nois rivers to Griggsville Landing, Illinois. His capital was extremely limited and the necessity of providing for his own support caused him at once to seek employment as a farm hand. Later he was employed as a government teamster on the plains and his experiences included all the privations and dangers incident to such a life. He frequently met Indians on his trips but usually found them friendly and he was careful not to arouse their hostility. Following his return to Illinois Captain Hopkins responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting on the 5th of September, 1861, as a member of Company D, Fifth Illinois Cavalry under command of Colonel Updegraff, who was afterward succeeded by Hall Wilson, while Colonel John L. McConnell was the third in charge of the regiment. In December, 1862, Captain John A. Harvey, who up to that time had commanded Company D, was succeeded by Captain Hopkins, who held the position until ill health compelled his resignation in August, 1864. He led his troops in many a hotly contested engagement, inspiring his men by his own valor and loyalty. He served at Vicksburg and other places, acting as a scout and on outpost duty for some time. Although he was often in the thickest of the fight he was never wounded but on one occasion was injured by falling through a bridge. However, the hardships and rigors of the war undermined his health and eventually compelled his resignation.       Again taking up his abode in Pike county, Captain Hopkins began farming and stock-raising and has since given his energies to this business. He has been the owner of valuable land and still has a fine farm on section 29 and 32, Griggsville township. Upon the place are good buildings, well tilled fields and modern equipments, and orchards and groves add to the value and attractive appearance of the place.       In 1864 Captain Hopkins was married to Miss Ann Simpkin, a daughter of Thomas and Ann (Wharton) Simpkin, who were natives of Yorkshire, England. They were married, however, in Pike county, Illinois, to which place the mother had gone in her girlhood days with her parents. When a young man Thomas Simpkin sought a home in the new world, settling first in Morgan county, west of Jacksonville. After some years he came to Pike county, taking up his abode on a slightly improved tract of land in Griggsville township and to the further development of the farm he gave his attention. At length he sold that place and bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, Griggsville township. In 1859 he returned to his native country, where he died a year later at the age of fifty-two years. In politics he was a Douglas democrat and a friend of the renowned statesman whose principles he advocated, Mr. Douglas often being entertained in Mr. Simpkin's home. Following her husband's death Mrs. Simpkin spent most of her time with her children and passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Lasberry, in 1886. She was a member of the Episcopal church. In the family were five children: Vincent, who died in childhood; Sarah, the wife of John Lasberry; Mrs. Hopkins; Mary, the widow of Edwin Hitch; and Lovina, the deceased wife of Monroe Yates. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins have been born eight children, of whom two died in infancy. The others are: Margaret L., Sarah L., Matilda, Benjamin B., Robert A. and Ann S.      Captain Hopkins is a member of Griggsville lodge, No. 45, A. F. & A. M., having been made a Mason on the 15th of July 1873. He belongs to Union chapter, No. 10, R. A. M., of Pittsfield, and Ascalon commandery, No. 49, K. T. Both he and his wife are members of the Episcopal church and Captain Hopkins votes with the democracy. He has served as vice president and a director of the Pike County Fair Association and has done much for this institution, which has been a factor in stimulating ambition and effort in behalf of agricultural development in this part of the state.                                                     _______________                                                 GEORGE  W.  WITHAM        George W. Witham, who for many years was a representative of mercantile interests in Perry but is now living a retired life, found in an active business career that energy and determination constitute the basis of success rather than genius or any fortunate combination of circumstances.