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 9
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U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Ritchey were born nine children. all natives of Han- cock county, and seven of the number are still living. Hiram C., born Decem- ber 15. 1854. married Belle Lamb and had two children. Earl 11. and Perle W .. twins, born August 10. 1877. Their mother died when they were only eleven months old and they were reared by their grandparents. Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Ritchey. Both are now married. Perle weelded Pearle Callopy, lives in Canton. Illinois, and has three children, Ursa.
Hiram Edward and Verne Lagrpe. Earl married Luella Brown, lives in Can- ton and has two children. Lowell and Grace. After losing his first wife Hiram Ritchey wedded Mrs. Mary McClain, the widow of Dr. MeClain, and after her death he married Mrs. Ella Ball, the widow of Dr. Ball. The only child of the third marriage is deceased. Hiram Ritchey is now a resident of Canton, Illi- nois. Philip W. Ritchey, the second member of the father's family. was born July 7. 1857. married Angeline Howard and lives in Dallas City, Hinois. They had two children, the living daughter. Eva, being now at home with her parents. John M. Ritchey, born March 22. 1859. (lied in 1877. Sarah L., born April 30. 1861. is the wife of William Styles, of Laurens, Iowa, and they had nine chil- dren, of whom six are living: Bert, who is married and lives in Fulton county. Illinois, and has four children: James. who is married and lives in Fulton county, and has one child : Josiah Goldie : and Fay and an infant. Margaret Ritchey, the fifth member of the family of Josiah Ritchey, was born September 14. 1863, is the wife of Henry W. Wal- ter. of Dallas City, Illinois, by whom she has one daughter. May, now Mrs. Muller. of Dallas City, and the mother of two children. Catherine M. Ritchey. born August 14, 1865. is the wife of Lucius Atwater, of Missouri, and has eight children living. Cleveland, Bertha. Orilla, Amanda Belle. Lotus. Lecil. Josiah Ritchey and Joseph. James HI Ritchey, the seventh member of the fam- ily, was born October 5. 1808, and lives in Canton, Illinois. He married Mrs.
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Dora Gates and has four children, Elsie, Charles, James and Edith. Lucinda MI., born March 9. 1873, became the wife of Frank O'Neil, and died in Graceville, Minnesota, February 19, 1903. leaving four children: Roy. of Durham town- ship: Josiah Royse, living with an aunt in La Harpe; Ernest Ritchey and Edith Elizabeth. twins, who are with their grandparents; Dora B., born September 27. 1875. is the wife of Fred McKim, a resident of Disco, Illinois.
At the time of their marriage Josiah and Amanda ( Knowles) Ritchey began their domestic life in Dallas township. where they resided for two years and then removed to Durham township. set- tling on a partially improved farm, on which Mr. Ritchey made many modern improvements, there carrying on general farming and stock-raising with good suc- cess. In 1883 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died upon the old homestead farm in Dur- ham township. She was a lady of many excellent traits of character and was held in warm regard by all who knew her. Mr. Ritchey continued to reside upon the farm until 1899, when he re- moved to Carthage, purchasing a beaut- tiful home at No. 706 Washington street at the extreme end of the street. He was drafted for service in the Civil war but sent a substitute, and throughout the passing years carried on farm labor with excellent results, the annual sale of his crops and stock bringing to him a good income that eventually enabled him to put aside further cares and live retired. On the 20th of November, 1889. Mr. Ritchey was again married, his second
union being with Miss Isabelle Curry, who was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, November 20, 1838, a daughter of Matthew and Jane (Curry) Curry, who though of the same name were not relatives, the former being a native of Ireland, and the latter of Penn- sylvania. . Matthew Curry came to America when fourteen years of age and made his way to Hancock county. Illi- nois, in 1852, settling upon a farm here. He was a republican in his political views and both he and his wife were of the old Covenanter faith and became members of the United Presbyterian church, with which they were affiliated at the time of their deaths. The father passed away in 1874, and the mother survived until 1891, when she was laid by his side in the cemetery in Fountain Green township. He had farmed in Hancock township for a number of years and was accounted one of the enterpris- ing agriculturists and reliable business men of the community. In their fam- ily were six children, five of whom are living, namely: Mrs. Isabelle Ritchey ; Adam, who resides upon the old home farm near Webster. Illinois; Eliza Janc. the wife of James Marshall, who is living in Carthage township, near Webster: Margaret, the wife of AAndrew Baxter, of AAtchison county, Kansas; and Samuel, who is living in Hancock township, this county. One brother, Adam Curry. en- listed in the Tenth Missouri Infantry, and afterward re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, serving throughout the war. He was with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sca and was shot at the battle of Corinth.
