again turned his attention to teaching. He began
his school without a certificate, with the under-
standing that he would teach without remunera-
tion if he was not able to get the same. It is
needless to say that he did not teach for
nothing, for after the first term he received a
first-grade certificate and continued to hold one as
long as he taught. In March, 1875, he came to his
present home. The place was unimproved, only
fourteen acres of it having been broken. He now
owns one hundred and sixty acres, which are thor-
oughly tiled. For several j'ears he has assisted J. W.
Zea in his grain oflice. He has been doing a real-
estate business, renting and looking after farms
for their owners. Mr. Dixon was a teacher for
over twentj' years in La Salle, Ford and Iroquois
Counties.
Politically, Mr. Dixon is a Republican, his first
Presidential vote having been cast for Gen. Scott,
and his succeeding ballots have been given in sup-
port of the Republican nominees. He is a member of
the Central Committee from his district. In La
Salle County he was Deputy Sheriff for four years.
Constable sixteen jears, and Township Clerk for
a year. He is now a member of the Board of
Commissioners for La Hogue Drainage District.
Both he and his wife are members of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church of La Hogue, he having been
a Steward and Trustee since the organization of
the church. He has also been the Sunday-school
Superintendent for many j-ears. Socially, he is a
member of the Masonic fraternity. Since coming
to this county, Mr. Dixon has written consider-
able toy the local papers of the county.
On the anniversary of the eleventh wedding
day of Mr. and Mrs. Dixon, their friends gave
them a pleasant surprise. Coming en masse, they
spent the da}' and remembered them with a fine
dinner set. Messrs. Tullis and Mace presented
them with silver knives and forks, and his chil-
dren gave to Mr. Dixon a gold-headed cane. He
has seen all the phases of pioneer life. When his
father brought his family to La Salle County,
tliere were nine in the family to care for. and on
his arrival there he had but *5 in money. Until a
log house could be erected, thej- were obliged to
live in a tent. In those davs shoes and clothing
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
503
were made at Uome. The father would often work
a wliole day for a bushel of corn, afterward car-
rviiii; it a distance of three miles on liis back
to the mill in order to have it ground. He
owned no team at first, but later had an ox-
team. At one lime for nearh' four months the
family had to live on pork and hominy as they
were not able to get any corn ground. Mr. Dixon
has been Vice President and Superintendent of
the agricultural department of the Ford County
Agricultural Association since its organization.
C. .TOHNSON, a prominent citizen and
honored pioneer of Iroquois Countj-, who
lii is now living retired in Woodland, well
^jjj deserves representation in this volume,
for during almost half a century he has been con-
nected with the history of this community. A
native of Ohio, he was born in Columbus, .January
12, 1822. His father, Isaac Johnson, was a native
of Virginia, but during his boj'hood emigrated
with his parents to the Buckeye State. His father
was a Revolutionary hero, and died in Ohio.
Isaac served in the War of 1812 under Gen. Will-
iam Henry Harrison, and participated in the
battles of Ft. Meigs and Themes. In Columbus
he married Nancy Tucker, a native of Virginia.
Her father, a native of Delaware, also wore the blue
and buff, and served throughout the War for In-
dependence. The family also had its representa-
tives in the Mexican War. James and Edward,
brothers of our subject, enlisted in the Fourth
Ohio Regiment under Col. Bruff; the former died
in \era Cruz, but Edward served throughout the
entire struggle.
We now take up the personal history of A. C.
Johnson, who is the only surviving member of
the family of seven children. He was reared in
an old log cabin, and was educated by the light of
the fire-place in the subscription school. His ad-
vantages were very limited, and, as he was the
eldest son in the family, at the age of twelve years
he took charge of the home farm, which he oper-
ated until the death of his mother, which occurred
on the 1st of March, 1846. In 1843 Mr. Jolmson
made a trip to Illinois, where he spent the winter
and located land, but did not make a permanent
settlement until 1847. He secured forty acres of
unimproved land from the Government on section
19, Belmont Township, and upon the farm which
he there developed made his home until Novem-
ber, 1891. In connection with general farming,
he also engaged in teaching school for some years
in this county, and followed the carpenter's trade
for some time.
On the 14th of September, 1849, Mr. Johnson
was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary M. Body, a
native of Fountain County, Ind., who at the age
of ten years came to this county with her parents.
