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 16
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to impede his progress. The work of transforming the wild district into one of rich fertility and improvement has been an arduous task. Mr. Yetter, however, bore his full share in this work and has performed an important part in making the county what it is today-one of the richest farming districts of western Illi- nois. He certainly deserves extended and prominent mention in this volume as a leading and honored agriculturist, and one whose life has at all times been worthy of emulation, being charterized by fidelity to principle and by unfaltering allegiance to the rules of honorable and manly conduct. Now in the evening of life he receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded those who have advanced far on life's journey and who are able to look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear.
FRANK W. WALKER.
. Frank W. Walker is the owner of the finest farm home and stock barns in Han- cock county and is one of the most exten- sive landholders of this part of the state. having fourteen thousand acres under fence. In the control of his business in- terests he displays excellent ability and keen discrimination, and his prosperity has resulted from judicious management as well as carefully directed industry. One of Hancock county's native sons he was born in Walker township, on the 28th
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of March, 1858, and now resides on sec- tion 32, Prairie township, where his home farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres of very rich and productive land. His parents were Henry M. and Sophronia ( Rankin) Walker, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, whence they came to Illinois at an early day, settling in Walker township. Hancock county, which was named in honor of his grandfather. George Walker, who was one of the earliest pioneers of the township. After working on the farm during the week he would preach Sundays, being the first Baptist minister in the vicinity. The father purchased land and made a home. residing upon his farm for twenty-five years, during which period his attention was given to the tilling of the soil and to the raising of stock. He owned one hun- dred and sixty acres of land in that town- ship and he afterward removed to Prairie township, purchasing a farm upon sec- tion 27. This farm contained three hun- dred and twenty acres, which was then unimproved, and on which he made all the improvements. It continued to be his home place until his death, which occurred when he had reached the advanced age of seventy-nine years. In addition to this property he owned enough to make his landed possessions ten hundred and sixty acres in Hancock county. all of which is now improved. He brought a large part of this property under cultivation during his life time and was a man of marked energy and diligence, whose life activity resulted in the acquirement of a measure of prosperity, making him one of the lead- ing citizens of his county. He was one of the first men in the county to give
thought to better stock, having had regis tered shorthorn cattle, not only bringing his own stock up to a fine grade but being the means of improving the stock in the whole community. His political views ac- corded with the principles of democracy and he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife passed away about two years prior to his demise, when she was seventy years of age. Of their family of seven children four are still liv- ing. Both parents lie buried in the El- vaston cemetery and when they were called from this life many friends mourned their loss. Mr. Walker was one of the argonants who went to California in search of the golden fleece in 1849. He there engaged in mining and was quite successful in his operations, accumulating a comfortable fortune during his residence of three years on the Pacific coast. Ile died while visiting in California, on the 14th of February, 1906.
At the usual age Frank W. Walker began his education in the common schools and afterward attended Carthage College. He assisted upon the home place as a young man and has always remained upon the farm. When twenty-two years old he purchased the one hundred and sixty acres of which he now resides, and has erected here all of the modern build- ings, including an attractive and pleas ant frame residence, which is one of the largest and finest country homes in the county. He also has commodious and substantial barns, one barn sixty by sixty four with twenty-four foot ports is one of the finest. if not the finest. barn in the county, it being elegantly and attractively planned and finished and is a model barn
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both for convenience and beauty, and altogether his is a model place. in which none of the accessories of a modern farm are lacking. It is known as the Shadow Brook stock farm and Mr. Walker de- votes his attention to the raising of high- bred stock, making a specialty of short- horn cattle and Hambletonian horses, hay- ing a large number of each upon his place. He raises for sale purposes and has been engaged in this business for twenty-six years. He now owns a fine Hambletonian stallion, Elcho, and he is also the owner of the bull. Duke of Iron Hill, a regis- tered shorthorn, both of which are used for breeding purposes. In addition to his home farm Mr. Walker has always con- ducted the old homestead farm compris- ing three hundred and twenty acres and located one mile east. He is an extensive feeder, shipping about one hundred and fifty head of fat stock per year of his own production and in addition to this Mr. Walker buys and ships many carloads of stock annually to the Chicago market. He is also the owner of about fourteen thou- sand acres of land in Colorado, all under fence, which he has used for stock-raising and the growing of wheat. Everything about his home place is kept in most per- fect order and repair, showing his pro- gressive spirit and his careful supervision.
