Edgar County IL Archives Biographies.....Prairie Township, Biographies ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com March 19, 2006, 3:43 pm Author: The History of Edgar Co IL 1879 pages 683-692 PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. H. H. ADAMS (of firm H. H. Adams & Bro.) merchant, Scotland; he was born in Venango Co., Penn., Feb. 15, 1841; he moved with his father's family to Ohio in 1852, where they remained two years; thence to this county in 1854, and located in Edgar Tp.; he was engaged in farming until 1864, at which date he engaged in milling for two years; then moved to Champaign Co., where he farmed for two years; then returned to Edgar Co., locating in Logan, and engaged in mercantile pursuits for eight years with his brother; at the expiration of said term, he moved to this town, opening business in 1875, and, in the spring of 1876, he and his brother consolidated their business at this place, where H. H. has resided ever since. Married Lydia J. Osborn, 1863; she was born in Ohio Oct. 18, 1844; came to this county with her parents in the fall of 1853; have five children living, viz., Charles P., Lillie A., Laura A., James S. and William. I. N. ARCHBOLD, farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Ridge Farm; owns 240 acres, value $30 per acre. Born in Woodsfield, Monroe Co., Ohio, in July, 1833. Married Elizabeth Clark Feb. 19, 1860; she was born in Salem Tp., Monroe Co., Ohio, in 1833; they moved to Edgar Co. July 4, 1860; they have two children — Charles Clark and Gertrude N. Mr. Archbold enlisted in the war of the late rebellion October, 1864, and served seven months, at which time he was discharged on account of sickness; was in the 8th I. V. I. PATRICK BREEN, farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Scotland; owns 260 acres, value $25 per acre. Was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, March 17, 1829; when about 18 years of age, he left Ireland for Liverpool, England, with the intention of sailing to the United States; accordingly, he took shipping from said city in a sailing ship to New Orleans, and about nine weeks of passage brought them safe to their destination; he did not remain there long, but pushed northward until he reached Cincinnati, Ohio, where he stopped a few months, then moved to Gallatin Co., Ky., and remained there about nine months; thence to Owen Co., where he found the one of his choice; May 5, 1851, they went to Louisville, where their marriage was celebrated; her name was Mary Gill; she was born in County Meath, Ireland, March 1, 1835, and emigrated to the United States with her parents in 1850; after they were married, they moved to Dayton, Ohio, staying only eleven months; then returned to Owen Co., Ky., and stayed a short time, when they set out for Illinois, and January, 1855, they arrived in Edgar Co., and both Mr. and Mrs. Breen went to work on their arrival for J. B. Burrass, in Ross Tp.; there they worked nine months, then began work for Wm. Adams, where they worked six months; then to M. Chrisman, and worked for him ten years; at the expiration of said term, he began work for Charles Caraway, where he remained five years; then returned to M. Chrisman again, and worked for him three years; then he rented the farm of S. B. Smith (deceased), and remained there four years, and one year before his lease expired (which was 1874) he purchased 186 acres of the farm which he now owns, and, one year later, he bought 80 acres more; it was without any improvements whatever, until he built a good residence, which he moved into March, 1875; it is now a good farm and pleasant home. They have thirteen children living, viz.: Mary, born Jan. 1, 1855; Edward, Feb. 18, 1857; Cornelius, Feb. 28, 1858; Hannah, Oct. 9, 1859; Matthew, Feb. 5, 1861; Patrick, Dec. 11, 1862; Margaret, May 22, 1864; Michael, March 31, 1866; Catherine and Elizabeth, twins, Nov. 19, 1867; Ellen and Eva, twins, June 19, 1870; Jennie, Sept. 16, 1872; they have eight children deceased, all of whom died in infancy; of these, there was one pair twins. JAMES BONWELL, farmer; P. O. Scotland; was born June 3, 1819; is a native of Brown Co., Ohio; lived at his native place until the age of 3 years; his parents then moved to Kentucky, where they remained until 1832; then came to Edgar Co.; Mr. Bonwell remained here about two years, and then moved to Indiana, where he lived nearly ten years; then returned to Edgar Co., and located on the farm where he now lives; during his early life, he had no chance of getting an education, his parents being poor, and he, the oldest of a family of seven children, was required