Edgar County IL Archives Biographies.....Grand View Township, Biographies 
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Author: The History of Edgar Co IL 1879

Pages 637-647

GRAND VIEW TOWNSHIP.
 

JACOB AUGUSTUS, deceased; one of the early settlers of this county and whose 
portrait appears in this work; was born in the State of Virginia Oct. 21, 
1793; when quite a small boy, he moved to Jefferson Co., Ky., where he 
residened until April, 1831, engaged in farming, when he moved to Edgar Co. 
settling in this township, where he lived upon his farm up to the time of his 
death, July 12, 1864. He was elected a member of the Board of County 
Commissioners August, 1838, for the short term, and re¬elected in 1839, 
serving upon the Board until August, 1842. He married Miss Cornelia Owens, of 
Jefferson Co., Ky, in the year 1815; they had a family of eleven children, 
five living — Frederick R., Shapley O., Larz A., Henry Ward, Mary E. (now Mrs. 
H. J. Hogue, of Kansas, in this county). Mr. Augustus was a man of strong and 
vigorous mind; as a public officer, he was prompt in the discharge of his 
duties, and it might with truth be said, he was one of the best officers the 
county ever had; as a neighbor, he was kind, and beloved by all; positive in 
his opinions and convictions, strictly upright and honest in all his dealings, 
prompt in all his acts and business; a member of the Christian Church, in good 
standing, always ready to aid in the work of the Church, donating largely to 
the building of churches and support of the ministry; it can be truthfully 
said of him that he was an "upright and just man."


JOHN D. AUGUSTUS, farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Grand View; is another old settler 
and pioneer of the county, and a native of Jefferson Co., Ky.; was born Nov. 
13, 1822, and lived at his native place until the age of 25; his chances of 
getting an education were very poor, his father dying in 1822; as Mr. Augustus 
grew up to be a young man, the duties of looking after the farm and family 
devolved upon him, so that he was left but little chance of going to school. 
He came to Edgar Co. in 1852; located at Dudley, where he remained about 
eleven years; then came to his present residence. Was married July 27, 1848, 
to Miss Mary Sisson, of his native county; they have a family of five 
children — two boys and three girls. Began business for himself with but 
little assistance; now, by hard work, economy and good management, he has a 
nice farm of 114 acres, of good land, well improved, valued at about $65 per 
acre; he is a man standing well in the community; has a good name and 
reputation, which he has earned by being honest and straightforward in his 
business transactions.


HENRY BRINKERHOFF, farmer and stock dealer, Sec. 11; P. O. Grand View; is a 
native of Bergen Co., N. J.; his father also was a native of New Jersey, and 
his grandfather, who was one of the first settlers of New Jersey, was a native 
of Amsterdam, Holland; Mr. Brinkerhoff was born March 3, 1813, he and his 
brother George being twins; left his native place at the age of 21, and came 
to Knox. Co., Ind.; he remained in the State of Indiana until 1847, when he 
came to Edgar Co. Was married Oct. 11, 1838, to Miss Calphurnia Helms, of 
Sullivan Co., Ind.; she passed away May 11, 1848, leaving a family of two 
children — Jacob (now deceased) and Ann; married his present wife in 1849, who 
was a native of Kentucky, but a resident of Edgar Co. at the time of marriage; 
her maiden name was Miss Rhoda Yowell; they have a family of seven boys. He 
began business for himself at the age of 21; learned the trade of 
manufacturing wagons and buggies; this he followed as a business until about 
1852; then began farming; he has accumulated by his own efforts 1,080 acres of 
fine land, located in Edgar Co.; he is a man well known and respected by many 
friends, and is known as one of the more prominent and better class of 
citizens of Edgar Co.


GEORGE BRINKERHOFF, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 25; P. O. Grand View; is 
another of the old settlers and pioneers of Edgar Co., and a native of Bergen 
Co., N. J.; he was born March 3, 1813; lived at his native place until he was 
22 years old; moved to Sullivan Co., Ind., in 1834, where he remained until 
1848; then came to Edgar Co., and located on the farm he now owns; during his 
boyhood, he had but little chance of gaining an education, but by a 
considerable amount of perseverance on his part he became a fair scholar. Was 
married May 12, 1837, to Miss Sarah A. Hadden, of Indiana; they have a family 
of seven children, four boys and three girls. Began business for himself at 
the age of 22, never had but little assistance from his people; now, by hard 
work and good management, he has a nice property of 564 acres of good land, 
and has also given one son eighty acres, located in Embarrass Tp. Mr. 
Brinkerhoff is an old settler who has earned a good name and reputation by 
honesty and industry, and is known as one of the solid, substantial men of 
Edgar Co.


THOS. W. DAWSON, merchant, Conlogue; is a native of Edgar Co., Hunter being 
his native township; was born Apr. 19, 1839; lived at his birthplace until he 
was 21; then enlisted in Co. H., 29th I. V. I.; remained in the army three 
years, was mustered out at Natchez, Miss., Oct. 7, 1864. Upon his return from 
the army, he remained at home little over one year, then went to Topeka, Kan.; 
here here he remained until 1874; then returned to Edgar Co. and began 
merchandising at his present location. Was married March 11, 1875, to Miss 
Florence E. Hearst, who, at the time of marriage was a resident of Henderson 
Co., Ill.; they have one child Cora. He has been engaged in business at his 
present location about four years; has not attempted to do a larger business 
than his trade demands, but is conducting it on a safe and sound basis, and is 
representing Conlogue in the line of merchandise; is a man that has the 
confidence of the community, and as is claimed by many of them, the right man 
in the right place.


