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 87
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
722
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
mortally wounded at the battle of Frank- lin, and only lived for six days afterward, while Mrs. Munson passed away Sep- tember 20, 1865, and now sleeps beside her patriot sons. Mr. Munson also passed away. Both were people of the highest respectability and genuine worth, es- teemed for their many good qualities. They had a family of seven children : Abigail Parmeter, who is now the wife of William Reynolds; Francis; Henry Clay, of this review ; Sarah Pherona, the wife of Dr. H. E. Elliott ; Proctor Peter. who married Nancy Compton, and lives in Augusta, Illinois; Wilbur Fisk, who mar- ried Fannie W. Gordon; William Lan- don : and John Locke. The son Wilbur enlisted August 10, 1862, in Company C, Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer In- fantry and at the assault at Vicksburg on the 22d of May, 1863, was mortally wounded in the head and died on the 31 st of May. His remains were disinterred by his brother. Proctor P., and his broth- er-in-law, Dr. Elliott. and brought home. being laid to rest within sight of his birth- place. W. L. also enlisted at the same time of his brother and in the same regi- ment and was mortally wounded at the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, November 30. 1864. He was brought home Janu- ary 6. 1865, and died on the 14th of the same month, so that his remains were in- terred by his brother's side in Augusta cemetery.
F. H. C. Newcomb was a very young lad when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ilinois. He was reared m Pulaski and acquired his education in the public schools. On the zist of Feb- rury, 1800. he married Miss Sarah Eliza-
beth Gordon, who was born in the city of New York in 1839, a daughter of Ed- win and Martha Ann Gordon, both na- tives of New York. The father was a farmer by occupation and settled in Adams county, Illinois, at an early day. In their family were ten children, of whom eight are living: William, now of Iowa ; Anna, the wife of Rodman Foster. of Augusta; Fannie, the wife of Joe Smith, of Augusta; Neally, the widow of Samuel Fisher, of Augusta: Mahla. the widow of Frank Bacon, also a resident of Augusta: Charles and Ed. who are living in the same place : and Sarah E .. now Mrs. Newcomb. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. New- comb has been blessed with six chil- dren : John Elliott, born March 29. 1861, is at home. Wilbur Fisk. born Au- gust 21, 1863. died September 16, 1864. Fannie, twin sister of Wilbur. died Octo- ber 7, 1864. Sarah A .. born January 6. 1865. is the wife of Morris Crain. of Washington, and they have one child. Helen. Susan, born November 30. 1866, is the wife of Frank Williams, of Pulaski. and they have five children. Grace, Lela, Roy, Carl, and Abbie. Mar- tha. born December 29, 1871. is the wife of Fred Crain, living near Pulaski. and they have two children. Donald and Dorothy.
Mr. Newcomb is a republican and has served as tax collector. He is one of the early representatives of the Odd Fellows and Masons lodges in this locality and his wife is a member of the Methodist church. Their home is a farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 36. Augusta township, and their residence
7-3
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
was erected thereon in 1893. Mr. New- comb has added to the property until he now owns five hundred and twenty- five acres in Augusta township, the great- er part of which is under a high state of cultivation. Ile has made all of the im- provements upon the farm and it is now one of the attractive features of the land- scape. He has carried on the general work of tilling the soil and has also en- graged in stock-raising, formerly dealing quite extensively in horses. He never in- herited a dollar in his life but is now com- fortably situated, his land having in- creased in value owing to the rapid settle- ment of the county and also due to the many improvements he has placed upon it until he is now comfortably situated. There was no home between this place and Huntsville when his father arrived and there were no fences or other evi- dences to show that the work of civiliza- tion had been begun. The entire conn- try-side was covered with the native prai- rie grasses and Mr. Newcomb has seen it developed from such a stage to its present advanced condition of improvement. He is thoroughly familiar with pioneer life and its experiences in this portion of the country and he relates many interesting incidents of the early days.
