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 27
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ROBERT SMITH GORDON.
Robert Smith Gordon is acting as sta- tion agent for the Wasbash Railroad and also for the Toledo. Peoria & Western Railroad at Hamilton. He was born here December 10, 1800, and belongs to one of the oldest and most prominent pio- neer families of this portion of the state. His paternal grandfather came to where the city of Hamilton now stands more than seven decades ago, there being fewer than five hundred people in the entire county at that time. He entered one hun- dred and sixty acres of land from the government and it is upon this tract that the city of Hamilton now stands Ile aided in reclaiming the wild land for the uses of civilization and was connecte ] with the early development and progress of the county here until his death, which occurred in 1840, while his wife passed away in 1848. In their family were but
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two sons, the younger being Samuel Gor- don, father of our subject, who is men- tioned elsewhere in this work. Samuel Gordon was born in Peterboro. New Hampshire, and after arriving at years of maturity was married to Miss Per- melia Alvord, who was born in Erie county. Pennsylvania. Her father was a Baptist minister of that state and came to Hamilton at an early day. preaching in this place and in the county. so that he left the impress of his individuality upon the moral development and progress of the community. Samuel Gordon on starting out in life on his own account gave his attention to farming. He also laid out the Gordon addition to the city of Hamilton and was closely associated with many movements and events which have shaped the history of this part of the state. He was school director of Ilamilton district. No. 3, and was city clerk for about four years. He was also alderman of the second ward for six years and his co-operation could always be counted upon as a helpful factor to pro- mote public progress and improvement. He died October 2. 1901, while his wife passed away September 19. 1890. She left a family of four daughters and two sons: Eleanor, who is a Unitarian min- ister located in Des Moines, lowa : John .1 .. a book merchant of Hamilton, Illi- nois: Alice A .. and Agnes C., who make their home together in the old homestead ; . and Mabel B., a teacher in the public schools of Hamilton.
The other member of the family is Robert Smith Gordon of this review, who was the fifth in order of birth. In his youth he attended the public schools and
assisted his father in the work of the home farm. At the age of seventeen years he put aside his textbooks and gave his undivided attention to farm labor and on the Ist of May. 1886, he secured the position of station agent for the Wabash and Toledo. Peoria & Western Railroads at Hamilton, in which capacity he has since been engaged. He is a courteous, oblig- ing official, who has won the good will of . many patrons of the road and at the same time he represents the corporation, with true fidelity and devotion. He is likewise president of the Loan and Building As- sociations of Hamilton, which was or- ganized in 1889, while since 1901 he has filled the present position. The other of- ficers are A. B. Agnew, vice president : J. A. Gordon, secretary ; and E. M. Le- Roy, treasurer.
On the 2d of October. 1903, Mr. Gor- don was united in marriage to Miss Laura B. Bridges, who was born in Hamilton, April 1, 1866, and is a daughter of W. C. Bridges. They had one child, Laura Ellen, born December 20, 1904, who died in June. 1905. Mr. Gordon has a very wide acquaintance in this part of the county and is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family that has been associated with the substantial develop- ment and progress of this section of the state from an early day. In his political affiliation he is a republican and has served as alderman, mayor and township school trustee. Fraternally he is a Ma- son, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Royal Arch chapter and Order of the Eastern Star of Hamilton and Knights Templar of Augusta, being very highly appreciated by all the members of each fraternity.
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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
CHARLES W. BOSTON.
Charles W. Boston, who carries on farming in Carthage, his native township. was born January 13. 1802. his parents being Reuben J. and Sarah J. (Dale) Boston. The father was born in Ken- tucky and was brought to Ilinois by his parents when about eight years of age. the family settling in Hancock county. The grandfather purchased land in Carthage township, where he made a home for him- self and family and under the parental roof Reuben Boston was reared to man- hood, becoming familiar with the ardnous task of developing a new farm in a front- ier district. After attaining adult age he purchased the farm now owned and occu- pied by his son. Charles W .. on section 33. Carthage township, and comprising one hundred and ten acres of rich and pro- ductive land. He also bought other prop- erty from time to time until he became the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of valuable land all lying in Carthage township. He placed many improve- ments on these different tracts and made model farms of his property, contributing in large measure to the agricultural prog- ress and prosperity of this part of the state. Throughout his active life he carried on general farming and stock raising and in his later years removed to Carthage, where he lived retired, umil his death, which occurred when he was sixty-seven years of age. His life was in consistent harmony with his professions as a member of the Methodist church and he was never known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any trade transaction. His political allegiance
was given to the democracy. His wolon still lives in Carthage at the age of set emy-six years and is a devoted christian woman, holding membership with the Methodist church.
