Edgar County IL Archives Biographies.....Paris 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 20, 2006, 3:46 pm

Author: The History of Edgar Co IL 1879

pages 553-610

PARIS TOWNSHIP.


MILTON K. ALEXANDER, deceased, Paris, whose portrait has a place in this work, 
was born in Elbert Co., Ga., Jan. 23, 1796, and was the third son of a family 
of twelve children. His father, John Brown Alexander, was a native of 
Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N. C, and his mother, Barbara (King) Alexander, of 
Scotland; his ancestors came from the north of Ireland, and, during the 
Revolution, the Alexander family were quite numerous about Charlotte, some six 
of them having in 1775, signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence; in 
1804, his father and family immigrated to Williamson Co., Tenn., and, in  
1811, to the border county of Lincoln, in same State; schools at that time 
were of the most primitive kind, consequently the early advantages of the 
subject of this sketch were quite limited, with, however; his love of 
knowledge and his active mind and retentive memory, he in after life acquired 
a fund of information rarely surpassed by those enjoying the most favorable 
opportunities in early life. During the war of 1812, still a boy, he undertook 
the sternest duties of a man, those of a soldier; he was out with the 
Tennessee Mounted Volunteers, under General Jackson, against the warlike 
Southern savages, and was chosen First Lieutenant by his comrades; from the 
time he entered the service up to the taking of Pensacola, Nov. 6, 1814, 
remained under the immediate command of Gen. Jackson; soon after, Gen. Jackson 
with the principal part of his forces went to New Orleans; much against his 
wishes, it fell to the lot of Lieut. Alexander to remain in Florida with that 
portion of the army, to who was left the less glorious, though not less 
arduous duty of chastising the warlike Seminoles; the  privations of this 
campaign brought on disease, from which he never after fully recovered. After 
the war, he returned to Lincoln Co., Tenn., and, on  Dec. 16, 1819, was 
married to Miss Mary Shields, of Giles Co., Tenn., in which county he resided 
until he emigrated to Illinois. In 1823, he came to Edgar Co., and soon 
afterward engaged in mercantile and agricultural pursuits at Paris; on the 
establishment of mail facilities in the embryo city of Paris, he became 
Postmaster, a position which he held for twenty-five years; in February, 1826, 
he was appointed Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court, which position he 
held till September, 1837; and in the same year, having been elected thereto, 
was commissioned Colonel of the 19th Regiment Illinois Militia, by Gov. Edward 
Coles; in December, 1830, he was appointed Aide-de-Camp to Gov. John Reynolds, 
and, on account of Indian troubles on the frontier, was, in 1831, required to 
accompany the Governor to Rock Island; in 1832, he was elected and 
commissioned Brigadier General of the 2d Brigade of Illinois Volunteers, and 
was in active service in the field till the close of the Black Hawk war. In 
1837, he was elected by the joint vote of the General Assembly of Illinois, a 
member of the Board of Commissioners of Public Works, an office of great trust 
and responsibility; at the first meeting of the Commissioners, he was chosen 
President of the Board, which he retained until the whole system of internal 
improvements was abandoned by the State. In December, 1830, he became a member 
of the Presbyterian Church in Paris, and continued so up to the day of his 
death. Gen. Alexander was a man of cool, clear judgment, great self-control 
and fine practical business ability; he was public-spirited and hospitable, 
and in all his business relations prompt and honorable; the varied and 
responsible duties imposed on him by the partiality of his fellow-citizens 
were faithfully and ably discharged, and he maintained through life a name 
unsullied by a single stain. After suffering patiently and cheerfully for ten 
years as an invalid, he departed this life July 7, 1856, respected and 
esteemed by all who knew him, and sincerely mourned by a numerous circle of 
friends and relatives.


ALBERT B. AUSTIN, SR., deceased, Paris, whose portrait appears in this work, 
was born in Greene Co., N. Y., Feb. 12, 1808. His parents were both of New 
England stock; his grandfather was a participant in the Revolutionary 
struggle. He received a good elementary education, and early in life was known 
as a boy of high moral principle, great industry and correct habits. His 
father died when he was quite young, and on him devolved the maintenance of 
the mother and younger children, which required great industry and energy. He 
was married to Miss Jennie E. Hannah, who survives him, in Schenectady in 
October, 1832. They lived at Hudson and Schenectady, N. Y., until 1852, when 
they emigrated to this, then new country. Mr. Austin was an active, efficient 
man, ready to engage in every work where public interest could be promoted. He 
was Chief of Police, Police Magistrate, head of fire company, Overseer of the 
Poor, and President of School Boards for over twenty years; and when he left 
New York, the citizens, by an ardent exhibition of their confidence and 
respect, had a large meeting, at which they, by resolutions, acknowledged 
their obligation to him, and their high esteem of his character, and presented 
him with a silver cup. He moved to this place with his family in 1852. His 
labors were soon needed here. He joined the Presbyterian Church in 1853, under 
Dr. Samuel Newell, and was soon after elected an Elder, which office he filled 
ably and honorably to the end of his life. He was elected Judge of the the 
County Court, and to the office of Clerk twice, and did much in bringing about 
those municipal improvements which have so greatly benefited this city. Mr. 
Austin and wife had born to them ten children, eight of whom are living, 
honored and beloved citizens, viz., Adelia Ann, Alanson, William, Jennie, 
Albert, James, Wallace and Archibald; two deceased — Ruby and Nancy. One son 
graduated at Union College, New York, another at Yale College, New Haven, and 
a third at Columbia Medical College, in New York City. The Judge was a man of 
intellect, energy and practical Christian piety. He believed in letting his 
light shine, and evinced his Christian faith by works of benevolence and love, 
whenever an opportunity afforded. He, for many years, gave much time and 
attention to organizing the public schools, and had a large responsibility in 
erecting the school-buildings, and in carrying on the schools. His efficient 
labors in the church were no less valuable than elsewhere. He was ever at his 
post, and stood as a most prominent man in talent, activity and devoted piety. 
He was a prominent and honored member of the society of the I. O. O. F., and 
he held the position of Deputy Grand Master of the State. He died Tuesday, May 
21, 1878.


S. O. AUGUSTUS, Circuit Clerk, Paris, is a pioneer of the county; was born in 
Jefferson Co., Ky., July 15, 1830, and came into this county with his parents 
in 1831. They settled in what is now known as Grand View Tp., and there bought 
and improved land. His father was one of the first County Commissioners of 
Edgar County, and resided at first location until his death, which was July 
12, 1863, at the age of 71. During the early life of S. O., he received a good 
education, and his first business experience was in the way of a dry goods 
clerk, and, in 1854, he with Rudy & Co. opened a dry goods store, in which 
business he continued about nine years, then bought land in Grand View Tp., 
and began farming. His farm consists of 740 acres, and is one of the best 
improved farms in the county, being well watered, is finely adapted to stock-
raising. He makes the stock trade quite a prominent part of his business. His 
first office was that of Village Alderman, in 1855; then served seven years as 
Township Supervisor. He was elected to his present office by the Democratic 
party in 1876. He has held a number of responsible positions, all of which he 
has filled with honor and credit to himself and those he represented. On April 
13, 1854, he married Miss Lizzie Harding, of this county. They are the parents 
of four children — George H., Jacob E., Cammie and Bessie B.


F. R. AXSON, abstract, real estate and loan agent, was born in Shrewsbury, 
England, June 21, 1839. He came to this country in 1859, and settled in New 
York, and, in 1861, he enlisted with the 67th N. Y. V. I., and was through a 
number of heavy battles, among which were Bull Run, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, 
Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spottsylvania; through the many severe 
engagements he received but a slight wound; he mustered out at Petersburg in 
June, 1864. He returned to Brooklyn, and shortly began business in New York 
City; he came to Chicago in 1865, and, in 1873, removed to Cincinnati, where 
he remained until 1877, when he came to Paris. During his early life, he 
received a good education, laying the foundation for future usefulness. He has 
now established himself in Paris, in the abstract and loan business; being 
social, genial and a practical business man, it is fair to predict him for a 
brilliant future. Francis R. Axson, while in Chicago, was, for several years, 
western agent of Messrs. Tyng & Co., of New York City, and in that capacity, 
had considerable experience that he will find useful in his present business, 
having had to travel through the Western and Northwestern States.


JOHN ARTHUR, farmer and stockdealer, P. O. Paris; is a native of Pennsylvania; 
was born Oct. 12, 1819; when 10 years old, was brought to Clark Co., Ohio, 
where he was raised and received a good common education; when of age, began 
to do for himself, engaging in agricultural pursuits, and has made that his 
business thus far through life. He married Miss Eliza C. Moss, of Clark Co., 
Jan. 1, 1847; she was born Feb. 10, 1822. They came to Edgar Co. in 1854, and 
bought land and settled where they now reside, at which time the country was 
wild, unsettled, and the hardships and trials of a pioneer's life were but 
common to them; but, by perseverance and industry, coupled with unswerving 
integrity, has placed himself in his present position. He owns 1,500 acres of 
fine improved land, valued at $70 per acre. Since residing in Illinois, has 
given a larger portion of his time and attention to stock-dealing, in which he 
is largely known and very successful. The family consists of Athalinda (now 
Mrs. G. W. Brown), Daniel, Mary J. (now Mrs. J. H. Harris), Henry H., John D. 
and Adda. As a family, they are much respected by all who know them.


JOHN N. ANTHONY, carpenter, contractor and builder, Paris; was born in 
Armstrong Co., Penn., Dec. 28, 1821; he being of a mechanical turn of mind, 
chose the trade of a brickmason for his occupation, and, at the early age of 
13, began and served as an apprentice until 21; he then being an able workman, 
he worked in the capacity of a foreman until 1857, when he removed to Paris 
and bought a farm and began to improve it, but soon returned to his trade and 
took up contracting and building; in 1865, he returned to farming, and 
continued two years, after which he gave his principal time to his trade; he 
was considered the most able workman of the county, having built some of the 
principal blocks; also, some of the finest residences of the county; he 
continued until his health began to fail, since which time he has but looked 
after the affairs of his family and property. He has held a number of 
prominent and responsible positions; at present a member of the City Council. 
He is noted for his honesty and integrity, and is a much respected citizen. He 
was twice married; first to Miss Mary Wagoner, in March, 1844; she passed away 
in October, 1871, leaving seven children; his second wife was Miss Martha 
Kiser, of Virginia; she passed away March 26, 1877, leaving a family of three.


J. Y. ANTRIM, grocer, Paris; was born in Bucks Co., Penn., Nov. 21, 1824, 
where he was raised and schooled; obtained a common-school education. On Sept. 
27, 1845, he married Miss Julia Lick, of Reading, Penn.; in 1852, they removed 
to Hamilton, Ohio, where he erected and operated a woolen-mill; he followed 
constructing and operating woolen-mills for some thirty years; in this he is 
considered the most efficient of any man of the Northwest; he removed to Paris 
in 1858 to manage a mill for L. C. Mann. During the late war of the rebellion, 
he enlisted with the 7th Ill. V. C., and served three years and three months, 
and returned to Paris and built what was known as the Vance Mills afterward, 
he built the Walker Mills. Mr. A. has been quite an extensive traveler; has 
crossed the continent some three times and thoroughly through the United 
States; he is a man of good physical, as well as mental powers; as a man among 
men or in the quiet surroundings of his home, he is social and genial, and as 
a family they are much respected. The family consists of three daughters and 
one son — Emma (now Mrs. J. H. Stoner, of Terre Haute), John W., Sallie C. and 
Lydia S. 


REV. W. B. ADAMS (deceased), Paris, was among the early settlers of this 
county, and engaged in farming for a number of years; then removed to Paris 
and followed contracting and building; Mr. and Mrs. Adams have been intimately 
connected with the growth and prosperity of the M. E. Church for a number of 
years, he having been in the work of the ministry as local preacher for some 
eighteen years; all through his ministerial life, he acted as missionary in 
supplying destitute neighborhoods with preaching, and was a useful and 
influential citizen, and spent his time in doing good and raising and 
educating an intelligent family, which consists of two boys, Allyn and Henry 
B., who are now engaged in the grocery business, firm of Adams Bros.; they 
were born in Clark Co., Ill., but raised in this county, and finished their 
education at the Edgar Academy; they opened and began in their present 
business in 1874; they are young men of fine address, pleasant manners and 
good business ability, and are noted for their energy and enterprise; H. B. 
has invented a folding plant-stand that, for neatness and convenience, 
surpasses anything in use, being so constructed as to form one-quarter, one-
half or three-quarter circle, convenient for using on the outside corner or 
inside corner of a bay-window; holds from eighteen to twenty-five plants; its 
practicability is seen at a glance.


W. ALEXANDER, retired, Paris, pioneer of the county, was born in Williamson 
Co., Tenn., June 3, 1808; he came with his parents to Illinois in 1820, and 
located in what is now Vermilion; thence to Edgar in 1821, where he spent his 
boyhood on a farm, subjected to all the privations and hardships of a pioneer 
life; his advantages for school education were few and far between, though he 
acquired a fair education; he is one who clearly remembers when the beautiful 
land was an unbroken waste, inhabited by roving bands of Indians, with here 
and there an occasional adventurous pioneer. He served in the Black Hawk war. 
Agricultural pursuits has been his business thus far through life. On March 
25, 1841, he married Miss Sarah Young, of Cincinnati, Ohio; they have two 
children living — Ravilla C. and Frank R. Mr. and Mrs. A. have been members of 
the Presbyterian Church for a number of years, and are much respected by all 
who know them, and now live in their ripe old age to enjoy their children's 
prosperity and usefulness.


A. B. AUSTIN, jeweler, Paris, is a native of New York; was born in Schenectady 
Co. Oct. 9, 1842; he came to this county with his parents in 1851. His father, 
Mr. A. B., Esq., was one of the prominent men of Paris,though not among the 
first settlers, yet was an active worker in all public matters pertaining to 
the good of the people. Served as Probate Judge, also County Clerk. His public 
services have rendered him very popular, and have secured for him the general 
respect of those that knew him; he passed away May 1, 1878, leaving a family 
of six boys and two girls. A. B. received a good education during his early 
life, and learned the trade of watchmaking; in 1868, he began in his present 
business with small means, and by industry and uprightness in business he has 
accumulated a good property and now enjoys a flourishing trade, which he well 
deserves. On Oct. 31, 1873, he married Miss Alice E. Hurtz, daughter of Prof. 
J. Hurtz, of Paris; they have two children — Jennie J. I. and Albert B.


F. R. AUGUSTUS, retired farmer, P. O. Paris; was born in Jefferson Co., Ky., 
March 15, 1828; he came with his parents to Illinois in 1831, locating in what 
is known as Grand View Tp., where his father bought and entered lands. He 
served as one of the first County Commissioners of Edgar Co. Agricultural 
pursuits had been his principal business through life; he resided at his first 
location in this county until his death, which was July 12, 1863, at the age 
of 71. F. R. settled on Sec. 1, Buck Tp., and began improving his farm, which 
now consists of 475 acres; his land is well improved, and valued at $50 per 
acre. Oct. 4, 1871, he married Miss Ida Smith, of Edgar Co.; she passed away 
Feb. 12, 1876, leaving one child — Willis O., born July 17, 1872. 


E. J. ARMENTROUT, groceries, provisions and queensware, Paris; was born in 
Terre Haute, Ind., March 30, 1848; he came to Edgar Co. with his parents in 
1854; during his early life, he received a good common-school education; his 
father was engaged in the grocery business for a number of years in Sanford, 
this county; he came to Paris in 1866, and opened a grocery house, in which 
business he continued until his death, which was July 28, 1876; after which E. 
J. took charge of the business, and is building up a good trade. 


A. J. BABER, President of the First National Bank, of Paris, Ill.; is a native 
of this county; son of George Baber, a prominent pioneer and native of 
Virginia, who came to this county in 1832, settling in what is now Kansas Tp.; 
engaged in farming, which he continued until his death in 1864. The subject of 
this sketeh was raised a farmer; in 1854, he entered the mercantile store of 
J. K. & W. F. Boyer, of Kansas, Ill., and remained with them until 1859, when 
he was elected County Treasurer of Edgar Co.; he assisted in organizing the 
First National Bank, of Paris, Ill., and was appointed its Cashier; remained 
in that position until 1870, when he was appointed President of the Bank, 
which position he now holds. 


G. W. BABER, County Clerk, Paris; is a native of Illinois, born in Edgar Co., 
May 16, 1840; his parents came from Greene Co., Ind., where his father, who 
was born Sept. 15, 1787, served as a member of the Legislature at the time of 
Jackson's administration, and was also County Sheriff of Greene Co.; he came 
to Illinois in 1834, and settled in Kansas Tp., Edgar Co., in 1836, where he 
remained engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which was July 1, 
1864 at the age of 76. He was a man that did much for the public good of the 
community in which he lived, and was much respected by all who knew him. The 
subject of this sketch was raised a farmer, and, at the death of his father, 
took charge of the home farm, which he managed until the fall of 1873, when he 
was elected to the office of County Clerk by the Republican party, with a 
majority of 545, and re-elected in 1877 with a majority of 285. During the 
late war of the rebellion, he enlisted in the 68th I. V. I., which was a 
ninety-day regiment, and served to the expiration of the term. On April 11, 
1872, he married Miss Flora McCollum, of Washington Co., Penn.; they are the 
parents of two children — Nelson and Charles; Charles deceased.


ROBERT N. BISHOP, lawyer, Paris; is a native of Lexington, Ky.; born Nov. 13, 
1840; is the son of E. and Laura Bishop; his father was, for many years, a 
professor in Miami University, of Oxford, Ohio; also, Mt. Sterling, Ky. He 
came to Edgar Co., Ill., in 1859, and took charge of Edgar Academy. He died in 
January, 1877, at the age of 67, leaving a family of two boys and three girls. 
The education of Robert N. was conducted at the Miami University, of Oxford, 
Ohio; he graduated in 1863; was admitted to the bar the same year of his 
graduation, and entered at once upon his professional duties, and soon secured 
an extensive practice, which comprised many of the most important issues 
presented to courts of his section for settlement. In the fall of 1870, he was 
elected to the Illinois Senate, serving one term in the Twenty-seventh General 
Assembly; he was prominent in the debates of this body, and was bold and 
earnest in his advocacy of many needed legislative reforms, and in his 
opposition to special grants of funds; he was a member of the Committees on 
Judiciary Appointment, Federal Relations and Penitentiary, and was a 
conscientious and effective worker in the preliminary labors of legislation. 
Though young in years, he takes rank among the leaders of the bar; he is a 
thoroughly-read lawyer, and an earnest and eloquent pleader; he is forcible in 
argument, stating his points with remarkable clearness, interpreting the law 
with rare judicial ability, and in presenting his conclusions upon a chain of 
reasoning that is irresistible; he has a large patronage in what is styled 
chamber practice, and is laboring under auspices that promise great future 
distinction. On Sept. 1, 1864, he married Miss Jennie E. Nelson, of Hillsboro, 
Ohio, niece of Gov. Trimble, of that State; they are the parents of two 
children — Lucy D. and Katie.


SYLVESTER BARKER, retired; Paris; is a native of New Hampshire; born Nov. 7, 
1799, and when 4 years old, moved with his parents to Genesee Co., N. Y. In 
1816, he, with his parents, came West, locating in Indiana (at that time a 
Territory), near where the city of Terre Haute now stands, being there until 
the death of Leonard Barker, June 26, 1816; there were then eight families 
that formed the settlement. The Indians were quite troublesome, and at times 
the pioneers were compelled to seek refuge at Ft. Harrison; but it was not 
long till they became comparatively peaceable, and the settlers began 
improving, but made slow progress for a number of years.  After the Territory 
was admitted to the Union, Mr. B. bought land and remained until 1826, when he 
removed into what is now Edgar Co., Ill., first settling in what is now 
Prairie Tp., about one mile north of Scotland, having built the first log-
cabin in that township; he engaged in farming. Moved to Paris, and, after 
three years, went to Brouillett Creek Tp. In 1839, he retired and took up his 
residence in Paris, in this county. The first marriage license issued in this 
county was to Mr. B. and Miss Ann Jones, who were married Sept. 16, 1824; she 
is the daughter  of Jacob Jones, who settled in this county in 1818. Mrs. B. 
was born in Kennebec Co., Me.. March 28, 1805; they are the parents of eleven 
children, only three of whom are living — Mary A. (now Mrs. J. Boomer), Sarah 
J., Mattie E. (now Mrs. T. M. Fee). Mr. and Mrs. Barker have enjoyed the 
pleasures and patiently borne the hardships of life together for fifty-four 
years. Their career presents an admirable example for the imitation of young 
people. Without wealth or powerful family connections, or the advantage of 
thorough, early training or brilliant talent, they have, by patient labor, by 
perseverance, by personal integrity and uprightness, established for 
themselves a reputation that their children may well be proud of when they are 
gone.


M. M. BURT, grain dealer, Paris; is a native of Ohio; was born in Scioto Co., 
Jan. 6, 1814; came with his parents to Edgar Co. in 1836, locating in 
Embarrass Tp.; here Mr. B. served as School Trustee for a number of years; 
desiring to give his family the advantage of an education, he organized a 
school, which his wife taught for a time, he having to bear a large portion of 
the expense of schools in his district for a number of years; he opened a farm 
of 200 acres, and continued in the business of farming and stock-raising until 
1867, when he removed to Paris for the purpose of giving his family a better 
school advantage; he at once built a grain-elevator, and has since dealt in 
grain. He has been intimately connected with the growth and prosperity of the 
M. E. Church since his residence in Paris. He has always been an energetic and 
generous supporter of all educational measures; in all fields of labor in 
which he has been engaged, agricultural, intellectual and religious, his 
actions have been characterized by energy and integrity. In December, 1833, he 
married Miss Percilla Howell, of Virginia; they are the parents of twelve 
children, two of whom are deceased.


M. T. BOLAND, farmer; P. O. Paris; son of Augustin E. and Ruth W. (Tickner) 
Boland, who were among the first white settlers of Edgar Co.; he was 
discharged from the war of 1812 at Vincennes in 1814, and resided in this and 
the vicinity of Vincennes and Terre Haute while he lived; he settled in what 
is now Hunter Tp., Edgar Co., in 1818, where he passed away in 1873 at the age 
of 82, and she in 1876 at the age of 73. Mr. B. was a man of public spirit, 
and had always interested himself in all public matters pertaining to the 
welfare of the community in which he lived. The subject of this sketch was 
born in the immediate vicinity of where he now lives, Sept. 10, 1825, and has 
lived a well-to-do and prominent citizen. He has married twice, first to Miss 
Margaret Bunain in June, 1847; she died in June, 1871, leaving seven children —
William J., Augustin E.,Sarah J., John T., Clarrie R., Charles L. and 
Franklin; he married his present wife Sept. 11, 1878; she was Mrs. Mary E. 
Barker, daughter of Dr. W. Clark. Mr. B. owns a fine farm of upward of 200 
acres; is well known and much respected.


A. J. BARR, County Treasurer, Paris; is a native of this county; was born 
March 25, 1839; his parents were born in Bourbon Co., Ky., where they resided 
until 1812; then removed to Davis Co., Ind., and, in 1829, they removed to 
Illinois, locating in Edgar Co.; settled and improved land in what is now 
known as Grand View Tp., and there Mr. Barr passed away on March 17, 1873, 
leaving a family of nine children, eight of whom are still living and reside 
in this county. He Had served as first Supervisor of that town and assisted in 
laying off the county into Congressional towns; was an active worker for the 
public good of the county. The subject of this sketch has held a number of 
township offices, in which he gradually grew in popularity, and now holds the 
office of County Treasurer; previous to his being elected to his present 
position, had followed agricultural pursuits, in which occupation he was 
successful. He married Miss Maria R. Thomas, of this county, Oct. 2, 1859; 
they are the parents of five children, only three of whom are living - James, 
Lillie and an infant.


MRS. ELIZABETH BLACKBURN, retired, Paris, widow of W. D. Blackburn, who was a 
prominent farmer and stock dealer of this county; he was a native of Ohio; he 
came to this county in 1856; and engaged in dry goods business, also farming 
and stockdealing, and continued until 1861, when he organized a company of 
cavalry and entered the army as Captain with the 7th Ill. V. C., and, in 1862, 
was promoted to Major; then, in 1863, again promoted to Lieut. Colonel, and 
during the Grierson's raid through Mississippi was wounded by scouts, from the 
effects of which he died May 17, 1863. He left a family of four children — 
Anna (now Mrs. P. Forker), Jennie (now Mrs. S. Johnston), Eliza (now Mrs. H. 
Sanford), and William, who served three years in the late war of the 
rebellion, and is now practicing law in Austin, Texas. Mr. Blackburn was a man 
of good business ability, public spirited and interested himself in all public 
matters pertaining to the good of the community in which he lived; he was a 
member of the Presbyterian Church and much respected by all who knew him. Mrs. 
B. has also been a member of the Presbyterian Church for upward of thirty 
years; she now lives in her ripe old age to see the prosperity and usefulness 
of her children.


ALEXANDER BALDWIN, farmer; P. O. Paris; son of A. Baldwin, who was one of the 
early settlers of this county and a native of New York; he passed away in the 
fall of 1874; was a well-to-do and much-respected citizen; he had been in 
mercantile life a great many years; one of the first merchants of Edgar Co.; 
when he first came to this county he engaged in business in company with Gov. 
James Whitcomb, of Indiana, and, after a time, he purchased the interest of 
Whitcomb and continued until 1863, when he removed to the farm where his widow 
and family now reside; he left to his family a good property, Alexander, his 
only son, is now conducting the home farm; he is a young man of good business 
ability; has had quite a large business experience; in 1862, was employed as 
book-keeper in the First National Bank of Indianapolis, and remained some five 
years; then he removed to Kansas City, Mo., and engaged in the pork and beef 
packing business, and after the death of his father, returned to take charge 
of his father's business. The family consists of Mrs. L. Sophia Baldwin, 
Emeline (now Mrs. W. R. Nofsinger, of Indianapolis), Alexander and Julia (now 
Mrs F. B. Nofsinger, of Kansas City).


CAPT. H. C. BOYLS, with J. Sholem & Son, dry goods merchants, Paris; was born 
in Burlington, Iowa, Nov. 14, 1844; he removed to near Dayton, Ohio, with 
parents when young, and remained until 1855, when they came to Paris, Ill., 
where he learned and followed the trade of a tinner until 1861, when he 
enlisted with the 12th Ill. V. I. (ninety-days service) and, at the expiration 
of that time, re-enlisted with the 79th, and was elected Orderly Sergeant, 
and, in December, 1862, was promoted to Second Lieutenant; then to First 
Lieutenant in April, 1863, and to Captain on June 25, 1863; he was in a number 
of heavy  battles, among which were Stone River, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, 
Culp's Farm, at which place he was wounded, in July, 1864, which disabled him 
for duty for some six months, during which time he returned to Paris, after 
which he joined his regiment and took command of his company and served to the 
close of the war. His promotions were wholly through faithful and meritorious 
conduct. After the war, he engaged with the firm with which he is now 
connected. Mr. B. is a thorough business man, and has had the experience which 
enables him to make a success of the calling he is engaged in.


