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 48

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 48

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provement of that place until his death, which occurred on the 24th of December, 1893. His widow afterward made her home among her children until she too passed away in January, 1900, subsequent to which time the old home in Warsaw was sold. Mr. Bride was a stalwart re- publican from the time of the organiza- tion of the party and always took an ac- tive and helpful interest in politics but was never an office seeker. As a citizen, however, he greatly desired general im- provement and progress and did what he could to promote the best interests of his community and his county. Unto him and his wife were born four children : Lercy. who died in infancy in Vermont ; Frances E .. the wife of Albert Shinn, of Ottawa. Franklin county. Kansas ; Wallace S .. who is living in Warsaw: James, of this re- view.

James Bride has always resided upon the old home place in Wythe township, which he inherited from his father while his brother Wallace was given one hun- dred and sixty acres of land adjoining our subject's farm on the west. In his boy- hood days James Bride attended the dis- trict schools of Wythe township, where he mastered the common branches of Eng- lish learning and through the periods of vacation he received ample training at farm work, assisting in the labors of field and meadow. Since inheriting the old home property he has erected various buildings upon it. The house was built in ISgo and contains nine rooms. He has planted apple, pear and cherry trees, so that he has considerable fruit upon his place and in addition to the development of the fields he raises stock. His home

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stands in the midst of a well kept lawn, and he stands for all that a guest, the and adorned with fine shade trees and is one right in man's relation - Cath in iek of the attractive farm properties of this man. part of the county.

On the 20th of April, 1871, Mr. Bride was married to Miss Julia Warne, whose birth occurred in Muskingum county, Ohio. May 23. 1847. Her paternal grandparents were Llewellyn and Sarah ( Beach ) Warne, natives of Pennsylvania. Iler father, Abram Warne, was born in Ohio, and having arrived at years of ma- turity was married to Miss Nancy Allen. also a native of that state, and a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Allen. The death of Abram Warne occurred December 3. 18gg. while his wife survived until May 18, 1906. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bride has been blessed with three sons and two daughters : Samuel Elmer, who was born June 25, 1872, and is living in Callaway county, Missouri: Cora Esther, who was born October 30. 1874. and is the wife of Joseph Gray, of Wythe town- ship: Florence May, who was born May 11. 1878, and is at home: Frank E., who was born April 3. 1882, and is engaged in the feed business in Keokuk, Iowa; and James K .. who was born June 22. 1885. and completes the family.

Politically a republican, Mr. Bride keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is recognized as a local leader in the ranks of his party. He has served for three terms as assessor and has been school trustee since 1900. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and he is a most active and helpful worker therein, serving at the present time as elder, deacon and treasurer. The church finds in him a devoted member

OSCAR EMMET RICHARI

Oscar Emmet Richart, who was a self- made man, his example illustrating what may be accomplished through determina- tion and energy in the active affairs of life, was for many years identified with farming interests in Hancock county and at his death he left not only a very de sirable property but also an untarnished name. He was born in Akron, Ohio, February 21, 1837. a son of Thomas and Armina ( Capron) Richart. The father was born in Pennsylvania, September 14. 1810, and the mother in the same state October 7. 1811. They were married in 1831 and in 1848 became residents of Hancock county, taking up their abode in what is now called Dallas City but was then East Bend. The father was a stone mason by trade and for several years lived in Dallas City. after which he spent a few years in Kansas. Subsequently he went to Chicago, but his death occurred in Dallas City. November 29. 1893. when he was eighty-three years of age Is political support was given to the Repul lican party. His wife survived him off a few days, passing away December 9 1803 Of their tive children ads one is now living. George Richart, Who reside's in Chicago.

Oscar E. Richart, whose name Hill duces this record, was educated in the

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public schools of Dallas City and in the district schools of Dallas township. He remained at home with his mother while his father was in Kansas and at the out- break of the Civil war, responding to his country's call for aid. he enlisted in 1862 as a member of Company K, Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but after two years' active service he became ill and was forced to return home.

