portion of it had any considerable settlements. These were mainly
in the south half of the State. Chicago was then a small village,
Fort Dearborn being at that time of more consequence than the
village. Now Chicago is the second greatest city in the Union in
population and business.

My father, together with Alfred Phillips and William Brown, his
two brothers-in-law, entered land in the same portion of the County
of Tazewell, and at once, on their arrival from Kentucky, pitched
their tents and began the erection of log cabins, in preparation
for winter. Phillips was a large, vigorous man, both in body and
mind. He was a man of the highest integrity, and soon became one
of the leading citizens of Tazewell County, continuing so until
his death. William Brown was a Methodist preacher and was a worthy
example of the consistent minister of the Gospel of Christ. He
was called upon by the people for many miles around to perform
ceremonies on wedding occasions and, in time of sorrow, to preach
at the funerals of departed friends.

My father lived longer than either Phillips or Brown. They both
raised large families, and to-day the youngest son of Phillips--
the Hon. Isaac N. Phillips--is recognized as one of the able lawyers
of the State, and is the reporter of the Supreme Court of Illinois.
My father was a farmer, but he always took great interest in the
affairs of the country, and especially of the State in which he
lived. He was a Whig, and believed in Henry Clay. He took an
active part in political campaigns, and was several times a member
of the House of Representatives of the State Legislature, and once
of the State Senate.

Tazewell County, in which he resided, became a very strong Whig
county, the Whigs having their own way until the Free-soil party,
which soon became the Republican party, took its place as against
the Democratic party. When that time came, Tazewell, like Sangamon,
became Democratic. Sangamon County, in which I live, and Tazewell
County, in which I was raised, were both strong Whig counties while
the Whig party survived; but when it died, the population being
largely from Kentucky and other Southern States, naturally sympathized
with the South on the question of slavery. They drifted into the
Democratic party in large numbers, and gave the control to the
Democracy for a time; and the two parties still struggle for control
in both counties.

My father became well acquainted with Abrah