Part III: Biographical Sketches

Clark County

[p. 149]

Farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Martinsville. One of the leading and most successful farmers in this township is Frederick Hammond, who was born June 29, 1831, in Rutland County, Vt., and is the second son of Alanson Hammond and Sallie Tarbell. In 1836, in the fall of that year, Frederick came to this county with his parents, and settled on Section 12. Here his parents died; his father in 1846, and his mother in 1842. They raised a family of five children, viz.: Polly A., Clark, Frederick, Lydia and Wesley. Polly is the wife of Josiah A. Connelly, and Lydia of William Connelly, brother of J. A. – all of this township. Frederick was about fifteen years of age, being left an orphan, and was without patrimony, $67.25 being the only money or effects left him from the estate, and he worked out by the month and the week, receiving as low as $1 per week and $5.50 per month. He continued on in this way working by the month until 1850, when he went to California and staid nearly two years, and returned in the summer of 1852, purchased the northeast quarter of section 15 in this township, costing $5 per acre, and engaged in farming. He was married in March, 1855, to Margaret Bean, born in North Carolina, and daughter of Isaac Bean. His wife died in 1856; no issue now living. September 20, 1858, he married Patsey Connelly, born in this township, and daughter of Josiah Connelly and Sallie Dixon. Last marriage, seven children – Sallie, Ida, Emily, Francisco, Alanson P., Serena A. and Patsey E. Emily is the wife of Perry Black, of Casey Township. In 1869, he located on this farm, Section 14, and since remained. He has been successful, and has now about 1,600 acres of land. Mr. Hammond cast his first vote for James Buchanan, and has since followed up this line. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M.

[p. 152]

John Robinson

farmer, P. O. Martinsville, is a representative of the oldest families in the township.  His father , Levin Dixon Robinson, was born in Dixon County, Tenn., January 28, 1819, and was the second son of Richard, and a grandson of Michael Robinson.  The Robinson family came originally from Tennessee.  Here Richard was born, and left his native State in 1821, and settled in Edgar County, this State, and was one of the pioneers of that locality.   In 1836, he removed with his family to this county, and entered 720 acres of land in Parker Township, and remained here until his death, which was in 1843.  His wife'’ maiden name was Sallie Dixon, a daughter of Levin Dixon, who survived her husband several years.  The children born to them were Abigail, Levin D., James C., Isaac, Nancy R. C., Sereney and Emily.  But two sons are now living – Levin D. and Hon. James C., of Springfield.  Levin D. resides in this township, and is one of the largest land-holders in the township, and ranks among the wealthiest men in the county, as well as one of the most successful farmers.   He was thrice married.  His first wife was Elizabeth Connely, daughter of Josiah. She died leaving six children.  His second marriage was to Melinda Johnson, a daughter of Thomas Johnson.  She died leaving one child – Melinda J.  His last wife was Abarillia Jones, who was born May 9, 1821, in Dixon County, Tenn.  She was a daughter of John Jones and Jane James, both Tennesseeans   Four children by the last marriage, viz.: John, Emily, Priscilla and Levin D.   John, whose name heads this page, is the eldest of this set of children.  He was born July 13, 1849, in this township, and was married December 26, 1872, to Caroline Fish, who was born June 6, 1852, in Morrow County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Robert Fish and Mary Lumm.  Robert Fish was born March 29, 1804, in Loudoun County, Va.  Mary, his wife, was born in 1812.  They came from Virginia to Morrow County, Ohio, and in 1865 moved to this township.  Mrs. Fish died in February, 1880, having raised six children – Joshua, Nancy, Mary, Martha, Caroline and Ella.  Mr. Robinson, since his marriage, has been a resident of the township of which he has served as Supervisor and Collector, and in Democracy is one of the leading lights.   He is a member of the Masonic order, Martinsville, No. 603. He has two children – Jefferson, born May 11, 1879; Mary, September 7, 1882.

