USA > Illinois > McLean County > The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men > Part 129
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FRANK J. FLEISCHER, farmer ; P. O. Arrowsmith : was born in Germany, Dec. 13, 1844 : lived in Germany until 19 years of age; was a weaver by trade; came to this country and county in the year 1864; worked on the farm until married to R. Eky Steur, Nov. 8, 1869; she was born in Germany, April 7, 1844; they are the parents of six children, five of whom are living, viz .: Louise E .. Emma L., Agnes, Otto A. and Clara ; deceased, one infant. Mr. Fleischer still continues to farm; is well respected in his neighborhood.
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FREDERICK C. FRIDAY, farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Arrowsmith ; owns 108 acres, worth $35 per acre. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany, Nov. 3, 1839; lived on the farm with his parents, assisting his father in farming, until 23 years of age; worked for his uncle two years ; came to this country June 4, 1863 ; went to Tazewell Co., Ill., stayed two years and returned to this county. Hle was married to Melvina Wilson, May 23, 1867; she was born in Posey Co., Ind., May 23, 1841, and has had five children, only one of whom is living, viz .; Carl F. ; the deceased are-Julia M., Joseph C., Nettie B. and Mary C. Mr. Friday has held the office of School Director, one term, which office he still holds, and has been Overseer of Roads three years. Mrs. Friday's grandfather, on her father's side, was in the Mexican war, Mr. Friday's cash, when he came to this township, did not exceed $15, and. in a few years, he acquired over $4,000 worth of property. fle is well respected in his neighborhood.
JACOB HAY, farmer ; P. O. Arrowsmith. The subject of this sketch was born in Pensyl- vania, Dee. 16, 1811 ; resided with his parents on the farm until 21 years of age. Was married to Sarah Phipps ; who was born in Richland Co., Ohio, Jan. 2, 1818; they are the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are living, viz .: Samuel, Isaac, Mary A., Isabelle, John, Naney, Ellen and Nelly ; deceased-Elizabeth, Margaret M , Jacob and Sarah J. Mr. Ilay, though 68 years of age, is an industrious, hard working man. and still continues to farm.
S. P. HAY, farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Arrowsmith. The subject of this sketch was born in Richland Co., Ohio, March 24, 1839 ; remained at home with his parents until he was married to Praeilta Mordin, Dec. 7, 1865 ; she was born in Schuylkill Co., Penn., March 12, 1847; they are the parents of five children, viz .: John M., Laura B., Mary M. (the next two are twins) Emma and Della. Mr. Hay is quite an industrious farmer, whose principal crop is corn ; also raises oats to some extent.
AUGUSTUS C. HAZLE , farmer and stock-dealer, See. 34 ; P. O. Arrowsmith. The subject of this sketch was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, May 25, 1818 ; lived on a farm until 23 years of age ; engaged with his father in farming, until he was married in Ohio, to Mary A. Pember- ton, Dee. 15, 1842 ; she was born in Clark Co., Ohio. May 31, 1825 ; they are the parents of six children, viz .: Elizabeth, died April 19, 1862; Philip N., born Sept. 1, 1846 ; Isaac N., July 1, 1850; John O., March 9, 1852; William A., Aug. 28, 1855 ; James A., Aug. 28 1855 ; the last named being twins. Mr. Hazle has held the office of School Director, fifteen years, and Overseer of Roads, twelve years. Mr. Hazle owns 160 acres of excellent farming land, worth $50 per aere. Mr. Hazle, when married, had only about $50 worth of property, but by his industry, economy and perseverance has accumulated about $9,000 worth of property, besides $3,600 lie has given to his boys. llis father was in the war of 1812, and Mrs. Hazle's father was also in the same war.
HENRY FRY, farmer; P. O. Arrowsmith. The subject of this sketch was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, April 21, 1830 ; his father died when he was quite young, leaving his mother and sis- ter in his care, being the oldest son ; he continued to support his mother and sisters. by working at home part of the time, and worked out by the month until he married Susannah Darnell, Dec. 20, 1849 ; she was born in Ilolmes Co., Ohio, Aug. 16, 1833; they are the parents of four- teen children, ten of whom are living-Serilla J., Rebecca, Mary 1., John II., Stephen A. D., Barbara A., James W. L., Lucy E., Susannah and Matilda ; the names of the deceased are- Catherine E., died May I, 1865; Eliza E., died March 8, 1865; Frances M., died March 8, 1867; Samantha, died Jan. 19, 1867. Mr. Fry was married in Ohio, and came to this State in the fall of 1853, and still continues to farm, his principal erop being corn ; he is very industri- ous and energetie.
