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 5

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 5

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D. H. Miller was educated at West Point. Illinois, and is a graduate of the Gem City Business College at Quincy. After leaving school he followed farming for five or six years in Hancock county and for two years was engaged in teach- ing school in this county. Eventually he entered the employ of the firm of Dickin- son & Bartlett at Hamilton, Illinois, whom he represented as general manager for six years. For several years he did a general contracting business on his own account and in 1898 he assumed charge of the business of the Alexander Lumber Com- pany of Carthage, which responsible po- sition he yet occupies and under his guid - ance the business has developed and is being conducted along profitable lines.

On the Ist of January, 1878, occurred the marriage of Mr. Miller and Miss Jane I. ITart, who was born in Adams county and is a daughter of William T. and Fan- nie (Wigle) Hart, who came to Ilinois at an early day, the mother making her way to this state from Pennsylvania. She is now living at West Point, Illinois, where Mr. Hart passed away in 1896. In their family were eleven children, of whom nine are yet living: Isaac, who re- sides at Bowen, Ilinois; Hattie H., who

HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

is the widow of Jake Shaffer and lives at West Point. Iowa: Margaret, the wife of G. W. Wolfe, of West Point: Mark. residing at Ellensburg. Washington : Clarence, of West Point: Ollie, who is with her mother: Eva, the wife of Wil- liam Nutt. of West Point; May E., the widow of Mathew Finley, of West Point : and Arch, who is also living at that place. Mr. Hart, the father of this family, was originally a Dunkard but afterward be- came a member of the Christian church and at his death his remains were in- terred in the cemetery at West Point. Illi- nois. His widow is a devoted member of the Christian church.

Mrs. Miller and her daughter Ruby are eligible to membership in the society of the Daughters of the American Revo- lution, as John Wigle, an uncle of her mother, fought in the Revolutionary war. Her father's brother. John Hart. was a soldier of the Civil war. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born three children : Roy G., the eldest. born in Hancock coun- ty. is a graduate of the Gem City Busi- ness College of Quincy, Illinois, and now lives in Orville, Ohio, where he is em- ployed by the Robert Hixon Lumber Company. Ruby B. is attending the city schools of Carthage and is her father's assistant in bookkeeping in the office. Jake L. is employed in the office of the Alexander Lumber Company. In his fraternal relations Mr. Miller is a Mason and also belongs to the Odd Fellows Society, in which he has passed all of the chairs. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, but he has never sought or desired office. Both he and his wife are faithful and consistent

members of the Christian church and they are now occupying a nice home on Cherry street in the western part of the city. which Mr. Miller erected in 1895. 1le holds a responsible position of trust and stands high in the community, in the lodge, in his church, in business circles and among his friends. Hle is a well in- formed man and a typical American citi- zen. rejoicing in the general progress and keeping in touch with the trend of mod- ern advancement and successful accom- plishment.

JOHN S. SITIPTON.

Nature seems to have intended that man in more advanced years should en- joy a season of rest. In youth he possess- es great zeal and energy which in manhood becomes tempered by judgment and deter- mination and if his qualities are well ex- ercised they bring him success, so that when evening of life comes he can put

. aside the more arduous duties and rest in enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Such has been the life of Mr. Shipton. who for many years was closely associ- ated with agricultural interests in this part of the state but is now living re- tired in Carthage, occupying a pleasant and attractive home supplied with many of the comforts of life.

"How blessed is he who crowns in shades like these A youth of labor with an age of ease."

