Marshall County IL Archives Biographies.....100-199, Bios Pages 
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Source: Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall & Putnam Counties, 1896
Author: Various

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

Marshall county Biographical extractions pages 100-199 transcribed March 2011 
by Norma Hass

Isaac M FORBES, general farmer and stock dealer, is one of the best known men 
in Marshall county, being a man of rare business tact and ability and one of 
the best judges of stock in the state. Often he is called upon to act as judge 
of Shorthorn cattle at state fairs and fat stock exhibits, and his judgment in 
such matters is seldom called in question. He is a native of Hopewell 
township, Marshall county, born on the farm where he now resides, September 
19, 1847, and is a son of Peter and Sarah (BUCKINGHAM) FORBES, the former a 
native of North Carolina, and the latter of Pennsylvania.
Caleb FORBES, the grandfather of our subject, was of Scotch descent, but 
reared in North Carolina, where he married Elizabeth LINDSEY, and there reared 
a family of four children. The family came to Marshall county in 1831, by 
wagon from North Carolina, and settled upon section 15, Hopewell township. The 
tract was all timber land, none of which was of recent growth. The Indians and 
wild animals were numerous at this time. Caleb FORBES was the first settler in 
Hopewell township, and there lived peacefully with the Indians, never having 
any trouble from their presence. He improved his far, and there resided for 
many years, finally, however, retiring from active work and moving to Henry, 
where he died at the residence of his daughter, at the age of about eighty-
three years. His wife also died at about the same age and their bodies were 
interred in the cemetery on his farm, known as the Forbes cemetery.
For some years after coming to Marshall county, Caleb FORBES operated a horse 
mill, the first in this locality. It was well patronized by the old settlers 
for many miles around. In early life he was a member of the Baptist church, 
but later became a Universalist and died in that faith. He was one of the best 
read men in scriptures and was well read in the general literature of the day. 
Of the four children born to Caleb FORBES and wife, William, Courtney Martin, 
Mrs. Fannie SAWYER and Peter, are all deceased.
Peter FORBES, the father of our subject, was the youngest child of the family, 
and was twelve years of age when he came with his parents to Marshall county. 
His education in the schools was very limited, but he was a natural 
mathematician, and delighted in solving intricate problems. He married Sarah 
BUCKINGHAM, a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, born in 1820, and a 
daughter of Isaac BUCKINGHAM, who was of English descent. Her father removed 
to Woodford county, Illinois, in 1831, locating near Washburn, where Mrs. 
FORBES grew to lovely womanhood. After their marriage they settled upon the 
farm now owned by our subject and lived for some years in a sawed oak timber 
house. His father gave him eight acres of land, which was then unimproved, and 
was by him cleared of timber and brought under cultivation. In addition to his 
farming operations, he traded in stock and was for years one of the foremost 
men in this locality. In the early day he used to haul wheat to Chicago and 
sell it there for thirty-seven and a half cents per bushel. He also drove many 
a herd of cattle to that city, and was a heavy shipper of stock. Success 
crowned his efforts and at his death he was the possessor of two thousand two 
hundred and eighty acres of land, the greater part of which was accumulated 
during the last ten years of his life. He died November 7, 1860, and his 
estate was valued at about eighty-seven thousand dollars. His wife survived 
him several years, dying March 9, 1871. They were the parents of ten children, 
six of whom grew to maturity. Mary Elizabeth, who married John KENNEDY, died, 
leaving seven children. William, who married Laura MAYES, now lives in Harper 
county, Kansas, and they have two children. Ruth, now the wife of Irving 
BROADUS, lives in Lacon, Illinois, and they have five children. Isaac M. is 
the subject of this sketch. Caleb married Ellen E. GREEN, who died, leaving 
three children. Sarah Eleanor, now the wife of Samuel M. CROFT, lives in 
Harper county, Kansas, and is the mother of six children. In politics, Peter 
FORBES was a democrat, and held many of the township offices, including 
supervisor. He was a well posted man, and his death was mourned, not alone by 
his family, but by many friends as well.
The subject of this sketch was born September 19, 1847, on the farm where he 
now resides. After receiving his primary education in the public schools of 
Marshall county, he entered Lombard university of Galesburg, Illinois, where 
he finished his course. From the time he was fourteen years old he handled and 
traded in stock, and was always successful in that line. After leaving 
college, he traveled for a year, and subsequently, in 1870, married Miss 
Fannie M. THORP, a native of Ohio, and daughter of James and Margaret Jane 
(VANCE) THORP, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Virginia. 
They were married, however, in Erie county, Ohio, and in 1857 came to Marshall 
county, Illinois, making their permanent home at Henry, where both 
subsequently died. They were the parents of seven children, of whom four grew 
to maturity – James, who married Jane IRWIN, now lives in Jewell county, 
Kansas; John, who married Elizabeth KLEGG, now resides on a large farm in 
Livingston county, Illinois; William, who married Margaret FORD, now resides 
in Peoria, Illinois, and Fannie M. is now Mrs. FORBES.
Mrs. FORBES, who was born March 31, 1851, in Eerie county, Ohio, received her 
education in the public schools of Henry, Illinois. After her marriage with 
Mr. FORBES, they settled upon the home place of her husband. But one child 
came to bless their union – Rankin Caleb, who was born January 4, 1882. For 
the past fourteen years Mr. FORBES has been engaged in raising thoroughbred 
stock, especially Shorthorn cattle. At the present time he has a large herd 
upon his place, comprising upwards of a hundred head and he has made many 
sales in Chicago and elsewhere. Of his farm of seven hundred acres the greater 
part of it is used for grazing purposes.
Politically, Mr. FORBES is a democrat, and for years has taken an active part 
in political affairs in his township and county. He has been road 
commissioner, assessor and supervisor, serving in the latter office for three 
years. He has been urged by his friends time and again to make the run as a 
member of the general assembly, and also for the state senate, but has 
invariably declined the honor. For some years he has been in partnership with 
his brother Caleb in the stock business, in which line they have met with the 
best success. They are both business men of acknowledged ability and 
thoroughly understand the business in which they are engaged. Few men have the 
confidence of their fellow-citizens in a greater degree than the FORBES 
brothers. A daughter of Caleb FORBES, Miss Mabel, is a young lady of great 
natural ability as an elocutionist, and her rendering of “The Two Portraits” 
is rarely excelled.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. FORBES is an ideal one, both being highly educated 
and yet keep up their reading in the standard and current literature of the 
day.

Andrew Ramsey HANCOCK, of Lacon, president of the Sparland Coal Company, is 
one of the best known men in Marshall county, having been prominently before 
the people for a quarter of a century, and very active in the councils of his 
political party, the democratic, having served as chairman of the county 
central committee, and is at present secretary of the same. He is not only 
well known locally, but throughout the state, having for many years attended 
every state and national convention of his party. A native of Marshall county, 
born in Hopewell township, November 23, 1848, he has here resided his entire 
life. His father, William W. HANCOCK, was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and 
came to the United States when a young man of twenty years. For a time he 
resided in Pennsylvania, and later removed to Dayton, Ohio, where he remained 
until the latter part of the ‘30s, when he came to Marshall county, and here 
resided until his death. Soon after coming here he formed the acquaintance of 
Elizabeth ORR, with whom he was united in marriage, and with whom he happily 
lived until separated by death. She was a daughter of James and Sarah ORR, 
natives of Maryland, and pioneers of Marshall county, the family locating in 
Lacon township, just north of Lacon. Her father died in 1867, at the age of 
seventy-eight, being born in 1787. Of the family only one now survives.
On coming to Marshall county, William W. HANCOCK worked for a time by the day 
and month until he had saved enough to purchase a small piece of land in 
Hopewell township, to which he removed and where he resided until his death. 
To his original purchase he subsequently added other tracts until he had a 
fine farm of six hundred and eighty acres, which he placed under a high state 
of cultivation. He was an excellent farmer, a good judge of stock and made a 
specialty of fine cattle. In addition to his home farm, he was the owner of 
three hundred and sixty acres in two farms located elsewhere. When he made his 
first purchase his capital consisted of six hundred dollars, the savings of 
years. By strict economy and careful attention to his business, he was enabled 
to place himself in comfortable circumstances and died the possessor of a fair 
share of this world’s goods. His death occurred in 1890, at the age of seventy-
seven years. His wife survived him one year, dying in 1891. They were the 
parents of six children: Ann Louisa married Morgan BOYS, and died in 1865, at 
the age of twenty-seven years; James Washington, while making his home at 
Lacon, is a storekeeper in the United States internal revenue service at 
Peoria; William Emmett resides in Lacon; Andrew R. is the subject of this 
sketch; Alpheus died at the age of nineteen years, and Ira F. resides in Lacon.
In politics, William W. HANCOCK was a democrat of the old school, and was well 
posted in the political and general history of the country, and knew how to 
express himself clearly and forcibly upon all questions of public interest. He 
cared nothing for the honors or emoluments of public office, but did care for 
the principles of his party, in which he had the greatest faith and 
confidence. For years he served as supervisor of his township and also school 
treasurer, and was such at the time of his death. At the Baltimore convention 
in 1860, at which Stephen A. Douglas was nominated for the presidency, he 
served as an alternate delegate. He was strictly a temperate man, using no 
liquor or tobacco in any form. Reared in the Episcopal faith, in later years 
he attended the Presbyterian church, and died in the faith of a blessed 
resurrection. He was always an active, pushing and hard working man, and kept 
his business intact until the last, giving personal attention to every detail.
Andrew R. HANCOCK, our subject, remained at home until he attained his 
majority, assisting in the farm work from the time he was old enough to “drop 
corn” or follow the plow. His education was received in the public schools, 
but he has always been a great reader and observer of passing events, and is 
therefore one of the best posted men in the country. It may be said that he 
inherited a taste for political warfare, and from the time he cast his first 
vote in the spring of 1870 he has been prominently identified with the 
political history of his county and state. For two terms he served acceptably 
in the office of supervisor from his township, and in 1880 was nominated for 
the office of sheriff. Notwithstanding at this time the county had a 
republican majority of six hundred, he entered the canvass with a 
determination to win. The large republican majority was not only overcome, but 
he received a majority of one hundred and forty-eight votes. Re-nominated, he 
was elected by over five hundred majority. During his term several important 
murder trials occurred, and in the discharge of the duties of the office he 
displayed great ability. His abilities were recognized by the State Sheriff’s 
association by his election as president of that body, an office which he 
filled in a most acceptable manner. About this time he served one year as 
deputy United States marshal. After serving his second term as sheriff, he was 
nominated for the office of county treasurer, but was defeated by a small 
majority.
It must not be considered from what has already been said that Mr. HANCOCK is 
a politician pure and simple, for the fact of the case is he is recognized as 
one of the leading business men of the county, having for the past seven years 
been president of the Sparland Coal Company, and giving the business his 
personal attention. The company employs about one hundred miners and has a 
daily output of one hundred and twenty-five tons. Its main shaft is located 
near the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad at Sparland, and the company 
is now working its third vein, which is thirty inches thick. In addition to 
his duties in connection with the coal business, Mr. HANCOCK is engaged in 
buying and shipping stock, and supplying stock feeders with young animals. He 
has a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, five miles from Lacon, and 
also owns one hundred and forty acres of the old homestead. In looking after 
his various interests it can be conceived that his time is fully occupied.
Mr. HANCOCK was married December 16, 1880, to Miss Phoebe A. MYERS, a daughter 
of John and Mary (WRIGHT) MYERS, of Roberts township. Her father, who now 
resides in Peoria, came to this county with his parents before the Black Hawk 
war, which occurred in 1832. His father, also named John, died here when past 
seventy-eight years of age, and the old homestead is yet owned by him. Two 
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. HANCOCK – Tracy and Lura – both yet 
residing at home. Mrs. HANCOCK is a woman of domestic tastes and habits, a 
member of the Congregational church, and is well known and universally 
esteemed.
Fraternally, Mr. HANCOCK is a Mason, a member of Lacon lodge, No. 61, F. & A. 
M.; of Lacon council, R. A. M.; of Peoria commandery, No. 3, K. T., and also 
the Shrine at Peoria. In Masonic work he has taken an active part, and is well 
posted in the history and work of the order. He is a lover of fast horses, and 
is at present president of the Lacon Driving association. As a citizen he has 
the best interests of his town and country at heart, and at all times is ready 
to give his influence in behalf of any good work.

