FAIRBURY, an incorporated city of Livingston County, situated ten miles southeast of
Pontiac, in a fertile and thickly-settled region. Coal, sandstone, limestone, fire-clay and a micaceous
quartz are found in the neighborhood. The town has banks, grain elevators, flouring and sorghum mills,
machine shops and two weekly newspaper. Pop. (1900), 2,187; (1910), 2,505.
FAIRFIELD, an incorporated city, the county-seat of Wayne County and a railway
junction, 108 miles southeast of St. Louis. The town has an extensive woolen factory and large flouring
and saw mills. It also has four weekly papers and is an important fruit and grain-shipping point.
Population (1880), 1,391; (1890), 1,881; (1900), 2,338; (1910), 2,479.
FAIRM0UNT, a village of Vermilion County, on the Wabash Railway, 13 miles
west-southwest from Danville; industrial interests chiefly agricultural; has brick and tile factory,
a coal mine, stone quarry, three rural mail routes and one weekly paper. Pop. (1900), 928; (1910),
847.
FALLOWS, (Rt. Rev.) Samuel, Bishop of Reformed Protestant Episcopal Church, was born
at Pendleton, near Manchester, England, Dec. 13, 1835; removed with his parents to Wisconsin in 1848,
and graduated from the State University there in 1859, during a part of his university morse serving
as pastor of a Methodist Episcopal church at Madison; was next Vice-President of Gainesville University
till 1861, when he was ordained to the Methodist ministry and became pastor of a church at Oshkosh.
The following year he was appointed Chaplain of the Thirty-second Wisconsin Volunteers, but later
assisted in organizing the Fortieth Wisconsin, of which he became Colonel, in 1865 being brevetted
Brigadier-General. On his return to civil life he became a pastor in Milwaukee; was appointed State
Superintendent of Public Instruction for Wisconsin to fill a vacancy, in 1871, and wras twice
re-elected. In 1874 he was elected President of the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Ill.,
remaining two years; in 1875 united with the Reformed Episcopal Church, soon after became Rector of St.
Paul's Church in Chicago, and was elected a Bishop in 1876, also assuming the editorship of "The
Appeal," the organ of the church. He served as Regent of the University of Wisconsin (1864-74), and
for several years has been one of the Trustees of the Illinois State Reform School at Pontiac. He is
the author of two or three volumes, one of them being a "Supplementary Dictionary," published in 1884.
Bishop Fallows has had supervision of Reformed Episcopal Church work in the West and Northwest for
several years; has also served as Chaplain of the Grand Army of the Republic for the Department of
Illinois and of the Loyal Legion, and was Chairman of the General Committee of the Educational Congress
during the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.
FARINA, a town of Fayette County, on the Chicago Division of the Illinois Central
Railroad, 29 miles northeast of Centralia. Agriculture and fruit-growing constitute the chief business
of the section; the town has one newspaper. Population (1890), 618; (1900), 693; (1910), 774.
FARMER CITY, a city of De Witt County, 25 miles southeast of Bloomington, at the
junction of the Springfield division of the Illinois Central and the Peoria division of the Cleveland,
Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railways. It is a trading center for a rich agricultural and
stock-raising district, especially noted for rearing finely bred horses. The city has banks, one
newspaper, churches of four denominations and good schools, including a high school. Population (1890),
1,367; (1900), 1,664; (1910), 1,603.
FARMERS' INSTITUTE, an organization created by an act, approved June 24, 1895, designed
to encourage practical education among farmers, and to assist in developing the agricultural resources
of the State. Its membership consists of three delegates from each county in the State, elected annually
by the Farmers' Institute in such county. Its affairs are managed by a Board of Directors constituted
as follows: The Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Professor of Agriculture in the University of
Illinois, and the Presidents of the State Board of Agriculture, Dairymen's Association and Horticultural Society, ex-officio, with one member from each Congressional District, chosen by the delegates from the district at the annual meeting of the organization. Annual meetings (between Oct. 1 and March 1) are required to be held, which shall continue in session for not less than three days. The topics for discussion are the cultivation of crops, the care and breeding of domestic animals, dairy husbandry, horticulture, farm drainage, improvement of highways and general farm management. The reports of the annual meetings are printed by the State and 20,000 copies are placed at the disposal of the Institute for free distribution. Suitable quarters for the officers of the organization are provided in the State capitol.
FARMINGTON, a city and railroad center in Fulton County, 12 miles north of Canton and
22 miles west of Peoria. Coal is extensively mined here; there are also brick and tile factories, a
foundry, one steam flour-mill, and two cigar manufactories. It is a large shipping-point for grain and
live-stock. The town has two banks and two newspapers, five churches and a graded school. Pop. (1890),
1,375; (1910), 2,421.
