REV. HENRY BROWN, a native of Raleigh, Halifax county, North Carolina, was born Apr. 17, 1823.  His father's name was Staten Jones, but he assumed the name of Brown, which name he retained through life.  He was a native of North Carolina, and died about 1824.  Henry's mother was born in North Carolina, and her maiden name was also Brown.  Henry Brown left the State of his nativity about 1835, for Ohio, and one year later to Rush county, Indiana, when he was bound to a family of Quakers at the age of fourteen, and assigned to the ordinary labors of the farm, which he continued until 1843, when, at the early age of twenty, he was  united in marriage to Miss Roberts, who lived but about one year.  Mr. Brown was licensed to preach about 1846, and has been a faithful and constant laborer in the Lord's vineyard up to the present time, his ministry having therefore, extended over a period of thirty-five years, during which time many souls have been led out of darkness into the light of Christ.  In 1847, Mr. Brown met, at Paris, Illinois, Mrs. Mary A. King, a young widow lady of eighteen years, and the daughter of Allen Williams, a wealthy gentleman of that place.  A mutual admiration and a matrimonial engagement was the result of their first meeting, which culminated, a few weeks later, in their marriage at the residence of the lady's parents, in Paris, Illinois.  Mr. Brown came to Springfield as early as 1847, and except about four years' residence at Galena and Quincy, has made Springfield his home to the present time.  Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of five children—Louella, now Mrs. Taylor, Nannie, Thomas T., Katie, and Edward.  Thomas T. is a law student in the office of Sterling & Grout, and will probably be admitted to the bar at the May term of the Appellate Court, in 1882.  Mr. Brown is a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln, and was employed by the great Emancipator for a number of years in various capacities, ending only when Mr. Lincoln removed to Washington, in the spring of 1861, to assume the duties of President of the United States.  In 1865, when Mr. Lincoln's remains were brought to Springfield, Mr. Brown came, by request, from Quincy, Illinois, and led Mr. Lincoln's old family horse, "Bob," in the funeral procession.  At present, Mr. Brown is pastor of the A. M. E. Church at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and resides in Springfield.

     WILLIAM FLOREVILLE was born about 1806, at Cape Haytien, West India.  When the revolution, in 1821-22, occurred, his god-mother took him to Baltimore, Maryland, and kept him in St. Mary's Convent until her death, when he was bound by the Orphan's Court to learn the trade of barber.  He then went to New Orleans, thence to St. Louis, and went with others from St. Louis on a hunting excursion up the Mississippi, Illinois and Sangamon rivers, to New Salem, then into Sangamon county the fall of 1831.  While approaching the village of Salem, he overtook a tall man wearing a red flannel shirt, and carrying an axe on his shoulder.  They fell into a conversation, and walked to a little grocery store together.  The tall man was Abraham Lincoln, who soon learned that the stranger was a barber out of money.  Mr. Lincoln took him to his boarding house, and told the people his business and situation.  That opened the way for an evening's work among the boarders.  The next morning he started on his way rejoicing, and through the advice of Mr. Lincoln, he came to Springfield, Illinois.  Mr. Florville was soon recognized by Dr. E. H. Merriman, with whom he was acquainted in Baltimore and St. Louis.  Dr. M. enabled him to open a shop in Springfield, the first barber shop in the city.  Mr. Florville spent some time in the employ of General James D. Henry.  He was married to Phebe Rountree soon after his arrival in Springfield.  She was born near Glasgow, Kentucky.  She is living in Springfield, Illinois.  At the death of her husband, in 1868, she was left a considerable property, consisting of fifteen business and tenement houses in the city of Springfield, and a farm of eighty acres in Rochester township.  She is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, in Springfield.  She is now in her seventy-second year, and resides on East Adams, between Tenth and Eleventh, where she owns a nice residence.  She is the mother of six children,four living, viz.: Samuel H. Florville, born in the city of Springfield, Illinois, May 10, 1832.  He lived here, attended school, and worked in his father's barber shop, until seventeen years of age, when he struck out for himself.  He worked in Chicago and New York City, and also worked in a hair store in Buffalo, New York, one year; then worked at the barber's trade in Madison and Janesville, Wisconsin.  In 1865, returned to Springfield, Illinois, where he now has a shop nicely fitted up, at his father's old stand, 602 East Adams street.
     He was married to Miss Mary B. Greening in the spring of 1814.  She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and mother of one child.  She died Nov. 23, I874.  Mr. Florville was again married, to Mrs. Annie Wilson, Jan. 10, 1881.  She was born in the Maderia Islands.  She is a member of the Baptist Church.  Samuel H, Florville owns five tenant houses and six lots in the city of Springfield.  In politics, he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for A. Lincoln for President of the United States.

