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 23
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dren, all of whom yet survive, namely: Albert B., residing near Tulip, Missouri : Jennie, the wife of Perry Fancher, resid- ing in Carthage Missouri; Laura, living with her mother: Thomas G., of Car- thage : Ana D., the wife of E. L. Yates. of Perkins, Oklahoma: Fred M .: and Carrie M .. who is assisting her brother Fred in his office. Thomas J. Curry. a brother of Mrs. David W. Milby, was a soldier in the Civil war, serving through- out the period of hostilities as captain of Company C. One Hundred and Eight- eenth Volunteer Infantry. Two other brothers. James and Duncan Curry, were also members of the same regiment. se that the family was well represented in the army.
In the public schools of Carthage Fred N. MMilby acquired his education and after- ward learned the printer's trade, which he followed in this city as an employe until 1809, when he established a printing of- fice of his own in the Quinby Block on Jefferson street. He is also editor and proprietor of the Carthage Weekly Demo- crat, a paper which has a large circulation in the city and county. This is one of the strong democratic organs of the county and in connection with its publi- cation he also conducts a prosperous job- bing printing business, having an office well equipped for turning om first class work, so that a liberal patronage is ac- corded him.
On the 20th of November. 1900, Mr. Milby was married to Miss Mabel G. Linn, who was born in West Point, Illi- nois in 1883, a daughter of George W. and Trene ( Browning ) Linn. Her father was a native of Adams county, Illinois.
and the mother was also born in this state. Mr. Linn is a blacksmith by trade and followed that pursuit until his deaths. which occurred January 4. 1905. Ilis wife had passed away in July. 1896, and they were buried near West Point. Illi nois. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party. Mrs. Milby was the youngest of their family of four chiklren, the others being George H .. of Carthage; Cora G., the wife of E- ward Fletcher: and Nora. All are still residents of Carthage. Mr. Milby pur- chased a pretty home on Locust and Washington streets, where he now resides and unto him and his wife have been born two children. Katherine Irene and Ken- neth Richmond, the former born Decem- ber 22, 1901, and the latter June 10, 1905. Kenneth died March 11. 1906. In con- nection with his home property Mr. Milby also owns several vacant lots in Carthage and a business house. The spirit of self- help is the source of all true worth in the individual and it has been the domi- nant factor in the life record of Mr. Milly who had no assistance as be entered upon the task of providing for his own support and making for himself a place in busi- ness circles. His upright life, Is energy and the exercise of his native talents con- stitute the material from which he has builded his present prosperity and he has won a creditable place for one of his years, While his talents bespeak for him still greater achievements in the future. Ile takes a most active interest in public affairs and as a private cinzen and through the columns of his paper as well. he labors effectively for the welfare of his city and county He has always been a
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champion of the democracy and is con- nected with Knights of Pythias fraternity. exemplifying in his life its beneficent spirit.
Mr. Milby has erected a fine business building on the east side of the square. and the second story is now the home of the Democrat, the first story being used as a store.
WILLIAM A. SYMONDS.
William A. Symonds. who is now sery- ing for the fifth term as justice of the peace in Carthage, is one of the represen- tative citizens of the county. Few men are more widely known in Carthage, for he has been an important factor in pro- fessional, political and church circles and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flags. He is public spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral. in- tellectnal and material welfare of the county.
A native of New Hampshire, William A. Symonds was born in Hillsborough county on the 3ist of October, 1844, his parents being Frederick W. and AAbbie ( Lawton) Symonds. The father was also bom in Hillsborough county and the mother's birth occurred in one of the castern states. Coming to Illinois in 1847, Frederick W. Symonds settled near Carthage and carried on general agricul- tural pursuits up to the time of his death.