FARNSWORTH, Elon John, soldier, was born at Green Oak, Livingston County, Mich., in
1837. After completing a course in the public schools, he entered the University of Michigan, but left
college at the end of his freshman year (1858) to serve in the Quartermaster's department of the army
in the Utah expedition. At the expiration of his term of service he became a buffalo hunter and a
carrier of mails between the haunts of civilization and the then newly-discovered mines at Pike's Peak.
Returning to Illinois, he was commissioned (1861) Assistant Quartermaster of the Eighth Illinois
Cavalry, of which his uncle was Colonel. (See Farnsworth, John Franklin.) He soon rose to a captaincy,
distinguishing himself in the battles of the Peninsula. In May, 1863, he was appointed aid-de-camp to
General Pleasanton, and, on June 29, 1863, was made a Brigadier-General. Four days later he was killed,
while gallantly leading a charge at Gettysburg.
FARNSWORTH, John Franklin, soldier and former Congressman, was born at Eaton, Canada
East, March 27, 1820; removed to Michigan in 1834, and later to Illinois, settling in Kane County, where
he practiced law for many years, making his home at St. Charles. He was elected to Congress, in 1856,
and re-elected in 1858. In September of 1861, he was commissioned Colonel of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry
Volunteers, and was brevetted Brigadier-General in November, 1862, but resigned, March 4, 1863, to take
his seat in Congress to which he had been elected the November previous, by successive re-elections
serving from 1863 to 1873. The latter years of his life were spent in Washington, where he died, July
14, 1897.
FARWELL, Charles Benjamin, merchant and United States Senator, was born at Painted
Post, N. Y., July 1, 1823; removed to Illinois in 1838, and, for six years, was employed in surveying
and farming. In 1844 he engaged in the real estate business and in banking, at Chicago. He was elected
County Clerk in 1853, and re-elected in 1857. Later he entered into commerce, becoming a partner with
his brother, John Villiers, in the firm of J. V. Farwell & Co. He was a member of the State Board of
Equalization in 1867; Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Cook County in 1868; and National Bank
Examiner in 1869. In 1870 he was elected to Congress as a Republican, was re-elected in 1872, but was
defeated in 1874, after a contest for the seat which was carried into the House at Washington. Again,
in 1880, he was returned to Congress, making three full terms in that body. He also served for several
years as Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee. After the death of Gen. John A. Logan he
was (1887) elected United States Senator, his term expiring March 3, 1891. Mr. Farwell gave attention
during the latter years of his life to the mercantile business of J. V. Farwell & Co. Died Sept. 23,
1903.
FARWELL, John Villiers, merchant, was born at Campbelltown, Steuben County, N. Y.,
July 29, 1825, the son of a farmer; received a common-school education and, in 1838, removed with his
father's family to Ogle County, Ill. Here he attended Mount Morris Seminary for a time, but, in 1845,
came to Chicago without capital and secured employment in the City Clerk's office, then became a
book-keeper in the dry-goods establishment of Hamilton & White, and, still later, with Hamilton & Day.
Having thus received his bent towards a mercantile career, he soon after entered the concern of
Wadsworth & Phelps as a clerk, at a salary of $600 a year, but was admitted to a partnership in 1850,
the title of the firm becoming Cooley, Farwell & Co., in 1860. About this time Marshall Field and Levi
Z. Leiter became associated with the concern and received their mercantile training under the
supervision of Mr. Farwell. In 1865 the title of the firm became J. V. Farwell& Co., but, in 1891, the
firm was incorporated under the name of The J. V. Farwell Company, his brother, Charles B. Farwell,
being a member. The subject of this Sketch has long been a prominent factor in religious circles, a
leading spirit of the Young Men's Christian Association, and served as President of the Chicago Branch
of the United States Christian Commission during the Civil War. Politically he was a Republican,
serving as Presidential Elector at the time of President Lincoln's second election in 1864; also served
by appointment of President Grant, in 1869, on the Board of Indian Commissioners. He was a member of
the syndicate which erected the Texas State Capitol, at Austin, in that State; was also, for a number
of years, Vice-President and Treasurer of the J. V. Farwell Company, and President of the Colorado
Consolidated Land and Water Company. Be was also prominent in the organization of the Chicago Public
Library, and a member of the Union League, the Chicago Historical Society and the Art Institute. Died
Aug. 20, 1908.
FARWELL, William Washington, jurist, was born at Morrisville, Madison County, N. Y.,
Jan. 5, 1817, of old Puritan ancestry; graduated from Hamilton College in 1837, and was admitted to the
bar at Rochester, N. Y., in 1841. In 1848 he removed to Chicago, but the following year went to
California, returning to his birthplace in 1850. In 1854 he again settled at Chicago and soon secured
a prominent position at the bar. In 1871 he was elected Circuit Court Judge for Cook County, and, in
1873, re-elected for a term of six years. During this period he sat chiefly upon the chancery side of
the court, and, for a time, presided as Chief Justice. At the close of his second term he was a
candidate for re-election as a Republican, but was defeated with the remainder of the ticket. In 1880
he was chosen Professor of Equity Jurisprudence in the Union College of Law (now the Northwestern
University Law School), serving until June, 1893, when he resigned. Died, in Chicago, April 30, 1894.
