Family Records, pg2 of Schuyler County, Illinois (2024)

John Brown
[by Janet Pease]
John Brown was born September 4, 1787 in Virginia according to his obituary; based on the 1882 Schuyler-Brown County, Illinois History. He had a brother Robert Brown and was a relative of John Thornhill whose wife was Jean/Jane Brown. Based on those two statements it is believed that John Brown was a son of Samuel and Margaret Brown, first of Washington County, Pennsylvania, then to Harrison County, Kentucky where John enlisted for the War of 1812. He was married first to Rebecca Bowman whose guardian in 1816 was John Sipple. She died before September 20, 1821 when John Brown married second, Sarah H. Points, in Grant County, Kentucky. Sarah was the daughter of John Points who died in Boone County, Kentucky in 1818. John Brown first appears on the 1814 Pendleton County, Kentucky tax list, probably in that part that became Grant County in 1820. By 1827 the family had removed to Morgan County, Illinois and they are listed on the 1830 census for Schuyler County where they both died, John Brown on in January 1871 and Sarah Points Brown on November 16, 1889. Both are buried with tombstones in Weightman Cemetery, Camden township.

Children by first wife:
1. William Bowman Brown was born circa 1816-1820 probably in Pendleton County, Kentucky. He married Jemima H. Parkins July 10, 1841 in Schuyler County, Illinois. William died December 7, 1841 in Schuyler County, leaving only his wife as his heir. She married second, Jared Webster, on May 6, 1843 in Schuyler County.
2. Lucinda Brown was born January 3, 1822 (1821 obituary) Morgan County, Illinois. Census records say she was born in Kentucky? She married James Madison Wilson on February 17, 1842 in Schuyler County and died April 16, 1873 in Chariton County, Missouri where she is buried in the Newcomer Cemetery at Mendon.

Children by second wife:
3. Thomas Bluford Brown was born November 2, 1827 in Morgan County, Illinois. He married first, Catherine Justus, on February 24, 1849 in Schuyler County and second, Mrs. Elizabeth Long, nee Wilson, on December 3, 1887 at Hanco*ck County, Illinois. "Bluford" was a Civil War veteran. He died June 2, 1909 at Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois and is buried in the Weightman Cemetery with his parents.
4. Martha Jane Brown born September 14, 1829 in Morgan County, Illinois. She married May 27, 1847 in Schuyler County, Illinois to William Weightman. She died February 4, 1908 at Camden, Schuyler County, IL and is buried in the Weightman Cemetery there.
5. George Washington Brown was born circa 1831 in Schuyler County, Illinois. He married Minerva J. Whiteman on October 29, 1854 in Schuyler County. Lived in Kansas for a time but died in Schuyler County, IL on March 16, 1888. (no tombstone)
6. Pauline Brown was born November 11, 1833 at Schuyler County, Illinois. She married John Alvin Points on February 3, 1854 in Schuyler County. She died July 22, 1920 and is buried at Gering, Scottsbluff County, Nebraska. (no tombstone)
7. Jackson Brown was born circa 1836 in Schuyler County, Illinois. He married Louisa Craycraft in Schuyler County. Died December 20, 1860 in Schuyler County leaving one son, Lewis.
8. Nancy J. Brown was born July 25, 1837 in Schuyler County, Illinois and died January 5, 1884 (obituary) although her tombstone in the Weightman Cemetery says she died in 1883.
9. Jemima Brown born circa 1842 in Schuyler County, Illinois, married Lewis Craycraft August 21, 1858 in Schuyler County. She died between 1864-1868 in Schuyler County. Left two daughters.

James Wesley Davis born @ 1815 in Ky. In 1835 he purchased 40 acres of land in Schuyler County, sect. 22 township 2 range 3, through the public domain land sales.
James W. married on November 27, 1838, Mary Margaret Baker, daughter of Francis and Mary Brandenberg Baker. Mary M. was born August 17, 1818 in Flemingburg, Ky.

1840 census shows James W. and family in precinct 2.
1850 census James and family lived in Eden Township.
1860 census they were in Bainbridge twp and 1865 state census shows them still in Bainbridge twp.
By 1870 James W. and family have moved to Chariton County Missouri.

James Wesley and Mary M. Brandenberg were the parents of 10 children: Martha E. b. 1840; James W. Jr b. 10-17-1841; Priscilla Ann b. 5-21-1844; Charles Madison b. 1-14-1846; Benjamin F. b. 3-8-1848;Mary Magdeline b. 7-27-1851; Harriett b. 1853; Malinda Jane b. 5-27-1856; William S. b. 5-18-1858; and George Washington b. 3-23-1861.

Marriage certificates in my possession: Lisc # 604 Schuyler County, State of Illinois
I William Ellis an acting Justice of the peace in and for said county do certify that I joined in marriage the within named James w. Davis and Mary M. Baker on the 27 of November 1838Signed William Ellis JP.Consent to the marriage was given by Francis Baker for his daughter Mary M. to marry James W. Davis.

Marriage Lisc # 512: Henry D. B. Davis to Harriett Baker on February 13, 1838 by John Scripps, written consent of father Francis Baker

James W. Davis Jr. and Mary E. Fowler married 9 th of December 1861 by Daniel B. Bush JP.

James W. Watts and wife Pricilla A. Davis the 2nd day of July 1863 by Andrew Hodge

James Wesley Davis moved to Chariton County Missouri and most of his children made the move with him.I have no record of Martha E. past the 1865 census of Ill. when she was still home.Maybe she married and remained in Ill or she moved into Missouri and I have not found any mention of her in my family search, I do not know.Of the sister Harriett who did make the move to Mo. I have no record.All other children have been traced down to the present time.James and Mary with sons George W. and William S. and wives moved to south Missouri near Montevella Mo. sometimeabout 1884 or 85 where they remained until James death 12-27-1886.About 1888 or 89 son George and family with his mother Mary M. returned to Chariton County where Mary died 7-14-1889.

Francis Baker family
Francis Baker born 1-1-1762 in Baltimore MD to Maurice Baker and Elizabeth Dorsey Baker died 4-20-1846 in Ill.Nancy Davis his first wife b. unknown d. 1801 in Mason Co. Ky.Children of this union; John b 1791; Bennie b. 1793; George b. 8-13-1796; Delilah b. 1797; Lydia b. 1799; Elizabeth b. 1801After Nancy's death Francis married Mary Magdeline Brandenberg. b. 12-11-1780 d. 2-16-1858 parents unknown. Children of this union, Dorsey b. 1806;Lacon Dorsey b. ?; Mary Margaret b. 8-17-1818; Harriett b. 1819; Priscilla b. 4-9-1825; Nancy Davis b. ca 1803; Amanda b ?; Maria b.?;

Francis Asbury - b. ?; and Malinda b. ? After 1832 he moved to Rushville, Schuyler co. Ill where his last will and testament was probated, his death occured on April 20, 1846.

The following are the contents of the will made by Francis Baker on July 10, 1841 and filed in Probate Court of Schulyer County Illinois on Sept 10, 1845.A copy of the original hand-written will is in the possession of Rosemary Lawson a direct decen dent of Mary Margaret Baker Davis daughter of Francis Baker.

Know all men by these presents, that I, Francis Baker, being now in my eithty-first year, in sound mind do make this my last will and testamont, trusting that it will be faithfully fulfilled by my executor when it will please Almighty God to take my spirits from this world.

The following is an account of what each of my children individually have received from me -

Henry Debell married Elizabeth Baker, my eldest daughter, to whom I gave as follows: one bay mare - $56.00, Bed and Bedding - $30.00. Cow and calf - $20.00 = $106.00.
James Faris married Lyia Baker, my second daughter to whom I gave as follows: one bay mare - $50.00, Bed and bedding - $30.00, Cow and calf - $16.00, Ewe and 2 lambs - $2.00 = $98.00.
William Hinco*ck married Delidy Baker, my third daughter, to whom I gave as follows: one bay mare -$55.00, Bed and bedding - $30.00, Cow and calf - $20.00 = $105.00.
George Baker my 3rd son, I gave as follows: one horse - $52.00, one note I paid to Thos W. Fleming for horse - $45.00 = $97.40.
Jepson Calburt married Nancy Baker, my first daughter by my second wife, to whom I gave as follows: one cow and calf - $20.00, bed and bedding - $30.00, 23 Sheep @75 cents per sire - $17.25 = $67.25.

Dorsey Baker, my first son by second wife, to whom I gave as follows: Grey Horse - $100.00, Borrowed for him - $100.00 paid by me. Horse lent him - $100.00 which Dorsey sold, bed and bedding - $30.00 - $330.00 ... note - his horse returned to me forth with and sold for 125 dollars.