Both he and his wife passed way in 1853 and were buried in the Carthage cemetery. In their family were seven children, of whom five are yet living. Two of the sons were soldiers of the Civil war. Ed- win K. enlisted for three years in the One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Infantry and continued with the army until the close of hostilities. He died a few years ago. John L. Symonds, who was a mem- ber of the One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, became ill while in the service and died near Vicksburg. Wil- liam L. Rand, a cousin of Judge Symonds, was also a member of the One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry and now lives in Carthage. Another relative. L. B. Cochran, a husband of Emily S. Sy- monds, served throughout the war in the Sixteenth Illinois Infantry and is now in Missouri. John B. Hawley, who married Mary F. Symonds, another sister. also served in an Illinois regiment and was a captain of his company. He took part in the battle of Fort Donelson. and lost his health there on account of exposure and had to resign and practiced law at Rock Island, Illinois, and was elected congressman from that district. He served as assistant secretary of treasury under Sherman. An old shot gun which was used by an ancestor in the Revohi- tionary war is still in possession of the Symonds family.
Judge Symonds of this review, being brought to Hancock county when only three years of age, was educated in the public schools of Carthage and also at- tended college in Jacksonville, Illinois, for a year. He afterward engaged in teach- ing school for several years in this comty.
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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
but in the fall of 1864 put aside his pro- For many years he has been pubthe ad fessional duties and personal interests in order to expouse the Union cause, enlist- ing when twenty years of age as a mem- ber of the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Infantry, with which he continued until peace was restored. He then returned to Carthage and again taught school. while later he devoted his summer months to farming and in the winter seasons coll- timed in the profession of teaching. In 1800 he took up the study of law with David Mack as his preceptor, reading with him for two years and afterward practicing with him for a similar period. He then entered upon practice alone in Carthage, being city attorney for two years when the city abolished saloons, and followed his profession for several years. when on account of ill health he retired from active practice and turned his at- tention to farming, believing that the ont- door life would prove beneficial. Grad- ually, however, he resumed his law work and throughout much of an active busi- ness career his attention has been given to the practice of law in probate court. but principally in settling of estates.
In his political views Judge Symonds has always been a stanch republican, sup- porting the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. In 1874 he was chosen school clerk and continued in the office until his removal to the farm. Later he was again appointed to the same position and was treasurer of the school board for twelve or fifteen years, although his service was not consecutive. He is now filling for the fifth term the position of justice of the peace, so that his in- cumbency covers almost twenty years.
ministrator of the county. He has also been notary public throughout his coll- nection with the Hancock county bar and no public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree In connection with his business affairs and official duties he has also been insurance agent for many years.
Mr. Symonds was married November 26. 1878, to Miss Mary Spangler, a dangh- ter of William M. and Sarah E. Span- gler, whose sketch is also in this review. Five sisters of the family are still living. U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Symonds have been born Seven children. all natives of Car- thage: The eldest. Abbie, died in infancy. the rest are: Frederick W., who was twenty-two years of age on the toth of January, 1906, is a graduate of the Car- thage high school and is now studying engineering under the direction of Seran- ton ( Pennsylvania ) Correspondence School. Emily Clare, also a high school graduate, is now assisting her father in his office. James S. is a high school student. Raymond H., Mary E. and John Il .. the youngest now nine years of age. are all in school. Mr. and Mrs. Symonds reside in the southwest part of the city and since purchasing his home he has remodeled both the exterior and interior and now has a very comfortable and at- tractive property. Mr. Symonds has been a Mason for many years, belonging to Hancock Lodge, No. 20. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He likewise holds membership relations with the Woodmen and with Mevander Post. No. 455. Grand Army of the Republic, in which he has been adjutant for five or
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six years. Both he and his wife are Mr. Horney was born on the 3d of Au- members of the Presbyterian church, in which he acted as clerk for many years. while for ten or twelve years he has been a ruling elder, taking a most active part in church work and doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its in- fluence. He is widely and favorably known throughout the county. The terms progress and patriotism might well be considered the key note of his character. for throughout his career he has labored for the improvement of every line of busi- ness or public interest with which he has been associated and at all times has been actuated by a fidelity to his country and her welfare.