W. N. BURT, Police Magistrate, Paris; was born in this county Oct. 17, 1839; 
son of M. M. Burt, a pioneer, and prominent business man of Paris. During his 
early life, he obtained a good education, laying the foundation for future 
prosperity and usefulness. He began in business on his own account at Oakland, 
Coles Co., where he opened a general store, where he continued until 1872. On 
Oct. 7, 1872, he married Miss Carrie Burr, of Coles Co.; he then located near 
Tuscola, and began farming. In 1864, he removed to the village of Tuscola, and 
dealt in stock, in which business he was quite successful; in 1869, he engaged 
with Lawson in hardware business, firm of Burt & Lawson; and, in 1873, they 
were interested in buggy manufacturing; and,in 1874, built what is known as 
the Union Block, after which they dissolved, Burt continuing in the 
manufacturing of carriages for a time; then sold, and removed to Paris and 
engaged in insurance and grain business, which he followed until elected to 
his present office. His family consists of his wife and one child — Lula M.


W. W. BROWN, freight and ticket agent for the P. & D. R. R., Paris; was born 
in Jackson Co., Ind., Jan. 20, 1849. He began railroading when quite young; 
first learned telegraphing, and was employed by the I., M. & I. R. R, Co., for 
a time; thence, with the I. & St. L., located at Paris; and, in 1872, went 
with the P. & D. R. R. Co., and after one year's continuance engaged with the 
P. & D. at Mattoon; and, in 1874, engaged in the grain business with I. R. 
Landis; and, in 1876, returned to the P. & D. R. R. Co., and accepted of his 
present position. He is a social young man of fine address, ever ready to 
answer the many questions his position subjects him to; and is considered the 
right man in the right place. He married Miss Emma Kersey, of Lexington, Ky., 
Feb. 17, 1876; they have two children — Sandford and Daisie A.


JOHN BERCAW, farmer; P. O. Paris; Abraham Bercaw (deceased) was an early 
settler, and a prominent man of Edgar Co.; he was a native of Adams Co., 
Penn.; was born Nov. 10, 1802. During his early life, he embarked in 
mercantile life, engaged in the dry goods business at Lebanon, Ohio; came to 
Illinois in 1858, and settled where John & McClain now live, which is the old 
Homestead; he had followed farming while living in Illinois. He married Miss 
Jane Ulm of Warren Co., Ohio; she passed away in 1863, leaving a family of 
seven boys; Mr. B. survived her fifteen years, passing away on Oct. 9, 1878. 
He was a man that had interested himself in all public matters for the good of 
the community in which he lived and passed away beloved by relatives, and 
respected by all who knew him. John and McClain are now superintending the 
home farm which consists of 190 acres of well-improved land. 


MRS. S. R. BALLARD, Paris (widow of Bartlett Ballard, a prominent farmer and 
stock dealer of this county); he was born in   Rockingham Co., Va., July 3, 
1805; came to this county in 1858, locating in what is now known as Edgar Tp., 
and bought and improved a farm of 200 acres; he made farming his principal 
business through life. He married Miss Sallie R. Hughes, of Boone  Co., Ky., 
March 19, 1829; she is the only surviving one of either her father's or 
mother's people; she was born Sept. 25, 1812. When they settled in this county 
there were but few settlers, and the trials of pioneer life were but common; 
but, by perseverance and industry, they were successful. Mr. B. passed away 
June 25, 1875, leaving a family of seven children - Mary E., who was Mrs. 
George Berry (deceased); Margaret J., now Mrs. E. Morton; Julia D., now Mrs. 
J. C. Jones; Nancy R., now Mrs. W. Mallonee; Jo Ann, now Mrs. C. Cooley; 
Sallie R., Mrs. R. Rives; and Kate, who is residing with her mother. As a 
family they are well to do and much respected by all who know them.


W. C. BUNNEL, farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Nov. 2, 1830. 
He married Miss Rachel J. Scudder, of Butler  Co., Oct. 9, 1850, and engaged 
in agricultural pursuits; they removed into Butler Co., where he bought a farm 
of 160 acres, which he improved and lived upon until 1864, when they removed 
to Edgar Co., Ill., and, on Sept. 4, 1865, his wife passed  away, leaving a 
family of three — Mary E. (now Mrs. S. Odell), William S. and Emma J. In 1865, 
he engaged in mercantile life with D. Scudder, and after a time he returned to 
farming; in this he has been very successful; he now owns 112 acres of finely-
improved land, and a beautiful residence, the result of his own industry. On 
July 8, 1866, he married Miss Sarah A. Johnson, formerly of Butler Co., Ohio. 
Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Christian Church, and much respected by all 
who know them.


R. M. BOATMAN, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Paris; was born in Butler Co., 
Ohio, Nov. 20, 1814, where he remained until 1856, when he removed to Edgar 
Co., Ill.; during his early life he learned the trade of a brickmason, which 
he followed some twenty years, and had built up a large trade in contracting 
and jobbing in Hamilton, Ohio, and built some of the principal blocks and 
finest residences of the city—was considered the finest and most able in his 
business; since residing in this county, has superintended the construction of 
a number of the finest buildings in this county; he now owns 480 acres of well-
improved land, which is the result of his own industry, energy and good 
financiering; he is considered one of the solid men of Edgar Co. He was 
married to Miss Harriet Hinkle Nov. 5, 1839; they have eight children — John, 
Mark, George C., Emory, Clarence, Charles A., Clara B. and Dora. As a family 
they are much respected. 


WILLIAM BLACKBURN, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Paris; was born in this 
county Oct. 15, 1823, and has resided in this county thus far through life; he 
is one who has seen the great change from a wild, desolate-looking, to a 
thickly-settled and well-developed country, and in all public matters 
pertaining to its development and general good, he has been an active worker; 
he is son of J. M. Blackburn, one of the first settlers and a prominent man of 
this county; William being the  oldest son, was always foremost in stock 
dealing and farming with his father, which gave him a practical knowledge of 
the business he has followed, the result of which is a good property. He has 
married twice; first to Miss Rebecca E. Tate, in Nov., 1848; she passed away 
Feb. 19, 1856, leaving three children — Ames M. and John T., deceased, and 
Nancy M., residing at home; in 1856, Oct. 14, he married Miss Louisa Downard, 
of Campbell Co., Ky.; they have seven children, four boys and three girls. Mr. 
and Mrs. B. are members of the Presbyterian Church, and a much-respected 
family. Residing in suburbs of Paris.


MRS. JULIA A. BROWN, P. O. Paris; widow of J. A. Brown, who was among the 
first settlers of Edgar Co.; he was a native of Virginia; was born March 3, 
1823; came to this county in 1837; during his early life he obtained a good 
education; he began in life on his own account at farming, and continued for a 
time; then engaged in mercantile life, which business he followed at intervals 
until 1858, when he turned his attention to farming and stock dealing; in this 
he was quite successful, and continued until his death, which was July 15, 
1869. He was a man that always interested himself in all public matters 
pertaining to the good of the community in which he lived; he was a kind 
parent and an affectionate husband, and respected  by all who knew him. His 
wife was Miss Julia A. King; they were married Oct. 8, 1850; she was born in 
Madison Co., N. Y., Oct. 5, 1829; her family consists of six children — Mary 
M. (now Mrs. G. W. Patton), Lulu S., Edgar B., Minnie L., Austin H.  and Julia 
J. Mrs. B. has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1843, and as a 
family they are well-to-do and much respected citizens.


W. A. BUCHANAN, M. D., Paris; was born in Washington Co., Ohio, July 17, 1848; 
son of Dr. Cyrenius Buchanan, of Lowell, Ohio, who passed away in August, 
1877; W. A. obtained a good education early in life and graduated in pharmacy 
at Ann Arbor, Mich., after which he engaged in the drug business at Marietta, 
which he continued until 1875, when he availed himself of another course of 
lectures at the Miami Medical College, of Cincinnati, and graduated; then came 
to Paris and began the practice of his chosen profession; he is yet a young 
man, of fine address and good ability, and it is fair to predict for him a 
brilliant future. On May 1, 1871, he married Miss Florence Boyd, of Clinton, 
Mo.; they have two children — Charles A. and Edwin B.


JOSEPH BRADBURY, retired farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Leicestershire, 
Eng., Dec. 25, 1805; during his early life he learned and followed the trade 
of weaving, and in December, 1825, he married Miss Sarah Parker, of 
Derbyshire; she was born Sept. 17, 1799; they came to the United States in 
1830, and settled in Hunterdon Co., N. J., where they remained until 1836, 
when they removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and, in 1838, they came to Edgar Co., 
Ill., and engaged in the dairy business, and did their marketing in St. Louis, 
a distance of 175 miles; also at Galena. Hardships and disappointments, in 
those days, were a common occurrence, but, by hard work and economy, coupled 
with unswerving integrity, they have accumulated a good property and now 
residing in a beautiful cottage in a quiet part of the city, and enjoying life 
in their ripe old age with apparently not a wave of trouble.


B. F. BOWEN, Justice of the Peace, Paris; was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., May 
28, 1823; was raised upon a farm, and his early education was got at district 
school, but, by his own energy and practical experience, he acquired a good 
business education; his first experience in mercantile life was at Ruddle's 
Mills, where he engaged in the dry goods business. Previous to the war of the 
rebellion, he was a Whig, and aided nobly in the cause of his country; he 
manfully defended the equality of civil rights to all. He came to Paris in 
1863, and engaged in the butcher business, in which he continued until the 
spring of 1877, when he was elected to his present office. He married Miss 
Enfield R. Ammerman, of Cynthiana, Ky., April 3, 1851; they have two children —
 Mary F. and Lola.


E. BULKLEY, of the firm of Dill, Redmon & Bulkley, milling and grain dealers, 
Paris; is a native of Massachusetts; was born in Williamstown Aug. 6, 1834, 
and removed to Monroe, thence Detroit, Mich., when quite young, and there he 
received a good education, and learned the trade of a printer in the office of 
the Detroit Free Press; his first experience in mercantile life was at 
Washington, Iowa, where he engaged in dry goods and groceries; in 1859, he 
came to Paris and engaged with the Indianapolis & St. L. R. R. Co., in the 
capacity of station agent, which position he filled about ten years; then 
engaged in lumber, ties and coal, in which business he continued until 1875, 
when he entered the firm with which, he is now connected, and now doing a very 
extensive business. He married Miss Helen E. Dill, daughter of M. M. Dill, of 
this place, Nov. 16, 1864; they have two children — Nettie and Eugene.


N. A. BOWEN, of the firm of Bowen & Hodges, hardware dealers, Paris; was born 
in Bourbon Co., Ky., Aug. 25, 1834; was raised on a farm and received a good 
common education; he came with his parents to Illinois, in 1858, and located 
to Paris; his first experience in mercantile life was in the grocery business, 
and after two years' continuance, began in the hardware business, in which 
business he has been financially successful. He married Miss Emma Lawrence 
April 27, 1862, she is a native of this county; they are the parents of five 
children, only two of whom are living — Anna and Charles L. Mr. and Mrs. Bowen 
are members of the M. E. Church and strong advocates of temperance.


NORMAN BARKER, farmer; P. O. Paris; son of Leonard Barker, who died Aug. 6, 
1872; Norman was born May 30, 1856; his birthplace being Paris, where he grew 
to manhood and received his education; he is now residing on the old home farm 
where his father died; this being one among the finest farms of the county, 
consisting of 300 acres of good land well-improved. On March 8, 1876, he 
married Miss Sarah J., daughter of M. T. Boland, a prominent man of the 
township; they have one child, Daisy C., born April 22, 1878; they are young 
people, already well known and respected by a wide circle of friends.


SOLOMON BURGET, farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Oct. 5, 
1832, where he was raised and educated; during his early life he learned the 
trade of a shoemaker with his father, who followed that business fifty years; 
he is still living and now at the ripe age of 81; he had raised a family of 
seven — four boys and three girls; the subject of this sketch began in life on 
his own account at the age of 17. On Aug. 22, 1858, he married Miss Malinda 
May, of Pickaway Co., Ohio; she was born Nov. 1, 1834; they settled where they 
now reside, in 1860, at which time there were but few settlers, and the trials 
and hardships of a new country were but common to them; they now own 168 acres 
of well-improved land; they have a family of four — Frank, John O., Ida M. and 
Charlie. Mr. and Mrs. B. are giving their family the advantage of an education 
that they may be successful in life and an honor to them in their latter days.


Z. T. BAUM, physician and surgeon, Paris; is a native of Indiana; was born in 
White Co., Dec. 15, 1847; in 1859, his parents removed to Carroll Co., and 
there he received his early education. He enlisted in the late war of the 
rebellion at the age of 16, and served about eighteen months; was mustered out 
in August, 1865; he then returned to Carroll Co. and began to study medicine 
with Dr. J. L. Morrow, of Pittsburgh; in the fall and winter of 1868 he 
attended the Rush Medical College, of Chicago, and the following spring 
attended the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, and graduated in the winter 
term of 1870; he began the practice of his profession in Transitville, Ind.; 
removed to Paris in 1873, where he has since remained; the Doctor devotes his 
entire time to his profession, and his success is attributable to hard study 
and talent displayed. He is U. S. Examining Surgeon of Edgar County; also City 
Councilman.


A. C. CONNELY, grocer, Paris, son of Judge Samuel Connely, a pioneer of this 
county; was born in this county May 25, 1836, and has always resided here; he 
received a good English education, attending the Edgar Academy. His father was 
among the early settlers of this county. He has served as a county official, 
for a great many years; also served as a member of the State Legislature, and 
for a number of years was engaged in the dry goods business in Paris; he had 
been a shrewd business man, and accumulated a large property, and of late 
years his business was that of loaning money; he passed away Nov. 20, 1878, at 
the age of 74. The subject of this sketch first began in mercantile life as 
clerk, with Booth & Co., and, in 1860, he began for himself, engaging in the 
dry goods business, and his trade gradually increased; in 1875, he was doing 
the most extensive dry goods business of any firm in the county, but like many 
other practical business men, met with adversity; he began in his present 
business in the spring of 1878; he is an industrious, energetic man, of robust 
constitution, and vigorously employing the powers which have in time past 
reaped wealth for him, and there is still prospect before him of years of 
honor, usefulness and fortune. He married Miss Anna Ross, daughter of P. Ross, 
of this place; they are the parents of four children — Minnie A., Ross, 
Gertrude and Anna.


D. S. CURTIS, nurseryman and farmer; P. O. Paris; is the son of Joseph and 
Hannah S. (Shelby) Curtis, who were among the first settlers of Edgar Co.; 
they came from Adams Co., Ohio, to this county in 1818; here he planted and 
cultivated a nursery, which was the first in the State of Illinois; he was 
also a local preacher, being one of the first ministers in the State of 
Illinois; he assisted in organizing and establishing what is now known as the 
North Arm M. E. Church; he lived a very prominent and respected citizen, his 
death occurring in 1852. His wife still survives him, and is now aged 90 
years. The subject of this sketch, D. S., has been a very active man, both in 
civil and political life. He married Frances R., daughter of R. N. Dickenson, 
who was an early settler in the county, on July 27, 1848; they have raised a 
family of six children —  Robert H. (deceased), Hannah A., Cynthia E. 
(deceased), James B., Mary J. (now Mrs. A. Siders), David S., Joseph W., 
Jennie L. and Francis (deceased). Mr. Curtis, by energy and enterprise, has a 
nice farm of 130 acres of good land, well improved, and his nursery.


S. W. CALVIN, of the firm of Hizar & Calvin, dry goods merchants, Paris, was 
born in Edgar Co., Ill., March 20, 1834, where he received as good an 
education as the advantages afforded. At the age of 17, he concluded to seek 
his fortune in the golden fields of California, and at once started, making 
the trip by overland route, and remained eighteen years; and while in the West 
was engaged in various kinds of business, during which time he was in the 
Government employ as Master of Transportation on the Government boundary 
survey, between the United States and Great Britain; was also erecting 
boundary-line monuments, in which he continued three years; during the last 
six years of his Western life, was engaged in handling stock — buying in 
California, Oregon, and driving to Montana and Columbia, making two trips 
annually, driving as large herds as could be driven on account of the 
mountainous country; this business he conducted quite extensively until 1869, 
when he returned to Paris; he at once engaged in the livery business, also 
dealing in horses, and was for a time in the grain trade; in 1876, he began in 
his present business, and in this, as in his previous business, is making a 
financial success, being a practical business man of fine executive ability; 
has built up for his establishment the very large and flourishing trade it now 
enjoys. Sept. 6, 1870, he married Mrs. Sarah E. Smith; they have a family of 
three children — Anna M. and Harry P., by first husband, and David W.


C. O. CHESNUT, druggist, is a native of Paris; was born Aug. 21, 1849; was 
raised and schooled in Clark Co.; his first experience in mercantile life was 
in the way of dry goods clerk, in which business he continued four years; then 
engaged with W. F. Davidson, of Cincinnati, Ohio, manufacturers and dealers in 
patent medicines, where he acted as foreman, and continued until 1875, when he 
became a member of the Queen City Varnish Company, of Cincinnati, in which 
business he continued up to the spring of 1877, when he came to Paris, and 
embarked in his present business. As a business man, he ranks with the most 
reliable as well as with the most prosperous tradesmen of the county, and is 
noted for his energy and enterprise. Although one of the youngest of the more 
prominent resident merchants, he exercises much influence in business circles, 
and is honored as an able and upright citizen. He married Miss Bell Le Gore, 
of Marshall, Ill., Dec. 25, 1872; they have two children — Dan L. and Mary. A.


R. S. CUSICK, lawyer, Paris; is a native of Indiana; was born in Boone Co. 
Feb. 2, 1845; he was brought to this county by his parents in 1849; during his 
early life, his school advantages were few, although he received a good common 
education. In August, 1861, he enlisted with the 34th I. V. I.; at the battle 
of Stone River was wounded and taken prisoner, and lay in Libby Prison some 
thirty days, when he was exchanged. He was mustered out in August, 1868; then 
began school at Westfield, Ill., and continued a number of terms; after which, 
taught school during winter months for a number of years. He graduated under 
the supervision of Prof. Hurty, at the Paris high school, in 1872; he began in 
the study of law with the firm of Trogdon & McKinley, and finished with L. J. 
Capps, and was admitted to the bar in July, 1878. He was elected County 
Superintendent of Schools in 1873, and served four years; he is a man of 
marked physical as well as mental powers, and on the full tide of success. He 
married Miss Mary V. Anthony, of Edgar Co., November, 1874; they have one 
child - John F.


JAMES COOK, undertaker and furniture dealer, Paris; was among the early 
settlers of Edgar Co.; was born in Orange Co., Ind., Sept. 19, 1824; he came 
with his parents to Paris, Ill., in 1834, his father built and operated the 
first wagon and carriage shop of the county. James learned the trade and 
worked with his father until 24 years of age, then began on his own account, 
in the manufacture of chairs, in company with S. P. Link, and continued until 
1866, when he sold out and engaged in manufacturing and retailing of 
furniture, and has since continued, and is now doing a flourishing business; 
he has been a hard-working, temperate and economical man, and acquired not 
only a good property, but the high respect of the community in which he has 
resided for so long a time. In 1850, he married Miss Eliza Dickey, of Lorain 
Co., Ohio; they have a family of two children — Wilber T. and Frank A.


J. CARNES, lumber dealer, firm of Carnes & McCord, Paris; was born in Clermont 
Co., Ohio, Dec. 29, 1828, where he resided until 1869, when he removed to 
Richland Co., Ill., engaging in the lumber business. During his early life, he 
obtained a good education, and, his father being a merchant, he learned 
business with him, and began for himself at the age of 20, and married Miss 
Amanda McFarland January, 1848, and followed plane-making which business he 
had previously learned. His wife passed away in October, 1865, leaving six 
children. His present wife was Miss Mary V. Cusick, of Ohio; they were married 
March 23, 1867; he has two children by present wife. They came to Paris in 
April, 1878. He is a man of good physical as well as mental powers; social and 
genial, energetic and industrious, the result of which is a large property, 
many friends and a flourishing business, which he is now enjoying. His 
residence one of the finest of Paris. He has always interested himself in such 
public matters as pertain to the good of the community in which he has lived, 
and is a much respected citizen.


L. J. CAPPS, attorney, Paris, is a native of Indiana; was born in Putnam Co., 
Oct. 10, 1852, and was raised in Boone Co., Iowa, where his parents removed 
while he was quite young; he was raised upon a farm, and attended district 
schools until 1870, when he chose the profession of law and began the study 
under W. R. Lawrence of Boonsborough, Iowa, and remained three years; then was 
admitted to the bar. His close application to his studies had injured his 
health, and he removed to Salt Lake, Utah, and after a stay of one year 
returned, and shortly after took up his studies at the State University of 
Michigan and graduated in March, 1875; then located in Paris and began the 
practice of his profession in company with A. Y. Trogdon. In 1877, Trogden was 
elected County Judge and withdrew, since which time he has continued by 
himself. He is yet a young man, and of marked ability, and it is safe to 
predict for him a brilliant future. On Dec. 26, 1876, he married Miss Mary J. 
Vance, of Hastings, Neb.


J. P. CRAFTON, retired farmer, P. O. Paris; was born in Lunenburgh Co., Va., 
Dec. 10, 1810; is a pioneer of this county; at the time of his settling, there 
were but few settlers, and the hardships and trials of a pioneer's 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 
came to this county in 1828 with parents; he began life on his own account at 
the age of 19, with no assistance but willing hands and determined mind, and 
has by industry and energy, coupled with unswerving integrity, accumulated a 
good property, which he has dealt out to his children as they became in need. 
He married Miss Sina Cassady, of Virginia, June 29, 1831; she passed away June 
26, 1878, leaving a family of five — Martha J., now Mrs. M. Sheets; Louisa, 
now Mrs. G. Metcalf; Richard T., Amanda, now Mrs. V. Stoneburner; Irene, now 
Mrs. J. Clark. Mrs. C. was an active member of the Baptist Church for upward 
of fifty years, and passed away much respected by all who knew her, and loved 
by friends and relatives. Mr. C. has been a member with his wife for about 
forty years, and now, in his ripe old age, lives to see the prosperity and 
usefulness of his children. 


ABEL CRAWFORD, farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Clarke Co., Ohio, July 6, 
1840, where he lived until 1854, when he came with  his parents to Edgar Co., 
settling where he now resides; during his early life he obtained a good, 
common business education. He married Miss Josephine Vallentine, of his native 
county, April 16, 1868; she was born Jan. 14, 1847; they have a family of two 
children — Minnie and Josephine. Mr. Crawford owns eighty acres of well 
improved land, valued at $70 per acre; he is yet a young man, and energetic 
and industrious, interesting himself in such public matters as pertain to the 
good of the community in which he lives, and, as a family, are well to do and 
much respected.


JOHN CAMERER, retired farmer, P. O. Paris; is a pioneer of this county; was 
born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., Nov. 21, 1805, and was raised in Clermont 
Co., Ohio, and while there married Miss Harriet P. Dill, July 31, 1828; she 
was a native of Mason Co., Ky.; they came to Edgar Co. in 1829, and began to 
prepare a home; at that time there were but few settlers, and the hardships 
and disappointments of a pioneer life were common to them; he bought and began 
improving land in what is now Edgar Tp.; in 1832, he sold, and bought a farm 
in Paris Tp.; his wife passed away in February, 1851, leaving a family of 
eight children; he removed to Paris in 1875. On May 12, 1852, he married Miss 
Marrilla C. Dill, of Paris; they are much respected by all who know them.


ED. L. CONNER, of the firm of Hunt & Conner, tinware, etc., is son of Edward 
Conner, of Springfield, Ill., who was an active politician and much-respected 
citizen; was connected with the State Register for a time, and held a number 
of prominent and responsible positions; he passed away on the 17th of July, 
1865. The subject of this sketch was born in Sangamon Co., Ill., Feb. 4, 1853; 
since the death of his father he has managed and done for himself; by his own 
study, personal observation and experience, he has acquired a good business 
education; his first business experience was in the book and stationery 
business in Paris, which he opened in 1874, and continued until he began with 
his present partner; he is yet a young man, and of good address and business 
ability, and it is fair to predict for him success. On Sept. 2, 1875, he 
married Miss Florence Benson, of Jacksonville, Ill.; they have one child — 
Willie E.


W. B. CALDWELL, nursery and florist, Paris; was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., 
May 27, 1839; during his early life he obtained a good common-school 
education; he remained with his parents until of age, and then engaged in 
agricultural pursuits for a time; then removed to Rockville, Ind., where he 
learned the nursery business, and remained until 1861, when he came to Paris, 
and, with W. B. Ten Brook, began in the nursery business, and after a 
continuance of ten years, Ten Brook passed away; Mr. C. has the experience 
which enables him to carry on this business, not only profitably to himself, 
but in a way which is beneficial and a credit to the place; his floral 
department is beautifully arranged, and he keeps a full variety of house and 
lawn plants, also a fine variety of shrubbery. He married Miss Margaret E. 
Donaldson, of Pennsylvania, Dec. 29, 1859; they have six children — Anna B., 
Herbert D., Eleanor J., Maggie O., Huston and William T.


MOSES CRABTREE, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Paris; was born in Clarke Co., 
Ohio, Jan. 17, 1833; son of John Crabtree, a prominent farmer in Marshall Co., 
Iowa; the subject of this sketch remained at his birthplace until 1853, when 
he came to Edgar Co., Ill., and began to do business on his own account, his 
father having given him eighty acres of land; he now owns 360 acres of well-
improved land, valued at $60 per acre, which is principally the result, of his 
own financiering and industry. On April 21, 1861, he married Miss Nellie J. 
Sullivan, of Louisville, Ky.; she passed away Dec. 11, 1866, leaving a family 
of three — William T., Effie D. and Claudie F. Mr. C. has held a number of 
township offices; is extensively known and highly respected.


J. CRETORS, painter, Paris; was born in Lebanon, Ohio, March 16, 1824; while 
living with his parents, he learned the trade of a painter with his father, 
and after obtaining a common-school education, he began in life on his own 
account, and on April 14, 1850, he married Miss Anna Perrott, of Lebanon, 
Ohio; they removed to Paris in August, 1854, with limited means, and followed 
his trade with a determination of success. He now owns one of the finest 
residences in Paris, also a business block, which is the result of energy, 
industry and the skillful manipulation of the brush; he has always been the 
leader in his business since he came to Paris; as a family, they are well 
respected by all who know them. The family consists of Granville, Eva (Mrs. C. 
Bowser), Emma, Horace, Prudence, William and Fred.	


GRANVILLE CRETORS, of the firm of Cretors & Hunter, grocers, Paris, was born 
in Lebanon, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1851; he was brought by his parents to this county 
while quite young, and after obtaining a good common-school education, he 
learned the trade of a painter with his father; in this business he continued 
until 1875, when he embarked in the grocery business; he is yet a young man 
and of good business ability, social, genial, and is on the full tide of 
success.


DANIEL CLABEAUGH, farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Alleghany Co., Md., Jan. 
19, 1813; he began for himself at the age of 21, and on Dec. 25, 1835, he 
married Miss Susanah Matthews, of his native county; then removed to Clarke 
Co., Ohio, where he engaged in farming, and continued until 1854, when they 
came to Edgar Co., Ill., and settled, where he now resides; at that time, 
there were but few settlers, and the trials and hardships of a pioneer life 
were but common, but by industry, energy and perseverance, they have succeeded 
in getting a home which consists of 936 acres of finely-improved land, which 
is the result of his own industry; they have a family of ten children, six 
boys and four girls. Mr. and Mrs. Clabeaugh are living in their ripe old age 
to see the prosperity and usefulness of their children.