BIOGRAPHICAL RETIEN

Mr. Shipton was born in Beavertown, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1831, his par- ents being John and Elizabeth ( Swengel ) Shipton. His paternal grandparents came from England to America during the period of the Revolutionary war and. deserting the British army, the grandfa- ther became a defender of the cause of American liberty. The parents of our subject were born in Union. county, now Snyder county, Pennsylvania, as were the grandmother's people in the maternal line. some of the Swengel family being vic- tims of the Wyoming massacre of 1778. a monument to the victims having recent- ly been erected at Wilkes-Barre, Pennsyl- vania. Thomas Shipton, the grandfather of our subject, was the first circuit judge of Northumberland county, Pennsylva- nia, which then embraced Union. Lycom- ing and other counties in that section of Pennsylvania. John Shipton. the father, learned the blacksmith's trade in the Key- stone state and during the latter part of the war of 1812 he worked at the gun- smith's trade at Carlysle Barracks. Penn- sylvania, making guns and war accontre- ments, but after the close of the war re- turned to his more peaceful occupation and afterward engaged in farming there to some extent. His last days, however, were spent in honorable retirement from labor and he died about thirty-four years ago when seventy-nine years of age, while his wife passed away about ten years ago. He was independent in politics and was always on the winning side at presidential elections, never losing a vote by support- ing a candidate who was unsuccessful His wife held membership in the Lutheran church. In their family were ten chil

dren, of whom four are now living : Ma- ria. the widow of Daniel Trester, of Over- ton, Ohio: John S .; Henry, of Delavan, Illinois: and Eliza, the wife of Charles Rigle, residing at Beavertown, Pennsyl- vania. The parents were both buried in the cemetery at Beavertown, the mother being eighty-eight years of age.

John S. Shipton was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania but'his attendance was of short duration. Schools at that time were largely conducted on the subscription plan. He afterward learned the carpenter's trade in the Key- stone state and followed that pursuit and cabinet making until 1857, when he re- moved westward to Kansas, where he con- tinued in the same line of business until , 1861. He afterward devoted nineteen years to farming in Tazewell county, Illi- nois, and in the early spring of 1881 set- tled on a farm in Hancock county, where he carefully and successfully tilled the soil and harvested good crops until the Ist of December. 1898, when he retired from the farm and took up his abode in Car- thage. He still owns the farm property, consisting of two hundred and sixty acres. together with a pretty residence on .Adams and Buchanan streets. Carthage. where he is now living.

On the 9th of October. 1864, Mr. Ship- ton was married to Miss Elizabeth Jane Hummel, who was born in Miflin county. Pennsylvania, in 1838, a daughter of John and Hannah ( Shawver) Hummel, also natives of the Keystone state. Her pa- ternal grandfather was a sollier of the war of 1812 and held official rank. carry- ing a sword which Mrs. Shipton has seen. Her brother. George Hummel, was a sol-

ELINCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

dier of the Civil war, enlisting from Illi- of the business center of the city and their nois and serving for three years, John Hummel, father of Mrs. Shipton, was a farmer and in 1854 became a resident of Lewistown, Illinois, but was not long per- mitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring about a month later. His wife long survived him, passing away in March, 1899, only lacking a few months of being one hundred years of age, her birth having occurred in 1799. She passed away in Webster county, lowa, but her grave was made in the cemetery at Lewis- town, linois, where her husband had been laid to rest many years before. They had eight children, of whom four are liv- ing: Lydia, the eklest, is the wife of Thomas Ellsworth, of Table Grove, Illi- nois, who came to Carthage with a com- pany of volunteers from Fulton county, Illinois, during the Mormon troubles and camped near the city, being in camp there when Joseph and Hiram Smith, the Mor- mon prophets, were shot in the old jail. Catherine, the second member of the Hummel family, is the wife of David Dep- ler, of Webster county, lowa. George is living in Webster City, lowa. Mrs. Shipton is the youngest member of the family and by her marriage has become the mother of five children, all of whom were born in Tazewell county, Illinois, while four are yet living. Luther 11., the ekdlest, educated in the public schools of Carthage, in early manhood purchased a grocery stock and is engaged in business at the corner of Jackson and Main streets as a dealer in staple and fancy groceries and queensware. His father is interested with him in the ownership of the store. which is on a most advantageous corner

