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Shelby and Moultrie Counties, Illinois.
CONTAINING
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Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens
OF THE COUNTIES,
Together with Biographies of all the
Governors of the §tato, and of the f residents
OF THE UNITED STHTES.
CHICAGO.
BfOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING CO
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jilE greatest of English historians, Mac-allay, and one of the most brilliant writers of
the present century, has said: "The history of a country is best told in a record of tin-
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Portrait and Biographk m
Record of this county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and
taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our
corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their
enterprise and industry, brought the county to rank second to none among those
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli-
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an
influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who
have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and
records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very
many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way." content
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — -they have done what
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the
anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace
once more reigned in the laud. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not
be lost upon those who follow after.
Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact
that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible
iriven to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them-
selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph-
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given.
The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the
information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested
one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made
at their residence or place of business.
October. 1881. Biographical Publishing ( o
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HE Father of our Country was
I born in Westmorland Co., Va.,
x Feb. 22, 1732. His parents
were Augustine and Mary
(Ball) Washington. The family
to which he belonged has not
been satisfactorily traced in
England. His great-grand-
father, John Washington, em-
igrated to Virginia about 1657,
and became a prosperous
planter. He had two sons,
Lawrence and John. The
former married Mildred Warner
and had three children, John.
Augustine and Mildred. Augus-
tine, the father of George, first
married Jane Butler, who bore
him four children, two of whom,
Lawrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of six children by his
second marriage, George was the
eldest, the others being Betty,
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles
and Mildred.
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died
in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on
the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon,
and to George he left the parental residence. George
received only such education as the neighborhood
schools afforded, save for a short time after he left
school, when he received private instruction in
mathematics. His spelling was rather defective
Remarkable stories are told of his great physica:
strength and development at an early age. He was
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair-
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life.
When George was 1 4 years old he had a desire to go to
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him,
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was
abandontd. Two years later he was appointed
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very
essential to him. In 175 1, though only 19 years of
age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for
active service against the French and Indians. Soon
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health They
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter
who did not long survive him. On her demise the
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George.
Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuten-
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili-
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac-
cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro-
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North-
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed
was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand,
and the journey was to be made without military
escort, through a territory occupied
bv Indians. The
-JO
GEORGE WASHING TON.
trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com-
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and .Major Washington was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was
then begun against the French and Indians, in which
Washington took a most important part. In the
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad-
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock
were disabled early in the action, and Washington
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter
to his brother he says : "1 had four bullets through
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped
unhurt, though death was leveling my companions
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit
him.
After having been five years in the military service,
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he
took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio,
co resign his commission. Soon after he entered the
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an
active and important part. January 17, 1759, he
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy
widow of John Parke Custis.
When the British Parliament had closed the port
->f Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all."
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con-
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila-
delphia.Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties,
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash-
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con-
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com-
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and
responsible office was conferred upon Washington,
who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted
it on Tune 19, but upon the express condition that he
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account
of expenses and expect Congress to pay them and
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country
were so long confided. The war was conducted by
him under every possible disadvantage, and while his
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame even-
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, ^83, Washington, in
a parting address of surpassing beauty, tesigned his
commission as commander-in-chief of the army to
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed
Ins occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all
connection with public life.
1 February, 1789, Washington was unanimously
elected President. In his presidential career he w;i>
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the pan
of other governments ; trials from want of harmony
between the different sections of our own country;
trials from the impoverished condition of the country,
owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His
clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and
while perhaps this alone kept our government from
sinking at the very outlet, it left him exposed to
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and
very annoying.
At the expiration of his first term he was unani-
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March,
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi-
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there
his few remaining yeais free from the annoyances of
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to
take command of the armies. He chose his sill -
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat-
ters in the field, which he superintended from his
home. In accepting the command he made the
reservation that he was not to be in the field uniil
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations
his life was suddenly cut off. December 12. he took
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling
in lis throat, produced inflammation, and terminated
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh-
teenth his body was borne wih military honors to its
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at
Mount Vernon.
Of the character of Washington it is impossible to
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad-
miration. The more we see of the operations of
our government, and the more deeply we feel the
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest,
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal-
ent and character, which have been able to challenge
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na-
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will
be as lasting as the existence of man.
The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry.
He commanded respect without any appearance of
haughtiness, and ever serious without K*>inCdull.
JdnJdmk)
SEOONB PRESIDENT.
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^f|| OHN ADAMS, the second
:., President and the first Vice-
is^ President of the United States
//j was born in Braintree ( now
Quincy ),Mass., and about ten
™ miles from Boston, Oct. 19,
735. His great-grandfather, Henry
Adams, emigrated from England
about 1640, with a family of eight
I sons, and settled at Braintree. The
parents of John were John and
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His
father was a farmer of limited
means, to which he added the bus-
iness of shoemaking. He gave his
eldest son, John, a classical educa-
tion at Harvard College. John
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a
'school of affliction," from which he endeavored to
gain .elief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For this purpose lie placed himself
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He
had thought seriously of the clerical profession
but seems to have been turned from this by what he
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun-
jils, cf diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,''
of the operations of which he had been a witne^ in
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal
profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep-
:ive powers. He gradually gained practice, and in
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister,
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his
marriage, (17 ^5), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa-
tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial
steps toward holdir.= a town meeting, and the resolu-
tions he offered on the subject became very populai
throughout the Province, and were adopted word for
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous
and prominent advocatesof the popular cause, and
.vas chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg-
lislaturc) in 1770.
Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress,
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himselt
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad-
vocated the movement for independence against tb ;
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he mcved
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies
should assume the duties of self-government. He
was a prominent member of the committee of ave
appointed June n, to prepare a declaration of inde-
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through
Congress in a three days debate.
On the day after the Declaration of Independence
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with thj
glow of excited feeling, lie wrote .1 letter to his wife
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictatei
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the
greatest question was decided that ever was debated
in .America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wi!
be decided among men. A resolution was passed
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde-
pendent states.' The day i^ passed. The fourth of
July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty
God. It ought to be solemnized with i>omp, shows-
24
JOHN ADAMS.
games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations
from one end of the continent to the other, from this
time forward for ever. You will think me transported
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to
maintain this declaration, and support and defend
these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can seethe
rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is
w^rth more than all the means; and that posterity
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I
hope we shall not."
In November, 1777. Mr. Adams was appointed a
delegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money
from the French Government. This was a severe trial
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home,
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex-
posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis-
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17,
1779. In September of the same year he was again
chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi-
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet
might be found willing to listen to such pioposels. He
sailed for France in November, from there he went to
Holland, where he negotiated important loans and
formed important commercial treaties.
Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed
Jan. 2i, 1783. The re-action from the excitement,
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con-
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he
was advised to go to England to drink the waters of
Bath. While in England, still drooping anddespond-
ing, he received dispatches from his own government
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,he made the trip.
February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face
to face the King of England, who had so long re-
garded him as a traitor. As England did not
condescend to appoint a minister to the United
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom-
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to
his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788.
When Washington was first chosen President, John
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again
at the second election of Washington as President,
Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash-
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was
elected President,though not without much opposition.
Serving in this office four vears,he was succeeded by
Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics.
While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great
French Revolution shook the continent of Europe,
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with
the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson.
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people
in their struggle, for lie had no confidence in their
power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the
classof atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it.
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or-
iginated the alienation between these distinguished
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ-
ised, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies
were with England and Jefferson led the other in
sympathy with France.
The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till
after death. No one could look upon his venerable
form, and think of what he had done and suffered,
and how he had given up all the prime and strength
of his life to the public good, without the deepest
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar
good fortune to witness the complete success of the
institution which he had been so active in creating and
supporting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest
station in the gift of the people.
The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is
well known, on that day two of these finished their
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr.
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In-
dependence forever." When the day was ushered
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons,
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew
what day it was? He replied, "O yes ; it is the glor-
ious fourch of July — God bless it — God bless you all."
In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and
glorious day." The last words he uttered were,
" Tefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re-
signed his spirit into the hands of his God.
The personal appearance and manners of Mr.
Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face,
as his portrait manifests,was intellectual ard expres-
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and h>s
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous.
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked
the manners and address of Tefferson.
fe#^^>7e.
THIRD FMESIDEXT.
27
THOMAS JEPPEESD^ if
a
HOMAS JEFFERSON was
born April ^. 1743, at Shad-
pwell, Albermarle county, Va.
His parents were Peter and
Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson,
th j former a native of Wales,
and the latter born in Lon-
don. To them were born six
daughters and two sons, of
whom Thomas was the elder.
When 14 years of age his
father died. He received a
most liberal education, hav-
been kept diligently at school
from the time he was live years of
age. In 1760 he entered William
end Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obodeof fashion
a.id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then z-j
years old, lived somewhat e.xpensivelv, keeping fine
horses, and much caressed 1; _ society, \ et he
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha-
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under
such influences, that he was not ruined. In the sec-
ond year of his college course, moved by some un-
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses,
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen
hours a day to haid study, allowing himself for ex-
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out
of the city and back again. He thus attained very
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso-
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and
Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls: and
there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a
more purenrinded, upright, gentlemanly young man.
Immediately upon leaving college he began the
study of law. For the short time he continued in the
tice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin-
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a
lawyer. But the times called for greater action.
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led
him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosei
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses In
177; he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti-
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow
Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell. th>n-
majestic swell of land, caMed Monticello, which
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected (or his new
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest ye*
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon
became the most distinguished resort in our land.
In 1775 'le was sent to the Cclonial Congress
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he
laced uiion a number of important committees,
and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw-
ing up of a declaration of independence. This com-
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams,
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R.
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed
to draw up the pa;ier. Franklin and Adams suggested
a tew verbal changes before it was submitted to Con-
gress. On June 2S. a few slight changes were made
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July
4. 1776 What must have been the feelings of that
28
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
man — what the emotions that swelled his breast —
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec-
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of
America, was also to publish her to the world, free,
sjoverign and independent. It is one of the most re-
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort
uf the mind of its author exist, that alone would be
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality.
In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to
Patrick Henry, as Governor of Virginia. At one time
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to
Momicello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five
minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef-
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses-
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and
in the summer of 1782 she died.
Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783.
Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipo-
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State
in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned
Jan. 1, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi-
dent, and four years later was elected President o\er
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity,
and George Clinton, Vice President.
The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra-
iion was disturbed by an event which threatened the
tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con-
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our
southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there
a new republic. This has been generally supposed
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been
generally known what his real plans were, there is no
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous
character.
In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly
.orty years, he had been continually before the pub-
lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de-
voted the best part of his life to the service of his
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his
declining years required, and upon the organization of
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare-
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticelio.
Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole
families came in their coaches with their horses, —
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and
nurses, — and remained three and even six months.
Life at Monticelio, for years, resembled that at a
fashionable watering-place.
The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver-
sary of the Declaration of American Independence,
great preparations weie made in every part of th<;
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity
ot the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framet.
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara-
tion, to participate in their testivities. But an ill-
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and
had been continually increasing, compelled him to
decline the invitation.
On the second of July, the disease under which
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced
state that his medical attendants, entertained nc
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next
d;iy, which was Monday, he asked of those around
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was
the third of July, lie expressed the earnest wish tha';
he might be permitted to breathe the airof the fiftieth
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land,
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for-
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble
life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- -
the day which his own name and his own act had
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him,
as tile author, under God, of their greatest blessings,
was all that was wanting to till up the record his life.
Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin-
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors.
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of
freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desper-
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a
century they had labored together for tne good of
the country; and now hand in hand they depart.
In their lives they had been united in the same great
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not
divided.
In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became
white and silvery: his complexion was fair, his fore-
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as
well as personal courage; and ;.:s command of tem-
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends
never recollected to have seen him in a passion.
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un-
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver-
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic ; and
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is
discernable the care with which he formed his style
upon the best models of antiquity.
,5S
J
/■ (Z/OC*-*-^ ,tsV(,
/Zt-XC-^-f £'
FOURTH PRESIDENT.
3'
PITQES lll^DISOl}.
VMES MADISON". "Father
(i® of the Constitution, ' and fourth
^President of the United States,
;/ was l)orn March 16, 1757, and
s died at his home in Virginia,
June 2S, 1836. The name of
James Madison is inseparably con-
nected with most of the important
events in that heroic period of our
country during which the founda-
tions of this great republic were
laid. He was the last of the founders
of the Constitution of the United
States to be called to his eternal
reward.
The Madison family were among
the early emigrants to the New World,
landing upon the shores of the Chesa-
peake but 15 years after the settle-
ment of Jamestown. The father of
James Madison was an opulent
planter, residing upon a very fine es-
tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co.,
Va. The mansion was situated in
the midst of scenery highly pictur-
esque and romantic, on the west side
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and
political attachment existed between these illustrious
men, from their early youth until death.
The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of
18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey.
Here he applied himself to study with the most im-
prudent zeal; allowing hirm.elf, for months, but three
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor
of constitution. He graduated in 177 1. with a feeble
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsf
quent career.
Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading.
This educational course, the spirit of the times in
which he lived, and the society with which he asso-
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong
love of liberty, and to train him fur his life-work ot
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten-
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mind
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed
all the arguments for and against revealed religion,
until his faith became so established as never to
be shaken.
In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to
frame the constitution of the State. The next year
(1777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly.
He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and
consequently lost his election ; but those who had
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf,
and he was appointed to the Executive Council.
Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his
3*
JAMES MADISON.
mtellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of
die most conspicuous positions among them.
For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con-
gress, one of its most active and influential members.
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature.
No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na-
tional government, with no power to form treaties
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in
the declaration, that an efficient national government
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of
Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commis-
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss
this subject. Five States only were represented. The
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at
>he time appointed. Fvery State but Rhode Island
-■as represented. George Washington was chosen
president of the convention; and the present Consti-
tution of the United States was then and there formed.
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac-
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind
and the pen of James Madison.
The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was
to be presented to the several States for acceptance.
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent
States, with but little power at home and little respect
abroad. Mr. Madkon was selected by the conven-
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution,
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and
went into effect in 17S9.
Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre-
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the
avowed leader of the Republican party. While in
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a
young widow of remarkable power of fascination,
whom he married. She was in person and character
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs.
Madison.
Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration
was chosen President. At this time the encroach-
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war.
British orders in council deployed our commerce, and
our rl.ig was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood
boil, even now, tu think of an American ship brought
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser.
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the
crcw to be paraded before him. With great nonchal-
ance he selects any number whom he may please to
designate as British subjects; orders them down the
ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun-
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the
battles of England. This right of search and im-
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce
the British cabinet to relinquish.
On the iSth of June, 1S12, President Madison gave
his appioval to an act of Congress declaring war
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th
of March, 18 13, was re-elected by a large majority,
and entered upon his second term of office. This is
not the place to describe the various adventures of
this war on the land and on the water. Our infan.
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap-
pling with the most formidable power which ever
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February,
1813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole
coast of the United States under blockade.
The Emperor ot Russia offered his services as me
ditator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit-
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa-
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens-
burg, upon Washington.
The straggling little city of Washington was thrown
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the
metropolis. The whole population fled from the city.
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White
House, with her carriage drawn up at the doer to
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers
in a council of war He met our troops utterly routed,
and he could not go back without danger of being
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in
Washington were in flames.
The war closed after two years of fighting, and on
Feb. 13, i8i5,the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent.
On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau-
tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re-
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi-
son died July 12, 1849,
«4sW?^itilliP^
.<S';"'-
'
7
^e^L.
FIFTH PRESIDENT.
35
pirjEs npjjfOR
AMl'.S MONROE, the fifth
.President of The United States,
was born in Westmoreland Co..
Va.,April 2S, 1758. His early
life was passed at the place of
nativity. His ancestors had for
- ; - ~ c_.~ T- many years resided 111 the prov-
ince in which he was born. When,
at 17 years of age, in the process
of completing his education at
William and Mary College, the Co-
lonial Congress assembled at Phila-
delphia to deliberate upon the un-
just and manifold oppressions of
Great Britian, declared the separa-
tion of the Colonies, and promul-
gated the Declaration of Indepen-
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly
probable that he would have been one of the signers
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left
school and enlisted among the patriots.
He joined the army when everything looked hope-
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring
in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits,
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con-
tending with an enemy whom they had been taught
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their
political emancipation. The young cadet joined the
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country,
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife
for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel-
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and Whit
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fle
before its foes through New Jersey. In four month
after the Declaration of Independence, the patrio;
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle o!
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left
shoulder.
As a reward for his braver}', Mr. Monroe was pro-
moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however,
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam-
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy
wine, Germanlown and Monmouth, he continued
aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain hi,
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable
ardor, the study o( common law. He did not, however,
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag;
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as avolun
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits.
In 1782, he was elected from King George county,
a member of the Legislature of Virginia, and by that
body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having
at this early period displayed some of that ability
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwaids
employed with unremitting energy for the public good,
36
JAMES MONROE.
lie was in the succeeding year chosen a member of
ihe Congress of the United States.
Deeplyas Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old
Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution,
Thinking, with many others of 'he Republican parly,
'.hat it gave too much power to the Central Government,
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re-
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member
uf the United States Senate ; which office he held for
four years. Every month the line of distinction be-
tween the two great parties which divided the nation,
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more
distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep-
arated them were, that the Republican party was in
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the
Central Government as little power, and the State
Governments as much power, as the Constitution would
warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England,
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con-
stitution, which would give as much power to the
Central Government as that document could possibly
authorize.
The leading Federalists and Republicans were
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In
building up this majestic nation, which is destined
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com-
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the
light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de-
nounced as almost a demon.
Washington was then President. England had es-
poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi-
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away.
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be-
tween these contending powers. France had helped
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse
than that which we had endured Col. Monroe, more
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres-
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in
magnanimity.
Washington, who could appreciate such a character,
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness,
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de-
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr.
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations.
Shortly after his return to this countrv, Mr. Mol-
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the
office for three yeais. He was again sent to Prance to
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining
the vast territory then known as the Province of
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob-
tained from Spain. Ttieir united efforts were sue
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and
district of Louisiana were added to the United States.
This was probably the largest transfer of real estate
which was ever made in all the history of the world
From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob-
tain from that country some recognition of 0111
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng-
land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng-
land on the same mission, but could receive no
redress. He returned to his home and was again
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned
to accept the position of Secretary of State nude
Madison. While in this office war with England was
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during
these trying times, the duties of the War Departmen
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor-
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return of
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con-
tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex-
piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elei
tion held the previous autumn Mr Monroe himself had
been chosen President with but little opposition, and
upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four year.
later he was elected for a second term.
Among the important measures of his President- 7
were the cession of Florida to the United States; the
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'
This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At tha;^
time the United States had recognized the independ-
ence of the South American states, and did not wish
to have European powers longer attempting to sub
due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt
on the part of European powers to extend their sys-
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous
to our peace and safety," and "that we could no':
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing
or controlling American governments or provinces in
any other light than as a manifestation by European
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United
States." This doctrine immedia'elv ."fleeted the course
of foreign governments, and has become the approved
sentiment of the LTnited States.
At the end of his fecond term Mr Monroe retired
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until T830,
when he went to New Vork to live with his son-in-
law, In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831
J , 5 , «-*•* ^ ^-^
XTH PRESIDRNi
30
1 301)1) QUIl^Y ^D^EQS. |f^
OHN QUINCV ADAMS, the
sixth President of the United
§8States, was born in the rural
home of his honored father.
John Adams, in Quincy, M ass ,
|S|i, on the 1 1 tli cf July, 1767. Hi-,
mother, a woman of exalted
worth, watched over his childhood
during the almost constant ab-
sence of his father. When but
eight years of age, he stood with
his mother on an eminence, listen-
ing to the booming of the great bat-
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on
upon the smoke and flames billow-
ing up from the conflagration of
Charlestown.
When but eleven years old he
took a tearful adieu of his mother,
to sail with his fattier for Europe,
through a fleet ot hostile British cruisers. The bright,
animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received
from them flattering marks of attention.
Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this
cou/.try, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again
Toh'fl Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he
applied himself with great diligence, for six months,
to jtudy; then accompained his father to Holland,
where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, then
the University at Leyden. About a year from this
time, in 1 7 8 1, when the manly boy was but fourteen
yea-s of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min-
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary.
In this school of incessant labor and of enobling
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed
nis studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence,
in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father I
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance
with the most distinguished men on the Continent
examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he agaii.
became associated with the most illustrious men oi
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal
themes which can engross the human mind. After
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, ano.
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785,
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world,
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a
residence with his father in London, under such cir-
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre-
ferred to return to America to complete his education
in an American college. He wished then to study
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be
able to obtain an independent support.
Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be-
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap-
pointed by Washington, resident minister at the
Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reacheo
London in October, where he was immediately admit-
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with
Gieat Brilian. After thus spending a fortnight i.
London, he proceeded to the Hague.
In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go toPortuga' as
minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches
directing him to the court of Beiiin, but requeslirg
him to remain in London until he should receive his
instructions. While waiting he was married to ar.
American lady to whom he had been previously en-
gaged,— Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughte'
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in Iondon:
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom-
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in tut
elevated sphere for which she w*s '.'**' ined
10
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ;
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful-
filled all the purposes of his mission, he solicited his
recall.
Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then
was elected Senator of the United States for six years,
from the 4th of March, rSoa. His reputation, his
ability and his experience, placed him immediately
among the most prominent and influential mem I ers
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern-
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach-
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in-
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon
these points, and no one more resolved to present
a firm resistance.
In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres-
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign-
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked
at Boston, in August, 1809.
While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu-
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to
the climate and astronomical observations ; while he
Kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a
more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found.
All through life the Bible constituted an importai t
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five
chapters every day.
On the 4th of March, 1817. Mr. Monroe took the
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr.
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num-
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he
sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the
18th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his
home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon-
roe's administration, Mr Adams continued Secretary
of State.
Some time before :he close of Mr. Monroe's second
term of office, new candidates began to be presented
foi the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought
forward his name. It ivas an exciting campaign.
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re-
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four;
William H. Crawford, forty -one; Henry Clay, thirty-
seven. As there was no choice by the people, the
question went to the House of Representatives. Mr.
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and
he was elected.
The friends of all the disappointed candidates now
:ombined in a venomous and persistent assault upon
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in
*'*». oast bistorv of our countrv than the abuse which
was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was
an administration more pure in principles, more con-
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun-
try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per-
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu-
lously and outrageously assailed.
Mr Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab-
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising
early and taking much exercise. When at his home in
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast,
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his
own fire and applying himself to work in his library
often long before dawn.
On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi-
dent. The slavery question now began to assume
portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un-
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re-
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre-
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever readv to
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of
" the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in
the House, he announced that he should hold him-
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually
the first iu his place in the morning, and the last to
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. 'I he
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, agains*
the prosluverv piny in the Government, was sublime
in its moral dating and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury
with expulsion from the House, with assassination
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final
triumph was complete.
It has been said of President Adams, that when his
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little
child, he was accustomed to repeat even- night, before
he slept, the prajer which his mother taught him in
his infant years.
On the 2 1st of February, 1848, he rose on the floor
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly-
sis, and was caught in the amis of those around him.
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious-
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and
said " This is the end of earth /'then after a moment's
pause he added, "lam content." These were the
last words of the grand "(lid Man Eloquent."
Si: l 'EKTli J'RESlL ENT.
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j& NDREW JACKSON, the
I seventh President of the
IP United States, was born in
Y Waxhaw settlement, N. C,
March 15, 1767, a few days
after his father's death. His
parents were poor emigrants
from Ireland, and took up
their abode in Waxhaw set-
tlement, where they lived in
deepest poverty.
Andrew, or Andy,' as he was
universally called, grew up a very
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His
features were coarse, his form un-
gainly; and there was but very
little in his character, made visible, which was at-
t.a. live.
When only thirteen years old he joined the volun-
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In
17S1, he and his brother Robert were captured and
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of
the dauntless boy.
The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate
Dlow at the head of the helpless young prisoner.
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear-
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert
with the same demand. He also refused, and re-
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite
disabled him, and which probably soon after caused
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and
were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their
mother was successful it* obtaining their exchange,
and took her sick boys home. After a long illnosv
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother wm
left him entirely friendless.
Andrew sapported himself in various ways,sj:'na9
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and
clerking in a general store, until r7 84, when he
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however,
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear,
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish
with the Sharp Knife.
In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who
supposed herself divorced from her former husband.
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later,
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur-
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr.
Jackson into disfavor.
During these years he worked hard at his profes
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand,
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec-
ially disgraceful.
In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con-
stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the deiega'es.
The new State was entitled to but one meml er in
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack-
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its
ANDREW JACKSON.
sessions, — a distance of about eight hundred miles.
Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo-
cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr.
, kson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose
..Lund term of office was then expiring, delivered his
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson
did not approve of the address, and was one of the
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been
" wise, firm and patriotic."
Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home.
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court
of his State, which position he held for six years.
When the war of rSi2 with Great Britian com-
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair.
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who
would do credit to a commission if one were con-
ferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson
jffeied his services and those of twenty-five hundred
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops
were assembled at Nashville.
As the British were hourly expected to make an at-
tack upon New Orleans, where Gen Wilkinson was
in command, he was ordered to descend the river
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything,
:he men were ordered back to their homes. But the
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him
golden opinions; and he became the most popular
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his
toughness gave him the nickname of " ( (Id Hickory. '
Soon afler this, while attempting to horsewhip Col.
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in
which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged,
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was
"lingering upon a bed of suffering news came that the
I idians, who had combined under Tecumseh from
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set-
lers, were committing the most awful ravages. De-
cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without as-i->-
i.ince, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama.
The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on
one of the bends of the Tallauoosa River, near the cen-
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother.
Wi;h an army of two thousand men, Gen. Jackson
' nversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven
I vs. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or
Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. iSu. The bend
ot the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres ol
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast-
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors,
with an ample suplyof arms were assembled.
The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des-
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en-
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn-
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war-
rior were killed A few probably, in the night, swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The
power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold
plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter.
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants
of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace.
This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con-
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he
was appointed major-general.
Late in August, with an army of two thousand
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort,
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious
assault The battle was long and doubtful. At length
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired.
Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued,
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his
troops, which numbered about four thousand men,
won a signal victory over the British army of about
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred.
The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men-
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824,
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however,
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected
for a second term in 1832. In 1S29, just before he
assumed the reins of the government, he met with
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death cf
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of
her death he never recovered.
His administration was one of the most memorable
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party,
condemned I >v the other. No man had more bitter
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where
he died June 8, 1S45. The last years of Mr. Jack-
son's life were that of a devoted Christian man.
>^"**«fc!a*^
1
O 7 yuct <yz^yJu*^<^
EIGHTH PRESIDENT.
r^
5p
A K 7 \>V ■
ARTIN VAN BUREN, Ihe
eighth President of the
United States, was born at
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5,
1782. He died at the same
place, July 24i 1862. His
body rests in the cemetery
at Kinderhook. Above it is
a plain granite shaft fifteen feet
high, bearing a simple inscription
about hall way up on one face.
w The lot is unfenced, unbordeied
or unbounded by shrub or flower.
There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged
i,i no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those
incidents which give zest to biography. His an-
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin,
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer,
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother,
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel-
ligence and exemplary piety.
Te was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un-
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies
in his native village, and commenced the study of
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven
years of study in a law-office were required of him
before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with
j. lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur-
sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After
spending six years in an office in his native village,
he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted hi*
studies for the seventh year.
In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years ot
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil-
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van
Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had,
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the
many discussions which had been carried on in his
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused I lie
cause of State Rights ; though at that time the Fed-
eral party held the supremacy both in his town
and State.
His success and increasing ruputation led him
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, th.
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years
constantly gaining strength by contending in tin-
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned
the bar of his State.
Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump-
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep ovei
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record
of those years is barren in items of public interest.
In t8 1 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap-
pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved
to Albany, the capital of the State.
While he was acknowledged as one of the most
p. ominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had
4S
MARTIN VAN BUREN.
the moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not require that " universal suffrage " which admits
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of
governing the State. In true consistency with his
democratic principles, he contended that, while the
i;ath leading to the privilege of voting should be open
to every man without distinction, no one should be
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue
and some property interests in the welfare of the
State.
In 182 i he was elected a member of the United
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat
in the convention to revise the constitution of his
.lative State. His course in this convention secured
the approval of men of all parties. No one could
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the
interests of all classes in the community. In the
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator.
In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to
.tie Senate. He had been from the beginning a de-
.ermined opposer of the Administration, adopting the
'State Rights" view in opposition to what was
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.
Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United
States contributed so much towards ejecting John O.
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re-
garded throughout the United States as one of the
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians
It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how
x> touch the secret springs of action; how to pull all
:he wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to
organize a political army which would, secretly and
Tte-Uhily accomplish the most gigantic results. By
these powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams,
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which
feu thought then^could be accomplished.
kViien Andrew Jackson was elected President he
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately
appointed Minister to England, where he went the
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met,
refused to ratify the nomination, and he leturned
home, apparently untroubled ; was nominated Vice
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election
of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and
fiowns for none, he took his place at the head of that
Senate which hjd refused to confirm his nomination
as ambassador.
His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor-
ite; and this, probably mure than any other cause,
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu
five. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re-
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen.
Jackson as President of the United States. He was
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen.
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred
upon him the power to appoint a successor."
His administration was filled with exciting events.
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in
volve this country in war with England, the agitation
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer-
cial panic which spread over the country, all were
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at-
tributed to the management of the Democratic party,
and brought the President into such disfavor that he
failed of re election.
Wiih the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death.
He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits,
and living within his income, had now fortunately a
competence for his declining years. His unblemished
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned
patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he
had occupied in the government of our country, se-
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the
4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald,
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics
of the country. From this time until his death, on
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old
age, probably far more happiness than he had before
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life
yCt?. /&)9&sla^c-i
NINTH PRESIDENT.
RY MRRKOX.
ILLIAM HENRY HARRI-
SflfL SON, the ninth President of
.ffl® the L nited States, was born
■NgMI at Berke!e>. Va., Feb. 9, 1773.
His father, Benjamin Harri-
son, was in comparatively op-
ulent circumstances, and was
one of the most distinguished
men of his day. He was an
intimate friend of George
Washington, w as early elected
a member of the Continental
Congress, and was conspicuous
among the patriots of Virginia in
resisting the encroachments of the
British crown. In the celebrated
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har-
rison and John Hancock were
both candidates for the office of
speaker.
Mr Harrison was subsequently
chosen Governor of Virginia, and
S^ «as twice re-elected. His son,
William Henry, of course enjoyed
in childhood all the advantages which wealth and
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav-
ing received a thorough common-school education, he
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated
with honor soor. r.fter the death of his father. He
then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of
Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father,
ligners of the Declaration of Independence.
Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not-
withstanding the *emons!vances of his friends, he
abandoned his medical studies and entered the army,
.laving obtained 1 commission of Ensign from Presi-
dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old.
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose
death he resigned his commission. He was then ap-
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory This
Territory «vas then entitled to but one member in
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that
position.
In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory
was divided by Congress into two portions. The
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced
in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap
pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in-
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four
times appointed to this office — first by John Adams,
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi-
dent Madison.
When he began his adminstration there were but
three white settlements in that almost boundless region,
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French
settlement.
The vast wilderness over which Gov. Flam- 1.
reicned was filled with many tribes of Indian? Ab,. ■
U. OF ILL LIB.
5^
WILLIAM HKXRY IIARR1SOX.
the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers,
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. Or.e of
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching
Panther;" the other. Olliwacheca, or "The Prophet."
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit-
able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm,
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting-
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was
an orator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored
Indian as the gale tossed the tree -tops beneath which
they dwelt.
But the Prophet was not merely an orator: he was,
i.i the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent
by the Great Spirit.
Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe-
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter.
October 28, 181 2, his army began its march. When
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet-
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace.
But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes-
tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en-
campment, he took every precaution against surprise.
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept
upon their arms.
The troops threw themselves upon the ground for
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa-
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi-
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all
the desperation which superstition and passion most
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the
little army. The savages had been amply provided
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets.
The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide-
ous yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a
speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be-
fore them, and completely routing th«" foe.
Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked
to the utmost. The British descending from the Can -
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn-
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier
was plunged into a state of consternation which even
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive.
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra-
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit.
Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrison
was appointed by President Madison commander-in-
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake
Detroit, and to protect the frontiers.
It would be difficult to place a man in a situation
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but
General Harrison was found equal to the position,
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re
sponsibilities.
He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a
valise ; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket
lashed over his saddle Thirty-five British officers,
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle.
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted
before the fire, without bread or salt.
In 18 16, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member ot
the National House of Representatives, to represent
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with
force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested
the attention of all the members.
In 1819. Harrison was elected to the Senate oi
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate.
In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nominated by his
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated
by the Whigs, with John Tyler forthe Vice Presidency.
The contest was very animated. Gen Jackson gave
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but
his triumph was signal.
The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webstei
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most
brilliant with which any President had ever been
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin-
istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and
joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison was seized by a
pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick-
ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after
his inauguration as President of the United States.
\y
'-V7L
TENTH PRES/DEXT.
jj OHN TYLER, the tenth
ja Presidentof the United States.
He was born in Charles-city
Co.. Va.. March 29, 1790. He
was the favored child of af-
fluence and high social po-
sition. At the early age of
twelve. John entered William
and Mary College and grad-
uated with much honor when
but seventeen years old. After
graduating, he devoted him-
self with great assiduity to the
study of law, partly with his
father and partly with Edmund
Randolph, one of the most distin-
guished lawyers of Virginia.
At nineteen years of age, ne
commenced the practice of law.
His success was rapid and aston-
ishing. It is said that three
months had not elapsed ere there
was scarcely a case on the dock-
et of the court in which he was
i.jt retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he
was almost unanimously e'ected to a seat in the State
.-..-lature. He connected himself with the Demo-
:ratic part)', and warmly advocated the measures of
Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the
unanimous vote or his countv.
When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and
ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national
bank, internal improvements by the General ^Vivsm-
ment. a protective tariff, and advocating a strict con-
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress
were so arduous that before the close of his second
term hj fo and ic necessary to resign and retire to his
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He,
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful
in promoting public works of great utility. With a
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chostn
by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his
native State. His administration was signally a suc-
cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election.
John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the
United States. A portion of the Democratic party
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course,
and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent,
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of
Roanoke. Mr. T\ler was the victor.
In accordance with his professions, upon taking his
seat in the Senate, he joined thj ranks of the opposi-
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and
voted against the bank as unconstitutional; he stren-
uously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resist-
ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen-
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr.
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Ge:i.
Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had
abandoned the principles of the Democratic party.
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a recoid
in perfect accordance with the principles which he
had always avowed.
Returning 10 Virginia, he resumed the practice 1 1
his profession. There was a cplit in the Democrats
56
JOHN TYLER.
/arty. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef-
iersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli-
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con-
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri-
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan-
tation. Soon after this he remo\ed to Williamsburg,
lor the better education of his children ; and he again
look his seat in the Legislature of Virginia.
By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in
•839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har-
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment ot
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili-
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres-
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa-
thy with the Whig party in the Noith: but the Vice
President has but very little power in the Govern-
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre-
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap-
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a
Democratic Vice President were chosen.
In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi-
dent of the United States. In one short month from
that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler
thus .; and himself, to his own surprise and that of
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri-
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of
£.-ril "./as inaugurated to the high and responsible
office. H_' was placed in a position of exceeding
delicacy and difficulty. All his longlife he had been
opjwsed tc the main principles of the party which had
brought him into power. He had ever been a con-
sistent, horx't man, with an unblemished record.
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should
Jie retain them, and thus surround himself with coun-
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or,
on the other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har-
n.ony with himself, and which would oppose all those
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub-
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in-
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had
^elected to retain their seats. He reccommmded a
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and
bless us.
The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States.
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with
his veto. He '*usaested. however, that he would
approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval.
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture.
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas-
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M.
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely
touched the pride of the President.
The opposition now exultingly received the Presi-
dent into their arms. The party which elected him
denounced him bitterly. All the members of his
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a
meeting and issued an address to the people of the
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance
between the \\higs and President Tyler were at
an end.
Still the President attempted to conciliate. He-
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign,
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra-
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more,
however, he brought himself into sympathy with his
old friends, the Democrats, until atthe close of his term,
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr.
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor.
On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the
harassments of office, tothe regret of neither party, aid
probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife,
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1S42;
and in June, r 844, President Tyler was again married,
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of
many personal and intellectual accomplishments.
The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For-
est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in
his manners, richly furnished with information from
books and experience in the world, and possessing
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was
the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the
storms of civil war which his own principles and
policy had helped to introduce.
When the great Rebellion rose, which the State
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal-
houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed-
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress;
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by
force of arms, 'he Government over which he had
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died.
ELEVENTH PRESIDENT.
59
zzzzzzj£&2%r? ■*:■.' ■ C ' y^s'-**~y>
1
"a
v-%^'
AMES K. POLK, the eleventh
||skPresident of the United States,
^ was born in Mecklenburg Co.,
N. C, Nov. 2, 1795. His par-
Ssi, ents were Samuel and Jane
."•->,' (Knox) Polk, the former a son
of Col. Thomas Polk, who located
at the above place, as one of the
first pioneers, in 1735.
In the year 1006, with his wife
and children, ar.d soon after fol-
lowed by most of the members of
the Polk farnly, Samuel Polk emi-
grated some two or three hundred
miles farther west, to the rich valley
of the Duck River. Here in the
midst of the wilderness, in a region
which was subsequently called Mau-
ry Co., they reared their log huts,
and established their homes. In the
hard toil of a new farm in the wil-
derness, James K. Polk spent the
early years of his childhood and
youth. His father, adding the pur-
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer,
gradually increased in wealth until
he became one of the leading men of the region. His
mother was a superior woman, of strong common
sense and earnest piety.
Very early in life, James developed a taste for
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain
a liberal education. His mother's training had made
him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct-
uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his
father, fearing chat he might not be able to endure a
sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits.
This was to James a bitter disappointment. He
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this
uncongenial occupation but a lew weeks, when at his
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half
years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplaiy of
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious
service.
He graduated in 181 8, with the highest honors, be-
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in
mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty-
three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this
time much impaired by the assiduity with which he
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few
miles from Nashville. They had probably been
slightly acquainted before.
Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican,
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi-
cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was
constantly called upon to address the meetings of his
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that
he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump.
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial aid
/AMES K. POLK.
xnirterus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic
nature in the jo) s and griefs of others which ever gave
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his
strong influence towards the election of his friend,
Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States.
In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul-
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that
for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con-
tinuec' in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew,
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair
of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was
always in his seat, always courteous; and whenever
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any
ambitious rhetorical display.
During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was
Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused,
and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per-
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac-
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was
passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of
March, ^39.
In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was
elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo-
ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841,
his term of office expired, and he was again the can-
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated.
On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. ^o\k was inaugur-
ated President of the United States. The verdict of
the countryin favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig-
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister,
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation
to be an act hostile to Mexico.
In his first message, President Polk urged that
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re-
ceived into the Union on the same footing with the
other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent
with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande,
where lie erected batteries which commanded the
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on
the western banks.
The anticipated collision soon took place, and wa:
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration
with great vigor Gen. Taylor, whose army was first
called one of "observation," then of "occupation,'
then of "invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused.
It was by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration
that the war was brought on.
' To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands.
We now consented to peace upon the condition that
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas,
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal-
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the
size of New York Thus slavery was securing eighteen
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were
some Americans who thought it all right : there were
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico.
On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from
office, having served one term. The next day was
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
as his successor. Mr Polk rode to the Capitol in the
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even-
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age.
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits,
and his health was good. With an ample fortune,
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the
cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted,
and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fiftv-fourth
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen.
^.COGn^PL^y^y/ ^y^xyy--
TWELFTH PRESIDENT.
63
ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth
President of the United States,
Jpwas born on the 24th of Nov.,
1784, in Orange Co., Va. His
father, Colonel Taylor, was
a Virginian of note, and a dis-
tinguished patriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When Zachary
was an infant, his father with his
wife and two children, emigrated
to Kentucky, where he settled in
the pathless wilderness, a few
miles from Louisville. In this front-
ier home, away from civilization and
all its refinements, young Zachary
could enjoy but few social and educational advan-
tages. When six years of age he attended a common
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char-
acter He was strong, fearless and self-reliant, and
manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight
the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation.
In 1S0S, his father succeeded in obtaining for him
the commission of lieutenant in the United States
army ; and he joined the troops which were stationed
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady
from one of the first families of Maryland.
Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng-
land, in r8i2, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder-
ness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to Tippecanoe.
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians,
,ed by Tecumseh, Its garrison consisted of a broken
company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of
whom were sick.
Early in the autumn of 18 12, the Indians, stealthily,
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their
approach was first indicated by the murder of two
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor
made every possible preparation to meet the antici-
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort,
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk
with him. It was evident that their object was merely
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt.
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept
them at a distance.
The sun went down ; the savages disappeared, the
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before
midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap-
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor-
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc-
ceeded in setting lire to one of the block-houses-
Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict
continued. The savages then, baffled at every point,
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt.
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the
rank of major by brevet.
Until the close of the war, Major Taylor was placed
in such situations that he saw but little more of active
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which
empties into Green Bay. Heie there was but little
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one
best could, There were no books, no society, no in-
04
ZACHARY TAYLOR
telieciual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful
years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of
-olonel. In the Black Hawk war, which resulted in
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part.
For twenty four years Col. Taylor was engaged in
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown
oeyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance.
In the year 1S36, he was sent to Florida to compel
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re-
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty,
hac' promised they should do. The services rendered
he.c secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated
tc he rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com-
mand of the United States troops in Florida.
After two years of such wearisome employment
amidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. Taylor
obtained, at his own request, a change of command,
:.nd was sutio.ied over the Department of the South-
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue.
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were,
rrom the world, but faithfully discharging even- duty
imposed upon him.
In 1S46. Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name
was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over
forces much larger than he commanded
His careless habits of dress and his unaffected
simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops,
the sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.'
Tne tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista
:pread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The
vVhig party decided to take advantage of this wonder-
ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un-
"■•ed, honest soldier as their candidate for the
1 residency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an-
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it: de
daring that he was not at all qualified for such an
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that,
'"or forty years, he had net cast a vote. It was not
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen
who had been long years in the public sen-ice found
*Lar claims set aside in behalf of one whose name
had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena
Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re-
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made."
Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine
writer His friends took possession of him, and pre-
pared such few communications as it was needful
should be presented to the public. The popularity of
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri-
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, —
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren.
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position,
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed.
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party-
was pushing its claims with tireless energy, expedi-
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery-
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or
Indians
In the midst of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, rS5o.
His last woids were, " I am not afraid to die. I am
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un-
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the
affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly la-
mented his death.
Gen. Scott, who was thoioughly acquainted with
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful
description of his character: — " With a good store of
common sense. Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en-
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse-
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim-
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju-
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable,
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat
a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out-
side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the
offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse),
whom he would not. to use his oft repeated phrase,
' touch with a pair of tongs.'
"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil-
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In shor+
few men have ever had a more comfortable. '■■>>"».
saving contempt for le3rnirg of every kind.
/
'
j^ot~
jCc^^xAxru)
TJ1IRTEENTH PRESIDENT.
iH-
T ^r — Hr
MILLftRfl FILLMIIRE^
I
ILLARD FILLMORE, thir-
teenth President of the United
States, was born at Summer
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on
the 7 1 h of January, 1800. His
]/^ father was a farmer, and ow-
c ing to misfortune, in humble cir-
cumstances. Of his mother, the
MmJ daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard,
Ui?\ of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been
said that she possessed an intellect
of very high order, united with much
personal loveliness, sweetness of dis-
position, graceful manners and ex-
quisite sensibilities. She died in
1 83 1 ; having lived to see her son a
young man of distinguished prom-
ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high
dignity which he finally attained.
In consequence of the secluded home and limited
i-.ieans of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad-
vantages for education in his early years. The com-
mon r.chools, which he occasionally attended were
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce
and expensive. There was nothing then in his char-
acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy;
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible,
and had laid the foundations of an upright character.
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds o(
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier.
Neai' the mill there was a small villiage, where some
enterprising man had commenced the collection of a
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read-
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with
books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate
and the selections which he made were continually
more elevating and instructive. He read history
biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was en-
kindled in his heart a desire to be something nu*e
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be-
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed
educated man.
The young clothier had now attained the age of
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened tha'.
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter
Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap-
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint-
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and
attainments that he advised him to abandon his
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The
young man replied, that he had no means of his own,
r.o friends to help him and that his previous educa-
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to
take him into his own office, and to loan him such
money as he needed Must gratefully the generous
offer was accepted.
There is in many minds a strange delusion about
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col-
lege. But many a boy loiters through university hal"
ind then enters a law office, who is by no means as
>;.>
MILLARD FILLMORE.
well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing-
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in-
tense mental culture.
In 1S23, when twenty-three years of age, he was
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region,
his practice of course was limited, and there was no
opportunity for a sudden rise in foitune or in fame.
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers.
His elevation of character, his untiring industry,
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate,
gradually attracted attention , and he was invited to
enter into partnership under highly advantageous
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829,
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the
State of New York, as a representative from Erie
County. Though he had never taken a very active
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic,
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parties,
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very
unusual degn e the respect of his associates.
In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in
Lhe United States Congress He entered that troubled
irena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our
national history. The great conflict respecting the
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was
then raging.
His term of two years closed ; and he returned to
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep-
utation and success. After a lapse of two years
he again became a candidate for Congress; was re-
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe
rience as a representative gave him stiength and
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to
any man can be but little more than an introduction.
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener-
gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every
measure received his impress.
Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and
his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847,
he was elected Comptroller of the State
Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con-
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi-
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be
proclaimed in tiumpet-tones all over the land. But
it was necessary to associate with him on the same
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman.
Under the influence of these considerations, the
namesof Zachary Taylor ar.d Millard Fillmore became
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849,
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States.
On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but
about one year and four months after his inaugura
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con-
stitution. Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi-
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State.
Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend
with, since the opposition had a majority in both
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate
the South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt
the inadequacy of all measuresof transient conciliation.
The population of the free States was so rapidly in-
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in-
evitable that the power of the Government should
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr.
Fillnure's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill-
more, having served one term, retired.
In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres-
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war,
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that
his sympathies were rather with those who were en-
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any
coidial words of cheer to the one party or the other.
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe
old a-e, and died in Buffalo. N. V., March 8, 1874.
FOURTEEXTH FRESWEXT
7i
^j_.e^
•.•'.-.■vvw'.'VVV'V.;
^ ^FRANKLIN FIERCER
RANKLIN PIERCE, the
!|> fourteenth President of the
' United States, was born in
||f Hillsborough, N. H.. Nov
23, 1S04. His father was a
Revolutionary soldier, who,
with his own strong arm,
hewed out a home in the
wilderness. He was a man
of inflexible integrity; of
strong, though uncultivated
mind, and an uncompromis-
ing Democrat. The mother of
Franklin Pierce was all that a son
could desire, — an intelligent, pru-
dent, affectionate, Christian wom-
an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children.
Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen-
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was
by instinct a gentleman: always speaking kind words,
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de-
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural
devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body,
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy.
When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was
one of the most popular young men in the college.
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and
genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite
There was something very peculiarly winning in his
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de-
gree studied: it was the simple outgushing of his
own magnanimous and loving nature.
Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of
the State, and a man of great private worth. The
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en-
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci
nating yet perilous path of political life. With all
the ardor of his nature he esi>o:ised the cause of Gen.
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here
he served for four yeats. The last two years lie was
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote.
In 18,33, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected
a member of Congress. Without taking an active
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom
he was associatad.
In 1S37, being then but thirty-three years of age,
he was elected to the Senate of the United States;
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced
his administration. He was the youngest member ii
the Senate. In the year 1834. he married Miss Jane
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom-
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every
station with which her husband was honoied Of the
72
bRANKLIK PIERCE.
three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with
their parents in the grave.
In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire.
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the
same time declined the nomination for governor by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr.
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847.
lie took an important part in this war, proving him-
self a brave and true soldier.
When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native
State, lie was received enthusiastically by the advo-
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo-
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession,
vjrj frequently taking an active part in political ques-
tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise
measures met cordially with his approval; and he
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa-
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin-
guished as a " Northern man with Southern principles.''
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse-
quently regarded him as a man whom they could
safely trust in office to carry out their plans.
On the 1 2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven-
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the
Presidency. For four days they continued in session,
,-...d in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation
brought forward his name. There were fourteen
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantlv
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all
oilier candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas-
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their
el-ctoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pieice
«as therefore inaugurated President of the United
States en the 4th of March, 1853.
His administration proved one of the most stormy our
country had ever experienced. The controversy be
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its
culminating point. It became evident that there was
an " irrepressible conflict" between them, and that
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad-
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution
of the Union were borne to the North on every South-
ern breeze.
Such was the condition of affairs when President
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien-
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all
the intellectual ability and social worth of President
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad-
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also,
unmindful cf the fidelity with which he had advo-
cated those measures of Government which they ap-
proved, and perhaps, also, feelirg that he had
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him.
On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pieice le-
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two
had died, and his only surviving child had been
kiued before his eyes by a railroad accident , and his
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left
alone in the world, without wife or child.
When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di-
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr.
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov-
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until
the time of his death, which occurred in October,
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen
eror.s to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al-
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns-
people were often gladened by his material bounty.
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1'IFTEENTll PRESIDENT
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-SH-
AMES BUCHANAN, the fif-
teenth President of the United
States, was born in a small
frontier town, at the foot of the
eastern ridge of the Allegha-
nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on
c'-'g^ls) the 23d of April, 1791. The place
where the humble cabin of his
father st<-od was called Stony
Batter. It was a wild and ro-
mantic spot in a gorge of the moun-
tains, with towering summits rising
grandly all around. His father
was a native of the north of Ireland ;
a poor man, who had emigrated in
1783, with little property save his
own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer,
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder-
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per-
form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se-
cluded home, where James was born, he remained
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual
advantages. When James was eight yeaisofage, his
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where
Lis son was placed at school, and commenced a
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de
veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among
the first scholars in the institution. His application
to study was intense, and yet his native powers en-
abled him to master the most abstruse subjects w
facility.
In the year 1809, he graduated with the highest
honors of his clas:.. He was then eighteen years cf
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster,
and was admitted to the bar in 1S12, when he was
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc-
cessfully defended before the State Senate 01 e of the
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles <>l
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu-
crative practice.
In 1S20, he reluctantly consented to run as a
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House.
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally
tried some important case. In r 831, he retired
altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac-
quired an ample fortune.
Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency,
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Wei stcr.
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas-
ures proposed by President Jackson, of m iking repn-
76
JAMES BUCHANAN.
sals against France, to enforce the payment of our
claims against that country ; and defended the course
of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale
removal from office of those who were not the sup-
porters of his administration. Upon this question he
was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay.
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging
from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits.
Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United
States mails.
As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo-
cated that they should be respectfully received; and
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had
no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress,"
wid he, " might as well undertake to interfere with
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the
States where it now exists."
Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr.
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such,
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the
account of the course our Government pursued in that
movement
Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with
the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind
to bear agjinst the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50,
which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce,
ir.ion his election to the Presidency, honored Mr.
Buchanan with the mission to England.
In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven-
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The
political conflict was one of the most severe in which
o ir country has ever engaged. All the friends of
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re-
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre-
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re-
•eived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received
174, and was elected. The popular vote stood
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On
March 4th. 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated.
Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four
•'ears were wanting to fill up his threescore years and
:er.. His own friends, those with whom he had been
allied in political principles and action for years, were
seeking the destruction of the Government, that they
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery.
In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be-
wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin-
ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in
their assumptions. As President of the United States,
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws
he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind,
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub-
lic. He therefore did nothing.
The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration
nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con-
trol of the Government were thus taken from their
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at
Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of
the United States.
Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery
party was such, that he had been willing to offer them
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the
South had professed to ask of the North was non-
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu-
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co-
operation of the Government to defend and extend
the institution.
As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow-
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of
the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im-
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with
his hand upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed, " The
Union must and shall be preserved!"
South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly
three months before the inauguration of President
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair.
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston: FortSumpter
was besieged ; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals
were seized; our depots of military stores were plun-
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were
appropriated by the rebels.
The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away,
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak-
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver-
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the
scepter.
The administration of President Buchanan was
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex-
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame,
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion
We died at his Wheatland retreat, June 1, 1868.
-•-'
9^
e^&^cT^
S1XTEEXTJI PRSS/DENT.
79
< ABRAHAM >
.msr-i.^ < LINCOLN. I>
GKi
BRAHAM LINCOLN, the
sixteenth President of the
United States, was horn in
Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12,
1809. About the year 1780, a
man by the name of Abraham
Lincoln left Virginia with his
family and moved into the then
wilds of Kentucky. Only two years
after this emigration, still a young
man, while working one day in a
field, was stealthily approached by
an Indian and shot dead. His widow
was left in extreme poverty with five
ittle children, three boys and two
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the
boys, was four years of age at his
father's death. This Thomas was
the father of Abraham Lincoln, the
President of the United States
whose name must henceforth forever be enrolled
with the most prominent in the annals of our world.
Of course no record has been kept of the life
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among
the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched
log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest.
Education he had none; he could never either read
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend-
less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him-
self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a
iborer in the fields of others.
When twenty-eight years of age he buili a log-
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi-
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel.
" All lhat I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate-
ful son " I owe to my angel-mother.
When he was eight years of age, his father sold his
cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana Where
two years later his mother died.
Abraham soon became the sciibe of the uneducated
community around him. He could not have had a
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts
into words. He also became an eager reader. The
books he could obtain were few ; but these he read
and re-read until they were almost committed tc
memory.
As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly familj
was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sistei
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar-
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr.
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830
and emigrated to Macon Co., 111.
\braham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age.
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing
another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and thei>
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when
he announced to his father his intention to leave
home, and to go out into the world and seek his for-
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril-
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value ol
education and was intensely earnest to improve hi;
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin
which ardent spirits were causing, and became
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi-
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in
(lod's word, "Thou shalt not take the name of the
Lord thy God in vain;" and a profane expression ha
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His.
morals were pure, and lie was uncontaminated by a
single vice.
Voting Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborei
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield,
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them dowr,
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis-
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin-
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give
great satisfaction to his emr>lovers. In this ad\'c;i
Jc
ABRAHAM LIS'COLX.
ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon
his ret arn they placed a store and mill under his care.
In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew
lackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem,
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he
received he carried there ready to deliver to those
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr.
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as-
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back
one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re-
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law.
His success with the jury was so great that he was
soon engaged in almost ever)' noted case in the circuit.
In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr.
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question.
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois,
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con-
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most
notable part of his history. The issue was on the
slavery que-tion, and lie took the broad ground of
he Declaration of Independence, that all men are
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con-
test, but won a far higher prize.
The great Republican Convention met at Chicago
on the 16th of June, i860. The delegates and
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty-
five thousand. An immense building called "The
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven-
rion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes
were thrown. William H Seward, a man whose fame
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most
orominent It was generally supposed he would be
the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the
bloody death, n which that nomination doomed him:
and as little did he dream that he was to render services
;o his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of
the whole civilized world, and which would give him
a place in the affections of his countrymen, second
cnlv, if second, to that of Washington.
Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180
electoral voles out of 203 cast, and was. therefore,
constitutionally elected President of the United States.
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good
and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this
high position. In February, 186 1, Mr. Lincoln started
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his
way making speeches. The whole journey was fraught
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti-
more had arranged, upon his arrival to" get up a row,"
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled
the plot. A secret and special train was provided tc
take him from HarrisL-urg, through Baltimore, at ar
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at
half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi-
cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Co
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train hac.
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated,
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people
In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave
to Mr Seward the Department of State, and to other
prominent opponents before the convention he gave
important positions.
During no other administration have the duties
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and
the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his
trials, bo'h personal and national Contrary to his
own estimate of himself. Mr. Lincoln was one of the
most courageous of men. He went directly into the^
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving,
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had been
made f >x his assassination,and he at last fell a victim
to o.ieof them. April 14, 1865. he, with Gen. Grant,
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It
was announced that they would t.e present. Gen.
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel-
ing, witn his characteristic kindliness of heart, that
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them,
verv reluctantly consented to go. While listening to
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth
entered the box where the President and family were
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the
next morning at seven o'clock.
Never before, in the history of the world was a nation
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler.
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was
in tears. His was a life which will filly become a
model. His name as the savior of his country will
live with that of Washington's, iis father; his country-
men being unable to decide which is ti>e greater.
"/^UK^^c^y^
^K^^LC^t^
SE I ENTEENTH PRESIDE A T.
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ViY O K W, V( ,ir)-ai>f?5Q
^"fes^r ^r'
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1:
NDREW JOHNSON, seven-
. .eenth President of the United
^States. The early life of
Andrew Johnson contains but
the record of poverty, destitu-
tion and friendlessness. He
was born December 29, 180S,
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents,
belonging to the class of the
"poor whites " of the South, were
in such circumstances, that they
could not confer even the slight-
est advantages of education upon
their child. When Andrew was five
years of age, his father accidentally
lost nis life while herorically endeavoring to save a
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with
her own hands.
He then, having never attended a school one day,
and being unable either to read or write, was ap-
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion-
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often
read from the speeches of distinguished British states-
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more
than ordinary native ability, became much interested
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read.
He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and
with the assistance of some of his fellow-woikmen,
^earned his letters. He then called upon the gentle-
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner,
pleased with his zeal, not only gave him che book
but assisted him in learning to combine the letter:
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed o..
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest
and recreation to devote such time as he could to
reading.
He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located a'
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pus
sessed some education. Under her instructions he
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent
in the village debating society, and a favorite with
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or-
ganized a working man's party, which elected him
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which
position he held three years.
He now began to take a lively interest in political
affairs ; identifying himself with the working-classes,
to which he belonged. In 1S35, he was elected a
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes-
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age.
He became a very active member of the legislature
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thos..
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased
his reputation.
In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive
elections, held that important post for ten years In
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and
was re-elected in 1855. In all these responsible (Kisi
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished ab-..
84
A NDRE 1 1 ' fOHNSON.
ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work-
ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected
United States Senator.
Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob-
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom,
and become merged in a population congenial to
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com-
promise measures, the two essential features of which
were, that the white people of the Territories should
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they
would enslave the colored people or not, and that
the free States of the North should return to the
South persons who attempted to escape from slavery.
Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin:
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir,"
said he on the floor of the Senate, ,; I do not forget
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav-
ior was the son of a carpenter."
In the Charleston- Baltimore convention of rSc-o, ne
was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the
Presidency. In 186 1, when the purpose of the South-
ern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap-
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and lie
established the most stringent military rule. His
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In
TS64, he was elected Vice-President of the United
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15,
1865, became President. In a speech two days later
he said, " The American people must be taught, if
Jhey do not already feel, that treason is a crime and
must be punished; that the Government will not
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole
administration, the history of which is so well known,
was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent
opposition to. the principles laid down in that speech.
In his loose policy of reconstruction and general
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress; and he char-
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly
defied ii, in everything possible, to the utmost. In
the beginning of 1868, on account of "high crimes
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten-
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre-
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23.
It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three
months. A test article of the impeachment was at
length submitted to the court for its action. It was
certain that as the court voted upon that article so
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces-
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac-
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against
him. The change of one vote from the not guilty
side would have sustained the impeachment.
The President, for the remainder of his term, was
but little regarded. He continued, though impotent';',
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi-
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar-
alleled since the day s of Washington, around the name
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten.
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im-
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in
politics until 1875 On Jan. 26, after an exciting
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten-
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con-
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special
session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach-
ing the residence of his child the following day, was
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious.
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at
2 a.m., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun-
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August,
witli every demonstration of respect.
■■•>■
<2s<-^<-~
HIGH TEENTH PRESIDENT.
8?
*v xvv- >^ •
JLYO
Pl\? ly!
lElBf
$ eighteenth President of the
'United States, was born on
the 29th of April, 1S22, of
Christian parents, in a humble
home, at Point Pleasant, on the
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after
his father moved to George-
town, Brown Co., O. In this re-
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses
received a common-school edu-
cation. At the age of seven-
teen, in the year 1839, he entered
the Military Academy at West
Point. Here he was regarded as a
soiid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank
as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in-
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis-
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating
-iidians.
The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle
r,f Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that
ie performed a signal service of daring and skillful
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am-
munition. A messenger must be sent for mere, along
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut.
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians,
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one
side of the animal, ran the gauntlet in entire safety.
r@s*f<!)
From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry,
10 aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the
battle of Molino del Rev, he was promoted to a
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha-
pultepec.
At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re-
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The
discovery of gold in California causing an immense
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt.
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im-
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt.
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the
States; and having married, entered upon the cultiva-
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re-
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga-
lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, —
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the armv : though
I have served him through one war, 1 do not fe*1 that
I have yet repaid the debt. 1 am still ready to discharge
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my fcword
and see Uncle Sam through this war too."
He went into the streets, raised a company of vol-
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield,
the capital of the State, where their services were
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt.
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the
volunteer organization that was being formed in the
State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th cf
88
i'Li'SSZiS S. GRAXT.
June, 1861, Capt. Grant received a commission as
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol-
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier-
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap-
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and
stripes were unfurled in its stead.
He entered the service with great determination
and immediately began active duty. This was the be-
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond
he was ever pushing the enemy with gTeat vigor and
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur-
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was
immediately made a Major-General, and the military
listrict of Tennessee was assigned to him.
Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how
to secure the results of victory. He immediately
Dushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the
siege of Vicksburg. where Gen. Pemberton made an
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can-
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most
severe blow whicli the rebels had thus far encountered,
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.
Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro-
ceeded to Xew Orleans, where he was thrown from
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas-
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then
followed the bioody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed with great loss. This won for him un-
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru-
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant-
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant.
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials
and enter upon th* duties of his new office
Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of
the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de-
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as-
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field.
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en-
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur-
render of Lee, April 9, 1S65.
The war was ended. The Union was saved. The
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen.
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal-
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair.
At the Republican Convention held at Chicago.
May 2i, 186S, he was unanimously nominated for the
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294
electoral votes.
The National Convention of the Republican party
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1S72,
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati-
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292
electoral votes being cast for him.
Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant
started upon his famous trip around the world. He
visited almost every country of the civilized world,
and was everywhere received wiih such ovations
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private
as well as public and official, as were never before
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States.
He was the most prominent candidate before the
Republican National Convention in 1880 for a re-
nomination for President. He went to New York and
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm
nameof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain,
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23,
1885, the nation went in mourning over the death of
the illustrious General.
$<
A^£j^
O
NINETEENTH PRESIDENT.
9'
9~+
r-.,'i •-,y.,y.,y. ', •..y..y.,y.,'. •■■',■;,■,■•.,', ■. ■, ■. ':-:' : ,< : ,< : ,< : ,< ;v .• v : ,' : ,>,.- i^>«^»«^>^><^i
fj RUTHERFORD B, HAYES.
UTHERFORD B. HAYES,
the nineteenth President of
the United States, was born in
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al-
most three months after the
^ death of his father, Rutherford
Hayes. His ancestry on both
the paternal and maternal sides,
was of the most honorable char-
acter. It can be traced, it is said,
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and
Rutherford were two Scottish chief-
tains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert
Bruce. Both families belonged to the
nobility, owned extensive estates,
and had a large following. Misfor-
.une cv-.uaking the family, George Hayes left Scot-
.and in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George was. born in Windsor, and remained there
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar-
ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar-
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel,
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac-
turer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes,
son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was
born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer,
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to
Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro,
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth-
erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was
born. He was married, in September, 1 8 1 3, to Sophia
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi-
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich.
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers
in the Revolutionary War.
The father of President Hayes was an industrious
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock-
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con-
ducted his business on Christian principles. After
the close of the war of 1812, for reasons inexplicable
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio.
The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways,
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived
in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial
fever, less than three months before the birth of the
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be-
reavement, found the support she so much needed in
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the
household from the day of its departure from Ver-
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted
some time before as an act of charity.
Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the
92
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in-
quiring from time to time l: if Mrs. Hayes' baby died
last night.'' On one occasion a neighbor, who was on
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of
lira, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to
him. You have got him along so far, and 1 shouldn't
wonder if he would really come to something yet."
" You reed not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You
vait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him
President of the United States yet." The boy lived,
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy
death; and when, in 1S25, his older brother was
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his
mother.
The boy was seven years old before he went 10
school. His education, however, was not neglected.
He probably learned as much from his mother and
: ister as he would have done at school. His sports
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being
his sister and her associates. These circumstances
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo-
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings
of others, which are marked traits of his character.
His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest
in his education; and as the boy's health had im-
proved, and he was making good progress in his
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre-
paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he-
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en-
tered Kenyon College in 1838,31 the age of sixteen,
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842.
Immediately after his graduation he began the
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq.,
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re-
mained two years.
In 1 S45, after graduating at the Law School, he was
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re-
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice,
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro-
tession.
In 1S49 he moved to Cincinnati, where his ambi-
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how-
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at
this period, had a powerful influence iq>on his subse-
quent "!fe. One of these was his marrage with Miss
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of
Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin-
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its
members such men asTiief Justice Salmon P.Chase,
Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many
others hardly less distinguished in after life. The
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced
and beloved than was Mis. Hayes, and no one did
more than she to reflect honor upon American woman
hood. The Literary Cluo brought Mr. Haye: into
constant association with young men of high char
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulne:s and
modesty.
In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judgi o'"
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac-
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office of
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Coitncii.
elected him for the unexpired term.
In 1 861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was a!"
the zenith of his professional !if_. His rank at the
bar was among the the first. But the news of the
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take '10
arms for the defense of his country.
His military record was bright ard illustrious. In
October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and
in August, rS62, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, It*.
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while
faint and bleeding displayed courage end fortitude
that won admiration from all.
Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division,
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted
Major-General, "for gallant and distinguished f trvices
during the campaigns of 1864. in West Virginia." In
the course of his arduous services, four horses were
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times
In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem-
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign,
and after his election was importuned to resign his
commission in the army; but. he finally declared, "I
shall never come to Washington until I can come by
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866.
In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio,
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a populm Democrat.
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton.
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875.
In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub-
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his
full term, not, however, with satisfaction to his party,
but his administration was an average or- •
T i ! "£ . \ TIE TH PRESIDED " T.
I" J MliE® A . G A R F I E LD .1
AMES A. GARFIELD,
-.=f=jr
UlL tieth President cf the United
■-is
States was born Nov. 19,
1S31, i;i the woods of Orange,
aoga Co., O His par-
ents were Abram and Eliza
(Ballou) Garfield, both of New
England ancestry and from fami-
lies well known in the early his-
tory of that section of our coun-
try, but had moved to the Western
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle-
ment.
The house in which James A. was
bom was not unlike the houses of
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It
..; about ^0x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be-
n the logs filled with clay. His father was a
_.ard working farmer, and he soon had his fields
deared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built.
fhe household comprised the father and mother and
heir four children — Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and
~ames. In May, 1823 the father, from a cold con-
tacted in helping to put out a forest fire. died. At
diis time James was about eighteen months old, and
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can
:ell how much James was indebted to his biother's
toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis-
ters live in Solon, O., near their birthplace.
The early educational advantages young Garfield
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of
ihem. He labored at farm work for others, did car-
penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that
would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed
mother in he' struggles to keep the little family to-
gether. Xor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of hi=
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug-
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor
the humblest friend of his boyhood was as kindly
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sureof the
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain,
modest gentleman.
The highest ambition of young Garfield until hi
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of
a vessel on Lake Etie. He was anxious to go aboard
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with th3
understanding, however, that he should try to obtaii
some other kind of employment. He walked all the
j Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city
After making many applications for work, and trying
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio &: Pennsylvania Canal. He re-
mained at this work but a short time when he wen
home, and attended the seminary at Chester fcr
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in
the meantime, and doing other work. This school
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of
which church he was then a member. He became
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his wa\
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the
fall of 1S54, he entered Williams College, from which
he graduated in 1S56, taking one of the highest hon-
ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram
College as its President. As above stated, he early
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem-
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of
Vale College, savs cf him in reference to his relicion :
go
JAMES A. GARFIELD.
" President Garfield was more than a man of
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In
_ny judgment there is no more interesting feature of
nis character than his loyal allegiance to the body of
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to
the less stately and cultured Christian communions
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true
that as they step upward in social and political sig-
nificance they step upward from one degree to
another in some of the many types of fashionable
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the
:hurch of his mother, the church in which he was
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec-
'arian charity for all 'who love our Lord in sincerity.'"
Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. 1 1, 1858, who proved herself
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of
whom are still living, four boys and one girl.
Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856,
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet-
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland,
and in 186 1 was admitted to the bar. The great
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year,
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re-
ceived his commission as Lieut. -Colonel of the Forty-
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug.
14, 1 86 1. He was immediately put into active ser-
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in acrion,
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the officer
'Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed-
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres-
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had
'■>een the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years
oefore, so now he was the youngest General in the
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh,
in its operations around Corinth and its march through
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose-
crans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff."
The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with
his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won
the stars of the Major-General.
Without an effort on his part Gev Garfield was
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio
had been represented in Congress for sixty years
mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en-
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that
body. There he remained by successive re-
elections until he was elected President in 1880.
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before t.
tribunel of the American people, in regard to whici,
you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu~
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or- on the hustings by
Mr. Garfield."
Upon Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his
party for President at the great Chicago Convention.
He was elected in the following November, and on
March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad-
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter
auspices than that of President Gailield, and every
day it grew in favo; with the people, and by the first
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre-
liminary work of his administration and was prepar-
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams
College. While on his way and at the depot, in com-
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back.
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no further
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never
before in the history of the Nation had anything oc-
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the peopi?
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit-
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and
was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty
days, all during the hot months of July and August,
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent
bearing was teaching the country and the world the
noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass-
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept.
19, 1S83, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it.
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe-
cuted, in one year after he committed the foui deed.
TWENTY. FIRST PRESIDENT.
go
J HESTER A. ARTHUR,
twenty-first Presi^-ut of the
'United States was born in
Franklin Courty, Vermont, on
the fifth of Oc'ober, 1830. and is
Vj^^iSS-f^ ■ the oldest of a family of two
sons and five daughters. His
father was the Rev. Dr. William
Arthur, a Baptistd .rgyman, whi>
emigrated to tb.s country from
the county Antrim, Ireland, in
his 1 8th year, and died in 1875, in
Newton ville, neai Albany, after a
long and successful ministry
Young Arthur was educated at
Union College, S< henectady, where
he excelled in all his studies. Af-
ter his graduation he taught school
r^ rjHi in Vermont for two years, and at
•^.ji^ the expiration of that time came to
New York, with $500 in his pocket,
and entered the office of ex-Judge
E. D. Culver as student. After
I being admitted to the bar he formed
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate,
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing
in the West, and for three months they roamed about
in the Western States in search of an eligible site,
but in the end returned to New York, where they
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success-
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur
soon afterward marred the daughter of Lieutenant
Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa-
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur s
nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving tuo
children.
Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit,
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon.
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to N'ew York with
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided
that they could not be held by the owner under the
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal.
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed
to represent the People, and they won their case,
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United
States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause
of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward
the emancipation of the black race.
Another great service was rendered by General
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings,
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare.
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a
verdict of $5 00 damages. The next day the compa-
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
followed their example. Before that the Sixth A ve-
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per-
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all.
General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party.
Previous to the war he was Judge- Advocate of the
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov-
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer-
in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec-
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas-
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered
great service to the Government during the war. At
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr.
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney
of New York, was added to the firm. The legal prac-
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra-
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able
lawvers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if
not indeed one of national extent.
He always took a leading part in State and city
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc-
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July,
?o, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt.
Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous
Xational Republican Convention held at Chicago in
June, tSSo. This was perhaps the greatest political
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It
was composed of the 'wading politicians of the Re-
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their
respective candidates that were before the conven-
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re-
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur
for Yice-President. The campaign which followed
was one of the most animated known in the history of
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his
party made a valiant fight for his election.
Finally the election came and the country's choice
.vas Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated
.vlarch 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President.
\ few months only had passed ere the newly chosen
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then
came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of
anxious suspense, wher the hearts of all civilized na-
tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re
covery of the noble, the good President. The remark
able patience that he manifested during those hours
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf-
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was
seemingly more than human. It was certair.lv God-
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi-
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested
in deed or look of this man, even though the most
honored position in the world .vas at any moment
likely to fall to him.
At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar-
field from further suffering, and the world, as never
before in its history over the death of any other
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of
the high office, and he took the oath in New York.
Sept. 20, 1SS1. The position was an embarrassing
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that 'all
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do,
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se-
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been
greatly neglected during the President's long illness,
and many important measures were to be immediately
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of many on
this point. Under these trying circumstances President
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own
hands; and, as embarrassing as were the condition cl
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting sc
wisely that but few criticised his administration.
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the
close of his administration, March 4, 1885. and was
a popular candidate before his party .for a second
term. His name was ably presented before the con-
vention at Chicago, and was received with great
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party
for another campaign. He retired to private life car-
tying with him the best wishes of the American peo-
ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory
to them and with credit to himself.
T^rL^T C/^uC-Cdyiy^Z
TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT.
IGJ
H» (Stimn* (f\tml
. -
TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE-
LAND,the twenty second Pres-
ident of the United States, was
born in 1837, in the obscure
town of Caldwell, Essex Co.,
N. J., and in a little two-and-a-
half-story white house which is still
standing, characteristically to mark
the humble birth-place of one of
America's great men in striking con-
trast with the Old World, where all
men high in office must be high in
origin and bom in the cradle of
wealth. When the subject of this
sketch was three years of age, his
father, who was a Presbyterian min-
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved,
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to
Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a
larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most
straggling of country villages, about five miles from
Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born.
At the last mentioned place young Grover com-
menced going to school in the "good, old-fashioned
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the
capacity of the village school and expressed a most
emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to
become self-supporting by the quickest possible
means, and this at that time in Fayette /ille seemed
to be a position in a country store, where his fathe"
and the large family on his hands had considerable
influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services
I le first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to
receive § too the second year. Here the lad com-
menced his career as salesman, and in two years he
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness
that his employers desired to retain him for an in
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex-
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy.
Bat instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette
ville, he went with the family in their removal 10
Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a
high school. Here lie industriously pursued his
studies until the family removed with him to a point
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent,' a
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica.
N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family.
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a
small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his
S. GROVE R CLEVELAND.
calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order,
ne left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going
to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as
there was some charm in that name for him; but
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to
»sk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted
stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not
•rpeak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do,
my boy? "he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study
law," was the reply. "Good gracious!" remarked
■ he old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? What ever put
that into your head? How much money have you
got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got
anv."
After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a
place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a
year, while he could " look around." One day soon
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers,
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told Lhem what he
wanted. A number of young men were already en-
gaged in the office, but Graver's persistency won, and
ne was finally permitted to come as an office boy and
aave the use of the law library, for the nominal sum
of $3 or 94 a week. Out of this he had to pay for
his board and washing. The walk to and from his
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had
none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular.
On the first day of his service here, his senior em-
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's
where they all begin." A titter ran around the little
circle of clerks and students, as they thought that
was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ;
out in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume.
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for
chasing principles through all their metaphysical
possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do
it," was practically his motto.
The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was
eiected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in
which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell
co his duty to inflict capital piT.ishment upon two
caminals. In r88r he was elected Mayor of the
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es-
pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms
in the administration of the municipal affairs of that
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, hi-:
performance of duty has generally been considered
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer-
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniqui-
tous street-cleaning contract : " This is a time foi
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall
be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of
a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme
to betray the interests of the peoplf. and to wors;
than squander the people's money." The Xew York
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve-
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there-
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire
State. To the latter office he was elected in 18S2,
and his administration of the affairs of State was
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if
any, were made very public throughout the nation
after he was nominated for President of the United
States. For this high office he was nominated July
ir, 18S4, by the National Democratic Convention tt
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F.
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks,
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.: and he
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub-
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve-
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in
January, 18S5, in order to prepare for his duties as
the Chief Executive of the United States, in which
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th ot
March, 1885. For his Cabinet officers he selected
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State,
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York; Secretary
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ;
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New
York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Yilas,
of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of
Arkansas.
The silver question precipitated a controversy be-
tween those who were in favor of the continuance of
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr.
Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his
inauguration.
tx
■tf*
TWENTY -THIRD PRESIDENT.
Jtj.
•c*o-g>Xi3)-<>*0—
jt§ENJAMIN HARRISON, the
nS iwenty-third President, is
%? the descendant of one of the
historical families of this
i country. The head of the
23 family was a Major General
'H Harrison, one of Oliver
Cromwell's trusted follow-
- ad fighters. In the zenith of Crom-
- power it became the duty of this
Harrison to participate in the trial of
Charles I. and afterward to sign the
death warrant of the king. He subse-
quently paid for this with his life, being
hung Oct. 13. 1660. His descendants
came to America, and the next of the
family that appears in history is Benja-
min I3arrison, of Virginia, great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, and
after whom he was named. Benjamin Harrison
was a member of the Continental Congress during
the years 1 774-5-6, and was one of the original
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He
wai three times elected Governor of Virginia,
Gsn William Henry Harrison, the son of the
distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a suc-
cessful career as a soldier during the War of 1812,
and with-a clean record as Governor of the North-
western Territory, was elected President of the
United States in 1840. His career was cut short
by death within one month ;.fter his inauguration.
President Harrison was born- at North Bend,
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. :">0. 1S;>3 His life up to
the time of his graduation by the Miami University
at Oxford. Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun-
try lad of a family of small means. His father was
able to give him a good education, and nothing
more. He became engaged while at college to tlu
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female schoo
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en-
ter upon the study of the law. He went to Chi
1 cinnati and then read law for two years. At the
expiration of that time young Harrison received tt:.
only inheritance of his life; his aunt dying left iiin;
a lot valued at $800. He regarded this legacy as i
fortune, and decided to get married at once, take
this money and go to some Eastern town an . be-
gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with
the money in his pocket, he started out witii his
3-oung wife to fight for a place in the world. Me
108
BENJAMIN HARRISON.
decided to go to Indianapolis, which was even at
Lli.it time a town of promise. He met with slight
encouragement at first, making scarcely anything
llie first year. He worked diligently, applying him-
self closely to his calling, built up an extensive
practice and took a leading rank in the legal pro-
fession. He is the father of two children.
In 18G0 Mr. Harrison was nominated for the
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be-
gan his experience as a stump speakei He can-
vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a
handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 17th
Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His
regiment was composed of the rawest of material,
out Col. Harrison employed all his time at first
mastering military tactics and drilling his men,
when he therefore came to move toward the East
with Sherman his regiment was one of the best
drilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he
especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery
?t Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen-
ial, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most
complimentary terms.
During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field
he Supreme Court declared the office of the Su-
preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person
was elected to the position. From the time of leav-
irg Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 1864
ne had taken no leave of absence, but having been
nominated that year for the same office, he got a
thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time
made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected
for another term. He then started to rejoin Sher-
man, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet
.ever, and after a most trying siege made his way
to the front in time to participate in the closing
'Incidents of the war,
In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined " re-election as
eporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876
ie was a candidate for Governor. Although de-
eated, the brilliant campaign he made won for him
1 National reputation, and he was much sought, es-
,>eeia;.y in the East, to make speeches. In 1880,
as usual, he took an active part in the campaign,
:<nd w:.f elected to the United States Senate. Here
ne served six years, and ~'as known as one of the
ibiest men, best lawyer'" and strongest debaters in
that body. With the expiration of his Senatorial
term he returned to the practice of his profession,
becoming the head of one of the strongest firms in
the State.
The political campaign of 1888 was one of the
most memorable in the history of our country. The
convention which assembled in Chicago in June and
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer
of the Republican party, was great in eveiy partic-
ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as-
sumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief
among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortly
after the nomination delegations began to visit Mr.
Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This move-
ment became popular, and from all sections of the
country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed
thither to pay their respects to the distinguished
statesman. The popularity of these was greatly
increased on account of the remarkable speeches
made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke daily all through
the summer and autumn to these visiting delega-
tions, and so varied, masterly and eloquent were
his speeches that they at once placed him in the
foremost rank of American orators and statesmen.
( >n account of his eloquence as a speaker and his
power as a debater, he was called upon at an un-
commonly early age to take part in the discussion
of the great questions that then began to agitate
the country. lie was an uncompromising anti
slavery man, and was matched against some of tLe
most eminent Democratic speakers of his State.
No man who felt the touch of his blade de: ired to
lie pitted with him again. With all his eloq-'ence
as an orator he never spoke for oratorical effect,
but his words always went like bullets to the mark
He is purely American in his ideas and is a spier
did type of the American statesman. Gifted wit'u
quick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue,
he is one of the most distinguished impromptu
speakers in the Nation. Many of these speeches
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained
arguments of greatest weight. Many of his terse
statements have already become aphorisms. ( )rigi-
nal in thought, precise i.\ logic, terse in statement,
yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as
the sound statesman and brilliant orator t- tiK day
l|_ >&*■ «=*•
j&^
O)
'^^^^C^^^^_
GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.
-mhx
.-jzmmtmism ■
HADRACH BOND, the first
Governor of Illinois after its
organization as a State, serving
from 1818 to 1822, was born in
, Frederick County, Maryland,
in the year 1773, and was
raised a farmer on his father's
plantation, receiving only a plain
English education. He emigrated
to this State in 1794, when it was a
part of the "Northwest Territory,"
continuing in the vocation in which
he had been brought up in his native
State, in the " New Design," near
Eagle Creek, in what is now Monroe
County. He served several terms as
a member of the General Assembly
of Indiana Territory, after it was organized as such,
and in 1812-14 he was a Delegate to the Twelfth
and Thirteenth Congresses, taking his seat Dec. 3,
1812, and serving until Oct. 3, [814. These were
ihe times, the reader will recollect, when this Gov-
ernment had its last struggle with Great Britain.
The year 1812 is also noted in the history of this
State as that in which the first Territorial Legislature
was held. It convened at Kaskaskia, Nov. 25, and
adjourned Dec. 26, following.
While serving as Delegate to Congress, Mr. Bond
was instrumental in procuring the right of pre-emp-
t-on on the public domain. On the expiration of his
term at Washington he was appointed Receiver of
Pubiic Moneys at Kaskaskia, then the capital of the
Territory. In company with John G. Comyges,
Thomas H. Harris, Charles Slade, Michael Jones
Warren Brown. Edward Humphries and Charles W
Hunter, he became a proprietor of the site of the
initial city of Cairo, which they hoped, from its favor-
able location at the junction of the two great
rivers near the center of the Great West, would
rapidly develop into a metropolis. To aid the enter-
prise, they obtained a special charter from the Legis-
lature, incorporating both the City and the Bank of
Cairo.
In 1818 Mr. Bond was elected the first Governor
of the State of Illinois, being inaugurated Oct. 6
that year, which was several weeks before Illinois
was actually admitted. The facts are these : In
January, 1818, the Territorial Legislature sent a peti-
tion to Congress for the admission -of Illinois as a
State, Nathaniel Pope being then Delegate. The
petition was granted, fixing the northern line of the
State on the latitude of the southern extremity of
Lake Michigan; but the bill was afterward so amend-
ed as to extend this line to its present latitude. In
July a convention was called at Kaskaskia to draft a
constitution, which, however, was not submitted to
the people. By its provisions, supreme judges, pros
ecuting attorneys, county and circuit judges, record-
ers and justices of the peace were all to be appointed
by the Governor or elected by the Legislature. This
constitution was accepted by Congress Dec. 30. At
that time Illinois comprised but eleven counties,
namely, Randolph, Madison, Gallatin, Johnson,
Pope, Jackson, Crawford, Bond, Union, Washington
and Franklin, the northern portion of the State be-
ing mainly in Madison County. Thus it appears
that Mr. Bond was honored by the naming of a
SHADRACH BOND.
county before he was elected Governor. The present
county of Bond is of small limitations, about 60 to 80
miles south of Springfield. For Lieutenant Governor
the people chose Pierre Menard, a prominent and
worthy Frenchman, after whom a county in this State
is named. In this election there were no opposition
candidates, as the popularity of these men had made
their promotion to the chief offices of the State, even
oefore the constitution was drafted, a foregone con-
clusion.
The principal points that excited the people in
reference to political issues at this period were local
or "internal improvements," as they were called,
State banks, location of the capital, slavery and the
personal characteristics of the proposed candidates.
Mr. Bond represented the " Convention party," for
introducing slavery into the State, supported by Elias
Ke it Kane, his Secretary of State, and John Mc-
Lean, while Nathaniel Pope and John P. Cook led
the anti-slavery element. The people, however, did
not become very much excited over this issue until
1820, when the faniKis Missouri Compromise was
adopted by Congress, limiting slavery to the south
of the parallel of 360 30' except in Missouri. While
this measure settled the great slavery controversy,
so far as the average public sentiment was tempor-
arily concerned, until 1854, when it was repealed
under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas, the issue
as considered locally in this State was not decided
until 1824, after a most furious campaign. (See
sketch of Gov. Coles.) The ticket of 1818 was a
compromise one, Bond representing (moderately) the
pro-slavery sentiment and Menard the anti-slavery.
An awkward element in the State government
under Gov. Bond's administration, was the imperfec-
tion of the State constitution. The Convention
wished to have Elijah C. Berry for the first Auditor
of Public Accounts, but, as it was believed that the
new Governor would not appoint him to the office,
the Convention declared in a schedule that " an
auditor of public accounts, an attorney general and
such other officers of the State as may be necessary,
may be appointed by the General Assembly." The
Constitution, as it stood, vested a very large appoint-
ing power in the Governor; but for the purpose of
getting one man into office, a total change was made,
and the power vested in the Legislature. Of this
provision the Legislature took advantage, and de-
clared that State's attorneys, canal commissioners,
bank directors, etc., were all " officers of the State *
and must therefore be appointed by itself independ-
ently of the Governor.
During Gov. Bond's administration a general law
was passed for the incorporation of academies and
towns, and one authorizing lotteries. The session of
1822 authorized the Governor to appoint commis-
sioners, to act in conjunction with like commissioners
appointed by the State of Indiana, to report on the
practicability and expediency of improving the navi-
gation of the Wabash River; also inland navigation
generally. Many improvements were recommended,
some of which have been feebly worked at even till
the present day, those along the Wabash being of no
value, Also, during Gov. Bond's term of office, the
capital of the State was removed from Kaskaskia to
Vandalia. In 1820 a law was passed by Congress
authorizing this State to open a canal through the
public lands. The State appointed commissioners
lo explore the route and prepare the necessary sur-
veys and estimates, preparatory to its execution;
but, being unable out of its own resources to defray
the expenses of the undertaking, it was abandoned
until some time after Congress made the grant of
land for the purpose of its construction.
On the whole, Gov. Bond's administration was
fairly good, not being open to severe criticism from
any party. In 1824, two years after the expiration
of his term of office, he was brought out as a candi-
date for Congress against the formidable John P.
Cook, but received only 4,374 votes tc 7,460 for the
latter. Gov. Bond was no orator, but hod made
many fast friends by a judicious L-e::tjwment of his
gubernatorial patronage, and these worked zealously
tor him in the campaign.
In 1827 ex-Gov. Bond was appointed by the Leg-
islature, with Wm. P. McKee and Dr. Gershom
Jayne, as Commissioners to locate a site for a peni-
tentiary on the Mississippi at or near Alton.
Mr. Bond was of a benevolent and convivial dis-
position, a man of shrewd observation and clear ap-
preciation of events. His person was erect, stand-
ing six feet in height, and after middle life became
portly, weighing 200 pounds. His features were
strongly masculine, complexion dark, hair jet and
eyes hazel ; was a favorite with the ladies. He died
April 1 1, 1830, in peace and contentment
Id^^us^) Ccru2<7
GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.
Il5
1; Ebwarfc Coles,
=^os-«9l>-5®~$^
m. .
*0»
DWARD COLES, second
Governor of Illinois, 1823-
6, was born Dec. 15, 17S6,
in Albemarle Co., Va., on
the old family estate called
"Enniscorthy," on the
Green Mountain. His fath-
er, John Coles, was a Colonel in the
Revolutionary War. Having been fit-
ted for college by private tutors, he
was sent to Hampden Sidney, where
he remained until the autumn of 1805,
when he was removed to William and
Mary College, at Williamsburg, Va.
This college he left in the summer of
1X07. .1 ~hort time before the final and graduating
exa'iii lation. Among his classmates were Lieut.
Gen. Scott, President John Tyler, Win. S. Archer,
United States Senator from Virginia, and Justice
Baldwin, of the United States Supreme Court. The
President of the latter college, Bishop Madison, was
a cousin of President James Madison, and that cir-
cumstance was the occasion of Mr. Coles becoming
personally acquainted with the President and re-
ceiving a position as his private secretary, 1809-15.
The family of Coles was a prominent one in Vir-
ginia, and their mansion was the seat of the old-
fashioned Virginian hospitality. It was visited by
such potables as Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Madison,
Monroe, the Randolphs, Tazewell, Wirt, etc. At the
age of 23, young Loles founa himself heir to a plant-
ation and a considerable number of slaves. Ever
since his earlier college days his attention liad been
drawn to the quescio 1 of slavery. He read every-
thing on the subject that came in his way, and
listened to lectures on the rights of man. The more
he reflected upon the subject, the more impossible
was it for him to reconcile the immortal declaration
"that all men are born free and equal" wilh^he
practice of slave-holding. He resolved, therefore, to
free his slaves the first opportunity, and even remove
his residence to a free State. One reason which de-
termined him to accept the appointment as private
secretary to Mr. Madison was because he believed
that through the acquaintances he could make at
Washington he could better determine in what par.
of the non-slaveholding portion of the Union he woulc
prefer to settle.
The relations between Mr. Coles and President
Madison, as well as Jefferson and other distinguished
men, were of a very friendly character, arising from
the similarity of their views on the question of slavery
and their sympathy for each other in holding doc-
trines so much at variance with the prevailing senti-
ment in their own State.
In 1857, he resigned his secretaryship and spent a
portion of the following autumn in exploring the
Northwest Territory, for the purpose of finding a lo-
cation and purchasing lands on which to settle his
negroes. He traveled with a horse and buggy, with
an extra man and horse for emergencies, through
many parts of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri,
determining finally to settle in Illinois. At this time,
however, a misunderstanding arose between our
Government and Russia, and Mr. Coles was selected
to repair to St. Petersburg on a special mission, bear-
ing important papers concerning the matter at issue
The result was a conviction of the Emperor (Alex-
1 1 6
ED WARD COLES.
ander) of the error committed by his minister at
Washington, and the consequent withdrawal of the
the latter from the post. On his return, Mr. Coles
visited other parts of Europe, especially Paris, where
he was introduced to Gen. Lafayette.
In the spring of 1819, he removed with all his
negroes from Virginia to Edwardsville, III , with the
intention of giving them their liberty. He did not
make known to them his intention until one beautiful
morning in April, as they were descending the Ohio
River. He lashed all the boats together and called
all the negroes on deck and made them a short ad-
dress, concluding his remarks by so expressing him-
self that by a turn of a sentence he proclaimed in
ihe shortest and fullest manner that they were no
longer slaves, but free as he was and were at liberty
to proceed with him or go ashore at their pleas-
ure. A description of the effect upon the negroes is
best desciibed in his own language :
"The effect upon them was electrical. They stared
at nr.e and then at each other, as if doubting the ac-
curacy or reality of what they heard. In breathless
sile'nee they stood before me, unable to utter a word,
but with countenances beaming with expression which
no words could convey, and which no language
can describe. As they began to see the truth of
what they had heard, and realize their situation, there
came on a kind of hysterical, giggling laugh. After
a pause of intense and unutterable emotion, bathed
in tears, and with tremulous voices, they gave vent to
their gratitude and implored the blessing of God
on me."
Before landing he gave them a general certificate
of freedom, and afterward conformed more particu-
larly with the law of this State requiring that each
individual should have a certificate. This act of
Mr. Coles, all the more noble and heroic considering
the overwhelming pro-slavery influences surrounding
him, has challenged the admiration of every philan-
thropist of modern times.
March 5, 1S10, President Monroe appointed Mr.
Coles Registrar of the Land Office at EdwardsviLe,
at that time one of the principal land offices in the
State. While acting in this capacity and gaining
many friends by his politeness and general intelli-
gence, the greatest struggle that ever occurred in
Illinois on the slavery ques'ion culminated in the
furious contest characterizing the campaigns and
elections of 1822-4. In the summer of 1823, when a
new Governor was to be elected to succeed Mr.
Bond, the pro-slavery element divided into factions,
putting forward for the executive office Joseph
Phillips, Chief Justice of the State, Thomas C.
Browne and Gen. James B. Moore, of the State Mil-
itia. The anti-slavery element united upon Mr.
Coles, and, after one of the most bitter campaigns,
succeeded in electing him as Governor. His plural-
ity over Judge Phillips was only 59 in a total vote of
over 8,000. The Lieutenant Governor was elected
by the slavery men. Mr. Coles' inauguration speech
was marked by calmness, deliberation and such a
wise expression of appropriate suggestions as to
elicit the sanction of all judicious politicians. But
he compromised not with evil. In his message to
the Legislature, the seat of Government being then
at Yandalia, he strongly urged the abrogation of the
modified form of slavery which then existed in this
State, contrary to the Ordinance of 1787. His posi-
tion on this subject seems the more remarkable, when
it is considered that he was a minority Governor, the
population of Illinois being at that lime almost ex-
clusively from slave-holding States and by a large
majority in favor of the perpetuation of that old relic
of barbarism. The Legislature itself was, of course,
a reflex of the popular sentiment, and a majority of
them were led on by fiery men in denunciations of
the conscientious Governor, and in curses loud and
deep upon him and all his friends. Some of the
public men, indeed, went so far as to head a sort of
mob, or "shiveree" party, who visited the residence
of the Governor and others at Vandalia and yelled
and groaned and spat fire.
The Constitution, not establishing or permitting
slavery in this State, was thought therefore to be
defective by the slavery politicians, and they desired
a State Convention to be elected, to devise and sub-
mit a new Constitution ; and the dominant politics
of the day was "Convention" and "anti-Conven-
tion." Both parties issued addresses to the people,
Gov. Coles himself being the author of the address
published by the latter party. This address revealed
the schemes of the conspirators in a masterly man-
ner. It is difficult for us at this distant day to esti-
mate the critical and extremely delicate situation in
which the Governor was placed at that time.
Our hero maintained himself honorably and with
supreme dignity throughout his administration, and
in his honor a county in this State is named. He
was truly a great man, and those who lived in
this State during his sojourn here, like those who
live at the base of the mountain, were too near to see
and recognize the greatness that overshadowed them.
Mr. Coles was married Nov. 28, 1833, by Bishop
De Lancey, to Miss Sally Logan Roberts, a daughter
of Hugh Roberts, a descendant of Welsh ancestry,
who ca:iii to this country with Win. Penn in 1682.
After the expiration of his term of service, Gov.
Coles continued his residence in Edwardsville, sup-
erintending his farm in the vicinity. He was fond
of agriculture, and was the founder of the first agri-
cultural society in the State. On account of ill
health, however, and having no family to tie him
down, he spent much of his time in Eastern cities.
About 1832 he changed his residence to Philadel-
phia, where he died July 7, 1868, and is buried at
Woodland, near that city.
' O c$-(*S&^Jl>
GOVERXORS OF ILLIXOIS.
\£'\
~> AT \ -fe
^
lYiiiian Edwards
«r
■>>— 5-
INIAN EDWARDS, Governor
V from 1827 to 1830, was a son
p of Benjamin Edwards, and
was bom in Montgomery
o County, Maryland, in March,
L 1775- His domestic train-
'-'" ing was well fitted to give
his mind strength, firmness and
ho o:able principles, and a good
foundation was laid for the ek
character to which he afterwards
attained. His parents were Bap-
and very strict in their moral
principles. His education in early
youth was in company with and
partly under the tuition of Hon. Wm.
Wirt, whom his father Datronized
and who was more than two years
older. An intimacy was thus
formed between them which was lasting for life. He
was farther educated at Dickinson College, at Car
iisle. Pa. He next commenced the study of law, but
before completing his course he moved to Nelson
County, Ky., to open a farm for his father and to
purchase homes and locate lands for his brothers and
sisters. Here he fell in the company of dissolute
companions, and for several years led the life of a
spendthrift. He was, however, elected to the Legis-
lature of Kentucky as the Representative of Nelson
bounty before he was 2 1 years of age, and was re-
acted by an almost unanimous vote.
In 1798 he was licensed to practice law, and the
following year was admitted to the Courts of Tennes-
see. About this time he left Nelson County for
Russellville, in Logan County, broke away from his
dissolute companions, commenced a reformation and
devoted himself to severe and laborious study. He
then began to rise rapidly in his profession, and soon
became an eminent lawyer, and inside of four years
he filled in succession the offices of Presiding Judge
of the General Court, Circuit Judge, fourth Judge of
the Court of Appeals and Chief Justice of the State,
— all before he was 52 years of age ! In addition, in
1S02, he received a commission as Major of a battal-
ion of Kentucky militia, and in 1S04 was chosen a
Presidential Elector, on the Jefferson and Clinton
ticket. In 1S06 he was a candidate -'or Congress,
but withdrew on being promoted to the Court of
Appeals.
Illinois was organized as a separate Territory in
the spring of 1S09, when Mr. Edwards, then Chief
Justice of the Court of Appeals in Kentucky, received
from President Madison the appointment as Gover-
nor of the new Territory, his commission bearing date
April 24, 1S39. Edwards arrived at Kaskaskia in
June, and on the 1 ith of that month took the oath of
office. At the same time he was appointed Superin-
tendent of the United States Saline, this Government
interest then developing into considerable proportions
in Southern Illinois. Although during the first three
years of his administration he had the power to make
new counties and appoint all the officers, yet he always
allowed the people of each county, by an informal
N1NIAN EDWARDS.
vote, to select their own officers, both civil and mili-
tary. The noted John J. Crittenden, afterward
United States Senator from Kentucky, was appointed
by Gev. Edwards to the office of Attorney General of
the Territory, which office was accepted for a short
time only.
The Indians in 1810 committing sundry depreda-
tions in the Territory, crossing the Mississippi from
the Territory of Louisiana, a long correspondence fol-
lowed between the respective Governors concerning
the remedies, which ended in a council with the sav-
ages at Peoria in 1812, and a fresh interpretation of
the treaties. Peoria was depopulated by these de-
predations, and was not re-settled for many years
afterward.
As Gov. Edwards' term of office expired by law in
1 81 2, he was re-appointed for another term of three
years, and again in 1815 for a third term, serving
until the organization of the State in the fall of 1818
and the inauguration of Gov. Bond. At this time
ex-Gov. Edwards was sent to the United States
Senate, his colleague being Jesse B. Thomas. As
Senator, Mr. Edwards took a conspicuous part, and
acquitted himself honorably in all the measures that
came up in that body, being well posted, an able de-
■ later and a conscientious statesman. He thought
. eriously of resigning this situation in 1821, but was
persuaded by his old friend, Wrn. Wirt, and others to
< ontinue in office, which he did to the end of the
term.
He was then appointed Minister to Mexico by
President Monroe. About this time, it appears that
Air. Edwards saw suspicious signs in the conduct of
Win. H. Crawford, Secretary of the United States
Treasury, and an ambitious candidate for the Presi-
dency, and being implicated by the latter in some of
his statements, he resigned his Mexican mission in
order fully to investigate the charges. The result
was the exculpation of Mr. Edwards.
Pro-slavery regulations, often termed "Black Laws,"
cisgraced the statute books of both the Territory and
he State of Illinois during the whole of his career in
.his commonwealth, and Mr. Edwards always main-
tained the doctrines of freedom, and was an important
;.ctor in the great struggle which ended in a victory
Tt>r his party in 1824.
In 1826 -7 the Winnebago and other Indians com-
mitted soire depredations in the northern part of the
State, and the white settlers, who desired the land=
and wished to exasperate the savages into an evacu-
ation of the country, magnified the misdemeanors of
the aborigines and thereby produced a hostility be-
tween the races so great as to precipitate a little war.
known in history as the "Winnebago War." A few
chases and skirmishes were had, when Gen. Atkinson
succeeded in capturing Red Bird, the Indian chief,
and putting him to death, thus ending the contest, af
least until the troubles commenced which ended in
the " Black Hawk War " of 1832. In the interpre-
tation of treaties and execution of their provisions
Gov. Edwards had much vexatious work to do. The
Indians kept themselves generally within the juris-
diction of Michigan Territory, and its Governor,
Lewis Cass, was at a point so remote that ready cor-
respondence with him was difficult or impossible.
Gov. Edwards' administration, however, in regard to
the protection of the Illinois frontier, seems to havj
been very efficient and satisfactory.
For a considerable portion of his time after his re-
moval to Illinois, Gov. Edwards resided upon his
farm near Kaskaskia, which he had well stocked with
horses, cattle and sheep from Kentucky, also with
fruit-trees, grape-vines and shrubbery. He estab-
lished saw and grist-mills, and engaged extensively
in mercantile business, having no less than eight or ten
stores in this State and Missouri. Notwithstanding
the arduous duties of his office, he nearly always pur-
chased the goods himself with which to supply the
stores. Although not a regular practitioner of medi-
cine, he studied the healing art to a considerable ex-
tent, and took great pleasure in prescribing for, and
taking care of, the sick, generally without charge.
He was also liberal to the poor, several widows and
ministers of the gospel becoming indebted to him
even for their homes.
He married Miss Elvira Lane, of Maryland, in
1803, and they became the affectionate parents of
several children, one of whom, especially, is well1
known to the people of the " Prairie State," namely,
Ninian Wirt Edwards, once the Superintendent c<
Public Instruction and still a resident of Springfield
Gov. Edwards resided at and in the vicinity of Kas-
kaskia from 1809 to 1818; in Edwardsville (named
after him) from that time to 1824; and from the lat-
ter date at Belleville, St. Clair County, until his
death, July 20, 1833, of Asiatic cholera. Edwards
County is also named in his honor.
GO VER IVORS OF ILLINOIS.
r^
<y^J) cat . v csstH ir x . QT
^^^^M^Vg)(6^^v2)
OHN REYNOLDS, Governor 1831-
1"^, 4, was born in Montgomery Coun-
=)" ty, Pennsylvania, Feb. 26, 1788.
His father, Robert Reynolds and
his mother, nee Margaret Moore,
were both natives of Ireland, from
which country they emigrated to
the United States in 1785, land-
ing at Philadelphia. The senior
Reynolds entertained an undying
hostility to the British Govern-
ment. When the subject of this
sketch was about six months old,
his parents emigrated with him to
Tennessee, where many of their
relatives had already located, at the base of the
Copper Ridge Mountain, about 14 miles northeast of
the present city of Knoxville. There they were ex-
Dosed to Indian depredations, and were much molest-
ed by them. In 1794 they moved into the interior
of the State. They were poor, and brought up their
children to habits of manual industry.
In 1800 the family removed to Kaskaskia, 111., with
eight horses and two wagons, encountering many
Hardships on the way. Here young Reynolds passed
the most of his childhood, while his character began
to develop, the most prominent traits of which were
ambition and energy. He also adopted the principle
and practice of total abstinence from intoxicating
liquors. In 1807 the family made another removal,
this time to the " Goshen Settlement," at the foot of
the Mississippi bluffs three or four miles southwest
of Edwardsville.
On arriving at his 20th year, Mr. Reynolds, seeing
that he must look about for his own livelihood and
not yet having determined what calling to pursue,
concluded first to attend college, and he accordingly
went to such an institution of learning, near Knox-
ville, Tenn., where he had relatives. Imagine his
diffidence, when, after passing the first 20 years of
his life without ever having seen a carpet, a papered
wall or a Windsor chair, and never having lived in a
shingle-roofed house, he suddenly ushered himself
into the society of the wealthy in the vicinity of
Knoxville ! He attended college nearly two years,
going through the principal Latin authors; but it
seems that he, like the rest of the world in modern
times, had but very little use for his Latin in after
life. He always failed, indeed, to exhibit any good
degree of literary discipline. He commenced the
study of law in Knoxville, but a pulmonary trouble
came on and compelled him to change his mode
of life. Accordingly he returned home and re-
cuperated, and in 1S12 resumed his college and
law studies at Knoxville. In the fall of 1812 he was
admitted to the Bar at Kaskaskia. About this time
he also learned the French language, which he
practiced with pleasure in conversation with his
family for many years. He regarded this language
as being superior to all others for social intercourse
124
JOHN REYNOLDS.
From his services in the West, in the war of 1812,
he obtained the sobriquetof the " Old Ranger." He
was Orderly Sergeant, then Judge Advocate.
Mr. Reynolds opened his first law office in the
winter and spring of 1814, in the French village of
Cahokia, then the capital of St. Clair County.
In the fall of 18 18 he was elected an Associate
Justice upon the Supreme Bench by the General
Assembly. In 1825 he entered more earnestly than
ever into the practice of law, and the very next year
was elected a member of the Legislature, where he
acted independently of all cliques and private inter-
ests. In 1828 the Whigs and Democrats were for
the first time distinctively organized as such in Illi-
nois, and the usual party bitterness grew up and
raged on all sides, while Mr. Reynolds preserved a
■udicial calmness and moderation. The real animus
if the campaign was " Jackson " and " anti-Jackson,"
he former party carrying the State.
In August, 1830, Mr. Reynolds was elected Gov-
.rnor, amid great excitement. Installed in office, he
did all within his power to advance the cause of edu-
cation, internal improvements, the Illinois & Mich-
igan Canal, the harbor at Chicago, settling the coun-
try, etc.; also recommended the winding up of the
state Bank, as its affairs had become dangerously
complicated. In his national politics, he was a
moderate supporter of General Jackson. But the
most celebrated event of his gubernatorial admin-
istration was the Black Hawk War, which occurred
in 1832. He called out the militia and prosecuted
the contest with commendable diligence, appearing
in person on the battle-grounds during the most
critical periods. He was recognized by the President
as Major-General, and authorized by him to make
treaties witli the Indians. By the assistance of the
general Government the war was terminated without
much bloodshed, but after many serious fights. This
war, as well as everything else, was materially re-
tarded by the occurrence of Asiatic cholera in the
West. This was its first appearance here, and was
the next event in prominence during Gov. Reynolds'
ierm.
South Carolina nullification coining up at this time,
t was heartily condemned by both President Jackson
t.nd Gov. Reynolds, who took precisely the same
grounds as the Unionists in the last war.
On the termination of his gubernatorial term in
.834, Gov. Reynolds was elected a Member of Con-
gress, still considering himself a backwoodsman, as
re had scarcely been outside of the State since he
became of age, and had spent nearly all his youthful
lays in the wildest region of the frontier. His first
iiove in Congress was to adopt a resolution that in
all elections made by the House for officers tiie votes
should be given viva voce, each member in his place
naming aloud the person for whom he votes. This
created considerable heated discussion, but was es-
sentially adopted, and remained the controlling prin-
ciple for many years. The ex Governor was scarceK
absent from his seat a single day, during eight ses
sions of Congress, covering a period of seven year^,
and he never vacillated in a party vote; but he failed
to get the Democratic party to foster his " National
Road" scheme. He says, in " My Own Times " (a
large autobiography he published), that it was only
by rigid economy that he avoided insolvency while in
Washington. During his sojourn in that city he was
married, to a lidy of the place.
In 1837, while out of Congress, and in company
with a few others, he built the first railroad in the
Mississippi Valley, namely, one about six miles long,
leading from his coal mine in the Mississippi bluff to
the bank of the river opposite St. Louis. Having not
the means to purchase a locomotive, they operated it
by horse-power. The next spring, however, the com-
pany sold out, at great sacrifice.
In 1S39 the ex-Governor was appointed one of the
Canal Commissioners, and authorized to borrow
money to prosecute the enterprise. Accord'ngly, he
repaired to Philadelphia and succeeding in obtaining
a million dollars, which, however, was only a fourth
of what was wanted. The same year he and his
wife made at our of Europe. This year, also, Mr.
Reynolds had the rather awkward little responsibility
of introducing to President Van Buren the noted
Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith, as a " Latter-Day
Saint!"
In 1S46 Gov. Reynolds was elected a member of
the Legislature (rom St. Clair County, more particu-
larly for the purpose of obtaining a feasible charter
for a macadamized road from Belleville to St. Louis,
a distance of nearly 14 miles. This was immediately
built, and was the first road of the kind in the State.
He was again elected to the Legislature in 1852, when
he was chosen Speaker of the House. In i860, aged
and infirm, he attended the National Democratic
Convention at Charleston, S. C , as an anti-Douglas
Delegate, where he received more attention from the
Southern Delegates than any other member. He
supported Breckenridge for the Presidency. After
the October elections foreshadowed the success of
Lincoln, he published an address urging the Demo-
crats to rally to the support of Douglas. Immedi-
ately preceding and during the late war, his corre-
spondence evinced a clear sympathy for the Southern
secession, and about the first of March, 1861, he
urged upon the Buchanan officials the seizure of the
treasure and arms in the custom-house and arsenal
at St. Louis. Mr. Reynolds was a rather talkative
man, and apt in all the Western phrases and catch-
words that ever gained currency, besides many cun-
ning and odd ones of his own manufacture.
He was married twice, but had no children. He
died in Belleville, in May, 1865, just after the cbse
of the war.
GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.
i*1
«>*—*-
[LLIAM LEE D. EWING,
Governor of Illinois Nov. 3
as to 17, 1834, was a native
of Kentucky, and probably
of Scotch ancestry. He bad
a fine education, was a gentle-
man of polished manners and
refined sentiment. In 1830 John Rey-
nolds was elected Governor of the State,
and Zadok Casey Lieutenant Governor,
and for the principal events that followed,
and the characteristics of the times, see
sketch of Gov. Reynolds. The first we
see in history concerning Mr. Ewing, in-
forms us that he was a Receiver of Public
M01 eys at Vandalia soon after the organization of
t«ii.. State, and that the public moneys in his hands
veie deposited in various banks, as they are usually
* thi. /resent day. In 1823 the State Bank was
obbed, by which disaster Mr. Ewing lost a thousand-
-jolbr deposit.
The subject of this sketch had a commission as
■ olonel in the Black Hawk War, and in emergencies
ne acted also as Major. In the summer of 1832,
Vien c "ras rumored among the whites that Black
Kawk and "lis men had encamped somewhere on
Rock River, Gen. Henry was sent on a tour of
reconnoisance, and with orders to drive the Indians
from the State. After some opposition from his
subordinate officers, Henry resolved to proceed up
Rock River in search of the enemy. On tiie 19th of
■uly, early in the morning, five baggage wagons,
camp equipage and all heavy and cumbersome arti
cles were piled up and left, so that the army might
make speedy and forced marches. For some miles
the travel was exceedingly bad, crossing swamps
and the worst thickets; but the large, fresh trail
gave life and animation to the Americans. Gen.
Dodge and Col. Ewing were both acting as Majors,
and composed the " spy corps " or vanguard of the
army. It is supposed the army marched nearly 50
miles this day, and the Indian trail they followed
became fresher, and was strewed with much property
and trinkets of the red-skins that they had lost or
thrown away to hasten their march. During the
following night there, was a terrific thunder-storm, and
the soldiery, with all their appurtenances, were thor-
oughly drenched.
On approaching nearer the Indians the next day.
Gen. Dodge and Major Ewing, each commanding a
battalion of men, were placed in front to bring on the
battle, but the savages were not overtaken this day
Forced marches were continued until they reached.
Wisconsin River, where a veritable battle ensued,
resulting in the death of about 68 of Black Hawk's
men. The next day they continued the chase, and
as soon as he discovered the trail of the Indians
leading toward the Mississippi, Maj. Ewing formed
his battalion in order of battle and awaited the order
of Gen. Henry. The latter soon appeared on the
ground and ordered a charge, which directly resulted
in chasing the red warriors across the great river.
Maj. Ewing and his command proved particularly
efficient in war, as it seems they were the chief actors
in driving the main body of the Sacs and Foxes, in-
128
WILLIAM L. D. ElVING.
eluding Black Hawk himself, across the Mississippi,
while Gen. Atkinson, commander-in-chief of the ex-
pedition, with a body of the army, was hunting for
them in another direction.
In the above affair Maj. Ewuig is often referred to
as a "General," winch title he had derived from his
connection with the militia.
It was in the latter part of the same year (1832)
that Lieutenant Governor Casey was elected to Con-
gress and Gen. Ewing, who had been elected to the
Senate, was chosen to preside over that body. At
the August election of 1834, Gov. Reynolds was also
elected to Congress, more than a year ahead ofcthe
time at which he could actually take his seat, as was
then the law. His predecessor, Chailes Slade, had
just died of Asiatic cholera, soon after the elec-
tion, and Gov. Reynolds was chosen to serve out his
unexpired term. Accordingly he set out for Wash-
ington in November of that year to take his seat in
Congress, and Gen. Ewing, by virtue of his office as
President of the Senate, became Governor of the
Stato of Illinois, his term covering only a period of
15 da""s. namely, from the 3d to the 17th days, in-
clusive, of November. On the 17th the Legislature
met, and Gov. Ewing transmitted to that body his
message, giving a statement of the condition of the
affairs of the State at that time, and urging a contin-
uance of the policy adopted by his predecessor; and
on the same day Governor elect Joseph Duncan
vas sworn into office, thus relieving Mr. Ewing from
the responsible situation. This is the only time that
such a juncture has happened in the history of Illi-
nois.
On the 29th of December, 1835, Gen. Ewing was
elected a United States Senator to serve out the
unexpired term of Elias Kent Kane, deceased. The
latter gentleman was a very prominent figure in the
early politics of Illinois, and a county in this State is
named in his honor. The election of Gen. Ewing to
the Senate was a protracted struggle. His competi-
tors were James Semple, who afterwards held several
important offices in this State, and Richard M.
Young, afterward a United States Senator and a
Supreme Judge and a man of vast influence. On
the first ballot Mr. Semple had 25 votes, Young 19
and Ewing 18. On the eighth ballot Young was
dropped; the ninth and tenth stood a tie; but on
the r2th Ewing received 40, to Semple 37, and was
accordingly declared elected. In 1837 Mr. Ewing
received some votes for a continuance of his term in
Congress, when Mr. Young, just referred to, was
elected. In 1842 Mr. Ewing was elected State
Auditor on the ticket with Gov. Ford.
Gen. Ewing was a gentleman of culture, a lawyer
by profession, and was much in public life. In person
he was above medium height and of heavy build,
with auburn hair, blue eyes, large-sized head and
short face. He was genial, social, friendly and
affable, with fair talent, though of no high degree 0$
originality. He died March 25, 1846.
^
^dhf&rf^u 5fa
GO I'ERXORS OF ILLIXOIS.
'3'
Jfese.pl: Ban can.
ga^|B<»Ctitt- - 5>*^TvgSNi>^zra^ fflar^ '
— •«£?— • — n — •~,3c»—
:t
?M
OSEPH DUNCAN", Governor
1834-8, was born at Paris,
Ky., Feb. 23, 1794. At the
tender age of 19 years he en-
listed in the war against Great
Britain, and as a soldier he
-wb acquitted himself with credit. He
was an Ensign under the daunt-
less Croghan at Lower Sandusky,
or Fort Stephenson. In Illinois
he first appeared in a public capa-
city as Major-General of the Militia,
a position which his military fame
had procured him. Subsequently
he became a State Senator from
Jackson County, and is honorably
mentioned for introducing the first bill providing for
a free-school system. In 1S26, when the redoubt-
able John P. Cook, who had previously beaten such
men as John McLean, Elias Kent Kane and ex-
Gov. Bond, came up for the fourth time for Congress,
Mr. Duncan was brought forward against him by his
friends, greatly to the surprise of all the politicians.
\s yet he was but little known in the State. He was
an original Jackson man at that time, being attached
to his political fortune in admiration of the glory of
his military achievements. His chances of success
against Cook were generally regarded as hopeless,
but he entered upon the campaign undaunted. His
speeches, though short and devoid of ornament, were
full of good sense. He made a diligent canvass of
the State, Mr. Cook being hindered by the condition of
his health. The most that was expected of Mr.
Duncan, under the circumstances, was that he would
obtain a respectable vote, but without defeating Mr
Cook. The result of the campaign, however, was a
source of surprise and amazement to both friends
and foes, as Mr. Duncan came out 641 votes ahead!
He received 6,321 votes, and Mr. Cook 5,680. Un-
til this denouement, the violence of party feeling
smoldering in the breasts of the people on account
of the defeat of Jackson, was not duly appreciated.
Aside from the great convention struggle of 1824, no
other than mere local and personal considerations
had ever before controlled an election in Illinois.
From the above date Mr. Duncan retained his
seat in Congress until his election as Governor in
August, 1834. The first and bloodless year of the
Black Hawk War he was appointed by Gov. Rey-
nolds to the position of Brigadier-General of the
volunteers, and he conducted his brigade to Rock
Island. But he was absent from the State, in Wash-
ington, during the gubernatorial campaign, and did
not personally participate in it, but addressed circu-
lars to his constituents. His election was, indeed,
attributed to the circumstance of his absence, be-
cause his estrangement from Jackson, formerly his
political idol, and also from the Democracy, largelv
in ascendency in the State, was complete; but while
his defection was well known to his Whig friends,
and even to the leading Jackson men of this State,
the latter were unable to carry conviction of that fact
to the masses, as mail and newspaper facilities at
that day were far inferior to those of the present
time. Of course the Governor was much abused
afterward by the fossilized Jackson men who 're-
garded party ties and affiliations as above all
other issues that could arise; but he was doubtless
£32
JOSEPH DUNCAN.
sincere in his opposition to the old hero, as the latter
j;ad vetoed several important western measures
which were dear to Mr. Duncan. In his inaugural
message he threw off the mask and took a bold stand
r gain st the course of the President. The measures
-e recommended in his message, however, were so
desirable that the Legislature, although by a large
majority consisting of Jackson men, could not refrain
from endorsing them. These measures related
Plainly to banks and internal improvements.
It was while Mr. Duncan was Governor that the
people of Illinois went whirling on with bank and in-
ternal improvement schemes that well nigh bank-
-upted the State. The hard times of 1837 came on,
and the disasters that attended the inauguration of
.hese plans and the operation of the banks were mu-
tually charged upon the two political parties. Had
any oi:e man autocratic power to introduce and
carry on any one of these measures, he would proba-
bly have succeeded to the satisfaction of the public ;
; ut as many jealous men had hold of the same plow
Handle, no success followed and each blamed the other
!or the failure. In this great vortex Gov. Duncan
was carried along, suffering the like derogation ot
character with his fellow citizens.
At the height of the excitement the Legislature
" provided for " railroads from Galena to Cairo, Alton
to Shawneetown, Alton to Mount Carmel, Alton to the
eastern boundary of the State in the direction of
Terre Haute, Quincy via Springfield to the Wabash,
Blootr.ington to Pekin, and Peoria to Warsaw, — in all
about 1,300 miles of road. It also provided for the
improvement of the navigation of the Kaskaskia,
Illinois, Great and Little Wabash and Rock Rivers ;
also as a placebo, $200,000 in money were to be dis-
.ributed to the various counties wherein no improve-
ments were ordered to be made as above. The
estimate for the expenses for all these projects was
.laced at a little over $10,000,000, which was not
.nora man half enough ! That would now be equal to
saddling upon the State a debt of $225,000,000 ! It
was sufficient to bankrupt the State several times
over, even counting all the possible benefits.
One of the most exciting events that ever occutred
ai this fair State was the murder of Elijah P. Love-
'oy in the fall of 1837, at Alton, during Mr. Duncan's
ierm as Governor. Lovejoy was an " Abolitionist,"
editing the Observer at that place, and the pro-
slavery slums there formed themselves into a mob,
and after destroying successively three presses be-
longing to Mr. Lovejoy, surrounded the warehouse
where the fourth press was stored away, endeavoring
to destroy it, and where Lovejoy and his friends
were entrenching themselves, and shot and killed the
brave reformer!
About this time, also, the question of removing tha
State capital again came up, as the 20 years' limit for
its existence at Vandalia was drawing to a close.
There was, of course, considerable excitement over
the matter, the two main points competing for it be-
ing Springfield and Peoria. The jealousy of the lat-
ter place is not even yet, 45 years afterward, fully
allayed.
Gov. Duncan's term expired in 1838. In 1842
he was again proposed as a candidate for the Execu-
tive chair, this time by the Whig party, against Adam
W. Snyder, of St. Clair County, the nominee of the
Democrats. Charles W. Hunter was a third candi-
date for the same position. Mr. Snyder, however, died
before the campaign had advanced very far, and his
party substituted Thomas Ford, who was elected
leceiving 46,901 votes, to 38,584 for Duncan, and
909 for Hunter. The cause of Democratic success
at this time is mainly attributed to the temporary
support of the Mormons which they enjoyed, and the
want of any knowledge, on the part of the masses,
1h.1t Mr. Ford was opposed to any given policy en-
tertained in the respective localities.
Gov. Duncan was a man of rather limited educa-
tion, but with naturally fine abilities he profited
greatly by his various public services, and gathered
a store of knowledge regarding public affairs which
served him a ready purpose. He possessed a clear
judgment, decision, confidence in himself and moral
courage to carry out his convictions of right. In his
deportment he was well adapted to gain the admira-
tion of the people. His intercourse with them was
both affable and dignified. His portrait at the Gov-
ernor's mansion, from which the accompanying was
made, represents him as having a swarthy complex-
ion, high cheek bones, broad forehead, piercing black
eyes and straight black hair.
He was a liberal patron of the Illinois College at
Jacksonville, a member of its Board of Trustees, and
died, after a short illness, Jan. 15, 1844, a devoted
member of the Presbyterian Church, leaving a wife
but no children. Two children, born to them, had
died in infancy.
Sw.
-:\
^^W/c^L^^
GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.
'35
. ...- -i- .
<*HOMAS CARLIN, the sixth
•'ii^^li'f Governor of the State of
Illinois, serving from 1838
to 1842, was also a Ken-
tuckian, being born near
Frankfort, that State, July
1 8, 17S9, of Irish paternity.
The opportunities for an education
being very meager in his native
place, he, on approaching years of
judgment and maturity, applied
himself to those branches of learn-
ing that seemed most important,
and thus became a self-made man ;
and his taste for reading and
study remained with him through
In 1803 his father removed
10 Missouri, then a part of " New Spain," where he
died in 18 10.
In 18 1 2 young Carlin came to Illinois and partici-
pated in all the "ranging" service incident to the
war of that period, proving himself a soldier of un-
daunted bravery. In 18 14 he married Rebecca
Huitt, and lived for four years on the bank of the
Mississippi River, opposite the mouth of the Mis-
sctri, where he followed farming, and then removed
to Greene County. He located the town site of Car-
rc'ion, in that county, and in 1825 made a liberal
donation of land for county building purposes. He
was the first Sheriff of that county after its separate
organization, and afterward was twice elected, as a
Jackson Democrat, to the Illinois Senate. In the
Black Hawk War he commanded a spy battalion, a
post of considerable danger. In 1834 he was ap-
pointed by President Jackson to the position of
Receiver of Public Moneys, and to fulfill the office
more conveniently he removed to the city of Quincy.
While, in r838, the unwieldy internal improvement
system of the State was in full operation, with all its
expensive machinery, amidst bank suspensions
throughout the United States, a great stringency in
the money market everywhere, and Illinois bonds
forced to sale at a heavy discount, and the " hardest
limes" existing that the people of the Prairie State
ever saw, the general election of State officers was
approaching. Discreet men who had cherished the
hope of a speedy subsidence of the public infatua-
tion, met with disappointment. A Governor and
Legislature were to be elected, and these were now
looked forward to for a repeal of the ruinous State
policy. But the grand scheme had not yet lost its
dazzling influence upon the minds of the people.
Time and experience had not yet fully demonstrated
its utter absurdity. Hence the question of arresting
its career of profligate expenditures did not become
a leading one with the dominant party during the
campiign, and most of the old members of the Leg
islature were returned at this election.
Under these circumstances the Democrats, in State
Convention assembled, nominated Mr. Carlin for the
office of Governor, and S. H. Anderson for Lieuten-
ant Governor, while the Whigs nominated Cyrus Ed-
wards, brother of Ninian Edwards, formerly Governor,
and W. H. Davidson. Edwards came out strongly
for a continuance of the State policy, while Carlb
remained non-committal. This was the first time
that the two main political parties in this State were
unembarrassed by any third party in the field. The
result of the election was: Carlin, 35,573 ; Ander-
son, 30,335 ; Edwards, 29,629 ; and Davidson, 28,-
715-
Upon the meeting of the subsequent Legislature
(1S39), the retiring Governor (.Duncan^ in his mes-
• 36
THOMAS CARLIN.
sage spoke in emphatic terms of the impolicy of the
internal improvement system, presaging the evils
Uireatened, and uiged that body to do their utmost
to correct the great error ; yet, on the contrary, the
Legislature not only decided to continue the policy
but also added to its burden by voting more appro-
priations and ordering more improvements. Although
the money market was still stringent, a further loan
of $4,000,000 was ordered for the Illinois & Mich-
igan Canal alone. Cti'cago at that time began to
loom up and promise to be an important city, even
the great emporium of the West, as it has since in-
ceed came to be. Ex-Gov. Reynolds, an incompe-
tent financier, was commissioned to effect the loan,
and accordingly hastened to the East on this respons-
ible errand, and negotiated the loans, at considera-
ble sacrifice to the State. Besides this embarrassment
sc Carlin's administration, the Legislature also de-
clared that he had no authority to appoint a Secretary
of State until a vacancy existed, and A. P. Field, a
Whig, who had already held the post by appointment
.h rough three administrations, was determined to
keep the place a while longer, in spite of Gov. Car-
lin's preferences. The course of the Legislature in
:his regard, however, was finally sustained by the
Supreme Court, in a quo warranto case brought up
before it by John A. McClernand, whom the Gov-
ernor had nominated for the office. Thereupon that
dignified body was denounced as a "Whig Court!''
endeavoring to establish the principle of life-tenure
of office.
A new law was adopted re-organizing the Judici-
ary, and under it five additional Supreme Judges
were elected by the Legislature, namely, Thomas
Ford (afterward Governor), Sidney Breese, Walter B.
States, Samuel H. Treat and Stephen A. Douglas —
all Democrats.
It was during Cov. Carlin's administration that the
noisy campaign of ''Tippecanoe and Tyler too " oc-
curred, resulting in a Whig victory. This, however,
did net affect Illinois politics very seriously.
Another prominent event in the West during Gov.
Carlin's term of office was the excitement caused by
the Mormons and their removal from Independence,
Mo., to Nauvoo, 111., in 1840. At the same time
they began to figure somewhat in State politics. On
account of their believing — as they thought, accord-
ing to the Mew Testament — that they should have
" all things common," and that consequently " all
the earth " and all that is upon it were the" Lord's "
and therefore the property of his " saints," Ihey
were suspected, and correctly, too, of committing
many of the deeds of larceny, robbery, etc., that
were so rife throughout this country in those days.
Hence a feeling of violence grew up between the
Mormons and "anti-Mormons." In the State of
Missouri the Mormons always supported the Dem-
ocracy until they were driven out by the Democratic
government, when they turned their support to the
Whigs. They were becoming numerous, and in the
Legislature of 1840-1, therefore, it became a matter
of great interest with both parties to conciliate these
people. Through the agency of one John C. Ben-
nett, a scamp, the Mormons succeeded in rushing
through the Legislature (both parties not daring ;o
oppose) a charter for the city of Nauvoo which vir-
tually erected a hierarchy co-ordinate with the Fed-
eral Government itself. In the fall of 1841 the
Governor of Missouri made a demand upon Gov.
Carlin for the body of Joe Smith, the Mormon leader,
as a fugitive from j ustice. Gov. Carlin issued th ;
writ, but for some reason it was returned unserved.
It was again issued in 1842, and Smith was arrested,
but was either rescued by his followers or discharged
by the municipal court on a writ of habeas corpus.
In December, 1841, the Democratic Convention
nominated Adam W. Snyder, of Belleville, for Gov-
ernor. As he had been, as a member of the Legisla-
ture, rather friendly to the Mormons, the latter
naturally turned their support to the Democratic
party. The next spring the Whigs nominated Ex-
Gov. Duncan for the same office. In the meantime
the Mormons began to grow more odious to the
masses of the people, and the comparative prospects
of the respective parties for success became very
problematical. Mr. Snyder died in May, and
Thomas Ford, a Supreme Judge, was substituted as
a candidate, and was elected.
At the close of his gubernatorial term, Mr. Carlin
removed back to his old home at Carrollton, where
he spent the remainder of his life, as before his ele-
vation to office, in agricultural pursuits. In 18-9
he served out the unexpired term of J. D. Fry in the
Illinois House of Representatives, and died Feb. 4.
1S52, at his residence at Carrollton, leaving a wife?
and seven children.
Ok
{A-isns&^d
GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.
■39
Tlioiiia
_.^. *.*&-& *~
=3*~ •**ir<&~3<i
^■i-y^
"^HOMAS FORD, Governor
from 1842 to 1S46, and au-
thor of a very interesting
history of Illinois, was born
at Uniontown, Pa., in the
year 1 800. His mother, after
the death of her first hus-
band (Mr. Forquer), married Rob-
ert Ford, who was killed in 1802.
by the Indians in the mountains
of Pennsylvania. She was conse-
quently left in indigent circum-
stances, with a large family, mostly
girls. With a view to better her
condition, she, in 1804, removed to
Missouri, where it had been cus-
tomary by the Spanish Govern-
ment to give land to actual settlers; but upon her
arrival at St. Louis she found the country ceded to
the United States, and the liberal policy toward set-
tlers changed by the new ownership. After some
sickness to herself and family, she finally removed to
Illinois, and settled some three miles south of Water-
loo, but the following year moved nearer the Missis-
sippi bluffs. Here young Ford received his first
schooling, under the instructions of a Mr. Humphrey,
for which he had to walk three miles. His mother,
though lacking a thorough education, was a woman
of superior mental endowments, joined to energy
and determination of character. She inculcated in
her children those high-toned principles which dis-
tinguished her sons in public life. She exercised a
rigid economy to provide her children an education ;
but George Forquer, her oldest son (six years older
than Thomas Ford), at an early age had to quit
school to aid by his labor in the support of the family.
He afterward became an eminent man in Illinois
affairs, and but for his early death would probably
have been elected to the United States Senate.
Young Ford, with somewhat better opportunities,
received a better education, though limited to the
curriculum of the common school of those pioneer
times. His mind gave early promise of superior en-
dowments, with an inclination for mathematics. His
proficiency attracted the attention of Hon. Daniel P.
Cook, who became his efficient patron and friend
The latter gentleman was an eminent Illinois states-
man who, as a Member of Congress, obtained a grant
of 300,000 acres of land to aid in completing the
Illinois &: Michigan Canal, and after whom the
I county of Cook was named. Through the advice of
!40
THOMAS FORD.
this gentleman, Mr. Ford turned his attention to the
study of law; but Forquer, then merchandising, re-
garding his education defective, sent him to Transyl-
vania University, where, however, he remained but
one term, owing to Forquer's failure in business. On
his return he alternated his law reading with teach-
ing school for support.
In 1829 Gov. Edwards appointed him Prosecuting
Attorney, and in 1831 he was re-appointed by Gov.
Reynolds, and after that he was four times elected a
Tudge by the Legislature, without opposition, twice a
Circuit Judge, once a Judge of Chicago, and as As-
sociate Judge of the Supreme Court, when, in 1841,
the latter tribunal was re-organized by the addition
of five Judges, all Democrats. Ford was assigned to
the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and while in this capacity
ne was holding Court in Ogle County he received a
notice of his nomination by the Democratic Conven-
tion for the office of Governor. He immediately re-
signed his place and entered upon the canvass. In
August, 1842, he was elected, and on the 8th of De-
cember following he was inaugurated.
All the offices which he had held were unsolicited
by him. He received them upon the true Jefferson-
ian principle, — Never to ask and never to refuse
office. Both as a lawyer and as a Judge he stood
deservedly high, but his cast of intellect fitted him
rather for a writer upon law than a practicing advo-
cate in the courts. In the latter capacity he was void
of the moving Dower of eloquence, so necessary to
success with juries. As a Judge his opinions were
^ound, lucid and able expositions of the law. In
practice, he was a stranger to the tact, skill and in-
sinuating address of the politician, but he saw through
;he arts of demagogues as well as any man. He was
plain in his demeanor, so much so, indeed, that at
one time after the expiration of his term of office,
during a session of the Legislature, he was taken by
a stranger 10 be a seeker for the position of door-
keeper, and was waited upon at his hotel near mid-
night by a knot of small office-seekers with the view
Df effecting a "combination ! "
Mr. Ford had not the " brass " of the ordinary
politician, nor that impetuosity which characterizes a
political leader. He cared little for money, and
hardly enough for a decent support. In person he
was of small stature, slender, of dark complexion,
with black hair, sharp features, deep-set eyes, a
pointed, aquiline nose having a decided twist to one
side, and a small mouth.
The three most important events in Gov. Ford's
administration were the establishment of the high
financial credit of the State, the " Mormon War "and
•he Mexican War.
In the first of tnese the Governor proved himself
'o be eminently wise. On coming into office he found
'he State badly paralyzed by the ruinous effects of
.r.c notorious "internal improvement" schemes of
the preceding decade, with scarcely anything to
show by way of "improvement." The enterprise
that seemed to be getting ahead more than all the
rest was the Illinois & Michigan Canal. As this
promised to be the most important thoroughfare,
feasible to the people, it was well under headway in
its construction. Therefore the State policy was
almost concentrated upon it, in order to rush it on tc
completion. Tlie bonded indebtedness of the State
was growing so large as to frighten the people, and
they were about ready to entertain a proposition for
repudiation. But the Governor had the foresight to
recommend such measures as would maintain the
public credit, for which every citizen to-day feels
thankful.
But perhaps the Governor is remembered more for
his connection with the Mormon troubles than for
anything else; for it was during his term of office
that the " Latter-Day Saints " became so strong at
Nauvoo, built their temple there, increased their num-
bers throughout the country, committed misdemean-
ors, taught dangerous doctrines, suffered the loss of
their leader, Jo Smith, by a violent death, were driven
out of Nauvoo to the far West, etc. Having been a
|udge for so many years previously, Mr. Ford of
course was non-committal concerning Mormon affairs,
and was therefore claimed by both parties and also
accused by each of sympathizing too greatly with the
other side. Mormonism claiming to be a system of
religion, the Governor no doubt was " between two
fires," and felt compelled to touch the matter rather
" gingerly," and doubtless felt greatly relieved when
that pestilential people left the State. Such compli-
cated matters, especially when religion is mixed up
with them, expose every person participating in
them to criticism from all parties.
The Mexican War was begun in the spring of
1845, and was continued into the gubernatorial term
of Mr. Ford's successor. The Governor's connection
with this war, however, was not conspicuous, as it
was only administrative, commissioning officers, etc.
Ford's " History of Illinois " is a very readable and
entertaining work, of 450 small octavo pages, and is
destined to increase in value with the lapse of time.
It exhibits a natural flow of compact and forcible
thought, never failing to convey the nicest sense. In
tracing with his trenchant pen the devious operations
of the professional politician, in which he is inimit-
able, his account is open, perhaps, to the objection
that all his contemporaries are treated as mere place-
seekers, while many of them have since been judged
by the people to be worthy statesmen. His writings
seem slightly open to the criticism that they exhibit
a little splenetic partiality against those of hi* con-
temporaries who were prominent during his term of
office as Governor.
The death of Gov. Ford took place at Peoria, 111.,
I Nov. 2, 1850.
^^<p^^ 6^>^^c^y
GOVERXORS OF 1LLIXOIS.
143
l.-^:'-*-^.^'"^.
K&?#
Augustus C. French,
Augustus c. French,
Governor of Illinois from
1846 to 1 S5 2, was born in
the town of Hill, in the
State of New Hampshire,
Aug. 2, 1 80S. He was a
descendant in the fourth
generation ot Nathaniel
French, who emigrated from England
in 1687 and settled in Saybury, Mass.
In early life young French lost his
father, but continued to receive in-
struction from an exemplary and
Christian mother until he was 19 years
old. when she also died, confiding to
his care and trust four younger broth-
ers and one sister. He discharged his trust with
parental devotion. His education in early life was
such mainly as a common school afforded. For a
Drief period he attended Dartmouth College, but
from pecuniary causes and the care of his brothers
and sister, he did not graduate. He subsequently
read law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1831, and
shortly afterward removed to Illinois, settling first at
Albion, Edwards County, where he established him-
self in the practice of law. The following year he
removed to Paris, Edgar County. Here he attained
eminence in his profession, and entered public life
by representing that county in the Legislature. A
jtrong attachment sprang up between him and Ste-
phen A. Douglas.
In 1839, Mr. French was appointed Receiver of
the United States Land Office at Palestine, Craw-
ford County, at which place he was a resident when
elevated to the gubernatorial chair. In 1S44 he was
a Presidential Elector, and as such he voted for
Tames K. Polk.
The Democratic State Convention of 1846, meet-
ing at Springfield Feb. 10, nominated Mr. French
for Governor. Other Democratic candidates were
Lyman Trumbull, John Calhoun (subsequently of
Lecompton Constitution notoriety), Walter B. Scates.
Richard M. Young and A. W. Cavarly, — an array of
very able and prominent names. Trumbull was per-
haps defeated in the Convention by the rumor that
he was opposed to the Illinois and Michigan Canal,
as he had been a year previously. For Lieutenant
Governor J. B. Wells was chosen, while other candi-
dates were Lewis Ross, Win. McMurtry, Newton
Cloud, J. B. Hamilton and W. W. Thompson. The
resolutions declared strongly against the resuscita-
tion of the old State Banks.
The Whigs, who were in a hopeless minority, held
their convention June 8, at Peoria, and selected
Thomas M. Kilpatrick, of Scott County, for Governor,
and Gen. Nathaniel G. Wilcox, of Schuyler, for
Lieutenant Governor.
In the campaign the latter exposed Mr. French's
record and connection with the passage of the in-
ternal improvement system, urging it against his
election; but in the meantime the war with Mexico
broke out, regarding which the Whig record was un-
popular in this State. The war was the absorbing
and dominating question of the period, sweeping
every other political issue in its course. The elec-
tion in August gave Mr. French 58,700 votes, and
Kilpatrick only 36,775. Richard Eells, Abolitionist
candidate for the same office, received 5,152 vot»s
144
AUGUSTUS C. FRENCH.
By the new Constitution of 184S, a new election for
State officers was ordered in Novembei of that year,
before Gov. French's term was half out, and he was
re-elected for the term of four years. He was there-
fore the incumbent for six consecutive years, the
only Governor of this State who has ever served in
that capacity so long at one time. As there was no
organized opposition to his election, he received 67,-
453 votes, to 5,639 for Pierre Menard (son of the
first Lieutenant Governor), 4,748 for Charles V.
Dyer, 3,834 for W. L. D. Morrison, and i,36r for
James L. D. Morrison. But Wm. McMurtry, of
Knox County, was elected Lieutenant Governor, in
place of Joseph B. Wells, who was before elected
and did not run again.
Governor French was inaugurated into office dur-
ing the progress of the Mexican War, which closed
during the summer of 1847, although the treaty of
Guadalupe Hidalgo was not made until Feb. 2,
1848. The policy of Gov. French's party was com-
mitted to that war, but in connection with that affair
he was, of course, only an administrative officer.
During his term of office, Feb. 19, 1847, the Legisla-
ture, by special permission of Congress, declared that
all Government lands sold to settlers should be im-
mediately subject to State taxation; before this they
were exempt for five years after sale. By this ar-
rangement the revenue was materially increased.
About the same lime, the distribution of Government
.'and warrants among the Mexican soldiers as bounty
threw upon the market a great quantity of good
lands, and this enhanced the settlement of the State.
The same Legislature authorized, with the recom-
mendation of the Governor, the sale of the Northern
Cross Railroad (from Springfield to Meredosia, the
first in the State and now a section of the Wabash,
St. Louis & Pacific) It sold for $100,000 in bonds,
ilthough it had cost the State not less than a million.
The salt wells and canal lands in the Saline reserve
in Gallatin County, granted by the general Govern-
ment to the State, were also authorized by the
Governor to be sold, to apply on the State debt. In
1850, for the first time since 1839, the accruing State
revenue, exclusive of specific appropriations, was
sufficient to meet the current demands upon the
treasury. The aggregate taxable property of the
State at this time was over $100,000,000, and ths
population 851,47.-1.
In 1S49 the Legislature adopted the township or-
ganization law, which, however, proved defective,
and was properly amended in 1851. At its session
in the latter year, the General Assembly also passed
a law to exempt homesteads from sale on executions
This beneficent measure had been repeatedly urged
upon that body by Gov. French.
In 1S50 some business men in St. Louis com-
menced to build a dike opposite the lower part of
their city on the Illinois side, to keep the Mississippi
in its channel near St. Louis, instead of breaking
away from them as it sometimes threatened to do.
This they undertook without permission from the
Legislature or Executive authority of this State ; and
as many of the inhabitants thera complained that
the scheme would inundate and ruin much valuable
land, there was a slight conflict of jurisdictions, re-
sulting in favor of the St. Louis project; and since
then a good site has existed there for a city (East St.
Louis), and now a score of railroads center there.
It was in September, r85o, that Congress granted
to this State nearly 3,000,000 acres of land in aid of
the completion of the Illinois Central Railroad,
which constituted the most important epoch in the
railroad — we might say internal improvement — his-
tory of the State. The road was rushed on to com-
pletion, which accelerated the settlement of the in-
terior of the State by a good class of industrious citi-
zens, and by the charter a good income to the State
Treasury is paid in from the earnings of the road.
In 185 1 the Legislature passed a law authorizing
free stock banks, which was the source of much leg-
islative discussion for a number of years.
But we have not space further to particularize
concerning legislation. Gov. French's administra-
tion was not marked by any feature to be criticised,
while the country was settling up as never before.
In stature, Gov. French was of medium height,
squarely built, light complexioned, with ruddy face
and pleasant countenance. In manners he was
plain and agreeable. By nature he was somewhat
diffident, but he was often very outspoken in his con-
victions of duty. In public speech he was not an
orator, but was chaste, earnest and persuasive. In
.business he was accurate and methodical, and in his
administration he kept up the credit of the State.
He died in rS65, at his home in Lebanon, St
Clair Co.. Til.
GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.
•47
US?
|OEL A. MATTESON, Governor
r§{fe** 1853-6, was born Aug. 8, 1808,
in Jefferson County, New York,
to which place his father had re-
moved from Vermont three years
before. His father was a farmer
in fair circumstances, but a com-
mon English education was all
that his only son received. Young
Joel first tempted fortune as a
small tradesman in Prescott,
Canada, before he was of age.
He returned from that place to
his home, entered an academy,
taught school, visited the prin-
cipal Eastern cities, improved a farm his father had
given him, made a tour in the South, worked there
in building railroads, experienced a storm on the
Gulf of Mexico, visited the gold diggings of Northern
Georgia, and returned via Nashville to St. Louis and
through Illinois to his father's home, when he mar-
ried. In 1833, having sold his farm, he removed,
ivith his wife and one child, to Illinois, and entered
a claim on Government land near the head of An
Sable River, in what is now Kendall County. At
that time there were not more than two neighbors
within a range of ten miles of his place, and only
<hree or four houses between him and Chicago. He
opened a large farm. His family was boarded 1 2
miles away while he erected a house on his claim,
sleeping, during this time, under a rude pole shed.
Here his life was once placed in imminent peril by
a huge prairie rattlesnake sharing his bed.
In 1835 he bought largely at the Government land
sales. During the speculative real-estate mania which
broke out in Chicago in 1836 and spread over the State,
he sold his lands under the inflation of that period
and removed to Joliet. In 1838 he became a heavy
contractor on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Upon
the completion of his job in 1841, when hard times
prevailed, business at a stand, contracts paid in State
scrip; when all the public works except the canal
were abandoned, the State offered for sale 700 tons
of railroad iron, which was purchased by Mr. Mat-
teson at a bargain. This he accepted, shipped and
sold at Detroit, realizing a very handsome profit,
enough to pay off all his canal debts and leave him a
surplus of several thousand dollars. His enterprise
next prompted him to start a woolen mill at Joliet,
in which he prospered, and which, after successive
enlargements, became an enormous establishment.
In 1842 he was first elected a State Senator, but,
by a bungling apportionment, jc. in Pearson, a Senato-
holding over, was found to be in the same distric*.,
and decided to be entitled to represent it. Mat-
teson's seat was declared vacant. Pearson, however
with a nobleness difficult to appreciate in this day of
T4»
JOEL A. MATTESON.
greed for office, unwilling to represent his district
under the circumstances, immediately resigned his
unexpired term of two years. A bill was passed in a
few hours ordering a new election, and in ten days'
time Mr. Matteson was returned re-elected and took
his seat as Senator. From his well-known capacity
as a business man, he was made Chairman of the
Committee on Finance, a position he held during
this half and two full succeeding Senatorial terms,
discharging its important duties with ability and faith-
fulness. Besides his extensive woolen-mill interest,
when work was resumed on the canal under the new
loan of $1,600,000 he again became a heavy con-
tractor, and also subsequently operated largely in
building railroads. Thus he showed himself a most
energetic and thorough business man.
He was nominated for Governor by the Demo-
cratic State Convention which met at Springfield
April 20, 1852. Other candidates before the Con-
vention were D. L. Gregg and F. C. Sherman, of
Cook ; John Dement, of Lee ; Thomas L. Harris, of
Menard; Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton ; and D. P. Bush,
of Pike. Gustavus Koerner, of St. Clair, was nom-
inated for Lieutenant Governor. For the same offices
the Whigs nominated Edwin B. Webb and Dexter A.
Knowlton. Mr. Matteson received 80,645 votes at
the election, while Mr. Webb received 64,408. Mat-
teson's forte was not on the stump; he had not cul-
tivated the art of oily flattery, or the faculty of being
all things to all men. His intellectual qualities took
rather the direction of efficient executive ability. His
turn consisted not so much in the adroit manage-
ment of party, or the powerful advocacy of great gov-
ernmental principles, as in those more solid and
enduring operations which cause the physical devel-
opment and advancement of a State, — of commerce
and business enterprise, into which he labored with
success to lead the people. As a politician he was
just and liberal in his views, and both in official and
private life he then stood untainted and free from
blemish. As a man, in active benevolence, social
rirtues and all the amiable qualities of neighbor or
citizen, he had few superiors. His messages present
a perspicuous array of facts as to the condition of the
State, and are often couched in forcible and elegant
diction.
The greatest excitement during his term of office
was the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, by Con-
gress, under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas in
1854, when the bill was passed organizing the Terri-
tory of Kansas and Nebraska. A large portion of
the Whig party of the North, through their bitter op-
position to the Democratic party, naturally drifted
into the doctrine of anti-slavery, and thus led to what
was temporarily called the "Anti-Nebraska" party,
while the followers of Douglas were known as " Ne-
braska or Douglas Democrats." It was during this
embryo stage of the Republican party that Abraham
Lincoln was brought forward as the "Anti-Nebraska"
candidate for the United States Senatorship, while
Gen. James Shields, the incumbent, was re-nom-
inated by the Democrats. But after a fewballotings
in the Legislature (1855), these men were dropped,
and Lyman Trumbull, an Anti-Nebraska Democrat,
was brought up by the former, and Mr. Matteson,
then Governor, by the latter. On the nth ballot
Mr. Trumbull obtained one majority, and was ac-
cordingly declared elected. Before Gov. Matteson 's
term expired, the Republicans were fully organized
as a national party, and in 1856 put into the field a
full national and State ticket, carrying the State, but
not the nation.
The Legislature of 1855 passed two very import-
ant measures, — the present free-school system and a
submission of the Maine liquor law to a vote of the
people. The latter was defeated by a small majority
of the popular vote.
During the four years of Gov. Matteson s admin-
istration the taxable wealth of the State was about
trebled, from $137,818,079 to $349,951,272; the pub-
lic debt was reduced from $17,398,985 to $12,843,-
144; taxation was at the same time reduced, and the
State resumed paying interest on its debt in New
York as fast as it fell due; railroads were increased
in their mileage from something less than 400 to
about 3.000 ; and the population of Chicago was
nearly doubled, and its commerce more than quad-
rupled.
Before closing this account, we regret that we have
to say that Mr. Matteson, in all other respects an
upright man and a good Governor, was implicated
in a false re-issue of redeemed canai scrip, amount-
ing to $224,182.66. By a suit in the Sangamon Cir-
cuit Court the State recovered the principal and all
the interest excepting $27,500.
He died in the winter of 187 2-3, at Chicago.
^t^^uj^e.
GOVER.XOXS OF ILLINOIS.
■5i
^illiai^ I£. ©issdl.
.' ■' ; .' : if .v : .' : / : .r^i' :)■:»■ : ■' ?*} :v : i. :. :i.:v.li:v.1. w-\ ic\
i » i *. 1 . i
[LLLYM H. BISSELL, Gov-
^ emor 1857-60, was bom
£S April 25, 1S11, in the
State of New York, near
Painted Post, Yates County.
His parents were obscure,
honest. God-fearing people,
who reared their children under the daily
example of industry and frugality, accord-
ing to the custom of that class of Eastern
society. Mr. Bissell received a respecta-
ble but not thorough academical education.
By assiduous application he acquired a
knowledge of medicine, and in his early
manhood came West and located in Mon-
roe County, this State, where he engaged in the
practice of that profession. But he was not enam-
ored of his calling: he was swayed by a broader
ambition, to such an extent that the mysteries of the
healing art and its arduous duties failed to yield him
further any charms. In a few years he discovered
his choice of a profession to be a mistake, and when
he approached the age of $o he sought to begin
anew. Dr. Bissell, no doubt unexpectedly to him-
self, discovered a singular facility and charm of
speech, the exercise of which acquired for him a
readv local notorietv. It soon came to be under-
stood that he desired to abandon his profession and
take up that of the law. During terms of Court he
would spend his time at the county seat among, the
members of the Bar, who extended to him a ready
welcome.
It was not strange, therefore, that he should drift
into public life. In 1840 he was elected as a Dem-
ocrat to the Legislature from Monroe County, and
was an efficient member of that body. On his re-
turn home he qualified himself for admission to the
Bar and speedily rose to the front rank as an advo-
cate. His powers of oratory were captivating. With a
pure diction, charming and inimitable gestures,
clearness of statement, and a remarkable vein of sly
humor, his efforts before a jury told with irresistible
effect. He was chosen by the Legislature Prosecut-
ing Attorney for the Circuit in which he lived, and
in that position he fully discharged his duty to the
State, gained the esteem of the Bar, and seldom
failed to convict the offender of the law.
In stature he was somewhat tall and slender, and
with a straight, military bearing, he presented a dis-
tinguished appearance. His complexion was dark,
his head well poised, though not large, his address
pleasant and manner winning. He was exemplarv
in his habits, a devoted husband and kind parent.
He was twice married, the first time to Miss Tames,
152
WILLIAM H. BISSELL.
of Monroe County, by whom he had two children,
both daughters. She died soon after the year 1840,
and Mr. B. married for his second wife a daughter
of Elias K. Kane, previously a United States Senator
from this State. She survived him but a short time,
and died without issue.
When the war with Mexico was declared in 1 846,
Mr. Bissell enlisted and was elected Colonel of his
regiment, over Hon. Don Morrison, by an almost
unanimous vote, — 807 to 6. Considering the limited
opportunities he had had, he evinced a high order of
military talent. On the bloody field of Buena Vista
he acquitted himself with intrepid and distinguished
ability, contributing with his regiment, the Second
Illinois, in no small degree toward saving the waver-
ing fortunes of our arms during that long and fiercely
contested battle.
After his return home, at the close of the war, he
was elected to Congress, his opponents being the
Hons. P. B. Fouke and Joseph Gillespie. He served
two terms in Congress. He was an ardent politician.
During the great contest of 1850 he voted in favor
of the adjustment measures; but in 1854 he opposed
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise act and
therefore the Kansas-Nebraska bill of Douglas, and
thus became identified with the nascent Republican
party.
During his first Congressional term, while the
Southern members were following their old practice
of intimidating the North by bullying language,
and claiming most of the credit for victories in the
Mexican War, and Jefferson Davis claiming for the
Mississippi troops all the credit for success at Buena
Vista, Mr. Bissell bravely defended the Northern
troops : whereupon Davis challenged Bissell to a duel,
which was accepted. This matter was brought up
against Bissell when he was candidate for Governor
and during his term of office, as the Constitution of
this State forbade any duelist from holding a State
office.
In 1856, when the Republican party first put forth
a candidate, John C. Fremont, for President of the
United States, the same party nominated Mr. Bissell
for Governor of Illinois, and John Wood, of Quincy,
for Lieutenant Governor, while the Democrats nomi-
nated Hon. W. A. Richardson, of Adams County,
for Governor, and Col. R. J. Hamilton, of Cook
County, for Lieutenant Governor. The result of the
election was a plurality of 4,729 votes over Richard-
son. The American, or Know-Nothing, party had a
ticket in the field. The Legislature was nearly bal-
anced, but was politically opposed to the Governor.
His message to the Legislature was short and rathei
ordinary, and was criticised for expressing the sup-
posed obligations of the people to the incorporators
of the Illinois Central Railroad Company and for re-
opening the slavery question by allusions to the
Kansas troubles. Late in the session an apportion-
ment bill, based upon the State census of 1855, was
passed, amid much partisan strife. The Governor
at first signed the bill and then vetoed it. A furious
debate followed, and the question whether the Gov-
ernor had the authority to recall a signature was
referred to the Courts, that of last resort deciding in
favor of the Governor. Two years afterward another
outrageous attempt was made for a re-apportionment
and to gerrymander the State, but the Legislature
failed to pass the bill over the veto of the Governor.
It was during Gov. Bissell's administration that
the notorious canal scrip fraud was brought to light
implicating ex-Gov. Matteson and other prominent
State officials. The principal and interest, aggregat-
ing $255,500, was all recovered by the State except-
ing $27,500. (See sketch of Gov. Matteson.)
In 1859 an attempt was discovered to fraudu-
lently refund the Macalister and Stebbins bonds and
thus rob the State Treasury of nearly a quarter of a
million dollars. The State Government was impli-
cated in this affair, and to this day remains unex-
plained or unatoned for. For the above, and other
matters previously mentioned, Gov. Bissell has been
severely criticised, and he has also been most shame-
fully libelled and slandered.
On account of exposure in the army, the remote
cause of a nervous form of disease gained entrance
into his system and eventually developed paraplegia,
affecting his lower extremities, which, while it left
his body in comparative health, deprived him of loco-
motion except by the aid of crutches. While he was
generally hopeful of ultimate recovery, this myste-
rious disease pursued him, without once relaxing its
stealthy hold, to the close of his life, March 18,
i860, over nine months before the expiration of his
gubernatorial term, at the early age of 48 years. He
died in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, of
which He harV been a member since 1854.
.
GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.
'55
site
-5-
-J—
p-:OHN WOOD, Governor 1 860-1, and
ftp** the first settler of Quincy, 111.,
was born in the town of Sempro-
nius (now Moravia), Cayuga Co.f
N. Y., Dec. 20, 1798. He was
the second child and only son of
Dr. Daniel Wood. His mother,
nee Catherine Crause, was- of
German parentage, and died
while he was an infant. Dr.
Wood was a learned and skillful
physician, of classical attain-
ments and proficient in several
modern lai.guages, who, after
serving throughout the Revolu-
tionary War as a Surgeon, settled on the land granted
him by the Government, and resided there a re-
spected and leading influence in his section until his
death, at the ripe age of 92 years.
The subject of this sketch, impelled by the spirit
of Western adventure then pervading everywhere,
left his home, Nov. 2, 1818, and passed the succeed-
ing winter in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following sum-
mer he pushed on to Illinois, landing at Shawneetown.
and spent the fall and following winter in Calhoun
County. In 1820, in company with Willard Keyes,
he settled in Pike County, about 30 miles southeast
of Quincy, where for the next two years he pursued
fanning. In 1821 he visited "the Bluffs" (as the
present site of Quincy was called, then uninhabited)
and, pleased with its prospects, soon after purchased
a quarter-section of land near by, and in the follow-
ing fall (1822) erected near the river a small cabin,
18 x 20 feet, the first building in Quincy, of which
he then became the first and for some months the
only occupant.
About this time he visited his old friends in Pike
County, chief of whom was William Ross, the lead-
ing man in building up the village of Atlas, of that
county, which was thought then to be the possible
commencement of a city. One day they and others
were traveling together over the country between the
two points named, making observations on the com-
parative merits of the respective localities. On ap-
proaching the Mississippi near Mr. Wood's place
the latter told his companions to follow him and he
would show them where he was going to build a city.
They went about a mile off the main trail, to a high
point, from which the view in every direction was
most magnificent, as it had been for ages and as yet
untouched by the hand of man. Before them swept
by the majestic Father of Waters, yet unburdened by
navigation. After Mr. Wood had expatiated at
length on the advantages of the situation, Mr. Ross
replied, " But it's too near Atlas ever to amount to
anything!"
Atlas is still a cultivated farm, and Quincy is ?
city of over 30,000 population.
In 1824 Mr. Wood gave a newspaper notice,
as the law then prescribed, of his intention to apply
to the General Assembly for the formation of a new
county. This was done the following winter, result-
ing in the establishment of the present Adams
County. During the next summer Quincy was se-
lected as the county seat, it and the vicinity then
containing but four adult male residents and hall
fOHN WOOD.
that number of females. Since that period Mr.
Wood resided at the place of his early adoption un-
til his death, and far more than any other man was
he identified with every measure of its progress and
history, and almost continuously kept in public posi-
tions.
He was one of the early town Trustees, and after
the place became a city he was often a member of
the City Council, many times elected Mayor, in the
face of a constant large opposition political majority.
In 1850 he was elected to the State Senate. In ^56,
on the organization of the Republican party, he was
chosen Lieutenant Governor of the State, on the
ticket with Win. H. Bissell for Governor, and on the
death of the latter, March iS, rS6o, he succeeded to
the Chief Executive chair, which he occupied until
Gov. Yates was inaugurated nearly ten months after-
ward.
Nothing very marked characterized the adminis-
tration of Gov. Wood. The great anti-slavery cam-
paign of r86o, resulting in the election of the honest
Illinoisan, Abraham Lincoln, to the Presidency of the
United States, occurred during the short period
while Mr. Wood was Governor, and the excitement
and issues of that struggle dominated over every
other consideration, — indeed, supplanted them in a
great measure. The people of Illinois, during all
that time, were passing the comparatively petty strifes
under Bissell's administration to the overwhelming
issue of preserving the whole nation from destruction.
In 1861 ex-Gov. Wood was one of the five Dele-
gates from Illinois to the " Peace Convention " at
Washington, and in April of the same year, on the
breaking cut of the Rebellion, he was appointed
Quartermaster-General of the State, which position
he held throughout the war. In 1S64 he took com-
mand as Colonel of the r37th 111. Vol. Inf., with
whom he served until the period of enlistment ex-
pired.
Politically, Gov. Wood was always actively identi-
fied with the Whig and Republican parties. Few
men have in personal experience comprehended so
many surprising and advancing local changes as
vested in the more than half century recollections of
Gov. Wood. Sixty-four years ago a solitary settler
on the "Bluffs,'' with no family, and no neighbor
within a score of miles, the world of civilization away
behind him, and the strolling red-man almost his
only visitant, he lived to see growing around him,
and under his auspices and aid, overspreading the
wild hills and scraggy forest a teaming city, second
only in size in the State, and surpassed nowhere in
beauty, prosperity and promise; whose people recog-
nize as with a single voice the proverbial honor and
liberality that attach to the name and lengthened
life of their pioneer settler, "the old Governor."
Gov. Wood was twice married, — first in January,
1S2C, to Ann M. Streeter, daughter of Joshua Streeter,
formerly of Salem, Washington Co., X. Y. They had
eight children. Mis. W. died Oct. 8, 1863, and in
June, 1S65, Gov. Wood married Mrs. Mary A., widow
of Rev. Joseph T. Holmes. Gov. Wood died June 4,
1SS0, at his residence in Quincy. Four of his eight
children are now living, namely: Ann E., wife of
Gen. John Tillson; Daniel C, who married Mary J.
Abernethy; John, Jr., who married Josephine Skinner,
and Joshua S., who married Annie Bradley. The
last mentioned now resides at Atchison, Kansas, and
all the rest are still at Quincy.
Ml
D
GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.
tS.)
I^iel\ard Yates.
>ICHARD YATES, the "War
Governor/' iS6i-4, w.is bom
Jan. 1 8, 1818, on the banks of
the Ohio River, at V'arsaw,
Gallatin Co., Ky. His lather
g^ moved in 1831 to Illinois, and
after stopping for a time in
Springfield, settled at Island
Grove, Sangamon County. Here,
after attending school, Richard joined
the family. Subsequently he entered
Illinois College at Jacksonville,
where, in 1S37, he graduated with
first honors. He chose for his pro-
fession the law, the Hon. J. J. Har-
din being his instructor. After ad-
mission to the Bar he soon rose to distinction as an
advocate.
Gifted with a fluent and ready oratory, he soon
appeared in the political hustings, and, being a
passionate admirer of the great Whig leader of the
West. Henry Clay, he joined his political fortunes to
he party of his idol. In 1840 he engaged with great
-•rdor in the exciting "hard cider" campaign for
riarrison. Two years later he was elected to the
Legislature from Morgan County, a Democratic
stronghold. He served three or four terms in the
Legislature, and such was the fascination of his ora-
:^ry that by 1850 his large Congressional District,
extending from Morgan and Sangamon Counties
. orth to include LaSalle, unanimously tendered him
fire Whig nomination for Congress. His Democratic
opponent was Maj. Thomas L. Harris, a very pop-
ular man who had won distinction at the battle of
Cerro Gordo, in the Mexican War, and who had
peaten Hon. Stephen T. Logan for the same position.
two years before, by a large majority. Yates w<j.-
elected. Two years later he was re-elected, over
John Calhoun.
It was during Yates second terra iii Congress that
the great question of the repeal of the Missouri Com-
promise was agitated, and the bars laid down for re-
opening the dreaded anti-slavery question. He took
strong grounds against the repeal, and thus became
identified with the rising Republican party. Conse-
quently he fell into the minority in his district, which
was pro-slavery. Even then, in a third contest, he
fell behind Major Harris only 200 votes, after the
district had two years before given Pierce 2,000
majority for President.
The Republican State Convention of r86o met at
Decatur May 9, and nominated for the office of Gov-
ernor Mr. Yates, in preference to Hon. Norman B,
Judd, of Chicago, and Leonard Swett, of Blooming-
ton, two of the ablest men of the State, who were
also candidates before the Convention. Francis A
Hoffman, of DuPage County, was nominated for
Lieutenant Governor. This was the year when Mr
Lincoln was a candidate for President, a period re-
membered as characterized by the great whirlpool
which precipitated the bloody War of the Rebellion.
The Douglas Democrats nominated J. C. Allen cf
Crawford County, for Governor, and Lewis W. Ro-s,
of Fulton County, for Lieutenant Governor. The
Breckenridge Democrats and the Bell-Everett party
had also full tickets in the field. After a most fear-
ful campaign, the result of the election gave Mr.
Yates 172,196 votes, and Mr, Allen 159,253. Mr.
Yates received over a thousand more votes than did
Mr. Lincoln himself.
Gov. Yates occupied the chair of State during the
i6o
RICHARD YATES.
most critical period of our country's history. In the
fate of the nation was involved that of each State.
The life struggle of the former derived its sustenance
from the loyalty of the latter; and Gov. Yates
seemed to realize the situation, and proved himself
both loyal and wise in upholding the Government.
He had a deep hold upon the affections of the
people, won by his moving eloquence and genial
manners. Erect and symmetrical in person, of pre-
possessing appearance, with a winning address and a
magnetic power, few men possessed more of the ele-
ments of popularity. His orator)' was scholarly and
captivating, his hearers hardly knowing why they
were transported. He was social and convivial. In
the latter respect he was ultimately carried too far.
The very creditable military efforts of this State
during the War of the Rebellion, in putting into the
field the enormous number of about 200,000 soldiers,
were ever promptly and ably seconded by his excel-
lency ; and the was ambitious to deserve the title of
"the soldier's friend." Immediately after the battle of
Shiloh he repaired to the field of carnage to look
after the wounded, and his appeals for aid were
promptly responded to by the people. His procla-
mations calling for volunteers were impassionate
appeals, urging upon the people the duties and re-
quirements of patriotism; and his special message
in 1863 to the Democratic Legislature of this State
pleading for material aid for the sick and wounded
soldiers of Illinois regiments, breathes a deep fervor
of noble sentiment and feeling rarely equaled in
beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his mes-
sages on political and civil affairs were able and com-
prehensive. During his administration, however,
there were no civil events of an engrossing character,
although two years of his time were replete with
partisan quarrels of great bitterness. Military ar-
rests, Knights of the Golden Circle, riot in Fulton
County, attempted suppression of the Chicago Times
and the usurping State Constitutional Convention of
1 S62, were the chief local topics that were exciting
during the Governor's term. This Convention assem-
bled Jan. 7, and at once took the high position that
vie law calling it was no longer binding, and that it
ad supreme power; that it represented a virtual
assemblage of the whole people of the State, and was
sovereign in the exercise of all power necessary to
effect a peaceable revolution of the State Government
and to the re-establishment of one for the "happiness.,
prosperity and freedom of the citizens," limited only
by the Federal Constitution. Notwithstanding the
law calling the Convention required its members to
take an oath to support the Constitution of the State
as well as that of the general Government, they
utterly refused to take such oath. They also as-
sumed legislative powers and passed several import-
ant "laws!" Interfering with the (then) present
executive duties, Gov. Yates was provoked to tell
them plainly that " he did not acknowledge the right
of the Convention to instruct him in the performance
of his duty."
In 1863 the Governor astonished the Democrats
by " proroguing " their Legislature. This body, after
a recess, met June 2, that year, and soon began to
waste time upon various partisan resolutions ; and,
while the two houses were disagreeing upon the
question of adjourning sine die, the Governor, having
the authority in such cases, surprised them all by
adjourning them " to the Saturday next preceding the
first Monday in January, 1865 ! " This led to great
excitement and confusion, and to a reference of the
Governor's act to the Supreme Court, who decided in
his favor. Then it was the Court's turn to receive
abuse for weeks and months afterward.
During the autumn of 1864 a conspiracy was de-
tected at Chicago which had for its object the liber-
ation of the prisoners of war at Camp Douglas, the
burning of the city and the inauguration of rebellion
in the North. Gen. Sweet, who had charge of the
camp at the time, first had his suspicions of danger
aroused by a number of enigmatically worded letters
which passed through the Camp postofrice. A de-
tective afterward discovered that the rebel Gen.
Marmaduke was in the city, under an assumed
name, and he, with other rebel officers — Grenfell,
Morgan, Cantrell, Buckner Morris, and Charles
Walsh — was arrested, most of whom were convicted
by a court-martial at Cincinnati and sentenced to
imprisonment, — Grenfell to be hung. The sentence
of the latter was afterward commuted to imprison-
ment for life, and all the others, after nine months'
imprisonment, were pardoned.
In March, 1873, Gov. Yates was appointed a Gov-
ernment Director of the Union Pacific Railroad, in
which office he continued until his decease, at St
Louis, Mo., on the 27th of November following.
GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.
163
Miehard J* Oglesby.
^^
-£p-
I^KICHARD j. OGLESBY, Gov-
ernor 1865-8, and re-elected
in 1872 and 1884, was born
July 25, 1824, in Oldham Co.,
Ky., — the State which might
be considered the " mother of
Illinois Governors." Bereft of
his parents at the tender age
of eight years, his early education
was neglected. When 12 years of
age, and after he had worked a year
and a half at the carpenter's trade,
he removed with an uncle, Willis
Oglesby, into whose care he had
been committed, to Decatur, this
State, where he continued his ap-
prenticeship as a mechanic, working six months for
Hon. E. O. Smith.
In 1844 he commenced studying law at Spring-
field, with Judge Silas Robbins, and read with him
one year. He was admitted to the Bar in 1845, and
commenced the practice of his chosen profession at
Sullivan, the county seat of Moultrie County.
The next year the war with Mexico was com-
menced, and in June, 1846, Mr. Oglesby volunteered,
was elected First Lieutenant of Co. C, Fourth Illinois
Regiment of Volunteers, and participated in the bat-
tles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo.
On his return he sought to perfect his law studies
by attending a course of lectures at Louisville, but
on the breaking out of the California "gold fever " in
1849, he crossed the plains and mountains to the
new Eldorado, driving a six-mule team, with a com-
EP
pany of eight men, Henry Prather being the leader.
In 1852 he returned home to Macon County, and
was placed that year by the Whig party on the ticket
of Presidential Electors. In 1856 he visited Europe,
Asia and Africa, being absent 20 months. On his
return home he resumed the practice of law, as a
member of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby.
In 1858 he was the Republican nominee for the
Lower House of Congress, but was defeated by the
Hon. James C. Robinson, Democrat. In i860 he
was elected to the Illinois State Senate ; and on the
evening the returns of this election were coming in,
Mr. Oglesby had a fisticuff encounter with " Cerro
Gordo Williams," in which he came out victorious,
and which was regarded as " the first fight of the
Rebellion." The following spring, when the w.u
had commenced in earnest, his ardent nature
quickly responded to the demands of patriotism and
he enlisted. The extra session of the Legislature
elected him Colonel of the Eighth Illinois Infantry,
the second one in the State raised to suppress the
great Rebellion.
He was shortly entrusted with important com-
mands. For a time he was stationed at Bird's Point
and Cairo; in April he was promoted Brigadier Gen-
eral; at Fort Donelson his brigade was in the van,
being stationed on the right of General Grant's army
and the first brigade to be attacked. He lost 500
men before re-inforcements arrived. Many of these
men were from Macon County. He was engaged in
the battle of Corinth, and, in a brave charge at this
place, was shot in the left lung with an ounce ball,
and was carried from the field in expectation of jrn.-
164
RICHARD J. OGLESBY.
mediate death. That rebel ball he .carries to this
day. On his partial recovery he was promoted as
Major General, for gillantry, his commission to rank
from November, 1862. In the spring of 1863 he
was assigned to the command of the 16th Army
Corps, but, owing to inability fro 11 the effects of his
wound, he relinquished this command in July, that
year. Gen. Grant, however, refused to accept his
resignation, and he was detailed, in December follow-
ing, to court-martial and try the Surgeon General of
the Army at Washington, where he remained until
May, 1864, when he returned home.
The Republican, or Union, State Convention of
1864 was held at Springfield, May 25, when Mr.
Oglesby was nominated for the office of Governor,
while other candidates before the Convention were
Allen C. Fuller, of Boone, Jesse K. Dubois, of Sanga-
mon, and John M. Palmer, of Macoupin. Win.
Bross, of Chicago, was nominated for Lieutenant
Governor. On the Democratic State ticket were
James C. Robinson, of Clark, for Governor, and S.
Corning Judd, of Fulton, for Lieutenant Governor.
The general election gave Gen. Oglesby a majority
of about 31,000 votes. The Republicans had also a
majority in both the Legislature and in the repre-
sentation in Congress.
Gov. Oglesby was duly inaugurated Jan. 17, 1865.
The day before the first time set for his installation
death v.sited his home at Decatur, and took from it
his only son, an intelligent and sprightly lad of six
years, a great favorite of the bereaved parents. This
caused the inauguration to be postponed a week.
The political events of the Legislative session of
1865 were the election of ex-Gov. Yates to the
United States Senate, and the ratification of the 13th
amend nent to the Constitution of the United States,
abolishing slavery. This session also signalized
itself by repealing the notorious " black laws," part
of which, although a dead letter, had held their place
upon the statute books since 1819. Also, laws re-
quiring the registration of voters, and establishing a
State Board of Equalization, were passed by this Leg-
islature. But the same body evinced that it was cor-
ruptly influenced by a mercenary lobby, as it adopted
some bad legislation, over the Governor's veto, nota-
bly an amendment to a charter for a Chicago horse
railway, granted in 1S59 for 25 years, and now
sought to be extended 99 years. As this measure
was promptly passed over his veto by both branches
of the Legislature, he deemed it useless further to
attempt to check their headlong career. At this
session no law of a general useful character or public
interest was perfected, unless we count such the
turning over of the canal to Chicago to be deepened.
The session of 1867 was still more productive of
private and special acts. Many omnibus bills were
proposed, and some passed. The contests over the
.oration of the Industrial College, the Capital, the
Southern Penitentiary, and the canal enlargement
and Illinois River improvement, dominated every
thing else.
During the year 1872, it became evident that il
the Republicans could re-elect Mr. Oglesby to the
office of Governor, they could also elect him to the
United States Senate, which they desired to do.
Accordingly they re-nominated him for the Execu-
tive chair, and placed upon the ticket with him for
Lieutenant Governor, John L. Beveridge, of Cook
County. On the other side the Democrats put into
the field Gustavus Koemer for Governor and John
C. Black for Lieutenant Governor. The election
gave the Republican ticket majorities ranging from
35>334 to 56,174, — 'he Democratic defection being
caused mainly by their having an old-time Whig and
Abolitionist, Horace Greeley, on the national ticket
for President. According to the general understand-
ing had beforehand, as sodu as the Legislature met
it elected Gov. Oglesby to the United States Senate,
whereupon Mr. Beveridge became Governor. Sena-
tor Oglesby's term expired March 4, 1879, having
served his party faithfully and exhibited an order of
statesmanship beyond criticism.
During the campaign of 1884 Mr. Oglesby was
nominated for a "third term" as Executive of the
State of Illinois, against Carter H. Harrison, Mayor
of Chicago, nominated by the Democrats. Both
gentlemen "stumped " the State, and while the peo-
ple elected a Legislature which was a tie on a join:
ballot, as between the two parties, they gave the
jovial " Dick" Oglesby a majority of 15,018 for Gov-
ernor, and he was inaugurated Jan. 30, 1885. The
Legislature did not fully organize until this date, on
account of its equal division between the two main
parties and the consequent desperate tactics of each,
party to checkmate the latter in the organization of
the House.
Gov. Oglesby is a fine-appearing, affable man, with
regular, well defined features and rotund face. In
stature he is a little above medium height, of a large
frame and somewhat fleshy. His physical appear
ance is striking and prepossessing, while his straight-
out, not to say bluff, manner and speech are wel.
calculated favorably to impress the average masses.
Ardent in feeling and strongly committed to the pol-
icies of his party, he intensifies Republicanism
among Republicans, while at the same time hisjovia.
and liberal manner prevents those of the opposite
party from hating him.
He is quite an effective stump orator. With vehe-
ment, passionate and scornful tone and gestures,
tremendous physical power, which in speaking he
exercises to the utmost ; with frequent descents to
the grotesque; and with abundant homely compari-
sons or frontier figures, expressed in the broadest
vernacular and enforced with stentorian emphasis,
he delights a promiscuous audience beyond measure.
Oc^
GO VERXORS OF ILLINOIS.
n>7
J o if xV M. Pa l mer
^■:OHN Mc AULEY PALMER, Gov-
ts^
1Kb ''■■
-■■fe
ernor 1869-72, was born on
E.igle Creek, Scott Co., Ky.,
Sept. 13, 1817. During his in-
fancy, his father, who had been
a soldier in the war of 18 12, re-
moved to Christian Co., Ky.,
where lands were cheap. Here
the future Governor of the great
Prairie State spent his childhood
and received such meager school-
ing as the new and sparsely set-
tled country afforded. To this
he added materially by diligent
reading, for which he evinced an
eaily aptitude. His father, an ardent Jackson man,
was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which
he thoroughly impressed upon his children. In 183 1
he emigrated to Illinois, settling in Madison County.
Here the labor of improving a farm was pursued for
about two years, when the death of Mr. Palmer's
mother broke up the family. About this time Alton
College was opened, on the "manual labor " system,
and in the spring of 1834 young Palmer, with his
elder brother, Elihu, entered this school and remained
18 months. Next, for over three years, he tried
variously coopering, peddling and school-teaching.
During the summer of 1838 he formed the ac-
quaintance of Stephen A. Douglas, then making his
first canvass for Congress. Young, eloquent and in
political accord with Mr. Palmer, he won his confi-
dence, fired his ambition and fixed his purpose. The
following winter, while teaching near Canton, he be-
gan to devote his spare time to a desultory reading
of law, and in the spring entered a law office at Car-
linville. making his home with his elder brother,
Elihu. (The latter was a learned clergyman, of con-
siderable orginality of thought and doctrine.) On
the next meeting of the Supreme Court he was ad-
mitted to the Bar, Douglas being one of his examiners.
He was not immediately successful in his profession,
and would have located elsewhere than Carlinville
had he the requisite means. Thus his early poverty
was a blessing in disguise, for to it he now attributes
the success of his life.
From 1839 on, while he diligently pursued his
profession, he participated more or less in local
politics. In 1843 he became Probate Judge. Ir
1 847 he was elected to the State Constitutional Con
vention, where he took a leading part. In 1852 hi
was elected to the State Senate, and at the special
session of February, 1854, true to the anti-slaver}
sentiments bred in him, he took a firm stand in op
position to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise
and when the Nebraska question became a part}
issue he refused to receive a re-nomination for th<
Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, issuing
a circular to that effect. A few weeks afterward.
i68
JOHN MC AULBY PALMER.
however, hesitating to break with his party, he par-
ticipated in a Congressional Convention which nomi-
I. L. Harris against Richard Yates, and which
i i | i.ilifiedly approved the principles of the Kansas-
Nebraska act. But bter in the campaign he made
the pkmge, ran for the Senate as an Anti-Nebraska
Democrat, and was elected. The following winter
K p it i i nomination for the United States Senate
Mr. Trumbull, and was one of the five steadfast men
who voted for him until all the Whigs came to their
support and elected their man.
In 1S56 he was Chairman of the Republican State
Convention at Blootnington. He ran for Congress in
1859, but was defeated. In 1S60 he was Republican
Presidential Elector for the State at large. In 1861
ne was appointed one of the five Delegates (all Re-
publicans) sent by Illinois to the peace congress at
Washington.
When the civil conflict broke out, he offered his
services to his country, and was elected Colonel of the
■4th 111. Vol. Inf., and participated in the engagements
at Island No. 10; at Farmington, where he skillfully
extricated his command from a dangerous position ;
at Stone River, where his division for several hours,
Dec. 31, 1862, held the advance and stood like a
rock, and for his gallantry there he was made Major
General; at Chickamauga, where his and Van Cleve's
divisions for two hours maintained their position
when they were cut off by overpowering numbers.
Under Gen. Sherman, he was assigned to the 14th
Army Corps and participated in the Atlanta campaign.
At Pe.ich-Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert
disaster. In February, 1865, Gen. Palmer was as-
signed to the military administration of Kentucky,
which was a delicate post. That State was about
half rebel and half Union, and those of the latter
element were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves.
He, who had been bred to the rules of common law,
trembled at the contemplation of his extraordinary
power over the persons and property of his fellow
men, with which he was vested in his capacity as
military Governor; and he exhibited great caution in
the execution of the duties of his post.
Gen. Palmer was nominated for Governor of Illi-
nois by the Republican State Convention which met
at Peoria May 6, 1868, and his nomination would
probably have been made by acclamation had he not
persistently declared that he could not accept a can-
didature for the office. The result of the ensuing
election gave Mr. Palmer a majority of 44,707 over
John R. Eden, the Democratic nominee.
On the meeting of the Legislature in January,
1869, the first thing to arrest public attention was
that portion of the Governor's message which took
broad State's rights ground. This and some minor
points, which were more in keeping with the Demo-
cratic sentiment, constituted the entering wedge fir
the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received
from the Republican party, and ultimately resulted
in his entire aleniation from the latter element. The
Legislature just referred to was noted for the intro-
duction of numerous bills in the interest of private
parties, which were embarrassing to the Governor.
Among the public acts passed was that which limited
railroad charges for passenger travel to a maximum
of three cents per mile ; and it was passed over the
Governor's veto. Also, they passed, over his veto,
the "tax-grabbing law" to pay r^ilrosi subscriptions,
the Chicago Lake Front bill, etc. The new State
Constitution of 1870, far superior to the old, was a
peaceful " revolution" which took place during Gov.
Palmer's term of office. The suffering caused by the
great Chicago Fire of October, 187 r, was greatly
alleviated by the prompt responses of his excellency.
Since the expiration of Gov. Palmers 's term, he has
been somewhat prominent in Illinois politics, and
has been talked of by many, especially in the Dem-
ocratic party, as the best man in the State for a
United States Senator. His business during life has
been that of the law. Few excel him in an accurate
appreciation of the depth and scope of its principles-
The great number of his able veto messages abun-
dantly testify not only this but also a rare capacity to
point them out. He is a logical and cogent reasoner
and an interesting, forcible and convincing speaker,
though not fluent or ornate. Without brilliancy, his
dealings are rather with facts and ideas than with
appeals to passions and prejudices. He is a patriot
and a statesman of very high order. Physically he is
above the medium height, of robust frame, ruddy
complexion and sanguine-nervous temperament. He
has a large cranial development, is vivacious, social
in disposition, easy of approach, unostentatious in his
habits of life, democratic in his habits and manners
and is a true American in his fundamental principle.1
of statesmanship.
f)
(7VVERXORS OF 1LLIXOIS.
171
•. '. . •. •. '. : '. : ', : '. • ■, ; •. •. '■ •. v..', •. ■, •. '. •. >y.> : >• : 11 : .' : .' : v .* .' .' ■' .' i'_.jr ■' itssit^>'^?i'^
3K
\,
:N LOWRiE BEVER-
IDGE, Governor 1873-6, was
born in the town of Green-
wich, Washington Co., N. Y.,
July 6, 1824. His parents
£g5*kr/ were George and Ann Bever-
"J.-^3i4^-l|^ '<Jge- His father's parents, An-
drew and Isabel Bcveridge, be-
fore their marriage emigrated
from Scotland just before the
Revolutionary War, settling in
Washington County. His father
was the eldest of eight brothers, the
youngest of whom was 60 years of
age when the first one of the num-
ber died. His mother's parents,
James and Agnes Hoy, emigrated
from Scotland at the close of the
Revolutionary War, settling also in
Washington Co., N. Y., with their
first-born, whose " native land " was
the wild ocean. His parents and
grandparents lived beyond the time
allotted to man, their average age
being over 80 years. They belonged to the " Asso-
ciate Church," a seceding Presbyterian body of
America from the old Scotch school ; and so rigid
was the training of young Beveridge that he never
heard a sermon from any other minister except that
of his own denomination until he was in his 19th
year. Later in life he became a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, which relation he still
holds.
Mr. Beveridge received a good common-school ed-
ucation, but his parents, who could obtain a livelihood
only by rigid economy and industry, could not send
him away to college. He was raised upon a farm,
and was in his 18th year when the family removed
to De Kalb County, this State, when that section was
very sparsely settled. Chicago had less than 7,000
inhabitants. In this wild West he continued as a
farm laborer, teaching school during the winter
months to supply the means of an education. In the
fall of 1S42 he attended one term at the academy at
Granville, Putnam Co., 111., and subsequently several
terms at the Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris.
Ogle Co., 111., completing the academic course. At
this time, the fall of 1845, his parents and brothers
were anxious to have him go to college, even though
he had not money sufficient; but, nat willing to bur-
den the family, he packed his trunk and with only
$40 in money started South to seek his fortune
172
JOHX L. BEVERIDGE.
Poor, alone, without friends and influence, lie thus
entered upon the battle of life.
First, he taught school in Wilson, Overton and
Jackson Cos., Tenn., in which experience he under-
went considerable mental drill, both in book studies
and in the ways of the world. He read law and was
admitted to the Bar, in the South, but did not learn
to love the institution of slavery, although he ad-
mired many features of Southern character. In De-
cember, 1847, he returned North, and Jan. 20, 1S48,
he married Miss Helen M. Judson, in the old Clark-
Street M. E. church in Chicago, her father at that
time being Pastor of the society there. In the spring
of 1S48 he returned with his wife to Tennessee,
where his two children. Alia May and Philo judson,
were born.
In the fall of 1849, through the mismanagement
of an associate, he lost what little he had accumu-
lated and was left in debt. He soon managed to
earn means to pay his debts, returned to De Kalb
Co., 111., and entered upon the practice of his pro-
fession at Sycamore, the county seat. On arrival
from the South he had but one-quarter of a dollar in
money, and scanty clothing and bedding for himself
and family. He borrowed a little money, practiced
.aw, worked in public offices, kept books for some of
the business men of the town, and some railroad en-
gineering, till the spring of 1854, when he removed
to Evanston, 1 2 miles north of Chicago, a place then
but recently laid out, under the supervision of the
Northwestern University, a Methodist institution.
Of the latter his father-in-law was then financial
agent and business manager. Here Mr. Beveridge
prospered, and the next year (1855) opened a law
office in Chicago, where he found the battle some-
what hard; but he persevered with encouragement
and increasing success.
Aug. 12, 1861, his law partner, Gen. John F.
Farnsworth, secured authority to raise a regiment cf
cavalry, and authorized Mr. Beveridge to raise a
company for it. He succeeded in a few days in rais-
ing the company, of course enlisting himself along
with it. The regiment rendezvoused at St. Charles,
HI., was mustered in Sept. rS, and on its organiza-
tion Mr. B. was elected Second Major. It was at-
tached, Oct. rr, to the Eighth Cavalry and to the
Army of the Potomac. He served with the regiment
until November, 1S65, participating in some 40 bat-
tles and skirmishes : was at Fair Oaks, the seven days'
fight around Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
ville and Gettysburg. He commanded the regiment
the greater part of the summer of 1S63, and it was while
lying in camp this year that he originated the policy
of encouraging recruits as well as the fighting capac-
ity of the soldiery, by the wholesale furlough system
It worked so well that many other officers adopted
it. In the fall of this year he recruited another com-
pany, against heavy odds, in January, 1S64, was
commissioned Colonel of the t7th 111. Cav., and
skirmished around in Missouri, concluding with the
reception of the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smiths
army in Arkansas. In 1865 he commanded various
sub-districts in the Southwest. He was mustered
out Feb. 6, 1866, safe from the casualties of war and
a stouter man than when he first enlisted. His men
idolized him.
He then returned to Chicago, to practice law, with
no library and no clientage, and no political experi-
ence except to help others into office. In the fall of
1866 he was elected Sheriff of Cook County, serving
one term; next, until November, 1870, he practiced
law and closed up the unfinished business of h;-
office. He was then elected State Senator; in No-
vember, 187 1, he was elected Congressman at large;
in November, 1S72, he was elected Lieutenant Gov-
ernor on the ticket with Gov. Oglesby ; the latter be-
ing elected to the U. S. Senate, Mr. Beveridge became
Governor, Jan. 21, 1873. Thus, inside of a few
weeks, he was Congressman at large, Lieutenant
Governor and Governor. The principal events oc-
curring during Gov. Beveridge's administration were:
The completion of the revision of the statutes, begun
in T869; the partial success of the "farmers' move-
ment;" " Haines' Legislature " and Illinois' exhibit at
the Centennial.
Since the close of his gubernatorial term ex-Gov
Beveridge has been a member of the firm of Bever-
idge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial
paper at 7 1 Dearborn Street (McCormick Block).
Chicago, and since November, 1S81, he has also been
Assistant United States Treasurer : office in the
Government Building. His residence is still at Ev-
anston.
He has a brother and two sisters yet residing in
De Kalb County — James H. Beveridge, Mrs. Jennet
Henry and Mrs. Isabel French.
GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.
>75
HELBY M. CULLOM, Gover-
nor 1877-83,(5 the sixth child
of the late Richard N. Cullom,
and was born Nov. 22, 1829, in
Wayne Co., Ky., where his fa-
ther then resided, and whence
both the Illinois and Tennessee
branches of the family originated. In
the following year the family emi-
grated to the vicinity of Washington,
Tazewell Co., 111., when that section
was very sparsely settled. They lo-
cated on Deer Creek, in a grove at
the time occupied by a party of In-
dians, attracted there by the superior
hunting and fishing afforded in that
vicinity. The following winter was
known as the " hard winter," the snow [being very
deep and lasting and the weather severely cold; and
the family had to subsist mainly on boiled corn or
hominy, and some wild game, for several weeks. In
the course of time Mr. R. N. Cullom became a prom-
inent citizen and was several times elected to the
Legislature, both before and after the removal of the
capital from Vandalia to Springfield. He died about
'873-
Until about 19 years of age young Cullom grew up
to agricultural pursuits, attendi-.'g school as he had
•opportunity during the winter. Within this time,
swever, he spent several months teaching school.
and in the following summer he "broke prairie "with
an ox team for the neighbors. With the money ob-
tained by these various ventures, he undertook a
course of study at the Rock River Seminary, a
Methodist institution at Mt. Morris, Ogle County;
but the sudden change to the in-door life of a stu-
dent told severely upon his health, and he was taken
home, being considered in a hopeless condition. While
at Mt. Morris he heard Hon. E. B. Washburne make
his first speech.
On recovering health, Mr. Cullom concluded to
study law, under the instruction of Abraham Lincoln,
at Springfield, who had by this time attained some
notoriety as an able lawyer; but the latter, being ab-
sent from his office most of the time, advised Mr.
Cullom to enter the office of Stuart & Edwards.
After about a year of study there, however, his health
failed again, and he was obliged to return once more
to out-door life. Accordingly he bought hogs for
packing, for A. G. Tyng, in l'eoria, and while he re-
gained his health he gained in purse, netting $400 in
a few weeks. Having been admitted to the Bar, he
went to Springfield, where he was soon elected City
Attorney, on the Anti-Nebraska ticket.
In 1856 he ran on the Fillmore ticket as a Presi-
dential Elector, and, although failing to be elected as
such, he was at the same time elected a Representa-
tive in the Legislature from Sangamon County, by a
local coalition of the American and Republican par-
ties. On the organization of the House, he received
the vote of the Fillmore men for Speaker. Practicir^
r76
SHE LB V M. CULLOM.
law until i860, he was again elected to the Legisla-
ture, as a Republican, while the county went Demo-
cratic on the Presidential ticket. In January follow-
ing he was elected Speaker, probably the youngest
man who had ever presided over an Illinois Legis-
lature. After the session of 1 861, he was a candidate
for the State Constitutional Convention called for
that year, but was defeated, and thus escaped the
disgrace of being connected with that abortive parly
scheme to revolutionize the State Government. In
1862 he was a candidate for the State Senate, but
was defeated. The same year, however, he was ap-
pointed by President Lincoln on a Government
Commission, in company with Gov. Boutwell of
Massachusetts and Cnarles A. Dana, since of the
New York Sun, to investigate the affairs of the
Quartermaster's and Commissary Departments at
Cairo. He devoted several months to this duty.
In 1864 he entered upon a larger political field,
being nominated as the Republican candidate for
Congress from the Eighth (Springfield) District, in
opposition to the incumbent, JohnT. Stuart, who had
been elected in 1862 by about 1,500 majority over
Leonard Swett, then of Bloomington, now of Chicago.
The result was the election of Mr. Cullom in Novem-
ber following by a majority of 1,785. In 1866 he
was re-elected to Congress, over Dr. E. S. Fowler, by
the magnificent majority of 4,103! In 1868 he was
again a candidate, defeating the Hon. B. S. Edwards
another of his old preceptors, by 2,884 votes.
During his first term in Congress he served on the
Committee on Foreign Affairs and Expenditures in
the Treasury Department; in his second term, on
the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Territories ;
and in his third term he succeeded Mr. Ashley, of
Ohio, to the Chairmanship of the latter. He intro-
duced a bill in the House, to aid in the execution of
law in Utah, which caused more consternation among
the Mormons than any measure had previously, but
which, though it passed the House, failed to pass the
Senate.
The Republican Convention which met May 25,
1876, nominated Mr. Cullom for Governor, while the
other contestant was Gov. Beveridge. For Lieuten-
ant-Governor they nominated Andrew Shuman, editor
of the Chicago Journal. For the same offices the
Democrats, combining with the Anti-Monopolists,
placed in nomination Lewis Steward, a wealthy
farmer and manufacturer, and A. A. Glenn. The
result of the election was rather close, Mr. Cullom
obtaining only 6,800 majority. He was inaugurated
Jan. 8, 1877.
Great depression prevailed in financial circles at
this time, as a consequence of the heavy failures of
1S73 and afterward, the effect of which had seemed
to gather force from that time to the end of Gov.
Cullom's first administration. This unspeculative
period was not calculated to call forth any new
issues, but the Governor's energies were at one time
put to task to quell a spirit of insubordination that
had been begun in Pittsburg, Pa., among the laboring
classes, and transferred to Illinois at Chicago, East
St. Louis and Braidwood, at which places laboring
men for a short time refused to work or allow others
to work. These disturbances were soon quelled and
the wheels of industry again set in motion.
In May, 1880, Gov. Cullom was re-nominated by
the Republicans, against Lyman Trumbull, by the
Democrats; and although the former party was some-
what handicapped in the campaign by a zealous
faction opposed to Grant for President and to Grant
men for office generally, Mr. Cullom was re-elected
by about 314,565, to 277,532 forthe Democratic State
ticket. The Greenback vote at the same time was
about 27,000. Both Houses of the Legislature again
became Republican, and no representative of the
Greenback or Socialist parties were elected. Gov.
Cullom was inaugurated Jan. 10, 1SS1. In his mes-
sage he announced that the last dollar of the State
debt had been provided for.
March 4, 1883, the term of David Davis as United
States Senator from Illinois expired, and Gov. Cul-
lom was chosen to succeed him. This promoted
Lieutenant-Governor John M. Hamilton to the Gov-
ernorship. Senator Cullom's term in the United
States Senate will expire March 4, 1889.
As a practitioner oflaw Mr. C. has been a member
of the firm of Cullom, Scholes & Mather, at Spring-
field ; and he has also been President of the State
National Bank.
He has been married twice, — the first time Dec.
12, 1855, to Miss Hannah Fisher, by whom he had
two daughters; and the second time May 5, 1863,
to Julia Fisher. Mrs. C is a member of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church, with which religious body Mr.
C. is also in sympathy.
GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.
■79
ag#ss:oas:
I ^ olpt jML Hai^iltoi^- I
^^L\\^y^^
E;*Hjl-*£
OHN MARSHALL HAMIL-
TON, Governor 1S83-5, was
born May 28, 1847, in a log
house upon a farm about two
miles from Richwood, Union
County, Ohio. His father was
Is Samuel Hamilton, the eldest son
cf Rev. Wm. Hamilton, who, to-
gether with his brother, the Rev.
^amuel Hamilton, was among the
early pioneer Methodist preachers in
Ohio. The mother of the subject of
this sketch was, before her marriage,
Mrs. Nancy McMorris, who was
born and raised in Fauquier or Lou-
doun County, Va., and related to the
two large families of Youngs and Marshalls, well
known in that commonwealth; and from the latter
family name was derived the middle name of Gov.
Hamilton.
In March, r854, Mr. Hamilton's father sold out
his little pioneer forest home in Union County, O.,
and, loading his few household effects and family
(of six children) into two emigrant covered wagons,
moved to Roberts Township. Marshall Co., 111., being
21 days on the route. Swamps, unbridged streams
and innumerable hardships and privations met them
on their way. Their new home had been previously
selected by the father. Here, after many long years
of toil, they succeeded in payii.g for the land and
making a comfortaWe home. John was, of course,
brought up to hard manual labor, with no schooling
except three or four months in the year at a common
country school. However, he evinced a capacity
and taste for a high order of self-education, by
studying or reading what books be could borrow, as
the family had but very few in the house. Much of
his study he prosecuted by the light of a log fire in
the old-fashioned chimney place. The financial
panic of 1S57 caused the family to come near losing
their home, to pay debts ; but the father and two
sons, William and John, " buckled to '' and perse-
vered in hard labor and economy until thev redeemed
their place from the mortgage.
When the tremendous excitement of the political
campaign of i860 reached the neighborhood of Rob-
erts Township, young Hamilton, who had been
brought up in the doctrine of anti-slavery, took a zeal-
ous part in favor of Lincoln's election. Making special
efforts to procure a little money to buy a uniform, he
joined a company of Lincoln Wide- Awakes at Mag-
nolia, a village not far away. Directly after the
ensuing election it became evident that trouble
would ensue with the South, and this Wide-Awake
company, like many others throughout the country,
kept up its organization and transformed itself into a
military company. During the ensuing summer thev
met often for drill and became proficient; but when
they offered themselves for the war, young Hamilton
was rejected on account of his youth, he being then
but 14 years of age. During the winter of 1863-4 he
attended an academy at Henry, Marshall County
r8o
JOHN MARSHALL HAMILTON.
and in the following May he again enlisted, for the
fourth time, when he was placed in the 141st 111.
Vol Inf., a regiment then being raised at Elgin, 111.,
for the 100-day service. He took with him 13 other
lads from his neighborhood, for enlistment in the
service. This regiment operated in Southwestern
Kentucky, for about five months, under Gen. Paine.
The following winter, 1864-5, ^r- Hamilton taught
school, and during the two college years 1865-7, he
went through three years of the curriculum of the
Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. The
third year he graduated, the fourth in a class of 46,
in the classical department. In due time he received
the degree of M. A. For a few months he was the
Principal of Marshall " College " at Henry, an acad-
emy under the auspices of the M. E. Church. By
this time he had commenced the study of law, and
after earning some money as a temporary Professor
of Latin at the Illinois Wesleyan University at
Bloomington, he entered the law office of Weldon,
Tipton & Benjamin, of that city. Each member of
this firm has since been distinguished as a Tudge.
Admitted to the Bar in May, 1S70, Mr. Hamilton
was given an interest in the same firm, Tipton hav-
ing been elected Judge. In October following he
formed a partnership with J. H. Rowell, at that time
Prosecuting Attorney. Their business was then
>mall, but they increased it to very large proportions,
practicing in all grades of courts, including even the
U. S. Supreme Court, and this partnership continued
1 ; iroken until Feb. 6, 1883, when Mr. Hamilton
was sworn in as Executive of Illinois. On the 4th
of March following Mr. Rowell took his seat in Con-
gress.
In July, 1S71. Mr. Hamilton married Miss Helen
M. Williams, the daughter of Prof. Wm. G. Williams,
Professor of Greek in the Ohio Wesleyan University.
Mr. and Mrs. H. have two daughters and one son.
In 1876 Mr. Hamilton was nominated by the Re-
publicans for the State Senate, over other and older
competitors. He took an active part '' on the stump "
in the campaign, for the success of his party, and was
sleeted by a majority of 1,640 over his Democratic-
Greenback opponent. In the Senate he served on
the Committees on Judiciary, Revenue, State Insti-
tutions, Appropriations, Education, and on Miscel-
lany ; and during the contest for the election of a
U. S. Senator, the Republicans endeavoring to re-
elect John A. Logan, he voted for the war chiet on
every ballot, even alone when all the other Republi-
cans had gone over to the Hon. E. B. Lawrence and
the Democrats and Independents elected Judg?
David Davis. At this session, also, was passed the
first Board of Health and Medical Practice act, of
which Mr. Hamilton was a champion, again; . ;
much opposition that the bill was several times
" laid on the table." Also, this session authorized
the location and establishment of a southern peni-
tentiary, which was fixed at Chester. In the session
of 1879 Mr. Hamilton was elected President pro tern.
of the Senate, and was a zealous supporter of John
A. Logan for the U. S. Senate, who was this time
elected without any trouble.
In May, 1880, Mr. Hamilton was nominated on
the Republican ticket for Lieutenant Governor, his
principal competitors before the Convention being
Hon. Wm. A. James, ex-Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Judge Robert Bell, of Wabash
County, Hon. T. T. Fountain, of Perry County, and
Hon. M. M. Saddler, of Marion County. He engaged
actively in the campaign, and his ticket was elected
by a majority of 41,200. As Lieutenant Governor,
he presided almost continuously over the Senate in
the 32d General Assembly and during the early days
of the 33d, until he succeeded to the Governorship.
When the Legislature of 1883 elected Gov. Cullom
to the United States Senate, Lieut. Gov. Hamilton
succeeded him, under the Constitution, taking the
oath of office Feb. 6, 1883. He bravely met all the
annoyances and embarrassments incidental upon
taking up another's administration. The principal
events with which Gov. Hamilton was connected as
the Chief Executive of the State were, the mine dis-
aster at Braidwood, the riots in St. Clair and Madison
Counties in May, 1883, the appropriations for the
State militia, the adoption of the Harper high-licensj
liquor law, the veto of a dangerous railroad bill, etc.
The Governor was a Delegate at large to the
National Republican Convention at Chicago in June,
1S84. where his first choice for President was John
A. Logan, and second choice Chester A. Arthur; but
he afterward zealously worked for the election of Mr
Blaine, true to his party.
Mr. Hamilton's term as Governor expired Jan. 30,
1885, when the great favorite "Dick" Oglesby was
inaugurated.
GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.
183
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-o*o-(g^^@-o«o. -<
$ C^0^[ JOSEPH WILSON FIFER. This
distinguished gentleman was
elected Governor of Illinois
November 6, 1888. He was
IK3K "• \- popularly known during the
'.-let IS' campaign as "Private Joe." He
had served with great devotion
to his country during the Re-
bellion, in the Thirty-third
Illinois Infantry. A native of
Virginia, he was born in 1840.
His parents, John and Mary
(Daniels) Fifer, were American
born, though of German de-
scent. His father was a brick
and stone mason, and an old
Henry Clay Whig in politics. John and Mary
Fifer had nine children, of whom Joseph was the
sixth, and naturally with so large a family it was
all the father could do to keep the wolf from the
door; to say nothing of giving his children any-
thing like good educational advantages.
Young Joseph attended school some in Vir-
ginia, but it was not a good school, and when
his father removed to the West, in 1857, Joseph had
not advanced much further than the "First Reader."
Our subject was sixteen then and suffered a great
misfortune in the loss of his mother. After the death
of Mrs. Fifer, which occurred in Missouri, the
family returned to Virginia, but remained only a
short time, as during the same year Mr. Fifer
came to Illinois. He settled in McLean County and
started a brickyard. Here Joseph and his broth-
ers were put to work. The elder Fifer soon
bought a farm near Bloomington and began life as
an agriculturalist. Here Joe worked and attended
the neighboring school. He alternated farm-work,
brick-laying, and going to the district school for
the succeeding few years. It was all work and no
play for Joe, yet it by no means made a dull boy
of him. All the time he was thinking of the great
world outside, of which he had caught a glimpse
when coming from Virginia, yet he did not know
just how he was going to get out into it. He
could not feel that the woods around the new-
farm and the log cabin, in which the family lived,
were to hold him.
The opportunity to get out into the world was
soon offered to young Joe. He traveled a dozen
miles barefoot, in company with his brother George,
and enlisted in Company C, 33d Illinois Infantry;
he being then twent}' years old. In a few days
184
JOSEPH W. FIFER.
the regiment was sent to Camp Butler, and then
over into Missouri, and saw some vigorous service
there. After a second time helping to chase Price
out of Missouri, the 33d Regiment went down
to Milliken's Bend, and for several weeks "Private
Joe" worked on Grant's famous ditch. The regi-
ment then joined the forces operating against Port
Gibson and "Vieksburg. Joe was on guard duty in
the front ditches when the flag of surrender was
run up on the 4th of July, and stuck the bayonet
of his gun into the embankment and went into the
city witli the vanguard of Union soldiers.
The next day, July 5, the 33d joined the force
after Johnston, who had been threatening Grant's
rear; and finally an assault was made on him at
Jackson, Miss. In this charge "Private Joe" fell, ter-
ribly wounded. He was loading his gun when a
minie-ball struck him and passed entirely through
his body. He was regarded as mortally wounded.
Hit brother, George, who had been made a Lieu-
tenant, proved to be the means of saving his life.
The Surgeon told him unless he had ice his brother
Joe could not live. It was fifty miles to the nearest
point where ice could be obtained, and tlie roads
were rough. A comrade, a McLean county man, who
had been wounded, offered to make the trip. An
ambulance was secured and the brother soldier
started on the journey. He returned with the ice.
but the trip, owing to the roughness of the roads,
was very hard on him. After a few months' care-
ful nursing Mr. Filer was able to come home. The
33d came home on a furlough, and when the
boys were ready to return to the tented field,
young Fifer was ready to go with them; for he was
determined to finish his term of three years. He
was mustered out in October, 18C4, having been
in the service three years and two months.
"Private Joe" came out of the army a tall,
tanned, and awkward young man of twenty-four.
About all he possessed was ambition to be some-
body— and pluck. Though at an age when most
men have finished their college course, the young
soldier saw that if lie was to be anybody he must
have an education. Yet he had no means to ena-
ble him to enter school as most young men do.
He was determined to have an education, however,
and that to him meant success. For the following
four years he struggled with his books. He entered
Wesleyan University Jan. 1, 1865. He was not a
brilliant student, being neither at the head nor the
foot of his class. He was in great earnest, how-
ever, studied hard and came forth with a well-
stored and disciplined mind.
Immediately after being graduated he entered
an office at Bloomington as a law student. He had
already read law some, and as he continued to work
hard, witli the spur of poverty and promptings of
ambition ever with him, he was ready to hang out
his professional shingle in 1869. Being trust-
worthy he soon gathered about him some influen-
tial friends. In 1871 he was elected Corporation
Counsel of Bloomington. In 1872 he was elected
State's Attorney of McLean Count}'. This office
he held for eight years, when he took his seat in
the State Senate. Here he served for four years.
His ability to perform abundance of hard work
made him a most valued member of the Legisla-
ture.
Mr. Fifer was married in 1870 to Gertie, daugh-
ter of William J. Lewis, of Bloomington. Mr.
Fifer is six feet in height and is spare, weighing
i inly 150 pounds. He lias a swarthy complexion,
keen black eyes, quick movement, and possesses a
frank and sympathetic nature, and naturally makes
friends wherever he goes. During the late Guber-
natorial campaign his visits throughout the State
proved a great power in his behalf. His happy
faculty of winning the confidence and good wishes
of those with whom he comes in personal contact is a
source of great popularity, especially during a polit-
ical battle. As a speaker he is fluent, his language
is good, voice clear and agreeable, and manner
forcible. His manifest earnestness in what he says
as well as his tact as a public speaker, and his elo-
quent and forceful language, makes him a most
valuable campaign orator and a powerful pleader
at the bar. At the Republican State Convention,
held in May, 1888, Mr. Fifer was chosen as its candi-
date for Governor. He proved a popular nominee,
and the name of " Private Joe " became familiar
to everyone throughout the State. He waged a
vigorous campaign, was elected by a good majority,
and in due time assumed the duties of the Chief
Executive of Illinois.
TRANSPORTATION,
NE of the most important fac-
tors in the business develop-
ment and prosperity of a
city, county or State, is its
railroad communications. A
retrospect of the history of
Shelby and Moultrie Counties since
the advent of railroad facilities, will
convince the careful observer of the
immense benefit resulting from the
introduction of this essential adjunct
of commercial enterprise. The fol-
lowing brief sketches of the Leading
railroad- of this section of the great
commonwealth will form an interesting feature of
this Rei om>. It may be remarked in this connec-
tion that the roads referred to are not only the im-
portant corporations of Illinois, but stand among
the first in the Nation.
-~-
1 •{••M-fr-
'•i-M-S—
The Wabash.
ry ■ * ( ) the pulilie and our thousands of readers in
( ($\ general: — It will no doubt be interesting to
Vs./ all if we give a brief description of this
road. The Wabash, as now known, has been op-
erated under several names from time to time. It
is the offspring, as it wen-, of the first line of mad
projected in Illinois, then known as the Northern
Cross Railroad, extending from Danville to
Quincy. This was chartered in 1X37. and upon
it the tirsl locomotive was placed in the winter of
1838-39, running from Meredosia, on the Illinois
River to Jacksonville. In 1X42 the road was com-
pleted from Jacksonville to Springfield, and three
trips wcrt.' made per week- The track was of the
old fiat rail style, which was made by nailing thin
strips of iron on inn parallel lines of timbers placed
at the proper distance apart and running length-
ways of the road. The engine as well as the road
soon became so impaired that the former had to be
abandoned, and mules substituted as the motor
power. However such locomotion was destined to
he of short duration, for the State soon aftei sold
the entire road for a nominal sum. and thus for a
short time was suspended one of the first railroad
enterprises in Illinois. Hut in the West a new era —
one of prodigious industrial activity and far-reach-
ing results in the practical arts — was dawning, and
within thirty years of the temporary failure of the
road mentioned. Illinois had outstripped all others
in gigantic internal improvements, and at present
has more miles of railroad than any other state in
the Union.
The Great Western, whose name has been suc-
cessively changed to Toledo. Wabash & Western.
Wabash, and Wabash, St. Louisa- Pacific, and Wa-
bash railroad, and The Wabash, the 'last of which
it -til bears, was an extension of the Northern
Cross Railroad, above mentioned, and traverses
some of the finest portions of Illinois, Indiana and
TRANSPORTATION.
Ohio. Ii soon became the popular highway of
travel and traffic between the Easl and West.
Through a system of consolidation, unparalled in
American railways, it has become a giant among
them, and has added many millions of dollars to
th<- value of bonds and shares of the various com-
panies now incorporated in the Wabash system. The
road takes its title from the river of that name, a
tributary of the Ohio, which in part separates the
States of Illinois and Indiana. In looking over
the map of the Wabash Railroad ii will be seen
that the line extends through the most fertile and
wealthy portions of the United States, having
termini at more large cities than any other West-
ern Road. It was indeed a far-reaching sagacity
which consolidated these various lines into the
Wabash system, forming one immense chain of
commercial activity and power. It> terminal fa-
cilities are unsurpassed by any competing line. It>
tablished in commodious quarters in St. Louis. The
line- of the road are co-extensive with the import-
ance of the great transportation facilities required
for the products of the Mississippi Valley. This line
passes through the States of Iowa. Missouri, Illi-
nois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.
The various lines of road may he divided into
the following:
Mi lo-
st. Louis to Chicago 286
Toledo to Kansas City 662
St. Louis to Des Moines 360
Logansport to Detroit 207
Chicago to Laketon Junction ....
Clayton to Keokuk
Bluffs to Quincy. . . v
Streator to Forest
Attica to ( 'ovington
Champaign to Sidney
Edwardsville to Edwardsville
Crossing
Bement to Altamont and Effingham
Brunswick to Omaha
Roseberry to Clarinda
Salisbury to Glasgow
Centralis to Columbia
1 2:!
42
Ii).",
•°>7
1.",
12
!l
<;:!
225
21
l.">
22
Prom the above main line and branches as indi-
cated, it will readily he seen that the Wabash con-
nect- with more large cities and great marts of
trade than any other line, bringing Omaha, Kan-
sas City. Des Moines. Keokuk. Quincy, St. Louis,
Chicago, Toledo and Detroit together with one
continuous line of steel rails. This road has an
immense freight traffic of cereal-, live -tock. vari-
ous productions and manufactured articles of the
Wot and the State- through which it passes. It>
facilities for rapid transit for the vast productions
of the1 packing houses of Kansas City and St.
Louis, to Detroit. Toledo and the eastern mart- of
trade. i> unequaled. A large portion of the grain
production- of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa. Missouri,
Illinois and Indiana, finds its way to the eastern
markets over tin- lines of this road. The Wabash
has always taken an advanced position in tariffs,
and il> course toward it> patrons hasbeen jusl and
liberal, SO that it has always enjoyed the coinnien-
dati f the business and traveling public. 'The
road bed is one of the best in the country, and is
ballasted with gravel and stone, well lied and laid
with steel rail-. 'The bridges along the various
lines and branches are substantial structures. 'The
depots, grounds and general property of the road
are in good condition. The management of the
Wabash is fully abreast of the times. 'The road is
progressive in every respect. The finest passenger
cars on the continent are run on its lines, and
every efforf made to advance the interest- of n>
patrons. The passenger department is unexcelled
for the elegant and substantial comfort afforded
travelers. On several of the more important
branches of the system, dining cars are run.
_=]
^H:
e_
Mile- of main line and branches. . . 2204
Illinois Central Railroad.
F^)IIIS i> one of the largest corporation- in
Illinois, and with its splendid terminal fa-
cilities in Chicago, and it- numerous subur-
ban trains has been a potent factor in building up
the South Side and South Chicago, while at the
same lime enriching itself. Ii- management has
always been careful and conservative, and it i> not
TRANSPORTATION.
too much to say that it has been im «-t potential in
developing many of the rich agricultural districts
of the State, besides fostering and encouraging the
growth of towns an<l cities along its line. As this
was one of the early roads of the State it will not
be uninteresting to give a brief history of its in-
ception:
In September. 1850, Congress passed an act. ami
it was approved by President Fillmore, granting an
aggregate of two million, five hundred and ninety-
five thousand ami fifty-three acres to aid in build-
ing this road. The ad granted the right of way
and gave alternate sections of laud for six miles
on either side of the road. The grant of land was
made directly to the Mate. On the mth of Fel>-
ruary, 1851, the Legislature of Illinois granted a
charter to an Eastern company to build it. with a
capital stock of $1,000, I. The Legislature in
granting the charter and transferring to the cor-
poration the lands, stipulated that seven percent
of the gross earnings of the road should be paid
semi-annually into the treasury of the state for-
ever. This wise provision, in lieu of the liberal
land grant yields a handsome annual revenue to the
Mate: also that in the event of war, Government
transportation should he furnished at a certain
reduction from the juices regularly paid by the
ifeiicnil (■oveinnieiit for such services. The pro-
ceeds of land sales have heen regularly applied to
the redemption of construction bonds, and it is
significant that while the original issue of mort-
gage bonds amounted to $22,000,000; thai amount
has heen so reduced that in L891 the whole issue
will lie practically retired, and the stockholders
will own a road in Illinois more than one thousand
miles in length, fully equipped, with no outstand-
ing liability other than the share of capital.
It may lie noted here that when the general
Government donated lands to the States of Illinois,
Mississippi and Alabama, it was intended that
through the aid derived from these lands a through
artery of travel should be established between the
lakes and gulf ports. Had the war not supervened
the project would then have been carried out in its
entirety, and the North and South movement of
traffic would have been fully developed, but the
enforced delay in carrying out the original pro-
gram was utilized in building up the State of Ill-
inois, and in perfecting the track of this road.
Strict attention to local business has always been a
marked characteristic of the Illinois ( 'antral Hail-
road management.
By an extensive system of railroad construction
and by it.s leased lines it lias termini in many im-
portant centers of trade in the Missouri and Mis-
sissippi Valleys, as well as the great chain of lakc>
at Chicago. Through this vast system Chicago is
brought into close connection with Sioux Falls.
Dak.: siuux City. Cedar Rapids and Dubuque,
Iowa: Lyle, Minn.: Dodgeville and Madison, Wis.
At Cairo the Ohio River is spanned by a magnifi-
cent steel bridge, from which point south connec-
tions are had with the great cotton mart of Mem-
phis and the principal cities of Mississippi, and
New Orleans. During the past year a fast or lim-
ited train has been put on between Chicago and
New Orleans, greatly shortening the time between
those points. The train consists of superb and
elegant equipped Pullman sleepers, dining aud
smoking car-. On account of these splendid facil-
ities this has become the favorite route between
the North and South. Thus it will be seen that
the great metropolis nestling on the lake, by this
sinuous artery of iron is brought into close traffic
relations with the leading marts in the Sunny
South, as well as the semi-Arctic region of Dakota.
affording the traveler both in summer and winter
unsurpassed facilities for reaching a pleasant clime.
4#
fe: ••• C*^s=
H&*
Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago «& St. Louis
Railroad. (Big 4).
*j~+ Ills line was originally known as the In-
( f~\ dianapolis & St. Louis. The road bed is of
V_y substantial build, well ballasted, tied and
ironed. It enters the state of Illinois in Edgar
County, and the principal towns which it passes
through in Illinois are Paris. Charleston, Mattoon,
Shelbyville, Pana, Hillsboro, Litchfield, Alton and
East St. Louis. For many years after the road was
built it was one of the most potential factors in
promoting the material growth of Shelby County
TRANSPORTATION.
in the central and eastern part. The line is laid
through a fertile district and receives a fair pro-
portion of traffic It is now controlled by the
Vanderbilt system and its rolling stock has some-
what unproved.
^=§>-^<t
Q>~*
Chicago & Eastern Illinois
S now extending its line through .Moultrie and
Shelby Counties via Sullivan and Shelbyville
1 from Danville, thus increasing the facilities
for communication with Chicago.
»!■ , > | 1 I ■! I ' 1 *■
? I ' l ' I ' I
The Ohio & Mississippi Railroad.
^|p*IlF southwest part of Shelby County is trav-
M^. ersed by the Shawneetown and Beardstown
\||P< division of the Ohio* Mississippi Railroad.
The principal stations in this county are Tower
Hill. Cowden, Lakewood and Holliday. The line
at Flora intersects with the main road, running
between Cincinnati and St. Louis.
^§*§K^M;
Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Railroad.
» 1 1 [ s-, important road whose termini are at To-
ledo and St. Louis, enters Shelly County
from the east at Neoga, where it crosses the
Illinois Central. The two important station- in
the county are Stewardson and Cowden. other
stations are Kingman. Mode, Fancher andllerrick.
At Stewardson the line crosses the Wabash, and at
Cowden the Ohio A Mississippi road. This line
ha- contributed largely to the development of the
southern part of the county.
Peoria Deoatur & Evansville
JPg^&RAVERSES Moultrie County from a south-
( (~~\ east to a northwest direction, crossing the
V_y Wabash at Sullivan, the county seat. Other
station- in the county are Dalton City, Bethany.
Hampton, AJlenville and Coles. This road opens
up a market for the various products of Moultrie
County with Peoria and Evansville and the many
cities lying between.
Terre Haute & Peoria Railroad.
70EMFRLY known as the Illinois Midland
\—(s) Road. It was constructed in 1872; it enter-
Moultrie County from the west, in the
northern part of Dora Township and extends due
easl to Lake City, where it diverges from a straight
line in a southeast direction to Lovington. where
the Wabash is crossed, the next stations being
Williamsburg and Arthur.
st-- 1
•
i|= &~? >~p(-< $n& 5
•$$&&
and M$,oul-bi?i@ (S&unbi&s
Wit
mow.
INTRODUCTORY.,
^^-•->s>^
^HE time has arrived when it
becomes the duty of the
people of this county to per-
petuate the names of their
pioneers, to furnish a record
of their early settlement,
and relate the story of their
progress. The civilization of our
day, the enlightenment of the age
and the duty that men of the pres-
ent time owe to their ancestors, to
themselves and to their posterity,
demand that a record of their lives
and deeds should be made. In bio-
graphical history is found a power
to instruct man by precedent, to
enliven the mental faculties, and
to waft down the river of time a
<=afe vessel in which the names and actions of the
people who contributed to raise this country from its
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly
the great and aged men, who in their prime entered
i he wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their
li.ritage, are passing to their graves. The number re-
maining who can relate the incidents of the first days
)f settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an
actual necessity exists for the collection and preser-
vation of events without delay, before all the earlv
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time.
To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten Foon enough,
in spite of their best works and the most earnest
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor-
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed.
Th-; pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu-
mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people
to perpettfate the memory of their achievements.
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu-
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their
great achievements and carry them down the ages.
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea —
to leave something to show that they had lived. All
these works, though many of them costly in the ex-
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac-
ters of those whose memory they were intended to
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity;
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum-
bling into dust.
It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli-
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un-
limited in extent and perpetual in its action ; and
this is through the art of printing.
To the present generation, however, we are in-
debted for the introduction of the admirable system
of local biography. By this system every man, though
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness,
has the means to perpetuate his life, his history,
through the coming ages.
The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the
physical man is left. The monument which his chil-
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme-
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his
life, his achievements, the work .lie has accomplished,
which otherwise would be forgoiten, is perpetuated
by a record of this kind.
To preserve the lineaments of our companions we
eng'ave their portraits, for the same reason we col-
lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we
think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to
wait until they are dead, or until those who know
them are gone : to do this we are ashamed only to
publish to the world the history of those whose live*
are unworthy of public record.
/
®
f
-
%M:W-
■ •
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ltd
w:,^
BIBTi RlVP-FliGJ
- &
.v-SiJK^-
JOIIX R. EDEN, who
esides in Sullivan, was
>orn on the banks of the
Joking River, eight miles
from Owingsville, Bath
^St^^ C ",""-v- Ky' Fehrawy '
L826. His father, John Paul Eden
was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1796,
and Jeremiah Eden, the grandfa-
ther was a native of England, who
came when a young man to Amer-
ica and settled in Maryland. From
that State he removed to Kentucky
about the year 1800, and became a
farmer in Bath County. There he
bought a tract of timber land, which hecleared and
turned into a rich and productive farm, making it
his home until death called him away.
The father of our subject was reared and mar-
ried in Bath County, and resided there until 1831.
when with his wife and four children he removed
to Indiana. The removal was made with team-.
and the far-famed prairie schooners, in which were
all their household goods. Travelingby slowstages
and camping by the way. the family reached In-
diana and settled in Rush County. Having en-
tered a trad of Government land, they built a
cabin in the wilderness and commenced to clear a
farm. The maiden name of the mother of our sub-
ject was Catherine Can. and she was born in Ken-
tucky in the year 1800, being a daughter of Joseph
Can. In 1835 she was left a widow with six chil-
dren to care for and she had a hard struggle to
maintain them and keep them together. In 1852
she removed from Indiana to Illinois, and spent
her last years here with a son Joseph, dying in
L870.
The subject of our sketch commenced when very
young to assist upon the farm where his services
were much needed. In his younger days there
were no railroads, and Cincinnati was the nearest
market and depot for supplies. The products of
the farm formed the principal living of the family,
and the mother made all the cloth which was used
in the family, carding, spinning ami weaving the
raw material into the needed fabrics.
The Brat school which Mr. Eden attended, was
in a cabin built of round logs. The chimney was
made of >tieks and clay, and the fireplace occupied
nearly one end of the building. The only window
was produced by a log being taken out through
nearly the entire length of the building, and it had
no covering of glass, but in cold weather greased
paper was used to cover the aperture to keep out
the wind. The benches were made of puncheon
with wooden pins for legs. Holes were bored in
192
PORTRAIT AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the logs under the window. and-ipegs_supported a
smooth puncheon which served as a writing desk
for the older scholars. He was very studious, mak-
ing the most of the opportunities afforded him and
at the age of eighteen commenced teaching, receiv-
ing the usual salary of 120 a month and his board.
He taught during the fall and winter for seven
years, occupying the remainder of the year in farm-
ing, and using every fragment of time not other-
wise absorbed, to study law.
In is.")2 Mr. Eden came to Illinois, traveling bj
railroad to Terre Haute. Ind.. and thence by stage
to Shelbyville, and a few days later was admitted
to the bar and commenced practice. He practiced
there until the fall of 1853, when he came to Sulli-
van and since that time has made this place the
main field of his work except when absent upon
official duty.
A liappy and congenial matrimonial alliance was
madc by our subject in 18~)ti. when he chose as his
wife Roxanna Meeker, a native of Bennington
Township. Delaware (now Morrow) County, Ohio.
This lady is a daughter of Ambrose ami Hannah
(Ilartwell) Meeker, and a sister of the Hon. .Jona-
than Meeker. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Eden
comprises live living children, namely: Emma.
Rose. Walter. Belle and Blanche. Rose is now Mrs.
.1. Martin, of whom a sketch will he found else-
where in this volume.
Ex-Congressman Eden has always espoused the
political views which had their ablest advocate in
the author of the Declaration of Independence,
and he cast his first vote for Lewis Cass. Ever
since he came here he ha- been a prominent man in
his district, as his natural abilities and well cul-
tured mind have given him a commanding in-
fluence. In 1856 he was elected state- Attorney
for the Seventh Judicial District, which office he
filled for four years. He represented the Seventh
District in the Thirty-eighth Congress. Iieing elected
thereto iu 18(>2. This was followed by his re-elec-
tion, and service in the Forty-third, Forty-fourth,
Forty-fifth and Forty-ninth Congresses. During
this long period the boundaries, and numbers of
the Congressional Districts were changed, and he
represented the following counties: Moultrie. Ma-
con. Piatt. Champaign. Ford. Iroquois, Vermilion,
Douglas, Coles. Edgar. Clark. Cumberland, Effing-
ham, Shelby, Jasper, Crawford, Lawrence. Fayette.
Montgomery ami Macoupin.
The most important committees of which this
honorable gentleman was a member during the
various sessi( >ns, were a.- f< >11< >w-: 1 Hiring the Thirty-
eighth Congress the Committee on Accounts and
Revolutionary Tensions: in the Forty-third the
( ommittee on Claims and the Freedmen Affairs;
in the Forty-fourth he was Chairman of the Com-
mittee on War Complaints, and a member of the
one appointed to investigate the Presidential elec-
tion: during the next Congress he wasagain Chair-
man of the same Committee, and during the Forty-
ninth he belonged to the Committee on the Judi-
ciary and Revision of Laws. In 1868 he was a
Democratic candidate for Governor of Illinois.
In every sphere of life, either professional or as
a public servant, the Hon. John R. Eden has proved
himself well-equipped and able to meet the serious
emergencies which come before a man of affairs.
As an attorney he has been successful in his prac-
tice, and ha- built up an extensive clientage, and
as a member of Congress he worked honestly and
honorably for the prosperity of the entire country
and the interests of his constituent-.
A portrait of the Hon. Mr. F2den accompanies
this biographical notice.
,EORGEW. LONGEXBAUGH is one of the
old settlers in Pickaway Township, being
the owner of a farm located on section 20,
at Longenbaugh corners. He early learned the trade
of a blacksmith and on his settlement here estab-
lished his smithy in the fall of 1858. He owns a
fine little home on forty acres of land. This he
operate- in connection with his business. He is a
genial, whole-hearted fellow, necessarily well-
known throughout the township, and justly popu-
lar with his fellow-men.
Our subject first came to the county in 1855,
ami for two years worked as a journeyman at Prai-
rie Bird, and later he spent a little more than a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1U3
year with a partner in Moweaqua. He sold out
however, his share of the establishment, and came
to Pickaway Township and has here ever since
been engaged, having done all the work in his line.
On his advent into this county our subject was fl
single man. He was born in Pickaway County,
Ohio. October 21, 1834. and is the son of Jacob
and Catherine (Yantis) Longenbaugh, natives of
Ohio, who there lived and spent their la>t days in
Pickaway County, passing away at the age of sixty-
eight years. Our subject's father, like himself, was
a blacksmith and fanner. Mrs. Longenbaugh was
a member of the German Reformed Church.
Our subject is the second son and third child of
seven children, four of whom are yet living, he of
whom we write being the only one residing in Illi-
nois. He grew up at home, learning his trade
at his father's smithy. About the time when
he became of age he determined to start out in
life for himself and came to this State, where he
has ever >ince lived. Politically our subject is a
Democrat, using his vote and influence for that
party. He has since coming here, been Highway
Commissioner and Justice of the Peace for a jjood
many years, and is now Notary Public, having
filled that office for several years.
Our subject was married in Flat Branch Town-
ship. March 11. 1858, to Miss Eliza Cockrain. She
was bora in Tennessee and came to Illinois when a
young woman with her parents. Robert and Mary
(Ray) Cockrain. On coming to the county they
settled in Flat Branch Township, there procuring
a farm, where a few years later the husband ami
father died while yet in middle life. His wife sur-
vived him for several years, finally passing away
on the old farm, being quite advanced in years.
They were members of the Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Longenbaugh was one of eiuhi children, three
of whom are now deceased, she was educated in
her native State in the county schools, and had al-
most reached womanhood when her parent- re-
moved to Illinois. She and her husband are attend-
ants upon the Baptist Church.
Eight children have come to bless the home of
the affectionate parents. Of these one died in in-
fancy. The living children are: Mary C, Sophro-
pia .1, and Samuel, who are twins. Anthony 1!..
Sarah E.. William W. and Joseph E. The eldest
daughter i- the wife of Charles Pogue, who is a
farmer in this township. Samuel is a blacksmith at
Prairie Bird. His twin sister, Sophronia, is the
wife of Robert Hunter, who is a real estate dealer
and insurance agent in Decatur, this State. An-
thony B. took to wife Miss Julia Pogue, and is the
proprietor of a farm in this township. Sarah E.
i> a teacher here, as have been the other daughters
before their marriage. William W. and Joseph E.
are still at home and assist their father on the farm.
Our subject ha- given his children every educa-
tional advantage that his mean- would allow.
They are naturally bright and easily assimilate the
progressive idea- of the day.
OSEPH II. VOILES i- the Superintendent of
the Shelby County Poor House, which is lo-
cated on section 4. Rose Township. His
father wa- Oile> Y. Voiles, ami he was born
in Decatur County, Ind. He wa.- united in mar-
riage with Lucinda Merritt, a native of Kentucky.
and -ettled in his native county where he spent his
days, and passed away in 1863. His wife afterward
came to Shelby County where >he died in January.
1885. They had a family of ten children of whom
our subject wa- the eldest.
Joseph Voiles was born in Decatur County. Ind..
December 28, 1843. in- father was a shoemaker
by trade, but owned ami operated a farm besides
following his trade. Our subject grew to man-
1 Ion hi- father's farm. I'pou September 15.
1864. this young man who had barely reached his
majority, took to wife Miss Maris J. Gentry, who
was born in Franklin County. Ind.. and who became
the mother of ten children. Those who grew to
maturity were as follows: Mary I..; Chloe. who
died when about eighteen years old: Rosa E.. who
is the wife of Henry Sherwood; Franklin A..
Oscar M.. William II. and Perley. Three who died
young bore the name- of Henry. Alva and Cathe-
rine. Mrs. Maria Voiles died in Rose Township.
February 12, 1886.
194
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
When Mr. Voiles was tir.-t married he settled in
Decatur County, [nd., and engaged in farming,
which business he >till carried on after coming from
there to Shelby County in 1870. He was married
a second time in Oconee, this county. December
>~t. 1887, to Miss Anna M. Gould, daughter of
Stephen and Jerusha (Read) Gould. Mr. Gould
died in Shelby County. February 7. 1885. Of a
family of seven children Mr-. Voiles is the eldest.
and she was born in Union County, End., June 7.
1857. She is the mother of one child, I.eland C.
In September, 1881, Mr. Voiles was appointed
Superintendent of the Shelby County Poor House,
in which capacity he has gained the good opinion
of every one who understand- the workings of the
institution. The house is noted tor it- cleanliness
throughout and for its good management. Much
credit is due both Mr. and Mis. Voiles for their ex-
cellent care of it< inmate-: ami in their gentle and
kindly treatment of them they have truly evinced
the genuine Christian character which is theirs.
They are both connected with the Methodist Church
and Mr. Voiles has always taken an active part in
religious work, being Class-Leader, Steward and
Trustee. His political views have led him to affil-
iate with the Democratic party, in whose policy he
firmly believe-.
m>^r<m
THOMAS Wool). To he an honorable
and efficient agriculturist in the State of
Illinois, where the soil respond- so gener-
ously'to the hand of him who cultivates it. is to
be almost ensured in having a comfortable home
and happy and congenial surroundings. The in-
telligent and praiseworthy people who settled in
tlii-^ State in its early days brought with them such
conditions and such institution- as tended to
gather about them the besl class of emigrants, and
they and their descendants have built up such so-
cial conditions as have tended to the prosperity
and happiness of all.
We find upon section 8, Oconee Town-hip.
Shelly County, a prosperous farmer ami stock-
raiser in the person of Thomas II. Wood, who was
born in Woodbum, Macoupin County, this State.
September II. L862. He is a son of .1. M. and
Elizabeth M. ( Milliard) Wood, the former being
horn in Sangamon County. 111., in 1823, and the
mother in the same state in 1*2(5. The mother, who
became a widow in May, 1887,afterher removal to
this county, still resides on her farm in Oqonee
Township. The Wood family is pleased. to count
itself as descended from the sturdy English stock
which is representative of the people who de-
manded from King John that noble instrument —
the Magna Charta.
Eight -on- and four daughters were horn to the
parents of our subject, namely: l'erminda. now
Mrs. L. Howell, of Dodge City, Kan.; Mary, who
ha- been twice married. lirst to .lame- Coffee ami
after her widow 1 1 to .I.e. Lemay. and now lives
at Gillespie, Macoupin County: Jennie, the wife of
J. S. March, of Oconee: John II.. who live- with
hi- wife. Ella Brennan, in Woodburn, Macoupin
County; William J., who has been an invalid tor
the la-t fifteen years, resides with his mother:
Leonard I)., who i- farming in Gandy, Neb., and
i- married to Clarissa Holbrook; Luther and Abbie,
who died in early childhood; Weston, who resides
in Oconee Township with his wife. Sadie Doyle;
Thomas, our subject; .lame- M.. who married Gilla
Combesl and resides on a farm in Oconee Town-
ship; Waller B., who married Blanche Brown and
live- upon the parental homestead.
The subject of this brief life review came to
Oconee Town-hip with his parents when a young
lad of some twelve years, and here he grew to
manhood and has made his home from that day to
this, lie obtained his education in the district
schools of Illinois, which gave him an excellent
preparation for hi- life work, and received thor-
ough training upon the home farm in the practical
work of agriculture. February 2-'i. 1883, was the
day of days in the life of this young man as it
united him in marriage with the lady of his choice,
Mis- Clara B. Speaker, daughter of David and
Abbie Speaker, of Oconee, she was horn Novem-
ber 27, 1861, in thi- township, of Rhode Island
parentage. She lost her father when a little child
and her mother took a second husband,. whose
name is Combest She had three daughters by her
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD.
195
tir>t marriage, Mr-. \Y 1 being tin- second in ag
and the others l>ein<r Ida M.. now Mr-. Bowiner, of
Providence, R. I., and Cilia A., dow Mr-. Murray.
