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1864, and then came to McLean Co., Ill., and engaged in farming his present farm of 247 acres, earned entirely by their labors, on which farm Mr. Sells takes much pains in raising stock and grain; he makes a specialty in seed-corn. Has held office of Justice of the Peace six years Director of Schools twenty-four years in Ohio and Illinois; Commissioner of Highways. Was in the army in 1863, entering in the 95th and 133d Ohio V. I.; he takes the stump on the Greenback system; was a delegate to Cleveland to inaugurate the Greenback party, and to Indianapolis to nominate a ticket, which resulted for Cooper and Cary, and to Toledo to name the party. Has six children-Laura E., Charles S., Samuel, Sumner, Abram, O. P.

JACOB SHOLTEY, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Shirley; was born Sept. 10, 1805, in Lancaster Co., Penn.; remained there thirty-three years, engaged in farming. In 1830, he married Mary Kauffman, born in 1810; after marriage, they settled on a farm, Mr. Sholtey working by the day at 40 cents, and at $4 per month; in 1835, he moved to Juniata Co., Penn., and engaged in a flouring-mill for one year; selling out, he settled three miles east of Dayton, Ohio, and engaged in working for Messrs. Monker and Williams for six months; he moved from there to Indiana, settling in Delaware Co., on a farm of eighty acres, which they bought in green woods; their only bedstead during seven years, was poles fastened to the wall and made to rest on a stool at the other end; next bought mill property, owning it four years; in 1849, he moved to Bloomington, Ill., engaging in farming, renting of W. Wallace; in 1850, settled on his present farm of 125 acres, which they have increased to 630 acres, earning all by their own labor and management; has made fine improvements; the barn cost $4,000; has fine facilities for watering stock. Has had nine children-Christian (deceased), Henry C., Susan, Samuel B. F., Benjamin D., Levi W., Annie M., Sophia (deceased), John (deceased).

FRANKLIN SPAULDING, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Bloomington; was born - ept. 6, 1799, on a farm in Windsor Co., Vt., and remained there until he was 27 years old, at which time he was married to Azubah H. Cole, of Vermont; after marriage, they settled in Weathersfield, Windsor Co, until 1849, then moving by team, as was customary, to Troy, taking canal, bound for Buffalo, and by steamer they glided over the foaming waves and anchored safely in harbor at Detroit, taking Michigan Central to New Buffalo, from thence to Chicago, and were soon seen gliding down the beautiful canal toward La Salle; they finally settled in Sangamon Co., Ill. In September, 1849, they settled on their present farm of 128 acres, earned entirely by their own labor and management. Have had three children, viz., Mary M., deceased in 1854; Amos C., deceased in 1857; Annie E., deceased in 1857. Has held the office of Justice of the Peace in Vermont; School Director, in Vermont, three terms, in Illinois two terms. Spaulding is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr.

DR. E. STRETCH, physician, Shirley; was born in McLean Co., Ill., June 2, 1852, on a farm; remained there on the farm, which was four miles north of Towanda, until 4 years old, when his father moved to Lexington and engaged in livery business until 1860, when he moved to a farm, renting of S. White for some four years; moving from there to a farm near Towanda, remaining until 1870, at which time his father bought a store in Towanda and had Mr. Stretch take care of it for some seven years, during which time he was reading medicine with Dr. Ready of Towanda. In 1876-77-78 he attended the Rush Medical College at Chicago. He paid his own way through college. On his return from college, he began business in Shirley and is the only physician at that place. He was married in 1878 to Ella Rogers, a daughter of Dr. Rogers, of Heyworth; they have no children.

