Marshall County IL Archives Biographies.....100, Bios Up To Page 
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Source: Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall & Putnam Counties, 1896
Author: Various

James TANQUARY, “Uncle Jimmy,” as he was familiarly called by almost every 
man, woman and child living in Steuben and adjoining townships, in Marshall 
county, was a man greatly loved and universally respected by all who knew him. 
For nearly half a century his was a familiar face in Marshall county, and now 
that he has gone it seems like the light had gone out of the home of not only 
his immediate family, but the entire neighborhood as well.
James TANQUARY was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, June 17, 1831, and was the 
son of William and Elizabeth (SHACKFORD) TANQUARY, both of whom were reared in 
that state. His boyhood days were spent in his Ohio home, where he remained 
until sixteen years of age, when he accompanied his parents to Indiana, and 
there remained with them until reaching his majority, when he came to Marshall 
county, Illinois, where he had relatives living. Soon after his arrival he 
engaged in farming, and pursued that occupation during his entire life.
The life of a farmer is lonely enough, even when surrounded by family and 
friends, but without either it is doubly so. Mr. TANQUARY was a man of 
domestic tastes, and we therefore find that on the 15th of September, 1853, he 
was united in marriage with Mrs. Lucinda C. BLACKWELL, whose maiden name was 
WATKINS. She is a daughter of Isaiah and Mary (DOUGLAS) WATKINS, and a sister 
of David WATKINS of Steuben township. When but fifteen years of age she 
married Rev. David BLACKWELL, who died eight years afterward. He was a 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, a member of the Illinois 
conference. When he formed the acquaintance of Miss WATKINS he was pastor of 
the Methodist Episcopal church at Lacon, and she was a pupil in the public 
schools. After their marriage they resided at Whitehall, Carlinville, and Mt. 
Vernon, Illinois, in each of which places he was pastor, and while residing at 
the last named point he was called to his final reward. Two children were born 
to them: Rev. William Robert BLACKWELL, of the Methodist Episcopal church, now 
residing at Mt. Vernon, Iowa; and David Richford BLACKWELL, who is a farmer of 
Steuben township. The widowed mother returned to the old neighborhood, met and 
married Mr. TANQUARY. Whether it was “love at first sight” or not, it can 
truly be said that they were lovers during their entire married life, and Mr. 
TANQUARY became a real father to her fatherless children, and they loved him 
with a tender love even unto the end. One son came to bless their union, 
Nathan Quinn TANQUARY, a leading attorney of Denver, Colorado, who was 
educated at Iowa City, Iowa. They also had a foster son, J. KEYS, who was 
killed in a railroad accident.
On their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. TANQUARY began their domestic life on a farm 
in Camping Grove, where they remained some two or three years, when they 
removed to the farm where Mrs. TANQUARY now lives, and for nearly forty-two 
years their home was one of joy and happiness, with but little to detract from 
it. As already stated, Mr. TANQUARY was a man of domestic tastes, and there 
was to him “no place like home.” He cared nothing for the strife of this 
world, and in reality shrank from it. His farm, his home, and his church were 
his all in all. True, he was interested in educational matters and gave a part 
of his time to educational work, and, politically, he was a thorough-going 
republican, attending party conventions and filling different local offices. 
For some years he was justice of the peace, and was serving in the latter 
office when his death occurred, November 25, 1895.
But it was as a member of the church of God, a humble disciple and follower of 
the blessed Master, where his life shone at its best. Converted and called of 
God at the age of eleven years he was ever afterward a consistent and devoted 
Christian man. On coming to Marshall county he united with the Bethel 
Methodist Episcopal church, in Steuben township, and for about forty years 
served it as class leader, steward and trustee, and in its Sunday-school was 
an indefatigable worker. He was a great Bible reader and loved to dwell upon 
its precious promises. Two passages which he had marked in the blessed book 
and which he often quoted, give a perfect outline of his faith in the Word, 
and the spirit which characterized his life: “Evening and morning and at noon 
will I pray and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.” Psalms Iv, 17. “Exalt 
the Lord our God and worship at his holy hill, for the Lord our God is holy.” 
Psalms xcix, 9. Of an emotional nature, he showed his joy in church and at 
home, and in thanksgiving to his God. His home was ever the home of the 
ministers of the gospel, and he greatly enjoyed their presence at his fireside.
The Lacon Journal, whose editor was well acquainted with Mr. TANQUARY, in its 
notice of his death, after speaking of the warm place in his heart that he 
gave to his stepsons and to his foster-son, said:
“But the supreme crowning to his beautiful life was his devotion to his wife. 
In all the forty-two years of their singularly happy wedded life they walked 
hand-in-hand, a pair of grand old lovers to the last; she returning his 
affection measure for measure. How fondly we cherish last words and last looks 
when friends are gone. Only last Friday he came into the office for his mail. 
He and his old friend, George HOLLER, stood talking together about their ages. 
We joined in, saying: ‘Why, Uncle Jimmy, you are not old; you are not out of 
your honeymoon yet.’ ‘He is not likely to get out of it,’ rejoined his friend. 
This little talk pleased him greatly. He went home and told his wife of it 
with much delight. This was the last time we saw him. So fresh and ruddy, so 
happy-looking he was that day. The next Tuesday Uncle Jimmy was gone and a 
hush of deep sorrow fell on the whole county and town.
“Forty-three years he has lived in Illinois, most of the time on the same 
farm, a few miles northwest of Sparland – a beautiful spot, by his hand made 
to blossom as a rose. ‘Twas in his own home, in the midst of his neighbors and 
friends of a lifetime and in a quite sacredness of the domestic circle where 
he was best known and most loved. His hospitality was without stint, without 
measure. Everyone loved to go to Uncle Jimmy TANQUARY’s, loved to linger, 
departed regretfully. His home was the Mecca, the happy playground of all his 
little grandchildren, especially the city-bred children – three of them of his 
son, N. Q., who came on annual trips to grandpa’s to grow strong on the farm. 
With them he was a child again – no end of fun, frolic and chatter. They went 
with him everywhere.
“James TANQUARY was a man of positive character, fixed principles, strong 
convictions. He shrank from humbuggery, imposture and false pretenses; loved 
his God and his church. Cold the day and hard the storm that did not see Uncle 
Jimmy sitting in his accustomed seat in beloved old Bethel church. With his 
going it seemed that the very keystone had fallen from its arch. Of his money 
he gave to it liberally; of his influence, his all. In this sacred edifice his 
funeral took place on Thanksgiving Day at 11 a.m. His pastor, Rev. De CLARK, 
assisted by Rev. E. K. REYNOLDS of the Baptist church, spoke comforting words 
to the bereaved ones. The singing was beautiful, falling like balm on the 
hearts of the mourners. His funeral attendance was large, friends coming from 
many miles distant. Tenderly, lovingly, he was borne from the church and laid 
in the Sparland cemetery.”

John Strawn THOMPSON, president of the First National bank of Lacon, Illinois, 
and senior member of the firm of J. S. Thompson & Sons, investment bankers, 
also of Lacon, is one of the most widely known of Marshall county’s citizens. 
His record is a most unusual one and shows what a young man, without capital, 
and without any natural advantages, can do to achieve success in life and at 
the same time maintain the good will and universal respect of his fellow 
citizens and all with whom business or social relations have brought him in 
contact. A native of Marshall county, his entire life has been spent there, 
and his life’s work is known and read of all men.
John S. THOMSPON was born in Hopewell township, about three miles east of 
Lacon, in a log cabin, December 26, 1840. He is the son of James and Mary A. 
(STRAWN) THOMPSON, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. His 
boyhood was spent upon the home farm, and his education was commenced in the 
country school. When about ten years of age, the family moved into the city of 
Lacon, and here he attended the public school for a time, that being all the 
educational advantages that he enjoyed. Notwithstanding this lack of knowledge 
to be obtained in the school room, there are few better informed men, 
especially in all the practical affairs of life. By reading and observation he 
has ever kept abreast of the times.
As a day laborer he toiled in youth and early manhood, with probably little 
thought of the active, busy life he should later follow, or with but a dim 
idea of what the future had in store for him. He was always industrious, 
however, and had a laudable desire to be something more than a common day 
laborer, however honorable labor may be. On the 12th of February, 1864, he 
embarked in his first business enterprise, purchasing the grocery stock of 
William WRIGHT entirely on credit, not having a dollar in the world that he 
could invest. This purchase showed wonderful pluck and courage on his part, 
and the utmost trustfulness on the part of Mr. WRIGHT. But with little more 
than a boy’s mercantile experience, he commenced business, and in one year’s 
time had paid off every dollar of indebtedness and had his shelves well filled.
From the very beginning he was prosperous. Accommodating and enterprising, 
trade naturally came his way. People liked to deal with him. They knew him to 
be honest and conscientious, and withal they admired his grit. With the 
increase of trade he was enabled to make other investments, to make loans in a 
small way. The profits from his grocery trade and the income derived from his 
loans was promptly invested in other loans, and this branch of his business 
rapidly increased, so that on the 12th of February, 1869, just five years from 
the date of his purchase, he sold his grocery stock and gave his entire 
attention to his loans and investments.
At first the business was carried on under his individual name, and as his 
sons developed business abilities, they were taken into partnership, and under 
the name of J. S. Thompson & Sons it has been carried on for some years. Year 
by year the business has grown, until at present an annual business of over 
five hundred thousand dollars is transacted, loans being made principally on 
farm lands in Illinois. The plan of the firm is to make loans on farm property 
and sell the notes to persons desiring a safe investment, doing something 
unusual in cases of this kind, guaranteeing to the purchaser both principal 
and interest. Those dealing with this firm have only to send their interest 
coupons and principal notes when due to the bank, and they are instantly paid 
the amount, thus having no trouble or anything whatever to do with the 
mortgagor. After thirty years’ successful business career the company can 
point with pride to the fact that they have never suffered loss or been 
compelled to foreclose a mortgage in Illinois. This career is probably without 
a parallel. Farmers like to deal with the firm because they know they will be 
treated fairly, and investors know they are sure of safe returns. The firm 
have customers from Maine to California, and its reputation is A No. 1. Its 
individual responsibility is $400,000.
In addition to his loan and investment business Mr. Thompson for a number of 
years has been interested in the First National bank of Lacon, and in 1 884 
was elected president of the concern. Since that time he has given 
considerable attention to its business, and his excellent business judgment 
and wise foresight has been of great service to the bank, which is regarded as 
one of the strongest and most conservative in this section of the state.
Mr. THOMPSON was married to Miss Eliza H. NORRIS, the wedding ceremony taking 
place at the home of the bride’s parents in Lacon, May 12, 1863. She was a 
native of Ohio and a daughter of Ira and Elizabeth NORRIS, both of whom were 
natives of the same state. They came to Lacon at an early day, where their 
daughter grew to womanhood and was educated in its public schools. By this 
union were three children, all of whom grew to maturity. Charles NORRIS, the 
eldest, grew to manhood in his native town, and received a good literary and 
practical business education. He married Miss Ada BURNS, a daughter of Judge 
John BURNS. In his youth he entered the office of his father and in due time 
was taken into partnership, having shown rare business qualities. For several 
years he was a sufferer from tuberculosis, during which time he traveled 
extensively in search of a health-giving climate, spending two seasons at 
Colorado Springs, Colorado. Early in the winter of 1896 he went to Phoenix, 
Arizona, accompanied by his wife and parents, with the hope that its favored 
climate would be beneficial to him. But the end was near, and notwithstanding 
the faithful ministration of his loved wife and fond parents, death came to 
his relief the morning of February 22, 1896. He was amiable, forbearing, and a 
thorough Christian gentleman, his life and character affording no reproach to 
his professions of allegiance to the teachings of the Master, and his death 
was calm and peaceful – a fitting close to an exemplary life. He was conscious 
to the last, and as he fell quietly to sleep he seemed ready and willing to go 
and confident of the future. He was a Knight Templar Mason, and a member of 
the Knights of Pythias. His remains were brought to Lacon and laid to rest in 
the beautiful cemetery, there to wait the judgment day. Jennie Eliza, the 
second child, grew to womanhood and married Dr. C. E. VERNAY, of Lacon, where 
they still reside. They have two children, a son and a daughter, John Strawn 
VERNAY and Clara Eliza VERNAY. John Ira, the youngest of the family, is now 
the junior member of the firm of J. S. Thompson & Sons, and is also a young 
man of good business ability. He married Miss Maud A GOODRICH, and they have 
one son, John Strawn THOMPSON, Jr. They, too, reside in Lacon. The mother of 
these children died January 1, 1876, of tuberculosis. She was a devoted member 
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died in the full assurance of faith, 
loved and mourned by all who knew her in this life – a woman of rare character.
On the 12th of October, 1877, Mr. THOMPSON was united in marriage with Miss 
Emma J. NORRIS, a sister of his first wife. Two children came into their home, 
the eldest, Ora James, dying at the age of ten months. The other, Emma Mai, 
yet resides at home, a bright little miss of thirteen years, a joy and comfort 
to all who know her; giving promise of useful and accomplished womanhood.
Mrs. THOMPSON was a woman of rare Christian virtue, and in early life united 
with the Methodist Episcopal church, and was earnest, active and thoroughly 
loyal to the Master, giving of her time and talent to the advancement of the 
cause of Christ. Her death, which occurred July 30, 1884, of a tumor, was a 
peaceful one. She was ready to go and be at rest in the home prepared for the 
children of God.
In early life Mr. THOMPSON was converted and united with the Methodist 
Episcopal church, and has ever been a thorough and consistent follower of the 
lowly Nazarene. Since commencing life for himself, he has been a busy man, a 
very busy man, but business cares and responsibilities have never been so 
great as to take him from his accustomed place in the house of God. The work 
of the Master must be attended to as well, and time, talent and all must be 
given to his service. In the church he has filled nearly every official 
position, and in the Sunday-school he has been an indefatigable worker. This 
work may be said to be his special delight, and for twenty-five years he has 
been superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school of Lacon, 
Illinois. That his labors have been appreciated is attested by his long 
service in that capacity. His zeal and ability in this direction have been 
recognized outside of his own church, and for several years he has been 
president of the Marshall County Sunday School Union, and for five years 
president of the District Sunday School Union, comprising the counties of 
Marshall, Putnam, La Salle and Bureau. He is a good officer, with unquestioned 
executive ability, and above all he has a heart a love for the cause and an 
earnest desire to save the children of this land. To the church and its work 
he has always been a liberal contributor. Taking into consideration the time 
required for his business and the work of the church and Sunday-school, it 
would seem that he could find time for nothing else. But it is the busy man 
who finds time to engage in any enterprise, or do anything that will benefit 
his fellow-men. In fraternal work Mr. THOMPSON has given more or less of his 
time. He is a Mason of high standing, holding membership with the blue lodge 
and chapter of Lacon, a thirty-second degree Mason. He is a member of the 
Peoria Consistory, and the Knights Templar Commandery, and the Mohammed 
Shrine, also of Peoria. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Lacon, and has been connected with nearly 
every temperance society organized in Lacon. In temperance work he has always 
manifested a great interest and has actively engaged in doing all in his power 
to suppress the great evil of intemperance. 
On the 22d of February, 1887, Mr. THOMPSON married Miss CLARA L. VERNAY, a 
native of Lacon and daughter of James and Cynthia (WILCOX) VERNAY, and 
granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Levi WILCOX, who were numbered among the honored 
pioneers of Marshall county. In Lacon she grew to womanhood, and received a 
good education. For ten years previous to her marriage she was a teacher part 
of the time in the schools of her native city, and was regarded as among the 
best teachers employed. A lady of taste and refinement, a Christian woman with 
the love of humanity and heart, she is a worthy helpmeet of one who himself 
delights in doing good.
Mr. THOMPSON has always used his wealth for the enjoyment of his family, town 
and church. He for thirty years has visited most of the interesting places of 
his native land and Mexico. Mr. and Mrs. THOMPSON made a European tour in 
1889, visiting Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Greece, Turkey, Russia, Norway and 
Sweden, together with the principal countries and cities of Europe.
Politically Mr. THOMPSON is a democrat, and while firmly believing in the 
principles of the party, has never been a partisan. The right of opinion asked 
for himself he has always been willing to concede to others. Of political 
favors he has asked none, and cares nothing for the honors of office. In 1891 
he consented to make the race for mayor of Lacon, that he might be 
instrumental in securing a system of water works for the city. He was elected 
almost unanimously and re-elected in the same manner in 1893, serving in all 
four years. Under his administration was consummated the present efficient 
water works of the city, which are a credit to the municipality and to the 
honored mayor and council who superintended their construction.
As a citizen, no man enjoys the confidence and respect of others more than the 
subject of this sketch. His election as mayor tested his popularity with the 
voters of the city. Enterprising and progressive, everything calculated to 
build up and strengthen the business interests of Lacon and of Marshall county 
is encouraged by him. A friend of the poor and needy, his good work among such 
has brought upon him the blessings of many unfortunate ones, of which numerous 
incidents might be related. A Christian man, his entire family has followed 
his good example, and all are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and 
workers with him in the Master’s vineyard.
[portrait of J S THOMPSON available on page 17]