H. A. CONKEY, farmer; P. O. Paris; is a pioneer of Edgar Co.; was born in 
Franklin Co., Mass., Sept. 12, 1811; he came to Edgar Co. in 1831, and entered 
300 acres of land, where he now resides; 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 done much for the development and settlement of the 
township, and has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1829; he has 
accumulated his entire property since he came to this county wholly by his 
industry and energy, he now owns 330 acres of well-improved land. He has 
married three times — first, to Miss Zilpha Sweet, of Kingsbury, N. Y., March 
7, 1833; she died April 29, 1836; his second wife was Miss Jane Keys, of this 
county, married March 8, 1838; she passed away Dec. 29, 1843; his present wife 
was Miss Esther Bales of Tennessee; they were married Aug. 28, 1845; he has 
but one child living - Albert K.


E. CHURCH, blacksmith, Paris; is a native of Ontario; was born Dec. 19, 1830; 
in 1848, he went for himself and removed to Lee Co., Iowa, where he completed 
the trade of blacksmithing, and after remaining two years, came to Paris and 
engaged with Graham & Henry, blacksmith and wagon-makers, also plow 
manufacturers, and continued some thirteen years; in 1858, he opened a shop on 
his own account, and being a first-class workman, has met with good success, 
and now owns a good property, which is the result of his own energy, industry 
and economy. He married Miss Elizabeth Arrison, of Lee Co., Iowa, Sept. 16, 
1855; their family consists of six — Albert C., Mary E., Callie F., Wilber H., 
Frank A. and Anna.


HON. WILLIAM P. DOLE, of Paris, (now residing in Washington City), whose 
portrait appears in this work, was born in Danville, Vt., Dec. 3, 1811, the 
home of his mother, his father's home being in Bedford, Hillsborough Co., N. 
H. When he was 2 years of age, his parents moved to Bedford, N. H., where they 
remained until about the year 1818, when they came West to Hamilton or 
Rossville, Ohio; where, after remaining three years, they moved to Coleman's 
Grove, two miles north of Terre Haute, and about one mile from "Fort 
Harrison," on the Wabash River, where they resided up to the day of their 
death. In 1831, the subject of this sketch left home and started in life for 
himself at Clinton, sixteen miles above Terre Haute, being actively engaged in 
the business of grocer and dry goods merchant, pork-packer and produce dealer; 
during which time he made some eight trips down the Mississippi to New 
Orleans, most of them on a flat boat, selling produce at all the points from 
Memphis to New Orleans. During these years, he was elected and served eight 
years in the House and Senate of Indiana. He then moved to Paris, Ill., and 
opened a store in partnership with William Kile. In 1860, he was made a 
Delegate from Edgar Co., to the Chicago Convention, and took an active part in 
the nomination of Abraham Lincoln for the Presidency, and on his election was 
invited by him to go to Washington and take some position under him; he 
accepted, and having sold out his interest in his mercantile business, went to 
Washington and participated in the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln, March 4, 1861, 
and was a few days after nominated and confirmed Commissioner of Indian 
Affairs, and continued to hold the place, and was on the most intimate 
relations with the President so long as Mr. Lincoln lived. Mr. Dole was in the 
true sense of the word a public-spirited citizen, taking an active part in all 
public improvements, ever ready to engage in whatever was for the benefit and 
advancement of the community at large; being always a strong Antislavery man, 
he early espoused the cause of human freedom. In all his business relations so 
active and industrious as to cause his friend Horace Greeley to speak of his 
as that of a "busy life." He was eminently successful in whatever he 
undertook; positive in his opinions and convictions; retiring from active life 
several years since, he now makes Washington City his home. He has a family of 
two children, both living — William R., and Persus (now Mrs. Rudy, of Mattoon, 
Ill.).


WILLIAM D. DARNALL, farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Estill Co., Ky., where 
the sun never shines till near noon, Sept. 13, 1812, where he lived till 1816, 
when his parents removed to Bourbon Co., and in 1822, removed to what is now 
Edgar Co., Ill.  During his early life, his opportunities for a school 
education were very limited, as at the time of settling in Edgar Co., it was 
only inhabited by roving bands of Indians with now and then an adventurous 
pioneer; his people settled on the headwaters of Big Creek, in what is now 
Grand View Tp.; they were a large family, W. D. being the sixth son, remained 
at home until 1830. In 1832, he enlisted and served in the Black Hawk war; 
after which, he was elected Captain of a militia company, and served seven 
years. He has served in official capacity a number of years, among which are 
the offices of Constable, County Commissioner, Justice of the Peace and School 
Treasurer; his official career has not only been with honor and credit to 
himself, but those he represented, and is much respected by all who know him. 
In 1838, he married Mrs. Eliza Metcalf, of Edgar Co.; they are parents of six 
children — Prudy J. (deceased), John W., George D., James J., Jacob N. and 
Sarah Ann.


M. M. DILL, miller and grain dealer, Paris; is a native of Kentucky; was born 
in Cynthiana Aug. 24, 1812; while quite young, his parents removed into Monroe 
Co., Ind., and, while residing there, he attended school at the Bloomington 
College; they came to Illinois in October, 1825, locating in Paris; he began 
to read law during his early schooling, completing his studies at Paris; was 
admitted to the bar in 1838, and began the practice of law; he served some 
twelve years as Justice of the Peace, and was elected Mayor in 1862; was 
attorney for the Contractor, in the construction of the Terre Haute, Alton & 
St. Louis Railroad, which is now the Indianapolis & St. L. R. R., and, at 
present, Director for the franchise-owners of the road; he left a good 
practice on account of health, and engaged in contracting, supplying, etc., 
with the I. & St. L. R. R. Co., which business he followed until engaging at 
his present business. His flouring-mill was destroyed by fire; in 1877, but 
rebuilt at a large expense, audits convenience and facilities surpass any in 
this part of this State; he is an enterprising and a practical business man. 
In June, 1839, he married Miss Elizabeth Wampler; she passed away in March, 
1843, leaving one child (now deceased), and for his second wife he married 
Miss Harriet M. A. Kerby, of Sandusky, Ohio, June 29, 1846; they have three 
children living — Helen E., Joseph M. and FranKlin A.


J. M. DRISKELL, retired farmer; P. O. Paris; is a pioneer of this county; was 
born in Mercer Co., Ky., May 21, 1812, he came to this county with his mother, 
three brothers and two sisters in 1828, settling in what is now known as 
Stratton Tp., and, on Jan. 12, 1836, he married Miss Judith Mayo, of Floyd 
Co., Ky., she was born July 11, 1813, and passed away Sept. 25, 1850, leaving 
a family of six children — William J. (now deceased), Jonathan M., Elizabeth 
A., Mary C., and George W. (George was wounded at the battle of Liberty Gap 
and died from its effects at Murfreesboro July 22, 1862), and E. Bruce. Mr. 
Driskell bought and began improving, in 1836, the farm which now consists of 
177 acres, and is valued at $60 per acre; he also owns a good residence in 
Paris; agricultural pursuits have been business thus far through life. He 
married for his second wife Miss Susan C. Mayo, a sister to his first wife, 
June 17, 1851; she was born June 24, 1805.


JOSEPH E. DYAS, attorney, Paris; was born in Kildare, Ireland, Sept. 23, 1844; 
his early education was obtained at the collegiate institute at Delaware, 
Ont., and, in 1860, he removed to Chicago, Ill., and, in 1861, began the study 
of law, graduating in the law department at the University of Chicago in 1865, 
and admitted to the bar in 1865; he then removed to Paris and took up the 
practice of his chosen profession; he is the son of W. G. Dyas, a prominent 
physician of Chicago. The Dyas family is purely of Spanish origin; he is quiet 
in his manners, and makes no pretensions to notoriety; his business receives 
his whole time; he is a thoroughly-read lawyer, and has achieved a fine 
reputation both as counselor and pleader, and a man of much public spirit and 
of social qualities, and esteemed by tne community in which he lives. He was 
married in 1872 to Miss Laura Sandford, daughter of H. Sandford, of Paris; 
they have two children — Richard S. and John F.


S. H. ELLIOTT, retired, Paris; was born in Butler Co., Ohio, December 19, 
1812; at the age of 22, he embarked in the agricultural business on his own 
account, and has since proven to be a practical farmer of great success. In 
February, 1835, he married Miss Rhoda M. Magie, of Warren Co., Ohio; they came 
to Edgar Co., Ill., in 1853, and bought and improved a farm of 800 acres, on 
which he was awarded first premium by the State Agricultural Society as being 
the finest improved and most highly cultivated farm of the State; he has also 
been quite an extensive dealer in stock, in which he was quite successful, 
having accumulated a large property; he now owns a large tract of in land and 
also a number of fine residences in Paris, he was instrumental in organizing 
the Agricultural Society of Edgar Co., and has since been one of its most 
active members; in 1869, was elected to the State Legislature, and has filled 
a number of responsible and prominent positions, which have been with not only 
honor and credit to himself, but those he represented; he retired and took up 
his residence in Paris in 1871; since which time he has done much toward the 
growth and prosperity of the schools and churches. Mr. and Mrs. E. are active 
members of the M. E. Church. They have a family of four children living — 
David B. (who has been a prominent business man of Paris, now resides at the 
Hot Springs of Arkansas, where he bought and is operating what is known as the 
Big Iron Bath House, which is said to be one of the finest in the United 
States), George W., Sarah A. and Mary E. (who is now Mrs. Van Horn).


M. H. EWERS, of the firm of Ewers & Ficklin, attorneys at law, Paris; was born 
in Washington Co., Ohio, March 20, 1850, and was raised in Richland Co., Wis.; 
his father was among the early settlers of that county; during the early life 
of M. H., he had but a limited chance for an education; being the oldest of a 
large family, was always foremost in the farm work; he availed himself of 
every opportunity for an education, putting in all leisure time at his 
studies; he attended select school a short time; then for a number of years 
taught school during winter months. During the late war, his father was in the 
service some three years, and during that time M. H. managed the affairs of 
the farm. He came to Edgar Co. in 1872, and for a number of years he taught 
school and read law, and, in 1874, began reading with J. E. Dyas, Esq., of 
Paris; was admitted to the bar January, 1878, and at once began practice in 
partnership with J. C. Ficklin, son of O. B. Ficklin, Esq., a prominent 
attorney of Coles Co., Ill.; he was born in Coles Co., May 31, 1857; he was a 
student at the University at Charlottesville, Va.; then returned and studied 
under his father; then finished his schooling at the Union College of Law of 
Chicago and graduated in the spring of 1878. They are still young men, and of 
remarkable physical, as well as mental powers, and it is safe to predict a 
brilliant future. M. H. was married to Miss Jennie Fenimore, of this county; 
they have two children — Hattie and Joe.


DAVID EMERICK, farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Schuyler Co., Ill., March 8, 
1834; in 1838, moved with his parents to Iowa; after the death of his mother, 
in 1852, he began doing for himself, and having a great desire to obtain an 
education, and being of but limited means, struggled hard for a number of 
years and succeeded by his own efforts; he finished his education at the 
National Normal School of Lebanon, Ohio; he began teaching in Butler Co., 
Ohio, which occupation he continued in for ten years. He enlisted and served 
in the late war of the rebellion; he then farmed summer months and taught 
school winter months until 1874, when he gave his entire attention to 
agricultural pursuits; he owns 125 acres well improved land. On September 2, 
1861, he married Miss Jane C. Green, of Preble Co., Ohio; she was born March 
20, 1831; they have a family of six children — Lillie B., Albert C. and Alfred 
H., Mary J., Sarah J. and Elizabeth K. As a family, they are well-to-do and 
respected citizens.


J. A. EADS, attorney, Paris; is a native of Kentucky; was born February 2, 
1834; during his early life, obtained a good education, and began studying law 
in Cynthiana; was admitted to the bar in 1856, and came to Paris in 1857 and 
entered upon the duties of his chosen profession; he has been identified with 
the P. & D. R. R. since its construction, and, in 1875, was appointed 
receiver. He is a talented and skillful lawyer; his proceedings have 
invariably been characterized by rectitude and high sense of honor. He was 
married to Clara M. Munsell in June, 1860; they have a family of eight 
children.


J. W. FISHER, collector, Paris; son of John and Elizabeth N. (Crockett) 
Fisher, who came with family from Clarke Co., Ohio, to Terre Haute, Ind., in 
1856; and, in 1857, to Paris, Ill., where he passed away in 1873, and she in 
1875, at the combined ages of 143 years; they were parents of eight children, 
five of whom are now living — Llewellyn T., Rachel N. (now Mrs. W. G. 
Culbertson), Nannie E. (now Mrs. Hon. A. J. Hunter), and Susan S. The subject 
of this sketch received his early education at Springfield, Ohio, and by home 
study, practice and observation, has obtained a good business education, and 
for a number of years was identified in mercantile life. During the late war 
of the rebellion, he was the first of the county to organize a company for the 
army, and went out as First Lieutenant with the 12th I. V. I. (which was the 
three month's call), and at the expiration of their enlisted term the regiment 
was re-organized and re-enlisted, and he was again elected First Lieutenant. 
He was in a number of engagements among which were the battles of Fort Henry, 
Fort Donelson, Shiloh; also a number of other severe engagements; after battle 
of Fort Donelson, promoted to Captain, and, in August, 1862, was elected 
Lieutenant Colonel of the 79th regiment. In 1868, was appointed by Grant to 
the position of Government Storekeeper for the 7th Congressional District, and 
served two years; after the service of two years, his health became so 
impaired that he was compelled to resign, when he returned to Paris where he 
has since lived a well-to-do and a respected citizen. He owns a good property 
which is of his own accumulation. He is yet a young man of fine physical as 
well as mental powers, and 'tis fair to predict for him a brilliant future.


OBED FOOTE, retired, Paris; was born in Indianapolis, Ind., April 19, 1824, 
son of O. Foote, a pioneer and a prominent attorney of Indianapolis at his 
death, which was in 1834. Obed removed to Jamestown, N. Y., and received a 
good education at the Jamestown Academy; and, during the years of 1841 and 
1844 he did quite an amount of traveling through Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois 
and Missouri; then, in 1843, he located in what is now the State of Minnesota, 
at which time there were but few white settlers. He there engaged in lumbering 
and remained in that wild, desolate country five years, and by energy and 
perseverance he was successful. In 1848, he returned to his native place and 
made but a stay of two years, when he again removed to Minnesota and settled 
where the city of Minneapolis now stands, built, and operated a hotel which 
was the first in that vicinity. In 1852, he returned to Indianapolis and 
engaged in mercantile life; in 1856, removed to Sioux City, Iowa, and engage 
in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. Then, in 1859, he removed to 
Yankton, Dak.; and, in 1862, there were many who were compelled to abandon the 
country on account of the outbreak of the Indians; and removed his family to 
Indianapolis, and, in 1863, he  engaged in stove and tinware business; and, in 
1866, he came to Paris, Ill., and resumed the business of stove, tinware and 
house-furnishing goods, and, since 1874, has conducted the saw business in 
Indianapolis some three years. Then he went to Nevada, where he has an 
interest in mines, where he erected mills, and superintended mining for a 
time. During his life, he has traveled extensively, and the many business 
experiences have given him a fine practical knowledge of the country and 
business. The result of his energy and industry is a large property. He is a, 
man of large physical as well as mental powers, social, genial, and a much-
respected citizen. His wife was Miss Mary McOuat, of Indianapolis; they were 
married in April, 1851; they have a family of two boys and two girls.


GEO. W. FOREMAN, grocer, Paris; was born in Marion Co., Ind., Oct. 16, 1842, 
where he was raised and schooled, receiving a good business education. His 
first business was that of teaching school which he followed some five years; 
then took up agricultural pursuits. He came and settled in Paris in 1875, and 
began in mercantile business, and by his uprightness and square dealings has 
built up a good trade, which he is now enjoying. He married Miss Isabella 
Wells (of Edgar Co., Ill.), Feb. 6, 1868, and had a family of five - Fred O., 
Mark R., Beatrice, Lucile and Grace W. Mr. Foreman has held the office of 
County Surveyor for nine years, and has also served as Township Supervisor; 
his official career has been with honor and credit to himself and those he 
represented. 


B. J. FRYMIRE, stove and tinware, Paris; was born in Stark Co., 0hio, Jan. 28, 
1843. His father passed away when he was a mere boy, and he was left to battle 
with the world without parental advice or assistance. He chose the trade of a 
tinner for an occupation, which he engaged in at Massillon, Ohio. He was in 
the army of the late war for a time. He began in business on his own account 
at Navarre, Ohio, and began with a determination of success, and having 
practiced honesty, industry, and economy, it has been the means of placing him 
in his present position. He came to Paris in 1870, and now does the leading 
business in his line. He married Miss Emma Bell, of Millersburg, Ohio, Sept. 
12, 1864; they have two children - William B. and Minnie. 


JOHN FITZPATRICK, grocer, Paris, was born in Longford Co., Ireland, Aug. 18, 
1829; he came to this country in 1862, and located in Coles Co., Ill., and was 
in the employ of the I. & St. L. R. R. Co. for some ten years, in the capacity 
of a foreman, after which he removed to Paris and began in the grocery 
business on a small scale, and, as his business increased, he added to his 
stock, and twice since he began has added to his place of business, and now 
has a fine place of business and well filled with goods, which is the result 
of his own labor and economy, since coming to this country. On Sept, 25, 1866, 
he married Mrs. Hannah Kelley, of Windsor, Ill.; she has three children by 
first husband — Margaret, Ellen and Hannah, and by present husband two 
children — John and Katie.


JAMES GORDON, retired, Paris, is a pioneer; was born in Mason Co., Ky., May 4, 
1800. Nov. 11, 1824, he married Miss Mary Riley, daughter of Rev. G. Riley, of 
Cynthiana, Ky.; they emigrated to Illinois in 1829, locating in Bloomfield, 
Edgar Co. He, in partnership with his brother, built and operated a tannery, 
and continued in that business about eight years, then removed to Paris and 
opened and run what he called the Tremont Hotel for two years, and in 1842, 
was elected County Sheriff, and re-elected in 1844. At the expiration of that 
term, he engaged in keeping a hotel; then, in 1852, was again elected to the 
office of County Sheriff, after which he engaged in the clothing business, and 
after a continuance of two years, again assumed the position of landlord of 
the Tremont for a time, then retired. He has served as a member of the City 
Council, and has always felt an interest in all public matters pertaining to 
the good of the town. Mr. and Mrs. G. have been intimately connected with the 
growth and prosperity of the Baptist Church for a number of years. They are 
among the first settlers of Edgar County, and clearly remember when the 
beautiful land was an unbroken waste, inhabited by roving bands of Indians, 
with here and there an occasional adventurous pioneer. In those early days 
inconveniences and disappointments were not uncommon, but through industry and 
unswerving integrity they have won the respect of all who know them. They are 
the parents of six children — Elizabeth F. (now Mrs. L. B. Huston), Emily E., 
(deceased—was Mrs. J. D. Jaquith), Almira F. (now Mrs. J. A. Peck), James M., 
Mary M. (now Mrs. J. C. Palmer) and Oliver B.


J. S. GINGERICH,mechanic, Paris; is a native of Dauphin County, Penn.; he is 
the son of Christin and Ann (Strouse) Gingerich; he was born Nov. 22, 1848; 
during his early life he had but little chance of getting an education, his 
parents both dying when he was quite young, leaving him only the protection of 
friends and strangers to look to; still by home study and enterprise he became 
a fair scholar. In 1864, he enlisted in Co. F, 201st Penn. V. I., remaining in 
the service until the close of the war; he came to Edgar Co. in August, 1866; 
having learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner in the East, he has 
followed his trade since his residence here; he has contracted and built 
several quite prominent buildings of the city of Paris; is well known 
throughout the community as A No. 1 workman; during his residence here he has 
earned a good name and reputation by honesty and integrity.


SAMUEL GRAHAM, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Paris; was born in Washington 
Co., Md., Feb. 23, 1821; during his early life, he obtained a good business 
education and learned the trade of a blacksmith; he came to Edgar Co., Ill., 
in 1846 and located in Paris, and, in 1848, he began to do business on his own 
account, opening a blacksmith, wagon and plow shop, which he managed 
successfully for twenty-one years; he then sold out and engaged in the 
agricultural implement business, and continued but two years; then bought the 
farm where he now resides, which consists of 200 acres of well-improved land, 
valued at $60 per acre, the result of his own industry and enterprise. He 
married Miss Margaret Whalen, of Nelson Co., Ky., Aug. 9, 1848; they are the 
parents of six children — Josephine (deceased), Kate (now Mrs. E. D. Jurey), 
William A., Flora B., Samuel and Charles. 


J. F. GRIFFITH, farmer and jobber, Paris; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., 
March 8, 1834; his parents removed to Warren Co., Ohio, in 1840, where they 
lived until 1850, when they came and located in Paris Tp., Edgar Co., and on 
Feb. 8, 1874, his father died. In August, 1862, he enlisted with the 79th I. 
V. I., and during his service (which was near three years) he participated in 
many of the heaviest battles, among which were Perrysville, Murfreesboro, 
Liberty Gap, Chickamauga; also a number of other battles and severe 
skirmishes, and escaped with but four slight scratches; after the service he 
took up agricultural pursuits, and continued until 1870, when he removed into 
the city of Paris and followed jobbing; in 1876, was appointed Supervisor; he 
is a well-to-do citizen and much respected. He married Miss Mary A. Campbell, 
of Paris, Ill., Nov. 30, 1859; she was born Feb. 8, 1836; they have seven 
children - Ada E. (now Mrs. H. A. Rose), William P., Jennie S., Gracie, Sarah 
D., Edwin P., and Blanche R.


H. M. GUTHRIE, saw-mill and farming, P. O. Paris; is a native of this county 
and was born July 18, 1848, receiving his early training and education here 
and at Champaign, Ill.; is a son of L. J. Guthrie, who settled in this county 
in 1838, where he lived a prominent citizen until his death, which occurred in 
1856; H. M. Guthrie, the subject of this sketch, began business on his own 
account at the age of 18 years, and followed agricultural pursuits until 1874, 
when he embarked in the lumber business, and by his perseverance and energy 
has worked up an extensive trade; he is now operating two saw-mills and 
superintends his farms, consisting respectively of 210 and 120 acres, well 
improved; the farm upon which he resides is a part of the old homestead, on 
which his father located, upon coming to the county forty years ago. He was 
married Dec. 3, 1868, to Miss Emma Vietor, of Decatur Co., Ind.; they have two 
children — William H. and Addie M. Mr. G. is an energetic business man, and 
stands high in the community.


EDGAR L. GUTHRIE, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Paris; was born in this 
county Sept. 27, 1852, and was principally raised in Augusta Co., Va., where 
he received a classical education at the Washington and Lee University, 
completing his studies in 1873, after which he returned to Edgar Co., his 
birthplace, and engaged in farming. He married Miss Cassie Blackburn Sept. 13, 
1876, daughter of William B., a pioneer and a prominent man of this county; 
they have one child — Walter B. Mr. G. is yet a young man, of good physical as 
well as mental powers, and 'tis fair to predict for him a brilliant future.

 
H. N. GUTHRIE, surveyor, Paris; was born in Ross Co., Ohio, May 5, 1820, where 
he received his early education, and finishing at the Ohio University, at 
Athens, Ohio, and at an early age began the study of surveying; came to 
Illinois with his parents in 1840, locating in Edgar Co., and was for a number 
of years engaged with his parents upon a farm. In 1843, was elected County 
Surveyor, and served until 1847. He is considered very able in his profession, 
having done the principal part of the county surveying since 1843, he has made 
it his principal business for thirty-seven years; he laid out the town site of 
Chrisman and a number of additions to the town site of Paris. He is unmarried, 
and his life has been a success, though quiet, and by his honesty and 
uprightness in all dealings, has won the respect of all who know him.


JAMES R. HARDING, deceased, Paris, whose portrait appears in this work was a 
native of this county; he was the eldest of a large family of Mr. George 
Harding, well known to all the older residents of the county. His school 
advantages were limited to the meager educational facilities of the times. He 
attended the academy in this city about a year, under Jesse Moore, and was 
ranked among the active, studious and ambitious students. He had a retentive 
memory, and was an intelligent man. He was married to Miss Delia Austin, 
eldest daughter of Judge Austin of this city, September 20, 1855, and lived on 
his farm in this county, until his failing health obliged him to retire from 
it, three years ago. Twenty years ago, he was kicked by a horse;  after that 
he was a great sufferer, and it was this that subsequently caused his death. 
For the last four years, his sufferings were most fearful, from a culmination 
of his wound in hip disease. Mr. Harding was an amiable, intelligent,  
sociable and generous man, highly esteemed by all who knew him. He had an 
abiding and unfaltering trust in the doctrines of Christianity. He was far in 
advance of many of his fellow-farmers in the science of farming, and in 
general knowledge, and entertaining his friends was a great pleasure to 
himself, as also to them. He left a large family of relatives, with a wife and 
three sons, Conway, Albert and Edwin, to mourn his early departure. His death 
occurred on Friday, the 4th day of January, 1878.


HON. A. J. HUNTER, lawyer, Paris; is a native of Indiana, and was born 
December 17, 1831, in Putnam Co. He was brought to this county in 1832 by his 
parents, who settled in Hunter Township, on what is known as Clay's Prairie, a 
body of land   entered there in an early day by Henry Clay, of Kentucky, and 
where they still reside, at the ripe old age of 75 and 73,  respectively. The 
subject of this sketch, Hon. A. J. Hunter, received his early education at the 
Edgar Academy, from which he graduated, and began the study of law in 1850, 
with Kirby Benedict, who, at the time of his death, was Chief Justice of New 
Mexico, and finished with Judge Steele, being admitted to the bar in 1858; he 
began the practice of his chosen profession, and soon had an extensive and 
lucrative practice. Some men pursue the law merely as a means of livelihood, 
just as they would engage in trade or saw wood for a living, but with Mr. 
Hunter, his profession is a part of his life; his ambition is to distinguish 
himself in the law, and to this end he bends all his energies. In 1864, he was 
elected to the State Senate as a member from this county or district, serving 
four years, and since has held several important positions with credit alike 
to himself and honor to his constituency. He was married May 11, 1858, to Miss 
Nannie Fisher, daughter of John Fisher, formerly of Clarke Co., Ohio; they 
have two children, viz., Norah F. and Anna M. Hunter.


C. C. HUNTER, hardware dealer, Paris; is a native of this county; was born 
Jan. 5, 1840; son of S. K. Hunter, who was among the first settlers of this 
county, when the prospect was anything but inviting; but through industry and 
labor and unswerving integrity, has placed himself in his present position. C. 
C. was raised upon a farm, and received his early education at district 
school, winter months; in 1861-62, he attended school at Greencastle, Ind., 
after which he took a commercial course at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial 
College, of Chicago, graduating in 1864, then locating in Paris; his first 
experience in mercantile life was in the dry goods business, continuing until 
1870, when he bought into the hardware business and at the same time, bought a 
stock of drugs, but has since sold out the stock of drugs, and is now doing a 
large business in hardware and agricultural implements; he is still a young 
man, and of remarkable physical as well as mental powers, and it is safe to 
predict for him a brilliant future, from the success he has already achieved 
as a business financier. On Nov. 21, 1865, he married Miss Hannah Kirkman, of 
Lawrence, Kan.


