RAINEY, JOHN, real estate dealer, Carrollton, Illinois, was born in Lexington, Ky., July 15, 1825; his father, Wm. C. Rainey, a native of Penn. emigrated to Kentucky in an early day, where he married at Lexington Miss Susan Clay, whom he had eight children; John, the second child, a patron of this work, grew to manhood in Carrollton, where he received a liberal education; September 9, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Kate Thomas, youngest daughter of the late Hon. Samuel Thomas, whose name is mentioned in the historical portion of this volume. There are three children: Henry Thos., a graduate of the high school of Carrollton and a promising student of the Knox College of Galesburg, Illnois; the younger members of the family are William C. and Susie E. Mr. Rainey owns a valuable city property at Carrollton and a farm of 226 acres, three miles from the city limits. For the space of two years he held the position of alderman of Carrollton.
RALSTON, WILLIAM A., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 1, P. O. Barrow. Was born in Greene County, Illinois, in 1842, the oldest son of James B. and Ramy Rlaston, natives of Kentucky and Illinois. James Ralston settled in Greene County in 1830, remaining a resident over forty years. On his first arrival he was in very moderate circumstances. Having no team with which to properly cultivate the soil to provide for his family he has often gone to a horse mill many miles distant with a sack of corn thrown over his shoulders, and here would patiently await his turn, sometimes a day or two. He acquired a large estate in this county, comprising 444 acres and was one of the best men here. For the past fourteen years, he has been a resident of Christian County, where he owns a farm property of 160 acres, and is also the proprietor of a livery stable at Illiopolis. William was early put to work, almost from the time his head reached the plow handles. In November, 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Martin, a daughter of Charles R. Martin, of Greene County. He first rented property until such time as he was enabled to purchase, and is now the owner of 120 acres of well-improved land. Has four children: Rebecca, Edward P., Dora E. and Hayden F.
RANGE, A. C. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 27, P. O. Greenfield, was born in Tennessee, in 1826; married twice. First in 1848, to Catherine Miller, who was born in Tennessee in 1826; have twelve children by this marriage: Mary, Isaac M., John G., Martin K., Wiliam H., Solomon F., Julia, James M., Oscar E., Louis, Charley A. and Frank. The first wife did in 1869, in Greene County; married second time in 1874, to Rebecca Sullivan, one child by this marriage, Ada L. Mr. Range emigrated from Tennessee to Illinois in 1858; remained till 1865, then moved to Kansas, and remained but a short time, when he returned to Illinois, where he has remained; owns 56 acres of land.
RAWLINGS, JAMES, one of the earliest settlers within the bounds of Greene County, was born near Pilot Knob, Kentucky, in 1798. His father, James Rawlings, was a native of England, it is supposed, as he was a sailor, on the high seas during the war of the Revolution and taken prisoner and sent to England. Emigrating to America he settled in North Carolina. He married Miss Lydia Greene, whether in England or North Carolina, nothing of a positive nature can be obtained. Moving to Kentucky, then to Tennessee, he eventually settled with his family in the timbered State of Indiana shortly after the battle of Tippecanoe. Remaining five years the family moved to Vincennes, Lawrence County, Illinois, where a settlement was made until 1826, when they moved to Greene County, and settled on land situated within a quarter of a mile of the present farm of James Rawlings, from whom this sketch is obtained. Here the old folks passed the remainder of their life. James Jr. was born in 1827, in Greene County. He married Miss Rebecca Taylor, daughter of John and Nancy Taylor. Building a hewed log cabin, rather better than the average, James Rawlings settled down to the rough life of a frontiersman. To procure, the necessaries of life he frequently made trips to St. Louis. Wild game of nearly every description abounded, venison being the principal meat used in preparing the noonday meal. Over half a century has passed by since these days of stirring pioneer life. We now have a perfect network of railroads, steamboats ply the waters of the streams and other great improvements are manifest to the men who came when none save the daring adventurer or trapper were inhabitants of the west, and to whom we are indebted in a great measure for the comforts and luxuries of today. Mr. R. is one of our most substantial farmers, owning 280 acres of valuable land. His marriage was blessed with fourteen children, eight of whom are living: Lydia J., Isabel and Sarah, Melissa C., John T., Milly, Walter G., Pleasant A. and Julia Pleasant, who is a patron of this work.
