MRS. OLIVE A. ADAMS, widow of Capt. William E. Adams, is well known throughout Charleston Township as having been the close friend and helpmeet of one of its most highly respected citizens.  Capt. Adams was a native of Bedford County, Tenn., born Oct. 15, 1830, and the son of John J. and Martha (Gammill) Adams, who became residents of Coles County in December, 1830.  They located in what is now Pleasant Grove Township, and became the parents of the family of seven children, of whom the records is as follows:  Elizabeth is the wife of R. P. Brown, of Hillsboro; Eliza married Dr. S. A. Reel, of Oakland; Martha wife of Thomas West, a merchant of Western Texas; Margaret, Mrs. John Grimes, is a resident of Kansas, where her husband is conducting a good farm; David married Miss Hannah Harris, of this county, and is farming in Benton County, Ark.; John A., who served as a Union soldier, died in the army typhoid fever; William E., of our sketch, was the eldest.
     John J. Adams engaged in farming all his life, and gave his children an excellent practical education.  William E. remained steadily at home until fifteen years old, and early in life distinguished himself as an ambitious boy of more than ordinary intelligence.  At the age mentioned, he commenced buying and herd in stock, and driving to Wisconsin.  In the meantime he occupied his leisure moments in the reading of law, and made such proficiency, that in 1857 he was admitted to the bar, receiving his credentials at Madison, Wis.  He at once commenced the practice of his chosen profession at Mattoon, this county, which he continued until after the outbreak of the Rebellion.  After watching the fruitless struggle until August, 1862, he could content himself at home no longer, and accordingly enlisted in the 123d Illinois Infantry, being  at once chosen as Captain of Company I.  He was engaged in the battles of Perryville, Ky., Chattanooga, Chickamauga and Farmington, Tenn., during which he received three wounds and departed himself as a brave and unflinching soldier. He possessed in a remarkable degree the respect of his superior offices and the affection and esteem of his subordinates.  After the surrender of Lee, he returned with his comrades to Springfield, Ill., and was mustered out as Major.
     Upon his return to civil life, Capt. Adams was destined to play an important part in the affairs of Coles County.  He soon became Clerk of the Court, and at the expiration of his first term, was re-elected.  He was chosen to the position of County Judge in 1873, and served with marked ability until 1877.  Besides being entrusted with other important matters he was a member of the City Council for three years, and Secretary of Coles County Old Settlers' Society.  Everything pertaining to the moral and intellectual welfare of the people around him uniformly received his considerate attention.  He was one of the pillars of the Presbyterian Church, in which he served as an Elder for many years, and was also connected with the Board of Education.  At his death, which occurred on the 21st of September, 18844, the Coles County Bar passed resolutions of respect, as did also the Knights of Honor, the I. O. O. F., and Charleston Post No. 271, G. A. R.
     The marriage of Capt. Adams and Miss Olive A. Holton, of Blue Mound, Wis., took place at the home of the bride's parents in Blue Mound, in 1859.  Mrs. Adams was the daughter of David and Olive (Green) Holton, natives of Vermont, who emigrated to Wisconsin from Bedford in 1853.  They located upon a tract of land in Blue Mound Township, engaged in farming, and were numbered among the most highly respected residents of that section.  They possessed the kindly and reliable traits of an excellent English ancestry, and reared a family of six children, as follows:  Sarah, the eldest daughter, became the wife of V. M. Fairbanks, a farmer of Minnesota; Mary, Mrs. W. Sawyer, continues to reside in her native State of Vermont; Maria, who was the wife of Samuel Clarke, died in Springfield, Mass., several years ago; Harriet is the wife of J. Jameson, a carpenter of Mattoon; Olive, Mrs. Adams, was the fifth child; Jane, Mrs. E. B. Needham, is sojourning in Delight, Neb., where her husband is engaged in the hardware trade.  David Holton departed this life at Madison, Wis., on the 17th of January, 1870.  The mother survived her husband over six years, her death occurring at Charleston, Dec. 17, 1876.  She was a member of the Congregational Church, and a lady held in high regard for her many estimable qualities.
