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 51
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Since the above was written Mr. Haigh has passed away, his death occurring on November 6. 1906, at the home place after a short sickness. He is buried in the Jackson graveyard in Appanoose town- ship.
WILLIAM O SANLORD
William O. Sanford is now liens 0 bred in Hamilton and belong- t Dal class of men who have it und in the pre- sure of adversity and the stimulus ni op position incentive for bringing forth 'er best and strongest efforts and thereby winning success. Mr. Samfund is ell of the oldest citizens of Hamilton, hans ing passed the eighty -fourth milestone n life's journey, his birth having occurred in Tioga county, New York, July 21. 1822. His parents were Timothy and Lucinda (Teal) Sanford, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of New Hampshire. In the paternal line he comes of one of the old New England families. His grandfather was Ebenezer Sanford, also a native of Connecticut, and a son of Ebenezer Sanford. Sr. who was born in England. The last named, in company with three brothers, came to the United States, settling here before the Revolutionary war when this country was still numbered among the colonial possessions of Great Britain. He became connected with the navy during the pe riod of hostilities, which led to the es- tablishment of the republic and was killed in an effort to prevent the British from reaching West Point, New York. 1h enezer Sanford. Jr., lived in Connecticu and later removed to Cander. Fig county. New York, where he resided in a few years, when he rem vol to Med- Hoe county, Michigan, where He die ! Hle married Rhoda North, who is granddaughter of Lord Nertop of The land, and their son, Timotlo Sation was reared in Hartford county, Care'
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. icut. removing thence to Tioga county, New York, after he had attained his ma- jority. In the latter place he was mar- ried to Miss Lucinda Teal. a daughter of Rev. Benjamin Teal. At the time of the war of 1812 he espoused the cause of the United States and valiantly fought during the second period of hostilities with England. He continued to remain a resident of New York up to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1891. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1837.
William O. Sanford was the second in order of birth in the family of six sons and two daughters. He assisted his fa- ther in a sawmill business which the lat- ter was operating in the midst of the tim- bered regions, as that country was cov- ered with hemlock and pine trees. He also learned the trade of cabinet making, entering upon an apprenticeship when seventeen years of age and working for four years in that way. He and his brother afterward removed to Akron, Ohio, where they conducted a cabinet making business until 1855, when Wil- liam O. Sanford sold out to his brother. who carried on the business until his death in 1896. After disposing of his cabinet making interests Mr. Sanford of this review came to Illinois and spent about two years in looking for a favora- ble location on the Mississippi river. Finally he located at Hamilton, where lie spent many years, being employed as dis- tributing agent and also overseeing the construction of depots. He erected sey- cral of the older houses in Hamilton, and now owns three of them. He tray- de over about five hundred miles of the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. assisting in the construction of all of the buildings on its line. For about three years he conducted a mercantile business, being thus engaged subsequent to the Civil war.
When the country was engaged in hos- tility between the north and the south Mr. Sanford enlisted in defense of the Union, becoming a member of Company G, Twenty-third Illinois Infantry, called Mulligan's Irish Brigade of the Second Division and Twenty-third Regiment of the Twenty-fourth Army Corps. He was one of those who guarded Libby Prison for three months. He enlisted in 1861 for the purpose of driving the Con- federates from the northeastern part of Missouri and in the winter of 1864-5 he re-enlisted with the same command and was honorably discharged in August of the latter year.
Following the war Mr. Sanford re- turned to Hamilton and entered the serv- ice of the railroad, remaining in that po- sition for about four years. He had charge of the mechanical department of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad when it was built to Keokuk. He assisted in the construction of the bridges and de- pots on the road. That he has prospered in his undertakings is indicated by the fact that he now owns three houses and lots in addition to his attractive residence in Hamilton. Since 1892 he has lived retired amid many of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life which have been gained through his own efforts.