REFFETY, T. B., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 7, P. O. Greenfield, was born January 6, 1812, in Kentucky; emigrated from there to Illinois in the Fall of 1830 with his father, Richard Reffety, who was a native of Kentucky; was married to Miss Sarah Candle, who was a native of Kentucky. The family came to Macoupin and settled near Palmyra, staying there one season, and then moved to Greene County and entered 120 acres of land. Living there for about eight years, they then moved to Pike County, where the father died, in 1845. His wife died in Greene County. The subject of this sketch was seventeen years of age when he came to Illinois, living one years with his father, then started life for himself; was married in Morgan County, in 1833, to Miss Mary Wriston, who was born Dec. 24, 1815, in North Carolina; is the daughter of Bazil and Nancy Wriston who emigrated from Tennessee to Illinois in 1830. Mr. Reffety has reared ten children: William H., Lorinda A., Annie E., Mary M., Emerine M., Nancy M., Thomas J. and a grandson, Thomas A. Mr. Reffety entered 40 acres of land at one time and 80 at another; still owns the same land.
REINECKE, W. C., druggist. Main street, Kane, Ill. The above named gentleman has been established in business here but a short time, but has already succeeded in building up a large trade in Kane and surrounding country. Mr. Reinecke is a native of German; born in 1853, where he passed his early years, and there obtained a liberal education, in the University of Goettingen. In the land of his birth he obtained a large knowledge of the drug trade, for some years officiating as clerk. In 1870, Mr. R. crossed the Atlantic for America, and first located at Quincy, in this State, where he became employed by the drug firm of Brink, Keenman & Co. and subsequently salesman in a notion house. Proceeding from Quincy to Pittsfield, Pike County, he there formed the acquaintance of and married Miss Amelia Siegle. Removing to Quicny from this point he eventually made his way to Kane, during the present year, where his affable manners gain him many friends. See business card elsewhere.
REYNOLDS, JOSEPH, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 7, P. O. Carrollton. Josep Reynolds was born in Roan County, TEnn., in 1825, the second child of John H. Reynolds, who was a native Virginian, born in Washington county in 1804. In his 19th year he was married to Miss Catherine Klepper. During the Winter of 1829, John Reynolds settled in Greene County, where he erected a cabin, and remained until Spring, on the property owned by C. Kelley; locating one mile south of Greenfield, he there purchased a tract of forty acres. One incident in the life of Mr. R. is worthy of note, as an incident of frontier life. When he landed in Greene County, he was the possessor of $125, two horses and a wagon. One horse and the wagon were sacrificed for the forty acres mentioned. He now purchased a couple of wild, young steers, which he broke to plow. He was now in want of a wagon or cart, and proceeding to the timber he constructed a wagon in a rather primitive manner, the wheels of which were solid, being constructed after the manner of a Chinese cart; while he still remained on his little farm, a number of new settlers, Dr. Culver, the Heatons, and others, settled in his neighborhood, and for some time he done a thriving business at his calling. In time he became enabled to purchase considerable more land, and became exceedingly prosperous for the period of time in which he lived. He died on the farm homestead, where he afterwards removed, in township 9, range 12, in 1859. The survivors of this family are five in number. Joseph, whose name heads this biography, grew to vigorous manhood upon the farm homestead. In 1851, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Hall, a daughter of Thomas Hall, by whom he has six children living: Oscar P., May, Samuel, George, William, and Jennie; Marie, not living. Mr. Reynolds is the owner of eighty acres of land, a thorough-going farmer, and a liberal citizen.
