Seven Hickory Twp. -
GRANVILLE F. RAPER, farmer; P. O. Arcola; is a native of Owen Co., Ind., where he was born Jan. 28, 1836.  He married Miss Mary H. Roberts Aug. 5, 1855; she was born in Greene Co., Ind., Sept. 13, 1832; they had nine children, six living, viz., James A., California J., Laura S., William O., Albert H. and Granville S.  He lived twenty-one years in Indiana, when he moved to Hancock Co., Ill., and engaged in farming; remaining there three years, he returned to his old home in Indiana and lived there two years; he then came to Illinois and settled in Douglas Co., near Tuscola, where he remained three years; he then came to Coles Co. and settled in Humbolt Tp., and engaged in farming, which he continued for four years, when he moved to the village of Milton, now Humbolt, and engaged in the grocery business, remaining one year; he then came to Seven Hickory and settled on a farm near the plankroad, where he lived one year; he then came to his present place, and has lived here since; he owns 160 acres, which he has earned entirely by his own labor and management.  His parents were Berry and Mrs. Mary Evans Raper; they were natives of Indiana and Kentucky; they were married in Indiana, where his father died Jan. 20, 1837; his mother married Mr. Thomas Evans, who has since died; she is now living in Owen Co., Ind.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 644

Morgan Twp. -
J. L. RARDIN, farmer and Justice of the Peace; P. O. Rardin; one of the early settlers of Morgan Tp.; born in the State of Indiana Dec. 12, 1814; his parents removed to Campbell County, Ky., when he was 4 years of age, where he was engaged in clearing land and farming, with the exception of five years in Ohio, until 28 years of age, when he emigrated with his parents to Illinois, and located in what is now known as Morgan Tp., in the fall of 1842, upon the place where he has since continued to live during a period of nearly thirty-seven years; he first entered eighty acres of prairie land, which is now a part of his home farm, and eighty acres of timber upon the Embarrass River; at the time of his locating  here, his capital consisted of one team and wagon, his provisions for the winter and $25 in money; his first long house and stable, which he built in 1842, was occupied by him until about the year 1853, when he erected his present house and, a few years later, built a frame barn; he now owns in his home farm 160 acres and upward of 300 acres in other parts of the township.  Mr. Rardin has taken a deep interest in the cause of religion and education having been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for upward of twenty years; of school and township offices, he has had his share, having held the offices of Supervisor, School Trustee and School Director several terms, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for upward of thirty years in succession.  He married Feb. 1, 1838, to Sarah Rankin; she was born in Ohio Aug. 7, 1815; she died May 3, 1848, leaving two children now living, viz., David (born Jan. 27, 1839), Nancy (born Sept. 29, 1841).  His marriage with Mary Ann Sousley was celebrated Mar. 9, 1854; she was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Aug. 27, 1829; they have three children now living by this union, viz. George (born Mar. 16, 1860), Ellen (Mar. 18, 1862), Lucy (Aug. 18,1873.  Mr. Rardin located here when wolves were plenty, and to protect the sheep they built close pens at the side of the house, in which they sheep were nightly driven; game was also abundant, and to obtain a quail, wild turkeys, prairie chickens, wild geese, ducks or deer was the work of a few minutes.  His milling was a work of four days' labor, driving oxen to Danville, Montezuma or Terre Haute, and sometimes he was obliged to wait from two to three days to get his grist ground.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 628

Morgan Twp. -
JOHN H. RARDIN, farmer; P. O. Rardin; one of the early pioneers of Morgan Tp., born in the State of Indiana, Feb. 24, 1818; he removed with his parents when 3 months old to Campbell Co., Ky., where he lived until 25 years of age, where he was engaged in farming until he emigrated to Illinois and located in what is now known as Morgan Tp. in  the fall of 1842, living within one mile of his present place since that date, a period of nearly thirty-seven years; at the time of locating here, his capital consisted of one team, without a dollar in money; he worked by the day to pay for his first dwelling, which was an old log house; he manufactured his first bedstead by boring a hole in one of the end and side logs, running a pole from each and entering a post at either end; the following year, he went back to Kentucky, where he worked as farm laborer one season, at $9 per months, in which way he obtained means to enter forty acres of land, and upon which he commenced his first farming; he has since disposed of the above, but now owns in his home farm, 280 acres, and 160 acres in Oakland Tp., all of the above being accumulated by his own hard labor, energy and industry; although in his 61st year, and having suffered all the hardships and exposure of frontier life, he is now in possession of all his faculties, and daily attends to the care of his stock, and such other duties as his farm requires.  He married Mar. 6, 1845, to Melinda Clark; she was born in Kentucky Oct. 25, 1824; they have three children now living by this union, viz., Mary Ann, born Feb. 13, 1846, now Mrs. Porter Johnson; Samuel Rardin, born Jan. 2, 1850, now merchant and Postmaster at Rardin; James K., born June 28, 1851, now practicing law at Charleston; Mrs. Rardin died Mar. 13, 1857.  His marriage with Rebecca Hurst was celebrated in the spring of 1859; she was born in the spring of 1859; she was born in Edgar Co., Ill., Apr. 17, 1925; she died Apr. 17, 1870, leaving one child, now living - Malinda J., born May 15, 1862.  He married for his third wife Mrs. Nancy Campbell, dec. 17, 1873; she was born in Jefferson Co., Ind., Jan. 30, 1830; she was the daughter of John McCrory, one of the early pioneers of Clark Co., Ill., who located in Clark Co. in 1838; they have one child by this union - John H. Rardin, born Feb. 3, 1875.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 629

