Ackley, George W., farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Sigourney

Ackley, O. S., farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Sigourney

Allen, Davis E., farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Aurora; born in Knox county, Ohio, December 10, 1838; in 1852 he, with his parents, Alva and Martha (Cary) Allen, came to Muscatine county Iowa; Mr. Allen was proprietor of the West Liberty House when the C. R. I. & P. R. R. was built through that place; the family moved to this county in 1854, where the subject of this sketch spent his youth and early manhood; he owns 132 acres of choice land under splendid cultivation, with good improvements; he enlisted in company F, Eight Iowa Infantry, and served with his regiment until the close of the war; he was discharged October 4, 1865, having participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, the battles on Red River under Banks, beside others and numerous skirmishes; he was never wounded; December 3rd, 1865 he married Miss Lucinda Wyant, of this county; she was born in Jackson county; they have six children: Nellie O., Eva B., Elmer H., Lorena E., Alva and Katie Bell.

Alkire, J. D., farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Sigourney; born in Ohio July 31, 1821; when young he moved with his parents to Sangamon county Illinois, where he was raised a farmer; he continued farming in Illinois until 1855, when he came to this county, settling where he now resides; he owns a finely improved farm of 140 acres; he came to this county in an early day, and knows to some extent what pioneer life is; in August 1842, he was married to Miss Elvira Meeker; she died June 30 1864, leaving six children; he was again married October 26, 1864, to Mrs. Mary Scott, a native of Indiana; they have eight children: Sarah E., Joseph, Virgil, Harriet I., William J., Leonard R., Alvin M. and Isaac A.; lost: James A., Jane M., and an infant; Mrs. A. has three children by a former marriage: Barclay M. Scott, Avesta F. Scott and E. E. C. Scott; lost two: Ida L. Scott and Ada L. Scott; are members of the Christian Church at White Pigeon, English River township.

Axsmear, John, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. White Pigeon; the subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Amsterdam, Holland on the 30th day of November, 1822; his father and grandfather were ship carpenters, and the latter was engaged for years in building vessels for Napoleon I; Mr. Axsmear had more than ordinary educational advantages until eighteen years of age; he the entered the army and served four years; during the time he was wounded in the short war between Belgium and Holland; after leaving the army, he had a mercantile experience of four years in the employ of a noted merchant of Amsterdam; he emigrated to the United States in 1848, and settled in Cumberland, Maryland and lived there one year, and then moved to West Virginia; until the outbreak of the Rebellion he was employed by the construction company of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and held an important and responsible position; but, owing to the war, the business was suspended; he determined to leave, and had to sacrifice all he had made excepting $735; being a strong Union man he came to Iowa in 1863 and has lived in Keokuk county since that time; he owns 540 acres of choice land, well improved; Mr. A. has been married, first to Miss D. Deline, in 1848; she was born in Amsterdam and died in West Virginia January 31, 1860, leaving five children: John, Emily, Jacob C., William, and George W.; for his second wife he married Miss Julia A. Martin, a native of Bavaria; they have one daughter: Melissa, living and have lost two children: Peter and Almeda.

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Bailey, J. A., farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. White Pigeon; born in London, England March 21, 1833; when two years of age his parents moved to Seneca county, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch was raised a farmer; he was obliged to take the entire charge of his home and family, as his father was a cripple, unable to do much, and poor Mr. B. had but a very limited education, but has in later years supplemented what he learned in youth by extensive reading; when seventeen years of age he served as an apprentice to the blacksmith trade, which he followed for about eight years; he then turned his attention to farming; this he followed in that state (Ohio) until 1865, when he removed to Dodge county Wisconsin; three years later he moved to Iowa county, and in 1871 to where he now resides; he owns 120 acres of choice land under splendid cultivation and fair improvements; on commencing life he had not a dollar with which to start in business, but owing to his energy, good judgment, perseverance and economy, he has gained for himself and family a comparable home; he married February 14, 1855, Miss Martha P. Ford, a native of Tioga county New York, they have eight children: Benjamin H., Walter A., Abby A., William C., Richard S., Mary E., Clinton C., and L. V.; have lost one daughter: Martha P., who died October 26, 1862.