Her father and mother were both natives of Penn-
sylvania, and were of German descent. Ten chil-
dren were born unto our subject and his wife:
Laura, now the wife of Joseph Stevens, a farmer
of Kansas; Susan, wife of Frank Hillis, of Ash
Grove; Emory, who is engaged in farming in Kan-
sas; Serelda, wife of E. S. Sperry, of Vermilion
County; Josie, deceased, wife of Jonas M. Rush;
Chase A., an attorney at law, of Albuquerque, N.
M.; Mahlon, a real-estate dealer of Winfield, Kan.;
Serena, now Mrs. Fairchild,of Danville, Vermilion
County; Frank, who graduated from the State
University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor; and Rosa,
at home. The children were all provided with
good educational advantages, attending the pub-
lic schools and the Normal College of Valparaiso,
Ind.
Mr. Johnson and his wife are members of the
United Brethren Church. He has ever taken quite
a prominent part in public affairs. He cast his
first Presidential vote for J. P. Hale, and was one
of the original Abolitionists. He was a warm
friend of Lovejo}', and his home was a station on
the famous Underground Railroad. When the
Republican party was formed to prevent the
further extension of slavery, he at once espoused
the cause and aided in its organization in this
county. He has often served as delegate to its
conventions, and has ever been a prominent
worker in its interests. He held a number of
offices of honor and trust. For sixteen years he
served as Justice of the Peace, w.as also Assessor
504
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and Township Clerk, discharging his duties witli
promptness and fidelity which won liim tlie com-
mendation of all.
In his business career Mr. Johnson won success,
and he has now a handsome property as the result
of his own well-directed efforts. He owns three
hnndred and twenty acres of land, which was
transformed from a tract of wild prairie into a
valuable and fertile farm by his own industry. In
the early pioneer days he raised all his grain hy
hand and harvested with a sickle. He is familiar
with the pioneer history of this county, having
located here before the introduction of the rail-
road, and when manj' of the now flourishing
towns and villages had not sprung into existence.
His market in those days was Chicago. He aided
in the organization of the township, and no man
has done more for its upbuilding than our subject.
He is now living retired in the enjoj-ment of a
â– well-earned rest, and in his declining years is sur-
rounded by man^' warm friends who hold him in
the highest esteem.
â– it'OSEPH GALLOWAY is a member of the
hardware firm of Galloway & Doan, of Well-
ington, and is one of the leading farmers of
the township, his residence being on section
1, Lovejoy Township. He is also an honored vet-
eran of the late war. More than a quarter of a
centuiy has elapsed since he came to Iroquois
Count}', and as a pioneer and valued citizen he
has become so widely known, that he needs no
special introduction to our readers.
Our subject was born in Fountain County, Ind.,
October 19, 1840, and is the third in a family which
numbered three sons and five daughters. The par-
ents were Samuel and Prudence (Planning) Gallo-
way. The father was born in the Empire State,
about 1813, and died in 1883. He was reared
amid tlie Shakers of Oliio, and was an agricultur-
ist. He was also a mechanic and cabinet-maker.
In early life he exercised his right of franchise in
support of the Whig party, and took an active
m
part in the campaign of "Tippecanoe and Tyler,
too." At the organization of the Republican
party he joined its ranks. His wife was born in
Pennsylvania in 1817, and is still living on the
old homestead in Warren Countjs Ind. Of their
children seven are yet living: Lorinda, wife of D.
W. C. Adsit, a farmer of Lovejoy Township; Jo-
seph of this sketch; Iilatilda, the wife of Charles
Jinks, a farmer of Lovejoy; Martha, wife of AVill-
iam McCo}', an agriculturist of Canada East; Sam-
uel, who is married and follows farming in Ver-
milion County; David E. J., who is married and
resides on the old homestead in Indiana; and
Frances, who is the wife of Fremont Messmore, of
Vermilion County.
Our subject spent the greater part of his boy-
hood days upon his father's farm in Warren
County, Ind., and was educated in the common
schools, by private instruction, and by self-culture.
Ere attaining his majority, he offered his services
to the Government, enlisting as a member of Com-
pany K, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry, under Capt.
Niedcrauer and Col. Coburn, of Indianapolis. He
was mustered in September 12, 1861, responding
to the first call for three hundred thousand volun-
teers. The company joined the regiment at Camp
Dick Robinson, Ky., and orders soon afterward
came to proceed to the battle of Wild Cat, Ky-
This was the first engagement fought in Ken tuck}'.
