Edgar County IL Archives Biographies.....Kansas Township, Biographies ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com March 19, 2006, 3:38 pm Author: The History of Edgar Co IL 1879 pages 610-626 KANSAS TOWNSHIP. JOHN ARTERBURN, SR., retired farmer and a prominent pioneer of Edgar Co.; P. O. Kansas; was born in Jefferson Co., Ky., Feb. 28, 1804, where he lived until 1830, when he came to this county and began (with limited means) to prepare a home, at which time there were but few white settlers in this locality, but being possessed of a firm will and a determined mind, and putting forth every effort for the general good and development of the county, he soon became a prominent citizen, and financial success followed. He married Miss Huldah Watkins, of Henry Co., Ky., Sept. 22, 1826; she was born Jan. 22, 1806, and passed away July 17, 1875, leaving a family of six children, all of whom are living in this vicinity — James, John, Allen, Green, Ann (who is now Mrs. William Boyer), and Norben. Mr. A. is one who can look back over his past life with satisfaction; always tried to do his duty both as a citizen and a Christian, having been identified with the Christian Church for upward of twenty-eight years, and now, in his ripe old age, lives to see the prosperity of his children. JOHN ARTERBURN, JR., the son of John and Huldah Arterburn was born in Jefferson Co., Ky., Dec. 5, 1829; at an early age, he moved with his parents to what is now Kansas Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., Sept. 24, 1851, he married Miss Penelope Mayfield, who bore him five children, one of whom is now living; May 24, 1859, he married Miss Elizabeth Wiley, who has borne him four children, three of whom are now living. Aug. 5, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. H, 79th I. V. I., and in an election held by the company lacked but one vote of being elected Second Lieutenant; at the battle of Chickamauga he was made prisoner, and was confined in the prisons of Danville, Va., Florence, S. C., and Andersonville, Ga., for about fifteen months; during his imprisonment at Andersonville, he was reduced by the systematic starvation practiced there to a living skeleton, and was in a condition that he had no hope of returning to his friends and family alive; this time a Union prisoner was admitted who had managed by some hook or crook to carry in with him some money, and was enabled to make some purchases of food; being of a Shylock nature, he turned it to good account and sold Mr. Arterburn two dozen potatoes for the sum of $50, requiring a note with security; Mr. Arterburn believes it a good investment (as it doubtless saved his life) though, in ordinary times, an apparently foolish one. We are sorry to record that this money-monster survived prison life, and returned and collected it. Mr. Arterburn is a well-to-do citizen, a successful trader, and is one of the largest stockholders and a Director in the First National Bank of Kansas, Ill. NORBEN ARTERBURN, farmer; P. O. Kansas; was born in this county Nov. 3, 1845; is the son of John Arterburn, Sr., a prominent pioneer of Edgar Co.; he was raised a farmer, which business he has continued thus far through life, with the exception of his service in the late war. He enlisted with the 79th I. V. I. in August, 1862; was through many of the heavy battles, among which were Stone River and Liberty Gap; at the latter battle was wounded twice, and at Rocky Face Ridge was wounded, which disabled him for further duty, and as yet has not recovered from its effects; he was in the service some three years. He married Miss Adona, daughter of Abraham Pinnell, Nov. 22, 1866; they have a family of three children — 0ra A., Clarence I. and Otto G. WILLIAM ARTERBURN, farmer; P. O. Kansas; is a son of John and Martha Arterburn, natives of Virginia, and had lived for a time in Jefferson Co., Ky., where Mrs. A. died in 1845; Mr. A. then came to Edgar Co. The subject of this notice was born in Jefferson Co., Ky., February 3, 1813, where he was reared to agricultural pursuits until 1845, when he came to Edgar Co., Ill., where he has since remained, leading a rather retired life, attending strictly to the duties of home and family. His wife was Miss Malinda, daughter of Daniel Cornwell, to whom he was married Dec. 24, 1835; they have a family of seven children — Martha (now Mrs. John Laughead), Lavina (now Mrs. Alfred Baber), James W., Amanda F. (now Mrs. James L. Cornwell), Mary A. (now Mrs. Thomas Woods), Vance and Rohley. Mr. and Mrs. A. are members of the Christian Church, and are highly-esteemed citizens, as are the entire family. GREEN ARTERBURN, farmer; P. O. Kansas; son of John Arterburn, Sr.; was born in Kansas Tp., Edgar Co., Dec. 26, 1834, where he has since lived a prominent citizen. He married Miss Isabel, daughter of Nathan Kester, Dec. 25, 1855; she passed away July 24, 1878, leaving a family of three — Angeline, Lyman T. and John A. His farm consists of 160 acres, situated in the edge of Coles Co.; his residence is fine, and built upon an elevated piece of ground known as the Wolf Hill, and presents a beautiful scene, and is one of the finest little homes in this part of the county. Mr. A. is a man that always interests himself in such public matters as pertain to the good of the community in which he lives, and is a well-to-do and respected citizen. ALLEN ARTERBURN, farmer; P. 0. Kansas; son of John Arterburn, Sr.; was born in this county Jan. 17, 1832, and has lived and grown up with the country, and as it gradually developed, so he has prospered, being one of an industrious and public-spirited family, who has done much for the development and general good of this county; his farm consists of 153 acres of fine land, with one of the finest farm residences) of this township. He married Miss Barbara E., daughter of Emanuel Zink, Sept. 4, 1853; she was born in this county Aug. 8, 1834; their family consists of Harrison, Wellington, Evaline (deceased), Edwin, Rosencranz and Clara B. Mr. and Mrs. A. are members of the Christian Church, and respected citizens. J. W. ARTERBURN, barber; Kansas; son of William Arterburn, a prominent pioneer of this county; was born in Jefferson, Ky., Nov. 21, 1839, and was brought to this county when quite young, and has since resided here, a well-to-do citizen. During the late war of the rebellion, he enlisted with 79th I. V. I.; was in the service about six months, when his health became so impaired that he was discharged. After the service, he followed agricultural pursuits until his health would not admit of so heavy work, and he took up barbering, his present business. He married Miss Mary E. Bare, of this county, Dec. 24, 1868; they had one child — Adella, born Jan. 4, 1870, and passed away Jan. 14, 1872. They are young people, of rare social qualities, through which they have won many friends. JOHN AULT, farmer; P. O. Kansas; was born in Loudoun Co., Va., April 25, 1825, and was taken to Muskingum Co., Ohio, where he was raised and schooled, and on Nov. 21, 1850, he married Miss Duannah Hanks; she was born in Loudoun Co., Va., Feb. 28, 1826. His father was a soldier of 1812, and he of the late war. They came to Edgar Co., locating where they now reside, in 1853, at which time there were but few settlers in this vicinity, and the trials, hardships and privations of a pioneer life are yet fresh in their memories, although they are now finely situated, with a beautiful home and a farm of 175 acres, which is the result of their own industry and good financiering; they also have property in Kansas. Their family consists of Marion F., Ellen R. and Ora T. H.; Mr. and Mrs. A. are taking great interest in educating their family, that they may be a comfort to them in their latter days, and an honor and credit to society; as a family, they are well respected by all who know them. Mr. and Mrs. Ault are members of the M. E. Church. REV. J. W. ALLISON, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Kansas; is a native of Virginia; was born May 23, 1828; at the age of 10, he removed with parents to Edgar Co., Ill., where he has since resided, with the exception of some eight years, when in the work of the ministry, which he began in 1857; he received his early education in this county, and his collegiate course at Hanover College, Ind., where he graduated in 1856, and, in 1858, he graduated at the Alleghany Theological Seminary of Pennsylvania; he was ordained to the full work of the ministry in October, 1859, and continued twelve years, when his health became so impaired that he was compelled to resign, since which time he has devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Anna E. Nelson, of Hanover, Ind., May 4, 1858; she passed away Aug. 4, 1861, and on Oct. 7, 1862, he married his present wife; she was Miss Mary A. Howell, daughter of Rev. E. Howell, of Marshall, Ill.; they have one child — Ellis