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 42
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George M. Brant acquired his early education in the district schools and later pursued a course of study in an academy at Denmark, Iowa, and at Eureka ( Illi- nois) College, subsequent to which time he pursued a business course in Gem City Business College at Quincy, from which he was graduated December 15. 1892. He remained at home until he had reached the age of twenty-eight years. when he was married, July 3. 1896, Miss Elizabeth Marguerite Schell becoming his wife. She is a native of Montebello township, this county, and is a daughter of Peter .A. and Jennie ( Le Clere ) Schell. the former born in Germany, and the lat- ter in Montebello township. Her pater- nal grandparents were Frank and Mar-
guerite Schell, while the maternal grand- parents were Joseph and Elizabeth (An- slet ) Le Clere, both natives of France.
Following his marriage George M. Brant took up his abode on a farm be- longing to his father, and here remained until the latter's death, when the land was divided among his children, his son. George M., falling heir to a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, being the north- west quarter of section 35, Sonora town- ship. Here he has since continued to re- side, and has added many improvements to the place. When he first took possession of the farm there had been a little cottage erected thereon, but Mr. Brant has en- larged this. and has also put up a wind- mill, built corn cribs and other outbuild- ings, so that he now has a finely im- proved farm property. In addition to carrying on general agricultural pursuits he is also engaged in the raising of cat- tle. Percheron horses and Poland China hogs, and this branch of his business is proving very profitable.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brant has been born a daughter. Golda Mary, whose birth occurred November 13. 1898. Mr. Brant is independent in politics, voting for the men whom he thing's best quali- fied for office regardless of party ties and affiliation. He holds membership in the Christian church at Golden Point, and fraternally is connected with the Masonic order, holding membership with Black Hawk lodge. No. 238. at Hamilton. Having received a good business educa- tion in his youth, Mr. Brant is well quali- fied to carry on his private interests in a very successful manner. Although he came into possession of an excellent farm-
HANCOCK COUNTY. IL.LIVING
. ing property through inheritance, he has, through industry and well directed labor. so managed his affairs that he is non numbered among the well to-do and pros perous agricultorists of this section of the state, and both he and his wife enjoy the warm regard of a host of friends for they are well and favorably known throughout Hancock county, having here spent their entire lives.
BURNETT SCHAFER.
Burnett Schafer is the owner of a good farm property of one hundred and twenty acres in Appanoose township. It was in this township that he was born on the rtth day of January, 1862, his parents being Marcus and Martha ( Myers) Schafer, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany. The father was a son of Fabian Schafer, and the mother was a daughter of John Myers. In the year 1844 Marcus Schafer became a resident of Madison county, Illinois, and in St. Louis, Missouri, he wedded Miss Mar- tha Myers. He had come to America with friends about 1845 and met her in St. Louis. In 1849 they removed to Nan- voo, and for a time Mr. Schafer engaged in teaming, but as he had opportunity to purchase a farm, owing to his industry and economy in former years, he made in- vestment in forty acres of land on sec- tion 26. Appanoose township. He moved to this farm from Nauvoo, a dis tance of seven miles, a frame house
which he placed upon the Dirty a hane had thus beel af family he resolutely mecit I te o of clearing and cultivating in cle Le worked persistently and chute and prospered as the years sulf hy that in 1865 he was enabled to allage hundred and sixty acres of set 1 35 Appanouse township, to las lashings Som afterward, however, he sold eighty acres to his brother Vitus and liter Jie bought one hundred and sixty acres of section 31. Rock Creek township Hle was closely and actively associated with farming interests for many years, and in ISgo be removed to Nauva, where he died February 13. 1804. Subsequent to this time his property was sold and the proceeds divided among his children His wife passed away August 13. 1903 In their family were eleven children Cassie, who became the wife of Christian lotz, and died in Madison county, Illi nois, in 1884: Mary, the wife of John Weller. of Mercer county. California ; William, who is a traveling representa- tive for a New York house: Annie, the second wife of Christian Hotz, of south- ern Minnesota : Henry, who is living in Fillmore county, Nebraska; Burnett . Minnie, the wife of S. G. McBride. of Pontoosne township. this county . I'mmt. the wife of Philip Farren, of Henderson county, Illinois : Ferdinand, why die 1 af the age of eleven years: John, who was accidentally shot and killed in Vanis In 1892; and George, who died when & yev and a half old
At the usual age Burnett Scarlet In gan his education, attending first the de trict schools, and afterward Bailey's P'
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW"