REYNOLDS, DR. OLIVER K., physician and surgeon; residence, Kane. Dr. Reynolds is among the older practicing physicians of Kane; he was born in Belmont County, Ohio, March 12, 1833, growing to manhood in Ohio. He received his preliminary education in the district schools of his native place, and also in a private academy, situated at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, under the instruction of Prof. Jenkin. At Meadville, Pa., he attended the Literary College. Having arrived at mature years, he determined to adopt the medical profession, and accordingly proceeded to Wheeling, Va., where he studied medicine under Dr. Wm. Bates, a noted physician, obtaining a good general knowledge of medicine. His parents having moved to Illlinois, he shortly afterward, at St. Louis, graduated from Missouri Medical College. During the latter part of 1860 Dr. Reynolds entered the United States service, having passed three examining committees, known as the Military Examing Board of Chicago, State Board of Kentucky, and one United States Board of Examiners. During his term of four years in the army, at different periods, he had full charge and control of nine military hospitals. Holding full rank as surgeon two years, and balance of term doing duty as such, he was honorably discharged. When the war closed he settled at Kane, where he has proved himself not only a generous, public spirited citizen, but one who enjoys a large practice through his ability in a profession that he has followed successfully twenty-three years. Dr. R. was first married to Miss Angeline McConica, of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, by whom he had one daughter, Evangeline, who is married, and resides at St. Louis; Mrs. Reynolds died in 1855. On August 3, 1872, Dr. R. was married to Miss Eugenie F. Perry, a daughter of Col. N. M. Perry, by whom he has four children: Charles, Sherman, Edith and Florence.
RHODES, JOHN, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 19, P. O. Carrollton, was born in Yorkshire, England, Sept. 20, 1824, is the second child of a family of four children, his father's name was Joseph and his mother's maiden name was Maria Cay. May 16, 1831, he emigrated to this country with his parents; first landed in Morgan County, remaining there till the spring of 1838, when his father moved to the place now occupied by the subject of these lines. Mr. Rhodes, during his youth, had the usual log cabin course, and there learned the fundamental principles of a business education, which he has since brought into requisition in the application and performance of business details. John's father was a farmer, and he concluded that he would follow his footsteps, and remained on the farm with his parents up to the time he was 25 years of age, at which time there was a division of the estate, and he remained on the homestead. In his 28th year formed a matrimonial alliance with Annis Wright, born Nov. 7, 1831, sister of George Wright, of Carrollton. This marriage was celebrated June 15, 1852. Three children have blessed this union, but one now living, one dying in infancy: Anna, born March 29, 1853, married J. Meade Vallentine, now dead, Ida M., born October, 1854, married Robt. G. Hills, who died March 31, 1876. Since his death she has resided with her parents. At the time Mr. Rhodes came to this county it was but thinly settled; log cabins were the order; wild game in abundance; the people at those times were noted for their kindness and hospitality - now those cabins have given place to the modern structures of today, and though "fine", they are in too many instances devoid of that milk of human kindness which were to characteristic of those pioneer dwellings of that day. Mr. Rhodes has now 700 acres of well improved land; has always confined himself to agricultural pursuits, and his efforts in that direction have been crowned with success; has been long and favorably known in the county as a man of quiet and retiring manner, and among the best citizens in the county. Was formerly a member of the Whig part, but since its dissolution has been a member of the Republican party. Mr. Rhodes' wife and daughter are members of the M. E. Church.
RICE, S. A., photographer, r West Third St., is a native of Pennsylvania, born September 13, 1839. When quite young his parents moved to Louisiana, Mo., where the head of the family followed the occupation of a cabinet maker and of him we make mention as far as our limited space will permit; he was a native of Philadelphia, Pa., and there married Miss Margaret Clifford; he receive a liberal education and developed a decided taste in mechanics, an on his removal to Louisiana became the inventor of a valuable gas retort and other patents of note. When the war broke out he received his commission as Captain of the State Militia under command of Major Genearl Henderson; he is still living, a resident of Lousiana. The subject of our notice passed his early years in Louisiana, proceeding to Chicago he there entered the photographic establishment of C. Shaw, a leading photographer. Remaining here for some time, he proceeded to Sterling, Illinois, where he opened a gallery, conducting a successful business here for two years when he again moved to Louisiana, Mo., where he established a reputation for workmanship that gained for him a large share of public patronage; locating a Perry, Pike County Illinois, he was united in marriage to Miss Mamie Hovey, a daughter of Sylvester Hovey, by whom he has one child, Everet. In 1874, Mr. R. concluded to embark in business as a traveling photographer, and two years ago located at Carrollton, where he is already well known as a reliable and skillful workman.