     The children of Capt. and Mrs. Adams, five in number, were John H., Jennie M., Sarah S., the wife of S. M. Leaitch, and the mother of one child, Marion; William E. and Olive E.  Mrs. Adams has a fine home in the southern part of the city, and is surrounded by all the comforts of life, while enjoying the affection of her children and a large circle of friends.
Source:  Portrait and Biographical Album of Coles Co., Illinois - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Brothers.  1887 - Page 204

WILLIAM Z. ALLEN.  The names of this gentleman is familiar throughout East Oakland Township as that of an enterprising and wide-awake citizen, whose determination to settle down in this section of the country, was one of the best things that could have happened to said section, as he brought to it his resolution and industry, and has built up within its borders one of the finest farms which has assisted so largely in the embellishment of the landscape.  The history of Mr. Allen, who made he most properly termed a self-made man, is essentially as follows:
     The first twelve months of the life of William Z. Allen were spent in South Carolina, where his birth took place on the farm of his father, Oct. 16, 1821.  His parents, John and Delilah (Clanton) Allen, were natives of the same locality, whence they removed when their son was a year old, to East Tennessee, where they remained eleven years, and then coming North, located in Edgar County, this State, of which they were residents for thirty years following.  They finally sold out the old homestead in Edgar County, and became residents of Douglas County, where the death of the father took place in 1865.  The mother survived her husband twenty-one years dying in 1886.  Both parents were born in 1796.  Their ten children were named respectively, James, Martha, William Z., Elizabeth, Mary, Dorcas, Margaret, James B., Francis M. and John.  The latter died in childhood.  John Allen was a man of deep piety, and a prominent member of the United Brethren Church, in which he was one of the chief pillars, and to whose support he always contributed liberally and cheerfully.
     The subject of this notice received the advantages of a common-school education, came to Illinois with his parents, and remained with them on the homestead in Edgar County until his marriage.  He then purchased forty acres of land and set to work with the intention of accumulating a fortune.  How well he has succeeded in his determination, the broad acres which constitute his farm, and the fine improvements which he has made upon it, are silent but forcible witnesses.  When starting out in life he was thrown entirely upon his own resources, even having to borrow the $1.12½ with which to buy his license to be married.  The young lady who had consented to unite herself with these doubtful fortunes, was Miss Amanda Ervin, who became his wife on the 14th of May, 1840, the wedding taking place in Edgar County.  Mrs. Allen was born in Fayette County, Ky., in 1823, and is the daughter of Elias and Martha (Eaton) Ervin, natives respectively of Maryland and Kentucky.  Both parents were born and died in the same year, being each eighty-four years of age.  The children of Mr. and Mrs. Allen, were John I., who died in childhood; William H., Delilah E., Martha A.; Sarah E. became the wife of James Lowler, and died in Kansas in 1886; James C., Charles W. and Job; the two latter died in infancy.
     After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Allen worked in harmony with the one purpose in view, of establishing a home and a worthy position, both socially and financially.  They lived economically, and each year added to the snug sum which was invested in a wise and judicious manner.  After a residence of thirty-four years in this county, they can look back with satisfaction and the consciousness of a well-spent life, in which they have sought to render kindly offices to those in need, and to rear their children in a manner best calculated to make of them worthy and honorable citizens.  Mrs. Allen never attended school a day in her life, and after she was fifty years old learned the art of penmanship, in which she is quite proficient.  She has developed into a fine reader, and spends a large portion of her time with her books and periodicals, fro which she has gained a valuable fund of information, and by reason of which she is a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, and one extremely pleasant to converse with.
     Both our subject was his wife, at an early day identified themselves with the United Brethren Church, of which Mr. A. has been a Trustee for thirty years, and since 1857 has officiated much of the time as Class-leader and Steward.  He contributed largely to the erection of the first church of that denomination in this county.  He has been greatly interested in the success of the temperance movement, and politically, is a stanch Republican, upholding his principles with all the energy of his character, and during the late war was the uncompromising foe of rebellion and succession.
