Written by Nancy E. Hull Canfield, Chana, IL.: January 14, 1915

This is an account of my family. I was born at Chapman's Milk White Oak Grove, Pine Rock Twp., Ogle Co., IL., March 3, 1854. At this time there was a Post Office, Blacksmith Shop, Grist Mill and a number of dwelling houses at this place. These buildings are all gone now.

My Father's name was Isaac Newton Hull. He was born in Roxbury, Delaware Co., N.Y. He was neighbor of Jay Gould. His oldest sister, Sallie Ann Hull was a distinguished teacher and it is supposed that Jay Gould learned surveying of this remarkable woman, having learned this unusual science from a woman in order to teach it.

My Grandfather was William Hull. My grandmother Esther Parks. Her father was on the British side during the Revolution. He owned much land and between 30 and 40 negro slaves. This land extended back from Long Island Sound and is in Westchester Co. After the Revolution, he lost his property and died when his valet was shaving him.

My father was one of nine children, 6 girls and 3 boys. He was the youngest of this family. He came west a year or so before my birth. He taught school for many years. In 1853 he married Julia Augusta Haynes, daughter of William Haynes and Nancy Wood Haynes of Dry Brook, New York. Her mother was the youngest child and the 13th of Wood and Miller. There were many children in this family. The oldest, Oliva Wood went to New York when my grandmother was born and never heard of again. My Grandmother was educated at an Academy in Pougheepsie, I think. She taught school for many years. She allied herself with the Anti-renters and a couple books of verses (hers) on this subject mostly were printed and circulated.

After my Grandfather's death she was left with five small children to support. That is she cared for four, her family cared for the oldest girl Margaret. Our people came early to this State when the Country was new. One Cousin, Dustin Wood, was offered 40 acres of land in the heart of what is now the city of Chicago for a yoke of oxen. Well, one or nearly so then. Wood, Water, and Cultivable land were necessary to life. My Father walked over 60 miles in one day and carried a valise.

I was married to Emory David Canfield, a distant cousin, May 19, 1877. His grandmother, Obigail Wood, was my Grandmother's sister. She married Holly Canfield. Her oldest son Oliver Wood Canfield was my husband's father. My husband was born in Sulivan Co., New York, I think came to this State before he was 3 yrs. old.

His Father married Jane Lawerence, daughter of James Lawerence and a Miss Van Wagoner. There were 14 children in this family. Jane and Oliver had 3 children, the oldest I married and my sister married the other and my brother married the daughter. I have home 9 children, 6 boys and 3 girls, all grown to maturity.

All these children belong to the M.E. Church. My husband was Classleader of the Chana Church for many years. My son Isaac is Classleader at present. I have been ill for over a year and have lost the use of my hands to a great extent and I am afraid this is badly written and spelled on account of my illness.

My brother is the Pastor of the M.E. Church in Lincoln, Neb. My sister, Ida, wife of Rev. Young of Byron and my sister Emma live near me on a farm.

Contributed by Sue Olson

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