RICHARDS, GUY C., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 36, P. O. Kane. Guy Richards, who ranks among the more opulent farmers of Jersey County, was born in Broome County, in the State of New York, on the 2d day of November, 1820. Daniel Richards, father of our subject, was a native of Connecticut. Subsequently, in mature years, he move to Massachusetts, where he formed the acquaintance of and where he married Miss Ruth Ticknow, a relative of the well known publisher of that name. Of this marriage seventeen children were born, thirteen of whom grew to maturity. We have only space to follow in detail the life career of the subject of this sketch. He was in his fourth year when his parents emigrated to the west, settling in Morgan County, near the present city of Jacksonville, where the head of the family became moderately successful. About the year 1837, he moved to Greene County, where he resided for a number of years, and subsequently died in Morgan County. Guy passed his boyhood in Morgan County, and accompanied the old folks to Greene, where he became employed upon the old homestead for a number of years. In 1843, he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Pope, a daughter of Samuel Pope, of Ohio. Like nearly all who began life in an early day in the west, Mr. Richards was poor, but he displayed rare energy and soon began to prosper, and at this writing is the owner of some 600 acres in the counties of Greene and Jersey, and also in Harrison County, Missouri, and Sedgwick County, Kansas. Of the marriage above referred to, six children were born, all of whom are living, and whose names are Mrary, Erastus P., Christopher G., Jacob L., Hannah and George M.
RICKART, JOSEPH, farmer, White Hall. The subject of this sketch is the seventh child of a family of eleven children. His father was Joseph Rickart, a Virginian by birth, born at Abington about 1785; he located at Cincinnati, when the entire village could have been purchased for a small sum; moving to Hamilton, O., he followed farming and carpenter work, and is said to have been a very enterprising man; he married at or near Hamilton, Miss Delila Crooks. Building a large tannery, Mr. Rickart soon had it in running operation; this was an extensive establishment, and a large trade was done. In 1839 Mr. R., who was then quite wealthy, moved to Illinois, locating at Greene County, and purchasing the farm of Z. Allen; on this farm he passed the remainder of life, January, 1844. Mrs. Rickart died in 1847, a fine type of those noble women who dared the dangers of Western life. On the death of the father, the entire property reverted to the wife and children. A few years ago Joseph Rickart run the entire farm, consisiting of 400 acres. No better evidence can be shown of the business capacity of Mr. R. than to state that he now owns 560 acres of as good land as can be found anywhere in America; 100 acres lies in the corporation of White Hall. With the exception of the hard times of 1857, Mr. R.'s career through life has been one of continued prosperity. Lately he erected a handsome residence near the town of White Hall. With the exception of the hard times of 1857, Mr. R.'s career through life has been one of continued prosperity. Lately he erected a handsome residence near the town of White Hall. In 1873 he was assessor and treasurer of the county. When the Louisiana Branch of the C. & A. R. R. was contemplated, Mr. R. was among the first in favor of locating the road here. He was married to Miss Mary E. Baskin, a daughter of Charles E. Baskin; there were born of this marriage eight children, seven of whom are living: David, who owns a valuable farm property in Kansas, Addie, Ella, Minnie, Joseph, Curtis and Leroy.
