maud, May and Mamie. In politics he has always been Democratic. ========================================================================= A. J. RENDLEMAN, general merchandise, Alto Pass, was born in Union County, Ill., April 6, 1848, and is the son of J. S. Rendleman (see sketch), his mother dying during his infancy. Our subject attended the schools of this county, and remained on the farm till 1860, when he went to Cobden and clerked in the store owned by his father and James Fowley. Here he remained as clerk till he was about of age, and then engaged in business as Mr. Fowley's partner. He continued in the store till 1875, when his health failed and he went to California, where he remained for about eight months, then returned to Cobden. In 1876 he sold his interest in the store and went to Dallas, Tex.; but losing a little child by death, and his wife's health failing, he again returned to Cobden. Here his remaining child died April 20, 1877, and May 22 following his wife also passed away. Mrs. Emma M. (Stearns) Rendleman was born in Bangor, Me., May 12, 1856, and was married to Mr. A. J. Rendleman April 15, 1873. She was the daughter of Osborn R. Stearns, who settled in Cobden in 1867 and died December 22, 1873. After the loss of his family, Mr. R. went to Iowa and engaged in the commission business, but in 1878 he again returned to Union County and bought a fruit farm, which he still owns. In 1879 he engaged in mercantile business at Alto Pass and has continued here since, doing a general merchandise business, his store building being 48x60 feet. He carries a stock of about $10,000, and his annual sales amount to about $35,000. Mr. Rendleman is a member of the I.O.O.F. of Alto Pass and is also Democratic in politics. ========================================================================= C. C. RENDLEMAN, general merchandise, Alto Pass, was born in Union County, Ill., December 18, 1854, and is the oldest son of J. S. Rendleman, by second marriage (see sketch of J.S.R.). He remained on the farm till he was 16 years old, when he began clerking in the store of Fowley & Rendleman of Cobden. He continued in this store till 1879, when he went into partnership in general merchandising in Alto Pass with his brother A. J. His health failing in the spring of 1882, he sold his interest in the store to his brother, and for the succeeding year avoided all confinement, and so regained health. During the year, he was engaged collecting and straightening up the old store accounts of Rendleman Bros. Now, however, he has again opened a $5,000 stock of general merchandise. In October 1881 he was married in this county to Miss Adelia Rich, who was also born and raised in this county, daughter of John M. Rich. Mr. and Mrs. Rendleman have two little girls - Ara and Villa. Mr. R. is a member of the I.O.O.F. and a Democrat in politics. ========================================================================= E. R. SKIMLAND, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born in Norway May 16, 1832, to Richard and Karey (Knotson) Skimland. They were both natives of Norway. He was a farmer, but through misfortune lost his farm when our subject was but a small boy, and after that he held a position in Norway called "skafer", it being one in which, if a traveler came along and wished to be carried to a certain point, he would have to find the conveyance for him, and generally in that place they traveled in rowboats, so Mr. Skimland would have to see to getting the rowers. He, however, died when our subject was but 16. His widow, the mother of our subject, is still living. She is in this country, with a daughter, and is 82 years of age. She came to America in 1872. They were the parents of nine children, all but one of whom are still living, and that one died in 1882 at the age of 60 years. To follow the changes and to give all the incidents of importance in the life of our subject would make a volume in itself, so we will mention but a few. As soon as he was able to earn his board, he was taken on a vessel with his uncle, as waiter. He continued here except what time he was compelled by the laws of Norway to attend school, till he had past his last examination at school. From that time till he was 22 years old, he was a sailor on a coasting vessel, going to the German, English and neighboring coasts. In 1856 he came to America and settled at Ottawa, Ill., where he remained until 1858, when he went to Texas. Here he was at work on a railroad when the war broke out, and he was compelled to enter the Southern service. But as soon as he could, he deserted and fled to Mexico, where he remained most of the time till he heard that Lincoln was killed, and also that there were Union troops at the mouth of the Rio Grande River, to whom he made his way, and after a great deal of hardship he joined them and took the oath of allegiance. They then started for the North, and while at Cairo the war was declared over, but Mr. Skimland was without transportation or money with which to reach his friends at Ottawa. But he started out and went to Cobden, and here he stopped to work for money to carry him on, not having food, clothing or money. His only shirt was one he had worn from March 7 till he got to Cobden June 29 following. Going into the store of Henry Blumenthal, Mr. B. saw his need and gave him a new shirt. By the time Mr. Skimland had made money enough to carry him on to his friends, he had decided that he would try raising strawberries for a year or so - and the result is that he is still here in Union County, and one of the most successful fruit-raisers in the precinct. From the time of his arrival here till 1873 he had various reverses of fortune. After making some money, he went into a mill, on which he lost all that he had, and still found himself about $800 in debt; but, nothing daunted, he bought his present place that year, (paying) $62 down, but in a few years he paid off all his debts, built a good residence and made other improvements. December 18, 1867, he was married in this county to Elizabeth Haup of Baltimore, Md. In politics Mr. Skimland is Republican. ========================================================================= S. H. SPANN, farmer, P. O. Alto Pass, was born in North Carolina August 3, 1811, to William and Hannah (Flack) Spann. She was born in North Carolina and died there, but he was born in South Carolina and went to North Carolina when a young man, but moved to Alabama and died there. They were the parents of 13 children; three sons and one daughter are still living. Our subject was raised and educated in his native State and learned the same trade as his father - that of carpentering. He followed his trade for several years, but most of his life he has been engaged in farming. In 1851 he moved to this State and settled in Jonesboro, where he remained till 1876, when he moved to his present home at Alto Pass. For some years, while in Jonesboro, and also for three years in Alto Pass, he was engaged in the mercantile business. He now, however, gives his attention to his farm. Mr. Spann has always been Democratic in politics, and while in Jonesboro he served one term as justice of the peace. He is now police magistrate of Alto Pass. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity; also of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Spann is now living with his fourth wife, and is the father of 15 children, ten of whom are still living, and all are in this county except one son, who is a lawyer in Vienna, Ill., and one son in St. Louis, Mo. =========================================================================

I really need some help with finding my grandmother's grave in "Anna/Jonesboro." She and her sister were buried side by side there. They do not have gravestones, and I would like to remedy that. Is there a cemetery called Anna/Jonesboro Cemetery? Does anybody know what funeral homes were operating 1946 to 1950? Thanks for any help you can give me. Shirley

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by Wm. H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883, biographical section, Cobden Precinct, pages 161-164. MRS. ELIZABETH (SUMNER) LAMER, P. O. Cobden, was born in Kentucky November 22, 1825, but her parents moved to Tennessee when she was very small, and in 1828 they came to this county and settled about two miles northwest of Cobden. From this time on she experienced the life of the frontier woman. They made their clothing themselves from the cotton, flax and wool that they raised, taking each through its complete process of manufacture, and till the time she was 15 years old she had not seen a wagon, only the rude concerns which they manufactured themselves. As they had no markets, they did not try raising anything for sale, so had no money with which to buy any of the luxuries of life. November 2, 1847, she was married to William Jackson Lamer. He was born in Kentucky April 19, 1818, to Joseph and Elizabeth Lamer. Mr. William Lamer died April 9, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Lamer had two sons and two daughters, now living. During the war, when prices were so high, Mrs. Lamer, having her family to support, again resorted to her carding, spinning and weaving. Up to the time of the Illinois Central Railroad coming through the county, they did not think of raising fruit as a means of money-making, and the first apples that Mrs. Lamer shipped were some that she did not consider worth anything, but some friend, seeing them, told her where and how to ship; so she gathered up the apples from under a few trees and sent them, and from these she realized $25. The next year, she sold the chance* of her peach orchard of 150 trees for $125. So from this time out she increased the business, at least, making it her main support. Mrs. Lamer is a member of the Baptist Church. ----- *[Transcriber's note: Possibly an obsolete usage of the word "chance", apparently meaning, in this case, those peaches that fell from the trees. Origin of the word 'chance' is Late Latin "cadentia" = 'that which falls out'.] ========================================================================= WILLIS LAMER, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born in Union County, Ill., August 23, 1848, to William Jackson and Elizabeth (Sumner) Lamer. (See sketch of Mrs. Elizabeth Lamer.) Our subject was raised on a farm and received his education in the district schools of this county. Except one year, when he was engaged in the mercantile business in Alto Pass, his whole life has been given to fruit and vegetable farming, and he has made a success of it, as his farm and improvements show. In 1882 he erected a handsome residence, the main building being 18x40 feet, an L in front, 16x16, and a T behind, 20x24 feet, costing $3,200. April 1874 he was married to Miss Mary Ann Lovelace, who was born in Johnson County to R. Lovelace, who died when she was small. She was mostly raised in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Lamer have three children - Charles Roy, Hewitt Hugh and a little daughter, Gertie. In politics Mr. Lamer has always been Democratic. He is also a member of the Cobden Masonic fraternity. ========================================================================= WALTER S. LAMER, P. O. Cobden, was born in this county January 19, 1854, to William J. and Elizabeth (Sumner) Lamer. (See sketch of Mrs. Elizabeth Lamer.) His education was obtained in the district schools of this county. His life, so far, has been spent on the farm on which he was born; however, he has a farm of his own, which is well improved. His attention has always been given to the raising of fruits, about all kinds of which he raises. October 25, 1877, he was married in this county to Miss Laura Harbaugh, daughter of Frank Harbaugh. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and came to this county with her parents in the fall of 1865. He died in 1876; Mrs. Harbaugh, however, is still living in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Lamer have two little boys - Raymond S. and Fred M. He is Democratic in politics and is a member of the Masonic fraternity of Cobden. ========================================================================= J. LANDRITH, farmer and mill owner, P. O. Cobden, was born in Union County, Ill., July 15, 1842, to McKinley and Eliza (Stone) Landrith. They both came to this county with their parents when they were still small, and this county has been their home ever since. He died July 1852; she, however, is still living. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are still living. Our subject received his early education in the district schools of the county, and has always been engaged in farming. He now owns the farm which his grandfather Landrith settled, and which his father also owned before him. Of his 400 acres of land, about 200 are in cultivation. Grain and stock are his main dependence, but he is engaged in fruit-raising to some extent. In 1882 Mr. Landrith, in partnership with Mr. B. F. Rethey, started a sawmill and now has it in complete running order, and has a capacity for sawing about 3,500 feet of lumber daily. June 1866 he was married in this county to Miss Elizabeth Lilly, daughter of Boston and Malinda (Corbitt) Lilly. They were both born in Tennesse and are still living, coming to this county when small. Mr. Lilly is the son of William and Elizabeth Lilly, and one of a family of seven children, only two of whom are still living. Mr. Lilly has always been engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Landrith had three children die when young, but have two daughters and one son living - Fannie, Minnie and John. In politics he has always voted with the Democratic party, and has served one term as Justice of the peace. His wife and mother are members of the New Hope Methodist Church. ========================================================================= JOSHUA LEWIS, P. O. Cobden, was born in Dearborn County, Ind., July 5, 1812, to George and Elizabeth (Johnson) Lewis. He was born one mile from Reading, Penn., in 1769, but when he was ten years old removed with his parents to East Tennessee, where his father bought a mill site in Sullivan County. In the then wilderness of Tennessee he was reared and remained till 1809, but during that time he had served in two or three local campaigns against the Indians. Before moving from Tennessee to Dearborn County, Ind., in 1809, he was married to the mother of our subject. They were the parents of 17 children, all of whom, except one, reached the age of maturity, and nine are now living, the youngest being 58 years of age. George Lewis died in his 73rd year, but his wife reached the age of 85 and retained all of her mental faculties till the last; she, however, was of a long-lived family, her father reaching the great age of 109 in the mountains of East Tennessee. The grandfather of our subject came from Wales, but his grandmother was an Englishwoman, both coming to this country while young. Our subject was raised in Dearborn County, Ind. He had but small opportunities to attend school, but he applied himself outside of the schoolroom, and so qualified himself that he made a successful school teacher for several terms. From the time that he was 18 years of age till he was 30, he was mostly engaged in public works; first on the Cincinnati & Harrison Turnpike, then on the Cincinnati & Colerain Turnpike. On these he was part of the time contractor and part superintendent. He was afterward superintendent of the White Water Canal in Indiana, and again of the Cincinnati & White Water Canal. In 1844 he removed to LaSalle County, Ill., where he remained till the spring of 1859, when he moved to his present home near Cobden. Since coming here he has been engaged in farming and fruit-growing. February 22, 1844, he was married to Ellen Kelso, a native of his native county in Indiana. She was born November 29, 1821. Her parents both came from the old country; he from Ireland, but of Scottish parents, and she from Scotland. They were married in New York, and were the parents of six children, of whom Mrs. Lewis was the only daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have five children living - Charlotte, Thomas, John, George and Mary. Mr. Lewis' life has been far from a failure, both financially and in the esteem of his fellow men. He has been a Republican in politics since the party was first organized, and although living in a strongly Democratic county, he has twice been elected as one of the county commissioners because both Democrats and Republicans recognized in him a man whom they could trust. Mr. Lewis now possesses a curiosity in the shape of an old rifle made in Germany, and one which has been in the family and in use ever since. A man by the name of Adam Stump could not shoot except what they called a "left-handed gun", so he sent to his native country, Germany, and had one made for him. But before the gun arrived, Stump had killed some Indians in the colony and had to flee to escape arrest, so our subject's grandfather bought the gun when it arrived. It has the same lock and stock that it first had, and is in good condition for shooting. The only change is that it has been changed so as to use percussion caps. ========================================================================= JAMES MASSIE, engineer and sawmiller, Alto Pass, was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, at the foot of the Grampian Hills, about 1842. He is the son of Peter Massie, who was a miller. He died about 1874. Our subject's mother, however, is still living in her native land. They were the parents of ten children, eight sons and two daughters. Seven sons and one daughter are now living, but our subject is the