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 67

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 67

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In the district schools of his native state John A. Campbell acquired his edu- cation and after leaving school went to live with his brother, working on a farm and also spending some time as a farm hand in the employ of others. He was ambitious, however, to make a start in life and eagerly availed himself of every opportunity for his own business ad- vancement. In July. 1808, he chose a companion and helpmate for bie's jour ney, being married to Miss Susan Mat thew's, who was born in Hancock county Illinois, in 1853. Her grandfather in the paternal line was a soldier of the Revo- Intionary war and Mr- Campbell can re late many interesting stories w och he told her concerning that struggle She is al daughter of A. B. and D \ "kalle's )

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BIOGRAPHICAL REFIEI'

Matthews. Her father was born in Ohio in 1817 and her mother in Parke county. Indiana, in 1827. He devoted his life to farm work and in 1851 removed to this county, spending much of his time here in Augusta township. He died in 1891 in the faith of the Christian church, of which he was a devoted member. His wife also belongs to that church. Eight of their ten children still survive, namely: Man- dane. the wife of John Jones, of Oregon ; Robert, of Angusta township: Miles, of Oklahoma ; Mrs. Susan Campbell; Wil- liam Jackson. of Cass county. Iowa: Harvey, of Hancock county: Edna, the wife of Lincoln Smith, of Hancock coun- ty ; and Marion, also of this county.

Mr. Campbell arrived in this county about 1864 or 1865, and lived in Au- gusta township for two years, after his marriage. He then removed to Indiana. where he carried on farming for two years, after which he returned to Augusta township and invested his little capital in twenty acres of land also on section 7. Here he has since added to his property from time to time as his financial re- sources have increased until he now owns two hundred and forty acres of rich and arable land on sections 7 and 9. His first home here was a log cabin and he also lived in a log house in Indiana. He had to clear his place in order to have sufficient ground upon which to erect a home. He has built barns and outbuild- ings and now has a well improved prop- erty although when it came into his pos- session it was largely covered with hazel ANDREW JACKSON HARRIS. brush. His attention has been given to the raising of grain and stock and his Andrew Jackson Harris is in control fields are richly tilled. bringing forth of varied and important business enter-

good harvests. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell has been blessed with three children, all born in Augusta town- ship: Harvey, who was born in 1869. and married Miss Mary Young, of Au- gusta township, by whom he has one son, Wayne; Dovie, who was born in 1876, and died in 1896, the interment being made in Irwin cemetery; and Charles, who was born in ISSo and lives upon a farm adjoining his father's place. IIe married Etta Little and has three chil- dren, Herschel and Mark, aged respect- ively six and four years, and baby Eva. two weeks old.

Mr. and Mrs. Campbell endured many hardships and privations in the early days of their married life but have gradually climbed the ladder of success and are now comfortably situated. No longer the owner of twenty acres of land he lias more than ten times that amount and his farm is a well improved place, being one of the attractive features of the landscape. In manner genial and jovial, these quali- ties make him popular with a large circle of friends. Both he and his wife are worthy people and they hold membership in the Congregational church, in which he has efficiently served as deacon for many years. His political endorsement is given to the democracy.

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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

prises whereby he is classed as one of the representative men of the community. In addition to his agricultural pursuits he is vice president of the Burnside Bank, and a director in the Adrian Elevator Com- pany, and moreover, he is prominent and influential in community affairs, serving at the present writing in the office of justice of the peace for the second term. A native of Adams county, Illinois, he was born October 2, 1862, and his par- ents. Jackson and Louisa ( Hardy ) Har- ris, were also natives of the same county. The father, a farmer by occupation, took up his abode in Rock Creek township upon his removal to Hancock county in 1866, and carried on the work of tilling the soil there until a recent date but now makes his home with his children, living on some of his farms. His wife died in March, 1905, and was laid to rest in Moss Ridge cemetery at Carthage. She was a lady of many good traits of heart and mind and thus her loss was the occasion of wide-spread regret among her many friends, as well as in her immediate fam- ily. Mr. Harris is a man of genuine per- sonal worth, who has been accorded high regard in recognition of his salient and commendable characteristics. His polit- ical allegiance is given to the democracy and he has filled several township offices. well meriting the trust reported in him by his election thereto. In his family were seven children, of whom five are now living. namely: Andrew : Tamar. the wife of G. F. Wilson, of Rock Creek township: George E., who is living in Denver, Illinois: Mary E .. the wife of I. J. Fry, living on the old home place : and Sarah E., the wife of Clyde Shop herd, of Rock Creek township.