RINGEL, GEO. E., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 10, P. O. Kane. The above named gentleman is a native of Germany, where he was born in the year 1840, fourth child of John and Mary Ann Ringel. John Ringel was a farmer and miller by occupation, who is described as a man of energetic disposition and business capacity. He died many years ago, in his native land; Mrs. R. is still living. Young Ringel, at the youthful age of thirteen, severed the ties that bound him to the old country and became a passenger on board a sailing vessel bound for America. Landing in New York, he remained in the metropolitan city working at such odd jobs as he could. Removing to Pennsylvania he there secured employment in a bakery; thence to Philadelphia and thence to Balitmore and Norfolk, Virginia, where he worked as a journeyman. He then proceeded to Portsmouth. A resident of Charleston, South Carolina, when the war broke out, he was compelled to enter the Confederate service, where he served three years. Taking French leave from the boys in gray, he eventually made his way to New York State where he became a farmer, and where he married, December 3d, 1865, Miss Agnes Bush, a daughter of Michael Bush. In 1868 he made his way to Greene County, where he has since been identified with the farming interest, and where his liberality and kindness of heart, gain for him the friendship of all.
ROACH, J. F., deputy postmaster, Greenfield, was born in Jefferson County, Ky., June 23, 1817, was the son of John and Margaret Roach, whose maiden name was Barr. The Roaches are of French and the Barrs of Irish extraction. J. F. had but meager advantages for obtaining an education. At the age of 19 he came to this State in company with his parents, in the year 1836, and located in Macoupin County. Was married in February, 1840, to Mary Ann Hall, daughter of Jacob and Lucy Hall. Mrs. Roach was born Nov. 16, 1823, in Paris, Ky. Thirteen children has blessed this union: David A., Mary A., William, John, Lucy, Margaret E., Elizabeth, Alma, Julia, Jacob H., Joseph B., Elmer E. The subject of this sketch remained with his parents after his marriage and cared for them until their death. In Aug. 10, 1862, Mr. Roach enlisted in the 122d Regt. Ill. State Vol., and remained until the close of the war, when he received an honorable discharge. Mr. Roach was a good soldier and was promoted from private to orderly sergeant, then to a lieutenancy. He was engaged in several of the hard fought battles of the war; his first engagement was Parker's Cross Roads, Nashville and Tupelo, and all the engagements the regiment participated in up to the Spring of 1865, when he was taken sick and went home on a furlough to recuperate. During his sojourn in the service he had by exposure injured his health to such an extent that for three years after his return home he was totally incapacitated for business of any kind.
ROBERTS, J. E., pastor First Baptist Church, Carrollton, Illinois, is a native of the State of Ohio, and was born in 1853. In Michigan, where his parents, William S. (a Baptist) and Henrietta E., afterwards removed, he passed the early years of his life. Receiving a preliminary education in the district schools of his native place, in his 17th year, for the purpose of acquiring a liberal education he proceeded to Alton, where he entered Shurtleff College; after two years spent in the preparatory, the next four years were occupied in classic studies; at the expiration of this time two years were spent in the theological department. Graduating from this noted place of learning June, 1878, he became ordained to the ministry and during the Autumn of the present years entered upon the pastorate of the first Baptist church of this city. In September, 1878, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Frances L. Bulkley, a daughter of Dr. J. Bulkley, D.D., of Alton.
ROBERTS & LAVERY, among the notable features of inventions, we mention the manifest improvements that Messrs. F. M. ROBERTS and WILLIAM LAVERY have made in the recording of abstracts of title. For years the above mentioned parties have worked faithfully and patiently to bring before the property owners of Greene County a form of abstract that for simplicity and reliability in the way of finding with little loss of time all abstracts of title made, remains unexcelled. In the past agricultural men are well aware of the difficulties that have been met with in searching the records to order to trace to a definite source the changes that have transpired incidental to sales of real estate.
All have now an opportunity of acquiring a valuable fund of information at slight cost.
