In the following pages an effort has been made to give in a clear, concise manner the history of the settlement and growth of Woodford county. The aim has been to give a condensed, yet complete statement of facts in a clear, unprejudiced way. No attempt has been made to eulogize the men who have made the county what it has become, altho there are many who merit the highest encomiums.<br><br>In the preparation of this volume aid has been received from a great number of sources and to all who have so willingly aided in this work, I extend my heartfelt thanks. The little volume is presented to the public with the sincere wish that it may add to the knowledge of local history among our people. Every effort has been made to insure its authenticity, but in a work of this character it is impossible to prevent the creeping in of some mistake. I trust that whatever errors may have occurred in this effort to serve the public may be regarded with the same leniency and kindness as my previous efforts.<br><br>I wish to express my gratitude for the use of half-tones to the Minonk News, Bloomington Pantagraph, Minonk Dispatch, Woodford County Republican, Benson Bee, Metamora Herald, ElPaso Journal, Geo. W. Nance, of Bloomington, editor of the history of the Nance family; and Henry B. Meek of Kansas City, editor of the history of the Meek family.