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 72
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89
De Witt C. Wood acquired his edu- cation in the schools of his native town- ship and in the academy at Chester. New York, and when liberal advantages had well qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties he resumed work upon his father's farm, where he remained for several years. He then turned his atten- tion to railroading as a brakeman on the Erie Railroad, occupying that position for fourteen months, when he became fore- man on a construction train. He con- tinned in that service until 1853, when he came to Illinois attracted by its op- portunities and business development of the new and growing west. Locating at Joliet he worked on the Chicago & Alton Railroad, making a cut of twenty-two feet. He afterward returned to the Em- pire state in 1854, but later in that year again came to Illinois and was train baggageman from Chicago to St. Louis on the Chicago & Alton Railroad, occu- pying that position for almost a year.
597
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Again he went to New York and for living. By her marriage she became the twelve years thereafter worked upon his father's farm. Thus he resided in his native state almost continuously for for- ty-two years, after which he again came to Illinois, arriving in 1869 in the village of Augusta, where he now resides. Here he has been engaged principally in gar- dening and has well cultivated gardens. the products of which find a ready sale on the market because of size. quality and flavor in addition to the honorable business methods of Mr. Wood. A life of industry has brought to him a fair measure of success.
In 1849 Mr. Wood was married to Miss Elizabeth Hallock, who was born at Sugarloaf. New York, and died leav- ing two children. Charles 11. died of heart failure when twenty years of age while attending the services of the Chris- tian church in Augusta. Elizabeth is the wife of Frank Nation, a resident of Chi- cago and they have three children, Ralph. Clinton and Charles, Mrs. Elizabeth Wood died and was buried at the okl home place in New York. For his second wife Mr. Wood chose Miss Jane Cogan. who was born in Troy. New York, and was a daughter of John and Ann ( Foy) Cogan, both of whom were natives of Ire- land, whence they came to the United States on their wedding trip. They la cated in New York city, where they re- sided for some time and afterward re moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Both parents, however, passed away in the Empire state, the mother being killed by the cars. Mrs. Wood was educated in New York and was one of a family of nine children, three of whom are set
mother of two children. Daisy and Win fred. The former was born in Augusta in the house in which Mr. Wood How re sides. She is a teacher in the public schools here, having followed the pro- fession for seven years, subsequent to her graduation from the high school. She also possesses considerable artiste talent and does very good work in pastel paint ing. Winifred, also born in the home in which she is living, acquired her early el- ucation in the schools of Augusta and afterward attended the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. Indiana. She is now clerk in the large department store of F. M. King, of Augusta.
Mr. Wood is a republican from princi ple but does not seek office as a reward for party fealty. He is well known in the town where he resides, having long made his home here and the family is one of social prominence, occupying an enviable position where culture and intelligence are received as passports into ground society.
WILLIAM G WEBB
William Or Webb is a native of App. House township where he still makes his home. His birth occurred January 5. 1848, and he is the second son m a family of three sans and one daughter, where parents were William and Harnett chad- win ) Webb This was the father's serenit marriage In his bos hond des . Within 6 Webb remamed upa the bone tarm
598
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEWV
and from an early age was compelled to work in the fields. When but a young lad he would rake and bind grain and do all kinds of tasks incident to the raising of crops. As his age and strength per- mitted he undertook greater responsibili- ties and more arduous duties in connection with the farm work and he thus early became familiar with agricultural inter- ests in every department. His school privileges were somewhat limited but he has become a well informed man through reading, observation and experience in later years. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age, when he was married to Miss Laura V. Davis, the wed- ding being celebrated on the 28th of February, 1872. Mrs. Webb was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, July 1, 1852, and was about three years old when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Hancock county. She, too, acquired a common-school education, while spend- ing her girlhood days in the home of her parents. John T. and Elenore (Burton) Davis, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Ohio. Her maternal grandparents were William and Rebecca ( Stoddard) Burton. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Webb was blessed with a family of seven children: Elenore May. who was born November 22, 1872, and is the wife of Samuel Gnann. of Appa- noose township; Albert Erwin, who was born February 7, 1874, and is living in the same township; Florence Laura, who was born February 9, 1876, and is the wife of ITenry Siegrist. of Appanoose township: Josephine Harriet, who was born August 7, 1878, and is at home: Vincent Giles, who was born January 7.