ANDREW C. JONES, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Arrowsmith ; owns 200 acres ; was born in Union Co., Penn., March 15, 1816: removed with his father ; assisted his father in farming and tanning until married to Eleanor Arrowsmith. May 19, 1836; she was born in Ross Co., Ohio, April 16, 1818; they are the parents of seven children, two of whom are living-Mary E. (now wife of S. E. Clive), Margaret E. (now wife of J. R. Lorimer) ; deceased-Ilenry L., Benjamin N., Norman A., John W., Samuel A. Mr. Jones came to this county in 1839, hence was one of the pioneers of this county, assisting to turn it from a wilderness to its present prosperous con- dition. Mr. Jones has been very industrious, but his losses have been considerable, losing twenty-seven head of horses since he has been in this county ; notwithstanding, he has accumu . lated considerable property, owning 200 acres of fine farm land, besides town property in Arrow- smith.
PHILIP KELLER, farmer; P. O. Arrowsmith. The subject of this sketch was born in Ohio, July 31, 1840; lived with his parents until 21 years of age, assisting his father on the farm until he came to this county, in 1864. Was married to Mary E. Arrowsmith, May 28, 1868; she was born in MeLean Co., Ill .; they are the parents of five children-Rosa A., born Feb. 16, 1869; Nancy C., born Nov. 10, 1871 ; John W., born Dec. 13, 1872; Nettie M .. born Oet. 5, 1875 ; Oliver P., born March 17, 1878. Mr. Keller still continues to farm, his principal crop being corn. He had a brother instantly killed by a falling stick of timber, while raising a barn.
JAMES M. KEPNER. farmer. Sec. 36: P. O. Saybrook. The subject of this sketch was born in Juniata Co., Penn .; April 17, 1842 ; remained with his father, engaging in farming and the lumber business ; came to this county in 1866. Was married in Pennsylvania, to Margaret
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R. Campbell, April 23, 1863; she was born in Franklin Co .. Penn., Aug. 14, 1842; they are the parents of four children-John M., Elizabeth R., Frances M. and William C. Mr. Kepner has eighty acres of fine farming land, and about one-fourth of an acre in raspberries, of which he had about ten bushels last year. He has about $7,000 coming to him from his father's estate- his father having died lately. Ile is very industrious and economical, and Mrs. Kepner is very industrious and intelligent.
FRANKLIN KIMLER, farmer, Sec. 22: P. O. Arrowsmith : owns 320 acres of land, worth $40 per acre; was born in Montgomery Co., Ind., Nov. 16, 1831; remained with his father on the farm until 21 years of age, assisting him in farming and blacksmithing; moved to this county at the age of 7 years ; settled southwest of Le Roy : lived one year there ; moved to where the town of Le Roy now stands, still farming and working at his trade, and was married to Jane Pemberton May 18, 1856 ; she was born in Fountain Co., Ind .; they are the parents of four children-James E., born April 5, 1857; Elizabeth A., Jan. 18, 1860; Mary B., Oct. 2, 1861; Frank A., April 24, 1867. Elizabeth E., now wife of Austin H. Vanscoyoc, of Kansas. Mr. Kimler has held the office of School Director eight years ; he was in the late war, enlisting Sept. 4, 1861, in Co. I, 39th 1. V. I., and served three years ; was in the battle of Drury's Bluff, Va., also in the battle of Fort Wagner. S. C, and several other battles and skirmishes; was mustered out by general order. Mr. Kimler had no property to speak of, when married; but has, at present, about $13,000 worth of property, which he has accumulated by industry, econ- omy and perseverance, made mostly by farming and raising cattle hogs and horses ; his prin- cipal crop has been corn.