trade is extensive and profitable. Luther Shipton belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his mem- bership in the Methodist church. He was married February 1, 1893. to Miss Sadie Deitrick, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of John and Harriet (Kime ) Deitrick, who were also natives of the Keystone state, whence they removed to a farm in Illinois. Both are deceased and were laid to rest in a cemetery of Dal- las City. Their daughter, Sadie, became Mrs. Luther Shipton and passed away February 10, 1900, at the age of thirty- two years, her remains being interred in Carthage cemetery. She was an estima- ble lady, whose death was deeply deplored by her many friends. She left two chil- dren. Loveta and Lloyd. aged respect- ively eleven and eight years. They are now attending school and with their fa- ther they reside with his parents at the corner of Adams and Buchanan streets. Aurelia, the second member of the family of Mr. and Mrs, John S. Shipton, is the wife of Jesse G. Waggoner, of Centralia. Missouri, and they have four children : George, Lizzie, Laone and Ida, all of whom are attending school. three being students in Carthage College. Elizabeth Shipton is the wife of E. S. Martin, of Carthage, and has two children : Aurelia S. and John Robert Martin. Carrie is the wife of Samuel Wingert. of Prairie township, Hancock county, and has three children : Violet. John LeRoy and Sam- uel Wingert.

Mr. Shipton is numbered among the men who fortune has favored got from

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW'

caprice but in reward for earnest, per- sistent and honorable labor. In early life he worked many days for sixty-two and a half cents per day. later was paid a dol- lar and a quarter. He paid a dollar and a half for his board per week and pro- vided for his other expenses. As the years advanced he saved from his earnings until he was enabled to purchase a farm and he made all of the improvements upon his Tazewell county property and added many improvements to his farm in Han- cock county. He is still a strong, sturdy man. working in his garden and raising bees and though he is practically retired he yet manages to keep busy most of the time. During the summer of 1906 he made a beautifully carved and planned Hymn board for the Lutheran church, which contains upward of 150 different kinds of wood gathered by himself. His leisure is largely devoted to reading and he is well informed on all the questions and interests of the day. He has kept a diary of the weather and also the date of small fruit blossoming for many years and it is now a valuable record. He pos- sesses a remarkable memory and in spirit and interest seems yet in his prime. Both he and his wife still enjoy good health and are among the most esteemed citizens of Carthage, having many friends here. His name is honored by reason of what he has accomplished and the methods which have wrought his success. He is interested in all that pertains to the mate- rial, intellectual or moral progress of his community and his support of beneficial public measures is never of a Inkewarm character, but is of the kind that is strong and steadfast.

THOMAS I. WALKER.

Thomas I. Walker, a retired farmer who, left an orphan in his youth and thus early thrown upon his own resources, has gained the success which crowns persist- ent and well directed effort, was born in Todd county. Kentucky, August 20, 1843. his parents being T. I. and Eliza ( Wag- goner) Walker. The parents died when their son was but a young lad. They were natives of Kentucky and the father fol- lowed the occupation of farming. In their family were eight children, of whom five are now living: James. Garnett and Wil- liam, all of Kentucky; T. I., of this re- view ; and Luda, the wife of W. O. Clark, of McDonough county, Illinois. Two of the brothers were soldiers of the Con- federate army in the Civil war, St. Clair being killed in the first battle of Shiloh. while James, the eldest brother, served for four years with the southern troops. T. I. Walker was brought to Carthage when about four years of age and lived with relatives until nine years old, attend- ing the public schools during that period. He then went to live with his eldest sis- ter, who had been married in the mean- time and with her he remained until his own marriage. It was in 1867 that he wedded Miss Mary E. Atchison, who was born in this county October 3, 1845, a daughter of John and Margaret (Gallo- way) Atchison. The father was born in Ireland and came to America at an early day and was here married to Miss Gallo- way, whose birth occurred in Hancock county. He was a blacksmith by trade but followed farming in this state and both he and his wife passed away many

HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

years ago. Mr. Atchison was a member of the Christian church at the time of his death and was an exceedingly quiet man. of retiring nature, but he possessed a kindly and generous spirit and was re- spected by all. Unto him and his wife was born but one child. Mrs. Walker.

At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Walker began their domestic life on a farm in Harmony township, where they lived for two years and then removed to another farm in St. Marys township. on which they resided for thirty-six years. Both places were improved and were brought under higher cultivation by the enterprise and labors of Mr. Walker, who for many years was accounted one of the leading, practical and progressive agricul- turists of this part of the state. He care- fully tilled his fields and thereby annu- ally harvested good crops. He also raised good grades of stock and he placed sub- stantial buildings upon his farm, together with all of the modern improvements. He added to his farm from time to time until it now contains about four hundred acres. In July, 1905. he removed to Carthage. where he purchased a pretty new home on North Adams street. He still retains pos session of his farm, however, and also owns other land in the county.

accepted no other offices, preferring to leave office holding to others.

