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 44
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JOHN WILKENS.
John Wilkens, deceased, devoting his life to farming. manifested in his busi- ness and social relations such sterling qualities as commended him to the friend- ship and regard of those who knew him. He was born in Hanover, Germany, in September, 1828, and acquired his educa- tion in the common schools of that coun- try. His mother died in Germany when the son was but a little lad, and the father. William Wilkens, in 1840, accompanied by his son John and two daughters crossed the Atlantic and made his way to Nauvoo, Illinois, where he established his home and spent his remaining days. passing away there about 1896. He was married a second time and had two sons and two daughters by that marriage. namely: Charles, living in Sonora town- ship: Gabriel, of Kansas: Mrs. Mary
Childers, of Nauvoo, and Mr. Mand Sugars, of Appanouse township
John Wilkens was a Bottle . seal eighteen years when he accompanied has father on the cimgration to the net dans and with him he resided in Appare c township until he attained the age il thirty years, when he secured employee 1 at farm labor in the neighborhood He was thus engaged up to the time of the marriage, which was celebrated in Feb ruary, 1863, Miss Cynthia Romance be- coming his wife. She was born in Ger many, June 21. 1841. a daughter of Anthony and Catherine ( Wolf) Konance. who in 1847, having emigrated to the new world. established their home in Clinton county, ludiana, where the father followed farming for seven years. In 1854 he removed to Wapello, lowa, where he purchased one hundred and thirty acres of farm land. making his home thereon through the succeeding deaarde Ile then sold his property there and came to Nauvoo, purchasing a residence in the town. llis wife died in Nauvoo about 18-0, and he afterward went to live with a daughter in Ottumwa, where he do in 1800.
After his marriage Mr. Wilkens bought seventy two acres of land and later added a tract of seventeen and a half deres to his farm. His entire hie was given to general agricultural pursuits and he cl tinned the work of tilling the sol caring for his crops until his hig's fab . were ended in death on the 6th of M.t. IS01. He was always straightium .. in his business relations and the angle reliable in all his trade transatel. that he enjoyed the full confort
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good will of those with whom he was wagon) Gross, while the maternal grand- associated.
U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Wilkens were born six children: Mary, now the wife of John Bruegger, a resident of Nauvoo: Frank, of Sonora; Annie, the wife of John Nickowash, of Minnesota : Agnes, the wife of Victor Banarx. of Rock Creek township; and Joseph and Edward, both of whom are at home, and carry on the work of the farm. Mr. Wilkens was a communicant of the Catholic church, and was a democrat in his political belief and adherence. He lived continuously in this county from the age of eighteen years and witnessed the greater part of its growth and progress for it was still a frontier region when the family came and he lived to see it converted into one of the rich agricultural districts of this great state. He made a creditable record as a busi- ness man, as a citizen and as a friend, and thus his death was the occasion of wide- spread regret to many who knew him as well as to his immediate family.
JACOB MICHAEL GROSS.
Jacob Michael Gross, who is engaged in the raising of grapes and the manu- facture of wine at Nauvoo, is a business man of enterprise whose intense and well directed activity has led to a gratifying measure of success. He was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, January 12, 1863. and is a son of John and Catherina ( Hauptman ) Gross, who were natives of Alsace. France. The paternal grandpar- ent- were George and Barbara ( See-
parents were John and Marie (Lamb) Hauptman, and the former was a son of Michael Hauptman. George Gross owned a large farm and also conducted a tavern. while John Hauptman had extensive agri- cultural interests.
John Gross was the youngest in a fam- ily of three daughters and two sons. Hay- ing arived at years of maturity, he wedded Catherina Hauptman, who was born November 3, 1823, in Melscheim. Alsace, France, while his birth occurred on the 24th of December, 1820. Fol- lowing their marriage they remained resi- dents of their native country until Jan- uary. 1855. and Mr. Gross there con- ducted a tavern and also followed the cooper's trade. Making arrangements to come to America, they sailed for New York in 1855, and after reaching the eastern metropolis made their way to Buffalo and proceeded around the lakes to Wisconsin. In that state John Gross purchased a farm and carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1865. when he sold his property and removed to Nauvoo. where he purchased four acres of land and later four acres additional. Here he began raising grapes and manufacturing wine. continuing in the business until his death, which occurred December 13, 1900. His widow still survives and now makes her home with her son, Jacob M., who is the next to the youngest in a family of six sons and three daughters but only two sons and one daughter are now liv- ing. these being: John G., of Appa- noose township: Jacob M .: and Mary Ann, the wife of Henry Argast, a painter of Nauvoo.