Source:  Portrait and Biographical Album of Coles County, Illinois - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Brothers.  1887 - Page 194

JOSEPH ALLISON, deceased, was one of the pioneers of Coles County, his residence here dating from 1833.  His father, Andrew Allison, was born in the North of Ireland during the religious dissensions by which Scotland was disturbed during the latter part of the seventeenth century.  They settled in North Carolina, where Joseph Allison was born in 1796.  He passed his early life in that State, and his marriage to Miss Margaret Ann Cathey took place there.  Mrs. Allison was the daughter of Henry and Margaret Cathey.  Her parents were natives of Scotland, who came to the United States and settled in Carolina, where their daughter Margaret was born.
     After his marriage, Joseph Allison removed to the State of Tennessee, where he remained about twelve years.  The successful close of the Black Hawk War that time, resulted in attracting many Eastern settlers to Illinois, and Mr. Allison resolved to move with his young family, and brave the perils and hardships of pioneer life on the Western frontier.  He came to Illinois in 1833, and settled in Coles County, where his influence in political, religious and moral questions, was of great advantage in the formation of society in a new country.  He assisted in organizing the New School Presbyterian Church, of Pleasant Grove Township, of which he was an active member and one of the first Elders.  He was a strong advocate of temperance, and in the early days belonged to the Whig party in politics, becoming a stanch Republican after the organization of that party.  His convictions in regard to all subjects of National or social importance were very pronounced, and previous to the war he was a warm Abolitionist.  With the consent and approval of his wife, he made sue of a sum of money which she had received from her father's estate in North Carolina, to assist the slaves, who endeavored to escape from the galling chains of bondage to Canada, over the Underground Railroad, and in 1861 circulated a petition containing a large number of names, in behalf of the emancipation of the slave, which was sent to President Lincoln at Washington.
     Mr. and Mrs. Allison had a family of seven children born to them whose record is as follows:  Sarah, Andrew, Rebecca and John are deceased; Frances is now the widow of Rufus Allison, who served in Co. 1, 123d Ill. Vol. Inf., and died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., in 1863; Nancy T., now Mrs. Nicholson, and Mary, Mrs. Grimes.  Mr. Allison never aspired to political preferment, but was interested in educational affairs, and served as School Director; he was Treasurer eighteen years.  His death occurred in August, 1862.  His widow survived him many years, and died in October, 1877.
      Mr. Allison was distinguished for his strict adherence to honor and principle in all the affairs of life, and his influence was ever exerted on the side of truth and justice, qualifications which rendered him a man of great value in a new community, where a strong element of law and order-loving people is necessary to restrain the license resulting from a crude state of society.
Source:  Portrait and Biographical Album of Coles County, Illinois - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Brothers.  1887 - Page 293
NOTE:   See Joseph Allison's portrait in PIONEERS of COLES COUNTY, ILLINOIS, publ. 1942

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Coles Co., Illinois - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Brothers.  1887- Page 537

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Coles Co., Illinois - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Brothers.  1887- Page 487

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Coles Co., Illinois - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Brothers.  1887- Page 516

JAMES ANDERSON is the owner of a fine estate, containing 155 acres of land, located on section 20, Pleasant Grove Township.  He was born in Montgomery County, Md., Dec. 25, 1825, and is the son of James and Mary (Rodgers) Anderson, natives of Pennsylvania.  His paternal grandfather, Andrew Anderson, was a native of England, and emigrating to the United States early in life, settled in Pennsylvania.  His maternal grandparents were natives of the North of Ireland, who, after their arrival in this country, were likewise among the early settlers of Pennsylvania.  After his marriage, James Anderson, Sr. removed to the State of Maryland, and engaged in farming in Montgomery County.  In about 1832, the family removed to Guernesey County, Ohio.  It was before the days of railroads, and they made the long and weary journey overland, camping out for the night in the open country, when the weather was not too rough, and sometimes seeking the friendly shelter of the neighboring farm houses. 