only one living in this country. Mr. Massie received his education in his native country, and served an apprenticeship of seven years to learn his trade of machinist and engineer, getting only 25 cents per week during the time. While residing in his native country, his work was on steam engines, and he made several sea voyages as engineer. It was not until coming to this country that he learned the sawmill business. April 20, 1866, in Scotland he was married to Miss Susan Simpson, daughter of George Simpson, who died in 1873, but his widow is still living. By trade he was a stonemason. They were natives of the same county as our subject, and were the parents of three sons and three daughters, all of whom are still living, Mrs. Massie and her eldest brother being the only ones in this country. He came to New York City in 1873, and for some time clerked for A. T. Stewart & Co., and then was sent to one of Stewart's woolen mills on the Hudson River, and at last accounts he was still there. In 1869 our subject came to America, to Cairo, Ill., and for five years worked in the Cairo Box Mill and was the first one to successfully work the "box machine". After being here for five years, he returned to the old country for his wife, whom he did not bring at first. In July 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Massie again came to Cairo, Ill., where he worked in the box mill for three years longer. They then returned to Scotland, where he remained for nearly 18 months, and then came to Messler's Box Mill near Cobden. Mrs. Massie did not return to this country till about eight months later than her husband. Mr. Massie remained at Messler's Box Mill from March 1880 till March 1882, when he started into his present mill. Mr. and Mrs. Massie have no child living, but there was one son who died. They are both members of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. While in Scotland the last time, Mr. Massie joined the Lour Lodge of Masons. Our subject is partner in the sawmill firm of Jessen & Massie. The mill is located on Section 7, Township 11, Range 2, and was built in 1882. Commencing in March, Messrs. Jessen and Massie did the work themselves, but the mill was soon in running order. They bought most of the machinery of C. Harreld. After it had passed through a fire, Mr. Massie worked the machinery all over and put it in good condition. Their mill is now complete in all the necessary details, so that they are prepared to saw all kinds of lumber, barrel heads, staves, fruit boxes, etc. When running with full force, they can saw from 6,000 to 10,000 feet of lumber daily. They keep four teams of their own running all the time. They also have a lumber yard in Alto Pass. ========================================================================= JOHN McCAFFREY, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, to Thomas and Bridget (McMahon) McCaffrey. They were natives of the same county as our subject, but came to America when he was but three years old, and settled in Galena, Ill. In 1856 Mrs. McCaffrey died in Chicago of the cholera; Mr. McCaffrey, however, died in Galena in 1858. They were the parents of seven children, two sons and five daughters. Our subject is the only son living now, but all the daughters are still alive. Our subject attended the public schools of Galena till he was about 19 years old, when he quit school and went to Chicago, where for five years he was engaged in the drug business - two years being in business for himself. He sold out, and in the fall of 1870 came to his present farm, having traded Chicago real estate for it before coming here. His home place consists of 40 acres, on which he is engaged in fruit and vegetable raising. But he also owns 300 acres in Jackson County, Ill., on the Big Muddy River. He also has property in Alto Pass Village. April 10, 1867, he was married in this county to Cora Walcott, daughter of George and Elizabeth Walcott. Mr. McCaffrey is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Cobden Lodge No. 466. In politics he is Democrat. He was raised up in the Roman Catholic faith, but in both politics and religion he is very liberal. =========================================================================

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by William H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883, biographical section, Cobden Precinct, pages 157-161. CYRUS HARRELD, farmer and merchant, P. O. Alto Pass, was born in Jackson County, Ill., March 29, 1830. He is the son of James Harreld, who came to Jackson County in 1817 and entered land there, and was engaged in trading, buying and selling land, goods, etc., and died in 1844, while building the steamboat Convoy on Big Muddy River. His ancestors were in the Revolutionary War, and five of his great-uncles were killed at King's Mountain. Mr. James Harreld was first lieutenant in Capt Jenkins' company of mounted volunteers in the Black Hawk war, 1832. Our subject is the only son in a family of five children. His opportunities for an education were very limited - the windowless schoolhouse and other things in accordance. Their noons were the time for them to cut and carry in the wood for the big fireplace. When our subject was 21 years of age he engaged in business for himself, and since that time he has closely followed in the footsteps of his father - farming, buying and selling land, in mercantile business, buying notes, lending money, etc. He has lived on the old homestead, just across the line in Jackson County, almost all his life. In 1851 he started into the mercantile business, having a store on the old homestead. Here he continued until 1860. He went to Carbondale, and for 18 months was in the mercantile business there, but again returned to the old stand, and for some time was selling goods there; then sold the stock of goods, but did not remain long out of the store. In the same place, in 1872, he again engaged in business, and continued for six years, and then again sold out the stock and avoided mercantile life till May 1, 1883, he bought his present store in Alto Pass. Here he carries a general stock of goods, of about $5,000 value. Besides store and other property, Mr. Harreld has about 2,000 acres of land in the two counties of Union and Jackson. His life has been one of success, but his own energy has been his best capital. His school education, being such as he could obtain in the subscription schools of the day, was very limited, but he has continued to read and study, and in his studying he has not neglected the reading of the law. He was married in Carbondale, Ill., in 1857 to Miss Amelia Tuttle, daughter of Nathan Tuttle, and was born in Pennsylvania July 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Harreld have three children living - James, William and Cora. In politics he has always been Democratic, but will not vote for a man until he considers him worthy. Prohibition is his main standard. ========================================================================= J. E. HENDERSON, groceries and notions, Alto Pass, was born in North Carolina November 3, 1823, to Davidson and Caroline (Gray) Henderson. They were both born and raised in the same county as our subject - Mecklenburg County, N. C. They were the parents of six children, of whom our subject is the oldest and only son, so his chances for an education were very limited, as he had to do all he could toward supporting the family. Mr. H. and one sister are all who are left of the family. His father died in Missouri, where they moved when our subject was but seven years old; his mother, however, died in Preston, this county. In 1846 Mr. Henderson left Missouri and went to Mississippi, where he remained till 1851. He then came to this county, and has remained here since. Up till 1866 he had always followed farming, but since that time he has been engaged in merchandising, either as proprietor or clerk. In 1866 he was in partnership at Preston with Samuel Spring, but after about two years they closed out and Spring went into partnership with his brother at Cobden. Soon after this, however, the Spring Bros. engaged in the grain and merchandise business at Preston and left their families at Cobden. They then engaged Mr. Henderson to conduct their business at Preston for them. This continued for about two years, when the Spring Bros. dissolved partnership, and Samuel Spring continued alone at Cobden. Mr. Henderson then clerked for him about eight years, when he commenced business for himself at Alto Pass in September, 1880, and now carries a stock of about $900 of groceries and notions. He is a Democrat. ========================================================================= C. B. HOLCOMB, farmer, P. O. Alto Pass, was born in Lockport, Will Co., Ill., January 13, 1855, to C. D. Holcomb and Ann Jeannet (Butler) Holcomb. He was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., but he made various changes in life, living in Canada, Vermont, Ohio, etc., till, about 1850, he settled in Lockport, Ill., where he worked for some time at his trade of printer, when he and a friend bought out the paper and continued the publication of it for some years, and then discontinued it. During Lincoln's administration he was postmaster at Lockport. In 1866 he came to this county and has resided here since. Our subject was educated in the schools of Lockport and resided with his father till 1879, when he came to his present home, where he has been engaged in general farming since. He was married in Cobden December 15, 1880, to Miss Mary E. Kean, who was born in Carlyle, Clinton Co., Ill., to James and Mary Ann (Ross) Kean, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. He died in Nashville, Ill., she in Richview, Ill., April 10, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb have one little son - Charlie Ross Holcomb. Mrs. Holcomb is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Cobden. Mr. Holcomb is a member of the I.O.O.F. and is a Republican in politics. ========================================================================= MONTGOMERY HUNSAKER, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born in Union County, Ill., July 7, 1827. He is the son of Nicholas and grandson of Abraham Hunsaker, who came to this county at an early date in its settlement. Abraham Hunsaker and his wife, Mary Snyder, were both born in Pennsylvania, and resided there until after they had a family, and then came to this county, where one son, George, was the first sheriff. They were the parents of six sons and three daughters. Nicholas Hunsaker was married in this county to Olivia Montgomery. She was the daughter of John Montgomery, a surveyor, who surveyed a great part of Kentucky and died there. His widow moved to this county and settled near Saratoga when Mrs. Hunsaker was but a small girl. Mrs. Hunsaker died near Jonesboro April 4, 1836, and he soon afterward moved to the present homestead of our subject on Hutchins Creek and died there October 6, 1860. They were the parents of five children, two sons and three daughters. Two of the daughtgers died after having families of their own. Our subject is the oldest of the family. His occupation has always been that of farming, grain and stock-raising occupying his attention. June 24, 1863, he was married in Jackson County, Ill., to Emily R. Woods, daughter of Samuel and Christiana (Young) Woods. They were from North Carolina, and settled in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., and she died there. He, however, died in Texas March 10, 1883, at the age of 83 years. Mr. and Mrs. Hunsaker have eight children - Beatrice Christiana, Mary Ellen, Mortimor, Florence M., Emily Belle, Olivia Bernice, Roxana Roseland and Dana G. In politics Mr. Hunsaker has always been Democratic. ========================================================================= JOHN F. HUNSAKER, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born in this county September 28, 1843, to A. F. and Elvina (Holmes) Hunsaker, and is a descendant of the original Hunsakers who settled in this county at an early date. This county has been the home of our subject all his life, although he was in the service during almost the entire war, being mustered in in September 1861 and was not mustered out till the close of the war. He enlisted in Company H, 29th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Jason B. Sprague. He entered as a private, but after the engagement at Fort Donelson he was made corporal, and at the close of the war was first sergeant. Mr. Hunsaker found what active service in the West meant, as he passed through all the leading engagements: Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Spanish Fort, Mobile, etc. He was in the infantry during all the time, except about six months, just before and just after the capture of Vicksburg; during that six months he was on the Mississippi River Squadron, on the Mississippi and Red Rivers. Mr. Hunsaker passed through the service without being captured or taken to the hospital. He received two or three flesh wounds, but they never were noticed when so many others were so badly mangled. Mr. Hunsaker's opportunities for an education before entering the army were quite limited, so he and a number of comrades put in most of their spare time studying. When returning home, he again went into farming, and in 1866 was married to Miss Martha Anderson, who was born in this county to C. Anderson, who is still a resident of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Hunsaker have five children - Minnie, Edith, Oscar, Erwin and Andrew. His farming is mostly raising corn and wheat, but raises some fruits. He, his wife and oldest daughter are members of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Hunsaker is Republican; the only one by the name, to his knowledge, who belongs to the Republican party. ========================================================================= G. W. JAMES, P. O. Cobden, was born in this county October 6, 1847, to Wilson J. and Huldah Ann (Abernathie) James, both of whom were born and raised in this county. Wilson J. was born March 2, 1816, just a few months after his parents came to the State from South Carolina. He settled on the present homestead of our subject about 1853, and died there of the smallpox June 25, 1866; his wife died April 8, 1862. They were the parents of six children, all of whom are living, our subject being the oldest of the family. Mr. James was raised on his parents' farm and educated in the district schools, but mathematics has always been a specialty with him. For some years after his father's death, life was a struggle for him. His father, having some security debts to pay, died and left his farm of 80 acres covered to its full value. However, through his uncle, Gov. Dougherty, who was also his guardian, our subject leased the old home place and so saved the farm, and made a start in life. When he was 21 years of age he was elected constable, which office he held for eight years. He would also work at anything which would make him money; clerked in stores when not too busy on the farm, and so struggled on till he bought all of the home farm, besides adding another 40 to it. On this 120 acres now he has about 100 acres in fruits and vegetables. But he also has two other farms of 160 and 135 acres near Alto Pass on which he raises more grain, but some fruits. So in life he has been very successful, but not without hard work for it. Some of his best fields he helped to clear and put in cultivation when a boy. He also has had to take his sack of corn, put it on a horse and start to the horse mill, but frequently would have to wait all day for his turn to come. In politics Mr. James has always been Democratic. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. of Alto Pass, and is now Vice Grand. As most other members of the James family have done before him, so our subject has remained single till he is almost of middle age. ========================================================================= C. JESSEN-TVILSTEDGUARD, sawmill, Alto Pass. The subject of this sketch was born in Denmark April 28, 1844, to J. J. Tvilstedguard and Mary (Jessen) Tvilstedguard. His parents, two sisters and a brother are still living in their native country. Our subject was given his mother's maiden name as a given name, and after coming to America he dropped his father's name, except in deeds and private matters, and is known as C. Jessen. He was educated in his native land, attending the high school, commercial school, and then received private instruction from his father. So when he came to this country he not only was well versed in his own language, but could speak and write the German, Swedish and English languages. Mathematics was almost natural to him, so that he is a rapid and accurate accountant. When he was 13 years old he was put behind the counter in a store and clerked for five years. For the three years previous to his coming to America he was in the employ of the government. In 1867 he came to America, and during the next three years he traveled almost all over the United States, but part of the time would work on railroads or do farm work. For a short time he was in the furniture business on Clark Street in Chicago, but while away for a short time his partner sold out and took all the money, leaving him with nothing. In 1870 he bought a team and went into the pineries of Wisconsin, where he remained for four years, working in summer farming, but in the winter would work in the woods. Most of the time he would hire someone to drive his team while he would do scaling, etc. For one season he was in the employ of the Rochester Nursing Company, selling and delivering fruit trees. In 1876 he came to Cairo, Ill., and took the position of clerk in Halladay & Bell's box mill, but remained there only for about three months, when in the fall of 1876, he, in partnership with W. P. Messler, engaged in the box mill enterprise, starting near Cobden. He remained in partnership with Mr. Messler for four years, and then sold his interest to James Bell of Cobden and bought a store and farm near the box mill. These he sold in 1882 and engaged in his present business of sawmilling under the firm name of C. Jessen & Co. (see sketch of James Massie). In connection with their sawmill they have engaged in box manufacturing, and during the season employ about 20 hands in the two box manufacturing establishments at Alto Pass. October 31, 1877, in Cobden he was married to Miss Mary Buck, daughter of Adam Buck of Cobden. Mrs. Jessen was born February 5, 1856, and died April 6, 1883. The result of this union was three children - Meta, Leopold and Scott. Mr. Jessen is a member of the Masonic fraternity of Cobden, also the I.O.O.F., and is Republican in politics. ========================================================================= J. J. KEITH, farmer, P. O. Alto Pass, was born in this county February 6, 1840, to Samson and Lucinda (Parmley) Keith. He came to this county while still a boy from Kentucky, but when his father (the grandfather of our subject) came, he was left in Kentucky as an apprentice to a blacksmith, but as soon as his time was out he also came to this county, but never followed his trade to any extent, but gave most of his attention to farming, he having entered part of the farm now owned by our subject. He died in 1855 and she in 1869. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom are still living. Our subject received his education in the schools of this county and has always followed farming, and on the farm he now owns, it being the oldest homestead. In March 1860 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Rendleman, a daughter of J. S. Rendleman (see sketch). Mr. and Mrs. Keith have four children - Benjamin Franklin, Harry Everett, Leroy Guy and Bertha Elizabeth. Mr. Keith has one of the best improved farms in the precinct. It consists of 210 acres, and about 80 acres are in apple and peach orchards. In 1877 he shipped 12,600 boxes of peaches grown on his farm and from trees most of which he had grafted with his own hands. In politics he has always been Democratic. He has served as constable and justice of the peace, and is now one of the county commissioners. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F. =========================================================================