Sandford Calburt married Maria Baker, my second daughter of my second wife to whom I gave as follows: bed and bedding - $30.00, Cow and calf - $15.00, Forty-five dollars in cash - $45.00 - instead of horse = $90.00.
Andrew Wilson married Amanda Baker, my third daughter by second wife, to whom I gave as follows: Bed and bedding - $30.00, Forty-five dollars in cash - $45.00 instead of horse = $75.00.
James Wilson married Malinda Baker, my 4th daughter by second wife, to whom I gave as follows: bed and bedding - $30.00, Fifty dollars in cash - $50.00 instead of horse, one cow and calf - $10.00, one cow and calf $15.00 = $105.00.
Francis A. Baker, my second son by second wife, to whom I gave; one quarter section of land situated in Warrick County, Indiana - the cost was $500.00, one horse - $80.00, bed and bedding - $30.00 = $610.00.
Lacon D. Baker, my 3rd son by second wife, to whom I gave as follows: one quarter section of land situated in Warrick County, Indiana, cost - $250.00, one horse - $75.00, bed and bedding - $30.00 to be allowed = $355.00.
James Davis married Mary Baker, my 5th daughter by second wife, to whom I gave as follows: Bed and bedding - $30.00.
Henry Davis married Harriett Baker, my 6th daughter by my second wife, to whom I gave as follows:bed and beding - $30.00.
Priscilla Baker, single at this time, she is my 7th daughter by second wife whom I gave as follows: Bed and Bedding - $30.00 to be allowed.

I, Francis Baker, have shown above the different sums which each of my children have received from me, and I trust in God that it has been of service to them.It will be clearly seen that Mary Baker now Mary Davis, and Harriett Baker, now Harriett Davis, and Priscilla Baker have not received their portions equal to the others, therefore it is my will that Mary, Harriett, and Priscilla's portions be made equal--let each of them have a horse valued at $50 and a cow and calf at $20 - this will make with the bedding $100.00.

I, Francis Baker, do further state that it is my will, wish and desire to provide for my beloved wife, Mary, as long as she may be spared - by letting her enjoy the entire benefit of my land, stock and possessions, after all just debts are satisfied, and at her demise, if one or more of my children would like to purchase my land, viz: 83 acres confer tittle and 80 acres of timber with york tittle upon a fair valuation of two or more persons appointed by my executors which I will herafter name.

I, Francis Baker, do hereby bequeath to my now surviving children, equally whatever sum my farm and stock may fetch, after my sons, George Baker and Dorsey Baker are paid with what they advanced to Mathius Masters - I further appoint George Baker and Dorsey Baker my executors to settle and administer my affairs.

Writing this my hand and seal this 10th day of July 1841 Francis Baker (seal)
I do testify this as Francis Baker's last will and testamont.
Signed, W. W.Smith

James and Elizabeth Humphreys Sloan
The Sloan-Humphreys Line: A History of Our Family in Gibson County, Indiana

In 1813 Gibson County was carved out of part of the southern portion of Knox County.It was not until 1816 that Indiana became a state of the union.By this time, the Woods and Humphreys families were already active in the day-to-day life and politics of the fledgling United States.

When Jane Woods Humphreys Turpin, with her children and their families, left Indiana for Schuyler County, Illinois, she left behind a network of close relatives that had been prominent in Gibson County, Indiana since the turn of the nineteenth century. Both the Woods and Humphreys families were large.The pioneers of these two families each had eleven children who affected the shaping of Southwestern Indiana.Early land and marriage records place the arrival of both families in Knox County, Indiana, the parent county to Gibson, around 1807.

Joseph Woods, the pioneer of Gibson County, was born near Charlottesville, Albermarle County, Virginia, August 22, 1745.Some sources state that he was an Irishman raised in Virginia, so it is possible that his parents were immigrants.He was married on January 28, 1768 to Mary Hamilton, born 1747 in Albemarle County.Joseph and Mary had five children in their family when the call to arms went out for freedom from Great Britain in 1776.In 1780 Joseph enlisted in Captain Benjamin Briggs' Company, 7th Virginia Regiment, and continued to the end of the conflict.The muster roll of Fort Pitt, dated July 3, 1783, states that Joseph was "On Furlough".About 1790, Joseph, with his wife and ten children, moved to Tennessee, settling on the Holston River near Knoxville, Blount County, Tennessee.Here the eleventh and last child, Samuel Hamilton Woods, was born.It was also here that the older children came of age, building families of their own.

John Woods, the eldest of Joseph and Mary, was born in 1769.He married Polly Dickson in Tennessee and had nine children.The next child, James, was born in 1770, and married Nancy Dickson, Polly's sister, and had five children.Margaret Woods, born 1772, married Samuel Hogue, Sr. and had one son; her sister, Jane, born 1785, married Samuel Hogue, Jr., a nephew to the aforementioned Hogue, and five children.Of the other children, Patrick, William P., David, Isaac, Elizabeth, Samuel H. with their families, joined the pioneer age he moved.Only Joseph L. and his family remained in Tennessee.In all, ten of the eleven children, with families, left Tennessee on horseback and in wagons.They must have looked like the Exodus of the Hebrew people as they passed through Kentucky, crossing the Ohio River at Red Banks, now Evansville, Indiana.They arrived in Knox County about 1807, and settled on the Du Chien (Du Shee) River.In April 1809, the family resettled on Turkey Hill, three miles southwest of Princeton.Joseph L., the son that remained in Tennessee, joined the clan in 1811.

Mary, the wife and mother, passed away on August 26, 1829.Joseph died January 15, 1835.

In the same year that the Woods arrived in Indiana, 1807, George and Frances Humphreys, with some of their children, appeared on Knox County soil....

....Early marriage records at Princeton list Uriah to Rachel Gordon on May 25, 1815; Dice to William Brittingham, January 9, 1817;Hannah to Andrew Culbertson, March 19, 1818; George, Jr. to Jane Woods, December 5, 1818; Lucy to George Brittingham, Aug 16, 1821; Mariah to William Garwood, August 21, 1828, and Elijah to Sabra Garwood before 1830.

.........

George Humphreys, Jr., the son of George and Frances Garrard Humphreys was born March 27, 1799, probably in Muhlenburg County, Kentucky.He moved with his father to Indiana around 1807.It was here that he met and married Miss Jane Woods, the daughter of John and Nancy Dickson Woods, and granddaughter of Joseph Woods, the 1807 pioneer.Jane was born October 10, 1805 in Blount County, Tennessee, near Knoxville.She was just a toddler when her grandparents, aunts, uncles and parents packed up and headed for Indiana.George, Jr. and Jane Woods were joined together in marriage on Dec. 3,.1818 by J.J. Neely, Esquire.They set up house in Gibson County and soon had a daughter, Lucy Ann, born January 23, 1822.In the same year, Lucy was joined by Mary Jane, born October 15, 1822, just eight and half months apart.Other children followed: Elizabeth Ann, born December 3, 1825; Nancy Mariah, born July 10, 1830; George W. (III), born 1833, Sarah, born April 17, 1834; Uriah, born February 11, 1836; and perhaps a son who died in infancy.

In 1837, George, Jr. died.His estate was administered and settled in Gibson County, Joseph E. Woods, administrator.Many interesting receipts are found in the file, including a $18.15 charge to Dr. Davison for treating Mary Jane, and $5.00 to Johnson Hickon for making the coffin when Mary Jane died, between 1838 and 1842.Receipts from John Milburn and John C. Cooke, tutors for "Mary Humphreys, Betsey Humphreys, and Maria Humphreys", at the rate of $6.25 and $10.00, respectively, for a year's worth of schooling, are enclosed.Several relatives and heirs are mentioned as well.Thomas Martin appears in 1839.He was the wife of daughter Lucy.They wed on January 10, 1838 in Gibson County.They had three children, Sylvester, Elizabeth J., and Nancy M., then moved to Missouri.Lucy Martin later married a Mr. LaRue.

On February 10, 1842, Jane Woods Humphreys married William Turpin.The Turpin family had originated in France, and came to the area before the Revolution.William died in Gibson County before 1849.In 1846, Nancy Mariah married Skelton Austin, and on August 12, Elizabeth "Betsey" married James Sloan, an Irish immigrant.Skelton Austin passed away, and on February 17, 1848, Mariah married Thomas Payne.The next year, 1849, Jane Humphreys Turpin, her younger children, George (III), Sarah, and Uriah; James and Betsey Sloan, with baby Mary Jane; and Thomas and Mariah Payne, with baby Eliza, migrated into Illinois, settling in Littleton Township, Schuyler County.Jane Woods Humphreys Turpin died on December 11, 1876, at the home of James and Betsey Sloan in Littleton Township.

