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 83

Author:
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Hobart Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 806

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Mr. and Mrs. Diver have one son, Iris J., who was born in Dallas, October 11, 1903. Their home is on Fifth street. where they have a nice residence which he purchased two years ago. In his po- litical views he is an earnest republican and is proving a capable and efficient of- ficer. His energy, ambition and determi-

liation have enabled him to work his way steadily upward and though he started out in life empty-handed when about six- teen years of age, he is now one of the substantial residents of Dallas City, re- spected by all for what he has accom- plished and the place he has made for himself.

SAMUEL P. McGAW.

Samuel P. McGaw, now living a re- tired life at his pleasant home in Elvas- ton, was for many years actively identi- fied with farming interests in Hancock county and his record is also commend- able from the fact that he rendered val- ued aid to his country in the Civil war and as a public officer-in the position of county sheriff-he has ably represented his community. A native of South Caro- lina he was born in Abbeville on the 5th of October, 1827, and when only five years of age was taken by his parents to Ohio. A year later the family came to Illinois, settling first at Oquawka, Hen- derson county, Illinois, where Mr. Mc- Gaw remained until the death of his fa- ther and mother, John and Agnes (Mc- Gaw) McGaw. Both were natives of South Carolina, the former born Sep- tember 20, 1801, and the latter on the 21st of September, 1803. The father was a carpenter and millwright and followed that occupation until his death, which oc- curred on an island a short distance from Oquawka on the 30th of June. 1838. His wife passed away on the 7th of July of

HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

the same year, so that they were separ- ated for only about a week by death. They were members of what was then known as the Associate Reform church, now the United Presbyterian church.

Samuel P. MeGaw is the only member of the family now living in Hancock county. He acquired his education in the common schools of Henderson coun- ty, Illinois, and worked on farms in the neighborhood while still in his teens. U'n- der the direction of an uncle he after- ward learned the tailor's trade in Oquawka and was there engaged in busi- ness for several years. Before he at- tained his majority he purchased the busi- ness of the man for whom he was work- ing and conducted a tailoring establish- ment on his own account. While thus engaged he was elected sheriff of Hen- derson county in 1852 and served for two years. Following his retirement from the office he purchased a tract of land in that county, where he carried on farming until 1866. save for the period of his service in the Civil war. In the year mentioned he sold his property in Hen- derson county and came to Hancock coun- ty and purchased a farm adjoining the village of Elvaston, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for more than twenty years, or until about 1888. when he took up his abode in the village. where he has since resided. In all of his farm work he was thoroughly prac- tical and enterprising, keeping in touch with lines of modern progress, and through his capable direction and enter- prise won the competence that now en- ables him to live retired.

His business interests, however, were

interrupted by active service in the Civil war, for in August, 1862, in response to the country's call. Mr. MeGias enlisted as a member of Company K. Eighty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until 1804. He took part in the battle of Stone River and was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga. being honorably discharged on the 25th of Feb- ruary, 1864, on account of injuries he had sustained. He was then sergeant of his company.

When the war was over Mr. MeGaw returned to his farm and resumed his farming operations. He had been mar- ried on the 14th of October, 1851, to Miss Elvira J. Hopkins, a daughter of Isaac and Jane ( Kinkade) Hopkins, carly set- tlers of Henderson county, Illinois. Mrs. MeGaw died April 5. 1855, leaving two children. but the younger, John 11., who was born December 25. 1853. survived the mother until the 2d of October. 1855. The daughter, Sarah L., is now the wife of Thomas J. Ruddell, of Elvaston, and they have one child. Clarence M., who was born in Elvaston. Mr. MeGaw mar- ried for his second wife Mrs. Elizabeth MeGaw. nee Leslie, who died at their home in Elvaston. November 6, 1004. There were eight children born of that marriage. Alexander F., the eldest, now a Presbyterian minister at Keokuk, low .. married Jane Millar and has four chnl dren, Agatha, Lelia, Frances and Poster James W. McGaw, a farmer residing m Prairie township, Hancock county, wed ded Nettie l'untenney and has two daugh ters, Leota and Grace. Alice Leslie Me- Gaw is the wife of George J Her-man, a farmer of Her-man, Illinois, and their