T. A. HALL.AM.
T. A. Hallam, who for almost a half century has resided in this section of Illi- nois, is one of the esteemed residents of
Pulaski -- a man whom to know is to re- spect and honor. He has now passed the seventy-eighth milestone on life's jour- ney, and looking back over the past he finds little occasion for regret over lost opportunities. On the contrary Ins friends know him to be a man worthy of their confidence and regard because of the active, upright life he has lived. 1c was born in Allenton, Lincolnshire, Eng land. in 1828, and is a son of Thomas Allen and Elizabeth ( Bell ) Hallam. The father was born in Eden, Lancastershire. England. and in that country was en- gaged in the clothing business. He spent his entire life in his native land as did his wife, who was born in Allenton. Lincolnshire. In their family were nine children.
T. A. Hallam was educated in the schools of his native country and remained upon the farm until eighteen years of age. when he left home and was employed in various ways in order to earn an honest living. He spent three years in France as a civil engineer, being for two years of that time in Paris, and then having carefully considered the matter of en- grating to America he became convinced that he would have better opportunities in the new world and accordingly made arrangements to seek a home beyond the Atlantic.
Before he sailed, however, Mr Hallam was married in 185; to Miss Anna Cook. who was born in Lincolnshire. England. in 1832. a daughter of Mr and Mrs Samuel Cook. Her father died when she was a child. He was foreman of a large estate in his native country and there reared his family of seven children but
724
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
only three are now living: Mrs. Hallam ; Jabez: and Joseph, who has been con- nected with the public library at Quincy, Illinois, since its opening.
Immediately after his marriage Mr. Hallam and his bride sailed for the new world and came to Ilinois. Since that time they have resided in Quincy. in Au- gusta. and in Nebraska. at different periods. and in ISSI Mr. Hallam pur- chased ten acres of land in Pulaski, where lie now makes his home. For many vears he was actively engaged in farm- ing but has now retired from business cares and enjoys a well earned rest. He lived a life of activity and enterprise, and his well directed labors brought him a measure of success which is most cred itable and gratifying and which now sup- plies him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. On becon- ing a naturalized American citizen he gave his political allegiance to the Repub- lican party, of which he has ever been a stalwart advocate. He and his wife are now pleasantly located in Pulaski and in addition to their home here Mr. Hallam owns a house and lot in Augusta. which he rents. They are people who are es- teemed by young and old, rich and poor. and claim many friends among the chil- dren. all of whom delight to visit at their home. They are both well read upon cur- rent topics and though Mr. Hallam has passed the psalmist's alloted span of three score years and ten. in spirit and inter- ests he seems yet in his prime. His ready adaptability and strong purpose en- abled him to make steady advancement in business life after coming to the new world.
WILLIAM MILLER SPANGLER.
William Miller Spangler, one of the videst pioneer settlers of Hancock county, now living in Carthage at the age of eighty-four years, has not only been a wit- ness of many changes that have occurred in the city and county but has also been a participant in many events which have left their impress upon the annals of the county. His name is inseparably inter- woven with the history of this part of the state and this volume would be incom- plete without mention of him. His natal year was 1822 and the place of his birth Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. His father, Samuel Spangler, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. April 1. 1787, and on the 15th of October. 1812, was maried to Miss Rebecca Trego, who was born in the same state April 27, 1788. The father was an expert mechanic and engaged in manufacturing wagons, plows and farm implements. He cast in his lot with the early settlers of Hancock county, Illinois, in 1838. and shared in the hardships and trials incident to fron- tier life. He served as a soldier of the war of 1812 and at all times was progres- sive and loyal in citizenship. He served as school director and was interested in the movements relating to the county's development and upbuilding. He died in Hancock township over thirty years ago and his wife had passed away a number of years previous, the remains being in- terred in Hancock township. In their family , were nine children, Margaret Eleanor, Mary Matilda, Joseph Trego. Samuel Lewis, William Miller, Rebecca Skiles, Emeline Hannah. John Skiles and
725
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Elizabeth Verdelia. Of this number John was a soldier of the Civil war, serving for three years. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry.