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Jacob Michael tiross has always resided with his parents, and on the 2d of Jan- mary. 1801. he purchased four acres of land in the city of Nauvoo, on which he has since engaged in the cultivation of grapes and the manufacture of wine, his output being from two to seven thousand gallons of native wine annually. He has a fine cellar which holds about seven thousand gallons and upon his place he also has a comfortable brick residence and other improvements. He has been familiar with his present line of business from his boyhood days and his capable management is bringing him a gratify- ing measure of success.
On the 25th of November. 1890. 00- curred the marriage of Jacob M. Gross and Miss Caroline Sherz, who was born in Hannibal, Missouri, a daughter of An- drew and Julia Sherz. Their children are: Carl John. born September 22, 1801: and Theodore J .. November 6. 1893. Mr. Gross was educated in the English and German schools of Nauvoo. and is a well informed man of enterprise and activity in his business. Hle is a democrat in his political faith and has served as township collector for two terms, while for four years he has been school director. He hokis membership with Nauvoo camp. No. 605. Modern Woodmen of America, and is a member of the Lutheran church.
AMOS H. WORTHEN.
contributed through In seiten soil . volumes of the nunest value to the well tific workl. He was one of the po weo in the task of collecting fossils me ge a. ical specimens of the middle west at ! with other laborers in the same field of investigation made practically a new science of geology. He is one of the distinguished citizens who have made Warsaw famous, having for more than a half century been a resident of that city
Born in the town of Bradford, Orange county, Vermont, on the Best of 00 tober, 1813. he was a son of Thomas and Susannalı (.Adams) Worthen, whose family numbered twelve children, Amos being the eleventh in order of birth 1.it- tle is known concerning the ancestral his tory of the Worthens. The father was a representative of a Massachusetts family. the descendants of which are scattered through a number of states of the U'nion. In early manhood he went with his young wife to Bradford. Vermont, and pur- chased a farm upon what was known as the south road, a few miles west of the village, where they made a permanent home and reared their family. He was born August 24. 1765, and died October 21. 1851. His wife, Susannah, was born December 24. 1768, and passed away March 17. 1843. She was the oldest child of Abraham Adams, a descendant of Henry Adams, who came from England and settled at Mount Wollaston, now Quincy, Massachusetts, and who was the founder in America of the celebrated Vlans family that has included the pre- dients of the United States She woman of great energy and Lut and i
Amos HI. Worthen, scientist, and for thirty years state geologist of Illinois, is evident that it was forgel from her
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that her son Amos inherited the force of character and adherence to a definite pur- pose which distinguished him.
The childhood and early youth of Amos Worthen were spent continuously upon the home farm where he was employed during the warm months in such of its labors as were suitable to his strength. while in the winter seasons he attended the district schools of the neighborhood. His well directed labor and the sports which the surrounding fields and forests afforded. resulted in the development of a vigorous physical manhood, and his winter schooling-for the Vermont dis- trict schools were among the best of their class-gave him the foundation of that mental development that afterward dis- tinguished him. As his youth progressed and he had mastered the rudiments taught in the district schools he desired to enter Bradford Academy, since merged with the Bradford high school, which was lo- cated at the village a few miles from his home. He obtained the means to gratify his wish. and it was at this institution that young Worthen received the last of his school training. During his attend- ance at Bradford Academy he boarded in the family of his sister Mary, who was older than himself and who had married Captain Ellis Bliss, an extensive farmer in the Connecticut valley. While prose- cuting his studies at the academy young Worthen also prosecuted his suit for the hand of Miss Sarah B. Kimball, of War- ren. New Hampshire, and they were mar- ried on January 14. 1834. at which time he was in his twenty-first year. The union was a fortunate one and lasted fifty- three years, when it was broken by the
death of his faithful wife, which occurred only a little more than a year previous to his own. Seven children were born to them-one daughter and six sons. The daughter died in childhood. All of the six sons, Lafayette Shaw, George B., Thomas A .. Amos H., Charles K. and John B., were living at the time of the father's death and were the pallbearers at the funeral. Of this number La- fayette and Thomas have since passed away.