Subsequently the Thirty-third Indiana went to
London, Ky., in pursuit of the rebels, and there
was stationed for a time, the troops all being ill
with the measles. They then retreated to Crab
Orchard Hospital, and thence went to Lexington.
Mr. Galloway was taken sick with typhoid fever,
resulting from cold contrac ted when he had the
measles, and was confined in the hosiiital for six
long mouths. He there endured the hardships of
illness away from home, but through the kindness
of the Ladies' Aid Society, he received competent
medical aid, and at length recovered. He owes
his life to those "Angels of Mercy." Afterward
the regiment went to Cumberland Ford, Ky. In
April, 1862, it was ordered to take Cumberland
Gap. About the 20th of May they removed across
the Cumberland Mountains to Rogers Gap, and,
finding the rebels had evacuated, took possession.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
505
The enemy then came up in the rear, surrounded
our troops, and after about two months the}- were
forced liy a failure of supplies to cut their way
out, which took seventeen days.
In February, 1863. the command to which Mr.
Galloway belonged was ordered to Louisville, and
embarked on a transport bound for Ft. Donelson,
on the Cumberland River. They participated in
the second battle at that place, and from there
went to Nashville, Tenn., and later to Franklin,
where the brigade was sentout on a reconnoitering
tour against (ien. Van Doru. They met the enemy
in battle on the 4th of March, and the following
day moved on to Thompson's Station, where the
battle was fought. The Union army was led into
ambush, and. valiantly fighting for six hours, were
finally captured, for their ammunition gave out,
and they were only eleven hundred against eigh-
teen thousand. They were sent to Libby Prison at
Richmond, where Mr. Galloway remained for about
a mouth, when he was paroled. He then went to
City Point, and afterward to Fortress Monroe on a
flag-of-truee boat, and later to Annapolis, Balti-
more, Columbus (Ohio), and on home, where he re-
mained until he was exchanged on the 1st of July,
18()3. He rejoined the forces at Na.shville, and
did guard duty from Chattanooga to Christiana,
where he remained until January 26, 1864, when
he veteranized and returned home on a thirty-
day furlough. On the expiration of that period
he rejoined his regiment at Chattanooga, Tenn.,
and entered upon the famous Atlanta campaign.
His regiment was a part of the Third Division, Sec-
ond Brigade, Twentieth Army Corps, commanded
by Gen. Joe Hooker, and the second engagement
was at Resaca, Ga. They were under almost con-
stant fire for one hundred and four days, partici-
pating in the battles of Dallas Wood, Kenesaw
Mountain. Marietta, and in all the engagements in
that campaign. He was activeh' engaged in the
battle of Peach Tree Creek, where for two hours
they met the enemj- in a hand-to-hand conflict,
many of the boys on both sides fighting for the
last time. On this occasion Samuel Williams, a
comrade of our subject, and an honorable, brave
soldier wiis killed. The mess had just made their
coffee and passed in their canteens, and as the com-
pany was entering the battle, Williams remarked
to his cousin that he was going to be killed or
badly wounded, and gave him his pocket-book and
day-book. His comrades asked him to keep back,
but he bravely replied that he might as well go as
any, and marched on. In a half-hour his body
was found, pierced through both shoulders, and
through the head from the front. Mr. Galloway
was by his side when the poor fellow was killed.
On the 22d and 28th of July occurred two hard
battles at Atlanta, and the Thirty-third Indiana
Regiment carried the first flag into the city after
its surrender. A mouth later they started on the
celebrated march to the sea. and Mr. Galloway was
alwa^ys with his command. At Savannah a slight
skirmish occurred, and for two weeks the troops
lived upon rice from the shock. After remaining
there for about a month, the regiment reached
Columbia, S. C, on the 17th of February, 1865.
The town was burned by the rebels. History con-
tradicts this, but the facts are full}' substantiated
by the soldiers who were present. From that place
the troops made their way through North Carolina
to Averysboro, where a battle was fought, March
16, 1865, and the Thirty-third lost heavil}-.
They then went to Bentonville, N. C, where an-
other battle occurred on the 19th of March, the
rebels trying to cut ofif the troops who were acting
as guards to the wagon trains, but they failed.
They then went to Goldsboro, and afterward to
Raleigh, where Gen. Josei)li E. Johnston surren-
dered his forces, April 17, 1865. Later they
marched to Richmond, and on to Washington, T).
