was a very successful man and one of the foremost residents of Pittsfield. He was likewise one of the first to introduce Jersey cattle into Pike county and was greatly interested in stock-raising, which became a profitable source of income to him. He served as the first cashier of the First National Bank of Pittsfield, acting as one of its directors until his death and was both vice-president and president for some time. Many local enterprises profited by his wise counsel and able co-operation, and he figured prominently in business and public life, contributing in substantial measure to the welfare and upbuilding of Pittsfield. He was honored and respected by all and most of all where best known and his name is inseparably interwoven with the annals of Pike county. He died August 20, 1898, leaving his family not only a splendid competence but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. His wife still survives and is living with Mr. and Mrs. King at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Mr. Chapman built the home where they now reside and is still one of the most beautiful residence of Pittsfield. Unto Mr. and Mrs. King have been born two sons: L. C. King, born in 1879, married Bertha Hesley and lives in Pittsfield, now acting as bookkeeper at the mill. He is also one of the aldermen of Pittsfield and is an enterprising and leading citizen. Unto him and his wife has been born one son, Clark Chapman King. Vinton, born in December, 1885, lives at home and is his father's assistant at the mill. Mr. King exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and for one term served as alderman. He has likewise been school director and township treasurer, while in Massachusetts he became a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. King is a member of the Congregational church and her parents were very active in church work. Mr. King has led a busy and useful life. He realizes fully the truth of the adage of the old Greek philosopher who said "Earn thy reward, the gods give naught to sloth," and placing his dependence upon the sure and safe qualities of unremitting diligence and perseverance he has steadily advanced until to-day he is in control of one of the large productive industries of Pike county, which is the visible evidence of his life of well directed toil. In social circles Mr. and Mrs. King occupy a very enviable position and their own home is attractive for its generous hospitality and a cordial welcome is extended to their many friends. WILLIAM SHINN William Shinn is the oldest native born resident of Pike county, also the founder of the sheep industry in this county, and is one of the self-made men having acquired a fortune in the locality where his entire life has been passed. He is justly entitled to representation in this volume as a prominent and leading citizen, and indeed no history of the community would be complete without his record. His birth occurred on section 12, Atlas township, January 7, 1827, his parents being Daniel and Mary (Hackett) Shinn, both of whom were natives of New Jersey and were married there. They afterward removed to Ohio, where they spent seven years, and in April, 1820, came to Illinois, bringing with them the first wagon ever seen in Pike county. Mr. Shinn purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild land on section 12, Atlas township, and for three years resided in the village of Atlas. He had seven children when he came to Illinois, and in order to provide for his family, with characteristic energy he began farming interests here. He built a log house, improved his farm, transforming the wild tract into richly productive fields, and spent his remaining days upon that place, gathering rich harvest as the years went by. He was closely associated with many of the early events which have shaped the history of the county. He assisted in building the first courthouse and jail in Atlas, both being constructed of logs. The country was wild and unimproved and he assisted in laying out the road from Pittsfield to Atlas. He had to keep his hogs in a log stable in order to protect him from the wolves, so numerous were the latter animals in this district at that time, so that flocks were never safe