Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 1

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

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LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

977.356

B31 h

v.2

pt.2

Ill. Hist.Surv.

HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

ILLINOIS

EDITED BY

NEWTON BATEMAN, LL. D. 1

PAUL SELBY, A. M.

NESTALL

SOVEREIGNTY

NATION

AND HISTORY OF

SANGAMON COUNTY

Volume II (PART Two)

BIOGRAPHICAL

CHICAGO MUNSELL PUBLISHING COMPANY PUBLISHERS 1912

977356 631h

In the first century of the Christian era, Tacitus (perhaps the greatest of Roman historians) wrote that the object of history was "to rescue virtuous acts from the oblivion to which the want of records would consign them."

tel. Historical Survey

BIOGRAPHICAL

Illinois Historical Survey

CHAPTER LII.

THE PART OF BIOGRAPHY IN GENERAL HISTORY- CITIZENS OF SANGAMON COUNTY - PERSONAL SKETCHES ARRANGED IN ENCYCLOPEDIC ORDER.

The verdict of mankind has awarded to the Muse of History the highest piace among the Ciassic Nine. The extent of her office, how- ever, appears to be, by many minds, but im- perfectiy understood. The task of the historian is comprehensive and exacting. True history reaches beyond tbe doings of court or camp, beyond the issue of batties, or the effects of treaties, aud records the triais and the tri- umphs, the failures and the successes of the men who make history. It is but an imperfect conception of the philosophy of events that fails to accord to portraiture and biography its right- ful position as a part-and no unimportant part -of historicai narrative. Bebind and beneath the activities of outward iife the motive power iies out of sight, just as the furnace fires that work the piston and keep the ponderous screw revolving are down in the darkness of the hoid. So, the inupuisive power which shapes the course of communities may be found in the mouiding influences which form its citizens.

It is no mere idle curiosity that prompts men to wish to learn the private as well as the public lives of their fellows. Rather is it true that such desire tends to prove universai broth- erhood; and the interest in persouaiity and biography is not confined to men of any partic- uiar caste or vocatiou.

The list of those to whose iot it falls to piay a conspicuous part in the great drama of life is comparativeiy short; yet communities are made up of individuals, and the aggregate of achievements-no less than the sum total of human happiness-is made up of the deeds of those inen aud women whose primary aim, tbrough iife, is faithfully to perform the duty that comes nearest to band. Individuai influ- ence upon human affairs wiii be considered potent or insignificant according to the stand- point from which it is viewed. To him who,

standing upou the seashore, notes tbe ebb and flow of the tides and iistens to the sulien roar of the waves, as they break upon the beach in seething foam, seemingly cbafing at their iimitations, the ocean appears so vast as to need no tributaries. Yet, without the smallest rili that heips to sweii the "Father of Waters," the mighty torrent of the Mississippi wouid be lessened, and the beneficent influence of the Guif Stream dimiuished. Countiess streams, currents and couuter currents - sometimes mingiing, sometimes counteracting each other -collectively combine to give motion to the accumulated mass of waters. So is it-and so must it ever be iu the ocean of human action, wbicb is formed by the blending and repulsion of currents of thought, of influence and of life, yet inore numerous and more tortuous than those which form the "fountains of the deep." The acts aud characters of men, like the sev- erai faces that couipose a composite picture, are wrought together into a compact or hetero- geneous whoie. History is condensed biogra- phy ; "Biography is History teachiug by exam- ple."

It is both iuteresting and instructive to rise above the generalization of history and trace, in the personality and careers of the men from whom it sprang, the principies and influences, the impulses and ambitions, the iabors, strug- gies and triumphs that eugross their lives.

Here are recorded the careers and achieve- ments of pioneers who, "when the fuiiness of time had come," came from widely separated sources, some from beyond the sea, impeiied by divers motives, little conscious of the import of their acts, and but dimiy anticipating the harvest which would spring from the sowing. They built their primitive homes. toiiing for a present subsistence while iaying the foundations of private fortunes and further advancement.

Most of these have passed away, but not before they beheld a deveiopment of business and populatiou surpassing the wildest dreams of fancy or expectation. A few yet remain whose years have passed the ailoted three score and ten, aud who love to recount, among the cherished memories of their lives, their remin- iscences of early days.

Among these early, bardy settlers, and those who followed thew, may be found the names of many who imparted the first impuise to the county's and the city's growth and homeiike-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

uess; the wuany who, through their identifica- tion with commercial and agricultural pursults and varied Interests, aided In their material progress; or skilled mechanics who first lald the foundations of beautiful homes and pro- ductive industries, and of the members of the learned professions-clergymen, physicians, ed- ucators and lawyers-whose Influence upon the intellectual life and development of a commu- nity It is impossible to overestimate.

