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 85

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

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ROBERT H. MIZNER.

Among the progressive farmers and stock-raisers of Hancock county who rep- resent pioneer families of this portion of the state is numbered Robert H. Mizner. a native son of La Harpe township, his natal day being May 9. 1857. His ma- ternal grandfather, Henry Spiker, lo- cated in this township about 1836, where he entered eighty acres of land situated on section 11. His wife bore the maiden name of Rachel Hucle, whose father was Joseph Hucle. The paternal grandpar- ents were John and Mary ( McGee ) Miz- ner, and it was their son Henry who married Maria Spiker and who became the parents of our subject. The father was born in Maryland, while the mother's birth occurred in the state of Virginia. They located in Hancock county about 1854. coming here with their respective parents, and it was in this county that they met and married. the wedding being

celebrated May 15. 1850. Following their marriage they lived on rented farms until the spring of 1872, when the father pur- chased twenty acres of timber land on section 12, La Harpe township. This he cleared and improved and carried on the work of general farming until his death, which occurred May 27. 1808, when he had reached the age of sixty-three years, his birth having occurred November 18, 1825. His widow still survives at the age of sixty-eight years, her birth hay- ing occurred April 28, 1838, and now makes her home with her son, Robert II. With them resides the grandmother of our subject. Mrs. Rachel Spiker, who has reached the very venerable age of ninety years, for her birth occurred October 25. 1816.

Robert H. Mizner is the eldest of two sons and two daughters, born of his fa- ther's family, the others being: Alfred II., a resident of Stronghurst. Illinois; James, the wife of R. J. Owsley, a resi- dent of this township: and Rachel Lu- cinda, the wife of Clarence H. Ferris, likewise residing in La Harpe township.

Our subject pursued his studies in the district schools to the age of eighteen years, and during the periods of vacation assisted his father in the work of the farm, thus gaining practical knowledge of the best methods of agricultural pur- suits, which in later life has enabled hun to carry on business in a successful man- ner. When he attained his majority he purchased ten acres of land but later sold that to good advantage and invested in a tract of thirty acres, to which he has added from time to time as his financial resources have permitted until he is now

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in possession of one hundred and fifteen acres of rich farming land located on sec- tion 12. La Harpe township. When this tract came into his possession it was all covered with timber and brush, but with characteristic energy he began the work of clearing his land. plowing the fields and planting his crops, until in due course of time he made it a productive property, from which he annually gathers rich crops. He also raises stock to some ex- tent and this branch of his business is proving a good source of income to him. He has never married and remained with his father until his death and now fur- nishes a good home for his mother. In his political affiliation he is a democrat, giving stalwart support to the party, yet never active in the way of seeking office.

Mr. Mizner is a splendid type of the self-made man. for. early becoming im- bued with a desire to possess land. he saved his earnings, which he invested in property, and as the years have passed he has prospered and has worked his way steadily upward until he is now classed with the substantial, prosperous and hon- ored citizens of Hancock county.

DWIGHT CLINTON CUTLER.

There are in every community quiet, re- tiring men who, nevertheless exert a strong and beneficial influence in public affairs and such a one was Dwight Clinton C'itler, who for many years was engaged in the drug business in Carthage. At his

death a feeling of deep regret spread throughout the community. for all who had been associated with him in business or social relations had learned to respect and honor him for his genuine worth and in a quiet and unostentatious way he exerted a strong influence by reason of the strength of his character and his fidelity to high principles. He was born in Holland, New York, February 13. 1848. a son of Albert and Pamelia ( Hill) Cutler. both of whom were natives of the Empire state. They left Buffalo, New York, for Illinois, where they arrived at an early period in the development of Hancock county. The father was a wagon-maker, following that pursuit in Carthage in pioneer times. He is now living retired in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He votes with the democracy and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist church. In their family were five children, of whom two are now living: Howard, proprietor of Hotel Cutler, of Carthage: and De Loss. also residing in Carthage.