FAYETTE COUNTY, situated about 60 miles south of the geographical center of the State;
was organized in 1821, and named for the French General La Fayette. It has an area of 720 square miles;
population (1900), 28,065. The soil is fertile and a rich vein of bituminous coal underlies the county.
Agriculture, fruit-growing and mining are the chief industries. The old, historic "Cumberland Road,"
the trail for all west-bound emigrants, crossed the county at an early date. Perry ville was the first
county-seat, but this town is now extinct. Vandalia, the present seat of county government (population,
2,974), stands upon a succession of hills upon the west bank of the Kaskaskia. From 1820 to 1839 it was
the State Capital. Besides Vandalia the chief towns are Ramsey, noted for its railroad ties and timber,
and St. Elmo. Pop. (1910), 28,078.
FEEBLE-MINDED CHILDREN, ASYLUM FOR. This institution, originally established as a sort
of appendage to the Illinois Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, was started at Jacksonville, in 1865, as
an "experimental school, for the instruction of idiots and feeble-minded children." Its success having
been assured, the school was placed upon an independent basis in 1871, and, in 1875, a site at Lincoln,
Logan County, covering forty acres, was donated, and the erection of buildings begun. The original plan
provided for a center building, with wings and a rear extension, to cost $124,775. Besides a main or
administration building, the institution embraces a school building and custodial hall, a hospital and
industrial workshop, and, during the past year, a chapel has been added. It has control of 890 acres, of
which 400 are leased for farming purposes, the rental going to the benefit of the institution. The
remainder is used for the purposes of the institution as farm land, gardens or pasture, about ninety
acres being occupied by the institution buildings. The capacity of the institution is about 700 inmates,
with many applications constantly on file for the admission of others for whom there is no room.
FEEHAN, Patrick A., D.D., Archbishop of the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Chicago, and
Metropolitan of Illinois, was born at Tipperary, Ireland, Aug. 29, 1829, and educated at Maynooth
College. He emigrated to the United States in 1852, settling at St. Louis, and was at once appointed
President of the Seminary of Carondelet. Later he was made pastor of the Church of the Immaculate
Conception at St. Louis, where he achieved marked distinction. In 1865 he was consecrated Bishop of
Nashville, managing the affairs of the diocese with great ability. In 1880 Chicago was raised to an
archepiscopal see, with Suffragan Bishops at Alton and Peoria, and Bishop Feehan was consecrated its
first Archbishop. His administration was conservative, yet efficient, and the archdiocese greatly
prospered under his rule. Died July 12, 1902.
FELL, Jesse W., lawyer and real-estate operator, was born in Chester County, Pa.,
about 1808; started west on foot in 1828, and, after spending some years at Steubenville, Ohio, came to
Delavan, Ill., in 1832, and the next year located at Bloomington, being the first lawyer in that new
town. Later he became agent for school lands and the State Bank, but failed financially in 1837, and
returned to practice; resided several years at Payson, Adams County, but returning to Bloomington in
1855, was instrumental in securing the location of the Chicago & Alton Railroad through that town, and
was one of the founders of the towns of Clinton, Pontiac, Lexington and El Paso. He was an intimate
personal and political friend of Abraham Lincoln, and it was to him Mr. Lincoln addressed his celebrated
personal biography; in the campaign of 1860 he served as Secretary of the Republican State Central
Committee, and, in 1862, was appointed by Mr. Lincoln a Paymaster in the regular army, serving some two
years. Mr. Fell was also a zealous friend of the cause of industrial education, and bore an important
part in securing the location of the State Normal University at Normal, of which city he was the
founder. Died, at Bloomington, Jan. 25, 1887.
FERGUS, Robert, early printer, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, August 4, 1815; learned
the printer's trade in his native city, assisting in his youth in putting in type some of Walter Scott's
productions and other works which now rank among English classics. In 1839 he came to America, soon
after locating in Chicago, where with various partners, he pursued the business of a job printer
continuously some fifty years— being the veteran printer of Chicago. He was killed by being run over by
a railroad train at Evanston, July 23, 1897. The establishment of which he was so long the head is
continued by his sons.
FERRY, Elisha Peyre, politician, born in Monroe, Mich., August 9, 1825; was educated
in his native town and admitted to the bar at Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1845; removed to Waukegan, Ill., the
following year, served as Postmaster and, in 1856, was candidate on the Republican ticket for
Presidential Elector; was elected Mayor of Waukegan in 1859, a member of the State Constitutional
Convention of 1862, State Bank Commissioner in 1861-63, Assistant Adjutant-General on the staff of
Governor Yates during the war, and a delegate to the Republican National Convention of 1864. After the
war he served as direct-tax Commissioner for Tennessee; in 1869 was appointed Surveyor-General of
Washington Territory and, in 1872 and '76, Territorial Governor. On the admission of Washington as a
State, in 1889, he was elected the first Governor. Died, at Seattle, Wash., Oct. 14, 1895.