James Sloan was born in 1821 in Belfast, Ireland.He immigrated to the United States around 1844, and became a naturalized citizen December 19, 1848 in Gibson County, Indiana.He had married prior to that date to Elizabeth "Betsey" Humphreys.James and Betsey's first child, a daughter named Mary Jane, was born in Gibson County on Jan 28, 1848.After the trek to Schuyler County, Illinois, eight more children were born to the couple: George W.; John Lewis; William C. Thomas; James Harrison; Uriah; Samuel Franklin; Nathan, who died at one year of age; and Emma Ann, who married John C. Garrison.Mary Jane, the eldest, married George Montooth, March 28, 1867 in Schuyler County.James died February 26, 1893 and was buried in the Littleton Cemetery.His son, William C. Thomas, died three years later and was buried near his father.Elizabeth Ann Humphreys Sloan died January 3, 1905, buried between her husband and son.

Thomas and Mariah Payne moved to Illinois with one child, Eliza J., in their arms.Another child, a son, J. William, was born about 1851.April 9, 1854, Thomas Payne passed away, burial in the Littleton Cemetery.In 1856, Mariah married William Dean, and immigrant from County Donegal, Ireland.They had four children: Ellen, Sarah, Annie, and George born April 1875.William died in 1897 at eighty years of age.Nancy Mariah Humphreys Austin Payne Dean, passed away July 17, 1902.Both are buried in Littleton Cemetery.

George Humphreys (III) was born about 1833 in Gibson County, Indiana. he moved with his mother to Schuyler County, Illinois in 1849.Unfortunately, he died April 19, 1853, being only twenty years old.

Sarah Humphreys, the youngest daughter of George and Jane Woods Humphreys, was born April 17, 1834.She moved with her family to Schuyler County, and there married Hugh McCullough, October 15, 1867.Hugh was also an Irishman, and a widower with several children.He and Sarah had four children of their own.Emma Jane, who died in 1907; Lucy who died in infancy in 1871, George W., who died in 1906; and Lewis.Lewis was the only child to survive his mother at her death on March 30, 1917.

The final child to reach maturity was Uriah Humphreys, born February 11, 1836 in Gibson County, Indiana.He married in 1854 to Sarah J. Boaz.

Descendants of these families still reside in Littleton, and Schuyler County today.The name of Humphreys has been spelled in various ways, including Humphries, Humphrey, Umphryes and Umphries.This history is far from complete, but gives some background to the lives and environment of our ancestors as they set out into unknown and sometimes uncivilized realms.It is for us, as it was for them, a life filled with joy and heartache, fun and hardship. May the undying spirit of the pioneers continue to move in us.
[Written by Dann M. Norton, August 9, 1996 In honor of the birthday of my grandmother, Imogene Billingsley the great-great granddaughter of James and Elizabeth Humphreys Sloan. Note: ....I have nothing else on the Woods-Dickson line, except that two Woods brothers and two Dickson sisters married.The Dicksons are from Blount County, Tennessee or near there, as that is where they married.from Dann M Norton, May 1998.
Contact: Dann M. Norton <mrnor10@charter.net>, Deb Gentile <gentile68@sbcglobal.net>]

David Frederick Edwards
[Submitted by Mrs. M. Fred Edwards]

David Frederick Edwards, master builder for over half a century, was born near Pleasant View on April 30, 1880. His father, Joshua Edwards, was born in Wales and after arriving in this country and settling in Pleasant View, he married Myra Ann Croxton in 1872. She died in 1883 and he in 1886. Married only 11 years, Joshua and Myra had five children; Sarah Frances, born and died in 1875; Letitia (1876-1928) never married; Margaret (1878-1922) married John Clark, two children; David Frederick (1880-1958), married Sarah Trone, five children.

Orphaned at the age of five, Fred was taken into the home of his Uncle Fred and Aunt Annie Croxton where he shared the same love and care bestowed upon their two other foster children. He completed the elementary course of study in the Pleasant View school where he became interested in carpenter's work to the extent that it was chosen as his life work - a vocation in which he was most proficient. His exceptional ability in this profession brought him recognition throughout Schuyler County and surrounding communities.
For a number of years he was associated with Ralph Strong under the business name of Strong and Edwards. Following the death of Mr. Strong in 1940, the business was continued in association with Fred and his four sons. Retiring in 1954, the business continued between Bill and George until George's death in 1960. Bill continued the business under the name of Edwards and son until his death in 1976. he was assisted by his son, Jim, who now heads the firm and employs his sons, Mike and Don.

Today there are scores of fine homes as well as many business establishments that were erected under his supervision. Strong and Edwards built the homes of William Jones, George Baird (now Sides), Karl Schafer, Vernon Barnes, and Paul Mourning (now Slaton). The Edwards firm built the brick building for the Boehm family (now Jerry's Furniture Store), Dr. Carey's home and apartment house (now Trone), and rebuilt Knapp's building after the fire on the square.

Fred married Sarah Trone, daughter of George S. and Elizabeth Wright on Christmas Eve, and they were privileged to celebrate their Golden Wedding in 1956. Their children are:

William (1907-1976) married Oliva Menely and had one son who died at birth and James Hugh, married to Norma Acker. Bill's grandsons are William, married to Lisa Dace, Michael and Donald.

Bill's twin brother, George, married Lucille Bates and had two children, George, Jr. and Edna Lou. George's grandchildren are George Jr. 's children Georgia, Nancy, Cathy, David, Marna, and George, and Edna's children, Terry and Scott Trone (1961-1963).

Gertrude (1910-1967) married Lloyd VanMeter and Virgil Meyer. Her daughters are Betty, married to M. M. Alters, and Jane Southerlan. Her grandchildren are Cheryl Alters, Myrna Nelson and Julie Brueggeman and Diane, Linda and Bill Emerick (1952-1972).

Horace (1912-1969) married Marian Cidro and had a stillborn daughter in 1965.

Maurice Fred (1923) married Roma Kepler in 1952. Their children are Sarah, married to Randall Fuqua, David, married to Lila Shaw, and Susan, married to Keith Hartl. Fred's granddaughtrer, Emily Anne Hartl, was born in 1982.

The crafts that Fred Edwards taught his sons included all phases of building construction. Bill was a master carpenter, George a skilled cabinet maker, and both Horace and Fred excelled as brick layers. Schuyler County can indeed be proud of the building and beauty the Edwards family has contributed to this area.

Henry Kelly Family History
By: Stephen L. Butler, <stevebutler@centurytel. net>

Henry Kelly (my 3rd great grandfather) was born in Virginia, 17-Dec 1793. Died on 8 Aug 1843in Posey Township, Switzerland County, Indiana. I have not found his parents, nor siblings. He married Sarah Reamer (Remer), the 6th daughter and 9th child of David Reamer and Nancy Smith. (See history of Remer’s below). Sarah was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky, 6 May 1800 and died 20 Sep 1851 most likely Cave-in-Rock, Hardin, Illinois. They married 26 Mar 1818 in Posey, Switzerland, Indiana and had the following children: (more on the children below). *denotes my genealogy line.

In 1843 Henry died leaving a will, which reads as follows:

Last Will & Testament of Henry Kelly, Dec' d
State of Indiana Switzerland County ss:
Be it remembered that on the 4th day of September AD 1843 Sarah Kelly produced the last will and testament of Henry Kelly and prayed to have the same proved and admitted to court which accordingly is done and which reads in the words and figures following to wit.
"The state of Indiana Switzerland County August the 2nd AD 1843." Know all men by these present that I Henry Kelly of Posey Township State of and County above mentioned do make and cause to be made this my Will this day in the following words and figures to wit: First I leave to my wife Sarah Kelly all my moveable property to have the full use and control of the same as long as she lives, and at her death to be divided equal amongst my children. And my real estate I leave to said wife as long as she lives and at her death to be equally divided amongst my children
It is my wish that the deed that I got from Peter Lostutter for 80 acres be given up to said Lostutter if he will take it back again and do hear by authorize my wife to deed the same land back to said Lostutter and further empower my wife to settle all the business belonging to this my will and testimony whose of I hereby set my hand and seal this day and year above written". Signed Henry X Kelly(X denotes his mark)
Will dated, 2 Aug 1843 and proved on the 4 September 1843;Switzerland County, Indiana; Peter Lostutter and Andrew Hodges as Witness. (both men are son-in-laws).