Mr. Walker was married on the 10th of November, 1881. to Miss Helen M. Jack- son, a daughter of Peter Jackson. of Prairie township, who was an early set- tler of Hancock county. Ile followed farming for a number of years but is now living retired. Mrs. Walker, like her hus- band. obtained her early education in the district schools and was afterward it
student in Carthage College. This mar- riage has been blessed with six children. of whom five are living: Claude C :. of Prairie township. residing upon the old homestead of his grandfather, married Velta Thomas, a daughter of Henry Thomas. Clyde H. assists in the oper- ation of the home farm. Flossie M., Blossom J. and Ruth, are all at home ; and Onlin died at the age of eight years. All were born upon the home property and have been provided with excellent educa- tional privileges.
Mr. Walker is a democrat without po- litical aspiration and he keeps well in- formed on the questions and issues of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is interested in those measures and move- ments which tend to advance the material. intellectual and moral progress of the community. The number of his friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintance, for he has always lived in Hancock county and his history has been such as would bear close investiga- tion and scrutiny. for at all times he has lived honorable with due regard to his obligations to his fellowmen and with conscientious regard for his duties of citizenship.
JAMES HENRY CLARK.
James Henry Clark, who is engaged in farming and also carries on stock-raising extensively in Dallas township, was born
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in Brown county, Illinois, May 30. 1863. a son of Nathaniel H. and Jane ( Wells ) Clark. The father's birth occurred in the state of New York in 1835 and the mother was born in Ohio in the same year. He was a farmer by occupation and at an early day came to Ilinois, settling in Brown county, while subsequently he be- came a resident of Schuyler county. He. was killed on the railroad near Clayton, October 7. 1902, and his widow still re- sides in that county. In their family were eight children : George, living in Brown county, Illinois; Maggie, the wife of George Laughlin, who resides in Black- bird, Missouri: James 11., of this review ; Lydia. the wife of Henry Lawson, of Fountain Green : Fannie, the wife of Al- lan Groscloud: Dora, the wife of James Younglove, of Schuyler county : Charles. who is living upon the home farm in Schuyler county; and Jesse, of Dallas City.
James Henry Clark attended the public schools of Schuyler county but his educa- tional privileges were somewhat limited. as his aid was needed in the operation of the home farm. He remained with his parents until nineteen years of age and was afterward employed for one season by the month as a farm hand. In January. 1884. he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Bowker, who was born in Schuy- ler county, Illinois, in 1865, a daughter of Catherine and Frank Bowker, natives of New York, and of Scotland county. Missouri, respectively. The father be- came a farmer, first of Schuyler county and afterward of Hancock county, Illi- nois, and subsequently removed to Mis- souri and thence to Kansas, but is now liv-
ing retired in Dallas City. He owned land in each place in which he lived and is now in comfortable circumstances. Unto him and his wife were born eight children and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. The record is as follows: Minnie, now Mrs. Clark : Nettie, who in early life engaged in teaching school and is now the wife of Sydney Callison, of Boston, Missouri; Roger, of Hancock county: Kittie, the wife of Ernest Roseworn, of Barton county, Missouri : Maud, the wife of Wal- ter Lionberger, of Scotland county, Mis- souri: Inez Bowker, who is a successful teacher: George, who is living in Dallas City ; and Mabel, who is a graduate of the high school of Dallas City and lives with her parents.
