USA > Illinois > Cumberland County > Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois. Historical and biographical > Part 25
USA > Illinois > Richland County > Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois. Historical and biographical > Part 25
USA > Illinois > Jasper County > Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois. Historical and biographical > Part 25
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
WILLIAM H. OZIER was born in Washington County, Penn., November 8.ยช1811. His father, Stephen Ozier, who was born in
16
268
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
Baltimore, Md., was by trade a shoemaker. When of age, he com- menced life for himself, first settling in Pennsylvania, then in Mansfield, Ohio, where he conducted a large boot and shoe business. He married Margaret Nichols, of Washington, Penn. He died'in 1834. They were parents of eight children, four of whom are living. Our subject was the oldest child, and was eight years of age when his father came to Mansfield, Ohio. He was given a good education in preparation for West Point, by request of Gov. Bartly, but prevented from entering by the carnest protest of his mother. His father then taught him the shoemakers' trade, which he has followed in connection with the boot and shoe business for a great part of his life. When of age he engaged in the bakery and confectionery business, in Mansfield, Ohio. While there he married, in 1832, Dorcas T. Goe. They had one child, Richard. His wife died in 1834. In that year he went to Cincin- nati, where he conducted a boot and shoe business several years. Then he embarked in a general mercantile, produce and provision trade between Cincinnati and points along the Ohio River. In 1837 he married, for his second wife, Elizabeth Close, of Dearborn County, Ind. They had two children, viz .: Rachel and John. His wife died in 1841. In 1841 he went to Clermont County, Ohio, and there mar- ried his present and third wife, Mary A. Hartshorn. He opened a boot and shoe store at Moscow, that county, continuing in the busi- ness five years. Thence he went to Cincinnati, where for two years he engaged in the same business; thence to Williams County, follow- ing the same business. In 1871 he came to Cumberland County. Ill., and engaged for one year in the boot and shoe business in Greenup. He then traveled as salesman for a leather house, since when he has been selling nursery stock. His present wife has borne him nine children. Mr. Ozier's first vote for President was in 1836. He was a strong Abolitionist, made public speeches in favor of, and has suffered many indignities for advocating that doctrine. He was an organizer of the Republican party, and a delegate to the State Convention that first nominated Salmon P. Chase for Governor of Ohio. In 1840 Mr. O. assisted in organizing the Sons of Temperance, and held various honorable positions in that order. He has been a member of both the I. O. O. F. and Masonic orders.
HARLOW PARK. cashier Greenup Bank, was born in Frank- lin County, Ohio, July 3, 1836. His great-grandfather came to the United States in 1730, from Germany, settled in New York, and there raised a family of seven children. Amos, the fourth child, and grandfather of our subject, was reared in New York, but went early
269
. GREENUP TOWNSHIP.
to Licking County, Ohio, and settled in Granville in 1805; thence to Delaware County, and thence to Franklin County, where he died. His principal business was that of farming, in which he was emi- nently successful. He won distinction in the war of 1812, through which he served. His oldest child, JJames, Mr. Park's father, was born in Lockport, N. Y .. and was given fair advantages for an edu- cation, attending school, winters, and assisting on his father's farm in vacation. He was married to Margaret Agler, of Ohio. They were parents of five children. viz .: Horace, Harlow, Horton, Helena and Ielen. They also raised four orphan children, who are now well to do and prosperous, and who live in grateful remembrance of their generous and kind benefactors. Mr. Park's early life was spent at home on the farm, where he was disciplined in habits of industry and economy, and received a thorough business and literary educa- tion, attending Central College, Ohio, five years. He thus laid the foundation for a useful, active life. Leaving college at eighteen, and having chosen the vocation of farming for his business in life, for three years he applied himself to acquiring a knowledge of theoret- ical farming, by study and practical application. During this time, he made several trips to the West with a view of selecting a permanent location. When of age, he began for himself, in Franklin County, Ohio, farming and stock-raising, continuing for five years, when, in 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and served until the close of the war. He par- tieipated in the two active campaigns-one in the defense of Gettys- burg, and the other in defense of Cincinnati when threatened by Kirby Smith. He was for two years Provost-Marshal at Camp Chase, Ohio, and for some time Adjutant at Lital Barracks, Cincinnati. His pro- motions and responsible positions of trust were the rewards of merit. Social in his relations, punctual in the discharge of duty, and valiant in conduct, he had the respect and esteem of officers and men. At the close of the war, he returned to Ohio and resumed farming there until 1868, when he came to Cumberland County, and bought a farm of 200 acres, within three miles of Greenup. He has given great care to its improvement, and skill in its management; has made many fine permanent improvements, and placed it among the best farms of the county. Mr. Park is a charter member and cashier of the Bank of Greenup, organized June 1, 1883, and to his efforts is greatly due the credit of its establishment. The bank, at first an experiment, is now in a prosperous condition and doing a business beyond expecta- tion, largely the result of his executive ability and financiering.