J. R. FRANCIS, farmer; P. O. Dudley, is a native of Kanawha Co., Va., his 
parents moving to Ohio when he was 2 years old; this was in 1828: he remained 
there until 1844, then came to Edgar Co.; has since resided here; lived at his 
present residence since 1858; he succeeded during his boyhood in securing a 
fair education, which was mainly by his own efforts. Was married April 3, 
1849, to Miss Elizabeth C. Harbold, of Kentucky, she died in December, 1851, 
leaving one child — A. B.; at the time of marriage a resident of Edgar Co. 
Married his present wife in August, 1852; her name was Christiana Clapp, a 
native of North Carolina; they have five children - Elizabeth C. (now Mrs. C. 
W. Clark of Edgar Tp.), I. A., S. O., J. R. and Luro. Mr. Francis now has a 
nice farm of 210 acres of first-class land, well improved, located adjoining 
the town of Dudley; he is a man that has a reputation particularly of minding 
his own business and keeping his own counsel, and is known as one of the 
solid, substantial men of Grand View Tp., and at the time of marriage, a 
resident of Edgar Co.


JOHN P. GAN0, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Grand View; is another of the old 
settlers of Edgar Co., and a native of Scott Co. Ky.; was born June 5, 1809, 
at the age of 16, he began serving an apprenticeship at the hatter's trade; 
this he learned and followed as a business until 1833; while engaged in this 
business he traveled over several different States; leaving his trade, he 
engaged in the lumber trade in Scott Co., which he followed until 1852; at 
this date he closed out his business and came to Edgar Co. and located on his 
present farm; he now owns a farm of 300 acres of first-class land, well 
improved and valued at about $70 per acre; this he has accumulated by his own 
hard work, economy and good management. Was married Feb. 12, 1835, to Miss 
Eleanor T. Boyce, of his native county; they had a family of six children, 
four of whom are still living — two boys and two girls. Mr. Gano is a man that 
has a good name and reputation, which he has gained by having been honorable 
in his business transactions, and is known as one of the better and more 
prominent citizens of Edgar Co.


GEORGE A. GILBERT, merchant, Dudley; is a native of Augusta Co., Va., his 
parents coming to Edgar Co. when he was one year old; this was in 1837; during 
his early life, he succeeded in getting a good education, which he has found 
of much advantage to him during his business experience. Was married June 18, 
1878, to Miss Sarah C. Kime, of Edgar Co. Began business for himself at the 
age of 21, at carpentering, which he followed until 1871, then began his life 
at merchandising; this business he has followed for about five years; from the 
time of beginning, has had good success; now has a fine business, which he is 
conducting with credit to himself and his friends, and is already known as a 
merchant of considerable promise in Edgar Co.


FRANCIS M. HUSTON, farmer and stock dealer, Sec. 26; P. O. Grand View; is 
another of the old settlers and natives of Edgar Co., Grand View being his 
native township; was born March 20, 1839; during his boyhood, he had but 
little chance of getting an education, there being nothing but the old system 
of subscription schools. Was married March 22, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth 
Zimmerly, also a native of Edgar Co.; they have three children — Charles E., 
Susan and John. Began business for himself at the age of 21; now, by hard work 
and good management, he has a nice property of 200 acres of good land, well 
improved. Mr. Huston is a man that has earned a good name and reputation by 
honest and straightforward dealing with his friends, and is known as one of 
the reliable and more prominent class of citizens of Grand View Tp.


JONATHAN HINDS, farmer and stock-dealer, Sec. 23; P. O. Conlogue; is another 
of the old settlers and pioneers of the county, and a native of Washington 
Co., Ind.; was born Oct. 13, 1830; lived at his native place until the age of 
19; then came to Edgar Co. and located at his present residence; during his 
boyhood, he had but little chance of going to school, having the advantage of 
nothing but subscription schools. Was married Aug. 7, 1851, to Miss Sarah 
Zimmerly, of Edgar Co.; have a family of eight children — six boys and two 
girls. He began business for himself at the age of 21; now, by hard work, 
economy and good management, he has 366 acres of fine land, 240 of which is 
his home farm; Mr. Hinds is a man full of life and energy; in 1877, he erected 
one of the finest dwelling-houses in Grand View Tp.; he is a man that has 
earned a good name and reputation  by having been honorable in his business 
transactions, and is known as one of the solid, substantial men of Edgar Co.


