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SOMERS TOWNSHIP
Is bounded on the east by Stanton, on the north by Rantoul, on the west by Hensley, and on the south by Urbana,
being Town 20, Range 9 east. The land is much the same as that described in every other town in the county. The
Salt Fork rises in the northern part of the town, and runs south through the town, giving ample supply of water
for stock purposes; and ample drainage to the lands to the east and north-east.
The attention of the farmers of the town is directed mainly to stock raisiug, and the improvement of stock, of
which they have the finest quality of bloods.
The first land entered here, was by Sarah Coe, January, 1829: the west half of the south-east quarter of Section
27, Town 20, Range 9.
The first settler of whom we have been able to learn, was one Mr. Rineheart, who came from Ohio in 1827, and commenced
the inprovement of a farm north of the grove. Elias Kirby, also from Ohio, settled there about the same time. In
1828, one Moore came and located on a farm at the head of the grove, which he afterwards sold out to one Lewis
Adkins, who carried on the improvements. One P. Stanford came the same time that Moore did. William Corray, of
Ohio, John Whittiker, of Kentucky, and. John Brownfield, of Pennsylvania, came to the town in 1832, and all have
performed their part in the settlement of the county. Mr. Brownfield for many years held the office of County Commissioner,
and Judge, and performed the duties with fidelity. His three sons, Thomas, Joseph, and James Brownfield, are still
residents of the township, prosperous farmers, and among its honored and respected citizens.
The character of the prairie soil, contiguous as it is to the timber and flowing streams, and, also, good markets,
has attracted farmers who desire to engage in stock raising and feeding. although it is equally adapted to mixed
husbandry. Among the wide-awake farmers of the town we name A. M. Fauley, who is at present directing his attention
to swine breeding and raising; his essay, in another part of this book, will be read wIth interest. In this he
has been pre-eminently successful, and the many premiums he has taken, where his stock has been in competition
with that of other breeders, attests their purity and value.
Dr. Henry Haley, also in the stock-raising business, has a farm of about 700 acres well advanced in improvement,
though comparatively new. His barn and dwelling, with their surroundings and all the arrangements and appointments
of the farm, are admirably designed, and perfected with intelligent skill and care.
M. Powell, Richard Allen, B. P. Prather, E. E. Goodrich, Thos. Wilson, C. R. Morehouse, and many others, have farms
of which any town may well boast, in quantity, quality, and the manner of their cultivation.
The farm of H. C. Stewart is also a model worthy of imitation, showing the common sense handling of its owner.
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