About the time of his marriage Mr. Worthen decided to make his home in what was then called the far west. Such a journey was then a serious undertaking. most of it being through a comparative wilderness and by slow means of trans- portation, for railroads were yet in an experimental condition and none of the few then existing was available for any portion of it. His eldest brother. Enoch, had already moved with his family to Cynthiana. Kentucky, and thither Amos also decided to go. His stay at Cyn- thiana seems to have been short, for we learn that in the next year after leaving his New England home he was teaching at Cumminsville, near Cincinnati, Ohio. He remained at Cumminsville until June. 1836, when he joined the tide of emigra- tion which had begun to flow into the Mississippi valley and settled at Warsaw, Illinois. Here, with the exception of an interval of two years, 1842 to 1844. which he, together with his family, spent in Charlestown. Massachusetts, and about three years, 1857 to 1860, in Springfield. Illinois, he lived continuously until his death. Some of his wife's family, the Kimballs, had preceded the young couple
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
to Warsaw and its vicinity, and with two at the common school of New of her brothers Mr. Worthen formed a partnership in the mercantile business. This business, with the exception of sever- al changes and interruptions, he continued until 1855. after which time he devoted himself entirely to the scientific pursuits for which he had been preparing him- self ever since his arrival in Warsaw. It is a fact. but not a surprising one. that Mr. Worthen's career as a merchant was not successful as success is usually counted in such occupations. Business as such had no attractions for him or none be- yand the fact that it yielded him the moderate means of meeting the necessary demands of his growing family. but un- consciously to his friends, who were some- times inclined to censure him for what to them was a lack of business enterprise. it was giving him an opportunity to ac- complish far more than this. His in- herent predilection for natural science had from his boyhood been subdued or kept latent by the pressure of duties to the demands of which he was ever ready to respond but it found at his new home and in its vicinity an unwonted and irresistible stimulation. The forests of the Missis- sippi valley and the adjacent broad prai- ries afforded him a boundless field for study and observation, and, above all, the fossiliferous rocks of the Lower Carbon- iferous series, which prevail in that region and some of which are well exposed at and around his home, were his especial delight. He began at once the study of this great series of strata and the collec- tion of its fossils and minerals. A con- temporary biographer has said of him : "With no education beyond that acquired
and no scientific tramme. he ted op study of geology and ur stere lot to extent excelled by few. and this, te. after his settlement in Warsaw, and amul tie care- of a family and while engaged a business. His attention was drawn to the science of geology In observing the interesting minerals and fossils that were met with in such profusion on every hand We well remember seeing him out m the morning or evening. with basket and hammer rambling over the bluffs and among the ravines collecting specimens. and then thought he was unprofitably en- gaged. The ravines were then full of gentes that had weathered out of the de composing shades of the geode beds and the beautiful crystals with which they were lined were objects of great interest. The limestone was also full of fossils and al- though the forms of organic hie they presented were entirely new to him, they excited an intense desire to know some- thing of their history and of the specific character of the animals to which they once belonged. There had been no de mentary work on geology published m this country at that time, and the first books he was able to obtain that contained any account of fossils were a copy of Dr Mantell's Medals of Creation and Wonders of Geology, published in Eng- land. These, though they threw no helt on the specific character of the specificils he gathered in his exeur- one thing rocks here gave some might n'a ti inanner in which the rocks were tommel and how the remains of living Theme- came to be preserved y them Beckett ing the minerals 00d toss . 111 0℃
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found in the vicinity of Warsaw, and exchanging them for other collections he gradually acquired the information so much desired. Through these collections and exchanges and by other means Pro- fessor Worthen obtained a valuable geo- logical museum, which. when he was called to Springfield, thousands would not have purchased. Subsequently the first volumes of the Paleontology of New York were published. affording the first figures and descriptions of American fos- sils that he had been able to obtain. Those who commence the study of geology now. when the characteristic fossils of every formation on the North American conti- nent have been figured and described in published works, that are accessible to the student. in public and private libraries, can form but little idea of the difficulties with which students in the same fields had to contend forty years ago. Profes- sor Worthen's labor as state geologist re- sulted in an extended survey of every county in the state, and the publication of seven large volumes as a record of the work .- a publication deemed of great value to the scientific world."