..f Pana, 111.
To Mr. and Mrs. TV 1 two sons were born —
Joseph", who came to them December 17. 1883, and
the youngest, who was born March •"». 1891, is
Cecil. Mr. Wood has always taken an active in-
terest in political affairs and voted with the Demo-
cratic party until quite recently when he joined
the Fanner-' Mutual Benefit Association and now
work- heartily with them for the benefit of the
farming community. He holds no church connec-
tion, but i- an active promoter of all movements
which look to the prosperity and improvement of
the township, in which he own- two hundred acres
of rich and productive land, most of which i- situ-
ated on section 8, where he makes his home. IIi>
farm i.< finely improved and he lives in compara-
tive ease, reaping the rich reward of the efforts oi
his earlier rears.
^N
/-* EORGE TV. RICHARDSON, of Shelbyville,
I — has for many years been closely identified
V J( with the agricultural interest- of Shelby
County, and i- regarded a- one of its most honor-
able and reliable citizens. He is descended from
good old Revolutionary ami pioneer stock, ami
is a native of the Mate of Indiana, horn in Warren
County August 13, 1836. His father. .lame- Rich-
ardson, was al-o an Indianian by birth, horn in
Parke County, of which his father. John Richard-
son, wa- a very early settler.
The grandfather of our subject was a native of
North Carolina and the son of a Revolutionary
soldier who lo-t his life in battle while fighting
for the freedom of his country. John Richardson
passed his boyhood in North Carolina, and was
there married to Mary Salers, al-o a native of that
Mate. In 1800 he left his old home with his fain-
ilv to establish a new one in the forest primeval of
the Northwestern Territory. He penetrated to the
wilds of what is now Indiana, and wa- one of the
first white men to settle in that territory, locating
in what is now Parke County. When the land was
surveyed and came into the market he purchased
a tract heavily timbered, from which by hard labor
he cleared a farm. He was a resident of Indiana
until 1834, when he sold his property there and
again became a pioneer, coming to this county and
buying Government land in what is now Windsor
Township. He improved a large farm, upon which
lie lived some years, and he then once more changed
hi- residence to still another State, going to Mis-
souri, where he remained a few years ere he returned
to this county, where his earthly pilgrimage was at
length brought to a close December 31, 1865, he
having attained a ripe old aire. Hi- venerable wife
survived him until 1875, when she died in Big
Spring Township.
The father of our subject wa- reared in Indiana,
and in due time took unto himself a wife, marry-
ing in Warren County, that Mate. Delilah Small.
a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Knight and
Lydia Small. He bought a tract of land in that
county and farmed it until 1839, when he. too.
imbued with the same spirit that had characterized
his ancestry, became a pioneer, coming to this
State with his wife ami two children, making the
entire journey by land, bringing his household
g 1-. ami camping by the wayside at night. He
settled in what is now Windsor Township, where
he entered Government land, besides buying other
land, which he has since improved into a fine farm,
which is still his home. He and his family first
lived in a loir bouse that stood on the land when
he bought it. hut some year- later he replaced that
humble abode by a more commodious frame struc-
ture, and erected other suitable farm buildings.
He is held in meat respect by his fellow-citizens
a- one of the pioneers uf the county who has ma-
terially contributed to it- growth. Death ha- de-
prived him of the companionship of the wife of
his early manhood. They reared two children —
our subject and hi- brother John, the latter of
whom occupies a part of hi- father's old home-
stead.
George W. Richardson was hut three years old
when hi- parent- brought him to Illinois, and it
may he said that lie grew with the growth of the
196
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
county which has ever since been his home, as at
that time it too was in its infancy. The country
round about their new home was almost in its
primitive condition, and the land was mostly in
the hands of the Government, which has since dis-
posed of it at $1.25 an acre, or at a smaller price.
Our subject attended the Bret schools opened in
the county, that were taught in log houses. The
seats were made of slabs or logs split and one side
hewed smooth, and wooden pins were inserted for
legs, and there were no hacks to the ~eals. The
schoolrooms were lighted by an aperture made by
the removal of a log, greased paper serving in-
stead of glass. A slab laid on pegs driven into
holes that had been bored into a hie- in the side of
the building was the primitive arrangement for a
writing desk for the older pupils. When the fam-
ily first came to the county deer, wild turkeys ami
other tcame in abundance roamed where are now
finely cultivated farms and busy towns. St. Louis,
one hundred and twenty miles away, was the near-
est market to the settlers of this region, nine days
being consumed in making the round trip. The
people lived mostly on the products of their farms
and the women spun and wove the cloth in which
their children were clothed.
Our subject remained an inmate of the parental
home until he married and established one of his
own. After attaining manhood he worked a part
of his father's farm a few years and then bought a
farm for himself in the same township. In the
busy years that followed he greatly increased its
value by judicious cultivation and by the many
tine improvements that he made, and under his
thrifty care it became one of the choicest farms in
the township of Windsor. In 1888 he took up his
residence at Shelbyville, though he still owns and
superintends his farm.
That our subject has a happy home replete with
comfort is partly due to the active co-operation of
his estimable wife, from whom he has always re-
ceived a cheerful assistance and helpful counsel.
They were united in marriage in 1855. Mrs. Rich-
ardson was in her maiden days Mary E. Bland.
She was born in Licking County. Ohio, and is a
daughter of Joel and Harriet (Dittenhauer) Bland.
Her marriage with our subject has been blessed
with children, of whom these three are living:
Ebenezer A.. Palmyra and Stephen. The latter is
a prosperous farmer in Windsor Township. Eben-
ezer. the eldest son. is one of the leading lawyers
of the county. He received his early education in
the district school and subsequently attended the
Weslevan University at Bloomington. He studied
law with Judge Ames and H. J. Hamlin, was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1883, and has since practiced
his profession at Shelbyville.
Mr. Richardson is a man of solid worth, possi —
ing those traits that command respect in the busi-
ness world and win esteem among his neighbors
and associates. He and his wife are sincere Chris-
tian people as is attested by their every day con-
duct in all the relations of life that they sustain
towards each other, towards their children and all
about them. They and two of their children are
members in high standing of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. In his political views our subject is
a decided Democrat. He has held important public
positions with credit to himself and to the benefit
of the community. While a resident of Windsor
Township he represented it as a member of the
County Board of Supervisors, and he was also Jus-
tice of the Peace while he lived there. He has
likewise been an incumbent of that office since he
came to Shelbyville, having been appointed to it
in 1889, and he was re-elected to the same position
in 1H90.
WILLIAM J. CLARK. To the city-bred man
or woman who from childhood has heard
of the remarkable progress of the Central
States and has been constantly reading of the won-
derful improvements made by various pioneers
whose names wander promiscuously through the
alphabet from A to X Y Z. it seems almost incred-
ible that as late as 1871 large tracts of prairie land
were taken up. the land being at that time in a
perfectly wild and uncultivated state. While the
progress of our country and especially the im-
provements in its agricultural districts are unques-
tionable, the fact also remains that the country is
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
197
one of such magnificent distances thai Uere are
yet opportunities for bright- and energetic young
nun to experience pioneer life, although not. per-
haps, in the sense in which the settlers of the '30s
and '4iis experienced it, with it> privations, make-
shifts and entire absence <>f congenial society.
Our subject located on his present farm on sec-
tions 21, 2t< and 29, of Flat Branch Township, in
1871. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres,
and at the time of his purchase was in a crude, un-
developed, uncultivated state, it- most luxurious
product being that enemy of the farmers — field
daisies, with a multitude of other prairie flowers.
Before securing x\\i- farm he had improved one on
section 21, having come to the township and county
in 1854, with his father. The latter purchased and
improved a new farm, upon which he died.
Our subject was born in Warren County, Ohio,
on the 29th of October, 1836. He is a -on of William
R. Clark, who was born in Hamilton County. His
early training was that of a farmer lad. and when
he reached manhood, like a majority of young
men. he took the most important Step of his life,
that of marriage, hi- wife's maiden name being
Mir*- Nancy Berger. They were married about
1830. The lady is a native of Virginia although of
German parentage and ancestry. She had come
to Ohio with her father and mother when quite
young and was reared in Warren County.
The original of our sketch, with ten brothel's
ami sister-, came by the overland route with his
parents to Illinois in 1854. Their home during
the journey hither was in the old-time prairie
schooner, and it was after a long and tedious jour-
ney that they landed here. They began making
their home in the new Mate on section 21. where
the father and mother both afterward died, the
former passing away in September. 1889, at the ,
Sue of eighty-seven years. He was a Democrat in
polities and a hearty co-worker in all progressive
causes. His wife died four years before her hus-
band, at the age of seventy-nine years.
Our subject is one of a pair of twin-. He be-
came of age after coming to this township, and
was here married to Ann E. Scott, his marriage
taking place in December, 1864. The lady was
born in Knox County, End., February 1, 1835. She
is a daughter of Charles ami Sarah (Weidner)
Scott, nativesof Indiana and -Virginia respectively.
They met and married in Indiana, where the\
-pent tin' whole of their married lives. Mr. Scot I
died in 1S44. at the age of fifty-six. Mrs. Scott
survived her husband by a g 1 many year-, pass-
ing away in 1*77. She was born in 17'Jtf. Both
she and her husband ucn- members of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church.
Mi-, (lark i- one of a large family of eleven
children. She was reared to womanhood in her
county, and there enjoyed very good educational
advantages, finishing her school course at Lebanon.
hid. she i- the mother of but one child. Charles
s.. who wa- graduated at the Valparaiso (Ind.)
Normal School, and was later connected with the
counti offices, holding successively positions in
the County Clerk's office, that of County Treas-
urer and also with the Circuit Clerk. He is now
engaged a- the operator of a farm, in which he is
very successfid.
Mr. Clark has for -some years past devoted him-
self chiefly to the raising of horses, mainly road-
sters, and has acquired quite a reputation through-
out the county for breeding tine animals. Mrs.
Clark i- a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Mr. Clark and son are Democrats in poli-
tic-.
.
"P i*
HEODORE F. DOVE, who is practicing law
at Shelhyville. Shelby C 'utility, has gained
^y distinction in his profession in the courts of
thi> county, where, at one time, he occupied a prom-
inent position as an educator, and during his resi-
dence here li i^ name has ever been closely associated
with the best efforts of the citizens of Central Illi-
nois to promote it- social and religious advance-
ment, and its well-being generally.
Among the pioneers of Ohio who were active in
it- early development was the Dove family, of
whom Henry Dove, the grandfather of oursubject,
was then the head. He was horn in Rockingham
( ounty, \ a.. February 7. 1765, coming of one of
the old Colonial families of that State, and there
198
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he grew to manhood and married, taking as his
wife Mary Magdalina.Altarfer, who was also horn
in the Old Dominion. January 1. 1775, the date of
her birth. Grandfather Dove lived in his native
State until 1804, and he then took his wife and
the five children that had been horn to them across
the border into Ohio, makingthe journey over the
mountains and through the intervening rough
country with pack horses, and there founded anew
home in the primeval forests of Fairfield County, of
which lie was one of the earliest settlers, lie had
previously visited that locality in search of a suit-
able loeation. journeying on horseback and carry-
ing his silver for the purchase of land in his sad-
dle bags. He invested in a tract of heavily w led
land in what is now Bloom Township, paying there-
for at the rate of x2..">o an acre. There was a log
cabin on the land, in which the father of our sub-
ject was subsequently horn. His father replaced it
after a few years by a more substantial hewn log
house. 20x30 feet in dimensions, which is still
standing and is used as a dwelling. For many years
there were no markets for produce nearer than Cin-
cinnati, and consequently stock was very cheap,
and horses, cattle and hogs were driven to Haiti-
more to he disposed of. The highest priced horses
would bring but $40 at Fairfield, large hogs sold
there for $1, and steels were sold from $6 to $8
each. The people raised their own food, varying the
fare occasionally by a haunch of venison or bear
meat, or wild turkey, for all kinds of game then
abounded. By years of faithful toil the grandfather
cleared a farm, on which he passed his closing years
serenely, dying at a good old age in 1856. His wife
preceded him in death many years, dying in 1817.
She was a notable housewife, was expert in spin-
ning and weaving, and clad her children in gar-
ments of homespun.
The father of our subject grew to a stalwart
manhood under the pioneer influence that he ob-
tained in his native county in the days when he
was young. The school that he attended was taught
in a log house, rudely furnished with slabs for seats,
which were without backs, and there were no desks
such as are in use at the present day. Holes were
bored in logs, into which wooden pins were inserted,
and a wide plank placed upon them answered the
purpose of a more elaborate writing desk for the
large scholars. Mr. Dove resided with his parents
until he attained his majority, and he then began
his independent career as a farmer by renting the old
family homestead, lie afterward purchased the in-
terest of the other heirs, and still retains the farm,
although he ceased to occupy it in 1883, when he
came' to Shelly ville. and is living here in retire-
ment at a venerable age. He has always been a de-
voted adherent of the Democratic party since he
cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Jackson
more than half a century ago. Religiously, he is a
faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church;
which he joined in 1829.
Mr. Dove was first married May 21. 1835 to
Mary Small, who was born in York County. Pa.,
March 1*. 1S14. and was the eldest daughter of
John and Elizabeth ( Loucks) Small, who were also
lVnnsylvanians by birth. The mother of our sub-
ject died September 1. 1K77. leaving behind her the
record of a life spent in well-doing, and the blessed
memory of a true womanhood. She was reared in
the faith of theGerman Reformed Church, but after
her marriage united with the Methodist Episcopal
Church, to which her husband belonged. Of that
marriage eight sons and seven daughters were
reared to maturity, of whom twelve are living;
April 19, 1883 the father of oursubject was married
toa sister of his first wife. Tarcy Hall Small, and in
her he finds a devoted companion.
Theodore F. Dove, of whom this sketch is prin-
cipally written was born on a farm in Bloom Town-
ship, ten miles northwest of Lancaster. Fairfield
County. Ohio. April 22. 1846, said farm being also
the birthplace of his father. Elijah Dove, who was
born there July 27. 1811. Theodore gained the
preliminaries of his education in the local district
schools, and afterward pursued a liberal course of
study at the Fairfield Union Academy, from which*
he was graduated in 1869, his proficiency in math-
ematics having won him the compliment of being
selected to teach a class in that branch while a stu-
dent in that institution, lie subsequently entered
the Ohio Weslevan University at Delaware. Ohio,
and in due time graduated from that with a high
standing for scholarship. He first turned to teach-
ing after lie left college, and was thus engaged in
PORTRAIT AND r.liK.UAl'lIKAI. RECORD.
199
his native Stale until 1*74. when lie came t<> Shel-
byville to aceepl the position of Superintendent of
the city schools.
Our subject's work as an educator was, however,
but a means to an end, as he purposed to adopt the
legal profession, and in preparation therefor he de-
voted Iii— -(■are time to the study of law. At the
close of the school yearin 1875 he returned to Ohio,
and was admitted to the bar in Delaware County.
He came back to Shelbyville ami resumed the
charge of the schools, which flourished under his care,
and he held his office until 1876. In that year he
again returned to the State of hi- nativitv.and for
three months practiced law at Columbus. He next
opened an office at Danville. III., ami was in that
city until April, 1 s 7 7 . when he came to Shelbyville
to enter into a partnership for law practice with
W. J. Henry. He severed his connection with that
gentleman in August, 1879, and since then has car-
ried on his legal business alone. II*- enjoys a good
l>raetiee.aud has an enviable reputation as one of our
most trustworthy lawyers, and his client- feel sat-
isfied that he will use hi- best efforts in their he-
half, knowing also that he is well versed in all the
technicalities of the common law. and understands
thoroughly how to employ his knowledge to the
best advantage so as to impress the jury.
The marriage of Theodore Dove with Miss Alia
W. Clark was consummated December 27.is77.and
the home that they have established in this city i-
a cheerful, cozy abiding place, its pleasant hospital-
ities being one of the social features of the commu-
nity, where host and hostess have made many
friendships during their residence here. Their two
sons, Theodore C. and Frank Roy, complete their
household. Mrs, Dove is. like her husband, a na-
tive of Ohio, her birthplace at Mechanicsburg,
and she is a daughter of Dr. John and Minora ( Will-
iams) Clark.
In local affairs, our subject has done good service
as a member of the Shelbyville School Hoard. He
i- un-werving in his allegiance to the Democratic
party, as he believes its policy the best for the
guidance of the nation. He is prominent socially
a- a member of various organizations, the Masonic
Lodge of Carroll. Ohio: Modern Woodmen of
America: and of Big Four Lodge, No. 136, Order
of Tonti. He and his wile are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, their names being as-
sociated with those who are most liberal in its sup-
port, and who by the daily example of live - guided
by Christian principle- have contributed to raise
the moral standard of their community.
■=--
C H
[S_
EANDER A. STORM. Less than thirty years
have passed over the head of our subject
1 and yet he has made himself a place and
recognized position in commercial life, which speaks
well for the inherent qualities that he possesses.
There i? nothing petty about Mr. storm's methods
of dealing, and we predict that the future will
bring him opportunities which he will seize, and
which will carry him on the highway to prosperity.
Making his headquarters in Strasburg, Shelby
County, he is constantly making excursions into
whatever part of the State promises a fine return
in the staples in which he deals — hay and grain, and
thus he obtains not only a perfect acquaintance
with his own line of business, hut a broad intelli-
gence of the general aspect and condition of the
agricultural class in this State.
Leauder Storm is a son of Harrison J. Storm.
Hi- mother was in her maiden days. Harriet Ran-
kin. They were both native- of Shelby County
and experienced the vicissitudes of pioneer life.
For a further history of Mr. Storm Sr. see sketch of
.1. X. storm in another part of this volume. Our
subject was Imni iii Ash Grove Township. Shelby
County, this State May 15, 1863, and astrologers
would doubtless tell us that his personal and busi-
ness success and the peace which the country at
large is at present enjoying, arise from one and the
same cause, the conjunction of certain astral
bodies at that momentous period in the history
of the war.
The original of our -ketch wa- reared to man-
hood in Ash Grove and Big Spring Township.
He received his education in the common Schools.
When eighteen year- of age, he left home and
went to California ami was there employed in
different ways, lie remained, however, in that
200
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
State only about ten months and then returned to
Big Spring Township, where lit- stayed until the
completion of his twentieth year. He then was
united in marriage to Miss AnnieCox, after which
lie settled in Big Spring Township, and was en-
gaged in fanning until the fall of 1888 when he
came to Strasburg, where he has since been a res-
ident.
Mr. Sturm is now engaged in buying and ship-
ping hay and has given his attention to this busi-
ness since 1889. His marriage took place in Shelby
Township. Two children have come to the young
people. Raymond, who died in infancy, and a
bright little one who is the joy and pride of her
fond parents, and who hears the pretty child name.
Flossie. In his political preference our subject is
a Democrat. He is the owner of a farm of one
hundred and twenty acres, that is very valuable
land. He is an enterprising young business man
wlio i- sure to make his mark in the world.
"•i"i"ti,ii %z~? -:--:--:--:--
FREDERICK DOEHRING. The owner of
the farm located on section 36, of Richland
1 Township, is a mosl loyal and appreciative
German-American citizen. Full of energy ami vi-
tality Mr. Doehring has not allowed himself to be
distanced in his agricultural efforts by any of his
aeighbors. He was born in Germany, September
21, 1821, and he has now arrived at a point where
he can look back upon the changes of his own life
in relation to the changes that, as a whole, have
taken place during nearly three-quarters of a cen-
tury. He was reared on a farm in hi- native land
and there remained until he was twenty-three years
of age when he came to America. lie landed in
New York and from there went to Ohio.
The Bohemian spirit seemed to have possessed
our subject at this period of his life, for from Ohio,
lie removed in quick succession to Kentucky, Indi-
ana, remaining a while in St. Louis, Mo., thence
came to Madison County, this State, where he set-
tled and began the serious business of life, remain-
ing there twenty-six years, during which time he
was engaged in the business of farming. In the
Spring of 1869 lie came to Shelby County and set-
tled in Richland Township, where he has ever since
been a resident, and to which he has given the ef-
forts and results of his mature and ripened years.
Mr. Doehring has erected agoodset of buildings
upon his farm which comprises three hundred and
twenty acres. He was married in Madi-on County,
this State, about 1848, to Dora Brockmejer, who was
born in Germany. By her he became the father of
six children, three of whom are Using. They are
Frederick, Herman and Dora, all names that are as-
sociated with some of the greatest productions in
German literature. The daughter is now the wife
of Lewis Miller.
Mrs. Dora Doehring died January 11. 1889. She
was a good and capable housewife, a tender help-
mate and fond mother, ambitious for her children.
and self-sacrificing to any degree that they might
have every advantage. What better eulogy can we
give the mother than that she made home pleasant?
Mr. Doehring has always followed the calling of
farming, in which he has been reasonably succi —
ful. In his political relations he i- a Democrat,
believing that that party works more for the inter-
est and advantages of the people at huge than any
other.
Mr. Doehring has rilled several public offices in
the township gift. While in Madison County he
held the office of Supervisor for one year, and dis-
charged its duties satisfactorily to it- constituents.
He. with his family, is a member of the Lutheran
Church. The farm upon which he at present lives
bears evidence of careful attention, thoroughly
well cultivated, its buildings are in excellent order
and our subject's home residence is the epitome of
comfort and neatness, lie i- a good man and a
a 1 citizen.
^#s#gf;t-»*08rM
■x> .
A. STEWARDSON, of the linn of Hamm
.v Stewardson, of Strasburg, shelly County,
is an enterprising and able young business
man. The firm of which he is junior member
deals in hardware, agricultural implements and fur-
niture, stoves and tinware. Although not ret
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
201
thirty years of age lie is the owner of some line
land in this county, aside from the position thai
he holds in the firm, and in which he is building
up a reputation for business tact and talent, and a
keen foresight in financial matters that make him
rank already with the best business men in the
township. Mr. Stewardson comes from a good
family who are noted among their acquaintances
for their practical and common-sense views of the
affairs of daily life.
Mr. Stewardson's father was Thomas Stewardson,
who is now a resident of Shelbyville Township.
His mother in her maiden da\ - was Sarah C. Brady.
They were the parents of thirteen children, and of
these our subject was the fourth in order of birth
of the second set of children. He was born in Shel-
byville Township November 25. 18(52. (For a
fuller history of his parents see sketch of Thomas
stewardson in another part of this volume.) Our
subject grew to manhood in his native county.
lie reeived a good common-school education in the
schools of the vicinity, and he passed his early life
in a divided attention to school duties and assist-
ing with the work of the farm until he was twenty-
one years of age, remaining during that time
under hi- father's roof. He then for a period of
a year and a half engaged in farm labor for other
farmers in the neighborhood. At the end of that
time he came to. Strasburg and was employed by
J. N. Storm as clerk in his store for a period of
about six years.
On leaving Mr. storm 's employ our subject was
for six months engaged in farming and August 1.
1890, he formed a partnership with Martin Ilamm.
to engage in the business of which they are now
proprietors. He has ever since devoted himself to
the interests of the tiwn. which carries a tine stoek
of implements, and which is doing a good business.
He is besides the owner of forty acres of land in
Richland Township, which is well cultivated and
valuable land. The calling of agriculture, how-
ever, is not tin' one to which our subject feels him-
self best adapted, preferring to deal more intimately
with men.
Our subject left the rank and file of bachelors
February 24. L886, and was united in marriage to
Elnora Davis, who was born in this county. Their
wedding was solemnized in Windsor. The young
couple have had three children, whose name- aii'
Ethel, Mamie and Myrtle. The second child.
Mamie, is deceased. Politically he of whom we
write attiliates with the Democratic party. He has
been Justice of the Peace for about two years and
is well qualified to till any position in the gift of
the township. When a man has made such a suc-
cess of life at Mr. Stewardson's age. the world has
reason to expect of him unqualified success in the
future. Having already shown his ability, he will
be given prominent positions both in public and
private affairs.
j ! i ' i i i i
I | i | i , < . . < m <
OHN W. MIDDLESWORTH. Somebody
has said that the most desirable thing in
life is to be well born, but there i> a differ-
ent way of construing the expression among
different classes of people. The writer's idea of
good birth is the endowment of a fine physical
constitution, crowned and sanctified by high men-
tal and moral faculties, and having parents in
whom shine "high erected thoughts, seated in
hearts of courtesy." As Oliver Wendell Holmes
says in his charming conversations over the tea-
cups, the selection of parent- should be attended
to several years before one's coming into the
world, and all sociological questions should be
carefully balanced. In the case of our subject this
last consideration happened naturally and without
his interference, lie is a son of A. Middlesworth.
of Shelbyville. an honorable, upright and worthy
man. to whom his son is much indebted, both phys-
ically and mentally. A sketch of the gentleman
may be found in another part of this volume.
Our subject was born in Shelby County, 111..
September 11. I860, when the country was in the
throes of secession and discussion was ripe over the
decision of the Dred Scott affair. However, when
he was old enough to understand these matters the
strife was ended and the country was resuming its
normal condition. Farmers who had left the plow-
share to take the title and sabre had returned to
their homes and resumed the duties of agricultural
202
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
life. When John Middlesworth was eleven years
old his father removed to Shelbyvillc in order to
give his children better educational advantages.
There our subject received his education and con-
tinued living under his father's roof until his mar-
riage, which occurred October 10, 1883. His wife's
maiden name was Alice Stewart; with her he ex-
perienced but one year of domestic bliss as her de-
cease took place July 10, 1884.
Later our subject was united in marriage with
Athie Brooks, their nuptials being celebrated Sep-
tember 28, 1885. The present Mrs. Middlesworth
is a pleasing and attractive lady. She is a daugh-
ter of Josias W. and Martha 1). (Selby) Brooks and
one of seven children, there having been three
sons and four daughters in her parents' family.
Mrs. Middlesworth being the youngest daughter.
she was horn inMoweaqua, [11., January 28,T 867;
Her interest centers in her home and family, which
includes three bright and attractive children. Their
names are: Raymond B., William W. and- Glen S.
He has long followed the calling of farming and
is now the owner of four hundred and sixty-six
acre- of finely improved land. .Many valuable im-
provements have been made upon his farm.
He of whom we write has long taken an active
part in political affairs and has been an office-holder
in the township in which he has lived. He is an
adherent of the Republican party. His townsmen
have shown their confidence in his executive abil-
ity and sound judgment by giving him one of the
most important offices in the township gift, that of
School Director. He and his wife are earnest Chris-
tian people and members of the Presbyterian
Church.
AXIFL KESLER, one of the prominent
business men of Cowden, Shelby County.
I^f carries a full line of agricultural imple-
ments and deal- extensively in grain.
He was horn in Fairfield County. Ohio, February
2o. 1845. his father. .John, being a native of the
same county, and his mother. Mary (I. ear) Kesler,
being born in Lancaster, Pa. They were happily
united in marriage in Fairfield ( ounty, Ohio. June
1. 1843. and became the proud parents of seven
sons and two daughters, >ix of whom were horn in
the county just named anil the three youngest
came to them in Shelby County, this Stale.
Among the children of John and Mary Kesler,
our subject was the first-horn. Following him came
Isaac who i- engaged in the lumber business in
Cowden: Samuel who carries on fanning in Dry
Point Township; Simon who i> an invalid and re-
sides with his brother, our subject: John who farms
in the township just named, as does also Charles,
the next son in age; Laura, now the wife of Albeit
L. Crumley, who resides in Cowden and whose
husband is associated with her brother Daniel in
the grain and implement business; William i- a
telegraph operator and station agent in Edna, Kan.,
and Alice died at the age^of twenty-one after hav-
ing married Albert L. Crumley who later became
the husband of Laura.
The father of this family, with Daniel and Isaac
was a soldier during the Civil War. He was a
member of the Fourteenth Illinois Infantry and
died of typhoid fever at Louisville. Ky., June 18.
1865. His wife is still living at Cowden. Daniel
enlisted in Company G, One Hundred ami Forty-
third Illinois Infantry and served bravely for seven
months. Most of his time was spent in the South-
west, a- he was assigned to duty in Arkansas.
Isaac belonged to the same regiment as his father
and served gallantly for nine months, being then
discharged on account of peace being declared.
Daniel Kesler chose as his partner to share life's
joys and sorrows, Mi— Elizabeth Thompson, a
daughter of John Thompson, of Ohio. She was
born in Pickaway County, that State, where she
lost her parents by death previous to coming to
Illinois. The marriage took place March 11. 1865,
and proved to be a true union ami one which led
up to a life of more than ordinary domestic happi-
ness and prosperity. They are both earnest and
active members of the Free Methodist Church and
they find in its communion and duties comfort in
the trials of life and broad opportunity for use-
fulness.
To Mr. ami Mrs. Kesler have been born eight
children, six of whom are now living. Mary Nettie
&.&*
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
20.1
is married to Lincoln Becbtel and resides on a farm
in Dry Point Township; Elmer and Charles who
are both unmarried and 'reside at Pullman. 111..
near Chicago, are in the employ of the Pullman
Palace Car Company. The next daughter, Annie,
makes her home with her parents, and the younger
ones. Harry and Bessie, arc still at hone. Two
lovely infants, John and Lola Belle, were snatched
from their parents' arms by death.
He nf whom we write is well known throughout
the length and breadth of Shelby County as an
honorable business man. possessing the esteem and
confidence of all with whom he is associated in
business. He deals in grain, stock and agricultural
implements and has at present the control of the
stock business at Cowden. This is a patriotic fam-
ily who did not hesitate when the call came for
volunteers to defend the old flag and the eternal
principles of liberty in which they had been
brought up. Political matters with them are based
upon moral issues and a hatred of slavery and a
love for their country became a controlling influ-
ence. They cheerfully sacrificed the comforts of
home and yielded with resignation to the loss of
their father when the time came. During all Mr.
Kesler's earlier years he was a Republican in his
sentiments and vote, but a few years ago became a
Prohibitionist and has since voted witli that party
on legislative and national issues.
ON. EDWARD ROKSSLER. In this sketch
we present to the attention of our readers
a short record of the life history of a man
who is well known in Shelby County, not
only on account of his honorable war record, lint
also as the former representative of this district in
the Legislature of the state of Illinois. We also
invite the attention of the reader to his portrait
mi the opposite page. His father. Christian Roes-
sler. was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, and came
to America in 1815, locating in Lancaster, Fair-
field County. Ohio. lie learned the trade of a
wagon-maker in the Old Country and pursued that
business at different places in Europe. A skilled
and competent workman, he earned an excellent
reputation for thoroughness and efficiency. Upon
coming to Lancaster. Ohio, he engaged in business
for himself, and his work was noted far and wide
for its excellence and completeness. He continued
thus employed in Lancaster until 1832, when he
sold out and purchased a farm in Fairlield County.
where he turned his attention to far mini;' and made
it his home until 1849.
During the year just mentioned Christian Roes-
sler sold his farm in Ohio and emigrated to Illi-
nois, settling in what is now Rose Township.
Shelby County. There he continued to live until
his demise, which occurred in September, 1861.
His marriage in Lancaster united him with Eliz-
abeth .Miller, who was born in Hesse-Cassel. Ger-
many, in the year 1799. She lived until July.
1871, when she passed away in Pose Township.
Both Christian Roessler and his wife were earnest
in their religious life as members of the Lutheran
Church. He ever took an active part in local
affairs and was efficient in helping to build the
old Indianapolis it St. Louis Railroad when it
passed through Shelby County, and was a stock-
holder in that company. He had a family of four
sons and two daughters — Reuben. Edward: Re-
gina, who is the wife of 15. Christman; Andrew;
Philip, and Elizabeth, who is the wife of Charles
Pfeiffer.
Lancaster. Fairfield County. Ohio, is the native
town of our subject, who was born January 13.
1825. In that town his early years were passed,
and he was about nine years old when his father
removed to the farm, where the boy grew to man-
hood, alternating his attendance at the district
school with the healthful pursuits of farm life. He
continued to remain at home until he had reached
his majority and then enlisted, in 1846, with his
brother Reuben, in the United States Army for
service in the Mexican War. Edward became a
member of Company P. Fourth Ohio Infantry, and
was in service all through the war. The most im-
portant engagement in which he took part was the
battle of Monterey, lie was mustered out of the
service at Cincinnati. Ohio, and returned to Lan-
caster, the same State.
206
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The young man bad determined to come West,
and in the spring of 1 H 4 '. > he removed to Shelby
County, 111., with his father's family. He bought
about two hundred and forty acres and his father
some five hundred acres, all of it in Rose Town-
ship. During the season lie set about improving
his land and preparing to establish his home in the
new country. During the latter part of the sum-
mer he returned to the old home in Fairfield
County, Ohio, and was there married August 5,
18411, to Anna Stumpf, who was horn in Yerden,
Hanover, Germany, her birth occurring February
11, 1831. She was two years old when she came
witli her parents to Ohio, h'er father being Gearhart
Stumpf, and her mother's maiden name being Cath-
erina Luehrs. The mother died of cholera in Cin-
cinnati. Ohio, iu 1848, and the father did not long-
tarry, but passed away after reaching Rose Town-
ship in 1852.
Mr. and Mrs. Roessler are the parents of twelve
children, namely: Reuben, who died in infancy;
David, who married Charlotte Wetzel; Solomon,
who married Susie Kellogg, and is a military en-
gineer in the Regular Army; Charles, a farmer,
who married Emma Wetzel, now deceased; John,
who took to wife Anna Harbour and is a professor
in Valparaiso Normal School; Anna, now the wife
of George Wendling; Amelia, who married Ed-
ward Wagoner; Clara, who is Mrs. Adolph Reiss;
Charlotta, the wife of "William Zollinger; Minnie,
who is engaged in the Hoopeston College, of
Hoopeston, 111., as a teacher of vocal and instru-
mental music, in which she is very proficient;
George and Henry.
( )n the breaking out of the Civil War Mr. Roes-
sler took an active part in forwarding enlistments.
and himself raised an independent company, of
which he was commissioned Captain. Hiscompanv
was assigned to the Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry,
and he afterward raised two companies, which were
asssgned to the same regiment. In consequence of
his energy and zeal he filled the office of Colonel,
although not regularly commissioned, and re-
mained in that position until he resigned in No-
vember, 1 862.
In the fall of 1870 the subject of this sketch was
elected to the Twenty-seventh General Assembly
of the State of Illinois, lie filled this responsible
position with ability and satisfaction to his con-
stituents, and has continued to take an interest in
politieal matters, especially in local movements.
He was elected the first Supervisor of Rose Town-
ship, after the organization of that township, and
served in that capacity for about ten years, and
for several years was Chairman of the Hoard.
Roth Mr. and Mrs. Roessler are prominent mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church and are active workers
in its schemes of benevolence. They are liberal
contributors to all church purposes and helped
generously in the project of constructing a new
house of worship. Our subject's chief business in
life has been the pursuit of agriculture and he is
now the owner of two hundred and forty acres,
upon which he has placed good improvements, in-
cluding excellent and commodious buildings.
BIA CHIRPS. Located in the fertile val-
ley of Jonathan Creek, is a farm of four
fii hundred acres, located on section 15. of
the township which takes its name from
the water supply. Picturesque and beautiful are
the meadows, pasture, orchard and wood lot of the
farm, and happy should be the owner of so tine a
place. The fortunate man who is possessor of this
land, is he whose name is at the head of this sketch.
He settled in the county in the fall, November 26,
1858, and since that time, has here made his resi-
dence, applying his time and attention to the up-
building and cultivation not only of his own pos-
sessions, but also to the improvement and the
elevation in tone, of the whole community.
Abia Chipps was born in Harrison County. W.
Va., June 8, 1852. and is a son of Asa W and Mel-
vina E. (Duvall) Chipps, natives respectively of
Morgan and Harrison Counties. W. Ya. They were
married in their native State, in 1851. The fam-
ily came to this county in 1858. and purchased
eighty acres of raw land. This is now beautified
and made valuable by a line walnut grove which
was planted by our subject. The mother of the
PORTRAIT AND P.lot iRAPIIK A I. RECORD.
207
family died April l. 1863. She had -ix children,
of whom four lived to be grown. Tiny are Abia,
Kate, Addie and Jefferson E. Kate is now the
widow of John Landers; Addie is the wife of l{.
1). Curd, and resides in Des Moines, Iowa: Jeffer-
son K. operates a farm of his own.
Our subject's father was a second time married,
this union being with Mrs. Mary S. Adams nee liar-
ton, and in 1*77. he removed with his famih to
Columbia, Mo., remaining there for fourteen years
and then returned to this county. By her previous
marriage, Mrs. Chipps, Sr.. was the mother of one
son. whose name was .lames Williams. Politically
the father wa- a Democrat, and held local Office.
Our subject was reared on a farm and educated
at the Academy of Mount Zion, 111. A thoughtful
young man. fond of study and of original research,
he developed a liking for pedagogic work, and en-
gaged for some lime in teaching, in which he con-
tinued even two years after his marriage, which
was solemnized January 1. 1*77. his bride being
M is- America E. Lilly, who was horn in this county.
After marriage our subject purchased eighty acres
of land, and this amount with its proceeds, he so
carefully husbanded, that he is now the owner of
four hundred acres of land. He is engaged in the
business of stock raising, which he finds very profit-
able, bringing much of his stock to the metropoli-
tan market-.
( )ur subject and his wife are the parents of seven
children, whose names are as follows: Ilallie. Wil-
lis: Clifford, who is deceased; Raymond, Karl.
Alta and Paul. Politically our subject is a mem-
ber of the Democratic party. He has been Super-
visor of the township for live terms, and has held
various minor local offices. Socially he is a mem-
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
m>^*%
S V
*—
yfcESLEY M. METSKER. A large and weli-
improved farm in Tower Hill Township.
V V Shelby County, is owned and occupied
by Mr. Metsker. and its possession gives conclusive
evidence of the ability with which he has prose-
cuted his calling. It consists of two hundred acres
on section 17. and is embellished with substantial
buildings for the shelter of stock and storage of
»rain. A passer-by will note with pleasure the
orderly arrangement and neatness characterizing
the place and the evidences of a pleasant home
life that are seen about the residence.
The family of which our subject is an honored
representative originally came from ( rermany. The
immediate progenitor's of Mr. Metsker were John
and Sarah (Mowan) Metsker. natives of Pennsyl-
vania and Ohio respectively. There were horn to
them six children, our subject .being the second. The
father died in Stark County, Ohio, at the age of
seventy-two years: he wa- an honorable man. whose
memory is revered in the hearts of his children.
The mother died at the residence of our subject in
Tower Hill Township in 1**.").
The gentleman whose name introduces these
paragraphs was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio,
September fi. 1834 and was reared to manhood in
his native place. He lived on a farm although his
father followed the occupation of an engineer in a
blast furnace. He attended the district schools,
where he became practically well informed in ordi-
nary branches of study. Upon attaining to the
opening years of a stalwart manhood Mr. Metsker
in a few years earned enough to admit of his
establishing a home, and accordingly he was mar-
ried in Canton. Ohio, in November. 1858, to
Catherine Heck, a native of Tuscarawas County.
Ohio, and born about 1836.
The young couple settled in that county where
they continued to reside until 1865. In that year
they removed to Illinois, choosing as their home
section 17. Tower Hill Township, Shelby County,
and here Mr. Metsker ha- since resided. Six chil-
dren came to bless the home, a record of whom we
give below: John W.. married Miss Nellie Dean
and is a farmer in Colorado; Martha: Mary, is the
wife of Charles W. Wolf, a fanner of Tower Hill
Town-hip: Alice married James Bottsford; Emma
and Lewis are still at home. The wife anil mother
died at her home November 4. 1871.
Mr. Metsker was again married, choosing a.- his
bride Miss Elizabeth Heck, the sister of his former
wife, and they have three children — l-'rcd. Augus-
tus and Perrv. Mr. Metsker has always been en-
■>i 18
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gaged in agricultural pursuits and has embellished
his farm with good buildings. Politically he casts
his ballot for the candidates of the United Labor
party, the principles of which he believes will best
subserve the welfare of the Government. He has
held the important office <>f School Director and
has in other ways been closely identified with the
progress of the community. Mrs. Met-ker i- a faith-
ful member of tin- Lutheran Church and enjoj - the
esteem of her large circle of acquaintances.
OHN P. GLASSCOCK The agricultural
community of Whitley Township. Moultrie
County, is one of the prime elements in the
industrial and financial success of the
county. It is notable a- being of a superior order.
both in intelligence and enterprise and nowhere
can lie found more efficient farmers or finer-look-
ing farms. Among these capable agriculturists we
name witli pleasure and pride the gentleman of
whom we are now writing.
Asa Glasscock, the father of our subject, was a
native of Virginia and his mother. Mary (Pen-
quite) Glasscock was a Peunsvlvanian by birth.
The Old Dominion was the scene of their marriage
and they shortly afterward emigrated to Kentucky
settling in Fleming County in 181(3 and living
there for a number of years. Asa Glasscock finally
died in Mason ( ounty, Ky.. and his wife passed
away in Warren County, Ohio. They hail eleven
children of whom our subject was the youngest.
Fleming County, Ky., i> the native home of
John 1'. Glasscock and April 22, 1825 was his natal
day. In this county he passed his early years, a
little later emigrating to Masen County and after-
ward to Warren County. Ohio, where he grew to
manhood. The varied experiences of his early
year- and the thorough drill which he received
upon the farm added to his natural ability, pro-
ducing a tine and vigorous young manhood, well
equipped to undergo the struggles of life.
In Warren County. Ohio, tin- young man met
the lady whom he chose from all the world to tie
hi- life companion, and he was married in 1845 to
Catherine Crosson, by whom he had five children,
namely: .Mary C. Sarilda. Margaret K.. Catherine
S. and one who died in infancy. The lovely
mother of these children died while' the family
still resided in Ohio and somewhat later our sub-
ject was married in Warren County to Elizabeth
Mount, who also became the mother of live chil-
dren— George O.. Ruth A.. Martha A.. Frances
Anna and l. S. .Mrs. Elizabeth Glasscock died in
Whitley Township in 1**7 upon the 12th of Sep-
tember.
It wa- in 1869 that Mr. Ola— cock determined to
remove from Ohio to Moultrie (ounty. 111., and
here he settled upon section 16, Whitley Town-
ship, where lie has ever since been a resident. Upon
his farm here he has placed excellent buildings
and his home i- not only attractively located hut
i- also a place where friendly and social gatherings
are held and where neighbors ever feel that they
are welcome. Mr. O las-cock has been Highway
Commissioner, having tilled that office with satis-
faction and profit to his township. He has ever
taken a fair degree of interest in local politics and
i- considered one of the sound Republicans of that
section of the county.
=^i
SAAC HORN. An honorable citizen and a
thorough business man. a practical mechanic,
and the representative of a worthy family is to
lie found in Isaac Horn, who i- now a farmer and
stock-grower residing on section 2;t. Sullivan Town-
ship. He was born in Washington County. Pa..
July :?<). 1832. Hi- parent- John and Mary M.
(Gantz) Horn, as well as his paternal grandparents
were natives of Pennsylvania, while the great-
grandparents on that side came from Germany.
The subject of this sketch worked with his father
upon the farm in Pennsylvania until he reached
the age of nineteen years, when he worked at the
carpenter'- trade until 1870, at which time he made
his permanent home on a farm in Moultrie County.
111. It was in 1865 when he came to Illinois and
on account of failing health being obliged to stop
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
■>w
his mechanical work he decided to settle upon a
farm. Forseveral years pasl he has done but little
more than to superintend his various interests in
Moultrie County.
Tlir marriage of Mr. Horn, February 13, 1870,
united him with Miss Barbara A. Hudson, a daugh-
ter of J. J. Hudson, for whose family history, the
reader will please see the sketch of Isaac Hudson
upon another page. Of the Horn family there
were twelve children born, seven sons and five
daughters, namely: Martin, who resides on a farm
in Knox County, Ohio; George C, who lives on
the old homestead in Washington County. Pa..
which was entered from the Government by the
great-grandfather of our subject; two girls who
died in early childhood; Hugh X.. who resides in
Henry County, Iowa and is engaged in farming;
our subject; Mary M.. the widow of W. M. D.
Price, who resides in California: Hannah, who
married first Eleven Alva, who died in 1868, and
i- now Mrs. Squire Woodruff: Jacob, who enlisted
in a cavalry organization afterward known as the
Ringold Cavalry, and having served three rears
died a few days after the expiration of his term of
service, passing away in Clarvsville Hospital, Md.:
John, who died in Pennsylvania when sixteen
years old: Sarah Maria, wife of George Coogle
wlio resides in her native county and William M.
who owns a portion of the old homestead in Penn-
sylvania a tine tract of three hundred and four
acres which was divided between George and
William.
Isaac Horn was the financier of the family ami
in his early days undertook the difficult task of
saving the old homestead from the relentless hand
of a security debt which was contracted by the
father. By dint of a tremendous effort and the
Sacrifice of years of his early manhood the prop-
erly was saved and he afterward sold his interest,
a-- did the other heirs, to the two brothers. The
parents passed away in Pennsylvania.
To our subject and his estimable wife six children
came: the eldest, a .-on. died in early infancy: the
second a girl died when nine months old; Leslie
C, was horn August :'>. 1*77; Doy < >.. February -'i.
1882; Karl A.. April 12, 1884; and Chester July 3,
1KSC. When Mr. Horn came to Illinois in 1865,
he brought with him the results of hi- savings at
the carpenter's bench and his -hare from the -ale
of the old home-tead. making in all about 17,000.
This he invested in lands anil improvements in
Sullivan Town-hip. Mrs. Horn had inherited two
hundred and seventeen acres and to this her hus-
band has added at different times by purchase until
they now own eight hundred and sixty-two acres
of fine farming and timber lands. Fine improve-
ments and good buildings are upon the place. I die
of their farms, a tract of three hundred and live
acres, located near Sullivan, is usually rented out
on -hares.
This gentleman has ever taken a thoroughly in-
telligent interest in public affairs and his political
convictions have led him to ally himself with the
Republican party, but office he has never sought
and has often declined, as he prefer- home-life and
the quiet pursuit of agriculture to the turmoil of
the political arena, lie has accumulated a line
property, the income from which will afford him
and his family a good living during their lives.
r€h
■&3
Fhs-
■ OHN R. McCLURE, a successful general groc-
ery man. doing business on the east side of
the public square at Sullivan. Moultrie
County, has recently erected a fine, two-story
brick building, 70x25£feet with a basement, where
he is carrying on an extensive business. His first
store was opened in January. 1857, since which
time he has been a successful merchant, with the ex-
ception of fourteen years, during which time he
engaged in farming in Sullivan Township. He has
lived in this countj since October, 1853, making
his home either in Sullivan or vicinity, and ever
showing himself an energetic and public-spirited cit-
izen.
Mr. McClure is active in local politics, being
warmly attached to the Democratic party, and was
at one time an Alderman of the city. He is deeply
interested in schools and a promoter of the cause of
education. Hewasborn in Franklin County, Ind..
August *. 1835. His father. Lewis D. McClure be-
ing al-o a native of that county and a soil of Will-
21(1
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
i.'iin MeClure, a Kentuckian who came of Scotch-
Irish descent, but whose parents were born in Vir-
ginia. They came to Kentucky in the time of
Daniel Boone and became pioneers near Lexington.
William MeClure became a tanner and was mar-
ried in Butler County, Ohio, to Miss l'helie Eads.
an aunt of the late Capt. Eads who built the great
bridge at St. Louis, and also the builder of the
Mississippi River jetties. Some years after marriage
this couple, about the beginning of this century,
removed to Franklin County, Ind., and there spent
the remainder of their days, being past middle life
at the time of their decease. They were consistent
and earnest members of the old-school Baptist
Church. Lewis I). MeClure, the father of our sub-
ject, was born and reared in Franklin County. Ind.,
and learned the trade of a blacksmith which he fol-
lowed for a number of years, after which he under-
took farming. He was married in Franklin County
to Miss Elizabeth Rockefellar, a kinswoman of the
great oil speculator. Her parents. John and Mary
(Thorp) Rockefeliar, were early settlers in Franklin
County, coming then' in 1805 from Trenton. X. J.,
and there remaining through life. They were
Methodists in their religious convictions.
After the birth of three children Lewis J). Me-
Clure and wife left Indiana with a team and wagon
and after a long and tedious journey landed in
Clark County. 111., where they settled upon the farm
where they now reside. Mr. MeClure having reached
the age of seventy-eight years and his wife being
now eighty-two. They have both been active
workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church through-
out life and they are enjoying a quiet and peaceful
old age.
John R. MeClure is the eldest of six children, all
but one of whom are still living. When eighteen
years old he set out for himself, coining to Sullivan
County, where he began life as a poor boy with
but little means, and has now accumulated a com-
fortable but modest fortune. Hismarriage to Miss
Sophronia Tichenor, a native of Sullivan County,
Ind., occurred in this comity. She died in the
prime of life, leaving two children — Fdgar who is
at home and assists his father; and William, who
took to wife Laura Matterson, and lives in Sullivan
City, although lie also assists his father a part of
the time, but is a printer by trade. Mr. MeClure
was the second time married in Sullivan, Miss
Julia Calkins, who was born in Licking County.
Ohio, becoming his wife. Her father. Uranius
Calkins, lived to the age of four-score years, and
her mother is still living in Licking County, being
now about three-score and ten. Mr. and Mis.
Calkins were efficient and consistent members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. MeClure,
like her husband, is a member of the Methodist
Church, and is a true and good woman. She is
bringing up her live children in the Christian faith
and giving them the best advantages possible for
an educational and domestic training. Their names
are Charlie, Ida, Cora, Flora and Elmer. Mr. Mc
Clure is a charter member of the lodge of Odd
Fellows, and also of the Masonic lodgeal Sullivan.
'• L
«+£
LT3
EV. ELIJAH GOLLOGHER. The work
of a minister in the Western States has ever
\V entailed a great degree of severe labor and
*^ privation, and the brave men who have
undertaken the work of the preacher among new
settlements have had abundant opportunity to em-
ulate apostolic self denial and zeal, and have many
of them (piite undermined their health by the severe
efforts which they passed through. Such an one is
our subject who now resides in Stewardson, Shelby
County, and who was born in Holland Township.
March 21. 1841.
Mr. Gollogher is the son of Wesley and Sarah
( Middlesworth) Gollogher, who were natives of
Fairfield County. Ohio. The paternal grandfather
of our subject, Thomas Gollogher, was born in Ire-
land and came to the United States while a young
man. While living in Pennsylvania, he was united
in marriage to a lady of German birth and soon re-
moved to Fairfield County, ( )hio. where they reared
a pioneer family of eight sons and two daughters.
Wesley Gollogher was the seventh son in that fam-
ily, and he like his father, became a farmer by oc-
cupation and in 1 s:>7 removed to Indiana.
In 1839 the father of our subject came to Shelby
County, 111., and settled in Holland Township, pur-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
211
chasing a small claim and entering some three hun-
dred acre- of land. Here he made his borne until
l.sT.s. when he removed to Shelbyville, «1htc he
died January 28, 1880. He and his affectionate
and faithful wife had been most harmoniously re-
lated in their wedded life and their separation by
death was brief, as her passage to the other world
took place February 28, 1880, just one month after
his. In their religious life they had been connected
with the Methodist Church and were valuable and
valued workers therein.
The children of this worthy couple are Mis. Mary
.1. Allen who resides in Wallace, Neb.; Sarah A.
who is now Mrs. S. W. Wilson and resides near
Shelbyville; Elijah, our subject; Louisa M.. mar-
ried the Rev. David Gay and makes her home in
Decatur; Minerva, whose husband, X. 1'. Smith.
Is a physician in Paris, 111.; Thomas .1. who resides in
Shelby County, and Lucy M. who married 11. B.
smith M. 1). of Shelbyville.
Farm training and the life of a schooi hoy in
the common schools of Shelb) County, tilled up
the early year- of our subject, but he did not take
all of his education by any means in the school-
house, for he ha- carried it on through life as he is
an extensive reader and a man who delights in the
pursuits of literature which is broadening and im-
proving in its effects upon his mind. In 1866 he
left the farm and for six years was in the grocery
trade at Shelbyville, after which he returned to
the farm for five years.
Elijah Gollogher was but sixteen years old when
he gave himself to Christ and became a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Being a nominal
member of the church did not satiisfy him as he be-
came at once an active worker in both church and
Sabbath-school, and for many years devoted him
self to the work of a local preacher.
It was in 1 S7f) when this earnest man became a
member of the Illinois Conference, after winch he
located as pastor at Oconee for two years, at Lov-
ington for two years and one year at Slewardson.
Not having had the advantages of a thorough edu-
cation in his boyhood, he endeavored to supplement
this while carrying on his pastoral work, and owing
to over exertion his health failed. This obliged him
to de\ ote himself again for four years to the culti-
vation of his farm, after which he became pastor
for one year at Bismarck, then for three years at
Murdock. and one year at l.erna, but on account
of throat trouble he was obliged to leave the min-
istry permanently and in the fall of 1890 he erected
a beautiful residence at Stewardson where he hopes
to make his home for life. He owns eighty acres
of land in Prairie Township, upon which he is car-
rying on fruit raising.
The Rev. Mr.Gollogher was married May 22,1862,
to Rebecca E. Young, a daughter of Thomas and
Sarah (YVertinan) Young, who has proved a faith-
ful and true-hearted companion. This lady was
born in Christian County. III. The Democratic
party commanded the respect and vote of our sub-
ject in his early life but it was not long before he
decided to ally himself with the organization which
placed Abraham Lincoln in the Presidental chair.
His deep and serious interest in the cause of tem-
perance leads him now to vote for prohibition
and to work for its success in both the moral and
political field.
—
*-7Z-^lI()MAS PORTER was born in one of the
//T\ early pioneer homes of Central Illinois, on
V_y a farm fifteen miles southwest of Spring-
field, April 11. 1831, and consequently has wit-
nessed much of the development of this part of the
Male from a wilderness. And not only that, but
he has aided in its growth by his work as a prac-
tical farmer in Shelby County, where he now owns
a valuable farm, finely located in Moweaqua
Township.
Our subject's father. Henry Porter, was born in
Maryland, and came from there to Illinois in 1!S2(I.
He was one of the first settlers of Sangamon
County, and fora few years resided on Lick Creek,
where he busied himself in fanning the virgin soil,
lie then became a pioneer of Christian C ounty. and
with his limited means he bought forty acres of
timber that was partly grown, and after he had
built a log house to shelter his family, he c -
menced to clear his land. lie remained a resident
of that county many years, living to see it well
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
developed, and died there at the venerable aire of
ninety years. In early manhood he married Nancy
Bowles, who was likewise a native of Maryland,
and she died on the home farm in Sangamon
County.
Our subject was but three years old when his
parents removed to Christian County, and he was
brought mi amid pioneer surroundings, as at that
time the country was very sparsely inhabited, deer,
wild turkeys and other kinds of game being very
plentiful where there are now productive farms
and busy towns. There were no railways, and the
nearest flour mill was in Sangamon County, fifty-
five miles distant. People lived off the products
of their farms, their limited fare being occasionally
varied by the addition of game, and com meal
was the principal breadstuff.
When Mr. Porter was eight years old he went to
live with John Campbell on the banks of Lick
Creek, and remained with him three years. The
sturdy, independent little lad then eared for him-
self after that, and used to earn his living by
working out by the month or day. For some
years he was employed in a saw-mill, and in due
time he was enabled to marry and establish a home.
After marriage he turned his attention to farming
in Shelby County, on a farm owned by his father-
in-law in Flat Branch Township. He farmed there
sixteen years, and at the end of that time bought
his present farm, which is classed among the finest
in all Moweaqua Township. Its two hundred and
eighty at res an1 admirably tilled and yield large
harvests in repayment for the care expended upon
them, while its improvements are of a good order.
including three sets of commodious frame build-
ings.
In January, I*."i7. Mr. Porter was married to
Miss Julia Ann Stombaugh. and in her he found
all that a true wife can be to her husband. She
was a tender mother to their children, of whom
there are five living: Mary Catherine, wife of John
T. Haslam; Eliza A., wife of George 15. Carrington;
Sarah Isabelle. wife of Wesley Snell; Dudley, who
married Mary Prescott; and [daG., wife of Eugene
Harper. Mrs. Pinter who was a daughter of Mar-
tin ami Catherine (Traughber) Stombaugh, was
born in Tennessee July 27. 1828, and died in the
home in this township that she had blessed so many
years March 15, 1891. She was a Christian in
word and deed, and was a devoted member of the
Protestant Methodist Church.
In this summary of the life of our subject it is
shown that he is a self-made man. who began to
make his own way in the world at a much earlier
age than is usual with boys, and with down-right
hard labor, seconded by thrift and prudent man-
agement, has become possessed of a comfortable
property, so that he is well fortified against pov-
erty, and can pass his remaining years free from
the necessity of incessant toil. He is a thoroughly
good citizen, a man of sterling honesty, and has
led a consistent Christian life since he joined the
Protestant Methodist Church in 186] with his wife.
In politics he is a Democrat, tried and true.
_©Oo
immmm.
C20_
.v~
-J
^^IIOMAS L LEGO ITT. This successful
farmer and old soldier who resides on sec-
W tion 7. Whitley Township, is the son of
Thomas X. Leggitt, who was born in Licking
County. Ohio, and of Evaline E. Kliver. a native
of the same place. There they were married and
made their first home and thence removed in course
of time to Vigo County, Ind.. where they resided
a year before coming to Edgar County. There
they settled and remained permanently for eleven
years, after which they returned to Indiana and
purchased a farm in VigoCounty where they lived
for five years. Thomas X. Leggitt then sold out
his Indiana farm and removed to Kansas, settling
near Independence where he died in 1889. His
bereaved widow survives him and is making her
home with her children in Kansas City.
Of the fourteen children of this worthy couple
our subject was the third in order of age, being
born in Licking County. Ohio. August ;». 1842.
He was still residing under the parental roof when
the Civil War broke out and President Lincoln
made his first call for troops, our young man
promptly enlisted in the service of his country, the
date of his enlistment being April 2(1. 1861. He
joined Company G, Forty-third Indiana Regiment.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKl'ORD.
215
.•ind served until August 29, 1*(;2. when In- was
mustered out of service.
Bu1 this >h< >ri period of warfare did not satisfy
the young soldier and lie recruited and was mus-
tered in again in Company 11. Seventy-first Indi-
ana Regiment, or sixth Cavalry, serving in thai
company until September, 1865, with the exception
of three month.- during which he was in Company
K. of the same regiment. He was wounded at
Moore's Landing, Ark., the ball going through his
left hand. All through tins period of conflict lie
was the same brave, unflinching, intrepid soldier.
\\(ii thy of trust and reliance and full of enthusiasm
for the old flag and the Union. He neverfelt that
he did or could do too much tor his native country
and its institutions of liberty.
When the war was over our young hero returned
to his father's home in Edgar County. 111., but re-
mained with him only a lew months as he had now
resolved to strike out for himself. In March, 1866
he came lo Moultrie County and began work by
the month, afterward going to the home of an
uncle and remaining two years.
In .Moultrie County this young man found the
lady who was to be his companion through life and
was united with her in marriage April 20. 1871.
She was a widow at the time of her marriage with
him. her name being Mi's. Julia A. Whitfield, nee
Reed. She was a native of .Moultrie County, hav-
ing been born here November 11. 1844. After
marriage they settled in Whitley Township where
lie has -nice been a resident.
The six children who have been granted tO Mr.
and Mrs. Leggitt are Thomas I., Clara .1.. Mary E.,
Julia E., William A. and Olive A. William A.
died when only nine months old but the other
children have lived to be the joy and comfort of
their affectionate and judicious parents. Mr. Leg-
gitt has always been engaged in agricultural pur-
suits and is a successful man in his work. One
hundred and fifteen acres of rich soil constitutes
his farm, upon which he has made excellent im-
provements. Of his war record he may truly feel
proud as it proved the stuff of which he was made
and all who knew him in that relation are proud
to say that he did good service and his full duty
by his country in her hour of need. At the time
he was mustered out he had the rank of First Cor-
poral. The buildings upon his farm are first-class
and his home is a delightful one. within the walls
of which he and his amiable wife extend toward
their friends a gracious hospitality.
•>J— >J-, ' > i > i t '■
M ' i ' i ' i '
ELEAZAli
tinction
J sions is
fr^S LEAZAR A. PYATT, M. I). To attain dis-
ion in any one of the learned profes-
the proud ambition of many a man
who is struggling through the early portion of his
career, but it is looked forward to as the prize to
be gained toward the end of the race, and when
then gained it may well be accounted as having
been worth a struggle. We occasionally. howrever,
know of an instance when a man still young has
attained to this high position, and his success is
certainly worthy of applause and emulation. Such
was the success of Dr. l'yatt, of Bethany. Moultrie
County, during the early days of the Civil War.
when he was placed in a position of responsibility
and trust which established his reputation for all
time.
Or. Pyatt, who located in this county in 1868,
and is therefore the oldest physician in Bethany,
was born in Yancey County. N. C, October '.). HS32,
and is a son of Joseph and Jane (Brooks) Pyatt,
both of North Carolina, the latter being of Scotch
descent. The grandfather of Joseph l'yatt was
born in Coventry. England, of French parentage
and came to the United States when only sixteen
years of age, just before the breaking out of the
Revolutionary War. He immediately attached
himself to the cause of political liberty and served
all through that period of conflict and shared in
the struggles and hardships of Washington's army.
At the conclusion of the war he settled in Burke
County. X. C, and engaged in farming, though he
was a hatter by trade.
The father of our subject was reared a farmer,
and having married in his native State. North Car-
olina, resided there during his cut ire life, and dying
at the age of seventy-four years, lie and his wor-
thy wife reared two sons and four daughters and
our subject is the fourth in order of birth, lie was
2IG
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the only one to choose a profession, as the others
have all lieen abundantly satisfied with the pursuit
<>f agriculture. Burnsville Academy in his native
county gave to him a thorough education and pre-
pared him excellently for the pursuit of his profes-
sional studies which he began at a very early aire.
When only twenty-five years old the Doctor was
prepared to commence practice and located at Poor
Hill. Tenn. lie subsequently entered Jefferson
Medical College at Philadelphia, and took his di-
ploma from that institution in 1861, soon after
which he entered the Confederate army. He was
mustered in as a private hut as soon a- his talents
and his professional skill became known he was
made Assistant Surgeon-General, having charge of
the Eastern Department of the Tennessee during
the formation of those forces, some twenty thou-
sand men being mustered into service in that de-
partment. After the duties of that position was
discharged Dr. Pyatt was appointed Regimental
Surgeon of the Nineteenth Tennessee Infantry,
where he remained until the close of the war. being
especially active during the engagements at Shiloh
and Stone River.
After the war Dr. Pyatt went to Virginia and
was married October lii. 1865, in Washington
County, that State, to Ann E. Mahaffey, daughter
of Hugh Mahaffey. She was a native of the county
in which her marriage took place, having been born
there July 20. 1845. After marriage the young
couple settled in Hancock County. Tenn.. whence
in 1867 they came to Illinois and foreight months
were located at Mt. Zion, from which point they
removed to Bethany. Dr. and Mrs. Pyatt have
had six children, one of whom died in infancy and
another. Mary Grace, married Warren A. Wilkinson
and died April 23. 1891, leaving one son. Walter
A., who is now deceased. Those who are living of the
Doctor's family are: Edward C. a druggist at
Brownsville, Ore.; George A., who is now attend-
ing Lincoln University; Lulu Pearl and Anna
Dorothy.
Dr. Pyatt is a Democrat in his political views.
l>ut is not extremely partisan, notwithstanding the
fact that he was connected with the Confederate
service, hut he esteems it 1 lis duty to take enough
interest in local matters to cast his vote on election
day. In regard to his large and lucrative practice
and the handsome property which he has accumu-
lated, he may truly he styled a self-made man. for
he had but 13.00 and a horse when he made his
home in Tennessee after leaving his native state,
and he was obliged to pawn his horse for six months'
hoard. This, however, was only the beginning, as
he at once commanded an extensive practice and
was never again in straightened circumstances.
He has easily accumulated property, as he has both
the professional and business qualities which lead
to success, and he now has over nine hundred acres
of finely improved farming land, upon which he
has placed over $9,000 worth of tiling. His land
is all in Marrowbone Township, near Bethany, and
i- considered one of the best farms in the township.
His residence is said to he the finest in Moultrie
County and it is not only beautiful in the exterior
and delightfully located, but it is also furnished
throughout with good taste and is the scene of cor-
dial hospitality and domestic happiness. He is
connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, which he has joined since coming to this
county, as he had formerly belonged to the Old
School Presbyterian Church.
A lithographic portrait of the Doctor accompan-
ies this sketch.
Jp^IIOMAS 11. GRAHAM. Circuit Clerk of
//jjS shelly County, is a native of this Stale and
V_y a representative of one of the early pioneer
families of Illinois. He is a veteran of the late
war. and he is well known and honored as one of
Shelhyville's most worthy citizens. He was horn
in Coles County. April 20, 1839. His father. Mar-
tillas Graham, was horn at Ft. Harrison. Ind.,
November 25. 1^11. He was a son of Jonathan
Graham, who was horn in North Carolina, January
12. 1788. He was one of the pioneers of Indiana,
where he located in territorial days on a tract of
timber land in the vicinity of Ft. Harrison, and
he cleared a farm from the wilderness. At the
time of his settlement there Indians were more
numerous than the whiles, and were oftentimes
PORTRAIT AND RKMiRAl'IIICAL RECORD.
217
troublesome, and during the War of 1*12 lie ac-
cepted the advice of Gen. Harrison to retire to the
fort. He left the must of his belongings in hi*
cabin, and that night after he had removed to the
fort his home was ransacked by the Indians .'11111
the block bouse was fired, lit- continued i" reside
at the fori until 1831, when he sold bis farm to
Thomas Springer, father of the Hon. William
Springer, and removed to Illinois. He spent one
year in Coles County, and then coming to Shelby
County, bought a farm one mile above town on
the river. There was a gristmill on the place
operated bj horse power, and he managed that,
while his sons carried on his farm. A few years
later he sold that property, and returning to Coles
County, bought a home seven miles north of Mat-
toon and later entered Governnent land in the
same locality, lie lived there some years hut after
the death of his second wife he spent the rest of
his life with his children. The maiden name of his
first wife, grandmother of our subject, was Annie
Hill. She was horn November 20. 1786, and she
died on the farm in Shelby County.
The father of our subject was reared and edu-
cated amid the primitive scenes of the pioneer days
of hi* native State. Later he accompanied his
parents to their new home in the wilderness in
this state, and followed farming with his father in
this county until the family returned to Coles
County, when he entered a tract of land from the
Government, his claim being located seven miles
from Mattoon on the line of Moultrie County. He
built a frame house on the place, and at once began
the bard work of reclaiming his land from its nat-
ural wild condition. There were no railways, and
as there was no market for grain In' fed his to his
stock, which he drove to St. Louis or Chicago to
sell. After living there two years lie returned to
this county, and became prominently identified
with its manufactures, purchasing a carding-mill at
Shelbyville, which was operated by horse and ox-
power, lie built an addition to the mill, and at
the time of his death, which occurred January 25,
1851, he had just introduced machinery to start a
fulling-mill. He was a man of much energy of
character and enterprise, and his removal while yet
in life's prime was a serious l< »> to the interests of
the county, where his name is still cherished as that
of an honored pioneer who helped to lay the
foundations of its prosperity.
The parents of our subject were married August
.'j. 1835, and the maiden name of his mother was
Phananda Williams. She was horn in Pulaski
County, Ky.j December .">. 1813. Her father was
the Rev. Baylis Williams, a native of Virginia,
coming from one of the wealthy old families of
that State. lie inherited slaves, hut as he was op-
posed to the institution of slavery, he liberated
them and removed to a free state. He resided in
Pulaski County. Ky., of which he was a pioneer,
until 1830, when he came to Illinois with his wife
and seven children, journeying thither with teams.
bringing along household goods, and driving his
stock. For four weeks the family traveled, camp-
ing and cooking by the wayside at night and on
Sundays, and at length arrived in this county, and
settled one mile south of Shelbyville. The grand-
father bought six hundred and forty acres of land
in that vicinity, three miles south of the town, and
there his mortal career was brought to a close in
1831. Thus early the influence of this good man
was losl to his community. He was of a strong,
versatile character, and besides being a practicing
physician, was a preacher of much local fame in
the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and often-
times he preached to his fellow -pioneers in the log
court house. His mortal remains were deposited
in the Ridge Cemetery. The maiden name of his
first wife, the maternal grandmother of our suh-
jecl. was Elizabeth Bowen. She died in Kentucky
in 1817. The venerable mother of our subject
still resides in Shelbyville. She retains in a re-
markable degree her mental faculties, and is greatly
respected for the genuine worth of her character.
She has been a consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church since 1K.S2. Her husband joined
in his youthful days, and was an earnest Christian
and supporter of the church until the day of his
death. In his politics he was an old-line Whig.
and was opposed to slavery.
The subject of this biographical review laid the
foundation of his education in the public schools
of this State, and at the age of twelve years en-
tered a printing office to learn to set type. His
218
PORTRAIT A>'D BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
employer soon suspended, and the ensuing two
years the lad was engaged at various kind- of
work, and attended school during the winter ses-
sions. At the age of fourteen he again entered a
pi'inting office, and worked therein until lx.">7. He
then accepted a position as clerk in the Circuit
Clerk's office at Shelbyville and acted in that ca-
pacity until 1859, when he started for the Terri-
tory of Kansas, going by rail to st. Joseph, Mo.,
and thence by Stage to Lawrence, which was then
a village of about two thousand people. The
ensuing year he was engaged there a- manager of
a sawmill, hut in the fall of I860 he gave up that
position to resume his old trade in a printing office,
where lie was employed until July, 1861. In that
month he started with Others for the Rocky Moun-
tains, making the journey across the plains with
six yoke of oxen. At that time there were but
very few white settlers between St. Joseph and the
Rockies, and buffaloes and other wild animals
roamed in large herds across the sterile plains
known as the "Great American Desert."
Mr. Graham roughed it as a frontiersman in the
mountains nearly a year, and then retraced his
footsteps to Kansas, where in duly. 1862, he en-
listed in Company B, Twelfth Kansas Cavalry. He
was soon detailed to serve in the Commissary De-
partment, and rendered valuable aid in that im-
portant branch of the service until after the close
of the war. He was honorably discharged with
his regiment at Ft. Leavenworth in July. 1865, and
returning to Lawrence, he continued his residence
in Kansas until 1868, when he came hack to his
old home at Shelbyville: From that time until
1881 hi- wa- a clerk in different law offices, and in
that year wa- appointed Deputj County Clerk, lie
retained that position until 1886, and was after
that clerk in a law office until he was elected to his
present office as Circuit Clerk in 1888, for a term
of four years. Hi- selection for this important
position was a wise one in point of qualification
and experience, and he is performing the work
connected with it with characteristic zeal and de-
votion to his duty.
A- a gentleman of unimpeachable integrity and
high standing in the county where so many years
of his life have been passed, our subject is looked
upon with consideration and genuine respeel by all
who know him. lie is soundin his political view-,
which arc in accordance with the tenet- of the
Democratic party, which has in him an earnest
supporter. Socially, he i- allied with the Black
Hawk Lodge, No. 183, K. of 1'. He is a Director
in the Laborers' Loan Association, and lias helped
to make it a success.
E~ PHRAIM II. COOK, of Shelbyville, is one of
the most popular, keen anil wide-awake of
the men whose liberal, progressive and far-
sighted methods have been potent in the making of
thi- county. He ha- in various ways borne a part
in its upbuilding and in the extension of its indus-
trial interests for more than thirty years, and to-
day is widely known a- one who ha- been influen-
tial in the introduction and breeding of fine horses
in this section of the state.
In Washington County. Md.. is the birthplace of
our subject, two miles from Hagerstown, and he
tirst opened his eye- to the familiar scenes of his
boyhood October 2, 1834. His father. John Cook,
was a native of Franklin County, Pa. He was
married at Greencastle, his native State, to Miss
Hannah Hoffman, who was horn in Baltimore
County. Md. and died in Funkstown. the same
Mate, in lsis. leaving live children — lohn, I reorge,
Fphraim II.. Eliza and William. The father was a
blacksmith, and removing from Greencastle to
Funkstown. he followed his trade there for a time
and then opened a hotel. He resided there until
his death in 1857, and hi- community was thus de-
prived of one of its most substantial citizens who
was greatly respected.
He of whom this brief life-record is written was
educated in his native town, and at the age of
seventeen the energetic, -elf-reliant youth began an
apprenticeship at Hagerstown to learn the trade of
a carpenter and joiner, lie served two years, and
having gained an accurate knowledge of his calling
he worked at it on his own account at Greencastle,
Pa. one season, and at Baltimore, Md.. for the same
length of time. With characteristic foresight and
PORTRAIT AND I5K (GRAPHICAL RECORD.
219
business acumen he judged that the more newlj
settled regions of the great Prairie state offered :i
wider field to men in his line than the older por-
tions of the country that had long been inhabited,
and he resolved to take advantage of such oppor-
tunities as he might seize here to build up his for-
tunes, and in 1855 we find him Located at Mi.
Morris, in OgleCounty. He was actively employed
at his trade there until 1859, and in thai year took
an important step in life in then making this county
his future residence, which has accrued to his ben-
efit as well as to that of the community at large.
He has ever since made Shelbyville hi- home. He
carried on the business of contractor and builder
tor some years, was instrumental in introducing a
Style of architecture useful as well a> ornamental,
and some of the best buildings here, including the
Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian Churches are
monuments to his skill. lie is a man of large en-
terprise and by no mean.- confined his attention
wholly to his work as a contractor, but branched
out in other directions, and at the same time was
interested iii a flouring mill at Windsor and in a
saw-mill ten mile- south of the city, also engaged
in the lumber business and farming, and for a time
was interested in the foundry.
Soon after coming here Mr. Cook bought his
farm, which i- a valuable and well improved prop-
erty, advantageously located three miles east of the
city. It is admirably adapted to stock-raising
purposes, and Mr. Cook devote- it principally to
the business of breeding horses, and with Mich
Success that he is the owner of some Of the finest
thorough-breds, draft and trotting horses in the
country. At the present time he has four stallions,
one of them an imported English draft horse and
one an imported Clydesdale. He i> the owner of
the celebrated -Hazel X.." of the Hambletonian and
Membrino stock, registered number 11,600. He is
a handsome bay with black point-, and i- consid-
ered one of the finest horses in the State. "Cuya-
hoga Chief", another of his fine horses, is a handsome
black, of the Blackhawk, Morgan and Membrino
Chief strains.
Mr. Cook was married in 1858 to Ellen Virginia
Pouke, a native of shepherd-town. Ya.. and a
daughter of .lame- and Angelina (liver-) Pouke.
They are very pleasantly situated in one of the
well-appointed residences of Shelbyville, whose
furnishings and surroundings are luxurious, and
the cordiality and good will exercised by its gen-
erous host and hostess and others of the household
toward all who enter therein i- something to be
remembered with pleasure. Mr. and Mr-. Cook
have seven children, namely: Wilbur; Eva, wife of
Charles E. Haydon; John 11.. Nellie. Harry. Walter
and Charles.
Our subject has not stooped to query whether or
no "life i- worth living", but ha- made it so by
sheer force of an active spirit and an indomitable
will, guided by sound sense and high principles
and seconded by a judgment in business matters
that is unerring and bya masterly ability to accom-
plish whatever he -et- his hand to. He is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is liberal in his
contributions for it.- support, ami exercises true
public spirit in all things that will in anyway en-
hance the well-being of the community. He is a
Republican in politics and i- devoted to his party.
ACOB GALSTER As his name would in-
dicate, our subject is of German descent.
although born in the United States. His
birthplace was Tuscarawas County. Ohio,
and his natal day was April 4. 1843. He i- now a
resident on section 27. and also own- land on see-
tions 'I'l anil 28, Rural Town-hip. having made a
settlement in Shelby County in the fall of 1864.
His parent- were the Rev. MathiaS and lio.-anna
(Haller) Galster, who were natives of Germany, and
coming to the United States, were married in Tus-
carawas County. Ohio, and there resided until 1853,
when they removed to Huntington County. Ind..
whence in 1864, they came to Illinois and settled
in Rural Township.
Mathias Galster, the father of the original of
our -ketch was a minister of the Evangelical
Church for some forty year-, lie was a zealous
worker, and had a special tact and talent in organ-
ization, having organized four churches in Illinois.
220
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
located respectively at Pana, Taylorsville, Oconee
and Rural Township; also several in Ohio and in
Indiana. He was bora November 2. lull, in the
the Kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany, and came
to America with his parents when eighteen years
of age. lie was converted at the age of twenty-
two years, and felt that his mission in life was to
preach the Gospel to the edification and sanctifiea-
tion of his hearers. The first services that he con-
ducted were held in private houses. In Ohio, he
founded eight new churches, and at Huntington.
Ind., four churches.
On coming into Rural Township, our subject's
father purchased a half section of land, and here
resided until his death, which occurred March 25,
1KK7. His wife had preceded him by several years,
having died March W. 1880. He of whom we write,
is one of five children, all of whom are grown up.
Their names are Mathias, Jacob, our subject; Will-
iam F., Christina and Mary. Mathais fought as a
soldier in the Forty-seventh Indiana, and died
while in service; Christina is now .Mrs. August
Rosthner; .Mary married William Stanger, and died
in 188;">. Our subject's maternal grandfather emi-
grated at an early day from his native land and
died in Shelby County.
< )ur subject came to Shelby County with his fam-
ily, and May 6, 1869, was united in marriage to
Elizabeth K. Mautz, a daughter of George G.
Mautz, for a history of whom see sketch of Philip
A. Mautz in another part of this volume. After
marriage our subject settled witli his wife on the
place where he now resides. He owns and operates
one hundred and forty-two acres of land, which is
in first class condition, bearing excellent improve-
ments.
Mr. and Airs. Galster have had nine children,
eight of whom are living. They are Rosene M.,
George M., Barbara, Rebecca. Elizabeth, Jacob R.
F., Anna C. W., John William and Samuel K. C.
The children are all vigorous and intelligent young
people, who promise to be the pride and comfort
of their parents in their declining years. Politi-
•allv our subject is a Democrat. He has held the
office of Town Collector for five years, and the con-
fidence that his townsmen have in his judgment
and ability, is evinced by the fact that he has been
elected to the position of School Director for sev-
eral years. Mr. Galster was, some years ago, the
victim of an accident which has made him a crip-
ple for life. While riding he was thrown from his
horse, and his foot being so firmly fixed in the stir-
rup.as to prevent his shaking it loose, he was dragged
for some distance and broke his leg in two places.
He with his wife and family are members of the
Evangelical ( Ihureh.
JLLIAM PATTERSON, a general farmer
ind stock-raiser living near the city of
tyyj Sullivan, Moultrie County, which place
has grown from an unbroken prairie to its present
populous condition since he came here in the spring
of 1H.'5(>, is one of the old timers of the county, and
was a merchant for several years in Sullivan, lie
came here prior to the winter which is so famous
in the annals of the county as being marked by the
"sudden change"" in temperature, when ice froze
several inches thick in fifteen minutes according to
the traditions of the old inhabitants.
Mr. Patterson took his farm when it was mostly
unbroken prairie, and has achieved success, although
at one time he lost a modest fortune. He still owns
an excellent farm of more than one hundred acres
which is well improved, but most of his property is
within the city limits. While he was engaged in
the mercantile business he was unfortunate and met
with heavy losses, but has recovered from them.
He was here lief ore the county was changed from
Shelby to Moultrie, and in the early days wild game
was abundant, and he says that lie has seen as many
as forty deer together at one time.
Mr. Patterson is a native of this State, being born
in Union County, August (!. 1*17. His father,
Levi Patterson, was a native of Kentucky, and his
grandfather, James Patterson, was a Virginian by
birth, and prominent in the War of LSI 2. lighting
with Jackson at the battle of New Orleans, and be-
ing one of the regiments that met, defeated and
slew Gen. Packingham. He is now interred in the
soil of Sullivan County, having spent his last years
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFX'ORL.
221
in this region and dying in old age. 1 1 is religious
belief had led him to conned himself with the
Baptist Church, and his political opinions allied
him with the Democratic party.
Levi Patterson was reared in Kentucky, and
there married Jane Penrod, a Tcnnesseean by birth
and education, and the young couple soon emi-
grated to Illinois, settling at an early day in Union
County, where all their children were born. In
1836 the whole household removed to what is now
Moultrie County, traveling a distance of just two
hundred miles, which trip, at that time traveling
with team and covered wagon, occupied one month.
Levi Patterson entered a large tract of Govern-
ment land which was at that time known as the
"Lost Land." the Government's first survey hav-
ing been lost. Here he lived and died, passing
away at the age of fifty-five years, an earnest mem-
ber of the Christian Church in his religious belief,
ami a stanch Democrat in politics. He was twice
married and both wives brought to him children.
and died in this county.
Our subject is the second child by his father's
first marriage, and he has all the experience of a
pioneer, and loves to tell the story of the log
schoolhouse with its stick cuimney, puncheon floor
and rough seats. After reaching his majority, he
returned to Union County to claim his bride in the
person of Miss Margaret Carriker. a native of that
county where her parents had settled al an early
date, coming there from North Carolina. They
came of Dutch stock, and belonged to old and
highly esteemed North Carolina families and. died
in l'n ion County full of years.
For more than half a century .Mr. Patterson and
his faithful and devoted wife have labored together
and she is now in rather poor health, while Mr.
Patter-on is still robust and active. They were
both members of the Christian Church, and helped
to organize that body here, being among its char-
ter members, and Mr. Patterson acting as Deacon
for years. He had held some local offices of trust
and responsibility, and has always adhered to the
principles of the Democratic party, and at present
the Farmers' Mutual Kenetit Association claims his
allegiance.
A truly patriarchal family, is that of Mr. and
Mrs. Patterson, six children having passed to the
Other shore, and eight being still upon this side.
They are as follows: Daniel, who took to wife
Ellen Hoke, and now farms in Sullivan Township;
William .1.. wlio is in the same line of work, and
married Rebecca Lynder; Bushrod, who married
Miss Kate Blackwell, who has died, and who now
makes his home with his father while managing a
farm in this township; George, who took to wife
Miss Lyda Glabrook, and now lives on a farm in
Whitley Township, this county; Belle, who lives at
home; Maggie, who is the wife of Stephen Under-
wood, and lives on a farm in this township; and
Sarah, is the wife of Richard Palmer, and lives in
Nelson Township; and Sue A., wife of John Hani,
and lives in Washington state.
-t€>*<!^
NTHONY GILLESPIE. A country with-
out a nation, a people without a flag, it is
not surprising that so many of the warm-
hearted, sunny tempered, Celtic race should
rally under the stars and stripes, and ally them-
selves to the American people as loyal and true-
hearted citizens of the land in which they are
granted, not only freedom, but opportunity for ex-
ercising their native keenness and of rising to the
positions in both civil and political life for which
they are so eminently lifted. Our subject, who is
a native of the Emerald Isle, and was early at-
tracted to the United States by the superior advan-
tages that it offered to industry and energy. He
was born in County Mayo. Ireland. March 2.").
1835.
Our subject grew to manhood in his native
county and emigrated to the United states. His
landing in New York was made May 1.3. ltC>7.
and there he remained until the following spring,
when he came to this county and was engaged at
farm labor by the month for a period of four or
five years. He then rented land in Rose Town-
ship, which he was engaged in cultivating- thor-
oughly for some six years, after which he purchased
a farm in Tower Hill Township, where he has since
been a resident. The place of which he is the
222
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
happy possessor, comprises two hundred and forty
acres of good land upon which our subject has
placed valuable and numerous improvements. He
has erected good buildings on his farm, and has a
very comfortable and attractive residence.
He of whom we write, was married in Shelby -
ville, this State, April 7. 1861 , to Miss Anna Feeny,
who is a countrywoman of his own. having been
born in County Mayo. Ireland. Their life to-
gether has been very happy, as each endeavors to
suit the other. Three children have grown up
around them. They are John, William and Mary
Ann. In his political preferences our subject affili-
ates with the Democratic party, and under this
party he has been awarded several township offices,
having held the important position of Highway
Commissioner and School Trustee. Religiously he
with his wife and family are adherents of the
Catholic Church, and are among the most devoted
and loyal members of that religious body. Our
subject has always been engaged in farming and
agricultural pursuits, and is well up in the progress
and science of his calling.
The father of our subject was Patrick Gillespie.
His mother was Ann Clark Gillespie. They were
both natives of the county in which our subject
was born and there they departed this life. They
were the parents of six children;, and of these An-
thony was the voiumest .
V *=s
r
N
\f? YMAN A. GOULD, who is one of the firm
I (©) of Gould Brothers, dealers in grain and also
HL -"^, Vice-President of the Commercial State
Hank of Windsor, Shelby County, is one of the
representative men of the place, having first class
business ability, and known as a practical, far-see-
ing manager whose judgment of commercial affairs
may be depended upon. His firm is recognized
throughout the county as one in whom implicit
confidence may be placed, and it may lie said of
him of whom we write, that he has cultivated "high
erected thoughts, seated in a heart of courtesy."
Lyman Gould is a son of David Gould, who was
born in Drummondsville, Canada West in 1802.
His mother was Sarah (Symonds) Gould, a native
of Windsor, Conn. David Gould was a farmer In-
occupation, lie had removed from his native place
to Niagara County. X. Y., with his parents when
about two years old. and there he spent his life, his
decease taking place in the county in which he had
lived for so many years, in 1880. The mother still
survives (1891) at the age of eighty-one. Nine
children entered the home circle, and of these our
subject was the fifth in order of birth. He was
born in Cambria, Niagara County, X. Y.. August
30, 1841. Reared on his father's farm, he remained
under the home roof until the spring of 1870.
He early enjoyed the advantages of a good com-
mon-school education in the State that prides her-
self on the thoroughness of her district school sys-
tem. He was thus fitted for practical commercial
life, his native shrewdness and wit helping him out
in emergencies. In the spring of 1870 he came to
Decatur, this State, and was in the employ of the
Wabash Railroad Company for about eight months.
In the fall of that year, however, he came to Wind-
sor, and was with his brother, of whom a sketch
may be found in another part of this volume, and
was engaged in buying grain for the firm of E. it
I. Jennings. lie was thus engaged for one yew,
and in the following spring, 1K72, in company
with his brother. George F. Gould, he built the ele-
vator at Windsor, and since that time, they have
been large dealers in the cereals. In 1883, they
dissolved partnership, George F. disposing of his
interest to another brother, F. I). Gould, and since
that time the firm has been known as Gould Broth-
ers. They enjoy the distinction of being the chief
grain buyers in Windsor, and indeed, there are not
many who deal so extensively in this article of
commerce south of Chicago.
He of whom we write is the possessor of a fine
farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located in
Richland Township. This he rents. He has been
Vice-President of the Commercial State Bank since
the autumn of 1890. Mr. Gould's domestic life is
all that could be desired. His wife is a Cleveland.
Ohio. lady. They were there married October 15,
1H73. The lady's name in her maiden days was
Miss Clara A. Ford. They are the parents of four
MRS. M.SCHNEIDER.
MICHAEL SCHNEIDER
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL IIKtoRD.
22't
children, whose names are as follows: Horatio
Clark, Kate C. Mary A. and Lyman A.. Jr. Mr.
Gould has been a member of the City Council for
several years and also School Director, in which
position he has done efficient work. In his j >« >1 i t i-
cal preference he is a staunch Democrat. TheFree
Tariff plank in that platform is such as appeals
most directly to his business interests. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Gould are deeply interested in religious
work, our subject having been a member of the
church since 1866. First a Congregationalist,
since coming t<> tlii.- State he has been connected
with the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife
lias been a member of the Congregational (lunch
from girlhood.
^M!
[< HAEI, v< HNEIDER, the honored foun-
der of the city of Moweaqua, Shelb)
County, who i> now living in retirement
in this beautiful locality, is one of theearly
pioneers of Central Illinois, and his name is indis-
solubly linked with its rise and growth. Hi- pro-
gressive public spirit and generous benefactions,
bestowed with rare judgment and critical discern-
ment as to the future needs of the community and
the l>est way to promote it- highest interest, have
been instrumental in pushing forward various en-
terprises that have Ween of greatbenefit to thi- sec-
tion of the Mate.
On the banks of the beautiful river Rhine, in
Germany, our subject was horn in September, 1818.
His father, who bore the same name as himself, was
born in the same Rhenish province, and was there
reared on a farm. He married Mary Bauer, who
was a native of that part of Germany, and died
therein 1820. In 1824, the father of our subject
resolved to emigrate to America, where he hoped
to better his condition. He came to this country
accompanied by five of his seven ehildren.and first
settled at Bethlehem, Pa. In 1827 he removed to
Ohio, and for a time resided near C incinnati. He
subsequently identified himself with the pioneers
of Brown Countv. in the same State, and on the
farm that he lK>Ught there passed the remainder of
hi- life.
Michael Schneider, of whom these line- are writ-
ten, was a lad of eleven years when his father came
to tlii- country, and he and a sister were at that
time left in charge of an uncle, but two years later
the father -cut for them, and they set sail from
Hamburg in May. 1826, landing at New York eighty
days later. Our subject went to Ohio with his
father, and for a time lived with him near Cincin-
nati, which was then only a l;- 1-sizcd village.
He was a strong, self-reliant, manly hoy. and at
once commenced to earn hi- own living, finding
employment with Andrew Heredes, with whom he
remained some years, and in 1833 he came with
him to Illinois, making the journey hither over
those great highways of pioneer travel, the Ohio
and Mississippi River-. He located with his em-
ployer on Lick Creek, in Sangamon County, and
there Mr. Heredes erected one of the first -team
grist mills ever operated in the Slate.
In 1835 Mr. Schneider borrowed $50 of Esq.
Campbell, and entered forty acre- of Government
land in what is now Christian County, his purchase
adjoining the present site of Moweaqua. He bought
the claim of Mrs. Denton, and five acres of it were
cleared, and a log house stood on the place. There
were no railways here for many years after he set-
tled on his land in 1837, and he had to draw all
hi- main to St. Louis with ox-teams, where lie sold
it for thirty-seven and a half cent- a bushel, and
his hogs only brought him $1.25 to $1.50 a hun-
dred pounds. Deer were plentiful, and with prairie
chicken- and wild turkeys, formed a welcome addi-
tion to the fare of the pioneers.
Mr. Schneider worked early and late in the up-
building of hi- new home, being greatly assisted by
the active co-operation of his wif e, and he prospered
exceedingly in his effort- to secure a competency.
He invested his money judiciously, continually
entering and buying other land near hi- original
purchase until he had two thousand acres, all told,
of land of surpassing fertility. This included the
land upon which the thriving city of Moweaqua
now stands. Attracted by the unrivalled beauty
of the -pot. ami the natural advantages for the site
of ,-i town, our subject determined to plat the land.
228
PORTRAIT AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.-mil afterward carried out his plans, which have
given to this county one of its brightest ornaments,
one of "the prettiest villages of the State." toquote
from an enthusiastic admirer, and here center many
lovely homo and happy firesides in dwellings of
a modern and attractive style of architecture. Its
people are cultured, thrifty, prosperous and enter-
prising; its church privileges and educational ad-
vantages are exceptional: its varied industries and
business enterprises are ably conducted undersound
financial methods. One attraction of the city.
though it may be a negative one. is eminently
worthy of mention, and that is the fact that there
have been no saloons for the sale of liquor here for
years, which speaks well for the temperance and so-
briety of the citizens.
In 1882 Mr. Schneider removed from Mowea-
qua, and has since lived retired from active busi-
ness. He has always taken a deep interest in all
that concerns this city, which owes its origin to him.
and no man has done more to established it on a
solid basis of enduring prosperity than he. or has
been more influential in raising its moral and relig-
ious status. All schemes to add to its beauty have
met with his hearty approval, and his generous gift
of land for a public park in 1882 has greatly in-
creased the attractiveness of the place. He encour-
aged the building of the railway through here by
a liberal donation of land and lots, and to Mr.*
Eastman he gave land on condition that he would
built a mill within the corporation limits of the
city.
The blessings of a happy married life have been
vouchsafed to our subject, as by his marriage in
October, 1833, with Miss Margaret Kantz he secured
a true and loving wife, and they have lived
in peace and harmony for nearly fifty-seven
years. They have reared these seven children to
honorable and useful lives. — Michael. Christopher.
Margaret. William. Valentine, Adam and Caroline.
Mis. Schneider was bom in Baden, Germany, March
21. 1811. and is a daughter of Christopher and Car-
oline (Lichtenberger) Kantz. who were also natives
of Baden. Her father spent his entire life there.
while her mother came to America in the latter
part of her life and died in Iirown County. Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Schneider are people of earnest re-
ligious convictions, who lead exemplary Christian
lives. Their parents were members of the Lutheran
Church, and they were reared in that faith, but
early in their married life they united with the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and for more than
half a century have been consistent and devoted in
their membership with that church, and have borne
a prominent part in its upbuilding in this section
of the country. In their early life here when they
lived in a log cabin, their humble abode was always
open to preachers of all denominations, and meet-
ings were frequently held within its walls. They
contributed liberally of their means towards the
erection of the present house of worship of the
Methodists, and are generous in their support of
the Gospel. On another page of this volume the
lithographic portraits of Mr. and .Mrs. Schneider
are presented, and it is a pleasure to thus perpet-
uate the lineaments of this worthy couple.
ENRY KIC1IMAX. The enterprising little
village of Fancher counts among its inhab-
itants some first-class business men. and
y^y, among them we are gratified to note the
Postmaster and merchant whose name appears in
connection with this sketch, and who is one of
the really enterprising men of Shelby County. His
birth took place in Butler County. Ohio. October
24. 1843. His parents were Samuel and Susan
(Hill) Richmond. The father was born in New
Jersey; and went to Ohio when he was sixteen
years old. going on foot all the way from his na-
tive State to Butler County, Ohio. In that latter
named county his mother was born, although she
was of Southern parentage, her parents being na-
tives of Baltimore, Md.
The parents of our subject had eight children
gathered about their fireside and our subject was
next to the youngest of this number. After the
death of the mother the father again married and
had two children by his second union. It was in
1858 that Henry came to Illinois witli his father,
and located in Shelly County, where the latter
died some five years ago. Farming occupied the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
229
young man for aboul seven years after attaining
his majority, but later lie engaged in the meal busi-
ness, owning and operating a meat market al Wind-
sor for five or six years.
Aboul this time Mr. Rich man moved on to a
farm near Stewardson, in Prairie Township, and
remained thereabout five years and in 1**7 be
made his final removal to Fancher and entered the
mercantile business with William Hilsabeck. This
partnership continued for aboul one year when our
subject withdrew from the connection and opened
a store in an adjoining building. Mr. Hilsabeck
operated his store for about a year after which bis
stock was sold out and he removed from the place.
leaving Mr. Richman in possession of tin ly
store in that line of goods in the place.
This enterprising merchant carried a full line of
general merchandise, consisting of dry-goods, groce-
ries, provisions, clothing, hoots and shoes, hats and
caps, hardware, tinware, patent medicines, notions
and millinery. He has a handsome storeroom and
it is well stocked with a well selected line of goods
and he is doing a very satisfactory business. When
he began his capital did not exceed $400 and his
stock is now worth at least $5,000.
The first marriage of Mr. Richman was his union
with Miss Ella Fitzgerald, whodied two years after
marriage. She had one child which died in infancy.
His second wife was. before her marriage to him, a
widow. Mrs. Lizzie White, whose maiden name was
Hilsabeck. She was born in this county, and lias
one daughter by her marriage with Mr. Richman.
Gertie, now eleven years old. Mr. Richman is the
Postmaster at Fancher and has held this position
through most of the present administration.
The military record of our subject is of interest
to every One who loves his country, as he was a
soldier dining the Civil War, belonging to Com-
pany II. Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry. This regi-
ment was assigned to the Department of the South-
west under Gen. Banks. He participated in all the
labors required of the Fifty-fourth, although his
company escaped at the time the rest of the regi-
ment were taken prisoners at Ashley Station. Ark.
The Republican party is the political organi-
zation with which Mr. Richman affiliates and he
takes a lively interest in political affairs, being
public spirited and enterprising. lie is a thorough
business man. having theconfidence ami esteem of
all with whom he is associated either in business or
in social life. His efficient and interesting com-
panion is an earnest worker in the Methodist Epis-
copal Church.
_s
£+£i
R. PATTERSON, of the firm of Meeker &
Patterson, attorneys-at-law and real estate
and insurance agents of Sullivan, was born
in Moultrie County, December is. 1849.
The family has been prominently connected with
this county lor many years. The grandfather of
our subject. Levi Patterson, was born in Shelby
( dunty. Tenn.. of American parentage and was one
of a large family which was well represented in
theWarof 1812. One of the brothers was wounded
while lighting under Jackson at the battle of New
Orleans. Levi Patterson was a young man when
lie removed to Illinois, locating in Union County,
where he grew to manhood on a farm. He married
Mrs. .lane Pen rod. ner Beggs, a native of Tennes-
see, who had lost her first husband in this State.
After his marriage Levi Patterson settled on a
new farm in Union County which he cultivated
and improved and which is yet known as the old
Patterson homestead. In 1836 he came with his
family to Moultrie County, locating in Sullivan
Township where he entered Government land and
upon the farm which he there developed made his
home until his death on the 10th of June, 1849.
His first wife died soon after they came to this
county and he married a lady of Irish birth. Miss
Anna Patterson. After his death she became the
wife of a Mr. Simmons and was called to her final
rest in 1875 at the age of fifty years. Levi Patter-
son was a Methodist in early life but later joined
the Christian Church and was one of its original
founders in this county. Honest and upright, he
had the resped and confidence of all who knew
him and we'd deserves mention among the pioneers
of this locality.
Jonathan Patterson or "Donty" Patterson. as he
was commonly known, was the father of our sub-
230
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ject. When a youth of fourteen years he accom-
panied his parents to Moultrie County, and in
Sullivan Township spent his boyhood days. His
school privileges were limited and he bore ih«'
usual experiences of pioneer life. Having attained
to mature years he determined to make a home for
himself and on horseback returned to Union
County. 111., where he married Pearlina Carriker.
With his bride he returned, traveling a distance of
two hundred miles on horseback and in tine fron-
tier style they began their domestic life but by
energy, perseverance and good business ability he
became one of the wealthiest men in the county.
Public spirited and progressive, Mr. Patterson
was a valued citizen and did much the best inter-
ests of the community, lie built one of the finest
homes in the county, erected a large mill in Sulli-
van, sunk a coal shaft at that place and afterward
became a director in a proposed railroad which,
however, was never built. He alsoaided in sinking
an artesian well on the square and in those two
enterprises lost $20,000. Any industry calculated
to benefit the community received his support,
lie loved to aid in every good work of improve-
ment and did what he could toward the promotion
of every reform. The cause of temperance found
in him a warm friend and his labors to suppress
the saloons were untiring. lie canvassed Central
Illinois, making speeches in favor of prohibition
and cast his last vote for the Prohibition party.
He had previously voted with the Democracy.
Some years bef'ore his death he became an invalid
but as far as possible hecontinued his works for the
best interests of the community. For some years
he was Deacon in the Christian Church and died
in that faith September l.'i. 1878.
As before stated Mr. Patterson wedded Miss
Carriker. who was born in Union County, 111., Jan-
uary 12. 1824. and there resided until her marriage.
She still lives on a farm near Sullivan and is well
preserved for a lady of her years. She. too. is a
member of the Christian Church and has many
warm friends in this locality. D. R. Patterson was
educated in the public schools and for some years
engaged in farming. On the 1st of January, 1880,
he began reading Blackstone in .Indue Meeker's
office, where he is now a partner, and after a year
was elected Police Magistrate, which office he yet
fills. Ill the meantime he practiced law in a small
way until November, 1890, when he was admitted
lo the liar, since which time he lias devoted his en-
tire energies to the profession. The firm was es-
tablished in January, L891, and ranks high at the
county bar. Combined with the experience of the
older member is the energy and activity of the
younger one which insures their success.
Mr. Patterson wedded Miss Ruth Leatherinan.
who was born in Lawrence County, Ind.. in 1843.
and when seven years old was brought by her fa-
ther. Peter Leatherinan. to Douglas County. III.
Her mother had died in Indiana. After following
farming for a number of years her father removed
to Kansas in February, 1878. and a year later was
called to his finalrest. Mrs. Patterson became a suc-
cessful teacher,having passed three years as a teacher
in Sullivan Academy, and at one time numbered
among her pupils the gentleman to whom she has
since given her hand in marriage. Their children
are: Oscar L..who was graduated from the Sullivan
scl Is at the age of sixteen years; Harvey and
Ernest at home, and Nathan I)., now deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Patterson and their children are members
of the Christian Church and the family are promi-
nent in public and social affairs.
AMES S. WELCH. M.. 1).. deceased. Sulli-
van. Moultrie County, is proud to name
those in her foremost rank who have fallen
in the conflict of life, but who have fallen
honorably and whose past record makes them be-
loved and respected by those who knew them and
whose example is worthy of emulation by the ris-
ing generation. Among such names we present
Dr. James S. Welch who died at his home in Sulli-
van. September 1. 1884. He had lived in the
county for a good many years and was formerly a
resident of Shelby ville. where for some time he
was in the merchantile business. Sangamon County,
this State, had been his home previous to his com-
ing to Shelbvvillc.
Dr. Welch was horn in Sangamon County, III..
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
28 I
February 3, 1840, and as he had lost his father
when quite young he had been reared ti> manhood
by his mother who ha- since died in Sangamon
County, full of years and in the enjoyment of
the respecl and affection of all who knew her. Our
subject was a student at Ann Arbor, Mich., and
later was graduated from the St Louis Medical
College. He practiced his profession for a short
time only and then became a druggist, in which
line of business he was very successful.
Our subject was prominent in political and social
circles, was active in promoting the success of the
Democratic party and was identified with the order
of odd Fellows at Sullivan. This order took charge
of the funeral ceremonies after his death and he
was buried with the honors of the lodge. His in-
telliireuee and affability brought him many friends
and his business ability commanded the respect
of all.
Miss Anna Reeder became the wife of Dr. Welch
in Sullivan. She is a native of Warren County,
Ohio, and a daughter of George W. and Jane
(Thompson) Reeder, native- of Ohio who came of
Eastern parentage, being descended respectively
front families of Virginia and New Jersey. Mr.
and Mr-. Reeder were married in Warren County,
Ohio, and at once went to Wisconsin, becoming
early settlers near Monroe, Green County, in the
days when the Indian- were much more numerous
than white-. They traveled from Ohio by way of
water, taking the river at Cincinnati, LToinjr down
the < >hio and up the Mississippi to Galena, 111., and
thence with teams to Green County, Wis., where
they lived for nine years, transforming the raw
prairie into a productive farm which lie- two and
one-half miles from the present city of Monroe.
That city wa- at one time located upon their land
lmt during a county-seat war was removed an an-
other -ite. On Leaving Wisconsin they returned to
Warren County, Ohio, and in the spring oi 1865
they came to Illinois, settling in Coles County neat
Mattoon, where they lived for two years and then
came to Shelby ( ounty. Six years later they re-
moved to Normal. McLean ( ounty. and there Mr.
Reeder, died in 1 881, being then nearly seventy-
two year- of age.
Mr. Reeder was a strong Republican in politics
and a leader among men. and wa- a successful
farmer all his life. His wife, who survives him. is
now seventy-two years of age and make- her home
with her daughter, Mrs. Welch. She is the mother
of seventeen children, ten of whom are yet living.
Four of her sons, Joseph 11.. Allen B., Caleb T. and
.lame- ( '.. wen soldiers during the War of the Re-
bellion. The eldest of these fell at the battle of
Ft. Donelson by a shot from the enemy's guns.
lie wa- a member of the Eleventh Indiana Zouaves:
•
the second -on mentioned died from typhoidfever
upon a hospital hoat after the battle of Franklin,
in which he took part: he was a Sergeant in an Ohio
regiment. The last two named fought through
the war and escaped unhurt. .lames Ileitis now a
Kansas farmer, while Caleb F. is a general mer-
chant at Stewardson, Shelby County.
Prof. Rudolph Reeder, another son of this emi-
nent family, i- -nice— fully filling the Chair of
Training in the Normal School at Normal. 111.,
while another. Prof. George W. Reeder. has been
Principal of various schools in Kansas and Colo-
rado; their sister, Mr-. Welch, was carefully reared
and well educated, completing her course in the
Normal University at Normal. 111., and was for
twelve years a teacher, serving both in Mattoon and
Sullivan, having been only sixteen years old when
she began teaching, she i- a Methodist in her re-
ligious belief anil her mother belongs to the Bap-
tist Church, she i- an earnest temperance worker
and is active in promoting every movement which
will lead to the prohibition of the -ale of alcoholic
drink- in her town and country.
•■
.
OlIN LUFFERS. The name at the head of
this sketch i- that of a practical fanner and
stock-raiser residing on sections 17 ami 18,
of Pickaway Township, where he settled in
1851. since that time he has put a great number
of tine improvements upon the place so that it is
now a most comfortable and desirable home. He
came to Shelby County in 1 846 and since that time
he ha- lived here and in Flat Branch Township.
Our subject hegan life here a- a poor man and
232
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lias since made all that he now possesses, and is at
the present time looked up to as one of the most
successful men in the county. He is worth at
least $20,000 and pays annually fr $80 to $100
in taxes. His farm, which consists <>t' one hundred
and forty acres, is in very good condition. He is
noted throughout the county for his industry and
honesty.
Our subject is of German birth and parentage,
having first seen the light of day in the Kingdom
of Hanover, Germany, January IS. 1826. His par-
ents, who are Germans, were poor but worthy peo-
ple and they lived and died in their native king-
dom at quite an advanced aire. They were George
and Ellen Luffers and were small farmers; the father
adding a carpenter's trade to his stuck in store to
aid in the support of his family. They were mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is one
of four children, there being three sons and one
daughter, all of whom are now in this country.
A sister died at an early aye in .Madison County,
111. Mr. Luffers was the lirst of the family to come
to the United States, being only eighteen years of
aire when he left his native land, lie took passage
on a sailing vessel called the -Little Competitor,"
and after eight weeks and three days spent on the
ocean lie landed in New Orleans, coming thence to
St. Louis. This little trip occupied ten days. It
can now he accomplished in a little over one day.
The delay was caused by the ice blockade on the
river, for our subject came northward by boat.
He then came to Edwardsville. Madison County,
this State, where hespent his first year. Here he was
married in the township of Pickaway, in October,
1859, to Miss Louisa Smith. She was born in
Madison County in 1828, and was a daughter of
Thomas and Mary (Tolly7) Smith, natives of Ken-
tucky, who came to Illinois in an early day and
settled in Madison County, where both parents
died while yet in middle life. Mrs. Luffers spent
the greater part of her life before her marriage in
hei native county. She has ever been a true help-
mate to her husband and is no small factor in his
successful career.
Our subject and his wife have had no children
of their own but they have been the loving foster
parents of several children. These art' Laura Car-
barn, who is now the wife of M. F. Cutler, a farmer
in this township; Kate ( toodwin and Thomas ( tood-
win. the latter of whom is deceased. Kate married
Ilerm Methias and they live on a farm in Flat
Branch Township.
Our subject came to his present location from
Madison County. 111., where he had arrived in
1845, spending about twelve months in that place
doing what he could in the way of earning money
for self support. His wages were but $7 or $8
per month at that time. Soon after marriage,
however, he obtained the nucleus of his present
farm, and since that time has been steadily ad-
vancing in his financial position. Politically
Mr. Luffers affiliates with the Democratic party.
He has held the position of Commissioner of High-
ways and satisfactorily discharged its duties. He
and his wife are charming people, having attained
the mellow aye at which life is no longer a" strife
but a waiting period for the better thing that is to
come after. They are both attendants upon the
Baptist Church and are liberal supporters of the
same.
Y ■ ' i ' H "■! '
AMES BARTON. Shelby County has an
excellent reputation throughout the State
for good farms and excellent stock, and
those who are carrying on the industries
connected with farming and stock-raising, have in
almost every case achieved a creditable and satis-
factory success. Among the independent farmers
in Dry Point Township, we find on section 15, the
home of .lames Barton, a native of the county,
born June 7. 1853. in Okaw Township.
David and Mary (Craig) Barton, the parents of
our subject, were natives of Bedford. Ya.. the fa-
ther being born in L818 and the mother in 1813.
The former passed away from life on the farm
where our subject now resides in 1886, and the
mother makes her home with her son James. Their
family consists of four stalwart sons and three beau-
tiful daughters. William, the eldest, married Mary
.1. Dihel and resides on an adjoining farm; Rhoda
has been twice married, as after the death of her
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
233
lirst husband, John T.Jones, she married < . R.
Barton, and resides in this township; Elizabeth
died in W65 al the age of nineteen years, and
Charles passed away al the same age in lstiT:
David married for his first wife Mary A. Reynolds,
who died in 1882, and his second marriage was
with Mary L. Flanders, and he now resides in this
township; the next child in order of age is our
subject, and the youngest i- Mary K. who married
Y. L. Dihel and died in this township in 1881.
Our subject received his education in the com-
mon schools of the country districts and in the
graded schools at Shelbyville. He early undertook
the profession of a teacher, which work he began
in ISTil and continued for twelve years. In 1890
he »ave up his place at the teacher's desk and de-
voted himself entirely to agricultural pursuits.
The happy union by marriage of .lame- Barton
and Mary V. Finks, occurred May 2,1878. This
lady i- a native of this township, of Southern
parentage and was here brought up to young
womanhood. She was born October 12, 1859, and
i- a daughter of C. L. and Alpha Finks, natives of
Virginia, who became residents of Shelby County,
this State, in the early days of the history of its
.settlement.
Mis. Barton is the second child in a family of six,
her brothers and sisters being James II. . who died
in this township in 1890; C. W. who married and
resided on a farm here: J. M., who married, but
died in 1890 of typhoid fever: Silas W. who is
married and living in the same township, and
Annie, wife of ILL. Austin who also resides in
Dry Point Township.
Mr. Barton was elected Supervisor of Dry Point
Township in 1888 and has twice succeeded himself
in that honorable position, being now on his fourth
year in that office, which he has tilled to the satis-
faction of his constituents. For two years he served
as Township Tax Collector and is now serving his
eleventh successive year in performing the duties
of School Trustee of the town-hip. His beautiful
"arm of one hundred and sixty acres is in a tine
state of cultivation and it- chief product i- hay.
Tin- household of our subject has been blessed
In the birth of two daughters and time -on-: Liz-
zie, born March 9, 1879, John D.. March ■>■>. 1882;
Thaddeu- \V.. February 15, 1884; Allie Ella, Feb-
ruary it!. 1886, and Chester Roswe 11, February 5,
1888. These affectionate and judicious parents
have the great happiness of -till keeping all their
little ones about them and seeing them preserved
in life and health. They are both earnest and con-
scientious members of the Separate Baptist Church.
The subject of this life sketch has been a life-
long Republican and is pleased to boast that he has
never cast any other ballot than that which is en-
dorsed by the Republican party. He is well-known
as one of the most public-spirited and enterprising
citizens of the township and takes an active part
not only in political affairs, hut also in all move-
ments which arc intended to promote the social
and financial prosperity of the community. His
brother William fought in the Union army during
the Civil War. Mr. Barton has been a member of
the Masonic order hut at present is not affiliated.
Both he and his estimable wife arc very active ill
church and Sunday-school work, taking great in-
terest in the advancement of the cause of relig-
ion through that worthy ally of the church, the
Sunday-school. One peculiar feature of the liar-
ton family is that every male member of the
famih for two generations has married a woman
whose first name was Mary, and even those who
have twice married have observed this rule.
T. BAIL. Among the most active and use-
ful citizens of Sullivan are a class of men
who now are able to employ their energies
more directly in the line of public improvements
than they could in the days when they were more
heavily burdened with work. These are the retired
farmers who having gained wealth and insured
their last days in comfort and competence, haye
withdrawn from active work and given themselves
and their faithful companions the luxury of rest
and ease in their declining days.
Mr. Hail, whose name appears at the head of this
-ketch left hi- farm in East Nelson Township in
1890. To thai tract of land he had come in 1852
23 I
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and there he grew to manhood, married and began
farming. lit- now owns three hundred and sixty
acres of as fine land as is to be found in Moultrie
County and it is all under cultivation. lie placed
upon it a tine set of farm buildings and has made
it his Inline from that day until he retired from
service.
Our subject was horn in Pike County, Ohio, No-
vember 19, 1842, his father being .Joseph Rail, a
native of Virginia, and son of a Welshman who
died in the Old Dominion. Joseph was still quite
a young man when he came to Ohio and was mar-
ried in Pike County to .Miss Elizabeth Divens, a
native of Pennsylvania of Dutch Stock. She had
come when a child with her parents to Ohio and
there grew to womanhood. In 1«.")2 the Rail fam-
ily came to Illinois traveling by team and wagon
and camping out on the road. They were some
four weeks on the way. and reaching Easl Nelson
Township took up a farm there. It was on this
farm they made their home and there Joseph Rail
died in November, 1864, having reached the age
of seventy-one .years. lie was a Republican in his
political views and .Methodist Kpiscopal in his
church connections. His bereaved widow who is
now eighty-eight years old. is yet as efficient as
many ladies at sixty and makes her home with her
son. our subject. She is a great reader, very intel-
ligent and active and an earnest and conscientious
Christian, being still counted as one of the pillars
in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
E. T. Rail is one of his mother's thirteen chil-
dren who lived to be grown, and eight are yet living.
All througb his early and mature years he devoted
himself untiringly and persistently to his labors as
a fanner, lie was married to Miss Elizabeth Wiley,
who was horn near Leroy. McLean County. 111..
July 12. 1JS4S. She is a daughter of Thomas and
Margaret (Brean) Wiley who were horn of Pro-
le-taut stock in the North of Ireland. They were
married in their native island and came soon after-
ward to the United States, settling in Vermilion
County, 111., before coming to McLean County and
afterward, in 1849, to Moultrie County. There
they took and improved a new farm and there
lived and died. Mr. Wiley passed away at the age
of seventy years and his wife was taken from him
when she was only forty years old. They were
Protestants in their religion as are all of thai sturdy
class who come from the North of Ireland.
The children who have come to Mr. and Mrs.
Rail are Albert S.. who died when a little child:
Anthony 1... who is soon to he admitted to the bar
and who was educated in the law school at Valpar-
aiso, Ind. and at DePauw University, Greencastle.
Ind. He is a hard student and is fitting himself
liberally for success in his profession. The next is
Florence, who is the wife of .1. D. Goddard, a
farmer in Past Nelson Township, and Lulu L.. who
is at home. Both Mr. Bail and his son are earnest
and ardent Republicans in their political views and
it is their aim to stand by the party which stood
by the administration during the Civil War.
#
ILLIAM M. KITTRICK. The name at the
head of this sketch is that of one who was
\ A /
y V a compatriot with the poet Moore, and
even yet his heart rebounds at the words of the
old soul;'.
"The harp that once thro' Tara's hall
The soul of music shed
Now hangs as mute on Tara's wall
As if that soul were tied —
So sleeps the pride of former days.
So glory's thrill is o'er.
And hearts, that once heat high for praise.
Now feel that pulse no more."
However successful a native of that unhappy land
may Ik- in his adopted country he cannot hut he
saddened at the thought that Ireland is no more
what it was in the days of the Kings.
Our subject is in the meridian of life and the
hot of hi> successes are before him. He is of Irish
parentage as well as birth, his father having been
William McKittrick, who was a native of the Em-
erald Isle, and his mother. Margaret (Quarrel) Mc-
Kittrick, also of Ireland. They emigrated to the
United States in 1858, and the father died after
locating in Moultrie County, this State. The
mother passed away in this county. They were
Hie parents of thirteen children of whom our sub-
ject was one of the youngest: he was born in Ire-
PORTRAIT AND lilt )( . RA1M IK AL RECORD.
235
land September 29, 1 849, and was about nine years
of age when, with hi- parents, he came to America.
They at once located in Madison County, this State,
where our subject lived for seven years and then
they removed to Shelby County where he has ever
since been a resident. Hi' has always been engaged
in farming, and has followed this pursuit with a
reasonable degree of success.
Thi' marriage of the original of our sketch t<><ik
place in thi.- county, March 22. 1*77. The lady
tn win mi he was united was in her maiden days
Laura A. Patton, a daugher of James 11. ami Lydia
(Friezner) Patton, the former a native of Virginia
and the latter of Ohio. The father's death occurred
in this county and he left to his bereaved wife ten
children, of whom Mrs. McKittrick was the third:
she was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 15,
1853. Our subject and wife are the parents of -ix
living children, whose names are as follows: Lydia
A., William C, James F., Milo E., Margaret E. and
and Mark N. The deceased children were taken
away in infancy.
A short period of our subject's early married life
was spent in Cold Spring Township, after which
they settled on section 26, of Tower Hill Township,
where they owned two hundred acres of good,
arable land. Mr. McKittrick is in his political
tastes and favors a follower of the Republican
party. He has been a School Director for some
time. Neither our subject nor his wife are united
by membership to any church, being liberal in their
religious belief, still they do their part toward
the support of the Gospel and exert and wield a
good influence in the community.
^t!^>
Rs. MARTHA A. ( WOOD) GOODWIN, a
native of Shelby County, this state, born
A near the town of Woodburn, Macoupin
County, comes of the old pioneer stock of
Illinois, and is a daughter of David B. Wood, a
prominent and well-known citizen of her native
county, she is the widow of Thomas Goodwin,
a former prosperous farmer of Penn Township, and
she still occupies the old farm mi sections 31 and
:>2. where -he helped her husband make a comfort-
able home in which the most i if their married life
wa- pa— ed.
Mrs. Goodwin's father was bora in Kentucky.
of which State hi- father, .lames Wood, was also a
native and a pioneer. Tin- grandfather of our
subject came from Kentucky to Illinois and was
one of the Hist settlers near the present site of
Bunker Hill. Macoupin County. At that time the
surrounding country contained lmt few white in-
habitants, and deei'. wild turkeys and other game
were still plentiful. There were no railways and
for several years Alton and St. Louis were the
nearest markets for the pioneers. Grandfather
Wood improved a good farm upon which he resided
until his demise.
Mrs. Goodwin's father was young when his
parents left his early Kentucky home to seek an-
other in the untried wilderness of Illinois. He
wa- reared to agricultural pursuits, and the old
farm south of Woodburn that his father developed
from a state of nature is now in his possession and
he -till makes it his home. He ha.- arisen to an
important place among the farmers and stock-raisers
of Macoupin County and is known for the integ-
rity of his character, his sound wisdom and his
worth as a citizen. The maiden name of his first
wife, mother of Mrs. Goodwin, was Barbara Davis.
she died when her daughter was very young. His
second wife wa- Mary Clanton, a native of South
Carolina.
Mr-. Goodwin wa- carefully trained in her girl-
hood in all useful household duties, and among
other things learned to card and spin. and after her
marriage she spun the wool to make her husband
a suit of clothes. She continued an inmate of her
father's household until she wa- wedded in 1865
to Thonia- Goodwin, a most worthy young man
of English birth and ancestry. Their union was
one of mutual helpfulness and happiness, and
among its blessings were the eight children born
to them — lennie. Samuel. Maria. Hat tie. .John. Rose.
George and Daisy. .lennie died when young, and
Maria, who was married to William Wyatt and re-
sided in Johnson ( ity.Tenn., died August is. 1891.
The children occupy the old home with their mother.
Mrs. Goodwin is a member of the Methodist Epis-
236
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
copal Church and in all things is a consistent
Christian.
Thomas Goodwin was born af Vale Mills. Stoke-
upon-Trent, England, May 1. 1835. His parents
were Thomas and Jane< Goodwin, and they were also
natives of England. They came to America in
1844 and located in Madison County, this Stale.
where the father spent the remainder of his life.
The mother passed her lasl years in Macoupin
County whither she removed after the death of
her husband.
Mrs. Goodwin's husband was a boy of nine years
when his parents brought him to America. He
was reared and educated in Madison County and
in early manhood adopted the calling of farmer as
his life-work. In 1SG7 he came to Penn Township
and bought a tract of wild prairie land on sections
.SI and 32. and threw his whole energies into the
pioneer ta>k of reclaiming it. He was exceedingly
industrious, working early and late to accomplish
his undertaking, and in due time hi> labors were
rewarded and the change that he wrought made
him one of the best farms in the neighborhood.
lie plaeed his land under line cultivation, erected
neat and orderly buildings, and planted fruit.
shade and ornamental trees to make his home more
attractive. Here he laid down his life ere yet it
had passed its meridian, closing his eyes in the
dreamless sleep of death February 21. 1884, leav-
ing behind him the record of years well-spent and
a tender memory of a kind husband, a good father
and a just and true neighbor and friend.
% AVID (.. SAXNER. V. S., prominent and well-
), known as a wealthy farmer and stoek-raiser.
residing in Penn Township, Shelby County,
lias large landed interests in this, Macon and Moul-
trie Counties, and has contributed extensively to
the development of the great agricultural resources
of this section of his native State as one of the most
enlightened and advanced men of his class within its
borders. He is much interested in raising fine road
horses, the Hambletonian strain being his favorite.
and he also bears a high reputation as one of the
most intelligent and skillful veterinary Slug* - of
the county.
May 16, 1*42. is the date of the birth of our sub-
ject, in one of the pioneer homes of Madison County
of which his father. Samuel Sanner. who was an
early settler. The latter was a native of North-
umberland County, Pa., and in early manhood mar-
ried Barbara Paul, a native of Preston County. W.
Ya. In 1833 he came to Illinois with his family
and loeated in the wilds of Madison County, nine
miles north of Edwardsville. During the many
years that he lived there he applied himself busily to
pioneer work, and in due time was well rewarded
by becoming the possessor of a goodly amount of
property. Fnl866 he took up his abode in Penn
Townshipand there his remaining days were passed
in tranquillity and comfort until he elosed his eyes
in the dreamless sleep of death. He left behind him
a good life-record and a memory that is cherished
with reverence in the hearts of those who knew him.
<>ur subject was the eighth child in a large fam-
ily of children, twelve in number, and in his child-
hood he had ample opportunity to acquire habits of
industry and steady application that have been of
use to him in his after life, as his father wisely de-
termined that his boys should lie able to do all kinds
of work on the farm, while at the same time he de-
sired they should have an education. Our subject
was well equipped in that respect, as in his youth
excellent schools had already been established in
Madison County, and he attended them whenever
opportunity offered, and gained a sound knowledge
of mathematics and other common branches. When
the war broke out he was scarcely more than a boy.
but he was eager to fightin defense of the old Bag.
Owing to circumstances over which he had no con-
trol, however, he was obliged to abandon the
thought of enlisting until 1864, when he left the
parental home September 3. to enroll as a mem-
ber of Company A..( hie Hundred and Forty-fourth
Illinois Infantry, commanded by t apt. George W
Carr the regiment being mustered in at Alton. He
was disappointed that his regiment was detained at
Alton to do garrison duty instead of being sent to
the front, some of the men being sent to Missouri so
that he saw no active service in the held. He was
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
2:i;
soon detailed for service in the regimental band and
remained at Alton during tin' winter of 1864-65.
The war closed the following spring, and he was
honorably discharged July l l. 1865, and mustered
out :it Springfield.
Returning to his father's farm after his exper-
ience a- a soldier Mr. Sanner brought his family
from his native county to this county in the spring
of 1866. Ho continued to be an inmate of the par-
ental household on section 21. Penn Township,
until lie established a home of his own, securing as
.-in efficient helpmate to preside over it. Miss Mary
E. Freeland, then a resident of Milan Township,
Macon County, to whoinhe was married in April.
1870. Her father, David J. Frecland, was a native Of
North Carolina whence became to Moultrie County;
this Mate, when he was a boy of fifteen years. He
was engaged in farm work in that ami Coles
County some years, ami then took up his residence
in Milan Township, of which he is now one of the
extensive land-holders. He married for his second
wife Martha .Sawyer, a native of Coles County,
and Mrs. Sanner is their eldest child.
When he married Ml'. Sanner commenced his in-
dependent career as a farmer on a half section of
land in Milan 'Township, and resided on that place
for six years. At the expiration of that time he
came back to Penn 'Township to take charge of his
father's farm on section "21. In 1 S77 he took pos-
se-sion of his present homestead, a beautiful farm
of three hundred and twenty acres, finely located
no section 23, Penn Township. Ho still retains his
Macon County farm of half a section, renting that
and part of his farm in Penn 'Township, and he has
a thousand acres of land in all. including fifteen
acres of timber in .Moultrie County and town prop-
erty in Bethany. He is extensively engaged in
general farming, having his farm well stocked, and
he pays particular attention to breeding tine
roadsters of Hambletonian blood. He has a thorough
knowledge of the horse, having made a carefu|
study of the animal for years, and is an acknow-
ledged authority on all questions pertaining to it
as hut few men observe the good points of a
horse quicker, or detect its weak parts sooner than
he. IK' i- also a successful veterinary surgeon of
twenty-five years standing.
A man of an active temperament, and indomi-
table will and a large nature, our subject has won
his way to a high place among our valued ami use.
fill citizens. Ill— ha- been a busy life, hut not l.\
the force of sheer hard work has he acquired his
property, his labors having been directed by a clear.
well-balanced intellect, by practical business methods
and by excellent powers of discrimination and
judgment. In all his dealings, he has borne him-
self with unswerving adherence to the principles of
truth and probity, and his reputation is unblem-
ished. 'The Sanner family are noted for their devo-
tion to the Republican party, and our subject is no
exception, he being one of the strongest advocates
of the Republican policy in this part of the State,
ami has been since in early manhood he cast his first
Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864.
Socially, he is identified with William Penn Camp.
M. W. A., and he is also a member of Prairie Lodge
K. of II. He i- a stock-holder in the Prairie
Home Building and Loan Association, and all en-
terprises to promote the growth of the county find
in him cordial support.
Mr. and Mrs. Sanner have been truly happ\ in
their married life, and their home has been glad-
dened by the birth of children, of whom they have
had ten. namely. — Charles Wesley. Carrie Belle,
Franklin Ellis (who died in infancy). Samuel Wal-
ter. Cyrus David, Orville Arthur. Lawrence Lester,
Robert Lincoln. Etta May and Martha Barbara.
X
ALCOLM I). LANK. One of the patriotic
sons of our country, who in her time of
peril gladly sprang to her defense and
-pent almost the entire period of the Civil
War in the army, we are proud to name as the
brave soldier whose name heads this paragraph.
He is now devoting himself to the peaceful pur-
suits of farming up ... cct ion 19, Ridge Township,
Shelby County, li. was born in Fairfield County.
Ohio, October 26, 1.832, and his parents were William
and Maria (Griswold) Lane. Hi.- father was born in
Ohio, and hi- paternal grandfather in Westmore-
238
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
land. Pa., while his mothev was a native of Con-
necticut, whose ancestors came originally to Mary-
land, and built one of the first houses which was
erected on the site which is now covered by the
city of Baltimore.
Four sons and two daughters, grew up together
beneath the parental roof, and Malcolm was the eld-
est of the number; .Marcus died in this State in 1880;
Naomi. Mrs. William Propeck, lives in Denison
City, Tex.; Rachel, the wife of Jesse Columber, lives
in this county; Henry and .lames M. now reside in
.Marshall County. Kan.; and John died at the age
of seventeen years.
Our subject was married December !). 1855, to
Miss Melinda Updegraff, of Miami County. Kan., a
lady who was horn in Clarke County. Ohio. Jan-
uary J. 1838, and went to Kansas with her parents,
Andrew and Margaret (Lowman) LTpdegraph, who
were natives of Ohio, in 1855, where she made the
acquaintance of Mr. Lane. The young couple re-
sided in that State for live years after marriage,
and after the war made their home in Shelby
County, this State.
Malcolm I). Lane enlisted in Company I, Seven-
teenth Ohio Infantry, in August. 1861, and was
made a Corporal, lie served with Gen. Thomas in
Kentucky, and participated in an engagement at
Wild Cat, Ky., Mill Spring. Stone River, Chicka-
mauga. Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, and the At-
lanta campaign, finally marching with Gen. Sher-
man to the sea. ilis regiment then joined in the
famous march back through the Carolinas to Wash-
ington, I). C, and were present at the Grand Re-
view in l.sii."). The gallant services of this young
man were the cause of his being promoted, first to
First Sergeant, then to Sergeant-Major, and finally
to the rank of First Lieutenant of his company.
He was mustered out of service at Louisville, Ky.,
July Hi. 1865, and returned to Shelby County, 111.,
where he taught school during the winters for some
fifteen years.
Nine children have blessed the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Lane, namely: Samuel G.. Emma A.. Milton
A. and J. Monroe ( twins). . Minnie R., George A..
Katie M., Ella M. and Walter M. The father of
these children is wide-awake to all political move-
ments and earnestly affiliates with the Republican
party. He was three times elected Assessor of his
township, and has held the office of Justice of the
Peace, also that of member of the School Board as
well as other minor offices. The family are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church, in which their re-
ligious activities find abundant opportunity for
exercise.
^MM^
ENRY CROWL. lie whose name is at the
lead of this sketch resides on section 6,
Okaw Township, having settled in Shelby
); County in 1861. lie was born in Knox
County, Ohio. March 31, 1833, and is a son of John
and Nancy (Steinmetz) Crowl, natives of Virginia,
near the old Maryland line; it is uncertain whether
the mother may not have been born in Maryland.
The families of both father and mother removed to
Ohio and settled in Knox County, where they were
pioneers. John Crowl, the father of our subject,
was a soldier in the War of 1812. After marriage
he located in Knox County. Ohio. His first wife,
the mother of our subject, died in 1.H44. She was
the mother of eleven children, nine of whom lived
to be grown. They were. Mary. John. Catherine.
Lydia, Henry. George, Hannah. Cordelia and
Amanda.
The original of this sketch was the only member
of his family to come to Illinois. He was reared a
farmer, his father having followed that pursuit all
his life, as had his grandfather before him. Our
subject received his education in the district
schools of his native place, acquiring a know ledge
of the branches that are indispensable to a practical
business man. He was married Octobei 2.'t. 1859,
to Miss Sarah Ann Marshall. The lady is a daugh-
ter of Robert and Nancy Marshall, and was born
in Ohio, where her parents were pioneers.
Mr. Crowl came to Illinois in 1860, his first stop
being in Livingston County, and in 18(11 he came
to Shelby County and settled where he now resides
they having at that time a small tract of unim-
proved prairie land heri1. They now own one
hundred ami seventy-six acres of well-improved
land that under the capable management of our
PORTRAIT AND I'.K it iUAPIIIC AL RECORD.
•i.",: i
subject i> made to yield Bnecrops. He has erected
upon the place a g 1 residence and barns, liis
place having many of tin1 latest improvement in
agricultural implements.
Mr. and Mrs. Crowl have been the parents of
seven children. Five of these are now living, viz:
Henrietta who is the wife of Samuel Turner; John
M.. Arthur W., Emery A. and I.oreu L. lie of
whom we write is an adherent of the Democratic
party, believing that the principles of this party
are those most suited to a Government where free-
dom and personal liberty are supposed to he sov-
ereign, lie has held some otliees in the gift of tile
township, having filled the positions of Road Com-
missioner and School Director to the entire satis-
faction of his constituents. Mr. Crowl is a modest,
unassuming man. hut one who is universally liked
by his fellow-townsmen and neighbors because of
his amiability and friendliness.
V_
1 LFRED F. ALLEN. County Clerk of
Shelby County, is one of our most able
/ ! and popular civic officials, lie is a native
(v of Indiana, horn in Sugar Creek Town-
ship. Parke County. March 'i, 1H47. His father,
.lames Allen, ami his grandfather, Thomas Allen.
were Virginians by birth. The father of the latter
who was also named Thomas, served seven years as
.1 spy in the interests of the Colonists during the
Revolution. He was a man of a hold, resolute
character, fearless and undaunted in time of peril.
and his services were invaluable in securing in-
formation of the movements of the enemy for his
superior officers, lie removed from Virginia to
Kentucky about 1812, and was a pioneer of that
State. In 1*22 he went to Indiana to spend his
last years, and made his home with his sou in
Fountain County until death closed his mortal ca-
reer. His remains were depositee! in Wolf Creek
Cemetery in Park County.
The grandfather of our subject spent his early
life in his native Virginia, and was there married
to Elizabeth Summers, who was also of Virginian
birth. In August, 181 2, accompanied by his fam-
ily, he went to Kentucky, and for some years re-
sided in the wilds of that Slate. In 1822 he made
another move and became a resident of Indiana,
being among the first to settle on the line between
Parke and Fountain Counties, performing t he jour-
ney thither with teams and pack horses. He entered
a tract of land in Parke and Fountain Counties,
and built a house on the Fountain County side of
the line, in which he lived until his death in Octo-
ber, H-544 removed from that locality one of its
most useful pioneers. 1 1 i — wifesurvived him until
lKT'.l. when she too passed away on the home farm
in Indiana.
The father of our subject was a lad of twelve
years when the family sought a new home in the
forest wilds of Indiana, where he grew to man-
hood on his father's farm. After marriage he
settled on a tract of timber land he purchased in
Sugar Creek Township, he and his bride beginning
housekeeping in a log house, which was the birth-
place of our subject. They resided there until
1857, when Mr. Allen sold that place, and coming
to Shelby County, bought a farm in Pig Spring
Township. He lived thereon some years, and then
sold it, and removing to Strasburg, is passing his
declining years in retirement, well-earned by a
long and honorable life of industry, with his chil-
dren, lie was deprived of the companionship of
his beloved wife by her deafh in 1879 at Strasburg,
She was a native of Kentucky and bore the maiden
name of Elizabeth Nickolls. Her father. John
Xiekolls, a native of North Carolina, was an early
pioneer of Kentucky, where he spent the remain-
der of bis life. He was a teacher by profession.
The maiden name of his wife was Elsie Wilson.
The parents of our subject reared six children, of
whom the following are the names: Thomas,
Alexander. .lames p.. William, Alfred F. and
Robert II.
Alfred F. Allen inherited in a good degree those
line traits of character of the sturdy Revolution-
ary and pioneer stock from which he is descended,
some of oui' best citizens coming from such an
ancestry. When he was ten years old his parents
brought him from the home of his birth to Shelby
County, and from that time until his marriage he
240
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was of much assistance to his father in the im-
provement of his farm. He was m thoughtful,
studious lad, and in the district schools, which he
attended quite steadily during Ids youth, he laid
the basis of a sound education whereby he was
well-equipped for the profession of a teacher, and
he entered upon its duties at the age of twenty-
two years. He taught the greater part of the time
the ensuing fourteen years, and then abandoned
that calling to accept a position as clerk in a store
at Strasburg. lie remained a resident of that vil-
lage until 1886, and during that time was ap-
pointed Postmaster at that place, he being the first
in the county to receive an appointment at the
hands of President Cleveland. lie gave every
satisfaction as an incumbent of that office, as lie
managed its affairs after a most business-like man-
ner, and was always courteous in his intercourse
with the people of the village, by whom he was
well-known, and who appreciated his genial social
qualities and the worth of his character.
In 1886 Mr. Allen removed to Shelbyville to
assume the duties of County Clerk, to which posi-
tion he had been recently elected. lie has ever
since retained the office, and it is conceded on all
sides, without regard to party, that no man better
qualified in every way could have been selected.
as he brings a g 1 understanding of the duties
required of him. and a clear, well-trained intellect
to bear upon his work, and his hooks will hear the
inspection of the most critical. He is an ardent
Democrat, and has been since he cast his first Pres-
idential vote for Horace Greeley, always keeping
himself well-informed in politics. While a resi-
dent of Strasburg he was an important figure in
its public and social life, and held several local
offices. He served as . Justice of the Peace and
Notary Public of that village, was at one time
Town Clerk, and also acted as Assessor and as
School Treasurer. He is a member of Jackson
Lodge, No. 53, A. F. A- A. M.; of Jackson Chapter,
Xo. ;">."). R. A. M.; of Black Hawk Lodge, No. 183,
K. P.. and of the .Modern Woodmen of America.
Mr. Allen was first married April 17. 1K73. to
Mis> Mary E. Davis, a native of Moultrie County,
and a daughter of Charles Davis. She died in
1H7H after a few brief years of wedded happiness,
leaving three children. Ida I. and Maggie and one
since deceased. Mr. Allen was married in 1880 to
his present estimable wife, formerly Mis- Allie J.
Storm, a native of Ash (.rove Township, this
county, and a daughter of John (. Storm. By
this marriage two children have been born. Flora
and one deceased.
jjU^ <>N. ANTHONY THORNTON, of Shelby-
J ville, Shelby County. ex-Judge of the Su-
preme Court of Illinois, has distinguished
himself on the bench ami before the tri-
bunals of this State in the course of a long prac-
tice, extending over Bfty-five years, and is to-day
one of our foremost lawyers, whose learning, per-
sonality and character have added lustre to the
bar of this county, and have been potent in rais-
ing it to its present high position in the judiciary
of this Commonwealth.
Judge Thornton is of Southern birth and an-
cestry, coming of Colonial and Revolutionary
stock. He was born on a Kentucky plantation, six
miles from Paris. Bourbon County, November 9,
1814. Hi- lather, who bore the -aim name as
himself, was born in Caroline County, \'a.. and
was a son of Col. Anthony Thornton, who was
also a native of the Old Dominion, his father being
a planter and a life-long resident of that State.
Col. Thornton took an active part in the Revolu-
t ion as Colonel of a body of Virginia state Militia,
and his commission, which was given him by Pat-
rick Henry, is now in the possession of our subject.
Animated by a spirit of adventure, and a desire to
avail himself of the superior advantages possessed
by the virgin soil of Kentucky, in 1803 the grand-
father of our subject pushed forward to the
frontier, taking with him his family and his slaves,
the latter about a hundred in number, and journey-
ing to the new home across the mountains with
teams. His daughter kept a journal, giving the
details of each day's journey, and the original
manuscript is now in the Judge's possession. For a
time after their arrival in the wilds of Kentucky
the family lived in Nicholas County, and then the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
•ill
Colonel bought a large tract of lain! in Bourbon
and Harrison Counties, and in the dwelling that
he erected in the latter county his remaining years
were passed until hi? death.
The father of our subject was reared and mar-
ried in Virginia, and subsequently accompanied
hi- parents and other members of the family in
their exodus to the forest wilds of Kentucky. He
purchased a tract of partly improvedland on Cane
Ridge, mx miles from Paris, and gave his attention
to agriculture, carrying on his farming operations
with slave labor. Hi? life was brought to an un-
timely end when scarcely past it- prime, hi? death
occurring on his plantation in the year 1819. Hi?
wife survived him only ?ix months, and then she
too closed her eyes in that dreamless sleep that
knows no waking. She was also a native of Vir-
ginia, ami her maiden name was Mary Towles.
Thus sadly bereft of a mother's and father's
rare when he was but five yearsof age, our subject
went to live with his paternal grandparents, who
reared him tenderly, and he was given every ad-
vantage to obtain a liberal education. He first
attended the common schools, which were taught
on the subscription plan, and at the age of sixteen
wa- sent to Gallatin, Tenn.. to pursue his studies at
the High School of that town. From there he went
tii Danville., and fur a time was a student at Centre
College. IK- next entered Oxford College, Oxford.
Ohio, anil so far wa- he advanced he wa? eurolled
a- a member of the junior class of that institution,
and wa- graduated with a high standing for
scholarship in the September Class of '34.
After leaving college our subject entered upon
hi- preparation fur the legal profession under the
instruction of hi? uncle John R. Thornton, of
Pari?. Ky., and in 1836 he was examined before
the court of appeals by Judge .lame- Robertson
and Judge Mar-hall, and was admitted to the bar.
In the fall of the same year he -farted Westward
with the intention of settling in Missouri, and
while on hi- way came to this county to visit Gen.
Thornton, traveling by the most expeditious route
at that time, which was by the Ohio. Mississippi
and Illinois River- to Meredosia, thence by stage
through Springfield to Shelbyville. He found here
but a small village of about two hundred people,
living for the most part in log houses, while the
surrounding country wa.- but little settled, and the
land was nearly all owned by the Government.
With characteristic acumen the Judge -non per-
ceived that here wa- a tine field for legal talent,
and he decided to tarry here, and enter upon his
profe— ional career amid it- pioneer scenes. Ac-
cordingly he opened an office in the village, and as
lie became known and his ability was recognized,
clients began to pour in upon him, and his busi-
ness steadily grew with the growth of the county.
justifying his anticipations of a good practice
when he selected this location for a future home.
Iii 1848 Judge Thornton entered the political
arena as a member of the Mate Constitutional
Convention that met that year to revise the Con-
stitution of Illinois, and his legal equipment made
hi? services valuable in the work of revision per-
formed by the members of that convention. In
1850 he was elected to the State Legislature on the
Whig ticket, and again he played an important
part as a member of that most important of all
committees during that session, the one that had
charge of railroad legislation, as then the princi-
pal railroads of the Slate were organized and their
route- defined. In 1864 the Judge wa? elected to
i ongress, served throughout two sessions, display-
ing in his career as a national legislator broad
statesmanship, and so thoroughly satisfying his
constituents that they paid him the compliment of
re-nominating him to succeed himself. Then was
presented the spectacle, rather rare in these days
of the multifarious seekers after high places, of a
man resolutely declining a proffered office, to-
gether with it? honor? and emolument?. Our sub-
ject's refusal to make the race again wa? actuated
by his desire to retire from political life, and to
resume once more hi- beloved profession. In 1870
he was elected to the Supreme Bench, a position
for which he was eminently fitted by experience.
by his wide and extensive knowledge of law. and
by the possession of masterly judicial qualities.
He administered justice vigorously, equitably, and
with a clear discernment of the merit? of each case
that came under his jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding the honor of being at the head
of the Supreme Court of Illinois, Judge Thornton
242
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
preferred his old place before the bar as an attor-
ney, and in 1873 hi? resignation of the judgeship
was tendered, an act unparalleled in the annals of
the judiciary of this Mate, and was received with
regret, his retirement from the high office he so
adorned, and where he so ably conserved the ends
■ if justice, being considered a loss t«i the bench.
Since that time he has attended strictly to his law
business, and devotes himself, heart and soul to
the interests of his extensive clientage.
The Judge is a man of strong nature, of a fine
physique and distinguished presence, is popular
with all classes, and has a firm hold upon the
hearts of the people among whom the most active
years of his life have been passed, and who delight
to do him honor. He is seen at the best advantage
amid the pleasant surroundings of his attractive
home as a genial and courteous host, a devoted
husband and indulgent father. He has been twice
married. In I860 he was wedded to Mis- Mildred
Thornton, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of
William F. and Ann Thornton. Their married
life was brief, as the young wife died in 1856,
leaving two children. William T. and Anthony,
the latter of whom is dead. In 1866 our subject
was united in marriage to Miss Kate II. Smith, a
native of this county, and a daughter of Addison
and Mary Smith. Two children have been born of
this union. Catherine P. and Lewis.
*H
OLMADT 1'. ROBERTS, a citizen well-
e known in Shelby County (where he has
lived for many years) as an honorable and
upright man having the confidence and esteem of
all who knew him. is always named as one of the
most enterprising and energetic business men of
Lakewood. that pleasant village situated near what
was once tin- shores of Lake Miantowana. lie was
born in Wayne County, Pa.. October 16,1844,
his parents, John S. and Mary A. (Friggins) Rol>-
erts, being native- of ( ornwall, England. The
father was born in 1807 and the mother the year
previous. Their marriage took place in England
in 1830.
After twelve years of married life in the old
country John and Mary Roberts migrated to
America and located in 1842 in Wayne County,
Pa., where they remained for -even years. They
removed to Lafayette County, Wis., in 1849, re-
maining there till 1856 when they came to Shelby
County, where they spent the remainder of their
day-. The death of the father, which occurred in
1878, resulted from a sunstroke and the mother
passed away in 1884.
Colmady P. Roberts received his education in
the public school- of Wisconsin and of Shelby
County, supplemented by attendance at the acad-
emy in Shelhyville. He enlisted in the army un-
der President Lincoln's last call for volunteer- in
1865 for one year's service and after serving -even
months received his discharge on account of the
declaration of peace. He enlisted as Corporal in
Company K. Fourteenth Illinois ( new organization )
and was discharged a- ( trderlv-sergeant of his
company, lie took part in the race aftei Johnston
with Sherman's army and marched up through the
Carolinas in Virginia, to Richmond and Washing-
ton and participated in the Grand Review. The
regiment nave real service during its short term.
It was near Ft. Kearney. Neb., when orders came
to be mustered out.
To Shelby County our subject returned after his
discharge and engaged in the peaceful pursuit- of
teaching and farming, following these pursuits for
a number of years. Having reached the mature
aire of twenty-five years this young man decided
to agree practically with the scriptural doctrine
that it is "not good for man to be alone." and
chose for himself a wife in the person of Mis:- El-
mira Carder, a native of this county, who was born
here in August, 1850. They were married Novem-
ber 11. 1869. Her parents, Joseph and France-
Carder, were early pioneers of Shelby County and
Mrs. Roberts was the youngest in their family of
five children, the others lieiiiir James, Henry. Fran-
ce-, and one sister who died in early life. Only
two of this number now survive. Their mother
died in 1851 and the father remarried and had six
children by the second union, four of whom are
living. The happy home of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts
has been blessed by the birth of four children, three
of whom Still make their home under the parental
'*.s*ki -
-
V
.
F
i
$?//w*aj£s &jz£a^i"u^
C^y 6%^-^-isn,-
FORTH A IT AND BIOGRAPHICAL UK(<)RI).
217
roof. The oldest, Edwin A., was born June 30,
1871, and died July t. 1891; Annie B.. born in Jan-
uary 11. 1873, is next in age and Joseph S., born
June •"•. 1875, is now attending school at Danville,
hid., at an institution under the control of the
State. Gracie R.. the pet and delight of the family,
was born April 20, 1885.
In 1872 Mr. Roberts engaged in buying grain
and produce at Lakewood and has continued hand-
ling grain and stock in connection with merchan-
dising and farming up to the present date. He
and lii— wife own about six hundred acres of farm-
ing land in the vicinity of Lakewood and also
some property within the village. lit- carries a
general stock of dry goods, groceries, readj made
clothing, boots and shoes, provisions, etc. His
store is filled with a well-selected stock and he en-
joys an excellent share of the trade of the town.
This gentleman takes a great interest in religious
w< rk and especially in Sunday-school, being a
member of the Separate Baptist Church for which
lie often preaches, being ever ready to supply
vacancies and attend funeral services. Hi- excel-
lent wife is also an active worker in the same church.
IK- i- very useful in the community and is fre-
quently called upon to settle estates and act as
guardian for minor children, in both of which
capacities he has shown himself eminently worthy
of the confidence which was reposed in him. He
ha- held the office of Justice of the Peace and is at
the present time a Notary Public. His political
views are expressed in the declarations of the Re-
publican party, in the prosperity of which he takes
great interest
;^h^
~
SDWARD 11. SANNER. The student of
-« history finds abundant food for thought in •
^ tlie life record of this gentleman who ha:
materially added to the wealth and importance of
Shelby County a> one of the leading agricultural
centers of the meat Prairie State since he identified
himself with it- most stirring and enterprising
farmer- and stock-raisers a quarter of a century
ago. lie has extensive landed interests both in this
ami Macon County, and a beautiful home in l'enn
Town-liiii. where he ha- a model farm, lie devotes
this estate largely to stock-raising purposes, hav-
ing here one of the best held- of Hereford- in this
section, and several line Cleveland Bay horses
among other valuable -tuck. A view of this line
homestead appears on another page of this volume.
Our subject was born April i".>. 1839, in one of
the pioneer home- of Madi-on County. Hi> fa-
ther. Samuel Sanner, "a- an early settler of thai
Section of Illinois, who took an active part ill its
development during the thirty-three year- that he
resided there. He was a Pennsylvanian by birth,
born in Northumberland. He married Barbara
Paul, a native of that part of Virginia now in-
cluded in We-t Virginia, and in 1833 came with
her from Pennsylvania to this Mate In 1866 he
removed with hi- family to this county, and here
his life was closed in his home in l'enn Township
in April. 1880, death coming to him after a long
and busy career. He left a record worthy of emu-
lation and an untarnished name that i- revered bi
his descendants and by all who knew him.
Edward Sanner grew to manhood under good
home influences, and principle- of industry and of
doing well whatever he undertook were early in-
stilled into his mind and undoubtedly have con-
tributed much to hi.- prosperity since he began his
independent career as a fanner. A- soon as he was
old enough he attended the district School and
continued a student there until he became of age,
and as he made the best of his opportunities he
obtained a sound, practical education. His father
intended to -end him to college at Lebanon, but
his services were needed at home, and the idea of
a course at college had to he abandoned, lie was
living quietly in his father's home in Madison
County when the great Civil War between the
North and South broke out. and tired with patriot-
ism, he desired to serve his country. But here
again his wishes had to give way to his sense of
duty, as some of hi- brothel's had entered the army,
and he was more than ever needed to help carry
on the farm, so he gave up the thought of enlist-
ing in a regiment of zouaves a- he had contem-
plated. But the work that he performed at home
m sowing the -eed and harvesting the crops was as
248
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
necessary to carrying on the war toa successful issue
as the hard fighting thai the soldiers did at the
front, for the wheat and com raised on the broad
prairies of the Middle and Western States to supply
the armies with needed food were important fac-
tors in suppressing the rebellion and preserving
the Union.
The removal of the Sanner family, father and
sons with their families, to this county in 1866,
was an important event in the life of our subject.
In the fall of that year he located on land bought
from the Illinois Central Railway Company, com-
prising the west half of section 20, Township 14.
(Penn Township), range 3. east. Penu Township
then funned a part of Pickaway, and the prairies
of the northern part had been passed by, with but
few exceptions, as unfit for settlement on account
of the swampy character of the soil. This proved
to be a mistaken idea, as since some of the finest
farms of the county have been improved here, our
subject's among others. With characteristic energy
he entered upon the hard task before him of re-
deeming his land from its wild condition by drain-
ing it and placing it under careful cultivation, and
to-day there is not a more desirable farm through-
out the length and breadth of Shelby County than
his, with its well-tilled fields yielding abundant
harvests, and its commodious, conveniently ar-
ranged frame buildings, including a large and
handsome residence of a modern style of architec-
ture, with pleasant .surroundings. He has added
to his original purchase, and now has one thou-
sand and ninety acres of well-improved prairie
land, two hundred and ninety acres of it lying in
.Macon County, and the remainder in this county.
(arising on an extensive business as a general
farmer. Mr. Sanner gives much attention to stock-
raising. Hereford-, of which lie has a valuable herd.
being his favorite breed of cattle, and in horses,
Cleveland Rays stand first with him. and he has
some fine specimens of that blood.
The ceremony which made .Miss Naomi Pierson,
of Bunker Hill, the wife of our subject was per-
formed November ];">. 1865, anil in her he has
found one of life's choicest blessings. Their
wedded life has been productive to them of nine
children, named Willie. Albert. Hattie. Clifford,
Ruth. Fanny. Samuel, Quintus and Naomi. Fanny
died at the age of twelve weeks. Mrs. Sanner is a
native of Jacksonville, Morgan County. 111., bora
in L840, and is a daughter of Dr. Daniel C. and
Naomi C. (Nixon) Pierson, natives of New Jersey.
Her father practiced medicine in his native State
several years prior to his removal to Illinois in
ls:S.L when he became a pioneer physician of
Jacksonville.
Nature lias dealt generously with our subject
and lias not only endowed him with a line physi-
que, but has given him a keen, discerning, well-
poised mind, and with these as capital, seconded
by decision of character and tenacity of purpose,
he could not fail to make life worth living and to
achieve whatever he desired to accomplish. He is
of an open-minded, fair, generous disposition, and
has gathered around himself many warm friends,
whom he is ever ready to oblige, and in times of
trouble or need they are sure of his sympathy
and assistance. Nurtured in the faith of the Re-
publican party, which was organized in his boy-
hood, and taught to believe that its tenets were
the only true ones for the conduct of the Govern-
ment, Mr. Sanner has always been a devoted fol-
lower of the party ever since he began to exercise
the right of suffrage by casting his first Presidential
vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860.
The attention of the reader is invited to the
lithographic portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Sanner. pre-
sented in this connection.
it
OlIN HENDRICKS. Among the prominent
families who have helped to make the local
history of Shelby County, we take pleasure
in naming again the oneof which oursubject
is a representative. John Hendricks resides on sec-
lion 22, Okaw Township, and isa son of Samuel and
Mary E. Hendricks. The grandfather of our sub-
ject, who bore the name of George Hendricks,
came to this State from North Carolina, and set-
tling in Okaw Township, made his home there with
his worthy wife and there they resided until they
were called from earth by the call which no man
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
•2411
disregards. His death occurred some years previ-
ous to that of his faithful companion. He was
born in Xorth Carolina, Jan uaiy 29, 1799 and died
July II. 1835, while his wife, who was :i native of
the same state, had her birth October 26, 1798 and
passed away April 24, 1*72. They reared to use
fulness three sons and two daughters, namely
Samuel, John 11.. Zimri, Amanda, and Losada.
Samuel and Mary F. Hendricks were the parents
of eight children, one of whom died in infancy
and seven grew to years of maturity, namely:
Rebecca A. (Mrs. Charles Turney) John, our sub-
jeet. David, deceased, Charles. Lawson, Alonsco
and Mary K. (Mr-. Lewis Hawk).
Our subject was reared i>n the farm and received
his education in the common schools of Shelby
County, lie is the eldest son and second child of
his parents, being born January 22. 1 s.">< ». His
early choice of an occupation for life was made in
favor of farming pursuits, and he was married
August 24. 1871, to Anna L. Patterson, a daughter
of James and Frances Patterson and a native of
Shelby County, 111., where she was born October
26, 1851.
About three years after marriage Mr. and Mis.
Hendricks settled upon the farm of eighty acres
where they now reside. Their eight children bear
the names of Minnie F.. William F.. John E., James
A.. Carrie F.. Rhoda F.. Myrtle P., and an infant
who is yet unnamed. The political views of Mr.
Hendricks are in accord with the declarations and
platform of the Republican party but his interest
in the welfare of the farming community has in-
fluenced him of late to vote with the Farmers' Mu-
tual Benefit Association. IK- is an active worker
in the Christian Church and a man whose useful-
ness therein is accorded by all who know him.
David F. Hendricks, deceased, a brother of our
subject, is worth}- of note in connection with this
sketch. He was horn July 24. 1853, and died May
15, 1881. Mr. Hendricks was a graduate of Chi-
cago Commercial College and was book-keeper for
a leading firm of contractors at Shelbyville. For
five years he was chorister of the Christian Sunday-
school and for one year chorister of the Royal
Purple Temperance Association and also led the
singing in church for some time. He was an hon-
ored and beloved member of the Christian Church
ami was also identified with the Independent Or-
der of Odd Fellows. Hi- death was greatly felt in
the community where he had made his home from
ehildhoi id.
JOSEPH F. EDEN, proprietor of the Fden
House, of Sullivan. Moultrie County, is
numbered among the honored pioneers of
the county. Only seven of those living in
Sullivan at the time of hi- arrival are still residents
of that place. Probably no man in the community
is more widely or favorably known than our sub-
ject, who was horn in Batl^County. Ivy.. Septem-
ber 10. 1820. His father. John P. Fden, was born
in Baltimore, Md., in IT'.Hi. and the grandfather,
Jeremiah Eden, was a native of England. When
a young man he crossed the Atlantic probably lo-
cating in Maryland, where he wedded a lady of
German descent. After living for a time in that
stale, they removed to Hath County. Ky., where
they spent the remainder of their lives. Both
were members of the Methodist Church. The
father of our subject was a young lad when his
parents removed to Kentucky where he sjrew to
manh 1 and married Catherine Cann. a native of
Bath County, where her parents were early settlers.
Their union was celebrated in 1K1K. and upon a
farm in that locality they resided until 1831. when
they removed to Rush County. Ind.. locating three
miles from Rushville. .Mr. Fden procured land
upon which he made some improvements and died
at his home iii Indiana ill 1835. lie was a sound
Democrat in polities and twiee voted for Andrew
Jackson. Hi- wife survived him some \ ears and
died at the home of our subject in 1870, at the
age of seventy year-. In religious belief she was
a Presbyterian. The family numbered six children,
of whom Joseph F.. John, whose sketch i- given
elsewhere. Mr-. Moon-, of Bruce, 111., and Mrs.
Sampson, of Sullivan are yet living.
Our subject was only fifteen years of age when
his father died and being one of the older children
ol the family much care and labor devolved upon
250
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
him. He proved the main support of his widowed
mother and the faithfulness with which he at-
tended to his duties merits the highest praise. His
school privileges were necessarily limited but he
would gather hickory bark to make a torch light
and during the long winter evenings would read
such books as he could get hold of until at length
he had acquired a good practical knowledge. The
only school which he attended was a log Cabin
furnished with puncheon Hoot- and slab scats, but
so well did he prepare himself that for ten years he
was a successful teacher in Hush County, Ind.
During that time .Mr. Eden met and married
Miss Matilda M. Bussell, who was born two miles
from Rushville, Ind.. in 1828, and is a daughter of
Col. William S. and Maria (Ward) Bussell, who
were native- of Kentucky. With their respective
families her parents went to Indiana during child-
hood. Mr. Bussell served as a Colonel in the
Black Hawk War and in Indiana occupied the
office of County Sheriff. His business was that of
a merchant and dealer in live-stock. In 1834, he
started for Georgia, with a large drove of horses
and while in that State died of spasmodic colic.
He was then less than forty years of age. He was
a man of commanding presence, fine-lookini> and
his appearance commanded respect. He also served
as Colonel in the State Militia. His wife survived
him many years and died at the advanced age of
eighty-four, in Jasper County, Ind. She was a sec
ond time married, becoming the wife of Dr. Knox,
who died at the home of our subject.
Mrs. Eden remained with her mother until her
marriage, which was celebrated May 14, IK4i>. By
their union have been horn four children: William,
who wedded Belle Alexander and resides in Eresno,
Cal.; Susie, wife of Or. t ). C. Link, a successful
physician of Lincoln, Neb., who was formerly Su-
perintendent of the Insane Hospital at Yankton,
S. Dak.: .1. F.. a leading liveryman of Sullivan, who
wedded Josie Smizer; and E. B., who married
Elizabeth Beverage. He resides in Sullivan and is
engaged in the insurance and real-estate business.
In the line of his trade, Joseph Eden has become
widely known. He began operations in the hotel
business in 1864, and was very successful in his
undertaking until 18H0. when he suffered quite a
loss by tire. However, on the site of the old hotel
he erected a new one. which was completed in
1883, and on the 3d of November of that year
was opened to the public. It is situated on the
southwest corner of the square and is a three-Story
brick with basement, containing forty sleeping
rooms, besides parlors, three sample rooms, commo-
dious kitchen, dining-room. etc. The house is well
arranged and is furnished with all modern con-
veniences for the comfort and entertainment of
guests. Mr. Eden exert.- himself to make his pa-
trons feel at home and the hotel well deserve- its
popularity. In connection he also had a large and
fine livery which was burned on the Kth of August,
IH7S>. just one year after it was completed. We
thus see that he had met with reverses but with
characteristic energy he set to work to retrieve his
losses. Altogether his career lias been most pros-
perous. Previous to his embarking in the hotel
business he established a general store immediately
after his arrival March 7. 1858. and for twenty
years engaged in merchandising. In the meantime
he purchased land and followed farming and stock-
raising for fifteen years. His property was near
the city and he still owns a portion of it.
Mr. Eden has lived to see almost the entire de-
velopment of the county and has done much for
its interests. At the time of his arrival there were
only about four hundred voters in the county and
the work of progress seemed scarcely begun, lie
held the office of Postmaster of Sullivan under
Presidents Pierce and Buchanan, being first ap-
pointed in 1853 and was superseded when the Re-
publican party came into power. He was also
Justice of the Peace for four years and soon after-
ward was elected County .Indue, filling the office
for a similar period. During that time the old
county court house was burned and the present
Structure erected. .Indue Eden was the prime
mover in securing the sale of the swamp lands,
with which funds the new court house was built
and sufficient left to purchase the present poor
farm of two hundred acres. In this purchase he
met with much opposition, as many wished to use
the money for school purposes, but he persevered
and the poor farm has proved a valuable acquisi-
tion, being now self-sustaining and a credit to the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL KKCoRD.
25 1
county. When the agricultural society of the
nuinty was organized in 1857, Mr. Eden became
connected with it and for more than twenty years
ha.- been it- President, holding that position at the
present time. On the organization of the Building
and Loan Association in 1887, he became its high-
est official and i- yet it< President In politics he
is one of thestanchest advocates of the Democracy
and is a leader of his party in this portion of the
State. He has been an honored delegate to the
State and county conventions and forseveral years
has been Chairman of the County Central Com-
mittee. For thirty-seven year- he has been an
Odd Fellow and for twenty-four years has lieen a
member of the Grand Lodge of the State. He i-
one of tin' charter members of the third lodge of
Royal Templars in the State. located at Sullivan.
We thus see how prominent Judge Fden ha* been
in public affair-. 1 1 i> genial, kindly manner ha-
won him many friends who esteem him highly for
hi- sterling worth. The active part which he has
taken in the upbuilding of the county entitles
him to mention among it.- founder- and l>est citi-
zen- and it is with pleasure that we present this
-ketch to the readers of the Rei oko.
oil jMCe. 52-
gg&HARLES H. McCOY. Centuries ago, the
work of an architect only began when the
' idea, the plan- and specifications for his
work were impressed upon his mind, and confided
to parchment. After that he himself, with a myriad
of workmen went into the forests, lie wed down the
tic- that his judgment told him were best adapted
for the work in hand, ami set about putting them
in such shape with his chisel and saw. as could
he used in his building. To-day. in architect-
ure, as in every thing else, there are a hundred.
yes, more, specialties, to which as many men bring
the concentrated power of their intelligence, abil-
ity and skill. Of these specialists, no one take- a
more important part than he who furnishes the
well-seasoned timbers that go to make up the skel-
eton of a frame work, the odorous, piney shell, and
the beautifully grained, marvelously shaded woods
for the interior finish. The trade of a lumber
dealer is one in which, if one have any artistic
instinct, there is large opportunity for the fullest
enjoyment of color, tone and form.
( )ur subject, who ha- just reached that age when
success begins to Ik- grateful was born in Mifflin
County, Pa., February 10, 1851. His father wri-
the late Samuel II. McCoy, a farmer by occupation
and a native of Bucks County, Pa. where he was
born December 1. 1818. Our subject's mother
whose maiden name was Rachael J. Anderson, was
born in Mifflin County. Pa. in July. 1832. After
their marriage, the\ settled in the bride's native
county, where together they pursued the course
of life for many years, and where the father died
June 8, 1890. They became the parents of five
children, our subject being the second in order of
birth. His birthplace was in Mifflin County. Pa.
and hi.- natal day was .Inly 11). 1851.
C harles II. McCoy was reared to manhood on his
fathers farm, and remained under the parental
roof until about 1873. After that time and until
1876. he was employed in different occupations in
his native State, and at that date, he came to Piatt
County. III., where for a period of two years he
was employed during the summer months at farm-
ing and during the winter season he was engaged
in teaching in Moultrie County. At this time he
formed a partnership with .1. C. McCord and
launched into the grain and lumber business in
Rement. This partner-hip continued until 1881.
at which time the firm dissolved and for about -even
months afterward our subject was employed as hook-
keeper for a coal company in New Mexico. His
experience in that territory was new and interest-
ins, but he was not so attracted that his inclina-
tion- did not urge him to return to the Prairie
state. Coming hither again he engaged in his
former occupation, or rather, in the lumber trade,
at Atwood. remaining there. however, hut for a short
time, selling out his business and in the spring of
1883 coming to Lovington, where he resumed the
business in which he was formerly engaged but
thereafter being sole proprietor, although for
the first two year-, that i- from 1883 to 1885, he
was in partnership with his brother. S. F. McC oy.
The original of this -ketch enjoy- the reputation
252
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of being a straightforward business man honor-
able in all his dealings, and ii speaks well for his
credit that he enjoys to the fullest extent, the con-
(idence and esteem of his fellow-townsmen. His
marriage took place in Bement this State, December
•25. 1879. Mrs. McCoy's maiden name was Susan L.
Tabor. Her parents were Edwin and Nancy A.
(Boyle) Tabor. She is a native of Kentucky, being
born in the metropolis of that State February 25,
1852. Their union has been blessed by the advent
of three children whose names are respectively Ed-
win T. Fred II. and Florence L. They are amiable
and lovable young people endowed with bright
minds and quick perceptive faculties. < >ur subject
attiliates with the Republican party, and although
he is greatly interested, as all g 1 men must be,
in local government, he is not in any sense a seeker
after office. He has. however, been elected to some
local posts, and has rilled the important position of
School Director with great appreciation of the re-
sponsibilities of that otliee.
'' ON. SAMUEL W. WRIGHT, Jr., repre-
sents the Thirty-third Senatorial District
in the General Assembly. From a local
\§j£)) standpoint he is an enterprising citizen and
a liberalsupporter of all worthy enterprises. Per-
sonally he of whom we write is modest and retiring.
but a thorough business man and a gentleman. He
lives on a farm, which he oversees, hut as the
greater part of his time is given to outside busi-
ness the term of "gentleman farmer" might with
propriety be applied to Mr. Wright, lie is the
owner, however, of a good farm in Sullivan Town-
ship, which, owing to his splendid management-, is
a model of neatness, order and attractiveness. Like
the majority of farmers who do business on a large
scale in the State, he deals extensively in live-
stock and is a general trader.
The original of our sketch is the only son of
.lames M. and Mildred (Dazey) Wright, and was
born in this county June 30, 1850. The family
removed, however, to Shelby County in the fall of
1850, and there the lad passed his boyhood days.
He was seventeen years old when the family came
to Sullivan, and the young man finished his edu-
cation at Bastian College, then a noted institution
of learning, but now defunct. Like the present
leader of the Republican parly, the Hon. .lames <.'..
Blaine, he began his career as a teacher, and doubt-
less, in forming debating societies for his students.
he early learned parliamentary rules and regula-
tions that were of value to him later in his career
in public life.
In 187(1 Samuel Wright was married, his bride
being Miss Angie Powell, who was born in Moul-
trie County. March 4, 1850. Their nuptials were
celebrated in Sullivan, where for a time the young
couple made their residence. Mrs. Wright is a
daughter of .John and Sarah (Harbough) Powell.
In 1879 they settled in Moultrie County, where
they at present reside. Here our subject is en-
gaged while at home, in stock-raising, being able
to boast of some of the finest breeds in the animals
that he owns. Politically, the Originator of our
sketch is an important factor in the local forces of
the Democratic party. An intelligent, educated
man. and a good speaker, he has done much for
his parly in the State. He has for three terms held
the local office of Township Supervisor, and has
also been Chairman of the Board, and has been
instrumental in effecting many changes that have
benefited the county.
In the fall of 1890 lie of whom we write was
elected to the State Senate, and was one of the one
hundred and one who supported the Hon. John
M. Palmer so ably for the United States Senate.
His standing in the Legislature speaks for itself in
the fact that he was a member of some of the
most important committees, serving on ten in
all. among which were those on appropriations,
hanks and banking, corporations, etc. He received
the highly complimentary vote of three thousand
four hundred majority over his Republican oppo-
nents and several hundred over all other candi-
dates, which speaks in most glowing terms of his
popularity in the county.
Mr. "Wright's domestic and home life is exceed-
ingly happy. His wife is a charming woman, who,
while her chief interests are centered in her home
and family, presides with ureal dignity and ele-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
253
ganoe over the domestic realm. >ln- is a delight-
ful hostess, making rich or poor, great or small.
feel at home and easy in her gracious presence.
She is the mother of eight children, whose names
are a- follows: Carrie K.. Addie ( ).. Walter P..
.lames A.. Minnie May. Edward E.. Homer W
and Samuel Palme]-.
Our subject is Past Grand Master of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and also a member
of the Knights of Pythias. In their religious re-
lation- both Mr. and Mrs. Wright are connected in
membership with the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. Our subject is a man whose biographical
sketch it is a pleasure to consider. Cultivated,
educated and manly, with no inclination to boast
of natural advantages or acquirements, he is one
who naturally takes his place at the head of affairs
and is recognized universally as one of nature's
noblemen.
r~^ EORGE W. GRISSO. The hospitable and
genial owner of the finely-improved farm
located on section 12. of Tower Hill Town-
ship, is a man whose ancestry and birth tell in his
general status, for lie is intelligent, well informed,
a lover of books and of beautiful things, altogether
a manly man and a gentleman. His father was
Christian Grisso, a native of Virginia, and his
mother Elizabeth (Detrick) Grisso. Roth parents
were of German ancestry. Our subject's father
still survives, but hi- mother passed away about
1858. They were the parent- of a family of eight
children, and of these our subject was the fourth
in order of birth, having been born in Clark
County. Ohio. August 30, 1838.
The original of thi- sketch attained to manhood
in his native county and state, and December 13.
1864, when he felt that he could take upon him the
responsibilities and duties of wedded life, he was
married to Miss Catherine Melliuger, a daughter
of Malchor and Matilda (Bowman) Mellinger, who
wire residents of Dayton, Ohio, at the time of
their death, where they had lived for mam years.
They were tin- parent- of ten children, of whom
Mr-. Grisso was the second in order of birth, she
was born in Richland County, Ohio. February 5,
L840.
After the marriage of our subject, he. with his
young wife, settled in Clark County. Ohio, and
there lived live years, from which place they came
to this county and settled in Tower Hill Township,
where they have ever since been residents. Their
domestic life has been very happy. Kindly and
forbearing, each is appreciative of the intentions
and acts of the other. Little ones have come about
them, and those who survive have grown to be
good and intelligent women, who have taken re-
sponsible and honorable positions in society. They
are a credit to their parents, and speak well for the
years of tender guardianship and care which have
been bestowed upon them. The names of the live
children are as follow.-: Carrie M.. who died in in-
fancy: Clarence A., who was also taken away while
a babe; Emma .1.: Cora M.. who is the wife of
Charles Malone: and Ivella I.
Mr. Grisso ha.- been appointed to service in
several local offices, having been Highway Com-
missioner and School Director: and the compli-
ment that ha.- been paid his judgment and ability
has been returned by faithful and efficient serv-
ice, lie ha- ever taken an active part in local po-
litical affairs, striving to have the local govern-
ment in the hands of such men as will conscien-
tiously discharge their duties irrespective of party
power. He fraternizes with the Prohibition ele-
ment, thus -bowing hi- progressive tendencies. Hi-
wife isa member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and he himself has ever been a generous contribu-
tor to the support of the Gospel.
He of whom we write ha.- found his vocation to
be that of a producer and cultivator of the rich
cereal treasures of the earth, and in this, although
a comparatively young man. he has already been
favored with a reasonable degree of success. Ib-
is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of
good land, upon which he has expended much
money and labor inline improvements. His resi-
dence i- a cozy and comfortable home, which finds
a place for the best influence wrought bv books
and music and cheerful, animated conversation on
25 I
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
current topics of the day. lie devotes the greater
part of his attention to the cultivation of small
fruit, in which he has been particularly successful.
and his farm in the warm days of June, July and
August, when the bushes are laden with their fra-
grant and juicy burdens, is an enticing and de-
lightful place to visit. Socially he belongs to the
Older of United Workmen.
During the War of the Rebellion Mr. Grisso en-
listed in the army, becoming a volunteer in Au-
gust. 1862. in Company A., Ninety-fourth Ohio
Regiment. He served about eleven months, at
State. His character was such as to give him the
warm regard as well as esteem of his neighbors.
He was an honored member of the Christian ( hurch
from October .">. 1841. and was a constant and true
friend of the Union through all the trying scenes
of the Civil War.
The political convictions of this pioneer made
him an ardent Republican yet he could not he
called a politician in the usual sense of the word,
as his intelligence and extensive reading had made
him a man of breadth and he was cordially willing
that every man should hold to his own opinions.
the expiration of which time he was discharged never cherishing any hostility toward those who
differed from him. His honorable attention to
the affairs which concerned himself and his willing-
ness to allow his neighbors the same privilege added
greatly to his popularity. His funeral, which was
one of the largest ever known in the county, at-
tested to the high respect in which this honest and
hard-working man was held.
Mr. Samuel Hendricks had in his wife a worthy
and efficient helpmate, one who made it her aim in
life to do good to all with whom she came in con-
tact, and to make her home the happiest place on
earth. She was horn in Nicholas County, Ivy..
September (1, 1826, and came with her parents to
on account of physical disability, lb' was taken
prisoner near Frankfort. Ky.. and experienced
something of the prison life, although he was par-
oled soon after his capture.
XDNZO HENDRICKS. Shelby County
abounds in a line class of farmers who have
^ given to this section of the Prairie State
an excellent reputation and have been of
help in building its commercial and agricultural
interests. To such the county owes a debt which Shelby County when quite young. Her father
is not easily paid and they will leave to their pos-
terity a heritage which will be their best possession.
Our subject, who is such a citizen and who resides
on section 29, Okaw Township, where his farm is
there tributary to the city of Shelbyville, is the son
of Samuel and Mary E. (Sconce) Hendricks, natives
of North Carolina and Kentucky respectively.
Samuel Hendricks came to Illinois when a young
man and was married in Shelby County, and gave
his entire attention to farming, until a few years
died at the age of seventy-five and her mother
survived until the venerable age of seventy-eight
Their daughter was an earnest member of the
Christian Church and a steadfast worker therein,
her death, which occurred in 1881, was felt as a
great blow not only to her home friends but also
in the community.
The subject of this sketch was born February 24,
1859, and received in the common schools of Illi-
nois the education which fitted him for life's work.
previous to his death, when, feeling that he had Upon his father's farm he was thoroughly drilled
done his share in the work of subduing the soil in the practice and theory of farming and under-
and adding to the world's riches through its culti-
vation, he retired from active life and made his
home in Shelbyville, where he died in May. 1888,
at the age of sixty-two years. His good wife
passed from earth in 1881. lb' was born March
25. 182(5. and early became a pioneer of Illinois.
took that work as his business for life. He was
married in 188(1 to l.uella Hardy, daughter of
Thomas and Eliza Hardy. Like himself she is a
native of Shelby County, and is now the mother
of one bright and promising child, to whom they
have Sfiven the name of Fail. Mr. Hendricks has
coming with his parents to Shelby County in 1831, resided where he now lives since his marriage anil
and thus spent the greater part of his life in this now has in his possession one hundred acres of fine
S£»
tes
PORTRAIT AM) B L K .\i.\ 1*1 1 K A I. RECORD.
257
soil upon which lie has placed substantial and per-
manent improvements. His political views have
led hi in in affiliate with the Republican party and
in its prosperity lie feels a keen interest.
f olIN 1'. liHAlill A.M. Living the life of a
retired farmer in the pretty village of Lov-
inglon, Moultrie County, where lie has a neat
and attractive hoine,o>ir subject lias reached
that period of life at which he may be pardoned if
lie exults in his good birth and parentage. In truth
lie was well born and a native of the State that boasts
-II many men who have attained great fame as states-
men and orators. Almost contemporary with Jef-
ferson, Lee, Harrison and many others of the men
who have enriched the historical pages of their
Matt- by valiant word and deed. John P. Brabham,
early grew up with a keen appreciation of oratory
and statesmanship, for did lie not in his earliest
infancy breathe in the very atmosphere that created
orators?
Our subject's father was John Brabham, who
was born in Loudoun County. \ a. His mother
was Mary Elizabeth Power,olso of Virginia. After
their marriage they settled in Loudoun County
and remained there for a long time. In 1835 they
determined to strike out in a new direction and
removed to Morgan County, Ohio, where they
lived for some two orthree years. They next re-
moved tn Washington County, Ohio, where the
decease of both occurred. It is not remarkable that
they did not accumulate much wealth for they had
fourteen little mouths to feed. However, as time
passed the little ones grew to manhood and wo-
manhood, becoming independent and a source of
material help and comfort to the parents. It is
a somewhat remarkable fact, that of this large
family all reached maturity and had families of
their own. The first break in the home circle was
caused by the death of the youngest child, a daugh-
ter, who left two children.
Our Subject was the fourth child in order of
birth, first opening his eyes in Loudoun County,
Va,, his natal day being on the 1 4th of April, 1818.
With his father and family he went to Ohio when
seventeen year- of age and continued under the
home roof until his marriage, which event took
place December 2-'i. 1840, in Washington County.
Ohio, his bride being Miss Doshe E. Webster, a
daughter of John and Mary ( Lurries) Webster,
the former of whom died in Hardin County.
Ohio. After the death of her husband, who was
accidentally killed by the discharge of a rifle, Mrs.
Webster returned to Washington County and there
remained until her death. She had eight children
of whom Mrs. Brabham was the third. Her birth
took place in Morgan County. Ohio. July '1 1. 1824.
After the marriage of the original of our sketch
and his wife the young couple settled in Washing-
ton County, Ohio, and there continued to live un-
til 1867, when he sold out his farm and came to
this State and county, settling in I. owe Township
on section 17. On that place they continued to
live until May. 1889, when he rented his farm and
removed to Lovington, of which he has since been
a resident. When a young man our subject learned
the cooper's trade which hi1 carried on in connec-
tion with farming while he lived in Ohio, but since
coming to the Prairie State he has devoted his
whole attention to agricultural affairs.
Mr. Brabham is the owner of two hundred and
forty acres, all of which is well improved. The
soil, which is of the best quality, has for yearsbeen
well tilled and the buildings upon the place are
substantia] and good. Mr. and Mrs. Brabham are
the parents of live children: Diantha C. was Mist
married to John Rigg, in Ohio, in 1864, and of
that union three children were horn — Vesta. Nor-
ton M. and Arthur E. For a number of years she
made her home with her parents until in June.
1XX4. when she again married, becoming the wife
of James Jones, and two children have come to
bless this union. Walter and Wilda (twin.-), the
latter dying at the age of two years. Her two sons
by her first marriage still reside with their grand-
parents and brighten the homes and lives of the
worthy couple. Of the remaining children of Mr.
and Mrs. Brabham the following is recorded: Walter
II. died when sixteen years of age, just OS the golden
gate of manhood was opening before him and the
prospects within its portal seemed so fair; Francis
258
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
M. married Miss Rebecca Deeter; Leonidas died
when a lad of eleven years; David G. married Miss
Hattie Dougherty.
In political affairs Mr. Brabham has taken a fairly
active interest and is a Republican by preference.
He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for n
long time and lias also been School Trustee and
School Director. Both he and his wife are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church and have
been so connected since 1N42. Nearlya half-cent-
ury of church experience and social relationship is
theirs, and they have followed the chanties which
have taken place in the customs of their church
with interest and attention. Our subject has tilled
various offices in the church, and has been local
preacher for years, also Superintendent of the Sun-
day-school. Deacon and Class-Leader. His wife
has been a constant and faithful companion in all
his good words and works, and is a woman of
beautiful Christian character, whose amiability of
disposition, gentleness and kindly spirit, have ever
been an example of good to those around her.
Mr. Brabham was a lay delegate to the Methodist
Episcopal Conference held in Bloomington in Sep-
tember, 1891, and always strives in whatever posi-
tion placed to advance the cause of religion so
dear to his heart.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Brabham accom-
panies this sketch.
JOHN MOLL. The young gentleman whose
history it is our pleasure to here chronicle.
is a successful farmer and stock-raiser opera-
ting a place on section 20, of Pickaway
Township. The tract comprises two hundred and
forty acres of good land, which is so well managed
as to be the admiration of all who have the oppor-
tunity of seeing it. Although a young man to
have the care of so large a place he has controlled
it for the past two years, having been engaged as
a farmer in Flat Branch Township for the five
years previous to his coming here.
Our subject was born on the farm which he now
occupies, his natal day being February 27. 1862,
and he is the fourth child in the parental family.
Ilis parents were Daniel and Caroline (Wolf) Moll.
natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively,
both of German ancestry. They were married in
Ohio and at once came to Illinois, settling in Ridge
Township about 1854. Later they came to Picka-
way Township and purchased a small farm, a part
of which is now covered by the old homestead.
This was the nucleus of the handsome property
that Mr. Moll subsequently acquired. The farm
comprised nine hundred and forty acres, most of
which is now highly improved. The dwelling is a
large two-story brick house, of imposing style and
well located, commanding a magnificent view of the
surrounding country.
Six farm dwellings which make good homes for
the tenants and workmen about the place have
been built on the land. The place has been brought
to its present high tone chiefly by the efforts of
Mr. Moll Sr., who is now retired from a life of ac-
tive engagement in agriculture to a beautiful home
in Moweaqua, where lie and his wife live in quiet
retirement at the ages of three score years. They
are active and well-known factors in Moweaqua
where they hold a prominent social position. Their
church relations are connected with those of the
United Brethren Church, of which Mr. Moll is a
member. They have live living children.
The original of our sketch was reared on the
farm which he now occupies. He received the ad-
vantages of a good public school education and
is well fitted for practical business life. He was
married in this township May 4. 1884, to Miss Ida
Bell Tolly, who. like himself, is a native of this
township, where she was born September 8, L867.
Here she was reared and educated. She is the
daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Goodwin)
Tolly, who are now living at Moweaqua and are re-
tired farmers. They are old settlers in the county
and have been successful in a financial way. Mrs.
Moll was well and carefully reared. She is a bright
woman, having an unusual conversational talent,
an attractive personality and charming manners.
She is the proud mother of two children, in whose
care and education she is deeply absorbed.
Mr. and Mrs. Moll are members of the old-school
PORTRAIT AND BIO RAPHICAL RECORD.
259
Baptist Church of Flat Branch Township. Our
subject is a Republican in his politics as is his fa-
ther. IK is a member of the order of the Farmers'
.Mutual Benefit Association.
1 < (NATHAN PATTERSON, familiarly known
throughout this part of the state as "Dock"
Patterson, belongs to a family of Scotch
origin, the grandfather of our subject hav-
ing been a native of the Highlands of (Scotland,
where he received thorough training and education
and when a young man came with Gen. Lafayette
to the United states, where he served as a soldier
through the latter part of the Revolutionary War.
lie afterward settled in Tennessee and there mar-
ried his first wife, who died while in the prime of
life in Marshall County. After her death Mr. Pal
terson removed to Muhlenberg County, Ky., and
there met and married his second wife and came
to Illinois in 1828. His son, David, father of our
subject, came to Illinois the -nine year, traveling
overland with an ox-team and a horse, the horse
being hitched in front of theoxen. They brought
their household goods with them and after stopping
lor a short time in Edgar County, continued their
travels in the same way to Moultrie County, which
they reached in March. 1833. After visiting in
Shelby County they finally settled near Sullivan,
this county, and here David Patterson, the father
of our subject, began life as a pioneer in the wilds
of the new country. He helped to lay out the
present city of Sullivan and spent his last years
here, dying in October, 1867. His wife survived
him for two years and passed away at an advanced
age. By her marriage to David Patterson she had
four sons and three daughters, four of whom are
still living.
David Patterson, the father of our subject, was
born in Tennessee in 1806 and he was yet a young
man when hi- came to Illinois, and here he married
Polly tlarbaugh, whose parents. Jacob and Nancy
(Hill) Harbaugh, were of Pennsylvania Dutch stock
and came from West Pittsburg, Pa., traveling down
the Ohio River on a Hatboat, making the first set-
tlement in Muhlenberg County. Ky. After the
marriage of their daughter, Polly, with David Pat-
terson, the family Came to Illinois and settled in
what is now Moultrie Country in the year 1833,
ami here Mr. and Mrs. Harbaugh spent their last
yeai"S and died of old age. They were well-known
and highly respected among the pioneers of this
part of the State.
After David Patterson and his wife settled in
this county they took a farm and improved it and
spent the remainder of their days here. Mr. Patter-
son died while on a visit in Marshall County, Tenn.,
in October, 1866, but his remains were brought
home and lie in the cemetery at Sullivan. His
wife died in August, 1869. They were members
of the Christian Church and personal friends of
Dr. Alexander Campbell. Mr. Patterson was a
prominent man in the Democratic ranks and for
many years served as Justice of the Peace and
School Commissioner for a long while. He was
County Judge foi twelve years and helped to or-
ganize the county and to get the hill through the
Legislature, and also assisted in locating the county
seat.
••Dock" Patterson was the first born of his
parents, his natal day being October 1. 1827, and
his native place being in Muhlenberg County-, Ky.
lie was thus not quite a year old when his parents
came to Edgar County, this Slate, and was yet a
child when they continued their migration to this
county. He received a log schoolhouse education
and grew to manhood, taking up the occupation
of a farmer and stock-raiser. For forty years back
■he has been the favorite auctioneer at sales of stock
all over the county, and indeed throughout this
portion of the State. In 1*83 he came to Sullivan
and bought a livery stable which he is now man-
aging on North Main Street.
Our subject was married in this county to Miss
Julia A. Souther, who was horn in Kentucky, Octo-
ber Id. 1829. She came north with her parents in
the fall of 1833 and received her training and
education in this county. She is a woman of un-
usual ability, a faithful wife and affectionate mother.
Of their seven children four are deceased, namely :
John, Marv. William A. and Charles II.. while those
260
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
who remain in this life are, Sarah, the wife of Mack
I). Philhower, a conductor on the Sante Fe Rail-
road, residing in Pekin, 111., and Nancy and Katie
who are at home with their parents. The positions
of Deputy sheriff and Constable have for nine
years been filled by Mr. Patterson and lie has
also been Township Collector. His political views
ally him with the Democracy and he is a member
of the lUne Lodge of Masons, at Sullivan. Both
he and his lovely wife are identified with the
Christian Church in which he has served as Deacon.
~<t?
r>*<§^-«-
ELLSWORTH FOSTER was born in Picka-
way Township, Shelby County. December
_-r :>.'!. 1863. his birthplace being the farm that
he is now so successfully managing, and he lias
taken his place among the manly, independent,
wide-awake young fanners and stock-raisers who
within recent years have stepped forward to help
carry on the great agricultural interests of this
county so well developed by their pioneer sires.
Our subject i- a son of John Foster, an old and
well-known citizen of this county, now living in
honorable retirement at Shelbyville. He in turn
was the son of another John Foster, both being na-
tive- of Yorkshire, England. In 1843 the grand-
father of our subject left his early English home
to seek another in this country, bringing with him
his wife and six children. The family set sail from
Liver] 1 on the good ship Glasgow, and after a
voyage of six weeks and four days, landed at New
York, and proceeded directly to Ohio, journeying
by the Hudson River to Albany, thence by Erie
(anal to Buffalo, from there on the lake to Cleve-
land. Ohio, and then by canal to Madison County.
in the same State.
In 1849 the elder John Foster brought his fam-
ily to Shelby County, and was one of the first set-
tlers on the prairie of Todd's Point Township, but
few pioneers having preceded him to that locality,
and they had selected homes in the timber. The
country was mostly in its primitive condition, with
deer and other kinds of wild game plentiful. Mr.
Foster entered a tract of Government land, and
building at once, devoted his time afterward to
stock-raising and general farming until his life was
rounded out by death at a ripe age. His wife also
died on the home farm in Todd's Point Township.
In her maiden days she bore the name of Ellen
Atkinson. She was a Dative of Yorkshire. Eng-
land, and a daughter of Thomas Atkinson. She
rial rd 'six children, named as follows: Joseph,
Mary. John. Alice, Thomas and James.
The father of our subject was a lad of thirteen
years when he came to America with his parents,
brothers and sisters, and still has a vivid remem-
brance of his boyhood's home and of the pioneer
life that the family was obliged to lead after com-
ing to this country in the newly settled regions
where they located in Ohio and this State. He was
bred to the life of a farmer, and resided under the
parental roof until his marriage. He then engaged
in fanning in Todd's Point Township a few years.
His next venture was to buy one hundred and
twenty acres of prairie in Pickaway Township. He
busied himself in the years that followed in the im-
provement of his place, erccting:i substantial set of
frame buildings, putting the land under admirable
tillage, and greatly adding to the attractiveness
and value of the farm by planting fruit and shade
trees. In 1889 Mr. Foster yielded the management
of his farm to the competent hands of his son Ells-
worth, and retired from active labor to a plea-ant
home at Shelbyville, which he then purchased.
John Foster took Rachel Dobson as his wife in
1848. and for more than forty years they have
shared life's joys and sorrow- together. Mrs. Fos-
ter was born in Westmorelandshire, England, and
is a daughter of John and Jane (Clark) Dobson.
who were also native- of that shire, and came to
America about 1836. They settled among the pio-
neers of Stark County. Ohio, and there spent their
remaining days. Both Mr. and Mrs. .Foster are
sincere members of the Presbyterian Church, and
are people of high principle and character. They
are the parents of six children, namely : Ann Ame-
lia, J. Williams, Wesley T., J. Ell-worth. Norman
II. and Jennie.
Ellsworth Foster grew to man's estate in the
home of his birth, and was educated in the local
public schools. He was an active, sturdy, self-re-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
26 l
iiant littli' lad, and even when very young was of
much assistance on the farm, and early acquired a
thorough familiarity with agricultural pursuits.
IK' lived with hi- parents until his marriage, and
then they removed to town and he took charge of
the farm. Ilr i- managing it judiciously and with
good results, and has already acquired a good repu-
tation for his skill and practicality in carrying on
farming after the most approved modern methods.
He is Straightforward and candid in his dealing-,
stands well financially, and his pleasant social qual-
ities make him popular with his associates, lie is
an active memher of William lVmi (amp. M. W.
A. He holds sound and sensible views in regard
to politic-, and is a true Republican.
To the lady who presides so pleasantly and gra-
ciously over his home, and co-operates witk him in
extending its hospitalities to friends or strangers
who may happen beneath its roof, our subject was
married in 1889. One child, whom they have
named Faith, completes their household. Mrs. Fos-
ter was formerly Edith Noon, is a native of Wau-
kesha County. Wis., and a daughter of .lames and
Hannah (Fear) Noon, an extended sketch of whom
appears elsewhere. Mrs. Foster is a lady of culture,
and in her the Unitarian Church has a valuable
member, who is active in its every good work.
•{•ss-hs;*
X APT. HENRY 1.. HART, who won mili-
tary honors during the Civil War as an
officer of au Illinois regiment, is a promi-
nent citizen of Shelly ville. Shelby County, where
he has for some time conducted business as a fui
niture dealer, and he has also been a conspicuous
figure in the municipal government, lie was Horn
in Fairfield County. Ohio. October 20, 1*:S7. a son
of Barn hart Hart, who was horn in Pennsylvania
in February, 1812.
The grandparents of our subject removed from
Pennsylvania to the Buckeye State during the
first quarter of this century, and were among the
early pioneers of Fairfield County, where they
both died soon after they located in its primeval
wilds. Their son Barnhart was vcr\ -mall when
lie was thus orphaned, and he early had to work
for a livelihood. At the age of fourteen he was
hound as an apprentice to Mr. Beck, a blacksmith,
of Lancaster, ami served with him seven years to
learn the trade, receiving his hoard and clothes in
repayment for his assistance. At the expiration of
that time he did journey work forawhile. and then
opened a smithy in the village of Jefferson, and
carried on business in his line in that place until
1851. In that year he bought a farm in Violet
Township, and has since devoted his time to farm-
ing, being one of the prosperous, well-to-do farm-
er- of his neighborhood. In early manhood he
took unto himself a wife, whose name prior to their
marriage was Mary Wooster, and she was horn in
Germany in 1812. The following are the names
of the eight children that this worthy couple reared
to maturity: Francis ('.. Henry L., Anna M..
Charles. John, Elizabeth, Susan A. and Irvin M.
John, who was a memher of Company K. One
Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Infantry, died op-
posite Yieksburg while bravely fighting for his
country.
In the county of his nativity he of whom these
lines are written grew to man's estate, and in its
schools he gained a good practical education, lie
remained with his parents until his twenty-second
year, affording his father valuable help on his farm,
and he then came to this county, lie was em-
ployed in farming here until 1861, and then the
restless spirit of adventure and the prospects of
gain sent him to the gold fields in the Rocky
Mountains. In company with others, he started
in the month of March on the long and tedious
journey across the plains, going with a team to St.
Louis, and there embarking team and all on a river
steamer bound for Atchison. Kan., whence thev
proceeded across the prairies to their destination.
At that time buffaloes were plenty on the plains,
and Indians, who were sometimes hostile, had full
sway. Denver, which was then in its infancy, had
a population of lint three or four hundred people.
Our subject engaged in mining until fall, then
returned to this county with the proceeds of his
labors. In the month of December he volunteered
for service in the Union Army, having determined
262
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to join his patriotic fellow-countrymen Rt the front
in help defend the stars and stripes. His name
was enrolled as a member of Company II. Fifty-
fourth Illinois Infantry, and he went Smith with
his regiment. In all its campaigns, marches and
battles, he was an active- participant, and on all
occasions displayed true valor, coolness in danger,
and promptness in action that mark the genuine
soldier, which traits finally won for him deserved
promotion from the ranks to the position of First
Lieutenant, his commission being received in 1864.
From that time he had command of his company,
although he was not appointed its Captain until
February, 1865. Mis men fought well under the
inspiration of his leadership, and did their part
bravely in every battle in which they met the
enemy, continuing in the service until after the
close of the war. when they and their gallant Cap-
tain were honorably discharged.
After leaving the army Capt. Hart returned to
Shelbyville, and for some years was engaged here
in the grocery business until failing health obliged
him tn wind up his affairs and take a much needed
rest. After selling out. he spent one year in the
South and in his native State, and lie then came
hack to Shelbyville. He was employed as a clerk
until 1885, and then established himself in his
present business, in which he has been eminently
successful. lie lias a large and well-appointed
store, stocked with a full line of furniture and
house furnishing goods, our subject making it a
point to carry every article used in the fitting up
of a modern home demanded by the needs and
tastes of his many customers.
In 1866 Capt. Hart was united in marriage to
Miss Isabella Fishbaugh, a native of Ohio, and a
daughter of Mordecai and Isabella Fishbaugh. Their
wedded life has been one of mutual felicity, and
has brought them four sons — Francis ( '.. Lewis II..
William R. and Walter E.
The Captain is a man of sound business princi-
ples, is prompt in his dealings and methodical in
the management of his affairs. Hi- fellow-citizens,
recognizing these facts, and knowing their value in
a civic official, at i ne time called him to the head
of the municipal government, and for four years
he served with distinction asMayorof Shelbi ville.
He is a true Democrat in 1 1 is- politics, and in his
religious faith a linn Presbyterian, both In- and his
wife being active members of the church of that
denomination in this city.
^i
m
m,
OIIX N. STORM belongs to an energetic,
enterprising family of whom the young
men early started out ill life for themselves.
Our subject is a general merchant in the
village of Strashurg. and being thoroughly ac-
quainted in the surrounding country, he has the
advantage in both buying and selling. He of whom
we write is a son of Hiram .1. Storm, who was born
in Ash Grove Township, Shelby County, this State.
His mother was Harriet Rankin, who was born in
llii; Spring Township. Our subject's parents after
marriage settled in Ash Grove Township. The
mother died while her boys were young, passing
away in 18(;,s. The father is still living and is
employed as a farmer in Big Spring Township.
They were the parents of seven children and of
these our subject is the fourth in order of birth.
He was born in Ash Grove Township. Shelby
County, this State. January 13. 1858, and was
reared chiefly in Big Spring Township, remaining
with his father until he was eighteen years old,
when he came to Strashurg and was engaged in
wagon making and repairing, and was thus occu-
pied for about two years. He then went into the
saloon business but continued in this only a shorl
time and then engaged in the general mercantile
business.
The original of our sketch carries a good and
well-assorted stock of merchandise and enjoys a
good trade. He has filled several local offices. lie
has been both village and township (unstable.
Justice of the Peace. Village Trustee and School
Treasurer. He is a member of the Masonic frater-
nity. .Mr. Storm's marriage look place in Richland
Township. His wife's maiden name was Anna 1!.
Martin. She was a daughter of Jacob Martin, who
died in Richland Township. She was born in Indiana.
They are the parents of five children, three of whom
onlv are living. Their names are Merton R., Or-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
263
villi- and Ivy. Two died when very young. .Mr.
Storm affiliates with the Democratic party.
Our subject is a man who has a great deal of
executive ability, and whose business dealings are
(iii :iu extensive plane. He is engaged quite exten-
sively in addition to his local business, in shipping
eggs and poultry to tin- New York markets.
r€T
■©$.
I ARTIN L. L()\VK. Among the success-
ful business men of Sullivan, Moultrie
County, we are pleased to mention the
name which appears at the head of this
paragraph — the name of a prosperous dealer in
horses and the head of a livery stable and who also
deals in all kinds of farming implements and vehi-
cles, lie keeps a line line of turnouts and horses
at his place, which is well equipped and where he
has been conducting business since October, \XH'.).
Near the city of Sullivan he also has a good farm.
Owning about four hundred and til'ty-two acres in
this township and in East Nelson Township, and
also has one hundred and sixty acres in Douglas
County. His large property is stocked with about
one hundred head of line cattle and some fifty
head of horses and he has among them some fine
animals of good grades.
Mr. Lowe bears the reputation of being an ex-
cellent business man and a "thoroughly good fel-
low." and he is well and favorably known to the
people of Sullivan in and near which city he has
lived for twelve years. His native home was in
Harrison County. W. Va.. where lie was born in
ltfoK. He is the son of John B. I. owe. a native of
Virginia who was a farmer by occupation and died
in Harrison County in 1*7(1 at the age of seventy-
live years, lie was the son of Old Dominion par-
ents and our subject was yet quite young at the
time of his father's decease. His mother, whose
maiden name was Susan Robinson, died some years
before. She was during most of her life a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church and came of
excellent Virginian stock.
Although bereaved of his parents in his youth.
Martin Lowe was given an excellent education.
lie was one of a numerous family, five of whom
are yet living. He was early thrown upon his own
resources and became independent and so more
quickly fitted for supporting himself and a family.
He was married in Harrison County. W. Va., to
Miss Elizabeth K. Higginbotham, who was born in
that county and came of an old established family.
George Higginbotham. her father, is now living at
an advanced age in Clarksburg, \V. Va., and was
bereaved of his wife, whose maiden name was
Lydia Griffin, in 1*7!).
Mrs. Lowe, the wife of our subject, was one of a
family of five children who received the best ad-
vantages in an educational line and she shows
marks of the culture which was bestowed upon
her in her youth, for she is a woman of unusual
ability and intelligence, is a true wife and a faith-
ful mother and is bringing up her three lovely
children — Omar. Georgie and Lulu — in the fear
and admonition of the Lord. She is an earnest
and conscientious member of the Methodist Church
and a valued worker in every good effort. The
political doctrines which receive the endorsement
of Mr. Lowe are those which are found in (he
declarations of the Democratic party.
£+£{
~S
OHN N. LENOX. Born of parents who are
conspicuous for the superior mental power
that they possessed and which gave them.
wherever they resided, a prominent position
in the community, our subject was early trained in
a direction of which comparatively few men have
more than the suggestion of the true status of the
position. Had he lived a little earlier or a little
later doubtless our subject 's father would have been
a confrere with Patrick Henry or with Abraham
Lincoln. A Virginian, as was the lirst named, he
possessed all the lire and ardor of the Southern
orators, and was an effective speaker on political
occasions. As it was. Mr. Lenox. Sr.. was repre-
sentative of the best thought and policy in his
part of the country and was advanced to many
prominent positions which were unsought hv him.
John Lenox, the father of our subject, was born
264
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in Virginia ami early learned the fiery speeches of
the Revolutionary heroes. His wife was in her
maiden day- a Miss Nancy Mellinger. At an early
day they settled in Shelby County, Ohio, and there
they died. Although the old gentleman was a
farmer by occupation he was ever involved in pub-
lic affairs. His ability in legislative matter- was
such a? to inevitably bring him to the front He
was County Judge of shelly County. Ohio, and
served in the state Legislature for one term. The
home life was such as to make therhildren thought-
ful and to develop in them a liking for public
affairs as well as a knowledge of Parliamentary
rules. The family comprised eight children and of
these our subject was fourth in order of birth. He
wa- horn iu Shelby County. Ohio. December 2.").
1825, and was reared to an agricultural life.
John Lenox, sr.. was married December 28, 1848,
to Rachael -lane Arbuckle, in their native county in
Ohio. She wa- a daughter of Robert and Leatha
(Harn) Arbuckle, both of whom were native- of
.Maryland, where they grew U]> and were married
and welcomed their little daughter Leatha. who
was but two years of age when they removed to
Ohio and settled in Shelby County, where they
died. Mrs. Lenox, our subject's wife, wa.- born
near Hagerstown. Md.. January 20, 1829. Af-
ter their marriage they settled in Shelby County,
Ohio, where Mr. Lenox wa- engaged in farming
and stock-raising.
In March. 1854. the original of our -ketch re-
moved from his home in Ohio to Shelby County,
this state, and in the following December settled
upon the farm on section 16, where he now lives.
They have a beautiful home pleasantly located and
surrounded with tine shade trees, and in the fruit
season one may regale one-elf with the choicest
varieties of the fruits common to this latitude.
The home ha- always been the center ami the meet-
ing place for the most cultivated people of the
vicinity, who are sure of finding in thegenial host.
an enthusiastic and pleasing talker and a kiirrlly
sympathetic listener.
Mr. and Mrs. Lenox are the parents of four
children whose names are. Zeru L. A.: Wallace \\\:
Leatha C. and John M. The eldest daughter is
the wife of William 11. Shaw, who is ex-Sheriff of
Shelby County. Wallace W. i- a farmer and -lock-
dealer in Richmond Township, and a progressive
and thoroughly business young man. Leatha C.
i- the wife of John M. Sargeant John X. i- a res-
ident in St. Louis. Mo. He of whom we write has
always been engaged in agricultural pursuits and
in stock dealing which hevhas found to he very-
profitable, lie i- the owner of three hundred and
twenty acres of finely improved land upon which
he has made many valuable improvements.
In poUtics our subject is a Republican, using his
influence in favor of the party which is dear to
him by principle and by association with the mem-
ories of hi- younger days. Mr. Lenox has ever
been a generous contributor to the up-building of
churches and the support of the Gospel, and in-
deed, every progressive measure has received Ids
encouragement and aid.
OAH SYFERT. This gentleman i> at the
head of a large family of which he may
1 /_ well he proud, a- the younger members
show every mark of mowing up into as useful
members of society as the parents and older child-
ren proved themselves. The father of this gentle-
man, < Jeorge Syfert, was horn in Pennsylvania, and
passed away from earth in Fairfield County, Ohio.
He had the useful trade of a shoemaker but de-
voted himself mostly to agriculture. Hi- worthy
wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Oberly,
was a native of Pennsylvania, who also died in
Fairfield County, Ohio. This place was also the
native county of our subject, who was horn
Xoveinbe.1' 13, 1823, being one of a family of ten
children.
After heiiiir reared to manhood young Syfert re-
sided for a number of years in his native home
and then removed to Allen C ounty. the same state
and lived there for thirteen years, before coming
to Shelly County, 111. Here he made his home in
Ridge Township, in January. 1867 and has been a
permanent resident IIi> marriage had taken place
in Ohio. August 2, 1849, his bride heintr Catherine
Fiiesncr. who was horn in Fairfield County. Sept-
^^x^^.&
PORTRAIT AND BI()( IRAPHK AL PECORD.
2i;;
ember 12,1831. This day was the beginning of a long
life of domestic happiness and prosperity, and this
union brought to the happy couple fifteen children ;
John W. married Emma Askins; Franklin P. took
t<i wife Anna Shumaker; Eliza A. is tin- wife of
Edward McDonald; William B. married Elizabeth
Yantis; Andrew J. was married to Emma Stivison,
Sarah A. is the wife of William Fritz of whom our
leader will find a sketeh in ihi> book; Lodema E.
is the wife of .John Turner; Catherine R. became
the wife of Newton Lupton; Lillie 15. i> unmanned;
Lun C. married George Padgett ami the remaining
children are Ida K.. Edward M. and Oliver s. Two
little ones, ( ieorge 1 1, and Emma J. died in infancy.
Agricultural pursuits have absorbed the time
and attention of Mr. Syfert, and in them he has
achieved success, lie has erected good buildings
upon his farm and i> the owner of one hundred
and fifty-six acres, lie has served educational in-
terests as a member of the School Hoard and is an
earnest and conscientious member of the society
known a- the C'hurchof God. In political matters,
he i- untrammeled by parties, and casts his vote for
men and measures which are upheld by his own
judgment.
< jfclLLIAM A. SMITH. M. I). One of the
\ / older men and physicians in Lovington,
»V Dr. Smith belongs to a family that have
experienced pioneer life in its many interesting,
a- well as trying aspects. Hi- father was Nicholas
C. smith, who was horn in Halt i more. Md.. in 1 7s 1.
From there he went to Westmoreland County. Pa.,
at an early age, and while there he learned the car-
penter's trade and on the breaking out of the
Patriot's War in 1812, he enlisted in the regulai
army for five years, and alter the Wattle of Lake
Erie he was transferred to the Western frontier,
lie was one of the first of fifty white men who
ever set foot in Rock Island and assisted in erect-
ing the Block House in that place and afterward
erected another at Prairie du Chien. Wis. After
hi- time of enlistment had expired he returned and
settled in Davis County, Ind.. where he was mar-
ried late in the year 1S2:>. to Mi-- Margaret Boos.
who was bom near Wheeling, W. Ya.. and was (if
Swiss and German ancestry.
After the marriage of our subject's parents they
lived in Davis Country, until the winter of
1830-31, when they removed to Parke County.
Ind.. and there continued to reside until the win-
ter of 1836-37. 'They then removed to Mont-
gomery County. Ind.. at which place the father of
the family died in the winter of IS LI. Our
subject's mother died in 'Tippecanoe County. Ind..
about 18(i2. They were the parents of four sons
and five daughters, our subject being the eldest of
the family. He was horn in Davis County, Ind.,
September 24. 1S2.">.
I'p to the age of twenty. Dr. Smith made his
home under the parental roof. At that age he went
to Tippecanoe County. Ind.. and August Hi. 1846,
he enlisted in Company K. in the regiment of
Mounted Pities and served through the Mexican
War. At the end of the war he returned to Tip-
pecanoe County and entered the employ of a
gentleman by the name of Black who was engaged
in the tanning business. 'Tint- occupied he con-
tinued there until the spring of 1849, when, July
3. he was married in Clinton County, Ind.. to Mi-
Sarah A. stinson. who was horn in Ohio, September
in. 1839. 'They settled in Tippecanoe County and
there they continued to live until the spring of
I860, when the Doctor came to Sidney, Champaign
County, this state.
Long having had a taste for medicine, but never
having had an opportunity to gratify his inclina-
tion in that direction, in the winter of 1849, he
embraced a chance which offered itself to begin
reading medicine under Dr. Moses Baker, and con-
tinued with him until 1857. At that time he at-
tended a course of lectures at the Push Medical
College in Chicago, remaining in that city during
the winter of 1857-58. In the spring of 1858 he
entered upon the practice of his profession at
Odells Comers, in 'Tippecanoe County. Ind.. re-
maining there until the spring of I860, "hen he
went to Sidney. Here he remained for one year
hut in the spring of 1861, removed to Newman.
Douglas County, this state, and practiced there
until 1878, with the exception of one year ( 1873)
268
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
which he passer] at Kansas Station, this State, [n
1878. he removed to Ellis. Ellis County, Kan., and
there made his home for two years, but Indiana
re-asserting her old claim over hi> affection and
loyalty, he returned and settled in Parke County.
Hi- remained in that county until 1885 when he
came to Lovington, making his advent here in
April of tin- last named year. Being one of the
older practitioners, he here enjoys a confidence and
regard that many of the younger men could
hardly expect to have attained so soon, however
aide and worthy they may be.
Dr. Smith is the father of six living' children
whose names are respectively James t '.. Alice,
Moses I!.. Anna G., Emma E. and Eva. The eldest
son is a railroad man being engaged as a conductor
on a railroad in Kansas. Alice is the wife of I>. O.
Bills; Moses B. is also a railroad conductor; Emma
E. is the wife of Walter Liston of Decatur, this
State, while Anna G. and Eva —Till complete the
family circle and give a tone of freshness and
youth to the social circle that would otherwise he
marked by the sedateness of advanced years. One
child was taken away from them in girlhood.
Julia C. was but fifteen years ,,]' age when she died
and her decease was a great Mow to her parents
and friends for she was at the loveliest period of
budding womanhood, and promised to be a woman
of whom her parents might well lie proud.
Mrs. Smith isa memberof the Methodist Episco-
pal Church and has been so connected for many
years. The Doctor is liberal in his religious belief,
lb- has for many years been a Mason, having been
so made in Laruramie Lodge. Tippecanoe County.
Ind.. in 1849. He was conspicuously engaged in
the Mexican War. during which he took part in all
the engagements under Gen. Scott from the land-
ing of Vera Cruz to the capture of the City of
Mexico, at which his company was the first to
enter the gates of the city after its capture on the
morning of September 14. 1*47. After having
performed heroic service his regiment was dis-
charged by special Act of Congress August 2*.
1848.
While in Ellis County. Kan.. Dr. Smith met with
serious reverses on account of failure of crops. He
had invested much of his money in a tract of
land, but having sustained such heavy losses in
other directions lie was compelled to dispose of his
land at a great sacrifice. In spite of the fact that
he had at this time passed his youth, he set about
retrieving his losses and with an indomitable will
and energy succeeded in a great degree in so doing,
lie i- now in the possession of a good practice in
Lovington and is much loved among the people of
that place.
In connection with this sketch a lithographic
portrait of Dr. Smith is presented to our readers.
^Tr*-*-**-
jILI.IAM II. AUGHINBATJGH, prominent
in business, political and church circles, as
'Jj^' a public-spirited and enterprising man.
who does his full share in forwarding every move-
ment to enhance the best interest of his town and
county, we may well count the gentleman whose
name appears at the head of this paragraph, lit-
is now a dealer in drugs, wall paper, toilet articles.
etc.. in Oconee. Shelby County, and was born
March 3. 1842. in Baltimore. Md.
John and Catherine (Fisher) Aughinbaugh. the
parents of our subject, were natives respectively of
Pennsylvania and Baltimore, and reared a tine fam-
ily of three sons and four daughters: Amelia was
the wife of John Caldwell, and died in Litchfield.
111.; Annie is the widow of William McEwen, and
also resides in Litchfield; our subject is the third
in age. and his next brother. Levi, resides at Ilush-
ii ell. 111., where he is engaged in business as a com-
mercial traveler; Catherine, who is the wife of John
Cress, went to the far distant West, and is making
her home at Portland. Ore.: John, who is married,
resides at St. Louis. Mo., where he is engaged as a
compositor in the office of the Republican; Susan,
wife of William Davis, makes her home at Litch-
field.
He of whom we write was educated at Hillsboro,
I1L, having come to that city with his parents in
the year l855,from Huntsville, Ala., to which they
had previously removed from Baltimore. After
the family had been living in this State for about
eight years, the mother died in 1863 in Macoupin
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RhCORD.
269
County, but the father who survived and married
again, is living with «mr subject :it Oconee.
Our subject served for two years during the Civil
War in the Quartermaster's Department, being as-
signed to duty with the armies of the Tennessee
and the ( 'umberland respectively, being in the Post
Department in both these connections. After the
close of the war he returned to Hillshoro. and en-
gaged in mercantile business, continued in that line
successfully until 1867, when he sold out and re-
moved to Oconee, this county. Here he again took
up the mercantile business and continued in it for
about six years.
William II. Aughinbaugh and .Miss Sail ic U. Wil-
mot were united in the sacred bonds of matrimony,
in September, 1*70. This lady was horn in Chris-
tian County. 111., and her wedded life began with
a prospect of great happiness, but it was cut short
by her decline in health, and she died of consump-
tion in 1873, leaving two little children to mourn
a mother's love and care. In January, 1H77. our
subject was married to his second wife. Miss Mollie
1. Wilmot. a sister of the first Mrs. Aughinbaugh,
and a native of the same place, where she was horn
in January, 1860. Two children were horn of the
second marriage. The little ones who were left by
Mrs. Sallie Aughinbaugh, Maud and Guy have both
died. The children of the second wife are Arthur
.1.. horn June 1. I879,and Bertha J., November 29,
1 883.
Our subject disposed of his mercantile interests
some years ago, and about that time was elected
Mayor of Oconee, to the duties of which ottiee he
turned his attention, adding to it a business in col-
lections, insurance and real estate, also loaning
money ami buying paper. After nine years in this
line of work, he turned his attention to the drug
business in which he has continued for eleven years.
His first official position was in the capacity of
Clerk of Oconee, lie was then elected Mayor.
serving in that office for eight years. Iii 1884 he
was elected to the office of Supervisor of thistOWTl-
-hip. a position of trust and responsibility, in which
he has served in all some three years.
Our subject belongs to the Masonic order, hav-
ing been made a Mason in Mt. Moriah Lodge, No.
">. at Hillshoro. 111., from which being demitted, he
joined the Oconee Lodge, No. 392, where he served
for twelve years as Master, and represented tin1
same in the Grand Lodge of this State for eight
consecutive year.-. Afterward he served in this
same capacity for two years, and is the present
Representative for 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Aughin-
baugh are worthy members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, where they arc active in every good
work. This public-spirited and enterprising man
is wide awake to tin- merits of the political situa-
tion, and affiliates with the Democratic party.
NATHANIEL BRAXTON McCLUER. A
/ man who is widely known in Shelby County
being a large and successful farmer and
stockman who has done much toward introducing
an improved grade of stock into this State and to the
West generally, is he whose name is at the head of
thi> sketch, lie is a progressive and public-spirited
man whose tendencies are all towards an elevating
influence, both in business relations and in his
domestic life. Mr. McCluer resides on his fine
farm on section K, of Rural Township. His home
is one of the most pleasant places in the county and
he has spared nothing that money could procure,
to make it an ideal place of residence. He also
owns land in section ;">. His residence in the county
dates from 1865.
The original of our sketch was horn in Darke
County. Ohio, December 2!», 1829, and is a son of
Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Wilt) McCluer both na-
tives of Virginia and each of whom, with their
respective families, removed to Ohio at an early
day. Samuel McCluer, the grandfather of our
subject settled in Darke County in 1812, and was
one of the first settlers there. The maternal grand-
parents of our subject, settled in the same county
about 1814. They made their home in the midst
of the forest, clearing out as time and opportunity
permitted, a spate around the log cabin which con-
stituted their home.
Brought up as young people together, the par-
ents of our subject early recognized an affinity and
determined to make the journey of life together.
27(1
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Their marriage took place in Darke County, where
they resided the remainder of their lives, upon the
farm where they settled at an early day. The fa-
ther lived to number four-score years. The mother
passed away at the aye of sixty-six years. They
were the parents of six children whose names are
as follows: Melinda. Samuel, George, John,
Catherine and our subject. .Melinda was twice
married and died in her native State; Samuel re-
sides in Darke County, Ohio, where his brother
George died; John lives in Huntington County,
Ind.; Catherine married and died in Southern Illi-
nois. He of whom we write is the youngest of
the family. He was reared on the farm and re-
ceived his education in the district school. In IS(i).
he enlisted in Company 1>. of One Hundred and
Fifty-second Ohio Infantry, whose men enlisted for
one hundred days, but who served for rive months.
While they were not participants in any of the
decisive battles, they took part in a number of
skirmishes.
In 1H65, Mr. McCluer was united in marriage to
Melinda Almonrode. She was horn in Preble
County, Ohio, September 20, 1*42, and was a
daughter of John and Mary (Swane) Almonrode.
Shortly after their marriage our subject and his
bride came to this State and purchased two hun-
dred acres, which was the nucleus of his present
farm. At the time he settled here, his place was
hut little improved, but lie took up the calling of
farming with such vim. energy and intelligent
management, that he is now the owner of nearly
one thousand acres of land which is highly pro-
ductive and which is dotted over with stock of the
finest grade. He has been very successful in his
agricultural career.
Mrs. McCluer is an intelligent and capable
woman. She presides over the beautiful home
which her husband has made with an ease and
dignity that only native refinement and courtesy
can give. Although she is endowed with moie
than ordinary ability, she has gladly given herself
up to love's sweet servitude, her great pleasure
being in insuring the domestic comfort of her hus-
band and the rearing and educating of her chil-
dren. She has sought to combine cultivation of
mind and bodv, realizing that one with weak
physical constitution and endowed with tine men-
tal ['acidities has not the same chance in this
world, whose motto seems to be the survival of the
fittest, as one who is equally endowed with both a
Strong physical and intellectual capacity. Two of
the little ones were taken from their parents at a
tender aye Four of the children are still living,
and filled with vitality and brimming with the in-
tensity for which American children are conspicu-
ous, they are an interesting quartette. Their names
are Elmer, John. Charlesand Rose E. The beauti-
ful home within which the McCluer family live is
surrounded by a large lawn which is kept of velvet
smoothness by being frequently "one over with a
lawn-mower. His home is handsomely furnished
and the genial host and hostess hospitably entertain
the many people who are attracted hither socially
or by business.
^3-
«<3=§-
"it OHN S. EVEY. It is not necessary for the
traveler to understand the details of farm
life in order to determine the status of the
owner of any particular tract of land. It is
easy to form a conclusion from the general appear-
ance of the property, the improvements that have
been made upon it and the order or disorder that
reigns supreme. No one looking at the farm of
Mr. Evey on section 21, Tower Hill Township,
would have the least doubt that its owner under-
stands his business and is able to obtain good re-
sults from tilling the soil. The farm consists of
one hundred and eighty fertile acres, in whose
pastures good stock is found, in the sheds modern
machinery, and in the storehouses farm produce of
excellent quality. About the dwelling are the
manifestations of the refining hand of woman.
Mr. Evey is a native of Maryland, born in
Hagerstown. October 15, 1833. His father, whose
given name was Henry, and his mother, whose
maiden name was Rebecca Livers, were also born
in Maryland. The parents removed to Shelby
County, 111., about 1836, and located near Shelby-
ville, where she died. After her decease the father
came to Tower Hill Township and settled on
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
271
section 21. where he died in 1865. Hewas a good
citizen, an upright man and a devoted husband
and father. Hi> family comprised three children,
our subject being the eldest.
When he was three years old our subject was
brought by hi> parents to this county, where he
grew to manhood on his father's farm. He was
early initialed into the mysteries of farming and
when he became a man he naturally chose agricul-
ture as hir- life vocation. December 25, 1856 he
was married in Tuner Hill Township to Mi>> Caro-
line M. Jones, a native of Tennessee. This estim-
able lady was brought by her parents to Indiana.
whence, after her father's death, she came to Shelby
County with a family named Li-ten. The congen-
ial union of Mr. and Mrs. Evey has been blessed
by the birth of >ix living children, viz: William E..
David H., Captolia, Hattie, Charles F. and John
M. William E. is a farmer in Kansas; David II.
i- a successful dentist at Monmouth. 111.: Captolia
follow- the profession of teaching.
A man of striking common sense, keen foresight
and marked capability, Mr. Evey has Keen selected
by his fellow-citizens as one well qualified to till
public offices of importance. He formerly took an
active part in politics and in his political affilia-
tions i> independent, voting for the man whom he
considers best fitted to serve the interests of the
people. He has been Highway Commissioner sev-
eral years, in which position he lias accomplished
much for the good of the community. Socially, he
is a member of the Ancient Order of United Work-
men and the Farmer'- Mutual Benefit Association.
~^HT
^
UGH NELSON WALDEN. a well-known
stock-raiser and farmer residing on section
K/ 31, Windsor Township, Shelby County, was
(£) born just a quarter of a mile south of his
present residence. January 19, 1830. Hi- father.
Hugh Walden.wa- a native of North Carolina, and
his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Mont-
gomery, wa- born in Kentucky. They both came
to this State before marriage, and were united near
Shawnee town, and became residi ntsof Illinois Ter-
ritory in those earlj days prior to it- admission as
a State. It was in 1827 that this young couple
came to Shelby County, and settled in Richland
Township, and there they -pent the remainder of
their day-, the father being called hence in 1869,
and the mother surviving him for ten years.
Everj one of the live -on- and five daughters of
this worthy couple lived to attain maturity, marry
and establish families of their own. but eight of the
ten have now passed away, seven of them dyingof
that dire disease, consumption. The only surviv-
ing brother of our subject is Leonard V.. the young-
est of the family. He live- on the old homestead,
which i> now a portion of his brother's large farm.
Our subject ha- been twice married, his tir-t wife
being Maria Davis, to whom he was united March
17. 1853. Seven children were born of this mar-
riage, of whom three an- now living — Mary M..
Nancy Ivy and Harlan, all of whom have grown to
maturity and are living with their father. Their
mother passed away March 6, 1874. Mr. Walden
was married a second time. April 13, 1875, and was
united at that time with Theoda 1). Ila/.en. who
was born in Bridgeton, Me.. April 11. 1842. she is
a daughter of John and Esther (Libbey) Hazen.
Her father died in his native stale April 14. 1H77.
and the mother still resides in Bridgeton. < inly one
of her three sons and three daughters have passed
away, and Mrs. Walden i> her eldest. By thismar-
riage Mr. and Mr-. Walden have had three children,
all of whom are deceased, two dying in infancy.
Abbie Hazen, who wa- born October 2. 1*77. died
March 12. 1890; she wa- a bright, beautiful girl of
thirteen summers, whose place can never be tilled
to her sorrowing parent-, and who was sincerely
mourned h\ many admiring friends and playmates.
Go to thy rest fair child.
Go to thv dreamless bed
While yet so gentle, undetiled.
With blessings on thy head.
Ere sin hath -eared thy breast,
Or sorrow waked thy tear.
Rise to thy throne of changeless rest
In yon celestial sphere.
If any man may be called a pioneer of Shelby
County, Mr. Walden is pre-eminently one. as it has
been his home for sixty-one year-, six hundred
splendid acres constitute his farm in Windsor and
272
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Richland Townships, and upon them he lias excel-
lent buildings and fine improvements, the whole
estate being in fact an ideal country borne. Mr.
Walden has always been a Democrat in his politi-
cal views, and he says he expects to die a Democrat.
He is a Universalist in his religious belief, although
lie holds no church connection. His excellent wife
joined the Cambridge Baptist Chinch in Massachu-
setts, when she was only seventeen years of age.
and she has ever maintained her membership with
that organization. The township of Windsor has
honored both itself and our subject by giving him
at various times every office within its gift He
served -even year- asSupervisor, ten years as High-
way Commissioner, one term as Assessor, and
School Director and Trustee for nine and ten year-
each.
KTlll'K G. LEE. The name at the head
of this -ketch i- that of a man who enjoys
to the utmost, the confidence of the people
in the community in which he lives. This
is shown by the fact that from among the best
financial men in the place, he ha- Keen elected to
the responsible position of President of the Com-
mercial state Hank of Windsor. Shelby County.
Our subject was 1 nun in Oshawa, Ontario, July 7.
1865. He was reared on a farm until about four-
teen years of age. and in the calm pursuits of agri-
culture the mental fibre of his mind developed.
Unrestrained by fine-spun theories, he saw life as it
was and this practical view and keen insight into
affairs has ever characterized his business dealings
and has carried him on to the success which he so
eminently merit-.
Arthur Lee received the foundation of his edu-
cation in the common schools of his native place
after which he attended the High School from
which he was graduated. He then began life for
himself and was employed for a period of two
years with steel Brothers & Company, merchants
in Toronto. Canada, a- clerk. In 1886, he came to
the States, and resided in Chicago untilJuly, 1889.
He was employed as manager and had charge of
the seed department for II. Sibley a- Co. In July,
1889 he came to Windsor and organized the Com-
mercial Hank, and November 14. of the same year
it wa- re-organized a- a Commercial state Uank.
under the State law. ( )n its first organization, he
wa- Cashier of the hank and since it- re-organiza-
tion under the State law. he has been it> President.
Our subject's brother, Sidney .1. Lee. holds the
position of Cashier in the hank. The institution
transacts a good banking business, and i^- one that
wa- greatly needed in the community, now afford-
ing an opportunity for commercial exchange with
much less trouble and expense than before it- or-
ganization.
The parents of our subject are George and Lucy
(Curry) Lee. They were born in Canada. The
father died a victim of typhi. id fever, October 9,
1882, in Ontario. He was a tanner by occupation
but had retired from the active pursuits of his
calling at the time of his decease. They had three
children, of whom our subject was the eldest. Mr.
Lee wa.- married in Windsor June '.'. 1890 t<> Miss
Minnie Shaffer, who is a native of this county and
they have a very pleasant home located on the
principal residence street in Windsor. His charm-
ing young wife attracts the best social element of
the place. They have one child, an infant son.
Our subject, though yet less than thirty years of
age; ha.- won the entire confidence of the commun-
ity by his devotion to his business, and his broad-
laid and carefully-executed plans. He i- a natural
financier and has a peculiar faculty for seeing
where investments can be made with the greatest
prospects of large returns. In his political views.
Mr. Lee favors the Democratic party. In his re-
ligious views he is a Liberal. Socially, he of whom
we write is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
and has been a member of the Odd Fellow- since
about 1886. He is one of the leading member's
and occupies a prominent position.
It is not out of place to say something of the
ancestors of our subject at this point The lite of
a good man who leave- an exemplary example is
always worth reading. The paternal grandfather
of our subject was George Lee. lie was drowned
in the Straits of Belle Isle, being caught there in a
field of ice. He was not addicted to the use of any
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
273
form of intoxicants or tobacco and was a Metho-
dist minister. Our subject's maternal grandfather
was .lames Curry, who was also a Methodist clergy-
man. He died at the aire of eighty-five years.
-^~ +
yELLIAM N. WOOD, a prominent farmer
and stock-raiser residing' on section 17.
Wy/ Sullivan Township, Moultrie County, is a
native of Hardin County. Ky., where he was horn
February 25. 1*17. His parents, X. II. and Eliza-
beth (Lyon) Wood, were natives of Kentucky.
They came to Illinois in 1852, bringing this son
with them and located at Chariest own, Coles County.
■ where they staid for two years, removing thence to
Tuscola. Douglas Comity, where they remained
until they passed from earth, the mother in Janu-
ary, 1855, and the father in January, 18(>5. The
family is of English origin, although the grand-
parents of our subject were natives of Vermont,
and became pioneers of Kentucky. Of their fam-
ily our subject is the youngest of two sons'and four
daughters.
The household in which Mr. Wood was reared,
consisted of the following children: Martha R»,
who became the wife of W. L. Parker, a jeweler of
Kansas City, Mo.: Mary died at the age of twenty-
three, in March. 1863. in Tuscola; James Stratton
married Susanna Thompson, of Douglas County.
and now resides in Carlisle. Ark. ; Sarah Jane is un-
married anil resides at Lovington; William X.. and
Elizabeth E., wife of J. M. Durbrow, is living in
Champaign County.
lleof whom we write attended the public schools
near his home, and also took instruction at Lee's
Academy in Stockton. 111. He taught school for
two years before engaging in farming in Douglas
County, and was married March 14. 1875. to Miss
Margaret ('.. daughter of Peter and Mary Evans,
who was born in Licking County. Ohio. October 25.
1854.
Mrs. Wood is the youngest in a family of eight
children, whose parents came to Illinois in 1856,
and located in Moultrie County, where they both
died, the father October 20, 1873, and the mother
October 21. 1K7<>. Of this family only two are
living: Mrs. Wood, and Annie who became the
wife of Felix Weaver, and resides at Adrian, Mo.,
her husband being engaged in the stock and com-
mission business at Kansas City. The Kvans fam-
ily are of Weish and German ancestry.
The farm where Mr. Wood now resides became
the family home in the fall of 1875. One hundred
acres of this land came to his wife by inheritance.
and to it he has added by purchase until he has a
fine tract of two hundred and thirty-live acres.
upon which may be seen a tasteful and attractive
home and capacious and commodious farm build-
ings. Of their six children five are now living.
their eldest daughter, Mary, who was born Septem-
ber 1. 1876, being taken away March 1. 1K78.
Those who are living, are: Elizabeth, bora October
12. 1877; Norman II.. June 11. 1 s7'.»: Charles.
May 5. 1881; Homer Howard. October 1:5. 1XM;
Adeline. November 14. 1886. These children are
all being thoroughly educated, but remain under
the parental roof during their school days. Mr.
Wood takes an interest in public affairs, and is a
Democrat in politics, while his worthy wifeespouses
the principles of the Republican party. He has
held various offices in his township, and is a mem-
ber of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association.
^S>-*<§=
*—
... BSALOM PATTERSON. A number of the
(@^j|| large landowners of Sullivan Township,
Moultrie County, who have passed through
hard struggles and by their industry and
perseverance have attained the point where they
may rest from labor, are retiring from business
and m:iking their homes in Sullivan, than which
no place is probably more delightful in which to
seek comfort. Our subject, who is a retired farmer,
came to the city from his farm in 1890, having
been lor many years a stock buyer and shipper and
still owns eleven hundred and forty acres in Sul-
livan Township, most of which is improved, the
remainder of it being well stocked ami used as
pasture land.
Mr. Patterson is a native of this township, being
271
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born here when it was known as a part of Shelby
County, his aatal day being September 2K. 1^36.
All of his fine estate was prairie bind when he took
it and he lias himself brought it to its present
splendid condition and lias been a successful man
ill every endeavor of his life.
David Patterson, the father of our subject^ came
to this part of Illinois in 1833 after having lived
for a few years in Edgar County. Later in life lie
returned to his native home in Marshall County,
Tenn., where he died in l*i>7 at the age of sixty
years, being followed two years later by his wife.
She was a native of Pennsylvania, Polly Harbaugh
by name, and her parents belonged to that elass
known as Pennsylvania Dutch. They removed to
Kentucky and later to what is now Moultrie
County, becoming pioneers and living here to a
green old age.
David Patterson and his wife were members of
the Christian Church, and they were always suc-
cessful in life. Mr. Patterson was a Democrat in
his political views and at an early day under the
old law he had been Associate County Judge and
also held other local offices. Our subject is the fifth
iu a family of seven children, four of whom arc
yet living, are married, and reside in tins county.
The first marriage of our subject united him with
Naomi Henry, who died leaving him one child.
Mary, who followed her to the spirit land within
seven days. This young wife was a native of Shelby
County and made her home in Illinois through
life.
The second marriage of Mr. Patterson took
place in Moultrie County and gave to him as a
companion Miss Matilda Souther who was born
in this county and who also died while young.
leaving one child. Carrie, who grew to be an at-
tractive and beautiful young woman and married
Klias Woodruff. She. like her mother, died during
her early wedded life, passing away in the summer
of 1890, leaving one daughter — Ethel byname.
The present Mrs. Patterson was known in hei
maidenhood as Miss Susie Ireland. She is a native
of Kentucky and came when a young woman to
Illinois where she met and married Mr. Patterson.
She is the mother of four children, namely: Wesley,
who took to wife Miss Flornev Wagoner, and lives
upon a farm in Sullivan Township with his wife
and two children — Montie and Ora; the three other
children are still beneath the parental roof and
bear the names of Gertie 15.. Levi L. and Louie (..
Mrs. Patterson is a member of the Christian Church
of Sullivan and is an active and earnest promoter
of all Christian work. Mr. Patterson has been three
terms the Supervisor of Sullivan Township and has
held other local offices. He takes a genuine inter-
est in political movements, being a decided Demo-
crat in his convictions and an earnest worker for
the prosperity of his county.
FRANCISCO RUFFNER. The gentleman
-) whose name heads this sketch, is the owner
of a good farm located on section 33, Mo-
weaqua Township. Shelby County, and a view of
which is shown elsewhere in this volume, llecanie
hither in 1K77. and has since been a resident in this
place, giving the township the benefit of the im-
provements that he has made, and of his own genial
presence with that of his amiable family. Mr. Ruff-
ner was born in Licking County, Ohio, October 1.
1839. lie was only thirteen years of age when he
went with his parents to Allen County, hid., where
he remained for fourteen years. Later he came to
this State and located in St. Clair County, where
he was the proprietor of a farm for a period of five
years. From there lie removed to Clinton County
and five years later came to this county, where he
has since lived.
Our subject has always been engaged in agricul-
tural work, his father before him having been a
farmer. His father was Benjamin Ruffner, a native
of Ohio, and a son of Benjamin and Ann (Ooff-
nian ) Ruffner. both natives of Virginia. After
marriage they removed to Ohio and settled in Fair-
field County, which was at that time in a state of
wild unbroken beauty, with virgin forests in which
were found game of every description belonging
to the latitude. As can be imagined, the country
was then sparsely settled, and the educational ad-
vantages were not what they now are. It was there
-, ;- ■
— \'-¥
»■■■: -- -V'-.-'t- t- . j-v-.p^-— .' "<;--■>_■
-ft
^^~ ■■■-" -,"
RESIDENCE OF FRANCI5C0 RU FFN ER, SEC. 33., MOWEAQUA TR, 5H ELBY CO., I LL.
RESIDENCE OF JOHN C. BROWN , SEC. 27. , Rl DGE TR, SH ELBY CO., I LL.
■
fPU \
RESIDENCE OF J. F. KU LL , SEC. 3., PRAI Rl E TP. , SHELBY CO., I LL.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
that their son Benjamin, Jr., was born, the father
of our subject. There also our subject's grandfa-
ther spent his last years, passing awai from this
life while yd in middle ago. His wife survived
him for -dine years and settled in Champaign
County, where she died at the good old age of
seventy-seven years.
Benjamin Ruffner, lather of our subject, was one
of fourteen children, of whom two are yet living.
lie wa> educated a farmer, and one can imagine the
social breaks in the monotony of pioneer farm life
such as corn husking, barbecues, spelling school
and singing matches. From among the maidens of
the county in which he lived he chose his wife.
who was before marriage a .Miss Mary Lamb, a na-
tive of Ohio, whose parents were from Virginia
like those of our subject. Her father was William
Lamb, and her mother Catherine (t'upp) Lamb.
They lived and died in Fairfield County, where
they were well known as among the earliest and
most respected pioneer settlers. They died full of
vears and honor. They, like our subject's grand-
parents, were members of the old school Baptist
Church. Mr. Lamb served as a soldier in the War
of 1812. There were ten children in this family.
all of whom are living except our subject's mother.
Mr. and Mrs. Lamb each lived to he over eighty
years old.
