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

pages 668-676
 
 
SIMS TOWNSHIP.

 
JACOB T. ADAMS, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Paris; is a native of Scott Co., Ky.; 
was born March 2, 1812; lived at his native place until about 13 years old, 
his parents then moving to Edgar Co., this being in 1824; during his boyhood, 
he had no chance of getting an education; what he did get was mostly by home 
study. Was married September, 1833, to Miss Sallie Cunningham, of Virginia; 
they had a family of eight children, five of whom are living — two boys and 
three girls. Began business for himself at the age of 21; had no assistance 
from his father, but by hard work, economy and good management, he has 
accumulated a farm of 230 acres of land, well improved. Mr. Adams is one of 
the old pioneers, who, in an  early day, were obliged to put up with many of 
the hardships incident to pioneer life; has always done his part toward 
forwarding any enterprise tending to the public good; is respected by many 
friends, and known as one of the straightforward, honest men of Sims Tp.


S. S. CHANDLER, farmer and stock dealer, Sec. 36; P. O. Paris; is of English 
descent, and a native of Owen Co., Ky.; was born Feb. 22, 1820, his 
grandfather Chandler being a native of England, and his father a native of 
Scott Co., Ky.; Mr. C. lived in Kentucky until the fall of 1852; at this date, 
moved to Hancock Co., Ind.; remained there until the spring of 1871, then 
removed to Edgar Co., where he has since lived; during his boyhood, he had no 
chance of gaining an education, but, by home study and good observation, being 
of quick perception, he has a good common-school education; he began business 
for himself at farming at the age of 20, attending to his own business and 
still conducting the home affairs for his father; during his life-time, has 
engaged in various speculations and enterprises; his perception being good, he 
was usually successful; has met with many misfortunes; in 1865, he lost about 
$9,500 worth of merchandise by fire; has lost several thousands by hog 
cholera; still, he has a farm of 250 acres of first-class land, well timbered 
and watered, with good buildings; he is a man in good standing, enjoys the 
respect of many friends, and is known as one of the more prominent and better 
class of citizens of Edgar Co.


HIRAM CLEM, farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Swango; is a native of Butler Co., Ohio; 
was born Oct. 9, 1817; lived at his birthplace until 33 years old, then came 
to Edgar Co. Was married Sept. 10, 1838, to Miss Rebecca Tegarden, of his 
native county; she passed away in 1863; had eleven children by his first wife; 
was married again in 1864 to Miss Mary J. Hemphill, of North Carolina; has two 
children by his present wife. Began business for himself at the age of 20; had 
no assistance; now, by hard work and economy, he has a farm of 130 acres of 
good land, valued at about $40 per acre. Mr. Clem is an old settler, in good 
standing in the community; has earned a good reputation by being honest and 
straightforward, and is known in the county as one of its honest men.


ISAAC N. CRAIG, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 2; P. O. Paris; is another 
native and pioneer of the county; was born Jan. 3, 1831; is now living within 
about one and one-half miles from his birthplace; during his early life he had 
but little opportunity of gaining an education; he has a fair education now, 
which he has attained principally by his own efforts. Was married Jan. 11, 
1849, to Miss Elizabeth Shroder, a native of Pennsylvania, but of Coles Co. at 
the time of marriage; they have a family of nine children — four boys and five 
girls; began business for himself at the age of 18; they began in the woods, 
with no help but stout hearts and willing hands; a few years after, his father 
gave him $1,000 worth of land; by economy, hard work and good management he 
now owns in Douglas Co. 120 acres of good land, 210 acres in Embarrass and 
Kansas  Tps., and his home farm of 287 acres; the whole valued at about $55 
per acre. Mr. Craig is one of the old pioneers that has gained a good name and 
reputation by always having been honest and upright in his dealings; has lived 
upon the cash plan during his life, which is one attribute to his success; he 
is a man standing well in the community, and one of the solid, substantial men 
of Sims Tp.

 
ROBERT DOWNS, farmer and lumber dealer; P. O. Paris; is another of the old 
pioneers of the county and a native of Montgomery Co., Ky.; was born Dec. 15, 
1812; lived at his native place until about 17 years old; his parents came to 
Clark Co. in 1829, and removed to Edgar in 1830; in 1845, Mr. Downs returned 
to Clark Co., where he remained about eight years; came back to Edgar in 1853, 
and located on his present place; he began business for himself at the age of 
20; had no assistance from his father; now, by hard work, economy and good 
management he has 625 acres of fine land, besides a fine lumber business. Was 
married Nov. 26, 1835, to Miss Nancy B. Dudley, of Kentucky; she passed away 
Aug. 30, 1854. Married his present wife Sept. 18, 1858; he has a family of 
five children — four boys and one girl; Mr. Downs is an old settler that has 
done much to improve the county; has a good name and reputation, and is known 
as one of the solid, substantial men of Sims Tp.