JOHN A. LARIMER, merchant and Postmaster, Arrowsmith; was born in Fayette Co., Ohio, April 23, 1839; lived with his parents until 1848, when he came to this county ; moved to Bloomington, and lived with his father until he enlisted (August, 1861) in Co. C, 33d 1. V. I .; was in the battle of Pilot Knob and battle at Fredericktown, Mo .; fought Jeff. Thompson ; thence to Arcade and wintered there; went to Vicksburg May 1, 1863: crossed the Mississippi River; was the first Union soldier landed on that side of the river ; went to Magnolia Hills, and was there fired on by the rebels ; the fire was returned, and the fight lasted all day-Mr. Lar- imer being in the hottest part of the battle; they were then engaged in one continual skirmish, until they got to Jackson, Miss .; after taking this place, the army moved toward Vicksburg; Mr. Larimer was then engaged in the great battle at Champion Hills; the rebel line was broken at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. During the march back to Black River bridge, Mr. Larimer helped to eat the supper prepared for Pemberton ; he was then ordered to Black River bridge, where a charge was made on the works, taking several thousand prisoners and a number of guns ; the rebels retreated after burning the bridge ; Mr. Larimer was wounded by a shell from the enemy's guns in this battle: he was then in the siege of Vicksburg ; was slightly wounded by a shell from the enemy's guns ; was at the taking of Esperanza by siege, when he went to Texas and scouted around until January ; he then re-enlisted for three years, and was in several other battles; was mustered out by general order Dec. 8, 1865. Mr. Larimer came home from the army, and engaged with his father in farming until he married Elizabeth J. Cowan Feb. 13, 1868; she was born in Clark Co., Ohio, May 24, 1845; the fruit of this marriage is four chil- dren-Eddy C., Robert P., William O. and Anna B., who died Aug. 23, 1878. Mr. Larimer commenced the mercantile business in the town of Arrowsmith in 1871. keeping, as he always has, a splendid stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hats, caps, etc., on hand. His experience in purchasing goods has enabled him to keep a better class of goods on hand, and to sell lower than any other store in Arrowsmith. Mr. Larimer has held the office of Supervisor of township two years, and was appointed Postmaster at Arrowsmith in 1872, which office he still holds. He is universally esteemed by all who know him. He is decidedly a business man -very intelligent and pleasant. Mrs. Larimer is also highly respected, and is a very intelligent lady. Mr. Larimer owns a house, lot and storehouse in Arrowsmith.
JOHN D. LANDERS, farmer ; P. O. Ellsworth ; was born in Christian Co., Ky., Jan, 17, 1824 : lived with his parents on the farm until 11 years of age ; moved with his parents to this county Oct. 17, 1835 : drove ox-team in summer, and went to school in winter ; drove two droves of cattle to Wisconsin in the year 1844: came home. went to Kentucky, stayed one year, returned and ran his father's farm and mill one year. Enlisted in the Mexican war June, 1846, in Co. B, 4th Regiment I. V. 1., and served twelve months; was in the siege and capture of Vera Cruz, the battle of Cerro Gordo, where he was wounded in the left hand, and several skir- mishes : was mustered out by general order. Returned home, and engaged in breaking prairie and farming for about three years. He was married to Melinda A. Lash March 7, 1850 ; she was born in Ohio; died April 5, 1874; there were nine children by this marriage, viz., Adaline, Ira, Samuel, Perry, Myra, Sallie, Olif, Ella and Zaulda. Mr. Landers was then mar- ried to Charlotte Driskill April 12, 1877 ; she was born in Defiance Co., Ohio, Dec. 23, 1849 ; the fruit of this marriage is one child-John David, Jr., born May 25, 1878 Mr. Landers owns 208 acres of farm land, under good cultivation, and has considerable influence in his neighbor- hood. Mr. Landers has held office of School Director twenty years; School Treasurer, three years : Assessor, three years, and Supervisor, one term. His grandfather lived to be 114 years of age ; his father is 81 years old, and still attends to business.
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JOHN MARSH, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Arrowsmith ; was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., March 14, 1828; lived on the farm with his father in that State until 12 years of age, then moved with his parents to the Western Reserve, in Ohio ; stayed there twelve years, engaging with his father in farming and dairying ; came to this county when 24 years of age. Was mar- ried in Ohio to Eliza Hobart, March 3, 1852; she was born in Ohio March 14, 1828: they are the parents of eight children, viz., John F., Rena B., George A., Mary A., Elma C., Harry H., Eunice A. and Ruth A. Mr. Marsh has held the office of Commissioner of Highways seventeen years, and School Director twelve years. Mr Marsh had very little property when he came 10 this county, but now owns 668 acres of the finest farming lands in the county ; he has planted about twelve acres of the willow on the northwest of his dwelling-house, which makes a very fine wind-break ; Mr. Marsh's farm is one of the best improved in the township ; he is a man of great influence in the neighborhood, where he has lived for a number of years. Mrs. Marsh is an educated and accomplished lady ; in fact, the family are in very high standing. Mr. Marsh has made considerable money raising sheep, having made sheep and mules a specialty.
