OLIVER C. FORWOOD. The name at the head of this sketch is that of a worthy member of a family that has held an honorable position for centuries past, its members counting among them the distinguished professional men as well as agriculturists who have done much to improve the general condition of the community in which they respectively live. The scion of this family whose history it is our pleasure to here chronicle, resides on section 21, of Shipman Township, where he has a fine farm in an enviable state of productiveness.

Our subject's father was Dr. Parker Forwood who was a native of Maryland. He was a practicing physician in his native State for many years, and there owned a large farm. Our subject's paternal grandfather was John Forwood, who, like his grandson, devoted himself to cultivating the gifts that God allows to spring up from mother earth. He died in Harford County, Md. Our subject's mother was Mollie Smithson in her maiden years. She was born in Harford County, Md., where she was married and where her husband died in January, 1866, the mother still surviving.

Mr. Forwood is one of thirteen children, he being the ninth in order of birth. Like his parents he was born and reared in Harford County, Md., his natal day being February 6, 1847. He continued to live in Maryland until February, 1865, when he came to Shipman Township. On his arrival in this State he made his daily bread until 1870 by working by the month for the farmers in the vicinity. He found his wife in Shipman Township, and was married October 12, 1870. His wife's maiden name was Miss Emma Jolly, a daughter of Henry Jolly. Her birth place was Shipman Township, Macoupin County, Ill., and her birth occurred on October 1, 1857. Mrs. Forwood's mother was Marian Haycraft. Previous to her marriage she was the widow of Joel Parker, who died in Shipman Township, November 28, 1843. Mr. Parker and his young wife were married in Kentucky, and came from there to Macoupin County in 1835, settling in Shipman Township. The wife became the mother of seven children by that marriage. They are Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Frances H., Elmira, Benjamin E., and Luvinia N. The eldest daughter is now the widow of John L. Rhoads; Mary is the wife of F. B. Simpson; Sarah is the widow of Jackson Calvard; Frances H., is the widow of William M. Simpson; Almira is the widow of James L. Sherman; Luvinia is the wife of Thomas B. Forwood.

Mrs. Marian Parker was married to Henry Jolly in Shipman Township, October 10, 1850. But one child came to grace this marriage, that is the wife of the gentleman of whom we are writing. She was born in Shipman Township, October 1, 1851. Soon after the marriage of our subject he settled in Brushy Mound Township, where he lived from the years 1871 to 1876 inclusive, after which time he removed to Shipman Township, and settled on section 21, where he has since been a resident. The chief occupation of his life has been farming, and he has brought to bear a native energy and stick-to-itivemess that have insured him a success. He owns eighty acres and has good buildings on his farm. Mr. Forwood has held the office of Township Assessor. His temperance principles are evident in the fact that he is a voter with the Prohibitionists, and adds to that party his influence. Mr. and Mrs. Forwood are active members of the Baptist Church, taking conspicuous part in every good word and work that is there done.