After their marriage, our subject's parents settled
in Fairfield County. Ohio, where they remained
until after the birth of their first child. They then
removed to Licking County, there devoting them-
selves to clearing up and improving a farm upon
which they built a large brick house and laid out
many valuable improvements. Later they removed
their family, in February 1853, to Indiana, settling
in Allen County, hnt afterward they returned to
Ohio living for one year in Miami County.
A spirit of unrest seemed to possess the family
of Iiuffners. for after tin- many changes they had
made in residence, they returned to St. Clair
County, this Stati'. and a short time after located
in Clinton County, where the father died at the
age of sixty-six years. -His wife passed away at
the home of her mhi> in this township and county,
eight years later, in 1 ■-< 7 4 . She was at the time of
her demise about seventy years of age She and
her husband were devoted members of the l'.aptist
Church.
The original of this sketch is the second in order
of birth of eight children, six of whom are yet liv-
ing, all having entered the marital relation with
the exception id' one. Our subject reached his ma-
jority in Allen County, hid., and when he made
his advent into Illinois, he was still a single man.
His first marriage look place in Kentucky, where
he was united to Mis> Anna F. Coffman. She died
in the prime of her life, after the birth of her first
child, which also yielded its little life with that of
its mother. She was only thirty-four years of age
at the time of her death.
Mr. Ruffner again married, inviting to be mis-
trcss of his home Miss Mary .1. Ramsey. Their
marriage was celebrated September 27. 1 .s.sjs. in
Lancaster County, Pa., of which place the lady was
a native, being there born August 30, 1842. she
i> of Scotch and Dutch ancestry, llcr mother.
whose maiden name was Lucy Gochnau, is yet liv-
ing in her native town. The father. Samuel Ram-
sey, died in Pennsylvania while in the meridian of
life, lie also was a fanner. Mrs. Ruffner is a no-
ble woman, having the best of qualities. She is
kind, hospitable and sympathetic, and interested in
all that interests her husband, to whom she is a
great help.
r-
_ !
m.
ACOlS V. KILL. Among the prominent
agriculturists of Prairie Township, Shelby
County. who have helped lo give this county
its present proud position in the state is the
gentleman whose name appears at the opening of
this paragraph. His home is located upon section
:i. is quite near to the village of Strasburg, and his
settlement in the county dates from September t>.
IS.") I. when he first purchased forty aero of land
on Robinson Creek in Ridge Township. Here 111
tilled the soil for two seasons and then removed to
the region where he now lives, and purchased one
hundred and ten acres of his present property on
which at that time the principal improvements
were a log cabin and the broken soil of a very few
278
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
acres. He now owns about two hundred and thirty
acres of land upon which are splendid improve-
ments, and he has platted some additions to Stras-
burg which he has sold off from his farm. A view
<>f his pleasant homestead may be found elsewhere
in this volume.
Hocking County, uhio. was the native place of
Mr. Kull. who was born January 31, 1836, being a
son of Christopher F. and Johanna (Weidner) Kull.
natives of Wurtemburg, Germany. In their native
lend they had grown to manhood and womanhood,
were united in marriage and one child was horn to
them before leaving their Fatherland. In 1830
they came to the United States and made their first
short stop at Baltimore, Md., then went on to Ohio,
settling on the prairie in Fairfield County. When
the family arrived in the Buckeye state the father
had *.~iii which he thought would be sufficient to
keep them in frugal comfort until he could earn
more, but the ague was then prevalent throughout
that region, and the family being sick for some
time the -"S'i11 were spent for quinine. This dis-
gusted Christopher Kull with prairie life and re-
moving to Hocking County he settled among the
hills and woods. His father, Jacob F. Kull. with
his wife made his home there, also four sisters and
a brother, Jacob F.. Jr., who died in Hocking'
Country.
The father of our subject was fond of hunting
and found plenty of game in that hilly region.
As his health improved there he was well pleased
witli Hocking County and made it his permanent
home and reared a family of fourteen children,
twelve of whom grew to maturity. They were:
Magdalena, who married John Kireher and died
in Shelly County; Christian who died in this
county: Charles: our subject; Mary, wife of G.
l'ieffer: Caroline, wife of John Ruff; Minnie, now
Mrs. .1. F. Baur; Amelia, wife of Christ Bruney;
Fmanuel. Adam: Matilda, wife of J. F. Mautz. and
Julius. The parents of this large family came to
Shelby County in 1865 and settled at Strausburg,
where they remained until called hence by death.
Jacob F. Kull was reared among the woods and
hills of Hocking County and there grew up to a
sturdy and intelligent manhood. In 1858 he decided
to take to himself a wife and was married April 13.
to Elizabeth Niller, who was born in Fairfield
( 'minty. ( )hio. February 1*. 1839. She became the
the mother of eight children and died in this
county June 11. 1*77. The children who survive
her are named as follows: Ferdinand J., Johanna
A., wife of John Piefer; C. Louisa, wife of C. Mar-
tin Rieger: Caroline Rosetta, wife of Charles Nipp;
Matilda E. W".; William and Tobias.
The second marriage of our subject took place
February :!. 1*7*. he being then united with Cath-
rine M. Clump who was horn in Fairfield County,
Ohio, August l.">. 1857. Of their six children four
are now living — Foseph B., John D., Caroline W.
and Anna S. J. The religious belief of this family
is in accord with the doctrines of the Lutheran
Church with which they are connected, and the
political views of Mr. Kull have led him to ally
himself with the Democratic party.
i FWIS BAUMGARTEN. The German-Amer-
mT) iean citizen who has done so large a share
J \ of leveling forests, breaking the soil and
subduing wild prairies to a state of cultivation are
among the most valuable and sturdy citizens of our
country. They have proved themselves one of the
essentia] element- in the building up of our country
and to them we give the honor due to a class of
men of integrity, industry and thrift.
Our subject whose birth was across seas, reside-
within the limits of the village of Stewardson and
his residence in Shelby County dates from 186S.
He was born in Germany, December 15,1827, being a
son of Frederick and Elizabeth Baumgarten,the fam-
ily came to this country in 1.S47. when this son was
not yet of age and they settled in Sullivan County.
Ohio, where the parents died, the mother at the
age of seventy-six years and the father after he
had reached the venerable age of eighty-five.
Of the eight children of this worthy couple.
Louise, the eldest, died in Germany, when about
twent) years old. Following her came Lewis, our
subject; Edward who reside- in Shelby County.
Ohio: Rosa, now Mrs. Ilenrv Roegner who makes
PORTRAIT AND BU GRAPHICAL RECORD.
27'.i
her home in Miami Couuty, Ohio; Thessa who mar-
ried Conrad Uppermann and died in Pickaway,
Ohio; Caroline afterward married Conrad Upper-
liiann: Johanna became the wife of Frederick llum-
iih'1 and resides in Decatur, Ala. and Frederick
resides in Shelby County, Ohio.
He of whom we write came to the United States
with his lather'? family, and in 1856, he was uni-
ted in marriage with Cony Brehm who was born
December 23, 1838 in Baden, Germany, her parents
being John A. and Margaret Brehm who brought
their family to the United Mate- in 1846 and set-
tled in Shelby County, Ohio. There the father
died at the age of seventy-two years and there the
mother is still living, having reached the age of
seventy-nine years during the month of. Inly. 1891.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Brehm ali grew to
maturity and were as follows: Frederick who died
in Shelby County. Ohio; Catherine became the
wife of Fred Madernsides anil lives in Hall
County, Xeb.; tony, the wife of our subject;
Margaret, married Lewis Neth and lives in Pick-
away, Ohio; Barbara is the wifeof Andrew Madern-
sides and lives in this county; Elizabeth married
Antonia Augast and died in Shelby County, Ohio:
Mary married Charles Buarnd, and died in Toledo,
Ohio: and Rachel is the wife of Martin Iliegel and
makes her home in Saline County, Neb.
After marriage our subject resided for some years
in ( »hio and purchased eight}- acres of timber land
which he proceeded to clear and had about one-
halt of it free from trees when he sold out and
came to Illinois, where he purchased two hundred
and sixty acres of land in Prairie Township, this
county, very little of which was improved. There
lie made his residence and upon it erected excel-
lent buildings and put it in first-class condition.
In June 1881 he removed to StewardsoD and set-
tled where he now resides, having forty acres "t
tine land there, besides his original farm. His Stew-
ardsoii land is very finely improved and in a hand-
some condition.
In the mutation- which have been the fate of
political parties of late years, it ha- been the lot
of many men to be tossed about from one party to
another SO much, perhaps, that they have been
fickle in their political belief and attachment hut
on account of the changes which have really taken
place in the standards of political parties. In this
way. our subject who was once a devoted adherent
of the Republican party is now a- warmly attached
to the Democratic. In religious belief the family
are earnest and Von-i-tcnt members of the Luth-
eran Church. Of the ten children who blessed the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Baumgarten three only
have passed away. The living are: Rachel (Mrs.
John Bauer), John. France- ( Mr-. Andrew Bauer).
Fred. Edith. Edward and Lew i>.
ILI.IAM ( . MILLER. ex-County Treasurer
' of Shelby County, occupies a conspicuous
WW place among it- native-born sons who have
done so much within the la-t generation to advance
it to its present high standing as a rich and pros-
perous community. lie is one of the principal
farmer- and stock-dealers in this section and con-
ducts an extensive and profitable business in his
line in Flat Branch Township, where he hasa large
farm that is complete in its appointment- and is a
valuable property.
Our subject is a son of Christopher Philip Miller,
an old and well-known resident of this county,
still living on the homestead farm that he devel-
oped from the wilderness on Robinson Creek.
Ridge Township, where William was horn in his
pioneer home February 16, 1842. The father is
of German birth and origin, born twelve miles from
lie— e-C as-el. October 10, 1803, a -on of John Chris-
topher and Hannah Francisco (Stralbnann) Miller.
who were also natives ,,f the same locality as him-
self. In 1804 the grandparents of our subject left
their old home in Germany to emigrate to the
United State- of America, voyaging aero-- the
waters in a -ail vessel and landing at Philadelphia.
The family settled in Chester County. Pa., and
went from there in 1817 to Ohio with a pair of
horses and a wagon. Tiny were among the first
•to settle in Fairfield County, that State, where the
grandfather, who was a shoemaker, used to ply his
trade, going from house to house as was the custom
in those days, lie died in that county in 1825,
280
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD,
his wife having preceded him in death the year
before. They reared nine children.
Christopher P. Miller was one year old the day
lie landed with his parents in Philadelphia. He
remained with them in Pennsylvania and Ohio
until his mother's demise, though he was lint a
boy when he began to earn his own living, lie
lived in Hickory Township. Fairfield County, Ohio,
until 1839, and then with his wife and the four
children that had been horn to them there, he came
to Illinois, the journey being performed with a
pair of horse- and a wagon, lie spent his first
winter in this State in Shelbvville anil in the spring
of IS 111 seleeted a Suitable location on the hanks
of Robinson (reek and became one of the first
settlers of Ridge Township, where he has ever since
made his home on the place that he then purchased.
During the half century and more that it has been
in his possession he has wrought a great change,
improving it into a fine farm. When he settled
on it the prairies were but sparsely settled and deer
and other kinds of game were abundant. There
were no railways here and for some years St. Louis,
one hundred and ten miles away, was the nearest
market and depot for supplies.
The father of our subject was first married Sep-
tember 24. 1829, to Miss Amanda Carpenter. She
was born near Lancaster, Ohio, and died in that
State November 28, 1834, leaving two children, of
whom Ezra, a resident of Assumption, is the Only
survivor. The maiden name of Mr. Miller's secoi>d
wife, mother of subject, was Catherine Spear.
She was horn in Dauphin County, Pa., and died
on the home farm in Ridge Township. February
28, 1869. There are six children livingof that mar-
riage, namely: Amanda, wife of Sam Yantis;
Henry M.; William ('.; Mary, wife of Alvin 1'.
Weakly; Eliza, wife of G. W. Townsend, and Henri
etta, wife of William II. Bickner. .lames ('.. tin
oldest child, died at the aye of fifty-eight years.
lie of whom this biographical sketch is written
was carefully reared under good home influences
in his native township. The first school that he
attended "as held in a typical pioneer log school
house that stood in the woods on the hank of Rob-
inson (reek. The building was heated by a large
fireplace which occupied almost the entire end of
the school room, and the furniture consisted of
slab benches and a writing desk of the same mate-
rial supported on pins of wood that were driven
into the wall. September.'!. 1863, our subject was
the victim of a serious accident whereby he lost
his right arm just above the elbow. This loss
changed the tenor of his life to a great extent as
it determined him to secure a higher education
than he had already acquired, and the same fall
before his arm was healed he enrolled his name as
a pupil in the seminary al Shelbvville. lie studied
in that institution diligently for a year and in
January. 1865, entered the profession of a teacher,
taking charge of a school in Flat Branch Township.
As soon as that term closed he was called to teach
a school in Ridge Township near his old home, and
after that he taught a two month's school at As-
sumption. He then immediately returned to Ridge
Township to teach there again, and his services
were ill such constant demand, so successful was he
in imparting knowledge, showing himself to pos-
sess in a full degree the best requisites of an edu-
cator, that his time was almost wholly given to his
vocation with scarce an intermission for an entire
year. He was afterward engaged in teaching in
Ridge, Flat Branch and Tower Hill Townships for
several winters. In the summer he devoted his
time to raising hedge plants and was thus employed
for eight seasons with g 1 financial returns.
For some years prior to his marriage Mr. Miller
became a resident of Flat Branch Township ami
here he bought his first land, and after he was mar-
ried lie located on a farm on section 33. At the
close of his second term as County Treasurer, in
the fall of 1877, he located on his present farm
which is situated on section 24, Flat Branch Town-
ship. He has six hundred and fifty-five acres of
choice farming land which he is cultivating assidu-
ously besides carrying on a lucrative business in
trading in stock. He is a man of large enterprise,
keen foresight, possessinga good understanding of
the best ways of conducting his business so as to
make the most money out of it. and has a taste
for speculation in which he is in variably successful.
combining boldness and caution in due proportion
in his operations.
The same traits that have made our subject one
PORTRAIT AMi BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
281
of our solid business men have also given him
weight and influence in the public and political
life of the county and gained him distinction as
an office holder. Hi' has always affiliated with the
Democrats and has generally- supported thai party
in State and national issues, although he lias
sympathized with the National Greenback party
where questions of finance and currency are con-
cerned and shared it- prejudices in regard to mo-
nopolies. When the farmer's movement was at
its strongest in this county In- was "in- of the most
active leaders, and in tin- summer of 1873 was
honored by nomination to tin- office of County
Treasurer at a convention held at Shelbyville com-
posed of the supporters of the Farmer's movement
There was no opposition candidate and Mr. Miller
was, of course, elected, and after looking alter the
finances of the county tun years to the perfect sat-
isfaction of all concerned, irrespective of party, he
was again a candidate on the people's ticket.
Though opposed by the nominee of the Demo-
cratic party, so popular was he. he polled sixty-six
more votes than his Opponent, and that. too. in a
county that is usually overwhelmingly Democratic.
Mr. Miller was first married July 13, 1871, to
Miss Mary Chadwick, a daughter of William
Chadwick, and a native of Flat Branch Township.
She died June in. 1878, after a brief but happy
wedded life in which three children had been horn,
of whom these two survive, Ada May and t harles
Cyrus. The youngest, Bertie Sylvan, died after
its mother'- death at the aire of nine months.
Our subject was married a second time February
2. 1881, to Mrs. Nancy (Armstrong) Goodwin,
daughter of John Armstrong and widow- of Joseph
Goodwin. She was a consistent member of the
Christian Church and i- in every way worthy of
tlie respect of the community that -he shares with
her husband. Mrs. Miller was horn in her father-
pioneer log cabin in what is now Penn Township,
July 18, 1835. Her father was horn in Warren
County. Ky.. April I. 1803, his father. Aaron Arm-
strongs native of south Carolina, being a pioneer
of that section of the country, lie resided there
until 1809, when he came to Illinois which was in
that year organized a- a territory by an act of
Congress, lie located in Madison County, being
one of its early settlers, and lived there during the
War of 1812, having to live in a fort a part of the
time. He improved a farm in that COUntj and
made it his home until death closed hi- earthly-
pilgrimage.
Mr-. Miller's father married in Madison Countv.
Jennie Roach, a native of Kentucky, and in 1826
he, too, became a pioneer, coming to Shelbt County
to build upa new home in the wilderness that then
prevailed here. He made claim to a tract of Gov-
ernment land including the southwest quarter of
section 6,of township 14, range 3, east of the third
principal meridian, now known as Penn Township.
1 1 « - occupied a log cabin on his land and for a time
hi- nearest neighbor wa- ten mile- distant. Deer,
wild turkeys, wolves and other wild animals were
plentiful in this then uncivilized region which the
hand of man had done hut little to reclaim. Mr.
Armstrong entered and bought other land besides
his homestead and resided on tin- farm that he im-
proved until after the death of his wife in l.s7.">.
lie -pent the last eight year- of hi- life with his
daughter. Mis. .Miller, dying at a venerable age
August in. 1883.
Mrs. Miller developed into a vigorous woman-
hood in her parental home anil was taught all use-
ful household duties, including the art of carding,
spinning and weaving cloth. She was first mar-
ried in 1870 to Joseph G Iwin, a native of Ten-
nessee. He was a farmer by occupation and passed
his last years on hi- farm in Penn Township, dying
in 1875. By that marriage Mrs. Miller has one
child. Flo Goodwin. Mr. and Mrs. Miller's child-
ren are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
They are being carefully educated and all are stu-
dents at the state Normal School, at Normal. III..
at the present time.
_-S~5"M-i
i .»..t-l"t-L
i » I I.I.I AM II. RAGAN, although among the
\ . / younger members of the bar, has an excel-
\jjyvf/ lent reputation as a criminal lawyer. He
was horn in Fairfield County, Ohio. September 30,
1830, the son of .lames W. and Ellen (Springer)
Ragan. His paternal ancestors were of Irish ex-
282
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
traction his great-grandfather being born mi the
Emerald Isle. The maternal ancestors were of
German and Swedish blood but came to this coun-
try in the early Colonial daysand one of his great-
grandfathers served as a soldier all through the
Revolutionary War. Fairfield County, was the
native home of his parents and there they were
married and reared their family, but removed to
Illinois in 1 M(>7. and located first in Clark County.
next m Effingham County, whence they came to
Shelby County. The mother, who still survives, is
a widow, her husband having died in 1886 at the
age of sixty years.
.lames W. Ragan, the worthy father of our sub-
ject, was a soldier in the Union army during the
Civil War, being a member of Company C, One
Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Infantry. After
the battle of Haines Bluff he was detailed as nurse
on a hospital boat which bore the name of the
"City of Memphis" and went up the Mississippi
River to Paducah, Ky., at which place he was in-
jured lv a fall, while unloading the dead bodies of
the brave boys who had fallen in conflict. In con-
sequence of this accident he was placed in the
hospital at St. Louis, from which he was in due
time discharged, but he never entirely recovered
from the injury, and his sufferings from it hastened
his death.
There were eight children in the family of the
parents of our subject, namely: Laura A., now
Mrs. John J. Gallagher; William II. our subject;
Silas A;, Eber A.. George \\ '.. .lames F. and Joseph
A. (who was drowned at the age of five years, in :i
small creek near their home in Fayette County,
Ohio) and Addison A.
The early life of William Ragan was passed upon
the home farm and at the age of fourteen he hired
out as a farm hand at $5 a month, anil served in
this capacity until he reached the age of eighteen
years. lie then saw the need of an education and
so for a number of years we find him attending
school and teaching and he finally became a teacher
in the High School at Shelby ville. lie studied law
in the office of Hamlin & Ilolloway and in 1884
was admitted to the bur. After practicing for one
year he entered the Union College at Chicago,
which college is the law department of the North-
western University at Kvanston. Since taking his
diploma in 1886 he has given his entire attention
to his profession :it Shelbyville. lie has a general
practice but gives particular attention to criminal
practice.
The domestic life of Mr. Ragan is a very happy
one. as he was married July 1. 1*77. to Mary C.
Gallagher, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Gallagher,
who was born in Shelby County, where her par-
ents are among the pioneers. They have had three
children gather about their fireside, the eldest.
Jennie, dying in infancy, but Elza M. and Maude
A., remain to be the joy and comfort of their par-
ents, lie is deeply interested in political move-
ments and espoused the cause of the Republican
party until 188H at which time he supported the
Democratic ticket, stumping the State and making
brilliant and effective speeches in sixty different
places. lie has never sought office and prefers to
give his attention to private practice. He is iden-
tified with the Masonic fraternity and has been an
earnest and consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church since he was fourteen years of
=-M$+£
p="
&~
LFRE1) REED. The sons of the pioneers
have indeed reason to feel proud of their
'honorable ancestry. The early settlers in
Illinois were a class of men and women
who came to the New West not alone for personal
aggrandizement but mainly for the benefit of their
posterity. They cheerfully endured hardships and
wrought gladly with their hands that they might
provide a future for those who are dependent upon
them. Our subject was born in Shelbyville Town-
ship. Shelby County. August 8, 1839, where he
now resides, his parents being Moses and Ruth
(Fortner) Reed. The father was born in Tennessee.
March 3. 1807. and there married a lady who was
born in North Carolina. March 12. 1808, a daugh-
ter of Micajah Fortner.
This young wedded couple came to Illinois and
settled in Shelby County about the year 1825,
when there were no houses between them and Yan-
dalia and only two or three houses anywhere in
PORTRAIT AND BI< >< JKAl'HK AL RECORD.
283
their vicinity, Indians still abounded in Shelby
County, deer and other game were plentj and
wolves came about the dooryard.
Mioses Reed entered land and settled mi section
28, where he also purchased other land and dealt
in real-estate more or less, having generally six
hundred acres of land in possession at a lime. He
made his permanent home where he first settled
and remained there until his death in November,
1884, a1 theage-of seventy-seven years. His widow
died August 13, 1890, al the very advanced age
of eighty-three years. Their ten children are Lu-
einda. now Mrs. Jackson; Edward; Elizabeth, de-
ceased; Eliza, now Mrs. Henry Hilton; Artimesia,
now ilrs. Manning; Moses; Alfred, our subject;
Elisha and Marion, deceased; and one who died
in childhood.
Having grown to manhood in Shelby ville Town-
ship, and undertaken as his work for life agricul-
tural pursuits, our subject decided to establish a
home for himself and in 1862 lie married Rebecca,
daughter of Jacob Kensil, who became the mother
of live children and died in 187:5. Two only of
her children are now living, namely: Sarah.
now Mrs. Bazel Haywood and Mary .1.. the wife of
Lewis Manning. In 1X77 Mr. Heed married Alzira
Hoard, daughter of Andrew J. and Mary J. (High-
land) Hoard. This lady was horn in Union County,
Ohio. October 14. 1856, and came with her parents
to Illinois in 1X68. They settled in Shelby County,
and here this young girl grew up into a lovely
young womanhood and received a training in the
useful arts of housewifery, in which she became
expert. Her beloved mother is still living and her
worthy father died .Inly 4. 1*86. at the age of
sixty-four years. One child only of the second
marriage is now living, a daughter Zula; a little
one dieel at the age of eighteen months some years
ago.
About three hundred acres of land now form the
home farm of this successful and thorough-going
farmer. lie prefers to devote himself largely to
stock-raising of which he makes a specialty, and in
which he is very prosperous. His political views
have led him to ally himself with the Democratic
party, and he firmly believes that the principles
endorsed by "Old Hickory" are the reliable ground
for political act ion now-a-days. The high esteem
in which lie is held by his neighbors has often led
them to urge his acceptance of various local offices,
but the only position which he has ever fell willing
to accept was that of a member of the School
Board in which In- has been very useful and has
aided materially in forwarding the educational in-
terests of his township. Socially he is a member
of tile Independent Order of odd Fellows.
I ^i ) fci I I I 1 E in f
f 1 ' I '-
~X ROF. WILLIAM E. McCORMICK. No res-
) ident of Tower Hill. Shelby County, has
fr pursued a more honorable career or been of
J greater value as a citizen and public servant
than the gentleman whose name Introduces these
paragraphs and who is well known throughout
Shelby County. His life and character are well
worthy of imitation by those who. like himself,
must he the architects of their own fortunes and
destinies to a great extent. His habits are unosten-
tatious, his judgment impartial, his convictions
strong and his benefactions, like his labors, constant
and unremitting. In 1888 he was appointed Prin-
cipal of the public schools of Towel' Hill, since
which time he has advanced the grade of scholar-
ship, deepened the public interest in educational
matters and brought the school to the front rank
among the. academies of learning in the county.
Recently he has been invited to take charge of the
school at Windsor in this county.
Prof. McCormick is of Irish parentage. His
father. Edward McCormick. was horn in County
Oalwav. Ireland, of which county his mother, .lane
(O'Brien.) McCormick, was also a native. After
their marriage in Ireland they emigrated to Amer-
ica during the latter part of the '50s, and coming
directly to this State, settled on a farm near the
village of Tower Hill, of which they have since
been residents. They became the parents of four
children, of whom our subject IS the eldest. lie
was horn in County ( iahvay. Ireland. April I. 1858,
and was about three years of age when he was
brought by his parents to this country, lie grew
to manhood in Tower Hill Township and received
284
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a good education in its graded schools. Later he
becamea .student in the Central Normal College of
Danville, Ind.. where lie fitted liimsell' for the pro-
fession of a teacher.
Since 1«77. when Prof. McCormlck taught his
first school, he has been engaged in his chosen pro-
fession and has become well-known as a splendid
disciplinarian and one thoroughly able to impart
knowledge to others. He was married in l'ana.
111.. September 13, 1883, to Miss Minnie R., daugh
ter of Samuel Milliken. This estimable lady was
born in Shelby County, III.. June 1, 1860 and is a
lady of recognized worth of character and kindly
disposition. She and the Professor are both con-
sistent members of the .Methodist Episcopal Church,
in which he has been a Trustee. He has also served
as Superintendent of the Sunday-school, and takes
an active part in religious and benevolent work.
In politics he is a Democrat and has served the
township as Clerk and Assessor. He owns two
hundred acres adjacent to the village of Tower
Hill, a portion of which lies within the corpora-
tion.
P"^RAXKLIX D.GOULD. Our subject is one
j of the firm known as Gould Bros., dealers
in grain, who have a wide reputation for
honor and integrity, and enjoy the confidence of
the community in which they are living by virtue
of their fair and upright dealing. He of whom we
are writing was born in Cambria, Niagara County.
X. Y.. April i'l. 1 847. He was reared on his
father's farm and was engaged in farming in his
native county until 1883, when he disposed of his
farm and came to this State, settling in Windsor,
and soon after launched into the grain business in
partnership with his brother, Lyman A. Gould.
For two montns after coming to this State
Mr. Gould was employed by K. &, I. Jennings
at Mattoon, 111., in buying grain. lie went to De-
catur, at which place he remained four months,
being there employed by the Wabash Railroad
Company. He was married in Cambria, X. V..
February 2K. 1K72. to Miss Agnes ('.Colt, who was
a native of the same county and State as himself
Mrs. Gould is a refined and womanly woman and
makes a pleasant home for her husband and chil-
dren, of which she has had four. They are: Elmer
\V.. Clara M.. Florence and Grace A. It was a
great blow to the parents when their eldest child
and only son. and was taken from them in Febru-
ary, 1890. He was at the full bud and promise of
manhood, being seventeen years of age at the time
of his death, lie was a victim of that dread dis-
ease— La Grippe, which made vacant so many
places in families throughout the country, suffer-
ing severely lief ore his decease. The second daugh-
ter, Florence, died when a small child, being only
four years of age.
Although not an otlice-seekcr in any sense. Mr.
Gould, like most of the fresh, vigorous young men
in our country, cannot but be interested in politi-
cal life, lie has allied himself with the Democratic
party. Both our subject and his wife are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he havingbeen
so connected since 1866, and his wife's church re-
lations dating from childhood. Mr. Gould is a
modest and unpretentious man. whose first con-
sideration is attention to his business. He is. how-
ever, a favorite in both commercial and social
circles, and is highly esteemed as one of the repre-
sentative men of the town.
V.
/p^EORGE A. SMITH. M. 1). A successful and
[/[ (— _, enterprising member of the medical profes-
A^iji sion. residing in Ilenton. in Ridge Town-
ship, is a son of the late John B. Smith, who was
born in Butler County. Ohio. His mother, who
bore the maiden name of Sarah Munson, was born
in Xew Jersey. The father was a farmer by occu-
pation and after his marriage with Miss Munson
made his home in Franklin County. Ind.. whence
he came in 1860 and settled in Ridge Township.
Shelby County, where he completed his mortal
career August 13, 1890. He left his faithful wife
to mourn his loss.
Our subject is one of seven children of the par-
■ ital home and is the third in order of age. lie
THOS. STEWARD SON
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
287
was born in Franklin County, Ind., October 30,
lx.">.->. and was reared to manhood upon hisfather's
farm in Shelby County. His earlier education "'as
taken in the common schools and at Shelbyville.
He entered the St Louis Medical College a1 St. Louis,
Mo., in 1876, and graduated in the Class of '79,
receiving hi> diploma at that time. He began his
professional work at Henton and has now luiill up
an excellent and broad practice. lli> marriage,
which occurred April 29, 1891. united him with
Miss Ida M. Stanley, daughter of Leroy and Eliza-
beth ( Ward) Stanley.
Dr. Smith lias taken an active part in all local
movements and is an energetic and progressive
citizen. His political views have led him to affiliate
with tin- Democratic party, in the progress of which
he feels a keen interest. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity and is also identified with the
M< dern Woodmen of America. Hisexeellent judg-
ment and genial nature commend him to his fel-
low-citizens.
*^»IK>MAs STEWARDSON, one of the early
(f~\ pioneers of Shelby County and a man who
\ZS has made his record for industry, hard
work, perseverance and integrity, has a pleasant
borne on section 24. Shelbyville Township, where
bis residence dates from the fall of 1849. He was
born in the North of England, March 1*. 1818,
and i> the >on of William and Mary (Nicholson)
Stewardson. The mother died when the subject
of this sketch was hut a small hoy. leaving seven
children, of whom Thomas was the eldest. Those
who followed him were: Robert, who died in
Shelby ( ounty; Samuel, went to the West Indies
and there died; Isabella, married Mr. Brewster and
died in shelbyville: William: John, who resides in
Texas, and Mary, who died in Indiana in 1844.
The father of our subject came to tin- United
States, and settling in Illinois, lived in Shelby
( ounty until his death. He took np the land
for this son two years previous to our subject's
coming here.
Thomas stewardson was reared a farmer, and
when a young man of some twenty-three years
came to the I'nited stale-, settling in Ohio in the
year 1840, and there married three years later the
lady whom he had chosen from all the world to he
his companion through life, she was Elizabeth
l'arnell. a native of England and a daughter of
John and Agnes l'arnell. After marriage they re-
sided in Ohio for some nine years with the excep-
tion of one season, which they spent in Northern
Indiana. Elizabeth stewardson became the mother
of six children, but was called from them by death
in 1856, leaving them to mourn a mother's loss.
They are all now grown to manhood and are occu-
pying [positions of responsibility and honoring
their parents by lives of usefulness and worth.
They are as follows: John, who resides in Sac
County. Iowa: Thomas, who lives in the State of
Washington; James. Robert and William P.. who
live in Shelby County; and Samuel, who makes
lii— home in South Dakota.
In December, 1856, our subject [was married to
Sarah Brady, a daughter of Thomas and Martha
(Vaughn) Brady, and a native of Shelby County,
where she was born October 20,1839. Her par-
ents were of Southern birth and came to Illinois
in the pioneer days, taking up and improving land
here. Their death occurred in Shelby County,
and they left >ix children, as follows: William, de-
ceased; Jane, the wife of Perry Reed, who resides in
Butler County. Kan: Samuel, deceased; Sarah. Mr-.
Stewardson; Narcissa A., who married Hiram Brown
and died in Shelby County: and James, who is
also deceased.
The first possession of Mr. Stewardson in Illinois
was forty acres, and he now owns two hundred
and sixty, all excellent and well improved land.
bearing upon it good feme-, excellent barn? and a
substantial home. He followed sheep-raising for a
number of years very successfully and has the
qualities which lead to success in that department
of work, as he is prudent and attentive to the
needs of hi- stock. He now pursues general farm-
ing. Mrs. Stewardson i> a member of the Hard
shell Baptist Church and has brought up her seven
children in the faith of the Christian religion. They
are named: Martha Jane, wife of John Richardson;
Edward; Doutrlas: Henry; Mary, now Mrs. Ben-
288
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
jamiii Field; Eliza, the wife of Mathew Bain-
brig; and Albert. The political views of our sub-
ject liave brought liim into sympathy with the
Democratic party, for whose success he is desirous,
but he is not at all an office-seeker, although he has
filled successfully the position of School Director.
Elsewhere in this volume the reader will Qnd a
lithographic portrait of Mr. Stewardson.
^m>-3£-<m=
(>I1N W. BEERY, a prominent and success-
ful fanner residing on section .">. Ridge
Township, Shelby County, and a man who
I is ever active in political and church circles,
is the son of Josiah Beery, a native of Rockingham
County. Ya.. where his mother. Ann Jacobs was
also horn. They had thirteen children, and our
subject was among the older members of the fam-
ily, being born September II. 1844. in Rockingham
County, where he was reared upon a farm.
At the time of the breaking out of the war, this
young man was conscripted when only sixteen
years old. into the rebel army. lie served in the
ranks but a few days, and then was detailed to
work in a shoe shop, where he served between three
and four years. When Gen. Hunter made his
famous raid up the Shenandoah Valley, all the de-
tailed men were called out and given guns. The
enemy was routed and our subject took leave of
his brethren in arms against the Union without the
consent of his commanding officer, and coming to
Fairfield County, obtained employment at farm
labor.
Here Mr. Beery remained until his marriage Sep-
tember 2. L869, to Miss Rebecca Swartz, a daughter
of Henry and Sarah (Beery) Swartz. both of whom
were native- of Fail Held County. Ohio. The mother
died in that county, and the father in Picka-
way Township. Shelby County, 111., where he had
settled in December. 187(1. The wife of our sub-
ject was one of the younger members in a large
family of twelve children, and was horn in Fair-
field County. .Inly 22. 1847.
The young married couple continued to reside
in Fairfield County until the fall of 1872. when
they removed to Shelby County and made their
home in Pickaway Township for ten years, after
which ihe\ removed to Ridge Township, and set-
tled on section 5, where Mr. Beery owns a farm of
eighty acres upon which he has placed good im-
provements.
The children who have come to bless the home
of our subject are: Thomas C, Mary A.. Laura ('..
Elmer ('.. Docie E., Lulu F... John < ). and Onie B.
Elmer. John and Onie have passed to the better
world. The father of these children is an intelli-
gent and public-spirited man, who has always taken
an active part in public affairs, and is an ardent
and progressive Republican, lie has been School
Director for five years, and in this capacity has
done much to forward the educational interests of
the Township. In the spring of 1 8110 he was elected
Highway Commissioner, which office he has tilled
to the satisfaction of his constituents and the bene-
fit of the roads, lie has always been engaged in
agricultural pursuits, and has made them a success.
The Evangelical Association is the religious body
with which he and his good wife are connected,
and in its work they are ever ready to take part,
and to do good. He has been in this connection
Class- Leader. Trustee, Sunday-school Superinten-
dent and exhorter. Mr. Beery is a member of the
Modern Woodmen, and is also identified with the
Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association.
ip^ffl AMUEL W. MORTHLAND. Himself a
VS^# lover of a fine horse, our subject under-
V^J!/ stan^s *ne needs Of 'he traveling public so
thoroughly as to keep all grades and styles
of animals to suit each whim and taste. For the
young man who Loves a level stretch of country
and a good gait, he has in his stables roadsters that
can keep up with any in the county. For the old
physician who cannot get along without his forty
winks as he goes from one place to another, he has
the staid and reliable animals that will land him at
his destination safely, without so much as a pull at
the lines, and to the nervous lady who is afraid
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
289
of a good, fast gait, and yel wants to travel behind
a horse with some style, he gives a beautiful little
mare with glossy mane and tail, and tender eyes
thai promise of themselves the utmost sedateness
united with elegant dignity, for .Mr. Morthland is
:i livery man and cater.'- hi the traveling public "1'
Lovington, Moultrie County.
Tin' parents of our subject were Joseph T. ami
Alice (McCardle) Morthland. Tin- former was a
nativeof Pennsylvania and tin- latter emigrated in
her young womanhood to the United States from
Ireland. They were married in New York City and
came from there to Decatur, III., in the year 1859.
Two weeks after his arrival in the last-named city
Joseph Morthland died. His wife followed him a
good many years later, passing away from this life
in Moultrie County, August 17. 1889. They were
the parents of five children, and of these our sub-
ject was the eldest, lie was horn in New York
City. January 1 1. 1850, and was nine years of age
when he came witli his parents to Decatur, this
State.
Mr. Morthland early knew what it was to take
care of himself for in his young days he worked
out for his hoard and clothing, spending four or
five years in this way in Macon County, his mother
having removed to Moultrie County and married
again a man by the name of Levi Misenhelter.
Our subject went to live with his mother and made
his home under her roof until his marriage which
took place in Lovington, December in. 1872. His
bride was Rebecca McCravy.who was horn in Ten-
nessee.
After marriage the young couple resided in
Lovington for several months and then removed
to Lowe Township, where our subject was engaged
in fanning for a period of aboul four years. At
the expiration of this time he returned to Loving-
ton and purchased a livery business in July. 1878.
and has since continued giving his attention to
this business. Mr. Morthland is a genial, whole-
souled fellow who is a hail fellow well met with all
the best spirits of the town. lie is deservedly .pop-
ular with all classes of people and enjoys the con-
fidence and respect of the community.
Oursubject and his wife have had their domestic
life enriched by the advent of one daughter therein.
Her name is Ida M. and she is the pride of her
parents whose ambition it is that every talent thai
she possesses should he cultivated in the highest
degree and that she should lie an accomplished and
intelligent woman. Mr. Morthland has served on
the Village Board for several years and has tilled
the office of Township Clerk most acceptably.
Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
and both an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias.
In connection with his livery business he also
makes a specialty of Normans and roadsters.
being engaged in breeding horses, lie also sells
many buggies and vehicles of all descriptions. Be-
sides his business in the village he has a general
Oversight of his farm in the township which com-
prises one hundred and twenty acres and which
brings him in a handsome revenue.
/AMES AVERY WOOD. A pleasant gentle-
man whom Moultrie County may well be
proud to claim as a son and native, is he
whose name is at the head of this sketch.
Born here March 31, 1848. his parents were Joseph
M. and Parletha (Patterson) Wood. ( )ur subject's
paternal grandfather, Avery Wood, came to this
county before 1840, and entered a large tract of
land upon which he made some improvements he-
fore his death, which occurred in Sullivan Township,
where his body lies interred. The father of our
subject was the only boy in the family to attain
the age of maturity. He was a farmer and died in
Sullivan Township in the fall of 1852, having be-
fore his death acquired a handsome property. Our
subject's mother, married a second time, a gentle-
man by the name of Montgomery, and by this union
three children were horn which were reared with
him of whom we write.
The parental family consisted of three children
whose names arc as follows: Sarah J.: James A..
our subject, and John W. Mr. Wood's only sis-
ter married William Hodge; she died in Sullivan
Township, without issue. James A. was married in
lKCD to Mary A. Hoke, a daughter of Samuel and
Amanda Hoke. She was a native of the same
290
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
county and State as her husband being here born
April 18, 1849. Her death occurred June 6, 1890,
and her loss is deeply fell not only by her imme-
diate family but by many who have been the recip-
ients of her kindly sympathy and aid in times of
trouble, she lived in Sullivan Township all her
life.
Mr. Wood is a progressive farmer and although
he is comparatively a young man. has acquired a
good farm which comprises one hundred and sixty
acres of as fertile and weil-located land as there is
in the county. Upon this lie has put valuable im-
provements, and lias here a pleasant home.
He devotes himself chiefly ti> general farming.
bul has Mime fine stuck. The original of
our sketch is not content to accumulate alone
earthly riches, but realizes that for himself
and family there are treasures of learning and wis-
dom to be had for the getting. I lis- home boasts
many books by standard authors and the latest cur-
rent literature finds its way to his reading table.
He is a thoughtful reader, forming lii> ideas from
his own deductions, rejecting ready-made opinions
upon any line of thought, whether it he political
or otherwise.
Five children comprise the family of our subject,
whose name- are: Zolla Newton, Estella May, Sarah
.lane. Samuel A. and Lora Edith. Politically. Mr.
Wood's sympathies and interests center with the
Democratic party and this receives the weight of
his vote and influence. Religiously he is a member
of the United Brethren Church, and seeks to live
in his daily life, the lessons taught by the life
of the Divine Man.
P~RANK M. LOVING. Among the promin-
ent citizens of Dora Township who has
lived in this section for more than a quar-
ter of a century, we are pleased to mention the
name which appears at the head of this paragraph.
Mr. Loving is a fanner who settled in Moultrie
County in the fall of 1867, and whose pleasant
home is to he found on section 22, Dora Township.
He i- a native [Hinoisan, having been horn in Mc-
Lean County. April 14. 1855, a son of Jasper D.
and Maria J. (Messer) Loving, natives of Indiana
and Illinois, respectively.
Taylor Loving, the grandfather of our subject,
was a native of North Carolina who came to this
State and located in McLean County about the
year 1835, locating near Normal, but later remov-
ing to Gridley Township, where he became the
owner of some five hundred acres of land upon
which he passed his remaining years, dying at the
aire of about fifty, lie left a family of four sons
and one daughter. John. Philip, James. Jasper anil
Nancy, which latter became the wife of George
I ox. Jasper Loving was only about eighteen
months old when the family settled in McLean
County and he was educated in Bloomington and
(hose husbandry as his pursuit in life. He was
married in McLean County to Maria, a daughter
of John Messer. an early yioneer of the county.
After marriage the newly wedded pair settled in
Gridley Township on land which Taylor Loving
had entered from the Government He remained
with his parents and assisted them while his brothers
went to California during the gold excitement. and
after the death of the father Jasper fell heir to a
portion of the land and purchased the interest of
some of the heirs, and thus became the owner of a
fine farm.
Jasper Loving, in 1867. sold his farm in McLean
County and coming to Moultrie County, purchasi d
from the Illinois Central Railrcad Company two
hundred and forty acres of unbroken prairie to
which he somewhat later added by purchase one
hundred and twenty acres more, all of which he
improved. In 1882. on account of his wife's feeble
health, he sold a portion of his land and went to
Montgomery County. Kan., where he purchased two
small farms, but the change of residence did not
bring as much improvement to Mis. Loving's health
as had been hoped, and she left him for the spirit
world in 1884. One year later he returned to
Illinois and died June 7. is**, in Dora Township.
He was an earnest Republican in his political views
and at different times held various local offices.
The Christian Church was the religious body in the
communion of which he found comfort and strength.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
291
He and his g <<"\ wife had seven children, four of
whom lived to years of maturity, namely: Frank
M.. Mary ( .. wife of John 0. McMulIen, John T.
and Lewis V. The latter was born Jane 1*. 1867,
and reside* with our subject.
Frank M. Loving came with his father's family
i" Moultrie County in L867, and -ix year- later
chose for himself a bride in the person of Fliza.
daughter of John and Nancy McMullen. She was
born in Ohio, June 22. 1855, and became the
mother of two children. John .T. and Sylva E. The
old homestead forms the residence of our subject,
and he is the owner of eighty acres of finely im-
proved land. His political views incline him to
endorse the action of the Republican party, yet he
is independent to a considerable extent and never
allows himself to lie trammeled by party ties. In
the membership of the Christian Church he and
his excellent wife find themselves in a religious
home which is in accordance with their faith and*
sympathies.
OHS M. CUSAAC. It is contrary to the
principles of true political economy to en-
courage celibacy and discourage marriage,
and the historian regrets the necessity of
occasionally chronicling the fact that a man of
noble life, integrity and honor, has been content to
live a life of single blessedness and has not made
for himself a true home by placing at his side a
companion who would double his joys and halve
his sorrows. Yet when a single life has been con-
ducted so nobly and unselfishly as has that of our
subject, the writer willingly touches lightly upon
this dereliction from duty and is willing to paint
in light colors the life of this worthy man.
Our subject was born in Perry County, Ohio, in
1825, l>einij the son of Andrew Cusaac. a native of
Pennsylvania, and Jane Shaw, who was born in
the same State. His parents settled in Perry
County, Ohio, in 1813 and there made their home
through life. ( )f their eight children two died in
infancy. William died in Perry County, Ohio,
and Jane, who married Mr. Ensminger. resides with
our subject. ( aroline married Jacob Dial and her
death occurred in June, 1890. Two children.
James and Celis survive her. Mary married Cor-
nelius Axline and died in Muskingum County,
Ohio, leaving two children. William and Matilda.
Lncinda is the wife of Robert Yost and Sarah M..
an unmarried sister, resides with our subject. Mr.
Cusaac has ever been a kind and affectionate
brother to his sisters and their comfort and support
in times of trial.
Mr. Cusaac first located on section 29, Shelby-
ville Township, when he came to this county, and
he here purchased nearly eight hundred acres of
land. In this he was joined by his brother. A. J.
About the year lxtil he purchased the farm upon
which he now resides and upon which he has erec-
ted a plea-ant home, excellent barns and other sub-
stantial and handsome improvements, so that it is
now counted as the best improved farm in Shelby-
ville Township, and comprises some four hundred
acres of land. His political views bring him into
affiliation with the party which is proud to claim
the names of Jefferson and Jackson, but he is not
a politician nor wire puller and has steadfastly de-
clined to accept office. Ik- is a supporter of the
Presbyterian Church to which his sisters belong
and is warmly interested in the cause of Christian-
ity, although not a church member. His industry,
economy and thrift have placed him upon a sub-
stantial footing and given him the respect of his
fellow -citizens. He settled in this county in 1866,
and his pleasant home is located just outside the
citv limits of Shelbvville.
'■M~5~i-=
ANIF1. SMITH, who resides on section ID.
Ridge Township, Shelby County, is a cit-
, K Izen of superior ability and intelligence.
His father. Nathan smith, and his grand-
father, Daniel, Sr.. wen- born in Maryland. The
father of our subject was a fanner by occupation
and married, while living in Nicholas County.Ky.,
Mary Killam. who was born in Nicholas County,
December 2. 1799. After marriage thi- young
couple settled in Nicholas Countj and remained
292
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
there until death in the early prime of life. August
15, 1830. His bereaved widow, who was the
mother of live sons and one daughter, removed
the following year to Shelby County. 111., and
passed away January 30, 1880.
The subject of this writing was the second in
this family, being bom September 21, 1821, in
Nicholas ( oiinty. Ky.. where he spent the early
years of his life. The father died before the hoy
had completed hi> ninth year and when he was ten
years old he came with his mother and the family
to Shelby County, and lived for some nine or ten
years in Rose Township. Since that time he has
made his home in Ridge Township. He received
thorough training in thepractical work of farming
in his boyhood and undertook that a- his life work.
Daniel Smith and Sarah A. Wagoner were united
in the sacred bonds of matrimony in Rose Town-
ship. August 3, 1843. The bride is a daughter of
Jacob and Dradv (Sargent) Wagoner, both of whom
were Virginians by birth and first settled in Ken-
tucky, afterward in Indiana and then pursued their
pioneer life in Illinois, settling in Rose Township
in 1833. The mother died in 1840 and the father
passed away in Ridge Township, in 1857. They
were the parents of eight children, five sons and
three daughters, and Mrs. Smith, who was horn in
Washington County. Ind.. July 1. 1823, was the
sixth in order of age.
Mr. and Mrs. smith have passed their married
life in Ridge Township and here their family of
five children have been horn. George W. is a resi-
dent of Shelbyville; Mary, who became the wife of
Samuel Brownback, who died in Rural Township
in 1872, leaving one child. George, who has been
reared by his grandparents; Russell is a farmer in
Rural Township: and John J. carries on a farm in
Ridge Township. The remaining child is -Olivia.
Three little ones died in infancy. Mr. Smith has
been Highway Commissioner and School Director
for a number of years. His political convictions
have led him to ally himself with the Democratic
party and he cast his first vote for .lames K. Polk.
His wife is an earnest and active member of the
Christian Church. Mr. Smith bought his land from
the Government and has a fine estate of four hun-
dred and sixty-seven acres upon which he has
erected a delightful home, commodious barns and
other excellent outbuildings. These are situated
upon the home farm which covers some one hun-
dred and fifty acres. This intelligent gentleman
and genial neighbor has made his mark in the
community where he lives and i> worthy of the
generous estimate which is every where accorded
him.
•
c-
~>&-
iODNEY ADKINs. There is probably no
place in the wide world where a man can SO
readily wrest from the soil a handsome com-
petency and put himself in a financial con-
dition to retire from active labor, as within the
hounds of the rich Prairie State. 'Throughout i t>
confines, north and south, east and west, we may
find thousands of fanners who have, by hard toil
•and enterprise, secured a degree of wealth which
allows them to rot during their later years, and
among these we are pleased to mctnion the still
active and enterprising gentleman whose name we
have given above.
Rodney Adkins, who resides on section (i. Loy-
ington Township, Moultrie County, dates his resi-
dence in this county from 1865, and in Illinois
from 1852. He was horn in Ross Count}', Ohio.
August 24, \X'2.'t. being a son of Staunton and
Anna (Tinnnons) Adkins. natives of Maryland.
'This excellent couple have removed from their na-
tive State to Ros> County previous to their mar-
riage. Mr. Adkins at the date of that event being
thirty years old. and his young bride but fifteen.
Subsequent to their marriage they removed to Pick-
away County, in the same State, and there settled
on a farm. Mrs. Anna Adkins became the mother
of thirteen children, and dieil at the age of forty,
but her husband survived and reached the very ex-
treme age of ninety-one years.
The subject of this sketch was the fourth in this
large family of the parental household, and re-
ceived his early training upon a farm and through
the active exercise and healthful manner of life in-
cident to agriculture, he gained a sturdy and health-
ful young manhood. He was married in Pickaway
County, Ohio. March IX. 1X47. his bride being Lo-
PORTRAIT AND BI< P.APHICAL RECORL.
293
vena Eskridge, daughter of George and Sabrlna
(Bryder) Eskridge, early pioneers of Pickaway
( ounty and native? of the little State of Delaware.
Their daughter, Lovena, was born in Pickaway
County in May, 1824.
The removal of our subject to Illinois was made
in 1852 with three team-. This was a long, weari-
some journey, but was taken leisurely, the party
camping out at night and picn icing along the road.
The principal expense which had to be incurred
was the payment of toll at the toll-gates. Upon
reaching the Prairie State. Mr. Adkins located in
Cumberland County, and became the owner oi two
hundred and forty-six acres of land within two
miles of Toledo, the county-seat. For t lii- he paid
at the rate oi $9 per acre and upon it be proceeded
to make g 1 improvements, and had it in excel-
lent condition before the exigencies of the Civil
War called him from his home and fireside.
Mr. Adkins enlisted in theserviceof hi- country
in August, 1861, and was mustered into service in
Company A. Fifth Illinois Cavalry, which regi-
ment was ordered to the Southwest, and saw service
in Arkansas. He was taken prisoner near Helena,
that state, in October, 1862, and while under guard
of six men. a captain of a company of guerillas,
who also laid claim to beinga Methodist Episcopal
preacher, rode up. and without leave or licenseshot
him in the arm. This ball, which he still carries.
so disabled him a- to cause him to be honorably
discharged in February, 1863.
Our subject returned u>( umberland County, and
in the fall of 1864 sold hi- land at $10 an acre and
proceeded to prospect in various part- of the State.
spending one season farming in Ford County be-
fore coming to Moultrie County. Here he pur-
chased eighty acres of his presenl farm, which was
then bnt little improved hut was considered of
more than ordinary value, and even then cum
manded 130 per acre. He now owns over one thou-
sand acres i if land, seven hundred and titty of
which are in one body, lie has erected a plea-ant
home, excellent barns and other good outbuildings.
Most of his prosperity may he attributed to his
thorough, systematic and intelligent stock-farming,
together with his dealings in live stock.
To Mr. ami Mrs. Adkins have been born three
children, and they have been -<• favored a- to re-
tain these children in life until now they are ma-
ture, and are taking their places in the world, be-
ing fitted to shine as members of society and to be
truly an honor to their worthy parent-. They are
by name — William s.. Mary E., (wife of Henry
Layman), and Luranna, who resides at home. For
four years past Mr. Adkins ha- rented hi.- farm and
now lives a retired life. He is a stanch Republican
in his political belief, and deems it the duty of
every patriot to exercise the right of suffrage
with which he is endowed by the laws of his land.
He take- an intelligent interest in political move-
ments, hut has never held office, as he has preferred
to devote his energies t>> Ins private business.
■>i=->WO .1.1 ) >
I ' I ' III'
ORENZO 1>. EVANS. Our subject is one
of the thousands of brave and loyal men
afc- who came forward in the time of their
country's trial and threw their lives in the balance
with the chances of war that the L'nion might be
preserved and the brotherhood which is now be-
coming an accomplished fact between North and
South, re-established. He is at present a general
farmer owning one hundred and Gfty-three acres
on section 4, Flat Branch Township, lie is the
happy possessor of some of the best land in the
town-hip and can view his acquisition with pride,
as it is the result of his own industry and energy.
Mr. Evans was born in Montgomery County, at
Mt. Sterling, Ky., December 11. 1825. He comes
of Maryland ?tock. His father. John Evans, who
was a native of Wales, when young, came to
the United state- and lived near Baltimore with
hi- parent- fur some years. The family, however.
removed to Montgomery County. Ky.. and there
William Evans remained for some lime, lie re-
turned to Baltimore, Md., where he died and was
buried by the side of his wife who had there passed
away before the removal of his family to Ken-
tucky. William Evans lived t.> he an old man.
IK- served through the War of 1812 and was a
brave soldier. Hi? sons inherited from him his
valor, fur all of them later sewed through the late
294
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Rebellion, and one who had been Provost Marshal
of Mt. Sterling, was Later killed h\ an enemy,
who in a cowardly manner, shot him in the back,
while entering a store. Much enmity grew out of
this and the family feud even endangered the dif-
ferent families in the vicinity, nor did our subject
escape these dangers, for he had many a hair-
breadth escape from the enemy.
After the coming of John Evans to .Montgomery
County, Ky., he received training in a farmer's
life, and lived and died in his adopted State, being
quite an old man at the time of his decease. lie
had there taken unto himself a wife whose maiden
name was Miss Ann Beecraft, who was born near
Baltimore. Md.. her parents being Benjamin and
Elizabeth Beecraft. They came from Wales to this
country and after living for some time in Mary-
land, they settled in Kentucky. Their deaths,
however, took place in Indiana. The daughter,
Mrs. John Evans, after her marriage passed her life
in Montgomery County, Ky., and there died. Our
subject aud a sister are all who are now living of
this family, lie inherited the fibre of bis sturdy
Welsh ancestors and grew up full of the energy
and determination known to but few men of his
day.
When the call was made for volunteers to flghl
for liberty and freedom. Mr. Evans enlisted in the
Thirteenth Regiment of Illinois Infantry. He
served under Gen. Sherman and was in the engage-
ment against Gen. Johnson at Charlotte. N. C,
and saw active service until the close of the war,
when he received an honorable discharge for his
services in I860. He served as a private but had
been a true and brave man and for his loyalty and
valor no better record could lie referred to than
his Colonel. Mr. Lawrence, of Madison, Capt. Jones,
of the same place and Lieut. Lewis, of Munsev,
Ind.
Our subject has ever been a close student of
human nature, it having been one of his greatest
pleasures to study character as found in his travels
throughout the country. This knowledge of hu-
man nature has given him a great advantage in his
dealings with men. He is a man who has exper-
ienced much that is known to develop the sternest
Characteristics Of one's nature. His early experi-
ence in Kentucky when involved in the feud that
threatened himself and family, taught him vigi-
lance and caution, while it developed daring and
recklessness. When Mr. Evans was a young man
the hot blood -of the Southerner of Kentucky was
even more pronounced than now. and a man took
his life in his hands, when by a word, he acquired
the hostility of an acquaintance.
Mr. Evans was married in 1 K 1 « while in Ken-
tucky, to Margaret Reibland who was born and
reared ill that State. She is the mother of eight
children, four of whom are now dead, having
passed away in early years. Those who have a
monument in the heartsof their parents, are Anna.
Margaret, Mary E. and Wallace. The living chil-
dren are Sarah .1.. Jennie. John W. and Lorenzo
I). Sarah is the wife of William Simpson, who is
proprietor of a farm in this township. Jennie is
the wife of Jerome La Don and lives on a farm in
Moweaqua Township. John W. took to wife Eliza-
beth Gordon, and now lives in Donovan. III.
Lorenzo D. is a farmer in this township.
V
♦=♦=♦
_^
A WHENCE WARREN. No family in Shelby
County has been more closely identified
with the development of its vast resources
than the gentleman whose name introduces these
paragraphs. He is the proprietor of a beautiful
and well-appointed farm, picturesquely situated on
section 9, Tower Hill Township. The estate, which
comprises one hundred and sixty acres, slopes
toward the south and with its attractive residence,
substantial farm buildings and cultivated fields
forms a picture not easily forgotten. It is our
pleasure to present on another page a view of this
tine place. Step by step Mr. Warren worked his
way until his worldly affairs were placed on a sub-
stantial basis, and to-day he is numbered among the
well-to-do men of the county. While advancing
his financial interests he has not neglected the
better things in life, but has discharged in an able
manner the duties of citizenship, and helped to ele-
vate the intellectual and moral status of the section
in which he has made his home.
EWI5 , SEC. 6. ,LOWE TR, MOULTRIE CO., ILL.
- =_: ; ; ■- - ■■ - - -- :Y--~''- -'^~:
-,-.,■-
RESIDEMCE OF L. C. ELE M 1 NG , SEC 29 , EAST NELSON TR.MOULTRI E CO.,1 LL.
y t -. ■
RESIDENCE OF LAWRENCE WARREN , SEC. 9., TOWER H I LL TP. ,5H ELBY CO., I LL
PORTRAIT AND l'.IGGRAPHlCAL RKCORI).
297
For tin- history of tin- parents of Mr. Warren
the reader is referred to the sketch of -I. R. Warren
un another page of this volume. Lawrence Warren,
who was the tiftli in a family of six children, was
was liorn in Pickaway t '< unity. ( )hii>. May II. 1829,
In his native place lie passed his childhood and
youth uneventfully, attending the district schools
during the winter season and aiding in farm work
during summer. lie has made agriculture his call-
ing in life, although he has followed carpentering
to some t xtent.
When read j to establish a home of his own. Mr.
Warren was married. August 2t. 1*.">4. to Miss
Mary Ann. daughter of John and Catherine ( Rein-
hammer) stout, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr.
and Mrs. Stout were married in the Keystone Mate.
whence they removed to Pickaway County, Ohio.
and there the father died. The mother survived
him a few years and passed away in Sandusky
County, Ohio. They had six children, the eldest
dying in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Warren, who was
the third, was horn in Walnut Township, Pickaway
County, Ohio, January 1. 1832, and was reared to
womanhood under the parental roof, acquiring a
good education and a knowledge of housewifely
arts.
Immediately after their marriage Mr. Warren
brought his wife to Illinois, making the journey
in an emigrant wagon and Locating in Christian
County. After a sojourn there of two years, he
came to this county and purchased the farm in
Tower Hill, which is still his home. Of his union
ten children were born whose record is as follows:
.lames M.. who died at the age* of twenty years:
Emanuel F., who is a professor in the Western
College at Toledo, Iowa: John, a farmer; Nelson,
who married Mis- Anna 11. Rosenberry and is a
farmer: Lewis II. and George W., farmers; Mary I.,
who died when nineteen years old: Nora J.; Otis
W., and Edward N.
Every measure calculated to contribute to the
progress of the community rinds a firm friend in
Mr. Warren, who is well known as a public-spirited
citizen. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. He was
the first Township Clerk in Tower Hill, ha- served
as Highway Commissioner and held various school
offices. Religiously he i- a member of the Metho-
dist Church, while his wife belongs to the United
Brethren Church, (if a genial and hospitable
nature, it is not strange that his position among
the citizens of this section is an influential one.
ami that he numbers his friends among the worth-
iest wherever he is known.
-^ML
ESTEH ('. FLEMING. Every traveler
I ^ who passes along the highway is led to ad-
1— X mire the farm buildings of Mr. Fleming
on section "2'.'. East Nelson Township. These are
still new enough to have retained their pristine
freshness a nd the impression made by their attractive
appearance is re-inforced by a thorough examina-
tion of their convenient and commodious arrange-
ment. This farmer appreciates fully the true
economy of lieing saved from the wear and tear
which are incident to a poor home, illy-arranged
barns, leaky sheds and tumble-down fences, and he
has provided generously for both his family and
his stock.
Isaac Fleming, who was the father of Lester,
was horn in Cumberland County, Md.. in isis.
and married Miss Kittie A. Hilton, who was horn
in the same county in lsl7. Their early married
life was spent in Knox (ounty. Ohio, and they
came thence to Moultrie County, 111., in 1864, set-
tling in East NelSOn Township which has continued
to be the family home with the exception of three
years spent in Whitley Township. The father
passed from this life in 1S8S on the 27th of Octo-
ber, hut the mother still survives. ( )f their family
our subject was the seventh in order of age and
was horn in Knox County. Ohio, June 2s. 1S4S.
Lester ('. Fleming came with his parents to lib
nois and resided under the parental roof until his
marriage which took place in 1S74 in Moultrie
County, his hride being Mis- Mary II. Mathers, who
hore to him one child, .lames I. Mr-. Mary B.
Fleming did not long remain to enjoy her home.
hut died in September, 1S77 in East Nelson Town-
ship. The second wife of our subject hore the
maiden name of Anna 15. Mallory and she also be-
came the mother of one child. Hattie A., and died
298
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
December 18, 1886. Some time subsequent to this
sad event Mr. Fleming was married in Charleston,
111., to Rosa Maxedon, who now presides over hi-
pleasant home.
For six year.- Mr. Fleming was engaged in op-
erating a sawmill but aside from that and also
during most of that time he gave his attention to
fanning which Las been his chief business through
life, as he thoroughly cultivates his eighty acres of
land. In the spring of 1890 he became the Super-
visor of Fast Nelson Township and so well did he
-erve his constituents and transact the business of
his county that he received his re-election to the
same office in the spring of 1891. A- School Di-
rector he has worked conscientiously to advance
the schools of Easl Nelson Township and they are
year by year rising to a higher plane. The plat-
form of the Democratic party receives his hearty
endorsement and in general intelligence he keeps
abreast with the march of events and the world's
history.
Flsewhere in this volume appeal's a view of the
home where Mr. Fleming and his family are com-
fortably domiciled.
ARON .1. LEWIS. Asa fine type of the
citizens who have contributed to the pros-
' perity of Moultrie County, the gentleman
Qj whose name introduces these paragraphs
deserves especial mention. His splendid farm com-
prises one hundred and two acres on sections li and
7. Lowe Township, and is embellished with every
necessary and convenient structure, good stock
being kept and improved machinery used. The
re-iilence. a view of which appears on another
page, is a home-like structure, in which good cheer
for mind and body is always to be found. During
an honorable career as a sagacious agriculturist
Mr. Lewis has displayed those -olid traits of char-
acter that are needful to the attainment of fortune
in any calling, and in his dealings with all he has
ever shown himself to be a man of probity.
The immediate progenitors of our subject are
•lames T. and Paulina (Hostetler) Lewis. The
father, now deceased, was born in Kentucky, but
when quite young removed with his parent- to
Orange County. Ind.. where he ixrew to a vigorous
manhood amid primeval scenes. When ready to
establish a home of his Own he was married to
Paulina Ilotstetler. a native of Indiana, where
after their union they settled in Orange County.
This continued to be the home of the father until
he closed his eyes to the scenes of earth September
■>•>. 1852. The mother still survives at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-one years, and makes her
home in Indiana. She is a noble-hearted woman.
whose children may "rise and call her blessed."
She carefully reared her children, of whom there
were- eight, to till positions of usefulness and re-
sponsibility, and in working for their welfare her
hands never wearied.
The subject of this notice is now in the prime
of life, having been born March 23. 1839, in
( (range County. Ind. He was reared on a farm
and early acquired a practical knowledge of agri-
culture, and havinga natural aptitude forthisavo-
cation, he chose it for his life calling when the
time came for him to start out in life for himself.
At the age of twenty-four years he was married,
March 23, 1863, in Lawrence County. Ind.. to
Miss Martha J. Coward, the daughter of William
and Eliza (Martin) Coward. Mr. Coward is sup-
posed to have been a native of Tennessee, while
the mother was born in Washington County, Ind.
They settled in Lawrence County, Ind.. where the
faithful mother died in 1854. Twenty years later
the father came to Moultrie County. 111., of which
he has since been a resident. Mrs. Lewis, who was
the fourth among seven children, was born in Law-
rence County. Ind.. November 7. is) Land by
careful training at home she became well pre-
pared for the responsibilities of her married life.
Immediately after the marriage of our sub-
ject he brought his young bride to Moultrie
County on a visit, and both were so well pleased
with the appearance of the country that they con-
cluded to make it their home. Accordingly, in the
spring of 1864, they came hither to locate perma-
nently, and this has since been the scene of their
active labors. Having from youth been engaged
in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Lewis is a practical
PORTRAIT AND l'.Ii m . RAPIIK AI. RECORD.
299
agriculturist, and the air of thrift about his home-
stead indicates t" every beholder that he is :> man
of enterprise and good management. He settled
on his present place in December. 1875. and bere
he and his estimable wife have reared to maturity
their seven children, whom they named as fol-
low-: Benjamin I".. Anna K.. Mary K.. William
('.. II. ( .. Gertie M. and Jessie L. Mr. Lewis
has never been an office-seeker, but uniformly
cast- bis ballot for the candidates of the Demo-
cratic party, whose principles he believes to be
riilht.
MIOMAS M. WILMER Many prosperous
farmers am) stock-raisers art- to be found
"ssdy. within tin bounds of Oconee Township,
Shelby County, and perhaps in> one of them is
more notable for general intelligence and worth
both in his person and hi> family than lit' whose
name appears at the head of this paragraph, He
wa> born in Warren County, X. J., -August "2.").
1835. His parents were William A. and Catherine
(Morrell) Wilmer. The father was a native of
Pennsylvania, bora in Philadelphia in l*u."> and
the mother was horn the same year in Essex
( ounty, N. J. Five children came to cheer this
home, of whom our subject is the eldest.
The brothers and sisters of our subject are as
follows: William R.. horn in 1838, enlisted as a
private in Company P>. Seventy-third Illinois In-
fantry. He was promoted to be Hospital Steward
of his regiment and afterward Adjutant of the
regiment and was killed in battle at Franklin. No-
vember 30. 1864; Francis M., bora in 1840, enlisted
in Company <;. Fifth Illinois ( avalry. He partic-
ipated in many maneuvers and engagements but
died at home in 1864. of sickness while on a fur-
lough. He had been promoted to the office of
First Sergeant of his company; Theodocia R.. bora
May 25, 1841, was also one of the victims of the
war. Her affianced was the Captain of a company
in the Fifth Illinois Cavalry and died in service.
Miss Wilmer, never very strong, took to her bed
upon hearing the news of his death ami never re-
covered from the shock but died in September,
1865; Lambert, born November 9. 1844, married
Miss Maggie McConnell in Shelby County in 1867.
and engaged in farming. He had a bronchia] or
lung trouble and removed to Colorado in 1881,
hoping for relief but died at Ft. Morgan in that
Mate in 1887.
The removal of our subject from New Jersey to
Illinois, occurred in March. 1*.">7. and he was then
a young man under tin parental roof, which was
located on the farm where he now reside-. His
father was an itinerant minister of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Thomas Wilmer was married
in September, 1865, to Miss Lydia A. Reed who
was horn in Mercer (Ounty. N. J., June :?. 1*47.
Her parents came from New Jersey to this county
in l.s">7 and located in Oconee Township where
they died, both in one year — 1883. In their fam-
ily there were eleven children, namely: John,
Abram, Winchester 11.. Achsa. Lydia A.. Alice.
Willard, Charles. George, Mary and Emily.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer five children have been
horn: Catherine M.. who first saw the light March
2, 1867, has been a teacher in the public school- of
Shelby County, for several year-: Anna E., born
March 4. 1869, is also following the same profes-
sion; Francis, horn December 17. 1871, is also
qualified as a teacher, having passed a successful
examination: Clara <;.. horn August 10, 1874,and
Classena, horn February 6, 1880, are at home.
Mr. Wilmer has always followed the business of
farming, although he was educated for the profes-
sion of a surveyor. He is a Republican in politics
and takes an interest in public affairs, making an
effort to keep himself informed on the current
event- of the day. He is a thorough and sytematic
leader. Mr. Wilmer is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, although his preference i- for
the Congregational body. Loth the paternal and
maternal grandfather of our subject were soldiers
in the Revolutionary War. The maternal grand-
father. Thomas Morrell. held the rank of Major
in the Fourth Regiment of New Jersey Conti-
nentals and was wounded at the battle of Long
Island anil left on the field for dead. (Hil-
ton 15. Fisk in the New York Independent state-
that Gen. Washington detailed four soldier- to
300
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
carry Maj. Morrell to his father's house at Eliza-
lii'ili. N. -I. On recovery he rejoined the army and
remained with it until after the battle of Brandy-
wine when his wound broke out afresh and he was
compelled to leave the service. He spent twenty
years of his later life as a Methodist minister. He
was horn in New York City in 1717 and died in
Elizabeth, X. J.,in L838.
-OOsV^^oR-^ ^
.-
A
ILLIAM II. SNELL. The gentleman of
whom we write, although deceased, still
lives in the esteem and affection of his
family, friends and neighbors, having, although
modest and retiring in his temperament, always
held an unimpeachable reputation for integrity and
honor, ami being one whose adherence to principle
»avc an elevating influence to those with whom he
came in contact. He passed away from this life
bidding his friends a last goodnight, that he might
enter into < oid's upper light, from his home on
section 19, Flat Branch Township. Shelby County,
October 7, 1890. He was one of the pioneers of
State, having located here in 1840, at which time
he settled on a tract of new-, unbroken land.
In 1842. he located on section 19, of Flat Branch
Township, where he improved one hundred and
sixtv acres of land, converting it from its virgin
wildness, until it became a garden spot, luxuriant
with waving grain and dotted with mild-eyed
kine. Here he spent the most active part of his
life. He was born in "Warren County, Ohio. Octo-
ber l'.». 1816, where he remained until he became
of aire. A full history of his family may be found
under the biographical sketch of Fred P. Snell.
Our subject was first married in his native
county to Thisby .1. Briggs, who was bora and
reared in New Jersey. She was of New England
parentage and came to Ohio when a young woman.
she was engaged in the work of teaching before
her marriage with Mr. Snell. With her husband
she came to Illinois in 1840 and bravelj assisted
him not only by her prudence and economy, but
also in a material way. in getting a start in life.
She died here while yet in the prime of life.
leaving six little children to her husband to mourn
her decease, three of whom have since died. The
living children are Sally. Fred M. and Mary 1).
Sally became the wife of Joseph McGrath, and
now resides on a farm in Flat Branch Township.
Fred M. took to wife Mary C'ertin. and now lives
near Day. Kan., where he is engaged in farming.
Mary I>. is the wife of Charles Mazy. They also
are farmers in Flat Branch Township.
Our subject was a second time married, his nup-
tials taking place in Flat Branch Township, and
the lady who consented to be the sharer of his joys
and sorrows, was Miss Louisa .1. Washham. She
was born in the East, having come West while a
young woman, and died in middle life on the old
home place. She left a family of four children
who are. Daniel B. Pugh E.. Cornelia A. and
Edward M. The eldest son took to wife .lane
Wolf and lived on a farm in Kansas. The second
son was united in marriage to Lois E. Wbrley and
resides in Ridge Township, on a farm. Cornelia
A. is the wife of Samuel Haverlield. and lives at
Assumption, this State; her husband belongs to the
army of noble men and women educators. Edward
was united in marriage to Lulu Proctor, and lives
in Assumption.
Our subject was a third time married. The cer-
emony took place in Buell Township. Shelby
County, the lady being Mrs. A. Catherine Black,
net- Summers, she was a native of Washington
County, Md.. where she was born August 1. 1832.
She is a daughter of Adam and Nancy (Ilimes)
Summers, natives of Tennessee and Maryland. Her
parents were married in Washington County. Md..
and there lived until middle age. They were old
residents of the county when they died. Tiny were
of German slock, and Lutherans in religious pref-
erence.
Mis. A. Catherine Snell was only a small child
when her parents died. She had but one sister.
Mrs. Delano, now Mrs. Eckton, of Washington
County, Md. Mrs. Snell was reared by an uncle.
Jacob Himes and was eighteen years of age when
she came with him to Illinois. Her first marriage
took place in Shelby County, her husband being
I .losiah L. Black who was a native of Pennsylvania
and came ^Vest when in middle life, passing from
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
301
this life at Prairie Bird, this county. He left one
child, Andrew D.,who tooktowife Minnie Spregg.
The\ make their home with Mrs. Snellat Moweaqua.
By her marriage with our subject, Mrs. Snell is the
mother of eighl children, six of these are deceased,
those having passed away being Lillie B.. Thomas.
Myitie M.. Russell P., Ofa ().. and Emilia, who died
eighteen months after her marriage. The living chil-
dren are Alice 1). who is the wife of Hiram B.
Goatley. Their home is in Moweaqua; William
lives with his mother at the old homestead.
Mr. Snell was an active member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church in which he had been a
Steward for some time. His deceased wives and
his widow were one with him in his religious pref-
erence. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Snell
has made her home in Moweaqua. She is an
amiable and womanly woman and although ad-
vanced in years, retains perfectly, all her faculties.
Mr. Snell was a charter member of the order of
Masons in Moweaqua.
y^
HARLES M. BANE, lie who views the
panorama of humanity with a broad and
V far-seeing vision finds much to interest
him in the prospective greatness of young men.
He loves to note the characteristics, habits and
ambitions winch point in this direction and to
prophesy in regard to those who give promise of
prominence. The future is of course hidden from
human eyes, yet a shrewd reader can feel free to
foretell much. Among those residents of Sullivan.
Moultrie County, whose future is thus of interest
is the young man whose name appears at the head
of this paragraph.
Mr. Bane is doing a general law business in
Sullivan, having been admitted to the bar in 18KK.
Upon November 22 of that year, he was examined
at Springfield by the Appellate Court in session
there and received his license from the Supreme
Court during the January following. He had
formerly been a student in the law office of R.
Peadro. whose biography is to be seen elsewhere in
this volume. He has been all his life a resident of
this county, as he was born in Sullivan Township,
October 2. 1X67), and received the training of a
farmer's boy and a common-school education.
Our subject is the son of Archie and Esther
(Bewis) Bane, both natives of Illinois, having
been born and reared in Coles County, but coming
to Moultrie County where they afterward met and
were married. They made a fine farm here and
the mother was taken away in the prime of life,
dying June 2. 1871. She was a member of the
old school Baptist Church and was universally
esteemed for her beautiful Christian character, her
broad charity and genuine friendliness. She left
six children and two had preceded her to the other
world. Their names were Margaret and Elizabeth
and a son William passed away immediately after
his mother's departure.
The five children of Archie and Esther Bane
who are yet living, are Louisa E.. the wife of C.
1'. Martin, a farmer in Whitley Township, this
county; James B., who married Mary E. Martin
and is farming in East Nelson Township: Lucinda
J., who is the wife of W. H. Steven and lives upon
a farm in Palmyra. Mo.; our subject, and Archie
A., who took to wife Martha Miller and is farm-
ing in Whitley Township.
The father of these children contracted a second
matrimonial alliance, choosing as his wife Miss
Nancy E. Mehan. She was born in Illinois and
reared in Shelby and Moultrie Counties. Since
this marriage Mr. Archie Bane lias been farming
in Moultrie County and now lives in Whitley
Township. Both he and his wife are active mem-
bers of the old school Baptist Church and Mr.
Bane is a thorough-going old-fashioned Democrat
who has held various local offices and served as
Justice of the Peace for years in Sullivan and
East Nelson Townships.
Our subject is a bright and promising young
man, well known as possessed of good habits and
excellent character. His aspirations are for the
best and highest ideals and his honorable intention
and thorough integrity mark him as one who will
ever have the confidence of his fellow-men. His
political views have led him to affiliate with the
Republican party and he is progressive in his ideas
302
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in regard to public matters. He is still living in
:i state of single blessedness and his best friends
predict that when he does take the step which will
double his joys and halve his sorrows he will make
an alliance that will be a credit to his judgment
and his heart.
■*€[•
^jr
1^ EZEKIAH WAGGONER. The gentleman
whose name is at the head of this sketch is
the owner of a line farm located on section
2;5.of Whitley Township, Moultrie County.
He is a native of this county, being born here
June 5, 1838, and a son of George and Bethaney
(Haney) Waggoner, who came to tins State in
April. 1828. and settled on Whitley Creek in what
is now known as Whitley Township. The parents
of our subject were natives of North Carolina, in
which State they were married and whence they
came to Illinois. At the time of their coming
hither there was quite an exodus from their native
town, several other families accompanying them
and all came through in two one-horse wagons.
George Waggoner entered land in Whitley
Township, and started out in life without a dol-
lar. In the early days of their settlement here
in order to get some Hour or meal ground, he was
obliged to journey to Vandalia with his wheat
or corn and patronize a mill run by horse power.
The nearest market was St. Louis, anil at that time
the butter, eggs and other produce of the farm had
to be taken thither by wagon and sold in exchange
for the necessary commodities of farm life. These
were the inconveniences of pioneer settlement, but
in many respects life was not hard, for game was
plentiful, and the ground easily tilled and aston-
ishingly fertile and productive. Indians, it is true.
were numerous, but were also friendly. Although
.Mr. Waggoner was all his life an industrious,
hard-working man. he remained a poor man. lie
lived to the age of four-score years and died June
12. 187."). Our subject's mother had died some
years previously at the age of fifty-one years.
The old people reared a family of twelve chil-
dren, their names being as follows: Alvin, Robert
and Cecilia are deceased; Sarah. William. Isaac ('.,
Elizabeth, Isaiah. llezekiah, Narcissa, Hannah and
Ira. Elizabeth married John 1>. Dougherty, she
died in this county in November, 1889; Isaiah is a
Baptist clergyman in Nebraska; Hannah is the
widow of Thomas S. Dougherty. Our subject's
parents were members of the old-school Baptisl
Church, lie of whom we write was reared on a
farm and received such early educational advan-
tages as could lie attained at the school which the
district afforded in those early days.
He of whom we write was married in March 22.
1863, to Cornelia Bullock, a daughter of Stephen
and l.avina (Iloyck) Bullock. She was born in
Delaware County. X. Y., September 22, 1846 and
came to this State with her parents in I8,">7. her
family settling in Whitley Township on a farm.
Mrs. Waggoner's parents died in 1879, her father
having attained the age of three-score years and
ten, while the mother was seventy-one years of
age at the time of her death. The lady is one of
seven children who were born to her parents and
all lirst saw the light of day in the Slate of New
York. One girl died in childhood in the Umpire
State and six came to this State with their parents.
John died in this county; George resides in Lowe
Township, as does also Reuben; Klisha lives m
Greenwood County, Kan.; Cornelia is Mrs. Waggo-
ner, wife of our subject; Milton resides in Lowe
Township.
After marriage Hie original of our sketch settled
on the farm where he now resides. There was
originally but forty acres in the tract which he
purchased and this was entirely unimproved land.
He is now the owner of two hundred and forty
acres of land, all of which is under most excellent
cultivation. Mr. Waggoner has followed mixed
husbandry anil has been reasonably successful. He
and his wife have made a pleasant home that is the
rendezvous for the best class of people in the
neighborhood. They arc the parents of eight chil-
dren, seven of whom have lived to be grown.
Their names are Milton. Narcissa F.: Quincy, who
is the wife of U. G. Armentrout; Newton, Ruth,
Cornelia and Richard. They are all bright, ener-
geticand progressive. Those who have grown to he
men and women take hold of the duties which lie
PORTRAIT ANT) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
303
nearest them and fulfil] them to the tn-st of their
ability, which in Itself, secures success. Mrs.
Waggoner is a member of the Predestinarian Bap-
tist Church. Politically he is a member of the
Republican party, being a firm believer and adher-
ent of every tenet and plank of its platform.
fps=a A.Ml'HI. YANTIS is a farmer located on
^^£ section 30, of Pickaway Township. lie
v£2) Pavs particular attention to the breeding
of Polled Angus cattle and is the owner
of a tine farm comprising one hundred and sixty
acres, all of which is under a high state of cultiva-
tion, lie has redeemed this land from crude un-
broken prairie and has made it prolific to an aston-
ishing degree. He has occupied the farm since
1858, having thereon a fine residence that is not
only comfortable and conveniently arranged, but
is attractive and elegant. There are also barns
that are filled to bursting with the products of the
place.
Mr. Yantis" farm bears an orchard in which are
two hundred and fifty trees which are good fruit-
bearers. The place is well watered and stocked.
Our subject has lived in this township and county
since his boyhood. He was born in Pickaway County.
Ohio. April 20. 1*34. and is the eldest son of Dan-
iel ami Elizabeth (Longenbough) Yantis. natives
of Ohio, being there reared and married. In 1853
they came as a family to Illinois, traveling thither
by the overland route and livinga camp life on the
way. They finally located in what is now Picka-
way Township, this county, and here they began.
They were in reduced circumstances but soon se-
cured some new land and began the work of mak-
ing new homes. The tracts which they secured
proved to lie the best land in the county and they
have ever since made this location their home.
The father of the large family of which our sub-
ject is the eldest, is still living and enjoying the
afternoon of life, serene in the knowledge that he
has earned his rest by early toil. Here it was that
our subject grew up. lovingly cared for by his pa-
rents but early learning the rigors of pioneer lift.
He remained under the home roof until he became
of aye. and has since been working on his own ac-
count. He procured one hundred and sixty acres
of fine land upon which he still lives. Mr. Yantis
is one of the substantial men of the township, and
a genial, good-natured fellow who is loved and
respected by all who know him.
Mr. Yantis" marriage occurred in this township
and county, November 5, 1857. His wife's maiden
name was Miss Amanda E. Miller. She was born
in Fairfield County. Ohio, in 1836, being the
daughter of ('. P. Miller, of whom see the biograph-
ical sketch of W. C. Miller. When only four years
of age Mrs. Yantis came with her parents to Illinois
and settled on Robinson Creek, this county, where
she was reared and educated. She is the eldest
of the family and is an intelligent and callable
woman, being one of the energetic, ambitious
representatives of her sex in this township where
she has become well known and much liked.
Our subject and his wife are the parents of ten
children, three of whom are now deceased: Cathe-
rine was the wife of S. It. Cole; she died leaving
one child, now also deceased. William and Henri-
etta died early in life. The living children ait-
George, Mary A.. Lydia .1.. Ellen. Harvey and Da
vid. Of these the first mentioned took to wife
Emma Erietz. and is engaged in fanning in this
county: Mary A. is the wife of George M. Longen
bough, a farmer in Colorado owning an extensive
ranch; Lydia .1. is the wife of Stephen Cole, a far
mer in this township; Ellen married Harry Hunter
who also owns a farm in this township; the two
youngest sons arc still under the home roof.
TXANIEL WEIDNER. Twenty odd years
Ijj of residence in such a county as Moultrie
(gj^iir ijives a man an opportunity to show what
is in him in the way of industry, enter-
prise and integrity. He must by that time have
gained for himself a reliable reputation for either
good or ill, and have established himself among
his neighbors. Our subject has thus lived in Dora
Township, where he resides on section 20, and he
304
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
has proved himself a thoroughly good neighbor, a
successful agriculturist and a man of standing
among his fellow-citizens.
Mr. Weidner purchased eighty acres of land,
which he found but slightly improved and en-
tirely unbroken, when he first came into the county,
and he lias added to it by purchase until he
now possesses two hundred and ninety-three acres,
upon which he has placed substantial improve-
ments. He was born in Hocking County, Ohio,
December 10, 1843. his honored parents being
Frederick and Catherine Weidner, natives of Ger-
many, and his paternal grandfather being George
Weidner, who came many years ago to the United
States and settled in Fairfield County, Ohio, where
lie remained until death called him hence. He
had reared a family of four sons and two daugh-
ters, namely: Frederick. John, Godfred, Solomon,
Phebe, Christina and Barbara.
Frederick Weidner. the father of our subject.
was married while residing in Ohio, and made his
first home as a man of family in Hocking County,
where he pursued farming, clearing up land in the
woods and remaining there until his death, being
snatched away in the prime of life at, the age of
forty-seven years. His bereaved widow survived
him for many years and reached the age of four-
score and two years. She and her worthy husband
were the parents of eleven children, seven of
whom are still living, namely: George and John
reside in Hocking County, Ohio; Solomon is living
in Fairfield County, the same State; Daniel, our
subject; l'hebe, who married William Fletcher and
died in Dora Township: Catherine married David
Ashbauch and resides in Nan Wert County. Ohio.
and Barbara, who is the wife of William Walker
and lives in Hocking County, Ohio.
The ordinary life and training of a farmer's boy
was given to Daniel Weidner in his youth and he
grew up to a robust and active young manhood,
and set about establishing himself both in his life
work and in his life home. It was in 1867 when
he Mas united in marriage to a lady who has been
to him a congenial and helpful companion. Her
maiden home was Mary A. Beery and she was born
in Hocking County. Ohio. December 13, 184(1.
being the daughter of Abraham Beery, She has
been the mother of eleven children and has had
the sorrow of laying five of her little ones in their
graves. The six who survive are: Nannie, wife
of Augustus Reeder; Frank, Lilly, Hettie, John
and Elmer.
The political views of our subject were formerly
in accordance with the doctrines of the Demo-
cratic party, but he is now independent of party
ties. Both he and his excellent wife are earnest
and active members of the church of the United
Brethren, and in its communion and services they
find a broad field for influence and work. Their
standing among their neighbors gives them an in-
fluence which is always exerted for good, and
tlic success of Mr. Weidner in the cultivation and
development of his farm his farm has earned for
him the good opinion of all who know him.
jJ-tJ-Ht-J i ' i '
•r' I '
ACOB G. HOLDERMAN is the junior
member of the firm of Scott tSi Holder man,
proprietors of the Bethany Holler Mills,
which are noted throughout the State for
both quantity and quality of the farinaceous pro-
duct which they prepare for use. Our subject was
was located at Bethany where he engaged in busi-
ness in September, 1KK7, and has since been a
member of the above mentioned firm, which is
broadly known as one upon whose word and judg-
ment the greatest reliance may be reposed. Their
dealing's have always been conducted on such a
basis as to win the confidence of all with whom
they are connected.
lie of whom we write was born in Montgomery
County. Ohio. January l>. 1850, and is a son of
Joseph and Amanda (Wampler) Holderman. na-
tives of Ohio and Maryland, respectively. He is
the third in order of birth in a family of four
children. His early life was passed on a farm in
his native county. It was not his privilege to en-
joy an extended education, though he was fond
of books and made excellent use of his time at
school. At the age of twenty years he went to the
city of Indianapolis where he learned the milling
business with the Gibson Milling Company. He re-
-
J. L. JENKINS.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3117
mained in the employ of this company for four
years, after which he went to Cincinnati and wa-
in the employ of Root *v Co., for one year.
Thus fully drilled and equipped with a knowl-
edge of the business which he had chosen as that to
which he should devote himself, our subjeel came
to Deealur, 111., where he was in the employ of
I).--. Shellebarger & Co., millers. After that he
came to Bethany, Moultrie County, and became
associated with A. B. Scott as partner in a milling
business of their own. Bis career was begun by a
thorough and complete overhauling of the entire
mill. and in this work Mr. Bolderman showed him-
self to be master of the mechanical workings of
tin- business. When hi? work was finished the place
was in first-class shape and besides being engaged
as manufacturers they cany on a merchant and
exchange business. The firm also deal- largely in
grain.
Our subject was married in 1*7'.' to Miss Maggie
Campbell, at the time of their marriage a resident
of Indianapolis but a native of Scotland, and a
daughter of Andrew Campbell. With her .Mr.
tfolderman enjoyed but four years of marital felic-
ity, her decease taking place in 1883. She left one
little daughter whose name i- Marjery. Five years
later Mr. Holderman was again married, taking as
his companion a sister of his first wife. win >se given
name is Mai. Their marriage was celebrated No-
vember 14. 1888. Mrs. Holderman is an intelli-
gent and bright woman whose wholesome presence
animates and invigorate- those who are brought
into communication with her.
In hi.- political life he of whom we write i- a
Democrat. Socially, he i.- a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellow-, and also of the
Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Holderman i-
liberal in his religion- belief; his wife, however, i?
a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which
she i- an energetic and ardent worker, both for the
support of the local organization and spreading of
the ( rospel teachings.
The father of our subject. Joseph Holderman.
pursued farming as a business until the breaking
out of the Civil War. when he entered the service
with a regiment from Indianapolis and served four
years a- trainmaster. After the war he was en-
gaged a- a i ontractor ami builder at Indianapolis,
during which he led a busy life. lb- i- spending
his declining years at Troy, Ohio, our subject's
mother died at Bunker Hill. Ind.. in 1857. of the
parental family John M. was a soldier in the Union
army during the Civil War. and was thus engaged
for three vears. in which time he did honorable
and effective service. After leaving the army he
became a railroad man, being yardmasterat Lorain,
( >hio. where he died when about forty years of age;
George II. i- Superintendent of the fire alarm and
telegraph at Indianapolis, Ind., and Orlando is a
farmer at Hunker Hill. Ind.
The paternal grandparents of our subject came
from Pennsylvania at an early day and settled on
the site now occupied by the National Soldiers'
Home at Dayton, Ohio, the grandfather pursued
the calling of fanning and was also a butcher and
cattle dealer. Jacob O. Holderman. our subject.
has been Very successful thus far in his career and.
being a comparatively young man. he has a right
to expect a greater degree of success to crown his
plans and effort- for the future.
ACKSON L. JENKINS. On the opposite
page is presented a portrait of this gentle-
man, who is a prominent farmer of Rural
Town-hip. residing on section 14. and his
residence in Shelby County date- from April. 1856.
He was born in Delaware County, Ohio. June 30,
1825. His parents were Jonathan W. and Rebecca
I Rosecranz) Jenkins, native- of Pennsylvania. His
father. Jonathan Jenkins, went to Ohio in 1816.
He there married, and in 1835 removed with his
wife to ( >gie County, and settled upon a farm, be-
ing one of the early pioneers in that part of the
state. Rebecca Jenkins was the mother of ten
children, eight of whom lived to be grown, and of
these our subject is the eldest.
The father of our subject married a second time
Mrs. Mulkins becoming his wife. He -till resides
at Oregon, this state, and ha- attained a good old
age. his natal day having been January 27. 1802.
808
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
( )ur subject was but a boy when the family removed
to Ogle County, and at that date there were at
least tell Indians to every white man. Here our
subject grew t<> manhood, and had a personal ac-
quaintance with every man in Ogle County. He
carried the first mail that was sent between Dixon
,and Oregon, and the first mail bag that he ever
-aw was one that he got at Dixon. He later ex-
tended his mail route from Oregon to Buffalo
Grove. At that time the mail wasearried onhorse-
hack. He also carried the first mail pouches that
were conveyed by wagons between ( hegon and
Rockford. He was thus employed about four years.
Our subject's father resided in town, but as he
owned a farm near the village. \ oung Jenkins tilled
the soil. In 1836 his father built the rtrst cabin in
Oregon, having passed the winter of 1835-36 at
Dixon. In 1856 our subject came to Shelby County,
having previously purchased eighty acres of land,
for which he paid $100. This he improved and
sold, and since then his residence has been in Rural
Township. The lumber for the first house which
he built in Ogle County, our subject hauled from
Chicago, a distance of one hundred miles, but when
the dwelling was erected, its magnificence outshone
anything in the county. He now owns two hun-
dred and sixty acres of land in Rural Township.
Mr. Jenkins has been twice married. .Inly 7.
1850, he was united to Harriet L. Van Loon, who
was a native of Delaware County. Ohio. She re-
moved with her parents, Mathias and Elizabeth Van
Loon to Ogle County, at an early age. she died
in Shelby County in 1861, being only thirty-four
years old at the time of her death. She left four
children — Rebecca, John, William and George R.
The eldest daughter is now the wife of V. J. Sevier
and resides in Missouri. John and George make
their homes in Rural Township, while William re-
sides in Ridge Township.
In 1 s i '> : i our subject married Mrs. Sarah A. Trav-
ers nee Downs. She was a daughter of Daniel
and Mary E. Downs, and married Alex Travels in
L856. He died in 1862, leaving four children, all
of whom passed away under twelve years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins have had eight children,
seven of whom are living. They are Alice, who
is the wife of Arthur Engle: Frank; Emma, who
married William Mose; Chester, Effa, Edith and
Lloyd.
Our subject ami his wife are members in good
standing of the Christian Church. Although in his
political inclination Mr. Jenkins was formerly a
Democrat, of late he has transferred his allegiance
to the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. He is
a man who is greatly interested in all progressive
movements, the subject of education being one
which is nearest and most important to him. for in
it he realizes the influence that is strongest for
g 1 in our country. He has held the position of
School Director for thirty years, and has been a
Road Commissioner for fifteen year-.
Of a kindly and genial temperament, Mr. Jen-
kins is beloved by all his fellow-townsmen, and
having seen so many change- through which the
country has passed since the days when he carried
the mail over the prairie on horseback, he is a fer-
tile source of information to those who are inter-
ested in the history and advancement of their
Stale.
*^^i
■ z
iifs^
OHN R. LEAN. Among the representative
men of Jonathan Creek Town-hip. Moultrie
County, who are prominent in business,
farming, social and church circles, we are
pleased to mention the name which appears at the
head of this paragraph. Although still a young
man Mr. Lean has proved himself in every sense
of the popular word a ■■hustler". He is aggressive
in hi- method- of conducting business and has in
him enough "go-ahead-ativeness" to stock two
or three ordinary farms. His beautiful farm, finely
equipped with fences and all buildings necessary
for the successful prosecution of work, give- abun-
dant testimony to his thoroughness and success.
James Bean, the father of our subject, was born
in Monroe County. Ind.. and the mother Elizabeth
(Collins) Lean, who was a native of Tennessee,
died in Moultrie County, in September. 1880. They
first settled in Monroe County. Ind. and resided
there until I860, when they came to Moultrie
County, and made a permanent settlement in Sul-
livan Township. They had seven children of whom
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
309
our subject was next to the youngest in age and
he was born in Monroe County, [nd., Sept. 24, 1854.
He was consequently about six years old when his
parents left Indiana and moved to Illinois and it
was in Moultrie County that he grew to the vig-
orous and active manhood which we here recog-
nize. James Bean removed to Kansas in IS.S7.and
for two years resided in Clay County.
Men who have had in their youth every educa-
tional advantage, whose parents have been able to
give to them a college and university training can
hardly appreciate the feelings of a man who has
had to struggle single-handed to attain his intelli-
gent knowledge of letters and of the world which
every ambitious man craves. To those who have
thus educated themselves great credit is due and the
accomplishment of their laudable desire should
receive its just meed of praise. The educational
advantages offered to John R. Bean were extremely
limited and he may well lie called a self-made man.
This young man resided under the parental roof
up to the age of fifteen years, when he began life
for himself by working for two years in a sawmill
and afterward being employed at farm labor. Farm-
ing has been his chief business in life and to do it
he has devoted unceasing effort. lie was married
in Moultrie County March (J. 1S77. his wife being
Miss Nancy Drew, who was born in this county
January 5. 1851. This respected couple have been
called upon to lay one child in the grave — Frankie
C. who died in infancy. The three bright and
promising children who are still with their parents
are Ida A.. Walter C. and Edna M.
Every enterprise which concerns the industrial
and social progress of Moultrie County finds an
efficient and active promoter in Mr. Bean, and he
is one of the five incorporators of the Moultrie
County Board of Agriculture. He is a stockholder
in this institution and for seven years he has be-
longed on its Hoard of Directors. He has also held
the office of School Treasurer, and with his noble
wife is an active member of the Christian Church.
He possesses a beautiful farm of one hundred and
twenty-eight acres, upon which he has erected excel-
lent farm buildings and where he has made other
substantial improvements. Every movement which
has for its object the welfare of the farming com-
munity is of importance in hiseyesand he is prom-
inently identified with tin' Farmers' Mutual Benefit
Association. In politics he is a Republican and he
has been Chairman of the Jonathan Creek Town-
ship Republican Committee for six years.
KA ICHAEL E. SNYDER isa farmer and stock-
/ \\ raiser of Moweaipia Township, who iscon-
/ :.s tributing his quota to the preservation of
* its prosperity as a rich agricultural centre.
He was born April 1. 1S.V.I in a pioneer home in
Brown County. Ohio. Jacob Snyder was the name
Of his father, and he was born in one of the Rhine
Provinces in Germany. His father, who bore the
same name as our subject, was born in the same
locality as his son. and resided there until 1824.
In that year he came to the United States with five
of his seven children, and he lived in Pennsylvania
until 1S27, when he became a pioneer of Ohio. He
resided for a time at Cincinnati, but he finally
bought a farm in Brown County, where he made
his home until his mortal career was ended by death.
The father of our subject was reared in the land
of his birth, and was there married to Elizabeth
Shilp, who was a native of the same locality as her
husband. In 1S24 Mr. Snyder came to this coun-
try, bringing with him his wife and two children
that had been born to them in their old home. For
a time he was a resident of Pittsburg, but he sub-
sequently removed to Cincinnati, which was then
only a small place, and he bought farm land now
in the heart of the city. A few years later he re-
moved to Brown County and bought four hundred
acres of tine land, located two and one-half miles
from Carlyle, and three miles from Arnhciui.
There his years were busily and profitably passed
until death released him from life. He and his
good wife repose peacefully side by side in the
pleasant Lutheran churchyard at Ainheim. They
reared twelve children to lives of industry and to
right living.
The early life of their son Michael, who forms
the subject of this brief sketch, was passed in his
native county, and his education was conducted in
310
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
its public schools. In 1865 he left Ohio to take
up his residence in Illinois, where he shrewdly con-
ceived that a young man of sufficient enterprise
and capability could <h> well in agricultural pur-
suits. His brother Daniel came with him, and to-
gether they bought a farm in McLean County, near
the town of El I'aso. In L875 he disposed of his
share in that place at a good price,' and coming to
Moweaqua Township, purchased eighty acres of
land on section 32. which has since been his home.
He lias bought other land, anil now has one hun-
dred and forty-eight acres, that is admirably tilled,
and yields abundant harvests in repayment for his
hard toil.
On May 18. 1<S7."> was the date of the marriage
of our subject to .Miss Maggie Nottbook, a native
of Moweaqua Township, and a daughter of Will-
iam and Wilhelmina Nottbook, of whom a bio-
graphy appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and
Mrs. Snyder have been blessed with the following
four children — Annetta, Willie X., Elizabeth and
Minnie. Oursubjectand his wife are found among
the most respected membersof the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, and their place in the community is
among the people that are held in the highest con-
sideration for kindly and upright lives. Our sub-
ject was formerly a Democrat, but he is now a
stanch Prohibitionist in word and deed.
MERSOX RHODES, a respected and worthy
citizen of Cushman and one of the promin-
ent business men of that village, being en-
gaged in merchandise and the transfer of grain,
was born in what is now Moultrie County. 111..
June 29, 1837. He is a son of John and Rachel
(Centony) Rhodes, the former being a native of
North Carolina, born in 1808, and the latter being
born in Kentucky, in 1811. It was in 1829 when
this couple were married in Indiana, and three
years later they came to Shelby County, 111., in Feb-
ruary, 1832, and became pioneers here. Both died in
Moultrie County after the division of counties was
effected, the mother dying in 1879 and the father in
1887. This departed couple were the parents of
nine sons and one daughter, and live of these still
survive. The children are. namely: Margaret,now
Mrs. Souther, resides in Texas; Levi, died in 1802
from the effect of measles while in the army, leav-
ing a widow; William was twice married and lives
at Anna, 111.; our subject; one who died in early
infancy; Francis Marion died in 1862 while quite
young; Loren and John who also died in early
childhood; Ililery is married and lives on a farm
in this county and Alfred, who is married and liv-
ing in Bethany. 111.
The gentleman of whom we write was united in
the bonds of marriage upon New Year's Day. 1857,
with Miss Matilda Roney. who was born in this
county in 1835. Her parents. Joseph and Eliza-
beth (Henderson) Roney, were very early settlers
of Illinois and both of them natives of Kentucky.
Soon after marriage Mr. Rhodes went South taking
a tour for his health, and decided to make his
home in Texas for seven years. It was in 18(56
when he returned to his native county and three
years later he returned to Texas, where he remained
until 1883. While a resident of the Lone Star
State he was a stock-dealer most of the time, and
during a portion of his residence there he was on
the Buffalo Range. In the fall of 1873 he built a
mill, Caddo Johnson, Texas, investing several thou-
sand dollars in this enterprise, which resulted in
very serious embarrassment two years later by
reason of its destruction by fire. He was a frontiers-
man for many years and had frequent encounters
with hostile Indians. Upon December 28, 1879, he
had the misfortune to lose his companion by death.
In the fall of 1883. Mr. Rhodes returned to his
native county and married Maria Selby, who was
born in this county in 1842. and whose parents
were pioneers in the early days and still reside
here. Her paternal grandfather, Joshua Selby,
came to this county in 1830, and her parents, Nich-
olas and Sarah (Goodman) Selby. were natives of
Indiana. Immediately after his second marriage
Mi-. Rhodes returned to Texas and brought his
family to Moultrie County, where he has since re-
sided.
The nine children by the first marriage are all
living, namely: Theodore. Serilda J.. Barton. Mar-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
311
garet, John, William. Minnie. Charles and James.
Five of ilu'in are residents of this county and four
live in Johnson, Tex. To the second marriage one
child was born, October 1"2. 1885, Gracie Gertrude
by name. After his return to Illinois Mr. Rhodes
was a farmer and operated a sawmill for about
three years. He then engaged in buying grain and
afterward combined that business with merchandis-
ing. He carries a full stock of general merchan-
dise, groceries, provisions, farm machinery, hard-
ware, etc. Mrs. Rhodes has been the Postmistress
at Cushman for about a year, and her husband was
honored with the Deputyship. This lady is a
worthy and consistent member of the Christian
Church. Mr. Rhodes is a Democrat in polities and
take:- an active interest in political affairs, serving
a- School Director.
"f&i-
I7SAAC RICHEY, a farmer and stock-raiser re-
siding on section 13, Sullivan Township, Moul-
1 trie County, was horn in Bedford County,Pa.,
May 7. 1845. Hi- parents were Abraham and Eliz-
abeth (Bollman) Richey, and were natives of the
Key-tone Mate. The father died in this county in
1881, ami the mother, who still survives, reside- in
Jonathan Creek Township, thi- county. She is
now in her eighty-third year and has been the
honored mother of nine children, five sons and
four daughters. Of the latter only one remains
on earth, but the sons are all living.
Our subject came to Illinois with his parents in
1866, and settled in Jonathan Creek Township as
his father had purchased a farm there, on which
the mother now lives. Mr. Richey has been twice
married, his first wife being Ruth Homan, a na-
tive of Kentucky. They were married in that
State in 1879, and the young wife wa- called from
earth about a year later. Our subject was a second
time married, taking as his wife Mi— Anna A.,
daughter of David Kirkpatrick. Mrs. Richey is a
native of Kentucky, and was horn in January,
1859. Her parents still reside in the latter Mate.
To this happy union four children were born, of
whom one. Oliver J.. i> deceased. The remain-
ing sons are: Clarence I).. Jessie Earl and Clyde I..
The business of farming has been the vocation
to which Mr. Richey has devoted himself with en-
ergy and enthusiasm throughout life, lie own- a
line farm of one hundred and sixty acres, with
good improvements and in a high state of cultiva-
tion. A beautiful 'park surrounds his home and
give- to it a charm which few houses can boast.
The refinement and culture which is implied by
thus beautifying one's abode is a delightful acquis-
ition to any neighborhood.
Mr. Richey is liberally inclined both in polities
and religion. He has always voted for Republican
candidates for President, but in state and local
matter- he uses hi- own judgment in selecting the
best man for the place and is governed in this by
purely business principles. He never made any
profession of religion, yet gives liberally of his
means to the support of the Gospel and other re-
ligious and benevolent enterprises, lie at one
time belonged to the Patrons of Husbandry, but is
not now connected with that body. The estimate
in which he is held by his fellow-citizen- i- shown
by the fact of his being twice elected to the office
of Township Collector of Taxes, and his having
been called upon to serve a- Supervisor of Road-.
/1I.I.IAM .!. EDDY, a leading physician of
Shelbyville, Shelby County, his native city.
Vy wa- horn October 13. 1857. His father,
the late William Eddy, a former well-known citizen
of this county, was a native of the county of Cork.
Ireland. His father was horn in the same county
as himself , and was derived from Scotch ancestry.
He wa- a shoemaker by trade and -pent his entile
life in Ireland.
The father of our subject early acquired the
shoemaker's trade of his father, and followed it in
his native land until his emigration to thi- country
in is 17. He landed at New Orleans, and coming
directly to Illinois, located at Galena, and was ac-
tively engaged in the manufacture of -hoc- in that
312
PORTRAIT AM) UIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD.
city for several years. In 1856 lie came toShelby-
ville and worked at his trade here until lKTti. win n
he removed to his farm near Lakewood, and was
prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits from
that time until death closed his busy career in
August, 1890, and deprived the county of a most
worthy citizen, who had contributed his quota to
its advancement. lie was a member of the Meth=
odist Episcopal Church, and as a man of upright
character was in every way deserving of the re-
spect accorded to him. He was twice married. The
maiden name of his first wife, mother of our subject,
was Mary J. Roberts. She was a woman of many
excellent qualities, and was a consistent member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her birthplace
was in Cornwall, England, and she was a daughter
of John S. Roberts, who was a native of the same
shire as himself. He came to America with his
family in IK 1(1, and first settled in Pennsylvania,
after a residence there of a few years became one
of the pioneers of Grant County, Wis. In 1856
he came from there to this county, and identified
himself with its fanners, buying a farm in Dry
Point Township, on which lie made his home until
his death. The mother of our subject departed
this life in 1865. The father married a. second
time, and by each marriage had four children.
Dr. Eddy was given every advantage to secure
a liberal education, laying a solid foundation in
the city schools of Shelby ville. Three years' at-
tendance at the Normal School, one year at Valpa-
raiso, Ind. and two years at the State Normal at
Carbondale, 111. still further advanced him in his
studies. During that time he taught two terms of
school, and employed his leisure hours in studying
medicine, lie further prepared himself for the
profession that he proposed to adopt for his life-
work by becoming a student in the College of
Physicians and Surgeons, at Chicago, from which
he was graduated with a high standing in 1885.
He at once opened an office in his native city,
where he is well-known and popular, and soon won
favor in his professional capacity, as he showed in
his practice that he possessed in a full degree the
requisites of a true physician — a sound knowledge
of medicine, skill in diagnosing a case and in ap-
plying remedies, and true tact and courtesy in his
intercourse with his patients, lie is a member of
the Shelby County Medical Society, and also of
the Illinois State Medical Society, the American
Association and of the Central Illinois District
Medical Society. Religiously, he and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Doctor was happily married in September,
1K88, to Miss Carrie Chafee. a native of Ypsilauti,
Mich., and a daughter of Dr. Noah F. Chafee, a
well-known physician of this city, witli whom our
subject is associated in practice. We are pleased to
incorporate in this sketch a brief account of the
life of Dr. Chafee. He was born in Vermont, Feb-
ruary 6. 1833, a son of Daniel and Miranda (Haven)
Chafee, who were also natives of the Green Moun-
tain State. His father was a farmer, and died in his
native State in 1839, leaving a widow and three
sons. The mother removed with her children to
Wayne County, N. V.. and three years later took
up her residence in Monroe County, Mich., where
she married again.
Dr. Chafee grew to manhood in Michigan, and
in 1862 came to Illinois. He stopped during the
summer at Shelby ville, where, in the fall of l.SC>2,
he enlisted as assistant Surgeon in the Fourteenth
Illinois Infantry, he having previously graduated
from the Medical Department of the Michigan
University in the spring of 1862, and he therefore
went to the front well prepared for his duties, and
there gained a valuable experience amid the trying
scenes on Southern battlefields and in army hospi-
tals during the two years that he remained in the
service. In 1863 he was with Gen. Sherman. In
1864 he was in Georgia, and at Atlanta was taken
prisoner while in the performance of his duties in
caring for the wounded and dying, and was held
in Libby Prison three weeks. After that he was
returned to Springfield, 111., and as nearly all the
men in his regiment were still prisoners, he was
discharged.
After the war Dr. Chafee returned to Michigan.
and practiced medicine in Lenawee County until
1884, when he came again to Shelbvville, and for
some years has been associated in his profession
with his son-in-law. Dr. Eddy.
In April, 1864, while on a furlough, he was mar-
ried to Miss Josephine McMath, a daughter of
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
313
Samuel and Caroline McMatli, and :i native of
Michigan. Tiny have had five children, three of
whom died in childhood, and the others are Carrie,
wife of Dr. Eddy, and Laura, who lives with her
parents.
Dr. Chafee is a sound Republican, and always
take* interest enough in public affairs to vote, but
does not give much time to politics. Religiously,
he is of the Methodist Episcopal faith. He is a
thorough temperance man. and is in all respects a
person of high character and standing asa physi-
cian and a citizen. His record as a Surgeon in an
Illinois regiment during the war is commemorated
by his connection with the Grand Army of the Re-
public.
-M-5-5-
1!. TITUS. We are pleased to present i"
our reader* a biographical -ketch of one of
the prosperous citizens, thoroughly educated
gentlemen and old settlers of Sullivan.
Moultrie ( ounty. He i- one of the best known
character* in this part of the county, and after hav-
ing Keen an active and successful attorney, is now
leading a retired life and looking after his real-
estate interests in the place. He has been a resi-
dent of the place since 1856, and one of its attor-
ney* since l.*<(>2. The well known attorney. Hon.
John R. Eden, and Judge Meeker, have been his
partners.
Seime of the most valuable buildings in Sullivan
have been put up by Mr. Titus, notably the Opera
House Block, which he own*, and he has in the
county some twelve hundred acres of land, most of
it l>eiu>r in Sullivan Township, and all of it being
finely improved. He i* one of the large property
owners of the county, and the improvements upon
his land have been mostly placed there by himself.
He was County Clerk from 1865 to 1869, and while
Supervisor of Sullivan Township, was Chairman of
the Board. He ha* always been a live Democrat,
and is frequently a delegate to Mute convention*.
Our subject was born in Brookville. Franklin
County, Ind.. and received hi* education in Miami
College, being graduated in the Class of '58, and
receiving the two degrees of Bachelor of Art*, ami
Master of Art*. While in that institution, one of
hi* instructors was Prof. David Swing, who is now
so notable as a preacher in Chicago. After leav-
ing Miami he entered the Law Schoolat Cincinnati,
and was graduated at the Cincinnati Law College
iii the Class of '60. He then spent two years in
a law office in Cincinnati before coming to tin*
place and also spent some time in teaching, lb' is
a notable linguist, being the master of five differ-
ent languages, and *tand* high among scholarly
men.
Mr. Titus has two children — a son, William li..
who is a practical farmer in Sullivan Township,
and a daughter "Winnie, who is still at home with
her father attending school and studying music, in
which latter branch she is quite skillful. As a
public-spirited man. a broad thinker and a pro-
gressive citizen, Mr. Titus is a prominent figure in
Sullivan.
V
-S-ss-I-=*
r
•S-SE*=*
AMUEL WILsoN. Many of the best char-
acteristics in every branch of social and
commercial life, arc the outcome of the
brawn and sinew of what is frequently
called the middle cla*s of society; in reality, the
best class, for in it is usually found a common
sense and practical view of affairs that is often
wanting in both the highest and lowest cla**c*.
Our subject, although having tilled a humble por-
tion in the ranks for some time, is one who by per-
severance, energy and native ability has acquired
much that many a richer man. and one who is
pleased to think himself of a better cla*s. i* want-
ing in. He is the owner of a neat little farm in
Rural Township, having been a resident of Shelby
County since 1875.
Mr. Wilson was born in Delaware County, Ind..
February 28, 1848. He is a son of William and
Lydia (Antrim) Wilson, native* of Pickaway
County, Ohio. The\ were married however, in
Indiana, and resided in that State the remainder of
their lives. The father died in 1863 at the age
314
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of forty-five. They were the parents of nine
children, eight of whom lived to be grown. They
were: Sarah, Robert, Samuel, Emma. Alva, Lizzie,
Martha and Florence. Of these Robert and Alva
are deceased.
After the death of our subject's father, his mother
married :i second husband, but there were no chil-
dren by this union. She is still living in Dela-
ware County, 1ml.. and is the object of the filial
affection and care of her children. Our subject's
advent into this State was made in 1875. He
worked by the year on a farm until 1*77, when he
was united in marriage to Mary Ann Beckett, a
daughter of William Beckett. She was born in
Utica, N. Y. Our subject and bis wife have two
children, Anna and Lenora, who are the pride and
hope of their fond parents. Politically he of whom
we write feels that his interests are best furthered
by a union with his class, and he is a member of
the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, although
formerly he was a Republican. In his religious
connection he is united with the Church of God,
as is his wife, lie operates eighty acres of land.
B$+^
ftr^VARNABAS W. FULTON, a well-known and
influential citizen of Moultrie County, bears
ISjfi I a prominent part in various local affairs.
^ — •* lie has an established reputation as a good
farmer, and an upright man, and were it for no
other reason save his valiant services as a soldier in
the late war he would deserve representation in
this volume. In agricultural affairs he has been
very especially successful and is now the owner of
three hundred and twenty acres of as tine land as
is to be found in the county. This goodly tract is
located on section 5. Lowe Township, and is well
developed and is supplied with a full line of farm
buildings.
The parents of our subject were among the earli-
est settlers of Moultrie County, coming here in
1832 shortly after their marriage in Kentucky.
Both were natives of Kentucky and bore the names
of John B. and Amy (Hagden) Fulton. Upon their
arrival in this county they located in Jonathan
Creek Township, where they improved a tract of
wild landand passed their remaining years. During
the first years of their residence here they endured
all the hardships of pioneer life, but by unflagging
perseverance and indomitable energy they con-
quered adversity and in their declining years were
surrounded by the comforts for which they had
labored so arduously in earlier life. All who love
their country and are interested in its develop-
ment, will hold in reverence the names of John B.
Fulton and his good wife.
The sixth in a family of eight children, our sub-
ject was born in Jonathan Creek Township, this
county, April 111, 1K40. His earliest recollections
are of the scenes of frontier life and he has not
only been an interested witness of the growth of
this section, but has contributed his quota to its
progress. He deserves especial mention not only
as a pioneer but also as a brave defender of the
Union. He was in his early manhood when the
war broke out and all the enthusiasm and patriot-
ism of his nature were tired in behalf of the Gov-
ernment. Accordingly he enlisted in August. 1HC>2,
in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth
Illinois Infantry, and served until the close of the
war.
When the Government had no further need of
his services he returned to Jonathan Creek Town-
ship and resumed farming, to which he has ever
since devoted his attention. He was married in
that township in November, 1868, to Elizabeth
Maston, a native of Coles County, 111., and their
union was blest by the birth of two children —
William, who died when one and one-half years
old, and Barnabas, who is still under the parental
roof. The wife and mother passed from earth at
her home in Jonathan Creek Township, October
28. 1873.
The cozy home of Mr. Fulton is presided over
by a lady of intelligence and refinement, whose
maiden name was Sarah Maston and who was born
in Jonathan Creek Township, September 12, 1854.
Her parents were James and Mary (Campbell)
Maston, the former of whom died in this township.
The marriage of our subject and his estimable wife
was solemnized March 23, 1874, and the congenial
union has been blest by the birth of one child —
& igte
: '-- ■ ■ - • - -. •:^-=> .• -V.J-" \&&
'.' ■ ' ":^r''7'"- ""•'• ■ ■■ - ■-. ~ ' '-.j-:^
„T^-.,.....T, -
■
RESIDENCE OF ANDREW 5ENTEL, SEX . 9. , LOWE TP..MOU LTRI E CO., I LL
Irrii'DfA
RESIDENCE OP C.W. CROU DSON , 5EC.2., EAST NELSON TP., MOULTRIE CO., ILL
RESIDENCE OF B. W. F U LTON , SEC. 5., LOWE TR , MOU LTRI E CO. , I LL.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
317
a son — Isaac W. Mr. Fulton continued to reside
in Jonathan Creek Township until 1 s 7 ."> . when be
came to Lowe Township and settled on section 5,
of which he has since been a resident. Politically
Mr. Fulton is a Democrat, believing thai the prin-
ciples of that party are best calculated to advance
the interest of the nation. Socially he and his wife
arc highly esteemed for their hospitality and many
noble attributes of heart and mind.
The attention of the reader is invited to a view
of the commodious residence and other prominent
buildings on the farm of Mr. Fulton.
^i>*<§=^=->
NDREW SENTEL. The soil of this
county being very fertile and the mar-
ket facilities excellent, a great number of
(v agriculturalists secure a competence by the
cultivation of a moderate acreage. One of these
successful farmers in .Moultrie County is he whose
name introduces these paragraphs. He owns and
operates eighty acres in Lowe Township on section
9, and by close attention to his business, wise man-
agement and industry, he makes of his farm a more
remunerative piece of property than do some who
have many more acres. In all his enterprises he
receives the cheerful co-operation of his amiable
wife. t<> whom his success is largely to be attribu-
ted.
The natal day of Andrew Sentel was March 7.
1836, and he was born in Ross County, Ohio. He
is the son of the late John Sentel. a native of Penn-
sylvania, and Catherine (Reedy) Sentel. who was
horn in Ross County. In the fall of 1845 the
parents removed from Ross County. Ohio, to
Coles County, 111., whence five years later they
came to Moultrie County and settled in Sullivan
Township. Their family comprised eight children,
our subject being next to the oldest, lie passed
his younger years in Ross County where he gained
the rudiments of his education. Later lie attended
school in Coles County, although his educational
advantages were limited to the district schools of
those days.
Mr. Sentel was first married January •'!. 1858, to
Miss Man Montgomery, a native of Ross County.
Ohio, who died July 22. 1881, in Lowe Township.
The present congenial companion of Mr. Sentel,
who has been his devoted helpmate, was born in
England January 1. 1848, ami was known in
maidenhood as Anna Dalton. She was first mar-
ried to Joseph Winskill and by that union became
the mother of one child — John 1). Mr. Sentel and
bis estimable wife were united in the holy bonds
of wedlock in Sullivan. 111.. September 1!), 1.HK2,
and their union has been blest by the birth of one
child, a son. Elmer A.
When Mr. Sentel began life for himself he set-
tled in Sullivan Township, this county, where he
lived several years. Next we find him operating
a farm in Douglas County, but after sojourning
there four years, he returned to .Moultrie County,
and settled in Lowe Township on section I), which
has since been his home. In his political atlilia-
tions he is a Republican and has served the people
in various official capacities, although he prefers
domestic quiet to the turmoil incident to a public
life. He is greatly interested in the cause of edu-
cation and everything pertaining thereto, and has
served acceptably as School Director. Public
spirited and enterprising, it is not strange that his
position among his fellow-citizens is an enviable
one and that he is regarded as one of the most
prominent agriculturists of the community.
The attention of the reader is invited to a view
on another page of the attractive residence and
rural surroundings on the farm of Mr. Sentel.
IIARLKS W. CROUDSON. A traveler
through the farming lands of Moultrie
County will be pleased to observe the large
number of well-improved farms and the numerous
evidences of prosperity. In Last Nelson Town-
ship an estate of eighty acres, which is admirably
adapted for both farming and stock-raising, is
owned and operated by the young gentleman
above named. A visitor here will see everything
that is necessary in the way of farm buildings.
318
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
machinery and all the modem appliances of agri-
culture. During his residence here Mr. Croudson
has effected many improvements upon the farm
and by a proper rotation of crops has brought the
snil to a high degree of fertility, so that it is lit-
tingly classed among the best farms of the town-
ship. .V view of this place appears on anotherpage.
Douglas County. 111., was the native place of
Mr. Croudson and his eyes first opened to the light
July 2*. 1862. He was the only son in the family
circle and has two sisters, Sarah M.. now the wife
of J. W. Bailey, and Lida J., who is still at home.
The parents. William ami Lucinda (Lawrence)
Croudson, were natives of England and Ohio, re-
spectively, and passed the greater part of their
lives in Douglas County, this State, where they
both died. They were people of steady habits and
high principles, doingas they would be done by in
the various relations they sustained toward others,
and the record of their lives is unblemished and
worthy of emulation.
The education of our subject was gleaned from
the schools in the vicinity of the parental home,
and his youth was passed in mingled work and
play, his study developing the powers of his mind,
while his recreation and boyhood sports developed
a stalwart physique. Haying been reared to farm-
ing pursuits, when the time came for him to chose
a calling in life, he naturally selected agriculture
and in his chosen avocation lie has been more than
ordinarily successful. Although still quite young
he is very comfortably situated and the future un-
doubtedly contains many honors for him. He
takes an active part in political affairs and is a
Democrat in his views, believing the principles of
that party are best calculated for the national wel-
fare. He is greatly interested in educational affairs
and has held the office of School Director, during
which time he materially advanced tin' cause of
education in the community.
A very important eventin the lifeof oursubjeet
was his marriage February It. 1886, in Moultrie
County, 111., to Miss Margaret, the daughter of
William and Sarah Wiley. Mrs. Croudson was
born in this county, where she has passed her en-
tire life and where her parents still reside. She
has a cultivated mind, a sympathizing heart and
adds thereto the housewifely knowledge which is
necessary for all who make their homes attractive
and comfortable. Into Mr. and Mrs. Croudson
one child has been born, a daughter. Osa, whose
birth occurred March 22. 1890. As a farmer Mr.
Croudson is enterprising and industrious, well in-
formed regarding things connected with his work
and ranks high among his fellow-citizens.
EREMIAH II1NTFRLY. Among the most
valuable factors in the settlement and up-
building of Illinois has been that portion
of its population which is descended from
natives of the German's Fatherland. Their fru-
gal, industrious, thrifty manner of life and their
steady devotion to agriculture have aided greatly
in developing that portion of the Prairie State
where they made their homes, and have given a
reliable character to the neighborhoods in which
they live.
Mr. llinterly resides on section 24. Ridge Town-
ship, Shelby County, and his settlement in this
county dates from L858. His native home was in
Fairfield County. Ohio, where he was born Decem-
ber II. 1836, being the son of Jacob and Rachel
llinterly. Jacob llinterly. Sl\, the grandfather of
oursubjeet. was a native of Germany and became
one of the earliest pioneers of Fairfield County in
the days when that part of the country was a wil-
derness inhabited only by savages and wild beasts.
Our subject had the severe misfortune of
losing his mother by death when he was but
a babe, and he was her only child. His father
subsequently married Rachel Fairchiid, and by
this union two >ons were born — Nathaniel and
William Henry, both of whom still make their
home m Fairfield County. Ohio, where they are
respected and useful citizens. The younger of
these two was a soldier in the Civil War, and
being a member of an Ohio regiment was under
Sherman's command, and was with him in the
famous "inarch to the sea.'"
The first affliction of Jeremiah llinterly was
followed seven years later by the death of his
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
319
father, and he thus became at a tender age a double
orphan. The sorrowful child was taken care <>t"
by an uncle, with whom he passed the remainder
of Ids early years, remaining in his native county
until he attained his majority. While with his
uncle he received training upon the farm and also
spent two years as an apprentice to the trade ol n
blacksmith.
It was in the fall of 1857 that he made his
first visit to Illinois, but he did not tarry long
upon that occasion as he returned to Ohio for the
winter, but the following spring brought him
again to Shelby County, where he rented land and
prepared to establish a home. He chose a bride
from the daughters of Ridge Township. Shelby
County, and upon Christmas Day. I860, he was
united in the happy bonds of matrimony with
Sarah M. Killam. a daughter of Isaac and Nancy
Killam. who was horn April 23. 1H44. Her father
was a Keiituckian by birth, and having been reared
as a farmer, pursued that line of industry and was
married in that Mate to Nancy Lee. a lady of
Maryland.
After marriage our subject settled where he !i<>\\
resides, his wife receiving one hundred acres of
land from her father. To this he has added one
hundred and liffv acres more, and has placed upon
it all good and substantia] improvements. It is
now one of the finest farms in Ridge Township.
being thoroughly cultivated and giving an excel-
lent yield. To Mr. and Mrs. Hinterly have been horn
three children — "William II.: Nancy (.).. who died
at the age of ten years: and Cora Ann. The -on
and daughter who are left to them are making a
tine record and are proving both an honor and
comfort to their worthy parents. The religious
connection of the family is with the Christian
Church, in which they arc highly useful and valu-
able members, being active in every good Word
and work, and willing to aid in every movement,
both religious and social, which looks to the ad-
vancement of the community.
In political matters Mr. Hinterly is. and always
has been to a good degree independent, as parties
have changed and new issues have arisen he has
felt at liberty to take his stand according to his
convictions and according to what he considered
the needs of the country and the policy of wisdom
and good judgment. lie was reared in the polit-
ical belief of the Democratic party, to which he
adhered until the formation of the National Green-
back party, the doctrines of which he judged to
he the best for the financial success of our country.
Mis interests being identified with those of tin
agricultural community, he ha- now allied him-
self with the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association,
and works in accordance with that SOcietj for the
upbuilding and prosperity of the farmers.
Jacob Hinterly. St., the grandfather of our sull-
ied, was married before he came to the United
States, and. as we have said, settled in Ohio in the
very early day-. He reared two sons and two
daughter John, Jacob, Mary. Mrs. Telweilier:
and Elizabeth, Mrs. George Parkenson.
-O
-s^ QUIRE WOODRUFF, a retired farmer liv-
ing in a pleasant home on Jefferson street.
left his farm in Sullivan Township some
three years ago ami for fourteen months
made his home in Decatur before coming to
Sullivan. Moultrie County. He purchased land in
Sullivan Township when he first came to this
county in 1854 and was remarkably successful in
general farming and stock-raising, so that he now
owns four hundred and sixty-seven acres of as tine
land as there is in the county, three hundred ami
thirty-seven acres of which is under the plow and
subdrained with tiling, tine hundred and sixty
.■id.- of this land was obtained by his father.
Mose-. from the Government in 1837 and has
never been deeded outside of the family. Mr.
Woodruff has had unusual success in breeding the
best grades of sheep, -wine, cattle and horses. He
wa- born near the county seat of Fountain
County. Ind.. July 29, 1*27. his father, being a
native of New Jersey and a son of Samuel A.
Woodruff of the same State, hut descended from
old New England stock.
The grandfather of our subject learned the trade
of :i tailor ill New Jersey, and married Mi— .loan
320
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Potter and after the birth of their children they
emigrated with their family to Ohio, settling at
Shakers' village and joining thai peculiar sect, and
lived there until her death. Somewhat later her
husband tame to Indiana and died in the home of
his son Aaron Woodruff in Fountain County,
being then past seventy-four years of age. He ad-
hered to the Shaker faith till his death, although
his sons Moses and Aaron, when young men broke
away from this faith and came to Indiana, there
beginning life as farmers. This was just after the
marriage of .Moses Woodruff with Miss Margaret
Petro, a native of Pennsylvania who came to Ohio
when ten years of age. They were married in
Monroe County, Ohio, after which they came to
Indiana and made a settlement in the woods in
Fountain County. They were without means and
did genuine pioneer work in that new region, and
there Moses and his wife lived and died. Moses
passed away iii 1838 when less than forty-two
old, and his faithful wife survived him more than
twenty years and died November 1 1. 1860, at the
age of about sixty-eight years. Moses Woodruff
was an I'ni versalist in his religious belief and his
wife died in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
Squire Woodruff is the first born of his parents
and he and his brother Martin, a farmer near
Sullivan, are now all that remain of the family, as
their sister Mary A. died in infancy. The first
marriage of our subject took place in Fountain
County. Ind., he being then united with Miss
Asenafh Marvin of that county, who died in
Moultrie County, 111., January 5, 1857, at the
early age of twenty-six years. The second wife
of Mr. Woodruff to whom he was united in this
county bore the maiden name of Mary Ileffel-
linger. She was born in Pennsylvania and came
when quite young first to Indiana and later to Ill-
inois, and when thirty-one years old passed away
from this life March (!, 1869. The third marriage
of Mr. Woodruff united him with Mary A. Yake-
ley. His fourth wife was formerly Miss Eliza-
beth Kepler. She died September 12,1882. Our
subject was again married to Hannah Horn who
was born in Washington County, Pa., and came to
Illinois after herfirsl marriage. Mr. Woodruff had
children by four of his wives and nine of them are
living, namely: Ethan A., Mary E., Elias P.,
Martin A., Asenath, Cora B., Helen, Margaret A.
and Edith I). The last three are unmarried and
make their home with their father.
_.;..;..;.,;.
.;..;..;..;._
•II iAIAAAM
W ST.
ILLIAM VOGEL. The substantial farmers
ilby County are a class to whom all
minded citizens feel that they owe a
debt for their share in effecting the prosperity
which makes this county so popular as a place of
residence and business. Were their work sub-
tracted from the records of the county, little would
remain to show its value Such an one is our sub-
ject, who resides on section 12, Prairie Township,
and who has been a citizen of this county from the
spring of 1862, being one of the first to settle on
Hie prairie, lie had purchased eighty acres of prai-
rie land and forty acres of timber land, the pre-
vious year, and made his home upon them in the
spring, since which time he has devoted himself
unceasingly and indefatigably to the work of forc-
ing the rich soil to give forth its wealth.
William Vogle was born in the Kingdom of
Prussia, Germany, July 22, 1831, and is a son of
Charles Vogel. Two brothers and two sisters of
our subject are in the United States, namely: Fred,
who resides in Holland Township; Herman, whose
home is in Wisconsin; Augusta; and Minnie, the
wife of August Wilke. ( )ur subject is the first one
of the family to come to the United States, as he
crossed the ocean in 1867, and first made his set-
tlement in Cook County, this State, where he
worked as a farm hand until he decided to come
farther South and devote himself to the culture of
the soil in Shelby County. Three hundred and
sixty acres of rich and arable soil now constitutes
the farm which he has transformed from a wild
prairie to a well cultivated estate, and upon which
he has placed beautiful buildings.
The marriage in 1K(>2 of William Vogel and
Elizabeth Lutz, united a couple who were destined
to have a happy and harmonious life together. The
lady, like her husband, was born in Germany, but
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
321
had been in this country for a number of years.
To them haw been born four children, namely:
August \V.. Harmon C. F.. Albert II. and Ida.
These children are becoming what their parents
would have them be, honorable and worthy citi-
zens of the Prairie State, which has become to them
a dearly loved home.
American politics have proved a subject of in-
terest tn Mr. Vogel, and he has informed himself
intelligently in regard to them, although he does
not feel bound to govern his vote by the dictates
of any party organization. In regard t<> local mat-
ters he easts his ballot for the man and the meas-
ures which seem to his judgment conducive to the
peace and prosperity of the commonwealth, but
uiinn national issues he usually votes the Repub-
lican ticket. Both he and his efficient and excel-
lent wife are earnest and active members of the
Lutheran Church, in which they were brought up.
Stuck farming has largely engaged the attention of
our subject, and he has been successful in its prose-
cution, as any one must be in Illinois, if he under-
stands this branch of agriculture, and devotes him-
self to it with assiduity. The worthy lives of Mr.
and Mrs. Vogel and their family area standing re-
proach to all who complain of hard times and pov-
erty which they have incurred by their own lack
of principle and a disregard of the industrious ap-
plication of their time and strength.
r
E*2=*
\
^ILLIAM s. MURKY. Our subject belongs
to that class of people that have formed
the brawn and sinew of the social and busi-
ness life in America. A farmer himself, residing
on a beautiful tract of land on section 36. of Lov-
ington Township, Moultrie County, his father was
a mechanic and manufacturer, and such were his
resources, the quickness of perception of his keen
mind and shrewd look, that had he been placed on
a desert island he could have built up a small vil-
lage for himself, with all the accessories necessary
to civilized and retined life. Our subject's father
was the late Samuel Shirey, who was born in Frank-
lin County. Pa., April 26, 1806. His mother. Miss
Barbara Ann Shade in her maiden days, was bora
in Pennsylvania. April 24, 1808.
Samuel Shirey was a wagonmaker by trade and
this business he followed throughout his early life,
afterward being engaged in farming. The first
part of their married life was passed in Greencastle,
Pa. Thence they removed to Maryland, and then
returned to Pennsylvania, where they continued
to live until the spring of 1861, when they deter-
mined, for the sake of their growing sons, to re-
move to a State where there was a broader field
and better chances for young men. They came
to Moultrie County and settled in Lovington Town-
ship, where the father died June 2(1. 1870. The
mother survived for some years, her decease taking
place April '1. 1889. They had a family of ten
children of whom our subject was the ninth in
order of birth.
William shirey was born in Greencastle, Cum-
berland County. Pa., January 26. 1*46. He came
to the Prairie State with his parents in the spring
of 1861, and continued under his parental roof
until he became of age and was ready to take upon
himself the responsibilities of a home. He was
married in Macon County. April 5, 1*66. to Miss
Mary C. Cue. a daughter of John and Rachael
(Kay lor) Cue. The father passed away in Macon
County, this State. The mother died in Loving-
ton Township at the residence of her son William.
Mrs. Mary C. Shirey was born in Ross County.
Ohio. After the wedding the young couple settled
first in Macon County, where they continued to
live until the spring of 1*6:1. when .Mr. Shirey
came to Moultrie County and settled in Lovington
Township, where he has since been a resident.
It is not every man who has concentration of
purpose and patience enough to be a farmer.
While there are always any number of details
about a farm to be worked out. the principal work
of planting and waiting for the outcome. i> one
of weary patience that is frequently tried to the
uttermost by the thousand and one drawbacks that
are inevitable to agriculture — drouth, flood, rust.
grasshoppers, early or late frosts, are only a begin-
ning of the trials that one might mention, that a
farmer must endure patiently and uncomplainingly,
322
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and for which no one is to blame. He of whom
we write has placed excellent Improvements on his
farm and is the owner Of three hundred and twenty
acres Of good land, well located, watered and
drained. The latest improvements in agricultural
implements are in use upon the place, and every
acre is made to produce to the uttermost. He i-
engaged in general farming. Their home is an
ideal one in point of comfort and attractiveness
from a domestic point of view; not hung with
the richest tapestries, boasting no paintings by
greal masters, it is yet the abiding-place of content.
and a pleasant assurance that each member of the
family i> the recipient of the affection and loving
confidence of the others. Mr. and Mi's. Shirey are
the parents of four living children, whose names
are John Alpha, Willis B., Myrtle M. and Gracie
Alice. Other little ones have come to the parents
as buds of promise, hut drooped and withered in
their infancy and were gathered up by the Divine
hand, and now shed the sweetness of their spirits
in a higher world.
Mi's. Shirey i- an amiable and womanly woman,
a discreet and wise mother, who studio the inter-
ests of her children, nut from an envious or vainly
ambitious standpoint, but seeking to help them to
he men and women whose principles of right and
honor shall be so high and perfect and whose in-
tellects shall lie so developed, that they will he
honorable additions to whatever phase of lite they
may he placed.
He of whom we write lias held many of the
township offices, in local political life. He has
been elected Highway Commissioner, in the smaller
places an important office, that is not always so
conscientiously attended to as it should he. but
Mr. Shirey 's constituents have no reason to com-
plain of him in this respect, for he fully realizes
that the public highways are the veins and arteries
through which How the wealth of the nation. He
lias also held the position of Treasurer of Loving-
ton Township, and that even more important post,
that of School Director. This is, indeed, an almost
sacred office, for the selection of our teachers and
the government of school affairs is one which
should lie given the most minute attention and
wisest judgment. In his political relations he i- a
member of the Republican party and the tenets
and doctrines of that body are to him vital, by
both association and inherited opinion. .Mrs. Shirey
i> a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
while her husband is liberal in his religious lielief.
Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
and also fraternizes with both Odd Fellows and
Knights of Pythias.
The indomitable spirit that our subject inherits
from his father is apparent in all his dealings.
While living in Maryland. Samuel Shirey met with
a severe loss by the burning of his wagon shop,
and also hi> blacksmith shop, which was connected
with the first-named. In this catastrophe he lost
nearly all he had. hut was undismayed and man-
fully set about retrieving his position.
_=]
^W
OHX SIMS, is a general farmer on section
27. of Flat Branch Township, Shelby
County, and here owns one hundred and
sixty acres of well-improved land, and forty
.hi. -.in section 26, which is covered with small
timber. His home was originally procured a- a
homestead claim. It was almost all unbroken in
1855, ami Mr. Sims has since made it a good farm.
placing many valuable improvements upon it. His
success in an agricultural direction has been at-
tained mostly through general farming and >tock-
raising. He came to this county from Macoupin
County, where he had settled in 1*3*. being one
of the earliest t.. Locate there.
On his advent into Macoupin County, he pro-
cured a farm, upon which he placed some improve-
ments, he later came in IK;}."), to this county. He
was born in Madison County, this State, five miles
eastof Edwardsville, January 19, 1820. Hi- par-
ents were natives of Kentucky. His father. Austin
Sims was however, born in North Carolina, hut
removed at a very early age to Kentucky, with
hi- parents, and was there reared. He is of South-
ern parentage, although his ancestry is for the most
part Scotch. The father of Austin Sims. Sr., who
was horn and reared in North Carolina, from which
State he served through the Revolutionary War.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIC AL RECORD.
:\-j:\
he having fought at the battle of Cowpens. Be
later wont to Kentucky, and then proceeded to
Southern Illinois; afterward to Morgan County.
where both he and his wife died, lie at the aire of
eighty-three years, and she eighty-one years old.
Mr. Sims and wife were, early in life, members of
the old school Baptist Church.
Austin sinis. Jr., was reared to manhood in Ken-
tucky, and there married his wife. The lad\ 's
maiden name was Jennie Nivens. She was horn
and brought up in Kentucky, being a member of
an old and highly esteemed family in that State.
After the birth of two children Austin sinis. Jr.,
ami wife removed in 1818, to this state locating
on some Government land in Madison County.
In lf*2.s. Mr. Sims went with his family to Morgan
County, and entered some land here, being one of
the first pioneers of that county. There he and
his wife spent the active years of their life, and
there Mrs. Sims died and was buried. Later her
husband came to Christian County, this State, and
died there at the aire of eighty-six years, his wife
was not so old by twenty years at the time of her
decease. They were leading members of the Chris-
tian Church ami were among the first adherents of
that reform in Kentucky, becoming interested in
it at first through the preaching of Dr. Alexander
Campbell, who was a personal friend. They fol-
lowed his teaching of the New Testament with
great care and zeal.
Our subject was one of a family of six children,
of which he and his sister, now Mrs. Polly Wilco,
of Blue Mound. Macon County, are the only sur-
viving members. He was reared to manhood in
Morgan County, ami there married Catherine
Weller. The lady was burn in Kentu -ky in 1818,
and was young when her parents came to Morgan
County, where she was reared until her marriage.
She died at her home in this township, October 26,
1881. She was a worthy woman and a kind and
tender mother, highly looked up to. not only by
the members of her family, but all those who knew
her. She was a devoted member of the Christian
Church.
Our subject was one of ten children born to his
mother; four of these died, namely, .Joel. Robert.
Alexander and Samuel. The living children are
Lorinda, George W., John 1'.. William .1.. and
Henry. Lorinda i- the widow of Samuel Tulley,
and resides in this count\ : George W. took to wife
Emma Tulley and the\ reside in Union, Ore.;
John F. occupies the father's farm, bis wife being
Lucy Ransford; William .1. married Juliana Tulley.
and resides on a farm in this township; Henry re-
mains at home with his parents and runs a part of
the farm. Mr. Sims i- a member in good standing
of the Christian Church. He i- a sound Democrat
in politics.
ON. CHARLES VnRIs. The town of
| Windsor, Shelby County, is conspicuous for
the number of young men that take a lead-
ing part in commercial life. It is compar-
atively a young town and fresh, vigorous young
hi 1 sustains it- interests, and the moderation of
middle age receives the reverence that is due it.
Our subject is one of the men of more advanced
year-, who holds the impoitant position of Post-
master in the town of Windsor. He was bora in
Summit County, Ohio, March. 21, 1838, where In-
early life was spent on a farm. When about eigh-
teen years of age. he left home to take a position
in life for himself. At this period, the most -an-
guine time of youth, all things seemed possible to
him. and the golden possibilities seemed just be-
yond his reach, lying waiting for him to stretch
out his hand in their direction.
Mr. Voris' first venture was in Galesburg, Knox
County, this State, but there he only spent about
six month-, and then worked fora while on a farm.
Minnesota was next in the way of his perigrina-
tions, and there he lived about six months, when
In- returned to Galeshurtr. residing there a short
time. He next went to Taylor County, Iowa, and
there was engaged in opening up a farm. To this
he devoted three years, and in February, I860, he
came to Windsor and engaged in the grain ami
lumber business, and in connection with this, in
1CG2. he opened a dry-goods store. He continued
324
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in the lumber business about two years; while en-
gaged in this line, carrying a very good stock,
his mercantile business was conducted under tin-
best auspices. lie continued in the grain trade
for fourteen years, and during that time he
also was engaged in the banking business with
J, D. Bruce, with whom he was also in company in
his other lines of commercial life. The linn was
known as Bruce, Voris A- Co. They dissolved
partnership in 1873 and since that time Mr. Voris
has been engaged in the real-estate business and in
farming. He has always been an active agent in
the affairs of town and county.
lie of whom we write was elected to the General
Assembly in 18(56, re-elected in 1868, and in 1870,
received the honor of election to the Senate from
the Seventh District, and in 1872 was again re-
turned from the Thirty-firsl District. During this
term he was Chairman of the special committee on
stock-yards, and acted on other important commit-
tees. During his services as Senator, he did effici-
ent work in gaining advantages for his district,
lie served on the Railroad and Penitentiary Com-
mittees, and on Corporations, lie was also a
member of the committee on the rules that should
govern the Senate.
Mr. Voris has served in various local offices, and
for some time has been a member of the City Board,
His appointment as Postmaster was confirmed in
July. 1889. If is hardly necessary to say that he
has taken an active interest in politicial affairs as
he had been so identified with the Government of
the State. He is an ardent advocate of the prin-
ciples of the Republican party. He has been solic-
ited by the Central Republican Committee to
assist in the present campaign in Ohio.
He of whom we write obtained the charter for
the Bloomington and Ohio River Railroad, now
known as the Wabash, running from Bement to
Effingham, and of this road he was the first Presi
dent. For ten years he was engaged in the mill-
ing business in Windsor, and during that length
of time, the reputation that he had previously
built up as a business man of sterling integrity and
uncptestioned honor, was confirmed. His products
were always of the best character, and his dealings
with all parties was characterized by an upright-
ness and sense of honor that could only redound
to his favor.
Mr. Voris' marriage took place in shelly County,
his nuptials being celebrated November G, 1860.
His bride was .Miss Mary Jane Templeton, who was
a native of the county in which she was married.
Only two children were born of this union:
Annette and Julia, the latter deceased.
( >ur subject, on his mother's side, hasa complete
family record comprising over eleven thousand
names from the landing of the "Mayflower" to
1874; and over seven thousand names on his father's
side, from L638 to L883.
a§*^
y-*v I M ROD TA V U )R. < me of the well-known
J farmers residing on section. 1 1. Lowe Town-
l!ij& ship, Moultrie County, is a son of James
and Sarah Taylor. The father is still living, but
the mother passed away some time since in Douglas
County, this State. They had a family of eleven
children, of whom our subject was the eldest, and
he was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind., May "2,
1 s 1 2.
Our subject was eight years old when his parents
Came to Illinois and settled in Douglas County,
where this son was reared to manhood and received
his education and training upon the farm and in
the district school. He remained under the pa-
rental roof until he reached the period of man-
hood and was married in Moultrie County. March
4, 1864. his bride being Mary .1. Nelson, a native
of Virginia. After living upon his father's farm
for a few years he removed with his wife to Texas,
but not being satisfied with life in that region, he
remained there only about eighteen months.
Returning to Illinois, Mr. Taylor settled on the
tract of land where he now resides — a fine farm,
well improved and comprising some eighty acres.
Six children have been granted to this worthy
couple, three of whom died in infancy and the
three who survive are .lames 1-'., Norah and Har-
vey. The principles of the Democratic party em-
body the political views of Mr. Taylor, and he is
interested in the progress of that party, although
'
1
JOSEPH WALKER,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
32/
not Mu active politician. The office of School Di-
rector has been well filled by him, and while an
incumbent of thai position he « 1 1 * I much to for-
ward tlic educational interests of the township.
Loth he and his good wife are earnest and active
members of the New Light Church, and he ever
takes a prominent part in religions movements.
"SI?
OSEPH WALKER Although our subject
makes his residence in the town of Wind-
sor, Shelby County, and thus enjoys the ad-
vantages of town life, he is actively engaged
in farming. Mr. Walker is an omniverous reader.
and being a thoughtful man who judges and
weighs for himself, lie has the advantage of some
of hi- fellow-men, whose views of general matters
and current topics are only those of some one else.
Original to a refreshing degree, our subject is very
pronounced in all his views. He is a progressive
man although not readily attracted by every new
idea that for the moment is paramount, being prac-
tical in all his affairs.
The original of our sketch was horn in Fayette
( ounty, Ohio, March 10, 1814, and thus it is seen
that he had lived a long and eventful life. The
early part of his life was spent in the woods during
which time he was engaged in dealing, and in his
native county, and he repeated the same experience
in Fayette County, Ind.. where he went when
about nine years of age. In 1887 he came West
and spent two months engaged in trading, visiting
different parts of what was then considered the far
West. At the end of that time he returned to
Fayette County. Ind.. and launched into the busi-
ness of buying and selling cattle and hogs, finding
his market in Cincinnati. They were not shipped
as now. by rail, but our subject was obliged to
drive them over the public highway.
September 20, is-17. Mr. Walker was united in
marriage in Fayette County. Ind.. with Miss Sarah
W. Horsey, and with her he began the journey of
life, with a realization of the responsibilities that
he had taken upon him. By this marriage he he-
came the father of two children, whose names are
respectively Sophronia and Amos W. The daugh-
ter became the wife of .lames llartseUof Ash Grove
Township. AmosW. is a teacher and has attained
a wide reputation as an educator of advanced and
progressive methods and theories.
Mrs. Sarah W. Walker died in Fayette County,
Ind.. about three years after their marriage and
after his bereavement Mr. Walker returned to Illi-
nois and settled permanently in Shelby County, in
1859. Prior to this he had lived here in IS 12. hut
his stay had been comparatively short. In com-
pany with another man he had purchased twenty-
thousand acre- of land in Kansas. In 1866 lie
settled in Windsor Township and was from that
time'until 1884 when he removed to the village of
Windsor,engaged in farming. He owns about six
hundred acres of land in the county and consider-
ing his various possessions, must he accounted a
wealthy man.
Although .Mr. Walker i> a farmer and has been
such for many years, he has never hound himself
down to the drudgery of agricultural life, trading
in live-stock having been his chief occupation.
Politically he is in sympathy with the promoters
of the Greenback party. He is highly esteemed in
the community of which he i- a citizen and his
opinions are regarded with a great deal of respect.
His portrait is presented in connection with this
brief biographical review.
OX. CHARLES L. ROANE, who is now liv-
ing a retired life in Sullivan. Moultrie
County, has made his home in this locality
since 1854, and in the years which have
come and gone ha- occupied a prominent place in
public affairs, lie has been prominently connected
with both the business and official interests of the
county and is widely known throughout this part
of tin- State. The story of his life is as follows:
Charles I.. Roane was born in Loudoun County,
Ya.. October :'>. 1820, and is the son of .lames
and the grandson of William Roane. The latter,
a native of the old Dominion, belonged to the
F. F. V.'-: lie -pent hi- entire life in Virginia and
328
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
died when well advanced in years. The father of
our subject was born and reared in Virginia and
became a contractor and builder of turnpike roads.
In Loudoun County he was joined in wedlock with
.Mrs. .Mary Bartlett, daughter of Col. Timothy Tay-
lor. The Colonel was born in Bucks County, Pa.,
and came of one of the old and highly respected
families of the Keystone State.
Mr. Taylor removed to Loudoun County, \'a.,
and after some years, on the breaking out of the
War of IK 12 he enlisted and became Colonel of the
Fifty-sixth Regiment of Virginia Volunteers. His
two sons were also in that service, one serving as
Colonel, the other as Adjutant and the old Colonel
commanded a regiment engaged in protecting the
city of Washington against the British forces. Fa-
ther and sons escaped uninjured and Col. Timothy
Taylor spent his last days in Virginia. The daugh-
ter Mary grew to womanhood in her native county
and when she had attained to years of maturity
gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Bartlett who
died, leaving two children. She afterward became
the wife of James Roane and unto them were born
four children, of whom our subject and his sister,
Mrs. Clark of Virginia, are now living. The, latter
is a widow of Leonard Clark, a Union soldier of
the late war who laid down his life on the altar of
his country. James Roane and his wife continued
their residence in Loudoun County, Va., for some
years, the husband there dying in 1832, when
past middle life. His widow spent her last days
in Harrison County, AV. Va., where she lived to a
ripe old age. An intelligent and cultured lady,
she had many friends and was highly respected by
all who knew her.
The subject of this sketch is the eldest of the
parental family. After his father's death he was
tenderly cared for and reared by his mother until
able to care for himself. He is truly a self-made
man and deserves no little credit for the success
which has crowned his efforts. As before stated
he came to Moultrie County. 111., in 1854, and
soon afterward, his fellow-townsmen having recog-
nized his worth and ability, was appointed Deputy
County Clerk. A short time elapsed and he was
elected to the position of County Clerk, which he
filled acceptably four years, then in January, 1862,
embarked in the general merchandise business,estab-
lishinga store at the southeast corner of the square
in Sullivan where he carried on operations for
twenty-three years. Mr. Roane possesses good
business ability, is energetic and enterprising and
soon won a liberal patronage which constantly
increased until his large trade netted him a good
income and he became one of the substantial citi-
zens of the community. His success was truly de-
served for he tried to please his customers and
honesty and fairness characterized all his dealings.
In the meantime .Mr. Roane was nominated, in
1883, on the Republican ticket for the Legislature
and when the election returns were received it was
found that he had been elected by a good majority
to represent the district which includes Moultrie,
Shelby and Effingham Counties. He was appointed
on several important committees, including those
of Hanking and Drainage, and was one of the
members sent to visit and report on the State
charitable institutions. His course as a member of
the House won credit for himself and his constitu-
ents and he formed many pleasant, acquaintances
among the prominent men of the State. As before
stated Mr. Roane continued in the mercantile busi-
ness for twenty-two years, at the expiration of
which time he sold out. Later he built and oper-
ated a tile factory for a few years, but it was sub-
sequently destroyed by fire. He has now retired
from business life but is still interested in Decatur
and Sullivan property.
In the city where he yet makes his home, Mr.
Roane was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Gar-
land, a native of Bedford County, Va., and a daugh-
ter of Nicholas A. and Mary (Mitchell) Garland.
The family came to Sullivan at an early day and
Mr. Garland built the first mill at that place, oper-
ating it for more some years. Subsequently he and
his wife removed to Springfield, 111., where he en-
gaged in merchandising. He was also Deputy
Sheriff of the county for some time and with his
wife spent his last days in the capital city. Mrs.
Roane is one of quite a large family. She has been
a true wife and her union has been blessed with
five children, four of whom are yet living, namely:
Lucy, wife of W. A. Cash, a commercial traveler
residing in Decatur; Fannie, wife of John K. Mun-
PORTRAIT AND UK >< iKAPIIICAI. RECORD.
329
seywho is employed :i> book-keeper for tin1 linn of
stratton & Bird, wholesale grocers of ( 'airo; ( 'harles,
who wedded Eva Woodruff and is now engaged in
the lumber business in Campbell, Franklin County.
Neb., and Austin nt home. One daughter, Mary.
i> now deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Roane are members of the Presby-
terian Church and are people of worth who rank
high in social circles and are widely and favorably
known throughout the community.
~%t
ytlLLLAM V. CARR, who has been appointed
by Uncle Sam to take charge of the postal
service at Stewardsori, Ills., was born
in what is now Dry Point Township. Shelby
County, October 9, 1*4 1. He is a son of Elias and
Nancy (Siler) Carr, natives of North Carolina and
Tennessee respectively. The father of our subject
was born in 1804. His father having died in Ten-
nessee, his mother, with a family of four chil-
dren, three of whom were girls, came to Illinois in
1816. The family first lived one year on Sand
(reek. Shelby County, they then settled in Dry
Point, and were thus the first settlers in that part
of the country, and in fact, as early as any who
located in the country.
Here the father of our subject grew to man-
1 1 pursuing fanning for a living. He passed
his remaining years in Dry Point Township
and died in the year 1848. He was a prominent
member of the Methodist Church, being a Class-
Leader at the time of his death. The mother of
our subject came with her parents to the State of
Illinois and the family settled in Cumberland,
where her father, Benjamin Siler. passed his
remaining years. While a young woman she mar-
ried Mr. Carr, whose death she did not long sur-
vive, following him in a few months, her decease
taking place in 184l.t.
The original of our sketch is one of nine chil-
ren, five of whom are still living, all being resi-
dents of Shelby County. Martha is the wife of
the Rev. Mr. Middlesworth. Mary married George
lluffer. .Jefferson W.; John and our subject.
William V. was only four years of age when he
was left an orphan and his young life was spenl
with various person-. His sister, Mrs. Huffer, was
a foster mother to him for six years which he
spent in her household.
Educational advantages in those early days were
limited and our subject was enabled to attain
only the common branches. When there was
school, held in a log house, after he had attained
the age of nine years, he was obliged to walk three
miles in order to reach it. While a mere lad he
was obliged to work his own way. doing whatever
he found to do in order to get a li\ in<;-. In these
days when children are so tenderly cared for and
enjoy the comforts, even among the poorer class,
that were considered the most refined luxuries at
the time our subject was a boy. it makes one sad
to think how little youth he had.
The three brothers in our subject's family, all en-
listed and each served faithfully during the Civil
War. William V. Carr enlisted in 1868 as a pri-
vate of Company A., Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry,
lie served until the close of the war, being muster-
ed out November 16, 1865. He was a participant
in the battles that occurred at the siege of Vicks-
burg, was with the Red River expedition, and
was at the capture of Little Rock, Ark. While
near that place, in August, 1864. he was taken
prisoner at Batesville, where he remained until
January, 1865. He then joined his command
at Hickory Station. Ark., where he remained
until he was mustered out at Ft. Scott. After
the war our subject resumed farming in Prairie
Township and continued this occupation until
1888. when he removed to Stewardson, and in
April, 1889, was apppointed Postmaster.
In 1867. the original of our sketch was united
in marriage to Miss Deborah Blue, a daughter of
Erasmus Blue, she was born in Fairfield County,
Ohio. By this wife our subject is the father of
one daughter. Drotha. who is bright, intelligent
and winsome. Politically Mr. Carr is a Repub-
lican in party preference, using his influence and
vote in its favor and having all confidence in its
platform. He is a member of the Grand Army of
the Republic, and riitds much pleasure in recount-
ing with an old comrade, common experiences
330
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIC A I, RECORD.
incident to the war. He still owns his farm of
sixty acres upon which is a good tenant, he also
has a handsome property in Stewardson.
John Carr, a brother of our subject was horn in
Shelby County in 1842. lie enlisted in 1861, in
the Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry, in which lie
served until 186(i, having- re-enlisted in the regu-
lar army. During his military experience he was
never either wounded or taken prisoner. After
the war he returned to Shelby County and has
since been engaged in farming in Ridge Township,
where he owns two hundred acres of land in a fine
>tale of cultivation. He invited Caroline Downs
to be his life partner, sharing with him its pleas-
ures and burdens. They are the parents of eight
children.
/jp^ AMUEL 1). WEST is a prominent and well-
^fc£ known citizen of Moweaqua, Shelby County!
\J_M who has held important civic positions
in the city government. For many years
he was among the leading mechanics of the county.
and conducted a good business as a blacksmith
here until he retired October, 189(1 in favor of his
son Frank. Our subject was born at Sempronius,
Cayuga County, N. Y., August 12, 1821. His par-
ents were Thomas and Rhoda (Dunbar) West, and
they were natives of Oneida County, that State.
.Mr. West was reared in Wayne County, N. V..
whither his parents removed in 1827. As soon as
he was large and strong enough to handle the tools
he began to work with his father in his smithy,
and thus early acquired a good knowledge of the
blacksmith trade. At the age of twenty-one he
rented his father's shop at South Butler, Wayne
County, and carried on his calling there some
years. In the spring of 1854 he came to this
county, as with characteristic shrewdness and fore-
sight he saw that skilled mechanics would be in
demand in a new and growing country. He came
hither by rail to Chicago, and from there by the
same means of transport, to Springfield and Dec-
atur, and from the latter place with a team to
Moweaqua, which he had selected as a suitable loca-
tion to begin his new life. He bought a small shop
in the village and at once went to work at his
trade, which he increased from year to year, until
he was conducting a flourishing and paying busi-
ness as blacksmith at the time of his retirement.
Our subject was married in May. 1844 to Miss
Emma Baggerly, a native of ( lutario County. N. Y.,
and a daughter of Peter and .lane Baggerly. For
forty-six years they walked together through the
sunshine and shadow that lay across their pathway,
and then Death parted them, removing the faith-
ful wife from the home that her presence had glad-
ened so long. She and our subject were blessed
with two children. Frank B. and Jennie. The
former married Mollie Weakly, and they have four
children — Mabel, Bertha, Delia and Samuel. Jennie
married Joseph B. Longevan. and they have two
children living, Claud and Dwight.
Mr. West was a Republican from the time the
party was organized until 1888, and since then he
has been a Democrat and a Prohibitionist. His
fellow-citizens, appreciating his worth as a man of
exemplary habits, unswerving honesty and truth-
fulness in every word and act, and his capability,
have often called him to responsible positions. He
has served as a member of the City Council, and as
President of the Board, and also as a member of
the School Board. At one time he was elected
Police Magistrate. lie was also Justice of the
Peace three terms, and has been Notary Public for
upward twenty years.
m>^<m^
-j—
1/ ENRY DIEPHOLZ. The gentleman whose
J) name is at the head of this sketch and of
whom it is our pleasure to give a short his-
tory in outline, is a native of Germany, be-
ing there born September II. 1840: Up to his
fifteenth year he passed his boyhood days in his
native land being engaged upon a farm and in
school work, which in Germany is obligatory upon
all the subjects of the Emperor. Thus he was in a
manner fitted for the duties of manhood, although
it must have taken him some time to adjust him-
self to American manners and customs and ways of
PORTRAIT AND BL P.APHICAL RECORD.
331
thought, on coming to this country. On leaving
home, he came to America landing from a German
steamer at Baltimore, Md., and from there went t"
Cincinnati, Ohio. He was firsl employed nearCin-
cinnati in the mixed duties of attending to a brick
yard, and farming, and was t h n~ engaged for four
years, after which lie came to Madison, this state.
While in Madison County, cur subjecl was em-
ployed as a farm laborer and continued work in
this way for four years. < >n his marriage, he
rented land which he operated for four years and
at the expiration of that time, came to Shelby
County and settled in Richland Township, where
he has since been a resident. Here he is the owner
of three hundred acres of finely improved land.
Upon this tract he has erected a good ami substan-
tial set of buildings. His home is comfortable and
pleasant and his barns adequate f^>r the large crops
which are annually his farm products.
Mr. Diepholz was married in Madison County,
111. to Miss Caroline Wirth, who like himself, was
a native of Germany, but who had emigrated to
America at an early age. Our subject and his wife
are the parent? of four children, whose name- air
Fred .1.. Henry. Caroline and Hermann. Heof whom
we write is an honorable and upright man who is
highly regarded by his neighbors and fellow-towns-
men. He has been elected to till several important
offices in the town-hip government and has been
Assessor of Richland Township for three years.
also Highway Commissioner for one term and lias
done efficient service as School Direct or. In politic-.
the original of our sketch is a Democrat. Religi-
ously he and his wife are communicant? of the
Lutheran Church of their township, and have ever
Keen generous supporters and faithful adherent- of
that religious body.
1 ' ' ' ' ' ' ®^jH
— -
—^>***^U
1 _ KNRY L. FISHER, an influential farmer re-
J siding in Lowe Township, Moultrie County,
was born in Loami Township. Sangamon
County, 111., January 31, 1846. lie is the
-.hi of John 15. and Nanev I). (Webb) Fisher, na-
tives of Kentucky, who were married in Harrison
County, thai State. At an early day they removed
to Illinois and settled in Sangamon County, where
they reared a large family of children, eleven of
whom lived to attain to maturity. At the break-
ing out of the Civil War the father enlisted in an
Illinois regiment and served until the Government
had no further need of his services. Being hon-
orably discharged he returned to his home and re-
sumed operations on his farm, where his death
occurred after a long and useful life.
Henry C. of this sketch, was reared to maturity
on a farm and received a practical education in
the common schools. Until he was married he spent
hi? time under the paternal roof, with the excep-
tion of four year- -pent ill different places. A
very important event in his life and the source of
merit happiness to him. was his marriage March 14.
1S77. in Douglas County. 111., to Miss Mary Alice
Reeder. This estimable lady was born in that
place .Inly in. I8j7. and is the daughter of John
and Mary (Harter) Reeder. also natives of Doug-
la- County. Mr. and Mis. Reeder were natives of
( )hio. and reared a family of eleven children. Mrs.
Fisher being the eighth.
The first home of our subject after his marriage
was in Loami Town-hip. Sangamon County, whence
after a residence of one year he removed to Chris-
tian County. 111., and sojourned there for one \ ear.
Next we find him in Piatt County for two years
and then in Douglas County for six years and
finally in the spring of L887 he settled in Lowe
Township, this county, and he has been so well
satisfied with hi- purchase here that he has decided
to make it his permanent home, lie owns eighty-
acres on section 17. and is also the owner of one-
half section of land in Iowa. His farm buildings
are first-class, while modern machinery and im-
provements are all to lie found here.
Five children have come to bless the congenial
union of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, named as follows:
John E., Minnie M.. Lulu. May Olive, ami Willie.
A- a School Director Mr. Fisher has aided in bring-
ing about the present efficienc3 of the neighboring
schools and in his pie-cut position £f Clerk of the
School Board he is spoken well of for his capability
in that position. He i> identified with the Repub-
lican party and never fail- to cast hi- vote and ex-
332
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ert his influence for the principles in which lie
believes. As a neighbor he is cordial and friendly,
in domestic- life affectionate, and in his business
relations to be relied upon. He is therefore re-
garded with respect and has many warm personal
friends. He and his amiable wife are active mem-
bers of the Christian Church.
ON. JONATHAN MEEKER. The little
city of Sullivan, in Moultrie County, counts
among its citizens a number of men of un-
usual intellectual grasp and acumen, whose
experience in life has been such as to bring them
prominently before their fellow-men and prove the
sturdy and stanch material of which they are made.
Among such whose professional ability as well as
personal qualities commend them to our readers, we
are pleased to mention the gentleman whose name
appears at the opening of this paragraph, lie is a
lawyer of more than ordinary ability and a man
of massive frame and commanding presence.
Our subject was born in Bennington Township
in that part of Delaware County which is now in-
cluded in Morrow County. Ohio. .Inly 25, 1831.
Hi- father. Ambrose Meeker, was horn in Orange.
N. .1.. and Grandfather Meeker was a farmer and
-pent his last years in New" Jersey. His wife's
maiden name was Miss Tompkins.
The father of our subject was but two years old
when his parents died and lie was cared for by his
maternal uncle, and at the age of fifteen was made
an apprentice to learn the trade of a blacksmith at
Newark, N. .1. After completing his apprentice-
ship he started for the then far West, walking over
the Alleghany Mountain- to Ohio and settled in
in that state at Newark. Licking County. Here
he opened a shop and followed his trade for a time
before removing to Delaware County, where be
bought a farm, and for one year attended to cul-
tivating it. He then returned to Newark and re-
sinned business a- a blacksmith, remaining there
until 1832, when lie carried on the same business
at Etna after which lie became a pioneer at Mays-
ville, Union County.
The young man bought a tract of timber land
and erected a shop, carrying on blacksmithing and
farming together until 1*47. when he went to
II an cock County. 111., making the removal by teams.
There were five families in the colony and they
prospected Hist in Nauvoo, then in Clark County,
and in February. 1*4*. they came to Sullivan,
which was then a small hamlet in a sparsely settled
country with no railroad facilities. The land about
here was then owned by the Government and Mr.
Meeker purchased some property in the village
besides forty acres of partly improved land and
two hundred and forty acres of wild prairie land.
Customers came to his shop from as far away as
Douglas and Piatt Counties, and his business pros-
pered, making hyp content to remain here for the
remainder of his days. His death occurred in
1881. when he was eighty-two years old.
Hannah Hartwell Meeker, the mother of our
subject, was a native of Plymouth. Mas-., her parents
being descended from the first settlers of Plymouth.
she had two children, our subject and his sister
Roxanna. the wife of the Hon. John R. Eden. Her
death took place in February, 1K4H. The pioneer
school of Ohio afforded all the advantage- which
these children received in their early days, and the
log schoolhouse, the puncheon seats, the wide fire-
places and the unglazed windows were familiar to
their childhood.
Jonathan Meeker began work upon the farm
while still ipiite young, and after coming to Illi-
nois worked with his father in the blacksmith -hop
and attended theacademy in Sullivan, and in 1858,
at the aire of twenty-six. having devoted himself
to the study of law. was admitted to the bar and
commenced practice in Sullivan, which has been
the scene of his labors from that day to this. Re-
sides his professional duties he has been somewhat
interested in farming, and ha.- made this his recrea-
tion from intellectual effort
The young lawyer soon began to think of estab-
lishing himself in domestic life and in November.
1860. he married Nancy Parker, a native of Rush
County. End., and a daughter of Robert and Mary
Parker. Five children came to bless this union.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
333
namely: Gertrude, Bstella, Clara Belle, Raymond
and Grace. To these children their parents are
giving the very besl advantages fur a liberal edu-
cation. Clara Belle and Raymond arc graduates
of Butler University, in Indiana.
The public career of the Hon. Jonathan Meeker
began as early as 1852, when he was elected as one
of the village Trustees, in which office he served
for several terms. Soon after this he was elected
Justice of the Peace and he has represented the
township as a member of the County Board of
Supervisors, lie was elected as Representative to
the Illinois State Legislature in 1870, and placed
upon the bench of the County Judge in the year
of 1877, which honorable office he held for nine
years. At the beginning of the present year he
formed a professional partnership with D. R. Pat-
terson. Esq.. which bids fair t«-> be a business alli-
ance which will benefit both parlies and increase
their efficiency. This honorable gentleman will no
doubt continue to augment his already Hue repu-
tation as a member of the liar and as a public-
spirited citizen fur many years yet to come.
OHN W. Wool). The acquisitive faculty is
one which some men possess in a high de-
gree, and in which others are almost totally
deficient. We frequently associate charac-
teristics which are not admirable with one who is
thus endowed. This, however, is neither just nor
correct, for this faculty i- as distinctly a gift of the
Creator as is a mechanical, musical or poetical gen-
ius in people whom we cannot laud too highly for
the results of their work. The name that heads
this sketch is that of a man who possesses the ac-
quisitive faculty in a large degree,and at the same
time, he is generous and open-hearted to a fault.
He is a prosperous, well-to-do farmer, owning four
hundred and fifty acres of line land upon which
are the best improvements, a pleasing and attrac-
tively built house, good barns and granaries, sheds
and outbuildings for the shelter and protection of
his stock.
Our subject was born in Moultrie County. 111..
February 28, 1850. His parents wen- Joseph M.
and Purletha (Patterson) W 1. natives of Ken-
tucky and Illinois, respectively. For a further his-
tory see sketch of J. A. Wood in another part of
this volume. He of whom we write was reared on
a farm, and received the educational advantages
common to hoys of his age ami position in life.
On reaching manhood he was attracted by the
charms and virtues of Miss Mary .1. Kirkw Land
November 2, 1871. their nuptials were celebrated
at the home of the bride's parents, who were James
and Ann .1. Kirkwood. Mrs. Wood was horn in
Ross County. Ohio, December 31, 1852.
The married life of Mr. and Mrs. Wood was
blessed by the birth of seven children, two of whom
were taken into the fold by the Good Shepherd,
while yet in the purity of infancy. Five of their
children readied years of maturity: Minnie S.. died
February 22. 1891, at the age of seventeen years.
The living children are: M. Iiosella. Joseph W.;
James A. and b'reeda F. Our subject in his relig-
ious belief is non-sectarian, which does not. how-
ever, indicate that he is either infidel or atheist, as
he believes fully in the goodness and mercy of a
Divine Creator and Father. In political affairs he
is an ideal follower of Tolstoi, making no active
opposition to any political party or measures, and
in consequence favoring no party. He does not
vote because it is contrary to his religious belief to
do >o. leaving all political matters to solve them-
selves by natural evolution, that is guided and
governed by ( rod.
(<l >ILLIAM WEAKLY. Among the best farms
\ / nil seel i' in 3 i . Ridge Tow nshi p, Shelby
V V County, will be noticed by every stranger
or passer-by the finely cultivated acres and good,
neat buildings of the excellent farmer whose name
appears at the head of this paragraph. His father,
Benedict Weakly, was born in Maryland. March
24, 17*7. and his mother. Margatha Mathews, a na-
tive of the same State, was born May 1. 1 7 '. • 7 . They
were married December 22, 1816, and made their
33 1
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lir-t home in their native State removing after-
ward to Fairfield County, Ohio, and in the summer
of 1843 emigrated to Illinois and settled in Ridge
Township, Shelby County, where they spent the
remainder of their days; the father was called
hence November 1 I. 1858, and the mother followed
him to the grave April 15, 1878.
This worthy and venerated couple had ten chil-
dren: Robert. Rebecca, Nancy, John, Henry, James,
Margaret, Mary, William, and George. Robert is
a fanner in Kansas; Rebecca was the wife of David
Ewing and died in Ridge Township, September lfi.
1843; Nancy married Richard Keirn and died in
Assumption, 111.: John died in South Dakota. July
•J.">. 1888; Henry is a clergyman and farmer resid-
ing in Ross Township; James died in Kansas, in
Harper County in July, 1889; Margaret was the
wife of Samuel Smith and passed away in Tower
Hill Township, September 21, 1885; Mary died in
infancy; William is a farmer in Ridge Township;
and George died in infancy.
William Weakly was born in Fairfield County,
Ohio, August •"). 1835, and was about eight years
old when he came to Shelby Count) with his par-
ents and here in Ridge Township, where he grew
to manhood he has made his home from that day
to this. He lias always followed agricultural pur-
suits and is the owner of two hundred and eighty
acres of land which are highly cultivated and in a
splendid productive condition. In his political
views he is strongly inclined to believe in the doc-
trines which are promulgated in the platform of
the Republican party.
&**+*(-
?+++*-
OEL T. WALKER The name at the head
of this sketch is that of one of the linn of
Walker & Co., who are dealers in grain and
owners of the Moweaqua elevator, which
has the capacity for storing six thousand bush-
els. They have besides cribs for sixty thous-
and bushels of corn and fifty thousand bushels of
oats. Mr. Walker has had the management of the
elevator for the past three years. Under the
present management the firm buy and sell from two
to tour thousand bushels annually. They deal
chiefly in corn, and their business in this direction
is the largest of any in the county. Our subject
brings to it a judgment and executive ability that
could not fail of success.
Prior to coming to this place, Mr. Walker engaged
in business at Lawrence. Kan., dealing largely in
grain and live-stock, lie came to this county in
June, 1888. Our subject was born in Madison
County, 111.. October 13, 1835. He was only three
year- of age when his parents. Edwin and Rebecca
(Chance) Walker, removed to Lebanon. St. Clair
County, where he was reared and educated. There
he was married to Miss Eliza Alexander. She was
born and reared in our subject's adopted county,
and her parents David and Mary (Thomas) Alexan-
der were early settlers there. Her father, Mr. Alex-
ander, went there from Pennsylvania when quite
young. His wife was a native of the county and
a sister of Col. John Thomas, who is yet a resident
of Belleville, having attained an honorable old age.
After marriage, our subject and his wife lived
in St. Lawrence County on a farm for a period (if
three years, and then moved to Macon County.
settling in Pine Mound Township, at a very early
da\ on an unbroken farm which was a part of the
railroad lands of that state. By unceasing efforts
they improved it and made a line place on which
they lived for some years. Later they purchased
a farm near the present village of Walker (so
named in honor of our subject). This place they
also improved but sold on going to Kansas, in Aug-
ust, 1873. While in Kansas he spent some months
of each year in the mining districts of Breckenridge,
Colo. On leaving Kansas he came to this place
where he has since been a resident.
since Mr. Walker's advent in Moweaqua he has
been President of the Village Board for one year
ami is ex-Mayor also of the town. While in
Kansas he was Probate Judge in Anderson County
for one term, less a year, at which time he re-
signed to go to Lawrence County, Kan. While in
Macon County, he was for four years Supervisor
of Macon Township. His first vote after reaching
his majority was cast for President Lincoln and
since that time he has been an active and ardent
Republican.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
:;:;;
Mr. Walker met with a bereavement in the loss
of his Brst wife who died in Macon County, in June
1868, being :it the time only twenty-seven years <>f
age. She left three children, Lawson L. Bertha
and Mary K. Lawson is now engaged in business
with Ins father, and the same traits that have made
Ins father successful are apparent in the son. Bertha
is the wife of Henry Nougle and living in Blue
Moundville. Macon County. Mary E. is the wife
of Wesley Langley. They reside in Lawrence, Kan.
Mr. Walkerwas a second time married. The lady
whom he prevailed upon to become the mistress of
his home was Mrs. Amelia A. Ration, nee Mason.
a nativeof Lowell, Washington County. Ohio. She
came West when a young lady, as a teacher but
was soon married to William Patton in Iowa. Mr.
and Mrs. Walker are religiously inclined, Mr.
Walker being a member of the Methodist Church
and his wife, a Baptist. They are both united
however, in their sympathy for everything that
relates to the well being of their fellow-men. They
are one. also, in their love for home and home en-
joyments.
Mr. Walker's mother is still living, making her
home with her son Elijah in Mason County; she
was horn in March 1812. Her husband's natal
year was 1819. He lived until 1849. Our subject
i- one of four children; -John W., Elijah, Edwin
and J< lei T.
£+£{
~S)
y/RKDKRICK W. RISSHR. M. I). The heal-
'-y ill"' art is one that has many disciples, hut
comparatively few capable followers. Each
spring season sees hundreds of young men turned
out from our medical colleges with the degree of
M. I). A few of these are at onee so fortunate as
to step into a g 1 practice. Others spend a short
time in seeking for a location, and not being able
to wait for the happy chance that shall give them
an exercise of their healing ability, turn to some
other profession or business, still others patiently
woo fortune in their chosen calling until that tickle
lady smiles upon their efforts. Oursubjecl has been
one of the fortunate ones, for although yet a very
young man. his ability and devotion to his calling
have been recognized anil he has charge of a good
practice in the place which he has chosen for his
home.
When engaged in making mud pies and distill-
ing queer concoctions when a boy, I) i'. Risser showed
small promise of being the wide-awake and able
young physician that he now i>. He was horn in
Troy. Madison County, this State, January 1.1863.
His father, Henry A. Risser, was by birth and par-
entage a German, hut emigrated with his uncle to
America when about seven years of age, his par-
ents having both died in Germany prior to his com-
ing to America. On reaching manhood lie was
married in Chillicothe. Ohio, to Miss Cecelia Zan-
ders, who was horn in the Buckeye State. After
marriage they began their life together in St. Louis.
Mo., where they remained about one year and then
settled in Troy. Madison County, this State, of
which they have since been residents. The father
was engaged there as a merchant.
Our subject was brought up in the village of
Troy where he remained until he had attained to
manhood. He received his education in the Troy
schools where he studied until sixteen years Of age,
after which time he was engaged for three years in
teaching school, hut during vacations and in the
interims of his work he was pursuing bis medical
studies to which he had determined to devote him-
self. In the fall of 1882 Mr. Risser entered the St.
Louis Medical College and pursued his course for
a period of four years, during which he did excel-
lent work. In 1886 he was graduated from the
college and received his diploma.
Looking about for a good place in which to
locate, our subject was charmed with the village of
Strasburg and its surrounding country and de-
termined to here build himself up a profession, and
in this place he lias been ever since the commence-
ment of his career as a professional man. lie en-
joys an extensive practice and ranks among the
best physicians of Shelby County. Broad minded
and progressive, he does not recognize any pain or
suffering that it is not within the realms of science,
at least, to alleviate.
He of whom we write was married ill Strasburg.
October 10, 1888, to Miss Mary Doehring,a daugh-
338
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ter of Ernst F. and Mary (Wirth) Doehring, who
an' residents of Prairie Township. Mrs. Risser was
bom in Madison County, this State. September 18,
lKli;"). Dr. and Mrs. Risser are the proud parents
of one child who bears the sweet Southern name of
Nita. She was born August 5, 1889. Our subject
and his wife are both members of the Lutheran
Church. They are popular young people in Stras-
burg, taking readily the social position to which
their culture and natural advantages entitle them.
A lithographic portrait of Dr. Risser is presented
on another page of this volume.
HSj»
MLLIAM ELDER, now a retired banker,
If/ living in Sullivan, was engaged in busi-
ness here from 1870 until 1885, during
which time his hank was known as the Farmer's
and Merchants' Lank, hut it was operated by our
subject as a private bank, and is now run in the
same way by Air. William Steele. William Elder
came to this county in the fall of 1834, and has
since made his home in what is now Moultrie
County, with the exception of four years when he
resided in Dallas County. Iowa. After coming
here he took an Interest in agriculture and im-
proved three or four farms, taking them as raw
Government land in their prairie state and trans-
forming them into finely cultivated estates.
Our subject came to this county from Morgan
County, where he had lived with his parents for
a short time only, lie was born in Jefferson
County. Tenn.. May 17. 1824, his father being of
Tennessee birth and coming of Southern stock.
The Judge in his early days was a farmer, and
while pursuing that calling was united in marriage
with Miss Didana French, a native of North Caro-
lina, who had her early education in Tennessee.
After marriage .lames Elder and his wife lived
for sonic years in Jefferson County. Tenn.. and in
the spring of 1838 they set out for Illinois, coming
according to the fashion of that day. with teams
ami wagons overland, cooking their meals by the
roadside and camping out at night. They made
their first settlement at what is the present site of
Waverly, Morgan County, where they remained
for some eighteen months, after which they jour-
neyed on to this section, where they secured and
improved a new farm in Fast Nelson Township.
Moultrie County. After a short time .lames Elder
established a store in that part of the county and
was one of the first merchants in this county and
his trade extended throughout almost every town-
ship, few of the pioneer families of the county
failing to he included in his list of customers. In
the fall of 184f> he sold out his store and coming
to Sullivan, built an hotel on the present site of
the Fden House anil also put up a store on an op-
posite corner. His executive abilities were now
severely taxed, as while carrying on the store and
hotel he was also cultivating a farm. He finally
closed out his business interests in the town and
for a while devoted himself exclusively to agricul-
ture.
The first bank which Sullivan ever saw was the
Elder Lank which was established by Judge James
Elder in 1868, and which is perpetuated in the
present existing bank. He operated this until 1H70
when, upon January (>. he passed away, being then
well along in years, as he was born in December,
1803. He had served the county for a number of
years as County Judge and has represented this
district in the State Legislature for some years. He
was a prominent man in the county for years, and
highly respected in the Republican party, to which
he attached himself after abandoning the old Whig-
party of his early days. His excellent wife sur-
vived him for several years, dying in 1882, having
reached the limit of three-score years and ten.
Throughout all her long and godly life she has
been a member, and a consistent one, of the Bap-
tist Church of which her husband had also been a
member during his earlier years, although later in
life he identified hinself with the Methodist Epis-
copal Church.
He of whom we write is the eldest surviving
member of the children of his parents. One sister
of his. Mrs. Dr. Lewis, lives in Texas; another sis-
ter. Mary, is the wife of W. P. Corbin, a furniture
dealer in Sullivan. The lady to whom Mr. Elder
was united in marriage bore the name of Louisa
Ewing and she was born in White County, 111.,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
339
May 11. 1828. Her father, Judge R, B.Ewing was
reared in Kentucky although a Tennesssean by
birth, and came to White County. III., where early
in the '20s lie married Miss Elizabeth Culberson,
after which he removed to Logan County and
afterward to .Moultrie County. He was for years
Judge of both Moultrie and Logan Counties and
for many years held the office of Justice of the
Peace. He was a leading man in that vicinity
during the early days. He had been a merchant
and fanner for years and came to Sullivan in its
pioneer days, in fact before the organization of
the county.
Judge Ewing was a Representative in the Legis-
lature of Illinois and served his constituents well.
He was from early manhood prominent in the Re-
publican ranks and also a Leading member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, filling the office of
( 'lass-Leader for many years and preaching as a local
minister on this circuit and in the county for many
years. Many funerals in all parts of this county
have demanded his services, and he was a leading
man in everyway. He was born in 1801, and died
June 8, 1ST."), being full of year- and honors. His
widow ^t ill survives, and now in her eighty-fourth
vear makes her home with her daughter, Mrs.
Bristow.
The wife of our subject is one of the live surviv-
ing members <>f her parents' family. Three of
her brothers were soldiers in the War of the Rebel-
lion and all lived to see the old Hair triumphant
and to return to their homes, two ol them having
since died. Mrs. Elder is a bright and very intel-
ligent lady and is prominent in Sullivan church
ami social circles. Mr. Elder has filled most of the
church offices and is now Trustee of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, lie is a Republican in his
political views and a stanch advocate of the prin-
ciples and policy of the party which placed "Old
A he" in the Presidential chair. He has met with
>ome financial reverses hut has nevei allowed a
misfortune to place him where he could not hold
up his head as an honest business man who is de-
termined to deal with his fellow-citizens on the
basis of Integrity.
The twu children of our subject were Belinda
Estella, a bright and beautiful daughter who died
at the age of sixteen years, and .lame- \\\. who is
at present the Mayor of Sullivan and a stock-buyer
in business, lie is a highly respected and promi-
nent citizen of this city and i- united in marriage
with a lovely and intelligent companion who bore
the maiden name of Julietta Newcome. and whose
early home was in Mattoon. 111. Nine children
have been horn to them, two of whom. Louisa and
.lames, have passed on to the care of the Good
Shepherd above. Those who are living are: Will-
iam ( ).. Arthur. Degratia, Belinda, Loanna, Lavina
and Richard.
+==*SH*
REDERICK SCHUETZ, a prosperous farmer
residing on section 2'.». I. owe Township,
made his first settlement in Moultrie County
in March, 1*77. He was horn in Prussia, Germany,
January in. is lo. being the son of Frederick Schu'etz
who lived and died in hi- native land. This son
Frederick is the only one of the family who has
ever come to the United State-. He left his native
land in 1864 and sunn landed in New York Har-
bor where he at mice took cars for the Great W est.
coming on without stopping to Bloomington, 111.
He wa- now utterly ah me anil among stangers, as
there was not a man. woman or child in the United
State- who was known In him. hut he found that
although in an alien land he was not outside the
bounds of human kindness and friendliness, audit
was nut long before he felt at home even among
strangers. He first served asa farm hand hut finally
decided to he more independent ami having
learned the methods of agriculture employed in
this country, rented land and began to work it.
The land which Mr. Schuetz first rented and
which he took charge of in 1866 wa- located in
McLean County, and he continued in that countj
for some seven years, after which he went to Piatt
County and rented land there and afterward re-
moved from thereto Moultrie County. He wa- now-
prepared to purchase property and bought the
land which he now owns, which was at that time
hut very little improved, being nearly all ran
340
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
land. He now has most of this under the plow
and in a richly productive condition and has
placed upon his farm a pleasant, commodious resi-
dence.
The marriage of our subject took place Febru-
ary 26, 1867. that united him with Mary Railing,
who was born in Prussia. Germany, March !». IS 11.
and came ti> the United Stales alone, being the
only one of her family in this country. To this
worthy couple have been born ten children, namely:
Minnie, born October 2,1867; Otto February 11,
1869; Emma. November 22, 187<»; Mary, October
19, 1H72; Fred, June 30, 1874; Sophia, August 6,
1876; Lizzie. July 27. 1X7'.); Willie, December 6,
1881; Edward. May 27, 1885. and Lydia, Decem-
ber 5, 1887.
Mr. Schuetz has a handsome farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres, which is now in fine condi-
tion and very productive. It is in fact an ideal
Illinois farm and well worthy the notice of the
passerby. This worthy family arc prominently
identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in
which they are ever ready to assist in every good
work and cast their influence upon the right side.
The declarations of the Republican party embody
the political belief of our subject and he casts his
vote with the candidates of that party.
ylLLIAM P. McGUIRE belongs to one of
those Tennessee families who emigrated to
Illinois many years ago and found upon
the prairie the air of liberty and the institutions
which they desired for their children. The year
1850 is the date of his first coming to .Moultrie
County, and he has been in the business of mer-
chandising most of the time since 1853.
( hir subject was born in Jefferson County. Tenn.,
September 17, 1829, and is the son of Thomas and
Rachel (Ashmore) McGuire, Tennesseeans by birth,
of whom more is told at length in the biography
of their son, Joseph II. McGuire, upon another
page of this book. In 1840 the family removed to
Illinois and made their first home in Coles County,
where they resided until they came to this section.
The early life of William McGuire was spent upon
a farm and he assisted his father until he started
out for himself, lie thus gained a thorough knowl-
edge of farm work and a sound and hearty con-
stitution as well as invaluable habits of industry
and application.
Margaret Ashmore. a daughter of Alfred Ash-
more, became the wife of our subject in 1856. She
was born in this county and had been brought up
here and by the judicious training and education
which had been given her she was well fitted to fill
the position which she occupied. The ordinary
trials of a young wife and housekeeper, were sup-
plemented within four years after her marriage by
the cares anil anxieties which befell the wives of
soldiers, for in 1861 her husband enlisted in the
service of his country, being mustered into service
with Company F, Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry.
The regiment with which our subject was con-
nected was commanded by Col. William Morrison.
and Mi-. McGuire served under him. until 1863.
when he received an honorable discharge on ac-
count of a wound received in the battle of Ft.
Donelson. This wound had very serious effect upon
his constitution as the injury resulted in partially
paralyzing his leftside. After recruiting from this
injury Mr. McGuire engaged in the business of
merchandising at Bethany and has since that time
continued in this line of work.
A truly patriarchal family of twelve have clus-
tered around the fireside of our subject, and nine
of this number are living, whose names are as fol-
lows: .lames I., an implement dealer in Bethany;
Thomas a druggist of Bethany; William who is in
the store with his father; Clarence, Claude, Mary
E., wife of Thomas Lytic of Decatur; Rachel A..
Cora and Nannie. The members of the family
seem to inherit the ability and characteristics of their
parents and although still young the sons and
daughters arc adding to the family reputation by
their good judgment, business qualities and attrac-
tive traits of character.
The Republican party in its declarations em-
bodies the political principles which our subject
considers a safe guide for State and nation, lie
has been a member of the Hoard of Supervisors for
some fifteen years and Justice of the Peace for the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.ill
Mime length of time and still holds this latter
office. Formorethan forty years be has been a
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
and for a number of 3rears, has served as Elder
therein. He is identified with the Knights Tem-
pl-ir and also with the Grand Army of the Re-
public, in which latter organization he lias been
Commander of the Washington Alexander l'ost No.
176, Aside from his business in Bethany he was
fur one year carrying on mercantile business in
Dalton City.
I>*<§^
-l—
AMES GAVIN, an early settler of Mowea-
qua Township, Shelby County, and one of
the substantial, well-to-do fanners of this
county, was horn in County .Monauhan. Ire-
land. November l. 1817, to Michael and Anna
(Higgins) Gavin. His parents were also natives
of that county, and his mother spent her entire life
there. The father and live of the children came to
America, and the former passed his last years in the
home of our subject.
He of whom we write was reared to agricultural
pursuits, and carried on his occupation on his na-
tive soil until 1852, when he came to the United
state-, sailing from Liver] 1 and landing at New
Orleans after a voyage of nine weeks. He came
from there to Naples, in this State, by the way of
the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, and from there
went to Exeter, Scott County. His means were
very limited at that time, and he sought employ-
ment on a farm to earn his living. He worked by
the month for a year, and then farmed as a renter
the following live year-. He was industrious and
frugal, and at the end of that time had money
enough saved so that he could purchase land of "his
own. and he became the possessor of ninety acres
on section 2*. Moweaqua Township, and ha- re-
sided lure continuously since, lie has provided
his homestead with a line set of frame buildings,
and has added to his farm by further purchase so
that it now comprises three hundred anil sixty
ane- of choice land, that is well improved. Be-
sides this lie own- four acres of land in the village
of Moweaqua. and fourteen acres of land adjoining
the village, which constitutes a valuable property.
In 1868 Mr. Gavin took unto himself a wife in
the person of Mis. Ellen (Roche) Ilarty. who look-
well after his comfort, and has materially aided
him in the acquirement of his possessions, she
was horn in Limerick. Ireland, in 1833. Her par-
ents, David ami Ellen Roche, came to this country
in 1852, resided in the State of New York until
1858, and then came to Illinois. They lived in
Decatur for a time, and then bought a farm in Ma-
con County, where they dwelt some years. Dis-
posing of that place, they removed to Moweaqua.
where they passed their remaining years.
Mrs. Gavin was first married to John Ilarty. a
native of County Armaugh, Ireland. He died in
1866. Mr. and Mrs. Gavin have two children,
Maria and .lames. The family are members of the
Catholic Church, and are much esteemed in the
community. Mr. Gavin is a true Democrat in
politics, lleisan intelligent man. who is well read
and posted on all general subjects,and in the man-
agement of his affairs has shown himself to he pos-
sessed of sound discrimination, foresight, and an
excellent knowledge of his calling.
•»->^T>T i » ' I »
el'RTIs W. BROWN. The center of :
grain producing country, the com:
populace abounds in middlemen wl
gj, URTIS W. BR< >WN The center of a great
commercial
rtio deal
exclusively in the chief products of the State.
Our subject, Mr. Brown, is one of these operators.
being a large grain dealer, buying from the farm-
ers and finding a market in the eastern metropoli-
tan cities. lie has displayed such quickness of
perception, knowledge of the resources of the
country and influence- upon the trade, that he has
gained the confidence of both factions or classes of
people with whom he deals. The farmers know
that in selling to him. they get a reasonable price,
and eastern buyers ami elevator owners are aware
that the grains they get of him are the best that
the country produces, and arc willing to make
concessions in his favor.
Like most of the inhabitants of the Central and
342
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Western States even yet, our subject is of Eastern
pat en tage, and also of birth. His father was Job
Brown, a native of New Jersey. His mother was
Phoebe Williams, who was probably born in New
York. They tirsl settled in New Jersey where
they continued to reside for five years. He was a
carpenter by trade and was constantly so employed
in his early home. They removed from New
Jersey to Ohio, and settled in Butler County,
where they remained about two years, and then
settled ill Johnson County. Ind.. in the village of
Edinburg. There they lived for nine years and
then came to Illinois early in 1860 and settled in
Cla\ County, where they remained until their
decease.
Our subject is one of eight children, the family
comprising five sons and three daughters. Of
these, he of whom we write was the eldest, having
been born in New Jersey, August is. 1842. He
made his home with his parents until he was about
twenty years old, coming with them to this State
early in the '60s, and with the exception of the
time spent in the war. he has ever since here made
his home, early engaging in business for himself
and acquiring business ways and knowledge.
When that terrible period in our country's
history began, at the tiring of the first gun of Ft.
Sumter, Mr. Brown responded to the call for
volunteers and enlisted in the army in 1862,
joining Company C. of the Ninety-eighth Illinois
Regiment. He served until the close of the war.
seeing much hard fighting and a great deal of
both good and bad on both sides. He took pari
in the battles of Chickamauga, .Mission Ridge, and
was through the siege of Atlanta, (la., at the
battle of Selma. Ala., at Montgomery and Macon.
Ga. He was so fortunate as throughout his
service to have escaped sickness and bore the hard-
ships of army life with fortitude and an admirable
spirit that made the best of all discomforts that
could not be remedied, lie received his discharge at
Springfield, this State, after which he returned to
Clay County. HI., and engaged in farming.
remaining there from 1869 until the fall of 1 s 7 2 .
when he came to Moultrie County.
Upon settling in this county, the gentleman of
whom we write engaged iii farming and stock
raising, his residence and place of business being
in Dora Township. He was thus occupied for
nearly seven years, when lie removed to Lovington
Township, and has here resided for two years,
during which time he was engaged in farming.
The next change was made to the village of
Lovington. and here he has been engaged in
active commercial business. He has sold agri-
cultural implements and dealt largely in stock, the
grain business, however, occupying the greater
portion of his time and attention.
Curtis W. Brown left the bachelor ranks when
in Clay County. 111., and February .'5, 1866. was
united in marriage to Miss Minerva Price, who
was a native of the same county in which their
marriage was solemnized. Mrs. Brown is an
admirable lady and has been a true helpmate and
companion to her husband. The rearing of her
family has not left her a great deal of time for
social pleasures, for she has had the care as well
as maternal duties, of ten children. Their names
are as follows: Lima. Mollie. Guy, James, Inis,
Charles, Albert, Emma, Ida and William. Most of
the children are sturdy and original young people,
with a strong vital energy, and having ideas of
their own regarding their individual and personal
rights.
Politically, our subject casts his vote with the
Republican party, having great faith in the leaders
and executives that in the wisdom of the party
have been placed at the head of the nation. That
his fellow-townsmen have reposed the greatest
confidence ill his judgment and intelligence and
ability as a manager, is evidenced by the fact that
he has been appointed to many local offices in the
gift of the township. While in Clay County, for
two years he held the office of Collector, and also
served as School Director and Highway Commis-
sioner. Since coining to Lovington Township he
has filled most acceptably the chair of Supervisor
for a space of one year, and has also been a
member of the Village Board. In his social rela-
tions he is a member of the Masonic fraternity
and also belongs to the Lovington Post of the
Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Brown is a
public spirited and generous man and has always
shown himself ready in any time of emergency
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
;i;;
either for the country at large, or the locality in
which he resides, to become an active and respon-
sible party in the upholding of the principles of
right and justice.
AMUEL F. (.AM MILL. There is no
broader field for a man to become familiar
with the phases of Human nature, than in
the business of a merchant, nor ran one
gain a more intimate knowledge of family life,
unless it lie in the legal profession, and a broad-
souled man who i- in sympathy with Ins fellow-
creatures has in this calling an unparalleled oppor-
tunity for doing good. Especially is this true of
one engaged in general merchandise, for one will
make many sacrifices of pride and self-respect if
one family is in need of the necessities "t life, and
happy is the man whose position enables him to
respond to his generous impulses and relieve these
necessities.
The gentleman of whom it is our pleasure and
privilege to here give a short biographical sketch
is a general merchant in the village of Gays being
the oldest merchant here who ha- I. ecu thus en-
gaged. He was born in Whitley Township, this
Mate. June 20, 1841. ami i> a son of Andrew and
Jane (Whittes) Gammill, both natives of North
Carolina, who with their respective families, moved
to Tennessee. Our subject was hut two years old
at the time of his emigration to that State, having
been carried thither on horseback from North
Carolina to Tennessee, in which county the young
people married, and after which in 1832, they emi-
grated to this state. -! - 1 1 1 i 1 1 1^ in Whitley Township.
being among the first settlers on, Whitley (reek.
There they entered some land and pursued their
calling of farming. They continued to reside
here, with the exception of the year? 1847 and
1H48. when they lived in Cole- County, one \ ear
of which time they made their home in the house
built and formerly occupied by Thomas Lincoln.
father of Abraham Lincoln.
The father of our subject died in 1867, at the
age of sixty-seven years. The mother passed
away in 1876 at the age of seventy-four years.
For years they had been consistent and conscien-
tious members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. Eleven children clustered about their
fireside and board. One of these died in child-
hood and ten lived to he grown. They are by
name Adaline, Caroline Lucinda, William James,
.lame- Newton. Madeline. Louisa. Samuel F. and
Nancy L. and Klein \V. Adaline married Joseph
Hendricks, and died at Ottumwa, Iowa. Caroline
married John Shoemaker, of Coles County; Lu-
cinda was united to .1. H. Whetstone, of Pomona.
Kan. William resides in Woodford, Cal. .lames
was a member of Company K. of the Fifth Illinois
Cavalry, and died of smallpox, while in service.
James Newton i- a resident of Hickman. Neb.
Madeline i> the wife of John T. Alexander, of
Ottawa, Kan. Louisa has been three time- wid-
owed, her first husband was George Curry, the
second was .lame- Renner, and the third Joseph
Harden. She now resides at Pomona. Kan.
Klem \V. is the wife of Thomas Kimball of Whitley
Township.
Our subject was reared upon a farm. Hi-
school day- were limited hut being an ambitious
hoy and fond of reading, he made up by outside
work, many of the deficiencies of his school life.
During the early part of the war, -non after the
firing of the first gun, our subject enlisted. Sep-
tember 7. 1861, and was mustered into service with
Company 11. of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry. He
was mustered out November 4, 1865, having re-
enlisted in 1864. He entered a- a private, hut
was advanced to the post of First Lieutenant.
having filled all the ranks below, except those of
Orderly Sergeant and Second Lieutenant. That
long period of bloodshed was one in which our
subject lived a life-time of adventure ami experi-
ence, most of which was of a bloody and terrible
character. He was a participant in the following
engagements: that of Madron. Mo.. Corinth, and
was in the lead of Grant's army to Coffevville,
Mi— ..on the Grierson raid from LaGrange, Tenn.,
April 16, 1863, and landed at Baton Rouge. La..
May 2. 1862. During this inarch they covered
eight hundred and fiftv-three mile- and the raid is
344
PORTRAIT AND R-KXiRAPIIICAL RECORD.
memorable in the memory of him of whom we
write as being the hardest trip taken during the
war. He was also present at the siege of Ft.
Hudson, a participant in the battle of Collierville,
Tenn., Campbellville, Tenn., and was with Gen.
Smith m Mississippi, starting with his army in
February of 1864. Tin' battle of Nashville, Tenn.,
September 15 and HI. 1864, has left a deep and
lasting impression on the memory of our subject,
lie also took part in several minor engagements.
()n returning home, .Mr. Gammill resumed farm-
ing and in 1869 came to <iays and established his
present business house, llis marriage took place
in 1873 when he was unitedto Margaret C. Wilson,
a daughter of Johnand Charity Wilson. She was
bora in Ash Grove Township,Shelby County. Four
children have been the outcome of this marriage.
Their names are Mack, Tola J., Stella May, and
one who died in infancy. Mr. Gammill affiliates
with the Republican party and in recognition of
his loyalty as well as his fitness as a man of intel-
ligence and firm standing in the community, he
was appointed Postmaster at Gays, which position
he held for twelve years. In his religious prefer-
ence, he with his wife, is a member of the Cumber-
land Presbyterian Church. He is one of the thin-
ning ranks of the Grand Army of the Republic,
being a veteran who thoroughly enjoys, when at
reunions, a recital of the striking experiences that
he or other comrades had while in the war. Not
slow to recognize bravery in friend or foe. many
a piquant and spicy story i> at his tongue's end.
WILLIAM KANITZ. One of the substan-
tial farmers of the township anil a man
who. having had experience in two coun-
tries in his chosen calling, and having profited by
the example and results in original experiments
among the Germans in an agricultural way. Mr.
Kanitz has been enabled to make a success of buc-
colic life, that while it has not been void of pleas-
ure and beauty, has been an advantage to him
pecuniarily. He is now a resident on section 34.
of Lowe Township. Moultrie County, whereon he
ha- a fine farm that boasts of the besl improve-
ments. It is as fertile and prolific as constant cul-
tivation and intelligent care will make it.
Mr. Kanitz is a native of Germany, as his name
would indicate, having been born in Saxony.
March "2ii. 1830, and being a son of Godfried and
Theresa Kanitz. There were seven children in the
family, four sons and three daughters, and of these
three sons were attracted to the United States by
the superior advantages that it offered young men
who are industrious and ambitious to acquire
homes and fortunes for themselves. The three
who came hither are Charles, who is a farmer in
Moultrie County, Edward, who. however, was
killed by lightning in Christian County, this State.
and our subject.
The original of our sketch passed his boyhood
on the farm in his native land, and in addition to
the manifold duties of the farmer's lad, which he
early learned, he acquired the miller's trade, and
having this for his main resource, in 1853, ac-
companied by his brother Charles, he came to the
United States. Their passage hither was made in
a sailing vessel which landed in Xew Orleans, and
in that strange cosmopolitan city, they met many
of their own countrymen, and divers were the ad-
vices given the young men as to the best place to
locate, but with a customary German confidence
in one's own judgment, they determined to decide
that important matter for themselves. They went
to St. Louis and were occupied in that city as
common laborers. At the time, our subject was
afflicted with that dread disease which attacks
many foreigners who have not yet become ac-
climated, and many a time, while shaking with
ague, has he longed for his native land, but he
was in the position of the general who had burned
his bridges behind him. for he was without money,
and SO obliged to remain here.
In 1854, he of whom we write came to this State
anil located in Sangamon County, where he was
engaged for several years as a farm hand. From
there he went to .Marion County, and four years
later, in 1871, he came to Moultrie County, first
settling in Arthur, where he purchased some land.
a part of which, however, he donated for railroad
purposes. In 1874 he traded this land for thai
€
1
.
fe5/ <-\^k
«.' II i
I
IP-
QMnjJlJ
<CVri&j
PORTRAIT AND I!I( (ORAPIIICAL RECORD.
8 1 7
which lie now owns in Lowe Township. lie is now
the proprietor <>f three hundred and sixty acres of
good land which beat's fair improvement. Al-
though be is :i general farmer, for some 'cars be
has followed stock-raising and in that specialty
has made great advancement in the breeding of
line stock.
Mr. Kanitz. while in St. Louis, took upon him-
self the responsibilities and obligations of married
life. In 1856 he was married to Caroline llines.
who was born in Lowenstein, Germany, she came
with our subject and one brother to this country.
and the friendship that was formed on the way
over ripened into an affection that ended in a
wedding. Mr. Kanitz 's brother, with whom she
came hither, was by name Frank times who died
later in Montana.
Mr. and Mrs. Kanitz are the parents of nine chil-
dren whose names are Richard, Frank. Henry,
Joseph, Charles, Emma, Josephine, Ella and Anna.
They are all bright and intelligent young' people,
who are bound to make themselves a place in the
world. Politically our subject is a Democrat, his
early training preparing him for a recognition of
the merits and advantages of that party. In his
church relations.be with bis amiable and admirable
wife who has ever been a loving and tender help-
mate to him and a fond and careful mother, is a
Baptist.
YXIEL YANTIS. The mind of a man who
I, has lived four-score years, is to him a king-
dom in which he can send out the mes-
sengers and servants of thought, memory
and reflection, and live over the pleasures of the
past that have grown intense under the magnify-
ing influence of time. He realizes in a subdued
way the pains which at the time of their experi-
ence, seemed tragedies, modified and made inter-
esting by the lapse of years. Content has come to
gently round off the afternoon with its golden glow
of sunset. Our subject, who has ascended the sun-
lit heights, looks back over a broad expanse of ex-
perience in a land where experiences arc ever fresh
and invigorating.
()n the opposite page appears a portrait of Ml.
Yantis. who is an oldsettler and successful fanner
and stock-raiser living on his homestead, located
on sections 29 and .'!(•. of Pickaway Township,
Shelby County. This fine farm is the same which
he secured from the Government in a raw. prairie
state, comprising two hundred and forty acres. His
purchase was made in 1853, and since that time he
has bent every effort to making the farm a model
of agricultural neatness and productiveness. Our
subject came here from Pickaway County. Ohio.
He was born September 15, 1X11. in Frederick
County, Md. His father was Henry Yantis.a native of
Maryland and bis paternal grandfather was John
Yantis, who came to America from Germany prior to
the Revolutionary War and made settlement in
Maryland. As far as our subject knows, bis grand-
father did not, however, take part in the war, but
after the death of his wife, he went to Ohio with
his sons, where he remained until bis death. His
wife was a native of Maryland, who lived and died
there at an advanced age.
It was about 1815 when John Yantis, our subject's
grandfather, came with his grown sons to Picka-
way County, and there he lived for a time in the
unbroken wilderness. After a time he went with
his son William to Franklin County, Ohio, at which
place be died when past ninety years of age. His
death, however, was caused by an accident while
he was assisting his son in rolling logs. lie and
his wife were members of the Presbyterian
Church and politically he was a Democrat. Henry
Yantis. the fattier of our subject, was probably the
eldest of his father's children, of whom there were
seven,four sons and three daughters. He attained his
growth and manhood in Frederick County. Ohio,
and was married to Miss Catherine Yantis. an own
cousin, whose father had emigrated from Germany.
The parental family comprised five children,
namely: Lydia, Solomon. Elizabeth and Catherine.
besides the subject of this notice, the latter being
the only one now living.
Our subject's family settled in Pickaway County,
Ohio, when he was hut a lad and they there began
life as pioneers in the woods. Henry Yantis and
348
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his two suns cleared three farms in that county and
there our subject's father died when at the age of
eighty-seven years and nine months. His wife
had preceded him to a better world some time
at the age of seventy- live years. They were mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church and were good,
true, unaffected pioneer people. Our subject be-
came of aye in Pickaway County and there in 1833
married Elizabeth Longenbach, a sister of Isaac
Longenbach, a history of whom may be found un-
der the biographical sketch in another part of this
volume.
Mrs. Yantis was reared in Pickaway County. The
young couple took up the burdens and joys of life
together and after the birth of all their children
but one, they left Ohio, coming with teams by way
of the overland route and living a camp life on the
way. They made the journey one of pleasure in-
stead of discomfort and enjoyed the trip probably
more thoroughly than do we of to-day, who are
hurried from one end of the country to another in
the space of a few hours. They reached theirdestina-
tion without accident, and at once settled on the
tract which Air. Yantis had secured previous to
bringing his family hither, having made a journey
on horseback and reconnoitered the country well
in order to select a good location. They began life
in their new home on an entirely unbroken farm,
and although there were many privations and in-
conveniences in living so far from neighbors, they
made the conditions as pleasant as possible and the
children grew up knowing that they held resources
within themselves irrespective of others.
After securing their home, our subject and his
wife took pleasure in bringing about them com-
forts and even luxuries of life. They put up good
buildings on their place and as they were the rep-
resentative people of their township and leading-
citizens thereof, they were naturally the center of
social life. Mrs. Yantis passed to the other world
February Hi. 1890, after having lived with her
husband in a close and tender companionship for
fifty -seven years. She was born December 2, 1809.
She was a noble woman being of the liber of which
heroines are made, and her character was beautified
by a lovely temperament and genial, kindly man-
ners. She was a good wife and mother and a kind.
thoughtful neighbor. She was the mother of fifteen
children, six of whom, however, died. They were
Mary. David, Alary, Sarah, Lydia and Jacob.
The living are: Samuel, George, Henry, Solomon,
Elenore, Isaac, I )aniel. Barbara and John W. ( Jeorge
W. is a farmer in this township, and made mistress
of his heart and home, Miss Lucinda Tolly, who
died, and he later married Mrs. Mollie Smith.
Henry is a merchant in Yantisville. this township.
and married Barbara Longenbach. A biographical
sketch of Solomon may be found in another part
of this volume. Elenore is the wife of Nathan Kil-
lam, and now resides in Elk County. Kan., on a
farm. Isaac took to wife Emma Pogue, and lives
in Moultrie County. Daniel is the proprietor of a
livery stable at King City, Mo. He took to wife
Mary A. Klar. Barbara is the wife of James Min-
cer and they live on a farm in Texas County, Mo.
John, who is a resident of Shelby ville, first married
Lucy James, who died, and afterward took to wife
her sister Cordelia.
Mr. and .Mrs. Yantis have for years been mem-
bers of the Reformed Presbyterian Church and are
highly regarded among the people. He has been
the Assessor of the township for three years and
has had other local offices, lie is an adherent of
the Democratic party both by tradition and con-
viction, for. as will be seen above, his father and
grandfather before him were followers of that party.
Our subject cast his first Presidential vote for Gen.
Jackson.
ENJAMIX F. McMENNAMY, M. D. The
lifeof a country physician is one of many
if^))j|! trials and hardships and yet of real satis
^~=< faction in consideration of the fact that
the one who Mils this place is of value to a
large community of families. To him they appeal
in times of distress and sorrow. He is the first
one to whom they turn for sympathy when a new
life begins and an old one passes away and his is
the kind hand which administers relief during
days and weeks of suffering and languor. One
who worthily appreciates his opportunities for in-
PORTRAIT AND UK )( iRAPHIC Al. RECORD.
34!
fluence in this capacity can do perhaps inure to
establish a proper standard of living in :i country
community than any other man. not even except-
ing the spiritual adviser. Such an opportunity has
been appreciated and improved by the worthy
gentleman whoso name appears at the head of this
paragraph, and whose pleasant home is at Bethany,
Moultrie County.
Dr. McMennamy came to Bethany in l*7ii. and
is a native of Macon County, tin- state, where he
was bora October 21, 1847, being a son of John
II. and Nancy (Hill) McMennamy. John McMen-
namy, the grandfather of our subject, located in
Macon County at a very early date, settling on a
farm there, and when the county was organized
he was made its first Sheriff. lie subsequently re-
moved to Texas where he died in Grayson County.
The lather of our subject was born in Tenn-
essee and came with the family to Illinois, and
there married a Miss Clark, after which he remov-
ed to Texas where his wife died. Subsequent to
this he returned to Macon County, this state, and
married Nancy Hill who became the mother of our
subject and two other children, none but Ben-
jamin, however, having survived. Their mother
died in Macon County in 1849, and in 1K7(> the
father again removed to Texas and there died the
the following year.
The early life of our subject was passed upon
the farm and he received his education al a semin-
ary which was then located at Mt. Zion. and so
well did he avail himself of his opportunities for
instruction that he was soon titled for the profes-
sion of a teacher, which he pursued for a number
of years. In 1869, after he had reached hi- maj-
ority, he took up the study of medicine with Dr.
N. G. Blalock, then a well-known practitioner of
Mt. Zion. but now making his home in Walla
Walla. Wash., and in 1K72 graduated from the
Chicago Medical College, The first place at which
the young doctor hung out his prof essional shingle
was at Mt. Zion. but after he had attained a little
more experience he decided to come to Bethany,
a- he believed that he would here find a better
tield for the fulfilment of his ambition.
The same year in which our subject took
hi- degree he was united in marriage upon the
28th of May to Anna E. Smith, daughter of
S. King Smith of Mt. Zion. This lady was born
in Princeton, Ky.. September 7. 1852, and to her
have been given four children, the two who are
living being Francis Earl and Clifford Dale. Be-
sides the practice of medicine the- Doctor carried
on a drug business in Bethany from 1877 to 1886.
The declaration and plat form of the Democratic
party express the political view- of Dr. McMen-
namy. but although he has held some local offices
he takes only a modicum of interest in political
movements, especially upon the local stage. He.
however, believes it to be the duty of every loyal
citizen to cast his vote upon every occasion when
a question comes up for decision or a name is
presented for office, as only by doing so can the
rights of citizenship be maintained.
An excellent and extensive practice has been built
up by this worthy physician and as it is found-
ed upon his devotion to his profession and to the
humane interests of his calling, and has been car-
ried on with unflagging interest and enthusiasm.
coupled with true research and scientific study, it
is a practice which will continue to improve in
both quality and extent for many years. Both he
and his lovely and capable companion are mem-
bers and active worker- in the Cumberland Pres-
byterian Church and their pleasant home is the
scene of many social reunions among the best
circles of Bethany. The Doctor is also identified
with the Ionic Lodge. No. 812 A. F. * A. M. He
i- also a member of the Central District Medical
Societv and the Illinois state Medical Society.
Kr*~m
~7I LEXANDEE WARD. Whether it is that
C - /- I Shelby County is especially notable for
/ i the longevity of it- inhabitants or not, the
qJ writer is not certain. It is a fact, how-
ever, that almost allot' the gentlemen whose history
it has been our pleasure to write, have passed the
meridian of life and the majority of them are
pioneer settlers who can look back upon the growth
of the county from the earliesl occupancy, when
deer, and wild turkevs were much more fre-
350
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
quently seen than the face of a neighbor. Our
subject is one of the many whose experience in-
clude* the changes through which hi* vicinity and
county have passed. Now residing on section 1.
Ridge Township, he was born April 24. 1833. in
Okaw Township, and is a son of John and Cather-
ine (Lohr) Ward.
The grandfather of our subject, .lames Ward,
resided in Kentucky, and thence three of his sons,
namely. William L., John and .lames, came to
Shelby County. Of these, William L. first came,
his advent being in 1828. He located in what is
now known as Todd's Point, where he entered a
tract of land upon which he resided until about
1850, when he removed to Pickaway Township. I
residing there until his death, which occurred in
July, 1872. James Ward came to the county in
1845 and resided in Okaw Township. Later he
removed to Dry Point where he died about the
year I860. John Ward was bora in Trumbull
County, Ohio, but when very young his parents
removed to Kentucky, where he grew to manhood.
He first came to Illinois in 1830, stopping for a
time in Shelby County and then went back to
Kentucky, but in 1832 heagain returned toShelby
County, and in August, that year, was united in
marriage to Catherine Lohr. who was reared in the
same neighborhood with her husband in Kentucky.
At the time of her marriage her home was in
Morgan County. 111., where her family were early
settlers.
After marriage the young couple located in ( >kaw
Township where they entered land anil experienced
all the ups and downs of pioneer life. He was.
however, successful and became the owner of over
two thousand acres of land, a large proportion of
which he himself entered. He followed stock-rais-
ing principally, being especially interested in the
breeding of cattle and mules. He died in March,
18K0. being over seventy years of age. His wife
died in 1870. lie was always interested in politics,
both national and local. At first belonging to the
old-line Whig party, he afterward became a Repub-
lican. He was a member of the Christian Church.
being a generous supporter of the same. He was
a broad-minded, public-spirited man. interested in
all public enterprises that promised to be to the
advantage of the people. He was well and favor-
ably known throughout Shelby County as a man
of unstained honor and integrity.
John and Catherine Ward were the parents of
eleven children, one of whom died in infancy, one
in childhood and one daughter was accidentally
killed when ten years of age. Eight of the chil-
dren lived to be grown; of these our subject is the
eldest; James W. lives in Decatur, 111.; Lucinda is
the wife of James Sudduth and resides in Spring-
field. Mo.; John W. died in Okaw Township;
Charles resides in Shelbyville; George W. died in
the latter place; Elizabeth is the wife of George
A. Roberts and lives in Shelbyville, and Benjamin
F. makes his home in Lincoln. Neb.
Our subject grew to manhood in his native town-
ship and he distinctly remembers pioneer days
when deer and other game were plentiful. He at-
tended such schools as were provided and in Sep-
tember, 1859, was married to Cordelia Van Hise, a
daughter of James 11. and Sarah Van Hise. She
was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 2,
1838. The first home of the young couple was
upon the place where he now resides. It then,
however, comprised only ten acres of ground.
hemmed in by a rail fence, their first dwelling be-
ing a log cabin which was primitive, indeed. Four
years after marriage the log cabin gave way to his
present resilience, and since that time he has made
many changes in his home and placed many sub-
stantial improvements upon his place. Mr. Ward
i< now the owner of six hundred acres of land,
three hundred and seventy-three acres being lo-
cated in Shelby County, and the balance in Moul-
trie County, on which he has good buildings.
Five children are the fruit of the union of our
subject and his estimable wife. They are, Abraham
L., Catherine, Edward S., George A. and Ulysses
G. Mr. Ward is a stanch Republican in politics
and always votes at general elections for the man
he believes best fitted for tin- office. He himself
has never been ambitious to be an office-holder.
Socially he is a member of the Association of
United Workmen. Our subject is especially in-
terested and engaged in the stock business, buying,
breeding, shipping, etc.. stock to the metropolitan
markets. His history in itself is an apt illustration
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
351
of what a man may accomplish in the fertile lands
of the Middle States, by his own efforts, alone and
unaided, but with ambition, industry and per-
severance.
r«*>
HARLES W. DICK. Among the prominent
agriculturists <>f Lowe Township, Moultrie
County, who had their birth across the seas
but who have brought to their adopted country
the valuable characteristics which belong to the
men of their native land is the resident on section
8, whose name appears at the head of this sketch.
His parents. Charles and Fredericka (Hinnak)
Dick, were born in Germany and spent their
days in their native land. Our subject was the
only child by this marriage and was born in Zeitz,
Germany, December 18, 1825.
After receiving the ordinary education provided
for the German youth, our subject upon reaching
manhood learned the trade of a weaver and be-
came a journeyman, working at his trade in
various parts of the country, lie emigrated from
Germany to America in 1854. landing in New-
York in September of that year. Traveling West
he came to Columbus, Ohio, where he found em-
ployment in Pickaway County. Ohio, busying him-
self at farm labor at the wages of $8 per month,
working for such wages two years.
The marriage of our subject took place in Pick-
away County, Ohio. June 10, 1850, his bride being
Miss Anna R. Herrmann who was born in Shwele-
walte, Germany, December 19, 1882. Her parents
were Gottlieb and Eva R. (Schnyder) Herrmann,
both of German birth and who died in the old
country. Mrs. Dick came to America in 1855, mak-
ing her home in Pickaway County and lived there
and in Madison County. Ohio, until 1862, when
they came to Illinois and settled in Moultrie
County. They tried various parts of Moultrie
County, living for two years in Lovington Town-
ship then in Lowe Township where they have since
been residents.
Mr. and Mrs. Dick have been the happ\ parents
of seven children, two of whom they were called
upon to resign to the Good Shepherd. Those still
living are: Henry L. who married Dora Koken-
doffer; John \V.; Samuel who married Hattie Mor-
row; Sarah M.. wife of .lames A. Hook, and Louisa
A. who is an accomplished lady and school teacher.
Since coming to America this gentleman has de-
voted himself entirely to agricultural pursuits as
he found this more profitable upon our fertile soil
than the pursuit of his trade. He owns one hun-
dred and sixty acres and has made excellent im-
provements upon his farm. lie has filled and filled
well some of the local offices in the township and
is highly respected not only by his neighbors but
by all with whom he came in official relations.
Mr. and Mrs. Dick are members ot the German
Baptist Church, and in their religious connections
are highly honored for their true Christian lives
and earnest helpfulness in every good cause. Mr.
Dick is a public-spirited man and an earnest pro-
moter of every movement looking to the progress
of Lowe Township and Moultrie Count3r.
•:• -:• *
/ •fr=-}-^
I OHN BUSHART. It has with too many been
the belief that if a man is once a farmer he
must always continue to be a drudge, and
Kg|J that his working days would only end with
his call to the grave; but many are finding that
this is not so, and that by hard work, enterprise
and thrift in their early days and through the
strong period of middle life they may so arrange
their affairs as to take comfort during their declin-
ing years. This has been the case with the retired
farmer whose name appears at the head of this
writing, and whose residence in Moultrie County,
dates from 1855.
Mr. Bushart was born in Perry County, Ohio,
November 15. 1822, his worthy and respected par-
ents being Jacob and Magdalena (Croomrine)
Bushart, both of them uatives of Pennsylvania.
They resided on a farm in Perry County. Ohio, for
some years after their son John came to Illinois,
when they followed him and made their home with
352
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
this son. until the death of the father at the age of
nearly ninety years, and thai of the mother at the
age of eighty-two.
The seven children of this excellent couple were
our subject; William, who was a soldier in the One
Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, and was
mortally wounded at the battle of Vicksburg; Sam-
uel, who is a farmer in Moultrie County; Elizabeth,
who married Charles Thar]) and resides in Allen
County. Ohio; Sarah J., who married Joseph Smutz
and lives at Cerro Gordo, 111.; Jacob, who was a
soldier in an Ohio Regiment and was killed at
Murfreesboro; and Eliza, who married .John Goetz,
of Moultrie ( 'ounty.
The subject of this sketch is the oldest of the
family, and was reared upon the farm, his school
days being very limited. When quite young he
engaged as a farm hand, working by the month.
and early struck out for himself. When twenty-
two years he resolved to establish a home of his
own and took to himself a wife in the person of
Catherine Patterson, daughter of Alexander Pat-
terson, she was horn in Fairfield County, Ohio,
where .Mr. Bushart was residing at the time of their
marriage, his parents having removed to that
county when he was Imt a hoy. After marriage he
worked at farming with the exception of three
years when he was in other business.
In lK.Vi .John Bushart came to the Prairie State,
and as he was still a poor man and unable to pur-
chase a farm, he rented land and worked as besl
he could. About two years after coming to Moul-
trie County, he had accumulated some money and
purchased forty acres of raw land, going in debt
for a part of it. He worked hard to pay off this
indebtedness, and before he had completed the pay-
ment, he purchased more. By great exertion and
due economy he succeeded in his endeavors. He
continued farming until the fall of 1889, when he
retired from active life, being then the owner of
four hundred and fifty-nine acres of land, upon
which he had placed good improvements, and in
which he has laid over fifteen miles of tiling. In
1.HN7 he purchased fourteen acres of land in Beth-
any, on which he erected one of the handsomest
and most comfortable homes to be found in Moul-
trie County. This is situated in grounds which
have been adorned and beautified, and here he and
his interesting wife find a happy home.
While on the farm. Mr. Bushart paid consider-
able attention to stock-raising, and also bought and
sold live slock. All but one of the seven children
of this family are still in life and health. They
are as follows: Mary E.; Eli. who died at the age
of thirteen years; George W., a farmer in Missouri;
John J.. Sarah J., Laura, the wife of X. B. Allison,
of Mattoon. 111.; and Tunis V., who married Lydia
Hagerman.
The political belief of .Mr. Bushart is in accord-
ance with the declaration of the Republican party,
in the prosperity of which he feels great interest.
Before removing to Bethany he resided in Dora
Township, and while there held various local offices,
which he always tilled conscientiously and with
benefit to the community. He is a man of deep re-
ligious convictions, and has long been a member
of the Christian Church.
ARTIN LANDGREBE. The great com-
monwealth of Illinois is the home of many
self-made men. but none whose lives afford
a better example of untiring industry,
faithfulness and zeal in personal affairs, than can
be found in the subject of this brief biographical
notice. He owns and occupies a farm in Moultrie
County, consisting of one hundred and twenty
acres pleasantly located on section 10. Lowe Town-
ship. He has elected thereon a comfortable and
substantial dwelling, good barns and other out-
buildings, and is successfully carrying on mixed
farming. He and his faithful wife have done much
hard work, and their home is the result of labor
upon which they may well look back with mingled
feelings of sorrow and joy.
Germany is the native home of Mr. Landgrebe,
and he was born June 2K, 1839. His parents, also
natives of the Fatherland, bore the names of Jacob
and Christine (Fisher) Landgrebe. After their
marriage in Germany they settled first in their na-
tive land, whence they removed in 18;j7 to Amer-
ica. Their first home in the United States was in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL KKCORD.
353
Sangamon County, 111., where they sojourned until
186(5. being employed as farmers. Thence they re-
moved to Moultrie County and settled in Lowe
Township, where the mother died August 3, 1878.
The father still survives and makes his borne in
Lowe Township. Through his unceasing effortshe
has become well-to-do, and better than worldly
prosperity, has by his honorable dealings and iiji-
right life, gained the confidence of all.
The birth of Martin Landgrebe took place in
Germany, .lime 8, 1839, and he was the third of
the eight children born to his parents. When his
father and mother crossed the broad Atlantic to
make a home in America, he accompanied them
and with them located first in Sangamon County,
aud later in Moultrie County. His youth was
passed in much the usual manner of fanners' boys
at that early day. and the education which he
gleaned from the ordinary text books of the times,
while not extensive, was very thorough. Through
subsequent reading he has become well informed
on all subjects of importance, and being a plea-ant
conversationalist, is very popular.
The presiding genius in the home of Mr. Land-
grebe is the lady who became his wife October 1.
1863, and who was known in maidenhood as Sarah
Ann Ilarhur. She is the daughter of Levi and
Mary (Sawyer) Harbur, who died in Sangamon
( ounty, 111. Mrs. Landgrebe was born in Sanga-
mon County, February 16, 1845, and received not
only a good common-school education, hut a No that
careful home instruction which fitted her for the
duties of wifehood and motherhood, and have
given her a prominent place in the society of this
locality. Of the eleven children born to them, six
are living, viz: Mary C, born August •"'. 1865, and
is the wife of JohnSchable; Jacob I... born Decem-
ber 17. 1866, who married Ruth Shonkwilea; Lana
E., born April 3, 1871; Joseph W., September 6,
1*7:1; Benjamin F., December 29, 1877; and Dai-\
I).. February Hi. 1882.
Mr. Landgrebe dates his arrival in this county
from the year lsii7. when he settled on section 10,
Lowe Township. He has embellished his farm with
all modern improvements and buildings, and has
placed the entire tract under good cultivation. lie
ha- taken an active part in local affairs, votes the
Democratic ticket, and lias held the offices of High-
way Commissioner and School Director a number
of years, and is now School Trustee to the satisfac-
tion of all concerned, A devout Christian, his
membership is in the Missionary Baptist Church,
where he i- a J)eacoii. lie hold- a prominent place
among the people of thi- section, ami is <_renerally
respected for his honorable dealings and good char-
acter, our subject is one of the first settlers in
this township, and when he first came here the land
on the southeast corner of section 10, was at that
lime a large lake of water, and he says he could
travel from his place to Bement across the prairie.
-*-=^!>*<I
S)y^
>ILLIAM H.TAYLOR The business men
of Dalton City are well-known throughout
Moultrie and adjoining counties as worthy
of high esteem on account of their thorough going
integrity, their active enterprise and their prompt-
ness in responding to the necessities of a business
life. They have brought forward the financial in-
terests of Dalton and made the young town one of
mark in the county and throughout this portion
of the State, and it i> well for the rising generation
to study not only their methods hut their characters,
as they are worthy of emulation.
The lumber merchant whose oame appears at the
head of this writing, located in Dalton in 1881,
establishing the business which he has since con-
ducted continuously. He was horn in Wayne
County. HI. May 23, 1853, being a son of Robert
and Mahala (Hawk) Taylor, both natives of Ohio.
who settled in Wayne County in 1853 and are
-till residents there where the father is carrying on
a farm.
The subject of this -ketch is the third in a fam-
ily of seven living children, there being nine in
the number originally, lie was reared upon the
farm and educated in the districl schools, and in
March. 1875, he went to Macon County and pur-
sued farming until 1880, when he began work in a
lumber yard. In the fall of 1880 he came to Dal-
ton City aud took charge of the lumber business
for s. D. Moore, becoming in 1*83 a partner iii the
354
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
business, and two years later assuming the pro-
prietorship and establishing also m trade in agricul-
tural implements.
Mr. Taylor was married in January, 1881, to Anna
Bottemfleld, daughter of John and Maria Botteni-
field, of Macon County. III. Hit nativity was in
Ohio, January 30, 1K.">7. She lias two lovely and
interesting children, Edna Verne and Lynn. A
number of local offices have been filled by Mr.
Taylor to the satisfaction and profit of the com-
munity, lb' is a Republican in his political ties
and an earnest advocate of the principles announced
in the platform of that party. The Methodist
Episcopal Church forms the religious home in
whose communion and labors Mr. Taylor chooses
to place himself.
^ * i ' i t^^t^r' '
/ip^USOX SWEET, a general farmer and stock-
[l |( raiser of Renn Township, Shelby County is
xVt/f< ranked among the most thrifty and enter-
prising men of his class in this section of the
county, lie was horn in Russell, Geauga County.
Ohio, February 19, 1841. lie comes of one of the
pioneer families of that State, where Ins father,
Daniel Sweet, was also bom. his birthplace being
in Ashtabula County. He. in turn, was a son of
Louis Sweet, who was horn and reared, and mar-
ried in the good old New England State of Conn-
ecticut. In the prime and vigor of manhood he
had emigrated from that section of the country to
to Ohio and was one of the early settlers of that
state, lie resided for a time in Ashtabula County
and then cast in his lot with the pioneers of Gea-
uga County, locating in Russell Township, where
he cleared a farm from the finest, upon which he
lived until death terminated his earthly career, lie
served with credit in the War of 1812, and was a
pensioner the last years of his life. The maiden
name of his wife, grandmother of our subject, was
Betsey Woodbury.
The father of Our subject was but an infant when
his parents took up their abode in the wilds of
Geauga County, where he was reared to a sturdy
manhood under pioneer influences. In his youth
the country surrounding his early home was still
mostly in its primitive condition and bears, wild
turkeys and other kinds of game roamed through
the forests which have since given way to rich
farms and busy towns and cities. For many years
there were no railways and the pioneers had to
market their produce and obtain their supplies at
Cleveland. Mr. Sweet early learned the trade of a
carpenter and was prosperously engaged at that
for several years. He still resides at Russell and is
well known in that part of the country where the
most of his life has been spent. The name of his
wife was Philena Millard, and she was born in the
town of Kirtland, Lake County, Ohio. Her father.
Brazil Millard, is thought to have been born in
Vermont, and was a pioneer farmer of Ohio, lie
spent his last years with his son in Michigan. The
mother of our subject died in August, 181)0, leav-
ing behind her a record of a life well-spent. But
two of her eleven children are now living, our sub-
ject and his brother Edwin, the latter residing on
the old homestead at Russell, Ohio.
Orson Sweet, of whom this biography is written,
was reared to agricultural pursuits in his native
county and made the best of his opportunities to
obtain an education at the public schools. When
thirteen years old, the manly, resolute young lad
began to earn his own living by working on a farm
by the month, receiving at first but $X a month.
This was a hard training for a boy. but he obtained
a good insight into the best methods of carrying
mi fanning while he winked out. which he con-
tinued doing until his marriage, lie then bought
forty-two acres of land in Chester Township, in
his native county. There was a small frame house
and barn on the place, and about thirty acres of
the land were under cultivation.
In 1869 our subject sold his Ohio farm as he had
decided that the Prairie State afforded a wide-
awake young fanner superior opportunities for
carrying on agriculture, and coming to this county
he bought the farm where he now resides on sec-
tion 33. Penn Township, and a view of which is
shown elsewhere in this volume. He had devoted
his whole energies to the betterment of his farm
and to the business of stock-raising-, and already
occupies an important place among the principal
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
:i.-.7
stock men of this vicinity, lie makes a specially
of raising thoroughbred Short-horn cattle. Per-
cheron and Ilambietonian horses and Chester-white
llOgS.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Ervilla
Pelton took place in I860. Mrs. Sweet is also a
native of Russell, Ohio and is a daughter of <■. S.
and Lydia (Bailey) Pelton. To her and our sub-
ject has been horn one daughter, lona. She mar-
ried Jacob L. Fryar, of Maysville, Mo., and is the
mother of these six children — Herbert Orson. Art-
hur Lee. Mark Herman. Ada Blanche, Nellie Grace
and Walter. Mr. and Mrs. Sweet are members in
high standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and regarded as among our best people socially,
lie is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, but in
politics he is unswerving in his allegiance the Re-
publican party.
THOMAS II. CROWDER. Perhaps there is
no family in Marrowbone Township whose
'various members are more prominent in
social, political, agricultural and religious circles
than that represented by the gentleman whose
name appears at the head of this writing. Such a
circle is broadly and thoroughly influential in
upbuilding the material interests as well as the
social and moral characteristics of a neighborhood.
A more complete history of the parents of our
subject will be found in the sketch of David M.
Crowder, which appeals upon another page of this
Record.
In a family of ten children our subject is the
fourth in order of age. and was born in Jennings
County. Ind.. March 31. 1835. He was about
three years old when his parents came to what is
now Moultrie County. 111., and his life to manhood
was spent upon his father's farm in what is now
known as Marrowbone Township. He resided at
home until his marriage, which event took place
in Sullivan, October 11, 1855.
The lady who became Mrs. Thomas 11. Crowder.
bore the maiden name of Marv McCord and is a
daughter of John and Elizabeth McCord. who
died in Marrowbone Township, she was born in
Jennings County, Ind.. December I*. 1834. Her
two children are John 1>. (who married first Miss
Dora Hampton and subsequent to her death was
united with Miss Katie Mott) and a daughter.
Mary E.. who is the wife of F. D. Ilenneigh.
Mrs. Mary Crowder had but a short experience
of married life, as she died at her home in Marrow-
bone Township, March 15, I860, leaving a wide
circle of friends to mourn her loss.
The second marriage of Mr. Crowder took place
in Marrowbone Township, June 2<). I860, his bride
being Miss Louvina Bosley, who was born in
Shelby County, this State. February 1. 1837.
Seven children have crowned this union — Sarah
I!., who died when young; William E.. who
married Miss Nellie Jordan; Mattie M., the wife of
\V. II. Logan; Andrew who died in childhood;
Armilda R.. Viola G. and Thomas II.. Jr.
Farming and stock-raising in Marrowbone
Township have fully employed the energies and
enterprise of our subject anil he has employed the
wise plans and shown the absorbing attention in
business which have brought success. Upon his
farm he has erected an excellent set of buildings
suitable for carrying on the work and sheltering
his Stock, and he is the owner of between four
hundred and live hundred acres of excellent land"
His well known reputation as a judicious and
intelligent gentleman has led his fellow-citizens to
twice elect him to the office of Supervisor of
Marrowbone Township, lie is considered a leader
in the Republican ranks and takes an active part
in local politics. For more than twenty years he
has been an Elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in which his wife is also a member and
where they are esteemed as conscientious and
devoted helpers in every good work.