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by William H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883, biographical section, Cobden Precinct, pages 153-156. W. R. ABERNATHIE, farmer, P. O. Alto Pass, was born in this county April 17, 1841, to James and Mary (Tweedy) Abernathie. They were both natives of South Carolina, but came here when both were young, their families being among the first settlers in the county. He died in this county when our subject was about two years old, and she in 1876. They were the parents of 15 children, of whom our subject is the youngest. Of the 15, only three are now living - Mr. Abernathie and two sisters. Our subject's whole life has been spent on the farm. He was educated in the common schools of the county. Mr. Abernathie has resided on his present farm for about 18 years, and most of the time has been engaged in fruit-growing. In orchards he has about 65 acres, 40 being in apples and the remainder in peaches. March 17, 1864, he was married in this county to Miss Mary Croull, who was also born in this county, daughter of Louisa and John Croull, also of the earliest settlers in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Abernathie have seven children - Mary Elizabeth, Emma Bell, Hattie Josephine, Cora Ellen, John Howard, William Bertie and Robert Artie, twins. Mr. Abernathie has always been an active member of the Democratic party. ======================================================================== HON. HOLLY R. BUCKINGHAM, Alto Pass, was born in Clermont County, Ohio, January 12, 1850, to Mark and Margaret (Hawn) Buckingham. They were both born in Ohio, she in Milford, Clermont County, and he just across the line in Hamilton County, December 5, 1808. His parents had moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1790, so the Buckingham family is one of the oldest in the State, and also one of the largest. The first residence after coming to the State was a large hollow tree where Cincinnati now stands. Mrs. Margaret Buckingham was born August 11, 1826, also of an old family of the State, her grandfather, Peter Bell, being the first Associate Judge in Cincinnati. So the ancestors of our subject have long been identified with the interests of the State of Ohio, and with very few exceptions have been the strictest Democrats, grandfather, father and son (our subject) having ever voted the Democratic ticket. Mr. Mark Buckingham was a successful businessman, at one time having a wholesale pork-packing business, besides a large flouring mill and distillery, also several farms in Ohio and Illinois, and was well known on 'Change in Cincinnati. He died in Hamilton County, Ill., in November, 1878, but was buried in the old burying-ground in his native State. Mrs. Mark Buckingham is still living on the old homestead in Ohio. Of their family, four sons and one daughter are now living. Our subject's early life was spent in assisting his father with his business, but his higher education was not neglected. He prepared himself for college in the Woodward High School of Cincinnati, and then completed a classical course in the Miami University, of Oxford, Ohio, where he took the degree of B.A. in 1873. He then came to one of his father's farms in Hamilton County, Ill., where he remained for about 18 months, during which time he taught one term of school. After studyinig law with Judge Crouch of McLainsboro for about one year and a half, he went to Ann Arbor, Mich., and studied law for a year; then he returned to Illinois, and was admitted to the bar at Mount Vernon in June 1875. In August 1875 he was married in this county to Miss Florence Tarleton, who was born on the Teche, near New Orleans, La., to Leo and G. Augusta (Hawkins) Tarleton. Mrs. Tarleton's first husband was George Washington, a grand-nephew of the President; she is still living, at the age of 73 years. Mr. Buckingham has remained in this county since 1875, and has been engaged in fruit-farming during the time. On his present farm he has about 70 acres in orchards, but also has a number of acres in small fruits and vegetables. Mr. and Mrs. B. have two little girls - Florence and Ada. Mr. Buckingham has always taken an active part in politics, but has never been an office-seeker; however, in 1880 he was elected a member of the State Legislature, and served through his term with credit to himself and to his constituency. ========================================================================= N. B. COLLINS, farmer, and Justice of the Peace, P. O. Alto Pass, was born about the year 1813 in Tennessee, and came to this county with his parents when but a very small child. Soon after coming here his parents both died, leaving no record of his birth or their history. After the death of his parents, he was taken by strangers and raised on a farm in this county, and with the exception of three years he has lived in the county ever since. Two years of the three he lived in Louisiana, the other in Kentucky. His only chances for an education were to attend a subscription school when he could not work at anything else. July 20, 1836, he was married on his present homestead to Miss Keziah Parmley. She was born on their present homestead October 22, 1819, to Giles and Elizabeth (Craft) Parmley. They came from Kentucky to this State, but he was a native of Virginia, his father being an old Revolutionary soldier. When Mr. Parmley first came to this county, he settled in the Mississippi River bottom, but got afraid of the Indians and moved back to Kentucky, where he remained for a year or so, and then returned to this county, bringing a number of friends with him. He then settled on the present homestead of Mr. and Mrs. Collins in about 1813. He died January 8, 1849, but she survived him many years, and died at the age of 84. When Mr. and Mrs. Parmley first settled in this county, there were scarcely any white settlers at all. When they went to mill at all they had to cross the river to Whitewater, Mo. Mr. Parmley was a cooper by trade, and made barrels to pay for the first land he entered. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have raised a family of nine children, but four daughters and one son died after having families of their own. The living children are Sarah E., Lucinda E., Bell and John. The daughters are all married. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have 23 motherless grandchildren. In the fall of 1850 they moved to their present farm, which consists of 360 acres, with 200 of it improved; also another farm of 160 acres, 100 being in cultivation. Mr. Collins has large orchards, having apples, peaches and pears. When Mr. Collins completes his present term of office, he will have served 38 years as Justice of the Peace, for four years being Associate Justice of the Peace of the county. He also served two years as constable. ========================================================================== WILLIAM H. FINCH, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born in this county July 28, 1840, to Richard M. and Sarah (Smith) Finch. He was from the West Indies, of French descent, and she from North Carolina, of German descent. They both died in this county, he September 16, 1863, she March 3, 1875. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are now living, our subject being the oldest. >From the time our subject was 11 years of age till he was 21, he worked on the farm in summer, and winter in his father's cooper shop. When starting for himself, however, he gave his attention to farming, and has continued to make that his occupation to the present. He has a farm of 252 acres, and makes corn and stock his dependence. When starting in life for himself, he had one horse and nothing else. August 20, 1862, he was married to Melissa Catharine Cauble, who died May 29, 1863, leaving one child, which also died, July 8, 1863. March 2, 1865, he was married to Mary Lindsey. She was born in Jackson County, Ill., but mostly raised in Union County. She is the daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Coleman) Lindsey. He was born in Kentucky May 24, 1823, and came to this State in 1829, and lived in Jackson County till he was about grown. She was born and raised in Jackson County, and died August 23, 1882. He is still living and is engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Finch have two children living and one dead - John Albert, born January 2, 1862, died December 1, 1882; Sarah Isabella and Mary Ellen. Mr. and Mrs. Finch are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church. He is Democratic in politics. ========================================================================== DR. J. GLASCO, physician and surgeon, Alto Pass. The subject of this sketch was born in Union County, Ill., February 14, 1840, to William and Rhoda (Strawmat) Glasco. They were both of North Carolina, but came to this county before marriage. She died in 1843; he is still living in this county, and with his third wife. By the three wives he has nine children now living, four sons and five daughters. At the time of the Doctor's birth his parents were living on a farm where the city of Anna now stands. Our subject was raised on a farm and received his education in this county, and, with the exception of the time spent in the army, and about six months in Kansas, he has resided here during his life. In 1861 he entered the State Militia for 30 days; then was taken into the army, Company I, 18th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Capt. S. B. Marks. He served for three years, and then re-enlisted and served till the close of the war, being one of the last discharged. While in the service, he passed through some of the severest engagements, being in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, the taking of Vicksburg, Little Rock, etc., in all being about 16 different engagements. At Fort Donelson he was severely wounded, being shot through the right lung, and was captured at the time, but remained a captive only till the fort was taken. He first enlisted as a private, but was afterward promoted to sergeant, in which capacity he served most of the time. However, for two years previous to receiving his discharge he was hospital surgeon, and for six months before that had been hospital dispensing clerk. For two years previous to going into the army, the Doctor had studied medicine under Dr. A. B. Agnew, and during the time he was in the service he studied all his spare time, and especially while in the hospital, under Dr. H. T. Garrett. While in the hospital he had a great deal of practice also as assistant surgeon. The Doctor now makes a specialty of lung and female diseases. On returning from the army he began the practice of medicine at the store of Cyrus Harrold, just across the line in Jackson County. He remained there for about one year and then moved to Saratoga, Ill., where he practiced for about 17 years, except six months he was practicing in Topeka, Kan. In the spring of 1880 he quit the practice and bought his present saw and grist mill in Alto Pass. He gave his entire attention to the mill till the spring of 1883, when he resumed the practice of his profession, but still conducts the mill. December 19, 1866, in this county, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Stevenson, who was born in Marion, Williamson Co., Ill., daughter of James W. and Catharine Stevenson, both of whom are now dead. They came from Indiana to Illinois. Dr. and Mrs. Glasco have five children living and one dead - Emma C., James W., George S. (deceased), Jesse, Eva Ellen and Amos Monroe. In politics the Doctor is Republican, and for three years was postmaster at Saratoga. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ========================================================================= JOHN C. GREGORY, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born in Union County, Ill., on his present farm September 11, 1836, to John and Sarah (Leonard) Gregory. They were natives of North Carolina, but came here in 1819 and settled in the woods on what is now our subject's farm. They were the parents of 12 children, 11 of whom lived to have families of their own, the other dying when small. He died February 24, 1866, and was some months over 75 years of age; Mrs. Gregory, however, lived till December 16, 1882, and died at the age of about 83 years. When they first came to this county their neighbors were so few that they had to neighbor with all for six or seven miles around, going that distance to help a neighbor when he needed it. Our subject received his education in the schools of the county, and his occupation has always been that of farming on the old homestead, which he now owns. In August 1862 he enlisted in Company E, 81st Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. James Dollins, and served till June 1865, when he received his discharge. Soon after his enlistment he was taken with a severe spell of sickness, and after being in the hospital for several months he partially recovered, but not so as to continue with his regiment, so he was transferred to the Invalid Corps, and served his last 15 months around Washington City. June 15, 1859, he was married to Miss Elizabeth L. Anderson. She was also born and raised in this county, daughter of Cornelius and Susan (Morris) Anderson. She died in the county; he, however, is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory have three children - Andrew J., Emma F. and Willis T. His farm consists of 160 acres, about 100 being in cultivation, on which he raises mostly corn, wheat and stock; however, he gives some attention to berry-raising. In politics he is a Republican. He is now filling his first term as Justice of the Peace. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. =========================================================================

Thanks to Andy and Phyllis for the prompt reply to my query about Isaac Short. He is the one I am looking for. Harlean