Morgan Twp. -
SAMUEL RARDIN, merchant and Postmaster, Rardin; born in Morgan Tp., Coles Co., Ill., Jan. 2, 1850, where he attended the common schools until 1872, when he entered the Westfield College at Westfield, Clark Co., Ill., which he attended during the years 1872 and 1873, when he returned home and assisted his father in farming until the year 1875, when he was appointed, under the administration of President Grant, as Postmaster at Rardin, which office he now holds, and which is the only post office in Morgan Tp.; upon receiving the above appointment, he erected a store, and purchased a stock of goods; he engaged in the merchandise trade, which business he has since successfully followed.  He is the oldest son now living of John H. Rardin, who emigrated from Kentucky and located in Morgan Tp. in 1842, and whose biography appears in this work.  He also owns forty acres of prairie land, upon which he has a residence, and which he rented.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 628

Charleston Twp. -
S. E. RAY, dealer in dry and fancy goods, boots and shoes, etc., Charleston; was born near Montpelier, Vt., Aug. 5, 1833; in early childhood, he accompanied his parents to Geauga Co. (now Lake), Ohio; there, his father resided until his death, and his mother still resides there; at about the age of 20 years, Mr. Ray went to La Fayette, Ind., and engaged as a traveling salesman for Luce Brothers in the stationery business; and, after remaining with them four years, went to Chicago, and for about six years traveled for the well-known stationery house of Culver, Page, Hoyne & Co., establishing the Memphis branch of that house, under the name of C. H. Chamberlain & Co, which continued until after the breaking-out of the war; in 1852, he returned to Chicago, and the following year came to Charleston and engaged in the livery business; in 1875; he disposed of his business, and engaged in merchandising.  Mr. Ray was married Mar. 31, 1863, to Miss Josphine Bunnell, of Charleston; she died Sept. 18, 1867, leaving one child - Henrietta, since deceased.  He was married again Dec. 10, 1867, to Mrs. Elizabeth J. Willhoit, of Edgar Co., Ill., and has one child - Samuel A.  Mr. Ray is President of the Board of Education of Charleston, of which he has been a member for the past two years, and has served two terms on the Board of Alderman.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 531

Ashmore Twp. -
CALEB REED, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Ashmore; was born in Spencer Co., Ky., Dec. 1, 1818 and was 11 years old when he came to Coles Co.; his father, Thomas Reed, was a native of Pennsylvania; removed to Kentucky with his parents when a boy, and there married Miss Anna Kirkham, a native of Kentucky, and the 1st of December, 1829, left that State with his family, consisting of a wife and five children, to found a new home in the wilderness of Illinois.  They came with a five horse team, the journey consuming nearly a month; arriving in Edgar Co., they spent a few days, and about New Year's 1830, came to Coles Co., and settled on the farm now owned by his son Caleb Reed; he entered quite a tract of land, owning at one time about a thousand acres.  He was a strong Whig, although he never sought to lead or hold office; he was a quiet, industrious man, attending strictly to his own affairs; conservative in his operations, not given to speculation; a man who enjoyed in an eminent degree the esteem of his neighbors and townsmen; he died in December, 1854, leaving four children, three of whom are living.  Caleb Reed, the only living son, has always resided on the homestead; like his father, he has never sought official positions, his farm of 30 acres requiring his entire attention.  He was married Feb. 22, 1844, to Miss Jane Carter, a daughter of John and Mary Carter; she was born in Wayne Co., Ky., Dec. 15, 1824, and came to Coles Co. with her parents in 1830; of eleven children, eight are living - Samuel H., of Douglas Co.; Martha A., wife of James T. Wright, of Ashmore Twp.; George R.; Emma J., wife of J. Elbridge Dudley, of Ashmore Twp.; John C., Thomas L., Ida M. and Albert M.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 603

East Oakland Twp. -
S. A. REEL, physician and surgeon, farmer, stock-raiser and dealer in stock, Oakland; born in Gibson Co., Ind., May 3, 1829, where he attended school and engaged in farming until 18 years of age, when he taught school and studied medicine for two years in Missouri and Arkansas, when he cut a raft of lumber, which he took down the Mississippi River, to New Orleans, and after disposing of the same, he returned to Indiana, then to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended the Eclectic Medical School one term; in the fall of 1852, he located in Pleasant Grove Tp., Coles Co., Ill., where he remained until 1855 being engaged in mercantile trade and studying medicine; he then engaged for two and a half years farming in Hickory and Okaw Tps.; when selling out, he removed to Iowa, living there six months, when he returned to Cumberland Co., Ill., where he engaged in the merchandise trade and milling for six months, then to Indiana, where he remained until August, 1861, when he enlisted as private in the 58th Ind. V. I., serving as private two months, when he was detailed as Steward in the Union hospitals until the following year, when, on account of ill-health, he received his discharge.  He then located in Douglas Co., Ill., in 1863, and has since successfully followed the practice of medicine; he erected his fine residence in Oakland in 1868; he also owns 280 acres of land, a part of which lies within the corporation limits.  He has taken a deep interest in political matters, first as an Old-Line Whig, supporting the Republican party from its organization until 1876, when he espoused the cause of the Greenback party, and, in 1878, received the nomination form the above party as representative to the State Legislature from the Thirty-second Illinois District and made the canvass but was defeated.  He married May 19, 1853, Eliza Adams; she was born in Coles Co., Ill., Apr. 22, 1836, her parents being among the early settlers, locating in 1830; they have five children by this union - John F., Kate Iowa, Lida, Lena Maud and William E.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 575