Y. Mr. A. is the son of J. Y. Allison, a prominent pioneer who is mentioned among the noted ones of this county, and, by diligent and earnest laboring in the work of the ministry, he has been rewarded with great success, and the high respect in which he now stands. W. F. BOYER, banker and merchant, Kansas; was born in this county Nov. 7, 1829; his parents died when he was young and he was left to battle with the world without parental advice and with but little means. During his early life, the advantages of a school education were few and far between, but by home study and a few months of subscription school, he prepared himself for the Paris Academy, then, under the management of Prof. H. J. Venable, receiving a good common schooling. He clearly remembers when this county was inhabited by roving bands of Indians, with but now and then an adventurous pioneer. He has lived in this township thus far through life, and has witnessed the great change from the desolate-looking to a thickly-settled and well-developed county, where school and church advantages are not surpassed any county of its age. He began in mercantile life in 1852 and by close application and good management, he now ranks with the first business men of the county, and now is considered one of the solid men of the county. In 1871, he established the Exchange Bank of Kansas, and, in 1873, it was changed to the First National Bank of Kansas, of which he is Cashier. As a man among men, he is a practical business manager, social and genial, through which he has won many warm friends and the respect of all who know him. He married Ann, daughter of John Arterburn, a prominent pioneer of this county, Nov. 6, 1851; she was born in this county June 26, 1834, they have four children — Marietta, Arizona, Horace G. and Birdie. As a family they are much respected. GEO. W. BOYER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Kansas; was born on Sept. 2, 1839; is the son of Abraham Boyer, one of the early and prominent pioneers of the county; he has thus far in life been a resident of the county; began business for himself at the age of 21, on April 3, 1863. When he was in his 24th year he married Miss Josephine Wilhoit, daughter of Penelton Wilhoit of this county. He located where he now resides in 1864; he has 210 acres of fine land, his home farm being one of the finest in Kansas Township. He has always helped to forward any enterprise pertaining to the public good; is always ready to do his share in improving and developing the resources of his native county. They have a family of six — Leroy C., Emerson L., Emma J., Otis E., Retta H. and Iva A. J. F. BOYER, farmer; P. O. Kansas; resides at his birthplace; he was born March 9, 1832; son of Abraham Boyer, who was a prominent pioneer of this county, and a native of Oldham County, Ky.; he was born Jan. 19, 1805; he came to this county, settling where J. P. now resides, in 1826, at which time this county was inhabited by roving bands of Indians, with now and then an adventurous pioneer; but, being possessed of energy and perseverance, he withstood the many trials and hardships incident to a pioneer life. He was always foremost in all enterprises pertaining to the settlement and development of the county; he assisted in organizing the township and establishing schools, and was an active worker for the public good of the county; was the first Justice of the Peace of this township, which office he has served in for twenty-six consecutive years. His wife was Harriet Shaw, a native of Maryland; they were married in April, 1826. He passed away on June 7, 1870; his wife surviving him six years. They had raised a family of nine children, seven of whom are now living and are considered among the better class of citizens of this county. J. F. now owns about four hundred acres of fine land, the principal part of which is the result of his own energy and industry. He married Miss Emerilla Stark, of Clark Co., Ill., Feb. 13, 1856. They have a family of six children living — Marquis L., Viola V., Rozella E., Orson Q., Ethan A., Ida E. and Harriet R. Mr. B. has been an eye-witness to the great change from a wild-desolate looking to a thickly-settled and well- developed county, and has interested himself in all public enterprises of the county. Is well known and much respected. FRED N. BOYER, merchant, Kansas; is a native of this township; was born July 28, 1840; a son of Frederick Boyer, a prominent pioneer of this county. F. N. obtained his early education at district school, completing a good business education at the Paris Academy. During the late war of the rebellion, he enlisted with the 59th I. V. I., and was in many engagements, among which were the battles of Pea Ridge, siege of Corinth, battle of Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain, together with many other heavy battles and severe skirmishes, and escaped with a mere scratch, and had risen to the rank of First Lieutenant; he was mustered out at New Braunfels, Texas, in January of 1866, after the service of four years and five months. He then returned to Kansas and engaged with J. K. and W. F. Boyer (merchants) and continued six years, when he, with George Sefton, bought them out and operated until 1876, when Sefton withdrew, since which time he has successfully operated the business, together with managing his farm, which consists of upward of six hundred acres, and one of the finest farms of the county; he is a man of good physical as well as mental powers, social and accommodating, and upon the full tide of success. He married Miss Sarah A. Wiley, of Coles Co., Ill., September, 1866; they have a family of two children — Flora and Kate. ADIN BABER, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Kansas; is a native of this township, where he has resided all his life, a prominent farmer and business man; he is the son of George Baber, one of the hardy pioneers of Edgar Co., and was born on the 17th day of November, 1834; in those early days educational facilities were limited, and Mr. B. attended the district school only, but by close observation and experience succeeded in obtaining a good business education; is largely a self-made man. He began life with but little, and by perseverance, industry and square dealing, has accumulated a handsome property; he owns 700 acres of as fine land as may be found in the county, upon which he has erected one of the handsomest residences in Kansas Tp. Mr. B. has always been an active and enterprising man in his neighborhood, foremost in every movement calculated to promote the interests of his town and county; he devotes considerable attention to stock, and the firm of A. Baber & Co., of which he is the senior member, are among the largest stock dealers in the county, with an office at the Union Stock Yards of Indianapolis, Ind. He was married Sept. 12, 1860, to Miss Mary E. Hanks, of this county, daughter of William H. Hanks, one of the prominent pioneers; they have a family of four children — Evaline, Callie, Dexter and Maggie. The physical condition of Mr. B. and his family is excellent, never having been subjected to the expense of a doctor's bill. ALFRED BABER, farmer; P. O. Kansas; is another native of Edgar Co., Kansas being his native township; was born April 18, 1838, and is the son of George Baber, an early and prominent pioneer of the county; during his early life, he had the advantage of good district schools, and became a fair scholar. He began business for himself with but little assistance from his people; by energy and industry, he accumulated a fine property, but, like many other good business men, was unfortunate enough to lose heavily; still, by perseverance and good management, he yet owns a good property. He was married Feb. 3, 1861, to Miss Lavina, daughter of William Arterburn; they have a family of six children, whose names are as follows: Rosa A., Mary A., William A., George W., Corea E. and Lizzie. W. W. BARR, stoves, tinware and furniture dealer, Kansas; is a native of Ohio; was born in Brown Co. Oct. 26, 1830, where he was raised and schooled, obtaining a good business education; he came to Coles Co., Ill., with his parents, in 1852, and there finished his trade of a tinner; in 1858, he returned to his native county, and on Oct. 14, 1858, he married Miss Mary A. Harmon, and the following February, they settled in Kansas. He is a man of good business ability, public-spirited, and a well-to-do and a much-respected citizen, having always interested himself in such public matters as pertains to the development and welfare of the town and township, and, by uprightness and square dealing, has built up a good trade, which he now enjoys. His family consists of three children — Walter H., born in November, 1860; Edward W., born in April, 1864, and Luella, born in September, 1867. JAMES BARR, stoves and tinware, Kansas; of the firm of Barr Bros; is a native of