Sarah's father, David Reamer (Remer) was a Revolutionary soldier. David was in the Revolutionary War from the fall of 1779 to the spring of 1782. He was a Matross in Captain Thomas Wylie's company of Artillery and Artificers stationed at Washington, near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, under the command of Colonel Benjamin Flower, the date of his enlistment in this company is given as September 27, 1778. This corps, as it was first designated, was raised by the Continental Line and the several companies were stationed at Carlisle and Philadelphia, and their duties were to cast cannon, bore guns, and prepare ammunition for the army. He was a blacksmith by trade.
He and his family traveled down the Ohio River from Pennsylvania to Kentucky. They landed in Fayette County, but the insects made life hectic, so they moved to Montgomery County, later Boone County. Later they found the soil better in Switzerland County, Indiana and moved there. David stated in his pension papers he had lived in Pennsylvania, 15 years, Kentucky 22 years, before living in Indiana. They helped establish the Grants Creek Baptist church. David applied for and received a pension and in his petition for the pension, he stated all his family papers were lost as he had fallen overboard in the river. His son-in-law Peter Lostutter had saved him.
Nothing by way of detail is known of the coming of David and Nancy from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, where they resided for about twenty years. It is known, however, that they came by flatboat on the Ohio River. Family tradition is that when the party was coming down the Ohio River, David Reamer was thrown from the boat, when it struck a bar, or snag, in the river. Peter Lostutter, his son-in-law, who was accompanying them to Kentucky, went to his rescue. The boat was in some rapids, and both men disappeared from view, and it was thought for a time that they were both drowned. However, as the boat came down the river, the two men were found on a sand bar, where Peter had succeeded in bringing David to shore. David had been injured when falling from the boat and was unable to swim.

A letter by Ann J. (last name unknown) dated 1-25-1984 had the following information:"Peter (Lostutter) settled in Posey, Switzerland, Indiana in 1813. . . in 1811 moved to Dearborn Co. from Kentucky. Immigrated to Boone County, Kentucky in 1808". If this is the case, then it applies to David and his family as well.

"Just when they reached Kentucky is not known. They settled near Covington (now Kenton County, which was formed from Campbell County in 1840) and preempted land there. Later malaria and mosquitoes drove them on to Boone County".

David bought land on 7 Feb 1815 in Randolph, Dearborn, Indiana; SW ¼ Section 20. T3N, R1W. 60 acres, for $109.00. He sold it in 1816.

David and his wife are buried at the Lostutter Cemetery, near Grant's Creek Baptist Church, west of North Landing, Indiana.

Some of their children migrated to Schuyler County, Illinois as follows: James A. Kelly who married Mary (Polly) Reamer (her first husband was a William Kelly); Rev. Andrew Hodges who married Permelia Reamer; (his second marriage was to Susannah Kelly) and Michael Smith who married Malinda Reamer, (her first husband was aPerry). A book,"History & Genealogy of the Manlove - Tharp - Reamer - Smith - Kelly Pioneer Families of Schuyler County, Illinois" by Oliver Harmon Kelly, contains more information on these families.

Children of Henry and Sarah:
1. William died at 21 years old, unmarried, nothing further known.

2. Nancy married William Rittenhouse on 1 Jan 1840, Posey Township, Switzerland County, Indiana. William was born 8 Jan 1818 in Switzerland County, Indiana and died 23 Apr 1879 in Bainbridge Twp., Schuyler County, Illinois. The following children were born to them: Henry, Enoch, Washington, Sara, Rosanna, Marion Francis, Mary, Thomas, William S., Delila, James, Hiram and Nancy Jane. They moved to Schuyler County, Illinois around 1848 and settled on Section 17 in Bainbridge Township.
"After four of their children were born, William came to Illinois and made a claim on what is now known as Aunt Nancy and Uncle Tom Burnside farm, south of Rushville. He returned to Indiana for Nancy and the four children. They came down the Ohio and up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers by boat, landed at Frederick in the fall of 1848. They walked and carried Washington and Sarah. Enoch was six years old and Henry was eight years old, Washington was three years old and Sarah was one year old. They also carried a boiler of dried apples and clothes and a rifle. They walked as far as Bill Icenogle's homestead the first day, on what is now known as the Henry Burnside's farm. They settled on 160 acres, where Aunt Nancy Burnside lived.
William and Nancy were a good, honest, hardworking couple, very religious, they were Baptists. They soon made friends on arriving here, cleared the land, made ties and cord wood, raised cows and hogs. As the boys grew up, they loved to hunt and trap. There were a lot of wild tomatoes on their land and they tried to feed them to the hogs, but they refused to eat them, so William and Nancy were afraid to eat them also. After they were there for a while, William traded his rifle to a Mr. Warrington for 40 more acres. William said it was the hardest thing he ever had to do, to part with his rifle.
Nancy's hobby was knitting socks and smoking a pipe. She carded wool, colored it and made their clothes.
William's death was caused from a carbuncle and pneumonia. He died at the age of 61 years - 21 years before Nancy's death. Nancy and Tom Burnside moved on the old homestead in the fall of 1899 and Nancy lived with them. She passed away in June 1900 at the age of 78 years. She suffered terribly from what the doctors called lockage of the bowels. Nancy requested that she be buried the same day she died, as she did not wish to be embalmed". Her wish was granted and she was buried the next afternoon."
"Nancy, undoubtedly the oldest or the next to the oldest of the oldest of the Kelly family married William Rittenhouse and came to Frederick about 1842. . He owned the 40 acres now owned by his youngest and only living child, Nancy Burnsides. He had a very large family who has made history in Schuyler County, they were, Henry, Enoch, Washington, Marion, Thomas, James, William, Hiram, Mary Rittenhouse Hatfield, Sarah Montague, Rose Grist, Nancy Burnsides. Wm. Rittenhouse lived until about 1879 and died at his home near Hard Scrabble Church, Bainbridge Twp. Nancy, his wife, died in the 90's".

Obit of Nancy, 21 June 1900."Mrs. Nancy Rittenhouse died at her home in Bainbridge township on Tuesday at the advanced age of 78 years. She had been but ill for a short time. Mrs. Rittenhouse was an early settler in Schuyler county, moving here in 1848. She was the mother of eleven children, a number of whom are residents of this county. Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock."
Nancy and William are both buried in the Ebenezer"Hardscrabble" Cemetery in Schuyler county, Illinois. A large stone marks their grave site.

3. David left the family farm and went into the Mexican war (1846-1848). David bought 40 acres at $1. 25 per acre 21 Nov 1851 in Hardin County, Illinois. The legal description SE NW Section 10, Twp 12S, R 9E. He joined the Union forces in 1861 at Hardin County, Illinois and served with"distinction". David was described as "6'2" Dark hair, blue eyes, dark complextion", in his Civil War folder.
He purchased a farm with his pension from Robert G. Welker, 9 May 1870, for the sum of $125. 00, situated in Woodstock Twp., Schuyler County, Illinois; described as follows: 12 acres in the SE corner of the NW quarter of Section 24, T1N, R2W. This was about 6 miles west of Rushville.
Have not found a wife or any issue listed for David.

"Dave Kelly had quite a history. He was a hard egg. He was born about 1829. Grandfather Kelly and him were plowing ground when a neighbor boy rode past and told them of the war with Mexico. He was 16 said granddad. Dave a1tho the mainstay of his mother got on behind the neighbor and went to war. Grandfather was 10. Before this they had lost some brothers and sisters with the"colery". Grandfather walked to Shawneytown (Shawnee town) for help, got sick on the way and kept going. He very near died but made it through. Dave came home from the Mexican war and he was very tough. He was sent in a collection errand by a saloon keeper but when the debtor wouldn't pay Uncle Dave shot him. He dodged the authorities and came to Schuyler. He went to the Civil War, where he kept himself in a mess at least part of the time. He almost killed an officer who had hit him and got 3 months in the guard house. He came home after the war and bought a farm.

The farm known as the Dave Stevens in Woodstock Twp. near Scotts Mill where he was found dead in 1878. This farm he left to James his brother and my grandfather. He traded it for a sou & piggs, I don't know what became of them" (David did serve in the Civil War and was recognized as"Distinguished Service")."