D. R. STUBBLEFIELD, farmer and stock-raiser: P. O. Covell; was born April 13, 1846, in Funk's Grove Township, on a farm, remaining there some time; then moved with his father to his present farm in Funk's Grove, and remained engaged in farming for his father until 24 years old, when, in December, 1870, he was married to Matilda Bower, born in Pennsylvania in • 1844, and came to Illinois in 1846; immediately after marriage, they settled on their present farm of 160 acres, inherited by his father, which they have improved by building a beautiful house and barn, and have done a good deal of tiling on the farm. Mr. Stubblefield makes a specialty of breeding fine imported Norman horses; is in partnership with P. M. Stubblefield. Has held the office of School Director five years, and is now of No. 6, Dale. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Covell: he is Steward and Class Leader and Trustee has also been Recording Steward. Children-Lilly G., deceased, Nettie M.. Lawrence W. J. P. STUBBLEFIELD, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Shirley; was born Feb. 28, 1845, on farm in Funk's Grove Township. He was third son of Abraham Stubblefield. He remained there until 1 year old, when he left the scene of his childhood, and moved with his father to the farm now occupied by him in Funk's Grove Township. He remained with his father until 28 years old, at which time, on Aug. 8, 1867, he was married to N. C. Thomas; born in Fayette Co., Penn. Her father was from Pennsylvania; his mother, whose maiden name was Moore, was born in Maryland. Mrs. Stubblefield, wife of J. P., came to Illinois with her sister, Mrs. Bright. Immediately after marriage they settled on present farm of 225 acres; 143 of which was given him by his father, the rest they have made by their own labor and management. It was then raw prairie, but now has become a fine farm, by being improved by building and tiling. He has held offices connected with schools. He and wife are members of United Brethren Church. Have one child-Cora. Mr. Stubblefield takes great interest in educating Cora, both in music and

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literature. Rachel Horden, a sister of Mrs. Stubblefield, makes her home with them, and is one of fourteen children. Her father and mother are still living in Adams Co., Md.

EDWARD WILSON, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Bloomington; son of William Wilson, and brother of A. J. Wilson; was born in Madison Co., N. Y, Aug. 6, 1827, on farm; remained there until 17 years old, engaged in farming. In 1844, he came with his father to McLean Co., Ill., settling in Dale Township, in what is now Twin Grove. He remained with his father until 1854, and then began business for himself, on his present farm of 300 acres, which he has principally earned. Mr. William Wilson, father of A. J. and Edward, was born at Newcastle-uponTyne, England. He emigrated to America early in this century, and stopped for a while at Schenectady, and afterward came up the Mohawk on a flatboat, and landed at what was then known as Bigg's Tavern, now the flourishing city of Utica. Mr. Ed. Wilson has been an active Republican, casting his first vote when 21, and has missed but one vote since in any election. In 1864, was married to Mrs. Louisa McWhorter, of Kentucky. Her father was from Philadelphia, Penn. In 1846, he joined the army to go to the Mexican war. Was rejected on account of lameness. He has held office of schools nine years as Director. Is now Assessor of Dale Township. They have had four children-William L., Esther M., John P.; deceased-Walter C. Stephen A. McWhorter, step-son of Mr. Wilson.

A. J. WILSON, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Bloomington; was born in 1829, Dec. 26, on farm in Madison Co., N. Y.; remained there, farming, until 21; when he was 14 years old, his father moved to Illinois, leaving A. J. with his uncle, Edward Wilson, with whom he made his home until 1850, when he came to Bloomington and engaged in clerking for Betts, Allen & Co., in dry goods, for twelve years. In 1860, he was married to Ellen Cornell, of Providence, R. I. After marriage, they settled in Springfield, Ill., and he clerked for Benjamin & Co., in dry goods store for two years. He then returned to McLean Co., and engaged in farming on his present farm of eighty acres; renting at that time of his father. Sometime afterward he bought, and by improvement has made a most beautiful home. Mr. Wilson, in connection with farming grain, makes a specialty of raising hedge plants. He has held office of School Director fourteen years, Supervisor of Dale Township two terms, is now on third term. They have eight children— Nellie, Charlie, Edward, Elizabeth, Abby, Mary, Robert and Frank.

DANVERS TOWNSHIP.