Dwight C. Cutler began his education in the public schools of his native state and after coming to Illinois attended the Aurora Seminary. He entered upon his business career as a clerk in a store in Buffalo, New York, and in 1869 returned to Carthage, where he purchased a drug store, which he conducted successfully for twenty-three years, or until 1891. when failing health compelled him to dispose of the store and he sold out to Mr. Cain. In his business life he was possessed of a spirit of enterprise, such as brooks no obstacles but overcomes all difficulties by

HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

determined. honest and earnest effort. He had a well appointed establishment which was attractive in its neat and taste- ful arrangement and which won a liberal patronage by reason of his straightfor- ward business methods.

On the 8th day of July. 1875. Mr. Cut- ler was married to Miss Elizabeth Show- ers, a native of Winchester. Preble coun- ty. Ohio, born December 12, 1848, a daughter of Emanuel and Sarah Jane ( Wilson) Showers. Her father was born in Pennsylvania. November 20. 1814. while the mother's birth occurred in 1820. Mr. Showers was a carpenter by trade and while living in Ohio also did busines- as a peddler. In 1852 with three other gentlemen he made an over- land trip from Ohio to Carthage and -e- lected a site for the original Presbyterian church of this city. The other gentle- men were Mr. Sweeny, who is deceased. and Mr. Swan. the first minister of the Presbyterian church. who resigned his charge in the east and preached in Car- thage for twelve or fourteen years. Mr. Showers was elder in the church for many year-, acted as Sunday-school superin- tendent and in fact all of the offices of the church and school with the exception of that of minister. His wife also belonged to the church and both took a very active and helpful part in its work, doing all in their power to promote the moral development Fi the community and to advance those interests which are beneficial to the rice Both have now passed away, their remains leing interred in the ed centetery at Car- thage. Mrs. Shower- died at the home vi her daughter. Mrs. Cutler, in 1888. Mr Showers was a democrat in his polit

seal views and served as town clerk in ( arthage and also, as sheriff and deputy sheriff In the family were seven chil- dren. Mary is the widow of John Spangler and resides at Long Beach. Cali- fornia. Her husband served as a solcher in the Civil war. He was at one time a druggist of Carthage and was also su- perintendent of schools He occupied a position in Joliet prison, while his wife was matron there for three years and he died in Joliet. Sidney, the second mem- ber of the Showers family, is deceased. Elizabeth became Mrs. Cutler. Edgar. who married Miss Fannie Baker, respdes in Chicago and is proprietor of a dry goods store, in which he sells on the in- stallment plan. Willie and the other members of the family have also passed away.

U'nto Mr. and Mrs Cutler were born four children. Elsie is the wife of Wil- ham Borg, of Carthage, and has two chul- Gren. Albert Byron and Mary Elizabeth. Homer Cutler. of Chicago, married Grace Metcali and their daughter Catherine a stenographer in Chicago in what is the largest building jethe world Clyde Cut- ler is in the undertaking busmess in Ch - cago. Edgar Dwight is a high s.11 student in Carthage The husbandand i. ther died July 8. 1894. did his ren uns ere interrel in the Carthage cu ales Hle hell members op with the Me- fraternity, with the Ande Orier wi Un ted Workmen sal the Modern 1 1 men camp stol his political support - gher to the lottery but le beer

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and methodical and at all times thorough- ly trustworthy. While he never sought to figure prominently in public life him- self he was nevertheless an enterprising citizen who gave of his time and means for the town's progress. He possessed a warm heart, a kindly disposition, a genial manner and was prepossessing in appearance. When his health failed he traveled through the west in the hope of being benefited by a change of climate but this proved unavailing. In his family he was a devoted husband and father and was likewise a kind neighbor. In him were embodied many virtues-virtues to which the splendid civilization of Amer- ica is indebted for its wonderful develop- ment and its glorious progress.

Mrs. Cutler and her son Clyde now re- side at the corner of Adams and Walnut streets in a very comfortable home, which ber husband purchased twenty-five years ago and which was erected about sixty- five years ago. The property then covered a half block, or six lots, and Mrs. Cutler still retains one lot and the house, in which her daughter. Mrs. Borz, lives in addition to the home property. She also owns a store building on Main street which is now occupied by the Boscoe Grocery Company. The son was a student in the high school at Carthage and is a grad- Hate of Carthage College of the class of 1902. Mrs. Cutler is a very conscien- tious woman, possessed of innate culture. refinement and tact, who has displayed ex- cellent qualifications in the management of her business interests and at the same time has those thorough womanly traits of character which render her prominent in social circles. She is a devoted mem-

ber of the Presbyterian church and also belongs to the Eastern Star, of which she is now matron. For long years she has resided in Carthage and the circle of her friends is an extensive one.