[p. 153]

William T. Sinclair

farmer, P. O. Martinsville, was born February 27, 1843, in Shelby County, Ind., and is the eldest son living born to Amos Sinclair and Miriam Boone, both natives of Bath County, Ky.  He was born July 6, 1807, of Scotch-Irish descent.  Miss Boone was born September 28, 1816, and was married February 6, 1834, in Indiana, where they settled and lived until 1855, when they removed to this county, and lived five years, and, returning to Indiana, staid three years, and then came back to this county, and lived here until their death.  Amos Sinclair died March 12, 1881, and his wife died January 29, of the same year.   They raised six children, viz.: Susan F., Cassandria, William T., Lafayette, Benjamin H. and Nancy E., all living in this county except Cassandria, Mrs. Alexander and Lafayette, who reside in Jasper county.  William T. began on his own account at the age of twenty-two, when he commenced for himself; began by the month, and was married March 26, 1865, to Mary Ferguson, born in Decatur County, Ind., January 27, 1850, and a daughter of Sanford Ferguson and Jane Ireland.  He was born in Indiana, and was a son of Benjamin Ferguson.  Jane was born in Kentucky, and was a daughter of Richard Ireland.  Mrs. Sinclair came to Jasper County, this State, with her parents, in 1858.  Her father died October 14, 1865, aged thirty-six years.  Her mother is still living.  They raised seven children – Mary, Sarah, Richard, Benjamin, John, Indiana and Johanna, all in Jasper County.  After Mr. Sinclair’s marriage, he located in Casey Township, where he lived three years, then located where he now lives, and has since been a resident.  He has 120 acres of land, all of which he has made himself, having nothing to begin with at the start.  He has five children, viz.: Benjamin, Melvin M., Frederick H., Nellie V. and Daisey E.  Mr. Sinclair is a liberal in politics. 

[pp. 153-154]

Farmer, P. O. Martinsville, was born November 22, 1838, in Hocking County, Ohio. He is the second son now living that was born to William A. Turner and Ann Sloan. William Turner was an Ohioan by birth. His father was an early settler of that State. William Turner, subject’s father, removed with his family to this county in 1839, locating land in this township in the fall of that year, and remained here until his death, which occurred May 18, 1882. His wife yet survives him. They raised a family of six children, viz.: William B., James S., Ellen, Jane, George F. and Sarah Ann. Sarah and Jane both died in the summer of 1881. Ellen is the wife of William Willis, of this township. Jane was the wife of John A. Ryan. The others reside in this township except George F., who is in Colorado. James S. remained about the homestead until the spring of 1862, when he went to the West and spent nearly six years, returning in October, 1867. While there, he engaged in furnishing wood for the quartz mills, and was successful there, and upon his return he purchased land where he now resides. He has now 433 acres, and is one of the successful farmers of the township. February 10, 1868, he was married to Miss Mary Dunn, born October 20, 1846, in Hancock County, Ind. She was the third daughter of John Dunn and Mary J. Percell, and came here with her parents, when fourteen years of age. Has five children – James E., Alice A., Nevada E., Amanda R. and William C. Two deceased – John E. and Percy; John E. died September 30, 1882, aged four years. Percy died when a young babe. In politics, Mr. Turner is a Democrat.

[p. 154]

Westfield Township

Henry Briscoe

stock-dealer, Westfield, is one of the leading stock-dealers in this township, and was born November 12, 1835, the oldest son of Joseph Briscoe and Lucinda Frederick.  Henry was born on Section 27, and was raised on the homestead and remained here until 1856, when he began for himself in stock dealing, and for several years drove cattle to Chicago, and in 1857, went to Minnesota.  He has since been engaged in stock dealing.  From 1869 to 1871, he was quite extensively engaged in farming.  He was married in October, 1862, to Sophia M., born in this county, daughter of Clark Nicholas and Phebe Morrison.  Has four children living, viz., Alice, Charles B., Joseph D. and William T.  Democratic in politics.  First wife died May 4, 1876.  Present wife was Mrs. Abigail Hays, born in this county, daughter of Michael York.  No children by last wife.  Is still carrying on farming in connection with his stock dealing.

Merchant, Hatton. This gentleman represents one of the very oldest and best pioneer families in this county. He was born May 19, 1838. The family is of Holland descent. His grandfather, Lawrence Hollenbeck, was born in New York and has heard the British bombard Buffalo. He was married to a Miss Lewis, who was the mother of eleven children. The trip from New York to this county was made mostly by water. They settled here in 1816, when the dark forest was yet filled with wild beasts and still wilder men. His son John was married to Isabell Houts. She was the mother of three children – John M., Emily and Harriet. Emily is the wife of William Lindley and Harriet is the wife of Samuel Lindley. Mrs. Isabell Hollenbeck died in 1838. John Hollenbeck was married a second time to Isabel Claypoole, who was the mother of Jane, wife of Charles Hogue. Our subject, John M., was educated in this county. He was married here to Miss Margaret Neal, daughter of Washington and Hattie (Stevens) Neal, and the mother of five children – Elsie, wife of George Holwick and the mother of Edward and Bert; William T., born October 17, 1861; he is a teacher by profession; Charles G., born in 1863; and Washington, born April 20, 1866. Mr. Hollenbeck was a soldier in our late war, enlisting twice, the first time in 1861, in the Twenty-first Illinois, known as "Grant’s Regiment," Company H; the second time in 1864, in the Tenth Illinois, Company G, serving till the close of the war. He lost his wife in 1866. He is a member of Odd Fellows fraternity and also a "Knight of Honor," Marshall Lodge, No. 1198. He has a farm of 260 acres in this county and keeps a general store in Hatton. In politics, he is identified with the Republican party.

