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 33

Author:
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Hobart Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 806

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 33

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ILINCOOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

tivation. He built a small house con- of the he traveled twintig e talk taining three rooms, and he also erected board Stables and other outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. Here he carried on agricultural pursuits and as the years passed by he prospered in his undertakings, so that he was later en- abled to make further purchase of land. adding sixty acres which adjoined his original purchase, so that he now has one hundred and forty acres in all. In 1870. he built a kitchen to his house, and in 1886 remodeled and added to his dwell- ing, so that it now contains eight rooms. In 1872 he built a horse and hay barn. and he also has ample cattle sheds, corn cribs and other outbuildings found upon a model farm of the present age. In ad- dition to his farming interests he former- ly engaged extensively in the raising of horses, cattle and hogs. shipping about two carloads of cattle annually. Ile. however, abandoned this branch of his business in 1895. and since that time has left the more arduous tasks to others and at the present time merely gives supervi- sion to his business interests. In the winter of 1859-60, in company with two comrades, he started with ox teams for Pike's Peak, where he prospected for two months and took up a mining claim, which he later traded for a cow. He then journeyed on to New Mexico, where he disposed of the cow for thirty-five dol- lars, which was considered a good price. He then sold his oxen and bought ponies and started toward home, stopping in Kansas City, where he disposed of his ponies and took passage on a steamer for New Orleans. He then spent two winters on a steamboat. In the summer

sas and southern Inany arel then turned to New Oren. Where it [ some time, subsequent to winen tone lo. went to St. Louis, being m tt the time of the inaugurationas President Lincoln.

On the 30th of March, 1805, VIT Jackson was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Hammond, who was born in Staffordshire, England, m 1810, and when two years of age was brought by her parents to Hancock county. where the father bought three hundred acres of land, situated in Pontooste township. where they both passed away. the former on the 26th of December. 1885, while his wife survived for only four days. passing away on the 30th of the same month, and they were buried in the same grave. In their family were ten chil- dren : William, who was killed by light- ning ; Thomas, who was drowned in the Mississippi river: John, a resident of Monterey county, California; Isaac, of Butler county. Kansas: Mary A. now Mrs. Jackson; James, of Lancaster county, Nebraska: Hannah, the wife of John Cosgrove, of Appanouse township: Fannie, who died in infancy : Sarah, the wife of J. J. Worley, of Valisca. low: and Martha, the widow of Thous Stretch, of Appanouse township.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have been born the following named: Mary Ellen born August 20. 1800, martier Cir A. Thompson, of Butter county. Am Arthur M. born Jamary 22 165, 00 in Appanouse township Jean & toni leaving a widow, who is hier malich I was Miss Anme Brah Gid sto oor

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makes her home in Nauvoo. James T .. born November 2. 1871. is employed in a lumber office in Kansas City, Missouri. Ada, born August 18, 1873, is the wife of L. R. Traverse, and makes her home in Oquawka, Illinois. Laura, born June 5. 1875, is at home.

Mr. Jackson gives his political support to the Democratic party, and has taken a very active and helpful interest in the local ranks of his party, being called to fill a number of offices of public trust. He was town clerk for several years. served as supervisor for one year, as col- lector three years and as township treas- urer for twenty years, and in all of these offices he discharged his duties with sat- isfaction to the public and with credit to himself. In his religious faith he is a Presbyterian, and since 1875 has served as elder of the church.

He is a public-spirited man who gives his aid and co-operation to every move- ment which tends for the advancement of his community. He has led a very busy life, and, having come to Hancock county when much of the land was still unimproved and uncultivated, he made purchase of a tract which he improved until it is today one of the fine farming. properties of Appanoose township.

GEORGE FRAZER.

George Frazer. filling the office of su- pervisor in Walker township, where he carries on general agricultural pursuits,

is a son of Lafayette and Caroline Frazer. who are mentioned elsewhere in this vol- ume, in connection with the sketch of J. I. Frazer. He whose name introduces this record was born in Adams county. Illinois, in 1850. and following the re- moval of the family to Hancock county he pursued his education in the district schools of Walker township. He re- mained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage, which was cele- brated February 26, 1873, when he was twenty-two years of age, the lady of his choice being Miss Rebecca Shipe. who was born in Rocky Run township in 1854. a daughter of William and Mary (Shipe) Shipe, who were farming people and came to Hancock county in the early '50s. their home being in Rocky Run township. In the Shipe family are four daughters: Rebecca, now Mrs. Frazer : Emma. the wife of William Sauble, of Adams county: Gertrude, at home: and Catherine E., the wife of Harry Frazer. of Quincy. Illinois.