Ohio, born in Clermont Co. April 7, 1839; at the age of 13, he removed with parents to Coles Co., Ill., where he was raised and schooled, and, at the age of 20, he began the trade of a tinner, which business he has continued thus far through life, his father having died when he was but a boy, leaving him to do for himself; his educational advantages were, as many of the pioneers, very limited, although he obtained a good business education, and, being of a mechanical turn of mind, soon became an able workman. During the late war of the rebellion, he enlisted at the first call, and served to the expiration of that term with the 8th I. V. I. After the service, he returned and took up his trade, and, in 1864, December, he married Miss Eliza E. Harmon, of Clermont Co., Ohio. In 1865, he established a place of business on his own account at Oakland, Coles Co., Ill., and continued until 1867, when he removed to Kansas and entered into partnership with his brother. His wife passed away on April 2, 1878, leaving two children - Stella and George H. As a businessman, he is well known, upright in dealing, and much respected. HENRY BULL, farmer; P.O. Kansas; was born in Greene Co., Ohio, Oct. 1, 1809; removed with his parents to Owen County, Ind., in 1818, where his father passed away in 1854, at the ripe old age of 82; Mr. B. came to this county in 1829, and has been eye-witness to the great change from wild, desolate-looking to a thickly-settled and well-developed county, and has withstood the trials and hardships of a pioneer life remarkably well; having been industrious and energetic, has accumulated a good property. He has twice married — first, to Mrs. Jane Jarvis, November, 1836; she was a native of England, and passed away in 1855, leaving five children — Thomas J. (farmer, of Coles Co., Ill.), William H. (deceased), James M. (farmer, this county), Franklm R. (deceased), Mary J. (deceased); then he married his present wife March 28, 1878, she was Mrs. Hannah Waite, a native of Maryland, but formerly a resident of this county. Mr. B. is now at the ripe old age of 70, and of good physical as well as mental power, and now living to enjoy the prosperity and usefulness of his children. G. R. BLOOD (of the firm of Rinker, Blood & Co., lumber dealers); is a native of England; was born April 12, 1837, where he was raised and educated, receiving a good education, and learned the trade of a carpenter; he came to this country in 1855, locating in Kansas, Ill.; he being of a mechanical turn of mind, soon became an able workman. At the time of settling in this county, there were but few white settlers, and the trials and hardships of a pioneer life were but a common occurrence; he is one that has lived to see the great change from a wild, desolate-looking to a thickly-settled and well-developed county; he has been interested in building most of the finest churches and fine residences of this part of the county, which now stand as monuments of his workmanship; he has also interested himself in all public matters pertaining to the good of the community in which he has lived. He married Miss Sarah G. Owens, of this county, February, 1861; they have a family of three boys living — Orson O., Horace L. and Ernest O. As a family, they are well to do and highly respected. W. H. BROWN, insurance agent, Kansas; was born in Madison, Jefferson Co., Ky., July 14, 1841, where he obtained his early education, and at the age of 8 was brought to Edgar Co. (Kansas Tp.), with which people he has been closely identified in numerous capacities, such as School Director and Trustee, and for a number of years Town Clerk and Assessor, in the village has been an active worker on the Boards of Trustees. He has been an active and zealous Mason, filling the office of W. M. of Kansas Lodge, No. 280, for six years; also Kansas Chapter, No. 175, same number of years; was secretary of the D., O. & O. R. R. Co. for four years; he is a young man of good physical as well as mental powers, having filled a number of prominent positions with honor and credit to himself and those he represented. His father (William Brown) was an early settler, and was mainly instrumental in having a station located here on the opening of the road now known as the I. & St. L., giving five acres of land of what now constitutes the village park, one acre for school purposes, and a lot for a church. He was much respected. JAMES BRADEN (of the firm of Dodd & Braden, grocers); is a native of Pennsylvania; was born in Greene Co. May 12, 1844, and was brought by parents to Illinois in 1854, settling in La Salle Co., where James was raised and schooled, though his education has largely been obtained by observation and experience; he followed agricultural pursuits for a number of years. His first experience in mercantile life was with his present partner, engaging with him in 1865, and has since continued; he is yet a young man of good mental as well as physical powers, social and genial, and 'tis fair to predict for him a brilliant future. He married Miss Sarah Langford, of this county, Feb. 15, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Braden are members of the Presbyterian Church, and much respected. F. M. BOYER, farmer; P. O. Kansas, son of Abraham Boyer, Esq., deceased, was born in this county Feb. 23, 1834; and has lived and grown up with the country, and as it gradually developed so has he prospered, being one of an industrious family who have done much for the public good of this community. He owns a fine farm of 300 acres, situated in the edge of Coles Co.; the principal part is of his own accumulation. He married Miss Ann Eliza, daughter of Elijah Pinnell, Aug. 18, 1856. She was born in Edgar County in 1836. Their family consists of two promising children — Herrick O. and Clarinda A. W. W. BISHOP, editor, Kansas; was born at Charleston, Ill., Jan. 25, 1850, and received a common-school education; in 1866, he entered the office of the Charleston Courier as an apprentice, and served a term of three years. On the 17th of October, 1873, he established the Kansas News, (now in the sixth volume), and has since devoted his time and attention to the "art preservative of all arts," in the publication of a live and energetic newspaper. He was married Dec. 22, 1870, to Miss C. E. Perkins. He has twice been elected Town Clerk, a position he now holds, and in which he gives satisfaction. JOHN S. CORNWELL, farmer and early settler; P. O. Kansas; was born in Jefferson County, Ky., July 22, 1825, where he lived until 1851, when he came with his parents to Edgar County, Ill. His father was a native of Virginia, and his mother a native of Kentucky. She passed away in 1854 at the ripe old age of 85. His father passed away in 1855 at the age of 65. They had been members of the Christian Church for a number of years and highly respected by all who knew them. J. S. was married to Miss Martha J. Kern, daughter of John Kern, a prominent pioneer, Sept. 21, 1854. She passed away May 4, 1878, leaving three children: John E., Luther A. and Minnie. Mr. C. is an energetic and industrious farmer of an enterprising and public-spirited character. He owns 140 acres of as fine land as is to be found in Edgar County. D. CHAMBERLIN, Kansas, Police Magistrate; is a native of Virginia; was born in Prince William Co., Feb. 14, 1819, and was raised in the city of Baltimore. During his early life, he obtained a good business education, and chose for an occupation the trade of a tailor and served a regular apprenticeship. He began doing business on his own account in 1834, continuing until 1846, when he came West; prospecting through the Western States; settling in Marshall Co., Ill., in 1849, and in 1851 was elected County Judge, serving one term. During the late war of the rebellion he was appointed detective in the secret service in which capacity he served three years. He settled in Kansas in 1874 and has since taken an active part in all public matters pertaining to general good of the community. In 1876, was elected Police Magistrate. He is a well read man, of good physical as well as mental powers, social and genial. J. F. GASH, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Kansas; was born in Augusta Co., Va., Feb. 26, 1829; son of John Cash, a native of Virginia, born in Amherst Co., Va., Jan. 11, 1802; his wife was Sarah Fauver; they were married Nov. 18, 1824; she was born Dec. 9, 1803; they came to this county in 1836, settling near Grand View; they were among the first white settlers of this county, and the trials and hardships of a pioneer life were but common to them; they have raised a family of nine, seven of whom are now living; they now live to see the prosperity and usefulness of their children. The subject of this sketch obtained a good common education, and has been one of the enterprising pioneers of the county, having always interested himself in all public