to work a great part of the time, but, by studying nights by the fire, he became a fair scholar; he began business for himself at the age of 17; had no help from his people; now, by his own hard work and economy, he has 140 acres of good land, well improved; this he has earned by his own honesty and industry. A. BURSON, railroad agent, Postmaster and druggist, Scotland; he was born in Union Co., Ohio, March 10, 1834; came to Illinois with his father's family in 1836; the family consisted of father (Silas Burson), mother (Charity Bird) and nine children. They located in Coles Co., a little north of where the town of Oakland is located; early as 1836, the village was known as Pinhook. Mr. Burson was salesman in the mercantile house of G. W. Ashmore for a period of seven years; at the expiration of said term, he engaged in mercantile business for himself for two years; then engaged in farming for some time, and, in 1861, he sold his farm in Coles Co. and moved to Vermilion, Edgar Co., where he engaged in the milling and also mercantile business, which he followed for about ten years, then he took contract of furnishing ties for the I. & I. C. R. R. (now L D. & S. R. R.), at the same time running a supply store for the railroad hands at this point. As will be seen in the general history, he built the first house in this village while the railroad was being built, in fall of 1872; soon as the railroad was completed, he was appointed freight ticket agent, also agent of the American Express Co.; was appointed Postmaster in 1873; all of the above offices he holds at the present time; and in the fall of this year, he engaged in the drug business. Married Margaret S. Hicks Aug. 18, 1855; she was born in Indiana Feb. 23, 1836; the children living are Arthur L., Marietta, Maggie B., Edward E., Gertrude and Perley; the deceased are Susan, Alanson G., Maudie, who died in childhood. DAVID W. COLLINS, farmer; P. O. Scotland; is a native of Highland Co., Ohio; was born Dec. 10, 1824, at the age of 9, his parents moved to Edgar Co. and settled in Brouillett Tp.; two years after the settlement in the county, his father died, leaving the care of the family on his mother and himself; he being then 11 years; he, to help his mother, worked three months for a neighbor for fifty bushels of corn; the next season following this he got seventy-five bushels for the same amount of work; corn being worth 10c. per bushel. When he was near 20 years old, he began learning the trade of a blacksmith with Jason Jones; this he learned and followed as a business until 1868, with the exception of one year spent in California in 1850; in 1868, he began farming, which he has since followed, durin§ his ear]y life, he secured, by his own effort, principally, a good common-schnol education. He began business for himself a poor boy; now, by his own hard work and economy, he has a nice farm of 166 acres of good land, well improved. He is a man standing well in the community; has a good name and reputation which he has earned by honesty and industry. ALEXANDER CLARK, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Scotland; owns 600 acres, valued at $37 per acre; he was born in Oldham Co., Ky., July 1, 1818, and came to this county with his father's family in the fall of 1832; they located about half a mile south of Mr. O.'s present residence, where they bought some improvements of one L. Jackson, who had been here some time. Married Nancy Newcomb; she came here with her parents at a very early date; they have four children living, viz., William, Edmond, Nancy A. and Christina. Mr. Clark was elected Justice of the Peace in 1856, and held said office eight years in succession. EDMOND CLARK, farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. Scotland; owns an undivided interest in his father's estate; was born March 27, 1849, in this (Prairie) township; has been engaged in farming and livestock dealing till of late, when he turned his attention solely to the care and improvement of the farm. Married Sarah J. Scott (daughter of John Scott), July 28, 1870; she was born in this township May, 1852; the children are Oda, Owen and Cora; one deceased, Oma. EBENEZER GILBERT, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Ridge Farm; owns 280 acres, valued at $30 per acre, and twenty-six acres timber land, valued $10 per acre; he was born in Clermont Co., Ohio, Jan. 6, 1825; his parents moved to Clay Co., Ind., in 1830; there he resided until he was 21 years of age. Then he enlisted in the service during the Mexican war and was mustered into service June, 1846, at New Albany, Ind., 2nd Ind. V. I., under