Mr. Sanford was first married in Oc- tober. 1849. to Miss Joanna Baker, who was born in New York. They had one
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child, Charles B. Sanford, who died in served as alderman here He wrote the Nemaha county, Kansas, in 1888, while first city charter and succeeded in secur ing its passage through the legislature He was the second mayor of Hanulton and served for three terms, while for ter terms be filled the position of alderman Ilis public service has been most capa ble and over the record of his official ca reer there falls no shadow of wrong of suspicion of evil. In his business affair- he has prospered as the years have gone by and is now in possession of property which indicates a well-directed activity and enterprise in former years. Ile has made a close and discriminating study of the needs and possibilities of his town and county and in his official capacities has labored earnestly and effectively to pro- duce the best results. Living retired in Hamilton, he has a wide and favorable acquaintance in this part of the county and his labors have at all times been so honorable that he has won not only sue- cess but also an untarnished name. the wife and mother passed away in April, 1852. On the ist of January. 1857. Mr. Sanford was again married. his second union being with Sarah .1. Kauffman, who was born near Dayton. Ohio, March 4. 1829. a daughter of Christian and Hester ( Whitmore ) Kauff- man, natives of Pennsylvania. The chil- dren of this marriage were as follows: Arthur J., who died at the age of two and a half years: Emma Luella, who died when three and a half years of age : Orion IL., who died in San Antonio, Texas, March 6, 1892, at the age of twenty- seven years ; and Orion 11., who was born September 21. 1863, and died March 6, 1892. The last named attended the Pierce Business College at Keokuk and was afterward clerk for the Standard Oil Company at Keokuk for about a year. when he was transferred to Davenport. where he was employed for six years. His health then failed him and with his parents he traveled to California and Texas, but was taken with grip in the last named state after his health had be- come partially improved. This disease. however, terminated fatally. JAMES W. WESTFALL
In his political views Mr. Sanford is a stalwart republican. He was elected as a member of the city council at Akron. Ohio, served for two terms and an uney pired term as clerk and also filled out an unexpired term as mayor, acting in the latter capacity for nearly a year. He was a very prominent resident of AAkron. Ohio, and was connected with the ma jority of its leading organizations. Vier coming to Hamilton he was elected and the city and county fare for feto
On the roster of county officials m flan cook county appears the name of Jantes I Westfall, who is filling the position of county clerk. Carthage Has been 1 vores in the class of men who are cupied her official positions i 1 er been little corruption n pobecnie ce Such as is more common In fact the business dit of sol cato
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in a most favorable manner by men of broad integrity and worth and of this class James \\. Westfall is a worthy rep- resentative. He is a son of Calvin and Elizabeth (Mccullough) Westfall and was born near Lacrosse in Hancock county, November 30, 1861. His par- ents are also natives of this county and the father for many years followed the occupation of farming but at length re- tired from active business life and died in Burnside, Illinois, December 11, 1893. His widow still resides there. In their family were four children, of whom three are now living: Mary, who died at the age of four years : Ellen, now the wife of T. G. Wright, of Burnside; James W. ; and George N., who resides in Marceline. Missouri.
Mr. Westfall of this review pursued his early education in the public schools in Pilot Grove township and afterward attended a business college at Keokuk. Iowa. When his schools days were over he became a successful telegraphic op- erator for the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad, occupying positions at various places for ten years. He was also post- master at Burnside for four years and was engaged in the hardware business there for four years. He came to Car- thage to make his home in 1898 and was here elected to the office of county clerk. which position he is still filling. He is a stanch democrat in politics and has served in several official positions, acting as township clerk in Pilot Grove township.
On the 20th of February, 1887. Mr. Westfall was married to Miss Laura Mills, of Durham township. Hancock county, a daughter of John and Elizabeth
Mills, whose parents were old settlers of that township, where her father followed farming. They are still living and now make their home with their children. They had two daughters: Mrs. West- fall : and Emma. the wife of O. D. Wick- izer, of Chinook, Montana. Mr. and Mrs. Westfall have six sons, four of whom were born in Burnside and the youngest in Carthage. These are : . Ver- non, born March 28, 1888; Bruce, in De- cember, 1889; Paul, December 18. 1894: Mills, July 22, 1897; and James, born July 21, 1900. Lewis, born April 13. 1906. The parents are prominent and influential members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Westfall is serving as steward, while his wife be- longs to the various church societies. Fraternally he is connected with the Ma- sonic lodge of Burnside and with the chapter at Carthage and he also belongs 10 Bentley lodge, No. 412, Independent Order of Odd Fellows in which he has passed all of the chairs. He is likewise a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Court of Honor and is popular in these various organizations. He is now proving a capable officer, dis- charging his duties with promptness and fidelity such as indicates his loyal citizen- ship and progressive spirit.