ANSON MARSII, farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Arrowsmith ; owns eighty acres, worth $35 per acre ; was born in Seneca Co., N. Y. July 25, 1832; lived with his parents on a farm until engaging with his father in farming, the lumber business, working a stone-quarry, etc., until 22 years of age; he came to this county about the year 1854; worked by the month on a farm until he married Sarah M. Wampler, Nov. 29, 1861 ; she was born in Highland Co., Ohio, Dec. 5, 1835 ; they are the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living, viz .; Henry M. W., Theodocia, Mary J., William W., Luis E., George I. and Laura A .; deceased-Florence M. and Alice. Mr. Marsh has held the office of School Director eight years, and Overseer of Roads several terms His parents are natives of New York ; Mrs. Marsh's father is a native of Vir- ginia, and her mother of Ohio.
FRANK MARSH, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Arrowsmith ; was born in McLean Co., Ill., April 10, 1853; lived with his parents on the farm, engaging with his father in farming until 19 years of age; then farmed three years for himself on his father's farm, and was then married to Amanda J. Wampler, Dec. 24, 1874 ; she was born in McLean Co., Ill., Aug. 2, 1854; the fruit of this marriage is one child-Goldie, who was born July 14, 1876. Mr. Marsh owns sixty acres of very fine farm land, probable value, $35 per acre, under good cultivation. Mr. Marsh's parents are natives of Ohio, and Mrs. Marsh's of Virginia.
JOHN MURPHY, farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Arrowsmith; owns 120 acres of excellent farming land under good cultivation ; was born in Ireland, Dec. 26, 1823; lived with his parents on a farm until 24 years of age; came to this country, first to New York, next to Cincinnati, and then to Kentucky, where he was married to Margaret Jones, April 22, 1852; she was born in Flem- ing Co., Ky .. Jan. 12, 1835. They are the parents of nine children-William A , John J., Mary E., Thomas, Eddy B., Susan B. and Kate M .; deceased-Mary E. died in 1856; George A. died Sept. 23, 1875.
THOMAS O'BRIEN, farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Arrowsmith ; the subject of this sketch was born in Ireland, April 28, 1831 ; lived with his parents, in Ireland, until 17 years of age, when he hired to J. Cull, a stockman, to drive fat cattle to market and fairs, looking after them while there; came to this country at the age of 21 years; came first to New York, stayed one year, then came to McLean Co .- farmed three years. Was then married to Mary Smith, April 28, 1856 ; she was born in Ireland, March 25, 1839. The fruit of this marriage is eleven children, of whom six are living, five dead-Lawrence, Thomas, John, Peter, James E. and Hugh ; deceased-John died in 1853; Anna died in 1853, and one infant ; Rosanna died in 1868, and Thomas in 1868. Mr. O'Brien owns seventy-seven acres of excellent farming land under good cultivation. He has held the office of School Director three years, which office he still holds. He had a brother killed in the late war. Mrs. O'Brien had a brother wounded in the battle of Prairie Grove, in Arkansas.
ENOCH OROHOOD, mechanic, Arrowsmith. The subject of this sketch was born in Virginia June 1, 1828; remained with his parents until 19 years of age ; emigrated to Union Co., Ohio ; came from Ohio, in 1849, to Sangamon Co .. this State, and remained until 1850; then to Christian Co., where he remained until 1852; moved to Bloomington on the 13th day of November, 1852. Was previously married in Ohio, to Anna Brown, Aug. 15, 1849 ; she was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Dec. 1, 1829. They are the parents of ten children-Edwin L., Enoch W., Anna B., Eva, Nellie F. and Colun R. ; deceased-Mary R., who died Fcb. 2, 1856; James L., who died Feb. 21. 1864; Charles, who died in 1868; Joseph M, who died July 4, 1872. Mr. Orohood held the office of City Alderman, in the city of Clinton. His father was in the war of 1812. Mr. Orohood carried on the business of manufacturing bugg es, wagons and plows, very extensively in Clinton, Ill., for twelve years, being a natural mechanic, and gave good satisfaction during that time. Ile is well read on general subjects.