GEO. T. DUNN, farmer, Sec. 24; P.O. Paris; a native of Mercer Co., Ky.; was 
born Aug. 28, 1806; lived at his birthplace until the age of 30; moved to Knox 
Co., Mo., where he remained nine years; then returned to his native place and 
stayed seven years and came to Edgar Co. in 1852; during boyhood, he had but 
little chance of getting an education; began business for himself at the age 
of 22; his first business experience was at the carpenter and joiner's trade; 
at which he served an apprenticeship; this business he followed until 1863; 
then began farming on his present farm. Was married Jan. 2, 1834, to Miss 
Juretta Marrs, of his native county; they have a family of three children — 
Louis T., Jane J. (now Mrs. E. Edwards, of Lyon Co., Kan.), and Ann E. Mr. 
Dunn began for himself with no assistance, but by hard work and economy he has 
now a farm of of ninety acres of first-class land, well improved, valued at 
about $75 per acre; Mr. Dunn is a man who has gained a good name by being 
honest and straightforward in his dealings, and is known as one of the square 
men of Sims Tp.


JAMES ELLEDGE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 10; P. O. Paris; is a native of 
Morgan Co., Ky.; was born Dec. 10, 1824; lived at his birthplace until the age 
of 4; his parents then came to Edgar Co.; this was in 1828; he began business 
for himself at the age of 16, his father dying when he was 11 years old. Was 
married in March, 1843, to Miss Mary Barr, of Daviess Co., Ind.; they have a 
family of eight children, four boys and four girls. During his boyhood, his 
parents being poor, he had hardly any opportunities of attending school, but 
has gained, principally by his own efforts, a fair education; he began   
business with no assistance; now, by hard work, economy and good management, 
he has left a farm of 400 acres, and has given to his children nearly 300 
acres; he is a man enjoying a good name and reputation, which he has gained by 
honesty and square dealing. Has been a member of the Christian Church for 
thirty-six years. Is one of the old settlers and pioneers, and is known as one 
of the solid, substantial men of Sims Tp. 


OTIS ELDREDGE, farmer and stock-grower, Sec. 16; P. O. Paris; is a native of 
Stark Co., Ohio; was born Jan. 7, 1822; lived  there until the age of 18; then 
moved to Clark Co., Ill.; this was in 1839; remained there until 1842, then 
came to Edgar Co., where he has since lived, and on the same farm where he now 
resides; during his boyhood, he had but little chance of getting an education, 
but by home study and some perseverance, he became a fair scholar. Was married 
Dec. 22, 1842, to Miss Catherine Clapp, of Edgar Co.; they have a family of 
nine children — five boys and four girls. He began business for himself at the 
age of 21; had no material assistance from his father, but by hard work, 
economy and good management, he now has a farm of 217 acres of good land, well 
improved, valued at about $40 per acre. Mr. Eldredge is one of the old 
pioneers, having lived in the county thirty-six years; has seen and helped to 
make many of the improvements in the development of it; has always been a 
friend to churches, schools and the poor; he is a man that has earned a good 
name and reputation by having been honest and. upright in his business 
transactions; is a sociable, genial gentleman and known as one among the more 
prominent and better class of citizens of Edgar Co.


WM. GREEN, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Paris; is a native of Shelby Co., Ky.; son 
of James Green, who was a native of London, England; Mr. Green was born in 
1805; came to Edgar Co., in 1825; had learned the trade of tailoring before he 
left Kentucky; this he followed about three years in Paris, then began 
farming; but still worked at his trade during cold weather for a number of 
years; while a boy, he had no opportunities of getting an education. Was 
married in 1827, to Miss Eunice Redmond, of his native place; she passed away 
Aug. 29, 1876, leaving four children — George W., Cinderella, Charles F. and 
Elizabeth, now deceased; at the time of beginning business for himself, he had 
no assistance, but by hard work and good management, he has accumulated 
property enough to help his children liberally and have 125 acres of good land 
left; he is one of the older pioneers of the county, well known and respected 
by many friends; can look back with satisfaction upon his eiforts to 
accumulate property for his old age and for his children.