     In the pioneer days, each one was obliged to do whatever work presented itself, and James Anderson was engaged in teaming and farming until about the year 1837, when he removed to Knox County, of the same State, and was there engaged in farming nearly twenty-years; he then removed to Morrow County, where the remaining years of his life were passed.  He was industrious and enterprising in business, and his death occurred at Iowa City, Iowa, whither he had gone to enter land.  He was a successful farmer, an at his death was enabled to leave his children some property.  His wife's death occurred at the homestead in Ohio, several years prior to his own.  Mr. Anderson was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, but never sought political preferment.  He was for many years a prominent member of the Methodist Church.  They had a family of nine children, all of whom grew to maturity, the record being as follows:  Ann Eliza, deceased, formerly the wife of Charles Osborn; Samuel, a resident of Monroe County, Ohio; Lydia, deceased, formerly the wife of Daniel Knowles; James, the subject of this sketch; Mary E., deceased; William, a resident of Mahaska County, Iowa; Elizabeth, deceased; Charles W., a resident of Mattoon, and Maria, the wife of Anson Conklin, a resident of Mahaska County, Iowa.
     James Anderson, Jr., grew to manhood in Ohio, where he was reared on his father's farm.  His educational advantages were necessarily limited to the district log school-house of the pioneer days.  Nevertheless, he obtained much practical knowledge, and early learned the details of systematic farming.  Dec. 27, 1847, he was married to Miss Lucinda Knight, the daughter of Rena and Sarah (Hall) Knight.  Her parents were natives of Maine, where their marriage occurred.  They subsequently removed to Ohio and located in Licking County where they engaged in farming, and made their permanent home there during the remainder of their lives.  Their family consisted of sixteen children, of whom Mrs. Anderson was the youngest.  Mr. and Mrs. Anderson had a family of eight children born to them, one of whom died in infancy.  The record is a follows:  Mary Ann, the wife of Joseph Dorublazer; Columbia, the wife of Luther Lander; William H.; Sarah P., the wife of Clarence Ferguson; Emma, the wife of William D. Horton; Martha the wife of Ralph Jeffris, and Charles W. married Luella Brown.
     After his marriage, Mr. Anderson gave his attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits in Ohio, until 1854, when he removed to Illinois, locating in Cumberland County.  He purchased land there and remained seven years.  He then decided to change his location, and in the spring of 1862 came to Coles County, where he rented land near Mattoon.  After remaining there five years, he purchased 133 acres of his present farm.  The land was all improved, but he has erected substantial buildings, and the appointments of his farm are all comfortable, and in good order.  He has added some land to his first purchase, and now owns a tract containing 155 acres.
     In early life, Mr. Anderson served one year in the Mexican War.  He was a member of the Democratic party until after the Civil War;  He then became a Republican, and adhered to that party twenty years, and has since affiliated again with the Democrats.  He has no taste for public life, and when requested, has always refused to become a candidate for any local office.  He is
interested in educational affairs, and at one time was School Director.  His family were formerly connected with the Methodist Church, but Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been for several year members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Source:  Portrait and Biographical Album of Coles County, Illinois - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Brothers.  1887 - Page 193

JOSEPH ARMSTRONG, a prosperous farmer and Stock-grower, residing in Pleasant Grove Township, has been a resident of this county since 1844.  He was born Aug. 1, 1823, in Highland County, Va., and is the son of Jarred and Agnes (Hiner) Armstrong.  His paternal ancestors had been for many years residents of Virginia, and his mother's family was of German extraction.