[pp. 165-166]

Jacob Lickert

Farmer, P.O. Hatton, born September 18, 1820, in Ohio. His father, John Miller, was born in Pennsylvania; he was married to Hannah Maloy, born in Pennsylvania; she died in Darwin, Ill.; she was a daughter of John Maloy, and the mother of thirteen children, one of them named William; he died while in the army in our late war. John Miller came to this county in 1829, and amid the hardships of pioneer life he raised a large family; his son Henry was married to Eliza Adams; she was the mother of Andy Miller, who married Nancie Ingram; they have four children, Sophia, Altamond, Henry and Marcus, two with his present wife and the rest with his first wife, whose name was Sarah Jeffers. Mrs. Henry Miller died in 1847. Mr. Miller was married a second time to Salena Adams, who died a short time afterward. His third wife was Mrs. Elizabeth Sanford, born in 1827; she is the mother of three children now living – Lydia born January 9, 1856, she married Joseph Klemm, who died in April, 1881, he is the father of one son – Henry L. born February 12, 1881; Hattie, born July 24, 1864; and Sinia, born March 7, 1872. Mrs. Elizabeth Miller is the daughter of Henderson and Catherine (Walls) Corey, both deceased. Mr. Miller took quite a decided stand during our late war, and did a great deal toward relieving Union soldiers and their families; the work done by him for the good cause at home was not outdone by many in the field. He has never sought public offices but rather avoids publicity. He votes the Republican ticket. By industry and economy he has laid up something for a rainy day. He has a good farm of over 200 acres, which is well cultivated.

[p. 167-168]

Farmer, P. O. Marshall, born December 23, 1822, near Baltimore, grandson of Richard Pearce, whose son Edward married Sarah Lawrence, who was the mother of a large family. Her son John came to this county in the fall of 1837. He was married here January 16, 1849, to Mahala Craig, born June 26, 1830. She is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Brown) Craig, and the mother of three children, as follows: Edward; Thomas, born January 16, 1852 (he is a teacher by profession); Sarah E., born April 18, 1856 (wife of Emmit Craig). Mrs. Pearce has a good farm of 120 acres. Mr. Pearce has been Township Trustee, and has been School Director for sixteen years. In politics, he had been identified with the Republican Party. Before the existence of the Republican party, he voted the Whig ticket.

[p. 171]

Farmer, P. O. West York, born December 25, 1828, in Crawford County, Ill. His great-grandfather, Jessie Buckner, was a man of considerable wealth and renown. He was a minister of the Baptist Church for forty years, having formerly been an officer in the Revolutionary war. He married Mary Pyle. Their son, Elisha, was born in Chatham County, N.C., he died there in 1829. He married Sarah Steele, born in North Carolina, she died in 1842, in Clark County, Ill. Her son, John Buckner, was born July 26, 1805, in North Carolina, he died December 15, 1876, in this county. He came to Crawford County in 1828. He was married March 3, 1825, in Tennessee, to Margaret Decker, born October 3, 1806, in Smith County, Tenn. She was a daughter of Frederick and Anna (Earnest) Decker. Mrs. Anna Decker’s father, Andrew Earnest, and his six sons, viz.: Capt. Andrew, John, George, Peter, Daniel and Christopher were all soldiers in the Revolution. Andrew Earnest, Sr., was a wealthy shad fisher in Philadelphia; he married Katie Sommers, a sister of Gen. Sommers, of Revolutionary fame, who raised and commanded a regiment of German troops from Pennsylvania. Andrew Earnest, Sr., received several land grants from the United States, of which he made no use whatever, and it, together with property in Philadelphia, belongs, property to his heirs. Mrs. Margaret Buckner is yet living, at the home of her only son, Frederick E., who was educated in Smith County, Tenn., to which place he moved back, with his parents in 1829. He was also married there to Miss Avaline Vantrease, born 1831, in Tennessee; she died in 1866. She was the mother of two children, viz: Margaret F., deceased, former wife of Robert Waire, and the mother of Eva, Lydia, and Freddy. Julia Ann, wife of C. S. Buckner, and the mother of Emma R. Mr. Buckner was married a second time to Bethiah Snipes, born 1835, in Tennessee; she died there 1872. She was the mother of Martha E., born October 19, 1868; and John W., born January 28, 1871; he died December 27, 1879. Our subject was joined in matrimony a third time, November 8, 1877, in this county, to Miss Rebecca L. Richards, born August 28, 1851, in Ohio; daughter of Thomas and Mary A. (Brown) Richards. Mr. Buckner obeyed the call of his country by enlisting November 1, 1864, in the Fourth Regiment of Mounted Infantry, Tennessee Volunteers, Col. Blackburn, serving till close of war. Mr. Buckner came back to this county in 1876. He has 340 acres of land with good improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Buckner are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also the G. A. R. In politics, he is independent.

