"The subject of this sketch, son of John and Rebecca Springer, was born in the State of Maryland, May 7, A.D. 1798. When about two years of age he with his parents moved to West Virginia and settled on a farm on Grove Creek Hill, and there remained a few years. He then with his parents moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, and settled near Zanesville. Here he grew up to manhood and learned his trade. He married Miss Elizabeth Cowan in 1822, by whom he had two children, a son and a daughter [Twins]. The son died in infancy, and the daughter, Mary Ann, is still living and resides in Ohio. He buried his wife in February, 1823. He married Miss Charlotte Ijams of Muskingum county, Ohio in the spring of 1826, by whom he had 12 children, viz: Creighton, Caleb, Martha Ellen, Lewis, Harriet, Milton C., Sara E., Amelia R., Helen L., Adelia A., William Melville, and Clara Emma. Caleb died in childhood, and Martha E. died in January, 1866, leaving a family behind her. All the others are still living and reside in this state [Illinois]. In the fall of 1834 he emigrated to Illinois, and spent the first winter in a cabin where Magnolia is situated, and in the following spring moved on a farm owned by Mr. Parks, east of Captain Haws', and remained in Putnam county about three years, and then settled in Marshall county, where he resided most of the time until his death, which occurred March 17, A.D. 1853. He was a carpenter by trade and was a first-class mechanic. He built several of the largest edifices erected in the county in his time, among which were Fisher's Packing House in Lacon, and Livingston Roberts' barn at Robert's Point. He was a man of more than ordinary intellect, and endowed with a wonderful memory, so not withstanding that his early educational advantages were quite limited, he made considerable progress in literary pursuits. He was a good historian, and well-read on all the general questions of the day. He was one of the finest mathematicians in the county, being able to solve mentally, almost an incredible short time, all the practicable problems he met with. He obtained an extensive knowledge of law, and was considered superior counsel by those who knew him best. He took a deep interest in political affairs of the country, and was an ardent Whig until the agitation of the question of free soil, which became one of increasing interest to him until his death. He was a public spirited man, always advocating internal improvements, and willing to bear his full share in pushing forward any laudable enterprise. From the early settlement of this State he foresaw in it the grandest commonwealth of the Union, but passed away as he was entering upon the realization of his fond hopes." Records Of The Olden Time, Spencer Ellsworth, 1880, Home Journal Steam Printing Establishment, Lacon, IL, p. 716.