ROBINSON, T. C., farmer, P. O. Carrollton, first beheld the light March 12, 1816, in Talbert County, Md., is the son of Thomas and Mary R., whose family name was Catrup. Thomas, after completing his schooling, the text books being Pike's arithmetic, Webster's speller, and the Testament, these constituted his curriculum; at the age of 19, he and his brother John came West, the trip occupying one month, at that time there was but one railroad leading west, it being the Baltimore and Ohio, having its terminus at Frederick, there being but one engine, and at the time they came over the road it was laid up for repairs, and horses were substituted for locomotive power. Eleven miles of the road being an incline plane, the cars ran by their own momentum. After leaving the railroad the boys walked across the mountains and then took passage on a boat to Columbiana. From here they traveled on foot to Macoupin County, where they hired out by the month to work on a farm. Went South and wintered. In the Spring went North to Alton, where they remained two years. Then came to this county and located near the place he now lives, where he rented land one season, then bought 80 acres. May 23, 1837, was united in marriage to Eliza Biscoe, who was also a native of Maryland, came to this State when quite young, she is a daughter of Thomas Biscoe. Eight children now living, viz: Mary, George, Thomas, James, Eliza J., William J., Lenora, Julia A., Florence Ella and Laura Emma. After their marriage moved in a log cabin and though they lived in a primitive manner, yet looked forward to the day when they would have better, and are today enjoying the fruits of their labor and the reward for their former privations. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are both members of the M. E. Church.
ROODHOUSE, JOHN, farmer and stock raiser, and founder of the live, go-ahead town of Roodhouse, was born in Yorkshire, England, February 1825; he was the second child of a family of five children, born of a second marriage. It was during the earlier years of his childhood that his parents embarked on board a sailing vessel for the great Eldorada of the world - America. Landing in the city of New York the family made their way principally by way of the Erie Canal to St. Louis; from the latter city proceeding to Greene County shortly before the deep snow set in. During the early years of settlement, when the nearest neighbors were many miles away, horse mills the fashion and railroads unknown in the State, and but few in the East, the pioneers found the road to prosperity rather a rough one. However, there came an era of prosperity to all of the family when Illinois became one of the most prosperous States in this great congress of States, peopled by the sturdy yeomanry from the south, the east, and by a people across the waters who had looked upon America with open-eyed wonder at the rapid strides of the enterprising inhabitants. Owing to our limited space, and to the prominence of him whose name heads this sketch, we here append a short biography of his youth, spent among pioneer associates, many of whom are now prominent in the affairs of the State and County. Developing more than ordinary energy and business capacity;, he made his way rapidly upward. At twenty-five he united his fortunes to Miss Sarah E. Baker, a daughter of Cuthbert Baker. With but small capital he became enabled to purchase 240 acres in Tazewell County, taking up his residence there for years. He then moved to Greene County, where he has since resided. On this property is now laid out the flourishing town of Roodhouse, where years prior John Roodhouse had turned many a furrow. From him we glean the following in reference to the Louisiana Branch. We are all perfectly aware of the network of railroads that traverse the State of Illinois. Among the more important we find the C.&A.R.R. rapidly taking a leading place. For many years branches from the main line have been found necessary to be laid to accommodate the increased passenger traffic, and for the transportation of freight. In our municipal history will be found a fuller description of the branch road that, passing through Roodhouse and taking its way to St. Louis, is given here. To the citizens of White Hall it is generally known that a proposition for the right of way of the road and $5,000 in money was made and not being readily responded to was referred to the citizens of Roodhouse, among whom were John Roodhouse, E. M. Husted, George Thompson, S. L. Simmons, John F. Rawlings, William Cobb and others, and through their liberality and enterprise the road was secured. No sooner had the road got fairly under way than the little town began to thrive. Stores were erected and the place soon became peopled by live western men who have made it one of the busiest towns on the C.&A.R.R. It will compare favorably with any town of similar size in the State. Mr. Roodhouse is a large property owner and a whole-souled gentleman. Of his marriage seven children were born: John L., Edwin P., Laura L., Mary M., Eveline J., Franklin S. and William.
