Amelia M. Standard

Mrs. Amelia M. (Emery) Standard, daughter of Henry and Olive (Jacobs) Emery, was born in Ashland, O., August 15,1827. Her father, a native of Pennsylvania, was born 1801, and came with his parents to Ohio when but a boy. Her mother, a native of New York, was born about 1805, and when she was a child came with her parents to Ohio, where, in 1822, she married Mr. Emery. Remaining in Ohio, during which time Mr. Emery was engaged in farming, and during the winter he worked at the cooper's trade. In 1834 he came to Illinois, and settled in Fulton county, where he followed farming and also followed his trade, shipping the barrels that he made down the Illinois river to St. Louis. In 1857 he removed to Henry county, and settled in Galva. Remaining here two years, he purchased a farm in Weller township, then moved upon it, began its improvement, and remained here until about two years before his death, when he returned to Galva, where, November 17,1875, he passed away in the seventy-fifth year of his age; his wife having preceded him to the grave some fifteen years. Amelia, whose name heads this sketch is the second child of a family of eleven children. Her early life was spent at home with her parents, until November 29, 1846, when she married John P. Standard. His parents were natives of North Carolina, removed to Kentucky, and resided there in the time of slavery. He was a slave owner, but being opposed to slavery he came north and settled in southern Illinois, and in 1832 they removed to Fulton county. This was about the time of the Black Hawk war, and on one occasion, when an alarm of Indians was sounded, the people rushed from their beds to the fort, but fortunately the alarm was a false one. But the Indians at times took the liberty of helping themselves to whatever property they could carry away. Mr. Standard died 1877; Mrs. Standard died 1839. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Standard began farming in Fulton county, and in 1854 came to Stark county and settled in West Jersey township. Two years later they returned to Fulton county, where Mr. Standard died, October 23, 1856. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Five children blessed their union: Evalina, now Mrs. Gus. Hulsizer, of Toulon; Olive M., now Mrs. William Barton, of Iowa; Marcia A., now Mrs. Milo Griffin, of Iowa; Lyman E., now at home; Thomas H., in Iowa. In 1860 Mrs. Standard married Lyman E. Standard, a brother of her former husband, who was born in 1830. In 1862 they came to West Jersey township and began farming. Again, in 1805, she was left a widow; Mr. Standard's death occurring February 5, 1805, his health having been failing some time. By her second marriage Mrs. Standard is the mother of two children: Jennie M., now Mrs. W. E. White, of Essex township, and Alva A., at home. Mr. Standard, as is Mrs. Standard, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

In 1875 Mrs. Standard purchased 108 acres in Essex township, and moved upon it, where she has erected a fine residence, about four miles from Duncan. The lady is now in her sixtieth year, and until recently has been quite well and active for a person of that age.