JOHN H. HORNEY.
John H. Horney, who for many years was identified with agricultural pursuits in Hancock county but is now living re- tired, is numbered among the early set- tlers of this part of the state and has been an active factor not only in business circles but also in public life, several official duties having been bestowed upon him. the duties of which he has faithfully and promptly discharged. He is now serv- ing as rural mail carrier and he likewise proved his loyalty and his devotion to his country by active service in the Civil war. The years of his residence in Hancock county cover the period from 1851 to the present time.
A native of Warren county. Illinois.
gust. 1841. his parents being Lemuel and Cynthia (Brunton) Horney. The father was born in North Carolina in 1809 about thirty miles from Raleigh. the capital of that state. There he resided continuously until 1827, when, at the age of eighteen years, he became a resident of Schuyler county, Illinois, having made the journey to the west with his parents. He lived in that county for some years after his marriage and was there engaged in farm- ing. Later he removed to Warren county, Illinois, where he carried on gen- eral agricultural pursuits and in 1851 he came with his family to Hancock county. settling on section 12. Wythe township. There he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. which he transformed into a good farm, making his home thereon until his death, which occurred in Au- gust. 1863. resulting from the kick of a mule. He was at that time fifty-four years of age. He had served in the Black Hawk war and was one of the pio- neers of the state, closely associated with its early development and progress. He shared in the hardships and privations in- cident to life on the frontier and as the years passed 'contributed to the develop- ment and upbuilding of the localities in which he lived. He was a devoted mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as a trustee and class- leader for many years. He was also a prosperous and progressive citizen whose well directed business affairs brought to him a gratifying competence. His po- litical allegiance was given to the democ- racy and for a number of years he served as supervisor from that township. He
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also acted as justice of the peace for some time and during his residence in Warren county. Illinois, he served as ma- jor in the state militia. Ilis wife, who bore the maiden name of Cynthia .I. Brunton, was born in Hamilton county. Ohio, and was also a Methodist in her re- ligions faith, taking an active and help- ful part in the work of the church. She survived her husband for many years her death ocurring in 1900. and her re- mains were then interred by the side of his grave in the cemetery at Basco. Illi- nois. In their family were nine children, four of whom are yet living but John 11. Horney is the only one now residing in this state.
Mr. Horney of this review was a lad of about ten years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Hancock county. He began his education at the place of his birth and continued his studies in the public schools of Wythe township. After completing his own education he engaged in teaching in the district schools and in the village of Elvaston, success- inlby following that profession for twenty-one years. He also carried on farming in Wythe township, having pur- chased a tract of land, adjoining the old homestead property. He resided thereon for a number of years and then went to North Dakota, where he spent nearly four years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Hancock county, making his home upon the farm belonging to his father-in-law in Wythe township. There he continued to reside until about five years ago and was accounted one of the enterprising agriculturists of the com- munity. Since 1901, however, he has New Hampshire and the latter of Mass
resided in the village of Phaston, having retired from farm life but indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his miture and in order to have some occupation he became rural mail carrier on the only route out of Elvaston. He has also done considerable surveying for individuals and . railroad companies and also for the drain- age committee and he acted as county surveyor for ten years, while living upon the farm. In his political views he is an earnest democrat and for some time held the office of president of the town board of Elvaston and was assessor of Prairie township for one term. No public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree and his efficiency and capability have long been recognized.
Mr. Horney has always been a loyal and public-spirited citizen and his de- votion to his country was early manifest by his service in the Civil war, for when but twenty-one years of age he enlisted on the 12th of August. 1862, as a member of Company Il. One Hundred and Eight- centh Illinois Infantry, with which he served for about one year, when he was discharged at Black River Bridge. Mis- sissippi. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and an engagement at Arkan- sas Post and was sergeant of his com pany but illness compelled him to leave the army. Hle is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades of the Civil war.