William M. Spangler, the only surviv- ing member of the family, was educated in the public schools of Pennsylvania and at the age of sixteen years came to Han- cock county, where he arrived to find a district that was but sparsely settled and in which the work of civilization and progress seemed scarcely begun. He can well remember the important incidents of the early days, including the troubles which arose over the settlement of the Mormons in this part of the state. He has a vivid recollection of the time when Joseph and Hiram Smith, the leaders of the Mormon church were killed. As the years went by he watched with interest the settlements that were made and the progress that was carried on as wild lands were converted into productive farms and as towns and cities were built, bringing with them all of the industrial and com- mercial interests of the older cast. In his youth he aided in the arduous task of developing the new land at a time when one had to walk in the furrows after the plow and when much of the farm labor was done by hand. Ile continued with his parents until 1844. in which year he was married to Miss Emily Renshaw, it native of Sangamon county, Illinois, and a daughter of James and Nancy Renshaw. natives of North Carolina, the former born September 30, 1803. and the latter September 1. 1805. They were married June 17. 182%. and had a family of five children. all of whom have now passed
away. Sarah Family, who became Mrs Spangler, was born July 1. 1825. in Ken- ticky, and died July 20, 1899. Matilda Renshaw was born December 12. 1820. Martha Avalene, born October 22, 1828 died March 7. 1850. Elizabeth, born March 2. 1831, died September 27. 1854. Elijah, twin brother of Elizabeth, died May 10, 1831, aged two months and fourteen days. The father died May 22. 1885, and his wife at the age of eighty-six years. This aged couple were devout members of the Methodist church and were exceedingly active in religious work. Their home was for many years the place of entertainment for visiting preachers to their neighborhood and church services were frequently held in their house. They were kind and charitable people. giving freely to assist the poor and needy and doing much to help their fellow men.
Following his marriage Mr. Spangler was given a farm in Fountain Green township, where he lived until 1856. This was government land entered In his ta- ther and on it a log cabin had been built. In this Mr. Spangler lived until a neu house could be erected. Afterward he removed to Carthage, where he lived for a few years but in 1800 returned to Fim- tain Green township. Later he again lo- cated in Carthage, where he and his broth- er owned a dry gronds store and for a time he also derked for Jesse Williams, who conducted a store there It was sub sequent to this time that Mr Spangler embarked in business on his own account Later he engaged in dealing in wagons and subsequently his attention wats agit given to farming interests until 1886. Since which time he has lived retired In
726
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEWV
1865 he purchased his present home, which he has occupied continuously. In his business career he has ever been found straightforward and honorable. treating all men in a fair and impartial manner and his business integrity and enterprise constitute the strong element in his success.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Spangler were born eight children. all born in Hancock coun- ty. Matilda, the eldest, born April 18, 1845. was married November 10. 1869. to William Henry and lives in Emmetts- burg. Iowa. They had five children, namely: Claud M .. of Redfield. South Dakota, who wedded L. Genevieve Show- er and has a daughter, Claudia Maxine Henry: Frank Edmunds Henry, who is a Congregational preacher of Garner, Iowa, who wedded Anna Cameron and has one child. Glenn Cameron Henry ; Mrs. Mabel Armstrong, who is living in Dakota and has one child; Glenn, who was the twin brother of Frank and died at the age of six months; and Lena. Evelyn Verdelia, the second daughter of Mr. Spangler, was born December 19. 1847. was married in 1896 to William C. Taylor and lives in Brown county, Kan- sas. Virginia Rebecca, now of Enderlin. North Dakota, born June 7, 1850, became the wife of William Cruff, who died Oc- tober 23. 1904. They had been married in March. 1871. and had five children : James R. : William, who is married and has five children, his home being in Lucca. North Dakota; Arthur Cruff: who died in 1900: Frank Cruff, who is living with his parents; and Mary Cruff. deceased. Josephine Emily Spangler, the fourth member of the Spangler family, was born
April 24, 1853, and was married Decem- ber 26, 1872, to Oliver Miller, their home being now in Beaconsfield, Ringgold coun- ty, Iowa. They have five living children : Madge, the wife of Dr. A. R. Mulcahy, of Beaconsfield, Iowa, by whom she has a son, Rex; Fred Miller, at home; Nellie, who married and lives in Beaconsfield; Coyle and Thomas, both at home. Mary Susan Spangler, the fifth member of the family, born January 29. 1857, is the wife of W. A. Symonds, of Carthage, to whom she was married November 26. 1878. She was one of the first graduates of the Carthage high school, completing her course there about thirty years ago. She has six children, Frederick W., Emily Clare, James Spangler, Raymond Hyde, Mary Evelyn and John Hawley. James Renshaw Spangler, the sixth mem- ber of the family. born May 20. 1861. died March 6, 1886. Nellie Skile Span- gler, born April 11, 1863, has acted as her father's housekeeper since her mother's death.