MARY HANKS, widow of William Hanks, now deceased, Paris, who was one of the 
early settlers of Edgar Co.; he was born April 30, 1807; was a native of 
Montgomery Co., Ky. Was married Sept. 7, 1827, to Miss Mary O'Hair of Wolfe 
Co., Ky.; in 1828, they came to Edgar Co., and settled on the farm where Mrs. 
Hanks now lives; they came with scarcely any property, but, as time went on, 
they accumulated property quite rapidly for those early times. Subjected to 
all the hardships of pioneer life, deprived of churches and many social 
pleasures, he still worked on, and at the time of his death, which occurred 
Nov. 6, 1875, he left a fine property of nearly eight hundred acres of good 
land. He was a pioneer that, during his life, was always ready to give 
liberally to any enterprise that he deemed for the public good; was a friend 
to the schools, the churches and the poor; was a member of the Christian 
Church twenty-five years previous to his death. He was mourned by a large 
circle of old friends and pioneers Mrs. Hanks, now 69 years old, is still 
active and smart. They had a family of fourteen children, thirteen of which 
are still living. 


J. E. HANKS, farmer and butcher, Paris; is a native of this county; was born 
on Aug. 14, 1830; son of William Hanks, a prominent farmer of this county; 
passed away 1875. The subject of this obtained but a common-school education, 
but by observation and practice has become a practical business man; he began 
for himself early in life. In 1850, he emigrated to California, and remained 
some two years prospecting and mining. On March 20, 1853, he married Miss 
Maria Gregg, of this county; they have six children living — Mary E., (now 
Mrs. S. Hybarger), Forest, John E., Franklin P., Rolley and Rosa. Mr. H. has 
made farming his principal business thus far through life, and now owns 305 
acres of well-improved land. He is a well-to-do and much-respected citizen, 
that has always interested himself in all such public matters as pertain to 
the good of the community in which has lived.


MARY JONES; P. O. Paris; widow of Geo. Jones, who died Sept. 5, 1878; Mr. 
Jones was born and raised in Mercer Co., Ky.; came to Edgar Co. in 1831; was 
one of the old pioneers who did much to improve the county during his life. 
Was married Aug. 2, 1841, to Miss Mary Miller of Warren Co., Tenn, who still 
survives him. During his life was always ready to promote the advancement of 
churches and schools, and a helper of any enterprise pertaining to the public 
good. He has accumulated a property of 243 acres, this being the old home 
farm, which he left his family. Mr. Jones was a man of a high sense of honor, 
well respected by all who knew him, and known as one among the more prominent 
and better class of citizens of Edgar Co.	


JAMES H. JENKINS, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Paris; is a native of Henry Co., Ky. 
lived at his native place until the age of 16; went  to Madison, Ind.; where 
he remained nearly twenty years; then came to Edgar Co.; this was in 1856. Was 
married at the age of 25 to Miss Chloe A. Redman, of Kentucky; they have a 
family of twelve children — nine boys and three girls; he has a farm of 171 
acres, well improved, which he has accumulated by his own hard work. Jenkins 
is an old settler, who is known as one of the honest, straightforward men of 
Sims Tp.


A. L. KEEPER, farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Oliver; is a native of Franklin Co., 
Penn.; was born March 10, 1818; lived at his birthplace until 1836; then moved 
to Ohio, lived there two years, then moved to Illinois; came to Edgar Co. in 
1838; lived at his present residence since 1839; began business for himself at 
the age of 21; and by hard work he now has 260 acres of good land, valued at 
about $35 per acre. Mr. Keefer is one of the old settlers of the county; has 
passed through many of the hardships incident to pioneer life; has accumulated 
a good property and is known as a good, substantial citizen. 