FEVRE RIVER, a small stream which rises in Southern Wisconsin and enters the
Mississippi in Jo Daviess County, six miles below Galena, which stands upon its banks. It is navigable
for steamboats between Galena and its mouth. The name originally given to it by early French explorers
was "Feve" (the French name for "Bean"), which has since been corrupted into its present form.
FICKLIN, Orlando B., lawyer and politician, was born in Kentucky, Dec. 16, 1808, and
admitted to the bar at Mount Carmel, Wabash County, Ill., in March, 1830. In 1834 he was elected to the
lower house of the Ninth General Assembly. After serving a term as State's Attorney for Wabash County,
in 1837 he removed to Charleston, Coles County, where, in 1838, and again in '42, he was elected to the
Legislature, as he was for the last time in 1878. He was four times elected to Congress, serving from
1843 to '49, and from 1851 to '53; was Presidential Elector in 1856, and candidate for the same position
on the Democratic ticket for the State-at-large in 1884; was also a delegate to the Democratic National
Conventions of 1856 and '60. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1862. Died, at
Charleston, May 5, 1886.
FIELD, Alexander Pope, early legislator and Secretary of State, came to Illinois about
the time of its admission into the Union, locating in Union County, which he represented in the Third,
Fifth and Sixth General Assemblies. In the first of these he was a prominent factor in the ejection of
Representative Hansen of Pike County and the seating of Shaw in his place, which enabled the advocates
of slavery to secure the passage of a resolution submitting to the people the question of calling a
State Constitutional Convention. In 1828 he was appointed Secretary of State by Governor Edwards,
remaining in office under Governors Reynolds and Duncan and through half the term of Governor Carlin,
though the latter attempted to secure his removal in 1838 by the appointment of John A. McClernand —
the courts, however, declaring against the latter. In November, 1840, the Governor's act was made
effective by the confirmation, by the Senate, of Stephen A. Douglas as Secretary in place of Field.
Douglas held the office only to the following February, when he resigned to take a place on the Supreme
bench and Lyman Trumbull was appointed to succeed him. Field (who had become a Whig) was appointed by
President Harrison, in 1841, Secretary of Wisconsin Territory, later removed to St. Louis and finally
to New Orleans, where he was at the beginning of the late war. In December, 1863, he presented himself
as a member of the Thirty-eighth Congress for Louisiana, but was refused his seat, though claiming in
an eloquent speech to have been a loyal man. Died, in New Orleans Aug. 20, 1876. Mr. Field was a nephew
of Judge Nathaniel Pope, for over thirty years on the bench of the United States District Court.
FIELD, Eugene, journalist, humorist and poet, was bom in St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 2, 1850.
Left an orphan at an early age, he was reared by a relative at Amherst, Mass., and received a portion
of his literary training at Monson and Williamstown in that State, completing his course at the State
University of Missouri. After an extended tour through Europe in 1872-73, he began his journalistic
career at St. Louis, Mo., as a reporter on "The Evening Journal," later becoming its city editor.
During the next ten years he was successively connected with newspapers at St. Joseph, Mo., St. Louis,
Kansas City, and at Denver, Colo., at the last named city being managing editor of "The Tribune." In
1883 he removed to Chicago, becoming a special writer for "The Chicago News," his particular department
for several years being a pungent, witty column with the caption, "Sharps and Flats." He wrote
considerable prose fiction and much poetry, among the latter being successful translations of several
of Horace's Odes. As a poet, however, he was best known through his short poems relating to childhood
and home, which strongly appealed to the popular heart. Died, in Chicago, deeply mourned by a large
circle of admirers, Nov. 4, 1895.
FIELD, Marshall, merchant and capitalist, was born in Conway, Mass., in 1835, and grew
up on I farm, receiving a common school and academic education. At the age of 17 he entered upon a
mercantile career as clerk in a dry-goods store at Pittsfield, Mass., but, in 1856, came to Chicago
and secured employment with Messrs. Cooley, Wadsworth & Co.; in 1860 was admitted into partnership, the
firm becoming Cooley, Farwell & Co., and still later, Farwell, Field & Co. The last named firm was
dissolved and that of Field, Palmer & Leiter organized in 1865. Mr. Palmer having retired in 1867, the
firm was continued under the name of Field, Leiter & Co., until 1881, wnen Mr. Leiter retired, the
concern being since known as Marshall Field & Co. The growth of the business of this great establishment
is shown by the fact that, whereas its sales amounted before the fire to some $12,000,000 annually, in
1895 they aggregated $40,000,000. Mr. Field's business career has been remarkable for its success in a
city famous for its successful business men and the vastness of their commercial operations. He has
been a generous and discriminating patron of important public enterprises, some of his more conspicuous
donations being the gift of a tract of land valued at $300,000 and $100,000 in cash, to the Chicago
University, and $1,000,000 to the endowment of the Field Columbian Museum, as a sequel to the World's
Columbian Exposition. The latter, chiefly through the munificence of Mr. Field, promises to become one
of the leading institutions of its kind in the United States. Besides his mercantile interests, Mr.