At the time of his marriage Mr. Fra- zer's father gave him two hundred and twenty acres of good land. situated on section 19, Walker township. and he has made splendid improvements upon the place. erecting an elegant residence in 1876 and building a commodious and substantial barn in 1880. This structure is forty by sixty feet and other buildings are in keeping with it, ample shelter being thus afforded to grain and stock. Mr. Frazer has engaged in the raising of stock quite extensively and at the same time has tilled his fields so that they have brought forth rich harvests. He has also added to his landed possessions as the years

THE'SW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

Catorulesfi Chofield.

have passed by and his labors have in lows and has her to ter ot he creased his financial resources. He now has two hundred and sixty acres in the home place, one hundred and twelve acres elsewhere in Walker township a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in the same township where his daughter resides, one hundred acres in Rocky Run township and ninety acres in Adams county. Illi- nois. His holdings are therefore exten- sive and indicate a life of thrift and en- terprise, of good business ability and keen foresight.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Frazer has been blessed with six children, all born in Walker township: Mary C., who died at the age of sixteen months ; James I .. , who is a graduate of the Gem City Business College at Quincy and assists in the operation of the home farm: Edith. the wife of William Schildman, who re- sides upon her father's farm in Walker township, and by whom she has had one daughter: Elberta May: Lafayette, who is living on one of his father's farms in Walker township, and who married Ina Tripp, by whom he has two children : Marvin, who at the age of twenty-two years is at home; Elberta G. also at home. Marvin and Elberta are attending the Gem City Business College at Quincy.

Mr. Frazer is a stalwart democrat in his political views and is now serving as supervisor of this township for the fourth or fifth term-a fact which is indicative of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen and his promptness and fidelity in the discharge of his duties. Ile has also served as school director and as treasurer of the school board. Frater nally he is connected with the Old Fiel

lodge. Both he and las site ute me bes of the Methodist church. continuing generously to its support and ate atady interested in its work. Wherever k they are held in high esteem and are le - ognized as leading people of the commit nity. Both are representatives of se known and honored families of county and they have reared a family ml when they have every reason to be proud. They are now comfortably situated in life, and with the exception of the fan received from his father Mr. Frazer has acquired all that he possesses. He now has a most attractive home, supplied wul all the comforts which go to make hie worth living and both he and his wife gladly extend the hospitality of their home to their many friends. In disposi tion he is kindly and charitable and in all life's relations he has been straightfor ward and honorable. He has ever been a great reader and deep thinker and is recognized as a man of sound judgment whose opinion is often sought by friends and neighbors in matters of individual or public interest.

JUDGE CHARLES J SCOFIELD

Judge Charles J. Scofield, of Cirtfuge. whose ability as lawyer, jurist. order ml author has made him wiley known be yond the borders of his 1.tve 00not and state and whose hie has been me for- nal usefulness and activity now self for

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the benefit of his individual interests but for the benefit of his fellowmen as well, was born in the city which is yet his home, on Christmas day of 1853, his par- ents being Charles R. and Elizabeth (Crawford) Scofield. The family is of English lineage and was established in Stamford, Connecticut, between the years of 1635 and 1640. His father was born at Dewittville, Chautauqua county, New York. in 1821, and spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the place of his na- tivity, coming when a young man to Han- cock county, Illinois, where, in 1851. he joined his brother. Bryant T. Scofield, who was one of the prominent early at- torneys of Carthage. He read law with his brother and afterward entered into partnership with him. On the dissolution of this business connection Charles R. Scofield formed a partnership with David Mack under the style of Mack & Scofield and this became one of the strongest and most prominent law firms in the county, the connection being maintained until the death of Mr. Scofield in January. 1857. In February, 1853. he was married to Miss Elizabeth Crawford, a native of Crab Orchard, Kentucky, and a daughter of Harrison Crawford, who was one of the early residents of the county and who at the time of Mr. Scofield's death was engaged in agricultural pursuits near Carthage. Mrs. Scofield had two sons. Charles J. and Timothy J., and with them she returned to her father's home about a mile from the city. Subsequently they again took up their abode in Carthage. where her death occurred on the 27th of May, 1877. She was a member of the Christian church and she devoted her life

untiringly to the welfare of her sons, the younger of whom, Timothy J. Scofield, is now at the head of the trial department of the Union Traction Company, of Chi- cago, and was formerly assistant attorney general under General Moloney.