Hutton Twp. -
EDMUND RENNELS, farmer; P. O. Charleston; is the second son of James Rennels, and was born in Lawrence Co., Ind., Dec. 13, 1829.  He came with his parents to Coles Co., when he was only 3 years of age, and remained with them up to his marriage with Miss Martha Waltrip, of Hutton Tp., Feb. 21, 1849, when he moved to his farm on Sec. 31, where he has resided ever since.  His wife died in September, 1854.  They had three children, one living Mary Ann (now Mrs. James Stephens, of Charleston Tp.), and two deceased - Sarah E. and Melvina J.  He married his second wife, Miss Angeline Davis, o Hutton Tp., Sept. 9, 1858.  They had ten children, nine living, living three boys living - Henry L., Rama S., and Tella, and one deceased - Riley S.; and six girls, all living - Viola, Lua J., Sarah E., Lilly B., Efa and Ida P.  Mrs. Rennels and her eldest daughter, Viola, are members of the Baptist Church.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 619

Hutton Twp. -
JAMES RENNELS, farmer; P. O. Charleston; one of the pioneers of this county; was born in Madison Co., Ky., Feb. 12, 1807; when he was 17 years of age, his parents moved to Lawrence Co., Ind., within ten miles of Little Orleans.  While living there the subject of this sketch married Nov. 17, 1825, Miss Polly Connely (daughter of Joel Connely, of North Carolina); she was born Feb. 14, 1807; her parents were early settlers of this county, having moved from Lawrence Co., Ind., to Coles Co. in the year 1832.  In 1832, Mr. Rennels came to Coles Co. and settled on Sec. 32, where he has ever since resided, known as the "Rennels Settlement;" his parents also moved from Lawrence Co., Ind., to near Rockville, about sixteen miles north of Terre Haute, Inc., and in the year 1837 came to Coles Co. and settled in Hutton Tp., about one mile from Salisbury, where his father died; his mother made her home among her children, and died at the house of her son-in-law, John Connely, within two years after the death of his father.  Mr. James Rennels had a family of nine children - five boys, all living, viz., Henry L., Edmund, John P., William R. and Joel J.; four girls, one living - Mahala (now Mrs. Wm. P. Level, of Hutton Tp.), and three deceased - Rebecca A., Martha J. and Sarah E.  Mr. Rennels, as one of the earliest settlers of this county, has experienced the many vicissitudes and hardships common to the pioneers of a new country, and at a good old age, in connection with his good wife, is resting from their labors, surrounded by their children and grandchildren, ministering to their wants and comforts in their declining years.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 618

Morgan Twp. -
WM. H. REYNOLDS, far.; P. O. Oakland; born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, May 29, 1837, where he was brought up on a farm until about 18 years of age, when he emigrated to Clark Co., Ill., and located for one year; thence to Coles Co., where he hired as farm laborer for two years, when he rented land and farmed three years.  He enlisted July 25, 1861, in Col. Oglesby's regiment - the 8th I. V. I. - going in camp at Cairo, where he remained about two months, during which time he was engaged in reconnoitering expeditions in Missouri; he then joined the Army of the West under Gen. Grant, and was in many severe battles, among which were Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, siege and capture of Vicksburg, after which he went with the army South to New Orleans, and went into winter quarters, remaining until the spring of 1865, when they went to Mobile, which place they captured after remaining there two months; went to Shreveport, La., then to Marshall, Tex., where he received a furlough, and while at home was mustered out of service by special order from the War Department Apr. 20, 1866.  Mr. Reynolds was in the Union Army nearly five years, and while he had many narrow escapes; was wounded only once, while making a charge at Raymond, Miss., having the flesh torn from one of his fingers.  At the battle of Shiloh, he received a bullet through his pants, one through his blouse, and one struck the stock of his gun; his comrades at either side were killed; at the battle of Holly Springs, he was made prisoner, but was released by an attack of the Union army within about two hours; he first enlisted for three years, and after receiving his discharge, he re-enlisted as veteran, and served until 1866.  After receiving his discharge, he returned to Coles Co., where he engaged in farming until 1872, when went to Kansas and located 160 acres of land, upon which he lived until 1876, when he returned to Coles Co. Ill., located upon his present place, where he has since lived; his home farm contains 162 acres, mostly prairie land.  He married in 1855 to Mary E. Harvey; she died in February, 1860; he married for his second wife Hester Tuttle, in 1863; she died in 1867, leaving a child - Minnie B.; his marriage with Margaret E. Collins was celebrated May 23, 1869; they have four children by his union, viz., Maynard Oscar, Martha J., Ida May, John W.  Mrs. Reynolds was born Mar. 6, 1845; she was the daughter of Watson Collins, one of the early pioneers of Coles Co., and whose biography appears in this work.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 630