Isaac Harrison REEDER, M. D., of Lacon, with one exception, is the oldest 
practitioner in Marshall county, and is probably personally known by more 
people than any other of its honored citizens. He is a native of Montgomery 
county, Ohio, born near Dayton, July 27, 1824. His parents, Jacob and Frances 
(CRANE) REEDER, were both natives of Pennsylvania, from which state his 
grandfather, Daniel REEDER, emigrated in the early childhood of Jacob, 
locating at North Bend, on the Ohio river. At that place Jacob grew to manhood 
and wooed and wed Frances CRANE, whose parents were also numbered among the 
pioneers of that part of Ohio. Their wedding was celebrated in the city of 
Cincinnati, and they continued to reside in Ohio until 1834, when they removed 
to Illinois, locating just east of the present city of Lacon, on a beautiful 
tract of land overlooking the Illinois river. A settlement had been made at 
this point a short time previously and a village had been platted to which was 
given the name Columbia. This entire section of country was then a part of 
Putnam county.
The tract secured by Jacob REEDER comprised about three hundred acres of 
government land, which he proceeded to improve and where he remained with his 
family until 1837, when he sold to the Fenn Colony, which came to this 
locality from Cincinnati. That colony established the present city of Lacon, 
and secured the division of the county. On selling his farm he removed to the 
vicinity of the present village of Washburn, which was farther form the river, 
and where he thought his family would be less exposed to ague, which was 
prevalent in the county at that time. Purchasing an improved farm, he 
continued to reside thereon until old age made it incumbent on him to retire 
from active work, when he removed to Metamora, and made his home with a 
daughter, with whom he lived until his death in 1875, in his eighty-eighth 
year.
Jacob Reeder was a man of home tastes and habits, caring little or nothing for 
the applause of the world. For almost his entire life he engaged in tilling 
the soil, planting and sowing with an abiding faith that God would give the 
increase. He never sought, nor would he accept public office, although a man 
of strong political views. In early life he was an advocate of the principles 
of the whig party, but when that party, which numbered among its leaders such 
men as Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, passed out of existence, he affiliated 
with the republican party, being by nature and education a strong anti-slavery 
man. In his religious convictions he was a Presbyterian, strongly rooted in 
the peculiar views held by that old and highly conservative body of people. In 
his family relations, while tender and considerate, he was yet firm in his 
discipline and required perfect obedience from his children. He was what might 
be termed an ideal man. For many years he was an elder in the church, and was 
one of the first members of the Presbyterian church of Lacon. His good wife 
was also a member of that denomination, and was a worthy helpmate of such a 
man. She preceded him to the better world some ten years, dying in 1865.
Jacob and Frances REEDER were the parents of eight children, all of whom grew 
to maturity. Of this number Addison was a machinist by trade, and died at 
Bloomington, Illinois, in 1887. Thomas was for many years a large farmer 
residing near Minonk, Woodford county, Illinois, but died in Idaho about 1891. 
Susan, now the widow of William ROCKWELL, resides in Henry, Marshall county. 
Isaac H. is next in order of birth. David, who was a resident of Decatur 
county, Kansas, died March 6, 1896, in his seventieth year. Jacob is a 
mechanic, residing at Metamora, Illinois. Frances, who was the wife of Price 
F. KELLOGG, died in 1895. Rebecca, who was the wife of Lucien CANNEY, of 
Pontiac, Illinois, died about 1876.
The subject of this sketch remained with his parents until seventeen years of 
age, attending subscription schools of the neighborhood in winter months, and 
assisting in the cultivation and improvement of the farm the remaining seasons 
of the year. He was then apprenticed to Mr. BURLINGHAM, of Lacon, to learn the 
blacksmith’s trade, with whom he remained until twenty-one years of age, 
receiving for his services during the entire period only his board and 
clothes. Being of a naturally studious nature, while engaged in learning his 
trade, he borrowed and eagerly read a number of valuable books, thus storing 
his mind with useful knowledge. From Dr. BOALS he borrowed a chemistry, which 
he carefully studied, and from another he secured a grammar. For months he 
almost continually had his books on the forge before him, which he read and 
studied as he blew the bellows.
When his four years’ term of service was up, our subject commenced life 
without a dollar, receiving no assistance whatever from his employer. His 
trousers were out at the knees, his shirt ragged, his coat hardly fit to be 
worn, but he had grit and determination, and at once commenced work at his 
trade as a journeyman, continuing as such until he had laid by enough money 
with which to purchase a set of tools, when he opened a shop at Metamora, 
Woodford county, where he operated some three or four years. He was then taken 
sick and his physician, Dr. WHITMIRE, now, as well as then, residing at 
Metamora, decided that he must abandon his trade. While convalescing he read 
some of his physician’s medical works and became greatly interested in a 
skeleton which the doctor had in his office. For some two or three months he 
continued to read such medical works as were at his disposal, with only the 
thought of passing away the time.
Consulting with his physician as to what calling or profession he should adopt 
for the future, Dr. WHITMIRE, much to his surprise, advised him to continue 
the study of medicine and qualify himself for a physician. The idea struck him 
as amusing, as he had never given the subject any serious consideration, but 
later he decided to follow the doctor’s advice. Selling his shop and tools, he 
entered the office of Dr. WHITMIRE, and under his instruction pursued his 
studies. Being a good vocalist, he taught singing school, thereby securing the 
means with which to pay his board. He also saved enough to pay his expenses 
through one term of Rush Medical college, which he attended in the winter of 
1848-9.
At the close of his first course of lectures, he returned to Metamora without 
a cent in his pocket. His old preceptor then advised him to locate at some 
good point and enter upon the practice of his profession, thus gaining some 
practical knowledge before completing his course. This he decided to do, and 
therefore located at Lexington, Illinois, as assistant to Dr. Barnd of that 
place. He remained with the doctor about three years, saving every cent 
possible, that he might again enter college, completing the full course. While 
with Dr. Barnd he had large and varied experience, doing much of the country 
practice, taking long drives day and night, in rough and stormy as well as 
pleasant weather.
Returning to college in the fall of 1851, our subject pursued his studies and 
graduated with honors in February, 1852, receiving his diploma from Rush 
Medical college. About the middle of the term, however, he came very nearly 
leaving the college, and possibly abandoning all thought of ever continuing in 
the profession. His funds were about exhausted and he had no other source of 
supply. A roommate, Abner HARD, late of Aurora, was in about the same fix, and 
what to do was the question. His friend proposed the securing of a room and 
together keep bachelor’s hall. The back room of a doctor’s office was placed 
at their service, and there they lived during the remainder of the term, at a 
cost not exceeding ten cents each per day, their diet being principally bread 
and water. But this served to brace them up, and as stated, Dr. REEDER 
received his diploma in February, 1852. Another difficulty now arose. He had 
not money enough to pay his expenses from Chicago to Lacon. The railroad had 
not yet traversed this region, and the fare by stage was seven dollars. 
Borrowing five dollars of a friend in Chicago, he took the stage for his old 
home, arriving safely with one dollar in his pocket. Hen the walked to 
Metamora, and there borrowed five dollars of his sister with which to pay the 
Chicago loan, and again returned to his old field of labor, Lexington, 
Illinois. However, he remained there but a short time, when he received an 
offer from his cousin, Dr. Robert BOAL, of Lacon, of a partnership with him in 
practice at that place. Back to Lacon he came, and the partnership thus formed 
continued until near the beginning of the war.
The firm of Boal & Reeder succeeded in building up a fine practice, but in 
October, 1862, Dr. REEDER was commissioned surgeon of the Tenth Illinois 
Volunteer Infantry by Governor Yates, and joined the regiment at Nashville, 
Tennessee. He was then in active service until the surrender of Atlanta in the 
fall of 1864. At the battle of Stone river, he, as field surgeon, did 
efficient service. The Tenth Illinois Infantry distinguished itself in the 
battles of Stone river, Chickamauga and other engagements in that campaign, 
and Dr. REEDER was ever at his post of duty. While his inclinations were to 
remain with the boys in the field, he resigned his commission in the fall of 
1864, and returned to Lacon. He has never, however, lost his interest in the 
stirring events of that day, and has continued his membership with the Army 
and Navy Medical association.
On returning home the doctor at once resumed practice, and has since continued 
to reside at this place, and for a period of almost half a century has 
ministered to the physical wants of the people of this vicinity. His 
experience in the army and his recognized skill as a surgeon has given him a 
reputation not only throughout Marshall, but in adjoining counties, and his 
services have frequently been called into requisition in difficult surgical 
operations for many miles around. By his skill as a physician and surgeon, he 
has built up a large and lucrative practice, placing him and his family in 
comfortable circumstances. For many years he has been a member of the North 
Central Medical association and the State Medical society, and has served as 
president of the former body. The medical journals of the country have been 
enriched by his contributions, and in all matters pertaining to his 
profession, he has endeavored to keep abreast with the times.
Dr. REEDER was united in marriage with Miss Dorcas LUCAS, at Bloomington, 
Illinois, February 21, 1850, and together they have traveled life’s pathway 
for a period of forty-six years. She has been a worthy wife of a worthy 
husband, and her wise counsels and loving ministrations have been an 
encouragement to him as he has gone in and out among the people in the 
discharge of his professional duties. Tow loving daughters came to bless their 
union. Flora is now the wife of Charles E HOYT, of Lacon. She is a musician of 
more than ordinary ability, and her voice is often heard in public to the 
delight of all, while as a pianist her ability is acknowledged by all. May, 
the second daughter, died in September, 1876, in her eighteenth year. She had 
but a few months previously graduated form the Lacon high school, and the 
future was bright before her. Being very ambitious, she worked too hard that 
she might graduate with honor, and her death followed from heart paralysis. 
She was a loving young woman, the joy of parents and the friend of everybody.
While a strong republican and very pronounced in his views, Dr. REEDER has 
never sought office, and has devoted his entire time to his professional, 
social, educational and religious duties. For years he was a member of the 
school board, and for some time was its chairman. Realizing the difficulty in 
his own case of securing an education, he strived to give a more favorable 
opportunity to others, and by his active interest and wise counsel much of the 
success attained by the Lacon public schools is due. A lifelong member of the 
Presbyterian church, he has given much thought to the Master’s work. He is 
also a member of the Masonic fraternity, blue lodge and chapter. All in all it 
may be well said that the life of our subject has been such as to reflect 
credit upon himself and honor to his fellow-citizens.

Louis A LENZ is the present efficient treasurer of Marshall county, and 
although a young man, he has been tried in various official capacities, and 
has ever proven himself worthy of public trust. He is a native of the county, 
born in Belle Plain township, October 2, 1865, and is the son of Jacob and 
Augusta (KEMNITZ) LENZ, now residing in Roberts township, to which place they 
removed in the early childhood of our subject. On the home farm in Roberts 
township, Louis grew to manhood, receiving his primary education in the common 
country schools, and finishing his course in a private German school. Form the 
time he was old enough to engage in manual labor, he assisted in the 
cultivation of the home farm, attending school principally during the winter 
months.
At the age of twenty years our subject left the parental roof and embarked in 
the grocery and farm implement trade in the village of Varna. In that business 
he was fairly successful, and while much of his time was given to public 
duties, he continued in the trade until December, 1894, when his entire stock 
was consumed by fire, entailing upon him a loss of three thousand five hundred 
dollars. For something over a year he continued out of the mercantile trade, 
but in January, 1896, in company with his cousin, he embarked in the general 
furniture and undertaking business at Lacon, under the firm name of Lenz & 
Lenz. They carry a full line of staple furniture, and will always keep abreast 
with the times with respect to their trade, introduction such novelties as may 
seemingly be in demand. While in trade but a short time, they have been 
encouraged by the reception given them by the public in general.
Mr. LENZ was but twenty-two years of age when first elected clerk of Roberts 
township. That position he continued to fill until the fall of 1890, when he 
resigned to accept the nomination on the democratic ticket to the office of 
sheriff, to which he was duly elected and served four years, or until January, 
1895, when he took possession of the office of county treasurer, having been 
elected as such in the previous November. To this office he was likewise 
elected on the democratic ticket, being the regular nominee of the party. From 
the time he was first qualified to vote, he has acted with the democratic 
party, and has warmly advocated its principles. He has ever taken an active 
interest in political affairs and his influence is always felt in the 
primaries of his party and at the polls.
While serving as sheriff of the county the most delicate and difficult duty 
Mr. LENZ was called upon to perform was in connection with the strike of the 
coal miners in 1894. To protect the property, and incidentally the lives of 
many persons, in his official capacity, he had to assume control of the coal 
mines of the county, and for that purpose he had constantly employed for over 
one month from twenty-five to one hundred men as deputies, sworn to assist in 
keeping the peace. During the strike the deputies came into collision with the 
miners but once, and that was at Wenona. No special damage was done. The 
militia was called for at Toluca, but fortunately their services were not 
needed and the order was countermanded.
On May 6, 1893, Mr. LENZ was united in marriage with Miss Minnie LENZ. One 
child has come to bless their home, to whom has been given the name of Charles.
Mr. and Mrs. LENZ are members of the German Lutheran church, Lacon, and are 
held in the highest esteem in the social circles of the city. Few men are 
better known, or who have more warm personal friends than the subject of the 
sketch, whose lifework bids fair to bring him other and higher honors in the 
future.