Capt. Osborn, Col. Belles, of Gen. Taylor's command; he was in the battle at Buena Vista; at said engagement, his brother Charles D., was severely wounded in both legs, and but for the timely aid of Ebenezer, catching and assisting him on ahorse, the Mexican soldiers would have taken Charles prisoner; Mr. G. served till June, 1847, at which date he was mustered out at New Orleans; then returned to his father's, in Clay Co., Ind. Married Lydia Walker, April 22, 1849; she was born in Clay Co., Ind., Jan. 19, 1830; they moved to this county in February, 1853; but he had been here in the fall of 1852, at which date he entered 160 acres with a land warrant which he bought of a soldier of the Mexican war, having used the warrant in Indiana which he received for his own services in said war. He enlisted in the war of the late rebellion March 8, 1865, in Co. A, 7th I. V. C., and served until November of the same year; the children are Elmira (now Mrs. John Wyatt), Martha J. (deceased), William A., Jedediah, Mary (now Mrs. Almon Boomer), James (deceased), Franklin and Francis W. In the war record of the family, it is worthy of notice that both his grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolution, and his father was a soldier in the war of 1812. MANOAH JENNINGS, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Scotland; is a native of Brown Co., Ohio; was born Oct. 7, 1805; lived at his native place until 26 years old, then came to Vermilion Co., Ill., where he remained about four years; removed and located in Edgar Co. in 1835. He married Miss Elizabeth Roney, of his native county; they have a family of four children living — one girl and three boys. He began business a poor man; now, by his own hard work, he has 470 acres of land, well improved; he is known as one of the solid, substantial men of Prairie Tp. and is a member of the M. E. Church. JOHN LOVE, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Scotland; is a native of Brown Co., Ohio; was born July 31, 1813; lived at his native place until nearly 21; then came to Edgar Co., looking for land; stopped about one year in Indiana, and located permanently in Edgar Co. in 1834. Was married May 8, 1833, to Miss Ellen P. Watson; she died Aug. 19, 1870, leaving a family of five children. He married again Sept. 20, 1874, to Mrs. M. McAdo, of Brown Co., Ohio. During his early life, he got a fair education, and began business for himself at the age of 21; now, by hard work and good management, he has 180 acres of good land, well improved; he is an old settler in the county, and one that has done his part toward making improvements; he is a man in good standing, and known as one of the honest, straight-forward men of Prairie Tp. ABRAHAM LUNGER, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Chrisman; owns 130 acres, valued at $40 per acre; he was born near Elizabethtown, Ohio, March 18, 1825; when about 3 years of age, his parents moved with their family of five children to Fountain Co., Ind.; some twelve or fifteen years later they removed from Fountain Co. to Parke Co., Ind.; when about 20 years of age, he went to Vermilion Co., Ind., where he engaged to work on a farm, and shortly after his arrival in Vermilion, married Mary Richie Jan. 4, 1844; she was born in said county June 19, 1823; after marriage they removed to Parke Co., Ind., where they remained seven years; thence to this (Edgar) Co., in 1851, and located about two miles south of his present residence; and, on April 6, 1865, they located where he now lives; like many of the pioneers of the West, Mr. Lungers financial circumstances were quite limited, but by industry, economy and hard work of himself and frugal wife, they accumulated considerable of this world's goods, making a comfortable home; Mrs. Lunger was not spared to enjoy the fruits of her toil to an advanced age; she died here July 15, 1877; they had nine children, four now living: Peter, died March 4, 1878; Joseph; Alonzo, died July 4, 1865; John and William, both died in childhood; Abraham, Jr., Margaret, Mary L. (deceased) and Maria. Joseph was a soldier in the late war; he enlisted in an Indiana regiment. JOHN M. LEGATE, farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Scotland; owns 225 acres, valued at $40 per acre; he was born in Brown Co., Ohio, Oct. 14, 1819; when Mr. L. was about 3 years old, his father died, leaving two children — himself and sister Elizabeth; a few years later, his mother married second husband — Israel D. Sayre; they all moved to Illinois in the spring of 1830, locating in what is now Edgar Tp., March 21, of the same year, and bought the improvements of John