270
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
Politically, Mr. P. is a Republican and party leader. In local poli- tics, he has taken a great interest, being the chief organizer and leader of the Farmers' Club, instituted, irrespective of party, for the object of keeping honorable, competent men in charge of county affairs. The effect of this has been to raise the financial standing of the county from a low, depreciated state, to a sound financial basis. A prominent leading citizen, he has contributed in time, influence and money, to all public enterprises, and accomplished much for the improvement and building up of the community. In 1863, he mar- ried Martha L. Mattoon, an estimable lady, of Franklin County, Ohio. where she was born. They are the parents of five children. viz .: James, Eva, Bertha, Oliver and Margaret.
JAMES M. RICE, farmer (post-office Greenup), was born in Shelby County, Ind., August 27, 1846. His father was a native of Kentucky, but settled in Shelby County in an early day as a farmer. He was through the entire war of the Rebellion, being totally dis- abled for work from a severe wound. Our subject supported his father's family until he began life for himself, at the age of nine- teen, when he worked by the month. In 1869, he came to Cumber- land County, and first rented, then bought the farm of eighty acres where he now lives. He has built a fine residence and outbuildings, and set out an orchard of choice fruit. On September 8. 1870, he married Miss A. E. King, of Cumberland County. Mr. R. has made his property by his energy, economy and industry.
DEWITT C. ROBERTSON, Postmaster, Greenup, was born in Hardin County, Ohio, in February, 1839. His grandfather was by trade a miller, but at an early day went to Kentucky, and was a companion of Daniel Boone. His oldest son, Simon, and father of our subject, went to Ohio in 1830, and engaged in milling at West Liberty; thence to Hardin County, and farmed until 1839, when he came to Cumberland County, III., and entered two sections of land; but before his death, which occurred in August, 1841, he owned 1,500 acres of land. At the time of his father's death, our subject was two years old; when four years old, he was taken to Kentucky, where he remained with relatives for nine years, attending school. He then returned to Greenup, and lived with sister Abigail Lyons until 1856; then went to Ohio for a year; returned to Greenup, and worked for Simon Lyons until 1858; then carried mail between Greenup and Charleston. In 1860, he went to Douglas County, but returned in 1861, and assisted in organizing, and enlisted as First Sergeant in Company A, Fifth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, and served in the
271
GREENUP TOWNSHIP.
army three years. After returning from the war, he engaged with G. Monohon in the mercantile business, for four years, in Greenup. Then he conducted a mercantile business by himself. During the financial crisis of 1873-74, he was compelled to suspend, but he has since settled with all his creditors to their entire satisfaction. He then farmed for two years; then he was a salesman in the store of A. J. Ewart for eighteen months. He was then commissioned Post- master of Greenup, which position he still holds, and conducts in connection with a notion and confectionery store. He has always been public spirited, contributing largely to the securing of railroads and other enterprises that would benefit the public in general. Mr. Robertson is a social, honorable gentleman, and has the high regard, esteem and confitlence of all, who have known him through life, or who have had social or business relations with him. He was mar- ried, May 7, 1865, to Miss Susan Talbott, of Greenup. They are the parents of Edward T., Simon, Ida M., Isabella, Araminta D., George G., Susan D., and Dewitt C. Susan and Araminta are now deceased.