R. B. HENNASY, livery, sale and feed stable, Paris; was born in the city of 
Philadelphia, Penn., Aug. 15, 1832, and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio; he began 
in mercantile life at the early age of 15; his first business experience was 
in the coal and wood business, which he continued until 1859, when he removed 
to Paris, Ill., and began in agricultural pursuits; he opened a farm of 400 
acres, which he now owns, and is finely improved; he was quite successful in 
farming, but desiring to give his family the advantages of society and 
education, removed to the city of Paris in 1876; he not feeling contented out 
of business, engaged in the livery business, and desiring to make a success, 
stocked up with fine carriages and horses, and is doing a flourishing 
business. In October, 1857, he married Miss Adda Anderson, of Cincinnati, 
Ohio; they have a promising family of five — Harris W., Mary E., Josephine, 
Robert H. and Jennie. 


S. HAMBURGER, clothier, Paris; was born in Germany Nov. 11, 1835; during his 
early life, he received a fine education, graduating at the Darmstadt College, 
of Darmstadt, Germany, after which he taught school until 1858, when he came 
to this country and located in Chicago; engaged at school-teaching until 1859; 
he then removed to La Grange, Ga., and there began in mercantile life, and at 
the beginning of the late war (1861), he returned to Chicago; then, the same 
fall, came to Paris and engaged in clothing and gents' furnishing goods; he is 
a thorough and practical business man, and by his uprightness and square 
dealings, has built up a large trade. He married Miss Augusta Erlanger, of 
Terre Haute, Ind.; she was born April 9, 1845.


JOSIAH HURTY, A. M.; P. O. Paris; was born in Lowville, N. Y., Aug. 14, 1817; 
his parents were of German descent; his paternal grandfather was a Lieutenant 
under Gen. Herkimer during the Revolutionary war, and was in a number of 
battles along the Mohawk; Josiah listened to the narration of Revolutionary 
tales told by his grandfather, and became early interested in history; he 
commenced teaching district school at 17 years of age. By hard study in and 
out of school, and by teaching, he prepared himself for college at Clarkson 
and Alexander, in Western New York; he entered Union College, in junior class, 
in 1838; he was elected Principal of Bethany Academy, in Genessee Co., N. Y., 
in 1841, which position he held until he moved to Mansfield, Ohio, in 1846; he 
took a prominent place among the pioneers of education in that State; aided in 
organizing the first State Teachers' Association and holding institutes; he 
was for several years Superintendent of Union Schools in Xenia and Lebanon, 
Ohio, and wrought with Dr. J. Ray, L. Andrews and H. H. Barney, in advancing 
educational interests; he was Superintendent of Union Schools in Richmond and 
Lawrenceburgh, Ind., for twelve years. During the rebellion, he devoted all 
his spare time to sanitary interests of soldiers and their families, and 
taught all soldiers' children without charging them tuition. He came to Paris, 
Edgar Co., to take charge of their Union Schools in 1866; he organized and 
soon brought the schools to a popular and successful condition, and sent out a 
large number of men and women, who are now doing great credit to themselves 
and their preceptor, he has taught and conducted a highly useful and popular 
academy since 1871, and is now Principal and Professor in Edgar Collegiate 
Institute.


C. P. HITCH, Deputy County Clerk, Paris; was born in Clermont Co., Ohio, Jan. 
16, 1850; during his early life, he received a good academical education under 
the supervision of Prof. J. K. Parker; he came to Paris in 1869, and engaged 
as clerk with A. C. Conley, dry goods merchant, where he continued until 
February, 1874, when he was appointed to the office of Deputy County Clerk; he 
is a popular young man of remarkable physical as well as mental powers, and it 
is safe to predict for him a brilliant future. He was married to Miss Mary 
Huston, daughter of Dr. Huston, a prominent physician of Paris, Nov. 25, 1874; 
they have one child - Lucy A., born Aug. 30, 1876.


JOSEPH HUNT (of the firm of Hunt & Conner), stoves, tinware, etc.; was born in 
Morgan Co., Ind., Nov. 11, 1843, and was principally raised in Indianapolis, 
where his parents removed while he was young; he there learned business and 
acquired a good common-school education; they removed to Danville, Ind., and 
opened a store of stoves and tinware, and there Joseph learned the trade of a 
tinner. At the beginning of the late war, he enlisted as a musician with the 
11th Ind. V. I., and, after one year, the bands were dispensed with, and he 
was discharged, after which he took up his trade; he came to Paris in 1875, 
and began business on his own account, and through uprightness and square 
dealing he has succeeded in building up a good trade, and now is on the full 
tide to success. He married Miss Alice A. Cochran, of Evansville, Ind., Sept. 
12, 1869; they have two children - Pearl and Duke.


GEORGE HUNT, attorney at law, Paris; professional business promptly attended 
to, references given if required.


BURT HOLCOMB, ex-Sheriff, Paris; was born in Hartford Co., Conn., April 18, 
1817; he remained at his birthplace until 16 years of age, when he embarked as 
mercantile traveler through the Eastern States until 1849, when he crossed the 
plains to California, and there entered into the stock business, in which he 
continued until 1852, then returned to Ohio (Urbana); in 1852, he came to 
Edgar Co. and bought land, and engaged in farming and stock dealing; then, in 
1857, removed to Henry Co., Mo., and engaged in mercantile and stock business, 
and continued until 1861, when he began stock-contracting for the army; he 
returned and located in Paris in 1864, continuing in handling stock until 
1872, when he was elected Sheriff of Edgar Co., and re-elected in 1874, since 
which time he has but looked after the affairs of his property and family. He 
married Miss Lucind Ashmore, of this county, September, 1854, they have a 
family of five children - Nancy C., Edmond W., Ulysses H., John T. and Jennie. 
His official career has been with credit to himself and those he represented.


G. W. HALBERT, farmer; P. O. Paris ; is a native of Clay Co, Ind.; he was born 
March 13, 1841; he grew to manhood and received his education at his native 
place; he has thus far in life made farming a business; in 1876, he settled on 
the farm where he now lives; his farm consisting of fifty-two acres, which is 
nicely cultivated and improved, making as pleasant a little home as may be 
found in the county. On May 25, 1865, he married Miss Laura, daughter of V. 
Stewart, who was an old and well-respected citizen of Paris. They are people 
in good standing in the community and have the esteem and confidence of many 
friends.


DAVID HENRY, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Paris; was born in Dauphin Co., 
Penn., Aug. 12, 1829, where he was raised, educated and remained until 1867, 
when he removed to Edgar Co, locating in Paris, and engaged with firm of 
Graham & Co., manufacturers of farm implements, and, in 1869, he sold out and 
bought the farm where he now resides, which consists of 335 acres of finely-
improved land, valued at $75 per acre, which is wholly the result of his own 
industry, energy and good financiering. He married Miss Matilda Fitting, of 
his native county, Feb. 27, 1851; she was born Aug. 2, 1832; they are the 
parents of seven children — John W., Galin (deceased), William, Cyrus, George, 
Mary E. and Charles. Mr. H. is a well-to-do and a respected citizen.


W. S. HENDRIX, hardware, Paris; was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Feb. 27, 
1831; was raised upon a farm, and his early education was obtained at district 
school, and by practice, personal observation and study he has obtained a good 
business learning. On Dec. 27, 1856, he married Miss Charlotte J. Minturn, of 
Champaign Co, Ohio; after which he engaged in agricultural pursuits; they came 
to Paris in 1858, and followed farming for some five years. During the late 
war of the rebellion, he enlisted with 79th I. V. I., and was elected First 
Lieutenant, and after the service of nine months resigned on account of the 
loss of health; since which time he has been salesman for C. V. Lodge; also, 
C. C. Hunter. Mr. H is a thorough business man and has had the experience 
which enables him to make a success of the calling he is engaged in.


HENRY HENN, barber, Paris; was born in Bavaria, Germany, Dec. 25, 1837; after 
the death of his father, which was in 1851, he, with his mother, came to this 
country; they settled in Canton, Ohio, where they lived some fifteen years; he 
chose the trade of a barber early in life, and at once began, and has 
continued, being a good workman in his line; industrious and economical, has 
made a good living both for himself and mother, who is still living with him; 
she is now at the ripe old age of 73. Mr. H. is sociable, kind-hearted and is 
upright and honorable in his dealings, and a respected citizen. He married 
Miss Sarah J. Elliott, of Fairfield, Iowa, Dec. 25, 1872.


P. B. HOYT, M. D., Paris; was born in Fairfield Co., Conn., Dec. 12, 1824, and 
was raised in Huron Co., Ohio; his early life was passed on his father's farm, 
his elementary education being obtained at the district schools during the 
winter months; at an early age, he chose the profession of medicine, and at 
the same time entered upon its study under the guidance of Dr. J. Tifft; he 
graduated at the Western Homeopathic College of Cleveland, Ohio, in March, 
1857; his first practice was in Milwaukee, Wis., where he remained but a few 
months; then located and took up his practice in Norwalk, Ohio, with his old 
tutor, Dr. Tifft, who withdrew from practice in 1860; Dr. H. removed to 
Indianapolis, where he remained about five years; he came to Paris in 1876, 
and has since given his entire time, skill and energy to the practice of his 
profession, in which he is very able, and, judging from the gradual increase 
of his practice, he is fast becoming the popular physician of Paris. The 
Doctor has twice been married; his first wife was Miss Cynthia Clark; she 
passed away in December, 1866, leaving two children — Clara L. (now Mrs. C. 
Roberts) and Charles H.; his present wife was Mrs. Abigail Hunt, daughter of 
George Armstrong, Esq., of Belfast, Ireland; she has one child — George H.


C. L. HOLLEY, County Sheriff, Paris, is a native of Indiana; was born in Vigo 
County, July 26, 1840; his parents came to this county the same year; his 
father being a blacksmith, he located in Sims Township and opened a shop, and 
continued at his trade until August, 1842, when he was assassinated by one Eli 
Sparks; two years later, his mother married James Cockroft, and removed to 
Elbridge, this county, and there Mr. C. L. received a common school education 
and learned the blacksmith trade, which business he followed until 1876, when 
he was elected to the office of County Sheriff by the Democratic party. On 
April 11, 1865, he married Miss Emily Ellege, of this county; she passed away 
July 7, 1873, leaving a family of two children — William and Martha. He 
married for his second wife, Miss Cornelia Shirar; she was a native of Ohio.


A. H. HODGE, of the firm of Bowen & Hodge, hardware dealers, Paris, was born 
in Clarke County, Ohio, July 16, 1826; he came West with his parents in 1839, 
locating in Paris, at which time Paris was but a small village of about one 
hundred and fifty inhabitants; during his early life he received a good 
education, finishing at the Edgar Academy; then learned the trade of a cabinet-
maker; being of a mechanical turn of mind soon became a first-class workman; 
he continued in this business some twenty years, and was financially 
successful having accumulated a good property; in 1850, he went by overland 
route to California, and engaged in mining; returned in 1852, by water; in 
1874, he entered into partnership with his present partner. On Oct. 24, 1854, 
he married Miss Nancy Lawrence, of this place; she is a native of Ohio; was 
born in April, 1828; they have a family of five children — Mary, Elizabeth, 
John, William and Sallie. Mr. and Mrs. Hodge have been active members of the 
M. E. Church for upward of twenty years.


W. S. HARDING, stock dealer, Paris; was born in Edgar County, Dec. 18, 1841, 
son of Geo. Harding, a prominent and early settler of Stratton Tp., where he 
improved a large tract of land and raised a family of ten. He passed away on 
May 7, 1868.   During the late war of the rebellion, W. S. enlisted with 79th 
I. V. I., as Fifth Sergeant, and, in 1863, he was promoted to Second 
Lieutenant, and participated in many of the heaviest battles of the war; at 
the battle of Stone Rover, was the only survivor out of forty-nine in his 
company; the many hair-breadth escapes he has made are the characteristics of 
a true and brave soldier; he was mustered out in June, 1865, after the service 
of three years, during which time he lay a prisoner seventeen months. After 
the war he engaged in farming and stock-dealing; in this he has devoted his 
entire time and energy, the result of which is a large property; he now owns 
upward of one thousand eight hundred acres of fine improved land, and a fine 
residence in Paris; is considered one of the solid men of Edgar Co. He married 
Miss Emma L. Clark, of this county, Feb. 18, 1868; she was born April 5, 1843; 
they have a family of two promising daughters — Gracie J., born Oct., 1870, 
and S. Jessie, born August, 1872.


W. J. HUNTER, grocer, Paris; is a native of this county; was born Nov. 29, 
1886; his father was one of the first settlers in this county, and has done 
much for the good of the community in which he has lived; W. J. was raised a 
farmer, which was his principal business until the beginning of the late war, 
when he enlisted with the 21st I. V. I., as a private, but was promoted to 
Second Lieutenant; served three years and four months, after which he dealt in 
stock until 1872, when he was elected County Treasurer, and, after the 
expiration of the term of office, he resumed his stock dealing and farming, 
which he now superintends; in 1877, he embarked in his present business; 
during his business career; he has been quite successful, being a good 
financier and industrious; is now considered one of the solid men of Paris. He 
married Miss Luie Jenks of Vigo Co., Ind., Nov. 14, 1865; they have a family 
of three children - Nellie F., Leora and Edward S.


PAUL HUSTON, retired physician, Paris; was born in Greene Co., Ohio, May 30, 
1815; during his early life he received a good education, and age the age of 
20 began the study of medicine at the Worthington Medical College; he 
graduated in 1837, and began the practice of his profession at Mt. Pleasant, 
Ohio; he came to Illinois in 1838, and located in Paris, and took up his 
practice, which business he continued until 1876, when he retired. He is one 
of the early settlers of the county, and has always been a worker in all 
matters pertaining to the good of the county. He married Miss Lucy P. 
Weisiger, of Vermilion Co., Ind., April 18, 1845; they have a family of eight 
children — Horace H., Mary (now Mrs. C. Hitch), Emma A. (now Mrs. D. Lillard), 
David, Walter B., Hattie, Grace and Willard.


JOSEPH HARRIS, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Paris; was born in Ohio Co., 
Va., Jan. 20, 1810; he remained at his birthplace until 1857, when he removed 
to Edgar Co, locating where he now resides; during his early life the chances 
for a school education were very limited, but by home study, business 
experience and observation, he acquired a fair business knowledge. In June, 
1835, he married Miss Sarah Keyser, of Belmont Co, Ohio; she was born Jan. 6, 
1816; they have lived to see the great change from a wild, desolate-looking to 
a thickly-settled and well-developed county; they now own 475 acres of finely-
improved land, well-stocked, and which is principally the result of their own 
industry. They have raised a family of nine children, seven boys and two 
girls, eight of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. H. are now living in their ripe 
old age to see the prosperity and usefulness of their children; as a family, 
they are much respected.


AMOS JACKSON, livery and sale stable, Paris; was born in Clinton Co., Ind., 
Sept. 15, 1836; he was raised upon a farm, and made agricultural pursuits his 
principal business through life; in farming and stock-raising, he has been 
very successful, having, by his industry and good financiering, accumulated a 
good property; he owns 600 acres of well-improved land, which he superintends, 
besides his livery business, which is first-class in every particular. On Nov. 
14, 1854, he married Miss Sarah Hesler, of Douglas Co, Ind.; they came to 
Paris in 1856, and have since remained, enjoying the advantages of society and 
schooling for their fermly, which consists of five children — John L., Jennie 
W., Laura, Frank L. and Ada C.


P. W. JOHNSTON, jeweler, Paris; was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., Jan. 6, 
1814; at the early age of 14, he began to manage and do for himself, and chose 
the trade of watch-making for his occupation, and being of a mechanical turn 
of mind, soon became an able workman; he embarked in business on his own 
account at Owensborough, Ky., in 1840, and continued until 1861, when he 
removed to Paris, and has gradually built up a good trade, and now carries a 
large stock, of which a great portion is of his own manufacturing, and is the 
second largest jewelry manufacturing establishment in the State, is prepared 
to do all kinds of work in his line. He married Miss Lydia W. Byrn, of New 
Albany, Ind., March, 1839; she passed away Nov. 25, 1875, leaving one child — 
Samuel D., who is a jeweler with his father.


E. D. JUREY, livery and feed stable, Paris; was born in Marion Co., Ohio, Feb. 
15, 1837; he was raised upon a farm, which gave him a practical knowledge of 
farming and stock-raising, which business he has followed and has been quite 
successful, having acquired a good property, which is the result of his own 
labor, energy and economy; he came to Paris in 1863 and, in 1873, he built and 
stocked the livery-stable that he now runs, which is by far the best stable in 
Paris; he is social and genial, by which he holds many friends and patrons. He 
married Miss Katie Graham, of Paris, March 9, 1875; they have one child — Anna 
M.


J. G. JONES, of the firm of Sheppard & Jones, dry goods merchants, Paris; was 
born in this county July 25, 1840; he is the son of James Jones, who came in 
an early day from Whitehall, N. Y.; was one of the first merchants of Paris; 
was prominent in all public matters pertaining to the good of the county. He 
served as County Treasurer for a number of years, and passed away in 1857; 
such was his life that when he died he was mourned by many warm friends and 
the religious societies; throughout his life he was a liberal and kind father 
and friend. The subject of this sketch began in mercantile life with a dry 
goods firm of Terre Haute, Ind.; he embarked in business on his own account 
(firm of Jones & Vance, dry goods merchants) in 1865, and after a continuance 
of two years, sold out and began with Sheppard, his present partner; he is a 
man of fine social qualities, good business ability, and on the full tide of 
success. He married Mary L. Sheppard March 12, 1868; they have a family of 
two — Harrie L. and Nettie.


O. S. JONES, real estate, and money loaner, Paris; was born in Athens Co., 
Ohio, Jan. 5, 1843. His parents removed into Douglas Co., Ill., in 1850, where 
they bought land and engaged in agricultural pursuits.  O. S. was raised upon 
a farm, and his early education was obtained at district school; in 1858, he 
began school at the Paris Seminary, and afterward attending the Asbury 
University, of Greencastle, Ind., and acquired a good business education. He 
began in mercantile life in Paris, engaging in the book and stationery 
business. He has been engaged in the real estate business for some ten years, 
and has met with great success. He is a man of fine physical as well as mental 
powers, and is an able financier, having accumulated a large property, and 
beyond all doubt has done more to build up the city of Paris than any one man 
in the place; he has built some twenty-five residences, and several of the 
principal business blocks, and is always ready to assist in all public matters 
for the growth and prosperity of the town. He has dealt quite extensively in 
the lands of the I., D. & S. R. R. Co. He is largely a self-made man, 
beginning life for himself at an early age, he was worked his way alone up to 
his present position in society, and to-day ranks among the wealthy men of 
Paris.  He married Miss Dollie, daughter of Dr. Ten Brook of Paris, Feb. 23, 
1876; they have two children — McMellon and Jennett.


EZRA JOHNSON, baggage-master for the P. & D. R. R. Co., Paris; was born in 
this county Nov. 15, 1841; son of W. Johnson, a prominent pioneer of Edgar 
Co.; he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1876, when he became a 
partner in the firm of Bowen, Laughlin & Co. (City Flouring-Mills). The 
subject of this sketch enlisted with teh 79th I. V. I., August, 1861, and his 
health became so impaired that he was mustered out in 1864, he went to 
Virginia City, Montana Territory, for the purpose of mining, and returned in 
1865, and engaged in farming. In 1867, he removed to Omaha, Neb., and remained 
until 1870, and in 1874, began in his present business. He married Miss Alice 
L. Atkinson, of Paris, Ill., December, 1867.


MADISON JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Paris; was born in Carroll Co., Va., Jan. 6, 
1805; he removed with parents to Gallia Co., Ohio, in 1816, where he was 
raised, and at the age of 23 he began for himself. In March, 1828, he married 
Miss Maria Kimble, of Lawrence Co., Ohio; they emigrated to Edgar Co., and 
settled where he now resides in 1830, and entered eighty acres; he now owns 
200 acres of well-improved land, valued at $70 per acre, which is the result 
of his own industry, energy and economy. At the time of their settling, there 
were but few settlers, and the trials and hardships of a pioneer life were but 
common. They have raised a family of seven — Andrew W., William J., Charles 
C., Emeline M. (deceased), Marion F. (deceased), Melissa (deceased), and 
Andrewson.


MRS. MARY J. KILE, P. O. Paris; late widow of Dr. William Kile, who was an 
early settler and a prominent man of Edgar Co.; he came from Clinton, Ind., in 
1853, and engaged in mercantile business, firm of Kile & Dole, dry goods 
merchants; and continued a number of years; then gave his entire attention to 
agricultural pursuits, also stock dealing; he had been a good financier having 
accumulated a good property, which he left to his wife and family which 
consists of four children - Rachel B., now Mrs. George Elliott; Landon W., 
Robert H. and Carrie. Mr. K. was a native of Ohio, born in 1809. He married 
Miss Mary Hoggatt, of Vigo Co., Ind., in 1859, she was born February, 1829. 
Mr. Kile had been twice married previously to his last wife; first to Miss 
Webster, step-daughter of Col. Blackman; second wife was the widow of A. 
Jackson, of Vigo Co., Ind. Mr. Kile was known as an enterprising, energetic, 
and a well-to-do citizen; had been a member of the Presbyterian Church for 
many years. He passed away Oct. 4, 1872, beloved by all friends and relatives, 
and respected by all who knew him.


G. W. KIMBLE, farmer and fruit-grower, P. O. Paris; was born in this county 
Jan. 15, 1831; his birthplace is the old homestead entered by his father in 
1830, which he now owns; it consists of 240 acres, and is one of the best 
farms in the county, and a beautiful residence; his parents are still living, 
residing in Paris, at the ripe old age of 74 and 68; they have done much for 
the development and growth of this township; they have raised a family of five 
children, and now live to see their prosperity and usefulness; G. W., being 
the only son, has managed the affairs of the farm for a number of years. He 
married Miss Sarah J. Hannah, of Paris, April 13, 1853; they have a family of 
five — Clarence C., Willis P., Amelia G., William L., and John D.; they are a 
family that are much respected.


LAWSON KIMBLE, retired farmer; P. O. Paris; is a pioneer of Edgar Co.; was 
born in Washington Co., Ohio, Dec. 6, 1802, where he lived until 1821, when he 
removed with parents to Lawrence Co.; he began in life for himself at 21; his 
first business experience was at coopering, after which he followed boating on 
the Ohio River, between Charleston and Cincinnati; in 1828, he came (afoot and 
alone) from Cincinnati to Edgar Co., Ill., looking for a location, and, 
forming a favorable opinion of the county, returned, and, the following 
spring, removed and entered 160 acres, and began (on the wild, desolate-
looking prairie) to prepare a home. He married Miss Elizabeth Chaplin March 3, 
1830; she was born in Cumberland Co., Maine, June 11, 1809; the trials and 
hardships of a pioneer life were but a common occurrence when they began in 
this county, but by industry, perseverance and economy, coupled with 
unswerving integrity, have succeeded in accumulating a good property and 
raising a family of five children; they now live, in their ripe old age, to 
see the prosperity and usefulness of their children; the family consists of 
George W., Mary D. (now Mrs. M. Hockett, of Paris), Susan C., Maria, Ellen.


MRS. CARRIE KEENE; P. O. Paris; widow of Dr. B. C. Keene, of Georgetown, Ky. 
(his birthplace), where he passed away June 19, 1869; he was a very able 
physician, a modest and retiring gentleman, and universally popular, his widow 
being a daughter of Hon. Judge Trimble, of Cynthiana, Ky., who was the oldest 
member of the Harrison Co. bar; he was a member of the Legislature a number of 
years, and belonged to a family of lawyers, many, of whom held a high rank in 
the legal profession, and was himself a great lawyer, one of the first jurists 
of the State; his many virtues and courteous and urbane deportment had 
endeared him to a large circle of clients and friends, by whom his sudden 
decease was universally regretted; he passed away June 17, 1852, leaving a 
family of five children, only two of whom are now living—W. W. Trimble, a 
prominent citizen of Covington, Ky., and a leading attorney of the State; and 
Mrs. Keene, the subject of this sketch; she came to Paris in 1869, where she 
has since resided; she is a lady of good education and fine business ability, 
attending to the affairs of her property; she has many warm friends, and is 
much respected by all who know her.


F. S. KESTER, farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Shelby Co., Ky., March 24, 
1814; his parents removed to Clark Co., Ind., where he was raised upon a farm, 
and, being the oldest of a family of six (five of whom are still living), was 
put forward in the duties of the farm, and his opportunities for a school 
education were few and far between; he followed farming and stock-raising for 
a number of years, in which business he was successful; he came to Illinois 
and settled in Douglas County in 1862, and, in 1865, came to Paris, and 
engaged in the book and stationery business; in this he continued some six 
years, since which time he has only looked after the affairs of his property. 
He married Miss Sarah J. Hostetler, of Indiana, May 19, 1857; she was born 
Nov. 9, 1834; they have three children — Nellie M., Lou and John O.


ANDREW KEYSER, farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, June 13, 
1809; he was raised a farmer and has continued thus far through life; he began 
for himself at the age of 21, and on March 24, 1831, he married Miss Ann 
Harris, of Wheeling, Va.; she was born March 24, 1808; they removed to 
Marshall Co., Va., in 1851, and bought a farm, and remained until the spring 
of 1857, when they came to Edgar Co., settling where they now reside; they own 
120 acres of fine land, valued at $60 per acre. They are the parents of ten 
children, only four of whom are now living; three of which were lost in the 
late war of the rebellion. Mr. and Mrs. Keyser have endured the hardships of a 
pioneer life and endeavored to raise a family so that they might be an honor 
to them and a credit to society, and now in their ripe old age live to see 
their prosperity and usefulness.


JOHN KISPERT, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes, Paris; was born in 
Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 11, 1834, where he was educated and learned the trade 
of boot and shoe making, which business he has continued; he came to this 
country in 1854, and worked at his trade for a number of years; he located in 
Paris in 1866 and opened a boot and shoe store, beginning with but small 
capital, and, by his industry and square dealings, has accumulated a good 
property and built up a large trade. He married Miss Sophia Melanson, of Nova 
Scotia; they have a family of four children — Rosa, Nellie, Katie and Sophia.


CAPT. R. C. LANE, with C. V. Lodge, hardware dealer, Paris; is a native of 
Ohio; was born in Hamilton Co. Aug. 15, 1841; his parents removed to 
Tippecanoe Co., Ind., where he was raised; in September, 1861, he enlisted 
with the 40th Ind. V. I., as a private, and after the battle of Shiloh, was 
promoted to Sergeant Major, and, in 1864, was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, and, 
in 1865, was again promoted to Captain of Company H, 40th Ind. and detailed on 
Gen. Opedyke's staff as Brigade Inspector; he served some four and a half 
years; was mustered out in February, 1866, then returned to La Fayette, Ind., 
and was appointed Deputy County Clerk, and after one year, came to Paris and 
engaged with Lodge, Dodge & Co., hardware dealers, as clerk, and has since 
continued in the hardware business. He is a gentleman of affable manners, 
public-spirited and stands high in popular respect. He was married to Miss 
Frances A. Nelson, of Hillsborough, Ohio, Oct. 15, 1870; they have three 
children - Willard C., Alice M. and Robert N.        