Baldwin, A. D., farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Sigourney

Bell, Francis, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Sigourney

Brandenburgh, J., farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Sigourney

Brakel, C. G., farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Aurora

Brady, Hugh, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Aurora

Brown, D. P., farmer, Sec. 10; P. O,. Webster

Burdine, John F., farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Keswick; born September 22, 1832; in Marion county, Ohio, and was there raised a farmer, came to Iowa in 1866, locating in Keokuk county on the place where he now resides; owns 166 acres of land nicely cultivated; August 8, 1862 he enlisted in Delaware in company C, Ninety sixth Ohio Volunteer infantry; was taken prisoner April 8, 1864, at the battle of Mansfield and taken to Fort Texas, where he remained until October 23 of the same year; was then exchanged at the mouth of Red river, and was granted a leave of absence for thirty days; at the expiration of that time he again joined his regiment at the mouth of the White river, and was mustered out at Columbus Ohio, July 29, 1865; April 9, 1854, married Miss Mary Flattery, a native of Ohio and born November 5, 1835, they have seven children: Charles E., Emily, George H., Irene, Fannie O., Phebe and Warren; lost one: Clarinda; Mr. Burdine has held various offices in his township; they are members of the Methodist Protestant Church.

Cameron, Allen, farmer, Sec. 22; of the firm of Cameron & Son, druggists, Keswick; born in Montgomery county, New York, January 3, 1820, and is of Scotch ancestry; the subject of this sketch received the advantages of the common schools in his youth, attending them until eighteen years of age; having a desire for a more thorough education he entered the Fredonia Academy, in the city of Fredonia, and attended three terms, and in the meantime taught school during the winter, in order to obtain means to pursue his studies; after pursuing his academical course he engaged in teaching, and followed it as an avocation for seven years, and has had an experience of thirty terms in teaching; in the autumn of 1841 he removed to Hamilton county, Ohio; September 5, 1844, married Miss Maria Broadwell, a daughter of Ira Broadwell, Esq., of that county; by this union they have three children: Ira F., Catharine I. (now Mrs. J. Irwin, of this township), and Allen; they lost one daughter: Alberta, August 29, 1863; in 1852 Mr. Cameron came to this county and purchased a claim of Jesse Eller, and afterward entered the land, and it 1857 he removed on it with his family, and now owns 320 acres of choice land, well improved; has filled most of the offices of the township with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents; has all his life been an earnest and conscientious advocate of educational enterprises, and has contributed his time, means and influence in raising the standard of the schools in his locality; has served as secretary of the school board since 1858, has never sought political preferment, finding the social enjoyments of a happy home far more congenial to his taste; is a man of strong convictions, and bold and fearless in advocating them; is quiet and unassuming in his habits and manners, an upright citizen, enjoying the confidence of all who know him; Mr. Cameron’s success is attributable in no small measure to the sound judgment and wise counsels of his excellent wife—a woman of rare ability, attractiveness, and wining manners; in their home love and kindness reign supreme; in thirty five years of their married life not an unkind word has grated harshly on the ear.

Cameron, I. K., physician, Keswick; the subject of this sketch in a son of Allen and Marie (Broadwell) Cameron, and was born in Hamilton, county, Ohio, June 20, 1847 and came with his parents to this county in 1857; he was brought up on a farm attending the common schools until he was eighteen years of age; he the entered the Iowa State University, of Iowa City, studying there for two years; he taught school for some time, and in 1874 entered the Eclectic Medical Institution of Cincinnati, and graduated from that institution with high honors; in January 1876 he returned to this county, and entered upon the practice of his profession at Aurora, has been very successful and has an extended practice in both this and adjoining counties; in connection with his practice he is a member of the firm of Cameron & Son, druggist at Keswick; they have a fine established business and give the most careful attention to all their customer; on the 3rd of March, 1870 he was married to Miss Martha Connelly, a native of Delaware county, Ohio; she is a lady of high attainments and grace and rare musical talent; they have one daughter; Mabel