ISAAC ROTHROCK, farmer (post-office, Hazel Dell), was born January 31, 1836, in Stark County, Ohio; has always lived on a farm, but received a good education. In 1854, he came to Cumberland County, worked by the month a number of years, saved his earnings and bought the farm where he now lives. The farm consists of eighty acres, and is well improved. He has a large frame residence and com- modious out-buildings. He is a radical temperance man and worker. In politics he is a Republican, and has held the office of school director for several terms. On November 6, 1864, he married Sarah Grim, of Crooked Creek Township. Two children have been born to them, Olive A., Mary A. (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. R., are both members in good standing of the United Brethren Church.
FRANK M. SAPP, blacksmith and wagon-maker, was born in Fayette County, Ill., in 1844. At the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in Company H, Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served four years and eight months. He was in many of the severe battles, and was several times wounded. At the close of the war he went to Vandalia, Il., and learned his trade; thence to Kane County, III., there worked at his trade, and in 1869 came to Greenup, opened a shop which he has since conducted, except a short time when he was with his father-in-law in a grist mill. On July 3, 1870, he married Arabella Talbott. Four children have been the result of this marriage.
JOHN J. SEVERNS, farmer (post-office, Greenup), was born in Coshocton County. Ohio, December 14. 1814, and remained at home
272
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
on the farm and attended school until the age of seventeen. when he learned the cabinet-maker's trade. He went with his parents to Knox County, Ohio, where he remained until the year 1835, when he returned to Coshocton County. where he lived twenty years. He then went to Fulton County. Il., then worked at the carpenter's trade four years. He then came to Cumberland County. II., where he has since resided on his farm. He now owns eighty acres of land in Cumberland County, well improved. and 160 acres of timber in Jas- per County. Although nearly seventy years old, Mr. S. is able to carry on the farm in person. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and is an ardent temperance man. He is public-spirited and beney- olent, and has a high social standing in the community. He has been married twice; his first marriage was to Josephine MeDonell, by whom he had three children, viz .: Albina (deceased), Caroline, and George (deceased); his second to Elizabeth Lane, by whom he had four children. viz .: Emma (deceased), Josephine, Eva L., John D. (deceased).
HARLOW O. SHERWOOD, farmer (post-office Greenup), was born in Perry County, Ohio, March 14. 1827. His early life was spent at home on the farm. He has a good education. On January 27, 1853, he married Miss Mary J. Duer, of Perry County, Ohio. He built a house on his father's farm, conducted his father's business, and supported him and his father-in-law until 1860, when he came to Cumberland County, III., leased 100 acres of new timber land in Union Township for nine years, putting it under cultivation and mak- ing other improvements. Then he bought eighty acres of new land where he now lives, cleared and put it under cultivation; then added to it thirty, then thirteen, then sixty acres, all of which he bought new, and nearly all of which he now has under cultivation. His farm of 183 acres, his spacious residence, his fine young bearing orchard, a barn, etc., are the results of economy, energy and good management. On the temperance question he is a strong Prohibi- tionist, and was an active leader in the Murphy movement. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, in which he is a class leader. Mr. S. has contributed largely to the building of several churches in the neighborhood, and is a strong leader in and supporter of all religions movements. In all of his undertakings, whether social, business or religious, his wife has shared all, and her frugality and consistent Christian life have done much toward establishing his high, social and financial standing. They have nine children, seven of whom are still living.
272
GREENUP TOWNSHIP'.