     In early life Jarred Armstrong was occupied at the shoemaker's trade and also owned a distillery and mill, but subsequently he engaged quite largely in farming and stock-raising.  He passed his life in Virginia and died there at the advanced age of over eighty years.  His wife also reached the age of fourscore years.  The family on each side in noted for longevity, some members having attained over one hundred years.  Mr. and Mrs. Jarred Armstrong had a family of four sons and five daughters born to them, whose record is as follows: Matilda became the wife of P. J. Edman, and after his death married Charles Roberts, with whom she came to Coles County, where her death occurred at the age of seventy-two years; Mahala became the wife of Jacob Edman, whom she accompanied to this county, where her death occurred in September, 1853; Abel H. died in his native county in Virginia; Martha, who became the wife of Solomon Hedrick died in West Virginia; John T. is a farmer and stock-grower, residing in Highland County, Va.; Mahulda became the wife of Joseph Hiner, and resides in West Virginia; Allan resides on the old homestead in Virginia; Joseph, the subject of this sketch, and Lucinda, the wife of George Hiner, a farmer residing in West Virginia.
     Joseph Armstrong was reared on the old homestead in Virginia, where he acquired a principal knowledge of the details of systematic farming and stock-growing.  When twenty-one years of age, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Leitch.  Mrs. Armstrong was born May 23, 1824, in Pendleton County, Va.  Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Armstrong resolved to seek his fortune in the West, and with his young wife, bravely started out on the long and perilous overland journey from Virginia to this State, with a team of strong horses and a substantial wagon.  After passing through many trials and adventures, they reached their destination in safety, and with hopeful and courageous hearts began the world together on the Western frontier.  Mr. Armstrong settled in Coles County, and in 1847 entered forty acres of his present farm, which he has made the homestead.  He erected a log cabin in the primitive fashion, which his wife, with her womanly tact and good judgment, rendered as comfortable and homelike as the circumstances would permit.  Mr. Armstrong marked off the land and cleared and cultivated his farm, and being industrious and economical, and aided by the housewifely thrift of a devoted wife, has advanced steadily on the road to success. 
     Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong had a family of four children born to them, one of whom died in infancy, and a daughter named Margaret J. died in the spring of 1885, at the age of thirty-four.  The two children living are, Charles E. and Abel T.  Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong are both members of the Methodist Church.  Mr. Armstrong is interested in educational affairs, and has served many years as School Director.  He is a Republican in politics.
     In 1862, at the call of his country, Mr. Armstrong left his home and business and enlisted in Co. I., 123d Ill. Vol. Inf.  He took part in all the principal engagements of the war, and served until its close, proving himself throughout his military career, a brave and efficient soldier.  After his return home, Mr. Armstrong resumed farming, and now owns over 300 acres of valuable land, with an excellent residence and appropriate farm buildings.  He gives special attention to stock-raising, in which he has been very successful.
Source:  Portrait and Biographical Album  of Coles Co., Illinois - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Brothers.  1887 - Page 200

GREEN ARTERBURN.  The farm owned by this gentleman forms one of the prettiest spots in the landscape of Ashmore Township.  The dwelling with its out-buildings, is located on a rise of ground, and the pasture and grain fields stretch away on either side forming a picture which is delightful to look upon.  The grounds around the residence, which are ample and well kept, are planted with choice shade trees, and in the rear is a fine carp pond fed by living springs, and stocked with an abundance of the finny tribe procured from the Government in 1886.  The farm contains 160 acres, finely cultivated, and the residence is one of the most elegant in the township, while the barn and stables correspond in every respect with the main building.
     Mr. Arterburn is a native of the Prairie State, his birth taking place in Edgar County, Dec. 26, 1834.  His parents, John and Mahulda (Watkins) Arterburn, were natives of Jefferson Co., Ky.  The former born Feb. 28, 1804, is still living and a resident of Edgar County, where he owns a fine property and is one of the prominent men of that section.  He votes with the Republican party and is one of the pillars of the Christian Church.  The mother, who was born Jan. 22, 1808, departed this life at the homestead in Edgar County in the spring of 1875.  She was a lady greatly beloved by her family and friends, a faithful and loving wife and mother, and one who performed all her duties in life with a conscientious fidelity which has left its impress upon the hearts of all who knew her.  The household circle included eight children, namely, James, John, Allen, Green, Ann, Norben, Henry, and Mary, now deceased.