SAMUEL L. HUSTON, farmer; P. O. Conlogue; is a native of Edgar Co., and son of 
Samuel and Mary Huston, who were old pioneers of the county. He was born May 
7, 1842; has always been a resident of the county since his birth. In May, 
1861, being then 19 years old, he enlisted in Co. K, 34th I. V. I., and 
remained in the service three years and eight months, or until the close of 
the war. Was married January 18, 1866, to Miss Mary E. Brinkerhoff, of Edgar 
Co; they have a family of four children — George M. C, Emma J., Eddie E. and 
Ida M. Began business for himself at the age of 24. He engaged in farming, 
which business he has since followed; by hard work and economy he now has a 
nice farm of 100 acres well improved, valued at about $60 per acre. He is a 
man standing well in the community; has a good name and reputation, and is 
known as one of the straightforward, honest men of Grand View Township.


CORNELIUS HICKMAN, SR.,farmer; P. O. Grand View; is a native of Loudoun Co., 
Va.; lived at his native place until the age of 15; his people then moving to 
Preble Co., Ohio; this was in 1832. In 1846, Mr. Hickman came to Edgar Co.; he 
has a good business education which he has gained by experience, having been 
put behind the counter selling goods when he was 10 years old. Was married May 
26, 1836, to Miss Catharine Sherer, of Ohio; they have a family of eight 
children, three boys and five girls. He began business for himself at the age 
of 20; had no assistance from his father. Now, by hard work and good 
management he has, after giving his children 500 acres, his home farm of 160 
acres of fine land well improved. He is a man that has always helped any 
public enterprise; he has built mills and solicited railroads; in fact, has 
done anything and everything that would build up the country. Has a good name 
and reputation which he has gained by having been honest and honorable in his 
business transactions. Now, in his old age can look back with satisfaction on 
his efforts to educate his children, and accumulate property for them.


PETER HUSTON, farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. Grand View; is another old settler of the 
county, and a native of Washington Co., Va., as was also his father; they came 
to Edgar Co. in  1834; Mr. Huston, at this time was about 4 years old; during 
his boyhood, he had the advantage of nothing but subscription schools, and 
those sometimes three miles from his home; began business for himself at the 
age of 24, at carpentering, which he followed for eleven years, then began 
farming; at the time of beginning business for himself, he had no assistance; 
now he and his brother Robert own the principal interest in the old home farm 
of 240 acres, to which they have added 70 acres; they are men standing well in 
the community, and classed, among the honest, straightforward men of the 
county. Their mother, now nearly 75 years old, is living with them, as is also 
his only sister; the family relations are kept up as in years gone by, and but 
for their ages and old business qualifications, would still be as they were in 
childhood. 


SAMUEL JACKSON, merchant, Grand View; is another of the natives of Edgar Co., 
Grand View being his native township; was born March 26, 1832, lived at his 
native place until the age of 23; then made a trip to Warren Co., Iowa, where 
he remained about six years, while there, was engaged in various kinds of 
business: also held the office of Constable for six years while there; in 
1861, he came back to Edgar Co., and engaged in farming and school-teaching 
until 1868, when he engaged in his present business; he began merchandising 
with but little money or goods; now he has a nice little business, which he is 
conducting on a good basis. Was married in May, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth 
Rhoads, of Edgar Co., Sims being her native township; they have a family of 
ten children, three boys and seven girls. Mr. Jackson is a man well known in 
the county; has a good name and reputation, which he has gained by having been 
honest and straightforward in his business affairs.


DAVID R. KIME, miller, Grand View; the subject of this sketch is a native of 
Randolph Co., N. C.; was born Jan. 14, 1824; left his native place at the age 
of 21 and came to Edgar Co.; this was in 1845; has been engaged in the milling 
business the principal part of the time since he has been in the State. Was 
married March 14, 1850, to Miss Tempe M. Clapp, of 0range Co., N. C.; they 
have a family of three children — Sarah C., John O., and Mary M. He began 
business for himself at the age of 21; now he has 586 acres of land located in 
different parts. Has always been a friend to the churches and schools; has 
been a member of the Presbyterian Church for the last twenty-five years, is a 
man that has a good name and reputation for honesty and square dealing, and is 
one of the solid, substantial men of Grand View Township.


STRODDER KING, physician and surgeon, Grand View; is a native of Clark Co., 
Ill.; was born Oct. 31, 1852; he is only a recent settler in Edgar Co., but 
being one of the professional men and one of good ability, is destined to rank 
high as a physician and surgeon. After having completed his literary studies 
at Marshall, Ill., he began the study of medicine at the age of 21, attending 
the Chicago Medical College; he graduated in 1874, his first practice being at 
Martinsville, where he remained nearly one year, and in July 1877, he located 
at his present residence, here by a close attention to business, though he has 
had much competition, he has secured the principal practice; though he has not 
been in the county long, he is still well and favorably known by the old, 
reliable physicians of the county; this alone is a guarantee of his ability.


SAMUEL R. MURPHY, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Conlogue; is another of the 
old settlers and pioneers of Edgar Co., and a native of Wood Co., Va., was 
born Jan. 24, 1824; lived at his native place until the age of 13, his parents 
then moving to  Edgar Co.; this was in 1837. During his boyhood, he had but 
little opportunity of going to school, though by home study he became a fair 
scholar. Was married in March, 1859, to Miss Mary Cline, of Virginia, but at 
the time of marriage a resident of Edgar Co.; they have a family of five 
children, two boys and three girls. Began business for himself at the age of 
21; had but little assistance from his father. In 1850, he took a trip to 
California, remaining there nearly four years mining and merchandising; here 
he was quite fortunate, and but for sickness, had good opportunities of 
accumulating money; after several misfortunes, he still owns a nice farm of 
175 acres of good land and has lately built one of the finest residences of 
Grand View Tp. He is a man standing well in the community and known as one 
among the more prominent and better class of citizens of Edgar Co.