Stockman and farmer, P. O. West Union, born January 19, 1844, in Butler County, Ohio. Grandson of William H. Harris, Sr., a farmer by occupation. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; he was married to Nancy Meeker, born in New Jersey; she died in Butler County, Ohio; she was the mother of eleven children. William H. Harris, Sr., was born in New Jersey; he died in Butler County, Ohio. His son, Meeker Harris, married Sarah Byers, who was the mother of nine children. Meeker Harris and family came to this county in 1858, when he bought Rev. R. H. Lilly’s farm of 700 acres situated on Walnut Prairie. He died in 1871; his wife is still living on the old farm. Our subject, W. H. Harris, was educated partly in Ohio and in this county. He learned his blacksmith trade in early life, and at the breaking-out of our late war he obeyed the call of his country by enlisting, though only sixteen years old, August 13, 1861, in this county. He was mustered in at Jefferson Barracks near St. Louis, in the First Cavalry Missouri Volunteers, Company K, Capt. Crookshank, participating in many thrilling scenes and famous battles. Mr. Harris was joined in matrimony, March 6, 1865, to Elizabeth Blockson, born December 27, 1840, in Vigo County, Ind., daughter of Moses and Elizabeth (Banks) Blockson, and the mother of three children, viz.: Henry, deceased, aged three years; Ruth, born September 30, 1867, and Sadie, deceased, aged one year. Mr. Harris has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Harris is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Harris has a farm of 310 acres. He is Independent in politics. Has been a member of the County Board for six years, representing Martinsville Township two years and York Township four years; is still a member, giving general satisfaction. He was conspicuous in the Briscoe campaign, concerning the County Clerk’s office. Mr. Harris possesses quite a fund of useful knowledge; is qualified to fill almost any county office.

[p. 177]

Farmer, P. O. West Union, born July 20, 1826, on Union Prairie. He is a son of Evan Lacy, born 1796, in Perqnimons County, N. C.; he died June 28, 1829, on Union Prairie. He came to this county in 1816; he was also married here in 1820, to Miss Abigail Prevo, born October 6, 1800, in Randolph County, N. C.; she is yet living with her son Joseph Brooks. She was the mother of seven children. Mrs. Evan Lacy was a daughter of Samuel and Jane (Lee) Prevo, who came here in 1817. Mr. Samuel Lacy was joined in matrimony, Sept 7, 1848, in Crawford County, to Zilpha Jane Cox, born January 19, 1829, in Crawford County. She died March 9, 1877. She was the daughter of Thomas and Deborah (Lindley) Cox, who raised eight children, viz.: Robert born August 18, 1849, he married Viola Martz, in Rice County, Kan.; William, born June 28, 1851; Evan, born November 23, 1853; Mary E., born April 6, 1856, wife of Allen C. Evringham, and the mother of Alma J.; Samuel, born September 28, 1859; Eliza, born April 4, 1862, wife of Richard H. Hoge; Hannah, born April 13, 1866; Martha M., born July 23, 1869. In 1870, Mr. Lacy was elected Sheriff of Clark County, serving one term. He has been Township Trustee and also a member of the County Board. He is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Lacy has a farm of 120 acres, and in politics he is identified with the Democratic party.

