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 84

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

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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Morris J. Lee, whose name introduces this record, is the second in order of birth in a family of three sons and four dangh- ters. He acquired his early education in the district schools near his father's home. and later pursued a course of study for one year in the Macomb ( Illinois) Nor- mal College, thus being well fitted for the practical and responsible duties of life. Hle was early trained to the duties of field and meadow and his father benefited by his services until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, when, ambitious to engage in business on his own account, he operated leased land for three years. this belonging to D. L. Dixon. . At the end of that time, through his economy and careful management, he had saved capital sufficient to justify the purchase of land. and he therefore bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section 31. Durham township, of which forty acres was covered with timber. while the remainder was improved land. There were no buildings upon the place when he took possession of it, but Mr. I.ee purchased a house which he removed to his farm, and has since added to and remodeled the house until it is now a mod- ern and commodious country residence. In 1895 he erected a horse and hay barn. thirty-six by forty feet, but this was de stroved by fire in June, 1906. He like- wise has various kinds of fruits, having about two acres devoted to horticulture. He has also set out many maple trees. thus furnishing shade around the home and adding to the attractive and neat ap- pearance of the place. He is engaged in general farming, following only the most modern and practical methods in the pur

suit of his labors. He engages quite ex- tensively in stock-raising interests, hav- ing Percheron horses, shorthorn cattle Poland China hogs and Shropshire sheep. the latter being registered.

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Lee chose Miss Teressa Me- Gan, whom he wedded November 29. 1803. Her paternal grandparents are Patrick and Mary ( Ryan ) MeGan, while the maternal grandparents are Richard and Bridget ( Carens ) Simmons. Mrs. 1.ce is a native of MeDonough county. Illinois, while her parents. Michael and Catherine ( Simmons) McGan, were born in County Roscommon, Ireland. Unto our subject and his wife have been born four sons and one daughter, of whom one son is deceased: Francis, who was born February 13. 1895: Charles, born Feb- ruary 26, 1806; Morris Earl, who was born April 2. 1898. and died on the 24th of the same month : Richard Harold, born October t, 1901 ; and Teressa Helen, born December 30. 1904.

Mr. Lee is a democrat in his political views and affiliations, and since 1904 has filled the offices of school director and commissioner of highways. faithfully discharging the duties which devolve upon him in this connection.

PHILLIP PENCE

Death often removed from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose and stich was the feeling of deep andl uni-

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form regret throughout Dallas City when the news of the demise of Philip Pence was received. Cut down in the prime of life when it seemed that many more years of usefulness were before him, he nevertheless left to his family a profitable business and an untarnished name. All who knew him respected him for his many strong traits of character, such as won for him the warmest regard and confidence. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Lycoming county on the 19th of No- vember, 1833, his parents being John and Hannah (Pence) Pence. The parents were natives of the same county in Penn- sylvania and came to the west in 1838, settling on a farm in Henderson county, when this section of the state was largely an unimproved district. They aided in subjugating the wilderness and in extend- ing the frontier and as the years passed by Mr. Pence contributed in substantial measure to the agricultural development. He was a member of the Baptist church and passed away in Henderson county about fifty years ago. His wife long survived him, passing away in 1881. In their family were six children, three of whom are now living and with the ex- ception of our subject all were born in Illinois. Those who still survive are: Robert, who lives near Lomax, Hender- son county; Louisa. the wife of James Harwood, of Garrison, Iowa; and Anna- bel. the wife of Eli Pickering, of Kear- ney. Nebraska.

In the district schools of Henderson county. Illinois. Philip Pence was edil- cated and after putting aside his text- looks he remained upon his father's farm until the latter's death, after which he con-

ducted the home place for many years. Subsequently he sold the home farm to his brother and removed to Kearney, Ne- braska, where for four or five years he was successfully engaged in the grocery business. At the end of that time he dis- posed of his store and bought land in Marshall county, Kansas. In 1899 in connection with Mr. Lynberger he estab- lished the button factory in Dallas City, Illinois, and a year later by the purchase of his present interest became sole proprie- tor and removed to this city to make his home. In 1904 the button department and the finishing plant were consolidated and incorporated under the state law, the name of the Pence Button Company being assumed. In 1905 the stockholders sold out to Mr. Pence, who was the sole owner, at the time of his death, and the enter- prise is still owned by his widow. This plant has thirty machines in the cutting and ten in the finishing departments and furnishes employment to forty-five people. including a number of girls who work in the finishing department. Since the death of Mr. Pence the factory has been con- ducted by Mr. Tandy, the bookkeeper; and E. Harvey, son of Mrs. Pence. who is administrator of the estate.