East Oakland Twp. -
D. A. RICE, station agent, telegraph operator and grain-dealer, Oakland; born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Apr. 4, 1847, where he lived until 9 years of age, when he removed with his parents to Pickaway Co., Ohio, where he commenced the study of telegraphy, living there three years; then to New Lexington, where he lived two yeasr, the last year, having charge of the telegraph office at that place; he lived in Ohio and engaged in telegraphing until 1870, when he removed to Illinois and located at Effingham, where he was engaged at telegraphing for a short time, when he changed to another station and was employed by that line for three years; he then removed to Ohio, where he was engaged in telegraphing until 1876, when he came to Oakland and took charge of this office, which he has since operated.  He was married July 12, 1868, to Alice J. Hughes; she was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Jan. 6, 1852; they have two children now living by this union - Eva, born Dec. 9, 1870, and Wilber, born Jan. 6, 1872.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 575

Ashmore Twp. -
JOSHUA RICKETTS, dealer in grain and produce, groceries, glassware, queensware, etc., Ashmore; was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Mar. 13, 1821.  He is a son of Joshua and Sarah (Taylor) Ricketts.  He remained at home until he was 13 years old, when he went to Knox County, Ohio, and engaged in study with a view of preparing for the ministry, but meeting with a change in his religious belief he abandoned the idea and engaged in farming, afterward learning the trade of a marble cutter.  At the age of 23 he went to Coshocton, Ohio and followed farming for a while, afterward removing to Terre Haute, Ind., where he engaged in the marble business.  Ini 1849, he came to Illinois, remained one year in clark County, and removed thence to Charleston, Coles County, in 1850.  there he carried on the marble business till 1861, when he enlisted as a private in J. W. Bissell's Engineer Regiment of the West; was promoted to Second and afterward to First Lieutenant.  He served in this regiment twenty months; when Gen. Morgan made his raid into Indiana Mr. Ricketts again enlisted in the 109th Ind. Vols. and was commissioned by Gov. Morton, Adjutant of the regiment.  After a brief service of eight days the regiment was mustered out, the occasion for their enlistment having ceased.  On the call for 100-day men, in 1864. Mr. Ricketts, not waiting for a commission, again volunteered in the 143d Ill. Vols., and served as Sergeant of Co. "A."  He took part in the capture of Island Number Ten, siege of Corinth, and the battle of Corinth on the 3rd and 4th of October, 1863.  Returning to Charleston he continued in business till 1873, when he was appointed Superintendent of the Coles County Alms-house and Poor-farm, and still remains in charge of the institution. He engaged in his present business in Ashmore in 1875.  During the past year he has served as Collector of the township.  He was one year Assessor of Charleston, and has twice been elected Justice of the Peace.  He was married Dec. 29, 1846, to Miss Catharine D. Roberts, of Coshocton County, Ohio.  She died in 1854, leaving three children - Sarah M., now wife of Wm. Killough, of Kansas; Wm. W. and Cornelia M., wife of Geo. B. Shinn, of Coles County.  Mr. R. was married again Sept. 4, 1855, to Miss Melvina Jones, of Clark County, Ill.  They have nine children - Thomas A., Fannie B., John T., James E., Frank H., Oscar J., Charles W., Nettie M. and Elizabeth.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 604

Charleston Twp. -
WILLIAM RICKETTS, land agent and conveyancer, Charleston; was born in Alleghany Co., Md., Mar. 3, 1813; his father, Joshua Ricketts was of an old Maryland family in Colonial days; his mother was Sarah Taylor, a daughter of John Taylor, of Connecticut, who was a soldier of the Revolution, and was wounded at the battle of Bunker Hill and afterward at the battle of Brandywine; Mr. Ricketts' parents removed, in 1813, to Zanesville, Ohio; he is the seventh in age of a family of thirteen; he was raised on a farm.  He was first married Sept. 11, 1834, in Putnam, Ohio, to Miss Ellen Alexander of that place, who died Sept. 8, 1850, leaving five children - John A., Ann (wife of T. E. Wood), Andrew A., Joshua T. and William G.; they are all residents of Charleston except Andrew A., who is a traveling agent for the Chicago & Paducah Railroad Co.; and resides in Windsor, Shelby Co., Ill.  Mr. Ricketts was married again Sept. 11, 1851, to Miss Susan Falls of Zanesville, Ohio; they have four children living - Charles L., Emma (now Mrs. Henley Andreson of Charleston), Ella and Edward W.  In April, 1854, Mr. Ricketts removed with his family to Charleston, and engaged with his brother Joshua Ricketts  in the marble business, in which he continued until about the breaking-out of the late war, when he opened an office as U. S. Claim Agent, which he has continued in connection with a general real estate and conveyancing business to the present time.  He is at present Township School Treasurer, to which he was elected in 1874; he was appointed U. S. Commissioner some twelve years ago, and still acts in that capacity.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 531