William H. GERMAN, residing on a fine farm of two hundred acres on section 15, 
Hopewell township, and who is also the owner of another farm of one hundred 
and twenty acres on section 14, of the same township, while making no 
pretension of great ability in any particular manner, is yet a man who has 
drawn around him many friends who admire his honesty of heart and such 
qualities that go to make up the trustful man. His father, John GERMAN, was a 
native of Zanesville, Ohio, born in 1797, and was a son of Moses and Caroline 
GERMAN, natives of Pennsylvania, but of German descent.
John GERMAN grew to manhood on his father’s farm near Zanesville, Ohio, and 
there married Cassandra SMITH, a native of Ohio. In 1831 they moved to Putnam 
county, Illinois, and settled near Magnolia. After a year he went back to 
Ohio, but returning to Putnam county for a time, rented farms in Magnolia 
township. They were the parents of eight children: Samuel, who left home many 
years ago, and was never afterward heard from; Moses, who lives in Iowa; 
Rachel, wife of Calvin SHIELDS, of Putnam county, Illinois; Susan, who first 
married Henry HANNUM, and on his death married Thomas JOHNSON, now lives in 
Henry, Illinois; Elizabeth, now the wife of Y. A. GLENN, of Putnam county; 
Gilla, who married Daniel HARNEY, both of whom are now deceased; William H., 
our subject, and Maria, who died at the age of sixteen years. The mother of 
these children dying, the father married Elizabeth MORRIS, who is now 
deceased, and by this marriage were three children – Joseph, now living in 
Iowa; Eleanor, now the wife of T. W. STONER, of Hopewell township, and 
Melissa, now the wife of William FETTER, residing in Iowa. John GERMAN was for 
many years a class leader in the Methodist Episcopal church, and died in the 
faith. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk war.
The subject of this sketch was born March 12, 1840, on Ox Bow Prairie, near 
Magnolia, Putnam county, Illinois, and there grew to manhood. His father being 
in limited circumstances, was unable to give him the education he desired and 
therefore his school days were but few in number and he may be said to be a 
self-educated man. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, seventy-seventh 
Illinois volunteer infantry, and went with his regiment to the front. After a 
short term of service he was taken sick with the measles at Covington, 
Kentucky, and lost his voice for a period of three months, for which cause he 
was honorably discharged.
Returning home, Mr. GERMAN resumed his occupation of farming, and November 12, 
1863, married Miss Ada E. STEWART, a native of Hennepin, Illinois, and a 
daughter of John E. and Sophia H. (CHAPLIN) STEWART, the former a native of 
Ohio, born in 1814, and the latter of North Carolina, born in 1817. John E. 
STEWART was a son of John I. STEWART, who came from Scotland. His father was a 
well educated man, a surveyor by profession, and served as a soldier in the 
war of 1812. The father of Mrs. GERMAN came to Hennepin in 1832, and there 
engaged in his trade of tailoring, in which line he continued until 1845, then 
removed to a farm. Mr. and Mrs. STEWART were the parents of eight children, 
seven of whom grew to maturity – Mary Jane, now the wife of I. A. GLENN, of 
Putnam county; Nancy W., now the wife of E. S. FOSTER, living in La Salle 
county, Illinois; Mrs. GERMAN; Lucinda W., now the wife of John McCLOSKEY, 
living in Roberts township, Marshall county; Kelp S., who married Rosa Belle 
GRAVES, now deceased, lives in Washington county, Kansas; Elizabeth Frances, 
who is now deceased and Ellen, now the wife of W. A. STONER, of Englewood, 
Illinois. Mrs. STEWART, who was a member of the Baptist church, died April 8, 
1892. Mr. STEWART resided in La Salle county, Illinois, up to the date of his 
death, which occurred January 30, 1896.
To Mrs. And Mrs. GERMAN eight children have been born, three of whom are now 
living – Charles Stewart, Moses Samuel and Edwin Schon. Immediately after 
marriage, Mr. and Mrs. GERMAN commenced their domestic life upon a farm in 
Putnam county, and there rented land until 1866. He then purchased a small 
farm on Clear creek, in Hennepin township, Putnam county, which was then 
unimproved timber land. He at once commenced its improvement and after 
remaining there until 1881 sold out and removed to his present location in 
Hopewell township, Marshall county, where he has a fine farm of three hundred 
and twenty acres, all of which is well improved. Mr. GERMAN is engaged in 
general farming, confining himself to no particular branch, and has been quite 
successful during the fifteen years of his residence in Marshall county. He 
has lately remodeled his large barn and built a fine dwelling, in which the 
family now reside.
While engaged in hunting on the 23d of August, 1873, Mr. GERMAN accidentally 
shot himself in the left arm, necessitating its amputation above the elbow. 
Notwithstanding this unfortunate occurrence, he seems to get along as well as 
most men who have the use of both hands and arms. Fraternally he is a member 
of Lookout Mountain post, No. 94, G. A. R., and politically he is independent, 
voting for such men and measures as he thinks will best advance the interests 
of his town and country. He has been assessor of Hopewell township six years; 
road commissioner three years, and has also served as school director for a 
number of years.
Mrs. GERMAN, who was born January 15, 1844, was reared on the farm and 
received a good education in the district schools, preparing herself as a 
teacher, and for several terms taught in the public schools of Putnam county, 
Illinois. She is a kind-hearted, intelligent woman, and has a host of friends 
throughout Marshall and Putnam counties. The same can also be said of Mr. 
GERMAN.