Field had extensive interests in various financial and manufacturing enterprises. Died in New York Jan.
16, 1906, leaving an estate valued at more than $100,000,000, the largest single bequest in his will
being $8,000,000 to the Field Museum.
FIFER, Joseph W., born at Stanton, Va., Oct. 28, 1840; in 1857 he accompanied his
father (who was a stone-mason) to McLean County, Ill., and worked at the manufacture and laying of
brick. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted as a private in the Thirty-third Illinois Infantry,
and was dangerously wounded at the assault on Jackson, Miss., in 1863. On the healing of his wound,
disregarding the advice of family and friends, he rejoined his regiment. At the close of the war,
when about 25 years of age, he entered the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, where, by dint of hard
work and frugality, while supporting himself in part by manual labor, he secured a diploma in 1868. He
at once began the study of law, and, soon after his admission, entered upon a practice which
subsequently proved both successful and lucrative. He was elected Corporation Counsel of Bloomington
in 1871 and State's Attorney for McLean County in 1872, holding the latter office, through re-election,
until 1880, when he was chosen State Senator, serving in the Thirty-second and Thirty-third General
Assemblies. In 1888 he was nominated and elected Governor on the Republican ticket, but, in 1892, was
defeated by John P. Altgeld, the Democratic nominee, though running in advance of the national and the
rest of the State ticket.
FINDLAY, a village of Shelby County, on the Chicago & Eastern Ill. R. R., 9 miles north
of Shelbyville. Pop. (1910), 827.
FINERTY, John F., ex-Congressman and journalist, was born in Galway, Ireland, Sept.
10, 1846. His studies were mainly prosecuted under private tutors. At the age of 16 he entered the
profession of journalism, and, in 1864, coming to America, soon after enlisted, serving for 100 days
during the Civil War, in the Ninety-ninth New York Volunteers. Subsequently, having removed to Chicago,
he was connected with "The Chicago Times" as a special correspondent from 1876 to 1881, and, in 1882,
established "The Citizen," a weekly newspaper devoted to the Irish-American interest, which he continued
to publish. In 1882 he was elected, as an Independent Democrat, to represent the Second Illinois
District in the Forty-eighth Congress, but, running as an Independent Republican for re-election in
1884, was defeated by Frank Lawler, Democrat. In 1887 he was appointed Oil Inspector of Chicago, but
after 1889, held no public office, giving his attention to editorial work on his paper. Died June 10,
1908.
FISHER, (Dr.) George, pioneer physician and legislator, was probably a native of
Virginia, from which State he appears to have come to Kaskaskia previous to 1800. He became very
prominent during the Territorial period; was appointed by William Henry Harrison, then Governor of
Indiana Territory, the first Sheriff of Randolph County after its organization in 1801; was elected
from that county to the Indiana Territorial House of Representatives in 1805, and afterwards promoted
to the Territorial Council; was also Representative in the First and Third Legislatures of Illinois
Territory (1812 and '16), serving as Speaker of each. He was a Delegate to the Constitutional Convention
of 1818, but died on his farm near Kaskaskia in 1820. Dr. Fisher participated in the organization of
the first Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Illinois at Kaskaskia, in 1806, and was elected one of
its officers.
FISHERIES. The fisheries of Illinois center chiefly at Chicago, the catch being taken
from Lake Michigan, and including salmon trout, white fish (the latter species including a lake
herring), wall-eyed pike, three kinds of bass, three varieties of sucker, carp and sturgeon. The
"fishing fleet" of Lake Michigan, properly so called, (according to the census of 1890) consisted of
forty-seven steamers and one schooner, of which only one—a steamer of twenty-six tons burthen—was
credited to Illinois. The same report showed a capital of $36,105 invested in land, buildings, wharves,
vessels, boats and apparatus. In addition to the "fishing fleet" mentioned, nearly 1,100 sail-boats and
other varieties of craft are employed in the industry, sailing from ports between Chicago and Mackinac,
of which, in 1890, Illinois furnished 94, or about nine per cent. All sorts of apparatus are used, but
the principal are gill, fyke and pound nets, and seines. The total value of these minor Illinois craft,
with their equipment, for 1890, was nearly $18,000, the catch aggregating 722,830 pounds, valued at
between $24,000 and $25,000. Of this draught, the entire quantity was either sold fresh in Chicago and
adjacent markets, or shipped, either in ice or frozen. The Mississippi and its tributaries yield
wall-eyed pike, pike perch, buffalo fish, sturgeon, paddle fish, and other species available for food.