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
still carrying the ball in his shoulder. Thomas. Isaac. William and Jacob Kwrowles, brothers of Mr. Ritchey's first wife, were also soldiers of the One Hun- dred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchey have reared two grandchildren, living to see them married and comfortably situated in life, and are now rearing two more grandchildren. le and his first wife were members of the United Brethren church but now he is a member of the Presbyterian church. to which his second wife belongs and in which he has served as an elder for five years. They take a very active and earnest part in church work and are sin- cere Christian people, doing everything in their power to advance the cause of Christianity. Mr. Ritchey was for many years an advocate of the democracy but now casts an independent ballot, sup- porting the candidate whom he regards as the best man. He has held a num- ber of township offices and at all times has been loyal in citizenship, doing what he could for the welfare and progress of the community. He is a self-made man, conscientious and reliable. Start- ing out in life empty-handed. his deter- mination and energy have been the sali- ent points in his career, enabling him to acquire a good living and lay something by for a rainy day. Both he and his wife are held in the highest esteem, Mrs. Ritchey being a lovely Christian char- acter. and their interest and activity in church work has done much for the cause in this community. Now living retired from business Mr. Ritchey is enjoying a rest which is richly merited and he stands high in public regard.
JONATHAN C. WILEY.
Jonathan C. Willey, who became a resident of Hancock county at an early day, now resides upon his farm on sec- tion 10, Carthage township. where he owns and cultivates eighty acres. He was born in Dickson county, Tennessee. on the 14th of September. 1837, and be- came a resident of Illinois when about ten years of age, accompanying his parents, John F. and Millie ( Morrison ) Willey, on their removal to Bond county. this state. The father was born in llali- fax county, North Carolina, while the mother's birth occurred in Tennessee. With his parents he went to the latter state when about two years old and was there reared to manhood and married. All of the children of the family were born in Tennessee and the parents re- sided there until about 1847, when they came to this state, settling in Bond county, where they remained for five or six years. They afterward went to Menard county, Illinois, and thence to Mason county, remaining for only a brief period in each county. In 1854 they came to Hancock county and Mr. Willey cast in his lot with the early set- tlers who were depending upon agricul- tural interests for a living. He subse- quently conducted his farming interests up to the time of his death, which ue- curred in Carthage township upon the place now owned by his son Jonathan. when he was seventy-six years of age. llis political allegiance was given to the democracy but he never sought or de- sired office. He was a prosperous and progressive man who owned large prop
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erty interests in Tennessee. The place of his interment is in Fountain Green cemetery, where he was laid to rest fol- lowing his death, on the 12th of March, 1887. His wife survived him for about four years and died March 14, 1891. Of their five children only three are now living, as follows: Mary Catherine, the wife of John Dennison. of Hamilton, Illinois: Elizabeth, the wife of Elias Lister. of Tulare, California; and Jon- athan C.