Washington E. COOK, deceased, was for sixteen years county clerk of Marshall 
county, and, in due deference to all others, he may be said to have been the 
democratic leader in the county. Personally known by nearly every person 
having business at the county seat, he exercised an influence that was felt 
and acknowledged by all. He traced his ancestry back to one Elijah COOK, who 
came with the Pilgrim fathers and afterward located in Connecticut. One of the 
descendants of Elijah COOK, Ebenezer, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, 
and in a very early day settled in Oneida county, New York, and there reared a 
family of eleven sons and two daughters. The neighborhood was known as “Cook’s 
corners.” One of his sons, also named Ebenezer, married Leonora COMBS, and to 
them, on the 29th of December, 1809, was born the subject of this sketch. 
Ebenezer COOK, Sr., was a soldier in the war of 1812, and until her death his 
widow received a pension from the general government.
When our subject was but eleven years of age his father died, and soon after 
he commenced to learn the hatter’s trade, but abandoned this and secured a 
position as clerk in a general store, where he remained some years, going from 
thence to New York city, where he served one year as clerk in a hotel. Hen 
then went to Honesdale, Pennsylvania, where, on the 16th of May, 1832, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Eunice KELLOGG. Here purchasing a hotel, he 
continued in its management for four years, when he removed to Dunkirk, New 
York, and assisted in surveying the Buffalo & Erie railroad. In June, 1838, he 
removed to Birmingham, Ohio, where for nine years he was engaged in 
merchandising. He now determined to go still farther west, and came to 
Marshall county, locating three miles west of Henry, where he purchased three 
hundred and twenty acres of land for four dollars per acre, and commenced a 
farmer’s life. This farm has since been known as the Harney farm, Mr. COOK 
disposing of it after three years’ ownership.
Mr. COOK was not long a resident of the county before his abilities were known 
and recognized by his fellow citizens. In the fall of 1849 he was nominated 
and elected to the office of county clerk, and removed with his family to 
Lacon, December 1, of that year. In that city he continued to reside until his 
death. He was re-elected county clerk three times, serving in all sixteen 
years. He also served ten years as township supervisor, and in whatever 
position he was called upon to fill he discharged its duties with fidelity and 
to the satisfaction of his constituents.
In 1860 Mr. COOK was sent as a delegate to the Charleston convention and voted 
continuously for Stephen A. Douglas. With the remainder of the Illinois 
delegation he withdrew from the convention when it was clearly shown that 
their rights were not to be respected. In 1868 he was a delegate to the 
national democratic convention, which met that year at Philadelphia. His faith 
in the principles of the democratic party as enunciated by Jefferson and 
Jackson never wavered, and he died as he lived, a democrat.
Fraternally, Mr. COOK was a Mason and had attained the thirty-second degree of 
that order. For some years he was a member of Apollo commandery, Chicago, and 
was a charter member of Peoria commandery. On his death, which occurred 
January 7, 1879, the Masons took charge of his funeral, attending in large 
numbers from Peoria and elsewhere. The circuit court, which was then in 
session, adjourned out of respect to his memory.
Mr. COOK was a self-educated man, having little opportunity to attend either 
public or private schools. His father dying when he was so young necessitated 
his shifting for himself in a great degree, but he was a great reader and kept 
himself thoroughly informed on all the questions of the day, as well as in 
general literature. Few men had a greater knowledge of American history, 
especially its political aspect. Physically he was large and strong, able to 
endure almost any hardship. In Chicago, the great metropolis of the west, he 
had unlimited faith, and there invested nearly all his spare means. Some of 
the real estate which he there purchased yet remains in the hands of his son, 
George.
Notwithstanding she was almost a life-long invalid, Mrs. COOK survived her 
husband some sixteen years, dying March 25, 1895. Although her sufferings at 
times were very great, she remained cheerful and bore it all with Christian 
fortitude. For very many years she was a member of the Congregational church, 
and used her every talent for the advancement of the Master’s cause, dying in 
the full assurance of faith.
Of the family of Mr. and Mrs. COOK, Helen J. married D. W. WARNER, and now 
resides in Boulder, Montana; Belle V. is now the widow of S. M. GARRETT, of 
Lacon, while George W. E. still resides in Lacon, enjoying the respect and 
esteem of all its citizens. He resides on the old homestead in the north part 
of Lacon, which has been in possession of the family since 1855, the brick 
part of the house having been erected in 1837. To such men as Washington E. 
COOK much is due, and the lesson of their lives must be an inspiration to all.
George W. E. COOK is a native of Bethany, Pennsylvania, born June 23, 1834. 
Like his father before him, he has been quite active as a democratic 
politician and has served in various official positions to the satisfaction of 
every one. He has been an alderman and mayor of Lacon, a member of the school 
board for twelve years, seven of which he acted as president of the board. In 
county and state conventions he has represented his party as a delegate, and 
for some years was president of the democratic club of Lacon. He has been a 
delegate from his club to the national democratic club conventions, and in 
every way has shown a knowledge of men and measures, entitling him to deserved 
recognition.
Not only as a politician has Mr. COOK been active and influential, but as a 
horticulturist he has taken high rank, having given much attention and study 
to that subject. About three acres of the home place he has set aside for use 
in experimenting in horticultural products, especially the strawberry. He is a 
member of the National Pomological society, and is its vice-president for 
Illinois. He has also been a member of several farmer clubs, in which he has 
taken an active part. In educational matters, also, he has given much time and 
attention, and has ever been a true friend of the public school contributing 
to educational journals and being consulted by legislators on legislation 
pertaining to the public schools. For some years he was a regular contributor 
to the Prairie Farmer, and has contributed more or less to various 
horticultural journals in the country. As has been stated, his mother was 
almost a life long invalid, and to her he gave the love and affection of a 
dutiful son, ministering unto her wants and doing all in his power to 
alleviate her misery. To do this work he remained under the parental roof 
until the mother was called to the upper and better world.

Charles Norris THOMPSON, deceased, was one of the best known and most highly 
esteemed of the young men of Marshall county. He was a native of the county, 
born in the city of Lacon, April 1, 1865, and was the son of John S. and Eliza 
H. (NORRIS) THOMPSON, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. In 
his native city he grew to manhood and received his literary education in its 
public schools. Later he entered Bryant & Stratton’s Business College, 
Chicago, from which he graduated with honors, and at once entered upon a 
business career.
Few men had a brighter future before them than did the subject of this sketch. 
From his youth he took an interest in the business carried on by his father 
and in the office made himself generally useful. Before attaining his majority 
he was made a member of the firm, and the business was carried on under the 
name of J. S. Thompson & Son, and later, when his brother, John I. THOMPSON, 
was admitted to the firm, it went under the name of J. S. Thompson & Sons, 
Investment Bankers. (For an account of the remarkable success of this firm and 
its system of doing business see sketch of J. S. THOMPSON.) In this business 
he showed great aptitude and became thoroughly proficient in every department. 
His judgment of men was good, and he was ever considerate of others. In 1885, 
while but twenty years of age, he was elected assistant cashier of the First 
National Bank of Lacon, a position he held until the time of his death, the 
duties of which he discharged faithfully and well, to the entire satisfaction 
of the directors of the bank and its patrons.
On the 8th of October, 1885, Mr. THOMPSON was united in marriage with Miss Ada 
BURNS, daughter of Judge John BURNS of Lacon, Illinois. Their wedded life of a 
little over ten years was a happy one, and it can be truly said that they 
lived in each others love. Mrs. THOMPSON was reared in Lacon, and was there 
educated in the public schools and later attended Eureka College. She is a 
lady of fine tastes and accomplished in art and music. She now makes her home 
at Colorado Springs, Colorado, in an elegant home left her by her husband. 
For four long weary years Mr. THOMPSON was an invalid. Three years of this 
time he was almost daily consumed with a burning fever, yet it is said that he 
never complained.
E had promise of a bright future in life and was anxious to live, to care for 
and to be a comfort to his loved ones. Yet, when it was evident that he must 
give up this world he nobly and quietly yielded to the Divine will. The last 
few months he dwelt much on the world to come. His Christian experience was 
bright and clear and full of hope and joy. A short time before his death when 
his friends were bending anxiously over him to catch every gesture, word and 
look, before he passed to the Great Beyond, his face lighted up with a 
radiant, heavenly smile, and pointing upward he exclaimed in a clear 
voice: “O! see the brightness.” His father did not look, and with his own hand 
he turned his father’s face upward and said: “Look quick.” Who can say that 
the heavenly spirits were not awaiting his coming?
No greater tribute could be paid him than this – aside from the sorrow his 
illness caused, he never gave his parents one hour of sorrow. Though dying far 
from home, his sweet, gentle ways drew to him many loving friends, who, with 
flowers, loving words and deeds comforted him and his beloved ones in the last 
days as if they were old-time friends. Among these pleasures were the letters 
of a number of little Indians from the Indian school of Phoenix, which he 
treasured.
A few days before his death he said to his father: “I am sorry for you and all 
our loved ones. You will have to toil and be anxious about many things, while 
I will be happy all the time, and be with mother. She has been waiting for me 
twenty years.” Another time he said in broken words: “It is harder for you 
than of me.” At another time: “Father, have the preacher tell all the boys to 
be sure and meet me in heaven. I love them all; yes, I love every one.” Truly, 
it may be said Charlie THOMPSON loved every one and had not an enemy in the 
world. His last message to his brother Jon I., and sisters Jennie and Emma 
Mai, were: “To be good and do good,” and later, to emphasize it, he said: “Set 
it down, lest a mistake be made.” Truly, he stuck the keynote when he said in 
substance: “Become good that you may do good.”
Far from his loved home, in the city of Phoenix, Arizona, he was called to 
rest, his death occurring February 22, 1896. To that place he had gone, 
accompanied by his loved wife and parents, with the hope that the bracing 
climate of that state might do him good. But it was not to be. While in 
Colorado Springs, Colorado, he gave his heart to the Lord and united with the 
Methodist Episcopal church at that place, and when the end came he was 
prepared to go. He was also a Mason, Knight Templar and a member of the 
Knights of Pythias societies.
The circle of friends of Mr. THOMPSON was not confined to his Illinois home, 
for warm personal friends came to him at Colorado Springs and at Phoenix, 
Arizona, where he passed his last days on earth, so sad yet precious to his 
loved ones. The bereaved wife and parents received their many tokens of tender 
love and sympathy. The friends of the family and of Charles sent messages of 
condolence from many parts of the United States. His remains were brought to 
Lacon for interment. The public schools and business houses of Lacon closed 
during the funeral services, which were held in the Methodist Episcopal 
church, which, large as it is, could not contain the people, many of whom were 
turned away. The Rev. T. C. Moots conducted the services and was assisted by 
Rev. L. B. Kent, who twenty years previous had had charge of the Lacon 
Methodist Episcopal pulpit, and preached his mother’s funeral sermon; Rev. 
Long of the Congregational church, and Rev. Hammond, Episcopal church, all 
representing the united pulpits filled in Lacon. The floral tributes were 
worthy of more than a passing notice and covered the platform in set pieces, 
palms, ferns, roses and callas. The M. E. Quartet rendered the songs selected 
by himself, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” and “In the Sweet Bye and Bye,” singing 
at the final resting place “Silently Lay Him to Rest, God Thought it Was 
Beset.”
The Knights of Pythias and Masonic orders were largely represented and the 
beautiful Masonic burial service took place in its most impressive and perfect 
manner. Such a life is a benediction to all who come in contact with it, and 
will bear precious seed for many years.
[portrait of Charles N. THOMPSON available on page 117]