matters pertaining to the welfare and development of the county, and has accumulated a good property, of which he has dealt out liberally to his children as they became of age and went for themselves; he has left 125 acres of finely- improved land, and a fine residence which he has retained for his home while he lives. He has married twice; first to Miss Martha May, of this county, Sept. 15, 1853; she was born May 26, 1830; she passed away on Jan. 29, 1862, leaving three children — Frederick H., born Oct. 27, 1854; Mary J., born July 9, 1857 (now Mrs. J. R. Pinnell); and Lavina A., born July 31, 1859, died Nov. 28, 1859; and on Sept. 16, 1862, he married Miss Amanda Marrs, daughter of William Marrs, a pioneer of this county; they have raised two children — Anna L., born Sept. 30, 1864, and Maggie E., born March 17, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Cash are members of the M. E. Church, and much respected citizens. W. S. CLARK, farmer; P. O. Kansas; an early settler of Edgar county; was born in Butler Co., Ohio, April 13, 1824; he was raised a farmer, and has thus far through life continued in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Lucinda Temple, of his native county, Oct 2, 1845; they came to Edgar Co. and settled where he now resides, in the spring of 1856, and bought sixty acres and began to make a home; Mrs. Clark passed away on June 25, 1867, leaving a family of eight - John C., Sarah E., William M., America A., Albert W., Allen J., Maggie and Samuel. Mr. C. owns a fine little farm of eighty acres of fine land. H. A. DODD, of the firm of Dodd & Braden, grocers, Paris; was born in Washington Co., Penn., Nov. 18, 1832, where he was raised and schooled, receiving a good business education: he, was thrown upon his own resources early in life; having a good schooling, he taught winter months and farmed summers, for quite a time. He came and settled in Kansas in 1859, and, on April 11, 1861, he married Miss Emma Clapp, of Clark Co., Ill. On Aug. 8, 1862, he enlisted with the 79th I. V. I., as a musician, and, the following January, was discharged; then, in September, 1864, he went out with the 50th Illinois, and, at the battle of Nashville, was wounded, which disabled him from further duties, and he was again discharged, and returned to Kansas, and after recovering, he engaged in milling, continuing three years; he then engaged in mercantile life, and since continued; is a good business man, social and genial, and a much-respected citizen. His family consists of three children — Clarrie E., Edward and Effie. CHARLES T. ESTES, farmer; P. O. Kansas; son of T. J. Estes, an early settler (and a native of Virginia), came to this county in 1831; he had raised a family of nine, only three of whom are now living; the subject of this sketch was born in this county April 3, 1834, and has lived a well-to-do and prominent citizen; he has followed agricultural pursuits thus far through life. During the late war was for a time in the service; through his industry and good financiering has accumulated a good property. He has twice married; first to Miss Mary Nay; his second wife was Miss Eliza A. Kirkham, by whom he has five children - Ollie, Addona, Anna, Melvin B. and Eva B.; as a family they are well known and much respected. J. T. HITE, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Kansas; son of John S. Hite, who was a prominent pioneer of Coles Co., and a native of Kentucky, and came to Illinois with his parents when but 14 years old; settling in Coles Co., where his son Marcus now resides; and there was raised and lived, a public-spirited, benevolent and prominent citizen until Sep. 4, 1854, when he passed away, beloved by friends and relatives and respected by all who knew him. He had married twice, first to Miss Elizabeth J., daughter of John Tate (one of the first settlers of the county), March 4, 1841, she passed away April 26, 1847, leaving three children — James T., John (deceased) and Nancy (deceased); his last wife was Miss Letitia E. Heath of Erie Co., Ohio; they were married April 12, 1848; his family by second wife were Mary (deceased), Charles A., Marcus J. and William A. (deceased); the subject of this sketch was born in this county May 17, 1842; during his early life he obtained a good education, laying the foundation for future usefulness. During the late war of the rebellion, he enlisted with the 12th I. V. I., entering the service August of 1862; was with Sherman in his march to the sea, and was in many heavy battles and severe skirmishes, and is one of the fortunate ones who escaped without serious injuries; he was mustered out at Savannah, Ga., January of 1865; he then returned to Edgar Co., and has since devoted his time to agricultural pursuits, and by industry and good financiering has accumulated a fine property; he owns upward of seven hundred acres of as fine land as is to be found in this county, and one of the finest residences of the county. He married Miss Alice, daughter of Austin King (a prominent pioneer of this county) Nov. 1, 1866; they have three children — Adah K., John P. and Lena E. MARCUS HITE, farmer; P. O. Kansas; (son of John S. Hite) was born on the farm where he now lives April 20, 1844, which is the old homestead where his father settled in 1830, and is situated on the county line of Edgar and Coles Cos.; he now owns 300 acres of the home farm, which is as fine land as is to be found in Edgar or Coles Co.; he has obtained a good education and is a young man of good business ability. He married Miss Martha A. McVey, of Edgar Co., June 19, 1872; she was born May 8, 1854; they have a fine family of three children — Leonard, Leah and Guy. CHARLES HITE, farmer; P. O. Kansas; son of John S. Hite, a prominent pioneer; was born (near where he now resides, which is the old homestead where his father settled in 1830) on Jan. 20, 1851; he has obtained a good education through the Waveland Collegiate Institute, of Indiana, Hanover College and the Cornell University, of Utica, N. Y.; since his schooling, he has devoted his time and attention to farming and stock-raising; he is a young man of good mental as well as physical powers, and 'tis fair to predict for him a brilliant future; he owns upward of three hundred acres of fine land. He married Miss Jennie Mitchell, daughter of Rev. R. A Mitchell, Dec. 12, 1876; they have one child — Robert L. JAMES F. HOGUE, merchant, Kansas; is a native of Illinois; was born in Coles Co. March 22, 1832; son of S. Hogue, a prominent pioneer of Coles Co.; he passed away in 1872, at the ripe old age of 72 years. The subject of this sketch was raised and schooled in Coles Co., and, on Sept. 19, 1856, he married Miss Maria J. Dowdy, of Clinton, Ind.; he settled in Kansas in 1857, and engaged in the dry goods business, and has since continued in mercantile life. Mr. H. is one that clearly remembers when there were but few white settlers in this locality; the trials and disappointments of a pioneer life were common to them, but, possessing courage and industry, he has been successful, and having interested himself in all public matters pertaining to the development of the town, is highly respected. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Presbyterian Church. They have a family of three children — Cora E., Carrie M. and Harrie L. E. E. HURST, shoemaker, Kansas; was born in Harrison Co., Ind., Sept. 9, 1840; he was brought to this county by parents in 1852, where he has since lived; during his early life, he learned the trade of a shoemaker; he is son of H.H. Hurst, an early settler of this county; E. E. has for the last ten years made shoemaking his principal business; he is considered a fine workman, and by industry and integrity, he has won the confidence of many patrons and friends. He married Miss Sarah J. Fahner, of Ohio, Oct. 29, 1868; they have three children — Dora A., George M. and James; as a family, they are well known and much respected. D. W. HISEY, proprietor Kansas House, Kansas; the first of importance to point out to the traveling public is a good hotel at which to stop and refresh satisfactorily the wants of the inner man, and this can be said of the Kansas House, and 'tis safe to say that he is keeping as good a house as is kept in any town of its size in Southern Illinois; having had thirteen years' experience, he knows just what is needed to make a hotel home-like and cheerful, and by his uniform kindness and pleasant manners has made many friends, as his patronage will testify. Mr. H. is a native of Pennsylvania; was born March 4, 1826. He married Miss Martha Smith, of Cumberland Co., Penn., March 25, 1853; she was born May 9, 1823; they have raised two children — Sarah (now Mrs. E. Goldman) and Mattie. They came and located in Kansas in 1852; they are well known and much respected. S. D. HONN, retired farmer, Kansas; is a native of Nicholas Co., Ky.; was born Jan. 5, 1819; during his early life, the school advantages were very limited, but his education was obtained largely by observation and experience, though a good business education; in beginning for himself, he seemed to put forth every effort to succeed, but for fifteen years it seemed like up-hill business with him, but, being possessed with a firm will and a determined mind, which finally led him to success and prosperity; he now owns 384 acres of finely- improved land, with fine farm buildings; he settled in Coles Co. in 1858, where he resided until 1875, when he retired from active business and removed to Kansas, where he is now living to enjoy the prosperity and usefulness of his children; he has lived a public-spirited and an honorable life, and highly respected by all who know him. He married Miss Hannah Shrout, of Bourbon Co., Ky., Feb. 8, 1843; she was born Oct. 21, 1821; their family consists of Abraham G., Anna J., William K., Melissa H., John D. and James R. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Christian Church. W. C. KERAN, farmer; P. O. Kansas; was born in this county March 20, 1829; during his early life, the school advantages were very limited, though he possessed energy and perseverance, which enabled him to surpass others of the same opportunities; he began doing for himself early in life; his father passed away on Dec. 7, 1843, and he was left to assist in the support of his mother and balance or family; being of an energetic disposition, he has accumulated a good property, and gave his children, as they became of age, a good farm, and now has left a good farm of 180 acres; his present home is the Homestead where his father settled in 1830. He married Miss Eleanor A. Boyer (daughter of Abraham Boyer, pioneer of this county) Jan. 1, 1852; Mr. and Mrs. K. had but little means wherewith to begin life, but amply supplied with perseverance and industry, which led them to success; they have raised a family of five — John A., Eugene F., Jackson R., William and Lucinda A. Mrs. K.'s father was a native of Virginia; was born May 4, 1797; he early in life began in the work of the ministry with the Methodist denomination, preaching in this county from 1826 (the time he settled in this county) to his death, which was in 1843; his wife was Abigail Clemons, native of Virginia; she passed away in February, 1864; they were highly respected by all who knew them; they had raised a family of nine children, six of whom are still living, and all members of the church. WILLIAM KESTER, farmer; P. O. Kansas; is a pioneer of this county; was born in Spencer Co., Ky., July 22, 1812; he was brought to Vigo Co., Ind., by parents in 1814; where there they remained until 1827, when they removed to Edgar Co., Ill., at which time there were but few white settlers, and the trials and hardships in a pioneer life were of common occurence; during his early life, the advantages or a school education were few and far between but by the few winter months' schooling, and observation and experience, he soon became able to transact all his business in an intelligent manner; he now resides where he first located and opened a farm; he has always interested himself in all public matters pertaining to the good of the community in which he has lived. He married Miss Lucy Bennett, of Clark Co., July 19, 1832; she is a native of Spencer Co., Ky., born Jan. 22, 1815; they have a family of eight children living, two boys and six girls, all of whom are married and doing for themselves; as a family, they are much respected by all who know them. N. R. KESTER, farmer; P. O. Kansas; was born in this county Nov. 5, 1830; is the son of Nathan Kester, who settled in this county in November, 1827, locating where N. R. now resides, the homestead entered by his father on settling in this county; his mother passed away in 1847; his father survived her eighteen years, and passed away at the ripe old age of 75 years. N. R. has been one of the enterprising and industrious men of the township, through which he has accumulated a good property. He has acted in the capacity of different township offices, and interested himself in all public matters for the general good of the town. He owns 205 acres of well-improved land where he resides, which is the result of his own industry and good management. He married Miss Candace M. Stout, of Shelby Co., Ky., March 17, 1859; they are social and genial, through which they have won many warm friends. JAMES LAUGHEAD, retired; P. O. Kansas; one of the pioneers of Edgar Co.; was born in the city of Philadelphia Feb. 22, 1813, and, at the age of 9 years, his parents removed to Coshocton Co., Ohio, where he was raised; at the age of 15 years, he commenced to learn the trade of a tinner, serving a full apprenticeship, after which he opened a shop in Coshocton, his first business experience on his own account; in 1830, he contracted and built a section of the Ohio Canal. He was married July 15, 1831, to Miss Ellen Wallace, of Pike Co., Ohio; she died May 18, 1863, leaving a family of six children, viz., William, John, Thomas, Mary J. (now Mrs. J. P. Stout), Sarah A. (deceased), Catharine P. (now Mrs. James McCowan). During the building of the I. & St. L. R. R., Mr. L. contracted and built six miles of the road; with this exception, he has made agriculture his regular business. He has held a number of township offices, filling various official positions for the past forty years, a career he has discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to those he served. Mr. L. is one of the few survivors who have lived to see beautiful homes and flourishing fields where a few years ago roamed the wolf and the panther; has seen the wilderness blossom as the rose, and the railway train take the place of the ox-wagon; during the winter of 1859, he succeeded in ridding the country of what had been a great pest—a panther of immense size, one of the last of its kind seen in Edgar Co. He married his present wife July 14, 1864; her maiden name was Minerva Lansdown, daughter of Thornton Lansdown, one of the first white settlers of the county; they have two children — James T. and Ola E. The experience of Mr. and Mrs. L. in pioneer life has been long and varied, and they have seen their children grow up around them and become useful citizens of the community. During the late war, Mr. L. enlisted in the 7th I. V. C., and went out as Orderly Sergeant in 1861; he served two years, and was in several severe engagements, from which he came out without a scratch. THOMAS LAUGHEAD, farmer; P. O. Kansas; son of James Laughead, a prominent pioneer; was born in Coshocton Co., Ohio, April 11, 1836, and was brought by parents to this county in 1838; during his early life he obtained a fair education; he began doing for himself with no means, but willing hands and a determined mind, by which he has acquired a good property. He owns 120 acres of fine land, which is well improved. He married Miss Emily Ringland, of Washington Co., Penn., Jan. 8, 1861, and settled where they now live in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. L. are young people of good physical as well as mental powers, and upon the full tide of success. JOHN McDAVITT, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Grand View; was born in Hardy Co., Va., Oct. 2, 1832, and was brought to this county by parents in 1836, locating where John now resides (the old homestead farm); during his life, he had been prominent in all public matters pertaining to the development and settlement of the county; he passed away in 1851, his wife surviving him twelve years; they had raised a family of six children, five of whom are still living. The subject of this sketch married Miss Margaret J. Paxton, daughter of J. Paxton, a prominent pioneer of this county, May 2, 1864; they have a family of four children — Annette, Robert P., Edna J. and Louisa A. Mr. McD. has served in different township offices, and been an active worker for the good of his town. He owns 550 acres of fine land, valued at $55 per acre, which is the result of his own energy. REV. R. A. MITCHELL, minister; P. O. Kansas; is pastor of the Presbyterian Church; was born in Washington Co., Tenn., April 6, 1819, and came to Coles Co., Ill., with his parents, when quite young; his father, Jas. A. Mitchell, a pioneer of Coles Co., settled where the city of Charleston now stands, in 1833, and died in 1847, while on a Visit to Tennessee; his wife is still living, and though 79 years of age, is quite active. Rev. Mr. Mitchell was educated at Washington College, East Tennessee, after which he took a theological course at the New Albany (Ind.) Institute, now the Northwestern Theological Seminary, of Chicago, from which he graduated in November, 1848, at which time he was licensed to preach; in 1856, he was ordained and engaged regularly in the ministry, devoting his life and energies to