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     GEORGE BRENT, pastor of Zion Baptist Church, was born near Greensburg, Green county, Kentucky, July 2, 1821.  His parents were both slaves, the property of Louis C. Patterson.  His father in some manner secured his freedom and moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where, by excellent deportment, he won the regard of many of the best families of white people in that city.  George continued to work for his master until Aug. 2, 1850, being placed in a blacksmith shop as soon as he was able to wield the hammer.  The elder Brent enlisted the sympathies of eight persons, among whom was Rev. Sir. Brown, subsequently pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, and the eight on the date heretofore given signed a note for the sum of $1,200, to purchase the freedom of George.  In one year afterwards they paid the note, and insuredvthe life of George to secure them from loss in case of his death.  George, in the meantime, secured a position in a blacksmith shop in Lexington, and working faithfully at his trade, in three years he paid the entire amount of $1,200, and thus became truly a free man.  The year before George secured his freedom, he was married to Mildred Smith, a free-born woman, in Campbellville, Kentucky.  Thirteen children have since been born unto them, only five of whom are now living—two of the dead being killed by a stroke of lightning, an account of which is given on a previous page. While at work in Lexington, Kentucky, he endeavored to learn to read by the aid of a fellow-workman, whom he paid five dollars to teach him.  He in time was able to read the Bible, the book of books, and which has since been his constant companion, and almost the only work he has ever read.  He learned to write since coming to Springfield.  The efforts made to secure the little knowledge obtained, would have discouraged nine hundred and ninety-nine men out of one thousand.  In 1857, Mr. Brent and family came to Illinois, and settled on a farm on Richland Prairie, remaining only during the fall and winter.  He then took his family to Menard county, where he worked at his trade some two years, when he purchased a farm on Richland Prairie, and moving on to it, continued there about six years, when he purchased a residence at 1417 East Adams street, Springfield, where he has since resided.  When twenty-one years of age, Mr. Brent made a profession of religion, and while living in Lexington, Kentucky, commenced to talk in public in an acceptable manner, with probably no thought of ever becoming a regular minister.  It was not until May, 1864, that he was regularly ordained to preach the gospel.  In May, 1865, he was called to the pastorate of the Zion Baptist Church, where he has since labored to the best of his ability in his Master's cause.

     JOHN E. JACKSON was born in the City of Springfield, Illinois, Aug. 11, 1845, where he worked for different parties and attended school until October, 1862, when he was employed as messenger boy in the Adjutant General's office until Aug. 24, 1869. He then went to Chicago,

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Illinois, and was there employed on the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne and C. C. & I. C. Railroads as porter and conductor of a Pullman Palace Sleeper.  He remained in this business until 1871, when the big fire in Chicago broke out, and he lost all he had in the fire and came back to his home in Springfield, and was employed in L. H. Coleman's carpet store, where he remained about three years.  Nov. 13, 1875, he began to work in the Ridgely National Bank, where he is still employed.  He was married to Miss Matilda J. Wright, at Springfield, Illinois, July 9, 1874; the fruits of this marriage is three children, one living, viz: John T. C. Jackson.  Mrs. Matilda (Wright) Jackson was born in Huntsville, Missouri, Feb. 11, 1847; she was a daughter of Thomas J. Wright, born in Kentucky; he was a member of the M. E. Church, and came to Springfield, Illinois, in 1856.  His wife, Sarah Fortune, was born in Virginia; she is also a member of the M. E. Church.  The father of J. E. Jackson was born in Culpepper county, Virginia, July 16, 1804; he was a member of the Baptist Church; he died Nov. 20, 1876.  His wife, Matilda Foster, was born in Kentucky; she was a member of the M. E. Church, and died Aug. 26, 1880.  J. E. Jackson, the subject of this sketch, has a common school education, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.  He owns a nice residence at 608 South Ninth street, Springfield.  He and wife are members of the M. E. Church.
 