Samuel HOLMES, known throughout the entire section of the country in which he 
lives as Squire HOLMES, is one of the most prominent citizens and farmers in 
Hopewell township, Marshall county. His father, also named Samuel, was a 
native of Lancashire, England, born in 1786, while his grandfather, James 
HOLMES, was also a native of the same shire. His mother was Hannah JACKSON, a 
native of Chestershire, England, and a daughter of James JACKSON, who came to 
America in 1812, locating in New Jersey, near Trenton, where he made a 
permanent home. Samuel HOLMES, the father, came to America in 1818, landing in 
New York city, and going from thence to Clinton, New Jersey, where he married 
Hannah JACKSON. Shortly after their marriage they removed to Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania, where he worked as a common laborer for a time, and subsequently 
operated a lumber yard.
In 1835 the family came west and settled in Putnam county, Illinois, in the 
heavy timber land. The country was then very sparsely settled, and the father 
at once commenced the clearing up of the small farm. In his native country he 
had been educated as a veterinary surgeon, and it is said that he had not a 
superior in this line in America. Before coming to this country he was 
veterinary for the Earl of Balcares, and had considerable experience in the 
line of his profession. He never followed that business in this country for 
money simply, but responded to calls from Ottawa to Bloomington, and 
throughout this entire section of country.
Samuel HOLMES, Sr., was a pioneer in Putnam county, and came to this country 
with his wife, two sons and a step-son. One child died in infancy. Of the 
sons, Joseph, born November 20, 1819, married Miss Avis TABER, and now lives 
in southern California. They are the parents of four children, Mary, J. H., 
Avis and Samuel J. The latter is a graduate of the state university of 
California, and is a professor of biology in the Chicago university. The other 
son is the subject of this sketch. In 1850 the father went to California, 
making the journey overland, and there died shortly after his arrival, October 
29, 1850. The mother survived him many years, dying on the old homestead in 
1876. Under the old constitution of Illinois, Mr. HOLMES became a voter, but 
never became a partisan politician and never held office.
Samuel HOLMES, our subject, was born January 4, 1822, at Trenton, New Jersey, 
and commenced attending the public schools at Philadelphia after the removal 
of the family to that place. He also attended one or two terms in the pioneer 
schools of Illinois. His education, it may be said, was principally obtained 
by reading and observation. In his desire to acquire knowledge he has many 
times jumped upon a horse, ridden ten miles to borrow a book, then by means of 
a dip made of lard, in a saucer, with a rag for a wick, he and his brother 
would study after their day’s work was completed. The two brothers helped 
clear the farm in Putnam county, and both remained at home until after 
attaining their majority. For some seasons they made brick, which they sold 
throughout the country. On one occasion after manufacturing a large number of 
brick they constructed a flatboat to carry their product south, but were 
prevented from doing so by low water. In the fall of 1843, in company with 
another man, our subject engaged in cutting wood for the steamers on the 
Illinois river. After piling up some eight hundred cords and looking hopefully 
forward to the time when they could dispose of the results of their hard 
winter’s work, the flood of 1844 came upon them, carrying every stick of their 
wood down the river. He then went to work with his brother on the farm, and 
worked thus for nearly two years.
On the 6th of November, 1846, Mr. HOLMES was united in marriage with Miss 
Sarah WHITE, a native of North Carolina, and daughter of William WHITE, also a 
native of the same state, but who came to this county about 1836. By this 
union there are four children, Anna, who married George HUME, is now deceased; 
Jane, who married Amos DeBAULT, now resides in Oklahoma; Samuel, who married 
Hulda NEWPHINE, now lives in the state of Washington, and Emma B., who married 
Joseph TABER, is now deceased.
Soon after marriage Mr. HOLMES purchased a tract of wild prairie land in Henry 
township, of which he improved one hundred and sixty acres, building thereon a 
small cabin, in which the family lived from the spring of 1847 until 1849, and 
then sold out. In the summer of 1850 he went to the gold fields of California, 
across the plains. He started from Council Bluffs, Iowa, with four men under 
contract to work for him a year. They crossed the Missouri river May 28, and 
arrived at Placerville, California, August 21. After working in the mines 
until the spring of 1852 he returned to his home by the Nicaragua route, 
arriving home August 1, 1852. While he was away his wife purchased one hundred 
and sixty acres of land lying east and south of his present farm, but was 
living in the house where they now reside. From that time until the present he 
has followed farming, with the exception of two years spent in visiting his 
brother in southern California. For the past six years he has rented the farm, 
which comprises two hundred and forty acres of well improved land.
Mrs. Sarah HOLMES, his first wife, was born in 1825, and died in 1868. One 
year later he married Miss Sarah C. TABER, a native of New Bedford, 
Massachusetts, and a daughter of Benjamin Nerab (COFFIN) TABER, the former a 
native of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and the latter of Nantucket, 
Massachusetts. They came west in 1837, and settled in Knox county, Illinois, 
where he died many years ago. The mother died and was buried in the cemetery 
at Henry. They were the parents of eight children, three of whom are now 
living: Dr. Benjamin, now residing in Dallas, Texas; Sarah C., the wife of our 
subject, and Avis, who married Joseph HOLMES, and now resides in southern 
California. Mrs. HOMES was born January 30, 1816, and was educated in the 
public schools of New Bedford, finishing her course in the seminary at 
Providence, Rhode Island. The Taber family were descended from the Coffin 
family, which was founded by Tristam COFFIN, who settled at Salisbury, 
Massachusetts, in 1642.
In politics Mr. HOLMES is an uncompromising democrat, and has taken a somewhat 
active part in local affairs. For four years he served as justice of the peace 
in Hopewell township, three years as commissioner of highways and school 
director and trustee for many years. His grand-daughter, Maud E. HOLMES, is a 
graduate of the Henry high school, and has been a successful teacher. She is a 
very cultured and highly refined lady, and takes great interest in ancient 
lore, especially all matters pertaining to the history of the family.

William HAWS, a leading and representative citizen of Magnolia, belongs to a 
family that has been identified with the interests of Putnam county since the 
earliest days of its settlement. The first to locate here was his uncle, 
Captain William HAWS, who was born in Orange county, Virginia, September 23, 
1800 and in 1805 was taken by his parents to Ohio, and there remained until 
reaching his majority. On the 27th of August, 1821, he became a pioneer of 
Sangamon county, Illinois, where he conducted a tannery for a time, and in 
1826 came to Putnam county, settling on section 26, Magnolia township, which 
was, at that time, however, a part of Tazewell county. He built a log cabin 
and there made his permanent home. He married Lucinda SOUTHWICK, a native of 
New York, who was a typical frontier woman, brave and fearless, and shared 
with her husband all the trials and privations of pioneer life. Indians at 
that time were more numerous than the white settlers and wild animals lurked 
round their little cabin. Mrs. HAWS died on the 4th of July, 1867, leaving no 
children.
The captain secured his title as commander of a volunteer company in the Black 
Hawk war. At his house in 1831 Putnam county was organized, and he served on 
the first grand jury that here convened, the first term of court being held at 
the old traveling house near Hennepin. Governor Ford was then prosecuting 
attorney of the district. The captain died in March, 1885, and was buried in 
the Magnolia cemetery. After the death of his first wife he was again married, 
his second union being with Mrs. Louisa MOFFITT, nee DEFENBAUGH, now deceased, 
and to them were born five children, two still living: Clifford, who married 
in Boston, Massachusetts, and Joel.
In 1845, a sister of Captain HAWS – Mrs. KELLEY – and her family came to 
Putnam county, locating in Magnolia township, but three years later removed to 
La Salle county, Illinois, and about 1860 removed to Missouri. An unmarried 
sister came in 1838, and made her home here until her death, dying at the 
advanced age of ninety-two years, and was interred in Magnolia cemetery.
Joel HAWS, the father of our subject, was born in Madison county, Virginia, 
August 15, 1796, and was a son of Conrad and Susan HAWS, who emigrated in 1805 
to Clinton county, Ohio, where both died. The grandfather and two brothers 
took up arms against the mother country in Revolutionary war, aiding the 
colonies in their struggle for independence. The father was one of a family of 
eight children, the others being Elizabeth, William, Mrs. Fannie JOHNSON, 
John, Mrs. Nancy KELLEY, Susan and Tandy, all now deceased.
Until ten years of age Joel HAWS lived in Virginia, and then accompanied his 
parents to Ohio, where he remained until coming to Putnam county, Illinois, in 
1838. In Clinton county, Ohio, April 27, 1824, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Elizabeth GIBSON, who was born in 1805, and was the daughter of John 
GIBSON. On coming to his state they lived upon Captain HAWS’ place until 1845, 
when the father purchased the farm now owned by Gustave OTTO, becoming its 
original owner. This he continued to cultivate and improve until his death, 
which occurred June 24, 1883. His wife, who was a faithful member of the 
Presbyterian church, died in January, 1876. They were the parents of ten 
children, namely: Mrs. Mary Ann HUBBARD and Thomas G., both of Magnolia; Mrs. 
Elizabeth McCULLUM, deceased; William, of this sketch; John, of Ottawa, 
Illinois; one, who died in infancy; Mrs. Sarah J. McCOMBS, of Ottawa; Mrs. 
Eunice L. OTTO (see sketch of Gustave OTTO on another page of this work); 
George W., of La Salle county, Illinois, and James A., of York county, 
Nebraska. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving with the Second 
Ohio Volunteers under Captain William Fordyce, in Colonel Sumalt’s regiment 
and General Denoe’s division, and was honorably discharged in 1814. He was an 
upright, honorable man, a faithful friend, liberal to a fault, and in politics 
a Jacksonian democrat.
Mr. HAWS, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, 
September 10, 1833, and when quite small was brought by his parents to Putnam 
county, where he became familiar with the arduous duties that fall to the lot 
of the pioneers. His education was such as the district schools of the 
locality afforded, and he remained at home until reaching maturity. For 
seventeen years he was then employed by his uncle, Captain HAWS.
In 1858 Mr. HAWS led to the marriage altar Miss Helen CLISBEE, a native of 
Marshall county, Illinois, born April 11, 1842. She was reared from childhood 
by Captain HAWS, and after a short married life died February 3, 1864. Two 
children were born to them, Minnie L., wife of Riley B. ROBERTS, of Magnolia 
township, by whom she has four children, Burl William, Helen Haws, Margaret 
Livingston and Ollie Marie, and Helen, deceased.
Mr. HAWS was again married March 2, 1865, Miss Mary Jane TRONE becoming his 
wife. She was born in York county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1845, and is a 
daughter of David and Christiana (PHILBY) TRONE, also natives of York county, 
the former born January 9, 1816, and the latter in 1820. In the spring of 1847 
her parents located in Caledonia, Magnolia township, Putnam county, Illinois, 
where the father died in June, 1863, and the mother in January, 1879. They had 
four children: Mrs. Margaret SMITH, deceased; Mary J., wife of our subject; 
Mrs. Elizabeth KIDD< deceased, and Jerry. The parents were earnest members of 
the Methodist church, and the father served as postmaster of Caledonia for 
some time.
Mr. HAWS is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to 
the Blue lodge at Magnolia, in which he has served as treasurer for many 
years, the chapter at Lacon and the commandery at Peru. Politically he has 
been a lifelong democrat, taking a deep interest in the success of his party, 
and has been called upon to serve in several official positions, being road 
commissioner one term, supervisor two terms, a member of the school board and 
also a member of the village board of Magnolia, of which for several terms he 
was president. Since the war he has devoted his time and attention exclusively 
to agricultural pursuits, and now owns a valuable farm of three hundred and 
sixty acres, well improved and highly cultivated.
Riley B. ROBERTS, Mr. HAWS’ son-in-law, was born October 26, 1854, on the old 
Roberts homestead in Roberts township, Marshall county, and is a son of 
Livingston ROBERTS, now deceased. In the district schools he acquired his 
education, and on reaching manhood he was married June 26, 1876, to Miss 
Minnie L. HAWS, who was born in Magnolia township February 17, 1859, and, as 
previously stated, they have four children. They began their domestic life 
upon the farm where they now reside, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, 
highly cultivated and well improved. Mr. ROBERTS raises a high grade of Jersey 
cattle and fine horses, and has sold some excellent teams. In Magnolia lodge, 
No. 103, F. & A. M., he holds membership and is past master, while he also 
belongs to the Modern Woodmen, in which he has served as the presiding 
officer. His political support is given the republican party, and for twelve 
years he has been road commissioner, and has also served as school director in 
his district.