Welch, including a small log cabin; Mr. Legate worked on the farm with his stepfather, I. D. Sayre, until he was about 22 years of age. Then married Susan Clark March 10, 1842, then he purchased a farm of 160 acres near Bloomfield, sold there and, Dec. 27, 1851, he located where he now lives. Mrs. Legate was born Aug. 27, 1828, in Oldham Co., Ky., and came here with her father's family in the fall of 1831. Mr. Legate's children are Israel D., Edmond C., Nancy (now Mrs. Lunger), Catharine (now Mrs. McFarren, of Kansas), Malinda, Francis M., William H., Laura E., Sarah and two deceased — Mary and Alex. E. Mr. Legate's grandfather, Legate, served in the Revolution as Captain under Gen. Marion. Mr. Legate recollects well when the store of M. K. Alexander was the only store in Paris; it was a log building about sixteen feet square; a log house for the hotel, and one blacksmith-shop; the above- named structures constituted the business part of the town of Paris. Mr. Legate's stepfather, I. D. Sayre, was an Orderly Sergeant of State militia during the Black Hawk war, and at the outbreak of said war young Legate was detailed to notify the citizens in this vicinity, of the draft. DAVID LIGHT, retired farmer; P. Scotland; he was born in Clermont Co., Ohio, Sept. 5, 1800; his parents were natives of Pennsylvania, but moved to Ohio, and were amongst the early pioneers of the Buckeye State, locating above Cincinnati about 1792; shortly after their arrrival there, his father Jacob, another man and an old lady were in a boat paddling up the Ohio near the shore, and one of the party, a young man walking on the bank, were surprised by a band of Indians, who came swooping down on them, captured the youth and shot at the party in the boat, one shot taking effect in Jacob Light's left shoulder, which disabled his arm for life, but his friend received a shot in the breast which proved fatal, and soon as he reeled from the boat, the savages dashed upon him to secure his scalp, which was then an easy prey. At this juncture, Mr. Light jumped into the river with a view to swimming to the Kentucky shore, but feeling his strength failing from the effects of the wound, he concluded to return whence he came and meet death at the hands of the savages; but when he reached the shore, the Indians had gone, taking captive the youth. The old lady, having consealed herself in the water's edge, was left unmolested; as they were so near Fort Cincinnati the savages were afraid of being pursued, and made haste to escape. Soon as possible the old lady made her way to the Fort and raised the alarm, when several came in pursuit and found Mr. Light lying near the location of the scene totally exhausted, and the body of his friend still in death. The youth spoken of in this narrative was marched across the country and sold by the Indians to French traders near Detroit, and two years later made his way back to his home and friends. Mr. David Light's parents, with their family of eleven children, bore dangers and privations on the Ohio frontier too numerous and great to be justly described here. The subject of this sketch, David Light, moved from Ohio and located on Sec. 3, Brouillett Township, this county, Sept. 27, 1836; there he had purchased a farm of 310 acres some time prior; he kept on improving and purchasing land until he owned over 1,400 acres at one time. Married Harriet Dickinson Dec. 6, 1821; she was born Nov. 20, 1802, in New York, and moved to Ohio in 1816; their children are Charlotte, Benjamin F., Oliver P., Reuben S., Catharine A., Samuel H. and William W. The war record shows that three of his sons enlisted in the late war from this county; Oliver P. (now of Iowa), was Chaplain of a Minnesota regiment. Mrs. Light died Jan. 26, 1873. Married second wife, Rebecca Scott, widow of the late Samuel Scott, Dec. 13, 1874. SAMUEL MOORE, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Chrisman; owns 205 acres, valued at $30 per acre; he was born in this county May 13, 1835. Enlisted in the late war June 1, 1861, in Co. A, 25th I. V. I.; he received a wound in the left knee June 18, 1864, at Noonday Creek, Ga., which disabled him for about six months; at the battle of Stone River, Dec. 30, 1863, he had a narrow escape for his life, when a bullet cutaway the back part of his cap, shaving the hair from the scalp at the same time. He married Albertine Camerer Nov. 24, 1864; she was born Sept. 13, 1840, in this county; have five children living — Laura, Emma (deceased), George W., Ida B., Joseph C. and Hannah M. Mr. Moore's grandfather, Wells Morgan, a native of Kentucky, was one of the first settlers of Edgar