It was in 1851 that Professor Worthen accepted an appointment as assistant geol- ogist in the Illinois geological survey. con- tinning in that position for three years. In 1855 he was appointed an assistant in the geological survey of Iowa by Gover- nor Bissell. In that position he continued until it was abolished. when he was ap- pointed curator in the State Historical Library and Natural History Museum by Governor Cullom, which position he was holding at the time of his death. In that position he amassed a magnificent
collection which is the admiration of all visitors to the state capitol. From and after the time he entered upon his duties as state geologist of Illinois, the current of his life. although extending through thirty years, was too uniform to require a material extension of this biographical notice. During all that time his labor was constant and severe, and he took few vacations beyond his attendance upon scientific meetings but his great physical strength made him equal to his self-im- posed tasks. His delight in his work and in his home was such that his share of happiness was greater than that which falls to the lot of most men and he de- sired no addition to it. But his continued success was not due to the absence of adverse conditions. Again and again his work was in danger of suspension by the threatened failure of the necessary ap- propriations by the legislature and more than once they were so far reduced that only the most careful management averted disaster. Once, indeed. appropriations failed entirely, for the years 1875 to 1877. When appropriations were resumed in the last named year provision was made for the establishment of the Illinois State His- torical Library and Natural History Mu- seum, and Mr. Worthem became its cu- rator as well as state geologist. He. however, continued his work without compensation and with such evident sin- cerity of purpose that they were resumed by the next legislature. One by one his volumes of reports were published and gladly accepted by the scientific workl: one by one the great difficulties he en- countered were overcome and he was per- mitted to finish his work to the great ad-
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vantage of science and the satisfaction family were five children of of the most exacting comomist. In his now deceased. Work approached completion old age was coming upon him but he retained his mental vigor, and in a great measure his accustomed good health until his final ill- ness, which prostrated him suddenly and terminated in death within a few days. He died on Sunday, May 6, 1888, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, surrounded by people who respected and honored him and among whom he had lived a inll half century. Personally Mr. Worthen was of manly presence and kindly, candid, and unpretentious in manner. He was im- pulsively generous to his friends and char- itable, even to those with whom he had little sympathy but he was uncompromis- ing in his love of justice and scientific truth. The only proper standard by which to judge of his scientific labors is and must always be his published works. which are his monument and the records by which his name will be known in fu- ture years.
W. W. HUGHES.
W. W. Hughes, deceased, who was one of the worthy and respected citizens of Carthage, where his memory is still cher- ished by all who knew him, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, September 15. 1821, a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Hughes. The father was a native of Maryland and was a cabinet-maker by trade. Removing to Kentucky he spent his remaining days there, both he and his wife passing away in that state. In their
1. \\ Hughes of this texten the red the common schools at his besten and afterward was a student in the col lege of Kentucky He worked no lo father's cabinet-shop for a short time and later learned the harness-maker's tre ile in Kentucky, from which state le re- moved to Illinois m 1855 settling mm Carthage. Here he followed harness- making for several years and then turne l his attention to the drug busmess, etal- lishing a store which he conducted su cessfully for some time. Later he was proprietor of a photograph gallery and in that business also prospered. When his well directed labors, enterprise and careful management had brought him a desirable competency he retired from busi- ness life and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest.