At the time of their marriage Mr. Clark and his young wife began their domestic life upon a rented farm in Schuyler county, where they lived for one year. In 1885 they came to Hancock county, where they have since resided, making their home in Dallas and Durham townships. Mr. Clark has been extensively engaged in the live stock business and this is still a fruit- ful source of income to him. In 1904 he purchased ninety-seven acres of good land on section 14. Dallas township, and has since made extensive improvements in the home. lle has also erected two good barns, one thirty-two by forty feet and the other fifty-four by sixty-six feet. He now has one of the best improved farms of the township, equipped with modern conveni ences and accessories, and he has been one of the heavy stock feeders of the county. Ilis business interests are carefully con- ducted and his labors are bringing to him
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a gratifying measure of success, while his straightforward dealings in all of his transactions have gained for him the trust of his fellowmen.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Clark has been blessed with four children, all born in Hancock county: Ethel and Ray. aged respectively twenty and eighteen years: Katherine and Annice, both in school. In his political views Mr. Clark is an inflexible democrat and has held various township offices, including that of assessor of Durham township. Fra- ternally he is a Mason and a Woodman and both he and his wife are connected with the Royal Neighbors. Without pe- cuniary assistance at the outset of his career he has made steady progress and in his home is surrounded by many of the comforts of life. He and his wife occupy an enviable position in the re- gard of friends and neighbors and are accounted worthy and leading citizens of Dallas township.
SAMUEL S. CHAPMAN.
Samuel S. Chapman, owning and op- erating a valuable farm in Prairie town- ship, is a native of Scott county. Illinois, born May 11. 1851. He has, however, resided in Hancock county since 1857. when, at the age of six years, he came to this part of the state with his parents, Wesley and Elizabeth ( Haynie ) Chap- man. The father was born in Maryland. near Cumberland, March 24. 1825. and
lived in his native state until ten years of age, when, in 1835, he came to Illi- nois and for many years thereafter was a resident of Scott county. After attain- ing his majority he engaged in farming on his own account and followed that occupation throughout his active business career. Upon his removal from Scott county to Hancock county in 1857. he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Prairie township. to which he afterward added from time to time as his financial resources increased until within its bound- aries were comprised two hundred and eighty acres. He had in all four hun- dred and twenty acres of land. all in Prairie township. It is upon this tract that Samuel S. Chapman now resides. The father placed many modern improve- ments upon the property, including the erection of a large brick residence in 1869. lle also built a good barn and other out- buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. It was in 1862 that he took up his abode upon this place, where he en- gaged in general farming and stock-rais- ing with signal success until 1890, when he sold the farm to his son. Samuel S .. and removed to Carthage, where he lived for ten years, or until the death of his wife, since which time he has made his home with his children. He is a mem- ber of the Christian church at Carthage. and his life has been permeated by his religions faith. In his political affilia- tions he is a republican and has held some of the minor offices of the township. His wife, who was born in Kentucky, came to Illinois in 1829, when two years of age. She was a member of the Christian elmurch, took a very active part m its work
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and did all in her power for the exten- sion of its influence and the promotion of the cause. On the 14th of November. 1900, she was called to her final rest and her remains were interred in Carthage cemetery. By her marriage she became the mother of eleven children, eight of whom are still living.
Samuel S. Chapman of this review re- mained upon the old home farm until 1876, and during that period acquired a good common school education which was supplemented by a three years' course at the Agricultural College of the State University at Urbana, while in the sum- mer months he was trained to the work of the fields, becoming familiar with all departments of farm labor and thus gain- ing that practical experience which en- abled him to carefully and successfully conduct his own business affairs when he started out in life for himself. On the 7th of September. 1876, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy C. Jackson. a daughter of Peter Jackson, one of the early settlers of Hancock county, who arrive here in 1852, and has now been a resident of the locality for fifty-four years. He made his home in Carthage until the death of his wife about two years ago and is now living with his children.
stead and the farm is well cultivated. giv ing every evidence in its neat and thrifty appearance of the careful supervision and practical methods of the owner, whose labors have been attended with a gratify- ing measure of success. As the years have gone by the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chapman has been blessed with four chil- dren but the oldest died in infancy. The others are John Hurst, who was educated in Carthage and is now a Junior at Hed- ding College, in Abingdon, Illinois, and now resides upon the home farm: Irene. a senior in Hedding College : and Myrna May, who is now attending the high school in Carthage. Both Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they take an active and helpful interest. He has served as one of the trustees and also steward of the church, and for many years he has been a stanch prohibitionist. a fact which indicates his attitude on the temperance question. Indeed his life has been guided by honorable principles and has exemplified manly conduct such as commands respect and esteem everywhere. He has stood for temperance. for justice. for truth and uprightness, and he favors every movement that tends to promote progressive citizenship or uplift his fellowmen.