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by Wm. H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883. Pages 149-150 Y. J. VANCIL, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born in this county October 22, 1817, of Adam and Catherine (Penrod) Vancil. Adam Vancil was born in Virginia March 6, 1790, and was a son of John Vancil. They were of German origin. He died March, 1831, killed by a tree falling on him. Catharine Penrod was born April 19, 1794; died November 13, 1853. The two families had settled in Kentucky at an early date, and in 1805 Adam Vancil and his brother Jonas came to Union County, Ill. Adam afterward returned to Kentucky and was married there, then again came to Union County in 1811 or before, as they were here at that date. He was principally engaged in hunting, and so moved where game was most plentiful. In 1821 he killed two bears at Stone Fort, Jackson County. Being of this wandering disposition, he did not remain in one place long enough to improve more than a few acres, and, in fact, that was about all that was necessary, for they had no markets for the products of the soil. They were the parents of six children, all but the youngest living to advanced ages. Our subject and one sister now reside in this county. Our subject's opportunities for an education were necessarily very limited, but he has continued the improvement of his faculties since, by reading and thinking. His occupation has ever been that of farming, since working for himself. At the time of his father's death they were living near Carbondale, but in the fall of 1831 moved to this county, and he has lived on his present homestead since. He has twice been married. First, March 23, 1839, to Elizabeth Hazlitt. She was born in Ohio July 24, 1811; died April 3, 1847. Two children blessed this union, viz.: Adam and Matilda. Matilda died when small; Adam is now engaged in farming. The second marriage occurred December 10, 1848, to Mrs. Prudence Elizabeth Whitacre, born February 21, 1818, in Switzerland County, Ind., daughter of John T. and Deborah Deming. John Deming was born in Massachusetts March 9, 1787; his wife in what is now Ohio on January 10, 1796, and is said to be the second white person born in the State of Ohio. They moved to Illinois in 1818, and died in this county. Mrs. Vancil has been married three times. She had one son by her first husband - Charles Vandiver; by her second husband, one daughter - Deborah Whitacre. By the present marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Vancil have three children, viz.: Mary, Algernon R. and Albert D. Mr. Vancil's farm consists of 280 acres, 120 in cultivation. Grain raising receives most of his attention. In politics he is a Democrat. ============= Pages 150-151 R. M. VANCIL, fruit-grower, P. O. Cobden, was born in this county September 13, 1849, to Benjamin and Catherine (Landrith) Vancil. The father was born in Ohio December 25, 1804, and died in this county March 19, 1883. When small, his father, John Vancil, moved to Virginia from Ohio, and in 1823 they moved to this county; then, trying to find a better land, moved to Missouri and Arkansas, but was not suited, so came back to this county. John Vancil was the first man to introduce the Buckingham apple in this county; he brought it from Buckingham County, Va. After Benjamin Vancil settled on his farm near Cobden, he began in the nursery, fruit and floral culture, and as he gave his whole thoughts to his business he was very successful. He shipped fruit trees and flowers to many States, and took many premiums at fairs. He had 85 varieties of apples and 32 of pears, but many were not profitable. >From 1861 till the time of his death he was so crippled by rheumatism that he could not work, and so had to abandon his nursery and also his flowers, with the exception of a few choice varieties. His experience has been of great value to the present fruit-growers in this vicinity. He had seven sons and six daughters. He survived all of his sons except our subject. Three daughters are still living. He was a member of the Dunkard religious society and was a Jackson and Douglas Democrat, but took no part in politics. On January 18, 1872, our subject was married to Mary J. Rendleman, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Kimmel) Rendleman. The mother died September 29, 1881. The father is living in Clay County, Ark. Mr. and Mrs. Vancil have three children - Notia Leonora, Charles S. and Myrtle Agnes. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Cobden. ======== Page 151 N. B. WALKER, farmer, P. O. Makanda, was born in Jackson County, Ill., May 18, 1828, to Nathan D. and Nancy (Collins) Walker. The father was a native of Kentucky, but was brought to this State with his parents when he was quite young, settling near Grand Tower. The Walkers were originally from North Carolina, and were among the early settlers of Jackson County. His wife was a sister of N. B. Collins of Alto Pass Precinct. She was the mother of four children - Benjamin C., N. B., Mark M. and Polly, of whom our subject is the only one now living. The father died in Jackson County while his children were all small, but his widow lived until they were grown. Our subject was mostly raised in this county by his uncle, Mr. N. B. Collins. He was married May 16, 1852, to Leah Hagler, a daughter of Paul and Elizabeth (Clutts) Hagler, natives of North Carolina. She died October 3, 1862, leaving four children, viz.: Nancy Elizabeth, Nathan B. D., Mary Emaline and an infant; the latter lived but a short time. October 8, 1863, he was married a second time, to Miss A. A. Sill. She was born in Washington County, Ind., to Commodore Perry and Sarah (Beard) Sill; he died in Marion County, Ill., and she is still living in this county. By his second wife, Mr. Walker has seven children living - Sarah D., Lavina Lucinda, Alice Catherine, Polly Isabella, Huldah Ellen, John Logan and Etta Araminta, and three dead. Mr. W. has lived on his present farm about 25 years, and raises grain and hay mostly. He and his wife are members of Shiloh Baptist Church. ============= Pages 151-152 E. B. WING, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born in Missisquoi County, Canada, April 29, 1836, to Turner and Julia Ann (Barnes) Wing. They were both born in Canada, but the parents of each had emigrated from the United States to Canada. In 1847 he moved to DeKalb County, Ill., and continued to follow his occupation of farmer. About 1863 he moved to the vicinity of Dubuque, Iowa, and still makes that his home. She died in Iowa March, 1883. They were the parents of six sons and one daughter; two sons and the daughter are all that are now living. Four sons entered the army, and our subject is the only one who came out. He enlisted three days after the firing on Fort Sumter in Company E, 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, as a private; was afterward promoted to the position of sergeant. He served till the battle of Antietam and was there wounded and discharged on account of disability. He was in the two battles of Bull Run, at South Mountain, and then at the battle of Antietam under Gen. Hooker, on the right. After he was wounded, he remained at Keedysville for about two weeks; then was taken to the hospital at Baltimore, and there remained until discharged November, 1862. When our subject was about 18 years old, he had left his home in Geneva, Ill., and had gone to Oshkosh, Wis., and it was from there that he entered the army, and there he returned when coming home. He remained in Oshkosh till 1868, engaged in lumbering. In 1868 he came to this county and settled on his present farm, which contains 140 acres, about 60 being in cultivation. When first buying it, there were but three or four acres cleared. Grain and stock raising receive most of his attention, but he also raises some fruits in connection with his other farming. July 4, 1860, he was married in Oshkosh, Wis., to Sarah Burnside. She was born in Erie County, Penn., August 2, 1837, to John J. and Matilda (Miles) Burnside. He is still living in Erie County, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Wing have no children of their own, but have adopted one little girl, Donna Inez. Mrs. W. is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Cobden. He is a Democrat in politics. Since his discharge from the army he has been receiving a pension of $4 per month. ============= Pages 152-153 C. C. WRIGHT, farmer and fruit-grower, Cobden, was born in Rome, N. Y., in 1815 to John and Miriam (Reymond) Wright. They were both born in Connecticut; he in 1772, she in 1780. He moved into New York about 1790, and it was there his family was born. In 1836 he moved to Kendall County, Ill., with his family, and he and his wife both died there, in 1851 and 1857, respectively. They were the parents of eight children; three sons and two daughters are now living. His occupation was mostly that of farming. Our subject was educated in New York, and came West with his parents. Chicago was their only market, and that was 60 miles distant. After hauling wheat there they would get from 25 to 75 cents per bushel, and from $1 to $3 per hundred for dressed pork. When the canal was completed, they had a market within 12 miles of their home. In 1853 he moved to Winnebago County, Ill., and opened up the farm now owned by Amos Poole. He sold that in 1864 and then began to make his present farm, which had but little improvement at the time. His farm contains 70 acres, all improved. When first settling on it, he began the raising of peaches, apples and strawberries. In later years he has abandoned the peaches and apples, and gives his attention more to strawberries, cherries, vegetables and hay. Mr. Paul Wright, the brother of our subject, had much the same experience in early life, but he was educated for the law. He practiced in Elgin for some time, and for some years previous to coming to this county had been Circuit Clerk of Kane County. On account of ill health he came to this county in the spring of 1862 and began in the fruit business, being one among the first from the North to go into fruit-raising. Enjoying the beautiful, he took pains to make his home attractive, and so improved the present farm of Mr. E. D. Lawrence. The last year in this county, he practiced law at Jonesboro in partnership with Jackson Frick. In 1875 he again made a move on account of ill health, going to Santa Barbara, Cal., where he has since built up a good practice in the law. In 1843 our subject was married in Winnebago County, Ill., to Harriet M. Talcott. She was also born in Rome, N. Y. Her father, William Talcott, came to Illinois about the same time as Mr. Wright, and settled at Rockton, on the Rock River. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have three children, only two of whom are still living - Henry T. and Mary (Harriet A. died 1864). By profession, Henry is a lawyer, and practiced for six years at Carbondale, Ill.; then taught school near Chicago for some time, when health failed, and he went to railroading. He is now located at Minneapolis, and is paymaster on the Minneapolis & St. Paul Railroad. Mr. Wright in religious beliefs is Congregationalist, and was a member of that church until the organization was let fall in Cobden. As he did not take out any letters he now has no connection with any church. By nature our subject is opposed to oppression in any form, and at an early date he took the side of anti-slavery, although it was the unpopular party at the time. >From 1844 till Lincoln's election, he had never voted with the popular parties. When the call for men came, he offered his services, but had to stand back and allow the younger and more robust to answer the call. But he did all he could at home toward the support of the government. ============================================================================ =============

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by Wm. H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883. Pages 147-148 JAMES THOMAS, fruit-farmer, P. O. Makanda, was born in Manchester, England, January 23, 1838, to William and Mary Ann (Parr) Thomas. These are two old English families, and on the father's side the ancestry traces back and includes Gen. Wolf as a member of the family. In England there is a large landed estate which belonged to Peter Walthall, who died in 1743, and which in its proper descent would have come to the father of our subject, and consequently to our subject. The estate, however, is still in question, and all the proof now lacking to give it to its rightful owners is the certificate of the marriage of James Thomas, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, to Rebecca (Walthall) Wolf, the granddaughter of Peter Walthall. The father of our subject was born March 8, 1808, in Ormskirk, England, and died December 5, 1845, at Chester, England. The mother was born December 12, 1807, and died at St. Louis, Mo. His occupation was that of attorney's clerk, serving his apprenticeship. He was the father of nine children, our subject being the fifth and the only one now living. In 1842 our subject accompanied his father to Buenos Aires, South America. In the latter part of August, 1842, when near land near the mouth of the La Platte River [i.e., Rio de la Plata], the vessel - the Sea Gull - was wrecked and went to pieces. All but one of the passengers and crew were saved, but would have been lost except for aid from the men on land. They stayed in Buenos Aires and Montevideo for two years, and then returned to England. James then attended the Chester grammar schools till he was fourteen years of age. He came to the United States in 1852, landing at New Orleans; then coming up the river to St. Louis. From here he went to Kansas City and started to Salt Lake City with a cousin, but the Mormon company with which they had started had the cholera so badly that he and his cousin went to the Missouri River and back to St. Louis. In St. Louis his mother died; she was then the wife of John P. Bates, taxidermist and naturalist in St. Louis, who mounted the heads, etc., of the buffalos killed by Prince Alexis on the Western plains. In 1853 our subject went to Wisconsin to keep from going back to England with his uncle. There he remained till 1859. Then he sold out and started to Texas. He and two friends built a boat at Helena, Wis., especially for pleasure and comfort, and so went down the river into the Mississippi, and stopped at all the principal places, and at the end of eight weeks came to the mouth of the Red River. They took steamboat up to Shreveport, La., and remained there for a short time. Then, on account of the war troubles, he came North, and cast his first vote for Lincoln at Mound City, Ill. He has been a Republican ever since. He afterward came to Jackson County, where he remained for a year or so. April 14, 1864, he was married in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., to Susan A. Lumpkin. She was born near Princeton, Ky., to George W. and Jane (Baker) Lumpkin; both died in this county. He was a soldier in the Union Army. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have four children - Ada, Eddie, William Walter and James Ed. Mr. Thomas has been on his present farm since the year after marriage. He raises fruit and vegetables. He is a member of Makanda Lodge, A.F.&A.M. He and his wife are members of the Christian Unitarian Church. ======== Page 148 R. B. THOMPSON, farmer and fruit-grower, P. O. Makanda, was born in Jackson County, Ill., one mile south of Makanda, May 22, 1852, to Joshua and Maria A. (Milner) Thompson. The father was born June 11, 1812, in Jefferson County, Ohio. The mother in Carroll County, Ohio, July 13, 1815, and died in 1870. The father was born and raised a Quaker, but when marrying it was outside of the church, so he has never had connection with the church since, although that is still his belief. In early life he learned the trade of stonecutting and bricklaying, and for some years his trade called him to different localities. Most of the time in Jefferson and Belmont Counties, being in partnership in the marble business in Belmont County for nine years with R. H. Evans. In 1849 he went to California in quite a large company. He was the commander, and so gained the title of Colonel, which still clings to him. They were four months on the trip. He then followed mining for 16 months, and was about four months on the home trip. He took passage in a vessel and for 70 days was out of sight of land, 20 days was on one-half rations, and for 25 days on one-fourth rations. He landed at Acapulco, Mexico, and for 750 miles across the country he rode on a wild mountain pony. After reaching home, he remained in the marble business for about one year, then came to Jackson County, Ill., in 1852. About a year later he moved to Union County, to his present home. He has retired from active life. The farm is one of the highest points in Southern Illinois. From one side the waters run into the Ohio, from the other into the Mississippi River. When the news came that Fort Sumter had been fired upon, some of the loyal people of the vicinity made a flag and hoisted it on "The Lone Tree", a tall poplar tree on the highest point of the farm. The hill was then called Banner Hill, and from this the farm took its name of the Banner Farm. October 25, 1838, Mr. Thompson was married to Maria A. Milner. To them six children were born; one died young. The living are T. W., A. S., M. M., Mary Alvira (now Mrs. James Fitch), and R. B. Thompson. T. W. and M. M. live in Jackson County; A. S. in San Francisco, Cal.; Mrs. Fitch and R. B. in this county. Our subject, R. B., was educated mostly in Carbondale, Ill., under Clark Braden. He was married January 27, 1874, to Miss Orintha, oldest daughter of H. F. Whitacre, now of Williamson County, and by profession an attorney. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have two sons - George J. and Albert L. Our subject has charge of the farm and owns most of it. The home farm consists of 120 acres, also one forty to the east of it. Grain and stock receive most of his attention, and he has some splendid stock - high-grade Jersey cattle, full blood Cotswold sheep, etc., raised by William Barter of Williamson County, the dam and sire both being imported from Canada. (The buck's yield of wool at 13 months of age was 16 1/2 pounds, measuring 11 inches, others yielding about the same.) Mr. Thompson's energy and industry toward the introduction and raising of good stock cannot but result in profit to himself and to his neighbors. In politics, both our subject and his father are strong Republicans. ======== Page 149 J. F. TWEEDY, farmer, P. O. Makanda, was born in Union County, Ill., February 25, 1854, and is a son of J. M. Tweedy, whose history appears in the department devoted to Alto Pass Precinct. He was raised on the farm and educated in the common schools of the county. In 1877 he engaged in farming on his own account, on a farm near his father's in Alto Pass Precinct. His present farm contains 70 acres of good land. He makes fruit-growing a specialty. In March, 1877, in Union County he married Miss Alice Freeman, a native of the county, and a daughter of James H. and Sarah (Biggs) Freeman. This union has been blessed with the following children: Walter, Roy and Fred. Mr. Tweedy is a man of good reputation and much enterprise. He has never sought office, it being more in accord with his views to stay at home and give his time and attention to his family and the duties of his farm. In connection with the land he owns, he is managing a 60-acre farm for Mr. Shelker of Elgin, Ill. ============================================================================ ==============