C. W. LEVINGS, real estate and money loaner, Paris; was born in Coos Co., N. 
H., June 24, 1822; during his early life, he obtained a good education in 
Alexander, N. Y., and also learned civil engineering, in which he soon became 
very able, and was with the State Engineering Corps for two years, after which 
he began the study of law with Scott Lord, of Mt. Morris, N. Y.; was admitted 
to the bar in 1843; then for a number of years was engaged in various branches 
of mercantile business and contracting; in 1854, he removed to Cleveland, 
Ohio, and formed a connection with Wasson, Everett & Co., bankers, and 
continued but a short time; then removed to Rockville, Ind., and established 
the Bank of Rockville, and after a continuance of about two years, sold his 
interest and established the Parke Co. Bank with a capital of $100,000, in 
which he officiated eight years, when it was changed to First National Bank; 
during this time, he established the Edgar Co. Bank (in 1855), the first bank 
of the county; he located in Paris in 1865, and operated the Edgar Co. Bank 
(firm of C. W. Levings & Co.) until 1872, when it was re-organized to the 
Edgar Co. National Bank; he continued as President until 1874, when his health 
began to fail and he resigned; he is now serving as Vice President and 
Director. In his private life, he has developed the best domestic qualities; 
possessing a fair property, the result of his own energy and financiering; he 
commands and enjoys a luxurious home, surrounded by a charming and 
affectionate family; the family consists Mrs. L. (who was Miss Esther Davis, 
of Mt. Morris, N. Y.; they were married in February, 1845), and six children — 
Charles, George E., William H., Esther H. (now Mrs. Williams) and Calvin W. 
(deceased), Frederick W., who was a young man of remarkable mental power, 
having finished his schooling at seventeen, he began with his father in the 
bank and soon became his main dependence, and, in 1873, when the bank was re-
organized, was elected cashier which position he held with full satisfaction 
to all concerned; he passed away in October, 1877, beloved by friends and 
relatives, and much respected by all who knew him, leaving a wife, Julia A., 
(daughter of N. Ross, of Chicago, and two sons).


F. M. LINK, manufacturer tile and brick, Paris; was born in the Old Dominion 
(Virginia) June 1, 1832, and came to Illinois with his parents in 1836; they 
settled in Edgar Co., where the remainder of their lives was spent. F. M. 
began farming on his own account in 1854, which he continued until 1866, when 
he removed into the city of Paris and engaged in brick-making and contracting. 
Many handsome buildings of the city are specimens of his work. Recently, he 
has added the manufacture of tiling to his already extensive business. He was 
married January 4, 1855, to Miss Mary Sims, daughter of H. Sims, one of the 
earliest settlers of Edgar Co.; they have seven children living, viz., Ruez, 
John A., Susan (now Mrs. A. J. Parrish), Christopher, Niah, Edgar H., William 
A. Mr. L. has been quite a successful business man, and has accumulated 
considerable property through good management and honest industry, and is well-
respected among his neighbors.


W. S. LOGAN, of the firm of Mullins & Logan, Paris, was born in Edgar Co., 
March 8, 1852; was educated under the supervision of Prof. Hurty, at the Edgar 
Academy, after which he acted in the capacity of mercantile clerk, with the 
firm of Mitchell & Parrish, where he continued seven years; this experience 
gave him a practical business education; the firm with which he is connected 
began in 1875; they are yet young men, with good physical as well as mental 
powers, and on the full tide of success, and it is safe to predict for them a 
brilliant future. Mr. Logan married Miss Augusta Everance, of this place, 
Sept. 11, 1873; they have three children — Robert P., Charles and Hattie.


J. M. LYCAN, farmer; P. O. Paris; son of J. V. Lycan, a prominent and an early 
settler of this county; was born in this county September 1, 1843; was 
schooled at the Paris Academy, under the supervision of Prof. Rodgers; he 
remained at home with parents until 25 years of age. During the late war of 
the rebellion, he enlisted with the 66th I. V. I. (known as the 
Sharpshooters); was in the siege of Atlanta, and battle of Kenesaw Mountain 
and a number of severe engagements, and escaped without a scratch. He was 
mustered out July 18, 1865, after the service of eighteen months. He returned 
and took up farming with his father. He married Miss Nancy E. Perisho, of this 
county, October 18, 1876. Mr. L. is yet a young man of good physical as well 
as mental powers, and 'tis fair to predict for him a brilliant future.	


D. I. LILLARD, Deputy Co. Sheriff, Paris; son of J. S. Lillard, of Gallatin 
Co., Ky., who was an officer and a prominent man in the records of the Mexican 
war. He passed away in July, 1861, leaving a family of three sons. During his 
life, was an active worker in all public matters pertaining to the good of the 
community in which he lived; was upright and industrious; had accumulated a 
good property. The subject of this sketch was born in Gallatin Co., Ky., March 
22, 1849. During his early life, he obtained a good business education, laying 
the foundation of future usefulness. He came to Paris in 1864; his first 
business experience was in the grocery business, in which he continued three 
years, after which he engaged with G. J. Burns in the grain business. He is a 
young man of good business ability, and on the full tide of success. He 
married Miss Emma, daughter of Dr. P. Huston, of Paris, Sept. 27, 1876; they 
are the parents of one child — George A.


ROBERT B. LAMON, lawyer, ex-Judge, Paris; is a native of Virginia; was born in 
Berkeley Co., Feb. 8, 1829. His parents removed to Illinois in 1836, and 
located in Danville. At this place he received his preliminary instruction, 
and subsequently passed two years at Wabash College, in Crawfordsville, Ind., 
securing a substantial education by careful and industrious application, under 
the supervision of talented preceptors. In 1850, he went to California, where 
he remained until the fall of 1857; while a resident of that State, he served 
as a volunteer under command of the noted Indian fighter, Capt. Ben. Wright, 
in the campaign of 1852, against the Modocs, and was in 1855 elected to a seat 
in its Legislature, to represent the  Counties of Merced and Mariposa, and 
filled that station during one term. In 1857, he returned to Danville, and 
prosecuted his legal studies, which sometime prior to this, he had commenced. 
Was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1858; he entered upon the practice of 
his chosen profession in Danville, and during the war was elected County Judge 
of Vermilion Co., to fill an unexpired term. He came to Paris in 1866, and in 
the fall of 1869, was elected County Judge. As a lawyer, he is zealous in the 
interests of his clients; he has won deserved popularity by the urbanity and 
judicial ability he has displayed on the bench. His constant study, from the 
period of its commencement in 1855, in California, down to the present time, 
has given him a thorough and practical knowledge of the science of law. On ---
, 1864, he married Miss Lucy Alexander, daughter of Gen. M. K. Alexander, of 
Paris; they have a family of two — Walter S. and Judson A.


CHARLES V. LODGE, hardware dealer, Paris; is a native of Edgar Co.; was born 
on Dec. 3, 1838; his first business experience was in the way of a clerk with 
a firm (in which, his brother was connected) at Oakland, Ill., where he 
remained some four years; then as a grocery clerk at Ottawa, for a time; then 
came to Paris and clerked for his father and brother, who was dealt in 
hardware, and in 1860 he became proprietor, and in 1866 took in a partner and 
handled hardware and drugs, and continued until 1870, when he sold out; then 
bought and operated a sawmill and dealt in lumber; also carriage 
manufacturing; in 1875, he removed to Chicago and engaged in grain and 
commission business, and soon became a member of the Board of Trade, and did 
quite an extensive business; is yet a member of the Chicago Board of Trade; he 
returned and engaged in his present business in the spring of 1878; his entire 
career has been one of great activity and of financial success; is a gentleman 
of cultivated tastes and engaging manners, and interests himself in all 
movements for the intellectual and material improvement of the people of the 
community in which he resides. On April 6, 1865, he married Miss Ada Woolly, 
daughter of Dr. Woolly of this place; she passed away May 12, 1869, leaving 
one child - Edwin E.


LEANDER MUNSELL (deceased), second child and oldest son of Levi and Lucretia 
Munsell; was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 5, 1793; his father, a native of 
Connecticut and a Revolutionary soldier, was one of the early settlers of 
Cincinnati; he afterward removed to Marietta, Ohio, where he kept a tavern; 
his son Leander was a boy of all work, and attended school only six months; 
his teacher was Lewis Cass, afterward the statesman. Mr. Munsell early 
acquired a taste for strong drink, which habit he conquered; shortly after he 
became of age, he was employed as a cooper at the Kenawha Salt Works; here he 
formed the acquaintance of Joseph Curtis, who afterward removed to Edgar Co., 
Ill., and became the well-known nurseryman. Mr. Munsell served for six months 
in the war of 1812. After its close, he married Miss Hannah See, of Warren 
Co., Ohio, who survived him for several years; he then purchased a farm in 
Kentucky, but had hardly taken possession when some Virginians settled near 
him with gangs of slaves; this he could not endure, and immediately sold out, 
and removed to Miami Co., Ohio, and opened a farm near what was afterward the 
village of Fletcher; here he was elected Sheriff, and afterward Representative 
to the Legislature; in 1828 or 1829, he removed to Neville, on the Ohio River, 
where, in company with his brother-in-law, D. C. Casset, he purchased a steam-
mill and store, subsequently buying out Mr. Casset's interest in the business; 
in 1832, he removed to Paris, Ill., and entered into a general mercantile 
business; in course of time, he opened branch stores in Edgar, Coles, 
Cumberland and Sullivan Cos.; he also built the Court Houses in Edgar, Coles, 
Macon and McLean Cos.; in consequence of his extensive operations, and the 
amount of credit he was obliged to give and ask, it required more than 
ordinary energy and acuity to meet his obligations during the crisis of 1838 
to 1842; he made collections in horses, cattle, hogs, or in almost anything 
that could be turned into money, driving the horses and cattle to Chicago and 
Milwaukee and shipping the pork to New Orleans; he also acquired a 
considerable amount of land in the same way; in 1852 or 1853, he built the 
first steam flouring-mill in Paris, which is yet in operation; the completion 
of the Terre Haute & Alton R. R. occasioned, in 1854, a brisk demand for land 
at fair prices, and Mr. Munsell sold the greater portion of his land, and also 
his mill; having about $50,000 in well-secured notes, besides his residence 
and other real estate, he retired from active business, resolving to preserve 
that amount intact, and to apply any surplus of income to charitable and 
religious objects; to this resolution he steadily adhered the remainder of his 
life; after this, he supervised the erection of several public buildings, and 
was constantly engaged in some benevolent or public enterprise; much of his 
time and money, during the year 1861, and until his death, in 1862, was 
devoted to the benefit of the families of soldiers from Edgar Co.; during his 
whole residence in Illinois, he took a constant and active interest in all 
matters pertaining to education and religion, and was a liberal subscriber to 
all enterprises for their advancement; feeling the want of it in his own case, 
he determined to give his children a good education, and at one time built a 
schoolhouse on a lot of his own in order that they might receive the 
advantages of classical instruction. In politics, Mr. Munsell was a Whig, 
Native American and Republican each, in their day—the second of these only for 
a single season; in 1840, he was elected to the House of Representatives; in 
1842, he was a candidate for the Senate, but was defeated by reason of a 
division of his party in Edgar Co.; his decided political opinions, and the 
fiery energy with which he pursued every undertaking, procured for him, in 
early times, the nickname of "Old Tecumseh;" many of his warmest friends and 
admirers were his opponents in politics, and, in 1840 and 1842, he was 
supported by many Democrats. His most marked business trait was his high sense 
of commercial honor, and he never suffered a note in bank to be protested. He 
heartily despised insincerity, and he directed in his will that no discourse 
should be preached at his funeral, unless the officiating minister should 
honestly call attention to his faults, as well as his virtues; the sermon was 
preached by Rev. Samuel Newell, who had the courage to carry out his 
instructions. He died at his home in Paris July 9, 1862, respected by all and 
loved by many to whom he had been a friend in time of need.


T. H. McCORD, lumber dealer, Paris, firm of Carnes & McCord, and son of Thomas 
McCord, a prominent pioneer of Edgar Co.; was born in this county Jan. 29, 
1843; his early education was obtained at district school, and after becoming 
a man grown he saw the necessity of a further education, and attended the 
Eastman Commercial School of Chicago. During the late war, he enlisted with 
the 66th I. V. I.; was in a number of battles and severe skirmishes; served 
four years; mustered out June, 1865. He married Miss Hester A. Ewing, of this 
county, January, 1867. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1871, 
when he embarked in his present business; by close application to business, 
economy and integrity, he has accumulated a good property; he is yet a young 
man, and upon the full tide of success. He has a family of three — Clara M., 
Lyman E. and Joe.


ALEXANDER MANN, stock dealer; P. O. Paris; is a native of Virginia; was born 
in Greenbrier Co., Dec. 24, 1818; he came to Edgar County in an early day, 
with an uncle and a few familes who settled in Grand View Township; he engaged 
(on a small scale) in farming and dealing in stock; in this business he from 
the first met with the most encouraging success; he is now one of the heaviest 
stock dealers in this part of the State, and his careful management of his 
business secures to him the fullest and most profitable returns, and, by his 
industry and hard labor, coupled with unswerving integrity, he has placed 
himself in his present position. He now owns upward of 8,000 acres of land, 
besides a large amount of other property, which is the result of his own 
labor, and is now considered one of the solid men of Southeastern Illinois. 
His first wife was Miss Virginia Hammet; they were married Aug. 17, 1854; she 
passed away Dec. 29, 1859. His second wife he married June 18, 1861;   she was 
Miss Clarinda L. Fitch; she passed away March 6, 1863, leaving one child — 
Clarinda L. On May 15, 1866, he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth C. Snyder, of 
Springfield, Ill. They are members of the Presbyterian Church, and much 
respected by all who know them. He is quiet in his manners, and makes no 
pretensions to notoriety; his business receives his whole time and he leads a 
quiet and retired life; he was closely identified with the early history of 
the county, and has done much toward promoting its interests and welfare.


L. C. MANN, wholesale and retail dealer in groceries, provisions and produce, 
Paris; is one of the early settlers of Edgar Co.; was born in Butler Co., 
Ohio, Oct. 1, 1827, and was raised in Preble Co. upon a farm, and received his 
education at district school winter months, though he improved all his leisure 
time with his books, and, at the age of 16, received a first grade 
certificate, and taught school winter months for about eight years, during 
which time he saved up about $400; then, in 1850, came to Edgar Co., Ill., and 
bought eighty acres of land at $6 per acre and three years after sold it for 
$40 per acre; in this way he has accumulated a large property, though 
decidedly successful in mercantile life. During the late war, he enlisted with 
the 21st I. V. I. (three-months service), and, at the expiration of this time, 
he returned and organized a company for the 7th I. V. C., but did not go out 
on account of disability; he then began in mercantile life, since which time 
he has continued, and through his industry and uprightness in business has 
accumulated a good property, and is now enjoying a flourishing trade. He 
married Miss Elizabeth Mann, of Greencastle, Ind., in March, 1849; they have a 
family of five — Victora, Howard, Alonzo, Douglass and Bell.


JACOB MANN, farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Redstone, Penn., Jan. 17, 1807; 
after the death of his father he was taken by  his mother with balance of the 
family to Butler Co., Ohio; in 1827, he began for himself; with a little 
assistance from his mother he bought a farm; by his energy and hard work he 
bought and improved 300 acres of timbered land; he came to Illinois in 1855, 
locating in Edgar Co., where he has improved quite a large tract of land; he 
has bought and added to his land until he owns some 1,400 acres; he having 
raised a large family and given each a home as fast as they were ready, has 
dealt out until he is left with but 200 acres; he has been very successful in 
life, having accumulated a good property; has always taken an active part in 
all public matters pertaining to the good of the community in which he lives. 
He has married twice; his first wife was Miss Abigail Campbell, of Butler Co., 
Ohio, they were married Feb. 26, 1827; she passed away April 27, 1874, leaving 
a family of six boys and four girls. On March 16, 1875, he married Miss Ann R. 
Ruckman, of this place.


HENRY O. MORRIS, farmer; P. O. Paris; son of L. D. Morris, a prominent farmer 
of this county; was born September 19, 1841, in Pickaway Co., Ohio; he came to 
this county with parents in 1852, he has since lived a well-to-do citizen. He 
married Miss Mell Webster, daughter of William Webster (who opened a large 
farm where Henry now lives), married Jan. 12, 1871; they are the parents of 
two children — Henry B. and Fred L. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are young people of 
fine social qualities, industrious and economical, and 'tis fair to predict 
for them a brilliant future. 


T. N. MEANS, farmer; P. O. Paris; is one of the pioneers of the county, and 
resides upon the homestead farm that was entered by his father in 1822, making 
fifty-six years that T. N. has resided upon his present farm, which consists 
of 350 acres of as fine land as may be found in the county; he was born in 
Adams Co., Ohio, Nov. 29, 1819, and brought to this county by parents in 1822; 
he well remembers when this county was inhabited by roving bands of Indians, 
with but now and then an adventurous pioneer; during his early life, the 
hardships incident in frontier life were common to him; but now he can look 
back over his past life with satisfaction, having always endeavored to 
interest himself in all public matters for the general good of this community; 
his father (William Means) was a native of South Carolina; was a Revolutionary 
soldier; also in the war of 1812; his mother was a native of Virginia, and at 
their deaths their combined ages were 157 years. T. N. has twice married, 
first to Miss Jane Quiltt, on June 21, 1849; she died May 24, 1872, leaving 
seven children, and, on October 24, 1872, he married Miss Margaret A. Gray, of 
Coles Co., Ill.; they have two children, one boy and one girl.


WILLIAM MASSIE, physician and surgeon, Paris; was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, 
May 13, 1826; was raised on a farm and attending school winter months, and 
availing himself of every opportunity for an education; his first medical 
studies were with Dr. L. K. Williams, of Oakfield, Ohio; he taught school 
during winter months while reading medicine; in 1853, he concluded to seek his 
fortune in the golden fields of California, and after a stay of two years, 
returned to Perry Co., Ohio, and began teaching school; he graduated at the 
Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, March, 1861. In August, 1861, he 
enlisted in the 30th Ohio V. I. and was elected Second Lieutenant, and then in 
the spring of 1862 was promoted to First Lieutenant, and on account of his 
health resigned; in July, 1863, was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the 68th 
Ohio, and promoted Surgeon in 1864, and was discharged for disability; he came 
to Edgar Co. in 1865, and began the practice of medicine in Grand View; he 
removed to Paris in 1875, and has built up a large practice; is a very able 
physician. On March 1, 1847, he married Miss Nancy Tharp, of Perry Co., Ohio; 
they are the parents of five children — James (deceased), Charles R. 
(deceased), William C. (deceased), Joseph A. and William A.


J. W. MARRS, blacksmith and wagon-shop, Paris; was born in Crawford Co., Ill., 
Oct. 1, 1830, and was principally raised in Vigo Co., Ind.; he began to learn 
the trade of a blacksmith when a mere boy, and served a regular 
apprenticeship; in 1854, he opened a shop in Coles Co., Ill., which was his 
business experience on his own account; he came to Edgar Co. in 1858, locating 
in Dudley, and remained until 1864, when he removed to Paris, where by his 
industry, integrity and ability he has established a good trade and 
reputation. He married Miss Louisa Hearn, of Vigo Co., Ind., February, 1856; 
they have a family of five children — William R., Mary E., Lola M., Emma G. 
and Gracie.


E. H. MORTON, retired, Paris; was born in Bath Co., Ky., Oct. 31, 1829, and 
was raised and educated in Boone Co., where his father passed away in 1851; he 
came to Edgar Co. in 1857, and began in agricultural pursuits, in which 
business he continued until he took up his residence in Paris, which was in 
1875; he is a thorough and practical farmer, and has made it a perfect 
success; Mr. M. commenced life a poor man and struggled hard for his start, 
and now owns a fine, improved farm of 240 acres and a good residence in Paris, 
which is the result of strict economy, hard work and uprightness in business 
transactions. He married Miss Margaret J. Ballard, of Cincinnati, Ohio, April 
20, 1856; they are parents of two children — John B. (deceased) and George B.


DR. J. W. MAPES, Supt. Poor-farm, Paris; was born in Ashland Co., Ohio, Aug. 
25, 1832, where he was raised and received his early education; in 1856, he 
made a trip over the West, prospecting, and entered a tract of land in 
Northwestern Missouri, and, in 1860, he emigrated to Missouri, but on account 
of the political excitement at that time was compelled to abandon the trip; he 
then returned to Edgar Co., Ill., and located and engaged in teaching school 
winter months and farming, which he continued until 1864, when he was 
appointed Superintendent of the County Poor-farm, and has since held the 
position; during his teaching school he studied medicine, and since 1866 has 
practiced that profession, with his other duties; he is a man of fine business 
ability, social, genial and much respected by all who know him, always 
interests himself in all public matters pertaining to the community in which 
he has lived. He married Martha Wilson, of Ashland Co., Ohio, February, 1859; 
they have a family of four children — Sarah A., Florence E., Martha J. and 
John V.


B. F. MATTHIAS, Master of Transportation and General Ticket and Freight Agent 
P. & D. R. R., Paris; was born in New Haven Co., Conn., Sept. 20, 1828, and 
was principally raised in Savannah, Ga., by an uncle (merchant and banker), 
where he learned business and acquired a good business education, and 
graduated at Norwalk, Ohio, in 1848. During his schooling he studied civil 
engineering, and was employed in that capacity by the C. C. & C. R. R. Co., 
and soon became very able, and continued with that company in different 
official capacities sixteen years. During the late war of the rebellion, he 
enlisted with the 81st Ohio, and was commissioned Captain by Gov. Todd, and 
went out in 1861, and was in a number of heavy battles, among which were 
Shiloh, Corinth and the engagement of Iuka, where he received a wound which 
was thought but slight, but he has not wholly recovered from its effects. He 
was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., in March, 1865; in 1870, he engaged with 
the I. & St. L. R. R. Co. as station agent at Paris, Ill., in which capacity 
he continued until the completion of the I. & M. R. R. to Arcola, when he was 
appointed General Freight and Ticket Agent, and, in 1872, engaged with the P. 
& D. R. R. Co., and was appointed to his present position. As a railroad 
official, he thoroughly understands and promptly attends to his duties, and 
works for the interests of the road. As a man among men, or in the quiet 
surroundings of his home, he is readily approached, social and genial. In 
October, 1849, he married Miss Elizabeth Close, of Galion, Ohio; they have two 
children — John H., train-dispatcher on the P. & D. R. R., and Frank L., car-
recorder on the T., W. & W. R. E. They are a family much respected by all who 
know them.


J. H. MATTHIAS, train-dispatcher for the Paris & Danville R. R. Co., was born 
in Galion, Ohio, Jan. 13, 1852, where he was raised and educated under the 
supervision of Prof. J. C. Hartzler. From childhood he had great desire to 
become well educated, and during his schooling he had a great anxiety to 
surpass his schoolmates, and so diligently applied himself to his studies that 
his health soon became so impaired that he was compelled, in 1868, to quit 
school. He was then put to the trade of a tinner, and continued until 1870, 
when he, with his parents, removed to Paris. He then worked in the capacity of 
a clerk in the freight department of I. & St. L. & R., under his father, and, 
in 1872, was appointed station agent and operator at Lovington, Moultrie  Co., 
Ill., for the I. & M. R. R. Co.; (his was the first telegraph office of the 
county), and remained until 1870, after which he was appointed station agent 
on the P. & D. R. R. at Paris, and, in 1874, he took a position on the 
construction of the P. & D. R. R. as auditor of account and after its 
completion was transferred to office duties, and appointed to his present 
position in 1877. He is a young man of affable manners and marked business 
amity, and it is fair to predict for him a brilliant future. On Oct. 30, 1874, 
he married Miss Ella Link, of Paris, Ill.; they have one child — Charlie W.


JAMES MILLER, money-loaner and grocer, Paris, is a native of Kentucky; was 
born in Montgomery Co., Oct. 12, 1820; removed, with his parents, to Edgar 
Co., Ill., in 1834; his parents located upon farm, his father continuing in 
agriculture pursuits until his death, which was in April, 1858. The subject of 
this sketch availed himself of every opportunity the county afforded for an 
education, and succeeded in obtaining a good education. His first business 
experience was in the way of a dry goods clerk, in which position he worked 
for several years. In 1850, he began in the dry goods business, and by energy 
and ability, meet with great success. He continued until his health began 
failing, when he retired from actual business, only looking after his 
property. In 1877, he embarked in his present business. He is a gentleman of 
generous impulses, of affable manners, and of rare business qualifications; 
both as an enterprising merchant and as a public-spirited citizen, he stands 
very high in popular respect. He married Cerilda Sims, of Monroe Co., Ky., 
Nov. 1, 1857; she was born Aug. 30, 1840; they have three children — Anna E., 
James W. and Frank L.


H. R. MILLER, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes, Paris; was born in 
Preble Co., Ohio, July 28, 1827; he set out in life for himself when but a 
mere boy, first locating in Dayton, where he found employment with Ells, 
Clafflin & Co., bookbinders, publishers and paper manufacturers, where he 
remained three years, appropriating all leisure time to his studies, 
endeavoring to obtain an education; he then learned the trade of boot and 
shoemaking, and in 1850, engaged with J. T. Reed, boot and shoe dealer, as 
cutter and clerk; was with the wholesale house of J. Powell for a time then 
embarked in the boot and shoe business on his own account; he came to Paris in 
1855 and opened a boot and shoe store, and, being a man of moderate means, did 
business under many disadvantages, but through his industry and uprightness in 
business, won the confidence, friendship and patronage of the people, so that 
he is now carrying a large stock and doing a flourishing business; he is a man 
of strong convictions, frank utterance, warm impulses and ceaseless vigilance 
over the welfare of the interests with which he is identified. In July, 1854, 
he married Miss Amanda Reed, of Dayton, Ohio; they have six children - Carrie 
E. (now Mrs. G. W. Mullins), Albert J., Edgar F., Luella, Chester W., and 
Bertha.


A. J. MILLER, physician and surgeon, Paris; was born in Knox Co., Ind., Nov. 
22, 1822; during his early life, he had but a limited chance for an education, 
though he improved every opportunity, having already determined to become a 
physician, and, after obtaining a good common learning, began to study with 
Dr. James Paxton, of Carlisle, Ind., after which he attended the Rush Medical 
College, of Chicago; then began to practice at Linton, Ind.; he again attended 
the Rush Medical College in 1856 and 1857, and graduated; then returned to 
Linton and took up his practice, and continued until 1863, when he removed to 
Paris, where he has since remained. In wedded life, the Doctor has been very 
unfortunate, having buried three wives; his present wife was Miss Maria 
Lawrence, daughter of J. G. Lawrence, a pioneer of this county; the Doctor has 
five children living — three daughters and two sons.


L. C. MEYERS, carpenter and joiner, Paris; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., 
Jan. 16, 1822; during his early life, his chances for a school education were 
few; his father having died while he was a mere boy, and he was left to do for 
himself early in life, and being of a mechanical turn of mind, chose for an 
occupation the trade of a carpenter. He married Miss Amelia A. Herr, of his 
native county, Sept. 26, 1842; he came to Paris in 1853, July 16, and the 
following year his wife came, where they have remained, he following his 
trade; he has seen the principal growth of Paris, and has been an industrious 
and energetic man, and is much respected by all who know him; has a family of 
two — John H., who is a good, practical business man, now superintending the 
seed store of Levings & Bro., and Marion M., who is a law student with Van 
Sellar & Dole.


E. F. MULLINS, of the firm of Mullins & Logan, lumber dealers, Paris; was born 
in Edgar Co. March 17, 1853; is son of G. W. Mullins, a pioneer and a 
prominent business man of Paris; was educated at the Paris High School; he 
also attended the Edgar Academy, and acquired a good education under the 
supervision of Prof. Hurty; his first business experience was with his father, 
who has been the leading grocery dealer of Paris for the past twenty-five 
years, which has given him a practical business education; at the age of 22, 
he embarked in his present occupation with the firm of Redmon, Mullins & 
Logan, and, after one year's continuance, Redman withdrew.