Churchill, A. W., farmer and wool grower, Sec. 16; P. O. Keswick; born in Morrow county, Ohio February 18, 1837; his early life was that of a farmer, and he was educated in this and the stock raising business; he came to Iowa in 1864, and selected his farm with an especial view to sheep raising; he owns 1,700 acres of improved land, his home farm containing 1,300 acres; he has at the present time 2,200 head of sheep, and makes a specialty of fine Cotswold and mutton sheep; he clipped about 9,000 pounds of wool during the past season; his stock is in a very health condition and he considers his location on of the best adapted for the business in the county; his brother, C. P. Churchill, was associated with him in business until 1874, when he died leaving a wife and son: Willie R. surviving; Mrs. Churchill in now Mrs. J. A. Sanders of Poweshiek county; the subject of this sketch was married January 30, 1866, to Miss Dulana F. Connelly; she was born in Delaware county, Ohio, August 14, 1844; she remained there with her parents until her marriage; they have three children: Frank O., born April 18, 1869, Charles N., born June 14, 1875, George S. born March 22, 1879.

Cochran, Ephraim, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Webster

Conley, John, farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Aurora

Cover, Thomas, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Aurora

Craven, S. J., farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Sigourney

Cress, Jeremiah, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Webster

Cross, William, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Sigourney

Cuddihey, S. and J., farmers, Sec. 36; P. O. Webster

Daugherty, Moses, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Webster

Dunne, John, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Webster; born in Ireland, June 24 1817, where he was raised; he had only the advantages of night schools, but has acquired a no mean knowledge by reading whenever he had an opportunity; in 1844 he emigrated to this country and settled in Washington county, Wisconsin; lived there until 1876, when he came to this county, settling where he now lives; owns 160 acres of choice land under good improvement; on arrival in this country his cash capital consisted of one five franc piece, and upon this small beginning he has by honest industry, economy, and hard work and wonderful energy, surrounded himself and family with a good home where hospitalities abound; in November 1855, he married; Miss Mary Fitzgerald born in Ireland; but raised in Wisconsin; they have eight children: John, May Ann, James, Elizabeth, Margaret, C., Katie and Hannah; lost one son: Charlie.

Fancher, Amos, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. White Pigeon

Fancher, William N., farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. White Pigeon

Finch, Samuel, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. White Pigeon

Green, G. W., farmer and stock dealer, Sec. 3; P. O. Keswick; born in Watertown, Oneida county, New York, February 22, 1833; his parents moved to Portage county Ohio, in 1837, and to Geauga county one year later; there the subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, and like most of the farmer boys attended school winters and farmed during the summers; in 1867 he moved to this county where he now lives; owns 300 acres of choice land, under excellent improvement, his residence being the best in the township; the grounds surrounding his homestead are beautifully embellished with shade trees, evergreens, etc.; he also has a fine orchard of five hundred apple trees; Mr. G. had made farming and stock dealing his principal business, and has displayed a great deal of taste; in manners he is conservative, but courteous and hospitable, a man whom to know is to esteem, just in his character; March 8, 1856, he married Miss Louetta Crafts, a native of Portage county; they have four children: Eva, Etta, Willie and Frankie.

Green, Asahel, retired mechanic and farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Keswick; born in Otisfield Maine, October 9, 1802; his father was picked up on the sea shore near Boston after a shipwreck, and was adopted by a family named John Green; the subject of this sketch was taken by his parents to Oneida county, New York, where he was raised on a farm, farming in the summer, and with his time was occupied in making half bushel measures; his early developed a mechanical genius and afterward gave a great deal of attention to inventions; he can be accredited with making the first cheese box in Ohio about 1840, and invented the fist buzz saw for cutting heading, also invented a patent for curling hair for mattresses and more recently has invented a fence wire tightener, that promises to be very popular, and the best machine of the kind ever invented; in 1867 Mr. Green moved to this county and settled where he now lives; he was married December 25, 1826, to Miss Mary Everett, a native of Connecticut; their family consists of four children: Mary, (now Mrs. S. McKee), Susan, (now Mrs. J. Hawkins), of Cleveland, Ohio, George W., a prominent stock dealer of Keokuk county, and Jane, (now Mrs. Mowan of Cleveland); they have lost one infant son.