Mr. Horney was married on the oth of January. 1868, to Miss Clara E. Berry. a daughter of Joshua C and Mary B. ( Barker) Berry, the former a native of
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chusetts. They went to Ohio at an early day and in 1854 came to Hancock county. Illinois, settling in Wythe township. where the father followed farming and surveying. His ability in the latter di- rection led to his election to the office of county surveyor for a number of terms. He died at the advanced age of eighty- two years, while his wife reached the ripe old age of eighty-six years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Horney have been born five children, four of whom are now living. Frank B .. residing in Elvaston, married Miss Kate Daw and they have two chil- dren. Nellie F. and Frank D. : Ettie .1. is at home. Charles H. died at the age of three weeks. Eola is now the wife of J. Frank Cameron, of Elvaston, and has one child, Glenn. Jessie M., the young- est. is a student in the public schools. All of the children were born in Wythe township. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Horney is serving as an elder. There are many chapters in his life history that are worthy of emulation, for he proved a brave and loyal soldier, has been equally faithful in citizenship in times of peace. has been straightforward in his business dealings and in public office has proved himself fully worthy of the trust of his fellowmen.
CHARLES 11. GARNETT. A. M .. LL. B.
Charles H. Garnett, one of the promi- nent lawyers of western Illinois, whose
ability is indicated by his extensive client- age not only in Carthage but in other cities as well, was born in Colmar, Mc- Donough county, Illinois, January 12, 1873, his parents being Robert K. and Annie E. (Hunter) Garnett. Robert K. Garnett was a grandson in the maternal line of Reuben Graves, who served as a soldier of the war of 1812. The ma- ternal grandparents of our subject came to America from the north of Ireland near Colerain when about twenty years of age. Robert K. Garnett was born at St. Marys, Hancock county, Illinois. Au- gust 4. 1844, and for many years has been a successful farmer in his native town- ship where now he owns a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres. He has served as justice of the peace for ten or twelve years and was also township collector. discharging his duties of his different of- fices with promptness and fidelity. His political allegiance is given to the democ- racy and he is recognized as a local leader in the party ranks as well as an influential factor in agricultural circles. He married Miss Annie E. Hunter, a daughter of James and Martha ( Logan ) Hunter, who was born in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. October 19. 1845, and is also living. They have eight children: Mary V., the wife of J. Minor Botts. of St. Marys. Illinois; Lulu O., the wife of William G. Botts, of Carthage: Charles H .. of this review : Grace A., who is a graduate of the University of Illinois of the class of 1901 and was for four years principal of the high school at Plano, Illinois, but is now teaching in the high school at Prescott, Arizona: Ebner 1 ... who is a graduate of the Illinois University of the
CLAUS ALBERS
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
class of 1004 and the Northwestern Law School of Chicago in food and is now with his brother. Charles H. : Percie E .. a student in the State University at Cham paign, Ilinois: Robert E., who is also studying in that institution ; and Harriet E., a student in the University of Illinois at U'rbana, Illinois.
Like the other members of the family Charles II. Garnett was afforded excellent educational privileges, supplementing his preliminary course by study in the U'ni- versity of Illinois at Champaign, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 180. He was elected to a fellowship in eco- nomics in the universtiy, holding the same for one year. This fellowship is a scholar ship, which enabled Mr. Garnett to teach at a salary of four hundred dollars per year and also pursue post-graduate work. at the end of which time he received the degree of Master of Arts. He afterward spent two years in the law department at Yale College, from which he was graduated in 1800 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws and in December Di the same year he was admitted to the Illinois bar. After spending the winter in Chi- cago he came to Carthage in April. 1900. and in November of the same year was elected state's attorney of Hancock county, which position be filled for the full term of four years. He is now one of the most successful lawyers of this city with a large clientele, connecting him with much important litigation. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and he was nominated for the second term
vention to represent his district of the general assembly, subject in the general elections hell in November.