MARK SPERRY, farmer (post-office, Greenup), was born in New Hampshire, on June 26, 1818. His great-grandfather, Israel, was a tailor by trade, went to the Indian-French wars and never returned. His grandfather was through the Revolutionary war, in General Washington's division, and was at the battle of Bunker Hill. At the close of the war he went on horseback to New Hamp- shire: made the first settlement in the county, opened a farm from timber, and made improvements. He remained on the farm until his death, in February, 1840. His father was raised on this same farm in New Hampshire, and was a Captain in the war of 1812, but his entire business in life was farming; having lived on the farm first owned and improved by his father. In 1865, he came on a visit to Mark Sperry, in Cumberland County, where, in September of that year, he died. Our subject was raised on his father's farm in New Hampshire, and was given a thorough education. He taught school and farmed until 1824, when he went to Lieking County, Ohio. Here he taught school, and was elected principal of an incorporated Acad- emy, which position he held for nine years. He then purchased the stock and continued the school for several years inore. For some time he taught a large select school, teaching a class in vocal music at night. At one time he was in the cheese and dairy business in Ohio, and had the largest establishment at that time in the State. While in this business he made a cheese weighing 1,000 pounds, which he sold in Cincinnati for twenty-five cents per pound. In November, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company K, Seventy-Sixth Ohio Infantry. He was appointed a Sergeant, and subsequently commissioned as Lieutenant of his Company. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, etc., and was discharged from the service for dis- abilities. He was then appointed to a position in the Provost-Mar- shal's office at Columbus, Ohio, where he remained until 1864, when he came to Cumberland County, Ill., and bought the farm where he now resides. Since coming to Illinois he has taught school, been engaged in farming, and taken a leading and active part in all edu- cational matters in the county. He has a fine residence, and one of the best improved farms in the county, all the result of his own en- ergy and industry. In October, 1843, he was married to Lucy A. Durant, who was born in Springfield, Vt., on December 4, 1821, and who was the eldest of a family of eleven children, ten of whom are now living. Her mother being for many years in feeble health, the care and labor of the household very early fell upon her, and under the eyes of a judicious mother and kind father she became an adept
1
274
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
in all that pertains to the management of the household. The com- mon school gave her the usual facilities for mental culture till about eighteen years of age. Then a few terms at Chester Academy fitted her for teaching, which occupation she followed for some time in Vermont, and also in Ohio. In the autumn of 1842, this whole family went to Ohio in wagons. At the time of her marriage, in 1842, a large expenditure of money for house-keeping was not as imperative as at present, and with very scanty means, Mrs. Sperry was enabled, by her early training, and indomitable industry and energy, to make the inconveniences of a small house and little fur- niture seem but trifles, and it was not long before her little domi- cile put on the appearance of home-like simplicity and cheerful- ness. The duties of home were first with her in all things, save in sickness or distress, when her sympathies were all awake, and no toil or care seemed too great. No child of want ever appealed to her in vain. In early life Mrs. Sperry became a member of the Baptist Church in North Springfield, Vt., but on her arrival in Ohio she be- came a member of the Congregational Church, at Hartford, Licking County. When she removed to this county she became a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which she is a member at the pres- ent time.
HUBBARD F. SPERRY, farmer (post-office Greenup), was born in Licking County, Ohio, November 7, 1847. In early life he attended the school taught by his father, Mark Sperry (whose sketch is else- where given), until the war, when he was placed under the tutelage of others until he was seventeen years old, when his father moved to Illinois. Thus he secured a good education. After coming to Cum- berland County, Ill., he worked on his father's farm until he was of age. He then farmed for a short time, then taught school, then en- gaged for four years in mercantile business in Greenup. during this time being deputy postmaster. He then married Miss Alice Snearly, and after his marriage engaged in farming, his present business. Mr. and Mrs. S. are parents of four children, viz .: Artie B., Gratia M., Beatrice M., Lula E. Mr. S.'s farm consists of eighty acres of land, well improved, and well stocked. He has a fine two-story residence, a large barn and commodious outbuildings. Politically, he is a Repub- lican, and has been Justice of the Peace. He administered the estate of Jacob Snearly: was guardian of minor heirs. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
MARSHALL STEWART, farmer (post-office Greenup). was born in Morgan County. Ind., April 15. 1831, and is a twin brother
275
GREENUP TOWNSHIP.
of William Stewart, whose sketch is elsewhere given. When our sub- ject was thirteen years old, his father died, since which event he has supported himself. He first worked at $4 per month on a farm, then, while yet a boy, rented a farm; was very successful. and continued renting for sixteen years. Finally he came to Cumberland County, and bought 240 acres of land where he now lives. There were but ten acres of this cleared, and no improvements or fences, but he now has a finely improved farm, a good residence, barn and outbuildings. The farm is mostly bottom land, which is the most productive soil in the county. He has an orchard of 200 trees, farm all fenced, all under cultivation, and well stocked. He married Matilda Laughlin, of Morgan County, Ind. To them have been born nine children, viz .: Mary J. (deceased), Anderson, Linlan, William B., Calvin (de- ceased), Harriet, Stella, Dora, and an infant. His financial standing is the result of personal energy and skillful management. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and of the I. O. O. F. He was school director six years.