Municipal Institutions arlse ; Commerce spreads her salls and prepares the way for the magic of Science that drives the locomo- tive engine over the iron-ralls. Trade is organ- ized, reaching forth to the shores of the Great Lakes and stretching its arms across the prai- ries to gather in and distribute the products of the soil. Church spires rise to express, iu architectural form, the faith and aspirations of the people, while schools, public and private, elevate the standards of education and of artis- tic taste.

Here are some of the muen through whose labors, faith aud thought, these magnificent results have been achieved. To them and to their co-laborers, the Sangamon Couuty of to- day stands an enduring monument, attesting their faith, their energy, their courage, aud thelr self-sacrifice.

[The following items of personal and family history having been arranged in encyclopedic (or alphabetical) order as to names of the individual subjects, no special Index to this part of the work will be found necessary.]

t of

AARUP, Peter, a successful dairyman and gar- dener living uear Springfield, was born in Vejle, Denmark, January 15, 1864, son of Wilhelm and Annie (Olsou) Aarup, both natives of Denmark, the former born September 16, 1830, and the latter March 15, 1826. The father was for many years Superintendent of the system of water- works in the city of Vejle, and has now retired on a fuli-pay pension. He came to the United States at the time of the World's Fair in 1893, and visited his son again in 1906. Both Wil- helm Aarup and his wife were children of Danish parents, who spent their entire lives in their native country.

Until he reached the age of sixteen years Peter Aarup attended school in his native city, then for two years attended the Horticultural College in Copenhagen, after which he secured positions where he could use his knowledge of landscape gardening, and lald out several hand- some parks in his native country. He sailed for America June 20, 1883, arriving in New York July 4. He worked about nine mouths In Springfield, Mass., then came west, and after spending a month in Chicago came to Spring- field, which he reached in April, 1884. He has since spent his time in expert gardening and now has a fine florlst and greenhouse business. He has lived In Springfield continuously since

first locating there, except for two years speut in gardeulng in Greencove Springs, Fla.

January 10, 1889, Mr. Aarup was married, In Springfield, Ill., to Miss Erikka Klausen, born In Deumark, December 20, 1863, daughter of Edward and Marla ( Zesophus) Klauseu, both natives of Denmark. Mr. Klausen died in Russla and his wife in Denmark. Childreu as follows blessed the union of Mr. Aarup and his wife: Annie, born December 20, 1890; Olga, March 8, 1891; Edwin, July 19, 1892; May, May 13, 1897; George, April 15, 1899; Helen, Febru- ary 17, 1901; John, March 4, 1903. All were born in Sangamon County and all reside at home. Mr. Aarup has reason to be proud of his children, all of whom are a credit to their parents.

In political principles Mr. Aarup is a Republi- cau, but in local affairs prefers to consider the man rather than the party. As to his religious views he endeavors to follow the Golden Rule as far as he can, and he is always ready to treat his fellows with consideration and fairness. He is most highly esteemed in the community where he lives, and enjoys universal respect and con- fidence. He is a man of intelligence aud excel- lent business abillty and has won success by un- tiring industry and careful attention to every detail. He owns six acres in Section 10 of Woodside Township and there owns a beautiful home. His land is easily worth $2,000 per acre, as it is on the edge of the metropolis, and is iu a most pleasant locality and desirable location. Mr. Aarup has served as School Director and is now a School Trustee. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of Camp No. 333, Modern Woodmen of America, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

ACKERMAN, Philip, Jr. (deceased) .- With the passing away of a prominent man comes the realization of his many good tralts of character, and an appreciation of what he accomplished in his brief span of life. To the dead is given an appreciation seldom accorded the, living, and this comes as balm to the wounded hearts of those left behind, who sorrow over thelr loss and weep for the sound of the voice that is forever stilled. The family of Philip Ackerman, Jr., was called upon to sustain a sorrow of this kiud, when he was taken from this life, September 6, 1896, while in the very prime of useful manhood. He was born in this city November 16, 1859, being a son of Phillp and Elizabeth Ackerman, Philip Ackerman, Sr .. came to Springfield at an early day and built up a large business, becoming one of the wealthy men of this part of the State.