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by Wm. H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883. Page 145-146 JACKSON SIFFORD, farmer and fruit-grower, P. O. Cobden, was born in this county August 17, 1834, to Peter and Leah (Mull) Sifford. They were both born in North Carolina, he in 1795, she in 1805. They came to this county in 1819; were married in 1820. There ancestors were of German origin. He died in this county in 1853; she is still living. They were the parents of 12 children, seven of whom are still living, three sons and four daughters. He made no permanent settlement till 1827, when he settled on the farm now owned by A. L. Sitter, and died there. Our subject's opportunities for an education were very limited. He remained at home till he was 23 years old and assisted in the support of the family. In 1856 he was married to Rosena Mull, daughter of Martin and Catherine Mull. They were also early settlers in this county, coming from North Carolina. She is still living, but he died a few years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Sifford have 12 children, all but one living - William, John, Sarah, Tampa, Frank, Louis, Ida, Delia, Edward (deceased), Cora, Nina and Amos. When first married, Mr. S. settled on his present farm of 85 acres, and is engaged in general grain, fruit and vegetable farming. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is Democratic. ======== Page 146 DANIEL SIFFORD, farmer and fruit-grower, P. O. Cobden, is a native of Union County, Ill., born January 5, 1839, and is a son of Peter and Leah (Mull) Sifford. His early life was spent at home assisting to till the home farm, and receiving such an education as could be obtained in the schools of the county. Arriving at his majority, he embarked on his career in life as a farmer, an occupation he has since followed. His farm contains 125 acres of good land, of which 100 are under a high state of cultivation and a portion devoted to fruit-growing. Mr. Sifford was married April 18, 1861, to Miss Susan C. Casper, a native of the county, born November 8, 1842. She is a daughter of Henry Casper, whose history appears in another part of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. S. have been blessed with eight children, viz.: Dora E., W. R., T. Peter, Minnie J., Lizzie, Henry, Dell and Susie. Mr. S. and wife are members of the Lutheran Church; he is a member of the orders of A.F.&A.M. and K. of H. Politically, he is a Democrat. ======== Page 146 GEORGE SNYDER, fruit and vegetable grower, Cobden, was born in Susquehanna County, Penn., March 2, 1823, to Benjamin and Elizabeth (Griffin) Snyder, both of whom were born in New York, he in Columbia County, she in Orange County. Both died in Pennsylvania. They were the parents of four sons and ten daughters. Two sons and five daughters now survive. Our subject was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools of his native State. In 1848 he began the putting on of composition roofs, and continued in this employment in the leading cities of NY till 1852, when he removed to New Orleans, and resided there for five years, making lime from oyster shells. His health failed, so in the spring of 1857 he came to Cobden and settled on his present farm. His farm of 123 acres he bought from the railroad company. He has been engaged in fruit and vegetable raising since. He is one of the largest sweet potato raisers in the State. In 1882 he had out 28 acres, and in 1883 increased it to 30 acres. He also has large peach orchards, etc. In New York in 1852 he was married to Miss Jane Butler, daughter of James and Lydia (Reed) Butler. James Butler was a native of New York and a cousin to Gen. B. F. Butler. Mrs. Butler was born in Maine. They moved to near Detroit, Mich., and died there. They were the parents of six girls and three boys - all living but one daughter. Previous to marriage, Mrs. S. had been engaged in teaching school. She now raises an abundance of beautiful flowers, and in 1883 shipped 400 boxes to Chicago for Decoration Day. Mr. and Mrs. S. have never been blessed with children. In politics he is Democratic. His first vote for President was cast for Henry Clay. During the time spent in New Orleans, Mr. Snyder had the yellow fever, cholera, breakbone fever and swamp fever. ============ Page 147-148 SAMUEL SPRING, merchant, Cobden, was born January 15, 1827, in Massachusetts, in the town of Newburyport. His maternal ancestors for several generations were ministers of the Gospel, Non-Conformists and English Puritans. In the year 1834 (sic), John Spring, with his wife Eliza, embarked at Ipswich, England, for New England with four children. They settled in Watertown, Mass., near Boston, where his name is on the earliest list of proprietors in 1836 (sic). [Transcriber's Note: Passenger list of the "Elizabeth" indicates the ship left Ipswich in 1634 (rather than 1834) with John Spring and wife 'Elinor' bound for Watertown, Mass.] His descendants were John and Henry, from whom a large number have sprung. Samuel, the father of our subject, married Lydia M. Norton, the result being nine children, four of whom survive, viz.: Mary, Lucia, Gardner and Samuel. The father was an active minister for 37 years, and died at the age of 89, and his consort at the age of 90. Mr. Spring had some advantage of the country schools until he was 16 years old, when he went to St. Louis, Mo., and there engaged as a clerk in a grocery store at $75 per month. One year later he, in partnership with his brother A. L., opened up a wood yard and grocery store at Union Point, this county, at which they continued until 1867, when they came to Cobden and entered a general dry goods and notion store. In 1877 our subject opened up where he now continues, having a full line of almost anything the general public may be in want of. In addition to his large stock of goods and some excellent property in this village, he has 540 acres of land in this county that ranks equal to any in Southern Illinois, all of which is the result of his own labors. He was married March 15, 1854, to Martha J., a daughter of C. D. and Margaret C. (Gray) Henderson, natives of North Carolina; the former born November 14, 1800, and the latter December 24, 1804. They emigrated to Missouri in 1831. Her parents were blessed with nine children, two of whom are living, viz.: J. E. and Martha J. Her parents were members of the Presbyterian organization. Mr. Spring has served on the board of trustees of Cobden and was for seven years postmaster at Union Point. His wife, who was born August 5, 1838, in Missouri, blessed her husband with four children, viz.: Charles, Gardner, Lucia A. and Lillie. She and Mr. Spring are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is an active Democrat. Mr. S. is a thorough businessman, and knows exactly what class of goods to keep to please his many customers. ======== Page 147 JOHN SWEITZER, fruit farmer, Cobden, was born in Baden, Germany, July 17, 1845, to John and Rosa (Dirr) Sweitzer. They both were born, lived and died in Baden. He died at the age of 45 years, when our subject was but five years old. She was born in 1811 and died in 1879. His occupation was that of farmer. They were the parents of seven children, all now living. Our subject is next to the youngest child. Only John and his brother Frank are in America; both live near Cobden. Our subject came to America in 1866; remained at Cincinnati for about six months; then came to Cobden and engaged to James Bell, and continued with him for 16 years as foreman on the farm. January, 1883, he came to his present farm, and is engaged in fruit and vegetable raising. Besides his home farm of 90 acres, which is well improved, he has another farm of 120 acres. He was first married January, 1872, to Anna Blsigg (sic*). She was born in Wuerttemberg, Germany, but came to America with her parents when small. Her father died in this county in 1881. Mrs. Sweitzer died in April, 1879. By her he has three children: Edward, Harry and Freddie. In 1880 he was married to Anna Bleger. She was born in Pennsylvania; came to this county when small. Her parents are both still living in the county - Joseph and Mary (Unto) Bleger. By this marriage there are two children: Josie and Rosa. He and family are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is Democratic. ----- *[Transcriber's Note: Name may have been Blessig or Blessing. Possibly a relative of Christian Blessing (1833-1919) of Cobden, who was reportedly born in Wuerttemberg.] ============================================================================ ================

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by Wm. H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883. Page 141 J. P. REESE, farmer and fruit-grower, P. O. Cobden, was born in Wilson County, Tenn., April 7, 1834, to William and Martha (Taylor) Reese. They were both natives of Tennessee. He was born in 1796, and was one of the first white men born in the State of Tennessee. He died February 28, 1883. She was born in 1803 and died in 1845 in Williamson County, Ill. They came to Illinois in 1839 and settled in Williamson County. He resided in Williamson County till he was so old that he was almost helpless, then came to our subject's and died there. He was a cousin of President Polk, and, as his parents were wealthy, he was raised a typical Southern gentleman. He spoke little of his early life, but we know that before leaving Tennessee he was Clerk of the Court, and after settling in Marion he was justice of the peace and notary public till too old to attend to business. For four years, his office was in the same room as Col. Bob Ingersoll's. He was twice married. By his first wife there were two sons and one daughter, and by the second, the mother of our subject, four sons and four daughters, all of whom are living except one daughter. He was a man of strongly Southern principles, but was opposed to slavery. One of his oldest sons was in the Southern army, and was killed at Perryville. Four sons were in the Northern army and all came out but one. J. P. received four flesh wounds. He was captain of Company E, 81st Illinois Volunteer Infantry, after first three months. Enlisted August 11, 1862, mustered out August 5, 1865. Except for three and one-half months when he was a prisoner of war, he was with his company during the service. He was captured at Guntown, Miss., June 11, 1864, and was one of the number put under fire of the Union troops at Charleston. After his exchange September 25, 1864, he returned to his company. Our subject never attended school but about nine months, but since he has had a family of his own he has done a great deal of reading and studying. His occupation has been that of farming, since starting for himself. After his mother's death, he worked on farms from place to place. January 12, 1855, he was married in this county to Miss A. T. O'Daniell, daughter of John and Betsie (Penrod) O'Daniell. Mr. O'Daniell was born in Tennessee, his wife in this county in 1816. She is probably the oldest person now living who was born in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Reese have five children - Willis A., Zeb, Louisa, Lena and Ann. Willis A. is a lawyer by profession, but is now farming at home. Zeb is operator at Richview, Ill. When first married, he settled on his present farm, which contains 200 acres, one-half in cultivation. He is engaged in general farming, but fruit-raising receives most of his attention, and he is very successful. He hauled the first load of wheat to Cobden, having to cut and blaze out a road. He is a charter member of the Cobden Lodge, A.F.&A.M., and is Republican in politics. ======== Page 142 W. O. RICE, fruit-raiser, P. O. Cobden, was born in Portage City, Wis., August 8, 1851, to William and Miranda (Winchell) Rice. He was born in Mt. Morris, N. Y., September 20, 1813; she also in the same State, in Ticonderoga, February 16, 1814. He died April 27, 1882. When Mrs. Rice was a child, her parents moved from New York to Vermont, and there she remained till 28 years of age, removing thence to Wisconsin. He, however, had moved to Wisconsin from New York, and it was there they were married. They remained in Wisconsin till November, 1864, when they came to Union County and settled on their present farm. A son, W. O., and a daughter, Belle, blessed this union; both are now living at home. Mr. Rice was the youngest of a family of five brothers. By trade, he was a carpenter and joiner, and had made that his occupation till coming to this county. Then he engaged in the fruit culture. He was in the service for six months with Gen. Butler, but being too old for active duty, he was commissary clerk. At the time of his death he was on a prospecting tour in Kansas. He was taken suddenly sick, and died and was buried without his family knowing anything of it. Mrs. Rice is a relative of the Winchells of Michigan, where all her father's family now live, except one of her sisters, who resides in Wisconsin. Mrs. Rice's mother, with a number of other women, were in the battle of Plattsburg during the war of 1812. Her husband was taking part in the engagement, and as the men would fire and retire to load, the women would give them water, and watch to see if some dear one was missing. Both our subject and his sister were instructed in their studies at home, till they were well advanced in their studies. Miss Belle afterward attended the State Normal at Carbondale, and has made teaching her profession. Before coming to our State, our subject had attend the German school for one year, then the Cobden schools in this county, and one year at the State University at Champaign. He has always been engaged in fruit farming since working for himself. Their farm consists of 47 acres and is in a good state of cultivation. All the members of the family are Presbyterians in religion, belonging to the Presbyterian Church of Cobden. Our subject has made quite a study of archeology, and has exhumed the remains of several human beings and remains of an ancient civilization. These have been taken from the deposits under overhanging cliffs. He has here found complete skeletons, pieces of pottery, ashes, parched corn, bones of different smaller animals, and also pieces of fabrics showing hand-weaving. The skeletons are lying on the sides, knees to the breast, arms between the knees, etc., showing that such was the customary way for burial. He cannot yet determine the exact age in which they lived, but from the deposits in which they are found, knows they are of an ancient race. ============ Page 142-143 HON. WILLIAM C. RICH, SR., capitalist, Cobden. Among the few who have been preeminently successful in this county, we find Mr. Rich. He was born on the Tennessee line in Alabama November 18, 1819, to Thomas and Catherine (Noah) Rich. The ancestors of the Rich family were Germans, but had been in America for generations. The grandfather of our subject moved from North Carolina to Franklin County, Tennessee, when his son Thomas was but a young man, and resided there until the time of his death. Thomas Rich was married in Tennessee to the mother of our subject, and lived in that State until after several children were born to them; then he moved to Alabama among the canebrakes and Indians. Here he remained till 1834, when he moved with his family to Illinois, but had started with the intention of going to Arkansas. After coming to this county, he remained for a part of a year in what is now Rich Precinct, then bought the farm now owned by John M. Rich, his youngest son. He resided then on the old homestead till his death in 1866. His wife, however, died in 1845. They were the parents of three sons and six daughters; two sons and four daughters are now living. Our subject was educated in the proverbial schools of the pioneer - round logs built up and a rude cover over it, but no floors. Their seats were made by splitting logs and putting legs in the pieces. There was one door, but no window except an opening left between two logs. Then the fireplace occupied one end of the building, and at noons the boys would have to cut down the trees and get in the wood which they burned. Notwithstanding such rude schoolhouses, our subject obtained sufficient schooling to engage in teaching school for some time in winters, farming in the summer. He frequently indulged in the sport of hunting. When about 25 years of age, he was married to Millie C. Guthrie, daughter of Anslem* Guthrie, who had come to this county from Kentucky about four years after our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Rich have 11 children living - Samantha (Tripp), Catherine, Matilda (Moreland), Eliza (Condon), LaFayette, Amalphus, William, Maria, Lou, Lizzie and George. Mr. Rich has never given up farming, although his other business has frequently taken nearly his whole attention. When a young man, he was elected constable, and from that time on has been in some public office most of the time. Served as deputy sheriff for a number of years; afterward served for 12 years as justice of the peace. In 1861 and 1862 he was school commissioner. Then in 1863 he was elected to fill out a vacancy in the Sheriff's office. When the term was up, he was elected for the ensuing two years, 1865 and 1866. He then retired for two years, but was again elected for the term of 1869 and 1870. In 1871 and 1872 he was in the State Legislature, and from 1879 to 1882 he was one of the county commissioners. In politics he has ever been Democratic. About 1861 he joined the Jonesboro Lodge, A.F.