The fourth in order of birth in his father's family, Jonathan, C. Willey, was reared under the parental roof, accom- panying his parents on their removals to various localities. He largely ob- tained his education in Tennessee and after coming to Hancock county he as- sisted his father upon the home farm as a young man. There he remained to the age of twenty-three years. when lie started out in life on his own account. renting a farm in Fountain Green town- ship, where he remained for a number of years. During that period he lived care- fully and economically and thereby he accumulated the capital sufficient to en- able him to purchase his present farm, whereon he has since resided. The place was but partially improved but he has continued its cultivation and develop- mient until he now has a model farm, his attention being given to general farm- ing and stock-raising. His business methods are such as bear close investi- gation and scrutiny and his enterprise has been a salient feature in his success. On the zd of April. 1862, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Willey and Miss Cynthia Wright, a daughter of Hickerson and Cynthia ( Donoho)
Wright. Mrs. Willey was born in Foun- tain Green township. September 30. 1840. and pursued her education in the schools of Fountain Green, Pontoosuc and Web- ster townships, remaining at home until her marriage. She has become the mother of five children, three sons and two daughters. Sterling Price, born in Fountain Green township. November 30. 1862. died at the age of three years and one month, and was there laid to rest. Linnie is now the wife of Charles E. Griswold, a carpenter and contractor of Chicago. Her first husband was Steph- en D. Aldridge, who was a farmer of Fountain Green township, and by their marriage there was one son, Carroll D .. who was born August 12. 1895, and now makes his home with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Willey. Jennie Florence is the wife of Alfred B. Miller, of De- Witt. Missouri, where he follows farm- ing. They have had seven children : Ethel, now the wife of George Seabold. by whom she has one child; Roy, Harry. Bessie. Ross, and Dixie; and one, the sixth in order of birth, who is deceased. Patrick H .. the fourth member of the Willey family, is a farmer residing in Peabody, Kansas, and married Margaret Yetter, a daughter of Samuel R. Yetter. They had four children. Alma May. Bertha A., Frank and Mabel. but the first named is deceased. Jesse W., a railroad bridge builder living in Chicago. married Miss Minnie Oglvie, a daughter of James and Millie Oglvie, of Carthage township, and they have two children. Mabel and Helen. All of the children of the Willey family were born in Hancock county.
Mr. Willey gives evidence of his po-
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litical faith on election day by casting a ballot for the men and measures of de- mocracy. lle has held the office of school director for the past thirty years and is interested in intellectual progress and development in his community. Vi- fairs relating to general improvement also claim his attention and co-operation and he has done his full share in the work of public improvement during the half century or more in which he has lived in Hancock county where he has been fully appreciated.
ROBERT M. KIMBROUGIL.
Death often removes a citizen whom a community feels it can ill afford to lose. The news of the death of Robert M. Kimbrough was received with deep and wide-spread regret in his township and throughout Hancock county wherever he was known, for he had lived a life of uprightness and honor. He was no mere negative factor in the community but a citizen of exemplary rectitude of char- acter, who was active and energetic in his business life and loyal in his support of all the measures and movements which he deemed would prove of benefit in ad vancing publie progress and upbuilding. His life record began in Carthage town- ship on the 20th of April, 1844, and he continuously remained a resident of that locality. His education was acquired in the common schools near his father's ment. Upon the destruction of the old
home and he assisted in the work of the farm when not busy with his text-books. lle was a son of William and Martha ( Canthorn ) Kimbrough, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, whence they came to Illinois at an early day, settling in Hancock county. The father pur- chased land in Carthage township and there made a home for himself and fam ily. devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits and stock- raising. As the years passed he com- verted his land into productive helds and continued their cultivation until his death. His wife had passed away several years before.
Under the parental roof Robert M. Kimgrough spent the days of his boy hood and continued to reside upon the home farm as a young man, although to some extent he worked upon neighboring farms. He was about sixteen years of age when he began earning his own liv- ing in that way and was thus employed up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated on the 19th of January. 1871. Miss Almeda A. Bryant becoming his wife. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm which Mrs. Kimbrough had inherited from her father and it was situated on section 1. Harmony township. The place com- prises one hundred and sixty acres of land there together with thirty -seven acres in Carthage township. As the years passed by Mr. Kimbrough continued the work of cultivating and improving the fields and adding to the farm many modern equipments in harmony with pro- gressive ideas of agricultural develop
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home by fire in 1902 he erected a large two-story frame dwelling with all mod- ern conveniences, which is one of the attractive farm residences of this part of the county. He cultivated his fields successfully, annually harvesting large crops. and he was also well known as a capable and prosperous stock raiser. keeping on hand high grades of cattle. horses and hogs, making a specialty, however, of Durham cattle. He used the latest improved machinery to facili- tate the work of the fields and as the years passed by he converted the place into one of the model farms of the county.
