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ZIMRI A. ENOS. This highly respected gentleman is one of the oldest living settlers in Springfield, to the site of which he came with his parents in 1823. The oldest resident now living is Mrs. Taylor, a daughter of Andrew Elliott, who came here with the Kellys, who were the first settlers here. Mr. Enos has for the past thirty years given his entire attention to surveying, an occupation to which he particularly devoted himself during his student life.

Before entering upon the life history of our subject it may be of interest to our readers to note a few facts regarding his parents. Pascal P. Enos was born at Windsor, Conn., in 1770, and Salome Paddock, at Woodstock, Vt., in 1791. This couple were married in the fall of 1815 and established their home in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the spring of 1817 they removed to St. Louis, Mo., whence in the fall of 1821 they went to Madison County, Ill. While residing there, at the solicitation of the Vermont delegation in Congress, Mr. Enos was appointed by President Monroe, Receiver in the Land Office established at what was called Springfield District, although there was no town laid out. He arrived with his family in September, 1823, and opened his office in a double log cabin on the corner of what is now Third and Jefferson Streets. He soon after united with Elijah Iles, John Taylor and Thomas Cox in laying out a town site, each having entered a quarter section of land. They called the place Calhoun, but the name was afterward changed to Springfield.

P.P. Enos was in charge of the Land Office until Gen. Jackson was elected President and he then engaged in improving his land. He also continued in his real-estate transactions and was engaged in mercantile pursuits. When he was called from time to eternity in 1832, the place which he had assisted in platting was quite a village, Second and Jefferson streets being its center.

The gentleman whose name introduces these notes was born in St. Louis, Mo., September 29, 1821, and was scarcely more than an infant when he came to Central Illinois. His early education was obtained in the old-fashioned log school houses, but he afterward enjoyed better school privileges, studying in the Springfield Academy, the Jesuit University in St. Louis and Illinois College, at Jacksonville. He gave particular attention to mathematics with a preference to civil engineering, but after leaving school read law with Messrs. Baker & Bledsoe, Judge Matheny being in the office at the same time.

After being admitted to the bar Mr. Enos entered into the practice of his profession in Springfield in partnership with James H. Matheny, but after a time he gave up the profession and became a commission merchant. Three years later he turned his attention to his original purpose - that of becoming a civil engineer and surveyor - and to this he has since given his exclusive attention. He was at one time County Surveyor and he has done much of city surveying also. He is quite largely interested in city real-estate and has made an addition to the town. He has served the community in the capacity of Alderman ten years and has been a member of the Board of Education for an equal length of time. His labors in behalf of all that will elevate the status of the citizens, materially, morally or intellectually, are duly appreciated by those who enjoy the pleasure of his acquaintance even by those to whom he is not personally known. The political adherence of Mr. Enos is given to the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic order, identified with the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery and Consistory, which takes him up to the Thirty-second degree.

The hospitable and attractive home of Mr. Enos is presided over by a lady who bore the maiden name of Agnes Trotter and who became his wife June 10, 1846. Mrs. Enos was born in New York City, February 15, 1825, her parents being George and Catherine (Imlay) Trotter, who removed to this section of the country in 1835. Her father was born in Dumbarton, Scotland, in the latter part of the eighteenth century, went to the West Indies about 1801 and came to the United States some years later. After becoming a resident of Springfield he was engaged in land speculation until his death, which took place in May, 1842. His widow then made her home with her son John and is now deceased.

Mrs. Enos is a capable housekeeper, an affectionate and devoted mother and an excellent neighbor. The family of herself and husband consists of five living children: George F., William, Catherine, Allen and Louisa. The eldest son is connected with the Springfield rolling mill, the second is in business in Topeka, Kan., and the youngest is a surveyor in the place of his birth.