JOHN MOORE, butcher, Paris; Street Superintendent; was born in Butler Co., 
Ohio, Feb. 25, 1831; during his early life, his people removed to Hamilton 
Co., where John was raised and educated, and at the age of 16, he began the 
trade of a plasterer, which he followed until 1850, when he crossed the plains 
to California and engaged in mining and prospecting for two years, then 
returned and in February the following year, returned by water to California 
(a voyage of twenty-eight days) and remained until 1856; then was employed by 
Otis & Johnson, construction contractors on the T., W. & W. R. R., as foreman, 
after which he removed to New Orleans, and, in 1857, he came and located in 
Paris; his many business experiences and travels have given him a thorough 
knowledge of business and the country. During the late war, he enlisted with 
the 10th Ind. V. I.; was through a number of battles and severe skirmishes; 
was mustered out at Washington, D. C., June, 1865, after the service of thirty-
four months, since which time he has made butchering his business; in this he 
has been very successful, having accumulated a good property; he interests 
himself in all public matters pertaining to the good of the place. He married 
Miss Ann M. Stanley, of Edgar Co., March 24, 1859; she was born May, 1834.


O. McR. MOKE, Constable, Paris; is a native of this county; was born June 29, 
1845; son of Maj. Geo. Moke, who was a prominent man and a pioneer of the 
county. He served as Lieutenant in the Black Hawk war, and commissioned Major 
with the State militia, which position he held for a number of years. He was a 
man of remarkable physical as well as mental powers, being six feet seven 
inches in height, and of pleasant manners; was much respected by those who 
knew him; he passed away in July, 1852. During the late war of the rebellion, 
O. McR. was in the service from July, 1862, to July, 1865, with the 70th I. V. 
I., and Yates Sharp Shooters. In 1870, he was appointed to the office of 
Constable, and in 1872, was elected by the Republicans and re-elected in 1876; 
his official career has been not only with honor and credit to himself, but 
those he represented. He married Miss Elizabeth Starr, of Paris, June 2, 1873; 
they have one child — Abbie L.


McCOSKEY & GORDON, proprietors of the Paris House, Paris; the first of 
importance to point out to the public is a good hotel  at which to stop and 
refresh satisfactorily the wants of the inner man, and this can 
conscientiously be said in naming the Paris House; before opening the hotel, 
the proprietors expended a large amount of money, determined to have a house 
that  should give satisfaction and recommend itself through their attention 
and the comforts and fare offered; how well they have succeeded their 
increasing patronage will testify; the Paris is very centrally located, being 
near the business portion of the town; bus to and from all trains; the house 
contains about seventy rooms, fine sample-room on ground floor, the house 
having been recently newly furnished and the whole interior renovated, giving 
the hotel a very homelike and cheerful  appearance. Mr. Will Athon, the 
accommodating clerk, who is well known by all traveling men who visit this 
place, and the  attentive landlords have made many friends by their uniform 
kindness and pleasant manners.


CHESTER J. McPHERSON, Master of Transportation for the I. & M. R. R. Co., 
Paris; was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Feb. 13, 1853, and was raised in Owosso, 
Mich., and was schooled at the Olivet College, where he acquired a good 
business education; he began early in life at railroad business, first with 
the C., M. & L. S. R. R., then with the M. C. R. R. allocated at Michigan 
City, where he had charge of the telegraph department; thence with the I. & M. 
R. R., as assistant tram-dispatcher; after which, he was located at Paris as 
chief train-dispatcher, and, in 1877, was appointed to his present position; 
he is yet a young man, but has held a number of responsible positions, which 
have been with credit to himself and satisfaction to his employers. He married 
Miss Alice Orr, of Lakeville, Conn., May 17, 1876; they have one child — 
Willard V.


WILLIAM McCORD, farmer and dairyman; P. O. Paris; is a native of Tennessee; 
was born in Green Co., May 26, 1819, and at the age of 14, he, with mother, 
two sisters and one brother, emigrated to Indiana; thence to Coles Co., Ill., 
in 1834, and, in February, 1836, they came to Edgar Co., Ill., settling in 
what is now Sims Tp. Mr. McCord has lived a prominent and well-to-do citizen 
of Edgar Co. for many years, always interesting himself in all public matters 
that pertain to the general good of the community in which he has lived; he, 
like many pioneers, has witnessed the entire change from a wild, desolate-
looking to a well-developed county; he now owns a good property and a fine 
residence, which is the result of his own industry. He has twice married; 
first to Miss Elizabeth Rice, of his native county, on Feb. 17, 1846; she died 
April 30, 1847, and on Oct. 14, 1847, he was married to Miss Nancy Stout, of 
this county; their family consists of Josephine E., Eliza  J., Adriel S. and 
Shelby H. N.; as a family, tney are well known and much respected. 


THOMAS McCORD, retired farmer; P. O. Paris; is a native of Virginia; was born 
in Washington Co. Jan. 24, 1799, where he resided until 1815; then removed to 
Greene Co., Tenn., and there bought timbered land and improved a farm, and, on 
April 7, 1825, he married Miss Julia M. King, of Sullivan Co., Tenn.; she was 
born Dec. 9, 1801; they remained in Greene Co., Tenn., until the fall of 1833; 
when they emigrated to Illinois, locating in Coles Co.; thence to Edgar Co., 
in 1835, and bought a tract of timbered-land and improved his farm, which 
consists of 235 acres; he owns 355 acres of well-improved land; also a good 
residence in Paris; Mr. McCord began to do business for himself when quite 
young, with no means, but with willing hands and a firm and determined will, 
has succeeded by his industry and economy in accumulating a good property; was 
religiously raised, and has been an active member of the Presbyterian Church 
since 1817; is a strong advocate of temperance, and through all the many years 
he has lived has never used tobacco nor liquors since 1825. They have four 
children living - Elisabeth K. (now Mrs. Alexander), Melissa M. (now Mrs. A. 
Campbell), Tilghman H. and Sidney B.


COL. W. B. McCORD, insurance adjusting agent, Paris; is a native of Tennessee; 
was born in Greene Co., Sept. 25, 1831; he was brought to this county by 
parents in 1835; he is one that has lived to see the great change from a wild, 
desolate-looking to a thickly-settled and well-developed country. During his 
early life, the advantages for school education were few and far between, 
though by home study, observation and experience he obtained a good business 
education. He began on his own account at farming; and, in 1855, entered 
mercantile life. In 1861, he enlisted with the 66th I. V. I., known as the 
Northwest  Sharpshooters; and, in 1863, was detailed by Gen. G. M. Dodge, to 
organize a colored company (who were among the first of the Mississippi 
Valley); and was commissioned Captain, and within one year succeeded to the 
command of the regiment; he received the commission of Colonel in July, of 
1865; he resigned after the service of four years and five months. His 
promotions were wholly through faithful and meritorious conduct. He then 
returned and engaged in mercantile business; and, in 1868, began in the 
insurance business, and has since continued it. He has married twice, first to 
Miss Susan E. Magner, Feb. 17, 1853; she passed away March 2, 1856; and on 
Aug. 20, 1857, he married Miss Mary J. Campbell, of Orleans, Ind.


THOMAS McKEE, proprietor of St. Nicholas Hotel, Paris; was born in Dauphin 
Co., Penn., March 7, 1815; was raised and schooled in Dauphin Co., and early 
in life chose the trade of a tailor for an occupation, which business he 
learned and followed until his health became so impaired that he was compelled 
to abandon the business. He next engaged in hotel business; in this business 
he has had a life-long experience, and the satisfaction given to his many 
guests goes to show he is the right man in the right place. During the late 
war of the rebellion, he was instrumental in organizing a company at   
Mattoon, Ill.; and went out as Captain with the 5th I. V. C., and after one 
year's service he resigned. He came to Paris in July, 1877, and took charge of 
the St. Nicholas House; he is social and genial, ever ready to answer the many 
questions that his position subjects him to. He married Miss Margaret Simpson, 
of Harrisburg, Penn., Oct. 20, 1837; they have a family of five boys, four of 
whom were in the late war.


W. H. H. McARTY, saddler, Paris; is a native of Kentucky; was born in Mason 
Co., Aug. 20, 1823; he removed with parents to Parke Co., Ind., in 1833, where 
his father now resides, and at the ripe old age of 78 years. His mother passed 
away in 1844, leaving a family of twelve children, only six of whom are now 
living. Early in life he learned his trade; he came to Edgar Co., Ill., in 
1846; and on July 11, 1848, he married Miss Nancy M., daughter of Benjamin 
Dill, a prominent pioneer. Mr. and Mrs. McArty emigrated to Otoe Co., Neb., in 
1854; and, in 1855, he was appointed by the Governor to the office of Probate 
Judge, and, in 1856, was elected, and re-elected in 1860, and at the 
expiration of this term he returned to Paris. His official career was filled 
with not only credit to himself, but to those he represented. He is a man of 
fine physical as well as mental powers. He has served in this county as Deputy 
County Clerk, and as Deputy Assessor, and is well-known and much respected. 
His family consists of one child — A. Quincy G., born July 16, 1851.


H. L. OBETZ, physician and surgeon, Paris; was born in the city of Columbus, 
Ohio, July 8, 1851; he was brought to Indianapolis by parents in 1852, and in 
1856, they came to Edgar Co., locating in Ross Tp. upon a farm, where H. L. 
was raised, obtaining his early education at district school; during the late 
war of the rebellion, his father entered the service, and H. L., being the 
oldest son, was left in charge of the farm; the following year, he was left in 
charge of a farm of their neighbor's, who had also enlisted; being industrious 
and energetic, endeavored to do the principal work upon both farms, which 
proved to be more than he could endure, and on the return of his father, he 
found his son's health failing, and they removed into Paris; he attended 
school for a time, and learned the trade of a brick-mason, and, now being but 
17 years of age, began to teach school; in 1868, he engaged with W. O. Walker, 
dry goods merchant, as clerk, and, the following year, began to study medicine 
with Dr. W. P. Armstrong, and, in the spring of 1874, he graduated at the 
Homeopathic Hospital College of Cleveland, Ohio, and was appointed lecturer on 
anatomy, which position he held two years, then was appointed by the faculty 
as Lecturer Adjunct to the Chair of Surgery; he began the practice of his 
chosen profession in 1874; he is of a high moral and social standing and, in 
his career thus far, has exhibited energy and perseverance in all his 
undertakings; these qualities, conjoined to his rigid integrity and sense of 
honor, have tended to place him in a position in society which but few men can 
attain. He is unmarried, and on the full tide of success.


THE PRAIRIE BEACON AND VALLEY BLADE, Paris, is the oldest newspaper published 
in Edgar Co., and was formed by a consolidation of two offices, July 1, 1864. 
The Prairie Beacon was founded in 1843, by Jacob Harding, an old Whig. The 
Valley Blade was purchased by its present proprietor, WILLIAM MOORE, in March, 
1856, who published it as a Democratic paper until the breaking-out of the 
rebellion in 1861, when he espoused the cause of his country and her laws, and 
identified himself with the Republican party. In June, 1864, he purchased the 
Prairie Beacon, united the two offices, and in July issued the Prairie Beacon 
and Valley Blade, as the only Republican paper in Edgar Co., and has continued 
as its editor and publisher to the present time. Wm. Moore was born in 
Allentown, Penn., Jan. 26, 1819; apprenticed to the printing business to 
George Getz, of Reading, Penn., in March, 1832, and remained in the Berks and 
Schuylkill Journal office, with its successive editors until February, 1839; 
worked at Harrisburg and Philadelphia until the spring of 1840, when he came 
West; in November, 1840, came to Terre Haute, Ind., where he worked at his 
trade as a journeyman printer until his marriage in August, 1850, when he 
bought a half interest in the Terre Haute Journal (Democratic); introduced the 
first power job press ever used in Terre Haute; founded the Daily Journal, 
since merged in the Daily and Weekly Express; sold his interest in the Journal 
office in February, 1850, and, after resting one month, purchased the Valley 
Blade newspaper office, and in April removed his family to Paris, Ill.	


PARIS WEEKLY TIMES, P. L. Shutt, Editor; was born in Loudoun Co. Va., Nov. 18, 
1829; when he was 13 years old, he passed through Paris, Ill., accompanied by 
his father's family, who settled in Springfield, Ill., in 1842; in the year 
1855, he purchased the old Democratic paper printed in Shelbyville, Ill., 
known as the Shelbyville Leader, of Judge Anthony Thornton, and published it 
five years, and, in 1869, he purchased the Democratic paper published in 
Sullivan, Ill., known as the Sullivan Progress, of Mr. Thos. Bushfield; the 
Paris TIMES, which is also a Democratic paper, was established in Paris, Ill., 
Oct. 1, 1874; the paper was started rather unexpectedly to the editor himself, 
who had shipped the press and type to Decatur, Ill., just twenty-four hours 
before the order was changed to Paris. The citizens of Paris expressed 
surprise at an entire stranger attempting to start a paper where the ground 
was fully occupied, and said the undertaking did not seem likely to prove a 
very successful one, but the TIMES has steadily prospered, at least as well as 
its three rivals.


THE PARIS WEEKLY GAZETTE. The publication of this journal was commenced in 
Paris, in February, 1873, by James Shoaff, the father of the present 
proprietors, under the name of "Shoaff's Edgar County Gazette;" in May, 1874, 
the name was changed to the "Edgar County Gazette," and in March 21, 1877, to 
the Paris Weekly Gazette;" Mr. James Shoaff, the founder, died April 12, 1874, 
since which time the paper has been continued under the Proprietorship of T. 
B. Shoaff & Bro.; the GAZETTE is Democratic in politics; has always been the 
leading paper in Edgar Co., being a complete weekly compendium of local and 
general news, strict attention being paid to the former; the job department of 
this office is the most complete of any in Eastern Illinois, and is the only 
steam printing establishment in the Congressional district. 


F. M. PATTISON, station agent for the I. & M. R. R. Co., Paris; was born in 
Rush Co., Ind. March 7, 1844; he came with his parents to Paris in 1858; his 
father engaged in agricultural pursuits, which was his principal business 
through life. Mr. and Mrs. Pattison celebrated their golden wedding Sept. 11, 
1878; they have lived to a ripe old age, and been active church-members for a 
great many years, and have so lived that they are honored and respected by all 
who know them, and now to live to enjoy their children's prosperity and 
usefulness. The subject of this sketch had but a limited chance for an 
education, but by the teachings at home and his own energy and industry, he 
acquired a fair business education; his first business experience was with his 
brother in Cincinnati, Ohio; he engaged with his brother in 1861, and remained 
four years, during which time he obtained a good practical business education; 
after which he returned to Paris, and was appointed Deputy County Clerk; his 
next business was in the capacity of a clerk for Hamburger, a Paris clothier; 
he was appointed to his present position in 1875; he is accomodating and 
social, by which he has won many friends, and is considered the right man in 
the right place. On March 22, 1876, he married Miss Emma S. Shepard, of Paris, 
Ill.; they have one child — Robert H.


ARTHUR PERRIER, druggist, Paris; in the line of drugs, we may notice 
particularly the establishment of Mr. Arthur Perrier, who has lately engaged 
in this business; though the city is well represented in business of this 
line, many men, with less energy and enterprise, would have feared to open a 
store of this kind where there was already so much competition, but 
understanding the business and believing in competition being the life of 
trade, he has begun business with a clear understanding of the difficulties to 
be surmounted; he is a thoroughly educated druggist of ten years' experience 
and well acquainted with the public; the enterprise he has exhibited, his 
affable and courteous conduct to customers, his neat and tastily-arranged 
store, are all conducive to his success; pure drugs, fine toilet goods and 
perfumeries, stationery and a fine line of cigars and tobaccos are among his 
specialties; these, coupled with a fine family prescription department, over 
which he presides personally, must insure him success; his store is located at 
Berlou's old stand, south side square; personally, Mr. Perrier is a pleasant, 
congenial gentleman, and a native of Charleston, S. C., as might be inferred 
by his chivalrous treatment of his friends and customers.


Z. E. POWELL, Superintendent, Secretary and Treasurer of the Paris Gas-Light 
and Coke Co., Paris; is a native of this county; was born November 6, 1844; 
his people were among the first settlers of Edgar Co.; during his early life, 
he received a good education, laying the foundation of future usefulness; he 
served a regular apprenticeship at the trade of a printer, in which business 
he continued for a time; then was employed by the I. &. St. L. R. R. Co., 
where he received a good practical business education, and, in 1868, he was 
appointed station agent at Paris, and after a continuance of three years, he 
resigned and began contracting with the I., D. & S. and I. & St. L. R. R. 
Cos.; also, with the I. & M.; he has been engaged in railroad business some 
twelve years, and the number of responsible and prominent positions he has 
filled have not only been with credit to himself, but those he represented; he 
is a young man of good business ability, and 'tis fair to predict for him a 
brilliant future. He married Miss Catharine B., daughter of Col. A. K. 
Campbell, of Paris, Ill., Aug. 8, 1869; they have two children — Lou M. and 
Virginia B.


A. B. POWELL, Station Agent I. & St. L. R. R., Paris; was born in this county 
Nov. 12, 1838; during his early life he obtained a good education at the Paris 
Seminary and Academy; his first business experience was in the way of a dry 
goods clerk; in this he continued three years, which gave him a practical 
business education. In 1862, he enlisted with the 79th I. V. I., and was soon 
appointed Quartermaster Sergeant, which position he held during the three 
years of his service. In 1866 he was appointed Station Agent at Paris for the 
I. & St. L. R. R. Co., and continued until 1868, when he was elected Circuit 
Clerk, and re-elected in 1872, at the same time serving as railroad agent, and 
six months previous to the expiration of the last term of clerkship was 
appointed Superintendent of the I. & M. R. R.; in  1877, was appointed by the 
Directors of the Edgar County National Bank as Cashier, which position he 
resigned after ten months; he then accepted his present position; he is no 
politician or office-seeker, in the common acceptation of those terms, but has 
taken a deep interest in the success of the political principles in which he 
was reared. His influence has been freely used for the benefit of the 
community, and he has carried out the wishes of the people in the many 
responsible and prominent positions he has filled; he is yet comparatively 
young, of robust, commanding appearance, enjoying his hereditary vigor that 
promises years of usefulness. He married Miss Ella W. Douglas, of Logansport, 
Ind., April 30, 1862; they have a family of three — John C., Jessie M. and 
Burt K.


S. H. PRESTON, M. D., retired, Paris; was born in Warren Co., Penn., Sept. 4, 
1819; during his early life he obtained a good education at the Waterford 
Academy, after which he taught school in Bourbon Co., Ky., some six years, 
during which time he studied medicine with Dr. A. H. Wall, and began the 
practice of his chosen profession in 1848, and soon became the most popular 
physician of the county; was the County Physician for ten years; by his close 
application and skill, coupled with unswerving integrity, he soon found 
himself enjoying a large practice and surrounded by many friends. He married 
twice, first to Mrs. J. E. Lindsay, who passed away in 1859, leaving one son 
by Mr. P., and on Nov. 25, 1860, he married Miss Elizabeth Maffett, of Bourbon 
Co., Ky.; they have two children — Mollie and Charles S.; Dr. Preston retired 
irom his practice on account of his health, and removed to Paris in 1863, 
since which time he has but looked after the affairs of his property and 
family, residing in a beautiful residence in the suburbs of Paris.


V. A. PAYNE, druggist, Paris; was born in Clark Co., Ill., Nov. 27, 1855; son 
of Dr. Fleming R. Payne (deceased) of Marshall, Ill., who was born in Shelby 
Co., Ky., Feb. 22, 1821; he came to Clark Co. in 1843, and June 11, 1844, 
married Miss Sarah Shaw, whom he survived, and was married at Paris, in Apr. 
1854, to his present widow; he left a family of five children living, had 
buried one. Mr. P. was a member of the State Medical Association, and had held 
a number of prominent positions; his practice, which was a laborious one, was 
very large; as a physician and surgeon he stood ahead of his profession; his 
reputation, not confined to Clark Co., but extending beyond it, and everywhere 
he was known as a professional man of unblemished character; he was a 
consistent and devoted member of the Congregational Church, and always took an 
active part in all public matters pertaining to the good of the community in 
which he lived; he was loved by friends and respected by all who knew him.


J. C. PALMER, of the firm of Palmer & Wider, merchant tailors, also of the 
firm of Gordon & Palmer, groceries and provisions, Paris; was born in 
Washington Co., Ohio, Jan. 7, 1837; during his early life, he learned the 
trade of cabinet-making, also carpenter and joiner, and began contracting and 
building in Iowa, where he remained but a short time, then removed into Kansas 
and continued until the breaking-out of the late war, when he enlisted with 
the 5th Kan. V. C., and, in 1862, was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, which office 
he held during the war; he was mustered out in February, 1865, then returned 
to Topeka, Kan.; he came to Paris in 1871, and engaged in the grocery 
business; in 1874, began in his present business; Messrs. P. & W. are thorough 
business men and have had the experience which enables them to make a success 
of the calling they are engaged in; a glance in their well-stocked store shows 
that they understand the wants of the community; not only do they keep a 
general stock, but in large quantities, and their prices are so reasonable 
that it is unnecessary for their patrons to ask for any fairer dealing than 
they will receive at their hands. Mr. P. married Miss Melissa Gordon, daughter 
of J. Gordon, of this place, March 15, 1874; they are the parents of two 
children - Mary G. (deceased) and Nellie M.


DAVID PROPST, retired farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Page Co., Va., Oct. 25, 
1820; he came with his parents to Illinois in 1837, locating in what is now 
Hunter Tp., Edgar Co., in 1839, they removed to Vermilion Co., Ind., where his 
father entered land and improved a farm and remained the balance of his life; 
he passed away in September, 1846. The subject of this sketch married Miss 
Kiziarann Dusthimer, of Licking Co., Ohio, Nov. 29, 1845; they removed to 
Edgar Co. in 1846; he now owns a well-improved farm in Stratton Tp.; they 
removed into Paris in 1876, where they have since resided; they have a family 
of seven children - Olive A., Martin J., Elizabeth J., Jacob W., Mary A., Emma 
E. and Adda V. Mr. P. is an industrious and a well-to-do and much-respected 
citizen.


REV. G. W. RILEY, present Pastor and founder of the Paris Baptist Church, 
Paris; was born in Clermont Co., Ohio, Sept. 2,  1813; son of Rev. J. W. 
Riley, who was one of the first ministers of Southwestern Illinois; he, with 
family, settled in Edgar Co. in 1829, at which time there were but few 
settlers in this part of the State, and trials and hardships were but a 
common  occurrence; his entire life was devoted to the work of the ministry; 
he passed away at the ripe old age of 72; his wife survived him twelve years 
and passed away at the age of 82. The subject of this sketch began the work of 
the ministry at the  early age of 23, beginning at Bloomfield, Ill., where he 
remained ten years, thence to Paris, twelve years; Urbana, twelve; 
Indianapolis, Ind., for a time, and returned to Paris in 1874, and here we 
find him laboring vigorously and cheerfully imbued with the spirit of his 
work, to which he has always given his undivided attention; the high esteem in 
which the aged and worthy Pastor is held, not only by those who are identified 
with the Church, but all who have been favored with his acquaintance, is  only 
equaled by the heartfelt gratitude of himself and household. As facts worthy 
of historic record, would say that he is one of the oldest ministers of the 
Southwest. He married Miss B. McClain, of his native county, in June, 1833; 
their family consists of Ninian A. and Ozias, merchants at Urbana, Ill., also-
active workers in the Baptist Church.


A. J. ROBBINS, bakery and confectioner, Paris; was born in Coles Co., Ill., 
Jan. 24, 1850; during his early life he acquired a good business education; he 
began managing and doing for himself early in life, and chose the trade of a 
baker for his occupation; he began in business on his own account in 
Charleston, and continued some two years, after which he came to Paris and 
opened up at his present place of business. He married Miss Alice Sogers, of 
Paris, Aug. 25, 1874; she was born in Clermont Co., Ohio, Sept. 27, 1853; they 
have one child — Pearl, born June 10, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins are sociable, 
accommodating, and at their place can be had at all hours of the day a meal 
that will satisfactorily supply the wants of the inner man.


A. H. REESE (of the firm of Reese & Bros.), Paris; foundry and machine works, 
a native of Germany; was born March 12, 1847; while quite young, was brought 
to this country with parents, they locating in Terre Haute, Ind.; his father 
engaging in gardening, and being of limited means, the boys began to do for 
themselves early in life. A. H. learned the trade of a molder; also machinist; 
they came to Paris in 1854, and established a foundry, which was the first in 
the county, and, by industry and perseverance, have added not only to their 
capital, but also their place of business; their machine-shops and foundry are 
large and commodious, and they are prepared for manufacturing steam-engines, 
mill-gearing, house-fronts, etc.; their business is among the leading 
enterprises of the county; they are social young men, and on the full tide of 
success.


REV. G. L. RUDE, Pastor of the Christian Church, Paris; was born in Saratoga, 
N. Y., Nov. 3, 1808; he removed with his parents to Hamilton Co., Ohio, where 
he was raised and schooled; he began studying for the ministry early in life, 
and was ordained in 1836, and soon began in the regular work of the ministry 
at Harrison, Ohio, where he remained eighteen years, after which he removed to 
Indianapolis, and was chosen as an Evangelist for Marion Co.; he came to Paris 
in 1855, and, in 1861 and  1862, was appointed Evangelizer for Coles and 
Douglas Counties; during this time the war excitement run high, and the 
Reverend being loyal to both God and his country, often met with many very 
disagreeable circumstances, though being upon the side of the right he always 
came out conqueror; he has devoted the principal part of his life to the work 
of the ministry. He married Miss Margaret Gould, of Dearborn Co., Ind., in 
September, 1832; they have a family of five children living. Mr. and Mrs. Rude 
are now living in their ripe old age to enjoy the prosperity and usefulness of 
their family; they are much respected by all who know them.


M. REED (of the firm of S. Connelly & Co., grocers), Paris; was born in 
Nashville, Tenn., May 4, 1833; his parents passed away when he was quite 
young, and he was left to battle with the world without parental advice or 
assistance; previous to the death of his parents they removed to Lafayette  
Co., Mo., where he was raised by an uncle; at the age of 17, he found 
employment with a Government supply-train, and went through to the city of 
Santa Fe, New Mexico, and, after a stay of thirteen months, returned, and, on 
Jan. 16, 1853, he married Miss Nancy Carney, of Tennessee; then engaged in 
farming; in 1861, he enlisted with the 71st Mo. V. C., and was soon promoted 
to First Lieutenant, and after the battle of Saline River, was appointed Major 
on Gen. R. C. Vaughn's staff, and, in 1863, his health became so impaired he 
was compelled to resign; he then came to Edgar Co., Ill., and engaged in the 
grocery business, and has since continued, and is now doing a flourishing 
business; he is social, genial, and on the full tide of success. He has a 
family of three boys and four girls.


WILLIAM RUDE, farmer; P. O. Paris; son of Rev. G. L. Rude, of Paris, was born 
in Harrison Co., Ohio, Jan. 30, 1847; was brought to Indianapolis by parents 
while quite young, where they resided some nine years, then removed to Paris, 
Ill., and here he received a good business education, and at the age of 19 he 
began the trade of a saddler and harness-making, in which he continued about 
seven years, then took charge of the home farm, which he still manages. He 
married to Miss Charity M. Webster, of this county, June 15, 1875; they have 
one child — Anna B. Mr. and Mrs. Rude are highly respected by all who know 
them.