The introduction of Short-horn cattle in this
section of the country may justly be credited to
this enterprising gentleman, and he is in the
possession of the only full set of American Herd
Looks in Shelby and Moultrie Counties, lie also
makes a specialty of South Down stock as well as
carriage, coach ami draft horses. He takes a great
interest in every phase of the subject pertaining
358
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to fine stuck and is thoroughly informed in
regard to this matter, t >»-in l; considered the
fountain head of information on thesubject. The
beautiful buildings upon his farm and his delight-
ful residence, a view of winch appears on another
page, speak forth their own praise of the system-
atic, conscientious and cultured gentleman whose
estate they crown.
\f|OHN If. SHELTON, a tanner residing on
section 2. Lowe Township, was horn in
Chatham Township, Sangamon ( ounty. 111..
April 28. 1833. Hi- father, the late William
Shelton. was a native of Virginia, while his mother,
whose maiden name was Prudence Xeal. was bora
in Kentucky. They came to Illinois early in life,
and after their marriage in Sangamon County, set-
tled in Chatham Township, where after a long and
honorable life, the father died about L878, at the
age of seventy-two years. The mother survives at
an advanced aye and makes her home inSangamon
County.
The seven children born to this worthy couple
were named as follows: William. John R., Aniar-
ine. Daniel M., Zarilda, .lames and George. The
second son. John R., the subjeel of this biographi-
cal notice, was reared to manhood in Sangamon
County, his youth being passed in much the usual
mannerof fanners' hoys of that period. He gleaned
the rudiments of his education from the primitive
text hooks still in use in the district schools, and
this knowledge has been enlarged and broadened
through subsequent study, until he is now thor-
oughly informed on all events of local ami general
importance, and an agreeable conversationalist
with whom many a pleasant hour may he passed.
When ready to establish a home of his own. our
subject left the parental roof, and with his bride,
began life on a farm in Loami Township, lie has
ever received the cheerful co-operation of his wife,
with whom he was joined in the holy bonds of
wedlock in Loami Township. Sangamon County,
November 30, 1854. Mrs.8helton bore the maiden
name of Eliza J. Kinney, and was the daughtei of
the late Henry and Martraret (l)orronce) Kin-
ney, natives respectively of Madison and Oneida
Counties, New York. Mr.and Mrs. Kinney passed
the first years of their happy wedded life in
Loami Township, whence after a sojourn of many
years, they removed to Chatham village and there
the mother died in September, 1883. The father
afterward made his home in Springfield and also
with our subject until his death in Springfield,
April 2. 1889. His family comprised five children.
namely: Daniel, Clarissa, Caroline. Eliza J., and
Rebecca M.
The birthplace of Mrs. Shelton was Loami Town-
ship, Sangamon County, and her natal day October
9, 1834. Under the careful training of her parents
she grew to a noble womanhood, well fitted to take
charge of a home of her own. Her first home after
marriage was in Loami Township, hut later she and
her husband settled in Chatham Township. This
was not their permanent home, however. In Sep-
tember. 1874. they came to .Moultrie County, where
they purchased a farm on section 2. Lowe Town-
ship, and here they still remain. The farm com-
prises one hundred and nine acres, and he has a
neat set of buildings, including a commodious,
conveniently-arranged residence, where comfort
reigns supreme and hospitality abounds.
Seven children have been horn of the happy
wedded lite of Mr. and Mrs. Shelton; William and
Lewis are deceased, the former dying at the age of
one year and the latter when seven years old:
William (2d) died in Lowe Township in 1876 when
seventeen year- old: Richard is a farmer in Color-
ado: Luella is the wife of Frank Kagey; Charles
and Caroline M. are still at home. Mrs. Shelton is
a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, to
which she ha- belonged since 1865. Her maternal
great-grandfather was a surgeon in the Revolu-
tionary War and lost his life at Ft. QuQuesne. On
her father's side .Mrs. Shelton is of English ex-
traction, and on the maternal side of Irish descent.
When the preservation of the Union was threat-
ened Mr. Shelton was deeply devoted to her wel-
fare and enlisted in her behalf in August, l*fi2. in
Company B, One Hundred and Thirtieth Illinois
Infantry, serving three years until the close of the
war. Dnring this time he was on constant duty
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
359
and tin- hardships and exposures so undermined
his strength that In- has -nice never regained his
former health. He participated in tin- following
important engagements: Magnolia Hill. Champion
Hills. Jackson, Miss., Vicksburg, Ft. Blakesly and
Spanish Fort, besides numerous skirmishes of minor
importance though not less dangerous, lie was
with the One Hundred and Thirtieth Illinois from
the time of his enlistment until May 6, 1863, when
he was detached ami joined the Mercantile Battery
of Chicago. After remaining with this battery
one year he rejoined the regiment with which he
had originally enlisted. This was consolidated
with the Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry, of
which it was an integral part until peace was
declared.
As might lie expected Mr. Shelton is a promi-
nent member of Harker Post, No. 189, (-. A. li.
In politics he is a firm Republican, but has never
Keen an office-seeker, preferring domestic pleasures
to the turmoil of public life. lie is a tine type of
our self-made men. as he entered upon his career
as a fanner with but little means and only by the
exercise of ambition and industry coupled with
practical economy and excellent business judg-
ment, has he worked his way up to a position of
importance among the most substantial citizen- of
I -owe Township.
ACOB H. DUMOND. Although an Amer-
ican by birth, education and association, of
which fact he is proud, our subject is of
French parentage and ancestry, and all his
business dealings have been carried on with a dash
and vivacity for which hi- ancestors have always
been noted. Now. at the zenith of his career, lit-
is a farmer and stock-dealer residing in Loving-
ton, Moultrie County, but his interests have been
so large and varied for the past twenty-five year-.
and his exploits in commercial fields have brought
such sudden and rich returns that one hesitates to
set bim down as a fanner. His name i- one that
i- most frequently met with in the environs of
Paris.
Our subject's father wa- William Dumond. who
was of French parentage. His mother wa- Martha
Housel, who was born in Steuben County, X. Y.
There they were married and settled on a farm.
whence they came to Edgar ( ounty, this State, in
1840, where they lived until their decease. The
father passed awaj September 24, 1850. The
mother's decease occurred in June, 1884. He was
a fanner by occupation and brought up his sons
to a thorough knowledge of agricultural work.
They hail six children, three -on- and three daugh-
ters, and Of these our subject was the eldest, lie
was born in Steuben County, X. Y., March 18,
1835, and came to this State with his parents in
June, 1840. Here he grew to maul 1. being
reared on his father's farm, and although educa-
tional advantages were not of the best, he man-
aged to acquire a good and practical education.
He lived at home with hi- mother until he lie-
came of age. early shouldering the responsibilities
and care- of the family as his father had died
when the son was but fifteen year- of age.
After leaving home, our subject was engaged
in a saw and grist mill in Oakland, Coles County.
for a period of four years, "hence he went to
Vermilion County, this state. His attention was
attracted thither by the fact that a severe wind-
Storm or cyclone passing through a heavy belt of
timber in Vermilion County laid lowmany thou-
sands of the monarch- of the forest that had only
to lie drawn ton convenient place to be -awed into
timber. Borrowing the monej with which to
cany out hi- plans, he erected a sawmill in a een
tral location and began the work of transform-
ing the logs into merchantable shape. Although
he got the very small amount of sixty-five cents
per hundred for his work, he paid the amount
loaned him and had remaining quite a handsome
interest lie continued there about two years,
when he traded his interest in the machinery for
one hundred and twenty acres of land near Oak-
land. Cole County, and upon this he settled, en-
gaging in farming. There he remained for thret
years, at the end of which time he traded his
farm for one hundred and sixty acre- in Moultrie
(ounty without seeing it. Besides this he received
*:;h<i in cash, and this Mr. Dumond considered
One "f the best trade- he ha- cw-i made. The land
360
PORTRAIT AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was located in Lowe Township, to which place our
subject removed and continued t<> live until the
spring of 1**6. when he retired from active farm-
ing and came to Lovington, where he has since
resided. He is now the owner of eight hundred
and five acres, seven hundred and sixty of which
are in one body.
When quite a young man Mr. Dumond took
upon himself the responsibilities of married life.
taking as his wife Elizabeth Kerns. Their nuptials
were celebrated in Oakland, Coles County, this
State. November 19, 1859. Mrs. Dumond was a
native probably of Pennsylvania, although < >hio
may have been her birthplace, as her parents lived
there when she was very young. This marriage
was blessed by the advent of three children, whose
names are: Hat-tie A., the wife of Thomas Ran-
dolph, of White County, this State: Henry P. is
a farmer in Lowe Township; and Kulista died in
infancy. Mrs. Elizabeth Dumond's death occurred
in Lowe Township .June Hi. 1869. She was an
admirable woman, her chief interest being centered
in her home and family.
( ) in- subject's second marriage was to .Mrs. Eliza-
beth Hunsinger, the widow of Simon Hunsinger,
who was born in White County, 111. By her first
marriage she was the mother of two children —
Mary and Willie, deceased. By her union with Mr.
Dumond she became the mother of one child —
Arabella. Mrs. Dumond was a member of the Baptist
Church and a most estimable woman, she died
duly 1."). 1885.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were
William V. and Eliza Dumond, both natives of
France. The maternal grandparents were Jacob
and Sarah Housel, natives of New York State.
Jacob Housel was one of the settlers in Edgar
County and locaters of the old state road which
runs from Springfield to the State line, and join-
ing with the road going on to Indianapolis, lie
located many of the early settlers of Edgar
County, this state. To Mr. Housel i> due the
credit of being one of the promoters of the old
Terre Haute and Alton Railroad, now known as
the "Big Four.'" running at the present time from
Indianapolis to St. Loins, and in his efforts and
zeal for the success of this road he so involved
himself financially that he lost all his property,
but during the years that have since elapsed he
recovered to a great extent his financial standing.
The original of our sketch i> a man whose nat-
ural abilities and pleasing presence have pushed
him to the front in local public life. He has tilled
the office of Supervisor of Lowe Township upwards
i if -even years, and for several years was Chairman
of the Town Board. Mr. Dumond has taken an
active part in political affairs, being a devoted
and enthusiastic adherent of the Democratic party.
Socially lie i> a member of the Masonic fraternity
and has held many of the chairs in that society.
APT. JOHN ANDREW FREELAND. To
be descended from an honorable ancestry
and to trace one's lineage from men and
women of past generations who lived noble lives
and served their country and their God is a just
subject for pride and self-congratulation. And such
a record i> his whose name appears at the head of
this. paragraph.
Capt. Freeland, who resides upon section 17.
Marrowbone Township, Moultrie County, is the
son of the late John .1. Freeland. who was born in
Orange County. X. ( '.. upon Xew Year's day, 170*.
John Freeland. the father of John J., was born in
the same county in 1762, and his father. .lames (the
great-grandfather of our subject) first saw the light
within twenty miles of Londonderry. Ireland, in
1730. The father of this ancestor, whose name is
unknown, is said to be one of the Huguenot refu-
gees who fled from Pickardy. France, and settled
near Londonderry, Ireland. The persecutions of
those day- >ent out from their native homes hun-
dreds of valuable citizens whose worth was not ap-
preciated by the Government under which they
lived, but those lives in Eoreign lands proved the
seed-corn from which sprang religions and politi
cal liberty.
James Freeland, the great-grandfather of our sub-
ject, came about the year 1725 from Ireland and
settled on the Schuylkill River, in German town,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
361
which was afterward the site of a notable conflict
and is now probably the mosl elegant suburb of
Philadelphia. After the Revolutionary War he
removed to Ninth Carolina where his son, James,
made a matrimonial allianee with Sally, daughter
of Gov. Dinwiddie, who was Governor of Virginia
under the British Crown. The great-grandfather
of our subject took a very active part in all impor-
tant movements and was one of the prominent
men of that day. His last days were spent in Ala-
mance County. N. C, where he died at the age of
eighty-five.
John Freeland, the grandfather of our subject,
was born, as before stated, in 1762, and was Deputy
Sheriff at an early age under his father, and like
him was an active and prominent man. He passed
the last years of his honorable career upon his
plantation in Orange County. X. ('.. where he. like
his father, reached the advanced age of eighty-five
years. He was an independent soldier in the Revo-
lutionary War and carried on "bushwhacking"
against the British.
John .1. Freeland. the father of our subject,
resided in North Carolina and was the proprietor
of a plantation and numerous slaves and was also
engaged in the mercantile business. The Gover-
nor of the State appointed him Judge of the
County Court, besides which he held other impor-
tant positions. He was prominently identified
with the Masonic order and for many years was
Master of the lodge and attained the Thirty-second
degree of Masonry. In his religious life he car-
ried out the principles of his Huguenot ancestry.
The new West attracted the attention of John
.1. Freeland and he emigrated hither and settled
at Freehand's Point which was named for his
brother .lames. It was in 1856 that he came to (his
State with his wife and the younger members of
the family and here he engaged in farming and
pa— ed the remainder of his days, dying in July,
l^TT. at Freeland Point. Marrowbone Township.
The mother of our subject, whose maiden name
was Mary Craige, was born in Orange County. N.
C. June <1. 1801, her parents being Col. David ami
Retty (Burroughs) Craige. who were natives of the
same county where they spent all their days.
Eleven children were born to .lohn J. and Mary
Freeland. These live sons and six daughters are
Charles -I. who is a physician at Rogers, Ark.;
Betty, is the wife of Dr. s. I). Schoolfield of
Macomb. Miss.; Catherine, a resident of Moultrie
County: Caroline, who was the wife of . I. B. Knight,
and died in Marrowbone Township about the year
1875; Francis M.. died in infancy: (apt.
William .1. of whom we wili speak more at length;
Mary, is the wife of Rev. Clark Loudoun of
Pierre, S. Dak.; Thomas J., of Dalton City, whose
biographical sketch will be found elsewhere in this
volume; Sarah .1.. who resides in Moultrie County:
(apt. .lohn Andrew ami Emma T.. who i> the wife
of .lames A. Ronev. a grain-dealer of Decatur. 111.
(apt. William .1. Freeland. the brother of our
subject, was an officer in the Confederate army
where he played an important part, as he com-
manded the provost guards of Whitney's division
of the army, and at the request of Gen. Whiting,
the right wing of the i'nion Army at the first
battle of Bull Run was attacked by him and cap-
tured the battery known as Old Betsey. He was
mortally wounded and captured at Fair Oaks and
dying at Fortress Monroe, was buried there with
Masonic honors. Before the breaking out of the
war he was filling the position of General Superin-
tendent of the North Carolina Central Railroad.
.lohn Andrew, who was next to the youngest in
this large family, was born in Orange County. N.
C, October 31. 1839, anil his early life was spent
there until he came to Moultrie County. 111., with
his father in 1856. He was living at home when
the war broke out and at once enlisted under the
I'nion flag. May 1. 1861, being one of the first
volunteers in Moultrie County. He became a
member of Company E, Twenty-first Illinois Regi-
ment which was afterward known as Grant's Regi-
ment and to whom was given the honor in 1891
of unveiling the magnificent equestrian statue of
that hero which has been erected in Lincoln Park.
Chicago. The young man was mustered into the
United states service at Springfield, 111., .luue 28.
1861, receiving the commission of Second Lieuten-
ant. He served in that capacity until November
20th of the same year when he was promoted to
the rank of F'irst Lieutenant and received further
promotion February 17. 1863, when he was given
362
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the commission of Captain. This position he held
until July 5, 1864, when he was honorably dis-
charged mid mustered out of service at Chatta-
nooga, To nn.
Our young hero was in the battle of Fredericks-
town, Mo., which was the first Union victory dur-
ing the Civil War and remembers being an eye
witness to the death of the rebel Gen. Lowe, who
was instantly killed in thai engagement. For sev-
eral weeks he was engaged with others in driving
the rebel General, Jeff Thompson, known as the
••Swamp Fox." across the White River into Arkan-
sas. He took pari in the siege <>f Corinth and saw
the smoke of battle at Perryville, Knob Gap, Stone
River, Liberty Gap and Chickamauga. Forseven-
teen days and nights he was under fire on John-
ston's ro treat from Kingston to Marietta, Ga.
After being mustered out of the service Capt.
Freeland returned to the peaceful engagement of
agriculture, devoting himself assiduously to farm-
ing and dealing in stock. Previous to the breaking
out of the war he had been married in Moultrie
County, his wedding day being February 5, 1861,
and his bride Miss Elvira Honey, a native of this
county, who bore to him two children — Alice, who
died when about live years old and William, who
was snatched from the arms of bis parents when a
babe of live months. The mother of these children
passeil to the other world April .'ill. [866.
Our subject was again married in Moultrie
County. .Inly I. I«l>7. to Miss l.yda J. Langton,
who was born in Lewiston, Pa., August 13, 1845.
They have had eight children: William C, John
11.. Joseph L., Ella B., May. Maude. Harry I., and
Homer. .May died when she was fourteen months
old. The family resided in Marrowbone Township
until 1874, when they removed to Sullivan and
here the Captain undertook the study of law, being
with Eden A- Clark for two years and being admit-
ted to the bar in Kansas in 1*77. In the spring
of that year he removed to Kinsley, Edwards
County, Kan., and practiced law there for two years,
during which time he was elected County .Indue for
one term and in 1879 returned to Illinois and again
made his homo in Marrowbone Township, since
which time he has paid his almost undivided atten-
tion to farming and raising tine horses and cattle.
Upon his lino farm of two hundred and sixty
acres (apt. Freeland has made valuable improv-
nients and within his hospitable home he and his
lovely and intelligent companion are ever ready to
extend gracious welcome to every friend who
seeks their door. One who visits this household
can but fool that he is the guest of a true gentle-
man and a genuine gentlewoman and those who
know' the public-spirited course which the Captain
always pursues in regard to affairs of public import,
are assured that ho is a disinterested citizen of his
county, lie is prominently identified with the
Washington Alexander Post. No. 17fi. O. A. R.
and has repeatedly been Commander of the post
and has been President of the Regimental Associ-
ation of Grant's old regiment. Ho is a Royal Arch
Mason and in politics is a Republican and formerly
took an active part in political affairs.
_^l
^-RM
_®
W /
> 1LKIXSON BROS. The union of the fam-
ily interests in business enterprises has
long boon made prominent both in the old
country and in America. Many prominent linns
have for generations borne the family name and it
lias been the pride of those thusconnected to main-
tain these business relations and to build up an
honorable record as a commercial family. So strong
has boon this feeling in some notable instances as
to compel any who joined the firm as members to
legally adopt the family name. This union of the
family affection and business interests is well illus-
trated in the record of the well-known firm whoso
name appears at the head of this paragraph.
The Wilkinson Pros., dealers in lumber, tile and
coal at Bethany, Moultrie County, established busi-
ness under the present firm and style in 1.S.H2. The
members of the firm are four brothers, namely:
Jasper N., John J., Warren A., William W., all of
them natives of Vinton County, Ohio, and sons of
Jacob and Mary (Morrison) Wilkinson. The par-
ents were also natives of Vinton County, were
there married and reared their family, remov-
ing to Illinois in the fall of 1864, and passing the
winter at Millniine. The following year they lo-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
363
cated al :i small town (now defunct) which bore
the name of Dawtown, and the father of the fam-
ily worked in :i sawmill there as his business in
Ohio had been in the line of operating sawmills
and gristmills.
The family removed in 1868 to a farm near Ar-
genta, Macon County. 111., and there thej rented
land and afterward purchased a farm of three hun-
dred acres, tilling and improving it and placing
upon it fine -tuck. There the parents Mill reside
and the father who has made a success of stock-
raising, is uow engaged in breeding red-polled
cattle. These faithful parents who have succeeded
in bringing up to maturity so fine a family are
people of true Christian character and prominent
members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Twelve children blessed this frugal pioneer home
and nine of the number are Mill living, namely:
Jasper N\. Warren A.. John J., William \\ '.. Mary
F... George V... Charles F... Arthur L. and I.uella J.
.Mary is now the wife of Walter L. William-: Jas-
per N. was born in 1851 and early distinguished
himself in local circles by his studious disposition,
fitting himself for teaching at the early age of fif-
teen. In 1874 he was graduated from the Mate
Normal University at Normal. 111., and he is now
a Professor in the Mate Normal School at Emporia,
Kan. He has formed a congenial marriage with
Mi-s Nellie Reynolds, of Buda, 111.
Warren A. was born December 14. 1857, and
was reared upon a farm until 1881, when he came
to Bethany and engaged in the manufacture of
tile, being associated with his brothers; he built a
tile factory, which they still own and operate, and
thus was inaugurated the successful business which
beat's their name. His marriage with Grace, daugh-
ter of Dr. E. A. Piatt, brought him three beautiful
children, all of whom are now deceased: his wife
:i 1~> ■ passed to the other world in 1891. Warren A.
resides at Bethany and gives his whole attention to
the business of the firm. John A. was born Sep-
tember 2.S. 1859, and, like his eldest brother, is a
graduate of the State Normal University al Normal.
111., being, a member of the (lass of '85; he also
gives his attention to teaching, being t lie Principal
of the grammar school at Springfield, III., and hav-
ing held the principalship of the Lovington schools
from 1885 to 1889. William W. was born Septem-
ber 1. 1861, and when he had completed his ele-
mentary education he devoted himself to the study
of .book-keeping and commercial law at Lincoln,
11L, and later attended Bryant & Stratton's Busi-
ness College at Chicago. After completing his
studies he became a useful member of the firm of
Wilkinson Bros, in 1882. He and his brother War-
ren are the active members of the firm and the effi-
cient and capable managers, making their home at
Bethany.
This honorable and intelligent family have
shown themselves capable both in the intellectual
and business world and the parents of these sons
have abundant reason to rejoice, not only in their
success in life in their respective fields and in the
respect whicb is meted out to them 1>\ all who
know them, but also in their admirable Christian
characters and in their efficiency in church work as
they are all workers in the Cumberland Presbyter-
ian Church, with which most of them are person-
ally identified.
4#
=^§*
Sp^>HOMA»S F. MAYES. The wonderful suc-
/V-n cess which ha- crowned tin- efforts of thou—
V_y and- of farmers who came to Illinois in
poverty, is worthy the annals of the historian.
The wealth in the soil of the Prairie Mate like the
gold hidden in the dins-, responded magically to
the alchemy of the earnest effort, enterprise and
industry of the pioneer farmer, and astonished the
world by its splendid results. The farming com-
munity of Dore Town-hip. Moultrie t ounty,gives
many instances of this success in agriculture and
one of its farmer- who reside- within the limits of
Dalton City, is the gentleman whose name appears
at the head of this sketch.
Our subject owns titty five acres of land within
this corporation, besides two hundred and forty
outside. He settled ill Moultrie County in the
spring of 1865, and has since been a resident of
Dore Township. He was born in Mifflin County.
Pa.. April 7. 1*:>7. being a son of Matthew T. and
Martha (Ewing) Mayes, the father of our subject
w; i
PORTRAIT AND RK (GRAPHICAL RECORD.
being a tanner by trade. The paternal grandpa-
rentscame from Maryland, and the parents <>f our
subject lived and <li<-<l in Pennsylvania, and dur-
ing their later years resided on a farm, where the
father died August 31. 1845, being then only forty-
two years old. while the mother survived until
the spring of 1869, and passed away at the age of
sixty-seven.
The four children of Matthew and Martha
Mayes are as follows: James, who is a resident of
Lewiston, Pa.; Eliza, who married Mr. G.W. Soult,
and resides on the old home in Mifflin County,
l'a.: William E., who resides in Strawn, Kan., and
our subject, who is the third in order of age. His
early life was passed upon the farm, and after tak-
ing a public school education he received instruc-
tion in the academy, ami ill 1857. took a business
course at Pittsburg, l'a.. after which he clerked in
different business houses.
Tin' marriage of our subject took place Decem-
ber 2<>. 1861, and lie was then united with Isabel
Laugton, who was horn : in Pennsylvania, and is a
daughter of Joseph I. and Catherine Laugton.
They continued to reside in Pennsylvania until
1865, when they came to Illinois and purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of slightly improved
land, anil proceeded to carry on the business of
stock-raising. In 1K7I. .Mr. .Mayes removed to
Dalton City, as he had been some time prior to
this movement appointed station agent, and he
was also carrying on the lumber business. He con-
tinued as station and express agent for two years,
after which he was for three years not employed in
the former capacity, hut in 1K7K. he took the posi-
tion again and still continues in it. At the same
lime he has carried on his farm successfully, hut in
May. 1875, he disposed of his lumber business.
Mr. and Mrs. Mayes have hail seven children, on c
daughter, Harriet ().. having died in her thirteenth
year. The others are as follows: Martha C. wife
of Lowell A. Smith, of Macon County; Anna M.,
who now lias charge of the railroad station at
Dalton City; Eliza E., wife of .lames Freeland,
of Macon County: Joseph I.. Matthew T.. and
.lames \\\. who are at home. In 1875. Mr. Maves
erected upon one of the prominent sites of the
town a tine store building, and established a drug
business which he conducted for some three years.
He has held a number of local offices and is a de-
voted adherent to the principles and policy of the
Democratic party. He is identified with both the
Knights of Honor and the Masonic fraternity.
Mrs. Mayes is a woman of devoted Christian char-
acter and a leading member in the Presbyterian
Church. Her pleasant home is the center of a true
social life and her gracious hospitality affords a
hearty welcome to every guest.
V *=»=♦ J
ICIIAEL ERIIARDT. Among the Ger-
l man-American citizens who have con-
^ tributed so largely to the development of
.Moultrie County and have been so prom-
inently connected with its progress, conspicuous
mention belongs to Mr. Erhardt who owns and
operates a tine farm on section 1(1. Lowe Township.
A worthy representative of the class of farmers
upon whom the prosperity of the world depends,
he is pursuing his chosen avocation with energy
and skill. In every movement that is likely to
advance the material or moral welfare of the citi-
zens, he is ever ready to bear what part he can. and
he and his estimable wife are ever to lie relied on
when there is need of neighborly service or friendly
advice.
Mr. Erhardt is the son of the late George Er-
hardt. a native of Germany, who was married in
bis native land to Barbara Erhardt, who was of the
same name hut no relative. In 1K54 the parents
emigrated to America and directly after landing
came to St. Louis, Mo., whence, after a residence
of one year, they removed to Sangamon County.
111. Several years afterward they came to Doug-
las County, where the father died in 1^72. The
mother survived him many years and passed from
earth in Moultrie County in 1886. Our subject,
who was the youngest among live children, was
horn in Germany, November 28. 1850. lie was
only about four years old when he was brought by
his parents to this country, of which he has ever
since been a resident.
%
PORTRAIT AND UK )( iKAl'HK AI. RECORD.
367
After passing the early years of lii- life in San-
gamon County, 111., and gaining the rudiments of
an education in its district schools. Mr. Krhardt
accompanied his parents to Douglas County.
There he was married June 11. 1874, to Miss
Catherine K. Hoover, daughter of Benjamin and
Nancy Hoover. Mr. Hoover resides in Arthur. 111.
He and his wife were the parents of nine children,
Mrs. Krhardt being the third, and she was born in
Pennsylvania December "2(i. Ijs.'pI. After their
marriage our subject and his wife located in Doug-
las County where they lived until 1881.
Upon coming to Moultrie Comity in 1881 Mr.
Krhardt located on section 10, Lowe Township,
where he now owns one hundred and twenty acres
of good land. Having followed farming pursuits
from his youth he has acquired a thorough prac-
tical knowledge of all its departments and has be-
come known as one of the most enterprising and
successful farmers of the vicinity. He is a firm
believer in the principles of the Democratic party
and supports its ca ididates with his ballot and in-
llucnee. He has held the offices of Highway Com-
missioner and School Director and has done efficient
service for the public in both capacities. He and
his wife are both active members of the Christian
Church, in which he has held the office of Elder.
They are the parents of four children. Benjamin,
George, Freddie and Alfred. George and Alfred
are deceased. The surviving children are receiv-
ing excellent educations and bid fair to hold re-
sponsible positions in life.
i@H
► • it
JM^-
S APT. JOHN J. SIMMONS, who resides on
section 18, of Tower Hill Township. Shelby
' County, was born in Troy. N. Y.. May 7.
181 1. When he was very young his father removed
to Covington, Kv.. and lived there about two years.
From there he removed to Switzerland ( ountv. End.,
where he remained forseven years, then he removed
again to Cincinnati, and with his family occupied
the first house in Cincinnati. Ohio, which was built
of logs. From the time our subject was a lad of
fourteen years of age until his parents" death, he
made himself their protector and provider, supply-
ing them with all the comforts of life that it was
possible for him to give them. After he was four-
teen years of age he was employed in steam boat-
ing on various rivers and was thus engaged for
fifty years.
In August, 1K74. the gentleman whose philan-
thropic life it is our pleasure here to chronicle,
and whose portrait is also presented to his many
friends, came to Shelby County and settled in
Tower Hill, where he has since been a resident. He
is the owner and proprietor of two hundred and
seventy acres of land, upon which he has erected a
very good series of buildings. His residence, to
which he has given the very suggestive name
"Happy Home'" is located at only a short distance
from the meeting of two roads and as the traveler
approaches he sees the name of the place in large
letters on the house; of course it attracts much at-
tention. It is. in fact and deed, a happy home.
Capt. and Mrs. Simmons, at the present writing,
(May. 1891) have been married about fifty-seven
years, and during all this time not an unpleasant
word has passed between them. Everything within
and without denotes happiness and comfort. Capt.
Simmons, who is at an advanced a^e.is at the pres-
ent lime in feeble health, and is the object of the
solicitude and kindest attention of each and every
member of his family. His marriage took place in
Cincinnati, Ohio, October 8, 1835, and the cere-
mony was solemnized by the father of Benjamin
Harrison, present President of the United States.
Mrs. Simmons was Miss Elizabeth Gunning,and was
born near Cincinnati, January 11. 1K17. Ten
children were born to this worthy couple and in-
stead of being cares and sources of trial to their
parents, as is unhappily too frequently the case,
they have been welcome, and grown up both lov-
ing and beloved among themselves and bearing a
tender regard for the authors of their being. In
name they are as follows: Alonzo, Caroline. Al-
bert. John •!.. Temperance .1.. Moses E. and Charles.
The deceased children- died in infancy. Alonzo
was married to Mary Xewbold. Caroline was the
wife of Monroe Taylor. Albert was united to Lu-
cindia Frailkill. John .1. married Anna Custer.
Temperance J. is the wife of Marshall Hipes. Moses
368
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
K. married Elizabeth Elliott. Charles was united
to Ella Fluckey.
dipt. Simmons has ever been a supporter of the
Gospel and lit- and liis wife are members of the
( hristian Church. Socially he has been united with
the Masonic fraternity, for many years, and is also
an Odd Fellow. His Masonic connection extend-
over fifty years, and his alliance with the ( >dd Fel-
lows for the same length <>t' time. It is a commen-
tary upon the effect of the use of stimulants that
Capt. Simmons, who has attained an age a good
many years transcending that which is usually al-
lotted to man. has never used tobacco in any form,
and although, having been a rivercaptain for many
years and associated with men who have the repu-
tation for indulging in stimulants to an alarming
extent, he scarcely knows the taste of intoxicants.
('apt. Simmons is the proud possessor of a line
on-hard covering thirty acres. For this he was
offered $100 an acre, by D. James, who is a prom-
inent nurseryman in Christian County. The fruits
that are the outcome of this orchard are as luscious
as any that come from the Golden Mate. The
father of our subject was John W. Simmons, who
was a native of New York City. He died in 1859
while on a visit to AVisconsin. Our subject 'smother
was Dolly (Ginison) Simmons, who was horn in
Boston, Mass.. and died in Kokomo. Ind. The
parents of Mrs. Simmons were Robert and Temper-
ance (Cox) Gunning. They were horn in Knoxville,
Tenn.. and died in Indiana.
The position of chief engineer as well as that of
( aptain was held by Mr. Simmons who is the pos-
sessor of fifty sets of Government licenses. He
served through the war. taking pari in the marine
conflicts on different gunboats, sometimes changing
from as many as live different boats in a single day.
although he had not enlisted in regular marine ser-
vice. His daughter, Mrs. Caroline Taylor, at whose
instance this sketch is written is the mother of two
children. John S. and Frank S.
The venerable old gentleman, whose picture
would serve as a happy representation of the he-
loved follower of the Master, is revered by all. All
his fads and fancies are quaint and benevolent and
show a generous spirit. He has provided a .
comfortable room in an outbuilding, which he pre-
pared especially for tramps or homeless people,
knowing all to be God's people, and believing it to
be incumbent on all who are prospered, to care for
the helpless, the homeless, and the unfortunate. He
i- a dear old gentleman, and makes one better and
gentler to come in contact with him.
»»->fc->*^H
-®#®-
OBERT McCLUNG. Among the old resi-
dents of Moultrie ( ounty and numbered
among her brave hoys who were sent forth
to defend the flag of our Union we are
pleased to name the progressive and intelligent
farmer, whose prosperity we here record. Mr. Mc-
Clung resides on section 30, J. owe Township, and
his residence in the county dates from 1859, dur-
ing which year there were hut seven voters in the
township and of that seven our subject is the only
one now remaining within its bounds.
This gentleman was horn in Union County.
Ohio, -Inly 12. 1836, his respected parents being
Thomas arid Elizabeth (Danderson) Met lung, who
had their birth in the ( >ld Dominion and the Buck-
eye State respectively and who met and married
in Perry County, Ohio. The tirst wedded home
of this couple was established in Logan County,
that State, where they were early settlers before
moving to Union (ounty.
"Westward the star of Empire takes its course."
and following this beacon the family undertook a
removal with team and wagon from Ohio to Iowa.
Arriving there in 1844 they prospected for a while.
but being dissatisfied with the Hawkeye State they
turned hack as far as Vigo County. Ind.. where
they remained for some time and where the mother
died in 1846. she had been the mother of eleven
children of whom seven grew to years of maturity.
The father eventually returned to Ohio where he
remained for several years, hut his final end came
in Vigo County, Ind.. while he was making a visit.
The early orphanage of our subject by the death
of his mother when he was ten years old led to his
making his home with an uncle and both at his
father's and at his relative's lie was thoroughly
trained in farm duties and prepared for a practical
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
369
life, lint in various ways his schooling was inter-
fered with and his book education was limited.
His first coming West was in 1S.")2 and his first
settlement was at Monticello, Hi., where he made
the acquaintance of the Piatt family with whom
he made Ins home and served as a farm hand. In
1859 he left this family (for whom the flourishing
county of Piatt was named) and came to Moultrie
County where he rented a farm, lint his patriotic
impulse did not permit him to remain here follow-
ing the pursuits of peace, lie enlisted in 1862
and was mustered into service in Company A, One
Hundred Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry under
command of Cant. Van Fleet. This company
served through three years of fatiguing marches.
severe engagements, numerous skirmishes and
gained for themselves an enviable renown.
After the war our subject returned to Moultrie
County and purchasing eighty acres of rich lint
unbroken prairie soil started in to make his for-
tune. In his effort he has been unusually success-
ful and now owns four hundred and eighty acres
of as tine land as can be found in Moultrie County
and upon it lie has placed an excellent farm resi-
dence, good barns and all the appurtenances which
belong to a first-class farm. Stock farming has
lieeu the department of agriculture which he has
pursued and which has proved profitable to him.
The happy wedding day of our subject was July
7, 1872, and his bride, Cordelia Gaul, who was
born December 15, 1837, is a daughter of Jacob
Gaul who came to Moultrie County in 1865 and
settled upon section 4. Jonathan Creek Township.
The father of Mrs. McClung is a native of the
city of Philadelphia where he was horn June 9,
1811, being the son of John T. and Dorothea
Gaul, natives of Germany, who came to America
in an early life and were married in Pennsylvania.
They made their home in Philadelphia the re-
mainder of their lives. The mother completed her
three-score and ten years and the father lived to
the advanced age of eighty-six. John T. Caul
was twice married, his first union bringing him
eight children and his second giving him four
children — Simon. Adam. Jacob and Sarah. The
son Jacob learned the trade of a basket-maker
which he followed in his native city before remov-
ing West. He removed to Cincinnati. Ohio, in
1S.")2. and Subsequently resided in Chicago for
some eighteen months, after which he followed
farming for a short, time in Clermont County.
Ohio. In L865 he came to Moultrie County where
he had previously purchased land anil where he
now owns a handsome farm.
The mother of Mrs. McClung bore the maiden
name of Rebecca Clarke and was a native of New
Jersey. Her marriage to Mr. Gaul took place in
Philadelphia in lH:5.r> and her death occurred in
Moultrie County. 111. She was the mother of five
children, namely. Susannah, who married Samuel
Smith and died in Cincinnati. Ohio; Cordelia, the
wife of Robert McClung; Edmund; Rebecca, who
who married William Merritl and Jacob who died
in Moultrie County. The mother of these child-
ren was an earnest and active member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mrs. McClung has three children with her in
this life and one who has passed before to the
spirit land. The living are Isaac. Rebecca and
Myrtle A. The political views of Mr. McClung
have led him to affiliate with the party whose
most notable exponent was the author of the Dec-
laration of Independence.
> OTTLEIB F. SILVER. Although born in
a land far distant from this. Mr. Silver is a
stanch defender of the interests of his
adopted home and there is within the bounds of
Moultrie County no more patriotic citizen than he.
From early childhood he lias had his own way to
make in the world and he has done well, for he
has risen from poverty to a position of importance
among his fellow-men. Nor has he been successful
in accumulating a competency only, but in the
best sense of the word he has been successful in
gaining the respect of his associates, in justly win-
ning a name for uprightness and honor, and in
being numbered with the representative citizens
of the county.
Wurtemberg. Germany, was the native place of
370
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
our subject and February 10, 1828, the date of his
birth. I lis immediate progenitors were John G.
and Christina Silver, natives of the Fatherland,
who came to America in 1832, seeking a home in
this new country. Theysettled in Morgan County,
Ohio, where the mother died in 1836. The father
survived many years and passed from the busy
scenes of earth in 1874, in Hocking County. Ohio.
They had four sons and four daughters, who at-
tained to maturity, and our subjecl was among the
younger members of the family.
Mr. Silver remembers few of the incident- of the
voyage across the broad Atlantic, for he was only
four years old when his parents emigrated to
America. He passed his youth in Morgan and
Hocking Counties, Ohio, assisting Ids father upon
the home farm in the summer while during a few
months of the year he attended the common
schools of the district, lie was united in marriage
October 20, 1851, in Hocking County, with Eliza-
beth Moutz, daughter of Gottleib and Catherine
(Fritz) Moutz. both of Germany. Coming to
America in 1832 they settled in Pennsylvania and
after about two years spent there, they removed to
Muskingum County, Ohio, where she died in the
city of Zanesville. He pa>sed from earth in Cin-
cinnati. Ohio. Of their large family of children.
Mrs. Silver is one of the younger members and she
was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 16.
1829.
Hocking County was the first home of Mr. Sil-
ver after his marriage, and thence after several
years spent there, he removed to Morgan County.
Two years afterward he returned to HockingCounty
and sojourned there until 1 HT.'i. engaged in farm-
ing operations and becoming known throughout
the community as a thrifty agriculturalist and an
honorable citizen. He came to Moultrie County
in 1873 and settling on section 8, Lowe Township,
proceeded at once to improve and cultivate the
tract of land which he purchased there. lie own-
three hundred and twenty acre- of tine land, which
yields him yearly a tribute of golden grain. Farm-
ing has been almost his life pursuit, although for
about ten years in Ohio he was a carpenter.
Five children came to bless the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Silver and their record i- a- follow-: Mary,
the wife of David Van Curen; John F.. who died
when young: Elizabeth, who became the wife of
S.E.Grant; John (i.. and William, who married
Mis- Nettie Buxton. In his political affiliation-
Mr. Silver i^ a Republican, and has served the peo-
ple efficiently a- Highway Commissioner three
years, lie and hi- estimable wife are member? in
g 1 standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
and he has been Superintendent of the Sunday
school. They are genial, hospitable people, whose
influence upon the community is apparent for
good, and whose interest in the welfare of human-
it v is great.
i.mm3&£2=
.:■
ICHAEL H. WARREN. Public-spirited
citizen- who are broad enough to take an
interest in the affairs of the community in
which they live and sufficiently shrewd
and far-sighted to force opportunities for its im-
provement, are the richest heritage of any commu-
nity, and Moultrie County i> not poor in such.
Among her sons who have thus shown the nobility
of their natures and their ability to forward the
welfare of the county, we are pleased to mention
Michael H. Warren, a retired farmer and Notary
Public residing at Arthur.
Our subject has been a resident of the county
since May 19, 1859, and is by birth a Virginian,
being born in Harrison County, that State. August
9.182b. His parents, Abijah and Sarah (Shields)
Warren, being natives of the Old Dominion, re-
mained there until about 1840, when they re-
moved to Athens County. Ohio, and made their
homo at Nelsonville. About a year after their
migration. Abijah Warren passed from earth and
in 1844 the family returned to Virginia. In 1853
the mother came to Illinois and settled in Jonathan
Creek Township, Moultrie County, upon a raw
prairie farm. There she made her home and cared
for her children until 1865, when her death oc-
curred. There were nine in the family, all of
whom grew to mature years and all became resi-
dents of Illinois.
Michael Warren was reared to farm work, but
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
371
after he attained his majority he learned the trade
of saddlery and harness-making and pursued this
calling until he came to I ! lin< >i> in 1859, when he
purchased land in Jonathan C reek Township and
carried on a farm for some years. In the mean-
while he had purchased more land — some eighty
acres — upon which the west half of Arthur i- now
located. He early foresaw the necessity for a good
system of transportation t<> bring Moultrie County
within reach of the great markets of the world and
was liberal in his gifts to secure the location through
Arthur of a railroad, giving some twenty acres to
the railroad to secure this end. He purchased one
hundred and sixty acres on Section 25, Lowe
Township, but has made his residence in the vil-
lage of Arthur since 1873. He opened the first
mail hag which was thrown off at this station, ashe
was then acting as Deputy Postmaster. The re-
ceipts of the office were then ¥12 per annum.
During the Cleveland Administration he had the
position of Postmaster.
Mr. Warren was married in 1848, in Barbour
County. W. Ya.. to Eleanor A., daughter of Daniel
Bartlett. This lady is a native of Virginia and is
the mother of thirteen children, all of whom
reached the years of maturity. They are a- fol-
low-: sarah .1.. wife of A. II. Dolin; Winfield s..
who resides in Nebraska; Sarah Elizabeth, who
married C. W. Fleming; Millard I-'., a druggist at
Arthur: Americus F., a carpenter; Mary Margaret,
the wife of s. II. Dehart; Caroline Virginia, the
wife of Daniel Evans, of Nebraska; John D., a har-
ness-maker at Arthur; Martha: Rosa A., who was
the wife of D. M. Huckelberry, ami ha- died, leav-
ing one child: Lilly, the wife of William Preble, a
barber at Arthur: Eva Lee and Mamie.
Our subject has, since coming to Illinois, affil-
iated with the Democratic party, though while in
Virginia he counted himself a Whig; though not a
voter because unmarried, for in Virginia an un-
married man could not vote. He has here held
some positions of trust and responsibility, having
l>een County surveyor for seven years and Justice
of the Peace for twelve years.
Millard E. Warren, one of the -on- of Michael
H. Warren, who is now a prominent citizen of
Arthur, wa- born in Harrison ( ounty. Va.,August
853. and came with the family to Illinois in
1859, and thus grew to manhood in Moultrie
County, lie wa- educated in the common scoools
and assisted his father in tilling the soil. In 1873
he tame to Arthur and for rive years conducted a
photograph gallery, after which he established a
restaurant business, and in July. 1889, engaged in
the drug trade.
This gentleman was twice married, the first time
in 1*7:>. to Alice, daughter of John and Permelia
Gerkin. This lady, who was a native of Moultrie
County, was both amiable and accomplished and
well fitted to make a happy home, hut her married
life was not of long duration, as she died in 1**2.
leaving one daughter, Nellie. In 1884 Mr. Warren
was married a second time, then uniting his life
with that of Ella Luce, daughter of William Luce.
she wa- born in Areola. 111., and has two children.
William M. and Katie May. Like his father, this
young man is a Democrat in his political prefer-
ences ami ha- tilled the offices of Assessor aud
Township Clerk. He i- a man of warm social qual-
ities and is identified with the Arthur Lodge, No.
742. Lttl '. F.
-^i
— *jp J*
s-^ EORGE W. suiKEY. who resides on sec-
I — tion 2,">. in Lovington Township. Moultrie
\_A I ounty, i- a son of the late Samuel and
Barbara Ann (shede) shirev. of whom a fuller his-
tory may be found under the sketch of our sub-
ject's brother, William s. Shirev. in another part
of thi- volume, and of a family of ten children the
original of this -ketch was the fifth in order of
birth, thus, in his childhood days, he had plenty
of playmates and childish sympathizers with the
youthful peccadillos in which he found himself.
He was born in Clear spring. Ind., August 7. 1839,
and now has attained that period of manhood
when speculation and experience go hand in hand
and thus wedded, bring the best results to their
possess) a.
His removal to Illinois was made when his fath-
er came hither and with him he lived until 1862,
when he himself set up a household, placing over
372
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his home as mistress, Miss Mary J. Rear. They
were married in Bloomington, this State, in June,
1862. The lady is a daughter of Samuel Bear?
who died in Macon County, this state. The moth-
er is also deceased. Mrs. Mary J. Shirey was bom
in Cumberland County, Pa., April 17. 1*44. She
bore her husband eiijht children, whose names are
Georgia A., Almeda, Samuel R.. Leonora M.,
Charles, Homer, Gertrude, and Frankie. The eldest
daughter is the wife of Orange Behan. Almeda
married Oliver 0. Dawson. Leonora M. is the wife
of .1. II. White. Frankie died when one and a half
years old.
.Mrs. .Mary .1. shirey departed this life March 2s.
1891. She was a true Christian and a conscienti-
ous, God-fearing woman, a member of the Luther-
an Church and an interested, ardent worker. After
marriage our subject settled first in Macon County,
this State where he lived until 1*74. when he re-
moved to Moultrie County and settled in Loving-
ton Township, finding this climate and country,
pleasant and adapted to his methods of agricultur-
al employment, He has always been engaged in
farming and upon the place where he at present
resides there are many and valuable Improvements
there made by his own bands. He has a delightful
home that, while neat and attractive exteriorly.
interiorly presents the comforts and refinements
that are so necessary to the enjoyment of life
Rook- abound, and the current literature of lhe day
is found upon his shelves and tallies. The domes-
tic management is apparently without a flaw- and
the inner man is provided with the most tooth-
some delicacies. He heir own- one hundred and
forty-four and one-half acres.
A Democrat is bis political preference, our sub-
ject is first of all an adherent of the principles of
honor and right. Party is little to him. uTespee-
tive of the purposes and plans that it matures and
executes for the benefit of the masses of the people.
lie has held several important offices in the gift of
the township, having been Highway Commissioner
for a number of year.-. He is also School Trustee,
and in this direction his desire is to lit' thoroughly
abreast with the times in educational matters and
to procure for tin- young people of this district
siieh advantages that they will never have occas-
sion to look back with regret upon the day- -pent
in school. Socially lie of whom we write is a
member of the Masonic fraternity, becoming thus
connected about twelve years, (in tin- breaking
out of the war. he enlisted in the Union Army,
in August, 1862, and was mustered into Company
R. of the One Hundred and sixteenth Illinois Regi-
ment, with which he served for a period of six
months, at the expiration of which time, he was
discharged on account of disability. Mr. Shirey is
a man who is not satisfied with mediocrity in any
way. He is not ambitious to possess greal tracts
of land, but does care that that of which he is u« n-
er, should be cultivated to the fullest possible ex-
tent.
'■ ' &^j |
*5/-"*IloMAs .1. FREELAND, a dealer in grain,
located in Dalton City. Moultrie County,
came here in 1871, and was the first man to
engage in business in the place. He shipped the
first irrain and the first eattle from that station, and
has since continued in this line of business here,
thus constituting himself the pioneer and the old-
est business man in Dalton. Hi- wa- born in Or-
ange County, N". ( .. June 2'.». 1838, his honored
parents being John .Land Mary B. (Craig) Free-
land, both of whom were natives of North Caro-
lina, .lames Freeland, an ancle of our subject,
came to Illinois in 1835 and settled in what has
since been known as Freeland's Point. To that
place he was followed in 1856 by the parents of
our subject, and there they undertook the business
of farming, and made it their permanent home
until death called them to another and better
world, which call came to the father in July,
1*77.
All but one of the eleven children of John .1.
and Mary B. Freeland grew to reach their major-
ity, and are named as follow-: Charles .1.. who i-
a member of the medical profession, and resides
at Rogers, Ark.: Elizabeth C. married Dr. S. 1).
School field and makes her home at Macomb. Mi—.:
Catherine .1. reside- in Moultrie County: Caro-
lina married .1. R. Knight, and died in Moul-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
37:i
trie County: William J. was Major in the
Sixth North Carolina [n fan try, and was mortally
wounded at Fair Oaks, dying al Fortress Monroe;
Mary A., who married the Rev. Clark Louden, a
Presbyterian clergyman of Pierre. S. Dak.; Thomas
J., our subject; Sarah J., who resides in Moultrie
County; John A., who was Captain in the Twenty-
first Illinois Infantry, and now resides in Moultrie
County: Emma T.. wife of J. A. Roney, of De-
catur.
The father of our subject was a Whig in his
political views, and while living in North Carolina
was Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Or-
ange County, and Mayor of the town of Hillsboro,
where he engaged in the mercantile business, and
wa- a slaveholder. He was an Elder in the Pres-
byterian Church, which in those days and in that
latitude was not considered inconsistent with hold-
ing in bondage his fellow-creatures. After com-
ing to Illinois he became a Republican, and
ever stood by the political doctrines of that
party.
Our subject had very good school advantages in
his native State, and came with the family to Illi-
nois in 1856. In 1862 he raised a c ipany of
volunteers to fight for the old flag, bu1 being taken
sick, was unable to accompanythis company to the
seat of war. Later he enlisted as a recruit, and
was assigned to Company C, Fifty-ninth Illinois
Infantry, under the command of Gen. Henderson.
He served until November, 1865, and was present
and took part in the battles of Franklin and Nash-
ville, hut most of the time was detailed in the field
hospital department.
After the war this young man engaged in fann-
ing and trading in Moultrie County until he estab-
lished his present business, and was associated with
Mr. .1. A. Roney as partner for some ten years,
after which he undertook business alone. lie has
been successful in his efforts, and is accumulating
a handsome property, as he now owns ninety acres
of land, besides some excellent property in Dalton
and Decatur. He was married in 1 s 7 .", in Cora S.
Dickey, daughter of .1. W. and Nancy Dickey
This lady was born in Marshall, III., where she re-
ceived her early education and training, and she
lias become the mother of one child. .John F. Like
the father, our subject has become devotedly at-
tached to the Republican party, and although he
usually gives all his time to private business, he
took time during the early days of Dalton to
serve the village as the tirst President of the Vill-
age Hoard. He is identified with the Knights Tem-
plar, and i> a prominent and useful member of the
Presbyterian Church.
LFRED R. SCOTT. Moultrie County
Owes much to her thorough, plucky, push-
ing, persevering business men who are an
QJ important element in the alchemy which
through various processes, turns the wealth of
the soil into the gold of commerce. The philos-
opher's stone of the ancient traditions is nothing
to compare with them. Without their interven-
tion which brings into contact the producerand the
consumer, the farmer would be overloaded with
tin' products of the soil and the consumers might
starve for lack of sustenance. Such a man is he
whose name appears at the head of this present
writing.
Mr. Scott is not only the proprietor of the Fx-
change Bank, but also is a miller anil a dealer in
grain, and he has been a resident of Bethany since
1853. In addition to his other lines of business
he was engaged for quite a period (beginning in
1868) in general merchandising. Ten years later
he sold out this interest in older to devote himself
more thoroughly to the grain trade, but in 1.H.S4.
he again purchased the store and carried it on
until 1886. It was in 1887 when he established
the Exchange Hank and he had built the roller
mills in 1881. This latter industry he has carried
on successfully and has now entirely remodeled the
establishment, lie owned and operated the mill
along until 1887 when he associated with himself,
a- a partner in the business. .Mr. .1. O. Holderman.
He of whom we write was born in Macon
County, III.. June 27. 1845. His worthy anil hon-
ored parents. Joseph and Ethealind (Ashmore)
Scott, were natives of Tennessee, who were mar-
ried after coming to Illinois, as each had come to
374
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Moultrie County in early life. The paternal
grandfather of our subject, James Scott, brought
his family to the Prairie State, about the year
1830, settling at Mt. Zion in Macon County, where
he undertook farming, which he pursued until he
was called to the better land.
In 1853 the newly married parents of our sub-
ject located on a farm at Bethany, where the mo-
ther is still living, having become a widow in 1856.
Her four children all grew to years of maturity.
namely: .lames, who was a soldier in the Fifth
Cavalry and subsequently re-enlisted and died in
lsr>.">: Elizabeth .1.. who married James McQuire
and died in 1883 and Alfred R.. our subject who
i> now the only surviving child of his mother"s
little (lock.
The farm, the district school and the Mt. Zion
Academy formed the scenes of the early training
and discipline of our subject, lie left school in
1867 and the following year engaged in business
at Bethany, having previously carried on for one
year the buying and selling of live slock. His
happy married life began in 1868. he being then
united with Mary J. Smith, daughter of Samuel
King Smith. This lady was horn in Kentucky in
1850 and is the happy mother of eight children
who hear the names of Ida. Hugh. Etha, Troy.
Samuel Joseph, Augusta It., Smith Wilson, and
Marie.
This successful business man and hanker had
but a small capital upon which to base the begin-
nings of his present expanded business. His abil-
ities, especially in the line of finance, have brought
him to the front and he has accumulated a hand-
some property and is now building a fine residence
which will be the pride of Bethany. Besides his
enterprises at Bethany, he has also carried on from
1886 to the present year a general store at Cerm
Gordo, which is not only a credit to that town,
but also a source of income to the proprietor.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Scott are members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and in its com-
munion they are active workers. The Knights
Templar also claim this gentleman as one of their
prominent members. His political views are in
accordance with the platform of the Republican
party and it is his earnest desire that none Other
than a Republican shall ever till the Presidential
chair. As Supervisor of Marrowbone Township
he was during his incumbency of that office the
prominent promoter of every movement for the
welfare of its citizens and the prosperity of the
community.
JlpSFUGUST OTTA. A fine representative of
the foreign element that has been so po-
tent in developing the varied resource- of
this county. Mr. Otta has won an import-
ant place among its most intelligent farmers and
stock-raisers. He has extensive agricultural inter-
ests in Moweaqua ami l'enn Townships, his home be-
ing in the former place. He was born in Brunswick.
German}', February 13, 1844, to Henry and Eliza-
beth Otta. who were likewise natives of Brunswick.
The father of Our subject spenl his entire life in
lii> native land, dying there in 1 <s t s. leaving a
widow and >ix children. Henry, the eldest son.
>till resides in Brunswick; William 'was a soldier
in the Fourth Kansas Cavalry during the war be-
tween the Xortli and South, anil gave up his life
for his adopted country; Fred died in Illinois;
Minnie and Lena arc the names of the two daugh-
ters of the family.
( )ur subject was the youngesl child of his parents.
He was lint four years oid when his father died,
and hi> mother cared for him until he became self-
supporting. She lived for several years after
COmillgtO the United State-, with her children, and
died at the home of a daughter in Madison County,
in 1876. August attended school steadily until
he was fourteen and obtained an excellent educa-
tion in the schools of his native land. He was
afterward employed on a farm by the year until
1861, when he came to this country with his mother
and other members of the family, setting sail from
Bremer Haven on the vessel "Xortli America"' in
September, and landing in New York after a voy-
age of seven weeks and two days.
After his arrival in this country .Mr. Otta came
directly toIUinoisand staid I'm a time in Madison
^-^WtfJ-wwr*.- — —~~-^.- —
T •
RESIDENCE OF AUGUST OTTA , 5EC.24.,MOWEAQUA TR,SHELBY CO., ILL.
Mfflml*m
RESIDENCE OF E.B. S ANNER,SEC. 20. (PENN TP..SHELBY CO., ILL
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.177
County, where be was employed on a farm at $50
a year. In 1863 he went to Macoupin County.
and was engaged there as a farm laborer by the
month until 1867, when he came to ShelbyCounty
and entered upon his career as an independent
farmer. He first bought eighty acres of land on
section 24. of Moweaqua Township, on which stood
a small log house. Hesoon erected a more commo-
dious log house which the family occupied some
years, and then erected the substantia] and conven-
iently arranged frame house in which they now
live. A view of this residence may be found on
another page. In his farming operations he has
met with more than ordinary success and has added
to his original purchase from time to time until
he has live hundred and eighty-five acres of well-
improved land, lyingin Moweaqua and Penn Town-
ship-.
In the acquirement of his property Mr. Otta has
received valuable assistance from his wife, to whom
he was wedded in the fall of 186C. Mrs. Otta.
who was formerly Miss Augusta Durfrer, was horn
in Poland, and came to America with her parents
when she was a child of four yeai-s. To her and
our subject have been horn ten children — Henry.
William, Annie. Lizzie. Caroline. Emma, Minnie.
Clara, Bessie and Ilattie.
Mr. ( )tta ha- a clear intellect, cool judgment and
sound sense, and these traits, no less than a good
capacity for work and ready business tact, have
gained him the honorable place that he occupies
to-day among his fellow-farmers and makes him a
good example of our self-made men. lie i- well-
informed, ha- a good general knowledge of politics,
and in that regard holds himself independent of all
parties, preferring to use his own judgment in
voting for men and measures. Religiously he was
reared in the Lutheran Church, and still hold- to
that faith.
1 (5) A.CHEL D. MULLEN. It being the purpose
\ / of the biographical writer to record for the
V benefit of posterity the names and deeds of
those worthy of remembrance, he would fail in his
purpose were he to omit from this volume some
account, however brief, of Mr. Mullen, who now
represents I. owe Township on the Moultrie County
Board of Supervisors. He has been the recipient
of this honor, as well as others, from his fellow-
citizens, who have recognized his sagacity and
ability, and have often called upon him to assisl
in the management of public affairs.
The family of which Mr. Mullen is an honored
member included -ix children, a- follows — Harriet.
Vachel I).. Isabella, Harry. Mary and Edwin. The
parents were Francis C. and Xanc\ (Dean) Mullen.
natives respectively of Delaware and Indiana.
They were married in Vigo County, Ind., where
they first settled and whence they removed to Illi-
nois in 1850. They settled in what is now Doug-
la- County, of which they have since been resi-
dents. The father follows the avocation of a
farmer, and is honorable and conscientious in his
dealings with those about him. considerate and
kindly in social and domestic life, and with his
good wife enjoys the esteem of the community
where they reside.
Our subject, the eldest son in the family, was
born September 28, 1845, upon an island in the
Wabash River, in Vigo County. Ind. In the home
of his birth he spent the first five year.- of his life.
and was then brought by his parents to Illinois.
lb grew to a stalwart manhood in Douglas
County, where he attended the common Schools of
the district ami learned by experience many lessons
even more valuable than those conned on the rude
benches of the temple of learning. He began his
career a poor boy. hut put his shoulder to the
wheel with SO much energy that hi- present prop-
erty is the result.
For twenty years Mr. Mullen has received the
active and devoted assistance of a faithful wife,
who has shared his joy- and sorrows, his hopes anil
disappointments, and who with him can now reap
the harvest of the efforts of former years. This es-
timable lady bore the maiden name of Catherine
Crist, and was born in Muhlenberg County, Ky.,
February 22, 1848. The ceremony which united
her in marriage with Mr. Mullen was performed in
Douglas County. III.. Match 2. 1871, and after
that important event the young couple settled in
1. owe Town-hip on -eetion I. of which the\ have
378
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
since been residents. Their family comprises live
children— Myra B., Alfred H., Effie N., May and
Winona.
In his chosen life work, farming, Mr. Mullen has
been greatly prospered, and one hundred and
twenty acres now pay tribute to his care and culti-
vation. In political affaire he lakes a lively inter-
est and is a prominent member of the Democrat
party. He has held the office of School Director,
a position for which he was well qualified by edu-
cation, deep interest in the cause and enemy of
character. lie was elected Supervisor of Lowe
Township in the spring of 1889, and in that re-
sponsible position is doing much to advance the
interests of his community. In his religi6us views
he is liberal. lie is one of the most enterprising
and public spirited of men. and without neglecting
his personal affairs finds time to do much to ad-
vance the common welfare.
—5-
^i>*<i=^=--^
V EV. JAMES H. CROWDER. The peculiar
characteristics of social and industrial life
1 \ in Marrowbone Township. Moultrie County.
\£) have been largely shaped by the note-
worthy family one of whose honored representa-
tives is the gentleman whose name appeal's at the
opening of this sketch. Their influence, which is
broad and aggressive, is felt in every department
of life and is ever exerted to promote ail move-
ments looking to the upbuilding of the township.
The honored parents of our subject arc spoken of
more at length in a sketch of Mr. D. M. Crowder,
which appeal's elsewhere in this volume.
The reverend gentleman of whom we write IS
tin- seventh in order of age in a family of ten and
was born in Marrowbone Township. Moultrie
County, but then Shelby -County, March 4, 1M42.
Here he received his early training both upon the
farm and in the district school, and afterward at-
tended Mt. Zion Academy, being for two years
under the valuable tutorship of Dr. A. .1. Mc-
Glumphy. His father's farm remained his home
until the occurrence of a most important event in
lli>- life of the young man — his marriage, which
took place in Taylorvilie, this State. August 13,
1862. He had taught in the meantime two win-
ters and one summer in Marrowbone Township
ami then enlisted in the service of his country
•Inly 31. 1862. joining Company A, One Hundred
and Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, m which he
Served until August 1. 186;").
The wedded pair, so soon called to part by the
tin- exigencies of war. bade each other farewell and
the young private marched away under his coun-
try's Hag. He was soon promoted to a Sergeantcy
and was detailed as private secretary and confi-
dential messenger to (Jen. Nathan Kimball in
command of Second Division. Sixteenth Army
Corps. He took part in the siege of Vicksburg
and at the battle of Satarcia June 6. 1*1)2. he suf-
fered from sunstroke. He also took part in the
Arkansas expedition, the capture of Little Rock
and the battles of Clarendon and Saline. In all
of this experience he proved himself a valiant sol-
dier, a loyal and devoted friend of the Union and
an officer upon whom reliance might safely be
placed.
■■When the cruel war was over" the soldier re-
turned to his wife and home in Marrowbone
Township and resumed farming and stock-raising,
in which he was engaged exclusively until 1873,
when he took upon himself the vows of a Chris-
tian minister. He first settled in Casner. Macon
County, and later at Elwin, in the same county.
After one year there he spent a year at Locust
Grove, Shelby County, and a year at Pleasant
Grove, Logan County, after which he returned to
Casner for a year and was at Shiloh. DeWitt
County, for three years. He was then located in
Springfield, 111., for two years, and for two yeai>
at Oakland. Macon County, of which chmch he is
the present pastor. During ten years of this pe-
riod of his ministry he continued to reside upon
his farm, which is a line tract of five hundred
acres, upon which he has erected a beautiful home
and excellent farm buildings.
The maiden name of Mrs. Crowder was Maggie
A. Wear, and she is a daughter of .1. M. and Je-
mima Wear, now deceased. She was born in Fay-
ette County. 111.. October 11. 1845, and was given
by her parents the best available opportunity for
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
379
an education. As a wife and mother she is faith-
ful and judicious, as a neighbor is warmly appre-
ciated and as a minister's wife is a true helper in
the work (if the Lord. She lias seven children,
namely: Ora J., the wife Of Thomas Stables; Kllie
B., now Mrs. T. X. Hunt; Robert M.. who married
Miss I. ilia K. Wellman; Delia and Earl. One child
died in infancy and a little daughter, Katie .1..
was taken from her loving parents when she had
reached the age of seven years.
The Rev. Mr. Crowder has been a successful min-
ister of the United Brethren Church, and under
his preaching, which has been of an evangelistic
nature, he has reason to believe that as many as
fifteen hundred soids have found the way of life,
lie is a member of Post No. 17ii. G. A. R.. and
has been Chaplain of his post and a delegate to
the State Encampment. In this connection he
conceived the idea of organizing all the posts in
the county, and as the result of his movement
Moultrie County is thus organized, lie is not
only a devout Christian hut a broad-seeing and
earnest man of public spirit, who is ever ready to
sacrifice his personal ambition for the welfare of
the community.
V
JACOB JONES. Although the competition
in the agricultural business is vastly more
year by year, new and improved methods
and the aid which science has extended to
the farmer, with the carrying facilities offered by
railroads which are stretching out in every direc-
tion in an intricate net work that covers every
needy agricultural region, make the production so
much greater, and the choice of markets so much
easier that the virgin freshness of the prairie .-oil
an early advantage is more than counter balanced.
There is not so much drudgery in the life of a
farmer now as formerly. He can live and enjoy it
having time to perceive about him the beauties of
nature, and to enter into sympathy with every
branch of his calling. Our subject is one who
appreciates the new method of agricultural propri-
etorship, and the farm of which he is owner,
located on section 2;"). of I.ovington Township
shows evidence that he has put into practice his
theories upon this subject.
'The original of our sketch is the son of David
Jones who was a native of Cumberland County,
Ky. His mother was Elizabeth Fiscus, also a
native of that county. 'They removed at an
early day to Morgan County. Ind.. and there lived
for forty years. Their decease took place at their
homestead. Our subject was the second ill order
of birth in the parental family, which comprised
eight children. He was born October 2. 1837. in
Morgan County. Ind. and was reared in his native
place, remaining under the home roof until he
came to Illinois in 1862.
Upon his advent into this State, he of whom we
write at once came to Moultrie County and settled
in Covington 'Township, where he has since been
a resident. 'The next most important event in his
career, was his marriage, which took place iu the
village of Lovingtpn, July 2(i. 18t;:5. His bride
was Miss Mary E. (lore, a daughter of Allen
(lore, for whose history see biographical sketch in
another part of this volume. Mrs. Jones was born
in Lovington Township. May 1, 1844. and until
her marriage lived at home, [earning the accom-
plishments that were then fashionable for young
ladies. But two children nave come to gladden
the home and be the prop and comfort of their
parents' declining years. 'They are by name
Stanton A. and Lucy E.
The original of our sketch has always devoted
himself to the calling of a farmer and before he
came to this State, while as a young man he had
been well trained in the processes and methods by
which agricultural life could be made financially
successful, and since then by the introduction of
improved machinery, he has learned how it can
also be made pleasant and not so arduous as
formerly. He is the owner here of eighty acres of
land which is under good improvement. It is
well located and fenced, and has a good class 'if
buildings. 'The home is built for comfort rather
than for show, and serves its purpose well. He
has good barns and a line grade of stock. Politi-
cally he is an adherent of the Republican party
380
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and the lines of argument in governmental affairs
are such as appeal to him as being the most reason-
able and those that will conduce to the general
growth of every department of life in the United
States. He has held several local positions in the
Township, having been School Director, which
position has been most satisfactorily filled. Mr.
and Mrs. Jones are both members of the Christian
Church, and are a warm hearted, generous people,
ready to assist in any measure that promises to
benefit either needy individuals or the general
mass of humanity.
Mr. .lours enlisted in the War of the Rebellion,
March 1. I860, in Company II. of the Eighteenth
Illinois Regiment, lie tiist entered the army as a
private and was soon promoted to the position of
Corporal. He was engaged in service for one year
and was mustered out at Pine Bluff, Ark., after
which he returned to his old home in .Moultrie
County, where he ha- ever since been a resident,
lie is a membei of 1'i>m No. ■">."> 1 of <.. A. R. in
Lovington. -V quiet and unpretentious man. our
subject is one whose example and precepts cannot
hut have their weight in any community, and it is
needless to say that they have been felt for good
here in Lovington Township, lie and his family are
among the most highly respected residents in the
Township.
KNKV C. SHEPARD. A native of the
r J Green Mountain state, our subject earrj
imbibed the spirit of Yankee shrewdness
X*j which distinguishes the "down Easters,"
modified and blended by the influence that his fa-
ther as a professional man brought into the family.
His mother was a typical New England woman,
with a large degree of ability, and deeply versed in
all branches of the culinary art. one who governed
her household with a firm hand, and at the same
time was gentle and mild. His father w* Dr. Ros-
well Shepard. a native of Barry, Vt., and his mother
was Lydia (Sprague) Shepard, who was born in
Brimfield, that state. The father practiced his pro-
fession in Vermont, Massachusetts and New York.
and from the last named State removed to Pick-
away County, Ohio, where he lived until his de-
cease, which occurred in Palestine, that county.
The widow of Dr. Roswell Shepard. came to
Moultrie County and spent her last days with our
subject, who hail previous to this, settled here. He
was the third child in order of birth in a family of
five children, three of whom are living: Neman
died when two years old. and Hamblin died after
reaching maturity: he was killed in Shrevesport.'La.
Henry C. was born in Montpelier. Yt.. May 11. 1826,
he was thirteen years of age when his father went to
Pickaway County, Ohio. There he grew to man-
hood, continuing to live under his father's roof
until 1841, when he determined to strike out in a
new direction for himself, and to see what the
world contained for a young man with strength.
energy and ambition, lie engaged in various kinds
of business, and for a time was employed by A. Mc-
Crea in the dry-goods business, during which time
he fa lined two hundred and fifty acres of land.
This was in ls.">4. the divest year known up to the
present time.
After his advent into this county, our subject
was engaged for a period of three years in farming
and dealing in stock, at the expiration of which
time he returned to Pickway County, and there re-
mained until 1879. He was engaged in trading,
and during the war. was occupied as sutler in the
army for two or three years. After that he went
to Franklin County, Ohio, and was there married,
December 11. 1*62. to Miss Jennie Armstrong, who
was born in Columbus, Ohio. She was a daughter
of William Armstrong. This gentleman died at
the age of ninety-three years. By this marriage he
of whom we write became the father of two chil-
dren: Harry 1).. a resident of Columbus. Ohio: and
William A., who lives on his father's farm in Lov-
ington Township. Mrs. Jennie shepard died Au-
gust 22. 1K67. deeply mourned by husband and
soils.
In 1879 Mr. Shepard returned to Moultrie County
and settled on section 2. Lovington Township,
where he has since been a resident. Since his re-
turn he has been engaged in general farming, and
has made a specialty of the breeding of finehorses,
Inning some thoroughbreds upon his place that
PORTRAIT AND BIO SRAPHICAL RECORD.
381
have been registered. He also i> the owner of some
fine Short-horn cattle, and breeds the same. He is
the proprietor of two hundred and forty acres oi
land which boasts the best of improvements. His
buildings are first class, and the appointments of
his place show him to lie a thorough fanner and
general manager.
Politically Mr. Shepard has always fraternized
with the Democratic party, and although personal
worth is more to him than party favor, he recog-
nizes the fact that divided allegiance doe- not tend
to the strengthening of government. He has tilled
the office of Highway Commissioner nio-t accept-
ably.
After his marriage, the original of our sketch
purchased a large farm in Pickaway County. Ohio,
which he carried on in connection with stork breed-
ing and dealing. Although a portion of his time
spent in Ohio was passed in Columbus, which was
the city of his residence, he carried on general
farming for the greater portion of his time. In
1875 he undertook the management of a larger
tract of land, comprising about one thousand acres,
at the same lime operating his own farm. He also
had charge of ten miles of turnpike, and -ettled
three e.-tates which entailed no small amount of
work and time. In lis.")."), when our subject first
came to Moultrie County, he rode on horseback
from Pickaway County, Ohio, to Lovington, and
although the journey must have been tedious ami
tiresome, no such idea of the resources and nature
of the land can be gained now-a-days in our whirls
l'\ night and day over hundreds of miles, as in the
equestrian journey, enjoyed at that time, by our
subject. A man of many resources, Mr. Shepard
has been able to meet and disarm every unfavor-
able barrier to his progress in life, lie i» a success-
ful farmer and an intelligent man. possessing
personally, great advantages. A tine conversa-
tionalist, his experience with men and hi- dealings
in various fields, have given him a knowledge of
human nature that enables him to enjoy it in all its
phases. No rascal so smooth or finished but who.
to him. has some redeeming trait. No man so good,
but that he has his frailties that are to be condoned
Although he has been so largely engaged in busi-
ness, with 50 much to occupy his time and atten-
tion in the various periods of hi- career his pass-
word to success has ever been thoroughness and an
adherence to the principle- of rectitude and honor.
I Ii^ sons an- men grown, who have taken upon
themselves the responsibilities of life, and have es-
tablished home- of their own. Harry 1). married
Mi>s Nora Shirey, and i- the head of a pleasant
home; William A., who married Miss Marietta
Mark-. i> a farmer in Lovington Township, and
young a- he i-. has already acquired a reasonable
degree of success.
AMES H. VADAKIX. M. 1).. Ph. (i.. i> a
practicing physician at Bethany, well-known
in this part of the state as for ten year.- he
has been here an extensive merchant. He
was born in Sullivan, 111.. March 30, 1861 and is a
son of Henry F. and Aseneth (Clemmons) Vada-
kin. The former was a native of the Green Moun-
tain State where the Yadakin family ha- lived for
several generations, the paternal grandfather of
our subject being there a miller at an early day.
Philip Yadakin, grandfather of him of whom we
write, came to this state in an early day and set-
tled in East Neslon Township, Moultrie County.
«here he was about the first settler. He it was,
who platted and laid out the town, which was in-
tended originally to become the County Seat of
Moultrie County, lie having settled previous to the
formation of the county. There he passed his re-
maining years ami his remains lie interred in East
Nelson Town-hip.
The father of our subject was but a boy when
the family came to what was then the far West,
but young as he was, he performed the duties of
driver, from Vermont to Illinois, his beasts of bur-
den being a yoke of oxen. He was studious and
fond of books, and was hi- own teacher to a great
degree. He entered the public school- a- a teacher
and saving the money that he earned in thi- way.
he was enabled before a great while to engage in
business at Sullivan, about the time that place be-
came the county seat His first effort in a business
382
PORTRAIT AND BIO IRAPHICAL RECORD.
way was made in general merchandise, and later lie
engaged in the drug track1, although the la>t busi-
ness with which he occupied himself was that of a
grocer. Some years before his death lie retired
from active business life, being enabled to live
comfortably on the interest of what he had accu-
mulated, having been successful in business. His
death occurred in 1888.
The mother of our subject was born in Shelby
County, she being a second cousin of Samuel Clem-
mons. better known under his nom de plume of
.Mark Twain, she died in 1873. Roth parents
were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and were deeply interested in the spread of the
Gospel work. Politically the father was a Demo-
crat and during the latter part of his life held the
post of Coroner of this county. They were the
parents of five sons and two daughters. Three of
the sons, however, died in infancy, and only four
children are now living ( lx'.H ). namely: Dora, Mrs.
Kilner, of Sullivan; Aggie is the wife of W. 1!.
Townsend and resides in Shelbyville; .lames II.
our subject, and Edward Lincoln who is the editor
of the Forest Cit\ Times at Forest City. Ark.
The original of our sketch received his early edu-
cation in the public schools of Sullivan and is a
graduate of the Rockford High School and also of
Becker's Business College at Rockford. 111., after
which he entered the School of Pharmacy at Car-
bondale, this State, from which he was graduated
in 1882. Thus fitted for active life, in the same
year he established a drug business at Bethany,
having previously clerked in a drug store at
Sullivan. To this business he added a general
stock of goods and carried on a large and success-
ful trade. During these years he also engaged
in the manufacture of patent medicines, among
them being "Casterole," --Yadakin's Instant Re-
lief," ■■Sticky Fly Paper." and some fifty other
things, and being a thorough business man and a
liberal advertiser at that time, his remedies soon
became known.
Throughout his business career, he had been
constantly engaged in reading medicine and in
1890 entered the Kentucky School of Medicine.
That same year he graduated in microscopy, sur-
gery and chemistry. In 1891 he graduated in the
full medical course, receiving the degree of M. D.
with highest honors. A diploma for bacteriology
was also conferred upon him. During his college
course he acted as assistant demonstrator in sur-
gery, microscopy and pathology, assisting Dr.
Matthews in treating diseases of the rectum. On
leaving the college he was the recipient of fine
testimonials from his preceptors.
In 1891, our subject sold his general business at
Bethany and gave his entire attention to his pro-
fession. In ls.s.'S Dr. Yadakin was united in mar-
riage to Nora 51. daughter of W. L. T. Meaeham, a
merchant at Waverly, 111., and successor to the
Doctor in his business at Bethany. Mrs. Vadakin
was horn in Waverly this state. May 1. 1864. She
has presented her husband with three children:
Diamond is the only one living, and is a sunny
tempered child of seven years; the two youngest
whose names were Ruby and Pearl, died in child-
hood. The latter was hut five years of age when
her death occurred at Louisville. Ivy.. June 13,
1891. The little thing was bright and had a re-
markable voice for one so young.
Politically the original of our sketch is a Demo-
crat although lie gives hut small attention to poli-
tics, except to perform his duties as a citizen. Both
he and his wife are members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. Socially he is a member of
the Independent < trder of ( >dd Fellow,- and also of
the Modern Woodmen of America, being Camp
Physician of said fraternity. He is also local sur-
geon for the Peoria. Decatur i\- Fvansville Kail-
road.
AMI/EL s. ANDERS* >N. A beautiful farm
^&^L on section 1'.'. LovingtOn Township, is the
home of Mr. Anderson and his interesting
family. Hi- estate consists of one hun-
dred and twenty acres all under cultivation, sup-
plied witli a complete set of farm buildings and
fittingly adorned with trees and shrubs. The per-
fect tillage of the broad tields. the good arrange-
ment of the buildings and the appearance of home
comfort which is manifest, make the farm one of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-
the most attractive seen by :i passing traveler. Mr.
Anderson gives his attention t<> general fanning
in which he is more than ordinarily successful.
Mr. Anderson was born in Licking County, Ohio,
March 10, 1834, and is the son of William and
Elizabeth (McKibben) Anderson, natives of Wash-
ington County. Pa. The parents firsl settled in
Washington County removing thence to Licking
County. Ohio, where the father died in 1840. The
mother survived many years, coming West to Moul-
trie County and dying in the village of Lovington
August 3. 1885. They had a family of ten chil-
dren, of whom our subject was the seventh in or-
der of birth. He was reared to manhood in his
native place, receiving the advantages of a good
common-school education and assisting 1 1 1 — widowed
mother in the maintenance of the family.
In September, 1856, Mr. Anderson removed from
the Buckeye Mate to Illinois, locating in Moultrie
County and entering upon farming operations.
lie had been reared upon a farm and having a
natural aptitude for agriculture, naturally chose it
for his life work. He ha- been successful in his
chosen avocation and has received in every enter-
prise the cheerful co-operation of his wife, with
whom lie was united iu marriage in Lovington
Township, June 9, 1859. Mrs. Anderson 1 'ore the
maiden name of Phebe Bushfield and i- a daughter
of the late • leorge and Mary < McKeever) Bushfield.
She was born in Perry County, Ohio, in January,
1841, and accompanied her parent- to this county.
Her refinement and culture win for her warm
friends wherever she is known, while her hospital-
ity and kindliness of heart are well known.
Whitley Township was the first home of Mr. ami
Mrs. Anderson after their marriage and there they
remained two years, improving their farm and be-
coming known as good neighbors ami estimable
citizens. Their next home was in Lovington
Township where they have since resided, and where,
a- above stated, he has become the owner of one
hundred and twenty acres of tine land. IIi> estate
with its commodious residence and substantial out-
buildings shows what may be accomplished by
unceasing perseverance and good business manage-
ment. He may. in the truest sense of the word.be
called a self-made man. for when he started out
for himself he had no capital save good health and
untiring energy. Now his finely improved farm
stand- a- a lasting monument of his efforts.
Politically Mr. Anderson isa Democrat although
in voting for local elections he i> independent ami
always casts his ballot for the candidate whom he
thinks will best represent the people. Mr-. An-
derson is a devoted member of the Method is1
Episcopal Church, and he i> a believer in and
supporter of the doctrines of Christianity. He pos-
sesses in a full degree those sterling traits of char-
acter which mark a good man and a worthy citizen,
who i- always true to himself and to others, ami
conscientiously discharges every duty that devolves
upon him.
*eh
-f&>
f OIIN T. LOVING. We are pleased to men-
tion among the prominent families of Dora
Township. Moultrie County, the Loving
(^J family, which has been, in its various mem-
bers, identified with the interests of this county
for many years. A brother of our subject appear-
in another biographical -ketch in the pages of this
Re< ord and the one of whom we now write, who
i- the Supervisor of the town-hip. residing on sec-
tion -2->. date- his residence in the county from the
year 1*07. He i- a son of Jasper D. and Maria J.
( Me— en Loving and was born in McLean County.
April 19, 1863, being upon the -nine day when his
grandfather, Taylor Loving, expired. Fuller de-
tails of the history of the family reaching back to
previous generations "ill be found in the bio-
graphy of Frank M. Loving.
Our subject was but four years old when the
family came to Moultrie County, and here he
received his education in the district schools and
grew tip to undertake the arduous but pleasant
pursuit <>f a fanner. Laura F. Harper was the
maiden name of the lady who united her fortunes
with his in marriage, December 29, 1881. she i>
a daughter of David and Mary Ann (McMullen)
Harper and was born in Ross County, Ohio,
December 18, 1864. She made the acquaintance
of our subject while on a vi-it to Moultrie County.
38 I
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and they were married after her return to Madi-
son County, Ohio. They have had one son. Clyde,
who was taken from their arms by death at the
age of twenty-two months.
Mr. Loving owns eighty acres of land, the same
being a portion of the old homestead. In the
spring of 18K4 he removed to Montgomery County.
Kan., where lie remained until 1889, when he
returned to Illinois, although lie still retains his
ownership in the eights' acres of land which he
acquired while there. lie has made all the
improvements which have been placed upon his
home farm, and his residence is a pleasant one and
delightfully situated. In political matters he is
independent of party ties and is now serving his
second term as Supervisor. Roth he and his good
wife are prominent members of the Christian
Church in which they are counted as faithful
helpers.
ENRY C. WOOD. It has been said that
)li merit is the only distinction, and none will
deny that those who have been industrious,
frugal and honest, are deserving of recog-
nition by their fellow-men. These qualities have
characterized Mr. Wood in his dealings with man-
kind, his labor for personal advancement and his
connection with social affairs. He has for many
years been numbered among the influential farmers
of Moultrie County, having a goodly tract of land
on section 10, Lowe Township. He raises on his
two hundred acres crops of various grains, equal
in quality and quantity to any in the neighbor-
hood, and has also erected good barns and com-
modious out-buildings for the storage of grain and
shelter of stock.
Mr. Wood is the son of Eli and Nancy (Moon)
Wood, uatives of North Carolina and Virginia re-
spectively. Very early in life they came to Indi-
ana, whence they removed to Illinois in 1847,
locating in what is now Douglas County. They
there remained until called hence by death. The
father was an energetic ami upright man, univer-
sally esteemed and respected. The parental family
included live daughters and two sons, our subject
being the sixth in order of birth. Knox County.
hid., was his birthplace and his natal day Novem-
ber :). 1845. When he was one and a half years
old he was brought to Illinois by his parents and
grew to a vigorous manhood amid the pioneer
scenes of Douglas County.
When our subject was about fifteen years old he
was bereaved by the death of his father, after
which he made his home with an uncle, Martin
Wood, for two years. He then worked out as a
farm laborer for three years and gained a practical
knowledge of the best way of carrying on a farm.
He was less than twenty when he enlisted, April.
1865, in Company F, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry,
and served until the close of the war. When
peace was declared he returned to Illinois and once
more resumed the pursuits of civil life, lie first
located in Piatt County and for one year worked
out by the month, after which he engaged in agri-
culture on his own account in Moultrie County,
of which he has since been a resident.
On October 20, 186(3. in Piatt County. 111..
Henry C. AVood and Miss Ann Shultz were united
in the holy bonds of wedlock. This lady, who
was a native of Kentucky, died in Lowe Township,
August 26, 1H85. Their four children were named
as follows: Ida M.. now the wife of George II.
Erhardt, Eva, Lucy 15. and Robert W. Mr. Wood
was again married, choosing as his wife Miss Mar-
tha A. Thurman, who was born in Pulaski County,
Ky., August 1;"), 1845. The marriage was solem-
nized in Somerset. Ky.. November 10. 18K<), and
has proved a congenial union. Mrs. Wood is a
lady whose intelligence is universally recognized
and whose hospitality and geniality are well
known.
A man of unblemished reputation and sound
understanding. Mr. Wood occupies a place in the
community among the very best citizens. He is a
member of the New Light Church, to which his
first wife also belonged. His present wife is a
member of the Baptist Church. In his political
affiliations he is a Democrat and has served as
School Director two terms. He has always fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits and in his chosen avo-
PORTRAIT AND l'.K )( UJAl'IIK AL RECORD.
387
cation has accumulated the means which enable
him at the present time to surround himself and
family with the comforts justly the reward of
those who work industriously Mini studiously.
^H^
-=)
JOSEPH CHESSHIRE. The noiseless and
inaudible foot of time has so stealthily
passed over the sixty-six years that our sub-
ject numbers since his natal day, that he is
only aware of its passage by seeing grown up
about him sons and daughters who have reached
manhood and womanhood, and who have families
of their own. At sixty-six a man is in the prime
of his vigor, and to hear the little grandchildren
pertly telling of things that have come within their
young knowledge that are new to the man seems
an encroachment upon his rights and perquisites.
It is not the years thai makes us old. It is the little
one- that crowd us.
Our subject reside- on section 20, in Rural
Township, Shelby County, his residence in the
county dating from the spring of 1866. He was
horn in Hampshire County. W. Ya.. September tl.
1825, and is a son of ( tbadiah and Sarah (Switcher)
( hesshire. who were natives of Hampshire County,
W. Ya.. the mother being of German descent. The
parents lived and died in their native state, having
pursued the calling of agriculture from their earli-
est efforts at making a living for themselves. The
mother died about 1857, the father following her
about 1*67.
Our subject is one of fifteen children, of whom
twelve lived to reach year- of maturity. Two of
these, our subject and one sister. Margaret, came to
Illinois and made themselves homes. Joseph t he-
shire was reared on the home farm where he re-
mained until his marriage, which took place De-
cember 4. 1850. His bride was Miss Ruth Lupton
who was born in Hampshire County, W. Va., April
1(1. 1831. In the fall of 1855 Mr. (he-hire with
his family came to Illinois, first stopping in Sanga-
mon County.
The winter of 1855-56 was very severe and Mr.
Ches-hire resolved that he would not stay long in
this State, but when sluing came and under the
fervid sun the spring Bowel's starred the prairie
with m thousand colors, the aspect of the country
was entirely changed and he concluded that in -o
fertile a land he could endure an occasional draw-
back in the way of a severe winter. They settled
in Sangamon County and there remained about
four years, then went to Christian County where
they staid six years. At the end of this time they
came to Shelby County where they purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land from the Illinois
Central Railroad Company. The land was then
raw prairie, but as the years haw passed and the
efforts of his labois appeared in fertile fields and
orchards of tine fruit trees, it ha- become a first-
class farm, upon which there is a comfortable dwell-
ing that is provided with all the appliances for
making life a- pleasant as possible.
Our subject and his amiable wife are the parents
of eight children, of whom six lived to be grown.
They are Fiances. Jane. Rachael. Lucinda. Sarah
A. and Michael W. Frances is the wife of Samson
Shivers; .lane was twice married and now resides
in Nebraska; Rachael is the wife of William
Heimes; Lucinda was married to John McDonald
and re-ides in Rural Township. Politically, our
subject favors the independent party, although he
was originally a Democrat. He has filled several
local offices, having been Road Commissioner and
also School Director. He is associated with the
best men in the township in working for the ele-
vation and improvement of everything that can
give tone to tin- locality.
In connection with his biographical sketch the
attention of the reader is invited to a lithographic
portrait of Mr. Chesshire, presented elsewhere in
this volume.
*- r*»F*> >».
■*■*■«*-
l'RON CHEEVER. One of the best char-
acteristics of a true gentleman is gentleness
Mhd kindness to the beings that are depen-
v— -^ dent upon him for care and protection.
Especially is this true when dumb brutes are the
objects of the care. He of whom we write is a
388
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lover of horses with all which that beautiful word
implies as to tenderness and protective care of the
objects of his affections. While he breeds upon his
fine farm of two hundred acres located on section
27, of Lovington Township, Moultrie County,
some very fine horses, he is not satisfied with this
alone, but so cultivates the best traits in the horses
under his care that they are almost human in their
understanding of the sympathy of the higher ani-
mal.
Our subject is a son of Nathan Cheever, a pb\
sician who was born in Delaware County. Ohio,
April 13, 1818. Our subject's mother was Mary
Ann Hubbard in her maiden days and she was a
native of Pickaway County. Ohio, where she was
born April 16, 1H2*. They were married in the
last named county and State, September 22, 1842,
and settled in Franklin County of the same State,
where they resided over three years, from there
removing to Waterloo, Fayette County, Ohio.
where they made their home for eleven years, dur-
ing which time the father was engaged in the
practice of his profession. From that place they
removed to Jefferson County, Iowa, where Nathan
Cheever entered eight hundred acres of land and
purchased eighty acres of improved land, upon
which they settled. During the time that they le
mained in Jefferson County, he was engaged in
the practice of his profession in which he continued
until 1H;">7, when the family removed to this
county, and settled in Lovington, where the old
gentleman continued to practice until 1875, then
he retired from active professional life. He con-
tinued to reside in Lovington until his death,
which occurred November 23, 1884.
The maternal grandparents of him of whom we
write were Jacob and Hester Ann Asher, both of
whom were natives of Ohio, the former passing
away in Pickaway County, Ohio, and the laftei
dying in this county and State. The parents of
Byron Cheever saw grow up about them six chil-
dren and of this family our subject was the only
son. He was born in Fayette County. Ohio,
September .22, 1848, and was almost nine years old
when his parents came to Lovington where he grew
to manhood. The young man was educated in the
common schools of the district in which he lived.
Like most boys, he was brimming with mischief,
but managed to acquire the branches that were most
valuable to him in a business life and his mind
-
continued to develop until he became a well edu-
cated and cultured gentleman.
The original^of our sketch continued to make
his home with his father until he was twenty-two
years of age. At this time he was married, his
wedding being celebrated October 2b. IK70. and
his bride being Miss Eliza Y. Nichols, a daughter
of James H. and Hester (Wingate) Nichols, the
former probably being a native of Maryland, and
the latter of Delaware. Mrs. Cheever's parents
were married in Delaware and made their first
home in Maryland, the father being engaged in the
occupation of carpentry. They came to this county
and State in 1862, and settled in Lovington, where
he followed his trade and resided until the time of
his deceased. The mother passed away from this
life January 27. 1863. The father died May 14.
1869. They had Ave children and of these Mrs.
Cheever was the youngest. She was born in Caro-
line County. Md.. March 1(1. 1 «.")(».
After marriage our subject and wife settled in
Lovington and for the first year thereafter he was
engaged in farming, and then engaged in the mer-
cantile business for a period of seven years, after
which time he devoted himself to the grain busi-
ness, in which he dealt extensively, buying and
shipping to the Metropolitan markets, lie also
was the proprietor of the hotel known as the Cen-
tral House, continuing in the charge of this for two
years. He then removed to his farm just north of
Lovington. to the cultivation and improvement of
which he has since devoted himself. His farm is
devoted mostly to breeding purposes and some of
the finest horses that are raised in the county, may
be seen here.
Mr. and Mrs. Cheever are the parents of six chil-
dren whose names are as follows: Will L.. Her-
bert E.. Frank B., Lillie E., Henry (). and Adah F.,
all of whom are bright and interesting young peo-
ple, promising to be the comfort and solace of
their parents' declining years. Mr. Cheever has
always taken an active interest in political affairs
the Republican party being the object of his faith
and devotion and receiving from him his influence
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
389
and vote. He 1ms occupied a number of the local
offices, having filled the office of Justice of the
Peace since the spring of 1890, and having also
satisfactorily discharged the duties of ninny other
township offices. Socially oursubjecl is a member
of the Masonic fraternity and also belongs to the
Modern Woodmen <>f America. He is. besides, a
member of the Knights of Pythias. He of whom
we write is at the present time just approaching
the best and must mature portion of his life and
the fine business qualifications that he possesses in-
sure for him the privilege of enjoying all the com-
forts that good financial position insure.
AMES ELLARS. Illinois gave freely of her
wealth and of her men to the defense of the
Union when the call came from President
Lincoln for troops to suppress the War of
the Rebellion. All over her liroad prairies you
may now find men living in quiet retirement up-
on whose breasts may be seen the modest decora-
tion of the Grand Army of the Republic, or who.
perhaps unbadged, still keep in their hearts the
memory of their days and nights upon the battle-
field and upon the march. Such will ever find
cordial recognition and a hearty approval from
every patriotic man or woman, and among them
we are pleased to mention the prosperous farmer
and stock - dealer residing at Arthur, Moultrie
County, whose name we have placed at the head of
tli is paragraph.
Mr. Hilars settled in Lowe Township in the
Spring of lNli.s. and at that time purchased two
hundred and forty acres Of land on section 24
where there were hut few improvements. Madi-
son County Ohio, had been his birthplace, October
18, L 842, and the excellent couple who gave him
his birth and training were Benjamin and Priscilla
( Harrison) Hilars:
The family came to Illinois in 1852, settling
upon a tract of unbroken prairie in what was then
known as Coles County, but which is now included
in Douglas County. At that date settlers were
few in that section, hut deer were abundant and
could he seen grazing 141011 the prairie as plenti-
fully as the cattle of to-day. There the father of
Our subject improved three hundred and twenty
,1111- of rich prairie soil and remained for two
years. In 1854 he decided to prospect about a
little more before settling for a permanent home,
and started for Iowa, traveling overland with his
team. The first night of his journey he stopped
at Monticello, 111., and as he was taking a loaded
gun from a wagon it was accidentally discharged
and the shot penetrated his lungs'. This accident
crippled him so that he gave up his journey and
finding that he was unable to do farm work he
sold his land and undertook the management of a
small country store. He then purchased a store in
Bourbon, which he carried on for a number of
years until his health was sufficiently recovered
for him again to undertake agricultural pursuits.
lie resided in Missouri from 1870 to 1881, after
which he returned to Illinois and died in Douglas
County in 1882, at the age of sixty-seven years.
His faithful wife, who was the mother of ten chil-
dren, had been taken from his side by death some
years previous to his demise.
He of whom we write was eight years old when
the family settled in Illinois and the Prairie State
lias been his home from that day to this. In 1H01
he entered the service of his country, enlisting in
Company H. Second Illinois Cavalry, and did
brave service for two years and six months. When
his term of service expired in the Second Cavalry
he re-enlisted, and was then commissioned as Sec-
ond Lieutenant in the Fourth United States Cav-
alry, with which he fought until December. 1864,
when he resigned and went home. He returned to
Douglas County, and since the war has devoted
himself to farming and dealing in live stock, carry-
ing on this double avocation with such Success
that he now owns eight hundred and eighty acres
of excellent land, and is looked upon as one of our
prosperous farmers. Since January. 1875, he has
made his residence in the village of Arthur.
A happy wedded life began for our subject in
January, 1867, whenhe was married to Harriet 1'.
L'cedcr. a daughter of John A. anil Mary Reeder.
This lady was bom in Ohio. 1843, and there re-
390
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ceived an excellent education as well as practical
training in home duties, both of which have fitted
her to be what she now is, not only a leader in
social circles, but a capable and notable housewife,
a faithful wife and a judicious mother. One son
only has blest this marriage, namely: Orla L., who
has established a home for himself, having taken
as his bride Miss May Crumbar. The declarations
of the Republican party embody very fully the po-
litical belief of Mr. Kllars, and he consistent ly casts
his vote for the candidates of that party. He is
not in any sense a politician or a wire-puller, but
believes it to be the duty of every citizen to speak
his mind through the ballot in regard to all mat-
ters of public interest.
§HN*-&
&JHS-2\i^5<>_
NDREW WILSON SCOTT, the leading
merchant of Bethany, Moultrie County,
has been in the business in this place since
(Qyl 1876. lie was born in Mt. Zion. .Macon
County. 111.. September 25, 1848, and is a son of
Jehu and Mary (Wilson) Scott, natives of Tennes-
see, and the paternal grandfather bore the name of
.lames Scott. More will be learned of this excel-
lent and prominent family by consulting the bio-
graphy of A. H. Scott.
Among the very early settlers of Mt. Zion were
the parents of our subject, who came from Tennes-
see to Illinois, and located one mile south of Mt.
Zion. where they proceeded to cultivate the land.
and passed their remaining years. They became
the owners of some eight hundred acres of land,
and placed upon them substantial and handsome
improvements. They were both earnest members
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and are
now both deceased. Two children only of their
number grew to man's estate, of whom our sub-
ject is the older, and his brother, Alexander B., is
a farmer at Mt. Zion and a partner of Andrew
in business, the firm name being A. W. Scott &
Bro.
Thorough and systematic training upon the
farm, and drill in the common school of Mt. Zion,
was supplemented in the case of our subject by a
course of study which he took in the university at
Lincoln. 111. After leaving school he came to
Bethany and engaged as a clerk in the store of A.
R. Scott, and in a few years became a partner in the
business under the firm style of A. R & A. W.
Scott. Some three years later he became sole pro-
prietor of the business, and afterward associated
with him as a partner Mr. .1. L. McCoy, the firm
then being Scott & McCoy, but in March, 1891,
this was succeeded by the firm of A. W. Scott &
Bro. Ever since its inception this store has been
the largest and the leading business place of Beth-
any, and it has had its own effect upon the mer-
cantile life of the place.
Mr. Scott was in 1874 united in marriage with
Sarah J. Mott, daughter of Joseph Mott, of Prince-
ton, Ky., which was the place of her nativity. One
son, Walter, blessed this union. He was a very
promising boy, and at the time of his death he had
charge of the books of the firm, and was at the
same time carrying on his studies. He would have
graduated from the schools at Bethany with the
Class of '1>2. but he was snatched from this happy
home by death. April 15, 1891, at the age of four-
teen years.
-*$■=
•js*
JMLLIAM M. RICHARDS, who owns the
fine farm located on section 32, of Rich-
land Township, is a son of P. F. Richards,
a native of Pennsylvania. His mother was Eliza-
beth (Mechling) Richards and was born in Perry
County, Ohio. After marriage the parents settled
in Ohio but removed to Missouri, and in 18(11,
just previous to the breaking out of the Civil War,
they came to Shelly County, this State, where the
mother died in Prairie Township and the father
passed away in Richland Township. They were
the parents of thirteen children and of these our
subject is the second in order of birth.
William M. Richards was born in Perry County.
Ohio. October 27, 1840. When he was but two
years of age his parents removed to Allen County,
Ohio, and there they settled upon a farm. Here
he passed the greater part of his boyhood life,
^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
39]
remaining with his father until he was about
twenty-five years of age. During this time lie
was engaged in agricultural labors on the home
farm and in the intervals of that work was occu-
pied by the application to school studies, and being
apt at his books, he acquired a good practical
knowledge of the branches that are must essential
to a business man.
He of whom we write was married in Prairie
Township. July 4. 1865. His wife's maiden name
was Miss Mary .1. Renner. She had. however, been
previously married and at the time of her marriage
with our subject, was Mrs. McMillen. She was
horn in Prairie Township. November (>. 1843.
After marriage they made their home in Prairie
Township for two years and then purchased the
farm whereon they now reside in Richland Town-
ship. His farm at the present time comprises four
hundred and sixty aires and upon it he has made
good improvements. lie is a prosperous farmer
who is justly successful in his chosen career and
calling. The latest improvements in machinery
and farm implements are employed in the cultiva-
tion of the place. His stock is of the best class
and his buildings are good and substantial. His
dwelling is located on a slight eminence that com-
mands a charming view of the surrounding coun-
try. It is surrounded by fine shade and fruit
trees. The interior arrangement is made with a
sole view to the comfort and convenience of the
occupants.
Mr. Richards and his wife became the parents- of
eight children, whose names are as follows: Nancy
M., Samuel C, Elizabeth F.. John 1'., Simon A..
Mary C, Franklin W. and Ann B. The eldest
daughter is now the wife of Rev. John B. Webb
and is a great assistance to her husband in his
work. Samuel C. married .Miss Elizabeth Duncan
and has a pleasant home of his own. Elizabeth
F. died when sixteen years of age, when life
spread before her so promising a prospect.
Mrs. Mary J. Richards died in Richland Town-
ship December 27. 1890. Since girlhood she had
been a member of the Baptist Church, and was an
ardent worker in the spread of the Gospel. Ml'.
Richards is also a member of the Baptist Church.
Our subject ha> always been engaged in farming
and agricultural pursuits, and although he has
reached the meridian of life is not so set in his
opinions thai he cannot progress with the times.
Since the formation of the Prohibition party he
has allied himself with it, believing in the purity
of its principle and purpose. For many years he
has held the office of Deacon in the Baptist
Church.
/"r=NI
^^ills®s
IIN^
WILLIAM CALVIN HOLTON. a retired
farmer residing at Arthur, became a resi-
dent of Moultrie County, in 1871, at which
date he settled on section 2. Lowe Township. He
was born in Claiborne County. Tenn., February
20, 1835, his honored parents being James W. and
Mailha (Goines) Holton, both of whom had their
birth in Tennessee. In 1847 the family removed
from that, State to Pulaski County, Ky., where the
mother was called from them by death some thirty
years ago. The bereaved father remained there
with his family for many years, but in 1KXK came
to Illinois and died in Moultrie County, not long
after his removal to this State. He had a truly
patriarchal family of nine daughters and three sons.
William being the eldest of the sons.
Our subject was twelve years old when the fam-
ily settled in Kentucky and he there grew to a vig-
orous young manhood, receiving a practical drill
upon the farm which has ever been of benefit
to him both physicallj and in a business way.
Amanda J.Thuman.a lovely young Kentucky lady.
became his bride January 14, 1855, she was born
in December 2.">, 183.3, and is the daughtei of Mar-
shall Thurman. who was well known in that region.
Young Mr. Holton came to the Prairie State ten
years after his marriage and renting land in Doug-
las County continued there until 1871; when he
removed to Moultrie County and settled upon a
beautiful tract of unimproved land, to which he
gave his undivided attention and which he brought
from its wild condition to its present productive
and highly cultured state. He is now the owner
of two elegant farms, comprising s «• two hund-
red ami thirtv acres in all and upon each of them
:*■>
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lie has placed excellent improvements. In the
spring of 1889 he removed to the village of Arthur
although he still continued to carry on the farm
until 1^91 when he placed it in the hands of a ten-
ant, lie is now enjoying the pleasant borne which
lie built for himself in Arthur and without the
care of a farm is receiving the benefits of bis for-
mer labors and enterprise. The five children who
have lilesi this borne are John R.. Lucy (wife of
George Ketzel), William, llattie (Mrs. A. Kinney),
and Cordelia. The principles of the Republican
party very clearly define the political views of Mr
llolton and his earnest efforts and advocacy are
given to securing the success of this party.
&+£
B_
(<
OllX GOETZ. Many a man who is now a
prosperous and successful farmer in Illinois
began life as did the subject of our sketch.
without means in a material sense and with
no endowments except those of his own personal-
ity. John Goetz was possessed in boyhood of
sturdy health, a determination to succeed and in-
domitable energy, pluck and perseverance. With
these he lias achieved a success which is an honor
to himself and worthy the consideration of the
biographer:
Our subject was born in Germany on Christmas
day. 1830, and be had his training and education in
his native land and there spent his youth and early
manhood until he was twenty-three years old. lie
had heard much of America as a land of freedom
and a country where a broader opportunity awaited
a young man of enterprise and lie resolved to come
to this land, and left home and friends inthespring
of 1854, landing in New York City and coming
directly West. He had learned shoemaking in his
native land and in Chicage he spent between three
and four years working at this trade.
He finally decided that he preferred country to
city life and finding an opening for the employment
of his abilities at his trade in Sullivan. Moultrie
County, he removed here in the spring of 1K.">K and
was thus employed for about fourteen years. Ami-
cultural pursuits now presented theraserves to him
a s a broader and more promising field of operations,
and he purchased a farm on section 34, Marrow-
hone Township, and removing his family here began
>ts cultivation. Here he has found content and
prosperity and now owns five hundred and sixty-
seven acres, all in Moultrie County.
It was not until after Mr. Goetz came to Sulli-
van that he entered into a matrimonial alliance.
lie was here united with Elizabeth Cratz, who was
born in Moultrie County. 111., and who brought to
her husband three children. Two died in infancy
and the one who is living is Mary, now- the wife
of Amnion Davis. After the death of Mrs. Eliza-
beth Goetz her husband was united in marriage m
Marrowbone Township to Mrs. Isabella Daisy, who
bore her husband one child. Andon. who died in
Marrowbone Township. Mr. Goetz's third wife
bore the maiden name of Angie Westfali and her
one child was named Perry E.; she also passed from
earth in early womanhood and Mr. Goetz then mar-
ried Eliza Bushart.
Excellent buildings and all the appurtenances
necessary for the successful prosecution of farm
work have been placed upon Mr. Goetz's farm.
He is a member of the Christian Church, and in
his political views is in sympathy with no party
but i> governed in his vote by his own judg-
ment and ca^ts his ballot for the best man for the
place, lie is public spirited and ever active in the
promotion of any movement which looks to the
upbuilding of the community either socially or
industrially.
ORENZO II. TURNER. The majority of
men who have attained high position either
1 — ^ in public affairs, commercial life, or litera-
ature, have spent the early part of life in the en-
joyment of bucolic peace and quiet. The mind is
like a field, which having been allowed to lie fal-
low for a time produces the richest harvests. Our
subject, Lorenzo Turner, who was brought up on a
farm has become one of the most influential men
in the State of Illinois, and in mental calibre he
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
398
ranks well with the representatives of any Mate.
The years passed upon his father's farm were full
of development to the lad whose eager mind ab-
sorbed each fact, and in the crucible of his reason-
ing powers he has distilled the pure waters of truth.
Early acquiring the habit of studying human na-
ture, he has found it to lie of great use to him
throughout his career. Men to him are as open
books, to lie read at pleasure.
Born of southern parents, our subjecl inherits
the suavity and gallantry for which the Virginians
are noted, and also their eloquence in speech.
Ilis father, .lames Turner, was born in Bucking-
ham ( ounty. Vs., in 1799. His mother was Elsie
(Pendleton) Turner, also a native of Buckingham
(ounty. and born about 1795. There they were
reared and there they married, settling in their
native county, hut about four year- after their
marriage they emigrated to Wilson County, Tenn.
This was about 1823, and in 1830 they came to
EiBngham County, where they died on the place
which they had entered from the Government.
Our subject was horn while his parents were
resident- of Wilson County, Tenn., his natal day
heiniiT May 14. l*2i>. He was only four and a half
years old when his parents removed to what is now
Effingham County: there on his father's farm he
matured, his young mentality growing broader
and stronger as he looked out upon the vast prai-
ries. There was plenty of work, however, for the
young man to do. for the days of his boyhood
were the pioneer day- in this Mate. He. with others
who have since become famous in the history of
the State, were ripening for the events that lay
before them. He continued to live with his father
until 1845. After having entered a farm from the
Government, which they improved quite extens-
ively, they both died, the mother in the fall of
1858 while earth was golden with the yellow of
autumn, ami the granaries were filled to repletion
with golden grain. The father followed her a n 1
many year- later, his decease taking place Feb-
ruary 3, 1888.
Our subject has always followed the pursuit of
agriculture, paying special attention to the raising
of fine stock. In 1845 he was married to Miss
Cynthia Field, their marriage being solemnized Sep-
tember '23 of that year. The lady was a daughter
of Abraham and Grace (Rainey) Field. 'The former
was a native of Kentucky where he was horn De-
cember 27. 1793. 'The latter was horn m South
Carolina. July.'ll. 17'.»7. Their marriage took place
in Gibson County. Ind.. March <*<. 1815. They set-
tled in the same place where they were married
until the mother's death which occurred March 30,
1863. The father followed her April 12. 1870.
Mr-. Turner's parents were farmer- by occupation.
They had ten children, and our subject's wife was
one of the elde-t members of her father'- family.
she «a- born in Gibson (ounty. Ind.. December
25, 1 825, and there she lived until her marriage.
After marriage our subject and his bride settled
in Effingham County. 111., and in April. 1864, came
to Shelh\ County, locating in Richland 'Township.
where he has since resided. He has now retired,
however, front active farming, having disposed of
all his property with the exception of two hundred
ami fifty acres upon which he lives. Mr. Turner
has made many improvements upon his farm and
in all his business undertakings and enterprises has
been exceedingly successful. He and his wife are
spending the afternoon of their lives in quiet en-
joyment of the home comfort- that his early efforts
have provided. They are the parents of six chil-
dren, all of whom have reached manhood and
womanhood and arc the heads of families. It is a
commentary upon their parents' government that
they are all honored and respected members of
society, .lames B. married Emetine Renner and
resides in ShelbyvUle; Nancy .Lis the wife of John
M. Storm; Lewis W. married Florence Carmain:
Charles A. B. was united to Sarah Jackson: Sarah
F. i- the wife of Seymour Grove; Arthur is the
husband of Annie L. Field.
Mr. Turner was formerly allied with the Demo-
cratic party and did active service for his party in
his part of the State. More recently, however, he
has allied himself with the Prohibitionists, believ-
ing that to he one of the most important issues
of the near future. lie has held the office of Jus-
tice of the Peace for seventeen years and has also
lieen Township Trustee for several year-. In their
religious relations our subject and his wife have
heen members of the Missionary Baptist Church
394
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
since 1854, and he of whom we write has been Dea-
con of this church for upwards of thirty-five years.
Their children also are all professors of religion.
Mr. Turner has been a member of the Masonic fra-
ternity since 1863. He is also a member of the
Farmer's Mutual Benefit Association and by his
wide experience and broad intelligence, is able to
make many suggestions to that body that are of
great value. The original of our sketch liasa very
good and comfortable residence, well located and
surrounded by tine trees. It is perfectly adapted
to the declining' years of a man with a philosophic
turn of mind.
i-5*-5--5*-i- >
*S* •$••{••$•£:
"•fr-fr^-HlljsP****!
OHN It. WARREN. A prominent position
among the agriculturists of Shelby County
is held by this gentleman, who resides on
section 28. Tower Hill Township, lie is
now passing his declining years quietly in the en-
joyment of the comforts accumulated through
long years of toil. A native of Ohio, he was horn
in Pickaway County. February 17. 1820. His
parents. Silas and Sarah (Riley) Warren, were nat-
ives of Delaware, the former horn April 9, 17*7.
and the latter January .'31. 1791. Both came to
Ohio in youth, and after their marriage, which was
solemnized in Pickaway County, they located in
that place and made it their home until 1857.
In the above-mentioned year the parents of our
subject came to Illinois, settling in Shelby Countj
and purchasing a farm on section 2!), Tower Hill
Township. The famih was soon called upon to
mourn the loss of the devoted husband and father,
who died November 17. 1857. The widowed mo-
ther survived until January 29, 18t>7. This
worthy couple held an enviable place in the regard
of their neighbors, and although they left to their
children little of this world's goods they bequeath-
ed to them what is far better — the priceless herit-
age of a good name. They had a family- of six
children, of whom five now survive.
l'pon the home farm in Pickaway County. Ohio,
our subject passed his youth and at an early age be-
came familiar with agricultural pursuits. His edu-
cational advantages were limited to the district
schools, hut by subsequent reading he has become
well informed upon all topics of general interest,
l'pon arriving at years of maturity he engaged in
farming on his own account and has made this his
life work. A very important event in his life was
his marriage in Pickaway County, Ohio, September
21. 1843, when Miss Minerva A. Anderson became
his wife. Her parents, Thomas and Delilah (Scot-
horn) Anderson, were natives respectively of Ind-
iana and Virginia. The father died in Fairfield
County. Ohio. November 21, 183(5, and the mother
afterward came west to Shelby County, 111., where
she died at the residence of our subject October 22,
1811(1.
Mrs. Warren, who was the second among six
children, was horn in Fairfield County, Ohio, Feb-
ruary !>, 1822, and was reared to maturity under
the parental roof. After their marriage our sub-
ject and his wife located in Pickaway County.
Ohio, where they continued to live until the fall
of 18 PI. At that time they came to this Slate and
made their home in Tower Hill Township, Shelby
County. There the wife died April 7. 1880. She
was a religious woman, and had been connected
with the church for many years, and was a member
of the United Brethren Church at the time of her
death.
On February 23, 1882, our subject was again
married, choosing as his wife Mrs. Elizabeth J.
Dum, the widow of Samuel Diim, who died in
Fairfield County. Ohio. Mi's. Warren, who is a
sister of the first wife of our subject, was born in
Fairfield County. Ohio. Xovembr 21. 1825. and by
her first marriage became the mother of six chil-
dren, viz: Israel, Thomas, Eflie A., Samuel, William
and Homer. The ceremony which transformed
her into Mrs. Warren was solemnized in Christian
County. 111., and the union has proved of mutual
happiness. The various members of the family are
honored in society and are noted for hospitality
and kindness of heart.
The farm upon which Mr. Warren located after
coining to Shelby County was entered from the
Government and comprises eighty acres of line
land. Mr. Warren has always been engaged in
agricultural pursuits, and has converted his orig-
Q .
WW. , *//}
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
897
inal purchase into one of the best farms in the
county. He has retired from the more active
duties associated with farm life, and in the midst
of his liappy family circle, finds rest from the
cares of earlier years. A member of the Demo-
cratic party, he lias always taken an active pari in
political affairs and has served the people in sev-
eral loeal offices. For fifteen years he was Justiceof
the l'eaee and he has filled the otliee of Supervisor
of Tower Hill Township for several terms. Ilr
takes great interest in educational affairs and has
served the community acceptably in school offices.
Religiously, he belongs to the United Brethren
Church of which he has been a consistent member
since 1844.
V
/
;*se*
\
^py LARK II. C'ARR, M. I)., a physician and
[j surgeon of Cowden, was born m Kenawha
\JJ County. AV. A'a.. August 2f>. 1834. His par-
ents, John K. and Margaret (AY rant ) Carr. were
natives of the East, the father being born in Green-
brier Counts-. A'a.. in 1 S 42. and the mother in
Lawrenceburg, I ml., in 1*18. The father has been
living since 18f>2 in DeWilt County, this State.
The mother died September 1. 1891. Nine of their
large family of six sons and seven daughters are
still living, of whom our subject was the eldest.
The brothel's and sisters of our subject are Vio-
Letta, wife of James Darby, a farmer in Minnesota;
John, who first married Mary Lloyd and afterward
was united with Ellen Swan, with whose assistance
he is now carrying on farming in Sumner County,
Kan.; Julia Ann. who was the wife of Stephen
Webster, and died in De Witt County, III., in 1872;
Isaac I... a farmer near Humboldt. Iowa, who mar-
ried Mary Day; Alary, who married William Stew-
art and died in Ahnnesota in 1871; Jane, the wife
of Philip Shellenberger, a farmer who lives in Piatt
County, this State; Sarah E., who first married
William Stewart, a cousin of her sister Mary's
husband and afterward became the wife of George
llitchen, of Gibson City. 111.; Michael AL. who
married Sophronia Barr and lives in Piatt County;
Leonard S., who married Elizabeth AlcAIann. and
resides in DeAVitt County, and two children who
died in early infancy.
The subject of this sketch accompanied his par-
ents from West Virginia to Indiana, thence to Mis-
souri and in 1K.">2 Located with them in DeAVitt
County. 111., where the father now resides. He re-
ceived his education in the public schools of this
state and was about twenty-five years old when he
began to read medicine. In 1866 he commenced
the practice of his profession in Christian County,
but in 4873 came to Cowden, where he remained
for two years and then went back to his old place
in Christian County. In the spring of 1880 he
returned to Cowden where he has since remained.
Dr. Carr has been twice married. His first wife
was Alary C. Green, who was born in Preble County.
Ohio, in 1836. and married the Doctor in Indiana
in 18.56. One child was born of this marriage,
Millard Fillmore, whose natal day was August 18,
1857. On October 31, of the same year, Mrs. Can-
passed from earth, and her son was tenderly reared
by his paternal grandparents.
The second marriage of our subject took place
October 13, 1859, when he was united with Cath-
erine Johnson. She was born December 17. 1833
in Ross County. Ohio. The six children born of
this marriage are all living Alary C. born Sep-
tember 1. I860, is now Mrs. James E. Orendoff , and
lives in Hall County. Neb.; Laura E., born Janu-
ary -22. 1863, married Alfred E. Gross, and lives in
Davis County. Neb.; Samuel C, born December 4.
1864, is engaged in the study of medicine; Mar-
garet P.. bom July 2. 1867, married William G.
Panning and resides on a farm in Dry Point Town-
ship. Shelby County; Ida F., born February 22,
1868. and Catherine J., born April 10, 1871. are at
home with their parents.
Dr. Carr has established a tine reputation as a
practitioner and enjoys a large and lucrative prac-
tice in Cowden and vicinity, lie is regarded in
the community as the leading physician, lie at-
tended lectures at the Alissouri Medical College at
St. Louis. Mo., at which popular institution he
made a creditable record. He has always been a
close student and has labored hard to gain the
Standing which he now holds in his profession.
Realizing that old age is creeping on. the Doctor
398
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
has inspired his son Samuel with the desire to ic-
eeive the mantle of his sire when he shall drop it.
and thus tn perpetuate the family name in the pro-
fession. The Doctor is a worthy member of Joppa
Lodge, No. 706. F. * A. M.. at Cowden, and a
stanch Republican in politics having always voted
that ticket, and being regarded as the local leader
in his party.
In connection with this biographical notice the
reader will find a lithographic portrait of Dr. Carr.
— *
8>-3HHSi
W>w .
.Qv—
-{—
\
»1LLIAM L. DONNEL, one of the most
- I prominent and intelligent gentlemen re-
y% siding in Shelby County, who is thor-
oughly public-spirited and capable of hems; :i
leader of thought and action in his township, re-
sides on section 21, Ridge Township. His father
was John M. Donnel, a native of Tennessee, as was
also his mother. Elizabeth Jerregan. After mar-
riage this couple settled in Rutherford County.
ty.Tenn.. and thence emigrated to Montgomery
County. 111., about the year 1827. They after-
ward made their home in Vandalia, this State,
where the life of Mrs. Donnel terminated near
that place. Her husband who survived her. died
in "Williamson County, this State.
He of whom we write was the eldest in a family
of twelve children, and was born in Rutherford
County. Tenn.. January 22. 1820; he came to Illi-
nois with his father who was in limited circum-
stances and in order to assist his parents he worked
out when he was a hoy doing farm labor. During
the winter of 1839-40 he moved the goods and
press of the editor of the Mate Register with
whom he had pleasant relations, as the older man
appreciated the bright qualities of the boy. In
March, 1840, he came to Shelby County, 111., ami
engaged in farming upon his own account in
Ridge Township. In June, 1846, lie settled on
section 21 of the latter township where he has since
been a resident.
Mr. William Donnel was married January <!.
1842, to Miss Mary Ann Roys, a daughter of Dan-
iel and Hannah (Roys) Roys, both natives of Ken-
tucky. Daniel Roys passed away from life in
Ridge Township, but his widow still survives him
and is now at the advanced agi of eighty-seven
year- and makes hei home with our subject. Mrs.
Donnel was born in Rush County, Ind.. April 13,
1825. Mr. and Mr-. Donnel have had eleven
bright and interesting children, three of whom
died in infancy. The surviving children are:
Elizabeth J., the wife of John II. .McDonald; Mary
Ann. who married J. J. Dimes; Sarah II., the wife
of Charles Small; William L. Jr., who took to wife
Miss Nettie Busby; George W.. a clergyman of
the Missionary Baptist Church in Oregon, whose
wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Neal;
James W.. who married Sarah Killani: Charles
II. and Dora E. are at home.
Our subject has held the office of School Trustee
for seventeen years and during that time has been
very efficient in forwarding the educational inter-
ests of the township, lie has also taken an active
part in political affairs, casting his first Presiden-
tial vote for James K. Polk and being a worker in
the Democratic ranks. In his religious connection
he was formerly identified with the United Baptist
Church but is now a member of -the Christian
Church, lie has always been engaged in farming
ami stock raising and has erected upon his farm a
first-class set of buildings and has two hundred
acres in tine shape. He is a man keenly alive to
the necessity for progress in the affairs of the
neighborhood both social and industrial, and is
truly appreciative of all good thing- whether in-
tellectual or material.
i ' > i i ' j
m «q t \,t m I n I
1 — -J RANK TRAINER, the editor ami publisher
\—(g) <'f the Edit* at Bethany, became a resident
I of Moultrie County in 18*7. and on April
II of that year issued the first copy of the Echo,
which is now a seven-column folio, and is published
as an independent local newspaper, devoted to the
interests of Bethany and its vicinity. This gentle-
man was born in Meigs County, Ohio, September
28. 18(12. his parents being Samuel and Amanda
(West) Trainer, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
399
respectively. They were married in < Hii<> and set-
tled in Meigs County, on :i farm, where the mother
died January 27. 1876, at the age of fifty-three
years, and where the father still resides, enjoying
.! green "Id age, a> he is now seventy-seven years
old, having been born in June, 181 l.
Tin- ten children of this worth} couple were
equally divided between sons and daughters, and
our subject was next to the youngest in age. He
was reared upon the farm and educated in the com-
mon schools. In 1**1 he came to Illinois and
taught school in Macon County, ami in 1885
lie entered a printing office in Macon City and
there learned "the art preservative of all art.-."'
after which he again engaged in teaching. It was
in 1**7 when he located at Bethany and estab-
lished the paper which he has since owned and
edited.
Mr. Trainer had married in 1885, before coming
tn Bethany, Miss llala Bricker, daughter of Aaron
and Louisa Bricker. She was born in Fayette
County, 111., and is now the mother of two beauti-
ful children. Arthur and Alva Dean. The Cumber-
land Presbyterian Church is the religious body
with which the young couple are identified, and
their influence is ever cast in the direction of
morality and Christianity. Although Mr. Trainer
ha- not been a resident of the town long, he i- a
young man who is universally liked and well
spoken of by the older members of the commu-
nity, and he bids fair to make his mark in the fu-
ture history of Moultrie County.
OSEPH ROLLER is a typical fanner whose
practical knowledge of agriculture and bus-
iness-like methods in managing his affairs
have placed him among the foremost men
of his class in Penn Township, where he owns a
large and well conducted farm that i- considered
one of the finest in the county.
Mr. Roller was born near Little York. York
County, Pa., September 3. 1830, His father, whose
given name was John, i- also supposed to have
been a native of the same county where lie passed
hi- early life, and where he was married. He was
a distiller by trade in hi- young days, hut remov-
ing to Centre County, Pa., in 1840, he bought a
farm on Buffalo Run and devoted his remaining
year- to agricultural pursuits, dying there in 1*71
at the ripe age of seventy-one years. His wife, till'
mother of our subject, preceded him in death many
years, her demise occurring on the old farm in 1852.
He of whom we write was reared to the life of a
farmer, receiving a careful training in all that per-
tain- to agriculture, SO that h\ the time he attained
manhood he was "ell versed in the calling that
was to he his life work. He continued to live with
his father until he was thirty-one year- of age,
affording him valuable aid in the management of
hi- farm, lie then rented land in Centre County
a few years. Wisely thinking that on the fertile
-oil of the Prairie Mate he could make more head-
way in his calling, he left his native commonwealth
in 1865 to avail himself of the superior advantages
offered to skillful and wide-awake farmers in Shelby
County. He made a judicious selection of two
hundred and forty acres of wild prairie land in
Penn Township which is now included in his
pleasant farm. The price of it wa- $9 an acre
and he went into debt for the greater part of the
purchase money.
At the time of his settlement here tin- part of
the county was hut little developed and Mr. Roller
had to do a great deal of pioneer work in bring-
ing his farm to its present tine and highly unproved
condition. Hi- labors have Keen well rewarded,
however, a- hi- home-lead i- a valuable piece of
property, supplied with ample and well arranged
buildings, and it- carefully tilled fields and rich
pastures yield a g 1 income, lie ha- also bought
other land at different tunes and now his farm
comprises four hundred and forty acre-. Mr.
Roller is well liked in this community as he i- a
just and fair man. kindly of heart and honest of
purpose, and has shown himself in every respect
to he a worthy addition to the citizenship of thi-
place since he took up his residence here more than
a quarter of a century ago. Hi- wife also shares
with him the regard in which he is held and both
Hill
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
are among the most worthy members of the Pres-
byterian Church. In politics he sides with the
Democrats.
Mr. Roller has been three times married. His
first wife, to whom he was united in 1 8 ;j 8 , was
Matilda Ross, who was a native of Centre County.
Pa., and a daughter of William and Mary Ross. She
died in 1873 leaving these six children; John AY..
Laura J., Sally J., Joseph R.. Ida and Robert II.
Laura married Charles Lutz; Sally is the wife of
M. W. Marshall; and Ida is the wife (if Tom Gedes.
Our subject's second marriage, which took place in
1K76. was with Isabella Hunter, a native of Centre
County. Pa., and a daughter of Robert Hunter.
She departed this life May 18. 1885. In 1**7 Mr.
Roller was wedded to Miss Annie Dale, his present
wife, a native of Pennsylvania, born in Centre
County, and a daughter of Felix and Lucy Dale.
io '
.J
\J\ ARTTX V. PIERCE. The gentleman who
is our subject is the owner and resides on
a tine farm located on section 1. Rural
Township, where he devotes himself to the
calling of agriculture, being very successful in this
direction, as he has bent his energies and intelli-
gence to the subject formally years. His residence
in Shelby County dates from the spring of 1869. He
is a native of Sullivan County, hid., where he was
born March 16, 1838. His parents were Jesse and
Keziah (Harris) Pierce.
The original of our sketch was but a small boy
when his mother died and when only thirteen
years of age the father died. The mother left
thirteen children and the father was married a sec-
ond time, by that marriage becoming the parent of
two children. After the death of his father Mar-
tin resided with his uncle until he grew to man-
hood and assisted in tilling the soil. Doubly or-
phaned, the youth's early years lacked all that
makes the remembrance of childhood pleasant to
one. We cannot but sympathize with the lad
whose sorrow was only stunned by the hard toil
which he was compelled to accomplish.
In 1860 our subject was united in marriage to
Kmi!\ Ernest, a daughter of Jacob and Susan Er-
nest. She was born in Sullivan County, Ind.. and
is one of a family of four, having three brothers.
After marriage our subject became the owner and
operator of a small farm in Sullivan County,
where he remained until 1869 and then came to
this State, renting land for one season and then
purchasing the place whereon he at present resides.
At that time it was but very little improved, the
only attempt at redeeming it from native wildness
was a log hut. In 1876 Mr. Pierce removed to
Shelbyville on account of poor health and two
years later, much improved in this respect, he re-
turned to his farm and resumed his bucolic employ-
ment. He is the owner of eighty acres of land,
which is in a good state of cultivation.
Our subject and his wife have been the parents
of five children, three girls and one boy dying in
infancy; only one son. Charles, is living. A
nephew, however, whose name is Homer Ernest. i>
a member of his family and enjoys the affection
and privileges of a son. Formerly our subject
affiliated with the Democratic party, but of late he
has transferred his allegiance to the Prohibition
party, convinced that the evil of intemperance is
one that most seriously threatens the well-being of
our country. He of whom we write has filled the
the position of Township Commissioner to the en-
tire satisfaction of those who elected him. In his
church relations Mr. Pierce is a member of the
Baptist denomination. He has been Deacon and
Treasurer in the church of which he is a member
for a number of years. Simple and unaffected at
all times, our subject enjoys the confidence and
trust of the men in his township in all stations of
life.
AVID M. CROWDER, To be the son of
worthy parents is a matter both for hon-
orable pride and devout thankfulness, and
he who can make this boast does well to
carry still further the honorable standing of the
family by making good his claim to be worthy of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Iiil
such parents. The father of our subject, the late
Robert Crowder, was bom in Buncombe County,
N. C. July 17. 1**17. and his mother, who bore the
maiden name of Barbara Prater, was born in
Greene County, Tenn., April 15, 1807. The first
two years of their married life was spent in Easl
Tennessee, upon a farm, alter which they moved
to Indiana and settling in Jennings County re-
mained there about two years and then emigrated
to Missouri, where they settled near Boonville,
and lived there for one year.
Robert Crowder brought his family to Illinois in
January. 1838, and settled in what is now Marrow-
bone Township. Moultrie County, where they con-
tinued to live until called hence by death. Our
subject is the eldest of their ten children and his
birth occurred in Eastern Tennessee. November 18.
1828. so that he was thus about nine years old
when he came with his father to what is now
Moultrie County, where lie grew to manhood ami
has made his home from that day to this.
Under the parental roof this young man made
his home until that important event took place
which was celebrated in Marrowbone Township.
August 30, 1848. when he was united in marriage
with Susan E.Mitchell, daughter of George and
Jane W. Mitchell, who were of Southern birth but
became early settlers in Moultrie County, 111. Mrs.
Susan E. Crowder was born in Tennessee. July '.'.
1831. The family home of this wedded couple has
been ever since their wedding day upon seel ion 15,
Marrowbone Township, with the exception of one
year which they spent in Bethany. Farming has
been Mr. Crowder's pursuit through life and in it
he has been successful, which success may be attrib-
uted to two reasons. In the first place lie has been
thoroughly intelligent, energetic and enterprising,
and in the second place he has had a richly product-
ivefarm such as is to be found only in the Prairie
Mate. His tract of two hundred and fifteen acres
has been excellently improved and upon it will be
found all the conveniences and appurtenances
which belong to a first-class farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Crowder rejoice in the possession
of seven children, namely: Sarah J., who is the
wife of William H. Hoskins; Margaret A., who
married F. T. Scheer; Mary A., now Mrs. Joel A.
Veakel; Barbara E.. who was the wife of W. F. Lo-
gan, and died April 3, 1890; Dora S., married .I.E.
Scheer; and two sons who died in infancy. The
principles of the Republican party command the
respect and allegiance of our subject and although
he is not an office-seeker he is earnestly devoted to
the prosperity of his party and works for its
supremacy. Roth he and his excellent wife are
earnest and devoted members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
A biography of David M. Crowder would be in-
complete did it not include a fuller resume than we
have already given of the life of the parents whose
honorable record is his dearest possession. It was
in the fall of 1*2* that Robert Crowder removed
to Indiana, and after first settling in Ripley County.
Ind.. removed as we have said, to Jennings County.
where he settled in New Marion. In the fall of
1836 he removed, as has been stated, to Missouri,
and there remained until January, 1838, when he
came to Moultrie County. 111. His wife, whose
maiden name was Barbara Prater, brought him ten
children, namely: David M.. William A.. Sarah J..
Thomas H., Mary S.. Robert S.. James H„ Andrew
W.. John A. and Marshall M. Robert enlisted in
Company E. Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois In-
fantry, taking rank as First Sergeant, and was
killed in the battle of Chickamauga. in September,
1863: Andrew W. was a member of Company B.
Forty-first Illinois Infantry, and was killed during
the siege of Yicksburg, in June. 1863, when about
sixteen years old. The brave and noble record of
these loyal sons of a loyal father awaken a sympa-
thetic response in every patriotic heart."" and the
memory of these brave boys is cherished by their
brothers and sisters and handed down to their
posterity for they believe that
"Brave hearts are more than coronets.
And simple faith than Norman blood".
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was the
body with which Robert and Barbara Crowder
were connected, and in its service and communion
they found both comfort and opportunity for
Christian work. Their genuine Christian charity
and uprightness mark them as worthy both of trust
and emulation, and their influence will not die
402
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
out for many generations to come. Robert Crow-
der passed from earth September 22, 1877, and his
bereaved widow survived him until January 25,
1890, when she too made her transit to a better
world. The handsome property which Robert
Crowder left to his children is but a small portion
of the precious heritage which they have received
from him and their venerated mother.
OHN B. HUGHES, a well-known and
highly respected druggist of Oconee, Shelby
County, a man of broad experience and ex-
cellent attainments, who has added to the
materia] prosperity of his village by his energy
and enterprise. He is a public-spirited citizen,
who is ever wide awake to help forward every
movement which tends to the prosperity of the
place. His parents were Thomas W. and Catherine
(Burke) Hughes, both natives of Ireland, the father
being born in County Carlo in 1801, and the
mother in Loughrea, County Galway, in 1843.
The father emigrated to America in 1838, and the
mother in 1851, and here they met and united
their fortunes in marriage.
The father of our subject located in Pennsyl-
vania and made his home there for some three
years, but the Western feverhad not been assuaged
by his removal across the ocean, and he decided to
conic to the Mississippi Valley. St. Louis was his
destination, and he remained there until 18;>2. but
in that year removed to Pana. 111., where he resided
until his death in 1887. The mother still resides
in the latter place.
Mr. Hnghes was educated in the public schools
of Pana, where he received excellent drill and ad-
vantages, ami he took his professional training at
the Chicago College of Pharmacy, from which in-
stitution he graduated in 1883. For eleven years
he worked in a drug store in Pana. during which
time he attended the college and received his di-
ploma. After graduation he went AVest and made
a tour of California. Arizona. ( )ld and New .Mexico.
Indian Territory. Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.
Ilis trip covered a period of three years. During
a portion of. this time he was occupied in mining
and upon a ranch, and worked in a drug store for
awhile in Denver, Col. Returning home he soon
after went into business on his own account at
Oconee, where we now rind him. He carries a full
line of staple drills, wall paper, glass, paints and
oils, toilet articles, jewelry, clocks, watches, cigars,
school supplies, etc.. and has an excellent trade in
these various lines.
On May 28. 1889 was the happy wedding day of
our subject with Miss Ida M. Morris,a daughter of
William Morris of this place. This lady. Mis.
Hughes, was the only child of her parents being
born in Oconee, April 15, 18(17. One child. Mari-
etta, died in early infancy. Mr. Hughes is a Re-
publican in his political views, and has always
advocated principles of the party which placed
Abraham Lincoln in the Presidential chair and sup-
ported his hand during the trying years of the
Civil War. lie has served for two years as Town-
ship Clerk of Pana. and is a member of Oconee
Camp, Xo. 1312 M. W. of A., of which he was a
charter member, and where he has held the office
of Worthy Advisor. lie is a member, as were his
parents before him, of the Roman Catholic Church,
and his good wife is identified with the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
The parents of our subject had live sons and
three daughters, fiveof whom now survive, namely:
William I... who is the eldest and resides in Pana,
111., carrying on the drug business; Mary F., the
wife of Thomas Scott, a barber in Pana; Martin F.,
who is married and is carrying on the coal busi-
ness in Pana; Thomas P.. who is engaged in the
hotel business in Decatur; and the deceased mem-
bers of the family are Ella. Edward and Anna, all
of whom died while the family were living in
Pana.
-4-
*
-5-
OSIAII BERRY, is the senior member of the
firm of Berry & Clark, the best known deal-
ers in lumber, house trimmings and general
builders' supplies, in Moweaipia. Shelby
County. The firm was established under its pres-
ent title in September. 1889, having succeeded
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in:;
Gregory Bros., who established the business some
years before. A sketch will be found in another
part of this Record, of the history of our sub-
ject's partner, Mr. Clark. The linn have already
attained a foothold in the community and vicinity,
thai speaks well for their business principles in
dealing.
Mr. Berry \v:is formerly engaged as a farmer in
Mowequa Township, having been for many years
very successful in his calling. He came here in
1873 and purchased one hundred and twenty acres
of land, which he still owns. He expended a
large amount of capital in putting this farm under
perfect cultivation, and it is so pleasant and at-
tractive a place that we almost wonder at Mr. Ber-
ry's relinquishing it. lie came to Shelby County
in 1868, spending his first live years here on a farm
in l'enn Township.
Mr. Berry was horn in Fairfield County, Ohio,
November 1. 1839. lie was there reared and re-
ceived the ordinary common-school education, and
then' remained until he had reached his majority.
At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion,
like all true men, his patriotism was tired, and he
ready to do or die for his country, lie enlisted in
Company B, of the Seventeenth Ohio Regiment,
in the month of August, 1861, Col. .1. M. Connell
and Capt. .1. W. Stinchcoinli. the latter being fol-
lowed by Capt. Weakly, now- of Shelby vill-e. 1 11 .
commanding- officers. After the organization of
the regiment, they advanced to the field of dis-
turbance and were assigned to the Fourteenth
Army Corps of the Cumberland Army under Gen.
Thomas. The regiment was brought into contact
with the enemy at Wildcat, Ky., and again
met them at Mills Spring. Corinth. Perryville,
Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, and were
with Sherman in his celebrated inarch from At-
lanta to the sea. Our subject was veteranized by
re-enlistment in December, 1863, and hi' continued
in service until the close of the war. when he was
honorably discharged at Louisville, Ky.. and mus-
tered out at Camp Chase. Columbus, Ohio, having
served nearly four years. He was always on duty
and saw a great deal of active service anil hard
fighting. He had the good fortune to escape
wounds and capture, never having seen the inside
of a hospital. Mr. Berry served as Sergeant of his
company for some time.
On his return home to Ohio he of whom we
write was engaged as a farmer until he came to II-
nois in 18(!8, since which time he has been one of
the leading men of the township where he has re-
sided, being much looked up to because of his en-
ergy and progressive ideas. Our subject was
married in his native county to Miss Lucretia A.
Ruffner, whose birthplace and early home was in
Fairfield County, Ohio. She was tenderly reared,
and had many advantages in an educational way.
denied many of her sex. She is the mother of two
children, Ruffner A. Berry, who is a clerk with
Mottit A' Co.. ice dealers in Decatur; and Nellie.
who lives at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Berry are the leaders of the best
class of social life in Moweaqua. Their pleasant
home is the meeting place for the culture, intelli-
gence and refinement of the town. Mrs. Berry is
a lovely woman, who presides over her home with
the dignity and grace that come only from a natur-
ally delicate and finely balanced nature. Politi-
cally Mr. Berry is a Republican, taking much
interest in local politics. He is a member of the
.1. Y. Clemings Post. O. A. R. He is also a mem-
ber of No. 1013 Chapter, K. of II., of Moweaqua,
being Dictator in the latter lodge. He has filled
all the offices of the Grand Army Post to which
he belongs but that of Commander.
^€>*<§^
ARSHALL M. CROWDER. Many families
are notable only for someone distinguished
member, whose reputation is far superior
to that of his brothers and kinsmen, who
must ever be content to shine in reflected glory,
but in the familv which is represented by the gen-
tleman whose name appears at the head of this
sketch, it is hard to select one member who is pre-
eminent above the others, as the reputation of
every one as energetic, enterprising men and pub-
lic-spirited citizens is acknowledged by all in
this section of the country.
Our subject is the yougest in a family of ten
mi
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
children all of whom are worthy representatives
of an excellent family. The parents, who had the
honor to bring into the world and rear such val-
uable citizens, are spoken of more at length in the
biographical sketch of David M. Crowder. He of
whom we write was born in Marrowbone Township,
.March 12. 1851, and was reared to manhood on his
father's farm, receiving his education first in the
district schools and afterward attending Mounl
Zion Academy for two terms. After this he taught
school tor six months in Moultrie County but with
that exception remained under the parental roof
until his marriage.
That interesting event took place in Sullivan
Township. May 22. 1870, the bride being Miss
Lydia S. Shockey, who was horn in Zanesville, Ind.
She received careful training and an excellent ed-
ucation and was thus admirably fitted for her fu-
ture work as wife and mother. Three children
called her mother, viz.: Olive B. (the wife of Ches-
ley W. Kennedy), Walter R. and Florence L. Mrs.
Lydia Crowder died in Marrowbone Township,
November (!. 1886, and her memory is revered by
all who knew her as a true-hearted woman and :i
faithful and devoted Christian.
The second marriage of Marshall Crowder took
place in Dalton City. 111.. August 17. 1KK7. he
being then united with Miss Mollie E. Black.a native
of Mount Zion Township. Macon County. 111.
She was there born May 2(i. 1H67. and reared to
womanhood receiving the best educational advan-
tages which her parents could command. She. as
well as her husband, are members of the Cumber-
land Presbyterian Church, where they are highly
esteemed for their true Christian character and
their intelligent promotion of all movements for
the betterment of the community.
Our subject has always been engaged in farming
pursuits, although for one year he was employed
as >lerk in a store in Bethany. For many years
he was a member of the G lee Club of that village and
musical matters always command his sympathetic
approval and encouragement. The platform of the
Republican party expresses his views in regard to
political policy and principles and he is an ardent
worker for the prosperity of that party. Two hun-
dred acres are comprised within the limits of Mr.
Crowder's farm and upon this tract he has erected
excellent and commodious farm buildings and a
home which is an ornament to the township.
RS. CATHERINE EBERIIARDT. Nothing
is more grateful to the feelings of the bi-
/ I ographer than to find a demand made
upon his pen for a sketch of an ideal
woman — one whose sound judgment and true heart
have carried her unswervingly through the devious
paths of life and whose beautiful Christian char-
acter has shown out through the darkness of life's
trials and temptations and has ever proved a bea-
con to warn the unwary and to comfort those in
sorrow. Such a life we find our duty to record in
speaking of the lady whose name appears at the
head of this paragraph.
Our subject was born in Wurtemburg, Germany,
January 31, ls:S2. Her father, George Geiger, was
bora there in 17'J7 her mother. Katlierina (Hild)
Geiger, having her nativity in 1805. They mar-
ried and settled in Germany and there they spent
their entire lives. They became the parents of four
children of whom Mrs. Eberhardt was the eldest
and she remained at home until she reached her
twentieth year and received as thorough an educa-
tion as her parents were able to command for her.
They brought her up in the faith and practice of
the Christian religion and sought for her those
blest posessions of a cultured heart and mind.
This young woman when only twenty years old
left her home and friends in the Old Country and
emigrated to America. This departure was trying
indeed to one of so warm a nature, and the home-
sickness with which she was afflicted lasted for
many sad and weary months. She never saw her
parents again, as it was not practicable for her to
return to them and they did not feel brave enough
to leave their native land and cross the ocean.
"While living in Philadelphia. Catherine Geiger
was employed as a domestic for somewhat less than
two years, after which she came West and while in
St. Louis. Mo., met and married Jacob Eberhardt,
m
H. C. GALLAGHER.
FRANCES GALLAGHER.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
409
her wedding day being March 4, 1854. This3roung
man was a native of Switzerland, where he was
born in 1825 and after his marriage with our sub-
ject lie removed to Sangamon County, 111. and
there made his home. After four year-' residence
there they removed to Marion Connty, 111., and
resided there for nine years and in the spring of
lsi)7 came to Moultrie County and settled in Lowe
Township where Mr. Eberhardt died dune 15, 1870.
Eight children have blest this anion, namely:
John, Bertha, Jacob, Anna, George, (who died at
the aye of nineteen) Emma, Charlie, who died when
sixteen years old, and Lncinda, the lasl one dying
in early childhood, Mrs. Eberhardt ha- continued
to live in Lowe Township, and she owns twohun-
dred acre- of tine land upon which she ha- placed
good improvements, she is a member of tin Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, an earnest and active
Christian and a lady of such genial nature a- to
win every heart.
KN1IY ( . GALLAGHER, The coming into
a county in its early days of any family of
enterprise, energy and industry, proves in
\£> time a great help in the progress of the
community. Such a family is that of the Galla-
ghers, <>f Shelby County, and tin- gentleman whose
name appears at the head of this sketch is one of
that large family, and with his brothers may well
occupy a conspicuous place in this Record. The
family history is given more at length in the
biography of his brother Abram, to which our
reader- are referred for further minutia.
The tine e-tate of this farmer and stock-raiser i-
to Keen seen upon section "27. Holland Town-hip.
ami its owner was horn in this town-hip within
three-fourths of a mile of his present residence,
August 1. 1843. lie is the third in order of age
of the large family of ten children horn to Jacob
ai.d Sarah (Middlesworth) Gallagher, who came to
Illinois in 1838 and settled mar Shelbyville, where
they remained for two years and then came to
Holland Township.
Our subject has Keen a resident of the latter town-
ship all his life. His infancy was -pent on the farm
and he received training there and in the district
schools which prepared him for taking up life's
duties with energy and discretion. The curriculum
of study in those pioneer schools was not broad
but it was thorough, and the drill was an excellent
preparation for the stern realities of life. As soon
a- lie wa- old enough to undertake duties for him-
self lie began farming independently and has al-
ways followed that business.
The farm of six hundred and twenty acres of
good land bears upon it excellent improvements,
and has what is rare in some parts of Illinois, a
beautiful grove. Mr. Gallagher has devoted him-
self largely to the rearing of stock, making hogs a
specialty, although he raises a good many horses.
The marriage of our subject in 1871 brought to his
home a bride in the person of Miss Frances,
daughter of William and Elizabeth Westenhaver.
This lady was born in Pickaway County. Ohio.
February 6. 1843. Her parents came to Illinois in
1858 and located in Holland Township, this county,
where they died. Three of their four children are
now living.
Our subject and his wife have been so happy as
to have in their household four children, and still
happier in retaining them all in health. They arc
by name: Jacob F... Addie F.. William T. and Alva
I... all unmarried and at home with their parents.
The estimate in which Mr. Gallagher is held by
his fellow-citizens and then* respect for his efficiency
is abundantly shown by their placing him re-
peatedly in offices of trust, lie has been Assessor,
Collector. Township Clerk and School Director.
and just now i- School Trustee. He also served
live year- as Clerk.
The Democratic party in its declaration firings
forward the political doctrines which Mr. Gallagher
has ever esteemed as best adapted to the prosperity
of the country. He is an active promoter of the
movements of this party and takes part in all pub-
lic affairs. All of his family with the exception
of his youngest child are already members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church in which they take a
deep interest and for whose prosperity they cheer-
fully labor. He was a member of the Shelbvvi.le
410
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Lodge No. 117, I. O. O. F.. bill living at such a
distance from that village prevented regular attend-
danceand he eventually withdrew. A lithographic
portrait of Mr. Gallagher appears on another page.
w, t. , b i > p i m U f b.
? I ' I ' I ' | '
i^iRl'MAN E. AMES, County Judge of Shelby
t({(@^\ t°llnt.v- already ranks among the most
Vi^' eminent men on the bench in this State,
although comparatively young, as since assuming
the judicial power his decisions have been marked
with a thorough knowledge of the law as applic-
able to all cases under his jurisdiction, have been
delivered with candor and unquestioned fairness,
and have been pronounced without fear or favor.
Our subject was born January 2, 1850, in the
township of DeKalb, St. Lawrence County. N. Y.,
and is a descendant of the sturdy, energetic pio-
neer stock that settled that part of the county
and redeemed it from the primeval forests. His
father, Truman W. Ames, was also born on the old
family homestead in De Kail) Township. He was
a son of Barnabas Ames who was a native of Ver-
mont. The great-grandfather of our subject. Will-
lam Ames, was likewise born in Vermont, the
Ames's being among the Colonial settlers of Massa-
chusetts. Some of the family removed from there
to Vermont. William and his son Barnabas, after
residing there a few years, pushed on to the fron-
tier wilds of Northern New York, going there on
an exploring expedition before he removed his
family, and taking with him bis son, the grand-
father of our subject, then a youth of twenty
years. They made the entire journey from Ver-
mont on foot, taking with them their axes to use
when necessary in traveling through the rough,
wild country through which they had to pass.
They found St. Lawrence County a howling wil-
derness, with but few evidences of civilization, as
there were but very few whites in that region.
After their arrival they took the job to help
clear the land where the Court House now
stands at Canton. They soon selected a suitable
location for themselves on what is now the pike
leading from Canton to Potsdam, and after
erecting a log house on the land purchased
returned to Vermont for the remainder of the
family. The great-grandfather rounded out a long
and useful life in his new-found home, and his
mortal remains now repose in the Ames Cemetery
not far from the scene of his pioneer labors.
The grandfather of our subject was just entering
upon a vigorous manhood when the family re-
moved to St. Lawrence County, and he at once
set actively to work to evolve a farm from the
wilderness. For many years after his location
there were no railways, and Montreal. Canada, was
the most convenient market and depot for sup-
plies. Deer, bears and wolves were plentiful in
the woods near the settlements, and sometimes
committed havoc with the farmers' stock and
gardens. The people were principally home-livers,
subsisting on the products of their farms, their
fare being varied occasionally by game; and the
wives, mothers and daughters of the pioneers
carded, spun and wove flax and wool, and the
cloth thus made was fashioned by their hands into
garments for their families. Grandfather Ames
made farming his life work and cleared a good
farm, on which he lengthened out a long and
useful life.
The father of our subject was reared to agri-
cultural pursuits in the home of his birth. In
due time he married Miss Jane Armin, a native
of England and a daughter of Michael and Jane
(Jobbin) Armin. After marriage Mr. Ames pur-
chased a farm near the old home, and was actively
engaged in farming thereon until 1H(!4, when he
enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixth New
York Infantry, and going at once to the front
with his regiment, joined Sheridan's command in
the Shenandoah Valley. He fought bravely in the
first battle there, at Cedar Creek, and was se-
verely wounded. After recovering from the effects
of his wounds he joined his regiment again, and
was present with the command at Appomattox at
the time of Lee's surrender. He and his com-
rades were then sent in pursuit of Johnson's
army, and after the surrender of the latter Gen-
eral they proceeded to Washington, took part in
the Grand Review and were honorably discharged.
Having proved his loyalty and devotion to his
PORTRAIT AND RICH illAPHIC AL RECORD.
HI
country by sacrificing hi- interests to help fight
the battles that saved the Union, Mr. Ames re-
turned to his old home and resumed his occupa-
tion as a farmer. He conducted his farming in-
terests until 1881, ^when he retired from active
business to Potsdam, where he -till continues to
enjoy the handsome competence that is the fruit
<>f his well-directed labors. He ami his good wife
have four sons living and an adopted daughter,
as follow-: Truman E., Milon E„ Ceylon W., Jud-
son T. and Gertrude. Milon E., Ceylon W. and
Judson T. are all locomotive engineers.
Judge Ames laid the foundation of a liberal
education in the district schools of his native
town, afterward studied at Hermon Academy,
and then pursued a course of study at the State
Normal and Training School at Pot-dam. He
thus had a good ground work for his legal studies,
which he began in the law office of Moullon,
Chaffee A- Headon in the interim of teaching, he
having come to Illinois in L871, and for two
years taught in Moultrie County, and subsequently
in this county. To further prepare himself for
hi- chosen calling he entered the Law Depart-
ment of the Michigan State University at Ann
Arbor, from which he was graduated with honor
in the C lass of '77. He opened an office at Wind-
sor, and was established there one year. He next
went to Rockford, but after remaining in that
city one year, he returned to Windsor, and in
1880 came from there to Shelby ville. He arose
steadily and rapidly in his profession until he
was honored by being elected to his present im-
portant office of County Judge in 1886. This
position he has attained solely through his per-
sonal merits and fitness for the place. This is the
second term in which he ha- presided over the
deliberations of the County Court, dispensing jus-
tice with an even hand, and his findings, which
are seldom, if ever, over-ruled by the higher
courts, evince his possession of a clear, compre-
hensive mind and masterly judicial qualities.
In 1x74 Judge Ames and Miss Dora Hilsabeck
w<re united in marriage at Windsor. Mis. Ames
wa- born at Windsor in 1856, and is the youngest
daughter of James A. and Sarah (Boys) Hilsabeck.
natives respectively of Georgia and Illinois. The
Judge and his amiable wife are among our lead-
ing society people, and their charming home pos-
sesses many attractions to their hosts of friends.
Their household is completed by the presence of
their only -on and child. Edward Peer, who was
i>i .in January 7. 1878.
Judge Ames i- giving Shelbyville the benefit of
his learning and executive talent by serving as
President of the Board of Education and using his
influence to make the schools Of the city as g 1
as the best in any part of the State. He is a
Democrat in polities and in hi- social relations is
a member of Jack-on Lodge, No. 53, A. F. &
A. M.: Godfrey de Bouillon Commandery, No.
44. at Matt. »»ii. 111.; also of Black Hawk Lodge.
N... s3. K. ..f P.: and of the Uniformed Rank No. 40.
AFT RANKIN P. M< PHEETERS. It is a
grateful task to the biographer to tell the
story of the brave lightings and marches of
the boys in blue who went forth to the call of the
President to raise again in triumph the stars and
stripes which had been assailed by traitors. No
crisis in our country's history since the Revolu-
tionary period had SO stirred the hearts of the peo-
ple and so entered into the home life of every
family as the event- which are classed under the
head of the Civil War. aad for at least two genera-
tions the history of that period will bear a peculiar
and personal value in -the eye- of all who love
their country.
Capt. McPheeters. whose record we shall be
happy to give further on in this -ketch, is the son
of the late Addison McPheeters, of whose history
our reader- will learn more in a biographical sketch
of A. W. McPheeters, of Sullivan, which appears
in this volume. The mother of our subject, whose
maiden name was Julia Poague. bore four children.
two of them being twins — our subject and A. W.
McPheeters, of Sullivan. These sons were born in
what is now Scott County. 111.. July 1. 1832, and
there passed the early years of their life up to the
aare of nine when the father removed with his family
112
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to Fayette County, Ky., and there our subject grew
to manhood and received thorough systematic
training- as a farmer's boy. When he left Fayette
County in the fall of 1852 he came to Moultrie
County and for three years pursued his education
in Sullivan and Charleston, 111.
The education which this young man had now
attained he decided to at once put to practical ser-
vice in instructing others, and securing a position
at the teacher's desk he taught for two years in
Moultrie County before entering upon what has
been his life work — farming. He settled upon a
farm and devoted himself to that work continu-
ously from that day to this, excepting the time
which he spent in the army.
Mr. McPhceters enlisted in July. 1H(!2, in Com-
pany C. One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illinois
Infantry, serving for three years, which term ended
about the close of the war. It was as a private
that he enlisted, but in March, 1863, he received
the commission of a First Lieutenant in his com-
pany and the following July was promoted to the
Captaincy of Company C, which official position lie
held until the close of the war. He took part in
the siege of Vicksburg and in the battles of Hum-
boldt, Tenn., and Clarendon, Ark. In July, 18{>4,
Capt. McPheeters with his company was detailed
and assigned to the Eleventh Ohio Battery for two
months, and shortly after he was given command
of that battery. He took part in the capture of
Pine Bluff and Saline River, Ark.
Having passed through his entire term of service
unharmed and with an honorable record the young
Captain gladly hailed the return home.and no doubt
thoroughly enjoyed the "royal welcome" which
every loyal Northern heart desired to grant when
••Johnny came marching home." Sullivan now be-
came his home again and he soon after engaged in
farming in East Nelson Township, where he has
since resided and where he owns three hundred
acres, upon which he has placed desirable improve-,
ments.
Capt. McPheeters was married in June, 1859, in
Attica, Ind., to Ann M. Campbell, a native of that
place. They have a family of four living children
and buried their eldest, Julia, when a little child.
Those who are living are: Jessie C. the wife of
Melville B. Connell, a druggist of Attica, Ind.;
Susan F., Mary L. and Charles E. The parents of
these children are active and earnest members of
the Presbyterian Church and they have brought
up their offspring in the faith and practice of the
Christian religion. The office of Trustee of the
church has long been Idled by this gentleman.
Our subject has taken quite an active part in
political matters and has a strong faith that the
Republican party embodies the true principles of
political economy, lie is prominently identified
with the Grand Army of the Republic at Sullivan,
and in the Odd Fellows Lodge has tilled every
office of trust and has been the Deputy and repre-
sentative of his lodge in the Grand Lodge. The
pleasant home which he has provided for his fam-
ily is delightfully situated and within its walls this
public-spirited gentleman and his excellent and
capable com pan ion have created an atmosphere of
true home life and harmony which has had a de-
cided effect not only in the formation of the char-
acter of their children but also upon the social life
of the neighborhood.
^1>*<I
iQy~-
^\OL HIRAM M.SCARBOROUGH. Shelby
(li County sent many of its noble and patriotic
\~S' citizens to the front during the late Civil
War and among those who won military honors
in "those times that tried men's souls" isour
subject, who as a commissioned officer of the
Fifty-fourth Illinois Regiment, was conspicuous
while in the service for his readiness of resource,
his coolness, for his promptness in carrying out the
orders of his superiors, and for other merits that
showed him to lie a true soldier. His services have
been equally as valuable within the last quarter of
a century or more since peace was declared, in that
he has taken a high place among the foremost of
the men of this county who have pushed forward
the mercantile interests of this section of the State
and have materially added to its wealth. He has
a large and elegant dry-goods establishment at
Shelliyville, where he entered upon his prosperous
career as a merchant twenty-live years ago.
PORTRAIT AND BI. M'HK AL RECORD.
413
Col. Scarborough was born in Hunterdon ( ounty,
N. J., September 4. 1834. He i> a -on of Isaac
Scarborough, who was a native of Bucks County,
l'a.. The paternal grandfather of our subject was
a skillful mechanic and for many year- carried on
business as a blacksmith in Bucks County, hi- en-
tire life being pawed in Pennsylvania, so far as
aught is known to the contrary. He was a stal-
wart Democrat, prominent in his party, and held
the office of Sheriff of Bucks County. He reared
seven sons and six of them learned of him the
trade of a blacksmith.
The father of our subject followed in his father's
footsteps as regards a trade and when a young
man established himself as a blacksmith in Hunter-
don County, N. J. He died there in 1845, ere yet
he had passed life's meridian. His wife, who bore
tlu- maiden name of Eliza Case, sold her home
after his death and moved across the Mate line
into Bucks County and spent her la>t years in
Pennsylvania with her daughters. These are tin-
names of tin- -ix children that sin- reared: Mathias
H., Hiram M.. Mar\ E., Hannah A.. Sadie E. and
Jennie. Mathias and Jennie are dead.
The subject of this biographical notice was eleven
years old when he was deprived of a father's care
and at tin- age of twelve the sturdy, self-reliant
little lad became self-supporting, lie was employed
on a farm until he was seventeen years old and
he then began to learn the trade of a carpenter,
which he followed iii his native county some years-
In 1856, in the prime and vigor of the opening
years of his manhood, he came westward to this
county and cast his lot with those who were active
in its upbuilding. He located at Shelbyville and
as he was a good carpenter he found plenty of
work at his calling, which he pursued until I860,
when he abandoned that to accept a position a- a
clerk, in which capacity he was employed until he
dropped his work to shoulder his rifle, that he
might help to tight his country's battles.
He enlisted in the fall of 1861 in Company H.
Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry and received the
compliment of being mustered in as Second Lieu-
tenant of his company. In the long and weary
years of sacrifice, hardship and privation that fol-
lowed he served the Government with fidelity and
did not abandon hi- pot until our flag floated once
more over an undivided country. He was with
his regiment in all its marches and campaigns, with
the exception Of about >ix month-, when he was at
home working hard to secure recruits. lie veter-
anized in 1863 and was honorably discharged in
November, 1865. From lime to time he received
deserved promotion, until he became one of the
leading officers of his regiment. In the fall of
1862 he was made First Lieutenant and as such
commanded hi- company in various engagements
with the enemy. His next promotion to the rank
of Captain soon followed, then to that of Major,
ami early in 186a he was commissioned Lieutenant-
Colonel and left the army with a high reputation
•as a gallant and efficient leader, whether in the heat
of battle, on the march or in camp.
Col. Scarborough returned to Shelbyville after
receiving his discharge papers and in January.
1866, began business here as a merchant, and ever
since has conducted one of the leading stores of the
city for the sale of dry good- and furnishing goods,
carpets, etc. It is neat and handsome in its ap-
pointments, the stock, of which there is a large and
well-selected assortment, is neatly and tastefully
arranged, so a- to add to the attractiveness of the
establishment, and the whole is ably managed.
In 1871 our subject was married to MissLahella
A. Middlesworth, a native of tin- county and a
daughter of Abram Middle-worth, who is repre-
sented elsewhere in this volume. They have one
son living, Charles M. The Colonel and his wife
understand well the art of making their dwelling a
true home, as all feel who cross the threshold and
enjoy the comforts and luxuries of its tasteful fur-
nishings, and receive every attention from their
kind and considerate host and hostess.
Col. Scarborough is a frank, manly and straight-
forward man. whose business methods are such as
to commend him to the confidence of the public,
and Shelbyville holds him as one of her best citi-
zens. His life has been guided by Christian prin-
ciples and for many years he has been a consistent
church member, first joining the Baptist Church in
early manhood, while a resident of his native
State. But after he came here to dwell it >eemed
arood to him to unite himself with the Presbyterian
414
PORTRAIT AXD BlOORAPIIICAL RECORD.
Church, in 1861, and he and his wife are to-day
among its most effective working members. So-
cially he is a member of Jackson Lodge, No. 53, A.
F. & A. M., and also of Cyrus Hall Post. G. A. R..
his connection with that organization commemor-
ating the days and nights that he and hiscomrades
passed together on the battlefields of the South,
lie was horn and reared by Democratic parents, but
since 18(j:< he has been a stalwart Republican.
GEORGE W. SHR1DE has been a residentof
, Shelby County for more than thirty years,
and during that time has won an import-
ant place among the most substantial farmers and
Stock-raisers of Pickaway Township, where he has
a farm that compares with the best in this part of
the Mate. He is a son of one of the pioneer fami-
lies of Ohio, and was born in that state February
25. 1825, his birthplace being about twelve miles
northwest of Lancaster. Fairfield County. II is
father's name was Jacob Shride, and he was a na-
tive of Bucks County. Pa. He went from there to
Ohio when he was a young man, and married in
that State, Hannah Bowman. He bought a tract of
partly improved land in Fairfield County, and the
remainder of his life was devoted to farming in
that locality until death rounded out his life in
1861. His wife had died there many years before,
passing away in 1841).
Our subject began when very young to acquire
a practical knowledge of farming, and afforded his
father much assistance during his youth, lie at-
tended school as he could, acquiring a fair educa-
tion, and continued to live with his lather until
lie attained his majority, lie then worked on a
farm by the month until his marriage, when lie
rented land in his native county a few years. In
1854 he went to Logan County, in the same State.
and was a resident thereof until he came to Shelby
in 1857. When he first located here he farmed as
a renter, but in 1861 he bought two hundred and
forty acres of land, which is included in his pres-
ent farm on the west half of section 22. Pickaway
Township. He has placed it under a high state of
tillage, has erected commodious buildings, and has
made his farm a valuable piece of property, upon
which he carries on a good business in general
farming and stock-raising.
In 1849 Mr. Shride married .Miss Julia A. Stump.
and for thirty-live years they were bound together
by the sacred tie of a true wedded life. Then
death crossed the threshold of their home and re-
moved the faithful wife and devoted mother from
her family in September, 1884. Of the thirteen
children born of that marriage, these ten have
been reared to maturity: John W.. William 11..
Lyman M., Daniel F., Sarah M., Jacob C, Milo D.,
Fletcher. Abraham Lincoln and Harvey E.
Mr. Shride is a member of the Reformed Church,
as was also his wife, lie was a Democrat previous
to the war. but at that time became an ardent
Republican, and has ever since remained true to
the party. His whole career marks him as a man
of sound understanding, of far-seeing sagacity and
of industrious habits, so combined with those use-
ful qualities of thrift, prudence and steadiness of
purpose, that his prosperity is easily accounted for.
His unswerving honesty ami integrity, fidelity to
whatever he conceives to be his duty, ami his un-
failing kindness to all with whom he comes in con-
tract have won him the regard of his neighbors
and friends.
■^ . P1IRAIM ADAMSOX. a highly respected
■* farmer residing in Moweaqua Township.
__^ Shelby County, was born in Centre County,
Pa., January 22, 1839. James Adamson was his
father's name, and he was a native of the same
county, born in 1811. He was a son of one Will-
iam Adamson. who was a native of Spain. In early
life he came to this country and settled in Penn-
sylvania, where he spent his remaining years in
Centre County, lie was a soldier in the War of
1812. He married a Scotch lady.
James Adamson was reared to man's estate in
his Pennsylvania birthplace. He went to Mifflin
County, 111., his native State, when he was a young
man. and was there married to Nancy Ely. a native
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
415
of Franklin County, Pa., born in 1814. and a
daughter of John Ely, who was also a Pennsylva-
nianbybirtb. Thefatherof oursubjed purchased
a tract of land in Centre County after his marriage,
and Lived thereupon several years. In 1839 he re-
moved to Huntingdon County, in the same state,
and was a residenl there for many years. His next
move was to Ohio in 1861, and he located in
Guernsey County, where lie lived until after the
death of his wife in 1867. He then made his home
with his children, and died in Centre County, Pa.,
in August, 1882. The following are the names of
his children: David. Elizabeth, Ephraim, Mary
Jane. Isaac. Rebecca, Emma, John, Priscilla, Jem-
ima and Nannie.
He of whom 1 1 i i — sketch is principally written
early acquired a knowledge of agriculture on his
father's farm. He accompanied his parents to their
iii-w home in Ohio in 1861, and lived in Guernsey
County until 1863. In that year he gave up his
persona] aims and ambitions to do his duty to his
country as a patriotic citizen by helping to sup-
ine-- the great rebellion that was then waging in
the South, enlisting December 1 1 in an indepen-
dent company. He was sent with hi> comrades to
Washington, D. C, to do garrison work, and in
1864 served as body guard to President Lincoln.
lie was m Washington at the time of the assassina-
tion of the Chief Magistrate of the Nation, and
was also at the Capital during the Grand Review,
in which he took part, lie was discharged from
the army with his company September 11. 1865,
and returned to Ohio, Inning gained a good mili-
tary record for faithfulness and efficiency in what-
soever lie was called upon to do while he was a
soldier.
After he left the army Mr. Adamson drove a
huckster's wagon in Cambridge from that time
until 1868, when he left the Buckeye state to take
up his residence in Illinois. He settled in Mowea-
qua Township, and two years later devoted some
of his money to the purchase of forty acre- of
land. lie subsequently bought more realty until
he had one hundred and twenty acre- of land, and
he dwelt thereon twenty years. At the expiration
of that time he disposed of that place and rented
the adjoining farm, where he now resides. He
also has farming interests in Nebraska, owning a
good farm in Nuckolls ( ounty, that State.
In 1867 Mr. Adamson took unto himself a wife.
marrying Miss Josephine Scoot, a native of Guern-
sey County. Ohio. They have eight children liv-
ing: Jame-. David. George, Oscar, Mary, Nannie.
Edwin and Ida.
A- a veteran of the late war our subject is an
honored member of J. V. Clemins Post, No. 363,
G. A. R. lie and his wife are among the most
worthy member- of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and among their neighbors they are held in high
e-ti uiation for their many excellent qualities of
head and heart.
J 4--M-S--
KNKV MARTZ, one of our worthy German-
American citizens who doe- credit alike to
the hind of his birth and the land of his
adoption, resides on section 28,Ridge Town-
ship. Shelby County, where he carries on a first-
class farm. He was born in the old country April
3. 1834, and up to the time when he was thirteen
years old he worked upon the farm. He then
served an apprenticeship for three years to the
trade of a miller and was sixteen years old when
he came to America.
The youth landed in New York City ami made
his way to Lancaster, Ohio, where he was engaged
at farm labor for eight years, after which he was
married March 14. 1858 to Miss Margaret Singer, a
native of Bavaria, Germany, where she was born
August 29, 1*38. He remained in Fairfield County
for two year- after his marriage and in 186(1 re-
moved to Shelby County, 111., renting land in Pick-
away Township for about thirteen years. In 1873
he decided to purchase a farm and bought one
hundred and sixty acres on section 2*. where he
settled and where he has since been a resident.
This fine farm has now been increased to two
hundred and sixty acres. Upon it have been
erected good buildings and excellent improvements
of other kinds. Nine children have made this
happy home resound with the gleeful pursuits of
childhood, their names being Henry, John. Anna
416
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
M., William T., Caroline C, George E., Rosanna
M., Charles (i.. and Lewis J. Anna M., is the wife
of Samuel Campbell; Henry married Louisa Raab;
John died when fourteen years old. The father
of these young people has been Highway Commis-
sioner for some three years and his political views
lead him to affiliate with the Democratic party.
Both he and his excellent wife are members in
good and regular standing of the Lutheran Church.
Their good home, pleasantly located, forms an
agreeable center of social life and the farm shows
every mark of the hand of a prudent and consci-
entious farmer.
GS_
*»+£
(<£
l/OHN W. FALK fills multifarious offices of
usefulness at Herborn, Shelby County, being
its merchant, Postmaster, express agent,
freight agent and carrying on a fine busi-
ness in the manufacture of tile. His business abi-
lity and thorough going, progressive character, are
giving a push to this young town, which will tell
upon its future.
Mr. Falk was born in Germany, September 7.
1856. his parents being John and Anna (Franke)
Falk. The family came to the United States in
1K.">* when our subject was scarcely two years old.
Their first home was in Chicago, but they did not
tarry there many years, as they thought best to
devote themselves to agricultural pursuits. Ac-
cordingly they sought out some of the rich but
unbroken prairie soil where they might make their
home and by industry gain the wealth which was
hidden under its surface. The father was not a
man of means and felt that in order to secure for
his children the best advantages of this new world
lie must place them where they might rise more
readily than in a great city.
Shelby County was chosen as the home of the
family and here the father purchased forty acres
of land. He was hampered in his work by poor
health, but still by earnest endeavor and industry,
coupled with economy he became the owner of two
hundred and forty acres of land and placed upon
it excellent improvements. His death occurred in
1877 when he was fifty years old. He was an
earnest and devout member of the Lutheran
Church in which his wife was in sympathy with
him. The worthy widow still survives and is
making her home in Shelly County on the old
homestead.
Five of the children of John and Anna Falk
grew to man's and woman's estate. These were
Joseph; Dora, wife of William Rozene; Elizabeth,
wife of John Scheef; Caroline, the wife of Henry
Zalman and our subject who was the fourth in
order of birth in the family. He was lint five years
old when the family removed to Shelby County,
and therefore feels that almost his entire life has
been identified with the growth and progress of
the community in which he lives. He received
the usual thorough drill and instruction given to
a farmer's boy and was educated in the district
school. Although his school advantages were ex-
tremely limited he availed himself thoroughly of
all opportunities which were placed within his
reach and has acquired a good business education
by independent study and endeavor.
At the age of twenty-one years. John Falk en-
gaged in merchandise at Stewardson, an enterprise
which he conducted for one year, after which time
he decided to go upon a farm and establish a home
of his own. lie was married in 1878 to Anna
Giesier, daughter of Adam and Mary Giesler who
was born in Elkhart County. Ind.. November 16.
1862. After following agriculture, for some
eleven years, he established a mercantile business
at Herborn in 1889. and soon afterward became a
partner in the tile factory, and later took up deal-
ing in grain. The tile business at Herborn was
established about ten years ago by Hunt and Gall
amore. The present firm does business under the
title of the Herborn Tile Manufacturing Company
and is composed of the following gentlemen: Jos-
eph Falk. John W. Falk. and A. T. Weber. Mr.
and Mis. Falk own together some one hundred
and forty acres of excellent land. Our sub-
ject is identified with the Republican party and
works for its prosperity, although he devotes only
a limited portion of his time and interest to poli-
tical matters. He lias been placed in the office of
School Trustee in which he is efficient and active.
RESIDENCE OF JOH N R E B ER , S EC. 31. , PRAI Rl E TR, SHELBY CO. , I LL
" FARM PROPERTY," RESIDENCE & STORE OFJ.W. FALK, HERBORN ST AT I ON, SHELBY CO. I LI
$j^5e3
RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL BOWMAN , SEC. 21., RIDGE TP., SH ELBY CO., ILL
PORTRAIT AND BIoORAPlIK A I. RECORD.
H9
and is activelj forwarding the educational inter-
ests "f tin' township. Ho feels these to be among
tin- most vital and necessary matters which should
engage the attention ami zeal of every worthy
and broad-minded citizen.
The attention of the reader i> invited to a view
on another page of the residence and store of Mr.
Falk.
AMUEL BOWMAN, the son of an eminent
Meimonite minister and a man of great
usefulness and ability, resides on section
21. Ridge Township. Shelby County, where
his good farm and excellent buildings testify to
his >kill and thoroughness as a farmer. His father,
the Rev. Jacob Bowman, was born in Franklin
County, Pa., and his mother. Mollie Lehman was
a native of the same county. There they were
married and made their home in Franklin County.
Ohio, where they lived for many years and where
this venerable and highly honored clergyman de-
parted from earth, May 18, 1**4. His faithful
companion survives him and has reached a very
advanced age.
The subject of this sketch is one of the young
members of his father's family, his birth taking
place in Franklin County. Ohio. May 4. 1846.
His bo- hood days were spent there ami his school-
ing received in the common schools of the Buckeye
Mate. Besides preaching, his father carried on a
farm and the boy grew up to a sturdy manhood
with the excellent drill which is given to a farmer's
boy.
In his native county, the young man found a
wife in the person of Miss Susan Motts, a daughter
of Daniel and Harriet ( Warner) Motts, both born
in Berks County, l'a. The day which united
these two useful and happy lives was September 7.
1871. The first home of Mr. and Mrs. Motts wa-
in Franklin County, l'a.. but they had removed to
Franklin. Ohio, previous to their daughter's mar-
riage. Mr. Motts' death occurred November 7.
1876, and his wife followed him to the other
world, September 20, 1879. Tin- highly honored
couple had a family of ten children, of whom Mr-.
Bowman was the ninth in age. Her native home
was Franklin County. Pa., where she was bom
July 22. 1849. Her domestic qualities have fitted
her admirably for her work as a wife and mother,
and she has been a true helpmate to her husband
since the day of their marriage.
The early wedded life of Mr. and Mrs. Bowman
was spent in Franklin County. Ohio, where they
remained for four years, but in January, 1876 they
came to Shelby County, 111., and made their home
on section 21. Ridge Town-hip. where they have
built up a prosperous and delightful home. Agri-
culture has been Mr. Bowman's life work and he
is the owner of two hundred acres of excellent and
productive soil. Upon the homestead he has a
substantial set of buildings, including a commo-
dious residence, a view of which i> shown on
another page.
Four children have blessed the home of .Mr.
Bowman, namely: Benjamin F.. Ida M.. John C,
and Howard A. To these children have been
offered good educational advantages and they are
making progress in preparing for the responsible
duties of life. The political viewsofMr. Bowman
are in accordance with the declaration of the Re-
publican party, in the progress of which he take- a
keen interest Both he and his excellent wife
have taken an active part in religious work, and
are members of the Evangelical Association, where
he ha.- rilled the office of steward and Trustee.
He is thus carrying out in a little different line,
the good Christian work in which his father was
active for thirty-four years.
r
■5=*=+
olIN REBER, whose handsome brick resi-
dence built after modern architectural de-
sign attracts the eye of every visitor to
Prairie Town-hip. Shelby County, was born
in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 2. 1838. His
parent-. T. Y. and Rachel (Allen) Reber were
natives of the same county, the father being born
in 1807 and now li\ -in»r in Wyandot County,
420
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
that State, and the mother, who was born in 180«),
having died in the county just named in October,
L890.
Of the family of T. V. and Rachel Rebel', there
were eight children, and our subject was the second
m age. Like thousands of young men from Ohio
he came to Illinois, arriving here October 5, 18(!7
and locating on the farm where he now resides,
lie has since that time efficiently carried on the
business of farming and stock-raising. This State
was visited by his father about the year 1850, and
he then entered the land from the Government,
which afterward came to this son by inheritance.
Mr. Reber has a splendid farm of four hundred and
eighty acres, and upon this he has recently erected
a new home, a view of which appears on another
page.
March 23, 1891, was the happy wedding day of
John Reber and Mrs. Clara Thompson. Mrs. Reber
is a native of Shelby County and a daughter of
the Rev. Mr. Stamper, of Ilerrick, this county.
She was first married to William Thompson, of
Shelby County, who died in 1890. Mr. Reber
always voted the Republican party until 1890,
when he broke away from party lines and became
independent in his political view and vote. He
makes a principle of casting his ballot for the man
and the measures which in his judgment will best
subserve the good of the community and the pros-
perity of the commonwealth. He is not a pro-
fessor of religion but cheerfully gives of his means
to the support of the Gospel. He is looked upon
by his neighbors as one of the valuable and solid
members of the social and industrial community
of Prairie Township.
OHN POGl'E has been identified with the
agricultural interests of this county for
more than a quarter of a century and these
busy years have been fraught with much
prosperity for him and he now has a large and
well-equipped farm, pleasantly located in Pickaway
Township. He is a son of one of the early pio-
neer families of Indiana and was born in that
State, in the Township of Fairbanks. Sullivan
County. March 17.1820. His father, James Pogue,
was born in 1796 amid the pioneer scenes of Mer-
cer County. Ky. He was a son of William Pogue,
who was a native of Ireland. He came to this
country in Colonial times and served faithfully in
the Continental Army throughout the Revolution-
ary AVar. He subsequently went to the North-
west Territory and later became a pioneer of Ken-
tucky, where his life was brought to a close at a
good old age. The maiden name of his wife was
Jane Marshall.
James Pogue was but nine years old when the
family went to Ohio and when he was eighteen
years old he made his way across the border to the
Territory of Indiana. For two years he resided in
Knox County and then sought the forests of Sulli-
van County to build up a home. He was the first
to settle in what is now Fairbanks Township,
where he bought a tract of heavily timbered land
from the Government. He built a log cabin
which he afterward replaced by a more commo-
dious hewed log house, which was then the birth-
place of his son. of whom we write. For many
years there were no railways anil Terre Haute was
the nearest town to which the settlers could go to
market their produce and obtain household sup-
plies. The people had to live mostly on what
they could raise on (heir farms, the abundance of
wild game, such as deer, turkeys, etc.. adding
greatly to their fare. The wives and daughters
of the pioneers spun and wove all the cloth used
by their families, homespun garments being the
rule.
The father of our subject, by dint of hard and
persistent labor, cleared a line farm from the wil-
derness, and there his days were passed in peace
and plenty until the cud came and he was removed
from the scenes of his toil by the hand of death in
1854. His wife survived him until 1862, when
she too passed away. Her maiden name was
Emmet Thomas and she was born in Kentucky.
William and Jane Thomas being her parents.
Our subject was one of eight children and he
grew to a vigorous and self-reliant manhood in
his native county. The school that he attended
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
421
wlit'ii he was a boy was taughl in a log house.
Small logs were splil t" make seats for the scholars,
one side of the logs being hewn smooth, and
wooden pins being inserted for legs, the seats
being without backs or desk.-. The school was
conducted on the subscription plan and the teacher
sometimes hoarded around among the families in
the distriet. As soon as lie was large enough our
subject was required to assist in the farm work
and lie was thus engaged until lie was twentv-two
years old. His father then gave him eighty acres
of timber land anil he at once entered upon the
hard pioneer task of redeeming it from a state of
nature. At that time standing trees were of little
value and he used to roll large logs together and
burn the pile. He cleared five or six acres, built
on the place and at the time of marriage settled
there.
In 1865 our subject sold his property in Indiana
ami coming to Shelby County, bought two hun-
dred and forty acres of wild prairie in Pickaway
Township. For one hundred and sixty acres he
paid at the rate of *12 an acre and for eighty
acres he paid $8 an acre. He then purchased an
additional one hundred and sixty acres at $12^
an acre and another eighty acre tract at *-'3(i an
acre. He HOW owns live hundred and forty acres,
sixty of which is timber land. He lias erected a
good set of frame buildings and has added to the
beauty of the place by planting fruit, shade and
ornamental trees in abundance.
December 31, 1841, Mr. Pogue and Miss Nancy
Perry united their fortunes for better or worse
and their hearty co-operation in the upbuilding of
their home lias secured them the handsome com-
petency that they enjoy. Mrs. Pogue was horn in
Vigo County. Ind.. and is a daughter of William
N. and Catherine (McClure) Perry, who were early
pioneers of her native State. Among the blessings
that a wedded life of half a century has vouch-
safed our Subject and his estimable wife are the
ten children Imin to them, named as follows:
.lames M.. Angelinc, Emeline, Cornelia. Charles M..
Louisa. William Marvin, Leona, Julia A. and
Hiram 31.
Mr. and Mrs. Pogue are valued members of the
Christian Church, who carry their religion into
their every-day lives, and are kind and considerate
toward ali. these pleasant traits of character win-
ning them respect and regard on every hand. Mr.
Pogue has clear and sensible views concerning pol-
itics and is independent of any party, voting for
whom he thinks best suited to assist in the man-
agement of public affairs.
-»>... ,^>>».t„ L
OBERT E. CANNON. The village of
Towei- Hill is the seat of some thriving
business establishments, prominent among
* which is the store of Mr. Cannon, dealer
in lumber, furniture hardware and agricultural im-
plement.-. Ili> life affords a striking example of
what may he accomplished by a determined and
tireless spirit, even with nothing as capital save
vigor of body and activity of mind. A self-made
man in a wide sense. Mr. Cannon has gained
wealth, but while doing so he has remembered that
there arc others in the world as well as himself,
and has treated those with whom he has had deal-
ings in the most straighforward and honest man-
ner, carrying out the Golden Rule in all his
dealings.
A native of Alabama, Mr. Cannon was horn
September 3, 1844, and at the age of seven years
accompanied his parents to Arkansas, where he
remained twelve years. There he received a com-
mon-school education, which he has since broad-
ened by careful reading on all important subjects.
In 1864 he came to Illinois, and locating in Mont-
gomery County, passed the ensuing six years there.
During four years of this time he was engaged in
the lumber business for his father in the town of
Butler, and he was also in partnership with his
father and brother in the dry-goods business at Ir-
ving for one and a half years. Thus early in life
he acquired a thorough knowledge of business af-
fair-, and gained that judgment and decision which
characterize his transactions now.
In 1*72 Mr. Cannon came to Tower Hill and
embarked in his present business, which he is still
successfully prosecuting. lie has an extensive and
lucrative business and occupies a prominent place
122
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
among the business men of Shelby County. Ho
controls three hundred and twenty acres of land.
but makes his home in a cozy residence in the vill-
age. Peace, comfort and happiness have come to
him from his marriage, which was celebrated in
Butler, 111., October 12. 1868. The bride on that
important occasion was Miss Julia A. Stewart, a
native of Montgomery County, 111. The union
has been blessed by the birth of nine living chil-
dren, as follows: Ella, Lillie, Alice, Arthur, Wal-
ter. Lizzie, Elmer E., Flora and Myrtle. One child
died in infancy.
In politics Mr. Cannon is a stanch Democrat,
and has represented the people in the Town Coun-
cil for twelve years. He has also served the town-
ship as Clerk and School Director. He and his
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, in which he has filled some of the offices.
"Sir. Cannon, during an honorable career as a saga-
cious, enterprising business man, has displayed
those solid traits of character that are needful to
the attainment of good fortune in any calling.
and in his dealings with all either in a business or
social way he has ever shown himself to be a
man of honor and truthfulness, and with his
good wife he enjoys the full trust of the entire
community.
I[_ A. DAVIS. The gentleman whose name is
jjf) at the head of this sketch is a general
farmer and a breeder of horses. The tract
Q) of land of which he is proprietor comprises
one hundred and sixty acres, and is located on sec-
tion 33, Pickaway Township, Shelby County. Mr.
Davis secured this land directly from the Govern-
ment in August. 1852. and since then has devoted
himself to improving it. Our subject came to this
county when yet a small boy. He is a native of
Kentucky, being there born June 'J, 1826, and is
the son of Joshua and Leah (Stitt) Davis, natives
of Maryland and Kentucky, respectively, but of
Scotch-Irish ancestry.
After marriage our subject's parents began life
in Nicholas County, Kv.,and there five of the chil-
dren were born. About 1833, the family removed
to this state, coming by way of the Ohio. Missis-
sippi and Illinois Rivers, up to Naples, and thence
over into Morgan County. There .Mr. Davis Sr..
rented land lor some time and was engaged in
farming. Later they came to this county settling
here in a very early day. and purchasing some new
and unbroken land of the Government. The par-
ents ended their lives in Ridge Township, the
father, January 4, 1868, and the mother February
18, 1857. They were then aged respectively eighty
and fifty years, and had been members, for a great
many years, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject is the third in order of eight chil-
dren, of whom there were three sons and live
daughters. Four of these children are yet living.
The youngesl son was killed at the battle of Chicka-
mauga during the War of the Rebellion. His name,
John II. Davis, and the memory of his bravery and
loyalty will ever lie cherished by family, comrades
and friends. He of whom we write was reared un-
der the home roof in this county, where he became
of age. He has been a close and appreciative ob-
server of all the changes that have taken place in
the history of the state from the '30s to the present
time. The original of our sketch has been fairly
successful in a business and financial way since
starting out in life for himself.
Mr. Davis was married in this township and
county, early in life to Miss Elizabeth Robinson.
Their marriage was celebrated in March, 1858. The
lady was born in Bourbon County, Ky., and came
to Shelby County, this Slate, in February, 1857. She
died at her home here in June, 1867. She was the
mother of live sons, namely — lames, Henry Alex.,
John II.. George B. Ma, and William G. Feeling
the need of companionship after the death of his
wife, our subject was again married, the lady con-
senting to preside over his home and be a mother
to his children, was Miss .Mary Rice. They were
married in 1869. She is a native of this State
although her parents were Kentuckians, where they
lived for some time. They passed away from life
at their daughter's home in this township, June,
1871. She was in middle life at the time of her
decease and left one child. Rosa B.. having lost a
PORTRAIT AM) BR >< , ll.M'lIIC AI, RECORD.
123
son, Frank, previous to the birth of the child men-
tioned. Our subjecl was again married, this time
to Mrs. Elizabeth Yunkins. She was born and reared
in tlic State of Alabama, and was married to a
Southerner who died in the Southern army. By
her present marriage she i- the mother of two chil-
dren, namely: Cora B. and SamuelT. She had one
son by her first marriage, Thomas Jefferson.
=^I>*<!
G)y~*
< » 1I.I.IAM HILL, is a general farmer residing
\ I on ,'i lineh impn w ed I rad i if land l< -
V V cated on sections 19 and 20. of Pickaway
Township, Shelby County. His farm comprises
eighty acres of highly cultivated land which has
been hi- home since 1850. At the time of his
purchase, the place was perfectly new and un-
broken. He first secured forty acres from the
Government and it was then virgin soil. Besides
this tract, our subject own- forty acre- of good
land in Flat Branch Township. He has lived in
the county all his life, having first opened his eyes
upon the mysteries of the world in Ridge Town-
ship, April 9, 1*27. lie is therefore one of the
oldest settlers living in the county.
The original of our sketch comes from Southern
parentage. His father, William Hill, Sr., was a
native of Kentucky, and a son of Henry Hill, who
wa- a native of Maryland or South Carolina. He
was married to Elizabeth (Bruntz) Hill, probably a
native of the -aim- Mate with himself. After mar-
riage they settled in Kentucky, near Louisville and
some time later they came with their family to
Montgomery County. 111., arriving there at a very
early day. There Henry Hill died,being eighty years
old at the time of his decease, his wife having
died previous in Shelby County, at the home of a
daughter. She. also, was eighty years of age when
-lie died. Henry Hill and wife were members of
the regular Baptist Church. They had a large
family. William Hill. Sr.. wa- one of the elder
children and arrived at manhood and married
in Montgomery County Mi— Cynthia Scribner,
a native of Tennessee. She was quite young when
her father. William Scribner. removed to Mont-
gomery County, during pioneer days. Her father
and mother in their last years, moved west of the
Missouri River, where they passed away at a very
advanced age. They were pioneer fanners wherever
they located.
After the marriage of William Hill. Sr., they
made their first permanent settlement in what is
now Ridge Township. Shelby County, there pro-
Curing Government land, which they improved
until it was in a fine state of cultivation. Later
they purchased land in Flat Branch Township,
this county, and there Mrs. Hill died while in
middle life. Later. Mr. Hill came to make his
home with hi- son, our subject, and died here at
at the age of sixty-four years. He had for many
years been a member in good standing, of the
Baptist Church. Politically he affiliated with the
Democratic party, his sympathies having been
with that party all his life.
( )ur subject is one of a large family, live only of
whom are yet living, all of these being married,
lie of whom we write remained under his father's
roof until he had attained years of manhood,
reaching his majority while in Flat Branch Town-
ship. He there married Susanna Tolly, who was a
native of the place where her marriage was cele-
brated, her natal day being October 27. 1832. She
was reared and educated in her native township
and was one with her husband after their mar-
riage, until her death, which occurred April 17,
1889, in making a comfortable and pleasant home.
She was an amiable woman and a conscientious.
true Christian, having been a member of the Bap-
tist Church for many years. Her father. Robert
Tolly, was a native of Kentucky, and later, a very
early settler in Flat Branch Township, where he
pre-empted a homestead in which he lived and
died. He was. at the time of his death, but a little
past middle age. His wife. Jemima Dents, came
here with her parents at an early day. She passed
the last years of her life in Flat Branch Township,
passing away at an advanced age. Both she and
Mr. Tolly were members of the old school Baptist
Church.
Mrs. Hill, the wife of our subject, was one of
ten children, three of whom are yet living. She
was also the mother of ten children, all excepting
424
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
three, now living. Those deceased aie Robert,
Mary E. and Charles II. The living children are
John .M.; Levi P.; Jemima; Lovisa; Cynthia M.:
Lydia and Isaac. Of these .John took to wife Sarah
J.Drake and is proprietor of a farm in this town-
ship. Levi P. was married to Julia Thomas, and
is a fanner in Flat Branch Township. Jemima is
the wife of Alvin T. Jams: they also reside in
Flat Branch Township. Lovisa is the wife of
Freedom Brinker, a farmer living in Greenw 1
County. Kan. Lydia remains at home and is
her father's housekeeper, being a woman of most
pleasing address and kindly genial manners. Isaac
also is at home and assists his father. Mr. Hill is
a member of the old school Baptist Church and
the Democratic party lias in him one of its most
true and loyal followers.
/
ILLIAM J. HENRY. This gentleman, who
like many of the residents of Ridge Town-
vA/
» ' ship, Shelby County, is a native of the
Buckeye State, is a son of Isaac Henry, and Eliza-
beth Foster, the former, a native of Ohio, and the
latter, of Maryland. The respected father died in
Noble County. Ohio, after which sad event the
mother came to Shelby County, and died at the re-
sidence of her son. the subject of this life record.
They had seven children, of whom our subject is
tin- fourth in age.
William Henry first saw the light in Jefferson
County, Ohio, February 23, 1823. When lie was
but a little child his parents removed from their
old home to Guernsey County, and here the boy
was educated in the common schools and on the
farm and grew to a vigorous and active young
manhood. In Noble County. Ohio, he found the
lady whom lie chose as the one above all others to
be his helpmate through life and they were united
in marriage, October 11. 1849. Her maiden name
was Margaret Wilson, and she was a daughter of
Reuben and Sarah (Yoho) Wilson. Her mother
died in Noble County, and her father somewhat
later in Washington County.
The life of Mrs. Margaret Henry began in Guer-
nsey County, Ohio. April 1. 1*2*. and here she
received her early education before going to Noble
County. The earliest wedded home of Mr. and
Mrs. Henry was in Noble County and there they
continued to reside for some seventeen years, re-
moving in l ?-<*;*; to Shelby County, where they
established themselves on section 9, Ridge Town-
ship, which has since then been their permanent
home. Upon this land Mr. Henry has erected an
excellent set of farm buildings, and he now pos-
sesses some three hundred and eighty-two acres.
To Mr. and Mrs. Henry have been granted ten
children to cheer and enliven their home. They
are; Lewis C. who married Mary Hart; Reuben W..
who died when twenty-five years old in Ridge
Township; John 1!.. who has taken to wife Nellie
liextle; Rebecca A., the wife of Thomas T. Henry;
Sarah F. became the wife of John N. Thomas;
Emma J. married William Carder: Abraham, whose
wife bore the maiden name of Minnie Burk;
William S.; Jacob S. whose wife was Mary Burk:
.Margaret C. The work of farming has very thor-
oughly engaged the attention of Mr. Henry, al-
though he has given some time to public affairs,
having served for some time as School Director.
He formerly took an active interest in political
matters, being a believer in the principles of the
Republican party, but he is now a Prohibitionist
and active in the temperance cause, and a member
of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. In
religious matters he is interested in the society
known as the Church of God. where he and his
wife are members anil in which he has served as an
Elder. His excellent buildings and neat farm,
speak well for the thorough hand and the keen eye
of the farmer who supervises the work.
AMES 11. DOWNS, a prosperous farmer re-
siding on section 18, Ridge Township. Shel-
by County, is a son of Flections Downs,
who was born in Virginia, October 13. 1803,
and afterward removed to Maryland thence to
Ohio from there, to Illinois, where the grandfather,
Daniel, died at the home of Elections in Ridge
C<s
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
125
Township. The mother of < >ui subject was in her
maidenhood known as Mary Ann surlier, and was
born in Washington County, Md., October 26,
1800, and after becoming the wife of Elections
Downs resided for a short time in Hagerstown,
that state, and then removed t«i Delaware County,
Ohio. This couple remained in the Buckeye Mate
until 1845, when they emigrated to Shelby dainty.
I'll., and settled in Ridge Township, which they
made their home until called away by death he on
August is. 1873 and she died duly 29, 1881.
The subject of this sketch was the seventh in a
family of eight children, and was born in Delaware
County, Ohio. May 4. 1837, being thus about eight
years old when he came with his parents to Shelby
County, since which time Ridge Township has Keen
his home. He had thorough training in the duties
of a farmer-boy and has always followed agricult-
ural pursuits and stock-raising. The schools of
this county, which he attended were as good a- any
country schools of that day, and were carried on
mostly by subscription. The boy was industrious
and attentive to school duty and made a g 1
start in this direction which has ever served him
in good Stead through life.
•lames Downs was married in Ridge Township,
March 22. 1860, to Miss -lane Oiler, a daughter of
William and Eliza .1. (Johnson) tiller. Her father
was horn in Virginia. May .J. 1818, and her mother,
in Chambersburg, Pa., and is living in Shelbyville,
111.; her birth occurred September 12. 1821 and
they came to Shelby County, about 1840, >ettling
in Ridge Township, which they made their per-
manent home, and where Mr. Oiler died. July 31.
1874.
Mrs. Jane Downs was horn in Ridge Township,
February 15, 1845 and here her married life has
been spent. Mr. Downs now owns nearly one
thousand acres and has erected a valuable brick
house which has delightful surroundings and he
has placed other excellent buildings upon his farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Down- are the parents of four chil-
dren: Jennie, the wife of Dr. A. P. Rockey, of As-
sumption. 111., who i- the mother of one child
Stella, born May Is. 1886; William E.. who died in
infancy: Dora A., now the wife of John J. smith.
of Ridge Township and Ora P.. Mr. Down- has
tilled the office of Highway Commissioner for about
six year- and in politics inclines to the doctrines
set forth by the Democratic party, yet i> independ-
ent iii regard to his vote, aiming to casl it always
for the best good of the community and to help in
placing in office tin- best man for the place. Be-
sides the valuable property owned by Mr. Downs
in Shelby County, he is interested in a coal mine
at Assumption and has twenty tine building lot- at
Decatur. 111. He has a good residence and excel-
lent surroundings in every way and his wealth is
the result of his energy, enterprise and integrity.
' 4* I Sv I
ARTIE IIAMM. It is not to be wondered
at that so many Ohio men have come to
-I Illinois and have here engaged in business,
' for the conditions of life in the two States
are somewhat similar, with the advantages in point
of business opportunities in favor of the Prairie
state. Our subject is a native of Ohio, having
been born near Good Hope September 11. 1859.
As his name would indicate, he belongs to that
race of people of whom we have a great many
worthy representatives in this country. He is of
German parentage and ancestry, his father. Jacob
llamm. having been a native of Germany, as was
also his mother. Agnes (Miller) llamm. They emi-
grated to this country in 1848.
When about eight years of age our subject re-
moved to Shelby County, this State with his par-
ent-, who settled in Richland Township, where
they died. There he of whom we write grew to
manhood, being reared on a farm. He received a
common-school education that fitted him for the
practical business of life, but remained on the
farm till 1873. when he became a clerk for Wilson
Brothers, in their business house at Strasburg.
There he remained for about four years and then
launched into business for hhxaelf, becoming pro-
prietor of a mercantile house, lie carried a g 1
stock of merchandise and prospered in his new-
venture and at the end of eighteen months he took
a partner, the other member of the firm being J.N.
storm. They continued together for a period of
126
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
about four years, when they dissolved partnership,
and Mr. Hamm built the store which lit- at present
supies. He carries an extensive and well-se-
lected stuck of clothing, hats, caps, boots and shoes,
with gentlemen's furnishing g Is.
In 1890, in company with Henry Stewardson,
the original of our sketch built the hardware store
in Strasburg and in connection with it they keep
a good line of farm implements, furniture, stoves
and tinware. They here cany on an extensive
business. In 1886 Mr. Hamm built a very large
hay barn, which he operated for three years. This
he finally traded for a farm. <>f which he owns one
hundred and thirty-four acres. Mr. Hamm's mar-
ried life began in Shelby County, 111., where he
was married to Miss Mattie Shelton, a daughter of
Joel Shelton. of Strasburgh. She was born in
Shelby County, this state, and is a woman of
marked personal charms and the center of the best
social life in the community. Our subject and his
wife are the parents of two children, whose names
are Wordy K. and Agnes. Our subject lias served
in various public offices, having been Treasurer of
the Village Board for several years. He is now
the Treasurer of the Loan Association. As do
all loyal American citizens, he of whom we write
take- an active interest in political affair- and is a
member of the Democratic party, throwing his
influence in favor of that party at every oppor-
tunity.
2©.
JOHN F. MARTIN, who is a resident of
Strasburg Township, is a native of Fountain
County. Ind.. having been born in Davis
Township. September '.I. 1*42. where he re-
mained until he had reached the years of manhood,
and indeed it was not until he was in his twenty-
second year that he left the home roof to go out
and battle for himself. At that time he removed
to Shelby County and settled on a farm in Rich-
land Town-hip. There he remained but a short
time and then returned to Indiana in time to enlist
with his youthful comrades in the War of the Re-
bellion. He joined Company D. of the One Hun-
dred and Fiftieth Indiana Regiment, and served
until the close of the war. when he returned to
Shelby County, this State, and has ever since made
his home in Richland Township on a farm, until
1882, when he came to Strasburg.
Since coming to Strasburg Mr. Martin has been
engaged in the grain and flour trade and has built
up a flourishing business. Our subject is a man
who is interested in any measure that benefits hu-
manity. Naturally he takes a great interest in
local a- well as national politics. A Democrat in
his political policy and theories, he has been ap-
pointed by his party to fill a number of local offices.
Hi- has been Collector for two years, and has filled
the office of Assessor for the same length of time.
The original of our sketch was married in Rich-
land Township. Shelby County, this stale, soon
after his return from the war. in December, 1866.
His wife was Mrs. Philenia Whitlatch, who was
bom in Shelby Township. The lady has made a
pleasant home for her husband and the children
who have taken their place at the family board.
Their names are Lizzie. Rosetta. John Franklin.
Emma, Ella. Delia. Eva and Charlie.
Mr. Martin is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
For four years he has held the office of Village
Trustee of Strasburg. Personal comfort, conven-
ience or gain are secondary considerations to our
subject in the face of the demands that are made
upon his time by the needs of the community. An
upright and trustworthy man personally, as a citi-
zen he combine- the rare qualities of ability, judg-
ment, generosity and self- forgetf illness. He has
done much to assist the growth of the village, and
he with his amiable wife and family of children
make one of the pleasantest homes in the place.
The father > if the -til iject ( if this sketch was George
B.Martin, who was a farmer, and a native of Ohio.
His mother was a Mis- Elizabeth Pierson, who was
born in New York. After the marriage of George
Martin they settled in Davis Town-hip. Fountain
County. Ind.. where they passed the remainder of
their lives. They had thirteen children, nine sons
and four daughters, and of these our subject was
the eldest. At the present time (May. 1891,) only
three of this large family are living. Mrs. Martin,
our subject's wife, was the daughter of Peter and
.
i; J
te°
'&Z44J Q%ts&C&&
K£>2^W.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
429
Eda Smith. They were old settlers at an early day
in Shelby County, and died in Holland Township.
Her first husband was Samuel Whitlatch, who died
in Richland Township. By her first marriage she
was the mother of one child, Samantha, who is now
the wife of Marion Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Martin
an- members of the Baptist Church, in which body
they are both active workers. Oursubjecl isknown
throughout the county as being a large grain-
buyer, and his reputation as a busim — man i- with-
out a flaw.
Shelby County, was born on Staten Island, X. V..
January 21, 1831. His parents were Leonard and
Maria (Fountain) Parkinson, both being natives
of staten Island, and descended from English and
German ancestry respectively. Two sons and two
daughters were the children of this marriage, as
follow-: Mary E., the widow of William Burns, is
at present in Europe where she has been spending
seven years educating her daughter; the next, is
our subject; William A., who i- unmarried i- en-
gaged in the insurance business in the East, and
makes his home upon Staten Island; Hannah s. i-
tin- wife of John Benjamin, a broker of New York
City. The mother died fiveyearsago in her eighty-
third year, having been a widow since 1852.
The subject of this sketeh was educated in the
schools of N\-w York City, and grew to manhood
as a resident of Staten Island. In 1848-49 during
the prevalence of the"gold fever." he went to Cali-
fornia and remained there for five years, being en-
gaged in trading with the Sandwich Islands, and
in the brokerage business, in both of which he was
successful in a financial way. In is;,:; he returned
to staten Island, and in 1861 came to Illinois and
located on the farm in Oconee Township, where he
now resides. He owns two hundred and sixty-two
acres of excellent farming land, adjoining the town
of Oconee. A line residence tastily furnished, pro-
K< iXARI) PARKINS! >X. a prominent farm-
pD er, stock-raiser and dealer in real estate,
=^ residing on section 30, Oconee Township.
ductive orchard and other advantages lender this
farm a very desirable one. When Mr. Parkinson
first came to Illinois he came to transact business
in real estate for other parties, and seeing the coun-
try under very favorable circumstances he became
impressed with it> beauty and fertility, and in-
rested for himself, which action lie ha- never seen
cause to regret.
The marriage of our subject in 1863 united him
with Mi— Ann L. Elmo, who was born at Zanes-
ville. Ohio. January 4. 1841. She came to Taylor-
ville, 111., with her parent.-, and was married at
Oconee. Of this union three children were born:
William A., who was born January s. 1804. is en-
gaged in merchandising at Sullivan, this Slate, and
is married to Miss Jessie Shinkle of Ohio: Cora.
who wa- born August 14. 1866, is now the wife of
II. Skinner, of Oconee: Ida. who began life May 30.
1869, died when a lovely child of two years and
seven months. Mr. Parkinson is a stanch Repub-
lican in politics, and takes an interest in every-
thing calculated to enhanee the prosperity of the
State and nation. His family are not members of
any religious denomination, although their prefer-
ences are toward the Episcopal Church. An hon-
est, industrious and frugal gentleman, it is not
strange that he has accumulated a goodly portion
of this world'- goods, and i> able to give to his
family the advantages of comfort and affluence.
(In another page of this volume will be found a
lithographic portrait of Mr. Parkinson.
L. *+l *i 1«i
OHM PHILTP HEINZ. This gentleman
who is well known throughout Rose Town-
ship, Shelby County, as the efficient and
active Supervisor, resides on section 15.
where his excellent farm bespeaks the admiration
of every passer-by. His father, the late John P.
Heinz, was bom in Hesse- Darmstadt. Germany, May
27. 1815. The grandfather of our subject. Jacob
Heinz, was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and
was the son of Michael, who spent his whole life
in the Old Country. The grandfather of our sub-
ject emigrated to thi- country about 1850, and
130
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
made his home in St. Louis. Mo., where he spent
the remainder of his days.
Jacob Heinz had been preceded to the New-
World by his son John P.. the father of our subject.
He came here in 1842 when still a single man. and
found his wife in St. Louis, Mo. He was married
in 1846 and made his home in that city, pursuing
his trade which was that of a shoemaker, lie came
to Shelby County, 111., in 1853 and settled in Rose
Township, where he engaged in farming, which
pursuit he followed until his death, which occurred
July 6, 1883. The mother of our subject was
Dorothy Douth, who was also a native of Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany, being born there May 22.
1827. Her death occurred in Rose Township, Sep-
tember 22. 1881.
The eleven children of John P. and Dorothy
Heinz are as follows: John, who died in infancy;
John P.. the subject of this writing; Jacob, a
farmer in Rose Township; Catherina, the wife of
Philip Boening of Chicago; William, who died in
childhood: J. Lewis, a farmer in Holland Town-
ship, this county; Maria, who is now Mrs. Jacob
Stilgebauer; Louisa, the wife of Jacob Dagen, of
Rose Township: AnnaM.. now Mrs. Gabriel Fadrer,
of Rose Township; Frederick W.. and Caroline M.,
the wife of Frederick Roessler.
The subject of this sketch was bom in St. Louis.
Mo., April 9, 1848, and was thus five years old
when his parents removed to Shelby County, and
most of his life has been spent here at the home in
Rose Township. His early training was taken upon
his father's farm and in the common schools and
when twenty-two years old he engaged in farming
on his own account, renting laud for the first year.
He then purchased forty acres on section 5, and has
added to this by purchase until he now owns one
hundred and three acres. Fanning has been his
chief business, although in 1884 he spent six
months in Kansas City, where he was engaged in
Other employment. Upon this farm he has placed
substantial improvements and comfortable build-
ings. Most of his farm was in timber land and he
had this to clear.
The marriage of John P. Heinz took place in
Rose Township, February 3, 1870. his bride being
Miss Carolina Friesner. the daughter of Andrew J.
and Sarah E. (Bowman) Friesner, who are now
residents of Kansas City. This lady was born in
Fairfield County, Ohio, January 19, ls.'is. and is
now the mother of three children: Louis P.. .1. Otto
and Caroline V. The election of Mr. Heinz to the
office of Township Supervisor, took place in the
spring of 1890, and he was re-elected to the same
office in the spring of 1891. He has been their
Highway Commissioner for seven years and has
performed the duties of that office with ability and
satisfaction to his constituents. For one year he
held the office of Assessor and he has been School
Director for six years.
The religious home of Mr. and Mrs. Heinz is with
the Lutheran C hurch, of which they are active
members. Political affairs deeply interest thisgen-
tlenian and as ;i member of the Democratic party
he takes an active part in its movements and
plans. He earnestly believes that the declarations
of that body embody the principles of true govern-
ment and will work out the best success for this
country. He is a man of keen intelligence and has
a good degree of information on matters of public
interest, and his reputation as a thorough-going
farmer as well as an upright business man gives
him a good Standing in the community.
AMUEL DUNCAN. The gentleman of
whom we are about to give a short bio-
'll* J, graphical sketch in outline, resides on sec-
tion 22, of Richland Township, Shelby
County. He i> a native of this State, and of Amer-
ican parentage, although his ancestors were prob-
ably Scotch. His father was James Duncan, who
was born in Delaware County. Pa. His mother,
who was before her marriage a Miss Mary Mc-
Keever, lived to see her son take an honorable po-
sition in life. They died in Richland Township.
Six children were permitted to grow up around
them. Of these there were four sons and two
daughters, our subject being the fifth child in
older of birth.
Samuel Duncan was born Richland Township,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
i:D
May 8, 1842. He was reared to manhood on his
father's farm and in his native township, always
having lived here with the exception of one year
during which time be was in the army. He en-
listed September L8, 18<H. in Company B, of the
Twelfth Illinois [nfantry, and .served until July,
1865. Although the severest fighting was over at
the time of his enlistment, he took part in several
small engagements, he received his discharge at
Washington, I). C.
Mr. Duncan has always been engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits, making a specialty, however, of
stock-raising. For fifteen years he was engaged
in buying and shipping stock to the city markets.
His farm hears the impress of having' fine manage-
ment, as every part is well cultivated. He owns
one hundred and sixty acres, which is equally di-
vided in the raising of general produce and the
glazing of cattle.
The original of our sketch entered the matri-
monial relation in Richland Township, October '.»,
1864, his bride being Miss Harriet C. Raich, who
was born in Coles County, III. Well mated and
having tastes and sympathies in common, they have
made a happy home. During the years that they
have lived together three children have come to
them: Mary K.. Ida A., and Retta ( >. Mary E.
is the wife of Samuel Richards. The parents of
Mrs. Duncan were Jonathan .1. P. and Elizabeth
(Nicholson) Balch, the former was probably born
in Indiana, and the latter was a native of Tennes-
see. They came to Shelby County and settled on
Sand Creek, but remained here only a short time.
returning to Coles County, where the mother died.
At the date of this writing (May. 18!)1) the father
still survives. Mrs. Duncan is one of twelve chil-
dren born to her parents, she being the third in
order of birth. She was born in Coles County.
111.. November 11. 1844.
Our subject has taken an active partin local pol-
itics, being an ardent Republican. He has held
several offices in the gift of the township in which
he lives, having been Deputy Sheriff and Consta-
ble, and he is now School Director. His wife is a
member of the Presbyterian Church and our sub-
ject himself is a liberal supporter of the Gospel.
Mr. Duncan was the first man who introduced and
I
commenced the breeding of registered Hereford
cattle, and is to-day the only breeder in the
county. He has sold and shipped out of his herd
in fifteen different States. His herd at the present
writing numbers one hundred and fortv head.
^€>*<I=
-5—
I LAS M. ADAMS is the proprietor of a
well-appointed hardware store at Mowea-
qua, Shelby County, and occupies an hon-
orable position among the enterprising
business men of the county. He is a native of
Cape Girardeau County. Mo.. .Inly !». 18.S7 the date
of his birth. His father. Elam L. Adams, was born
in North Carolina, and was a son of Jacob Adams,
who is thought to have been a native of Germany,
who came to this country and settled in North
Carolina some time during the last century. He
was a farmer and carried on his occupation in
Rowan County, that State, spending his last years
there.
The father of our subject grew to manhood in
his native State and was there married to Jane C.
McNeely, a native of North Carolina, and a de-
scendant of Scotch ancestry. In his youth Mr.
Adams learned the trade of wagon-maker, and was
engaged at it in the State of his nativity until his
removal to Missouri in 1820. when lie became a
pioneer of Cape Girardeau County. He bought a
tract of timber land and carried on farming in
connection with the manufacture of wagons, and
helped build up those industries in that county, of
which he continued a useful citizen until death
closed his career in 1862. His wife survived him
until 1865, when she too passed away. They reared
a family of live children, of whom these are the
names: Mary A., Sarah L., George W., John C. and
Silas M.
The latter who forms the subject of this brief
biography lived amid (he scenes of his birth during
his boyhood and youth, and was educated in the
local public schools. lie worked with his father
four or live years, and continued an inmate of the
parental household until he attained his majority,
when he engaged in the mercantile business in
432
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Bollinger County for a year. I II.-s next venture
was asafarmerin Montgomery County for a period
of one year. He then resumed the mercantile
business, but a year later went back to farming, at
which lie was engaged five years in Bond County.
At the end of that time he went to Macon County,
in this State and bought an improved farm, which
lie operated successfully eleven years. lie then
established himself in the hardware business at
Maroa, 111., and conducted it until 18S4. when he
sold his store there and bought his present estab-
lishment, lie carries a full line of hardware, stoves,
cutlery, glass, china, paints and furniture, and
commands a large trade, as he understands well
what his customers demand, uses tact in his deal-
ings, and all are sure of fair treatment at his hands.
Mr. Adams is further closely identified with the
business interests of his adopted city as President
of the Moweaqua Building and Loan Association,
which is an important factor in the growth of this
municipality, and its affairs are in a flourishing
condition with him at the head. He is known in
political circles as a sound Republican, and a firm
advocate of the principles of his party.
Mr. Adams was happily married in 18(51 to Miss
Susan A., daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Sims)
McLain. and a native of Bond County. 111. Four
children complete their home circle — Ella. Emma.
Albert and Alma. The family are members of the
Presbyterian Church, and are of high social posi-
tion.
*M|
CQ)
■El
fe
AMES Q. REIGIILEY is a representative
fanner and stock-raiser of Moweaqua Town-
ship. Shelby County, who is prominent in
the public, political and social life of this
part of the county. He was born in the town of
Winchester. Adams County. Ohio. December 15,
1850. and is the eldest son of William and Rachel
(Bailey) Reighley, of whom see sketch on another
page of this volume. He was three years old when
his parents came to establish a new home in Illin-
ois. He was given superior advantages for an ed-
ucation, of which he laid the foundation in the
graded schools of Paxton in Ford County, lie
subsequently attended the Illinois Industrial Col-
lege at Champaign, and also pursued a liberal
course of study at West Meld University.
Thus well equipped by a sound mental training
for life's duties, our subject after leaving the latter
institution taught one term of school, and then
entered tin' employ of the Chicago. Danville and
Yincennes Railway Company as civil engineer. and
later engaged with the Chicago and Paducah Rail-
way Company in the same capacity. He also had
experience as a civil engineer in the West, going to
Colorado in 1875 in the service of the Kansas
Pacific. In January. l*7i>. in common witli many
others he was attracted to the Black Hills by
the discovery of gold in that region, and made the
journey hither from Denver, a distance of four
hundred miles, with teams. At that time Dead-
w 1 was a hamlet of a few log houses, and hostile
Indians infested the locality. Our subject and
some others started out with the intention of locat-
ing a mining cam]), but their wagons were burned
and their ponies and provisions were stolen by the
Indians.
Thus frustrated in his attempts to search for
gold Mr. Reighley concluded to return to civiliza-
tion, and made his way on foot to Cheyenne. ■ lie
then resumed work with the Kansas Pacific
for a few months, then entered the employ of a
ranchman as foreman, and in the fall of 1876. took
a train load of cattle to Chicago. From there he
visited the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia,
thence went to New York, where he embarked on
a steamer for Galveston. His intention is going
to Texas was to start a ranch in that State, hut
after his arrival there he was thrown from his horse
and so severely injured that he was forced to
abandon his design. As soon as he was able he re-
turned to Chicago and for a fewT months was fore,
man in the packing house of Hutchinson and Kent.
In 1878, our subject, who had already had experi-
ence in handling cattle, came to Moweaqua and
was actively engaged in stock-raising the ensuing
year. At the expiration of that time he invested
in eighty acres of land finely located one mile east
of the village mentioned. There being no build-
ings on the place, he rented a dwelling until 1886,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
433
when he erected his present neat and conveniently
arranged residence. He has added to the original
size of his farm by further purchase; and it now
contains one hundred and sixty-five acres of well-
improved prairie land.
In December, 1878, Mr. Reighley was happily
married to Miss Elizabeth Ann Knowles, a native
of Erie County, Ohio. Their pleasant home circle
is completed by the one child born to them. John
Henry.
Our subject is influential in the councils of the
Republican party in this section as one of it- most
thoughtful and intelligent supporters in his com-
munity, and he has served as delegate to various
political-conventions. Hehasalways taken a deep
interest in all that pertains to the welfare of his
township, especially in the education of its youth,
and lie i> a member of the District School Board.
lie has served two terms as Highway Commissioner,
and has twice assessed the township. In his social
relations, he is identified with Shelby Lodge, No.
•271. I. 0. < >. F.; and Moweaqua Lodge, No. 1013,
K. of ll.
AN1EL X. HARWOOD. of Shelbyville, is
j one of the most extensive and enterpris-
ing dealer- ill hay in thiscounty. He was
born in the town of Winfield, Herkimer
County, X. V. His father. Nathan Harw I, was
born in Massachusetts, and was the son of an Eng-
lishman who came to this country and lir>t settled
in that Slate. He afterward became a resident of
New York and was a pioneer of Herkimer County,
buying a tract of timber in Winfield. He cleared
his land and developed it into a good farm, which
remained his home until his demise.
Nathan Harwood was but a boy when he went
to New York with his parents and he was reared
to the life of a farmer in their pioneer home. He
was married in early manhood to Abigail J. Burt,
by whom he had one child. Amhers .1. His first
wife died and he then married again and contin-
ued to reside in Winfield until death closed his
career, in l*4ti. while he was yet in the prime of
life. IIi> second wife survived him many years
and finally died at a ripe age in the home of our
subject in Rosamund, Christian County. She
reared these children: Mary. Daniel N.. Anna.
Charles A', and Lucy M.
Our subject was a lad of fourteen years when he
had the misfortune to lose his father, and from
that time he was obliged to care for himself. Be-
ing thus early thrown on his own resources, he be-
came manly and self-reliant and worked well at
whatever his hand found to do. In the summer
season he worked on a farm and the rest of the
year devoted himself to obtaining an education, so
that at the age of eighteen he was well qualified to
teach. He engaged in that profession a portion of
each year and attended West Winfield Academy
the remainder of the time for three years. Reliev-
ing that the Wot. as this part of the country was
then called, possessed superior advantages for young-
men of brain and energy, in 1856 he came to Ill-
inois and located in Knox County. His services
were in demand as a teacher and when not thus
engaged he employed his time on a farm. A year
later he removed to Christian County and bought
a farm in Rosamund Township, on which he was a
resident until 1864. During that time, in addition
to farming, he bought and -hipped hay quite ex-
tensively.
In the year mentioned our subject came to Shel-
byville to engage in the grain business, also
continuing to buy and ship hay. He carried on
both branches of business some years, but of late
ha- dealt exclusively in hay. lie has all the facil-
ities for carrying on his business to the best advan-
tage, including large storage accommodations.
He has a warehouse in this city with a capacity of
three hundred tons and barracks that hold .-even
hundred tons. He also buys at Windsor, Mattoon,
and Cowden, and at the latter place has a ware-
house covered with iron, in which can lie stored
two hundred and titty ton- of hay. and he has lie-
side barracks there that hold four hundred and
fifty tons. At Mattoon he ha- the largest and fin-
est barn in the State, with a capacity- of eight hun-
dred tons.
Mr. Harwood was happily married in 1*.">7 to
Miss Ursula E. Moore, who was born in Anson.
434
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Me., in 1836, and theirs is one of the pleasantest
homes in all Shelbyville. They have three chil-
dren: Eber M., who married Mary C. Waldon;
Florence L. and Clara.
Mr. Harwood possesses a clear, well-balanced,
well-trained mind, large foresight and superior bus-
iness qualities, which characteristics have placed
liim among' our leading citizens. In his politics he
has always been a true Republican since he cast his
first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont. Heis
a popular member of various social organizations,
as follows: Jackson Lodge, No. 53, A. F. & A. M.;
Jackson Chapter, No. .">">, R. A. M.; Okaw Lodge,
No. 1 17. 1. (). (). F.; Big Four Lodge. No. 436, Or-
der of Tonti; and he is also a member of the Royal
Temple of Templars, K. of 11. and Ancient Order
of United Workmen.
"S3
DAM D. BOWMAN, one of the well-known |
residents of section 1, Rose Township,
I i Shelby County, is a man who has a tine
QJ record as a soldier in the Civil War. and
an excellent reputation as a farmer. His father
was Daniel Bowman, who was born in Pittsburg,
Pa., and his mother. Sarah Ruch, had her nativity
in Westmoreland County the same State. There
they were married and from her home emigrated
to Perry County. Ohio, where they entered land
and made their home until early in the '(Ids when
they came to Shelby County, lib. and settled in
Rose Township. Here they spent the remainder of
their days, the father dying in the fall of 1*6* and
the mother surviving him two years only.
Of a large family of live sons and five daugh-
ters, our subject was the youngest son and eighth
child, lie was born in Perry County, Ohio, De-
cember 26. 1834, and there he grew to manhood
and resided until he beeameof age. He resided in
Perry County, until February. 1861, when he
came to Illinois and made his home in the coun-
ties of Coles and Douglas.
Mr. Bowman enlisted August l'.i. 1862 in Com-
pany K, Seventy-ninth Illinois Regiment. He was
mustered into the United States service at Areola
and served throughout the period of war and was
mustered out at Nashville. Tenn. He took part in
the battles of Stone River. Chickamauga, Kenesaw
Mountain, Atlanta, and in other prominent engage-
ments. At Stone River he was so unfortunate as
to be taken prisoner of war but was held only
twenty-eight days, after which he was paroled and
was soon exchanged and permitted to rejoin his
regiment. After the close of the war he returned
to Illinois and has since been a resident of Shelby
County.
The marriage of our subject took place in Rose
Township. .Inly 17. 1872, his bride being Miss Mary
C. Palmer, daughter of John and Rachel (Morri-
son) Palmer. The lady was born in Bucyrus, Ash-
land County. Ohio. May 12. 1851, and she has
become the mother of two children — Oscar 0. and
Frank P.; the latter died in infancy. Mr. Bow-
man has always followed agricultural pursuits
except during the time which he spent in the brave
defense of Ins country. He owns eighty acres of
excellent land, upon which he has made good im-
provements. His political views have led him to
affiliate with the Republican partyand his religious
convictions have made him a member of the
Lutheran Church in which he is an active worker.
Mrs. Bowman died in 1876.
L. OSBORN. One of the best improved
farms in Flat Branch Township, section
IS. Shelby County, is that upon which
the gentleman whose name is at the head
of this sketch resides, having retired from the
active management of agricultural business. Mr.
Osborn has one hundred and eighty acres in the
farm on which he resides, all of which is well
improved land: he also owns forty acres near the
homestead. He purchased this land and settled
on it in March. 1865, it then being all unbroken
prairie. Since then he has made it a comfortable
home place and has been successful in his under-
takings as a general farmer. He came to his
present location from Macoupin County, where he
had lived near Gillespie for some years. He form-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKC ORD.
435
erly lived in Jersey and Greene Counties, having
improved some property in both plai •
Our subject came to this Mate when a buy. with
lil— parents. They early settled in Sangamon
County, and the young man went with them to
Greene County, where lie grew to manhood and
was married. He was horn in Athens County,
Ohio, August 15, 1822, ami is the son of Moses
and the grandson of Josiah Osborn, the latter
being a native of Long Island, ami of Welsh
parents ami ancestors. He was one of eleven sons,
all born on Long Island. He served as a soldier
through the Revolutionary War and followed the
calling of a fanner. He lived to be an old man.
his death probably occurring in Connecticut His
son Moses Osborn and our subject's father, was
one of a large family ami was born in Connecticut,
where he grew up and learned the trade of a
smith. He later became an itinerant preacher, and
was thus engaged during part of the War of 1812,
ami although he was not an active participant in
that struggle* he saw many of it.- results. He was
married in New York to Miss Judith Francis, a
native of the Island of Guernsey, who eame of
French parentage. She was fifteen years of age
when her father and mother moved to America
and settled in New York, where they lived for
some year-, and later came to Ohio, there passing
away after attaining a g 1 old age. Their de-
cease occurred in Athens County.
After marriage Moses Osborn ami wife settled
in Athens County, Ohio, in an early day and there
began pioneer life. They lived there for some
years, making many improvements upon the farm
that they had secured. After the birth of five
children, all of whom were -on-, in 1826 they left
Ohio to come to this Mate. They came by way
of the overland route with teams, living a camp
life while on the road. After a number of days of
tedious journeying, they reached and located near
Springfield. They, however, stayed here but a
comparatively short time when they proceeded to
Greene County, where they secured a farm to
which they bent their energies to improve. There
both Moses Osborn and wife spent the remainder
of their lives, and there died, being at the time of
their decease, about eighty-three years old. They
were among the first and most influential old
settlers in thai county, ami wen- prominent mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church at a time
when church membership meant more than it does
now. Much of Mr. ( (shorn-- life had been spent in
active church work.
The original of our -ketch i- one of the young-
est of Sve sons and one daughter. He remained
with his parents until he became of age. He was
married in Greene County. February 2.">. 1850, to
Miss Sarah E. Pruitt. win. was born in Greene
County, this State. March 11. 1835. she is a
daughter of James R. and Mahala (Ambrose)
Pruitt. natives of Illinois and Virginia, respec-
tively. Mr. Pruitt was one of the very first while
children horn in the southern part of the State.
James R. Pruitt was the son of William Pruitt.
who was in this State in the very early part of the
present century, or before that time, ami was en-
gaged in the struggle with the Indian.-, prior to
the War of 1812. He carried a bullet to his grave
received in a hattle with the Indians. Mrs. Mahala
Pruitt 's father was also an early settler in Illinois
and was engaged in the War of 1812, having been
crippled in hattle. His name was William Ambrose.
.lames R. Pruitt and wife were married in Illi-
nois and lived in Madison County for some time,
later removing to Greene County, where they
secured and improved a new farm. They were
very early pioneer settlers and were obliged to
begin life in a most primitive way. The bridal
costumes for both bride and groom were of home-
spun, and they had only wooden dishes to begin
housekeeping with and a wooden bed. built of
boards in a corner of the room in which they
lived. They drove ox-teams to church, but made
as much sunshine as possible out of the circum-
stances with which they were compelled to con-
form. They spent their last day- in Greene County
and there died. Mr. Pruitt at sixty-two years of
and his wife at eighty-three. Mrs. Pruitt was
a member of the Baptist Church.
Mr-. Osborn and her brother William, are all of
the family at present living. The lady was reared
to womanhood in her native county, she is the
mother of eight children, two of whom are de-
ceased, Amanda and Oscar F. The living children
136
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
are James A.. Richard F.. Mary B., Janet A.. Lewis
W. and Luther A. The eldest living son is the
husband of Alice Cotar and lives in this township
on a farm. Richard took to wife Lou .Minnie
Cotar. now deceased. lie lives in Christian County,
and has married a second time, his present wife
having been a Miss Mary Winters. Mary 1!. is
the wife of I. F. Haverfield, and lives in Vermil-
lion County. 111. Janet A. is the wife of Wil-
liam Manly, a farmer in this township. Lewis
\V. is a farmer in Christian County. He married
Maggie English. Luther is also a fanner in Chris-
tian County and took to wife Fanny Zeitz. Mr.
ami Mrs. Osborn are members of the Evangelical
Association. Our subject is an Independent in
politics, not wedded to party, hut voting for the
man whom he believes to he best qualified to till
the position.
Mr. and Mi's. Osbora are both intelligent and
educated people. They have reared a family of
sons and daughters who have proved to he of
exceptional mental caliber and with high ideas of
principle.
AMDEL RENNER. How blessed and sweet
is the rest that follows the labor of a long
day spent in adjusting the work and man-
agement of One's duties, no matter in what
calling. Even so is the rest in the evening of life
that a man feels and enjoys after a career of which
each day was a repetition of its predecessor in hard
manual labor, and the worry of daily existence.
This rest is now enjoyed by the gentleman who i-
the subject of this little biographical sketch in out-
line. An energetic, stirring man whose whole am-
bition and energies was to keep in the van of his
affairs, and abreast with the time in advancement
of all kinds, he has well earned the pleasant re-
tirement from active duties that he now enjoy-.
Our subject, whi) is now a retired farmer, is a
son of Tobias Rentier, who was probably a native
of Maryland. His mother was Cynthia Smith, who
was bom in New Jersey. They came to Shelby
County, this State, from Belmont County. Ohio, in
1837, although after marriage they first settled in
Pennsylvania, removing from there to Guernsey
County. Ohio, whence they went to Belmont
County. At their advent into this State and coun-
try, they settled in Richland Township, where tiny
lived for some years. The father died about 1840.
The mother survived her husband for several years,
at last passing away in Richland Town-hip. They
were the parents of a large family of children, of
whom our subject was the second in order of birth.
He wa- probably born in Green County. Pa., his
natal'day being November 12. 1815.
Samuel Rentier made his advent into Shelby
County with his parents in the fall of 18:37. They
at once settled upon a farm. and the lad was brought
up to that calling, and has always followed it. He
was married in Richland Township, November 8.
1838, to Miss Martha Balch, a daughter of Amos
and Martha ( Leach) Balch. The former wa- a na-
tive of Tennessee. The mother died when Mrs.
Renner was quite young. The family went from
Kentucky to Indiana, where the mother's death
took place. After that sad event Mr. Balch eaine
to Shelbj County, this state, in 1836, settling in
Richland Township, where he lived for about four
years, at the expiration of which time he removed
to Bond County, and there died. Mrs. Renner is
erne of a family of eleven children, there having
been seven son- and four daughters, and of these
the lady who became the wife of our subject, was
the youngest. She wa- born in Indiana. Septem-
ber 30. 1821.
After the union of our subject and wife, they
settled in Richland Township, on a farm located
on section 27. where they lived upwards of Bftj
years, until March. 1889, when they removed to
Strasburg, where they are now making their home.
Their town residence i- a cozy plaee. where they
can enjoy the afternoon of life with its soft mellow
-unset in serenity and peace. Some of their chil-
dren live near at hand, and in them and the lives
of their families they live again their own youth-
ful experience. Mr. and Mi's. Renner are the par-
ents of twelve children. Those living are Martha.
John, Joseph, Emeline, James and Elizabeth. Mar-
tha is the wifeof Joseph Bouse. and is distinguished
PORTRAIT AND RIOORAl'HICAL RECORD.
139
for her matronly bearing, being a gentle and lov-
ing wife and helpmate; Emeline married James
Turner; Elizabeth is the wifeof Berry Barker. The
eldest son, Stephen was a soldier in the War of the
Rebellion, and died a victim of typhoid fever, al
Jefferson Barracks, Mo., after having served for
three months. The other deceased children passed
away when young.
In his political preference Mr. Rennet' is a Re-
publican having been in his youth, a follower of
the old line Whig party. Religiously he and his
wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, in which body they have done good ser-
vice. Our subject and his wife have passed a long
life in usefulness and devotion, not only to their
own personal desires and aims, hut for the elevation
and helpof their fellow-men. They have more than
passed the Scriplurally allotted portion of life and
approach the time when wearied with the cares of
existence, each will be glad to say:
"Good night: now cometh gentle sleep.
"And dreams that fall like gentle rain:
"Good night! Oh holy, blessed and deep
"The rest that follows pain.
-How should we reach God's upper Light
•Tf life's long day had no ffood-night."
4€h
" •' ^bj%c * • ■»■ ^ I*
DSBURY .1. SLOAN. To have well tilled
the position of a good citizen in any
town, is a record of which a man in either
high or low life may feel proud. It is a
worthy ambition to place before the young of any
community that they should make their aim in
this direction and should become enterprising,
earnest, public-spirited members of society, always
upholding the laws and regulations of the com-
monwealth and promoting the good of the people
among whom they live by every means in their
power. A worthy life does this in any event, but
it is also worth an effort and an aim. Such a
member of the business and social circles of Oconee
do we find in the gentleman whose name appears
at the head of this paragraph, and whose portrait
is shown on the opposite page.
Mr. Sloan was born in Knox County. Ohio,
April 7. 1829. His parents were Samuel and Katie
(Taylor) Sloan, who were natives of Ohio. His
grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary
War and died at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, when ninety-
eight years old. Of the parental family Disburj
was the first born. Two of his brothers died in
infancy and William was killed by lightning while
herding cattle on the prairie near Nokomis, 111.
Harriet married Jacob Straub and resided in Mont-
gomery County where she died April .5. 1891;
Martha became the wife of John Fritz and resided
near Odin. 111., until her death about twenty years
ago. and Mary was the wife of Arthur Brown and
died some fifteen years ago at Nokomis.
It was in the spring of 1856 that our subject
located in Shelby County, ami here he has ever
since made his home. lb engaged in farming.
merchandising and stock-raising in which branches
he has continued without interruption for forty-
four years. He recently turned over his mer-
chandising interests here to his son. though he still
o\\ n- and operates a large store at Arthur. 111..
where he has $12,000 invested. The store is car-
ried on under the firm name of Sloan & Jones,
the junior partner being an adopted son of our
subject. In 1876 Mr. Sloan took a trip to Cali-
fornia to recuperate his health, and the following
year he went to Wyoming where he embarked in
the cattle business. In this he continued engaged
in Wyoming and Oregon for four years, then re-
turned to Oconee and resumed his old business, in
which he has since been engaged.
The marriage of Mr. Sloan at Vandalia. 111., in
the spring of 1852 gave him a wife in the person
of Miss Susan Casebeer. Bight children were born
to this union and the two eldest (twins) died in
infancy: Bosha is married and is carrying on the
mercantile business in Oconee; Otis is in the same
line of work at Herrick, 111., and is also married:
Alonzo was killed in a railroad disaster and was at
the time of his death a merchant: Capitola married
B. W. Kerr of Oconee and died in this place sev-
eral years ago; Docia is engaged in teaching and
make- her home with her father. The first mar-
riage was uncongenial and Mr. Sloan procured a
divorce from hi- wife.
wo
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Tha second marriage of our subject was with
Mrs. Ella Morrison, a daughter of L. L. Gale of
Oconee, who was born in Michigan in 1855 and
who has had no children. Public affairs deeply
interest this gentleman and he has strong faith in
the future of the Democratic party with which he
is allied. He is regarded as a pre-eminently good
and useful citizen of this town and county. He is
a worthy member of the Oconee Lodge, No. .'i'.>2
F. A- A. M. of which ho was a charter member, al-
though he became a Mason at Pana. 111. For
many years he has been the Lodge Treasurer and
still holds that honorable and responsible position.
Although he gives liberally to the support of the
Gospel, to the Sunday-school and to all public en-
terprises he is not identified with any church.
EXRY BRIDGMAN. Our subject comes of
) a German family whose characteristics have
been modified in some directions and made
jgw more intense in others, by a residence in
the Southern states. His grandparents were na-
tives of Virginia, although of German ancestry.
His grandfather Bridgman, whose given name our
subject does not know, died when in middle life.
After his death, his wife removed to Tennessee
with her family of children and later to Illinois,
where she died at about eighty years of age in
Morgan County. She had a family of seven or
eight children, of which Martin Bridgman. the fa-
ther of our subject, was one of the younger, his
birth State being Virginia.
Our subject's father was quite young when his
father died and at an early day. with his mother,
went from Virginia to Granger County, Tenn.. and
there he grew to manhood, occupying himself as a
farmer. He was there married to a Tennessee lady
whose maiden name was Anna Dyer. She was burn
and reared in the place where her marriage occurred
and was one of an old and highly respected fam-
ily. After the birth of all the children but one.
Martin Bridgman, wife and family, came to Morgan
County, this state, in 1851 and afterwards secured
a farm devoting themselves to improving it. Our
subject's parents are both yet living. His father
was eighty-one years old February 18, 1891.
His mother will lie seventy-eight years old Novem-
ber lb. 1891. On that day the old people will
have lived together for sixty-two years; a remin-
der that in some eases, at least, marriage is not a
failure.