     MONROE T. OGLESBY, was born near Charleston, South Carolina, October, 1843.  When five years of age, he came with his mother to Carlyle, Clinton county, Illinois, where he remained until 1859.  He then went to Decatur, Illinois, and worked for a banker there until the fall of 1861, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, and worked as cook at the Chenery and St. Nicholas hotels, two years.  He then worked in a feed and sale stable for Ward Dana one year, when he learned the barber's trade under Thomas Killion; remained with him six or seven months, then worked at that trade in Decatur one summer.  He then worked in Springfield some months; then run as porter on a Pullman sleeper from Springfield, Illinois, to Lafayette, Indiana, on the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad, three years.  He then worked as barber a year, in Springfield, Illinois, then for different parties until the meeting of the Twenty-sixth General Assembly, when he was made a janitor.  He then continued his trade until the meeting of the Twenty-seventh General Assembly, when he worked as janitor for Colonel Harlow six months.  He then worked for Governor Beveridge as porter and messenger, during, his term of office, when he began to work for Governor Cullom, as porter and messenger one year and some months.  He then run as porter of a Pullman out of Chicago, on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, six months, when he worked as barber in Springfield, Illinois, one year.  Since that time has been top-man at Starne, Dresser & Company's coal shaft, in Springfield, a position he still retains.  His father, William W. Oglesby, was born in South Carolina.  His wife, Nancy Oglesby, was also born in South Carolina.  Both were members of the Baptist Church.  Monroe T. Oglesby, the subject of this sketch, was married to Miss Sarah Fry, Jauuary, 1863.  The fruits of this marriage is two children, viz.:  James W. Oglesby and Annie L. Oglesby.  Mrs. Oglesby was born in Sangamon County, Illinois.  She was the daughter of Henry Fry and Mary Stonestreet, who were born in Kentucky and both were members of the Baptist Church.  Mr. Monroe T. Oglesby is a member of the Baptist Church, and he is a steward in Masonic Lodge, No. 3, at Springfield, Illinois.  He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant, for President.  He owns a nice residence at 1724, East Adams street, where he resides.  He has only a limited education.  He had to work hard for what he has.

     WILLIAM H. DULF was horn in Saline county, Missouri, May 1, 1840.  When an infant he went with his parents to Fayette, Howard county, Missouri, and remained there two years, then went to Randolph county, Missouri, and remained there on a farm until 1857, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, stopped here a short time, then went to Chicago, Illinois, where he was janitor for H. H. Brown three years.  He then went to Springfield, Ohio, and remained there six years, returned to Springfield, Illinois, in 1865; he then worked on a farm near Riverton, Illinois, for Levi Hasbruck, until 1875, when he returned to Springfield, Illinois, where he has since been engaged as porter of the United States Internal Revenue.  He was married to Miss Parthena M. Mausell, Sept. 18, 1860, at Springfield, Ohio; she was born in Ohio, Jan. 4, 1841.  She is a daughter of John L. Mausell, born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1799.  Is now in his eighty-second year.  Is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and is living in Springfield with his son-in-law, Mr. Dulf, a hale, hearty old man.  His
wife, Elizabeth Battles, was born in Virginia.  She was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the mother of six children.  She died October, 1833.  The father of William H. Dulf, Robert M. Dulf, born in West Virginia.  He was a farmer and teamster, and died in 1841.  His wife, Elizabeth Lewis, was born in West Virginia.  She was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the mother of eight children, four living, viz:  William H. Dult, Annie Todd, Lucinda Todd, and Emanuel Todd.  All reside in Springfield, Illinois.  Mr. Dulf and wife have nine children living, viz: Florence E., Emily M., Clara P., Alice L., John W., George E., Frederic O., Ida A. and Beatrice Dulf.   Mr. Dulf is a Mason,
and a member of Central Lodge, No. 3, Springfield, Illinois, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln.  He has a nice house and lot at 1509 East Mason street, where he resides.