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children are Frank, Bessie E., Ernest G. of the Presbyterian church, in which he and Gladys E. Hersman. Albert G. Mc- has served as elder. His life has been actuated by high and honorable princi- ples and worthy motives leading to just treatment of his fellowmen in all business and social relations and at the same time displaying those kindly and considerate qualities which rise above mere justice. His business career is another exemplifi- cation of the fact as stated by a German philosopher that "Merit and success go linked together." Gaw, a missionary of the Presbyterian church now stationed at Etah, India, where he has been for eleven years, mar- ried Ella Hersman and they have three children, Miriam, Wilbert and Gordon. Mary Agnes McGaw is the wife of Rev. J. Albert Miller, a missionary of the Pres- byterian church stationed at Pautingfu, China, and has four children, Zenos, Ralph. Porter and Paul Miller. Clara and Clarence, twins, are deceased. Grace E., the youngest member of the McGaw family, is the wife of D. W. Lyon, of Shanghai, China, who was sent to that country as a missionary by the Young Men's Christian Association and has there remained for eleven years. They have four children, David. Scovel, Jean and FRED REYER. Lawrence. The second wife of Mr. Mc- Gaw had one child by her first husband, Malissa McGaw, now the wife of Rev. R. J. Pressley, who was a minister of the Presbyterian church and died leaving three children, Lorena, John W. and Es- tella E.

Mr. McGaw is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he is a stalwart republican and in 1870 was appointed census taker for the west half of Hancock county. He was also super- visor of Prairie township for two terms and under the Harrison administration was appointed postmaster of Elvaston. Following the interval of the Cleveland amistration he was again appointed postmaster and served from that time until he resigned in 1905. since which time he has had no business nor official connections. He is a member

Fred Rever, who is engaged in the plumbing and steam-heating business in Carthage, was born in Hamilton, Ilan- cock county, on the 7th of May. 1861. His parents were natives of Germany and came to America in early life. settling first in Cincinnati, Ohio, whence they afterward removed to Pike's Peak, Colo- rado, and subsequently to Keokuk, Iowa. First they made their way to Hamilton and in 1862 came to Carthage. The fa- ther was a hardware merchant, in which business he continued until his death. which occurred in Carthage in 1802. his remains being interred in the Carthage cemetery. He was one of the pioneer Odd Fellows of this section of the state and passed all of the chairs in the local lodge. Both he and his wife were de- voted members of the German Lutheran

IL.INCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

church, in which he served as trustee for many years. His widow still survives at about the age of seventy-two years and is yet quite active, her home being in Car- thage with her daughter. In the family were six children: Anna Kever, who lives with her mother: Fred, of this re- view: Henry, deceased; Herman .I., of Denver, Colorado: Edward, of Scranton. Pennsylvania; and Augustus, who died in infancy.

Fred Reyer was educated in the public schools of Carthage, his family removing from Hamilton to this city when he was but a year old. He afterward learned the tinner's trade here, his father being en- gaged in the hardware and tinsmith busi- ness as a member of the firm of Scholl & Kever. The son remained with that house for seventeen years and in 1892 em- barked in business on his own account as a dealer in plumbing and heating ap- paratus. He takes contracts for install- ing such plants and has done excellent work in all parts of this and adjoining counties, placing bath room fixtures, hot air plants and general plumbing. He has been very successful since beginning busi- ness and has a liberal patronage, his trade growing annually, for his reliability and enterprise are recognized by the general public.

In September, 1885, occurred the mer riage of Mr. Rever and Miss Sarah Conk- lin, who was born in Carthage. Illinois. in 1865. a daughter of Elliott and Laura ( Little) Conklin, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. They came to Illi nois at an early day and for a number of years the father conducted a brickyard in Carthage. He was a republican but with-

out political aspiration His wife w. earnest and untiring worker in the Meth dest lignecopal church, in which she hed membership and she also belonged to the Woman's Rehet Corps Both My all Mrs. Conklin have passed away, their re mains bemg interred m the Carthage cemetery. They had a family of nine chil- dren: Viola, the wife of George Me Clintock, of Carthage. Ilmois. Henry. deceased : David C. of Hamilton, Almor ; Elizabeth, the widow of George I. John son, who was a lawyer, practicing at the Chicago bar; Mrs. Sarah Kever: Mary. deceased: Sidney E. who is having in Botte. Montana. Dr. B. A. Conklm, a dentist of Chicago; and Mabel, the wife of Res Goodrich, of Carthage Mr. and Mrs. Kever have two children, both barn in Carthage, namely : 11 1 ... who Was born in October. 1880, and assists his father in his office : and Elizabeth L ... who was born in September, 1805, and is Boll in school.