Richard BAGULEY, a leading tailor and the popular postmaster of Van Orin, 
Illinois, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1828, a son 
of Charles and Anna BAGULEY, who for many years made their home in that state. 
By trade the father was also a merchant tailor, which business he followed, 
both in Wheeling, West Virginia, and in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. He had 
learned his trade in the old world, but in his early days served as a sailor, 
and traveled around the world, visiting Africa and all the eastern countries. 
His death occurred in 1864, at the age of seventy-four years, and his wife 
died in 1844, at the age of fifty-three years. In religious belief they were 
Presbyterians.
During his youth our subject learned the trade of a tailor, but for six yeas 
was engaged in the drug business at Wheeling, West Virginia, with his brother-
in-law, James REED. He is one of a family of twelve children, three still 
living, his sisters being Fanny, who has now reached the age of eighty-two 
years, and is the widow of William J. JOURDAN of Muscatine, Iowa, and Mary, 
aged seventy-six years, who is the wife of James REED of Wheeling.
On coming to Illinois Mr. BAGULEY engaged in the grain business in Henry, and 
subsequently carried on the same business in Van Orin for ten years. In 1885 
he was appointed postmaster, which position he has since efficiently filled, 
his duties being discharged in a most creditable manner, and to the 
satisfaction of the many patrons of the office. He is an ardent democrat in 
politics, is a man of undoubted integrity and honor, and enjoys the esteem and 
confidence of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
In 1864 Mr. BAGULEY was united in marriage with Miss Malvina HULBEN, a 
daughter of George and Mary HULBEN, of Pennsylvania, and they have two 
children – Clara and Edith. Mrs. BAGULEY, a most estimable lady, is a 
consistent member of the United Brethren church.

Benjamin F. TURNER. Like many other residents within the bounds of Marshall 
county who started out in life with naught but an abundance of determination 
and indefatigable industry, and a strong and healthy constitution, and who 
gave succeeded through their own diligence, energy and economy, we classify 
the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch, who, on arriving 
in Illinois, had but seventy-five cents with which to begin life. He was 
actively engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years, but is now living 
retired in Wenona.
Mr. TURNER was born on the 24th of July, 1826, near Zanesville, Muskingum 
county, Ohio, and is the son of Clem and Dorcas (SNYDER) TURNER, the former a 
native of Delaware and the latter of West Virginia. They were among the early 
settlers of Muskingum county, where the father engaged in farming, and there 
both died. In their family were eight children – William, deceased; Mrs. Nancy 
HAMMITT; Mrs. Rebecca KELLEY, and John, both deceased; Jeremiah, who lives in 
Columbus, Ohio; Benjamin F., of this review; Mrs. Margaret CANNON of Fulton 
county, Illinois, and Elizabeth D., of the same county.
When quite small our subject lost his mother and was taken into the family of 
Judge Thomas IJMS, a prominent man of his time and judge of the county court 
of Muskingum county. In the district schools of Ohio Mr. TURNER secured his 
education and was reared to farm work. It was in 1845 that he came to 
Illinois, arriving in Magnolia township, on the 4th of March, accompanying the 
late George DENT, and was there employed upon a farm until 1850.
In that year Mr. TURNER led to the marriage altar Miss Hannah L. MILLER, who 
was born at Steubenville, Ohio, January 16, 1830, and was the daughter of 
Abram and Jane (PORTER) MILLER, who located on a farm two miles east of 
Magnolia in 1846. There they made their home for ten years, when they removed 
to Wenona, where they were numbered among the first settlers, and there spent 
their remaining days. Her father, who was a carpenter by trade, helped to 
erect many of the buildings in the village.
Six children came to bless the union of our subject and his worthy wife, 
namely: William Emery, who died December 15, 1881, had married Nellie MOON and 
they had two children, Guye Franklin, who graduated at the Abilene, Kansas, 
high school in 1895, and Harry. Abraham Martin married Ida SNIDER, by whom he 
has two children – Nellie and Cecil. Arthur Lee, who lives in Evans township, 
Marshall county, wedded Mary WORK, of Wenona, by whom he has three children – 
Benjamin F., Morine and Lee A. L. TURNER, and he is now serving as supervisor 
of Evans township and chairman of the board. Charles Marion, also of Evans 
township, married Lou CARRITHERS, and they have four children. Jennie is the 
wife of Clarence AXLINE of Evans township, by whom she has five children. 
Stella May, who completes the family, died April 14, 1883.
After his marriage Mr. TURNER rented land in Putnam county for six years, but 
in 1857 removed to a farm which he purchased on section 21, Evans township, 
three miles west of Wenona, and as it was all raw prairie land he at once 
began its improvement and development. He there continued to make his home 
until 1884, when he laid aside active business cares and removed to Wenona, 
where his wife died on the 13th of November, 1892, and her remains were 
interred in the Wenona cemetery. She was a consistent member of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, and took an active part in church work. On the 18th of 
March, 1896, Mr. TURNER married Mrs. Hannah E. SEEBREE, nee HENDRICKS, of 
Bloomington. Mr. TURNER is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has 
served as trustee and steward of the same. For many yeas he was an active 
member of the Good Templars society, and took a prominent part in promoting 
the temperance cause. He is an influential member of the republican party, has 
frequently served as delegate to its conventions, and has been called upon by 
his fellow-citizens to serve in several official positions of honor and trust, 
being road commissioner in Evans township, a member of the city council of 
Wenona from the third ward, and is now serving his eleventh consecutive year 
as justice of the peace to the general satisfaction of all concerned.