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     GEORGE STEVENS, was born in Georgetown, Kentucky, December, 1815.  When two years old he was sold to Vick Buckhart, and went with him to Randolph county, Missouri, and remained with him fifteen years, when he was sold to Jack Viley, and remained with him until 1854, when he was sold to Wm. Eley, and remained with him until the war broke out; he then enlisted under General Scofield and remained with him two years and five months, when he was detailed, on a government gunboat, commanded by Captain's Bell and Hughey, where he remained until the close of the war.  He was in the battle at Vicksburg, and went in on the tugboat "Thompson" the night Vicksburg was taken; was in the Big Black Battle, Paw Paw Island, and other battles.  At the close of the war he came to Springfield, Illinois, and began to work in a lumber yard for J. P. Tyson on East Jefferson street near the Wabash depot, where he still remains in the same yard but at present owned by Wm. Baker.  He was married to Emma Danals, December, 1849.  She was born in Randolph county, Missouri, her father was — Danals, and her mother Sallie Danals, born in Virginia; she is a member of the Baptist Church and is now married to Jack Cavanaugh, a Baptist preacher, both are living in Missouri.  The father of George Stevens, Washington Stevens, was born in Kentucky; he was a farmer, and his wife, Maria Stevens, was born in Georgetown, Kentucky, and died in 1862.  Mr. and Mrs. George Stevens are both members of the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal, Church on Fourth street, and have had eight children, two living, viz: Harry Stevens and Maria Stevens.  George Stevens was first married to Caroline Roberson; she had three children, two living, Alex and Mary Stevens. George Stevens cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President of the United States.  He owns a nice, lot and house on Fifteenth and Jefferson streets, where he resides.

     ROBERT GORAM was born near Raleigh, North Carolina, June 15, 1851; remained there until 1864, when he went as waiter for Chaplin Beager, in the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry; at the close of the war he came to Springfield, Illinois, and worked at the St. Nicholas Hotel three years.  He then worked for John E. Rosette and attended school during the winters for seven years.  He then opened a restaurant near the town clock, on Adams street; sold out some eighteen months afterward and went to Kansas City, Missouri, and worked in the State Line House ten months, when he returned to Springfield and was employed at the Leland Hotel for eight years; he was appointed to his present position as usher in Governor Cullom's office at the State House Robert Gorum was married to Amanda Coleman, Oct. 14, 1875; the fruits of this marriage is four children, viz: Robert C., Thomas E , Ollie R. and Essie Gorum.  Mrs. Gorum was born in Missouri; she was a daughter of Ruben Coleman and Eliza Coleman.  The parents of Robert Gorum were Robert Gorum, Sr., and Eliza Hinton, who were both members of the Baptist Church.  Robert Gorum, Jr., and wife are members of the M. E. Church; he is also a member of I. O. O. F., Lodge No 1824, at Springfield, Illinois.  He owns a nice residence on the southwest corner of Scarret and Passfield streets.  Cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.

     THOMAS WRIGHT was born at Person Court House, North Carolina, Mar. 15, 1813; he was married to Miss Sarah Fortune, Dec. 25, 1840; she was born at Fredericksburg. Virginia.  They are the parents of twelve children, five of whom are still living, viz: Francis, now Mrs. Rodgers; William, Matilda, now Mrs. Jackson; Gertrude, and Willis F.  Gertrude and Willis F. are both graduates of the Springfield High School, the latter a valedictorian of the class of 1881; they are both teachers in Missouri.  Mr. Wright owns a farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Cotton Hill and Rochester townships; he also owns a house and three lots in this city; also his large private residence at 204 East Mason street. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant.

     ABNER NAILOR, was born in Prince William county, June 15, 1856, and in the fall of 1863 he enlisted in Company C, Eighth United States

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Infantry, and remained in the service until the close of the war.  He came to Springfield in the fall of 1871.  Three years later he began work in the Leland Hotel, where he has remained ever since.  He was married to Miss Luella Brown, October, 1871; she was born in Springfield, Illinois; she was a daughter of Rev. Henry Brown, of this city, and was mother of two children, namely: Estella J. and Mary I.  Aug, 14, 1879, he was again married to Miss Ella Barnette, born in Paris, Missouri.  The fruits of this marriage is one child, Arthur W.  William Nailor, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia. H e was a carpenter by trade, and was killed in the late war.  Mr. and Mrs. Abner Nailor are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  He is a Mason, and member of Central Lodge, No. 3, Springfield, Illinois.  He was wounded at the battle of Fort Harrison.  He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant.  Mrs. N. is a graduate of the Young Ladies' Atheneum, at Jacksonville, Illinois.  She is now teaching music in this city.