At the usualage Andrew I Huela gan Ins education, becoming a student Rock Creek township school He site ward attended Carthage College, and al. C'haddock College, in Quincy. III Thus liberally educated he was well quan fied for the profession of teaching, up which he entered after the completioncan his college course For six months was thus engaged in Filet Grove town ship and he also taught in various oil of townships of Hancock county, his identi fication with the work of public instruc tion covering four years. He afterward became associated with his brother in the ownership and conduct of a general store at Adrian for ten years, during which period he likewise served as postmaster of the town for two terms. On the esp ration of that period he had eighty acres of land in Rock Creek township, given him by his father, and to this property he has since added until he now owns two hundred acres altogether, situated on sce- tions 13 and 23. lle has built there a good residence and substantial outbuild- ing- and has a well improved farm prop erty, carrying on general agricultural pur suits and stock-raising with results that are highly satisfactory when viewed in a financial standpoint. The spirit of cute; prise which brooks no obstacle but pushes steadily forward to the goal of success is his and his record as a representative of agricultural interests is most credit. be He has also extended his efforts into other fields of activity and is now vice president of the Burnside Bank and a director in the Adrian Elevator Company

On the 12th of March, 1891. Mr Harris was united in marriage to M .- Nellie Burr, who was born in Durhun

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township in 1879. a daughter of Jonathan and Sarah ( Terrell) Burr. The mother was a native of Virginia, born in 1841, and died at the age of thirty-seven years. The father. a native of Connecticut. was a farmer by occupation, and for many years a resident of Durham township. when, in 1905, he removed to Winfield. Kansas, where he is now living at the age of sixty-seven years. He is a republican. firm in support of party principles yet without aspiration for office. He left be- hind him in Hancock county many warm friends who knew him to be a genial gen- tleman, courteous and considerate to others and reliable in his business trans- actions. His wife, too, had many warm friends here, so that her death was deeply regretted. In their family were five chil- dren as follows: Rev. Edward S. Burr. who is now living in Nebraska : Minnie, the wife of W. T. Dugger, of Dallas City ; Mrs. Harris ; Clarence, of Durham town- ship : and John, of Lomax. After losing his first wife Mr. Burr wedded Miss Amanda Clark, who still survives, and their children, five in number, are Walter. Mary. Wesley. Arthur and Ellis.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Harris has been blessed with six children, all born in Hancock county: Albert B .. born September 25. 1892; Orville F., who was born December 22, 1894. and died De- cember 16, 1895: Ernest Roy, born No- vember 5. 1896: Esther Louisa, October 7. 1808: Edward J., March 21, 1901 : and Sarah Alice. January 16, 1903. The fam- ily have a lovely home. pleasantly situated near Ferris. Mr. Harris is a Master Ma- son and both he and his wife are earnest christian people. He belongs to the

Primitive Baptist church, in which he is serving as deacon, while Mrs. Harris is a member of the Methodist church. His political support is given to the Demo- cratic party and he is now serving his second term as justice of the peace, while for some years he has also been a member of the school board. In the former office he has rendered decisions which are recog- nized as strictly fair and impartial and thus he has "won golden opinions from all sorts of people."

ISAAC W. CASSELL.

Isaac W. Cassell, who in former years was connected with educational work in Illinois and Nebraska but is now owning and operating extensive landed posses- sions in La Harpe township. Hancock county, is an influential factor in this sec- tion of the state. He is a native of Ohio. his birth having occurred in Knox coun- ty. December 26, 1839, and comes of German lineage .. His paternal great- grandfather was Henry Cassell, a native of Hesse Cassel, Germany, who, on em- igrating to the United States, settled in Maryland, the family home being estab- lished in Carroll county. There the fa- ther of our subject, Isaac Cassell, was born and reared and was married to Miss Lydia Nicodemus, likewise a native of Carroll county. Maryland, and a daughter of John Nicodemus, who was also born in

5.50

ILANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

that state. Isaac Cassell removed from his native state to Knox county, Ohio. about the year 1834. and there purchased three hundred acres of timber land, which he cleared and improved and on which he made his home until his death, which oc- curred in 1885, while his wife had pre- ceded him to the home beyond. her death having occurred in 1871.