Mattoon Twp. -
REV. J. W. RILEY, Pastor Missionary Baptist Church, Mattoon; was born in Clermont Co., Ohio, Nov. 9, 1823; his ancestral line, traced through five preceding generations have been ministers in the Baptist Church; his father's family furnished six ministers to the society, himself and five sons.  From an historical record gathered from time to time, it was ascertained that the family of near relatives have furnished thirteen ministers of the Gospel; ten of these are Baptists, two Methodists and one Christian.  His father, Rev. J. W. Riley, Sr., founded the first Missionary Baptist Church in all this section; this was at Bloomfield, Edgar Co., as early as 1835.  Out of that grew the Bloomfield Baptist Association, which is to-day one of the largest in the State.  His early life was spent upon the farm and in attendance upon school; at the age of 15 years, he became a member of the church, and soon after began to take part in its public exercises; he was ordained to the ministry April 26, 1845.  He was married in 1843, Olive J. Crouch, a native of Clermont Co., Ohio; she died April 4, 1855.  His second marriage occurred Sept. 7, 1856, to Sarah A. Vance, of Licking Co., Ohio; she was educated at Granville College, Ohio.  From first wedlock he reared five children—three sons and two daughters; from second, two sons.  He came to Mattoon in November, 1864, and most of the time since has been Pastor of the Church.  About the year 1866 or 1867, his health having become impaired, he went South and spent some time recruiting; on his return, he was engaged most of the time for three years writing and compiling a work called U. S. A., the World's Empire Passing from Prophecy to History; this is a work of 413 pages, and is highly spoken of by eminent scholars and critics.  His theological studies were prosecuted under Elders Jones and Cox, graduates of Granville College.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 555

Morgan Twp. -
ISAAC ROBERTS, retired farmer and blacksmith; P. O. Charleston; born in Bourbon Co., Ky., Feb. 25, 1807; his grandfather emigrated from Wales in the early part of the seventeenth century, and located in Virginia, then to Kentucky, where he died; his father, Azariah Roberts, was born in Kentucky about the year1775, and died in Indiana about 1847.  The subject of this sketch removed to Scott Co., Ky., when quite young, where he lived until 22 years of age, and learned and worked at the blacksmith trade until 1828, when he removed to Hendricks Co., Ind., and followed his trade until 1852, during a period of twenty-four years; he then emigrated to Illinois, and located upon his present place in June, 1853, where he has since continued to live; he first purchased 120 acres of land upon his present farm, to which he has since added until he has 360 acres, which he has accumulated by his own hard labor, energy and industry.  He married in April, 1822, to Nancy Bowles; she was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., in November, 1807; she died Feb. 28, 1866; nine children were the fruit of this union, five of whom are deceased; the names of the living are William D., born Apr. 29, 1829; Aratus, born Oct. 20, 1833; Isaac M., born June 16, 1847, and Alpheus, born Feb. 24, 1850; Mr. Roberts' children are all living within one mile of his present home.  William D. married in 1850 to Ann Douglas; she died Feb. 25, 1866, leaving three children; he married for his second wife Cynthia Lanman; she died Dec. 27, 1878, leaving four children.  Araminta Bradfield; she died in 1858, leaving one child - Charles W., born Mar. 16, 1857; his second marriage with Auyziller Nelson was celebrated in 1865; they have three children now living by this union - Alpheus, Aratus J. and Ella.  Isaac M. married Feb. 18, 1867, to Patience Marymee; she was born in Indiana June 30, 1844; they have three children now living, viz.: John T., born Mar. 10, 1868; Phoebe J. born Feb. 21, 1875, and Julia M., born July 3, 1878.  Alphus married Amanda Wilkin Apr. 4, 1872; she was born in Coles Co., Ill.; they have one child - Daisy D.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 629

Mattoon Twp. -
L. G. ROBERTS, dental surgeon, Mattoon; was born in Ripley Co., Ky., Jan. 18, 1846; his father, R. B. Roberts, was a dentist by profession, and a minister in the Christian Church; his father came with his family to Indiana when L. G. was but 3 or 4 years of age, and in the fall of 1864, he came to Illinois; his education was derived mostly from the common schools; at the age of 18, he entered the dental office of Dr. Allen, in Ft. Wayne, Ind., in 1853, he worked under instructions with Dr. Moore, of La Fayette, Ind.; in the fall of the same year, he worked with Dr. Prevost, of Dayton, Ohio, perfecting himself for his profession under the direction of men of recognized ability; in 1865, he began the practice of his profession at El Paso, Woodford Co., Ill.; in 1873, he located in Mattoon, his present place of business.  He was married Dec. 25, 1873, to Mary A. Winn, a native of Ohio; has had two children - Leonidas G., living, and Prescott W. deceased.  He has a fine and growing practice, and ranks second to none in the city or county as regards proficiency and skill.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 554

East Oakland Twp. -
SHERMAN W. ROBERTS, farmer; P. O. Oakland; born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Jan. 11, 1852; he attended school here until 9 years of age, when he emigrated with his parents to Illinois, and located in East Oakland Tp., Coles Co., in September, 1860 (his father at that time purchasing upward of two hundred acres upon Sec. 6, where he still resides); he attended school here during the winter and assisted his father farming in the summer, until he attained his majority; he then engaged in farming a part of his father's farm on shares for three years, when he bought 100 acres where he now lives, and located upon his present place in 1876; he also owns ten acres of timber, his home farm being all under fence and cultivation.  He married Mar. 26, 1874, to Sarah a. Dollar, daughter of John and Sarah Dollar who are among the early pioneers of Coles Co., and whose biography appears in this work; she was born in Coles Co., Ill., Nov. 1, 1852; they have two children by this union - Sarah N., born No. 4, 1875, and Lillie A. born Nov. 22, 1877.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 576