&A.M. Is also a member of the Royal Arch Chapter at Anna. Although Mr. Rich has spent a great deal of his time in public life, he has not neglected his own business, and has made a large property by hard work and saving. His father being a man in very moderate circumstances, could not help his children to make a start, and so he early formed the practice of relying upon himself and of taking but few risks. A short time before the panic of 1872, he had engaged in the mercantile business in Jonesboro in partnership with Willis Willard. The panic soon following, they found that they were not making anything, so they divided the goods and boxed them up. But Mr. Rich did not like the idea of having about $6,000 worth of goods on his hands and yielding him no profit, so traded one-half and got a half-interest in a sawmill in Jackson County. So they ran store and mill for two years, running the lumber down Big Muddy and up to St. Louis. They then closed out business at the end of two years. ----- *Spelling of name amended from original text, which has "Ansalen" Guthrie. ============ Page 143-144 JOHN M. RICH, farmer and fruit-grower, P. O. Cobden, was born just across the line from Tennessee in Alabama October 4, 1828, to Thomas and Catherine (Noah) Rich. The grandfather of our subject moved to Tennessee when Thomas was a young man, and he lived the remainder of his days near a small town called Salem, in Franklin County. He was of German descent, and at the time of his death left a large family who scattered to the different States in the Union, Thomas coming to this State in 1834. He settled first in what is Rich Precinct, but either in the last of the same year or the first days of 1835, he bought the present homestead of our subject, and resided there until the time of his death in 1866. His wife had died in 1845. They were the parents of three sons and six daughters; two sons and four daughters are now living. Our subject is the youngest child. He has always resided on the old homestead, and has been engaged in farming and fruit-raising. He received his education in the subscription schools of the county, and had to go several miles to attend them. February, 1847, he was married in this county to Ann Uffendill. She was born in England in 1826 to Michael and Mary (Robinson) Uffendill. They came to America about 1835. For a time they remained in New York; then made several moves before coming to this State, going to Cleveland, Ohio, from New York; then to Troy, where they remained for about one year, and then to Evansville, Ind.; from Evansville to Cairo, Ill., at the time the State first projected the Illinois Central Railroad. They afterward moved to this county, and she died at Jonesboro soon after coming to the county; he in Anna in May, 1882. He had been engaged in different occupations, keeping hotel, butchering, etc., and for some years before his death had followed the family grocery business in Anna. Of their family of eight children that they brought to the United States, only three daughters are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Rich have eight children - Thomas J., William C. Jr.*, M. M., George D., Adelia, Mary A., Robert L. and Carry B. All of the sons except the youngest are in business for themselves - farming, fruit-raising, etc. William C. Jr. is practicing law at Jonesboro. Except the youngest, the daughters are all married. Mr. R.'s farm consists of 188 acres, and on this he is engaged in general farming and fruit-raising, especially of the smaller varieties. He is also member of the mercantile firm of Rendleman & Rich of Alto Pass, but does not stay in the store any himself. In 1862 he entered the service of his country and was chosen captain of Company C, 109th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but served only for about seven months. When at Memphis, he and seven other officers of the regiment were discharged. Accusations had been made against them, and a form of trial had been gone through with, but the accused were not allowed to appear for themselves, nor had they counsel. Although stung by this reproach, they had clear consciences, knowing that the accusations were false and the trial unfair. In after years they were reinstated, however, and received pay for the time served. Mr. Rich is a member of the Cobden Lodge, A.F.&A.M., and in politics is Democratic. Mr. R. and his oldest son have met with quite heavy losses, as within six years they have paid about $8,000 security debt, but by perseverance they have come out of it all right. ----- [Transcriber's Note: *This William C. Rich Jr. was the son of John Rich. The term Jr. is used here in its original meaning of "younger" in order to distinguish him from his well known uncle of the same name.] ============ Page 144-145 M. F. ROLENS, physician and surgeon, Cobden. Prominently classed among the physicians of this county is Dr. Rolens, born October 15, 1855, in Guernsey County, Ohio, son of W. F. and Elizabeth (McGowen) Rolens, natives, the former of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania, and the parents of eight children, all of whom are living, viz.: Sarah E. (wife of Robert Wilson, a farmer and coal miner of Jackson County), Hugh H., James M., Louisa M. (wife of W. B. McClure, station agent at Gillsburg, Ill.), William R., M. F., George S. and Mary E. Our subject attended the county and select schools and for some time at the Normal at Carbondale. He taught four terms. He began reading medicine in 1876 with E. H. Wheeling of Galesburg, continuing there some time, and then with M. G. Parsons of Murphysboro, Jackson County. He attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, and subsequently completed his course at the Hospital College of Medicine at Louisville, Ky. He at once began practicing at Murphysboro, and in 1882 located at Brazeau, Perry Co., Mo. In December, 1882, he came to Cobden, where he has already grown into the good graces of the people and is doing a large practice. He was married February 14, 1881, to Ida E. Stephens of Union County, the result being one child, Louis E. While in Missouri, the doctor was chosen trustee of a high school. ======== Page 145 DR. B. F. ROSS, P. O. Cobden, whose portrait appears in this book, was born August 10, 1832, in Franklin County, Penn. His father, Samuel M. Ross, was of Scotch descent and probably a native of Pennsylvania. His mother, Rebecca (Chilerstone) Ross, was of English parentage and was also born in Pennsylvania. The father died in the county of his birth, and the mother died in Clinton County, Ill. The fruit of their union was several children. Our subject attended the county schools of Clinton County, Ill., as much as was convenient, owing to the amount of farm labor devolving upon him. Being thus reared on a farm, he was early imbued with habits of industry and self-reliance, which have been among the leading characteristics of his life. Having a decided literary taste, he, at the age of 21 years, concluded to abandon farm labor and chose the profession of medicine, and accordingly began the study of the same under the tutorship of Drs. Phillips and Henry of Nashville, Ill., with whom he remained for three years, actively engaged in his studies and attending to the drugstore of his preceptors. He then attended Rush Medical College of Chicago, where he graduated with high honors in 1858. He at once began the practice of his profession, for which he had thus so elaborately prepared himself at Cobden, where he has since remained, building up a lucrative practice. He was married in 1861 to Elizabeth Hearns, a native of New York, the fruit of which union is two children, viz.: Minnie and Frank. He has endeavored to devote his entire time to his profession, but has been forced to find time to attend to some minor offices, where it is really all labor and no pay, such as township and village trustee, and was for ten years township treasurer. By economy and frugality, he has secured some good property in the village of his adoption, yet with a childlike confidence, he has trusted many, during his long practice, only to be the loser. In the upbuilding of the beautiful little village of Cobden, it is not too much to say that he has done his full share, and in its written history his name occupies an honorable and conspicuous place upon its pages. He is a member of the A.F.&A.M. and K. of H. fraternities of Cobden. He is an active Democrat, and really the leader of that organization where he resides. His estimable lady is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Dr. Ross has successfully borne all the hardships and privations incident to the life of the early settlers and they have developed in him, as a natural result, both physical vigor and the sturdy moral and mental health which are secured by the constant practice of industry and thrift. ============================================================================ ===============

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by Wm. H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883. Pages 137-138 A. J. PARMLY, farmer and fruit-grower, P. O. Cobden. John Parmly, the father of our subject, was born on the present farm of N. B. Collins, Alto Pass Precinct, November 22, 1816. He was the son of Giles Parmly, who was one of the earliest settlers in the county. John Parmly resided in this county all his life, except one year he lived in Stoddard County, Mo. In the latter part of 1835 he was married, when about 19 years of age, to Bernice Henson. She was also born in this State, and was but 14 years of age at the time of her marriage. She was the daughter of Jesse Henson, who was an early settler in Jackson County, and who made quite a good property by stock-raising near Grand Tower, Jackson County. For some years after marriage, Mr. Parmly would buy and sell farms, so he did considerable moving from place to place. In 1841 he sold out and went to Missouri, where he remained for one year; then returned to this county and settled on the Mississippi River bottom, and lived there till 1858. He bought the present farm owned by his widow as her dowry. At the time of his death, October 6, 1878, he had a landed property of about 900 acres. His first wife died either in the last days of 1859 or first of 1860. By her he had five children who reached maturity - Martha J. (Seely), Elizabeth (Biggs), deceased, A. J., W. L. and N. B. June, 1860, he was married to Mrs. Sarah (Biggs) Freeman, daughter of D. W. Biggs, an old resident of this county. She still survives. She was the widow of James H. Freeman. By this wife there are four children living - Olive M. (Tweedy), W. D., Sarah E. and Thisbe E. Mr. Parmly never had the opportunities of an education, but was a man who did a good deal of reading and studying, and when undertaking anything he made it a study till it was fully understood. He did not make up his mind hastily, but when convinced that anything was right, he could not very easily be changed. In early life he was rather wild and reckless, but in later years professed religion, and for some years before death was a minister in the Baptist Church. His occupation was that of farmer and fruit-raiser, and he was eminently successful because he made it a study. His home farm in Section 6 was one of the best in the north part of the county. He was a man with a great influence in any direction in which he was willing to lead, in politics or in agriculture. Often his advice was asked with regard to kinds of fruits best to cultivate, etc. Till after Lincoln's first election he had been a Democrat, but he then changed and was so outspoken in regard to the war that he made many enemies, and it was threatened to burn him out, but none dared to make the venture. His family seem to have imbibed the same spirit of thrift and attention to business, and we find his sons among the successful farmers and fruit-raisers of the precinct. Our subject, the eldest son of John Parmly, ws born November 4, 1846. His early education was obtained in the district schools of the county. He afterward attended one term at McKendree College, Lebanon, Ill., and his father offered to furnish money for him to complete the course and take a profession, but he preferred the farm, and remained at home till he was 29 years of age. He was married March 5, 1875, to Miss Gertie A. Freeman, daughter of James H. and Sarah (Biggs) Freeman. Here we find a peculiar relationship. Elizabeth Parmly, daughter of John Parmly, first married B. F. Biggs. John Parmly married for his second wife Mrs. Sarah Freeman, who is a sister of B. F. Biggs. Then our subject married his stepmother's daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Parmly have two children - Sarah Nellie, born August 5, 1878, and Bernice Alice, born February 14, 1881. Since his marriage, Mr. Parmly has been on his present farm, which consists in all of 490 acres, his wife also having an undivided half of 248 acres. About 112 acres of his land is in cultivation, with about 70 acres of that in fruits; 30 acres in apples, large peach and pear orchards, also strawberries. In politics he is Republican, but never took any part in politics till the fall of 1882, when he was persuaded to take the field as a candidate for Assessor and Treasurer of the county. He was elected by a good majority. Mr. Parmly is not a member of any church or society, but is free to give his support to anything that will advance the moral and intellectual standard in his county. ======== Page 139 W. L. PARMLY, farmer, P. O. Cobden, ws born December 18, 1852, in this county, on Running Lake, son of John Parmly. He was educated in the schools of this county, and has always been engaged in farming and fruit-raising. He was married August 3, 1872, to Frances Winstead. She was born in Missouri December 13, 1857, to William and Barbara Winstead. Mrs. Winstead was born in Missouri; Mr. Winstead either in Missouri or Tennessee. He was killed by accident about 1864 in the mill of Charles LeBarr, Cobden, the saw severing his head from his body. He left a widow and five small children, three sons and two daughters. His widow married Samuel Ferrill in August, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Parmly have three children living and two dead - Ernest, Herbert and DeVere; Lena May and Lola, deceased. Mr. Parmly bought his present home place in 1872 and settled on it when married; he afterward bought 60 acres more. His farm now consists of 120 acres, about 70 improved. But little had been improved when he first purchased. Grain and fruit receive his attention. In politics he is a Republican. ======== Page 139 N. B. PARMLY, farmer, P. O. Cobden, son of John Parmly and brother of A.J., was born in Mississippi River bottom October 11, 1856, and was raised and educated in this county. His occupation has been that of his fathers - farmer and fruit-grower. He was married August 20, 1879, to Lucy E. Anderson. She was also born in this county, March 5, 1862, to E. J. and Polly Ann Anderson. They are both still living in this county. She was born in Indiana; he in this county, his parents being early settlers here. Mr. and Mrs. Parmly have two children - John Garfield and Ervin Jackson. Since marriage he has been living on his present farm of 137 acres. He bought it January, 1877, and rented it till marriage, living at home and running his father's farm till that time. In politics Mr. Parmly is Republican. ============= Pages 139-140 COL. F. E. PEEBLES, fruit-grower, hotel, etc., was born May 8, 1833, in Vandalia, Ill., son of Robert H. and Augusta (Ernst) Peebles, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of German heritage, born on an ocean vessel. The father was of Scotch descent, and settled at Vandalia when it was the capital of the State. He was an early physician of that city and served in the Black Hawk war. He made his advent into the State of Illinois in 1818. The parents were Presbyterians. Our subject had good common school advantages and an academic course at Chicago. He first began business for himself in 1855 in Chicago, where he continued for two years, and then transferred to Winona, Wis., where he remained until the war, at the breaking out of which he enlisted in a Wisconsin B.L.R.* as first lieutenant, which position he held for two years, and was then promoted to the command of the 47th U.S.C.T.