ROBERT MOSLEY, retired, Grand View; is a native of Montgomery Co., Ky.; his 
father was a native of Buckingham Co., Va.; the name of Mosley being of 
English origin; he was born Sept. 23, 1815, and lived at his native place 
until the age of 23; then came to Illinois; this was in 1838; he has since 
spent his time in Coles and Edgar Cos.; he has been engaged in mercantile 
business the principal part of the time during his residence in these two 
counties. Was married Aug. 19, 1844, to Miss Isaabel Smith, of Belmont Co., 
Ohio, but at the time of marriage a resident of Edgar Co.; they have five 
children, four boys and one girl. Mr. Mosley has always given his support to 
any enterprise that he deemed for the public good; has been unfortunate in 
business several times, but still owns a good property; is an old settler and 
pioneer of the county, and one that has done much to develop her resources.
 
 
SAMUEL MINK, farmer; P. O. Grand View; is a native of Loudoun Co., Va.; was 
born Dec. 9, 1824; lived at his native place until about 6 years old; his 
parents moved to Preble Co., Ohio, 1830; Mr. Mink lived in Ohio until he was 
22; then made his first trip to Edgar Co.; remained here about five years; 
moved back to Ohio in 1849; remained there about ten years; then came to Edgar 
Co., where he has since resided; he never had but little opportunity of 
gaining an education, having the advantage of nothing but the old system of 
subscription schools. Was married in November, 1846, to Miss Anna Sherer, of 
Ohio; she passed away March 28, 1864, leaving a family of eight children, four 
boys and four girls; married his present wife in 1867, who was Miss Mary 
Miller, a resident of Edgar Co. at the time of marriage; they have six 
children by this marriage, two boys and four girls. Mr. Mink began business 
for himself at the age of 15; had no help from his people; now, by his own 
hard work, he has a farm of 186 acres, where he lives, and 100 acres in Dent 
Co., Mo.; he is an energetic, go-ahead man, and known as one of the solid, 
substantial men of Grand View Tp.


DANIEL McMULLEN, farmer; P. O. Grand View; is a native of Loudoun Co., Va.; 
was born April 14, 1816; lived at his native place until the age of 19; then 
came to Edgar Co.; this was in 1835; had but little chance of getting an 
education, but by home study and good observation he became a fair scholar. 
Was married Nov. 28, 1839, to Miss Mary Tipton, of Madison Co., Ky.; they have 
a family of four children — Martha A., Henry C., Daniel W. and Sophronia. He 
began business for himself at the age of 23; had but little assistance from 
his people; now, by his own hard work, economy and good management, he has a 
nice farm of 125 acres; he is an old settler that has earned a good name and 
reputation by having been honest and upright in his business affairs, and is 
known as one of the straightforward men of Grand View Tp.


ALLEN K. MOSELEY, physician and surgeon, Grand View; is a native of Coles Co., 
Ill.; lived at his birthplace until about 15 years old, his people then moving 
to Edgar Co.; this was in 1859; they located in the town of Kansas. In 1861, 
being 17 years old, he enlisted in Co. H, 68th I. V. I.; had been in the 
service but a short time until he was discharged, on account of having 
received a sunstroke, July 4, 1861. Upon his arrival home, he began the study 
of telegraphy, which he learned and followed until the spring of 1864, then 
engaged with J. M. Lyons, hardware merchant, of Terre Haute; here he remained 
but a short time, when he enlisted again, this time in Co. C, 43d Ind. V. I.; 
remaining in the service this time until the close of the rebellion. Began the 
study of medicine July 1, 1866, attending the Chicago Medical College; began 
his first practice in his native place, Oakland, Coles Co.; practiced there 
two-years, and then went to Martinsville, Clark Co.; remained here also about 
two years; from there, came to his present residence, where he has been 
practicing nearly five years; through energy and a close attention to 
business, he now has a fine practice; though a young man, he is already known 
as one among the better physicians of the county, and bids fair to stand among 
the first of his profession.


A. W. NEWTON, physician and surgeon, Grand View; is a native of Westmoreland 
Co., Va.; was born June 27, 1806; left his parents at the age of 13, and made 
his home with an older brother, Wm., a resident of Albany, N. Y.; this brother 
gave him the advantage of a good literary education, he being possessed of 
nearly five millions of money; Isaac Newton, of steamboat noteriety, was also 
an older brother. Began the study of medicine at the age of 18, under old Dr. 
Rogers, of New York City; in 1832, he graduated at the old Pennsylvania 
University of Medicine; in 1835, he emigrated to Kentucky and took up his 
residence near Paris, Bourbon Co.; he practiced medicine in that State about 
twenty-eight years; has been in constant practice forty-one years; was in the 
army of the rebellion as a surgeon nearly two years; came to Edgar Co. in 
1870; though not so old a settler as many, is still known as one among the 
prominent men of his class, has already, by his pleasant genial ways, won a 
large circle of friends; his name being mentioned with that of the prominent 
men and old physicians of Edgar Co.
 