ness College, at Keokuk, Iowa. He was a student there from the fall of 1876 un- til the spring of 1877, and again in the fall of 1880, being graduated March I. 188I. He was thus well qualified by school training for life's practical duties and the responsibilities of a business ca- reer. He made his home with his parents until twenty-five years of age, when, thinking that he might enjoy better busi- ness opportunities in the newer west, he went to Kansas in 1882 and secured a homestead claim in Grove county, where he remained for six months. He did not prove up the property, however, but re- turned to Hancock county. When only a half year had passed, however, he once more went to Grove county, Kansas, where he had some cattle. There he re- mained for three months, when he sold his cattle and once more came to Han- cock county, being employed on the home farm until the time of his marriage. Fol- lowing his marriage he rented the home place until 1900, when he bought one hundred and twenty acres of that farm and has since engaged in the tilling of the soil and in the raising of French Norman draft horses. Ile also has other fine grades of stock and is known as one of the leading stock breeders and dealers of this part of the state. In 1885 he and his father imported two stallions and a mare, since which time he has bred all of the stock raised upon his place. He now owns three stallions, a jackass, and one American coach horse and also has valualite French draft horses. He has gained more than local reputation as a breeder of fine stock, and this branch of his business is to him a profitable source of revenue.
On the 27th of December, 1887, Mr. Schafer was married to Miss Minnie Marsh, who was born in Appanoose township, November 20, 1869. a daugh- ter of James and Mildred (Lott) Marslı. the former a native of Clark county, Mis- souri, and the latter of Kentucky. They gave their daughter good educational privileges, and after attending the district schools she continued her education in Johnson's College, at Fort Madi- son, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Schafer
have been born six chil-
dren : Genevieve, born November 6, 1888: Isabell, September 6, 1890; Marie, August 4, 1892: Verona, February 20. 1898: Eulalia, July 4, 1902; and Loret- ta, November 20, 1905, who died August 20. 1906. The family are communicants of the Catholic church, at Nauvoo, and in his fraternal relations Mr. Schafer is a Modern Woodman, belonging to the camp at Powellton, of which he has been past counsel since 1903. He was pre- viously counsel for four years and is a worthy representative of that order. Prominent in the local ranks of the Dem- ocratic party, he has served as a member of the central committee, and in the spring of 1906 was elected on that ticket to the office of assessor.
WILLIAM S. BEARD.
William S. Beard, whose residence in Hancock county dates from 1876, at
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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
which time he located in Augusta, and who is now one of the extensive land- owners of Augusta township, where he makes his home in the village, was born in Vinton county, Ohio, September 17. 1854. His parents were A. L. and Emma ( Plenkharp) Beard. The maternal grandparents, as the name indicates, were of Swiss birth and ancestry, and having married in Switzerland, they aft- erward came to America, crossing the Atlantic in one of the old-time sailing vessels.
.A. L. Beard was born February 2. 1816. in Muskingum county. Ohio, and his wife's birth occurred in Hocking county. Ohio, November 8, 1822. She had eight brothers, all of whom were sol- (liers of the Civil war. Born and reared on a farm. A. L. Beard followed agri- cultural pursuits in his earlier life. but afterward became a manufacturer of pig iron in Ohio, owning and operating a smelting works in Hamden, that state. In 1870 he removed to Schuyler county. Illinois, where he was largely engaged in the live stock business. In 1880 he became a resident of Augusta, where he continued his operations as a live stock dealer. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and he has held various local offices of honor and trust. serving as supervisor of Schuyler coun- ty, and also in Augusta township. Ilis life has been characterized by unremitting industry and close application in his business affairs, and although he started out empty-handed-a poor boy, having been left fatherless at an early age he became one of the largest landowners of this part of the county and also ow ned
much land in the west. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Meth odist church and his hie record proved that prosperity and honesty might go hand in hand. Of the ten children born of this worthy couple only three are In ing: Margaret A .. the wife of Dr George Wiles, a resident of Schuyler county, Illinois: William S., of this re view: and Addie 1. Beard, also of An gusta. The father died August 25, 1891. and was buried in the Huntsville celle- tery, being laid by the side of his wife. who had passed away on the 14th of June, 1890. They were most worthy pen ple. esteemed and honored by all who knew them because of their many excel lent traits of character and their fidelity to their confessions as Christians. Mr Beard certainly deserved much credit for what he accomplished and his life was a living illustration of what ability, energy and force of character can accomplish. . \ community is ever enriched by such 'in example and while winning success he at the same time bore an honored name While prosperous, he was also generous. and his wife possessed many good trant- of heart and mind that made her beloved by all.