Our subject is one of ten children, one of whom
died in infancy. Of the remaining children there
are five sons and four daughters yet living. All
of these have married and have families of their
own. Henry Bridgman was born in Granger
County, Tenn.. September Id. 1837. He was four-
teen years of age when his parents removed to
Morgan County, this State. They came oxer the
prairie.- with teams and it was after a long journey,
varied by many adventures, that they founda home
near Jacksonville. Here they located and there
our subject became of age.
In March 8, 1866 he of whom we write united
himself in marriage to Lavina Angel. She was
born in Morgan County, near Arenzville, October
24. 184;"». and is a daughter of John and Susan
(Smith) Angel, natives of Indiana and Tennessee.
When young people, they came with their parents
from their respective suite- to Morgan County.
111. This wa- in the early part of the '.'his. There
John Angel was reared having been only four
year- of age when his father and mother. George
and Elizabeth (Turnam) Angel settled here, se-
curing a tract of land upon which the\ lived and
died, being well known pioneer settlers. After
marriage. John Angel and his wife began life on an
almost new farm, which they improved and made
their home for many years. They have now retired
from the active proprietor-hip of the farm and live
in Jacksonville. They are advanced in life, being
respectively sixty-eight and sixty-four year- of
age. They are prominent members of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church. Mr. Angel is a man of firm
financial standing. Ih' is the owner of more than
six hundred acres of land in this township, and of
large property in Morgan County and in Jackson-
ville.
Mrs. Bridgman is theeldest of fourteen children,
three of whom died while quite young. Eleven
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHH AL RECORD.
Ill
still living, ami of these eight are married.
After the marriage of our subject and his estimable
wife, the\ adopted agriculture as their calling.
They own ami improved the greater part of three
farms. In tin- spring of 1880, they sold their
places ami came to Shelby County, purchasing the
farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 13,
Flat Branch Township, which they at present oc-
cupy. Here they have ever since lived. The whole
of this large farm bears the best of improvements
ami on it is a line brick, two-story residence, that
is a picture of comfort ami tasteful arrangement.
The're are also other buildings upon the place in
the l>e>t condition. Air. Bridgman has. besides,
forty acres of timber land, in section II. of this
township.
The original of our sketch ami his capable ami
amiable wife, have welcomed eight children to their
homo and hearts. One of these Henry C, i- de-
ceased. The living children are John M.. R.
Guthrie, Ada I!.. Charles W., William K.. L. Edgar,
and Nellie L. John took to wife Addie Panties
and resides on a farm in Pickaway Township. The
next son resides at home. The other children are
all still inmate- of the home ne-t. They are bright
and intelligent young men and women, and are a
credit to their parents.
He of whom we write, and his wife are members
of the United Brethren Church at Locust Grove, in
this county. Mr. Bridgman is a rabid Republican,
having fought for the principles that that party
strive to maintain. In August, 1862, he laid aside
his private interests and affairs and enlisted in the
War of the Rebellion, joining Company One Hun-
dred and Fifteen of the Indiana Cavalry, Col. John
H. Moore and Capt. Newman being in command.
The regiment was with the army of the Cumber-
land and fought in the battles of Resaca, C'hieka-
mauira and Franklin. In the second named battle,
Mr. Bridgman was -hot by an enemy in the right
wrist and was then placed in the Held hospital at
Nashville, after which he came home for a furlough,
hut later returned to the Held of battle and served
with his regiment about one year longer. During
his war experience he did good service and was
finally discharged at Springfield, 111., after serving
two years and ten months. He first enlisted as a
private, and was then a Corporal. He had the
good fortune to escape being captured. IIi> war
experience is an interesting topic a- told l.\ Mr.
Bridgman, and a comparison of notes with an old
comrade i- only less than an engagement itself.
1 I i j ■ | ' p \ * im f 1
> I ' I I I I I '
• II.UAM II. JACKSON is a well-to-do and
widely known farmer and stOck-bree,der,
living on section 35, of Pickaway Town-
ship, where he owns a tine farm of four hundred
acre-, almost all of which is in a high state of cul-
tivation and having extensive and costly improve-
ments. The buildings are of a high order, being
well built and commodious. The residence iscom-
ile and commodious, and all of the improve-
ments have been made by our subject himself, the
farm being for the most part virgin prairie which
had never been cut by a plow.
Air. Jackson purchased his present place of resi-
dence in 1863 and ha- since lived here. He first
came to the county in 1844 but after a stay of two
years he enlisted in the Mexican War. joining the
Third Illinois Volunteer Regiment, Company B,of
which Captain Freeman and Col. Foreman were in
command. They were at once sent to the front
and were engaged in tin- battle of Carmago, and
in other skirmishes. After serving for one year
our subject returned to Illinois and in 1 s 1 7 located
his land warrant which had been granted by the
Government for services rendered. The warrant
covered one hundred and sixtyacresof land which
he located in Ridge Township. He i- still the
owner of this tract and it was there that he lived
until 1863, when he came to this township.
The original of our sketch i> noted throughout
the township for his thrift and industry and as a
successful breeder of stock. Hi- home is a model
in point of neatness ami improvement- in agricul-
tural implements and conveniences. It resembles
some of the finest breeding farms of the Blue Grass
region of Kentucky. He is the owner of two hun-
dred and eighty acres in Ridge Town-hip. which
is all improved.
He of whom we write came to this Mate in 1840.
442
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
He lived in Fayette County till 1844. He was
born in Nteubenville, Ohio, February 16, 1833. and
is the son of Thomas and the grandson of John
Jackson, who were both natives of Pennsylvania
and came of Irish ancestry. His grandfather was
a fanner in Pennsylvania where he lived and died,
being at the time of his decease very old. He had
married a Pennsylvania lady who also died there.
Our subject's father, Thomas Jackson, spent his
early life under his father's roof, there learning
the duties and secrets of farm life. He was mar-
ried to W. Elizabeth Manley. She was also a
native of Pennsylvania. After the birth of part
of their children Thomas Jackson and his wife re-
moved to Ohio, and some years later came by way
of the overland route to this state, making his first
settlement in Fayette County. There he and his
wife located upon and improved a new farm where
they spent the remainder of their days. They
were both quitq, advanced in years at the time of
their respective deaths, the father being fifty-three
years of age and the mother seventy. Mrs. Jack-
son was a Methodist in her religious preference.
Her husband was politically an old Jacksonian
Democrat, with all that that term implies, of chiv-
alry and independence.
Our subject is one of ten sons and two daughters.
Of these only four of the sons and one daughter
arc now living, all of these being married and
haying families of their own. Our subject was
only a boy when his parents came to this State, and
here he attained his majority. His first wife was
a Miss Margaret Waters. She was born in Cham-
paign County, this State, and there reared. She
died after about three years of marital life, being
then in the meridian of her womanhood. She left
two children. One. John T.. is now deceased, and
one, William, is in the West, being there married
to a Western lady.
Mr. Jackson was a second time married in this
county to Miss Mary A. Burk. She was born in
Pennsylvania, and was young when, with her par-
ents, Robert and Esther Burk, she came to Shelby
County. The family settled at a very early day
on Robinson Creek and there the father and mother
lived for some time. They later moved to Rural
Township, this county, where they purchased land
and there spent the remainder of their lives, being
old people at the time of their decease. They were
well and honorably known among the old settlers
of the county. Both parents were members of the
Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Margaret J. Jackson was one of a large
family, only a few of whom arc yet living. Mrs.
Jackson is one of the prominent matrons of the
township, being a leader in social life. She is a
true wife and mother. Nine children have come
to brighten and gladden our subject's home and
fireside. All of these are living and are as follows:
Robert. Samuel, M. Jane, Louisa, Esther, Mary A..
Elizabeth, Andrew and Charles. Robert is a farmer
in Bethany Township, this county, and is tin- de-
voted husband of the lady whose maiden name was
Sally Marshall. Samuel took to wife Miss K.
DeVaughn. They live on a farm in Ridge Township.
Jane is the wife of George Hall, a farmer in this
township. Louisa is the wife of Samuel DeVaughn,
and lives in Rural Township. Esther married
Morris Robinson, and lives in Windsor Township.
Mary A. is the wife of James Madden and lives in
Todd's Point Township. Elizabeth was united to
Wilber Workman, a farmer in Okaw Township.
Anderson and Charles are at home.
Mrs. Jackson is a member of the Presbyterian
Church, while our subject is a member of the
Christian Church. He of whom we write is a
Democrat in politics and has held several local
offices in the gift of ins party.
ARIOX BERRY, a resident of section 11,
Rose Township, Shelby County, is a son of
Elijah Berry who was born in Fairfield
County. Ohio. His mother, Elmira Culp,
was born and died in that county. The father
still survives and is carrying on his farm there.
They had four children who lived to years of ma-
turity, and of these our subject is the only son.
He of whom .we write was born in Fairfield
County Ohio, May, 7, 184'J. lie was reared upon
his father's farm, and after coming of age he re-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
11;;
mained with Ins father until the ensuing fall, when
he was married October 2d. ISTn to Miss Missouri
Zollinger who was born in Fairfield County Ohio.
Mav •_'••;. 1853. She was a daughter of Jacob and
Margaret (Shaffer) Zollinger, both of whom died
in Perry County, Ohio. When Mr. Berry married
he settled in Fairfield County, Ohio and for two
year.- engaged in farming. After this he came to
Illinois and lived in Macoupin County for five
years, and then returned to Ohio and resided in
Perry County till the spring of L884, when he
came to Shelby County 111., and settled in Rose
Township, where he owns two hundred acres on
sections in and 11. lie has always been en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits and has been suc-
cessful in carrying them on.
Mr. and Mrs. Berry are the parents of eightchil-
dren, namely Vinnie F... Lousianna, Ernest A..
"William F... Daisy B., Susie. Walter and Mildred.
The residents of Rose Township have united in
making Mr. Berry School Director, but otherwise
he has chosen to remain free from official duties.
His political sympathies are with the Republican
party and he is liberal in his religious view-, I lis
pleasant home i- the scene of frequenl social gath-
erings at which the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs.
Berry i> exercised fur the happiness of their guests.
—5—
^§>-^H£I
m~_
h>—
yylLLIAM NOTBROOK, deceased, was
one of the pioneers of Moweaqua Town-
'■Jf^ ship. Shelby County, and his name is hon-
ored as one of its upbuilders, who faithfully per-
formed his share in the cultivation of its fertile
soil, and helped to make this a beautiful and well-
improved farming country. lie was of foreign
birth, burn in the village of Beilfield, Province
of Westphalia, Prussia. May in. 1824. He was
Left an orphan at a very early age. He attended
school quite Steadily in his youth, and then be-
gan life as a shephard.
When he gained his majority. Mr. Notbrook
entered the Prussian army, in accordance with the
laws of the land, and after serving three years,
was honorably discharged. He then came to
America, as he thought that the prospects were bet-
ter for advancement in this country than in the
Fatherland, lie set sail from Bremerhaven in
April, and after a six weeks' voyage Landed at New
York. He secured a good situation as a clerk in a
wholesale commission produce house, and was
thus employed in the great metropolis until
1855.
In that year he came to Illinois with his wife,
and with his limited means, he having only Mich
money as he had frugally saved from his earnings,
he bought forty acres of land in Moweaqua
Township. There was a log cabin on the place.
and in that humble dwelling he and his wife he-
gan life in their Dew home. Ten years later he
sold that land at an advanced price, it having in-
creased in value under his skillful labors, and he
then bought the eighty acres in the same township,
which is now occupied by his family. He removed
the Log cabin to his new purchase, and it remained
the abode of the family ten years longer, when he
replaced it by the residence in which his family
are living. It is a commodious frame structure, of
modern style, is nicely furnished, and is a most
pleasant home. Here he dwelt in peace and con-
tentment, working busily through seed time and
harvest year after year, bringing his farm to a tine
condition, both as to tillage ami the substantial
improvements that he placed upon it. until death
stayed his hand April. K. 1881. and he rested from
his Labors in that dreamless sleep that knows no
waking. He was an earnest and consistent Chris-
tian, ami for many years a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, which he joined soon
after coming to America, as did his wife also.
"While a resident of New York City, Mr. Not-
brook entered into marriage with Miss Wilhelmina
Wagemann, a daughter of one of his father's old
neighbors in the old country, the ceremony that
made them one being performed in L853. Mrs.
Notbrook was born in the same place as her hus-
band, and grew up with him. She came to Amer-
ica in the same vessel that he did. Her parents
were Wilhelm and Charlotte Wagamanu, who were
also natives of the Prussian village that was her
birthplace. Two of her brothers came to this
country. William is now a resident of Moultrie
in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
( ounty. Henry, who i- deceased, spenl his lasl
years at Moweaqua, wliere he located after his ar-
rival in America. Mrs. Notbrook is a very esti-
mable woman, possessing those qualities of head
and heart that command respect and regard, and
she is an exemplary member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. She has two children living,
Maggie the elder, i- the wife of Michael E. Snyder:
Wilhelmina lives with her mother, and i- her Stay
and comfort.
r\ AVID DRAKE is a worthy member of the
fanning community of Pickaway Town-
ship, Shelby County. lie was born in
Fairbanks Township, Sullivan County.
End., March 22. 1836. He is a son of Benjamin
Drake, who was a native of Ohio, of which his
father, .lames Drake, was lor some years a resident.
settling there in pioneer times, prior to his removal
to Indiana in 1817. lie was one of the first set-
tlers in Fairbanks Township, where he bought a
tract of Government land, on which he at first
built a log house for tin- shelter of his family. At
that time, and for some years after, the county was
sparsely settled, and deer, wild turkeys anil other
game were very plentiful. The grandfather of
our subject continued to reside in that region on
the farm that he had developed from the wilder-
ness until his death.
The father of our subject was but eight year-
old when the family sought to build a new home
in the primeval forests of Indiana, where he was
reared to pursuits of industry. He early learned
the trade of a tanner, and then bought a yard,
which he operated for a time. He finally sold it
and engaged in farming for awhile. He then
bought another tanvarjl. and carried on a tannery
in connection with farming some years, lie lived
to :i ripe age, dying on the home farm in Sullivan
(ounty. End., in 1880. lb- had married in early
manhood, Sally Gross, who was born either in
North or South Carolina, ami died at the home of
lier -on in Sullivan ( ounty in 1885. she wa- the
mother of ten children, all sons.
Our subject received his education in his native
county, where he grew to a stalwart manh 1. The
first school that he attended wa- taught in the
primitive log schoolhouse of pioneer days. It
had a clay and stick chimney, being heated by a
huge open fireplace, anil in the aperture made by
a log being taken out of the side of the house a
row of window glass admitted the light. The
benches were made of slabs, without backs, and
the furniture of the school room was entirely of
home manufacture.
Mr. Drake resided with his parents until he was
twenty-two year- old. when his father gave him a
tract of timber land in Fairbanks Township, lie
built a log house, and in that humble abode he
and his bride commenced their housekeeping, and
lived in happiness for some time. lie improved
the land and made it his dwelling place until 1869,
when he sold it at a good price in order to identify
himself with the farmers of Shelby County, as he
had a high opinion of the fertility of the soil of
this region and the many other advantages it pos-
-■ ssi S, and rightly judged that he could do well at
his calling in a section so favored. He purchased
eighty acres of his present farm, which is pleas-
antly located on section 14. Pickaway Township,
and he has since added to hi> realty, and now has
one hundred and twenty acres of choice farming
laud, finely cultivated and amply supplied with
good improvments. including a substantial set of
farm buildings.
April 15, 1888, our subject took an important
-tip in his life whereby he secured the companion-
ship and assistance of a devoted wife in the per-
SOD of Miss Keziah Anderson. Their union has
been ble-sed with children of whom these -even
are living: Alexander. Mary Frances. Cameron.
Charles. Sarah .1.. Commodore and .lame- V.
Alexander married Viola Folly, and has one child
named John; Mary Frances married George Will-
iamson, and has three children — Ellsworth, Ro-
sanne and Etta; Sarah married John M. Hill, and
has two children — Martha and Fvdia.
Mr. Drake i- sound in his political view- which
Mud expression in the tenets of the Democratic
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
II.-,
party. Both he and his good wife are members in
high standing of the Baptist Church, and their
community finds in them true friends and kind
neighbors, who are ever ready to extend a
helping hand to those «hu are in trouble and
want.
fri-M-ti
OHN E. JENNINGS, State's Attorney and
City Attorney of Sullivan, Moultrie County,
and a member of the law firm of Jennings
{^J A- Huff, i- a native of Moultrie County,
where he was born March 9, L864. He belongs to
one of the prominent families of the county. His
father, Benjamin S. Jennings, is a native of Ohio,
and hi> grandfather and great-grandfather also
bore tlit- name of Benjamin Jennings. The latter
came of English parentage and it i- nut unlikely
that he was born in England. Hi* boyhood days.
however, were spent in Massachusetts, and he died
in Pennsylvania. During the Revolutionary War
he served in the Colonial Army. The grandfather
of our subject, a native of the Keystone Mate
emigrated to Ohio, and in is;,:!, came with the
father of our subject to Illinois, making a settle-
ment in Marrowbone Township, Moultrie County.
He died in 1867, at the home of hisson in Loving-
ton Township. ( >n first coming to Illinois, Benja-
min Jennings, father of John E., was employed as
an engineer in a grist and sawmill. He had
Learned the business in Ohio and was a practical
machinist. After some years he removed to Lov-
Lngton, where he operated a mill for a time and
then Located on a farm in the township of that
name. some ten miles northwest of Sullivan. Af-
terward removing to the city, lie became one of
the partners in the Sullivan Woolen .Mills, with
which he was connected until L887, when tin- fac-
tory was abandoned and the machinery shipped to
Canada, while tin building is now being used as
an elevator, since that time Benjamin Jennings
has lived a retired life. He continues his residence
in Sullivan where he i- a very prominent citizen,
lie ha- been connected with the public interests in
many way- and has acceptably filled a number of
positions of trust. He was a member of the first
city council in L873, was re-elected in 1875, again
in 1877 and in L879. < >n the expiration of that
last term he was elected Mayor of the city and
had previously filled an unexpired term for one
year. The Democratic party finds in him a stanch
advocate, and his Labors in its behalf have aided
greatly in it- success. With the best interests of
the county he lias been identified and hi- works
are well deserving of mention in the county's
history.
Benjamin Jennings was united in marriage with
Miss Eleanor Caddington, a lady of Scotch-Irish
descent, she died at her home in Sullivan in
1*77. in the faith of the Baptist Church of which
she had long been a member. In the family
were eleven children, seven of whom are yet liv-
ing— Addie K.. at home: Aza. who wedded Emily
McCraig and is Living in Sullivan; W. Henry, who
married Dolly Harris, of Sullivan, and is an elec-
trician employed by the Ke-ler Electrical Com-
pany of Terre Haute. Ind.; Lucy M.. at home:
Samuel, who is married and is connected with the
ali-tract office in Fresno. Cal.; .John E., of this
sketch: and llillory. who is foreman of the Canton
Register, of Canton. 111. He married Minnie Tich-
enor. The sons are all Democrats and the family
i- one well worthy of mention in this RECORD.
The subject of this sketch acquired his educa-
tion in the public schools and was graduated from
the Sullivan High School. Wishing to engage in
the practice of law he entered the office of Meeker
A: Smyzer, under whose direction he pursued his
studies for two years, when he was admitted to the
bar at the Appellate Court at Springfield, January
•21. L887, Judges Wall, Conger and Pleasant officiat-
ing. He was Licensed by the Supreme C ourt, Judge
Scotl presiding, and was one of a class of sixteen,
self-made young men. who. though none had ever
attended law school, titled themselves for legal
practice by their own efforts and won a place
among legal practitioners. Mr. Jennings had at-
tained his majority only a short time previous to
his admission to the liar. Soon after he was rec-
ommended by the court and received the appoint-
ment of Assistant State Attorney of his county, a
position which he tilled until his election as State's
Attorney. He was admitted to the United States
446
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
District Court in January, 1890, and the following
March, the firm of Jennings & Huff was formed.
They do a general law business, making a specialty
of criminal law and although little more than a
year has passed since the organization of the (inn
these young' lawyers, men of ability and enterprise
have won for themselves a prominent place at the
bar. Mr. Jennings is also Notary Public. In
politics he is a Democrat and a stanch advocate of
the party principles. In his youth he learned the
trade of a manufacturer of woolen goods, acquaint-
ing himself with every branch of the business and
could now. if necessary, fill any position in a
woolen factory, but unless something unforeseen
happens, he will continue his efforts at the bar,
where lie is meeting with such excellent success.
.Mr. Jennings joined Company C, of the Eighth
Regiment Illinois National Guards as a private,
but was soon promoted to Sergeant, was afterward
elected Second and then First Lieutenant, and in
188G. was elected Captain of the Company, a po-
sition which he filled for two years. He was thus
serving when called to duty during the lime of
the great St. Louis strike in 1886. He has met
with his regiment at every annual encampment at
Lamp Lincoln in Springfield, Col. Relley M.
Smith, of Greenup, 111., being Commander of the
regiment. The following have served as Captain
of the company: Alvin P. Green, George Chap-
man, Samuel Jennings. John E. Jennings, and
Adolph T. Jenkins.
Mr. Jennings is one of the prominent and enter-
prising young business men of Sullivan, who, un-
aided by capital or influential friends, is working
his way upward to an honorable and enviable posi-
tion. He has not yet married but makes his home
with his father and two sisters.
~S
3+$
[=_
OHN A. FEARMAN. The Southern States
added their full quota to the early settle-
ment of Illinois, thousands of families emi-
grating from Virginia. Kentucky. Tennessee
and the Carolinas to the southern and south cent-
ral portions of the Prairie State. They brought
with them an element of sociability and friendli-
ness which is universally accorded as a leading char-
acteristic of the Southern people. Among such
families is the one of which our subject is a repres-
entative and his residence on section 21, Okaw
Township. Shelby County, dates from the time of
his birth, March 2.">, 1837, as his parents, Henry
and Nancy ( Roberts) Fearman, had previously emi-
grated to this State from Kentucky .
The Fearmans were originally settlers in Virginia,
where John Fearman, the grandfather of our sub-
ject was born. The first wife of the father of our
subject was Ellen Sandusky, to whom he was mar-
ried in 1831 just previous to his coming to Illinois,
where he purchased land in Okaw Township. This
wife lived only a few years, after the family re-
moval to the Prairie State, and he was called upon
to mark his new home by her grave.
Nancy Roberts, the mother of our subject and
the daughter of Alexander and Mary Roberts, who
were early pioneers of this State, became the wife
of Henry Fearman in 1836. She was a true help-
mate to him in his arduous labors as a farmer and
they became the happy possessors of an excellent,
farm, upon which they passed their later days in
comfort and prosperity. Her birth occurred in 1812
and she passed from life in 18~>,s. her husband sur-
viving her some twelve years, dying January 27.
187(1. at the age of sixty-two years. They reared
three children, John A., our subject; James II. and
Elizabeth E., who married George S. Terry, and died
in Okaw Township. Their mother was a devout and
useful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The gentleman of whom we write received such
education as could be obtained in the common
schools of his day and had a thorough and syste-
matic training in farm duties. He thus grew up
lilted to meet the duties of life and to make his
mark among the men of Shelby County. It was
in 1861 that he founded a home for himself and
one other by a union in marriage with Elizabeth
Terry, daughter of Reuben Terry. Like himself
she is a native of this county, being born in Okaw
Township, August 1. 1844, No children have
blessed this home.
After marriage Mr. Fearman rented land and
tilledit for some time, but somewhat later removed
I
%
I
- .,•
•"?G
l'ORTKAIT AM) I'.K )( : KA1MIK AL RECORD.
149
id Shelbyville, where lie carried on a mercantile
business and in 1867 purchased a pari of the farm
which is now his. His lirst acquisition was >ixi\
acres of land which was mostly covered with tim-
berand brush, and to this he added, as prosperity
allowed, more and more land, and now has two
hundred and ten acres, upon which he has placed
comfortable and substantial improvements.
The Democratic party is the political organiza-
tion with which our subject finds himself in har-
mony, and he is a hearty and earnest worker for
its prosperity, and has held various local offices.
He is considerably opposed to secret societies and
is an intelligent reader in public affairs. The
Christian Church is the religious body with which
his good wife is associated and in it she is a valua-
ble and valued worker.
The paternal grandmother of John A. Fearman
was a Virginian by birth and bore the maiden name
of McClelland. Her son. Henry Fearman, the
father of our subject, was three times married.
The lady with whom he was united after the death
of .Mrs. Nancy (Roberts) Fearman being Mrs. .lane
Doddy nee Ward, and by this union there were
horn two children — Margie A. and Dora, who re-
side at Lee's Summit. Mo.
LFRED JAMISON. The citizens of shelly
County, who came here during the early
* history of this section and established
themselves in what were then little vill-
ages and hamlets, have been active factors in the
development and progress of the county. Mr.
Jamison having been a resident of Oconee for
more than twenty-five years, has made his mark
upon the social and business interests of tin place,
and as an influential citizen we are pleased to pie-
scut his portrait and biography to our readers.
Mr. Jamison, who is a dealer in hay. coal, lum-
ber and live stock at Oconee, was horn in Mon-
mouth County. N. .1.. February 17. 1814. His
father, Joseph, a son of Jacob and Rebecca Jami-
son, was horn October 2. 17^*1 in the same county.
His mother was also a native there, and was horn
February 1 I. 17K7. both she and her husband horn
near the historic battlefield of Monmouth. The
children who gathered about this worthy couple
were five sons and six daughters, as follows: Ja-
cob J., born May 28, 1803; Abram B., November
18, 1804; Rebecca, November 80, 1806; Hannah.
September 27. 1808; Joseph, December 7. 1810;
Isaac. April 25, is 12; I.vdia Ann. April 1. 1814;
Mary. November 15, 1815; Sarah, March 23, 181K;
Elizabeth, February 23, 1821; and the subject of
our sketch, who was the youngest of the family.
Of this large household, only Isaac. Mary. Sarah.
Klizahelh and Allied remain in this earthly life.
Mr. Jamison received his education in the public
schools of New Jersey, and when about sixteen
years of age, he left the parental roof and went
into the world for himself , first going to New York
City, where he obtained a situation in a dry-goods
store as a clerk. He continued in that position
about five years, anil then having accumulated a
little money, returned to his native State and
went into business, in which he had a one-fourth
interest, establishing a general store at Cedar Creek.
Here he continued for about two years, and then
in 1849, having a serious attack of the "gold
fever," he went to California by the way of the
Strait of Magellan, and remained in the ••Sunset
State" for some time, occupying four years in the
whole trip.
Having been reasonably successful in his western
venture, the young man returned to New York
City, and engaged in the pork-packing business,
which he carried on for fifteen years, lint in the
Spring of 1865 he closed out hi- concern there and
came to Shelby County, locating at Oconee, where
he has ever since resided. His marriage to Miss
Gertrude Ellen Hegeman took place in New York
City. April 5, 1853. This lady was born April 1.'!.
1837, upon Long Island. N. Y.
On arriving in Illinois, Mr. Jamison invested
hi- means in real estate and milling, and had the
misfortune to lose t wo mill- h\ lire, but has con-
tinued in the real-e-tate business ever since coming
West, in which he has been vcr\ successful. On
locating here he purchased fifteen hundred acres
of timber land, which he cleared up and worked
the timber into lumber. He ha- been active in
450
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
business al! hi* lifetime, and still continues with
unabated power to actively control his own affairs,
although he is nearing the limits of three-score
years and ten.
To Mr. and Mrs. Jamison have been born the
following children: Alonzo, born June 10, 1854;
Alfred M., July 1,1855; Emma Laur, May 28,
1K5H; Sarah Elizabeth, February 5, I860; Bracket!
Badger, January 18, 1862; Harry Alonzo, January
9, 1864; Hattie II.. .March 22, 1865; Francis Rich-
mond, October 12, 1867: Robert Hegeman, March
3, 1869; Grace Gertrude, June 2, 1871; Joseph
Stokes. September 5, 1873; and Archibald Shelton,
February 21. 1*7:). The six oldest arc natives of
New York City, and the younger members of the
family were born in Oconee.
The gentleman, whose life history we are here
briefly sketching has been a life-long Democrat.
and has always a lively interest in national. State
and local politics. He is well read and broad in
his views and keeps himself thoroughly informed
in regard to public affairs, lie is a member of
Oconee Lodge, F. A- A. M.. and carries insurance
in the Masonic Benevolent Society of Chicago.
He was first made a Mason by Naval Lodge. No.
69, in the State of New York, in 1855, and was
demitted from that to Oconee Lodge in lM7:i.
Religiously the family may be considered as ex-
tremely liberal and strongly opposed to contention
over the orthodox creed. The value of their lives
and their work in this community can hardly lie
estimated, as they have ever been active in pro-
moting the best interests of the neighborhood, and
have been liberal in their means in forwarding ail
movements looking to the material and social pro-
gress of Oconee.
_y
jjfclLLIAM II. SPARLING, M. D.,Moweaqua,
- ./' is a tine representative of the best physi-
,yY/ cians of this section, whose learning abil-
ity and eminent success in their practice have
contributed to raise the standard of their noble
profession in Central Ilinois. Our subject was born
in County Clare. Ireland. January 15, 1S4!». His
father, Joseph Sparling, was also a native of that
Irish county, and was of German descent, his an-
cestors having left ( iermany on account of religious
persecution and taken up their abode on the Em-
erald Isle during the reign of Queen Anne.
The father of our subject was reared and married
in his native county, where his whole life was
passed, his death occurring in 1850. He was en-
gaged in the mercantile business up to that time,
and by his removal while yet in life's prime the
interests of his community suffered a serious loss.
His wife, Hannah Reynard in her maiden days, was
horn in the same county as himself and was also of
German lineage. She survived her husband many
years and in 1851 came with her seven children to
America. She first settled at London, Canada,
whence she subsequently removed to Hamilton.
In 1859 she crossed the border, and from that time
to her death in 1.H77 was a resident of the United
States, making her home in Detroit. Mich. The
following is recorded of her children: Walter, Jos-
eph and Charles arc in the dry-goods business in
Detroit; John is a minister in the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, a member of the Detroit Conference;
Anna married James Keiller. of Detroit; Bella mar-
ried William F. Deike, of Chicago; William II. is
the subject of this biography.
Dr. Sparling was but two years old when he
came to America with his mother, brothers and sis-
ters, and therefore has no recollection of his native
island. He was given line educational advantages
in the public schools of Canada and in the higher
institutions of learning m this country. His first
experience of school life was in the city schools of
London and Hamilton. After the family removed
to Detroit he became a student at the High School
of that city, and was graduated from there in the
Class of "(>7. He then spent a year of hard study
in the Northwestern University at Evanston, 111.
At the expiration of that time he began to prepare
himself for the medical profession, for which he
had a decided taste, under the instruction of Prof.
N. W. Webster, of the Detroit Medical College.
lie was graduated from the institution in the Class
of '72. Having completed his medical education,
the Doctor decided to enter upon his chosen call-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
151
ing at Cerro Gordo, Piatl ( ounty, tliis State, and
he was located there from 1872 to 1 ^ 7 ( : . when lie
came to Moweaqua and the people of this city and
ilir surrounding country have since had the bene-
fit of hi- knowledge and skill. During his fifteen
years' residence here he has devoted himself very
closely to his profession, and to-day has a reputa-
tion second to that of none other of his vocation
in this part of the State.
To the lady who presides mi graciously over his
home and looks carefully after his comfort and
happiness, our subject was wedded in 1875. They
have two children living, James I., and Mabel.
Mr-. Sparling was formerly Miss Minnie Eva
Lyons, and is a daughter of James and Annie Lyon.-.
Her native place is Simcoe, Canada.
The Doctor is a member of the Illinois state Med-
ical Society, and of the Central Illinois Medical
society, also of the American Medical Association.
He is connected with the temperance order of
Royal Templar-. His parents were devoted mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, reared him
in that faith, and he and his wife now belong to
the church of that denomination in this city. In
the course of his practice he lias formed many
strong and lasting friendships among the people to
whose ailments he has administered and he is the
well-beloved physician in many a household where
his presence has brought healing, or has soothed
the last hour- of the dying.
-M=
AMES W. SCOTT, a veteran of the late war.
in which he fought bravely in defense of
the stars and stripes, has since done as good
service as a thrifty, intelligent fanner in
aiding the development of the agricultural re-
sources of this country, and is now living in honor-
able retirement at Shelby ville, Shelby County, lie
was born March 11. 1826, in one of the early
pioneer homes of Licking County. < >hio, his birth-
place being eleven miles northeast of the town of
Newark. His father. Peter 1'. Scott, a native of
New Jersey, was one of the early settler- of I Hi—
inois. locating not far from Peoria, and he was
widely known throughout that region a- a pioneer
blacksmith and farmer of that section of the State.
The paternal grandfather of subject, whose given
name was Joseph, was horn, according to the best
information at hand, in County Tyrone. Ireland,
and wa- of Scotch antecedent-. (In coming to
America, he settled in New Jersey, and (here
reared a family, two of the sons serving in the
War of 1812. lie was an iron worker, and hi.- last
days were Spent near Newark. N. -I. His wife, a
native of Germany, whose maiden name was Mary
llimyon. al-o -pent her last years near Newark.
Peter P. Scott wa- reared in the State of his
nativity, and in his youth became a practical
blacksmith, learning his trade at Newark, and fol-
lowing it there until about 1820. In that year lie
went to Ohio, going thither with teams, and located
in Licking County He carried mi his calling there
until 1828, when lie made another move. Starting
for the wilds of Illinois with his wife and four
children, making the journey with two pairs of
oxen to a wagon, in which were conveyed all their
earthly belongings, including Mr. Scott's anvil.
that he had taken with him from New Jersey, and
which i- now in the possession of the -on of the
subject, who hears the name of his grandsire, and
is a resident of Mar-hall. Oklahoma. Mr. Scott
located one mile west of Washington ami ten miles
from Peoria, which was then known as Ft. Clark.
Indians had full sway in the northern part of the
State at that time, there were hut very few settle-
ment of whites, ami Chicago wa- hut a hamlet.
The father of the subject traded one pair of
oxen and the wagon for a squatter's claim, and
entered the land at the general land office at
Springfield. Six acre- of the land cleared and
fenced, and a log house, stable and smoke house,
constituted the improvements on the place. Mr.
Scott carried on his trade a- a blacksmith for some
year-, and people Came for many mile- to yet work
done. lie was a very skillful mechanic, and lie-
-ide- making all hi- horse-shoes and nails by hand.
wa- of an inventive turn of mind, and the first
steel SCOUring plow ever Used was from a patent
made by him. In his last years lie devoted him-
self to the management of his farm until he passed
away in April. 1870 at a ripe age, in the home
4 o2
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
that he bad built thereon. His wife, a native of
New York City, whose maiden name was Catherine
Murphy, went to Galesburg after his death, and
there resided until her death, when full of years
in May. 1884. She was the mot her of eleven
children.
The subject of this biography, although but five
years of age when his parents brought him to
Illinois, clearly remembers the incidents of that
momentous journey of the pioneer life that ensued
in the wild, sparsely settled region now known as
Tazewell County. Indians still lived there and "
deer, wild turkeys and other game were abundant.
Our subject's education was obtained in the primi-
tive pioneer schools of the early days uf the settle-
ment of Illinois. The lirst one that he attended
was taught in his father's house. The seats, which
had no backs and no desks in front, were made of
slabs or puncheons, and were supported by wooden
pins. A log was taken out of the length of the
building and a row of glass inserted in its place to
admit the light. In 1832, the year of the Black
Hawk war. the inhabitants were constantly on the
alert for fear of being surprised and massacred by
the Indians, and it took but very little to create a
scare. Our subject relates a rather amusing episode
of this time. A man living near the school house
was out hunting squirrels. He shot one near the
building and the ball, glancing, went through the
glass and hit a girl on the side of the head, making
an ugly scalp wound. The scholars, supposing the
Indians to be upon them, were very much fright-
ened. The teacher, a young man from the East,
started with the wounded girl to assist her home,
but he soon fainted and his pupil had to make her
way home alone. The frightened scholars circu-
lated the report that Indians tired into the school-
house, and the neighbors, all armed, gathered
together there, and excitement ran high until it
was found out who did the shooting.
Mr. Scott lived with his parents until he grew
to manhood, in the meantime assisting in the farm
work, and he then commenced to learn the trade
of a cooper, which he followed in Tazewell County
until 1850. In the spring of that year he started
with others for the gold fields of California, leav-
ing Pekin on the 14th of April, and making an
overland journey across the plains and mountains.
At that time, there were but very few white set-
tlers between the Missouri River and California,
except the Mormons at Salt Lake. Indians reigned
supreme on the plains, and innumerable buffaloes
were encountered on the way. The little party
arrived at Weaverville. July '21. and our subject
devoted his time to mining until the spring of
1851. He then gathered together his gains and
returned home, traveling by way of the Isthmus
of Panama to Xew York, from that city by rail to
Dunkirk, thence by the Lakes to Chicago, and from
there by the canal and the Illinois River to Peoria.
The following year Mr. Scott bought a team
with the intention of returning to California, but
realizing that gold was to be obtained by tilling
the rich soil of this state as well as by getting it
more directly from the mines of the Pacific Slope,
he changed his mind and came instead to Shelby
County to try farming here. He bought a tract of
land in what is now ( )kaw Township, a few acres
of which were improved and a log cabin stood on
the place. He lived there until 1861, when he
settled on a tract of land in Todd's Point Town-
ship, which he had bought from the Government.
In August 1862, our subject threw aside his
work to take part in the great war that was then
being waged between the North and South, in-
scribing his name on the roll of Company O, One
Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois Infantry. In 1863
he received .njuries which incapacitated him for
active duties, and he was ordered to the hospital
by the surgeon, but this did not please him, and
he induced the colonel to countermand the order
and he remained with his regiment until June.
1KB 3 . After that he was a short time in Franklin.
Tenn.. whence he was ordered to Nashville, where
was transferred to the invalid corps. When the
Veteran Reserve Corps was organized, he was
transferred to Company G, Fifth Regiment, and
was transferred at Camp Merton, Minneapolis.
On the night before the election at Chicago, he
was one of the five hundred soldiers sent to that
city to guard the rebel prisoners confined there
who had made' their plans to escape. He was kept
on duty forty-eight hours without relief, and re-
turning to Indianapolis ten days later, was soon
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
453
after taken sick. He had to •:" to the hospital for
treatment, and was discharged from that institu-
tion in February, 1865, and from the army, thus
closing an honorable career a> a soldier, wherein
he had borne the hardships and privations incident
in such a life with fortitude and true courage that
he might serve his country in the time of her
greatest peril. In commemoration of those trying
years, he is now connected with the Cyrus Hall
Post, So. 138, G. A. R.
Returning home after he left the aim v. Mr.
Scott superintended the improvement of Ins farm,
and made hi> home thereon until his retirement
from active business to Shelbyville in L882. Death
had deprived him of his good wife in April, 1879,
after a wedded life of more than thirty years, they
having been married June 17. 1 S4 7. Her maiden
name was Louisa Tucker, and she was a native of
Mead County, Ky.. a daughter of Truman Tucker.
Her marriage with our subject was productive to
them of these seven children. .lames \V.. Esther ( ..
Elizabeth A.. Ida 1... Emma I).. Peter 1'. and
Mary A.
I I. I.I AM J. TACKETT. The name of
/ Tackett has been borne by some of the
lyv*' most useful citizens of this county from
the early days of its settlement, and as an honored
representative of that family that has helped to
bring this section of Illinois to its present tine con-
dition we are pleased to place on these pages a
l>rief life-record of William .1. Tackett. a highly re-
spected resident of Shelbyville. He i- a skillful
farmer, and has valuable farming interests, which
are still under his management, although he has re-
tired to the city.
But few of the present citizens of this county
have lived in this part of the State as long as our
subject, who has spent much of his life here a- boj
and man for sixty years or more. He is a -on of
one of the earliest pioneer families of Shelbyville,
John ami Enfield (Mason) Tackett. and his father
for several years kept a hotel in the village in the
early year- of its history. For further parental his-
tory, see the sketch of John A. Tackett on another
page of this volume.
William Tackett was born in Bourbon County.
Ky., June 11. 1826, the second -on of hi- parents,
lie wa- but three years old when they brought him
to Illinois in 1 -s -J '. » . Shelbyville, where the family
-i ! up their new home, was but a hamlet, with a
few log habitations, and gave but little intimation
that it would become the beautiful city of to-day.
Our subject grew up here under pioneer influences,
ami watched with interest the growth of the city
from day to day. and has witnessed almost the en-
tire development of the surrounding country from
a wilderness to a well settled and wealthy county,
and he can take pleasure in the thought that he has
had a hand in bringing about this wonderful trans-
formation. His education was conducted in the
pioneer schools of the city, which were taught in a
log house, that had rude furniture of the most
primitive sort, the -eat- being made of slabs, with-
out backs, and with wooden pins for support. That
was in the day- before the introduction of the free
school system, and each family had to pay for the
support of the schools according to the number of
scholars sent. Mr. Tackett advanced his education
by attendance at Hillsboro Academy, and at the age
of twenty-one he began to study medicine.
Our subject was smitten by the gold fever after
the discovery of the precious metal in California,
and he wa- one of the famous "49ers" to go to
that State in search of it. He started with others
in the month of March, ami made the journey
across the plains and mountains with mule teams.
'The little company of gold seekers saw no white
settlers between the Missouri River and the Golden
State, except the Mormons at Salt Lake. 'They en-
countered deer, antelopes, buffaloes and other wild
animals in great numbers in crossing what was then
known as the "Great American Desert." and In-
dians held undisputed sway throughout that deso-
late region. The train arrived at Sacramento one
hundred and ten days after starting from Illinois.
and out subject found that city in the pioneer
Stages of it- existence, and among its rude habita-
tions there were lint two frame houses.
Mr. Tackett devoted himself to mining awhile.
154
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.•mil then handled stock at :i large profit the re-
mainder of his stay in California. In February,
1852, he set out on hi* return home, well satisfied
with his expei'ience of Life on the frontier. He
traveled by the way of the Isthmus to New Orleans,
thence by the Mississippi to St. Louis, from there
liv stage through Vandalia to Shelbyville, and on
the 20th of March he found himself once again
among the familiar scenes of his boyhood. After
his return lie practiced medicine for a time, and
then turned his attention to the grocery business,
which he conducted a few years, but he finally took
up the congenial pursuit of farming, and resided
on his farm from 1859 to L866, when he again
came to the city to live, and has ever since made
his home here. lie continues to superintend his
farm, however, and has it undcra fine condition as
to tillage and improvement, it being' one of the
best in those regards in the locality. Mr. Tackett
is a man of much experience, possesses good men-
tal endowments, is public spirited, and is in no
ways backward in lending his assistance to all pro-
jects that will in any way enhance the prosperity
of the city and count \ . with whose interests he has
been identified for so many years.
The pleasant wedded life of Mr. Tackett with
Miss Mary .1. Durkee was entered upon in 1853. It
has been blessed to them by the birth of children,
of whom they have Ave, as follows: Kd ward, a gen-
eral merchant at Raymond; Mattie. wife of Will-
iam R. Glen, of Philadelphia; Archie .1.. a resident
of Raymond; Fannie, the widow of Andrew Welch,
of Shelbyville; and .May. the wife of CM. Aid-
rich, <>f Peoria.
Mrs. Tackett was born in Tippecanoe County.
Ind.. and is a daughter of David F. and Freelove
( Fink) Durkee. Her father was born in Vermont, and
was a son of Dr. John Durkee. who was a practicing
physician and a pioneer of Tippecanoe County, set-
tling near La Fayette, and engaging in his profession
until his death. Mrs. Tackett 's father was but a
boy when his parents settled in Indiana, and lie
grew to a stalwart manhood amid its pioneer
scenes, and in due time was there married, lie
lived in that State until 1848, when he came to
this county and cast in his destiny with the pio-
neers who had preceded him. He bought a tract
of wild land in what is now Pickaway Township.
developed a g 1 farm, and resided on it a num-
ber of years. He then came to the city to spend his
remaining years. I lis wife died at the home of a
daughter at Wilmington, Will County, 111. They
reared these six children — George, Celia, JoHn, Ed-
ward, .lames and Mary .1.
t i ' i ' i » i '
ACOB BRUNNER, a thorough-going and
honorable German- American citizen and
practical and successful farmer, resides on
section 22, Ridge Township, Shelby County.
His father, George Brunner, was a native of Baden,
Germany, and his mother. Christine Klein, was also
born in the German's Fatherland. They emigrated
to America during the summer of DS.'id, and made
their first home in West Virginia, settling in Mar-
shall County. They remained here industriously
pursuing the vocation of farming for some nine
years, but removed to Belmont County, Ohio,
about the year 1845. They were not, however,
thoroughly satisfied here and returning across the
river to West Virginia, made their home in Ohio
County, but finally returned to Hocking County,
Ohio, where the father died about the year 1855.
Our subject is the eldest in a family of ten chil-
dren born to his worthy parents, being born in
Baden, Germany, October 20, 1832 and was some
six years old when he came to make his home in
the New World. He remained under the parental
roof until his marriage, although he worked out to
quite an extent at farm labor. The lady whom he
took for his bride is a sister of Mrs. John W. Beery,
and our reader will find further particulars in re-
gard to her ancestry in the biographical sketch of
Mr. Beery, elsewhere to be found in this volume.
This lady's name was Miss Elizabeth Swartz, and
she became Mrs. Brunner, in March, lKf>K at her
native home in Fairfield County. Ohio, where she
was born. July 22, 1833. Here they first made
their home and returned to it again after living
for awhile in Allen County, that State.
In August, 1886, Mr. Brunner brought his family
to Shelby County, and settled on section 22, Ridge
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
i:,.->
Township, where he now owns eighty-eight and one-
half acres of excellent and arable land, and whore
he has made- a genuine success of fanning, being a
man who is thoroughly devoted to his family and
'his work and who deserves and receives the esteem
of all who know him. His integrity is unques-
tioned and his character bears inspection by the
most critical and faultfinding. Ten interesting chil-
dren have come to brighten this home, namely;
John M.. Rebecca C, Barbara K.. Ida P.. Lottie,
Christine A.. Mary E., Lucy W., William S., and
.Minnie C, all of whom are living except Rebecca,
who died when about four years old.
■JOHN R. CRAIG, Justice of the Peace of
Shelbyville, is well and favorably known
throughout Shelby County, of which he
has been a residenl these many years. A
native of Campbell County. Ky.. he was born in
one of its pioneer homes December 11, 1817. Ili-
father, .lames Craig, was a Pennsylvanian by birth
and a son of Robert Craig, a native of Scotland,
who came to America when a young man and h>-
cated in Pennsylvania, where he carried on tanning-,
lie was married in that Mate, and subsequently re-
moved to the wilds of Kentucky, going thither on
the Ohio River. For a lime he lived in Campbell
County, and then became an early settler of Boone
County, where he bought a tract of timber, which
he cleared and developed into a farm, his home-
stead being located near the village of Burlington,
a'nd there he -pent his declining year-.
The father of our subject was reared in his early
Kentucky home, and in that Mate sought and
found a wife in the person of Mary Barrickman,
who was also a native of that part of the country,
and was a daughter of Jacob Barrickman, a pio-
neer of that region. Mr. Craig resided in Camp-
bell County until 1818 or 1819, and then he loo
became a pioneer of a new State, removing to In-
diana, and settling in the primeval wilds of Fay-
ette County on a tract of heavily timbered land
six miles south of the county scat. Hi- first work
was to build a loir house to shelter hi- family, and
he then entered upon the hard task before him of
clearing his land and preparing it for cultivation.
\t that time timber was of but little value, the
principal object of the pioneers being to get it out
of the way. and large logs were rolled together
and burned, which to-day would command a good
price in the lumber markets. The country round
about was but thinly inhabited, there were no rail-
way-, and C incinnati was the nearest market where
the settlers could sell their produce and obtain
needed supplies, though it was then but a small
city.
Our subject's father lived in Indiana until 1839,
when he came to Illinois, bringing with him his
wife and seven children, the removal being made
with team-, six horses being attached to a wagon,
in which the household goods were conveyed, and
the family camped at noon and nightfall to lest
and cook their meals. Mr. Craig secured a suitable
location in what is now Ridge Township, where he
entered Government land, also buying some that
had been previously entered by another man. and
he and his family proceeded to occupy the set of
log buildings that stood on the place. In that
home he dwelt until death cut short his busy car-
eer in 1*42. thus depriving the county of a useful
ami respected pioneer, who was doing hi- -hare in
developing it- agriculture. His wife, who sur-
vived him a number of years, also died on the
home farm.
The subject of this biography was very young
when his parents went to Indiana to live, and there
under the invigorating influences of pioneer life
In grewtoa strong, self-reliant manh 1. In 1841
he came to shell.y County and cast in his lot with
the settler- of this region that had preceded him.
Thc\ were few in numbers, and the country was
still such a- the Indian- had left it. the land being
mostly owned by the Government, and since sold
at $1.25 an acre, or less. Our subject made
his home on hi- parent-' farm remaining with
his mother until his marriage, after which
event he continued t,i occupy a part of the
old homestead until 1*47. In that year hi' went
to Iowa, going thither with a team, and became an
early settler of Davis C ounty, locating in Bloom-
156
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Held, where he bought a residence, and was engaged
as a clerk for several years. In 1848 he returned
in Shelby County and devoted himself to farming
until be was elected to the position of Deputy
Sheriff in L870, when be removed to Shelbyville to
assume the duties of his office, of which he was an
incumbent six years. He was then elected to his
present office of Justice of the Peace. During the
several years that he has held this important posi-
tion he lias shown himself to be well qualified for
it. and has given satisfaction to all concerned, as
he is wise, shrewd and fair-minded. In his social
relations he is a member in high standing of Okaw
Lodge, No. 117. [.0.0. F.
Mr. Craig was first married in L 842 to Miss Eliza-
beth Boulton, a native of Indiana. Their wedded
life was brought to a close in is 1 1 by the death of
the young wife. She left two children. .lames and
Mary .1. The second marriage of our subject,
which took place in Iowa in 1850, was with Miss
Sarah Hill, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of
Jesse Hill. This lady passed from earth August
13, 1891. Six children blessed their union, name-
ly: Mary. Allie. John, Kate and Addie twins, and
Lillie.
_*ai
M£H«=
-2—
jt^ WIELDS II. SANNER. Among the most
V^? active and progressive of the skillful farm-
ers and stock-raisers who are conducting
the great agricultural interests of this
county is Shields II. Sanner, a resident of l'enn
Township, and it gives us pleasure to represent
him in this volume, dedicated to the citizens of
this section of Illinois. A son of one of the eaily
settlers of Madison County, our subject >• as born
in that region October 1(1. 1847. His father, whose
given name was Samuel, was born in Northumber-
land County, Pa. He learned the trade of saddle
and harness maker in early life and pursued it in
his native State some six years before he took that,
important step in his life whereby he became a
pioneer of Illinois in 1833. He was for many
years after that closely identified with the interests
of Madison County and was of much assistance in
its upbuilding, at the same time acquiring a hand-
some competence. He came with his family
to this county in 1866 and his remaining years
were spent in l'enn Township, his death occurring
there at a venerable age in 1880. His wife, the
mother of our subject, was Barbara Paul in her
maiden days and she was a native of Preston
County. W. Ya.. which at the time of her birth
formed a part of Virginia.
lie of whom we write was the tenth in order of
birth of the twelve children that blessed the union
of his parents. He laid the foundation of his
education in the school in Madison County nearest
his early home, which he only attended in winter
after he was large enough to assist his father in
the farm work. After gaining a good knowledge
of the common branches he entered Blackburn
University at Carlinville and remained there a
short time. He was nineteen years old when his
parents came to this county from his native county
and began making a new home in l'enn Town-
ship, which then formed a part of Pickaway Town-
ship and was mostly in a wild condition, with but
few habitations within its borders. Our subject
and his brothers have been prominent factors in
bringing about, the great change that makes this a
well-improved township, with many valuable farms
and pleasant homes, where they found a wilderness.
Mr. Sanner lived with his parents until he mar-
ried and he then located on section 24, Penn
Township, and carried on fanning for himself on
that place the ensuing three years. His next
move was to Bethany, Moultrie County, where he
and his brother-in-law established a store tor the
sale of hardware and agricultural implements. He
remained in business at that point with Mr. Frazier
until .Ian nary. IS7H.a period of three years, and then
resumed farming, locating at that time on his pres-
ent farm on section 22. l'enn Township. He has
placed upon it many substantial improvements and
thus greatly added to its value since it came into his
possission. making it one of the choice, well-ordered
farms of this locality, and from its rich, well-tilled
harvest fields he gleans a good yearly income.
Our subject, was first married January 1, 1872, to
Miss I.ucretia I!.. daughter of A.B.Frazier, then a resi-
dentof Penn Township. A happy wedded life of
s
B.T. WEBB
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
159
six years was vouchsafed to them and then deatli
removed the wife, May •_".'. L878. Four children
were bom of that anion, namely: l'.-ml Simpson.
Prances Estelle, Margaret Grace and Louis Ross,
the latter of whom died in infancy. February 1 I.
1879, Mr. Sanner was united in marriage to his
present estimable wife. Mrs. Sanner. whose maiden
name was Cornelia J. Green, is a Dative of Licking
County, Ohio, and a daughter of Joseph Green.
Her father was born in New Jersey ami went from
there to Pennsylvania. When he was twenty-one
years of age he settled in Ohio and was there mar-
ried to Electy Clutter. Mrs. Sanner's mother, who
was a native of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Green died
in Ohio and Mr. Green in Pickaway Township,
this county, .whither he had removed in 1867, his
death occurring in December, 1x7(5. By this mar-
riage Mr. Sanner had one daughter. Lina II.
Inheriting from a sterling ancestry principles of
justice, truth and right-living, our subject's life-
record is that of a true gentleman, who i- faithful
in all the relations that he sustains toward other-.
Religiously he is of the Methodist faitli ami is a
member of the church of that denomination. He
i- an earnest thinker on all the questions that eon-
front the citizens of this great Republic, and in
his political views is one of the most ardent
champions of the Republican party in all Penn
Township, which is one of the few strongholds of
the party in Shelby County.
ERRY T. WEBB. We are pleased to pre-
sent to the consideration of our readers, the
portrait and biographical sketch of the effi-
cient School Director and Road Commis-
sioner of Richland Township, Shelby C ounty. An
old settler in the county and a substantial farmer,
he has gained the well merited approval of his
neighbors as a worthy Christian gentleman and a
citizen whose good judgment ami practical l: 1
sense made him useful in the community. He
resides On section 1:5. Richland Township, and has
lieen in Shelby County since 1840.
John and Elizabeth (Young) Webb, the honored
and beloved parents of our subject, were born in
Tennessee, the former near Nashville in 17:>2. at a
time previous to the organization of Nashville a- a
town. lie was born in a block house in which the
family were shielding themselves from the Indian-,
lie and his worthy wife were united in marriage in
Tennessee, and came to Illinois in 1840, settling
upon what is now known a- section 13, Richland
Township, in the days before such organization
was effected. Here they passed • their remaining
years, being thoroughly interested in reducing the
wilderness to a farm of thrift, comfort and pro-
ductiveness. The father died in the seventy-eighth
year of his age, and the mother when she was about
sixty years old.
The parents of our subject reared nine children.
of whom one daughter died at the age of twelve
year-, ami eight reached man's and woman's es-
tate. Louisa married Madison Crockett and died
in Shelby (ounty: George died in Mississippi;
Mary married Thomas Blythe, and after his death
became the wife of Jesse Barker, and now resides
in Shelby County; Nancy is the wife of Alfred
Blythe; Lncretia became Mrs. II. Morgan and died
in Missouri. Our subject i- the next in age: Will-
iam died in Dickinson County, Iowa; and Susan
Ann became the wife of William Brady, and died
in this county.
The birthplace of Berry T. Wcbbwasin Tennes-
see, his natal day being April 8, 1825. It was in
February, 1840, that he came to Illinois, where he
had two sisters already living, and the remainder
of the family emigrated to this Mate .luring the
fall of the same year. The Mexican War called
our subject from the pursuits of peace totheactiv-
ities of the march and battlefield, and in June.
1846, he entered the L'nited Mate- service as a
soldier serving through the Mexican War, and re-
turning home in March. 1847. A- part of his
reward for service he received a land warrant and
with this he entered one hundred and sixty acres
of land where he now resides.
In October, 1848, tin- returned soldier began
his domestic life by his marriage to Maria Ann
Curry, who was born in Tennessee, March 15,
1826. since marriage, the family home ha- been
upon the -aim' farm, to which Mr. Webb hasadded
460
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
by purchase from time to time, until he now owns
four hundred and twenty acres of as tine land as
is to be found within the limits of Shelby County.
To Mr. and Mrs. Webb three children have been
granted, all of whom are residents of this county,
namely: John W., Louisa E., and Martha E., who
is now the wife of Lafayette Stirwalt. Democratic
simplicity, in the belief and practice of which Mr.
Webb was brought up. and which he earnestly be-
lieves to lie the true doctrine upon which to base
the life of the country, still commands his adher-
ence and his vote. He has been a member of the
Separate Baptist Church since the spring of L848,
at which time an organization was effected near his
limine, and his life both in his church connection
and in business circles has from that day to this
adorned the doctrine in which he believes. The
influence of his family in the community is one
which is conducive of good to all who come
within the circle of its radiance.
IVORY J. MARTIN. The power of the press
is a trite but a forcible subject, for it is one of
those themes which is constantly re-inforcing
itself by provinganew every day its reality. Throw
out of account the influence which is exerted by
the newspapers of Illinois the destinies of the
Prairie State would be largely affected by such elim-
ination. The sketches which we have been called
upon to give of the newspapers and editors of
Moultrie County presenl matters which are of in-
terest to everyone.
The Sullivan Progress has Keen from the Grsi
a success and it uow occupies first rank with the
best papers in this part of the State and has a well-
equipped office for job work and all kinds of print-
ing. It was originally issued in 18.57 under the
caption of the Express, lint was soon changed in
title to the name which it now hears. Mr. Martin
has been its editor and manager since 1885 and
added to those duties its proprietorship in 1887.
[t is now a seven-column six-page paper with a
good circulation and is issued weekly. Mr. Martin,
who came to Sullivan, Moultrie County, in 1883,
mi account of having been appointed Deputy
County Clerk by Mr. Charles Shunian. took charge
of this paper after the expiration of his term of
office, and has now taken Mr. Shuinan as his part-
ner in the management of the business. This was
his first newspaper work but he proved himself no
amateur in the business.
Mr. Martin was born in Whitley Township,
.Moultrie County. November 7. 1859, and was
there reared upon his father's farm and received
his education at Lee's Academy at Loxa. Coles
County. For seven years he taught in Coles and
Moultrie Counties, having taken his position at
the teacher's desk before reaching the age of sev-
enteen, obtaining his academic course during the
same years that he devoted to teaching, lie came
of a family that has resided in the county for many
years, a- they settled here ill the '30s. The father.
John X. .Martin, was born in Coles County, this
State, and was only five years old when the family
removed to what is now Moultrie County. He is
still carrying on the farm in Whitley Township
and is the son of John Martin, a native of Ken-
tucky, a grandson of .lames Martin, a Virginian,
and a great-grandson of John Martin who mi-
grated to Kentucky about the year 1777. during
the Revolutionary War. The family was there
in the days of Daniel Boone and had to make their
home in a fori for self protection.
The first John's son .lames was very young when
the family came to Kentucky and he grew up near
the Kentucky River and there married, and reared
his family. At a very early day he came with his
household tu Coles County. 111., and later made
his home near Bruce, Moultrie County, where he
died in 1865, at the very venerable age of nine-
ty-one years, having buried his wife some twenty
years before. For generations the family religion
was of the old-school Baptist denomination and
their politics of the Democratic order.
John Martin, the second grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a young man when his parents came to
Illinois and he here reached his majority and mar-
ried a Miss Nealy. Her father was known far and
wide as an Indian lighter on the frontier and was
an original character in the early pioneer days. In
his later years John Martin removed to Whitley
PORTRAIT AND 151* HiRAl'lIK AL RKC ORD.
16 J
Township, Moultrie County and built a mill there
John X. Martin, the father of <>ur subject, i- one
<>f a family <>f four sons and three daughters who
are all living. lie grew to manhood in Whitley
Township and was married in Coles County to
Miss Rachel Martin, who as well as her husband, is
now living, having reached nearly three-score years
of age. Of their children who are now living our
subject i- the eldest, the others being Joel K.. who
i~ studying law under the Hon. John R. Eden, of
Sullivan, and Nancy E., who is yet at home with
her parents. Our subject was married in Sullivan
in 1886 to Miss Rose Eden, daughter of the Hon.
John R. Eden, of whom more can he learned in
the sketch of that gentleman which appear-- in this
volume.
The subject of our ?ketch has ever taken an ac-
tive part in local politics since before the became
of age, but lie i:- no office'seeker. His paper i>
Democratic as are also his own political views. lit-
is a man who is capable of a vast amount of hard
work and he i- exceedingly skillful in the man-
agement of his business. His wife was reared in
Sullivan and is a graduate of the Georgetown
Convent in the District of Columbia, she i> an
earnest member of the Christian Church and is the
mother of three children — Olive. Eden ami Nealv.
^-^
"S3
AMES S. TRAVIS came to this county in Die
vigor of early manhood more than thirty
years ago. and shortly afterward bought an
unattractive piece of wild prairie land in
Penn Township. He bent his whole energies to
the pioneer task of improving it. and to-day has
a well-developed farm, finely cultivated, amply
supplied with substantial buildings, and compar-
ing in every point with the best in the neighbor-
hood.
Franklin Township, Huntingdon County. Pa., i-
the birthplace of our subject, and August 28, 1834,
the date of his birth. He comes of one of tin old
Colonial families of the Keystone state, and i- a
son of James Travis, Esq., who was a native of
the same county as himself. His father was also ■■>
native of Pennsylvania, while the great-grand-
father of our subjecl was born in Wales. He came
to this country before the Revolution, and settled
among the pioneer- of Pennsylvania. The grand-
father of our subject was an early settler of Hun-
tingdon County, where he I. ought a tract of land
in the primeval forests and cleared a farm from
the surrounding wilderness, which he made his
home until his mortal career was closed in death.
He married Elizabeth Grey, who was likewise a
Pennsylvanian by birth, anil she also died on the
old farm in her native State. Both were members
of the Presbyterian Church, and the old grand-
father was a Whig in politics.
The father of our subject was an only child, and
on the old homestead that he inherited his whole
life was passed, and there death found him Febru-
ary 7. 1851. He married Nancy Thompson, a na-
tive of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of George
and Isabella (Gardner) Thompson, she survived
him many years, dying at last at a venerable age
on the old faun in 1872. Both were faithful mem-
liers of tin- Presbyterian Church, and the father
was a stanch supporter of the Whig party.
He was a prominent man in his community,
and foi several years served a- Justice of the
Peace.
James Travis, of this biographical review, was
one of seven children, and he was reared under
wholesome home influences in his native place,
and was educated in the local schools. In his
nineteenth year he became an apprentice to .1. W.
Jones, a carpenter, of Tyrone City. Blair County,
Pa., and he was with him three year-. During
that time he acquired a thorough knowledge of
carpentering, and at the end of that timedid jour-
ney work three years. Then, in 1859, he came to
Shelby County from his native state, and in I860
invested in a tract of unimproved prairie in Penn
Town-hip. He has transformed it from a wilder-
ness to a highly cultivated farm, which i> an
attractive home, with its neat buildings and with
the fruit, shade and ornamental trees planted by his
own hand that adorn the place.
Mr. Travis has been aided in tin making of his
home by a wife who i> a true helpmate in every
sense of the word. Their married life began in
162
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1858, and in the years that followed children were
born to them, of whom they have six living, as
follows Adda, wife of Isaac Oshorne; Nancy E.,
wife of Hiram Hammel; Emma L.; Clyde E., Lyda
and Carrie E. Their son William II. is dead.
The family is highly thought of in the community,
and Mr. Travis and four of the children are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Travis is a
native of the same Pennsylvania township as her
husband. Her maiden name was Catherine E.
(rain, and she is a daughter of Henry and Eliza
Grain. »
.J
NDERSON HUNTER. Men of wealth
and public-spirit have abundant oppor-
.'-■ tunities for advancing the social and in-
dustrial as well as material prosperity of
the section of country where they make their home.
To do this requires a broad vision and a willing-
ness to think of the general good as well asof their
own individual progress, yet it does not require
self-sacrifice in the long run. as the prosperity of
the community in general enhances the welfare of
each man in particular, and the man of means who
takes a wise interest in his neighborhood will
thereby advance his own prosperity. Such a man
we find in Anderson Hunter, who resides On section
8, Ridge Township. Shelby County.
John Hunter the father of our subject was born
in Fairfield County, Ohio, and his wife Elizabeth
Turner was a native of the same State. They came
from that county to this State and made their home
in Shelby County, about the year 1858. Their
Mist settlement was in the country in Ridge Town-
ship, but they lived there only a short time and
then removed to Shelbyville, where they com-
pleted their earthly pilgrimage. They were the
honored and venerated parents of a goodly family
of seven sons and three daughters.
The fifth child in this family was Anderson who
was born in Fairfield County. Ohio. March 6. 1834.
In that section he was given his education in the
common schools and a thorough training in farm
duties and there he grew to manhood ami resided
until he was about twenty- three years old. when he
came to Shelby County, lie returned, however to
his native home to bring back as his wife the girl
he "had left behind him." Mis- Sarah A. Allen.
daughter of George and Nancy (Carlisle) Allen.
became the wife of Anderson Hunter, January 27.
1857. Her parents were natives of the Buckeye
State where the father died and the mother after-
ward removed to this State settling in Ridge
Township. Shelby County, where she now resides.
Mrs. Sarah Hunter was born in Fairfield County,
Ohio, August 13, 1X37, and there she made her
home throughout her childhood and maidenhood.
After her marriage with our subject, she became
the mother of a numerous progeny, twelve in num-
ber, four of whom died in childhood and infancy.
Those who remained to cheer the heart of their
mother by their affection and to become worthy
members of society are: George who married Ida
Weakly; Robert who took to wife Sophronia
Longenbough; Harold wasunited in marriage with
Ellen Yantis: Ida. is now Mrs. William Yantis;
Preston married Mattie Eversole; Delmer, Lorin
and Eva. The beloved and revered mother of this
household, passed away from life in Ridge Town-
ship April 24. 1887. She was a woman of beauti-
ful Christian character and a devout and consistent
member of the Presbyterian Church.
The second marriage of Mr. Hunter took place
in II illsboid. 111., unit iny' him with Miss Lucia Jones,
a capable and efficient home-maker and a woman
of great loveliness of character. Mr. Hunter while
living in Ohio, carried on for nine years the busi-
ness of carriage-making, but on account of iil
health he was obliged to relinquish his trade and
has found in farming an avocation more suited to
the maintenance of health. He has a magnificent
farm of twelve hundred and eleven broad acres,
located in the townships of Ridge and Pickaway
and upon them he has erected an attractive home,
wood barns and a good set of outhouses.
The community in which Mr. Hunter appreciates
highly his excellent qualities, good judgment and
earnest desire for its prosperity and has instrusted
to him the duties of School Director and Highway
Commissioner. He is a Prohibitionist in his polit-
ical views and an active and earnest worker in
PORTRAIT AM) lilm.RAPIIK AL RECORD.
every way for the causes of religion and morality.
He ha? l>een for fifteen years an Elder in the Pres-
byterian Church, in which he is a great worker
and where his wife joins him in efforts for the up-
building of Christianity. In their beautiful home
they extend a hospitality to their friends which i>
both generous and gracious, thus making it one of
the must delightful social centers of Ridge Town
ship.
f felLLIAM REIGHLEY. This venerable and
\ / highly-esteemed citizen of Moweaqua owns
y * and occupies a large and valuable farm.
finely located, a part of it in the village and the
remainder near by. Our subject was born ten
miles east of Lewistown, Mifflin County, Pa.. No-
vember -22. 1810. His father. Matthew Reighley,
was born on the Irish coast, at a point where it
approaches nearest Scotland, and lie was of Scotch
blood. During some period of hi> life he emi-
grated to Tlii— country and was engaged at his
occupation as a farmer in Mifflin County, when
hi- death occurred in October, 1814. He married
after coming to the United >tate~. Susan Close, a
native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Adam
Close, becoming his wife. She survived her hiis-
band many years and finally died in Adams
County. Ohio, in 1852. She was the mother of
eight children.
lie of whom this -ketch i- written was in his
fourth year when his father died and he was reared
by his mother on the old farm that was his birth-
place, and he remained with her until he was
twenty-one. He then rented land in his native
county and fanned it until October, 1839, when
he removed to Ohio, going there by canal and
rail to Johnstown, thence by canal to the Ohio
River, on which he proceeded to Wheeling, where
he took a stage for Adams County. Ohio. He
bought a tract of improved land and gave hi- at-
tention to its cultivation as long as he remained a
resident of the Buckeye State, which was until 1852.
In that year he came to Illinois, making the re-
moval with a pair of horse- and a carriage. He
located at ( In na Grove, McLean County, where he
l ght a section of land, having entered ii from
the Government on a previous vi-it. -aid land in-
cluding the present site of the village of Belle
Flower.
Mr. Reighley lived in McLean County live years
and then, renting his land, took up his residence in
Ford County, buying property near Paxton.
Three years later he removed to Drummond's
Grove, near Gibson City, and remained there until
1874, when he came to shelly County and invested
in four hundred and forty-five acres of land, lo-
cated a- previously mentioned, in and adjoining
the village of Moweaqua, where he has ever since
made his home. He has here a fine piece of prop-
erty, substantially improved, and its possession
places him among our most solid citizens.
Fifty-one years ago. March 24, 1840, our subject
celebrated his wedding with Miss Rachel Bailey,
who has been to him a loving and faithful wife
during all these long years that they have shared
life's joys and sorrows. Children have come to
them, of whom these three have been spared to
comfort their declining years: James Quincy, Will-
iam Selkirk and John Wilson. Their only daugh-
ter, Susan Mary, was born July 12. 1844, grew to
womanhood, married Wallace P. Zook. and died in
1875. Mr. and Mrs. Reighley are sincere ( Ihristians,
holding membership in the I'nited Brethren Church.
and have all endeavored to he true to their relig-
ious obligations, including their dutie- as parents.
neighbors and friend-.
Mrs. Reighley was horn amid the pioneer scenes
of Adams County, Ohio, July is. 1820. Her fa-
ther. El>en Bailey, was a native of Kentucky and
was a son of one Joel Bailey, who was horn and
reared in England. He came to this country when
a young man and was married on his arrival here
to Miss Rachel Perkins, who was born in Ireland
and was of English ancestry. They removed from
Maryland to Virginia and thence to Kentucky, in
the early years of it- settlement Mr. Bailey was
opposed to slavery, so he crossed the Ohio River
into the Northwestern Territory and settled on the
present site of Cincinnati, where he bought a tract
of timber land that is now included within the
h;i
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
city Limits. Later he disposed of that and removed
to Adams County, of which tie became a promi-
nent pioneer. 1I( bought a large tract of forest-
covered land, platted the village of Winchester and
luiilt the lirst house there. It was made of hewn
logs and in it he opened the first store in the town-
ship. Al that time his dwelling was one mile from
there. He was a resident of that place until his
death and his enterprise helped to advance its
growth. His wife also died there.
Mrs. Reighley's father was reared on his father's
farm in Ohio and always gave his attention to farm
ing. In 1850 he became a resident of Fountain
County, Ind.. where he bought a farm, upon which he
dwelt until his demise in 1859, at a ripe age. He was
married in L818 to Rhoda Prather Odell, a native
of Kentucky and a daughter of Thomas and Grace
(Austin) Odell. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey reared a fam-
ily of nine children. Mrs. Reighley's mother was
an expert in the art of weaving and Spinning and
she taught her daughter those useful accomplish-
ments and in her early married life Mrs. Reighley
manufactured all the cloth used by her family with
her own deft hands.
■^ak
ylLLIAM W II IT WORTH, who. as a saga-
cious, skillful farmer, has helped to make
Shelby County a rich, well-developed agri-
cultural center, has at the same time acquired a
valuable property, and not only owns a line farm
within the corporate limits of the city of Mowea-
qua, but has here a handsome, well-appointed resi-
dence, in which he is living in retirement from
active business. He is a native of Perry County.
Ind.. horn .May 25, 1838, a -on of Abraham Whit-
worth, who was horn in Virginia in 1807. The
father of the latter, also named Abraham, was like-
wise a native of Virginia, and was the son of an
Englishman, who came to this country and settled
in the Old Dominion in Colonial times, spending
the remainder of his life there.
The grandfather of our subject went from his
native State to Tennessee with his family in 1811,
and after a two years' sojourn in the wilderness in
that State, he proceeded Northward into Brecken-
ridge County. Kv.. where he in time cleared a farm
from the timber, and there closed his earthly pil-
grimage, lie married Nancy Board, who was horn
in Virginia and died in Kentucky.
The father of our subject was scarcely more than
a babe when his parents took up their abode in
Kentucky, and he grew to a vigorous manhood
under the influences of the rough pioneer life of
those days. When he became a young man he too
became a pioneer, selecting the more newly settled
State of Indiana as the scene of his operations,
and he there look unto himself a wife, Miss Martha
pregory uniting her life with his. She was also a
native of Virginia, and was a daughter of Peter
and Mary (Dobson) Gregory, natives of Virginia,
the latter a daughter of William ( ). Dobson, also a
Virginian. After marriage, Mi-. Wlutworth, who
had formerly been a pilot on a flat boat that plied
on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, commencing
life at boating when quite young, turned his atten-
tion to farming. In 1861 he came to Illinois, and
settled on a tract of land that he bought in Mo-
weaqua Township, located four miles east of the
village, where In' resided until his life was rounded
out in death in .Inly. 1864. His wife survived him
until the following year, and then she loo passed
away, dying in the month of December. She was
the mother of eight children that were reared to
maturity.
The early life of our subject was passed amid the
scenes of his birth. He came to Shelby County in
1858, and he began his career here by working out
hy the day or month. Prudently saving his earn-
ings, in 1804 he invested in eighty acres of good
farming land four and one-half miles northwest of
the village of Moweaqua, and later added to it
forty acres more. He resided on that place several
years, devoting his energies to its improvement, and
when he left it in 1886 to take up his abode in the
city he had placed it under a high state of cultiva-
tion, and had made of il a well-ordered farm. He
came to Moweaqua in the year mentioned, bought
property, and in 1890 erected his present commo-
dious residence, which is built after plans drawn
by himself and wife, is very conveniently arranged
and is an ornament to thecitv. lie also ha-- a tine
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RK( ORD.
i<;.-
farm advantageously Located within tbe limits of
this municipality, which contains sixty-four acres
of well-tilled land, and i- amply supplied with
buildings and everything needful for its successful
cultivation.
Mr. Whitworth has been twice married. In 1861
he was wedded to Miss Sarah Lamb, a native of
Richland County, 111. Their brief hut happy union
was closed by her death in 1H('>4. She left two
children. Clara and Alice. Clara married William
Landram, and has two children. Alice married
James Chance, and has four children. The present
estimable wife of our subject, to whom he was uni-
ted in marriage in 1866, was formerly Miss Isabella
Doyle. she i? a native of Macoupin County, this
State, ami a daughter of E. M. Doyle, who i? rep-
resented in this work.
Mr. Whitworth. as we have seen, has become one
of the prosperous citizen? of this county through
the exercise of good mental and physical endow-
ment?. He is a gentleman of sound principles and
blameless life, who is justly held in high consider-
ation by his neighbors and associates, and in him
the Baptist Church has a conscientious, right-living
member, hi? wife also belonging to that church.
and identifying herself with it.- best effort- to ele-
vate the moral status of the community'. A- a
loyal and true-hearted citizen sh< mid. < mr subject in-
terests himself in politics, and i? a stanch adherent
of the Republican party.
telLLIAM .1. HUFF, M. D.,of Prairie Home.
is a graduate of the Medical Department
VV <if the Michigan Mate University, at Ann
Arbor, one of the leading institutions of learning
in the country, and in the practice of his profession
he ha? acquired a fine reputation a- a skillful and
successful physician. He was born in Perry County,
I ml.. July LO, 1846, and comes of the old pioneer
Stock of that Slate.
William Huff, the father of our subject, was born
in spencer County. Ind.. and was a -on of Aquilla
Huff, who wa? horn near Harrodsburg, Kv.. bis
parent?, who were Virginians, being among the
early settler? of that region.
The grandfather of our subject wa? reared in tin'
wild- of Kentucky, and subsequently became an
early pioneer of Indiana when it wa- a territory.
locating in Spencer County, where he took up a
tract of Government land, which he converted into
a good farm, on which he spent his remaining days.
Hi- wife, whose maiden name was Mary Rawlings,
and who wa- likewise a native of Kentucky, also
passed her la-t year- on that Spencer County farm.
where she had helped her husband to build up a
home.
Dr. Huff? father was horn in Spencer County.
Ind.. where he now live?, lie wa? bred to the life
of a farmer, and always followed agricultural pur-
suits until hi? retirement from active business. He
i? ?till living on hi? farm one mile from Troy.
Perry C ounty, Ind.. where he enjoys the good will
and respect of the community where so many yea r-
of hi? life have been passed. In early manhood he
found a true helpmate and wife in the person of
Margaret Davis, who wa? born in Kentucky, hut
wa- reared in Indiana in one of it- pioneer homes.
They reared three children — losepl) •;.. William .T.
and Henderson M. Joseph < >. wa- a member of the
Tenth Indiana Cavalry during the war. and give
up hi? life for hi? country while in the service.
Our subject early displayed an ambition to
obtain a g 1 education, ami after passing his boy-
hood in study in the public school? of Perry and
Spencer Counties, and gaining a thorough knowl-
edge of the common branches, at the age of -even-
teen he began teaching, and thereby earned the
wherewithal to pursue hi? studies in the state Uni-
versity at Bloomington. In 1868 the young stu-
dent wa? complimented by election to the office of
County Surveyor of spencer (ounty. and he served
satisfactorily four years, lie began the study of
medicine with Dr. G. F. Adge, of Newton ville, and
later placed himself under the instruction of E. M.
Anderson, of New Boston. In L878 he entered
the Medical Department of the state University at
Ann Arbor, and wa- graduated from there in the
Class of '80. Thus well-equipped for his chosen
calling he entered upon it? practical duties at St.
Meinrad, Spencer County, where he remained a
166
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
year. He then came to Illinois, and for a yearand
a half practiced .-it Macon. His next location was
at Dalton, from which place he came to Prairie
Home a year later, andeversince has been in prac-
tice here, and is recognized as one of our hest
physicians.
The Doctor's marriage with Miss Emma E.
Avery, a native of Perry County. Ind.. was cele-
brated Augusl 15, 1882. They have two children
living, James Kail and Catherine Maud. The
Doctor and his amiable wife are among the most
valued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and they are among our most agreeable society
people.
7 NDREW .1. FOLTZ. Each life has its
romance, its comedy and tragedy, hut
most of us hide these more vivid colore of
our lives under a veil of reserve, and
peering through it the casual observer can find
only hints and vague outlines of what is beneath.
Could every man he his own historian and deal
with himself honestly and frankly, biographies
would he more interesting. That, however, is not
always possible nor would it he in all cases advis-
able, therefore we must lay down the facts as we
know them and read between the lines as our
sympathies and knowledge of human nature shall
dictate.
The subject of our sketch is a resident upon the
farm that is located on section 12. in Rural Town-
ship. Since 1849, he has been a resident in Shelby
County, and during that time has been engaged in
the work of planting and leaping, a noble work, in
that, without the products which the farmer gives
us. we could not support life. Mr. Foltz was born
in Union County. Pa. March 2. 1845. lie is a son
of Joseph and Mary Foil/, also natives oi Penn-
sylvania. The family emigrated to Shelby County
this State, in 1849 and lirst settled in the southern
part of this county, entering some Government
land, but they soon removed to Rose Township,
settling on Robinson Creek. In 1H.">7 they again
made a change, going to Knox County. Mo. and
here they resided until 1862. when they returned
to Shelby County and passed their remaining years
in Rose Township. The father died December 1.
1879, being at the time about sixty-eight years of
age. The mother is still living and resides with a
daughter in Knox County. Mo.
Our subject is one of nine children born to his
parents. Of these, eight lived to be grown. Their
names are Arden W. Lilah. Joseph H.. Sarah. John.
our subject. Andrew J. Thomas J. and Jerome.
The eldest son lives in the southwestern part of
.Missouri, as does also his sister Lilah, who is the
wife of Lorenzo Jarvis. Joseph II. resides in
.Minneapolis, Minn. Sarah is the wife of Samuel
Jarvis, and lives in Northwestern Kansas. John
makes his home in Southwestern Kansas and
Thomas J. is a farmer in Western Kansas. Jerome
died in Knox County. Mo. Our subject was
reared a farmer and in his perigrinations with his
family through the different States, he learned
much of the methods employed in different por-
tions of the country in agriculture, and also of
the nature and requirements of the soil.
When Andrew Foltz reached his teens, he was
employed by the month in work as a farm hand.
In 1867 he was united in marriage to a lady who
bore the historic name of Reed, belonging to a
family of old and high standing in Kentucky, and
previously in Virginia. Emily Reed is the daugh-
ter of William Reed and was born in Kentucky.
Oct. 3, 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Foltz are the par-
ent- of the following children, most of whom have
reached years of maturity. The eldest is a daugh-
ter whose name is Minerva. She is the wife of
Frank Beckett. The other children in name and
in order of birth are as follow.-; Andrew Camp-
bell. William 1!., Laura; Genetta died in infancy;
Albert II. and Erne.
(In his marriage our subject felt the importance
of making a home of hi- own and he secured a
farm in Tower Hill Township which he has culti-
vated assiduously. Some ten years ago, the gentle-
man purchased his present farm which comprises
one hundred and sixty acres. It is fine land well
located anil watered, and hears good improvements.
Politically our subject affiliates with the Democratic
party although he i- rather inclined to be hide-
<■
■
'
M '*'«
^ -V-
^Swis.*^ >* ■-»■■• y
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it
H . C. CARPENTER.
SARAH CARPENTER.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
171
pendent in his vote, giving his influence not al-
ways to the man of party if be thinks some other
man is tetter fitted to till the office in question.
Km- some tunc, he has filled the position of School
Director. He is a member in good standing, of
the Church <>f God, and the Golden Rule, to do
unto others as you would that they should do
unto y<m. is the precept that guides him in his
relations, both business and social, with his fellow-
men. The father of Mrs. Foltz dierl .Tune 15,
1891, at the venerable age of ninety-one vears.
ENRY C. CARPENTER, who is highly es-
teemed ami respected throughout the com-
munity where lie lives, is an intelligent and
progressive citizen who gives much thought
to the questions of the day. lie makes his home
on section 18, Ridge Township, Shelby Comity.
His father was Israel Carpenter, wao was born in
Lancaster. Pa., and his mother. Susan Hess, was
probably horn in Pennsylvania of German parent -
UB, as was also the father. The father died when
about fifty-two years old. the mother at the age of
ninety-one years.
The parents of our subject came to Shelby
County. 111., from Delaware County, Ohio, aboul
1M37. and settled in Shelby ville. where they resided
for a few months. Later they removed to a point
north of Shelbyville near the fair grounds and
then made their home in Okaw Township, where
the father passed from earth. His widow died at
the residence <>f our subject in Ridge Township
some years later. They had eleven children, of
whom our subject is the fifth in order of age.
Henry C. Carpenter was born in Delaware
County. Ohio. October 1. li->2.">. and hence was
about twelve years old when he came to Shelby
( ounty. 111., with In- parents. Here he grew to
manhood and spent most of his early life with the
exception of four years which he passed in Sanga-
mon County. He was reared upon the farm and
has made agricultural pursuits his chief business in
life.
The marriage of .Mr. Carpenter in Ridge Town-
ship, September 30, 1 s ."> 2 . brought him as a wife
.Mi" sarah Downs, daughter of Electiousand Mary
Ann (Stiffler) Downs. For particulars in regard
to the history of this prominent family the reader
is referred to the life sketch of .1. II. Downs which
appears on another page of this volume. Mrs. Car-
penter was the fourth in a family of eight children,
and first saw the light December 28, 1831, in
Washington County. Md. She came to Shelby
County, 111., with her parents in 1845, and here
grew to a beautiful and vigorous young woman-
hood in Ridge Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter arc the parents of nine
children namely: George W.. who married Mary
F. McDonald and died at the age of twenty-two;
Elections who look to wife Clara Worthman;
Willie who passed away in infancy: .lames \Y.. who
married Sarah M. Jones; Sarah Ann the wife of ( ).
.1. Engle; John Alonzo who took to wife Ida
Brunei1; Ira W.; Mary Ellen, who died in infancy,
and Nora .1. Our subject Idled efficiently and sat-
isfactorily the office of Supervisor of Ridge Town-
ship for two terms, and has also been Road Over-
seer and School Director, lie formerly took an
active part in political affairs hut is independent in
hi- party affiliations. He is liberal in his religious
views and interested in all progressive ideas. His
splendid tract of five hundred and seventeen acres,
most of which is located in Ridge Town-hip hears
every sign of the hand of a thorough, systematic
and industrious farm manager.
The attention of the reader is invited to the
lithographic portrait- of Mr. and Mi's. Carpenter,
which are presented elsewhere in this volume.
NDREW .1. sTFIDLKY.a well-known resi-
lient of Moweaqua, Shelby County, is of
Southern birth and ancestry, and is also a
representative of -one of the pioneer fami-
lies of Illinois. He was horn in Frederick County.
\'a.. December •-'•">. 1829, and is a -on of Solomon
Steidley, who was horn in Frederick (ounty. Md..
August 21. 1789. His father was about fifteen
17-2
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years old when his parents, removed to Frederick
County, Va., where he was reared to agricultural
pursuits, and there he was married October 25,
1811, to Rachel Barr, who was bora in New Jer-
sey, November 28, 1793. Her father, James Barr,
was a Revolutionary soldier, and was with Wash-
ington at Valley Forge.
The parents of "in- subject left their Virginia
Inline in October, 1834, to seek a new one in the
wilds of Macoupin County, this State, the journey
being made with teams, a part of the household
goods being taken to furnish their pioneer abode.
At length, after traveling five weeks, they came to
what is now Barr Township, which at that time
was literally in the wilderness, where deer, ln-ai-.
and other wild animals roamed at will. and the sur-
rounding country had hut few white inhabitants.
The nearest post-otliee fur some time was fifteen
miles distant from their dwelling. Postage stamps
were not then in use. and it C0S1 twenty-live cents
for each letter. The father of our subjecl bought
forty acres of land a mile south of the present site
of Barr's Store. There was a log cabin on the
plaee. and the land was fenced and partly im-
proved. Alton was the nearest market, where the
people purchased their sugar,sal1 and coffee, which
were the principal supplies bought at the stores, as
the settlers were mostly home-livers, subsisting on
what they could produce mi their farms, and on
game. The women carded, spun and wove (lax
and wool for all the cloth used for garments in-
other purposes. Mr. Steidley was prospered in his
new home, as he was a man of untiring diligence,
and he bought other land until he owned four
hundred and eighty acres at the time of his de-
mise, all lying- in Barr Township. His life was tut
off by his death November is. 1848, while yet in
the midst of his usefulness, and his county was de-
prived of the services of one of its most indus-
trious and worthy pioneers. His wife survived
him until August 11. 1860, when she breathed her
last in the old home. She reared these seven chil-
dren: .lames B., Betsy A., Frederick, John S., Mar-
garet H., Mary C. and Andrew .1.
Our subject was in his fifth year when his par-
ents broughl him to Illinois, lie attended the
pioneer schools of Barr Township, which were
taught on the subscription plan, in primitive log
houses, that were rudely furnished with seats made
by splitting small logs, hewing one side smooth,
and using wooden pins for legs, the seats being
without desks or hacks. Mr. Steidley commenced
to a>>ist in the farm work as soon as large enough,
and lived with his mother until his marriage, af-
fording her great assistance in managing the farm.
He taught one term of school before his marriage,
later taught two terms in Barr Township. and then
gave his attention to the mercantile business at
Greenfield two years. lie next went to fanning
near Fayette. Greene County, and was thus em-
ployed there a year and a half. After that Macon
County was his destination, and he sojourned
there the summer of 1857. Returning to Fayette,
he remained there two years, and then went hack
tu hi- old Inline, Barr Township. and the succeeding
two years farmed there, except in the winter sea-
son, when he resumed his old vocation of teacher.
In the fall of 1862, we find him once more in Fay-
ette, where he had charge of a school two terms.
In the spring of 1X64 he came to Moweaqua to
accept a position as clerk for II. F. Day. and was
with him for four years. Smith A- Keiser. deal-
ers in lumber and agricultural implements, were
his next employers in that capacity, and he staid
with them two years. Since then he has been en-
gaged in various branches of business.
In 1(SM") Mr. Steidley took a new departure, and
entered upon the printers' trade in the office of his
>on in Maroa. He then commenced at the foun-
dation of the editor's profession by learning to
set type. He remained in the office at Maroa until
LSKss, when he came back to Moweaqua, and for
fourteen months was a clerk in a drug store. At
the expiration of that time he commenced setting
type iu the office of the Call-Mai/ with his son.
and has continued thus engaged ever since, lie is
a man of versatile genius, of much culture, possess-
ing an interesting fund of general knowledge, and
wherever known is respected. Politically he is a
sound Democrat. His social relations are with the
Masonic fraternity.
< )ur subject was married in 1852 to Miss Nancy
E. Jayne, who was a native of Greene County. 111.,
born July 31. 1836. She was a most estimable
PORTRAIT AM) 1W< lOEAl'llK AL RPXJORD.
17.1
Lady, and her death, February -<>• 1881, was a sad
bereavement to her family and many friends, she
loft four children — Edgar C, Thomas J., Emily R.
and Wilmer A. Mrs. Steidley was a daughter of
Thomas and Emily (Renshaw) Jayne, natives re-
spectively of Kentucky and Tennessee, and
early settlers of Greene County. III. Her father
was a prominent attorney, and at one time was in
partnership with Senator John M. Palmer, at Car-
linville. 111.
BRAM GALLAGHER. The township of
Holland, being practically unbroken by
large towns and villages, gives tine oppor-
tunities for the cultivation of extensive
farms and among them we are pleased to make
mention of the properly belonging to the gentle-
man whose name we have just mentioned, lie is
notable as being the Supervisor of the township
and at the same time is one of the most prominent
and extensive fanners of Shelby County.
Our subject was born in Fairfield County. Ohio,
April 7. 1839, being a son of Jacob and Sarah
(Middleswortlj) Gallagher. The grandfather of
our subject on his father's side was born in the
green Isle of Erin, and when he emigrated to this
country made his home in Pennsylvania and later
removed to Ohio. The father of our subject was
born in Ohio and came to Shelby County m 1839,
making his home first in Shelbyville Township and
afterward in Holland Township, where he passed
the remainder of his days.
The parents of our subject had ten children, all
of whom attained their majority and are named
a.- follows: Abram; William, who died in Shelby
County: Henry, who resides in Holland Township;
Elizabeth, who married first Adam Deel and after-
ward Murray Locke and died in Holland Town-
ship; Eliza, who became Mrs. John Burke and
resides in Holland Town.-hip; Charlotte, who mar-
ried W. 15. Lantz and lives in the same township;
Mary C. who became Mrs. William Pagan, of
Shelbyville; Martha, who married Silas Pagan and
died in Holland Township; Douglas, who also
resides in that township; Newton, who lives in
the same vicinity.
ihram Gallagher received his earl j training in
the district schools and upon I he farm and grew
to a vigorous and useful young manhood. < hi
May 'K 1865, he was united in marriage with Sarah
Ewing, a daughter of Thomas Ewing and a native
of Fairfield Count v. Ohio, where she was bereaved
of her parents and was thus an orphan when she
made her way to the state of Illinois. After mar-
riage this young couple made their home where
they now reside, possessing at that time some two
hundred acres of land which they have now in-
creased by purchase to four hundred acres. Here
Mr. Gallagher is engaged quite largely in stock-
raising, in which line he i- successful.
Two children came to bless the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Gallagher. They arc still living and bear
the names of Minnie and Clement. The early
political training of Mr. Gallagher led him to
affiliate with the Democratic party, but heis now
independent ill his views and casts his vote where
he believes that it will do the most good for the
community. His freedom from party ties does
not. however, deprive him of the political support
of his neighbors and he is now serving his second
term as Supervisor of Holland Township, and for-
merly held the Offices of Township Clerk. Road
Commissioner, School Director and School Trustee.
Ill religious matters he is a believer in the doctrines
which are set forth in the I nitarian Church.
^*T
EI*N^'
s-^s ■IIAPI.ES E. WOODWARD, proprietor of
I - . the C. E. Woodward Poller Flour Mill, is a
V_/ well-known and honored citizen of Shelby-
ville, Shelby County, with whose manufacturing
interests he has been connected several years, and
he has also been prominent in its public and social
life. He was born June 12. 1815, Oil a farm eight
mill's from liordentown. Monmouth County, N. J.
His father, whose name was Nimrod Woodward, was
a native of the same State, and was :i son of Ben-
jamin Woodward, who is also supposed to have
been born in New Jersey, and to have been a dc-
171
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
scendant of one of the early English families of
that Commonwealth. He was a merchant and a
miller at Imlaystown, Monmouth County, and
his last years were spent there.
The father of our subject w:is a farmer by occu-
pation, and he had a choice farm located on Cream
Ridge, Monmouth County, ami there he tranquilly
passed a long and useful life, dying in 1870, at the
venerable age of eighty-two years. The maiden
name of his wife was Catherine Emley, and she was
a native of Burlington County. N. .1. She died in
the home of her son. Clarkson, at Hightstown, X.
.1. She was the mother of nine children, —
Ferdinand. Charles E., Clarkson, Elizabeth, Mary
A., Reading and Emily (twins). Benjamin and
Ximrod. The parents were pious and respected
members of the Society of Friends, and reared their
children in the same faith.
lie of whom we write laid the foundation of a
solid education in the public schools of his native
county, and subsequently attended the Quaker
Academy in Philadelphia, where he pursued an
excellent course of study, whereby he was fitted
for the profession of teaching, and at the age of
twenty he entered upon its duties in his native
State. New Jersey. In 1H;!7 he accepted a position as
teacher at College Hill, near Cincinnati. Ohio.
which he resigned a year later to become assistant
teacher at Cary's Academy, and two of President
Harrison's cousins were among his pupils. He
taught in that school a year, and at Vincennes,
Ind., a like length of time, and in the winter of
184(1-41 he came to Shelby County, making the
journey with an ox-team, bringing with him his
wife and household goods, lie located eight miles
from the village of Shelbyvillc on a trad of land
which he had purchased, a few acres of which were
broken, taking up his abode in the log cabin that
stood on the place. In the spring he entered upon
the pioneer task of developing his farm, but he
did not wholly abandon his profession, as the two
succeeding winters he taught in Shelbyville in a
log building that had been used as a residene.
there being at that time no schoolhouse in the vil-
lage.
After his two terms' experience as a pioneer
teacher in this county, Mr. Woodward devoted his
time exclusively to the improvement of his farm
until 1K4K. when he came to Shelby ville, and suc-
ceeded John Tachett as proprietor of the only
hotel of which the village then boasted. The fol-
lowing year he bought a building, converted it
into a hotel, which he managed one year, lie then
disposed of his farm and established himself in the
dry-goods business at which he was engaged until
he sold out at a good prolil in 1859.
In 1861 Air. Woodward wasappointed Postmaster
by President Lincoln and had charge of the post-
oflice at Shelbyville until August 18(>2, when
Gov. Yates appointed him Quartermaster of the
Seventy-ninth Illinois Regiment. He served in
that capacity very efficiently until the close of the
war ami was mustered out with his regiment June
12. 1865. Returning home he resumed his duties
as Postmaster which office he retained until relieved
by Presidenl Johnson. After that he was employed
as bookkeeper in a dry-goods house until 1868
when he accepted a similar position in the Hour
mill of C. C. Scovil. That gentleman dying a year
later, our subject was appointed executor of his
estate, and with J. P. Davis and J. W.Ward bought
the mill now known as the C. E. Woodward Roller
Mill of which he has been sole proprietor since
1K(>2. He carries on an extensive business, manu-
facturing an unexcelled brand of Hour. The mill
occupies two commodious brick buildings, each
three stories in height, with a basement, and furn-
ished entirely with first-class modern machinery,
(he capacity of the mill being one hundred and
twenty-live barrels of Hour a day and two hundred
bands of corn-meal.
That our subject has been successful in life is no
doubt partly due to the fact that he possesses one
of man's choicest blessings, a good wife, whom lie
secured in the person of Elizabeth Armstrong, a
native of Knox County, Ind., to whom he was uni-
ted in marriage in 1838. Thus for more than half
a century they have shared the joys and sorrows
common to mortals, and children have been born
to them of whom they have six living, as follows, —
Charles S.. Belle, Nimrod. Emily. Lelton and
Clarence L.
During these many years that our subject has been
a resident of Shelbyville his citizenship has been
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
475
invaluable t<> the community, as through his posi-
tion a* one of it- enterprising business men he has
aided in promoting it- growth and prosperity, his
public spirit and liberality have helped to forward
all schemes to the ad vancement of itsbest interests,
and he lias rendered good service in the importanl
civic positions that he ha* held. He has been Pres-
ident of the City Council, and for twelve years he
was President of the Board of Education, and to
his zeal and interest-in educational matters while
occupying that office Shelbyvillc i- greatly in-
debted to-day for the efficiency of it- scl Is. Mr.
Woodward is prominent in the social life of the
city as a member of the following organizations:
Jackson Lodge, No. 53, A. F. <fe A. M.: Jackson
Chapter. No. 55, R. A. M.: and of Cyrus Hall Post,
No. 138, (•. A. R.,of which he i- I'a-i ( ommander.
Asa true citizen should, he has always taken an
interest in politics, and in early life was a Whig,
but since the formation of the Republican party,
he has been one of it- stanchest supporters both
in times of war and in times of peace.
1LLIAM WIREY. The name noted is that
/ of the owner and proprietor of one the
tine farm- located on section 2.~>. of Tower
Hill Township. During the seventy-nine years
that he has lived great changes have taken place
in the calling to which he has always devoted him-
self. Greece could boast of her temples and stat-
ues, Rome of her laws and law-maker-, lull it re-
mains for America to beat the world at Yankee
invention- that arc a labor saving of incalculable
degree to the agriculturist. Whereas in h'\> hoy-
hood day- our subject planted and hoed the corn
liv hand, and cradled and gathered the grain in
the same manner, now the owner of a thousand
acre- can >it on the carriage -cat of hi- binder,
arrayed in a white polished shirt and patent leather
boots and a fine suit of clothes made to order, and
can accomplish as much in a day as was formerly
accomplished in a month.
All his life Mr. Wirey ha- been engaged in the
energetic and industrious pursuit of liiscalling, bul
he has now retired from active labor and is enjoy-
ing the fruits of hi- early efforts, lie i- of Penn-
sylvania parentage and is proud of the fact that he
i- thoroughly American. Our subject's father was
John Wirey, who was probably born in Pennsyl-
vania, as was hi.- mother, whose maiden name was
Elizabeth Spidle. After marriage they first settled
in Franklin County, Pa., and afterward removed
to Westmoreland County, in the same Mate, there
the father died. Left with the care of a family .
the mother determined to seek easier conditions
under which to make a living, and removed from
the hilly country where -he had lived in Pennsyl-
vania, to the more fertile region in Richland
County, Ohio. Later, however, -he with her chil-
dren came to Shelby County, this state, and in
1839 located on Robinson Creek, in Rose Town-
ship. There the family lived and labored together
for -ix years at the end of which time they removed
to Tower Hill Township, and there the mother
died, after a life -pent in self-sacrifice and loving
devotion to her family. Herdecease took place on
section 34, and -he wa- interred with all re-pect
and honor in God's acre of the township. Our
subject's parent- were not exactly in the fashion
for pioneer days, for instead of having a family
the number of whose children wa- counted in the
teens, only four little ones came to lie the mother's
comfort and stay in her time of tribulation and
bereavement. Their name- are Catherine. Polly,
William and John. Of these our subject was the
third in order of birth, being the eldest son. He
was born in Franklin County. Pa.. September 12.
1812. during that troubled period when it was de-
cisively -ettled who -hould have supremacy in this
country. He was reared in the village until he was
fifteen year- of age after which time he went to
live with a man l>\ the name of John Kinneard, of
hi- native place, and he remained with him until
of age when he went to Ohio, and from 1838 to
1839 inclusive, he made hi- home in Richland
County, of that state. At the latter named date
he came to Shelby County, in this State, and with
his mother and family resided on Robinson Creek.
Rose Township, until aboirt 1845, when he came to
Tower Hill Town-hip. of which place he has ever
since been a resident.
17(1
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Wirey, as has before been said, has always
Iiitii engaged in the calling of agriculture. For-
merly he was the owuer of two hundredacres of as
fine land :i- there is in Tower Hill Township, and
the greater portion of his life was spent in improv-
ing this tract and making of it a farm that is a
model in its way. This lie sold when well advanced
in vears and n- w Lives retired from the active
duties of life. Our subject lias filled several local
offices in the gift of the township, and has been
Assessor of Tower Hill Township for one year. In
his political preferences he is a Democrat.
— *-- -38- ■*—
YRUS WEAKLY. A young and prog-
ressive man who lias already attained a flat-
L J tering degree of success and whose friends
predict for him a brilliant future, is he whose name
is written at the head of this sketch. lie is a far-
mer and stock-raiser, operating two hundred and
forty acres, located on section 17. Pickaway Town-
ship. At this place he settled in December, 1887.
Not yet having readied his third decade, lie has al-
ready accumulated a handsome property that many
an older man has striven and labored in vain for
years to acquire. lie is one of the most thrifty
men of the township where he has lived since his
fourth year, lie was bora in Ridge Township, this
county. April 19, 1866.
Since his fourth year our subject has lived in
Pickaway Township, where he acquired a good
common-school education that fitted him for the
practical business of life, and since becoming of age
he ha~ been engaged in farming on his father-in-
law's land, lie is the son of Aha P. and Mary
A. (Miller) Weakly, natives of Ohio and Ill-
inois respectively. Our subject's father came with
his parents, Samuel and Maria (Fetters) Weakly,
to tins State and county at an early day. They
became pioneers in Ridge Township, this county,
and there Samuel Weakly became the owner of a
hum' tract of new land, which he improved. He
lived to own six hundred acres of land, nearly all
of which was well improved, and when he died in
1890, at the age of seventy-five, he was in more
than comfortable financial circumstances. He
was twice married. His first wife died in the
prime of life. January 10, 1*(>2. He was an
active member of the United Brethren Church
and Mr. Weakly helped to organize the church in
this county and at various times held most of the
church offices. He was School Superintendent for
years, a public-spirited man and a liberal giver.
Formerly he was a Republican in his political
views, but in his last years became an adherent of
the Greenback party, and finally of the Prohibi-
tionists. His last wife, whose maiden name was
Raehael A. Schafer, and who had formerly been mar-
ried to a Mr. Petty, yet survives him. She is now
fifty years of age. She bore Mr. Weakly one
child, who is now deceased. The father of our
subject, Aha 1'. Weakly was the second of four
son- and six daughters. All are now married and
have families with the exception of one.
Alva 1'. Weakly became of age in Ridge Town-
ship, and there married his wife, whose maiden
name was Mary A. Miller, a native of that town-
ship and a daughter of C. P. Miller, an old settler
there. For a further history of C. P. Miller's life
refer to sketch of W. C. Miller, found in another
part of this volume. After marriage the young
couple began life as fanners in Ridge Township
and there two children were born to them. They
then moved into Pickaway Township and now
have a tine and well-improved farm of three hun-
dred and sixty-live acres, which has been their
home since L870. This fine place is the tangible
result of years of industry, prudence and thrift.
In their church relations they are prominent mem-
bers of the United Brethren Church, of which Mr.
Weakly is a Trustee. For years he was Superin
tendent of the Sunday-school and Class-Leader.
Politically he is a Republican and has held various
local offices under his party. He is now Justice of
the Peace.
Our subject is the eldest of the family born to
his parents, seven children in all. of whom there
are five sons and two daughters, lie of whom we
write was married in this township May 1. 1H#7.
to Miss Clara A. Moll. She was born here on the
old Moll homestead. January X. liS67, and was here
reared and educated at Westfield Seminary. She
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is the daughter of Daniel Moll, of whom :i sketch
may be found in another part of this volume.
Mrs. Weakly is an accomplished and attractive
lady. She and her husband are very popular
among the young married people and their home
is a delightful meeting-place for the gaiety and so-
cial life of the community. Their marriage lias
been blessed by the birth of adaughter,on the 16th
uf April. 1888. She is a bright girl and is the de-
light of her parents. The young husband and wife
are members uf the Locust Grove United Brethren
Church and there do efficient work. .Mr. Weakly
is a Republican in his political preference.
EE^lHEEf*
\ WILLIAM 11. FAGEN, the gentleman whose
\ / name is at, the head of this sketch, is the
'" editor and proprietor of the Stewardson
Clipper, and is a man of recognized intellectual
and literary ability, besides having a keen busi-
ness instinct and tact, that have done much to
build up a reputation for his organ in the town.
Mr. Fagen is versatile in his turn of mind, having
been engaged successfully in several different kinds
of business. He is of Irish ancestry and is noted
among his confreres for the wit and geniality com-
mon lo the Irish race.
The original of this sketch was born in Shelby
County, near the county seat. April 21. 1861. He
is a son of Michael and Margaret (Sherlock) Fa-
gen, both natives of Ireland, who came to the
United States in early life, meeting and marrying
in Shelby County. He of whom we write was
born on a farm but was reared in Shelbyville,
where he received his education. When about
seventeen he entered the office of the Shelbyville
Democrat, filling the humble position of office buy.
or what is commonly known in the printing fra-
ternity, as ■•printers' devil." He remained in this
office for six years during which time he was ad-
vanced to the position of foreman of the office.
He then engaged in a restaurant and grocery busi-
ness at Shelbyville. Later he went to Cowden
where he clerked in a store. In 18M7. he came to
Stewardson and founded the Clipper, a live col-
umn quarto sheet, published weekly, and devoted
to the interests, both social and commercial, of
Stewardson and vicinity. The paper is neutral in
politics.
Our subject's mother died at Shelbyville, Oc-
tober 2. 1888. The father still resides at Shelby-
ville. The family was composed of five children,
who are Mary, John, Andrew, and Michael, besides
our subject. Mary is now the wife of David
Burkhart. They are all residents of Shelby County.
Mr. Fagen has eschewed the estate of a benedict,
never having married., therefore his biographical
sketch is not so lengthy as is that of many of our
subjects whose careers are chronicled in this Recokd,
because their history is largely that of the domestic
life. Doubtless he of whom we write has had his
romance, few, if any there arc. who have lived past
years of maturity, who have not. The original of
our sketch is a Roman Catholic in his religious be-
lief and training, being a devout member and gen-
erous supporter of the same. For one year he held
the position as Marshal of the village of Steward-
son, and discharged the duties of the position to the
satisfaction of all concerned.
OHN R. .MARTIN, proprietor of the Fast
Nelson Tile Works, which are located on
section 21, was born in Sussex County,
England, August 26, 1854. When only
eleven years old he left his native home and came
to America, reaching New York in 1866, and at
once coming on lo the Prairie State, locating tem-
porarily in Griggsville, Pike County, and then en-
tering a brickyard at Pana. thisState. lie had had
some experience in thislineof work before leav-
ing England, and has continued in it since coming
to this country.
In the spring of 1*72. Mr. Martin came to Moul-
trie County and with his father establishing his
brick works, began the manufacture of tile late in
the spring of 1876, and since that season has given
his attention chiclh to thai department of the bus-
iness. He has also engaged in agricultural pur-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
suits, a- he operates about three hundred acres of
land besides giving the necessary attention to his
tile works. He manufactures large quantities of
tile and finds his market near home in Moultrie
and Coles Counties. He has n thorough under-
standing of the necessities of his work and keeps
everything in the first-class condition, being a
thorough business man and one who allows noth-
ing to go by default.
The marriage of our subject, which took place in
East Nelson Township, December 11. 1878, united
him with Miss Maggie J. Stewart, who was bora
near Philadelphia, November .">. I860. To her
have been granted five children who are as fol-
lows: George P., SSarah •■.. Hattie C, Fanny E.
and Matilda M. All have been spared to their pa-
rent- with the exception of Fanny, who died at
the tender age of three years and eight months.
The father of our subject, the late John S. Mar-
tin, was bora in .Mayliehl. Sussex, England, and
his mi it her. Fanny J. Y idler, was a native of the same
-hire. They came to America in 1866, and it was
the father who established the brick and tile works
which are now operated by the subject of our
sketch. His death, which occurred in October,
188(1, was very distressing in it- circumstances, as
it was caused by his being caughl in the cogwheels
of a tile machine. He had hut two children lohn
R. and Samuel and the latter i- now deceased.
^[]^>0
[CHAEL SNYDER, Jk„ a resident of
Moweaqua, though not now actively en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits, i- identi-
fied with the great farming interests of
this county as the proprietor of a well improved
farm, located in Flat Branch Township, from the
rental of which he derives a comfortable income.
lie is a native-born citizen of this state, the oldest
son of Michael and Margaret (Kautz) Schneider,
who were among the early pioneers of Sangamon
County, and there in their primitive pioneer home
lie first saw the light of day October 23, 1834.
When he was two years old. hi- parents removed
to Christian County, and settled near the line be-
tween the county and this close to the present site
of the village of Moweaqua, which, like the sur-
rounding country at that time, was >till wild land
owned by the Government, lie attended the first
schools ever taught in this section, which was con-
ducted in a log house, and provided with furniture
of the most primitive sort, fashioned by hand, the
seats being made by splitting logs, hewing one
side smooth, and inserting wooden pins for legs,
there being no desk- or hacks to the seats. A log
wa- taken out the entire length of the building,
and glass wa- inserted in the aperture thus made
to admit the light. Holes were bored in the log
underneath the window, pins were inserted, and
a hoard laid on them served as a desk for the
larger scholars to write upon. In those early days
of the settlement of the county, deer, wolves and
wild turkeys were plentiful, and game often fur-
nished an agreeable addition to the scanty fare of
the pioneers.
Mr. Snyder was reared to habits of industry, and
commenced very early to help on the farm, thus
acquiring a thorough knowledge of agriculture
that was of great use to him when he entered upon
his independent career as a farmer, lie lived with
hi- parents until he married and established a home
of his own on a farm that belonged to his father
that was situated six mile- east of Taylorville.
Seven years later he removed from there to As-
sumption, where he was assistant in a lumberyard
for two years. At the end of that time he came
in Moweaqua, lived a while in the city, and then
settledon his farm in Flat Branch Township. In
tin- \ear- that ensued, he busied himself in it- im-
provement, and hail brought it to a good condi-
tion when he rented it in 1881, and retired to
Moweaqua. The farm is still in his possession, and
contains two hundred and eighty acres of fertile
land, the greater portion of which is well improved
and is well supplied with necessary buildings and
machinery.
Mr. Snyder was first married in 1857 to Miss
Fiances Malone, a native of Indiana, and a daugh-
ter of William Malone. she departed this life in
lsHiT. after a happy wedded life of ten years, leav-
ing one child. Albert. Mr. Snyder was again
married in 1871. taking a- his wife Miss Ellen
W. F. LOGAN
PORTRAIT AM) BloMJAPHKAL RECORD.
181
Annette Deffenbacher, a native of Decatur, 111..
Mini a daughter of Scibold Mini Mary .1. Deffen-
bacher. Her pleasant union with our subject has
brought them these four daughters: — Margaret. Mm
.1.. Lucy E. and Evelina.
Politically, Mr. Snyder is a Republican. Hi- has
always taken an interest in educational matters!
and has been Motive in securing to the youth of his
township good advantages as to schooling while
serving as School Director ami Trustee, and lie has
always shown himself willing to advance the wel-
fare lit" the community in whatsoever direction he
ecu Id.
^
EP^~
ILLIAM F. LOGAN, one of the promin-
ent business men of Marrowbone Town-
Vv ship. Moultrie Comity, has extensive con-
nections in Sullivan. Dalton City, Etna, Greenup,
Mount Zion, Coles and Hervey City, in all of which
lie deals in farm machinery and also, at some points,
buys and >ells grain. He has been a resident of the
county since 1876 and is a native of the adjoining
county of Shelby where he first saw the light June
2-1. 1859.
William R. and Susan (.Martini Logan, the par-
ents of our subject were born in Kentucky, and
Benjamin F. Logan, the grandfather, was one of
the first settlers in shelly County, where lie was a
Justice of the Peace from the time the county was
organized until he became too old to officiate. He
was a descendant of the same stock from which
Gen. John A. Logan sprang, and the family is
justly proud of the patriotic record of that distin-
guished kinsman.
William EL Logan was married in Shelby County
Mild lived there through the remainder of his life.
working at his trade as a carpenter. His excellent
wife alBO remained there until her death. Two
only of their family of five grew to manhood,
namely, our subject and John A., who i- now a
clerk in a wholesale house in Sedalia, Mo. The
death of the parents occurred while they were still
in the prime of life, and William was only about
three years old when he was left an orphan. An
uncle, i.. W. Logan, cared for the child until he
reached the age of twelve years when he determined
to "paddle hi- own canoe" and work hi- way up
stream no matter what obstacles were in his way.
lioing with hi- uncle 1'. A. Logan to Sedalia, Mo.,
In worked on a farm U<v three years, aftei which
he returned to Windsor, and served as a farm hand
through the summer, attending school in the
winter. Mini completing hi.- education in a select
school Mt Bethany. After this he taught school
for two years and then began work on a farm
which he had rented.
It was in August, 1887, that Mr. Logan first en-
gaged in the implement business Mt Bethany and
finding the outlook favorable he gradually in-
creased his -lock until it has reached its present
magnitude. Like many another successful man he
began business with very little money, being
obliged to use borrowed capital, but he is. in the
common parlance of the day a "hustler", always
busy Mini attending strictly to business to the
management of which he seems to be peculiarly
well adapted, lie is never neglectful of the in-
terests of m customer nor willing to be idle if there
i> mii opportunity for effort.
The subject of this sketch has been twice united
in the I Kinds of marriage. In 1881 he took to wife
I!. Eva C lowder, a daughter of David M. Crowder.
She was horn in Moultrie County in l*o'l and
after a brief married life -he passed from earth in
April, 1890, leaving her husband and three beauti-
ful children — lie— ie. Daisy, and David — to mourn
her loss. Tin- second marriage of our subject took
place January 1. 1891 and he was then united
with Lennie Meyer, a uative of Moultrie County
and a daughter of Henry Meyer.
Mr. Logan i> a Republican in his political views,
but not in any >ense a politiciau, yet In is always
sufficiently interested in political movements and
thoroughly conscientious in regard to casting his
ballot according to what he believes to be the right.
In religious matters he has been for a long while
connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church where he Mini his wife are active in the
various works of the church, lb- gives employ-
ment to m force ot from fifteen to twenty men at
Bethanv. as he has a multifarious business com-
482
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
prising not only his implement warehouse, hut also
a harness shop and carriage salesroom. Resides
this he is engaged in drilling wells and erecting
wind mills. He lias several men also at his other
points of business.
A portrait of Mr. Logan accompanies this sketch.
yEV. JASPER LEWIS DOUTHLT. Here we
have another of those ■'high-minded men"
V who constitute the real strength of a State.
A native prophet, sure to have had his share
of the usual buffetings, a zealous missionary in the
home field, one early inured to poverty and toil,
who has never faltered in the onward, upward
course, never flinched from his task of battling for
the right, without his name no list of the worthies
of Southern Illinois would lie complete. As a
'•Unitarian Oberlin," his story has been briefly
told in a small pamphlet published in Boston, from
whose pages mainly have been gathered the fol-
lowing fact s.-
Jasper L., son of Andrew E. and Mary Ann
(Jordan) Douthit, was horn in Shelby County.
about four miles east of Shelby ville, October 10,
1834. His great-grandfather, Evan Douthit, a
''Hard-shell" Baptist minister, of Welsh -Scotch an-
cestry, emigrated with his family from North Caro-
lina to Tennessee, and thence, about 1830, to this
county, where he was a pioneer settler and preacher.
Two or three years later, accompanied by a num-
ber of his descendants, like the patriarch of old,
he again journeyed in search of a new home, find-
ing at length a permanent abiding place in that
part of Mexico which is now Texas. There con-
tinuing his pulpit labors even when so old and
feeble that he must needs lie supported by a man
standing on each side of hiin as he spoke, he lived
to be more than eighty years old. His wife long
surviving him attained the remarkable age of one
hundred and fifteen years.
Andrew E., grandson of the above named, and
son of John 1). and Elizabeth (Ellis) Douthit. both
members of the "Hard-shell" Baptist Church, was
born in Tennessee. He came with his father and
grandfather to Shelby County, 111. The Douthits
entered Government land and also bought a tract
of Francis Jordan, an early pioneer of Shelby
County. Members of the Douthit and Jordan
families in Texas took part in the war which se-
cured the independence of that State.
The mother of our subject was a daughter of
Francis Jordan. She was born at a fort in Frank-
lin County built for protection against the Indians.
Early left motherless, busied with housework, and
living in the backwoods where educational advan-
tages were of the slightest, she nevertheless taught
herself to read and write. A woman frail of body,
but of strong conviction, being accustomed to
think for herself, she did not hesitate to denounce
the evils of slavery and intemperance at a time
when tin- popular opinion of the neighborhood
was decidedly on tin- Other side of these great
questions. Her religious views, as they were grad-
ually developed, growing with her growth, and as
silently, were of the liberal Christian type, and
were such as enabled her with cheerful courage
and a beautiful devotion to duty, to perform the
labors and endure the trials of a life of constanl
toil and care.
With the exception of a short stay in Texas, his
father and grandfather having been induced to
join their kindred in that State in 1*4:1, remaining
however through one cotton harvest, the youth of
our subject was passed in active labors on the
home farm in this county, with but scant oppor-
tunity for schooling or even for home study. The
family Bible was his first reading book. Other
well conned volumes were Robinson Crusoe. Life
of David Crockett. Weem's Life of Marion, and
Grimshaw's History of the United States. He early
set his heart on becoming a minister of the gospel.
Such was his thirst for learning, and the inability
or unwillingness of his father to indulge him in
this direction, that he left home and let himself to
work as a day laborer with the shovel on the Illi-
nois Central Railway to earn money to defray his
expenses at a boarding-school. 4' wo joyful years
weic now spent by 1 1 i in at Shelby Seminary, where
he paid his way partly by teaching, partly by
building fires, sweeping and other work. Uniting
with the .Methodist Church, though without en-
PORTRAIT AND 15K HiRAPHIC AL RECORD.
4S3
dorsing all the articles of faith, he was offered a
license to preach. This he declined. Next en-
rolled as a student at Wabash College, Crawfords-
ville. Ind.. he continued living on frugal fare and
doing janitor's work until he fell sick and un-
forced to go home.
A brief business experience in a hook and drug
store, culminating in a failure with the financial
flurry of 1857, marriage in the meantime with
Miss Emily Lovell, of East Abington, Mass., and a
period of school teaching for both, were what the
next few years brought to his life.
In 1858 came a new departure. Mr. Douthit
felt that he must go forth to seek a wider field of
action: he was led to seek a position in the Boston
office of Fowler it Wells, famous phrenologists and
publishers. He was soon employed as a lecturer
on phrenology and hygiene. Traveling in this
capacity in Massachusetts, he met many Abolition-
ists hut failed to make the acquaintance of any
Unitarians. The anti-slavery sermons and ad-
dresses of James Freeman Clark and Theodore
Parker were read by him with exceeding interest.
The following year found our subject again in
Illinois living with hi? family on a farm in Shelby
County. I Ii> first vote for President had been
cast in 1856 for .lame- Buchanan. In the winter
of 1*61 he became associate editor of the Shelby
Freeman, the first paper in thi> part of the Mate
to stand for " Free soil, free labor and freespeech."
Accepting the appointment of Government en-
rolling officer, at a time when Knights of the
Golden Circle and others were bent on forcible re-
sistance to the draft, his life was often in no little
danger. Several shots were one night fired
through the open doors of his home. None the
less did he discharge his patriotic duties without
tl inching.
The voice within still prompted our subject to
preach the Gospel on the lines of the larger hope.
To his wife came the happy thought that his words
might he acceptable in Unitarian pulpits. At the
Miirirestion of Thomas Wentworth Higginson,
Robert Collyer was appealed to for advice. His
response was a cordial invitation to come to the
Unitarian Conference soon to he held at Detroit.
Thither he went and was there ordained to the
Christian ministry June 22, 1862, Revs. Robert
Collyer. Dr. George W. Hosmer, Charles G. Ames
and others taking part in the services. In school-
houses, dwelling-houses and groves of Shelby and
adjoining counties, people came together to "hear
Jasper preach." Feeling the need of better equip-
ment for his work, he was enabled through the
kindness of friend- living at a distance, who had
heard of his zealous and effective itineracy, to take
a three year's course at the Meadville Theological
."school ( Unitarian ). where he was graduated in
June. 1867. Since that date, with the exception
of a brief term of preaching at Pi inceton. 111., his
ministry has been confined to the towns and vil-
lages of his native prairies, mostly within the
familiar haunt- of his boyhood. At the "Log
Church" east of Shelbyville, he preached to a con-
gregation of woodchoppers and their families, re-
ceiving for his lir-t year's work a big jug of mo-
lasses, given by a pour foreigner. The next year
the contributions amounted to about $10. Mrs.
Douthit taught a subscription school to eke out a
support for the family. The Sunda\ -school ses-
sions were sometimes disturbed by people angered
at the speaker on account of his advocacy of tem-
perance. The first Christmas tree in Shelby County
was -et up in the " Log Church." And there it is
said, was sung, probably for the first time in thi-
county. the hymn. " Nearer in\ God to Thee."
Mr. Douthit was instrumental in organizing a
church at Salem, now Oak Grove, where a house of
worship was built for the joint use of the Camp-
bellites and the liberal Christians. Elder John
Ellis, of the former sect, being an efficient helper:
Unity Church at Matoon, and a Christian Union
Church near Mode. Our missionary began regular
preaching at Shelbyville, in the old court-house,
February 15, 1874. A Sunday-school was soon
started, 1 ks for a library being received from
Dr. .lames Freeman Clarke's church in Boston.
In May thirteen people signed a statement pro-
fessing "faith in Jesus ( lni>t as the son of God
and the Savior of men." and acknowledged the
Ilihle as the divinely authorized rule of faith and
practice. In November a church of twenty-one
members was fully organized, lion. George Par-
tridge, of St. Louis, offered thegifl <>f *; toward
Is I
PORTRAIT AND BI '.iRAPHICAL RECORD.
building :i house of worship. This encouraged
tlic people to contribute liberally of their humble
means to the same end. Orthodox ministers united
with the literal in the services at the laying of the
cornerstone, November 21, 1875. As the result
of ;i protracted series of evening meetings held in
February and March, 1876, by Mr. Douthit, with
the help of the good Elder Ellis, the church roll
\\:is increased to nearly one hundred members.
The nth of May saw the new house completed and
dedicated, Dr. Clarke, of Boston, preached the ded-
ication sermon tin the morning and Dr. Eliot, of
St. Louis, preached in the evening, when Mr.
Douthit was installed as pastor. The building was
made to accommodate about four hundred persons,
and the church and Sunday-school has since wit-
nessed to a healthy growth and unabated interest
in its Christian faith and life.
In October, 1*70. Robert Collyer wrote to the
Christian Register, " I can hardly tell how much
good Mr. Douthit has done in that region. It is
simply wonderful. He has wrought with such a
manful and Christian valor as to win his way,
where any other man. one thinks, must have failed.
It is worth my while." he adds. •• to say that his
best helper and Lnspirer, after God, is his wife."
Elder John Ellis, writing in 1876, reports " Brother
Douthit as having exceeded beyond his expecta-
tions," andadds: "He is a Channing Unitarian and
>ails under that banner, and yet is what 1 would
call a real, out-and-out old-fashioned. Orthodox.
Evangelical, Congregational, progressive, liberal
Christian."
A sketch of Mr. Douthit in the memorial volume
of Shelby Seminary, by lion. George R. Wendling,
contains these words of high appreciation: ■• I
will testify everywhere that his whole life-work
and example in this county has been an evangel of
peace, temperance and purity."
In 1880 Mr. Douthit began the publication of a
paper. Our Best Words, a brave exponent of Chris-
tian truth and practical righteousness, which grew
to he a welcome visitor in many homes. The pros-
pectus for the new series began in March. 1888, is
an admirable declaration of lofty principles, worthy
to be quoted in full, did space permit. In its com-
mendable endeavor •' to translate the dialect of a
scholaristic, thought-burdened Unitarianism into
the every-day language of the common people,"
Our Best Words stood without a rival in the West
or in the East. Having dropped its denomina-
tional character the paper is now continued as a
weekly, "independent in all things and neutral in
nothing that concerns human welfare." It earn-
estly advocates the principles of prohibition to the
liquor traffic and favors the work of the Woman's
Chrsitian Temperance Union and the Farmers'
Mutual Benefit Association.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Douthit are Helen
Maud, married to Joseph Garis; George L., Robert
Collyer and Winifred. Robert C. following the
footstep.- of his father, is now ( 1891 ), a student at
Meadville Theological School.
*
OHN B. ILLICK, a prominent farmer and
stock-raiser, making his home on section 33,
Oconee Township. Shelby County, was born
in Seneca County. X. Y.. in 1IS34. He is
the son of John and Maria (Young) Illick. both
of whom were born in Pennsylvania. In their
family were five sons and two daughters, the two
youngest passed away at an early aye.
William Henry Illick. the eldest son of John and
Maria, is married andliving in Oswego, Ind., where
he is carrying on a farm: Franklin M. is married
and living at Rosemond. 111., upon a farm; Samuel
A. died at Taylorville. this State, in 1K)S2; Edward
V. enlisted in a Cavalry Regiment in Indiana, and
being in the campaign at Pittsburg Landing, was
taken sick and died dining a visit home at the age
of twenty-six years: Susan M.. the wife of Thomas
Fritchman, a farmer, resides near Wellington, in
Sumner County. Kan.; Lydia A. was twice married.
her present husband being Robert Batty, residing
at Stonington. 111.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in
New York and removed with his parents to Indi-
ana in 1K.")7. After burying his parents in that
state, he came to Christian County. 111., and was
married at Taylorville, to Miss Elizabeth Melton.
daughter of John and Caroline Melton, who were
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
18
native- <>t* North Carolina, and came to Illinois
prior to their marriage. Mrs. Illiek was born in
Madison County, this Mate, in 1844, and had five
brothers and four sisters, namely: James C,
Henry T.. (twins) Andre" .1.. Martin V., Amaziah.
Martha A.. Mary I... Sarah A.and Hannah M.( twins. )
All but Mi>. Iliiek and Hannah M. have passed to
the other world. Andrew .1. enlisted in Company
11. Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry and died in
the hospital at Springfield, Mo.; Hannah M. mar-
ried Franklin Illiek. the brother of our subject,
and resides on a farm near Rosemond.
lie of whom we write came tn his present farm
-ix year- ago. He and his good wife have had no
children of their own. but they have reared a -mi
of Mrs. Illiek's si-ter. a boy whom they took at the
age of three months, and he is now a fine and in-
telligent lad of sixteen years, who stands in the
same relation to his fosterparents that a real sun
would occupy. Mr. Illiek is a Democrat in hi- po-
litical views. He has a pleasant home and is com-
fortably situated. The father of Mrs. Illiek died
in Madison County. 111., in 1852, and her mother
who is now eighty-two years of age resides with
lu-r daughter. Her parent- were members of the
Baptist Church.
County
raising.
AVID LOW, a man who has the esteem and
confidence of his friends and neighbors,
and who is a public-spirited citizen re-ides
mi section 2.?. Oconee Township, Shelby
. where he carries on farming and stock-
He wa- born in Guilford County, Tenn.,
April 26, 1831, his parents being George and Sarah
Low, natives of that state. Their marriage and
the birth of all their children took plan- in Ninth
Carolina, but they removed to Illinois in 1849 and
there spent the remainder of their days.
David Low had nine brothers of whom Amsley,
Gideon and Simeon were soldiers in the l'nion
Army, during the Civil War. Joel 11.. John \l..
and Daniel I!.. are all living, the former in Iowa
and the others in this state. David was a resident
of* North Carolina during the war and was con-
scripted into the Confederate army. He passed his
examination, and was accepted bul while waiting
for assignment to his regiment, he and about five
hundred others tied from the camp at night, and
breaking through the lines escaped to their home.
He worked upon his farm for aboul a month and
when he saw that the authorities were mi tin- alert
and apprehending the conscript he -took to the
bushes" as he says and remained in concealment
from October to Christmas. During that time In-
lay mi the ground and endured greater hardships
and dangers than he would have encountered in
the Confederate service, but he was thoroughly
l'nion in his sentiment-, and preferred to endure
all this for the cause of the l'nion rather than to
lift his hand against the old Hag.
About Christmas time Mr. Lowengaged to work
in the saltpetre works near Greensboro, N. C. This
enterprise failed and lie went home and spent our
night, but the second night "hunters" were in pur-
suit of him and he took to the woods again. While
concealed in the house of a neighbor he was sur-
rounded and raptured by a detachment of the
Raleigh guard. He was sent to Raleigh and seven
day- later to Kingston, N. ( .. when- he remained
from April 2 to May 4. By this time he thought
he knew enough of military affairs and persuaded
thirteen of his comrades to join with him in taking
•• French leave."
These refugees took to the woods once more,
and were so closely pursued by soldiers mi horse-
back a- to In- obliged to take refuge in a swamp.
They sat in mud and water nearly to their necks
from 2 p. m.. until dark and the pursuers passed
within ten feet of them. Two of the party were
recaptured and the others escaped to their respect-
ive hmnes. Mr. Low had to remain in hiding until
the close of the war. He -pent mn- winter in a
cave, going occasionally to the home of -mile
Union family to get food, and then returning to
hi- dreary abode. He spent his time in the cave
in making combs, baskets and trinkets, selling them
to l'nion people for food and clothing, lie would
sell a fine comb of his manufacture for ten cents
in silver or $10 in Confederate script, lie was re-
captured but made his escape at great peril. His
sufferings and privations were incomparably greater
486
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
than those of many enlisted nun. being in constant
peril from armed and open enemies as well as
from secret foes. It is not strange that he would
feel that his escape from bodily injury was miracu-
lous, lie was unable to gel through the line with
his family and would not go and leave them. He
losl all his property, amounting to a number of
thousand dollars in stock and money.
The lady whose union with our subject brought
to her such great trials, during this period of hard-
ship and suffering, became Ms wife, September 13,
1857, in Guilford ( ounty, N. ( '.. which was her
native county as she was born there February 26,
1836. Her name before marriage was Rosannah
Pike, and her parents were natives of the same
State with herself.
To Mr. and Mrs. Low eight children were born,
namely: Sara R., horn September 2:i. 1852, who
married Daul Neice in Oconee Township, and after
giving Dirth to one child died October 28. 1888;
George William, born September 2n. I860,married
Sallie Maritield and re-ides on a farm near Rose-
mond. 111.: Turley II.. horn May 26, 1863, is un-
married and lives at home: Joel 1).. horn January
10, 1866, is married and resides in Pan a, 111.;
Melinda S.. horn October 29, 1867, is married and
resides in Oconee Township: Melissa born May 25,
1871, after the removal of the family to the North.
and Mary E., born August 17, 1874, are at home
with their parents, as is also John II. A., horn Sep-
tember 6, 1*77.
It was about eighteen years ago when Mr. Low
removed to Christian County, 111., and nine years
since he purchased the farm on which he now lives.
He has a timbered farm of one hundred and eighty-
five acres, about one-half of which is under im-
provement. Upon this there is about fourteen
•i' Ms i„ orchard and considerable attention is paid
to the raising of small fruit. He has a good house
and a comfortable home.
Mr. Low has been instrumental in securing the
organization of a school district for the accommo-
dation of the children in this comparatively new
country, and a pleasant school-house is situated on
a corner of his farm. He lias always voted the
Republican ticket. He is not a member of any
church though heartily in accord with all Chris-
tian endeavors. His wife and children are mem-
bers of the Baptist Church. He raises sorghum
and manufactures molasses each year, and makes
ma] de sugar and syrup in its season, devoting
considerable time and money to the improvement
and operation of this business. He has a centrifu-
gal machine for separating and drying sorghum
sugar which he hopes to make a success, [b- is a
■j. 1 citizen who endeavors to do right as he sees
the right, and will not be coerced into doing
wrong by any human power. This characteristic
was evinced by his attitude toward the confederate
power.
SAAC N. PORTER. No man so truly loves
his country as he who has suffered and fought
i for it. and those citizens of Illinois who gave
to our Nation in her time of trial their hearty sup-
port and their best efforts upon the battle field,
have gained not only a heartier sympathy with the
institutions represented by our national banner.
but also a record for themselves of which any pa-
triot may well feel proud.
Among those men of Shelby County, who have
thus an honorable war record, we are pleased to
named the subject of this sketch, who follows the
double avocation of a farmer and carpenter, in
Oconee Township. He was born in Harrison
County, Ohio, March 27. lsto. his parents being
William and Susan (Cribbs) Porter, natives of
( )hio. In their household there were six sons and
five daughters, and Isaac is the firstborn son.
Teresa, now Mrs. How. of Oconee Township, being
the eldest. Following them came Isabella, now
the wife of John Martin, of Indian Territory: Dan-
iel, who resides in Missouri: Albert, who lives at
sioux City. la.: William, living in Montgomery
(ounty. 111.: George, a resident of Iowa: Priscilla.
the wife of Mr. Drain, of Oconee Township: and
Abbie and Maggie, who reside at home.
The subject of this sketch enlisted in Company
A. Ninety-seventh Illinois Infantry, and was as-
signed to duty in the Army of the Mississippi.
After six months' service he was transferred to the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
187
United States gunboat "Chilachthe," and did duty
on the lower Mississippi and the Yazoo Hi vers. At
Ft. Tamberton, while on the Yazoo Pass expedi-
tion, this young hero was wounded. March 10,
1st;.;, and was sent to the hospital at Helena. Ark..
being afterward transferred to tin- general hospital
at St. Louis. Being somewhat crippled by this
hard service and wound, he was placed in Com-
pany K. Eleventh Veteran Reserve Corps and
served out his unexpired term, being discharged at
Boston, Mass., duly 7. 1865, whence he returned to
hi- parental home in Oconee Town-hip.
It was not until 1877. that Mr. Porter decided
to establish a home of his own. and he chose as a
partner of that home Mir-s Annie Pressgrove, who
was horn in Oconee Township in 1859, her parents
heing William and Eliza Pressgrove. The parents
had ten children, only four of whom are now liv-
ing. The wedding day of Mr. and Mrs. Porter
was February 22. To them was born three chil-
dren, Hugh II.. born in 1)">7'.I: Anna Laura, a babe
now three months old. and one child who died
when five months old. Mrs. Porter i> a worthy
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a
faithful and devoted wife and mother, callable in
all housewifely arts and active in promoting the
best interests of the community.
Mr. Porter is a member of the Coplin Post No.
268, G. A. R. at Oconee, and his political views
have led him to affiliate with the Republican party.
Hi- handsome farm of one hundred and sixty acres
i> situated on section 7. Oconee Town-hip. and is
in a highly cultivated state and richly productive.
i ifclLLIAM F. ARMSTRONG is actively car-
\ / rying on agriculture on the farm where he
y V resides with hi> father, a respected resi-
dent of l'enn Township, Shelby County, this home-
stead being the birthplace of our subject lie is a
representative of >ome of the earliest pioneer fam-
ilies of this state, his paternal grandfather, John
Armstrong, having been one of the original pioneers
of this county, and is distinguished in its history as
the first settler of Penn Township; while the
maternal grandparents of our subject, .lame- and
Nancy Gerdien, were early pioneersof Rose Town-
ship.
Aaron Armstrong, the great-grandfather of Wil-
liam F.. was a native of North Carolina, and was
a son of a Revolutionary soldier who lost his life
in battle. Aaron removed from the Stale of his
nativity to Warren County. Ky., where he resided
but a short time, however, prior to his removal in
1809 ti.i the Territory of Illinois. He was one of
the first settlers of Madison County locating there
in the year that the act was passed establishing
Illinois as a territory. There were but few-
white men living in the whole length and
breadth of this now- populous and great common-
wealth, and as the Indians held full sway and were
oftentimes hostile, the whites had to band together
and live in forts. The great-grandfather of our
subject secured a tract of land live miles south of
Edwardsville, built upon it, improved a good farm,
which remained his home until his death in 1833.
The maiden name of his wife was Mary Landers.
She was born in South Carolina and died in Mad-
ison County in 1830.
John Armstrong was born in Warren County.
Ky.. in 1803. He was but a child when his parents
came to Illinois, and lie was reared amid its wild
pioneer scenes and in due time he married a daugh-
ter of one of the early settlers, .lane Roach, who
was born in Kentucky in 1802, and died in Illinois
in 1.S77. In the fall of 1825 the grandfather of
our subject came with other- to Shelby County to
seek a suitable location on its fertile soil. He
-elected a claim to a tract of Government land on
section 6, township 1-'!. range 3, now included in
Penn Township, and at once commenced the erec-
tion of a log cabin, which was the first building
ever erected in the northern part of Shelby County,
and he was the first man to locate in Penn Town-
ship, his nearest neighbor fora time being ten miles
away. Before completing hi- cabin lie returned to
Madison County for his wife and child, and in the
fall of the year brought them back in an oxwagon
to the scene of their new home in primeval wilds.
Where wild animals such as deer, wolves, panthers
and wild turkeys roamed at will where there were
but few evidences of the approaching civilization.
188
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
St. Louis. many miles distant, was the nearest town
to which the pioneers could convey their produce
to exchange for needed supplies. Notwithstand-
ing the many difficulties that he encountered he
developed an excellent farm, which he occupied
until death deprived him of the companionship of
bis wife and he then | i.-i~~«-.l his remaining days
with his children, dying in 1886 at a ripe old age.
The father of our subject. Beverly Armstrong,
was bora October •_'■!. 1*27. in Clinton County
while his mother was there on a visit. He was
reared in this county where his parents had estab-
lished their home, and was educated in it- schools,
attending the lir-t ever taught in this section of
the country. It was held in a log building located
in Flat Branch Township. The benches, which
were without hacks or desks, were made of slabs
that were supported by wooden pins. and the build-
ing was heated by means of a large open fireplace.
In "his youthful days the people lived principally
off the products of the farm, and were clad in
homespun made by the busy hand- of the women.
Mr. Armstrong lived with his parents until he
was twenty years of age and then entered a tract
of Government land in what is now Moweaqua
Township. lie had married in that year Miss
Kineline Virden, a native of this county, and in
the log cabin that he built on his claim he and his
bride began housekeeping. In 1858 he sold that
place and bought the one that he now own- and
occupies, that is finely located on section 31, l'ciiu
Township, constituting a choice and well-cultivated
farm amply supplied with all necessary buildings
and good modern machinery. lie has been pro--
perous in the pursuit of his calling, and in the
many years that he has been residing in this county
he has always shown himself to he a useful citizen
who has won an honorable place among the solid
men of his community, and has done his share in
developing the agriculture of this section of tin-
state.
The subject of this biographical review i- the
only son of his parents and in their home, which
has always been his, he was reared to a stalwart
manhood. He received a sound practical training
as a farmer and is now managing his father's farm
with signal success, thus relieving him in a meat
measure of the cares and labors that beset him in
his early life. He is a shrewd, careful man in his
dealings and at the same time displays push and
enterprise in carrying on his affairs, so that his in-
terest- brings him a goodly income in repayment of
hi- outlaj of labor and expense.
The greatest sorrow- that Mr. Armstrong has ex-
perienced in life was the death of his wife in 1886.
Her maiden name was Emma ( >. Gerry,and she was
a native of Indiana. They were wedded November
1:5. 1878. By her death our subject lost a devoted
wife and these four children were left motherless:
Tic— ie. ( harles, Birdie and Essa.
^c
:13s
ARIl's B. ELLIOTT. Our subject is a
representative of a wood Southern family.
on the paternal side owing many of the
traits of his character to the warm blood
and generous hearts of the state which boasts of
having given more President- than any other, to
the Executive Department of our Government.
Mr. Elliott is the owner of a good farm located on
section 7. Tower Hill Township, whereon he set-
tled in ls.*>.->. Dm subject was born in Anderson
County, Ky.. November 23, 1825. He is a son of
John and Melville (Berry) Elliott, natives respec-
tively of Virginia and Kentucky, in which latter
State they were married and where they began the
serious consideration of life together on a farm.
Our subject's father died in 1846. His mother sub-
sequently came to Illinois and passed her declining
years with her -on. passing away from this life at
the advanced age of seventy-eight years.
The original of our sketch was one of eleven
children and the youngest of these was twelve
year- of age before there was a death in the family.
Our subject was the sixth in the family in order of
birth, having five older and five younger brothers
and -ister-. Duringboyh 1 his school advantages
were limited, hut since reaching manhood he has
applied himself diligently to study, and i- a vora-
cious reader of good literature.
While yet a youth, he learned the trade of car-
pentry in Indiana, to which State he had removed
M
llllffft
' < K .'-ft;'
y
MP
JACOB KIRCHER
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
191
settling in Davis County, where he remained for
some time. He later went to Marion County. He
was united in marriage with Mary J. Brown, on
the 23d of July, 1HI«. The lady was a daugh-
ter of Lewis L. and Mary (Johnson) Brown.
she was born in .Marion County, Ind.,January 12.
1*:52. Soon after marriage, our subject with hi-
wit'e. came to Shelby County and settled on the
farm where he now resides. At that date he pur-
chased two hundred and thirty acres of Govern-
ment land, which was then new and unbroken.
Upon it he has made valuable improvements, hav-
ing erected a commodious and comfortable dwell-
ing, with barns and outhouses necessary for the
protection and accommodation of his stock.
When Mr. Klliott settled upon the prairie, there
was no one else living any place near, and he has
thus seen the development of the whole State.
Pana was unknown al that date, and the Illinois
Central Railroad was not yet completed. Our sub-
ject has given his undivided attention to farming
and mixed husbandry. He is now the owner of
three hundred and thirty acres of land which, with
the exception of twenty acres of tine prairie land,
is under thorough cultivation, and well improved
in every way.
Mr. anil Mrs. Klliott have been the parents of
six children, whose names are: Elizabeth L.. John
Irvin. Emma. Walter and Fannie. One child died
in infancy. Elizabeth is the wife of Moses E. Sim-
mons, of Pana; John Irvin is a resident in Nevada.
Mo.: Emma and Walter remain at home, and are
the comforts of their parents" middle life: Fannie
is the wife of Thomas Finefrock, and resides in
Pana, this State.
\
ACOB KIRCH£R,a wealthy resident of Shel-
byville. was for many years actively en-
gaged in farming, lint he now lives in re-
tirement, though he still owns one of the
choice farms for which Shelby County is justly
noted. He is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany,
October 20, 1827, being the dale of his birth. His
father, whose name was Louis Frederick Kircher,
was also born in that place, as was hi- father be-
fore him. The latter came to this country in
1834, and spent his remaining .years in Maryland.
The father of our subject learned the trade of a
shoemaker in his youth, and with the exception
of the time that he was a soldier in the German
army, he followed his calling in his native "Wur-
temburg until 1829, when, ambitious to better his
condition, he emigrated to this country with his
wife and four children, lie landed al Baltimore
with empty pockets, and what was worse, in very
poor health, lie was fortunate enough to obtain
the assistance of friends, by whose help he went to
Hagerstown, when' he found employment in a liv-
ery .-table. He worked faithfully, frugally saved
his money, and his wife also worked hard, and
after a time with their united earnings they had
enough to buy a horse and wagon, with which
they started for Ohio, taking with them all their
earthly possessions. They walked the greater part
of the way. camping anil cooking by the roadside
whenever they were weary, and when they arrived
at Lancaster. Ohio, they decided to proceed no
further.
Mr. Kircher looked about for a suitable location,
and finally selected forty acres of land belonging
to the Government situated in Hocking County,
ten miles from Logan, the county seat. He did
not have money enough by fifty cents to pay for
his claim, but he obtained it by mending a pair of
boots, and then walked to the land office to enter
his land. His homestead was heavily timbered
and he had to cut away large forest trees to
make room for a cabin, which he built of logs,
covering the roof with boards rived by hand and
held in place by weight pole-, the iloor being made
of puncheons and the chimney of earth and sticks.
The father was a man of remarkable industry
and not only labored in the day time, working
hard to clear his land, in which he was assisted by
his wife and children, but he employed his time in
the evening making shoes, and thus earned the
money to support his family. The older children
soon went out to work, receiving their board and
their clothes for their services, while our subjecl
was left at home to assist hi- parents. lie and
492
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his mother cut the first crop of wheat, she using :i
a sickle and he a butcher knife. The family pros-
pered and the father was enabled to buy eighty-
five acres of land adjoining, and in time improved
a valuable farm, upon which he lived until his
death at the ripe age of seventy-nine years. His
wife survived him some few years and then died at
the home of her daughter in Richland Township,
this county, ;it the venerable age of eighty acres.
This worthy couple were the parents of six sons
:md one daughter, named as follows: Louis, John,
Godfrey, Jacob, Mathias, Philip and Hannah. John
and Mathias reside in Richland. Louis, Philip,
Godfrey and Hannah are deceased.
Jacob Kircher was only two years old when the
family came to America, SO that he has hut little
or no recollection of other than his adopted home.
Just as soon as lie was large enough, and that was
when he was very yoxuig, he began to assist in
clearing the land and tilling the soil of his father's
homestead. He remained an inmate of the parental
household until his marriage and soon after that
all-important event, in company with his brother-
in-law, he bought one hundred acres of land near
by, on which was a set of log buildings. He and
his brother-in-law farmed together on that place
until 185;"). when he sold his share of it. haying
decided to settle in the fertile farming regions of
Illinois. Accompanied by his wife and two chil-
dren, he journeyed across the country from Ohio to
this State with a pair of horses and a wagon, and
on his arrival in this county he invested all the
money he had in forty acres of land in Ridge Town-
ship. This purchase included a primitive log Cabin,
which had an earth and stick chimney, a puncheon
door, and two doors, hut had no windows. Our
subject and his family, and his brother and fam-
ily spent the winter of 1855-56 in that rude .struc-
ture, doing all their cooking by the fireplace, corn-
meal being their chief diet.
Mr. Kircher had been reared to habits of indus-
try and economy, was possessed of good judgment,
and moreover had been fortunate in the selection
of a wife who afforded him material assistance in
his labors, and his wealth steadily increased, lie
bought other land at different times and the old
farm upon which he settled so many years ago, and
which is still in his possession, now contains three
hundred acres of well-improved land, amply sup-
pled with good buildings and everything necessary
to carry on agriculture successfully, and besides
this he owns valuable city property. He continued
to live on his farm until 181)1, when he removed
to Shelbyville, where he has since made his home
in retirement from active business. A life of hon-
esty and uprightness has won him the esteem of
all who know him, and he is regarded as one of
our most trustworthy citizens. He and his wife
and all of their children are members of the Luth-
eran Church, and have done much to help their
pastor and fellow-members to make it a power for
the advancement of religion in the community.
Mr. and Mrs. Kircher were united in marriage
in 1852. Mi's. Kircher. whose maiden name was
Uosanna Phipher, is a native of Ohio, born April
25, 1832, and a daughter of John and Magdaline
Pipher, who were natives of Wurtemburg. and
pioneers of the Buckeye Stale. Our subject and
his wife have been blessed by the birth of the fol-
lowing children: Lena, wife of William Roof;
Hannah, who married John Kimmel and died at
the age of twenty-four years; Matilda, wife of
John Kniller; Theodore; William; Mollie, wife of
Theodore Warner; and Philip.
The reader's attention is invited to the litho-
graphic portrait of Mr. Kircher presented on
another page.
i^K-l
SCAB F. ROGERS, a farmer and stock-
raiser residing on section 20, Oconee Town-
^Jf' ship, Shelby County, was born in Hamilton
Square, Mercer County, N. J., March 6, 182(1. The
same county was the birthplace of his father,
Jacob Rogers, and his mother, whose maiden name
was Sarah Wall, was born in that State and grew
from early childhood in Mercer County. There
were five brothers and six sisters, of whom Oscar
was the eldest. Following him came Ferdinand,
who resides at Hamilton Square, X. J., and is en-
gaged in the manufacture of rubber goods; Eze-
kiel and Humphrey (twins), both living in Mon-
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPIIK \l
ECORD.
l:i:;
i now th. N..1.; Amanda, now Mrs. Gordon, residing in
Mercer County; Anna E., the widow of Charles
Cole, residing in Windsor; Jacob, living in
Mercer County; George, was a member of tin.'
First Louisiana Cavalry in the Confederate
army, and died during tin- Civil War: Phoebe,
was twice married, her present husband being
Mr. Johnson, of Pemberton, X. .1. Edith, wife of
John Tyndall, residing at Windsor, X. J.; and
Mary, who is unmarried and resides in New York
City.
Oscar 1'. Rogers and Mary .1. Allen were united
in the holy bonds of matrimony December 27.
1849. She was born in Mercer County. Decem-
ber 14. 1832, and of her family there were
three — Harris. Mr-. Rogers and Margaret. Her
brother and sister make their homes at Prince-
ville and Asliury Park. N. .1. Mr. Rogers came to
Oconee Township in tin' spring of 1857, and buy-
ing one hundred and twenty acres of land, en-
gaged in fanning, which has been his principal
occupation through life, although he hasaiso found
opportunities for considerable dealings in real
estate in connection with his farming for the last
seventeen year-.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers seven children were
born, three of whom are now living. Their eldest,
Elvina, who was horn in New Jersey, married
Mr. Wesley T. Elliott and resides at Oconee, 111.,
with her husband and nine children; Adelaide
was horn in New Jersey and died in that State
when about two year- old. a- did also Harris.
Allen married Addie Hamlin and resides on a
farm in Oconee Township, where he was horn,
with his wife and one child. Mary passed away
when she was a lovely girl >>( thirteen summers,
ami Frank died in childhood: Bert is unmarried
and lives at home. The parents of this family
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at
( tconee.
The Civil War called our subject to the defense
of his country and enlisted m Company H. Fifty-
third Illinois Infantry, and was assigned to duty
in the Seventeenth Army Corps, serving under
Gen. Sherman. This was one of those sad cases
of brother being arrayed against brother, as our
subject was in the Union Army and his brother
George in the Confederate service, lie passed
through many hardships and dangers, hut lived
to return to his rejoicing household. He has con-
nected himself prominently with the Grand Ainu
of the Republicand belongs to Coplin Post. No. l<>8.
at Oconee. He takes an active part in political af-
fair- and thoroughly endorses the party which
made so coble a record as the stanch supporter of
the administration during the Civil War. His
neighbors, who appreciate his many excellent
qualities and believe heartily in his integrity and
good judgment, have placed him in the offices of
School Trustee and Tax Collector. He has two
hundred acres of finely Improved land within
sight of the village of Oconee, and upon it he is
content to pass the remainder of his days, sur-
rounded bj hi- affectionate children.
nEWToN .1. GALI,AGHER,a prosperous and
wealthy farmer and stock-raiser, residing
on section 28, Holland Township. Shelby
County, was horn in this township. September 2\>.
1855. He is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Middles-
worth) Gallagher who were horn in Fairfield
County. Ohio. For particulars in regard to the
ancestry of this gentleman our reader is referred
to the biographical sketch of Abram Gallagher, his
brother, which will he found elsewhere in this vol-
ume.
The subject of this sketell is the eighth inn fam-
ily of ten children, and his home ha- always been
in Holland Township, where he lives on the old
original homestead which was entered by hi- father
from the Government about forty-five years ago.
His education was given him in the public scl Is
of this county, and he received thorough and sys-
tematic training upon his father's farm, gaining
health and strength for life's duties. He owns four
hundred acres of excellent farming land upon which
are good improvements and a fine large brick house
which is an ornament to the township.
( )ur subject was united in marriage April :>. 1KX1
with Miss M. I.ettie Allen, who was horn in Hol-
land Township, Shelby County, August 20, I860.
49-1
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
She is a daughter of Jedediah and Mary (Hege)
Allen. This worthy couple were horn in Ohio and
came as pioneers to this county, and their daughter.
Lettie is the third in a good family of eight. To
Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher four bright and healthy
children have been born, all of whom are living.
They are by name Floyd, Kay. ( >ssa Fleta and Fred.
The religious belief of the family is that of the
Methodist Episcopal Church with which both Mr.
and Mrs. ( rallagher were long connected, and where
she is still prominently identified. Her husband is
not now n member of the church although a be-
liever in Christianity and he gives liberally of his
means for the support of the Gospel. His early
political convictions were in accordance with the
doctrines of the Democratic party and he voted
with that organization for many years, hut he has
recently been more interested in the farmers' move-
ments and now votes with the Farmers Mutual
Benefit Association. Mr. II. Gallagher is very
pleasantly and comfortably situated, having sulli-
cient of this world's g Is to provide abundantly
for himself and family without being burdened
by cares. His value in the community is appreci-
ated by his neighbors who consider him one of the
solid and efficient members of the social and indus-
trial community which makes its home in the town-
ship of Holland.
( )HX A. TACKETT. Among the citizens of
this county who are most active in promo-
ting its interests are many who were born
within its borders, grew with its growth,
and since attaining manhood have been potent in
increasing its wealth and importance as an agricul-
tural, commercial ami manufacturing center, so
that to-day it ranks as one of the first counties in
Central Illinois in those respects. John A. Tackett,
capitalist, is a representative of the class alluded to.
lie has been a life-long resident of Shelbyville.
where his birth occurred September 28, HS32. and
for many years he has been prominently associated
with the best interests of city and county, using his
wealth freely to advance various enterprises that
have contributed to their development, lie is largely
interested in farming and also does a general brok-
erage business, and all that he undertakes he brings
to a successful issue.
He is a son of John Tackett, one of the first set-
tlers of Shelbyville. who was one of the leading
pioneers of this part of the country until death de-
prived his co-workers of his aid in the upbuilding
of this section in 1850. He was a native of Prince
William County. Va.. where he grew to man's es-
tate and married Enfield Mason, a native of Fau-
quier County. Va., who died at Shelby ville in 1X37.
Three of their five children were reared: Charles,
who died at Shelbyville; William J., a well-known
resident of Shelbyville; and John A. of whom this
sketch is written. After marriage the father of our
subject sought the forest wilds of Kentucky but did
not make a permanent home there, as he was at-
tracted to Illinois in 1829, foreseeing that men of
hi- calibre could expend their energies to a good
advantage in a country of such splendid but un-
tried resources. He journeyed hither with teams.
bringing his household goods and being accom-
panied by his wife and the two children that then
composed their family. He was among the first to
settle on the present site of Shelbyville, where he
found but little in the group of small log houses
to indicate that the little hamlet was the nucleus
of a flourishing and busy town such as is known
by those of a later generation.
Mr. Tackett built a hewed log house, which he
opened as an inn for the benefit of travelers pass-
im; through the town or coming in search of suit-
able locations, or for other business and it became
widely known by the traveling public as -Tackett 's
Hotel", and its comforts were duly appreciated.
There were no railroads here for years after he
opened his hotel and all travel was by stage. He
added to his buildings, greatly improved his prop-
erty and continued to keep hotel until his death.
He had an extensive acquaintance, was popular
and well liked, always friendly and obliging in his
relations with all with whom he came in contact,
and he was greatly missed in the community.
Our subject having been born in the early days
of the settlement of this county, has been a witness
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
195
of almost its entire growth, and it may well be bis
pride that he lias contributed to its rise and prog-
ress since he arrived at the years of discretion. He
has a clear and comprehensive knowledge of agri-
culture and he is superintending his extensive
farming interests with marked ability, while at the
same time he is conducting a lucrative business as a
broker, and from both sources derives a large in-
come, lie is one of the wealthy men of his native
county and his fellow-citizens always find him
ready to co-operate with them in whatever will
benefit the public. His name stands high in finan-
cial circles, as his integrity in money matters is
unimpeachable and he manages his business after
sound method-. His personal character is such as
in gain him warm esteem among his neighbors and
many acquaintances. Socially his relations are
with Okaw Lodge, No. 117. I. (). (). F. Mr.
Taekctt was happily married in ltf^O to Miss
Flora Cash, who presides gracefully over their
attractive home and cordially unites with him
in entertaining with pleasant hospitality any
of their friends that may happen to enter its
doors They have one daughter whom they have
named lima Enfield.
Mrs. Tackett is a native of Westfield, Clark
County, 111., and is a daughter of Henry II. Cash,
one of the well-known citizens of that town. Her
father was born in Amherst County. Va.. and was
a son of Reuben Cash, who was a life-long resident
of the Old Dominion. Mrs. Tackett 's father went
from his native Mate to Kentucky when be was
twenty-six years old. and from there came to Clark
County, this State, four years later. He settled in
Westfield, and in time became one of its leading
merchants. He carried on business a number of
years, but now lives retired in that town. Ih'
married Rebecca Evinger, a native of Kentucky,
and they have reared five children. — Watson (i..
Flora N., Rose M.. George A. and Henry E.
Mrs. Tackett's grandfather Evinger was born,
reared and married in Kentucky, he being a son of
one of the early pioneer families of that State. He
in turn became a pioneer, coming to Illinois and
casting in his lot with the early settlers of ( lark
County. He became one of it- most prominent
citizens, anil to him belongs the honor of havine
platted and named the town of Westfield. He
elected a set of mills, including yrisl and carding
mills there, but after a few years they were burned
and from that time be lived retired from active
business until his death at the venerable age of
ninety-one years. The maiden name of bis wife
was Margaret Seabolt. she was a native of Vir-
ginia, and went from there to Kentucky with her
parents, she came to this Slate with her husband,
and died at Westfield, at the ripe age of eighty-
four years.
ENRY F". DAY. .Mayor of Moweaqua, and
its leading merchant, has long been pre-
eminent in the commercial, public, political
and social life of Shelby County, and has
been an important agent in raising it toitspresenl
position as one of the foremost counties of Central
Illinois. He is of English birth and ancestry, born
March 7. 1835, in Birmingham, his father, John
Day, being a prominent business man of that city.
His grandfather was a manufacturer of fine guns,
and was :i life-long resident of Birmingham. The
father of our subject died in bis native city in
1849, and his mother died in L851. Her maiden
name was Rebecca Crane, and -lie spent her whole
life in Birmingham. The following are the five
children that she reared: Rebecca, Betsy, John,
Henry and Thomas. John died in Birmingham,
and the others followed our subject to this coun-
try. Rebecca married .lames II. Elsum.and settled
at Moweaqua; Betsy married Thomas Hudson, and
also located at Moweaqua; Thomas, who first set-
tled in Boston, and later at Moweaqua, served in
the late war in the Fourteenth Illinois Infantry,
and now resides at Memphis, where he is engaged
in the mercantile business.
Our subject was fourteen year's old when bis
father died. He was at that time an independent,
self-reliant lad. with a full share of the pertinacity
and pluck common to the English stock, and he
soon set forth in the world to see life for himself.
He set his face toward the United state- of Amer-
ica, and embarking December •'>. 1849, on the ve—
i:m;
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sel "Parliament," lie was soon out on 1 1 1 1* ocean,
sailing toward Boston, where he landed the '21th
day of the following January. He had been well
educated in the schools of his native city, and im-
mediately after his arrival in Boston he secured a
position as clerk in a bookstore, and subsequently
became one of the book-keepers of Nash, Callen-
der ifc Co. In 1854 lie look up his residence in
NTew York, where he engaged fur a time in the in-
surance business. In the latter part of L855 lie
went back to his old home in England, and after
spending several months amid the scenes of his
boyhood, he returned to the United States in the
spring <>f 1K.~)7.
lie was undecided where to loeate and what to
do. when good fortune led him to ask the advice
of his friend. Tom Ponting, to whom he went in
Chicago. That gentleman told him that he thought
that the then newly founded village of Moweaqua
presented many advantages to an energetic, wide-
awake young man, who desired to establish himself
in business. A hint is sufficient to the wise, and
our subject was not long in acting on his friend's
suggestion. He arrived here in May, 1857, and
the following February found him fairly started
in a lucrative mercantile business, which he has
conducted ever since, with remarkable financial
success. He began in a small way, gradually in-
creased his stock, and has built up a large tiade,
that is by no means confined within the limits of
the city, but extends far beyond, much patronage
coming to him from the surrounding country. He
now has two stores at Moweaqua, one for the sale
of clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods,
boys' wear. etc.. ami the other for the sale of gro-
ceries, dry goods, hardware, agricultural imple-
chma, glassware, etc. Both establishments are
fitted up in good style, are well managed, and are
stocked with first-class goods and a large assort-
ment in every line, at reasonable prices.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Louisa
M March, of Jacksonville, 111., was celebrated June
.*}, 1862. Mrs. Day is a daughter of Edward and
Harriet (Stevenson) March. She understands well
how to preside over her home, and has helped her
husband and children to make theirs the scene of
true hospitality and a pleasant abiding-glace, re-
plete with every desirable luxury and comfort.
These are the names of the children of Mr. and
Mrs. Day: William I... Henry M., Claire, Harriet
M.. Mary Crane, Kdna L.. Aileen and Bessie Elea-
nor. William, a resident of Concordia. Kan., mar-
ried Grace llinman. and they have two children —
Eloise and Vance.
Xot only has Mr. Day borne an important part
in extending tin' business interests of Moweaqua.
but he is a conspicuous figure in its public life as
the present Mayor of the city, to which position
he was called in 1891 by his appreciative fellow-
citizens, who recognize his talent for affairs, and
know that witli him at the head of the local gov-
ernment all enterprises inaugurated for the benefit
of the community will receive every needed en-
couragement, and that all matters of civic import
coming under his jurisdiction will be given care-
ful attention. Our subject is a leader among the
Democrats of this section, and has represented
them at numerous county, district and State con-
ventions. Mr. Day is prominently known in social
circles for his connection with the Independent
Order of odd Fellows as one of its foremost mem-
bers in Shelby County. lb' belongs to Shelby
Lodge, No. 271. and to Moweaqua Lodge, No.
1013, K. of II. lie has represented the Shelby
Lodge at the Grand Lodge several years, was for
for ten years Assistant Secretary, and has been
Grand Reporter of the State Lodge of K. of II.
since IK.xii.
s
ONATIIAN 1). BRUCE. The family to
which our subject belongs lioasts a name
that is famous in Scottish history. A lineal
descendant of the Scottish Kings, the branch
of the family to which our subject belongs emi-
grated to America early in the eighteenth century
and became possessors of large tracts of land in
Virginia. Their relations there were with the
people whose names are so intimately and prom-
inently connected with the Colonial period of
American history; the Reeds. Birds, Pendletons,
Lees and Bruces were co-workers in Colonial
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
49i
times. Like the majority of Virginia families
the scions of their family spread out like tin- rent-
lets of a tree through the Southern and Central
States, that to which our family belongs settling in
Tenness i .
Benjamin W. Bruce, the father of our subject,
was born in Bedford County, Tenn., December 25,
1800. Our subject's mother was in her maiden
days Miss Elizabeth Tull. another good old name
which figures in Colonial history, she was born
in Bedford County. Tenn.. November, 23, 1805.
They removed to Shelby County, soon, if not im-
mediately after they were married. ~ett linir here in
1828, in Windsor Township on Sand Creek, and
were among the earliest pioneers in that portion
of the country. 'Sir. Bruce, Sr., was a farmer by
occupation. The social bond at that early day was
kept firm by their church relations. Both lie and
his wife were communicants of the Christian
( m ih and were ardent workers in the suae. Their
last days were spent in Windsor Township, the fa-
ther passing away in the spring of 1861. His wife
survived him by a member of years, her dec
occuring January 20, 1875.
One almost wonders that among the manifold
duties incident to pioneer life which included not
only baking and brewing and making of garments
for the members of the family, but also the card-
ing and spinning and making into cloth, of wool
and cotton, that our subject's mother had time to
rear nine children and give to each of them the
training which, as a conscientious and Christian
woman, she felt she owed them. This, however, she
did ami of the brood of little ones that gathered in
the old-fashioned kitchen about the fireplace, our
subject was the fourth child in order of birth. Ik-
was born in Windsor Township, this county. April
11. 1833.
He of whom we write was reared on the home
farm in Windsor Township and remained with bis
father, assisting with the care and cultivation of
the farm until he was married, which auspicious
event took place August lit. 1852. He was united
to Miss Elenor B. Herod, who was a native of this
county. She has borne him eight children. Their
name.* are. Clinton D.. Samantha A.. George F.,
Addie M.. Estella B.. Maude H.. Charles o. and
Clarence C . Samantha A. i> now the wife of Oeorge
I .arvin: Addie is the wife of James Moberly; Estella
B. died when little more than an infant: Maude
II. i- the wife of John W. Moberly.
Mrs. Elenor Bruce died in Windsor Town-hip.
January 8, 1875. The first home of our subject
after his marriage was located on Sand (reek: there
they remained for one year and then removed to
Windsor, of which he was the Bret inhabitant, there
building the first house. His settlement in Wind-
sor was made in 1856. He was also proprietor of
the first hotel in the village. It was known as
the Windsor Hotel, and this he conducted for
about three years, after which he was engaged in
the mercantile business with John II. Whitstone.
They continued in partnership for about three
years at the expiration of which time Mr. Bruce
sold out his interest and with the proceeds pur-
chased a farm in Moultrie County, which, however
la- soon disposed of. Dining his residence in
Windsor, our subject was engaged in farming,
uniting with this the stock and grain business, in
which he was a large dealer for several years. He
afterward operated a large grain store in company
with Charles Voris. Eater including H. F. Smyser
and Levi Wilkinson in the partnership they con-
tinued to carry on the grain and mercantile busi-
ness until about 1872. They also opened a bank.
in which they did a g 1 business in connection
with their store.
Since leaving the partnership above referred to
he of whom we write has engaged exclusively in
farming and dealing in >t<>ek. lie is the owner of
about four hundred acres of good land located on
section .'UI. just outride the city of Windsor. Upon
this farm he has a charming residence which he
bas erected on the point nearest the village. His
farm boasts of the best of improvements and is a
conspicuous feature in the agricultural district of
the vicinity. Mr. Bruce has been an important
factor in the building up of the town of Windsor,
and the inhabitants owe him much for many con-
veniences that make them so closely allied to
larger cities.
Our subject was a second time married in Wind-
sor to Mi" Mar\ A. McAmant. Their nuptials
were celebrated Mas 9, 1*7(5. The lady was born
198
PORTRAIT AND BI< >< UJAPIIICAL RECORD.
in Ohio. She has presented her husband with two
children — Robert B. and Elenore E. The latter
died when ten and a half years old. In his polit-
eal preferences Mr. Bruce is a Democrat, in that
following the traditions of his family. He has taken
an active part in religious affairs, having been a
member of the Christian Church since 1857 and
has filled the office of Deacon for about twenty-
five years. The body with which lie is united owes
much to his generosity and excutive ability.
AMIEI. S. PETERS. A native of the
■s^J Prairie Mate and prominent in agricultural,
political and church circles in Sullivan
Township, Moultrie County, is the stanch
and worthy citizen whose name appears at the
head of this article. lie was born in (lark
Comity, this state. November 1 1. 1*34 and is a son
of Andrew and Susan (Mitchell) Peters. The
father was born and grew to manhood in the Green
Mountain Mate and afterward removed with his
parents to Ohio, where they located on a farm,
which is now a portion of the city of Cincinnati,
and there they died.
The father of our subject was married in Ohio.
his wife heing a native of Wardford County. Ky.
They emigrated from the Buckeye Mate to Illinois
at a very early day in the history of this Mate.
This wife was called hence by deatb and Mr. Peters
married again, the second wife being the mother
of our subject. Two children were horn to her.
the second son. Oliver, heing four years younger
than Samuel. He married Love Clarke, ano now
reside- in [roquois County, this Stale. ( )n the
paternal side the family is of English ancestry and
was established in Vermont at an early date in the
colonization of New England.
The early life of our subject was spent on his
father's farm in Clark County, and he was only
twenty years of age when he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Mary Saveree whose father. John.
was a Frenchman and her mother, Eliza, a native
of Ohio. Mrs. Peters is the second child in her
father'-- family, of whom five are now living
namely: Jeremiah, now a widower, who resides in
hi- native county: Cynthia A., who married James
Madley and died on the homestead in Clark
County; Elizabeth, who became the wife of John
I.. Collier and resides in Clark County: John M..
who married Mary Pell and lives in Vincennes,
Ind.. having served through the war as a soldier:
Cynthia J.. John W. and William, died in early
life, the latter in tin- army at the age of sixteen
year-. He was a member of an Illinois regiment.
The father of Mrs. Peters died when she was ten
years old and her mother married Fred Hilhert.
who served as a soldier during the war in an Illi-
nois regiment. Three children were horn of this
marriage, namely: Angeline. now Mis. Nitzman
and Henderson ami Henry. The last named is now
deceased. The mother passed away in Clark
County, in 1883.
The five children who were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Peters are as follows: Su-ie. who is now the
widow of Nelson Fred~and resides with her par-
ent-: Elizabeth, who died in infancy: John An-
drew, who married Ellen Wheeler and is farming
in Missouri; William, who i- unmarried and lives
at home with his parents and Mihlra. who married
.Mr. O. M. Stivers, a druggist at Bement, 111.
The subject of this sketch has made agriculture
his life work, coming to Moultrie County in 1859
and renting land for several years until he was
able to purchase, in 1*72. the farm on which he
now resides, lie has ever taken an active interest
in political affairs and espouses the principles of
Democracy, lie has served with great efficiency in
the offices of Highway Commissioner and Justice
of the Peace tor nine years besides various school
offices, lie still hold- the position of Justice of
the Peace and his administration of justice is in-
deed conducive to the peace of the community, as
by his wise and judicious counsel, he saves many
of his neighbors from expensive and aggravating
lawsuits.
The Methodist Episcopal Church is the religious
body with which Mr. and Mrs. Peters first became
united, as they joined that in 1861 but as there
has been no organization of that kind in the
neighborhood where they reside, they withdrew
from it six year- ago and joined the Presbyterian
'
^"to*.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
50]
Church, where they now worship and where they
have proved themselves a power for good in all
church work. This gentleman owns a splendid
tract of two hundred and seventy acres and liis
son. William, has eighty acres adjoining. He is
making preparations to build a residence the coin-
ing- year, after which lie will no donlit find great
comfort in this new home in his declining years.
He is identified with the order of .Masons, being a
member of Sullivan Lodge No. 7(11 and of Sullivan
Chapter No. 128, as well as being identified with
the Fanners' Mutual Benefit Association.
®)
^f)ESSE A. KOWMAX.D. I), s.. of Shelbyville,
though a young man has already won a high
reputation for his complete knowledge of
dental surgery and stands at the head of his
profession in Shelby County, lie is a native of
Illinois, born near Rockport, in Pike County. De-
cember 27. 1863. His father. Joseph McKwen. was a
well-known farmer of that county and for some
years previous to his death, in 1868, resided near
Rockport. His wife, whose maiden name was Nancy
Moxley, survived him until 1870, her death occur-
ring at Shelbyville. Six of their children were
reared to maturity — William P., John, Mary. Jacob,
.lesse and Thomas.
After the death of his mother our subject was
adopted by Dr. Joseph and Susan Bowman, of
Shelbyville, and was carefully reared by them as if
he were their own. He was given line educational
advantages, and was graduated from the High
School in the Class of 'Kl with a good record for
scholarship. He then adopted for awhile the voca-
tion of teacher in order to secure money to prepare
himself for the dental profession. He taught his
first term in Ridge Township, and when he had
sufficient money to defray his expenses at college
in 1HK3 he entered the Indiana Dental College at
Indianapolis, from which he was graduated in the
(lass of '84, with a thorough equipment for his
chosen calling. After leaving college he formed a
partnership with his father and was with him until
Dr. Bowman's death in 1888, since which time he
has been alone. He has pleasant rooms for the ex-
ercise of his profession and is well supplied with
all the modern appliances that have placed the
practice of dentistry to-da\ among the arts or
sciences. His skill, combined with his courtesey
and geniality renders him popular with everybody
and has gained him a large patronage.
The marriage of Dr. Bowman with Miss Anna
Rice was solemnized in ltfKt;. They have a charm-
ing home and their household is completed by the
presence of the three children born unto them —
Fred Homer. Carl Randolph and George A. The
Doctor is well-known in social circles for his
musical talent as he has a tine voice that has been
carefully cultivated and he is one of the leading
spirits of the famous Shelbyville Palmer Glee
Club. This is composed of five members and is
admitted to be the finest glee club in the State. It
was a prominent feature in Gen. Palmer's cam-
paigns in Ikk.s and 1891, being greeted with en-
thusiasm by the music-loving populace wherever
it sang and it was called to Chicago during the
mayoralty campaign there in the spring of 1891,
and received many plaudits from the people and
encomiums from the press. Our subject- and his
wife are among the Leading members of the Luth-
eran Church. He has been Superinteneent of the
Sunday-school, Secretary of the congregation and
for eight years has acted as chorister.
Accompanying this biographical notice is a lith-
ographic portrait of Dr. Bowman.
-^,.j.-r.^. ^^ :;A^ .^...^,*j.r
AIT. GEORGE WRIOHT. Conspicuous
linong those of foreign birtl
periled
y among those ot foreign hirlli who periled
' their lives and fortunes to help save the
Union during the Civil War (apt. George Wright
is not the least worthy of mention. Since the
close of the Rebellion he has shown the value of
his citizenship in a a far different field as a farmer
of this county who for several years has interested
himself in the introduction of line horses into this
part of the State, having a well-equipped stock
farm in Pickaway Township, when' he and his son
502
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
are quite extensively engaged in breeding horses,
and have several valuable thoroughbreds of the
besl strains, besides some imported stock of the
purest blood.
Capt. Wrighl was burn in Hutton, Yorkshire,
England, October 13, 1825. His father, Robert
Wright, was a native of the same shire, as was the
grandfather of our subject who spent his whole life
among the Yorkshire wolds. The father < if our sub-
ject was reared to agricultural pursuits and al-
ways carried on his occupation in his native shire.
He married Eleanor Bradley, who also passed her
entire life in Yorkshire. She was the mother of
six children, only two of whom came to this coun-
try, our subject and his sister Frances. The latter
married Robert Dobson, and lives in Shelbyville.
At the early age of seven years the Captain com-
menced to earn his own living, as his parents were
in poor circumstances, and he worked out by the
year in different English shires until 1847, when
he obtained employment in the chemical works at
South Shields, where he remained two years. Am-
bitious to see something of the world" and to make
more of life than was possible in the land of his
birth, in the pride and vigor of early manh 1.
he set sail from Liverpool in the month of May
in the vessel -De Witt Clinton," hound for these
shores, and landed at New York after a three
weeks' voyage. He went directly to Massillon,
Ohio, where he obtained work as a farm hand, and
he resided there until 1858. In that year he made
a new departure, and coming to this county, be-
gan his independent career as a farmer by purchas-
ing two hundred and forty acres of wild prairie,
paying $9 an acre for one hundred and sixty acres
of it, and $12.50 for the remaining eighty acre.-.
He was asingleman at that time. but he had the help
and encouragement of his sister, with whom he
resided until 1861.
In that year the war broke out, and our subject
responded quickly to the call for troops first given,
with all the loyalty to the Government under
which he had come to build up a new home, and
with all the patriotism of a native-born citizen.
So rapidly did volunteers come forward in this
county that the quota was filled lie fore our subject
was mustered in. and he had to wait until the 25th
of May before his name was enrolled as a member
of Company B, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, under
Col. John M. Palmer. July 25, 1861, his regi-
ment crossed from Quincy to Missouri, and was
stationed in that State until the ensuing winter,
being at different times quartered at Rolla, Macon
City, Sturgeon, Jefferson City. Lipton, Springfield,
Sedalia and Otterville, oi wherever their services
were most needed, being at the latter place the
greater part of the season of 1861 and till the
1st of February, 1X02. When Gen. Lyon fought his
famous battle at Wilson's Creek, and when Mulli-
gan was engaged at Lexington, our subject and
his comrades were sent to re-enforce them but ar-
rived too late both times to be of much use. While
at Jefferson City our subject received his promo-
tion to be Second Lieutenant of his company Sep-
tember 28, 1861.
When his regiment left its winter quarters it
was despatched across the Mississippi River to
Ft. Donelson, and much to the disappointment of
the brave men it arrived too late for the battle.
They were, however, in good season for the en-
gagement at Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing, April
(i, 1862, and did some desperate fighting in that
dreadful battle, as is shown by the fact that two
hundred out of their five hundred were left on
the held at the end of the encounter. On that oc-
casion, while faithfully performing his duty, and
cheering his men on to the conflict, Capt. Wright,
received a bullet wound in the left arm.
October 25, 1872, marked another important
event in the brave officer's military career, and it
was on that date that he received his commission
as First Lieutenant, to date September 13. lK(!2,and
reading '-Promoted for meritorious service at Pitts-
burg Landing." When the attack was made on
Corinth.the Fourteenth Illinois distinguished itself
for conspicuous gallantry in the fore-front of the
battle. Its next move wasto Grand Junction and
La Grange, and June 17, 1862, found it at Holly
Springs, Aliss. The following October it was in
the heat of battle at Metamora. sometimes called
the battle of Hatch ie. Our subject and his com-
rades spent the winter of 1862-63 at Lafayette.
Tenn.. and the following spring and summer were
in active service in the famous sie^e of Vicksburg.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
>03
Here again our subject was honored by promotion
to the position of Captain, receiving his commis-
sion, which was dated May 8, 1863, June 30,
1863. After Vicksburg had fallen he led his men
in the battle of Jackson, Miss., and afterward
camped at Natchez. He was subsequently detailed
with his company b> escort A.dj.-Gen. Thomas
to New Orleans, lit' rejoined his regimenl near
Vicksburg, and in the opening month of 1864 he
and m number of his fellow- veterans returned to
[llinois, where he obtained furloughs for his men
at Springfield. For a month after that he was on
detached duty recruiting troops in thiscounty. In
the spring he returned to his regiment, which was
then stationed at Memphis, but he shortly returned
to Illinois with Col. Hall, the commander of his
regimenl to assist him in obtaining recruits.
Having replenished the regimenl to the required
Dumber, they returned to the scat of war. arriving
at Cairo May 13, 1864, and were soon at the front.
The term of enlistment of the Fourteenth Illi-
nois expired while at Huntsville, Ala., and soon
returned to Springiield. 111., where ('apt. Wright
was mustered out of the service, having served
long and faithfully and he returned to thiscounty
with his honors thick upon him.
The Captain took up the work that he had laid
down tO do battle for his adopted country, and
was engaged in farming in Todd's Point Town-
ship for a time, his own land being leased. In
1870 he took up hi- residence once more on his
farm in Pickaway Township, and ha> since occu-
pied a leading place among the most intelligent
and progressive farmers of this section. He has
always dearly loved a tine horse, which he rightly
considers one of the noblest of animals, and a few
years ago he turned his attention to raising horses
in company with his son. and they have met with
signal success in their enterprise. They now have
five costly, valuable stallions, four of them im-
ported, as follow-: ■•Thornton Echo" was foaled
in I.a Fylde, Lancastershire, England; "Royal Oak"
was bred in Cambridgeshire, "Rampton" was
bred in Lincolnshire. "Arthur" is a tine road-
ster, half Hambletonian and half Cleveland Pay;
and one of the handsomest and most prom-
ising of the stallions i- "Castleraugh," an English
hackney, hied in Effingham, Yorkshire. England,
imported to this country in 1890. Messrs. Wrighl
also have three imported English shire man'-: "Lady
Cannock." No. 2350, bred in Leicestershire; "Queen
Sarah." No. 2:i.V2. hied in Lincolnshire; "Queen
Henrietta. No. 2351, bred in Lincolnshire. These
horses constitute one of the besl selected and most
valuable studs in this part of the country, and in
their purchase the Captain laid the foundation of
a business that is increasing each year, and he has
already become known as a horseman of superior
judgment, of marked capability and far-reaching
enterprise, who seems to know the good points of
a horse intuitively, and is never deceived in the
worth of an animal. In his son. a young man of
much force of character, he has an able coadjutor.
December 29, 1864, Capt. Wright contracted
a marriage with Mis- Jennie Turner thai has added
greatly to his well-being. Its happiness has been
enchanced by the five children horn unto them,
namely. John Sherman, Florence Agnes, Frances
Helena. Annie .lane and Alice Maud. Mrs. Wright
is also of English birth and antecedents, horn in
Lancastershire, and a daughter of John Turner. She
came to America in ISIi2.
Before the war our subject was a Democrat, ana
was a devoted follower of the famous Stephen A.
Douglas. The war seems to have changed his po-
litical views decidedly, a- since he left the army
he ha- been a strong Republican, and the party
ha- no more ardent advocate in this section than
he.
mt^ I hi i b p > )ii
RVIN HOMRIGHOUS, a jeweler of Shelby-
ville, Shelby County, bears a high reputa-
tion through the county a- a business man.
and is widely known in social circle- for his mus-
ical talent and for hi- connection with the famous
Shelby ville Palmer Glee Club as it- leader. He i-
a native of Amanda Township, Fairfield County.
Ohio, the date of his birth being March 28,1836.
His father. John Homrighous, a prominent citizen
ami business man of that place, was born in that
county, in the township of Bloom. October 11.
1811, being a son of One of the early pioneers of
504
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
that part of Ohio, John Homrighous. The latter
was bom in Deadenshaus, Germany, November 21,
1781. His boyhood was passed in the Fatherland.
but before he attained his majority he resolved to
try life in America. Accordingly he embarked on
the good ship " Speculation," and some weeks later
landed at Baltimore. He returned to Germany a
year or two later to revisit the scenes of his youth.
but he came back to this country in 1 .si)."), and was
a resident of Baltimore until lKKi. when he vent-
ured forth into the wilds of Ohio, and became a
pioneer of Lancaster. He was finely educated,
and his fellow-pioneers were glad to have him ;
teach their children, so he taught for some lime in
and about Lancaster, and was one of the very first
teachers of Fairfield County, lie was a preacher :
in the German Reformed Church, and ad-
ministered spiritual food to the people very accept-
ably. He was withal a man of thrift and industry
and the quarter of a section of land that he pur-
chased in Bloom Township under his skilful hand
became a tine farm, though it was heavily wooded
when it came into his possession. He made it
his home until he was called up higher to the
realms of the blest. The maiden name of his wife
was Alspaugh. She was of German antecedents,
but was born in America.
In the county of his nativity, the father of sub-
ject grew up under pioneer influences. He learned
the trade of a cabinetmaker, and in lis2!» estab-
lished himself at that in connection with undertak-
ing at Rovalton, and has been in business there
ever since, he being one of the substantia] moneyed
men of the town. He also owns a farm in
Amanda Township, just outside the corporate
limits of Rovalton. lie married in early manhood
Miss Magdalina Wagner, and they have traveled
life's road together many years. She was born in
Amanda Township, December 1 1. 1811, coming of
one of the early pioneer families of Ohio. She is
the mother of these five children, — John W.,
Frvin, Mary A.. Lewis and Henry.
Frvin Homrighous was educated in the schools
of Rovalton. and at the age of twelve years he
began to learn the trade of a jeweler, and when
fifteen years old commenced to learn the trade of
a cabinetmaker of his father, lie worked with
him until he was twenty-two years of age. ami
then came to Illinois, and for seven years was act-
ively engaged in farming in Holland Township.
In 1865 he came to Shelbyville. but he did not at
once establish himself in any particular business.
He continued to give his attention to agriculture
and superintended the management of his tine
farm of five hundred acres in Holland Township,
continually making improvements that enhanced
its value. In 1881 lie embarked in the jewelry
business, taking advantage of a fine opening at
Shelbyville for a first-class jewelry store, and has
continued in it ever since. He has one of the
finest establishments of the kind in Central Illinois,
handsomely appointed, and slocked with an ele-
gant assortment of jewelry and precious stones of
every description to suit all tastes and require-
ments of even the most fastidious, as our subject
is a connoisseur in his line, and makes his select-
ions with nice discrimination and an artistic eye.
Mr. Homrighous was first married in 1858 to
Miss Mary Allen, who was, like himself, a native
of Amanda Township, Ohio, ami was a daughter
of Howard and Sarah (Leist) Allen. Mrs. Hom-
righous died in 1M7D and her household was thus
deprived of the tender ministrations of a g 1
wife and devoted mother. Four children were the
fruit of that marriage, namely. — John. Milo, Met-
ta and Frank. In April. 1871, our subject was
united in marriage with Miss Esther Penwell. a
native of Indiana, and a daughter of David and
Samantha (Carver) Penwell. Mr. and Mrs. Hom-
righous have a charming home, and their many
friends are always sure of a cordial welcome and
pleasant entertainment at the hands of a host ami
hostess of such well-known social qualities as they
possess. Two children have blessed their mar-
riage. Charles and Bob.
Mr. Homrighous is not only a practical, wide-
awake business man. but he has another side to his
nature in that he has inherited from a music-loving
race a decided talent for that noble art. and is one
of the foremost singers of this county. He re-
ceived a cartful and thorough training in voice
cult in e in his youth, and ever since he was eighteen
years of age he has given vocal lessons, and for
some years he has been chorister at the Methodist
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
50a
Episcopal Church. But he has gained 1 1 i— chief
distinction as leader of the celebrated Shelbyville
Palmer Glee Club, which i- widely known for the
marked musical ability of its members, and stands
without a peer in the United States as a campaign
glee club. The four gentlemen who have united
with our subject to make the club famous are K.
T. Ilitr. Dr. -I. A. Bowman, Edward Silvers andG.
R, Graybill. During the political campaign <>f
i~^s the club accompanied Gen. Palmer when
he stumped the State for the Governorship, and
was received with acclamation cm every hand by
the people who assembled to hear the General's
political oratory, and who listened with rapt atten-
tion to the songs rendered by the club, and testified
t<> their appreciation by generous applause. When
the exciting mayoralty contest was being carried
on in Chicago in the spring: of 1891, the Glee
Club was honored by being called to that city to
sing at the political gatherings of the Democrats,
and if the candidate endorsed by Senator Palmer
could have been sung into office, he would un-
doubtedly have been reelected. As it was, the
music-loving populace of the World'? Fair I itv
attended the meetings in crowds to hear the >iiiir-
iiiLT of the club, and it was highly commended by
the press.
In polities. Mr. Homrighous is a Democrat.
Socially, he i> a member of Jackson Lodge, No.
53, A. F. &. A. M. Religiously, both he and his
wife are among the leading members of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church.
gj ALVIN FRANTZ. The original of this
sketch is now enjoying the well earned rest
from the hard labor and responsibility to
which he has for years been subjected. He is now
living in retirement from farm work in Lovington
and here gives himself up to the enjoyment of
things in life, which, although he has appreciated
hitherto, he has Keen obliged to deprive himself of
because of lack of time and mental freshness to
thoroughly enjoy. The life of a farmer, especially
one who has the charge of a good deal of stock, is
one in which every hour of the day has its duties:
from the earliest dawn when tin- kine and calves,
the horses and pigs and other domestic animals are
each calling in their own peculiar language for
breakfast and care, until the night, when it i> im-
portant that each dumb brute should lie safely
housed and protected, there i> something to look
after, something to plan and much to execute. A
farm is a small dominion and the fanner i- the
petty monarch of all he surveys, and it will yield
him well and prolific-ally in proportion as he studies
its needs anil requirements.
Our subject is of Irish-American parentage. Hi?
father, John Frantz, was born in Somerset County,
Pa., and his mother, whose maiden name was
Rachael McMahon, was a native of Ireland. After
marriage they settled in Somerset County. Pa.,
where they remained a short time and thence re-
moved to Perry County, Ohio, where they resided
a good many year.-, and early in the '60s came
to Moultrie County, here living until death claimed
them for its own. Both passed away at the resi-
lience of our subject in Lovington. They had
nine children and of these our subject was the
fourth in order of birth. He was born in Perry
County, Ohio, January 23, 1830, and there he grew
to manhood, remaining under the parental roof
until 1851. when he came to Moultrie County and
soon after engaged in farming in Dora Township.
where he continued to live until March. 1885.
At the date above named Mr. Frantz rented hi-
farm ami came to the village of Lovington where
lie has since been a resident. His chief occupation
has been farming and he ha- devoted himself to
this calling with a gratifying degree of success.
He is now the owner of two hundred acre- of land
in Dora Township which is well improved and
bears evidence of thorough and intelligent culti-
vation on the part of its owner. He of whom we
write was married in Lovington Township. March
Hi. 1854. His bride was Catherine E. Peniwell, a
daughter of John D. and Isabella (Podman) Peni-
well. The former was born in Delaware and the
latter was a native of Ireland. After marriage
they settled in Pickaway County. Ohio, where the
wife and mother died. Mr. l'eniwell then came to
5(16
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.Moultrie County, this State, in 1K."> 1 , and settled
in Lovington Township and later removed to Dora
Township, where he resided until his death.
Nine children grew up about their parents and
Of these .Mrs. Frantz was the fourth in order of
borth. She was horn in Ohio. June 7. L825, Mrs.
Frantz is an intelligent and amiable woman who
has ever been the loving helpmate and sympathetic
companion in all that interests her husband. She
is the mother of four children whose names are
respectively: Isabella. Raehael F..and .Mary Wand
one other child, the eldest, who died in infancy.
of these. Isabella is the wife of Reuben Landers.
She died in Lovington Township. October, 1KHS.
Raehael E. died when only two years of age. Mary
V. is the wife of T. I). Wilt,
The gentleman of whom we write has taken an
active interest iii political affairs for many years
past, being a follower and adherent of the Repub-
lican party. He has held several offices in the gift
of the township in which he lives, having been
Collector, School Director, and Highway Commis-
sioner, all of which posts he has held to the satis-
faction of his constituents. Mr. Frantz is a
gentleman whose high business capabilities render
him fit for any position that might be required of
him for the good of the township and the advan-
tage of the people. He is a thoughtful, intelligent
man. an honorable gentleman and a scholar.
-S
£+£
B_
GEORGE BAKER is successfully pursuing
agriculture on the fertile soil of Penn
Township, where he has a farm that in
point of productiveness, cultivation and improve-
ment ranks with the best in its vicinity. June 10,
1851 is the date of the birth of our subject in Har-
rison County, Ind. Conrad Baker, his father, a
well-known resident of that county, is a native of
Germany. His parents spent their entire lives in
that country anil he and his brother Theobald
were the only members of the family that ever
came to America. The latter settled in Floyd
County, lnd.
Conrad Baker learned the trade of a shoemaker
in his youth and when a young man left his
native land to try his fortune in the United States
of America. After his arrival he made his way to
Indiana and settled in Harrison County. For a
time he made shoes in Bradford and then engaged
in the mercantile business, which he continued to
carry on with good profit for some years. lie now
lives retired in the same village in the enjoyment
of a competence ample for all his wants. He was
married after coming to this country to Sarah
Ingrain, a native of Harrison County. He was
bereaved of her companionship by her death in
1879. Her father, who was a pioneer of Harrison
County, served in the War of 1*12 and fought
bravely in the famous Battle of Tippecanoe. Two
children were born to the parents of our subject.
Lewis, the other son, being now a resident of
Bradford, his native town. After the death of
their mother their father married again and has
nine children by his second union.
Our subject passed his boyhood in the home of
his birth and was educated in the local public
schools. He was active, capable and self-reliant as
a lad and began to make himself useful when quite
young. At the age of nineteen he left the paren-
tal abode to start in life for himself and for one
year worked on a farm by the month in his native
county. He then left Indiana and for a year and
a half lived in LaBelle County. Kan., where he
was employed as a farm hand. Shrewdly foresee-
ing that on the alluvial soil of this county he
would have better Opportunities to become inde-
pendent in the exercise of his chosen calling, for
he had decided to try farming for himself, he
came to this section of the State and in 1S7M
rented land. He was thrifty, industrious and
economical and in 1888 he had money enough and
to spare to invest in a good farm and he bought
the one that he now occupies. He is the fortunate
proprietor of a quarter section of prairie in Penn
Township, which is undei admirable tillage and is
supplied with all the nccessarx buildings, besides
being well equipped wit] idem machinery.
During these years of toil Mr. Baker has by no
means been without the assistance of a capable
wife, to whose cheerful co-operation he is much
indebted for the comforts of a cozv home. This
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
507
helpmate he secured in the person of Laura A.
.Martin, tn whom lit' was united in marriage in
1K73. Two children have been born to tin-in.
whom they have named Cora E. and Clarence.
Mr. Baker i- an intelligent member of the Fanner's
Mutual Benefit Association and in politics he holds
himself independent, supporting at the polls which-
ever partj he deem- best.
— ' 5-
-^•S'.
=5©
M£~<!
*VT XDRKW FOSTER. Our subject is of Irish
C -/- 1 parentage and from both sides of the fam-
/ V ily inherits the wit and humor as well
qJ as the quick and nervous vital force
of the Irish people. His father was John Foster
and his mother was Eleanor (Morrow) Foster, both
from Ireland, and having emigrated to this coun-
try at an early day. removing to Moultrie County,
this Mate, where they settled in Lovington Town-
ship. The father of the family expired on his
farm in the township. The mother passed away
later, while in the town. They had eleven chil-
dren, of whom our subject was the tenth in order
of birth.
Ross County, Ohio, was the place where Andrew
Foster was horn September 24. 1816. He was
about four years old when his parents removed to
Pickaway County. Ohio, and there he grew to
manh 1 and there continued to live until 1844,
when he came to Moultrie County with his wife
ami one child and settled in Lovington Township.
His marriage took place in Ross County. Ohio,
March 2. 1842, and he was united to Lucinda Coch-
ran, who was a native of the county in which she
was married. She hole him four children, whose
names areas follows: John A., who married Adelia
Bicknell and died in Lovington, this State: the
other children are Elizabeth K.: Sarah .1.: Milton
C; Elizabeth E. is the wife of Henry II. Dawson:
Sarah .1. was married to .lames Gregory; while Mil-
ton ('. was united to Miss K. Ricknell. Mrs. Lu-
cinda Foster died in Lovington October l. 1854.
The original of our sketch was again married in
Sullivan, this State, October 28, 1858, to Sarah .1.
Lewis, nee Hubbard. She was born in Pickaway
County, Ohio, September 21, 1831. six children
were the result of this marriage. Their names are
as follows: George F.. Alva I-:.. Charles O.. liah S.
and Frank 11; George E. married Amanda Binkley;
Alva E. was united to Miss Lizzie Gailey; Charles
O. was united to Miss Allie Souther; Frank II.
married Miss olive Boggs; the other son, Eddie,
died when only eight months old.
lie of whom we write lived on his farm in this
county until about 1852 or 1853, when he came to
LOvingtOn, where he has since been a resident. He
is the owner of live hundred and two acres of good,
arable land, upon which he has laid out many im-
provements. In politics he is an adherent of the
Democratic party, its breadth of platform, free trade
theories, suiting his ideas of a Republican form
of government His wife, who is personally a
most affable lady, with an unusual conversational
ability, has ever been her husband's encourager
and helper in his work. She is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church and all good words
and works find a sure lodging in her sympathetic
and motherly nature.
Our subject's father. John Foster, died in Au-
gust, 1852, at the age of eighty-eight years. Flis
wife. Mrs. Eleanor Foster, died in August. 1852, at
the same age her husband had attained when his
decease took place. They were kindly and gentle
old people, who had fulfilled their mission in life
conscientiously and well. They bequeathed to
their children principles of honor and rectitude
that have followed them through life and have
been of great advantage to them in a business way.
ENRY BERNHARD. At the name miller,
one's mind instantly and involuntarily sees
picture after picture of the changes that
have been wrOUghl in the methods of pro-
ducing the farinaceous product of which the staff
of life is made. One first see- two veiled women
sitting on either side of stone disks and grinding
the handful of corn or wheat into powder; later,
it was accomplished on a larger scale, and beasts
508
PORTRAIT AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of burden turned the stones, and in the boy] I
days of the early pioneers in this State, they saw
quaint Little mills whose wheels were turned by a
thin stream of water that, east from the wheel,
made merry bubbles and diamonds of light. This
has all given way to the new process and nowa-
days when we no to mill, one sees only a bewilder-
ing maze of belts and hands and machinery,
that turns out the snowy white billows of
flour at an amazingly rapid rate. This is known
as the Roller Process of making flour and it is one
of these last mentioned places of which oursubjecl
is proprietor.
Previous to coming to Strasburgh, the original
of our sketch was engaged iii business in Effing-
ham County, this State, where he remained until
his mill was destroyed by lire November 1. L886.
He did not. however, make the change until April,
1887, when on coming here, he erected the tine
mill of which he is the sole owner and proprietor.
These mills have a capacity of turning out eighty
barrels of Hour daily, and being so accessible to
the farmers in the vicinity, .Mr. Bernhard does a
large and thriving business. Our subject has a
charming residence in Strasburg located on the
principal residence street. It is gracefully presided
over by his wife, who is a cultivated and talented
woman, she was previous to marriage with him
Of whom we write Mis. Louisa Kid. nee Ilartinan.
She is a native of Pennsylvania. Our subject had
previously been married, his first wife having died
in Shumway. this State. July 2. 1883.
Henry Bernhard was born in [ttlingen, Baden.
Germany, April '.), 1835,/and is a son of Henry
and Margaret (Ziegler) Bernhard. both natives of
Baden, Germany, the former having been there
born September I. 1802. The mother passed away
in her native country in 1837. Sonic years after
our subject came to America his father also emi-
grated to this country in 1879, and thereafter
made his home with his son until his death which
took place in Shumway, this State. January 3.
1889. lie of whom we write received his early
education in the schools of his native village and
early received training of a practical nature, which
is indispensable to German teaching. He early
learned the trade of milling, in his native home.
In 1H.">3. when there was such an exodus from
the European countries to the United Stales, our
subject came hither with the intention of making
his fortune, confident that so strong a pair of
hands, guided by so willing and intelligent an
understanding, would not be out of place in this
great land where there are so many opportunities
for one who is quick and intelligent. For nine
months after first coming to this country he was
engaged in milling in New Jersey. At the expir-
ation of that time, lie came to St. Clair County,
111., where he remained until 1864, when he re-
moved to Banner Township, Effingham County.
On settling in St. Clair County our subject felt
the need of a home and companion, and solicited
the hand of Catherine Sinn in marriage. His suit
was successful and their nuptials were celebrated
( totober 27, 1858. The lady was born in Germany
at her husband's birthplace, her natal day being
December 2. 1838. She was the daughter of
Michael and Rosetta Sinn. Pour children were the
result of that union. Two of these, Lizzie and
Louisa are still living. As before stated his wife
died in 1883, and after the many years that they
had lived together, life seemed to him for awhile
intolerably desolate.
Always a public-spirited man, Mr. Bernhard has
ever been quick to see advantages that would
redound to the benefit of the public, and to exert
himself in making these realities. In 1872 he took
an active part in securing the establishment of a
post-office. The station was then called Tolerance,
and our subject was appointed Postmaster in
which capacity he served until 1879, when the
name was changed to Shumway. In 1S7K he
erected the Tolerance Flouring Mills in the town
of Shumway. Effingham County, at a cost of
#11.000.
Prior to entering the milling business he of
whom we write was engaged in merchandise for a
period of eight years in which business he was
very successful. The fact that he is truly the
architect of his own fortunes must be very encour-
aging to many young men who. like himself,
have but small capital with which to operate, and
whose wits and ability are their best stock in trade.
Mr, Bernhard has become a wealthy and influential
*?;. '
i
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
,i i
man and this he has accomplished by liis own un-
aided efforts. He has held m niunbev i>t' local
offices in his township, having been Supervisor,
Clerk and School Director. Politically, lie is a
Democrat. Religiously, he is a Freethinker.
? OHN E. BRADLEY. Amongthemany who
are gaining a maintenance :is fanners in
Lovingtbn Township, is the gentleman
win isc name introduces these paragraphs and
whoso portrait is presented on the opposite page.
lie- is the owner and operator of a line farm of
eight) acres on section 12. By honest industry.
good judgment and unwavering perseverance, he
has won prosperity, and what is far better, a repu-
tation as a man of honor and uprightness. The
Spirit he has shown in worldly affairs, affords a les-
son toothers who begin life without eapital, while
the influence of his consistent life is felt far and
near.
Mr. Bradley is an honored representative of a
patriotic and industrious family. His grandfather,
John Bradley, served seven years as a brave sol-
dier in the Revolutionary War, while his father.
John Bradley, was one of the founders of the old
free Soil party. The latter, a native of Chester
County. Pa., married Elizabeth Evans, a native of
the same place a- himself, and there they dwelt for
some years after their marriage. Later they re-
moved to Trumbull County, Ohio, where the faith-
ful wife and mother died December 1. 1838. Af-
ter her decease the father came as far West as
Illinois, where, in Lovington Township, Moultrie
County, he closed his eyes to the scenes of earth
February 21. 1*72.
Of the six children in the family circle our sub-
ject was the fifth, and he was born in Chester
County, Pa., December is. 1829. He was a child
of four years when his parents came to Trumbull
County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, in the
meantime acquiring as thorough an education as
was afforded by the schools of the vicinity. He re-
mained on a farm in Trumbull County until the
Spring of 1850, when he came to Moultrie County.
III., and settled in Lovington Township, of which
he has since been a resident.
Mr. Bradley was first married, December lis. L856,
to Mary S., daughter of Oren Dunscomb, who died
in Trumbull County. Ohio. Mrs. Bradley was born
in Trumbull County, and bore her husband one
child, a son. Charlie II.. who married Miss Mary E.
Weatherly and now lives in Sullivan. The wife
and mother passed from earth August in. 1866. Mr.
Bradley was again married, in Pickaway County.
Ohio. January 19, 1871, choosing as his wife Miss
Maitha A. Hayes. This estimable lady, the daugh-
ter of Jesse and Betsey (Hurst) Haves, was bom in
Pickaway County. September 27. 1836, and under
the careful instruction of her parents and teachers.
grew to a refined womanhood, llry happy mar-
riage with Mr. Bradley has been blest by the birth
of three children — lohn F.. Mary E. and Alfred C.
Since the organization of the Republican party.
Mr. Bradley has been prominent in its ranks, and
has served the people in various official capacities.
He is greatly interested in educational matters, and
for twenty-five years has served efficiently as School
Director. He has also been Highway Commissioner
and held the minor offices of the township. But
we would be doing great injustice to Mr. Bradley's
career, were we to omit especial mention of his
army record. On August 1. 1HII2. he enlisted in
Company A. One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illi-
nois Infantry, as a musician, lie served in the
ranks until he was promoted to be Corporal and
later Sergeant. The entire term of his service was
three years, and during that time he participated in
many engagements, among the most important be-
ing the siege of Yickshurg and the battles of Little
Rock, and Clarendon. Ark. After an honorable
service he was mustered out at Pine Bluff, Ark..
anil returned home to resume the pursuits of peace.
While serving his country. Mr. Bradley received
a severe sunstroke which has been a source of great
affliction to him up to the present time. As might
naturally be expected he belongs to the Grand
Army of the Republic, being a prominent member
of Lovington Post. No. 354. Socially he is a mem-
ber of the .Masonic fraternity. In religious work
he takes an active part^having been a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1858, and
512
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his wife also holds membership in the same church.
As one of the valiant .soldiers to whom we owe the
preservation of the Union, ami as a capable farmer
we are pleased to represent him in this volume.
4^»
%AYU) MAUTZ. Most of the new lines of
thought instituted in this country are not
original with Americans, but are the out-
come of the conditions under which our alien ele-
ments have lived. It is true that not all of these
new ideas are desirable, as for instance, the anar.
chistic class, which wa- introduced from Germany
but has been re-enforced by representatives from
every oppressed nation. However, even the anar-
chists may effect a change in the relation of the
different classes of commercial and social life
Evolution in science and art is most prominently
demonstrated by the Germans of whom our sub-
ject is one. He resides on section 32, of Rural
Township, having thereon a tine and well cultivated
farm that shows the intelligent care that lie has
brought to hear upon the place.
Our subject was horn in Wurtemburg, Germany,
January 8. 1845, and is a son of George and Rosi-
na Maria Mautz, for whose further history see
sketch of John F. Mautz in another part of this
Recoed. In 1852, when every nation seemed to be
in a volcanic state, and there was a restlessness that
pervaded every class of society, the family of
which our subject was one. decided to emigrate to
the United States. After landing they proceeded
at once to Fairfield County, Ohio, where they re-
mained for two years, and then came to this State.
settling in Shelby County.
The early life of the original of our sketch was
spent upon a farm, where he drew in the spirit of
freedom with every breath of air that he inspired
lie early familiarized himself with the work of a
farmer and his training in this direction was car-
ried on by his father in the thrifty and speculative
German fashion, making intelligent observation
second the efforts of hard and constant manual
labor. The intervals of farm duties were filled by
attendance at the district schools, after which he
attended the Okaw Academy, at Shelbyville. He
then linished his training at the University of
Chicago, and was thus fitted to begin the practical
lessons of life, lie began his career by teaching
school for two years in his home district. He
then went to Chicago, where he served as clerk in
the Chicago Savings Bank, for a period of five
years, after which he returned to Shelby County.
and has since then resided in Rural Township.
November 15. lKTti. our subject took upon him-
self the duties and the responsibilities of the mari-
tal relation, his bride being Louisa F. Weber, a
daughter of Jacob Weber. The lady was born in
Wurtemburg, Germany. March 31, 1852. They at
once set up their lares and penates and the future
seemed bright before them. For several years his
wife was spared that he might know how sweet a
thing a home is. December 12, 1885, she passed to
the mysterious unknown, leaving one son, Ed-
mund .1. to be the comfort of the bereaved father.
Mr. Mautz makes his home on the place origin-
ally owned by his father. It comprises one hundred
and seventy-six and two-thirds acres of land, one
hundred and sixty acres of which are fine prairie,
and well improved. He of whom we write, frater-
nizes with adherents of the Democratic party. Al-
though a man who is fitted to fill any position in
the gift of the county, he has no desire for public
office or emoluments. He is a member of the
Swedenborg Church. William Mautz, who is a
member of our subject's family, was born October
23, 1841. He received his training in the common
schools of Germany and the United States. He
is interested in the land of which our subject is
accredited owner.
V__-
g*> .
OSEl'H LEIIX. Organization is the watch-
word of all modern movements, and it is
constantly on the increase. For many years
trades have altiliated and worked for the
interest of each other and for the support of their
rights. But the two extremes of labor, the agricul-
tural class and the professional class have not
joined hands in organizations looking to the up-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
513
building of their mutual interests. That daj i-
passing by and we find in both these classes a de-
sire ti> follow the popular trend. Farmers are now
associating themselves under different organiza-
tions, and perhaps there is none of these which is
stronger than the Farmers Mutual Benefit Associa-
tion, with which Mr. Lehn is identified. This
gentleman is a farmer and stock-raiser on section
IX. Oconee Township, Shelby County, and was
born in Roseheim, Fiance. September 22, 1834.
The parents of our subject were Joseph and
Teresa (Echert) Lehn. The father died in his na-
tive country "hen this son was a little child of
only three years <>f age. The mother married
again, taking as her second husband Martin Eck,
with whom she was united in marriage in 1840.
Joseph came to America with his mother, step-fa-
ther, brothers and sisters in 1852. Of his father's
children there were two -"ii- and one daughter,
namely: Louis, who is married and resides in Bond
County, where he owns a magnificent farm of
nearly two thousand acre- and N very extensively
engaged in raising horses and cattle; Mary, who
is the widow of Anthony Fisher, (who died about
ten years ago in this township) and who owns a
farm of two hundred acres on section 18, Oconee
Township, and our subject.
Joseph Lehn bought his tine farm of three hun-
dred and eighty acres as long ago as 1886. One
hundred acres of tins i- in Montgomery County.
this Mate, and the remainder in Oconee Township.
In his early youth he was trained to farm work,
and he chose it a- his life work and has been re-
markably successful in its prosecution. He has
recently erected a handsome and commodious home
on section 18, and has finished and furnished it
with great taste as well as comfort.
The marriage of our subject in 1868 brought to
his home a bride in the person of Miss Katherine
Kakers, who was born in Holland in 1845 and
came to America with her parents while still quite
young. To Mr. and Mrs. Lehn -ix beautiful chil-
dren have Keen horn, and they have the joy of
seeing them all still in life and health and under
the parental roof. They are named as follows —
Frank. Maggie, Teresa, Louis, Katherine and Mary.
All except the eldest are in attendance upon the
public schools and are benefiting by the instruction
received. They promise well to repay abundantly
all the care and affection which has been lavished
upon them.
Mr. Lehn wa- for a number of years after com-
ing to America engaged in various avocations.
For three years he worked in brickyards, and,
afterward started in on his own account in brick
making, and also took an interest in buying ami
selling stock. With his general farming he deals
a good deal in cattle and hogs, raising them and
occasionally buying and feeding for sale.
Mr. Lehn has always taken an active interest in
political affair- and voted the Republican ticket
-teadily from 1856 until Grant's second election,
at which time he voted the Democratic ticket. He
is quite liberal in his political views and says he
"votes for the man." All the members of his
family belong to the Roman Catholic Church, and
attend services at Pana. He is an honest and in-
dustrious citizen having the confidence and esteem
of all who know him.
-fr=-i-ss»
J
~A
T ( >IIN M. MATTOX. The work of such men
ashewhose name heads this sketch is a stim-
ulus and tonic to any one who desires per-
fection or to emulate perfection in any
branch whatever. His farm, located on section 13,
of Sullivan Township. Moultrie County, is a
model of neatness, productiveness and scientific
cultivation. Its owner here settled in 1865, and
since that time lie has devoted his attention and
his personal efforts to bringing it up to its pres-
ent high standing agriculturally.
Although he is the owner of hut eighty-four
and a half acres, this he has tilled to such a g 1
purpose that it yields as much as does twice that
much to many a fanner who fails to bring the in-
telligent oversight to bear upon his possessions.
He of whom we write was born in Clermont
County. Ohio. October 19, 1839. His parents,
.lasou and Maria (Meeker) Mattox, were natives
of Kentucky and New Jersey respectively. The
ol4
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mother was bora in 1807, and was about four
years old when her family removed to Ohio and
settled on the Miami River near the present site
of the city of Cincinnati. They were very early
settlers there, and the growth of the city was
made under their observation. Our subject's
father was probably born in Kentucky although
it may have been that his birthplace was in Cler-
mont County, Ohio; ai least In- was very young
when his family settled in the Buckeye State.
Our subject's parents were married ami lived on a
farm, where the father- decease took place, in
Clermont County, Ohio, lie left eight children
—William P.. Miles A.. A. .1.. Levi I... Mary .1.,
Elizabeth, John X. and Thomas G. Miles A. died
in Vigo County, hid: he had never been married.
A. J. resides in Coffey County, Kan.: Levi L. lives
in his native county in < Ihio; Mary .1. is the wife
of Abram Dunnham and lives in Missouri: Eliza-
beth married Thomas Powell and lives in Nash-
ville, Tenn.: Thomas G. died in this county, leav-
ing a widow and two children.
The original of our sketch was reared on the
home farm, and like the majority of Ohio boys,
he received very good common school advantages,
and being bright and assimilative, with a large
amount of vital fou-e. both mentally and physic-
ally, he was early equipped for the practical duties
of life. December 1. 1859, he was united in mar-
riage with Rebecca Beck, a daughter of Jeremiah
and Elizabeth Beck. She was a native of the
same State and county as her husband.
At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion
Mr. Mattox enlisted and was mustered into service
in Company A, Fifth Ohio Cavaby, serving in that
capacity for over three years. He was with the
regiment all the time, and usually drove the ambu-
lance wagon. His war experience i- chiefly noted
for his faithfulness and constant readiness for
duty. After the war he returned to Ohio, and the
following spring came to thi> state and county,
where for several yeats he was en traced in culti-
vating land which he rented. He ha- a comfortable
and well-built house upon his place and an orch-
ard that he may well be proud of. He devotes
much of his time to the cultivation of small fruits.
and in the fruit season his place is a -mall Eden that
would tempt any Eve to eat. whether the fruit
was forbidden or not.
Mr. and Mrs. Mattox are the parents of seven
children. One daughter died in infancy. Those
living are: Miles A.. Benjamin II.. Elizabeth M..
Kh.ra 1'... John R., Estella M. and Edith I). Eliza-
beth Is the wife of Oscar Mizenheimer: Flora E.
died in infancy. Like so many of his fellow-
husbandmen, our subject is a Democrat, that party
receiving the weight of his vote and influence.
He is a member of the School Board of his dis-
trict. Religiously he and his family, are mem-
bers of the Christian Church and are kind-hearted.
Christian people.
J-5-M--5--
* •$» »?» «J» »% —
t^j REDERICK P. SNELL. During the many
f-^\S) years that he has been a resident of Shelby
1 ( oiinly Mr. Snell has been a useful factor
in promoting its agricultural development. He is
no« living in retirement in a pleasant home at
Moweaqua in the enjoyment of an ample compe-
tence that is tin' result of his early labors. He
was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, August 19,
1825. a son of one of the early pioneer families of
that part of the country. His father. Daniel Snell.
was born in Maryland in 1788. and was a sou of
William Henry Snell. who was a native of Ger-
many.
The grandfather of our subject came to America
in Colonial times, and. a- was the custom with i r
emigrants of that day. he was sold after he landed
on these shores to pay his passage, lie was a cooper
and followed that trade in Maryland until 17'.t.">.
when he went to Kentucky with his family, making
tin- trip down the Ohio River in flatboats which
had to be guarded to keep the Indians away. He
lived in Kentucky a few years and then removed
to Warren County. Ohio, of which he was one of
the early settlers. He bought a tract of timber
land in Hamilton Township and in the years that
followed devoted a portion of his time to clearing
his land and the remainder to his trade, residing
there until death rounded out his life. The maiden
name of his wife was Christina Miller and she was
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
:> 1 ."i
also a native of Germany. She came to this
country with her parents, Philip Jacob and Chris-
tina Miller, and she died on her husband's farm in
Ohi...
The father of our subject learned the trade of a
cooper and after marriage purchased a home in
Hamilton County and lived there amid primitive
pioneer scenes until 1828. In that year he sold his
property in that county, and returning to the old
homestead in Warren County, he bought the in-
terests of the other heirs and dwelt there the re-
mainder of hi? life. 1 1 i> wife al~i > died on that
farm. Her maiden name was Sarah Peshenpaugh.
she was born in Pennsylvania and was a daughter
of Frederick and Pamelia (Varner) Peshenpaugh,
both natives of Pennsylvania and of German
ancestry.
Our subject was but three years old when his
parents returned to the old home in Warren C oiinty.
and there as soon as old enough he was sent to the
pioneer schools. That was in the day of subscrip-
tion schools before the free school system was
established and each family paid according to the
number of scholars sent. Frederick assisted on the
farm and remained an inmate of the parental
household until he married and established a home
of his own. He resided m Warren County until
1855, and then came to thi? State and county, at-
tracted thither bj the many tine advantages "ffered
t.i young and energetic farmers to pursue their vo-
cation successfully on thi? soil of surpassing fer-
tility. He purchased eighty acres of unimproved
land in what is now Flat Branch Township, bought
a log cabin which he moved to the place, and that
humble abode was his first home in Illinois. The
ensuing years of persistent and well-directed toil
brought him prosperity and from time to time he
was enabled to buy other land and once had three
hundred and eighty-five acre-, of which three hun-
dred ami flirty acres are still in his possession, and
constitute a valuable and well-improved property.
In 1**2 Mr. Snell rented his farm and moved to
Decatur where he purchased property. lie lived
there three years and then traded for realty in the
city of Moweaqua where he has since resided.
In 1853 Mr. Snell took unto himself a wife in
the person of Miss Eliza Clark and to her devotion
to his interests he is much indebted for the pros-
perity that he enjoys, she was born in Warren
County. Ohio, and i? a daughter of William K. and
Nancy Clark. Her marriage with our subject has
been blessed with children, of whom they have ?ix
living: Mark. Frank. Charles, William. James E.
and Cora. Mr. and Mr?. Snell joined tin- Presby-
terian Church while residents of Flat Branch
Township and have since remained true to that
faith, the sincerity of their religion being evidenced
by their daily conduct in all the relations of life
that they hold toward? others, and a- neighbors
and friends they are highly thought of in their
community. In hi? political views Mr. Snell is a
firm believer in the doctrines of the Democratic
party ami advocates them through good and evil
report.
ARCUS II. MILLER, a member of the
County Hoard of Supervisors, representing
9 Moweaqua Township, Shelby County, i?
conducting a profitable business as a har-
ne— manufacturer in thecityof Moweaqua. He is
a native of Northampton County. Pa., and was
born amid it- pleasant scenery August 29, 1856.
His father. William Miller, was also a Pennsylvania^
hi- birth-place in Puck? County. He was reared and
married in hi? native state. Marietta Boyer, also
of Pennsylvania, becoming his wife, lie was a
harm — maker, and carried on hi? trade at Weavers-
ville for some years. In 1862 he came to Illinois.
and buying a farm near Blue Mound, Macon
County, gave his attention to farming. He re-
sided then seven years, and then removed to
Christian County, where he bought land, and en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits until 1887. In that
year he came to Moweaqua, and has ever since
made hi- home here. He and hi? wife have reared
-ix children.
Our subject was a lad of twelve year? when he
came to thi? Slate with hi? father and mother. He
had previously attended school in Pennsylvania,
and after coming to Illinois he became a student
in the public schools of Macon County. He was
5 1 6
PORTRAIT AND BI.JGEAPHICAL RECORD.
reared to agricultural pursuits, and followed farm-
ing until 1881, when be established himself in the
harness business at Tayiorville. He carried ii on
there until 1885, when he came t<> Mbweaqua, and
has since been engaged in the manufacture and
sale of harness in this city. He has gained a solid
reputation for making a superior and durable har-
ness of the besl modern styles, and he has worked
u]> a large trade.
Not only has Mr. Miller secured an assured
place in the business circles of Mowcaqua during
the few years in which he has been a resident of
the city as the head of an important industry, but
he has gained entrance into public life in prominent
civic positions, lie was a member of the ( it\
Council in 1889, and in 1890 was elected Super-
visor to represenl Moweaqua on the County Hoard
of Supervisors, and still retains that office, showing
in his careful performance of the duties connected
with it that he is a lit man to be entrusted with
important civic affairs. Politically, the Democratic
party has no truer or more faithful supporter than
he.
(iui- subject was married to .Mis- Anna Marshall
in March, 1881, and they have established a home
wherein comfort and coziness abound and hospit-
ality reigns. Two children, Jessie and Willie com-
plete their pleasant household. Mrs. Miller is a
member of the Presbyterian Church, and interests
herself earnestly in all good works for the benefit
of the community.
ANTEL P. SWALLOW, a wealthy, retired
I farmer, residing at Sheibyville, Shelby
County, has materially assisted in advanc-
ing the prosperity and high standing of
tin-- county as a great agricultural centre, and he
still possesses valuable and extensive farming in-
terests in this part of the state. A native of
Hamilton County. Ohio. Mr. Swallow was horn
March 1. 1838, in the pioneer home of Jacob and
Kcturab (Crane) Swallow. His father was born in
New Jersey, and when he was young his parents
removed from there to Hamilton County, Ohio,
and were among it- early settlers, the grandfather
of our subject, who was a fanner, dying there at a
ripe age.
The father of our subject learned the trade of
wagonmaker and followed it for some years in
Hamilton County before he turned his attention
to farming. In 1851, with his wife and three
children, he came to Illinois to seek a new home,
journeying hither with team-, lie settled in what
i- now Hose Township, which he had previously
visited, and had purchased at the time eight hun-
dred acres of land at 15 an acre, only a small part
of the land being improved, two log houses and an
unfinished frame house constituting the only build-
ings on the place. He resided on his land until
hi- death, which occurred in 1860 and was caused
by injuries received by the falling of the grand
stand at the fair ground, hedyinga few day- after.
His wife, who wa- a native of Virginia, also died
on the home farm, and both lie sleeping their last
sleep side l>\ side in the little private ceineterj
near by.
He of whom this sketch is principally written
wi- a lad of thirteen year.- when he came with bis
parents to Illinois, and he still ha- a vivid recollec-
tion of the primitive scenes of those day-, for the
country wa- still in the hand- of the pioneers and
much of it- original wildness remained. Deer,
wild turkey- and other game were plentiful and
often furnished food for the settler-. There were
no railway- here and the people had to go to St.
Louis, as the nearest market and depot for supplies.
Din subject was of great assistance to his father in
the management of his farm and after the hitter's
death he still continued to reside on the old home-
stead until 1XJS1. when he came to Sheibyville and
bought his present residence. He still own- the
farm in Rom- Township, which is advantageously
located four mile- from Sheibyville, and since it
came into his possession he has been constantly
adding to its value by the many fine improvements
that he ha- placed upon it.
The marriage of Mr. Swallow with Miss Jeannia
Lumph, a native of ( >kaw Township, was solemn-
ized April 11. 1861. Mrs. Swallow's father, Jacob
Lumph, was born, reared and educated in Germany.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
517
When about eighteen years of age he came to
America and for a time lived in Ohio. From there
lie came to Illinois in the early settlement of Shelby
County, and located among the pioneers of Okaw
Township. He resided there a few years and then
bought timber land one mile north of the court
house at $5 an acre. He cleared his land, devel-
oped it into a good farm, and made it his home
until death railed him hence in I860. His wife
survived him many years, finally dying in Shelby-
ville. in March, 1881, and her mortal remains were
deposited by his in the Austin Cemetery, one and
one-fourth miles north of Shelbyville. Her maiden
name was Charlotte Frybarger. She came to this
country with her parents at the age of ten years,
from her native Germany, and was married here at
the age of sixteen.
Mr. and .Mrs. Swallow have three children : Mol-
lie. who married William Whitecraft. and lives at
Springfield; William and Roy. Our subject and
his amiable wife are among our best people so-
cially and religiously, and in them the first Meth-
odist Episcopal Church of Shelbyville, has two of
its most exemplary members, who ate influential in
promoting its growth materially and spiritually.
Mr. Swallow has sound views in regard to politics,
and i> a true Republican.
b<*"T~>l
1^=1
cS~
GEORGE S. DAVIS. It gives us pleasure to
, represent in this volume the native-bora
>on> of this county who are now helping in
various ways to carry forward its interests. Among
these figures the subject of this brief life record,
who is a successful farmer residing in Pickaway
Township, Shelby County. He was born in Ridge
Township March 8, 1853, and i.- the son of James
Davis, who was erne of a family of pioneer settlers
of Illinois. His father was a native of Nicholas
County. Ky.. of which his father. Joshua Davis a
native of Maryland, was an early pioneer. He re-
sided in the wilds of Nicholas County until 1833,
and then with his wife and five children emigrated
to the still more recently settled state of Illinois.
The journey to their new home was made by the
way of the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to
Naples, and thence to Morgan County, where the
grandfather of our subject rented land for a time.
He subsequently removed to this county, which at
that time was sparsely settled, and deer, wolves
and wild turkeys were found in abundance. There
were no railways, and the farmers used to take
their grain to St. Louis as the principal market,
going thither with ox-tcauis. and also driving their
hogs and cattle thereto sell. Grandfather Davis
cleared a good farm from the tract of unimproved
land which he bought after he came to the county.
and in the comfortable home that he built up
thereon his eyes closed in death January 4. 1868,
at the ripe age of eighty years. The maiden name
of his wife was Leah Still. She died in 1857 at
the age of fifty years, l'.otli were faithful Chris-
tian members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and carefully reared their childred in the same
faith.
The father of our subject was young when his
parents brought him to Illinois, and here he grew
to manhood and married, taking as his wife Mar-
garet Leach. She was horn in Ohio, a daughter of
Amos and Susan (Mover) Leach. She reared eight
children. >ix of whom are living. After marriage
the parents of our subject resided in Ridge Town-
ship a few years, and then his father bought a
tract of wild land in Pickaway Township, to which
he removed his family. He labored hard to im-
prove a farm, which under his management became
one of the most dcsirahlc in the vicinity, and there
in the midst of his usefulness he was taken from his
family and friends by the hand of death. He left
behind him a good record of a life well spent.
In the district school our subject rrceiveda prac-
tical education, and on his father's farm was well
drilled in agricultural pursuits. He remained an
inmate of the parental home until he was twentv-
four years old. giving his father needed assistance
in tilling the soil, and he then married and began
farming for himself on rented land in OkawTown-
ship. Four years later he bought the farm on
which lie now resides in Pickaway Township. He
has its eighty acres of rich prairie land under ad-
mirable cultivation, and has provided it with neat
and substantial buildings, all of the improvements
5 1 8
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
indicating that he is a thrifty, careful manager,
and has a clear understanding of the best methods
of conducting his work.
In the making of a home Mr. Davis has had the
cheerful assistance of a helpful wife, to whom he
«as married May 13, 1H77. Mrs. Davis bore the
maiden name of Emma Day. she is a native of
this county, and a daughter of England and Mary
(Foot) Day. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have four chil-
dren, whom they have named Dora. Fred. Millie
and Earl. Our subject and his wife are sociable,
hospitable people, who have many friends in the
community, and in them the Methodist Episcopal
Church has two active working members. Mr.
Davis is a decided Republican in his political views.
m>^r<n
S2-_
-8—
^-*> EORGEW. FLUCKEY is a resident on a
farm located on section 17. of Tower Hill
Township, Shelby County. His father was
Adam Fluckey. who was probablya native of Penn-
sylvania. His mother was Mary Sellers. After
marriage they settled in Ferry County. Ohio, and
from there moved to what is now Morrow County.
Ohio; there they died. They were the parents of
seven children, of whom our subject was the second
in order of birth. He lirst saw the light of day in
Perry County, Ohio, August 12, 1830. His early
life was spent on a farm in Morrow County, Ohio,
and there he learned the duties incident to farm
life.
Mr. Fluckey was married October 2. 1856, to
Miss Arvilla Brown, their nuptials being celebrated
in Morrow County, Ohio. By her he became the
father of three children, whose names are: Sarah E.,
Ira A., and Winfield S. The first named is the
wife of Charles Summers. Ira married Melinda
Eagg. Mrs. Arvilla Fluckey. died in their home
in Morrow County, in April lK(i2. Two years later,
he again took upon himself the duties and obliga-
tions of marital life and was united to Edith A.
Bennett. She also was a native of Morrow
County. Ohio. Six children cluster about the home
hoard. Their names are Isaac N., Lewis 1!.. George
B.. William E... lames A. and Bertha A.
The removal from Ohio to Shelby County, this
State, was made in April 1868, and at that time they
settled in Tower Hill Township, of which place our
subject has ever since been a resident, lie has ai
ways been engaged in agricultural pursuits and is
the owner of three hundred and seventeen acres of
fine land. Mr. Fluckey has erected a very attrac-
tive residence on his place. It is tastefully built
and conveniently arranged. This place is graci-
ously presided over by his wife, who has been his
aid and helpmate in gaining the position which he
at present enjoys. He of whom we write is held
high in the esteem of the people in thecommunity
where he resides. A thoughtful and earnest man
he is genial and whole-souled. Several local offices
in the gift of the township have been thrust upon
him and his service as a School Director has been
appreciated by the fact that he desires to keep
abreast with the times in educational matters,
seeking to make the standard of the schools in his
district, irreproachable. In politics he is an adher-
ent of the Republican party, the views as taken by
that party of commercial affairs and general gov-
ernment being such as harmonize best with our sub-
ject's theories. Religiously both he and liiswifeare
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in
which they are anient workers and generous sup-
porters.
^)
*y»IIOMAS SMITH, of Moweaqua, Shelby
//T\ County, worthily represents the farmers of
V^y this county who have aided in its agricul-
tural development in years past, and are now liv-
ing in honorable retirement in the enjoyment of
well-earned competencies. Our subject is a native
of Salem Township. Warren County, Ohio, horn
January '■>. 1833. Peter Smith, his father, is thought
lo have been a native of that state. He was a son
of Caleb Smith, who was a Yirginian by birth and
was an early pioneer of Ohio.
The father of our subject was a cooper by trade.
and carried on that calling; in addition to farming.
PORTRAIT AM) Bit (ORAPH't IAL RECORD.
519
He died in Warren County while yet in life's
prime. His wife was Elizabeth Varner,a daughter
of Jacob Vamer.
He of whom we write was but ten years old
when his father died, and. though he was so young,
as he was the eldest sun. he had to help his mother
support the family, she married again seven years
later, and he then went to work on a farm by the
month, remaining thus employed in his native
Mate until 1853. Then, in the prime and vigorof
a stalwart young manhood, he came to Illinois to
seek fortune's favors on this productive soil, and
by dint of hard pioneer labor has accumulated a
comfortable property. In coming hither he traveled
by what was then the most expeditious route, pro-
ceeding by rail to Terre Haute. Ind.. thence by
stage to his destination in this county, arriving in
Flat Branch Township after a journey of three
days and two nights.
The first four years that he lived here he-made
his home with William Snell. and subsequently-
rented a farm one year. After that he traded land
in Flat Branch Township for a tract of wild land
on section 30, Penn Township, and for a time lived
iu a log cabin that he bought and removed to the
place, lie then erected a frame house, and during
the time that he resided there made many other
improvements. In 1870 he exchanged that farm
for eighty acres of wild land in Flat Branch Town-
ship, the land being fenced, a half of it broken,
and an orchard was set out. hut there were no
buildings.
Mr. Smith lived on that farm until 1890, devel-
oping it into an attractive and valuable piece of
property, and he then removed to Moweaqua,
where he has since lived retired. He is now build-
ing a neat and substantial residence on the south
side of the Park, where lie and his family propose
to fit up a cozy and comfortable home.
Mr. Smith was married in 1858 to Miss Ruth E.
Clark, and by her ready helpfulness and sage coun-
sel he has been greatly aided in what he has ac-
complished. They have three children — Frank L.,
Edward and Nora. Mrs. Smith is a native of < Ihio,
a daughter of one of its pioneer families. Her
father. William R. Clark, was also a native of the
Buckeye state, born in Warren County, February
26,1803. His father, who was also named Will-
iam, was born in Virginia, and died a short time
after the birth of his son. who was named in his
honor. His wife. Rachel Ross, was born in Ken-
tucky, and was a daughter of Jonathan Ross, who
was a native of Maryland, was a soldier in the
Revolutionary War, and afterward emigrated l<>
Kentucky, of which he was a pioneer settler. lb'
assisted in building the blockhouse on the Ohio
River at Newport, opposite Cincinnati. He was in
the latter city when it was a small hamlet of but
four houses. He afterward settled in the wilds of
Warren County, thirty miles east of Cincinnati,
where he died in 1841, at the remarkably advanced
age of one hundred and four years.
William R. Clark was reared in Warren County
on the banks of the Miami River, four miles from
Lebanon, the county seat. In the days of his boy-
hood but little attention was paid to education,
and he diil not often attend school. As soon as he
was old enough he was obliged to work, and his
grandfather, with whom he lived, being crippled,
he was given full charge of the farm at an early
age. December 2!t. 1824 he secured a helpmate in
the person of Miss Nancy Burger, to whom he was
then married, she was horn in Virginia Septem-
ber 1"). 1806. He was employed several years in
teaming between the Miami River and Cincinnati.
He afterward went to fanning for himself on rented
land. The Miami Valley was surpassingly rich
and productive, and land being held very high
there, Mr. Clark decided to come to Illinois, where
he could secure land of his own at a reasonable
price. He journeyed thither with teams, bringing
with him his family, and camping and cooking by
the wayside whenever necessary, lie came to Flat
Branch Township in 1854, first settled on the
prairie north of the timber, and in the fall of the
same year located on the homestead of eighty acres
where his son now lives, which he bad entered at
the rate of x2.5U an acre. He built the first house
on the prairie in Flat Branch Township, between
the timber and the railway. It was not customaiy
then to locate on the open prairies, and he had no
idea that they would become so well settled as al
present. He and his good wife lived to a ripe age.
and reared a family of nine children, as follows:
520
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Rebecca, Rachel, Marj' Ann. Matilda Eliza. .Tames.
William. John, Jasper and Emory. Mr. (lark was
always a sturdy Democrat in politics, and from the
time that lie ca.-t his (irst vole for Andrew Jackson
in 1*24 lie supported every Democratic Presidential
candidate until his death.
i^ls®.
i :--
~X RESTON HUNTER, We are apt to looh
I upon the pioneer settlers in the Middle
M r^ States whose work is inevitably mure
apparent than can be the work of a young
man. as having more dynamic force than the men
of today. Such, however, is not necessarily the
case. It is true that the constitutions of the men
of tin' present day have been weakened by the
severe strains upon their parents, who were the
pioneers of the country, but this has, to a degree,
has been offset liy the present rational mental and
physical training to which our young men are
subjected. There is as much, if not more, vitality
in the representatives of agriculturalists now than
ever lief ore. and because some of our young men
have inherited their homes instead of pre-empting
them from the Government, is no proof that they
have not asmuch go-ahead-ativeness and ability as
their fathers.
One of the young and successful farmers and
stock-raisers who lives on a fine farm of two hun-
dred acres, is he whose name is at the head of this
sketch. Our subject settled here in the spring of
1890. The land was owned for some years prior
to this liy his father, Anderson Hunter, an old set-
tler and large 'landowner, having twelve hundred
acres of highly improved land in the county, be-
Sides a valuable timber lot.
The original of our sketch was born in Ridge
Township, Shelby County, August 24. L869. He
is one of a large family and was carefully reared,
and well educated. lie lived with his father until
his niarriage.when lie made a home upon the present
location. He has always been an industrious, ener-
getic young man. never sparing himself when there
was hard work that required a cool head and quick
perception. His marriage took place in Ridge Town-
ship, February 25, 1891. The young lady whom he
made his wife was a Miss Mattie Eversole. She was
bom in Ohio, April 13, 1870, being only a small child
when her parents removed to this State, settling in
Ridge Town -hi p. t hi- county. She was there reared
and carefully educated, and our subject may well
be proud of his handsome, refined and intelligent
wife. Sin' is the daughter of Jacob and Catherine
Eversole, who are prominently engaged in church
work in Ridge Township. There they have lived
for a good many years.