1887, and died January 22, 1898; Orville C. Wayne, who was born February 4, 1890, and is yet with his parents; and Sydney Thomas, who was born June 21, 1892, and completes the family.
It was subsequent to his marriage that Mr. Webb invested his earnings in eighty acres of land on the south half of a quar- ter section, upon which he had previously lived. It was an improved place, at one time occupied by the Mormons and all of the buildings which he there found have been replaced by more commodious and modern structures. The residence is a substantial frame one of seven rooms and there are good barns and other outbuild- ings. Mr. Webb at once undertook the task of developing and improving his place and the fields are now richly tilled, so that the threshing season is a busy time upon the Webb farm, while in the later autumn good crops of corn are also gathered. He likewise raises shorthorn cattle. Poland China hogs and Shropshire sheep. Following his father's death Mr. Webb inherited eighty acres of land on section 35. Appanoose township, and he also bought eighty acres, of which one half is on section 34, and the remainder on section 33. Appanoose township. This, however, he sold to his son. Albert E. Webb, in the fall of 1899. Still actively engaged in the management of his farin, he is a business man whose alert and en- terprising spirit has been manifest in his capable conduct of his interests as the years have gone by. He was early trained to habits of industry and economy and these proved important factors in his success in after years. A faithful mem- ber of the Presbyterian church, he has
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
served as elder since 1903. He belongs to Temple lodge. No. 222. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Nauvoo, and to the Modern Woodmen camp there. Interested in politics to the extent of giving hearty and earnest support to the principles which he believes are most con- ducive to good government, his fellow townsmen have recognized his devotion to the public good and have elected him to some local offices. For twelve years he served as commissioner of highways and as collector for one year, in which connection his duties have been promptly and faithfully performed.
GEORGE H. SLINGERLAND.
George II. Slingerland owns and op- erates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 15 and io. Augusta township. He was born in Sloansville. Schoharie county, New York, Novem- ber 14, 1849. and his parents, Henry and Maria ( Machin ) Slingerland, were like- wise natives of the same locality. The mother was a daughter of Thomas Machin, who defended the interests of the colonies as a captain in the Revolu tionary war. In 1850 the father brought his family to Hancock county, Illinois. where he followed the occupation of farming, to which he had also given his attention in the Empire state. He died in the early 'Sos, while his wife survived until 1896 and both were buried in Au- gusta cemetery.
George 11. Singerland steegh of their five children now Inng. Ile was a lad of six years when brought to this county and his early education was acquired in Augusta, while later he con- tmued his studies in Union Classical lu stitute and Umon College, Schenectady, New York. He continued under the parental roof until of age and then start- ed out in life on his own account. On the 13th of January, 1885, he married Jennie Reynolds, who was born in Ne- braska in 1850. a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Lock) Reynolds. Her ia- ther, a native of New York, came to Illi- nois in 1855. He devoted his life to school teaching and farming and passed away in 1872. his remains being laid to rest in Greeley, Colorado. His widow. who was born in Schuyler county. Illi- nois, is now living in Kansas. Their children were: Hattie, now the wife of John McFarlan, of Colby, Kansas; and Jennie, the wife of our subject. The great-grandfather and two great-uncles of Mrs. Slingerland were valiant soldiers of the Revolutionary war.
Following their marriage Mr. Slinger land settled on a farm in Augusta town- ship. comprising one hundred and sixty deres on sections 15 and 10. Here he has since engaged in tilling the soil and raising stock. He is a republican but without aspiration for office, and ira ternally he is a Mason, Knight di Puthis and Woodman. In all these orders ies a valued factor, for his life is in harm 1 with the principles and tenets of the di ferent societies. In a review of has Lie it will be seen that he merits the comp ment implied in the term a "seli male
38
600
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEII'
man," for all that he possesses has been obtained through his own labor.
ABNER MURPHY.