IRA ABBOTT, dry goods and groceries, Danvers; was born in Bath, Grafton Co., N. H., Feb. 17, 1828. His early life was that of a farmer's son. In addition to his common-school education, he attended select schools of a high grade, at Newbury and St. Johnsbury, Vt. In 1851, he came West to Missouri, and engaged in farming, near the present town of Dalton. In the fall of 1853, he went south to Louisiana, and engaged in gardening, near the city of New Orleans. In May, 1854, he settled in Danvers, McLean Co., Ill., where he has since resided. Here he engaged in merchandising, ant has been conducting the dry goods and grocery business longer than any other merchant in the village. He was married, in 1851, to Martha F. Stange, of Lynchburg, Va. Six children-five boys and one daughter-have been born to them-Robert, George, Arthur, Frank, Mary, Walter. Of these, Frank and Walter are dead. Mr. Abbott was appointed Postmaster in 1861, under the administration of A. Lincoln. Under the reign of Andy Johnson, he was ousted, but re-appointed under the administration of U. S. Grant, and has since held the position. Mr. Abbott has always taken a deep interest in whatever tended to the improvement and advancement of the interests of his village, and has always been liberal in furthering its various enterprises.

S. W. BAKER, lumber merchant, Danvers; was born in Westfield, Essex (now Union) Co., N. J., May 11, 1830. His early life was spent in farm labor, and his education secured at the common schools. In 1832, his father moved to the immediate vicinity of Elizabeth City, N. J., and here S. W. grew up to manhood. At the age of 16, he went to New York City, to learn his trade that of a mason. He served an apprenticeship of four years. At the age of 23, he returned to New Jersey, remaining till the spring of 1860, when he came West, and, Aug. 17, 1860, located in Danvers. He followed his trade nine years. In 1869, he bought out the grocery and hardware store of George Baun, and conducted the business till September, 1876. then sold to J. S. Yoder. In January, 1875, he had purchased the lumber yard of Mr. Fordyce, and this he has since operated. He was married, March 17, 1853, to Elizabeth Cory, a native of New York City. Five children have been born to them-Aaron T., Henry, Mary, and two dying in infancy. Has held the office of Town Trustee five terms. Owns eighty-five acres of land, town property, lumber yard, and is financially solid. He has met with good success in his various business enterprises, and is a thorough-going business man.

He

GEORGE BUNN, dealer in groceries, real estate and loan agent, Danvers; was born in Ross Co., Ohio, May 20, 1832. His early life was spent in attendance upon the graded schools of Adelphi, his native village. At the age of 16 years, he attended upon his father's warerooms,

in the capacity of clerk and book-keeper. His father was a cabinet-maker by trade. In 1849, the family moved to Bloomington, Ill. In 1851, he entered the employ of Newman & Co., as clerk in their dry goods store. In 1852, he went to Vermont, Fulton Co., in a like capacity, in the employ of Stevens & Wining. In 1854, he came to Danvers, and was connected with the general store of T. J. Bunn one and one-half years. He next formed a copartnership with Gen. E. N. Banks, and engaged in the sale of furniture in Petersburg, Menard Co., one and one-half years. In 1857, he returned to Vermont, Fulton Co., and, in company with a Mr. Swartz, engaged in the sale of furniture for the space of five years. In 1862, he went to Macomb, and was in the same business one year. In 1864, he returned to Danvers. Here he has since been engaged in active mercantile life. At one time, he operated a general store, was partner in a boot and shoe store, and also operated a grocery store. He has equipped and started more stores than any other citizen of the village, and has done more to advance the interests of the village than any other one man within her limits. In 1879, he engaged in the real estate and loan business. He was married, Aug. 1, 1854, to Ellen N. Reyburn, a native of Illinois. Has had six children-Adie, Etta, Harry, Eddie, Frank and Nellie. Of these, Adie is dead. He was commissioned a Notary Public, July 13, 1878, by Gov. S. M. Cullom. Has been a member of the Board of Village Trustees six or seven terms, and President of the Board four terms; also Director of the Village Schools three terms. Since 1876, in connection with his merchandising, he has bought and shipped grain largely. He is a successful, active, energetic business man, and has given his best energies to further the interests of the village.