ROODHOUSE, PETER, farmer, Sec. 14, P. O. White Hall. Benjamin and Jane Roodhouse, father and mother of the subject of this sketch, emigrated to Greene Co., Ill., from Yorkshire, Eng., in Dec., 1830, and bought the farm that Peter now lives on, which contains 500 acres; had an ox mill and distillery on the place at that time, but the distillery never was run after he bought the farm; there were nine children in his family, four by the name of Woods, and five by the name of Roodhouse; was married twice. Benjamin Roodhouse died Aug. 3, 1831; Jane, his wife, died 1860; she deserves more than a passing notice, for she was left to rear a large family of children, without a helping hand; was an energetic woman, and loved by all who knew her; all of her boys are farmers. Mr. Peter Roodhouse was married twice; first, March 26, 1856, to Miss Mary E. Autin, who was born 1836, and died May 9, 1857, and had once child, Harry W., born Jan. 14, 1857; the second time to Mrs. Harriet Dewit, who had one child, Minnie Dewit, and by second marriage, Benjamin Thomas Roodhouse. Jane Roodhouse, the sister of Peter, lives with him; they have never been parted.
ROOT & GARDNER, lawyers. Among the law firms of Carrollton who have but lately entered upon a professional career here, we mention the law firm of Messrs. Root & Gardner, who occupy an office over the drug store of S. A. Veddar. The senior member, Mr. H. T. Root, is a gentleman of scholarly attainments and genial manners. He was born in the State of Michigan, November 5, 1853. At an early age his parents moved to New York State, where he remained until he had attained his 14th years, when he directed his footsteps to Illinois. At Shurleff College, Madison County, he took a preparatory course; in 1872 proceeding to Princeton, New Jersy, he there entered the noted Princeton College, taking a classical course of study, and two years after graduating, having conferred upon him the degree of A. B., taking the degree of A. M. three years later; entering upon a course of study at the Columbia Law Institute, graduating from this famous eat of learning with the honorary title of L. L. B.; admitted to the bar in the City of New York, June 1, 1877, Mr. Root entered the law office of Thomas C. Pinckney as partner, continuing with this well known attorney until his decease, which occurred during the Winter of 1877. Digressing a little from the direct line of narrative, for one year Mr. Root taught in the High School of Carrollton, thereby gaining an extensive acquaintance here, and in his profession as attorney will no doubt reach a success in a profession open to all who have the necessary ability. Of Mr. Garnder it may be said, that he is a native of Nantucket, Mass.; born January 31, 1856. Receiving his preliminary education at Boston, in 1875, attending Columbis College Law School, becoming a graduate in 1877, he was admitted to practice in all the Supreme Courts, practicing in New York for a period of 18 months. In conclusion, we wish the new law firm a hearty success in their practice at Carrollton.
ROPER, WILLIAM, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 6, P. O. Breese. Mr. Roper, who for the past twenty years has been a resident of Greene County, was born at Manchester, England in 1822. His father, John Roper, was a machinist by trade, and to him young Roper was regularly apprenticed. Completing his apprenticeship he worked some time as a journeyman, and on the decease of his father became proprietor of his shops. In 1844 he married Miss Mary Ann Sherwin, a daughter of William Sherwin of Derby, England. In 1849 William determined to emigrate to America. On two occasions he was nearly shipwrecked. Landed in New York City, and from here he made his way to Scott County, thence to St. Louis, where he worked in the Western Foundry for seven years. He then went to Springfield, from Sringfield to Jacksonville, and thence to Greene County, where he now owns a farm of forty acres. He has four children living: John, William, George and Catherine, who married Charles Clough.
ROSE, C. C. boot and shoe maker, west side square, Carrollton, Ill. Charles C. Rose is a native of Germany; born in 1840, and was but five years of age when his parents crossed the Atlantic for America, locating in the west at Cape Girardeau, Mo. At the early age of 16, possessed of an adventurous disposition, the subject of our sketch departed from the parental roof for Pike County, Ill., where he became apprenticed to the trade of a shoemaker, becoming a journeyman workman. He now launched out in business on his own account, afterward proceeding to Beardstown. He there embarked in business for a period of there years; and while here a resident formed the acquaintance of and married Miss Catherine Dan, of Calhoun County, a daughter of Michael Dan, one of the oldest settlers of said county. Nearly two years went by and Mr. Rose took up his line of departure for Greene County, locating in Carrollton, where he has since conducted a successful business for the past twelve years. Of the marriage above referred to two children were born, Ella and Harry.