Daniel Needham BLOOD, now deceased, was for more than forty years one of the 
leading and most highly respected citizens of Henry, Marshall county, 
Illinois. He was a native of New Hampshire, born at Hollis, July 7, 1813, and 
was a son of Joseph P. and Rachel (NEEDHAM) BLOOD. His father was a contractor 
and stone-mason by trade, and when Daniel was but five or six years of age, 
removed with his family to Boston, Massachusetts, and later to Rochester, New 
York, where he was a contractor in the construction of the locks on the Erie 
Canal. There our subject spent his youth and secured a fair education in the 
public schools of the city.
In early manhood, Mr. BLOOD removed to Victor, New York, where he engaged in 
farm work, and was there married January 1, 1838, with Miss Salome ROOT, a 
native of that village. For eight years the young couple lived at Victor, and 
there three children were born to them. In 1845 he made a trip to Illinois, 
with the view of locating should he be pleased with the country. This visit 
satisfied him that in this grand state the poor man, who was industriously 
inclined, had a rare opportunity for bettering his condition in life. He 
therefore determined to remove here, and so, in 1846, with his wife and three 
children, he moved to Farmington, Illinois, where he joined his brother, James 
BLOOD, in the manufacture of plows. This brother, when the news came of the 
discovery of gold in our newly acquired possession, California, was attacked 
with the gold fever, and was among the first in 1849 to go to the new 
Eldorado. He returned in 1851, and organized a company, which included several 
members of the family, again took up his westward march, and is yet living in 
Santa Barbara, California.
Our subject continued in the manufacture of plows but a short time, and then 
purchased a flouring mill in Fulton county, which he operated until 1851, when 
he removed to Henry, Illinois, and here engaged in the hardware business for 
three years. He then purchased a small farm about two miles northwest of the 
village, to which he added by subsequent purchase, making a farm of over two 
hundred acres, on which he made extensive improvements. This farm for the 
succeeding thirty-four years was his home, and here his children grew to 
manhood and womanhood, and from which they went out to pursue their various 
callings in life.
Mr. BLOOD was a thorough and practical farmer, confining himself to no special 
feature of farm work, but carrying on a diversified farming. He was quite 
successful in stock raising, and made some money in that line. In addition to 
his home farm he invested somewhat in other lands, and also engaged to a 
limited extent in trading and speculating. At the time of his death he was the 
owner of considerable land and personal property, and was considered among the 
well-to-do and prosperous men of Marshall county.
In 1888, he determined to leave the farm, and purchasing a residence in Henry, 
he removed to the village and practically lived a retired life. For two years 
he was a great sufferer from heart trouble, and death came to his relief July 
11, 1890, at the age of seventy-seven years and four days. His wife preceded 
him to the “land beyond” some six weeks, so their separation was of but short 
duration.
To Mr. and Mrs. BLOOD six children were born, two of whom died in infancy. The 
living are William M., a farmer, now residing at Whitewood, South Dakota; 
James A., a merchant of Santa Barbara, California; Mary L., of whom mention is 
made further on in this sketch, and Daniel N., a farmer, living near York, 
Nebraska.
In his political views from the organization of the party until his death, 
Daniel N. BLOOD was a thorough and consistent republican, and while really 
averse to holding official position, yet held several offices of a local 
character, the duties of which he discharged with conscientious fidelity. In 
later life neither himself nor wife were connected with any church, though 
favoring the work of the church and contributing of their means to both church 
and Sunday school. He was a great friend to education and gave freely toward 
the erection of the Henry Female seminary which stood on a part of his farm, 
and which was erected under the auspices of Rev. H. G. PENDLETON, the first 
Congregational minister of Henry, and opened November 12, 1849. For some years 
the school was conducted by Rev. PENDLETON as a boarding school for young 
ladies, having an attendance of about one hundred pupils. The first building 
was burned February 15, 1855, after which a more pretentious four-story brick 
was built, together with a handsome brick residence, the latter still 
standing. The first corps of teachers employed were from Mount Holyoke 
seminary. Until after the beginning of the war the school flourished, but it 
then began to decline, and that struggle proved its death blow. For some years 
school was conducted in the building by various parties, but without success, 
and it was finally passed into the hands of Mr. BLOOD, who, on being convinced 
no good would come of it, had the main building torn down.
Mr. BLOOD was a man of strong, positive character, and a most careful business 
man. He was loved in his home, and had many warm friends in the community 
where he so long resided.
Mary L. BLOOD, the only daughter of Daniel N. and Salome (ROOT) BLOOD who grew 
to womanhood, was born in Fulton county, Illinois, but removed with her 
parents to Marshall county in early childhood. Here she grew to lovely 
womanhood, and in the Henry seminary received her literary education, which 
was, however, finished in the Hyde Park seminary of Chicago. She remained with 
her parents until her marriage, June 11, 1873, with Captain Thomas Q. 
HILDEBRANT, a native of Ohio, who for ten years was a prominent attorney of 
Joliet, Illinois. Captain HILDEBRANT was a great admirer of the “Little 
Giant,” Stephen A. Douglas, and in the presidential campaign of 1860, stumped 
the state for that eminent statesman, who was a candidate for the presidency. 
The “Little Giant” was, however, defeated, and Abraham Lincoln elected. The 
southern states which in the event of such an occurrence, had threatened to 
secede, made good their threats as far as was in their power by passing acts 
of secession and the appeal to arms. Like his great leader, the patriotic 
blood of Mr. HILDEBRANT was fired and he determined to do all in his power to 
put down the rebellion and wipe out the insult to the old flag. At the first 
call to arms, he offered his services and raised a company, which became 
Company F, Twentieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and at the head of his 
company he marched to the front. ON account of ill-health he was compelled to 
resign after one year’s service.
On leaving the service, Captain HILDEBRANT removed to Ohio, and as his old-
time health was renewed, he determined again to enter the army, and became a 
member of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served 
until the close of the war, mainly on staff service. On one of the fields of 
battle, Captain HILDEBRANT lost his sword, which was a present to him by his 
old company. It was picked up by a rebel who sold it, and after having been 
used by a rebel officer, at the close of the war was taken to his home in 
Florida. A friend of Captain HILDEBRANT, while traveling in that state, some 
twenty-three years after, saw the sword on which the name of the captain was 
engraved, recognized it, arranged with the soldier for its purchase and 
returned it to its owner, then residing in Washington, D. C. It is now among 
the archives of the Grand Army post at Joliet, to which several of the 
original company belong.
Soon after their marriage, Captain and Mrs. HILDEBRANT removed to Cincinnati, 
where he engaged in the practice of law until 1884, when they removed to 
Washington, D. C., where he resumed practice, making a specialty of practice 
before the court of claims, and where he attained great distinction as a 
successful advocate. He resided in Washington until his death, April 8, 1890. 
His death, however, occurred at Henry, at which place he was then visiting. 
His remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Henry, which was laid out on 
land formerly owned by her father.
Since the death of her husband, Mrs. HILDEBRANT has made her home in Henry. 
Until the death of her parents she lived with them, and since that time has 
resided in the house where they peacefully passed away. Mrs. HILDEBRANT is a 
woman of no ordinary ability, which has been recognized by those with whom she 
has been associated. She was one of the first women elected a member of the 
school board, and was secretary of the Henry school board for one year. A 
member of the Congregational church, she takes an active interest in all its 
work. She also belongs to various clubs, among them being the Woman’s club and 
the Chautauqua club, and her influence for good is felt in each.

Crawford N. ONG, clerk of the circuit court of Marshall county, Illinois, is a 
native of Putnam county, Illinois, born in Magnolia township, March 2, 1863. 
His father, Nathan ONG, was a merchant tailor and a business man in Magnolia. 
His life was mainly spent in Marshall and Putnam counties, coming here in 1842 
when eighteen years old. His marriage with Miss Meriel Dorinda MYERS occurred 
September 7, 1848. She is the daughter of David MYERS, who came to this county 
in 1832, locating in Roberts township, two and a half miles north of the 
present village of Varna, where he spent the remainder of his life. For many 
years in connection with farming, he engaged in the nursery business, and many 
of the old orchards in Marshall and Putnam county came from his nursery. In 
the family were thirteen children, of whom Mrs. ONG is the only representative 
now living in the county. The old homestead is owned by the only living son, 
Hiram MYERS, who makes his home in Galesburg, Illinois. Besides Mrs. ONG three 
daughters yet survive.
Nathan ONG, the father of our subject, was for some years engaged in the hotel 
business in Henry, Marshall county, being the landlord of the Paskell house. 
In 1850 he started overland for California, and arrived at his destination 
after six months of perils and hardships. The company from his immediate 
neighborhood was comprised of four men, his father, his two brothers-in law, 
Joshua and David MYERS, and himself. The return trip was made by sea, crossing 
the Isthmus of Panama, and landing at New York city, thence home by railroad.
In his family were six children, of whom three sons are now living. Ira M., 
now residing in Normal, Illinois, was four years county superintendent of 
schools in Marshall county, a position which he was eminently qualified to 
fill, and in which he gave good satisfaction to the people of the county. From 
his youth up he engaged in teaching in the public schools of his native 
country, but since 1894 has been engaged as principal in one of the ward 
schools of Bloomington, Illinois. Judson W., the second son, is at present 
engaged as a storekeeper in the internal revenue office at Peoria.
The subject of this sketch spent his childhood and youth in Roberts township, 
and at various times attended the country schools of the immediate vicinity in 
which the family lived, and later the village schools of Varna. When nineteen 
years of age for one term he engaged as a teacher in the country school, known 
as Shaw’s Point school. Possessed of some musical skill, about this time he 
engaged as a musician with a comedy company then playing “one night stands” in 
the vicinity, but it did not take long to wean him of the desire to 
distinguish himself as a “barn stormer,” and he retired from the company, 
receiving nothing for his services but valuable experience, and for the next 
four years engaged in the painting trade as a journeyman painter. This was a 
more profitable employment, even if not so distinguished. Quitting this 
business, however, he engaged as a clerk in the clothing store of Messrs. 
Stire & Gell, at Lacon, where he remained until March, 1889 when he was 
appointed deputy circuit clerk, under John B. WRIGHT, with whom he remained 
until the expiration of Mr. WRIGHT’s term. The ability displayed as deputy 
secured him the nomination for the office of circuit clerk on the democratic 
ticket, and he was triumphantly elected, being duly installed the first Monday 
in December, 1892. He has now served something over three years with entire 
satisfaction to the court and his constituents in general.
On the 10th of May, 1894, Mr. ONG was untied in marriage with Miss Marsa 
THOMPSON, a native of Lacon, a graduate of its high school, and a daughter of 
Samuel H. THOMPSON. One daughter has come to bless their union, Florence, born 
September 4, 1895.
Socially Mr. ONG is a member of Lacon lodge, No. 291, K. P., has been 
chancellor commander for two terms, and has held other offices in that body, 
including its representative to the grand lodge two years. He is also a member 
of the Knights of Maccabees, a fraternal insurance society, in which he is 
very much interested. Mr. ONG is quite fond of outdoor sports, and has quite a 
reputation as a hunter and fisherman with the line and rod. As a citizen he is 
held in the highest esteem by those with whom he is acquainted, and has ever 
shown himself enterprising and ready to do his share in every good work. To 
such men much of the prosperity of a community is due.

Frederick Story POTTER, of Henry, Illinois, is one of the best known and most 
highly honored of the attorneys of Marshall county. He was born in New Haven, 
Connecticut, November 3, 1837, and is the son of Frederick and Caroline A. 
(STORY) POTTER, who were also natives of the nutmeg state. His father was a 
contractor and builder and followed that occupation the greater part of his 
life. In 1840 the family came to Illinois, locating in Christian county, 
between Decatur and Springfield, where they remained until 1846, and then 
removed to Beardstown, where the mother died in 1865. Some years after the 
father removed to Henry, where he, too, passed away April 2, 1892, at the age 
of seventy-eight years.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent with his parents until sixteen 
years of age. His health failing him at Beardstown, he came to Henry, where 
for three years he was in the employ of Robert DAWSON as bookkeeper. He then 
engaged in general merchandising on his own account and continued in the 
business until 1862 with fair success. Closing out his stock of merchandise he 
entered the office of P. S. PERLEY, under whose instruction he read law, and 
was admitted to the bar in September, 1864. Forming a partnership with his 
preceptor, they were associated together until August, 1873, since which time 
he has practiced alone. Mr. PERLEY, who is now a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, 
is a man of great ability, a graduate of Bowdoin college, being a classmate of 
Gen. O. O. Howard, John N. Jewett, and other men who have since become noted 
in the history of our country. In 1870 he was a member of the Illinois 
constitutional convention which framed our present state constitution.
In 1872 Mr. POTTER was elected state’s attorney for Marshall county, and 
served four years with credit to himself and to the county which he 
represented. Faithful in the discharge of every duty, he prosecuted the evil-
doer without fear or favor, while tempering mercy with justice. Since his 
retirement from that office, he has given attention wholly to his private 
practice, of which he has always had his full share. He is regarded by all who 
know him as a safe counselor, one whose advice it is wise for the client to 
follow. It has never been a practice with him to advise litigation when other 
counsels would subserve the same ends. He has followed in this respect in the 
footsteps of such wise counselors and advocates as Abraham Lincoln, John T. 
Stuart and others who became noted at the Illinois bar.
Politically, Mr. POTTER was originally a Douglas democrat, following the lead 
of that eminent statesman during that great contest with Lincoln in 1858, when 
the latter represented the newly organized republican party as its candidate 
for the United States senate in opposition to Douglas, who was then serving as 
United States senator, and was the democratic candidate for re-election. With 
all the ardor of a young man, Mr. POTTER entered into that canvass at a time 
when he should exercise the rights of franchise for the first time. Again, in 
1860, he followed the lead of Douglas, who had been nominated by one wing of 
the democratic party for the presidency. But Douglas was defeated, some of the 
southern states passed acts of secession, the war followed, and young POTTER 
became a war democrat. The transition from that position to republicanism was 
easy, and from early in the ‘60s to the present time, he has been an 
uncompromising republican. In every campaign his voice is heard upon the 
stump, and he has dealt some stalwart blows for the principles espoused. In 
1880 he was quite active, supporting the side of Grant against Blaine, but his 
purpose was accomplished with the defeat of both by the nomination and 
election of Garfield.
Mr. POTTER has been twice married, his first union being in 1858, with Miss 
Louisa V. DAWSON, of Henry, by whom three children were born: Ellsworth Story, 
now a traveling salesman, residing in Peoria; Carrie Louisa, who married 
Daniel S. SCHNEIDER, but who died in September, 1892; and Ida, now the wife of 
Eugene D. LANE, of Sterling, Illinois. The wife and mother died July 21, 1871, 
her death being mourned by husband and children and a large circle of friends 
who esteemed her for her worth as a genuine womanly woman, a loving wife and 
mother, and faithful friend.
Some three years after the death of his first wife, on the 29th of April, 
1874, Mr. POTTER was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Isabella HOUSE, 
daughter of Willard HOUSE, an early merchant and miller of Grand Detour, 
Illinois. By this union three children were also born: Gertrude and Fred W., 
graduates of the high school class of 1895; the latter is now a student in his 
father’s law office; and Sarah Elsie, a high school student.
In addition to his legal duties Mr. POTTER is interested in everything 
calculated to build up and strengthen the business of his adopted town and 
county. For twenty-four years he has been a director of the Henry Bridge 
Company, and for fifteen years its president. A friend of education, he does 
all in his power to promote the interests of the public schools. For many 
years he has been an active worker in the Masonic order, and is a member of 
Henry lodge, No. 119, F. & A. M., and of Chillicothe chapter, R. A. M., of 
Lacon. He is not a member of any church, but contributes to the support of the 
Protestant Episcopal church of Henry, of which his wife is a devoted member. 
As a citizen he is held in the highest esteem by his fellow townsmen.
[portrait of F. S. POTTER available on page 47]