East Oakland Twp. -
THOMAS ROBERTS, farmer; P. O. Oakland; was born in Loudoun Co., Va., Oct. 12, 1802, where he lived and engaged in farming until 1830, when he emigrated to Muskingum Co., Ohio, and engaged in farming until 1860, at which date he removed to Illinois and located upon his present place in East Oakland Twp., Coles Co., where he has since lived and followed farming.  He married Feb. 7, 1838, to Alice Mock; she was born in Virginia Nov. 8, 1808; they have nine children now living, having lost three by death; the names of the living are Mary E. (now Mrs. Peter Gobert), William H., Caroline (now Mrs. James W. Titus), Castaria (now Mrs. Frank Taylor), Isaac N., Jane (now Mrs. F. M. Parker), John D. and Sherman W.; the names of hte deceased are Jacob and two which died in infancy.  Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have taken a deep interest in the cause of religion, having been active members of the M. E. Church since 1833, for a period of forty-six years.  Their married life extends over a period of half a century.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 575

East Oakland Twp. -
W. H. ROBERTS, farmer, Sec. 9, T. 13, R. 14 W.; P. O. Kansas; born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Oct. 17, 1840, where he followed farming until 20 years of age, when he emigrated to Illinois with his parents, and located in East Oakland Tp., Coles Co., on Sec. 6, where his father , Thomas Roberts now lives; here he assisted his father farming until Aug. 8, 1862, when he enlisted in the 79th I. V. I., and went forward to battle for the Union; going to Louisville, Ky., he joined the army of Gen. Buell, who had been driven back by the rebel army under Gen. Bragg; moving south, his first severe engagement was at Stone River, where the regiment suffered severely in killed, wounded and prisoners, he being wounded and taken prisoner, but was paroled on the field and placed in the Union hospital for two months, then to the Louisville hospital seven weeks, when he was sent to his regiment, at Murfreesboro, Tenn.; from there to St. Louis, and, upon being exchanged, he joined his regiment at Chattanooga; he was afterward engaged in the following severe battles; Buzzard Roost, Resaca and Allatoona; he was with Sherman's army until after the capture of Atlanta, Ga., when he was sent to Tennessee, where, at the battle of Franklin, the rebels being defeated, he was sent to Decatur, Ala., guarding the river for several weeks, then to East Tennessee, via Chattanooga, where, after scouting several weeks, they were sent to Nashville and mustered out of service, then to Springfield, Ill., where he received his discharge June 23, 1865, having been in service three years, lacking six weeks.  He then returned to Coles Co., Ill., and assisted his father farming until the following spring, when he rented a farm, which he worked one year, when be moved upon his present place, which he rented until 1870, when he purchased ninety-seven acres, and has since farmed his own land.  He married April 24, 1866, to Mary Reeds; she was born in Edgar Co. Feb. 20, 1844; she is the daughter of J. W. Reeds, who located in Illinois in 1831; they have two children now living by this union, viz., Arminta A., born Dec. 28, 1868, and James B., born July 6, 1875.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 575

Ashmore Twp. -
A. T. ROBERTSON, M. D., physician and surgeon, dealer in drugs, medicines, etc., Ashmore; was born in Sumner Co., Tenn., June 30, 1834; his father Rev. John H. Robertson, was born in Virginia, and removed to Tennessee with his parents when but a boy; in 1829, he came to Coles Co., and engaged in teaching school near the present city of Charleston; his name appears on the records as a second person to whom letters of administration were granted in Coles Co.; in 1832, he returned to Tennessee, where he was ordained a minister of the M. E. Church, and where he married Miss Sarah Carr, of Sumner Co.; about 1838, he removed to Camden Co., Mo., and is now a prominent and well-to-do farmer of Laclede Co., in that State.  Dr. Robertson, at the age of 21, engaged in teaching in Choctaw Nation, pursuing his medical studies in teh mean time; this he continued two yeas; in 1858, he attended his first course of lectures in the medical department of the State University at Nashville, Tenn.; he then located at Carroll Co., Ark., and began practice; during the winter of 1860-61, he attended lectures in the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he graduated and received his degree in the spring of 1861; returning to Arkansas, he practice medicine there till 1864, and then removed to Ashmore; after teaching school of part of the first year, he began practicing medicine in July, 1865, and has had a large and lucrative practice ever since.  He was elected Town Clerk in 1866, and served till 1877; during the past two years, he has been Notary Public and Police Magistrate.  He was married in the Choctaw Nation Jan. 30, 1858, to Miss Rebecca Mitchell, a native of Tennessee; they have three children living - Leonidas C., Ashley H. and Sarah A.  Dr. Robertson engaged in the drug business about four years ago.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 603

Mattoon Twp. -
Z. ROBERTSON, farmer and mechanic, Mattoon; was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., Oct. 22, 1830; he obtained his education in the common schools of Paris, Ky.; his early life was passed upon the farm; at the age of 22 years, he left Kentucky and moved to Greenfield, Ind.; here he followed the trade of plastering for about six years; in the winter of 1858, he came to Illinois, and settled in Mattoon, where for a number of years he continued his trade, and that of farming; in 1865, he purchased and improved a farm of eighty acres, near the city; this he sold in 1869, and again moved to the city and for some time, followed his trade; since coming to the State, he has improved three farms.  He was married in 1855, to Rebecca J. Morrison, a native of Pennsylvania; has three children living—Oscar C., Mattie J. and Belle F.  His little daughter Fannie, whose death occurred in 1863, was the first interment made in the now thickly populated cemetery near the city.  As an evidence of his success in farming, he this year raised seventy-five bushels to the acre, while his neighbors harvested only from thirty to forty bushels per acre.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 554