THOMAS RUGGLES.
No history of Hamilton would be com- plete without mention of Thomas Rug-
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gles, who for fifty years has been a dry goods merchant of this city and since 1848 has resided here. He came to Illi- nois when it was a pioneer district, tras - eling across the country when one would ride fer miles and miles without seeing a habitation or evidences that the seeds of civilization had been planted on the west- ern frontier. He is thoroughly familiar with the history of the county and event -. which to most people are matters of his- tory, have been witnessed by him or have been matters of experience with him. He was born in Daviess county, Indiana, De- cember 13. 1825. 1lis paternal grandia- ther. Thomas Ruggles, was a native of North Carolina and married Rachel Free- land, who was born in Maryland., Their son. Jacob Ruggles, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, where the family lived for a number of years. Having arrived at adult age. he married Miss Henrietta McDonald, who was also born in Ken tucky and was a daughter of Francis and Eleanor ( Hamilton ) MeDonald. the for- mer a native of Maryland and the latter of Delaware. Francis McDonald was a Revolutionary soldier and was taken on a British man of war to the new world. When they landed at Charleston. South Carolina, he deserted the British troops and joined the colonial army. He was only a boy at that time. He fought for the independence of the colonies and after the establishment of the republic he emi- grated to Kentucky at an early day and lived there for a number of years. Subse- quently he removed to Indiana, where his last days were passed. Thomas Ruggles was also a pioneer settler of Indiana, liv- ing there at a time when in the midst of
the little settlement was an old lang fort. to which all of the citizens would go to see protection from the Indians wien there would be an uprising among the rel people.
Jacob Ruggles, father of our subject lived upon the farm in bibiana for many years. In 1851 he went to California. where he remained for nine years, return ing to Indiana in the fall of 1800.
Thomas Ruggles, whose name intro- luces this review, began his education in one of the old-time subscription school which met in a log cabin in In liana. 11c spent the days of his boyhood and youth on the old homestead farm in that state. living with his parents until 18 17. At the age of twenty-three years he came to Illi- nois, making his way to Hamilton. He traveled on horseback alone, being two weeks upon the way. He would travel all day at times and not see more than two or three houses. lle stopped at first at Montebello and in the spring of 1849 went to work on a farm, where he farmed for six years. Before removing to Illinois. however, he had studied law with an unck. in Indiana. Tle farmed the first year in Illinois and worked with the man who helped lay out the town of Hamilton, be ing employed at carpemering. In 1856 he established a general mercantile business in the new town of Hamilton and has con tinned in active connection with commer cial interests to the present time, although various changes have occurred in the partnership. He was first asserted with John K. Alen and it 1800 h sol et. In 1861 he began business 199 1 (11 when, where he continued mais-o lle then entered upat the active greece af
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law, having been admitted to the bar in 1867, and he also engaged in farming a tract of land until 1875. In that year he again established a general store, which he conducted until 1881, since which time he has given his attention only to the gro- cery trade. He is a pioneer in business in Hamilton and no man today connected with its business interests has been for a longer period actively associated with commercial life here. He now has a good store, well equipped with a carefully se- lected stock of staple and fancy groceries and has a gratifying patronage.
In December, 1849, Mr. Ruggles was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wal- ler, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of George and Catherine (McDonald) Waller. Their children were George, who was born in 1851 and died at the age of five years, Homer, who was born in 1852, and died at the age of four years : Cather- ine, who was born in 1854 and died at the age of thirty-five years; and Henrietta, who was born in 1855 and died when eighteen years of age. The wife and mother passed away in June, 1857. In July. 1858. Mr. Ruggles was again mar- ried, his second union being with Hannah L. Choate, who was born in Adams coun- ty. Illinois, and is a daughter of Langdon and Deborah (Jones) Choate. There were six children of this marriage, of whom one daughter died in infancy. The others are: Thomas, who was born in 1863 and died at the age of thirty years: Clara, the wife of Robert Hall, who is en- gaged in the insurance business in Hamil- ton : Edmond, who died at the age of thir- ty-five years: Leon, of Hancock county ; and Alice, who died in infancy. The wife
and mother passed away in June, 1872, and in April, 1874, Mr. Ruggles was mar- ried to Mrs. Anna B. Christfield Mason, the widow of Dr. John Mason, who was a dentist of Keokuk.