Gibson, Alex, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. _______

Gilbraith, John, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Webster

Goodnough, Mrs. E. E., farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. _______

Hall, A., farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. Webster

Hallett, Solomon, farmer, P. O. Webster; is the son of Isaiah Hallett and Anna nee Kimbail, and was born in Waterville, Kennebeck county, Maine, on the 2nd day of March, 1812; his parents were both of English origin; their ancestors came to this country before the revolutionary war; his father enlisted in the war of 1812; when the subject of this sketch was six years old his parents moved to Marietta, Washington county, Ohio; here his early boyhood was spent in agricultural pursuits with limited school advantages; after the death of his father in 1823, he lived in the family of a Mr. Stone, and lived with him until his death about 1830; he then started in the world for himself, his worldly effects being $1.18 in money, a few school books and a Bible, and was employed on a keel boat running down the Mississippi River, and continued this business principally until 1834, and then purchased a farm; in 1853 he sold his farm and came to Iowa, and purchased a large tract of land, and remained there fourteen years; he then went to Missouri and remained a short time, and came to Keokuk county, and purchased 310 acres of land; he married Miss Sarah A. Parker in 1835; she was a native of Pennsylvania.

Harding, J. H., farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Aurora

Harding, O. C., Sec. 7; P. O. Aurora

Hartzel, John, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Sigourney

Harmonson, Obed, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Sigourney; born in this county June 25, 1851; was raised a farmer, which occupation he still follows; he moved where he now resides in 1862, and has sixty acres of good land; January 25, 1872, he married Miss Lucretia Goodrich; she was born October 12, 1850, in Ottawa county, Michigan; she moved to this county with her parents on 1862; Mr. Harmonson’s parents are also residents of this county; they have two children: Walter H., and Clara G., lost one: William M.; Mr. and Mrs. H are members of the Christian Church at What Cheer, Washington township.

Hazlett, J. C., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. White Pigeon

Hartzell, John, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Sigourney; born in Marion county Indiana, September 21 1836; he came with his parents to Iowa in 1849, and settled in Van Buren county; after remaining there for about two years he came to this county locating in this township; here he spent his early manhood on a farm; he moved upon his present farm of 160 acres in 1874; he was married November 27, 1855, to Miss Harriet M. Ronalds, a native of Licking county Ohio; she was born October 9, 1836; she came to Iowa in 1851, and settled in this county; their family consists of nine children: S. R., Philip B., Ira S., Mary E., Netty M., Charlie B., Thomas A., John R. and Clarence.

Harding, J. H., farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Sigourney; born January 8, 1821, in Richland county Ohio; he was there raised, following the occupation of a farmer, which he has since adhered to; he remained in Ohio until 1863, when he came to this county and located where he now resides in 1865; he owns 320 acres of well improved land, well stocked with graded cattle; in 1857 he engaged in the mercantile business and followed that for five years and then engaged in farming; he married May 7, 1842; to Miss Emily A. Flint, a native of Richland county, Ohio; she was born June 20, 1823; their family consists of four children: Odelpha H. (now Mrs. R. Davis), Curtis O., Rosella R. (now Mrs. F. M. Brown – Mr. Brown died July 26, 1878 while living in Kansas) and William E.; Mr. H. has held various offices of trust in his township and is at present holding one; they are active members of the Baptist Church at Prairie View, Prairie township.

Hervey, Davida, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. White Pigeon; born in Washington county, Pennsylvania January 21, 1814, but raised in Jefferson county Ohio; he lost his mother when ten years of age and he was left under the care of his aunt for some time; when seventeen years of age he was entered as an apprentice to learn the saddlery trade; he followed that for about twelve years, by was obliged to discontinue it on account of ill health; he then engaged in farming, and has since followed it; in 1852 he moved to Washington county, Iowa, and lived there until March, 1854, when he came to this county and settled where he now resides; owns 120 acres of choice land under good improvement; he married May 12, 1836, Miss Margaret M. Christy, a native of Harrison county Ohio; they have seven children: John R., Sarah J. (now wife of H. L. Barber, of this county) William H. H., Samuel C., Nancy E., David L. and Joshua.