Philip Ackerman. Jr., grew up in Springfield and from boyhood was estcemed for his excel- lent. industrious habits. He became an expert bookkeeper and was noted for hls faithful and painstaking work. Musical in hls tastes, Mr. Ackerman became secretary of the musical club here and was also Secretary and Treasurer of the Capital City Cycling Club. Fraternally he be-

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longed to Tyrian Lodge No. 333, A. F. & A. M., of Springfield. His religious connections with the Lutheran Church were of the most pleasant and he was regarded as one of its most useful members. Iu political faith he was a Democrat.

On September 14, 1888, Mr. Ackermau was uuited iu marriage at Springfield, Ill., with Alice C. Fagan, daughter of James aud Bridget Fagan. Mr. Fagau was born in Ireland but his wife was a native of Galeua, Ill. Both are now deceased, the father dying on September 10, 1896, at the age of eighty-six years, and the mother at the age of fifty years. Mr. Fagan was a farmer, carpenter, merchaut and stockman, and a very wealthy man at the time of his death. Two chil- dren were boru to Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman : James Waldo Philip, born August 29, 1889; and Helen Marie, born May 25, 1895, died on July 25, 1895. James Waldo Philip lives at home with his mother and is a bookkeeper. Mrs. Ackerman presides over her pleasaut home at No. 913 South Fourth Street, where she dis- penses a charming hospitality.

While he never aspired to public office, Mr. Ackerman exerted a strong influence during his too short life. He was recognized as one of the most honorable of men and his strict integ- rity and devotion to the interests of others com- mitted to his charge made him popular with all with whom he was associated.

ADAMS, Edward, settled in New Haven, Conn., in 1640; moved to Milford 1646; and to Fairfield 1650. By his will, dated 1671, on record in Fairfield, he gave his estate to his wife Margaret and his children, viz: Samuel, Abraham, Mary, Nathan, Nathaniel, and John Adams. Edward Adams was buried iu the Mills Plains church- yard and his gravestoue is still in existence.

Nathan sou of Edward and Margaret Adams, was living in 1714, aud deeded land to Nathan, Jr., who settled at Greensfarms, now a part of Westport, and in 1712, married Rebecca Clappan, daughter of Peter Clappan, a large land-holder in Norwalk and Fairfield. Nathau, Jr., died early in life leaving two sons, Nathan and Na- thaniel Adams. Nathan Adams married Mary Burr of Fairfield. Nathan and Mary Adams had twelve children viz: Peter; Nathan; Joshua ; Molly, who married Barnabas Marvin; Sarah, who married Obadiah Wright; Betsy, who mar- ried Burr Keeler; Auna, who married John Hurlbutt ; and Jabez, Aaron, Stephen, and Daniel, (latter dying without issue) and Benjamin. who joined the English Army in the Revolutionary War and was never heard from afterward. Aaron, son of Nathan and Mary Adams, mar- ried Rhoda Hanford, daughter of Rhineas Han- ford, on March 4. 1784, and had seven chil- dren. viz: Jabez, born Jan. 28th, 1785, Sally, born September 28th 1787, married Dan Taylor, Aaron born April 9th 1789, Zalmon Isaac, born June 11th, 1792, Polly, born April 19th, 1794, married Burr Bennet, and Betsy, married Rhin- eas Hanford. Aaron (III). for his second wife married Hannah Morehouse and had five chil-

dren, viz: Nelson, married Eliza Mallory, Amauda, married Clark Grumau, Malvina, mar- rled Coley Bartram, Johu B. married Jane Burr, and Esther, married Samuel Gorum. Jabez, son of Aaron (I), married Anua Beunet, and had five children, viz: Catherine, married Frederick Morehouse, Wm. H., married Elizabeth Bradley, Eliza A., married Andrew Nash, George S., mar- ried Polly Coley, Mary, uumarried, and Aaron, Jr., married Sally Hecock.

Isaac, son of Aarou and Rhoda Adams, mar- ried in 1813, Sally Nash, daughter of Deunis aud Sarah Nash, of Westport, Connecticut. Isaac and Sally Adams had seven childreu, viz: Charles Isaac, Henry Burr, Fraucis, John Quincy, Edson and Julia Nash. Edson married Hauuah J. Jayne, lu 1854. Died in 1888.

ADAMS, James. (Vol. I, pp. 10-11.)

ADAMS, John Porter .- Although pioneer days are now a thing of the past, memories of them are present with those who passed through their hardships and participated in the early struggles which have resulted in present de- velopments. Looking back upon those days, however, though there are some who believe that the lessons they taught, and the molding of character that resulted from self-denial, muore than made up for what was lacking in other ways. An excellent representative of those now engaged in tilling the soll which the efforts of pioneers redeemed from the wilder- ness, Is John Porter Adams, of Section 15, Loami Township. He was born in Clark County, Ky., October 30, 1858, being a son of Robert and Sarah (Black) Adams, both ua- tives of the same locality, and the families on both sides were numbered among the pioneers of that great State.