In his political affiliation Mr. Ruggles has long been a republican, supporting the party since its organization. He was one of the first school directors of this district, was trustee of Hamilton during the sec- ond year of the existence of the village and was alderman for about twelve years. In 1858 he was elected justice of the peace and filled the position of supervisor the same year. He continued in the latter of- fice for eight terms and was also school trustee for a number of years and has con- tinued as a justice of the peace with the exception of two terms up to the present time. The fact that he has long been re- tained in the public service is indication of his capability and fidelity. He is a Ma- son, being the only charter member of Hamilton lodge now living. This is known as Black Hawk lodge. No. 238. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. and he is also connected with the Royal Arch chapter and the Eastern Star. He is now in his eighty-first year and is a well known citizen, who at all times lias enjoyed the fullest confidence and respect of his fellowmen and has mer- ited their regard and good will.
AUSTIN COLEMAN WOOLFOLK.
Austin Coleman Woolfolk was born in Farmington, Missouri, on the 16th of De-
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cember. 1836, a son of George and Ma- tilda (Taylor) Woolfolk. In his early boyhood days the family removed to like county, Illinois. The father died during the infancy of his son and the mother passed away when Austin C. Woolfolk was but sixteen years of age. He was thus early deprived of parental care and attention. In his youth he attended the public schools of Pike county and his collegiate course was pursued in Bethany College of Virginia, after which he re- turned to Pittsfield, Illinois, and took up the study of law under the Hon. Milton Hay, one of the most distinguished legists that has ever practiced at the bar of Illi- nois. His deep interest was aroused by the momentous questions which awakened public attention in anti-bellum days. Ile was a student of the signs of the times. noted the growing dissatisfaction in the south and the threatening attitude and his patriotic spirit was aroused in defense of the Federal government and its su- premacy. Therefore it was not strange that when Fort Sumter was fired upon. like many other young attorneys, he put aside his law books that he might and his country in the preservation of the Union. He enlisted and was instru- mental in raising a company which was attached to the Seventeenth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry. The command was sent to Alton and he was on active duty with the regiment for a year. at the end of which time he was transferred to the quartermaster's department and later as- signed to the United States service. He participated in two of the most hotly contested battles that occurred in the mid le west-Fort Donelson and Corinth.
where he suffered Foto tro g 16 1000 8 forever afterward was her me asthma. He continued with the . from foot until 1800, inthis portion ing every task that devolved ups no matter how hazardmis Mas It- tal or what risks he had to meur in perip ing the duty assigned him He va- The honorably discharged at Caire. I'm . after sending in his resignation.
Resuming the pursuit of envie hie. V Woolfolk once more entered upon the practice of law, locating in Mankato. Minnesota, and there he soon gammel recognition as an able lawyer, who pro- pared his cases with theroughness and cars, was logical in his reasonings, soul in argument and forceful in his presenta tion of his cause. His ability attracted to him wide attention and led to his ap pointment by the governor to the position of district judge of the sixth indicates triet of Minnesota. His legal learning. his analytical mind, the readiness with which he grasped the points in an argu ment. all combined to make him one of the most capable jurists of that district Il decisions indicated strong mentality, die ful analyzation, a thorough knowledge of the law and an unbiased julynie He was widely recognized as a 100 0 well balanced intellect and das legel with impartiality and equity the dinge of the office to which life, property with and liberty must look for protection length, however, he resigned ap as district judge and went to tulard where through the succe 15 Ser he devoted his attention to the moon practice of laws
On the 8th of October 1800 M-
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Woolfolk had been married to Miss Mary Pierce Hay, a daughter of Dr. Charles and Helen ( Leonard) Hay, a history of whom is given elsewhere in this work together with the history of her brothers, Major Leonard Hay, of the United States army and Hon. John Hay, late secretary of state under Mckinley and Roosevelt. Mrs. Woolfolk was born in Salem, Indiana, and with her parents re- moved to Warsaw. Mr. and Mrs. Wool- folk remained residents of Colorado until the death of the husband on the 15th of February, 1880. after which his re- mains were returned to Warsaw for in- terment and here Mrs. Woolfolk has since made her home. In an active life he dis- played many sterling traits of character- not only the qualities which insured prog- ress and success in his chosen profession but also those personal traits of character which win confidence and regard in every land and clime. The spirit of loyalty which prompted his enlistment for ser- vice in the Civil war was ever manifested in all his duties of citizenship and among his friends-and they were many-he was recognized as a most congenial spirit be- cause of his intellectual force, his kindly disposition, his genial manner and his sin- cere and genuine interest in the welfare of others.