Robert PRINGLE. Among the well known men of Scottish birth, who have done much 
in developing the various industries of Marshall county, especially its 
farming interests, must be classed the subject of this sketch, who for more 
than forty years has resided on section 27, La Prairie township, where, with 
the help of his sons, he operates one of the best farms in this section. He 
was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, October 10, 1821, and is a son of Andrew 
and Elizabeth (PRINGLE) PRINGLE, the former a native of Selkirkshire, and the 
latter of Dumfriesshire, Scotland. Although bearing the same name they were 
not relatives. Andrew PRINGLE, who was by occupation a shepherd and laboring 
man, came to the United States in 18500, stopping for a time in New York, and 
in 1853 came to Marshall county, where he died at the age of seventy-seven 
years. His good wife survived him some yeas, dying in her eighty-eighth year.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent in Selkirkshire and 
Roxburghshire, where he received a limited education, but where he was inured 
to hard work, commencing at a very early age upon a farm, and continued in 
that occupation the greater part of the time until coming to this country. 
While pursuing his farm work his thoughts often turned to the new world with 
its greater possibilities, he had learned, for the poor man. Relatives and 
friends had crossed the ocean and written back glowing accounts of the land 
which was destined to be his future home.
In 1848, when twenty-six years of age, Mr. PRINGLE bade farewell to the loved 
ones at home and set sail for the United States. Landing in New York city he 
proceeded to Ontario county, New York, where he remained about four years and 
a half, working at whatever he could find to do, and carefully saving his 
money. In December, 1852, he came to Marshall county, his relatives, the 
DAVIDSONs, having preceded him.
While yet residing in Ontario county, New York, Mr. PRINGLE was united in 
marriage with Miss Jeannette TURNBULL, a native of Roxburghshire, Scotland, 
and a sister of Robert TURNBULL, who settled temporarily in New York. To them 
were born seven children – Beatie, who married John TITUS, and died at the age 
of twenty-two; Lizzie, who married Robert SCOON of La Prairie township. They 
have four children living – Frank T., Clifford, Beatie, Jeanette; John Andrew, 
who married Lillie Stewart, who died October 23, 1893, leaving one child 
Lillian; Mary, Adam and Jennie at home. Mrs. PRINGLE died August 30, 1873. She 
was a woman of excellent character, a loving mother and faithful wife.
It was shortly after his marriage that Mr. PRINGLE came to Marshall county. On 
his arrival he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, a part of his 
present excellent homestead, for which he paid four dollars per acre. He had 
just money enough with which to pay for the land, but wishing to keep some for 
present use he only made a small cash payment. As the land was unimproved, he 
rented an improved farm, on which he resided until 1854, when he moved to his 
own land and commenced its improvement. A little later he purchased one 
hundred and twenty acres of improved land, and his life work was well begun. 
IN the early days wheat was a sure crop and the soil yielded largely, making 
it a profitable cereal, notwithstanding the difficulty in marketing. As wheat 
raising became more and more uncertain, he changed to corn and stock-raising, 
in which he was quite successful. For some years he fed cattle, and his 
shipments have annually been from one to four car loads. He was also for a 
time a breeder of sheep, in which line he continued until that, too, proved 
unprofitable, when he abandoned it, but the industry has lately been taken up 
by his sons, with some success, they usually having a flock of some three 
hundred head on hand, and annually ship from two to four car loads.
Success has generally crowned the efforts of Mr. PRINGLE in the new world. To 
his original purchase of one hundred and sixty acres he has added from time to 
time other tracts until his farm consists of seven hundred acres in one body, 
all of which is operated by himself and sons. While confining himself 
generally to faming operations, he has occasionally ventured his means in 
other channels. On the organization of the Lacon woolen mills he became a 
stockholder to the extent of twenty-five shares. While this has not been as 
profitable as might be wished, two seasons of prosperity followed the venture, 
that during the Crimean war and near the close of the civil war.
Politically, Mr. PRINGLE has always been a stanch republican, he becoming an 
American citizen about the time of the birth of that party. He has neither 
accepted nor sought official position, his tastes not running in that channel. 
Like most of his kith and kin, he is a great admirer of Scotland’s greatest 
poet, Robert Burns, and in Scottish sports and festivities always has a lively 
interest. A good neighbor, a loyal citizen, he is greatly esteemed by all with 
whom he has been brought in contact.

Andrew J. BISHOP, one of the self-made men of Marshall county, who now makes 
his home in Wenona, is the possessor of valuable property, all of which has 
been accumulated by his own perseverance and industry. He was born in 
Washington county, Pennsylvania, April 28, 1828, and is the son of Thomas and 
Mary (HEATHERINGTON) BISHOP. The birth of the father occurred in the same 
county, in 1800, but the mother was born in Ireland, in 1801, and when three 
years old was brought by her father, Hugh HEATHERINGTON, to America. When a 
young man the maternal grandfather participated in the rebellion in Ireland, 
was for over eighty years a member of the Masonic order, and died in 
Pennsylvania at the extreme old age of one hundred and five years.
After their marriage, in 1824, the parents of our subject located upon a farm 
in the keystone state, where they spent their remaining days, the father dying 
in 1854, and the mother ten years later. Both held membership with the 
Methodist Episcopal church. In their family were eleven children, namely: Mrs. 
Martha Jane BLACKBURN; James, deceased; Andrew J., William H., deceased; John, 
of Mt. Palatine, Illinois; Mrs. Isabel CLAYBAUGH of Pennsylvania; Thomas B., 
deceased; Mrs. Susanna MATEER of Rutland, Illinois; Hiram and Margaret Ann, 
both deceased, and Jeremiah K., of Iowa. The last named served as a soldier in 
the union army during the civil war.
The education of our subject was such as the district school afforded, and 
although he was reared to agricultural pursuits, he also worked at the 
carpenter’s trade. Emigrating to Putnam county, Illinois, in 1853, he worked 
by the month as a farm hand for one year, and after his marriage lived on Ox 
Bow Prairie, in that county, until 1861, when he removed to Evans township, 
Marshall county, settling on section 27. The farm of eighty acres which he 
purchased was all wild land, but he has now placed it under a high state of 
cultivation, erected good and substantial buildings, and added to the tract 
until he now has two hundred and forty acres of valuable land. For thirty-
three years he made his home in one house, but since 1892 has lived retired in 
Wenona, where he is surrounded by many warm friends.
In 1854 Mr. Bishop was united in marriage with Miss Eliza J. CHAMP, the 
daughter of John W. and Lydia (HORROM) CHAMP, the former a native of 
Rockingham, New Hampshire, and the latter of New Jersey. Her maternal 
grandfather, Timothy HORROM, came to Illinois in 1832, settling in Grundy 
county, where he resided until his death. When a young man her father followed 
the carpenter’s trade, but later went to California and Washington, in the 
employ of the Hudson Bay company, with which he remained for forty years. 
Returning to Putnam county, Illinois, although over sixty years of age, he 
joined the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as a member of 
Company H, with which he served for three years, and was then discharged on 
account of illness. During his service he was taken prisoner by the enemy. He 
died in 1869, and his wife, who had long preceded him to the other world, 
passed away in 1837. They had two children – Mrs. BISHOP, and William W., who 
lives in Hope township, La Salle county, Illinois.
Mrs. BISHOP was the first white child born at Princeton, Illinois, the date of 
that event being January 1, 1834, and losing her mother when only three years 
old, she was reared by Lyman HORROM, a native of New Jersey, who came to 
Illinois in 1830, settling on Ox Bow Prairie in Putnam county. There he 
improved a farm, and in the early days also worked in the lead mines of 
Galena. He finally laid aside business cares and removed to Henry, Illinois, 
in 1863, where he passed away in 1886. He had married Eleanor BAKER, who still 
survives him, making her home in Henry at the age of eighty-four years, but 
for the past ten years has been an invalid. They had no children of their own, 
but reared both Mrs. BISHOP and her brother.
Four children were born to our subject and his wife – Charles W., who lives on 
section 27, Evans township, Marshall county, married Clara SWISHER. Mary Ella 
is the wife of Fred WHITING, by whom she has five children, and they also make 
their home in Evans township. Lydia, who lives in Nebraska, is the wife of 
John McLAUGHLIN, and they have four children. Lyman Hamlin completes the 
family. The children were all provided with good common school educations.
The parents are both conscientious Christians, worthy members of the Methodist 
church, and politically Mr. BISHOP is a republican, but has never accepted 
office with the exception of school director, which position he held for about 
twelve years. Although starting out in life with no capital, he struggled 
along and by hard work has succeeded in gaining a competence. During the first 
year at Ox Bow Prairie he was able to lay up seven hundred dollars.