Co., coming here in 1821; he was a soldier under Gen. Alexander in the Black Hawk war. F. J. MADDOCK, farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Ridge Farm; owns 210 acres, valued $30 per acre; he was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Nov. 15, 1846, and came to this county with his father's family in 1858, which consisted of parents and five children; one sister (Phebe) remained in Ohio; they located in Ross Tp.; had been there only two years when his father died; they rented farms in the vicinity of Ross Tp. until 1865, at which date his mother purchased forty acres of the farm now owned by Mr. Maddock, and to which he has since added 170 acres; his eldest brother, Stephen, went to Colorado in 1865; thence to Kansas; thence to Texas, where he now resides. Mrs. Maddock, Sr., and Lorenzo reside with F. J.; his younger sister Mary is now Mrs. Lane of Ridge Farm. Mr. Maddock was elected Township Supervisor in 1877, which office he now holds. Married Miss Ann Scott, December, 1870; she was born Nov. 18, 1849, in this (Prairie) township; they have one child — Terrence. JOHN W. McGEE, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Ridge Farm; owns 200 acres, valued $30 per acre; he was born Oct. 19, 1827, in Morgan Co., Va.; emigrated with his parents to Ohio in 1831, spending the early part of his life in Champaign and Logan Cos., until 1855, at which date he removed to Edgar Co., Ill. Married first wife, Sarah Arnold, in Ohio in 1847; had five children by this marraige — Matilda, Felix P. and W. W.; two dead, Sarah, died Feb. 6, 1855, and an infant son; Mrs. McGee died April 30, 1857; married second wife, Susannah J. Dillon, April 8, 1858; two children by second wife — Martha E. and one dead, Mary J., died March 12, 1864; Mrs. McGee, second, died Jan. 2, 1870; married third time Nancy A. Byram, 1872; she was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Oct. 26, 1836; have three children by present wife — John A., Ada Florence and Henry Arthur. Mr. McGee was in the township previous to the township organization and worked arduously to procure said organization; he was elected to school offices in the township at an early date, and was elected Justice of the Peace in 1873 and re-elected in 1877, which office he now holds. ISRAEL D. SCOTT, of the firm of Scott Bros., merchants, Scotland; he was born May 30, 1844, in this township, less than a mile north of his present place of business; during the years of his minority, he was engaged on the farm at home; some time later, he began farming on his own responsibility; at the same time, he was actively engaged in stock dealing and stock raising, and carried on the above-named pursuits until April, 1874, at which date he joined his brother (Robert L.) in the mercantile business; since that time they have enlarged their facilities, and are doing a flourishing and successful business, besides dealing to some extent in livestock. He married Louisba McClure April 25, 1868; she was born in Vermilion Co., this State, April 9, 1850; they have five childron, viz., William, Albert, Owen, Irwin and Samuel. R. L. SCOTT, of the firm of Scott Bros., merchants, Scotland; he was born in this township June 8, 1850, and lived on the farm with his parents until he was 21 years of age; then farmed in partnership with his brother (I. D.) one year; then returned to his father's where he remained one summer, and, in the spring of 1873, he built part of the structure which they now occupy, and, in August of the same year, he opened a store of general merchandise, which was the second business house of the kind in this place. He married Marietta Burson Sept. 12, 1876, she was born in Oakland, Coles Co., Ill., Feb. 28, 1860. A. J. SCOTT, farmer and stock dealer, Sec. 14; P. O. Scotland; owns 860 acres, valued at $40 per acre, and 126 acres, valued at $25 per acre; he was born June 1, 1833, in this township, where he has resided ever since; has been actively engaged in raising and dealing in livestock. Married Amy M. McClure Dec. 1, 1859; she was born in Vermilion Co., Ill., June 25, 1838; she died here Jan. 31, 1870, leaving five children, viz., Flora B., Victor M., Samuel A., William O. and Luella. Mr. Scott married second wife, Nancy J. O'Neal, Oct. 17, 1872; she was born in Vermilion Co., Ill., Sept. 5, 1849; children by second marriage are Adah C. and Russell F. Mr. Scott's father, Samuel Scott, was a native of Kentucky, and emigrated to Indiana at a very early date; he married there Rebecca Tabor in 1818, thence from Indiana to this county, where he resided at time of his death. Mrs. Scott, Sr., is still living at