On the 25th of March, 1865, Mr. Richart was married to Miss Caroline Ramsay, whose birth occurred in Mar- shall county, Illinois, May 1, 1844. her parents being Samuel and Lovisa (Terry) Ramsay. Her father, a native of Mary- land, was born in 1818, while her mother's birth occurred in Ohio in 1820. They spent much of their younger years in Marshall county, Illinois, and in 1856. re- moved to Hancock county, settling in Dallas township. Mr. Ramsay gave his political support to the democracy and was a citizen of worth, who took deep interest in everything pertaining to general prog- ress and improvement. His wife died in 1874. Of their family of eight children seven are yet living. namely : Mrs. Richart ; William, of Dallas City: Mary, the wife of Andrew Byers, of Dallas City : Addison, of Kansas: Elizabeth, the wife of John Layton, of Stronghurst, Penel- ope, deceased : Stephenson, who is living in Durham township: and Andrew J., of St. Louis, Missouri.

Following his marriage Mr. Richart purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 14, Dallas township. It was covered with timber but he cleared away the trees and brush and in 1889 erected a pleasant residence thereon. He

was then engaged in general farming until his death, which occurred May 28, 1890, his remains being interred in Harris cemetery. He was a man of en- terprising spirit, carefully conducted his business affairs and his success was at- tributable in large measure to his own efforts. He was a mere boy when he started out in life on his own account and he always assisted his mother during her life time.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Richart was blessed with six children, of whom five are still living and all were born upon the old homestead farm. These are: Frank C .. who lives with his mother; Nellie A .. the wife of James Foresman. of Pontoosuc township. by whom she has four children, Harry. Lloyd. Hugh and Ruth ; Eunice, the wife of William Kyle. of Dallas township, by whom she has five children, Corwin, Isabelle, Chester. Ernest and Caroll, while Roxy May was born of Mr. Kyle's first marriage ; Ernest. a resident farmer of Pontoosuc township, who married Amy Holmes and has one son, Glenn: and Ellice, who is at home with her mother.

Mr. Richart belonged to the Grand Army post and was a republican in this political views. He held various town- ship offices and in all life's relations was found to be a man worthy of the trust reposed in him. He was faithful in cit- izenship. progressive and reliable in his business life and trustworthy in his friendships. Since her husband's death Mrs. Richart has continued the work of the farm and has erected a barn and granary. In addition to the home place of one hundred and sixty acres she owns

HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

sixty-three acres in Dallas township about a half mile west of her place of residence. She is a refined, intelligent woman, kind- hearted and loyal, and she and her family occupy an enviable position in public re- gard in the community where they reside.

CHARLES C. CRAWFORD.

Charles C. Crawford is the youngest member of an old, prominent and highly respected family of Hancock county, ever characterized by great industry, fair deal- ing and courteous and obliging treatment of all with whom they have been associ- ated: Like the others of the family he has made rapid strides in his business ca- reer and is one of the successful mer- chants of the town.

His parents. Thomas and Serepta ( Daugherty ) Crawford, were both repre- sentatives of old families of Kentucky. and were born in Bourbon county, the fa- ther on the 2d of September. 1812. and the mother on the 23d of April, 1829. Thomas Crawford came with his parents to this county in 1832, the family home being established in Walker township. since which time the name of Crawford has figured prominently and honorably in connection with the substantial growth and development of this part of the state. After some years Thomas Crawford en- tered a large tract of land in Walker township, there carrying on farming very successfully for many years. Subsequent- ly he purchased a good farm in Wilcox

townlup, where In- aged values. men it sides with her son and daughter. He is a stalwart republican m his pali cal ves and held various township offices, Le justice of the peace for some ser Il which capacity he rendered fair and no partial decisions, He was a man 00 strong character, of good heart and of marked individuality. He was greath . terested in all that tended to advance the county and promote the welfare of its per- ple, and wherever he was known he com manded the respect and good will of these with whom he was associated. He spent nearly his entire life in Walker township. but prior to his death purchased a farm in Wilcox township, whereon his widow still makes her home. His death occurred March 23. 1875, and he was laid to rest in Green Plain cemetery. Mr. Craw for 1 was twice married, and by the first union had three children, of whom two are now living : Vice. the wife of John Stockton. of Denver, Colorado; and Laura, the wid- ow of Uriah Seaton, also of Denver. The children of the second marriage are nine in muimber. of whom eight reached years of maturity : Mary, the wife of Frank C. Andrews, of Warsaw; Margaret F., who became the wife of Aquila Daugherty. and at her death was laid to rest by her father's side: Virginia, who died in in- fancy : James F. : William T. and John C. all of Warsaw : Fannie, the wife of L \' Berry, of Carthage: Cora, who is with her mother: and Charles C., who completes the family.