[p. 182]

Farmer, P. O. Walnut Prairie. This gentleman was born January 27, 1836, in this county, son of John L. Mount, born in Kentucky; died in Indiana; he married Tamer Megeath, born 1812, in Virginia. She is now living in Marshall. She was married a second time to J. Hoge. She is the mother of three children, now living, viz.: John L., he married Percilla Bishop; Emily Hoge, wife of S. C. Prevo; and James A., who went to school in this county. He has been a farmer all his life. He was joined in matrimony April 2, 1863, to Mary C. Brown, born December 29, 1839, near Terre Haute, daughter of James M. and Hannah (Hickey) Brown, and the mother of six children. Their names are Clayton B., born April 2, 1864; John C., born April 7, 1866, he died February 26, 1883; James V., born November 7, 1868; Madison H., born May 28, 1871; Mary Ann, born March 4, 1875; and Emma H., born November 29, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Mount are members of the Presbyterian Church. He has a farm of 140 acres. Has been School Director. In politics, he has been connected with the Republican party. Mrs. Mount’s mother, Hannah Hickey, was the first white child born in Orange County, Ind., on Lost River. Mrs. Mount’s great-grandfather and uncle were killed in the battle of Tippecanoe.

[p. 185]

Terre Haute, born February 18, 1840, in Marshall, Clark County, Ill.; she was educated in Marshall, Ill., and at St. Marys, Ind. Mrs. Spencer was for many years a resident of Clark County, where she is remembered as a very reserved lady, whose unimproved opportunities for doing good were few. She is a grand-daughter of Charles K. Archer, born in Kentucky; he died in this county. He is a brother of Col. William Archer, who is mentioned in our general history. Mrs. Spencer is a daughter of Wakefield Williams, who is also mentioned in our general history. Mrs. Spencer was joined in matrimony in this county to Nathan Besser, born in this county; he died near Corinth while in the army. His two sons, Frank W. and Walter N., were born, viz.: Frank W., October 14, 1859, and Walter N., June 13, 1861; the latter is keeping a general store in Walnut Prairie. Mrs. Spencer was married a second time to Rev. Thomas Spencer, a minister of the Presbyterian Church. He was born in Vermont; he died while working in the ministry in Palestine, Ill., where his memory is cherished by all who knew him. Mrs. Spencer is now a resident of Terre Haute, Ind. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

[p. 186]

Farmer, P. O. Walnut Prairie, is a native of Clark County, Ill., and born September 8, 1851. He is a son of Warren and Sarah A. (Smith) Bartlett, of whom mention has already been made. Perry Bartlett was raised in Melrose Township, and received the elements of an English education in the common schools of the county. In 1871 (September 1), he was married to Miss Sarah B. Janney, daughter of Isaiah B. and Hannah S. Janney. She was also born in Clark County, on March 23, 1850 (for biography of her parents see biography of Sumner Maring). Their family consists of two sons, viz.: Elizabeth Bartlett, born November 20, 1872; Avery B. Barnett, born March 2, 1875. Mrs. Bartlett is a member of the United Brethren Church. Subject owns a farm of 122 acres, on which in 1880 they erected a handsome frame residence; farm situated in Section 1 of Melrose Township. Politics, Republican. His farm bears the imprint of an industrious and systematic management, and it is only a matter of time when his influence will be forcibly felt in the community.

[p. 191]

Melrose, is a daughter of Isaiah and Hannah Janney, and is the fourth of a family of eleven children, of whom six are now living. She was born in Melrose Township, July 23, 1843. She was married March 28, 1864, to Wiliam Brown, son of Adam and Mary Brown. He was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 16, 1841, and came to this county in 1860, from where he entered the First Missouri Cavalry, in 1861, and served as a soldier for four years, during which time he contracted the disease from which he died, November 9, 1868, leaving two children, viz.: Jennie A. Brown, November 1, 1866; William R. Brown, January 12, 1869, and died September 13, 1879. Mrs. H. was afterward married, February 11, 1872, to Mr. John Winsett, son of John and Mary Winsett. He was a native of Hoio and was born July 6, 1818, and died November 3, 1876. She married John Hollenbeck, April 28, 1878, and one son, Homer Hollenbeck, was born December 18, 1879. Mrs. Hollenbeck has a farm of 200 acres of land, mostly improved land, in Section 8 of Melrose Township, containing a substantial farm residence erected in 1882. She is a member of the Protestant Methodist Church.

[p. 192-193]

