in that capacity for twelve years. He likewise belongs to the Odd Fellows Society at Roodhouse, Illinois. He is now eighty-two years of age and is living a retired life, surrounded by many friends who entertain for him warm regard because of his fidelity to manly principles as the years have gone by.                                                   _______________                                                       W. S. BINNS        W. S. Binns, one of the well known citizens of Pike county, where his entire life has been passed, is now serving as deputy county clerk and is also secretary of the Old Settlers' Association, having filled the latter position for eleven years and the former for ten years. He was born in the village of Time, in Hardin township, in 1864, his parents being Edward F. and Orpha (Norton) Binns, both of whom were early residents of this county. In fact the father was a native son of Pike county, where his death occurred in 1895, when he had reached the age of fifty-five years. He had long been active and influential in politics and was a worker in the democratic ranks. In 1887 he was elected county clerk and served for five years. He was also a member of the democratic state central committee and was in charge of the committee in 1892 when Altgeld was elected. He was chairman of the county central committee for five years and was serving on the state central committee at the time of his demise, having also occupied that position for some time. He thus became well known for his allegiance to the democracy in Illinois and his labor in behalf of the party organization was effective and beneficial. His wife was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, and in her girlhood days came to Pike county, where she was married. Her father, now ninety-three years of age, still resides at Rossville Vermilion county, and is one of the most venerable citizens of that part of the state. Mrs. Binns died in Pittsfield in 1879, at the age of thirty-nine years. By her marriage she had become the mother of two sons and a daughter: W. S., of this review; B. F., formerly a merchant of Pittsfield and now in Dixon, Illinois; and Mrs. George Barber, of Pittsfield.      W. S. Binns was reared in Pike county and completed his education in Callaghan College, at Des Moines, Iowa. Following his return home he became deputy county clerk and for the past fifteen years has devoted his attention to official services, discharging his duties with a capability, promptness and fidelity that are above question.      Mr. Binns was married to Miss May Criswell, of this county, a daughter of James Criswell, formerly editor of the Old Flag, now the Republican. He was one of the early residents of the county but died several years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Binns have six children, four sons and two daughters: William C., Florence O., John C., E. Coleridge, Majorie and George R. They also lost their second son, Edward, who died at the age of thirteen years.      In politics Mr. Binns has always been a democrat, while socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, being keeper of the records and seal in Pittsfield lodge, No. 652. He is likewise treasurer of the Pike County Mutual Life Association, is a member of the Tribe of Ben Hur, being past chief of the tribe at Pittsfield. Mr. Binns has a wide acquaintance in the county, where his entire life has been passed, and that he has been long retained in public office is an indication of the confidence and trust reposed in his capability and worth.                                                      ______________                                                       FRANK SYKES        Frank Sykes, who is engaged in general merchandising at Hadley, was born March 19, 1869, in Beverly township, Adams county, his parents being James and Mary (Ayres) Sykes. The father was born March 9, 1819, in Huddersfield, England, which was the birthplace of his parents and grandparents. His paternal grandfather passed his early life in his native country and when quite young commenced to work in the woolen mills, where his close application and ability won him recognition and eventually he was promoted to the position of foreman in the finishing depart-