it since that time; he has preached at Charleston, with the exception of eight years, since 1848, removing to Kansas in 1870, where he has labored in the cause of the Master. He was married in March, 1849, to Miss Anna E. Roberts, of his native county, and has a family of six children — five sons and one daughter. DR. JOHN MILLS, physician and surgeon, Paris; was born in Concord, N. H., May 10, 1819, where he was raised, and received his early education; he began doing for himself early in life, and, after receiving a good common schooling, he taught for a time to secure means for a medical course; in 1841, he began studying medicine under Dr. J. F. Holston, at Zanesville, Ohio, and later with Dr. L. Workman; in 1844, he began the practice of his chosen profession at Adamsville, Ohio, continuing there until 1853, when, he came to Edgar Co., Ill., where he has since devoted his entire time and skill to his practice, having built up a large practice; he is a well-read physician, of acknowledged ability, social and genial. He married Miss Rebecca A. Wheeler, of Zanesville, Ohio, October, 1853; they have a family of three children — Franklin W., Ellen A. and Mary F.; as a family, they are much respected. FRANK O'BRIEN, general merchant, Kansas; was born in Terre Haute, Ind., Nov. 17, 1839, where he was raised and educated; and, at the age of 21, he engaged as clerk with his brother Thomas (general merchant), and continued, until 1870, when he became a partner, firm of T. & F. O'Brien; and, after a continuance of five years, he sold out and located in Kansas, and established his present place of business; since which, time he has built up the flourishing trade he now enjoys. Mr. O'Brien is a man that attends strictly to his own business, though social and genial and a good business man. He married Miss Bertie Cox, of Ashmore, Coles Co., Ill., in February, 1873; they have a family of two children — Sallie and Bertie. EDWARD PINNELL, retired farmer; P. O. Kansas; is a pioneer of Edgar Co.; was born in Culpeper Co., Va., March 23, 1795; and at the age of 21, he with parents moved to Jefferson Co., Ky., where he married Miss Nancy Ross Dec. 25, 1818, and remained there engaged in farming until 1830; when they removed to Edgar Co., Ill., locating in what is now Kansas Tp., and entered land and began farming, at which time the country was inhabited by roving bands of Indians, with now and then an adventurous pioneer, and by perseverance, industry and a firm will, he withstood the many disappointments and hardships incident to a pioneer's Life. His wife died Nov. 19, 1864, leaving a family of three children — Andrew J., Rachel M. (now Mrs. J. K. Boyer), and Margaret (Mrs. T. Atkins); and on Oct 14, 1866, he married Miss Martha A. Pearman formerly of Hardin Co., Ky.; she was born March 29, 1828. Mr. Pinnell was an ex-soldier of the war of 1812, and has since that time been an active worker in all public matters pertaining to the good of the community in which he has lived, He has also been engaged in the work of miinistry for about fifty years in connection with the Christian Church. He has lived an active, industrious and an economical life, and his career is marked with integrity and honor; there are but few that can look back over their past life with that satisfaction, and now at the ripe old age of 84, he lives to see the prosperity and usefulness of his children. A. J. PINNELL, hardware and agricultural implement dealer, Kansas; was born in Oldham Co., Ky., Jan. 14, 1821; son of Edward Pinnell, who was among the first white settlers of Edgar Co., and like many of the pioneers had nothing of importance in value wherewith to begin life, but was not lacking in two very essential elements to those who will succeed, hope and courage. At the age of 16, the subject of this sketch returned to Kentucky, and attended school for a time; then returned and joined his people in their new home; and, after receiving a good schooling, he engaged in teaching. He also was engaged in mercantile business as clerk in Kansas, Ill., where he learned business. He has followed farming and mercantile business at intervals up to 1875, since which time he has given his entire attention to his present business. By industry, integrity and square dealings, he has won the confidence of many patrons, and now enjoys a flourishing trade. He married Miss Eliza, daughter of John Poulter (an early settler of this county), Jan. 20, 1842; they are the parents of nine children, only two of whom are living — James H. and Winfield S. family, they are well-to-do and respected. JAMES H. PINNELL, butcher, Kansas; is a native of this county: was born on Sept. 14, 1846; son of A. J. Pinnell, a prominent pioneer of this county; his early education was obtained under the many disadvantages of a pioneer life. At the age of 17, he entered the army of the late war of the rebellion, enlisting with the 12th I. V. I.; was in sixteen engagements, among which were some of the principal battles of Sherman's campaign, and after the expiration of his enlisted term, which was eighteen months, returned to Charleston and attended school for a time, then engaged as clerk with a clothing house, afterward with a grocery house, where he learned business; his first business experience was in the restaurant and confectionery business; in 1872, he removed to Manchester and engaged in butchering, continuing there until 1875, when he came to Kansas and opened his present place of business, which is one of the neatest shops in the county, and would do credit to a much larger place; he is a young man of good physical as well as mental powers, social and genial, through which he has won a large patronage, and the esteem and respect of all who know him. He married Miss Ella M. Clermont, of Scott Co., Ill., June 4, 1868; they have two children — Lula M. and Mary E. W. O. PINNELL, President of the First National Bank of Kansas, is a native of Oldham Co., Ky.; was born Jan. 24, 1824; during his early life, the chances for a school education were very limited, though by observation and experience he obtained a good business education. On Jan. 2, 1848, he married Miss Margaret A. Wilhite; they came and located in this township in 1855; she passed away on Aug. 6, 1856, leaving one child — William C, and on Feb. 22, 1858, he married Mrs. Louisa E. Dehaven, of his native county; she passed away on March 8, 1867. During the late war of the rebellion, he raised a company and entered the army as Captain, and after a time resigned on account of sickness in his family. He was instrumental in organizing the Exchange Bank of Kansas, of which he has since officiated as President; it was changed to the First National Bank of Kansas in 1873. He married his present wife on Nov. 28, 1868; she was Mrs. Glawvina Wilhite; they have two children — Brent H. and Exia. Mr. P. deals quite extensively in stock, and owns a large tract of land, and is considered one of the solid men of the county; his property is principally the result of his own industry and good financiering; he is a man of good physical as well as mental powers, social and genial, having always interested himself in the public matters pertaining to the good of the community in which he has lived, and has won the respect and esteem of all who know him. ABRAHAM PINNELL, farmer and one of the hardy and substantial pioneers of Edgar Co.; P. O. Kansas; was born in Culpeper Co., Va., June 28, 1804, where he was raised to the age of 11, when he removed with his parents to Jefferson Co., Ky., and lived there until 1830, at which time he came and settled where he now resides. He married Miss Frances M. Estes, of Fayette Co., Ky., Oct. 3, 1827; she was born Oct. 8, 1811; they can clearly remember when this county was inhabited by roving bands of Indians, with but now and then an adventurous pioneer, and the trials and privations incident to frontier life are fresh in their minds, although they are now surrounded with an abundance of the necessaries of life, which is the result of their own industry; they are the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living and received assistance by which to prepare a home; the family is as follows: William I. S., Weston R., Ann Eliza (deceased), George (deceased), Jasper N., Sarah A. (now Mrs. W. Kirkham, residing in Hamilton Co., Neb.), Lattimo T., Adona (now Mrs. Norben Arterburn), Mary F. (now Mrs. Thomas Poulter) and Margaret (deceased); as a family, they are much respected and members of the Christian Church. W. R. PINNELL, farmer; P. O. Kansas; son of Abraham Pinnell; was born in this county Aug. 13, 1832; this has been his home thus far through life; being of a mechanical turn of mind, he executes his mechanical work in a workmanlike manner. He is a well-to-do and energetic farmer; owns 117 acres of fine land. During the late war of the rebellion, he was in the service for a time. He