 
EVALINE O'HAIR, farming; P. O. Grand View; widow of John H. O'Hair (now 
deceased), who was one of the old settlers of the county, and a native of 
Kentucky; he was a man of energy and ability; beginning business for himself 
at the age of 21. Was married March 27, 1859, to Miss Evaline Swango, of 
Kentucky. Mrs. O'Hair now has a nice home and good property of 140 acres, 100 
acres of which Mr. O'Hair left at the time of his death, which occurred Oct. 
7, 1872. He was a man well known in the community; had a good name and 
reputation, which he had gained by honesty and integrity.


M. ROWE, Dudley; physician and surgeon; is a native of Yorkshire, England; 
came to the United States when he was 18; this was in 1852; his first 
residence was in Dubuque, Iowa; here he remained about ten years; in 1862, he 
removed to La Salle Co., Ill., where he lived about three years; spent one 
year at Cincinnati attending medical college; in 1866, he located in Grand 
View, where he remained about one and a half years; then came to his present 
residence, where he has lived nearly eleven years. He began the study of 
medicine at the age of 27; began studying with L. B. Larkin and Francis Bry, 
of La Salle, Ill.; then attended the Eclectic Medical College, of Cincinnati, 
where he finished his medical education. Was married March 4, 1855, to Miss 
Elizabeth P. Kennedy, of Dubuque, Iowa; she died in October, 1861; married his 
present wife Sept. 21, 1865, who was Miss Rosa E. House, of Washington Co., 
Vt.; they have a family of four children — Anna E., Charlie K., Nellie D. and 
Herbert B. Mr. Rowe is a well-known physician; socially, mentally and 
physically he is certainly fitted for the profession he has chosen; though not 
so old in years and practice as some other physicians of the county, he is 
looked upon as one among the better men of his profession.


B. A. RINGLAND, merchant, Dudley; is a native of Washington Co., Penn.; was 
born July 29, 1825; lived at his native place until the age of 24; his first 
journey from home was to California, where he remained two years, mining and 
prospecting; returned to his native place in 1851; here he remained until the 
spring of 1853; when he went to Alfonte, Ind.; remaining there three years; 
then came to Coles Co., Ill.; lived there two years; in the fall of 1858, he 
came to Edgar Co. In 1854, he engaged in mercantile business at his present 
location; this he has since followed in connection with grain-buying and 
attending the duties of Postmaster, with the exception of being on his farm a 
portion of the time; Mr. Ringland is the leading busines man of Dudley; has a 
good name and reputation, which he has earned by being honest and upright in 
his business transactions, and is known as one of the substantial men of Grand 
View Tp. Was married June 23, 1853, to Miss Mary E. Smith, of Edgar Co. They 
have a family of eight children — four boys and four girls.


E. SWARTS, physician; and surgeon, Grand View; is a native Wayne Co., Ohio; 
was born July 24, 1835; began the study of medicine in 1850, at Attica, Ind., 
with Dr. Whitehall; after a few years' practice he concluded not to follow his 
profession any longer; he engaged in different enterprises for a space of 
twelve years; and then began reviewing with Dr. A. M. Henry, of Mattoon, Ill., 
and began practicing again in 1874; located at his present residence in 1875. 
Was married March 9, 1856, to Miss Hannah Randall, of Danville, Vt., but at 
the time of marriage a resident of Williamsport, Ind; they have one child — 
James A. Though he has not been located very long at his present residence he 
is well known and, through energy and a close attention to business, he has a 
good practice, and is already known as one among the leading young physicians 
of the county.


D. J. SHERER, farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Grand View; is a native of Preble Co., 
Ohio, and son of D. J. Sherer, an old Revolutionary soldier, who died at Grand 
View, June 14, 1866, aged 82 years. He was born May 4, 1827, and lived at his 
native place until the age of 21; at this age, he began the study of medicine 
at New Hope, Ohio, with Dr. G. W. Dickey; he remained with this gentleman 
about three years. During this time, he attended and became a graduate of 
medicine at the E. M. Institute of Cincinnati. In 1852, he began practicing in 
Eaton, Ohio, but remained only a short time, when he went to Madison Co., 
Ind., where he practiced a little over three years. Though he had a fine 
practice, he became tired of his profession; gave it up entirely, and, in 
1856, returned to Ohio, where he remained about nine years. In 1865, he came 
to Edgar Co., and located on the farm where he now resides; he has a nice 
little farm and a good home; has devoted a portion of his time of late years 
to grape culture. Is a pleasing and congenial gentleman, not at all of a 
penurious nature; he has not made so much of an effort to accumulate property 
as he has to enjoy life; but is still known as one of the responsible, 
reliable men of Grand View Tp.