Farmer, P. O. Melrose, is a native of this county, where he was born August 5, 1859, son of William and Caroline Maring, the father of Ohio and the mother of Virginia. They were married in Illinois, and raised three children, viz: Anna Banks, Chester Maring and the subject of this sketch. The father died from the effect of gun-shot wound received in the late war. The mother is still living, and resides in Kansas. Subject grew to manhood and educated in the common schools of this county. He was married, January 1, 1880, to Miss Elma Janney, daughter of Isaiah B. and Hannah S. Janney. Mrs. Elma Maring was born in Clark County, Ill., July 9, 1848. The father was a native of Loudoun County, Va., born August 31, 1812, where he grew to maturity, and married to Miss Hannah Hurst, also a native of Virginia, and born October 24, 1812. They were married September 15, 1836, and came immediately to Illinois and settled in what is now Melrose Township. Here they raised a family of eleven children, of whom six are living and residents of this county. Susanna, married to Milton Hollenbeck; Elizabeth, married to William Miller; Sarah B., married to Perry Bartlett; Isaiah B. Janney, married to Margaret Pyle; Amanda P., married to L. Gray; 3d Elma, married to subject of these lines. Mr. Janney died at his homestead, September 7, 1878, lamented by a large circle of friends, whose confidence he enjoyed to the fullest extent; his wife survives him, and makes her home with her daughter, Elma Maring. Subject has a farm of 120 acres in Melrose Township. Substantial frame residence erected in 1881. They are members of the United Brethren Church. Politics,

[p. 193-194]

Farmer, P. O. Melrose. Charles M. Meeker, is a native of Delaware County, Ohio, born March 16, 1829. He is the fourth of a family of six children of Enoch and Joannah (Morehouse) Meeker. They were each born in New Jersey, where they grew to maturity and married soon after coming to Ohio, and settled in Delaware County. There they made a residence of about twenty years, and then removed to this county in 1840. They settled in Melrose Township, where they died; the mother about 1848, and the father in 1875. Subject grew to manhood in this county, and in 1851 (June 13) married to Miss Sarah A. Edwards, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Edwards. She was born in Daviess County, Ind., January 20, 1830, and came to this county with parents when about two years old. Mr. Meeker has a family of six children, of whom three are deceased, viz.: Joseph, born September 24, 1853, died in infancy; George H., December 24, 1854, and died November 2, 1859; Jasper, September 3, 1859; Arthur, April 3, 1863; Oliver, May 11, 1865. In August, 1861, Mr. Meeker became a member of Company K, First Missouri Cavalry, from which he was discharged in June, 1862, on account of disability. He is a Republican in politics. Both Mr. And Mrs. Meeker are members of the United Brethren Church. Subject owns a farm of 180 acres, 120 in Melrose Township and 60 in Orange Township.

Farmer, P.O. West Union. Among the oldest settlers now living in Melrose Township is the subject of this sketch, William Miller. He was born near York, in Clark County, Ill., September 24, 1818. His parents, Hugh and Polly (Gordon) Miller, came from the State of New York and settled in what is now York Township, this county, in 1815; this was perhaps the first settler in the county, and when William was growing up the Indians were very common in the country, and for many years the country was so infested with wolves that great care was necessary to insure the stock of the settlers from their ravages. The parents of William Miller were born in New York, the father July 4, 1791, and the mother in December of the same year. They had a family of seven children, of whom William was the second, and of whom one died in infancy. Mr. William Miller’s early education consisted of what could be obtained by attending from one to three months in the year, often going a distance of three miles. Having this pioneer experience, he was better prepared to grapple with the stern realities of life, and has lived to see the country of his boyhood develop into comfortable and attractive homes. He was married to Matilda Bartlett, daughter of James and Hannah Bartlett, of whom mention has been made. They were married in November, 1841. Matilda Bartlett was born July 6, 1818, and died March 27, 1844, leaving two children, viz.: Hannah and Wesley Miller; the former died. She was married to George Riley and left six children, the younger, Bruce Riley, being now a member of the family of William Miller. Mrs. Riley was born September 9, 1842, and died April 14, 1876. Wesley Miller is married to Elizabeth Janney. Subject was married to Margaret Aucker about 1845. She was born April 23, 1811, and died February 6, 1870. By this union there are three children – Martha J. Miller, born October 1, 1846, and died February 28, 1851; Charles J. Miller, born February 26, 1848, died March 12, 1851; Mary E. Miller, born January 21, 1853, and died March 29, 1854. Married to his present wife, Elizabeth Handy, October 4, 1870. She was born in this county February 25, 1826, and is a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Handy. Two nieces are members of this (Miller) family, viz.: Doratha E. Miller, born July 8, 1858; Alzada Miller, born June 3, 1870.