SOLOMON J. SALISBURY.
Solomon J. Salisbury is the owner of a farm of one hundred and two acres in Pilot Grove township, which he has
placed under a high state of cultivation, making it a well improved place. He was born in Kirkland, Lake county, Ohio, September 18, 1835, and when three years of age came to Hancock county. Illinois, with his parents, Wilkins J. and Catherine (Smith) Salisbury. The fa- ther was born in the state of New York. and the mother in Vermont, and follow- ing their marriage they removed to Ohio. where they lived until coming to Illinois in 1838. The mother was a sister of Jo- seph and Hiram Smith. On arriving in Illinois they settled first in Plymouth. where the father followed the black- smith's trade. He afterward became a blacksmith at Webster, Illinois, where he continued until his death. which occurred when he was about forty-three years of age. His wife continued to live at Web- ster, and there passed away at the age of eighty-three years. She was reared in the Mormon church and continued in that belief until her demise. In early life Mr. Smith was also a member of the Mormon church.
Solomon J. Salisbury acquired his pre- liminary education in the schools of Plymouth, but at the time of the upris- ing of the people against the Mormons the family was expelled from there in 1846 and removed to Alexandria, Mis- souri. In 1847, however. they returned to Hancock county, settling at Warsaw. and later removed to Webster, where they made their home. In his early youth Solomon J. Salisbury began work as a farm hand by the month and was thuis employed until about the time when he attained his majority, when he purchased land in Pilot Grove township. He has
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since owned and operated a number of different farms and about twenty years ago he purchased his present farm, which be improved and upon which he has since lived. Ilere he engages in general agri- cultural pursuits and in feeding cattle and hogs. In his business affairs he has been quite successful and is the owner of a valuable place which is indicative of his unremitting diligence and ceaseless toil. whereby he has advanced to a place among the men of affluence in the county.
Twice married. Mr. Salisbury first wedded Elizabeth Swisher, and unto them were born three children. Ella, the eld est, is now the wife of Ransom Sherman, of Keewaunee, Illinois, and their chil- dren are Elmer, Robert. Eliza. Effie and Ruby. Robert resides in Pilot Grove township, where he owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land. He married Margaret Jones, has two chil- dren, Eliza and Ella, the former now the wife of Elmer Grotts, by whom she has two children, Eva and Earl. James, the youngest of the family. resides in Pilot Grove township, where he owns a farm of eighty-three acres. He wedded Mary 1 .. Roush. and they have one child. Ar- thur. Mrs. Salisbury died and was buried at Webster and Mr. Salisbury has since wedded Margaret Swisher, who was born in Gallia county, Ohio, and is a sister of his first wife. Their parents were Jacob and Mary ( Rife) Swisher. the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Swisher came to Hancock county, settling in Pilot Grove township, where the father engaged in farming and made his home until his
death at the age of seventy three you He was laid to rest in la Harpe, and lig wife, who died at the age of or Ion years, was buried at Webster. I'vee the parents of eleven children Vr -. Ma garet Swisher being the survey By her marriage she has three children Mary B. now the wife of Dood Furres a farmer of Pilot Grove township, pim owns ninety acres and by whom she has four children, Hulen, Mille, Ruth : d Raymond; William H., who won- and cultivates sixty acres of land in Pilot Grove township and who married Ger trude Dailey, by whom she has four chil dren. Ona. Otie. Lulu and Solomon. Don Carlos, who has a farm of eighty acres in Pilot Grove township, welded Zua Marrill, and has three children. Ev erett, Herbert and June.
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