     The Arterburn family is of German descent, the earliest representatives in this country settling first in the Blue Grass regions, where they built up for themselves good homes and a name of which their descendants may justly be proud.  Green, of our sketch, remained a member of the parental household until twenty-two years of age, and was then united in marriage with Miss Isabella Kester, a native of his own county, who was born June 16, 1838.  Their wedding took place on Christmas Day in 1855, and they began life together amid the surroundings of a neat little home in Kansas Township, Edgar County.  After the birth of four children, the wife and mother departed this life in the summer of 1878.  Their eldest child, Alice A., was born Dec. 9, 1856, and married David Ross, a merchant of Kansas; Lyman T., born Feb. 3, 1859, married Miss Clara Boyer; John A. was born June 13, 1867, and Mariam E. in November, 1869.
     Mrs. Arterburn was the second time married, Mar. 10, 1880, to Miss Katie Epperson, a native of this county, born in 1847, and the daughter of Green and Thirza (Woods) Epperson, of Kentucky.  Mr. Epperson was born in 1803 and died in 1855, after having spent his entire life as a farmer and stock-dealer.  His wife, Thirza, born in 1807, is still living, a member of the Christian Church and a resident of Ashmore Township.  The nine children of the parental household were named respectively, Burtis C., Cassius, Sidney, Rhodes, Green L., Martha Joseph and John G.   The latter is a practicing physician of the old school, and a resident of Edgar County; he was well educated, and graduated from the medical department of San Francisco College.  Our subject by this latter marriage has one child, a bright little daughter, Jessie T., born Feb. 16, 1885.
    Mr. Arterburn keeps himself well posted upon current events.  As soon as old enough to exercise the rights of a free American citizen, he identified himself with the Republican party, in whose principles he still thoroughly believes, and which he honestly supports by his voice and vote as opportunity occurs,  Both Mr. and Mrs. Arterburn are connected with the Christian Church, in the doctrines of which Mr. A. was reared from early childhood by his excellent parents.  He is filling worthily his niche in life, and in all respects deporting himself as an honest man and a good citizen.
Source:  Portrait and Biographical Album of Coles County, Illinois - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Brothers.  1887 - pg. 188

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Coles Co., Illinois - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Brothers.  1887- Page 215

LOUIS A. ASHWORTH, Supervisor of North Okaw Township, is a prominent and influential citizen, residing on section 22, where he carries on an extensive business in farming and stock-raising.  He was born Dec. 22, 1839, in Mercer County, Va., and is the son of C. C. and Hannah (Mooney) Ashworth, natives of Virginia, as were also his paternal grandparents, Samuel and Rebecca Ashworth.  Virginia has ever been distinguished for the patriotism of her sons, and Samuel Ashworth in his early life served as a private in the War of 1812.  He possessed rare mental abilities, which had been cultivated and improved by an excellent education, and was engaged in teaching throughout his entire life, in which profession he was very successful, and at the age of eighty-four had charge of a class in mathematics in Greenbrier College.  He had full possession of his mental faculties at the age of eighty-seven, when his death occurred.  The preferences of C. C. Ashworth led him to follow the occupation of agriculture.  Late in the autumn of 1853 he emigrated to Illinois, making his first settlement in Shelby County, but soon after changed his location to this county, where he made his permanent home in Mattoon, and there passed the remaining years of his life.