0. PAULDING, physician, Arrowsmith. The subject of this sketch was born in Asia, while his parents were there on a missionary tour. Mr. Paulding's parents having died when he was young, he knows but little of his early history. He has had the benefit of a goo i education ; he graduated at Amberly College, where he received a diploma for the practice of medicine, which profession he still follows. His residence is in the town of Arrowsmith, where he is now
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practicing. He has built up a fine practice in the town and vicinity, in the past year, and is looked upon by all as an able physician, highly talented and very energetic.
JAMES F. PAYNE, farmer, See 22; P. O. Arrowsmith ; owns sixty acres of very fine farm land, worth $65 per acre. The subject of this sketch was born in Monroe Co., Ind., Jan. 31, 1831 and lived with his father on the farm until 21 years of age. He was married to Martha A. Gray, April 8, 1851 ; she was born in Monroe Co., Ind., April 7, 1832. The fruit of this mar- riage has been seven children, six of whom are living-George W., now engaged in buying grain in Arrowsmith ; Andrew J., also engaged in buying grain in Arrowsmith ; John M., Jacob 1., Tabitha E. and William H. : deceased-Martha E. Mr. Payne has held the office of School Director seven years, and has been Township Collector from the year 1861 to 1864. Mr. Payne is well respected in his neighborhood.
JOHN SMITH. farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Arrowsmith ; owns forty-five aeres, worth $45 per acre; was born in Ross Co., Ohio, March 22, 1821. Lived and farmed with his father, and occa- sionally worked out by the month. Remained in Ohio until 21 years of age ; came to this State and thence to California. in the year 1850, and, while his party were crossing the plains, a large water-spout passed within thirty yards of them. He was married to Maria Rider Aug. 13, 1863. She was born in Ohio Sept. 24, 1843. They are the parents of eight children, viz. : William H., Ella C., who died April 12, 1868; Idalia, Nona H., George M .. Anna, Francis L., Milo A. Mr. Smith's grandfather was in the Black Hawk war, and Mrs. Smith's grandfather on her mother's side was in the war of 1812. She is one of the survivors of the Kansas drouth of 1860.
JACOB SMITII, farmer, See. 24; P. O. Saybrook : owns 258 acres of land, worth $10 per acre ; was born in Switzerland Co., Ind., April 21, 1817. Resided on a farm with his parents, assisting his father in farming ; worked out by the month. Came to this county in the spring of 1838, being the first settler in this township, helping to change it from a barren wilderness to a fruitful field of plenty. He was married to Rosana Newcom April 20, 1842. She was born in Clark Co., Ohio, April 9, 1820. They are the parents of seven children, three living and four dead, viz. : Charles W., Lucinda J., Joseph P. ; deceased -Ethan A., died in the late war, of typhoid fever, March 25, 1864; Albert R., Anna J. and Mary E. Mr. Smith has held the office of School Director twelve years ; held the office of Commissioner of Highways two terms, which office he still holds. and held the office of Supervisor of this township three or four years. Mr. Smith had but very little property when he came to this county ; it did not exceed $200; but, by industry, economy and perseverance, has accumulated about $15,000 worth of property, consist- ing mostly of land. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been very liberal in donating money for benevolent purposes. Mrs. Smith donated $50 to assist in building a church.
WILLIAM SPENCER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Arrowsmith. The subject of this sketch was born in Licking Co., Ohio, Oct. 11, 1842; resided with his father on the farm until 19 years of age, his mother having died when he was but 6 years old ; engaged with his father in farming until he came to MeLean Co., in 1855; settled in Le Roy, and remained there three years, attending school a portion of the time. Mr. Spencer was in the late war, enlisting in 1861 in Co. 1, 39th I. V. I .; was in battle of Winchester and the skirmish at Black Water, Va .; was in the siege and capture of Fort Sumter ; in battle at Morris' Island and Fort Wagner : re-enlisted Jan. 1, 1864, and was in battle of Drury's Bluff; siege of Petersburg; assisted in the taking of Petersburgh ; went to Southeast Virginia ; mustered out by general order, and returned home. He was married to Mary E. Cline Jan. 3, 1869 ; she was born in Putnam Co., Ohio. June 21, 1857 ; they are the parents of two children-Emma M., born March 19, 1870; Eva D., Oct. 9, 1873. Mr. Spencer owns 240 acres of excellent farming land, under good cultivation, his crop being mostly corn, which he has fed to hogs and cattle until the last four years.