As the years passed by eight children were added to the family circle. all yet living and all natives of Hancock county. Homer, born June 22. 1868, and now re- siding on the farm on which his father settled at an early day, married Nellie White and has four children: Marian. Wendell. James and Lucile. Stella, born October 3. 1870, on the anniversary of her mother's birth, is now the wife of J. B. Johnson, a stock feeder residing in Carthage. Atchison, born June 7. 1873. and living on a farm in Hancock county. married Alberta Cloud and has two chil- dren: Aurelia and Harold. Gerald, born May 24. 1876, is in Montana. Geraldine. twin sister of Gerald, is the wife of J. E. Garnett, of Oklahoma and has two chil- dren. Pauline and Walker 1 .. Mand, born January 14. 1870, is the wife of Don Cloud, a farmer of Nebraska and has one child. Don Cleophas. T. Orville, born May 24. 1882, married Josephine Engle and lives on a farm in Hancock county. Hilda, born May 8, 1885. acts as her father's housekeeper and is attending Carthage College. The children have all been provided with excellent educational privileges and have attended various col- leges in the state of Illinois.

At the time of the Civil war Mr. Wal- ker. responding to the call of the Union In 1904, Mr. and Mrs. Walker attended the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis, Missouri, and had a most pleasant trip there and in the winter of 1904-5. with their youngest daughter, they went to California and had just got comfort ably settled there when Mrs. Walker be came ill with a cancerous trouble which enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty- eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was with his regiment for about a year and participated in a few light skirmishes. For many years he gave his political alle- giance to the republican party, but is now a strong prohibitionist. He has served as school director and path master, but has had never been manifest before. After a

BIOGRAPHICAL RETTEI'

very brief illness of three weeks she passed away February 1. 1905. She was a lov- ing wife, a fond mother, a dutiful daugh- ter and a kind friend and her many ex- cellent traits of character won her the con- fidence and love of all who knew her. Her remains were brought back to Han- cock county for interment and she was laid to rest February 7, 1905. Many years will have passed, however, before she is forgotten or before her influence ceases to be felt by those who knew her. She was a devoted member of the . Meth- odist church and her life exemplified her Christian faith. Mr. Walker also belongs to the same church, in which he has held several offices.

Early denied the parental care which most boys receive with its attendant priv- ileges and careful guidance, Mr. Walker has, though dependent upon his own re- sources, not only worked his way upward to success but has also developed a char- acter which makes him one of the honored and respected citizens of Carthage and his example proves what may be accom- plished when one has determination and energy-qualities which may be cultivated by all.

ALEXANDER WELLINGTON BAS- COW.

A. W. Boscow, one of the oldest gro. cery merchants of Carthage whose busi- ness integrity and activity stand as un- questioned facts in his career and make him a citizen of worth who is accorded

respect and honor, was born on the Isle of Man off the coast of England in 1840. His paternal grandfather, Nicholas Bos- cow, served in the war against the French in the early part of the nineteenth cen- tury, being under command of the Duke of Wellington in the engagements against Napoleon Bonaparte. The gun which he carried is now in possession of A. W. Boscow and is very highly prized. Nich- olas Boscow, Jr .. father of our subject. was born in England and was there mar- ried to Miss Alice Newell, a native of the same country. He was a merchant and shipper of wheat, owning his own vessel, which made trips between Peel anl Liver- pool. He came to America by way of New Orleans in an old-time sailing vessel in 1842: being about three months and two weeks on the water. He bought land near Warsaw, Illinois, having made his way northward to Hancock county and after remaining there for a year or more went to Buffalo, New York, to investigate property interests and business prospects there. He soon became ill, however, and died in that city. He held membership in the Church of England. to which his wife also belonged. She continued to live for some years on a farm with her chil- dren but spent her last days in the home of her son. A. W. Boscow, from whom she received a most devoted filial care. attention and love. He also took great pride in his mother, for she was a most remarkable old lady and she died at his home in the spring of 1894, her remains being interred in Moss Ridge cemetery. She was ninety-six years of age, her death occurring very suddenly. Only once did she complain of feeling a little dizzy.

HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Early in the morning, however, she ex- pressed a desire to see the Rev. Hyde, a beloved preacher of Carthage, who came and offered up a touching and betitting prayer in behalf of this dear old lady and in closing said : "May this dear soul have an abundant and happy entrance into the joy of her Lord." and as he said Amen. the life of this good woman went out as though her soul were carried onward upon the spirit of prayer. She had been a faithful friend, a kind neighbor and a most devoted and loving mother and she was a general favorite among her many acquaintances. Her children who lived were five in number, seven having died before her death: George, a merchant liv- ing at Oakland, California: John H., a land dealer of Garnett. Kansas; Peter. a farmer of Hillsboro, Oregon : Mrs. Alice Deatley, living at Base Line, Missouri, and A. W. of this review. The son John was drafted twice for service in the Civil war but both times sent substitutes, the first time paying seven hundred and fifty dollars and the last time nine hundred dollars.

A. W. Boscow acquired his early edit- cation in Breckenridge, Illinois, and worked upon his mother's farm until he had attained his majority. He then went to the gold mines of California and Ore- gon, spending much of his time for four- teen years in the latter state in search of the precious metal. Following his return to Illinois he located in Warsaw, where he conducted a general grocery store for sev- en years and in 1886 removed to Carth- age, where he was engaged in the grocery business on Main street for twenty years. He has a large trade and with one excep-

tion is the oldest grocery merchant in the city in years of continuous connection with the trade. His business methods are unassailable, being characterized by promptness and integrity and many of his early patrons have remained with him throughout the passing years, showing that he has their confidence and trust.

In 1874 Mr. Boscow was married to Miss Clara Spillman, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Spillman, natives of Virginia who came to Illinois at an early day. Her father was a carpenter and lived in Warsaw, Ilinois, Hancock county, for a number of years but both he and his wife are now deceased and their four children have now all passed away. Mrs. Boscow died in 1887 and is buried in Moss Ridge cemetery. She was a devoted Christian woman and a member of the Episcopal church. By this marriage there were three children, but only one is now living. Anna R. Bos- cow, who is now the wife of Frederick Reynolds, of Seattle, Washington.

In 1800 .A. W. Boscow was married to Miss Louisa Scott, of Carthage, who was born in Warsaw, Illinois, and was a daughter of Major Jolm and Louisa ( Frazier ) Scott. Her father was born in North Carolina in ISor and her mother in Kentucky, January 8, 1816. Mr. Scott was a Mason and for some years meetings of the lodge were held in his home. For a long period he was a lead- ing merchant of Warsaw, conducting a successful business there until his death on the 30th of April. 1865. His wife long survived him, passing away in August. 1900, when she was laid to rest by his side in Warsaw cemetery. Only two of

BIOGRAPHICAL RETIEIT'

their children are now living: John F. Scott, who is assistant county treasurer and makes his home in Carthage; and Mary, the wife of George Rogers, of Warsaw, Illinois. Mrs. Louisa Boscow died in 1897 and was buried in Moss Ridge cemetery. In 1898 Mr. Boscow was married to Mrs. Frances E. Dickey Cherry. the widow of Edward Cherry. She was born in Illinois and has one son by her first marriage, Edward Cherry, who is now living in Pecos valley, Mex- ico. Mr. Boscow lives in a beautiful home in the east part of the city on Main street. having erected the residence about eight years ago. His wife also owns some property here. His has been a creditable business record in which he has allowed no obstacle to deter him in his advance toward the goal of success. He has re- garded every difficulty as a stimulus for renewed effort and closer application and in these ways he has achieved what he has undertaken and is now one of the leading merchants of the city who. through his persistency and determina- tion, has secured many of the comforts of life. Matters of municipal and local pride are of deep interest to him and he co-operates in many measures which have direct bearing upon the upbuilding and welfare of the city. He is a man full worthy of the respect of those with whom he has come in contact and his friends are almost as numerically strong as his acquaintances. He and his worthy wife full well merit all the good things of this life and of the life to come, which should be the reward of all those who live an upright life. They are held in the highest e teem by their many friends.

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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 5

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