FITHIAN, George W., ex-Congressman, was born on a farm near Willow Hill, Ill., July 4,
1854. His early education was obtained in the common schools, and he learned the trade of a printer at
Mount Carmel. While employed at the case he found time to study law, and was admitted to the bar in
1875. In 1876 he was elected State's Attorney for Jasper County, and re-elected in 1880. He was
prominent in Democratic politics, and, in 1888, was elected on the ticket of that party to represent
the Sixteenth Illinois District in Congress. He was re-elected in 1890 and again in 1892, but, in 1894,
was defeated by his Republican opponent.
FITHIAN, (Dr.) William, pioneer physician, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1800;
built the first houses in Springfield and Urbana in that State; in 1822 began the study of medicine at
Urbana; later practiced two years at Mechanicsburgh, and four years at Urbana, as partner of his
preceptor; in 1830 came west, locating at Danville, Vermilion County, where he became a large
land-owner; in 1832 served with the Vermilion County militia in the Black Hawk War, and, in 1834, was
elected Representative in the Ninth General Assembly, the first of which Abraham Lincoln was a member;
afterwards served two terms in the State Senate from the Danville District (1838-46). Dr. Fithian was
active in promoting the railroad interests of Danville, giving the right of way for railroad purposes
through a large body of land belonging to him, in Vermilion County. He was also a member of various
medical associations, and, during his later years, was the oldest practicing physician in the State.
Died, in Danville, Ill., April 5, 1890.
FLAGG, Gershom, pioneer, was born in Richmond, Vt., in 1792, came west in 1816,
settling in Madjson County, Ill., in 1818, where he was known as an enterprising farmer and a
prominent and influential citizen. Originally a Whig, he became a zealous Republican on the organization
of that party, dying in 1857.—Willard Cutting (Flagg), son of the preceding, was born
in Madison County, Ill., Sept 16,1829, spent his early life on his father's farm and in the common
schools; from 1844 to '50 was a pupil in the celebrated Ugh school of Edward Wyman in St. Louis,
finally graduating with honors at Yale College, in 1854. During his college course he took a number
of literary prizes, and, in his senior year, Brved as one of the editors of "The Yale Literary
Magazine." Returning to Illinois after graduation, he took charge of his father's farm, engaged
extensively in fruit-culture and stock-raising, being the first to introduce the Devon breed of cattle
in Madison County in 1859. He was a member of the Republican State Central Committee in I860; in 1862,
by appointment of Gov. Yates, became Enrolling Officer for Madison County; served as Collector of
Internal Revenue for the Twelfth District, 1864-69, and, in 1868, was elected to the State Senate
for a term of four years, and, during the last session of his term (1872), took a prominent part in
the revision of the school law; was appointed a member of the first Board of Trustees of the Industrial
University (now the University of Illinois) at Champaign, and reappointed in 1875. Mr. Flagg was also
prominent in agricultural and horticultural organizations, serving as Secretary of the State
Horticultural Society from 1861 to '69, when he became its President. He was one of the originators of
the "farmers' movement," served for some time as President of "The State Farmers' Association," wrote
voluminously, and delivered addresses in various States on agricultural and horticultural topics, and,
in 1875, was elected President of the National Agricultural Congress. In his later years he was a
recognized leader in the Granger movement. Died at Mora, Madison County, Ill., April 5, 1878.
FLEMING, Robert K., pioneer printer, was born in Erie County, Pa., learned the
printers' trade in Pittsburg, and, coming west while quite young, worked at his trade in St. Louis,
finally removing to Kaskaskia, where he was placed in control of the office of "The Republican
Advocate," which had been established in 1823, by Elias Kent Kane. The publication of "The Advocate"
having been suspended, he revived it in May, 1825, under the name of "The Kaskaskia Recorder," but
soon removed it to Vandalia (then the State capital), and, in 1827, began the publication of "The
Illinois Corrector," at Edwardsville. Two years later he returned to Kaskaskia and resumed the
publication of "The Recorder," but, in 1833, was induced to remove his office to Belleville, where he
commenced the publication of "The St. Clair Gazette," followed by "The St. Clair Mercury," both of
which had a brief existence. About 1843 he returned to the newspaper business as publisher of "The
Belleville Advocate," which he continued for a number of years. He died, at Belleville, in 1874,
leaving two sons who have been prominently identified with the history of journalism in Southern
Illinois, at Belleville and elsewhere.
FLETCHER, Job, pioneer and early legislator, was born in Virginia, in 1793, removed
to Sangamon County, Ill., in 1819; was elected Representative in 1826, and, in 1834, to the State
Senate, serving in the latter body six years. He was one of the famous "Long Nine" which represented
Sangamon County in the Tenth General Assembly. Mr. Fletcher was again a member of the House in 1844-45.
Died, in Sangamon County, in 1872.
FLORA, a city in Harter Township, Clay County, on the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern
Railroad, 95 miles east of St. Louis, and 108 miles south-southeast of Springfield; has barrel factory,
flouring mills, cold storage and ice plant, three fruit-working factories, two banks, six churches and
a weekly newspaper. Population (1890), 1,695; (1900), 2,311 ; (1910), 2,704.