6. George died in 1852. It may have been from the cholera.

7. Hannah died as a young girl, two years old.

8. *James (my 2nd great grandfather) moved to Schuyler County, Illinois and became a Cooper.
"Ed Davis always told me that his father Chas. Davis and James Kelly run a sawmill in 1853. He met end married Mary Roberts about 1855. He was a cooper by trade and worked in that business in Woodstock Township and probably made barrels for his brother in law Wm. Rittenhouse. When"Uncle Billy" was in the meat packing, business during the Civil War and following the war he lived in Bainbridge near"Hard Scrabble" in Woodstock near Schraum (Schramm)school, in Oakland township and in Ray, Ill. He was in business Ray, Ill. for years. Here his older children grew up and were married. After the death of his youngest daughter in 1906 they moved with David McCombs and raised his family. After the children attained their majority he resided with his eldest son Wlm. where he passed away in 1923".
He worked for his uncle William Rittenhouse making barrels in Ray, Illinois. He married Mary Jane Roberts 26 July 1855 in Schuyler County (she had just turned 16 years old) and they lived near Ray, Illinois. Mary Jane was born 22 Mar 1840 in Switzerland County, Indiana and died 7 Jan 1927 in Rushville, Schuyler County, Illinois. Later he became a farmer moved south of Rushville, Illinois (Woodstock Twp) and had *William Henry (my great grandfather), Sarah Elizabeth, Ethleen, Isabella, Alford, George W., Albert, Rosetta, Alfred, and three other children who died young. James lived with his son Wm. in his later years and his wife lived with their daughter Ethleen (Kelly) Thompson. Mary Jane had broken her hip before she died.
"Death was due to natural causes, no evidence of injury to body", according to the death certificate issued 17 May 1923.

Obit: 24 May 1923 - "James Kelly, one of the pioneer residents of South Schuyler, died at the home of his son William. He was found dead in an out house a short time after he left the house. Mr. Kelly was in his 89th year and his wife to whom he was married 60 years ago survives him. Funeral services were held at Fairfield Baptist Church Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. B. F. Ray. James Kelly son of Henry and Sarah Kelly was born in Switzerland Co., Indiana, November 13, 1834 & passed away May 17, 1923, at the age of 88 years, 6 months & 3 days. He was the 7th child of a family of 10 children, 6 boys & 4 girls. His father died when he was 12 years old but he had a wonderful mother who instilled great truths into his life. June 26, 1855 he was united in marriage to Mary Roberts. To this union 12 children were born. Those left to mourn their loss are William of Rushville, George of St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. Sarah Adkison & Mrs. Etheline Thompson of Rushville, also 19 grandchildren, 34 great grand-children & 3 great-great-grandchildren. He became a member of the Baptist Church at an early age & had lived a quiet exemplary Christian life for many years."

Another Obit also appeared which contained most of the above information plus this:

"On Thursday evening our citizens were shocked to learn that Grandfather, James Kelly, one of our oldest and most highly respected citizens had been suddenly called from his earthly labors, at the home of his son William, five miles southwest of Rushville. The time of his death was about 5 o'clock. (next was the same as above…added) He had been a teacher in the Ebenezer Sunday school in the years past, and was faithful in his attendance, careful in his preparation of the lesson, and able in his presentation to his class. Bad weather physical infirmity did not hinder or cause him to be neglectful of his duties. To an unusual degree he was possessed of the spirit of meekness, never calling attention to himself or pushing himself forward. Instead of calling attention to his goodness, he referred frequently to his unworthiness before God. Among his relatives, fiends and neighbors he is remembered as a good man, anxious to help, desirous of the good of others seeking to be of as little trouble as possible. He manifested in a marked degree of patience. He was thoughtful of the comfort of others, anxious to help, but not to hinder."

My father who was living at his grandfather's farm in 1923, remembers James dying in the outhouse and being carried out.

9. Sarah also moved to Schuyler County and worked in the household of James Garret Kelly, a minister. She married John Lawler 2 Jun 1867 in Schuyler County, Illinois. John was born 21 Nov 1826 in Fauquier, Virginia and died 21 Jan 1884 in Schuyler County, Illinois. Living on a farm about seven miles south of Rushville, in Woodstock Township, they had the following children: William Henry, Della, Lemuel Grove, Lily White, John W., Owen Alfred and Adda Mirtle. Sara lived to the age 81.
"Grandma Lawler was a wonderful women. Since John Harvey, her husband passed away when their eldest child was only 16, she was left to raise their children on her own. Grandma Aunt Sara as she was known to neighbors and friends passed away in 1920".
Sarah is buried in the"Old Lawler Cemetery", Schuyler County, Illinois. Her grave stone reads:"Lawler, Sarah 1839-1920".

10. Henry worked for the railroad in Wellsville, Missouri. He died in a railroading accident at the granary."A young man named Kelly was crushed to death by the cars at Wellsville Wednesday morning. He was the engineer at Mosby's elevator and had been sitting up with a sick friend all night and had gone to the elevator about daylight when he met with the accident".

ROBERTS Family
[Submitted by edward2284@comcast.net]

Francis Asbury Roberts
born June 13-1851 Birmingham twnsp Schulyer Co. IL
Francis Died Oct 17 1930 Birmingham, Schulyer IL; buried Augusta, Hanco*ck, IL in Woodland cemetery

Father: Jacob Roberts Born in Tennessee
Mother: Annie Vance born in Tennessee

Spouse: Hester Hannah White
Born Jacksonville IL Jan.29,1855
Died Febr. 9 1938 - Knox Co. IL
Buried Woodland cemetery Augusta,IL

After 1938 the following survive:
Andy Roberts son of Augusta Alvin Roberts of Gilson
Grandson Minnie Stover of Macomb
Zelma Noel of Birmingham
Mrs Campbell of Galesburg with whom she made her home.
10 children were born to her and Francis
one Hattie Ellen Roberts Harris my Grandma.
Died Sept.14 1911 mother of 5, age at death 31.

History of the Montooth Family Horse Business
The Good Old Horse and Buggy Days
by Henry Serff April 1968

This might be of great interest to this young generation, especially to Bill Montooth and Steve, and also Charles Montooth's children and their families. I was a boy nine years old when my parents moved to Rushville, and I can remember very well seeing Mr. James Montooth, son of James Montooth, born October 31, 1847, married Anna Belle Colt, died June 21, 1930, having his men lead horses to our stock yards in Rushville to be shipped out. Their horses had their tails all braided and wrapped up. I can remember seeing Mr. Montooth drive a chunkey-like horse they called "Bill" to a cart with a fishing pole cut off and stuck up In the whip socket. He would stop his horse and got off the cart and look at horses that was tied up at the hitch rack around the square. Mr. George W. Montooth, son of James and Anna Belle Colt Montooth, started in very young with his father buying horses. George tells me that he and his father sent horses and mules to Chicago, St. Louis, Army Inspectors, Vermont and Galesburg. They bought mules out of Illinois, Iowa and Missouri during World War One. They shipped out of Quincy, Illinois to Atlanta. They started shipping big horses to Maine - Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Albion, Eustis, Prisque Isle, Caribou, and Bethel. This was all done by express, We loaded out of Rushville at first and later on we loaded out of Galesburg, Illinois. This is where Henry Serff started to work for Mr. James Montooth and George Montooth on January 9, 1924. George told me they wanted to handle some saddle horses. I told him I did not know anything about saddle horses. He said they were on the order of race horses. I worked with them quite a bit, and he started me in, when I came there. That is the barn that Monroe’s owned at one time. The box stalls that are on the north side were built in 1874. The date is cut on several of the joists over the doors. Taylor Brown at Vermont, Illinois was buying horses for them. He worked in Kansas and Oklahoma. Chet Montooth bought out of Iowa. After George W. Montooth bought out his father, he had a number of men working for him spotting horses and mules. We held Army Inspections at the plant at Rushville, Illinois at the plant that is still in use. That was during World War Two. That was quite a sight to see. I was pretty well schooled by this time by my boss, George W. Montooth.

We had a cowboy to ride these horses before inspection and at inspection. His name was Lyle Adams. I saw him here in Rushville a number of years ago at a rodeo, but he got killed several years later by bulldozing a steer. Johnnie Stumper from Springfield fetched a colored boy that did some riding. Johnnie Stumper did the saddling. John Lasswell did all the shoeing. He was from Galesburg, Illinois. Henry, that's me, I did all the trimming of fetlocks and manes on Inspection Day. Every man knew his job. We developed a number of high priced saddle horses and jumpers at this plant. Mr. Montooth developed me into about everything in the horse and mule line. He sold jumpers and high priced ones to Oak Brook Stables and Stanley Luke and Holdorf Stables and Cameron Stables at Evanston, Illinois, a partner of Al Capone. He got the Ted Isleman Stables started that handle. fine harness show horses and fine saddle horses. We sold mules to Maxwell Crouch, the biggest mule dealers in the world. Their letterhead said, "We will sell you a pair or a trainload". Mr. Howard Bailey was the one who came to our barn to buy mules. He sent many to Spain, Cuba, South America and some of the islands where they raised sugar cane. They called the mules "sugar mules". They were mostly leggy mare mules. He also bought mine mules. They were mostly 14 hands to 14 1/2. Sometimes he bought ponys, but we hardly ever had any ponys. I remember he said something about banana mules, and-I thought he was joking, but he told me they went to South America where they used these little mules to carry the bananas out of the swamps and across the streams. Two bunches on each mule's back, and they would turn them loose and the natives would herd them back to the loading chutes, sometimes many miles.