The last named was born upon the ol farm homestead in Walker township. which was also the birthplace of all his brothers and sisters, in the year 18;o. Ile

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW'

acquired his education in the district schools near his home and in the public schools of Warsaw, while later he became a student in Parson's College, at Fair- field. Iowa. He then returned to his home and for a brief period was busy upon the home farm but soon afterward entered into partnership with John M. Cherry and opened a drug and book store on Main and Fourth streets in Warsaw. From the beginning success has attended this ven- ture and they now have a profitable trade. The store is thoroughly modern in every particular. and in addition to the line of drugs and books which they carry they also keep a fine line of cut glass and queensware. paints and other commodities, and have a beautiful soda fountain. Their business is one of the leading commercial enterprises of the city and the proprietors are classed with the representative busi- ness men.

On the HIth of October, 1905, Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Pond. of Blandinsville. Illinois, a daughter of Albert and Ida (Griffin) Pond. the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of McDonough county, Illinois. They still reside in Blandinsville, where Mr. Pond is a successful druggist. They have four children. three sons and a daughter: Blanche. now Mrs. Crawford ; Charles, who is in the store with his fa- ther: Rollo and Robert, both at home. Mr. Crawford has an attractive residence between Fifth and Sixth on Crawford street, and its hospitality is greatly en- joyed by their many friends. Mr. Craw- ford is a Mason and pastmaster of his lodge. His father was one of the first Masons of Hancock county and his father

and his brothers, James F. and John C., have all been masters in the fraternity. Charles C. Crawford likewise holds mem- bership with the Maccabees and is a val- ued representative of these organizations. His business life is characterized by alert- ness and enterprise which enable him to readily appreciate and improve on oppor- tunity, and through his well directed ef- forts and unfaltering diligence he is steadily working his way upward. The consensus of public opinion regarding him as a business man is altogether favor- able, while socially he is popular and his wife, during the brief period of her resi- dence here. has likewise made many warm friends.

ANTHONY P. LAYTON.

Anthony P. Layton, of Dallas town- ship. is proprietor of the largest nursery in Hancock county and his business is constantly growing in accordance with the spirit of enterprise and close applica- tion which he manifests in its control. A native of Burlington, Iowa. he was born July 22. 1864, and is a son of Biard and Margaret (Rose) Layton. The father. born July 2, 1818, is now eighty-eight years of age and is practically living re- tired in Dallas. His wife, however, died in 1801. at the age of seventy-six years. They came to Hancock county when their son, Anthony P. Layton. was only a year old and the father establishing in business as a nurseryman and farmer. In the family were nine children : William,

of Carthage, Samuel, of Batavia, lowa: cestulowing to the The amer Joseph, of Deadwood, South Dakota ; his capable management John, of Stronghurst, Illinois: George. also living in Stronghurst : Millard, whose home is in Fairfield, lowa : Margaret, the wife of John Cathers, of Dallas; AAnthony P .. and Clara, the wife of Newton Byler. of Durham, Illinois, James, the second eldest child, was killed in the battle of Vicksburg and William served as a team- ster in the Civil war.

Anthony P. Layton was educated in the district schools of Hancock county and worked with his father in the nursery business until he attained his majority. Hle afterward became a partner in the enterprise and they are still associated in the ownership of the nursery, although the father has retired from active busi- ness life. Mr. Layton of this review occupies sixty-four acres of land on sec- tion 12. Dallas township, which is still owned by his father, and he also owns some unimproved lots in Dallas City. He sells trees, shrubbery. small fruit. plants, and makes a specialty of roses and his nursery business is the most extensive in the county. In earlier days they em- ployed salesmen to dispose of their stock but it has now become so well and ia- vorably known that he now depends on the reputation of his product and a good catalog issued annually to sell his trees and shrubs. He is thoroughly comver- sant with the best methods of carrying on this work. having had practical expe- rience from his boyhood days to the pres- ent time, and the nursery stock which he ships is always of the best quality, so that his goods command a ready sale on the market. In his business he is very suc-

In November. 1005. was delle | 1 marriage of Mr. Layton and Miss 1. 119 Coman, who was born in Keokuk, los Mrs. Layton is a member of the Fresh! terian church and a most estimable la who has gained many warm friends dur ing her residence in this county Ml Layton belongs to Knights of Bythis fraternity and is also a member of Dallas City lodge. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, No. 235. of Dallas, of which he served as master for three years and its representative to the grand lodge for three years. His political allegiance is given to the democracy, but he has never sought or desired political office, as his business interests claim his time and attention. making him one of the prosperous and representative residents of his part of the county. The name of Layton has long been associated with the nursery business in this locality and has ever stond as it synonym for commercial integrity and enterprise.

