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 21
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In his political views Mr. Trautvetter is a stalwart republican and has been honored with several positions of public trust. He served for twelve years as school director, was for ten years levee commissioner and for three years high- way commissioner. He and his wife, who has indeed been a most faithful com- panion and helpmate to him on life's journey, are members of the Evangelical church. The many comforts which they are now able to enjoy in their home have been gained through their own labors and careful management. The business record of Mr. Trautvetter should serve as a source of inspiration and encourage- ment to others, showing what may be ac- complished by determined effort when guided by sound judgment and charac- terized by honorable dealing.
ERASTES A. HAZEN.
Erastus A. Hazen is the owner of val- nable farming interests and in connection
with the tilling of the soil engages in raising Poland China hogs, Shropshire sheep and cattle, displaying excellent busi- ness ability in the management of his farm and his stock. A native of Ohio. he was born in Trumbull county on the 25th of January, 1843. and is a represen- tative of old New England families. His paternal grandfather, Nathaniel Hazen, was a native of Connecticut, while the father. James B. Hazen, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. The latter, having arrived at years of maturity. was married at Brookfield. Trumbull county, Ohio. to Miss Elizabeth Coon. who was born in Easton, Pennsylvania. and was a daughter of William and Cath- erine (De Forest) Coon, of New Jersey. Mr. Hazen was a cabinet maker and un- dertaker and resided in Brookfield, Ohio. until 1852, when he removed to Pike county. Illinois, where he engaged in business on his own account. There he remained for five years and in 1857 he came to Hancock county. Illinois, pur- chasing and trading his property in Pike county for sixty acres in Sonora town- ship. This was timber and prairie land. all unimproved. He turned the first fur- rows in the fields and began the task of cultivating a farm, whereon he lived until his death. His wife afterward sold the property and bought a farm in Montebello township, where her last days were passed.
Erastus A. Hazen, the fourth in order of birth in a family of seven children. of whom four were daughters, was edu- cated in the public schools of Youngs- town, Ohio, was for five years a student at Perry, Pike county, Illinois, and con-
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tinned his studies in the district schools of Sonora township. Hancock county. Hle remained at home until eighteen years of age, when his patriotic spirit was aroused and be offered his services to the government. enlisting as a member of Company C. One Hundred and Eight- centh Illinois Infantry. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Misis sippi and he participated in the attack at Chickasaw Bayou, where the Union troops were repulsed. He was afterward in the battle at Arkansas Post and sub- sequently went to Young's Point and to Vicksburg, where he engaged in digging the canal through a long stretch of wet land. The following spring the troops proceeded to Richmond. Louisiana, mak- ing their way to the Perkins plantation. Soon the battle of Grand Gulf followed, after which they proceeded to Bruins' Landing, crossing the river on gun boats. There they procured three days rations. which was all they received for eighteen days. On the succeeding day they fought the battle of Thompson's Hill or Port Gibson, and they were in numerous skirmishes. For two days they were at Raymond with l'emberton and they camped at Edwards depot. The follow- ing day they attacked the rebels at Black river bridge and captured the fortifica- tions. On the succeeding day they made a charge upon Vicksburg and invested the city. When two days had passed they returned and fortified Black river, at which point the regiment to which Mr. Hazen belonged was mounted and did cavalry duty from that time on. They were engaged in scouting and Mr. Hazen was in the second battle of Jackson, after
which he returned to Vicksburg and later was transferred to the gulf department. At Grand Cateau Bayou they were a1 tacked by the enemy and three hundred of the Union troops were taken prisoners. but Mr. Hazen fortunately was not among the number. With the remainder of the command he returned to Vermil- lion, where a battle ensued and Captain Arthur Marsh, who was commanding the regiment, was killed. The Union troops withdrew from the field and the rebels followed. After a time the Union forces turned upon their pursuers and sixty of the members of the Confederate army were captured. When the war was over Mr. Hazen received an honorable dis- charge at Baton Rogue, Louisiana, on the 13th of October, 1865, and returned to his old home. He was a brave and loyal soldier, displaying valor equal to that of many a veteran of twice his year -. Ile experienced the usual hardships, pri- vations and dangers meted out to the sol- dier and his military record was alto- gether a very creditable one.
