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worth, Brockville ; Edward Bates (son), of the Post Office Department, Ottawa. Two daughters of George Bates still survive, Mrs. Patience Cromwell of Woodstock, and Mrs. Olive Cameron of Gananoque, their respective ages are 75 and 66 years. SIDNEY A. TAPLIN. Among the successful merchants of Leeds County, of this sketch. From first to last his career has been successful, honestly achieved by untiring energy and perseverance. Sidney A. Taplin, son of Henry Taplin, of Elizabethtown, was born in 1829 ; married in 18s0, the eldest daughter of Harmonius Alguire, Esq., by whom he has six children. At an early age he entered the store of Robert Peden, Esq., where he acquired a thorough knowledge of the mercantile business. In 1851, he commenced business for himself at Phillipsville. In 1861, he purchased the business stand and farm from Wellington Landon, Esq., Farmersville, removing at once to that place, where he has since resided. He is a prominent Liberal, and has been frequently urged by his friends to offer himself as a parliamentary candidate. For several years he represented the Rear of Yonge as Reeve, in which position he was known as the champion of educational interests in the Counties’ Council. in illustration. In 1875, he erected the elegent shop shown JEREMIAH WILTSE. The subject of this sketch occupies a farm of Ioo acres on Lot No. 13, 9th Concession of Rear of Yonge. He was born at Farmersville, May 27th, 1828; and married in 1861, to Adeline, daughter of Samuel Denby, of Yonge. Mr.Wiltse is a descendant of the first actual settler of the township. His grandfather was James Wiltse, brother of Captain the first land and built the first log cabins in Yonge and Escott Rear. His father, Henry Wiltse, held a deed of the west half of Lot No. 13, his grandfather James holding the east half. Mr. Wiltse has three children: Lily, born March 26th, 1863; Eber, born February 22nd, 1865 ; and Carrie, born April roth, 1867. THE GILES FAMILY. William Giles was born at Clone House, in the County of Wexford, Ireland, in 1789; came to America in 1811, and settled at Utica, New York, where he commenced the manufacture of saddles. During the war of 1812, he became disgusted with the treatment given by Americans to British soldiers, who had been taken prisoners, and, in consequence, Shortly after his arrival, he purchased the farm now occupied by his son, J. G. Giles, M.D., and proceeded to erect the front part of the house, shown in the accompanying sketch, it being the fourth frame house built in Leeds back of Brockville. Soon after settling, he married Sarah Richards, also from the County of Wexford, and reMr. Giles was a man of culture, a great reader and a fine musician, a Conservative in politics, but strongly adverse to public life. Hediedin his 78th year, breathing his last, July 13th, 1867; his wife having died February 28th, of the same year. Mr. Giles was the father of eight children, six of whom survived him. His son, William H. Giles, succeeded him in the harness business at Farmersville, He was an active Justice of the Peace. He died in August, 1876. Two sons, Richard and James, reside in New York, where they have been engaged in the importing and jobbing trade for years. One of the daughters married George B. Glassford, Esq., Deputy-Registrar of Leeds; the other married John A. Teskey, woolen manufacturer, of Appleton, Lanark. The present occupant of the homestead, John G. Giles, M. D., graduated at Queen’s College, Kingston, in 1861. In addition to the duties of his profession, he takes a lively interest in agricultural pursuits, and has for many years been a member of the Township Council and High School Board. A Conservative in politics, he represented the South Riding of Leeds in the Local Legislature for two sessions, the unexpired term caused by the resignation of H. S. McDonald, Esq., who was appointed Judge. Dr. Giles holds a commission as Captain in the Militia. JAMES B. SAUNDERS. Mr. Saunders was born in St. Lawrence County, New York, in 1843, his father, Mr. William Saunders, emigrating from Scotland to St. Lawrence County in 1842, removing to the Township of Yonge the following year, and locating at Buell’s Mills. Mr. Saunders, in connection with his father, carries on the milling business, about three-fourths of a mile east of Farmersville. He has held in succession the following public offices: Member of the Township Council, Deputy-Reeve, and member o the High School Board, at the present time representing the municipality as Reeve. For many years he has been