This collection relates to Drew W. Castle (1895-1978) and Edward M. Pike (1838-1924). Pike served in the 33rd Illinois Infantry during the Civil War and was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallant service at the Cache River, Arkansas. After the war he returned to McLean County and served on the police department until he was elected sheriff of McLean County in 1866. He moved to Chenoa and entered the brick and tile manufacturing business with Justus Castle, grandfather of Drew W. Castle. Research includes genealogy for his family as well as the history and origins of northern McLean County towns and villages.
This collection contains photographs, correspondence, notes, and clippings. The bulk of the collection starts with the 1960s Drew W. Castle correspondence. It is divided into folders for each correspondent; then chronologically within the folder. There are also separate folders with photographs, book excerpts, clippings, and 1832-1915 Castle family letters. Most of the correspondence deals with Castle inquiries. There are also pictures and information about E. M. Pike’s Civil War record and the Cache River Battle.