Abner Murphy, whose memory is cher- ished in Augusta, where he made his home, by many friends who long enter- tained for him warm regard and respect, was born in Adams county, Ohio, No- vember 15, 1822, and died in this village September 11, 1898. He was the young- est in a family of eleven children born unto Robert and Elizabeth (Clifford) Murphy. the former a native of Penn- sylvania and the latter of Ohio. The fa- ther was a farmer by occupation and be- came one of the early settlers of Adams county. Ohio, where he lived until his death. his wife also passing away at the old homestead in that county. Both were well advanced in years, the mother hav- ing reached the venerable age of ninety years when called to her final rest.
Abner Murphy acquired his education in the place of his nativity, after which he engaged in teaching in the district schools in his native county. He re- mained a resident of Ohio until about twenty-seven years of age. when, in 1850. he came to Illinois and was engaged in teaching for a number of years in Brown and Schuyler counties.
In 1860 Mr. Murphy was united in marriage to Miss Bethania Billiter, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Mary (Stroup) Billiter, both of whom were natives of
North Carolina, whence they removed to Kentucky, remaining in this state for a short time, while later they resided in Butler county, Ohio, where the father engaged in farming for a number of years. He then removed with his family to Clay county. Indiana, where he also engaged in agricultural pursuits and some years later he came to Illinois, lo- cating near Camden, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-five years of age. The mother survived him for a number of years and passed away at the age of sev- enty-five.
Subsequent to his marriage Mr. Mur- phy spent a year in Missouri. after which he returned to Illinois and came to Au- gusta in 1876, having in the meantime lived in various places. He followed farming in Adams county. the greater part of his land extending over the bor- der line into that county although his home was in Hancock county. He re- mained there for about four years before coming to Augusta and he owned eighty acres of land. which he sold before tak- ing up his abode in this village, where his remaining days were passed. For about thirteen years his brother and sis- ter. Robert and Rebecca Murphy made their home with him until they were called to their final rest about two years before his demise. Shortly before com- ing to Augusta Mr. Murphy of this re- view purchased a home in the northern part of the village, where his widow still resides and here he lived retired in the enjoyment of a well carned rest. He made an addition to the house and trans- formed it into a very comfortable home.
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Mr. Murphy was a man of sterling business integrity and industry and was always true to his convictions as a citi- zen and faithful to his professions as a believer in the Christian faith. In his family he was devoted to the welfare of the members of his household and was considerate of all who knew him in ev- ery relation of life. The poor and needy found in him a warm friend, whose sym- pathy was often manifest by his assist- ance. He held membership in the Ma- sonic fraternity, being a charter member of the blue lodge at Camden, Illinois. and throughout his entire life he mani- fested the beneficent spirit of the craft. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and for one term he held the office of supervisor of Augusta township. His remains were interred in the ceme- tery at Augusta and his death was deeply deplored by all who knew him, because he had ever displayed the sterling traits of character which win warm friendships and strong regard.
THOMAS CRAWFORD.
Thomas Crawford devoted his life to general farming and stock-raising and while carrying on his business interests developed a character that made him an exemplary citizen and a man whom to know was to respect and honor. Ile guided his life by high principles, was kind-hearted, generous and enterprising.
and at all times and under all relations commanded the respect and esteem of those with whom he was associated. Born in Nicholas county, Kentucky. Jub 8, 1812. he was a son of Wilham ond Alzira ( Douglay ) Crawford The father a kentucky farmer, went to Adans com - ty. Illinois, in 1831, and lived in Quincy until the spring of 1832, while later he entered land in Wythe township, Hancock county, for a dollar and a quarter per acre He lived in a log house and knew all of the experiences and hardship of pioncer life. Indians were still seen in the neigh borhood and there was much wild game, including deer. He was a man of brave and resolute spirit, as manifest in his pio- neer life. His death occurred in Mis- souri in 1800, while his wife passed away in 1840. He was buried in Wilcox town- ship and his wife in Walker township in a private burying-ground known as the Hatchett burying-ground. In their fam- ily were seven children. The parents were most highly esteemed as worthy pioneer people, who contributed in large and substantial measure to the early de- velopment of the county and whose in- fluence was ever given on the side of right, progress, justice and truth.