Mr. Spangler is a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belonged. He is now its oldest member and for the past twenty-three years has served as one of its elders. He has always taken a very active part in church work and his wife was his associate in all his christian labors. She served as treasurer for many years of the Ladies' Missionary Society and their daughter Nellie is now secretary of the literature committee of the Missionary Society, in which capacity she has acted for several y cars and was also treasurer of the Chris- tian Endeavor Society for ten years. Her maternal grandmother. Mrs. Renshaw,
727
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
took several shares in a Bible tract so- ents when only ten years of age. His ciety. Mrs. Spangler was a very active parents located at Elkton. Maryland. The father was a contractor and builder of railways and followed this line of work as long as he was in active business life. The grandfather of our subject had been proprietor of extensive cotton mills in ireland. and earnest church worker, was a home loving woman and did everything in her power to promote the happiness of her husband and children. She and her son were laid to rest in Moss Ridge cemetery at Carthage, while ber memory remains as a blessed benediction to many who John E. Johnstone at the age of eight- ven went to Baltimore and for a time was a clerk in a mercantile establishment, and later he engaged in a retail mercantile business for himself. He became ac- quainted with a prominent attorney. Ber- erly Johnson, who took a great liking for him and made him a member of his fam- ily, and throughout his young manhood. was a warm personal friend and adviser. Later John Johnstone went to Hereu- laneum. Missouri, and there engaged in business with a Dr. Johnson, later engag- ing in the mercantile business in St. Louis, for a short time. knew her and came within the influence of her noble character, her gentle spirit and Christian life. Mr. Spangler has always been a republican since the organization of the party and was tax collector of Han- cock township but has never sought to become prominent in public affairs. llis wife inherited some property from her father and by economy and industry Mr. Spangler has accumulated a competence. Ile is a well preserved man, possessing a retentive memory and few citizens of Hancock county have more intimate or accurate knowledge of the events which mark its history. He is highly respected in the city and county and his good quali- ties makes his example one well worthy of emulation.
Since the above was written Mr. Spangler passed away October 9. 1906. and was buried in Moss Ridge cemetery at Carthage, Illinois.
JOHN E. JOHNSTONE.
John E. Johnstone, deceased, was born near Belfast, Ireland. July 12. 1812. a son of Robert and Eliza (Mathews) John stone, and came to America with his par-
In 1839 he came to Warsaw and estab- lished himself in the same line in this city. in the same year a Miss Catherine Ball- win, daughter of Epiphras Bull and Hebe ( Brown ) Baldwin, of Carthage. Illinois. came to Warsaw to whit an aunt, and while here all her girl friends were any- ions to introduce her to the new merchant. Mr. Johnstone, from Baltimore. He was very popular, but little did his lady friends think they were introducing some one who would prove a successful rival The were married at her home m Carthage December 15. 1810 They made their home in Warsaw and Mr Johnstone con tinned in business for many years
Of the nine children born into them. five grew to years of maturity
40
728
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW"
Eliza, became the wife of Gen Oliver Ed- city and of muncipality, is well known in Carthage as cashier of the Hancock Coun- ty National Bank, as a friend and pro- moter of Carthage College and as one of the factors of the Building and Loan Association, which has proven of value in the upbuilding of the city and also as wards, whose sketch appears in this work ; Emily Jeanette married Horace A. Scott, and departed this life at Osceola, Ne- braska: James E. married Clara Black and died in Wichita. Kansas, leaving four children : Frances Ellen married Alonzo H. McGregor, and spent the last few years . a valued mayor. He was born here Sep- of her life and died in Warsaw; John Charles married Anna Kreipkie and lives in St. Louis.