In his political views Mr. Kever is a republican and has served as tax collecter Fraternally he is a Mason and Odd Fel- low, a member of the Modern Woodmen camp, the Court of Honor and the File. of Ben Hur and Knights of Psthis 1 the Odd Fellows lodge he has passed it ' of the chairs. Both he and his wife are zealous members of the Beslutet church, in which he is serving as mille In September, 100%. le dece m chan modern residence on Main street Si has a very happy home In add them to this property he owns a business for up to thage and a farm m Carthige township He began hie on his own responsibility at the age of seventeen years and feel al

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW'

pecuniary assistance has labored earnest- ly and consecutively until he has now ac- cumulated a comfortable competence, his business supplying him with a gratifying income. He has been chief of the fire de- partment of Carthage for the past fifteen years and is actively interested in progres- sive public measures, withholding his sup- port from no movement that is calculated to benefit the community or any feasible plan that promises substantial advance- ment. He is jovial by nature, warm- hearted and genial and at all times his life is actuated by high and manly principles.

ETIENNE CABET.

Etienne Cabet was born in Dijon De- partment. Cote d' Orr. France, January 1. 1788. His father was a cooper by trade. The son acquired a liberal educa- tion in his native country, and in 1825 went to Paris, where he was a leader in democratic investment. He was a mem- ber of the Carbonaris secret society, and was an active participant in the revolu- tionary movement of 1830, after which he was appointed provincial general in Corsica. In 1834 he was elected deputy in the lower chamber but his opposition was so intense that it could not be tol- erated by the leaders and he was given his choice of two years in prison or five years exile, and choosing the last he went to England, where he studied various books and languages, and in 1840 wrote the vol- mme entitled "Voyage to Icaria." In

1841 he published a paper, the Populaire, in which he brought his theory before the public. In 1846 he asked permission of the French government to appoint his theory to practice in France but this being denied him, in 1848, he made a proposi- tion to his followers to emigrate to the United States, which company numbered more than six hundred thousand although he had supposed he could get a million. Having obtained a concession of one mil- lion acres of land in Texas, on the 17th of January, 1848. he announced that state to be the place of their settlement, and on the 3d of February following, sixty- nine men volunteered to emigrate to this country and under the leadership of Gouhenant, who was appointed by Cabet. the company started. Gouhenant, how- ever, proved to be a traitor. While he was ill letters were found in his trunk which proved him to be a member of the Society of Jesus. His head was then shaved and he was driven away. after their arrival at New Orleans, on the 27th of March. The second advance left France, June 3, 1848. The first com- pany that had come to the United States then went to Sulphur Prairie, where they obtained ten thousand, two hundred and forty acres of land instead of one milllion acres, and there they remained for four months but in the meantime all became ill and retreated to Shreveport. Louisiana. where they met the second advance. C'abet embarked from France December 15. arriving in New Orleans the follow- ing January with the first company of women and childen. They sent a com- mission up the Mississippi river, and found that Nauvoo had been deserted by

HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

the Mormons, so Cabel's followers de cided to locate here, the date of their arrival being March 15. 1849. A branch was then started at Corning, lowa. In 1850 they began rebuilding the Mormon temple but after three days the country was visited by a hurricane, which de- stroyed the north wall of the temple, this being on the 28th of June of that year. The building of the structure was then discontinued. In 1855 Cabet made his famous proposition for a president for four years but he was defeated by J. B. Gerard, who became the president. Cabet. however, succeeded in his contest after a long struggle. He later left Nauvoo and went to Chettenham. In 1852 Cabet was back in France to answer an accusa- tion of embezzlement by some of his men- bers who had returned to that country but he was vindicated and again returned to this country. He passed away in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1856, his death being occasioned by a stroke of apoplexy. He was the author of several works, includ- ing "The History of the French Revolu- tion," published in five volumes. "True Christianita." "Voyage in Icaria." "So- cial Contact." "Twelve Letters to a Com- munist." and several others.

REV. JOHN STAIII ..