Mr. and Mr-. Hunter are already prosperous
young people and the future promises much for
their ambition and energy. Mrs. Hunter is a
member of the Evangelical Association. Politic-
ally. Mr. Hunter -how- the tendency of the new
blood by voting with the reform parly. Socially
he is a sustained and member of the Farmers'
Mutual Benefit Association.
-POsl^SSK-y
Al
I I.I.I AM l'( >TTER. The name at the head
of this -ketch is that of a successful farmer
whose residence in this State extends over
more than forty years, during which time he has
-ecu as great changes in commercial life and the
manner of living in all classes of society, as when
we were children, we read in Arabian Nights, were
accomplished by Aladdin's lamp. In his boyhood
day-, electricity was a divine agent to be handled
gingerly by the scientist. Today it is the servant
that drags our cars, lights our houses, supplies our
heat, washes our clothe-, and does a thousand and
one other things, that, had they been so accom-
plished a half century ago, would have been con-
sidered the work of the Angel of Darkness.
Our subject who was born in Preble County.
Ohio, November 20, 1825. He i- a son of Samuel
and Mary ( Leathers) Potter, natives of Virginia
and Ohio, respectively. Our subject's residence in
Shelby County dates from 1850. His home is
"located on section :•. of Rural Township. The
father of our subject was bom in Virginia
and when a small boy he removed to Ohio with
his parents, that was in the year 1808 and they
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIC AL RECORD.
521
then settled in Preble County At thai time set-
tlers were very few. and they experienced all the
hardships of pioneer life. They cleared a farm in
the forests, and gradually put upon it many
improvements. The grandparents of our subjecl
there died, and his father was there married, lie
also, clearing a farm in the timber region upon
which he resided until his- death.
William Potter is one of eight children who
were born to his parents. Six only, however, lived
to lie grown, William, our subject being the eldest.
He was reared on the home farm and attended
such school as the country afforded. He resided
there until 1850, when he came to Illinois and
purchased one hundred ami forty-seven acres of
laud which was then in a raw state, being unturned
prairie. This he improved and sold and then pur-
chased his present farm, which was at that time
also new and uncultivated. He owns two hundred
and ten acres of land, all of which is under culti-
vation. His place boasts a good class of buildings,
his residence being such as to add to the comfort
and content of domestic life.
Mr. Potter has been twice married. In 1848 he
was united to Sarah Kimmel, who was horn in
Preble County. Ohio. She was a daughter of
Jacob Kimmel, but died in Shelby County soon
after coming to this State, leaving to her husband
one son, Emanuel, who lives in Rural Township.
In 1859, our subject married .Mrs. Sarah Lanham,
nee Barrett. She was a daughter of Marcus L.
Barrett and was born in West Virginia. By her
marriage with Mr. Lanham. she became the mother
of one child, Augustus F. who presides in Rural
Township.
Six little ones have gathered about the table
and tilled the house with their merry prattle.
These are growing up and promise to be men and
women of whom their parents will be proud.
Their names are Marcus L.. Elsie. May. Adalia.
Emma and Elmer. Politically our subject is a
Republican. In their church relations they are
connected with the Presbyterian denomination, of
which body Mr. Potter is a Deacon of the church
that he attends. It is not out of place here t<>
give a short sketch of our subject's parents and
grandparents, additional to the mere mention
made above. Jasper Potter, his grandfather, was
one of a large family and was left an orphan at
an early age. They were bound over to different
families and in this way became scattered. Jasper
was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and wit-
nessed the surrender of Cornwallis and the troops
at Yorktown. lie attained seventy-two years of
age. and died in Preble County. Ohio. His native
State was Maryland. Twice married, by his first
marriage he was the father of thirteen children,
all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood
and reared families of their own. By his second
marriage, three children were born.
Our subject's parents had nine children, of whom
seven lived to be grown: William. Minerva, Bar-
bara. Elizabeth. Emanuel. Jane and Zion. Mi-
nerva is now Mrs. Simpson. Barbara was the wife
of Dr. Robert Toby, and is now deceased. Eliza-
beth, is the wife of Thaddeus Sibbitt. Jane, who
is also deceased, was the wife of Thomas Bunch.
Zion married Peter Kimniell.
+=+s=+
, AVID M. YOST, a well-known citizen resid-
ing on section 21 ; Ridge Township. Shelby
County, is a son of George Yost, who was
born in Cumberland County. Pa., and Catherine
Harbaugh, a native of York County. Pa. The lady
survives her husband, who died in NauvOO, 111.
They have a family of six children, of whom our
subject was the fourth, being born in Cumberland
County. Pa.. December 8, 1840, and being orphaned
by the death of his father when about six years old.
After the death of his father the mother removed
to Franklin County. Ohio, where the boy passed his
youth and early manhood with the exception of
three years spent in the army, remaining there un-
til he came to Shelby County. 111.
David M. Yost enlisted in August. 1862, in Com-
pany B. One Hundred anil Thirteenth Ohio In-
fant rv and served for about three years. He was
married in Franklin County. Ohio, September 9
1866. to Miss Mary Motts. who was born in Penn-
sylvania December 17. 1842. Her parents were
.J22
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
natives of Pennsylvania. The father, Daniel, and
the mother, Harriet (Warner) Motts, are both de-
ceased. About four years after marriage he came
and made his home in Ridge Township, Shelby
County, upon rented land. Here he lived for live
years and then bought eighty acres, which he after-
ward disposed of, purchasing one hundred and
sixty acres, on section 21, where he has since been
a resident.
Eleven interesting children clustered about the
hearthstone of Mr. and Mrs. Yost. Their first-born-
Ollie, died when only three years < >1<1 and the sur-
vivors are named: Harriet L., CharlottaM., Charles
S., Rhoda 1., Mary A.. E. Amanda. David ()., John
W., Chauncy M. and Eunice M. Agricultural
pursuits have absorbed the attention and strength
of our subject to a great degree, still he lias found
some time for serving his neighborhood and for
three years he has been Highway Commissioner
and School Director, lie has taken an active part
in local political movements and is considered a
leader in the Republican ranks. lie is deeply in-
terested in every movement looking toward the so-
cial and industrial advance of the agricultural
community and is identified with the Farmers' Mu-
tual Benefit Association, lie is Secretary of the
Reformed Church, with which both he and his
worthy wife are identified.
J,]mSm{mSi A
— 1-5-5-5-H
T^\ OI5ERT M. PEADRO, attomey-at-law, has
L^Y successfully engaged in the practice of his
I y profession in Sullivan since 1882, and lias
\£>} won for himself a prominent place at the
Moultrie County bar. Although a native of Camp-
bell County. Kv.. he has been :) resident of Illinois
since his boyhood, his parents having located in
Moultrie County at an early day. His father, B.
<;. Peadro, made a settlement in Whitley Township,
where he engaged in farming until his death, which
occurred in April, 18K7, at the age of about sixty-
five years. He was one of the prominent citizens
of the community and his ability well enabled him
to be a leader of the people. He was well edu-
cated, was one of the best authorities on history in
Illinois and owned a very fine library, containing
the works (if the best authors, with whom he was
very familiar. In politics he was :i Democrat and
in religious belief was a Baptist. His wife, whose
maiden name was Catherine Stillwell, still survives
1 1 i iii and makes her home on the old farm. She has
been a life-long member of the Baptist Church and
is beloved by all who know her. In the family
were the following children: O. L., a farmer of
Whitley Township, thiscounty; E. C, a breeder of
line blooded stock in Whitley Township; and .lohn
.1.. who is now studying law with our subject.
With one exception all of these gentlemen have
taught in the public schools of this county.
Robert Peadro, whose name heads this sketch,
was one of the successful educators of the county
for several year- and lias ever been a friend to the
interests of the school. At about the time he at-
tained his majority he began the study of law with
the prominent attorney, Horace S. Clarke, of Mat-
toon, and after two years was admitted to the bar
in L875. After :i short time spent in Mattoon, he
went to Texas and engaged in the practice of his
profession at Pound Pock, Williamson County, for
five years. He was prospering in thai locality, hav-
ing an excellent practice, but as he did not wish to
rear his family in that State, he returned to Illinois
and established an office in Sullivan.
In .Moultrie County Mr. Peadro was united in
marriage with Miss Lucretia B. Harbaugh. daugh-
ter of David Harbaugh, who is mentioned in the
sketch of Frank M. Harbaugh. on another page of
this work. She was reared near Sullivan and edu-
cated in the city schools, after which she became :i
teacher, following that profession for some years.
A lady of culture and refinement, she moves in the
highest social circles and has many friends among
the best citizens of this community. In the house-
hold are two children. Fail and Bernice.
In his political affiliations Mr. Peadro is a stanch
Democrat and is now occupying the position of
City .Treasurer, the duties of which office he dis-
charges faithfully and well. He possesses business
ability of a high order and the foremost place
which he has won at the liar is well merited by his
talents. He has a wide reputation as a councilor
and is rapidly acquiring a very extensive practice,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
523
which yields him a good income. He ha- one of
the finest and largest law libraries in the citj and
few men are better read in any profession than i-
Mr. Peadro in that which he has chosen Eor his life
work.
*■*>!' I <•
GEORGE W. MONROE. Any agricultural
community which is favored by the resi-
dence within it of men of culture and edu-
tion, having broad views and a wide outlook on
life, is to be heartily congratulated. Sullivan
Township, Moultrie County, i- thus favored in the
fact that Mr. Monroe, who was for so long a time
active in the educational field, is now one of its
enterprising and energetic fanners, making his
home on section :>4.
This gentleman was born in the township where
he now lives, March 10, 1855. His parents were
Henry J. and Sarah (Timmons) Monroe, tin-
father being a native of Indiana, and the mother
of [loss County. Ohio. They were among the
pioneers of Shelby County in the early days lie-
fore the separation of the two counties, and died
in Moultrie County, the father in 1 865, and the
mother in 1889. This revered and beloved parent
was the mother of eight sons and two daughters,
and our subject was the sixth in order of age.
All are still living, and now reside in Sullivan
Township, with the exception of one sister, Mr-.
Wright, who lives in Shelby ville.
This happy family, who have the good fortune
to lie still united in this life, are named a- follow-:
Christopher, William H., Thomas, Isaac, Mary K..
George W., M. T., John A.. Julia A. and E. G.
All are married except Julia A., and are all de-
voted to agriculture with the exception of John
A., who is a clerk. That so honorable and enter-
prising a family should thus, almost without ex-
ception, devote their lives to the development of
the agricultural interests of Sullivan Township, is
u itself a guarantee that that section of our
beautiful Prairie State will ever stand on a par
with any portion of Illinois.
Young George attended the public schools ami
the graded school at Sullivan, completing his
education at the Northern Indiana Normal School.
He was thus litted for the profession of teaching
at the age of twenty-two. and after presiding for
six year- oxer various country schools in Shelby
and Moultrie Counties, he was elected Principal
of the school at Neoga, Cumberland Comity,
where he had three assistants. He remained there
three successive years and was then sought by the
citizens of Mt. Pulaski to take charge as principal of
their graded school, which wa- of high order
and a much larger scl I. having nine subordinate
teacher-.
During the three years while lie was principal
of the Mt. Pulaski school-, he contracted a matri-
monial alliance, choosing a- his wife Miss Mary R.
White, a native of Neoga Township. Cumberland
County. 111., where -lie was born October IK. 1867.
Their happy wedding day was November 26. 1885.
During his connection with educational work he
wa- frequently called upon to act as instructor in
institute and normal work.
In 1888 Mr. Monroe decided to retire from the
educational field, and engage in farming. He
owns a fine property of two hundred and fifty-
three acres, all in a high state of cultivation, with
g 1 buildings ami improvements, and he has
proved that a thorough and systematic teacher can
make a thorough and systematic farmer. He is lib-
eral in his political views, although he inclines
more strongly to the principles of the Republican
party than to those of any other organization. In
the fail of 1890 he wa- placed in the field as a
candidate for the office of County Superintendent
of School- in Moultrie County, but his party, that
of the farmer- and laborers, being largely in tin
minority, he of course suffered defeat, although he
made an honorable and gallant light. During his
professional career Mr. Monroe was a very popular
and successful teacher, his services always in de-
mand, commanding the highest wages. Although
lie was employed in several different schools, he
never made a change, except where lie was called
by an increase of responsibility and a correspond-
ing increa-e of salary.
To Mr. ami Mrs. Monroe have been horn three
beautiful little daughters. Their first-born. Zelma.
524
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
came to them November 27, 1886; Lorah, Decem-
ber 8, 1888; and Vergie, May 17. 1891. The
mother of these children is a woman of lovely
Christian character, and a devoted and earnest
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
f/OHN HINTON. The public-spirited and
enterprising men who take an active part in
everything calculated to enhance the inter-
ests of their neighborhood, may easily be
counted in any community of moderate size, and
amoug those who have thus advanced the interests
of Oconee for many years, we are pleased to mention
the gentleman whose name appears at the head of
this brief life sketch. His business efforts in this
community have been various and his experiences
broad and fluctuating but his record has been an
honorable one and the fact that he paid one hun-
dred cents on the dollar when so deeply embar-
rassed as to lie 160,000 in debt, shows the style of
man which we here present.
Our subject who is a member of the firm of
Ilinton ,v- Roberts, dealing in general merchandise,
was born in Fayette County, this State. February
8. 1832. His parents were Lewis and Tabitha
( Prater) Ilinton. the father being a native of Ken-
tucky and the mother of North Carolina, while tlie
father's father was born in South Carolina.
Lewis Hinton was twice married, his first marital
union bringing him four sons and three daughters
of whom our subject was the second. The brothers
and sisters of John Hinton were as follows: Henry,
who resided in this township till his death; Holly,
who lives in McDonald County. Mo., and is en-
gaged in farming; Paschal, who works in his
brother's store in Oconee; Elizabeth, who was the
wife of A. T. Smart of Shelby County, and is now
deceased; Priscilla, who married Milton Lowe, and
makes her home in Oconee and Polly, wife of ( .A.
Doyle who resides in Oconee Township.
This prosperous merchant of whom we write,
came to Shelby County when he was four years old
and ha- made ( Iconee Township his home for fifty-
five years, lie engaged in farming until he was
twenty-four years old and commenced mercantile
life in this village in 1854, in partnership with
Thomas Freeman and S. S. Roberts, which connec-
tion continued for a year, when Mr. Freeman
withdrew. Mr. Ilinton remained with Mr. Roberts
until his death when Mr. Freeman again bought an
interest in the connection which he afterwards sold
out to D. -I. Sloan, the firm thus becoming Ilinton
iv Sloan. This partnership existed for some thir-
teen years and was prosperous, but after that time
Mr. Ilinton withdrew from mercantile life and the
property was divided.
After eight years which he devoted to the hand-
ling of real estate, grain, etc.. this enterprising
business man again embarked m mercantile life,
and has continued in that business to the present
time in company with Mr. B. F. Roberts, a son of
Mr. Hin ton's first partner.
Miss Mary F. Whitington was the maiden name
Of the lady who became the first wife of John Ilin-
ton. She was born in 1840, in Oconee Township,
and to this union four son- and three daughter-
were born, of whom Addie. wife of Dr. R. VT.
Johnston, of Assumption 111., is the eldest. The
oldest son, s. A. D. is married anil is engaged in an
abstract office at Clay Center. Neb., where he is do-
ing well. Hattie is the wife of K. G. Hall and
resides at Orson, Col. George W. is married and
was for some time a merchant but is now retired
from active business and living at Assumption, 111.
William L. resides in Freeport, this state, where he
is engaged in a carriage- factory. Sadie and Johnnie
are still under the parental roof and enjoying the
advantages of education which Mr. Ilinton has
afforded to all his children.
The subject of our sketch is a large landed
proprietor owning about eight hundred acre- in
Oconee Township, mostly adjoining the village of
Oconee, lie has been thoroughly identified with
the interests of his Lown and county and has satis-
factorily and efficiently tilled a number of respon-
sible offices, lie has served educational Interests as
School Trustee of this township, has been Super-
visor for eighteen years. Magistrate for four years
and Justice of the Peace for eight years. His
thorough understanding of business principles and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.*>2.">
the mosl fundamental points ol the law, together
with his disposition to maintain the peace of the
community has resulted in his so advising and ad-
justing rases as to prevent hundreds of his fellow-
citizens from rushing into irritating and expensive
law suits.
Mr. Ilinton became a member of Jackson Lodge
No. 52 A. F. A- A. M.. at Shelbyville, in 1854,
hut i.- now non-afBliated. lie takes an active inter-
est in political affairs and has always been regarded
as a leader in the ranks of Democracy of which he
has been a life long member. He is not a professor
of religion, although his preferences are in the
direction of the Regular Baptist Church.
This gentleman has been a speculator all his life
and his experience has been up and down with a
general tendency upward. lie has worked for
twenty-five cents a day in Oconee Township, and
was at one time as we have stated deeply in debt,
hut came out of that trial as a man of honor
should come. His first wife passed from earth
August 21. 1881, and his marriage with Miss Mary
E. Morgan took place in March, 1887. To this
union, one child, Agnes Pauline, was horn, who is
now the pet and darling of the household, and the
joy of her father in his advancing years.
&+^
-§>
| AMES W. VERMILLION" is a worthy repre-
sentative of a family, who. in different
times of emergency, have come forward to
{(@J their country's assistance, and have bravely
and loyally cast their lives in the balance with the
chances of war. He is a native of old Virginia,
the State which has produced so many men who
have adorned the chairs of State that have ever
been in our Congressional halls. Mr. Vermil-
lion, who now resides on section 27. Rural Town-
ship. Shelby County, was horn in Bedford County,
Ya., September l. 1810.
Our subject was a son of Robert and Nancy
Vermillion. His maternal grandfather was Mat-
thew McClaflin, who was a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary War. The parents of our subject removed
'iom Virginia to Kentucky, and settled on a farm
in what is now Russell County. The father there
died, and the mother subsequently came to Illinois,
where she passed away in Shelby County. He of
whom we write is one of seven children, there
being four sons and three daughters in the fam-
ily, our subject being the third in order of birth.
He was reared on a farm, and early learned the
meaning of pioneer life.
In Russell County, Ky., Mr. Vermillion was mar-
ried to Jane Fletcher, a native of Kentucky. His
residence in this State and county dates from
18-40, his advent hither being made with an ox-
team and wagon. His family at that time com-
prised himself, wife and four children. Their
worldly posses-ions were very few, and they had
no embarrassment of filthy lucre. He rented a
piece of land, and worked hard in order to get a
little money to start with. About 1844 he pur-
chased forty acres of timber land at $5 per acre,
and subsequently he purchased eighty acres of
Government land at $1.25 per acre. This proved
to he a fortunate investment, and he subsequently
added more land to his tract at 814 per acre, lie
is now the owner of two hundred anil twenty acres
of line land.
Our subject's first residence in this State, which
he could call his own, was a log cabin built in the
midst of his timber tract, but it served the pur-
pose, and he and his brave little wife were as loyal
to each other as though they lived in a palace. As
their circumstances permitted, they built a frame
house, and on outgrowing this, Mr. Vermillion
erected a brick residence, which at the time it was
built was one of the finest places in Shelby County.
In 1803 the gentleman of whom we write made a
trip to British Columbia by the overland route,
and returned therefrom the following year. Mr.
Vermillion was in early life afflicted with rheuma-
tism, which became chronic, and he is now obliged
to use a crutch.
Mrs. Vermillion died aboul 1850, leaving nine
children, whose names are as follows: Eliza-
beth, Birch, Fanny, Nancy, Mary, Sarah, Ra-
chael. Martha and Isabella. Elizabeth married
.lame.- Harper, and died in Shelby County; Birch
resides in St. Louis; Fanny married and died in
this State; Nancy married Levi 1'. Tolly, of Mo-
526
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
weaqua; Mary married James Lawton, and lives in
Minnesota; Sarah was the wife of John Albright,
and passed away from this life in Nebraska; Ra-
chael became the wife of John Foltz, of Minne-
sota; Martha married Joseph Cameron, of
Minneapolis; and Isabella married Henson Wheeler,
and died in this State.
Mr. Vermillion married a second lime, his bride
being Mrs. Jane C. Miller, nee Mason, who was
born in Kentucky, where she married Adam Miller.
He died in Kentucky, leaving his wife four children
two of whom, George A. and Mary L., are dead.
The eldest and youngest sons are David (). and
Granville L. By this second marriage our subject
is the father of three children, who are James W.,
Eliza E. and Angie Nomie. Eliza is the wife of
Edward Garrison, and Angie is the wife of W. E.
Hardwick, Politically our subject is a Democrat,
and takes as much passive interest at four-score
years as he did when, years ago, he voted for
Jackson. lie is a member of the Christian
Church.
AMES FOSTER, a member of the County
Board of Supervisors representing Todd's
Point Township, is one of the leading farm-
ers of this locality, and the well-appointed
farm that he owns and occupies was developed by
his father, John Foster, a pioneer settler of this
part of Shelby County, from a tract of wild land
that lie purchased from the Government when he
first came to this State many years ago.
Our subject is a native of Yorkshire. England,
bora October 21, 1838. His father was born in the
same shire, where his parents spent their entire
lives. John Foster was reared and married in the
land of his birth, taking as his wife Ellen Atkin-
son, also a native of Yorkshire, and a daughter of
Thomas Atkinson. In 1X43 Mr. Foster emigrated
to this country with his wife and six children set-
ting sail from Liverpool on the good ship "Glas-
gow," and landing at New York after a voyage of
six weeks and four days. He proceeded directly
to Ohio by the way of the Hudson River ami
the Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence by Lake Erie to
Cleveland, and from there into the interior of
Ohio by canal to Massillon. He found employ-
ment on a farm and resided there until 1H4!).
Then, having heard favorable accounts of the fer-
tility of the soil and other advantages possessed
by this county, he made his way hither, bringing
with him his family, and cast in his lot with the pio-
neers of Todds' Point Township. At that time the
prairies of Illinois were but sparsely settled, as the
early settlers had considered the timber lands much
more desirable in every way, not realizing the
wonderful richness of the prairie soil. Accord-
ingly much of the open land was still in the hands
of the Government and Mr. Foster entered a tract.
He erected one of the first frame houses ever built
on the prairies of Todd's Point Township and
otherwise improved his place into one of the most
desirable farms in the locality, making it his home
until his eyes were closed in death. His wife also
died on the home farm. They reared a family of
six children, named as follows: Joseph, Mary. John,
Alice. Thomas and James.
James Foster was a boy of four years when he
crossed the Atlantic Ocean with his parents, and
lie has a distinct recollection of the incidents of
that ever memorable voyage and of the pioneer
life that followed in Ohio and this State. He has
been an intelligent witness of the growth of this
county, and has been no unimportant factor in
helping to make it a great agricultural center. In
his boyhood he attended the pioneer schools, as-
sisted his father on the farm and continued to live
with his parents until he made a home of his own
at the time of his marriage, when he settled on a
part of his father's land. He lias since purchased
the original homestead, and lias greatly increased
its value by flic many line improvements that he
has placed upon if. including a commodious and
well-ordered set of frame buildings. He has one
hundred and eighty acres of land under a high
state of tillage, and derives a solid income from
the cultivation of his fertile fields.
In mill! Mr. Foster married .Miss Martha J. Len-
over, and their pleasant wedded life has been
blessed to them by the birth of three children —
Cora Belle. Henry and James. Cora married S.
PORTRAIT AND liltit.KAl'llH AI. RECORD.
529
Wheeler, since deceased, and she lives with her
parent-. Mrs. Foster is a native of this county,
Shelby Township her birthplace. Her father, John
Lenover, was bom in Pennsylvania, went from
there t<> Ohio, thence to Indiana, and finally came
tn Illinois, and was a pioneer of this count}-.
where he spent the remaindei of his life. He was
a skillful blacksmith and followed his trade here
a number of years. 1 1 i- wife died in 1849. Her
maiden name was Elizabeth Boys and she was a
sister of Alexander Boys. (For her parental his-
tory see sketch of William Boys.) Mrs. Foster is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
as such is true to her religious obligations, as well
a- in all things pertaining to her duties as wife,
mother and friend.
Mr. Foster i- a man of a pleasant, kindly nature,
and he has withal in a full measure those practical
traits of character that make him a useful citizen,
eapahle of filling places of trust and honor. His
fellow-citizens, recognizing this, have repeatedly
called him to the responsible position of Super-
visor, and he has now Keen a member of the
County Hoard foi- some years, being first elected
in 1887, again in L889, and re-elected in 1890 and
1891. lie i:- a member of the Farmers* Mutual
Benefit Association, and in his politics he i- an
unswerving Republican.
()IIN C. BROWN. A traveler throughout
Shelby County would he forcibly impressed
by some features of the estate owned and
occupied by the subject of this biographical
-ketch. In approaching it bis eyes would be at-
tracted by the appearance ot order and thorough
cultivation seen on every hand, a- well a- by the
extent of the acreage and the efforts that have
Keen made to add to it- original beauty. Perhaps
the most conspicuous object to the stranger would
he the residence, a view of which is presented mi
another page of tin- volume. It is a commodious
dwelling with the appearance of great comfort
and homelikeness. In connection with this notice
we are plea-cd to present to oui- readers a portrait
of Mr. Brown, who is well known as an enterpris-
ing agriculturist and a reliable citizen. .
The tine tract of land which Mr. Brown operates
i- on sections 21. 22, 27 and 28, Ridge Township,
and is nut only in an excellent state of cultivation
Imt is adorned with a splendid set of buildings.
lu fore relating the principal events in the life of
Mr. Brown it may he well to mention briefly the
main fact- in the history of those from whom he
is descended. His father was a native of Wurtem-
burg, Germany, where he was born in 1805, and
given the name of Christian F. He married Eliza-
beth Schearer, a native of Bavaria, who was born
in 1K14. After marriage they made their home in
Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where they resided until
1864. At that time they removed to (lay County,
Ind., where the father of our subject died in 1876.
The mother still survives. Their family comprised
nine children. John being the second in order of
age.
The natal day of our subject was April Hi. 1837,
and hi- birth occurred in Tuscarawas County.
Ohio. There he grew to manhood and learned the
trade of a blacksmith, takintr his appenticeship at
New Philadelphia, Ohio. After serving for fifteen
months he engaged a- a journeyman, following his
trade near hi- native county until the fall of
L864, when he removed to ( lay County, Ind.. and
undertook the same work there. In February,
1865, In- removed to Wilton Junction. Iowa, and
there carried on hi- trade until June, 1865, when
he returned today County. Ind. In the spring
of 1866 he removed to Shelby County and pur-
sued hi- trade at what is now Ilentoii. in Ridge
Township. Here he worked until November, 1875,
at which lime he undertook agricultural pursuits,
in which he i- -till engaged. He has erected a
hand-ome set of buildings and has cleared a valu-
able farm of one hundred and eighty acres, lie is
known as one of the best wheat raisers in Shelby
( ounty, having raised as much as sixty-four
bushels per acre, lie also ha- been instrumental
in introducing into the community the best varie-
ties of wheat produced m the I'nitcd State-.
John ( . Blown and Georgians Vo-i win- mar-
ried in Shelby County March 20. 1869. This lady
530
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is a daughter of George and Catherine (Harbaugh)
Vol. Her father died in Nauvoo, 111. .Mr-. Brown
was born, in Wboster, Wayne County, Ohio, May
•in. 1845, and is the mother of Ave children: Ed-
win ().; Serepta, the wife of W. E. Coffman; Eliza-
beth, .John ( .. Jr., and Grover C. It is unnecessary
to name tin- politics of .Mr. Brown to one who
knows the name of his youngest son. IK- i- a man
who is active in all public matters, especially in
political movements, and has tilled a number of
offices of responsibility. IK- was elected Supervisor
of Ridge Township in the spring of 1890 for a
term of two year-. For ten years he has tilled the
office of Township Clerk and fur twelve years has
been School Director, serving as Clerk of the board
during all that time. He is prominently identified
with the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association
and has been Secretary for three terms of Pleas-
ant Valley Lodge, No. 1735. He ha- done ef-
ficient service as Road Overseer for two terms.
In all of these positions Mr. Brown ha- reflected
credit upon himself and been active in promoting
the welfare of the community.
APT. EDWARD B. CUTLER, who was a
valiant officer in the Union Army during
' the late war. has since attained a leading
place among the most progressive ami enlightened
farmers and stock-raisers of this county and the
land that he purchased in Penn Township when
he came here nearly twenty years ago has been
developed by him into one of the choicest farms
in this part of the State in point of cultivation
and improvement.
Captain Cutler was horn in the town of .lay.
Essex County. X. Y.. duly 11. 1K2"2. His father.
Thomas Cutler, was also a native of that county.
of which his father. John Cutler, was an early
settler. The latter was horn in New England and
was a descendant of early English ancestry
that had settled in that part of the county in Col-
onial times. After his removal to Essex County,
X. .1.. he bought a tract of timberland in Jay and
at once commenced to clear it and prepare it for
cultivation. He was drowned while attempting to
cro— the An Sable River in 1830. He was a soldier
in the Revolutionary War.
The father of our subject grew to man's estate
in hi- native county and was there married to
Jane Steele, a native of M <■'- Hill. X. II. In
1*2* the parents of our subject removed to the
wilds of St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and settled
in the town of Willney, two miles south of Hoovel-
ton, where the father bought timbered land, upon
which he erected a log house for a dwelling. At
that time that county was but thinly inhabited
and hear- were frequently seen by the settlers,
while deer and other game was plentiful and
helped to vary the meager fare of the people, who
had to live on their farm products. The women
clothed their children in homespun that wa- the
result of their own handiwork.
Mr. Cutler cleared quite a tract of his land and
re-ided on it until the fall of 1839, when he became
the pioneer of another state. Accompanied by
his family he started with a team for Watertown.
whence he went by boat to Rochester, from there
by canal to Buffalo, thence on Lake Erie to Cleve-
land, from there to Portsmouth, Ohio, where he
embarked on a steamer on the Ohio River and was
conveyed to his final destination at Lawrenceburg.
lie farmed there two years and then proceeded on
a flat-boat down the Ohio to Louisville and from
there to Troy. Ind.. where he bought a tract of
hcavilvwooded land eight miles from the ( thio River.
The surrounding country was still in a wild con-
dition, as there were not then many settlements
there, and deer, wild turkeys and other kinds of
game roamed at will where are now smiling farms
and evidences of thrift and plenty on every hand.
The father built a home, but his life was not
spared long after he took possession of it. as his
career was cut short by his untimely death in
1842. His wife al-o died on that farm in Perry
County. She was the mother of these five chil-
dren: James M.. Catherine. Abigail, Thomas and
Edward. Edward and Abigail are the only sur-
vivors of the family.
Edward Cutler was seventeen years old when
his parents removed to Indiana. He assisted his
father in clearing his land until the hitter's death
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
53 1
and then lie and his brother Thomas continued
the improvements begun bj their father and they
farmed in partnership until Edward's marriage,
and then hi:- brother went into the mercantile Im--
iness, while our subject engaged in agriculture
and boating on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers,be-
ginning in the latter business in 1*42. Hi* would
build a flat-boat, load it with farm produce '>r coal,
take it to New Orleans and then sell boat and
cargo and return home by steamer, lie thus made
eighty-four trips to the Crescent City.
The breaking out of the Rebellion found our
subject busy in the management of hi? interests
and as soon as lie could arrange his affairs he vol-
unteered in help Dght hi> country's battles, enlist-
ing October 20, 1861, in ( ompany E, Forty-ninth
Indiana Infantry, lie was mustered in a- ( aptain
of his company at Camp -lor Unit November 21.
ami in tin- trying year- that followed he showed
himself in he possessed of l: 1 soldierly metal
and his military record is one of which he ami bis
may well he proud, lie took part in the battle at
Cumberland Gap ami when he and his brave men
started with others in pursuit of (.en. Bragg's
forces their knapsacks were empty as they had run
out of provisions, and they had to forage for a
living. They used their bayonets to punch hole-
in their canteens that they might use them as
graters to reduce the dry corn to meal and in var-
ious other way- did they show their fertility of
resource in any emergency. From Kentucky the
( aptain accompanied his regiment to West Vir-
ginia, where it was stationed three months and
then wa- dispatched on transport- down the Ohio
and Mississippi Rivers to .Memphis. From there
the Forty-ninth Indiana wa- sent to Vicksburg to
help carry on the siege of that city and it also
took an active part in the battles of Gibson.
Thompson's Ilili. Big Black River, Chickasaw
Bayou and Arkansas Post.
At Vicksburg our subject led a successful charge
on the work- on the 22d of May. After that he
«ent t<> Grand Gulf with his command and did
some bard fighting at Th pson's Hill, which re-
sulted in the enemy being driven back. He next
a — i-ted in the reduction of .lack-on. Mi—., anil
went from there to Vicksburg, afterward facing
the rebels in two hotly contested battles at Edward's
Station and Champion Hill. We next hear of his
services at the battle of Big Black River and
after the surrender of Vicksburg he accompanied
his regiment to New Orleans, going theme to
Matagorda Bay, Tex., and returning to New
Orleans, he then went on the Red River Expedi-
tion and did some hard fighting at Shrevesport.
After that the Captain and his men fought the
rebels at Kane Creek, whence they returned to
Shrevesport, where they laid a dam to let the
gunboats pass the falls. From there Capt. Cutler
inarched with his command to Morganza Bend ami
thence to Lexington, Kv. lie was appointed to
provost duty in that city and wa- thus engaged
until his resignation from the army July 4, 1863.
After his honorable career a- an officer in the
Union service (apt. Cutler returned to his old
home from the seat of war. bearing with him a
high reputation for coolness and courage in the
heat of battle and for fidelity in the performance
of his duty. He quietly resumed fanning on tin-
old homestead in Indiana and dwelt there until he
took up his residence in this county in 1*72. He
then bought the farm in Penn Township, which
he still occupies and which at the time of purchase
was merely a tract of wild prairie. He has trans-
formed it into one of the most valuable farms in
the township, ranking with the l>e*t in the county,
as regards its many fine improvements, its bigh
-tate of tillage and its productiveness. He has
erected upon it a tine set of buildings, commodious
and roomy and neat in their appointments. In
the management of his farm the Captain has
shown himself to he an expert farmer, of progres-
sive views, with a good understanding of the besl
modern methods of carrying on agriculture, and
on every hand are evidences of his successful pro-
secution of that calling, which Horace (lively
denominated "the noblest of professions."
(apt. Cutler's marriage with Miss Mary llyili-
was solemnized in 1860. She was a native of
Ferry County. Ind.. and a daughter of William
and Nancy Hyde. As daughter, wife, mother and
friend she filled in a perfect measure those sacred
relationships, and in her the Baptist Church had
an exemplary Christian member. Her death in Feb-
532
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ruary, 1891, was a sad bereavement not only ti>
those of her own household, but to others to
whom she had endeared herself. Our subject has
four children to solace his declining years. They
are Grant, Florence, Ilelier and Verton.
The Captain is an intelligent thinker and ob-
server, is fond of reading, having an excellent
literary taste, and keeps himself well informed on
all topics of general and public interest. IP- has
decided opinions of his own; especially is this
true in regard to politics, and we find him firmly
arrayed on the side of the Republican party, vot-
ing as he fought for what he considers to lie the
best interests of the country. Religiously lie is of
the Methodist Episcopal faith; socially he is :i
member of the Masonic fraternity and of John
Clement Post, No. 363, G. A. R. The worth of
his loyal citizenship is appreciated by his fellow-
townsmen, who have entrusted responsible offices
to his care, and at one time he represented Penn
Township as a member of the County Hoard of
Supervisors.
•I Gf1-
t^Z •••C"S»I=
■{&>
ylLLIAM STEWARDSON, Si;. The owner
of one of the best farms in Richland
Township, located on section 19, is he
whose name is at the head of this sketch. He
belongs to :i good old English family, and inherits
from them a stubborn obstinacy' that will not
acknowledge defeat but will build on the ruins of
disappointment and loss the foundation of new
hopes and new fortunes. Our subject's father was
William Stewardson who was born in Westmore-
land County, England. His mother was Mary
(Nicholson) Stewardson. who was a native of the
same country as her husband. The good lady
died in her native land about 1838, her husband
afterward married and came to America about
1^42, settling in Stark County, Ohio, where he
lived for two years and from there removed to
Indiana, locating in Pulaski County. Afterastay
of one year there he removed to Shelby County.
this State, settling in Shelby ville Township. There
he spent his last days with his son, our subject.
passing away his residence in Richland Town-
ship,when over seventy-one years of age.
The name at the head of this sketch is that of
one of a family of seven children, he being the
fifth, his birthplace was in Westmoreland County.
England, and his natal day was February 26, 1828.
He came to America with his father in 1K42. and
in .June 1845, he1 located in Shelby County. Ib-
spent most of his young manhood with his father
until his marriage, which occurred in Shelbyville
Township, November "26, 1851. His bride was a
.Miss Nancy M. Douthit, a native of Tennessee,
who was there born November 25. 1829. She was
only about one year old when her parents came to
Shelby County.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewardson are the parents of
seven living children whose names are: Mary.
Sarah, .lane, Elizabeth (deceased), William N., John
I).. Anna M. and Ella. Mary is the wife of And-
rew C. Ensminger. Sarah Isabelle is the wife of
Thomas M. Robinson. Elizabeth died when about
twenty-three years of age. The parents of Mrs.
Stewardson were John aud Margaret (Elliott)
Douthit. They died in Shelbyville Township.
For a few months after the marriage of our sub-
ject, the young couple lived in Shelbyville Town-
ship and then settled on the farm where he has
ever since lived. He has always been engaged in
the agricultural business, and has fine improve-
ments upon his place. He was formerly the owner
of a large tract of several thousand acres, lie laid
out the town of Stewardson about lK76and it was
named in his honor. During his days of larger
prosperity he made a gift of twenty acres to the
town, as the nucleus of the site upon which it is
now located.
Although Mr. Stewardson has been fairly active
in politics and is an ardent supporter of his party
which is that of Democracy, he has never been an
office-seeker. Home has ever been paramountry
dear to him, as is evident in the fine condition in
which every particular in which this place is kept.
The house, which is comfortable and commodious.
is pleasantly located so that it commands a charm-
ing prospect of the surrounding country. Nestled
among tine trees, it is shaded in summer, and pro-
tected from the blasts of winter. At one time he
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
533
of whom we write was the owner of thousands of
head of sheep and was a very wealthy man. Re-
verses, however, have come to him as to many.
but he does not lose courage nor his hope in the
future. The house of William Stewardson is
known as Belle View owing to its beautiful sur-
roundings.
UDGE JOSEPH BAKER. .Many of the rep-
resentative men of Moultrie County make
their home in Sullivan and among them
Vg/' there is probably no one who is more thor-
oughly kiimvi: or lias a more general acquaintance
through the county than the gentleman whose
name appears at the head of this sketch, lie is one
of the pioneers of this region and for many years
was a general farmer, stock-breeder and a buyer
and seller of live stock. During the war he served
the county as Associate .Indue and has always been
prominent in public affairs. He owns more than
seven hundred acres lying within the limits of the
city and his handsome home is located in the
Northeastern (tart of the corporation. His farm
of four hundred and seven acres adjoins the city
and it is all either under the plow or in use as
pasture land, being well stocked with the best
grades of animals ami being considered one of the
best farms in the county. His other line farm of
two hundred and ninety-one and one-half acres, in
another part of Sullivan Township is entirely in
pasture, and is well watered by the Okaw River.
Mr. Baker has lived near the city of Sullivan
since 1848 and began work here as a laborer for
Dr. William Kellar in order to pay a bill which lie
owed the doctor for professional services. He was
then a poor man and has gained his handsome
property by his own efforts and enterprise. He
was born October 29, 1828, at the old Bland Home-
stead, on Sand Creek, Shelby County. His father.
.John A. Baker, a native of North Carolina, was a son
of Joseph Baker who came to Kentucky while his son
John A. was still a boy and settled in Allen Coun-
ty near Paducah and after some years (about 1826)
the family removed to Shelby County, 111., coming
overland with teams and camping out along the
way, being accompanied by the families of Mr.
Wigger and Mr. Ledbetter.
The first location of this party was on Sand
(reek, and the Baker family finally settled upon
the Bland Homestead and began life as pioneers,
and there where they first settled near Windsor,
the wife of Joseph Baker died after she had spent
a long and useful life. Her husband survived for
a few years and died at the age of seventy-six.
He had served in the Black Hawk' War and enjoyed
recounting his experience on the field of battle.
They wen- members of the Christian Church and
friends of Dr. Campbell and Mr. Stone. Joseph
Baker was a Democrat in his political views and at
an early date he was made .lustier of the Peace in
Shelby County.
John A. Baker, the father of our subject, was
reared in Kentucky and there married Elizabeth
Dillon who was born in the South and came of
Irish stock. To them were born two children —
Francis 11. and Sarah F., who had their nativity in
the Southern part of Illinois, before John and his
wife came to Shelby County, and after coming
here other children were added to their number.
John Baker began as a poor man and turned the
virgin prairie into a productive farm. He and his
faithful wife were members of the Christian Church
and universally beloved for their Christian faith
and devotion. They died in old age. at Four Mile
Grove. Of their eleven children seven are still
living.
Our subject had not yet reached his majority
when he came to this county, and here he was Mist
married to Mary J. Brown who was born in Ken-
tucky but reared here. She died while they were
sojourning in Texas, leaving two children, John
H. whose biography appears on another page of
the Rkcord and William A. now deceased. Mr.
Baker married for his second wife Mrs. Nancy
Kearney nee Duncan, a native of Indiana and the
widow of Dr. Kearney by whom she had three son-.
— William A.. Thomas II. and Amos T. By Mr.
Baker she had two daughter, — Sarah E. and Eliza-
beth A., the former being now Mrs. A. E. D. Scott
of Fresno. Cal., and the latter. Mrs. David E. Dix,
living in the same place. Mrs. Nancy Baker, the
534
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mother of the.se children died in Moultrie County
in 1864, being then in the prime of life. The third
marriage of Judge linker united him with Miss
Mary ( '. Miller who was born in Ohio and came to
Illinois with her parents, Henry and Harriet Miller,
who are both now defeased. They had given to
their daughter a superior education and her nat-
ural abilities supplememented by the excellent
training which she received have titled her to
shine in the social circles of Sullivan and have
given her a broad influence with all who know her.
She is the mother of four children, namely: Lucy
May, a teacher in the public schools; Delia, a mil-
liner; Rosa, a teacher and Zion F.. all of whom arc
at Inline with their parents.
V
;»=♦
OBERT N. STEWARDSON. However com-
posite our nation may be, the fact that we
are an English speaking people will ever
) remind us that England is our mother
country and that aside from the consanguinity
that naturally binds us to England and English
people, we as a nation, owe more than perhaps we
are willing to confess, to English laws and gov-
ernment for the form of our own Government, free
and independent as it is. The sterling qualities
invariably found in the agricultural classes of Eng-
lish people, meet a ready recognition in this
country. Our subject is by parentage English,
although he is a native of this country. His father
was the late Robert Stewardson. who was born in
Westmoreland County, England, and his mother
was Miss Elizabeth L. Douthit. The parents of
Elizabeth Douthit Stewardson. were John and
Margaret (Elliott) Douthit. who died in Shelby -
ville Township. They were the parents of two
sons and five daughters, and of these Mrs. Eliza-
beth L. Stewardson was the sixth child in order of
birth, and was born in Tennessee. July 211, 1825.
She was married to Robert Stewardson in Shelby-
ville Township. December 5, 1848.
Robert Stewardson, Sr., died in Richland Town-
ship, this county, September II. 1858. lie was the
father of three children, namely: William, Robert
N. and Mary E. Two children died in infancy.
The old gentleman took an active part in local
affairs. He served as Deputy Sheriff of Shelby
County for two years. In his religious connec-
tions he was a member of the Church of England,
Our subject, Robert X. is the second son born to
parents, lie first saw the light of day in Richland
Township, Shelby County, July 26, 1855.
Young Robert was reared to manhood on his
father's farm in Richland Township, and there he
early learned the work incident to a farmer's life.
He was educated in the common schools of the
district, and there his native quickness and per-
ception enabled him to gain a good and practical
knowledge of hooks and an insight into the
sciences, that has been of great service to hini in
hi> career. He has always followed the calling of
fanning, although in July, 1885, lie erected build-
ings for tile work. These he has built upon his
farm and here he manufactures quite extensively
in connection with his farm. lie also owns and
operates a sawmill.
The original of our sketch has in his farm, one
hundred and fifteen acres of land and upon this
tract, which is delightfully located, valuable im-
provements have been placed. He was married in
Richland Township, April 8, 1*75, his bride being
Miss Susan .1. Hawk, and by her he has had two
children whose names are respectively, Walter C.
and Myrtie. Myrtie died when two years old.
Mrs. Susan .1. Stewardson bade a last and long
farewell to her husband in Richland Township,
April is. L882. The sense of pain in thus being
left by one to whom he was united by the nearest
and dearest ties was infinite and keen.
After some years he married a daughter of Fred
and Mary Kircher. She was born in Shelby County.
January .'5. l*5<s. One child, a daughter, whose
name is Ray, is the fruit of this marriage. Politic-
ally our subject has joined his influence with the
progressive young party whose most intimate mis-
sion is the purifying of society. He is a member
of the Prohibition party. Mrs. Stewardson is united
with the Lutheran Church, in which she is a good
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
535
and efficient worker. Onr subject i> an energetic
and progressive business man to whose activity
and ambition the people of Richland Township
owe much.
HARLES KUHN. Shelby County is one
of the most productive sections of the Prai-
rie State, a State world-renowned for its
rich soil and quick response to the efforts of the
agriculturist. The old saying has been quoted
often in regard to it that if yon will -tickle it with
a lioe ii will laugh with a harvest." Those who
came to this region from the stony and stumpy
fields of the mountainous regions of the Bast, con-
gratulated themselves upon finding how much
greater reward they secured for their toil than they
did in the regions where so much preparatory effort
had to be made in clearing the land from obstruc-
tions. When it became known that the State of
Illinois was so prolific and so easily cultivated,
thousand- flocked here who have since had abund-
ant reason to rejoice at their choice of a new home.
It soon became a favorite with emigrants from
foreign lands and many thousands came here from
the German's Fatherland. Anion" such the trav-
eler finds in Oconee Township the gentleman whose
name appears at the head of this paragraph.
Our subject was horn in Wurtemberg, Germany,
July 28, 1850. His mother. Christina Kuhn. died
in Germany, but his father, Michael Kuhn. came to
1 1 1 i — country and after his emigration took to him-
self another wife. His death occurred in l'ana.Ill.
Charles came to America in 1854, with his elder
brothers and sisters, the family consisting of five
suns and one daughter. Of these Matt was the eld-
est and resides in Cincinnati. Ohio, where he is en-
gaged a- a private watchman in a manufacturing
establishment and lias also a tine war record as a
member of the Twenty-ninth ( >hio Infantry during
the war. Jacob enlisted in the Fifteenth Missouri
Infantry, and being captured by the Confederate
forces, passed through the unspeakable horrors of
captivity and died in Andersonville prison. The
only sister. Rasa, married Joseph B.Hubl ard and lives
in Cincinnati, Ohio. The next three in age are:
John, who resides at Pana, 111.: our subject, and
Robert, who was killed by a sad accident at the
coal shaft at Pana, leaving a widow with three
children. There was one half-sister. Minnie, who
married Mr. Fred Seipel ami died in Pana.
The congenial life companion of our subject was
born in France in 1848 and came with her parents
to America in childhood. She bore the maiden
name of Dora struphart. but was a widow when
she married Mr. Kuhn in 1 s7'.». The six children
who bless this happy home are: Emma, eleven
year- old: Michael, aged ten; Henry, nine: Dora,
seven: Joseph, four: and Louie, a lovely babe of
one year.
Mr. Kuhn located on the farm where he now re-
side- in 1879, but after some time removed to
Montgomery County, where he remained for four
years, but did not find this new home satisfactory
and returned to the farm on which he had first
started, purchasing the land which he had previ-
ously rented. lie has one hundred and twenty
acre- of prairie laud adjoining tin- timber and has
a nice orchard, plenty of water and a farm that is
in every way desirable, lie is a member of the
Oconee Camp, No. 1312, M. W. of A., and is iden-
tified with the Farmers' Protective Association and
the Fanner,-' .Mutual Benefit Association. The Re-
publican party is the political organization with
which he finds himself heartily in sympathy and he
ha- voted with it ever since he had the privilege of
the ballot. lb- is a member of the German Luth-
eran Church, and hi- wife i- connected with the
Roman Catholic Church, lie is a public-spirited
and enterprising man. always helpful in forward-
ing progressive movements, and liberal in his atti-
tude toward church and benevolent enterprises.
»!-■»»>' r >■■» ^
'
> i ' i i i '
l) AMES A. DUNCAN. Whether our subject
can trace a lineal descent from Duncan,
King of Scotland, whom Holinshed has
chronicled and Shakespeare ha- made fam-
ous in the wonderful tragedy, Macbeth, the writer
knows nut. but it is a good name, and one which
536
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lie who bears it. may be proud of. Doubtless of
Scotch descent, our subject's father was horn
in Delaware County. Pa., in 1788. His mother
who in her maidenhood was Mary K. McKeever,
was a native of Virginia. After marriage, they
first settled in Belmont Comity. Ohio, and then
came to Shelby County, this State, locating in
Richland Township in 1838, where both parents
passed away. The mother died April .'id. 18(i2.
The father Survived her two years, his decease tak-
ing place April 10, 1864. Mrs. Duncan, our subject's
mother, was of Irish ancestry.
.lames Duncan. Sr. was the father of sixehildren
which included four sons and two daughters. Our
subject was the eldest of this little brood and was
horn in Belmont County, Ohio. August 27. 1834.
The original of tins sketch was but four years old
when his parents removed to Shelby County, and
here he grew to manhood in Richland Township,
where he has always made his home, so that he has
a pretty accurate idea of what pioneer life is. al-
though the country was not such a wilderness in
his boyhood as it was on the coming hither of
some of the older settlers. When he became old
enough to enjoy society, the district in which he
lived was well settled, anil boasted some of the
best people in the State.
In 1859 Mr. Duncan was married in Ash Grove
Township to Miss Nancy .1. Evans, who was a nat-
ive of Shelby County. She was the mother of
three children whose names are John, Robert and
Caledonia. John married Miss Lillie Wilhite and
made a home of his own. Caledonia is the wife of
Charles Rubel. .Mrs. Nancy .1. Duncan died in
Richland Township. August 2."). 1867. Two years
later. January 27. 1869, he was married to .Mrs.
Hannah Stevens. She was the widow of Lowrey
Stevens and a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Jones,
and was born in Butler County, Ohio, August 21.
1836. By this marriage, our subject is the father
of one child whose name is James ( ).
The original of our sketch has always followed
the pursuit of agriculture. He settled on the farm
where he now lives in the spring of 1857. Dur-
ing the last years of the war. he responded to the
call for volunteers and enlisted in September 1804.
in Company II. of the Twelfth Illinois Regiment,
and served for somewhat over three months, lie
of whom we write takes a fairly active part in
political matters. He is a follower of the Reform
party, his political theories being all that the name
of his party implies. The esteem and confidence
reposed in him by his fellow citizens is evidenced
by the fact that he has been elected to many im-
portant local offices, lie has been Highway Com-
missioner and School Director for a number of
years and each of these positions has been tilled to
satisfaction of his constituents. He shows his loy-
ality to his calling by allying himself to the Farm-
ers' Mutual Benefit Association. He with his wife,
has ever taken an active part in religious affairs.
They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church in which they are ardent workers. He has
been Steward of his church for several years and
also has held the position of Trustee.
.Mr. Duncan is the owner of an excellent farm
comprising two hundred and eighty acres of land,
upon which have been placed the best of improve-
ments. The latest and most improved farm imple-
ments are in use upon his farm, to further his
efforts in making the place a model of agricultural
neatness and productiveness, and this he hasfairly
accomplished, the place being worthy of attention
to all who lake a pleasure in advanced ideas regard-
ing agriculture which is conducted in a scientific
way. There are good buildings upon the place,
his residence being a home in every sense of the
word, architecturally attractive and practically
comfortable. His bams and outhouses are neat
and of good size.
)
OHN K. HENDRICKS. The well-known and
prominent family, of which our subject is
the representative, is sketched at length
upon various pages of this volume, but we
have more to say in regard to them and especially
in regard to this branch. Our subject resides on
section 24. Ridge Township, Shelby County, and
he has belonged in the county since 183 1. He was
horn near Indianapolis. Ind.. December 23. 1828,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
537
and is a son of George and Nancy ( Brown) Hen-
dricks, being the third child in a family of five
wIki are as follows: Amanda, who married twice,
first to Samuel Mover, and second to Samuel
Truitt, and now resides in Texas; Samuel, deceased;
John R., our subject; Sadie, now the widow of
Caleb Crawford, residing near Shelbyville; and
Zimri, deceased.
Our subject was reared upon the farm and at-
tended such schools as the early settlers of the
county were able to provide for their children.
These did not have so broad a curriculum as is pro-
vided by the schools of the present day. lint there
was a degree of earnestness which pervaded the
work of those early schools which may well lie em-
ulated by teachers and pupils of this decade. Such
earnestness gave to the minds of the young an
impression of the value of an education and the
effort necessary to attain it which proved a desir-
able stimulant.
The marriage of Mr. Hendricks with Isabelle
.lohnson took place in 1851, and opened up a life
of mutual happiness and harmony, yet it was short
in duration. This lady, who was horn in Kentucky,
was a daughter of John Johnson and came with
her parents to this county, and died in 1HU2 leaving
four children. one of whom died in early childhood:
the next. Olivia, married John Killam. and died
leaving two children; George died in Shelby
County and William resides in Okaw Township.
In 1868, Mr. Hendricks was a second time united
in marriage, this time with Elizabeth Royce, a
daughter of John and Nancy (.Miller) Royce, who
was born in Kentucky. Her parents were among
the early pioneers of Shelby County and were rep-
resentative farmers, whose memory is cherished by
all who knew them. By this union one child was
born who has passed to the other world.
The pursuit of agriculture has ever been the fav-
orite calling of our subject. lie has felt that in the
life of a farmer there was a large compensation for
whatever deprivations are incident to the seclusion
of country existence. To be out of the reach of
the bustle and activities of the world anil many of
the opportunities for culture and education air to
him abundantly made up by the peaceful repose
and freedom from temptation which he i- able to
afford his family. He now owns two hundred and
sixty acres of as line land as is to be found in
Ridge and Okaw Townships, and upon which he
has placed substantial improvements, and where he
has paid particular attention to raising cattle and
mules. Roth he and his good wife are earnest and
active members of the Christian Church.
The political views with which Mr. Hendricks
finds himself in sympathy are those which are ex-
pressed in the declarations and platform of the
Democratic party and he longs to have the good
old days of Democratic simplicity return again.
He believes that the principles which were an-
nounced by Jefferson and which were in vogue
under the Jackson ian Administration are the ones
which are best fitted for securing the prosperity of
our country.
MEDEE DOM AS. A native of France, our
subject now resides on section 4. of Rural
Township. Shelby County. His residence in
the county dates from lKtil. He was born in
Burgundy, France. March 24. 1815. He has one
brother and one sister, each of whom has been to the
United States to pay their brother a visit. Doubtless
they find the Americans too busy to attract them
here permanently for surely the country itself is not
more "triste" than theirown laughing France. The
story of our subject is one of effort, perseverance
and ambition. Restricted in early advantages he
was determined to receive an education, and
attended such schools as the portion of the country
in which he lived afforded, frequently walking from
four to six miles in order to recite the lessons that
he had prepared to a master. But success attended
his effort.-, and he finally became cashier in a bank
in France.
In 1837. Mr. Domas set sail for the United States
and after fifty-seven days spent on the ocean and
gulf, he landed at New Orleans, glad to find there
many countrymen who could speak his native
tongue. When he reached the United States he had
nothing but a ten-cent piece and was compelled to
sleep two nights among bale- of cotton. There he \\ a -
538
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
engaged in clerking in a store which position he
continued to occupy for a year; but as the city air
did not agree with him, he removed to the country
and taught school; that is. he gave instruction
in French, for two years. He was then engaged
in Carey's Academy, near Cincinnati, where he
taught French. Among his students were two grand-
sons of William Henry Harrison. While thus en-
gaged, our subject was pursuing the study of the
English language, and during his two years stay
here, he acquired a fluent use of his adopted tongue.
Mr. Domas then returned to Louisiana, and was
engaged in teaching both the French and English
languages, for a few years. He then dropped the
business of a pedagogue, and engaged in commer-
cial life, dealing in general merchandise. He was
also a speculative dealer in real estate, etc. In 186]
he came to Illinois, andpurchased his present farm,
or rather, bought it on contract. The land was but
little improved and had no buildings, lie now has
fair improvements and is the owner of two hundred
sixteen acres of land. He followed general stock
raising for some years, hut now gives his attention
wholly to the raising of sheep.
Our subject was married in 1848 in Assumption
Parish, Louisiana, to Virginia Ilaydel. The lady
was a native of the State in which she was married,
as were also her parents. The Ilaydel family being
one of the oldest and wealthiest families of that
State. Before the late war Mrs. Domas' grand-
mother was reputed to lie worth more than a million
dollars, hut like so many other Southerners, the
fall of the Confederacy was the death blow to her
financial position.
Our subject and his amiable wife have been the
parents of eleven children, only five of whom are
still surviving. Four of their children were victims
of that dread disease, diphtheria, anil were taken
away in one month. the living children are, Em-
ily, Damas, Alda, Dumas I), and Delmas. Emily
is the wife of Ernest Caneini. Damas resides in
New Mexico, where he is a prominent man. Alda
is the wife of Eugene Durand. Politically our
subject is a Democrat. While in Louisiana he was
Postmaster and held the positions of Notary and
.lust ice of the Peace for over twenty years. Mr.
Domas was reared a Catholic and still adheres
to that faith. While in Louisiana he was very
successful in business, but when the Civil War
broke out. he lost a sum amounting to $50,000. He
has now. however, loa great degree, retrieved these
losses and to-day is in a good financial position.
|pS>HOMAS N.ROBISON is the proprietor of a
/Oi drug house which was established March I 1.
V J 1877, and since that time he has carried
on a very successful business. He was born in
Shelby County. November 30, 1846, and is a son
of Edwin A. and Elizabeth ( Dixon) Robison, who
settled on Sand Creek near Windsor, in 1832, at
which date there were only four families in the
vicinity.
The parents of our subject were natives of North
Carolina and in early life removed to Tennessee,
where they married and soon after started for
Illinois to seek a home in the then wild West.
David Robison, grandfather of our subject, ac-
companied his son hither and entered some Gov-
ernment land in Shelby County, on which he re-
sided Until his death occurred. The father of our
subject settled on a farm and there passed his life,
becoming the owner of one hundred and sixty
acres of well-improved land. He died in 1881 at
the advanced age of seventy-five years. Our sub-
ject's mother passed to the unknown land in 1870,
at the age of sixty years. She was a member of
the .Methodist Episcopal Church. They were the
parents of nine children, all of whom lived to be
grown. Their names are David, Ellen, William A.,
Samuel. .lames. Sarah. Thomas N., I Iarriet. and Fred-
onia. David died in Shelby County, unmarried.
Fllen married .1. C. Stephenson and resides in Da-
kota. William A. resides in Shelby County. Samuel
was a member of ( 'oinpany K,( )ne I Iundred Twenty-
six Illinois Infantry; he died at Memphis, Ten'n.,
while in service, .lames resides in Clark County.
Kan. Sarah, who is now Mrs. Carter, lives in Bay
City. Mich. Harriet is the wife of Mr. Hartsel and
lives in Shelby County. Fredonia married .left
Bandy and resides in Edgar County, III.
PORTRAIT AND Bl( >< .RAl'IIICAL RECORD.
53!)
i lur subject was reared on tin- homestead and
received hi- early education in the district schools
in the vicinity, finishing at the State Normal Uni-
versity at Normal. After graduation be taught
school for five years in Shelby County, and in
1877 established his present business, having be-
come well-known during that time a> an efficient
compounder of medicines. IIi> marriage took
place October 17. 1883. IIi> wife's maiden name
was Bella Stewardson, a daughter of William
Stewardson. She was born in Shelby County.
March 7. 1855. Mr.Robison and his amiable and
lovely wife have one daughter whose name is Lora,
who is at once the pride and care of her fond par-
ents. Mr.Robison affiliates with the Democratic
element of the township, favoring the broad plat-
form of that part\ and it- free-trade principles:
lie has held several local offices under his party,
having been both Township Collector and Town-
ship Clerk. lie i- one of the organizers of the
Stewardson Homestead Loan Association, which
was organized in 1883. Since L885 he has been
the Secretary of this Association and discharges
his duties satisfactorily to all interested therein.
He. with his family, is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
AMES (. NooN. a resident of Wckawaj
Town-hip. ha- won an honorable place
among the intelligent agriculturists of this
county during the quarter of a century
or more that he has been identified with them.
He has tilled offices of trust, and in various ways
has shown himself to he a desirable citizen.
lie was born in Derbyshire, England, June 8, I840,a
son of Jeremiah Noon, who was horn in the same
plaee as himself. So also was the father of the lat-
ter, George Noun. SO far as known, and there it is
thought spent his entire life as a fanner.
The father of our subject was the only member
of his father's family that ever came to America.
He passed his early life in hi- native shire, and was
there married to Amy Burroughs, a native of that
part of England, and a daughter of Joseph Bur-
roughs. She died in this county in 1883, at a
venerable age. she was the mother of -even chil-
dren that grew to maturity. At the age of eigh-
teen years Mr. Noon entered the English army as
a member of the Second Regiment of Life Guards,
and was one of the famous body guards of Queen
Victoria at the time of her coronation. He served
seven years, and was then honorahh discharged,
and in 1X44 came with his family to the United
States. They set .-ail from Liverpool on the ves-
sel ■• Rockaway," and twenty-five day- later landed
at New York. They went direct to Wisconsin, and
were amopg the pioneer settlers of Waukesha
County.
After hi.- arrival in that county the father of
our subject bought eighty aero of land known as
Oak-OpeningS, and he and his wife and children
began life in their new home in a log house, which
he afterwards replaced with a more commodious
frame residence. He was busily engaged in his
farming interest- when the Rebellion broke out.
Some of the old spiril that had made him a good
soldier in her Majesty's service when he lived in
old England awoke within him. and the patriotic
love that he bore hi- adopted country caused him
to enlist in 1862 in defense of the Union, and he
became a member of tin- Twenty-eighth Wisconsin
Infantry. 1 1 i- experience in the English army
gave value to hi- services. and he was mustered in
as First Lieutenant of Company F.and in 1863 won
deserved promotion to the captaincy of his com-
pany, which he commanded until his death August
20, of the -ami' year, while at home on a furlough,
and thus passed away a hero who gave up his life
for the Government under winch he had come
to live nearly two decades before.
He of whom this brief life-record is written was
but a boy of four years when hi- parent- brought
him to the United state-, so he has but little re-
collection of any other home. He commenced
when very young to assist his father on the farm.
and whenever opportunity offered attended school.
The first one that he went to was taught in a log
house, the furniture being of the most primitive
kind, the benches being made of split logs. He
remained with hi.- parent- until 1861, when he paid
hi- tir-i vi-it to Shelby County. He worked on a
540
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
farm here one year, and then returning to Wis-
consin, took charge of the home farm, which was
under his management until 1865. In that year
he came back to Shelby County, having 1 >c«mi
favorably impressed with the opportunities it
afforded in the richness of its soil, genial climate,
etc., to young men of energy and capability to
conduct farming profitably, and here he has given
his time to agricultural pursuits ever since.
In 1862 it was Mr. Noon's good fortune to secure
a true helpmate by his marriage with Miss Hannah
Fear, a native of Somersetshire, England, and a
daughter of William and Hannah (Fowler) Fear.
who were also of English birth, and were pioneers
of Waukesha County. Wis. Mr.and Mrs. Noonhave
six children living, namely: Edith, Ethel, lltilda,
Lotta, Amy and Ruth. Jeremiah, their second
child and only son. died when four years old.
A man whose habits and character are above
reproach, who has an evenly balanced mind and is
well posted on current topics, Mr. Noon's fellow-
citizens have shown their appreciation of these
traits by calling him to responsible public positions,
and thus at one time he represented Pickaway
Township on the County Hoard of Supervisors, and
guarded its interests intelligently while an in-
cumbent of that important office.
/jj^n IIRISTIAN FREDERICK R1NCKER. A
(l( p quarter of a century of honest, industrious.
>_/ upright living in any community is wor-
thy of record from the standpoint of the biographer
who takes a broad view of his theme. It is also some-
what remarkable in Illinois to find a record of this
kind as it is so young a State in comparison with
the older part of our country, as to have compar-
itively few of such experiences. The effect upon
a community of a residence of this length is
potent for good or evil and has a cumulative force.
This force in the ease of our subject has been for
good.
Mr. Rineker is a prosperous farmer residing on
section 22, Prairie Township, and he has been in
the county since 1865, He was bora in Chicago,
111.. November 18, 1854, being a son of the Rev.
Henry W. and Anna M. (Gans) Rineker. both of
whom were natives of Germany, the father being
born in Nassau, and the mother in Byron. They
came to the United States about 1846 and were
married in Cook County, this State and about the
year 1859 the\ removed to Terre Haute, Ind.,
whence they came to Illinois again and settled
upon section 23, Prairie Township, where the fa-
ther purchased some six hundred acres of land
which was at that time entirely unbroken-
Henry W. Rineker was twice married, the first
time in Germany, and by this union there were
two children born who grew to maturity, namelj :
Amelia, who married Fred Fathauer and died in
Cook County, and Theopholis died in February.
1891. The parents of our subject had eight chil-
dren, four of whom grew to be men and women.
They were, our subject; Odelia, who married John
Hemmann; Martin and Theodolinda, now the wife
of Theodore Kircher. The father of this household
died in November. IKM',1. and the mother is still sur-
viving.
The father of our subject was a bell-maker by
trade and followed this calling both in the old
country and in Chicago. He also carried it on af-
ter coming to Shelby County. He was an expert
in this line art. and was called to St. Louis. Mo., to
make over bells, a work which required great care
and to which he brought an unfailing enthusiasm,
a practical knowledge of the trade and a quick ear
to detect false tones in the musical quality of the
instrument. He made the bell at Strasburgh and
the church bell at Sigel. both of which are still
musically speaking the praise of their maker. He
also cast the famous bell which was upon the Chi-
cago court-house at the time of the lire, and he will
long be remembered as its maker. He loved his
trade devotedly and always regretted that none of
his children joined him in its pursuit. His bell
foundry in this county was Located at Sigel.
The harmony of the life of this good man was
akin to that between two bells pitched upon har-
monious tones as he carried on two lines of thought
and work, one being in the making of musical bells
and the other in developing the harmony of Christ-
ian life among the people with whom he lived,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORL.
541
He was :i minister in the Lutheran Church and
preached al Terre Haute and also established the
first congregation in Prairie Township.
The subject of this sketch was reared upon the
farm and attended the district school. He has been
twice married, his first union being in 1877 with
Miss Louise Luker "who died in 1878, leaving one
child who had been named Henry in honor of his
grandfather. In 1881 Mr. Rincker was married
to Ida Dietrich who was born in Illinois August G.
1864. she became the mother of live children,
namely: Matilda. Martin, Frederick, Ida and Paid.
Mr. Rincker owns nearly four hundred acres of
land upon which he ha- erected tine buildings and
has made many improvements, a- when he became
its owner it was nearly all virgin prairie. The po-
litical preferences of our subjecl are tor the Dem-
ocratic party, and his intelligence and thorough
understanding of educational matters have placed
him upon the School Board. The Lutheran Church
in which he was brought up receives hi- warm en-
dorsement and support and he is one of its most
earnest and active members.
*§iii^iig§*§:
•■
55
-J
,ps=^ AMUEL P. LILLY. It is a grateful task to
^^L the biographer to record the life of a man
\M_M "hose efforts have not been entirely cen-
tered upon self, hut who has willingly and
gladly devoted much of his energies and time to the
g 1 of the community and to the upbuilding of the
institutions of religion and morality. which consti-
tute the true basis for the healthful life of the
community. Such a career has been that of Mr.
Lilly who has made his temporal prosperitj' second-
ary in importance to the happiness of his family
and the responsibilities which his church and Sun-
day-school work have devolved upon him.
This gentleman's parents were Joseph and Mary
J. (Wright) Lilly, both of whom were Kentuck-
ians by birth, the former being bora in Harri-
son County in 1812. and the latter being a native
of Oldham County, bora in 1816. Upon coming
to Illinois they settled where our subject now lives
in East Nelson Town-hip. Moultrie County, and
there lived until the death id' the father in 1857.
Subsequent to this event the mother was united in
marriage with John Hose and now make- her home
in Sullivan. There were hut two children in the
family, of whom our subject was the eldest and
his sister. Nancy J., died at the age of twelve years.
Samuel P. Lilly was horn on the old homestead in
East Nelson Township, December 3, 1835, and as
his father lived until after this son had reached his
majority he received the full benefit of that par-
ent- instruction and training. Thorough drill
was given him in the duties of a farmer lad and he
was educated in the common schools. He inherited
the old homestead which he -till continues to
make his residence and he would feel indeed lost
to call any other place his home.
New Year's Day of I860 was an epoch in the life
of the young man who had chosen for himself a
wife and who was now united in the holy bonds
of matrimony at the residence of the bride in
Whitley Township, with Miss Nancy P. A. Hen-
dricks, who was horn in the latter place. Jan-
uary 28. 1840. This young wife had heen well
educated and carefully trained in domestic duties
and brought to her new home qualities which made
her valuable not only as a wife and mother hut
also as a neighbor and a member of society.
Four children came to bless this household, viz:
Joseph EL; Sally II. who was the wife of Henry
Christy and who died February 23, 1887, in East
Nelson Township: Europe L. and Vica ■!.. who i-
the wife of John T. Edwards. This happy home
was rudely broken in upon by death May 2o. 1871,
when the wife and mother was called from her
cares and responsibilities and her husband and
children were left to mourn their loss. She was a
member of the Christian Church where the sound-
ness of her Christian faith ami the beauty of her
character made her not only esteemed but beloved.
The second marriage of Mr. Lilly took place in
Sullivan. December •">. 1*72. He was then united
with Miss Addie Mallory who was horn in Vigo
County, Ind., September 1th 1*47. She became
the happy mother of five beautiful children. Her
eldest and youngest both died while young. The
names of her offspring are Leona P.. Ida M.. Jesse
F., Bertha M. and John R. While these children
542
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
were still young they were deprived by death of
a mother's love and tenderness and now a double
duly fell upon the father of this little flock. To
bring up his children in the nurture and admoni-
tion of the Lord, and to give them as far as lay
within his power the attention and training which
motherless children so sorely need has been his
aim and endeavor.
Mr. Lilly has been a member of the Christian
Church since about the year 185(5 and for twenty-
five years he filled the office of Deacon and has
now become an Elder in the church. His keenest
and broadest interest in church work centers aboul
the Sunday-school in which he has been active for
a lon» term of years. He is one of the prominent
men of Moultrie County, and his public-spirited
course receives the warm endorsement of his neigh-
bore. He has always been a law-abiding citizen
and has never had a lawsuit in his life, having made
if his aim to live at peace with his fellow-men.
The office of Supervisor of East Nelson Town-
ship has been placed in the hands of .Mr. Lilly and
he has also held scl I offices. He at one time took
an active part in political affairsand was formerly a
Republican bul now feds that all other politicial
issues since sink into nothingness compared with
the necessity of freeing our land from the bondage
of the saloon and the distiller, and he has allied
himself with the Prohibition party. He has always
been engaged in farming pursuits and in stock-
raising, and upon his line estate of four hundred
and thirty acres he has erected a suitable and com-
modious set of buildings anil his home is most de-
lightfully situated. Mr. Lilly has been correspond-
ent of the two county papers for a number of
years.
V_
♦es*=»
/ ♦=-S-=+
N
14^ ENRY A. PRATT. In the American way
of carrying on farming, there is not a great
deal of room for sentiment. The practical
man is he who succeeds. Our subject is at
the same time one of the most practical and suc-
cessful farmers in Moweaqua Township, where he
owns eighty acres located on section 32. He is
the proprietor, also, of thirty acres in the adjoin-
ing township. He purchased his present farm in
1870, and has since that time added greatly both
to the comforts and appearance of the place by
new buildings, fences, and the neat and methodi-
cal way in which every department of his farm
work is conducted.
Our subject came hither from Morgan County.
where he lived for four years. He was for about
five years a resident of Macon County. His ad-
vent into the State was made when twenty-one
years old, coming hither from Vermont, where he
was born in Addison County, .March 22. 1838. He
comes of good New England stock. His grand-
father was Abraham Pratt, a native of Vermont.
The father of our subject was also a farmer.
He was first married to Mary Pratt, a Vermont
lady, who died after the birth of her first
child. This child was a daughter who was given
the name Mary, and who is now deceased. In his
second marriage, Abel Pratt wedded Miss Sarah
Wing, in Rochester. ' Yt. She was a native
of the Green Mountain State, and came also of
New England stock. Her parents were descend-
ants of a family in excellent standing and were
long-lived people, her father passing away at the
age of ninety years, and her mother being over
eighty years of age at the time of her death. They
were members also of the Congregational Church.
Our subject's father. Abel Pratt, died when fifty-
seven years of age, in Addison County, Yt, His
widow is yet living, and is now eighty-four years
of age. She and her husband were co-workers in
the Congregational Church. Out subject is one of
eldest of five sons and two daughters. He and a
1 not her. .lames Pratt, are all who are now living of
the family. The early training of him of whom
we write was all with reference to the life of a
farmer. When about of age he came to Illinois,
soon settling in Morgan County, where he met and
married Miss Angelina Foster. She was born in
Morgan County. October ('<. 1840, and is a daugh-
ter of Orson and Eliza (Sherwood) Foster, who
were natives of New York State, and who came
West to better their fortunes in a new country at
an early day, locating here in the late '30s.
The\ first settled in Morgan County, there improv-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
543
ing a small farm, upon which they lived until the
time of their death.
.\Ii>. Pratt, the wife of our subject, is one of a
large family, having received her education in her
native county, she is a kind neighbor and a gen-
tle, loving mother, wisely conducting the rearing
of Iter children. Of these, four are de «as <1. t \\ . >
having passed away in childhood, and two having
attained womanhood. The living children are Al-
lien. Laura. Charles, Eva, Harry. Edson and Will-
iam. Of these. Albert was married to Clo. Dean
and is a farmer near Pana, where he is carrying on
a farm on his own account; Laura at present re-
sides in Colorado, at Wagon Whet 1 Gap; Charles
is a farmer near Pana. The younger children have
not yet left the home nest They are well educated
and intelligent, being respected members <>f the
communities wherein they live. Mr. and Mrs.
Pratt are attendants of the Baptist Church. Mr.
Pratt is a Republican of the strongest kind, ac-
cepting the tenets of his party in an unqualified
sense.
W
1849.
II. MICHAEL, a wealthy and public-
spirited farmer residing on section 20, Sulli-
van Township, Moultrie County, was born
in Pickaway County, Ohio, February 26,
His father. Hamilton Michael, was born in
Ohio in 1813, and his mother, Martha Bragg, was
born in savannah County. Ya.. in 1814. They
had both removed to Ohio before their marriage,
which occurred there in Ross < ounty in 1833.
After sixteen years' residence in that section they
removed to Pickaway County, which they made
their home until 1868, when they removed to
Moultrie ( ounty, 111.
Nine children were born to Hamilton ami
Martha Michael namely: Anna E. horn in 1834
now Mrs. David Dyer, resides in Hall ( ounty.
Neb.; Mary C. horn in 1836, married Mr. .1. .1.
Swank in Ohio and died in this county: Andrew
L. married Cynthia A. Frantzand reside- at Broken
Bow, Neli.: Sarah who was born in 1#4H. died un-
married in her young womanhood: John F. lias
been married twice and resides in Indiana: Isaiah
died at the age of four year-: I leorge N '.. married
Mary Nagles, ami resides in Decatur. 111.: our sub-
ject: Martha .lane, born in 1852 died when four-
teen years old. The father of these children passed
away after hi.- removal to Illinois in the year 1879,
but his venerable and honored widow still remains
anil resides with her son, our subject, by whom -he
i- mi i-t tenderh cherished.
J. H. Michael came to Illinois with his parents
when he was a lad of sixteen years and his educa-
tion which had begun in the public schools of Ohio
was continued in tliis state. He was married
February 7. 1875, to Miss Laura A. Hudson, daugh-
ter of J.J. Hudson. For further particulars in re-
gard to tie- history of this interesting and prominent
family, the reader is referred to the sketch of Isaac
Hudson to be found upon another page. This
lovely lady. Mis. Michael, died of consumption,
March 30, 1891, leaving no children to mourn her
lo--.
The fine farm of two hundred and fifty-five acres,
which is partly prairie and partly timber land, has
received from the hand of Mr. Michael excellent im-
provements, and he ha.- taken a great deal of pains
with it. The crowning beauty of this farm is a
delightful park and carp pond which he has spared
no expense in fitting up for the pleasure of his own
family and that of the general public. Oak Park
as it is called, contains comfortable -eats, swings,
hammocks and other plea-ant accommodations for
those who would enjoy outdoor life. The pond is
plentifully tilled with excellent fish and ha- boats
for the accommodation of visitors. It is a beauti-
ful place and a general pleasure resort for the peo-
ple for miles around. The trees are mostly of
hardwood varieties and are of suitable Size to
afford excellent shade. The park is five miles
northwest of Sullivan, the same distance southwest
of LovTngton and northeast of Bethany. a location
which makes it very convenient of access. The
farm ir- on sections 20 and 21.
Mr. Michael is now giving his entire attention
to the breeding of Englishshire horses. His fine
animal -Nail Stone lloiie-t Boy" is an imported
horse of trreat beauty and a universal favorite
among horsemen and represents a little fortune in
544
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
himself, having cost $2,000. This gentleman is a
Democrat in politics but is not aggressive, and was
a member of the Town Council of thecity of Lov-
ington for six years. He has declined other offices
and even failed to qualify after being- elected. His
departed wife was a worthy and devoted member
of the Christian Church and her loss was deeply
deplored by those who had been with her in Chris-
tian communion.
■ ja * I p I m j t i I <;
I < | I [«H ' ^ ^< '
« folLLIAM CARNES. Prominent in church
\ / and political circles and well known a> a
W successful and retired farmer of repute,
both as to character and capabilities, is the gentle-
man whose name appeal's at the head of this sketch
and whose three-score years and ten, worthily lived,
have- given him the respect of all who know him.
IK- resides on section 3."). Shelbyville Township,
Shelby County, and i> counted among the old pio-
neers, as his residence in the county dates from
L850.
William Carnes was horn in Fairfield County,
Ohio, February !». 1821, his father. Robert, being a
native of Ireland, and his mother, Nancy Stewart.
having been horn in the United States. The father
was but three years old when he came to this coun-
try from old Krin and his early home was in Guern-
-t'V and Fairfield Counties, Ohio, lie died in the
latter county at Lhe age of sixty-eight years, hav-
ing been a thorough and respected farmer, and his
wife also passed away at the old home at the age of
sixty-six. These worthy parent- had nine chil-
dren, all of whom grew to maturity. Their record
i- :i- follow-: .lane, who was twice married and
died at Shelbyville at the age of seventy-one:
Thomas and Mary, who both died in Shelby County:
Eliza, who died in California: John and Arthur,
who died in Fairfield County; William, our sub-
ject; Robert, who died in Shelby County: and
.lames, who was a member of Company II. Seventh
Illinois Cavalry and was killed in Alabama.
Having been reared on the farm, young Carnes
chose agriculture as his life work and on Septem-
ber 12. 1850, he took to himself a partner in
life'- joys and sorrows in the person of Mary
C. Ingman. daughter of Henry and Henrietta
(Rigby) Ingman. This lady was bom in Fairfield
County. Ohio. October 13. 1827. and her parents
were Virginians who became early pioneers in
Ohio and remained there until their death, tin-
father at the age of seventy-two year- and the
mother when sixty-five. These venerable parents
reared eleven children to years of maturity, namely:
William, Elizabeth, Amelia. Otho and Ann. who all
died in Ohio; and Sophia. Lancelot and Maria, who
died in Indiana; Edmund, who died in Missouri;
and .Mary C. who became Mr-. Carnes, and i- the
only survivor.
Less than a month after their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Carnes se1 out with a team to emigrate from
Ohio to Illinois, accomplishing the journey in six-
teen days. An elder brother of our subject)
Thomas by name, accompanied them with his fam-
ily. Our subject had been in Illinois in the win-
ter of 1849—50 and purchased some hogs, which he
drove to St. Louis and disposed of. and in the
spring of 1850 he purchased in connection with a
younger brother, .lames, a tract of one hundredand
fifty acres and entered one hundred and sixty
more. About thirty acres only had been cleared
and a log house had been built, and here the young
couple started to make their fortunes and remained
there till 1856, when they removed to their present
home.
Mr. Carnes has given his attention principally
to farming and in time acquired possession of two
hundred and forty aero, which he ha.- now divided
among his children, who are by name: Josephine,
who married B. F. Fraker: Nancy, who married .1.
L. Thomas: Maria E., who became Mrs. William
Crockett and died in Shelby County; Henrietta,
now Mrs. Lewis C. Thomas; Mary C, wife of A. I).
Amlin: John W.; James M., who is a minister of
the Methodist Episcopal Church in Missouri; and
one who died in infancy. A grand-daughter makes
her home with Mr. and Mrs. Carnes and is their
main stay and comfort in their old age. For
nearly half a century both of these honored and
beloved old people have been members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church and for thirty years
Mr. Carnes has been steward ami Class-Leader. He
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
."> IT
is an earnest advocate of the enactment of prohib-
itory measures against the sale of intoxicating
Liquors and his influence is always given on the
sick' of Christianity and morality.
^^T?~>c
*^7-^lI<)MAS FLEMING. The portrait on the
//T\ opposite page represents a gentleman who
v_y figures among the citizensof Shelby County
asone of it< most wide-awake, versatile and sa-
gacious business men. He i- at the head of various
important enterprises centering in Todd's Point
Township, his place of residence, where he lias a
large store for the sale of general merchandise, a
factory for the manufacture of tile, and an exten-
sive farm, all of which are under his supervision,
and arc ably managed.
Todd's Point Township is the birthplace of our
subject, and August 3, 1858, the date of his birth.
Ills parents. Isaac and Anna .lane (King) Fleming.
were among it- earliest settlers. They were natives
of Westmorelandshire, England. Tin' paternal
grandfather of our subject was an extensive farmer
and Stockraiser of that shire, where he -pent hi-
entire life. The father of our subject grew up
amid the pleasant surroundings of his English
home, and received a good education in the local
schools. In 1839 he started out to seek his fortune
and making hi- way to the island of Santa Cruz,
was employed there on a sugar plantation until
1850, when he again started out into the world,
and coming to this county, located in Todd's Point
Township, he having previously sent money to buy
land at this place. At that time this section of the
country was sparsely settled, the best land being
owned by the Government, and since sold at $1.25
an acre. Mr. Fleming built on his land, and de-
voted his- energies to general farming and stock-
raising until 1861, when hi' returned to England to
spend his remaining days amid the scene- of his
youth, and in due time was gathered to his fa-
ther.-. His widow, the mother of our subject, still
resides there. Three children were horn of her
marriage — Tames, a resident of Missouri; Mary
who lives with her mother, and Thomas.
The subject Of this life-record was hut a child of
three years when his parent- returned to England,
and he was reared in the home of his ancestor-.
and was educated in English schools. He did not.
however, in all these years forget the land of his
birth, and in 1KX7 he came hack to begin life anew
in his native township, and has since been closely
connected with its leading interests, lie estab-
lished himself in the mercantile business, and has
here a commodious, two-story brick building for
store purposes, in which he carries a large and
varied stock of general merchandise suited to the
wants of his customers. Resides conducting a good
trade as a merchant, he opened a tile factory near
his store in lK.Ssi. which has been in successful
operation since, turning out a superior article that
commands a ready sale among the fanners and all
who are interested in drainage. Mr. Fleming also
superintends the cultivation of his large farm, of
four hundred and forty acres of excellent tillage
land, lying in Todd's Point Township. Although
his interests are so diversified he manages each with
surpassing skill, employing systematic and busi-
ness-like methods, attending carefully to details.
ami in all that he does making every stroke count.
Mr. Fleming was married in 188ti to Miss Mar-
garet Charlton, a native of Newcastle. England.
They have a very pleasant home, replete with
every comfort, and Mrs.. Fleming's sister. Miss
Alice Charlton, is a welcome inmate of their house-
hold.
V *=i
r
X
AMES T. TURNER. We are pleased to
record among other prominent and pros-
perous farmers of Shelby County, a brief
sketch of the gentleman whose name ap-
pears at the head of this paragraph, whose pleasant
home and attractive farm are an ornament to sec-
tion 7, Oconee Township. He was born in Robin-
son County. Tenn.. August 28, 1840. His parents,
Charles and Susan (Price) Turner, natives of Vir-
ginia, early became residents of North Carolina,
and finally settled in Tennessee, where they were
married and Ions* made their home. All of their
>IK
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
family of nine children were born in Tennessee or
across the line in Kentucky. The family of Charles
Turner and Susan, his wife, are as follows: John
11.. who married and engaged in farming in Fay-
ette County. [11.; Nancy E., who married Thomas
Thomas Hill and died in IM.'it. in Montgomery
County, 111.; Susan C, who became Mrs. R. B.
Evans, and died in 1869; Avy J. was twice mar-
ried. Her first husband being George W. [shmael,
who enlisted in the Seventy-third Illinois Infantry
and died of small-pox at Memphis. Her second
husband, James Slater, is a merchant in Oconee.
The sketch of his life will lie found elsewhere in
this volume. Warren enlisted in Company G,
Fifth Illinois Cavalry in 1863. He married Anna Po-
land. William K. and James T. were also members of
the same company; they having enlisted in the
year of 1861, the former married Emma Lamar.
They were quartered at Cam)) Butler. Springfield,
from September, 1861, until February, 1862. This
regiment was known as an independent cavalry
organization and was not assigned to any depart-
ment but took part in almost every campaign.
The regiment did patrol duty along the Missis-
sippi River, guarding trains, chasing and fighting
guerrillas and bushwhackers and also doing garri-
son duty. It participated in the siege and capture
of Vicksburg and accompanied the victorious army
in pursuit of the rebel Gen. Johnston.
Soon after this our subject was discharged on
account of disabilities as he contracted the measles
and not having proper care and befng exposed to
the inclemency of the weather, the disease settled
in his eyes, so that he finally lost one and the
other is much injured. The other two brothers
passed through the war without serious detriment.
The Fifth Cavalry went to Memphis and finally to
Texas under command of (Jen. Custer. Charles
S. Turner enlisted in the spring of 1 «(> 4 in the
One Hundred and Forty-third Illinois Infantry,
and served one hundred days. After returning
home he learned the carpenter's trade and re-
mained at home with his parents until their death,
the father passed away February 4, USS."), at. the
age of eighty one years and the mother dying
January 12, 1888, being seventy-eight years old.
Charles then felt relieved from further responsi-
bility and starting in life for himself, went to St.
Louis, where he carries on the carpenter trade.
Amanda \Y. married F. P. Vest. Her home i> in
St. Louis and she has one daughter.
After .lames T. Turner returned from the war he
engaged in farming. His marriage with Miss Kate
McLaury took place September 'J. L866. This lady
was one of a family of four sons and three daugh-
ters, children of John F. and Margaret M. (Hum-
phrey) McLaury. and was born in Mercer County.
Pa.. August 21. 1845. Mr. McLaury was a native
of Pennsylvania and his wife of the Empire State.
Mis. Turner's brothers and sisters are Thomas F.
Jr.. Calvin B., James A., William A., Margaret and
Alice, all of whom are living except James A., and
all the survivors are married. Thomas F., William
A., and Alice (Mrs. Wylie), are residents of the
Lone Star State, while Calvin B. resides in .Mis-
souri and Margaret (Mrs. Wilie), in Tennessee.
Mrs. Tinner's family removed to Illinois in the
fall of 1845, and located in Montgomery County.
They removed to Texas before the death of the
mother and when last heard from the father was in
Arkansas.
The Turner family removed from Tennessee to
Fayette County, 111., in 1848, and soon after
removed to Montgomery County and finally made
their home in Oconee Township, Shelby County,
where the parents died as has been previously
Stated. Our subject was educated in the public
schools of Illinois and has been a farmer all his
life time. For six or seven years he was engaged
in the hay business, buying, bailing and shipping
hay, to Eastern and Southern cities.
To Mr. and Mrs. Turner have been born five
children, all of whom are living, namely: Lena E.,
born June 8, 1867, married George W. Hinton a
merchant at Assumption. 111. Charles Franklin,
who was born May 1 1. 1869, now resides with his
wife. Flora March, on his father's farm in Oconee
Township. Gladys was born June 19, 1875, and
is still attending school and qualifying herself for
the profession of a teacher. James F.. born April
30, 1878, and Maggie B., December 17. 1881, are
attending school and studying music as well as
well as making themselves generally useful in the
home and upon the farm. Mr. Turner has always
PORTRAIT AND lilt >< iKAPHK Al. RECORD.
.1:1
been a stanch Republican ami ever take- an inter-
esl in political and public affair-. Mrs. Turner,
her si >u Frank ami daughter Gladys are members
of tin- Methodist Episcopal Church, ami Frank.
Gladys ami James are members of the Independent
Order of Good Templars. .Mr. Turner i- a worthy
member of Coplin Post, No. 268, '■. A. R. of Oco-
nee and is the present Junior Vice Commander.
Besides giving attention to general farming In
raises a g 1 grade of stock.
^1
; ^> • t :•
,1 NDREW I.. CRAIG. Beginning life as
Cg/— I a pioneer in the Mate of Indiana, our
subjeel removed to this state at an early
day. where the country was as undeveloped
as his native place was at tin- time of his birth. He
settled in Shelby County, in June. 1839, and has
since made this State his home. A- before said
Mr. ( raig is a native of the State of Indiana, hav-
ing heen born in Fayette County, January 6, 1*27.
lie is a son of James and Mary ( Bamckman i Craig,
both natives of Pennsylvania. They met. however.
and married in Kentucky, whence tiny removed i<>
Indiana, being among the earliest settlers of that
state.
1 in first coming into this state our subject's
parents settled on Robinson Creek. Ridge Town-
ship, Shelby County, where James Craig purchased
four hundred acres of land, and entered six hun-
dred acre- of Government land. For the former
he paid $8 per acre hut was permitted to enjoy
hi- new home only a short time, for in 1841 he
died. His wife survived him bya number of years,
finally passing away in 1864, at the age of seventy-
six veal's.
James and Mary Craig were the parents of
eleven children, eight of whom lived to reach
years of maturity. Their names are as follows:
Jane. Janus. Robert, .Jacob 1'.. John R., Mary.
William and Andrew. Of these the eldest daughter
died in L864; James make- hi- home in Boone
County, Iowa; Robert died in Shelby County; Jacob
F. resides in Boone County, Iowa; John R. lives in
Shelbyville; Mary married Madison Busby and
died in Christian, leaving <>ne -on to her bereaved
husband; William died in Shelby County, in 1864.
Andrew I... oursubject, is the youngest member
of the family, lie was reared mi the farm and
received an early training in tin- way in which
i" conduct a farmer'- work. lie attended such
schools as the county afforded at that time. The
lir-t school that he attended was a log cabin with
a great fireplace at one end that scorched the chil-
dren's faces w hilc their hack- were freezing. The
seats were of slabs with pegs set in the ends for
lei;-. There were no de-k- and the honk- were a
promiscuous and heterogenous mixture. He resided
with his mother until her death.
In 1870 Mr. (rail; was united in marriage with
Sarah Fakner, a daughter of Thomas and Jane
(Rodman) Fakner. The lady was born in Ohio,
March 12. 1829, but came to Illinois when very
young. She is the eighth of a family of nine chil-
dren. Oursubject settled on section 14, of Rural
Township, in 1885, and here he is the owner of two
hundred and twenty acres of good, arable land that
ha- been well improved. It has a tine residence
well located, commodious and comfortable, and the
appliances for carrying on it- owner's calling in
a thorough and scientific manner are many and per-
fect. Polititically he of whom we write inclines
toward Democracy, finding the breadth of plat-
form claimed by that party to accord with his views
of equity and freedom. Hehasheld several offices
in the township, having heen Collector, Assessor,
and Supervisor. His attention has been mainly
directed to the raising of stock, of which he ha- a
great deal that will compare well with any in the
country.
1
(.. STEWART has ever heen a living
exponent of what energy, judgment and
ambition can accomplish in the agricul-
tural line in the Prairie state \\ here the con-
ditions are so favorable to the farmer as to take-
away from their work half the drudgery that it
elsewhere finds. Mr. Stewart now lives in Mowea-
qua, having retired from agricultural pursuits in
550
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the fall of 1889, and is now living on a fine prop-
erty in this place. Mr. Stewart's farm, whereon
lie spent a Dumber of years, is located on section
25, Moweaqua Township, Shelby County, lie came
to it in 1866, beginning life with but little else
than grit and perseverance, which served him far
better than do large pecuniary resources many
other men.
Although our subject has retired from the act-
ive business of fanning he still owns his home-
stead of two hundred and eighty acres. There is
no better land in the county, and Mr. Stewart has
laid out large suins in improvements that have
greatly added to its value. There is upon the
place a good dwelling made- cozy and beautiful by
the care, interest and taste of womanly hands. The
large fortune which he has accumulated has been
amassed by hard work and his capable wife has
been no small factor in his success. The domestic
realm over which she lias held sway has been gov-
erned in such a way as fo not only spare our sub-
ject's means, but to add to his resources. Gain
has not been her only object in life, however, for
she has been a tender mother and a good and kind
neighbor ever ready to lend a helpful hand in
time of need.
Mr. Stewart's birthplace is what is now Blair
County. Pa., near Alton. He was born September
27, 1840, and i> the .-on of Alexander Stewart, a
native of Pennsylvania, where our subject was
reared. Ik' is of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His pater-
nal grandfather was Alexander Stewart, like his
father a native of Pennsylvania, where he ended
his days. When in middle life he was married in
Blair County to Mary < < ray. whose parents were
natives of Ireland who had settled in Pennsyl-
vania. Mary Stewart lived and died in Pennsyl-
vania, being about seventy years of age when her
decease occurred, having survived her husband by
a good many years. Our subject's grandparents
were members of the Presbyterian Church.
Our subject's father was only nine years of age
when his father died. -lie was reared by his mother
in his native county, and there remained until he
had attained manhood, lie died in the city of
Alton in 1889, having attained the age of nearly
eighty-one years, and was much mourned by
friends and acquaintances. He married Miss Ka-
ziah Green, of Blair County, Pa., where she was
born and reared, and where her death occurred in
1853, being then forty-eight years of age. She was
of good family, her parents being old settlers in
her native place. Both she and her husband were
members of the Methodist Church.
The original of our sketch grew up in his native
county, and in the fall of 1861, on the first call
for three-year volunteers, he enlisted in the army.
joining Company F, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania
Infantry, of which Capt. A. Wayne and Col. Powers
were in command. The regiment proceeded South
and assumed duty in the Tenth Army Corps. Much
of the time they were engaged in hard righting, and
our subject was engaged at the battles at Ft. Pu-
laski, James Island, Ft. Wagner and Morris Island.
He was afterward with his regiment at Drury's
Bluff and Cold Harbor, and passed through many
engagements. Mr. Stewart was fortunate enough
to escape death and wounds and capture, and was
never in the hospital. He was on duty in every
engagement that his regiment partook m with
the exception of one. Our subject enlisted in the
service as a musician, but was mustered in as a
private, and served in both capacities. He is
justly proud of his military record, which is with-
out a stain. But, although he had the opportunity,
he never sought promotion.
After his return from the war, our subject per-
suaded Miss Lizzie Freidley to share the duties of
life with him. They were married in Moweacpia in
the fall of 1K(>8. The lady was born, reared and
died in this city, her demise taking place in the
summer of 1877. She was then only twenty -seven
years of age, and a bright and beautiful woman.
She left to her husband three children, all of whom
are now deceased. One died in infancy. John
A. and Jessie M. did not reach the age of ma-
turity.
Mr. Stewart was a second time married to Miss
Frena M. Brooks. She was born in Flat Branch
Township and was quite young when her parents
came to Moweaqua. Here she received her educa-
tion and attained womanhood. Her father. Josiah
Brooks, has been for many years deceased. He
was one of the early settlers in this county. His
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
o.il
wife is yet living and makes her home in Mowaequa.
She is now in the afternoon of life and i> peace-
fully enjoying the sunset. By his present mar-
riage Mr. Stewart and wife have had four chil-
dren, one of whom is deceased. The living children
are: .lames F., Malcolm W. and Charles I... who
are yet at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are members of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, and are generous supporters
of the >ame. Mr. Stewart has held the local office
of Highway Commissioner and he is at present Com-
mander of J. V. Cleming- Post, No. 363, (i. A. R..
of which he is a charter member. He is also a
member of Lodge No. 1013, K. of 11.. and of
Shelby Lodge. No. 274. I. ( ). ( ). F.
f#-
•?&*"
f ABVEY LOWARY. The gentleman whose
k name is at the head of this sketch, is the
owner of a small farm which, however, i- a
{§) model in point of neatness, productiveness
and improvements. It is located on section 20, of
Richland Township, Shelby County, and its advan-
tage- as to situation are apparent. Mr. Lowary is
a native of the Buckeye State which has sent out
SO many ingenious and wide-awake sons to aid the
progress of development in the newer and more
western state.-. He was horn in Fairfield County.
Ohio, June 2."). 1831. There he was reared to man-
hood and there he continued to live until 1860.
He had early learned the carpenter's trade which he
followed until he came to Shelby County, this
State anil even after locating here lie pursued his
calling to some extent in connection with farming.
The advent of the original of our sketch, into
Shelby County, this State was made in 1860. lie
first lived in Shelbyville Township, where he con-
tinued for four years and then removed to Rich-
laud Town-hip of which place he has ever since
been a resident. Before leaving Ohio, he was mar-
ried in Fairfield County, to a lady whose maiden
name was Emeline Collins. She was a native of
the county and state in which her marriage oc-
curred.
Out of a family of seven children which have
been horn to our subject and wife, only rive are
living. Their name- are Nelson, Daniel, .lame-.
Byron and Joseph. Two of their children died in
infancy. Our subject, who is an adherent of the
Democratic party, brought up under its tenets and
having a firm faith in its platform, has tilled sev-
eral positions in the gift of his constituents. For
-ix years, he tilled the office of Highway Commis-
sioner and was School Director for several years.
His farm hear- evidence of many and valuable im-
provements and although it comprises only eighty-
three acres, is conspicuous for the perfection of it?-
management and it- proportionally large produc-
tiveness.
It will not lie out of place to speak of the family
of which our subject was one. Hi- father was
Jeremiah Lowary. 1 1 is mother Catherine (Siple)
Lowary. They wen- fanners by occupation, hav-
ing passed their live- in tilling the soil. The fa-
ther died in Sandusky, Ohio. The mother who
survived her husband, came to Shelby (. ounty and
-pent her Ia-t day-, passing away in Holland Town-
ship, August 6, 1871. The subject of this sketch
was the only child of hi- parents.
QHN F. LINY1LLK. This respected gentle-
man and thorough-going fanner who resides
on section is. Whitley Town-hip. Moultrie
County, is a -on of John Linville and Eliz-
abeth (Donnelsen) Linville, both of whom were
natives of Kentucky, where they grew to maturity,
married and settled in Bath County, Ivy., coming
from there to Indiana, when- they settled near
Greensburg. After living thereseveral years they
removed to Fayette County, same state, and there
remained until called hence by death.
These worthy and venerated parents had ten
children of whom our subject was the fourth in
order of age, being born in Decatur (ounty. Ind..
April 7. 1824. lie was about ten years old when
his father removed to Fayette County, Ind.. where
he grew to manhood and continued to reside until
he was about twenty-six years old. In his bov-
.v>2
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,
hood lie received thorough and systematic drill
and instruction both in the theory and practice of
farming and agriculture has been hi- sole business in
life.
John F. Lin ville continued to live in Indiana
until the fall of 1849, when he came to Clark
( • .mi ty. 111., and purchased a farm, upon which he
continued to live until December, 1864, at which
time he removed to Moultrie County and settled
upon tin- section where he ha- ever since resided.
The most important event in his life as a young
man was his marriage, August •"■. 1848, in Fayette
County, lnd.. tu .lane McDowell, who was born in
Bates County, Ohio, January 17. 1829.
Mr. and Mrs. Lin ville, had two children viz.: Wil-
liam I), win > married Margaret E. Kennedy and
was a farmer in Whitley Township, but died Feb-
ruary 16, 1891; Rebecca E. who i- the wife of
Henry Wright, of Whitley Township. The death
of the onlj son was a severe blow to the parents
as well as to the young wife.
Our subject now owns one hundred and twenty
acres upon which he has placed many excellent
improvements and where he exercises a kind and
neighborly hospitality to all who enter hi- door.
Hi- political view- have led him to affiliate with
the Democratic parly and he believes that the
principles of that party are the ones which are
destined to promote the prosperity of the Mate.
In his religious view- he is liberal and he is an
active promoter of every movement toward the
moral upbuilding of the community.
I>^-<!^
-s—
WILLIAM HARDY. One of the pioneer
settlers in Central Illinois who has lived to
see the country change from an aspect of
wild, uncultivated beauty to that of one of the
most productive agricultural regions of theUnion,
resides on a line farm on section 36, of Ridge Town-
ship. Shelby County. Mr. Hardy was Lorn in Fair-
field County, Ohio, January 1. 1820, ami i- a son
of Thomas and Nellie (Dutton) Hardy, natives of
Maryland and Delaware. Each bad emigrated to
Fairfield County. Ohio, in early life when the
country was new and laborers few. There they
met and married.
In 1836 our subject's parents removed to Illi-
nois, locating in Tazewell County, where they
rented land which they operated for two years.
They then came to Shelby County, in the spring of
1839 and settled in Ridge Township on section 25,
where the father entered eighty acres of land. He
also pre-empted eighty acre- of timber land in Okaw
Towii-hiii. where he resided for the remainder of
his life.
Our subject's mother died in 1855, a victim of
the cholera, which was at that time epidemic. Her
husband followed her iii 1858. They reared a
family of nine children, two of whom died in in-
fancy: Jesse S. died in ShelbyCounty; he married
1'ii-cilla Ward and left a wife and three children.
one of whom is now living' in Kansas. Polly mar-
ried John llowlet and resides at Charleston, 111.:
Sarah is the wife of .lame- Boys, and resides in
Ridge Township, as doe- also Thomas. George \\ .
makes hi- home in Hutchinson. Kan. Abigail first
married Jacob Leech and on becoming a widow she
again married John Cook and at present resides in
Iowa. Elizabeth i- the wife of George W. Boys,
and lives in Ridge Township. Henry II. resides in
Medicine Lodge. Kan.
The original of our -ketch is a farmer born and
bred. He remained under the parental roof until
he reached manhood when he wa- married to
Amanda 11. Davis, a daughter of Joshua Davis.
she was a native of ShelbyCounty, where she was
born in June, 1836. .Mr. and Mrs. Hardy are the
parents of six children, whose names are Leah.
Mary, Thomas, William. Maud ami Florence, lie-
fore his marriage our subject had purchased the
land upon which he afterward settled and has since
resided on it. lie is now the owner of two hun-
dred and five acre- of finely cultivated land, upon
which a choice variety of grains, fruits and vege-
tables are raised. The place bears good buildings
and many of the improvements both in science
and agriculture are applied to make the farmer's
life less one of drudgery than formerly.
In early life Mr. Hardy learned the trade of ;i
carpenter, which business he pursued for some time,
never, however, giving up hi- agricultural work
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
553
entirely. Politically our subjecl is a follower of the
Republican party, and he ha- been for a long time
School Director of his district Mrs. Hardj is a
member of tin- Methodist Episcopal Church and
both she and her husband an- looked upon a- being
representative people in the township. Affable,
kind hearted and hospitable, they art- examples
and types of the best agricultural class in the state.
BRAM MIDDLESWORTH, President of
the First National Bank, Shelbyville,
Shelby County. is a representative of the
QJ men of energy, ability and enterprise who
have had the making ofShelby County. Not only
i> he prominent as the head of it- leading financial
institutions, but his name is indissolubly associated
with the rise and progress of it- agriculture as one
of its most extensive farmers ami stockmen for
many years, lie still retains his farming interests,
and has one of the largest and best managed farms
in this -cetioii of the Male.
Our subject was born, November 10, 1821, on a
farm ten miles southwest of Lancaster, Fairfield
County, Ohio. His father was Abraham Middles-
worth, a pioneer of this county, who was horn in
New Jersey, and was a -on of John and Martha
Middlesworth. The former died May 14. 1815,
aged seventy years, and the latter departed this
life Octobers, 1*24. at the age of seventy-four
years, and both were buried near Beavertown, l'a.
Xer. an uncle of our subject, became a prominent
citizen in the public life of the Commonwealth,
and for eighteen years was a member of the
State Legislature of Pennsylvania and served as
Speaker of the House, lie "a- born December 12.
1783 and died January 2. 1865. The grandfather,
according to the best information at hand, was a
native of England, who on comin<r to America at
some time during the last century located first
in New Jersey. Later he removed to Pennsyl-
vania, and settled in that part of Union now in-
cluded in Snyder County, where he engaged in
farming until death closed his mortal career.
The father of our subjecl resided with his par-
ents until he attained hi- majority', when he started
westward t" seek his fortune-, taking with him all
his worldl.\ possessions, which comprised his cloth-
ing and rifle, lie walked to Fairfield County,
Ohio, and locating there in the early days of its
settlement, established himself at the trade of a
cooper, lie applied himself closely to his calling,
and in due time, with close economy, had enough
money to purchase a tract of timber land south-
west of Lancaster. During the early year- of his
married life he lived in the log cabin which be-
came the birthplace of hi- son of whom we write.
He was a man of more than ordinal y enterprise,
ami wa- withal a successful speculator, buying wild
land or partly developed farm-, taking up his
residence thereon, and after making improvements
selling at an advanced price. He continued to
live in Fairfield County until 1840, when he
ambitiously sought "greener fields and pastures
new" in this county, bringing with him his family
on that ever memorable journey, he and his wife
traveling in a carriage and Abram with a five horse
team, riding one ami driving the others with a
• gjle line.
Abraham Middlesworth had previously visited
Illinois before coming here to settle permanently,
and he had bought a large tract of land in this
county, including the farm then owned by Benj-
amin Waldron, Sr. Two hewed log houses and
twenty acre- of cleared land constituted the im-
provement-, the twenty acres referred to being
known at that time a- "Waldron 's Big Field". Mr.
Middlesworth continued to he a resident of the
county, devoting himself to the improvement of
hi- realty until hi- death deprived this part of the
state of a valuable citizen, who while he lived was
actively identified with it- agriculture. The
maiden name of his wife, the mother of our subject,
was Barbara Leather-, she wa- a native of Pennsyl-
vania or Maryland, and of German antecedent-,
she died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sally
Galligher. These are the name- of the seven chil-
dren of the parents of our subject; Mary, Sally.
John. Abram, William. Ner and Isabella.
Abram Middlesworth was nineteen year- of age
when the family removed to this county, which
was then hut sparsely settled, and the greater part
554
PORTRAIT AND BI A- K APHICAL RECORD.
of the land was owned by the Government. Deer
and other wild game were quite plentiful, and
often furnished an agreeable addition to the fare
of the settlers, who were mostly home-livers, sub-
sisting as far as possible on what they raised on
their farms. There were no railways for some
years after the family settled here, and St. Louis
was the principal market and depot for supplies.
Our subject embraced every opportunity to obtain
an education in the schools of his early home in
Ohio, which were taught in log school-houses,
which he attended a few months each winter, devot-
ing the remainder of the year to working on his
lather's farm. After coming to this county he and
his brother managed their father's farm in lull.
and sold their whole crop of wheat at the rate of
thirty-seven and a half cents a bushel. For a time
they went to Springfield to get their grain ground.
Mr. Middlesworth 's father gave him a tract of
land, which was located in Tower Hill Township,
and after his marriage he settled on it, and actively
entered upon the pioneer task of reclaiming it
fii ini the wilderness. After the Mexican War he
purchased land warrants of the soldiers to whom
they had been given by the Government, and he
entered land in Ridge Township, at a cost of eighty
cents an acre. In addition to fanning he engaged
extensively in buying hogs and cattle, shipping
the former to St. Louis and the latter to the New
York markets, lie continued to live on his farm
until 1871, when he took up his residence in Shel-
byville. He did not abandon his extensive agri-
cultural operations, however, but superintended
the cultivation of his farm and his large stock
business as heretofore. He had acquired a hand-
some property by his operations, and twenty-five
hundred acres of choice land are numbered among
his possessions. In 1877 he was elected President
of the First, National Bank of Shelbyville, 111.,
which position he still holds, and it is through his
efficient and able administration of its finances
that it has risen to lie one of the safest as well as
one of the most important monetary institutions
in the county.
Forty-four years ago. on the 2Kth of January,
1X47, Mr. Middlesworth took an important step in
life that has contributed greatly to his happiness
and well-being, as on that date he was united in
marriage with Miss Elizabeth J. T. Goodwin. Mrs.
Middlesworth is a native of this county and a
daughter of .lames and Sarah (Donnel) Goodwin.
pioneers of this part of the State. Mr. and Mrs.
Middlesworth have three sons and two daughters
living, namely; Sarah B.. widow of John W. Ward,
her residence being on a farm five miles northeast
of Shelbyville; Isabella, wife of Hiram Scarborough;
James; John and William S.
In early life our subject was a Whig, but lie
subsequently joined the Republican party, and lias
ever since been a stanch advocate of its policy. Ib-
is a man of strong character and linn principles,
who has always exerted a good influence over the
community, and he is in no respect behind his fel-
low-citizens in public spirit and an earliest desire
to help forward all enterprises that will in any
way advance the best interests of the city and
county, giving the benefit of his experience, busi-
ness talent and money to all feasible plans to pro-
mate the public weal. He and his estimable wife
are members of the Presbyterian Church, and their
liberality and helpfulness have contributed largely
to its usefulness as an active religious organiza-
tion.
r^)EY. BARNETT SMOCK. The name at the
L-{ head of tliis sketch is that of a well-known
* \ minister of the Baptist Church of this
county, having had the pastorate of five
churches in this. Fayette, and Montgomery
County, lie has been an active church worker for
about twenty years, during this time having been
engaged in helping to organize new churches as
well as in preaching the Gospel in the older ones.
As an Evangelist, he has a great power for good
and many are the additions to the various churches
in which he has preached, attracted thither by his
work. Each year he has performed the sacred
ordinance of baptism receiving many into the
churches.
Our subject began his career as a preacher in
this county and was ordained in 1875, Elders
Kellev and Coffee officiating at his ordination.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
555
Recently he 1ms spent some time in the Held of
mission work and is an earnest laborer in this
(I i recti on. Aside from bis church work, he of
whom we write is a successful general farmer
located (iii the pleasant tract of hind in Pickaway
Township, and having a well improved farm of
two hundred and eight acres, besides forty acres in
Rural Township, and eighty acres in Flat Branch
Township. He has lived on his present farm for
seven years, having moved hither from Rural
Township. He came to Illinois from Indiana in
1856.
The original of our sketch was born in Vigo
County, six miles south of Tcrre Haute. March 17.
1S:57. He was but a youth when his father
moved across the line to Sullivan County, where
he was reared and educated. He conies of good
stock. I lis father was Abraham Smock, a native
of Kentucky, and a son of Henry Smock, who was
a native of Germany. After our subject's grand-
lather was grown, he was married in his native
land to a German lady and soon after marriage he
and his wife emigrated to the United States in the
days when sailing vessels were 'used for transport
ation. They settled in Kentucky, near Lexington,
in the early part of the present century. The
children were most of them born in Kentucky.
Henry Smock and wife with their family re-
moved to Indiana making their home in Sullivan
County. This change was made in the early part
of the '30s. There the two secured a tract of
land in the wilds of the State. The farm which
they pre-empted was new and of course had no
improvements. They were known in their day as
large farmers, owning several hundred acres. Here
the parents lived and died, being regarded by
neighbors and acquaintances, as good people and
Successful pioneers. As before said, the country
was wholly undeveloped and there was an abund-
ance of wild game. They first beheld the land
just after the Indians began to seek broader hunt-
ing fields and before their deaths they beheld it a
beautiful agricultural region, with wide spreading
fields of waving grain and dotted with buildings
that are the picture of comfort and serene content.
The grandparents died when old people. Henry
Smock at the age of seventy, his wife being
seventy-six at the time of her decease. They were
both members of the New Light Church. Ten
children encircled their hearthstone and made
merry the days, and light the work about the old
homestead. Abraham, the father of our subject,
was one of the eldest of these. lie grew from boy-
hood into manhood in Sullivan County, and was
all his life a farmer. While a young man he was
married in Vigo County, Ind.. to Miss Mary
Weeks. The lady was born in Kentucky and was
a daughter of . I. Lewis and Susan E. (Hampton)
Weeks, both natives of Virginia and come of
Scotch-Irish stock. They were married in Virg-
inia, and later went to Kentucky where they lived
near Louisville. After a time they removed to
Vigo County, Ind., where they were very early
settlers. There Lewis Weeks died in the old home
which he had improved. At the time of his de-
cease, he was about sixty-live years old. His wife,
who survived him many years, later came to her
son. Alfred Weeks', home, in Vermilion County,
111., where she died in June, 1890. She was born
in 1790, and at the time of her death was within
six months of being a centenarian. Her mother
before her had died at the age of ninety-four
years. Lewis Weeks and wife were all their lives
members of the Baptist Church, as were all the
generations before them for years.
After a few years of married life. Abraham
Smock with his family located on a farm in Sulli-
van County, where they both finished their lives,
the former passing away in 1846. He was then in
the prime of life, having been born in 1817. His
wife lived for a good many years and died at the
old homestead in Sullivan County, in December,
1875. She was born in 181(1. During the latter
part of her life she was a member of the Christian
Church, but for many years she and her husband
were members of the New Light Church. Our
subject was carefully reared by his mother and
step-father, lie received a practical education in
the district school-., but feels that his greatest ad-
vantage was gained by the light of the hickory fire,
while bending over his books in the chimney cor-
ner. Naturally of an ardent, thoughtful nature, he
was a lover of books and read carefully and
thoughtfully.
556
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
When he of whom we write came to this State,
he was yet a single man but could not long resist
the charms of the maidens in the Prairie State and
was married to Miss Delilah Casey in the township
near where he now lives; she is a second daughter
of Judge John Casey who was for many years a
prominent man in the county, of whom a fuller
history may lie found under the biographical
sketch of Joseph Smock. Mrs. Smock was born
on her father's homestead in this county and
township June 29, 1838. Here she has spent her
entire life and is known in the vicinity as a model
mother, a kind, helpful and generous neighbor and
a noble woman. As a pioneer of the State she has
a large circle of acquaintances and stands high in
their estimation and affection. She, like her hus-
band, is a Baptist in her religious belief.
Mr. Smock casts his vote and influence in favor
of the Prohibition party. Our subject and liis
estimable wife are the parents of five children, two
of whom are deceased. One passed away in in-
fancy. The other was named William A. Tin'
living children are: Albert B.; Lydia A. and John C.
Albert B. took to wife Minnie F. Smith, and now
resides on a farm in this township. Lydia A., who
is the light and life of the home, is a bright and
intelligent young lady. John C. helps his brother
run the farm. Mr. Smock's family is one notable
for its intelligence and culture and the influence
therefrom, is of the best.
AMUEL ANDERSON, a dealer in stock,
who resides on section it, Oconee Town-
ship, Shelby County, was born in Simpson
County, Ky., May 1, 1856. He is a son of
Peyton and Anna (Logan) Anderson. His father,
who is the proprietor of the Anderson House at
Oconee, was born in Allen County, Ky.. September
17, 1822. His parents were Samuel and Ann
(Clarke) Anderson, the father being born in
Virginia, and going to Kentucky when a young
man.
The mother, who was bom in Nashville. Tenn..
married Samuel Anderson in Allen County, Ky.,
which remained the permanent home until the
death of this couple. Peyton was the fourth in a
family of .six children, the others being Sallie Ann,
who married James Jones, of Allen County. Ky.;
Robert, who resides in Fayette County, 111 ; Rachel,
who married and resides in Kentucky on the old
homestead; Mary, the wife of Harrison Dobbs, who
lives in Kentucky.
Peyton Anderson was reared to farm life and
resided in Kentucky until he reached the age of
eleven. During the Civil War he occupied neu-
tral ground and did not take part on either side,
although his sympathies were with the Union
cause. He was married in Allen County. Ky..
January 1, 1844, to Miss Anna B. Logan, daughter
of Robert and Rebecca Logan, who removed from
North Carolina to Kentucky previous to their
marriage. Mi', and Mrs. Logan had ten children,
namely: E. W., Minerva, Eliza, Joshua, Lavina,
Ann B., Robert, Zachariah, Amelia E. and Amanda
M. Eliza, Mrs. Garrison, died in Kansas; Amelia.
Mrs. Harris, died in Kentucky; and Joshua died in
Perry County, this State.
To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson two sons and three
daughters have been born, namely: Mary, the
wife of James Allen, who resides in Montgomery
County, 111.; Samuel, our subject, who is unmar-
ried and engaged in stock-raising in Shelby County;
Robert L.. who is buying and shipping horses in
Montgomery County; Amelia, Mrs. Ed. Smith; and
Sauah, Mrs. John Williamson.
The father of our subject is a stanch Republican,
whose Union sentiments are a credit to any man.
more to a man like himself, who was born and edu-
cated in the South. He takes an active interest in
political affairs, and is liberal in religious mat-
ters, though a Arm believer in the Christian rclig-
gion.
Samuel Anderson grew to manhood in his native
State, receiving his education in the schools of that
region, and engaged in farming and stock-raising
with his father until his removal in 1889, when he
located in Oconee Township, Shelby County, this
State, and worked on a farm for some ten years.
lie then engaged in buying, feeding and selling-
stock, handling cattle and hogs principally, lie
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
55*
is associated in business with Mr. E. Bass, and buys
and ships stock from Oconee. He votes with the
Republican party, and believes that in it* principles
mi' in In' found tin- trui' guide to progress in this
country. Ik1 is industrious, honest and intelligent,
and has tlir confidence of all with whom he is asso-
ciated.
£+£
k=>
, /
. 1LLIAM F. TILL, one of tin- oldest resi-
dents, and one of those most worthy of
honor in Windsor Township, Shelby
County, resides mi section 20, ami was born in
Bedford County, Tenn., January 9, 1819. His
parents were Daniel anil Sallie (Baw) Tull, both
natives of North Carolina, who married there and
soon after returned to Tennessee, where they re-
mained until 1829. At this time they emigrated
to Illinois, and settled in Shelby County. Our
-iil>ject was the eighth in a family of nine,
and all are deceased except this son and Iris
brother, Nathan P., who resides in the village of
Windsor.
Mr. Tull was hut a lad of eleven years when
his parents located in Shelby County, yet he
has a vivid recollection of the trip across the coun-
try, with a six-horse team, and often recalls the
wild and unimproved condition of the country
and the sparsely peopled section- through which
they traveled. Shelbyville, now a promising
city of live thousand inhabitants, was then a
little trading post, composed of a few log shanties.
In tin- fall of 1838 this young man (then only
nineteen year- old) took to himself a wife in the
person of Miss Hannah Davis, who «;i- also a ua-
tive of East Tennessee, where she was bora Decem-
ber "27. 1821. Her parent-, like his, came to Shelby
( ounty in the early days, and located in Windsor
Township in 1828, and there spent the re-
mainder Of their live-. That young couple
in due time became the parents of :i truh
patriarchal Hock, fifteen children being horn to
them.
The seven children who are still living an- as
follows: Sallie. Mrs. Cane, now fifty-one Mar-
old, and lives in this town-hip; Josiah has been a
cripple since he wa- eighteen months old. and has
always been cared for by hi- parents; Harriet is
unmarried and lives at home: Catherine, now Mrs.
Moobery, lives in this township, as does also
Jonathan, who is married; .lames and Nathan F.
are at home and unmarried, and working on the
old homestead, although they have both reached
mature years.
This beautiful old couple have enjoyed each
other's society in wedded life for over fifty-two
year-, and both give promise of many more years
of health and cheer. They speak in the highest
term- of tin- lilial affection and obedience of their
children, with whom ihe\ have never had an un-
pleasant or discordant word. Mr. Tull has been a
life-long Democrat, and has ever been a recognized
leader in his township. His middle name is For-
rest a- he wa- named for the father of the noted
Confederate General, that general being a play-
mate of Mr. Tull 's. Lor many years this couple
were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
but at the tiuieof the division of that body during
the war. they withdrew and joined the Christian
Union Church.
•<■=•:• ^~\
AMES II. WHITE. We are pleased to pre-
sent among the highly esteemed residents
of Shelby County the name of .lames II.
White, who resides on section 13, Lose
Township. His father. William White, was horn
in Perry County. La., and hi.- mother. Hannah
Milligan, was a native of the same county. Their
first home after marriage was in that State, from
which they afterward removed to Montgomery
County, Ind., and later to Christian County. 111.,
where the\ located in Lana. and there they spent
the remainder of then days. They were the happy
parent- of ten children, of whom our subject is
the second.
James 11. White was horn in Perry (ounty. La..
July 16, 1829. There he received his early edu-
cation and his practical training upon a farm and
558
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
grew up to a vigorous young manhood. In 1851
lie removed to Montgomery County, Ind., and en-
gaged in the mercantile business in Waveland for
about fifteen years. He sold out his business in
1865. and coining to Shelby County, located on
section 13, Rose Township. Since his removal to
this place he has devoted himself entirely to farm-
ing and dealing in stock. His rich farm comprises
one hundred and twenty acres upon which he has
placed good improvements.
The marriage of this gentleman look place in
Crawfordsville, Ind., October 3, 1*51. his bride
being Miss Mildred Canine, a daughter of Richard
and Eliza (Gwynn) Canine, both natives of Ken-
tucky. The mother died in Crawfordsville. Ind..
and the father still survives. Eight children com-
pleted this family circle and Mrs. White was next
tn the eldest of them. Her birth took place in
Crawfordsville. Ind.. April 2, 1835, and there she
was reared to womanhood.
The children who came to bless the home of .Mr.
and Mrs. White are seven in number, namely: Albert
T-, who married Miss Fannie I lurkee: Clara S.; Will-
iam R.. who married Mis- Fannie Smith, of Frank-
furl. Clinton County. Ind.: .lames: Walter; Min-
nie, who died when ten years old: and Alia 1'.
Mr. White has the profound respect and esteem of
of his fellow-citizens and they have placed him in
several offices of responsibility, all of which he has
filled with real benefit to the community. He has
for four terms been Supervisor of Rose Township
and for several years has acted as Justice of the
Peace and Township Clerk, lie i- Secretary for
Ruse Township of the Farmer?' Mutual Insurance
Company. He is independent in his political
view- and dues nut ally himself with any of the
existing parties, as he prefers to he free to follow
hi> own judgment and convictions rather than to
lie guided by the party leaders.
Mrs. White is a woman of more than ordinary
capability and influence and i- the efficient and
judicious President of the Woman's Christian
Temperance Union of Moulton. They have
brought up their children in the faith and practice
of the Christian religion and the whole family are
united in the membership of tin- Presbyterian
Church. The pleasant home of our subject has
attractive surroundings and the farm buildings
are excellent. Such a family as this i> one of the
greatest advantages which any township can have.
as their industry and enterprise tend to its mater-
ial prosperity and their character and intelligence
make an influence for good in every way.
..^-^1
LBERT WYMAX. a large and successful
W I dealer in hoots and shoes, who is doing
' business in a fine establishment at the
southwest corner of the public square,
came to Sullivan, Moultrie County, in 1870 and
entered upon work as a journeyman shoemaker.
Later he began business mi his own account and
finally added a stock of goods and opened a store.
Ilr has been a hard-working man and is the archi-
tecl of his own fortune, and out of his profits he
has built the commodious business house which he
now occupies. It is twenty-two feet wide by
eighty-two feet deep, two stories high and was
built in 1885, since which time he has kept it
stocked with an excellent and extensive line of
boots and -hoes.
Mr. Wyman came here from St. Louis, to which
point he had traveled over a great many States
since coming to this country in 1858 from Ger-
many. He was born in Prussia not far from Ber-
lin, July lo. 1835. His parents, Daniel and Dora-
thea (Heiser) Wyman. natives of Prussia, were of
excellent German stock and reared him through
his boyhood, giving to him the best advantages of
a German education. The father passed from life
in his native country in 1862 at the age of seven-
ty-six, and his good wife, who wms born in 1804,
died in 1866. Daniel Wyman had fought with
the German forces in the war with France which
took place between the years of 1812 and 1815,
being an active soldier for four years and bearing
throughout life wounds received in conflict. He
and his faithful wife were devout members of the
Lutheran Church.
Our subject is the youngest of his parent.-' chil-
dren, six sons and one daughter, and two of these
sons are now deceased. Albert having grown to
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
559
manhood in his native Province, set oat while still
young- for this country, breaking away from home
and friend- and coming all alone from Hamburg
to New York City, landing there in 1858, and be-
ginning as a workman at hi- trade which be had
learned in his native country.
Mr. Wvman served for four month- a- a soldier
in tin- War of the Rebellion, enlisting at the first
eall in the Second Missouri Infantry, and fighting
at the battle of Wilson's Creek, Mo. He often
says that this short experience gave him a sufficient
taste of war and of rebellion and he was satisfied
after that to -ettle down to his trade in St. Louis.
He adheres to the church of his forefathers, the
Lutheran, and is active and helpful in it- good
works. In political matters he i- independent, not
being trammeled by party tie-.
v..
AMDEL HARPER resides on section 16, of
%t£" Rural Town-hip. >helby County. Hi- res-
ideuce in this county dates from lx.*>4. lit
was horn in Beaver County. Pa., December
2k. 1834, and is a son of .lame- and Margaret (Mc-
Parland) Harper, both natives of County Antrim.
Ireland.
The father of our subject, .lame- Harper, came
to the United State- about 1825. At that time In-
had one brother in this country. John Harper, who
had come here from the Emerald Isle in 1800. Our
subject's maternal ancestors were also natives of
County Antrim. Ireland, and of tin- three children
in the family, two son.-. John and Robert Mc-
Farland came to the United States, where they
prepared a home, a id their parents and one sister
followed them hither two year- after their advent
into this country. Their sister, Miss Margaret Mc-
Farland. was a highly educated lady, and on com-
ing to this country. ?he occupied herself in the
sacred work of teaching the young to grow into
noble men and women. She met and married
James Harper, merchant of Fairview. Beaver
County. Pa., the father of our subject, about 1832.
Both parents died in Beaver County. Pa. The
mother passed out into the unknown in 1H38. and
the father in 1849, at the age of sixty-nine years.
They had three children, only one of whom, our
subject, lived to attain manh 1.
The original d our sketch was reared in the
mercantile business, receiving a practical business
education which fitted him for commercial life.
lie is a graduate from a commercial college of
high standing. Coming to Qlinois, he stopped for
a -hort time in Shelby County and then went to
Texas, after which he returned to hi- native state.
Pennsylvania, hut finally accepted the advice of
Horace Greeley, and came West, settling here in
Illinois in I860. Soon after hi- settling in this
state he was attracted by the charms of one of the
sweet girl- of tin' Prairie state, and on December
27. 1 kCi i. was married to .Mary J. Armstrong, who
is .-i daughter of Edward and Margaret (Graham)
Armstrong, settlers in Shelby County, from an
early day, having come here as pioneers about
1*27. They were natives respectively of Knox
County, hid., and of Kentucky. Mr. Armstrong
was born in 1814. Hi- wife was two years younger.
They were married in Washington County, Ind.,
but their home was soon after established in Shelby
County, this state, where they located on a farm
in Ridge Township. There the mother died in
June. 1853. The father followed her a number of
years later, hi- decease taking place March 7.
1870.
Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong were the parents of
seven children, six of whom lived to be grown.
Their name- are Mary Jane. Helen. Richard. Emma.
William and Iona. Mrs. Harper's father was twice
married after the death of Mrs. Harper's mother.
By his third wife lie became the father of one
child whose name is James C. Mrs. Harper's
maiden name wa- Mary Jane. She was born in
Ridge Township, January 25, 1*41. and was mar-
ried to our subject, Samuel Harper. December 27.
1860.
After marriage our subject engaged in active
service in the War of the Rebellion, enlisting in
Company O. of the Thirty-second Qlinois Infantry.
October 1*. 1864. lie served until the close of
the war. participating in the battles of Ben ton ville,
the -iege of Savannah, and was one of the army
who wa? with Sherman in hi- noted march from
560
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Atlanta to the sea. He was a First Sergeanl in
his regimenl and also received a commission as
First Lieutenant. At the close of the war he re-
turned t«i Shelby County and resinned farming-.
Here he owns eighty acres of land, which is under
:i g " id state nf cultivation.
Mr. and Mrs. Harper have had six little ones
who have come to their hearts and homes as prom-
ises of comfort and support to their declining
years. Mosl of these children are new grown and
have families of their own and are respected and
honored members of society. Maggie is the wife
of Thomas W. Cortmell; Lincoln (-. reside- in
Cheyenne. Wyo.; .lames Edward and Carrie are
engaged in the work of teaching, and have made
themselves line reputations in their chosen calling.
Richard (i. and Samuel McFarland make their
homes with their parents. Two children died in
childhood.
Politically, our subject is a Republican ami the
issues that are vital with his party are those that
are likewise most important to him. lie has been
elected to several positions in township offices,
having been Assessor and Township Clerk. Mr.
Harper is one of the charter members of the Rural
Township Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company.
and has been the Secretary of the same since its or-
ganization. It is extremely gratifying to him. as
to other officers and promoters of the organization,
that success and financial standing i- assured.
^4
"^3
i — t UAXCIS X. GRESS, who is the proprietor
|— (s) i if the furniture and undertaking establish-
1 nient in Stewardson, is one of the most
substantial business men of the town, having rep-
resented the business there in the abovenamed
branch since 1876, and as the town was founded in
1875, he is one of its pioneers. Mr. Gress was horn
Bavaria. Germany. February 5, 1836. His father
lived and died in Germany. His mother came to
the United States about 1874, and passed from this
life to the tetter world, while making her home in
Prairie Township. Our subject's mother had one
brother, after whom our subject IS named. He also.
was a settler in the State and died in Shelby
County, leaving a wife and three children, she
also had a sister who was unmarried, and died at
si. bonis. Mo.
At the age of fifteen years, our subject was ap-
pr< nticcd to learn the trade of a cabinet maker. lb'
served his apprenticeship for three years and then
went to work at his trade near the place of his
birth where he remained until 1X57. when he
lefl the Fatherland, taking a vessel at Bremen and
after a voyage of fifty-two days, be landed in Bal-
timore and at once went to Chicago, the journey
at that time between the two cities, occupying eighl
days. For a time after coming hither he was en-
gaged a- a cooper in a brewery near Chicago; there
being no opportunity to work at his trade he gave
his time in this way in order to pay bis board
In January, 1858, Mr. Gress came to Shelbyville,
having previously been promised work at that
place. He remained there for about two weeks,
bill as his funds grew scarce, and work seemed re-
mote, he went to Sullivan where he found an op-
portunity lo employ himself at his trade. In the
Spring of 1863 he went to Chicago, where he was
engaged a- a cabinet maker. He staid there for
some months and in August. 1864, he went to
Nashville, Tenn., and worked as a carpenter in
Government employ. In February. 1865, he re-
turned to Sullivan, but only remained a few months,
when he again went to Chicago, and in .Inly. 1865,
he married Mrs. Josephine Weisbrick, nee Altaian .
Her first husband was a soldier in the Civil War
and was killed. In 1868, our subject removed to
Shelby County, ami -ettled on a farm in Prairie
Township, occupying himself with tilling the soil,
until he removed to Stewardson.
Our subject and hi- wife, who have always been
prudent, energetic people, are now the owners of
four good building lot- in the place where they
reside. One child has been given them to grace
their home and be the comfort of their declining
fears, a daughter whose name is Mary. The fam-
ily are in their religious views devout Catholics,
and are generous supporters of that body. Polit-
ically Mr. Gress is a Democrat. He has held sev-
eral local offices.
Formerly Mr. Gress was associated with Joseph
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPH7CAL RECORD.
TjtH
Steidle, under the firm name of Steidle & Gress.
They were owners and proprietors of a packing
house al Stewardsoh, which was buill by the lm-ii-
tleman of whom we are writing.
=^€>^M
JACOB F. PFEIFFER Among the enter-
prising young farmers of Rose Township,
Shelby County, none perhaps deserve high-
er praise than this gentleman whose ances-
try is t<> be traced across the seas. His father, the
late John Pfeiffer was born in Fairfield County,
t )hio. April 2. 1835, and was the son of John Phil-
lip Pfeiffer who was born in Germany and emi-
grated to Fairfield County, Ohio. lie came to thi>
county about the year 1*77 and settled in Rose
Township.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Anna M. Finka. her parents being John ('. and
Louisa Finka, natives of Germany. It was about
the year 1843 when they left the old country and
came to America, where they settled in Fairfield
County, Ohio, and spent the remainder of their
days. Mrs. Pfeiffer is the youngest of their four
children, and she was born in Germany August 13,
1833.
After their marriage in Fairfield County, Ohio,
the parents of our subject settled there for some
before coming to Shelby County. 111., where they
made their home in Ridge Township, in March.
1864. For four year? they resided there and then
settled on section 5, Rose Township, where Mr.
Pfeiffer died December 4. 1879. Their seven chil-
dren are: John C. Louisa M.. now the wifeof Les-
lie B. Barrett: Minnie C, the wife of Isaac Rale-:
Benjamin J., Jacob F., Edward W. and Emma M.
At the time of his death the father of these
children owned a fine tract of one hundred and
forty acres upon which he had erected g 1, suita-
ble buildings, since his demise his widow has car-
ried nil the farm most efficiently and successfully.
I [e was prominent during his life in educational
affairs and held some school offices. He was an ac-
tive worker in the Lutheran Church to which he
and his good wife had both been long united.
The subject of this sketch was born in Ridge
Township, November II. 1864, and was reared t<«
manhood in Rose Township, where he was edu-
cated in the common schools. Here bis marriage
occurred November ".'7. 1888, Miss Minnie L.Frin-
ger becoming his bride. The parents of this lady.
Jacob and Mary (Stoner) Fringer are residents of
Rose Township, and Mr-. Pfeiffer i> the fifth in
their family of seven children. She was born in
Preston County, Va., May 16, 1871. One child.
Lula May. has come to bless this Jiome. Mr. Peif-
fer is a prominent and active member of the Luth-
eran Church anrl is a young man who gives prom-
ise "f achieving true success in life. His good
management as a farmer is abundantly attested by
the excellent condition of his farm and the neat
appearanc3 of his buildings. Mrs. Pfeiffer has
evinced capabilities which will, no doubt, aid her
husband greatly in carrying on his life work and
bring to her the enduring reputation which every
woman should seek as a true neighbor, a faithful
wife and a judicious mother.
FY. HENRY WEAKLY, a man of abilitj and
usefulness who pursues the double avoca-
tion of tiller of the soil and spiritual la-
borer in the vineyard of the Lord, has his
plea-ant home on section 2. Rose Township, Shelby
( ounty. His father was Benedict Weakly and his
mother Martha Mathews, both born in Maryland,
thence they migrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, and
from there removed to Shelby County, 111. Their
marriage took place December 2\. 1815, and they
were successful and laborious farmers. It was in
1843 when they came to Shelby County. 111., and
they settled in Ridge Township which became their
final earthly home.
Our subject was one of the oldest members of
hi- father's family, his native place being in Fair-
field (ounty. Ohio, where he wa- horn September
7. 1826. He passed his earl] day- in Ohio where
he attended the common school- and after coining
to Illinois he devoted himself to farm work, assist-
562
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing his father upon the farm until he was twenty-
live years old, when he was united in marriage
with Miss Amanda Wagoner, a native of Indiana.
The young wedded couple made their first home
in Ridge Township and there set up their house-
hold and industriously devoted themselves to farm
labors. This was their farm home until they removed
to Rose Township. Mr. Weakly first united with
the Evangelical Brethren Church in Ridge Town-
ship, which church afterward became a part of the
Southern Methodist. He lias officiated in the pul-
pit since 1866. He was ordained as a Deacon in
1877 and four years later received the ordination
of Elder.
A large tract of land located in Shelby County
is the property owned and managed by our sub-
ject, lie lias it in an excellent state of cultivation
and has erected upon it, comfortable and neat farm
buildings. This worthy couple are practically doers
of good in the world, for as they have nochildren
of their own they have acted as father and mother
to four little orphans and have brought them up
to attain lives and character of usefulness in the
world. This truly good, industrious and benev-
olent life strongly re-inforces the pulpit utterances
of .Mr. Weakly, and his eloquent exhortation to a
Christian life are not without their effect upon the
people to whom he administers. At a meeting
which he conducted nine miles east of Nokomis,
thirty-seven professed conversion to the Saviour.
Aside from his domestic life and pulpit work. Mr.
Weakly has been useful in the community as High-
way Commissioner in Ridge Township.
w<ty
~<S)
!>*<!
M.SPITLER. For more than twenty years
Mr. Spitler has been closely connected with
k, the development of Moultrie County and
since 1880 he has been prominent in the business
and political circles of Sullivan. lie is a general
merchant and dealer in staple and fancy groceries,
glass and queensware, and ranks among the mosl
enterprising business men of the village. Prior to
embarking in business as a merchant he operated a
farm, upon which be located in 1871. Not only
has he been influential in business circles, hut in
all matters of public moment he is interested. He
has served efficiently as City Councilman and in
other ways aided in the prosperity of the place.
Politically he is a stanch Republican and never
fails to deposit a ballot in the interest of that part v.
Mr. Spitler is descended from German forefathers.
His great-grandfather crossed the broad Atlantic
from Germany prior to the Revolutionary War and
settled in Virginia, where he and his wife both
died. Among their large family was a son named
Jacob, who was reared to farming pursuits and
grew to manhood in his native State. There he
was married to a Virginia lady and there several
children were born to them, including the father of
our subject, whose given name was Henry. The
latter was a youth of fourteen years when, in 1809,
he accompanied his parents to Fairfield County.
Ohio.
At that time Ohio was a wilderness and the Spit-
ler family began life there as pioneers, improving
the farm from the heavy timber lands and endur-
ing all the hardships which fell to those brave men
who opened a pathway for modern civilization.
Jacob Spitler and his wife became prominent in the
sparsely settled community and were active mem-
bers of the Baptist Church. They died in Fairfield
County at a good old age. After Henry Spitler
had reached manhood he married Miss Mary S.
Seitz. a native of Virginia and of German descent.
She was only eleven years old when her parents re-
moved to Fairfield County. Ohio, and there she
grew to womanhood.
After their marriage Henry Spitler and his wife
settled on a farm in Fairfield County, where they
both died at the age of seventy-four years, the
mother surviving the father three years. They
also belonged to the Baptist Church and the father
voted the Democratic tit ket. < )ur subject, who was
a twin, was one of a family of sixteen children,
eight of whom are yet living, all married and with
families of their own. In his native county our
subject grew to a vigorous manhood, receiving .-in
academic education at the Fairfield Union Acad-
emy and afterwaid following the profession of a
teacher for several years. He taught one term
after coming to Illinois.
^^^^up?^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
:,i;;,
Mr. Spitler owes much of the comfort with which
he is surrounded to the untiring efforts of hi- wife,
with whom he was united in marriage in Fairfield
County. Ohio, In 1854. She was known in maid-
enhood as Margaret I). Friend, and was horn in
Fairfield County in 1826. Her parents, Jonas and
Mary A. i Daily) Friend, were native- of Maryland
and were married in Pennsylvania and settled at an
early day in Fairfield County, Ohio. There they im-
proved and cultivated a farm until their death. full
of years and honor. Theywereg ireligious
pie and consistent members of the Baptist Church.
They had a family of eight children, -ix of whom
survive, all past middle age and with families.
Mrs. Spitler was carefully reared at home and is a
woman whose nobility of character and kin dm
heart win for her friend- wherever she i- known.
The otherwise happy union, of our subject and
hi> good wife has been saddened by the death of
their only -on. Jefferson I)., who died ai the ag
tbirty-two years. His death occurred in California,
whither he had gone for hi:- health. He left a wife,
whose maiden name was M. E. Harvey, and who i-
now living in Sullivan, engaged in the millinery
business. The surviving child, Mary J., is -till un-
der the parental roof and i- an intelligent and re-
fined young lady. Mr. and Mi's, spitler are
prominent in social circles and although not i
municants of any church, are held in high esteem
for their recognized worth of character.
^ mi ■(■* i ■■
« » II. 1.1AM TIH'XEMANX i- a dealer in
\ / and manufacturer of harness and saddlery
y ^ in Sullivan. Moultrie County, and i- lo-
cated on the north side of the public square where
he ha^ l>een in business for many years, having
opened his establishment here in 1861. He firsl
hegan in a -mall way and has since built upa large
business and a good trade, having been located in
three different places in the city since coming here.
He ha- an enviable reputation as a skilled work-
man and turns out some very line piece- of work.
Our subject came to Sullivan from Chicago in
- -. hut worked on a faun until 1861. He had
come to Chicago from Philadelphia, where he had
Keen tor two year-, as he first located there on
coming to this country from Germany in 1856.
His native home was in one of the Rhenish Prov-
inces, and he was horn September 8, 1820, upon
the hanks of the beautiful and picturesque river
Rhine. lli> parent- William and Anna M. (Putz)
Thunemann were of pure German Stock, the
former l>cing horn in Saxony and the latter upon
the liver Rhine. They were married and began
life near near her native home during the period
of the Napoleonic war-. The father worked in the
Government service, superintending a large har-
ness -hop which furnished equipments for the
Russian Army, and he was thus engaged through-
out the war. Later in life he started in business
on his own account and died near hi- native home
in 1852, being then sixty-two year- old. His wife
ssed away six years later at the age of seventy-
nine. She was a devoted member of the Roman
Catholic Church hut her husband brought up the
children in hi- own faith, that of the Evangelical
Church.
Our subject i- the youngest of the parental
household, of whom hut two are now living, his
brother Jacob being a harness-maker in the Rhen-
ish Province of ( Idenkieckeii. and being now -c\ -
enty-four years old, a well preserved and active
business man. One of his sons. Paul, a tine young
business man. is with his uncle in business. Mr.
Thunemann learned his trade when about fourteen
y.-ar- of age and ha- continued in it- exercise ever
since. He was married in his native province to
Anna M. Gilbert, who was horn February, 22,
1828, of g 1 German stock, her father being a
weaver of tine cloth and a fanner. Both he and
his faithful wife, who like himself, spent her entire
days in her native land, found in the Evangelical
( hureh a religion- home.
Mr-. Thunemann was reared in her native prov-
ince and after her marriage -he became the mother
of two children before emigrating to this country.
The little family left Antwerp on a -ailing vessel
which hore the name of "Matilda," and after five
weeks upon the ocean they landed in New York
City and traveled from there to Philadelphia.
Somewhat later they came West, -topping first at
566
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Chicago in the fall of L857, before coming to Sul-
livan which they reached in 1858.
In May, 187;"). our .subject and bis wife returned
to their Fatherland and visited the old home.
They had the pleasure of seeing the Emperor Will-
iam and in October of the same year they returned
to their home in Sullivan. They are the parents
of four children, namely: Johanna, the wife of
Edward J. Gilham, who is traveling for a St. Louis
House in Southern Illinois; Mary, the wife of
Charles Barnhart, the manager of the new Litch-
field House at. Litchfield; Margaret, who is a
teacher in the public scl Is of Spokane Fails,
Wash., and Emma, who is at home and a teacher
of music. The members of the family belong to
the Presbyterian Church and are active in the ex-
ercise of their religious duties. Mr. Thunemann
is an intelligent student of our American institu-
tions and a Republican in politics. He has been
for thirteen years one of the City Aldermen.
In connection with this biographical 'notice a
portrait of Mr. Thunemann is presented to our
readers.
"•5"5"5"J- ^
jACHARIAH B. WHITFIELD. As tin-
city of Sullivan is the center of a rich,
highly cultivated and prosperous county,
it is not surprising that within its bounds may be
found a large number of retired farmers who have
gained sufficient wealth by the labors of their
early years to give themselves the luxury of rest
and ease in their declining days. These retired
farmers are not so old and decrepit ss to have
lost their interest in matters outside their homes,
but are active and useful citizens, employing their
energies more fully in the line of public improve-
ments than they were able to do in the days when
tbey were more heavily burdened.
Among such citizens of Sullivan we find the
prosperous man whose name appears at the head
of this present writing. His fine farm in Whitley
Township consists of two hundred and eighty-
eight acres, which has upon it a complete set of
farm buildings, and the acres are well improved
and finely stocked. He came to Whitley Town-
ship in 1858 with his parents, having been born
January 15, 1847, in Shelby County. His father,
Willis Whitfield, was a native of Tennessee, whose
parents were of Scotch-Irish descent. He became
a farmer in bis native State, and was there first
married to Alementra Rhoads, a Tennessee lady.
This worthy pioneer couple soon came to Shelby
County, III., settling near Shelbyville when there
was but one house in that place, and taking up
Government land. This was about the year 1832,
and one year later Mrs. Whitfield died of the
Asiatic cholera, in 1833, being then in the prime
of life. Her three children, Emeline, Louisa and
Silas have all now passed to the other world,
although they lived to mature years and estab-
lished families of their own.
The Rev. Willis Whitfield was a second time
married in Shelby County to Miss Martha Pugh,
who was born in Kentucky and came when a child
with her parents to Shelby County. Mr. Pugh
was killed when in middle life by a bolt of light-
ning when planting corn. In 1858 Willis Whit-
field and wife came to Whitley Township and
there took a farm, and making good improvements
upon it, remained in this home through life. The
father passed away in 1869, having reached the
age of sixty-four years. The mother tarried five
years longer, and then died at the age of sixty-four.
They were active members of the Separate Baptist
Church, and for many years Mr. Whitfield filled
the pulpit in that church. He was a prominent
church worker in both this and Shelby Counties.
His political views were Democratic, and he was
an earnest worker for that cause.
Our subject has one sister living — Elizabeth, the
wife of M. L. Wagoner, of Whitley Township.
He remained with his parents until their death, his
mother passing away under his roof. He received
a fairly good education in his youth, and is a
genial man, and possesses the esteem of his neigh-
bors on account of his intelligence and integrity.
He has been a leader in the local politics of Whit-
ley Township, and has been placed by turn in all
of the offices of the township, having been Super-
visor for five years. He is a favorite not only in
the Democratic party, but in all political circles.
PORTRAIT AM) UIOURAPIIICAL RECORD.
56 "t
The marriage of our subject in Whitley Town-
ship to Miss Hannah I). M. Baker gave him a com-
panion who has proved of inestimable value in his
battle with life. She was born in Whitley Town-
ship, and is the daughter of William K. Baker, a
prominent farmer and stock-raiser here, whose wife
bore the maiden name of Lucinda Carter. Mrs.
Whitfield was one of a numerous family, and her-
self has become the mother of six children, viz.:
William K.. Zachariah B., Martha L.. Willis II..
Lydia E. and C. Fred.
--> EORGE W. VORIS is the name of the
pioneer business man of Stewardson who
operates upon so broad a plane as to have
made his place of residence more known in com-
mercial circles than any other man in the com-
munity. He is the leading citizen of the place,
and his home is the center of the social life of the
community, his talented and charming wife pre-
sides over the domestic realm with a pleasing
hospitality and great grace and dignity. While
our subject's commercial obligations are so large
as to consume much of his lime and attention,
home with its charming mistress and bright family
of children holds the first place in his heart.
The original of our sketch devotes himself to
dealing in grain, hay and farm machinery. In
February of 1874 he built his office for the pur-
chase of grain. This was the first building the
present town boasted. The railroad had been
Completed a short time previous to the location of
our subject. At that time he was a member of the
firm of Gould & Yoris, and continued in this busi-
ness relation until 1889, when Mr. Gould withdrew
and the firm became G. W. Voris A- Co.
When he of whom we write first began business
in Stewardson, it was for the purchase of grain.
Our subject was station agent for the railroad at
that time, in which capacity he continued for about
three years. At the end of that time he gave his
whole attention to h's private business, and in con-
nection with the grain business dealt in live stock.
He next added agricultural implements, and later,
in 1881, began dealing in hay. He now owns a
hay barn that is over one hundred feet square.
Our subject was born in Bath, Summit County,
Ohio, November 11, 1850, and is the son of Peter
and Julia (Coe) Voris, natives of Reading, Pa.,
and Connecticut. The family removed, in 1 S.">7.
to Illinois, and settled in Mattoon, where the
father engaged in gardening. While a resident of
Ohio our subject's father held a prominent posi-
tion in the count}', being a surveyor, and for a
term was Associate Judge with Hon. Benjamin
Wade. He was an honorable, upright man in
business dealings, but not a successful financier.
He passed away from this life in 1881, his wife
having preceded him by a number of years. They
were the parents of thirteen children, of whom ou •
subject was the youngest.
Mr. Voris' mother having died when he was but
a small boy, at the age of seven years he went to
Taylor County, Iowa, and lived with a sister, after
which he spent three years in Nodaway County,
Mo. He then returned to Illinois and worked as a
farm hand in Knox County, his advent into the
State being in 186li. l"p to this time he had
enjoyed but few educational advantages, but as he
came in contact with the world he felt the need of
an education, and being studiously inclined by
nature, he made up the deficiency in his early edu-
cation as much as possible by outside study and
reading. After returning to Illinois he went to
Fulton, N. Y., where for two years he attended
Falley Seminary. At the end of the second
year he was obliged to give up his school because
of ill health. On his return to Illinois he entered
a store at Windsor as a clerk, in which capacitv
he served until coming to Stewardson.
In 1875 Mr. Yoris was married to Margaret
M. Pfluger, a daughter of William and Sophia M.
Ptluger. The lady was born near Elgin, III., in
June, 1855. Their married life has been very happy,
and six children have come to gladden their
hearts and home. One of these was taken away
in infancy. The five who are still living are
Mabel, Ralph, Frank, Maud and Helen.
Politically, Mr. Yoris affiliates with the Repub-
lican party, using his vote and influence for the
568
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
advantage of that party. In local matters, how-
ever, he does not adhere to party lines, believing
that the best man and he who is best fitted for the
position involved is the one who should be
awarded local favors. He has served as President
of the Village Board, and has also been a Justice
of the Peace for some time. Our subject has made
his combat with the world single-handed, but this
fact has not, as is very frequently the case,
hardened his heart to the need* and weaknesses of
others. Many there are not only in his own town,
but wherever he has chanced to be, who will ever
have reason to be grateful for his generosity, sym-
pathy and good will.
G. W. Voris it Co. do business at the following
named places: Lerua, Trilla, Kingman, Fancher.
Ilerrick. Herborn and Stewardson. At these sta-
tions the firm buy grain or hay, or both. Our sub
ject also owns about eleven hundred acres of land,
parti}- under a high degree of cultivation. The
success which the original of our sketch has
attained cannot but be encouraging to the young
men of limited means and education, but whose
ambition knows no bounds. He has demonstrated
that by persistent effort ami determination a man
can make of himself what he will.
^1
$+&
&
"S3
"| OHN \Y. COWLE. who is part proprietor of
the Moweaqua Mill, Shelby Count} . is a cap-
able and enterprising business man. and is
contributing his meed toward ssustaining and
extending the material prosperity of this, his na-
tive State. He was born in Macoupin County,
September 6, 1843. and is a son of Daniel Cowle,
who was for many years before his death identified
with the agricultural interests of Illinois, the latter
part of his life carrying on his farming operations
in this count}'.
Daniel Cowle was born on the Isle of Man.
where his father, whose given name was Charles,
had inherited a large farm, which was his home
throughout his life. He reared three sons and one
daughter, Daniel being the only member of the
family that ever came to this country. He was
reared and educated in the home of his birth, re-
ceiving a thorough drilling in all things that per-
tain to fanning, and at the age of twenty-live he
went out into the world to see what life held for
him elsewhere. He made his way to the United
Slates, and for awhile lived in the State of New
York, and was also a resident of New Jersey for
some years. We next hear of him in Connecticut,
whence he went to Virginia, and from that State he
came to Illinois in 1841, coming by the way of the
Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. He located among
the pioneers of Macoupin County, and for a time
lived near Bunker Hill. He then went to Madison
County and bought land ten miles north of Ed-
waidsville, and devoted himself sedulously to farm-
ing in that locality for several years. In 1865 he
came to Shelby County, and settled in that part of
Pickaway now included in Penn Township, where
he bought a tract of wild prairie, which in time he
developed into a productive farm, and there death
claimed him in 1878, and his township was de-
prived of a most worthy citizen. He was a sincere
Christian, and led a life of unswerving integrity.
He was reared in the Episcopal Church, but later
in life he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and ever remained true to that faith.
Mr. Cowle was married in New Haven, Conn., in
1835, to Miss Rosanna Fanning, who survives him,
and still occupies the old home in Penn Township.
She is a good woman, and a faithful member of
the Christian Church. She was born in Patterson
County. N. J., to John and Catherine Fanning,
who dying when she was young, left her an orphan,
and she was cared for by her older sisters until her
marriage. She has reared nine children, of whom
these six have been spared to comfort her old age:
Charles; Harriet, the wife of George Goodwin; John
W.; George; Louisa J., the widow of Lewis
Cooper, and Fanny, the wife of James Vangundy.
Our subject passed his boyhood in Madison
County, and received his education in the public
schools. He came to this county with his parents,
continued to make his home with them, and after
his father's death he superintended the farm until
1881. In that year he went to Nebraska and spent
a few months in that State. Returning to this
county, he resumed farming on the old homestead,
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
569
and «as thus employed until 1890, when he bougbl
an interest in the Moweaqua Mill, and has since
devoted himself to its management. This mill is
well equipped with first-class machinery and under
our subject's supei vision a fine grade of flour is
manufactured, that finds a ready market and com-
mands a good price.
Mr. Cowlc and Miss Mary K. Manna united their
lives anil fortunes in 1879 in a marriage thai has
been a union of mutual felicity, and their pleasant
home circle is completed by the live children horn
to them, named as follows: Willie, George. Maud,
Florence and Fred. Mr-. Cowle was horn in County
Deny. Ireland, and is a daughter of David and
Isabella (Thompson) Ilanna. also natives of that
county. They were industrious, virtuous, upright
people, and faithful members of the Presbyterian
Church. In 1851 they left their old home, and
crossing the water to this country, settled in Phila-
delphia, where they died a few years later, the
mother in November, 1859. and the father in Jan-
uary. 1860. leaving two children. Mi's. Cowle a id
her brother William, the latter of whom is now
dead.
Mr. and Mrs. Cowle are members in high stand-
ing of the Presbyterian Church. Their social po-
sition is among our best people, and Mr. Cowle is
known in business circles as an honorable, straight-
forward, square-dealing man.
V *=♦=♦ /
OSEPH M. BALES. "The true ruler and
conqueror he. the true king of his race,
who nerveth his arm for life's combat, and
looks the strong world in the face."
We have many men who live simple and un-
pretentious lives, who are made of the same fiber
as that of which heroes and conquerors are. It is
not. the action that dignifies the man. but the man
should dignify the action. He of whom we write,
who well knows what pioneer life is. having had
experience in more than one place, although he
has not commanded armies nor wielded a pen to
touch the hearts of men: — like Moses of old, who
struck the rock that the water might gush forth,
he put Ids hand to the plow, that the earth might
yield a richness of harvest that should provide
nourishment for prince or peasant.
Joseph M. Bales is the owner of and resident on
the tine farm located on section 18, of Okaw
Township, Shelby County. He has resided in
Illinois since 1854, ami in Shelby County since the
spring of 1877. He was born in Last Tennessee,
February 20. 1829, and is a son of Daniel and
Mary (Trobough) Hales, both natives of Tennes-
At an early day Mr. Bales' parents came to
Illinois and settled in Macon County, later mov-
ing to Coles County, and three years later the
parents came to live with our subject at his pres-
ent home. There his mother died March 3. 1888.
His father is still living.
Mr. Bales was one of eight children, there being
five sons and three daughters, whose names are re-
spectively..lames, Joseph M. our subject, William M.,
Cephas A., John. Catherine, Margaret and Jane. The
eldest son was killed in a railroad wreck at Bunker
Hill while engaged in shipping caitle to St. Louis.
William M. is a resident in Missouri, being there
engaged as a speculator. Cephas lives in Colorado,
John is in Kansas. Catherine, now Mrs. Smith, re-
sides in Iowa. Margaret is now Mrs. Kingsolver,
and Jane is .Mrs. Stumbaugh.
Our subject was reared and educated in Ten-
nessee, where he was married to Margaret Bible.
She, also, was a native of Tennessee, being of
Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. After the birth of
their first child, they started to Illinois with a two
horse wagon, and arriving in the State settled near
Macon. Macon County, where they purchased
eighty acres of land in the raw state, paying for it
#11 per acre. Upon the place Mr. Bales erected a
shanty, and here they set up their household gods
and goods. They remained upon this land for
eighteen years and then sold it for $50 per acre.
They then purchased one hundred and sixty acres
in I'enn Township. The hind was improved and
the\ paid 135 per acre, soon selling it for $38 per
acre. He 'hen settled upon the place where he
now resides, owning at the present time two hun-
dred and sixty-sevi n acres of tine land upon
which there is no incumbrance. He also owns
."»7il
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
property in Sbelbyville, which has advanced
greatly in value since his purchase and promises
still better to be a good investment. Thus can be
seen what energy, industry and economy can ac-
complish for a man. Mr. Bales commenced with
hardly more than a pair of strong hands and a
willingness to work, one Claybank horse with
black mane and tail being his stock in trade, but
during the years that have passed, in hard labor it
is true, he has amassed more than a comfortable
competency.
Our subject and his estimable lady are the
parents of six children whose names are James,
Daniel, Cephas, Mary .lane, who is the wife of
.lames Wilson ; Ellen, who is the wife of Charles
Davis, and Fannie, who is still at home. Mr.
Bales formerly cast his vote and influence with the
Democratic party, but of late he has given his
allegiance occasionally to the Farmers' Alliance
and favors any measures that benefit the class to
which he belongs. In his religious preferences,
he, with his family, is Presbyterian. Socially he
is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
LEXANDER H. McTAGGART, a farmer
and stock-raiser who resides on section
10, Oconee Township, .Shelby County,
i.(2/' was born in Washington County, Ohio,
January 15, 1841. His parents, Neil and Cath-
erine (Loynacham) McTaggart, were born in
Scotland, the former in 1811. They both came
to America in their youth, and settled with their
parents in Washington County, Ohio, where
they were married in 1836. Six sons and two
daughters were born to them, of whom David
was the eldest. This son died in his ^native
State at the age of eighteen, and all of the
children were born in Ohio. The second child
was our subject, and after him came Neil, who
married in Canada, and now resides in Colorado,
where he fills the office of Postmaster. Daniel A.
married Miss Harson, and is engaged in farming
in Marion County, Iowa. Belle married James
Amsbury, a farmer in Warren County, Iowa.
Hugh E. married in Iowa, and located in Kansas,
where he is engaged as a passenger conductor on
the Santa Fe Railroad. He has been with this
road for nine years, and makes his home at New-
ton, Kan. Mary J. married William Stumpli, and
resided in Knoxville, Iowa, during her married
life, dying there in July, 1887. Douglas I). mar-
ried in Colorado, and is now carrying on farming
in Nebraska.
The subject of this sketch became a soldier in
the Union Army during the Civil War, enlisting in
Company K, Thirty-ninth Ohio Infantry, June 20,
1861. At the expiration of his term of service in
186:3, he re-enlisted for the remainder of the war,
and was finally discharged in June, 1865. He was
assigned to duty in St. Louis, and served in
Northern Missouri until February, 1862, when he
was ordered to New Madrid under Gen. Pope, lie
participated in the engagements at New Madrid
and Island No. 10, and was afterward sent to
Helena, Ark., after which he returned to reinforce
Gen. Grant at Pittsburgh Landing. He was in
the siege of Corinth, and remained in that vicinity
for several months. He took part in the battles of
Iuka, Miss., and Coiinlh, remaining at tiie latter
place through the winter of 1862-63. Dur-
ing the summer of 1863 he did garrison duty at
Memphis, and the following winter was spent at
Prospect, Tenn , where he was guarding the rail-
road, scouting, and watching the rebel Gen. Forrest.
While here the Thirty-ninth Regiment re-enlisted
as veterans.
Mr. McTaggart was promoted to the position of
Orderly-Sergeant of his company at the time of re-
enlistment. In the spiing of 1864 his regiment
joined Gen. Sherman's army at Chattanoogr, and
participated in the Atlanta campaign, taking part
in the battles of Snake Creek Gap, Resaca, Ring-
gold, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain and Ruff's
Mills. In the latter battle Col. E. F. Noyes, of
the Thirty-ninth, who was afterwards the Governor
of Ohio, lost a leg.
Sergeant McTaggart received a severe wound in
his left- shoulder July 22, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga.
This has permanently disabled him. He was in
the hospital for some time at Marietta, Ga., and
afterwards spent two months at home on a furlough.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
571
He rejoined his regiment at Atlanta, and marched
with Sherman to the sea. Here our subject re-
ceived the com mission of a Second Lieutenant,
and was transferred to Company B, of the same
regiment. He was placed on detached duty, hav-
ing charge of the forages of the First Division,
Seventeenth Army Corps, and he superintended
the gathering of supplies during the march north-
ward through the Carolinas, which finally ter-
minated at the city of Washington. While on
tins duty Lieut. McTaggart was again honored
with promotion, being commissioned First Lieu-
tenant, and assigned to the command of Company
D. in his regiment. He was mustered out of
service at Goldsboro, N. C, March 29. 1865. He
then marched from Raleigh. N. ('.. to Washington.
D. C, a most fatiguing and exhausting march in
the heat of that tropical region. He participated
in the Grand Review at Washington, and was sent
to Louisville, Ky.. for Ids final discharge.
Lieut. McTaggart returned to Ohio, although his
parents had removed to Iowa the previous year,
hut there was on attraction in Washington County
for the young man, and he was wedded July 18,
186"). to Miss Margaret Brown, daughter of James
and Elizabeth Brown. She was one of three sons
and three daughters, and was born in Washing
County November 16. 1840. Those of her
father's family who are still living are Betsey, the
widow of John Irwin: John C, who married, and
resides on a farm in Oconee Township, and Robert,
of whom more may be learned by the perusal of
the sketch of John C. Brown. One sister. Nancy,
married in Ohio, but died soon afterward.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mc-
Tagarart. one of when died in infancy. Edwin,
born August 18, 1870, lives at home William
F.. born August ■'>. 1872, and Arthur C, January
17. 1>74. Mr. McTaggart takes an active interest
in political affairs, and votes with the Republican
party. In 1888 the Seventeenth Congressional
District of Illinois honored itself and this gentle-
man by making him its Presidential elector. Next
to his army record. Mr. McTaggart recognizes this
as the highest distinction of his life.
Our subject has never united witli any church
organization, although he gives liberally of his
means to the support of the Gospel and to Sunday-
schools. He owns a farm of one hundred and
forty acres of land, with fine buildings and im-
provements. It is situated within sight of school
and church, and is in every way a desirable loca-
tion.
^71 LMER M. COLLINS. A. M.. M. D. A
I-/ -- 1 bright mind coupled with a desire to do
! good in the world, has wonderful oppor-
tunities for accomplishing a great work
for God and humanity. To bend one's energies
to the betterment physically and spiritually of hid
fellow-men and to devote one's talents in this di-
rection is an aim worthy of the brightest intellect.
The work which has been done by Dr. Collins, pas-
tor of the Christian Church at Shelbyville. is of
great value to the world. His brilliant convincing
lectures on temperance, his exhaustive treatise en-
titled "Prohibition versus Personal Liberty," his
critical examination of the subject of Bible Tem-
perance and his valuable work entitled the '-Great
Living Issue.-' have had and will continue to have
a vital effect upon the temperance movement while
his new Interest Calculator is of real merit and ex-
tremely helpful to financiers.
This gentleman, who was born in Buchanan.
Mich.. May 18. 1844. located in Shelbyville in
1888. His parents. Nathaniel and Caroline C.
(Cone) Collins, natives of New York, reared a
family of seven children. Two sons grew to
manhood, our subject and Frank N.. who was for
many years a druggist, first in Chicago. 111., and
afterward in Detroit. Mich. He was living in De-
troit at the time of his death, which occurred Jan-
uary 29, 1887. The two daughters of this
family were Mary A., now the wife of James
M. Crane, general agent of the Pacific Insurance
Company, having headquarters at Cleveland. Ohio ;
and Kmuia A., unmarried, The parents of this
family were married at Plymouth, Ind.. and settled
at Buchanan. Mich., where the father followed
general merchandising for several years, subse-
quently engaging in the hardware trade, being
.".72
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
also for several years a Justice of the Peace and
esteemed a fair lawyer. He was an earnest mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and for
fourteen years was Superintendent of the Sunday-
school.
Nathaniel Collins was a stanch Republican in his
political opinions and a party leader, his advice
being' sought on all occasions and his judgment
being highly esteemed. He began as a poor man,
but was successful in business :tnd amassed quite a
fortune. The finest business block in Buchanan.
Mich., was built by him and he was president of a
large manufacturing establishment, besides being
prominent in all public enterprises and in every
matters pertaining to the welfare of the city. He
was a good pubiic speaker, and on occasions when
the pastor of the church was absent, the pulpit was
well filled by Mr. Collins. He was born February
26, 1815, and died October 31, 1875. His widow
who survives him, resides in Cleveland. Ohio. She
was horn October 2';. 1822, and i= a sister of the
late Hon. Gustavus Cone, of Wisconsin.
The boyhood of, our subject did not lasl long -
hi- active mind did not allow him to be satisfied with
childish pursuits. His earnest Christian parents
stimulated his desire to do good work and upon
January 23,1859, when a boy of less than fifteen
years, he preached his first sermon at Troy. Mich..
being then a student. After this he gave his atten-
tion largely to preaching and was known far and
wide as the boy preacher of Michigan. Twenty-
live years from that day he again preached in Troy
and mx people were present who had heard his
first sermon. While preaching he continued his
education at Hillsdale College.
Just before graduation the young preacher left
college to accept a call to the pulpit at South Bend.
Ind. His ministry since that time has carried him
to various places, among which arc Auburn, N. Y..
Cony. Pa.. Buchanan. Mich.. Laporte. Ind . Cov-
ington. Ky.. Carthage. Ohio. Grand Rapids, Mich..
Marion. Iowa, and Cameron. Mo. While in the
East he attended a course of medical lectures at
Buffalo. N. Y.. and completed his course at Cin-
cinnati. Ohio, still preaching while he attended
these studies. While at Cincinnati he graduated
from both the Eclectic Medical Institute and Hie
Medical College of Ohio. In 1877 while living in
Grand Rapids, he had the misfortune to lose his
hearing, in consequence of which he entered the
editorial field at Davenport, Iowa, taking charge
of a paper advocating the cause of Prohi-
bition and at the same time lecturing on this theme.
This paper, the Northwestern News, had sought
him on account of the fame of his editorials in the
which was then published at Grand Rap-
ids and now at Chicago. He partially recovered
ids hearing and resumed the active ministry, and
ten years later came to Shelbyville. where he has
charge of the leading church in the place.
While at Cameron, Mo.. Dr. Collins held ineet-
ngs in Shaw's Opera House and built a baptistry
on the stage where he baptized a number of peo-
ple. This remarkable measure attracted the atten
tion of the press throughout the country. Di.
Collins is a writer of no small calibre, and. the
books of which he is author are widely circulated.
He is very methodical and keeps a full record of
his work. His Calculator which was published in
1882 is widely used by banks throughout the
country, and exhibits hi- mathematical mind by
his numerous new methods of calculation.
The marriage of Dr. Collins and Miss Joanna,
daughter of Russell P. and Almira Hfbbard, took
pla e May 31, 1804. This lady was born in South
Butler. Wayne County. N. Y.. and is now the
mother of one child. Leslie N. The Doctor is a
strong temperance man and a Republican in poli-
tics. In 1880 the College of Hillsdale. Mich-
honored both itself and our subject by conferring
upon him the degree of Master of Arts.
.».■■>■»>» i » >■ »»
-«#«-
' ' i ' i '
"IIOMAS J. SATTERTHWAITE, a note-
/. N worthy farmer and stock-raiser residing on
section 8. Oconee Township, Shelby County,
was born in Brown County. Ind. . February 4, 1851.
His parents were Richard and Ursula (Brock)
Satterthwaite. who were born in Hamilton Coun-
ty. ( ihio. the father in 1820 and the mother in
1-22. In their native county they giew up side
by side and were there married in 1840. The
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
573
father died in Brown County, [nd. about thirty-
eight years ngo. He and his good wife were the
parents of four suns and one daughter, namely:
Oddy who enlisted in the Eighty-second Indiana
Regiment ami died in the Andersonville prison;
John who married and lives in the village of Oco-
nee; Wilmie, now Mrs. Bailey ,living in Montgomery
County, 111.; Daniel who was married and lives
in Oconee Township, where he is engaged in fann-
ing and our subject, who was the youngest, and as
we have said had his nativity in Indiana while his
brothers and sister were all of Ohio birth.
After her widowhood tu a ither of "iir subject
inai led Joseph Rice in Indiana, in 1853, and now
resides near the village of ( >conec where her husband
carries on his double avocation of fanner and Bap-
tist preacher. Sis children were born to this
marriage. Thomas Satterthwaile came to Mont
gomery County with his parents in 1868, and
after his marriage he located on the farm where he
now resides.
His splendid tract of eighty acres of land is
situated near the timber and has upon it not only
good house and barn but an exellent orchard.
Mr. Satterthwaife was married to .Miss Lucy F. Hob-
son September 3, 1878. she was born November
'20, 180.") and is a daughter of John and Mary Hob-
son of Oconee Township. For further particulars
in regard to the history of this prominent and in-
teresting family the reader is kindly referred
sketoh of Mr. llobson upon another page of this
Km oKD. Our subject takes an interest in public
affairs generally, and is worthy of commendation)
on account of both his public spirit and private en-
terprise, lie has been a School Director in his
district and carried out faithfully and well the du-
ties of that office. As a member of the Farmers
Mutual Benefit Association, he is active in pro-
moting the intetcsts of the farming community
for which he is willing to pledge his best efforts.
He was formerly allied with the Democratic party
but bis interest in the cause of temperance which
he considers the main ally of good citizenship, has
led him to vote for the last four years the Prohi-
bition ticket. With his lovely and capable wife
he is connected with the Hopewell Baptist
Church where they are efficient laborers in the
ir's vineyard. They have had the happiness
aring four children, and the sorrow of laying
two in the grave. They are named as follows:
Lithuamy, born February 23, 1880; Charley ('.
August 18, 1882; John Benny, July 20, 1884;
Florence, November 28, 1886 and Willie January
26, 1888. The last two passed away in childhood.
Since their death the youngest, Gracie May has come
to cheer l iie home. She was bom April 13, 1890.
. ^&-&!i^&C2Q
m*#m@@&
m
OI1N SWARTZ. Love has here dictated a
few facts that are mi -i salient in the life of
him who was at one time the comfort and
support, as well as the clear object of loving
affection, to the companion with whom he lived
for many years, and who. when he was taken
away, was left bereaved. Although simple in his
relations both in the family and in his business
life, Mr. Swartz was a manly man and a gentleman
in all his dealings. His death occurred at his home
in Pickaway Township, September 28, 1883. He
had lived here since 1871, and during his residence
had secured a farm of eighty-two acres on section
thirty-one, which he had improved and put in the
besl cultivation before his death.
Mr. Swartz was born in Fairfield County, Ohio.
January 2, 1837. His parents were also natives of
Ohio, who came West, settled and died in this
county. Our subject lived in his native county
until he arrived at manhood, and there early
learned the duties incident to farmers' life, as the
calling of his father was also that of an agricul-
turist. When the war broke out, he of whom we
write enlisted in Company F, of the Forty-sixth
Ohio Regiment. It was made up at Columbus,
Ohio, and our subject's enlistment was made Feb-
ruary 0. 1861. The regiment to which he be-
longed was assigned to Gen. Sherman's com-
mand, and under that veteran military genius saw
full and active service. The history of Gen.
Sherman's career :s SO familiar to our readers that
we do not need to recount the desperate battles
fought and won, nor the chances of war run by
our subject, whose fate was the same as that of his
574
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
commander. The original of our sketch served
his full three years, and after being honorably dis-
charged and receiving particular commendation for
bravery, he re-enlisted as a veteran in his old regi-
ment and served six months longer, receiving his
final discharge July 8, 1865. He was engaged
during Ii is military career in twenty-one hard-
fought battles, and many more skirmishes. He
served for some time as Sergeant of his company.
After the war he received a medal from the State
of Ohio, which honor was conferred for noble
veteran service. He was never wounded nor
taken prisoner, but was poisoned by drinking im-
pure water ; this was in the last days of his service,
but he never really recovered from the sickness
brought on.
After Mr. Swartz's return from the army he
joined his wife and three children, having been
married previous to his entering into service in
Fail-field Count}', Ohio, his nuptials taking place
February 18, 1856. His wife's maiden name was
Rachael Friesner. She was born in Fairfield
County, Ohio, February 20, 1838. Like her hus-
band, she came of German ancestry, although her
parents. Henry and Rebecca (Seitz) Friesner. were
natives of Ohio and of Virginia, respectively.
After marriage they made their home in Fairfield
County, Ohio, and there Mr. Friesner died in
1854, being at the time forty-nine years of age.
His wife came to Shelby Count}', and here died
September 28, 1887, being at the time eighty
years of age. She had been for many years previ-
ous to her death a member of the Baptist Church.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Swartz
manages the estate which he left, and carries on
more efficiently the work of the farm, assisted by
her children, of whom she lias six living. They
are. William. Emma. Luelli. Ida, Rebecca and
Carrie. The eon is at home and carries on the
active work of the farm. Emma is the wife of
L. Thomas, and resides on a farm in Missouri.
Luella married Edgar Thomas, and takes charge of
the domestic portion of his household in Eustace,
Neb. Ida is the wife of Wilson Friesner, and she
and her husband live on the old homestead with
her mother. Mr. Friesner is a painter by trade,
and divides his attention by the exercise of his
trade and farming. Rebecca is the wife of John
lnlly, and resides in Pickaway Township. Carrie
lives at home, and is the loving assistant and
adviser of her mother in the domestic work of the
farm. Mr. and Mrs. Swartz have ever been asso-
ciated with the best people of their Township.
Mr. Swart/, was a Republican, and a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic.
^>
/v/^ RS. PEACE H. (TRU1TT) SCONCE,
widow of the late Henry Wilson Sconce, is
:k a daughter of one of the early settlers of
this county, and was reared under the pio-
neer influences that obtained in the early days of
the settlement of this section, and is now quietly
passing her declining years amid the comforts of
the pleasant home in Pickaway Township in whose
upbuilding she aided her husband.
Mrs. Sconce was bum in Bourbon County, Ky..
February 12. 1826. Her father, Littleton
Truitt, was a native of Maryland, his birthplace on
the shores Of Chesapeake Bay. He was a son of
Samuel Truitt, who was also born in that State,
and was in turn a son of John Truitt. The latter
was born in England, and left his ancestral home
when a young man to make for himself a home in
the English Colonics beyond the sen.. He thus
became a citizen of Maryland, and so far as known
spent li is last years there. Mrs. Sconce's grand-
father was reared and married in his native State,
and subsequently went from there to Kentucky in
the early days of its settlement. He resided in
Bourbon County for a time, and then removed to
Missouri, where his earthly pilgrimage was
brought to a close by his death in Calloway
County, and his mortal remains were laid to rest
in its soil at Columbia. His wife, Elizabeth Par-
ker, was also a native of Maryland. She died
while the family was on the way to Missouri, and
was buried on the banks of the Ohio River. She
was the mother of ten children who grew to ma-
turity.
The father of our subject was a resident of his
native State until after the death of his first wife,
PORTRAIT AND BI< RAPHICAL RECORD.
575
and lie then removed to Kentucky, aud for some
years farmed on rented land in Bourbon County.
In 1830 he again set forth in search of a new loca
tion, and bringing with him his wife and six clnl-
ilren, came to Illinois, journeying with three
horses attached to a wagon, in which all the hous -
hold goods were contained, and camping and
cooking by the wayside at noon and night. After
about three weeks travel, lie arrived in Shelby
County, which at that time was still in a wild,
sparsely settled condition, and the few houses at
Shelbyville were mostly log cabins. In the sur-
rounding wilderness wolves, deer and wild turkeys
roamed at will, and the few pioneers in this region
found a welcome addition to their meager fare
in the game which they could shoot whenever they
took time from their arduous work to go hunting.
Mr. Truitt entered Government land in what is
now Okaw Township, [and built upon ii a small
log cabin for a dwelling, splitting shakes for the
roof and puncheon for the floor. In the absence
of a stove the family cooking was done before a
lire, in a rude open fireplace, and the women spun
and wove the cloth wherewith the various mem-
bers of the household were clad.
Mr. Truitt worked industriously to develop
his land, and at the time of his death in 186-1 had
a well-improved farm. His life-record as a pio-
neer, as a man and a citizen was honorable to him-
self and to his community. His -croud wife.
mother of our subject, died in 1865. Her maiden
name was Jane Hamilton, and she was bom in
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth
(Lason) Hamilton, who were also natives of the
Keystone State. Mr. Truitt was the father of one
child by his first marriage, and of eight children
by his second union.
Mrs. Sconce was four years old when her parents
brought her to Illinois. She was educated in the
primitive pioneer schools of the olden days, the
one that she attended being built of logs and heated
by means of an open fireplace, while a row of
glass inserted in an aperture made by the re-
moval of a log from the side of the building served
as a window, and the seats were made by split-
ting logs and using wooden pins for legs. Our
subject was early taught all the useful household
accomplishments that were in vogue at that time.
and without a knowledge of which a woman was
not thought lit !o keep house, among other things
learning to Spin and weave, and after marriage
made cloth for her own and husband's garments.
She was well prepared to care for a home of her
own when she united her fortunes with 'hose of
Henry Wilson Sconce, March 14, 1843.
Mr. Sconce was a native of Nicholas County.
Ivy., born March 23. 1823. in the pioneer
home of David 1.. and Rebecca (Keith) Sconce,
who were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and
Kentucky. He was seven years old when his pa-
rents brought him to Illinois and located among
the early settlers of Vermillion. They resided
there until 1835. and then became pioneers of this
county, the father entering a tract of Government
land in Okaw Town-hip. which he improved into
a farm, winch was his home the rest of his life.
The husband of Mis. Sconce was educated in
pioneer schools of Okaw Township, and there
grew to a stalwart manhood. When he started in
in life on his own account after marrying he was
the proud owner of a small mare and one cow.
His father allowed hiin to build a small cabin on
his land, and he and his bride began life together
in a humble way. His capital lay in his strength,
willingness to work, and capacity to do well what-
ever he undertook, and in the years of toil that
followed he met with more than ordinary success
in his efforts to acquire a npetence. He farmed
on rented land three yeais, and then settled on a
tract of Government land. He built a log house
fiir a dwelling, broke and fenced twenty acres of
land, and a year later sold his improvements for
$50 He invested that money by entering
forty acres of land in Okaw Township, and also
bought fifty acres adjoining, on which stood a
house. l'he next year he sold that place at an ad-
vance on the cost price, and bought one hundred
and twenty acres of land in the same township.
He lived on it two years, and at the end of that
time sold it at 85 an acre. He then pur-
chased the farm upon which his widow resides,
and it was his home until he closed his eyes in
death April 4, 1890. He bought other land at
different limes, and once owned five hundred anil
ffi
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ninety-five acres of fine farming land. He made
many valuable improvements, including three sets
of frame buildings, and made his farm one of the
most desirable in many respects in the township.
By diligence, thrift and careful management lie
arose to be one of the most substantial farmers of
Pickaway, and in dying he left behind a good
name, that is held in respect by all who knew him,
and the memory of a useful citizenship as one of
the men who had been active in the development
of the agricultural resources of the county.
Mrs. Sconce is a member in high standing of the
Christian Church, and is known as one who does
her duty in all the relations which she bears toward
others. She has four children, all of which are
living, and of them the following is recordc I :
Sarah .). married James M. Thomas, and they have
one child living, Alvah C; Luvena married -lames
M. Pogue, and they have five children living,
Charles E., Logan E., Henry W., Sylvia E. and
.lames Chester; Emeline married John Honey, and
they have one child living, Walter; William Logan
married Maggie Belle Cole, and they have the
following children living, Peace II., Henry Wilson
and John C. Our subject commenced life with
a easli capital of §3.50.
>^
OHN W. W. BROWN is a brick manufacturer
in the town of Windsor, where he does a
thriving anil prosperous business. Mr.
Brown was born in Licking County, Ohio,
June 5, 1832. He spent the early years of his life
on a farm, engaged in its duties until eighteen
years of age. His father was a New England man.
Luke Eddy Brown was born in Berkshire County,
Mass. The maiden name of our subject's mother
was Ann Gleason. She was a native of Shenango
County, N. Y. They came to Ohio soon after
their marriage, and settled in Licking County,
where they remained until 1850, when they emi-
grated to Illinois, and settled in McLean County,
this State. There they made their home for
several years, and then removed to Missouri.
1
The father was killed during the war by bush-
whackers, and the mother died in Nodaway
County, Mo.
Eight children were the result of the union of
our subject's parents, and of these he of whom we
write, was the second in order of birth. Mr.
Blown came to Illinois with his parents in 1850,
remaining at home until he was of age. During
this time he was engaged in farming and in teach-
ing. Three years were taken up by this latter em-
ployment. He continued to reside in McLean
County for several years, and then went to Macon
County, where he followed farming and carpentry
and brick making for a living. In January, 1880,
In' came to Shelby County and settled in Windsor
Township, where he was proprietor of a farm for
four years. At the end of that time he began the
manufacture of tile, but in the spring of 1891 his
factory was destroyed by fire, and since then he
has been engaged in the manufacture of brick.
Mr. Brown was married in McLean County,
Hi., August 9, 1857, to Miss Mary Willhoite.
She is a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Ritchie)
Willhoite. The former was born in Oweu County,
Ky., of which the mother was also a native. They
came from Kentucky to McLean County, and
there died. A family of nine children came to
grace the household. Of these Mrs. Brown was
the fourth in order of birth. She was born in
Owen County. Ky.. March 22, 1839.
Four children have clustered about the hearth-
stone of our subject, but they have grown to man-
hood and womanhood, and some have families of
their own. Their names are Franklin A., Mary H.,
Josephine A. and Willis B. Franklin married
Miss Nettie Voris, who is the deputy Postmistress
of Windsor; Josephine A. is the wife of William
Hudson.
The original of our sketch has held the position
of Councilman in the town. He is a Republican
in his political belief, and takes quite an active
interest in local affairs. Both he and his wife are
active members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, in which he has filled the office of Elder
and Superintendent of the Sunday School, which
last position he has filled for thirty -three years.
Socially, Mr. Brown is a member of the Odd
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Fellows, and also of the Knights of Pythias. Full
of vitality and energy that never recognizes
defeat, our subject has overcome many difficulties
in his business life, and has attained a recognized
and honorable position among the influential men
of the county. His home life is very pleasant.
His residence is all that a loving wife, who is
gifted with tact, culture and refinement, can
make it.
i>*<!
»>>-___
-1v-~
\/\ IRON CURTIS. The name al the head of
this sketch is that of a contractor and
1 builder, uniting with this the business of
agriculture, being a general fanner resid-
ing on section 33, of Moweaqua Township. Shelby
County, where he owns one hundred and twenty
acres of well-improved land.
Our subject has devoted the greater part of his
life to the business of a mechanic, in which he has
had a very successful career. He came to Mowea-
qua in 18.^2. remaining here one year. He then
absented himself three years, returning in 1855,
and has since made the township his home. From
the fact that he has been here so long and being
well known as a man of much business ability who
is never satisfied with doing anything but the best
work, he is very well and favorably known in the
county.
When the slavery question culminated in the ter-
rible war between the North and South, and a
call was made for volunteers, Mi'. Curtis was on;'
of the Grst to respond. He enlisted in October,
1861, in Company K. of the Forty-first 0 hio In-
fantry. Col. Hughes being in command. Our sub-
ject's regiment was under the general command of
• •en. Culbert, and fought at Ft. Donelsou, Shiloh,
Vicksburg, Nashville and Atlanta, and serving for
three years. Our subject was never afraid of mili-
tary duty. He was an active ami hard Qghter and
was engaged in many skirmishes besides the well-
known battles mentioned above, lie was so fortu-
nate as to escape without a wound, nor was he ever
captured. Entering the war as a private his brav-
ery was recognized, and he was offered a first lieu-
tenant's commission, but honors of that kind were
not So much to him as the knowledge that he was
doing the best that he could for his country and
his tlag. as a brave private, and he declined the
honor. lie received an honorable discharge at
Chattanooga, Tonn., in ( (ctober, 1864, and he is very
proud of his war record, and though unassuming
and modest, tells with enthusiasm, of various en-
gagements in which he has taken part.
Mr. Curtis was born in Medina County, Ohio.
February 20, 1837. He is a sou of Enoch and
Mary M. (Serdan) Curtis, natives of Vermont,
coming of good New England stock. After the
marriage of our subject's parents they came to
Ohio, where they lived for a few years and then
early in the '40s, while the country was as prim-
itive as it could be. and while some of the greatest
characters in American history were maturing and
becoming strong to meet the emergencies that were
to 30nfront them. At that time there were no cars
and but two alternatives; either to come by water
via the lakes, or overland, with their own teams,
which latter way they chose. Their first location
was in McLean County, and they made them a
home in or near Blooinington, Ills. There Enoch
Curtis died in 1853 at the age of thirty-five years.
He had learned the trade of a mechanic, although
he was reared a farmer, but a pioneer settler neces-
sarily must be able to turn his skill in several di-
rections. His wife died in 1888, in Moweaqua,
111., at the age of seventy-two years. Both she
and her husband were prominent members of the
Christian Church. I! >th our subject's father and
his grandfather, Pond Curtis, belonged to the old
Whig party. Our subject's grandfather and his
wife were early settlers in this State, in McLean
County, but they spent the last years in Lake
County, where they died at an advanced age.
(Inly two members of the family of Curtis still
survive, our subject, and a sister Permelia Kirk-
man, now of .Moweaqua. From the age of twelve
the original of this sketch has encountered the dif-
ficulties of life alone and unaided, being at the
same time, the support of his mother. He learned
the tradeofa house builder in Moweaqua, and when
he had arrived at. years of maturity, he united him-
self in marriage to Miss Sarah Daughtry. She
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was born iii East Tennessee in 1846 and came to
Illinois while young, with her parents, Brant anil
Lydia Daughtry. The family located in this
county and township about the time of the break-
ing out of the war, in which .Air. Daughtry en-
listed and served as a soldier, lie did not survive
long after the war, his death having been caused
by sickness contracted in the army. He passed
away while in the hospital at Mound City, 111. His
wife, resides in Mowcaqua, and is now seventy-
five years of age. She is a member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church and is a good and conse-
crated old lady. She never married again. Mrs.
Curtis was reared and educated for the most part
in this county. She is the mother of three chil-
dren, who are all yet under their father's roof.
They are Fred and James, who conduct the farm,
and a daughter Bertha, all bright and intelligent
children. Mrs. Curtis is a member in good stand-
ing of the Presbyterian Church, and by her in-
fluence she exercises a very beneficient influence in
the community. Politically her husband is an
adherent of the Republican party, upholding its
platform and favoring its constituents.
HARLES COWLE, the fortunate proprietor
of one of the finest and best-managed farms
in all Penn Township, is a veteran of the
late war, who nobly devoted the opening years of
his manhood to the service of his country and
helped to preserve the Union. He was born in the
beautiful New England city of New Haven, Conn.,
July 27, 1837. His father, Daniel Cowle, was a
native of the Isle of Man, a son of Charles Cowle,
who was also born on that island, upon which he
spent his entire life engaged in agricultural pur-
suits on an estate that he had inherited. He
reared three sons and one daughter.
The father of our subject was the 011I3' member
of the family that ever came to America, his emi-
gration to this country occurring when he was
about twenty-five years old. He resided at first
in New York, and also in New Jersey for a time,
whence he went to New Haven. Conn., and later to
Virginia, from which State he ultimately came to
Illinois in 1841 by the way of the Ohio and Mis-
sissippi Rivers. He located in the southern part of
Macoupin County, and was one of the pioneers of
that section of the State. From there he removed
to Madison County a few years later, and buying
a farm lived there until 18G5. In that year he
came to this county and bought a tract of wild
prairie in what is now Penn Township. He built
upon his land, and in due time improved a good
farm, which was his home until his death in 1878,
when the township lost a useful citizen, who was
greatly respected. During his residence at New
Haven, he married Miss Rosanna Fanning, in
whom he found a helpful wife and a devoted com-
panion. She is still living on the old homestead.
She is a native of Patterson, N. J., and a daughter
of John and Catherine Fanning. Of her nine
children six have been spared to bless her declining-
years.
Our subject, who was reared to agricultural
pursuits, followed farming in Madison County
until 1801. July 16, that- year, he threw aside his
work to volunteer for the defense of the old Hag,
and his name was enrolled as a member of Company
1. Ninth Illinois Infantry. He went to the front
nithhis regiment, and took part in the battles of Ft.
Donelson, Shilob, Jackson (Miss.), joined Sher-
man's command at Goldsborough, N. O, and went
on the Atlanta campaign, doing his share of fight-
ing in the important battles enroute to Atlanta,
and in the engagements with the enemy around
that city. He was honorably discharged at
Atlanta on the expiration of his term of enlist-
ment. Returning to Illinois, he re-enlisted the
same fall, notwithstanding his past experience of
the hardships of a soldier's life, as, with true
patriotism, he was determined to see the contest
between the North and South to its bitter end, if
possible. He joined his regiment in North Caro-
lina, and marched with the victorious army by the
way of Richmond to Washington, where he took
part in the Grand Review, and was honorably dis-
charged for a second time from the service in
July, 1865.
The Ninth Illinois Infantry to which Mr. Cowle
belonged were in one hundred and ten engagements
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
579
commanded respectively by Col. E. A. Paine, Col.
A. Mersey and Col. J. J. Philips. At Corinth, in
18G3. the regiment was mounted and remained as
such until the expiration of the term of service,
and took part in numberless skirmishes ami liattles.
In the fall of the year that he left the army, Mr.
Cowle came to Shelby County, and in L868 bought
the farm in Penn Township that he now owns and
occupies. This is a valuable farm, and its finely
tilled and highly productive fields yield him a neat
income. Here he lives happy in a state of single
blessedness, sometimes keeping bachelor's hall, at
other times boarding, as his fancy dictates. He is
much liked in his community, as he is invariably
pleasant, neighborly and obliging, and he is trusted
to the fullest exteut by all who know him, as he is
always fair and honest in his dealings. Politically,
he affiliated with the Republican party many
years, but at present he is independent.
«^
-"P>S»
*OHN E. GARMAN has devoted himself to
farming the past few years, and the appear-
ance of his fine, well improved prairie farm
on section 26. Penn Township. Shelby
County, gives evidence that he has a clear under-
standing of the most practical methods of con-
ducting agriculture to a successful issue. He is a
Pennsvlvanian by bi"th, born in the town of Jack-
sonville, Center County, March 2-'>. 1853. His
father, George Garman was also a native of Penn-
sylvania, and he in turn was a son of John Gar-
man, who was born near Hanover, Germany. He
came to this country after he had attained man-
hood, and was quite an early settler of Jefferson
County, Pa. He was a distiller bytradp, and fol-
lowed that occupation in connection with farming,
spending his last years in the State of his adop-
tion.
George Garman served a seven years' appren-
ticeship to learn the trade of a wheelwright, car-
penter and millwright. In 1856 he came to Illinois
and located in Stephenson County. Renting land
near Freeport. he was engaged in fanning there
until death closed his busy career in December,
1863. The maiden name of his wife was .Mary S.
Neil. She was born in Centre County, Pa., a
daughter of John and Elizabeth Xeil, natives of
Scotland. She now resides with her sou, James I.,
in Pickaway Township. She was left a widow
with four children to care for, and she nobly
shouldered her burden. She resided in Stephenson
County until 1865, and then coming to this
county, bought forty acres of wild prairie land in
what is now Pickaway Township. She at once
erected a small frame house, and by hard toil and
much self-sacrifice kept her family together, with
the assistance of her sons, who improved the land,
and she still owns the home that is the fruit of her
unwearied labors. The following is recorded of
her four c'lildren: Isabelle married John Black
and lives in .Milan Township, Macon County; John
E. is our subject: James lives in Pickaway Town-
ship; William died in 1878.
He of whom we write was three years old when
the family came to Illinois, therefore the most of
his associations are connected with his life in this
State. Like other farmers' boys, as soon as he
was large enough to be of any use he was set to
work on the farm, and was a great help to his
mother after his father's death, remaining with her
until his marriage. At the age of seventeen years
he began to learn the trade of a carpenter, and at
the age of nineteen engaged as a builder on his
own account. He continued in that line until
December, 1884, when he turned his attention to
the calling to which he had been reared, and at
that time bought the farm in Penn Township,
upon which he has ever since resided. He is car-
rying on his farming operations advantageously
and profitably, and has increased the value of his
farm since it came into his possession by judicious
cultivation, and by many substantial improvements.
Mr. Garman has been twice married. In De-
cember, 1884, he was wedded to Miss Winnie T.
Tolly, a native of Pickaway Township, and a
daughter of Samuel and Jane (Sims) Tolly. She
died in August, 1886, leaving one child, Emma
May. Our subject's second marriage took place
in April, 1889, and Miss Sarah Frances Foster
became his wife. She is a native of Todd's Point
Township, and a daughter of Joseph and Mary
•
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Foster. She is a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, and her name is associated with the
good work carried on by her pastor and fellow-
members. Her union to our subject lias been
blessed to them by the birth of two children. Mary
Alice, and Grace Edna.
Mr. Garman is a manly, straightforward mai
sound principle and good habits, and in him the
citizenship of this township has a valuable acquisi-
tion. His politics are of the Republican order,
and he stands firmly by his party whatever
betides.
OHN S. FRY. who is now one of the success-
ful farmers of Penn Township, was a volun-
teer in the Union ranks during the late war,
and his military record is that of a brave.
patriotic soldier, who cheerfully endured hardships,
the perils of battle, and even death, to serve his
country in her time of greatest need. His native
place is the town of Bremen, Fairfield County,
Ohio, and the date of his birth November 11, I
He comes of one of the old pioneer families of that
seel ion. and his father. Henry Fry. was born
the same farm as himself. The grandfather of vuv
subject, John Fry. was an early settler of that
region. He was burn, reared anil married in Vir-
ginia, taking for his wife Mary Leib, also a Vir-
ginian. He removed from his native State to Ohio
in the early years of its settlement, and was a
pioneer farmer of Fairfield County. lie bought a
tract of Government land midway between Bre-
men and Rushville, on Little Rush Creek, and
cleared a farm, upon which he pleasantly passed
tiie remainder of his life His wife died at the
home of her daughter in Seneca County.
In the county in which he was born the father
of our subject was reared amid pionei He
attended a German school at Rushville. and at other
times assisted his father on his farm until he was
sixteen years old. At that age he began In learn
the trade of a cabinet-maker and was employed at
it until his marriage, but after that time he de-
voted himself to farming the remainder o< his life.
which closed with his death at a ripe age. January
1. 1875. The wife who shared with him for many
years the joys and sorrows common to mortals, sur-
vives him, and now makes her home with a son
near Mil lersport, Ohio. In her maiden da\s -he
bore the name of Jemima Scott Shaw and she was
burn two miles south of West Rushville, Fairfield
County. Ohio.
Our subject was one of seven children and was
carefully reared in the home of his birth. He was
but a boy when the great Civil War broke out. yet
the following year he offered his services to his
country and on the 16th of July his name was
enrolled as a member of Company D, One Hundred
Twenty-Ninth Ohio Infantry. The most impor-
tant battles in which he look part during that term
of enlistment were those fought at Wild Cat. Ky.
and at Cumberland Cap. In 18G3 he vet-
eranized in Company 1!. Seventeenth Ohio Infan-
try, and joined hi- regiment at Ringgold, Ga. He
accompanied it, on the famous Sherman campaign
at Atlanta, and did seme good fighting in the en-
ments with the enemy on the way to that city.
At Resaca out received injuries in the right
. but he continued with his regiment until
Atlanta was reached. Aftei the fall of that City
ined the provost guard and went with that
command to the sea. and from there, by the way
of the Carolinas and Richmond, to Washington,
where he took part in the Grand Review. After
that, event he returned with his regiment to Vir-
ginia and served until his honorable discharge.
July 16, 1865, just three years to a day after lie
entered the army.
After his long ami bitter experiences of the
hardships and excitements of a soldier's life, Mr.
Fry returned to his old home in Ohio, and quietlj
resui: h! vocation that he had aban-
doned to take up arms in the defense of the stars
ami stripes. In 1871 he went to Missouri and
was a resident of Pettis County, that State, for one
year. He then came Eastward as far as Illinois
and bought the farm that he now owns in Fenn
Township. Since he took possession of it twenty
years ago he has demonstrated the fact that he has
a clear understanding of farming in its various
branches, a- his farm i- well ordered and compares
OstA"? .
PORTRAIT AM' BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
>83
favorably in all respects with all the others in its
vicinity.
Mr. Fiy. has hail the good fortune to si-cure the
helping hands of an efficient wife, to whom he was
united in marriage .lune 17. 18(59. Her maiden
name was Kmeline Ruffner. and she is also a native
of Fairfield County. Ohio, a daughter of Jonas and
Susanna Ruffner. These are the names of the
seven children of our subject and nis wife: Prank
1'... Dolly V., Theron R.. Eva S.. Belle and Dell
i twins ) and Carrie.
In this brief life-record of our subject his value
as a loyal citizen has been shown by his course
during the war. and is well known by the people
among whom he has lived for many years since
that time. He is exemplary in his habits, upright
in his conduct, and in bim the Presbyterian Church
finds one of its most consistent members. His life
as a soldier is held in remembrance by his connec-
tion with the Grand Army of the Republic at
Bethany. Politically he is a stanch advocate of
the Republican party.
\
THOMAS 1'. MALT/.. The senior member
of the firm of .Maut/. .v Diddea, proprietors
of a general store at Stewardson, Shelby
County, Mr. Maut/. has a wide acquaintance in the
adjoining agricultural districts, as well as in the
town itself, and lie and his partner are known as
upright, honorable dealers, and men of sterling
worth and integrity. The business was established
by York & Mautz in 1879. .Mr. York sold out his
interest to the present partner, Mr. Diddea. in
1881, and since they have been in partnership to-
gether, the firm has been successful in its business
dealings to a gratifying degree.
Our subject was bom in Wurtemberg, Germany.
December 21, 1849, and i- a son of George and
Rosina (Shantz) Mautz. of whom a fuller history
may be found under the biography of .1. F. Mautz.
in another part of this volume. Thomas 1'.. of
this sketch, was but a small boy, when the family
emigrated to America, and proceeding to Zancs-
ville and Lancaster, Ohio, remained there a short
time, removing in 1854 to Shelby County. 111. lie
assisted on the farm and early learned the duties
incident to such work. lie was educated in the
district schools of the vicinity, and continued his
residence at home until he was twenty years of age,
when he learned the milling business, winking at
l'ana ami Rosemond.
Later Mr. Mautz removed to Bainbridge, [nd.,
and thence came to Oconee, 111., and after sojourn-
ing in the latter place until 1871 came to Steward-
son, which town was just then organized. Here
Mr. Mautz for three year- operated a flouring mill
and afterward formed a partner-hip with 11. II.
York under the firm name of York A- Mautz. Mr.
Mautz established a general mercantile business in
Shumway, III. in L878, but one year later removed
the business to Stewardson, in which he has con-
tinued until the present time, being now senior
member of the firm. They occupy their own store
building and cany a large general stock of mer-
chandise.
On May 20, 1879, Mr. Mautz and Mis> Bertha
Karls were united in marriage. Mrs. Mautz is a
daughter of John Karl-, of Rural Township, this
county, and was born in Lockville, Ohio, Decem-
ber 13, 1858. They are the parent- of four chil-
dren— Nora. Lillie. Lottie, ami Frankie. all of
whom are intelligent and amiable. Politically our
subject affiliates with the Democratic party. it>
breadth of platform and five nade principles fa\ 01-
insr his notion- of the government that should rule
the Republic, lie is the founder of the Stewardson
Homestead Loan Association, an organization to
help the laboring man gel a home of his own and
furnish him with a safe and profitable investment
for his .-mall savings. This association is a large
factor for ^ 1 in the prosperity of the community
and had contributed materially to the well-being
of the citizen-, lie has been the incumbent of
several local offices in the gift of the town, having
been Supervisor of Prairie Township for seven
consecutive terms. During this tune he was < hair-
man of the Hoard of Supervisors for three terms
He also held the office of President of the Village
Board, and ha.- tilled other local offices. In hi- re-
ligious view- Mr. Mautz is a Swedenborgian. lb'
;,xi
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is at
present, as he has been for several terms, Master of
Sigel Lodge, No. 541, F. & A. M. at Stewardsou.
His portrait is presented in connection with this
brief biographical review.
lii i | h pi p fc ^
?■ i < i i ■ i * ••*, i ■
lf4_. ARRY M. RAWLTNGS. Among the ag-
riculturists of Shelby County who arc so
capably carrying on their affairs, both as
farmers and citizens, as to be deserving of
representation in a biographical work, may be
mentioned Mr. Rawlings, an esteemed citizen of
Ridge Township. His home of one hundred twenty
acres is on section 9, and .being well managed, is
the source of a better income than some of much
greater extent. It affords a good maintenance and
enables Mr. Rawlings to make some provision for
the future, and as a home, it is comfortable and
pleasant. The owner is industrious and prudent,
and care is taken to make the best possible use of
the acreage that he cultivates and to supply it with
modern inprovements, such as befit the home of a
cultured and intelligent family.
John Rawlings. father of our subject, was born in
Cecil County, Md., in 1817 and upon reaching man's
estate was married to Martha E. McMaster, a native
of Maryland. After their marriage the worthy
couple located in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1856.
After a sojourn in that county of nine years, they
came to Shelby County. 111., in 1865, and located
on section 9. Ridge Township, where their son. our
subject, now resides. After improving this farm
and making it their home for a period of sixteen
years, they removed to Pickaway Township, where
the father died September 30, 1887. The mother
still survives. Their family comprised eight
children, five sons and three daughters, our subject
being the second in order of birth.
The birthplace of our subject was Cecil County.
Md.. and his natal day August 10, 1855. He was
a mere babe when his parents took him to Ohio,
where lie remained until he was ten years old, in
the meantime gaining the rudiments of his education
in the district schools. In 1865 lie accompanied
his parents to this county, where he has since resided.
He has from childhood been engaged in agricultural
pursuits and his thorough knowledge of agriculture
in all its departments has fitted him for an honorable
and successful career. He was married in Ridge
Township. February '2 1. 1885, to Miss Katie Weakly,
(laughter of the late Samuel Weakly. For further
information in regard to her parents the reader is
referred to the sketch of Edson 15. Weakly. Mrs.
Rawlings was born in Ridge Township. September
li, L861,and is universally esteemed for her noble
qualities.
In politics Mr. Rawlings gives his support to
the Democratic party ; religiously he and his
estimable wife are consist cut members of the Presby-
terian Church. His farm is embellished by all
buildings necessary for the shelter of stock and
storage of grain, as well as a comfortable
residence, and such arrangements are made for
sowing and reaping as show that the owner possesses
progressive ideas and a worthy ambition. lie
is a judicious and successful agriculturist and
deservedly commands the confidence of the business
community.
"^
il/OHX H. MILLER. M. I). To attain emin-
ence in any of the learned professions and
especially in the humane one of medicine,
is worth the efforts of a life time and when
this achievement is gained by a comparatively
young man. it is certainly worthy of note by the
biographer. The popularity already gained by the
gentleman whose name appears at the head of this
paragraph, the only physician and surgeon in
Oconee, justifies the prediction that he will soon
stand at the head of his profession in this State.
Our subject was horn in Fayette County, 111.,
April 10. IK,"),-) and is the son of the Rev. Jacob
and Mary J. (Stapp) Miller who were pioneers of
that county, the father having been born there.
The mother was a native of Kentucky but very
early in life came to Fayette County.
There were four sons and one daughter in the
family of the Rev. Jacob Miller, of whom Dr.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
58a
Joseph F. Miller is the eldest and is located at
Palmer, 111., where he is engaged in the practice of
medicine. The healing art is a favorite calling in
this family and a half brother of our subject, Dr.
A. D. Miller, is also practicing liis profession at
Palmer. The only remaining half brother, Louis
A. Miller, will enter the College of Physcians and
Surgeons at Chicago this year, thereby making
complete a continuous line of medicos in tin- fam-
ily. Two brothers and one sister are deceased.
Dr. .1. 11. Miller received his general education in
the excellent public school- of Illinois and at the
High School at shelliyville. and at Eureka College,
Eureka, 111. lli> professional study and train-
ing were secured privately under competent and
painstaking tutors, and these were supplemented by
attendance at the Missouri Medical College at st.
Louis. At this popular institution he attended
two courses of lectures, graduating March I. 1880,
with honor to himself and credit to the profession.
Like most men who achieve commendable
heights in art. literature of science, his success is
mainly due to his own exertions. An indomitable
will combined with energy, industry and good
health was his >tock in trade, and every draft upon
this kind of bank >lock brings a liberal response.
Immediately after hi> graduation the young Doctor
located in the practice of his chosen profession at
Oconee, where he still remains, enjoying the con-
fidence and esteem of all with whom he is assoc-
iated either professionally or socially. A genial,
whole-souled, and companionable gentleman, it
is not strange that he should he a favorite among
hi- fellow-men. hut it is remarkable that so young
a man should have built up a practice which more
experienced physicians mighl justly enjoy with
pride. Another evidence of the Doctor's pro-
fessional popularity i- the fact that he is the only
physician in the town of Oconee or within a
radius of several miles around, although several
talented men have attempted to get a foothold
here in their profession.
On the Huh of January, 1883, Dr. Miller was
united in marriage with Miss Laura Theile of
Ramsey, 111., the ceremony being performed at the
residence of the bride's parents. Mrs. Miller is a
daughter of Henry and Eliza Theile. who were
among the first settlers of Ramsey, and her father,
a millwright bj profession, owned and operated a
mill in that place. The Doctor i- a member of
Oconee Camp No. 1312, M. W. of A. and enjoy-
the distinction of having been chosen to theofJSce
of Deputy Head Counsel of the Seventeenth
Congressional District of Illinois. The duties of
this office are a general supervision over the affairs
of the order within hi- territory and the organ-
ization of new camps, his territory comprising the
counties of Shelby, Macoupin. Montgomery, Moul-
trie, Effingham and Fayette
Of professional associations Dr. Miller is a mem-
ber of the District Medical Society of Central Illi-
nois in which he is Secretary: also of the Illinois
State Medical Society in which body he is the
Secretary of the Section on Etiology. Preventive
and state Medicine. He is also a member of tiie
American Medical Association and in all these
organizations he ranks high among his brethren in
the profession. In May L891 he was elected to
the position of Assistant to the chair on Practice
of Medicine in the College of Physician- and
Surgeons of Chicago for the winter term, and
in addition was made a member of the spring
faculty to till the above named chair.
<§^f
-"» FORCE \V. VAIOIIAN. Prominent among
the public men of Sullivan, and eminent as a
church and Sunday-scl I worker i- the
gentleman whose name head- thi- paragraph. lie
is no office seeker hut an earnest worker in the
rank and tile of the Democratic party and has at tin'
earnest request of his fellow-citizens, filled the
offices of Supervisor and Deputy County Treasurer.
Hi- work in the line of Sunday-school,-, has brought
him before the best people of the county, as he has
been President of the county organization ar.d
sits as delegate in mo-t of the .State Sun day-school
convention-. He i- now the 1're-ident of the
County sunday--chooi Association.
Mr. Ynughan i- a retired farmer and stock-raiser,
residing in a comfortable home on Jackson street.
He removed to the city from his large farm in
rm
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Sullivan Township in October. 1886, leaving an
estate which he had materially decreased in extent
by gifts to his children. The well-improved tract
which lie still retains comprises two hundred aero,
most of which he has brought from its native con-
dition tn a well drained and highly cultivated
state, lie has been a successful farmer in this
county where he has lived since 1842 and now
enjoys the benefits of his labors.
Our subject was horn in Shelby County in 1833
his parents having settled in Shelbyville in 1829.
His father. James W. Vaughan was a soldier in the
Black Hawk War and served a- a private under
Gen. Atkinson, and helped to bury the dead after
Maj. Stillman's defeat near Dixon's Ferry. After
piace was concluded and the Indian- were sent
beyond the Father of Waters, Mr. Vaughan came
hack to Shelby County, and there devoted himself to
his trade, lie was a mechanic and gunsmith and
at the same time operated a farm. In 1842 he
removed from Shelby County, where he had been
a pioneer, to Whitley Township. .Moultrie County,
and later came to Sullivan but in January,
1864 removed to ColesCounty where he continued
active in his trade and upon the farm until his
death which occurred June 21. 1890, when he was
past eighty-four years old. He was born in- Vir-
ginia December 8. 180.0. and was the son of Woody
Vaughan who died when James was only eight
years old. The family is of English stock with
some German admixture and came to this coun-
try prior to the Revolutionary War. The mother
of James W. Vaughan was a Miss Fairer, who
was of German descent and who came with her
family to Illinois in 1K2'J and died in Shelby
County at a very advanced age. passing away
as did her husband in the enjoyment of a beau-
tiful Christian faith.
James W. Vaughan was eight years old when his
mother moved to Tennessee and in 1829, after
his marriage to Jemima McNealy a native of Tennes-
see lie came to Illinois. Thisnohle and lovely Christ-
ian wife died in Moultrie County at the age of
fifty-four years. She had been a' member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church most of her life.
The second matrimonial union of Mr. Vaughan
was with Mrs. Melinda A. Ellis, nee Phillips, who is
yet living and now at the age of seventy-three
years makes her home in Cole- County. She i- a
member of the Free Will Baptist Church, in which
her husband. James W. Vaughan was for almost
fifty year- a minister. He was an earnest and hard
working servant in the vineyard of the Lord. and
filled many pulpits in this State. He was univer-
sally recognized as an earnest pioneer minister and
rode from point to point on horseback to meet
appointment and to minister to the spiritual wants
of the people in the days when neighbors were
twenty miles apart.
Of the children of tin- pioneer preacher one.
Samuel is a Baptist minister at Decatur. 111.: three,
William. John and George, were soldiers in the
Union army. John being Lieutenant of his com-
pany, and being killed in the battle of Shiloh
during the great charge of the Union force-, lb'
and William belonged in Company B, Forty-first
Illinois Iiifantiv. William served for three years
and escaped unhurt and is now living near Bethany.
Our subject enlisted in Company C. One Hun-
dred and Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, under
(apt. A. N". Smizer of Sullivan and Col. Richmond
of Mattoon. This regiment took part in the siege
of Vicksburg, holding the key to the city in the
rear, keeping the rebels from entering through the
Yazoo Valley. Later they went to Arkansas doing
service at Duvall's Bluff and Little Hock. Oursub-
ject was commissioned Second Lieutenant at the
time the company was organized, but owing to
sickness was forced to resign and received his
honorable discharge before the expiration of his
term of service.
The first marriage of Mr. Vaughan united him
with Miss Beulah Rhodes, who was born and reared
in Shelby County and died in December, 1880. She
wa- the mother of two children now living: Ar-
thur L. a farmer, who has married Nancy Hughes;
and Ida the wife of Arthur Hampton, of Demorest,
Ga. A daughter now deceased, Olivia, was the wife
of S. F. Corley. a Dakota farmer. Our subject
was again married at st. Joseph, Mo. to Miss Nancy
C. Henry, who wa- bom in Macon County. 111..
May l.'L 1851. Her parent- were John and Sybil
(Truit) Henry. She resided in St. Joseph at the
time of her marriage. She is the mother of three
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
587
children one sou Jay. having passed away. Leslie
II. is afflicted with loss of hearing and is a student in
the Deaf and Dumb Institution at Jacksonville and
Donna M. the baby of the household is the delight
of her parents, both of whom are active members
of society and useful in their church relations
being connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
UlLLIAM J. SNYDER. The gentleman
whose biography it i- < mr pleasure to here
give, at least in outline, is noted for the
interest that he takes in the moral and religious
g 1 of the community; although he has been and
is a successful farmer, he is a deeply religious man
and devotes more time to the progress of mental.
moral and spiritual life than to financial gain for
himself. He is now one of the county Sunday-
school workers, having been Superintendent for
years, and once President of the County Board.
lh- is at present one of the executives, and is
also a standing delegate to the Mate conventions
that meet in the interest of thi> work.
Iu the business of general farming. Mr. Snyder
devotes himself mainly to stock-raising, having one
of the best stock farms in Flat Branch Township,
being located on section 8, where he owns four
hundred and twenty aires. All of this i- under the
plow. His buildings are all first class in construc-
tion, and the place i? well stocked. Every improve-
ment is the work of lil— own hands. He purchased
the farm in 1866, locating on it the following
year. It was then a wild brush patch, but with
undaunted energy he set about clearing it. planted
fine shade and fruit trees, tilled the fields and
divided the meadows into paddocks win-rein are
now found horses, eattle. sheep ami swim- of high
grade and breeding. Naturally Mr. Snyder i> a
progressive farmer and i- aever satisfied with well
enough.
Prior to the coming of our subject to this State
he was a resident of Christian County, wherein'
was bom in Prairie Township, Ma\ 28, 1842.
There he was reared ami educated, going through
the common -el Is and finishing at the High
School at Mt. Zion, in .Macon County. At the
breaking out of the war. before he was quite
twenty years of age, he enlisted in Company II.
One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. Col.
X. W. Tucker i now deceased) and Capt. J. L.
Dobson, now at Salisbury, Mo., in command.
They joined Gen. Sherman's Army of the Teu-
nessee, and were with them in the battle of < >xford.
Tenn. Our subject saw much service during
his experience in the war and was honorably dis-
charged in 1862. He later, however, re-enlisted in
the Thirteenth New York Heavy Artillery. Com-
pany L, and did marine service on the Tinted
Mate- steamer "Parks," Col.Howard commanding.
Thi~ steamer was particularly and conspicuously
engaged in capturing rebel torpedoes and in pre-
venting the rebels from destroying the Union pro-
visions at Petersburg. It also captured many
local fleets and both commissioned and non-com-
missioned officers. It also captured the .lame-
River pirate. Capt. Hines. While this little
marine hand saw comparatively little hard fight-
ing, they did a great deal of active and valuable
service and won for themselves many laurels.
( )ur subject received his final discharge at Newbem,
N. ( . in 1865. He was never wounded or taken
prisoner, but suffered from experiences known to
the kind of army life he had served, being
swamped in the surf at Port Fisher, with many of
his regiment.
After the war. Mr. Snyder returned to hi> home
in this State and devoted his time to bis business
as a farmer. He has been remarkably successful
and of his abundant store, he is generous and
open handed. He is a son Of Michael Snyder, of
whom a further sketch may be found in another
part of this volume. He was married in Brown
County, Ohio, to Miss Eliza A. Grinner, who was
a native of that State and county, she was there
reared and educated, where her parents lived and
died. Mrs. Snyder is an intelligent and capable
woman and makes a charming home for her hus-
band and children, who -how the influence of re-
fined and cultured home training. Our subject
and hi- wife are the parents of -ix children, they
588
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
are: Lula M., who is engaged as a teacher in the
public schools of the township therein she lives.
She was educated at the YVesleyan College at
Bloomington, this State; Ernest F.. May Bell C,
William 11.. Lida Pearl and Grace <;.. who are all
at home and make the family life merry with their
brightness and intelligent converse.
< inr subject and hi:- wife are popular young
people. Mr. Snyder is a member of the Evangel-
ical Association, while his wife is a member of the
Lutheran Church. He i- associated in all his work
with the best men in the township and county.
Politically he casts his vote and influence with the
Prohibition party.
— 8-
S. 3
~.o
§>^r<m^
-J—
ACOB F. BAUER represents the lumber
trade at Stewardson, having carried on thi>
business here >ince 1885, his residence in
Shelby County dating from 1865. He is
well known as a successful, substantial and honored
citizen. In connection with the lumber business
Mr. Bauer deals largely in farm machinery, build-
ers'hardware and paints. Our subject was born
in Hocking County. Ohio, April •'!. 1836. He is a
son of Jacob F. and .lulia (Reel) Bauer, natives of
Baden and Hessing, Germany, respectively.
The paternal grandparents of our subject came
to the United Mates at an early day and settled in
Baltimore, where the grandmother died, and later.
the grandfather removed to Zanesville, ( )hk>. where
he died. The father of our subject had one
brother, John <■. Bauer, who >tiil resides in Vir-
ginia. The maternal grandparents also emigrated
to the United States at an early day. first living in
Baltimore, and then in Zanesville, Ohio. Mr.
Bauer's mother had three brothers and one sister.
whose names are Anthony II.. John II.. and Henry
William II. The two former died at Columbus,
Ohio. Henry passed away at Lima, Ohio, and Will-
iam resides in Lancaster, Ohio. The sister, Chris-
tine E. Reel, married and lives in Ohio.
Our subject's parents met and married in Zanes-
ville where the families were early settlers. The
young couple later located in Hocking County, on
a farm, and there they lived, rearing a family of
eleven children, nine of whom lived to reach years
of maturity. Of these our subject is the eldest.
The names of the children are as follows: Chris-
tena E., Anthony Henry. Julia. Christian. Solomon.
David. William and John, besides our subject.
Mr. Bauer's early life was spent upon a farm
where he acquired a physical vigor from outdoor
duties that has been a great advantage to him
throughout his career. His school days were lim-
ited and the education that he has acquired is a
practical one. attained mostly in intercourse with
hi- fellow-men, and by the exigencies of the posi-
tions in which he found himself placed. While a
young man he learned the trade of a carpenter.
In 1865 he removed to Illinois and purchased forty
acres of land in Prairie Township and began work
at his trade. This flrst purchase was the nucleus
of the line farm of which he finally became pro-
prietor, comprising two hundred and twenty acres
of land, most of which was originally wild prairie
land. He however expended much time and money
in placing line improvements on the place and
made it hi- home until 1885, when he traded one
hundred and twenty acres of land for his present
business.
Before coming to this State. Mr. Bauer had taken
upon himself the duties and obligations of married
life. His marriage was celebrated in January. 1859,
in Hocking County. Ohio, his wife's maiden name
being Catherine Ulmer. she. like her husband, was
a native of Hocking County, Ohio, her birth hav-
ing occurred February 25, 1839. She passed away
from this life in l«7.'i. leaving her husband and
rive children to mourn her. The children's names
areas follows: Elizabeth, Julia, Caroline, Andrew
anil Mary. Elizabeth is the wife of Charles Friese;
.lulia presides over the domestic realm of the house-
hold of Ferdinand Kull; Caroline is the wife of
( reorge Kircher.
In 1874 Mr. Bauer persuaded Mrs. Wilhelmina
Frede nee Kull, to take up the reins of domestic
government in his household, she was born in
Fairfield County, Ohio, and by her first marriage
was the mother of live children. Mr. Bauer and
his present wife are the parents of five children.
Only two of whom are living: they are Tobias and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD.
:,s:.
Martha. The family are members in good standing
of tin' Lutheran Church. In his political prefer-
ence, he of whom we write is .-i stanch Democrat.
He has been a member of the Hoard of Supervisors
of his township for three terms, and lias also held
the positions of School Director and Trustee. Our
subject owns a beautiful home at Stewardson, and
nine acres of land. His residence is rommodions
and com foi table and contain- all the late improve-
ments in interior arrangement that are so necessary
to modern living. Pecuniarily he is well fixed,
and stand- high in the esteem of his fellow-towns-
men because of his practical business views and his
honorable and upright dealings.
H
:•■
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' OSEPH J. SMOCK, resides on section 2. of
Rural Township, Shelbj County, his resi-
dence in the county, dating from 1862.
lie is a native of Sullivan County. Ind..
where he was horn. February 20, 1844. Joseph
Smock is a son of Abram and Mary E. (Weeks)
Smock, of whom a fuller history may he found
under the sketch of the Rev. Harnett Smock, in
another part of this volume. (>ur subject's early
life was not dissimilar to that of the majority of
lads who arc raised on n farm. He early became
acquainted with the mysteries of milking, feeding
the stock, ploughing, hoeing corn, and kindred
work that the farmer hoy is apt to attempt to
escape unless he has a vigilant eye placed over
him. It is much pleasanter in a hot. June day. to
go a-fishing than to cultivate corn.
The educational advantages enjoyed by our sub-
ject, were limited, although he attained a good
foundation for a practical education in the district
schools in the vicinity in which hi' lived. In IXtii
lie came to Shelby County. III., and for one
year was engaged in work as a farm hand, lie
then rented land and tilled the same in order to
get means to purchase. In 1866, January 25, he
was united in marriage to Susanna Casey, a
daughter of Judge John ami Nancy (Denton)
Casey. She was born in Shelby County, this State.
December 17. 1X46. Her father was a native of
Kentucky, and when hut a child of fourteen years
of age, was brought by his parents Levi and Chloe
Casey, to Illinois. The family settled in Ridge
Township in the year 1835, and at that time en-
tered :\ large tract of Government land, upon
which they made many improvements.
Levi and Chloe Casey died at quite advanced
ages. They were parents of eight children. Their
son. John Casey, Mrs. Smock's father, was
horn February 16, 1813, in Warren County. Ky.
The family removed to Illinois in 1816, and re-
sided in Bond County until 1835. John Casey
was married February 20, 1834 to Mahala Jackson,
who dii'cl in July. 1835, leaving one child as a
reminder of his gentle and affectionate wife. Oc-
tober 19, 1837, Mr. Ca>c\ again married, his bride
being Nancy Denton. Their union was blessed by
the birth of eleven children, of these four daugh-
ters and one son survive hint. In Hie early days
Judge John ( asey was a man of considerable
prominence. He filled the position of Justice of
tin' Peace from l!Sf."> to 1860, and during this
period he solemnized many marriages. In 1 H4(>.
he became a volunteer, enlisting in the Mexican
War, entering the army in Company B, Third Reg-
iment, Captain Foreman in command. He served
to the end of the war and was regarded as a brave
soldier and a loyal citizen of the Republic of the
I'nitcd Stall's. He made a record for being the
fleetest runner and the hot rifleman in the
regiment.
Before Mr. Casey left home for service, he pur-
chased a pair of -hoes of General Thornton anil
these he wore during the whole lime in which he
was in service and on his return, the General pre-
sented him with a new paii' in exchange for the
old ones, which he kept as a souvenir and which
are properly labeled as a treasured relic of that
stormy period. Judge Casey was one of the As-
sociate Judges under the old system. He was a
member of the Twenty-seventh General Assembly,
and served as a Supervisor for several terms. Iii
1874, he removed to Shelbyville, which he made
his home until his death. He was that extremely
rare thing in law. an honest judge, and prided
himself that his won! was as good at any time,Cas
his bond, In his religious preference, he was a
:>!m
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Baptist. Personally he was an immense man,
weighing from [three Tiundred to three hundred
and fifty pounds.
After'marriage our subject, Mr. Smock, resided
in Ridge Township for two years, there operating
land which he runted. They then returned to
Flat Branch|Township, also renting their land for
one year. Thence they went to Pickaway Town-
ship, where they rented land for three years. From
there they came to Rural Township, making a stay
of six years. Then they returned to Pickaway
Township, where they remained for ten years,
since which time they have lived in Rural Town-
ship, where he purchased a farm of one hundred
and twenty acres, all of which is g 1 and well
improved land.
Mr. and Mrs. Smock have had their lives enrich-
ed by the advent into their family of live children.
Two of these were lent them but for a short time.
The three living are Aha !'>.. Chloe Ellen and
Eliza A. Politically our subject is a follower of
the Democratic party, casting his vote and influ-
ence with it. Mrs. Smock is a member of the
United Baptist Church, she is an intelligent, as
well as amiable and cultured woman.
"•5-5-5-1-ms
5 *.% *.% •■% *J* .-
AMES HOGARTH, a prosperous farmer and
stock-raiser of Penn Township, was horn in
Yorkshire. England. July 5, 1839. His
father, who bore the same name as himself,
was a native of the same country, his birthplace
being Westmoreland, and he in turn was the son
of another James Hogarth, who was a farmer, na-
tive of Lancastershire, and a life-long resident of
England. The father of oursubjecl was reared on a
farm and followed agricultural pursuits in York-
shire, where he spent his last years. lie married
Elizabeth Birtle, whose whole life was passed in
Yorkshire. She was the mother of two children,
our subject and Isabella, her daughter spending her
entire life in England.
Our subject was left an orphan when only ten
years old. As soon as large enough he began
work on the farm and early gained a practical in-
sight into the hot methods of carrying on farming.
While attending school he learned a great deal
about the United states of America, a subject
which hail a great interest for him. and in pursu-
ance of a determination to try life in this great
and growing country, he embarked at Liverpool
in I860, on the steamer "Washington City," and
after a voyage of eleven days landed at Castle Gar-
den. New York, lie came directly to Shelby
County, arriving here with about $15 in his
pocket, which scant capital was supplemented by a
courageous heart, a cool head and steady hand,
and willingness to do whatsoever he found to do
with the capacity of doing it well. He began life
here by working on a farm by the month, continu-
ing that employment until his marriage, when he
located on the farm in Penn Township, that he
has since occupied. At that time the place was
but very little improved, hut since it came into
his hands he has wrought a wonderous change by
persistent and well directed labor. The land is
now under a high state of cultivation, the neat
i and substantial buildings comparing with an\ in
the township, and fruit, shade and ornamental
trees, planted by his own hand, add greatly to the
attractiveness of the place. The reader will be
pleased to notice a view of this homestead on an-
other page.
In USfiT. Mr. Hogarth took unto himself a wife
in the person of Airs. Margaret (Shimman) Birkett,
a native of Cumberland, England. Mrs. Hogarth's
father. Philip Shimman, was reared on the Isle of
Man, and thence he removed to Cumberland, where
he lived for many years. In 1!S57 he came to
America with Mrs. Hogarth. He visited a short
time in Cleveland. Ohio, and then went to Clinton
in the same State, to see a daughter, and died in
her home ten weeks after landing in this country.
I lis wife died in England in 1851. She was the
mother of six children, of whom these three came
to the United States — Mis. Hogarth, her sister
Mary and brother Thomas.
The wife of our subject grew to womanhood in
her native shire, and was first married there to
John Birkett. He was a native of that part of
England, and resided there until 1857. In that
year. August 7. he set ^;i il from Liverpool on the
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
593
vessel "American Union," accompanied byhiswife
and her father, and landed in New York after a
voyage of six weeks and five days. He and liis
wife lived in Ohio from is.">7 to I860, then they
came to Todd's Point Township, this county, which
at that time was bu( sparsely settled and little im-
proved, with plenty of laud for sale at *."> or lo-
an acre. Mr. Birkett's means were limited, and he
began life in his new home on rented laud. In
the spring of 18(>4 lie bought a tract of railway
land in Peim Township, and at once commenced
to improve a farm. But he was not destined to
finish hi:- work, as death cut short his career in the
fall of that year, and his township lost a useful
citizen.
Mr. and Mrs. Hogarth arc people of most esti-
mable character, worthy in every way of the good
will and respect of llicir neighbors, which is ac-
corded to them in full measure. They are both
members of the Presbyterian Church. In national
politics Mr. Hogarth votes the Republican ticket,
luit in local affairs he is independent, giving liis
support to the best man regardless of party.
N
DAM II. FULTON. Forty years seems, in
considering the history of the develop-
ment of some countries, a mere speck of
time, but in this Western World, since
railroads have been reaching out their grasping
fingers in every direction and carrying along their
line an infusion of vigorous life, it is not aston-
ishing that as much should have been done in so
short a time, as has taken ages to evolve in tin-
Old World. It is a truism that weaie the heirs of
all the ages, and that fact should make us modest
instead of boastful.
Our subject first saw the light of day a little
over forty years ago upon the place where he at
this time resides, his natal day being June Id.
1851. These forty years of life spent in Rural
Township have not been without avail, for his
early efforts have been crowned with success, and
he is now a large and prominent farmer of Shelby
County, residing on section 13, of Rural Town-
ship, lie is a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Hill)
Fulton, natives of County Antrim, Ireland. They
were married in their native land, ami in 1849
came to the United States. Adam Fulton, our
subject's father, entered land from the Government
in Rural and Ridge Townships, but he died in the
winter of 1851 or 1852.
The original of our sketch being the only child
and an infant of but six months old at the lime of
his father's death, he was not of much assistance
to his mother for some time after her bereave-
ment. She lived until March. 1890, when she died
at the age of seventy-seven years. The father of
our subject was the Only member of his family to
leave the native land for the United states, but
on his mother's side he has an uncle living in
Shelbyville, whose name is George B.Hill. Our
subject was reared on a farm and early learned the
duties of a farmer's lad. His education was attained
at the common scl Is. and there he was fitted for
the practical relations of life. lie continues to
reside on the homestead and has not yet made up
his mind to surrender his bachelor freedom and
enter the benedictine ranks.
Mr. Fulton is the owner of a .section of land
and also thirty acres in Ridge Township. Upon
these he has erected good buildings, and the houses
and barns on each are attractive and commodious
structures. He devotes himself principally to the
raising of grain and has found this generally to
be a most lucrative business. The father of our
subject was forty-seven years of age the time of
his death. lb' came to the United States some
years prim- to 1849, ami was a merchant at Cincin-
nati, and also kept a country store in the village
of Ilenton. Shelby County. He returned to Ire-
land, during which visit home he was married,
and in 1849 broughl his bride to the United
states. They were good, substantial citizens and as-
sociated with the best element wherever they lived.
In their religious preference they were attendants
upon and members of the Presbyterian Church.
Like his parents, our subject is a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Politically he affiliates with
the Republican party and has held several of the
minor local Offices in the gift of his party. He is one
594
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the substantial business men of the county, and
besides the land he owns here, he is also the owner
two hundred acres in Flat Branch Township, one
hundred and sixty of which was entered by his
father and is known as "Bald Knob." As do all
these places, this boasts of a good class of improve-
ments.
< >n another page of this volume the reader will
find a view of Mr. Fulton's homestead.
c=1
^+^[
AMUEL M. RHOADS. One of the most
^s^ delightful homes in Jonathan Creek Town-
ship, Moultrie County, is the one occupied
by the family of Mr. Rhoads. It is located
on section 35. and > not only handsome in its ex-
terior but delightfully located and fitted up, and
furnished with numerous evidences of taste and re-
finement. The beauty of the home is not, how-
ever, entirely due to its material adornments, for
it is permeated with a lovely spirit of cordiality
and harmony, which gives to every visitor an
impression of cordial good-fellowship and true
home life.
The owner of this pleasant home is the son of
William and Rebecca (Bradford) Rhoads, both na-
tives of Tennessee. The father resides at this
present writing in Arkansas, where he was a few
years ago bereaved by the death of his wife. Only
two children blessed this worthy couple, namely:
our subject and his sister Catherine. Christmas
Day. 18.r>0. was a date of greal importance in the
life of this family, as upon that day was born to
William and Rebecca Rhoads their only son. Sam-
uel M. Arkansas was his native home and the
scene of his boyhood days, and after taking his
training there upon his father's farm, and in such
schools as the neighborhood afforded, he came to
Moultrie County. III., and worked out by the
month at farm labor, with the exception of eight
months, when he worked in McLean County, this
State. He has always been engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits anil has made of them a notable
success.
The day of days to this young man was August
1, 1869, when he was united in marriage in Fast
Nelson Township, with Miss lVnnelia Wiley, who
was born in 1851. She is a daughter of the late
Thomas Wiley, who died at his home in Fast Nel-
son Township. The young couple settled upon
section 35, Jonathan Creek Township, and there
they have ever since made their home, and upon
this beautiful farm Mr. Rhoads has erected the
pleasant house which serves as the family residence.
lie has made other substantial improvements and
most of his two bundled and eighty acres is in an
improved condition.
.Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads are the parents of six chil-
dren— Emor V.. Flora. Thomas. Edith, Edna and
Black. This gentleman has. in his office as School
Director, done much to advance the educational
interests of the community, and is helping to build
up a healthy public sentiment in this respect. His
convictions have led him to ally himself with the
Democratic party, and he believes that the princi-
ples endorsed by the author of the Declaration of
Independence are good enough for Americans
now-a-days. He gives hisattention to general farm-
ing and stock-raising, in which he linds both en-
joyment and success.
<>I1N I). DAUGHERTY. It would be diffi-
cult to find among the farming community
of Moultrie County a man who wields
greater influence or has greater personal
popularity than the gentleman whose name intro-
duces this sketch. His life has been spent in the
peaceful pursuance of his calling of a farmer and
in a share of the local public affairs. His home-
stead upon section 1 1, Fast Nelson Township, ranks
among the best in the community, while the entire
amount of land owned and operated by Mr. Daugh-
erty in this township comprises three hundred and
twenty-eight acres. He is also interested in land
in Whitley Township and is in various ways closely
identified with the development of this section.