The southern cities used mules for all dray work. They were mostly big mules, 1400 to 1600 pounds. We sold some to a Chicago firm. They were across from the stock yards, but Chicago used mostly horses before the days of trucks. Swift and Company's man came down a few times. He bought only dapple greys and was very particular. They had to be good. We bought lots of surplus horses after the camp in Oklahoma closed up. We got some from Camp Ellis. We had sold them some before. Also bought several carloads from El Reno. Mr. Fred Henninger still has one of them. Most of them were sent to Carl Harriman, Winthrop, Maine for saddle horses. We sold lots of horses to U. S. Steel to work in their mines in Pennsylvania. They went to Uniontown. They were chunky horses, around 15 hands. Once Floyd Moore held up the Pennsylvania Railroad train four hours while he stopped for coffee and played the juke box while hauling a truck load to fill out an express car. Most of these horses we sold in Chicago, but I remember one car load we sent from Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois. We also sold horses and mules to the State to the different institutions. Pontiac, Jacksonville, Joliet and Dwight. We delivered to all these penitentiaries and mostly had to go through locked gates except at Jacksonville and Geneva. George and I would eat with the warden at Pontiac and be served by prisoners. The boys at Jacksonville were not dangerous as a rule, and the ones we saw were mostly farmers or farm workers who had gone off the beam. One of them went crazy at the barn when we were putting horses away and tried to kill the boss. At Joliet they were pretty particular. We also sold mules to the big canning companies every summer as they used extra ones around the sweet corn cultivating and harvesting season. Then in the fall we would buy the extra ones, mostly culls and ones they had used for some time. Also some young ones that didn't suit.

The Del Monte mules went to Rochelle and DeKalb. Some went to Belvidere Canning Company and some to a big company in Eastern Illinois. As I said before, we sold Carlings Ale their show horses, and the man who used to be with Busch came up to the barn to buy them. I remember Frank Corman was working one of the teams we sold to Carlings and when we bought all their show horses back, Frank bought the lead team back and showed them again, and Busch bought the best wagon and still use it in one of those show teams. One wagon and harness went to Miles McGrew, Walnut Grove, and one big wagon and show harness to DaMoile, Illinois. They don't make these wagons any more and then only on special order and cost around $25,000. We got a lot of those big show horses from Iowa and a few from Minnesota. We would always get the best show horses after the fairs. I remember once George bought a carload at Adair when the show was over. Most of these best ones went to Maine. We got $3,OOO from Busch for the wagon and less from the others. We did most of our own veterinary work. Had a barn rented back of Bill White's for the hospital. Mostly distemper. Once we got some kind of sulpha pills that a man from New Jersey told us about. They cured a few cases and killed some others, so we quit them. One good big mule dropped dead over night. Then we shipped old worn out horses to Chappell Brothers at Rockford, Illinois, where they made Ken-L-Ration dog food. We had had four counties and handled many loads of killers, as we called them, but had several men burying them but we never did like the killer business and gave it up and stuck to our good horses.

Before I worked for James Montooth and George Montooth, I worked for Harry Putman at Libertyville, Illinois, the man that fetched out Peter Manning, the world's three year-old trotter at that time, then later on became the world's champion trotter till Grey Hound set a new world record which still stands. Then I later worked for Dick McNair with his racing stable at Aurora, Illinois, for several years. When I came to work for James Montooth and George Montooth, the horse and mule business was a big business. It was a long time before trucks and tractors took over. George would go to Chicago and his dad to St. Louis for a, month or more to sell mules we would ship him. George worked in the Auction Ring for Harry McNair when he was in Chicago, only Mondays. He also had to help the buyers check over their horses after the auction.

This might be of great interest to you young Generation. We winded all our mules and horses hooked to a bobsled. I think I rode more miles on a sled than any man in Schuyler County, and George W. Montooth has rode more miles in a car than any other man buying horses and mules. I think I have rode horseback more miles than any man in Schuyler County or any other county, bringing in horses and mules overland before the trucks came in use. The biggest drove of mules I think that was brought into Rushville over land was the day Mr. Rebman had old Bill Hook to the cart and had an old grey mare leading behind and Bill Moore was riding Mr. James Montooth’s mare he always rode. And I rode my silver mare that knew more about driving mules than most men. We had the old Rushville Fair Grounds rented then. This was where we feed and keep our mules during the summer. We had 110 head in the bunch that day--loose, coming into Rushville. While I am on the mule business, the chute is still in the mule pen where I have trimmed thousands of head of mules and horses. I know Mr. Montooth will okay this remark. I have one pair of scissors yet that I used to use and also the tooth pulling pinchers that I used to pull mule teeth with, to help the three year teeth in sooner. This old landmark chute at the barn is still In use. They use it to dehorn cattle in and doctor them. It is as stout as the day it was built. As to getting down to the pulling horses. We sold many to Mr. Willard Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes worked horses long after trucks came along delivering coal in Springfield, Illinois. He had the world’s champion pullers early. We bought them later for a man in South Hope, Maine. Mr. Rhodes would come over and try out some of our big horses. We made many trades with him. We shipped many pulling horses to Maine, and Mr. Roy Thornton had the champion pulling team of Maine horses that came from us through Jonas Edwards and Son, who were the biggest dealers in southern Maine. While I am on this item about big horses, I am going to mention the names of the big dealers we shipped to down in Maine, hundreds of express loads of horses. Mr. Edwards and Son, Carl Harrison and Son, and Slynicter and Son, and Hugh Sylvester is still handling some horses. And also Lem Veits of Connecticut.

While I am still on the big horses I am going to mention one I will never forget. Mr. George Montooth got him out of Iowa. George told me he had a big, tall thin roan horse coming out of Iowa. He said he was the tallest horse that he ever looked at. He said he wanted me to feed this horse and see what I could make him weigh. I started in on him. I fed him seven times a day a little at a time. He just weighed 2000. He just looked like he had one straight gut in him. I got him up to where he ate 40 ears of corn a day and half a bushel of oats, besides the sugar feed I gave him and a bale and a half of hay a day, besides four big wash tubs of water a day. He got to weigh 2,875 lbs. When we shipped to Massachusetts Box Company for advertising purposes, the last I heard from him, Arthur Godfrey had purchased him for his horse collection. We sold police horses to Chicago and New York City. They were all bays. We sold some to Pittsburgh, just a few. They had to be black. The Chicago and New York horses were mostly 15 to 16 hands high and solid colors. Frank Flynn came down here a time or two with one of the big shots on the police force to buy them. George says he is now vice president of the Union Stock Yards. He was very young when we sold him those horses. The ones we sold for the New York Police mostly went through the Chicago markety, but Mr. Cy Reems, from New York, came down here several times and bought horses direct. Some times he had a police commissioner with him. They paid higher prices than Chicago.

We sold Anheuser Busch horses several times. Mr. Augie Busch came up at one time and bought a pair of grey mares and a pair of Clydesdale horses. Later on he sent one of his men up. He was one of the drivers and afterwards went to work for Carlings Ale and bought some of those sorrel horses for Carlings show team. As a matter of fact, we sold them most all of their horses. They had a big stable out of Cleveland, and when they decide quit the show horse business we bought horses, harness wagons and all. We shipped some of the horses direct to Maine and brought the rest of them back to Rushville. One team we sold to Frank Corman. Frank had worked that pair of horses before we sold them to Carling. In fact, he was working them on the corn planter the day we sold them, and this was the same man who had bought horses from us before for Anheuser Busch. We sold Anheuser Busch the best wagon that we got from Carling, and they still use that one in one of their exhibition teams. Mr. Busch took the grey mares to his farm where he crossed them with his thorobred stallions to raise hunters as dapple-greys are the most popular color. We bought the big show team back from Busch the first team that they got from the stock yards company. There were eight horses, and they only showed six at a time. When these horses were past their prime they would replace them with younger horses. Their man told, me that most of them they bought in Scotland and Canada. They held to be big Bay horses with four white feet. One of the horses in the team that we bought back from Busch we had sold to the stock yards company in Chicago. It came from Mr. Jonas McGrew from Walnut Grove. Those horses were in good condition---fat, slick, but their feet were in bad shape. I fixed up their feet and soaped them and painted them and had them shod with those big show shoes, and when we sent them up to Mr. McNair they looked as good as ever. I afterwards went down with Bill Bradley and got four more horses from their stable over in St. Louis and while we were there, their man hitched all the show horses in their big ring. There was one horse we had sold them when Mr. Busch was up to Rushville that they couldn’t use in their team because he wouldn't go up against the rail, and we bought him back.