KEEPER LAUFMAN, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Oliver; is a native of Franklin Co., 
Penn.; was born June 21, 1824; lived at his birthplace until the age of 13, 
his parents then moving to Wayne Co., Ohio; remained there two years and then 
moved to Edgar Co., Ill. When Mr. J. was about 22, he enlisted as a volunteer 
in the Mexican war, where he remained about one year. Upon his return, he 
engaged in the tanning business with his father; this was in 1847; followed 
this business until 1870; then turned his attention to farming. Was married 
Nov. 9, 1848, to Miss Harriet Shively, of Muskingum Co., Ohio; they have a 
family of nine children — five boys and four girls; he began business for 
himself with no assistance from his father; but by hard work, economy and good 
management he now has a farm of 240 acres, valued at about $50 per acre. Mr. 
Laufman is one of the old pioneers of Edgar Co.; has seen many changes made in 
the development of it during his residence of forty years; is respected by 
many friends; always ready to do his part toward forwarding any enterprise 
that is for the public good, and is known as one among the more prominent and 
better class of citizens of the county.


JAMES LEMASTERS, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 21; P. O. Paris; is a native of 
Edgar Co., Ill.; was born January 24, 1829, his father having lived in the 
county some time previous to his birth; during his earIy life, he had no 
opportunities of getting an education; his father dying when he was 10 years 
old, he helped to conduct the work of the home farm for his mother until he 
was past 30. Was married Aug. 18, 1861, to Miss Sarah McCully, of Edgar Co.; 
she died March 6, 1862; was married again April 25, 1866, to Miss Nancy Combs, 
who is also a native of Edgar Co.; they have a family of two children — Mary 
E. and Edward H. Mr. Lemasters is one of the old pioneers of the county; is 
now 49 years old; has passed his life on the farm where he was born, which he 
now owns; it is sixty-four acres of well-improved land, valued at about $60 
per acre; has seen and helped to make many of the changes from a wild tract of 
land to a county that ranks among the better ones of the State of Illinois.


J. G. LYCAN, farmer and stock raiser; Sec. 19; P. O. Paris; is a native of 
Morgan Co., Ky.; his father being a native of North Carolina; Mr. L. was born 
April 4, 1827; lived at his birthplace until about 4 years old, his parents 
then moving to Edgar Co.; during his boyhood, he had but little chance of 
getting an education, but by home study and close observation he succeeded in 
gaining a good common-school education; began business for himself at the age 
of 22, at farming; has always followed this business. Was married Dec. 14, 
1849, to Miss Angelina Downs, of Culpepper Co., Va.; they have a family of six 
children — Susan F., Riley S., Serena C., Anderson A., William H. and Albert 
E. At the time of beginning business for himself, Mr. L. had but little 
assistance, but by hard work, economy and good management he now has 160 acres 
of well-improved land in Crawford Co., Ill., 2,500 acres in Texas and his home 
farm of 131 acres, which is well improved with good buildings and all modern 
conveniences. Mr. Lycan is one of the old pioneers, is well known and 
respected by many friends.


A. T. LAUGHLIN, farmer; Sec. 17; P. O. Paris; is a native of Edgar Co., Sims 
being his native township; was born April 2, 1850; his father being one of the 
early settlers. A. T. is now conducting the old home farm of 140 acres, 112 
acres of which he now owns. He has acquired a good common-school education; is 
one of the young men of the township that is well spoken of and in good 
standing. Though still young he has a nice farm and good home, which he is 
conducting with credit to himself and his friends.


JOHN LEMASTERS, farmer; Sec. 28; P. O. Paris; is a native of Lawrence Co., 
Ill; lived there until 5 years old; his parents then moving to Edgar Co., this 
being in 1823; in this early day, he had but little chance of getting an 
education; learned the trade of a cooper and followed this business until 
about 1850; then turned his attention to farming, which he has since followed. 
Was married in 1848, to Miss Nancy Dill, of Kentucky; they have only one 
child — Cynthia (now Mrs. G. Hinson). Mr. L. is one of the old pioneers of the 
county; has seen and helped to make the change from a wild tract of land to a 
county of prosperity and plenty.


J. V. LYCAN, farmer and stock dealer, Sec. 26; P. O. Paris; is another of the 
old pioneers of Edgar Co.; he is a native of Morgan Co., Ky; was born Jan. 28, 
1820, his father being a native of North Carolina; Mr. L. lived at his native 
place in Kentucky until nearly 12 years old, his parents at this time moving 
to Edgar Co.; this was in 1831; during his boyhood, he had but little chance 
of acquiring an education, but by home study and close observation, he being 
naturally of quick   perception, he became a fair scholar. Was married Oct. 4, 
1842, to Miss Lydia Ogden, of his native county; they have a family of twelve 
children, five-boys and seven girls. He began business for himself at the age 
of 22; had no assistance from his  father, but by hard work, economy and good 
management, he now has a property of nearly 1,000 acres, one-half section 
being located in Buck Tp., 160 acres in Paris Tp., and his home farm of nearly 
500 acres. Mr. Lycan is a man who has earned a good reputation by being honest 
and upright in his dealings; is well known as one of the solid, substantial 
men of Edgar Co.