Virginia claims Mr. Daugherty as one of her
children, and in Shenandoah County he was born
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
595
January 10, 1823. Amid scenes which have since
Keen made memorable in the history of our countn .
he grew to a stalwart manhood, aiding in the farm
work at home and attending the village school in
the intervals of harvesting. At the age of tlnrt\
he left the ( >ld Dominion and proceeding Westward
as far as Illinois, settled in Coles County, where lie
remained one year. The year 1854 found him in
Moultrie County establishing himself as a farmer
in East Nelson Township. He soon became prom-
inent in local affairs ami was well known a- a man
of honor and integrity.
Mr. Daugherty has made Moultrie County his
home since his first arrival here, with the exception
of a few years spent in Coles County during the
late war. For many years he had the companion-
ship of a most estimable woman, who was true to
the interests of husband and children, and a u 1
neighbor and friend, she bore the maiden name
of Elizabeth Waggoner and was horn in Moultrie
County. Her union with our subject, which was
solemnized in Whitley Township, this county, was
blessed by the birth of three children, George R.,
who died in infancy, Anna E. and an infant who
died unnamed.
The wife and mother passed from earth in No-
vember, 1889, at her home in East Nelson Town-
ship, she was a member of the Baptist Church
and conscientious in all the relations of life, ever
working for the u' 1 of others ami living in her
life the principles of the -'Golden Rule." Their
daughter, Miss Anna, i- now a refined and intelli-
gent young lady, upon whom, in his declining
years, the father leans for support and advice.
she is judicious in the management of household
affairs and possesses good judgment. A good bus-
iness woman, practical and thorough in her work,
she is also intellectual, and in social circles is an
ever welcome ^uest.
Believing that the principles of the Democratic
party are best adapted for the promotion of the
common g 1. Mr. Daugherty uniformly casts his
ballot for the candidates pledged to it> support.
He has held the minor offices of the township ami
served as Highway Commissioner for >ix years,
doing much to advance the interests of the com-
munity in this way and scrvine with credil to
himself and his constituents. Religiously he is a
member of the Baptist Church and is respected for
the strength of his character and the industry he
has shown in worldly affairs. His labors have
gained for him a competency sufficient to insure
him against want and enable him to gratify all
reasonable desires.
i»>»i>'>
dene*
have
X. STEWARD. The gentleman who is the
subject of this -ketch is engaged in the
manufacture of tile and brick in Rural
Township, Shelby County, hut his resi-
is in Shelbyville, and few-, if any men.
been for many years, more industrious
than he. or more successful. His residence dates
from 1858, at which time he left his native State,
Ohio, and removed to Illinois. He was horn Sep-
tember 2ti. 1833, ami is a son of John and Sarah
(Lacount) Steward, natives of Maryland. They
came to Shelby County in 1860, and both passed
away in Rural Township at the advanced age of
-c\ enty-fi\ e years.
lie of whom we have the pleasure of writing
this sketch, was one of a family of six children
boil) to his parents. Their names are as follows:
.Tame-. Sarah, John, Frances. Mary and Russell 15.
.lames ami Russell IS. both reside in Sumner County.
Kan.: Sarah, who is now Mrs. Smith resides in
Iowa: Frances, who married a Mr. Finney, died
at Assumption, II!.: Mary, who is Mrs. Finney, re-
ticles in Washington.
The educational advantages enjoyed by our
subject, were limited, being only such as could he
absorbed at a country school during the summer
months, that period when the mind a- well as the
body, is relaxed and so little capable of vigorous
action. However, he had perseverance enough to
work for an additional three month--' term at
Westerville College. Ohio. Thereafter he gave his
attention to farming and became the owner of two
hundred and forty acres of land. While dealing
in live stock, he met with heavy losses, and iii
fact, was -o deeply involved, that some ofhiscred-
itors offered to accept fifty cent- on the dollar in
596
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.settlement. But while he felt that he had youth
and energy, he was too much of a man to accept
this concession, and sturdily promising to pay all
in full, if they would hut li'ive him more time, he
started anew, laboring almost night and day. He,
however, discharged all his debts and his credit
was restored, and the confidence that this manly
course aroused in his creditors and townsmen was
of great value to him.
Our subject is now the owner of eighty acres of
land in Rural Township, on which, in 1881, lie
erected a tile and and brick factory, and now turns
out a half million brick annually, and of such
good quality that it is steadily gaining ground in
commerce. .Mr. Steward married in 1855, to Miss
Sophia I). Aider. The children whose names fol-
low, were the fruit of this union: Marcellus A.
died in childhood; Josephine died in 18.">8; Alice
married John Middlesworth, and has since died:
Flora is the wife of Henry Thomas, and resides in
Assumption, III; Harlow \V.: Alma, who died in
child! 1: Wallace and Kt'fa. Politically Mr. Stew-
ard is a follower of the Democratic party. He is a
member of the Presbyterian Church, and socially
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
•
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4 jfclLLIAM H. AKINS. who is a well-known
\jjJ\l practitioner before the Circuit and Dis-
'Wvl trict Court, and also before the Supreme
Court of Illinois, is enjoying a lucrative practice
in Cowden, Shelly County, and surrounding-
towns. He is a native of this county and was
born in 1818. His parents. Samuel and Susan
(Moore) Akins, were natives of Ohio and North
Carolina respectively. Roth are now deceased,
the father having departed this life in 1879, at the
age of sixty-two years, and the mother having
died in 1883, after having reached her fifty-eighth
year.
The father had been a soldier in the Civil War.
He enlisted as a private in Company 11, Forty-
first Illinois Infantry, and at the close of his term
of service re-enlisted and remained in the army
until the close of the war as a veteran volunteer.
He was promoted to the position of First Lieu-
tenant, but was not mustered in as such, owing to
its depleted ranks, as there were not men enough
to entitle the company to a full quota of com-
missioned officers. He participated in all the en-
gagements, marches and manoeuvres in which his
regiment was engaged during all his long term
of service.
Of the family of our subject's parents three
sons and two daughters are living: John, a farmer,
married Mary Belt and resides in Cowden; Rachel
L., the wife of William Beck, a farmer, resides in
Fayette County, this State; Mary A. is unmarried
and is the housekeeper for her brother, our sub-
ject; Henry C. married .lane Belt and resides in
Cowden, being engaged in farming.
William Akins, like his father, was a soldier in
the Civil War. He enlisted in January, 1864, and
served until the close of the war in Company M,
Third Illinois Cavalry, lie participated in the
battles of Tupelo, Guntown, Nashville and sub-
sequent engagements growing out of that cam-
paign. During the summer of 1865 the regiment
operated in a campaign against the Indians in Da-
kota and in the Red River Valley, starting from Ft.
Snelling, Devil's Lake, and Ft. Bethel, on the Mis-
sissippi River,and made a march of several hundred
miles. They endured many privations and dangers
incident to their removal from civilization and
close proximity to hostile bands of Indians. This
regiment was mustered out of service at Ft. Snell-
ing. Minn., in October, 1865.
Farming and teaching engaged Mr. Akins for
awhile alter his return home, and during that time
he commenced the study of law and became a
student in the law department of the State Uni-
versity of Iowa in 1881, being graduated from
that popular institution in 1882,with honor to him-
self and credit to his Alma Mater. Pursuant upon
his graduation Mr. Akins resumed teaching for
two years, also superintending his farm. In 1885
he opened his present office in Cowden. In con-
nection with his business as an attorney and coun-
seior-at-law he deals considerably in real estate,
buying and selling, and does a general law and
land business. Mr. Akins is a worthy member of
Samuel Akins Post. No. 566, G, A. R., which was
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
597
named in honor of his deceased father. Mr. Akins
also handles a number of standard insurance com-
panies besides personally carrying on his farm of
about ninety acres, which is situated two miles
from Cowden. Thi> tract is mostly in hay and
has a line yield. His political view- have allied
him with the Republican party, to which he is an
intelligent adherent.
=^i
I — ! DGAR ALLEN. He of whom we write is a
member of a family who just previous to
the war settled in thi- -late. His father
was a large landowner and a man who was highly
respected in the community, our subject resides
on section 26. of Ridge Township. Shelby County.
where lie owns one hundred and twenty-five acres
of land in a good state of cultivation. His parents
were George and Nancy (Carlisle) Allen, natives
respectively of Maryland and Ohio, having met
and married in the latter State. Our subject ba-
llon! April 18. 1854. and is now in the meridian
of life.
In 1863, our subject's parents came to Shelby
County, and purchased two hundred and twenty
acres of land which was at that time but little im-
proved. They paid for this $18 per acre. The
father however, returned to Ohio, and there in the
winter of 1863. February 24, hi- died, leaving a
family of eight children to mourn iii- decease. They
are Sarah A.. William II.. Annetta,Angeline,Thomas,
Theodore. Edgar and Alice. Sarah married And-
erson Hunter. Annetta became the wife of Milton
Hunter and died in Shelby County. Angeline was
married to George X. Arnold, ami Alice became
the wife of M. E. Moore. In the spring of 1864,
the mother with her family of children returned to
thi- State and settled On the land purchased by the
husband and father. She is still living having at-
tained more than the three— core years and ten usu-
allv allotted to mankind.
Our subject remained on the farm until he
arrived at manhood. He was there engaged in the
usual duties of a fanner lad. which duties were re-
lieved by the enjoyments and amusements common
to country life. He received his education in the
district schools in this vicinity, and is thus prepared
for the practical hand-to-hand combat with daily
life.
In February, 1885, Mr. Allen was united in mar-
riage to a lady whose maiden name was Miss Allie
Brandt, a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Rugh)
Brandt, who still reside in Fairfield County. Ohio.
Four children graced and beautified this union,
three of whom are living. Bessie, Maude and The-
odore are bright, intelligent children, who promise
to more than fulfdl their fond parents' expectations
and hope for them. Politically, our subject affili-
iates witn the Democratic party and under his
party he has for some time held the position of
Tax Collector. Socially he is a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America.
m>-^<a
•""> EORGE W. YANTIS. One of the men who
I — lias made many sacrifices forpersonal inter-
V A ests that have redounded to the benefit and
advantage of the place that he has made his home.
is he whose name heads this sketch. Although he
has accumulated neither the land no rthe pecuni-
ary advantages that many of his neighbors and
fellow-townsmen have gained, no one has accom-
plished more for the township than has our subject.
Recognizing that educational advantages offer in-
ducements for settlement to the best class of people
he ha- striven to build up a reputation in this dir-
ection for the town, and he is a progressive man
in every way. Mr. Yantis is a general farmer
residing on section '■'<■>. of Pickaway Township.
where he owns eighty acres of well improved land.
Our subject located on liis present farm in 1864.
It was at the lime partially improved and since
then he has expended much money and unceasing
effort in bringing it up to a high state of cultiva-
tion. He ha- lived in this township since IS.".."),
and in the county since 1853. lb- Was born in
Pickaway County. Ohio. April 20, 1836, and is the
second son of Daniel Yantis. of whom a biograph-
ical sketch may be found in another part of this
volume.
598
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The original of our sketch was only a young man
when his parents came to this State, and lie here
attained his majority, where his marriage took
plaee. His wife's maiden name was Miss Lueinda
Toiler, who was born August 2. 1SP5. in Flat
Branch Township. She was reared and educated
in this county and here died at their home May 4.
1882. She was a daughter of .lames Toiler one
of the oldest settlers in this part of the county.
Mr-. Yantis was a co-worker with her husband in
everything that pertained to the interest and ad-
vancement of the community. She was a kindly
neighbor, and an intelligent ami cultured woman,
she was a member of the old-school Baptisl Church,
and an ardent worker in that body. Five children
came to enliven the home life of our subject and
his estimable wife. One ofthese,a daughter whose
name was Rose li. is deceased. The living child
ren are Minnie E. John W.. James T. and George
V. Minnie is the wife of William Seibert, and
lives in Assumption, where her husband i- engaged
in the grocery business. John W. took to wife
Rachael Rice and he now lives on a farm in llii-
coiinly and township. James was married to Nora
B. Killam and resides in Elk County. Kan. on a
farm. George lire- with his father ami is of great
assistance in conducting the business of the farm.
Our subject is a Democrat in his political belief.
He has no aspirations to high position, and enjoys
the consciousness that while the pleasure of his life
i- in his home, his heart is disposed to work unsel-
fishly tor the g'ood of others.
\T EFFERSOX YV\ CARR. The name that
heads this sketch is that of a gentleman
».||; who resides on his farm on section 19, of
l^Vyj/ Prairie Township. He was horn in Holland
Township, Shelby County, March 17. 1839. He is
a son of Elias and Nancy Can-, a history of whom
may he found in that of \V. 0. Carr. Oursubject's
early training was such as would tit him for agri-
cultural life, having been horn and reared on a
farm, and naturally being thoroughly well ac-
quainted with such duties. Mr. Carr now own-
two hundred and sixty acres of land which it is
now hard to believe, was not so many years ago in
a crude, uncultivated state.
When a lad of hut nine rears, the parents of our
subject were taken away and he thereafter made
his home with an uncle, and with other guardian-.
The thought of the lad without a mother's tender
care and a father's counsel, involuntarily arouses
our sympathies. In 1861, when the heavens were
overcast with the clouds of war. our subject en-
listed in Company 11. of the Forty-first Illinois In-
fantry. Ih- was mustered in at Decatur. 111., ami
first met lire at Ft. Donelson. After that time
he took part in the most desperate and celebrated
battles of the late war. He saw men mowed down
before the tire of the cannon like swaths of wheat,
nt Shiloh, Corinth, and that battle whose name is
asynonym for the greatest military tragedy, the
battle of Vicksburg. After Vicksburg, the regi-
ment in which our subject was re-enlisted and lie-
came one with the consolidated Fifty-third Illinois
Infantry. Thus they -erred until the close of the
war. engaged in many skirmishes ami being par-
ticipants in much hard lighting. Mr. Can- was
mustered out at l'aducah. Ky. He was a private,
being proud of the fact that he fought, not for
fame, or position, but because of loyalty to his
country. He went with the regiment under Sher-
man in hi- celebrated march from Atlanta to the
sea. thence proceeded to Washington and partici-
pated in the Grand Review. Our subject had the
rare good fortune for one who took part in so
many serious engagements, never to have re-
rceived a wound, to he taken prisoner, or sent to the
hospital.
After the war. he of whom we write purchased a
farm in Prairie Township, where he settled and it
is hi- present home. In 1867. he was married
to .Matilda William- a daughter of John Williams,
who settled as a pioneer in Shelby County, at an
early day. There. Mrs. Carr was bora April 18.
1849. Mr. and Mrs. Carr have the good fortune
to he the parents of six intelligent and manly sons.
Their names are Sherman, Walter. Erven, John.
Mahlon and Roy V.
The farm of which Mr. Carr is proprietor, as
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
599
has been before said, was al the time of his settle-
ment here, new prairie land. It is now in a per-
fect state of cultivation, and the well tilled fields
yield bountiful crops. Several good buildings
have been erected on the place. They have a
home that is comfortable and commodious, not too
good for the use and benefit of the sons that are
growing up around their parents, but being of
such a character as to cultivate refined, yet strong
ideas of life.
Politically, our subject is a Republican. His
religious preferences are in the direction of the
Methodist Episcopal Church in which body he has
been a Class-Leader for a number of years. Soeiallv
he is a member of .John Huffer Post. No. 633
<.. a. 1;.
•
11*^
A.RCTJS F. PLEAK A man who is noted
as being a thrifty and well-to-do farmer
1 residing on section 11. of Flat Branch
Township where he owns one hundred and
sixty acres of highly improved land, is he whose
name is at the head of this sketch. He is evidently
a man who thinks more of home than of the mere
accumulation of money, for his family are sur-
rounded by all the comforts and even elegancies
that the modern style of living declare so neces-
sary. His residence is a fine, brick house, com-
manding a charming view of the surrounding-
country. Exteriorly, it is attractive and tasteful
in style of architecture, and the interior arrange-
ment is made with a view to comfort.
Besides his fine home place, -Mr. Pleak owns
ninety-six acres on section 12, and sixty-two acres
on section 1 in the same township, and forty acres
on section .'i. lie is regarded by those who know
him best as being one of the most practical and
successful fanners of the township, having made
fine improvements since his coming here, which
was February l. 1*77. our subject came hither
from Middle Tennessee, where he had lived for
some years. He was horn near Mt. Sterling. Mont-
gomery County. K\ .. April 28. 1838. His par-
ents are Joseph 1>. and Sarah . I. ( Riblin) Pleak.
both natives of Kentucky, who came of German
stock and ancestry. The family were early set-
tlers in Kentucky. Our subject's grandfather was
John Pleak. a native of Virginia, and a soldier in
the Revolutionary War, belonging to a Virginia
regiment lie. however, died in Kentucky, after
marriage with a lady of that State whose maiden
name was Nancy Wade. She was of Irish descent
and like her husband, died in Kentucky at an
advanced age. The family were all members, both
active and prominent, of the Christian Church and
were among the early associates of that reform,
they being personal friends and workers with Dr.
Alexander Campbell, and the Rev. Barton W.
Stone. Joseph D. Pleak and wife, after marriage,
resided in Kentucky until 1870, when they came
to Decatur County. Ind.. where the father of the
family died in 1876, having attained seventy-six
years of age. His wife died in 1889, at the age of
eighty-four. They were both prominent members
for many years of the Christian Church, in fact,
being so from Dr. Campbell's day.
Our subject is one of a large family, six of
whom are still living. Mr. Pleak was well reared
in his native county, where he became of age. He
completed his education, which was begun at home.
at Ilartsville. Ind.. in the university of that place.
He was married October 3, 1869 in Tennessee to
Mrs. Francis II. Briggs, nee Beard. The lady was
a native of Tennessee, where she was reared
and married to her first husband, who was W.
Briggs. Mr: Briggs was treacherously shot by a
Southern guerrilla chief, known as Dave Miller.
Mi'. Briggs being then a Federal scout, lie was
only twenty-five years of age at the time of his
death, ami was known as a brave, daring man.
He left one child to his widow. William N., who
now lives in this township on a farm, having
taken to wife, (ienevra Tannvhill.
After Mi'. Pleak's marriage, he lived in Tennes-
see for seven years and then removed to the place
where they now reside, being a leading member of
their community. Mr. Pleak is a refined and ac-
complished gentleman, and his wife is a lady with
whom it is a pleasure and privilege to meet. They
have eight children, three of whom are deceased,
one in infancy and Lillie A. and Wallace I-:, who
600
PORTRAIT AND BI '..hAPHICAL RECORD.
died in childhood. The living children are Stoder
M., Arthur E., Marcus F. Jr., Mary C. and John J.,
all of whom are Mill at home, making the house
merry with their bright jestsand happy ways. Mr.
Pleak and his wife are prominent members of the
Christian Church, of which the gentleman has
been an Elder for years. Politically he is a Re-
publican, using his influence for the advantage of
that party.
j*4"S"5" gBJ^ * + + + (;
i,i"8Mi"fr
'•5"5"S"5-C
OHN L. GREGORY. The farmers and stock-
raisers of Penn Township have no better
representative than our subject, who stands
high among the keen, progressive, business-
like men who are so ably conducting the extensive
agricultural interests of this part of Shelby
County, lie has adopted the hot modern methods in
carrying on his farming operations, and his farm is
conceded to be one of the best managed estates in
the township. It is also the seat of one of the most
attractive and comfortable homes of this locality,
of a recent and appropriate style of architecture,
and replete in its interior appointments.
Mr. Gregory was horn in Perry County, Ind.,
opposite Cloverport, Ky., January 2(1. 1st."). His
father, Edward Gregory, was born in Henry County.
Ky., September 26. 1K17. He is a son of Peter
Gregory, who was born cither in Culpeper or
Botetourt Counties, Ya. He in turn was a son
of John Gregory, who was horn in Virginia, and
was of early English ancestry. He was a farmer,
and so far as known spent his last days in Virginia.
The grandfather of subject passed his early life in
his native State, hut after marriage he removed to
the wilds of Kentucky, taking with him his wife
and the two children that had been born to them
in their old home, and making the removal with a
pair of horses and a wagon. He settled in Henry
County, and was engaged in farming there until
1*2,"). when he removed to Breckenridge County.
In 1833 he left Kentucky to become a pioneer of
Indiana, his wife and nine children accompanying
him on the journey, which was performed with a
team. He crossed the Ohio River on a ferry boat
at Cloverport, and settled in Perry County, where
he rented land and dwelt during the remaining
days of his earthly pilgrimage. His wife also died
in Perry County. In her maiden days her name
was .Mary Dobson, and she was bora in Virginia, a
daughter of William and Edith (Calvert) Dobson.
Edward Gregory was sixteen years old when his
parents removed to Indiana, and there he grew to
manhood on a farm. lie was married in 1843 to
Miss Elizabeth Winchel, a native of Perry County,
and a daughter of Smith and Annie (Malory)
Winchel. lie bought a tract of improved land in
that county, and lived there, actively engaged in
farming, until 1865. In the fall of that year he
came to Shelby County, and bought a quarter of a
seel ion of land, a half of it in Penn and the
remainder in Pickaway Township. He erected a
dwelling and other suitable buildings in Penn
Township, and at once commenced to prepare his
land for cultivation. He has been prosperous since
he came here to seek a habitation, and has bought
other land at different times, and now has a valuable
farm of two hundred acres. Here he is spending
his declining years in comfort, and in the enjoyment
of a competence ample for all of his wants. The
g 1 wife who joined her fortunes with his when
both were young, anil walked by his side, staying
his hands and strengthening him in his work, for
nearly forty years, has gone from him. her death
taking place April 7. 1880. Together they reared
seven children, namely. .lames E., John L., Laura,
T. Jefferson, Wallace, Franklin and Richard.
John L. Gregory grew- to manhood in his native
county, and obtained his education in its public
schools. In June. 1865, he came to Shelby County,
and spent the summer in Penn Township and at
Moweaqua. In the fall he joined his parents and
resided with them until 1870, and then, at the
time of his marriage, he bought eighty acres of
wild prairie land on section .">. Penn Township, and
later he purchased a like amount of land near by.
He placed nearly the entire tract under cultivation,
erected good buildings, and lived there until 1K87,
when he sold and bought the farm that he now
occupies on section (>. of the same township. It is
well Improved, the soil is exceedingly fertile, and a
never failing supply of water adds greatly to the
£0£ai
A4.V-,.-,- W*
V -:'.'--
NANCY E.BLAND
EUGtNL" BLAND
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
605
value of the place. In 1 889 Mr. Gregory erected
m fine frame house, building it substantially, and
in a modern style of architecture.
In ilic upbuilding of hi* home Mr. Gregory lias
had the benefll of the good taste and assistance of
his amiable wife, to whom he was married March ;>.
1870. Mr>. Gregory was formerly Miss Mary R.
Thomas, she is :i native of Fairbanks Township,
Sullivan County, Ind., and a daughter of Calvin
and Jane (Hunt) Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory
have si\ children living, Edwin M., Mary Lilian.
Minnie Florence, Arthur Hastings, Alta Beatrice
and Tracy. Their son Clinton I., died at the age
Of nine years.
Since his removal to this county more than a
quarter of a century ago our subject has shown
himself to be an acquisition to its citizenship not
only as a very intelligent, skillful farmer, but as
one who is desirous to promote the general welfare
of his community, and at all times gives cordial
support to all schemes advanced for the benefit of
the public, lie has always taken a dee]) interest in
educational affairs, and has served several years as
School Director. He has also been Highway Com-
missioner, and this is his third term as Assessor of
the township. His political views are in accord with
the principles promulgated by the Republican party.
Religiously, he and his wife are members of the
Baptist Church, and they lead exemplary Christian
lives.
>-E5
— » CGENE BLAND is a fine representative of
the native-born sons of Shelby County.
and also of the citizen-soldiers that she sent
to the front during the great Civil War to defend
the stars anil stripes. The farm that he owns and
occupies on section 2:5. Todd's Point Township,
was the scene of his birth November 2, 1841. lie
is now one of the most extensive farmers in this
section of Illinois, and a leading stock dealer, a
business thai he has carried on with more than
ordinary success for several years.
The father of our subject, Capt. Henry Bland,
was a well-known pioneer of this county and a
wealthy citizen, who materially aided in its up-
building, lie w :i- horn in one of the early pion-
eer homes of Muskingum County. Ohio, and when
Only a boy of a few years he aSSl lied his indepen-
dence, and left the shelter of the parental roof to
make his own way in the world. He was very
ambitious and enterprising, full of push and energy .
and in a few years In1 had risen to the command of
a steamer plying on the Mississippi River. When
St. Louis was but a small village, he boughta tract
of land there, which he afterward exchanged for
a boat load of honey, that he sold in New Orleans,
for a time he was overseer on a plantation in
Mississippi, hut the Southern climate disagreed
with his family and he concluded to locate in the
North, and SO came to this State and county. He
was one of the early settlers of Todd's Point
Township, where he bought a trait of land on
section 23. He devoted himself to its improve-
ment, and made it his home until death closed his
busy career, and deprived the county of one of its
most valued citizens. He had met with more than
ordinary success from the financial point of view,
and in the course of years had become a large real-
estate holder, owning extensive tracts of land in
Shelby and Moultrie Counties. In early manhood
he had married Elizabeth 1 )itleiihauer. a native of
Ohio. She survived him until 1H7.">. when she too
passed away, dying on the old homestead.
Our subject was reared in the home of his birth,
receiving a careful training in all that g6es to make
a good citizen and a capable business man, and
with the exception of the time that he devoted to
his country's service in the army, he was with his
pareflls until their death. He can remember when
this section of the country was still in the hands
of the pioneers, and presented a far different ap-
pearance from what it does to-day where many
cultivated farms and thriving towns have taken
the place of a sparsely settled, and hut little devel-
oped wilderness. In his boyhood, deer, wild
turkeys and other kinds of game were plentiful;
there were no railways here, and the fanners had to
gO to St. Louis for tin1 principal market. Our suli-
ject*S education was conducted in the pioneer
sel Is of other days, and the building in which
he gained his knowledge of the ••three lis." was a
log house, heated hya fireplace, and furnished with
606
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
benches made of split logs, one side hewn smooth,
and there were no desks or backs to the seats.
The breaking out of the war found our subject
at work en hi* father's farm, but at the first call
for troops he abandoned agricultural pursuits to
offer his services t<> his country, though be bad not
then attained his majority. He enlisted with the
Fourteenth Illinois Infantry for three months and
in 1862 he re-enlisted as a member of the
One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry.
He served a few months, and was then discharged
on account of disability. Notwithstanding all
that he had suffered on Southern battlefields and
on the long and trying- marches, his loyal spirit
was undaunted, and as soon as he was able to en-
dure the hardships of a soldier's life once more, he
had his name placed on tin' roll of the Seventh
Illinois Calvary, with which he remained until
after the war was closed. He saw service in the
Mates of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Ala-
bama and Virginia, and in many a hard struggle
with tile enemy showed that he possessed all the
requisites of a good soldier, and his military re-
cord does credit to the citizenship of hi- native
Illinois. He -was honorably discharged with his
regiment at Nashville after peace was declared.
After his return from the seat of war Mr. Bland
resumed farming, and also gave his attention to
buying and shipping stock, in which line he has
built up a large business, and is to-day one of the
most extensive dealers in this part of the State.
He now owns and occupies the old homestead, and
this, with other land that he has bought at differ-
ent times, makes him the possessor of upwards of
eight hundred acres of valuable real-estate.
Mr. ISland was married in 1867 to .Miss Nancy E-
Wright, a native of Todd's Point Township, and
a daughter of William and Martha Wright, well-
known pioneers of this county. Mrs. Bland is a
member of the Christian Church. She possesses in
a high degree those tine womanly traits of char-
acter that mark her as a true wife and devoted
mother, who is willing to sacrifice self-interests to
procure the peace and well-being of her house-
hold. Her marriage with our subject was brought
then these eight children: Mattie. Ella. Ada. Wil-
liam. Belle. Arthur. Eugene and Ray.
Our subject's success in life was assured at the
Outset, not only from the fact that he came from a
well-to-do family and did not have so many dis-
advantages to content against in his chosen career
as many who have set their faces in the same
direction, but lie hail tine natural endowments to
aid him in achieving whatsoever he desired. A- a
gentleman of character, business acumen, and puli-
lic-spirit that is manifested in his readiness to do
all in his power to help forward any and all feasi-
ble plans for the good of the ((immunity at large,
his name -land- high in his country. In his
political belief, he is a Republican sound and
true.
The reader will be pleased to notice in this con-
nection, the lithographic portraits of Mr. and Mr-.
Bland.
OI1N T. KILLAM resides on section 33, of
Rural Town-hip. Shelby County, where he
is proprietor of a tine farm. He was born
in Ridge Township, May 18, 1847 and is a
son of John and Mary M. T. ( Bowen) Killain and
a grandson of Peter Killam. His mother"- death oc-
curred February 12. 1877. He was at the tender
age of one year when his parents removed to sec-
tion :i:i. Rural Township, where his father had pur-
chased a tract of land and had also entered some
Government land, and thus became the owner of
six hundred acres in one body. He also owned
land in other part- of the county, and some valu-
able property in Pana. being one of the founders
of said town.
Our subject is the youngest of a family of five
children. He early learned the business of farm-
ing and stock-raising, having resided at home un-
til he attained his majority. He attended the dis-
trict school and completed hi- education at the old
Seminary at shelbyville. February 12. 1878, he
was united in marriage to Oma .1. Oiler, a daughter
of David and Caroline (Conrad) Oiler, natives of
( )hio. who removed to Wisconsin and then came to
Illinois i- 1855, settling in Shelby County. Mr.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
6(i7
Oiler died in 1862 or 1863. His wife is still living,
making her home at Pana.
Mr. mid Mrs. (villain have no children of their
own luit have been the loving foster parents of
several children; one daughter, now deceased,
having lived with our subject and his estima-
ble wife and enjoyed every advantage thai
she would have received had she been their own
child. Austin E. McDaniel resided with Mr.
Kilhun until he was twenty-seven years old, hav-
ing been taken at nine years of age. On his mar-
riage to Miss .Minnie Kerr, he made a home lor
himself, but only five months later. was killed by
lightning. Jessie May Ferguson was one of our
subject's family until she was united in marriage
to Paul C. Smith. March 9, 1891. Leslie Ray
Ramsey is now the pet of the household, being a
small boy, his attention being chiefly devoted to
his studies and in getting as much fun out of his
childhood life as possible.
Mr. and Mrs. Killam are members of the Christ-
ian Church. Politically our subject favors the
purity of principle promulgated by the Prohibition
party. He was formerly a Democrat, but now
shows his total abstinence principles in union with
the above named party. He was Chairman of the
Central Committee of the Prohibition party for
several years. For seven years he served as Super-
visor of the township, being Chamnan of the
Hoard for six years. He has also held the office of
Collector for one year. He is the owner of three
hundred and thirty acres of well-improved land,
hut raises and deals largely in live-stock.
So much of a man's character is accounted for
by his antecedents that we feel that a short sketch
of Peter Killam, the grandfather of our subject,
will he in place here. He was horn in Maryland,
hut when a young man removed to Kentucky, and
there married. He came to Illinois in 1 S.'S 1 and
settled in Ridge Township, where lie died at the
age of sixty. His wife. also, passed away from
their home in Ridge 'township. Peter Killam had
Ave sons and four daughters, all of whom came
with their parents to Illinois, with the exception
of a son named Samuel, who died at the age of
twenty. Those, who made settlement with their
father in this State, are Isaac. Thomas, William,
John, Mary. Elizabeth, Sarah and Naomi. William
was a soldier in the Mexican War. and dying
while on the yoyage home was buried in the Gulf
of Mexico. Mary became the wife of Nathan Smith.
Elizabeth married Leton Smith. Sarah married
Harrison Bailey. Naomi married John Todd, in
whose honor Todd's Point Township received its
name.
V-
■,
ILLIAM WALKER. The ideal life of an
American agriculturisl is perhaps not so
\^' often attained as poets and romances
might lead one to expect, hut when one sees a man
not past the prime of life, comfortably settled with
his wife and children upon a fertile farm which
responds with generous crops to the thorough and
systematic culture bestowed upon it. whose home
is attractive and surrounded with beautiful
"rounds one can hut envy a citizen so situated,
especially if to this material comfort we may add
that in reputation he stands high among his f el low-
men as worthy of their confidence. Such a life is
that of William Walker, a farmer and stock-
grower, who resides on section 6, Oconee Town-
ship, and was born in Boston, Mass.. August 1H.
\XU>. His parents were Edward and Rachel
(Simonds) Walker, natives of the Hay State, where
the father was horn in 1824 and the mother in
1820, Middlesex being her native county. He
came to Illinois with his parents, when he was
twelve years old and made his home at Alton.
After awhile lie returned to Massachusetts and re-
mained for one year and then came to Pana. Chris-
tian County.
In that town Mr. Walker was married in Febru-
ary, 1871, to Miss Mary C. McConnell, daughter
of Asa and Elvira (Newport) .McConnell. natives
of Ohio, where their daughter was also born in
lK4t. The young couple located On a farm in
Oconee Township, which Mr. Walker had procured
the previous year, and where he has since resided.
Their happy union has been blessed by the birth
of four children, of whom Edward, now nineteen
years old is the eldest. The younger ones are
(IDS
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Carrie C, aged sixteen: Asa, aged thirteen; and
Ray a frolicsome hoy of five years :ill of whom are
living and under the parental roof, attending
school in the neighborhood.
.Matters of public interest always command the
attention and consideration *of Mr. Walker, who is
now a member of the Building Committee which is
engaged in erecting a church for the worshiping'
people of the community, and he has served for
several terms as School Director of his district, lie
had only one brother, Edward, who died at the age
of eighteen years. Our subject is a member of the
Oconee Detective Association. He votes with the
Republican party, having always supported its
principles and believes that the theory of govern-
ment which was endorsed by Abraham Lincoln is
the true basis from which to secure prosperity for
the country. Both lie and his good wife arc earn-
est and devoted members of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, and he is an honest, upright citizen.
and enjoys the confidence of all who know him.
His finely improved farm lies mostly in Oconee
Township, where he has three hundred and five
acres, and twenty acres lie across the line in Mont-
gomery County. His pleasant home is delightfully
situated and handsomely anil comfortably fur-
nished.
— «--
=§^MBHjc§
S-~.
,q>~
OIIN SWENGEL, the leading representative
man of Ash Grove Township, Shelby County.
resides on section 36, in a pleasant home
where he is remarkably successful in agri-
cultural pursuits. His father was the late George
Swengel, who had his birth in Pickaway County.
Ohio, and his mother was Sarah Hamilton who was
horn in Ireland. Their first home after marriage
was near Seymour, Ind., and upon first leaving
there they came to Cumberland County. 111., in
1865, and there made their home until the deatli
of his honored father, which occurred in January.
Ik.hk. His widow is still surviving and is active
and bright for a lady of her age.
These respected parents had five children —
Frank, John, Reuben, Kennedy and Edward. Our
subject was the second in order of age. his birth
taking place near Seymour, [nd., December 9, 1856.
He came to Illinois with his parents when about
nine years old, and upon his father's farm he was
reared to manhood, being given a thorough train-
ing in all that is pertaining to agriculture and
learned in the true way, by doing, how to cultivate
a farm and care for stock. His early education
was such as could lie procured in the district scl Is
in Indiana and Cumberland County after coming
here and he received great benefit from their thor-
ough drill, although he would have been glad to
take advantage of a college curriculum, for which
his natural abilities befitted him.
This young man resided in his father's home
until that great event in his life which took place
at the residence of the bride's father in Cum-
berland County. III., October 30, 1878, when Flora
I)., daughter of Col. T. A. and Ann Apperson, be-
came his bride. Mrs. Flora Swengel's father died
at his home March Ml. 1S7!». This daughter was
bom at the family home, January 18, 185'.), and
after her marriage with Mr. Swengel they estab-
lished themselves on section 36, Ash Grove Town-
ship where the young man purchased a farm of
one hundred and sixty-five acres, which he has
since carried on. lie has always followed farming
and stock-raising and lias made a success in both
departments of the work. as his prudence and lore-
sight have enabled him to govern his spirit of en-
terprise in such a manner as to secure the best re-
sults from his labors, which have been unceasing.
He has a thorough knowledge of the characteristics
and needs of the various grades of stock which he
handles and takesa comprehensive view of the soil.
climate and productions of the Prairie Slate, lie
is thus enabled each year to plan his work so as to
Obtain the best results for his labor.
Mr. Swengel's common-school education was
supplemented by attendance upon the academy at
Westfield, 111., which so advanced him as to lit him
to teach for two terms in Ash Grove Township.
To him and his lovely and capable companion have
been granted three children — Imogene. Oscar and
George. Our subject was elected Supervisor in the
sprinu' of 1889, since which time he has continued
to serve on the Board, as his excellent judgment,
PORTRAIT ANT) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
609
hi- broad views of men and matters, and his devo-
tion t>> the best interests of the community have
made him a model Supen isor.
The political convictions of our subject have
always led him to work with and for the success
of the Democratic party, in which he takes a lively
interest and has also taken an active part in relig-
ious affairs and Sunday-school work, and is exceed-
ingly helpful in all movements that tend to the
elevation of the community. !!<>th lie and his wife
are of value in their church connection, being
members oi the church of the United Brethren.
The breeding of fine grades of animals is a spec-
ialty with Mr. Swengel and he is remarkably suc-
cessful in raising Hereford cattle, Poland-China-
hogs, Shropshire sheep, bronze turkeys, and Ply-
mouth Rock fowls, and in their welfare he take- a
lively interest and provides for their comfort most
generously. The record of such a home as Mr.
Swengel's and of such a life as his must he influ-
ential for generations, not only upon those who
come in immediate contact with him but also upon
the whole community.
' <"I"t"W"
ILLIA.M E. STEDMAN, M. I)., one of the
successful physicians and surgeons of Sul-
livan, Moultrie County, locating here in
August, 1855, had formerly practiced in the little
town of Horace. Edgar County, this state, where
he began his profession in 1880. He i- a native of
( )hio. being born in Pike County, ( tetober 19, 1849,
and i- a son of Enoch Stedman, a native of Che-
nango County. N. Y.. being of English parentage.
Enoch was yet a small hoy when his father, who
was a seafaring man and captain of a vessel, was
lost at sea. When Enoch had reached his majority
and while -till unmarried he came to what wa- then
known as the Western Reserve in Medina County.
Ohio, and there married Elizabeth McConkey who
had been born and reared in that county.
Samuel McConkey, the father of Mrs. Enoch
Stedman, was a native of the North of Ireland and
came while yet a young man to this country and
in Ohio married a Scotch lady, Vfter marriage
Mr. and Mis. McConkey lived on a farm in Medina
County through all the remainder of their lives,
surviving until they reached extreme old age.
They were highlj esteemed for their honorable
Christian lives and were members of the Presby-
terian Church.
After Enoch stedman and wife were married
they began life in Medina County, Ohio, Mr. sted-
man being a cabinetmaker by trade, hut somewhat
later they removed to farm in Pike County and
then- remained for many years. lie has now
reached the age of eighty-three years and has re-
tired from active life, making his home with his
daughter, Mrs. Cordelia Daley, of Waverly, Ohio,
The Methodist Church was the religious body in
which Mr. Stedman wa- for many years an active
worker and he i- still a member of its communion,
lie is a stanch Jacksonian Democrat in politics. He
was bereaved h\ the death of his wife in 1887, as
she died full of years in Pike County.
The thirteen children of thi- excellent couple
were a source of great comfort and pride to their
parents, ami eight of them are yet living, all of
these having established homes of their own. The
common schools furnished the educational advan-
tage? which were conferred upon our subject and
for eight years he wa- a teacher in Ohio and Illi-
nois. He is by taste and habit scholarly and keeps
up with the trend of the time- upon every point
of public interest He wa- graduated in the Class
of '80 from the Kentucky School of Medicine at
Louisville, where he had been for three or four
year-. He had also studied under different precep-
tor- in Waverly, Ohio, and Coles County. 111., at
the former place being favored with the instruction
of Well- .1. W. .lone-. M. D.. and at the latter place
having as his teacher Dr. J. K. Hawthorn. Like
many another poor boy he had to make his way
upward by dint of push, pluck and perseverance
and found it necessary to teach school in order to
secure the means of acquiring a medical education,
hut his effort.- have been crowned with success and
In ha- reached the goal which his early ambition
pointed out.
The happ\ wedding daj of our subject, which
united him with Mi— Ella Jenkins, of Edgar
( ounty, ihi- State, came upon January 12, 1878,
1)111
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
This lady was born, reared and educated in Ohio
and came to Edgar County with her parents, Mar-
tin and Amanda (Sillcott) Jenkins, who live in
Sullivan, having retired from active work a> tann-
ers. They are active and useful members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Jenkins es-
pouses the cause of the Republican party. .Mrs.
Stedman is a bright, earnest, capable woman, who
is prominent as a leader in social circles and faith-
ful and efficient as a home-maker and a wife.
Both she and her husband are useful in their church
relations and belong to the Methodist Church.
The Doctor affiliates with the Democratic party
and is a member of the Subordinate Lodge of
Moultrie. No. 158, 1. <>.<). I'. He is also a Knight
of Pythias, belonging to Moultrie Lodge No. "222.
^i
E
:•'
IM^
L'GENE b". DES LARZES. Our subject is a
uative of that country which boasts the
most beautiful scenery on the globe, whose
mountains tower skyward and are girdled by the
overhanging, misty clouds, and a country the
aspirations of whose people areas high as its moun-
tains. One of the earliest European nations to
cast aside every vestige of tryanny and In declare
itself a Republic, the sons that Switzerland sends
out from her borders arc worthy representatives
of the mother country. They stand high in science
and high in the ethics of nations. Our subject,
who resides on section 6. of Rural Township where
he settled in 1865, comes from the land of European
freedom to that of America, lie was horn in Swit-
zerland August 15, 1822, and is a son of Benjamin
and Mary Des Larzes.
lie of whom we write was a half orphan in early
childhood, his mother having been taken away and
leaving to her bereaved husband five children
whose names are as follows: Benjamin, our subject,
Frank. Margaret and Morris. Benjamin now re-
sides in Colorado. Frank make,-, his home in Fari-
bault, Minn. Morris lives in Meeker County, Minn.
The father of our subject while still in his native
land, married a second time and in 1849 came to
the United States. Two children were the fruil of
this marriage, Kate, who became the wife of Charles
Geneva and resides in Oregon, and Lewis, who
died in Assumption, this State: he was unmarried.
Upon coming to the United States the family set-
tled first in Dodge County, Wis.. on a farm, but in
1803 they removed to Kankakee, ill., whence in
1HG.") they came to Shelby County and settled in
Rural Township, where the father purchased one
hundred and twenty acres of land. Here his wife
died, and in INN;") he went to Faribault, Minn., to
reside with a daughter.
The gentleman of whom we write came with his
family to this county and in 1H.-)K; while residing
in Wisconsin, he was married at Kankakee. 111., to
Louisa Morend. She was born in Switzerland and
came to the United Slates with her parents. Lewis
and Mary Morend. Mr. Des Larzes continued his
residence in Wisconsin until 1H63. and then re-
moved to Kankakee County, this State, and in
1865 he again removed to Shelby County and pur-
chased his present home. He is the owner of one
hundred and twenty acres of land in a high state
of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Des Larzes are the
parents of three children whose names are Lewis F...
Adelc and llortense. They are bright and. attrac-
tive children. Politically our subject is an advo-
cate of and voter with the Republican party, its
platform being consonant with his ideas of the
equity and policy that should rule so great a nation.
In his religious views he isa follower of the Roman
Catholic Church.
V
♦=♦=♦ _y
iOHN WHITAKER, a retired farmer living
in Sullivan, Moultrie County, to which he
removed in February. IS1.) 1, came here from
Douglas County, 111., where he had lived
since 1856. He had there improved a farm of
some eighty acres which he afterward sold and
purchased and improved a larger tract which com-
prises some two hundred acres. His farm is sup-
plied with good farm buildings and a pleasant
residence, and he has been more than ordinarily
prosperous in his pursuit of agriculture.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
i;i i
Mr. Whitaker is a native of Indiana, being born
in Vigo County, March 12, 1833. IIi> father,
William Whitaker, was :i Kentuckian by birth and
there grew up,and while yet a single man removed
(o Vigo County, Ind., where he married Elizabeth
Taylor, a Kentucky lady who had come to Indiana
several years before her marriage. They made
their home upon a farm and lie died in Vigo
County while still in the prime of life, when his
years numbered less than half a century. His wife
survived him for many years and died in extreme
old age al the home of her son .lohn when he \\ us
residing in Douglas County. Bpth she and her
good husband were earnesl and consistent mem-
bers of the Baptisl Church and throughout life
were devoted to their religious duties and faith.
Our subject is the third of the four children born
to his parents and only one besides himself now
survives, namely: a sister. Mrs. Rccnah Weddell,
widow of Thomas Weddell, who was formerly a
resident of Coles, III. .lohn Whitaker grew up a
farmer and has been very successful in his life work
having made all that he has by his own unaided
efforts. His first marriage took place in Douglas
County, being then united with Hannah Davis, a
native of Vigo County, Ind., who had come with
her parents to Douglas County when a child.
Their family home continued there until after her
death which occurred at the age of forty-One years.
She was deeply mourned by her husband and the
live children who survive her. who are as follows:
Theodosia, the wife of John Hastings, a farmer in
Douglas County; William, a student in the Chicago
Law College: Mary E., the wife of Jacob Riddle
who resides in Cincinnati. Green County. Ind..
here he is a merchant; Cora 1!.. who is at present
with her sister. Mrs. Riddle, in Indiana, and Charles
who is at home.
Our subject was a second time married in Sulli-
van to Mrs. Harriet Dyson nee Elder, who was born
in Springfield, 111., and there grew to womanhood
and was first married in that city to Mr. Levi Dy-
son, now deceased. Both Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker
are earnest and consistent members of the Baptisl
Church and in its communion and labors they
share, being willing to lend a hand toward every
movement for tin' upbuilding of religion and
morality. The Democratic party in its declarations
ami platform gives expression to the political be-
lief of our subject, who is earnest and active in
his advocacy of the party which is proud to claim
as its most distinguished exponent the author of
the Declaration of Independence.
= 'V»' ) li ) I /
n^^fait^
» 1LLIAM .1. PUGH. He of whom we write
is the owner of a good farm located on
section 1 1. of Tower Hill Township. Shelby
County, [n another part of this volume will be
found a more extended sketch of the history of
his parents, who are proud of the fact that they
are the earliest settlers in this county. Our sub-
ject's father is John Pugh. His mother was Eliza-
beth (Inman) Pugh. They were the parents of six
children of whom our subject was the youngest
member and only son. He is a native of this State
and county being here born near the village of
Shelbyville, February 2, 1849.
With the exception of six months spent in Texas.
the original of our sketch has always made his
home in this State and county, and has ever been
engaged in agricultural pursuits. As a lad, he was
educated in the common schools of the district in
which he lived and there received such practical
and common sense instruction as has fitted him for
the cares of the Ordinary businessman. The growth
of this State has been so very phenomenal that one
coming from older States or countries would
scarcely believe that the educational advantages
offered in the districts, were equal, even at so early
a day, comparatively, as when our subject was a
school boy to those in older communities, but such
was the case.
William Pugh 's marriage took place in Shelby
County, this State December IK. 1873, al which
time he was united to Miss Mary F. Smith, a
daughter of Samuel and Margaret ('Weakly) Smith.
The former was a native of Kentucky, and the
latter of Ohio. They were among the very early
settlers in this county. Immediately after mar-
riage, the yOUUg couple set up their household
goods iu Towci' Hill Township, and there he has
612
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ever since resided. His wife's mother Margaret
Smith, died here about 1^.">.">. The second wife of
Samuel Smith was Sarah A. McCullough. Mrs.
Pugh is one of three children that were the fruit
of the first marriage. She was bora in Tower Hill
Township, February 9, 1852.
Upon the marriage of our subject he settled in
Tower Hill Township, where he owns two hundred
acres, his farm here boasting line improvements.
Our subject and his wife are the parents of two
children, Charles .1. and Robert W. Mr. and Mrs.
Pugh are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church in which body he of whom we write has
been Steward for several years. They are kindly,
warm hearted people, witb broad philanthropic
ideas, and acts that are ever characterized by gen-
erosity and purity of purpose. They took a little
girl into their family with the intention of adopt-
ing her and rearing her as one of their own chil-
dren. She bore the name of Mary Pearl Dove;
she was hut three months of age when taken
to the hearts and home of her kindly foster par-
ents, and there she made herself a place in their
affections that was left very desolate when at the
age of three years and eight months, she was taken
into the arms of the Good Shepherd and placed in
his fold.
.•£
^
HUMAN GREEN.
j. vigor of manhood
In the full flush and
thi-
■entleman came
'" from his early Ohio home to this county
and allied himself with its farmers by pur-
chasing a farm in l'enn Township, lie soon ac-
quired an excellent reputation as an industrious.
sensible, methodical agriculturist, and was con-
ducting his farming operations witl) a good degree
of success, when death removed him from his
sphere of usefulness in April. 1885, thus depriving
his fellow-citizens of a valuable co-worker.
Mr. Green was horn in Geauga County. Ohio,
March is. 1853. His father. Alonzo Green, was a
farmer and is now a resident of Gr.ind Junction,
Iowa. The maiden name of the mother of our
subject was Eliza Patton. She died when her son
of whom we write was an infant. and he was reared
by his aunt. Mrs. Ladow, in his native county,
lie was carefully trained under good home in-
fluences and gained a sound education in the pub-
lic schools of Ohio. His early life was spent on a
farm, and he began when quite young to acquire
a practical experience of farming that was of ser-
vice to him when he began his career as an inde-
pendent farmer. He lived with his aunt until his
marriage and then bought a farm in Geauga
County. He was actively engaged in its manage-
ment until lKX^, when he sold it at a good price in
order to take up his residence in this county, as
he wisely considered that on this fertile soil that
had not been worn by generations of cultivation
the prospects for rapid advancement in his chosen
calling weic of a most encouraging character.
On coining here our subject bought the farm in
Penn Township now occupied by his widow. He
devoted his energies to its further improvement,
but scarcely more than a year had elapsed after his
settlement here when death stayed his hand, and
his life-record was brought to a close when but
thirty-two years of age. It may be that it has
been taken up in a fairer land, where he has
"entered upon broader fields of action and duty,
where nobler struggles shall tax the strength anil
more precious crowns award the victor, where the
hopes and dreams of earth shall lie turned to sight,
and the broken circles of life be rounded to the
perfect orb.".
The marriage of Mr. Green to Miss Amaretl
Pelton was solemnized October 1, I874,and in her
helpfulness, loving counsel, and devotion to his
interests, he found how much a faithful wife has
to do with a man's success in life. Mrs. Green is
a native Of the same county ill Ohio where her
husband was born. She is a daughter of StOlTS
Gustavus Pelton, who was born in one of the
pioneer home.-, of Trumbull County. Ohio. His
father. Elias l'elton.a native of New England, was
one of the early settlers of that section or Ohio,
and cleared a farm from the primeval forests on
which he lived until he passed from life to death.
Mrs. Green's father learned the trade of a carpen-
ter in his youth and became a good mechanic in
that line He resided in his native county until a
■
RE5IDENCE OF A . M . GREEN , SEC . 33., PEN N TR, SHELBY CO., ILL.
i5ijfj4— -^
M. X&
RESIDENCE OF T. E . MAYES , SEC. 31., DORA TR.MOU LTR1 E CO.,1 LL.
FORTH A IT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
615
short time after his marriage, when he went to
Ucauga County, and buying a farm in Russell
Township, devoted himself to farming during the
remainder of his active life. He is now living in
retirement in the same township with a daughter.
He was bereft of the companionship of his beloved
wife in I860, her death occurring during their res-
idence on the farm. Her maiden name was l.vdia
Bailey, she was a native of Trumbull County, a
daughter of Ido Bailey, and the mother of nine
children.
Mrs. Green was but six years old when her
mother died and after that she lived with an older
sister until she married our subject. After his
deatli she cheerfully took up the burden thai her
husband laid down, and has nobly fulfilled her
duty. In her management of her farming interests
she has displayed exceptional ability, and shows
what a woman can do when east on her own re-
sources, sin- has a line farm with well-tilled fields.
and amply provided with neat and well-kept build-
ings, everything about the place wearing an air of
thrift, good order and solid comfort, that betoken
extra care and denote a substantial home. A view
of this place may lie found mi another page. Mrs.
Green is prized by her neighbors and the com-
munity at large, nut only as a woman of exceed-
ing capability and business acumen, but fur her
pleasant social qualities. She is a useful member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a veri-
table Christian, she has two daughters, Gertrude
E. and Maud A., whom she i> carefully training t"
a true womanhood and who bid fair to follow in
the footsteps of their mother.
EORGE W. BALLARD. When the country
was convulsed with the war spirit and com-
mercial as well as domestic life was shaken
to its very center by the chance- that hung upon
numbers of the respective armies and the compar-
ative military genius of the leaders, so that for-
eign nations looked on the struggle with the greatest
interest and closesl attention. 1 f whom we write
sought peace and solitude in the newness of the
Prairie State, hoping to do his part for the Union
by supplying the forces with the product- of his
labor. Now located on section 5, of Jonathan
( reek Township. Moultrie County,he of whom we
write settled in thi> county in 1860. He i- a Vir-
ginian by birthand education, being born in Fau-
quier County, Va., September Hi. 1834. His par-
ent- were Jonathan and Man Ann (Daw-oii)
Ballard.
Our subject's father was by occupation a mill-
wright and wa- engaged in the exercise of his call-
ing in his native State. Virginia, where hi- decease
took place at which time our subject was but a
child. The mother lived for Miinr years longer,
tun she too died in Virginia. Thirteen children
wire left to l\-el the bereavement of a double or-
phanage, of whom our subject was the seventh
in order of birth. He wa- reared on the home farm
and resided in Virginia until 1860, when he came
to Illinois and rented land in Moultrie County.
Three years later he purchased forty acre- of prai-
rie land •hi section 4, of Jonathan (reek Township,
and he ha- since been a resident here. That his ef-
fort- have not been in vain during these years that
have elapsed since hi- settlement in this State, is
proven b\ the fact that he i- now the owner of
three hundred and seventy-four acres of land, and
besides the acquisition of this handsome property
has spent large sums in the erection of a good
class of buildings upon his place.
The year prior to Mr. Ballard's coming to this
State, was made memorable to him by his marriage
in Virginia to Phcebe Martin, a daughter of Isaac
and Florinda (Wood) Martin. The lady was bora
in Harrison County. Va.. April 19, 1838. Mr. and
Mrs. Ballard have had thirteen children, although
eleven are at the present time all who are surviv-
ing. The} arc John, Edward. Montville, Dora.
Florence. Lucy. Mart ha. Harlow. Ira. Ida and Blanche.
Dora is the wife of Moses Dickson; Florence is
the wife of William Kinney: Lucy married William
Matthew-: and Martha was united to Edward En-
terline. This large and interesting family has
grown to manhood and womanhood and have
taken responsible positions in social ami commercial
life. The -on- are sturdy, independent young
616
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
men. filled with a vitality and energy that are bound
to bring them to the fore in their business re-
lations. Politically he of whom we write is a Dem-
ocrat, admiring the doctrines and platform of that
party and the leaders thereof, and finding in it
more admirable principles than in any other po-
litical body. He has been Road Commissioner for
twelve years and in this position has accomplished
much for the township, making the thoroughfares
not only passable, but keeping them in such good
condition as redounds greatly to the credit not
only of our subject personally, but to the county
that elects him.
^1
^H^[
jt-^ EXRY SPEARS, a successful farmer resid-
j ing on section 24. Rose Township, Shelby
County, was born in "Washington County.
Ohio. April 19, 1847. His father. Annis
Spears, was a native of Maine and his mother, Han-
nah Ladd. was a native of Washington County,
Ohio. They came to Shelby County. 111., in 1857,
and settled north of Shelly ville for one year, and
then came into Rose Township, where they made
their permanent home. The father died January
14, 1885, and the mother passed away March 9,
IMN.'i. In their family of ten children our subject
was the seventh.
lb' of whom we write came to Shelby County
with his father when he was ten years old. and has
thus been a resident of this county since 1«.">7.
August 2'.i. 1872, was his wedding day. and he was
then united in Rose Township, witli Miss Rebecca
Warner, a daughter of Aaron and Hannah (Kers-
chner)Warner. They came from Pickaway County,
Ohio, to this county in 1871, and are still residents
of this county.
Mrs. Spears first saw the light in Pickaway Coun-
ty. Ohio, December 31. 1851. She is now the
mother of three children — Charles II.. Estella, and
.Etna. Air. and Mrs. Spears are most earnest and
efficient members of the Methodist Episcopal Church
in which this gentleman takes an active part. He
has held the office of Collector for three terms, and
in his politics espouses the cause of the Republican
party. He has erected good buildings upon his
farm and is the owner of one hundred sixty acres
of rich and arable soil. His enterprise and energy
combined with pluck, push and perseverance have
made him a successful farmer and he is universally
esteemed.
y—4 OI.OMON YANTIS. is the owner of one
^? hundred and eighty acres of well-improved
land located on sections 27 and 2M. of
Pickaway Township. Shelby County. He
is a general farmer and successfully operates his
tract of land making it yield as much as any farmer
does a larger tract. Mr. Yantis is an intelligent
man and a close observer, having early familiarized
himself with the ways of nature. He has adopted
many ideas from his German and English neigh-
hoi's, who. in their native lands where the soil is
held at a higher premium than here, learned to
utilize every foot of soil and make it yield crop
after crop in a single season.
Our subject lias placed many valuable improve-
ments upon his tract, which is well-stocked. If it
were the custom in this country, to give a name to
the country residences as it is in England and
France and some parts of the South, our subject
might properly give his the beautiful name of " The
Walnuts." for he has upon his place a grove of wal-
nut trees which covers ten acres. He also has a tine
peach orchard covering five acres, in which about
one thousand trees have recently been set.
The place has good and substantial buildings,
the residence being comfortable and commodious,
and the barns and outbuildings indicate the care-
ful attention the proprietor gives to every de-
tail of his farm work. He purchased the farm in
1862 and then began the work of improvement, it
being, at the time of his purchase, unbroken prairie
land. He has lived in this township and county
since the spring of 1855.
Our subject was born in Pickaway County, Ohio,
December 1(1. 1839. He is the son of Daniel Yan-
tis. who is one of the well-known and influential
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
617
men of this county and township, although aow
quite advanced in age, but still living on his old
farm, anil still retaining his faculties. Our subject
i- one of fifteen children thai grew to manhood and
womanhood. Of these nine are yel living, mosl
of them residing in this State. He of whom we
write remained with his father until twenty-seven
years of age. He reached his majority in this town-
ship, and was married in Pickaway County, Ohio,
to Miss Mary Runkle. sin- was born in Pickaway
County, September 20, 1842 and comes of a g 1
Pennsylvania Dutch family. Her parents died in
Pickaway County, the father at the age of eighty-
seven. Mr. and Mrs. Runkle. as were the Yantis
family, were members of the German Reformed
Church.
since marriage, the original of our -ketch and
his wife have lived upon the farm which they at
present occupy, and have here raised a family of
ten children. One of these died in infancy. The
living children who are still at hemic are: Alary E.,
Daniel. Henry, Cora M., Noah, (irate. Alma P..
.lames M.. Ilarlev and Roy.
Our subject is a member of the Baptist (lunch.
Airs. Yantis holds to the Reformed Church. Mr.
Yantis i- now serving his second term as Superin-
tendent of the township. Politically he is hide
pendent. Socially he is a member of the Fanners'
Mutual Benefit Association.
OHN SCHEEF, who is one of the most sub-
stantial farmers in Prauie Township, Shelby
County, dates his residence in the county,
from December, 1*77. His thorough-going
German characteristic- of thrift, industry and
steadfastness have been a help not only to himself.
but also to the community where he has lived and
labored for so many years, and these trait- arc
worthy of the study and emulation of the young,
who are apt to be led astray by the flash and bril-
liancy of less worthy luit more showy qualities.
For this reason we are pleased to present a record
of such a life as we have here before us.
John Scheef was bora in Sehleswig-flolstein,
Germany, February 13, 1K.VS. and i- a son of
Henry and Dora Scheef. who brought up to man's
and woman's estate eighl children, five of whom
came to the United states, while three remained in
their native land. The following i- the record of
the offspring of this worthy couple: Anna, who
married Henry Froham and resides in Chicago;
Amelia and Hannah, who remained in Germany;
Fred and William who reside in Chicago; John,
our subject; Dora, who is still in the Fatherland
and Christian, who died in Chicago, leaving one
child. It was in 1884 when the parent- of this
family came to America and they have both now
pa-sed away, the mother being called home while
Chicago was the family residence, and the father
died iii this county.
. Our subject wasa lad of sixteen when he came
to this country and his first home was in Chicago,
where his brother Fred was living. He there
worked as a laborer, following various lines of
business until he came to Shelby County which
wa- not until after the great Chicago lire, through
the tragic experiences of which he passed. After
that tremendous disaster the young man thought
best to get out into the country, where there
would he a better opportunity for him to do well
for himself, ami leaving the city In- came to this
county and for five years worked upon a tract of
eighty acre- which he rented. Thrift anil economy
supplemented the untiring energy and zeal with
which he worked, and being now able to purchase
the land upon which he hail been living, he
deciderl to give the rest of hi- life to agricultural
pursuits. He now own- one hundred and twenty
acres of land and upon it he has erected good sub-
stantial farm buildings.
The union in marriage of two true hearts and
two honest hand- is an event which deserves not
onl\ congratulation, hut the most serious consid-
eration of the biographer, for it is the great event
in the lives of those wh" -.in- thus united, telling
upon their future more practically and efficiently
than it is possible for any other event to do. This
important union which joined our subject to
Elizabeth Falk, took place December 5, 1875, the
bride being the daughter of John and Anna
( Frank i Falk of whom more i- told at length in
til*
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the sketch of their son, Mr. John W. Falk. of
Herborn. Mrs. Scheef was born in Germany,
December 11. 1853. She is the happy mother of
six children, namely: Anna, born October 10,
l*7il; Maggie, January 29, L879; John, January
24. 1881; Lena, March 21. 1883; Henry, Septem-
ber 27. 1887, and August. October 18, 1889. The
religious views of this family are in accord-
ance with the doctrines and practices of the
Lutheran Church with which they are connected
aud in it they are esteemed highly, as faithful
helpers in the vineyard of the Lord. The politi-
cal preferences of Mr. Scheef have led him to
affiliate with the Democratic party, and he believes
that in its declarations is found the true wisdom
of political economy. While residing in Chicago,
Mr. Scheef was for one year a partner in a grocery
business, hut he did not continue long in this line
of work as his training and his preferences inclined
him to a farmer's life.
-m>^<^
NDREW .1. RICHET. Among the farmers
of Moultrie County who have retired from
arduous labors and are quietly passing their
declining years. isMr. Richey, whose home
is a pleasant residence in Atwood, Piatt County.
It is not possible in the limits of a biographical
sketch like this to do more than touch upon the
-cello and incidents in a life which has been full
of toil and usefulne-s. hut it is our purpose to note
the most salient features in that of Andrew .T.
Richey, until recently a resident of Lowe Town-
ship, lie -till own- the fine farm on section 2.
which was for many years the scene of his labors,
hut this he now rents and expects to pass the re-
mainder of his life retired.
Mr. Richey come- of excellent families of Ken-
tucky, both parents having been born in that State.
The father. Robert, and the mother. Elizabeth
( Biggs) Richey. were united in marriage in Shelby
County, Ky.. in 1826. Two years after that im-
portant event they emigrated to Indiana and re-
sided in Montgomery County five years, where the
father followed the vocation of a fanner. We next
find them in Vigo County. Ind.. where the father
died in 1861. To him and his good wife eight
children were lion,, our subject being the eldest.
Kentucky is his native State and in Shelby County-
he wa- born October 22. 1*27. He accompanied
his parents in their various removals and wa- reared
to manhood chiefly in Vigo County. Ind.
When of sufficient age Mr. Richey wisely chose
the vocation in which he has gained a good main-
tenance and has been able to give his family edu-
cational and social privileges that add to their
efficiency a- members of society. On November 9.
1M*. he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock
with Miss Barbara Doty, a native of Indiana. Mrs.
Richey died in Lowe Township in 1*67. leaving
rive children — Theodore J., Emory R.. .lame- R..
Mary M., (Mrs, James Griffin) and Eli X. After
hi- marriage our subject settled in Sullivan County,
Ind.. where he lived twelve years, operating as
a tiller of the soil. In the fall of 1865 he came
to Moultrie County and settled in Lowe Town-
ship where he resided until 1891, the date of his
removal to Atwood.
The home of Mr. Richey i- presided over by a
lady of refinement and intelligence, who has aided
her husband by her cheerful co-operation in all
his enterprises. She bore the maiden name of
Elizabeth Moon and was born in Mon-.ngahela
County. Pa.. December 12. 1830. Her parents.
John and Catherine Moon died in Piatt County.
111. At the time of her marriage to our suhjeet
she wa- the widow of Cornelius Williams, who
died in White County. Ind;. leaving to her care
two children — William and Jasper. The ceremony
which made her the wife of Mr. Richey wa- solem-
nized in Moultrie County, 111.. December 12. 1867,
and has brought mutual happiness. Mr. and Mrs.
Richey are active and consistent memliers of the
Missionary Baptist Church.
In his political affiliations Mr. Richey i> a Re-
publican and ha.- been active in local affairs. He
is especially interested in the cause of education
and ha- served a- School Director and Trustee.
Prior to his removal from his farm he had placed
it under excellent improvements, both in respect
to buildings and cultivation of the soil. The es-
tate comprises two hundred acres of improved land
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
619
and i- numbered among the best farms in the
township. Its beauty is enchanced by the numer-
ous shade and fruit trees, whose foliage throws :i
pleasant shadow on the grassy lawn and whose
ripened fruit blushes as though kissed by the sum-
mer sun. Mr. Richey is :i reading, thinking man.
public spirited and well informed, and owns one
of the finest libraries in the community. He and
his wife are deservedly held in high estimation by
their neighbors; their warm hearts, kind manners.
and many generous deeds have gained them the
affection of the entire community.
.:--:->•:•-
•-:-:-:-:-"
OIIN RAWLINGS. It seem- one of the com-
pensations for the many hardship- we suffer
in this world that when the dark river has
been crussed. the friends left on this side
f< »rget to a great extent the mistakes that have been
made, and have only kindly, gracious things to say
of one. This is as it should be, for human nature
is at heart much better than we are often willingto
give it credit for. Let us strew pansies for sweet
thoughts over the mounds whose fullness leave- a
void in many a saddened heart.
Our subject, who passed away from this life into
the unknown but imagined brightness of the after
world at his home, which is located on section ."54.
Pickaway Township, in 1888, was taken away while
yet there was a golden yellow in the fall season, be-
fore the blasts of winter were chilling the homes
and malting life seem more desolate. At the time
of his decease he had all but reached the three-score
and ten generally allotted to man, being sixty-nine
years and some months old. He was born in Mary-
land December is. 1819. Although he was an
American by birth and parentage, he was of Irish
ancestry.
Our subject's father had died when his son was
but two years old. He was the youngest of two
sons and two daughters bom to his parents.
(artfully reared by his mother, he continued to
live with her in hi- native State until he became
of age, during which time he aided in the work of
earning a livelihood. There lie beam, of age and
"a n after married to Mis. Martha E. Mi-Ma-
ter. Their marriage was celebrated May 15, 1851.
The lady was a native of Maryland and born May
HI. 1830. She was of American parents, although
of Scotch-Irish ancestry.
After marriage our subject and his wife went to
Ohio and there they lived for some years in Guern-
sey County, where a part of their children were
born. In 1865 the family came to Shelby County,
111., and our subject, who. by his industrious,
thrifty way-, had accumulated for that time a com.
fortahle amount, was enabled to purchase a farm of
two hundred and eighty acre- in Ridge Town-hip.
at which place he lived for some years. In S8S
Mr. Rawlings came to Pickaway Township and pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acre- on section 24.
where he was living at the time of his death.
Our subject was a man with careful, industrious
and prudent business faculties, in whom the acquis-
itive faculty was predominant, lb- was very suc-
cessful in every undertaking and at the time of his
death was the owner of -ix hundred and ninety-
two acre- of tine land in this county. Most of this
in fact all but eighty-five acre-, which is timber
land, was well improved. Thrifty and far-sighted,
the investments that he made on first coming to the
county were proved to be judicious and profitable,
nor was he alone in his efforts, for his wife was
such a woman a- i- described in Proverbs.
He of whom we write had been reared in the
Quaker belief and throughout life rather held to
that lielief. but here, where there were so few of his
sect, he united in worship of the Almighty with
the members of the Presbyterian Church, of which
he was a regular attendant. Mr. Rawlings was a
Democrat in his political inclinations, although in
accordance with hi- early religious training he left
political strife to those who had taste for .such an
exciting, unsatifying career, our subject's widow,
who yet survives him. is an amiable and charming
woman, who hold- a prominent position in social
life, by virtue of her high intellectual attainments
and her suavity ami gentleness of manner, she
i- nmv the owner of part of the homestead, including
the fine brick residence in which she lives. At
sixty year- of age her vigor is unabated and the
keenness of perception -how- no diminution, she
R20
PORTRAIT AND PP. (GRAPHICAL RECORD.
lias a large circle of friends in this county, among
whom she i> regarded with tender and loving affec-
tion. She and her children are members of the
Presbyterian Church.
Eight children have come t<> this beautiful home
and have enjoyed the advantages of loving par-
ental care. Two of these are deeeased: Emma T..
who died at the age of twenty-one years, and Mary
T. passed away at four years of age. The living
children are: CecilJ., who is an owner and oper-
ator of a farm in this township; he took to wife
Amelia Robinson; Harry M.. look to wife Cath-
erine Weekly and resides on a farm of which
they are the owners, in Ridge Township: William
C. farms his own land in this township; his wife's
maiden name was Ida Veneer; Robert F. owns ami
occupies one hundred and twenty acres of bome-
stead and makes his home with his mother; Ed-
ward M. took to wife Elbe Peed, of this township:
they live upon the old home place in Ridge Town-
ship; Lizzie P. is at home and is the comfort and
help of her mother.
•^n
LB/
r-yPAXK Iff. HARBAUGH. The career of
I— (g) this young gentleman is one which may he
1 reflected upon with profit. He began pad-
dling his own canoe at an early stage of his exig-
ence, and after pulling up stream for a season
finally found himself in smooth waters, and his
course has since been one of uniform prosperity.
lie is now numbered among the influential law\ ers
of Sullivan. Moultrie County, where he located in
1883, and after experiencing the ups and downs
incidental to the commencement of a professional
life, lie is on solid footing, with every indication
of a prosperous and even brilliant future in the
law.
Mr. Harbaugh has known no other home than
Moultrie County, and lie was born on his father's
farm, one mile south of Sullivan. September 4,
1859. As is the usual experience of everyone
reared upon a farm, he had few idle moments,
even in his boyhood, being employed in aiding
his father in the work of sowing and reaping,
while he alternated this toilsome labor with attend-
ance in the village school, lie decided when quite
young to enter upon a professional life, and there-
fore devoted himself assiduously to gaining knowl-
edge. He entered the law department of the Stale
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and after
taking a thorough course in that institution, he
was graduated with the Class of 'Mil. Soon after-
ward he was admitted to the bar at the Appelate
Court, in Mt. Vernon, 111. lie began practice of
his profession in Windsor, whence he removed to
Lovington, sojourning in both places about three
years, and coming to his present location in 1883.
The father of our subject. David llarliaugh. and
his grandfather. Jacob, were both natives of Penn-
sylvania, and of Dutch descent, belonging to that
substantial class of people who brought the Key-
stone State to its present slate of development.
Jacob Ilarbaugh grew to manhood upon a farm
and in his early prime married a lady by the name
of Sinclair. About 1831 they emigrated to Illi-
nois, making the tedious journey overland, as was
common in those days, and settling in what is now
Sullivan Township. Moultrie County, before the
town of Sullivan was laid out. The father pur-
chased Government land, which he improved from
the wilderness. Neighbors were very tew. the
country being sparsely settled, and improvements
were only being begun. Amid these primeval
Scenes Jacob llarliaugh passed his declining years
and there he died at a ripe old age.
The father of our subject has always been inter-
ested in farming pursuits, and now at the age of
sixty-seven years, is hale and hearty, and makes
his home in the city of Sullivan. He was married
in this county to Miss Elizabeth Smith, a native of
this county, who i- living and has attained to the
age of three-score and five years. Her parents
were early settlers of this county and are now de-
ceased. The mother of our subject is a consistent
member of the Paptist Church and adorns her pro-
fession of faith by a noble and godly life. It may
truly be said of her that her children -rise and call
her blessed."
There were three children in the family circle, of
who Leander, the eldest, died young. The surviv-
ing member of the family, besides our subject, is
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
621
Lucretia, wife of Robert M. Peadro, attorney-at-
law in Sullivan. Our subject is an enterprising,
ambitious young gentleman, who will, undoubtedly,
make his way to fortune and fame. In his politi-
cal views he is a stalwart Democrat, il<\ oted to the
success of that party in both national and local
affairs, and ever anxious to cast his ballot for the
candidates nominated by his chosen party. He
served as City Attorney with credit to himself and
to the satisfaction of his constituents. He has also
been Central Committeeman of the county, and is
in various ways connected with the public affairs
of this section.
« fclLMER A. STEIDLEY, the editor and pro-
\ / prietor of the Call-Mail, a weekly paper,
»' puplished in Moweaqua, Shelby County,
is a bright and ambitious young man. who has
already had considerable experience in journalism,
and give? to the public one of the best family
papers issued in Central Illinois. He was born in
Barr Township. Macoupin County. August 10, 1861.
He received a practical education in the public
Schools, and when a hoy worked on the farm. At
the age of seventeen he left school to enter the
office of the Moweaqua Register, the first paper
published in this city. lie soon acquired the art
preservative in that establishment, and remained
there until the fall of 1880, when he went to Mon-
tezuma, Ind., and was employed in the office of the
Era the ensuing three months, from there he went
to Maroa, and was employed in settingtype in the
office of the .Maroa News until 1881.
In that year Mr. Steidley entered upon his career
as a journalist, coming to Moweaqua in the month
of January, and started a paper called the Mail.
In 188-4 he sold that publication, and returning to
.Maroa. bought the News, the paper on which
he had formerly set type. He conducted the News
until duly 1. IMS*, and then sold it on good terms,
and for nearly a year thereafter he lived at Colo-
rado Springs, Col., where he was engaged asa clerk
in a furniture store. In May, 1889, he returned to
.Moweaqua. and resumed his vocation as editor.
purchasing the Call, and in .Inly of the same year
buying the Mail, and consolidating the two under
the name of the Call-Mail. Thus united he has
infused new life into their columns, and has made
the union paper a strong, breezy, entertaining
family newspaper, full of information on subjects
in which the public is nost interested, with its
matter well arranged, and its editorials showing a
progressive spirit, and giving good points in re-
gard to political and other topics with which the
people should be familiar.
November 1, 1881 i- tin- date of the marriage of
our subject with Mi— s. I-;. Huff. Mrs. Steidley was
born in De Witt County, 111., in February. 1862,
and is a daughter of James and Nancy (Dine) Huff.
Three children are living of this union. — lames .1..
YVilmer A. and Ida Clare. Their fourth child,
named Marguerite, died in .Inly. 1889. aged ten
months.
Mr. Steidley is popular and well-known in social
circle- as a member of the following organizations:
Shelby Lodge. No. 274. 1. < ). ( ). F.. and Home
Lodge, No. 152 of the Order of Tonti, he being
President of the latter lodge. In his political affil-
iations, he is a Democrat. Religiously, both he
and his wife are members of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church.
i i ' i i i i
RANK J. STILL WELL, one of the efficient
and progressive tanners of Hose Township,
Shelby County, is a son of John W. and
Sarah (Templeton) Stillwell. The former was
bora neai' Newport. Ky., and then came with his
family to Shelly County in 1866, making their
home in Shelbyville and operating a sawmill in
Rose Township, which they carried on for several
years. The wife passed away m Shelbyville in
1876 and the bereaved husband is now living a
retired life. They had two children, Robert T.and
Frank J.
Our subject was horn near Newport. Ky..
August f. 1859, and came to Shelby County, this
State with his parents. He received his education
022
PORTRAIT AND RIOORAPIIICAL RECORD.
in the common schools and made good use of his
advantages, gaining much from this thorough,
tin nigh somewhat narrow, curriculum. His mar-
riage at Shelbyville, April 5, 1883, united him
with Miss Anna Wortman, who was born in Dry
Point Township. When they married they settled
in Hose Township, where Mr. Stillwell is engaged
in farming, giving his attention to the cultivation
of two hundred and seventy acres of excellent
land, and also raising considerable good stock.
Mr. and Mis. Stillwell are the parents of two
children, Mary A. and .1. Frank. The office of
School Director has been efficiently filled by Mr.
Stillwell. lie is a Democrat in his political views.
lie is prominently identified with the Order of
Modern Woodmen of America, and with his wife
is an active member of the Baptist Church.
The parents of Mrs. Stillwell are William and
Margaret (Hickman) Wortman. Mr. Wortman
was horn in Shelby Township. Shelby County.
October 22. 1831. His father, Isaac Wortman, was
a native of Christian County. Ky., being born
there August 2d, 1865, and being the son of
Michael Wortman. a Virginian by birth and one
of the first settlers of Christian County. Ky.
Michael Wortman secured a tract of timber land
in that county and cleared a farm and spent his
last years there. The maiden name of his wife
was Elizabeth Wallace and she was also a Virgin-
ian. She came to Shelby County after the death
of her husband.
The grandfather of Mrs. Stillwell was reared in
Kentucky and resided there until 1H2K. when he
came to Illinois accompanied by his wife, his
mother and his brother with his wife. They
brought all their household goods along with
them in their wagons and camped and cooked by
the way. They arrived in Shelby County in
December, 1828, and resided in what is now known
as Windsor Township for one year and then re-
moved to Shelby Township and entered a tract of
Government land one mile cast of the city. A
few log houses were all that Shelbyville then
boasted. Isaac Wortman erected a log house on
his land and commenced at once to clear away the
timber. After residing there for several years he
sold his property and bought in Holland Town-
ship, where he resided until his death in 1868.
The maiden name of his wife (who was the grand-
mother of Mrs. Stillwell.) was Zelinda Hall. She
was born in Fayette County. Ky.. of Virginian
parentage, her father and mother being Peter and
Mary (Fisher) Hall, who became pioneers of Fay-
ette County. Ky. Mrs. Hall died at the home of
her daughter. Mis. Emily Willis, in Shelbyville in
1872, having been the mother of twelve children.
William Franklin Wortman resided with his
parents until his marriage and then settled on an
eighty-acre tract of land which he owned on sec-
tion 1 of Dry Point Township. It was wild land
at the time, forty acres of it being in timber and
the remainder in brush. He built a log house and
there commenced housekeeping and later bought
other land until at one time he possessed some two
hundred and fifty acres all in one body, part of it
being in Holland Township. He improved the
land, planted an orchard and erected good farm
buildings. He continued there until the fall of
1890 when Ik- retired from active farming and
built the home where he now resides in Shelbyville.
He was married in 1856 to Margaret Hickman.
who was bora in Shelbyville. February 15, 1836.
Joseph Hickman, the father of Mrs. W. F. Wort-
man. was a Virginian by birth, and the son of
William Hickman, who removed from that State
to Shelly County, Ky.. where he continued his
vocation of a farmer. He died in that county.
The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Tal-
bot, who was a native of Virginia and died in
Shelby County. Ky.
Joseph Hickman, the grandfather of Mrs. Still-
well, married in Kentucky and came from that
State to Illinois in 1830, thus becoming one of the
early settlers of Shelbyville. He was one of the
first teachers in the county and was a man of more
than ordinary education. lie resided there for a
number of years and then bought a farm in Shelby
Township, upon which he made his home until his
death. His wife (the grandmother of Mrs. Still-
well.) bore the maiden name of Ziporah Frankford.
She was born in Illinois, being a daughter of Elza
and Margaret (Adams) Frankford. and died at the
home of a son in Shelby Township about the year
1868. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIPCAL RECORD.
623
Wortman, namely: Mary. Hattie. Emma, Annie,
Thomas, James nml Mattie. The parents are ear-
nest and active members of the Methodist Episco-
pal ( lunch and Mr. Wortman is a Democral in his
political views.
Mr. Stillwell's personal qualities are such as to
have won for him the respect and admiration of
las fellow-citizens and lit- has the heart} ii» >» »<l will
of all. His home is comfortable and pleasant and
his family share with him the good opinion <>f
their neighbors.
•-
OlIN F. MAUTZ. The gentleman whose
biographical sketch we take pleasure in here
writing, resides mi section 31, of Rural
Township, Shelby County, and also owns
land in section .'12. He belongs to the nationality
which is beginning to tinge American life so largely
with it^ sterling qualities, and to show in a better
physical development which has resulted from the
commingling of the American and Teutonic na-
tions. Our subject was born in Wurtemberg, Ger-
many, April 3. 1840. He is a son of George and
Rosina (Shantz) Mautz, the former born in Wur-
temberg, in 1802, and the latter, February 18,
Our subject's father was a fanner by Calling and
lie Of whom we write early learned the best meth-
ods i>f making the ground produce the best in
fruits and vegetables, cereals and stuck. After the
marriage <>f the parents of our subject, they de-
voted themselves to the rearing of their large fam-
ily, which numbered eleven children. The} were
broughl up under the besl conditions, having re-
ceived that best of inheritances from their parents,
robust constitutions. Mood that (lowed through
their veins in swift purity, and intelligences that
were undimmed by vicious associations or habits.
The brothere and sisters of oursubject are in name
a- follow-: Gottleib, Rosina. Christian. George,
Barbara. Lewis, John I-\. who is our subject. Will-
iam. Jacob II.. David and Thomas. Gottleib died
in Shelby County in 1879; Rosina married Chris-
tian Eberspacher; she died in November, 1866,
and left four children to her bereaved husband;
Christian was for many years a prominent man in
Rural Township; he was for sixteen years Justice
of the Peace, ami now reside- iii Prescott, Nevada
County, Ark.; George died in Shelb} County in
1863; Barbara married John Haberlein. and died
in 1865, leaving one daughter; Lewis was killed
by a bull in Cowley County, Kan.: William re-
sides on the homestead; Jacob II. and David live
in Rural Township; Thomas reside- in Shelby
County.
All of the family of children of which our sub-
ject wa- one were bom in Germany. Our subject
wa- but eleven year- when, in 1852, the family
emigrated to tin- United Mate-, landing in New
York harbor April 1. The journey across the three
thousand mile- of water required only nineteen
day-. The family at once went to Zanesville.
Ohio, and soon after settled in Fairfield County.
Ohio. In 1854 the}' came to Shelby Count}', this
State, Bret Settling in Rose Township, where the}
rented land which they operated for some years.
They then purchased section 32, in Rural Town-
ship, and later purchased one-half of section 31.
Success followed their agricultural efforts, and as
the young people matured they were encouraged
to start out in life for themselves. The father
died February :i- 1x72. The mother followed him
January l.">. Ixtll. The} were kindly. Christian
people, and their simple, honest lives infused a
spirit of kindliness and generosity into all with
whom they came in contact. The} were members
of the Swedenborgian Church.
Our subject. J. F. Mautz. came with his family
to Shelby County, and in 1861, he enlisted in the
War of the Rebellion to fight for the Bag, which
had alread} become dear to him as a symbol of
freedom, which he could not enjoy SO fully in his
native land. He was mustered into service, and
joined Company II. of the Fifty-fourth Illinois
Infantry, and remained with his company for four
year, re-enlisting at the end of his first term.
During his military career lie wa- neither wounded
nor taken prisoner, nor was he confined to the hospi-
tal. He was a participant in many battles, and
the side of military life, which, to one who has
never seen battle, but onlv read and dreamed of
024
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the glorious display that is an accessory, haa a
seriousness to him, which was an outcome of bitter
personal experience. He was in the battles of
Jackson, Tenn., at the siege of Vicksburg and a1
Little Rock, Ark. In 1864 eighl companies of the
regiment to which our subject belonged, were
taken prisoners, only Companies II and F escap-
ing. Our subject was mustered out of service in
October, 1865, and he returned to Shelby County
November 19, 1867, lie was married to Matilda
Kull, who was born in Fairfield County. Ohio, in
1847.
After marriage Mr. Mautz settled with his wife
upon the land whereon he now resides, at that
time raw prairie. Now it is one of the finest
places in the county, comprising one hundred and
sixty acres of beautifully cultivated land, and
ui)Oii it are tine buildings that are in the best of
order. The original of our sketch and his wife
have four children, whose names are as follows:
William. Albert. Julius and George. Mr. Mautz
casts his vote and influence with the Democratic
party, under which he has held several positions.
He has been Supervisor for three terms, and. in-
deed, has held all the local offices. Both our
.subject and his wife are members of the Evangeli-
cal Church.
S. CREECH. Sullivan counts among its
active business men, not only those in the
mercantile line and men who cater to the
physical needs of the citizens, lint those
who have also built up lines of business which pro-
vide for the higher nature. Art and music are
having their full share of attention in this flourish-
ing city and it is well supplied with martsof beauty
and luxury.
The successful photographer and jeweler whose
name appears at the head of this writing, is finding
such success in his business that lie lias been en-
couraged to build for himself a place of business
and dwelling, both of which are complete in all
departments. His fine stock of jewelry is on the
ground floor and the second stor\ contains his well
arranged and commodious photograph gallery.
lie has acquired Ins knowledge in both branches
of his art by determined application and persever-
ance and for four years has carried on both lines
of endeavor, independently of others.
This young man applies himself closely to busi-
ness and is a practical workman in both arts. To
no one but himself can credit be given for his
success, as his natural talents in the mechanical
line have been fully exercised and developed by
his efforts to gain the front rank in his line of work.
He is a natural mechanic and learned the trade in
that line which he followed for a few years in his
earlier life.
Our subject has been a resident of this county
since 1871 and is a native of Indiana, where lie
was born in Owen County May 31, 1854. He is
the son of Tennessee parents, his father, Christopher
C. Creech, being a man who had come when young
with his parents to Owen County, and had there.
grown to manhood and carried on the double
avocation of farmei and mechanic, lie married
Miss Amanda C. Evans, who had come to Owen
County with her parents at an early day. After
marriage this wedded couple remained near the
home of their parents until the spring of 1871.
when they came to this State and made their first
settlement in Coles County, and in the fall of the
same year removed to Moultrie County. Here the
father lived and followed his trade till death called
him hence, his demise occurring at Oak, Neb., in
March, 18111, when he had reached the age of fifty-
five years. His widow is now residing in Bethany
and at the age of fifty-seven years is a useful mem-
ber of society and active in the good work of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also her husband.
Mr. Creech is the eldest in a family of seven sons
and one daughter, all but two of whom are living,
and all married but two. Our subject is the only
one of the family now residing in Sullivan, lie
was married first at Bethany, Moultrie County, to
Miss Martha Robertson, who was born and reared
in Moultrie County and after becoming the mother
of one sou, .lames C, died at her home in Sullivan
in 1884. This promising son survived his mother
but died recently when nearly fifteen years old,
PORTRAIT AND I'.Iix iUAl'HK AI. RECORD.
62"
:$— &
S
his demise bringing great grief, nol only to his
father, but to :ill who knew him.
A. S. Creech was :i second time married, being
united in tin- county to Miss Flora Hoggett, who
was born, reared and educated in this county, and
is highly respected among all her acquaintances
for her intelligence, her affability ami her capabil-
ities as a housewife. No children have come to
brighten her home and she turns her activities in
the direction of church work, being a lnembei of
the Christian Church and a helper in ever} good
work. The declarations of the Democratic party
embody the political ideas of Mi. Creech, but he
i- no politician as he prefersto devote his energies
to business and does not care to be one of those
who manage public affairs.
» I U.I AM E. K 1 1. I.AM. Over half a cen-
tury lias been spent by our subject in up-
ward growth. He was born in the early
part of the nineteenth century, when advantages
for culture and education were not thru-t upon a
young man, but had to he sought by those who had
an inclination therefor. William Killain was born
in Ridge Township, Shelby County, March 7. 1888.
Hi- was a son of John and Mary M. T. (Bowen)
Killain. and a grandson of l'eter Killain. lie now
resides on section 2*. of Rural Township, Shelby
( ountv.and has been successful in making a pleas-
ant home and amassing a competency.
When our subject was a lad he attended the
country schools, which were very different from
tin- schools of to-day. Technical training was at
that time no part of the scl 1 curriculum. Each
boy learning from 1 1 i — father the duties to he done
in agricultural life. Neither was there aiy atten-
tion paid to modern languages, although Lindsley
Murray was conned from firel to last pages, so that
every pupil could at least parse an English sen-
tence correctly, which is more than many can do
at the present day. The few who had the proud
acquisition of a knowledge of Latin, made it theirs
for life, and where a Latin student of to-day can-
not remember from one day to another, a sinyle
sentence of his translation, the old time Latin
students can recite page after page of ( 'aesar's < »iii-
mentaries and of Virgil. Our subject laid a thor-
ough foundation for the education that he after-
ward acquired by much drill in the three U's. and
in English grammar, at the district scl Is. He
completed his education at the old seminarx al
Shelbyville, which at the time was considered a
very fine institution of learning. While here.
George R. Wendling was his classmate and asso-
ciate. After finishing at Shelbyville, our subject
was engaged as a teacher for two terms.
(In October 31, 1861, Mr. Killam was united in
marriage to Levicy Tolly, daughter of Robert and
Jemima (Denton) Tolly, she was horn in Flat
Branch Township. Shelby County, this state. Feb-
ruary Hi. 1838. she was an admirable woman and
made a pleasant home for her husband and the -ix
children which she left on her death, to her
husband's care. Her decease took place in 1889.
Her children's names are a- follows: Mary R.,
Morris F.. John II.. Clara A.. William E., and Mabel
<i. During her life Mrs. Killam was a consistent
and conscientious member of the Baptist Church.
Previous to his marriage he of whom we write
had built a house on the land where he made his
home. The young couple at once settled here,
spending the happiest day- of their marital life in
the making of a home in its truest sense, that i~.
not tour square walls that should he merely an
abiding place, but the sanctuary of love, sympathy
and encouragement. Our subject* now owns two
hundred acres of land that i- under a good state
of improvement, lie has always followed mixed
husbandry, finding that to he in the end more
profitable than attention to specialties. Our sub-
ject is a member of the Baptist Church, as was his
wife. While the political inclinations of Mr. Kil-
lam are toward Democracy, like most men who have
breadth of thought he i- rather independent, lean-
ing however towaid Prohibition. lie ha- held
several local offices in the township, having been
Assessor. Supervisor, School Assessor, and Town
( 'lerk. He is a charter member of the Rural Town-
ship Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, ami
since its organization has always held an office.
This company insure- farm property in six town-
626
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ships, namely: Tower Hill, Rural. Flat Branch,
Pickaway, Ridge and Todd's Point.
Mr. Killam has taken ureal interest in the edu-
cation nf his children. Two of these .Mary R..and
Mollis F.. have attended the State Normal Univer-
sity at Normal, III., where they finished the course
with high honor to themselves. Mary taught
school for several years, and Morris E. was like-
wise engaged for three terms. Clara K. has de-
voted herself to becoming proficient in the art of
music, having attended the Jacksonville Musical
Institute, and being a tine pianist. The young
people are intelligent and accomplished and their
father is justified in the pride which he takes in
their progress.
EREMIAH 1). DONOVAN. M. 1). After
year- -pent in attendance upon invalids
whose physical weakness is as diversified in
nature as their degrees of mental capacity,
and whose ills are the result of ignorance, careless-
ness or heredity, all of which are equally inexcusa-
ble in the light of a higher understanding, it must
be refreshing to turn from the imperfections of
human nature to the nnstunted and perfect growth
of nature, pure and simple. This relief does our
subject experience after there has been a strain
upon his sympathies as well as his professional
skill, and he feels grateful as he turns from the
village streets into his own sweet and modesl
abode, surrounded by a pleasant velvety green
lawn and lowers whose brightness of color and
varied perfection of form are an inspiration to his
higher nature.
Our subject is a Kentuekian by parentage and
birth and inherits the Southern warmth of nature,
and a certain loyalty that is found among Ken-
tuckians more than among people of other Mates.
His father, James Donovan, was born in Mercer
County, Ky., as was his mother. Elizabeth Carey.
The aged couple are still spared and reside in their
native Stale and county, where the father has been
engaged in farming all his life. Our subject is one
of two children born to his parents. His advent
into the world was made in Mercer County. Ky..
December 7. 1836. lb- was reared to manhood on
his father'- place, enjoying sucb educational and
social advantages as that favored portion of Ken-
tucky offered. For five years after reaching his
majority he was engaged in teaching in his native
county, although in 1860 he began the study of
medicine, and in L868 he graduated at the Uni-
versity at Louisville, Ky.
Dr. Donovan commenced the practice of his
profession at Johnsonville, Anderson County. Ky..
and continued there for two year-, when he deter-
mined to remove to his native village, Cornish-
ville. in Mercer County, where he enjoyed a good
and paying practice. During these years he was
attaining a reputation in the healing art such as
only actual experience can give, lie remained in
his native town from 1863 until 1881, when he re-
moved to Antioch in Washington County. Ky..
and there stayed for two year-, then he made the
radical change from his native State to Illinois,
settling in Lovington, but at that time only re-
mained here about eight months, removing to La
Place, in Piatt County, where he wa- engaged in
the practice of his profession for about the same
length of time, lie then returned to .Moultrie
County, locating in Lake City where he enjoyed a
good practice for three years, until August. 1888,
he returned to Lovington.
Personally, our subject has a strong physical and
mesmeric power that is greatly in his favor in the
sick room. A bright smile and a cheery good
morning goes as far with his patients as a bottle o.
medicine with many others who have less dynamic
force. He here enjoys a good practice and has
been appointed to the State Board of medical
examinations for pension-. He is called into con-
sultation with the best physicians in the county
and his judgment and knowledge of disease is ac-
curate. He eschews fine spun theories and bases
the majority of his deductions upon common sense
reasoning.
The original of our sketch was first married in
Johnsonville, Anderson County. Ky. His bride
was Mi-s Amanda Driskell, a native of the same
count v with himself. That union was blessed bv
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
C2;
tlif advent of one child, a son, whose Dame is
James, and who is now :i successful farmer in Mer-
cer County, Ky. Mrs. Amanda Donovan died in
her native suite and county.
Dr. Donovan was again married in Mercer
County, Ky., to Miss Narcissus Driskell, a sister of
his lirst wife. By this marriage they became the
parents of eleven children, whose names are
respectively, Elizabeth, John, Josiah, Jefferson,
Ilershel. Lorn. Paston, William, Samuel, Roscoe and
Lloyd. Two of these children died in infancy.
The others have grown up and promise to take re-
sponsible and honorable positions in society. Polit-
ically the Doctor is a Republican, and although he
has not remained in any one place long enough to
thoroughly identify himself with its local political
life, he is of course interested in local government.
Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
and in his relations with his patients or society at
large, his manner is characterized by a courtesy
and affability such as is seldom found outside of
the Southern States.
.
T~»1K>MAS HANKS, of the linn of N. F. Keim
//— n cfc Co., general merchants at Findlay, has
V__y long been variously identified with the in-
terests of Shelby County, and is connected both
with its mercantile and agricultural affairs.
Vaughn Township. York County, Province of
Ontario. Canada, is the place of his birth. His
father, who bore the same name as himself, was a
native of Yorkshire. England. He learned the
trade of a stonemason and that of an oatmeal
miller. On coming to America lie settled in
Vaughn Township, Canada, and devoting himself
to his trade as a miller, he ground the lirst oatmeal
that was ever exported from Canada to England.
He continued his residence in York Count) many
years, and then, after spending a few months in
the United States, returned to Canada, and passed
his last years in Elgin County. The maiden name
of his third wife, mother of our subject, was
Janette Jeffrey. She was born in Scotland, ami
died at Richmond Hill, York County, ( anada.
The subject of this sketch was reared in his
Canadian birthplace, and in his youth served a
three years' apprenticship to Thomas Harris, a well-
known carpenter and builder. After acquiring a
thorough knowledge of his trade in all its branches,
he went to Elgin County and did journey work
there until 1859. In that year lie crossed the bor-
der and came to the "States." and for some twelve
months was engaged as a carpenter in Indiana. In
I860 he -tailed on his return to his old home, and
on his way came to Illinois to collect a small bill
due him by a person living in Todd's Point Town-
ship, this county. This proved to be the turning
point in his life, for he became favorably impressed
with the country and resolved to settle here per-
manently, perhaps influenced to this decision by
the uiatrii lial alliance that he contracted soon
after with the daughter of one of the pioneer fam-
ilies of the county. He found work at his trade
as a carpenter and builder, and was thus employed
until 1863,when he rented a tract of land and
gave his attention to farming. He was successful
in his operations and soon purchased eighty acres
of land on section 34, in that part of Okaw
Township now included in Todd's Point Town-
ship, to which he subsequently added eighty acres
adjoining, and he also bought fifteen acres of tim-
ber land on section 35. lie has his farm well im-
proved, under admirable tillage, and provided with
two sets of conveniently arranged frame buildings.
In 1889 Mr. Banks formed a partnership with his
son-in-law. N. F. Keim. to engage in the mercan-
tile business at Findlay. They have a well-
appointed store, carry a line assortment of
general slock, and have already built up a thriv-
ing trade.
Mr. Banks was lirst married in 1861 to Mrs. Cas-
sandra ( Waller) Beck, daughter of Eli and Mary
(Stanaford) Waller, and widow of Nathaniel Keck.
She was a native of this county. She departed
this life in June, L883. Four children were horn
Of her marriage with our subject . all of whom arc
living: Priscilla. who married Xavicr Wernett.
and has two children — loseph and Henry; Ella
married Warner II. Mau/.ev. and has two children
— Eva and Adda: Cynthia married N. F. Keim.
and has one child— Irus; Erne May. the youngest
628
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
daughter, is .-it home with her parents. Mr.Banks
was married ;i second time in 1890 to Mrs. Tabitha
Robertson, she i> n member of the Christian
Church, and shares with her husband tin' respect
.-mil esteem of the entire community. Mr. Hanks
i> well known in this part of the county, and is
looked np to as a man of solid worth, whose deal-
ings are always fair and above board, and whose
word is as good as a bond.
;J>*<§^
EJv'DERSON G. SMITH, one of the promi-
nent citizens of Okaw Township, Shelby
County, was bora within its bounds, June
^ 19, 1829, has a tine farm on section 30,
where he lias carried on successfully farming and
stock-raising, lie has nearly four hundred acres
of land all in good condition and his residence
which he built in 1887 is homelike, capacious and
delightful.
Allen and Karen II. (Robertson) Smith, the
father and mother of our subject were born in Vir-
ginia and married in Kentucky, and after six chil-
dren were born to them they came to Illinois, mak-
ing the journey by the way of prairie schooners,
and camping out by the way. At the end of this
primitive journey they settled in Okaw Township,
in the fall of 1*28 and entering land they erected
a house of hewed logs. This substantial, although
rudely-built house has been occupied from that
da\ to this, but is now removed from the spot
where it was first built. The land which he pur-
chased was located just in the edge of the timber
and he proceeded to improve it and place it in a
condition for cultivation.
The following year, the father of our subject re-
moved to the place which is now the family home
and became the happy possessor of some three hun-
dred acres of rich and fertile soil and proceeded to
place upon it good improvements, so that it was
soon in as prosperous a condition as any farm in
those early days. There were few conveniences in
those days and fewer opportunities for culture and
education. Mr. Smith had to go to St. Louis to
market, to Springfield to mill, and to Saline for
■-alt. Venison could be had much nearer home as
deer, bears, turkeys and other game abounded and
came within easy shot of the house.
The mother of our subject became a widow in
1846, her husband then passing away at the age of
fifty-two years, and she Mirvivedhim until Septem-
ber. I860. Of this large family of eleven children
two died ill infancy. One was killed by falling
out of a wagon when a little child four years of
age. Henry formerly a fanner and merchant, died in
Farina. 111.; William who has been a farmer and
stock-dealer, makes his home in Los Angeles, Cal.,
Squair T. died in Texas when a young unmarried
man. Thomas is a fanner in Washington; Eliza B.
died unmarried. February 27. L846; Wilburn who
is a physician make- his home in IndianTerritory
and Bloomer A. is carrying on a farm in Clay
County. III.
The early school days and indeed the entire ed-
ucation of our subject was very limited as the
opportunities in his boyhood were poor and his
help was greatly needed upon the farm: but he
received the best of home training and a thorough
grounding in the practical work of farming. In
1854 he was united in marriage with Mary L. Butts,
a daughter of Josephand l'erlina 1>. (Corley) Butts
and a native of Smith County. Teiin.. where she
first saw the light, April 1. 1 S.*?K. Her father was
a native of North Carolina and her mother a Ten 11-
esseean and they came to Illinois in 1841. settling
successively in Wayne County. Jefferson County,
and Clay County, in which latter place the parents
died, and where their daughter was residing at the
date of her marriage with Mr. Smith.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Smith made their
lirst home on the farm which they still occupy and
he gave his whole attention to tilling the soil, lie
has devoted much attention to stock-raising and
his farm is thought to be especially well adapted to
stock-raising. The eight children of .Mr. and .Mrs.
Smith .are: Wilburn, John II.. Allen. William T..
l'erlina. Dexter, Mary L. and Klza C. Perlina is
the wife of William llendrick and makes her home
not far from her parents. Mr. Smith's political
views are independent although he was a Repub-
lican during war but for the last twenty years he
has desired to feel free from party ties, lie has
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
629
lifld numerous local offices and has served as Sup-
ervisor. His wife i- a member of the Separate
Baptist Church in which she finds a broad field foi
influence and labor and in whose communion she
is highly prized. Mr. Smith has always been of a
speculative turn and has made numerous business
deals many of which have proveda profil to him.
;*+*+*
~,I"l,*I,'i*^
■ .*k •i—i--:"!- —
1
AMES I.. 15. TURNER. Farm life on the
Illinois Prairie! To the writer the very
thought is a poem, and the mind instantly
clothes it in the word- that Longfellow has
used in so exquisitely describing the prairies in
the beautiful poem, "Evangeline." If it is a life
of toil, that of the farmer, it i- also one of beauty,
for even the black loam overturned hjr the plow
has a fragrance of it- own in tin- early spring-time
that till> the heart witli gladness, and make- the
laborer conscious of an exaltation and a nearness
to Divinity, that one gets in no other occupation.
lie of whom we write belonged to the class of
agriculturists, who inspire with each breath, a sense
of freedom and elevation. He was a farmer born
and bred. Hi- father wa- thus engaged before him.
James Turner. Sr., our subject's father, wa- born
in Buckingham County. Va.. in 1790, and his
mother. Elsie (Pendleton) Turner, was a native of
Buckingham County. Va., and wa- horn about
17'.'."). After marriage they settled in the county
in which their wedding took place, and after var-
ious changes of location, they came to Illinois and
settled in Effingham County, in 1830.
James and Elsie Turner were the parents of
eleven children of whom our subject was the third
in order of birth. He was horn in Wilson County,
Tenn.. October 21. 1824. He was six years of age
when his parents emigrated to this State, and his
youth and early manhood wa- spent m Effing-
ham County. He made hi- home under the pa-
ternal roof until twenty-three years of age when
he wa- married in Shelby County, 111.. October 24.
1x17. to Hannah E. Poe. Mrs. Turner's father was
.lames F. Foe. who was born in Franklin County,
Tenn.. about 1802. Her mother's maiden name
was Hannah Parks. She wa- horn also, in Frank-
lin County. Tenn.. aboul 1807. After marriage
they settled in their native county, where the wife-
died November 23, 1829. Mr-. Hannah E.Turner
was the only child, being born the same day that
her mother died. Her father came to Shelbj
County and settled in Richland Township in the
spring of 1830, and continued to be a resident of
the county until his death, which took place on
his own farm in Ash Grove 'Township. October 18,
1838.
After hi- wife'- death. Mr. Foe was for a second
time married, his wedding being celebrated in
'Tennessee, in 1830. His third wife was Mr-. Re-
becca (Miller) Elliott, by whom he became the fa-
ther of four children, whose name- are respectively,
Franklin, A main la M.. < reorge and Ann. and an in-
fant killed by being thrown from a wagon, Mrs.
Rebecca Poe, wa-. after the death of her second
husband, united to Charles Loomis. Her death
took place in Tazewell County, 111. After the
marriage of our subject he settled with his bride
on a portion of the farm that was formerly owned
h\ her father. It was located in Richland 'Town-
ship, between Richland and Ash Grove 'Townships.
They there resided from February, 1848, until
April. 1891, when they removed to Windsor, where
he died Augusl •"> 1 . 1891. He wa- the owner of
between six and seven hundred acres of finely im-
proved land. Four children have been horn to
Mr. Turner and his wife. 'They are James I...
William W., George R.. Zinnette M. The last
named is the wife of (i. 1-'. Schlack.
Hi- second son, William W. died in 1875 at the
age of twenty-four years. 'The original of our
-ketch has held many of the most important offices
in the township. Ih- ha- been Supervisor of Rich-
land, and al-o Assessor and Collector. lie was in-
dependent in politics, since 1882, oursubject and
his wife have been connected prominently with the
Fniversalist Church. He of whom we write was a
member of the Masonic fraternity, and had been
thus connected since early in the '60s. .lame- I..
married Grace A. Smith: William W. married
Laura B. Smith: George R took to wife Mary Ann
( urr\ .
.lame- I.. 1'.. Turner held an enviable position in
630
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the respect and confidence thai he had among the
people with whom he has been connected in Imsi-
n ess or in a social way. He was a Christian and
a gentleman in every sense of the word, and al-
though having reached quite an advanced age, he
was progressive and interested in every measure
that promised to be for the welfare of the commun-
ity of which lie was a part.
•^NSfJi
;□<
>m
H*^~
' OIIN PUOrH. He of wl i it is on i pleasant
privilege to write in outline a short biogra-
phical sketch, enjoys the distinction of being
the oldest living settler in Shelby County,
and although having attained more than four-score
years in age, he is still a hale and hearty old gen-
tleman. Although pioneer life was fraught with
main drawbacks and hardships, the lapse of time
during which these uncomfortable features have
been entirely done away with, lias cast a pleasing
"low over the whole, and the pleasures and adven-
tures that were tinctured with a spice of danger
and an occasional hit of romance, arc far better re
membeued than the privations of ordinary routine
existence.
When our subject made his advent into the
State, the prairie was still a playground for the
wild animals; when the larder needed replenishing,
all he had to do was to shoulder his gun, and. go-
ing out into the woods, game was at hand. Wild
deer and turkeys were as common as the domestic
fowl in the barnyard to-day. His father w.as
Thomas Pugh, who was probably born in North
Carolina. His mother was lieulah (Hall) Pugh,
who was probably a native of the same State as her
husband. They were married, however in Christian
County, Ky.. where they settled and lived until
182(1, when they removed to this State, located in
(did Spring Township, Shelby County, and there
they lived until about 1832, when they removed to
a point about one mile north of Shelby ville. There
thc\ lived until their decease, which took place
respectively, is is and 1842.
Our subject is one of four children, there being
three sons and one daughter. Their names are
respectively, John, Robert, William and Nancy.
John, the eldest of the family, and the gentleman
of whom we are writing, was born in Christian
County. Ky., September- 20, 1809, and consequently
was eleven years of age when his father removed
to Shelby County. lie was reared on a farm in
this county, and lived with his father until his
marriage took place, which auspicious event was
celebrated at the residence of Rufus Inman. who
also lived about one mile north of Shelbyville.
The lady to whom he was united was a Miss Eliza-
beth Inman. who was probably born in Fayette
County, this State. February 2D. 1815.
After marriage the young couple settled about
one mile south of Shelbyville. and there they lived
for several years. They removed however to a
place about three miles north of Shelbyville. but
made that their home for a period of only three
years, at the expiration of which time he sold out
and removed to Texas, but made a stay of only
about six months in that State, when he returned
to Illinois and settled in Dry Point Township.
They resided there about twenty years when again
they sold and came to Tower Hill Township, of
which place they have ever since been residents.
Mrs. Elizabeth Pugh was taken away from her
husband and family and joined -the innumerable
throng," November II. 1868. She was the mother
of six children, live daughters and one son. They
are by name Mary Ann. Nancy C. Martha. Fliza
J.. Sarah F.. and William J. Mary Ann was the
wife of Henry Corley, and was a true and faithful
helpmate until her decease which took place Janu-
ary 2(1. 1891. Nancy C. is the wife of P. M. Killam.
.Martha was the wife of Nelson Neil, anil died
October 10, 1864. Fliza .1. is the wife of Thomas
li. Ilavden. and Sarah I'"., presides oxer the domes-
tic affairs of the family of Joseph Wakefield. An
extended sketch of the only son may lie found in
another part of this volume. Their mother. Mrs.
Elizabeth Pugh, was a member of the .Methodist
Episcopal Church.
The original of our sketch was a second time
married. October 5, 1S70. his bride being Mrs.
Nancy Mize. a daughter of Andrew and Jane
(Nowland) Henderson, and widow of Isaac Alize.
she was bora iii this county February 19, 1839,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
63 I
By tlii;- iiiiidii. Mr. Pugh has been the father of
four children, the two eldest, however, died in in-
fancy. The surviving children are John S. and
Beulah L. Our subject formerly affiliated with the
Democratic party, but after the Rebellion broke
(nit. he transferred his allegiance to the Republican
party, of which, ever -ince. he has been a faithful
and devoted adherent. In his church relations he
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and for years has been a generous supporter of
Gospel work. He has always followed agricultural
pursuits and is the owner of two hundred and forty
acres of line arable land upon which arc excellent
improvements.
He of whom we write is the object of the regard
and veneration of the whole township, lie is an
interesting conversationalist, and to one who. is
interested in pioneer history, he is a fertile and re-
liable source of information.
r
;-3-S5*
AME.S W. CAREY, a prominent resident on
section 25, Big Spring Township. Shelby
County, wa- horn in Clinton County. Ohio,
February la, 1862. Elias Carey, his hon-
ored father, was a native of Virginia, where he was
bora April 23, 181 I. being a son of John ( arey.
In early life Elias (arey learned the trades of the
silversmith and blacksmith, and in 1837 he decided
to make a home of hi- own and chose as the u Oman
in ail the world best pleasing to hi- eyes, Jane
Moon, who wa- born in Martinsville, Ohio, Nov-
ember 26, 1819.
After marriage the parent- of our subject made
their home in Martinsville, and in 1851 removed
to La Grange County, Ind., where they lived upon
a farm, and afterward resided for some time in
Cincinnati, Ohio, and later in Martinsville, Ohio,
whence in 1867 they emigrated to Illinois and
settled in Big Spring Township. Here they
purchased land which was but partially improved.
that is it had upon it a log cabin and a few
acres of the land was broken. At the date of his
death, winch occurred in ls7">. Elias ( aiv\ owned
some one thousand acres of hind, had built a tine
brick residence and made other valuable and sub-
stantial improvements. Thus had the poor trades-
man through his own enterprise, and by the wealth
hidden in the -oil of the Prairie State, become a
rich landed proprietor. He was a man of sterling
Christian character, and belonged t<> the Society
of Friends. In the beautiful homestead which was
built by him his bereaved and venerable widow
now resides.
The ten children of \\\\> excellent couple were.
Mary E., who married Richard Jones and reside-
in Zenia, Ohio; Sarah M.. who married David
Hazely and died in Richmond. Ind.: Hannah M.,
who became the wife of Jesse Mendenhall and died
in Shelby County: Martha E., who married Jesse
A. Gibson, and John II.. both of whom reside in
Neoga, IU.; Rachel, who is now Mrs. Francis M.
Hackett and resides in Jamestown. Ohio: Anna,
who is now Mrs. William C. Bain and makes her
home in Marion. Ind.: Isaac M.. who resides in
Shelby County; Irene, the wife of Alfred Lindley.
who also live- in Shelby County, and James Wal-
ter, the subject of this sketch.
He of whom we write was united in marriage in
April, 1885, with Miss Elizabeth A. Hubbert, who
was horn in Cumberland County, Ohio. To this
happy couple have been bora three children — Ethel
I., Edith J., and Pearl I. Mr. (arey in connect ion
with his mother, own- and carries on the home-
stead which contain- one hundred and sixty acres
of rich "ind arable land, all in a high state of cul-
tivation.
-, » , i » i » h. P
? i i i ' i ' i i
REDERK K HARTMAX is a general farmer
j\ on section 22. of Flat Branch Town-hip.
1 Shelby County, where he owns one hun-
dred and twenty acres, which he purchased in the
wild state in 1865, and upon which he has since
made a comfortable Lome. The plate i- well-
stocked and watered and the buildings are all good
and substantial. He located in this county on
coming from Ogle County, where he had lived a
good mam years, fr 1856 to 1865, There he
632
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
received his naturalization papers, being, as his
name would indicate, of German origin and
birth.
He of whom we write was engaged in Ogle
County as a farmer, where he had been quite sue.
eessful. Previous to going there lie had spent one
year in Pennsylvania. Mr. Hartman was born in
Pleidelheim. Wurtemberg, Germany, May 11, L832.
His family in the old country are of good stock.
His father. Frederick Hartman, Sr., Lived and died
in his native province, having reached seventy-two
years of age. He had married Magdeline Kline, a
Wurtemberg lady, who was a true helpmate and
companion to her hushand. Her death occurred in
1*42. She was then in middle life. She and her
husband were members of the Lutheran Church.
Our subject is the eldest of seven children, of
whom there were four sons and three daughters.
Of the Mins. all came to this country and all are
farmers here, but one. who is a shoemaker in Chi-
cago. Our subject had become of age before leav-
ing hi> native land, and in 1855, in the month of
April, he took passage from Havre de Grasse, on a
sailing vessel, and in May he landed in New York
City, coming thence to Dawson County, Pa., where
he spent his first year, and then proceeded to 1 1 1 1 _
nois.
November 29, 1858, .Mr. Hartman was united in
marriage at Mt. Morris. Ogle County, to Miss
Margaret K. Mitchell. She was born in Fairfieid
County. Ohio. November 14. 1838, and is a daugh-
ter of Jacob and Sarah (McGlinsey) Mitchell, na-
tives of Maryland and Virginia, respectively.
Both, however, are of Irish parentage and descent
on the paternal side, while on the maternal side
the lady is of Scotch descent. Mr-. Hartman's
parents were married in Ohio, and later moved to
Illinois, settling in Ogle County in 1845, where
they located and improved a farm and there spent
their last days, passing away at a good old age.
They had settled at a ver\ early da\ in Mt.
.Morris Township, and had procured unbroken land
in the most western part of West Grove Town-
ship. For a number of years they were almost the
only settlers in that part of the county. They both
passed away in 1886, and were deeply mourned by
many friends in their adopted home. Tliev were
Methodists in their religious preference, and were
consistent members and generous supporters of
that sect in their township.
The father of Jacob Mitchell was Samuel Mit-
chell, who had come to Ogle County. 111., in the
early days of 1838, and was one of the earliest
settlers there, where he died at the ageof seventy-
nine years. Mis. Hartman was one of a large fam-
ily, of which live are now living. She was ten
years of age when her patents came to Ogle
County. She afterward lived there until her
marriage. She is a true-hearted, kind friend, and
affectionate wife and tender mother. Both she and
Mr. Hartman are active members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
The original of our sketch and his wife are the
parents of eight children. One of these died in
childhood. This was Sarah M.. who was twelve
years of age. The living children are: Jacob F.,
William II.. Henrietta M.. George E., John W.,
Elizabeth and Franklin A. Of these, William
wa- united in marriage to Miss Ada M. Beckett,
and is a farmer in this township. Henrietta is the
wife of Elmer Pierce. They also live on a farm
in this township. George E. and other younger
members of the family, all re?ide at home. They
are bright, intelligent young men and women, and
promise to make a recognized position for them-
selves in life.
"ARON SANDS. Pennsylvania, like all of
the Eastern and Southern States, contrib-
uted a large share toward the settlement
of Illinois, both in the early days and
during more recent years. The natives of that
State have a well-earned reputation for thrift, in-
dustry and steadfastness of character and they were
made welcome to join the hoards of emigrants who
flocked to tin- Prairie State from their native homes.
Among such we find our subject, who resides on
section II. Okaw Township. Shelby County, where
he rents two hundred and ninety-four acres of land.
Mr. Sand- has resided in Shelby (Utility since
1864, having come Wes1 first to Ohio from his
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
r,.",:;
native home in Berks County. I'm., where he was
bora May 8, L833. He is a son of William and
Catherine Sands, who removed to Fairfield County •
( )hi<>. in 1835, where thej made their home until
1865, when they came to Illinois, where1 the father
died in Shelby Comity, in ls7t>. The mother is
Mill Living and is enjoying a green old age.
In this family of William and Catherine Sands
there were nine children, and all bill the eldest
daughter, Mary, are still living and form a happy
and united band of brothers and sisters. After
Mary came Eliza, Aaron, Daniel, William, Frank-
lin, Edward, Peter and John. Previous t<> our
subject's emigration to Illinois he was married in
<)liio. in I860, to .Tulyann Knur, who was born
April 3, 1840, and was the daughter of Henry and
( aniline F ■.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sands have been born eighl
children, all of whom have lived t<> becomeworthy
and reputable citizens and who are now the com-
fort and support of their parents. They areas fol-
lows: Eliza, deceased; James M., Isabelle, Calvin,
Otto, Margaret 1-'... Oscar, Minnie and Edward.
The political views which have been entertained
by .Mr. Sands during most of his life have led him
to affiliate with the party which is proud to claim
the names of Jefferson and Jackson, I ill t of late
years he has felt that it was better to lie untrani-
meled by party ties and has east his vote independ-
ent of the dictates of party leaders. His good wife
is an earnest ami useful member of the German
Reformed Church, in which her labors are highly
appreciated. This worthy couple receive whal thej
so richly deserve, the kind regard and esteem of
their neighbors and of all who know them.
->">
E( >R( SE RUFF, a prominent and noteworthy
eitizen of Rose Township. Shelby County.
\ is a son of John M. Huff, who was horn in
Germany in 1813, and Barbara (Weitner) Huff.
whose birth occurred in the same land in 1817.
She was about fourteen years old and he had at-
tained some eighteen rears when ihe\ came to
America. They were married ami made their first
home in Hocking County, Ohio, and emigrated to
Illinois in January. 1884. They made their home
in Prairie Township, when- they still reside.
George was the fourth in their family of twelve
children and he resided in his native county,
Hocking County, Ohio, till he reached his major-
ity. His natal day was March 17, 1843, and he
received his education in the common schools.
When our subject was twenty-one years old he
came to Illinois and worked for four years in the
counties of I )e Witt and Logan and then came
into Shelby County and employed himself upon
farms and at carpentry until his marriage. This
interesting event occurred in Shelby County.
March 21, 1869. His bride was Miss Sophia
Stumpf, daughter of Gearhart Stunipf. For fur-
ther details in regard to the history of this capable
and amiable lady, our readers are referred to the
biography of Mr. Edward Roessler, as Mrs. Ruff and
Mrs. Roessler are sisters. Mr. Stumpf died in
Shelby County in 1853, having been bereaved of
his wife ill Fairfield County. Ohio, some four years
earlier. Mrs. Ruff was the youngest child in her
father's family and was horn in Fairfield County.
Ohio. June I. 1847.
After the marriage of Mi. and Mrs. Ruff they de-
cided to go further west and located in Anderson
County. Kan., where Mr. Ruff winked at bis trade.
that of carpentry, lor five years and then followed
iIh same business for two years in Shelby County.
He now decided to engage in farming and for
eight years rented land in Rose Township, at the
end of which lime he purchased the farm of eighty
acres, on section .'i. where he has erected a good set
of buildings. He divides his time between fann-
ing and carpentry and is thorough and successful
in both line- of work.
This gentleman and his estimable wife are the
parents of seven interesting and promising chil-
dren. The\ were so unfortunate as to lose their
eldest, Florence A., a bright and beautiful child of
two and one-half years. Those who survive are as
follows: Anna M.. Cora I.. Clarence A.. Charlotta
s.. ( leorge W. and I [armon I..
The estimation in which Mr. Ruff is held by his
fellow -citizens has been evinced by their confidence
634
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in placing liim upon the School Board. He is
deeply interested in educational matters and makes
an efficient and active Director. He is well read in
political matters and active in promoting the inter-
ests of the Democratic party, to which he belongs.
In the Lutheran Church, where Mr. and Mrs. Ruff
are active members, he has filled the offices of Dea-
con and Trustee.
'■£+£{
~S)
[="
I ( tSKPII S. ROBERTS. Among the men who
are ambitious, not only for their own suc-
cess but also for the prosperity and prog-
ress of the community in which they live, we
are proud to mention the name which appears at
the head of this paragraph, a man who was horn in
Moultrie County, and has made it his home through-
out his life and who feels that its welfare is identi-
cal with that of himself and his family.
Thomas A. Roberts, the father of our subject was
a Marylander, horn May 4. 1S22. and. his mother
was Lovicy G. Hendricks, who «:i> horn in Ken-
tucky. August 13, 1833. This excellent couple
were united in Moultrie County and made their
home in East Nelson Township, where they lived
in dome-tic happiness and prosperity until I860,
when they removed to Whitley Township, where
the faithful wife passed from earth April 29, 1868.
The bereaved husband died in Shelby County.
November 11.1883. They had three children, of
whom their son Joseph is the eldest.
He of whom we write was born June 22, 18.V4. in
East Nelson Township. He resided in Moultrie
County throughout all his youth and manhood
and was educated in the common school- of Whit-
ley. His happy marriage took place October 30,
1879, in Whitley Township, at the residence of
AY. II. Garrett. Cynthia 11.. the daughter of this
gentleman being the bride. For farther details
in regard to this prominent family, into which
our subject married our readers will please consult
the sketch of W. II. Garrett on another page of
this Record.
At the time of her marriage Mrs. Roberts was a
lovely young woman of ni e . as she was bom
in Whitley Township, August •">. 1860. She cheer-
fully and efficiently undertook the responsibilities
of a home and became the happy mother of eight
children, namely: Carrie 1... Europe II.. Mabel.
John F., Roy. Pearl. Clarence and Edith. All are
living except John and Roy who are passed to
the better world.
After marriage this wedded pair set up their
household gods in Whitley Township. Locating on
section 1. There they now own a beautiful estate
of two hundred and nineteen acres, and upon this
tract Mr. Roberts ha.- successfully carried on his'ag-
cultural pursuits, devoting himself to general farm-
ing. He is an influential man in his community
and an earnest worker for the prosperity and
supremacy of the Republican party. Both he and
his wife are conscientious members of the Christian
Church and in it> communion and service they
find spiritual strength and an abundant opportu-
nity for labor. Both of them desire to see Whitley
Town>hip rank first in every desirable point among
the townships of Moultrie County and are earnest
promoters of every movement which tend- to its
progress, socially and industrially.
' ACOB E. EBY. Illinois in its early settle-
ment gathered within its bounds represent-
atives from every State in the East and
South, and to its rich and fertile prairies
there have (locked, even unto the present time, rep-
resentatives of the older civilization in various
parts of the country. Many Pennsylvanians by
birth are among its sound and sensible residents
and have brought from the old Keystone State
those principles and habits of thrift which mark
that Commonwealth. Our subject who is a native
of that State and who makes his home on section
31. Okaw Township, dates his residence in Shelby
County from L882.
Mr. Eby was horn in Lebanon County, Pa.,
March 10. 1852. and was thus a man of mature
years when he removed to the West. His honored
parent- were Jacob and Eliza (Shaak) Eby. and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
635
they gave to him so good a common -school educa-
tion as to tit him to take a position al the teacher's
desk, which he tilled for eight terms. They also
gave him the best of home training and a thorough
drill in the work Of the farm.
The marriage of Jacob Kin with Miss Kate Selt-
zer was solemnized al Washington, D. ('..in April.
1K77. This happy occasion was the beginning of
a married life of true congeniality and harmony,
and the foundation of one of those families which
are the strength and glory of America, in that their
quiet and useful home lives form the basis for the
success of our Republican institutions. Mrs. Eby
is the daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Martin) Selt-
zer, and like her husband, was born in Lebanon
County. Pa., hut at the date of her marriage was
residing in Maryland.
As we have said, it was the year 1882 when our
subject first came to Illinois, and being favorably
impressed with the value of the land and the envi-
ronments of this section, he purchased the farm
upon which he now resides and made his home
upon it in the spring of 1883. Since that time he
has devoted himself indefatigably to the cultiva-
tion and improvement of the seventy-six and one-
half acres which he owns.
Mr. and Mrs. Eby have had the pleasure of wel-
coming to their home three interesting and lovely
children, but one of them they were called upon to
lay in the grave in early infancy. The two who are
living are named Sarah and John D..and the traits
of character which they have already shown give
a fair promise of their future usefulness which will,
as it should, prove an honor to their parents.
The Democratic party for many years held the
allegiance of Mr. Eby, hut for some time past he
lias been independent in his political views and
feels that by being free from the trammels of party
he can more effectually serve his State and country.
This independence does not at all interfere with
his popularity among his neighbors and he is at
present the efficient Supervisor of Okaw Township,
lie is an earnest believer m the Christian religion.
having been reared in the faith of the Reformed
Church. The interests of the agricultural commu-
nity appeal very strongly to this gentleman and it
is his aim to assist both himself and others in pro-
moting the commercial and industrial prosperity of
this class. With this end in view he has identified
himself with the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Associa-
tion, in which he believes there is help for the diffi-
culties which have stood in the way of the progress
of agriculturists.
EMUEL PARKER. Among the farmers of
) Shelby County who have materially added
to its prosperity by developing its rich
agricultural resources, and at the same time have
accumulated a handsome private property. Mr.
Lemuel Parker is well worthy of mention in this
volume. For many years he has carried on farm-
ing in Moweaqua Township, and as the result of
his persistent and well-directed labors has a farm
that is equal in improvements and cultivation to
the best in its vicinity.
September (>. 1827, is the date of the birth of our
subject in Cayuga County, X. Y. Mathias Parker
was the name of his father, and he was a native of
Canada, lie in turn was a son of one Lemuel
Parker, who was a pioneer of the town of Niles.
and was thereafter engaged at his occupation as a
farmer in Cayuga County until death closed his
mortal career. The maiden name of his wife was
Tacv Niles. and she too died on the farm in Niles
Township. His son. .Mathias. though bom in
Canada was reared on the family homestead, and
he followed fanning in New York State until his
demise in 1830, while yet in life's prime. His
widow, whose maiden name was Susanna Arm-
strong, is still living, making her home with her
son. our subject, and retains to a remarkable de-
gree her mind and memory and physical faculties,
although she has reached the ninety-first milestone
that marks a long life, having been born April 28,
1800; in Genoa, Cayuga County. N. Y. She was
married a second time in 1833 to Owen Dewitt.
who came to Illinois with his family in 1853. He
lived in Pike County for a time, and then came to
this county to spend his remaining days, dying
here in 1866.
His maternal grandfather of our subject. Andrew
636
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Armstrong, was one of the first settlers of Cayuga
County, X. Y. He bought a trad of timber land
in the township of Genoa, and established a home
in the primeval forest, building a 1 < >i>' cabin for
shelter. Much of the great Empire State was then
in a wild, sparsely settled condition, and there
were no railways or canals for year- to facilitate
communication with the outside world. There
were no mills near where Mr. Armstrong settled,
and he and his fellow-pioneers had to reduce their
grain in iron mortars. They lived off the products
of their land and from wild game, which was
abundant. The grandfather of our subject cleared
a farm, and dwelt thereon until death deprived
him of the companionship of his wife in L818. lie
then sold his place, and the few years that re-
mained to him boarded until he was called to his
long home in 1822. His wife bore the maiden
name of Polly Bowker. She was bom on the
hanks of the Susquehanna River, and was a daugh-
ter of Silas and Esther (Hobbs) Bowker. Her
father and three of her brothers served in the
Revolution. She was carefully trained in all that
went to make a good housewife in the olden days.
and was an adept in carding, spinning and weav-
ing, she imparted those arts to her daughter, the
mother of our subject, who for many years after
her marriage made all the cloth in use in her
family, coloring that which she made into garments
witli the simple vegetable dyes formerly used, and
she spun her own thread.
After his father's death, the subject of this bio-
graphical notice went to live with his grandpar-
ents, but they died when lie was in his eighth year,
and from that time his home was with strangers
until he established one of his own. and he had to
earn his living, getting his hoard and clothes in re- j
payment for his work as a chore-hoy and farm
hand for a farmer, with whom he lived for several
years. When he was seventeen years old he began
to receive wages, earning the sum of *7 a
month. He continued to work out by the month
in his native State until 1849. In that year he
took an important step in lit\' whereby his worldly
prospects were much advanced, as he then came to
Illinois to try farming on the fertile soil of the
Prairie State, and in due time became an independ-
ent farmer. In coming hither he journeyed by Erie
Canal to Buffalo, from there by the lakes to Chi-
cago, and then on the canal and Illinois River to
Pike County, where he tarried a few years, finding
employment as a farm laborer. In l«.j() he came
to Shelby County, and invested his hard-earned
money in one hundred and twenty acres of prairie
land, a mile and a half from the village ofMowea-
qua. He has since bought other land, and at one
time had three hundred and forty acres, of which
he still retains two hundred and sixty acres, all of
it being finely improved.
A measure of Mr. Parker's good fortune is at-
tributable to the devoted assistance of his good
wife, who has ever been to him a cheerful helper,
has given him wise counsel when needed, and has
contributed to his comfort and well-being, as well
as to his financial prosperity by her careful guid-
ance of household matters. Her maiden name was
Cena A. Parker, she was a native of the same
county as her husband, and they were wedded in
1855. They have three children — Willis E..
Charles M. and Lydia A. Mrs. Parker is aconsist-
eni Christian and a member of the Methodist
Kpiscopal Church.
Mr. Parker is a sensible man. with sound views
on all subjects in which he is interested, especially
in regard to politics, and we find him to bea stead-
fast Republican. As a farmer he stands high in
the community, and he hears an unsullied reputa-
tion a- a man and a citizen.
•§-4
ft=7?RED A. PAUCHERT, a retired merchant
-Jq of Shelbyville, Shelby County, is connected
with the agricultural interests of this
county as the proprietor of two tine farms, lie
has held prominent public positions, and whether
as a civic officer, a business man, or as a private
citizen, he has always manifested a deep interest in
all that concerns the welfare of thecity and county,
and has materially aided in their advancement.
He was born near Daaden, in the Rhenish Province
of Friedenwald, Prussia. His father and paternal
grandfather, both of whom hore the given name of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
(J37
Engelbert, were also natives of the same town as
himself, the latter spending his entire Life there, he
having been a fanner and the keeper of a public
house.
The father of onr subject learned the trade of a
baker when he was young, and carried on that
business and conducted a grocery store in connec-
tion with it in his native town for many years.
lit- now lives retired at the venerable age of eighty-
six years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Catherine Held, and who was bornal Daaden, died
in January, 1887, at an advanced age. They
reared a family of seven children, of whom the
following are the names: Fred A.. Caroline. Henry.
Gusiaf. Louis. Robert and Julia. Fred A.. Gustaf,
Louis and Robert are the only members of the
family that ever came to this country. Gustaf
reared a family and spent his last years in Shelby-
ville. Louis, who never married, died at St Louis.
Robert, a resident of Shelbyville, has a family.
Our subject had the advantages of a good edu-
cation in the excellent schools of his native land,
which he attended steadily until he was fourteen
pears "Id. At that age he began to work at the
trade of a baker with his father, and also assisted
in the labors of his father's farm. He was of an
ambitious, stirring temperament, and desirous to
make the best of life he decided to emigrate to
this country, the goal of so many of his compa-
triots, where he hoped to better his fortunes. In
the spring of 1*~>2 he started out on 1 1 1 — ever
memorable journey. setting sail from Antwerp, and
after fifty-two days on the ocean, landing in New
York. He proceeded directly to Schenectady
( mint v. in the same State, and was there employed
by an American-born citizen to work on a farm,
lie found himself a stranger among a people with
whose habits and customs he was unacquainted,
and he could not understand their speech, as he
knew not a word of the English Language. lie
was an apt scholar, however, and during the two
months*- that he worked there, he learned rapidly,
and soon caught the meaning of what was said to
him. and in time mastered English.
From that part of the country Mr. Fauchert
made his way toSt. Louis, going by rail to Buffalo.
thence by lake to Detroit, from there by rail to
Chicago, where he embarked on the Illinois and
Michigan (anal for LaSalle, from which town he
went by the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers to St.
Louis, which was then but a -mall city. There he
found employment at various kinds of work the
ensuing two years, and then was engaged in the
Office of the Terre Haute Railway Company three
years. After that he established himself in the
grocery business, whicll he carried on there until
1861. In that year he took up his residence in
Shelbyville, and for two years was variously em-
ployed. At the expiration of that time he ac-
cepted a position a- clerk in a store, at which he
was engaged three years. His next move was to
open a store at Moulton which is now included
within the city limits, and he carried on business
there upwards of twenty year-, lie then traded
for a farm which is still in hi- possession, and since
has lived retired from active business. Besides
that farm, which is situated in Rose Township, he
has another in Dry Point Township, and has fine
property adjoining the city of Shelbyville. upon
which he make- hi- home, the grounds about his
residence comprising ten acres of Land, well laid
out. and adding to the attractiveness of the local-
ity.
Mr. Pauchert was first married in March, 1857.
to Miss Elizabeth Schneider, a native of Hesse-
( a— el. Germany, who came to this country with a
l'i other at the age of eighteen years. She died in
January, 1874,leaving live children: Robert, Fred.
Gust, Julia and Annie. Mr. l'auchert's marriage
with his present wife, formerly Miss Rosena Maurer.
took place in November. 1874. Mrs. Pauchert was
bom in Tuscarawas County. Ohio. September 12.
L848, and is a daughter of Jacob and Barbara
(Mayers) Maurer. natives of Wurtemberg. Her
marriage with our subject has brought them seven
children, whom they have named Kate, Rosa, John,
Amelia. Carrie. Albert and Harry.
A man of Mr. l'auchert's mental calibre, sound
common-sense, and clear judgment in regard to
business is necessarily influential in the regulation
of public affairs, and we find that he ha- held var-
ious important offices, lie has served -ix year- as
a member of the City Council, two terms as Justice
of the Peace, and has twice represented Rose Town-
638
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ship on the County Board of Supervisors. In pol-
itics he steadily upholds the Republican party. Re-
ligiously he is one of the leading members of the
Lutheran Church, to which his wife and children
also belong.
1^ )h »J 9 * V
f
m
OIIX FREEMAN, capitalist, residing in
Mont-aqua Township, is one of Shelby
County's best known and most prominent
citizensj who has long been concerned in its
financial interests, has been a potent agent in its
material advancement, has had a hand in the
management of its public affairs, and i> closely
identified with its social and political life. He i>
■a descendant of tine old New England and Revol-
utionary stock, and his ancestors were among the
early settlers of Massachusetts, lii^ native Slate.
Edmund Freeman, of English birth, being the first
of the family to come to America, the " Abigail,"
bringing him hither on her second trip across the
Atlantic in 1635. He first located at Saugus,
Mas-., but subsequently went to the town of Sand-
wich. Barnstable County, where he secured a large
tract of land, including Sagamore Hill, the greater
portion of the land being still owned by his de-
scendants.
( >ur subject was horn on Purchase Street, Boston.
Mass., January 11. 1831. His father. Benjamin
Freeman, was born in that city December .'51.
1803, and was a son of Watson Freeman, who was
also a native of Boston. The grandfather of our
subject was fourteen years old when the Revolu-
tionary War broke out. Patriotic blood ran in his
veins, and notwithstanding his youth, two years
later he enlisted April 7. 1777. in the Fourth Con-
tinental Regiment, lie was present at Burgoyne's
defeat in 177N. and was afterward honorably dis-
charged from the army. But the youthful patriot
was Mill anxious to help secure t he freedom of his
country, and lie soon entered the naval service as
a privateer. In 17K2 he was wounded in a battle
at sea. and witli ship and crew was captured by the
British. He was taken to the hospital at Ports-
mouth, England, and later discharged from there.
He returned to his native country, and in 1800
engaged in the mercantile business with another
gentleman under the firm name of Freeman &
Baty.and subsequently with Mr. dishing, as Free-
man A- Cushing. They were heavy importer- of
china, crockery ware. etc.. and the grandfather of
our subject continued in the business a number of
years until his retirement with a handsome compe-
tency. He died at Sandwich April Id. 1813. The
maiden name of his second wife, grandmother of
our subject, was Experience Freeman, and she was
also a native of Boston.
Benjamin Freeman was reared and educated in
the city of his birth. He commenced life on his
own account as a sailor, but he did not long pur-
sue that vocation, as he preferred following in the
footsteps of his father as a merchant. He con-
tinued in business in Boston until 1839, when he
came to Illinois and invested in several thousand
acre- of land, destined some day. as he shrewdly
foresaw, to be very valuable. In 1841 he removed
his family to this State. the journey being performed
bysteamer from Fall River to New York, thence by
canal and rail through Philadelphia to Pittsburg,
from there by the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to
St. Louis, anil thence overland to their destination
in Hillsboro, Montgomery County. Mr. Freeman
did not live to enjoy bis new home very long, as
in .Inly of the same year his life was brought to
an untimely end by his death while yet in his
prime, and the county was deprived of the services
of one of its most able pioneers, who. if he had
lived, would undoubtedly have done much to
develop it- resources and promote its growth.
His wife bore the maiden name of Sallie Shaw
Shurtleff. She was likewise a native of Boston.
Mass.. a descendant of some of the old families of
that city, and a daughter of Dr. Benjamin and
Sallie (Shaw) Shurtleff. She was married a second
time to Henry R. Child, who died in 1*4*. She
returned to Boston in 1849, and died in that city
in 1876. she had ten children by her first mar-
riage, and one by the second.
John Freeman was ten years old when be came
to Illinois with his parents. He was given good
educational advantages, and was a student at
Shurtleff College in Alton when the discovery of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
63!)
gold in California created such profound excite-
ment in all parts of the world, and in 1841) he
threw aside his books and bade farewell to college
Life to join the seekers after the precious metal mi
the Pacific coast- He, with others, made the entire
journey across the plains and mountains with ox-
teams. a long and weary way over what was then
known as ■■ Great American Desert," and after
they left the Missouri River they saw uo white
settlements, except that <>f the Mormons, until
they arrived in California, while buffalo, deer,
antelopes and other wild animals were encounter-
ed in large numbers. Arriving at Weaverville,
September 17. after many months' travel, our sub-
ject at once took a job at scoring logs receiving
=?11 a day, and in that way he earned money
to buy provisions to take to the mountains.
where cornmeal and bacon, the chief articles of
t'o. d. were a dollar a pound each. He engaged in
mining in Maraposa County until December, 1851,
and then started for the East with his gains, and
traveling by the way of the Isthmus and Havana.
joined his family at Boston. His health had suf-
fered from the privations and hardships that lu-
had had to endure in the rough frontier life of tin-
two preceding years, and he did not immediately
engage in any active business, hut traveled while
recuperating, and during the time of tin Crimean
War visited Crimea. He was away from home
ahout nine months, and then returned to Boston.
where he remained until 1857. In that year he
(•Mine back toShelby Count} . intending to dispose of
his landed interests here, but he liked the country
so well that he decided to improve his rial estate.
and built, and has ever since had a home here.
though making his residence here only a portion
of the time. For three yeais he lived at Shelby-
ville, and in 1879 went to Decatur, where he be-
came interested in the mercantile and hotel busi-
ness, ami for a time managed tin- new •• Deming."
lie Mill retains hi- interest in the mercantile busi-
ness there, and i- connected with a hotel else-
where.
Mr. Freeman was married in 1859 to Miss F.llcn
A., daughter of A. F. and Louisa i Wheadon) Wil-
son, and a native of Jacksonville, 111. Their home
i- attractive in it- appointments and surroundings,
and its pleasing comforts as presided over by the
gracious, considerate hostess and the kindly, court-
eous hosl are held in grateful remembrance by
those who have enjoyed them, whether as a
"stranger within the gates." or a- friends, of
whom our subject and his amiable wife have many.
Four children have been horn to them, two of
whom are now living; Alice F.. wife of Oscar F.
Kpaulding, and John I'..
Not only has Mr. Freeman helped to advance
the financial standing of this county by his judic-
ious investments and by his business qualifications,
Imt he has been <«f invaluable service as a civic
official. IK- ha- represented Moweaqua Township
on the County Hoard of Supervisors several terms,
and while holding that important office always
looked closely after the interests of the public, and
his intelligent and generous advocacy of various
enterprises for the benefit of the community at
large has often contributed to their success. He
is an ardent Republican in his political views, and
hi- party has in him an earnest champion of its
policy". In his social relations lie is connected
with the Masonic fraternity and also with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has Keen
a member of tin- former since 1859, when he join-
ed the Dewitt Clinton Lodge at Sandwich. Mass.
He identified himself with the Odd Fellows by
joining the Winnissimete Lodge at Chelsea, Mass..
and he i- a liiemher of tin- Shelby villi' Lodge, K.
of II.
~^*ii
11^
i felLLIAM W. .lAMFs. one of the stanch.
\ / substantial men, both in character and so-
vv cial standing, is he whose name is at the
head of this sketch, lie resides on section 3. of
Ridge Township. Hi- residence in the county dates
from the fall of 1831, at which time lie was brought
to the state by his parent-. He was born in Nich-
ols ( ountv. Ky.. December 22. 1829. and was a son
of Alexander C. ami Mary Ann (Robinson) James,
natives respectively of Maryland and Delaware.
Thcv met and married, however, in Kentucky. and
in ls.il. when our subject was bul two years of age
640
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the family came to Illinois, their journey hither
beingmade in a wagon, and with a camp outfit.
Of course our subject can remember nothing of
of the journey, but it lakes bul small imagination
to picture the delights and adventures of an over-
land journey through the beautiful States of Ken-
tucky, Ohio and Indiana, into Illinois.
After coming hither, our subject's parents settled
at once in Ridge Township, where they rented a
small place for a space of three year-. In 1835,
they entered a tract of land on section .'!. and also
purchased a claim which was but very little im-
proved, but which boasted a log cabin and fences
about seventeen acres being fenced. For this
they paid *4o. In those days it was necessary to
drive hogs to St. Louis in order to find market for
them. This was one hundred miles distant from
their home. The wheat, also, had to be hauled
thither and then sold for twenty-five cents a
bushel. We cannot but wonder how the pioneers
managed to support their families with the neces-
sities of life, and lay aside as nearly all of them
did. money enough to invest in land, when their
products brought so little return. Our subject's
family were obliged to go to Springfield in order
to have their corn and wheat ground into flour.
and other commodities were equally difficult to
uet. But Mr. James was industrious and economi-
cal and in time became the owner of four hundred
acres of good land. He erected good buildings
upon his place and improved it well. In 1870,he
died at the age of seventy years. Nelson James,
a brother of our subject, came to this county in
1836, but later went to .Missouri. Our subject's
father was a Democrat in his political preferences.
His wife is still living and resides with the origi-
nal of our sketch. She was bom March 30, 1805.
For many years she has been a member of the Bap-
tist Church.
There was but one child in the family of Alex-
ander James, that being our subject. He still re-
sides on the homestead, and has been a witness of
the changes which Shelby County has undergone
for many years. His early education was obtained
under difficulties, having to go four miles in order
to attend school, which was held in a log cabin.
There were no windows in the building, and an
ingenious device was resorted to supply the defi-
ciency. A lot; was left out in the side of the build-
ing and the space was covered with greased paper,
which admitted an opaque light that would send
the school reformers of to-day to an insane asylum.
A split sapling with pegs put in the end. furnished
the seats for the pupils, and the building was
heated by a huge fireplace that scorched the little
laces, while their backs were freezing. His school
life began when he was eight years of age at which
time he could read and spell words of one syllable.
He attended the first school taught in the town-
ship, the teacher being .lames Rhoads.
Tin" original of our sketch is as old a'settler as
any in the town-hip. although two others. William
and Daniel Smith, came here the same fall in which
his parents located. At that time the larder was
easily supplied with various kinds of game, there
being plenty of deer, wild turkeys, bears, and also
wild cat- and panthers, against which the early set-
tlers were obliged to lie on their guard The In-
dians had been driven farther West and the coun-
try was a good place for a poor man. because of the
abundance of game, and the early crops were ex-
traordinarily good. There was but little sickness
excepting ague, which the early settlers accepted
a- one of the conditions of their pioneer exist-
ence.
Mr. .lames was married January 22, 1852, to
Cordelia Small, a daughter of John and Elizabeth
Small. She was born in Fairfield County, Ohio,
ami 'lu tin •> her life was a tender, loving wife and
true mother. She died August, \M2, leaving five
children to mourn with their father, her loss. The
children are John A.. Mary E., Tarcy .1.. William
D. and Cordelia. Mary is now the wife of C. W.
Steward: Tarcy was united to John W. Yantis. and
died in 1881, leaving two children; William 1).
died at the age of twenty-three years; Cordelia be-
came the wife of John W. Yantis.
In 1864, our subject married for a second time
taking to wife Leah Killam. a daughter of Isaac
K i I bun. She was a native of Shelby County. Two
children are the fruit of this union. They are
l-aac I., and Laura, who is the wife of Julius Christ-
man. Mr. James is the owner of five hundred and
forty acres of well improved land. He has made
PORTRAIT AND lilucRAPIIICAI. RECORD.
i; 1 1
stock-raising a specialty and 1 1:1- bred some of the
purest blooded stock in the county. He now rente
the greater part of his land, retaining only enough
id keep him pleasantly employed. Politically.
Mr. James favors the Democratic party. He has
never been ambitious to accept cilice, feeling that
his private affairs would not admit of a divided
attention. Mi's. James, who is an estimable lady,
is a member of the Christian Church. Her hus-
band is not connected with any church, although
he is a believer in Christianity, and a liberal sup-
porter of the churches in his vicinity7.
^HHH®
S3y~-
\ fcESLEY II. GARRETT. This worthy and
\
prominent gentleman whose sterling char-
acter and many attractive personal quali-
ties, give him an exceptional standing in the com-
munity, resides upon section 9, Whitley Township.
His honored father, William Garrett, was born in
Montgomery County. Ky„ about the year 1798,
and is the son of .lames Garrett who was probably
born in Virginia, and was proud to claim his
ancestry from the rugged land- of the Highlands
and bagpipes. James Garrett died in Montgomery
Country Ivy,, having lived to the remarkable age
of one hundred years and six months.
Polly Reid was the maiden name of the mother
of our subject, and she was born in Montgomery
County, Ivy., in L801. Her father, Joseph Reid,
the son of William Reid, died in that county, as
did also his father William, whom our subject dis-
tinctly rememl)ers as visiting their home when he
was nineteen years old. The family is thus on
both sides notable for longevity and endurance.
William II. Garrett was married in Kentucky
and soon after removed to Indiana, but resided
there for only a short time, as within a year he
returned to Montgomery County and continued
to live in that and (lark and Harrison Counties
for some years. He Anally came to Illinois and
spent a year in Whitley Township, .Moultrie Count \ .
but on account of sickness lite family returned
again to their Dative Mate, and made their home
in Harrison Counts', where the father died about
1857, and the mother passed away in 1886. Their
-i\ children arc Wesley II.. Lihhy, Susan, Sarah,
Joseph and James.
Our subject, who is the oldest in the parental
home, was horn during their sojourn in Indiana,
near the White River, on the 22d of duly. 1820.
lie was but an infant when his parent.- returned to
Kentucky, and the greater part of his boyl d
was spent in Harrison County, that State. He
received the early training and education of an
ordinary Kentucky hoy of that period, and made
his home with his parent- until he was able to
establish a home of his own.
Wesley Garrett's marriage with Miss .Mary E.
Baker, took place in Harrison County, her native
place. August 28, 1840. This lady was horn
August 2!>. 1817. and her wedded life, although
it opened with the brightest prospects, soon faded
into darkness, as she died July 27. 1841. The
second marriage of Mr. Garrett took place in Har-
rison County. Ky.. July 28, 1842. and he was then
united with Miss Eliza J. Evans, daughter of
David and Mary (Baker) Evans, both natives of
Kentucky, lioth Mr. and Mrs. Evans died in
Harrison County, having been the parents of three
children. Eliza J., Cynthia and John. Eliza was
born in Harrison County. April 11. 1817.
Eight living children have been horn to Wesley
II. and Eliza J. Garrett, viz: .lames F. who mar-
ried Anna Cox. and resides in Sullivan Township;
William 1). who took to wife Melissa Armentrout,
and resides in Whitley Township; Green 1!. who
married Eudora Rose, and makes his home in
Moultrie County : Solomon I', who was united in
marriage with Anna Harrison, and lives in YVhit-
ley Township ; Mary S. who i- the wife of Beal
Marsh, of Moultrie County : Robert M. who died
in infancy: McArthur, who married Nancy Ar-
mentrout, and reside- in Whitley Town-hip : Rich-
ard ( >. who took to wife Delia Lauham, and makes
his home in Ka-t N'el-on Township, and Cynthia
R.. who is now Mrs. Joseph Roberts, and lives in
Whitley Township.
Mr. Garrett came to Moultrie County in 1850,
and settled in Whitley Township, where he has
since been one of it- most respected and useful
resident-. There were, however, sis month- of that
642
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
time when he lived in East Nelson Township, but
soon returned to his first choice. The Christian
church is the religious body with which Mr. and
Mrs. Garrett are actively connected, and in it they
rejoice to find abroad field tor labor and influence.
The political views with which Mr. Garrett
finds himself in sympathy are most fully expressed
in the platform of the Democratic party, and
although he i> no office seeker yet he has been
compelled by the suffrages of his fellow citizens to
accept a number of offices of trust and influence.
For fourteen years he held the office of School
Trustee, and has taken an active part in promot-
ing the educational interest of the township and
county. Upon his splendid farm of three hundred
and fifteen acres, he has placed excellent improve-
ments, and it is all in a first-class condition. His
beautiful home and well-kept barns testify, not
only to his enterprise, but his intelligence and
culture.
gs^AMUELII. BROWNBACK. All our re-
^^4> lations in life are more or less of a social
'(L^Jj) nature and these are circles within circles.
The domestic life is the inner circle, or hub
of the wheel from which radiate outward the many
lines or spokes that bind it to the outer circle, or
the social verge. These spokes are of various
natures arising from relationship, affinity or con-
sanguinity. Each circle within the life of our
subject has been well rounded. His home life, while
simple, is full of affection and tender consideration.
His residence which is located on section 2. of
Rural Township, is the dwelling place of peace and
harmony. He has resided in Shelby County since
1868.
Mr. Brown back was I lorn in Pickaway County.
Ohio, January 21. 1843. He is a son of William
and Sarah (Shutt) Brownback, natives of Penn-
sylvania, where they were married and began the
journey of life together. About 1835 they removed
to Ohio and settled in Pickaway County. There
they passed the remaining years of their lives, the
father passing away from this life at the age of
fifty years, the mother surviving him for a number
of years, being sixty-three years of age at the time
of her decease. They were the parents of six
children, four of whom lived to lie grown. Their
names are as follows: Joseph, Melinda, Eliza, Sarah,
Emeline and Samuel. Joseph died while young;
Melinda married Aimer Settles and died in Pickaway
County, leaving an interesting family of children;
Eliza married John Breutigan. She died in
Pickaway County; Sarah died while yet a young
woman, being only twenty years of age. Emeline
also died early in life; our subject is the youngest
of his family and now the only one surviving. He
was reared on a farm and attended, in boyhood, the
common schools, which were very good, and he
feels that he owes much to the masters under whom
he studied when a lad. He remained in his native
State until he arrived at manhood and in 18(i7. he
was an attendant upon the last sad rites paid to
the memory of the last member of his family.
Feeling that all bonds that held him to his native
State had been severed, in 1868 he sold out and
emigrated to this State, settling in Shelby County,
where he purchased a farm upon which he at present
resides.
When Mr. Brownback purchased his farm it was
but very little improved and he began at once tin-
work of putting it in such order as should realize
his ideal of a modern farm. He gave his attention
chiefly to stock raising, in which he was very
successful. On first coming to the county he
purchased one hundred and sixty acres, but from
time to time has added to this until his farm now
aggregates two hundred and twenty acres. It is
located on sections 2 and 11. and boasts many line
improvements. Well located in the bottom lands.it
is plentifully watered and drained.
Our subject has been twice married. In 1870, he
was united to Mary Y. Smith, a daughter of Daniel
and Sarah Smith, of whom a sketch may be found
in another part of this volume. Mrs. Brownback
died in 1872. leaving one son who now resides with
his grandfather, Daniel Smith. In 1874. our subject
married Elizabeth A. Cochoran, a daughter of
Robert Cochoran. She was born in Tennessee in 1818.
Our subject by his present wife is the father of one
daughter, by name Mary F. She is a bright, in-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORL.
643
telligent young girl. The original of our sketch
is a Democrat in his political preference and has
served in several capacities in public office under
hi- party showing the confidence and estimation of
his ability that his fellow-townsmen have in him.
lit- lias served as School Trustee for nine years and
two years a- Supen isor of the township. Mr. and
Mrs. Brownback air. in their religious views.
members of theChristian Church. They are kindly.
intelligent people, in whom their fellow-townsmen
repose the greatest confidence and affection.
DDISON \V. McPHEETERS, the efficient
^LJ and popular Postmaster of Sullivan, and
one of the leading citizens of that place,
where he ha- resided for eight years, is
numbered among the early settlers of Moultrie
County, of 1852. lie has the honor of being a
native-born citizen of Illinois, his birth having oc-
curred in Morgan County,on the 1st of July, 1834.
Hi- parent-. Addison and Julia. (Pogue) McPhee-
ters, were native- of Kentucky, and after their
marriage emigrated to Morgan County, 111., in
1833. Twelve years they spent in that county,
and then returned to Fayette County. Ky.. but in
1852 we again find them in Illinois, and the fol-
lowing year the father purchased a good farm in
thi> locality, on which he made his home until his
death, which occurred in 1879, at the age of eighty-
five years. He wa- a Whig and Republican in
politics, and was a member of the Presbyterian
Church. Hi- wife, who wa- born about 1801, died
during the winter of 1844, in Fayette County,
Ky. she was a Presbyterian in religious belief,
and like her husband was highly esteemed. The
family numbered four children, but two are now
deceased. The twin brothers, Addison and Kan-
kin, are yet living. The latter is married and en-
gages in farming in Nelson Township.
Our subject returned with his parents to Ken-
tucky, but was living in Moultrie County. 111.,
when he attained in mature years. A- before inti-
mated, his residence here cover- a period "i almost
fort\ year-. After arriving al man's estate he led
to the marriage altar Mi-s Margaret Lynn. a native
■ it Jefferson County. Ky., born in 1848, and a
daughter of .lames and Belinda (Welch) Lynn.
who were natives of Kentucky, having lived in
Jefferson County, that state, until 1855, when with
their family they came to Illinoi-. where both Mr.
and Mr-. Lynn died when past si\t\ year- of age.
They lived the life of farming people, and in re-
ligious belief were Presbyterians, while in political
faith Mr. Lynn wa- a stanch Republican. In the
family are three children, yet living — Mrs. Mfi-
l'heeters; George W., who is married and resides
in Eureka Spring, Ark., where he is engaged in the
real-estate business; and Martha, wife of John
William-, of Decatur. 111.
Among the first to enlist in Moultrie County
after the breaking out of the late war was our sub-
ject, who responded to the call for troops and he-
came a member of the Twenty-first Illinois Infantry.
The regiment was then commanded by Col. ['. S.
Grant, and the company by Capt. John Love.
Joining the Army of the Cumberland, the troops
fought at Frederickstown, Mo.. Perryville, Ky..
Champion Hill, and in the battle of stone River.
under lien. McCook. Then came the Atlanta
campaign, and the Twenty-first Regiment remained
with Sherman until after the hat tie at that city,
when it was sent hack to fight Hood at Nashville.
After veteranizing and being assigned to the
Fourth Army Corp-, the troops were sent to Texas
by way of New Orleans, camping for two weeks
on the battle ground, near the Crescent City. At
San Antonio. Tex., the regiment was mustered out
December 16, 1865, and on the 18th of January of
the new year arrived at Camp Cutler, where the
brave boys in blue were honorably discharged. Mr.
McPheelerS had enlisted as private, hut during the
first year of his service was made Sergeant, ami
held that office until his discharge, lie was never
wounded or captured, hut was always found at his
post, faithfully discharged every duty.
On his return from the war. Mr. Mcl'hecter-
again went to his farm in Nelson Township, and
devoted his energies to its cultivation and improve-
ment until 1880, when he was stricken with paral-
ysis and lost the u-i of hi- lower limbs. Shortly
644
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
afterward lie came to Sullivan, where he has since
made his home and is now Riling the position of
Postmaster with credit to himself and to the satis-
faction of all concerned. II>' and his family dold
a high position in social circles, and are widely
known throughout this community". In politics
Mr. McPheeters is a stalwarl Republican and an
earnest worker in the interests of the parly, He
holds membership with the Presbyterian Church,
and his wife belongs to the Methodist Church.
Their family numbers six interesting children —
Nettie L., George R, Leroy, Addison P.. Frank
and Julia P. Miss Nettie, who is a graduate of the
Sullivan High School. i- now assisting her father
in the office.
acres, living on it for six or seven years. Two
years previous to his purchase of this last-named
tract he leased and ran the poor farm of the
county. He came here from Pennsylvania, where
he had settled soon after his arrival in this coun-
try from t o'linan v.
lie of whom we write is of German ancestry.
His parents were Michael and Barbara (Crofft)
Schinzler, both natives of Bavaria, where they
lived and died aged respectively seventy-two and
seventy years. Religiously their inclinations and
membership were with the Catholic Church. Our
subject and a brother, Lawrence, were the oii!\
members of the family that came to this country
and both are now farmers in this county. Mr.
Schinzler lefl Germany in March. 1856, taking
a sailing vessel from Havre de Grace. They
landed in New York City and came thence to Ilar-
risburg, Pa., where they lived two and a half
years. They (hen came to Illinois, where our sub-
ject took the next important step in his life in
marrying Miss Mary E. Sprinkle. Their marriage
was celebrated in March. 1864. She was horn in
Richland County. Ohio, May 16, 1843, and is a
daughter of Eli and Elizabeth (Jennings) Sprinkle.
natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and married in
the latter State, where they were engaged in farm-
ing. In 1849 they went to Indiana ami spent four
years in Adams County. They then came to
Shelby County, and here Mr. and Mrs. Sprinkle
most responsible positions. A.- his name would passed the remainder of their lives, dying at the
indicate, our subject is a native of Bavaria, Ger- ages respectively of sixty-live and sixty-eight
main, where he was born October "27. lK2(i. 11
GEORGE SCHINZLER. Our subject is one
of the many representatives of tin' Teutonic
race in this country who have brought into
our American commercial and agricultural life a
new impetus of penetrating foresight that has
accumulated for its possessors vast fortunes and
honorable positions. The German element is hon-
orably represented in every branch of American
life. In its government, its literary, social and
commercial and social relations, it ha- held the
is now the owner of a line farm located in Flat
Branch Township.
Mr. Schinzler is the proprietor of three hundred
and twenty acres of land, upon which he resides
and which he devotes to general farming. This
tract hears all modern agricultural improvements
and upon it is a pleasant and attractive resilience
besides other farm buildings
11.
years. They were members of the United Brethren
( 'hurch.
Mrs. Schinzler, wile of our subject, was only ten
\ear- of age when her parents came to this State
and she has since lived in the county wherein
thev then settled. She is the mother of twelve
children, three of whom are deceased. The de-
ceased children are: Fliza. aged five years. John.
Iso has twenty aged six years. Mary 1.. who was the wife of I). E.
acres On another section. Hi- purchase was made
in the fall of 1869 and he has since changed the
face of his land from a (lower-spangled prairie to
acre- yellow in the warm Jul\ sun with waving
grains. He came to this township from Rose
Township, where he owned and improved eighty
Middleton. now also deceased. The living chil-
dren are: Elizabeth, Joseph. George L., Grant,
Anna. Jane. William. Pearl, Marion and Roy.
Elizabeth is the wife of Harvey Tritt. They live
on a farm in Christian County, this State. Joseph
i- a bachelor and the proprietor of a good farm in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
645
this township. George L. Grant remains al home
and !i>' is his father's assistant in running the farm.
The other children have none of them yet lefl the
parental roof. Mr. and Mrs. Schinzler attend the
Presbyterian Church and are helpers and co-labor-
ers in any good cause that promises to develop
and benefil the neighborhood.
c-
> r^=i .
AMES BOYS. The name at the head of our
sketch is that of a highly respected and
honored man who has watched the growth
of this State for many wars, having set-
tled hereon section 26, of Ridge Township, Shelby
County, in L836. He was born in Durbin County,
hid.. June 26, 1827, and is a son of Alexander
and Virginia (Bradley) Boys, natives respectively
of Ohio and Virginia. They began life together
as pioneers in Ohio, thence removed to Indiana.
casting their lot with other pioneers in the Hoosier
State, and in 1833 they removed to Illinois, locat-
ing in Vermillion County.
After three year- spent by our subject's parents
in improving alarm in Vermilion County, they
came to Shelby County and entered some land in
Okaw Township, again casting their lot with pio-
neer settlers. The father passed his remaining
years in Shelby Count} and died in January,
1881, his wife having passed away two days pre-
vious to hi- own demise. The old people were in-
terred al thesame time and in one grave, and thus
the\ were together in death. ;h they had hern for
so many years in life. Our subject's father was
the owner of three hundred and twenty acres Of
land, much of which he cultivated, and which, at
the time Of his death, was well improved. Both
he and his wife were for many year- ardent mem-
bers of the Methodist Church.
The original of our sketch is one of thirteen
children, ten of whom lived to maturity: of these,
our subject is the eldest The others arc: Mary,
John W., Sarah, George \\ .. Lyda, Elizabeth, Will-
iam, Bonaparte and Charlie. ( if these, Mary be-
came the wife of Henry . I. Bowen and resides in
Shelbvville: John W. died in okaw Township, a
victim of the cholera epidemic of 1855; Sarah
married .lame- Hillsbach and resides in Stewardson ;
George W. lives in Ridge Township. Lyda mar-
ried Henry Hougtbough. Elizabeth became the
wife of E. Hager. After becoming a widow she
married Thomas Blackstone. Willliam died of
typhoid fever when a young man. Bonaparte,
like his brother John, and in the same year, was a
victim of cholera, as was also hi- younger brother
Charlie.
Mr. Boys was reared on hi- father'- farm and
early learned the duties incident to a farmer's
life. He received the educational advantages to
lie had in the district schools, having attended the
fi ret school taught in Okaw Township. The teacher
was Peter Parker, a man who was highly respected
by all as much tor his manliness as for his supe-
riority in an intellectual way. When a young
man the monotony of farm life was broken for our
subject by trip- made to markets and null. For
the former he went to St. Louis and Alton and
carried his corn to Springfield to he ground.
October 15, 1849, Mr. Hoy- was united in mar-
riage with Sarah Hardy, a daughter of Thomas
Hardy, of whom a sketch may he found under that
Of William Hardy, in another part of this volume,
she was bom in Fairfield County. Ohio, and Octo-
ber 7. L827, wa- her natal day. After marriage
Mr. Boys purchased land which is now within the
limits of Shelbyville. Two years later he settled
where he now resides, having purchased there
eighty acres, and adding to it forty acre- of tim-
ber land. He i- now the owner of over eight hun-
dred acres of land, five hundred acre- of which is
in one body ami included in the farm whereon
he resides. All of Mr. Boys' land he ha- accumu-
la-ed by hi- own efforts. At the time of his mar-
riage he had only a horse and a cow with which
to set up housekeeping. His wife was the proud
owner of a lied, and with $10 they commenced the
serious business of lite together. Doubtless thej
were as happy, however, when with youth and
vigor they started out together with love and con-
fidence in each other's ability, as when years after,
they could count their dollars by the thousands.
Our subject has now retired from active agricul-
tural pursuits, renting his land and living the de-
646
PORTRAIT AND BIOURA1 IIICAL RECORD.
lightful life of a retired country "gentleman. 1I>'
and hi- wife are the parents of nine children, three
of whom died young. One, Alexander, died No-
vember 25, 1834, at the age of thirty years, leaving
a widow and four children. The five children
Mill living are: John YV., Mary J., James M., Thomas
II. and Charles F. Mary J. is tin wife of Robert
Weekly.
The breadth of platform of the Democratic party
is that which appeals most directly to Mr. Boys'
political intelligence, and with il he lias cast his
influence and vote for many years. He has held
the office of Road Commissioner and School Di-
rector, and although frequently having- been urged
to accept office, he fell that loyalty to his party
did not necessitate the relinquishing of his private
business for the duties of public office. lie has.
however, ever been held in high esteem by his
fellow- townsmen. His ability in a business wa\
has been seconded by a native good sense and
practical view of affairs that rarely allow- of a
mistake in judgment or action on his part. Mr.
and Mrs. Boys are members of the Methodist Kpi--
copal Church South, and our subject was one of the
largest contributors toward the erection of a church
near his home. Although having reached the age
when many people lose their sympathy with youth
and joyousness, and life seems but a threadbare
garment to he worn hut a short time, our subject
and his amiable wife have mellowed until the
kindly geniality of their natures lends a charm
that is fascinating to each day of the serenity of
their lives.
^
()1IN A. KERN, a prosperous tanner of
Moultrie County, resides on section 21,
Whitley Township. Hi- residence in this
county dale- from 1858, at which time his
advent here wa- made from Indiana, lie was
bora in Lawrence County, Ind.. November 14,
1836, and his parent- were Edward and Polly Ann
(Rice)Kern, natives of Gallatin County. Ivy. In
that county thev were married and about two
years after that important event in their lives they
removed to Lawrence County. Ind.. where they
settled on a farm. There they died, the father at
the age of fifty-five and the mother when sixty-
seven years old. They welcomed the coming of
eighl children to their home and fireside, Six of
whom lived to he grown.
The names of the children of whom our subjeel
is one. are respectively: Sophia. David S.,John A..
James B.. Susan E. and Newton .1. The survivors
of these have reached man's and woman'- estate
and have taken honorable positions in society.
Sophia married Anderson Boadinghamer and
resides in Lawrence. Ind.. on a part of the old
homestead. David S. died in February. 1858, at
Indianapolis, Ind. Susan E. i- the wife of Thomas
Ray and resides in Lawrence County, in her native
State. Newton J. lives on the old home-tend.
The subject of our -ketch was reared on the
home farm and received his education in the com-
mon school- of his district. He was a careful and
conscientious student and became well posted in
all the common branches of learning. In 1858 he
taught the -el 1 in his home district and n
afterward came to this state and was engaged in
teaching in this county in East Nelson Township.
While there he formed the acquaintance of Ann
E. Armentrout and in March. I860, she became his
wife. She was a daughter of Philip Armentrout
and was born in Whitley Township. August I.
1*12. After marriage Mr. Kern rented a tract of
laud which he operated for four years and in 1865
he purchased the land upon which heat present
resides, which was at the time entirely new. never
having been CUt by the plow. He i- now the
owner of two hundred and fifty acre- of land
upon which he ha- placed line improvements, hav-
ing a g 1 residence and commodious barns and
out-buildings.
Mr. Kern ha- been twice married. His lir-t wife
died March I. 1884, having been the mother of
eight children, six of whom survived her. They
are all progressive men and women who have ap-
preciated the advantages of education and in this
iv.-peei have made all efforts to obtain every ad-
vantage. Ollie.l. is Principal of a school at Cherry
Valley, this State: .lame- R, i- a farmer and resides
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
647
in Indiana: Minnie M.. who is a teacher by pro-
fession, is at present in Germany, where she has
gone to complete her education in Hanover, desir-
ing to uive her attention to the teaching of the
German language. Eunice P., who i> also a teacher,
lives at home, a> do her brothers John K. and
Charles.
On October 11. 1886, our subject was again mar-
ried, this union being with Mis- Laura Pedro, a
daughter of 15ayle>s Pedro, a resident of Shelby
County. By her Mr. Kern is the father of two
children, only one of whom, however, is living, a
son, whose name i- Vernon II. Politically our
subject i- a Republican, having joined forces with
that party on its formation and being loyal to it
in every respect He has been a member <>f the
School Hoard, in which capacity he has done etti-
cient work, being a broad, liberal-minded and pro-
_ ssive man in all his ideas, and especially con-
cerning education. He is a member of the Chris-
tian Church, while his wife belongs to the Baptist
(lunch.
m*-&m
OBERT A. PATTON. Postmaster at Prairie
Home, i- a prominent citizen of this village,
who is closely associated with the leading
^interests of this section of the county as a
general merchant and as the proprietor of a choice
farm. He is a native of Miftlin County, l'a. horn
November 12. 1842, the son of a prosperous far-
mer of that State. .Tames Patton. Hi> father was
horn in Cecil County, Md., while his father, who
bore the samenameas himself, was horn in ( ounty
Derry, Ireland, being a descendant of one of the
old Scotch families that iiad settled in that region
many years ago. He came to this country and
first located in Maryland, whence he removed after
awhile to Pennsylvania where In- died in 1840.
The father of our subject learned the trade of a
brick and stone mason in his youth, and engag
in thai in connection with farming. In 1843 he
bought the farm where his widow now resides in
Mifflin County. He (lied in August, 1891, a
seventy-five vears. Hi- good wife is living in a
cozy home surrounded with all the desirable com-
forts of life. They reared a family of seven chil-
dren to lives of nsefullK — . The maiden name of
the mother was Eiiza Lowrie, and she i> a native
■ ■' Mifflin ( ounty, l'a.. a daughter of William and
Polly Lowrie.
Robert Patton [Missed his boyhood in his native
county and was given excellent advantages to ob-
tain a sound education. He gained his first know-
ledge of books at home and in the local district
-el Land later in life became a student at the
Kjshacoquillas Seminary, where he pursued a
thorough course of study which gave him a g 1
equipment as a teacher. He entered the ranks of
that profession in 1861, and the ensuing twelve
years devoted the greater part of his time to that
vocation, and when not thus employed being en-
s' _• d at the trade of a bricklayer.
In 1870 our subject made a new departure, leav-
ing his native state to settle iu Illinois, and giving
his attention to farming in Hat Branch Town-hip.
where he bought forty acre- of land. He did not
wholly abandon his profession, however, but was a
part of the time employed in teaching as well as
in cultivating the soil. In 1*7.'5 he went to Mow-
eaqua, where he carried on the drug business until
1887, when he came to Prairie Home where he has
since conducted a general -tore. His establishment
is titled up in good style and i- amply stocked
with a large supply of all -oil- of merchandise that
are in demand in such a village, including dry-
g 1-. ! t-. -hoe-, crockery, glassware and gro-
ceries, ami the customers have a- varied a -election
a- can he found in the stores of many larger towns.
Besides his mercantile interests Mr. Patton has a
well-managed farm, advantageously located a quar-
ter of a mile from hi- Store, and upon it he and
his family have one of the pleasantest homes in
this vicinity.
Mr. Patton was first married November 12. 1867,
Mi— Sadie .1. Stine becoming his wife, she was
horn in Mifflin County, l'a.. and was a daughter of
Samuel and Elizabeth Stine. Their wedded life
was brought to an end by the death of Mrs. Patton
in March. 1882. She left live children. May. Cora.
Robert S., Lulu and Edith. The second marriage
of our subjeel which took place in November, 1882.
648
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was with Mrs. Minnie (Xims) Parker, a native of
Lake County and a daughter of Charles Xims.
Three children have been born of this marriage,
Willie R.. Grover Cleveland and Dada.
Mr. Patton is a man whose education, character
and business equipment have made him a decided
acquisition to the citizenship of this county, and
he stands well in its financial and social circles.
whence he accompanied his parents to Illinois in
L832.
Our subject grew to manhood upon hi> father's
farm in Christian County, and prior to his mar-
riage he entered eighty acres of Government land
in ( hristian County. On March 30, 1843, he was
united in marriage with Miss Catherine, daughter
of John and Elizabeth (Hanson) May, natives re-
in him the Democratic party of this section ha? spectively of Pennsylvania and Indiana. The May
one of its most sensible followers. In 1887 he was
appointed Postmaster at Prairie Home and no
Postofflce in the county is better managed than
the one under his charge. Religiously Mr. Patton
i> of the Presbyterian faith, and both he and his
wife are consistent members of the church of that
denomination in this village.
_=]
i+*
~S
1 JOHN SHARROCK. The life of Mr. Shar-
rock has been a busy one and his personal
effort- for advancement were begun at an
early age. I lis experience has been a some-
what checkered one. as continued success falls to
the lot of very few. but he has on the whole been
successful, and is now the owner of a good prop-
erty in Shelby County. Some years since he re-
tired from the more arduous duties of life, and is
now living in quiet and comfort in the village of
Tower Hill. He has the confidence of the com-
munity as a man of sterling integrity, and all his
acquaintances recognize the public spirit which he
considers the duty of every loyal citizen.
Everard Sharrock, father of our subject, was born
in New York City, and married Amy Stevens, a
native of Maryland. At a very early day he emi-
grated from Richland County. Ohio, to what i-
now Christian County. 111., and altera sojourn in
this Mate of fifteen years, removed to Dallas
County. Texas. There the faithful wife and de-
voted mother died in 1848. After that -ad event
the father went to Oregon, where he died in 1859.
They had a family of thirteen children, our subject
being the third. His birthplace was Marion County.
Ohio, and his natal day December 12. 1819. IIi>
early youth was passed in the Buckeye Mate.
family emigrated from Kentucky toShelby County.
111., about 1831, and the following year Mrs. May
passed from earth. Mr. May survived until 1849.
Mrs. Sharrock was among the younger members of
the family, which comprised ten children. Nhe
was horn in Floyd County, Ky.. February 10, 182.''.
and was at an early age deprived of a mother's
care, she grew to a noble woman] d. fitted to
aid her husband in all his labors.
Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
sharrock settled in Christian County upon the
farm which he had pre-empted. After sojourning
there three years they removed to Shelby County,
locating in Tower Hill Township, of which they
have -nice been resident-. Upon his arrival here
Mi . sharrock entered upon active labor upon a
farm, which he made his home until 1865. At that
time he retired from farming pursuits, and going
to the village of Tower Hill, engaged in mercantile
business until 1884. Having by his unceasing
labor and good management acquired a comforta-
ble competency for his declining years, he sold out
his interests and now in the declining years of his
life is resting from the arduous toil of his younger
years.
Mr. and Mr-. Shai'rock are the parents of eleven
children, namely: Am os .1.. Francis M.. John E..
Julia A.. Marquis L.. Amanda. Leniotia, .lame- II..
Lovina, Abraham I... and Charlie. Of these the
following are deceased: John E., Julia A.. Leniotia.
.lame- II.. and Charlie. Mr. sharrock has held the
office of Highway Commissioner for sixteen years,
and also served as School Director and Trustee.
At one time he received the nomination of County
Clerk on the Greenback ticket, hut declined to
run. Politically he i- an active Republican and
formerly took an active part in political affair-.
He and his estimable wife are active members of
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
619
the Fivo Methodist ( hurch, where In- has filled the
offices of Steward and Class-Leader. They have
been identified with the church and church work
fur nearly fifty years and he has served as Sunday-
school Superintendent.
While operating a.- a farmer Mr. Sharrock en-
gaged very largely iu stock-raising, lie now owns
eighty acres besides village property. In 1849 he
crossed tin- plains to California, driving an nx-
team tlie entile distance — over three thousand
miles from his home in Tower Hill Township. He
was absent fifteen months and returned via the
Isthmus. During the Civil "War he served eleven
months with efficiency in Company II. Ninth Illi-
nois Infantry, and took part in the battles of Ft.
Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, evacuation of Cor-
inth and Inka. He was discharged for disability.
His xins. Amos and Francis, served three and two
years respectively in Company C One Hundred
and Fifteenth Illinois Infantrv.
I I 1-^— T~»T-^
& I I ' r«^«— «— r«-
WILLIAM U. BIVINS, a representative of
ime nf the earliest pioneer families i'f
Shelby County, was for many year- identi-
fied with it- leading interests a- an agriculturist
and a- a merchant. He i- now living in honor-
able retirement from active business in one of the
many attractive homes of Shelbyville. where he
deservedly enjoys the confidence and esteem
accorded ti> a life spent in well-doing, lie «a-
l >< nil in Rutherford County-, Tenn., .March 15,
l*2t'>. Ili- father. Leonard Bivins, was a native
of Ninth Carolina, and was a son nf Fielder
Bivins, who is supposed to have spent his entire
life ill that Mate.
The father nf our subject passed his early life
in the Mate nf his nativity, and was there married,
taking Nancy Murdough a- his wife. She was
born in the north of Ireland June 15, 1795, and
was of Scotch ancestry. Shortly after marriage
the parents nf our subject removed to Tennessee,
nf which they thus became pioneers, and there the
father followed hi- trade as a carpenter in Ruther-
ford County. In 1829 he made another move, and
came to Illinois with a four-horse team, accom-
panied by his wife and four children, bringing
household goods, and camping by the way-side at
noon and nightfall. He located on the presenl
site nf Shelbyville, which was then lint a small
hamlet with only a few pioneer dwellings, and the
only communication with the outside world was
1m stage. The mail was received once each week,
and Joseph Oliver who was the Postmaster for
.-'■me time. Used to carry the letters in the emwn
nf his hat. The surrounding country was very
sparsely settled and deer, wild turkey-, wolves, and
other wild animals stil! remained in their old
haunts.
Mr. Bivins bought two or three lots mi the easl
-ide nf the street north nf the Court House and
built a comfortable home. lie carried cm a good
business in the village and in the surrounding
country as a contractor and builder until his
premature death in 1849 deprived the county nf
a g 1 citizen and a pioneer who had been very
useful iii promoting its growth. Hi- widow sur-
vived him many year- and finally died at a vener-
able aire in December 1872.
Our subject may lie said to have grown up with
this county where the nm-t of his life has been
passed, as he was only three years old when he was
brought here by his parents, and this section was
then also in it- infancy. His education was ob-
tained in the pioneer schools nf Shelbyville. The
first that he attended wa- taught in a log school
house with furniture nf home manufacture, the
-eat- Iteing made by splitting logs and hewing one
side smooth, inserting wooden pins for legs, and
they were without backs. At the age nf fifteen
William, who wa- an active enterprising lad. be-
gan In carry the mail. Martini; forth mi his jour-
neys early Monday morning he wouldgo to Deca-
tur and thence to Bloomington, arriving there Tues-
day night, starting on hi- return home Wednesday
morning. Arriving at Shelbyville Thursday night
early the next morning he would start in another
direction for Vandalia returning thence Saturday
night, these journeys being made mi horseback.
He was thus employed nearly two year-, and then
learning the trade nf a carpenter under his father's
instructions, In- carried on business with him
650
l'( >RTRA1T AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
until his marriage in 1848. The discovery of
gold in California led him to seek that El Dorado
with a party of friends, starting on that long jour-
ney with an ox-team in 1849. At that time there
was scarcely a white settler between the Missouri
River and California, except at Salt Lake: buffalo
were seen in great numbers, often large herds of
deer and antelopes were encountered, and the
howlings of the coyotes, or prairie wolves, often
disturbed the slumbers of the little parly. They
finally arrived at Sacramento safely in October.
Our subject went to the mines and was engaged in
digging gold until 1850. In October of that year
he gathered together his gains and started for
home, coming by the way of the Isthmus and
Havana to New Orleans, thence up the Mississippi
River to St. Louis and from there by stage through
Springfield to Shelbyville. After hi? return Mr.
Bivins invested some money in a fertile tract of
land one mile northwest of the city, which he im-
proved into a farm, making it his home until 1*72.
and at the same time working at his trade as a
builder. In the year mentioned he rented his
farm, and coming to Shelbyville, engaged in the
grocery business in company with ('. .1. Kurtz, con-
tinuing in that line until 1880. He then hail to
give up active business on account of failing
health, and has since lived retired in his pleasant
home in the west part of the city, in the enjoy-
ment of an income ample for all his want-.
Mr. Bivins has been twice married. His first
wife to whom lie waswedded in 1848, was Sarah 1".
Warren, a native of Windsor Township and a
daughter of the Hon. Peter and Elizabeth Warren
early pioneers of that place. Mrs. Bivins departed
this life March 7. I860, leaving behind her a
worthy record as a wife and mother. There are
three children living of that marriage: Josephine,
who married W. R. Austin and has four chil-
dren: Franklin P.. a physician who i- represented
in thi- volume: and Ella, who married the Rev.
W. R. Howard, a minister of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. Sarah Alice tin- second daughter of
our subject by his first marriage married C. .1.
Kurtz, and died in August 1890, leaving three
-on-. William C. a son of our subject by hi- first
wife, died at the aire of fourteen years, Mr. Bivins
%\ .- 1 - married a second time January 29, 1869, to
Martha .1. lirokaw. in whom he has found a good
wife Mrs. Bivins i- a native of Hamilton County.
Ohio, born near Glendale and she is a daughter of
Henry and Cordelia lirokaw. Her union with our
subject has been blessed to them by the birth of
two children. Charles II. and Harry L.
Mr. Bivins is a man of exemplary lialdt- and of
a sincere character who i- zealous in promoting the
religion- and moral interest- of the community
where he is held in high estimation by all who
are familiar witli his daily life and conduct. For
many year- he was a member of the Methodisl
Episcopal Church which he served long and faith-
fully a- Class-leader and steward. In 1886 he
served hi- connection with that denomination in
onler to join the Free Methodist Church which
was organized here largely through his instrument-
ality, he contributing liberally towards the erection
of it- bouse of worship. In hi- political senti-
ments Mr. Bivins was a Democrat until 18*1. hut
since that time he has been identified with the
Prohibitionists. He has borne an honorable part
in the management of public affairs and has served
a- Assessor and Collector.
EVI SEASS. The publishers of this volume
would fail in their purpose of recording
I \ the lives of those who have been useful
and are worthy of note, were they to omit men-
tion of the successful career of Mr. Seass. He i-
the owner of one of the licst farms in Moultrie
County, and was for several years engaged in the
agricultural implement business in Arthur, repre-
senting the Pitts Agricultural Company, of Buf-
falo. N. Y. He also engaged in the grain busi-
ness, and built a large elevator in Arthur. He
handled all kind.- of implements and farming ma-
chinery, and during the year- he was thus engaged
only added to the reputation which he had already
WOn — that of an honorable man. trustworthy in all
business relations.
The father of our subject, Jacob Seass, was a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
651
native of Pennsylvania, but has passed the
greater part of his life in Moultrie County. Here
he was married in October, 1843, to Miss Jane
Patterson, a native of Illinois, and an estimable
woman, who still survives. They had a family of
five children, who lived to maturity, our subject
being the eldest. He was born in Moultrie County,
111.. October 20, 1846, and was reared to manhood
upon his father's farm. His earliest recollections
are of the scene- of pioneer life, and he has been a
witness of the rapid growth of Illinois. During
his youth schools were few and far between, edu-
cational advantages proportionately limited, and
he had few opportunities t« > gain an education.
lie gleaned the rudiments of knowledge from the
old text-books then in vogue, and at an early ag<
acquired a love for learning which ha- induced
him to read the best of literature, and keep posted
upon all current events, until he has now that best
of educations — the one gained in the school of
which experience is the teacher.
With the exception of four years passed in Ar-
thur, our subject ha- -pent his entire life within
the limits of Jonathan Creek Township. He now-
own- rive hundred and thirty-six acres on sections
13, 14. 1.") and 'J-J. and is numbered among the
most successful agriculturists of the county. He
was married August I'n. 1867, in .Jonathan Creek
Township, to Miss. Elizabeth A. Powell. This es-
timable lady, who is the daughter of Nelson K.
and Klvira (Henry) Powell, was bora in Shelby
( .unity, this Mate. May 28, 1851. Mr-. Seass i- a
lady of culture and refinement, which is manifested
in her home and shown bj the circle of friend- she
has gathered around her. people of the highest
worth and intelligence.
The family of Mr. and Mr-. Seass comprises six
children, namely: Aurora I... Klvira .1.. Llewellyn
1).. Bertha E., Nellie C. and Waverly W. The
parents have given the children the best possible
educational advantages, and have endeavored in
every way to tit them for the duties of life await-
ing them. Mr. Sea— has served a- Supervisor of
Jonathan Creek Town-hip for two terms, and as
Township Treasurer one term, discharging the
duties of both position- in a manner creditable
alike to himself and his constituent-. He was ap-
pointed Census Enumerator in 1800. In the fall
Of that year he wa- a candidate for the legislature
on the Independent ticket, and polled a large VOte,
running ahead of his ticket.
Upright and honorable in all his dealings, the
course in life followed by Mr. Seass has been such
as to secure the confidence and warm friendship of
all with whom he is brought in contact. His deal-
ings are always marked with the strictest integrity
and fairness, and he has gained a competency
through hi- arduous and systematic exertions. He
is an honored citizen of this community, and it is
with pleasure that we present this brief -ketch of
his life to our reader-.
SAAC HUDSON, of the law firm of Spitler <v-
Hudson, and Master in Chancery, was born in
Moultrie County. [11., January 8, IStiT. and is
the son of .1. J. and Susan I Souther) Hudson. The
parent.-, who were natives respectively of Virginia
and Kentucky were quite young when they came
to Illinois and settled in what is now Moultrie
County. Jeremiah Souther, our subject's maternal
grandfather, secured some Government land in
Moultrie County, and after making extensive im-
provements and becoming the owner of about eight
hundred acres, died in March. 1889, at the age of
eighty-seven year-. He wa- a man of great influ-
ence ni hi- community, and hi- death, which oc-
curred in Shelby County, was widely mourned. He
was twice married and hi- second wife, who still
survives, makes her home on the farm in Shelby
County.
The father of our subject wa- born in April, is in.
ami accompanied Mr. Souther to Illinois in the
early '30s. lie immediately set to work to gain a
livelihood and so successful was he in his efforts
that at the time of his death. January 3, IS?."), he
was the owner of about one thousand acre- of
splendid land. Hi- property was in Sullivan Town-
ship, Moultrie County, where he spent his active
life. Politically he was a Democrat, and religiously
a member of the Christian Church. He was evera
liberal contributor to charitable purpose- and no
6.52
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
man worthy of his confidence was ever unkindly
turned away when lie sought a favor at the hands
of J. J. Hudson.
The wife of J. •). Hudson was the daughter of his
benefactor with whom he had come to Illinois and
afterward resided. This most estimable woman
passed from the busy scenes of earth May 15, 1*74.
at the age of forty-six years, having been horn in
182«. In her early girlhood she had united with
the Christian Church and in that faith she died.
For some years before her demise she had been an
an invalid and passed away, the victim of con-
sumption. A good and noble woman, and a true
helpmate, she was mourned not only by those
nearest to her. but by the neighbors and friends
who still hold her memory dear. She was the
mother of eleven children, six of whom died
young. Laura died March 30, 1891, the wife of
.T. II. Michael; Barbara is the wife of Isaac Horn,
a well-to-do farmer and stock-raiser of this county;
Jerry chose as his wife Addie Wheeler and is a suc-
cessful farmer and stock-raiser of Lovington Town-
ship; Sarah became the wife of Samuel Elder, a
prominent farmer of Sullivan Township.
Under careful influences at home our subject was
reared and the good common-school education
which he obtained from the home schools was sup-
plemented by a thorough course in the Christian
College at Eureka, this State, an institution of
prominence and influence. In 1888 he began the
study of law with his present partner and after a
thorough course of reading he was admitted to
practice at the liar of Illinois. He was appointed
Master in Chancery in December, 1HKK. and tills
the office to the general satisfaction. He owns a
tine property divided into three good farms and
aggregating three hundred and twenty acres. He
also has invested some in city property in Sullivan
and possessing good judgment, will undoubtedly
attain prominence in political and public affairs in
the State. His political convictions are strongly
with the Republican party, and he is ever inter-
ested in matters of public interest and is wide-
awake to the progress of the town.
Mr. Hudson was married September 9, 1891 to
Miss Kate Evans of Sullivan who is also proud to
claim Moultrie County as her birthplace. Mrs.
Hudson is the daughter of Benjamin Evans, de-
ceased, and possesses the nobility of mind and
geniality of disposition which wins her friends
wherever she may be. The citizens of the com-
munity, who are proud of the acquaintance of her-
self and Mr. Hudson, wish them every bappiness
in the union upon which they have recently en-
tered.
EORGE SCHOCH. It is with pleasure that
__ we incorporate in this Record a brief ac-
count of the life of this respected citizen
of Tower Hill Township. Shelby County. He has
borne a worthy part in the agricultural work of
the county, and in that of social and benevolent
circles, and to every position he has brought the
energy and earnestness which are his chief char-
acteristics. As a farmer, he uses excellent judg-
ment in the preparation of the soil for ciops. in the
character of the produce raised, and reaps a cor-
responding harvest. Buildings suited to the vari-
ous needs of the family and farm economy have
been erected and everywhere the indications are of
peace and plenty. The estate is pleasantly located
on section 4 and comprises one hundred and
twenty acres.
Mr. Schoch is one of our German- American citi-
zens, who have aided so materially in the develop-
ment of our country. He was born in YVurteiu-
berg, Germany, October 9, 1840, and grew to
manhood in his native land. In the excellent pub-
lic schools of tin' Fatherland he gleaned a good
education and at the same time assisted his father
in the farm work, for which he had a natural apti-
tude. His parents were Leonard ami Magdelena
(Knodler) Schoch. who passed their entire lives in
Germany. George Schoch, the subject of this bio-
graphical notice, remained in Germany until he
was about twenty-four years old. anil in September,
1865, took passage for America.
Lauding in New York Mr. Schoch proceeded di-
rectly to Shelbyville, this county, where for about
three years he worked out on a farm. He then
PORTRAIT AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
653
rented land for about three years, and by careful
hoarding of his hard earned money he was enabled
in ls71 to purchase a tract of forty acres in Tower
Hill Township. He afterward added to the acreage
a- suited 1 1 i — convenience ami now owns one hun-
dred and twenty acres, nearly all of which i- in
cultivation, lie erected a commodious residence
mi his farm, and in various ways embellished his
property. Possessing good judgment and untir-
ing energy he naturally ranks among the foremost
farmers of the community.
When prepared to establish domestic ties of his
own, Mr.Schoch was married in Tower Hill Town-
ship, to Man Weidle, who was born in Ohio April
8, 1852. Unto them were born six children, namely:
Charlie F.. Lizzie 11.. Rickey K.. Minnie A.. Will-
iam G. and Emma C. Mrs. Schoch is the daughter
of Frederick and Rickey ( Reossler) Weidle. natives
of Wurtem berg, Germany, who came to America
in 1852 and settled in Preble County, Ohio. In
L857 they came to Illinois settling in Rural Town-
ship, Shelby County, where Mr. Weidle died in
1859. Our subject and his wife are both faithful
members of the Lutheran Church, and are noted fi ir
their benevolent and kindly dispositions. Politi-
cally, Mr. Schoch is a Democrat, but has never
sought office, preferring domestic i|uiet to the tur-
moil attached to a public career.
*>^<§
©be-
*7T BRAM L. KELLAR, M. 1). The good
<■/ - 1 old doctor of pioneer day- won hi- wa\
/ • into the good graces of every family in
Qj all the region round about, for his sturdy
but kindly character won the hearts of the mothers
and children and his judgment and skill compelled
the respect of the hard-working pioneer men. It
i- possible that the position of a doctor who has
long held sway in a community embodies an ideal
life as far as influence and standing go. Such a
life has been that of the well-known doctor and
old settler whose home has been in this countj
most of the time since 1832 and who-.- name ap-
pears at the head of this paragraph.
Dr. Kellar was graduated from the medical de-
partment of the university at Louisville, Ky.. and
began active practice in 1852 at Decatur, bul four
Veal's later made Sullivan his permanent home,
with the exception of the decade 1865—1875,
which he spent at Shelhyville. He is a physician
of the regular school and ha- been one of the lead-
ing men of the county since hi- settlement here.
His parents were pioneer- in Macon County when
he was a little hoy at a time when thai county ivn-
all an unbroken wilderness.
The Doctor was horn in Oldham County. Ky.,
December 16, 1827, and i> the youngest member of
lii- father's family. His father Abraham H. Kellar.
was a native of Tennessee and a son of William
Kellar. a Pennsylvanian by birth who grew up
among the Dutch farmers and when he had leached
manh 1 removed to Tennessee and then- married
Miss Rebecca Netherton, who came of a prominent
family in that region. After their marriage and
the birth of some of their children William Kellar
and wife removed to Oldham County. Ivy., and
there became pioneer-, for they made their loca-
tion in that State in the last decade of the eigh-
teenth century. In that county they spent the
remainder of their days living to an extreme old
age. Mrs. Kellar especially, as she died at the age
of ninety-four. Her husband had been a preacher
in the old school Baptist Church for year- and for
generations the family adhered to that church in
religion and to the Democratic party in politic-.
Abraham II. Kellar. who came with his parents
when three years old to Oldham County, Ky.. was
there married to Nancy .1. Hitt. who was horn in
the Mine Grass regions of Fayette County, Ky.
This couple with their children emigrated in 1832
to what is now Moultrie County, 111., locating near
the present site of the village of l.ovington. al-
though there was not then a town in the county
and only five families within it- present limit.
They came with wagon-, ox-tea m- and a horse and
camped out upon the way. passing through a
sparsely settled country.
The parents took (iovernmeut land and here
began life in Illinois about the time that the In-
dian- left this region. The county was thickly
inhabited by wild game and last but not Least, as
the Doctor savs. there were then great numbers of
654
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
rattlesnakes upon the prairies, lit- at nut.- time
killed one hundred and thirty-two sizable snakes in
breaking ten acres of land. Before the death of
A brain 11. Kellar, which occurred when he was
sixty-five years old, he had secured a comfortable
home and life hail grown easier for the farming
community. His widow returned to Kentucky and
her days ended under the roof of her daughter,
Mrs. Paulina Hike- mar Louisville, Ky., after she
had reached the age of four-score years and four.
.Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Kellar were formerly
Baptists, but in 1828 they joined the Reformation
and became active members of the Christian
Church in whose communion they continued
through life. Mr. Kellar was familiarly knownfor
many years as "Hickory" Kellar on account of his
Jacksonian faith which was Democracy of the
deepest dye. The two brothers of our subject are
II. V. Kellar, a Christian minister at Effingham,
111., and Joel II.. who lives in Scotland County.
Mo. The sisters who are living are Elizabeth,
wife of Albert (1. Snyder of Elk County. Kan.,
and Paulina, wife of Edward J. Hikes living near
Louisville.
The subject of our sketch was married in Decatur
to Miss .lane E. Cantrill. daughter of William and
Elizabeth (Hall) Cantrill, natives of Kentucky,
whose daughter was horn in Illinois. They resided
in this State until death and passed away at the
ages of eighty-one and fifty-eight years respect-
ively, being much mourned and deeply respected
for their true Christian faith. Mrs. Kellar is the
mother of five children, viz: Charles II.. who married
Sarah Dilsaver,and is a painter by trade in Beatrice.
Ncli.: Addie is the wife of Dr. J. W. Goodwin,
City Treasurer of Pomona. Cal.: Edgar II.. married
Lyda Stewart and is a minister in the Christian
Church in St. Louis. Mo.; Lizzie M. and N. Pearl
reside at home and are receiving at the hands of
their parents a liberal education.
The Doctor and his wife are prominent mem-
bers of the Christian Church and the ability, in-
telligence and zeal of this gentleman has fitted
him to do excellent work in the church and he fre-
quently tills the pulpit with profit, and acceptably.
He is known as a fluent speaker and a natural ora-
tor and has a reputation as a logician, and he is
frequently called upon to make speeches on vari-
ous subjects and is never at a loss for f orcible
thought and expression. He was formerly an ac-
tive worker in the Democratic party but is now
alive to the interests of prohibition and votes to
pu1 down the saloon, lie i- a member of Blue
Lodge No. 7fH of the Masonic order, and for four
years was Master Mason in the old lodge before the
re-organization. He is a man of somewhat portly
figure, striking appearance and has an excellent
voice which -land- him in good stead in his public
addresses.
2*$*.$**!"!* *ST; S§i *!*-}* *■!*•*• -
HILIP ROESSLER. The readers of this
volume will be interested to pursue still
farther the history of the Roessler family,
one of the most prominent and respected
circles of Rose Township. Shelby County. The
representative whose name we give here is one of
the most thorough-going fanners ami intelligent
and representative citizens of his section of the
county. His parents are spoken of moreat length
in the history of his brother, Edward Roessler.
six children gathered about the parental fireside
and among these our subject was the youngest son
and next to the youngest child. He was born in
Fairliehl County, Ohio, near Lancaster, July 7.
1837. Here he spent hi- boyhood days and came
with his father to shelly County in 1849, growing
to maturity in Pose Township. He remained at
home until he was married, and then settled upon
the old home farm where he ha- since resided. His
bride was Sarah E. Barringer, who was born in
Montgomery County, 111., in ls:!7. Their wedding
took place in Pose Township, in October, I860.
Tliis wife bore him two children, Stephen A. and
Mary s.. the daughter dying when fifteen years
old. and the mother being called away in October,
1864.
Tlie second marriage of our subjecttook place in
Rose Township, Februarj 22. 1870, his wife being
Mary E. Gearhart, who was born in Pennsylvania.
She became the mother of four children: Theodore
.!.. Arthur II.. Nellie M. and Emma F. Mrs. Man
PORTRAIT AND l'.K )( IRAl'lIK AL RECORD.
655
V.. Roessler died in September, 1878. Hi- third wife
was Florence M. Gearhart, who died in June, 1880.
The lad\ who now presides so graciously aver the
household of Mr. Roessler, bore the maiden name
of Mary M. Kull and was born in Shelby County.
Five children have crowned this union, munch :
Ralph K.. Luther M., Charles A., [ra 1'. and Will-
iam ( ).
Agricultural pursuits have always claimed the
attention of Mr. Roessler and he i- uow the owner
of two hundred acres of rich ami fertilesoil which
bears upon it excellent improvements, and com-
fortable and commodious buildings. Hi- neighbors
have placed him in several offices of responsibility
and trust. IK' has been Collector for four terms,
Assessor for one term ami School Director for
several years, lie lias taken quite an active part
in political affairs, is in sympathy with the Labor
Union movement ami a member of the Farmers'
Mutual Benefit Association. His religious training
ami associations have led him to unite himself
with (he Lutheran Church in which his wife is also
an active member. lie has contributed liberally both
to tin' support and building of the church, and i-
:i man of broad intelligence and one of the efficient
promoters of all movements designed to forward
the best interest- of tlie community. His g 1
wife bears a high reputation for housewifely skill
and management and her hospitality and geniality
make her a decided favorite in the social circle- of
Rose Township.
V
♦5S*=*
3-SS-
/ACOB N. JONES, who is the head of the
linn of .lone- ami Son-, merchants in Wind-
sor, Shelby County, this state, was born in
Muskingum County, Ohio. March 27. L828.
lie was reared on a farm where he remained until
seventeen years of age, at which time he left home
and started out to make a fortune for himself.
When he was but three years of age his father re-
moved to Clermont County. Ohio, and there they
lived until our subject left the home roof. With the
sanguineness of youth he felt that the world lay be-
fore him lo conquer a- he would, anil he was eager
lo try hi- Strength with its difficulties and hard-
ships.
On leaving home, he wenl to Cincinnati, Ohio,
and learned to make counter scales. He served a
Short apprenticeship to this business and then
worked at it for about two yeai'-. and for some
time after he was engaged in daguerreotyping,
and in 1 s."i4. came to stark County, this State, and
at once launched into farming on his own account.
This he continued for ten years being successful in
his chosen calling. In the latter part of 1863, how-
ever, he removed to Moultrie County, this State,
and purchased a farm which hewas engaged in im-
proving for a period of less than one year. He
then removed to Windsor and was employed as
clerk in a store. From that time he launched into
mercantile business for himself, and since then lie
has been in partnership with different persons. In
1X81 he founded his present partnership, by admit-
ting his son, Wilbur 11. into the business, and in
1890, his son Jacob was added to the firm. The\
carry on an extensive business both in the town
and in the neighboring agricultural region.
Mr. .lone- was married in Clermont County, < Miio.
to Mary Myser, who was also a native of the
county in which -he was married. Their marriage
wa- celebrated June 1. 1857, and Mr-, .lone- died
October 1. 1887. They were the parents of five
children whose names areas follow-: Wilbur II..
Susan B., Willie. Jacob ami Frank. The young
men are all ambitious and energetic, and their en-
trance into their father's business has been to the
advantage both of themselves and the firm.
Our subject is a Democrat in his political prefer-
ence. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and ha- tilled the office of Trus-
tee for some time. Mr. Jones is the owner of con-
siderable property in various parts of the county.
He Owns one hundred and -event \ -two acre- of
land in Windsor Township, and valuable property
in the village of Windsor. Our subject's father
wa- John C. Jones, who was born in Jefferson
( iiimtv. Ohio, llis mother's maiden name was Isa-
bella Williams, a native of Washington County,
Pa., and was born near Brownsville, she died in
Stark County, III., when about sixtv-three years of
656
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
age. Her husband passed away in Windsor, 111., at
the advanced age of eighty-five years. They were
the parents of twelve children, seven sons and live
daughters. Of these our subject was the second in
order of birth.
The young men who have been taken into part-
nership with their father, have made homes Cor
themselves. Wilbur 11. lias placed over his domes-
tie life. Miss Mollie Moberly. They were married
October 19, 1881, and have a pleasant home in the
village. Jacob married Mis> Caddie Russel, and
makes a model husband. Our subject is a thor-
ough business man. and his credit has never been
impaired by carelessness or misjudgment. He has
a good store with a carefully and well selected
stoek of goods. Their residence is a comfortable
and commodious place, not too good for the en-
joyment of everything in and around it. by the
members of the family.
I1ILIP A. MAUTZ. One of the German-
American citizens in Tower Hill Town-
ship who emigrated to America that, under
the star-spangled banner, he might reap
the benefits to be derived from an unlimited free-
dom, is the gentleman who resides on the farm
which he has made conspicuous for its nicety of
cultivation, on section 6. of Tower Hill Township.
On coming to the United States, he proceeded at
once to Shelby County, this State, where he arriv-
ed October 13. 1856.
Philip Mautz is a son of George G. and Mar-
garet C. (Anger) Mautz. Our subject was born in
Wurtemberg, Germany. September 27. 1850. In
1856. the family emigrated to the United states
and soon settled m Shelby County. They remov-
ed, however, to Ridge Township, where the father
died June 8. 1856. at the age of forty years. The
mother is still living and resides with our subject,
having attained the threescore years and ten allot-
ted in Scripture. She is the mother of eight child-
ren born, with the exception of one child, in the
Fatherland. Of the eight children above men-
tioned, only three lived to years of maturity. They
are Elizabeth C, Barbara M. and our subject. Eliz-
abeth is the wife of Jacob Galster, of Rural Town-
ship. Barbara married Jacob Doll, and resides in
Tower Hill; our subject is the only living son.
lli> education was acquired for the most part in
the United States, having here attended the dis-
trict schools. With his mother he removed to the
place where they now live in September. 1866. at
which time his mother purchased ninety-four acres
of new prairie land, which our subject has impro-
ved and of which he has made a most desirable
home. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres
of land in Dallas County. Mo.
February 14. 1 s 7 .s . he of whom we write, invited
to be mistress of his home .Mary S. ('. Luepke. She
was a daughter of Charles and Dora Luepke. She
was born in Prussia and came to the United States
with her parents when but seven years old. Mr.
and Mrs. Mautz are members of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church. Our subject gives special atten-
tion to the breeding of line Clydesdale horses, and
is the owner of the well known stallion. " Colonel
Mills." No. 1057. also "Heirloom"' No. 8691, regis-
tered in Vol. 13, of the Clydesdale Stud Book of
Great Britain and Ireland, No. 6021 of the Amer-
ican Clydesdale Stud Book.
*4*
— "N*
,jEUBEN TERRY. Prominent in agricult-
ural and church circles is the family repre-
sented by our subject, who resides on sec-
tion 22, Okaw Township, Shelby County.
He was born in Bourbon County. Ky., December
10, 1832, being a son' of Reuben and Elizabeth
(Dazey) Terry, who in 1833 when this son was in
his early infancy came to Illinois and settled in
( )kaw Township.
Reuben Terry. Sr.. made his first home in Illinois
for a short time with his father-in-law Lemuel
Dazey and somewhat later made a settlement on the
section which is now the family home, and where
he resided until his death which occurred April 2.
1881. He was bereaved of his beloved and faith-
ful companion September 5, 1851. She had been
the mother of eleven children, two of whom died
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAJ RECORD.
65 1
in infancy and nine grew to the age of maturity.
They were as follows: Mary, now Mrs. Allen
Francisco, of Oka a Township; John, who died in
Mississippi while traveling for his health; Sarah,
\vln> married Alfred Doddy and died in Okaw
Township; Vincent, deceased; Reuben, our subject;
Lemuel, deceased; Elizabeth, the wife of John A.
Eearman; William, who died at the age of sixteen
years and George, who livesin Shelbyville. Their
mother was an earnest member of the Christian
Church and gave to all her children a thorough
training in the doctrines and duties of religion.
()ur subject, who is the oldest of the living mem-
bers of his father's family, was reared upon the
farm and attended the pioneer schools which were
held in the old log cabins, ventilated l>\ large fire
places and furnished with rough hewn seats and
benches. In August, 1854, he was married to
Martha K. Shanks, daughter of -1(11111 K. and Mild-
red (Johnson) Shanks. This lady was bom in
Okaw Township, May '!■>. 1837, and was of South-
ern parentage, her father being a native of Del-
aware and her mother of Virginia.
Mr. and Mre. Shanks were married in Kentucky
in 1831, and came to Illinois about 1835. [nearly
life he had been a shoemaker, but after coming to
Okaw Township, he pursued farming as his life
work. He was called from earth, July 20, 1855,
luit his bereaved widow survived until the fall of
1H77. Of their six children, Mary Ann married
Jacob Jackson and died near Jefferson ( ity, Mo..
wlile removing to Kansas. Elizabeth .1. married
Smith I!. Chapman and resides in Okaw Town-
ship. Martha K. is the wife of Mr. Terry. John
F. resides in Okaw Township; Lucy C. married D.
D. Anders and has been for mail) years a will-
ow of the Civil War. resident in Shelbyville; Da-
vid 11.. who wa- a member of the Seventh Ill-
inois Cavalry was killed near Nashville. Decemlier
1."). 1864.
After marriage Mr. Terry purchased forty acres
of line land from his father, upon which he began
the independent life of a farmer which he lias pur-
sued to the present day. He now owns one hun-
dred and forty acres, on which he has erected good
buildings, lie and his worthy wife have reared a
family of five children: Mary E., wife of Lawson
Hendricks; John VV., George R., Ella A., wife of
William Price; Sue .1.. wife of .1. i;. Warthman.
During the war Mr. Terry was a I'nion man and
in 1860 he cast hi- ballot for Stephen A. Douglas.
He is now independent in hi- political views and
ha- served a- Supervisor, Justice of the Peace and
Road Commissioner. W'iin his excellent wife he
i- a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
■yWyh^J p .. w pJb
> I I l I
■^ HARLES SHUMAN. Sullivan. Moultrie
County, is happy in having among its list
of citizens a number of nun who are deeply
interested in educational affairs, and sufficiently
capable of being intelligent guides of its public
schools. Among such we count Mr. shuinan. a
practical and successful farmer living in Sullivan,
and managing a farm upon sections 7 and 18. East
Nelson Township. He then1 has a splendid prop-
erty of four hundred and forty-two acres, which is
well stocked, and most of it handsomely improved.
IK- is a thrifty and practical farmer and stock-
raiser and handles line breeds of stock.
Besides his agricultural pursuits lie has been for
some live years associated with the Sullivan Pro-
gress as he removed to Sullivau from East Nelson
Town-hip several year- ago. He was elected in
1 ss-j by the Democracy of the county to the office
of County Clerk, which position he filled with
much satisfaction for eighl years, hi- second term
closing in 1890. lor a number of vears he wa- a
member of the Board of Supervisors while living
in East Nel-on. and has been in the county -ince
1861. He was educated for a teacher al Lebanon.
111., where he wa- graduated at Mclvendree College
in the Class of '72. and afterward taught ill St.
Clair County for some four winter-. He had been
a student in the city school- of Shelbyville before
entering college. He began to teach in the public-
schools in 1872, and then engaged in farming for
a number of years. Mr. Shuman was born in Phil-
adelphia, Pa,, February 21, 1843, his father. Charles
G. Shuman. having come to thel'uited States from
Germany when a young man. and having learned
there the trade of a shoemaker. In that city he
(158
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
married his wife, Mary Eberhart, who was also a
native of Germany, and who bad com,- to this
country when young. After the birth of two chil-
dren this worthy couple removed to Louisville,
Ivy., and there the father started a shop and con-
ducted a prosperous business until 1847, when he
removed with his wife and family to Edgar County,
111., and there built up a trade at Dudley. In that
village Charles G. Shuman passed away in 1*77.
having reached the limits of three-score years and
ten. He was a Lutheran in religion and a Demo-
crat in politics. In his religious principles his wife
sympathized must cordially, and she is -till con-
nected with the Lutheran Church, and i- living in
Edgar County, at a ripe old age.
Five sons and two daughters of this family are
now living and are self-sustaining. He of whom
we write was married in East Nelson Township, to
Mi-s Mary McPheeters, who was born in Fayette
County. Ivy.. January 25, 1848. "-heir a daughter
of Maj. Addison McPheeters, for whose Culler his-
tory our reader is referred to the biography of Mr.
A. W. McPheeters. Mrs. Shuman wasquite young
when her parents came to Illinois, and here she re-
ceived her education and made her home until
marriage. She is now the mother of four children,
all of whom arc still under the parental roof except
one son. who lias passed to the better world. Those
who are at home are Bertha, Bliss and Irving. Mrs.
Shuman is an earnest and active member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where the entire
family attend service. Mr. Shuman is prominently
identified with the Blue Lodge of Masons, No. 7i>4
of Sullivan, and is at present the Treasurer of the
lodge. He is a great lover of education and one
of the most useful members of the School Board.
•^1
H
m\
' GORGE A. DURKEE. The original of our
G sketch is a worthy representative of an old
and well-known family of the New Eng-
land States. From them he has inherited a strong
mentality, which has been intelligently directed
and he is now recognized as being one of the
intellectual, broad thinking men of this section.
His superior mental caliber is recognized by his
town-men. and he has been appointed to some
positions of honor and trust. Several times he
has been sent as a Republican delegate to the
state Conventions and is the proud possessor of a
souvenir of one of these missions, in the shape of
a gavel made out of a rail which Abraham Lincoln
hewed out with Ids own hand-. This he received
a- (. hairman of the County Central Committee.
George A. Durkee is a grandson of Dr. John
Durkee, a native of Vermont, who came of Ameri-
can parentage, although very likely of French ex-
traction. He studied to become a physician and
followed his profession for many years, although
he was at the same time proprietor of a large farm
which he continued to manage until the end of his
life.
He married his wife in Vermont. The lady's
maiden name was Corinna Winters, she was horn
and reared in the Green Mountain state, and
after the birth of their first -on. David, who was
the father of our subject, Dr. Durkee and wife
removed to the Genesee Valley, New York,
when that section was new. After ten or twelve
year-, the family continued Westward and settled
in Indiana, in the same year in which the State
was admitted to the Union, 1816. They settled in
Vigo County, near Terre Haute. The country was
quite wild at the time. They had proceeded thither
down the Ohio and up the Wabash Rivers, in an
i'ld style keel boat. The State was just beginning
to be settled when they came. They procured a
tract of Government land upon which they began
to make a home. It was there that David F. was
married to Ereelove Frink. about 1820. The lady
was bora and reared in New York, and wa- a
young woman when she came West with some of
her neighbors.
After the marriage of David F. and his young
wife, they began life as farmers near Terre Haute,
and there our subject was born April 1. 1823. In
the spring of 1*27). David F.. wife and children
moved to Tippecanoe County, Ind., and there
secured a tract of Government land, upon which
they made many improvements, and they secured
a comfortable home. Dr. John Durkee and wife
had also gone to that country, and there they
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
659
(Hod. the Doctor aged sixty-three. His wife sur-
\ ived him for some years and passed away :it four-
score years. They were members and adherents of
the Presbyterian Church and were well known and
highly respected pioneers of Indiana.
In 1848, David F. Durkee, wife and children,
emigrated to this State, making the journey by the
overland route and bringing their worldly posses-
sions with them by teams. They made a settle-
ment on good land in Pickaway Township, Shelby
County, and here they made a home and some
progress toward improving the farm. They later
retired to Shelbyville, and there David F. died
December 28, 1871, being then seventy years of
age. 1 1 i> wife died at the home of her daughter in
Wells County, this Mate- in 1881. she was born
in 1798, and was a member of the Presbyterian
Church. Mr. Durkee was an old line Whig in
politics and an active local politician, though not
an office seeker.
Our subject is the eldest of a family of eight
children, three of whom are yet living. A brother
James is a hanker in Eureka, Kan., and a sister,
who is now Mrs. William Tackit, of whom a bio-
graphical sketch may be found in another part of
this volume. He of whom we write became of
age in Tippecanoe County, lie remained with his
father until his marriage, working in hi> mill and
factoiy. lie married Miss Salome Ellis, their
nuptial- being celebrated .March .">. 1846. The lady
was born in Ohio, near Dayton, August 7. 1826.
she was quite young when her parents, .lame- 1'.
and Elizabeth (Swyhart) Ellis made a settlement
in Tippecanoe County. Ind. There her ther
died in middle life. Later Mr. Klli< removed to
Illinois, and died at the age of eighty years, in
Iroquois County. He and his wife were pioneers
in Indiana. Mr. Ellis was brought up under the
Quaker persuasion, but in later years neglected to
follow the customs of that church. Mrs. Durkee
was one of a large family, being chiefly reared in
Tippecanoe ( ounty. For many years she has Keen
a true and loving wife to her husband, ever study-
ing his interests, and presiding over his home with
grace and dignity, she has been his intelligent
helpmate in securing and improving the three
hundred and forty acres, which their fine farm
comprises. Our subjeel secured his first one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land from the Govern-
ment. He lias improved the whole of what he
now owns.
Mrs. Durkee has presented her husband with -ix
children, two Of whom were taken away while
babes. The living children are Walter B., Fannie,
.lame- Edward, besides one daughter who died in
1881. Walter took to wife Bell Kelley, and is a
farmer in Holland Township. Fannie is the wife
of Albert White and lives in Shelbyville. .lames
Edward lives on a farm in thi- town-hip and made
.lennie French, hi- wife. The daughter who died
was the wife of S. A. Martin, and passed away in
her thirty-first year. Mr. and Sirs. Durkee are
kind and hospitable people and have a hosl of
friend- in this county. Mr. Durkee is one of the
Leading Republicans of the country, but not an
office seeker. lie is an ex-President of the Agri-
cultural Society of the county, having occupied
this position for a great many years. He has been
Vice President and Director from the second year
of it- organization.
EDWARD LEWIS SHEPHERD i- a resident
of Sullivan. Moultrie County, being for
many years a merchant and saloonist on
Main street. He came here first in 1861, and be-
gan first asa restaurant keeper, merging this estab-
lishment finally into a general -tore until 1871,
when he opened a bar on the west side of the square
where he has been engaged for several years. lie
ha- been a very careful man in his business. He
allows no game of chance to goon within the walls
of his house, and no loafing or carousing and keeps
strictly within the bounds of the law.
Mr. shenherd was born in Scott County. Ivy.,
August 11. 1832. His father. William Shepherd,
wa- a native of Virginia, ami the grandfather a
Frenchman, who .lied in the Old Dominion. In
that State William Shepherd grew to manhood and
took part a- a private soldier in the War of 1812.
After seeing much hard lighting in thatconflict, he
(">(•»( I
■OKTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
came to Woodford County, Ky., and was there
united in marriage with Evaline Ball, a native of
Virginia, who came to Kentucky before her mar-
riage. William Shepherd and his wife lived in
Kentucky until their children had all grown to ma-
turity, and in 1854 they came a- a family to Sulli-
van, and here the father died March 15, 1871, hav-
ing reached the age of seventy-six years. His wife
survived him. but passed away April 29, 1875.
They were members of the Christian Church, ami
in politics Mr. William Shepherd was formerly a
Whig, and later a Democrat.
Our subject was the third child and second son
in a family of five children. The two daughters
are deceased, viz: Ann. formerly the wife of S. 1*.
Alexander: and Belle who passed away in infancy :
John B. took t"> wife Sarah Haydon, and now lives
in Texarkana, Ark.: and M. T., a banker who re-
sides in Lovington. this enmity. His wife bore the
maiden name of Jenny Mullikin. Oursubjecl was
married in Franklin County. Ky., to Miss Ann M.
Hawkins, who was born in Kentucky in 1842, on
June 30, and died in Sullivan, December 16, 1889,
her death being caused l>\ a cancer, she was a
woman of kin illy impulses and had a host of friends
among the good women of Sullivan, and was an
earnest member of the Baptist Church, she was
tin mother <>t' one child, Laura B., who died in
early childhood, in 1864. .Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd
have been foster parents to two children, Maggie,
who 1- now married to Walter Craig and lives in
Sullivan, and Etta, the wife of George B. Bohling,
who i- a jeweler in Versailles. Morgan County, Mo.
—J-
w^ -
oP^
M. HOUSH, living on a beautiful farm of
one hundred -ix acres on section 1, Flat
Branch Township, Shelbj County,isone of
the thrifty and prominent general farm-
ers and breeders of stock of this township. The
property of which he is the happy possessor, was
accumulated by his own efforts and industry. He
has greatl' beautified the place by keeping il in
perfect order and erecting thereon an attractive
home and a tine and niodernlv constructed barn,
with other outbuildings that he-peak the care and
attention bestowed by the owner.
Our subject began his successful financial career
in 1*74. since which time he has accomplished all
that so evidently marks him to be a man with
practical ideas of agriculture. He has not only im-
proved his plaee and erected the buildings thereon,
bul has also freed il from debt and stocked it with
fine grades of horses, sheep, swine and cattle. Vet
young, his energy and ambition destine him to be
a rich man and a prominent figure in his commu-
nity.
The original of our sketch has spent his entire
life in this county, with the exception of four veal's
during which he was in the Golden state, and on
the shores of the Pacific Ocean, lie was not, how-
ever, engaged there as a miner, although he was an
eager searcher for the precious metal bearing the
Government stamp, and this he acquired by hon-
est labor, being variously engaged, but spending
th<- greater part of his time in teaming, which com-
manded at that time, the best price-. He went
Wesl in the fall id' 1869, and returned four years
later: his journey out was made by the overland
route, and while the privations and discomfort of
traveling' in that way. were many, it offered unsur-
passed opportunity of seeing the country and ob-
serving its various feature.-.
Mr. tlousli was born May 25, 1849, on the farm
which he now owns, and near where his own
house now stands. As he grew up he early
learned the necessity of hard labor, and realized the
truth in the expression, the "survival of the lil-
tesl " and thu- determined to show himself a- Strong
as am in the struggle for a livelihood. A- soon
:i- In- developed into manhood he began to better
his condition. He i- the second -on of John and
Elizabeth (Armstrong) Housh, the former having
died near Hastings. Neb., iii 1888, at the age of
seventy-four year-. He was a native of Virginia,
and came to Illinois while young, being then a sin-
gle man. He first located in Shelby County, and
was "He of the early settlers in Flat Branch Town-
ship, helping with the general improvements at the
same lime, making a good farm and home for him-
self, and wa- fairly successful in his career. His
wife was a native of tin- Mate, having been born
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
K61
in Madison County, although reared from child-
hood in Shelby County, near Pickaway Township.
She is yet living and owns a neat little farm of her
own on section 1. Flat Branch Township, and al
the aire of sixty-seven, her faculties are undimned,
and she is as bright and energetic as ever, she is
now recognized a> the oldest settler of Pickaway
Township now living, she has a large circle of
friends who are the comfort and pleasure she prom-
ises her declining years. For many year- she has
been a prominent member of the < >ld School Bap-
tist Church.
Oursubject was married in 1*71 to Miss Rebecca
Lord, who was born in Macon County, 111., in 1857.
There she was reared to womanhood. She was a
daughter of Andrew andMary Lord, both -till liv-
ing and prominent farmer- of Macon County. ( >f
the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Housh.
one. the first born, died young. The little one had
been christened Nora N. The living children are:
Lottie N., Gid., Nellie. Karl. Luella and Jessie. All
of the children live at home, and are at the same
time the joy and care of their devoted parents.
A. LINVILL. In these days of evolution
in every branch of industry it seems that
every man who has any originality is in
himself a centrifugal force, attracting to
himself new idea.- and methods thai go to make the
system of his small work and interests complete.
While we know more of the world at large than
evei before, in our specialties we are all specialists
and egotists. Mr. Linvill. who devotes himself to
the work of preparing Hour for the use and con-
sumption of mankind, is a specialist in his branch
and bends every energy and power to bringing t<>
hi- work ail improvements and advantages that can
give him the best results. lie is the proprietor of
the New Era Roller Process Mills, in Windsor, this
State, and under his able management the mills
turn out an immense quantity of the farinaceous
product.
He of whom we write was horn in Fayette ( < unity.
Ind. March 17. 1837. He was reared On a farm until
he attained hi- nineteenth year; at that time he made
his first journey out into the world and went into the
eastern part of Kansas where he took upsomeland
claim- and dealt in stock to some extent. The
young man remained in the then perfectly new
state for two year-, during which he had many
exciting and strange adventures. However, at the
end of that time he came to Moultrie County, this
stale, and purchased a farm in Whitley Township,
where he settled and remained for >ix or seven
months, being there engaged in farming. He came
from this farm to Windsor and engaged in the drug
business with Dr. C. II. Brunk, the firm name under
which they conducted their business, being Brunk
it Linvill. They continued this partnership for a
period of about ten or twelve years, and then our
subject sold out his interest ami confined his
attention to the operating of his farm and dealing
in stock, lie bought the flouring mill of which he
is proprietor in May. 1890. It has a capacity for
turning out fifty barrels of Hour daily.
The original of our sketch while in Moultrie
County, took upon himself the duties ami obli-
gations of marital life. In October 30, I860, he
was married to Miss Mary . I. Reed, who was born
in Shelby County. 111. Three bright children have
come to gladden their home and brighten, by their
intelligence and beautiful merriment, the daily
lives of our subject and his amiable wife. Their
name- are Elizabeth J., John F. and Mary B. Mrs.
Linvill is a charming, matronly little woman and
is devoted to her children, although one of the
favorites in Windsor society, her home is the first
and most important object in her estimation.
Oursubject own- three hundred and forty -.-ix
acre- of land which is located partially in Shelby
County a id partially in Moultrie County. This is
well cultivated and highly productive and yields
a handsome income to it- owner. Mr. Linvill i- a
member of the Democratic party. He was elected
under his party as first Collector of Whitley Town-
ship, which was also the firsl Town-hip Collector
in that county. Both our subject and his wife are
member.- and attendant- of the Christian Church
of which Mr. Linvill is Deacon.
The parents of him of whom we write were John
and Elizaheth (Donelson) Linvill. The former was
662
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
probably a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of
Virginia. They were, however, both reared in
Kentucky, near Lexington, where they were married
and lirst settled. From there they removed to
Fayette County, hid., where they spent the re-
mainder of their lives. Our subject's father was
at one time a Methodist preacher but about 1*43
lie espoused the doctrines of the Christian Church,
and died in that faith. They were the parents of
eleven children, of whom our subject was the tenth.
Mr. Linvill is a public spirited man. whose
generous impulses are governed by a firm and steady
intelligence. He and his wife aie associated with
the best people of the place.
~S
;^«-
e_
&~
MOM AS T. TOWNLEY. Men of strict in-
//j~n tegrity, whose lives arc governed by pru-
dence and principle, are the real backbone
of any community. The reliance which their fel-
low-men are able to place upon them strengthens
every commercial transaction and reinforces that
confidence in human nature which is the prime cs-
santial in all dealings between man anil man. This
necessary help in the upbuilding of a community
is given by such men as Mr. Townley, an old set-
tler of East Nelson Township, whose active life has
brought him into relations with many of the men
in Moultrie County, and whose public-spirited
cour-e has ever co in mended him to those who have
had dealings with him.
Our subject is of English parentage, his lather.
William, having been born in Manchester and his
mother. Sarah (Acton) Townley. being also a native
of England. They were married August :!. 181.5.
The\ were both born ill Manchester. This worthy
and intelligent family came to America about the
year IN27. although the father had come to this
country one year previous, lie was a machinist
and found employment in the manufacture of cot-
ton thread at, Manayunk, and located his family
in that city some eight miles from the city
of Philadelphia. He remained there for about
eight years, after which lie took charge of a
machine -hop on Brandy wine Creek for about
a year and later of another shop on the Schuylkill
liner. His work while in the vicinity of Philadel-
phia was in the line of making machinery for these
different factories, lie had built a factory in Eng-
land, on German Street. Manchester, for a man
named Duck.
About the year L837, one year after the close of
the Black Hawk War. the father of our subject
came to Illinois and secured one hundred and sixty
acres of tine land in Shelby County and in the fall
of that year he brought his family on from the
East and settled down upon his land and devoted
himself entirely to agricultural pursuits. After-
ward he added to it by purchase till he had six
hundred acres. Both he and his good wife
finally passed away in Shelby County. She died
April 12, 1853, and he May 28, I860. They had
six living children, of whom Thomas T. was the
eldest.
Manchester. England, Thomas Street, was the
native home of Thomas Townley. and .Inly 2.S-
1X1(1, was the date of his birth. He came to Amer-
ica with his father's family, and remaining with
them, did not come West until the fall of 1837-
His marriage took place June 12. 1839, in what is
now Hickory Township, and his bride, who was
known in her maidenhood as Emily D. Apple, was
born in Philadelphia. They settled in Whitley
Township and there established a happy home.
This wife became the mother of two children, who
lived to years of maturity, namely: Thomas W. and
Francis, but she herself passed away, leaving her
husband and children to mourn her loss. Her
death occurred February 26, 1850.
The second marriage of Mr. Townley took place
March 1 1. 1851, in Edgar County. Ilk. and he was
then united with a lady of unusual amiability and
character, who was known in her maidenhood aS
Mary Barnes and was born in Ohio February .">,
1828. She brought to the arduous and onerous
duties of her position all the powers of her tine
character and warm-hearted devotion, and was suc-
cessful in the training, not only of her three chil-
dren— George, Lucy and Josie — but of the two
whom she found in her husband's home.
When Mr. Townley removed from Whitley
Township he came to East Nelson Township and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
663
settled upon section ■'>•">. where he has since been a
resident. lTpon his splendid farm of five hundred
acres he has erected good buildings, which are an
ornament to the township. In his encumbent "I
the office of Highway Commissioner he has greatly
benefited the traveling community. He has a
-'»'il blacksmith shop upon his farm, which he uses
to advantage, as hi' has worked at that business for
some thirty years, in connection with his farm.
REV. NATHANIEL CORLEY, i- an old
settler and prominent farmer of Pickaway
Township, who has ever been known for
bis good words and works among the people.
Hi- is a resident on section 34, where he has one
hundred and sixty acres, lessoneacre given by him
for the use of the Separate Baptist Church, lie
procured this land from the Government in 1847,
and has ever since owned the place and lias put it
in its present well cultivated and productive condi-
dition. It i- a well caved fur place, every particu-
lar being kept up in the best of order, lie secured
the land on a land warrant issued to him by the
(iovernment for service- rendered in the Mexican
War. in which he had enlisted when nineteen
years of age, in the year 1846, joining the Third
Illinois Regiment, Col. Forman and (apt. Free-
man, of Company B, commanding.
Mr. Corley went with his regiment to Mexico as
Sergeant and after serving for about seven months
was discharged on account of disability, having
contracted illness during his service. lie was in
no active engagements, hut saw much of the
treachery and vindictiveness of the Mexicans. On
his return home, and when he recovered bis
health he located his warrant on the land which he
now owns and ha- ever since made it his home,
his grant being admitted during President Polk's
administration.
Our subject was born on Robinson (reek. Ridge
Township, this county, June 13, 1*27. His
father was Bryant Corley, a native of Virginia,
and of Scotch-Irish parentage and ancestry, lie
wa- only two years old when hi- parent-. Jonathan
( . and Delilah (Smith) Corley came to Kentucky.
and eighteen years of age when hi- parents ami
family proceeded to Illinois and made settlement
ou Robinson ( reek. There thej began life in the
early '2<is and were the first pioneers of the
county and"for many years were in a sparsely settled
country. At the time of their advent here, the
Indians were their most frequent visitors and wild
game was to he procured in abundance. Jonathan
( . and his wife after some year- improved a farm
in Culd Spring Township, this county, and there
died. Mi". Corley being a victim to paralysis and
passing away at the age of seventy-eight, October
3, 1861. lie had been a very strong and rugged
man. ami was noted for hi- wonderful strength and
enduring capacity. His wife -was, at the time of
her death in 1848, three-score and ten years of age.
'They belonged to the Methodist Church, when the
primitive followers of Wesley believed it wrong to
wear a ribbon or flower, or to beautify in any way,
the exterior person.
Bryant Corley was one of ijuite a large family,
the children being thirteen in number. All lived
to be married and have families, but at the present
time only six of the family survive, and they are
all quite advanced in year.-. Byrant Corley. soon
after reaching manhood, married Elizabeth Lee. a
native of Kentucky, and a daughter of John and
Sarah (Hill) Lee. both native- of this country. but
of German ancestry. 'The lady's family came to
Illinois in 1818, and settled on Robinson (reck.
Shelbv County, a short time later, and like the
Robinsons and Corleys. were among the earliest
settlers in the county, and there John Lee and his
wife spent the remainder of their lives, with the
exception of the last few months, which they
passed in Texas, where they died. Mr. Lee had
served for three months in the War of 1812.
After the marriage of our subject's parents they
purchased a raw prairie farm and there lived for
some time. Later they secured another farm, and
improved it afterward moving to Rose Township,
where they settled in a comfortable home, and
there died. The father passed away -human 13,
1X74. He was born December 8, 1805. Hi- wife
died some years later at tin' home of her son, our
664
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
subject, her decease occurring March 3, 1881. She
and her husband were four years identified with
the Methodist Church.
Our subject was the first born of ten children,
six sons and four daughters. Four of the children
are yet living, two sons and two daughters, and
all are married. Our subject acquired his educa-
tion in the primitive log school house, but is an
intelligent and well informed man. lie was mar-
ried in Ridge Township, this county, in 1847. to
Miss Chloe Casey. She was born and reared on the
farm in Ridge Township, where she celebrated her
marriage and was the youngest daughter, of Levi
Casey, a well-known pioneer and frontiersman of
this county, where he lived and died. Mrs. Corley
was well reared by good parents. She is the sister
of Judge John Casey, a prominent man in his
county and State in the early days. Mrs. Corley
was an earnest Christian and a kind neighbor and
loving wife. She died at, her home in this town-
ship April 19, 1862. She was a member of the
United Brethren Church. She bore her husband
two children, namely: Levi B. and Bryant The
former took as wife Catherine Maltox. They live
on the farm owned by our subject and operate the
same. Bryant took as wife Nancy Brinker. They
also live on the home farm. The old house is full
of the merry voices of children who make the rooms
re-echo with their gay laughter and merry play.
Levi has four children who are Addie. the wife of
Rich R. Bryant, who resides in Cold Spring Town-
ship, this county, Chloe, Mary J. and Emma M.
Bryant's children are Mary F., Naomi. Lydia E.,
Nelson 0.,Ettir M. and Edith N.
After the death of his first wife, our subject was
a second time married to Miss Rebecca R. Whitten.
Their marriage was solemnized January 15, 1863.
The lady was born in Kentucky. October 23. 1828,
and is a daughter of Josiah and Sarah (Rector)
Whitten, natives of South Carolina and Virginia,
respectively, although married in Tennessee, and
after a short residence in Kentucky emigrating to
Illinois in 1846, where they settled in Montgom-
ery County, and here lived, passing away at the
ages of ninety-four and eighty-two, respectively.
They were farmers and members of the Baptist
Church. Mis. Corlev was twenty years old when
her parents came to Illinois, and she lived in
Montgomery County until her marriage- Both
she and her husband are active members of the
Baptist Church in which body Mr. Corley has
been ordained a preacher and in which capacity he
lias served for twenty-four years. Ins ordination
taking place in the month when he was forty years
old. The Elders officiating were Revs. Willis
Whitfield. Francis anil Randolph. George W.
Carter and John Turner. lie has been in active
service in the church ever since, until within four
years. During that time he has done much travel-
ling through the State and has been a faithful and
devoted worker.
^o^c*!
Ps^£^
So
OHN W. HOMRIGHOUS. The original of
this sketch is a farmer residing on section
30, of Prairie Township. He settled in
Shelly County in the fall of 1860, and is
now numbered among the large and prominent
agriculturists of Shelby County. He was born in
Fairfield Countw.Iune 1."). 1834. and is a son of
John and Magdeleine (Wagner) Ilomrighous, for
whose further biography see sketch of Frvin
Ilomrighous. Our subject was educated in the
common schools of the district in which he lived.
When a boy he worked with his father, who was a
cabinet maker, and thus learned the use of tools,
and to handle them with delicate nicety. At the
age of seventeen he worked on the farm owned by
his father, residing at home meantime.
December 31, 1857, our subject was married to
Mary Ann Reber. a daughter of Thomas Reber and
Rachael (Allen) Reber. for whose further history
see sketch of John Reber. Mrs. Ilomrighous was
born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 7. 1836,
In 186(1, our subject and family removed to Shelby
County, and in the spring of 1861 settled on the
farm where he now resides, having purchased three
hundred and twenty acres of land which at the
time bore but little improvement. He has since
pursued fanning and has become the owner of nine
hundred and sixty acres of land, eighty acres of
which he has given his son.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
665
( >ur subject and his wife are the parents of eight
children. They are Charles, Rachel. Reber, Jennie,
Carrie, Hattie, Luc}' and Clay. Of these the eldest
daughter is tin- wife of Doris Miller. Jennie is the
wife of Robert Cecil.