     JOHN W. PETERSON was born at Falling Water, Virginia.  At the close of the war, he came to Pana, Illinois, then to Sangamon county, worked for different parties four or five years, when he learned the barber's trade under James Rayburn, where he remained six or seven months.  He again worked for other parties five or six years.  In 1874, he opened a barber shop corner of Ninth and Mason, where he still continues business.  He was married to Miss Martha Smith, Mar. 5, 1874.  She was born in Campbellsville, Kentucky.  The fruits of this marriage is three children, viz: Laura, Stella and Charles.  Mr. Peterson is deacon of the Zion Baptist Church, of this city, a position he has held for thirteen years.  He owns a fine house at 1422, East Monroe.  In politics, Republican, and cast his first vote for Grant in 1808.  Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, the parents of the subject of this sketch, were born in Virginia, and are both members of the Methodist Church.

     THOMAS KILLION was born at Charleston, Coles county, Illinois, June 17, 1830.  When two years of age his parents took him to Carlyle, Clinton county, Illinois.  When fourteen years of age he went to St. Louis, Missouri, and learned the barber trade, remained there two years, when he opened a shop of his own at 112 South Sixth street, Springfield, Illinois.  Has been a barber in this city for the past thirty-six years.  He is now located at 614 East Washington street, where he has a first-class shop.  His father, Thomas Killion, was born in Lexington, Kentucky.  He was a doctor.  He went from California to Europe, with other physicians, on a medical tour, and was lost at sea.  His wife, Amelia Curtis, was born in Virginia.  She was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the mother of fourteen children, twelve living, viz: Obedia, Harvey and Henry Killion, Mary A. Beard, Mrs. Francis Scott, Elizabeth Williams, Emily Clems, Oliver, Andrew, John and Thomas, the subject of this sketch, who was married to Miss Margaret Fry, Aug. 18, 1858.  She was a daughter of Richard and Mary Fry, who were born in Kentucky.  Mrs. Killion died in the fall of 1863.  She was the mother of three children, two living, Frank Stephens and Laura Killion.  Mr. Killion was married to Jane Smith, who was a daughter of Jacob Smith.  The fruits of this marriage is five children, all living, viz: Allie, Georgia, John, Joseph and Bessie.  Mrs. Killion had two children by her husband Smith, viz: James and Fred Smith.  Mr. Killion owns a nice residence at 1818 East Adams street.  He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.  Mr. Killion saw the first man hung in Sangamon county.  It was a brute named Wilson, who was hung on Vinegar Hill, near where the new State House now stands.  He was hung for kicking his wife to death.  He also shaved the last two men hung in Sangamon county, the morning they were hung.  These men were Lemon and Vanarsdale, who were hung by Sheriff Crafton in the county for killing Saunders, at Pawnee, Illinois, while they were robbing his store.

     NOAH THOMAS was born in Hinds county, Mississippi, July 14, 1842. When twenty-one years of age he then went as hostler for Franklyn Fisk, Captain, of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry.  He remained wich him until Oct. 30, 1864, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, and worked at the blacksmiths' trade.  He was married to Harriet E. McDanals, October, 1866.  She was born on Wolf Creek, in Sangamon county.  After his marriage he worked for Wm. Chamberlin, nearly three years, then worked for J. C. Melton & Troxell, nearly three years, when, in 1872, he opened a blacksmith-shop on Seventh street, near Everybody's Mill, in which he still continues business.  He and wife have had eight children—five living, viz.: Emma L. Thomas, Lizzie A. Thomas, Mary E. Thomas, Nettie Thomas and Josie E. Thomas.  Mrs. Thomas, wife of Noah Thomas, was a daughter of Mose. McDanals, born in Kentucky, and Nancy McDanals, born in Kentucky also.  The father of Noah Thomas, Thomas J. Thomas, was born in Wayne county, Mississippi; a

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member of the Baptist Church, and died during the late war.  He was in the Sixth Louisiana Infantry; his wife, Harriet Thomas, is a member of the Baptist Church, and is still living in Hind county, Mississippi.  She was the mother of eight children, four living.  The subject of this sketch, Noah Thomas, has a nice house and lot, his residence, on East Carpenter street.  He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.