Charles W. Boston acquired his educa- tion in the public schools of Carthage township and during the periods of vaca- tion assisted in the home work. He con tinted to aid in the labors of the farm and following his father's death he as sumed its management and is now the owner of two hundred and thirty acres of the old estate upon which he was born. He has made additional improvements here. remodeling the house, and today has a fine farm property equipped with modern accessories and conveniences. Well kept fences divide the place into fields that are devoted to the raising of various cereals best adapted to soil and climate and the latest improved machinery is used in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. He also raises high grades of stock, including cattle, hogs and horses, and he feeds cattle quite ex- tensively for market.
Mr. Boston was married June 20, 188.4. to Miss Mary Rowena Yetter. a daughter of William Yetter, who is now living a retired life in Carthage. He was born in Ohio seventy-two years ago, and in 18;o came with his parents. Lewis and Sarah ( Beari Yetter to Hancock county. lle was a soldier of the One Hundered Fight centh Illinois Volonter Infantry, and atter his return engaged m farming in Carthage township till he returned to Carthage His wife died in 1805, at the age of fifty Seven years Mr. Boston was born in this county near Webster and in that lo-
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cality obtained her education. She has become the mother of six children, five of whom are living, namely: Ava May, who was the wife of David R. Kim- brough, a resident farmer of Carthage township, who died September 2, 1896; Golda; Lula : Gaylord ; Fern ; and Ernest, all at home.
Mr. Boston exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the democracy but has never sought or desired office for himself. He, with his wife and the four eldest children belong to the Baptist church and he has lived an upright life, being found reliable in cit- izenship, straightforward in his business dealings and honorable in all of his rela- tions with his fellowmen.
FRANCIS M. CUTLER.
This is a utilitarian age and the suc- cessful man is he who recognizes his op- portunities and utilizes the forces at hand to best advantage. The laggard has no place in the world today and it is pre- eminently true that in America "labor is king." It is therefore the men of dili- gence, of enterprise and keen business dis- cernment, who are continually working their way to the front and to this class belonged Francis M. Cutler, a grain mer- chant of Carthage. He was born near this city February 15. 1855. a son of Na- than and Hannah ( Ward) Cutler. His father was born on a farm in Erie county. New York, August 3. 1819, and in 1835
took up his abode upon a farm near Can- ton, Fulton county, Illinois, where he re- sided until 1852, when he came to Han- cock county, settling four miles north of Carthage. There he resided until 1854, when he located upon the farm where the birth of Francis M. Cutler occurred. His wife was born in Wabash county, In- diana. July 27. 1817. Both were con- sistent members of the Baptist church, in which Mr. Cutler served for a number of years as deacon. His early political sup- port was given to the democracy and he afterward become a stanch prohibitionist because of his views upon the temperance question. He filled the office of township supervisor and was also a member of the school board for several years. The family numbered seven children, of whom three died in infancy, while four are still living, namely: Parkhurst W., a stock- man residing near Carthage: James C .. living four miles southeast of Carthage. Illinois; Francis M .; and Martha E., the wife of Millard F. Turner, of Oklahoma. The mother died in 1890 and the father in 1898, their remains being laid to rest in Carthage cemetery.
Francis M. Cutler was educated in the district schools of Carthage and in Cen- tral college at Pella, lowa, which he at- tended for two years. He was trained to all the work of the home farm and subsequently settled upon a farm of his own southeast of Carthage. There for many years he successfully and energet- ically carried on general agricultural pur- suits, but in 18ot retired from his farming operations and was afterward engaged in the grain trade at Carthage. Hle dealt in grain in large quantities, having the only
1
FRANCIS M. CUTLER
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC
ASTAR PEUTY
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HANCOCK COUNTY. ILLAVOR
elevator in Carthage, and his business tur- nished an excellent market for the farm- ers. llis elevator had a capacity of twenty thousand bushels and in the con- duct of the business Mr. Cutler met with very gratifying success. After Septem- ber. 1904, he also conducted a real estate and emigration agency, making trip- with people to the southwest and locating for them farms in Kansas, Oklahoma and the Indian Territory, but mostly in Ok- lahoma.