Following his marriage Mr. Chapman purchased eighty acres of land in Prairie township north of Elvaston. This was improved and he continued the further cultivation of the fields until about eight- een years ago, when he purchased the old PETER JACKSON home place of his father and has resided upon it continuously since. He has one Peter Jackson was born in Ross county. hundred and fifty acres of the old home- Ohio, on August 27. 1820, and lived there
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until 1852, when he came to Hancock county, Illinois, in November, coming by wagon, and located in Wythe township, in the spring of 1852, and there he pur- chased land and lived till 1866, engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1866 he bought a farm in Prairie township and there he lived as a farmer and stock-raiser inntil 1895. when he rented his farm and moved to Carthage, where he led a retired life until 1904. when his wife died and since then he has lived with his children.
lle married Angeline Hanson who was born in Pickaway county. Ohio, May 12. 1828. and lived there until her marriage in 1847. In 1851 she came west with her husband. She was educated in Pickaway county. Ohio. She died April 5. 1904. She was the mother of seven children, all daughters, six of whom are living: Sarah R., wife of Francis W. McClellan, of Win- field. Kansas: Barbara H .. widow of George B. Comstock, of Omaha, Nebras- ka: Mary M., widow of John G. Harris. 'She resides in Oak Park, Cook county, Il- linois. She has three children who were born in Hancock county. Nancy C., wife of Samuel S. Chapman ( see sketch of Mr. Chapman) : Matilda J., wife of Lot B. Clark (see sketch ) ; Annie E. died in in- fancy: llelen M .. wife of Frank W. Walker (see sketch of Frank W. Walker ).
The wife of Mr. Jackson is buried at Carthage cemetery. They were a very worthy comple, who were always held in the highest esteem by all who knew them. Mr. Jackson, who is still living, has at the present writing passed the eightieth mile- some of life's journey and will possesses ery retentive memory.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN CONNOR.
Benjamin Franklin Connor was born in Rome, Perry county, Indiana, in 1832, a son of John and Annie (Maine) Con- nor. The father was born in New Lynch- burg. Virginia, and removed to Bullitt county. Kentucky, in his boyhood days. In 1813, when a young man he became a resident of Rome, Indiana, and there he spent his remaining days and reared his family. He was a man worthy all trust and esteem, for he lived an upright. honorable life. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, all born within a quarter of a mile of the place where he built his first cabin upon taking up his abode in Perry county when it was a pioneer district. His death occurred in 1862, and his wife passed away about 1847 or 1848. She was a faithful and devoted wife and mother. and put forth every effort in her power to promote the welfare and happiness of her family.
Benjamin F. Connor is now the only surviving member of the family. He was fifteen or sixteen years of age at the time of his mother's demise, and for some time thereafter he remained with a sister. He learned the trade of a tanner and currier at Rome, Indiana, where he worked for eight years, and in 1857 he removed to Clark county, Missouri, where he resided until Angust, 1861. AAt that date he came to Warsaw. He had engaged in mer- chandising in Missouri, and following his removal to this city he continued business as a cooper for some years. Subsequently he traveled for eighteen years as represen- tative of a portrait house of Chicago, tak- ing orders for the enlargement of por-
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traits. In this he was very successful and office. He was faithful to every trust wherever he went he made many warm friends by reason of his genial manner. his unfailing courtesy and the many ster- ling traits of his character which are easily recognized. for such qualities al- ways leave their impress upon the indi- vidual. For twelve years, however, he has lived retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest.
Mr. Connor enlisted for service in the Civil war and was in the battle of Athens. Missouri. He remained in the service for five months, engaged in drilling most of that time. It was subsequent to his return from the war that he brought his family to Warsaw in August. 1861. llis po- litical allegiance has always been given to the democracy but he has never aspired to office. He is one of the oldest Masons in the state and is an exemplary represen- tative of the craft.