Mr. Garnett belongs to Hancock Lodge. No. 20, Ancient Free and Accepted .M. sons, in which he is now junior warden ; Bentley Lodge, No. 412. Independent Order of Odd Fellows: and Occidental Lodge. No. 388, Knights of Pythias, in which he is a past chancellor commander and also belongs to the Carthage Baptist church. His office are located in the McMahan Building, where he occupies a nice suite of rooms. He is jet a young man but has attained prominence in his profession that many an okler practitioner might well envy, and a growing business is indicative of the confidence removed in him by the public. June 6, 1900, Mr. Garnett was married. his wife being Ermine Williams, of Fort Stockton. Texas, a daughter of Oscar W. and Sarah ( Wheat ) Williams. He was an attorney. a graduate of Harvard Law School and for some years a judge of Pecos county. Texas, while her grandfather. Jesse (. Williams, has been in business in Car- thage about a half century. Miss Wil liams was educated at Carthage College.
CLAU'S ALBERS.
Claus Albers, numbered among War- saw's honored dead, was for many years a prominent citizen. As the day with but was defeated. In soon he was nomi- it's morning of hope and promise. It's nated by the democratic senatorial con- moontide of activity, its evening of em-
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pleted and successful effort. ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the night. so was the life of this man, and when death claimed him a most useful, active and honorable career was ended, in which he had labored not alone for his own ad- vancement but had contributed in large measure to the upbuilding of the city.
Claus Albers was born November 25. 1817, in Hollenhof, Amt. Zeven, in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, and was the eldest son of John Dietrich and Sophia Albers. He emigrated to America in 1836, when a young man of nineteen years and became a resident of Ohio. He was married in Cincinnati, on the 5th of March, 1839. to Miss Rebecca Knoop, who came to this country with her parents in 1838. She was born in Oldendorf, in the king- dom of Hanover. December 26, 1818.
Following their marriage the young couple removed to St. Louis, Missouri. where Mr. Albers was engaged in the grocery business and subsequently they took up their abode upon a farm in Ben- ton county. Missouri, becoming pioneer residents of that locality. Mr. Albers de- voted his time and energies to general farming there for nearly eight years and while living there he and his wife joined the German Methodist church in 1844. having previously been members of the Lutheran church. Their home became a preaching place for Methodist ministers until a little society, consisting of about eight families, built a log church on Mr. Albers's farm. In 1847 he left Missouri, and with his family removed to Milwau- kee. Wisconsin, and thence to Racine, re- maining only a few weeks in each place. He afterward came to Hancock county.
Illinois, settling in Nauvoo, after making the journey in a covered wagon drawn by an ox team. In Nauvoo he dealt in gen- eral merchandising and traded with the surviving Mormons, all of whom had not been expelled from the state. Their mag- nificent temple in Nauvoo was burned during Mr. Albers's residence there. In 1851 he removed to Warsaw, where he again engaged in general merchandising for a brief period. In 1854, however, he built a flouring mill on the site of the present Grace Mills, having a capacity of two hundred barrels daily. In 1855 this mill was destroyed by fire and he at once made preparation for rebuilding. The mill, which was called the Grace mill. was established in 1856 and had a capacity of from two hundred and fifty to three hundred barrels of flour per day. It was managed by Mr. Albers with the assist- ance of his sons and at times with differ- ent partners until 1883; when he retired from that business and took up the man- agement of his farm on Main street, to which he had devoted many leisure hours through a long period of years. He was pleased to term it the preserver of his health and he delighted to retire to this farm, watching the growth of the crops there and living near to nature's heart.
U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Albers were born seven children, who survive the parents : Henry, a resident and prominent busi- ness. man of Los Angeles, California ; Sophia, the wife of Dr. J. G. Van Marter. of Rome, Italy: Anna, the wife of Pro- fessor J. 1. Kessler, of Warrenton, Mis- souri: Anna Rebecca, the wife of William Zuppan : Charles and William E., of War- saw : and Homer, of Boston.
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