DEMETRIUS SIMS, farmer and stock dealer, Sec. 13; P. O. Grand View; is another 
old settler and a native of Monroe Co., Ky.; was born Oct. 22, 1837; lived at 
his native place until nearly 21; then came to Edgar Co., and located in 
Paris, where he engaged in mercantile business; this, he followed about 
thirteen years; then bought the farm where he now lives. He began business for 
himself at the age of 21. Now, by hard work and economy, after several losses, 
he has a nice farm of eighty-two acres, valued at about $75 per acre. Mr. Sims 
is a business man that has a good name and reputation for honesty and square 
dealing, and is known as one of the straightforward men of Grand View Tp.


JEFFERSON SHRODER, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Dudley; is another of the old 
settlers and pioneers of Edgar Co.; a native of Oldham Co., Ky.; was born May 
22, 1822; his parents moving to this county when he was 6 years old; they 
located one mile east of Mr. Shroder's present residence. He was married in 
February, 1848, to Miss Sarah J. Flack, of Lincoln Co., Ky.; she passed away 
in the fall of 1849. Married his present wife, who was a younger sister of his 
first wife, in April, 1852. Began business for himself at the age of 25, his 
father giving him some unimproved land, which he has improved and erected nice 
buildings upon; so, that now it is valued at about $70 per acre. Mr. Shroder 
is an old settler that has done much to improve and develop the country; has 
always done his share toward supporting any public enterprise that he deemed 
for the public good. Has been a member of the M. E. Church for about twenty-
five years, and is known as one of the solid, substantial men of Grand View Tp.


JAMES M. SLUSS, farmer; P. O. Grand View; is an old settler of Edgar Co., and 
a native of Clark Co., Ky.; was born Feb. 21, 1809; lived at his native place 
until he was about 22 years old; leaving home at this age, he went South; 
engaged in buying and selling horses; in 1834, he engaged in mercantile 
business in Bloomington, Ind., with a younger brother; this he followed until 
1842; then engaged in farming, a few years, in Clark Co., and in 1850, came to 
Edgar Co. During his early life, he had but little opportunity of getting an 
education, though by his own efforts he succeeded in becoming a fair scholar. 
Was married in February, 1840, to Miss Martha J. Moore, a native of Clark Co., 
Ill.; she passed away in December, 1856, leaving five children (four still 
living) — three girls and one boy. He began business for himself at the age of 
18; after many misfortunes and losses, he still owns a nice little farm of 
seventy-four acres of good land; he is a man that has earned a good name and 
reputation by having been honorable in his business affairs, and is known as 
one of the  straightforward, honest men of Grand View Tp.


E. B. SMITH, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Grand View; is a native of Edgar 
Co., Grand View being his native township; during his boyhood, he had but 
little chance of getting an education, but by home study, close observation, 
and business experience, he now has a good, practical education. Was married 
Feb. 15, 1860, to Miss Catharine J. Bratton, of Washington Co., Penn.; they 
have a family of four children — Edward M., Minnie E., William O. and Anna D. 
Mr. Smith, by his own hard work and economy, coupled with good management, has 
accumulated, principally by his own efforts, 240 acres of land that in point 
of improvement is not equaled in the township, he is a man that has earned a 
good name and reputation by having been honoraDie and upright in his business 
transactions, and is known as one of the more prominent and better class of 
citizens of the county.


HARRISON SHRODER, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Dudley; is another old settler and 
pioneer of Edgar Co; is a native of Oldham Co., Ky.; was born July 2, 1818; 
came from his native place in Kentucky when he was 12 years old; received, 
principally by his own efforts, a common-school education. Was married Feb. 
18, 1839, to Miss Elizabeth Perisho, of Indiana; they have had three children —
John L., Nancy C. (now deceased) and Rosann M. Began business for himself at 
the age of 21; had no assistance from his father; now, by hard work and 
economy, he has a fine property of 200 acres of fine land, 40 acres of timber, 
and his home farm of 160 acres, which is well improved, and good buildings; he 
has always helped any enterprise that he deemed for the public good; has given 
freely to churches, schools and the poor; has been a member of the M. E. 
Church for the last forty years; is a man that has earned a good name and 
reputation by being honest and upright in his dealings, and is known as one of 
the more prominent and better class of citizens of Edgar Co.


JAMES M.STEELE, retired physician, Grand View; is another of the old settlers 
and pioneers of Edgar Co.; is a native of Monroe Co., Va.; was born May 6, 
1806; leaving his native place in 1835, he came west as far as Warren Co., 
Ohio, where he remained but a short time; he removed from there to Clinton 
Co., and lived there nearly one year and then came to Edgar Co.; this was in 
the fall of 1836; here he has since made his home. He began the study of 
medicine when he was 26, and attended the 0ld Pennsylvania University of 
Medicine; he has been a practicing physician where he now lives for forty-two 
years; during this time, when in constant practice, he never refused to attend 
a case though he knew he would never receive pay for his time and trouble; he 
always tried to help young physicians who were worthy of help, and now, since 
he has ceased to practice, he has attended local and State Societies and the 
National Conventions whenever possible for him to do so. He was married Sept. 
12, 1838, to Miss Margaret I. Tate, of Augusta Co., Va., but at the time of 
marriage a resident of Edgar Co.; they have a family of four children — Nancy 
T. (now Mrs. H. Baker, of Abilene, Kan.), Anna E. (now Mrs. J. B. Lord, of 
Kansas, Edgar Co.), John M. (deceased) and James M. The Doctor is an old 
settler, that has earned a good name and reputation by having been honorable 
and upright in his business affairs, and is well known as a man ready to help 
any public enterprise that he deems for the public good. Has given his 
children the benefit of a thorough education, his girls being college 
graduates; his son, James M., now attending the Wabash College, of Indiana. He 
is known as one of the wealthy and more prominent class of citizens of Edgar 
Co.