     WILLIAM HOLT was born on a plantation about seventeen miles north of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Feb. 1, 1836.  He lived there as a slave of Allen Jones until twenty-six years of age, when he was sold to a speculator, Stephen Page, who took him to Greensboro, North Carolina, where he was sold to Dr. B. F. Arington.  One year after he went with the Doctor to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he remained until Sherman was expected, when he was sold to Henry Hazel; remained with him one week, when he was freed.  He was then employed at Sherman's headquarters as cook for Major Dayton until July 19, 1865, when he came to St. Louis, Missouri, and hired to a man named Douglas, and went with him to Arkansas; was at Pine Bluff and Litte Rock three months, then came to Cairo, Illinois, and was employed as janitor in the Judge Bross' building nearly three years, then worked in the old Richmond Hotel in Chicago, five months, and St. James one month, then came to Springfield, Illinois, since worked in the Leland Hotel six or seven months, then worked for Jake Strawn on a farm twelve miles east of Jacksonville, Illinois, and in Jacksonville some seven or eight months; then came back to Springfield and worked in the Leland Hotel until four years ago.  Since that time has done janitor work; is the present janitor of the Second Presbyterian Church.  He was married to Mary J. Beatty, July 24, 1873; she was born in Indiana.  She was a daughter of Isaac Beatty, born in Tennessee.  He was a member of the A. M. E. Church.  His wife, Julia Brown, was born in Maryland.  The father of William Holt, John Holt, was born on Brice's creek, North Carolina.  He was a member of the A. M. E. Church, and began preaching when he was eighteen.  His wife, Susan Starkey, was born in North Carolina.  She was also a member of the A. M.E. Church, and mother of sixteen children.  Mr. and Mrs. William Holt are members of the A. M. E. Church, at Springfield, and have one child, Matilda E. Holt.  Mr. Holt is steward of the Second A. M. E. Church.  He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.  He owns a nice residence at No. 1522, East Capitol Avenue.

     WILLIAM FRY was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, Nov. 27, 1846.  When eighteen years of age, he came to Springfield and began to work as assistant miller and engineer in the Metropolitan Mills; remained there until 1865, when he began work in the Illinois Mills; remained in these mills four years and ten months, then went to Lincoln, Illinois, and worked in the Elliott Mills and Elevator four or five months, when he returned to Springfield and began work at the Leland Hotel as engineer; remained there six months, then was chief engineer in the Illinois Mills eleven months, when he took the position as chief engineer at the Riverton Paper Mills, remained there four months, then August, 1872, he began work in the Excelsior Mills as chief engineer, a position he still holds.  His father, Henry Fry, was born in Kentucky; he was a farmer; he died Jan. 2, 1875.  His wife, Louisa Bell, was born in Danville, Kentucky.  She is a member of the M. E. Church and has had nine children, five living, viz:  Fannie Dyer, Mary Mosby, Annie Fry, Joshua Fry and William Fry, the subject of this sketch,
is a member of the Central Masonic Lodge, No. 3, at Springfield, Illinois.  He has a common school education and attended school at Springfield, Illinois; cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.

     GUSTAVUS B. GEORGE was born on a farm in Wilson county, Tennessee, May 4, 1836, when nineteen years of age he went to Clinton county, Illinois, and worked on a farm eleven years, then worked at Alton, Illinois, as blacksmith, two years, when he enlisted in Company G, Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Infantry, and served two years and six months, he then went to Clinton county, Illinois, and married Miss Mary Gains, Mar. 7, 1865.  She was born in Carlyle county, Illinois, Nov. 30, 1851; she was a daughter of Anthony Gaines, born in Tennesse and Sarah J. Cole, born in South Carolina; the fruits of this marriage is six children, viz.: Mary J. George, Mattie, William A., Clara, Benjamin and Nettie George.  After his marriage, he farmed in Clinton county, Illinois, five or six years, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, and has worked in this city for different parties ever since; is at present working in Elder's tin and stove store.  He is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 3, at Springfield, Illinois, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.