JACOB COOPER; farmer, P. O. Danvers; was born in Hardy Co., Va., Jan. 12, 1827. When 9 years of age, he came with his parents to Greene Co., Ohio. Here he grew to manhood, receiving rather a limited education at the common schools. At his majority, he began life for himself as a farmer. In 1849, he came West to Illinois, and settled near the site of his present residence. Soon after coming, he purchased forty acres. This he has increased by successive purchases, until he now owns three hundred and seventy acres. He was married Oct. 9, 1848, to Mary J. Pierce, a native of Indiana. The same minister officiated at his nuptials that performed the marriage ceremony for his bride's father and mother. He has five children-Charles W., Margaret E., Louisa B., Parizade D., Henry F. When Mr. Cooper landed at what was to be his future home, he had a cash capital of but $22; but, with a stout heart and willing hands, he set about the work of gaining a livelihood, and by industry and good management, he has acquired a desirable competency for himself and family.

H. I. DEAL, farmer; P. O. Danvers; was born in Waynesboro, Augusta Co., Va., Oct. 13, 1817. He is the son of John and Ellen (Imboden) Deal. His father was a tanner by trade. Young Deal attended the village schools until 14 years of age. He worked upon the farm owned by his father for the space of four years. At the age of 18, he began the saddler's trade, and served an apprenticeship of three years in the village of Greenville. He followed his trade ab: ut twenty-five years. In the fall of 1849, he came to McLean Co., Ill., and settled on the farm now owned by J. L. Shorthose, purchasing at that time 140 acres of land. In 1851, he sustained an injury in the fracture of his left leg, and was thereby rendered unable to follow farming for some years. He rented his farm for some time, moved to Danvers (then Concord), and again worked at his trade. In 1857, he purchased a stock of dry goods and groceries and engaged in merchandising about two years. He purchased his present farm in 1851, improved it, and moved to it in 1864. He was married Jan. 2, 1841, to Catharine G. Swope, a native of Virginia. Four children have been born to them-John H., Elizabeth M., James H., Ella E. Of these, John H. and Elizabeth M. are deceased. Owns 171 acres, valued at $11,000. Has held the office of Justice of the Peace for a number of years. His finely-improved farm is in perfect keeping with those of his surrounding neighbors.

A. S. DUNLOP, farmer; P. O. Danvers; was born in Washington, Washington Co., Penn., Jan. 18, 1815. In the following March, his father moved to Ohio and settled in Fairfield Co. Here A. S. grew to manhood, a farmer's son, not receiving over six months' tuition at the common schools. He remained at the homestead and contributed to the support of the family till 30 years of age. In October, 1861, he came West to Illinois, and first settled in Vermilion Co. In 1866, he moved to Tazewell Co., and, the following year, to McLean Co. In the spring of 1868, he purchased his present farm in Danvers Township, and began improving the same. He owns 130 acres, valued at $6,500. He was married June 25, 1846, to Sarah Bott, a native of York Co., Penn. Has had twelve children, eight sons and four daughters-Constantine H., William L., George W., Alexander L., Oliver P., John H., Charles F., Mary E, Caroline A.; two infant daughters and an infant son are deceased. He has kept a daily record of passing events for a period of thirty-six years past. This contains much interesting and useful information.

JOHN A. EWINS, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Danvers. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in the work, was born in Kingston, N. H., in November, 1825. He is the son of James P. and Mehitable (Clement) Ewins. His father and family came West in 1834. stopping a short time in Chicago. At that time, the present city of Chicago was a village of not more than 300 inhabitants. Here John A. attended school on what was known as the South Side. In October, 1834, he remembers seeing wolves chased over the very ground whereon now stand the finest portions of the city, many being pushed into the Lake near where the Exposition

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