In 1882 Mr. Cutler wedded Mary E. Ilarnest, a native of this county and a daughter of Samuel E. Harnest, of Car- thage. She died May 13, 1805. leaving a son who died at the age of seventeen years. On the 18th of November. 1807. Mr. Cutler wedded Mrs. Ida Byington. (nee Talbot), who was born on a farm near Roseville, Illinois, and by her former marriage had a daughter. Nellie, who was born in Burlington, Iowa, and is now, at the age of eighteen years. attending Shurtleff College at Upper Alton. Ilinois. She was also a student in the Woman's College at Jacksonville, Illinois, for two years and is making a specialty of the study of music. Mrs. Cutler was the widow of Charles E. Byington, who was a dealer in hats and men's furnish- ing goods in Burlington, Iowa, and a son of Judge Byington, of Iowa City. Iowa. Mrs. Cutler bore the maiden name of Ida Talbot and was a daughter of John Talbot, a soldier of the Civil war. who enlisted from Illinois. In his busi- ness life he was an attorney at Galesburg. Illinois. His widow still survives and now makes her home with her daughter. Mrs. Cutler. In December, 1905, Mr.
Cutler moved his family to an elegant new modern residence on Main street Jis business interests were most carefully call ducted, his efforts being discerningly di rected along well defined lines of labor that resulted in the acquirement of grati fying success. In his political views he was a prohibitionist and worked with the party for the past twelve or fourteen years. Both he and his wife were mem- bers of the Baptist church and in its dii- ferent activities Mrs. Cutler is most help ful. She is a teacher in the Sunday - school, president of the missionary so- ciety and is likewise vice president of the P. E. O. In the city where they re- sided both were held in high esteem and their friends were many, while the hospi tality of their own home was greatly enjoyed,
Mr. Cutter passed away .August 10. 1906; and is buried at Moss Ridge ceme- tery. Mr. Cutler was highly esteemed by his fellowmen for his christian manhood. his generous nature, his quiet benevo- lence, and his devotion to family and friends. While friends may think on his departure with sorrowful regret. it is the home that grief has its abiding place. Only last December they moved into their beautiful new home on Main street. With everything worth living for bound up in that little family circle, death has come and it can be no more the same But with grief abides also christian iuth and fortitude, and no words of consolation need be expressed to those who already appreciate the value of the precious promises given by our Creator as recorded in the Scriptures both in the old and New Testament.
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CHARLES GERVIS CLARK.
Charles Gervis Clark, who in 1863. be- came a resident of Carthage, where for more than a quarter of a century he was engaged in the real estate business, rank- ing among the men worthy of the public trust, his life work reflecting credit and honor upon the state in which he made his home, was born in New Berlin. New York, January 8, 1820, a son of Gervis and Rachel (Caple) Clark. His maternal grandfather, Colonel Caple, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and an uncle of our subject was a soldier in the Mexican war. Gervis Clark, Sr .. died when his son was only four months old. leaving the mother with the care of this, her only child. Later she married a Mr. Stimp- son and there was one daughter by that union, Mrs. A. E. Alexander, who is now living at Denver, Colorado.
Charles Gervis Clark of this review acquired his education in the schools of Jefferson and of Jamestown, New York. and in both cities studied law. Follow- ing his preparation for the bar he engaged in active practice in Cobleskill, Schoharie county, New York, where he remained for eight years. He then went to Jamestown. New York, where he remained for a num- ber of years and was a partner of Judge Abner Hazeltine, and in April, 1863, he came to Carthage, where he turned his attention to the real estate business. He became familiar with land values and en- abled many clients to make judicious and satisfying investments and at the same time contributed to his individual success.