William S. Beard, whose name intro duces this review, supplemented his cathy education, acquired in the school of Hamden. Ohio, by study in the public Schools of Augusta. Minor, and he 10 mained with his father unul he attamel his majority. He took up his de de flere in 1870 and became proprieter of & gel eral store. continuing active In med dising until 1886 The Song vel he was married and at sure hege irm
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BIOGRAPHICAL RETIEII'
ing and stock-raising in Augusta town- ship, locating on land which he inher- ited and to which he added by purchase. He has been more than ordinarily success- ful in his farming and stock-raising op- erations and is now one of the largest landowners of the county. At one time his possessions aggregated eight hundred and fourteen acres and he still owns seven hundred and twenty-four acres, all of which is well improved and under cul- tivation. He resided upon his farm until 1895, when he again took up his abode in Augusta, but he still operates his land, employing help by the month, and is therefore one of the most prominent rep- resentatives of agricultural interests in Hancock county.
In May, 1887, was celebrated the mar- riage of Mr. Beard and Miss Cornelia C. Nicholson, of Plymouth, Illinois, who was born in Essex county, New York, October 9, 1855, a daughter of Homer and Mary A. (Parkell) Nicholson. Her parents were both natives of New York. where Mr. Nicholson engaged in farming until his removal to this county about 1857 or 1858. He settled in Hancock township upon a farm and devoted liis remaining days to its improvement, never seeking or desiring office, although he gave a stalwart support to the principles of the Republican party. His wife held membership in the Presbyterian church and he contributed to its support. living a life in which he recognized small ob- ligations and upheld high principles. His death occurred February 9. 1892, while his wife passed away October 20. 1880. and they were laid to rest in Plymouth cemetery. They had two daughters. the
sister of Mrs. Beard being Mary A. Nich- olson, who became the wife of Oscar Pad- dock, and lived in Racine, Wisconsin, un- til her death on the 7th of October, 1905. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beard has been born a son, Fred W., who was born in Au- gusta township, December 6, 1889, and will complete the course of the high school in Augusta with the class of 1907; after which it is intended that he shall enjoy the benefit of a college education. He is a member of the Augusta band. belongs to the Presbyterian church and is a son of whom the parents have every reason to be proud. Both Mr. and Mrs. Beard are devoted members of the Pres- byterian church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part, con- tributing generously to its support. Mr. Beard is serving as a chairman on the building committee, which now has in charge the erection of a new house of worship: His political allegiance is given to the Republican party but he has never taken a very active part in its work. At the death of his parents he purchased their old home on Center street and the family are now pleasantly located in a good mod- ern brick residence there. Mr. Beard is one in whom nature and culture have vied in making an interesting, entertaining gentleman. A man of large physique, he is warm-hearted, kindly in purpose and charitable in his opinions. He is also correct in his judgment and he believes in enjoying life to the full-such enjoy- ment as worked for the development of character. He is fond of music and pos- sesses a good voice. so that he is always a valued addition to musical gatherings. Both he and his wife are very widely
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HANCOCK COUNTY. ILLINOIS.
known in this county and their friends are legion. His example is worthy of em- ulation in many respects and like his fa- ther his record proves that success and an honored name may be won simultan- eously.
FRED M. WALTON.
Fred M. Walton, a farmer of Har mony township, was born in St. Mary's township, this county, July 20, 1860. the family having been established in this part of the state during the pioneer epoch in its history. His great-grandpar- ents. William and Barbara Walton, were of Welsh and German descent respect- ively and became early residents of Ken- tucky, where their son. Frederick MI. Walton, was born January o. 1809. He married Emily Rice, also a native of Ma- son county. Kentucky, and in 1835 he came to Hancock county, Illinois, settling on section 3. Augusta township, where for many years he made his home, his leath there occurring April 9. 1880. He secured large property interests, owning at one time over one thousand acres of land. In his younger days he was very active in public life and wielded a wide influence, filling many positions of pub- lic honor and trust in most creditable manner.