John GRIEVES, senior member of the firm of John Grieves & Sons, woolen 
manufacturers of Lacon, has been identified with the business interests of the 
city for thirty years. He is a the pioneer in the manufacture of woolen goods 
in this section of the country.
The woolen industry in Lacon was the outgrowth of an article in the Chicago 
Tribune about the close of the war from the pen of Spencer Ellsworth, which 
attracted the attention of Samuel SAQUE and John GRIEVES> Correspondence 
between these gentlemen and Mr. ELLSWORTH led to a meeting of a few of the 
representative citizens of Lacon and the appointment of William F. FISHER and 
Mr. ELLSWORTH a committee to confer with SAQUE and GRIEVES with reference to 
the establishment of a manufactory at this point for the production of woolen 
goods. A favorable report being made, a company was organized with a capital 
of one hundred thousand dollars, which was later increased to one hundred and 
twenty-three thousand. The first board of directors were Archibald RIDDELL, 
John GRIEVES, William F. FISHER, Spencer ELLSWORTH, Dr. THOMAS, Alonzo ROBERTS 
and P. STEVENS.
The company, known as the Lacon Woolen Manufacturing company, after being duly 
incorporated, commenced operations, having elected John GRIEVES as 
superintendent. It was in January, 1866, when Mr. GRIEVES first came to Lacon 
to engage in the work. The mill, erected at a cost of eighty-four thousand 
dollars, was built under the supervision of Mr. GRIEVES, and all the machinery 
bought by him.
There were many difficulties to be overcome in the establishment of such an 
enterprise in the west, and it required boldness in any one to come in 
competition with the old and well established houses of the east. The company 
was fortunate in the selection of Mr. GRIEVES as superintendent and general 
manager. A thorough master of his trade, and with good business instinct and 
tact, he took hold of the enterprise with a determination to make it win.
The erection and equipment of the mill with necessary machinery exhausted the 
capital of the company, leaving it without a dollar with which to purchase 
necessary supplies. Nothing daunted, Mr. GRIEVES went to Chicago, and stating 
his case to dealers, secured the dyes and other material needed, and work was 
commenced. The first output of the mill was fancy cassimeres. A fine fabric 
was made, comparing favorably with those of any eastern mill. The product was 
put with the commission houses of Chicago, but with ill success. Mr. GREIVES 
then went to that city, and with samples of cloth visited the trade, and after 
many disappointments succeeded in selling the goods.
After a trial Mr. GRIEVES and the directors of the company were convinced that 
a change would have to be made in the manufacture of goods, as such prices for 
cassimeres and flannels could not be obtained as could justify the making. It 
was then agreed to engage in the manufacture of shawls, being the first mill 
in the west to engage in that line. For five years Mr. GRIEVES continued in 
charge of the mill, when he resigned his position and removed to Peoria, where 
he also engaged in woolen manufacture.
During the succeeding five years the Lacon woolen mill made no progress, and 
Mr. GRIEVES was persuaded to return and occupy his old position as 
superintendent and manager. From 1876 until 1894 he filled those positions, 
and during that time dividends on the stock were made and paid, save for the 
years 1892 and 1893. In the spring of 1894 the directors of the mill took 
charge, and until November of that year were engaged in cleaning out all stock 
on hand. In the spring of 1895 the mill was rented to John Grieves & Sons, who 
are still operating it with success, turning out about seventy-five thousand 
dollars worth of products annually. Employment is given about seventy-five 
hands.
In 1883 Grieves, Halsey & Company erected the Ettrick mill at Lacon at a cost 
of thirty-four thousand dollars. It first engaged in the manufacture of 
hosiery yarn and continued in that line until it became unprofitable in 
consequence of the low prices prevailing. The looms were then changed and the 
manufacture of shawls was commenced, and later another change was made to 
dress goods. John W. GRIEVES, the son of our subject, succeeded Mr. HALSEY, 
and the present firm was started, that of John Grieves & Son. This mill, which 
is run night and day, also gives employment to about seventy persons, and the 
combined pay roll is about four thousand five hundred dollars per month. The 
products of these mills are mainly disposed of in Chicago, though selling in 
all the principal cities.
Our subject was born in Selkirk, Scotland, November 8, 1826, and there grew to 
manhood. At the age of ten years he entered a woolen mill in his native city, 
learning the trade in all its departments, and remaining there until after 
attaining his majority.  In 1848 he came to America and secured a position as 
a weaver of shawls at Lawrence, Massachusetts, being thoroughly conversant 
with that line of business. After two years he took charge of a weaver’s room 
in the mill near Boston, remained two and a half years, then went to New 
Edinburg, Canada, and became superintendent of a cassimere mill.
Returning to Massachusetts, he was in charge of a weaver’s room at Andover for 
three years, and again went to Canada for one year. He next went to North 
Andover, Massachusetts, then to Utica, New York, as boss weaver. From Utica he 
went to the mill of James Roy & Co., West Troy, New York, having charge of the 
shawl mill of that firm. From Troy he came to Lacon in 1866. John GRIEVES and 
Isabel HEART were united in marriage, April 17, 1848. Their two sons, John W. 
and George H., are associated with their father in the business. John is a 
designer and makes all the patterns used by the firm. George H. is 
superintendent of the Ettrick mill. Each of the firm understands the business 
thoroughly, and the product of their mills always gives the best satisfaction.

Robert BOAL, M. D., who came to Marshall county, and located at Lacon in 1836 
for the practice of his profession, is now living a retired life, making his 
home with his daughter, the widow of the late Congressman G. L. FORT. He was 
born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1806, and when five years of age went 
with his parents to Ohio, and in what was then a new and undeveloped country, 
grew to manhood amid the scenes of pioneer life. After attending the 
subscription schools of that early day, long before free schools became known 
in that locality, he entered the Cincinnati College to complete his course. 
However, the desire to obtain a thorough classical education was never 
realized, as he left the school when just about to be promoted to the junior 
class.
Soon after leaving college Robert began the study of medicine under a good 
preceptor, and later entered the Medical College of Ohio, from which he 
graduated with honor in 1828. From early boyhood he had desired to be a 
physician, having a natural inclination in that direction. Soon after 
graduating he commenced the practice of medicine at Reading, Ohio, and four 
years later in 1832, was united in marriage with Miss Christina W. SINCLAIR, a 
native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and of Scotch extraction. By this union 
three children were born – Charles T., now residing in Chicago; Clara B., now 
the widow of G. L. FORT, who for years represented his district in congress 
and was well and favorably known throughout the state, and James Sinclair, who 
for ten years was assistant district attorney for the northern district of 
Illinois, with headquarters at Chicago, serving under Judge BANGS, General 
LEAKE, Judge TUTHILL and Judge EWING and died in office. Mrs. BOAL, who was a 
woman of strong character and lovely disposition, was a worthy helpmeet to the 
young doctor in pioneer days, being ever ready and willing to cheer his 
pathway, and make his burden light. She died in Peoria, in 1883.
Four years after his marriage Dr. BOAL came with his young wife to Marshall 
county, and locating at Lacon, at once commended an active practice, which 
continued uninterruptedly for twenty-six years. In those early days the rides 
were long, roads poor, bridges almost unknown and the practicing physician was 
required to hold himself in readiness to go at a moment’s warning at a call 
from any source and at whatever inconvenience. Many were the calls to which he 
responded, lonely the long night rides and but little was the pay expected or 
received.
In common with all professional men, Dr. BOAL was somewhat of a politician in 
the early days of the history of Marshall county. He was an eloquent speaker 
and his services were often called into requisition in the exciting campaigns 
which rapidly followed one another. The newspapers did not circulate then as 
now, and the public and professional speaker was expected to enlighten the 
people upon the issues of the day.
Politically, Dr. BOAL was a whig after attaining his majority, and the 
principles of that party especially with reference to the great question of 
the tariff, were in consonance with his ideas of right and for the best 
interest of the entire country. He took the stump in advocacy of these 
principles in each succeeding campaign, and was a most effective speaker. In 
1844 he was placed in nomination by his party for the state senate in the 
district comprising the counties of Marshall, Tazewell, Woodford and Putnam, 
and was triumphantly elected, succeeding Major CULLOM, the father of the 
present United States Senator CULLOM.
While in the senate the doctor strongly advocated the building by the state of 
a hospital of the insane, and was instrumental in securing its passage. For 
some years previous the state had been engaged in the construction of a canal 
and which virtually swamped the state in the panic of 1837. The doctor 
advocated turning the uncompleted canal over to the bond holders for its early 
completion, which was accordingly done. He also advocated the calling of a 
constitutional convention to revise the constitution, and an act was passed 
for that purpose, resulting in the constitution of 1848, which for twenty-two 
years was the basis of our state laws, or until repealed by the constitution 
of 1870.
Dr. BOAL was a politician of state reputation, and was on intimate terms with 
all the great leaders of the whig party. He first met the immortal Lincoln in 
1842, and was at once drawn to him, and the personal acquaintance formed with 
him at the congressional convention of that year was kept up and lasted 
through the life of Lincoln.
In 1854 Dr. BOAL was elected a member of the general assembly of the state, 
the last whig elected from the district; at the session of the legislature 
following his election a United States senator was to be elected. Lincoln was 
the whig candidate and was enthusiastically supported by the doctor. Every 
student of history knows the result of that election. A small number of what 
was known as anti-Nebraska democrats, of whom John M. Palmer was one, held the 
balance of power, and when convinced their favorite could not be elected the 
entire whig vote was cast, with that of the anti-Nebraska democrats, for Lyman 
Trumbull, who was duly chosen.
The whig party was now virtually dead, and in 1856 a convention of anti-
slavery men met at Bloomington, Illinois, in which was brought into existence 
the republican party of the state. In this convention Dr. BOAL sat as one of 
the delegates, and was thus instrumental in the birth of that party, which 
four years later succeeded in electing Abraham Lincoln as president, an event 
followed by the greatest war of modern times, resulting in the entire 
abolition of slavery and the cementing of the ties binding the states of the 
union together, stronger than ever before. Dr. BOAL was renominated for the 
house of representatives in 1856, and again elected, and served with credit to 
himself and his constituents.
William H. Bissell was elected governor in 1856, and soon after his 
inauguration he appointed Dr. BOAL as one of the trustees of the deaf and dumb 
asylum at Jacksonville, a position which he held by reappointment by 
succeeding governors, for seventeen years, the last five years of which time 
serving as president of the board. Soon after the commencement of hostilities 
between the states Dr. BOAL was appointed surgeon of the board of enrollment, 
with headquarters at Peoria, which position he held until the close of the war.
The active political life of Dr. BOAL closed with the war. He then moved his 
family to Peoria and engaged in general practice, which he continued 
successfully for twenty-eight years. As a physician he was recognized by his 
co-laborers and the public as well, as one of the best in the state. His 
practice was very large, patients coming for treatment by him for many miles 
around. In 1882 he served as president of the State Medical association, an 
honor worthily bestowed.
Dr. BOAL continued in the active practice of his profession until he was 
eighty-seven years of age, when he retired and returned to Lacon, where he now 
makes his home. He is a well preserved man, mentally and physically, and an 
inveterate smoker. A great reader, he has kept posted in the current and 
general literature of the day and has also been  a lover of the drama. In the 
social circle he is always surrounded by those who love to listen to an 
attractive conversationalist, one who can instruct as well as amuse.