DAVID O. LAUGHLIN, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Paris; is another native of Edgar 
Co.; was born Dec. 9, 1833, his father being a native of East Tennessee; came 
to Edgar Co. in 1829; was a man well known, not only on account of his 
political views, being a very strong Antislavery man, but a man who was known 
and respected for his honesty, integrity and true moral worth; he died Feb. 
15, 1861; Mr. L.'s present residence is a part of the old home farm. He was 
married Sept. 3, 1856, to Miss Z. E. Osborn, daughter of Col. Osborn, then of 
Bowling Green, Ind.; they have a family of three children — John W., Elmer O. 
and Annie D. Mr. L. began business for himself at the age of 21, in Webster 
City, Iowa, dealing in merchandise; remained there about one year and a half; 
then came back to Edgar Co., and began farming; this he followed for ten 
years; then engaged in the dry goods business in Paris; conducted this 
business little over one year, then returned to the farm; he has acquired a 
good education through study and business experience; they have a nice home of 
ninety-one acres of fine land, valued at about $70 per acre. Mr. L. is a 
pioneer that has many friends, is well known and respected in the community 
where he is known.


GEO. W. MORRIS, farmer and stock breeder; P. O. Paris; is a native of Sims 
Tp., Edgar Co.; Jesse B. Morris, his father, being one of the oldest settlers 
of the county, and a native of Scott Co., Ky. Mr. M. had the advantage of 
getting a good common-school education, which he improved; was born Feb. 22, 
1846; has never engaged in any business but farming and stock-breeding; he has 
136 acres of fine, improved land, besides the old home farm of 100 acres, 
which he is conducting for his mother, 70 acres of which he is heir to. Mr. 
Morris is still a young man, full of life and energy, and doing his part 
toward developing the resources of Edgar Co.


MICHAEL O'HAIR (deceased), whose portrait appears in this work, was born in 
Montgomery Co., Ky., on the 10th of July, 1801; at an early age, he moved to 
Morgan Co., Ky., where he was married Nov. 16, 1820, at the age of 20, to 
Lucretia Boyles, who survives him, markably healthy and stout for one of her 
age, and considering the hardships she has passed through, which were common 
to the first settlers of new countries. In October 1825, he started for 
Illinois with his wife and two children, making the journey 250 miles on 
horseback with four common horses, two of them rigged with pack-saddles, and, 
on the 28th of same month, landed on the farm which he owned at the time of 
his death, five miles south of Paris, on Big Creek. He was twice elected 
Sheriff of the county, and held offices voted him by the people for over 
thirty years. By his energy, decision of character and benevolence, he soon 
became well known to the early settlers of this county; he took an active part 
in every public enterprise, and aided in carrying out many valuable 
improvements; he aided in building churches and schools; his house was 
called "The Preachers' Tavern," and the poor were ever kindly treated by him; 
he had an abiding faith in the truths of Divine revelation; Mr. O'Hair was a 
man of positive character, intruded his opinions upon no one, and claimed the 
right of every man thinking for himself; he read much, and was well posted on 
the political events as they passed, and, up to the commencement of his 
illness, studied the events of the times, political and moral, with deep 
interest; he was a kind and sympathizing neighbor and friend, ever ready to 
aid where help was needed, and never spared time or money to relieve the 
distressed; as he himself well said, in his letter read at the Old Settlers' 
meeting at Paris, 4th of July, 1873: "I have always tried to do my duty, as I 
understand it; 'to err is human;' if at any time I have failed to do my duty, 
it has been an error of the head, and not of the heart. And now, comrades, old 
settlers, I hope that our lasf days may be our best days; that when we are 
summoned to go hence to give an account of the deeds done in the body, may we 
be fully prepared to meet the welcome plaudit, where we shall forever enjoy 
the society of each other, and forever be free from the cares of this world." 
Mr. O'Hair was a man of unswerving honesty, and faithfully discharged the 
responsibilities committed to his trust. He had a family of ten children, five 
of whom are now living — John W., William S. (who represented this county in 
the Legislature), Jesse, Daniel B. and Sibby N. (now Mrs. A. J. Baber, of 
Paris). Mr. O'Hair died March 16, 1875, and his remains are interred in "Edgar 
Cemetery," of Paris.