     Louis Ashworth passed his boyhood and youth on the homestead, assisting his father in cultivating and improving the farm during the summer, and attending the district school in the winter, where the educational advantages at that time were very limited.  At the age of twenty-three he started out in life for himself, and engaged in farming on rented land.  At the expiration of two years, passed in energetic application to business, his marriage to Miss Eliza A. Rice took place, July 16, 1863.  Mrs. Ashworth is the daughter of Amos and Sarah (Compton) Rice, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Ohio.  After his marriage, he engaged in farming on rented land belonging to Harrison Smith, located on section 23.  At the expiration of one year he rented the property where he now resides, and after carrying on a successful farming business for five or six years, he moved to section 24, and, associated with his brother Mark, purchased 128 acres of land. A year later he sold his interest to his brother and returned to section 22, where he had previously rented, and within three or four years purchased 160 acres of that property, making his permanent residence there.  He has since made additional purchases, and now owns a fine estate containing 200 acres, all of which is well improved and well stocked.  He has erected a tasteful farm residence, and is rapidly bringing his entire property into a fine state of cultivation.
     Mr. and Mrs. A. had a family of eleven children born to them, all of whom, with one exception, are now living—Mary Elizabeth, Job A., Walter E., James L., William A., Annetta, Sarah Belle, Jessie L., John Arthur and Clinton C.  Their first born, named George Allison, died in infancy.  Mary Elizabeth married Dr. Albert Hamilton, the son of ex-Sheriff Hamilton.  The remainder of the children reside on the homestead with their parents.  Mr. and Mrs. Ashworth are members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Pleasant Grove, in which the former has been a member for twenty-five years, and Deacon twenty-two years; he has also served ten years as Clerk.  With his wife he is an active worker in both the church and Sunday-school, having held the positions of Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent in the latter for many years.
     Mr. and Mrs. Ashworth are influential members of society, possessing the respect and affectionate regard of a lame circle of friends.  Mr. Ashworth is
actively interested in politics, and has been elected to several official positions by the Democratic party, of which he is a warm supporter; he has served as Justice of the Peace for two terms, and is now serving his eighth term as School Director, and his third term as Supervisor of the township, giving general satisfaction to the people in the discharge of his duties.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Coles Co., Illinois - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Brothers.  1887- Page 203

MARK S. ASHWORTH owns and occupies a finely cultivated farm of 120 acres on section 24, in North Okaw Township, where he ranks as a first-class agriculturist, and beside manipulating the soil to profit and advantage, is giving much attention to the raising of graded stock.  Mr. Ashworth is a native of Mercer County, Va., born Mar. 1, 1838, and is the sixth in a family of twelve children, the offspring of Cornelius C. and Hannah (Mooney) Ashworth, also natives of the old Dominion.  Cornelius Ashworth followed farming the greater part of his life, to which he had been reared by his father, Samuel.  The latter in early manhood married Miss Vandusen, and it is supposed that both were also natives of Virginia.
     The father of our subject, after his marriage, removed with his family from his native State to Shelby County, this State, in about 1854.  A year later he came to Coles County, which was then almost a wilderness, and where Mark S., our subject, herded cattle upon land which he would not have accepted to the amount of ten sections, as a gift.  The mother of our subject was the daughter of John and Mary (Stoneman) Mooney, the former a soldier of the Revolutionary War.  After the conflict was ended, he settled down in his native State of Virginia, and both parents there spent their declining years.
     The subject of this sketch remained a member of his father's household until twenty-one years of age.  His early education was exceedingly limited, but he felt the necessity of more learning, and according set about the study of useful books and also preparing himself to give instructions to others.  In due time he had succeeded admirably and attended the first school in what is now the city of Mattoon.  He followed the profession of a teacher for nine years in this county, and then, desirous of establishing a permanent home, abandoned teaching and purchased the land which constitutes his present homestead.  He was married Oct. 20, 1870, to Miss Ann M., third and youngest child of John and Maria (Mallinson) Thornton, natives of England, who emigrated to the United States and settled in Illinois during the pioneer days.  Mrs. Ashworth was born in Cook County, Nov. 21, 1844.  Her father owned a small piece of land, but was mainly engaged as a cabinet-maker and a carpenter.