John Allen KEEDY, residing on section 10, Richland township, Marshall county, 
is one of the very few pioneers of the township now living. A residence here 
of over sixty-two years has made him familiar with the history of the county, 
and given him a wide knowledge of the grand men and women who, like himself, 
came here in poverty and endured the trials and hardships that tested the 
character of each and brought out the old in them as by a refiner’s fire. One 
by one he has seen them drop by the wayside “when life’s fitful dream was 
over,” until he begins to feel as did Elijah of old that he alone is left.
John A. KEEDY is of German descent. His grandfather, John KEEDY, being a 
native of Germany, who, with a widowed mother and two brothers, came to this 
country when he was but sixteen years of age. The family located in Tennessee, 
and the brothers of John enlisted in the service of their adopted country in 
the revolutionary war, and were never afterward heard from. John grew to 
manhood, married and reared a family, of whom one son, Abraham, born in 
Tennessee, in 1798, married Patsy GRAY, born in 1799, and a daughter of John 
GRAY, a native of Scotland, who came to this country in 1812, and located 
within seven miles of the great mammoth cave of Kentucky, and later moved to 
Orange county, Indiana, where the marriage of Abraham KEEDY and Patsy GRAY was 
consummated. Her father, after having moved to Martinsville, Indiana, and 
there assisting in laying out the town, came to Marshall county, Illinois, 
about 1836. He purchased the farm now owned by William J. RAMSAY, in Richland 
township, resided there a short time and then returned to Indiana, where his 
wife died. After the death of his wife he again came back to Marshall county, 
where he died some years later.
Abraham KEEDY and his wife lived in Orange county, Indiana, until 1821, when 
they moved to Martinsville, in the same state, at a time when the Indians were 
still numerous in that locality. Here they remained until 1834, when they came 
to Marshall county, locating on the southeast quarter of section 16, Richland 
township. At that time there were but few settlers in this locality and the 
country was in almost its primitive state. A rail pen was first erected, in 
which the family lived until a more substantial structure of logs could be 
erected. Abraham KEEDY was by trade a blacksmith, at which he worked in 
connection with farming during his entire life. He built a shop on his farm 
and had the patronage of the settlers for many miles around. The first season 
here he worked in the harvest field for Colonel John STRAWN for which he 
received two bushels of wheat for each day’s work. He resided on the farm 
until 1858. His wife dying the previous year, he concluded to move to Minonk, 
Illinois, where he subsequently died.
Abraham and Patsy KEEDY were the parents of ten children, two of them dying in 
infancy before leaving Indiana. Nine grew to maturity, as follows: John Allen, 
our subject; Polly, who married George BELL, both being now deceased; Sarah, 
deceased wife of Zachariah PERRY, also deceased; Helen, who married George 
HARPER, and both are now deceased; Virginia, who became the wife of Samuel 
JONES, but both are now deceased; Louis who entered the service of his country 
with the rank of captain, and died in the discharge of his duty; Abraham and 
Martha, twins, both deceased, and Wesley, the youngest. The parents were both 
consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church in which he served as 
class leader and trustee for many years. In politics he was originally a whig, 
but became a republican on the organization of the party.
John Allen KEEDY, our subject, was born in Orange county, Indiana, April 25, 
1820, and was but one year old when his parents removed to Martinsville, 
Indiana. In his childhood he was frequently held in the arms of Indian men and 
women and played with the little papooses. He was fourteen years old when the 
family moved to Marshall county, and well remembers the journey by ox team. 
Here he attended the first school in the township in what was known as the 
Bird schoolhouse. It was a very rude affair, and the instructions imparted 
therein were almost as rude as the structure. He remained at home, assisting 
his father in the shop and upon the farm until June 30, 1841, when he married 
Caroline Matilda Thair FOSTER, a native of Kentucky, born October 10, 1820, 
and daughter of Rev. John C. FOSTER, a Methodist preacher, who came to this 
county in 18 38, and died here.
After marriage our subject settled upon a farm of thirty acres given him by 
his father, his entire cash capital being fourteen dollars. But what of that; 
he had good health, a loving wife, great hope for the future, and why should 
he not be happy? On that farm he remained eight years, then moved to Lacon, 
where he lived one year; then went to Indiana by team, railroads then being 
yet in the future so far as this section was concerned. He, however, soon 
returned, located on section 10, Richland township, where he still lives. The 
home farm comprises eighty acres of fine, well improved land, in addition to 
which he owns one hundred and sixty-five acres of timber land.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. KEEDY, a son, Ambrose Dudley, who 
married Jemima RAMSEY, a woman of good Christian character, a member of the 
Presbyterian church, who died in 1877, leaving two children, Luella M. and 
Margaret C., both of whom grew to womanhood. They are members of our subject’s 
household. The daughter, Luella V., was unmarried and died at the age of 
nineteen, having been born on the 25th of September, 1850.
John Allen KEEDY is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which body 
his wife was also a devout and loyal member. In the teachings of that church 
she spent her entire life, dying April 23, 1894, having an abiding faith in 
the promises of the Master and the desire to be at rest over there. Mr. KEEDY 
has always taken a somewhat active part in the work of the church, and has 
served as trustee ever since the chapel was erected in his neighborhood. He is 
the only survivor of those originally forming the church on section 14. The 
work of the Sunday school has always enlisted his most earnest efforts and he 
has given much of his time as teacher and superintendent, in each capacity 
serving faithfully and well.
Politically, Mr. KEEDY was originally a whig, but unlike his father, on the 
dissolution of the whig party, he drifted into the democratic party, with 
which he has since been identified. Officially he has served his township as 
assessor, collector and treasurer. His son Ambrose Dudley was assessor of the 
township seven years, and has also served as school trustee. The father and 
son make their home together and both are highly respected citizens of the 
county. The father has passed his three score and ten years, and is a well 
preserved man with many friends throughout Marshall and adjoining counties.

George SANWALD, now living retired at Lacon, was for several years numbered 
among the prominent and enterprising farmers of Roberts township, who are of 
alien birth. Like others of his countrymen, he brought to America the habits 
of economy and frugality which are an inherent characteristic of his native 
land, and the exercise of which, accompanied by industry and good management, 
raised him to a position of comparative affluence.
Mr. SANWALD was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, in 1824, where he grew to 
manhood, but with the view of benefiting his financial condition he sailed for 
the new world, landing on the shores of this country July 25, 1854. He at once 
obtained work in Pennsylvania, where he remained for two years, at the end of 
which time he came to Illinois and here was employed as a farm hand for the 
following eight years. Having succeeded in accumulating one thousand dollars, 
in 1865 he invested this in land, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres in 
Roberts township, Marshall county, to which he later added. He has given his 
son Otto two hundred and thirty-three acres on sections 3 and 4, Roberts 
township, which tract is supplied with good farming buildings, and still owns 
three hundred and eighty acres on section 9, which since coming to Lacon, he 
has rented. He is entirely a self-made man, as on coming to this state he was 
without means and all that he now possesses has been acquired through his own 
industrious efforts. He was for some time extensively engaged in raising and 
feeding stock, often shipping four car loads of cattle to the city markets and 
from one to four car loads of hogs. In this business he was in partnership 
with his brother Jacob until about three years ago. The brother died upon the 
farm in the summer of 1895, and the following fall our subject removed with 
his family to Lacon, where he is now resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of 
his former toil. His farm is highly cultivated and well improved with a 
comfortable dwelling, good barns and other outbuildings.
In 1863 Mr. SANWALD led to the marriage altar Miss Anna CRIST, a native of 
Hesse, Germany, who died in 1891. On the 6th of May, 1893, he was again 
married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary KEINATH, widow of Matt KEINATH, 
who lived for ten years in Lacon and then returned to Germany, where he died 
November 25, 1888, leaving one son, John, who now makes his home with his 
mother in Lacon. By his former marriage Mr. SANWALD had one son, Otto, who 
married Elizabeth RANCH, by whom he has three children, Amelia, Bernardt and 
an infant unnamed, and is living upon a farm near the old homestead.
Although usually voting the democratic ticket, Mr. SANWALD is now strictly non-
partisan, endeavoring to support the man best qualified for the office. He 
holds membership with the Lutheran church at Varna, in which he takes an 
active part, and enjoys the esteem and respect of all who know him.

Samuel BUCK, who resides upon section 19, Richland township, while not classed 
specially among the pioneers, has yet spent in Marshall county nearly forty 
years of active business life, and is well and favorably known, not alone in 
his own county, but in the adjoining counties as well. He is a native of 
Montgomery county, Indiana, born September 25, 1831, and is a son of Andrew 
and Hannah (BUTT) BUCK, the former a native of Pennsylvania, born May 14, 
1797, and the latter of Maryland. They settled in Montgomery county, Indiana, 
near Crawfordsville at a very early day, and there spent the remainder of 
their lives, the mother dying April 3, 1843, when Samuel was in his youth, the 
father August 10, 1869. They were the parents of ten children, six sons and 
four daughters, all of whom grew to maturity, but three daughters and our 
subject are the only ones now living. One son, Daniel, was a soldier in the 
Mexican war, and another, Jacob, who was a soldier in the civil war, died in 
the service.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on his father’s farm in Indiana, 
and was educated in the district schools. He there learned the making of 
brick, and became an expert in that industry. It was for the purpose of 
engaging in this industry that he came to Marshall county, Illinois, in the 
spring of 1857. Purchasing a small tract of land on section 19, Richland 
township, which was then covered with timber and brush, he at once set about 
the improvement of the place, clearing and developing a farm. He also 
commenced the manufacture of brick, in which business he continued in 
connection with farming until 1882, a period of twenty-five years. At that 
time he made many thousands of superior brick and sold his products for miles 
around. For some years he also operated a steam saw mill, and in carrying on 
the three lines of business it may well be conceived that he was a busy man.
Two years after coming to this locality Mr. BUCK was united in marriage with 
Miss Sarah J. MALONE, a daughter of Joseph MALONE, now deceased, who located 
here in 1843, coming from Fountain county, Indiana, where Mrs. BUCK was born. 
On coming to this county she was but a very small child, and here she grew to 
lovely womanhood, and in 1859 married our subject. Three children were born of 
this union – Andrew, Ella and William. The daughter is now the wife of Lincoln 
KUNKLE and resides in Richland township. The mother died April 30, 1888, after 
a happy married life of twenty-nine years. She was an earnest Christian woman, 
a member of the Christian church for many years and died in the hope of the 
resurrection and the blessed reunion beyond the grave.
On coming to this county Mr. BUCK was in limited circumstances, but he came 
with an object in view, and with a steadfast determination to succeed in life. 
From a small beginning and to his original purchase of one hundred and sixty 
acres of land, he added from time to time until today he is the owner of seven 
hundred and seventy-five acres of fine land, all of which is highly improve. 
Almost all the improvements made have been by his own hands or under his 
supervision. Success has crowned his efforts and he is able to enjoy the 
fruits of a life well spent in honest toil and the honest accumulation of 
years.
Samuel BUCK has, from the beginning of his life in Marshall county, enjoyed 
the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. A man of fine qualities and 
of excellent judgment, he has frequently been called upon to administer upon 
estates and it can be safely assumed that he never betrayed a trust, and every 
duty was faithfully discharged.
Fraternally, Mr. BUCK was for some years a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows, but at present does not affiliate with the order, although its 
principles he holds in the highest respect. Politically, he is a democrat, 
with which party he has always been associated, believing strongly in the 
principles of the party, as advocated by its great leaders, Jefferson, 
Jackson, Douglas and others. Of late years, however, he has taken but little 
interest in political affairs, leaving such matters to younger men. During his 
residence her he has often been called upon to fill local office, having 
served as supervisor of the township, and for many years as school director, 
having taken great interest in educational matters. Purely a self-made man, 
his life is worthy of emulation by the youth of the land.

B. Kilbourn JACKSON, of section 20, Richland township, has spent his entire 
life in Marshal county, and, as boy and man, has witnessed the many changes in 
transforming the wild prairie and heavy timber land into fine and productive 
farms and flourishing villages.
Andrew JACKSON, the father of our subject, was born in Barbersville, Kentucky, 
December 8, 1804, and was a son of John JACKSON, one of the very early 
settlers of the blue grass state. He there grew to manhood, and moving to 
Indiana, there married Mary GRAY, a native of Kentucky, born in 1803, and a 
daughter of John GRAY, who moved to Marshall county early in the ‘30s, but 
returned soon after to Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his life.
In the spring of 1835, Andrew JACKSON with his family moved to Marshall 
county, coming by teams from their Indiana home, and bringing with them a 
number of head of cattle, sheep and other stock. On his arrival he purchased 
the farm on section 20, Richland township, which is now owned by James IRWIN, 
but with he subsequently sold to Mr. HOOVER. On selling his first land he 
purchased the farm now owned by our subject, which he made his permanent home.
On coming to this county Mr. Jackson found a wild and unimproved country with 
settlers few and far between. With characteristic energy he went to work to 
clear the land and make for himself and family a home. Those now living in 
this favored locality cannot for a moment realize the hardships endured by the 
pioneers. When it is remembered that railroads were then unknown, that there 
were neither markets for what was raised, nor money to be had if a market was 
found, some idea may be formed of the sufferings of those who were the 
harbingers in the wilderness.
Two years after his settlement here the panic of 1837 set in and until after 
the campaign of 1840 times were indeed hard. Postage on letters was twenty-
five cents each, and one was lucky to obtain the coveted “quarter” with which 
to pay it, and often letters remained in possession of the postmaster for 
months until even that small amount of money could be obtained. Frequently Mr. 
JACKSON went into the timber and split rails for his more fortunate neighbors 
for fifty cents per hundred, taking his pay in whatever article that could be 
agreed upon.
In the early days Andrew JACKSON was quite active in local affairs, and 
assisted in the organization of the township, and served for a time as 
township supervisor. He was once elected justice of the peace, but declined to 
serve. In politics he was a whig until the dissolution of that party, after 
which he was a thorough and consistent republican, being conscientiously 
opposed to slavery.
To Andrew Jackson and wife where born five children: Mary Ann, who died at the 
age of two years; Elizabeth M., now deceased; Margaret, now the wife of James 
MONAGHAN; Catherine, deceased, and B. Kilbourn, of this sketch. The parents 
were members of the Christian church, in which body the father took an active 
part. He was a man well versed in the scriptures and the various religious 
problems of the day. Both died on the old homestead, the father July 28, 1888, 
and the mother March 17, 1881.
B. Kilbourn JACKSON, of whom we now write, grew to manhood on the farm where 
he now lives, and received his education in the subscription schools of 
pioneer times, before the organization of the present school system. He 
remained at home assisting his father in the farm work until long after having 
attained his majority. The war for the union having commenced his patriotic 
blood was stirred, and in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Seventy-
seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry under Captain Robert Brock, which was 
raised in Lacon and vicinity. The regiment was organized at Peoria under 
Colonel Balance, who was later succeeded by Colonel Grier.
After organization the regiment was sent to Cincinnati, and crossing the river 
to Covington, Kentucky, it operated in that state in the vicinity of 
Cynthiana, Paris, Richmond and Falmouth. It was then sent by boat to Vicksburg 
and was all through the siege against that city, resulting in its capitulation 
July 3, 1863, and in the opening of the Mississippi river below that point.
From Vicksburg the regiment was sent on the Red river expedition under General 
Banks, and at Alexandria, Louisiana, our subject was taken prisoner by the 
enemy, and from April 8, 1864, until May 27, 1865, passed through such an 
experience in rebel prisons as will ever be to him while life shall last a 
terrible nightmare. When finally released he was a veritable skeleton, and 
with health almost completely destroyed. On being released he was sent to New 
Orleans, then to St. Louis, and on to Springfield, Illinois, where he was 
mustered out and honorably discharged in July, 1865, having seen nearly three 
years of extremely hard service. In battle he had his clothes pierced by rebel 
bullets, but suffered no wound.
Returning home a badly wrecked man physically, he spent some little time 
recuperating, after which he again engaged in his old occupation of farming, 
which has been his life work. For some years after his return from the army he 
remained a bachelor, but on January 3, 1878, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Clara May BENSON, who was born in Richland township, April 29, 1859, and 
a daughter of Luke BENSON, now a resident of Oklahoma. By this union were born 
five children: Mary Elizabeth, Edith Jane, Benjamin Andrew, Annie Pearl and 
Luke Logan. The mother of these children died September 16, 1886. She was a 
woman of kind disposition, a loving wife and mother, and her death was 
sincerely mourned, not alone by the family, but friends of whom she had many.
After his marriage Mr. JACKSON located upon a farm, where he remained until 
the death of his wife, when he moved to his present place then the home of his 
father and a sister. The farm comprises one hundred and ninety acres of highly 
productive land, and is under average improvement. While giving almost his 
entire time to his farm duties, Mr. JACKSON has served his district as school 
director for some years, taking a very active interest in educational matters. 
Politically, he is a republican, and fraternally a member of Lacon post, No. 
134, G. A. R. His record as a soldier is a commendable one, and as a citizen 
no man enjoys the respect of friends and acquaintances to a greater degree.