** and was mustered out as such in two and one-half years. Soon after returning from the war he bought a farm near Mobile, Ala., and in one year came to Cobden, where he yet resides. He engaged for four years in the manufacturing of fruit boxes and later engaged in the growing of fruits. For the last seven years, until lately, he has been actively engaged in traveling for Hager & Spies' fruit house of Chicago, which position he resigned to accept the management, as general consignee, of the Cobden Fruit-Growers Association, a situation he now holds. He was married in 1864 to Mary Stone, one of two children...of Isaac and R. C. Stone. Mr. Peebles' marriage has given him four children, viz.: Gertrude, Augusta, Elizabeth and Robert. He was an active worker in establishing a first-class library at Cobden. His daughter Gertrude is the efficient librarian. In addition to his above mentioned business, he has been running the Phillips Hotel to remunerative advantage and satisfaction of many guests, but the Colonel recently gave up the hotel business and is giving his entire time to his farm in Cobden Precinct. He has held some small offices, and is a staunch Republican. ----- *Meaning of B.L.R. unknown. **U.S.C.T. = United States Colored Troops ======== Page 140 AMOS POOLE, fruit-raiser, P. O. Cobden. Some time in the 17th century one by the name of John Poole was born, either on the Isle of Man or Taunton, England. Early in life he came to America and for some years resided at Beverly, Mass., working with one Richard Woodbury, who died in 1690, leaving a widow whom Poole afterward married. In April, 1700, he bought of John Emerson, Jr., a tract of land at "ye Cape" and moved to it, finding but one family on Sandy Bay, now Rockport, Mass., that of Richard Tarr, who had settled there a short time before. Poole became a large landowner, and died in 1727 quite wealthy. He had been married four times and had seven children. One son, Ebenezer, was born in 1699. He also had quite a large family, and one, Francis, was the grandfather of our subject. His son, Aaron Poole, the father of Amos, was born November 12, 1767, and lived to the age of 76 years. His wife, Sarah (Butman) Poole, was born May 10, 1770, and reached the advanced age of 87 years. They were the parents of nine children, one four of whom reached maturity. There are only two now living, the oldest son, Aaron, born October, 1798, and our subject, who was born September 8, 1814, in Rockport, Mass. Aaron still lives on the old homestead, where his father lived and died. By trade, the father of our subject was a cooper, but most of his life was spent in farming. When a boy, Amos learned his trade of blacksmith, and then began working by the day. This he continued for six years, and in that time saved $2,000; then established a business of his own at Milton, Mass., six miles south of Boston Court House. Here he continued for about 25 years, till coming to Union County, Ill., February, 1868. When coming to this county, he bought but 40 acres of his present farm, and has since been engaged in general fruit and vegetable growing. His farm contains 80 acres and is well improved, but contained few of the present improvements when he bought it. In Milton, Mass., October 6, 1841, he was married to Miss Caroline C. Rand. She was born in Bradford, Vt., but her parents moved to Milton, Mass., when she was small, and resided there until the time of their death. She is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Babcock) Rand. They were both natives of Massachusetts. She was born at Milton. In early life, he resided in Beverly, Mass., where his father was a baker, and he learned the trade of chaise-maker, and was established in business at one time in Boston, but sold out and entered the ministry, being one of the early Christian ministers. He traveled for a number of years preaching the Gospel, then settled in Milton, where he died at the age of 74. She died at the age of 66. The Rands formerly came from England. Mr. R. was one of the early workers in the temperance cause, and also one of the earliest Abolitionists. They were the parents of 11 children who reached maturity, six of whom are still living. Of Mrs. Poole's brothers it is useless to speak, for their reputation is worldwide, one establishing the publishing house in Boston of Rand, Avery & Co.; another is the senior member of the Chicago house of Rand, McNally & Co.; and still another, Franklin Rand, devoted 30 years of the best part of his life to Zion's Herald, and it was largely due to his energy that the paper made its financial success. Mr. and Mrs. Poole have five sons living, one daughter dead: George A., Caroline S. (deceased), William H., Arthur B., Franklin R. and Frederick C. The daughter died January 5, 1867. She was the wife of John Ritchie of Boston. The Poole Bros., George A. and William H., started into the printing business for themselves January, 1881, and have in their employ over 80 persons. Rooms 117-119 Lake Street, Chicago. Entrance also on Clark Street. They were both with Rand, McNally & Co. for quite a time, and are still interested in the company as stockholders. George A. had clerked for them, but William H. learned the printer's trade. The other three sons are in Montana. In politics, Mr. Poole is a Republican, and has not been without political honors, serving one term in the Massachusetts State Legislature. ============================================================================ ==============

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by Wm. H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883. Pages 135-136 W. P. MESLER, box mill, Cobden, was born in Western New York in September, 1842. In 1862 he came to Pulaski County, and was in the employ of James Bell at Ullin until 1870; then was in the West for two years. In 1872 he went into the Cairo Box Mill; was superintendent and also partner in the mill. In 1876 he came to Cobden, and in 1877 started in the present box factory three and a half miles west of Cobden. As he was well acquainted with the business and the consumers, W. P. Mesler & Co. have been doing a good business since, and one which has rapidly increased. He and his partner, James Bell, also have a box mill in the south part of the county, started in 1882. They manufacture all kinds of fruit and vegetable boxes and baskets not patented. The number of employees, of course, varies at different seasons of the year, but through the strawberry season they require about 50 persons in the mills and in Cobden; also keep from 15 to 20 teams at work all the time. When first starting in business here they could sell the green material, but now all want the seasoned material, so they have to keep a large supply on hand. They ship to all States west of Pennsylvania, except on the Pacific Slope, and have the largest trade of any other company in the same line in the West. Supply all the largest fruit-growers in the Mississippi Valley - Parker Earle of Cobden, B. F. Baker & Co. of Chicago, the Drs. McKay of Madison, Miss., etc. In their work annually they use 3,000 pounds of two-ounce tacks, about 200 kegs of three-penny fine nails, etc. They make material up ready for using when desired, and ship it so. One day's orders for immediate shipment amounted to 275,000 quart boxes, and the sales of quart boxes for 1883 will exceed four million boxes, about one million being for use in the county. Previous years the sales have been over three million quart boxes. This one industry has been a source of great profit to Cobden and Union County, making a demand for all timber fit for boxing material, and giving employment to so many persons. ======== Page 136 A. J. MILLER, merchant, Cobden, was born January 8, 1845, in Jonesboro, Ill. His parents, Henry Miller, a native of North Carolina, and Catharine (Cover) Miller, a native of Maryland, were in comfortable circumstances, and his educational advantages were as good as could be furnished in the schools of Jonesboro. At the age of 17 years he began clerking for Adam Buck, then a merchant of Cobden. From the day of his taking service to the final withdrawal, he enjoyed the confidence of his employers, and to a large extent participated with them in the management of their affairs, and at the age of 26 years he was taken as a partner and thus did business for five years. In 1878 he formed a partnership under the firm name of Miller & Loomis, which is now recognized as one of the leading enterprises of Cobden. In February, 1880, he married Allie, a daughter of Capt. I. N. Phillips, the result of which is two children, viz.: Henry and Nettie A. He is proprietor of Miller's Opera House; owns his present business room and the adjoining one in which Mr. L. T. Linnell is doing a banking business and keeps the post office. He is a member of the A.F.&A.M. chapter of Anna, and of the K. of H. [Knights of Honor] fraternities. His efforts, politically, are with the Democrats. His estimable lady is a member of the Presbyterian Church. The father of our subject is deceased, while the mother survives in a very pleasant home in Anna, blessed with plenty of this world's goods to make her comfortable the remainder of her life. She blessed her husband with eleven children, nine of whom are living, viz.: George N., A. J., Alice S. (the wife of Arthur Moss), John C., Frank P., David W., Mary M. (the wife of James Dickerson), Caleb and Kittie. The parents were early identified with the German Reform Church. ============= Pages 136-137 WILLIAM E. MOBERLY, retired attorney and real estate, Cobden, was born in Garrard County, Ky., near Lexington, in 1822, to John and Mahala Moberly. He was from Maryland, and died when our subject was young. She afterward married. By first husband she had two sons - our subject, and John Moberly, who has been a member of the Georgia Senate for some time. The complete history of William E. Moberly would occupy a volume in itself, but a few of the leading facts in his life will be given. He was raised on a farm and, when a young man, went to Missouri to seek his fortune. He was educated in the common schools of Kentucky, and after going to Missouri studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1849, and in 1850 commenced the practice of his profession at Brunswick, Mo. He very soon stood at the head, and for several years had one side of every important case in the county. He continued in his practice until 1860, when he was elected President of the North Missouri Railroad, a road in which he was largely interested. He continued as president for over three years, and owned the controlling interest in the road before selling out. During the time, he platted the town of Moberly, Mo., and it was named in his honor. In 1846 he was elected to the Missouri State Legislature from Macon County as a Whig. He served for two terms, then declined to run for any office afterward if he thought he could be elected, but several times was a candidate for the sake of keeping the party alive, although he knew he could not be elected. For three years during the war he was colonel of a regiment in Missouri. They were located around the old home of Gen. Price, and their work was to keep down the bushwhackers. Previous to the war he was a large slave-holder, and although his friends protested, he was ready to uphold his nation, although he knew that in its success he would lose his slaves. Among the slaves in his house was a sister of Senator Bruce of Mississippi, and it was in his kitchen that the future senator received his first lessons in reading. For two years he was the bodyguard of our subject. In the latter days of 1864, after quiet had been restored in Missouri, Mr. Moberly moved to St. Louis, Mo., and engaged in the real estate business, and has had his office there since. By his keen business faculties, he added to his already large property. Before the war, he had about 25 or 30 thousand acres of land, but when locating in St. Louis he transferred it mostly into city property. At one time it was estimated that he was worth half a million dollars, but he sold his railroad stocks and invested over $300,000 in the North Missouri Insurance Company, thinking it was in good hands. He did not give the insurance business the attention that he should, and before he was aware of it the officers had made a blunder, and the credit of the company was lost. He put in $40,000 more to try saving the company, but to no purpose - its credit was destroyed, and all was lost. About the same time, other property declined in value, so his losses were great, outside of the insurance. Although Mr. M. had made a success which but few attain, he lost most of it, but through no fault of his own. In 1880 he bought his present beautiful residence north of Cobden, and will here end his days in quiet, away from the excitement of a busy city life. In 1840 in Missouri he was married to Martha A. Collins. She was also a Kentuckian by birth and education; daughter of Joseph and Mary (Woolfork) Collins, an old and wealthy family of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Moberly never had children of their own, but have adopted and raised a large family, and have well educated them. This is, they consider, the best investment they ever made, for it cannot be taken away. Mr. Moberly is a member of the I.O.O.F., and in early life was Deputy Grand Master of the State of Missouri, and represented the state lodge in the national lodge. From early life he and his wife have been members of the Christian Church, but are also Spiritualists - not those, however, that believe in mediums. He now takes no part in political life. ============================================================================ ==============

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by Wm. H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883. Page 133 E. D. LAWRENCE, fruit-grower, Cobden, was born in Bangor, Me., January 4, 1842, to Darius A. and Susan R. (Wyatt) Lawrence. He was born in November, 1808, in Castine, Me.; she in July, 1810, at Newburyport, Mass. She died in April 1865; he in September, 1882. By trade he was a carpenter, and he made that his business till his death. In May, 1865, he came to Cobden, and made this his home for the remainder of his life. The Lawrence family is of English descent. The first members of the family in this country settled in the colony of Massachusetts, and from there have spread to different States of the Union. Our subject had only one sister and one brother who reached maturity - Mrs. Susan E. Weakley of Nashville, Tenn., and Henry Lawrence, now bookkeeper for John Buck of Cobden. Our subject was educated in the city schools of Bangor, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade of his father. He followed his trade till coming to Union County in March, 1863. He then engaged in farming and carpenter work till he was married December 25, 1865. He then devoted his time almost exclusively to fruit and vegetable raising. His farm consists of 63 acres, part of which he purchased in 1866, the remainder in 1875. Mr. Lawrence has been making experiments with marble which is found on his farm, and finds that there are three varieties, all of which are susceptible of a high polish, and are of superior quality. December 25, 1865, he was married to Miss Minnie Wright, adopted daughter of Rev. Paul Wright, now of Santa Barbara, Cal. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence have one son dead and three daughters living - Susie E., Grace and Kate L. In 1878 he joined the Cobden Lodge of A.F.&A.M., and is now Master of the lodge. He is also a member of Cobden Lodge, Knights of Honor, and is Past Dictator. In politics, he is Democratic. ============= Pages 133-134 ALEXANDER WILSON LINGLE. A. W. Lingle, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born in Rowan County, N. C., January 2, 1810, to Anthony and Margaret (Cauble) Lingle, both of whom were born in North Carolina. In the fall of 1817, they emigrated to this State and settled about two miles and a half south of Cobden, on a farm now owned by G. W. Robinson. The lived there till the time of death, and raised their family, four of whom lived to have families of their own - Polly, Alexander W., John A. and Peggy. A. W. is the only one now living. Mr. Lingle's occupation was always that of a farmer, but he understood the coopering business sufficiently to do his own work. For a short time our subject was in the Black Hawk war. June 19, 1834, Alexander was married in Macon County, Ill., to Leah Dillow. [NOTE: Illinois Statewide Marriage Index transcribes the names as Alex W. "Lindell" and "Laura" Dillow. 1850 Union County census lists "Wilson" and Leah Lingle.] She was also born in North Carolina, July 26, 1816, to Michael and Rachael (Cauble) Dillow. They were natives of North Carolina, but died in Piatt County, Ill. They came to Illinois in 1817 and settled first seven miles south of Jonesboro, but in 1833 they moved to Macon County, Ill., settling first on Big Creek, then on the Sangamon River in what is now Piatt County. They were the parents of five children, all of whom lived to maturity; two daughters and one son now living. Mr. and Mrs. Lingle had eleven children, only five now living - Margaret, John F., J. M., Charles M. and Matilda Alice. Six deceased - James M., Henry W., Rachael Elizabeth, Thomas J. and two infants. All the living are married except J. M., who stays at home and runs the farm. When our subject was first married, he settled on Sangamon River, Piatt County, where he remained till 1837, then came again to Union County, and in 1839 settled on present farm, which he entered from the government. His farm consists of 120 acres, almost all in cultivation. In politics he has ever been Democratic, and is a member of the German Reform Church; Mrs. Lingle, of the Lutheran Church. Mr. J. M. Lingle was born January 12, 1852, and has resided on the present farm of his father all his life. He was educated in the Cobden schools, and has made farming his occupation, now having charge of his father's farm. He gives most of his attention to grain and small fruits. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. ======== Page 134 L. T. LINNELL, banker, real estate, etc., Cobden. Among the live, wide-awake businessmen of the county may be classed the subject of this sketch. He was born in the State of New York February 13, 1839, and is a son of Samuel and Mahala (Mitchell) Linnell, also natives of New York, who emigrated to Illinois in 1848, locating at Rockford, where Mrs. Linnell died the next year. She was the mother of seven children, but three of whom are now living, viz.: Levi and our subject and one daughter, Laura, the wife of Joel Campbell, a prominent grain dealer of Monticello, Iowa. After the death of his wife some years (sic), Mr. Linnell married Caroline Thorn. He was a Whig; is a Republican. Subject received his education in the common schools of the country, and in the Academy at Delton, Wis., where his parents had removed from Rockford, Ill., and where he remained four years, finishing up with one year at Wayland University at Beaver Dam, Wis. He commenced teaching at the age of 17 years, a profession in which he proved very successful, and which he continued to follow until the storm of war burst upon us in the spring of 1861, when he enlisted in Company E, 12th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, as second lieutenant. He was subsequently promoted to first lieutenant and assigned as Ordnance Officer and as Assistant Quartermaster of the Third Division of the 17th Army Corps, which position he filled until mustered out of the service in December, 1864. He came to Cobden the next year and bought a small farm near town, which he cultivated for two years, and then went to Battle Creek, Mich., for his health, but returned here in a short time and bought a drug store in Cobden. Soon after he took in as a partner Dr. J. F. McLoney; he withdrew in 1877, and the next year our subject sold out and turned his attention exclusively to banking and real estate, in which he had been more or less engaged for some time. He now carries on a large banking and real estate business, and may very justly be ranked among the solid men of the community. In March, 1873, he was appointed postmaster of Cobden, and still holds the position; is also a member of the Board of Town Trustees. He was married in 1864 to Miss Isabel A. Longley. The result of this union was six children, viz.: B. McPherson, Lewis M., Grace, Florence, Gertrude and Raymond; the two latter deceased. Mr. Linnell served in Gen. McPherson's Corps during the war, and was in the battle of Atlanta when this officer was killed; was a great admirer of the brave and gallant general. He cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, also 1864, while in the field - his entire company voting the Republican ticket. ======== Page 134 JOHN LOCKARD, farmer, P. O. Makanda, was born in Lawrence County, Tenn., June 20, 1823, to William and Mary (Ayres) Lockard. She was born in North Carolina; he in Tennessee. October, 1837, they came to this county. They remained here till 1844, when they moved to Missouri. In 1846 they moved to Arkansas, and she died there in 1854. He died in 1865. To them six sons and three daughters were born. Our subject is the oldest of the family. He and two brothers are all of the family now living. They are still living in Arkansas. Our subject's parents living on the frontier all of the time, and continually moving, his early life was full of deprivations. November 14, 1844, he was married to Sarah Hagler. She was born in this State to Paul and Betsie (Clutts) Hagler. They were both early settlers in this county from North Carolina, and died here. To Mr. and Mrs. Lockard the following children have been born: Alfred, Mary, William, Adam, James, Catherine, John, Sarah Ann (deceased), George and Lilly Melvina. Our subject also moved to Missouri, but in 1847 came back to Illinois and settled on his present farm, and has been actively engaged in farming and fruit-raising since. In his farm there are 220 acres, 120 of which are in cultivation. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. His first vote was cast for James K. Polk. Since voted for Lincoln, etc., but now has adopted the Greenback platform. ======== Page 135 WILLIAM F. LONGLEY, retired farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born in Hawley, Mass., August 6, 1814, and is a son of Edmond and Olive (Field) Longley. He was one of three brothers, all of whom served in the war of 1812, and their father, Edmond Longley, was a Revolutionary soldier. He moved to Hawley, Mass., when a young man and lived there until his death, which occurred at the age of 96 years. He raised a family, all of whom settled within a mile of the old homestead. They were of the old Plymouth stock of Longleys. Our subject remained in Massachusetts until 21 years of age, receiving his education there mostly, and in 1835 going to Ohio for the purpose of taking a full course at Oberlin College, but his eyesight failed and he was compelled to forego it. After teaching a couple of terms in Ohio he returned to Massachusetts and taught there for a term. Engaged in the fall of 1837 in general merchandising in the town of Hawley, in partnership with his brother Freeman. He was appointed postmaster at Hawley, Mass., March 3, 1838, an office he held about six years, being all the time in business there. He sold out and removed to Albany, N. Y., and three or four years later to Sterling, N. Y., and after several changes of business he was again appointed as postmaster, April 27, 1849, at Sterling, N. Y., which he held for four years. His father's age and feebleness called him home, and he sold out his mercantile business and returned, where for one and a half years he carried on the farm. His father dying, he went to Wisconsin and there bought a farm, remaining on it for eleven years. In January, 1866, he came to this county and settled on a farm. He and Mr. Linnell went into partnership in fruit-raising. This was continued, with some changes, until 1879, when Mr. L.'s health failed, and he took his present place as assistant cashier in the bank of Mr. Linnell, and assistant postmaster of Cobden. Mr. Longley was married in Massachusetts December 5, 1838, to Miss Lydia S. Bassett, a daughter of Thomas Bassett. She was born in Ashfield, Mass., October 19, 1820. She is the mother of four children, all of whom are living - Julia Ellen, now Mrs. David D. Lee, in Pawnee City, Neb.; Isabella, now Mrs. L. T. Linnell of Cobden; Fannie S., now Mrs. Herbert Dwinnell of Wisconsin; and William E., living in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. L. are members of the Presbyterian Church of Cobden. In politics he was a Whig, but is now identified with the Republican party. ============================================================================ ==============

Biographies from "History of Alexander, Union & Pulaski Counties", Illinois, edited by Wm. H. Perrin, published by Baskin, Chicago, 1883. ======== Page 130 L. T. HARDIN, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born in Limestone County, Ala., December 9, 1828, to Erasmus and Abashaba (Hodges) Hardin. Erasmus Hardin was born near Augusta, Ga., in 1785, died on the present farm of our subject in 1859. Abashaba Hodges was born in Tennessee, and died in this county in 1857. They were the parents of ten children, four of whom are still living. By a previous marriage he had two children, one of whom is now living in Texas. His occupation was that of a farmer. He was engaged in the Indian war in Florida with the Seminoles. In 1830 they moved to Union County, and made it their home until time of death. Our subject remained on the farm until he was 21 years of age, then sowed his wild oats. In 1853 he went to California, where he remained for two years, then sold out and went to Texas and began in stock-raising. With the exception of one or two visits home, he remained in Texas until 1860, and then war troubles began in Texas. He and his brother James had in partnership a herd of about 300 cattle, besides horses, but they lost all through the war. April 3, 1861, he was married in this county to Elizabeth Ferrill, daughter of Henry and Polly Ferrill. They were natives of Tennessee. Mr. Ferrill died in this county; his widow is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Hardin have ten children, all living but one - Lucetta (deceased), Olive, A. J., Mary, Charles, Emma, Ellen, L. T., Laura and Herbert S. Mr. Hardin's farm contains 160 acres, about 100 of which are in cultivation. On this he does general farming, and meets with deserving success. He and wife are members of the Christian order. In politics, he favors the Democratic party. [Transcriber's Note: A Hardin family group sheet indicates Lewis T. and Sarah Elizabeth "Betsy" (Ferrill) Hardin had an eleventh child, Mabelle P. Hardin, born Jan 1884. It lists A. J. as Andrew J. and L. T. as Louis T. Hardin.] ============= Pages 130-131 JOHN F. HOFFMAN, farmer and fruit-grower, was born in Augusta, Ga., December 12, 1842, to Charles F. and Charlotta (Gunther) Hoffman. They were natives of Baltimore. Our subject's grandfather Hoffman, however, came from Hanover to America and settled in Baltimore. Mr. Charles F. Hoffman was engaged in the millinery and dry goods business at Baltimore, but, his healthy failing, he desired a warmer climate so moved to Augusta, Ga., where our subject was born. In 1849 he moved to New Orleans and was bookkeeper for an English cotton commission house. He only lived for about eight years after moving to New Orleans. His widow still resides in the suburbs of that city, and is 74 years old. They were the parents of eight children, five of whom are now living, two sons and three daughters, our subject and Charles F. being the sons. Charles F. is in the banking business in New Orleans, also agent for Brown Bros. & Co. of New York. One daughter, Mrs Rosalie Avery, is in Nebraska. The other two daughters are in New Orleans - one Mrs. W. Bourdette, whose son is cashier in above bank, and a maiden daughter at home. (Our) subject was educated in the high schools of the city of New Orleans, and after leaving school he began clerking in the house of Samuel Nicholson & Co. He afterward engaged in the exchange brokerage business. Mr. Hoffman was in the city of New Orleans at the time of its capture, but left immediately after for New York, where he had a position offered him with the same house for which he had been at work in New Orleans. He remained in New York for three years and then returned to New Orleans and remained there until 1869, when, his health failing, he desired more of an outdoor life. A friend gave him a letter of introduction to Daniel Davie of this county. Mr. H. came here and, liking the country, decided to remain, so the first year he stayed with Mr. E. N. Clark and learned more of the fruit business, and in 1870 bought his present farm of 80 acres, and has been engaged in farming and fruit-raising since. On his farm he has a peach orchard of 15 acres, an apple orchard of 12 acres, besides small fruits, and also meadow land. The West Fork of Drury Creek flows through his farm, and when he came to it there were undrained flats, causing malaria; but these he has drained and made into meadow land, and thereby made them profitable and added to the healthfulness. He has found that the climate has had the desired effect on his health. On his farm he has splendid springs of running water, and also has found outcroppings of black marble. In 1874 he was married in this county to Miss Ellen Tweedy, daughter of James M. Tweedy. The result of this union was four children, three of whom are now living - Carrie, Charles T. and Maggie. She died in March, 1881, and August 31, 1882, he was again married to Miss Nora A. Smith. She was born in this county, on Hutchins Creek, daughter of Alexander Smith. He is one of the charter members of Cobden Lodge, Knights of Honor, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Cobden. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Democrat, but voted for Grant for his first term. ======== Page 131 DANIEL KIMMEL, farmer, P. O. Cobden, was born June 7, 1827, to George and Elizabeth (Christy) Kimmel. George Kimmel was born in Somerset County, Penn., in 1793, and died in Union County March 29, 1868. His wife was born in Darke County, Ohio, in 1803; she is still living. His occupation during life was that of a farmer and stock dealer. They came to Union County when our subject was but five years of age. He was married three times, and by his first wife had two sons; no child by the second; by his third wife, the mother of our subject, seven sons and five daughters. In religious belief, he and his wife were of the Dunkard faith; with politics he had but little to do, but was a Douglas Democrat and strongly opposed to the war of the rebellion. He was a man successful in business, and did a good part by his children, giving to each a farm, and about $1,500 in money. Our subject's opportunity for an education was very limited, and when he began life for himself at the age of 21, it was with nothing but a pair of strong hands and an unconquerable determination to make a success. For six years he rented a farm and kept bachelor's hall, but at the end of that time he had 80 acres of land paid for, and money besides. July 13, 1853, he was married to Miss Mary Ann Green, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Smith) Green. Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel have the following children, viz.: Elizabeth Alice, Johana, Eliza, Mary Ann, Carrie Belle, Rolley D., Walter G., David G., Minnie May and Laura Lee; also three children who died in infancy. After marriage, he settled on his present farm of 225 acres, which is one of the best farms in Cobden Precinct. His wife also has 76 acres of land in her own right. Mr. Kimmel does general farming - raising of grain, stock and fruits, and in trading in stock. During the war he enlisted in Company C, 109th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was chosen lieutenant. He was captured at Holly Springs by Van Dorn's command and paroled. He then reported to Col. Fry at Benton Barracks, St. Louis. While there the 109th was consolidated with the 11th and he returned home, and again engaged in farming. In politics he is Republican. Is a member of the A.F.&A.M. of Cobden, being one of the charter members. Mrs. K. is a member of the Cobden Baptist Church. Taken from the Agricultural Report of Illinois for 1856-57, we find that a bushel of white wheat raised by Mr. Kimmel took the first premium in the Illinois State Fair held at Alton, and again at the Mississippi Valley Fair held at St. Louis, and the report goes further to state that he was considered the best wheat-raiser in the West, if not in the world. ======== Page 132 AUG. KOHLER, fruit-grower, P. O. Cobden, was born at Wyhl, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, August 25, 1833. From the age of six years till he was 14 he attended school without an intermission. He then began in the government employ on the River Rhine. There he remained till 1851, and then learned the miller's trade, but on account of disease he had to give up milling in 1856. December 22 of the same year he started for America, and landed in New York City March 18, 1857, but went soon afterward to Cincinnati, Ohio, then to Freeport, Ill., June 22 of the same year, he came to Jonesboro. January 2, 1858, he was married at Jonesboro, Ill., by Judge Hileman to Karolina Rethe. They remained at Jonesboro until 1862, then sold out and bought a place in Anna, where they lived till September, 1866. Selling out there they bought a little farm on the east of Cobden. From 1859 till 1881 he was employed at the stonemason's trade, but since that time has given his entire attention to the raising of fruit, i.e., strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Kohler have three children living, viz.: Henry William, 19 years of age; Charles August, 12 years of age; and Maria Anna, seven years of age. Our subject is the son of Anton and Maria Anna Kohler. They were born in Vogelbach, Germany. In February, 1858, they came direct from the old country to Jonesboro, and in 1863 to one mile below Cobden, where she died August 29, 1868, at the age of 56 years; he at the residence of our subject June 20, 1870, at the age of 66 years. ============ Page 132-133 LOUIS KOHLER, liveryman, Cobden, was born in Wyhl, Baden, Germany, September 1, 1845, brother of August Kohler (see sketch). He was educated in the schools of his native country, attending until only 12 years of age. Came to this county in 1857, and this has been his home since, but in early life he was for some time in the western States and territories. He learned the trade of coopering, and followed it for some years. Was married on Easter Sunday, 1871, to Elizabeth Kerzenmacher. She was born in the same town and street as our subject, November 19, 1846; came to America with her sister's family about a year previous to marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Kohler have four children living - William, born October 3, 1875; Fanny, his twin sister, died April 27, 1877; Josephine and Paulina, twins, born June 30, 1879; and Freddie Anton, born September 2, 1882. When first married, our subject kept tollgate on the Jonesboro and Willard's Landing road for one year. Then on account of sickness he left and came near Cobden and bought his father's old farm, but after two years sold out and went to the Mississippi River bottom, into farming and stock-raising. There he lost everything by fire. In the winter of 1874-75 he moved to Cobden and has been here ever since. He engaged in his present business of livery stable January 15, 1879, buying out O. P. Hill. Spring of 1882 he bought the lot and built his present stable, 30x50 feet, with shed 12 feet in width on one side. He keeps rigs and riding horses to supply the demand of the town; also does hauling. In religion, he and his wife are Catholics. He is Democratic in politics. ============================================================================ ============