HENRY CARNES.

Henry Carnes, a well-to-do and influ- ential agriculturist of Hancock county, has been interested in the agricultural de- velopment of the rich farming lands of Illinois throughout his entire life. He is a native son of this state, his birth hav- ing occurred in Pike county, on the 4th of July. 1844. His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (McCartney) Carnes, were na- tives of Ohio, and his grandfather, Rea- son Carnes, was likewise born in the Buckeye state. His parents were reared and married in their native state, after which they removed to Pike county, Illi- nois, where the father purchased forty acres of land, which he retained until 1858. when he removed with his family to McDonough county, where he pur- chased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. Later he made his home in Towa. where he owned and operated a farm, and on disposing of that property once more took up his abode in this state. com- ing to Hancock county. He purchased a farm of forty acres on section 12. La Harpe township, and added to this from time to time until he owned one hundred and sixty-seven and a half acres, which he improved and cultivated, making it a

HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

valuable piece of property. He died on the farm in April. 1901. while his wife had passed away in Schuyler county, this state, in 1870.

Henry Carnes, whose name introduces this record, is the third in a family of three sons and two daughters, and is a self-educated man. At a very carly age he took his place in the fields, assisting his father in the arduous task of clearing wild land and transforming it into cul- tivable fields. In those early days the farm machinery was very crude as com- pared with the modern implements used at the present time. He continued under the parental roof until the outbreak of the Civil war, when, his patriotic spirit being aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, he offered his serv- ices to the government, enlisting as a member of Company D. Fifty-third Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry. He was mus- tered into service at Quincy, and the com- mand went at once to New York, where they embarked for Morehead, North Car- olina, being seven days and nights on the water. He saw much arduous duty dur- ing his service. participating in many im- portant engagements, including the battle at Raleigh, and from there the company marched to Washington, D. C., where Mr. Carnes took part in the grand review at the close of hostilities, and after being honorably discharged at Chicago, re- turned to his home, having made a most creditable military record.

Following his return home he re- sumed the occupation to which he had been reared, and in November, 1868, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Cass, a native of Ohio, who was born vin, of Dallas City : and John, who at the

November 12. 1851. a daughter of Sam uel and Jennetta ( Duboid) Cass, who lo- cated in Hancock county about 1855. In 1880 Mr. Carnes purchased the old home farm of his father, and has since added many modern and substantial improve- ments to the place. His fields are divided by woven wire fencing, and in 1890 he built a nice home. In addition to his farming operations, our subject is also engaged quite extensively in the raising of fruit and now owns a fine orchard. containing two hundred apple, one hun- dred peach, seventy-five pear and fifteen cherry trees, and he likewise raises small fruit and berries. In 1896 Mr. Carnes purchased one hundred and forty acres of land lying on section 13. La Harpe township. This he improved by the crec- tion of a house and other substantial buildings and also set out a large orchard. For this tract he paid three thousand. three hundred and seventy-five dollars. and in 1904 he disposed of the property for seventy-eight hundred dollars, the place having more than doubled in value. owing to the many improvements which he had placed upon it.

Unto our subject and his wife have been born five sons and three daughters. of whom seven still survive: Melzer Adelbert, who died at the age of nearly two years: Jesse, a resident of Mount Union, Henry county. lowa : Ernest, . i La Harpe: Effie, now the wife of Thomas Scanlan, residing near Lacrosse, Illinois : Grover, who assists his father in the op eration of the home plaice : Jenetta, the wife of Alvin Thompson, residing in this township: Mamie, the wife of Ward Me

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age of fourteen years is yet under the pa- poultry business and likewise farms rental roof.