Scotland, at the advanced age of 74 years. MRS. LUCY SCOTT, retired farmer; P. O. Scotland; widow of the late La Fayette Scott, and daughter of Edmond Clark, one of the early settlers; was born in this township Nov. 23, 1836; her late husband (L. Scott), son of Samuel Scott, was born in this township March 27, 1837; their marriage was celebrated Dec. 29, 1859; they have three children — Nelson, Samuel E. and Willie. Mr. Scott was brought up to farming pursuits and care of live-stock, frequently dealing in the latter; in the winter of 1866 and 1867, he purchased a cargo of mules for shipment to Tennessee; early as 1867, he started for Memphis, going by the river; on the way he was taken ill, and received the attention of a physician at Cairo, Ill., and in a few days felt recuperated sufficiently to proceed on his journey; shortly after leaving Cairo, he took a relapse, and expired just as their boat landed at Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 26, 1867, since that time, Mrs. S. and her sons have carried on the farm of 196 acres, until about two years ago, when she moved to town (where she owns property valued at $600) to give her children an opportunity of going to school. JOHN SCOTT, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 14; P. O. Scotland; owns 320 acres in this township, and 400 acres in Brouillet Township, valued at $40 per acre, Mr. Scott was born in Morgan Co., Ind., Sept. 6, 1820, and came to Edgar Co. with his father's family May 1829; the family consisted of parents and five children, as will be seen in the general history of this township. Married Charlotte Light March 26, 1843; she was born in New Richmond, Clermont Co., Ohio, Dec. 24, 1822, and came here with her parents in 1836; they have seven children living, viz., Harriet R. (now Mrs. T. Jackson of Kansas), Winfield, Serena A. (now Mrs. F. J. Maddock), Sarah J. (now Mrs. E. Clark), John C., Julia E. (now Mrs. Jas. Beck), and Samuel H.; Nancy C. was Mrs. John Pittman; she died Sept. 17, 1878. Contented to attend to the pursuits of his farm and improving the same, Mr. S. had no desire to seek public office, and held none except that which he attend to without interfering with his farm duties, such as School Director. M. D. SCOTT, farmer; P. O. Scotland; owns property in town valued at $1,500; he was born in Vermilion Co., this State March 28, 1834; his father, Moses Scott, was born in Kentucky in 1802, but when quite young, he moved to Indiana, and married one Margaret Bogard, in the vicinity of Greensburg; they moved to Illinois, and settled in Vermilion Co., in 1827, where he turned his attention to farming, and conducted it very successfully, and, in the advanced years of his life, became a very extensive land-owner in Vermilion Co.; his wife died there in 1855, but he survived to a riper age, and was called from scenes of weariness in 1869. Mr. M. D. Scott's attention was given to farming and live-stock dealing from boyhood. Dec. 7, 1859, his marriage was celebrated with Adeline Toney; she was born in Virginia July 3, 1831; their children are William, Alexander and Nora. Mr. S. enlisted in the late war, Sept. 16, 1864, Co. A, 8th I. V. I., and served about thirteen months in the Gulf Department. In the fall of 1873, he came to this village and engaged in the mercantile business with R. L. Scott for one year; April, 1876, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and was re-elected in May, 1877, which office he holds at this time. WILLIAM SCOTT, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 24; P. O. Scotland; owns 604 acres, valued at $40 per acre, besides sixty acres more valuable adjoining the town of Scotland; he was born in Morgan Co., Ind., July 13, 1819, and is the eldest son of the late Samuel Scott, who moved here with his family in the spring of 1829; William was given to the care of cattle, his father having brought about forty head from Indiana when he came here, which in those days was considered no insignificant adjunct to wealth, but being unacquainted with the varieties of grass best adapted for winter feed, and saving that which was most abundant and least valuable, their cattle nearly all died during the first winter which was one of unusual severity; undismayed by this, as well as many other adversities, they pushed steadily onward, regardless of untold difficulty, and by dint of energy and industry they could soon see their way clear; in 1842, William made a purchase of some land for himself but remained at his father's a year later, in the mean time improving it and preparing for moving to his own, which was a little south of his present