USA > Illinois > Hancock County > Biographical review of Hancock County, Illinois : containing biographical and genealogical sketches of many of the prominent citizens of to-day and also of the past > Part 14
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Mrs. Cutler was educated in the com- mon schools of Clay township, Marion county. Iowa, and in Central University, at Pella, lowa, from which institution she was graduated. while at the present time she is a member of its board of directors. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cutler have been born two sons, Nathan B. and Ward A .. both born in Carthage town- ship. The elder now resides on section 28. Carthage township, which was the farm on which his grandfather first set- tled on coming to this county. He mar- ried Daisy Corbin, and they have one daughter, Veta.
Mr. Cutler exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of democracy until 1884. when he became a prohibitionist and has ever since voted that ticket, for he is a stal- wart champion of the cause of temperance and believes it to be one of the dominant issues of the country. He was nominated by his party for the office of member of the State Board of Equalization and has been nominated for various county offices.
He is chairman of the county committee and a member of the senatorial commit- tee. He has also been a director of the Harmony Mutual Fire Insurance Com- pany for fifteen years. He holds mem- bership in the Baptist church and has lived an upright, honorable life characterized by devotion to all that tends to uplift humanity and promote moral progress.
ROBERT P. STEWART.
Robert P. Stewart, who during the long years of his residence in Elvaston, be- came known as an honored man of gen- uine, personal worth, was born March 4. 1830, in Butler county, Ohio. His parents were James T. and Susanna ( Finney) Stewart. The father. a native of Harri- son county, Pennsylvania, was born in 1793, while the mother's birth occurred near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. May 3. 1792. When a youth of eleven years James T. Stewart accompanied his par- ents on their removal to Illinois, settling in Montebello township. Hancock county, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred September 17. 1864. His wife survived him until the 3d of May. 1870. Both were members of the United Presbyterian church, In their family were nine children, three of whom are now living: Sarah and Mary Jane, who are residing with their sister- in-law, Mrs. Stewart; and John F., who resides in Boulder, Colorado.
Robert P. Stewart spent the days of his
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boyhood and youth in his native county. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his youth. When a young man of about twenty-seven years he came west with his parents and as stated. the family home was established in Montebello town- ship, where the father purchased a farm, the family living in Oakwood while a dwelling was being built on the farm. Soon after the home was completed Rob- ert Stewart returned to Ohio and on the evening of March 9. 1859, he was married to Miss Martha Holmes, a daughter of John and Hannah ( Bigger) Holmes, of whom her father was a native of Penn- sylvania, and her mother of Kentucky. Following their marriage they removed to Ohio, settling near Dayton. where the father followed the occupation of farm- , ing. He died in his eighty-sixth year. while his wife passed away in the seventy- first year of her age. In their family were eight children. Mr. Stewart brought his bride back to Hancock county and began housekeeping on the farm a few miles southwest of Elvaston, where they lived continuously until toot. when they built their home in the village and retired from the farm. planning to enjoy life in case during their remaining days, His parents lived for only a brief period after they came to Illinois and from that time on Mr. Stewart was owner of the farm which he carefully cultivated and improved. adding to it modern equipments and placing his fieldls under a high state of cultivation. While living upon the farm one son came to bless their union but was spared to them for a little less than two Years. The kindness of their hearts, how -
ever, prompted them to care for three children, to whom they gave a parent's love and devotion. These were Ernest and Georgia Allison (the latter non de- ceased ). and Nelson Wells, who lived to young manhood and for the benefit of his health afterward went to the western country. The anticipated improvement did not follow, however, and about 1902 he returned to the home of his foster parents, living but a few days after his arrival, thus in early manhood passed away a life which gave so much promise for the future.