MRS. KATE RUDY, P. O. Paris; widow of P. O. Rudy, who was one of the early 
settlers of Edgar County, and a prominent farm and stock dealer; he was born 
Jefferson Co., Ky., in 1822; he came to this county with parents and settled 
in what is now known as Grand View Township. He was a man of fine social 
qualities and good business ability. He passed away on March 22, 1865, beloved 
by friends and relatives, and respected by all who knew him. He left to his 
family a good property, which was the result of his own energy and industry. 
The family consists of Mrs. R. and S. Anna, Calla, Robert C. and Preston O. 
Mr. and Mrs. R. were married March 5, 1856; she was the daughter of George 
Harding, a pioneer, and a prominent man of Edgar county. Mrs. R. has been an 
active member of the Christian Church for a number of years.


H. H. RUSSELL, farmer; P. O. Paris, was born in Blount Co., Tenn., March 25, 
1810, where he was raised, and there learned and followed the business of a 
tailor until 1836, when he removed to Edgar County, Ill. During his early life 
the chances for a school education were few and far between, but by 
experience, energy and home study has acquired a good business education. On 
April 29, 1841, he married Miss Nancy A. Utter, of Blount Co., lenn.; she was 
born May 7, 1821. The trials and hardships of a pioneer life were but common 
during their early settlement of this county. They have lived to see the great 
change from a wild, desolate-looking to a well-developed country. They began 
with no means, and by energy and industry have accumulated a good property, 
and now, in their ripe old age, live to see the prosperity and usefulness of 
their family, which consists of three — John A., born Feb. 16, 1853; William 
C., Feb. 12, 1855; Ida A., born Sept. 14, 1861.


H. E. RIVES, Deputy Circuit Clerk, Paris, is a native of Virginia; was born in 
Franklin Co. Nov. 21, 1842; his parents were pioneers of this county; during 
his early life, he received a good English education, at which time his father 
was County Clerk, and he was taken into office which was his first business 
experience. In 1861, he was appointed by Lincoln as clerk in the office of 
Indian affairs at Washington, D. C., and, in fall of 1862, he resigned, and 
was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 79th I. V. I., and served until 1864, 
when he resigned and was appointed Commissary of Subsistence. In 1865, he 
returned to Paris, and was appointed Deputy County Clerk, and filled that 
position eight years, then engaged in an abstract office, and in December, 
1876, took the position he now holds. On Sept. 27, 1871, he married Miss 
Lottie Mayo, daughter of Col. Mayo of this place; they are the parents of two 
children - Carrie and Florence M.


G. W. RIVES, retired; P. O. Paris; is a pioneer of Edgar Co.; was born in 
Franklin Co., Va., Dec. 8, 1815; came to Illinois in 1839; and on June 19, 
1839, he married Miss Mary Mayo, sister of Col. Mayo, a pioneer of this 
county; she was born Feb. 11, 1816; directly after their marriage they located 
in what is now know as Stratton Tp., and engaged in farming and stock-raising, 
also dealing and droving, which business he continued in until 1846, when he 
was elected by the Whigs a member of the Constitutional Convention, held at 
Springfield, in 1847; then, in 1849, was elected member of the Legislature, 
which was the first under the Constitution of 1847, and served two years; then 
was elected County Clerk of Edgar Co., and re-elected in 1857; during his 
County Clerkship, he served as Assistant Clerk in the State Legislature; 
during Lincoln's administration, was appointed Internal Revenue Assessor of 
what was then the Seventh District of Illinois; served until removed by 
Johnson for refusing to adopt his policy; then again elected member of the 
Legislature, in 1870, which was the first under the present administration; he 
has held a number of other responsible positions, all of which he has filled 
with honor and credit to himself and those that he represented. His wife died 
March 25, 1875, leaving a family of eight children, all of whom are 
professional musicians. He married for his second wife Miss Marian McCall, of 
Prince Edward's Island, Nov. 22, 1877; she was born Jan. 8, 1850.


WILLIAM ROWLAND, retired farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Somerset Co., N. J., 
July 12, 1796; he is an ex-soldier of the war of 1812; in 1817, he began for 
himself, and removed to Hamilton Co., Ohio, where he learned the trade of a 
carpenter, and, on May 8, 1818, he married Miss Rhoda Woodruff; she passed 
away Sept 4, 1835, leaving eight children, and, on May 19, 1837, he married 
Miss Sarah Wykoff; she passed away in 1863, leaving a family of five children. 
He married his present wife Oct. 11, 1863; she was Mrs. Mary Walls, of this 
county; one child by last wife. Mr. Rowland is one of the pioneers of the 
county; at the time of settling, there were but few settlers, and the trials 
and hardships of a pioneer life were but common occurrences; he has been 
engaged in agricultural pursuits since living in Edgar Co.; has improved 125 
acres of timber-land. He has served as Superintendent of the Poor for some 
three years; he is now at the ripe old age of 82, and enjoying good health.


RICHARD J. REES, Receiver and Manager of the Illinois Midland Railway, Paris; 
was born in England, in April, 1836; he was reared in South Wales, receiving 
his education in the Normal College, where he graduated, and commenced 
railroading (a  business he has since followed) in the Great Western Railroad 
Company, in the accountants' department, occupying various official positions 
until 1861, when he was appointed Auditor, an office he filled until 1865, 
when he resigned for the purpose of accepting the Secretaryship of the Sirhowy 
& Newport Railroad in Monmouth Co., a position he held until 1867, when he 
became the Traffic Manager of the Somerset & Dorset Railroad, which connected 
the English and Bristol Channel, and in connection with which they run a line 
of steamers between England and France; he held this position until June, 
1876, when he resigned it for the purpose of coming to the United States to 
take the position of General Traffic Manager of the Illinois Midland Railway, 
and was at once appointed Receiver, which office he still fills. Mr. Rees is a 
thorough railroad man, and has acceptably filled many responsible places as 
such, not only with credit to himself, but with satisfaction to those whom he 
represented, and his efficient management and sound business ability are 
already noticeable in the increasing prosperity of his road. He was a son of 
John Rees, a native of Wales, who entered the British Navy, at the age of 14 
years, as a midshipman; he remained in the navy until 50 years of age, when he 
retired, having risen to the rank of Commander; he died  in 1877, at the ripe 
old age of 81 years. His son, whose name heads this notice, was married in 
November, 1867, to Miss Margaret M. Habakkuk, of his native county; they have 
three children, viz., Matilda M., Grace H. and Richard M., who are with their 
parents in this country. 


S. L. ROLEY, harness and saddler, Paris; is a native of this county; was born 
May 4, 1833; during his early life, the school advantages were very limited, 
but by practice and home study he has acquired a good business education; he 
served a regular apprenticeship in his business, and being of a mechanical 
turn of mind, soon became quite an able workman, and for a number of years 
traveled about quite extensively, following his trade at intervals; he was for 
a number of years a successful merchant, but met with adversity by way of 
fire, in which he lost all his property; but through industry and square 
dealing, he has gradually built up a good business and owns a fine property; 
he is a social and a thorough business man, well worthy of the confidence of 
his many patrons. He has twice married, first to Miss Jane McWilliams, of 
Martinsburg, Ohio, on May 10, 1858; she passed away in 1873; one child by this 
union — Mary L., who passed away April 19, 1873. His present wife was Miss 
Naomi K. Bailey, of this county; they were married Sept. 23, 1874.


RICHARD B. SUTHERLAND, deceased; Paris; one of the first settlers of this 
county, whose portrait has a place in this work; was born at Syracuse, N. Y., 
March 17, 1810; in 1820, his parents moved from Syracuse to Darien, Genesee 
Co., N. Y., and from there, in the year 1822, started West, traveling in an 
emigrant-wagon to Ocean Point, N. Y., and from there down the Ohio in a family 
boat to Evansville, Ind., where, having disposed of their boat, continued 
their journey by wagon the rest of the way to Edgar Co., reaching the North 
Arm in the month of May; after remaining there for the space of eight months. 
The subject of this sketch went to Grand View Tp., this county, where he spent 
his boyhood upon a farm, subjected to all the privations and hardships of a 
pioneer life; was considered by all his friends as a sensible, interesting boy 
and a promising young man; his advantages for school education were very 
limited, but by the teaching at home and his own energy and industry, acquired 
a fair business education, and the foundation for that culture and sterling 
business power which characterized him in the future. At the age of 21, he 
became employed as a clerk in the store of Tom Smith, in the village of Grand 
View and continued with him until the spring of 1837, when he formed a 
copartnership with his brother, Chas. N. Sutherland, the dry goods business, 
which continued until 1839, when he bought out his brother, and, after 
carrying on the business in his own name, sold out to Mr. La Mar; while there, 
he established a reputation for probity and honor that soon gave him success; 
no man ever questioned his honesty in business, or sincerity in opinion or 
belief; while he sometimes offended with his frankness, his integrity and 
kindness of heart always secured the confidence and respect of all who knew 
him; he was ever ready to help the poor and afflicted; old and young were glad 
to shake the welcome hand of "Uncle Dick Sutherland." Having traded his 
storehouse at Grand View for a saw-mill on Big Creek, known as "Porter's 
Mill," he gave his attention to that business for a few years, and again 
returning to Grand View, sold goods on commission for James Dudley, who 
afterward formed a copartnership with him; Mr. Dudley having retired from the 
firm, Mr. Sutherland carried on a general merchandise business in Dudley until 
his removal to Paris. In 1856, he was elected a delegate to the First 
Republican National Convention held in Philadelphia, and was ever after a 
vigorous champion of the Republican party, and aided nobly in the cause of his 
country during the war of the rebellion. In 1865, he with others organized the 
First National Bank of Paris, of which he was President for several years and 
administered its affairs in a most successful and satisfactory manner; having 
resigned this position, he started a private bank under the name of R. B. 
Sutherland & Sons; continuing the same until 1873, when he sold out to the 
Edgar Co. National Bank of Paris, and retired from active life, having amassed 
considerable property. In 1870, he was elected a delegate to the 
Constitutional Convention, and there secured a reputation and manifested an 
ability highly appreciated by his associates and his constituents. Mr. 
Sutherland was a man of positive character, too much so to become a 
politician; he was temperate in all his habits and principles, never intruded 
his principles upon others, but accorded to all the liberty of conscience and 
freedom of opinion, and exercised charity toward all. He always took an active 
part in all public interests, and aided greatly in the improvement of Paris 
and county; he was Mayor of Paris for a term of years, and was a member of the 
Board of Education at the time of his death. He was twice married; first in 
1850, to Miss P. A. Dudley, of Boston, who died on the 10th of April, 1866, 
the mother of four children, two of whom survive her — James D., residing at 
Dudley, in this county, engaged in farming; and R. Gilman, Teller of the First 
National Bank of Paris; second, to Mrs. Lucy B. Waters, who still survives 
him; by whom he had no children. No man was ever more devoted to his family; 
his kindness was not less manifest to his dogs and horses, and his warm heart 
ever beat with kindness for the poor and destitute. He died Wednesday, Jan. 3, 
1877, and his decease made a vacancy among the business men of Paris, and also 
in their public interests and private associations, that will not soon be 
filled. His remains lie in the Edgar Cemetery, at Paris.


JACKSON M. SHEETS; Paris; was born Oct. 6, 1841, near Baldwinsville, in Edgar 
Co., Ill.; lived on a farm till Jan. 25, 1858, when he commenced to learn 
the "art preservative of all arts," in the office of the Wabash Valley Blade, 
in Paris, Ill., continuing thus engaged till the late war broke out in the 
spring of 1861, when he enlisted as a private in Co. F, 21st regiment I. V. 
I.;  was elected Corporal in the original organization of said, company, and 
served continuously in such capacity till the 17th day of Aug., 1863, when he 
was discharged in hospital at Camp Denison, Ohio, by reason of gunshot wounds 
received in the battle of Stone River, Dec. 30, 1862; said wound was received 
while making a charge on a rebel battery — the celebrated N. O. Light 
Artillery; the wound was a very serious one, an ounce and a half ball from a 
rifled Belgian musket passing into the right breast, breaking the fifth rib in 
two places, cutting the right half of the sternum in twain, and coming out at 
the left side, leaving a very severe and painful wound, which did not heal up 
till the following December. Returning to Paris, he engaged in the study of 
medicine, in the office of the late Dr. S. B. Ten Broeck, pursuing his studies 
till March, 1875, in the course of which he attended one term of medical 
lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago; about the middle of March, 18-—, he 
was appointed Military State Agent for Illinois, with the rank of Colonel, 
which position he held till the close of the war; since that time he has 
served as Clerk of Paris Tp., one term as City Clerk of Paris, and is now in 
his third term as Justice of the Peace; he was appointed Postmaster at Paris, 
in October, 1871, and served a full term in said position. In April, 1878, he 
purchased a one-half interest in the Paris Republican office, which was 
established in Paris by Joseph M. Prior, in January, 1877; in the following 
June, he became sole editor and proprietor of said paper, and having trimmed 
from it all the mushroom growth, has now in his charge a live, reliable 
Republican newspaper, whose record, since in his charge, is a guarantee for 
the future; its circulation is equal to any paper published in the 15th 
Congressional District.


H. W. SHEETS, butcher and farmer, Paris; was born in Vigo Co., Ind., Feb. 27, 
1827; son of John Sheets, who settled in what is now Knox Co., Ind., in 1811; 
he is the oldest pioneer of Indiana, and lives with H. W. at the ripe old age 
of 89. H. W. came to Edgar Co. in 1852, and settled in Paris Tp., and has 
improved 160 acres of land; he now owns 360 acres of finely-improved land, 
which is the result of his own energy and industry. He is a man that interests 
himself in all public matters pertaining to the good of the community in which 
he lives, and is a much-respected citizen. He married Miss Hannah Gammon, of 
Clark Co., May 18, 1845; she passed away in 1850, leaving a family of two 
children, and on Sept. 10, 1852, he married Emeline Sizemore of this county; 
he has by his present wife five children. He now resides in Paris.


DAVID SHEPHERD, farmer, Section 13; P. O. Paris; was born Nov. 9, 1823, in Lee 
Co., Va.; lived there until the age of 23; then moved to Lexington, Ky.; lived 
there until 1859, but during the time he served one year in the Mexican war. 
In 1859, he came to Edgar Co., Ill., where he has since lived. During his 
early life he had no advantages of free schools, never having attended a 
school one year during his life; but by home study, close observation and 
perseverance he has acquired a good practical education. Was married Aug. 26, 
1849, to Miss Barbara C. Atkins of Lexington, Ky.; she died June 29, 1872, 
leaving a family of five children, four of whom are now living — John W., 
James A., Margaret A. and Lucy B. Mr. Shepherd has lived at his present home 
eighteen years, having seen many changes take place from a new prairie country 
to a thickly-settled and thriving county. By energy and industry he has 
accumulated a fine property, never having had any assistance from his father. 
He now owns a farm of 160 acres, valued at $75 per acre. He is a man standing 
well in the esteem of his neighbors and the community.


JAMES D. SUTHERLAND, retired; P. O. Paris; was born in Baltimore, Md., Feb. 
19, 1816. During his early life, he obtained a good business education. He 
began doing for himself early in life, and engaged with Curling, Robison & 
Co., of Pittsburgh, Penn., flint-glass manufacturers, as salesman, and, after 
eighteen months, was appointed first bookkeeper, which position he held until 
1838, when he came to Edgar Co., Ill. In 1850, he crossed the plains to 
California, and remained two years, prospecting and visiting the country, and, 
after returning, engaged in various speculations. He is a shrewd business 
financier, having been very successful in his many business relations. During 
life, has accumulated a large property, the principal part of which is in 
Chicago. He has always taken an active part in public matters pertaining to 
the good of the community in which he has lived, and is a much-respected 
citizen.


S. SIDENBENDER, retired farmer, P. O. Paris; is a native of Ohio; was born 
Pickaway Co. in March, 1804, and raised in Ross Co. Agricultural pursuits have 
been his business thus far through life. He married Miss Barbara Miller in 
February, 1830. They came to Edgar Co. in 1853, and located in Hunter Tp., and 
by his industry and economy he has been very prosperous, and had bought lands 
at different times until he owned 600 acres. They have no children of their 
own, but have raised nine orphans, and have been all to them that parents 
could have been, in education and parental advice, and he has given to them 
lands and property until he has reduced his property to his residence in Paris 
and 240 acres of land. Mr. S. settled in Hunter Tp. when the prospects were 
anything but inviting, inconveniences and disappointments were not uncommon in 
those early days. He began in life without any financial help, but through 
industry and hard labor, coupled with unswerving integrity, has placed himself 
in an honorable and much-respected position. Mr. and Mrs. Sidenbender are now 
enjoying the quietude of a retired life, residing in a beautiful cottage in 
the north part of Paris.


CAPT. H. M. SWISHER, retired; P. O. Paris; a native of this county; was born 
Nov. 25, 1837; during his early life he obtained a good education, after which 
he taught school for a time. During the late war of the rebellion, he enlisted 
with the 66th I. V. I, in August, 1861, and, in 1863, was promoted to Second 
Lieutenant, and, in 1864, was promoted over nine First Lieutenants to be 
Captain, which office he held until July, 1865, when he was mustered out; he 
was in twenty-four battles and a number of severe skirmishes and escaped 
without a scratch. In 1866, he embarked in mercantile life at Elbridge, and, 
in 1868, was elected to the office of County Sheriff, and, at the expiration 
of that term, he engaged in the grocery business, and continued until 1877. He 
married Miss Rebecca Elliott April 26, 1866; two children - James A. and Mary 
(deceased).


FELIX SELL, wagon-maker, Paris; is a native of Germany; was born Nov. 17, 
1827; he came with his parents to the United States in 1849, and located in 
Columbiana Co., Ohio; he was raised upon a farm and educated at district 
school; at 19 years of age, he began to learn the trade of wagon-making; 
served a regular apprenticeship, and has made that his principal business thus 
far through life, following his trade in Bloomington, Ind., St. Louis, Mo., 
and different places; settled in Paris in 1862, and opened a shop on his own 
account, and, being an able workman, has met with good success. On May 12, 
1867, he married Miss Persilla Runkle, of Pennsylvania; they have four 
children - Minerva E., Gracie, William, and an infant.


J. H. SUDDUTH, wagon-maker and blacksmith, Paris; was born in Lincoln Co., 
Ky., May 14, 1826; during his early life, he had but a limited chance for an 
education, though he received a good common schooling; he being of a 
mechanical turn of mind, chose wagon-making for his occupation and learned the 
trade, which he has followed thus far through life; he came to Paris in 1850; 
in 1871, he, in company with W. B. Henry, began manufacturing wagons; the firm 
is now Sudduth & Bumgardner; they are first-class workmen, and do a 
flourishing business. He married Miss Margaret J. Saddler, of Garrard Co., 
Ky., Oct. 1, 1850; she passed away Jan. 31, 1859. Oct. 8, 1860, he married 
Miss Susan Lamb, of Edgar Co., Ill.


J. M. SLEMONS, retired; P. O. Paris; was born in Washington Co., Tenn., March 
13, 1818; he remained with his parents until 21 years of age, when he began to 
manage and do for himself; he removed to Green Co., where he married Miss Jane 
B. Temple, and began farming on his own account, and remained until they 
removed to Edgar Co., Ill., locating in Sims Tp., where his wife died in May, 
1863, leaving a family of five children; he still owns the homestead where he 
first settled, which consists of 200 acres, and is well improved. Mr. S. has 
served in a number of town offices, and has done much toward the building-up 
of schools, and taken an active part in all public matters pertaining to the 
good of the county. In February, 1868, he married Miss Mary E. Gray; he has a 
family of three children by first wife — Ellen (now Mrs. Col. M. L. Patterson, 
of East Tennessee), Thomas M. (farmer), William C. (farmer), Viola J. (now 
Mrs. Maj. J. L. Murphy, of Oakland, Cal).


J. J. STEVENSON, grocer, Paris; was born in Philadelphia, Penn., Jan. 16, 
1846; he came to Paris in 1855 with his parents, and acquired a good business 
education; his father died in June, 1857. In the fall of 1861, he enlisted 
with the 66th I. V. I., and, after serving nine months, was discharged for 
disability, and shortly after re-enlisted with the 12th; was in a number of 
heavy battles, among which are Donelson, Shiloh and Allatoona, where he was 
wounded, which disabled him for about six months; he was mustered out in 1865 
at Washington, D. C.; then returned to Paris, and was appointed Deputy 
Sheriff, which position he filled for several years. He embarked in his 
present business in 1877; he is a young man of good physical as well as mental 
powers, and it is fair to predict for him a brilliant future.

 
P. H. STARR, restaurant, bakery and confectionery, Paris; was born in 
Lancaster Co., Penn., Sept. 27, 1851; he was brought to this county by his 
parents when young, and remained with them until of age, then began for 
himself; his first business experience on his own account was in the 
restaurant and confectionery, in which business he embarked in 1876, with but 
small capital, since which time he has added both to stock and room, and by 
his sociability and square dealing he has won the confidence of all who know 
him, and has established a good trade; at his place one can most 
satisfactorily replenish the wants of the inner man in the latest approved 
style. On Nov. 22, 1873, he married Miss Jennie Williams, of Ripley Co., Ind.; 
they have two children—Maggie M. and Lizzie J.


WILLIAM BLANKER, contractor and builder, Paris; is a native of Pennsylvania; 
was born in Bucks Co. Dec. 20, 1822; during his early life, he received a good 
education, and being of a mechanical turn of mind, chose the carpenter's trade 
for his business, and has since followed that occupation; he came to Paris in 
October, 1853, and has since been engaged in contracting and building, being 
an able workman has met with success. He married Miss Jane Boyd, of Paris, 
Aug. 11, 1854; they have seven children — William H., Mary, Mattie, Charles, 
Dora, Frank and Lulu, all of whom were born in Edgar Co.


MRS. R. C. STALNAKER, widow of E. D. Stalnaker, a prominent and an early 
settler of Paris; was an extensive grain and stock dealer; he came with his 
parents from Randolph Co., Va. (his birthplace), to Paris in 1838, and was 
raised upon a farm and received a good common-school education, and taught 
school for a number of years. On Dec. 30, 1857, he married Miss Rachel Dill, 
daughter of J. S. Dill, a prominent farmer of this county; she was born in 
Andrew Co., Mo., Jan. 4, 1840. Mr. S. began in life on his own account, with 
no assistance from his people, but with, willing hands and a determined mind, 
coupled with energy and industry, the result of which is a good property left 
to his wife and family, which consists of three children — Charles, William H. 
and Frank B.; he passed away June 4, 1875, beloved by friends and relatives 
and respected by all who knew him.


JAMES STEWART, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Paris; is a native of this 
county, was born July 11, 1841; during his early life, he obtained a good 
common education. He enlisted in the late war of the rebellion with the 1st 
Mo. Vol. Engineers, commanded by Col. Bissell; was through the siege of 
Corinth, also that of Vicksburg, and a number of severe skirmishes; was 
mustered out Aug. 5, 1864. Returned to Edgar Co. and bought the farm where he 
now resides; he now owns 380 acres of well-improved land, $50 per acre, 
which,is the result of his own financiering and industry. He married Miss 
Sarah K. Middleton, of this county, Feb. 15, 1866; they have a family of three 
living - Ulysses G., Claudius A. and Otto. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the 
M. E. Church, and much respected by all who know them.


MAJ. E. P. SHAW, retired; P. O. Paris; was one of the first settlers of Edgar 
Co. was born in Crawford Co., March 4, 1816, and was raised in Edgar Co.; 
during his early life, the advantages for an education were few and far 
between, but by instruction at home and his own energy, acquired a fair 
business education; at the age of 18, he began the trade of cabinet-maker, but 
continued only a short time, then acted in the capacity of a mercantile clerk 
for a number of years; his people came to Paris in 1822, and entered land that 
now comprises a portion of the city plat; his father died in 1838, and E. P. 
then took charge of the home farm, and continued until the death of his 
mother, in 1875. During the late war of the rebellion he enlisted in the 10th 
I. V. C., and was appointed Major, and after the service of two years, his 
health being so impaired, he was compelled to resign; Mr. S. is one who has 
lived to see the change from wild, desolate-looking to a thickly-settled 
county where churches and school advantages are not surpassed by any county of 
its age; he has always taken an active part in the matters pertaining to the 
good of the community; and is much respected by all who know him. On Jan. 13, 
1853, he married Mrs. Emma Smith, of this county; they have one child, Charles 
E., who is engaged in the drug business; he is a young man of fine social 
qualities and good business ability, and doing a flourishing business.


WILLIAM SIEBERT, Cashier First National Bank, Paris; was born near Frankfort, 
Germany, Feb. 14, 1821; was brought to this country by parents in 1832, who 
settled in Columbus, Ohio, where he was raised; early in life, he began to do 
for himself, and engaged as a clerk with a general merchant, where he remained 
some three years and learned business; after which he learned the trade of 
bookbinding, and continued fifteen years; he came to Illinois in 1853, 
locating in this county, and began farming; opened a farm of 300 acres; in 
this he was successful, and continued until 1865, when he removed to Paris, 
and the following February was employed as book-keeper in the First National 
Bank, and, in January, 1870, was elected cashier, which position he has since 
filled; he is a gentleman of cultivated tastes and engaging manners, and 
interests himself in all movements for the intellectual and material 
improvement of the people of the community in which he resides. He has been 
twice married; first, in 1846, to Miss Susan Wetzel, of Columbus, Ohio; she 
passed away in 1867; he married for his second wife Miss Maggie McCord, of 
Paris, Ill., in 1868.


CHARLES B. SMITH, grocer and confectioner, Paris; was born in Muskingum Co., 
Ohio, Sept. 12, 1847, where he was raised and schooled; he came with his 
parents to Edgar Co. in 1861, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, and 
continued until 1869, when he embarked in the grocery business, in which he 
was successful until 1870, when he was burned out, but reopened in 1871, and 
has since met with fair success; he is a young man of good social qualities 
and fine business ability and on the full tide of success.


JAMES STEELE, attorney, Paris; is a native of New Hampshire; was born in 
Strafford Co., Sept. 27, 1823; he came with parents to Illinois in 1837; they 
located in Macon Co. upon a farm, where James remained until 1845, when he 
came to Paris; during his early life, he received a good education, laying the 
foundation of his present business; when he came to Paris, he took up the 
study of law with Judge Emerson, and, in 1849, was admitted to the bar, and 
took up the practice of his chosen profession; in 1853, was appointed 
Postmaster at Paris, and served for a time; then was elected County Judge; in 
1861, was appointed clerk in the office of Indian Affairs; in 1866, returned 
to Paris, and was appointed Circuit Judge, and elected in 1867; in 1873, was 
appointed R. R. Warehouse Commissioner, which position he held three years; 
since which time he has devoted his time to the practice of law; the many 
responsible and prominent positions he has held have not only been with honor 
and credit to himself, but those he represented; he has accumulated a good 
property; now resides in one of the finest residences in the county. He has 
been twice married; first, to Miss Margaret Clark in 1850; she passed away in 
1865, leaving three children; on July 3, 1867, he married Mrs. E. C. Washburn, 
of Washington, D. C.