Higgins, W., farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Webster; born February 17, 1825 in Knox county, Ohio; he traces his father’s origin to Irish ancestry, and was in the war of 1812, his mother was of German origin; the subject of this sketch was raised in Ohio on a farm and divided his time between working on a farm during the summer months and attending school in the winter; when Mr. Higgins attained his majority his father gave him $100, and a horse, and this was is capital, coupled with a stout hand and willing heart and fixed principles of honor, industry and integrity; he followed his chosen avocation until 1853, when following the Star of Empire westward he came to Iowa and purchased land where he now resides; he owns 695 acres of choice land; he is a practical farmer and his farm one of the best cultivated in the county; he devotes considerable attention to stock, and of late years has been improving the quality so that at the present time we may say he has his farm well stocked with food graded cattle; April 14, 1850 he married Miss Maria Rubins a native of Richland county Ohio, a woman of ability, and her counsel and good judgment have contributed largely to their success; their family consists of four children: Hale, Joseph R., Effie and Delano; their home is a pleasant one, where one meets with a cordial, but unostentatious welcome.

Holliday, H. M,. farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Webster

Hughbanks, J. W., farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. White Pigeon

Hummer, A., farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Sigourney

Irons, Levi, farmer, Sec, 21; P. O. Sigourney

Irons, John, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Keswick; born in Allegheny county Maryland, April 19, 1811; he was there raised and when twenty three years of age he engaged in the lumber business on the Monongahela river, and continued it for about fourteen years; he then went to West Virginia and in 1849, returned to Maryland; in 1853 he came to Keokuk county, where he now lives; he entered 200, acres of his farm, which now is well improved; he at one time owned 600 hundred acres, but has since divided a large portion among his children; he sold forty acres, upon which the town of Keswick in now being built; December 13, 1833, he married Miss Margaret Powell; she is a native of West Virginia, and was born April 24, 1813; by this union they have eight children: Joseph, Nancy A., Charles, William, Levi, Margaret, Warren C. and Alice V.; lost six: Catherine, James B., Allen, two infants and John, who was a member of Company H., Thirty Third Iowa Volunteer Infantry; served until his term of service expired, and was discharged at Davenport, in 1865; on his way home he was killed by the cars breaking through a bridge; Mr. and Mrs. Irons commenced their marred life without means; their furniture and wearing apparel were made by themselves; the linen for the latter was raised, prepared and manufactured with their own hands, and some of the garments then made are preserved as mementos of their early married life; and among the early settlers who have passed the ordeal of pioneer life, none is deserving of more especial notice than the subject of this sketch; by industry, economy and honesty, they have acquired a competency for their declining years.

Irwin, George, farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Aurora

Irwin, John, farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Aurora; born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, June 17, 1815, and resided there until 1845, when he went to Mercer county Illinois and there engaged, principally in building; in 1850 he returned to Pennsylvania, where he devoted his time to farming and mason work; he came to this county in 1864 and settled where he now resides; he owns 120 acres of land under good improvement; married December 25, 1838, to Eliza Stewart, a native of Ireland: they have five children living: Matthew S., George, Mary, (wife of C. M. Paul), Jared, and Harriet (wife of J. E. Hill), Mr. Irwin traces his ancestors to Ireland; his grandfather, Jerard Irwin came to this county about the year 1760, and settled in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania there engaging in merchandising.

Johnston, James, farmer Sec. 19; P. O. Sigourney

Johns, Thomas E., general merchant, Keswick; born in Glanmorganshire, Wales, May 30, 1846; he emigrated to this country in 1865, and located in Johnson county and engaged in farming; in March, 1871 he came to this county and continued in his business in Prairie township until 1876, when he entered upon his present business; Mr. Johns came to this country a poor boy, without a dollar, but by industry and good management has been eminently successful; his career as a merchant is in keeping with all his other undertakings; he is well suited for his business, prudent, but generous in his dealings; he has made many friends during the time of his residence in the county; on the 17th of January, 1871, Miss Margaret Baxter, of Johnson county became his wife; she is a lady of much refinement; her father John Baxter was a native of Wales, and came to Cambria Pennsylvania, about 1830.