While Mr. Stewart was a farmer by oc- cupation he also possessed much mechan- ical ingenuity and to a greater or less ex- tent followed the carpenter's trade. His ability in this direction enabled him to keep everything about his place in excel- lent condition and the buildings and fences were always in a state of good repair. In matters of citizenship he was loyal and progressive. During the latter part of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for aid and enlisted in the Union Army but after a few months the war ended and he was engaged in no battle. Every movement for the benefit of his township and county received his en- dorsement and to a large measure his eo operation and he always stood as an ad- se cate of all that is right, true and just. In his youth he became a member of the Presbyterian church, and he and his wife and his two sisters were charter men ber- of the Elvaston Presbyterian church. in which Mr. Stewart served as an elder for many years, while in the various church activities he took a helpful part His life was permeated by his Christian
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faith and he made it his daily endeavor to follow closely the teachings of his church, so that he lived an exemplary Christian life. He was considerate in his judgments of men, kindly in action and generous in disposition and was de- voted to his family, doing everything in his power for the welfare and happiness of his wife and the two sisters residing with them. He was last seen in public in attendance at Sunday services of his church on the 8th of January, 1905. He had always been a rugged man, enjoying excellent health and that morning seemed in his usual good health. but soon after his return home he became ill and in a half hour had passed away. The news of his death was a shock in Elvaston, Ham- ilton and throughout the county wher- ever he was known. He had lived a life of usefulness and activity, in which there were no sensational chapters but the record was that of a man who had always done his duty to himself, his family and his country.
LEWIS L. NEWTON.
Lewis L. Newton, engaged in general farming in Pontoosuc township, was born in Vinton county, Ohio, July 24. 1860. a son of Iliram H. and Hannah (Harper) Newton, who were likewise natives of that county, the former born February 10. 1836, and the latter De- cember 15, 1839. They are now resi- dents of Pontoosue township. Their fam- ily numbers seven children, who survive. the first born son having died in infancy.
Lewis L., Mrs. Laura A. Alston, D. L., Mrs. Ella S. Deewall, Mrs. Anna F. Kidson, Mrs. C. Blanche Booz and R. H. Newton.
After acquiring his preliminary educa- tion in the district schools of Pontoosuc township, Lewis L. Newton became a student in Carthage College and, return- ing to the home farm, he remained until twenty-one years of age, when he started out upon an independent business career. He has always followed the occupation of farming and now has a good place, which he has tiled and placed under a high state of cultivation. He uses the latest improved agricultural implements to facilitate the work of the farm.
On the roth of May. 1882, Mr. New- ton was united in marriage to Miss Laura B. Lamb, who was born in Pontoosuc township, May 10, 1861, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Baker) Lamb. Her father was born in Virginia, March 10, 1824, and her mother was a native of Adams county, Illinois, her birth occur- ring about 1840. He was a farmer by occupation and in 1855 settled upon a farm in Pontoosuc township, Hancock county, where he lived until his death, March 17, 1893. For some years he had survived his wife who died in 1878 and their remains rest side by side in Pleasant Hill cemetery, Pontoosuc township. They were the parents of nine children, of whom seven are living : Delilah M., the wife of George Carlisle. of Rock Creek township: Charles R., living in Clements, Minnesota ; Mrs. Newton ; Mary E., the wife of Samuel Wright, of Lamar, Colo- rado; Addie M .. the wife of Orville Pit- tam, of Pilot Grove township; Frank B ..
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a resident farmer of Pontoosue township. and Hugh 1 .. , who is also a farmer of the same township. Mr. Lamb married for his second wife Kate C. North, and to them was born one child, George, who now resides on the home place with his mother.
Mr. and Mrs. Newton have continu- ously resided in the township in which they began their domestic life and their home has been blessed with four children : Minnie R .. Leslie M., who was graduated from a military school at Booneville, Mis- souri, May 30, 1906: Madge E., and Hiram F. They attend and support the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the wife and daughters are members.
HENRY CLAY HANSON.
Henry Clay Hanson, a prosperous and enterprising farmer of Montebello town- ship, was born in this county on Novem ber 4, 1849, and is the son of David and Anna Maria (Sullivan ) Hanson. both natives of Ohio, the father being the son of Daniel and Barbara ( Broombach ) l lanson, also natives of the Buckeye state.
The parents of our sketch were married in Ohio, and drove with a team to the new west, and settled in Montebello township
in 1847. renting a farm for a few years and then buying the N. W. quarter of section 3 of this township, which at that time was unimproved prairie land. He first built a frame house, and then broke up what land he could and as rapidly as 8
he could with the few facilities at his dis- posal. Progress was very slow as the country was very new and his means lim- ited. He moved on this place in 1854. where he made his home until 1890, when he retired and moved to Hamilton, Illi nois, remaining there until called to his final resting place on May 22, 1901.