JOHN CHARLES GOEHRING.

In studying the lives and characters of prominent men we are naturally led to quire into the secret of their shoress .tel the motives that prompted their actions. When we trace the career of those whom the world acknowledges as successful an ! of those who stand highest to pal ie es tem we find that in almost every case the are those who have rice spoluthe he

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BIOGRAPHICAL RET'IEI

their own efforts, their diligence and per- severance. These qualities are undoubt- edly based in a large measure by the gen- tleman whose name introduces this re- view, and added to these is a devotion to principle that may well be termed the key- note of his character. It is this which commands the confidence and respect so uniformly given him, and it was this that secured him the liberal patronage which was accorded him during the long period of his connection with commercial inter- ests in Warsaw. Now he is living retired, enjoying a well earned rest. He was born in Saxony, Germany, March 2, 1836, and was educated in the public schools. In 1866 he came to America, landing in New York and after three weeks he went to New Jersey and thence to Philadelphia. The year 1868 witnessed his arrival in Warsaw, where he has since lived. He was for a time connected with the woolen mills as a weaver, working there for about four years, and on the expiration of that period he began business on his own account as a dry goods merchant. conducting his store continuously and suc- cessfully until 1906, when he sold out. His business grew from a small beginning to an enterprise of large proportions, being . the most extensive store of its kind in Warsaw. His methods were such as would always bear close investigation and scrutiny. He sought success along hon- orable lines, believing that it would come to him if he was straightforward in his dealings, resolute in his purpose and en- ergetic in all that he undertook.

On the 24th of July. 1872, Mr. Goch- ring was married to Miss Amalie Kol- adzky, a daughter of John and Margaret

(Spleict) Koladzky. She was born in Holstein, Germany, August 24, 1842, and came alone to Hancock county when twenty-one years of age. Here, how- ever, she joined a sister and an uncle, who had previously crossed the Atlantic, and since that time she has continuously lived in this part of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Goehring were born six children but three have passed away-Marie, who died at the age of two ears: Henry, at the age of nine months; and Amanda when three years old. Those who still survive are: John; Emily, the wife of Dr. J. R. Blan, a practicing physician at Eliza, Illinois; and Hannah, at home. In 1886 Mr. Goehring purchased a fine residence of Mr. Miller and now has one of the beautiful homes in Warsaw, which he occupies, in the enjoyment of a well earned rest, surrounded by many of the comforts and luxuries that go to make life worth living. He is a member of the Lutheran church and where national issues are involved he votes with the Re- publican party but otherwise casts an in- dependent ballot. Mr. Goehring has been a man of commanding influence in the community and county and is widely known and honored. He is always on the right side of questions affecting moral . and educational interests and is known as a man of sterling integrity. He has a wide acquaintance and his friends are numerous, having been gained by his personal worth and his outspoken devo- tion to the best interests of the commu- nity. In the summer of 1906 Mr. Goch- ring made a visit to his old home in Sax- ony. Germany, where he renewed ac- quaintance with a few old friends.

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ILINCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

SMITH F. BRYAN.

Smith F. Bryan, one of the representa- tive and prominent agriculturists of Hancock county, is a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, where his birth occurred November 17. 1832. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Bagley ) Bryan, the former a native of New Jer- sey, while the latter was born in New York. His paternal grandparents were William and Mary ( Suphon) Bryan, like- wise natives of New Jersey, while the maternal grandparents were Daniel and Elizabeth ( Showerman ) Bagley. During his residence in the Keystone state, the father. Jacob Bryan, followed the occu- pation of farming, and also engaged to some extent in shoemaking. doing work of this character for his own family and for his neighbors during his evenings after his work in the fields was done. Hoping to enjoy better business opportu- nities in the new and unimproved regions of the west, Jacob Bryan removed with his family in 1840. to Illinois, traveling by steamer down the Ohio and up the Mis- sissippi rivers to Warsaw, where they ar- rived May 12th of that year. They then continued their journey overland to La Harpe, where they took up their abode on land known as the Gettings farm, which was situated four miles north of the city. Ile rented that place for two years, and then having saved sufficient capital to jus- tify the purchase of land, he invested in a tract of two hundred acres, lying on sec- tion 3. La Harpe township, and forty acres of timber land lying on section 10. The tract of two hundred acres was all wild prairie, and Mr. Bryan at once set