WELCH & RUCKLE, millers and grain dealers. The above named gentlemen entered into a co-partnership business the present year. They manufacture a very superior grade of flour and are large shippers of wheat and corn. Mr. Welch is a gentleman of large experience in the milling business. This live firm have the largest elevator in the county, and transact a very large business. The senior member is a native of Virginia, who came to White Hall a few years ago, entering into the milling business. Mr. Ruckle, the junior partner, was born in Pennsylvania in 1835. He received a liberal education in his native State; worked as a journeyman machinist; regularly apprenticed to the trade. When the war came on he enlisted in the 8th Ohio Vol. Inft., as first sergeant; honorably discharged in1864. He returned to Ohio, where he married Miss H. E. Adams. In 1868, Mr. Ruckle located at White Hall, where he first entered into the pottery business and entering into successful competition with competing firms. Disposing of his interest, he entered into his present occupation. Mr. R. is a young man who keep pace with the improvements of the county. He has one child, Carroll A., born at White Hall, Ill.
RUMRILL, GEORGE & SON, blacksmiths and wagon manufacturers, Locust and Fourth Sts., Carrollton, Ill. Among the many skilled mechanics of Carrollton, none are more favorably known to the public than the reliable firm above mentioned. The senior member, George Rumrill, is a native of Massachusetts; born in 1821. Ten years later the parents of our subject moved to Cuyahog Falls, Ohio, where George, growing to maturity, became a regularly apprenticed to the trade of carriage and wagon making, in after years receiving a diploma for superior workmanship. In 1845 Mr. Rumrill was married to Miss Lois Williams, in the State of Ohio, by whom he has four children living, four children having passed to that world of spirits to which we all are tending.
RUSSELL, J. BLAIN, wagon maker, Sec. 30, P. O. Rockbridge, was born in Greene Co., Pa., Oct. 17, 1832, was the first son of a family of seven children, born of Henry and Jane Russell, they are of Irish descent on the side of the Blains and on the Russell side of the Anglo Saxon. His parents dying when he was quite young, he was thrown upon his own resources, and up to the time he became 21 years was engaged at farming and doing such work as he could obtain. He then bid adieu to the "Keystone" State and came West, and was first engaged at work on the Great Western Rialroad as section hand, at which he continued until 1865, when he left Oakley, where he was then living, moved to Cerro Gordo, remained there until 1870, during which time he was engaged at wagon making and carpentering, when in August, 1876, he came to Greene County, and in March 1877, came to Rockbridge, and began the business in which he is now engaged. Mr. Russell had six brothers who were in the service, one of them was in the C. S. Service. March 22, 1855, was married to Sarah A. Erars, born June 1833. They have had six children, but one now living, Norton, born April 12, 1858. His wife died Sept. 22, 1872, since which time he has remained single.
RUYLE, ROBERT N. blacksmith and wagon maker, Morris Street, Roodhouse; general blacksmithing, repairing, jobbing horseshoeing a specialty. Mr. Ruyle was born in Greene County, Illinois, in 1847. His father, Alfred Ruyle, now a resident of Kansas; was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1801; he there married Sarah Ann Bleckston; the youthful couple became residents of Greene County in an early day. Robert, who heads this sketch, was the youngest of a family of ten children. Near Athensville, this county, Robert passed his youthful days, and was apprenticed to the trade of a blacksmith and wagonmaker, and became a skillful workman. In 1861 he entered the army, enlisting in Company C, Fifth Regiment of Missouri Volunteers; he was then but fifteen years of age; remaining eighteen months he was engaged in many severe skirmishes. Alfred Ruyle was a Captain during the rebellion, and what is somewhat remarkable seven of his boys were also in the service. Robert returned to Greene County, March 19, 1867. He was united in marriage to Sarah A. Rance; one child, Julia was born in 1872.