Ilis wife preceded him to her long home, passing away from her earthly home on January 18, 1888. To this union were born four children : Daniel, of Cloud county, Kansas ; Sullivan, of Ham ilton. Illinois: Sarah, wife of Owen Dickerhoof, of Belleville. Kansas; and Henry, the subject of this sketch.
Henry received his education in the school of district No. 132, and remained with his parents until his twenty-fifth year, when, on the first day of October. 1874. he was united in marriage to Miss Georgiana Benner, of Sonora township. Miss Benner was born on October 7. 1853, the daughter of George and Emily ( Bradley) Benner, natives of Ohio.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hanson made their home on a portion of the home place, renting the land until the father's death, when the estate was di- vided among the children. Henry being given the home place of one hundred and sixty acres. The farm was well im proved with hedge fences and buildings, there being two residences, the main house being a story and a half high, with seven rooms, and supplied with water piped from a deep well. He has one windmill and four wells, one being one hundred and ninety-eight feet in depth. His horse barn is twenty-four by thirty feet with a shed ten by thirty feet. The land lays
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in such a way that tiling is not necessary. Mr. Hanson carries on general farm- ing, and the well kept farm and general conditions bear silent testimony to his ability in this his chosen occupation.
To his marriage with Miss Benner, were born six children, five of whom are still living: Edna B., born May 24, 1877, at home; Leslie, August 23, 1879, died October 22, 1903 ; Adella G., born April 8, 1881, at home; Winnie M., born May 21, 1883, resides at Hamilton, Illinois ; Jesse Ray, born February 23, 1886; and Archie Clay, born April 17, 1888. Mrs. Hanson was called from this life on April 21, 1888, and her remains were laid to rest in the Oak Grove cemetery, in Sonora township.
On May 24, 1892, Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Miss Ella Clemen- tine Black, who was born in Sonora township and was the daughter of George and Helen (Bumpus) Black. To this union were born three children, only one of whom is now living. Vina Gertrude. born October 29, 1893; Barbara Helen, born September 22, 1896, died Angust 3. 1897: Celia Rachel, born April 18, 1900. died July 23, 1900.
Mrs. Hanson has been dead for several years, being taken away July 7. 1900, and her remains lie in the Oak Grove ceme- terv.
Mr. Hanson has gone through many trials, the hand of death bringing grief and sorrow to his home many times, but he goes bravely on, and with the help of his children he has made a comfortable and happy home. He is a member of the Democratic party, but does not have any political aspirations, being content to use
his vote in the way that he judges bene- ficial to the people and his party. He is a member of the Christian church of Golden Point, and is an honest, industri- ous man, gaining and keeping the respect of his friends and neighbors.
RALPH ELLISON.
Ralph Ellison, one of the prosperous and enterprising farmers of Prairie town- ship, owns and operates one hundred and seventy-four acres of rich land upon which he has placed many improvements, transforming it into a model farm prop- erty. He was one of the early settlers of Hancock county and has been contin- ously connected with its agricultural in- terests, giving his time and energies at the present time to the development of his farm, which is conveniently and pleasantly located, adjoining the village limits of Elvaston. A native of England. he was born in Yorkshire on the 23d of December, 1840, and when only a year old was brought to the United States by his parents, Matthew and Jane ( Willson) Ellison, both of whom were natives of Yorkshire. The father worked in a factory during his residence in England. and upon coming to the United States settled in Hancock county, Illinois, where he purchased a quarter section of land in Rock Creek township. There he made a home for himself and family, and resided until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-six years. The mother also
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died there and was seventy-eight years of a year. He then sold that place to his age at the time of her demise. They were son. George, and invested in one hundred and seventy-four acres of land, consti- tuting his present farm in Prairie town- ship. Here he has resided continously since and the many excellent improve- ments he has placed upon the property have made it a model farm. He has mod- ern farm machinery, good buiklings, high grades of stock and richly cultivated fields, and altogether the property is a valable one. He likewise owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres at Edna. Labette county, Kansas. faithful members of the Presbyterian church and enjoyed the unqualified esteem of those with whom they came in con- tact. The father engaged in general farming throughout the period of his res- idence in this county, or until his life's labors were ended in death and both he and his wife were laid to rest in Rock Creek township. In their family were eight children, of whom Ralph is the youngest child. He has two surviving sisters, Margaret, the wife of John Ster- enson. a resident farmer of Rock Creek township. and Mary, the widow of Dwight Whitcomb, who is living in Adrian.