     CLARK DUNCAN was born in Logan County, Kentucky, Oct. 15, 1848.  In 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifteenth Colored Infantry, and was shortly afterward made first Sergeant in Co. B., Sixth Cavalry, (col'd.); remained in the service about two years, and when he was mustered out near Helena, Arkansas, he then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and remained three or four months, then went to Russelville, Kentucky, and remained there nearly three years, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, and remained some eight months, then returned to Russelville, Kentucky.  Some six weeks after he returned to Springfield, Illinois, and began work at the Leland Hotel, where he now is.  He was married to Miss Julia Chavious Apr. 28, 1871, she was born in the city of Springfield, Illinois; is a daughter of Malan Chavious—born in Kentucky.  He was a barber, by trade, and died May 29, 1879.  His wife, Alseen Florville, was born in Springfield, Illinois; she is a member of the Baptist Church, and is living in Springfield, Illinois.  The father of Clark Duncan, George Duncan, was born in Logan County, Kentucky.  His mother, Louisa Orendoff, was born in Kentucky; she was a member of the M. E. Church, and is living in Springfield, Illinois.  Mr. Clark Duncan and wife have three children, viz: Alsee M., Otis B. and Ada L.  Mrs. Duncan is a member of the M. E. Church, Mr. Duncan is a Knight Templar, Mason, and Senior Warden in Lodge No. 3, at Springfield, Illinois, and his wife is Grand Treasurer of the Grand Court of Illinois.  He owns a nice residence at 312 North Thirteenth Street, has a common school education, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant, for President.

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     MARY FARO, widow of Joseph Faro, was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, December, 1830.  July 1861, she was married to Joseph Faro.  He was born in Trumbull County, Kentucky.  His parents were Joseph Faro, Sr., and Hannah Faro.  Joseph Faro, Jr., was first married to Hettie Davis, and they had ten children, six living, viz:  Joseph, Daniel, Ada, Carrie, Laura and Martha.  His second wife, Mary Faro, the subject of this sketch, had two children, both dead.  Joseph Faro, Jr., her husband, was a member of the M. E. Church, and a farmer—died Oct. 15, 1878.  Mrs. Faro is a member of the M. E. Church, on Fourth Street.  Her father, Abson Taylor, was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, as was his mother, Jane Taylor, they were members of the Baptist Church.  Mrs. Faro has a nice residence at 313 North Tenth Street, where she resides.

     WILLIAM HATCHER was born on his father's farm in Chesterfield District, South Carolina, May 13, 1817; his father died when he was some six years of age; when eight years of age he struck out for himself.  He remained in South Carolina until eighteen years of age.  He then ran a cotton boat on the Pee Dee river.  South Carolina, a few months, then served an apprenticeship three years and learned the trade of bricklayer.  In 1855, he went to Indianapolis, Indiana; remained there three years, and married Miss Minerva Fair, June, 1856.  He then removed to Paris, Illinois, and worked at his trade seven years; then moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, and remained there until 1865, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, where he now resides, and is still working at his trade of bricklaying.  His father, Griffin Hatcher, was born in South Carolina; he was a farmer, and died in 1823.  The wife of Griffin Hatcher, Susan Cooper, was born in South Carolina; her father was a Frenchman and her mother an Indian.  Mr. and Mrs. William Hatcher are members of the M. E. Church; in politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Pope, for President of the United States.  Mr. Hatcher owns a nice residence at 919 East Carpenter, where he resides.  He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 4, at Springfield, Illinois.

     MADISON VEAL was born in Wilkinson county, Mississippi, Mar. 9, 1844, he lived there until June 11, 1863, when he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry, was mustered out at Brownsville, Texas, and discharged at Camp Butler, Illinois, October, 1865.  He then worked at the Hewlett Distillery at Riverton one winter and spring; then worked on a farm for J. H. Murphy, at Auburn, Illinois, one year and five months, when he worked for L. B. Adams on a farm seven years, then visited his old home in Mississippi, returned to Springfield, and worked on a farm for Enoch Snyder one year; then began to work for F. Tracy, where he now remains.  His father, William Veal, was born in Tennessee; he is living near Woodsville, Mississippi; his wife, Mary Brent, was born at Holly Grove, Mississippi, she is a member of the Baptist Church, and is living in Mississippi.  Madison Veal was married to Miss Laura Cheetam, May 5, 1871, she was born near Goodrich Landing, Louisiana; she was a daughter of Henry and Melonia Cheetam.  Madison Veal and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Springfield, Illinois.  He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.  He lives at 1039 Spring street, in Springfield, Illinois.