M. M. BOON, residing on section 22, Richland township, is a type of that class 
of men born to a life of toil, and whatever their surroundings, have a fixed 
determination to make the best of them. He is a native of Sullivan county, 
Indiana, born December 16, 1819. His father, George BOON, was a native of 
Kentucky, born in 1783. He married Elizabeth McCAMMON, also a native of 
Kentucky, born in 1790. Their wedding was celebrated in their native state, 
and shortly afterward, in 1815, they located in Sullivan county, Indiana, 
where the remainder of their lives were spent and where they reared a family 
of eleven children, only two of whom are now living – our subject and Mrs. 
Martha CLARK. George BOON figured largely in politics in his native state. He 
was a stanch democrat, and served as a representative and senator thirteen 
years.
Mr. BOON, of this review, grew to manhood on his father’s farm in Sullivan 
county, Indiana, and was reared to the life of a farmer, which occupation he 
has always followed. In that early day the free school system had not been 
established, and as the country was new and thinly settled with a class of 
people with very limited means, the only recourse for an education was in the 
subscription schools, taught by some wandering pedagogue, who knew but little 
of books and less of human nature. In such schools, in the old-fashioned log 
school house, with its puncheon floor and slab seats, the rudiments of an 
education were received by our subject. What little opportunity he had he 
improved as best he could, early showing an earnest purpose. But it was work, 
hard work, that developed in him the man.
Until reaching maturity, Mr. BOON remained with his parents, assisting in the 
work of the farm. He then started in life for himself, going out from home 
empty-handed, but with a brave heart and an earnest desire to succeed in life, 
making for himself a home somehow and somewhere, which he might invite another 
to enjoy with him. The time soon came when he determined to share his lot with 
another, and so, on the 22d of October, 1846, he married Miss Elizabeth 
CARITHERS, whose birth occurred in Sullivan county, Indiana, April 25, 1825. 
By this union five children were born, all sons, of whom three are now living: 
Alexander, who resides in Nebraska; William P., living in Eureka Illinois, and 
Benjamin F., of Woodford county, this state.
After his marriage, Mr. BOON rented a farm in his native county, which he 
operated one season, and then came by wagon to Marshall county, which has 
since been his home. For thirteen years he rented land and had no permanent 
home. In the fall of 1860, however, he purchased his present farm, which at 
that time was all covered with a heavy growth of timber. Commencing at once 
its improvement, he has cleared more than half of the land, and has one of the 
most productive farms in this section.
After a happy married life of sixteen years, Mrs. BOON was called to her long 
home, dying in 1862. Mr. BOON again married, taking as a wife Mrs. Sarah E. 
BECKWITH, nee BURGESS, a native of Massachusetts, and daughter of Cornelius 
and Dorothy (LORD) BURGESS, both of whom were also natives of Massachusetts. 
Her parents moved to Marshall county in 1859, locating in Evans township, 
where they both died. In their family were eight children, of whom four are 
now living: Mrs. BOON, Otis, Nancy PACKENHAM and Louisa BURBEY. Mrs. BOON was 
born February 22, 1835. She first married John W. BECKWITH, and moved to 
Marshall county, Illinois, in 1858. When the war for the Union broke out he 
enlisted and died in the service in 1862.
The marriage of Mr. BOON and Mrs. BECKWITH was celebrated February 25, 1864, 
and to them four children have been born: Abby C., now Mrs. ADAMS, of Peoria, 
Illinois; Darling B., who married Addie WHITTLE and resides in Belle Plain 
township; Myra A., now Mrs. GERHART, of Grossdale, Illinois, and Telva, at 
home.
To each of his children Mr. BOON has given a good education, as he has often 
felt the need of such in his own life. In politics he is classed as a 
democrat, but is not a partisan. He cares nothing for official position but 
has served his township as road commissioner and school director in a 
satisfactory manner. He built the Harper bridge across Crow creek, but his 
life has been mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits. Mrs. BOON is a member 
of the Christian church at Washburn, and is a woman worthy to be the wife of 
the genial, generous and manly man – M. M. BOON.

Hiram C. WRIGHT, a pioneer of Marshall and Putnam counties, Illinois, is now 
living a retired life in Henry, where his familiar figure, white hair and 
beard are known by every man, woman and child for miles around. He is a native 
of Canada, born at Morris Hollow, about fourteen miles north of Toronto, May 
4, 1819, and is a son of William and Sophia (CLEVELAND) WRIGHT, both of whom 
were natives of New York, from which state they emigrated to Canada and were 
there married. When Hiram was but eight years of age they determined to 
emigrate to Illinois, and, with their family of three children, located in 
Tazewell county. William WRIGHT was a tanner and currier by trade, and 
followed that occupation in his native state and in Canada, but on coming to 
Illinois engaged in farming. He remained in Tazewell county but one year and 
then removed to Peoria county, three miles west of the present village of 
Chillicothe, locating on La Salle prairie, which was his permanent home during 
the remainder of his life. He died at the age of fifty-six years. He was a man 
of limited means and made the journey by team from Canada, accompanied by the 
family of his wife’s father, who also located near him in Peoria county. His 
wife survived him some years, dying when about seventy years old. Of their 
four children, two are now li8ving, our subject and his sister, Harriet, who 
also resides in Henry. One daughter died in Indiana, while en route to 
Illinois. One son, William, grew to manhood in Peoria county, where he engaged 
in framing, but has since died.
The subject of this sketch remained under the parental roof until nineteen 
years of age, and in common with all farmer boys, attended school during the 
winter months and assisted in farm work other seasons of the year. The lead 
mines in the vicinity of Galena, and which extended across the line into 
Wisconsin, in early days afforded about the only place where employment could 
be secured and wages paid in cash. Thousands of men in Illinois, Iowa and 
Missouri from 1832 until well in the 40s annually made pilgrimages to the 
mines that they might secure money for taxes and for such things as could not 
be had by barter. Young Hiram, at the age mentioned, thought it was time for 
him to handle a little of the “filthy lucre” there to be had by those 
industriously inclined, and so went to Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and for 
several years engaged in mining and in farm work. Returning to Illinois, he 
made a claim on Senachwine lake, in Putnam county, about six miles west of 
Hennepin. This claim consisted of three hundred acres of good land, on which 
he removed in 1844, and at once commenced its improvement. His capital being 
limited he could not at once improve the entire claim, but did so as rapidly 
as his means would permit. The management of a farm, without the aid of 
a “gude wife” has ever been found to be difficult work, and our subject 
realized this in due time; accordingly we find that on the 27th of October, 
1847, he was united in marriage with Miss Sophia HUNTER, a native of Cortland 
county, New York, born October 25, 1828, and a daughter of Andrew and Huldah 
HUNTER. Soon after this event occurred he removed to Boyd’s Grove, Bureau 
county, near the home of his wife’s father, where he purchased an improved 
farm of one hundred and sixty acres and there remained six years. He then 
returned to his original farm on the Senachwine, and actively engaged in 
general farming until his removal to Henry, shortly before the commencement of 
the civil war. For some years after his removal to the village he retained 
possession of the farm, but finally sold. He yet, however, still owns the Boyd 
Grove farm, which he leases. In addition to his farming interests he has made 
some investments in the west, but at present has only such interests as will 
prevent his rusting out.
After a happy married life of forty-six years, Mrs. WRIGHT departed this life 
February 23, 1893. She was a quite, unassuming woman, caring but little for 
the vanities of this world. For some years she was a member of the Christian 
church, but on removal to Henry she united with the Presbyterian body, there 
being no church of her choice in the village. Tow daughters came to bless 
their union, one dying in childhood. The other, Clarissa, is now the wife of 
Dr. F. A. POWELL, a druggist of Henry. They also adopted a boy, Walter SMITH, 
who died after being an inmate of their home for three years and a half.
On the 25th of June, 1894, Mr. WRIGHT married Miss Ruth McKINNEY, of Henry, a 
native of Putnam county, Illinois. Her father, Joel McKINNEY, was a native of 
Indiana, and there married Miss Emeline JACKSON, a native of Oxford county, 
Maine, who removed with her parents to Indiana when but fifteen years of age. 
From Warsaw, Dearborn county, Indiana, Joel, McKINNEY moved to Putnam county, 
Illinois, in 1842. He died in Tennessee in 1880, and his widow now makes her 
home with Mrs. WRIGHT, who is her only child, now living in Marshall county. 
Of her five children, three sons and two daughters, all are scattered, living 
in various places, from Illinois to Oregon. For some years prior to her 
marriage, Mrs. WRIGHT was an active business woman in Henry, and is well known 
and universally esteemed. She is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. Mr. WRIGHT is not a member of any church, but usually attends and 
contributes to the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a thorough, out and 
out republican.

Luther A. JONES, deceased, was a native of New Hampshire, born at Hillsboro, 
November 15, 1811. He grew to manhood in his native state and received a 
limited education in its select schools. In 1836 he was united in marriage 
with Druzilla CALEF, and, with his young bride, came at once to Illinois, 
locating eventually on a farm in Cass county. He remained there, however, hut 
a short time, and then removed to Iowa, where he followed farming a few years, 
and then again returned to Cass county, where he resumed his farming 
operations. Later he removed to Beardstown, on the Illinois river, where he 
ran a steam ferry for a number of years and where his wife died in 1869, 
leaving four children, Sarah E., now wife of Frank W. TRACY, president of the 
First National Bank of Springfield, Illinois; Ann Eliza, wife of Louis WEAVER, 
now of Virginia; Emma F., a teacher in the Springfield high school, and Louis 
Arthur, a farmer of Bluff Spring, Illinois.
After the death of his first wife, Mr. JONES left Beardstown and removed to 
Henry, where he spent the remainder of his life. In November, 1872, he married 
Mrs. Eleanor W. WHITE, widow of John Bradshaw WHITE, of Henry. Mr. WHITE was 
born in Washington, Vermont, February 14, 1814, and December 30, 1841, there 
married Miss Eleanor W. CALEF, who was a cousin of Mrs. Druzilla JONES, their 
fathers being brothers. They came to Illinois shortly after their marriage and 
located on a farm in Whitefield township, seven miles from Henry. They started 
from their Vermont home in sleighs, but on arriving at Rochester, New York, 
exchanged their runners for wheels and continued on their journey. Mr. WHITE 
had made a visit to this locality some five years previously and had selected 
the land which he afterward purchased. He secured what he thought was 
government land, but it was found that there was a flaw in the title, and 
others made claim to the same tract. The case was placed in the hands of 
attorneys and stubbornly fought by claimants and contestants, but not settled 
until after the death of Mr. WHITE, when it was decided in favor of a 
claimant, the widow and her children thus losing all that had been invested 
and the result of years of toil. Realizing the uncertainty of his title, 
however, Mr. WHITE purchased another farm, on which the family moved. This 
farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, he commenced to improve, but 
in 1852 he rented the place and moved to Henry, where he engaged in the lumber 
trade, which business he continued until his death, October 30, 1852. To Mr. 
and Mrs. WHITE were born three children: Ellen Maria, now the wife of Ransom E 
GREGORY, residing at Pierce, South Dakota; John Burritt, who graduated at Knox 
College in 1867, and died February 11, 1868, at the age of twenty-one years, 
and Asa Orville, a farmer residing near Milford, Iroquois county, Illinois.
After the death of her husband, Mrs. WHITE returned to the farm, and with the 
assistance of her children continued to operate it until her marriage with Mr. 
JONES, when they located in Henry. She has since disposed of it and is now 
living in a pleasant home in the village, where she enjoys the respect and 
loving good will of the entire community. She is a consistent and devoted 
member of the New Jerusalem or Swedenborgian church at Henry, and well-
grounded in the faith. Mr. JONES died January 25, 1893, in his eighty-second 
year. He was a man well liked in the community in which he resided and his 
death was mourned by a large circle of friends throughout Marshall and 
adjoining counties and also in his old home in Cass county.

