GABRIEL KENTON, farmer; P. 0. Urbana. The name of Kenton is familiar to every school-boy in the land, and the services of Simon Kenton were invaluable during the war that existed in his time. Gabriel Keuton, of whom we write, wa s nearly related to him, Simon being his grandfather's brother. The grandfather of Gabriel came to Champaign Co.. from Kentucky in 1801 with his family, and settled ne ar Springfield; afterward moved to Urbana, and from thence to the farm now owned by Harvey Kenton. The family were accompanied from Kentucky by Thomas Kenton and family. Soon after their arrival, other families came and settled near them. The lands they settled on were not open for sale and were not surveyed until 1806. The nettles grew so high  on the bottoms that when they wanted to go from one place to another, they had to harness a horse to a brush and drag a road through them. The Indians were plenty in Gabriel's time, and they frequently camped near his father's farm. Mad River and its  tributaries were favorite hunting and fishing grounds of the Indians and they watched the new settlers with a jealous eye, but in this immediate neighborhood never resorted to actual violence. The customs of the people were of the primitive type, everyone trying to help his neighbor, arid their opening up of the heavy-timbered lands required a hearty and united effort on their part. William Ward was a partner of Simon Kenton., and was one of the first settlers. Three grandsons represented the family name. Ezekiel Arrowsmith was another or the first settlers, and his descendants will be repre- sented in this work. Mark Kenton married Susannah MarkleyAug.31, 1814. They had seven children, four of whom are living, our subject being the oldest, Harvey next, Samuel lives in Illinois, and also their only sister, Sarah J.Caraway. Harvey is still a bachelor, with one of the finest residences in the township. Our subject, Gabriel Kenton., was married to Mary A Bryan July 18, 1854. They were parents of one child that died in infancy- They have reared several children, but have adopted none. The parents of Gabriel died--the father May 6,1851, and the mother Sept. 12, 1858. They were very energetic people, commencing life in poor circumstances, but by energy accummulated considerable property. Both Harvey and Gabriel are very wealthy men, and are noted for their good qualities. They have both engaged largely in the stock business, Harvey in Ohio and Gabriel in Illinois, where he has a large farm. He superintends his large business and rarely makes a mistake. The family are mostly Republican in politics, and have always been numbered among our most influential citizens. Elisha Harbor, William Harbor; Mark Kenton, Sampson Talbott and William Custar entered the land in the north part of Mad River Township. The land Westville was built on was virtually entered by Arch McGrew.