The elder son, Charles J. Scofield, was a student in the public schools of Car- thage until 1868, when he matriculated in the Christian University at Canton, Mis- souri, from which institution he was graduated in the class of 1871 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. For three years thereafter he was a teacher in the high school of his native city and during that period devoted his leisure hours out- side of the schoolroom to the study of law under the direction of his uncle, Bryant T. Scofield, and William C. Hooker and George Edmunds, who occupied the same offices. On examination he was admitted to the bar in June. 1875. and in the fol- lowing October was appointed master in chancery of the circuit court of Hancock county, which position he filled continu- ously until going upon the bench. In the meantime he also entered upon the active practice of law, which he continued alone for four years, occupying offices, however. . with William E. Mason, a prominent at- torney. His success came soon because his equipment was unusually good. His native and acquired abilities were soon manifest in the able manner in which he handled important litigation. His mind is analytical, logical and deductive and moreover he is a worker, recognizing that close application and unfaltering indus- try are concomitants for success at the bar as truly as in the fields of manual labor. In February, 1870. he formed a partner-

HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

ship with Heury W. Draper, one of the of the appellate court most prominent lawyers of Carthage and an able politician. Under the firm style of Draper & Scofield they practiced imtil the death of the senior member. July 8. 188t, when his brother, Timothy J .. hay- ing been admitted to the bar, Judge Sco- field formed a partnership with him un- der the firm of Scofield & Scofield. In the fall of 1884 A. W. O'llara was ad- mitted to the firm as Scofield. O'llara & Scofield. which relation was continued until June, 1885. when Charles J. Sco- field was elected one of the three judges of what was then the sixth judicial circuit of Illinois, comprising the seven coun- ties of Hancock, Adams, Pike, McDon- ough. Fulton. Schuyler and Brown. On the expiration of his six years term he was re-elected and sat upon the bench for twelve consecutive years. He was nomi- nated for a third term in 1897 but in the meantime the legislature had changed the boundaries of the district whereby Han- cock was assigned to a district so strongly republican that there was no hope of election for a supporter of democracy and Judge Scofield, who has always been a stanch democrat. therefore declined to be- come a candidate. In 1893 he was ap- printed by the supreme court of the state one of the judges of the appellate court for the fourth district and sat upon that bench for four years, or until the expira- tion of his second term as circuit judge. His legal learning. his analytical mind. the readiness with which he grasps the points in an argument, all combine to make him one of the capable jurists of the state and the public and the profession acknowledge him the peer of any member

from the bench Judge Sofed Las et gaged in practice in Carthage. if valor points in the state and in other state well. His practice has been of & mis important character, calling him into li- diana, lowa, Missouri, to Chicago .] other cities. Various offers have been made to him in the line of his profession in Chicago, but he has preferred to mam- tain his residence at his old home in Car thage and from this point goes forth to perform his professional service, being recognized as one of the strong and able members of the Illinois bar.

Judge Scofield was married Septem- ber 12. 1876, to Miss Rose Spiller, the adopted daughter of Dr. Adam Spiller. of this city, and a graduate of Carthage College. Their home is situated on the same lots where his parents began their domestic life and its hospitality is well known to the citizens of Carthage They are members of the Christian church in the work of which they have taken at most active and helpful part. In addition to hi- law practice Judge Scofield has acted as a minister of the Christian church ft many years, and although accepting no regular pastorate has filled many pulpits and is regarded as one of the strong rep Presentatives of the Christian millet's He holds the degree of 1.1. 1 Gen Time reka College, one of the scheme & tell ed under the auspices of los dere tion. He belongs to the kingin- Pythias, to the Independent One or two Fellows and other fraterni o gone too and gives mider & chemins y alo