IRA A STOUT, farmer, Sec. 6 : P. O. Ellsworth. Owns 160 aeres of land, worth $35 per acre; was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio ; went to school part of the time. Was married to Alice Pan- cake Feb. 25, 1875 ; she was born in Noble Co., Ind .; they are the parents of two children- David and Harry. The subject of this sketeh has held the office of School Director, two terms ; Town Clerk, two terms, and School Trustee, which office he still holds.
MADISON WILLAN, farmer : P. O. Ellsworth ; was born in Henry Co., Ky., Sept. 5, 1847 ; lived with his parents on the farm until 14 years of age ; engaged with his father in farm- ing : went to Indiana ; stayed until 1865; eame to this county, and married Jane Richardson, Jan. 18, 1872 ; she was born in Scotland April 5, 1850; the fruit of this marriage is one ehild- La Fayette, who was born May 7, 1875. Mr. Willan's father is a native of England, and his mother of Kentucky. Mrs. Willan's parents are natives of Scotland.
THOMAS B. WATTS, farmer and school teacher ; P. O. Arrowsmith. The subject of this sketch was born in the State of Delaware, June 23, 1843; remained with his parents until 18 years of age, engaging with his father in farming in summer and going to school in winter. Mr. Watts attended the State Normal School at Bloomington, WeLean Co., two and a half years ; commenced teaching school at the age of 21, and continued for about twelve years. Mr. Watts was so successful in teaching that he retained his position in one school, in the city of Peoria, III., for a period of six years. Mr. Watts has been teaching in this county for about two years. Was married to Louise L. Odelin May 27, 1867 ; she was born in the State of Vermont March 27,
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1848; they are the parents of three children-Littie M., born Jan. 13, 1873; Cora B., May 11, 1875; B. A., June 3, 1877. Mr. Watts lives on his father's farm, and is a man of more than ordinary intelligence. Mrs. Watts is an Eastern lady, of refinement and taste.
DOWNS TOWNSHIP.
WIYETT ADAMS, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17; P. O. Downs ; one of the early pioneers of McLean Co. ; was born Feb. 1, 1828, in Warren Co., Ky. His father, Jesse Adams, emigrated to Illinois in October, 1830, and entered land in Old town Township, where he lived until his decease, which occurred in 1843. He was married in Virginia to Elizabeth Goodman ; she was born in Tennessee, and died in Iowa in 1865. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom ten are now living. The subject of this sketch remained upon the home farm until 19 years of age, when, upon the 25th of March, 1847, he was married to Charity Bishop; she was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Oct 18, 1826. They have ten children now living, viz. : Mary E., born Jan. 3, 1851, now Mrs. John Holforty ; Joseph, a music teacher, born Feb. 9, 1852 ; Hannah E., May 9, 1853, now Mrs. Wamsley, of Heyworth ; Martin L., Oct. 14, 1854; May Dora, Dec. 15, 1855; Harriet L., Jan. 12, 1859, now Mrs. Frank Cowden ; Liddie Celia, April 22, 1860; Icha- bod M., Jan. 11, 1862; Sarah J., Ang. 30, 1865, and Nettie, Feb. 17, 1870. Upon the marriage of Mr. A., he rented land, upon which he farmed for three years, when he entered ninety acres of his present place, at $1.25 per acre, to which he has since added by purchase, until he now owns 247 acres, which he has secured by his own exertions. He settled npon his present place in 1849, when he had only two neighbors on the prairie, and east it was perfectly wild for five miles, not a house being located within that distance. His milling was done at Mackinaw, a distance of fifty miles, making the trip from four to seven days with oxen ; afterwards at Bloom- ington, a distance of twelve miles. He assisted in organizing the township in 1857. Mr. Adams has held many township and school offices among which we mention Highway Commissioner and School Director. Mrs. Adams is a daughter of Jacob Bishop, who emigrated from Perry Co., Ohio, and located in Randolph Grove in the fall of 1829, where he now lives at the advanced age of 82 years. Mr. and Mrs. Adams were in Bloomington when there was but one dry-goods store in the place, neither mill nor churches.
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