On the 16th of April, 1855. Mr. Con- nor was married to Miss Eliza Lamb. who was also a native of Perry county. Indiana, born February 18, 1830. and a daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth ( Shepherd ) Lamb. Her parents were married May 26, 1811. Her father was born in New York, July 21. 1780, while his wife's birth occurred in the south. January 13. 1791. He was a farmer by occupation and for twenty-seven years resided in Perry county, Indiana, where he took an active and influential part in public affairs. He was chosen the first circuit clerk of the county, and for twen- ty-six years held that office. No higher testimonial of his capability and fidelity could be given than the fact that he was so long retained as the incumbent in that is a graduate of Carthage College. it
reposed in him and his life was always guided by manly principles and character ized by honorable conduct. He died Feb- ruary 5. 1848, and his wife on the 28th of October, 1855. both being laid to rest on the okdl homestead farm in Indiana, on which he settled about 1810. This was a valuable farming property, situated on the bank of the Ohio river. At the time of his demise he was serving as one of the commissioners of the county and he passed away in the faith of the Baptist church, of which he was a most consistent and devoted member. In the family were eight children but all have passed away.
Mr. and Mrs. Connor traveled life's journey together as man and wife for about twenty-three years and were then separated by the death of Mrs. Connor, who passed away January 28. 1878, and was laid to rest in the Warsaw cemetery. She was a member of the Methodist church and a lady whose many good traits of heart and mind endeared her to all who knew her. To her family she was a most devoted and faithful wife and mother and she was equally loyal in her friendships. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Connor were born four children. Ella was born in Rome. Perry county. Indiana, January 12, 1850. She was graduated from the Warsaw public schools and taught several years. December 31. 1878, she was married to Dr. C. 1 .. Ferris, of Fountain Green, Illi- nois, the oldest son of Dr. I. T. and Helen Ferris, who are old residents of the county. Dr. and Mrs. C. I. Ferris have two daughters, Helen and Ruth, and are living in Carthage. Illion. Helen
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teacher, and is principal of the High School at Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Ruth is a senior in Carthage College. Isabella Sacket, the second daughter, was born at Luray. Clark county, Missouri, July 29. 1857. was graduated from the public schools of Warsaw, and afterward en - gaged in teaching in this city up to the time of her marriage to John B. Worthen. who was born in Warsaw. February 4. 1855. He is the youngest son of Prof. A. H. and Sarah B. Worthen. Both of his parents were old settlers of Warsaw. while the father was state geologist for twenty years. Mr. Worthen is an en- terprising grocer and business man of Warsaw, where he has always lived. Mr. and Mrs. Worthen were married August 21. 1882, and to them six children were born, as follows: Ella Eugenia, born October 26. 1883. She graduated from the Warsaw public school and the State University at Urbana, Illinois, was prin- cipal of the high school at Arcola, Illi- nois, and is an instructor in mathematics at the State University at Lincoln, Ne- braska. James C. Worthen, who was born October 16. 1885. died February 1, 1887: Jeannette Lamb, who was born July 13. 1887, and is now a senior in the State University at Urbana, from which she will graduate in 1907: Evelyn Marie, who was born August 18, 1890, and is a sophomore in the Warsaw high school: Helen Eunice, who was born Oc- tober 11. 1892, and is in her second year in the high school ; and John Connor, born February 13, 1899. J. T. M. Connor, the third member of the family of Benjamin F. Comor, is now living in Chicago, where he is auditor for the Clay-Robinson
Company, live stock commission mer- chants. He was married in Kansas City, Missouri. December 13. 1885, to Eunice Mason, and they have one child, Ella Belle, who was born November 13, 1886, and is a graduate of the Denver (Colo- rado) school. Frank H. Connor, born Mary 27, 1865, is a live stock commis- sion merchant of Chicago, being a mem- ber of the firm of Clay, Robinson & Co. He was married June 20, 1894. to Evelyn L. Hill. and has had three children. The twin boys, born June 16, 1897. both died at the age of fifteen months. Ron- noc Hill was born August 8, 1903. Both of Mr. Connor's sons were graduates of the Warsaw public schools.
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