     After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ashworth located on the land which they now occupy, and Mr. A. in course of time erected a neat frame residence in place of the humble dwelling in which they first set up housekeeping.  He was successful in his faring operations, and has accumulated a fair competency.  The household circle was completed by the birth of six children, all living, and named respectively, Elmer, Bertie, Ralph, Leila, Flora and George.  All are at home with their parents, and with them are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Ashworth has served as Trustee, and has been a liberal and cheerful contributor to its support.
     Politically he has been identified with the Democratic party since exercising the right of suffrage, and has held the various local offices, being Town Clerk five years, Assessor four years, Collector two years, and representing the township in the County Board of Supervisors.  The farm stock, which comprises one of the most attractive features of the homestead, consists of throughbred English draft horses, full-blooded Short-horn cattle and Poland-China hogs, among which Mr. Ashworth is able to exhibit some fine specimens.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Coles Co., Illinois - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Brothers.  1887- Page 202

RICHARD AVEY, one of the most thorough and progressive farmers of Coles County, owns and occupies a quarter section of valuable land in Humboldt Township, where he is principally engaged in raising grain and broom corn, and gives considerable attention to the breeding of the find stock.  The farm buildings and machinery are of first-class description, and everything about the premises denotes the supervision of the enterprising agriculturist.  Like many of the men who have assisted in the development of Northern Illinois, the early years of Mr. Avey were spent on the other side of the Atlantic in County Suffolk, England, where his birth took place Aug. 19, 1837.  He was the fourth in a family of six children, born to Richard and Mary (Wing) Avey, natives of the same county, the father a son of Robert Avey, who was familiarly known as the popular inn-keeper at Kentford, where he had long lived, and where he spent his declining years.  The mother of our subject was also born in Sussex County, where her father followed farming all his life.
     Mr. Avey received a good education, completing his studies in the academy at New Market, where he finished his classical course at the age of eighteen years.  Soon afterward, in 185, he embarked from London on the ship Oregon, an English sailing-vessel, accompanied by several of his acquaintances.  After a fair voyage of seven weeks they landed in New Orleans, where a few days late, all proceeded North to Ottawa, Ill., and our subject for two years thereafter was principally engaged in gardening.  In the meantime he had purchased forty acres of prairie land in Humbolt Township, this county, of which he took possession in the spring of 1858.  He built a house and made other improvements, and on the 31st of May, 1858, was united in marriage with Miss Celia Oakland, and not long afterward introduced his bride to the home which he had prepared for her.
     Mrs. Avey was the fourth child of Guner A. and Celia (Oakland) Oakland.  The real name of her father, however, was Norton, and he was a native of Norway.  He emigrated to America with his wife at an early day, and coming to Illinois they located on a tract of land on Indian Creek, in LaSalle County, where Mr. O. built up a good farm, and where he died, July 5, 1887; his wife, well advanced in years, still occupies the home place.
     Mr. Avey proceeded with the improvements he had begun, and continued the cultivation of the soil until he was enabled to exhibit some of the finest crops in the Prairie State.  The household was in due time enlarged by the birth of eight children, of whom seven are now living, namely, Mary J., William T., John L., Maude I., Newton R., Martha C. and Oscar L.  William T. married Miss Minnie McBride, and is a resident of Charleston, where he officiates as Deputy Circuit Clerk; he is a well-educated man and fully competent for his responsible position; Mary is teaching school in Socorro, N. M., where she went for her health in 1882, and is being greatly benefited by the milder climate of that region.  The others are at home with their parents.
     Mr. Avey has been prominently identified with local affairs for many years serving as Road Commissioner, School Trustee and School Director, and is one of the most active promoters of those measures tending to the moral and intellectual advancement of the people.  He meddles little with politics, although casting his vote regularly with the Democratic party.  His children have been carefully reared in the doctrines of the Episcopal Church, with which nearly all the members of the family are connected, and with which Mr. A. officiates as Warden.  The family is highly respected wherever known, and enjoys the society of the best of people of Humbolt Township.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Coles Co., Illinois - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Brothers.  1887- Page 192