Pleasant Grove Twp. -
CARSON PORTER REED RODGERS, merchant, Farmington; P. O. Campbell; the subject of this sketch was born in Coles Co., Ill., Nov. 1, 1840, and lived with his parents until 26 years of age.  He then married Catharine Winford Richey Oct. 30, 1866, who was born in Gallatin Co., Ky., Oct. 30, 1847, and died Apr. 14, 1869; he afterward married Martha Jane Veatch Mar. 8, 1874,  who was born in Washington Co., Ill., Oct. .26, 1837, and has had three children, two of whom are living, viz., Isaac Walter, Kate Winford; deceased - Martha H.  Mr. Rodgers was Assessor one term Township collector three terms, Supervisor one term and School Treasurer ten years.  He is now in the mercantile business in Farmington and owns 100 acres in Cumberland Co., Ill.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 590

Pleasant Grove Twp. -
GEORGE THOMAS RODGERS, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Campbell; owns 114 acres; was born in Coles Co., Ill., Sept. 13, 1849,and lived on the farm with his parents until married to Mary Ella Brunk Wright Nov. 25, 1876; she was born in Coles Co., Ill., Sept. 11, 1856; they have one child - Mary Banche.  Mr. Rodgers' father is a native of Tennessee, and his other of Indiana.  Mrs. Rodgers' father is a native of New York, and her mother of Tennessee.  Mr. Rodgers' father made the first brick ever layed in the city of Charleston, Coles Co., Ill.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 590

Pleasant Grove Twp. -
JOHN WHITE RODGERS, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Campbell; owns seventy acres; was born in Morgan Co., Ill., Feb. 10, 1831, and lived with his parents on the farm until 23 years of age.  He was married to Margaret Elizabeth Gillinnater Apr. 5, 1854; she was born in Effingham Co., Ill., Jan. 18, 1836; they have had six children, five of whom are living, viz., James F., Mary L., William B., Hiram M. and Henry G.; deceased - Isaac E.  Mr. Rodgers  was Overseer of the Road one term and was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he now holds.  His parents were natives of Kentucky; hers, of Tennessee; Mrs. Rodgers' father was in the Mexican war thirteen months.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 590

Seven Hickory Twp. -
LEVI ROSEBROUGH, farm and stock; P. O. Charleston; the subject of this sketch was born in Warren Co., Ind. Apr. 3, 1832.  He married Miss Francis Fisher Sept. 5, 1852; she was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Feb. 2, 1832; they had eight children, seven living, viz., William I., James B., Albert, Sarah E., Rhoda M., Eva and Eli.  He lived in Indiana until he was 12 years of age, when, with his parents, he came to Illinois and settled in Coles Co., near his present place - this was in 1843 - where he lived until he was 19; he then worked by the month until 1852, when, on being married, he rented his father's place and farmed the same one year.  In 1853, leaving his wife here, he went to California, going the overland route by oxen - object, mining - remaining two years; he met with fair success; in 1855, he returned via Panama and New York, to this county, renting a farm and farming the same until 1859, when he bought sixty acres, being a part of his present place; in 1867, he built his present residence, and has lived here since.  In September, 1851, he enlisted in the 5th I. V. C., and was in service over three years; was in the battles of Vicksburg, Meridien, Jackson, and many minor engagements.  He owns 120 acres in this township, which he has earned by his own labor and management.  His parents, John and Nancy White Rosebrough, were natives of Ohio; they were married there and moved to Indiana, where she died about 1842; he then married Miss Zemrudia Stewart, who was a native of Illinois; they came to this county in 1843, where he died in 1856; Mrs. Rosbrough married again, and is now living in Kansas.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 644

Mattoon Twp. -
J. O. RUDY, real estate agent, Mattoon; was born near Louisville, Jefferson Co., Ky., May 1, 1827; his parents moved to Illinois, and settled near Paris, Edgar Co., in 1830; his early life was spent upon the farm, and his early experiences were those of a farmer's son; his education was derived from the common schools; in 1850, he crossed the plains to California, where for two years he applied himself to mining; near the close of 1852, he returned, having as his reward for toil, hardships and privations, about $3,000 in gold; on his return, he engaged for one year in operating the old homestead; near the close of 1853, he engaged as a partner in the dry goods business, in the firm of Augustus & Rudy, at Paris; in the fall of 1858, the firm closed out business, and he moved to his land in Douglas Co., and opened up, and improved his farm; in 1862, he was appointed Post Trader to the Pawnee Nation, under the administration of President Lincoln; this position he held till the beginning of the administration of Andrew Johnson, returning in the fall of 1865; he next went to Trumbull Co., Ohio, and engaged in sinking wells, and in the manufacture of lubricating oil; this he followed one year; in the spring of 1867, he came to Mattoon, and in company with Richard Champion and S. D. Dole, began the business of banking, under the firm name of Champion, Rudy & Co.; in 1872, he sold out his interest, and continued operating a planing-mill which he had previously purchased; this was soon after destroyed by fire; since that time, he has devoted himself to the real estate business.  He was married Sept. 29, 1856, to Persis J. Dole, daughter of Wm. P. Dole, a very early settler of Terre Haute, Ind.; her father held the position of Commissioner of Indian Affairs under President Lincoln.  Has seven children living— Prof Wm. D. O. Rudy (now Professor of Chemistry in Illinois Industrial University), Jennie F., Chas. E., Bessie D., Mary P., George H. and Hattie P.; has been a member of the Board of Education, West Side, for the past eight years; has also held the office of Alderman for a number of terms.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 554