Thomas Crawford was educated in the public schools of Kentucky and when eighteen years of age accompanied huis parents on their removal to Allmois. In 1830 he wedded Jane M Stockton, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Stockton, who were also born in that state and have now passed away. In their family were eleven children. The father was a soldier of the
602
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIENT'
leaving five children, of whom two are now living: Laura A., the widow of Uriah C. Seaton and a resident of Colo- rado, having one daughter, Jessie, who is a trained nurse in that state; Alzira F., who is the wife of John K. Stockton, of Colorado, by whom she has three chil- dren; Sarah, who married H. O. Knox and died in 1875. On the 25th of March, 1849. Mr. Crawford wedded Serepta J. Doughty, who was born in Kentucky in 1829, a daughter of James and Mary (McMahan) Doughty, natives of Ken- tucky. Her father, a farmer by occupa- tion. located in Wilcox township, Han- cock county, Illinois, in 1843 and his original home here was a log cabin, but as the years passed he prospered and be- came owner of a comfortable modern residence. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church. Their family numbered seven children, but only two are living: Mrs. Crawford; and Ann, the wife of Benjamin F. Howes. of Bragmer. Missouri.
Following his first marriage Mr. Craw- ford entered land in Walker township on several different sections and became an extensive proptery holder. He had one hundred and sixty acres in his home place, which he improved, transforming it into a very fine farm. As his financial re- sources increased he kept adding to his property until at one time he owned the greater part of Sutter. He displayed keen discernment in his investments and was a man of excellent business ability and executive force. He never inherited anything but was very enterprising and progressive and with the assistance of his estimable wife, who was indeed a great
helpmate to him, he advanced from a humble financial position to one of affluence.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Crawford were born nine children, all natives of Walker town- ship: Mrs. Mary Jane Andrews, the eld- est, lives with her mother and has four children : Clarence, Claude, Bay, and Harry. James F. is postmaster of War- saw. Margaret Ella was the wife of Aquilla J. Dougherty, who was consul to Peru, South America, and was in the in- ternal revenue office at Peoria, Illinois. His wife died November 15, ISSI, while his death occurred in 1904. Virginia Crawford died in 1859, at the age of three years. William T. is assistant postmaster at Warsaw. John Coleman operates the farm for his mother. Fannie is the wife of Leon W. Berry, a jeweler of Carthage, and they have three children: Freda, Kenneth and Leonard Coleman. Cora M. is at home, and Charles C. is a drug- gist of Warsaw.
About 1874 Mr. Crawford built for his family a comfortable and commodious brick residence upon the farm in Wilcox township. He was. however, not per- mitted to enjoy his new home for he died before it was completed, passing away March 23, 1875. In politics he was a re- publican and served as justice of the peace. He was also an curolling officer in the Civil war. He was one of the early Masons of this part of the state and in his life exemplified the beneficent spirit of the craft. He was a temperate man and at all times discouraged the excessive use of intoxicants. In his business af- fairs he was strictly honorable and reliable and was never known to take advantage
.
HANCOCA COLAZ), ILINOIS
of the necessities of another in a business transaction. Generous by nature, kindly in disposition and warm-hearted. he would rather be imposed upon than to in- jure another, and his life record proved that wealth and an honored name may be won simultaneously. He became one ui the prosperous landowners of the county and though he attained wealth he never allowed it to effect in any way his re- lations toward those less fortunate and was ever ready to respond quickly to the call of the poor and needy. In 1800 he became a member of the Christian church of Wythe township and his religious faith was at all times manifest in his life and in his relations with his fellowman. Mrs. Crawford yet resides upon the home farm and is the owner of more than five hun- dred acres of valuable land in this county. her husband having left her a very de- sirable competence.
THOMAS MCFARLAND.
When an individual passes on the high- way of life others, who perhaps started out in advance of him or had more ad- vantageous environments it is interest- ing to examine into his life record and know the elements which have contrib- uted to his success. In a review of the life history of Thomas Mcfarland we note that in early youth his opportuni- ties were limited and without financial assistance he entered upon the field of business activity wherein as the years and
Vanced he was a very desable campe tente that now stables fun to live e tired. lle made judicious bestmente m property and is the owner of large land interests, including five finalted aml eight acres in Prairie towishup Hle like wise has farm property in kansas and a home and business m Carthage, and his property interests are the visible evidence of a life of industry and energy.