C, where the Thirty-third Indiana participated in
the Grand Review, the most brilliant military pa-
geant ever beheld in America. After about a
month, Mr. Galloway went to Louisville, Ky., by
way of Harper's Ferry, and on the 21st of July,
1865, was mustered out in Indianapolis, after al-
most four years of service. He was always found
at his post of duty, valiantly defending the Old
Flag, and of his army record he may well be proud.
All honor is due to the noble men who wore the
blue and saved their country from destruction.
Our subject was promoted to the rank of Corporal
and afterward made Sergeant.
Mr. Gallowa}- returned home in poor health. He
506
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
began herding cattle in Lovejoy Township, and
after two years purchased his farm of one hundred
and sixty acres, upon which he has since resided.
The same year he married Miss Louisa Ilaines,
daugiiter of Harvey Haines. Their union was
celebrated April 28, 1867, and unto them have
been born two sons and throe daughters, all jet
living: Ella, wife of Frank Johnson, a salesman in
Pate's store, of Wellington; Wilbur U., who was
graduated from the Commercial College of Terre
Haute, Ind., is in the hardware business in Welling-
ton; Hettie L., wife of William Lockhart, who re-
sides in Prairie Green Township; Maggie E., wife
of Henry Evans, of Lovejoy Township; and David
A., at home. The mother of this family' was called
to her final rest, .Taniiarj- 16, 1875, and on tlie 28th
of March, 1877, Mr. Galloway married Miss Re-
becca Doan, sister of Capt. W. V. Doan, of Wel-
lington, and a daughter of Elisha and Mary Ann
(Ward) Doan. They have two children, a son and
daughter, John D. and Fannie.
In politics, Mr. Galloway is a stanch Re|)ub-
licau, having supported that party since he cast
his first Presidential vote for Gen. Grant. He has
frequently been a delegate to the county conven-
tions, and has held various public offices. He
helped organize his township, and has been in
some official position since. For ten years he has
been the efficient Supervisor of Lovejoy Township,
and is now Chairman of the Board. For eight
years he was Town Clerk, for three years was As-
sessor, was Collector for one year. Highway Com-
missioner for twelve years. School Trustee for five
years, and School Director for two terms. The
promptness and fidelity with which he has dis-
charged his duties have led to his frequent re-elec-
tions. Sociallj', he is a member of the Odd Fellows'
society, of Wellington. He belongs to Harmon
Post No. 1 15, G. A. R., of Hoopeston, and is Senior
Grand Commander of the Eastern Illinois Depart-
ment. His wife is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and he has given liberallj- to its
support, and to all enterprises calculated to prove
of public benefit.
The farm of Mr. Galloway comprises two
hundred and eighty acres of valuable land. It is
supplied with all modern improvements, and a
beautiful country residence, which is tiie abode of
hospitality, Mr. and Mrs. Galloway are promi-
nent citizens of his community, and in social cir-
cles rank high. In summing up the life of our
subject, we see that he was a valiant soldier, and
an honored earlj' settler, that he is a valued citi-
zen, and that his excellencies of character and his
sterling worth have brought him the confidence
and high regard of all with whom he has come in
contact.
â– jl? EMUEL B. RUSSELL, one of the well-to-do
I (j^, citizens of Ash Grove Township, who is
J^V jjo,v living retired at his pleasant residence
on section 35, was born in Warren County, Ind.,
November 30, 1829, and is a son of William Rus-
sell. His father was a native of Virginia. In
Ohio, he married Miss Fannie Hall, a native of the
Buckej-e State, and in 1828 they removed to War-
ren County, Ind., where, in the midst of the forest,
he hewed out a farm. The mother died in War-
ren County, Ind., and the father also spent his last
days tlicre. Their family numbered eleven chil-
dren, four of whom are yet living: Lawrence, a
resident farmer of Wessington Springs, S. Dak.;
IMrs. Nancy Jones, who is living in Attica, Ind.;
Lemuel, whose name heads this sketch; and Mrs.
Jane Rhodes, who resides in Warren County, near
the old homestead.
The subject of this sketch was reared in the
county of his nativity. His mother died when he
was a lad of ten summers. His privileges, educa-
tional and otherwise,were very limited. He conned
his lessons in a log schoolhouse with slab seats and
a huge fireplace, and windows only on one side,
but his training in farm work was not meagre. As
soon as he was old enough to handle the plow, he
began work in the fields, and at the age of sixteen
he started out to earn bis own livelihood, since
which time he has been dependent upon his own
resources. He worked as a farm hand at $12 per
month, and when by his industry and perseverance
he had acquired some capital, he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land and made his
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
507
home upon that farm for three years. In 1862. he
came to Iroquois County and in Fountain Creek
Townsiiip purchased two iiundred acres of land,
making his lionie upon that farm for twenty years.