married Miss Margaret Michael, of Clark Co., March 13, 1851; she was born in this county July 17, 1833; their family consists of Mary E. (now Mrs. J. A. Keran), John R., George R., Margaret A., Abraham L., W. R., Emma J., Fannie B., Hallie D. and Ida D. L. T. PINNELL, farmer; P. O. Kansas; son of Abraham Pinnell, an early settler of Edgar Co.; was born Aug. 14, 1842, where he has since lived with the exception of the time he was in service. He enlisted with the 12th I. V. I., was in a number of battles, among which were Fort Donelson and Fort Henry; was discharged for disability June of 1862, and returned. On Sept. 4, 1862, he married Elizabeth Baricklaw, of Coles Co.; she is a native of Indiana; born in March, 1842. He owns fifty-two acres of fine land and has a family of six children — Anna L., Mary F., Horton B., Wilham M., Fannie L. and Leonard. W. J. S. PINNELL, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Kansas; is the oldest son of Abraham Pinnell, a pioneer of this county; was born in Oldham Co., Ky., Nov. 14, 1828; he was brought to this county when a mere boy; during his early life, the advantages for a school education were few and far between, though, by experience and observation, he has obtained a good business education and has diligently applied himself to farming and stock dealing, through which he has acquired a good property. He married Miss Martha J. Poulter, of this county, Oct. 16, 1853; she was born Oct. 4, 1832; their family consists of Jacob E., Wallace O. and Harrison F. They own upward of 700 acres of as fine land as may be found in the county, which is of their own accumulation. They are much respected citizens. J. N. PINNELL, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Kansas; is a native of this county; was born July 16, 1839; son of A. Pinnell, a prominent pioneer of this county, and a native of Virginia; during the early life of J. N., he obtained but a common schooling, but now is a fair business man and a practical farmer of a lifelong experience; his dealings have been square and honorable, which has won the confidence of all who know him. His home farm, which consists of upward of 300 acres, is one of the best in this township. His wife was Miss Lavina Nay, of this county; was born in March, 1845; tney have a family of five children — Minnie, Curtis, Demma, Bertha and Sylvia. Mr. P. has spent his entire life so far is this county, and the close application and industry have placed him in his present position. J. J. PINNELL, farmer; P. O. Kansas; son of Joseph Pinnell, who was among the first settlers of the county; the subject of this sketch was born in Oldham Co., Ky., April 3, 1826, where he lived until 1851, when he removed to Monroe Co., Mo., and resided there until 1871, and then came and settled in this county, without any means, having lost his property through surety, and began anew; with the energy and industry with which he is possessed, 'tis hard to keep one down; he now owns 120 acres of fine land, which he has obtained since living in this county. He married Miss Alice D. Enochs, of his native county, May 10, 1849; she was born June 15, 1830; they have a family of six living — Edward T., Lucy E., Josephine, Anna M., Martha J. and Bruce. W. C. PATTON, mechanic, Kansas; was born in Butler Co., 0hio, July 25, 1838, where he was raised and schooled; he came with his parents to this county in 1858, and, in the fall, they settled in Coles Co., where they now reside; during his early life he obtained a good education, and being, of a mechanical turn of mind, he chose for an occupation the trade of a mason and plasterer, which he learned while with his father; he is now considered the most able workman in his line of in the place. He married Miss Sarah E. Meixsell (of his native county) May 1, 1859; she was born July 1, 1838. By their industry and economy, they have acquired a good property. They are members of the M. E. Church, and respected citizens. JAMES PAXTON, farmer; P. O. Kansas; was born in Greenbrier Co., Va., Dec. 18, 1826, and came to this county with his parents in 1839, and on June 23, 1841, his father died, his mother surviving him only twenty-four hours, after which James was taken back to Virginia, and raised by his grandfather, James Steele, until 21 years of age, when he returned to Edgar Co. and began in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of W. Collom, a prominent pioneer of Coles Co., Ill., Elizabeth being the first born in the city of Charleston; they are the parents of four children — John W., Charles, Anna and Laura — whom they are endeavoring to educate thoroughly, that they may be an honor and a credit to them in their latter days. Mr. and Mrs. P. have patiently borne the hardships and disappointments so common to a pioneer life; they have been industrious and economical, the result of which is a fine home and upward of four hundred acres of well-improved land, valued at $75 per acre; he came to Illinois as poor as the poorest, and steadily went onward and upward; now with a good property, is affable and courteous, and much respected by all who know him. DAVID ROSS, druggist, Kansas; firm of Ross & Mills, druggists; was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Aug. 18, 1851, and was brought to Vigo Co., Ind., in 1861, and, in 1865, they removed to Edgar Co., Ill., locating near Paris; during the early life of David, he obtained a good education, graduating at the Westfield College, of Westfield, Ill., in 1874, after which he taught school for a time; he began in the drug business as clerk in Westfield, where he learned the business, and, in 1877, he came to Kansas and engaged in his present business, and is now enjoying a good business; he is a young man of fine business ability, and upon the full tide of success. He married Angie, daughter of Green Arterburn, of Coles Co., Ill., Aug. 31, 1876; one child — Charles, born Nov. 25, 1877. B. J. RINKER, of the firm of Rinker, Blood & Co., lumber dealers and contractors and builders, Kansas; was born in Loudoun Co., Va., Nov. 10, 1828; early in life, he chose for an occupation the trade of a carpenter, and, being of a mechanical turn of mind, soon became an able workman, and engaged in building, which he has followed thus far through life, and, in 1857, he came to this county, locating in Kansas, and followed contracting and building until 1871, when he engaged with J. K. Boyer in the lumber business, and, in 1877, George R. Blood became connected with the firm, which is now Rinker, Blood & Co.; they have constructed the principal churches and fine residences and blocks of the township, and are now doing the most extensive business in their line of any firm in the county, and many of the finest and most commodious churches are monuments of their workmanship. Mr. R. married Miss Sarah J. Brown, of his native county, Dec. 18, 1851; they have one child (adopted) — Katie; they have also raised one boy, whom they intend doing for as their own. They are members of the M. E. Church, and much respected by all who know them. GEORGE RINGLAND, M. D., Kansas; is a native of Washington Co., Penn.; was born Sept. 5, 1823, where he was raised and educated; at the age of 20, he chose for an occupation the medical profession, and began studying with Dr. S. Culver, and later with Dr. G. W. Neff, of Fayette Co.; after which he attended medical lectures at the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia; he began the practice of his chosen profession at East Bethlehem in 1846, and continued in that vicinity until 1857, when he came to Illinois, locating in Coles Co., at Newman, and, in 1861, he removed to Kansas. In 1862, he enlisted with the 79th I. V. I., and was shortly appointed Acting Assistant Surgeon; his health soon became so impaired that he was compelled tp quit the service, and he was discharged; since which time he has devoted his entire time and skill to his practice; he receives a large, first-class practice, being a gentleman of acknowledged ability and well educated in the medical profession. He married Miss Margaret Rea, of Greene Co., Penn., in February, 1843; they have a family of four — William P., Rea C., Mary and Maggie. GEORGE SEFTON, agent and operator for the I. & St. L. R. R. Co., Kansas; was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Oct. 26, 1845; after receiving a good business education, he began to learn telegraphing; in 1864, he was appointed agent and operator for the I. C. & L. R. R. Co., and continued with that company until 1867, when he came to Kansas to take the position of agent and operator for the I. & St. L. R. R. Co., and, in 1870, was removed to Shelbyville, where he remained two years; then returned to Kansas, and, in company with Fred N. Boyer, engaged in the dry goods business, and continued about five years; then withdrew from mercantile life to take his present position; Mr. Sefton