Viter living with his parents for a year following the close of the war Mr. Hazen was married in the fall of 1800 to Miss Mary V. Layman, who was born in Dela- ware county Ohio, a daughter of Elias and Eva ( Wolford ) Layman, the former anativeof Virginia and the latter of Ohio Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hazen have been born seven children, but Elie, the fourth m order of birth, die in infancy. The others are: Almon L., who is a mail clerk on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, running from Chicago to Quincy, married Lulu Radcliff and lives in Quincy: Eldred E .. residing in
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Wythe township; Gissella. who married Clarence C. Outhier, of Okeene. Oklaho- ma: Ethie L., the wife of Delancey Higby, who resides on section 5. Monte- bello township: Eva O., and Zella, both at home.
Following his marriage Mr. Hazen lived for one year in Montebello town- ship upon his father-in-law's place and then leased one hundred and sixty acres, constituting the southeast quarter of sec- tion 3. Montebello township. Six years later he removed to Clark county, Mis- souri, where he remained for a year and on returning to this township he bought eighty acres on section 4, which was im- proved. He has rebuilt the house, which now contains ten rooms and cellar. He has also added sheds to the barns and has made many other substantial improve- ments. Two years after making the first purchase he added forty acres to his farm and four years later sixty acres. Subse- quently with his son, Eldred E., he bought eighty acres in Wythe township and he now owns one hundred and eighty acres of rich prairie land and ten acres of timber land, while his wife owns sixty acres of prairie and ten acres of timber. Mr. Hazen carries on general farming in addition to which he raises Poland China hogs. Ile also has on hand sixty head of Shropshire sheep and good cattle.
In his political views Mr. Hazen is an earnest republican believing firmly in the principles of the party, yet never seeking office. He belongs to Russell post. No. 86. G. A. R. at Hamilton, Hlinois, which he joined on its organization, and he takes mnich pleasure in meeting with his okl army comrades. When the grand review
occurred in Washington in 1865 a banner swung across Pennslyvania avenue bore the words, "The only debt which our na- tion cannot pay is the national debt which she owes her soldiers" and each . year emphasizes the truth of this remark as the number of the veterans is growing less and less and the feeling of gratitude increases. In times of peace Mr. Hazen has been equally loyal in citizenship and has ever been deeply and helpfully in- terested in community affairs.
ZEBDIAH WARD.
Zebdiah Ward, now deceased, was born in the state of New York, March 20, 1816, and resided there until he reached early manhood. He afterward accompa- nied his parents on their removal to In- diana, where he lived for several years. subsequent to which time he came to Illi- nois, settling in Danville, Vermilion county. He was a wagon maker by trade and followed that pursuit after his arrival in this state. He removed from Vermil- ion to Hancock county, locating at Web- ster, where he resided for about fifteen years, continuing to work at his trade during that period. Ile next purchased the farm on which his widow now resides, making investment in this property in May, 1854. The farm comprises sixty acres of rich and productive land, which he improved. erecting thereon buildings and adding other modern equipments and accessories. Mr. Ward engaged in the
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tilling of the soil from that time forward until his death, and as the years passed he prospered in his undertakings.
On the 13th of January, 1848, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ward and Miss Arzilla Wright, a daughter of Ilick- erson and Cynthia ( Donnoho) Wright. The parents were both natives of Vir- ginia, whence they removed to Tennessee. and from that state came to Ilinois in May, 1834. settling in Hancock county among its early residents. They lived one half mile north of Webster in Foun- tain Green township, where Mr. Wright entered land from the government and developed a farm, residing thereon until his death, which occurred when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-seven years. He was a democrat in his political views. His wife had passed away many years before. In the family are twelve children, seven of whom are living. The family record is as follows: Mrs. Ward is the eldest. Seabern A .. born October 9. 1824, is a farmer re- siding in Fountain Green township. Seneta D., born October 19, 1826, was a prominent farmer of the same township but is now deceased. Martha E., who was born September 14. 1828, has passed away. Patrick W., born August 28. 1830. is also deceased. Bazil, born Au- gust 16, 1832, died at the age of sixteen years. Henry D., born July 27. 1834. is living in California. Thomas G .. born May 9. 1836, has departed this life. Letha J., born March 14. 1838, Charles G .. born June 21. 1840. and Cynthia .A .. born September 30, 1844, are all living. The youngest of the family died in infancy.