Rev. John Stahl, one of the early set thers of Hancock county, who for many years has been active in the ministry of the United Brethren church but for the

years has lived retired, was born ted Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. Oktober 21. 1820. He has therefore passed the eighty-fifth milestone on life's journey and in the evening of his days can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear. In cause his life has been permeated by the highest principles and has been charac- terized by many good deeds and by an- tiring devotion to the welfare of his fel low men.

His parents. Jacob and Jane ( Mellos ) Stahl, were also natives of the Keystone state and the mother died m Pennsyl vania, after which the father married again and removed to lowa, where he lived until his death, which occurred when he had reached the advanced age of eighty three years. He always devoted his energies to farming and thus provided for his family. He was a man of strong temperance views and gave his political support to the Prohibition party.

Rev. Stahl of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his 1. tive state and acquired his education m the public schools of his home town When seventeen years of age he entered mercantile hie as a clerk in Mount Pleas ant. Pennsylvania, and afterward ( gaged in merchandising on los own -c count in thất city until 1854. when, he heving that he might love letter bus Hess opportunities in the west le ome to Hlings, taking up bis ale le ne a lin- ler, in Adam- commits, where le pagesel ciglity acres of land Te ine am1) cultivated and Le price l all in there behamnset ami bmw He eel

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BIOGRAPHICAL RETIENT'

upon that property until the spring of of 1870 and was engaged in general farm- ing, while frequently on Sundays he preached the gospel, continuing an active and earnest worker in the United Breth- ren church. In 1870 he removed to Fow- ler. Adams county, and while living there was pastor of the United Brethren church, situated a short distance from the town. He continued at that town until 1873. when he removed to Elmwood, in Peoria county, and was presiding elder of the district, making his home there for about eight years. In 1883 he took up his abode in Augusta. where he has resided contin- uously since and during much of this time has engaged in preaching. Here he built a home for himself and family and during the past few years has lived a re- tired life.

It was in February, 1845, that Mr. Stahl was united in marriage at Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, to Miss Anna Worman, who was born at that place, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Trax- el ) Worman, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, born in Mount Pleasant, where they spent the greater part of their lives. The father died in the Keystone state and subsequent to that time the mother removed with her family to Illi- nois in 1850 and spent her last days in Hancock county. Unto Rev. and Mrs. Stahl were born three children, but only one is now living. Hanby, whose birth occurred in Mount Pleasant, Westmore- land county, Pennsylvania, in June, 1849. He was educated at Otterbein University. near Columbus, Ohio, and was for some years a teacher in the public schools of Illinois. Later he engaged in the drug

business in Fowler and afterward be- came proprietor of a general mercantile store. He was married July 30, 1878, to Miss Ella T. Thayer, who was born in Canton, Missouri, a daughter of David W. and Cynthia (Daniels) Thayer, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Indiana. Mrs. Thayer died at Canton, Missouri, while Mr. Thayer laid down his life on the altar of his country while serving as a soldier of the Civil war. He was with the army for some time and his death occurred during the latter part of the war. Hanby Stahl is now located at Golden, Adams county, Illinois, being a pharmacist for Hecox Brothers, of that place. Unto him and his wife have been born four children : Ida May, who died at the age of twenty years ; Elmer Roy, who is a student in the Normal University at Bloomington, Illi- nois : Floyd M .. a student in the North- western University at Chicago; and Myr- le S., who is a student in the high school at Augusta. The parents of these chil- dren are members of the United Breth- ren church. Wallace Melloy, the second son of Rev. and Mrs. Stahl, died at the age of four years, and Ida May. the only daughter, died at the age of twelve years and six months. She was born in Illi- nois and the other children in Pennsyl- vania.

Rev. Stahl is a prohibitionist in his po- litical views. He is a most earnest ad- vocate of the cause of temperance and has furthered its interests both by precept and example. In the work of the church he has been untiring and his zeal and devo- tion have contributed to the development of the churches with. which he has been

ILINCOOK COUNTY ILLINOIS

connected. He stands today as one of in the east and also during the city the most respected and honored residents of the county and is also one of its most venerable citizens.

DELOS L. CUTLER.