Jordon, J. H., farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Sigourney

Junkin, Jane, farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Sigourney

Kessling, Casper, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Sigourney

Lewis, Elliott, farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Sigourney; born January 18, 1831, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and was there raised a farmer; in 1854; he moved to Henry county Illinois, and there engaged in farming; he came to this county in 1866; and settled where he now resides; owns 240 acres of land under good cultivation, and is at present feeding a large number of hogs; it is his intention to engage in the wool growing business before very long; April 19, 1855, he married Miss Rachel Huston; she was born in 1832 in Dearborn county, Indiana came with her parents to Illinois in 1852, and was there married; they have a family of seven children: Charles, William S., Edgar A., Henry C., Emma A., Eva M., and Clarence R.; Mr. Lewis has held offices in his township for the past ten or twelve years.

McBride, Jesse O., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 11; P. O. White Pigeon; born in Perry county Pennsylvania, March 4, 1830, he was there raised, attending the common schools of that State during the winter and farming in the summers; 1855 he came to Des Moines county, Iowa; when he landed at Burlington he had $130, and has made what he now has by hard, honest toil; he remained in Des Moines county until 1857, when he came to this county; here he has since resided, owns 950 acres of land and has the best farm in the township; devotes considerable attention to stock raising; he was married April 24, 1860, to Miss Rachel Lutton, a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania; they have three children: Mary Belle, Jennie May and Ulysses; Mr. McBride came to Iowa a poor man; he has always been prudent in his expenditures; his life has been one of ceaseless activity and the result of his labors and energies may well inspire the young to renewed exertions in emulating his example.

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Martin, Joseph, farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. Webster

Messinger, S., farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Aurora; born September 6, 1821, in West Virginia, where he was raised a farmer and dealer in cooperage; he removed to this county in 1865, and settled where he now resides; owns 642 acres of choice land which he manages himself; he also raises and feeds graded stock altogether; his farm is under cultivation and finely improved; he has a barn 76 X 40 feet, besides granaries, cattle sheds, etc; Mr. M. commenced life without capital and is indebted to no one save himself for the handsome property which he now owns and which he gained by energy, perseverance etc.; December 2, 1847, he married Miss Margaret Hayes, a native of Hardy county, Virginia; they have seven children living; Jerome, Charles, Mary A., (wife of F. Starett of Iowa county), Nancy E., (now Mrs. Thomas Minor of this State), Sarah, Lucinda, and Halleck; have lost two: Margaret, died June 21, 1863, and Samuel died September 11, 1865.

Miller, James, farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. Webster

Miller, Hugh, farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Aurora

Miller, T. H., farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Aurora

Misel, D., farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Aurora; born in Guernsey county, Ohio, April 17, 1823; there he was raised on a farm; moved to this county in 1862 and owns 200 acres of choice land; he is a good farmer, economical and industrious; he is the architect of his own fortune; he was married in Ohio September 4, 1845, to Miss Martha Trimble, a native of Ohio; they have nine children: Margaret (wife of J. Harvey), Nancy (wife of Thomas Byers), Harriet J. (wife of William Shriver), Catharine A. ( wife of William Waggoner), Caroline (wife of C. Thomas), David R., Sarah, Edward W. and Susan.

Moore, Hames, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Sigourney

Morrison, James, farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. Aurora; born in the north of Ireland August 7, 1841; he emigrated to America in 1864 and located in Rock Island county Illinois, where he remained for three years; he then moved to this county, where he has since resided; he owns 160 acres of good land, under fair improvement; Mr. Morrison commenced life a poor boy, and is indebted for his present high standing only to his own energy, good judgment, hard work and a wife who is a help as well as a companion, and is gentle and kind in her manners; they are both highly respected by all who know them; April 17, 1872, Miss Hattie, daughter of Thomas Morgan, of English River township, became his bride; she was among the firstborn in the township; they have two sons; Edward and Jesse; Mr. Morrison intends making stock raising his principal business.