Mrs. Ward was born in Smith county, Tennessee, September 24, 1822, and was nine years of age when her parents left that state and removed to Hopkins county, Kentucky, where they lived for three years. They then came to Illinois in May. 1834. She obtained her educa- tion in the early subscription schools of the county and remained at home until her marriage. She became the mother of three children, two of whom are liv- ing. Wright, the eldest, a farmer now residing in Arkansas, married Elizabeth Prior and they have one daughter. Cora, who is now the wife of Sanford Francis, by whom she has three children. Mark Ward, a farmer residing near Memphis, Missouri, wedded Letha A. Thurber and they have one daughter, Fay. Lorinda became the wife of Benton Alton and died at the age of forty-four years, leaving a (laughter. Anna B.
The death of Mr. Ward occurred Feb- ruary 26, 1895. when he was almost eighty years of age, and his remains were interred in Middle Creek cemetery. He voted with the democracy, held member- ship in the Christian church and was one of the progressive men of his day. His life period covered the greater part of the ninteenth century during which time he witnessed many changes, including the building of the railroads, the introduc- tion of the telegraph and telephone and the reclamation of the wild lands of the west for the purpose of civiliza tion. He did his full share in the work of public progress and improvement in this county and was known as one of its most prominent pioneer citizens. Mrs. Ward still survives her husband and lives
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upon the old farm homestead. She too. is a representative of one of the oldest families of the county and no history of this section of the state would be com- plete without mention of her.
LEE SMITH.
Lee Smith. of Colusa. a son of William and Mary Ann (Drauch) Smith, was born in Pennslyvania April 7. 1863. His parents were also natives of the Keystone state and the father is a farmer living in Monroe county, Pennsylvania, at the age of sixty-three years. His wife died in 1870. They were the parents of four children, of whom three are now living :. Lee, of this review: Anes, a resident of Tioga county. Pennsylvania; and Ephraim. also living in Pennsylvania.
Lee Smith was educated in the district schools of his native state. When his mother died the children of the family went to live in various homes of the neighborhood and his early opportunities were accordingly somewhat limited. After his school days were over he worked by the month as a farm hand for about four years and was afterward em- ployed in the lumber regions of the north- ern part of the state for four years. On the 220 of July, 1800. he arrived in Co- lusa and through the succeeding year was employed by Henry Howard.
On New Year's eve ( December 31. 1800) Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Mrs. Flora Wildrick, who was born
in Pontoosuc township, Hancock county, September 14, 1864, a daughter of John and Mary (Littlefiar) Robinson. Her father was a native of New Jersey and her mother was born in Durham county. England, in 1822 and came to America in 1852. The year 1856 witnessed the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson in Hancock county, and the father began farming in Pontoosuc township, where he also purchased a mill, carrying on his dual occupation until his death, which occurred in 1873, when he was fifty-nine years of age. He was a democrat in politics and a worthy citizen, progressive in public affairs and reliable in business. Unto John and Mary Robinson were born two children. of whom Mrs. Smith is the surviving member of the family. Her mother was twice married and by her first husband, Peter Kelly, had four chil- (Iren, of whom two are living: Mary C .. the wife of James Creswell, of Davenport, Iowa; William. died at Davenport. Sep- tember 1, 1906; and Michael R., of Adrian, Illinois.