Delos L. Cutler, who started out in life on his own account at an early age has by energy, ambition and upright living suc- ceeded in his undertakings and acquired a comfortable competence, is engaged in painting and paper-hanging in Carthage. He was born in Erie county. New York. in 1849. and several of his ancestors were soldiers of the Revolutionary war. His parents were Albert and Permelia ( Hill ) Cutler, both of whom were natives of the Empire state and came to Hancock coun- ty, Illinois, in the spring of 1869. Here Mr. Cutler opened a wagon-shop in Car- thage, which he conducted for a number of years and was thus closely associated with the industrial interests of the city. He voted with the democracy and wa- township collector. In the family were five children, of whom two are now liv mg: Howard Cutler, who is reading in Carthage. Illinois : and Delos, of this re- view. The parents still reside in the county seat where they have a wide acquaintance.

Delos 1. Cutler was educated in the public schools and in a private institution of learning in New York, and learned the trade of carriage-making with his father in that state. He followed that pursuit

period of his residence in Carthage Ik arrived in this entry m 1808 and for more than thirty years has engaged in paper hanging and painting, having a shop on the same lot on which Is house stands Thus almost his entire life has been de- voted to his line of industrial activity and his excellent workmanship has secured him a liberal patronage, many of his pa- trons having given him their business sup- port through a long period.

On the 23d of October, 1871, Mr. Cut- ler was married to Miss Laura Davies, who was born near Seven Mile, Ohio, a daughter of Elliott and Evelina ( Scott ) Davies, the latter a native of the Buckeye state. The father was a farmer by one- cupation and became an early settler of this county, making his way to Carthage in 1856. He owned a goodly tract of land inside the corporation limits of the city as well as considerable farming land outside, and he built the first grist mill in Carthage. For about twenty years he engaged in farming here, and m 1877 re moved to kansas, settling on a farm. where his death occurred, passing Jw Is at Kearney. Nebraska. His wife sul vived him for some time and In th well Ined in the cemetery at Keamies In their family were ten children of Whar seven are now Ining- Fil tremne m Emporia, Amar Ine. Com poria . Mary, the wie of life of feret

the wie of David Vance olie Ve braska, and Mis Luter Le Dade brother of Mis Cuta 08:4 61-00

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Illi- nois Infantry during the Civil war, and Samuel Davies, another brother, was a member of the Sixteenth Illinois Regi- ment.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cutler have been born three children, all born in Carthage. Carena, who attended the high school and Carthage College, married Charles Owens, and lived in Johnson county, Iowa. She died abo it eight years ago and was buried in Moss Ridge cemetery. Neta is the wife of C. A. Weber, of Iowa City. lowa, and has a son, Russell Lovell Weber. Ferrill, a musician of the Car- thage Band, has taken a business course in the Gem City Business College at Quincy. Illinois, and assists his father in paper-hanging.

Mr. Cutler exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measure of the Republican party. He is a valued and prominent member of the Woodmen camp at Carthage, served as clerk for nine years and served as Venerable Counsel for three years. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Presbyterian church and for the past quarter of a cen- tury he has been secretary of the Sunday- school. doing all in his power to promote its interests, feeling the value of Chris- tian education as a preparation for the youth in their life work. Both he and his wife are people of intelligence and culture, esteemed by all who know them. As the years have gone by his labors have been carefully directed and his position in business circles is an enviable one. owing to the unqualified trust reposed in him by all with whom he has become acquainted.

MORRIS JOHNSON LEE.

Among the prominent representatives of farming and stock-raising interests in Hancock county is classed Morris John- son Lee, who is a native son of this county, his birth having occurred in Dur- ham township. April 2, 1866. His pater- nal grandparents were Morris and Mary (Ryan) Lee, both of whom were natives of County Tipperary, Ireland, while the maternal grandfather was Patrick Dunn. His parents, Patrick and Bridget (Dunn) Lee, were likewise natives of County Tip- perary, Ireland, both born in 1840. They accompanied their respective parents to the United States and were married in New Haven, Connecticut. about 1860. where the father was employed as a ma- chinist until the spring of 1864, at which time he took up his abode in Hancock county, locating on a farm in Durham township, where, two years later, he pur- chased fifty acres of timber land, situated on section 36. This he cleared and de- veloped, placing his fields under a high state of cultivation, and as the years passed and his financial resources permit- ted, he added to the boundaries of his farm until he possessed two hundred and twenty acres in Durham township and one hundred acres in Pilot Grove town- ship, of which seventy-two acres was prai- rie land when it came into his possession. but he placed it all under cultivation ex- cept about twenty-five acres, which is still covered with timber. He spent his re- maining days on this farm, passing away May 3. 1905. He is still survived by his widow, who yet resides on the homestead farm.

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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 83

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