was named for him. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Yokem have been born a son and daughter; William Clay, born August 30, 1903; and Catherine, April 24, 1905. They have a nice home and are surrounded by every comfort that goes to make life worth the living and adds to human happiness. Mr. Yokem has prospered in his business undertakings by reason of well directed effort, keen discernment and unfaltering integrity and is today classed with the large landowners of the county.                                                              ______________                                                               JOHN   REED    John Reed, owner of one hundred and eight acres of fine land on section 7, Pittsfield township, is classed with the leading and enterprising agriculturists of his community and has made a creditable name in business circles. He is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Griggsville township in October, 1864, his parents being Nicholas and Catherine (Raftery) Reed. The father was born in Ireland and came to America in 1853, settling first on the Illinois river. He afterward removed to Eldara, Illinois, where he resided for a few years and then took up his abode in Griggsville. Later he purchased one hundred and eight acres of land on section 7, Pittsfield township, where his son John now resides, and upon that farm he spent his remaining days. He was energetic and industrious, realizing that labor is the basis of all success, and as the years passed by he accumulated a comfortable competence as the result of his earnest endeavor. He was called to his final rest in 1899 and is still survived by his wife, who is now residing in Pittsfield. In their family were ten children, eight of whom are yet living.     John Reed is indebted to the public-school system of the county for the early educational privileges he enjoyed. He worked by the month as a farm hand for some time in his youth, having gained practical experience concerning the best methods of tilling the fields through the assistance which he rendered his father. After being employed for some time in this county he went to the south, where he remained for several years and in 1899 he came into possession of the farm which was formerly owned and occupied by his father. This is a valuable tract of land comprising one hundred and eight acres on section 7, Pittsfield township. Here he has a good residence in the rear of which are substantial barns and other necessary outbuildings and these in turn are surrounded by well tilled fields which give promise of golden harvests. He raises stock, making a specialty of cattle, and this branch of his business as well as the cultivation of his fields returns to him a good income. Recently a gas well has been sunk upon his place to the depth of ninety-three feet and there is a good pressure.     In February, 1890, Mr. Reed was married to Miss Amanda Irick, a daughter of Jacob Irick, who at one time was a wealthy citizen of Pike county and one of its early settlers. He became the owner of twelve hundred acres of fine land here and was regarded as a leading business man and progressive agriculturist. In his family were nine children. He is now deceased, but his wife is still living, maintaining her home in Derry township, Pike county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reed have been born the following children: Frank, Katie, Nellie, Nora, Charles Carson, Bessie, John and Joseph.     In his political views Mr. Reed is a democrat and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served as school director but otherwise has held no office, but is never remiss in his duties of citizenship and co-operates in many measures for the general good. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church and they have a wide acquaintance in Pike county, many who know them giving to them warm friendship and high personal regard.                                                         _______________                                                        WILLIS  BROWN     Willis Brown, who since 1877 has resided in Pike county, was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, on the 2d of September, 1827. He was brought by his parents to this state, the family home being established in Atlas township on a