Mr. Clark was married on the boundary of Greene and Mbany counties, New
York, at Greenville, December 3, 1846, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Andrews, who was born in Worcester. Otsego county, New York, April 30. 1826, a daughter of Simeon J. and Clarissa (Lake) Andrews. Her father was born at Middlefield, Otsego county, New York, and died when the daughter was only eighteen months old. The mother's birth occurred in Greenville, Greene county, New York, and she passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clark, in Car- thage on the the 13th of September, 1886. at the very advanced age of eighty-nine years, her remains being interred in Moss Ridge cemetery. She was the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier. Mr. An- drews was a merchant, drover and farmer and was an enterprising business man. Unto him and his wife were born six children: Evaline, who died in child- hood : one who died in infancy: Lucy, who became the wife of Reuben Reed, who resides in Kent, Orleans county, New York, but both are now deceased : Am- brose, who died at the home of Mrs. Clark in 1873: Mary, now Mrs. Clark: and Elizabeth, who became the wife of Fred- erick Chapman and made her home in Wisconsin, but died in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark became the par- ents of eight children. Charles Andrews married Miss Jennie McCulloch and died in 1905, leaving a widow and eight chil- dren, Edward. Margaret. Gervis, Stewart, Mary. George, Virginia and Robert. Ella Lec Clark died in childhood. George. Fred, Libbie. Louis, and Ada also passed away in childhood. Edward. the only surviving member of the family, is living
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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
with his mother and is engaged in the real estate business in Carthage. Mr. Clark was a devoted member of the Pres- byterian church, to which his widow also belongs. She has always been a teacher in the Sunday-school, being a teacher in the primary department for forty years. Mr. Clark took a most active and helpful part in church work, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its. influence. In politics he was a republican. buit was without aspiration for office. pre- ferring to devote his undivided time and attention to his business affairs, which were of an important character and reached extensive proportions. He pos- sessed strong, native intelligence, laudable ambition and high purpose and displayed many of the sterling traits of character which won him recognition as one of na- ture's noblemen. Although he started out in life in moderate circumstances he amassed considerable means and was thus enabled to leave a goodly property to his widow. He passed away April 11. 1900. his remains being interred in Moss Ridge cemetery at Carthage. During the years of his residence here he had won many friends by reason of his straightforward dealing, his consideration for others and his kindly, social nature. Mrs. Clark is now eighty years of age but is still quite active and busies herself with reading or needlework. She is indeed a very bright and intelligent lady. spending the evening of her days in an attractive home sur rounded by many friends. She has a large circle of friends in Carthage who will doubtless receive with pleasure the record of her life, as published in the Biographical Review of Hancock County.
HOMER J ELSEA. D O
It is within comparatively recent soll's that osteopathy has become a factor in ilu healing of diseases but in a comparatively short time it has become a universally ac knowledged power in checking the ras ages of illness and restoring health and there are today many practitioners of this school, not only in America but through- out the country, Whose work is proving an inestimable boon to their fellowmen. Dr. Elsca. following this profession in Carthage, has an extensive patronage throughout the city and this part of the state and is one of the worthy and capable exponents of the science. His birth i curred in Randolph county, Missouri. February 3. 1879, his parents being Ben jamin and Telitha (Taylor) Eikea. The father was born in Shenandoah county. Virginia, in November, 1822. There is now no surviving member of his father's family. The mother of our subject was born in Boyle county, Kentucky, April 16. 1844. and at an early day her father removed to Missouri, where he resided until after the outbreak of the Civil war. when he came to Illinois, where he fol lowed farming, his death occurring in this state. In his family were ten children. five of whom are yet living: William Taylor, a resident of Randolph county. Missouri: Mrs. Pelitha Elsea, Mary, the wife of Thomas Heath, of St. Louis. Ms- suri: Joseph, who is living in Inos. and Mrs. Fannie Skeggs, of this state
Benjamin kket went to Van w his father when about sixteen vous of age and there resided upon a farm mik ing his home in that state until his det