During the present decade, he has resided upon
his present farm, and to general farming and stock-
raising h.is devoted liis time and attention until
quite recently.
On the 29th of December, 18.59, in Warren
Counts-, Ind.. Mr. Russell wedded !Miss Ann E.
Hickman, who was born and reared in that county
and is a daughter of Peter J. and Mary (Gullett)
Hickman. Her parents were married over sixty
years ago, and for fort\- years they resided upon
one farm. In their family there was never a death
until the father was called to his final rest. Unto
Mr. and ilrs. Russell liave been born four children,
but Peter \V.. who w.as born in Indi.ina, died at
the age of six yeai-s, and Lawrence died in infancy.
The living arc Charles E., whom we will mention
later on; and Lemuel B.,who is now attending Rush
Medical College, of Chicago. The mother of this
family is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church iu Goodwine. Mr. Russell is liberal in his
religious views, but his life has been one of honor
and upright dealing in all business relations and
has won him confidence and high regard. He cast
his first Presidential vote for Franklin Pierce in
1852, and has since been a stalwart supporter
of the Democratic party. He takes great interest
in political aflfairs and has often been a delegate
to his party's conventions. He is now living a
retired life, enjoying a well-earned rest and the
fruits of his former labor. His business career has
been a remarkabh' successful one and l\y his well-
du-ecled efforts he has arisen to a position of
wealth.
Charles Elbert Russell, who now operates the
old home farm, was born on the homestead on sec-
tion 36, Ash Grove Township, April 4, 1865. in a
log cabin which still stands, one of the few land-
marks of pioneer days that yet remain. His boy-
hood da^-s were spent under the parental roof, and
his early education, acquired in the public schools,
was supplemented bv study in the Wesle3'an Uni-
versity, of Bloomington, and a course in the Onarga
!>eminar\-. He left school at the age of tweutv-oue
and engaged in teaching for about five years dur-
ing the winter season, while in the summer months
he worked upon the farm. He was a successful
instructor. On the 5th of April, 1887, near I'ine
Village, Ind., he led to the marriage altar ^liss
Anna M. Blind, who w.is born and reared in War-
ren County. Their union has been blessed with
one son, Baxley B., born on the 28th of June,
1891.
For the past five 3'eai-s, Mr. Russell has been op-
erating the old homestead. It comprises two hun-
dred and sixty-five acres of valuable land, under a
high state of cultivation and well improved. The
place is complete in all its appointments and is
considered one of the model farms in the commun-
ity. Mr. Russell is a Democrat in politics and has
served as a delegate to the countv and congres-
sional conventions. His wife is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, of Goodwine. They
are numbered among the leading \-oung people of
the community and rank high in social circles.
Their home is a hospitable one. Mr. Russell is a
worthv representative of a pioneer family and is a
wide-awake and enterprising business m.an, who has
proved himself a valued citizen of the community.
LEMENT THOMAS is a representative of
one of the first families to locate in Iro-
quois County, and for sixty-one years he
has here resided. He was born in Adams Count}-,
Ohio, June 22, 1820, and is a son of Asa and
Eleanor (Freeman) Thomas, both of whom were
natives of Maryland. When quite a young boj',
Asa Thomas lost his father, and a few years after-
ward removed with his mother to the Buckeye
State. At the age of twenty-six he married Miss
Freeman, and shortly afterward left home to enter
the service of his country in the AVar of 1812.
While in the war their eldest son, William, was
born. After his return home, Mr. Thomas con-
tinued to reside in Ohio until 1829, when he
moved to Tippecanoe County, Ind. In March, 1831,
he emigrated to Illinois and pre-empted a tract of
land three-quarters of a mile northeast of Milford.
508
PORTRAIT AND BTOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
About three 3'ears later he sold this and purchased
a farm of oue hundred and sixl}' acres a mile
south of Jlilford. There he reared his large fam-
ily.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were born twelve
children, six sons and six daughters, of whom the
sons and one daughter are yet living: William
married Mar}' J. Harness, and had eiglit children:
America, Asa, George, Van Ransselaer, John, Se-
dessa, Madama and Frank. AUie is the wife of
Elijah Sapp, of Iroquois County, and unto tliem
were born nine children: William, Nellie, Ben-
jamin, Mar}', Sallie, Allie, Elijah, Joseph and