Cyrus ROOT, residing on section 24, La Prairie township, Marshall county, is a 
veteran of the late war and is one of the most highly honored of the good 
citizens of the county. He was born just across the line in Peoria county, 
September 4, 1838, and is the son of Erastus C. and Barbara A. (REED) ROOT, 
both of whom were natives of Delaware county, New York, and who were numbered 
among the pioneers of 1830. Both died on the old farm in Peoria county, the 
latter October 6, 1881, and the former January 22, 1896. (See sketch of 
Erastus C. ROOT.)
Cyrus ROOT was the first of the family born on the old homestead, which was 
the home of the father a period of sixty-two years. On that farm he grew to 
manhood, and in the country schools of the vicinity received his education. 
The pioneer life of a farmer boy is one unending round of toil, and that of 
our subject was no exception to the rule. From the time he was old enough to 
do the small chores necessary in farm life he had to do his share of the work. 
This experience formed in him habits of industry that have clung to him 
through life.
While engaged in the peaceful avocations of farm life, the call to arms was 
made by the general government in defense of the union. Young men all around 
him wee offering their services, and he, too, responded to the call, and 
August 27, 1862, he became a private in Company C, Eighty-sixth Illinois 
Volunteer Infantry. This company was raised on the prairies, and six of the 
number were from La Prairie township, and among those were John JUMP, Webster 
GREEN and Edson TURNER, all of whom passed in safety though the conflict.
The Eighty-sixth Illinois Infantry became a part of the Third Brigade, Second 
Division of the Fourteenth Army Corps under Thomas, and served in Kentucky, 
Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. At the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, Mr. ROOT 
was severely wounded, and to this day carries three shot in his body, two in 
his left arm and one on the left side of his face above the eye. While in the 
hospital at Nashville his regiment went on to Atlanta and took part in that 
campaign. Just as he was convalescing, Hood’s army appeared before Nashville, 
and all those who had been confined in the hospital, but who were then able, 
were formed into a battalion and took part in the battle following. Mr. ROOT 
among the number. Soon after this he rejoined his regiment at Goldsboro, North 
Carolina, and was with it in the grand review at Washington at the close of 
the war. He was “only a corporal” in his company, but in all his three years’ 
service did his duty faithfully and well. In the battalion formed at Nashville 
he served as sergeant.
On receiving his discharge at the close of the war, Mr. ROOT returned to his 
father’s house and made that his home until December 29, 1869, when he was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary C. STOWELL, a daughter of Ebenezer and Laura 
(BRIDGMAN) STOWELL. Her father was born in Chenago county, new York, October 
19, 1807. He first came to Illinois in 1836, in company with Roswell NURSS and 
his son, Isaiah NURSS, walking much of the way. After looking over the ground, 
he walked to Quincy, Illinois, and entered land on the north line of Peoria 
county, one-half mile from the county line, and also in La Prairie township, 
Marshall county. Returning to New York, he remained there until 1843, when he 
made his permanent settlement on his Peoria count farm. His first wife dying, 
he married Laura BRIDGMAN, and upon the farm adjoining that of E. C. ROOT they 
passed the remainder of their lives. He died May 7, 1880, she surviving him 
some years, dying April 26, 1889, in her eighty-first year. They were among 
the original members of the Lawn Ridge Congregational church, and he was the 
first of the six comprising the organization to pass away. He was a successful 
farmer, owning at the time of his death a fine farm of six hundred acres and 
much other valuable property. Of their nine children, Mrs. Cyrus ROOT and 
Charles E. STOWELL reside in La Prairie township. Mrs. ROOT was born on the 
farm April 4, 1845.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. ROOT took up their home on the farm of his 
father, where they remained two years, and then removed to their present place 
of residence. The farm comprises eighty acres in La Prairie and forty acres in 
Steuben township. He also owns one hundred and twenty acres of his father’s 
old homestead, a part of the original tract entered in 1836. The latter he 
leases to other parties, giving his personal attention only to his home farm. 
He is a practical farmer in every respect and confines himself to no special 
line, usually keeping, however, a good variety of stock.
To Mr. and Mrs. ROOT three children have been born: Wilber S., who was married 
on Christmas day, 1895, to Miss Minnie J. SMITH, a daughter of William SMITH, 
of La Prairie township; Emily J., at home, and Laura Barbara, who died at the 
age of eight months.
Politically Mr. ROOT is a republican, and, while not a bitter partisan, has 
yet an abiding faith in the principles of his party. He cares nothing for the 
honors of official position, but has served his friends and neighbors as 
school director and trustee, and also road commissioner. In army matters he 
yet feels a deep interest, and is a member of Chillicothe post, G. A. R. Mrs. 
ROOT is a member of Lawn Ridge Congregational church, but both attend the 
Methodist Episcopal church in La Prairie township.

David MOORE. No country affords greater opportunity to the poor man than our 
own; it is, indeed, the poor man’s country. Here an industrious, frugal man 
has a chance to accumulate wealth. Many fail to do so, but the best of our 
population lay by some of their earnings and soon find themselves in 
possession of a handsome property. Among them is the gentleman whose name 
heads this article, and who is now living a retired life in Wenona.
His parents, David and Mary (BROWN) MOORE, were born, reared and married in 
New Jersey, and about 1815 removed to Ohio, settling in Waynesville, where the 
father worked at his trade of a tailor for four years. He then located on a 
farm in Preble county, that state, in the midst of the forest, which he at 
once began to clear and improve, and there made his home until 1855. In that 
year he came to Illinois to live with his son, and there made his home until 
his death, at the age of ninety-eight years. His wife passed away in Ohio at 
the age of fifty-seven years. In their family were five children: Samuel, 
deceased; David, of this review; Nathaniel, of Chicago; Mrs. May LINTNER, 
deceased, and Sarah Bell, also deceased.
Our subject was born November 15, 1813, in Gloucester county, New Jersey, but 
was reared upon a farm in Ohio until seventeen years of age, when he began 
learning the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed for about fifteen years. 
In Ohio, on the 17th of March, 1836, he married Miss Ann BORADAIL, also a 
native of New Jersey, and they became the parents of five children: Rebecca, 
the oldest, is deceased; Arthur, who became sergeant in the Light Artillery 
under Captain Vaughn, died near Bolivar, Tennessee, March 7, 1863; Mary 
Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of George G. McADAM, by whom she had three 
children, Ulysses, Arthur and William; Martha Sarah and Anna are also deceased.
After his marriage, Mr. MOORE continued to engage in shoemaking, and in 
connection with his brother also conducted a store in Israel township, Preble 
county, Ohio, for four years, after which he removed to Kokomo, Indiana, and 
started a grocery and bakery. He also had a slaughter house and steam sawmill 
at that place, but most of his property was later destroyed by fire, leaving 
him in limited circumstances. He next removed to a farm near Fairfield, in 
Howard county, Indiana, which he operated three years, and in 1857 came to 
Illinois, locating upon a partially improved farm in Evans township, Marshall 
county, where he made his home until 1865. he then purchased a farm on Sandy 
creek, which he continued to improve and cultivate until 1891, when his wife 
died, and he removed to a farm adjoining that place, which he bought of his 
brother. In 1894, however, he came to Wenona, where he now finds a pleasant 
home.
On the 14th of August of that year, Mr. MOORE was united in marriage with Mrs. 
Carrie LEZEAR, who was born January 27, 1828, in Tyler county, West Virginia, 
and is a daughter of James C. and Sarah L. (MUSSER) WILLIAMSON, the former a 
native of Wellsburg, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Lancaster, the same 
state. Her parents both belonged to old Pennsylvania families, were married in 
that state and later removed to West Virginia, where they made their permanent 
home and there died. The father, who was educated at Wellsburg, Pennsylvania, 
became a physician, but later devoted most of his time to agricultural 
pursuits. His father had served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Mrs. MOORE is one of a family of twelve children, who, in order of birth, are 
as follows: John M., Alex and James, all deceased; William and Elbert, twins, 
the latter of whom is deceased; Theodore A., who lives in Sardis, Ohio; Eliza 
Jane, deceased; Adeline, who is a widow of Samuel COX and lives in 
Sistersville, West Virginia; Theodosia, deceased; Mrs. MOORE, Philip Dodridge, 
deceased, and Henry R., who also lives in Sistersville. One son, John M., was 
a soldier in the civil war, Mrs. MOORE was educated in West Virginia, and on 
reaching womanhood married Frank LAZEAR, by whom she had four children, James, 
Elbert, Leroy and Eliza Jane. The father of these children is now deceased.
Mr. MOORE still owns three hundred and thirty-one acres in Evans township, 
eighty acres in Bolivar county, Missouri, two houses and lots in Wenona and 
one-third interest in forty-five lots in Streator, Illinois, all of which 
property has been gained through his own individual efforts, although he 
received some assistance form his father, but he has given away more than he 
ever received. In politics he is a stanch republican, and religiously is a 
member of the Society of Friends, while his wife has for forty-five years been 
an active member of the Methodist church.

Squire Thomas JUDD, deceased, was a citizen of Evans township, where, as a 
leader among men, his memory is held in reverence and honor. He was one of the 
earliest pioneers of Marshall county, settling with his parents upon the old 
Judd farm on Sandy creek in 1831, and in this county made his home until his 
death, which occurred on the 1st of February, 1892. During those years he was 
very influential in public affairs, as by his strong force of character and 
undoubted integrity he early gained the confidence of the people, who saw in 
him a man they could trust as a guide and well fitted to hold public office. 
His death has left a vacancy hard to be filled, and was considered a severe 
blow to the material and moral interests of the community.
Squire JUDD was born in Ashe county, North Carolina, May 26, 1827, and was 
only four years old when brought to Marshall county, where he was reared on a 
farm and received an ordinary district school education. He began teaching in 
Evans township, which at that time was Sandy precinct of La Salle county. On 
the 31st of October, 1851, his marriage with Miss Mary A. DILLMAN was 
celebrated. She was born in Brown county, Ohio, August 16, 1830, and is a 
daughter of Frederick and Mary (TURNER) DILLMAN, the former a native of 
Pennsylvania, and the latter of Maryland. With her parents she came to La 
Salle county, Illinois, in 1844, locating three miles east of Magnolia, where 
they made their home until 1861, when they removed to Wenona, but both are now 
deceased.
After his marriage the squire lived for three years upon the old Judd 
homestead, but in 1854 removed to the northwest quarter of section 20, Evans 
township, which was then all raw prairie land, and the same summer erected a 
good frame dwelling. He made that place his permanent home, improving the land 
himself and made the farm one of the most desirable in this section of the 
county. In the early days he took his gain to Hall’s landing on the Illinois 
river. He was purely a self-made man, having no advantages except those given 
him by nature, and his prominent characteristics – honesty, economy, 
temperance and industry – were no doubt important factors in his success.
Squire Judd was always an ardent democrat in politics, took an active part in 
local affairs, at the early age of twenty was elected justice of the peace, 
which office he creditably filled for many years, for a number of terms was 
supervisor of Evans township, also chairman of the board, was school director 
for a long period, and was once a candidate for representation, but as the 
district was strongly republican he was not elected. Socially, he held 
membership with the Masonic order, being a Royal Arch Mason, and was also 
prominently identified with the Grange for many years. He applied himself 
studiously to qualify himself for his after life, was looked up to by every 
one, and his advice was often sought. His remains now rest in the Cumberland 
cemetery.
Mrs. JUDD, who is a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, still survives 
her husband, and four of their seven children are also yet living. Francis 
Lee, who is residing in San Diego, California, married Lettie ASHLEY, of 
Kansas, and they have five children – Fannie, Pearl, John, Katie and Ashley. 
Mary E. is the wife of Joseph MILLER. John T., of Wenona, married Ella DUNLAP, 
and they have two children – Mabel Almeda and Roland DeWitt. Alfred, living on 
section 18, Evans township, wedded Annie L. BRENN, and they have three 
children – Ethel, Gertrude and Roscoe.
The only daughter, with her family, now resides on the old homestead on 
section 20, Evans township. She was married on the 16th of May, 1877, to 
Joseph MILLER, who was born in Carroll county, Ohio, September 10, 1851, and 
is the son of Abraham and Ruth (MISER) MILLER, the birth of the former 
occurring near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and the latter in Tuscarawas 
county, Ohio, in 1826. His parents were married in the buckeye state, where 
they located upon a farm in Carroll county, but in 1865 became residents of 
Wenona, Illinois, where the father died in November, 1890. The mother is still 
living. In their family were four children, two of whom survive, the daughter 
being Mary, wife of Oliver WINGATE of Wenona, by whom she has seven children – 
C. S., Inez Dent, Willis Herbert, J. Roy, Jessie Grimes, Don and Florence.
Joseph Miller was educated in the public schools of Wenona, and in his younger 
years learned the trade of a painter, which he followed for some time. He and 
his excellent wife now have six children – Wallace M., Benjamin F., Thomas J., 
Bernard O., Frederick J. and Lena. He is prominently connected with the 
Masonic fraternity and Evans grange, No. 35, in which he has served as master, 
and is president of the Farmers’ County institute. Politically, he votes 
independent of party ties, and has been called upon to act as a member of the 
local school board. Mrs. MILLER is a consistent member of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian church.