Morrison, William, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Aurora

Morgan, E. L., farmer, stock raiser and stock dealer, Sec. 36; P. O. Webster; the subject of this sketch is a son of the Honorable T. A. Morgan, of this county and was born in Pennsylvania May 14, 1830, but raised in Trumbull county Ohio; in 1854 he came with his parents to this county and was engaged in farming until 1859, when he went to California with his father and engaged in mining for six years; in this undertaking, as in all other, success crowned his efforts; he returned to this county in 1864, and improved the farm that he now occupies; he owns 453 acres of choice land, under splendid improvement; his residence is surrounded by a fine orchard on one side and an evergreen and walnut grove of fifteen acres on the other, in the former he has 3,300 European larches and it is his intention to set out 1,0000 [sic] more; he devotes produce of his fine farm to stock raising altogether; September 9, 1866, he married Miss Eliza Reed, of this county; they have five children: Anna, Isadore, Theron Avery, Nellie F., and Sylvia.

Morgan, G. S., farmer, stock raiser and stock feeder, Sec. 36; P. O. Webster; born in Trumbull county, Ohio, April 17 1841; there he spent his early youth and in 1854, he with his parents, moved to this county, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood; he owns 345 acres of choice land, well improved; November 14, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Ervin; she was born in Preston county, Virginia; they have four children: Stella A., Alden, Rollin E. and Lucy M.

Morgan, William F., farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Webster

Morgan, T. J., farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Webster

Murphy, Richard, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Aurora

Murphy, James, farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Aurora

Mushrush, J. R., farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Aurora

Mushrush, Thomas, farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Aurora

Mushrush, James, farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Aurora

Mushrush, George, farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Aurora

Nankee, Gustave, farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Sigourney

O’Keeff, Michael, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Webster

Paull, J. G., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 29; P. O. Sigourney; born in Median, Ohio January 19, 1826; he lived there until thirteen years of age, when he, with his brother moved to Kane county, Illinois, in 1839; he was there raised a farmer, and came to this county in 1856, settling on the place where he now resides; has a fine farm of 800 acres and devotes considerable attention to the raising and feeding of graded stock; he has as the present time about 100 head of cattle which he is preparing for market; October 20, 1848, he married Miss Harriet Sheldon, a native of New York; when young she moved with her parents to Kane county, Illinois, where she resided until her marriage, by this union they have seven children living: William G., born in 1849, Clara A., born in 1851, Eva E., born in 1853, Ida M., born in 1857, Gustavus G., born in 1859, George M., born in 1864, Stephen H., born in 1862; their oldest son, William G. was married November 27, 1872, to Miss Maggie R. Legg, a native of Rush county, Indiana; they have on child: Franklin S.; Mr. and Mrs. Paull are old settlers of this county, and are well acquainted with the hardships and troubles of pioneer life.

Paul, William G., farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Sigourney

Porter, Isaac, farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. White Pigeon; born in Athens county, Ohio, October 21, 1820; in 1847 he moved to Fulton county, Illinois, remaining there until 1854; he then came to this county, locating where he now resides; he entered his land from the government; owns 166 acres of choice land with excellent improvements, food orchard, etc., which he has made himself; he has a splendid home; December 13, 1849, he married Miss Caroline McCall, a native of Indiana; they have three children: Martha Ann, Lucretia and Estelle M.; lost three: William H., Albert and Electa.

Reasoner, H. S., farmer. Sec. 7; P. O. Aurora

Reasoner, Rueben, farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Aurora

Robertson, J. B. A., general merchant, postmaster and farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Aurora; born in Chester county Pennsylvania, September 7, 1836; there he spent his childhood and early youth; worked in the iron works at Safe Harbor, Lancaster county, for about seven years; in 1855 he removed to Cedar county, Iowa where he was engaged in the lime burning business until August 11, 1862; he then enlisted in company B, Twenty-fourth Iowa infantry, remaining with that regiment until February 15, 1864, when he was transferred to company K, Seventh Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps, and discharged June 28, 1865; participated in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged until his transfer, among which were the battles near Washington against Early and Breckenridge, July 12, 1864; was detached to guard persons since executed for the assassination of President Lincoln; after his discharge he came to this county and made farming his business until March 1875, when he engaged in the mercantile business, his being the first business house in Aurora; he also owns a farm of eighty seven acres of choice land situated on Sec. 16 in this township, which he also manages; January 19, 1868, he married Miss Clarissa M. Wright, a native of Ohio, they have nine children: John H., Anna M., George A., Margaret A., James B. A., Elizabeth A., Meda F., Alice and an infant son.