Flora Robinson, reared to womanhood in this county, gave her hand in marriage. in 1882. to Henry C. Wildrick, who was born in Dallas township on a farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 35. which is now the property of Mrs. Smith and where she and her husband still reside. Mr. Wildrick was a son of George and Abigail ( King) Wildrick. well known and representative farming people of their community. Henry C. Wildrick was a republican in his political faith and held a number of township offices, to which he was called by the vote of his fellow citizens, who recognized his
worth and ability. He died September the following friend to a . p. men 28, 1880. respected by all who knew him, and his remains were interred in Pleasant Hill cemetery. In his business affairs he was industrious and enterprising. Ile always lived upon the old home farm of the family, and in the care of his property displayed sound judgment and keen dis- crimination. Moreover he was thor oughly reliable in all trade transactions and commanded the confidence and trust of all with whom he came in contact. Ile leit two children. Roxie Merle and George Clayton, the latter, now nineteen years of age, at home. The daughter died February to. 1900, at the age of twenty-three years, and her remains were laid to rest by the side of her father. She passed away after three weeks of the most intense suffering, occasioned by a dlot of blood under the knee. All that money. professional skill and loving hands couldl do was in vain in staying the hand of the grim reaper and this beautiful young lady, the only daughter of Mrs. Smith. passed from this life. She was a most beautiful character. living a life in har- mony with the Christian spirit, and re- maining firm and steadfast in the faith of the church in which she hell mem- bership. Hers was a happy disposition and sunshiny nature. She could readily adapt herself to any circumstance of coll- dition and this trait made her beloved by all with whom she came in contact. (1 Saturday an operation was performed and on Monday afternoon she passed away. perfectly resigned and happy. bid- ding mother, father and brother goodby with undimmed eyes, and making all arrangements for her funeral, selecting
ers : Maggie Bailey. D.psy Dante IL Vins, Orpha I Jamam. Argent and Maude Jacobs. Si gentlemen del its homary pall bearers Koene line Fred Swanson, Bern Bass. (1. rence Je nison. George Hubbard and Chik Jacob. The funeral service was well ducted by the Res. J. B. King who pod a beautiful and deserved tribute to ale who was so loved and faithful in her home, church. Sunday-school and socia circles, where she is greatly missed. Kes King said: "There is no death for sich an experience as hers, and as it is the law of Nature that the fairest and worthiest forms of life shall most surely survive. so we feel that a life, so manifestly sprung from God, and nurtured by him as this. cannot die but still survives in a still high- er development in the beautiful paradise of God. by the power of divine right to be and live forever and by the pledge of the loving Saviour, who conquered through faith that we may have a right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city." The death of Roxie Merle Wildrick cast a gloom throughout the entire community but her memory will long be cherished in the hearts of all who knew her and the re- membrance of her loving deeds, kind ways and many acts of thoughtfulness will be a blessing for years to come to her mother and the other members of the family
By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs Smith there has been born a son William Keine, born in Dallas township. Decem ber &, too, and now in school. The res idence now occupied by Mr and Mrs
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Smith and their family was erected by her former husband. who made many im- provements upon the place, which he in- herited from his father. Mr. Smith con- tinues the work of development and cul- tivation along lines of modern agricul- tural progress and is an enterprising busi- ness man. His political allegiance is given the democracy and he is a mem- ber of the Hancock County Mutual In- surance Association and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He was a mem- ber of the Dutch Reformed church in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Smith is an intelli- gent. cultured lady and in the community where they reside this worthy couple have many warm friends.
MATTHEW MASON JOHNSON.
Matthew Mason Johnson, deceased, was a stockman who, prospering in his undertakings, was accounted one of the enterprising business men of Carthage and his activity in public affairs made him a citizen of value, so that his death, which occurred on the 7th of April. 1906, was the occasion of deep and widespread re- gret among his many friends in Hancock county. He was born in Champaign county, Ohio. in 1843. his parents being John T. and Maria (Wright ) Johnson. The grandfather. the great-grandfather and the great-great-grandfather, were all soldiers of the Revolutionary war and the same spirit of loyalty and military ardor was displayed by various cousins of our
subject in the Civil war. while his brother. J. N. Johnson, was a soldier of the One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry during the last year of the strife between the north and the south, being stationed most of the time at Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
John T. Johnson was born in Cham- paign county. Ohio, in 1813. and his wife was born about eight miles from St. Louis, Missouri, in ISIS. He was a farmer by occupation and on coming to Hancock county, Illinois. in 1839, settled near St. Mary. He had to clear the land in order to have space enough on which to build a log cabin. He was the first man to move onto the prairie, for the pio- neers in those days always settled near the timber. As the years passed he improved his property, building a fine barn, good sheds and a modern residence. As the years passed he prospered, becoming one of the most extensive land owners of the county and when he died. in 1883. his possessions aggregated eighteen hundred acres of land now worth one hundred dollars per acre. His wife died in 1898 and they sleep side by side in the cemetery at St. Mary. Mr. Johnson was a repub- lican who held various township offices. for his fellow citizens recognized his worth and ability and thus gave evidence of their confidence in him. They were believers in the Baptist faith and Mr. Johnson held various offices in the church. Their family numbered eight children, of whom five are yet living : Matthew M. : ITiram B. and Joseph T., both residents of Plymouth, Illinois : J. N., who is living on the oldl family homestead ; and Aurilla. the wife of J. W. Botts, who resides upon
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the prairie farm which was originally owned by her parents.