VINCENT STEWART, retired farmer, P. O. Paris; was born in Bullitt Co., Ky., 
Dec. 24, 1818; at the age of 21, he began for himself, and began chopping for 
the Salt River Iron Works, which business he continued in for a number of 
years. In May, 1842, he married Miss Nancy Greenwell, of Nelson Co., Ky., and, 
in 1849, they removed to Vermilion Co., Ind., and there engaged in 
agricultural pursuits; they came to Edgar Co. in March, 1852, settling in 
Hunter Tp., where he bought and improved 300 acres of land, the result of his 
own labor and economy; he began in life for himself without any assistance 
from his friends, and has built himself up to his present position; Mr. and 
Mrs. S. removed to Paris in 1873, and now, in their ripe old age, live to 
enjoy their children's prosperity and usefulness; they have raised a large 
family, six of whom are still living — Laura, now Mrs. G. Halbert; Charles, in 
the regular army; Ella, now Mrs. J. Overpeck, of Terre Haute, Ind.; Ira B., 
Jennie and Bell, at home.


G. H. SHANK, retired farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Greene Co., Ohio, June 
2, 1821, where he was raised upon a farm, receiving but a common-school 
education. He married Miss Rebecca Hawkins, of his native county, Dec. 1, 
1842. He began for himself after marrying, engaging in agricultural pursuits, 
which he continued until 1872, when he retired and settled in Paris; he came 
to Edgar Co. in 1866, and bought a farm of 400 acres, which he now owns, and 
is the result of his own energy and industry. They have two children — Davis 
H. and Mary F. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Presbyterian Church, and 
well to do, and much respected by all who know them.


MRS. M. M. SUTHERLAND, Paris; widow of W. M. Sutherland, a prominent business 
man and an early settler of Paris; he was a native of Baltimore, Md.; came to 
Paris in 1853, and built what is known as the Reed Mills, north of Paris, and 
continued to operate them until 1866, when he retired from actual business, 
and only gave his attention to the affairs of his family and property; he, 
having been industrious and a good financier, succeeded in accumulating a good 
property; he passed away on Jan. 1, 1869, beloved by relatives and friends, 
and much respected by all who knew him. He left a family of four children — 
Mame E., Anna, Lida E. (deceased) and James D. (deceased). His wife was Miss 
Mary M. Brewin; they were married Sept. 2, 1858; she was born in Franklin Co., 
Ind., Oct. 5, 1836.


D. H. SHANK, farmer; P. O. Paris; is the son of George H. and Rebecca 
(Hawkins) Shank; he was born in Greene Co., Ohio, Sept. 22, 1844; here he was 
raised and received his education, graduating at the Miami Commercial College 
in 1863. During the late war, he went as a soldier in the service of his 
country. He was married Sept. 29, 1864, to Miss Mary J. Steel. In 1866, he 
came to Edgar Co. and began farming and manufacturing tile; he manufactured 
the first tile of the county; he has a nice little farm of eighty acres, well 
cultivated and improved. Their family consisting of five children, named as 
follows — Carrie E., John A., Jessie S., Nellie M. and Nettie E.


A. Y. TROGDON, Paris, County Judge of Edgar, his native county, was born July 
8, 1833. During his early life, his advantages for education were few and far 
between, but by the teachings received at home, and his own energy and 
industry, he acquired a fair business education and laid the foundation of 
future culture and sterling business powers. He began for himself early in 
life, and removed to Iowa; and, in 1855, he went into Minnesota and entered 
into agricultural pursuits (at that time Minnesota formed a part of the North 
west Territory), and after a continuance of a few years returned and resolved 
to enter the legal profession, and commenced reading law in the firm of Usher 
& Patterson, of Terre Haute, Ind., also with H. D. Scott, and was admitted to 
the bar in 1858; then returned to Paris and took up the practice of his chosen 
profession. He was elected County Judge in 1865 and re-elected in 1877, which 
position he has since held; was elected City Mayor in 1870 and served with 
satisfaction. His constant study from the period of its commencement down to 
the present time has given him a thorough and practical knowledge of the 
science of law; as a judge he is profound and clear-headed, his justice is 
tempered with mercy, he is thoroughly conscientious in the discharge of his 
duties. As a man among men or in the quiet surroundings of his home, he is 
easily approached, social and genial. He married Miss Mary C. Clapp, of this 
county, June 16, 1859; she is a native of North Carolina; they are the parents 
of six children — Alice, Jessie, Ida, Como, Lula and Dick. He has always been 
a strong friend of free schools.


JOHN TEN BROOK, physician and surgeon, Paris, was born in Northumberland 
County, Penn., Dec. 21, 1808, where he received his academic education, after 
which he attended the La Fayette College, Easton, Penn., and graduated at the 
Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, and shortly thereafter, came to 
Illinois, locating at Charleston and there began the practice of medicine. He 
located in Paris in the spring of 1840, at which place he has since remained, 
and through his ability and energy has been very successful, being of the most 
able physicians in the county. In 1862, he was elected member of State 
Legislature by the Democratic party and served one term, which was two years. 
With the exception of those two years, he has devoted his entire time and 
energy his profession. The Doctor has done much for the public good of this 
town and highly respected by all who know him. He married Miss Jane C. 
Alexander, daughter of Gen. M. K. Alexander, April 23, 1840. She is a native 
of Pulaski Co., Tenn. They are the parents of six children, only two of whom 
are living - Ellen (now Mrs. S. Bird,) Dollie A. (now Mrs. O. S. Jones, of 
this place). In the spring of 1865, he received a complimentary honorary 
degree from Rush Medical College of Chicago.


H. S. TANNER, attorney, Paris; son of Henry Tanner, an old and prominent 
attorney of Paris and a native of London, England; came to Paris in 1850 and 
now is the oldest practicing attorney in Paris. The subject of this sketch was 
born in Bloomington, Ind., Feb. 9, 1848. He began the study of law with his 
father early in life, and when but 18 years old began in official capacity, 
first as City Clerk. He was admitted to the bar in 1871, since which time he 
has devoted his time and attention to the practice of his chosen profession. 
He was elected State's Attorney in 1872 and re-elected in 1876. He is yet a 
young man of fine physical as well as mental powers, and it is fair to predict 
for him a brilliant future. He married Miss Mary E. Gorden, formerly of Warren 
Co., Ohio, Sept. 3, 1874. They have a promising little daughter, Mary E. 


J. W. TAYLOR, farmer; P.O.Paris; was born in Vermilion Co., Ind., Oct. 5, 
1835, where he was raised and educated. During the late war, he enlisted with 
the Ind. 85th Ind. V. I. and went out as Sergeant; was in a number of 
engagements, among which was Peach-Tree Creek, siege of Atlanta, and a number 
of others, and escaped without a scratch, and served three years. He has 
continued in agricultural pursuits thus far through life. He married Rosella, 
daughter of Patrick Whalen (an early settler of Paris), Aug. 9, 1866; they 
removed from Helt Tp., Vermilion Co., Ind, in February of 1878, to their 
present place of residence; they own 138 acres of fine land, and a beautiful 
residence; they have a pleasant family of three - Adda B., George C. and 
Gertie M. 


GEORGE THILMAN, wine manufacturer, P. O. Paris; was born in Bavaria, Germany, 
May 11, 1822; during his early life, he obtained a good German education, and 
learned the trade of weaver; he came to this country in 1845, and located in 
Lawrenceburg, Ind.; there learned the finishing business in the factory of 
Brown & Lamping (furniture manufacturing); he came to Paris in 1855, and 
engaged in upholstering, and continued until 1877, at the same time growing 
grapes and manufacturing wine. He married Miss Mary Ann Hechler, of his native 
country, March 1, 1846; they had two children — John and Margaret, aged 7 and 
5, both deceased. Mr. Thilman came to this country a poor man, and by 
industry, perseverance and economy, he now owns a fine property. They have one 
child (adopted) — Mary.


ELIZA M. UTTER; P. O. Paris; widow of Samuel Utter, who was one of the early 
settlers of Edgar Co., and a native of Tennessee, and an ex-soldier of the war 
of 1812; he was a benevolent and public-spirited man; he came to Edgar Co., 
settling where Mrs. U. now resides, in 1832, and began to make a home, 
improving a large farm. He was twice married, and had by his first wife four 
daughters — Elizabeth M., Nancy A., Malinda T. and Martha E. His second wife's 
maiden name was Eliza M. Hague, of Iredell Co., North Carolina; they were 
married Dec. 21, 1853, and by this union they had three children — Julia H., 
James C. and Charlotte; he passed away Oct. 17, 1863, beloved by relatives and 
friends, and much respected by all who knew him. He had always followed 
agricultural pursuits, and by his industry had accumulated a good property.


J. L. VANCE, farmer; P. O. Paris; is the son of W. B. Vance, who was a 
prominent pioneer of Edgar Co., and a native of Virginia; he settled where the 
city of Paris now stands, in 1822, where he lived a prominent citizen until 
Sept. 17, 1876, when he passed away, leaving a family of five. The subject of 
this sketch was born in Paris, Ill., Aug. 22, 1832; during his early life he 
obtained a good business education; he has resided thus far through life in 
Edgar Co., engaged in various business pursuits; his first business on his own 
account, was in agricultural pursuits; in 1865, he was connected with the 
construction and operation of what was known as the Vance Woolen Factory, in 
which he continued until 1869, when he engaged in tanning (erected and 
operated quite an extensive tannery), and, in 1873, he was elected to the 
office of County Treasurer, which position he held, two terms with not only 
credit and honor to himself, but with satisfaction to those he represented. He 
married Miss Sarah A. Brown, of this county, March 27, 1855; she is a native 
of Virginia; they have a family of seven children — six boys and one girl — 
and as a family, they are highly respected. 


W. K. VANCE, Deputy County Treasurer, Paris, was born in this county Dec. 8, 
1843; son of W. Vance, a prominent pioneer of this county; he early in life 
received a good education and learned business, and, in 1871, became 
interested in the Vance Woolen-Mills, which was one of the most extensive 
factories in the Northwest. In 1874, he was appointed to the office of Deputy 
County Treasurer, and has since continued in it with credit to himself. He 
married Miss Alice Gibbons, of Paris, in November, 1865; she passed away April 
16, 1870, leaving one child — Harrie J.


JOSEPH B. VANCE, retired; P. O. Paris; a pioneer of the county, was born in 
Washington Co., Va., Feb. 15, 1808, and was raised in Tennessee; in 1822, he, 
with his parents, came to Edgar Co., Ill., and to the land where the city of 
Paris now stands; in 1823, his father donated twenty-six acres for the town 
site, and served as first Justice of the Peace, and of his family of twelve, 
there are now but two living — Mary and Joseph B., who has lived to see the 
great change from a wild, desolate prairie to a thickly-settled country. Mr. 
and Mrs. Vance have been intimately connected with the growth and prosperity 
of the Presbyterian Church for a number of years, and are highly respected by 
all who know them. Mr. V. has married twice; his first wife was Miss Eliza 
Bovell; she died in 1856, and in November, 1865, he married his present wife, 
who was Mrs. E. Russell.


D. A. WOODBRIDGE, retired; P. O. Paris; was born in New London Co., Conn., 
Sept. 2, 1809; during his early life, he learned the trade of a shoemaker, and 
at the age of 21, began doing for himself and removed to Columbus, Ohio, where 
he engaged in mercantile life. He married Miss Carrie J. Doane, of Lancaster, 
Ohio, July 16, 1839; she passed away Aug. 24,1840, leaving one child-Carrie 
(deceased); after which he did a large amount of traveling, and, in 1853, 
settled in Paris, 111., and engaged in the mercantile business with Dodd & 
Co., and continued two years; then in a dry goods store with W. Booth, as 
clerk, and after a stay of six years, became a partner, and, in 1869, he sold 
out and embarked with W. Geohagan in the planing-mill and lumber business, and 
continued until 1874, since which time he has not been actively engaged. He 
married for his second wife Mrs. Mary K. Woodbridge, of Paris, Ill., in April, 
1869. He resides in the suburbs of Paris, enjoying life at the ripe old age of 
69.


P. C. WELLS, farmer, Sec. 15; P. O. Paris; is a native of Edgar Co.; was born 
in Paris Tp., Dec. 4, 1835. Was married Dec. 9, 1869, to Miss Sarah Davis, of 
Edgar Co. During his early life, he had but little opportunity of securing an 
education, but by home study and good observation succeeded in getting a good 
common-school education; has 160 acres of first-class land, well improved, 
valued at about $65 per acre; Mr. Wells is still a young man, of good standing 
and reputation, and has helped to make many of the improvements in the 
development of Edgar Co.


MRS. NANCY WELSH, widow of William Welsh, a prominent farmer of Clark Co.; P. 
O. Paris; he was a native of Kentucky; was born June 7, 1829; he came to 
Illinois when quite young, and, being the only son, he took charge of the home 
farm at the age of 21, and, on Feb. 8, 1854, he married Miss Nancy Berry, of 
Knox Co., Ind.; she was born May 20, 1834; they remained upon the home farm 
while his people lived; Mr. Welsh passed away Jan. 6, 1872, leaving a good 
property and a family of five children — Mary E., Bell S., John E., Amos S. 
and William. Mrs. W. removed to Paris in APril, 1875; she is a good financier 
and a thorough business woman, superintending the farm, which consists of 540 
acres, and looking after the affairs of her entire property. She is a member 
of the Presbyterian Church, and a much-respected citizen.


DAVID WILSON, vocalist, Paris; was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Dec. 22, 1827; 
during his early life, he obtained a good common-school education, and, at age 
of 22, he began teaching school, at the same time having charge of the home 
farm, and, after a continuance of some ten years, he began teaching vocal 
music; in this he is considered very able, and has since given the teaching of 
vocal music his entire attention; he came to Paris in 1872, and at once began 
in his professional duties, and, in 1875, established the Paris Musical 
Institute, held annually in the month of August, under his own supervision; it 
is fast growing in popularity, and is an honor to the place, for which David 
Wilson is deserving of much credit; he is generous by nature; zealous in all 
good works, and finds himself prominent in a large social circle. He married 
Miss Allie Myers, of Cincinnati, Ohio, June 8, 1858; they have a family of 
five children — Carrie B., Fannie W., Charles E., Cora M. and Glenn R.


W. M. WILSON, Constable, Paris; was born in Ashland Co., Ohio, April 11, 1847, 
where he was raised and received a good common-school education. During the 
late war of the rebellion, he enlisted with the 120th Ohio V. I.; was in a 
number of severe engagements; among which were the Red River expedition, and 
the siege of Blakely, and was one of the fortunate ones who escaped without a 
scratch; he was mustered out at Galveston, Texas, May, 1886. He came to Paris 
in the following November, and engaged in farming; after continuance of four 
years, he removed into Paris and followed blacksmithing until 1875, when he 
was appointed upon the police force, and, after serving two years, was elected 
Constable, which position he now holds. He is a young man, of good business 
ability, and it is fair to predict for him a brilliant future. On Sept, 15, 
1868, he married Miss Martha J. Hawkins; they have two children - Joseph E. 
and Merta R.


A. GUS. WALKER, dry goods merchant, Paris; is a native of Warren Co., Ohio; 
was born July 8, 1849; his parents removed to Terre Haute, Ind., in 1855, 
where they remained for a short time; thence removing to Paris, his father 
engaging as a clerk with Dodds & Bro., dry goods merchant, after which he and 
McClain built and operated a flouring-mill; in 1858, he entered the firm of 
Kile, Dole & Co., dry goods, grain dealers and pork-packers, and, in 1860, 
Dole withdrew from the firm, and, in 1868, Kile withdrew; in 1867, he built 
and operated a woolen-mill, which he managed until his death, which was in 
April, 1874; previous to his death, his son, A. Gus., became a partner; the 
woolen-mill was burned in 1877, and rebuilt as a flouring-mill, and is 
operated by A. L. Walker & Co.; he has continued in the dry goods business; as 
a business man, he ranks with the most reliable, as well as with the most 
prosperous tradesmen of the county, and is noted for his energy and 
enterprise; although a young man, he exercises much influence in business 
circles. On Jan. 19, 1875, he married Miss Maria B. Hudnut, of Terre Haute, 
Ind.; they have one child — James B.


E. C. WOOLLEY, M. D., Paris, was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, July 18, 1820. 
His early education was obtained in the common schools; in 1843, he entered 
upon the study of medicine for the practice of which he had early manifested a 
great desire. In 1846, he attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, 
then began practice in Butler Co., where he remained until 1860, during which 
time he had studied industriously in all branches relating to the science of 
medicine, and, in 1852, he availed himself of another course of lectures at 
the Miami Medical College. He came to Paris in 1860, where he has since 
devoted his entire time and energy to the practice of his profession. He is a 
man of fine culture, of prepossessing manners, and has the reputation of being 
a careful and expert physician. On July 7, 1842, he married Miss Elizabeth 
Hunter, of Butler Co., Ohio; they have one child living — John G., who was 
born in Butler Co., Ohio, Feb. 15, 1850. He is a graduate of the State 
University, of Delaware, Ohio. He came to Paris with his parents in 1860, and 
chose the profession of law, began under J. A. Eads, and was admitted to the 
bar in 1874. In 1877, was elected City Attorney, which position he now holds. 
He married Miss Mary V. Gerhard, of Delaware, Ohio, June 26, 1873; they have 
two children — Paul G. and Edwin C.


JOHN WITTICK, blacksmith, Paris, was born in Germany Sept. 22, 1822, where he 
received a good German education. He came to this country in 1850, and located 
at St. Louis, Mo., and remained for several years, then removed to Troy, Ill., 
and there learned the trade of blacksmithing, and has since continued in it. 
He came to Paris in 1858, and now in company with C. Luther, firm of Wittick & 
Luther. They are among the best workmen of the place, and doing a flourishing 
business. On Feb. 27, 1857, he married Miss Catharine Shord, of his native 
country; they are the parents of four children — John, William, Lula and 
George.


LE ROY WILEY, Justice of the Peace, Paris; was born in Edgar Co., Ill., March 
14, 1827; he was raised and schooled in Coles Co., and at the age of 16, he 
began the trade of a tanner, and served a regular apprenticeship, after which 
he entered the Mexican war, enlisting with the 3d I. V. I., being elected 
Sergeant of his company; was in the siege of Vera Cruz, also battle of Cerro 
Gordo; served one year, during which, time he received a slight wound, but the 
bodily exposure so impaired his health that he has never wholly recovered. He 
was engaged in mercantile business for a number of years. He returned to Paris 
in 1873, and bought and operated what was known as the Vance Woolen Mills 
until 1876, when they were destroyed by fire. He was elected to his present 
office in the spring of 1877. He is largely a self-made man, of fine business 
ability and a kind parent and affectionate husband. He married Miss Rebecca 
Linder, a native of Virginia, June 2, 1853; they have a family of five 
children — Leona (now Mrs. L. A. G. Shoaff), Helen, Clifford, Horton and 
Warren. Residence on East Madison street, Paris, Ill.


MRS. M. J. WALLACE, widow of J. D. Wallace, an early settler of this county; 
P. O. Paris; he was a native of Ohio; was born Aug. 10, 1807. During his early 
life, he learned the trade of a clothier with the firm of Ring & Rice, at 
Lancaster, Ohio, and served a regular apprenticeship, and continued in the 
business until 1839, when he came to Edgar Co., and began farming. In this he 
found many disappointments, but by perseverance and industry he opened a farm 
that, in 1858, was awarded first premium as being the finest, improved and 
most highly cultivated farm of the county. He was one of the most practical 
farmers of the county. He left 560 acres of land and a good property in Paris, 
which is the result of his own industry and energy. His wife was Miss Martha 
J. Guthrie, of Ross Co., Ohio; they were married Dec. 6, 1832; she was born 
Sept. 15, 1810. Mr. W. died Oct. 17, 1873, leaving a family of eight children —
 William, Louis, and Louisa, Ellen (now Mrs. A. H. Ringland, of this county), 
Catharine (now Mrs. J. W. Kent, of Warren Co., Ind.), Maria (now Mrs. Thomas 
K. Lucas, of Warren Co., Ind.), Miranda and Margaret. Mrs. W. is enjoying fine 
health in her ripe old age, and now lives to see the usefulness and prosperity 
of her family.


B. T. WILLCOX, farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in this county Oct. 12, 1833; was 
raised upon a farm and has made farming his business thus far through life; at 
the early age of 13, he began to do for himseli, and also endeavored to 
support his mother, he has seen the great change from a wild, barren, desolate-
looking to a thickly-settlrf and well-developed country. He married Miss Susan 
Roll, of this county, March 23, 1853; she was born in this county Aug. 6, 
1832; they settled where they now reside, in 1865; he now owns 240 acres of 
well-improved land, which is the result of his own energy and industry; he has 
always interested himself in all public matters pertaining to the good of the 
community in which he has lived, and as a family, they are much respected; the 
family consists of four — David, Sarah (now Mrs. Joseph Welker), Alice and 
Mary B.


S. H. P. WHITE, farmer; P. O. Paris; was born in Barren Co., Ky., March 5, 
1826, is a pioneer of Edgar Co., settled in Paris Tp., 1830, with his parents, 
at which time the country was but a wild, desolate-looking prairie, and the 
trials and hardships of a pioneer life were but common; the subject of this 
sketch began to do for himself on his own account at the age of 21; he located 
where he now resides in 1865, and has since remained. He has married twice, 
first to Miss Rhoda Bowles, of his native county, February, 1849, she passed 
away April 14, 1850, leaving one child - John M.; and his second wife was Mrs. 
Caroline Clark, of Metcalf Co., Ky., married January, 1857, she having three 
children by first husband — Melissa D., Sarah E. and Cordelia A., all of whom 
are married and living in this State; he has four children by his present 
wife — Lucinda C., Mary C., Fannie and Minnie; they own eighty acres of fine 
land, valued at $60 per acre.


D. M. WIEDER, of the firm of Palmer & Wieder, merchant tailors, Paris; was 
born in Butler Co., Ohio, Oct. 23, 1833; his early education was acquired at 
the common schools of his native county, and he served a regular 
apprenticeship at the trade of tailoring; his first experience in mercantile 
life was in the way of a dry goods clerk, and, in 1856, he began for himself 
in the dry goods business, in which he continued until 1861, when he came to 
Paris and engaged with L. Gatz & Co., merchant tailors, as clerk and cutter, 
where he remained until 1874, when he embarked in his present business; he and 
his partner, Mr. Palmer, are practical business men of fine address and 
pleasant manner, and doing a flourishing business with prices to correspond 
with the times. Mr. Wieder married Miss Lydia E. Hunter, of Butler Co., Ohio, 
Nov. 28, 1854; they are the parents of four children — Lizzie E. (deceased), 
Edwin L., Charles H. and Alexander H.


REV. E. D. WILKIN, Pastor of the M. E. Church, Paris; is a native of Ohio; was 
born in Licking Co. Sept. 20, 1830, where he  received a good common-school 
education; he came with his parents to Illinois, in 1845, locating in Crawford 
Co.; he taught school and attended the McKendre College at Lebanon at 
intervals for quite a number of years, and graduated in July, 1856; then was 
appointed Principal of the Marshall College, at Marshall, Ill., which position 
he held until 1861, when he was appointed Chaplain of the 21st I. V. I., and 
after serving three years, he returned and received an appointment in the 
regular work of the ministry; his first charge was at Charleston, then Normal, 
Springfield, Mattoon, Pana and Paris, which is his present field of labor. On 
Dec. 28, 1857, he married Miss Harriet Mayo, daughter of Col. Mayo; she was 
born April 25, 1835; her parents are still living, and have lived a married 
life sixty-one years; and Mr. Wilkin's parents lived a married life fifty-two 
years. During Mr. Wilkin's service in the late war, his wife was with him a 
great part of the time, and, in 1862, while at Corinth, Miss., the railroad 
conveyances were cut off and she was compelled to seek other means of 
returning, and she undertook and succeeded in making the journey on horseback 
from Corinth to Louisville, Ky. 


W. A. WOZENCRAFT, stoves and tinware, Paris, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, 
July 4, 1832, where he was raised and received his early education and learned 
the trade of a tinner. He came to Paris, Ill., in May, 1855, and began in the 
stove and tinware business with D. P. Nagel, and after one year Nagel withdrew 
and Wozencraft has since continued. He has served as City Councilman one term 
and was elected City Mayor in 1871, and re-elected in 1873. He organized the 
Fire Department and served as Chief for five consecutive years. He has always 
taken an active part in public matters which were for the good of the town. On 
Dec. 11, 1854, he married Miss Amanda Bickford, of Dayton, Ohio. She was born 
Dec. 24, 1832. They are the parents of three children; Oliva (now Mrs. Dr. 
Yergin, of Carthage, Mo.), John A. and William D.


G. W. WILEY, farmer and pioneer of Edgar Co., P. O. Paris, was born in Miami 
Co., Ohio, April 16, 1820; his parents removed to Preble Co. while he was 
quite young, where he was raised and educated; at the age of 19, he was 
apprenticed to the trade of a wagon-maker; after which he engaged in wagon-
making on his own account; continued about nine years, and then began farming 
and has since continued. He married twice; first to Caroline McDivitt, of 
Preble Co., November, 1843. She passed away in 1871 leaving a family of three —
 Sarah E., Hannah E. and Mary Ann. On Oct. 16, 1874, he married Mrs. S. J. 
Keller; she has three children by first husband — Hattie J., George V. and 
Harrie E. M., and by present husband one — Eva A. Mr. Wiley has seen the great 
change from a wild, desolate-looking to a thickly-settled and well developed 
county, and the trials and hardships of a pioneer-life are fresh in his memory.


BURT WHELAN, farmer; P. O. Paris; son of Michael and Catharine (Welch) Whelan, 
who were early and prominent pioneers of the county. They were natives of 
Maryland, but in an early day emigrated to Kentucky, and, in 1832, they again 
moved, this time locating in Edgar Co. They are both now deceased. The subject 
of this sketch was born in Nelson Co., Ky., July 3, 1814; here he received his 
education and grew to man's estate; here he also learned the trade of a 
blacksmith. In 1835, he came to Paris, where he carried on the business of 
blacksmithing until 1843. Then buying land, he turned his attention to farming 
to which he has since devoted his time. He has accumulated by his own energy 
and industry over 400 acres of fine land, 110 of which is his home farm, which 
is well improved and supplied with good buildings. His first wife was Miss 
Maria Lightfoot; she died in 1849, leaving one child, Harvey M. His second 
wife died in 1864; her maiden name was Elizabeth Crimmons; she left one child, 
Columbus C. He married his present wife March 3, 1868; her maiden name being 
Matilda T. Sudduth. He is known as one of the substantial men of Paris 
Township.


CHAS. ZIMMERMAN, Paris, Ill., acting express agent; is a native of Indiana; 
was born in Floyd County April 12, 1851; he came to Paris, Ill., with parents 
in 1864, and received a good education at the Paris High School, under the 
supervision of Prof. Hurty; his first business experience was in the capacity 
of a grocer clerk; he was employed by Geo. Arbuckle, the American Express 
agent, of Paris, in 1870, and, in 1871, took charge of the office, since which 
time he has managed the office with satisfaction to all concerned. He 
possesses fine social qualities and is conscientious in all his business 
transactions. These traits have secured for him the respect and confidence of 
all who know him, and he is considered the right man in the right place. He 
married Miss Addie M. Crane, of Danville, Ill., Oct. 20, 1878.


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/paristow561nbs.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/

File size: 246.1 Kb