Isaac W. Cassell is the youngest of five sons and seven daughters, and two of his sisters yet survive. He pursued his edu- cation in the public schools of Ohio, and was reared to farm life, assisting his fa ther in the duties of the home place. He remained with his parents until the 3d of September, 1861, when, his patriotic spirit being aroused during the Civil war. he enlisted as a member of Company .1. Twentieth Ohio Infantry, joining at Fredericktown. The command was as- signed to the Army of the Cumberland and at once went to the front. Mr. Cas- sell was loyal in the discharge of every (luty that was assigned him, and for mer- itorious service was promoted in the ranks, being given a lieutenant's commis- sion on the 12th of September. 1862, of the Ninety-sixth Ohio Infantry, but on account of illness he was forced to resign and then returned to his home in Ohio. His health had become so badly impaired during his service in the army that he was unable to resume farm work, and. real izing the need of better educational facili ties that would fit him for other business. he decided to pursue a collegiate course. and entered Wittenburg College. at Springfield, Ohio, from which he was graduated in June, 1866. He then ie cepted a professorship in Adrian Cul

lege, at Adrian, Michigan. there living charge of the Latin and Greek disse il til June, 1872, when he went . | Nebraska, and organized the pablo school system at that place. He ys iler elected superintendent of schools at that place, filling the position two years. el during one year, viz. 1871. Was ade county superintendent of schools in half caster county, that state, and in all of these positions he gave excelent salle faction, his ability as an educator hems recognized by all with whom he was as sociated.

On the 3d of August. 1871. Mr. Cas sell was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Gittings, a native of La Harpe town- ship, whose birth occurred April 7. 1851. Her parents were James and Susanna (Thompson) Gittings. Her paternal grandparents were Ason and Elizabeth ( Clark) Gittings, natives of Maryland. while the maternal grandparents were John and Libbie Thompson, natives of Stokes county, North Carolina. Her ia ther. James Gittings, had come to Illinois from Zanesville, Ohio, in 1836, and hud entered land in La Harpe township, has- ing a half section situated on section 5. for which he paid the usual government price of one dollar and a quarter per acre. He added to this tract, however. from time to time until he was the owner of two thousand acres of valuable land m La Harpe township besides owning seven hundred acres in the northwestern part of Missouri. The daughter. Mry Cassell. supplemented her early educational proo leges by a course of study in Derm rh Academy, at Denmark, lowa and lte pursued a course of study in Adrian Ce

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BIOGRAPHICAL RETIEIN

lege. at Adrian, Michigan. Both her . parents are now deceased, the father hay- ing passed away November 18, 1882. while the mother survived for about ten years, passing away January 23, 1892.

Our subject and his wife, after remain- ing for a number of years in the west. where he was connected with educational interests. then returned to his native township to assist in the management of the extensive landed interests of his fa- . been deeply interested in educational ad- ther-in-law, James Gittings. He took vancement in his county and has given active and helpful support in all move- ments along those lines. In his political views he is a republican, actively inter- ested in the work of his party. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance in Hancock county, where he has so long resided, and he is today classed among the wide-awake and prosperous represent- atives of agricultural interests in his section of the state. Both Mr. Cassell and his wife are people of culture and re- finement and their pleasant home is noted for its gracious and warm-hearted hospitality. up his abode on a farm of two hundred and forty acres, which he successfully managed until the fall of 1879. when he again resumed his former work as an ed- ucator, becoming principal of La Harpe Seminary, which position he filled until 1884, when the building was destroyed by fire, and he then removed to a farm north of La Harpe, which comprised two hun- dred and fifty acres, and since 1891 has continued to reside on this place. His wife inherited a portion of her father's estate upon his death. and together they now have four hundred and ninety acres. all of which with the exception of about fifty acres is cultivable. Here he is en- gaged in general farming, in which he is meeting with very gratifying success.