Farmer, P. O. Melrose, is a son of William and Matilda (Bartlett) Miller, whose sketch appears elsewhere. He was born in Clark County March 4, 1844, and has always resided in Melrose Township. He received the elements of an English education in the common schools, and in August, 1862, became a member of Company I, Seventy-ninth Illinois Regiment, in which he served about three years and was mustered out June 25, 1865. He was twice wounded, once in the right shoulder and once in the left arm; participated in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Liberty Gap and a number of other active engagements, including all the service of his regiment. He was married, January 23, 1868, to Miss Hannah E. Janney, daughter of Isaiah and Hannah Janney. She was born February 4, 1846, in Melrose Township. Their family consists of four children, viz.: Minnesola Miller, born December 24, 1869; Edmond Miller, born Sept 15, 1871; Ella T. Miller, born Sept 22, 1875; Rosa Miller, born April 15, 1878. Mr. Miller has a farm of 120 acres of improved land in Section 8 of Melrose Township. Mrs. Miller is a member of the United Brethren Church, and Mr. Miller is a member of the I.O.O.F. Politics, Republican. Engaged in stock raising and general farming.

[p. 195]

Farmer, P. O. Walnut Prairie, is a native of Maryland, where he was born November 22, 1821. His father was Andrew Richards; was a native of Maryland, and descends from Scotch origin. He grew to manhood in Maryland, and married Miss Rebecca Merman, also a native of Maryland. They had a family of eleven children, of whom Thomas is the ninth, and all but two born in Maryland. They emigrated to Ohio and settled in Licking County in 1825. There the parents died, the father in 1855 and the mother in 1859. Subject grew to maturity in Licking County, Ohio. His early education consisted of such as was to obtained in the pioneer schools of the then new country. He was married, in Licking County, April 11, 1850 to Miss Mary Ann Brown, daughter of Jacob and Letitia Brown. She was born in Licking County, Ohio, June 24, 1824. They made a residence of two years in Ohio, and in April of 1852, they came to Illinois and settled where they now live in Melrose Township, Clark County. They bought land of a man named Baker, which was covered with a dense growth of timber, brush and vines, which they have removed until now they have a comfortable home consisting of 293 acres, with very substantial improvements. Their family comprises four children, whose record is as follows: Rebecca L. Richards, born in Ohio, August 28, 1851, married to F. E. Buckner, November 8, 1877; Drusilla Richards, born April 3, 1854, married December 26, 1872, to Nathaniel Jeffers, they have three children, viz.: Essie, Ottie and Mirlie Jeffers; Thomas W. Richards, born July 2, 1860, married June 18, 1882, to Miss Isabell Cummins; John William Richards, born November 2, 1863. The family are among the substantial element of the county. Mr. Richards is a Democrat.

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Farmer, P. O. Martinsville, was born in Rockingham County, Va., August 18, 1827, and when he was ten years old removed with his parents, John and Mary Adams, to Butler County, Ohio. His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1789, and when a young man went to Virginia to engage at his trade, that of saddler and harness-maker. In 1824, he married Miss Mary Long, who was born in Rockingham County in 1800. From Virginia they moved to Butler County, Ohio, in 1837, where they died. The mother died in April in 1848, and the father in 1851 (January). John H. is the third of their family of eleven children. He was educated in the common schools, and married on the 20^th of March, 1850, in Butler County, Ohio, to Miss Julia A. Flenner, daughter of George and Mary (Andrew) Flenner. She was born April 29, 1823. She is the ninth of a family of ten children, of whom four are residents of Clark County. Her mother died in Butler County, Ohio. Mr. Adams came from Ohio to this county and settled where he now lived in 1850, buying a tract of land of John McCune. He now owns a farm of 215 acres, well improved, including a substantial frame dwelling; engaged in general farming and wool growing. He has seven children, viz.: George H. Adams, born September 20, 1854, and died April 23, 1855; Mary E., born January 11, 1857, married; Margaret, born June 27, 1858, the wife of George S. Sharp; Alma, born January 21, 1860, the wife of P. F. Kittering; John L., born October 29, 1861, married Mary E. Shaftner; Alice A., born June 29, 1867; Carrie E., born July 28, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Adams and three elder daughters are members of the United Brethren Church at Colson Chapel. The following obituary of the father of Mrs. Adams is taken from the Telescope: George Flenner died at his residence, in Clark County, Ill., June 26, 1864, aged seventy-seven years ten months and seven days. Brother F. was born in Lancaster County, Pa., August 19, 1786. Soon afterward, he emigrated with his parents to Butler County, Ohio, where he was converted and joined the United Brethren Church, under the labors of Rev. Jacob Antrim, about forty-five years ago. From that time until his death, he lived a devoted Christian. In his last illness, he was patient and very much resigned, for he had been waiting for some time to be summoned home, and when the messenger of death came he was ready and anxious to go. So his end was peach. He held an official connection with the church as an exhorter and class leader for many years, and his house was a preaching place, and the home of the weary itinerant for a great while. He has left many relatives (for he had ten children) and very many classmates to mourn his loss, but their loss is his gain.