Mr. Ellison of this review was reared upon the old homestead farm in Rock Creek township, and acquired his educa- tion in the common schools, while during the periods of vacation he assisted in the work of the fields, and after putting aside his text-books gave his entire attention to work upon his father's farm until twenty- three years of age, save that for a brief period he devoted his energies to the blacksmith's trade, which he learned and followed for a short time and then aban- doned it. Leaving home at the age of twenty-three, he purchased a quarter sec- tion of raw land on section 17. Rock Creek township. and with characteristic energy began to cultivate and improve this tract, on which he erected good buildl ings. He here engaged in general farm- ing and stock-raising for twenty-seven years and then sold the property, at which time he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Prairie township, where he resided for
Mr. Ellison was married December 31. 1862. to Miss Edith Evans, who was born in Adams county, Illinois, a daughter of Bales and Elizabeth ( Pevehouse ) Evans. both of whom are now deceased. The father was a farmer and became one of the early settlers of Adams county, Illi- nois, Mrs. Ellison died at their home in Prairie township, February 4. 1904. She was a consistent member of the Pres- byterian church, a devoted wife, a kind and loving mother and a faithful friend. and her death was deeply regretted by all who knew her. Her remains were in- terred in Carthage cemetery. By her mar- riage she had become the mother of four children, all of whom are yet living, and all were born in Hancock county. Jennie is the wife of Albert Schenk, a resident farmer of Labette county, Kansas, and has four children. Clifford and Emory. born in Hancock county : Myrtle and Grace were born in Labette county, Kansas. Emma married Milton Karr. October 11. 1000, a resident farmer of Ekaston. George is a farmer of Prairie township. where he owns eighty acres of land, which
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he purchased from his father. He wedded Mary J. Davis, a daughter of Amos Davis, of Appanoose township. They have two sons, Earl and Ray. Lillian is the wife of Jean McGinnes, proprietor of a grocery store and meat market at Elvaston, Illinois.
Mr. Ellison votes with the Republican party and has held several township of- fices. He has seen many improvements made in Hancock county, and in fact has witnessed almost its entire development from a wild prairie section to one of high cultivation, the farms of this locality be- ing among the best to be found in this great agricultural state. He has done his full share toward making the county what it is today and has ever stood for good citizenship, for progress and for advancement, and in his private business interests he has displayed sterling purpose and close application which have resulted in the acquirement of valuable property.
CYRUS MANLEY HEWITT.
of Vermont and the mother of New York and the latter was a daughter of one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. Charles W. Hewitt followed the occupa- tion of farming as a life work and came to Hancock county, Illinois, in 1839. set- tling in Pontoosuc township. where he entered land from the government and amid pioneer conditions began the devel- opment of a farm. Subsequently he re- moved to La Harpe township and con- tinued actively in farming until his life's labors were terminated by death in 1894. His wife survived him until 1898. They were the parents of eight children, of whom five are now living: Viola, the wife of W. B. Kirkpatrick, öf Macomb, Illi- nois ; Louisa, the wife of Rufus Bennett. of La Harpe; C. M. ; Ellen and Iola, also of La Harpe.
In the schools of La Harpe township Cyrus M. Hewitt acquired his education and upon the home farm remained to the age of twenty years, when he began working by the month and so continued until his marriage, March 21, 1883, to Miss Eary Ettny Cranshaw, who was born in Henderson county, Illinois, in 1839, a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Coffinan) Cranshaw, natives of Georgia and Ken- tucky respectively. Coming to Illinois at a very early day, her father settled in the southwestern part of the state. He took part in the Mormon war in 1844, whereby the Mormons were driven from the state and he was connected with other carly events which left their impress upon the historic annals of the state. His political support was given the democracy. Both he and his wife died in McDonough
Cyrus M. Hewitt is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 9. Pontoosuc township. where he has resided since 1885 and where he owns one hun- dred and ten acres of land that; owing to the care and labor bestowed upon it. is now rich and productive. It was in this township, September 6, 1851. that he first opened his eyes to the light of day, his parents being Charles W. and Ann ( Alex- ander) Hewitt. The father was a native county, Illinois. In their family were
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eleven children, five yet living : Mrs. Elizabeth Wise, a widow, living in Ore- gon : Mrs. Hewitt; Isaac, a resident of Kansas: Mary, the widow of James Dun- can, and a resident of Kansas City. Mis- souri: Franklin, of Stronghurst, Illinois. One son. Boone Cranshaw, was a soldier of the Civil war and died in the hospital from the effects of the hardships of mili- tary life.
Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt began their do- mestie life in Henderson county, Illinois, where they lived for two years, and then removed to the Alexander place in Pon- toosuc township. In 1885 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and ten acres on section 9. erected a house. built a barn and other outbuildings and has generally improved the farm. Here he tills the soil and raises stock. leading a busy and useful life. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt has been born a daughter, Lola. whose birth occurred in Pontoosne town- ship in 1885, and who is still with her parents. . At the time of her marriage to our subject Mrs. Hewitt was the widow of John Duncan, of MeDonough county. Illinois. He was born in that county in 1841. a son of Joseph and Catherine ( Wasson ) Duncan. both deceased. In their family were four children. all living with the exception of John, the others be- ing: Mrs. Elizabeth Hunt, a widow. liv- ing in Kansas; Lydia, the wife of John M. Huston, of MeDonough county ; and Caroline, the wife of Henry Curry, of Henderson county. John Duncan died in 1882, his remains being interred in Me- Donough county. He left five children : Dora, the eldest. is the wife of W. T. Kirkpatrick, of Oklahoma, and has six
children : George. John, Robert, Law- rence. Lulu and Olive : Addie is the wife of Luther V'an Osdale, of Henderson county. Illinois, and has four children: Ethel. John. Roy and Gladys: Lawrence, living in Kansas, married Mande Kidson and has three children: Vallie, Dewey and Opal: Verna is the wife of William Koll. of Dallas City, Illinois, and has a daugh- ter. Maxine : and Royce, of Blandinsville. Illinois, married Florence Sullivan and has a daughter, Edna May.
Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt are devoted mem- bers of the Christian church, of which he is one of the trustees, and upon the demo- cratic ticket, of which he is a supporter. he has been elected commissioner. Mrs. Hewitt, a lady of natural culture and re- finement and of most gracious manner. possesses superior literary taste and has written many poems of much more than ordinary merit. In 1905 she had a volume of her best poems published and sold to aid the missionary cause of her church. They had a ready sale and the volume is much prized by all who possess a copy. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt stand high in public regard. It has been due to his business enterprise and sound judgment that he has won a place among the sub- stantial residents of his county, for he started out in life empty-handed and his possessions are the visible proof of his enterprise and keen discernment in all matters relating to the management and improvement of the farm. Mr. and Mrs Hewitt both stand high in the estimation of all who have had the pleasure of mak- ing their acquaintance, and with whom they have been associated in the walks of life.
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW'
EDWIN P. ROWE.
Edwin P. Rowe. one of the oldest salesmen in the city of Carthage, was born in 1851, at Dallas City, Hancock county. His paternal grandfather, Mor- ris Rowe, was a soldier of the war of 1812 and of the Mexican war. His parents were Miles and Eliza Jane ( Bean) Rowe. the former born in New York, in 1821. and the latter in Virginia, in 1826. Miles Rowe came to Illinois at an early period in its settlement and for a num- ber of years when a young man drove a stage between Carthage and Warsaw, while for many years afterward he was proprietor of the Hit or Miss Hotel. in Dallas City. Then for fifteen or twenty years he was employed in the lumber of- fice of H. F. Black. and is now gatekeeper on the Santa Fe road at Dallas City, oc- cupying this position although eighty-five years of age. In politics he is a demo- crat. His wife, who was a member of the Methodist church, died in 1902, and is buried in Dallas City, Illinois. They had six children, of whom five are now living: William H., a resident of St. Louis : Oscar E., deceased; Edwin P .; Stella, the wife of John Roth. of Dallas City. Illinois; Mary, the wife of Fred Grippe. living in Joliet. Illinois; and Morris, of Dallas City.
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