It was upon this place that Mrs. Kim- brough was born and reared, her natal day being April 19. 1847. Her parents were Ambrose and Susanna (Reed) Bryant. both of whom were natives of Virginia, whence they came to Illinois at an early day, settling in Harmony township. Hancock county, when it was still a frontier region. Mr. Bryant pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section I and although the tract was wild and unimproved when it came into his possession, he soon converted it into productive fields, continuing the cul- tivation of the place until his death. IIe was born March 5, 1810, and passed away July 25. 1876, in the faith of the Primitive Baptist church, of which he had long been a devoted member. In his political views he was a democrat. He had for several years survived his wife. who was born November 26, 1807. and died February 23. 1864. Their remains now rest side by side in Holland ceme- tery in St. Mary's township.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kim- brough was blessed with three children, two of whom are living: Dennis B .. born January 11, 1872, was educated in Harmony township and now operates the old home farm. Flora S., born on the home place December 19, 1874. is the wife of Lawrence D. Lane, who was born in Carthage township, Hancock county. and is a son of Thomas Lane. now a resident of the city of Carthage. Mr. and Mrs. Lane reside with her mother, Mrs. Kimbrough, on the old farm, and to them have been born three children, of whom two are living: Hazel Fern. born March 4. 1894: and Oliver, December 2. 1896. They lost their younger daughter. Neva Pearl. who was born May 31, 1904, and died June 9. 1905. These children were all born in Carthage township. Leo R. Kimbrough. the youngest member of the family, was born November 13. 1880. and died Feb- ruary I, 1905, after an operation for ap- pendicitis. He was a young man of genuine personal worth, much loved by his family and a large circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Kimbrough also reared a niece, Emma Thompson, who was born January 27. 1872. in Hancock county. Her parents were Robert and Isabelle Thompson, residents of Adams county. the latter being a sister of Mr. Kim- brough. They died when their daugh- ter was about seven years of age, when she became a member of the Kimbrough household, in which she remained until her marriage on the 29th of November. 1893, to William Reuck, a resident farmer of Hancock county. Two chil- dren grace this union : William Clay.
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
born September 28. 1801: and Edna May, born November 20, 1800.
Throughout his entire life Robert Ml. Kimbrough carried on general farming and his death occurred upon the old homestead March 8. 1905. when he was sixty years of age. He had. however. been in poor health for a number of years. He was a supporter of the Bap- tist church and was an ardent adherent of the democratic party. He held the office of assessor of Harmony township for two terms and was also school di- rector for some years. Although he never united with any church he was a firm believer in the Primitive Baptist doc- trine and lived a Christian life. In his last illness he suffered intensely but never a murmuir escaped his lips. He was a good neighbor and a kind and indulgent husband and father, and he was always ready and willing to do his part. He possessed an adaptable nature which en abled him to mingle freely and easily with young and old and all enjoyed his company. Hospitality reigned supreme in his home and his friends were ever cordially welcome. He possessed a genial, kindly disposition and many ster- ling traits of character, and all who knew him esteemed him highly. His entire life had been passed in Hancock county and he was a most worthy pioneer settler. taking a deep interest in what was ac- complished in the line of improvement and progress and doing all in his power to further the public good, and through- out his entire life he was actuated by hon- orable principles and manly purposes, and i- we'll worthy of representation in this volume.
THADDEUS J. ELLEFRITZ.
Thaddeus J. Ellefritz, who carries on general agricultural pursuits in Carth- age township, is a native son of Hancock county, having been born in l'ilot Girove township. on the roth of April. 1869. llis parents were Solomon A. and Mary .A. (Botts) Ellefritz. The father's birth occurred in Virginia and there he resided until he attained his majority. after which he removed to Illinois, set- tling in Pilot Grove township. Hancock county. There he purchased a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres. which he transformed into a good farm. making a home for himself and family. ffe lived there for a number of years. after which he removed to another farm of one hundred acres in the same town- ship. residing thereon until about two years prior to his death, when he pur- chased a third farm property in the same township, comprising one hundred and eighty acres. He lived thereon until his demise and as his financial resources in- creased he added more and more largely to his land holdings until at his death he was the owner of eight hundred acres. nearly all of which was improved land. He died in 1893. at the age of sixty-four years. Throughout his life he carried on general farming and stock-raising and was very prosperous, yet he did not selfishly hoard his wealth but gave to the support of the Methodist church and to many movements for the general good. In early manhood he welded Mrs. Mary 1. Coak, nee Botts, who was the widow of Henry Coak. She was born in St Mary's township. Henry county, and is
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still living, her home being in Carthage. She was the mother of seven children : Eugenie, the wife of L. C. Miller, of Carthage: Thaddeus J., of this review ; Howard, residing in Carthage; Carlos, whose home is in Burnside, Illinois ; Bristow: Mary, deceased ; and Alma, died in infancy.