William C. Walton, father of Fred M. Walton, was born on section 27. . Au- gusta township. Hancock county. Au- gust 15. 1844. and was married on the 14th of February, 1867, to Miss Mary
Clark, also a native of this county al daughter of Andrew Jackson od Balene M. (McCoy) Clark, the former a falar of Kentucky and the latter of Ireland Mr. and Mrs. William C. Walton became the parents of two sons and two daug! ters, of whom Fred is the eldest, the eth ers being: Anna, a resident of Qumes. Illinois: Ettie, the wife of Frank John som, of Camp Point, Illinois; and Roy C., who with his sister Anna lives in Quincy.
In the Liberty district school Fred M. Walton acquired the education which prepared him for life's practical duties and through the assistance which he ren dered his father in the days of his boy- hood and youth he became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He made his home with his parents until his mar- riage, which was celebrated September 14. 1802. the lady of his choice being Miss Eva Keyser, who was born in Car thage township June 8. 1872, and, after obtaining her preliminary education in the district school attended Kaboka ( Mis souri) College. She is a daughter of John 11. and Eliza ( Tohman ) Keyser, the former a native of Page county. Virginia. and a son of Alexander and Nancy ( Koontz) Keyser, of the Old Dominion. while the mother was born near Dayt n. Montgomery county, Ohio, a daughter of Osee and Elizabeth ( Loman) Tolman, ni Ohio. John Keyser, leaving his native state, removed to Mcdonough counts. Illinois, settling in Hive township, where he was married and made his home m til 1862. when he sold his property then and removed to Carthage township. Hall
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIENT'
cock county. He died in December, 1894, and his widow now resides in Kansas City, Missouri.
After his marriage Mr. Walton took up his abode on a farm belonging to his father about a half mile from the home place, where he lived until 1904, when lie came into possession of ninety acres of the old homestead. His father improved this place, comprising two hundred acres, to which he added one hundred and sixty acres adjoining on the east. Fred Wal- ton has ten acres of timber land. while the remainder of his farm is devoted to the cultivation of his crops or is used for pasture for his stock. He raises horses, cattle and hogs, and keeps good grades upon his place.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Walton has been graced with a little daughter, Alma. born February 7, 1896. They are well known socially and have a host of warm friends. Fraternally Mr. Walton is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen of America, also the Odd Fellows, while his political allegiance is given the Repub- lican party.
JAMES P. YEAGER.
James P. Yeager, owning and operat- ing an extensive farm comprising five hundred and forty acres, situated in Foun- tain Green township, was born on the place which is yet. his home, his natal day being August 1. 1845. Ilis paternal grandfather bore the name of Nicholas Yeager, and was born in Virginia, while
his parents, James and Nancy ( Hayden) Yeager, were natives of Washington county, Kentucky, where they were married, the father there engaging in farming pursuits until 1835, when he made his way by steamer up the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Keokuk, Iowa, from which city he traveled overland to Fountain Green township, Hancock coun- ty, and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, for which he paid the usual government price of one dollar and a quarter per acre. This tract was situ- ated on section S, and was all covered with timber when it came into his posses- sion. He at once began the arduous task of clearing and developing the land. plow- ing his fields and planting his crops, and in due course of time gathered abundant harvests. He also erected a log house, in which the family took up their abode. and in which they lived for many years, enduring all the hardships and privations of life on the frontier. The red men were still to be found here, while the Mormons were the principal white people who had located here. There were also many kinds of wild beasts roaming through the for- ests and over the prairies and wild game was to be had in abundance, so that the settlers could indulge in their love of the sport of hunting, and supply the family board with meats. Mr. Yeager possessed a determined and resolute spirit and al- lowed no obstacle to deter him in the ac- quirement of a competence, and thus year by year he carried on the work of the fields and from time to time added to his possessions as his financial resources per- mitted. After a few years he added an- other traet of one hundred and sixty acres
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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
situated on section 17. which, with the assistance of his sons, he cleared and de- veloped, making it a finely improved property. Thus through many years the family bore the hardships and inconve- niences of pioneer life, the nearest mills being located at Quincy and Nauvoo. where they had to go to secure bread- stuff. The father continued his residence here until his death, which occurred in October. 1880. when he had reached the age of seventy-two years. After his death the widow resided for a time on the home farm and then lived for ten years with her son. James P .. but now makes her home with her son William, at Bur- lington, Iowa. She has now reached the extreme old age of ninety-one years, her birth having occurred in 1815. but she is still a hale and hearty old lady, possessing her physical powers and mental faculties to a remarkable degree.