Hon. Samuel L. RICHMOND, deceased, was for many years one of the best known 
and most highly respected citizens of Marshall county, a man whose standing at 
the bar was second to none in the state. He was a native of Vermont, born in 
1824, and removed in youth to Ohio, where he grew to manhood, received his 
literary education, and married Miss Susan Hunt, by whom he reared a family of 
five children, all of whom yet survive. Warner L., the eldest son, is now 
engaged in farming near Topeka, Kansas. Lizzie R. now resides in Peoria, and 
is a woman of remarkable business tact and ability, being the second lady in 
the state to receive the appointment of notary public, for fifteen years 
engaged in the fire insurance business in Peoria, and at present is employed 
in the internal revenue office in that city. Belle V. is now the wife of Henry 
A. GOODWIN, a mechanic of Peoria. Samuel L., also residing in Peoria, as 
special agent for the German Fire Insurance Company. Elijah D., the present 
county judge of Marshall, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Our subject early in life determined to make the legal profession his life 
work, and for that purpose went to Louisville, Kentucky, studied law, and was 
there admitted to the bar. After his admission to the bar he returned to 
Burton, Ohio. He was married in 1848 and in 1849 came to Illinois, locating at 
Princeton, Bureau county, where he remained one year, and then came to Lacon, 
where he continued to reside until his death in 1873, with the exception of 
one year spent in St. Paul, Minnesota, and one year in Galena, Illinois. In 
1858 he became associated with Hon. John BURNS, who later succeeded him as 
circuit judge. The partnership thus formed continued until Mr. RICHMOND was 
elected judge of the twenty-third circuit in 1861. At that time he was 
comparatively a young man, being but thirty-seven years of age. He was, 
however, a man well read in the law and of a judicial turn of mind. For twelve 
years and until the date of his death, he occupied the bench, and no man 
occupying like position stood higher in the estimation of his associates and 
the bar in general. His views and judgments were usually held as good law, and 
few cases were appealed from his decision and a less number were reversed.
In his political views, Judge RICHMOND was a thorough and consistent democrat, 
a firm believer in the principles of that party. A friend of education, he 
served some years upon the school board of Lacon, and did all in his power to 
advance the interests of the public schools, often delivering lectures on the 
public school question in various parts of the state in response to 
invitation. He was a close student of history and a man of quick perception. 
His popularity was not confined to the bar, but his friends were numbered by 
the thousands in all the avocations of life. He was suave in manner, open-
hearted, and at all times a friend of the poor. What he did was always 
cheerfully done and no regrets would ever afterward be expressed, if mistaken 
in judgment, which was seldom the case. A man of the people, he enjoyed the 
respect of the people, and his death, which occurred in his forty-ninth year, 
while yet in the prime of life, was a sad blow, not only to his family and 
personal friends, but to the general public as well. If death had not so early 
claimed him, he doubtless would have occupied a position on the supreme bench, 
his name being frequently suggested for that position. His widow now resides 
in Peoria.
[portrait of S. L. RICHMOND available on page 77]

John MONIER, deceased, was for many years the leading farmer in Marshall 
county, and had a very wide and extensive acquaintance. He was born on the 
Isle of Man September 7, 18 26, and was the son of William and Jane (QUAILE) 
MONIER, also natives of the Isle of Man, but of French descent, the great-
great-grandfather of John being a native of France. He grew to manhood in his 
native country, and in 1849 came to the United States with the family and 
located in Peoria county, Illinois. At that time he was twenty-three years of 
age, and was entitled to all the legal rights of man, but did not choose to 
exercise his rights. His parents were getting along in years and were not well 
provided for as respects this world’s goods. Until such was the case he could 
not think of self. With his younger brother, William, he hired out by the 
month, and saving their wages they purchased eighty acres of partially 
improved land, on which was a small house, and into which the family moved and 
continued to live six years. In 1857 they sold out and went to Saratoga 
township, Marshall county, where they bought a tract of land, and all 
continued to work together for a few years, when the children began to leave 
the family home and go out one by one to carve their own destinies. John, 
however, remained upon the homestead, and there continued to make his home 
until his death. Both parents died upon the place when past eighty years of 
age.
After living a bachelor’s life for nearly thirty-five years, John MONIER, in 
June, 1861, married Miss Ellen FARRELL, a native of Ireland, by whom he had 
four children, Jennie, now the wife of David HOSFIELD, of Whitefield township; 
Anna, who died at the age of twenty-two years; John, who married Mollie HARNEY 
and now resides near Geneseo, Henry county, Illinois, and Catherine, who makes 
her home with her sister Jennie. The mother of these children died in 1870.
Three years after the death of his first wife, Mr. MONIER was united in 
marriage with Miss Janet BELL, the wedding ceremony taking place at the home 
of the bride’s parents, Richard and Margaret BELL, of La Prairie township, 
March 12, 1873. Mrs. MONIER was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, of which 
country her parents were also natives. They are now living in Cass county, 
Iowa, and Mrs. MONIER is the only on e of her family remaining in Illinois. 
She is a relative of the DAVIDSONs, who were among the first of her 
nationality to settle in Marshall county. Six children came to bless this 
union, Margaret, now the wife of Charles ROBERTS, of Champaign, Illinois; 
William, at home; Vivian, a student in the State university at Champaign; 
Sarah, attending the high school at Henry, and James and Harry Hammond, at 
home.
As already stated, Mr. MONIER made his home upon the farm purchased on coming 
to Marshall county. A man of great energy and of thrifty habits, from time to 
time, as his means increased, he added to his possessions until he became one 
of the largest real estate owners in Marshall county, owning the home farm, 
which had been increased from eighty to eight hundred and eighty acres in 
extent, with four sets of improvements, two farms of one hundred and sixty 
acres each, in Steuben and Whitefield townships, together with one thousand 
six hundred acres in Texas, near the Santa Fe railroad. As a farmer he was a 
success in every particular, giving his personal attention to every detail of 
farm work. Not a thing about the place escaped his watchful eye, and he knew 
the whereabouts of every farm implement which he owned, and of all the 
numerous stock which he owned and fed. For years he was an extensive cattle 
feeder, and was very successful in his branch of business, and it is said that 
he raised the best hogs in Marshall county. His various farms were all well 
improved and adapted to the purposes to which they were applied.
While by nature conservative, he did not hesitate to adopt and make use of 
every labor-saving appliance that seemed to insure success. A farmer, he was 
content to work his farm and allow others to look after such interests as lay 
outside of his chosen calling. A democrat in his political belief, he 
respected the views and opinions of others, and never sought nor would he 
accept official position. While not a member of any church, he had great 
respect for the Christian religion, and usually attended services at the 
Methodist Episcopal church.
Until within a few years of his death, Mr. MONIER gave personal attention to 
his farm interests, but as age advanced he mainly rented his land, only giving 
such time and attention to his various farms as to see they were pro0perly 
kept up and conducted. His death occurred June 16, 1890, and his body was laid 
to rest in the Methodist Episcopal cemetery in Saratoga township. He was 
naturally a strong, vigorous man, fine looking, with full brown beard and gray 
eyes. Few men were better known and none more highly respected in his section 
of the country. A kind, loving husband and indulgent father, his memory is 
cherished by family and friends and none will ever forget the one now gone 
before, whose life of ceaseless toil was spent for the good of humanity and to 
give happiness to others.
In October, 1891, Mrs. MONIER left the farm and removed to Henry, where she 
has a very neat and comfortable home, and where she can enjoy life with ease, 
surrounded by her family and friends. She is a woman of great natural ability, 
one who thoroughly understands her business, and well posted on the affairs of 
the day. With a warm heart, ever open to hear the cries of the unfortunate 
ones of earth she makes her life a blessing to many, and while unostentatious 
in all things, it may be said of her as of one of old, “She hath done what she 
could.”

Emanuel Brown EMERICK, deceased, was one of the leading and enterprising 
agriculturists of Marshall county, where he died of consumption on the 8th of 
September, 1880, after one year’s illness. He was widely known and honored, 
and in his death the community, with whose interests he was closely 
identified, has lost a valuable citizen. His integrity of character, unbounded 
benevolence, and never-failing courtesy, made him beloved by all who had the 
honor of his acquaintance.
Mr. EMERICK was born near Wheeling, West Virginia, July 26, 1850, and was the 
son of George W. and Cassie (BROWN) EMERICK. His boyhood days were passed upon 
his father’s farm in Marshall county, and in the district schools of the 
neighborhood he acquired a fair education, being particularly good in 
mathematics. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which 
important event in his life occurred October 20, 1877, Miss Anna J. MOODEY 
becoming his wife. She was born in Covington, Miami county, OHIO, and is the 
daughter of J. C. and Rachel S. (ORR) MOODEY. They began their domestic life 
upon a part of the old homestead of his father, which he continued to operate 
until his last illness. He was an earnest and consistent member of the 
Methodist Episcopal church, and supported the democratic party, but took no 
active part in political affairs. When called from this life his remains were 
interred in the family cemetery at Henry, where they now rest.
One daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. EMERICK – Anna May, who goes by the name 
of Bonnie. She is one of the three heirs, besides the widow, of her 
grandfather, George W. EMERICK, who left her a handsome property. A young lady 
of seventeen years, attractive and agreeable in manner, she is now attending 
high school, and is a great favorite of all who know her. Since her husband’s 
death, Mrs. EMERICK has made her home with her father, J. C. MOODEY, in Henry, 
and as the guardian of her daughter, devotes most of her time and attention to 
the education and improvement of that young lady. She is a lady of taste and 
refinement and throughout the county has a host of warm friends.

George Washington EMERICK, deceased, was probably better known for a time than 
any other person in the northern part of Marshall county. He was a native of 
Pennsylvania, born in Washington county, July 12, 1820. His parents both lived 
to an advanced age, and both died on the old homestead where George was born 
many yeas ago. An only daughter, Ellen, yet resides on the place, which is 
near the village of Moundsville, Pennsylvania. On that farm the boyhood and 
youth of George were passed and he was given excellent educational advantages, 
which wee improved, so much so, that while yet in his teens he was enabled to 
teach the district schools, and it is said that his first work, aside from 
that on his father’s farm, was as a teacher in the public schools.
Before leaving his native state, Mr. EMERICK was united in marriage with Miss 
Cassie BROWN, in August, 1847. By this union six children were born: Minerva 
A., Emanuel B., Mary E., Margaret M., Frances Luella, George W., all of whom 
are now deceased. Minerva A. married Holmes MORRISON, and dying left one 
daughter, Mary MORRISON, who is a most estimable young lady, yet residing in 
Henry. Emanuel B. married Miss Anna Jennie MOODEY, a daughter of J. C. MOODEY. 
He died, leaving one daughter, Anna May, better known as Bonnie EMERICK, who 
also resides in Henry, and is a graduate of the Henry high school class of 
1896. None of the other children ever married. In 1855 Mr. EMERICK determined 
on leaving his old home, believing the west a better field for the industrious 
and energetic man to succeed. Coming to Marshall county, he purchased forty 
acres of land on section 18, Henry township, which was the basis of his vast 
accumulations in after years. To the original forty he added other tracts, and 
selling none, had at the time of his death over one thousand acres, divided 
into six farms, all of which he leased to other parties. Much of the success 
attending him was due to his wife, who was a careful, painstaking and 
economical woman. She died in 1877.
Some two years after the death of his first wife, Mr. EMERICK married Miss 
Emma MORRISON, and leasing his farm, removed to Henry, where he embarked in 
the grocery trade, in which line of business he was likewise quite successful. 
By this union there was one child, Norman Clyde, now at home. Their married 
life was of comparatively short duration, Mrs. EMERICK dying in 1884. Two 
years later, in 1886, he married Miss Laura V. WOOD, who survives him.
In early life Mr. EMERICK was converted and united with the Methodist 
Episcopal church, with which he was identified until his death, and in which 
he took a great interest. For many years he was class leader of the class at 
Snyder’s school house, which was located near his farm, and for a time was 
superintendent of the Sunday school meeting at the same place. On his removal 
to Henry he became an active worker in the Methodist church of that place, and 
was interested in the building of the house of worship, which was erected 
under the pastorate of Rev. J. H. SCOTT. He greatly rejoiced in the completion 
of the building, having contributed largely in time and money to that end. He 
was a member of the building committee and watched the erection of the 
building with an interest that never flagged, and when finally turned over to 
the congregation and duly dedicated to the service of Almighty God, he was 
indeed happy. For twenty years he served on the board of trustees, and for a 
still longer period was a class leader in the church. Over forty years he had 
a name in the house of God and a fellowship among his brethren, and his 
interest in the cause was strengthened as the years went by. He was loyal to 
the faith as he saw it, and his trust in the Heavenly Father was as a little 
child. The Sunday school was ever dear to him, and he was faithful in 
attendance as long as he was able regularly to attend church.
The cause of temperance also found in him a strong friend and a most earnest 
advocate. In fact, he was keenly alive to all the moral and reform movements 
of the day. His intellectual force was considerably above the average and he 
thought and read much upon religion and temperance, and was always ready to 
give a reason for the faith that was in him. A man of strong will and 
determination, when once he decided upon a course of action he held 
tenaciously to his opinions and defended them against all who took issue with 
him. He was, however, not a blind sectarian, but was broad in his estimate of 
the good in others wherever they brought forth fruit. He intensely desired to 
see the triumph of the cause of temperance and believed that constitutional 
prohibition, both state and national, was the most direct way of securing that 
end. For this reason he identified himself with the prohibition party, and 
always voted as he prayed.
George W. EMERICK was an unpretentious man, of a quiet and retiring 
disposition, but when aroused was full of force and energy, and none were at a 
loss where to find him. Possessed of foresight and good calculation, and 
withal a close manager, he succeeded in all his business undertakings and at 
his death left a good property to his heirs. In 1890 he became a sufferer from 
the grip, from which he never fully recovered. Death came to his relief on the 
16th of July, 1893, and the funeral services were held in the Methodist 
Episcopal church in Henry, and were very largely attended by sympathizing 
friends, many coming from a considerable distance. The services were conducted 
by Rev. William Woolley, the pastor of the church, assisted by Rev. J. H. 
SCOTT and Rev. E. E. WASMUTH. Rev. SCOTT offered the prayer, Rev. WASMUTH read 
the ninetieth Psalm as a Scripture lesson, and Rev. WOOLLEY preached a brief 
sermon from the text, “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” Following 
the discourse Mr. SCOTT paid a just tribute to the memory of the deceased, 
whose connection with the church as a Christian for forty years he emphasized, 
as also in his official character while he was pastor. His remains were then 
laid to rest in the Henry cemetery, there to wait the great judgment day, when 
the dead in Christ shall be raised to meet their Lord in the air and reign 
with Him throughout all eternity. His monument stands at the head of the north 
avenue in the cemetery. It is seventeen feet high and weighs twenty tons. The 
design was selected by Mrs. EMERICK from designs exhibited at the world’s 
fair, but was erected by a Henry firm, at a cost of two thousand one hundred 
dollars.
In early life Mr. EMERICK was a democrat and voted with that party until he 
saw that, if in the providence of God any reform was to be obtained it must 
come through some other source. For years he was an auxiliary member of the 
Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and the Young Woman’s Christian Temperance 
Union. He was a lover of music, and in early life was a good vocalist and 
played the violin, but in later years lost his interest in such matters. His 
home was always open to the preachers.
Mrs. Laura V. EMERICK, who survives her husband, is a woman of taste and 
refinement, a Christian who delights in doing good, and by thus doing serves 
her Master.
[portrait of Geo W Emerick available on page 87]