Mr. Hughes was married October 10. 1840, to Miss Sarah E. Payne, who was born in Kentucky. October 10, 1825. a daughter of John and C. (Hughes) Payne. The mother though of the same name was not a relative of the Hughes family of which our subject is a member. Her birth occurred in Maryland, while Mr. Payne was born in Virginia. His life was devoted to agre cultural pursuits and he passed away In' Kentucky at a ripe old age In then family were nine children, of whom Mr- Hughes of this review is the only sur viving member. By her marriage she became the mother of six children Per B. the eldest, born September 1. 151. married Missouri Belle Scout on the 21 of September, 1868, and died January 13.
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1897, leaving two daughters, Belle and Minnie. The former is the wife of a Mr. Parker, of Brookfield, Missouri, and has two children, Marion and Hugh Parker. Minnie Hughes became the wife of Dr. Bynum, of Memphis, Tennessee, and has two children, Woodfield and Eliz- abeth. Albert G. Hughes, the second surviving member of the family of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Hughes, was born De- cember 28, 1848, and was married May 26, 1872, to Miss Fannie Logan, their home being in Dighton, Lane county. Kansas. They have one child. Mrs. Maud King, who is living in Waukeena. Kansas. Henry F. Hughes, born Deceni- ber 22, 1853, married Miss Katie Apple- gate. by whom he has four children, their home being in Missouri. William S. Hughes, born December 15. 1859, was married June 10, 1881, to Miss Ina Ed- wards and resides in Carthage. They have two sons. William Woodfield and Paul. The other members of the Hughes family are deceased.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Hughes was an earnest Mason and passed all of the chairs in the local lodge. He was for many years an active and influential member of the Christian church. doing all in his power to promote its growth and in- sure its success. His political allegiance was given to the democracy but he never sought or desired office. By his energy and unfaltering perseverance he accumu- lated a considerable competence and thus left his family in comfortable circum- stances. He built a beautiful home about fifteen years ago and in this his widow still resides. Mr. Hughes passed away December 12, 1898, at the advanced age
of eighty-seven years and the county thereby lost one of its most venerable, honored and worthy citizens. His life at all times was characterized by high principles and worthy motives and he enjoyed the unqualified regard and good will of all with whom he came in contact. Benevolence was one of the strong and salient features of his character but in his charitable acts he was always quiet and unostentatious, never seeking the praise of men. In his home he was a devoted and loving husband and father and for fifty-two years he and his wife traveled life's journey happily together. While he was active and reliable in citi- zenship and in business and faithful in friendship, his best traits were always reserved for his family. Some years prior to his death Mr. and Mrs. Hughes built a vault in Moss Ridge cemetery in Car- thage, where his remains were interred. Mrs. Hughes, now nearly eighty-one years of age, still survives her husband and is yet an active and well preserved lady, who is spending the evening of her life in comfort amid many warm friends, who have known her for long years and who entertain for her the deepest esteem and affection.
LEON CHEVILLON.
Leon Chevillon is the senior member of the firm of Chevillon & Clere, of Car- thage, who are conducting the largest business in Hancock county in implements farm machinery, carriages and buggies and the firm is not only foremost in the
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extent of its trade but also occupies a lead- ing position because of the reliability, en- terprise and business activity of the house. Mr. Chevillon is one of the na- tive sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Nauvoo on the 20th of April. 1851, his parents being Eugene and An- gelia ( Naegelin ) Chevillon. Both par- ents were natives of France and the ma- ternal grandfather was interested in the French revolution of 1848. The father of our subject came to AAmerica about 1849 or 1850, settling in Nauvoo after the Mormons had left for their western home in Utah. He was a farmer by occupa- tion and subsequently worked at the tin- ner's trade. Both he and his wife spent their last days in Hancock county. In his fraternal relations Eugene Chevillon was an Odd Fellow and he held membership in the Catholic church, while his wife was a Presbyterian in religious faith. In their family were four children, of whom three are living : Leon, of this review: Hena. the wife of Thomas Crow, of Kansas ; and Victoria, the wife of Thomas Cecil, who is living in Oklahoma.
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