James P. Yeager pursued his educa tion in district school No. 93. near his father's home: and is the eighth in order of birth in a family of eight sons and six daughters, of whom ten still survive. He remained under the parental roof until his father's death, when he took possession of the homestead property and his mother lived with him for the succeeding ten years. Later he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the home farm. com- ing into possession of all except twenty- three acres, which are owned by his brother William. He here continues the work of development and improvement which was carried on for many years by his father, and on the place is a com- modions frame residence, which was erected by his father in 1855. to replace
the log house which was built upon the establishment of the family home here Mr. Yeager has laid about eight hundred rods of tiling, so that the fields are ve drained, and he has built barns and sheds for the shelter of grain and stock and this has a finely improved tract of land
Choosing as a companion and helpmate for life's journey. Mr. Yeager welded Miss Alice F. Daily, a native of Fulton county, this state, Who was born Septem- ber 20. 1860, a daughter of Patrick and Margaret ( Henry ) Daily, natives "i Ireland, whom he wedded on the with of Jannary, 1886. The children born of this marriage are: Marie, born August 6. 1892: Earl. born March 15, 1894: Carl. born April 14. 1805: Roy, January 30. 1904: and Joseph Merlin, who was born February 8, 1906.
Mr. Yeager's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give hearty support to the Democratic party, while in religious faith he is a Catholic. He has ever been reliable and straightforward in his relations with his fellowmen and thereby has won the high regard of all with whom he has come in contact. Having spent his entire life in this county, covering a period of more than six decades, he is widely known and is today classed among the well-to-do and influential factors of this section of the state.
CHARLES A. DOWNING
Charles A Downing. until recenthe- tively connected with agricultural interests
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEIV
Whitford. of Adams county: Cora, at home; and Warren W. R., who is living
and now living in Bowen. is a represen- tative of a prominent family of Adams county. He was born in Adams county. . upon the old homestead in Adams county. Illinois, in 1861, and is a son of R. H. Charles A. Downing began his educa- tion in the district schools near his father's home and pursued his studies there until twenty-one years of age. When twenty- five years of age he was married to Miss Fannie C. Whitford, who was born in Adams county. 1865, a daughter of Henry S. and Myra (Clark) Whitford, the former a native of Rhode Island and the latter of New York. Mr. Whitford was a tailor by trade and on removing to the west settled upon a farm in Adams county, Illinois. He eventually became quite wealthy through the careful conduct of his business affairs, his enterprise and un- remitting diligence. He was married three times and by his first wife, who bore the maiden name of James, had one child, Mary C., living in Philadelphia. Pennsyl- vania. His second wife was Mary Down- ing, an aunt of our subject, and they be- came the parents of nine children, of whom four are now living: James, a resident of Missouri; Lydia, the wife of Abner Peden, of Missouri; E. C .; and John, also of that state. Following the death of his second wife Mr. Whitford wedded Miss Myra Clark, and they had five children. namely: Henry R., who is living in Adams county ; Alice, the wife of J. S. Wallace, of Wichita, Kansas: Dora A., wife of W. G. Stafler, of Adams county : Fannie G .. now Mrs. Downing : and D. W., who is living in Adams county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Whitford have passed away. and Rebecca (Bennett) Downing. The family is noted for longevity, as the grandfather and grandmother of our sub- ject reached a very advanced age and they had several children that lived to be over ninety years of age. The father was born in Indiana in 1827, while the mother's birth occurred in Indiana in 1832. R. H. Downing was a farmer by occu- pation and was only ten years of age when he became a resident of Illinois, his remaining days being spent in Adams county. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party. he being elected to the legislature on the republican ticket. He had a brother who was elected on the democratic ticket to the Illinois legislature. In public affairs R. H. Downing was very prominent and influ- ential and he was also successful in his business life. He won a place of promi- nence in the community where he resided and was esteemed and honored by all who knew him. His death occurred in 1897 and he is still survived by his wife. who is living in Golden. this state. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and lived upright, consistent lives. In their family were eleven children. of whom nine are yet living : John R .. and W. O., residents of York county, Ne- braska: Nannie E., the wife of 1 .. ... Smith, of Adams county, Illinois : Charles A., of this review: Mary E., wife of . 1. O. Wallace, of Adams county, Ilinois : Florence, who is living with her aged and For a year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Downing lived in Adams invalid mother : Laura, the wife of D. W.
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