Thaddeus J. Ellefritz acquired his edu- cation in the common schools of his na- tive township and as a young man worked upon his father's farm. Later he began farming on his own account on one of the properties belonging to his father, the place comprising one hundred acres of land in Pilot Grove township. The mother who received all of the prop- erty at the time of her husband's death deeded our subject the one hundred acres near Burnside on which he had resided. He remained thereon until five years ago. when he sold that property and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Missouri. He lived there for only ten months, however, when he sold out and returned to Hancock county, where he purchased his present farm of one hun- dred and thirty-six acres in Carthage township. The entire tract is under a high state of cultivation and he has made additional improvements, including the planting of a fine orchard. Here he car- ries on general farming and stock-rais- ing in addition to the cultivation of fruit and he annually raises high grades of cattle, horses and hogs. Everything about his place is kept in excellent condi- tion and the neat and thrifty appearance of his farm is proof of his progressive spirit and practical methods.
On April 6, 1802. Mr. Ellefritz was
married to Miss Fannie M. Pearce, who was born in Maryland, and came to Illi- nois when five years of age with her parents, Thomas and Sophia (Dailey) Pearce. Both the father and mother were natives of Maryland, and on com- ing to Illinois settled in Bowen. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit throughout his ac- tive business life. He now resides in Burnside but his wife passed away thir- teen years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Ellefritz have become the parents of three chil- dren. Pernie M., Ray T. and Cleo C. All of the children were born in Pilot Grove township.
Mr. Ellefritz is a republican but with- out aspiration for office, preferring to leave the strife of office-holding to oth- ers, yet doing all in his power to promote general improvement and progress. The family attend and support the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Elle- fritz is a member. He is successful in his farming operations and his carefully directed labors have been the means of securing a valuable property, which is highly cultivated and constitutes one of the fine farms of Carthage township.
HOMER DAVENPORT BROWN.
Homer Davenport Brown, who for many years was the owner of Brown's nursery at Hamilton, was born in Quincy, Illinois, March 9, 18446, and is a son of Homer Brown, who was born
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in Lunenburg. Massachusetts, in 1811. in the United States navy, being engaged His father was overseer of the poor in in government work at Louisville, Ken- tucky. He now resides in Quincy and is a contractor for improvements made by the government. He married Eliza Brown, by whom there is one child. Catherine 11. Brown. His wife died and he afterward married Jennie Elder. by whom he had one child, who died at the age of nine years. He makes his home in Quincy and does important government work.
Massachusetts for many years and Homer Brown. Sr .. was reared upon the county farm. He married Miss Hannah Chandler Safford, who was born in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, in 1811. The maternal grandparents of our subject started from the east to Quincy. Illi- nois, and the grandfather died upon the road. His wife. however, continued on the way to Quincy with her family, where she spent her remaining days. She had three children. In the year 1832. Homer Brown. Sr. went to Keokuk. Jowa. where he engaged in business as a painter and painted the first sign made in Keokuk. He did work throughout this vicinity of the country and was for some time in Quincy, where he was mar- ried. He lived at different times in Hancock and Adams counties and located permanently where Hamilton now is. In fact he was one of the founders of the town. He purchased in 1857 what is now known as Wild Cat Springs. which property he improved and owned until his death. He was quite promi- nent, leaving the impress of his individ- uality upon public thought and action and upon the development and substantial im- provement of this part of the state. Ite died September 29. 1870, while his wife survived him for a number of years. passing away in Quincy, May 14. 1800. In the family were two sons, the elder being Horace Safford, who was born in Carthage in 1837. He was identified with work on the rapids of the Missis- sipppi river. He attended some of the finest schools of the country and enlisted
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