to work to clear the fields and further un prove the place by the creation of a home and out buildings. The first house which the family ocupied was made of soul, Il which they continued their residence for three years, when a more substantial frame house was created. He continued the arduous task of developing and culti- vating new land by his careful manage- ment and well directed energy he at length gathered good crops and was thus enabled form time to time to increase his landed possessions and further improve his place. During this time, however, the family endured many hardships and privations incident to life in a new and undeveloped region but as the years passed by and other settlements were made they were enabled to enjoy more conveniences and comforts of life. Mr. Bryan purchased one hundred and sixty acres adjoining his original purchase, and also bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Henderson county, besides purchasing other tracts of both improved and timber land from time to time. On the 20 of November, 1857. however, he purchased a tract of twenty acres located near La Harpe, for which he paid one hundred dollars per acre, and on which he took up his abode, his death there occurring March 20, 1881, when he had reached the very venerable age of eighty seven years, for his birth had occurred August 15. 1704 In the family of Mr and Mrs I col Bryan were born six children, as follows Rice B. born June 4. 1820, passed was in Kansas. Hannah, who was born Jul 9. 1828, met her death in a runway Il tober 22. 1850. Cowden M. bin Inte 16, 1830, died December o. 1884 Samt

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F., whose name introduces this record, is the next of the family. John F., born January 3. 1836, died March 8, 1864. while serving his country in the Civil war, having enlisted as a member of Company G. One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Volunteers. Elizabeth B., born March 22. 1839, became the wife of J. W. Cas- singham. and her death occurred October 21. 1886. After the death of the father, the mother made her home with her daughter. Mrs. Cassingham, until the lat- ter's death, when she went to live with our subject, where she remained until her death, February 21, 1898, when she had reached the very advanced age of ninety- three years, her birth having occurred March 26, 1805.

Smith F. Bryan shared with the family in the hardships of life on the frontier and assisted his father in the arduous task of developing and cultivating his land. He began his education in the early sub- scription schools of Pennsylvania and after the removal of the family to this state continued his studies in the common schools, but his advantages in this direc- tion were very limited, owning to the un- settled condition of the country and the meager facilities that were offered along educational lines. He has. however. in later life through reading and investiga- tion become a well informed man. He continued under the parental roof until the time of his marriage, January 28. 1859, at which time he was married to Miss Delina Painter, whose birth occurred November 13, 1836. she being the fifth white female child born in Hancock county. She is a daughter of Joseph T. and Phebe ( Rea) Painter, the former

born in Philadelphia, March 25, 1800, while the mother's birth occurred in Mer- cer county, Pennsylvania, November 2, 1809. The paternal great-great-grand- father of Mrs. Bryan came to the United States on the Mayflower, and his son. Robert Painter, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Her paternal grandparents bore the names of William and Martha ( Torton) Painter, natives of the Keystone state, while her maternal grandparents were John and Anna (White) Rea, the latter a daughter of William and Mary ( Webster) White. The father of Mrs. Bryan. Joseph T. Painter, on leaving Pennsylvania removed to Missouri in 1816. making the journey on a flat boat down the Ohio river. In January, 1823, however. he returned to his native state, where he continued to re- side until June, 1836, at which time he made his way to Illinois, landing in Han- cock county. where the town of Pontoostic is now located. He and his family then walked to La Harpe-a distance of twelve miles, where the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land located on section 9, and a tract of eighty acres in timber on the same section. Here he hewed the lumber with which to erect a home for himself and family, and began the work of clearing and cultivating his land. This proved an arduous task but he possessed a resolute spirit and by the assistance of his estimable wife he soon had a well developed farm, on which he had placed many improvements. In 1838 he built the first sawmill in Hancock county, and his brother-in-law, Henry Reynokls, built the first grist mill in this section of the country, both being run by

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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 48

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