Robert Adams had five children by his first marriage: John P .; James R., a farmer of Wilson County, Kan., Martha, wife of A. Anderson, a farmer of Oklahoma, eight chil- dren; and two who died in infancy. After the death of his first wife, he married agaln, his second wife being Lucinda Aldridge, who reared her step-children as her own. By the second marriage there were eight children. five of whom are surviving: Ellen, wife of William McPheeters, of Dodge City, Kan .; Anna, wife of George Shertz of Kansas ; Minnle, wife of William White, of Kansas; Ettle, wife of Homer Bristo, and Claud. Robert Adams moved to Hendricks County. Ind., about 1SS2; thence to Neosho County, Kan., locating on a farm, where he died in 1890. leaving an ex- cellent property. In politics he was a Demo- crat. An earnest member of the Christian Church, he alded in its support. and advocated good educational advantages. His widow sur- vives him, residing in Kansas.

John Porter Adams was educated In the several localities in which the family resIded, remaining at home until he attained his ma- jority, when he commenced working by the

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month for others. In 1887 he ieft Kansas and, coming to Loami Township, Saugamon County, found employment, continuing to work by the month for five years, when he married, and in 1893 rented a small farm. In 1894 he moved to Curran Township, renting 160 acres, and was so successfui that in 1901 he moved to Chatham Township and rented 280 acres. In 1904 he sold his personal property and came to Section 15, Loami Township, where he bought seventy-five acres, paying $100 per acre. Since then he has so improved the property that it could not be bought today for double the price. Early in his operations Mr. Adams recognized the fact that nothing pays like a good grade of stock, and carries nothing but that kind, raising cattle, horses, hogs and sheep. His farming is carried on scientifically and he knows how to secure abundant crops and large returns on all his investments.

On December 24, 1891, Mr. Adams was united in marriage with Elizabeth Carson, daughter of W. P. Carson, one of the pioneers of this locality. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are the parents of children as follows: Claud, born in Curran Township August 10, 1894, and William, born in the same township September 15, 1896. They have been carefully reared, well educated and are sons of whom any parents might well be proud. Mr. Adams has always given his support to every measure he deemed would work out for the betterment of his community and is uow serving as Clerk of the School District, being identified himself with the Re- publican party. Both Mr. and Mrs. Adams are active members of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church and take their religion into their home and daily life. During all of their married life Mrs. Adams has been her hus- band's cordial sympathizer and assistant, and he appreciates how much of his success is due to her influence while her children rise up and call her blessed. Never forgetting the iessous incuicated in his father's home, Mr. Adams has endeavored, with the hearty cooperation of his wife, to surround his sons with the same elevating influence. This high standard of living has influenced others outside the home circie and it would not be possible to estimate properly the good these two have accomplished in their own quiet way. Mr. Adams is an ex- cellent farmer, a loyal citizen and a home- loving man, whose pride in his fine farm and still finer family is fuily justified.

ALEXANDER, Miiton K. (Voi. I, pp. 13-14.)

ALLEN, Alfred M., a retired farmer, living at Pawnee, owns a comfortable home in that vil- lage, and also 160 acres of excellent farming land in Christian and Montgomery Counties, Ill. He was born in a log house, near Jerseyviile, Ill., November 14, 1853, son of Augustus L. and Betsey L. (Davis) Allen, the mother born in Vermont, February 3. 1824, died at New Douglas, Ili., August 15, 1875; and the father, born in

Vermont, April 22, 1818, died in Montgomery County, Ill., September 29, 1858. Augustus L. Allen was a farmer. His widow married (sec- ond) John C. Long, who died in Missouri. Au- gustus L. Allen was a son of Alfred B. and Vio- let C. Allen, who had children as follows : Ade- line C., born February 23, 18-, died July 25, 1872, having married Cyrus Chamberlain ; Alonzo W., born December 1, 1815, married Margaret Connely, May 27, 1857, died Aprii 21, 1882; Alfonso, born March 15, 1820, married Lucretia Holdridge, died August 27, 1898; Au- relia M., born April 2, 18-, married September 13, 1848, to William J. Davis, died July 16, 1899; Adeli II., born October 4, 1824, lived at New Ha- ven, Conn., died unmarried, in 1907; Arthur A., born May 28, 1828 married, August 17, 1871, died June 9, 1891; Aivin M., born March 1, 1830, died May 11, 1832; Amelia J., born August 15, 1832, married Nelson Prindle, died March 25, 1892.