Mr. Carnes is a republican in his polit- ical affiliation, and is identified with the Methodist Protestant church at La Harpe, while fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic, both at La Harpe. Having accompanied his parents to Illinois during his early youth, Mr. Carnes came here at a very early day, and during the long years of his residence in this section of the state has seen many changes as the work of development and progress has been carried steadily for- ward. He has killed many deer and wolves, for wild game of all kinds was plentiful in the early days. Taking his place in the fields almost as soon as he was old enough to reach the plow handles, he was early trained to the work of the farm, and has always continued in this line of activity. Having been deprived of educational privileges in his youth, much credit is due him for what he has accom- plished in a business way, for he displays excellent ability in the management of his affairs and is today one of the wealthy and highly esteemed citizens of Hancock county.

E. II. RAND.

E. II. Rand is a man of marked busi- ness enterprise, carefully and successfully conducting varied interests at the present time. He is a general merchant of Pon- toosnie, is also carrying on an extensive

two hundred acres of valuable land. He was born in Denmark, Iowa, in 1842, a son of Thomas and Mary S. ( Badger) Rand. The mother was born in Boston, and the father in Keene, New Hampshire. He became a clerk in Boston in early life, and in 1835 sought a home in the middle west, settling in Quincy, Illinois. Subsequently he became a farmer of Pay- son, Illinois, and he died in September, 1842, a short time prior to the birth of E. H. Rand of this review. He was then forty-two years of age, having been born in 1800. His wife, who was born in 1808, passed away in Chicago, in 1893, and her grave was made in Quincy, Illinois. In their family were five children, of whom four are now living: Thomas Henry, a resi- dent of Boise City; Idaho: L. B., living in Kansas City, Missouri: Martha J .. the widow of Fry Thompson, and a resident of California ; and E. H .. of this review. One daughter. Mary E., who was the third of the family, became the wife of James Noyes, of Kansas, and is deceased.

E. H. Rand acquired his education in the schools of Denmark. Quincy, Illinois. and Pontoosuc. He remained with his widowed mother until he had attained his majority, and when twenty-two years of age he married Miss Mary Louisa Har- per, who was born in New York state in 1844, a daughter of Abraham and Mary S. Harper, the former a native of New Hampshire. Her father was a merchant and speculator and at a very early epoch in the history of Hancock county settled at La Harpe, whence he afterward re- moved to Pontoosue, living there for forty

HANCOCK COUNTY ILLINOIS

years. lle died in Burlington, lowa, born eight children Frank, who died in about twenty-five years ago, while his wife died in that city in 1905. They were the parents of six children : Warren, who passed away in Burlington, where he had lived for a number of years : Car- rie, the wife of 1 .. B. Rand, a brother of our subject, residing in Kansas City, Mis- souri: Mrs. E. II. Rand : Seymour, of Oklahoma: Lewis, of Kansas City : and Emma, the deceased wife of John Campbell. mandy ; Addie B, who was born in Iso ;. and is the wife of Ferry Sines, of Ponto- suc, by whom she has a daughter, Glace, Charles Il., who was born in 1800, and t- in business with Ins father in Pontoostic. where he makes his home, having mar- ried Della M. Richardson, by when he has one daughter, Leona G ; Pearl, wh) was born in 1871, and lives with her par- ents : Carrie, who was born in September. 1873, and is the wife of John Barker, of Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rand began their domestic life in l'on- toosuc, where for a number of years he was engaged in the lumber and grain trades. He afterward spent twenty years in Mississippi, being captain and pilot of various boats. He then began dealing in poultry, butter and eggs, and is still carry- ing on an extensive business in this line in connection with a general store at Pon- toosuc, and also one at Fountain Green. In both his mercantile enterprises he has met with success and now has two well appointed general stores, carrying a large and carefully selected line of goods, for which he finds a ready sale. He has the principal market for butter and eggs in his part of the county, and in addition to his operations in that business he is also well known as a prosperous and enter prising farmer, owning and operating two hundred acres of rich land on sections 4 and 5. Pontoosue township. He readily comprehends intricate business situations and finds a solution for difficult business problems, and his diligence and persever- ance have constituted salient features in his prosperity. Pontooste township, by whom she has two sons, Howard and Carroll: Nellie. who was born in 1875, and is the wife of Claude Daily, of Pontonsue, In whom she has one child, Osborne; Frederick, who was born in 1870, and was a soldier of the Spanish-American war, going to the Philippines, since which time he has oc- cupied a responsible position as clerk in the office of the president of the Santa Fe Railroad, of Chicago, where he resides. having married Mabel Evans, by whom he has one son. Evans : and Harry S .. who was born in 1885 and is living at home. Mrs. Rand is a devoted member of the Presbyterian church Mr. R.ind is a republican and has served as mayor of l'ontooque for one or two terms, als as trustee of the village and as a member of the school board lle inthfully per- forms every duty incumbent upon him as a public spirited citizen and is one of the most highly respected as well as most progressive residents of this part of the county His life history reflects cre lit upon one of the pioneer families of the portion of the state for Inuneboting energy and his desstry that never thies Lave constituted the secret of his sige.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rand have been