has had the experience in R. R. business which enables him to perform his duties with entire satisfaction to all concerned; he is a man of good business ability, social and genial, and considered the right man in the right place. He married Miss Missouri B. Kerns, of Cincinnati, Ohio, October, 1866; they have a family of four — Harrie W., Blanche M., George H. and Grace. Mrs. S. is engaged in millinery, fancy goods and dressmaking; she is doing a flourishing business. M. L. SHAVER, druggist, firm of Kester & Shaver, Kansas; is a native of Montgomery Co., Ind.; was born March 26, 1843; there he was raised and schooled, receiving a good English education. At the age of 25, he embarked in mercantile life, engaging in the grocery business at Ladoga, Ind., and after a continuance of two years sold out and came to Kansas, Ill., and with W. L. Kester engaged in the drug and grocery business, and has since continued. Their well-stocked store and large patronage speak for the enterprise and industry and fair dealings of the proprietors, who are thorough business men, and upon the full tide of success. He married Miss Camdacia Kester April 9, 1868; she is the daughter of William Kester, a prominent pioneer of this county, they have a family of four children. J. W. WINN, fanner and stock dealer; P. O. Kansas; was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, May 5, 1834, where he was raised and schooled, and on Oct. 19, 1854 he married Miss Martha J. Shively, and in 1856 they came to Edgar Co., Ill., and began to prepare a home with but little means, but with a firm will and willing hands, and unswerving integrity have gradually prospered, and now own a fine farm of 200 acres, with good farm-buildings; they have a family of six children — Celia R., Marion F., Dallas H., Howard M., Willis H. and Anna M. As a family, they are well to do, and much respected. Mr. and Mrs. Winn are members of the M. E. Church. ELI WILEY, harness-maker, Kansas; was born in Coles Co., Ill., Nov. 8, 1849, and has resided in Kansas since 10 years of age. At the age of 17, he began to learn the trade of harness-making, serving a regular apprenticeship with D. Curd, after which he was his partner for two years, and for a time was in partnership with John Arterburn, Jr., and now operating and managing the business for John Arterburn, Jr. He is a young man of fine social qualities and good business ability, and 'tis fair to predict for him a brilliant future. He married Miss Maggie Sweeney, of this county, Aug. 31, 1876; they have one child — Linna, born Oct. 14, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Christian Church. WILLIAM WAITE, farmer; P. O. Kansas; is a native of Virginia and a pioneer of Edgar Co.; was born Oct. 27, 1832; he was brought to this county by parents in 1837; William's farm is a part of the old homestead. His father passed away in 1839; his mother surviving him seventeen years; they left a family of four, two of whom are now living. The subject of this sketch was thrown upon his own resources early in life, and struggled hard for a number of years to obtain a start; but being possessed with energy and industry, he soon began to prosper, and now has a good property, a pleasant family and a happy home. He married Miss Mary J. Lyon, daughter of Stephen Lyon, one of the early settlers; they have nine children - Edward L., Mary G., William E., Anna L., John A., Martha E., Walter S., Eva M. and Nellie W. J. R. WILHOIT, farm and stock dealer; P. O. Kansas; a son of Julius Wilhoit, who was among the first white settlers of the county, and a native of Virginia, but had resided for a number of years in Jefferson Co., Ky., before removing to Illinois; he came to Edgar Co. in 1830, and settled in what is now Kansas Tp., where he died in 1833; his wife survived him thirty-five years; they raised a family of seven children, four of whom are still living. The subject of this sketch was born April 18, 1821, and was thrown upon his own resources when a mere boy; but, imbued with an iron will, and possessed of energy and industry, he determined to achieve success. The struggle was a hard one for a number of years, but when finally a start was obtained, prosperity followed; he has been an eye-witness to the great change that has taken place in the community and has seen it pass from a wild and desolate waste, to a thickly-settled and well-developed country, always taking an active interest in public matters pertaining to the good of the country in which he lives; Mr. W. resides on the homestead farm where his father settled forty-eight years ago, and which is one of the finest homes in the county; he owns in this township upward of one thousand acres of fine land; a large tract of land in Texas; is an extensive stock dealer, and stockholder in the Kansas National Bank, and is considered one of the solid men of Edgar Co.; there are but few who can look back over their past lives with more satisfaction than can Mr. W., notwithstanding he has borne the brunt of many a hardship and privation, the result of which is a large property, a pleasant family and a happy home. He was married March 18, 1847, to Miss Angeline Cornwell, daughter of Jeremiah Cornwell, an early settler of the county; they have a family of seven children — Sarah E., Cornelia F. (now Mrs. F. Smith), Owen E., Mildred A., Oscar, Louisa and Julius Y. JOSEPH ZINK, farmer; P. O. Kansas; was born in Washington Co., Ind., Jan. 28, 1834, where he was raised and schooled; son of Peter Zink, an early settler and prominent farmer of Washington Co., Ind. The subject of this sketch was raised upon a farm, having always followed the same, is now a well-to-do and practical farmer; he came to Edgar Co. in 1855, and began with nothing in the way of means, but with a strong will and determined mind, has succeeded in accumulating a good property; he now owns 215 acres of finely-improved land and a fine residence, which is the result of his own industry. He married Miss Catharine A. Green, of his native county Feb. 10, 1861; they have a family of six — Maggie J., Laura A., Edwin E., Stella P., Ethel E. and William T. Mr. Z. is yet a young man, of good physical as well as mental powers, and upon the full tide of success. As a family, they are well to do and much respected. D. W. ZINK, Kansas; was born in this county July 5, 1828, and is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in the county, who claims Edgar as their nativity. His father Emanuel Zink, settled in this county in 1826, and was well known here as an upright, well-to-do citizen for forty-seven years, dying at the age of nearly 70, in 1873. Daniel W. was raised on a farm, and got his education in log schoolhouses, generally getting in sixty days in a year. He married his first wife, Miss Evaline Wells, Nov. 12, 1850, with whom he lived happily until her death Dec. 3, 1851. His present wife was Miss Louisa Lesley; the date of their marriage being Nov. 3, 1853; the living fruits of this union are three daughters — Maggie E., Ida L. and Lola M., who to a striking degree inherit the good sense of their father, and their lady-like deportment and culture, is full and complete evidence of a good mother. Mr. Zink moved to this village and began the sale of dry goods on the 6th of Sept., 1856, and continued in the trade until Jan. 10, 1862, when he was burned out, losing everything. He has had a varied and extensive experience, not only in a business career, but in his social relations; generous, kind-hearted, fond of society, and more especially his friends, he nearly became a victim to a habit that has failed to release many on whom it has laid its grasp. Asserting his manhood, he now stands as a living testimony that there is such a thing as a genuine reformation; and it now seems clear that his last days will be his best. Financially, he is above the average, not only in point of present possession, but his investments and business ventures are marked with prudence and sagacity. Mr. Zink has served this county as Supervisor, this community as School Director, Village Trustee and several other minor offices. His special mission has been to aid the distressed and lift up the down-trodden. Appeals to him for aid in cases of genuine charity were always answered in a liberal manner. Nov. 3, of the present year, his silver wedding was duly celebrated by about one hundred of his friends and neighbors. Presents both numerous and valuable, were made to the surprised couple. His residence is one of the finest, most durable, and best located in the village of Kansas. Is now engaged in farming, baling hay, and raising pure-blooded, Jersey-Red pigs. Additional Comments: The History of Edgar County, Illinois. Chicago: Wm. Le Baron, Jr. & Co., 186 Dearborn St., 1879 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/edgar/bios/kansasto556nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 71.8 Kb