A. J. SMITH, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Grand View; is a native of Edgar 
Co., Grand View being his native township; he had no opportunity of going to 
college, but by improving what opportunities he had, has become a fair 
scholar; his father, Charles Smith, was one of the old settlers; came to the 
county in an early day; was an energetic, go-ahead man, leaving at his death, 
which occurred Feb. 11, 1868, nearly one thousand acres of fine land. A. J. 
was married Sept. 17, 1878, to Miss Anna Milburn, of Edgar Co., Sims being her 
native township. He is now living on the old home farm, of 308 acres, 108 of 
which belongs to him; he is a young man of good standing and reputation which 
he has earned by having been honorable in his dealings thus far in life, and 
is already known as one of the substantial men of Grand View Tp.


CHARLES A. SMITH, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Grand View; is another of the 
natives of Edgar Co., Grand View being his native township; was born Aug. 17, 
1838; has always made his home in Edgar Co.; there are four brothers of them, 
sons of Charles and Maria Smith, who were early settlers and pioneers of the 
county, having come to the county about 1822. Was married Nov. 7, 1861, to 
Miss Susan A. Zink, also of Edgar Co. He began business for himself at the age 
of 21; has always been an energetic, go-ahead man; now owns a property of 290 
acres, 160 of which is his home farm, nicely improved with good buildings; he 
has always interested himself in any public enterprise tending to the public 
good; has a good name and reputation, which he has gained by honesty and 
square dealing, and is known as one of the solid, substantial men of Grand 
View Tp.


NANCY STONEBURNER, farming; P. O. Grand View; widow of Jacob Stoneburner (now 
deceased), who was one of the old pioneers of Edgar Co; he was a native of 
Loudoun Co., Va.; he lived at his native place until the age of 16, his 
parents then coming to Edgar Co.; this was in 1833; in the spring of 1834, his 
father located on the farm where Mrs. Stoneburner now resides; Mr. Stoneburner 
at his death, which occurred April 20, 1875, was aged 56; he had been a 
resident of the county for forty years; he was a man who had earned a good 
name and reputation by having been honorable and honest in his business 
affairs; was an energetic business man, leaving, at his death, 287 acres of 
fine land, well improved; he was a man ready to help any public enterprise 
that he deemed for the public good, and was known as one of the representative 
men of Grand View Tp.


Z. FRANK SHULTZ, merchant, Dudley; is a native of Edgar Co., Grand View being 
his native township; he has acquired a good, practical education, by close 
observation and experience; this, coupled with a firm determination on his 
part to succeed, has helped him already to establish himself a nice business; 
began business for himself at the age of 22, at the manufacture of wagons, 
buggies, etc.; this he followed little over one year, and then began a general 
merchandising business, which he has since followed. He was married Dec. 17, 
1874, to Miss Callie Jones, of Edgar Co.; they have one child — P. Willard. 
Mr. Shultz is still a young man; has already succeeded, by his own efforts, in 
establishing a good business; is full of life and energy, and bids fair in 
time to become one of the prominent business men of his native county.


JAMES M. TATE, SR., farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Grand View; is a native of 
Augusta Co., Va.; was born Aug. 11, 1830, his parents coming to Edgar Co. when 
he was 7 years old; he succeeded during his boyhood in securing a good 
education; this, coupled with his experience, has made him a sharp, shrewd 
business man. Was married April 23, 1852 to Miss E. M. Alexander, of 
Rockbridge Co., Va.; they have a family of five children — John, Joseph R., 
Luther M., James R. and William R. He has been engaged in the stock business 
since the age of 15, which has made him very efficient as a judge of stock; 
Mr. Tate has accumulated by his own efforts a fine property, now owning a fine 
farm of 188 acres of first-class land, well improved, and valued at $70 per 
acre; he is an old settler and pioneer that has earned a good name and 
reputation by having been honorable and upright in his business affairs, and 
is known as one of the solid, substantial men of Grand View Tp.


R. M. TATE, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Grand View; is another of the old 
pioneer settlers of this county; he is a native of Augusta Co., Va.; left his 
native place when he was 21, and came to Illinois; located on his present 
farm, which he has owned for forty-two years; during his boyhood, he acquired 
a good common-school education. Was married Aug. 8, 1837, to Miss Susan W. 
Gold, of his native county; they have a family of five children — Mary E., 
John W., James M., Emma G. and Nancy M. Mr. Tate has been a very energetic 
man, having accumulated principally by his own hard work and economy a nice 
property of 439 acres of first-class land, well improved, and valued at about 
$60 per acre; having in his home farm 280 acres which is located exactly on 
the divide between Big Creek and the Embarrass River, which makes it a very 
desirable piece of land; Mr. Tate is now 63 years old and a very pleasant, 
congenial gentleman; during his life, has always been a friend to churches, 
schools and the poor; always willing to do his part toward forwarding any 
enterprise that he deemed for the public good, and is known as one of the 
solid, substantial men of Grand View Tp.