On the 7th of November, 1900, Mr. Pence was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary E. Harvey, the widow of Thomas Harvey, of Lomax, Illinois, who in her maidenhood bore the name of Mary Mc- Daniel and was born near Lomax in 1842. Her parents were Isaac and Mar- garet ( Thompson ) McDaniel, both na- tives of Ohio, whence they removed at an carly day to Lomax, settling on a farm, on which they remained until called to

HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

their final rest. They had five children but all are now deceased with the ex ception of Mrs. Pence. In early woman- hood she gave her hand in marriage to Thomas Harvey, who was born in Ly- coming county, Pennsylvania. He was a farmer by occupation and dealt in grain and stock and also agricultural imple- ments at Terre Haute, Indiana, and at Disco, Illinois, and in the latter part of his life, at Lomax, where he died De- cember 28, 1888, his remains being in- terred in the cemetery there. In his fra. ternal relations he was a Mason. He left one son, Elsworth Harvey, who was born in Lomax in 186t. and married Miss Jennie Babcock, by whom he has two chil- dren. Bird and Tom, both at home with their parents. Mr. Harvey is a grain and implement dealer and since the death of Mr. Pence has acted as administrator of the estate. In 1900 Mr. Pence purchased an attractive home on Third street, where his widow still resides and she also owns the button factory.

Mr. Pence was largely a self-made man. winning success through his own efforts. He realized the value and force of untir- ing industry and close application as re- sultant factors in a business career and he worked persistently and energetically to establish a modern and prosperous busi- ness enterprise. He was exceptionally methodical. finishing up each day's work as though it was to be his last and in fact the end came very suddenly, for he passed away March 13. 1906, without previous illness. In politics he was a democrat but without aspiration for office and in the Masonic fraternity he became connected with the blue lodge and the

Order of the Eastern Star. He was a man who took great delight in doing good deeds and was ever considerate of the comfort and happiness of others. His in- tegrity stood as an unquestioned fact in his career and no act of his was an in- fraction to this rule in the slightest degree. Plain in manner and unassuming in speech and dress, he had no fads, disliked sham and pretense but lived so as to enjoy the full respect and confidence of all by reason of the sterling traits of his character. At the time of his demise his remains were taken back to Lomax for interment. Dallas City mourned the loss of one of its representative men, for he had become an important factor in its industrial life and was also well known in connection with his support of many measures which had direct bearing upon the welfare and progress of the city. His best traits of character, however, were reserved for his family and his interests centered in his home. He was very devoted to his wife and theirs was largely an ideal mar- ried relation. Mrs. Pence has left to her the son of her first marriage, who is an enterprising business man, well-known in Dallas City. She also has many friends here and the hospitality of the best homes of the city is freely accorded her.

MRS. JOSITUA S. WEATHERS.

Mrs. Joshua S. Weathers, residing mm Augusta, was born in Morgan county. Illinois, on the toth of November. 1833.

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and is a daughter of Reuben and Betsey (Lake) Moore. both of whom were na- tives of Kentucky, whence they came to Illinois after their marriage. The father was a farmer and purchased a tract of land in Cass county, this state. Here he engaged in farming until his death, and placed all of the improvements upon his property. He had one hundred and sixty acres of land which he brought under a high state of cultivation. He passed away in 1839. at the age of fifty years, and his wife departed this life the pre- vious year, both being laid to rest in Cass county. In their family were six children, only two of whom are now living: Precious. the widow of Joshua S. Weathers; and Elizabeth, the wife of Frederick Muntman, a farmer of Morgan county, Illinois.