principles He he

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local fame as a writer and has published two volumes. "A Subtle Adversary," a leading temperance work, and "Altar Stairs," a work bearing on the questions of Christian faith, both of which have had good sales. His ability as an orator has caused his services to be much in de- mand for public addresses and for the de- livery of addresses before various con- ventions in Boston, Chicago, Denver and elsewhere. He is a fluent, earnest and forcible speaker, and while he employs the adornment of rhetoric with good ef- fect, they are but the avenue of expression for facts which he deems of vital interest to the race at large or to the body which he is addressing. He has frequently been chosen as a delegate to the church federations. In an analyzation of his character it will be seen that he has brought all of his native talent, acquired ability and energies to bear upon the one purpose of the fulfilling of his duty to his fellowmen and to his country. With a keen sense of individual responsibility. believing that man is his brother's keeper. he has labored to uphold the political and legal status and to promote intellectual and moral advancement, his work being directed not only by a sense of duty but the higher motive of principle.

JAMES L. BRADFIELD.

James L. Bradfield, a retired farmer and large landowner, making his home in La Harpe, was born in Coshocton

county, Ohio, June 29, 1854. His pater- nal grandfather, James Bradfield, was a resident of Virginia and married a Miss Nichols. Their son, James N. Bradfield, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, and having arrived at years of maturity was married in Ohio, April 12, 1853. to Miss Ada Wolfe, who was born in Co- shocton county, Ohio, and was a daugh- ter of James and Sarah ( Meredith) Wolfe, natives of the Buckeye state. After their marriage James N. Bradfield followed farming in Ohio for a year and in the fall of 1854 removed to Muscatine, Iowa. In Hardin county, that state, he purchased a farm whereon he resided un- til the fall of 1870, when he sold that property and came to Hancock county, Illinois. Here he invested in a tract of land in Durham township, whereon he resided for about twenty-one years, when in 1891 he sold out and went to Ne- braska, making his home in the latter state until 1899. In that year he made a visit to the old home place in Durham township and died there on the 4th of De- cember of that year. He had for a num- ber of years survived his wife, who passed away June 25. 1886. In their family were four children : James L., of this review; William F., of La Harpe : Henry S., of this county ; and Laura M., the wife of Clark H. Rice, of Hancock county.

James L. Bradfield spent his boyhood days on the home farm under the parental roof and at the age of seventeen years be- gan farming on his own account upon rented land, which he operated for four years. On the expiration of that period he established a general store at Disco.

HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

where he also engaged in the grain and stock business in partnership with his fa- ther. After a year he sold out and through the succeeding three years op- erated rented farms. Hle next bought eighty acres of improved land in Durham township, whereon he resided for six years and at the end of that period in- vested in one hundred and fifty-six acres in La Harpe township. Taking up his abode thereon he made the place his home until March, 1905, when he removed to La Harpe, building a fine residence, con- taining ten rooms, besides balls and clos- ets. It is heated with furnace, supplied with bath and all modern improvements and is one of the fine modern residences in the city. In addition to this property Mr. Bradfield has extensive landed in- terests and is now the owner of four hun- dred acres of valuable land in Durham and La Harpe townships. He also owns an interest with others in a half section of coal land in Colorado and has seven hun- dred acres of unimproved land in north- western Nebraska. He likewise owns stock in the Waldorf Metal Mining Com- pany, of Colorado, is a director in the La Harpe State Bank, of which he was one of the organizers, and is a stockholder of the Coulson, Brundage Hardware Com- pany, of which he is vice president and a director. His business investments are now extensive and return to him a splen- did income, so that he can well enjoy a retired life, his property returning him sufficient capital to bring him all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

On the 15th of February. 1872, Mr. Bradfield was married to Ellen Retzer,

who was born & Dut gmx

K daughter of Daniel and Howalt Ml - ris) Ketzer, natives of Lenger ml fireen counties, T'enavana, expedite ly. The mother cante with ler piens to this county in 1813. while the tale arrived in 1851, so that they were siamo connected with the county fren posted times. Uinto Mr. and Mrs. Bradtied were born four children: Istel. K. born December 31. 1872, 15 the wife of Wesley Davis, who reside upon the first farm which Mr. Bradfield purchased i the country. James Harvey, born De cember 17. 0875. is a practicing physi cian of Sheridan, Wyoming : Leshe S. born August 30, 1800, is living in Pueblo, Colorado, Mary E., born September 22. 1883, is the wife of Clair J. Thomas, w/m resides upon one of her father's farms m La Harpe township.