D. B. O'HAIR, farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Paris; is of Irish descent, his 
grandfather being a native of County Down, Ireland; his father (now deceased), 
who was among the first settlers of Edgar Co., was born in Montgomery Co., 
Ky.; "Daniel Boone," as he is frequently called by his friends, on account of 
his love of hunting, is a native of Edgar Co.; he is now 39 years old; is 
engaged in conducting the home farm of 395 acres, in which he has an interest; 
has taken quite an interest in political  affairs; can relate many laughable 
incidents of early life in the woods. Was married Feb. 11, 1864, to Miss 
Susana Parsons, of Montgomery Co., Ohio; they have two children — Jennie M. 
and Louie C.

STEPHEN OGDEN, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Paris; is another of the old 
pioneers of Edgar Co.; was born Jan. 22, 1818, in Morgan Co., Ky.; came from 
there to Edgar Co., at the age of 16; his father locating near where Mr. Ogden 
now lives; is  known as Maple Grove Farm. Was married Sept. 19, 1843, to Miss 
Emily H. Guthrie, of Boss Co., Ohio. She passed away May 14, 1861, leaving 
four children, three of whom are now living. Was married again, Oct. 20, 1867, 
to Mrs. Emma E. Griffith, of Virginia. During his early life he had but little 
chance of acquiring an education, though he now has a good business education 
gained principally by his home study and business experience, Mr. Ogden during 
his life has been an active business man; has accumulated all his fine 
property, but 260 acres given him by his father, by his own efforts, having a 
farm of 520 on Grand Prairie, and his home farm of 620 acres. He is a pioneer 
that is well known throughout the county; has been, and is, a large stock 
dealer; is always ready to help any enterprise for the public good, and can 
safely be called one of the representative men of the county.


WM. T. SIMS, farmer; Sec. 32; P. O. Nevins; is a native of Monroe Co., Ky.; 
was brought to Crawford Co., Ill., by his parents when he was about 1 year 
old, and to Edgar Co. when he was about 7; this being in 1821. Was married May 
4, 1833, to Miss Margaret Zimmerly, of Washington Co., Va.; they have seven 
children, four boys and three girls. His opportunities of gaining an education 
during boyhood were very limited; though by home study, being of quick 
preception he succeeded in securing a good education. He began business for 
himself at the age of 20, with some assistance from his father; the assistance 
being forty acres of new land in the timber; by hard work, economy and good 
management, he now has a farm of 275 acres of first-class land, well improved, 
valued at about $50 per acre. Mr. Sims is one of the old pioneers of the 
county; has always contributed liberally to forward any enterprise tending to 
the public good; now in his old age can look back with satisfaction upon his 
efforts to accumulate a sufficient property for his own comfort and the 
benefit of his children.
 

MARGARET SIZEMORE, widow, Sec. 20; P. O. Paris; Mrs. S. is the widow of M. 
Sizemore, who was one of the early settlers of Edgar Co.; he was a native of 
Stokes Co., N. C.; came to Edgar Co. in 1831. After residing in this county 
little over one year, he married Miss Margaret Priest, of Floyd Co., Ky.; they 
had a family of ten children — seven girls and three boys; at the time of 
beginning business for himself, he had no assistance from his father, but by 
hard work he accumulated a fine property, leaving at his death 363 acres of 
fine land, well improved, besides having given to his children the balance of 
his once large farm of 1,400 acres. He was one of the most public-spirited men 
of his day, always giving liberally to churches and schools, was a friend to 
the poor and needy, none coming to him in want, but what were helped 
bountifully; at the time of his death, which occurred July 11, 1871, he had 
been a member of the M. E. Church about eighteen years; he was well-known in 
the county, and at his death mourned not only by his family but by a large 
circle of friends.


CHARLES M. SIZEMORE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17; P. O. Paris; was born 
Jan. 25, 1848; is a native of Edgar Co., Sims being his native township; his 
father was a native of Stokes Co., N. C., and one of the early settlers of the 
county—a man of good standing, who was always willing and ready to do his part 
toward supporting any enterprise tending to the public good; was a member of 
the M. E. Church about eighteen years; he was a man noted for his generosity 
to the poor and needy, none coming to him in need ever going away without 
help; he died in 1871, aged 62 years, leaving a family and a wide circle of 
friends to mourn his loss. Mr. S. was married Feb. 19, 1871, to Miss Caroline 
A. Hanks, she being also a native of Edgar Co.; they have a family of two 
children — Denver M. and Ota. Mr. Sizemore now has 160 acres of good land, 
well improved, valued at about $65 per acre; he is still a young man in good 
standing in the community and known as one among the straightforward, honest 
young men of Sims Tp.