Mr. MeFarland was born in Clermont county, Ohio, May 7. 1837. and his par- ents, John and Phebe & Smithy Mehr land, were likewise natives of that state. the mother bord June 10, 1810. They were married September 16, 1834 The father was a farmer and cooper, who in 18.12 brought his family to Illinois, set- tling on a farm in Adams county. Ile cleared land in order to have a space large enough upon which to build a log cabin. After a brief period he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 20th of June. 1844, and he woon afterward left the original farm and removed to another farm in Adams conn ty. In later years he took up his abode m Mendon, Illinois, where he died in 1801. and was buried, while his wife was laid to rest in Adams county. His political allegiance was given to the dem nhac but he held no office nor did he seek pe litical preferment. By his first marriage there were five children: David. W was born October 13. 1835, and is long in Appanouse county, Lowa; Thomas, of this review: Elizabeth Jane, who Was born October 22. 1830, and is the wife of Mr. Ganzert, of Walnut Creek, Call- fornia : Ephraim, who was born Novem ber t. 1841. and died December 23. 1811
604
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEII'
and Josephine, who was born March 20, 1844. and is the wife of Dr. James S. Akins, of Quinlan. Oklahoma.
The public schools afforded Thomas McFarland the early educational advan- tages he enjoyed. He was only about five years of age when the family removed to Illinois, and was seven years of age at the time of his mother's death. He then went to Hancock county with Mr. and Mrs. George Walker, who were relatives of his mother and who provided him with educational privileges and clothing until he attained his majority. He after- ward earned the money which enabled him to spend one year in the seminary at Warsaw, and subsequently he engaged in farin labor by the month in Hancock county for a year. In 1863 he bought a farm of sixty acres in Carthage town- ship. where he remained for a year. after which he took a trip of eight months to the gold mines in Virginia City, Mon- tana. leaving Carthage on the 18th of February. 1864. Having returned to Hancock county he has since given his attention to agricultural pursuits. After owning and selling several farms in Car- thage township he invested in farm land on sections 2 and 15. Prairie township. having two hundred and twenty-six acres on section 2, and two hundred and forty acres on section 15. He made his home on section 2 until September. 1888, when he took up his abode in Carthage. He still gives his supervision to his farming interests, however, and in addition to cultivating the fields is also engaged in stock-raising, employing men to care for the fields and the stock. He now lives at
No. 36 North Adams street, where he purchased property.
On the 15th of January, 1862, Mr. McFarland was married to Miss Maria Louise McColm, who was born in Cler- mont county, Ohio, March 15, 1843. a daughter of John and Nancy McColm. The mother died December 10, 1850, and the father, May 23, 1853. He was a farmer by occupation and spent his last days in Ohio. In their family were five children: Erastus, who was born January 4, 1838, and is living in Car- thage; David R., who was born Febru- ary 15, 1839. and is deceased; Melissa Jane, who was born June 2, 1841, and is the wife of Allen Glancy, a resident of Batavia, Clermont county, Ohio: Mrs. McFarland; and Albert Asbury Mc- Colm, who was born January 10, 1848, and lives in Chino, California. Mrs. Mc- Farland departed this life April 25, 1899. amid the deep regret of many friends. and her remains were interred in Moss Ridge cemetery. There had been six children born of this marriage, all natives of Hancock county. John Dennis, born December 23, 1862. died March 6, 1863, and was buried in the Walker cemetery in Walker township. Albert Homer. born March 1, 1864. married Miss Anna McColm and lives in Ottumwa, lowa. Charles Thomas, born November 21. 1867. married Frances Pomroy, lives at Fabius, Missouri, and has four children. Roy. Mary, Ida and Wilbur Thomas. Jennie Rachel, born May 17, 1869, mar- ried Edward Harris, lives at Herrick. South Dakota, and has three living chil- dren, Thomas. Lucia and Cleophas.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.