FLOWER, George, early English colonist, was born in Hertfordshire, England, about
1780; came to the United States in 1817, and was associated with Morris Birkbeck in founding the
"English Settlement" at Albion, Edwards County, Ill. Being in affluent circumstances, he built an
elegant mansion and stocked an extensive farm with blooded animals from England and other parts of
Europe, but met with reverses which dissipated his wealth. In common with Mr. Birkbeck, he was one of
the determined opponents of the attempt to establish slavery in Illinois in 1824, and did much to
defeat that measure. He and his wife died on the same day (Jan. 15, 1862), while on a visit to a
daughter at Grayville, Ill. A book written by him—"History of the English Settlement in Edwards
County, Ill."—and published in 1882, is a valuable contribution to the early history of that portion
of the State.—Edward Fordhams (Flower), son of the preceding, was born in England,
Jan. 31, 1805, but came with his father to Illinois in early life; later he returned to England and
spent nearly half a century at Stratford-on-Avon, where he was four times chosen Mayor of that borough
and entertained many visitors from the United States to Shakespeare's birthplace. Died, March 26,
1883.
FOBES, Philena, educator, born in Onondaga County, N. Y., Sept. 10, 1811; was educated
at Albany and at Cortland Seminary, Rochester, N. Y.; in 1838 became a teacher in Monticello Female
Seminary, then newly established at Godfrey, Ill., under Rev. Theron Baldwin, Principal. On the
retirement of Mr. Baldwin in 1843, Miss Fobes succeeded to the principalship, remaining until 1866,
when she retired. For some years she resided at Rochester, N. Y., and New Haven, Conn., but, in 1886,
she removed to Philadelphia, where she afterwards made her home, notwithstanding her advanced age,
maintaining a lively interest in educational and benevolent enterprises. Miss Fobes died at
Philadelphia, Nov. 8, 1898, and was buried at New Haven, Conn.
FOLEY, Thomas, Roman Catholic Bishop, born in Baltimore, Md., in 1823; was ordained
a priest in 1846, and, two years later, was appointed Chancellor of the Diocese, being made
Vicar-General in 1867. He was nominated Coadjutor Bishop of the Chicago Diocese in 1869 (Bishop Duggan
having become insane), and, in 1870, was consecrated Bishop. His administration of diocesan work was
prudent and eminently successful. As a man and citizen he won the respect of all creeds and classes
alike, the State Legislature adopting resolutions of respect and regret upon learning of his death,
which occurred at Baltimore, in 1879.
FORBES, Stephen Van Rensselaer, pioneer teacher, was born at Windham, Vt., July 26,
1797; in his youth acquired a knowledge of surveying, and, having removed to Newburg (now South
Cleveland), Ohio, began teaching. In 1829 he came west to Chicago, and having joined a surveying party,
went to Louisiana, returning in the following year to Chicago, which then contained only three white
families outside of Fort Dearborn. Having been joined by his wife, he took up his abode in what was
called the "sutler's house" connected with Fort Dearborn; was appointed one of the first Justices of
the Peace, and opened the first school ever taught in Chicago, all but three of his pupils being either
half-breeds or Indians. In 1832 he was elected, as a Whig, the first Sheriff of Cook County; later
preempted 160 acres of land where Riverside now stands, subsequently becoming owner of some 1,800
acres, much of which he sold, about 1853, to Dr. W. B. Egan at $20 per acre. In 1849, having been
seized with the "gold fever," Mr. Forbes joined in the overland migration to California, but, not
being successful, returned two years later by way of the Isthmus, and, having sold his possessions in
Cook County, took up his abode at Newburg, Ohio, and resumed his occupation as a surveyor. About 1878
he again returned to Chicago, but survived only a short time, dying Feb. 17, 1879.
FORD, Thomas, early lawyer, jurist and Governor, was born in Uniontown, Pa., and, in
boyhood, accompanied his mother (then a widow) to Missouri, in 1804. The family soon after located in
Monroe County, Ill. Largely through the efforts and aid of his half-brother, George Forquer, he
obtained a professional education, became a successful lawyer, and, early in life, entered the field
of politics. He served as a Judge of the Circuit Court for the northern part of the State from 1835 to
1837, and was again commissioned a Circuit Judge for the Galena circuit in 1839; in 1841 was elevated
to the bench of the State Supreme Court, but resigned the following year to accept the nomination of
his party (the Democratic) for Governor. He was regarded as upright in his general policy, but he had
a number of embarrassing questions to deal with during his administration, one of these being the
Mormon troubles, in which he failed to receive the support of his own party. He was author of a
valuable "History of Illinois," (published posthumously). He died, at Peoria, in greatly reduced
circumstances, Nov. 3, 1850. The State Legislature of 1895 took steps to erect a monument over his
grave.