JESSE SWANGO, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 35; P. O. Swango; is a native of 
Morgan Co., Ky.; was born Jan. 9, 1831; lived at his native place until 22 
years old, then came to Edgar Co.; remained until 1854, then removed to Coles 
Co., where he  remained until 1865, then returned to Edgar Co.; in 1876, he 
moved to Paris, where he remained nearly two years, returning to his farm 
again in 1878; during his boyhood, he had only the advantage of subscription 
schools, and those not always attainable, though by home study he succeeded in 
getting a fair education. Was married Sept. 16, 1852, to Miss Nancy J. Hanks, 
of Edgar Co.; they have a family of three children — Harlan A., Mary L. and 
Clarence W. He began business for himself at the age of 22; had some help from 
his father; now, by hard work, economy and good management, he has a nice farm 
of 280 acres of good land, well improved, and a nice residence in Paris. Mr. 
Swango has been a very enterprising, energetic man, who has done much toward 
improving the county; has established a station and post office, which bears 
his name, a few rods from his residence, on the P. & D. R. R., is known as one 
of the solid, substantial men of Sims Tp.


ALEX. TURNER, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 14; P. O. Paris; is a native of 
Tyrone Co., Ireland; was born March 18, 1803; lived there until the age of 28; 
emigrated to the United States in 1831; spent two years in New York City and 
in Giles Co., Va., and three years in Cincinnati; then, in 1836, came to Edgar 
Co.; learned the trade of brick and stone-mason while in  Virginia; followed 
business while in Cincinnati, also first two years of his residence in Edgar 
Co.; then began farming. Was married April 8, 1838, to Miss Nancy Link, of 
Virginia; she died Sept. 12, 1876, leaving a family of eight children, six 
boys and two girls. Mr. Turner has by his own efforts accumulated a property 
of 270 acres of fine land, well improved, valued at about $70 per acre; he is 
one of the old pioneers of Edgar Co.; has helped to make the change from a 
wild tract of land to a county that ranks high in the State of Illinois; can 
look back with satisfaction upon his efforts to accumulate property for his 
old age and his children.


DANIEL TUCKER, farmer, Sec. 2, P. O. Swango; is a native of Essex Co., N. J.; 
was brought to Ohio by his parents at the age of 4; lived there until he was 
23; then removed to Shelby Co., Ind., where he lived until 1854; then came to 
Edgar Co. and located on his present farm. Was married June 27, 1830, to Miss 
Ann Hamlin, of Ontario CO., N. Y.; they have a family of six children, three 
boys and three girls. Began business for himself at the age of 23; had no 
assistance from his father, but by hard work and economy, he now has a fine 
property of 383 acres of good land, valued at about $50 per acre; he is one of 
the old pioneers who has seen and helped make many of the changes in the 
development of the county; he is now 72 years of age; Mrs. Tucker is still 
active and smart; they can look back with satisfaction upon their efforts to 
accumulate property for their old age and their children. 


PETER F. VORHEES, farmer, Sec. 33, P. O. Swango; is a native of Butler Co., 
Ohio; was born Dec. 20, 1835; lived their until the age of 24; bought property 
in Edgar Co. in 1859, and settled in the county in 1860. Was married Dec. 20, 
1860, to Miss Amanda Morris, of Edgar Co.; they have a family of six children —
 John W., Kate, Rhoda, Jesse M., Daniel F. and Lizzie. Has gained, principally 
by his own efforts, a good common-school education; he has helped to improve 
Edgar Co., being one of the enterprising, energetic class of men needed in 
every county to develop its resources; is an own cousin to the famous, U. S. 
Senator from Indiana; he now has 445 acres of first-class land, which he has 
accumulated principally by his own efforts; one attribute to his success is 
adhering strictly to his theory of the cash system; never bargains for 
anything without knowing he can meet the obligation with cash; his land is 
well located in the timber and on the prairie, and valued at about $60 per 
acre. Mr. Vorhees is still a young man, full of life and energy, and bids fair 
to do much yet toward improving the county of his adoption. Mr. V. was never 
sued in his life, nor has he ever sued any person for debt; never has even 
been witness in a court of law.