Farmer, P. O. Martinsville, was born in Clark County, Ind., February 13, 1835. His father, Abraham H. Beadle, was a Virginian by birth, which occurred February 16, 1800, and when he was six years old removed with his father, James Beadle, to Kentucky, where he grew to manhood, removing to Indiana when twenty years old. Here he followed boating on the Ohio in the winter and farming in the summer, and was married May 5, 1820, to Miss Sarah Carr, daughter of Elisha Carr, one of the pioneers of Indiana. She was born May 25, 1800. .…..

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Farmer, P. O. Marshall, was born September 2, 1811, in Washington County, Penn., a son of Samuel and Nancy Brown. His father

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Farmer, P. O. Marshall, was born on the home farm, Douglas Township, December 8, 1851, a son of William and Rebecca (Heady) Lycan, (see sketch elsewhere). Our subject obtained his early schooling in an old log schoolhouse in this township, and farming was his first occupation in life. He assisted his father on the home farm, and afterward in connection with his brother, W. S. Lycan, rented their father’s flouring mill, which they ran about two years, when the mill was burned, since which time our subject has been engaged in farming. He was married September 30, 1874, in Marshall Township, to Sarah Black, born January 25, 1852, a daughter of John A. and Nancy N. Baird) Black, natives of Ohio, both living in Marshall Township. Mr. and Mrs. Lycan have had one child – Robert, born January 12, 1878, and died when quite young. Our subject rents land of his mother and engages in general farming. He is also in partnership with John K. Black, of Marshall, where they carry a general line of grocery and provision goods. Our subject is Democratic in politics.

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Farmer, P. O. Martinsville. Samuel Blankenbeker is the seventh of a family of ten children of Felix and Mary Blankenbeker. He was born in Harrison County, Ind., October 11, 1821. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. He was married October 26, 1843, in Indiana, to Miss Mary A. Hull, daughter of John and Susan Hull. She was born in Virginia February 8, 1826, and came to Indiana with her parents when a child. She died on March 18, 1868. Their union was blessed with five children, viz.: Evaline, the wife of David Ferrel, born December 16, 1844; George, born May 5, 184fe of David Ferrel, born December 16, 1844; George, born May 5, 1846, married to Naoma Dix; Ellen, wife of John Baker, born January 15, 1849, died on December 16, 1869, leaving one child, Savilla Baker; Savilla, the wife of Wily W. Phillippe, born March 21, 1851; and William C., born June 15, 1853, married to Priscilla Fix. Our subject was married to his present wife, Elizabeth H. Cooper, widow of John Cooper, and daughter of Samuel and Agnes Midkiff, on the 13^th of June, 1869. She was born in Shelbyville, Ind., June 15, 1832. Her father was born in Kentucky, and the mother, Agnes Rodopher, was a native of Virginia. They moved to this county from Indiana, in 1857. They settled in Martinsville Township, where they died – the mother October 1, 1875, and the father September 22, 1877. They were members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Blankenbeker came to this county in September, 1852, and settled where he now lives, where he owns a farm of 200 acres. He is engaged in stock-raising to some extent. He is a man who enjoys the confidence of the people, is a Democrat, and has several years served the township officially.

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Farmer, P. O. Marshall, son of William W. Craig and Catharine (Serwies) Craig, and grandson of Thomas Craig, Sr., was born in Anderson Township, Clark Co., Ill., June 27, 1853. Mr. Craig’s father, William W., was born in Indiana September 21, 1826, and died in Clark County, Ill., in March, 1867. Catharine (Serwies) Craig, mother of the subject of this notice, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1827, came to America with her parents in 1829 or 1830, and at this writing (February 1883), resides in Anderson Township, Clark County. Mr. Craig was the third of eight children, five of whom are still living, three having died in infancy. Having completed his education in the public schools of his native county, Mr. Craig commenced business life as a school teacher, and has followed that occupation for ten years; in May, 1877, he was married to Miss Mary C. Holwick, daughter of Daniel and Adeline (Fogle) Holwick. The wife’s father was born in Ohio about 1830; her mother, a native of the same State, was born about 1835, and both are living (February, 1883) in Darwin Township. In politics, Mr. Craig is Democratic, and he has been elected to several offices by that party. In April, 1874, he was elected Township Assessor, and served two years; in April , 1876, Township Collector, serving one year; in April, 1879, School Trustee, serving three years, and in April 1882, Justice of Peace, which office he now (February, 1883) holds. Mr. Craig has a well-improved farm of 160 acres in Anderson Township, on which he resides.