Matthew M. Johnson attended the pub- lic schools of St. Mary and was after- ward a student in Abingdon ( Illinois ) Hedding's College. Before attaining his majority he was married, in 1863. to Miss Mary Bacon, who was born in 18.13 in VeDonough county, Illinois, a daughter of Larkin and Honor ( Durbin ) Bacon. Her parents were of southern extraction. the father born in Tennessee and the mother in Kentucky. Mr. Bacon came to Illinois at a very early day, settling on a farm in McDonough county in 1834. It was wild and uncultivated land but he converted it into a productive farm and there he died in 1877. having for several years survived his wife, who passed away in February, 1864. Both were buried near Hill's Grove in MeDonough county. Isaac Bacon, the paternal great-grand- father of Mrs. Johnson, was a Revolu- tionary soldier and Joseph Barnes Bacon. her grandfather, was a captain in a Ten- nessee regiment in the war of 1812. Her father was an unfaltering advocate of democracy, but though always loyal to the party, never aspired to public office. He and his wife held membership in the Methodist church, in which he served as steward, while for many years he was superintendent of the Sunday-school. fill- ing that office at the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon had ten children, of whom eight reached adult age, while five still survive. namely: Mrs. Johnson: Sarah, who is the widow of Judge Tunni- cliff. of Macomb, Illinois, and now re- sides at No. 6018 Jackson Park avenue. Chicago: Dr. Joseph B. Bacon, a surgeon
of St. Francis Hospital of Macomb, Illi- Dois: James H. Bacon, president of the Pacific Coast Trust Company of San Francisco, California: and Harvey M. Bacon, vice president of the Pacific Coast Trust Company with offices at No. 708 Market street, San Francisco. The father prospered in business and at his death left fourteen hundred and thirty-six acres of land.
Mrs. Johnson was a student in Hed- ding College at Abingdon, Illinois, at the same time Mr. Johnson attended there. They had been reared within six miles of each other, but it was in their college days that their friendship ripened into love and was followed by marriage. They began their domestic life on the old Deming farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which was given Mr. Johnson by his father and which is still in possession of the family. There they resided for seventeen years, after which they spent two years in llill's Grove, but later re- turned to St. Mary and purchased and im- proved another farm, whereon they re- sided until 1893. In that year they took up their abode in Carthage. Mr. Johnson purchasing a pretty home at the corner of Walnut and Washington streets. After his removal to the city he engaged in business as a stockman, buying and selling cattle on an extensive scale. He also belonged to the Cattle Exchange and his business interests were carefully con- (lucted and netted him a very gratifying profit.
Mr. Johnson was a soldier of the Civil war. enlisting in the Seventy-first Illinois Infantry. For a time he was in the hos- pital at Cairo Although reared in the
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republican faith he was independent in his political views. He served as supervisor, school director and road trustee and several years ago acted as alderman of Carthage for two years. His name was on the membership rolls of the Masonic fraternity, the Modern Woodmen camp and the Grand Army Post, of all of which he was a worthy representative. His widow is one of the charter members and a director of the Daughters of the .\mer- ican Revolution, belongs to the Woman's Relief Corps and to the Woman's Chris- tian Temperance Union. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were devoted members .of the Methodist church, in which he held all of the offices. Mrs. Johnson was a
steward in the church for twelve years. or until she reared a son to take her place.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born four children, of whom three are now liv- ing: Drenon M., born in Hancock county. July 4. 1864, is a farmer of this county. He married Miss Ella A. Can- non, of this county, December 28. 1887. and has a daughter. Ruth M. John Bacon, born March 4. 1866, in this county, is a stockman and cattle feeder, carrying on business near Carthage. He was married to Stella Walker. of this county. October 18, 1894. Damon J., born January 11, 1872, is a real estate dealer of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Ile was graduated from the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, in 1892. and on returning to Carthage read law with Berry Brothers and Judge Mack. In 1898, he enlisted for service in the Spanish-American war in the Fiftieth lowa Infantry. He became a corporal and served for seven months. In 1899
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