Alfred M. Allen was 'the ouly child of his par- ents, and was educated in New Douglas, Ill. He iived with his mother until her marriage to Mr. Long, then lived in Montgomery County until he came to Sangamon County, where he worked at farming two years, and in 1874, returned to New Douglas, where he speut a year in a mer- cantile business. In 1876, he worked at farm- ing by the month, and in the same year attended the Centennial at Philadelphia. Iu the spring of 1877. he began farmning on his own account, which he continued with excellent success until 1900, when he brought his family to Pawnee ill order that his children might have better educa- tional advantages than they had heretofore en- joyed. He continued to carry on farming, how- ever, until 1908, and has since beeu retired. He is very fond of all outdoor sports and has al- ways been very energetic in his work. He has spent rather an uneveutful, hardworking life, but is one of the sterling, useful citizens of his community having the respect of all who know him. Always been fond of reading, he now sub- scribes to teu daily and monthly periodicals. He is an earnest Christian, and a friend to all. His old family bible is fifty-six years oid, and he owus several fine volumes of good works. He has always kept an account of his business deals and makes a note of everything he thluks will be of use to him, not purchasing so much as a postage stamp, unless he makes a note of it, and in like manner keeps account of his receipts, so that at the end of a year, or a month, he is able to re- view his various transactions. He is a Demo- crat in principle, but, iu local matters, votes for the man rather than the party. He has served as School Trustee. Though not a member of any religious organization, he is a regular attendant of the Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Alleu was married. January 1, 1879, in Taylorville, Ill., to Ella McCoy, born in Sanga- mon County, December 17 1857, her father a na- tive of Virginia, and her mother of Illinois The father, Martin Macbride McCoy, a farmer, died near Divernon, Ili., and the mother, Ellnor Mc-

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

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Coy, near Palmer. He was of Scotch descent, but his ancestors were early settlers in Virginia. Mrs. McCoy was a danghter of a Mr. Laswell, an early settler of Springfield, where he conducted a flour mill. Mrs. Allen was one of the following children : Joseph, Thomas, Max, Andrew, Charies, Catherine, Fannie and Ella.

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen : Rolla M., born April 14. 1880, died February 14, 1895. in Montgomery County ; Orlan, born Febrn- ary 2. 1890, in Montgomery County, died there August 17, 1899; Mearl, born in Montgomery Connty, June 11, 1885, is unmarried and runs an interurban car between St. Louis and Spring- fieid ; Zola. born January 23, 1881, married W. Manning, lives on the old home farm of her father, issue .- Willard and Ernest, born on the farm ; Lelan, born October 9, 1892, lives with his father in Pawnee: Vernon, born July 15, 1898, lives with his father. Mrs. Allen is now in a hospital at Jacksonville, Iil., and Mr. Allen has taken a mother's piace, so far as he conld. to his youngest son, since he was six months old. Mr. Allen has a fine family of children, all of whom are a credit to him.

ALLEN, John .- Fortunately Sangamon County still has some of its noble veterans of the Civil War and its people are never weary of according a full measure of appreciation to those who de- fended the Union In its darkest honr. One of these old soldiers who is also a representative farmer of his locality, is John Allen, of Spauld- ing, Clear Lake Township. He was born in the connty, April 11, 1844, a son of Willlam and Martha (Cherry) Allen. the former born in Clark County, Ky., and the latter in Clear Lake Township.

William Allen emigrated to Sangamon County as early as 1840, locating In Clear Lake Town- ship. While operating a farm there, he fnr- nished ties for the construction of track for what was then the Great Western Railroad, but now the Wabash; he also furnished lumber for the present Conrt House, and a number of residences which were being put up in Springfield and lo- callty. He was a husy man, but found time to enlist for three months' service in Company A, Missouri Rifles, at the expiration of which time he was mustered out at St. Lonis. His death took place March 4, 1873, in Missouri, where he had moved. His wife had passed away In 1854. in Adair County. Mo. John Allen is proud of the fact that not only was his father. a defender of his conntry, but that his grandfather, Ben- jamin Cherry. served In the Black Hawk War. his name appearing on the list of soldiers en- listing from Sangamon County.

John Allen did not enjoy the educational ad- vantages of the country boy of today, but went to school in a primitive log building in Clear Lake Township, at the same time assisting his father, with whom he remained until his enlist- ment. May 11. 1861, at St. Lonis. Discharged, August 14. 1861, from Company A, First Mis- souri Volunteer Infantry, in which he had en-

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 1

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774