Our subject formerly was an advocate of Demo-
cratic policy and principles, but he has now trans-
ferred his allegiance to the independent party. He
ha- been the incumbent of several offices in the
township, having Keen Supervisor, Road Commis-
sioner and Township Treasurer. Mr. and Mrs.
Homrigbous are members of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, of which our subject has been ( lass-
Leader for a long time. He of whom we write is
a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Associa-
tion. His pecuniary success has been attained
largely by dealing in stock and also in raising the
same. He is a breeder of Norman horses, finding
a ready market for the same in the metropolitan
cities. He also has a large number of Short-horn
cattle of the finest breeding. The family residence
is a brick house, commodious and comfortable, and
bearing evidence of taste and culture in its exter-
nal appearance and inner arrangement. Mrs.
Homrighous is a lady of unusual attainments, and
is tin' personification of amiability and kind-
heartedness. Many valuable improvements have
been made on the place.
+€{.
AMES H. .JONES. It has often been ob
served that while our foreign-born residents
do not always readily ace nodate them-
selves to the genius of our country, thai
their descendants in the immediately following
generation possess peculiar qualities of intellect and
executive ability, which bring them into prominent
places in our American civilization. It seems that
the vigor acquired during many generations of
quiet, settled life in the Old World, stimulated by
the unprecedented activity of the American atmos-
phere and institutions, produced si valuable re-
sults. The subject of our sketch, who resides in
Lowe Township. Moultrie County, has this peculiar
advantage, as his father. William Jones, was a
native of Wales, while he was horn and reared in
this country.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Martha Keyes and was a native of Virginia, al-
though she was living in Highland County, Ohio,
when she met and married William Jones. They
spent together more than a golden half-century in
wedded life, most of this time being passed in Fair-
field County, whence they removed in their later
years to Attica, Seneca County. Ohio. Eleven
children Messed this happy union, five sons and si \
daughters, and our subject was the youngest son
and ninth child, being horn in Madison Township.
Fairfield County, Ohio. December .">, 1836.
.lames 11. .loncs spent his early years much after
the fashion of that day with farmer boys and re-
ceived the best education which the advantages of
the neighborhood afforded. His father owned and
managed a small farm, although he was also a Pres-
byterian minister. His son grew to manhood in
Fairfield County and remained there until the fall
of 1856, when he decided to seek the Prairie State
and came to Coles County, where he resided about
a year and then returned to his old home in Ohio.
One year later he returned to Coles County and
was living there when the war broke out, and with
him as with thousands of young men. this import-
ant epoch in our country's history changed the
whole current of his life.
It seemed the most natural thing in the world to
this young man. who had thoroughly enjoyed the
blessings of freedom ami who had been trained in
a patriotic love for his country's flag and honor,
that he should spring to defend that flag when re-
bellious hands had trailed it in the dust, and in
August, 1 862, he enlisted in Company A. Eighty-
eighth Illinois Infantry, and served until June '.*.
1865, when lie was mustered out of the service.
His record in the army is one of participation in
numerous conflicts and weary marches and he saw
the smoke of battle at Perryville. Ky., Stone River.
Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge,
Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain. Peach Tree Creek and
at Atlanta, besides others of less note. His army
experience is a part of his life of which he has just
reason to lie proud and he cherishes the memory of
666
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
those days with ardor and enthusiasm. He is prom-
inently identified with Post No. 1114, G. A. R., at
Arthur.
When "the piping times of peace" returned this
young man came again to Coles County and re-
sided there for some two years, but in the spring
of ]Xi\X removed to Moultrie County and made his
home on section 5, Lowe Township, where he has
since heen so useful and prominent a citizen. He
had learned the carpenter's trade in Ohio when a
young man and followed it in connection with
farming for some time after coming to Moultrie
County. Of late years he has given np his trade
and devoted his attention entirely to farming, hav-
ing the management of his farm, a tract of eighty
acres.
Previous to the war .Mr. Jones had been married to
Miss Mary Ann Miller, who was born near Colum-
bus, Ohio. January 27. 1H42. Their wedding oc-
curred in Moultrie County. May It, 1859, and to
them were granted eight children. Their first-
born, who bore the name of the martyred Presi-
dent, Lincoln, died in infancy and the following
remained to them: Charles W., John N., Lucy C.j
James E., Sherman, Frank and Ida M. The mother
of these sons and daughters died in Lowe Town-
ship, February 7. 1880.
The present Mrs. Jones, who is an earnest and
active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and a woman of sterling character and high intel-
ligence, became the wife of our subject in Moultrie
County, June 15, 1884. being at the time of her
marriage to this gentleman the widow of Mr. John
Rigg. Her maiden name was Diantha Brabham,
being a daughter of John P. Brabham, whose bio-
graphical sketch will be found elsewhere in this
Record. By hei (irsl marriage she became the
mother of four children: A'esta J., Norton M.. Ar-
thur and one who died in infancy. She was horn
in Washington County, Ohio, March 13, 1842, and
has made her home through life in Ohio and Illi-
nois.
The high intelligence and genuine interest which
Mr. Jones takes in matters of public importance
have secured to him the confidence and esteem of
the residents of this township and he has occupied
ihe position of Supervisor of Lowe Township, first
by appointment and afterward by election, for
more than two terms. He has also served two
terms as Township Assessor, and his twelve
years of service as Highway Commissioner and
School Director have been years of progress in the
direction of education and convenience to the
traveling public. lie is well read on political
themes and takes his stand witli the Republican
party, being active in its support and having great
faith in its possibilities.
r-i-^-' — .-*^-_^t?Jmi
} 1 ' I I I ' I
/^ECIL J. RAWLINOS is a general farmer
and the owner of a fine tract of land com-
prising one hundred acres on section 27, of
Pickaway Township. Shelby County. His place is
highly improved and every aid that science has
brought to bear upon agriculture, has been made
to favor the improvement of his property. He has
erected a good class of buildings upon his place,
the most important and central being his residence,
which is attractive from without and comfortable
and convenient within. Prior to his becoming
proprietor of this farm he was engaged in farming
in this county, in which work he has been devoted
since his majority.
Our subject came to Pickaway Township with
his parents in 1865. His advent here was made
from Maryland, where he was horn in Cecil County
March II, 1853. His father was John Rawlings. a
native of Maryland, who came of Scotch-Irish an-
cestry, and a cousin on the maternal side, to
George B. McClellan. his mother having heen an
aunt to the honorable gentleman. John Rawlings
lost his father when very young and was reared by
his mother until he became of age. About that
time he learned the wagon-maker's trade, but as
the work did not agree with him physically he left
it to become clerk in a store, in which position he
continued for a time, after which he went to
Guernsey County, Ohio, lie there lived until 1865
when he removed with his family to this State,
purchasing a large farm in Ridge Township upon
which he made some improvements. Later, in 1883,
he (•.•ime to Pickaway Township and secured one
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
667
hundred and sixty acres on section 34, and tlu-ii-
made valuable improvements, purchasing other
land and owning in this county not far from seven
hundred acres. He made and improved his prop-
erty entirely by his own efforts, being :i prac-
tical and thrifty farmer, and was so fortunate as to
make the proper investments such a time as to re-
turn large profits t" himself. He died at hi- home
in tlii— township, September 29, 1887, being then
past sixty-nine years of age.
Our subject i- the eldest of -ix children yet liv-
ing— two children having passed away. lie of
whom we write acquired a practical education in
the common schools of the district. He had the
advantages <>t' a beautiful home life and an exam-
ple in both parents of uprightness, honor and in-
tegrity, and an ideal being constantly before him
of gentleness and patience, which are the leading
characteristics that the sect to which his father be-
longed endeavor to cultivate. He became of age
in Ridge Township, and there married his wife
in April, liSTs. Her maiden name was Amelia T.
Robinson. She was horn in Kentucky. February
8, 1856. She came to this State and located in Shelby
( ounty, when hut a girl, in 1867, coming hither
with her parents, .lames .1. and Margaret (Gaines)
Robinson, who are now successful fanners in Todd
Point Township, this county. Mis. Rawlingsisof
good family having been reared nn i-t tenderly. She
ha- taken advantage of every opportunity to add
to her native attractions by making the most of all
educational opportunities, and is the possessor of
many accomplishments. I'm- sonic seven years he-
fore her marriage she was engaged a- a teacher,
and a- teachers generally do. -he makes a delight-
ful home for her husband.
Mrs. Rawlings is the mother of five children.
Two of these are deceased, namely: Mabel M. who
was ten years of age at the time of her death, and
Loren who was hut live months old when called
away. The living children are Adrian C, Zena B.
and Ethel S. Our subject is a member of the Pres-
byterian Church. His wife belongs to the Christian
Chinch, and although by force of habit and edu-
cation they go their different ways in church mat-
ter-, they are one in their Christian life, striving
to do unto others as they would he done by. A-
wa- hi- father before him. Mr. Rawlings is a Demo-
crat, believing those principles to.be the one- mosl
favoring freedom in the sense that a- a Republic,
we desire.
LLEK (LORE. A man who has taken an
active part in the upbuilding of his town-
ship and has given to it an example in the
way of patient industry, speculative inves-
tigation, and great attention to the minutia of
agricultural work. Mr. Clore, of whom here we
shall attempt to give a sketch, has well earned the
rest from active labor that he now enjoys. He
now from the richness of his own experience, can
advise and instruct the young men who are coming
up and following in his footsteps, and while they,
in the light of new and practical sciences applied
to the common act of fanning, can give him many
ne« lines of thought, he, in return can pass opinion
upon the feasibility of their investigations in the
lighl of actual experience. .
Mr. (lore is one of the oldest settlers in Moultrie
County, and his friend- hope for him still many
years of agreeable existence, and as he belongs to a
long lived family, doubtless their wish will he
gratified. His parents were Benjamin and Ann
(Christopher) Glore, both of whom were uativesof
Virginia. There they were married and removed
to Kentucky at a very early day, settling in what
\\a- then Jefferson County, hut since divided, and
that part of the county in which they lived is now
called Oldham County. There both parents died,
the father being ninety-four year- of age, and the
mother about eighty. They had eleven children.
all of whom lived to he grown. Our subject was
one of the youngest members of the Hock and he
was horn in what is now Oldham County. Ky.
November 27, 1810, so that the patriarchal snows
may now lie seen upon his reverend and venerable
head.
Oui subject was reared on a farm in his native
county and there he grew to manhood and con-
tinued to live until he came to this countv and
668
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
state in 18:53. and settled on section 28, of Lov-
ington Township, a short distance west from where
the village of Lovingfcon now stands, and covering
a portion of the presenl site of the town, he having
sold four acres of his (arm for the use of the village.
Thus he has lived to see spring up around him,
families and children's families, with the newcomers
t lint are inevitably attracted to a place with a
vigorous growth, and one having such local ad-
vantages as has Lo\ ington.
Just previous to coming to this State, the original
of our sketch was married in Oldham County. K\\,
July 28. 1833, to one of the Kentucky women who
are so notable for beauty and housewifely skill.
The lady's name was Ann E. Hardin. Her parents
were Jonathan and Lucy (Wilhoite) Harden. Their
decease occured in her native county and State and
at an advanced age. Mrs. Clore's natal day was
October 2d, 1813. A little brood of children soon
gathered around the family hearth and board. They
were seven in number and were by name. Lucy A.,
John II.. William S., Mary E., James W., ZacharyT.
and Susan E. The eldest daughter became the wife
of Stanton Adkins, while the eldest son is engaged in
farming in Missouri. William S. wasa soldier in the
One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illinois Regiment
and died at Pine Bluff, October 20, 1864, while in
the discharge of his duty: .Mary E. married Jacob
Jones; James W. is a farmer in Moultrie ( ounty ;
Zachary T. resides in Lovington, and for a further
history of his life see sketch in another part of this
volume; Susan E. became the wife of Sis>el Boggs
and died in Bement, 111.; her death was the result
of burns. While sweeping, her dress caught lire
and. running across the street before help could be
brought, she was so severely burned that she died
from the effects. February, 1872.
Mrs. Ann E. Clore. our subject's wife died March
8. 1877. She was an admirable Christian character,
performing her duties about the domestic realm so
conscientiously and sweetly, never impatient or
fretful, that her example in itself did much to con-
vince a careless person of the beauty of Christian
life. A tender, loving wife, a devoted mother and
a good neighbor, her ear was ever ready and her
heart sympathetic to the troubles or interests of
others. She wasa devoted member of (he Christian
Church and had been so since fifteen years of age.
During the war. Mr. (lore was President of the
liiion League in Moultrie County, and he is proud
of the fact that since the organization of the lie-
publican party, he has been one of its most loyal
and stanch supporters. In his church relation, he
lias been a member and communicant of the
Christian Church since he was twenty-three years
old. Personally, in his younger days our subject
was a man of great physical strength, and of well
proportioned, though Herculean mold. When but
fourteen years of age he gathered twenty-two
barrels of apples in a single day. jumping from the
outreaching branches of one tree to those of an-
other; the trunks of the trees were forty feet apart.
When sixteen years old. he was able to stand
in a half bushel basket and shoulder three bushels
of wheal, and when thirteen years old he made
a lull hand in the harvest field for eleven days. In
these days, few men outside of trained athletes,
could perform such feats. Mr. ( lore's experience
has not been devoid of adventure and incident,
although he has devoted his life to the peaceful
pursuit of bucolic labor. The romance and tragedy,
however, that is nearest and dearest to him. is not
the subject for general reading, nor for prying
eyes to look into. Every man has his secrets that
go down into the grave with him. and that are only
read in the bright white light of the other world.
AMES W. SANDERS, M. I). The young
physician whose early success it is our pleas-
ure here to chronicle, is a native of this
State, and as such he should receive the en-
couragement and recognition that his ability and
standing in the profession merits. He was born in
Pawnee. Sangamon County, this State. February
21. 1864. and up to the age of eighteen was reared
on a farm, lie early felt a sympathy with nature
and the botany of the woods and meadows became
familiar to him. and in his studies later his knowl-
edge of simples was of great advantage to him. In
selecting a field for the exercise of his professional
skill, he felt that a young man could not find a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
669
better location than the thriving young town of
Windsor and here he settled, and is already highly
regarded among the medical profession.
In his boyhood, our subject attended the com-
mon schools, pursuing his course there until eigh-
teen years of age. lie then entered the Normal
school at Valparaiso where he remained about six
months and then entered the Central Normal Col-
lege at Danville. Ind.. after which lie returned
home and engaged in teaching for one and a half
years. It is said that a teacher always learns more
than his best pupils and doubtless Dr. Sanders
found Ihe discipline to he of value and in teach-
ing his pupils to lie diligent in study and obedi-
ent, the lesson was impressed upon his own mind
that self-control is of all qualities the most desira-
ble to a professional man.
In the fall of 1886, the original of our sketch
entered the Chicago Medical College, pursuing his
course there with great credit to himself. His life
also in the great metropolis, was an education to
the young man in itself, and he found many op-
portunities of widening his intellectual horizon
outside of lectures and clinics. lie graduated in
1889 with much honor to himself and the piece of
parchment that he at that time received, bearing
the signature of gome of the finest physicians in
the West, who attested that his course had been
pursued with credit to himself, is a precious testi-
monial to him of hours spent in preparing for the
profession which was his choice. At once after
graduating he began practice at Windsor, where he
is so fortunate as already to have gained a tine
patronage. He stands as one of the best physicians
in the city.
We feel that too much credit cannot be ac-
corded to the man or woman who has had the grit
and stamina not only to be unabashed by the diffi-
culties of a chosen course, but also to work their
way. sweeping aside any obstacle that may inter-
vene between them and their purpose. It redounds
greatly to the credit of our subject, that at every
spare moment and during vacations, he was work-
ing in order to gain a permanent foothold as a stu-
dent, and this he accomplished by getting a posi-
tion with the Chicago Hansom Cab Company. To
him belongs the credit and honor of having organ -
I
ized the Chicago .Medical Nurse Bureau, which is
composed of senior students of the Chicago Medi-
cal College. This also was of great help to him in
a financial way.
Our subject was married near Paris. Edgar
County, this State. March 1 1. 1886, to Miss Ida M.
Zink. who is a native of Edgar County. 111. One
little boy has come to brighten his parents' path-
way, and is the pet and pride of both father and
mother. Our subject's father was Robert E. San-
ders, and his mother was Elizabeth (Bridges)
Sanders. The latter passed away in 1865 in Paw-
nee Township. Sangamon County. The father still
survives and is a resident of Pawnee Township.
Doubtless Dr. Sanders' success in Windsor, as a
professional man. is owing, to a large extent, to
the personal favor in which he is with the people.
He is an energetic, ambitious man, and the progress
of his profession will never leave him in the rear.
He has a pleasant home, which i.- presided over
by his estimable wife.
,/^ LIVER L. KENDALL, who is connected with
. the farming interests of Todd's Point To wn-
ship, is a veteran of the late war. in which,
as a loyal and efficient soldier, he won a record of
which he may well be proud. Tippecanoe County.
Ind.. is the place of his birth, and November 2,
1834. the date thereof His. father, Joseph Kendall,
was born in Massachusetts, and went from there to
Kentucky. He lived in the wilds of that State for
some time, and then removed to Darke County,
( Ihio.whence he went in 1825 to Tippecanoe County.
Ind.. and was one of the first settlers of Tippecanoe
Township. He bought a tract of Government land
in that locality on the east bank of the Tippecanoe
River, and in the log house that he built by Ihe
side of that stream his son. of whom we now write,
was horn. He split clapboards for the roof and
puncheon for the floor, and made it. in fact, a typ-
ical pioneer dwelling. Forsome time the country
roundabout was but sparsely settled, and deer
roamed at will through the forests and across the
670
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
clearings thai the pioneers had made. There were
mi railwaj'S, and for years Michigan City and Chi-
cago Wert- the nearest markets I'm' grain.
The father cleared a part of his land.but hi- work
of improvement was closed by his death in 1838.
The maiden name of hi- second wife, mother of
our subject, was Nancy Nunn, ami she was a na-
tive uf South Carolina. She married a second
time, becoming the wife- of .Martin Hermann, and
lie died in ism; in Tippecanoe (ounty. at a ven-
erable age.
Oliver Kendall attended the pioneer schools uf
Tippeconoe County, which were taught on the sub-
scription plan, each family paying according to
the number of scholars sent. The school-house was
a primitive concern, built of logs, furnished with
slab benches that were without backs or desks
and were supported by wooden pins; and the
school room was 'lighted by taking out a section of
a log and placing greased paper over the hole thus
made. Our subject resided with his mother until
lie was fifteen years old. and then began the strug-
gle for an independent existence with no other
capital than strong muscles, a stout heart, and will-
ing hands. At first he worked out by the month
for $6 a month, lie lived in Tippecanoe County
until the fall 01 1860, when he came to Illinois and
rented a farm in Macon ( i unity, four mile- south
of Decatur.
The war broke out and found him busy man-
aging his farming interests, which he abandoned
in the fall of that year to defense of the In ion.
lh became a member of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry
and after a long term of service on many a hard-
fought Southern battlefield, veteranized in March.
1864, and remained with his regiment until he
and his comrades were honorably discharged in
November, 1865. He took part in the battles of
Farmington.Iuka.and Corinth,Miss.;in those fought
ai Somerville, Coffeeville, Plain store. Colliersville,
Byhalia and Moscow; encountered Forrest's forces
at Memphis. Tenn., in May*. 1864, and with his
brave comrade- assisted in driving him from the
state. His regiment also did good work in an en-
gagement with the enemy at Hart's Cross Road,
Tenn.. and December 13 and 14, 1864, bravely
fought Hood's force- between Franklinand Colum-
bus, anil gallantly captured the work- on Brent-
wood's Hill. The Seventh Illinois Cavalry joined
in pursuit of Hood's Hoeing army, and drove the
Confederates across the Tenneesse River. The
regiment remained in Tennessee during the win-
ter, and then went to Mississippi and did garrison
duty in that state and Alabama until it- final dis-
charge several month- after the Rebellion was
brought to a close, when its services were no longer
needed by the Government. Our subject was com-
missioned by order of Gen. Rosencrans in 1864
.■I- Second Lieutenant of Company I. Seventh llli-
nois ( avalry.
After leaving the army our subject returned
Northward and resumed farming in Macon County,
lie resided there until 1889 when he rented the
farm which he now occupies in Todd'- Point
Township. He is carrying on his agricultural op-
eration- skilfully, derives a good income in repay-
ment for hi- industry, and has already attained an
honorable place among our most practical fanner-.
He is greatly esteemed by his neighbors, and is
known in social circle- a.- a member of the Masonic
fraternity, which joined in 1872; and for hi- con-
nection with I. C. Pugb Post, No. 481, G. A. R.
Mr. Kendall was first married in 1855 to Mi—
Savilla Shaw, a native of Tippecanoe ( ounty, Ind..
and a daughter of Alfred and Kmillia Shaw, she
died July 21. 1861. Her father was born in Pick-
away County, Ohio, and after marriage removed
to Tippecanoe (ounty. Ind. He cleared a farm from
tin- wilderness in Tippecanoe Township, and there
death found him March. 1864. The maiden name of
hi- wife was Emilia Marquess. She was born in Vir-
ginia, and was a daughter of Smith and Eve
(Stingley) Marquess, smith Marquess was on» of
the earliest settlers of Tippecanoe Township, where
he cleared a farm, which remained his home until
death ended his life. The mother of Mr. Kendall's
first wife now resides on her farm in Iroquois
(ounty. 111.
The second marriage of our subject was with
Mrs. Jane Ward, and it was solemnized December
31, 1865. Mrs. Kendall was bom in Pickaway
County. Ohio. January 10, 1836. Her father.
Thomas Morris, was also a native of the Buckeye
state, and in earlv niaiih 1 wa- there married In
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
671
Mis* Nancj Bevingtoii, a native of Virginia, who
went to Ohio with her parents when she was four-
teen years "Id. Mr. Morris remained a resident of
Pickaway County until 18S9, and then with his
wife and eight children, he started with a team i>n
an overland journey to Illinois. After his arrival
in this State he located in Macon County. being
one of its pioneers. He entered a tract of Gov-
ernment land three miles south of Deealur. and
resided on it for some years, giving his attention
to its improvement. He then sold, and removing
to Decatur invested quite largely in city property
and was a resident of that place until his death.
His wife died while they were living on the home
farm in Macon County.
Mrs. Kendall was tii>t married to Larkin Ward.
a native of Maeon County, and a son of William
and Elizabeth (Wheeler) Ward, lie died in 1864.
Mrs. Kendall has three children living by that mar-
riage,— Henry. Marion and Martha. Her eldest-
bom, Bettie. is dead. By her union with our sub-
ject Mis. Kendall is the mother of four children, —
Charlie. George. Albert and Nettie.
=^3HIHQ
*p^)EORGE \
| farm lo,
5$=jftl ship, and
fl^-
EORGE W . WINN is a resident on a fine
located on section 38, Lowe Town-
d fettled in the county of Shelby
December 9, Im^:'. Our subject was horn Feb. 2.
1833, in Muskingum County, Ohio and is a son of
James and Louisa (Shaw-) Winn, natives of the
State that is notable for its Presidents and States-
men and pretty girls. Our subject's parents with
their respective families moved from old Virginia
to Ohio when they were children and wen among
the tirst settlers of Muskingum County. The
Winn family settled in Prairie Township and the
shaw family in Adams Township. In their resp-
ective locations the parents of our subject were
reared and meeting, married, soon after settling
upon a farm in Salem Township, where they pass-
ed their lives and were reasonably successful as
farmers.
Our Subject's father became the owner of two
hundred acres of land in Ohio before his death.
His decease occurred July 9, 1890, his wife pass-
ing away in 1879 or 1880. The father was born
September 30, 1808. He was a Missionary Baptist
in his church following and the mother was united
with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. Tln\
have fourteen children, of whom our subject is the
second in order of birth and the oldest one now
living.
George W. Winn was reared on tin- home farm
in Ohio, and in CS.~>J he was united in marriage to
Miss Malinda A. Bowden. she was born in Salem
Township, Muskingum County. Ohio. July 18,
1837, and is a daughter of Daniel and Helen
I Adams) Bowden, natives of New Jersey and Ohio
respectively. Our subject came to Illinois in the
fall of 1*.">7 and first settled in Edgar County,
whence in 1862 he came to Moultrie County and
purchased eighty acre- of land which was little
improved at the time. He i- ncn the owner of
three hundred and twenty acres of land, whereon
he lives and besides owns the farm where he was
born in Ohio. This last-mentioned property com-
prises three hundred and eighty acres of valuable
land.
Our subject and his wife have been the parents
of eight children, six of whom have been spared
them to be their comfort and sustenance in their
declining years. They are. C haridota K.. Cordelia
M., George W., Clara 1!.. Henrietta M.. Sherman I..
and Ilattie R. Cordelia i- the wife of Eli Smith
and re-ides in Hall County. Neb.: Clara died at
the age of sixteen years; Henrietta is the wife of
Lewis Smith of Moultrie County.
Politically. Mr. Winn fraternizes with the Demo-
cratic party and his devotion to the interests of hi>
party ha- been rewarded by appointment to vari-
ous local positions. He has been ( ollector for two
years and was elected Justice of the Peace bill
resigned the office. In his religion- belief he is an
attendant upon and member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. lie has been a ( lass-Leader in
that denomination for many years. In early life
he was engaged as a teacher and continued so em-
ployed for three terms while yet in Ohio and
taught for three terms after coming to Illinois.
Mr. Winn was made a Mason in 1854.
James and Louisa Winn, the parents of our sub-
672
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
jeet, have fourteen children, of whom the follow-
ing grew to maiili i and womanhood: George
W.. our subject, is the eldest, then follows John
W .. Dolphin, Martha ( '.. Rosanna. Emeline, Hiram
S., Henrietta C. and Franklin P. Dolphin died ai
Camp Denison, Ohio, soon after enlisting in the
Civil War; Emeline is the wife of Peter C. Sawyer
and resides in Muskingum County, Ohio; Hiram
served as a soldier in the Civil War and exper-
ienced the horrors of Confederate prison life for
fourteen months. Franklin resides in Adams-
ville, Ohio, where he is a merchant.
j'l"t"I"S*i0
1 ^.^.^.^.~
\ RS. ROMN A KILL, who resides mi section
4. Rose Township, isoncof the representa-
tive women of Shelby County, and was
born in Germany June 2<i. L833. Her
maiden name was Rosina Walker and her marriage
with the late Christian Kull took place in Fairfield
County, Ohio. He was bora in Lancaster, Ohio,
January 13, 1832. Their first settlement asa mar-
ried couple was made in Hocking County, that
Mate, and there they continued to make their
home until 1864.
During the year just mentioned this young cou-
ple removed to Shelly County. 111., ami settled
upon a farm where the widow now resides. Here
Mr. Kull was actively engaged in farming which
he carries on successfully until his death which
transpired October *. 1881. Both he and his wife
early became identified with the Lutheran Church,
in which they were devoted and hearty workers.
Mrs. Kull is the mother of seven children: Mag-
dalena who is the wife of William Wendling;
Helen who married Henry Fossler ami died in
Nebraska, September 2j. 1890; Mary: John, who
married Mis- Mary Bowman; Jacob F., who oper-
ates the farm and «a- married in Rose Township,
February 12. 1890, to Miss Julia Pauschert who is
the mother of one child — Rosa May: Mattie who
i- the wife of Augustus Pauschert and Drucilla.
The quiet and unostentatious lives of this worthy
mother and her excellent children are of interest
to all who understand that the best prosperity of
the community, is derived from the homes within
it- borders which are not notable for public affairs,
but in which 1> carried on au industrious and hon-
orable existance tending to the preservation of
society and the prosperity of the commonwealth.
I^$£l
[="
HRISTIAN 11. ALT AO. the well-known and
efficient Commissioner of Highways of Prai-
rie Township, Shelby County, whose pleas-
ant home is on section 9, dates his residence in the
county from 1KI!7 when he removed here from
Madison County, this State, where he was born
November 19, 1854.
The honored parents of our subject are Henry
and Eliza (Sponeman) Altag,who were born across
the -ens in Germany. Before their marriage, and
indeed in early life, they came to the United States
and both settling in Madison County there learned
to know each other and were united in marriage.
l'hey resided in said county until 1X(37. wlu'ii they
came to Shelby County and making their home in
Prairie Township felt that they had found a perm-
anent place of abode.
The father of our subject was twice married,
three children being born by the first marriage,
namely: Henry: Hannah, the wife of Charles Doch-
ney. and Sophia, wife of Henry Buesking. By his
marriage with Eliza Sponeman. Henry Altag has
had four children, of whom Christian is the eldest,
and following him came Eliza, the wife of Charles
Ostemeier; Harmon and Fred who died at the age
of twenty-two year-.
Thorough and systematic training upon the farm
and the intellectual drill which maybe received in
the common schools were, in the case of Christian
Altag, supplemented by attendance upon the old
Shelbyville Academy, which proved so profitable
as to tit him for teaching, which he pursued for
one season only as he preferred to devote himself
entirely to farming.
April 20, 1x70. young Altag was united in mar-
riage with Ida Junkey. daughter of Charles and
Minnie Junkey. This lady was ot foreign birth,
having first seen the light in Germany, but her
PORTRAIT AM) BL.CPAPIIK AI. RECORD.
673
training and education have made her a thorough
American, as her parents left the old country for
the New World when she was only >i\ week- old.
Soon after marriage this young couple made their
home where they now reside, purchasing eighty
acres of land to which they have added until they
now own one hundred acres, upon winch they have
elected a good residence, excellent barns and con-
venient and commodious outbuildings necessary
to carrying On farms with system and success.
To Mr. and Mrs. Altai; have been born live chil-
dren, in whom they take a just pride and for whom
they cherish an honorable ambition. These promis-
ing children bid fair to realize in the future all
that their devoted parents desire for them. They
are by name Emma, Lizzie. Ida. Clara and Bertha.
The religion in which tins family has been reared
and which they have espoused is that of the Luth-
eran Church, in which they are faithful and de-
devoted members.
The political views of Mr. Altag have led him
to ally himself with the Democratic party hut he
is not in an\ sense a politician, being content to
quietly cast his vote in the direction which he be-
lieves will be most useful to his neighborhood and
Mate. lie is now the incumbent of the office of
Commissioner of Highways but does not desire to
he among those who manage the affairs of the
county.
OIIN WEEKS. This gentleman, the popu-
lar Postmaster of Tower Mill. Shelby
County, and Justice of the Peace, is known
throughout Shelby County as an upright
citizen and a reliable business man. Peaceful
and law-abiding and a man of honor iii the
affairs of life, he has the respect of his acquaint-
ances and his friendly spirit has won a warmer
feeling from his neighbors. A veteran of the late
war. every loyal heart will feel a thrill of gratitude
to him as one of those valiant soldiers to whom we
owe the preservation of the I'nion.
The father of our subject, whose name was
George I... was a man of considerable prominence
in his community. lie was horn in Princeton.
Ky.. and in his early manhood married Nancy
Smith, a native of Columbia County. S. ( '. They
emigrated from Kentucky to Illinois in L830,
locating in Bond County, where they passed the
remainder of their lives. The father served as
Deputy Sheriff of Pond County for several years,
held the office of Constable, and was Justice of the
Peace for sixteen year.-. He discharged the duties
of these various offices to the general satisfaction,
and is remembered as a public-spirited citizen and
one who in his business affairs was the soul of in-
tegrity. In his chosen calling of a farmer he was
successful and acquired a competency. SO that he
was able to supply his family with every comfort.
In a family of six children our Subject was the
second, and he was horn. February 1. 1831, near
Greenville, Bond County, 111. There he was reared
to manhood and remained until he was about
twenty-two years old. In the meantime he ac-
quired an excellent education, of which he made
use in teaching in Pond. Montgomery, .Madison
and Shelby Counties, this Slate. Later he attended
school in Platteville, Wis., and also taught school
for two terms in that Slate. He followed the pro-
fession of a teacher thirty years consecutively,
with the exception of the three years in which he
served in the army.
Mr. Weeks came to Shelby County in 1860, and
on August 4, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, One
Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois Infantry. He was
appointed First Sergeant and served until the
close of the war. lie took part in many important
engagements, among them being the battles of
Chickamauga, Dalton, Tunnel Hill. Resaca. ami
other smaller engagements, and altogether he was
in action for sixty-seven days. During the tierce
conflict at Chickamauga he was commanded h\
Gen. Steedman to cany the colors, which he did
during the remainder of that day. proving himself
a brave and valiant soldier. Of the five who wen'
ill his mess, he alone escaped fatal injuries.
At the close of the war Mr. Weeks returned to
Shelbyville and was soon engaged in hi- profes-
sion. Occupying the position of Principal of the
public schools in Windsor, 111., for two years, lie
674
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
continued teaching until December. 1881. when he
was appointed Postmaster at Tower Hill, filling the
position satisfactorily until he was deposed under
the administration ofGrover Cleveland. In April.
1885, he was elected Justice Of the Peace, was re-
elected in April. 1889, and is now holding that
office. In April. 1889. he was re-appointed Post-
master of Tower Hill and assumed the duties of
the position in the following June, lie has held
Other offices in the township, and holds a promin-
ent rank among the Republicans of the county. In
1884 he was a candidate for the office of County
Surveyor on the Republican ticket, hut was de-
feated by his Democratic opponent. However, he
ran ahead of his ticket in every township, with
one exception, in the county. Nor is he forgetful
of things divine, for he has been a consistent mem-
ber of the Methodist Church for many years, also
acting as Sunday-school Superintendent for a long
time.
At the head of the household affairs in the
pleasant home of Mr. Weeks is a refined and cult-
ured lady, who prior to October 18. 1866, was
known as Sevilla .1. Sill. She was born in Monroe
County, Ohio, September 1. 1845, and the ceremony
which united her for life with Mr. Weeks was per-
formed in Hennepin. 111. Nine children came to
bless the home, viz: Kstella. the assistant Postmist-
ress at Tower Hill; George I).. Bertel, who died in
infancy; John W.. Nellie B., who died when two
years old; Warren. Chase. Boyd and Lois A. The
family are honored members of society and are de-
servedly popular in the comnmnilv.
4^
■fa*
OHX II. SHELTON, M. I). The professional
reputation of Dr. Shelton is an enviable one.
and his skill and knowledge are held at their
proper valuation. For many years a stu-
dent, he has not been content with the wisdom
which won him his diploma, but has read and in-
vestigated from time to time and increased his
store of technical knowledge and ability to diag-
nose and treat diseases. He is known far and near,
respected and loved, and numbered among the
most worthy citizens of Shelby County, who are
active in promoting its prosperity and elevating
the status of its citizens.
The birthplace of Dr. Shelton was Owen County.
Ky., and his natal day February 11. 1835. His
parents were Austin and Emily (Callender) Shel-
ton. natives of Virginia, who removed to Kentucky
at a very early day. They located in Owen County
where after attaining to a good old age, they
passed from earth. Our subject remained at home
during his youth, receiving a limited education in
the district schools and acquiring a thorough and
practical knowledge of agricultural pursuits. Upon
arriving at man's estate he began to operate as a
farmer, and continued chiefly thus engaged until
187.'5. We next find him engaged in the drug
business in Owenton, Ky.. for eight years. During
that time he read medicine, for which he had a
natural aptitude, and after selling out his interest
in the drug business, he attended medical lectures
in the hospital at Louisville, Ky., during the winter
of 1*78-7!).
In 1879, Dr. Shelton emigrated to Illinois, and
coming to Shelby County, practiced medicine with
Dr. <;. W. Fringer until the fall of 1881. He then
entered the Medical College at Keokuk. la., where
he was graduated in February. 1882. After receiv-
ing the diploma for which he had toiled so ardu-
ously, the Doctor returned to Tower Hill and has
since resided here, with the exception of eight
months in Henton. this county. He enjoys an ex-
tensive and lucrative practice, aad as a citizen is
public-spirited and interested in everything calcu-
lated to elevate the status of the community.
The Doctor has an amiable and active helpmate
in his wife, with whom he was united in marriage
May 2(1. 18ot>, in Cincinnati. Ohio. The bride
bore the maiden name of Marietta Oarnett, and
was born and reared in Owen County, Ky. Her
parents. Jamison and Lucinda Garnett. were na-
tives of Kentucky; the father now lives in Ken-
tucky, and the mother is deceased. Dr. Shelton
and his estimable wife have become the parents of
six children, only two of whom survive: Bettie G..
and Nannie C, both of whom are at home. Dr.
Shelton has served the people in various capacities,
and has been a member of the Township Board of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
675
Trustees, and also served as School Trustee. He
and bis family are highly esteemed and arc among
the prominent members of society in Tower Hill.
< » 1 1.1. 1 AM FANl HER The family of which
\ / our subject is a representative is a long es-
» ' tablished American family, descended
from German stock. The father of this gentleman
bought about one thousand acres of land in Hol-
land Township, Shelby County. The father was
bom in Vermont and was a resident of New York
Mate thence he removed to Pennsylvania, theme
t<> Ohio, and finally located in Shelby (.•unity. 111.,
on a portion of which our subject now lives, hav-
ing a farm of one hundred and eighty-one acres
adjoining the town of Fancher, besides considera-
ble land in the town. He is now a retired fanner.
making his home in the village which was named
for him by the railroad authorities in consideration
of his liberality in donating land and money to
aid in the construction of the Toledo. St. Louis &
Kansas City Railroad.
lie of whom we write this brief sketch, first saw
the light of life in Delaware County, Ohio, July
25, 1835. Hi> parent- Samuel and Polly (Dickson |
Fancher, were natives of Luzerne County, Pa., and
the heads of a truly patriarchal family. Only five
ot their twelve children are now living, namely:
John. Morris. William. Henry and Juliana. Morris
lives in Kansas, Juliana in Zanesville, Ohio, and
the others are residents of Illinois; Henry in this
county, and John in Effingham County; Juliana
has been twice married, her first husband being
Jeremiah Rogers and hei present name being Mr-.
Sine.
Our subject came to Illinois with his parents
when he was a mere boy and grew to manhood in
Shelby County, having his training and education
upon the farm in the district schools. Here he
found his wife, a native of the same county, and
here he expect.- to spend the balance of his day- in
the pursuit of farming, which i- with him a dearly
loved calling. His wife'- maiden name was Susan-
nah Piper. Her parent- were natives of Ohio and
her grandparent.- were Pennsylvanians and of
German descent. Before marrying Mr. Fancher
she was a widow, her first husband being Mr.
shannon \V. Gallagher.
The little railroad station of Fancher whh h was
established upon Mr. Fancher's farm ha- gathered
about it a pleasant little village having two stores,
a hotel and the usual shops. It in is the mid-t of
a very tine farming district and has an excellent
community back of it. Mr. Fancher has been :i
life-long Republican in his political view- and
take- a lively interest in politics. He is not a
member of any church but gives liberally of bis
means to the support of churches, Sunday-schools
and other objects of benevolence. Mrs. Fancher
ha.- three children by her former marriage: Nettie.
Gertie and Nellie Gallagher.
g>>^ .
•Sy^
If
OT LUTTRELL. Ii is said that no people
travel >n extensively as do the Americans,
and hence their experience of different
phases of life i> correspondingly larger as a rule.
Our subject has had many advantages in thi> re-
spect and has traveled in various ways, not mih
in the luxurious Pullman ears of the present day,
but also by prairie schooner across the plain-, meet-
ing frequently the red man on his territory. Mr.
Luttrell i- now a retired farmer living in Sullivan,
where he located January. 1891, coming here from
Whitley Town-hip where he had been engaged for
some years and where he still own- two hundred
and forty acre- of line land.
The original of our r-ketch came to shelly County
from DeWitt County, and while there living was
engaged a- a grocer in Kinney, of that countv.
He was born in Morgan County, III.. December 24.
1839, and was there reared ami educated. Also
after marriage he made that his home for several
years. Mr. Luttrell is the son of John Luttrell. a
native of Kentucky. Our subject is named after
his grandfather who was also a nativeof Kentucky.
being there reared on a farm. Mr. Luttrell 's pater-
nal grandmother was likewise a Kentuekian and a
676
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFXORD.
member of an old and highly respected family of
thai State. They lefl their native State after the
birth of their first two children, of which our sub-
ject's father John was the elder, having been born
in February, 1*17. and moved to Illinois about
182(1, coming overland and bringing their house-
hold goods and children in a one-horse cart. The
parents walked the greater part of the way. and
altera long and tedious trip in which they camped
out at intervals, they settled on what is now Sul-
phur Springs Township, and there secured a tract
of Government land. The neighboring village of
Jackson was not at that time thought of and there
were very few people in the county, and for a few
years they experienced the hardships incident to
pioneer life.
( )n the farm which our subject's grandparents
procured on first coming here they spenl tin- re-
mainder of their lives. The grandfather's decease
occurred in 1863. UN wife survived him by a
number of veal's, her death occurring about 1886.
She was bora in 17T.I and was well known as on<
of the prominent pioneer women of thai county.
For many years prior to her death she was afflicted
with blindness. In religion they- were adherents
of the Baptist Church, and politics the senior .Mr.
Luttrell was a Democrat.
The eldest of a large family, John Luttrell. the
immediate progenitor of him of whom we write,
was reared to manhood in Morgan County, grow-
ing up to the calling of a farmer. He was married
to Miss Tabitha Cross, a native of Kentucky, a
daughter of William and Lotta (Compton) < i"--.
natives of Kentucky. After marriage they emi-
grated to Illinois and settled in the Eastern part
of Morgan ( ounty a- pioneer-.
Our subject's parents began life as farmers and
the father pursued his calling until the time of his
death, which took place in 1*47. He was then in
Straightened circumstances and left a widow with
four c hildren whose names were. Caroline, our sub-
ject. William R. ami Josiah. Our subject's mother
some time after the death of John Luttreil, was
again married to the Rev. Peter Garrett and they
later removed to DeWitt County, where .Mr-. Gar-
rett died June 16, 1869. She was bora in 1816.
Mr. Garrett united with his work as a reliarious
teacher the calling of farming; he is now a resident
of Crawford County, Kan.
Our subject was married m the eastern part of
Morgan County to Miss Sarah Cox. she was born
in that county Xoveinber 19, 1845, and is a daugh-
ter of Corydon ami Mary (McGill) Cox. natives
of Virginia, who came to Illinois with their respec-
tive families at an early day. They were victims
of the great cyclone that passed over the country
M:n S), 1880, at which time Mr. C ox was injured.
Their servant was killed and also a daughter-in-law.
and all moveable property was swept away.
Our subject and his wife are the parents of four
children. They are Mary. William A., Rufus ami
Corydon. They are all well educated, highly re-
spected men and women. William was for some
time a teacher. Our subject Stands high in the
estimation of his town-people and has been elected
t" various local offices, lie isa Democrat in politics.
ANIKI. M. PATTERSON. A popular
young artist and writer of the present
day has -aid that one never sees the pic-
turesque until she has been roughl}- han-
dled by man and has outlived the hard usage;
that the picturesque quality conn's only after the
ax and the saw have let the sunlight into the
dense tangle of the forest, and scattered the fall-
ing timber, or the water-wheel ha- divided the
rush of the brook. This is so in any condition of
nature, for in the constructive period there is al-
ways a crudeness that strikes the artistic sensibil-
ities unpleasantly. Hut in farming we do not
care so much for the picturesque "tangle of vines
.Hid darkness of forest." He who most diligently
Combats the encroachment of weeds, briars and
stones, and smooths, enriches and makes produc-
tive and fruitful the fields and orchards and gar-
den patch is the one whom we most admire in his
agricultural calling. Such an one is our subject,
who i> the owner of three hundred acre- of finely
cultivated and fertile land located on section 18,
of Sullivan Township.
Mr. Patterson knows no other state 1>\ actual . \-
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
67
perience than that in which he now resides. He
was born in Moultrie County, November 9, 1839,
and is a son of William and Margaret (Carriker)
Patterson, natives of Union County, this state.
(For a fuller sketch of William Patterson refer to
another portion of this volume.) The father of
our subject had two brothers and two sisters, also
twii half-brothers and cue half-sister. 1 1 i — marriage
took place in Southern Illinois, and his advent
was made into this county when settlers were few
and the land very little cultivated, coming hither
about 1836.
Upon the farm above mentioned he of whom
we write found the Alpha of life, and there he
was reared, receiving what educational advantages
when a hoy that the district scl Is afforded. Life
was not, however, barren to the young man. In-
deed, the writer questions if it is ever SO to youth
in its sanguine, fresh young year: — for there were
recreations then as now — hay rides, nutting par-
ties, barbecues, husking bees and apple panic-,
and with work and play, the young man was de-
veloping in every direction to the perfection of
manh 1. and taught five terms of school. In
1864 lie was united m marriage with Ellen J.'
Hoke, a daughter of Frederick Hoke. She was
horn in Moultrie County. Soon after marriage
the young couple settled where they now reside,
his- father having given him forty acres of timber
land, and here he started to make a home about
the year 1870. It was a new experience for the
young man, as for several years previous to this
he had been engaged in clerking in a store in the
town of Sullivan. He. however, bent his energies
to the work in hand, and has been successful to a
Battering degree. He is now the owner of three
hundred acres of land in an excellent condition
and hearing good improvement-.
Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are the parents of four
children. The eldest daughter, < trpha. is the wife
of Oscar Rose. The three other children are Nora.
Ezra and Lura. All the political interests of the
gentleman of whom we write arc centered in the
Democratic party, every plank of its platform hav-
ing to him a good and Logical reason for being.
He has Keen an Assessor of tin- town-hip. He and
his wife are raemhers of the Christian ( lunch, of
which they are generous and liberal supporters.
Mr. Patterson ha- such qualities of character and
mind as insure him -urn-- in whatever line of
thought or action his judgment should direct him
to become a participator in. Just and generous,
broad-minded and liberal, all his aims and ambi-
tions are for the upbuilding of tin- best tone, so-
cially mentally and morally of the locality in
which he live-.
•:- -:■
OSEPH II. McGl IKK. Many families who
reside in Illinois came to this section origi-
nally from Kentucky and Tennessee, and
those who came from the eastern or moun-
tainous portion of the latter State belonged to a
class of | pic. who. like other mountaineers, were
lovers of liberty. They removed their families
from their native and beloved State in order that
they might take them out from under the blight-
ing influence of the institution of human slavery,
and in doing so they brought to their posterity
not only a moral and spiritual blessing, hut also
in locating them in Illinois advanced their material
interests. Mr. McGuire, the Postmaster in Beth-
any, Moultrie County, belongs to such a family.
Our subject was horn in Jefferson, East Tennes-
see. June S. 1836, hi- worthy parents being Thomas
and Rachel (Ashmore) McGuire, both of whom
were native- of Tennessee. The family removed
to Illinois in the fall of 1843, and made their first
-top in Coles County, where the father was called
from them by death, during the fall of that year.
In 1853 the family removed to Moultrie County,
and somewhat later on Mrs. McGuire married a
second time, taking as her husband Mr. "William
Knight.
Thomas and Rachel McGuire were blessed by the
birth of ei!_rht children, their offspring being equally
divided between sons ami daughters, and only one
of those children being taken from them during
childhood. Their family i> a- follow-: James,
who died in tin- county : William P.. residing in
Bethany ; Elizabeth, wife of John Baukston. of
6/8
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Washington; Mary, who married I). A. Vaughn,
died in this county; Joseph II.. our subject;
Michael, who died in childhood: Sarah, who is
now Mrs. Thomas Mitchell, of this county, and
Maggie, who is'the wife of John Hah.
The hardy life of a farmer's boy proved a good
preparation for the hardshipsof a soldier's exist-
ence: and in 1861 our subject, following the
training of his early life and with the love of lib-
erty in hi- heart, enlisted under the 1'nion flag to
help subdue the war of the rebellion. He was
mustered into service in Company E, Twenty-first
Illinois Volunteers, and served for four years,
-ix months and two days. He first saw active
service at Fredericktowu, Md.. and took part in the
siege of Corinth, and in the battles of Perryville,
Ivy.. Murfreesboro. Tenn., Jonesboro, Ga., Franklin.
Tenn.. Nashville, Tenn.. and numerous skirmishes
in the Atlanta campaign. During all this long
and arduous service he escaped both wounds and
imprisonment. During the first part of his ser-
vice he was Corporal, bul in 1864 was made Ser-
geant.
When the "piping times of peace" had come
our young hero, having been mustered out of ser-
vice, returned to Moultrie County and resumed
tanning. In 1869 he removed to Bethany and
engaged in the grocery trade, in which he con-
tinued for three years, lie was then elected Jus-
tice of the Peace, and attended to the duties of
that office for some sixteen years, during the latter
part of "hich he engaged in the furniture busi-
wliich he sold out in 1889, to accept the office of
Postmaster. He is a loyal and stanch Republican
in his political views and has ever adhered to that
party.
Mr. McGuire was married May 15, 1 *(><>. to Mrs.
Mary Crowder. are Creltz. who was born in Ger-
many and came to the United States when a little
girl of ten years. She has become the mother of
six children, namely: Ella, Rachel; Addie. who
died in the spring of 1890; Anna. Laura and
Dora. They have also an adopted son who hears
the name of Finis Fwing. The Cumberland Pres-
byterian Church is the religious body witli which
Mr. and Mrs. McGuire are connected, and in its
communion they find an abundant opportunity
for Christian work. Mr. McGuire is prominently
connected with the Grand Army of the Republic,
and as an old soldier he has a deep interest in its
method- of procedure and loves to meet his old
comrades in its enthusiastic gatherings.
s T. SPRINGER, Since locating in
Moultrie County, the gentleman of whom
we write has been very successful in a busi-
ness way. His friends characterize him as a manly
man and a gentleman, one with keen business in-
stinct, who. although still young, has had wide ex-
perience, having been engaged in business for him-
self at eighteen years of age. He is the senior
member of the firm of Skinner & Stocks, hardware
merchants at Lake City, who also deal in farm
implements.
Mr. Springer became a resident of Moultrie
County in 1876 and for the past eight years has
been engaged as a merchant at Lake City. He has
been in his present business tor only one year, but
already it promises to be a pecuniary success. Our
subject was born in the town of Jackson, III.. .Ian-
nary 1. 1852, and is the son of Lawson and Mar-
garet (Hinson) Springer, natives of New York and
Ohio respectively. The father of our subject was
a farmer. He died in Jackson County, Ohio, in
IK.'iT and left eight children, there being three sons
and five daughters. Two daughters. Jenny and
Lydia, died in early womanhood, and six members
of the family grew to years of maturity and be-
came heads of families of their own. Sarah mar-
ried Ambrose Davis and is a resident of Ross
County, Ohio; Louisa married Joseph Ziegler. also
of Ross County, Ohio: Drusilla became the wife of
Samuel Mulvana and lives at Burlington, Iowa;
Pleasant is a resident of Jackson County, Ohio,
and Wheeler of Moultrie County.
The original of our sketch is the youngest of
his family. Reared on the home farm he received
a good eommon-scl I education. In 1 <s 7 o he
went to Riclnnondale. Ohio, and engaged in a gen-
eral mercantile business, continuing there until
IS7(i. at which time he came to Moultrie Country
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
679
:m«I purchased a farm. Fur a time after coming
here he engaged in the general merchandise busi-
ness. Endowed with unusual financial and execu-
tive ability Mr. Springer has been successful in his
business efforts. He was only twenty years of age
when he came to this county and at the present
time, besides the business above mentioned, he is
the owner of a drug store at Lake City. lie also
leals in grain. coal and groceries, and at Williams-
burg carries on a general mercantile business, lie
owns all the business houses in which he has stock
and other property comprising dwellings and stoic
buildings.
Mr. Springer was married in 1870 when but
eighteen years of age to Miss Nancy Sinclair, a
daughter of T. D. Sinclair. She is a native of
Jackson County, Ohio, and was horn January 17.
L851. Our subject and his wife have had six chil-
dren. The oldest, Walter .1., died in early boy-
hood. Five are living at the present time. Law-
son is in charge of a store at Williamsburg; the
others are Lydia. William, Charles and Jessie. He
is a man who may always he depended upon in a
political issue, being loyal to his county and sec-
tion. He is a Justice of the Peace and a Notasy,
also a member of the School Hoard. Mr. Springer
socially belongs to the Knights Templar.
j, GRACE L. MARTIN is prominent in the
literary, social and political life of his com-
munity as editor and proprietor of the
Shelhyville Union, one of the best eon-
ducted and leading newspapers of this part of the
State, which is distinguished as being the only
daily journal, and the only organ of the Republi-
can party published in Shelby County. Mr. Mai-
tin is descended from the vigorous pioneer stock
of Ohio, the state of his birth, In- having been
born in the village of Jersey. Licking County,
July 11. 1836.
Mark D. Martin, the father of our subject, was
horn in New Jersey, near the City of Newark, and
was a son of Lewis Martin, who was also a native
of that State. The latter was among (he early
settlers of Licking County. Ohio, removing to that
part of the country when Columbus was a small
village, and at that time was the nearest milling
point for the settlers for many miles around. He
secured a tract of timber land and developed it
into a fine farm, which was his place of residence
until death terminated his earthly career. His
wife also died on the home farm in Licking Coun-
ty. Her maiden name was Catherine Osborne, and
her parents were natives of Holland.
The father of our subject was one of a family of
seven sons and two daughters. He was young
when his parents moved to Ohio. He worked in
his youth, in his father's smithy, and learned from
him the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed
for some years in Licking County after he attained
his manhood. Finally he abandoned that calling on
account of falling health and turned his attention
to fanning. He also dealt extensively in stock,
and before the introduction of railways he drove
his stock to the Eastern markets of New York and
Baltimore. He continued to make his home in
Licking County until 1*58, when he came to
Shelby County, and for two years was a resident
of Shelhyville. At the expiration of that time he
bought a farm in Rose Township, and for some
years devoted himself to its management. Return-
ing to Shelhyville he kept a hotel here some years
and then retired to Terre Haute. Indiana, where
he is now pasr-ini: away his declining years in a
pleasant home, in the enjoyment of the respect
due his honorable and well-spent life. Mr. Mar-
tin has been twice married. His first wife, the
mother of our subject, was Julia Ann Ward, a native
of New Jersey, and a daughter of Josiali Ward.
She died in March, IK It;. Mr. Martin married for
second wife Martha L. < r as ton, a native of Dela-
ware County. Ohio. There were five children
horn of the first marriage, all sons, and of the
second marriage, six daughters and two sons were
horn.
The subject of this biographical review received
a substantial education in the excellent public
schools of his native county where was reared to
manhood. He resided with his parents until 1855.
and then came to Shelhyville to accept a position
as clerk in his uncle's drug store, making the trip
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in thirteen days with a horse and buggy. He
clerked nearly two years, studying medicine dur-
ing that time, and lie then attended a course of
lectures at the Starling Medical College at Colum-
bus, Ohio. After that he made a thorough study
(if the water cure process at Granville, Licking
County, Ohio, and then returning to SheUryville,
he began to practice as a physician with his uncle.
Three months later he decided to abandon that pro-
fession and he again became a clerk, being thus
employed in a dry-goods store the ensuing two
years. At the expiration of that time lie formed
a partnership with S. II. and P. R. Webster, and
carried on a general store the following twelve
war-, the latter part of the time dealing in agri-
cultural implements, and also buying and selling
stock.
In 1*72. our subject gave up mercantile pur-
suits to give his attention to journalism, buying
an interest in the Shelbyville Union with his
lirothers. Park T. and Elgin II.. and the same year
established a paper at Effingham, known as the
Effingham Republican. In 1873 he bought the
interest of hi- lirothers in the Union, of which he
ha- since been sole proprietor, and in January.
1887, In- commenced the publication of a daily
which he -till issues in connection with the
weekly. Mr. Martin has devoted hi- besl energies
to his paper, and under his judicious and able
management, it has taken its place among those
journals that have the most influence in molding
public opinion, and in advancing the highest in-
terests of city and county. The high estimation
in which it is held is denoted bj its extensive cir-
culation as a sound, well-conducted family new-
paper, replete with valuable information concern-
ing current topics, and the affairs of this anil other
countries, set forth in an attractive and interesting
manner. Although it is the mouthpiece of the
Republicans of Shelby County, and in no uncer-
tain tones voices the policy of the party, and
vigorously upholds all measures emanating from
it. it is by no means unjustly aggressive towards
political opponents, who are always accorded fair
and courteous treatment in its columns.
Mr. Martin lias an attractive home, and to the
lady who presides over it. and assists him in dis-
pensing its pleasant hospitalities, he was united in
marriage July 1. 1859. Mrs. Martin in her maiden
days bore the name of Mary Arinilla Jagger. she
is a native of Summit County. Ohio, and a daugh-
ter of Elmus and Hannah M. (Noah) Jagger. Our
subject and his wife have two children living.
Etta M. and Lucy E. Etta married John E.
Downs ami has one child, Ferna Estelle.
Mr. Martin has been a Republican since the for-
mation of the party, ami through his position as
editor ha- exercised a wise influence in the politi-
cal councils of his fellow-citizens in this section.
lie ha- always manifested a deep interest in what-
ever concerned the welfare of the city and county.
and exerted himself to help forward all schemes
that will in any way benefit them, lie has been
partly instrumental in building up the Laborers'
Loan Association, of which he is a Director and
Secretary, and his name i- associated with various
other enterprise- that have been Organized foi the
public g 1.
A-l"h*i
i -I-M-*:-
-****^.iS' •:•<-**-
OLLAM) S. GRIFFITH, was bom in De-
YVitt County,HL, January 3,1867. His father
was horn in Pickaway County, Ohio, was
reared there, and married. From thence he
came to Illinois in an early day. remaining for a
time in Macon County, after which he removed to
DeWitt County, lie took up a tract of Govern-
ment land, living on the same for two years be-
fore entering it. Tin- land was located eight miles
northeast of Clinton. He was a very enterprising
man of good judgment and consequently was very
successful. He also entered land in DeWitt County.
besides going quite extensively into real estate
in Kansas, owning one thousand acres in Chase
County. Mr. Griffith was also engaged in stock-
raising there. In 1880, accompanied by his fam
ilv. he started West with a team for Kansas and
traveled quite extensively, there living one year
on his land in Chase County. Afterward, in 1882.
he returned to his home in DeWitt. residing there
until hi- death, which took place November Hi
1890,
PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
i;,si
Mr. Griffith was married :i second time choosing
as his wife Miss Sarah Reed, of Steuben County.
Ohio, ami who became the mother of our subject.
She has five children living: Byard, Dell, Hol-
land, Nellie and Melvin. Our subject was reared
lo agricultural pursuits and was educated in the
public schools of DeWitt County, and resided with
his parents whom he .- 1 — i - 1 * * < 1 on the farm, until lie
was twenty-three years of age when he settled mi
the farm where he dow resides on sect inn 21.
Todd's Point. It is a well-cultivated farm of one
hundred and sixty broad and fertile acres.
+£
~S)<
Ira
Y' OHN A. STEWART. The genial Supervisor
of Penn Township, and who owns two hun-
dred acres of line land located on section
36, is he whose name is found above, lie
was born in Center County, l'a.. in Shore Creek
Valley, November 3, 1848. lie is a son of John
Gr. Stewart, who was horn in the same State, .•mil
the father of John ('<.. the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was horn in Scotland, and came to America at
an early day. and witli his parents located in Penn-
sylvania, settling in Huntington. He was there
engaged in the mercantile business and passed the
remainder of his life in that place. Our subject's
father learned a trade hut did not follow it long,
turning his attention to farming. He removed
from Pennsylvania to Illinois in 1867, and resided
in Moweaqua until 1884, then went to Missouri
and settled in DeKalb County, and there made his
home until his death, which occured in 1888.
The mother of our subject was in her girlhood
Miss Mary Ann Elder: She was horn in Penn-
sylvania and was a daughter of Ahrani Elder.
She still survives, making her home in DeKalb
County. Mo. She is the mother of nine children.
Our subject was reared and educated in his native
State, and coming to Illinois when quite young,
with his parents, again located on the farm and
there remained until his marriage, after which he
came to Penn Township and boughl eighty acres
of land on section 27.
Our Subject did not occupy the farm that was
his first purchase, but rented other land and
worked it until 1887, when he bought the place he
now occupies thai is located on section 36. If is
well improved and hears striking evidence of the
energy and industry Mr. Stewart lias broughl i<>
hear on his work. It has a good class of buildings
with a pleasant and comfortable residence and the
most advanced idea- a- regards agriculture are em-
ployed in his care and cultivation of the place.
In January, 1876, our subject quit the bachelor
ranks and merged his life with that of Miss Mary
E. Thompson. She was horn in Pennsylvania and
is a daughter of ( Gardner and Eliza ( Baird ) Thomp-
son. Five children have been vouchsafed to the
care and guidance of our subject and his estimable
wife. They are by name Maude A.. Frank*;.. Har-
vey. Edith, and Mary Belle. Mr. and Mrs. Stew-
art are members of the Presbyterian Church and
are consistent and noble Christians. He of whom
we write is a Republican in politics. He was
elected a member of the Hoard of County Super-
visors in the spring of 1891. Socially he belongs
to the Prairie Home Lodge. No. 3574, of the
Knights of 1 1< >n< ir.
\
OHN A. CROWDER lives on section 15,
Marrowbone Township, Moultrie County,
and is a son of Robert and Barbara
(Prather) Crowder. lie was horn in Mar-
rowbone Town-hip. November II. 1*17. lie re-
C< ived hi- early training on the home farm and in
the common schools, and in May. 1864, when in
his seventeenth year, and weighing one hundred
and nine pounds, be enlisted in the lute war and
was mustered out with Company I. One Hundred
and Forty-third Illinois Infantry, October, 1864,
on account of expiration of time, he having en-
listed for three months. In January, 1865, he re-
enlisted in Company A. and served until Septem-
ber. In the spring of 1 M < > 7 he was united in the
holy bonds of wedlock to Mis- F.inih F. Kennedy,
a daughter of James C. Kennedy, who was horn
iii this county, lie then settled on :i farm on sec-
682
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tion 14, where he resided for Ave years. lie then
purchased a portion of his present farm and settled
on the same. His wife died November 15, 1888,
leaving; nine children — Artie L., ( tecar W., Leora A.,
John R. C-, Emily Edith. Athol S.. Ida M., .lames
G. and Cora M. August 8, 1889, Mr. Crowder
was married a second time to Viola A. Roberts,
daughter of Thomas A. and Louisa G. Roberts, of
Whitley Township. They have had one child, who
is deceased.
Mr. Crowder owns two hundred and seventy-
seven acres of land, on which he has very fine im-
provements. His politicsare with the Republicans.
lie has held many local offices, in which he not
only did credit to himself but his party. Reli-
giously he is a consistent member of the Cumber-
land Presbyterian Church, and socially is a member
of the Odd Fellows' society and the Grand Army
of the Republic. Mr. Crowder is interested in
stock-raising and is a dealer in live stock. He is
now giving a good deal of attention to horse-
flesh, and has a number of imported horses on his
farm.
OUIS d. KIRCHER is a prominent dealer
in dry goods, clothing and groceries,
also hardware, stoves and farming imple-
ments, in Slrasburg. Shelby County. He keeps a
large and well-assorted stock of goods that is suit-
able for the country trade of which he has almost
a monopoly. Our subject is a son of Matthew and
Catherine (String) Kircher. They were residents
of Richland Township, and the parents of nine
children, of whom he of whom we write is the
eldest. He was born in Hocking County, Ohio,
April 23, 1K.36.
Our subject passed his boyhood days in his na-
tive place, enjoying such educational advantages
as were to lie obtained in the district schools of the
vicinity. When fourteen years old lie came with
his father to Shelby County, and remained under
the parental roof until reaching his majority, when
he engaged in farming on his account in Richland
Township, continuing on his first tract for two or
three years. In 1883 Mr. Kircher came to Stras-
burg and engaged in the hardware business. He
has since added a good stock of merchandise and
has a line store and enjoys a large and lucrative
patronage.
( )ur subject was married to Miss Clara Ruff. She
was a daughter of John Ruff. Of three children
born of this union only one is living at the pres-
ent time. To him has been given the name of
Edward G. Our subject has been honored by elec-
tion to various township offices. He was Collector
for two years, and has for some time been a mem-
ber of the Village Board. He with his wife is a
member of the Lutheran Church. In politics our
subject is an ardent Democrat, believing in the
sovereign right of the individual.
C^
* IXiAR ALLEN, who is numbered among
the influential agriculturists of Shelby
County, owns and operates a line farm on
section 26. Ridge Township. He is a native of
Ohio, horn in Fairfield County. April 18, 1854.
Ihs parents, George and Nancy (Carlisle) Allen.
were natives of Maryland and Ohio respectively,
and were married in the Buckeye State, where they
owned a farm. In 1863 the father came to Illinois,
and in Shelby County he purchased two hundred
and twenty acres of land but little improved, pay-
ing for it $18 per acre He returned to Ohio,
where he died in the winter of 1863-64, leaving
eight children to mourn his untimely death.
The following is the record of the brothers and
sisters of our subject: Sarah A., who became the
wife of Anderson Hunter; William II.; Anetta,
who married Milton Hunter and died in Shelby
County; Angeline. who was united in marriage
with George N. Arnold, and also passed away in
Shelby County; Thomas, Theodore, Edgar, and
Alice, the wife of M. E. Moore. In the spring of
1861. the widowed mother, accompanied by her
Children, came to Illinois and located on the land
which had been purchased by her late husband.
She still survives at the age of seventv-iive years.
PORTRAIT AJnD BIO .RAPHICAL RECORL.
688
and her declining years have been made happy by
the love of her children and the affection of her
large circle of friend-.
Mr. Allen passed a comparatively uneventful
youth marked by no incidents of note. lie aided
his mother as much as possible in his childhood
and alternated study at the neighboring distinct
school with work 'ii the home farm, where he re-
ceived a practical training in agricultural affair-.
When ready to establish a home of his own he
wa- united in marriage, in February, 1884, with
Miss Allie Brandt, the daughter of Adam Brandt,
who still resides in Fairfield County. Ohio. Vr.
and Mrs. Allen mourn the loss of one child, and
have three surviving- members of their family —
Bessie, Maud and Theodore. Politically Mr. Allen
is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles
and has served in various minor offices, among
them that of Tax Collector. Socially he i- a
member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
Hi- industry has heen rewarded with success, and
he is now- the owner of one hundred and twenty-
live acres of fertile land, embellished with good
improvement- and hearing a first-class set of farm
buildings.
-h y
. -^t?
i=5sfi)
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,a>~
AXLIEl'S T. SHEPHERD. The Shepherds
on the paternal side are of French ances-
try. The grandfather of the subject of
this sketch was one of the patriotic French-
men who came with the distinguished Marquis de
Lafayette to America, during the progress of the
Revolutionary War. and participated with him in
it. lie wa- wounded in the battle of Yorktown,
and rendered a cripple for the rest of his life. After
the close of the Revolution, he married an Ameri-
can young lady and settled in Orange County. \'a..
where his three sons. Philip. Lewis and William
were horn and reared to maturity. William, the
father of our subject was horn in 1704. and moved
to Kentucky in 1825. His profession was that of
a school-teacher and a professor of vocal music,
and was engaged in teaching in Virginia, Kentucky
and Ohio, crossing the mountains many times on
horseback and alone. Highwaymen were at that
time numerous and frequently for hour- he car-
ried his life, as it "ere in his hands.
Our subject's father was married in Kentucky in
1827 to Miss Eveline H. Ball, whose parents had
settled in Jessamine County. Ky.. in 1825. The
father. John Pall was a wealthy land and slave
owner, and hi- wife was an own cousin of the first
President of the United State-. Both sides of the
family were highly connected with the best social
element of the State of Virginia and had all the
advantages of culture and education. William
Shepherd remained in Kentucky until 1859 when
he emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Sullivan.
Moultrie County, where his decease took place in
1871. During the War of 1812 to 1814, he took
an active part in the engagements a- a private sol-
dier. His wife, the mother of our subject, died in
Sullivan. 111., in 1874. Then' were horn to Will-
iam anil Eveline II. Shepherd, live children: the
eldest daughter married S. P. Alexander in Ken-
tucky, in .January. 18411. Mr. Alexander resides
in this county and State. His wife died, leaving
two children, one of whom was named .lame- W.
His decease took place in Sullivan, this State, in
1872. Louisa Bell, is the wife of W. W. Eden.
County Clerk of Moultrie County. The family
are now residents of Fresno. Cal. John B. the eld-
e-t -on married Miss Sarah L. Hayden, of Shelby
County, this State, and was at one time one of the
business men of Sullivan, and is now a resident of
Texarkana. Texas. Edwin L. married Miss Ann M.
Hawkins, of Franklin County, Ky . and makes his
home at Sullivan, this State.
Manlieus T. the subject of this sketch, is the
youngest of the family, and he was horn in Frank-
lin County. Ky.. February 28. 1835. His early
educational advantages were limited and what
knowledge of hooks he possesses, has heen attained
by his own efforts outside of the school-room, as
he -pent hut a short time in the district school of
his native state. He is a man who possesses more
than an ordinary amount of observation and in-
dustry, and added to these qualities is a retentive
memory.
When young Shepherd was in his nineteenth
year he left home to go out into the world. His
684
•ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
first employment began in 1854 and 1855, when
he was engaged as guard a1 the Kentucky peniten-
tiary at Frankfurt. At that date there were but
two hundred men imprisoned there. During a
great part of the time, in which he was there occu-
pied, lie locked one of the main rows of cells in
which slept Calvin Fairbanks, and one Doyle, who
were under kmo- sentences for assisting slaves to
leave their masters. Every evening the name of
each prisoner was called and lie was personally ac-
quainted with every man in the institution.
Our subject was next engaged as clerk in the
Mansion House in Frankfort. Ky., where he re-
mained for some time, and by his industry and
close attention to business he gained the esteem
and good will of his employers, and those with
whom he came in contact, lie remembers well
John C. Crittenden. John C. Breckinridge, Charles
S. Morehead. and John M. Harlan, present United
States Judge, lie afterward went to the Capital
Hotel in tin1 same city and remained there until
18.57. when he went to Versailles, in Woodford
County. He was well acquainted with Hon.
Thomas F. Marshall, and also Buford, who killed
Judge Elliot two years ago, (1889) at Frankfort.
Ky.. for deciding a ureal suit against him.
.Mr. Shepherd continued as a hotel clerk until the
spiring of 1858, when he came to this Stale, stop-
ping in Sullivan, this county, where he engaged
with his brother. John B., in the grocery and res-
taurant business. He had about $200 and this he
invested in the business which was necessarily
commenced on a small scab', but gradually grew to
large proportions and gravitated into general
merchandising. In thai business the brothers con-
tinued together until 1862, when our subject came
to Lovington with part of the stork, to which he
made additions, and together the\ carried on an
extensive business, and were the leading merchants
of the two places for a number of years. They
continued in partnership until 1867, when the
partnership was dissolved, the older brother taking
the stock and Store-house in Sullivan, and our sub-
ject the Lovington store-house and stock. Mr.
Shepherd continued the business in this place with
great success, and in 1870, he added private flank-
ing to his business. This latter branch gradually
absorbed so much of his time that he began cur-
tailing his merchandising, added the real estate
business; and a few years later, went out of the
mercantile business entirely, since which time he
has given his whole attention to his private bank-
ing, and the care of his real estate, having about
six hundred acres of land and being the owner of
a large number of the best dwelling and business
houses in Lovington and Sullivan.
(in February 7. 1870, the subject of our sketch
was united in marriage with Miss Maria J. Mulli-
kin. a native of Johnson County. Ind. This mar-
riage has been Messed by the advent of seven chil-
dren. Justin M. has been a most progressive and
ambitious student, anil graduated from the Lov-
ington High School at the age of sixteen years,
receiving his diploma from Eureka College at the
age of seventeen years. Ollie Jewel, Fail T.. Blos-
som, and Paul T. died in infancy; Homer T.. and
Flossie, complete the family circle. Mrs. Shepherd,
who is an estimable woman, and a leader of society
in Lovington, is in her church relations a member
of the Christian denomination. Politically our
subject affiliates with the Democratic party.
^5"
»ILI.IAM BECKETT. Among the promi-
nent farmers of Shelby County, noted for
its rich agricultural products, is the sub-
ject of this sketch, who is known and respected by-
all as an honest, upright and liberal citizen. He
resides on section 2. Rural Township, his residence
in the county dating from December, 1886. He
was bom in I'.rantbroughton. Lincolnshire. Eng-
land. March 15. [825, being a son of Thomas ami
Ann Beckett, who reared a family of seven hoys
and one girl, our subject being the only one who
came to the United States, and remained here.
One brother. Thomas, came to this country but re-
mained only a short time.
Frank Beckett, a brother of our subject has two
children in the United States. Arthur and Annie
Mai'V, both of whom reside with our subject.
Ma\ 17. 1849, he was married to .Mary Ann Beck-
ett at Shelling Thorp. England. She was born in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
685
Waddington, Lincolnshire, England, June i*. 1829.
After the birth of two children they in L854,
concluded they would try their fortune in the
United states, first locating al Utica, X. Y.. where
our subject worked for some time in a soap and
candle factory, later engaging in the express busi-
ness.
In the spring of 1859, Mr. Beckett migrated to
Illinois, locating at Springfield, where he engaged
in the dairy business becoming sole owner of the
principal dairy of that city. From Springfield, lie
came to Shelby County and purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of railroad land, then all raw prairie
which he paid for at the time but from the re-
cording deeds having been misstated he was obliged
to pay for one-half of it the second time, lie
still resides on the land first purchased, having
added new land, however, from time to time, and
is at present the owner of three hundred and
sixty-four acres oi well-cultivated land, lie has
been very successful in his business adding to his
other agricultural pursuits the business of raising
swine, in which lie has been largely engaged.
Mr. and Mrs. Beckett have been blessed by the
birth of seven children who are named as follows:
John was horn in Lincolnshire, England, March 7.
1850; Thomas was also horn in England, December
1852, lint died in I'tica after their removal there.
September 5, 1859; Mary Ann. now the wife of
Samuel Wilson, was born in I'tica. X. Y.. April 26.
1857; Fanny C, was horn near Springfield, .lime
19, 1859, and is now the wife of William II.
Thomas; Frank Grant was born .at Springfield,
January 29, 1862; Abraham Lincoln was born near
Springfield, March 1. 1865 and died May 5, 1888;
Ada Matilda was horn in Shelby County. Septem-
ber 5, 1867, and is now the wife of Willinn
llartiuann.
Mr. Beckett has always been very patriotic
having been a strong Union man during thestormy
times of war. He is also an ardent advocate of
temperance but never paid much attention to poli-
tic- in fact seldom voting. While our subject i- a
strong supporter of the cause of Christ, he i> at
present not a member of any church. His earls
training was in the Methodist Church and he still
adheres to that faith. His family are members of
the Church of ( .od whose house of worship is
located on land denoted by him. He also paid
two-thirds of the expenses necessaiy to building a
church. Mr. Beckett is a man who i- well-known
and highly respected in the community in which
he resides. He i- the architect of his own fortune
having hut a few dollars in his pocket when he
emigrated to America, hut by industry ami good
management he ha- succeeded in accumulating a
competence.
V_
/
OHN DIXON, Si*. The owner of the fine
farm located on section 1. of Lovington
Township, Moultrie County, i- of Southern
parentage, his father being Jacob Dixon, who
was horn in North Carolina, and his mother Ann
Blurry (Miller) Dixon, was horn in Virginia, the
State that is so noted for pretty girls, statesmen and
woiid cooking. Soon after marriage they settled
in Ross County, Ohio, where our subject's father
died; the mother survived and came to Moultrie
County, where -he finally passed away at the resi-
dence of our subject. They were the parents of
ten children, of whom our subject was the third in
order of birth.
The original of our sketch was horn in Ross
County. Ohio. August 11. 1819. There hegrewto
manhood and was employed as were most of the
young farmers of hi- age and day. His boyhood
years were marked by his application to school
duties and learning the routine of farm work. On
reaching manhood he was married to Lydia Kay.
Their nuptial- were solemnized Xovemher 11. 1844.
The lady was horn in Ohio. November 15, 1822.
They were the parents of nine children whose
names are as follows, — Jacob, Mahala, Mary. Rach-
ael I.. Charity, Moses, Lydia E., John R. and Nancy
F. Of these Mahala ami Charity are deceased. BIrS.
Lydia Dixon died in Lovington Township, Jnlj
1*. 1874.
John Dixon was married the second time in ROSS
County. Ohio. April 8, Is; 7. to Mrs. Margaret (Hen-
SOn) Springer. Her parents weri' Henry and Sarah
686
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
(Slurry) Heiison; they died in Ohio. By her first
marriage she beame the wife of Alanson Springer,
who died in Jackson County, Ohio. By that union
.-he became the mother of eight children, whose
name? are respectively — Louisa. Sarah. Drusilla,
Pleasant. Wheelen. Titus, Hester J. and Lydia.
Mrs. Margaret Dixon was born in Boss ( ounty,
Ohio. March 27. 1817.
Our subject in his young manhood worked in a
saw and grist mill, and in a felling and cording
mill, which he followed until he was thirty year-
old, beginning this work at the early age of twelve
years. Since that time, that i.-. at the age of thirty,
he has followed farming and finds the peacful seren-
ity of this life to he more suited to his tempera-
ment than the business in which he was engaged
in his youth. He is the owner of three hundred
and fourteen acre- of good farm land upon which he
had placed good improvements having expended
large sum- of money in the erection of buildings,
conveyance of water, drainage, fencing, etc. lie
also own- eighty acres in Buffalo County. Neb.
Our subject is a follower of the Democratic
party believing thoroughly in the superiority of
principle and executive power as exerted by that
form of government. He has tilled the office of
Highway Commissioner most successfully in the
township. Mrs. Dixon has been a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church since fifteen years of
age. Her husband is liberal in his religious l>elief.
His first wife was a member of the Christian Church
from the time she was sixteen year? of aire until
her death. Mr. Dixon's advent into this state
and county was made in March 1863. and the fol-
lowing February he settled on the farm where he
now lives. He has somewhat dropped the active
proprietorship of the place, and lives a semi-retired
life, leaving the management of the place to one
of his sons. All of Mr. Dixon- children who are
surviving, have homes and families of their own.
and are honored and respected meml>ei-s of the com-
munities in which they live. Jacob Dixon mar-
ried Orilda Fred, who died May. 1891. Mahala
died when only about twenty-three year- of age.
at a time when life is so full of promise. Mary i-
the wife of Sylvester Arganbright. Rachael mar-
ried F. 0. Davis. Charity died when a voting lad v
t wen ty-two years old. Moses was united to Miss
Dora Ballard. Lydia E. is the wife of Harmon
Hoffman. John R. is still in the bachelor rank-.
Nancy E. is the wife of J. S. Fred: Louisa i? the
wife of Joseph Sigler; Sarah married Ambrose
Davis. Drusilla was united to Samuel Mul van \ .
Plea-ant married Caroline Leach. Wheelen made
mistress of the dome-tic affair? of his household.
Elizabeth Steward. Titus married Nancy Sinclair.
Hester J. and Lydia are deceased.
\ E( )R< . F FERRE. the leading business man of
Dalton City. Moultrie County, located in
this town in April. 1872. which date i>
identical with the founding of Dalton City. He
i- the proprietor of two flourishing -tore- in one
of which he carries a treneral stock and in the
other hardware. He wasborn in Perry, Pike County.
111.. January (i. 1847). being the son of Luciau and
Ann (Avar-) Ferre, the former a native of Canada
and the latter of England.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Daniel
Ferre. was a native of Springfield, Mass., but passed
the last years of his life in Canada and thus the
father of our subject had his nativity in that do-
minion. There Lucian Ferre grew to manhood ami
wa- married. He had taken the trade of a black-
smith and concluded that in the newer regions of
Illinois would be the l>est place to carry on his
trade, lie therefore migrated here, becoming an
early ?ettler in Pike County, locating at Perry,
where he engaged in the manufacture of plows.
In that early day Illinois possessed but one short
line of railway, that from Naples to Jacksonville,
therefore he was compelled to journey in primitive
fashion to the new home, coming in a wagon ex-
cept when crossing the lake.
In September, 1856, he determined to trive up
the plow business and devote himself to agricul-
tural pursuits, removing to Macon County, and
settling on a farm in the vicinity of the city of
Macon. There he lived until death called him
hence in 1875, his age being sixty-four years. His
faithful and beloved wife had preceded him to
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
687
the spirit world, three months previous to hi- de-
mise, having passed away at the age of sixty-five
They had a family of five children, namely: Lou-
isa, who married H. II. Brengelman of Perry, Pike
County, 111.: William H. who died in January.1875.
leaving a family of two children: George, oursub-
ject; Sarah, who married J. H. Gibson of Macon,
111.: Emily A. who resides at Perry. The father of
ibis family was a man of ability and succeeded in
accumulating a handsome property, and the later
years of himself and wife were prosperous and
comfortable ones. They were held in high esteem
by the people with whom they made their home
and were active in church work, he being a Deacon
in the Baptist Church of Moweaqua.
The boyhood of our subject was passed in Perry
and later on the farm in Macon County, where he
received thorough instruction and practice in the
duties of farm life and took his schooling in the
district schools. This education was further sup-
plemented by a course of study at Shurtleff Col-
lege, I'pper Alton. 111. He pursued farming until
-nine twenty-five years of age and then came to
Dalton City and entered upon the business of buy-
ing and selling grain, and in the fall of [872
purchased an interest in a general store, and a- a
member of the firm of Webb a- Ferre, carried on
business for five years, after which he became the
sole proprietor and in 1**7 added a hardware
-tore to the ii-t of his enterprises. \U- success has
been marked and he is rapid h accumulating a
handsome property. He now owns seven acres
of land near Dalton. one hundred and sixty in
Shelby County, 111., one hundred and sixty iii
Macon County. 111., and one hundred and sixty in
Kansas.
A happv and congenial marriage was contract! d
November 17. L875, between George Ferre and
Eleanor Dalton. daughter of James Dalton. This
lady was born in the North of England and a>
her mother died when -he was quite a small child
she was placed under the care of her uncle Thomas
Dalton. in whose honor Dalton City is named and
was bought by him to the United States, ami
reared and educated under his fostering care. The
following children have been born to .Mr. and .Mr-.
Ferre, Daisy L., Mabel and Guy. They arc being
carefully and judiciously reared and educated and
are being conscientiously instructed by their parents
in the Christian faith. For nine years Mr. Ferre
was Postmaster at Dalton. In politic- In- is a
stanch and sturdy Republican and is also identi-
fied with the Knights of Honor.
LDER WILLIAM A. RATES. The divine
command -Go ye into all the world and
preach the gospel to every creature." has
for more than eighteen hundred years been ac-
cepted by a few who felt that they would accept the
humble position of teacher to the people, for their
dear Lord's sake. Every religion has its fanatics,
but the purpose of none is so pure and unalloyed as
that of the preacher to the simple agricultural
classes of America. They are one with the people
and no false notions of superiority can give tliem
prestige over their flock. They can preach the
life of the Divine man in all its simplicity, because
the}- themselves, in a degree, live the same life.
( >ur subject resides on section 13, of Ridge
Township, Shelby County. He was born in Grant
County. Ind., his natal day being December 4.
1851. He is a son of David ami Elizabeth ( Brad-
shaw) Bates, both natives of Indiana. Roth pater-
nal and maternal grandparents were pioneer set-
tlers of his native State. '1 he parents of our sub-
ject died in Indiana, and of a family of eight
children, only three attained their majority. They
are. Rebecca. John Wisley ami our subject. Re-
becca married C. F. Lay. and resides in Miami
County. Kan. John died in 18110 in Miami
County, Kan. Our subject was only five years of
age when his father passed away from this life,
and one 3-ear later he lost his mother, and only
those who have been orphans can appreciate the
bereavement of the lad. Our subject had a guar-
dian appointed with whom he lived for a time,
after a previous residence with his relatives on the
borne farm. He attended the district schools and
derived all the advantages to be had there.
At the age of seventeen the original of our
sketch came to Shelby County and purchased
ess
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
eighty acres of land. In 1874, he was married to
Arminta Bare, a daughter of Michael and Marga-
ret (Dillinger) Bare. The lady was born in West-
moreland County, Pa., August 11, 1847. In 1848
the family removed to Ohio and in 1872 came to
Shelby County, where she and our subject met
anil married. After marriage, he of whom we
write, with his wife, went to Kansas, where they
resided for a time in Miami, and then went across
the line into Missouri. While West:', he purchased
forty acres of laud and operated land which he
rented.
In October, 1882, the family returned to Shelby
County and our subject has since rented the land
which he now occupies, operating two hundred
and forty acres. Politically. Mr. Bates is a Pro-
hibitionist, not only living, but teaching and
preaching a total abstinence from all stimulants.
Five little ones have come as buds of promise to
cheer the home of our subject and wife. Of these,
four are now living. They are Maggie, Cora,
Bertha and John. Mr. Bates has been an earnest
Christian and has officiated as minister over several
congregations. He preached one year at Antioch,
two years at Wilber Creek, two years at Union,
and two years at Zion, at which place he is now
preaching. He united with the Church of Christ
when twenty one years of age, and had no special
preparation for the pulpit, gleaning his theologi-
cal training as best he could from books and con-
versations with learned, good men. During the
time of his ministry with the churches above men-
tioned, he at the same time pursued his calling as a
farmer, although he has given a portion of his
time to his ministerial duties. He is a member
of the church of Antioch, and occasionally
preaches at that place.
3 •$"$••$•*$•/
ft/ AMES SLATER. Pioneer life in the Prairie
State was not, perhaps, so full of hardships
as in some of the more densely wooded sec-
tions of our country, but those who came
to this State in the early days can recount many
tales of deprivation which sound strangely to the
ears of the younger generation. In the days when
the subject of this sketch first lived in Illinois,
there was no Justice of the Peace nearer than
Shelbyville, and for four years after his coming
here no property was assessed for taxation.
Mr. Slater was born near the city of Indian-
opolis. Ind.. May 2. 1824. His parents were Wil-
liam and Jane (Wilson) Slater, the father being a
native of Yorkshire, England, and the mother being
born in Kentucky. They were married in Indiana
and resided there until 1832, when they came to
Lawrence County, 111., and afterward to Mont-
gomery County where they settled in 1844.
The subject of this biographical sketch came to
Shelby County in the year 1848 and for four years
previous had lived just across the line and within
sight of the village of Oconee. Farming was
his occupation and he did much pioneer work
in Montgomery and Shelby Counties. His first mar-
riage which took place in Montgomery Count}', 111.,
prior to his coming to Shelby County, united him
with a young lady of great loveliness of character,
Miss Ann Morrell. Her married life was brief but
full of cares and responsibilities, as was that of all
early pioneer women. She died in 1853 after having
become the mother of five children, one of whom
died in early childhood; Jennie died in 1889. The
two who survive are Horatio and Sidney, both of
whom are energetic young farmers of character
and enterprise, the eldest living in Fayette County
and the younger in Oconee Township.
In 1863 our subject assumed a second matri-
monial alliance with Avy J. (Turner) Ishmael.
Seven children were born of this marriage, five of
whom were gathered to the arms of the Heavenly
Shepherd in early childhood, and the two who are
living are Otis, who resides at home and Alta,
now Mrs. Ed. Morgan who lives on a farm in this
township.
Mr. Slater retired from the farm about nine
years ago, and engaged in the business of mer-
chandising. He owned and operated a store in
Oconee, and there carried a full line of groceries,
provisions, queensware, tinware, notions, etc., and
enjoyed a lucrative trade. He always took an ac-
tive interest in political affairs and worked with the
Democratic party, believing that the principles
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RE< I )RD.
-
announced bj the author of the Declaration of In-
dependence are good enough for the guidance of
the country in these modern days. He was Jus-
tice of the Peace for eighteen years, in Mont-
gomery County. He was elected Supervisor from
his township when he lived in Audubon. Mont-
gomery County, and had served as School Direc-
tor, having always taken a deep and abiding inti
in the public school system. During his forty-
seven years' residence in this vicinity he witni -
the development of this county from a wilderness
to its present state of high cultivation.
'1 he Oconee Lodge Xo. 392 A. F. & A. M.. is
the social body with which Mr. Slater was formerly
connected, but at the time of bis death he was non-
affiliated. He held no church membership but was
interested in the progress of churches and schools
and all institutions looking to the progress of Oco-
nee. He was distinctively a pioneer of this region
and a man who had the confidence and respect
of all with whom he is acquainted. Mr. Slater
died August 28. 1891, aged sixty-seven years
eight months and six day-.
NH^I
GEOEGE W. BOYS. A member of a family
highly respected and honored in the com-
munity in which he resides our subject is
one of the pioneers in the central part of the
state. He was there growing to manhood while
Lincoln was maturing and preparing for the
career which has made his name immortal. Mr.
Boys resides on section 26. of Ridge Township.
Shelby County. He is a son of Alexander and
Virginia Boys, of whom notice may be found
under the sketch of .lames Boys, in another part of
this volume. Our subject's father was born in
the beginning of the present century and when the
War of 1812 occurred, he was old enough to re-
member something regarding it.
He of whom >ve write first saw the light of dav
in Vermilion County, this State. January 23.
1834. When only two years of age his family re-
moved from that county and located in Shelby
County. Here he grew to manhood and assisted
in the improvement of the farm, making bis home
under the paternal roof until he attained his ma-
jority. When twenty one years of age, he
attended school for one winter, and the next year
he was married fo. Elizabeth Hardy, daughter
of Thomas and Nellie Hardy. Their marriage
was celebrated February 26. 18.")6. The huh was
born in Fairfield County. Ohio. For the further
history of her family see sketch of William Hardy
in another part of this Rk> ord.
After marriage. Mr. Boys rented a tract of laad
which he operated for two years. He then pur-
chased eighty acres in Todd's Point Township,
there lesiding for several years, engaged in plow.
ing. planting and reaping, and the general im-
provement of his place. They then removed to
Ridge Township, and purchased a larger tract
comprising one hundred and sixty acres, which
was the nucleus of his present farm, which was at
the time of purchase but a little improved. He
is now the possessor of three hundred acres of
finely cultivated and highly productive land, upon
which he has expended iarge amounts in improve-
ments. Although Mr. Boys follows general agri-
culture as his calling, he particularly favors the
branch of stock raising and has many fine animals
that are noted throughout the county for the pur-
ity of their breeding. For some years he devoted
himself to wheat raising.
Mr. Boys and his amiable and charming wife
have been the parents of eight children, six of
whom are living. They are Ollie. I.uella. Emma,
Sarah. Cora and Hope. Of these. Emma is the
wife of Law- in Killam. Sarah is the wife of Cy-
rus Killam. Politically, our subject favors the
Democratic party and although he is much inter-
ested in local politics, desiring that the best man
should receive the favors to be awarded, he has
never been prevailed upon to accept office. Re-
ligiously. Mr. Boys is a believer in Christianity,
but has never connected himself with any church,
finding good in all. His daughter Ollie. howevi i.
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
in which she is an efficient worker. Our subject
has felt that in being entrusted with the care of
children, an almost sacred obligation is upon him
to enrich their intelligence to the greatest possible
690
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
extent, and he has never sparer] any means to give
his children the best educational advantages. Two
daughters, after finishing at the home school, at-
tended the Wesleyan College, at Bloomington,
and two others finished at St. Mary's, near Terre
Halite, Ind. Their course in the Sheibyville
schools prior to their college life, was thorough
and practical. His children are cultivated and re-
fined women, who are adornments and desirable
additions to the social and intellectual life of the
community in which they live. Miss Cora is a
teacher of music, in which art she is proficient,
having a wide local reputation for the beauty and
sympathy of her piano forte performances.
AN1EL MOLL, of Moweaqua, one of the
formost stock dealers in this count}', and an
extensive land owner, is one of our substan-
tial citizens who in the successful management of
this business has added to the wealth of this sect-
ion and has helped to establish its prosperity on a
solid foundation. He was born in Bucks County
Pa. , which was also the native county of his fath-
er, who bore the same name as himself. His grand-
father was likewise a Pennsylvanian by birth and
was of German antecedents. He spent his last years
at his occupation as a farmer in Bucks County
The father of our subject was reared on a farm
and always followed agricultural pursuits, spend-
ing his entire life in the county of his nativity. He
married Margaret Hines, a native of that county,
and a life-long resident of that section of Pennsyl-
vania. She was the mother of fifteen children
that grew to maturity.
Daniel Moll, of this biographical sketch, passed
his life on his father's farm, and when he was eigh-
teen early years of age his father gave him his time.
He started out even with the world, his only capital
being a clear brain, strong muscle, a courageous
heart, and right principles, but these were worth
more to him than money, and by their aid he has
been more than ordinarily successful in acquiring
wealth. He made his way to Ohio after he left
the sheltering roof of his old home, and entered
upon his career by working upon a farm by the
month. He was so employed in the Buckeye
State until 1853, when, thinking that he could do
better in this Slate, he came to Shelby County
with a team, and at first farmed as a renter. As soon
as Ins means would admit, he bought forty acres
of land in Pickaway Township, a half of which
was under cultivation, and a log cabin adorned
the place. Busy years followed his location there,
but prosperity smiled upon his efforts, and lie of-
ten judiciously invested his money in land, and at
the present time has nine hundred fifty eight acres
of valuable real estate, divided into five finely im-
proved farms.
Mr. Moll continued his residence on his home-
stead until Ma}', 1890, when he came to Mowea-
qua and purchased the pleasant place where he
now lives. He has for many years been actively
engaged in buying and shipping live-stock, com-
mencing in a moderate way, and gradually build-
ing up a large business, which he still continues,
he being one of the shippers in the county, all his
stock going to Chicago. He is one of our solid
business men, keen foresight and unerring judg-
ment, united with honorable and generous dealings,
marking all his transactions.
He stands high in financial circles, and public-
spirit is one of his characteristics, he being always
willing to use his means and influence to advance
all enterprises that will in any way benefit city or
country. He lias always given of his time to help
in the management of civic affairs, and has done
good service as Highway Commissioner and as a
member of the District School Board. As to his
politics, he is a firm and unswerving adherence to
the Republican part}-. Both he and his good wife
are people of earnest religious character and are
faithful members of the United Brethren in Christ
Church.
Mr. Moll has been exceedingly happy in his do-
mestic relations, as by his marriage in November,
1853, with Miss Coraline Wolfe, lie secured a
wife who has ever been watchful of his interests,
and has cheerfully co-operated with him in the
upbuilding of their home. They have five children,
namely: Mary E., who is the wife of Jesse O.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
691
Weakly, of Ridge Township; John, who married
Miss Nelly Tolly, and lives in Pickaway Town-
ship; Clara A. .the wife of Cyrus Weakly, of Pick-
away Township: and William Henry, who lives at
home with his parents.
Mrs. Moll is a native of Fairfield County. Ohio,
and a daughter of Andrew and Susan (Stearns)
Wolf. Her father, who is thought to have
been a native of Pennsylvania, was a pioneer of
Hawkin Township, Fairfield County, where he car-
ied on his trade as a miller, and died at a ripe age
in 1840. His wife, who was a Pennsylvania!) by
birth, spent her last years with a daughter in Carro
County. Ind.
@
ACOB SIT MP. The most imperishable
monuments erected to commemorate the vir-
tues of our deceased friends are not built of
perishable marble, but are found in the mem-
ories and affections of friends and fellow-men.
Our subject, Jacob Stump, who passed away from
this life to seek the light of upper day, April 8,
1876, was one whose monument though unpreten-
tious, is as enduring as the memory of man, for
his thoughts and acts and words were such as to
make the world better and wiser and to bring hu-
manity iuto nearer relation with the great Infinite.
He was a genial, whole-souled man who was the
confidant and friend of every person who needed
a sympathetic ear in which to pour their joys or
grievances.
Our subject was born in Fairfield County. Ohio,
October 20, 1820. He comes of Pennsylvania
Dutch parentage, who were early settlers in Fair-
field Count}', Ohio. His father and mother lived
and died where our subject was born. They were
both old people at the time of their decease, and
had seen much experience in pioneer life. They
were members of the German Reformed Church.
Our subject grew to manhood and attained his
majority in his native county. There he was edu-
cated and having an aptitude for study, he began
his career as a teacher and was thus engaged until
he was twenty-nine years old.
In 1849, Mr. Stump was united in marriage
in Pickaway County, Ohio, to Miss Sarah Blinker,
a native also of that place, being there born March
13. 1827. She was the daughter of George and
Mary (Shafer). natives of the State of Pennsyl-
vania, and of Dutch ancestry with a mixture of
Irish. After marriage in Pickaway County, George
Blinker and wife began life as very poor people.
They made a home far back in the depths of the
woods of Pickaway County, Ohio, where they
began their domestic life in the most primitive
style. They were surrounded by wild game of all
kinds, and before their little log cabin was built
their cooking was done in the lea of two logs,
which they rolled together in lieu of a fireplace.
They were industrious and ingenious young people,
and as their children increased and grew in stature
and strength, tbey made a comfortable little home,
where the parents lived and labored together for
many years, surrounded by a family of children
that were blessed with robust constitutions, and
bright, clear, vigorous minds; and although they
did not afford a great deal of style, they had
plenty to live on and a comfortable abode Here
the parents lived until the time of their decease.
being old people when taken away. For years
their social life was closely connected with their
church relations, being ardent members of the
Methodist denomination. Mr. Brinker's home,
humble as it was, was always large enough to en
tertain the traveling preacher, and thej' did not
regard it as anything but a privilege to transform
their house into a temporary sanctuary. The
thought seems fitting that in the little house
snuggled down among the great trees in God's
own temple, that the handful of settlers should
meet to hear the Gospel expounded.
Mrs. Stump, the wife of our subject, was early
acquainted with pioneer life, and was fitted to be
the wife f a man who was determined to make a
place for himself in the world. After the birth of
three of their children, one of whom died. Mr. and
Mrs. Stump set out, in 1854. for what was then
considered the wild West. They took the over-
land route, coming hither with teams, thus bring-
ing their household g Is and two small children.
The journey was a difficult one. for the mother
had a baby who was less than a }-ear old, and who
692
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was taken sick on the way. compelling them to
make a slop of a week. Mothers of to-day. who
are frantic if a physician cannot respond to their
call within ten minutes to attend upon their chil-
dren who are slightly indisposed, can realize the
anxiety of the mother whose situation rendered it
so difficult to alleviate the suffering of her little
one. After reaching this State, they settled in
Pickaway Township, on a farm in section 19,
which was then only slightly improved. It com-
prised one hundred and sixty acres, and here they
began life anew, and here they have lived and
labored together until the father and husband was
taken away. He lived, however, to enjoy the
result of his early labor.
Mrs. .Stump still owns eighty acres, and here she
makes her abiding place. It is a well improved
farm, and does not suffer from lack of care. The
lady has been a hard worker, and for many years
did the work that our grandmothers discarded.
that of spinning her own yarn and thread, and
then weaving it into cloth and carpets. After
living to see her children grown up about her. and
taking honorable positions in life, she is still hale
and active for one of her years. One of her
greatest pleasures and comforts has been in church
work, both she and her husband having been for
many years members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Mr. Stump was a great Sunday-school
worker. Politically, he affiliated with the Demo-
cratic party, and occupied several local offices,
having been Justice of the Peace for a number of
years.
Mrs. Stump is the mother of twelve children,
four of whom are now deceased. Their names are
respe lively: Mary. George. Henry, and an un-
named infant. The living children are: Catherine.
Salome, Wayne, Elizabeth, Charles. John, Ida B.
and Carrie. Catherine is the wife of John Porter,
and resides on a farm in Todd's Point Township.
Salome is the wife of Frank Sloan, who owns a
farm in tbis township. Wayne, who took to wife
Sarah Davis, is a farmer in this township. Eliza-
beth, who married S. B. Cole, lives on and operates
the home place. Charles took to wife Lucretia
Hoy, and lives on a farm in Pickaway Township.
John resides with his brother in-law. John Porter.
at this place. Ida B. is the wife of B. A. Rich-
hart, of whom a biographical sketch may be found
in another part of this volume. The youngest
daughter, Carrie, is the comfort and support of
her mother's declining years; she is a well edu-
cated and refined woman, holding a desirable posi-
tion in the public schools of the county.
— i 5—
wffj
~*Q
>*<!
Sr-
ON. ALFRED C. CAMPBELL, a distin
guished veteran officer of two wars, was
formerly one of the leading farmers of this
county, and, as the proprietor of a large
and finely improved farm, is still indentified with
its agricultural affairs although practically living
in retirement in his pleasant home at Moweaqua.
He is a son of one of the carl}' pioneer families of
Central Illinois, is noted in its history as the third
child bom of white parents in Sangamon County
and is thought to be the oldest white man living
who is a native of that county.
Our subject was born July 22. 1819. and comes
of good Revolutionary stock and Scotch ancestry.
The first of the Campbell family to come to this
country from his native heaths in Scotland was the
great-grandfather of subject, who came here in
Colonial times and settled iu South Carolina. His
son Jeremiah was the next in line. He was born
in Scotland and emigrated to South Carolina, and
went from there to Tennessee in the early years of
its settlement, before it became a State and when
the Cherokee Indians held full sway there. He
I located at Hampton, -Carter County and spent the
remainder of his life there. He did valiant service
in the Revolutionary War as a soldier under the
gallant Gen. Francis Marion. His wife was a
Miss Marr.
The father of subject, John Campbell, was born
Nov. 24, 1790, in Carter County. Tenn. He was of
a thoughtful and studious turn of mind, and made
the best of his opportunities to obtain an educa-
tion. In 1817 he came to Illinois, which was then
a territory, and first located in Madison County.
He was there married to Levina Parkinson, and in
1819 he started with a team for the" unsettled
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
693
wilderness of Sangamon Count}-. He was one
of the first to locate there, and though the land
was not then in market he made a claim on Lick
Creek, and after building a log cabin for the shel-
ter of his family, he entered actively upon pioneer
work that lay before him. of evolving a farm from
the wild country in which he had settled. He was
of an energetic disposition, very capable, and by
hard and unremitting labor acquired and improved
a large tract of land, and became one of the most
substantial men of his township. A man of his cal-
ibre was naturally called to positions of trust in the
administration of public affairs, and among other
offices he held that of Justice of the Peace many
years. Possessed of considerable learning himself,
he had a just value of a good education, and did
all he could to advance the educational interests of
his township by building a hewed log house on his
own land for school purposes, the school being
taught on the subscription plan. Politically he
was a stanch Democrat. He died in 1874, thus
closing a long and well-spent life, and leaving be-
hind him the legacy of an untarnished name that
is held in reverence by all who knew him.
When Mr. Campbell became a pioneer of San-
gamon County, there were but few white settlers
in Illinois, the Indians still retaining their old
hunting grounds to a great extent. Kaskaskia was
the capital of the State. Springfield had not been
founded, and St. Louis, which was but a village at
that time was the nearest market for the settlers to
sell their products and obtain supplies. The people
were home-livers, having to subsist on what they
could raise and on the game such as deer, wild
turkeys, etc., which were abundant. The wives and
daughters of the pioneers had to card, spin and
weave the wool and flax raised by the men, to
make cloth for wearing materiafand other purposes.
The father of subject lived to see a great change
wrought, not only in the face of the country, but
in the mode of living and the customs of the peo
pie.
The maternal grandfather of subject was Will-
iam Parkinson a native of Tennessee. His father,
Peter Parkinson, was born in England, came to
America in Colonial times, and spent his last yeais
in Carter County, Tenn. William Parkinson was
reared in Tennessee, and came from there to this
State in territorial days. He was a pioneer of Mad-
ison County, whence he went after a few years to
Lafayette County, Wis., of which he was one of the
first settlers, and there he died in the course of
time. His wife was a Miss Russell. The mother
of subject was a worthy type of the pioneer women
of Illinois who did so much to help their fathers,
husbands and sons in reclaiming this Slate from the
wilderness. She carefully reared a family of six
children to the habits of industry and right living,
of whom our subject is the eldest. The names of
the others are William, Jeremiah, Joseph W., Peter
C, and Caroline.
Born in the early years of the settlement of this
State, our subject grew up amid pioneer surround-
ings, and was educated in the primitive schools of
the olden times, which were taught in log houses
that were furnished with rude slab benches, and
greased paper pasted over the opening made by the
removal of a log from the side of the building
served instead of glass to light the interior. He
was studious, and under such able masters as
Daniel McCaskill, John Calhoun, who afterwards
became famous in the Kansas border troubles, and
Rowan Morris, he obtained a good practical educa-
tion, including a good knowledge of mathematics
and surveying. Thus well equipped mentally, he
utilized his education by teaching several terms
after he attained manhood. He selected farming
as his principal life-work, however, and was en-
gaged at that in Sangamon County until he came
to this county in 1851, when he chose a desirable
location on section 4, township 13 (now Flat
Branch Township), range 2. He developed a fine
farm of four hundred and ten acres and also gave
his attention to the mercantile business, opening a
store on his homestead, which he conducted there
until the village of Moweaqua was founded in
1856. He then removed his business thither, and
carried it on here until 1859. Returning then to
his farm, he made it his place of residence the en-
suing five years, though much of that time was
spent in fighting for his country on Southern battle-
fields. Since the war he has lived practically re-
tired at Moweaqua. though superintending his
farming interests, as he still retains four hundred
69 1
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
acres of fine farm land in Moweaqu.i and Flat
Branch Townships.
As before mentioned. Capt. Campbell has dis-
played his loyalty to the Government and his
patriotism by service 'in two wars. After war was
declared with Mexico he enlisted June 10, 1846. in
Company D, Fourth Illinois Infantry, commanded
by Col. E. D. Baker. He was elected Lieutenant of
his regiment, and went with it from Alton to Jeffer-
son Barracks. St. Louis, whence, after a few weeks'
drilling' in army tactics, it was dispatched to
Mexico by way uf New Orleans. Ascending the
Rio Grande River to Camargo. from that point the
regiment marched back to Metamoras. and from
there to Victoria, where on; subject and his com-
mand were placed under Gen. Scott, and bore
active part in the bombardment of Vera Cruz and
the battle of Cerro Gordo. At Tampico. the cap-
lain dying, our subject was left in command of the
company, and acted in that capacity until the ex-
piration of the term of enlistment, and returning
then to Illinois, arrived about a year from the
time of leaving the Stale.
Capt. Campbell's experience in the war with
Mexico made his services valuable in the great
Civil War that followed in the United States
several years later, when he volunteered in Octo-
ber. 1861. and went to the front as Captain of
Company E. Thirty-second Illinois Infantry, com-
manded by Col. John A. Logan. For three years
he was with the Army of the Tennessee, and
during the latter part of the war his regiment
was a part of the Seventeenth corps. The
Captain saw much hard campaigning aud fight-
ing in Missouri. Arkansas. Kentucky. Tennessee,
Mississippi. Georgia. Alabama and South Carolina.
He faced the enemy in the battles of Ft. Donel-
son and Shiloh, was active in the sieges of Corinth
and Coldwater, and fought in the engagement
around Vicksbuig. Jackson and Keuesaw Moun
lain, and was with Sherman on his famous "March
from Atlanta to the Sea," taking part in the
various battles and skirmishes on the way. He
was mustered out of the service in February. 1865,
a « ar worn veteran, whose record as a soldier was
bright and reflected credit on the military of his
native State.
Capt. Campbell cast his first Presidential vote
for Martin Van Buren in 1840, and for more than
half a century has beeifa Democrat of the deepest
dye. His party honored him by electing him to
the legislature in 1880 to represent the Thirty-
third. Senatorial District, including the counties of
Shelby. Effingham and Cumberland. A flattering
majority of his fellow-citizens' votes seut him to
the General Assembly, and tie fulfilled his duties
while there with characteristic fidelity and public
spirit. He was at one time Justice of the Peace,
being an incumbent of that office two terms. In
his social relations he is connected with the Ma-
sonic fraternity, ana is now the oldest charter
member of Moweaqua Lodge. No. 180.
May 3. 1838. Capt. Campbell was married to
Polly, daughter of Peyton Foster, and a native of
Kentucky. Their happy wedded life of nearly
twenty years' duration was brought to an end by
the death of the faithful wife January 'J, 1858.
She was the mother of these six children : John P.,
a resident of Spokane Falls. Wash.: Elizira
E.. wife of James W. Clark, of Moweaqua; Sarah
C wife of Edward Segar. of Decatur: Leonard
W.. a resident of Dallas. Tex.: Alfred C, now de-
ceased, who married aud left five children: and
George W., deceased. Our subject was again
married June 17, 185iL to his present estimable
wife, formerly Miss Jennie Hurt, a native of Mont-
gomery County, Ohio, and in her he has a true
companion and devoted helpmate.
^ EV. ALBERT R. BECKETT. There is
perhaps no more public spirited man nor
one more wide-awake to matters of general
) interest in the township of Oconee. Shelby
County, than the gentleman whose name initiates
this sketch, who is carrying on the work of a far-
mer and stock -raiser, along with arduous pastoral
labors. He was born in McMinn County. Tenn..
October 27, 1824. His father. Josiah Beckett,
was a Virginian, and his mother. Barbara Souders.
a Marylander. They have three sons and six
PORTRAIT AND r.Mi.KAPIIK'AL KK.toRD.
695
daughters of whom our subject is the youngest.
They are: Arrnie. Thomas. Sabina, Elizabeth,
Elza. Mary. Nancy, Susannah, and Albert R., our
subject. Only four are now living. Eliza resides
in Clinton County. Ky., as does also Susannah and
Nancy in Missouri.
The parents of our subject removed from Ten-
nessee to Kentucky while he was still young and
there he attended school at Danville, lie studied
law for some time but decided not to enter prac-
tice. After eight years spent in Danville, he was
married in Clinton County. Ky.. in 184.5. to Mi?^
Louisa Shelley, who was born in that State in
1S25. of Virginia parents who had removed to
Kentucky in a very early day.
Albert R. Beckett remained in Kentucky until
1862 when he was obliged to flee to save his life.
He had been robbed of everythirg he had by the
so called Confederacy. He was frequently shot
at and on one occasion he and his two sons were
attacked while at work in the field. They heroi-
cally defended themselves, being well armed, but
were finally obliged to retreat, leaving every-
thing. They gathered the little family into a
wagon and set out with an ox-team for the North.
He had but seventy-five cents in money when he
left the South. The ground traveled over by the
party lay between the two opposing armies, hence
no obstructions were presented to thejr flight.
The family reached Charleston. Coles County.
111., and remained there for about four years. Mr.
Beckett bought forty acres of land which he
finally sold and started to go to Ft. smith. Ark.,
but while on the way he was atttacked by guer-
rillas and wounded. He at once decided to return
to Illinois and now made his permanent home in
Oconee Township, where he still resides.
To Mr. and Mrs. Beckett were born eleven chil-
dren nine of whom are now living: Elza who married
Maria Titus, is a farmer and resides in Oconee Town-
ship: Albert R. married and resides in Missouri on
a farm; John with his wife lives in this township:
G. A. C. is married and lives near his parents;
William C. lives with his wife in this towpship;
Samuel is married and lives with his parents: Bar-
bara Jane is married and lives in Oconei Town-
ship; Eliza Ellen is unmarried and is taking care
of her afflicted mother. Arcadia died in child-
hood. In addition to these children there were
born a pair of twins, a boy and a girl, whom the
father named Abe and Lincoln, giving the girl
also the moie feminine appelation of Clarinda.
Abe died in infancy. His sister. Miss Clarinda
Lincoln Beckett, married E. F. Barker, an attor-
ney at Danville, hid., who is also a noted orator
espousing the Prohibition cause.
About thirty-three years ago Mr. Beckett ex-
perienced religion and soon after felt it his duly
to preach the Gospel. He studied theological
works and finally began to preach for the Baptist
Church in Clinton Comity. Ky.. and afterward in
Coles County. 111. He subsequently became im-
bued with the idea that our portion of punish-
ment and tribulation was quite complete in this
life and he espoused the belief of the Universalis t
and was ordained bv the Dniversalist Convention
of the State of Illinois some eleven years ago.
Mrs. Beckett has been a helpless invalid for the
last eleven years. She believes that it is largely
due to the nervous shock which she experienced
durii g her husband's hazardous experiences in the
late war. Mr. Beckett owns two hundred and
forty acres of valuable land which he has in fine
condition as he superintends it all personally. He
takes an interest in public affairs generally, and is
enterprising and public spirited. He is a Prohi-
bitionist in sentiment and espouses the cause of
the laboring men of the countiy, demanding that
they have representation in Congress and else-
where.
r -Hi (MAS SINGER. It seems odd that while
our Teutonic neighbors are generally con-
ceded to be rather phlegmatic and slow,
and notoriously a home-loving people, that at the
same time the)- should be among the widest trav-
eled people and have accomplished more in ad-
vancement, in the general sciences, than any other
nationality. Our subject, Thomas Singer, who
resides on his farm located on section 6, Tower
Hill Township, Shelby County, is a German
696
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
birth and education, and liis life has been one of
varied experiences. Reared as a farmer lad in his
own country, he had a taste for military training
to which the lads of Germany are subjected.
Mr. Singer was born in Bavaria, Germany, No-
vember 8, 1831. He is a son of John and Caroline
(Dorn) Singer, and is the only one of the family
who have left the home nest and dared the dan-
gers of the three thousand miles of ocean, to come
to the United States. A half brother, John Hab-
erlein, came with him. Our subject came hither
in 1852 and after landing proceeded to Fairfield
County, Ohio, where for some time he was en-
gaged in work as a hostler.
In 1856. when the gold fever was at its height
in California, the original of our sketch crossed
the plains in order to seek his fortune in the land
then productive of the precious metal, now yield-
ing the richest harvest in its fruits and woods.
He there remained for ten years, during that time
being engaged as a farm hand for seven years,
after which he kept a dairy near San Jose. He
was reasonably successful in a financial way while
West, although he had to contend with much sick-
ness in his family. In 1866, he returned to the
Central States, locating in Shelby County, where
he purchased land upon which he now resides.
This tract was originally railroad bind and at the
time of his location was virgin soil, its only pro-
duct having been the wild flowers of the prairie;
for this he paid $13 and &16 per acre. He now
owns one hundred and thirty- one and a third acres,
which is thoroughly improved and in a fine state
of cultivation, the changes having been made by
his own efforts.
Mr. Singer has erected a good farm residence
upon his place. It is quite new, having been
built in 1890. Just before his removal to Califor-
nia, our subject united himself for better or worse
to Catherine Leyh. She was born in Fairfield
County, Ohio, and was of German parentage, her
parents being Nicholas and Elizabeth (Arnoli)
Leyh. Several children have come to gladden the
hearts and homes of their affectionate parents.
Their names are John, George, Thou as, August,
Elizabeth, Henry, Ellen and Clara. Politically
Mr. Singer favors the Democratic part}-, its broad
platform more nearly approaching the idea which
in early life he formed of the freedom of govern-
ment in America. He, with his family, is a mem-
ber of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
•^^1
Hffi'H
II*
<| IVILLIAM J. BREHMER. The pleasant
1 a/| home belonging to the intelligent young
ffiy man whose name appears at the head of
this sketch, is presided over by a lady of true cul-
ture and refinement who makes it one of the bright
spots in Prairie Township, Shelby County, and the
best place on earth to her hard working husband
and interesting children. Mr. Brehmer was born
in 1'russia, Germany, June 10, 1858, being a son
of Charles and Caroline (Kasang) Brehmer, who
came to America in 1861 and made Chicago their
first stopping place. They remained in the vicinity
of that city for about two years and then removed
to this county, where the parents now own two
hundred and ten acres of land, all of which they
have changed from a raw prairie to a well cultiva-
ted farm, and upon which they have placed excel-
lent farm buildings.
Our subject is the eldest of the five surviving
children of his parents, his brothers and sisters be-
ing Lizzie, (JMrs. Theodore Werth); Fred, Emma
and Anna. Farm training consumed most of the
early years of our subject and he had but a scant
opportunity for acquiring an education, although
he did for a short time attend the district schools
but the family necessities often demanded his help
upon the farm, and the father did not appreciate
as the son does the necessities of an American citi-
zen in this line. He resided at home until 1881,
when he was happily joined in marriage with Ma-
tilda, daughter of Charles and Margaret Kull, who
was born in this county, October 9, 1861.
The father of Mrs. Brehmer resides on section
14, Prairie Township, to which he removed from
Hocking County, Ohio, in 1856. He was born
February 16, 1834, and is a son of Frederick and
Hannah Kull of whom our reader will learn more
in the biography of Mr. J. F. Kull upon another
page of this book. He worked as a farm hand in
PORTRAIT AND Blot .KAPHICAL RECORD.
697
Hocking County, and after attaining his majority
worked for one season in Miami County, hid., but
returned to Ohio until 1856. when be came to Illi-
nois. Ilis marriage in December, 18j7. with Mar-
garet, daughter of Adam and Catherine Lowery
brought him ten children, of whom Mrs. Brehmer
is the third in order of age. For a number of
Vitus ne rented land but now owns sixty acres
where he resides in Prairie Township, all of which
he has changed from virgin soil to a well cultivated
farm, and upon which he has placed good build-
ings. He is independent in his political ideas but
tends to the Democratic vote rather than the Re-
publican, and in his religious life he is in accord
and membership with the Lutheran Church.
Six children blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Brehmer and the following named are living:
Clara, Amelia, Nellie and Anna. Forty acres of
tine land and a comfortable farm residence forms
the estate of our subject, ami by his industry ami
frugality be has been able to place all of these in
an excellent condition. His political views have
caused him to affiliate with the Democratic- party
and his position as School Director has given him
an opportunity to work efficiently to the end that
his children, and the children of his neighbors may
have the best opportunities for education. He
earnestly believes that such a training as may be
acquired in the public schools is the best prepara-
tion for the duties and responsibilities of mature
years. The Evangelical Lutheran Church is the
religious body with which he find himself in ac-
cord and here he makes his religious home and is a
helper in every good word andwork.
5 MANUEL OMAN. The history of our
subject is that of many farmers who have
^ struggled to make themselves and families
a home and social position in their chosen com-
munities, hiding the little romances or tragedies
that come to them as to others under a serene and
impassive exterior. Not many of our farmers had
the time or inclination to make verses to the field
dais}-, or the field mice, as did Burns, but there
have been whole volumes of poetry unwritten,
surging under the rough exterior of many a plough-
man or many a harvester. They are songs un-
sung.
He of whom we write is a farmer residing on
section 26, and also owning land in sections 22 and
25, of Ridge Township. Shelby County. He was
born in Pickaway County. Ohio. January 15, 1847,
being a sou of Samuel and Mary (Martin) Oman.
The family were early settlers in the county and
State in which our subject was born, and Samuel
< Mnan still resides on the place where he was born
seventy-five years ago. Mrs. Oman dk-d when our
subject was but seven years of age. She left to
her bereaved husband, six children, and one child
had been called away before its mother. The six
living children are William, Emanuel, Catherine,
Isabel. Adam and John.
The father of Mr. Oman married a second time,
his wife being Sarah Pontius. Three children
were the fruit of this marriage. Their names are
Josephus, Elizabeth and Elmer, Our subject was
reared on the home farm and attended the country
schools, where he learned the three R's, and such
other branches as were considered essential at that
time. He continued to reside in Ohio until 1869,
when he came to Illinois, settling first in Pickaway
Township where he purchased a farm of one hundred
and sixty acres anil on which he resided for eight
\ ears. He then came to Ridge Township and subse-
quently settled where lie at present resides. He is
now :he owner of two hundred and forty-one acres
of land which is well tilled and xery productive.
The original of our sketch has been twice mar-
ried. His first wife was .Mary A. Reed, a daughter
of William and Martha Reed. She was born in
Pickaway County. Ohio, January 20. 1849. and
came to Illinois where she died, December 16,
1869, leaving one child, whose name is William E.
Their marriage was celebrated February 16, 1869.
In 1872. our subject was again married, his
choice being Miss Viola Small, a daughter of Jacob
Small. They are the parents of four children
whose names are: Harley C Clarence E.. Cora 1!.
and Luther J., all of whom are bright and intelli-
gent and active members of society. < >ur subject
698
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
bas joined the army of Prohibitionists, believing
that the issue of prohibition is more important than
the tariff or any consideration that other parties
may he concerned with. He has served in the
capacity of Constable, and has also been a School
Trustee for some time. Both our subject and his
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. They are held in the high estimation of
their neighbors, being conscientious. Christian
people and kindly and intelligent neighbors.
—i ■' i p ^ } i i
mi
i < t i, m.^^
OH.N J. FRITZ In this gentleman we are
pleased to call to the notice of our readers,
one of the most prominent of the German
American citizens of Ridge Township.
Shelby County. He is thoroughly German in his
sturdy industry, integrity and thrift, and Ameri-
can in his determination to make this land of free-
dom a happy home for himself anil his postperity.
His excellent farm bears the marks of thorough
culture and good management, and the neatness
and convenience of the buildings are a compliment
to the owner which is more effective than words.
John Jacob Fritz, Sr.. the father of cur subject,
was a native of Wurtemberg, German}', and came
to this country and died in Ridge Township. His
wife bore the maiden name of Rosanna Clay, who
was also a native of Wurtemberg. and she also
passed away in this township. Of their twelve
children, our subject was the third in order of age.
being born in Wurtemberg. Germany, March 19,
1833. and emigrating at the very early age of four
weeks to a new world. They first settled in Lan-
caster County. Pa., and theie made their home for
three years, after which they went to Ohio, and
lived in Morgan County, until a short time before
their death, when they removed to Shelby County,
111.
He of whom we write, lived at home until he
was eighteen years old, and then removed to Fair-
field County. Ohio, and worked upon a farm until
he came to Shelby County, in the fall of I860. He
then rented the land which he now owns in Ridge
Township, and brought on his wife to whom he bad
been united in Fairfield County, Ohio, in February,
1858. Her maiden name was Barbara Sander, and
she was born in Wayne County. < ihio. in September,
1841. After five years of renting, the young man
purchased two hundred and twenty acres and he
has now as fine an improved farm as is to be found
in the township, upon which he has erected a good
house and other excellent farm buildings. His
farm has been increased from time to time by pur-
chase until it now comprises six hundred and sixty
acres.
Mr. and Mrs. Fritz lost two sons. William and
Simon, in infancy. Those who survive are: John
K. who married Emma Eversole; Lizzie, the wife
of Clinton Eversole; James: Ella, who married
Charles Beery; Edward. Samuel, and Charles B.
Tiie parents are members of the Evangelical Asso-
ciation in which Mr. Fritz has rilled the offices of
Steward, Trustee and Class-Leader. His political
views incline him to believe that in the principles
of the Democratic party are to be found the best
governmental ideas. He has officiated as Highway
Commissioner and as School Director and in
both capacities has served faithfullv and efficiently.
l — 5 DSON B. WEAKLY. An honorable posi-
l— ■ tion among the men to whom Shelby
I County is indebted for its present high
state of its material development is held by Mr.
Weakly, who resides on section 3, Ridge Town-
ship. The present condition of his farm attests to
his ability as a financier and his judgment regard-
ing agricultural affairs. As a citizen he is worthy
of the respect and confidence that he bas inspired
by his honorable career. Xot only is be a man of
note in his own community, but he ranks among
the most influential residents of the county. His
success as a farmer has been unusual and he is also
well known as a business man of ability and integ-
rity.
Samuel Weakly, father of our subject, is well
known among the citizens of this county, whither
he came in 1852. He was horn in Man land. Sep-
tember 3. 1814, and removed to Ohio in 1824.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In Fairfleld County, thai State, lie was married
February 12. 1830. to Miss Maria Fetters, who was
born in Ohio in 1820. This worthy ecu pie so-
journed in the Buckeye State for many years after
their marriage, and after their removal to Illinois.
located in Ridge Township, this county, where
they passed the remainder of their days. The
mother passed awaj January 10, 18(32. To her and
husband ten children had been born, as follows:
Emanuel J., Alva P.. Naomi. Mary J., Eliza. An-
nie M., Jesse <>.. Edson B.. Ida and Katie.
The father contracted a second matrimonial al-
liance, choosing as his wife Rachel A. Petty, and
of this union one child was born. Minnie B.. who
died May 6. 1889. The widow now survives,
making her home in Assumption. The father
died in Ridge Township October 21. 1890. He
had been a member of the United Brethren Church
since 1811. and was highly esteemed for his many
excellent traits of character, ever seeking to do
unto others as he would be done by. "Uncle
Sam" as he was familiarly called, experienced
many of the hardships of pioneer life, but by dint
of perseverance and good judgment, became well-
to-do. and at the time of his decease, left a good
estate for his widow and children.
Ridge Township, this county, was the native
place of Edson B. Weakly, of this sketch, and
April 25. 1857. the date of his birth. His life has
beer, characterized by no unusual events, but has
passed quietly and uneventfully. In his youth he
received the advantages of the district schools,
and as he is a systematic reader, keeps posted npou
all topics of general interest. Early in life lie
commenced to aid his father on the farm, and nat-
urally when the time came for him to choose a
calling, he became a farmer, and has always fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits. He now owns forty
acres of good land, embellished with good build-
ings and well improved.
On March 26, 1S82, Mr. Weakly and Miss Mal-
tha J. Moll were united in marriage in Pickaway
Township, this county. The bride was the daugh-
ter of Daniel and Caroline (Wolf) Moll, who are
natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectivley. the
father being born January 2. 1831. and the mother
June 12. 1829, and are now living retired in
Moweaqua. Mr. and Mrs. Moll had a family of
six children, viz: Lydia C, Mary 1'... Martha J..
John W.. Clara A. and William H. Mrs. Weakly
was born in Pickaway Township, October 12.
1859, and to her and Mr. Weakly have been born
two children. Homer H. and Daniel R. Politi-
cally. Mr. Weakly is a Republican, and religiously
he and his estimable wife are members iu good
standing of the United Brethren Church.
AMUEL MILLER is an intelligent and en-
terprising member of the farming com-
} muuity of Moweaqua Township. He was
born in Somerset. Perry County. Ohio.
December 12. 1833. His father, George Miller,
was a native of Pennsylvania. He removed to
Ohio in pioneer times, and his last years were
passed in Somerset, where he carried on his trade
a~ a stonemason. He served with credit as a sol-
dier during the Mexican war. He married Susan,
daughter of Frederick Leathers, and a native of
Fairfleld County. Ohio, of which her father was an
early pioneer. She came to Illinois m 1854. and
her last years were passed in a home southeast of
Shelbyville.
When our subject was seven years old he went
to live with Peter Keslei. a farmer of Fairfield
County, Ohio. He remained with him two years,
and then went to Preble County, and was with
Reuben Pottenger two years. He then returned
to his old home to live with his mother, who had
married a second time, becoming the wife of
Samuel Potter. He remained an inmate of his
step-lather's household until he was eighteen years
old. At that age he went to Dayton, in his native
State, to serve an apprenticeship of three years to
learn the trade of a carriage smhh. At the expira-
tion of that time he did journey-work at Troy.
Ohio, and later at Indianapolis and Lafayette.
Ind.. at St. Louis. Mo., and at BJoomington, III.
In 1859 he started for the Pacific coast, going by
the way of the Isthmus, and for two months he
worked at his trade at San Francisco. From there
he went to Portland. ( ire. and was employed in
nio
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the same way in that city the ensuing three
months. We next hear of him at Cloverdale, in
the same State, where he opened a shop and carried
on business as a carriage manufacturer three years.
His place of residence after that for some time
was at Eugene City, where he engaged in manu-
facturing carriages until 1864.
In the year last mentioned Mr. Miller returned
eastward as far as this State, and was a resident of
Mattoon one year. lie then went back to Port-
land, resumed business as a carriage manufacturer,
and while there took a Government contract to
build army wagons. He remained in that cit}'
until 1868, and then conducted business at his
trade in Albany, Ore. In 1870 he left that place
and once more came to Illinois. He bought a
farm in Long Grove Township, this county, and
gave his attention to agriculture. Two years later
he rented his farm, and going back to Oregon
bought property at Albany, and resumed the man-
ufacture of carriages and wagons, continuing in
that line until 1872. He then sold out his business
and returned to his Illinois farm, which lie disposed
of at a good price in 1881, and his next venture
was to engage in the sale of groceries and agricul-
tural implements at Moweaqua. carrying on a
thriving business the following four years. He
then sold at a good advantage, and bought the
place where he now resides, and is devoting him-
self assiduously to its improvement.
Mr. Miller was married first in Cloverdale, Ore.,
in 1864, to Miss Mary Agnes Southwell, a native
of Morgan County, III. Their wedded life was
but brief, as the young wife died in 1865. The
second marriage of our subject, which took place
in 1867, was to Miss Mary Hand, a native of Ken-
tucky. She died at Albany, Ore., in 1876, leaving
three children, Agnes M., Arabella ( wife of Everett
Russell), and Efh'e Blanche. The marriage of Mr.
Miller to his present wife, formerly Sarah J. Def-
enbacker, was solemnized in 1877, and has brought
them two children, Cora Edna and Samuel. Mrs.
Miller is a native of Decatur, III, and a daughter
of Dr. Defenbacker, who was a German b3' birtii,
and was one of the pioneer physicians of Decatur.
A certain energy and force of character, versa-
tility and shrewd business tact have marked the
acts of our subject ever since he began the battle
of life on Lis own account, and have helped to
place him among the substantial citizens of the
county. He and his wife occupy a good position
socially, and in them the Methodist Episcopal
Church has two good working members. Mr.
Miller's political sentiments are expressed by the
platform of the Republican party.
< » ALTER K. HOOVER, M. D. Thisgentle-
\ / man and physician, who is a resident of
Vy Lovington, Moultrie County, is the son of
the late David Hoover, who was born in Belmont
County, Ohio, in 1824. His mother was Sarah
Calhoun, also a native of Belmont County
Ohio. She was born in 1820. They first settled
in Belmont County and afterward in Guernsey
County and thence went to Macon County, this
State, in 1864. He was a farmer b}' occupation,
lie died in Macon County, 111., in July, 1800, and
his wife preceded him some years to the better
land. They were the parents of three children,
two sons and one daughter, of whom our subject
was the second child.
Dr. Hoover was born in Guernsey County, Ohio,
June 2, 1855. He was only nine months old when
his parents came to Macon County, 111., where he
grew to manhood and where he lived until 1888.
He received his education in the common schools
and in the Wesleyan University at Bloomington,
111., at which time he took up the study of medi-
cine, but on account of ill health was obliged to
relinquish his studies for awhile, but afterwards re-
sumed them entering Hush Medical College, Chi-
cago, in 1880, where he graduated in 1888. Soon
afterward he settled in Lovington, where he has
been ever since engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession. He enjoys an excellent practice and has
the confidence of the community. He remained on
the farm until he was age. then and for about
eight years engaged in trading and studying. He
worked his way through and is a self-reliant man.
He was married at Mama. III., October 23, 1889,
PORTRAIT AND UK >< RAPHTC'AL RECORD.
JH
to Miss Effie S. Bean, who «a~ born in Mor-
gan County, 111.. JulyS, 1865. Her father was
Joseph Bean, and her mother was Ellen Pratt.
They are residents of Macon County, 111. He is a
farmer by occupation. Dr. Hoover has buried one
child who died in infancy. He has been an active
member of the Methodist Church since 1873. He
is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the
Knights of Pythias, of which he is a leading
member.
— 5-
-^Si
-~<s>:
■■■■ -yg^ -
EFFEBSON P. GRAY RILL was born in
Fairfield County, Ohio, near Lancaster. Sep-
tember 12, 1836. His parents were Sam-
uel and Nancy (Pence) Graybill. Both
were natives of Lancaster County. Pa. His father
moved to Ohio in 1808 and was there married.
They were of German descent. Of this family there
were sis sons and six daughters, eight of whom
are now living. Our subject is the eldest son and
fourth child. Of those living. Emily is the wife of
Charles Vorys of Lancaster. Ohio; Nancy married
Mr. Gesell and resides at Odell. Neb.; our subject;
George who married Mattie Carlisle and lives in
Lancaster. Ohio: Minerva, the widow of Henry
Mailer, who resides near Lancaster. Ohio: Mary.
the wife of Mr. N. Middlesworth, who resides in
Ringgold. Iowa: Samuel, resides in Morton County.
Kan., and Lewis who is married and lives in Ohio.
The names of the deceased are: Martha. Matilda.
Isaac and Jacob.
Our subject came to Illinois in 1858. locating in
Holland Township. Shelby Count}-. He received
his education in the public schools and at the Ohio
University in Athens. He also took a course in
Granger A* Armstrong's Commercial College at Col-
umbus. Ohio, from which he graduated in 1858.
He commenced teaching after locating in Illinois,
following that profession in connection with farm-
ing, for several years. For twenty-two years he
has devoted his attention to farming exclusively.
He was married June 30. 1867 to Miss Cynthia A.
Syfert, who was born in this count). December 17,
1849. Her parents weie George and Mary A.
(Neivling) Syfert. They were natives of Ohio,
where they were married. They removed from
Ohio to Holland Township and were among its
pioneers. Eleven children were born to them, six
of whom arc now living. Mrs. Graybill being the
fourth in order of birth.
Mr. Graybill has always taken an interest in po-
litical matters and Ins been a life long Democrat.
He has held many offices in his township, having
served four years as Supervisor; he was on the
Building Committee of the Court House, having
served one year on this committee, after his term
a> Supervisor expired Lit refusing to re-elected. He
has been Collector of taxes. Township Clerk. As-
sessor, and served six years in succession as High-
way Commissioner. Mr. Graybill gives liberally
of his means to the support of religious enterprises,
although he is not a professor of religion. Eleven
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Graybill,
all of whom are living. Edward Clement is the
eldest and is attending school at Norma!, 111.; Sam-
uel J. is qualified to teach but prefers farming, and
is now engaged in that laudable avocation: Clara
May has been teaching two years in Shelby County :
Mara Ida, is teaching in Fayette County, 111,;
Charles Walter. Thomas Perry, Victor Milton.
Lewis Burton, Florence Edna. Anna Pearl and Nel-
lie Fern. These latter seven reside at home with
their parents.
AMES \V. RHODES, a prominent farmer
of Shelby County, residing on section 'J,
Tower Hill Township, owns and operates
one of the finest estates in the community.
By a proper rotation of crops the land has been
brought to a high state of cultivation, and the
large harvests bear evidence of the thrift of the
manager. Good buildings have been erected, the
principal one being the resider.ee. a commodious
structure with an air of refinement within its walls,
which proves the presence of a cultured lady.
The father of our subject, Green Rhodes, was a
native of Tennessee, who came at an early i\ay to
70-2
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Shelby County, III., and was here united in mar-
riage with Margaret Wakefield, a native of this
county. At first the young couple resided in the
vicinity of Shelbyville, whence they removed to
Tennessee, and made it their home one year. How-
ever, they concluded that prospects in Illinois
were more flattering than in Tennessee, and accord-
ingly they returned hither and settled south of
Williamsburg, where the father closed his eves to
the scenes of earth. His wife died in Pana, this
State.
Our subject was the only son among five chil-
dren, and was born in Shelby County, 111., August
21, 1810. He passed his childhood upon a farm.
and when about ten years old accompanied his
mother to Dallas County, Mo., where he remained
perhaps seven years. At the expiration of that
time the family returned to Shelby County, where
he has since made his home, being identified with
the growth of (he county and a witness of its de-
velopment. His chief business in life has been
farming, in which he has met with more than
ordinary success, as he possesses those qualities of
energy and industry which are essential to any
calling in life.
The first wife of Mr. Rhodes was born in Shelby
County, 111., September 4, 1845, and bore the
maiden name of Martha E. Pugh. After their
marriage, which was celebrated in Missouri, they
settled on the farm where Mr, Rhodes now resides
in Tower Hill Township. The wife and mother
died March 9, 1885. She had become the mother
of seven children, viz.: Merritt E., who married a
Miss Wiese; Margaret, and a son, both of whom
died in infancy; Frank W.; Efiie L., who passed
from earth December 30, 1889, at the age of sev-
enteen; John J. and Ida 1!. Mrs. Rhodes was a
consisteut member of the Episcopal Church.
Having considerable interest in the cause of
education, Mr. Rhodes has served efficiently as
School Director for several years. He has also
taken an active part in political atliairs and is a
Prohibitionist. Any measure caluculated to assist
the community finds in him a strong supporter,
and he is recognized as one of the pillars in the
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been
Trustee. By careful economy and good judgment
he has been enabled to increase his real-estate hold-
ings until he is now owner of four hundred and
foi^-five acres of splendid land.
On March 14, 1889, Mr. Rhodes was united in
marriage in Shelbyville, III., with MissOllie Brown
who was born in Hancock County, Ohio, August
18, 1866. Mrs. Rhodes is the daughter of Dr.
Ahaaham and Helen (Buckingham) Brown, the
former dying in Tower Hill Township and the lat-
ter still surviving. Eight children came to Dr.
and Mrs. Brown, of whom Mrs. Rhodes was next
to the youngest. She is an estimable lady and en-
joys the high regard of all who know her.
GEORGE W. BARGER. A cursory glance at
the biographical sketch of our subject will
show that he is one who, buffeted by the
adverse winds of circumstances and being, has over-
come them all, guiding his life barge safely through
the deep waves and sandy shallows, and anchoring
it safely in a placid harbor. For what is life be-
side this? Do not heroes of battle, of invention,
literature, the sciences and arts, all work in order
that they may enjoy peacefully? So has our sub-
ject, and though comparatively a young man he
has already attained a position in the township in
which he lives that promises not only security and
comfort, for the present, but advancement for the
future.
lie of whom we write is the Superintendent in
charge of the Moultrie County Poor Farm, an hum-
ble position, it is true, but one in which there are
opportunities for showing the natural kindness and
tenderness and sympathy that the Master has com-
manded in caring for his "little ones". He is now
serving his fourth year in this position, and has
filled it to the entire satisfaction of the commu-
nity at large. The property is located on section 4,
of Sullivan Township, and comprises one hundred
sixty acres of land. The county also owns forty' acres
of timber land. Upon the farm is a good, two-
story, brick structure, which serves as a home for
some twelve to twenty inmates, men, women and
children who perhaps were born to better things;
PORTRAIT AN!) UK )( iHAPIIIC AI. RECORD.
?03
who have made their fight by which some one else
will be benefited, and now. incapacitated for ear-
ing for themselves, the county takes care of its
children, granting them a resting place and plenty
of substantial nourishment.
The original of our sketch was born in Perry Coun-
ty. December 3. 1850. and is a son of George and
Lydia( Davison) Barger. Our subject was but a
boy when his parents died, leaving as the issue of
that marriage, two children, himself and Lydia M.
now Mrs. Huff, of Kvansville. Ind. Both parents
had been previously married, the father having
had ten children by his former marriage, and the
mother, three children, the latter bearing the name
of Salmon. He of whom we write was reared in
the family of a half brother. Charles Barger. in
Perry County. 111., and was early taught the duties
of a farmer.
On October 10, 1870, Mr. Barger was united in
marriage to Elizabeth J. Marshall, a daughter of
William and Mary Marshall, who was born in Perry
County, Ind. April 25. 1853. She was only an in-
fant when left motherless, being the youngest of
a family of twelve children. She lived at home
until her marriage.
In 1872, the original of our sketch came to this
State passing one winter in Shelby County, thence
vent to Cowley [County, Kan., where he pur-
chased eighty acres of land near Arkansas City,
remaining there two years, during which time he
experienced all the hardships caused by the grass-
hopper plague. In 1873. all the crops were des-
troyed in the space of a few hours, by the scourge
which Moses brought into Egypt, and which has
found its repetition so many times in Western
American agricultural history. Mr. Barger retur-
ned to Shelby County in 1874 and renting land in
Pcnn Township, for five years engaged in farming.
I.i 1879 became to Moultrie County and has since
resided near Sullivan. In 1887. he was appointed
Superintendent of the Poor Farm and took possess-
ion of the place in March. 1888. Under his alilc
management, the Poor Farm is about self support-
ing.
Our subject and his wife are the parents of five
children, who are Bertie. Chester K. James A.
Artemas Victor and Lela. Politically he of whom
we write is an adherent of, the Republican 'parly
by his vote and influence doing all he can to prop-
agate and strengthen Republican doctrines. In
his religious predeliction he is a Baptist, while so-
cially he belongs to the Independent Order of
odd Fellows. He is the owner of eighty acres of
hind, located in this county.
DETER DIDDEA. The gentleman .^whose
name is at the head of this sketch is a
member of the well-known firm of Mautz
A- Diddea. of Stewaidson. A biograph-
cial sketch may lie seen of the senior member of
the firm under the name of T. P. Mautz. Mr.
Diddea is a wide awake, progressive business man.
His interests aie involved in several directions, in
all of which he is successful. He was born in
Schuylkill County, Pa.. June 1. 18-19 and is a son
of Christian and Margaret (Guraahley ) Diddea, who
were natives of Germany, and in 1847. emigrated
to the United suites and settled in Pennsylvania
and were there married. In 1857, they came to
Illinois and first located at Sheffield, where the fa-
ther worked as a coal miner, that being his trade;
while at Sheffield he held the important post of
road boss in the mine. In 1865 the family cam
to Shelby County and settled on a new farm in
Prairie Township, their farm comprising eighty
acres. Here the father died in 187 1 while ye in
middle life, being only forty-six years of ace. The
mother still survives and lives in Stewardson hav-
ing attained sixty-four years.
Our subject was one of nine children, seven of
whom lived to be grown. Their names are Pe-
ter. Margaret, Jacob, Elizabeth, Frank. Carrie and
Amelia. All of the children are respected mem-
bers of society, being useful and intelligent men
and women. The original of our sketch was a
small boy when the family settled in Illinois. His
first schoo1 days were passed in the public schools
of bis native place after which he attended the pri-
vate schools of Sheffield, and finished at Teutopo-
lis. Jn 1865 the family came to Shelby County,
and he assisted in the improvement of the farm
704
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
on which the family settled. He resided at home
until 1871, when he was married to Elizabeth Leff-
ler. a daughter of Jacob and Catherine Leffler.
She was born in Hocking County, Ohio, in 1849.
After marriage our subject rented some land and
followed the calling of farming until 1881 when
he came to Stewardson , and was for a space of two
years, partner in the implement establishment of
G. S. Baldwin. After this time he became a mem-
ber of the firm of York <fc Mautz, and later, the
business was carried on under the firm name by
which it is at present known. Mr. Diddea and his
wife are the parents of six children, two of whom
are living. They are Ida B, and Emma E. Our sub-
ject erected the finest residence in the town of
Stewardson in 1888.
The original of Our sketch is a follower of the
Democratic party, believ'ng in the tenets of free
trade and sovereign power. He has been awarded
several local offices under his party, having been
Constable from the time when he cast his first
ballot, nine consecutive 3'ears. He also occu-
pied the position of Township Clerk for three years
Socially Mr. Diddea is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, also the Modern AVoodmen of America.
He has with his other business, been engaged in the
livery business since 1886. and is now a member
of the firm of Diddea & Turner. The firm has the
finest livery stable in Shelby ville; they also have
a good barn at Stewardson. Our subject alsc owns
ont hundred and twenty acres of land, and the
firm of Mautz & Diddea owns land which they cul-
tivate.
y>TLLIAM G. COVEY, editor and proprie-
tor of the Moultrie County News, has had
that paper under his control since Decem-
ber 15, 1887. It is a six-column quarto and a
spicy weekly, issued at Sullivan. 111. Mr. Covey
succeeded J. H. Dunscomb in the management of
this paper, which had its origin December 10,
1884, under the management of Messrs. Hollings-
worth i Green, being the successor of the Sullivan
Journal which had a checkered experience. The
gentlemen just named entitled their sheet the Sul-
livan News until December 25, 1886, when it be-
became full-fledged as the Moultrie County News,
having in the meantime become the property of
Mr. Dunscomb, who changed its political color
from Independent to Republican, the position
which it now holds.
The Neivs has a good circulation and a large ad-
vertising patronage and it is having an admirable
success under the hand of Mr. Covey, who was a
novitiate in the newspaper business when he took
it in charge. He had formerly been an agricul-
turist in Coles County for some ten years and also
taught for about three years in the public schools
of the county. He came to Illinois in March,
1875, and taught for one year in Douglas County
before settling in Coles County.
Our subject was born in Brattleboro, Vt., No-
vember 6, 1852. His Welsh ancestors were early
settlers in Vermont during the Colonial days and
the family was prominently indentified with the
early history of that State. For generations the
old slock was content to remain among the Green
Mountains, but during the present half century the
younger members of the family became imbued
with the Western fever and have scattered west of
the Alleghanies. Most of the family who remained
in Vermont are adherents of the Baptist Church.
Clark Covey, the father of our subject, was born
and giew to manhood in Somerset, in the Green
Mountain State, and after reaching his majority
was married at Brattleboro to Lestina A. Farr, a
native of the adjoining State of New Hampshire.
She came of an old and liighly respected New
Hampshire family who had for generations farmed
in Chesterfield. The early wedded home of this
couple was in Brattleboro, where Mr. Covey con-
ducted a meat market and later farmed for a while
before coming to Illinois, in 1855. They settled
in Bloomington, McLean County, and during the
winter the wife and mother was stricken with
typhoid fever and died in the prime of life. Her
remains were subsequently taken back to New
Hampshire and laid in the old cemetery at Ches-
terfield. She was a Universalis'., in religion.
The husband and father then returned to the old
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ros
home in the East and some time later contracted
a secoiul marriage, being then united with Mrs.
Mary J. Cook, net Lay born, a native of Pennsyl-
vania who became the mother of two children,
Cora L. and Walter E. Cora died at the age of
three years and Walter is residing in Nebraska
where lie teaches vocal and instrumental music.
The mother of these children died in Vermont
at the age of thirty-six years, leaving besides these
just mentioned, two children by her previous mar-
riage. At the time of her death Mr. Clark Covey
was .n soldier in the Civil War and the then acting
Governor of Vermont, Mr. Hoi brook, requested
the Secretary of War to grant Mr. Covey a fur-
lough that he might come home and look after the
interests of the six little children who were left
without anyone to care for them, and on this account
he was also ultimately granted a discbarge from ser-
vice. While in service he had acted as cook for
( .en. Stoughton.
Mr. Covey was some few years later married in
Vermont to Harriet A. Stowe, a native of Massa-
chusetts, but within a year he died after a short
sickness, succumbing to an attack of diphtheria.
He was a member of the Missionary l!apti-t
Church and in politics allied himself with the Re-
publican party. His youngest daughter was born
some five months after his death. This child
Lillian by name, was separated from the family
and for eighteen years her whereabouts <vas not
known, but the subject of this sketch, through in-
formation given him by a local biographical writer
was recently able to locate her in Massachusetts.
She had in the meantime become the wife of Ed-
ward Green, now of Leominster. Mass.
Our subject is the first born of the two children
granted to his mother, his brother Arthur, being
foreman in a large tape factory in Worcester,
Mass., and having taken to wife Miss Lenora Law.
ivnce. William G. Covey was well and carefully
educated in his native State and Massachusetts.
being granted an academic education, thus prepar-
ing him fur the profession of a teacher, which he
followed for five years in the East. He was mar-
ried after coming West in Cole County. HI., to Miss
Emma R. Martin, who was born in that tountj
August -20, 1852. She became a teacher before
her marriage and bears a high reputation as a cul-
tured and intelligent woman. She is the daughter
of John and Martha (Cassady) Martin, natives of
Kentucky who came to Illinois with their respec-
tive parents when quite young and were married
in Edgar County where they were early settlers.
They afterward did pioneer work in Lafayette
Township, Coles County. In that home all of
their children were born and there the father died
in January. 1875, having completed his threescore
and ten years. He was a pillar in the old-school
Baptist Church and a man who was honest from
principle and the love of rigbt. His widow, who
still survives, is a. member of the same church and
resides at the old homestead in Coles County.
Mrs. Covey, the wife of our subject, had an
excellent training and education and was ably lil-
ted for the responsible position of wife and mother.
Of the six children who have crowned the union
of this couple, two have passed to the other world
— Lillian B. and Lettie Lee — both of whom passed
away while young. Those who still remain under
the parental roof aie Iva S.. Walter S.. Jessie B.
and Hazel G. Mr. Covey while in Coles County
was for some time in the office of Township Clerk.
He is a sound Republican in politics and is a mem-
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America and is
also an Odd Eel low.
i>i i«i t ' I ' m ti >
AMF.s THOMAS. While it is not to be
denied that a man is not only the architect
of his own fortune, but also the roolder
and former of his own character, it is never-
theless true that nationality is a mighty factor in
the inherent traits and qualities which a man must
cultivate or modify. The warm, impulsive races
of the South need to tone and strengthen their
natural traits by strong principles to which they
should unflinchingly adhere. And while the
nations of the North are conspicuous for the sturdy
integrity of its peoples, their natural sobriety of
temperament should be warmed and lighted by
the geniality and affability borrowed from the
Southern natures.
7m;
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Our subject is decended from a nation noted for
strength of character ami intellectual depth. The
'1 homas family are of Scotch and Welsh ancestry.
The grandfather of our subject. Joseph Thomas
Sr.. was born in Scotland. He came to this coon try
after his marriage to a lady whom it seems was of
Welsh parentage. Their first settlement in this
country was made in the State of Kentucky and
there Joseph Thomas, the father of our subject,
was born. He was about fourteen 'years of
age when the family left Kentucky, and crossing
the Ohio River located in Knox County, Ind.. and
here the senior Joseph Thomas and wife spent their
last years, being old people at the time of their
death. It was in Knox County. Ind.. that Joseph
Thomas. Jr.. grew to manhood, reaching his ma-
jority in his adopted slate. He there married his
wife. The lady's maiden name was Mary Cham-
bers. She also was a descendant of a Welsh family
who. after the birth of part of their children, set-
tled in Knox County. Ind. After marriage Joseph
Thomas and wife removed to Sullivan County
when it was new and unbroken. There they pre-
empted a tract of Government land upon which
they lived and placed valuable improvements.
After a number of years the wife and mother died
having attained quite advanced years. Her death
took place in Sullivan County. Our subject's
father. Joseph Thomas, then came to Illinois and
spent his last years in Shelby County. He was
ninety years of age when his death occurred.
Both he and his wife were attendants on the Bap-
tist Church, of which Mrs. Thomas was a member
for long years before her death. Tbey were pio-
neers well known for their kindliness and hospital-
ity. They located in Sullivan County, Ind.. in
the wilds and were surrounded by Indians. Game
could be gotten in abundance.
The original of our sketch is the youngest of
fourteen children. there being seven sons and seven
daughters. Two of these died while quite young.
The other twelve children [grew to manhood and
womanhood, all marrying and rearing families, with
the exception of two sisters. All of the brothers
and sisters are now deceased excepting our subject
and two other brothers. Calvin and Alexander. The
former is a farmer in this township. The latter a
farmer in Jasper County. Mo. Our subject was
born in Sullivan County. Ind.. August 24. 1834.
Here he became of age and later removed to this
State and was married in Pickaway Township, this
county. His wife's maiden name was Malvina
Casey. She is a native of Pickaway Township
where she was born August 23. 1840. She is a
daughter of John and Nancy (Denton) Casey,
natives of Kentucky, where Mr. Casey was born in
1813. They were jet young when Mr. and Mrs.
Casey came with their parents to this State settling
Pickaway Township. Shelby County, when the
place was new and unbroken. They purchased a
tract of Government land and devoted themselves
to improving a farm, but after some years left this
place and went to Shelby ville. There the parents
of Mrs. Thomas died, aged respectively seventy-
two and sixty-eight years. Mr. Casey was a Dem-
ocrat in politics. For one year he was a member
of the State Legislature, sent from Shelby Connty,
and was then elected County Judge, which place
he filled for several years. He was also a member
of the Board of Supervisors for several terms and
Justice of the Peat e for many years. He served
through the Mexican War as Orderly Sergeant of
his company, and saw some hot fire from both
sides. He was known in the county as an active
worker in the political cause, whether local or
national. He had by a former marriage to the
one we have mentioned, one child, Jemima. The
mother was Mahala Jackson, who died at her
child's birth. This daughter is still living.
Mrs. Thomas is the eldest but one of a family
of twelve children. Only four, however, are still
living. Our subject's wife was reared to woman-
hood in Pickaway Township, this county. She is
an intelligent woman who has been the star of en-
couragement to her husband in all his undertak-
ings. She and her husband are prominent mem-
bers of the Baptist Church, of which body Mr.
Thomas has been a Deacon for a number of years
past. Politically our subject is a Democrat, as was
his father who was a soldier in the War of 1812,
and who fought with Gen. Harrison at the Battle
of Tippecanoe.
He of whom we write and his amiable lady, are
the parents of eight children, four of whom are
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Til,
deceased, namely, Halie, and three others who
died in infancy. The living children are William
R.. Mary J., Nancy J. and Clara A. William is
his father's able assistant in running the farm and
is a promising young man who is highly respected
throughout the vicinitj'. All of the children are
intelligent and well educated. Since marriage,
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have lived on their beautiful
farm located on section 24, of Flat Branch Town-
ship. Here he owns three hundred and twenty
acres which is all under cultivation with the ex-
ception of ten acres. The place boasts the finest
improvements, and a good class of buildings, ami
the owners are proud of the fact that they have
earned all that they possess by their own industry
and foresight.
"4 'd^—
•^z ••• CW^
■N-
nOAH HOSTETLER. One of the lesidents
and most prominent men of Lovington
who has made himself felt in the commer-
cial life of the town is he whose name is at the
head of this sketch. Although an American by
birth and education, he is of German ancestry and
has always brought to bear in his business dealings
the good common sense and thorough business
principles for which that nation of people is noted.
His father was Christian Hostetler and his mother
Elizabeth (Hard man) Hostetler. 'Ihe former was
a victim of the cholera and died in 1831. Our
subject's mother passed away from this world to a
bitter land, in Orange County, Ind. '1 hey were
the parents of four sons and five daughters and of
these our subject was the eighth child in the order
of birth. He was born in Orange County, Ind..
February 9, 1826.
The original of our sketch grew to manhood on
the home farm and in the latter part of 18J2 lie
came to Moultrie County and settled near the vil-
lage of Lovington, where he purchased a farm and
thereafter engaged in agricultural pursuits until
about 1872 when he removed to the village of
Lovington, and embarked in the grain business.
afterward adding the lumber business to his in-
terests and later, enlarging his business so that it
included grain, lumber and hardware, and was
thus engaged for several years. He has not. how-
ever, been actively engaged in business for the
past few years, confining his attention to the care
of his estate and a general oversight of the bank-
ing business which is now operated by his son,
Leonard G. Hostetler and S. P. Drake, 'ihe firm
is run under the name of Drake. Hostetler cfc Son.
They carry on a general banking business and do
a large and flourishing business.
Our subject was married in Orange County,
Ind.. 1849. to Miss Elizabeth Harman, who is a
native of the same county in which she was mar-
ried, her birth occuring May 12. 1829. Mr. and
Mrs. Hos'eller i-.re the parents of four children.
'Ihe eldest of these is a daughter. Margaret, who
is the wife of Samuel S. Boggs. Calvin E., mar-
ried Miss Ella Bovvers, and has set up a home for
himself, being engaged in farming in Moultrie
Countv. this State. Leonard G. is engaged in the
banking business in Lovington. The youngest son,
William, died when about seven years of age.
The gentleman of whom we write has filled the
office of School Director and has been a member
of the Village Board. In his political preference
he is a Republican, being one with that party in
his opinions as regards tariff, currency and other
planks of the part}' platform. Our subject and
his estimable and amiable wife are members of the
Christian Church and are generous supporters and
ardent and interested workers in the upholding of
Gospel truths.
Mr. Hostetler is the fortunate possessor of nearly
one thousand acres of land, most of which is
located in Lovington Township. He is also the
owner of valuable property in the village of Lov-
ington. When actively engaged in farming, he
made a specialty of stock-raising and the founda-
tion of his fortune was laid in this way. He, of
whom we write, and his wife are numbered among
the representative people of Lovington Township,
and although financially they stand among the
best people in the countv, money is not all in all
to them, for they number among their friends
more people whose intelligence and culture is pre
eminent, than any other class. Mr. Hostetler is a
broad minded and intelligent man to whom the
ms
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
current topics of the clay, both general and local,
me very interesting and in which he is always well
posted. A good conversationalist, knowing what
to say, and being above petty gossip, lie is at the
same time a sympathetic, attentive and interested
listener to any one who may have something that
is worth listening to.
•>=♦=♦
J
m
*=*=* \
, OIIN CLARK. A well built and attractive
house is a monument erected to the honor
of the builder, speaking more truthfully
than can words, of the dominant traits of
his character. If he is thorough, it will be indi-
cated by the firmness of foundation and the qual-
ity of lumber that he uses. If he be of an analyz-
ing turn of mind, it will show in the detail, and if
he have taste and culture, it will bespeak itself
from the ridge pole to the cellar and from the
front entrance to the rear. Our subject is evi-
dently one who pleases his patrons in ever)' detail
in building, for he is one of the most successful
dealeis in lumber and house furnishing supplies in
Moweaqua, having, previous to engaging in this
business, made a reputation for himself as a
builder.
Our subject is one of the firm of Berry & Clark,
dealers in all kinds of lumber. Mr. Clark has
been a member of the firm since it was started,
September, 1889. He came to the county in 1854,
and with his father, settled in Flat Branch Town-
ship. He has since lived in this county, with the
exception of six years, extending from 187;") to
1881 . at which time he was a resident of Mont-
gomery County, Kan., where he was engaged as
a cattle dealer.
While yet a lad, our subject learned the trade of
carpenter which he has followed for many years.
He has erected many of the best buildings both in
the township and village of Moweaqua, and in Flat
Branch Township. He has been a contractor and
builder, and all the best buildings in Moweaqua
he has been more or less connected with during
construction.
Our subject was born in Warren County. Ohio.
April 14, 1842. His father, was W. H. Clark, a
native of Ohio, and his grandfather was William
Clark, also a native of Ohio, and one of the first
settlers on the site of what is now the city of Cin-
cinnati, at that time nothing more than a wilder-
ness. William Clark had married while in Ohio,
a Miss Rachael Ross. He and his wife lived in
Warren County at an early day, and there died,
an old man. He was of a Welsh family noted for
their longevity. Ail his life was engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits. II is wife survived him and was
a second time married, her husband being Mr.
Decker, who left her a widow. She then came to
Illinois, and died in Mercer County, this State, at
the age of eighty-six years. She was of German
ancestry.
W. R. Clark was the only son of his parents.
He grew up in his native county and when Cin-
cinnati became a village of some importance, and
a commercial center for the region about, for a
period of eighteen years he drove a six-horse team
over the new country from Lebanon, Clarksburg,
Milford and Foster Crossing, carrying flour, pork,
whiskey and other freight, and bringing back sup-
plies for the general stores in the country towns.
In 1854. with his family he moved West, making
the journey overland, his household goods as well
as his family being conveyed hither by means of
teams. They enjoyed camp life during this emi-
gration and after a long trip they settled on a
tract of Government land in Hat Branch Town-
ship, Shelby County, and the tract which he at
that time located upon was never transferred until
his death, he having passed away from this life on
the farm which he had preempted, September 19,
1889. He was born February 14, 1802, and had
become a well known man in this part of the
country. He was quiet and unassuming in his
personal bearing, but had had an experience that
few men, even at that time, had enjoyed. He
lived to see the country change from primeval
wilderness to one of the richest commercial and
agricultural districts in the country. His wife
had preceded him, having died April 9, 1881.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Td'.i
Her birth occurred December 19, 1806, near Pitts-
burg, Pa. Her maiden name was Nancy Berger.
She anrl her husband enjoyed fifty- two years of
married life.
Our subject is the youngest but one of nine
children, now living. Two of his mother's chil-
dren had died at an early a&e. He grew up in his
native county, enjoying the limited advantages as
to education and social life that were to be had at
that time. "When the first three years' call was
made for volunteers to go to the front to quell the
rebellion, our subject responded. He enlisted
August 14, 1861, in the Seventh Kansas Cavalry,
Company F. The Colonel in command being C.
R. Jennison, and F. M. Maloney serving as Cap-
tain. The regiment in which he served was known
as the noted Jayhawkers, and the}' served in the
Sixteenth Army Corps, being engaged in Mis-
souri, Kansas, Kentucky. Tennessee, Alabama and
Mississippi. Our subject was a participant in the
battles of Corinth, luka or Tupelo, Oxford,
Water Valley and Coffeyville. The regiment was
under the general command of Gen. Grant and
was the first to penetrate into Oxford, Miss., being
in the advance of the main army from Holly
Springs to Coffeeville.
The original of our sketch during his military
experience, was fortunately never seriously in-
jured, hut was once knocked off his horse by a
spent ball. He was never captured, nor spent a
day in a hospital. During all his service he re-
ported every day for duty. He saw much hard
fighting during the three years he spent in the
army. He veteranized at Corinth, Miss., and be-
came recruiting officer of the regiment. He was
honorably discharged at St. Louis, Mo., after
three years and seven months of service, in 1864.
He had received the honor of being advanced to
the position of First Lieutenant of his regiment,
and was on special duty as Court Marshal at
St. Louis, Mo., for some time. He was also of-
fered the Provost Marshalship in Northern Mis-
souri, but refused to serve.
After our subject's discharge from military life,
he returned to Shelby County, this State, and took
upon himself the obligations of married life, his
■wife having been a Miss Charlotte A. Goodwin,
who was of English ancestry and birth, having
come to the United States when but thirteen years
of age, her only kinsman in this country being
Dr. Richard Dawson Goodwin, of St. Louis. Mrs.
Clark died in St. Louis on May 111. 1871. she
was in the prime of life at the time of her taking
away.
Mr. Clark again married, the second partner of
his joys and sorrows being Mrs. Nancy II. Jones,
a native of Illinois. She died one year after her
marriage, while yet in her young womanhood.
The little daughter that she left to be a comfort to
her husband, followed her mother when but four
years old. By a former marriage, Mrs. Clark was
the mother of two children, Eliza J. Brickey, who
lives with her step-father, and Charles W. Brickey.
who took to wife Stella Henry, now a resident in
Moweaqua Township. The lady is a daughter of
Ex-Representative Thomas Henry, of Windsor, III.
Mr. Clark's first wife was a member of the Baptist
Church. His second wife was a member of the
Christian Church. She was the daughter of Levi
Jones, now deceased, a prominent minister at an
early day in Montgomery Count}', Kan.
Our subject is an adherent of the Republican
party. He is much interested in local as well as
national affairs and has been closely identified
with all the local offices from Supervisor down.
He is a Past Commander of J. V. Cleming Post,
No. 363. of the G. A. R. in Moweaqua.
AVI.ESS A. RICHHART. The Kichhart
family have for years been prominent
in this country. The oldest progenitor
known to our subject was his grandfather.
Henry Richhart, who was born and reared in Penn-
sylvania, coming of Pennsylvania Dutch stock and
parentage. He was a fanner by occupation, in
Pennsylvania. He moved to Ohio and there died
at the age of sixty-eighl years. While a young
man he married Susanna Lawyer, who was also of
Dutch ancestry; she. like her husband, passed her
life in her native Stale, and there passed away at
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tlir age of about forty years. The aged couple were
sturdy, stanch, true-hearted representatives of the
(Quaker State. To them were born fourteen chil-
dren, three of whom are yet living, namely: Henry,
Mrs. Barbara Johnson and Catherine Brainer.
Henry is :i farmer and dairyman at Nickerson, Kan.
Mrs. Brainer is now living in Morgan County, this
State.
The father of our subject was William Richhart
and was one of the large family above mentioned,
He was bora December 13, 1KIC>. in Boss County.
Ohio. There lie was reared and early learned the
science of farming. When he reached manhood he
was married in Pickaway County, Ohio, to Miss
Fienore Nichols, a native of the county wherein
her marriage was celebrated. The lady was a
daughter of Bayless. Nichols, and was bora Decem-
ber 31, 1784, in Virginia, and died in Ohio. May
.'!. 1842. Her father was twice married, his first
wife being Melinda Rutledge. She died leaving
live offspring. The second wife of Bayless Nich-
ols, was Sarah Griffith. After their marriage they
spent the remainder of their lives in Ohio, being
old settlers there. Their parents came respectively
from England and Virginia, the father of Bayless
Nichols being a native of the British Isles, lie
came to America when a young man and was early
married to Elizabeth Glover, their nuptials being
celebrated, strange to say. during the strife of the
Revolution, and although the groom was not long
from the mother country, he did not demur that
his bride's wedding outlit was homespun and the
work of her own hands, as on principle, she would
not pay any duty on foreign goods. They were
married in Virginia, where their fifteen children
were born. They moved to Ohio where they spent
the remainder of their lives. They were Methodists
in religious belief, and Whigs in political following.
After marriage, William liichhart, the father of
oursubject, began life with his bride in Boss County.
Ohio, and some years after the birth of their first
child, came to Illinois during the 'IDs, journey-
ing hither with their household yoods overland, bv
means of teams. They settled in a new part of
Morgan County, near Arcadia, where they entered
a farm which in later years was improved to a
Uiglt degree. It was al this place that our subject
opened his eyes to the light of this mundane
sphere, his natal day being September 24, 1850.
He was the second child and the first bora to his
parents in Illinois. There were five sons and four
daughters in all. Only three of the sons arc now
living. They are our subject, John and William.
The latter is a farmer in this county, and John is
a farmer at Strawn. Coffey County. Kan. Both
have token to themselves wives who are good and
noble women. The father died in Morgan County
on his farm. March 18. lK.~)(i. lie was a good man
and had a large circle of friends where he lived,
who mourned his loss. Politically he was an old-
line Whig, and in his religious views, a Methodist.
He was a quiet, unpretentious man. hut genial and
kindly in his disposition. His wife, who survived
him, married Lewis Dean. One child was the out-
come of this union. Mrs. Dean, who is now sixty-
five years of age is yet active and ambitious. She
lives in Moweaqua, and is an active member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church of that place.
The original of our sketch was reared to man-
hood in Morgan County and when about twenty
years of age moved to Logan County. HI., and
after two years spent there, he removed to Macon
County in 1872 and six years thereafter came to
this county. He was first married in Logan County,
to .Miss Maggie I!. Stein, who was a native of Penn-
sylvania, and who. when very young, came with
her parents to Illinois, settling first in Flat Branch
Township, Shelby County, and after some years,
the parents. Samuel and Elizabeth (Macklin) Stein,
moved to Moweaqua and there died at an advanced
age. Mrs. Richhart, the wife of our subject, died
in Flat Branch Township, on the farm on which
she was reared, October 8, 18iS3. being then only
twenty-seven years of age. She was the mother
of five children, one of whom died in infancy.
Those living are Bertha A.. Nellie K., Russell F.
and Mabel.
Mr. Richhart was a second time married in Pick-
away Township, to Miss Ida B. Stunt]). Their mar-
riage was celebrated April 5, 1**."). The lady is a
native of Pickaway Township, where she was born
January 31, 1864. She was brought up in the
county in which she was married and is a daughter
of Jacob and Sarah St unit), who are natives of Ohio.
PORTRAIT AM) lilt )( iRAPHIC AI. RECORD.
711
being married in Pickaway County, Ohio, and la-
ter coming to Illinois, where they settled in Pick-
away Township. There they purchased and im-
proved a tract of land and there Mr. Stump died
in the spring of 1876, while yet in the primeof life.
Mrs. Stump is yet living <>n the old homestead,
having attained sixty-three years of age. She, as
was her husband, is a very active member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Richhart is the
mother of two children whose names are Rollin F.
and Bessie A.
Mr. and Mrs. Richhart are members of the United
Brethern Church. The gentleman has been honored
l>\ several positions in the township gift, having
been Road ( ommissioner, Supervisor and Assessor,
besides holding- minor offices. He is a prominent
Republican in his locality. There is a saying that
"He who shoots at a midday sun. though he may
imt hit. shoots higher than hewho aims at a bush,"
and this has ever Keen the mode of procedure of
our subject. lie ran truly say that be is a self-
made man. ever having worked to reach the mark
which he hadset high for himself. He has thus far
overcome every difficulty that he has encountered
in his career and has already won a Battering de-
gree of success, lie own- a beautiful home which
is on three hundred and forty acres, located on
section. 1. of Flat Branch Township. Here he has
a tine residence recently limit on the site of one
that he lost by tire.
5©-S,
j«k£ AMUEL FUGET. Among the names held
^^2 in honor in Shelby County, that which
introduces these paragraphs has for many
years had a place. He who hear- it came
hither in 1*71 and has been a potent factor in the
well-being of the citizens, bearing a worthy part
in the battle of life as a private individual, and
acting with ability in prominent positions to which
he ha- been called. He i- one of the number before
whom discouragements Bee, and who surmount ob-
stacles that lie in their way without letting the
world into the secret of their existence. He has
therefore gained a competency where many would
have failed, and has pushed to a successful con-
clusion affairs that in other hands would have re-
sulted far differently.
Many years ago William Fuget and Sarah Kun-
kle were united in the holy bonds of wedlock, and
began their wedded life in Pennsylvania, of which
Mate they were both natives. They resided for
many year- in Cumberland County, where both
died at a goodly old age. Of their nine children
the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order
of birth, and he was horn in Cumberland County.
September 12. 1*44. He passed his youth in the
usual manner of farmer lads of that period, al-
ternating attendance in the district schools with
farm work. Until he was twenty-one years old he
lived in the Key-tone Mate, whence he removed in
1865 to Pana 111., and engaged in different occu-
pations.
In August, 1871, Mr. Fuget arrived in Shelby
County, and locating in Tower Hill, began work-
ing in a flour mill. For a time he rented the mill
and afterward bought a one-third interest in it.
Tlii- interest he -old ami became the head miller
of the Anchor Mills in Tower Hill, owned by John
Runkle A- Son. Tin- responsible position Mr.
Fuget i- still tilling to the satisfaction of all con-
cerned. His pleaseant home is presided over by a
lady of culture, with whom he was united in mar-
riage in Pana 111., in January, 1871. she lion- the
maiden name of Miss Shaffer and was a native of
Pennsylvania. Her parent-. John and Christina
( Davis) Shaffer, were natives of Pennsylvania. The
father is living with our subject andthe mother is de-
ceased. Mr. Fuget and his estimable wife have a
family of three children — Minnie M.. Lora E. and
(irate E. Minnie M. i> the wife of M. II. Fenton, of
Tower Hill, and Lora E. is the wife of George E.
Allen, of Arkansas.
Mr. Fuget has been called upon to till various
official positions and has honored every position
which he has tilled, by proving capable, faithful,
and eminently trustworthy. He is at present serv-
ing a- Supervisor of Tower Hill Township, has
been Township Collector, and has held several
school offices in the village. He also served as
President of the village and Trustee for several
terms. Politically he is an ardent supporter of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
the principles of the Democratic party, and takes
a lively interest in everything that affects the pros-
perity of the city or county. Socially he belongs
to the I. (). I). F.. the K. of P.. and the Modem
Woodmen of America. With hi:- wife, he has won
a secure place in the affections of his associates and
is highly esteemed for fine social qualities and
mil ile character.
\
ap^A KELTON BIRKETT. Si;., stands amongthe
^^4 influential citizens of Shelby County, and
liL/JJ. to him and men of his indomitable will,
wide experience, unsurpassed business acu-
men and far-reaching public spirit, it is indebted
for its high standing among its sister counties in
this great Commonwealth of Illinois. Our subject
is a leading farmer and stockman of this section,
his extensive agricultural interests centering in
Todd's Point Township, where he has an attrrative
home and eleven hundred acres of land, all lying
in a body, in a high state of cultivation. its soil of
marvelous fertility and its valuable ami well-
appointed improvements rendering it a model
farm.
Mr. Birkett was born August 13, 1820, near Kis-
wick, Cumberland County, in The Yale of St. John *s
Parish of Crosthwait, England, on a farm which
was also the birthplace of his grandfather, Daniel
Birkett. who spent his entire life, as did his father
before him. upon that estate, which he owned, be-
sides owning two other farms. 1 1 i> son John, the
lather of our subject, also passed his whole life Oil
that pleasant English farm, while his brothers,
Clement and John, and his sister Rebecca came to
America. The former settled in Missouri where
he lived the remainder of hi- days; John was a
farmer and died in Shelby County; Rebecca died
in Moultrie County, this State. The father of our
subject was a farmer and stock-raiser and lived to
the good old age of seventy seven years, his death
occurring in November. 1873. His wife whose
maiden name was Mary Skelton, died June 3.
1847, when she was forty-seven years of age.
She was the mother of ten children, seven sons and
three daughters, and five of them are yet living.
Ile of whom we write was the fourth child born
to his parents, and he passed his early days in the
home of his birth, where he received a careful
training in all that goes to make a good man and
a useful citizen. lie was given the advantage of
an education in the local schools, and when not in
school was acquiring practical experience in agri-
culture on his father's farm that was of use to him
in after years in the prosecution of his chosen call-
ing on American soil. Christmas Day. 1839, was
a memorable day for him. as he then left belaud
him his old home with its many pleasant associa-
tions and went out to the island of St. Croix.
where he had two uncle.-. Clement and John Skel-
ton. who owned estates there, to see what life held
for him in the West Indie-, and there he was en-
tailed a- a planter on a sugar plantation for eight
years and three months. Failing health w:arned him
that he must seek another climate, and he decided
upon the United State- of America, lie embarked
on a vessel bound for New York, arrived safely,
and two weeks later boarded a steamer for Phila-
delphia, on his way to tin- State. From the (Quaker
City he went by rail to Chambersburg. and then
by stage to Pittsburg, Pa., from there by the same
conveyance to Ma-sillon. Ohio, whence he went by
canal to Cleveland, from that city by Lake Erie to
Toledo, and thence by way of Lovington to Terre
Haute. End., whence he came to this county, travel-
ing by canal and stage to Shelby ville.
The date of the arrival of our subject in this
county was August 31. 1848. and though not one
of its earliot settlers he may be denominated one
of its pioneers as he has done as much as any other
man to develop its great agricultural resources,
and has been a potent factor in the advancement
of its interests in various directions, generously
using a part of the wealth that he has acquired
within its borders to further all worthy enterprises
to promote itsgrowth and benefit the public. In the
busy years that followed his settlement here, he
has not been too much occupied in attending to
his private affairs to be able to do his duty as a
citizen, and he has devoted some of his valuable
time to aid in the management of civic interests.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORL.
ri3
bringing to his official duties in the various respon-
sible positions that he has filled the same aptitude
for business, promptness, and unerring judgment
and untiring zeal that have characterized him
throughout his career.
lli> persona] standing is nf the highest, and
whether in public or in private life he has always
Inline himself as an honorable, upright gentleman,
all worthy of the implicit confidence which his
conduct has inspired in his fellow-citizens. Among
other important offices to which they have called
him is that of Supervisor, and he has represented
Todd's Point Township on the County Board of
supervisors ten years, lie was a member of that
honorable body when the present court house was
in process of erection at the county seat, and as
one of the building committee he carefully super-
intended every detail of work, and used his in-
fluence to have it built in a style of architecture
combining strength, utility and beauty, and at a
reasonable cost. Politically. Mr. Birkett has been
identified with the three leading parties that have
held sway since he came to this country. At first
lie advocated the old-line Whig policy and sub-
sequently became a Republican, but in 1876 he
joined the Democrat-, a- lie considered that the
Republican party had outlived its usefulness and
had begun to abuse its great power, so that a
change was necessary in the interests of a pure
government.
Mr. Birkett's financial standing is the result en-
tirely of hi- own efforts, as he -tailed out in the
world empty handed, with the exception of
t'-J."i of English money was which given him by his
father, and which he returned to him the follow-
ing year. He had a better capital, however, with
which to build his fortunes in his fine physique,
clear brain, and the solid trait- of character that
have made him successful in life. After his arrival
in tin- county he worked on a farm in Todd's
Point Town-hip. and the following year entered a
section of land in the same- township on sections
17. 1* and 2n.aud in the ensuing March he entered
upon its improvement, breaking the wild prairie
and fencing one hundred and sixty acres of it.
He began to stock is farm by the purchase of one
hundred head of cattle and seven hundred sheep.
and thus entered upon his prosperous career of
stock and sheep raising ami wool business, lie
has made his home upon that section of land
that he ha- developed from the wilderness into
one of the choicest farms of the county, upon
winch he has placed every needed improvement,
including roomy barns for his stock, a commodious
dwelling, etc. He has purchased more land since
hi- first investment, and now has eleven hundred
acres ail in one tract. He at one time had thirty
two hundred "acres of laud in this state and in
Kansas, two thousand of which he gave to his
-on-.
Mi. Birkett has heen eminently happy in his
domestic relation-, and shows to the best advant-
age in his home, not only as a husband and father,
hut in the character of the most courteous and
genial of hosts, dispensing a generous hospitality
to friend or stranger who may happen beneath his
sheltering roof, cordially assisted by his estimable
wife, who is always thoughtful and considerate for
the comfort of all about her. ■ Our subject was
first married February Ki. 1850, to Mis- Mary
Bland, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Henry
Bland, she was a resident of this county at the
time of her marriage, and had gathered many
friends about her. who were attracted by her fine
womanly character and great worth, and at her
death February 9, 1865, sorrowed with her family
in their great bereavement. By that marriage
there were seven children, of whom the following
i> recorded: Henry, a resident of Springfield.
married Grace Adams, and they have one
child: John, who wa- a resident of Kansas
at the time of his death in his twenty-second
year, by drowning while in bathing in the river:
Skelton a farmer, residing in Greenwood County,
Kan., married Grace Gleason; Harriet died at the
age of two year-: George is a farmer of Greenwood
County, Kan. Mary married George Becker, a
merchant of Wichita, Kan.; Elizabeth is the wife
of Dr. A. 1'. Williams, of Hot Springs. Ark.
January 17. 1867 our subject wa- married to
Mi— Elizabeth, daughter of John Lenovcr, an old
resident of Shelby County, and in her he has a
devoted wife. Two children have blessed their
union, of whom hut one i- living, Arthur. Mr.
14
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Birkett was reared in the Church of England, and
has remained true to the faith of his fathers. His
wife is a member of the .Methodist Episcopal
Church, and is identified with its every good work.
charitable or religious. The former -Mrs. Birkett
was also a member of that church.
,1 f I W ^ T^
*■'"* '
iL^ ON. W.G. COCHRAN. Speaker of the House
1 during- the Thirty-Math session of the
General Assembly, is well known not only
5) in Sullivan but throughout Southern llli"
nois as a Leading attorney and an influential citi-
zen. He has resided in .Moultrie County since lie
was four years old. although his residence in Sulli-
van permanently dates only from April lX'.H. lie
was formerly located in Lovington and vicinity,
where he won laurels in his profession and as a
politician. His advent as a student of the law be-
gan under Judge Miner in 1*77. and May 23,
187'J he was admitted to practice at the bar. Since
that date he has been progressing constantly and
is regarded as one of the stanehest Republicans in
the county.
In L888 Mr. Cochran was nominated by the Re-
publican party for Representative and was success-
fully run on the minority ticket. After his election
to the State Legislature he felt the embarrassment of
being compelled to enter the Legislative halls with-
out knowing the State Executive or any of the
state officers, or even a member of either branch
of the Legislature. Hut he was possessed of a gen-
ial disposition and frank, open manners which soon
won him the confidence of all with whom he came
in contact and the respseet of every member of the
law-making body of the State. When it became
necessary to elect a Speaker of the House an old
soldier was looked for. and among that class Mr.
Cochran was entered in the race with JudgeCooly,
the well-known "heavy weight" of Knox County.
On the third ballot Mr. Cochran won the race.
It is well known that he tilled this place of trust
with great success and to the satisfaction of the
members of both parties. While a Republican he
looked closelv to the interests of his constituents
and made many friends who rejoiced in his elec-
tion to the Speakership. On his return home lie
was nominated by liis party for Senator and polled
more votes than his party ticket, which is much in
the minority. While in the Legislature he served
as a member of the Judicial Committee and was
Chairman of the Municipal Committee.
Not without a struggle, however, did Mr. Coch-
ran attain to success in this life. He was reared
in this county, having no advantages for a school-
ing and working on the home farm. At the age
of seventeen the war broke out, and at this youth-
ful age he sought an opportunity to enter in the
defense of his country early in 1861, but was re-
fused admission by the Captain of the company
where he made application. About one year later
he succeeded in securing a place in the ranks as a
private of Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-
sixth Illinois Infantry. The regiment was com-
posed, of young men who possessed the fighting
qualities of veterans. Their presence was soon
felt in the South and they did service at the siege
of Vicksburg. They also participated in the bat-
tles of Clarendon. Little Rock, and went on an
expedition to Red River to meet Gen. Ranks.
They afterward continued their march through
Arkansas and as they went along did good service
iii frightening the enemy out of the country and
suppressing the sharpshooters.
Young Cochran stood his army life nobly and
endured many hardships, but he was always pre-
pared for duty and did his part without flinching'.
lie was promoted to be Sergeant, and at the expir-
ation of three years was mustered out at Pine
Bluff, Ark., and honorably discharged from the
service at Springfield. 111., in August. lH(5.r>. Al-
though he had seen a great deal of hard fighting
he had fortunately escaped uninjured and had
never seen the inside of a prison or hospital. He
had just attained to his majority before his term
of enlistment expired, and to illustrate the progress
he has since made it may be said that when he en-
tered the service his enlistment papers bear only
his mark, as he could not write at that time.
For several years after the close of the war Mr.
Cochran was engaged in farming pursuits near
Lovington, but his heart was meanwhile with his
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
715
books and he later followed his natural bent, the
study of law. He has a brilliant, daring eloquence
whicb with his sparkling wit makes him an attract-
ive speaker. At the beginning of an address he is
cool and calm, but gradually warms to the subject.
In politics he i- intensely Republican, but his per-
sonal friendships and influence extend to all parties.
lie i- a member of the Masonic order and has been
In mi iled with M.nie of their highest offices, ha villi;
membership with Blue Lodge. No. "288. and Chap-
ter No. 171. at Lovington. He has served several
terms as Master and has also Ween chosen High
Priest He is a Knight Templar in theCoinmand-
ery at Sullivan. In church and Sunday-school he
i- an active worker, having been a faithful C'hri>-
tian since the late war. I Ii> membership is in the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and since 1868 lie
ha- preached when called upon to do SO, and has
Keen heard expounding the Scripture- in almost
every place of meeting in the county. In Loving-
ton he was a member of the Sunday-school fur
twenty-seven years and was superintendent for
fifteen years of the time.
The birth of the Hon. Mr. Cochran occurred
near Frankford, Ohio, the oldest town in the state.
located in 1!"" County, November /3, 1844. He
came of comparatively poor but highly respectable
parentage, his ancestors being people of steady
habits and moral character. Hi- father. Andrew
Cochran, was a native of Pennsylvania and a -mi of
another Andrew Cochran, born in the same state.
It appears that the family had lived in the Key-
stone State foi many year- and came of a mixed
stock, strongly adhering to the Pennsylvania Dutch
ancestry. The elder Andrew Cochran grewtoman-
h 1 upon a farm and was married to Miss Mar-
garet Hewitt, whose love he had won by his heroism
The Hewitt family was once trying to cross a swollen
river and all seemed destined to In- drowned in the
rapidly flowing stream, but youngCochran showed
hi- natural bravery and rushed to the rescue. By
hemic effort he saved the life of two of the daugh-
ter-, the remaining members of the family having
already been borne down the rushing river. A
marriage to one of the daughter- soon followed
and proved a happy union.
The brave youngCochran and his wife began
life poor in this world's g Is hut labored together
fur -ome years in their first home. Desiring to
better their condition they resolved to go to the
wilds of what wa- then the new country of Ohio.
At an early day they settled in RoSS < OUntj and
there opened up a new home in the woods where
they died at a ripe old age. They were Christians
and reared an honorable family. The -mi Andrew
wa- only a small hoy when his parents -tailed out
in Ross County and there he grew to a Stalwart
manhood. He married into a good family, his
wife. Jane Poster, being one of a pair of twin-.
The other twin is now Mrs. Isabel] Gregory, and
survives at the age of eighty five years, being
quite active and hearty.
After their six children had been horn to Andrew
Cochran, Jr., and his good wife, they decided to
follow the example of their ancestors and locate in
a new country. In 1849 they gathered together
their worldly goods, and with wagon- and team-
started for Illinois, camping by the way and the
father and sons sleeping at night under the canopj
of the heaven-. After a somewhat long and tedi-
ous journey they landed at their destination and
pitched their tent- not far from Lovington. where
the father secured a -mall farm. There the father
and mother lived and labored until their death.
The good wife and mother passed away in Novem-
ber, 1881, and had reached a good old age, having
heen horn in 1806. The father who was horn in
1808 survived until January •">. 1889, and passed
from earth on the same day that his son wa- to
start for the State capital to accept his office of
trust as the representative of the people of M>*lhr
County. He had heen a life-long Democrat and
Cast his only Republican vote when he gave his
suffrage to his son W. G., who had grown up a Re-
publican in his political faith. Andrew Cochran
wa- a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church but in the absence of that church here,
joined the Methodist Church.
Of the six children our subject wa- next to the
youngest Two of the daughters are now deceased.
The survivors are I-ahcll. wife of William ( . Fos-
ter, of Decatur; Charles, a farmer on the old ( och-
ran homestead; Andrew W., a farmer in this
county: and our subject. The wife of our subject
716
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
bore the maiden name of Chariots Keyes and was
born in Ohio, her parents being Virginians. The
lather. .lames Keyes. was a farmer and died in
Loveland. at a ootid old age. Mrs. Cochran was
reared and educated principally in Sullivan County
and has made a good wife to her worthy husband,
to whom she has borne six children. Prudence is
deceased. The survivors are — Oscar, a successful
teacher in this county; Grace M., a graduate of
Lovington High School; Archie 1!.. Arthur G.,
and Laura C. all of whom are under the parental
roof and are bright, intelligent children.
~^32)'
:>*<!
iSy^
gHOMAS BINKLEY. Amid the fertile farm
I /p\ lands of Lovington Township is a tract
vfy of eighty acres belonging to the gentleman
abovenamed and devoted by him to general
farming. It is pleasantly located on section 24,
and is embellished with every necessary structure.
To say that the owner is one of the most prominent
farmers in the community gives but a slight idea
of the respect he commands, for he is looked upon
as one of the most intelligent citizens to whatever
class they may belong. A good neighbor and a
reliable business man. he also merits the gratitude
of a 11 who are pleased with the advance of civil-
ization in this section.
Mr. Binkley comes of substantial forefathers. His
father. Daniel Binkley. was a native of Perry
County. Ohio, and was a chair maker by trade. The
mother, whose maiden name was Catherine Zartman,
was also a native of Perry County. The worthy
couple passed their entire wedded life in Ohio
where the father died in 1868; five years later
the mother came to Moultrie County, and died in
Lovington Township in 1880. Our subject was
the only son in the family, and he had one sister.
Amelia A., who became the wife of B. M. Clark and
died in Lovington Township in 1881.
The birthplace of our subject is Perry County.
Ohio, and his natal day August 25, 1838. His youth
was passed uneventfully in conning his lessons at
the district school and gaining practical knowledge
of the way to conduct a farm. He began the battle
of life for himself at an early age and when he
was able to establish a home of his own lie was
married in his native county. September 2b. 1868,
to Miss Matilda, daughter of John and Charlotte
(Jonas) Fisher, natives of Perry County. Ohio. Mr.
Fisher followed the occupation of a farmer and
died in Perry County, where also his wife passed
away. A large family of children had been bom
to them, ten in number, and Mrs. Binkley was the
second in order of birth, having been born in Perry
County. Ohio. September 1(1. 1839.
After his marriage our subject located in Perry
County. Ohio, where he engaged in farming. They
made their home in the Buckeye State until 1873,
when they removed to Moultrie Countj', 111.; after-
ward they removed to Piatt County, whence after
a residence of six years, they returned to Moultrie
County and located in Lovington Township. Into
him and his estimable wife thirteen children have
been born, ten of whom are living, as follows:
Amanda ('.. the wife of George E. Foster; Amelia
A., wlio married Charles Redman; Acta C. the
the wife of Irving Ilouseworth; William P.. Char-
lotte. Oscar. Liberta, Daniel R.. Walker O. and
Lambert. The three deceased died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Binkley are consistent members
of the German Reformed and Lutheran Churches
and are active in every benevolent enterprise.
He has served the people in several offices, among
them that of School Director. He has always fol-
lowed agriculture and his successful and honorable
career is worthy of emulation.
felLLIAM A. WEBB is the popular druggist
\ / at Dalton City. Moultrie County, and in
» » the compounding of medicines and reme-
dies, is considered very expert. He is a dealer in
grain, buying from the country around, which is
rich in its cereals, and finding a ready market « iih
the large grain buyers of Chicago. Our subject lias
been engaged in business at the >ame stand since
lKT.'L at which date he became associated with
George Fern >. under the firm name of Webb & Fern >.
dealing at first in the general mercantile business.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
717
and also in the grain business. He has remained
constant to his post of business ever since, and is
now line of the oldest business men in the place,
and the leading grain merchants in the town.
Mr. Webb is a native of Kentucky, being bom
in Boyle County, May 27, 1841. He is a son of
William R. and .lane (Moore) Webb, natives of
Virginia and Kentucky respectively, but married
in the latter State. In 1837 they emigrated to
Parke County. Ind.. and lived on a farm for a
short time. Thence they removed to Greencastle.
In 1859 they removed to Decatur, 111., and there
became proprietors of the Oglesby House, now
known as the St. Nicholas. In 1862 they removed
to Mason, having traded the hotel property for a
farm. Our subject's father subsequently retired
from the active business of agricultural life, and
made his home in the village of Mason; he there
died in 1874. His wife had expired some years
previous while residing in Decatur.
< >ur subject is one of a family of eight children,
all of whom lived to be mown. Byname thej are
as follows: Lucy. Margaret, Theodocia, Richard,
Jane II.. Lewis F.. William A. and Edward S.
Margaret married Joseph Ferguson, and is now a
resident of Wichita. Kan.; Theodocia became the
wife of William II. Laird, of Mason. 111.: Lewis re-
sides at Mason. The father of our subject was a
Whig in his political preference, and during life
was the incumbent of several local offices. He
served as Justice of the Peace forseveral years. In
his religious preference he is a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, in which he was a Class-
Leader, and throughout life a liberal supporter of
the ( rospel work.
William Webb passed his early life in his father's
hotel and on reaching his majority he entered the
grain trade at Mason and contined to be thus em-
ployed until he came to Dalton City, at which
place he became one of the first merchants. He
sold out his interest in the store to Mr. Ferro and
gave his entire attention to his grain trade. He
was also for four years station agent at Dalton.
He aiso dealt in live stock, and in 1891 established
his drug business.
Mr. Webb was married id 1874 to Miss Retta 15.
Jeffries, of Philadelphia. Pa. The lady is a daugh-
ter of Thomas J. Jeffrie-, a machinist and a manu-
facturer of car springs in the above named city.
Mr. and Mrs. Webb are the parents of one child.
Politically our subject is a Republican, having been
brought up to that party and platform, and having
imbibed the theories as held by the Republicans by
inheritance and youthful association as by i 1
judgment. Our subject has at different times held
various local offices. Socially he is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the
line of his business he also deal- quite largely in
agricultural implements and machinery.
*+^
~ES)
| ON. FRANK SPITLER. This well-known
J member of the legal profession has made
K/ his home in Sullivan. Moultrie County.
(J*) since March 1885. and is devoting himself
to hi.- practice in partnership with Isaac Hudson.
This firm, which was established in August. 1888,
ha- gained prominence throughout Moultrie and
the adjoining counties and conduct its business
successfully. Mr. Spitler has been associated with
other lawyers since he became a member of the bar,
being formerly in partnership with ex-Judge II. M.
Miner, now in the West, and prior to that with
A. C. Monser. now of California.
Mr. Spitler was born in Marion County. III..
January 28, 1853 and is the -on of Judge T. A.
and (.illy R. (Kelley) Spitler. The father was bom
in Fairfield County,Ohio, and the mother in South
Carolina, and they both arrived in Illinois in 1840.
The following year they were united in the holy
bonds of wedlock, in Marion County, where they
followed the business of fanning in Alma Township.
Then the father is yet living at the advanced age
of seventy year-: he ha- always been an active
worker and is still hale and hearty for one of his
age. He was a stanch old-line Democrat and served
his party faithfully and well on many occasions,
during his younger years. for some years he was
Supervisor of the township, discharging the duties
of the office to the satisfaction of his constituents.
He was also for a time Associate Judge of the
county, and is now held in excellent repute on ac-
718
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
count of his fine character, general intelligence and
useful life, lie is a consistent member of the Bap-
tist Church, as was also his wife.
On December 31, 1888, the mother of our sub-
ject passed from the busy scenes of earth, and the
New Year, which brought to all of earth's children
their joys and sorrows, brought to her a realization
of the "Great Beyond". She was at tin' time of
her demise sixty-six years old and had become the
mother of fifteen children, eightof whom survived
her. A good woman, her life was devoted to her
husband and children, and it was her great object
to prepare her sons and daughters for responsible
positions in life. Her eldest son Henry. was a sold-
ier in the Civil War, serving as a Sergeant in the
One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and
belonging to Company K. lie died in the hospi-
tal in Kentucky.
Our subject grew to manhood upon his father's
farm, engaged in various pursuits which belong to
the life of a farmer. He received a good common-
school education, which he supplemented by a
thorough course of study at a Baptist College. He
utilized his knowledge as a teacher, following that
profession for several years and earning the money
to educate himself, lie taughl school at Benton.
111., for three years and was afterward Principal of
the schools at Odin. 111., for two years. When he
commenced to read law. he was a student under
.Indue Williams of Benton. 111., and later read with
.Indue Pollock, of Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County.
In 1884 he was admitted to practice at the bar,
and has since devoted his undivided attention to
his profession. In 1888 ^he was nominated by the
Democratic party, of which he is a stanch supporter.
to the State Legislature, and represented the Thirty-
third District in the Thirty-sixth Session. He was
a member of various important committees, among
them that of State Institutions, lie served his
constituency faithfully and advanced the interests
of his community to the best of his ability.
Mr. Spitler was married. March 20. L888, in Sul-
livan, to Miss May McCaig, a native of < >hio, whence
she accompanied her parents to Illinois and was
reared to womanhood in Sullivan. She is a mother
of one child. Clarke. In his religious views Mr.
Spitler is a Baptist and adheres to every cause
calculated to advance the interests of the city so-
cially, morally and educationally, lie gives liber-
ally of his earnings to the church and all public-
spirited enterprises. When it was decided to build
a Baptist Church in Sullivan. Mr. Spitler came to
the front and was an active worker in securing
means and helping materially the completing of
the Structure, which is a credit to the people and
the city. As a lawyer, he pleads his cases with
force and shows his ability as a student: his daih
applications, research and practice' have given him
a wide reputation as a successful counsel and re-
liable advocate, which with his personal qualities
have attracted to him a large circle of friends and
patrons.
**&i?
LDLDIAII II. SILVER was born in Ilopkin-
ton. X. II.. November 3, 1823. His father.
Jeremiah Silver, was a native of the same
State and our subject's paternal grandsire,
John silver. was born in Massachusetts and removed
thence to New Hampshire where he engaged in
farming and in 18;i7 moved to Michigan and
settled in Cass County, becominga pioneer farmer.
He made his home during the latter portion of
his life with his son-in-law.
The lather of our subject was reared and married
in New Hampshire. He there learned the trade of
mason and followed it in llopkinton until 1827.
and then with his wife and five children and his
father-in-law, mother-in-law and two brothers with
their families removed to Michigan. They came
West with teams as far as Buffalo and then putting
all on a steamer, they went to Toledo. Ohio, and
there purchased a small place. They did not re-
main at that place, however, but on the crest of
the Westward wave of immigration went to (ass
County Mich., which was then very sparsely set-
tled. Indians were still frequent visitors and there
were plenty of deer and wild turkeys. Our subject
bought a tract of land and devoted a great part of
his time to the improvement of his farm. He re-
sided there until after the death of his wife and
spent his last days with his children in Cass
County, his decease occurring in 1876.
-.
\
B
jlJ&
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
721
The maiden name of our subject's mother was
Sally Hastings. She was born in Hopkinton, X.
II.. and died in 1849. Five of her children were
reared to years of maturity. They are by name.
May, Jedediah II.. Lydia. Margaret and John.
Our subject was only four years of age when hi-
parents moved to Michigan, hence he was reared
to an experience of pioneer life. He learned the
trade of a mason in young manhood and followed
it in connection with farming, residing on the
In mie farm until 1848, and thence removed to
Edwardsburg and there engaged in the practice of
his trade until 1858, and thence removed to
Shelbyville, where he purchased a hit and built
thereon a brick house, which was comfortable and
commodious. lie followed his trade for two years
and then exchanged his city property fur a farm
in Ridge Township, making that his home. He
managed the farm while lie followed his trade and
after a residence of two year- there, he rented it
for four years and then purchased a home two
miles north pf Ids former farm and there resided
until 1876, when he came t<i Shelbyville and
entered upon his official duties as sheriff of the
county and here he has since resided.
Mr. silver was married in 1865 to Julia A.
Mead, a native of Chautauqua County, X. Y.. and
the daughter of Barak and Clarissa (Brown) Mead.
Mrs. Silver died in 1X7U. she was the mother of
six children — Emma ( '.. Edward A., Barak M..
Wilbur II.. J. Judson and llattie. He of whom
we write is a Democrat in politics. He served for
four terms as Township Collector and was elected
Sheriff in 1876 and re-elected in 1878, serving two
full terms.
> -* ~m — -*—
i SAAC LONGENBACH. It is something to
climb the white summit of life where one can
1 look over the far reaching years that span so
much of — feeling shall we say? — the feeling of in-
tense gladness or sorrow that the youth experi-
ences, the modified pleasure or pain of middle life
and the retrospective of old age. It seems to Mr.
Longenbach, about whom this sketch is written,
that his seventy years are a panorama spread out
before him, picturing, not onlj his own life, but
the events thai are making history. I. mated com-
fortably on his farm <m section ^". Pickaway
Township. Shelby County, he is enjoying the
autumn sunset of life. Universally esteemed, his
friends will notice with pleasure his portrait on the
opposite page and will read with interesl the fol-
lowing paragraphs.
The gentleman of whom we write belongs to a
family whose interests are closely identified with
the pioneer history of Ohio and Illinois. His
grandfather, Balsom Longebach, came to thi- coun-
try in the early part of the present century and
settled in Somerset County, Pa., where he spent
the remainder of his life, passing away while yet
in middle age. Before leaving Germany, which
was his native land, our subject's grandfather had
married a German lady, who died at an advanced
age in Pennsylvania. Our subject's father, Jacob
Longenbach was a native of Pennsylvania and was
one of a larae family. lie spent his early years as
a fronlierman and was a soldier in the War of
1812, serving as a scout for the Continentals, lie
was thrown among the Indians a great deal and
learned their language and habits. While acting
a- a scout he had to hide in the timber and lived
on acorns ami roots for day- at a time. Later he
became a fanner and was united in marriage with
Mis- 10 lea noie sl i ope. a native, like himself, of Penn-
sylvania, hut of Irish parentage.
After marriage Jacob Longenbach and his wife
removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, at a very early
day, cutting the timber off the land where the city
of Lancaster now stands; there they lived for a
long time in the wood- and among the Indian-.
lie finally -old his place and moved into the wilds
of Pickaway County, Ohio, where they purchased
and improved one hundred and sixty acre- of
wild woodland. Later the family sold this place
and purcha-ed a second farm in the -aine locality.
where the father spent his last years, dying when
about sixty-two year- of age, about 1835. His
wife survived him many years, passing away on
the old farm in Pickaway County, Ohio, after
reaching three-score year- ami ten. she was a
good woman and a loving helpmate.
Our subject i- the youngest of eight children.
V-
'•)•)
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
six sons and two daughters, who all Lived 1<> be
men and women with families of their own. Our
subject and one brother, Solomon, now a retired
farmer in Nevada. Mo., who has reached the age
of seventy-three years, are the veterans of the fam-
ily, although other members of the family have
lived to a good old age. .Mr. Longenbach, the
subject of this notice, was born in Pickaway
County, Ohio, December 17. 1821, and was reared
to manhood in his native place, where he cele-
brated his majority.
Isaac Longenbach set up a home foi- himself in
1852, making mistress of it Elizabeth Cole. The
lady, like her husband, is a native of Pickaway
County, Ohio, being there born in 1835. She is a
daughter of Richard and Hannah (Harwell) Cole,
natives of Pickaway County. Ohio. Iml come, it is
thought, of Scotch ancestry. When quite advanced
in years .Mrs. Longenbach 's parents came to Shelby
County, and here Mrs. Cole died at the age of
seventy years. Later Mr. Cole died while making
his home with his daughter in South Dakota, at
seventy-six years of age. Both were members of
the Methodist Church.
After marriage Mr. and Mr.-. Longenbach made
their home for a feu years in Pickaway County,
Ohio, whence, in 1856, they removed to Illinois,
coming hither by teams and camping out on tin'
way. They located in Pickaway Township, where
Mr. Longenbach pre-empted a tract of one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land on section 20. The
land was entirely unbroken, and here our subject
and his wife began their pioneer experience, and
here have ever since made their home. Mr. Longen-
liach has since added to his purchase and has
erected good buildings upon his land. lie has
made a comfortable fortune by hard work and
wise investments.
Mrs. Longenbach died at their home February
27. 1873, being then in the prime of life. She was
a member of the German Reformed Church, a true
wife and a kind neighbor. She was the mother of
ten children, of whom the following an- yet liv-
ing: Jacob, Mary E., Eliza A.. Sarah .1.. Agnes A..
A. Lincoln. Isaac \Y. and Emma II. Jacob look to
wife Nancy Schwartz; they own and reside on a
farm of one hundred and sixty acres in this town-
ship. Mary is the wife of .John l'inkston. a farmer
and landowner in this township. Eliza married
Edward Mathias and they live on and own a farm
here. Sarah i~ the wife of Franklin Shride; they
arc fanners here also. Agnes i> the wife of Mati-
SOll Stivison; they own one hundred acres of land
in Todd's l'oint Township. A. Lincoln took to
wife Ellen Ncal and is a farmer in this township.
[saac, whose wife was Hattie Brinke, is also a
farmer in this township. Emma II. is the wife of
Andrew Fletcher Shride; they make their homt
Air. Longenbach's farm.
Our subject is a Republican in his political pref-
erence, having been an adherent, of that party
since Lincoln's time, and having supported the
Inion in its hours of adversity by inlluencce and
means. He has filled almost all the local offices in
the gift of the township, and is honored by all who
know him.
AVID (i. SAXXER. Y. S.. prominent and
well-known as a wealthy farmer and .stock-
raiser, residing in Penn Township. Shelby
County, has large landed interests in this,
Macon and Moultrie Counties, and has contributed
extensively to the development of the great agri-
cultural resources of this section of his native
State, as one of the nn»t enlightened and advanced
men of his class within its borders. He is much
interested in raising line road horses, the Ilamble-
tonian strain being his favorite, and he also bears
a high reputation as one of the most intelli-
gent and skillful veterinary surgeons in Shelby
County.
May Hi. 1842, is the date of the birth of our
subject in one of the pioneer homes of Madison
County, of which his father, Samuel Sanner, was
an early settler. The latter was a native of North-
umberland County. Pa., and in early manhood he
married Barbara Paul, a native of Preston County.
W. Va. In L833 he came to Illinois with his fam-
ily, and located in the wilds of Madison County,
nine miles north of Edwardsville. During the
many years that he livedjjthere he applied himself
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD.
72:i
busily to bis pioneer work, and in due time was
well rewarded by becoming the possessor of a
goodly amount of property. In 1886 be tnuk up
his abode in Penn Township,and there hi? remain-
ing days were passed in tranquility and comfort
until he closed bis eyes in the dreamless sleep of
death. He left behind him a good life-record and
a memory that is cherished with reverence in the
hearts of those who knew him,
Our subject was the eightb child in a large
family of children, twelve in number, and in hi>
childhood he had ample opportunity t<> acquire
hal>it> of industry and steady application that have
been of use to him in hi> after life, as hi> father
wisely determined that his boys should be able to
do all kinds of work on the farm, while at the
same time he desired that they should have an ed-
ucation. Our subject was well equipped in that
respect, as in his youth excellent schools had already
been established in Madison County, and he at-
tended them whenever opportunity offered, and
gained a sound knowledge of mathematics, and
other common branches. When the war broke out
he was scarcely more than a boy, but he was eager
tn fight in defense of the old Hair. Owing to cir-
cumstances nver which he had no control, howevi r,
he was obliged to abandon the thought of enlist-
ing until the fall of 1864, when he left the par-
ental home, September 3, to enroll his name as it
member of Company A, One Hundred and Forty-
fourth Illinois Infantry, under command of ( apt.
George W. Cans, the regiment being mustered in
at Alton. He was disappointed that hi> regiment
was detained at Alton to do garrison duty instead
of being sent to the front, some of the men lieiug
sent to Missouri, so that he saw no active service
in the field. He was soon detailed for service in
the regiment band, and remained at Alton during
the winter of l864r-65. The war closed the follow-
ing spring, and he was honorably discharged July
14. 1865, and mustered out at Springfield.
Returning to hi- father's farm after his exper-
ience of life as a soldier. Mr. Sanner came with the
family from his native county to this county in
the spring of 1866. He continue 1 tobe an inmate
of the parental household on section 21, Penn
Township, until he established a home of his own,
securing as an efficient helpmate to preside over it.
Mi— Mary E. Freeland, then a resident of Milan
Township, Macon County, to whom he was wed-
ded in April. 1870. Her father, David J. Freeland,
was a native of North Carolina, whence he came
to Mmiltrie County, this State, when he was n boy
of fifteen years. He was engaged in farm work in
that and Coles County some year-, and then took
up his residence in Milan Township, of which he i-
now one of the most extensive landholders. He
married for his second wife Martha Sawyer, a nat-
ive of Coles County, and Mrs. Sanner is their eld-
est elnld.
When he married Mr. Sanner commenced his
independent career as a farmer on a half section
of land in Milan Township, and resided on that
place for mx years. At the expiration of that time
he came back to Penn Township to take charge of
his father's farm on section 21. In 1877 he took
possession of his present homestead, a beautiful
farm of three hundred and twenty acres, finely
locate. 1 on section 23, Penn Township. He -til-
retains his Macon County farm of half a section'
renting that and a part of his farm in Penn Town-
ship, and he has a thousand acres of land in all.
including fifteen acres of timber in Moultrie
County and town property in Bethany. He i>
extensively engaged in general farming, having
his farm well stocked, and he pays particular atten-
tion to breeding fine roadsters of Hambletonian
blood. lie has a thorough knowledge of the horse.
having made a careful study of the animal for
year-, and is an acknowledged authority on all
questions pertaining to it. as but few men observe
the good point- of a horse quicker, or detect its
weak part- sooner than he. lie isalso a successful
veterinary surgeon of twenty-live years standing.
A man of an active temperament, an indomitable
will and a large nature, our subject has won his
way to a high place among our most valued and
useful citizen-. His has been a busy life, but not
by the force of sheer hard work has lie acquired
his property, his labors having been directed by a
clear, well-balanced intellect, by practical business
methods, and byexcellenl powersof discrimination
and judgment. In all his dealing- he has borne
himself with unswerving adherence to the princi-
724
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
pies of truth and probity, and his reputation is
unblemished. The Sanner family is noted for their
devotion to the Republican party and our subject
is no exception, lie being one of the strongest ad-
vocates iif the Republican policy in this part of the
State, and has been since in early manhood he east
his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in
lK(i4. Socially he is identified with William Penn
Camp, M. \V. A., and he is also a member of Prairie
Lodge, K. of 11. lie is a stockholder in the Prairie
Home Building and Loan Association, and all en-
terprises to promote the growth of the county find
in him cordial support.
Air. and Mrs. Sanner have been truly loppy in
their married life and their home has been glad-
dened by the birth of children, of whom they had
ten. namely: Charles Wesley, Carrie Belle, Frank-
lin Ellis (who died in infancy). Samuel Walter.
Cyrus David, Orville Arthur, Lawrence Lester.
Robert Lincoln. Etta May and Martha Barbara.
is-}-**
ETER s. BOGGS, M. 1). Belonging t<> a
family that is noted for the patriarchal years
to which its members attain, our subject has
proved to be no exception to the rule, for
lie has already passed the mile-post of fourscore
years. and is yet, hale and vigorous. His life, which
has been equally divided between attention to his
profession, which was that of dentistry, and during
his later years, to farming, has always been so bal-
anced as to leave a development and maturity of
mind and body unimpeded or unobstructed by
ulterior considerations, lie is now a resident of :i
good farm located on section 25, in Lovington
Township, Moultrie County, and so genial and
kindly disposed is he toward all human beings, as
to have gained the love as well as respect of those
with whom he has dealings, and they hope for him
many years still of health and happiness.
Peter Boggs' father was Alexander Boggs, who
died a victim of the cholera in Germantown, Lid.
His mother was Magdelaine Schaffer, who died in
.Milton. End., at the aye of one hundred and six
years, lacking a few days. The father was of Eng-
lish descent, and the mother of German ancestry.
After seating up housekeeping, they were the cen-
ter of quite a brood of children. Nine little ones
grew up under their kind and protecting care, and
of these the Doctor was one' of tin' oldest members.
He was born in Lancaster County, Pa.. October 2.
1809, and he spent the early part of his life in
Mt. Joy. being engaged in the acquisition of
knowledge and the fitting of himself for collegiate
work. When about sixteen years of age he went
to Philadelphia for the purpose of studying den-
tistry. He was so fortunate as to be able to gain
Dr. Samuel S. Fitch as a preceptor, and of him he
learned the profession to which we should all be so
grateful for relieving us of pain, but one which is
regarded with fear and trembling by the majority
of people. On finishing his course of dental studj
under Dr. Fitch, who pronounced him competent
and an expert practitioner he returned to his na-
tive State where he lived until 1833 and then re-
moved to Ohio, where he practiced dentistry in all
of the larger towns of the State. Thence he went
to Indiana, in the winter of 1842-43, and was
there also an itinerant practitioner of dentistry,
pursuing his calling in all the large towns in the
State.
In |K."),"> I)i'. Bonus came to Illinois and settled
on section 25. of Lovington Township. He con-
tinued the practice of his profession for several
years and indeed has always been ready and willing
to alleviate a pain by the use of his forceps. lie
is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of
land in this place, which he has cultivated up to
1891, when he gave over the active proprietorship
of his farm to a tenant, anil is now determined
that the remainder of his life shall be devoted to
1 he less arduous work of watching the ways and
means of others as they conduct the necessary
work of the farm.
Our subject was first married in Baltimore to a
lady whose maiden name was Alice II. Pennell. a
beautiful woman who enriched and sweetened his
domestic life, and who offered an encouraging word
for every discouragement he met in business trans-
actions. Her ancestors came to this country with
William Penn. She bore him three children whose
names are respectively Mary A.. Joseph P.. and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
71'.",
Lizzie S. Mary and Lizzie are both deceased.
Mrs. Boggs died in Lovington Township in life
summer of 1858, and three years after Mr. Boggs
«as again married in Decatur, 111., in August 1861,
t<> Mi» Louisa Gehret, who was born in Center
County, Pa., August 20, is:i2. By her he became
the father of three Children, whose names are Wal-
ter 1... Carrie I'., and Edith A.
In his political preferences our subject is and
always has been a Democrat, feeling that the prin-
ciples of the old party which were framed and
formed by some of the best and wisest men that
ihe nation has ever produced, cannot have so
greatly changed as to have degenerated to any
great degree. Dr. Boggs is a strictly temperate
man and has never smoked or used tobacco in any
form.
. ■-*»
^<t*-
vVII) C. (HASH. Age fall- upon some
\ men like a gracious lienediction at the
o^ end of the lesson of life. With whitened
hair and measured tread, the venerable
aspect of age is an open book in which even the
youngest and most fchouglitless can read the story
of life, whether the experience has been one of ad-
venture, and colored and broidered o'er with
romance and tragedy, or whether adopting a fixed
principle as a guiding star, the aged man has ever
steered his eolirse by its guidance. Our subject
has just passed his three-seore years and ten, and
any one win.) looks upon his rugged but serene
face can see therein that his has been an experience
guided by the principles of rectitude and honor;
that no matter how frail the superstructure may
now he. that the liase and foundation is of
adamantine firmness: for character never grows
old.
David C. Chase is a native of Indiana. His
parents, however, both came from the Empire
State. His father was William .1. Chase, and his
mother Eunice (Chamberlain) Chase. They mar-
ried in Indiana, and settled immediately after
their union in Washington County, where they
lived and made the journej of life together until
death claimed them for it- own. Our subject's
father was a shoemaker by trade, although he was
engaged to some extent in farming, but his prefer-
ence was for the exercise of the trade that he had
learned in youth. Both parents were victims of
the cholera, and both passed away in the month of
August, I *:>■'{. They hail six children and of these
our subject was the eldest
The original of our sketch was horn in Wash-
ington County. Ind.. May 25, 1821". Left an
orphan at the age of twelve, he was obliged to
struggle as Lest he could for a maintenance. He
went to Lawrence County, Ind.. and there grew to
manhood, learning in the meantime the black-
smiths' trade, which he followed until 1852. and
the imagination pictures the smithy at the meet-
ing of the roads, where farmers brought their
horses, and over the injured tire of an ancient
vehicle, discussed crops and politics and every
subject within the ken of the rural mind, -from
Homer down to Thackeray, and Swedenborg on
hell." The fact remains, however, stripped of
fancy, that our subject succeeded in his work, re-
ceiving such returns for his labor as to justify
him in taking unto himself a companion and wife.
which he did June 2(i. 1845. in Orange County.
Ind. His bride was Miss Hannah Hosteller, a
daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Hardman)-
Hostetlcr. They had nine children. Mrs. Chase was
the seventh in order of birth; she was horn in Or-
ange County, Ind., December 1. 1823. In 1852 Mr.
Chase and his wife came to Illinois, and settled in
Coles County, then' living until January, 1853,
when they came to Lovington Township, this
country, since which time he has here been a resi-
dent, lie lived on his farm which lie had pur-
chased upon first coming here, until the fall of
1885. when with hi- family he removed to the
village of Lovington. He now rents his farm,
which comprises one hundred acres of good land,
and it brings him in a very good income. Three
children have grown up about our subject and his
wife. Elizabeth E. is the wife of Thomas Spilker:
Francis M. married Miss Margaret Morthland;
and David C. took to wife Miss Mary Haley.
Three children died in infancy.
since coming to this state. Mr. Chase has fol-
726
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lowed agricultural pursuits, and has been reason-
ably successful in his chosen calling. In politics
he lias ever taken an active interest, and is an ar-
dent adherent of the Democratic party, having
very positive views in regard to the efficiency of
the governmental principles and rule of that
power. Mrs. Chase, who is a kindly and intelli-
gent old lady, has been a member of the Christian
Church since girlhood. Her husband is a Univer-
salist in his belief. Mrs. Chase is a sister of Noah
Hostetler, of Lovington, of whom a more ex-
tended history can be found in another part of
this volume.
<€4*
OLLAND S. GRIFFITH. The owner of a
fine farm in Todd's Point Township. Shelby
County. 111. The gentleman whose name
is at the head of this sketch was born in
DeWitt County, this State. January :i. 1867. lie
is a son of Baard Griffith, one of the noble pio-
neers of the State, of whose labor and Struggles
with early difficulties the present generation is in
the enjoyment of the advantages that are the nat-
ural result thereof.
Our subject's father was a native of Pickaway
County. Ohio, and was there reared and educated;
there also he met and married his wife and soon
afterward removed to Illinois. Their first home in
this State was in Macon County and thence they
moved to DeWitt County and located a tract of
Government land residing upon it for two years.
It was advantageously located being only eight
miles northeast of Clinton; here our subject was
born. Mr. Griffith Sr. was a very enterprising
man and possessed of excellent judgment, and en-
tirely suited to cope successfully with the difficul-
ties of pioneer life. He entered and purchased
other land in the county and became quite exten-
sively interested in real estate in Kansas, where he
became the owner of one hundred acres in Chase
County and also became interested in the stock
business there.
In 1880 our subject's father accompanied by his
family, started overland for Kansas and in that
manner traveled quite extensively through that
state making a residence of one year upon his
land there. In 18S2 the family returned to their
home in DeWitt County and there remained until
the death of the father, his decease occurring No-
vember 16. 1890. The widow and the mother of
our subject was. before her marriage, a Miss Sarah
Heed; she was a native of Ohio and still makes her
home in DeWitt County. She is the mother of
five children who are still living. They are Bvard.
Dell. Holland, our subject, Nellie and Melvin.
Holiand Griffith was reared on the home farm
and early learned the duties incident to farm life.
He attended school in the neighboring district and
assisted with the farm labor in the intervals. He
made his home with his parents until twenty-three
years of age and then settled on the farm where
he now resides. It i^ a beautiful tract on section
31. Todd's Point Township, and comprises one
hundred and sixty-four acres of good and arable
land. Here lie devotes himself to general agricul-
ture and his efforts thus far have been crowned
with a pleasing degree of success.
BIOGI^E^KSplx
■g>; <ij^ ;«>;^=
Adams, John 23
Adams. John Q 39
Adam-. S. H 431
Adamson. E 414
Adkins. Rodney 292
Akins, William H 596
Allen, A. F 239
Allen. Edgar 597
Altag.C. H 672
Ames, Truman E 4 Hi
Anderson, Samuel 556
Anderson, S.S
Armstrong. W. F 4-7
Arthur, Chester A 99
Aughinbaugh, XV. H 268
B
Bail.E.T 233
Baker, George 506
Baker, Hon. Joseph 533
Bales Joseph M 569
Ballard. George XX 615
Banks, Thomas 627
Barger. G. XV 702
Barton .James 232
Bates, William A ks7
Bauer, J- F 5SS
Baumgarten, Lewis 278
Bean, J. K 3oS
Beckett, Rev. A. R 694
Beckett, William rtS4
Beery, John XV 288
Bernhard, H 507
Berry , Josiah 402
Berry, Marion 442
Beveridge, John L 171
Binkley. Thomas 716
Birkett , S., Sr 712
Bissell, William H 151
Bivins, W. R 649
Bland. Eugene 605
Boggs, P. S., M. P 724
Bond, Sbadrach Ill
Bonman, A. P 4.M
Bowman , J. A 501
an, Samuel 419
- !,. XX 689
Boys, James iU7.
Brabham, John P 257
Bradley, J. E 511
Brehnier. XV. J ran;
Bridgman. Henry 1411
Brown. C. W 34I
Brown. John C 529
Brown, J. W. W .576
Brownback, S. H 642
Bruce, J. P 496
Brnmmer, Jacob 451
Buchanan, James 57
Bushart, John 351
Campbell, Hon. A. c
Cannon, K. E 121
Carey, James W 631
Carlin, Thomas 135
Carnes, William 544
Carpenter, H. c 471
( air. C. H . M. D 397
Carr, J. W 59s
L'arr. XV. V 329
Chase. David C 725
Cheever, Byron 387
ire, Joseph -7
Chipps, Abia 206
Clark. John 70S
Clark. W. J 191;
Cleveland, S. Grover 103
Clore, Allen 667
Cochran, Hon. XV. Q 714
Coles, Edward 115
Collins, A. n.,H. H 571
Cook, E. H 21S
Corley, Rev. N 663
Covey, XV. G 704
Cowle, Charles 578
Cowle. John W 51s
Creech, A. S .024
Craig, A. L 54»
Craig, John R 155
Croudson, c. w 317
Crowder, P. xi 100
Crowder, John A 681
Crowder. Rev. .lame- 11 :17>
Crowder, M. M 4113
Cr< iwder, Thomas H 357
Crow I , Henry 238
Cullom, Shelby H 17.".
Curtis. Miron :>77
Cusaac, .7. M 291
Cutler, Capt. E. B
D
Daugherty, John P 594
Davis, Georgefi 517
Pavis, H. A 422
Pay. H. F 495
Des Larzes, E. F $10
Pick. Charles W 351
Piddea, Peter 7(13
Piepholz. Henry 330
Pixon. John.Sr 685
Poehring, F 2nd
Domas, A 537
Donnel, William L 39s
Donovan, J. P.. M. D 026
Douthit, Rev. J. L t-2
Dove, T. F 197
Downs, James H 421
Drake, David... Ill
Dumond, Jacob H ,.359
Duncan. James A.. 535
Duncan, Joseph 131
Punean. S 130
Durkee.G. A 658
Eberhardt, Mrs. C 104
Eby, J. E 634
Eddy. XV. J 311
Eden, J. E 219
Eden, Hon. John R 191
Edwards, Nlnian jjg
Elder, William 33$
til irs, James ^>. ;
Elliott, P. B ,,*
Erhar.lt, Michael 354
Evans, I.. Ii .«,;.
Evey.J. s ,i7n
Ewing, William L. P 127
Fagen, William H 177
Falk.J, w VH
Fa n.-her, William 677,
Fearman. John A 446
Ferre. George 686
Fifer, Joseph W i&j
Fillmore, Millard ii7
Fisher, H. C 331
Fleming, L. C 297
Fleming. Thomas 547
Fluckey. George W 51$
Folly, A. J 40g
Ford, Thomas 129
Foster, A 507
Foster, James 526
Foster, Ellsworth 269
Frantz. Calvin 506
1 I-. -land. J. A 372
Freeland, Capt. John A 360
Freeland, T. J 372
Freeman, John Hi-
French , Augustus C 113
Fritz, John J ..698
Fry, J. S 7.-11
Fuget, Samuel 711
Fulton, A. H
Fulton, B. w ;i 1
Gallagher, A 473
Gallagher, H. c 409
Gallagher, N. J 493
INDEX.
Galstei-, Jacob 219
Gammill.S. F 343
Garfield, James A 95
Garman. John K 579
Garrett, W.H "41
Gavin. James 341
Gillespie, Anthony 221
Glasscock, J. P 208
Goetz.John 302
Gollogher, Rev. E 210
Goodwin , Mrs. M. A 235
Gould, F. I> 284
Gould. L. A 222
Graham. Thomas H . ..21ti
Grant, Ulysses S 87
Gray hill, J. P 701
Green, Herman 612
Gregory.J.L 600
Gress.F.X 5i:o
Griffith, H.S 726
Grisso, G. W -'5:'.
H
Hamilton, John M 17!'
Hamm. Martin 425
Harbaugh, F.M 620
Hardy. William 552
Harper, Samuel 559
Harrison. Benjamin 107
Harrison, William Henry 51
Hart. Capt. Henry L 21.1
Hartman, F 631
Harwood, I>. X 433
Hayes, Rutherford B 91
Heinz, J. P 420
Hendricks, Alonzo... 254
Hendricks, John 248
Hendricks, J. R 53ti
Henry, VV. J 424
Hill, William 42:!
Hinterly. J 318
Hinton, John 524
Hogarth, James 590
Holderman. J. G 304
Holton, W.C 391
Homrighous. E 503
Homrighous, J. W 664
Hoover, W.K.. M. D 700
Horn, Isaac 2(18
Hostet ler, Noah 707
Housh, J. M 660
Hudson, Isaac 651
Huff, V. J. . M. D 465
Hughes, John B 4'i2
Hunter, A .462
Hunter, Preston 520
Illiek, John B 184
Jackson, Andrew 43
Jackson. W. H 441
Jamison , A 4 lit
James, W. W.... 639
Jefferson, Thomas 27
Jenkins, J. L 307
Jennings, John E 445
Johnson. Andrew 83
Jones, Jacob 370
Jones, James H .665
Jones, J. X 655
K
Kanitz. William 344
Kellar. a. L., M. D 653
Kendall, O. L (Hifl
Kern. J. A ftlu
Kesler, Daniel 202
Killam, John T 606
Killam, W. E 625
Kircher. Jacob 191
Kircher, L. J
Kuhn.C 535
Kill). J. F 277
Kuli. Mrs. R 672
Landgrebe, Martin ,352
Lane, CM 301
Lane.M. D 237
Lee, Arthur G 272
Leggitt. Thomas L 212
Lehn, Joseph 512
Lenox . John N 263
Lewis, A. J 298
Lilly, S. P 541
Lincoln, Abraham 7!'
Linvill, J. A 661
Linville, John F 551
Logan, W. F Isl
Longenbach, Isaac 721
Longenbaugh. G. W 192
Loving, F. M 290
Loving.J.T 383
Low, David 185
Lowarv, H 551
Lowe, M. L 263
Luff ers, John 231
Luttrell, Lot 675
M
Martin, I. J 460
Martin, John F 426
Martin,.! R 477
Martz. Henry 415
Matteson, Joel A.... 147
Mattox. J.M 513
Mautz. David 512
Mautz. John F 623
Mautz. Philip A .... ... 656
Mautz. T. P 583
Mayesi T.E 363
McClung, Robert 368
McClure, J. K 20!)
Mcl.1i.ei-, X. B 260
McOormick, W. E 283
McCoy.C.H 251
McGuire, J. H 677
McGuire, W.P 340
McKittrick. William 231
MeMennamy.B. F.,M. D ...3IS
McPheeters, A. "W. . . 643
McPheeters, Capt. R P 411
McTaggart, A.H 57"
Meeker, Hon. J
Metsker. w. M 207
Michael. J. H 543
Mid.lles worth. A 553
Middle-worth. John VV 201
Miller..!. H.. Mil 584
Miller. M. H 515
Miller. Samuel 699
Miller. W.C 27!'
Moll. Daniel 690
Moll, John 258
Monroe, G. w 523
Monroe. James 35
Moilhland.S. W 288
Mullen. V. D 377
Madison. James. . .
Martin. Horace L.
. 31
.679
Noon, J. C
Notbrook, William..
.530
.4 13
o
Ogleshy. Richard .1 163
Oman, Emanuel ""7
Osborn, A. 1 4:'d
Otla. A '.rt
Palmer, John M 167
Parker, Lemuel 635
Parkinson, L 429
Patterson, A 273
Patterson . D. M 676
Patterson, D. R 220
Patterson, Jonathan 250
Patterson, William 220
Patton.R.A 647
Pauchert . F. A 636
Peadro, R. M 522
Peters, S. S ...los
Pfeiffer, Jacob F 561
Pierce, Franklin "1
Pierce, M. V 100
Pleak, M. F 599
Pogue. John 120
Polk, James K 59
Porter, I. X 186
Porter, Thomas 211
Potter, William 52"
Pratt, H. A 542
Pugh, John .630
Pugh, W.J 611
Pyatt, E. A.. M. D 215
Ragan, William H 281
Rawlings. C. J 666
Rawlings, H. M 581
Rawlings, John 619
Reber. John 110
Reed, Alfred
Reigh ley, James Q ....432
Reighley. William 463
Rentier, Samuel 136
Reynolds. John 123
Rhoads, s. M 504
Rhodes, Emei-son 31"
Rhodes, J. W 701
Richards. William M ..... . ..390
Richardson, Q. W 195
Ridley . A. J "IS
Kichey , Isaac 311
Richhart.B. A 700
Rich i nan. Henry 22s
Rincker, C. F 5411
Risser.F. \\\, M. D 337
Roane, Hon. Charles L 327
Roberts, C. P 242
Roberts. J.S 634
Ro hi-. hi. Thomas X 53s
Roessler, Hon. Edward 205
Roessler. Philip 654
Rogers, C. F 402
Roller. Joseph 399
Ruir, George 63S
Krtffner, Francisco 27 1
Sanders, .lame- w.. M. D... .608
Sands. Aaron 632
Banner, D. G 722
Sanner, E. B 247
Sanner.S. H 15"
Satterthwaite, T. J 572
Scarborough, Col. H. M 112
Seheef. John 617
IXDKX.
Schinzler, George 044
Schneider, Michael 227
Schoch, George ...052
Schuetz, F 839
Sconce, Mrs. P. B "'74
Scott, A. K 373
Scott, A. W 390
Scott. J. W 161
Seass, Levi 130
Sentel. Andrew 317
Sharrock, John MS
Shelton, John II., M. D iiT4
Shelton.J.R 358
Shepard, Henry C 380
Shepherd, E. L Ii39
Shepherd. M. T 683
Shirey. Qeorge W 371
Shirey.W.S ...321
Shride.G. W 414
Shunian. Charles 657
Silver, G. F 36'i
Silver, J. H 718
Simmons, Capt , J. J 367
Sims, John 322
Singer, Thomas 695
Slater, James '.88
Sloan, D.J 439
Smith, Daniel 291
Smith. George A..M. I) 284
Smith, H.G 028
Smith, Thomas 518
Smith, William A.. 11 D 267
Smock. Rev. B 564
Smock, J. J 589
Snell.F.P ."lit
Snell, W. B .800
Snyder, M. E 309
Snyder, M., Jr 178
Snyder, W. J 587
Sparling. William H., M. D..450
Spears, Henry 616
Spitler, Hon. Frank 717
Spitler, L. H 562
Springer, T.T 678
Stedman, W. E., M. 1). . 609
Steidley, A.J 471
Steidley, W. A 621
Steward, J. X 595
Stewardson.H. A 200
Stewardson, R N 5:14
Stewardson, Thomas 287
Stewardson. William, Sr 532
Stewart, J. A B81
Stewart, J. G 549
Still well, F.J 621
Storm, John X 262
Storm, L. A 199
Stump, Jacob. . 691
Swallow. D. P jlii
Swartz, John 573
Sweet, I Irson 351
Swengel. John 608
Syfert, Noah 214
Tackett, J. A 494
Tackett. William .1 153
Taylor, Ximrod 821
Taylor, W. H 353
Taylor, Zachary 63
Terry, Reuben 656
Thornton. Hon. Anthony.. .240
Thomas. James 705
Thuneuninn, William 565
Titus, J. B 313
Townley .T.T H62
Trainer. Frank 398
Travis, J. S 161
Toll, William F 557
Turner, J. L. B 629
Turner, James T 517
Turner, L. H ... 392
Tyler, John 55
Vadakin, J. H.,M. D 381
Van Buren, Martin 47
Vaughan, <;. W :»:,
Vermillion, J. W 525
Vogel, William 820
Voiles, J. H 193
Voris, Hon. Charles 323
Voris, George W ,567
w
Waggoner H ...302
Walden.H. X 271
Walker, Joel T 331
Walker, Joseph 327
Walker, William 607
Ward, Alexander 319
Warren, John R 194
Warren, L 294
Warren. M. H 370
Washington, George 19
Weakly, Cyrus 170
Weakly. E. B... 698
Weakly, Rev. Henry
Weakly. Will, am 833
Webb, B.T 159
Webb, \> , A 710
Weeks, John 678
Weidner, Daniel 303
Welch. James S.. M. D J30
West, S. D 830
Wnitaker, John Hill
White. J. H 557
Whitfield, Z.B 566
Whitworth, William. .161
Wilkinson, Bros ;>:j
Wilmer, T. M 299
Wilson, Samuel 313
Winn, G. W i;:i
Wirey, William 475
Wood.H.C ;-i
Wi eel, John 155
V\ I. J. A 289
Wood, J. W 338
Wood. Thomas 191
Wood, W. X 273
Woodruff, Squire 319
Woodward, C. E 473
Wright, Capt. George 501
" right, Hon. s. W...Ir 252
Wyman, Albert 55s
V
Vant is, Daniel :;I7
Yantis, George VV 597
Yantis, Samuel 30.J
Yantis, Solomon 616
Yates. Richard 159
Y'ost. D. M 521
Bowman, Samuel 417
Brown, John C 275
i Iroudson, ( '. W 815
t Irowder, Thomas fl 355
Falk. J. W 417
Fleming, L. C
Fulton. A. H
Fulton. B. W
Green. Mrs. A. M. . .
Hogarth, Janie^
295 Kull.J. F....
,591 Lewis. A. .1..
..815 Hayes, T. E
.013 Otta.A
.591 Reber. John.
. 295
..1113
..375
.417
Ru finer, F 27'.
Sanner, E. B 375
Sentel, Andrew 815
Sweet, Itisoii :!.',">
Warren, I. ...295
TXDEX.
A
•2$$K '^l^K®
■fffrgSQ^ ^€^ \93a(S*£i
^§~Hlc^*e=4H--s-
Adams, Joliti 22
Adams, John Q :SS
Arthur. Chester A 98
Beveridge, John L 170
Bissell, William H 150
Bland, Eugene 003
Bland, Mrs. E 002
Bond, Shadrach 110
Brabham, J. P 256
Bradley, J. E .ilO
Buchanan, James 74
L'arlin, Thomas 134
Carpenter, H. C 170
Carpenter, Mrs. H. C .470
Carr, Dr. C. H 396
Chesshire, Joseph 386
Cleveland, S. Grover 102
Coles, Edward : .114
Cullom, Shelby M 174
Duncan, Joseph 13u
Eden, Hon. John R 100
Edwards, Ninian IIS
Ew-ing, William D. L 126
Fleming, Thomas .~>h;
Fifer, Joseph W JS2
Fillmore, Millard 00
Ford, Thomas 138
French, Augustus C. . . 142
Gallagher, H. C 406
Gallagher, Mrs. H. c |U7
Garfield, J. A 01
Grant , U. S so
Hamilton, John M 17s
Harrison, Benjamin 106
Harrison. \V. H 50
Hayes, R. B 00
Jackson, Andrew 42
Jamison , Alfred 448
Jefferson, Thomas 20
Jenkins, J. L 306
Johnson , Andrew 82
Kircher, J l;x>
Lincoln, Abraham 7S
Logan, W. F " 180
Longenbach, Isaac 720
Madison, James 30
Matteson. Joel A 140
Mautz.T. P 582
Monroe, James 34
Oglesby, Richard J 162
Palmer, John M 100
Parkinson, L 428
Pierce, Franklin ~q
Polk, J. K 58
Pyatt.Dr. E. A ...214
Reynolds, John ... 122
Risser, Dr. F. \v :r.jo
Roessler, Hon. Edward Jin
Sanner, E. B 244
Sanner, Mrs. E. B 24.">
Schneider. Michael 225
Schneider, Mrs. M 224
Simmons, Capt. John J 300
Sloan, D. J 438
Smith, Dr. William A 266
Stewardson, Thomas 2S0
Taylor, Zachary 62
Thunemann, William 604
Tyler, John 54
Van Buren, Martin 40
Walker, Joseph 326
Washington, George 18
Webb, B. T 438
Wood, John 134
Yantis, Daniel 340
Yates, Richard 158
*f? ^W"
-