Rolan, Peter, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Webster

Ross, Mary, farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Webster

Seymour, C. S., farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Aurora

Shatz, J., farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. White Pigeon; born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1843; when sixteen years of age he moved with his parents to this county; he was here principally raised on a farm and has been prominently identified with the growth and development of the county since coming here; he followed farming until July 4, 1862 when he enlisted in company D, Eighteenth Iowa Infantry; at this time he was only eighteen years of age, and weighed but 100 pounds, but he served with his regiment until the close of the war, and participated in the battles of Springfield , Missouri, Poison Spring, Arkansas Saline River, and many other battles and skirmishes; returning home he engaged in farming; owns eighty acres of choice land; January 14, 1869, he married Miss Sophia E. Lindsey, an native of Lancaster county Pennsylvania; they have two children: Leslie R. and Annie E.; have lost one son: Charles W., who died March 4, 1871.

Shimmin, John, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Sigourney; born January 27, 1831, on the Isle of man, England, and was there raised as a farmer, emigrated to the united States in 1850, landing at New York; moved to Illinois settling in McHenry county, and there learned the trade of mason, which he followed for some ten years; in 1860 he moved to Winnebago county Illinois, and for four years was engaged in farming; in 1864 he came to this county and settled where he now resides; owns a finely improved farm of 200 acres, well supplied with graded stock; May 1, 1855, Miss Margaret Gaylord, of New York, became his wife; she was born August 9, 1834; they have a family of five children: Charlotte C. (now Mrs. Z. E. Reasner), Lizzie A., Edward J., Eunice S., Celestia M.; lost three: Isabelle, Thomas, and an infant; Mr. Shimmin is a member of the Masonic fraternity, St. Mark’s Lodge, No. 63, of Woodstock, McHenry county, Illinois; he also belongs to the Episcopal Church of England; Mrs. S. is a member of the M. E. Church, of the Springdale class of this township.

Shott, John, farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. White Pigeon

Sorden, Daniel, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 24; P. O. Webster; born in Franklin county, Ohio, September 1, 1823; when quite young, he with his parents moved to Marion county, same State, where his youth and early manhood were spent on a farm; in 1853 he moved upon his present homestead of 195 acres of fine land; he married Miss Emily J. Scovell, a native of Trumbull county, Ohio; she died December 6, 1851, leaving one son August; May 15, 1855, he married again to Miss Ann Roland, a native of Indiana; by this union they have four children: George A., Lyman M., Etta and Flora; lost their eldest son: William S. who died January 31, 1873; he was sixteen years of age.

Stewart, Charles, farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Aurora

Stephenson, A. H, farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. Webster

Stewart, H. C., farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Aurora

Stewart, L. S., farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Aurora

Smith, Sarah, farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Aurora

Sturdivan, S. F., farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. White Pigeon

Trego, Y. B., farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Sigourney

Ulum, L., farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Aurora

Warnock, A., farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Sigourney

Warnock, William, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Sigourney

Weaver, Mary, farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Sigourney

Wemer, G. W., farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Sigourney; born May 3, 1827, in Henry county Indiana and was there raised a farmer; he moved from there to Hancock county, Ohio; he came to this county in 1853, and in April, 1854, settled where he now resides; he has 443 ½ acres of good land, well stocked; June 28, 1848, he married Miss Elizabeth Wemer, a native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania; when quite young she moved with her parents to Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and was there raised, and there lived until her marriage; they have six children: Barbara A. (now Mrs. Mushrush), Isaac P., Albert G., L. L., Jacob A., Francis C.; have lost two; Catharine J. and John J.; Mr. W. has held various offices in his township, and has held the office of school director since the independent district was organized.

Wheeler, S. L., farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Aurora

White, William J., farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Aurora

Willhight, J. P., farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Webster

Williams, J., farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Webster

Winegarden, John, farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. White Pigeon

Woods, Samuel, farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Aurora