Mrs. Weathers obtained her education in Morgan county, this state, and re- mained there until her marriage. On the 9th of November. 1851, she gave her hand in marriage to Joshua S. Weathers, who was born in Kentucky and when a small boy came to Illinois, casting in his lot among the early settlers of this state. He located in Morgan county, where he was educated and later engaged in farm- ing there until 1864. when, in response to the country's call for aid, he enlisted as a member of Company K. Twenty- eighth Illinois Infantry, with which he served for three months, when, on the 28th of May, 1865, he passed away at Greenville, Louisiana, his death resulting from illness contracted at the front. He was thus about forty-five years of age and he gave his life as a ransom for the U'nion. His political allegiance was given

to the Republican party. He was devoted to the welfare of his family and was a man of many sterling traits of character, who enjoyed in high measure the regard and good will of those with whom he came in contact. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Weathers were born four children, of whom three are now living: Alice S., the wife of William Happy, who is clerk in a general mercantile establishment at Denver, Colorado. where they reside with their one daughter. Alma; Elizabeth J .. who is clerk in Venable's dry goods store in Augusta ; and John F., a teamster, re- siding in Galesburg. He wedded Mary Sward, of Augusta, and they have two children. Otto and Maegy. The eldest child of the family, Josephine, died when only three months old. All of the chil- dren except Alice were born in Morgan county, her birth having occurred in Brown county.

At the death of her husband, Mrs. Weathers was left with the care of her little family. She continued to reside in Morgan county for some time and thirty- two years ago came to Augusta, where she has since resided. She purchased a lot here and erected thereon a neat and pleasant residence, which she has since oc- cnpied. She has gained many warm friends during the period in which she has made her home here. possessing ex- cellent traits of character which have en- cleared her to those with whom she has come in contact. In the rearing of her family and the management of her prop- erty interests she has displayed excellent business ability, executive force and sound judgment, and deserves much credit for what she has accomplished.

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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

WILLIAM J. WILKE.

William J. Wilke, engaged in agricul- tural pursuits in La Harpe township. where he owns fifty acres of land, sit- uated on section 34. was born in Meck- lenburg, Germany, May 18, 1841, a son of John and Christine ( Rechline ) Wilke. who always remained in the fatherland and both are now deceased.

William J. Wilke, whose name intro- duces this review. was educated in the common schools of Germany and spent his boyhood and youth under the parental roof. Starting out in life for himself. he went to Hamburg, where he was em- ployed in a sugar refinery for a few years. He had heard favorable reports of the advantages and opportunities to be en- joyed in the United States, and, deciding to try his fortune in the new world, ac- cordingly took passage on a sailing vessel bound for the new worldl. the year 1865 witnessing his arrival in New York. He at once made his way to Jersey City, New Jersey, where he was employed for two years in a sugar refinery. In the meatime his brother Carl had likewise come to America and the two brothers then made their way to Hancock county, and fol- lowing the great fire of Chicago in the year 1871. our subject then made his way to that place, where he was employed in a lime kiln for two years, and for two years worked at that occupation in Bur- lington, lowa, being employed by a Mr. Patterson. He then returned to Il:m- cock county, locating in La Harpe town- ship, where, in the spring of 1882, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Christina (Walter) Richter, the widow of Henry

Richter. By her first marriage she had become the mother of a son and two daughters: Lena, now the wife of Ed Moore, of Lomax, Illinois; John, of Avery, lowa; and Christina, who died in infancy. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two sons: William, born February 16, 1883, and George, born in September. 1885, and both under the parental roof.

Following his marriage Mr. Wilke op- erated a farm of thirty acres, belonging to his wife, and he likewise cultivates a tract of forty acres adjoining. which is the property of his mother-in-law, while Mr. Wilke has since purchased fifty acres adjoining, which is situated on section 34. La Harpe township, and here he is carrying on general farming pursuits and raises stock to some extent. For the past few years, however, Mr. Wilke has suf- fered from rheumatism which has in- capacitated him for hard labor, so that he merely gives supervision to his business interests, the work of the farm being left to his two sons, who are valuable assist- ants to him.