Unto our subject and his wife have been born nine children, four having died in infancy. The five living are: AAbbie. who was born December 18, 1872, and is now the wife of Judd Hartzell, engaged in the insurance business at Monmouth. Illinois; Robert, born February 22, 1874. and a resident of La Harpe township: Ort. born February 2. 1877. Mayme. born December 18, 1881, and Susannah G .. born October to, 1887, all of whom are yet under the parental roof.

Mr. Cassell holds membership with the Congregational church at La Harpe, in which he has filled all of the offices of the organization. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity, holding membership with the Blue lodge and chapter at La Harpe, and the commandery at Macomb. In April. 1905. he was granted a pension by the government, and is now receiving six dollars per month. He has always

WILLIAM C. HOOKER.

William C. Hooker, who has conferred honor and dignity upon the legal pro- fession of Hancock county, with which he has long been connected. being for many years classed with the prominent attorneys of Carthage, where he has re- sided for more than a half century, was born in Auburn, New York. September

HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

13. 1828. His parents, Harley Hooker and Mary Beardsley Hooker, were both natives of Connecticut and he is a lineal descendant of Rev. Thomas Hooker, who in to30 led the colony which settled News- town. now Hartford, in that state.

llis father, a physician of extensive and successful practice, in 1839. removed to Pecatonica, now Rockton, Hlinois. From that time, except occasional at- tendance during winter months at the dis- triet school, and one year at Onondaga Academy, New York, he was engaged on his father's farm and in teaming to Chi- cago and other lake ports, until the fall of 1847. when he entered Beloit College from which institution he graduated in 1851. being a member of the first class to complete the college course there. Sub- sequently he engaged in teaching school and his leisure hours were devoted to reading law, thus preparing for the bar in Syracuse, New York, Milwaukee, Wis- comsin and other places, where he was en- gaged in teaching. He completed his preliminary reading at Quincy, Illinois, in the fall of 1853 and in the spring of 1854 was admitted to the bar.

The following June be located at Nau- voo, and soon after became a law partner of Milton M. Morrill. In March, 1858. he removed to Carthage and formed a partnership for the practice of law with Hiram G. Ferris and George Edmunds. under the name of Ferris, Hooker & Ed- munds. This relationship continued about four years, the firm being promi- nent in the early history of the county. Since then he has remained in Carthage and continued as a general practitioner. lle has a fine office and library and al-

though he has passed the sevent fill milestone on his's journey to get dell' e in the practice of law He had been resident of the county for only a Inei period when a good chentage was 1 corded him and through the sheree the years he has maintained a foremost place at the bar.

In 1850 William C. Hooker was HI 5 ried to Anna M. Hume, of Clark county. Kentucky, who died in 1857. In Derem ber. 1802. he Wedded Mary Catherme MeQuary, of Carthage, and unto them were born two daughters and two sons; Mary, who was the wife of Charles J. Daoust, of Defiance. Ohio, and died in 1800: Frances, who became the wife of Michael C. Flynn, and died in 1808: llar- ley J., who is engaged in the land busi- ness in Oklahoma : and Chellis E .. who was an attorney and in 1808 was elected county judge but died in July, 1901, his father filling out his unexpired term. Mrs. Hooker departed this life February 5. 1000. Her many excellent qualities of heart and mind had gained her leader- ship in social circles and the number of her friends was almost co extensive with the number of her acquaintances.

Mr. Hooker has been a democrat from the time he cast his first vote in 1851. He served as a member of the central com- mittee of the county for a number of years and for some years was a member of the democratic state central committee. frequently he has been a delegate to the local, congressional and state conventions of the party. Never an aspirant for office he has held no public posti m outside the strict path of his profession but was mais ter in chancery for twelve seus, begin-

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ning in 1863 and again for three or four years, beginning in 1895. He was made a Mason in Alabama during the winter of 1852-3 and is now a member of Hancock lodge. No. 20. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He served as worshipful master of Reclamation lodge, No. 54, at Nauvoo, He also belongs to Carthage chapter, No.' 33. Royal Arch Masons, has for several terms served as high priest, was a member of the council and is a member of the commandery at Quincy. Mr. Hook- er has figured for many years as one of the most prominent and representa- tive citizens of Carthage, whose career reflects credit upon its legal history while his private life has been exemplary of all that constitutes the true citizen. His nature is kindly, his temperament genial and his manner courteous and he has not only been found a most congenial spirit among men of broad learning and culture but one whose words of wisdom and kindly counsel have been a source of encouragement and inspiration.