George REMLEY, a representative of that great class on whom the welfare of 
this nation depends, the honest farmer, resides on a beautiful homestead on 
section 11, Richland township, and is one of the pioneers of 1835. In his 
sixty years of life in this locality he has witnessed such changes as were 
never dreamed of by the early settlers. His grandfather, Hyeronimous REMLEY, 
was a native of Germany, who settled in Pennsylvania prior to the 
Revolutionary war, where he reared a family of six children, of whom George, 
the father of our subject, born in 1775, was one.
George REMLEY, the father of our subject, married Miss Ella LYTLE, a native of 
New Jersey, and a daughter of Henry LYTLE, who removed from New Jersey to 
Pennsylvania in an early day. Soon after their marriage they removed form 
Fayette county, Pennsylvania, to Waynesburg, that state, where they remained 
eight years, and then went to Ohio, locating near Wheeling, West Virginia, but 
on the Ohio side of the line. From that point they moved to Belmont county, 
Ohio, where Mr. REMLEY purchased a large farm, on which he resided for sixteen 
years. He then sold out and moved down on the Big Sun Fish river, in Monroe 
county, where he remained eight years, then selling out, came to Marshall 
county, Illinois, in the fall of 1835. They emigrated to this county by wagon, 
but spent the first winter at Walnut Grove, in Woodford county, then purchased 
a tract of land on section 28, Richland township. At this time there were but 
few settlers in the township or in the entire county. On this place he erected 
a hewed log house in which he resided until his death in 1840. His wife 
survived him about six years, dying in 1846. They were the parents of nine 
children, six daughters and three sons – John, deceased; Mrs. Sarah SIMS, also 
deceased; Lucy TAYLOR; Mrs. Fannie JOHNS, deceased; Mrs. Ella TAYLOR; Mrs. 
Harriet MARTIN; George; Joseph, and Mrs. Eliza TOOLE, deceased. Of the sons, 
John was a lieutenant in the war against the Indians in Oregon.
George REMLEY, the subject of this sketch, was born April 7, 1817, in Belmont 
county, Ohio, and there received his education in the pioneer subscription 
schools. He came to this county with his parents and on his arrival found a 
large open prairie country, and the various settlements made in the timber. 
The people in those days did not dare settle upon the prairie for fear of 
freezing and from the fact they thought it necessary to locate where they 
could obtain fuel and also water for their stock. At the time of his 
settlement here Marshall was then a part of Tazewell county. He remained at 
home, assisting his father on the farm until the latter’s death, when he 
married Miss Ruth BUCKINGHAM, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Isaac 
BUCKINGHAM, a very prominent farmer in the early day, who located in Woodford 
county, Illinois, prior to the Black Hawk war. Mrs. REMLEY was born in 1807, 
and died in 1844, leaving no children.
Soon after marriage, Mr. REMLEY settled in Woodford county, and there remained 
sixteen years. After the death of his fist wife, on the 4th of June, 1846, he 
married Miss Helen RICE, a native of Onondaga county, New York, born September 
24, 1827, and a daughter of Elijah and Rebecca (MARSHALL) RICE, both of whom 
were natives of New York, but who removed to Woodford county, Illinois, in 
1844, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of 
four children – Mrs. REMLEY, Rosanna, Delency, became the wife of Alexander 
PIPER, and William, who lives on the old homestead.
Mr. and Mrs. REMLEY are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are 
living – Henry, who married Ella WHITE, now resides in Hopewell township, 
Marshall county; Minerva Ellen, now the wife of Henry DUCHESNE, lives in 
Bennington township; Jane, now the wife of Baron HARPER, resides at La Rose, 
Marshall county; Lucy Ann, now the wife of Matthew VanPATTON, resides in Belle 
Plain township; Elizabeth, now the wife of Martin HOOVER, lives in Woodford 
county, Illinois; George, who married Nannie HENRY, resides in Richland 
township, and Emma R. is at home.
In the spring of 1857, Mr. REMLEY moved with his family to his present farm, 
where they have since resided. The farm which he purchased from Robert GRAY, 
comprises four hundred and thirty-one acres, all of which is under 
improvement. He also has eighty acres adjoining the village of Washburn, 
Illinois. At one time he was the owner of nearly thirteen hundred acres of 
land, but has since given the greater part of it to his children.
Mr. REMLEY has during his entire life been a hard working man. For about 
fifteen years he engaged in carpenter work in connection with his farming 
operations. All that he has of this world’s goods he has secured by the labors 
of his hands, assisted of course by that of his wife, and success has crowned 
their efforts in a remarkable degree. Commencing life for himself under very 
unfavorable circumstances he has endeavored to prevent the same state of 
affairs from falling to his children, and so has well provided for each and 
has given to each good educational advantages. Politically, he is a democrat, 
but has steadily refused official positions. Mrs. REMLEY is what might be 
termed a model housekeeper, and she endeavors to make her home an inviting one 
to any and all who partake of her hospitality. In fact, the Remley household 
is noted for its hospitality far and near.

Robert W. ILIFF, whose fine farm lies on section 14, Richland township, 
Marshall county, is a native of the county, the family of which he is a member 
being numbered among the earliest settlers of this locality. The ILIFFs are of 
English descent, and the first of the family in America was James ILIFF, who 
was a son of Richard ILIFF. He was a member of the William Penn colony in 
Pennsylvania. The great-grandfather of our subject was John ILIFF, a native of 
the keystone state. His son, Robert ILIFF, married Jane WILLIAMS, and their 
son, John M. ILIFF, who was born in 1827, in Perry county, Ohio, is the father 
of our subject. This family contributed fifty-two of its number to the union 
army from 1861 to 1865.
The first of the family to effect a settlement in Marshall county was Robert 
ILIFF, the grandfather of our subject. He was a native of Pennsylvania, born 
in 1801, and came with his family to Illinois in 1831, first locating near 
Washburn, and in the spring of 1832 moving to the farm which is now the home 
of Robert W. ILIFF. The land was divided between timber and prairie and in its 
native state. At that time there were not over half a dozen families in the 
township and few improvements had been made. He at once commenced the 
development of the place and in due time had a most productive farm. On this 
farm his wife died in 1862, and nine years later he retired from active life 
and made his home with his son, John M. ILIFF, until called away by death.
Robert and Jane ILIFF were the parents of five children, only one of whom, 
however, grew to maturity. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal 
church, and took an active interest in the work of the church, both dying as 
they had lived, earnest, devoted Christians. He was a man of quiet 
disposition, taking little part in public affairs, and caring little for the 
honors of this world. During almost his entire life he was noted as being a 
very early riser, literally following the maxim of Benjamin Franklin, “Early 
to bed and early to rise.” He was a soldier in the Black Hawk war.
John M. ILIFF, the father of our subject, was but four years of age when he 
came with the family to Illinois. Here he grew to manhood and received a good 
common school education. The life of a farmer he adopted as his calling, and 
as soon as able commenced assisting in the cultivation of the home farm.
He was united in marriage with Caroline E. HENTHORN, a native of Ohio, born 
June 30, 1828, and a daughter of Samuel and Penelope (BROWN) HENTHORN. Her 
parents were among the pioneers of the county, first locating in Lacon 
township, but soon after removing to Richland township, taking up the 
southwest quarter of section 1, which was their home until late in life, when 
they moved to Lacon and there died. They were the parents of nine children, 
four of whom are now living: Reason A., who resides in Nebraska; James P., 
Eliza A., and Frances STREET, living in Lacon.
After their marriage, John M. ILIFF and wife located on the northeast quarter 
of section 1, Richland township, where he improved a fine farm. To them were 
born seven children, six of whom grew to maturity: Robert W., our subject; 
Samuel H., who lives in Mankato, Kansas; Clarissa J., living in Bloomington, 
Illinois; William T., of Peoria; Ella C., now the wife of Horace RAMP, of 
Richland township, and Mary, widow of Professor J. R. GRAY, now residing in 
Bloomington, and a fine musician, having charge of the musical department of 
the Wesleyan university. The mother of these children died in 11864. She was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a woman of lovely disposition, one 
who followed closely in the footsteps of the blessed Master.
John M. ILIFF was thrice married, this third wife being Miss Amelia SPRINGER, 
who now resides in Galesburg, Illinois. After living a life of great 
usefulness for fifty-four years, he was called to rest, his death occurring in 
1881. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and an active worker 
in the same, serving the church in an official capacity for many years.
Robert W. ILIFF, our subject, was born upon the old home farm on section 1, 
Richland township, March 22, 1851. After receiving his primary education in 
the public schools of his township, he entered Wesleyan university, taking a 
two years’ course, but not graduating. He grew to manhood on the farm and 
remained at home, assisting in the work until his marriage in April 30, 1873, 
with Miss Alice A. BEQUEAITH, a native of Tazewell county, Illinois, and a 
daughter of John and Elizabeth BEQUEAITH, the former, now deceased, and the 
latter living in Pekin, Illinois. By this union seven children have been born: 
John E., who married Mary A. WILLIAMS, and now resides in Belle Plain 
township, and Flora C., Frank B., Herbert A., George W., Anna B., and Harry 
L., all at home.
Soon after their marriage the young couple removed to the farm, which is yet 
their home, and which has been in the family for over sixty years. It 
comprises eighty acres of finely improved land, everything about it evincing 
the thrift of its owner. In all his work he is thorough and systematic, 
believing in the doctrine “what is worth doing is worth doing well.” For 
several years he has made a specialty of raising thoroughbred Poland China 
hogs and has been fairly successful, though losing heavily in 1895 from hog 
cholera.
In 1877, Mr. ILIFF was sun-struck, the effects of which have continued with 
him to this day, at times causing him great suffering, but he bears his 
affliction patiently. Like his father, he is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, of which body his wife and eldest daughter are also members. 
For years he has served the church as trustee and steward, and has also been 
superintendent of the Sunday school. He believes thoroughly in the Christian 
religion and in the work the Lord has left to his disciples in the conversion 
of the world. Politically, he is a republican, by birth and inclination. Born 
at a time when the slavery question was the all-important topic of discussion, 
and when the slave power, grown arrogant by success, was determined to still 
farther encroach upon the free territory of the country, almost his first 
recollection was of hearing the discussion of the rights of the black man and 
the influence of slavery upon the country. As soon as old enough to express 
his views, he took sides with the republican party, with which organization he 
has continued to act. In the discharge of his duties as a citizen he has 
served in several local offices, and has discharged the duty of township 
assessor for many years.
Mr. and Mrs. ILIFF reside in a very pleasant home and no family in Marshall 
county is more highly esteemed. Mrs. ILIFF is a woman of excellent judgment 
and good business ability, and has ever been truly a helpmeet to her husband, 
who at all times consults with and seeks her advice on business matters.

Hon. Elijah Dewey RICHMOND, the present judge of the county court of Marshall 
county, like his honored father before him, is a man of the people, and has 
ever enjoyed the confidence and respect of those with whom almost his entire 
life has been spent. He was born in the city of Lacon, March 18, 1859, and is 
the son of Judge Samuel L. and Susan (HUNT) RICHMOND, the former a native of 
Vermont, and the latter of Ohio. His father for many years was judge of the 
circuit of which Marshall county formed a part, and was one of the most 
accomplished men and best read lawyers in the state.
Until his fifteenth year our subject remained with his parents at Lacon, where 
his primary education was obtained in the public schools. At his time the 
death of his father occurred, and his mother removed with the family to a farm 
in Douglas county, Illinois. Here the succeeding six years of his life were 
spent, much as that of other farmer boys. He was ambitious to learn and 
greatly desired a college education, but this seemed impossible. His services 
were in demand at home, and while other boys were in college he was engaged in 
tilling the soil and pursuing such studies as he could with the assistance 
rendered him by his older brothers and sisters. After leaving Lacon he 
attended school but comparatively a short time, but did succeed in taking a 
six months’ course in a business college at Peoria with the view of entering 
upon a business career. At one time he was greatly desirous of entering West 
Point, there fitting himself for a military career. However, he never applied 
for examination, and that youthful ambition was forever laid aside.
In 1880, at the age of twenty-one, he left the farm and returned to Lacon, 
entering the office of Shaw & Edwards, and placing himself under their 
instruction, commenced the reading of law. He continued with this firm until 
his admission to the bar in 1882 after an examination before the supreme court 
at Ottawa. In the fall of that year he began the practice of law in the city 
of his birth and has continued in active practice since. He has never had a 
partner in business, but has always continued alone. His standing at the bar 
is second to none.
Soon after returning to Lacon, Mr. RICHMOND was elected township clerk, and 
served four years. While a strong democrat, he was twice elected on the union 
ticket, and served with great acceptance at the time when the office was of 
some importance. In 1883, less than one year after his admission to the bar, 
he was elected attorney for the city of Lacon and served two years. 
The year 1884 was a memorable one, being the year in which Cleveland was first 
elected to the presidency, his opponent being James G. Blaine. Mr. RICHMOND 
was in that year nominated by the democrats to the office of state’s attorney, 
his opponent on the republican ticket being Winslow EVANS, then residing in 
Wenona, where he was in the enjoyment of a comfortable practice, and who later 
served as a county judge. The canvass was a warm one, but Mr. RICHMOND was 
elected by one majority. Serving the four years’ terms of office, he was re-
nominated in 1888, and again elected, but served only two years. In 1890 he 
resigned the office to accept the nomination for the office of county judge, 
his opponent again being Hon. Winslow EVANS, who was then serving in the 
office, and who had been re-nominated by the republican party. His election 
followed, receiving a majority of two hundred and fifty votes, which he 
considered a very handsome compliment. On the expiration of his tem in 1894 he 
was re-nominated and re-elected, and is now serving his second term. During 
his entire service as county judge he has had but one decision appealed from; 
that being a case involving the question of the validity of a special tax for 
the construction of water works in Wenona. His decision was adverse to the 
objectors. The case is now pending before the supreme court.
On the 28th of July, 1892, Judge RICHMOND was united in marriage with Miss 
Jennie M. HOYT, a daughter of James HOYT, one of the pioneers of Marshall 
county, now in his ninetieth year, and well preserved physically and mentally. 
With one exception, Mr. HOYT is the oldest man living in Marshall county. 
Besides Mrs. RICHMOND he has five living children: Sarah E., the widow of 
Samuel CLIFFORD, residing near Wenona; Julia, now the wife of John BOBBITT; 
Henry H. HOYT, Greenfield, Missouri; Seymour HOYT, a lawyer, and until 
recently county judge of Dade county, Missouri; and Charles E. HOYT, of Lacon, 
Illinois. Mrs. RICHMOND was born July 28, 1862, in Marshall county. She is a 
graduate of the Lacon high school and also of the Boston Conservatory of 
Music, taking her degree in 1886. At the time of her marriage she was a 
teacher of music in Cornell college, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and as such had 
rendered great satisfaction to her pupils and the college faculty. While not 
neglecting family duties she still keeps up her interest in musical studies 
and the musical world. To Judge and Mrs. RICHMOND three children have been 
born: Geraldine, Lyle Lee, and Paul James.
Fraternally, Judge RICHMOND is a member of Lacon lodge, No. 61, A. F. & A. M., 
and has taken an active part in the work of his lodge. He is now serving as 
worshipful master of the lodge. The judge is also a member of Lacon chapter, 
No. 123, R. A. M., and has served two years as high priest. While politically 
a strong democrat, he has kept out of partisan politics and has ever enjoyed 
the confidence and respect of his political opponents. He stands squarely on 
the Cleveland platform on the monetary question and also in regard to the 
Monroe doctrine.
[portrait of E D Richmond available on page 97]




Additional Comments:
The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois
Published in Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company. 1896.

This file contains Marshall county biographical extractions through page 100, 
transcribed March 2011.


File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/marshall/bios/1001593gbs.txt

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