Mr. Wilke gives his political support to the Republican party, in the work of which he takes an active and helpful part. For four years he served as road com missioner, while for six years he filled the office of school director. He holds membership with the German Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which he is deeply interested, having served as assistant superintendent of the Sunday school and as a teacher therein for many years. Coming to America when a young man, ignorant of the manners and cus- toms of the new workl. he readily

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adapted himself to the changed conditions herein found, soon acquired the English tongue. and eagerly availed himself of every opportunity for advancement, thus working his way up from a humble be- ginning to a position of affluence, and he is today classed among the highly es- teemed German-American citizens of Hancock county.

JACOB E. SHINDEL.

· Every community has its representative citizens-men who perhaps are not widely known beyond the borders of their own town but who in their respective commu- nities are enterprising and progressive. contributing to the general improvement and upbuilding. Such a one was Jacob E. Shindel. deceased. of Augusta, and his death was deeply deplored by all who knew him. He was born in Lebanon, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, February 2. 1845. and remained at the place of his birth until about twenty-one years of age. His parents both died in the Keystone state. There the son acquired his edu- cation in the public schools and after put- ting aside his text-books learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed throughout his active business career. The first work which he did in that line in the west was at Burlington, Iowa, and he afterward came to Augusta on the zoth of March. 1867, and here entered the employ of Winfieldl. Leach & Seems. Later he purchased a shop, which he con-

ducted on his own account. continuing in the business there until his death. He en- joyed a liberal patronage because of his excellent workmanship and his straight- forward business dealings. He was a man of untiring industry and persever- ance and to these qualities were attributa- ble the success which he enjoyed.

Mr. Shindel was married on Christmas day of 1869 to Miss Belle Nelson. a daughter of George and Julia (Robert- son ). Nelson. The father was born in Scotland and was for some time a sailor on the high seas but afterward came to America, where his first business position was that of clerk in a store in St. Louis. Missouri. Later he removed to Rushville. Illinois, where he engaged in merchandis- ing, being connected with the dry goods store until five years prior to his death. He died at the age of seventy-three years. while his wife, who was a native of Lex- ington, Kentucky, passed away at the age of forty-five years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Shindel was blessed with six children. Elizabeth, who was born in .Augusta, became the wife of Edwin Em- erett. of Galesburg. Illinois, and died at the age of twenty-six years. George. who learned the blacksmith's trade with his father, carried on the shop after his death until February. 1905. is now en- gaged in the nursery business. Della be- came the wife of Arthur Denny. a farmer of Schuyler county, Illinois, and died leaving two children, Roy and Esmond. Bruce is now teaching for the fourth year in Ambrose, Adams county, Illinois. Mary K. is the wife of L. M. Barrett. a shoe merchant of Kansas City, Missouri. Ross died in 1800, at the age of eleven

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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

years. All of the children were born in .Augusta.

In his political views Mr. Shindel was an earnest republican and was honored by his fellow townsmen with several pub- lie offices. For several terms he was a member of the town council and was twice its president. He was first elected to the board of trustees in 1884 and again in 1890 and was president in 1891-92 and once more in 1898-99. He labored carn- estly for the welfare of the village and exercised his official prerogatives in sup- port of various measures which he deemed would prove of public benefit He held membership with the Masonic fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Work- men and was also a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. He purchased for his family a substantial frame dwell- ing, which his widow now occupies, and there his death occurred January 14. 1901, when he was in his fifty-sixth year. He was a man who easily made friends and who retained their high regard by reason of an upright life. genial manner. affable spirit and kindly disposition. He had a wide acquaintance throughout the county and as he enjoyed the esteem of all who knew him his death was the occa- sion of deep and widespread regret.

JOHN HENRY BAINTER.