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Although he was not a soldier during the Civil war he worked for the government throughout the period of the struggle, car- rying the mail for the soldiers who were so far away from home and friends. His political allegiance was given to the de- mocracy and for many years he served as justice of the peace, discharging his duties with fairness and impartiality. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church. He was twice married, his first union being with Mary Jane Grafford, who died in 1859, leaving five children, of whom four are living: J. W .. Benjamin and Felix Grundy, all of Randolph county, Missouri; and John C., who resides in San Francisco, California. For his second wife Benjamin Elsea chose Telitha Taylor and they had eight chil- dren, of whom seven yet survive. Lydia is the wife of L. P. Hatler, of Havre, Montana. and has four children, Frank, Iva. Ernest and Oval; David J. Elsea, a graduate of the State Normal School at Kirksville, Missouri, became a singing evangelist and at Colchester, Illinois, was ordained a minister of the Christian church. He is now one of the able preachers of that denomination and has charge of the church in Creston, Iowa. He married Miss Ruby Jameson, of Abingdon, Illinois. Leona Florence is the wife of W. L. Holbrook, of Jetmore. Kansas. Thomas G. died at the age of two and a half years. Lucy Victoria is the wife of Dr. F. M. Henderson, of Stronghurst. Ilinois. Both are grad- uates of the American School of Oste- opathy at Kirksville, Missouri, and they have one child, Madge Elsea Henderson, ten years of age. Lena Catherine is the
wife of Dr. J. S. Barker, formerly of Memphis, Missouri. They, too, are graduates of the Osteopathic School at Kirksville and are now living in La Harpe. Illinois. Homer J. is the seventh in order of birth. Lottie G. is the wife of Dr. C. I. Stephenson, formerly of Lin- coln, Nebraska, and now located at Au- burn, Nebraska. They, too, are grad- uates of the Kirkville School of Oste- opathy. The have one child, Elsea Win- nebeth. In the family there is one min- ister of the gospel, three daughters, one son and three sons-in-law, who are prac- titioners of osteopathy. The mother of this family is still living, making her home among her children. She had two brothers, William and Silas Taylor, who were soldiers of the Civil war, enlisting in Missouri.
Dr. Elsea, of Carthage, was a student in the district schools of Randolph county, Missouri, and afterward was graduated from the high school of Kirksville, Mis- souri, having attended school there for five years. He later entered the State Normal at Kirksville, where his more specifically literary education was com- pleted. He was afterward in a mercantile school in Kirksville for six months, at the end of which time he entered the Amer- ican School of Osteopathy, at Kirksville, from which institution he was graduated on the 26th of June, 1902. He has since been located in Carthage He also has an office in Dallas City, Ilinois, where he spends each Monday and Friday. He has a large city and country practice and has been very successful, effecting many cures among his patrons. He is well qualified for the profession by reason of
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Ins thorough preparation and he is con- tinually promoting his efficiency through the knowledge which comes by experience.
Dr. Elsea was married October 2, 1904. to Miss Ava Murphy, who was born near AAbingdon, Illinois, and is a daughter of Ilenry and .Althea Murphy. Her father was a farmer and removed from Illinois to Nebraska, where he lived for two years. when he went to Kansas, where he died seventeen years ago. Following the father's death Mrs. Murphy and the chil- dren returned to Abingdon, Illinois, where she stiff makes her home. Mr. Murphy was a stalwart supporter of democratic principles and was a prominent member of the Christian church, serving as elder for many years, frequently preaching on Sundays, while through the week he fol- lowed farming. He served for a number of years as one of the trustees of Abing- don College, an institution conducted under the auspices of the Christian church. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, who are yet living, as follows : M. C., of AAbingdon, Ilinois: Adda, the wife of C. W. Robinson, of Abingdon : Clinnie, the wife of J. J. Armstrong, of Lincoln, Nebraska: I. E., living in Love- land, California : Meadie, with her mother in Abingdon : J. W., of Dallas City, Illi- nois ; O. H., with his mother in Abingdon.
Both Dr. and Mrs. Elsea are faithful members of the Christian church and take an active part in its work. He is a stanch prohibitionist, thus giving expression of his belief in temperance principles, which he labors to uphold in every possible way. He has his office at his residence at No. ILI Adams street. Though a young man he has been very successful. He is a
gentleman of fine personal appearance. reserved and dignified in numer, posses sing an enterprising spirit and laudable ambition. Both he and his wife and her mother are welcomed into the best social circles of the city and have gamed many friends during the period of their resi dence here.
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