JUDGE CHELLIS E. HOOKER.

Judge Chellis E. Hooker, elected to the bench of the county court of Han- cock county when only twenty-eight years of age and distinguished as one of the foremost representatives of the bar of this part of the state, his career cut short by his untimely death, which was the oc- casion of most deep and widespread re- gret, was a son of William C. Hooker and a native resident of Carthage. He ac-

quired his preliminary education in the common schools of this city, while his more specifically literary education was obtained as a student in Carthage Col- lege. In 1887 he went to St. Louis, Mis- souri, and subsequently was for some time in Kansas City, Omaha and Mon- tana as a clothing salesman. From Col- orado Junction he returned to Carthage and entered his father's office as a law student in 1890. The following year he matriculated in the law depart- ment of the Northwestern University at Chicago, and was graduated with the de- grce of Bachelor of Law in the class of 1893. During the March term prior to his graduation he successfully passed the examination before the supreme court and was admitted to the bar. Returning to his native city he entered into partner- ship with his father under the style of William C. Hooker & Son, and came into almost immediate distinction as a mem- ber of the firm. His position at the bar is indicated by the resolutions passed by the County Judges' Association as given below.

Judge Hooker was a member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he held various offices and in the work of which he took an active, helpful and prominent part. He was also active in the ranks of the Democratic party and was identified with the Episcopal church, in which he served for a number of years as lay reader. His distinctive character- 'isties were a strong logical mind, a marked devotion to every cause which he esponsed and a high sense of honor in every relation of life. No better cvi- dence of his work and the position which

CHELLIS E. HOOKER

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

503

ILINCOOK COUNTY. ILLINOIS.

he occupied in the public regard can be given than in presenting the resolutions prepared by Judge Carl E. Epler and passed by the County Judges' Association at its meeting in Springfield in 1902. These resolutions read as follows :

"\ ruling Providence has first taken from our number one of the youngest of our members. Chellis E. Hooker, county judge of Hancock county, died at Car- thage, Illinois, July 23. 1901. of laryngeal consumption. He was born at Carthage. November 9. 1870, and, therefore, he was not thirty-one years of age at his untime- ly death. He was unmarried. The son of William C. Hooker, an honored mem- ber of the Hancock county bar. he was reared the idol of his family. He was devoted to his mother, whose gentle in- fluence was removed by the hand of death a few years ago.

"Giving west in 1887, and returning ser- eral years after, young Hooker studied law in his father's office, and also at- tended the Northwestern Law School at Chicago, where he graduated in 1803. having already been examined and been admitted to the bar in March of that year. He then commenced the practice of law as a partner with his father, un- der favorable auspices. In 1807 he was elected city attorney of Carthage, win- ning such popular esteem that in 1808 he was elected county judge of Hancock county, when but twenty-eight years of age. He joined in organizing this asso- ciation. Ile gave general satisfaction in the discharge of his official duties. The high personal regard borne for him and his family led all parties to unite in elect ing, without opposition, his father, Wil-

for the unexpired term-a de ervel bi unusual tribute.

"Of fine instincts, ambitions tid nite ligence, by dint of energy and malus is. Judge C. E. Hooker stond well forw rl at the Hancock county bar, long noted for i's ability and high character. Smeere and lovable, gifted with all mmly qn. h- ties, his home life was ideal. True to Mi friends, generous and charitable in dis- position, affable in huis official work, he was deservedly popular in the commu- nity where he lived and with all with whom he came in contact. His career. able and honorable, but all too brief, com mands our highest eulogy. He lived no- bly. We pay him fitting tribute. Ils life work is done. He rests in peace.

"To his venerable father, Hon. Wilham C. Hooker; chosen by a grateful public as his son's successor, we extend our heart felt sympathy in his recent and bitter be- reagements, with regret that his son's as pirations had no longer term in which to realize more fully his professional ideals."

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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 67

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