brick residence. Having his purpose almost accomplished, he wisely took into consideration the propriety of securing one as helpmeet with whom he could share his "weal" or who could mitigate his "woe"; this, with all that it implies, he really found in the person of Elizabeth Legate; their marriage was solemnized Aug. 3, 1843; she was born in Ohio July 10, 1821, and came to this county with her mother and stepfather (I. D. Sayre), her brother (John M.) and half-brother (R. L. Sayre) in 1830. Their children are Israel D., Samuel, John M., Robert L., Albert (deceased), Lemuel, Rebecca A., William M., Norval and Franklin; each succeeding year brought with it the reward of their industry; everything which they turned their attention to seemed to prosper, and it may be truly said that they made a success of their business (stock-raising and farming). In 1868, they erected their magnificent brick residence at a cost of $12,000, but Mrs. Scott did not survive long to enjoy it, for that life which matured on the border of civilization, after preparing a large family for duty and position in society, closed peacefully Sept. 28, 1869. Mr. Scott's second marriage was celebrated with Ada Jaquith (widow of the late O. P. Jaquith) Oct. 20, 1870. J. D. SAYRE, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Chrisman; owns 400 acres, valued at $40 per acre; he was born Jan. 28, 1831, in Edgar Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., where he has resided all his life, and part of his prerent farm was entered by his father in 1846. Married Miss Ruth A. McFerren June 30, 1853; she was born Jan. 20, 1831, in Brown Co., Ohio; she came to this county in 1852 with a Blanchard family; she died here Jan. 27, 1856, leaving two children — Alta M. and Abby A. Mr. S. Married Eliza McFerren Dec. 25, 1856; she was born in Brown Co., Ohio, Nov. 8, 1833, and came to this county in August, 1854; the children by second marriage are Luella J., Ruth A., Matilda C, Estella G., William S., Ocalla, Mary F. and Alfaretta, Mr. Sayre's father (Israel D. Sayre) emigrated from Brown Co., Ohio, and, March 21, 1830, they located in Edgar Tp., this county; the family consisted of himself, wife and two children — Robert L. and J. M. Legate (a stepson); Mr. Sayre died at the old homestead in Edgar Tp. Sept. 11, 1849. Mrs. Sayre, Sr., still lives at the same place with her son (Israel D.) at the advanced age of 80 years, with clear and vivid recollection of the early settlements and inconveniences to be borne in a new, unsettled country. A sketch of Mr. Sayre's family shows that his grandfather (Sayre) emigrated from Ireland when this republic was in infancy, and settled in Ohio. His grandfather Mears came from Germany at an early date, and on their arrival in Ohio he, with his wife and two children and a small party of others, were captured by the Indians at what is known as Three Islands, on the Ohio, and were marched across the country to Detroit, Mich., where the "Post Trader" bought them of the savages, to rescue them; one child of the party was injured by an Indian throwing it across a creek on their way, so that it died of the effects shortly after their arrival in Detroit. D. C. N. SAYRE, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Chrisman; owns 160 acres, valued at $40 per acre; he was born April 17, 1837, in Edgar Tp., this county; is son of Israel D. Sayre, who is mentioned elsewhere in the history as one of the early settlers of this county. Married Mary J. Taber Dec. 5, 1861; she was born in Bartholomew Co., Ind., Feb. 14, 1842; her father, Martin Taber, was a native of Jackson Co., Ind.; her mother, Elizabeth Phillips (Taber) was a native of Brown Co., Ind., but at an early date they located in Bartholomew Co., where they reared a family of seven children — six daughters and one son, three of whom are living — Lucinda (now Mrs. Kinnard, of Indiana), Sarah (now Mrs. Hanna, of this county,) and Mrs. Sayre; her parents both died and their remains rest in what is known as the "Dougherty" burying-ground, near Columbus, Ind. After the death of her parents, Mrs. Sayre came here to an uncle (Samuel Scott's) in the spring of 1861, was married at above-mentioned date; the children are — Jennetta, I. D., Alfred M., Elizabeth C., Anna V., Robert O. and Mary K. A. J. STEVENSON, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Ridge Farm; owns eighty-one acres, value, $50 per acre; he was born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., Feb. 13, 1847; his parents moved from Indiana to Edgar Co. in 1851, with five children - Ruth A., Phebe A., M. L., Mary and Sarah, who was born in