I remember when we kept government studs at our barn, the first one we had was Eagle Pass. We kept him for three years. They bred thorough mares to him, and the next one was a black horse called Tea Tax. He was quite a runner in his day. He died at our barn. We had to go through quite a lot of red tape signing papers the veterinary had us to fill out before we could bury him. I got pretty well acquainted with the old Colonel Carr that came up there to inspect the government stock. The government got to buying pack mules, and we would send them down there for inspection. He was the one that passed on them. George got to sending me down with them. I got quite a kick out of going down there with them. I got to know a pack mule pretty good. Eagle Pass was the highest priced horse that we had, and the government sold him after he was returned to a big stock farm for $2500. It was a pretty good price in those days. He was the third in the American Derby and would have gone on and won a lot of races, so Colonel Carr said, if he hadn't bowed an attendant. Otherwise, the government never would have gotten him. We had another horse, Trevisco, that had previously stood in Macomb. He was an old horse, and I think died at our place. I could got along with the old colonel pretty good. I took lots of other mules down to St. Louis. I liked to work in the auction ring with Alex Norris. He taught me a lot, to handle horses and mules in the auction ring. George Montooth put a lot of trust in me. I always worked hard for him. Well, I got to say this much for the horse and mule business, when I started to work for James Montooth and his {son}, George Montooth, it was one of the biggest businesses in the country. We shipped everything by rail then. When trucks came along we began to bring out horses and mules into the barn and quit herding them in on horseback.

The first truck that started hauling into the barn was driven by Hal Lee. It was owned by a man in Mt. Sterling, Illinois. I will just mention a few names that has hauled thousands of head of horses and mules for us: Red Peters, Bill Bradley, Floyd Moore, Jim Peak, besides a world of other truckers. As to the men that worked for George W. Montooth, there was Taylor Brown, Tom McCabe, Guy Walker, Ross Browne and Alva Larkey, Bert Satterfield, and a number of others that I cannot call their names at the time. These men spotted horses and mules for Mr. Montooth. Most all of these men are dead and gone but Alva Larkey at Onslo, Iowa. The men that helped me around the barn were Bill White and he drove for George, and Bill Moore. Jess Kinnamon was George's best driver, and Ottie Green was my best barn man. Jimmy Thompson and Raymond Powell drove for George and Raymond helped me at the barn and so did Art McCullough.

We shipped a lot of mules to Atlanta, Georgia as well as St. Louis. At first we shipped to Cliff Ragsdale. His father was mayor of Atlanta at the time. Later we shipped to Smith Brothers. That deal was strictly on commission. Smith Brothers had a big horse and mule business in Richmond, Virginia, and we used to ship them horses and mules. We had sold them many horses and mules before. Once we shipped them an express load of mules direct from Rushville. We sold them many horses in Chicago, mostly little southern horses and mares. Most of the mules that we sent to Smith Brothers in Atlanta we shipped from Quincy, Adams County, Illinois. We bought many of them from Puttz and Cissna, dealers there in Quincy. Smith Brothers got on pretty thin ice at one time and owed us for five carloads of mules. The drafts were held up for a few weeks, but we finally got our money. They finally went broke after being millionaires. They were big operators and good friends of Harry McNair and Jim Smith who used to come to Rushville. We sold a number of horses and mules at home on time and took their notes for them. We did all right. We never lost anything to speak of. When some party came along I was a little skeptical of, I would tell him I had the safe full at the present time. Soon as some fellow paid his note off, I would take his. We farmed out two-year-old mules every year to the boys that broke mules and worked them. We farmed them out in Schuyler, Brown, Cass, Fulton and McDonough County. I would make my regular trips to see how they were doing. We called them in when the green corn came on. Some of them would be awful thin but they would put on fast. I would keep all the harness marks on them by using a safety razor. When we shipped them to St. Louis they would sell good.

Here is a little note I can remember very well. I have heard George's dad tell about them stealing horses in his day like they do autos today. I heard him tell about the stolen team that Mose Weinberg bought that was stolen at Versailles, Illinois. Going back over the mule business, we sold many pack mules. Most of them went to St. Louis to be inspected. I usually went along. It was hard to get a full carload of pack mules, as they were a small blocky mule 14 to 14 1/2, about the same as a mine mule. Colonel Carr said they used them going over the hump in China. I think they carried machine guns on their backs, so he said. What mules Colonel took we would truck to St, Louis to be shipped out of there. When we had the army inspection here it was a pretty big deal and we had as high as 150 head of horses. The most they ever took at one showing was 99. We showed 104. Colonel Carr said that was the best percentage that he ever had and the best bunch of horses I can remember about. When he made out the voucher he put on $100. There was no set price and Colonel Carr marked down the price of each horse according as to how he valued them. They started to take some smaller horses. They sent a new inspector. He was okay the first time, but the next time wouldn't take any. That was about the time the Japs were taking over the islands. We had an order from Colonel Carr to get all the little horses we could buy, 14 to 14.3 that was canceled and we only sold him six more. Later we started buying them back. Some from Camp Ellis and down at El Reno and at Burlington, Iowa.

Well, I will turn, to the days when they rented horses from us to use up to Camp Grant for the National Guard to train with. We had to get them 150 head. We would get them bought and fetched into the plant at Rushville where the new high school (1999) stands today is where we turned them out. That was all in pasture. We have had thousands of heads of horses and mules on that grounds. We had to have those horses all shod. Ben Perrin would set up his anvil and forge in the west end of the mule pen. He had a man from Beardstown to nail on the shoes. He done all the fitting himself. Later, John Wise did some of our shoeing. And by the way, John just came by with an old time 1907, newspaper that he had found with an advertisem*nt of James Montooth: "100 Horses Wanted. Some could have small blemishes and some could be a little thin. Be sure and see me before you sell." This was before I worked for Mr. Montooth, and John just happened to notice this in the paper. When they got through with their drills we would pick up these horses. Some of them was pretty well used up, and we would send them to the killers and the rest we took to Chicago Horse Market. Sometimes we would fetch a truck load or two home here to resell again. We furnished them their horses three different times. This is one thing I will never forget in the good old horse show days. After the old fair ground played out they held a few draft horse shows in the center field. We would farm out a lot of these big draft three and four year old horses to these horse boys like the Greer boys and our horse boys in several different counties around. I remember very well one time they were showing at the halter in the center field I and George walked down the line of these draft horses showing at the halter. There were forty head lined up. We owned all of them but five head. Me and George had a little fun along ourselves picking the winner. They had a judge out of Springfield, O. B. Summers. After the show he asked George how he did. George said, "Very well, but a fellow is allowed one mistake".

Well, I will leave the horse and mule business at this point as the tractor had took over. But the old plant never did stop doing business. I feed cattle and hogs here for a number of years. Pete Phillips leased the mule pen for nine years and bought hogs and cattle. Done a big business. After that I weighed thousands of cattle over the scales that went up north to the cattle feeders. It was occupied by some horse trainer later, and at the present time it is occupied by two of the leading auctioneers in the county today. They are handling hogs and cattle, and the north side is occupied by Mr. Toland (Kenneth, who’s wife, Geraldine is a descendant of George Montooth’s grandfather, James Montooth Sr.) who has ponys in some of the stalls. So you see the horse business still remains on their land mark. As mentioned, this landmark, I think this is one of the oldest that remains around. I can remember when Monroe's owned this plant. They handled fine hackney horses. They would show them in New York and all the big places. After James Montooth and son George bought this place, they built the big mule pen onto the main barn. Another item I can bring to this plant, the barn that stood behind the old Montooth home here in town was torn down and the lumber used to build the big long shed on the north side of the lot joining the box stalls that was built in 1874, (The long shed was were Kenneth Toland had his ponys). Another old landmark is when George built the big shed in the back lot. He owned the old stock yards that was there before I was born. He had Orrin White to move the big granary that was built over there at stock yards. It was well built. It is in the back shed where George built, with big long corn crib that held ear corn and big driveway. This granary has three bins; they are all tight ones. They hold 600 bushel of small grain apiece. So you see they came from an old landmark. I am very fond of this old plant. My place joins it on the south. It brings back to me many fond memories of the days gone by. To this old plant I can tip my hat too for the friends it has made me over all these years. I can say this much, I think George and me has looked at more horses and mules in the face than any human being living today.