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while his straightforward dealing has gained for him the respect and confidence which are uniformly extended him.

CHARLES E. CRUM.

Charles E. Crum, a resident farmer of La Harpe township, where he is engaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. is a native son of this town- ship. his natal day being August 1, 1879. He is a son of Charles P. and Salina (James) Crum, the former born in Arensville, Cass county, Illinois, April II. 1853, while the mother's birth oc- curred in this township September 8, 1856. The paternal grandparents of our subject were James and Christina Crum, while the maternal grandparents were An- drew J. and Sydney ( Pigman) James. The father of our subject went from his native county to Adrian, Michigan. It was while attending college there that he met his wife, and later they were married in this township. Fol- lowing his marriage he carried on general agricultural pursuits in this township, owning considerable land both in Hancock and Henderson counties. For a time he was engaged in a mercantile enterprise at Disco, his partner being his brother- in-law. Evan James, but eventually dis- posed of his business interests in the vil- lage and once more engaged in agricul- tural pursuits and stock-raising, which continued to be his occupation until March 25. 1885. when he met his death in a rail- road accident while on his way home from

Missouri. At one time Mr. Crum was engaged in teaching in Gittings Seminary at La Harpe, and he and his family were residing in this city where he was teaching at the time of his death. His widow continued her residence here until March, 1893, when she removed to the farm property, where she has since been located. In their family were born four sons and one daughter : Ray Ream, born April 8, 1877. is now en- gaged in the drug business at Sutherland. Iowa. He was married December 28. 1901, to Miss Belle Todd, of Des Moines, Iowa. James E. and Charles E., of this review. twins, were born August 1, 1879. The former was married October 30, 1905, to Miss Catherine Yager, a native of Durham township. this county, and their home is in Chicago. Mabel C., born December 7. 1881, is now the wife of E. R. McManiman, and resides at Galesburg. Virgil A., born March 30. 1884, is with his mother on the home farm.

During the time of his parents' resi- dence in La Harpe. Charles E. Crum at- tended the public schools, and clerked in various stores in the city during his boy- hood and youth, or until the removal of his mother to the farm after the death of his father. He then assisted in the op- eration of the fields and the raising of stock, and has here continued to the pres- ent time, being accounted one of the young and prosperous farmers of this commut- nity.

Choosing a companion and helpmate for life's journey, he was married Sep- tember 25. 1901, to Miss Catherine C. Bradshaw, likewise a native of Hancock

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county, where she pursued her early cdu- cation, which was supplemented by a course of study in St. Mary's Academy. at Nauvoo. She is a daughter of George W. and Della ( Manifold) Bradshaw, the former born in La Harpe. January 1, 1841, a son of Joel and Catherine ( Dix- (n) Bradshaw, while the mother, who was born in Durham township. February 7. 1853. is a daughter of Benjamin Jas- per and Cornelia ( Hutton ) Manifold, and it was here that their daughter Della gave her hand in marriage to George Brad- shaw, on the ist of January, 1880. Unto our subject and his wife have been born one son and two daughters: Charles Pierce, born September 20. 1902: Ruth Darlyn, born September 4, 1903 : and Ma- bel Catherine. August 18, 1905.

Mr. Crum's study of the political ques- tions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the Republican party, while in his fraternal relations he is identified with the Odd Fellow- lodge. No. 688, and the Modern Woodmen camp, both at Disco. He and his wife are popular young people and have a host of warm friends, to whom they have become endeared by reason of their many traits of character.

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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 85

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