John Henry Bainter, owning and op- erating a valuable tract of land constitut- ing one hundred and sixty acres, sit-

Hated on section 14. La Harpe township. is a native son of this township, his natal day being November 23. 1803. 115 grandparents, George and Lucy Banter. were natives of Ohio, and it was their son. Thomas J., who is the father of our subject. He was born in Muskingum county, of the Buckeye state and after coming to Ilinois was here married to Miss Elmira Gray, on the 5th of August. 1857. she having accompanied her father. David Gray, to this state. Her mother had departed this life in Ohio, previous to the removal of the family to Illinois, while the father died in 1863. while serv- ing his country in the Civil war. Fol- lowing his marriage Thomas J. Bainter began farming on rented land near L'L Harpe, and lived on different farms in this locality until March, 1894, at which time he purchased a house and two lots in the village of La Harpe, where he yet makes his home but his wife was called to her final rest. June 26, 1900. In the family are four children: Ronaldo M .. residing in Story county, Iowa : Ella, the wife of George Carter, a resident farmer of Dallas, Illinois; John Henry, of this review : and Jennie, now the widow of Charles Anderson, and a resident of La Harpe. John Henry Bainter was reared to the occupation of farming and at- temled the district schools near his in- ther's home for only a short period. his advantages in that direction being very meager, for his services were needed on the home farm. He has, however. through reading and investigation added largely to his fund of knowledge and is now a well-read man He remained un- der the parental root, assisting in the work

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEWV

of the fields until he attained his majority, when, on the 4th of February, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Malinda Bolton. She was born June 7, 1864, at Terre Haute, Henderson county, this state. and pursued her early education in the district schools near her father's home, and later attended St. Mary's Academy at Nauvoo. She is a daughter of Wil- liam and Sarah (Neighbors) Bolton, na- tives of Hardin county, Kentucky, the former a son of William and Ann (Mudd) Bolton. natives of England and Kentucky, respectively, while the mater- nal grandparents bore the names of Wil- liam and Malinda (Cash) Neighbors, of whom the former was born in Virginia. and the latter in Maryland. The parents of Mrs. Bainter were reared and married in the Blue Grass state, and after a few years there spent the father made an overland trip to Henderson county, this state, the journey being made in 1859. He was soon joined by his wife and two children, he having purchased land in that county, on which the family took up their abode. The mother there passed away June 6. 1878. while the father survived until February 6, 1891. In the family of. this worthy couple were born eight chil- (Iren, five daughters and three sons, name- ly : James W., a resident of Texas: An- nie E .. who became the wife of Joseph Dunham, and passed away at her home in Canton, Illinois, in 1904; Lafayette, like- wise a resident of Canton : Malinda. now Mrs. Bolton: Mary, the wife of Charles Gieseker, a resident of Terre Haute, Illi- nois : Clara, the wife of Oliver Livingston, a resident of Canton: Rosa, who became the wife of George Rogers, and passed

away at the home of Mrs. Bainter in 1900 ; and Raymond, a resident of Canton.

Following the marriage of our subject and his wife they took up their abode upon a rented farm in Henderson county, where they continued their residence dur- ing the succeeding six years, and on the expiration of that period, having accumu- lated a handsome competence owing to his careful management, Mr. Bainter was then enabled to purchase land, coming into possession of one hundred and sixty acres in Terre Haute township, that coun- ty, but he later disposed of that tract and removed to this county, where he invested in another tract of one hundred and sixty acres situated on section 14, La Harpe township. This land was improved when he took possession but since taking up his residence here he has added many acces- sories and conveniences. has fenced the place with woven wire fencing, has tiled some of the land.and has built an addi- tion to the house, so that today his is one of the well-kept and productive farm prop- erties of this community. He is engaged in general farming, following only the most practical and progressive methods in the management of his business inter- ests, and his farm shows every evidence of the thrift and enterprise of the owner. In addition to his other work, Mr. Bain- ter also engages to some extent in stock- raising, having Norman horses, shorthorn cattle, and Poland China hogs upon his farm. and he finds this an important and profitable branch of his business.

U'nto our subject and his wife has been born an interesting little daughter, whose birth occurred August 5, 1896, and who bears the name of Ruby Eleanor .. Mr.

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ILLINCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Bainter's study of the questions and is- sties of the day has led him to give his sup- port to the democratic party, while fra- ternally he is identified with the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows and the Mod- ern Woodmen of America at La Harpe. Mr. and Mrs. Bainter are well-known and highly respected residents of their locality. where they enjoy the hospitality of the best homes, and their many sterling traits of character have endeared them to many with whom they have been associated.

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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 84

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