FORD COUNTY, lies northeast of Springfield, was organized in 1859, being cut off
from Vermilion. It is shaped like an inverted "T," and has an area of 580 square miles; population
(1910), 17,096. The first County Judge was David Patton, and David Davis (afterwards of the United
States Supreme Court) presided over the first Circuit Court. The surface of the county is level and
the soil fertile, consisting of a loam from one to five feet in depth. There is little timber, nor is
there any out-cropping of stone. The county is named in honor of Governor Ford. The county-seat is
Paxton, which had a population, in 1890, of 2,187. Gibson City is a railroad center, and has a
population of 1,800.
FORMAN, (Col.) Ferris, lawyer and soldier, was born in Tioga County, N. Y., August 25,
1811; graduated at Union College in 1832, studied law and was admitted to the bar in New York in 1835,
and in the United States Supreme Court in 1836; the latter year came west and settled at Vandalia, Ill.,
where he began practice; in 1844 was elected to the State Senate for the district composed of Fayette,
Effingham, Clay and Richland Counties, serving two years; before the expiration of his term (1846)
enlisted for the Mexican War, and was commissioned Colonel of the Third Regiment Illinois Volunteers,
and, after participating in a number of the most important engagements of the campaign, was mustered
out at New Orleans, in May, 1847. Returning from the Mexican War, he brought with him and presented
to the State of Illinois a six-pound cannon, which had been captured by Illinois troops on the
battlefield of Cerro Gordo, and is now in the State Arsenal at Springfield. In 1848 Colonel Forman was
chosen Presidential Elector for the State-at-large on the Democratic ticket; in 1849 went to California,
where he practiced his profession until 1853, meanwhile serving as Postmaster of Sacramento City by
appointment of President Pierce, and later as Secretary of State during the administration of Gov.
John B. Weller (1858-60); in 1861 officiated, by appointment of the California Legislature, as
Commissioner on the part of the State in fixing the boundary between California and the Territory of
Utah. After the discharge of this duty, he was offered the colonelcy of the Fourth California Volunteer
Infantry, which he accepted, serving about twenty months, when he resigned. In 1866 he resumed his
residence at Vandalia, and served as a Delegate for Fayette and Effingham Counties in the
Constitutional Convention of 1869-70, also for several years thereafter held the office of State's
Attorney for Fayette County. Later he returned to California, and, at the latest date, was a resident
of Stockton, in that State. Died Feb. 11, 1901.
FORMAN, William S., ex-Congressman, was born at Natchez, Miss., Jan. 20, 1847. When
he was four years old, his father's family removed to Illinois, settling in Washington County, where he
has lived ever since. By profession he is a lawyer, and he takes a deep interest in politics, local,
State and National. He represented his Senatorial District in the State Senate in the Thirty-fourth and
Thirty-fifth General Assemblies, and, in 1888, was elected, as a Democrat, to represent the Eighteenth
Illinois District in the Fifty-first Congress, being re-elected in 1890, and again in '92, but was
defeated in 1894 for renomination by John J. Higgins, who was defeated at the election of the same
year by Everett J. Murphy. In 1896 Mr. Forman was candidate of the "Gold Democracy" for Governor of
Illinois, receiving 8,100 votes.
FORQUER, George, early State officer, was born near Brownsville, Pa., in 1794—was the
son of a Revolutionary soldier, and older half-brother of Gov. Thomas Ford. He settled, with his mother
(then a widow), at New Design, Ill., in 1804. After learning, and, for several years, following the
carpenter's trade at St. Louis, he returned to Illinois and purchased the tract whereon Waterloo now
stands. Subsequently he projected the town of Bridge water, on the Mississippi. For a time he was a
partner in trade of Daniel P. Cook. Being unsuccessful in business, he took up the study of law, in
which he attained marked success. In 1824 he was elected to represent Monroe County in the House of
Representatives, but resigned in January of the following year to accept the position of Secretary of
State, to which he was appointed by Governor Coles, as successor to Morris Birkbeck, whom the Senate
had refused to confirm. One ground for the friendship between him and Coles, no doubt, was the fact that
they had been united in their opposition to the scheme to make Illinois a slave State. In 1828 he was a
candidate for Congress, but was defeated by Joseph Duncan, afterwards Governor. At the close of the
year he resigned the office of Secretary of State, but, a few weeks later (January, 1829), he was
elected by the Legislature Attorney-General. This position he held until January, 1833, when he
resigned, having, as it appears, at the previous election, been chosen State Senator from Sangamon
County, serving in the Eighth and Ninth General Assemblies. Before the close of his term as Senator
(1835), he received the appointment of Register of the Land Office at Springfield, which appears to
have been the last office held by him, as he died, at Cincinnati, in 1837. Mr. Forquer was a man of
recognized ability and influence, an eloquent orator and capable writer, but, in common with some of
the ablest lawyers of that time, seems to have been much embarrassed by the smallness of his income,
in spite of his ability and the fact that he was almost continually in office.
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