East Oakland Twp. -
HIRAM RUTHERFORD, retired physician and surgeon, Oakland; one of the early settlers of Coles Co.; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Dec. 27, 1815; his great-grandfather emigrated from Ireland in 1729 and settled in Lancaster Co., Penn., upon a branch of the Susquehanna, where, with his wife, he lived until 1755, when he removed to great Limestone Springs, two miles east of where the city of Harrisburg now stands, and near which place a large portion of his descendants now live; this grand old patriarch died 100 years ago, and lies buried in the Paxton Church-yard, the oldest burial-place in that country.  The subject of this sketch was the eighth member of his father's family; he was raised to heavy farm labor, and at the age of 18, he commenced the study of medicine with an older brother, an eminent physician of Harrisburg, and graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in the spring of 1838; with $10, a horse, saddle and bridle, he set out to seek his fortune; his first location was at Millersburg, Penn.; in the latter days of 1840, he emigrated to Illinois, and located at Oakland, Coles Co., where he has since resided; the practice of medicine in a new country is a work of great labor, when the calls are numerous and the extent of territory covered, as in this case, embraced half a degree of latitude and longitude; the roads at that time, in this " Ambraw " country were mere deer-paths, and the streams were allowed to flow on their winding to the sea, unvexed by bridges or ferries, except such of the latter as a dug-out canoe afforded; canoe ferriage, now one of the lost arts, was then a distinguished occupation in high-water times; the traveler led his stripped horse in the water on the upper side of the canoe, taking for himself and saddle a position mid-way between the bow and stern; the ferryman, seated on the stern, paddle in hand, sent the unsteady craft across the stream, carefully keeping pace with the swimming horse; the small streams had to be forded, in which case a high horse was a valuable help, but not unfrequently a glorious ducking was the result of such necessary adventures.  The Doctor has been married twice, and has eight children living—two girls and six boys.  He has now, from advancing years, retired from the practice of medicine, and enjoys, perhaps, as well as any other man, the fruits of a well spent and prosperous life.  Of petty local public honors, he has had his full share; village, town and school trusts have been his in plenty, seldom holding less than two offices at a time; as School Treasurer, he has held and successfully managed the funds of Township 14, R. 10, for twenty-seven years; as Supervisor, he has represented East Oakland on the (bounty Board many years; further, with a conscience void of offense, he trusts, with God's help as a heritage to his children, to at last go down to the dark valley like unto his fathers before him, without a blot or stain; neither a great nor remarkable man, but one whom his cotemporaries will probably admit was not a failure and did not live in vain.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 576
SHARON WICK'S NOTE:  Since I see not much mentioned about his family here, I decided to look them up and found the following:  CLICK HERE

East Oakland Twp. -
JOHN RUTHERFORD, retired physician and surgeon, Oakland; one of the early settlers of Coles Co.; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Dec. 27, 1815; his great-grandfather emigrated from Ireland in 1729, and settled in Lancaster Co., Penn., upon a branch of the Susquehanna, where, with his wife, he lived until 1755, when he removed to Great Limestone Springs, two miles east of where the city of Harrisburg now stands, and near which place a large portion of his descendants now live; this grand old patriarch died 100 years ago, and lies buried in the Paxton Church-yard, the oldest burial place in that country.  The subject of this sketch was the eighth member of his father's family; he was raised to heavy farm labor, and at the age of 18, he commenced the study of medicine with an older brother, an eminent physician of Harrisburg, and graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in the spring of 1838; with $10, a horse, saddle and bridle, he set out to seek his fortune; his first location was at Millersburg, Penn.; in the latter days of 1840, he emigrated to Illinois, and located at Oakland, Coles Co., where he has since resided; the practice of medicine in a new country is a work of great labor, when the calls are numerous and the extent of territory covered, as in this case, embraced half a degree of latitude and longitude; the roads at that time, in this "Ambraw" country were mere deer-paths, and the streams were allowed to flow on their winding to the sea, unvexed by bridges or ferries, except such of the latter as a dug-out canoe afforded; canoe ferriage, now one of the lost arts, was then a distinguished occupation in high-water times; the traveler led his stripped horse in the water on the upper side of the canoe, taking for himself and saddle a position mid-way between the bow and stern; the ferryman, seated on the stern, paddle in hand, sent the unsteady craft across the stream, carefully keeping pace with the swimming horse; the small streams had to be forded, in which case a high horse was a valuable help, but not unfrequently, a glorious ducking was the result of such necessary adventures.  The Doctor has been married twice, and has eight children living - two girls and six boys.  He has now, from advancing years, retired from the practice of medicine, and enjoys, perhaps, as well as any other man, the fruits of a well spent and prosperous life.  Of petty local public honors, he has had his full share; village, town and school trusts have been his in plenty, seldom holding less than two offices at a time; as School Treasurer, he has held and successfully managed the funds of Township 14, R. 10, for twenty-seven years; as Supervisor, he has represented East Oakland on the County Board many yeas; further, with a conscience void of offense, he trusts with God's help as a heritage to his children, to at last go down to the dark valley like unto his fathers before him, without a blot or stain; neither a great nor remarkable man, but one whom his cotemporaries will probably admit was not a failure and did not live in vain.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 575