I had forgot about Bill Freeman, the windy Jew that came down several times. He was partners with George on several deals and used to ship horses to Maine. Once I know he and George shipped three express loads to the Great Northern Paper Company. They went to Greenville, Maine. He come down here with Jim Brooks, another one of George’s buddies. We sent Jim several race horses, and John Kelly, another one from Maine who bought only good young horses for his own company. He would have the bill made out to Freeman and Bill would make one out to him and put on $100 on each horse. He was the president of the company, so I guess it was all right. Freeman told me that they took good care of the horses and these young ones would grow and get to be worth the extra cost in a year. He and John would split $1400 each on every load. He and George bought several carloads of potatoes one year but they didn't do so good. We had one load sent to Colchester and one to Rushville. They put several carloads in storage and just about came out. That was all the potato business. In those days they used those nice big horses in the potato fields in Maine, and they traded horses for some of the potatoes. Kelly hada paper mill some where in Mississippi and he bought a carload of mules at the state fair. They were all big mules. Freeman wasn’t along. Kelly also had race horses. That was about all they would talk about when George and Bill would go down east every summer. These birds would get together and go down to potato country to the races. I never was down in Maine, but I heard all the long winded stories when they would get in the back office and have me get the ice and the glasses. Bill had done everything according to his story. He was a butcher, a cook, a drummer, he peddled everything, and he had one of those little glasses that jewelers use to look over diamonds. He would sure tell some big stories. He was an auctioneer and sold in Chicago auctions later on.

I forgot to tell about Diamond Bill Hall. I heard Mr. James Montooth tell about him. He. would advertise to be in a town to buy horses and farmers would bring in their horses to sell, and he would buy as many as 300 in one day just like a circus, so Mr. Montooth said. He afterwards had a circus and came to Rushville once. He billed most of his towns in Iowa and shipped most or the horses to Chicago market. This was before I was working here and all I know is what I heard. Mr. Montooth told me that after the show started Mr. Hall came up to the barn and he sold him 16 horses. George said that when the parade went by the barn which was then about where the Norge laundry is now that Bill was riding on the head wagon with six horses, and he hollered, "Hi Jim. Got any horses? I'll be up to see you after while." They had been friends for a long time.

I forgot about the barn we had at Adair. George rented 40 acres of pasture and a big barn half mile west of Adair. We had that for several years and May Snider looked after the horses and bought and sold some for us. We got a lot of horses in the Adair country. We called it the Adair Prairie. We shipped some from there but mostly trucked them. I used to know every farmer around there but very few of them left now. We had another man at Ipava who we dealt with a lot, Elzie Collier. He had a big farm or two and Camp Ellis got one of them. He was a pretty good horse man, most of these horses came to the barn in Vermont where we would load them on the train. We would start a car at, Rushville and stop it at Vermont and finish it out. Mules were different. Also Army horses and express loads. All had to be loaded at once.

I am taking this note down about some of the history of the Monroes that owned all this land up here one day where the Alexander Lumber Yard is. They had a big lumber yard there one day. They owned the house and lot where I own now and the houses beyond me on Mason Street. They all join the barn that Monroes owned one time. That barn was the home of the best hackney horse at that time. They owned Lord Green, one of the highest priced studs at that time, worth $26,OOO. He took the Blue Ribbon at Madison Square Garden and all the big shows in the east. His stall was next to the office at the plant. Today it is just in the same shape as it was then when he had it for his stall, The feed box still remains in it so you see a lot of fond memories still hovers around this grand old plant. Going back to Leon Viets, he is one of the very few that still handles horses, and I think that now he has the best horses In tie east. When he started buying from us he came with Mr. Carl Harrimon, one of our big customers from Maine. He bought mostly good broke chunks around 1400 to 1500. Later he got to buying the best big horses he could get. Leon was a cattle man and always had pulling oxen. Everybody talked about them the same as horses. They would say a "pair of cattle." Every farmer had a pair and all tried them out on a drag; they called it a stone boat. Leon also went in for pulling horses and always had a few good teams. I'll never forget the time the hotel burned, February 6, 1945. Leon and one of his friends from Connecticut were on the top floor, but got up early and were out in the country when the fire started. It started in the basem*nt and went up the laundry chute and went so fast that anyone asleep on the third floor would never have made it. George said he got a letter from Leon last week.

Well, before I close my book on the Montooth horse business I must write a few things about George's children, George Seeley Montooth, Charles Montooth, and Suzanne Montooth. Of all these years I have been with them, they never gave me a cross word. They were all very small when I went to work for their father. I take George Seeley first to say a few things about him. He helped quite a bit around the barn with the white washing. Him and his boy friends would get into a white wash throwing once in awhile. He was a good boy to work. He rode horses quite a bit. When they were all small, George would fetch all three of them over to the barn. When we went to load mules out he would tell my wife to get a broom and have Charlie and Suzanne to help her turn the mules from going down Mason Street. Suzanne would get awful mad at Charlie and say, "You ain't paying any attention." He would get playing. Them was in the good old days.

As to Charlie, he never cared too much about horses. He did help me haul manure over to the green house. He liked to play his horn and draw. Him and Otto Green used to pull co*ckleburrs out of the thirty acres. I can see them yet. George Montooth gave both of these boys a good education, and they are doing all okay. Getting down to Suzanne. She was a very small child when I went to work for her father. She had a dog they called Jeff that was her teddy bear. She thought the world of him. She grew up fast. She taught school several years. When she was nine and ten years old she rode an old sorrel mare around that was good and gentile, but Raymond Powell had her and old Bill hitched up one day to the flat rack wagon hauling cobs. Just as he came back to the barn I happened to be out there to open the gate. She gave a squeal and fell over dead. She had a heart attack. George said it was a good thing it happened that way; that Suzanne might have been riding her some day and it would have happened with her. We had another smart old horse called Bill the kids drove around a lot on picnics and places and to the woods. They thought a lot of him. George Seeley, you never rode horse back very much but you should surely remember when you rode Bill White's spotted horse in the Smiles Day parade, still held every year. You were about ten years old, and your horse pranced all the way and everybody clapped. We were all seared except you. Then he ran away when he turned to the barn. Charlie, you should remember when you took grandfather's horse and buggy to take Roma a ride and when old Bill nipped her on the arm you put that blue salve on her arm. Suzanne's big old sorrel mare she called "Skinny Bones" and her white horse she took to MacMurray with her. Now this is all I am going to say about you kids. Suzanne drove me a lot of miles looking at horses and mules so I can't leave these friends of mine out of this book. I think as much of them three as they were my own children, so I think I will close this article for the time being.

Going back before I came to work George would always bring up Frank Handley and tell about him before he started to take Army horses at Vermont, Fulton County, Illinois, and Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois. I never knew him but I have heard enough about him. He bought several carloads each week to ship to Chicago. That was before the war and when that got going he bought as high as 200 a week for Colonel Walsworth, English Inspector. Afterwards they gave him this territory, and he started taking our horses at the Galesburg Stock Yards and then at Vermont where he would come down on the night train and inspect them at night. They would ship them out next day. George said this same Frank Handley taught him much of what he knew of the horse business and said he came to Rushville, when he was 12 years old to buy a car of horses. He got some from his father and said on Saturday night ran into Sam Moore who came down to the barn saying he had five horses to sell. Mr. Handley asked him if it would be all right to come out Sunday morning. Sam said he could look at them but he wouldn't sell them on Sunday. So George said they went out Sunday morning to look them over and Frank would say, "Now, Mr. Moore, if it wasn't Sunday, what would you ask for that horse?" Sam would tell him a price, and Frank would tell him what he would pay any day but Sunday. So when he agreed to leave a check for the five head at the barn Monday morning, he brought the horses in. George said he would buy 100 horses at auction and never miss the price on one, the same when he was selling. I run this in here as I heard so much about this man I felt I knew him. His son Jim wrote "Home Again in Indiana."

Now I have been writing this while I was laid up and I am out and around now, so this is the end. I just wrote this as it came to my mind and got Roma Edwards to type it out. She could read my writing and correct the spelling. There are lots of things came to mind I have left out, but this ought to be enough to let some of George's great grandchildren learn something about the good old horse and buggy days.
Henry.
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