this county. Mr. Stevenson married Mary J. Dice Aug. 12, 1868; she was born near New Market, Tenn., March 19, 1851; they have three children living and two dead — Lizzie A. and George N., both deceased; those living are Maggie, Olive and Charles W. Mr. S. enlisted in the late rebellion in March, 1864, in Parke Co. Ind., in the lst Ind. Heavy Artillery, in the Dept. of Gulf of Mexico, and served there until February, 1866, was discharged at Baton Rouge, La., then returned to his home in Illinois; during his term of service, he was in several hard engagements, but escaped unhurt. L. SMITH, farmer; P. 0. Scotland; was born June 25, 1854, in this township; owns forty acres on Sec. 20, valued at $35 per acre, and an undivided interest his father's estate, consisting of 420 acres valued at $35 per acre, and sixty- four acres timber-land, value $15 per acre. His grandfather — Abraham Smith — a native of Virginia, located in Ross Tp., where Chrisman is now located, about the year 1818, and took a claim of 640 acres, where he reared a family of six children — three boys and three girls; two of the latter are now living near Logan, this county, one son now in Oregon, the others all deceased. Abraham sold his claim to M. Chrisman about 1835; he now resides in Bloomington, Ind., at the advanced age of 88 years. His son, S. B. Smith, and father of L. Smith, was born as aforesaid, in what is now Chrisman, and resided in Edgar Co. all his life-time, except three years in Missouri; his wife was M. T. Woods of this county, she died here Aug. 16, 1869, leaving six children, viz., L., Wm. N., Viola J., John G., M. M., and Annie. Their father, Shephard B. died here Sept. 18, 1871. Mr. L. Smith married Lucretia A. Robison Nov. 18, 1875; she was born Oct 6, 1856; they have one child — Wm. M. JESSE THOMPSON, farmer and stock dealer, Sec. 16; P. O. Scotland; is native of Washington Co., Ind.; was born Feb. 18, 1818; he lived at his native place until the age of 12; then came to Edgar Co. with his parents; during his early life, he had but little chance of getting an education; still by home study he became a fair scholar. He was married Jan. 8, 1844, to Miss Arminta Ingram, of Hawkins Co., Tenn., but a resident of Edgar Co. at the time of marriage; they have a family of nine children — four boys and five girls. He began business for himself at the age of 19; he had no assistance from his people; now, by hard work, economy and good management, he has a property of nearly four hundred acres of good land, well improved. He is a man standing well in the community; has a good name and reputation, which he has earned by honesty and integrity. JAMES WALLS, farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Scotland; owns 120 acres, value, $25 per acre. He was born Jan. 11, 1836, in Nicholas Co., Ky., where he farmed from boyhood. He married Sarah A. Markwell March 5, 1857; she was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Oct. 18, 1833; their children are Alfred, Charles, Louis, Taylor, Alice and Adalina (deceased). They moved from Kentucky December, 1867, and, on Christmas, they arrived in Paris, Edgar Co., and pushed on to his brother's, who resided a short distance north of where Mr. Walls now resides; he rented farms in this vicinity from the time he came here, and, in the fall of 1874, he bought the farm he now owns, and paid $40 per acre, without any improvements; he has made considerable improvement, and has a comfortable home. His son Alfred met with a serious accident on Aug. 12, 1872, occasioned by a runaway team with which he was hauling hay; while the team was in the act of running, he leaped from the load, breaking his left leg so badly that amputation was rendered necessary. N. YELTON, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Chrisman; owns 210 acres, value $10,000. He was born Aug. 3, 1836, Hamilton Co., Ky.; his parents moved from Kentucky when he was about 3 years of age, and located in Parke Co., Ind., where Mr. Y. lived until his removal to his present residence in April, 1876. He was married to Mary Reddish March 6, 1858; she was born Jan. 20, 1837, in Kentucky; have five children — Robert, Madora, Sarah, Grant and John. Mr. Yelton enlisted in Co. H. 21st Ind. V. I. July, 1861, but was rejected at Indianapolis, Ind., on account of a broken thigh which he sustained by a fall when a youth of 15 years. Additional Comments: The History of Edgar County, Illinois. Chicago: Wm. Le Baron, Jr. & Co., 186 Dearborn St., 1879 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.org/il/edgar/bios/prairiet557nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 36.9 Kb