Mr. Bradfield is a member of the Meth odist Protestant church and his political allegiance is given to the Republic party. He has served for three vers is commissioner of highways of 1. Harpe township, also as school director and is tice of the peace of La Harpe twisp. being elected to the last named posit o in the spring of 1905. Ilis iteres; 91 community affairs is that of a publié spa ited citizen whose labors are actuated In an earnest desire to benefit the Limity and promote the weline of t will county. In an active hie he has dispone excellent ability and keer d'aimer making judicious investments l gan ing gratifying success He Sat came for himself an ensible cpmto 2 careful man of his -

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ings is known for his prompt and honor- able methods, which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellowmen.

ADAM KROPP.

When a man passes on the highway of life others who perhaps started out ahead of him surrounded by more advantageous circumstances, it is always interest- ing to examine into his career and note the causes of his advancement and suc- cess. Mr. Kropp is one whose life rec- ord has been characterized by many good business traits that have resulted in his winning a place among the substantial residents of Hancock county, where he now owns valuable farming property, situated in Walker township. He was born in Germany in 1831. a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Garman) Kropp. who were likewise natives of that country, in which they spent tives of that county, in which they spent their entire lives. Of their family of nine children Adam Kropp is the only one now living. The days of his boyhood and youth were passed in his native country and when twenty-two years of age he came to America, the voyage consuming twenty-eight days. \ colony of three hundred people made the trip at the same time. Locating in Pennsylvania. Mr. Kropp remained for two years, after which he removed to Missouri and then came to Hancock county, Ilinois, where be worked as a farm hand by the month.

In 1862 Mr. Kropp was married to Mrs. Annie Catherine Staff (nee Cress), who was born in Germany, November 16, 1835. Her parents coming to America, settled on a farm in Hancock county, but both are now deceased. Their family numbered six children, of whom four are now living: John, a resident farmer of Walker township; Mrs. Kropp, deceased ; Elizabeth, the wife of Lewis Keiner, of Walker township : and another John, who died in Nebraska: Catherine, the wife of Leonard Egley, living in Warsaw, Illinois : and Caroline, the wife of Fred Beeler, of Walker township. Mrs. Kropp's first husband was Nicholas Cress, a native of Germany, who died in Warsaw, Illinois. in the latter part of the '50s. There were three children by that marriage, of whom one is now living, Caroline, the wife of Lewis Brackensick, who lives in Adams county. Illinois, and has four children, Annie, Lewis, Irma and Albert, who are with their parents on a farm. Mrs. Kropp had two brothers, both named John, who were soldiers in the Civil war and served until its close. One of them was called big John and the other little John.

After his marriage Mr. Kropp pur- chased ninety-five acres of good land on section 29. Walker township, and the young couple began their domestic life in a log cabin there. Ile afterward re- placed the primitive home by a frame residence, which later was destroyed by fire, and he then built his present dwell- ing. In addition to his farm he likewise owns twenty-seven town lots in Tioga. Hle carried on general farming and stock- raising and his business was carefully

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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

conducted, being therefore a source of a self made man He reng gratifying income. He was drafted for that in America labor is king and c pe his allegiance to that sovereign ing persistently year after year he mos steadily advanced toward the goal of prosperity and is now accounted one . i the substantial residents of Walker township. service in the Civil war but hired a sub stitute and remained at home, concentrat- ing his energies upon his business inter- ests. He came to America on borrowed money and while in Pennsylvania. as the result of industry and frugality, paid off the debt. He has since been a hard work- ing man and his earnest toil and perse- verance, together with the assistance of his estimable wife, brought him a goodly competence and he is now comfortably JAMES W. BOLINGER situated. His land is rented and he prac- tically lives retired from active business. enjoying a well merited rest.

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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 33

Author: Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Hobart Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 806

Author:
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Hobart Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 806