BARNET THOMAS, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Grand View; is another of the 
old settlers of the county and a native of Hamilton Co., Ohio; was born Jan. 
10, 1815; his parents moving to Franklin Co., Ind., when he was 1 year old; 
here Mr. Thomas remained until 1839, then moved to Clark Co., Ill.; he lived 
there about nine years, and in 1848 came to Edgar Co.; during his boyhood, he 
had but little chance of getting an education, there being nothing but the old 
subscription-school system at that time. Was married Dec. 3, 1835, to Miss Ann 
M. Morrow, of Kentucky; she passed away Jan. 6, 1852, leaving a family of four 
children, three of whom are still living — two boys and one girl. Married his 
present wife, who was a Mrs. Sarah Beatty, a native of Hampshire Co., Va., 
Nov. 14, 1852; by this marriage he has one child — Samuel B. He began business 
for himself at the age of 21; had but little assistance from his father; now, 
by hard work, economy and good management, he has a fine farm of 219 acres of 
good land, well improved, valued at about $70 per acre; he is an old settler 
that has earned a good name and reputation by having been honest and honorable 
in his business transactions, and is known as one of the solid, substantial 
men of Grand View Tp.


JOHN A. WALZ, manufacturer of cabinet-ware and coffins, Grand View; is a 
native of Germany; was born Feb. 6, 1826; he lived at his native place until 
the age of 12; at this age, his father gave him $50 to make a visit to 
Hamburg; he remained in that city until his money was nearly gone, then 
shipped as a cabin-boy for New York City; upon his arrival there, being young, 
he could find but little to do; about nine months after his arrival, he went 
to Philadelphia and learned the trade of a cabinet-maker; this he has since 
made a business; he traveled over different states, working at his trade, 
until 1855, when he located in Grand View, and has since been a resident of 
this place. Was married Sept. 5, 1855, to Miss Mary S. McLaughlin, of 
Lawrenceburg, Ind.; they have a family of three children — Annie C., Catharine 
A. and Rosa E. Mr. Walz has been a resident of this county twenty-three years; 
has always been an honorable, upright citizen; by hard work and a close 
attention to business, he now has a nice trade; he is known as one of the 
straight-forward, honest men of Grand View Tp.


H. C. WILSON, merchant, Grand View; is a native of Ohio Co., Ind.; was born 
Aug. 9, 1844; when he was 4 years old, his parents left his native place and 
removed to Perry Co., Ind.; their method of transportation was by a flatboat, 
the distance being 225 miles down the Ohio River; they were over two months 
making the voyage; here Mr. Wilson remained until in August, 1862, when he 
enlisted in Co. K, 81st Ind. V. I.; he remained in the army until the close of 
the rebellion; was mustered out June 13, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn., and 
discharged June 26, 1865, at Indianapolis. When he left the service, he 
returned to Jefferson Co., Ind., where his mother had removed to while he was 
in the service, his father having died in 1856; his mother dying at her home 
in Jefferson Co., May 4, 1868. He was married Feb. 6, 1868, to Miss Maggie 
Parmer, of Boone Co., Ky.; she was born Dec. 25, 1843; they have two children —
 Ella B. and Henrietta. He began business in Grand View April 1, 1870; began 
in a room 16x36; had but a small stock of goods; in 1872, he enlarged his room 
capacity by building an addition of 20x20; in 1874, he rebuilt, this time 
changing his building to 20x66; he continued to do a good business until Jan. 
29, 1878, when his store-building and whole stock of goods, valued at $5,000, 
was burned, the whole being a total loss, as he had not a penny of insurance; 
but he had developed such business capacity that as he rebuilt this time a 
fine brick building, two-story, 23x70, the wholesale men that he had been 
dealing with sent him a short but pointed letter, saying, "Send in your 
orders." He is a man standing well in the community; now has a fine business, 
which he is conducting in a business-like manner, and is known as one of the 
representative men of the county.


JOHN R. YOUNG, physician and surgeon, Redmon; son of A. A. and Margaret Young, 
who were natives of Virginia; John R. is a native of Edgar Co.; was born Aug. 
31, 1851; he had the advantage of a college course, which he improved, and at 
the age of 23, began the study of medicine with Dr. M. Rowe, of Dudley; in 
1877, he attended the Eclectic Medical College, of Cincinnati; upon returning 
from college, he passed the examination before the State Board of Health of 
Illinois; in February, 1878, he began practicing; though still a young 
physician, he is well and favorably known in the county among the old 
physicians; socially, mentally and physically, he is well adapted for the 
profession that he has chosen.


Additional Comments:
The History of Edgar County, Illinois. Chicago: Wm. Le Baron, Jr. & Co., 186 
Dearborn St., 1879

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