Archibald RIDDELL, deceased, was for many years one of the most enterprising 
and public-spirited men in Marshall county, and to him the people owe a debt 
of gratitude which, in all probability, they will never meet. He was a native 
of Scotland, born in Glasgow, January 30, 1822. He there grew to manhood, his 
boyhood and youth being mainly spent on a farm. However, for one or two years, 
in company with a brother, he engaged in the mercantile trade in his native 
city.
Stories of the new world began to reach his ears, and the desire came into his 
heart to come to this favored land, and here try his fortune in competition 
with others. With him the desire for a thing brought about its fulfillment, 
and so, in 1844, he crossed the Atlantic, and arriving in New York, he 
proceeded at once to Ohio. After traveling for some time in Missouri and other 
states, he finally located in Chillicothe, Illinois, where he engaged in the 
mercantile business in partnership with his brother Robert. In 1846 he made 
his first purchase of land, securing the tract on which his son William now 
resides in La Prairie township. There were no improvements upon the place at 
the time of his purchase, and he at once set about the cultivation of the 
farm. Erecting a small log house he kept “bachelor’s hall” for about one year, 
when, realizing that “it was not good for a man to be alone,” he was united in 
marriage June 19, 1847, with Miss Janet DAVIDSON, of Steuben township, and a 
daughter of George DAVIDSON, the first Scotchman to locate in the township.
Taking his young bride to the primitive home prepared for her reception, he 
set about in earnest what was to be his life’s work. The partnership between 
himself and brother Robert continued until 1849, when the latter was stricken 
with the gold fever, and disposing of his interest to our subject, he went to 
California, the lately discovered “Eldorado.” But farming and not mercantile 
trade was now the chosen occupation of Mr. RIDDELL, and in a short time he 
added to his original purchase of land until his home farm consisted of three 
hundred and sixty acres. For the erection of his barn he hauled lumber and 
shingles from Chicago with ox teams, a trip requiring three weeks. This was 
rendered necessary from the fact there was no mill in this section of the 
country. The barn then built still stands the same to-day except for a new 
roof. It was an exceptionally fine barn, and for years the church meetings 
were held in it. All the early settlers of southern Marshall and northern 
Peoria counties remember this barn, which to-day is one of the old landmarks.
In the beginning of this sketch it was stated that Mr. RIDDELL was an 
enterprising and public-spirited man. This was well illustrated in the 
erection of the Lacon woolen mill, in which he was the prime mover. He stood 
by the enterprise and backed it up with his means until his death, owning two 
hundred and five shares of the stock, which is still held by the family. For 
some years he was president of the woolen mill company and gave it much time 
and attention, though never receiving any compensation for his services.
In 1866 Mr. RIDDELL was bereft of his wife, who had truly been to him a loving 
helpmeet. To them were born five children: John, who died at the age of twelve 
years; George D., a grocer and hardware dealer of Watseka, Illinois; William 
D., on the old home farm; Archie, who married Lydia GALLUP, a daughter of 
William A. GALLUP, and who resided on the old home place, but died in May, 
1893, at the age of thirty-seven years, leaving no family, and Jessie, who 
died in infancy.
Mr. RIDDELL subsequently married Margaret SOCKWELL, of Canada, where she now 
lives, having returned to her old home after the death of her husband. To them 
was born one daughter, Martha, now a stenographer in the Great Northern hotel 
at Chicago.
Politically, Mr. RIDDELL was a republican from the organization of the party 
until within a few years of his death, when he separated from the party, and 
on one occasion voted the democratic ticket. For years he was an active worker 
in his party, and his face was a familiar one in all conventions. During the 
war he was an enthusiastic supporter of all measures for the suppression of 
the rebellion, and had the utmost faith in the great emancipator, Abraham 
Lincoln. In religious views he was advanced and was well read in the 
scriptures, having a wonderfully retentive memory for scriptural quotations. 
He delighted in discussing Biblical subjects, and his great knowledge of the 
Word of God enabled him to catch preachers of the gospel in misquotations, and 
it did him good to corner them. His death occurred August 30, 1892, while in 
his seventy-first year. He left not only a sorrowing family, but a very large 
circle of friends throughout Marshall and adjoining counties.
William D. RIDDELL, the son of Archibald and Janet (DAVIDSON) RIDDELL, was 
born May 8, 1852, in the house in which he now lives. Here his entire life has 
been spent, and on Christmas day, 1888, he married Miss Ellen STEPHENSON of 
Sparland, a native of Woodford county, Illinois, and with his wife has made 
the old farm his home.
In company with his brother Archie, now deceased, William RIDDELL worked the 
old farm for a time, when he bought thirty acres near by, and on the death of 
his brother purchased the interest of the other heirs, and now owns all the 
farm, consisting of three hundred and fifty acres. He devotes his attention to 
mixed farming and stock raising, and has been a successful farmer. Politically 
he is a stanch republican.

William H. PARKINSON,
…Page 201
In 1866, Mr. PARKINSON led to the marriage altar, Miss Isabel GIBSON, daughter 
of James and Lucy (GAYLORD) GIBSON, the former a native of Scotland, and the 
latter of Pennsylvania. Her maternal grandfather, Lemuel GAYLORD, become a 
resident of Marshall county as early as 1831. He was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war, in which struggle his father, Lieutenant Aaron GAYLORD, was 
killed at the battle of Wyoming. The parents of Mrs. PARKINSON were married in 
Marshall county, settled upon section 8, Evans township, where they spent the 
remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1855, and the mother in 1891. In 
their family were tow children – Isabel and James, of Benton county, Indiana. 
Previous to her marriage with Mr. GIBSON, the mother had been the wife of 
George MARTIN, who first came to Marshall county about 1830, and who 
participated in the Black Hawk war. To them were born two children – Aaron G., 
deceased, and Sylvia, widow of James KIRKPATRICK, who became a member of the 
One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the civil war, and 
died in the service.
Mrs. PARKINSON was born on section 8, Evans township, December 10, 1843, and 
was educated in the district schools of the neighborhood. By her marriage with 
our subject she has become the mother of six children, all of whom have been 
given good educational privileges. James W. completed the business course and 
graduated at the Northern Illinois school at Dixon. He also graduated at the 
Chicago Veterinary College and is now practicing his profession. Ginson is 
deceased. Lucy J., who was also a student at Dixon and later became a teacher, 
is now the wife of James HAMILTON, of Evans township. Edgar G. also took the 
business course at Dixon, and is now a student in the Normal at Valparaiso, 
Indiana. May E. is attending the Normal at Normal, Illinois. Grace A. 
completes the family.
The parents are both members of Evans Grange, No. 35, in which for two years 
he served as master. Mr. PARKINSON has always supported the republican party 
and is a strong silver man. Himself a well-informed man, for over twenty 
successive years he has served as school director, for the same length of time 
has been secretary and treasurer of the Cumberland Cemetery association, for 
two years was president of the Marshall County Farmer’s Institute, and is its 
present secretary and treasurer. When he began life for himself his only 
property consisted of a fifth interest in one hundred acres of land which sold 
for twenty-seven dollars per acre, but he has steadily worked his way upward 
until he is now the possessor of a good farm, which yields him a comfortable 
income. He has made many friends throughout the county, and all who know him 
have for him the highest regard.
Under the auspices of the Katherine Gaylord Chapter of the Daughters of the 
Revolution, in 1896, a beautiful monument was erected over the grave of 
Katherine GAYLORD, the wife of Lieutenant Aaron GAYLORD, and the great 
grandfather of Mrs. PARKINSON. In the erection of the monument, contributions 
were made by descendants of the worthy heroine, Mrs. PARKINSON being among the 
number contributing. The following inscription was placed on the monument:
“Katherine Cole Gaylord, wife of Lieutenant Aaron Gaylord, 1745-1840. In 
memory of her sufferings and heroism at the massacre of Wyoming, 1778, this 
stone is erected by her descendants and the members of the Katherine Gaylord 
Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.”


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.


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