John E. Johnstone was a whig and later, a very stanch republican. He took an active part in the Mormon war and re- ceived a commission from the governor of the state as quarter-master, during those troublous times. He retired from the mercantile business and served as post- master several years, being appointed by President Grant, and served until after Cleveland went into office. He became identified with the Presbyterian church and served as a trustee in that body. He was closely identified with the growth of Warsaw from its infancy doing all that came to his notice to aid in the progress and upbuilding of the community. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and took great interest in the work of. that order. His death occurred August 5. 1887. His widow is still active at the advanced age of eighty-seven years.
STEPHEN HL. FERRIS.
Stephen IT. Ferris, whose activity has largely touched the general interests of
tember 13, 1862, a son of H. G. Ferris. and in the public schools of Carthage he began his education. passing through suc- cessive grades until he became a high school student. Later he entered Car- thage College, from which he was grad- nated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1882, while subsequently the degree of Master of Arts was con- ferred upon him. He also attended East- man's Business College, of Poughkeepsie. New York, where he was graduated, and soon after his return home he entered actively upon business life in connection with the Hancock County National Bank. becoming bookkeeper of the institution in January, 1884. He so continued until elected director on the 23d of July. 1884. and at the annual meeting held January 19. 1884. he was chosen assistant cashier. He also held the office of vice president from the 11th of January. 1898, until the 14th of January. 1902, when he was chosen cashier, in which capacity he has since served. and in connection with his brother, J. C. Ferris, he has the active management of the bank which is largely known throughout the county as the Fer- ris Bank.
A democrat in his political affiliation. Mr. Ferris has never been an aspirant for political honors and yet his fellow towns- men have called upon him to serve in some
720
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
positions of public trust. From May, 1903. until May, 1905, he was mayor of the city, being elected on the street paving issue. Mr. Ferris was in favor of perma- nent improvements and under his admin- istration the first real work in street pay- ing was done, including the laying of the pavement around the public square and to the depot, at an outlay of between thirty and forty thousand dollars, Ilis fellow citizens recognizing his stand in support of improvements of this character. he was nominated for the office and ac- cepted it in order that he might put into practice his views regarding municipal improvements. He placed the affairs of the city upon a strictly business basis and while working for an economical adminis- tration he also labored effectively for progress. While not an active politician he has always been interested in anything for the public benefit and his labors have heen of far-reaching importance. He has been one of the active members in school affairs, has served as a member of the school board from April, 1897. and dur- ing this time labored effectively and suc- cessfully for the erection of the high school building. He believes in the em- ployment of competent teachers and the utilization of advanced ideas in regard to public education and this has been mani- fest in many tangible results. He has likewise been treasurer of Carthage Col- lege since 1884 and is still acting in that capacity. He was largely instrumental in organizing the Carthage Building and Loan Association in 1885, in which move- ment he was associated with W. 11. Davidson, who did the first preliminary work in bringing matters about. At the
first meeting the following officers were elected: A. W. O'Harra, Thomas F. Dunn. Edward Cherrill, E. C. Quimby. W. C. Hooker. M. P. Berry, George W. Payne. Frank Halbower and H. G. Ferris. Mr. Ferris was elected secretary and has since filled the position. Splendid shores has attended the organization and a large local business has been conducted. Nine teen series have matured and the associa- tion has been the means of bringing about much substantial improvements and build- ing in Carthage. His fraternal relations are with Hancock lodge. No. 20. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he has been master and he is also president of the Citizens Association. Wherever there is a public-spirited attempt to do away with misrule in municipal affairs he is to be found working with the leaders of the movement and he furthermore knows how to utilize the practical methods at hand in working for the ideal.
Mr. Ferris was maried to Miss Helen B. Durkes, of Warsaw, on the 28th of October. 1885, and they have become the parents of seven children. Dorothy 1 ... Ellen D. Adelaide A. Stephen Hunt, Julia. Phoebe and John D The family attend and support the Episcopal church of which Mr. Ferris is a trustee and they occupy a fine home on Fayette street. The life record of him whose name intro- duces this review stands in contradistinc- tion to the old adage that ".a prophet is never without honor save in his own country," for in the city where his entire life has been passed Mr. Ferris is accorded leadership in recognition of a public spirit which places the general good be- fore personal aggrandizement and which
730
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW'
labors unselfishly for the best interests a frontier district, and there learned the of the community at large.
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.