N. B. WILSON, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Oliver; is a native of Muskingum Co., 
Ohio; lived at his native place until 16 years old, then came to Edgar Co.; 
this was in 1848; has since lived in the county, except four years spent in 
Benton Co., Ark.;  during his boyhood, he had no chance of getting an 
education. Was married Nov. 18, 1855, to Miss Amanda Dixon, of Ohio; they have 
a family of seven children, four boys and three girls. Began business for 
himself at the age of 18; had no assistance from his father, but, by hard work 
and economy, he now has a property of eighty-five acres of good land, valued 
at about $50 per acre. Mr. Wilson has seen and helped to make many of the 
changes in the development of the county; is well respected by many friends, 
and known as one of the honest, straightforward men of Sims Tp.


D. W. WALLS, merchant, Swango; is native of Edgar Co., Sims being his native 
township; began business for himself at the age of 18, at farming; this 
business he followed until he was 20, then engaged in the mercantile business 
at what is known as Swango. He is also Postmaster of the office of the above 
name. He acquired a fair education, principally by home study, which has 
enabled him to conduct his business in good shape, especially the more 
complicated affairs pertaining to the post office. His parents were natives of 
Ohio; they came to Edgar Co. when the country was new; were obliged to put up 
with many of the hardships incident to pioneer life. Mr. Walls was married 
Aug. 15, 1878, to Miss Elizabeth Hand, of Clark Co. He is still a young man, 
full of life, energy, and possessing good business qualities; has established 
a good name and reputation, and is known as one of the straightforward, honest 
young men of the county.


FINDLEY WALLS, farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Swango; is a native of Pike Co Ohio; was 
born March 13, 1832; was brought to Edgar Co. by his parents at the age of 3; 
during his boyhood, he had very poor chances of getting an education, there 
being nothing but the subscription schools, and those sometimes three miles 
from his home. Was married April 12, 1855, to Miss Frances Shroder, of Coles 
Co., Ill.; they have five children — Daniel W., Leander J., Elza E., Laura A. 
and Lemuel F. Began business for himself at the age of 22, with some 
assistance from his parents; by hard work, economy and good management, he now 
has 200 acres of fine land, valued at about $50 per acre. Mr. Walls is a 
pioneer that has seen and helped to make many changes in the improvement of 
the county; has a good name and reputation, which he has gained by being 
honest and straightforward in his dealings, and is known as one of the 
straightforward men of Sims Tp.


ABSALOM WELLS, farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Paris; is a native of Kentucky, his 
father being a native of Maryland; he was born March 7, 1802; lived at his 
birthplace until the age of 20, then moved to Edgar Co., Ill.; he began 
business for himself when he was 21. Was married at 22, to Miss Elizabeth 
Starr, of North Carolina; they have a family of nine — Katie (now deceased), 
Elsa A. (now Mrs. B. Davis), Sarah E. (deceased), Susan (now Mrs. T. 
Thornton), Perlonzo C., Thomas P., Elizabeth (now Mrs. J. O. Perisho) and 
Samuel. During his early life, he had no chances of gaining an education; 
began in business for himself with but little assistance, but by hard work and 
good management he has accumulated a property that has enabled him to give 
each one of his children eighty acres of good land and have 160 acres of good 
land and a good bank account left; he is one of the old pioneers of the county 
and is known as one of the wealthy men of Sims Tp.


ISAAC ZIMMERLY, farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Paris; is another old settler and 
pioneer of the county, and a native of Washington Co., Va.; was born Aug. 8, 
1808; the 19th day of December, 1830, he left his native place on horse-back 
and arrived at Paris Jan. 12, 1831; has since been a resident of the county. 
Was married Sept. 8, 1831, to Miss Susan Zink, of Kentucky; she passed away 
Dec. 5, 1873. Was married again Dec. 31, 1873,to Eliza Beatty, of Virginia. 
Mr. Zimmerly came to the county a poor boy; now, by hard work, economy and 
good management, he has a farm of 280 acres, besides having given to each of 
his six children a farm of 120 acres and $400 in money; he is one of the old 
pioneers that has been in the county forty-seven years; has earned a good name 
and reputation by having been honorable in his business dealings, and is known 
as one of the better class of citizens and pioneers of the county.

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

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