WILLIAM STEWART, farmer (post-office Greenup), was born April 15, 1831, in Morgan County, Ind. His father died when he was thirteen years old, since when he has supported himself. When twenty-three years old he married Mary C. Stockwell, of Morgan County, Ind. They have had eleven children, three dying when in- fants. The living are Eb., Marshall, Sarah J., Emeline, Anderson, Viola, Calvin, Minnie. He first rented a farm in Indiana, and gave his attention mainly to stock-raising, in which he was very success- ful, and thereby obtained a good start in life. He came to Cumber- land County, farmed, and then went to Missouri, bought 160 acres of land, remaining there seven years, after which he returned to Cun- berland County. He has now 2383 acres in Cumberland County, 130 of which is rich bottom land, also still owns the farm in Missouri; has a good $1,000 residence, and a fine, large orchard. Mr. Stewart in politics is a Democrat. He is a member in good standing of the Methodist Church. While in Missouri he was three years in the State Militia, on the Federal side. He is now school director, which office he has held several years.
MICHAEL STOCKBARGER, farmer (post-office Greenup), was born in Licking County, Ohio, December 7, 1832. He was reared on the home farm, fairly educated, and supported his parents in their old age. He went with them to Knox County, Ohio, farmed there, and then, in 1858, came with them to Cumberland County and settled ou a farm bought two years before. He has since been engaged in farm-
276
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
ing, and now owns 140 acres of well improved land, a fine residence which cost $1.800, and other improvements in accordance. His wife was Philena Osborn, of Wisconsin. They have three children. He is a member of the I. O. O. F .. having passed all the chairs. On the temperance question he is a Prohibitionist. He is public-spirited and charitable, and highly esteemed by his associates. Mr. S. gives much attention to stock-raising, having a taste for fine breeds of horses and cattle.
EDWARD TALBOTT, farmer, Greenup, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 3, 1820. He was reared on his father's farm until nineteen years old, and had but a few months schooling, during the coldest winter weather. At the time of leaving home he could only read and write, but after he began life for himself he gave all his extra time to study, attended school for a few months, and qual- ified himself for teaching. When he left home, he first came to Cum- berland County, Ill., and contracted for clearing forty acres of tim- ber land. He remained nine months, and then returned to Ohio and rented his father's farm, which he attended summers, and taught school during winters. In 1844 he married Mrs. Jane Wolf, and came soon after to Cumberland County, and engaged in mercantile business, and then farmed. In 1848 he was elected Sheriff of the county. At the expiration of his term of office he kept hotel and store, until 1851, when he was elected Circuit Clerk for a term of four years. In 1852 he began the building of the Cumberland Mills. He bought the machinery in Warren, Ohio, and shipped it to Terre Haute, Ind., by canal, thence by wagon to Greenup. At the time of building the mill there was but little wheat raised in the county, it being thought that the ground was not adapted to its culture, but largely through the efforts of Mr. T., and the influence of the mill, it is one of the best wheat producing sections in the State. The mill is still in opera- tion, and doing a large business, though in other hands since 1872. In 1858 he was again elected Sheriff, and served one term. In 1859, in addition to his milling and stock-dealing, he again engaged in mercantile business until 1862, when, July 1 of that year, he organ- ized Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-Third Ilinois Infantry. Within one week 101 men enlisted under him. He was commissioned Captain, and with the Company entered at once into active service. Hle was first engaged in the battle of Perryville. Here the Company met their first real experience in fighting. The Regiment opened the engagement, and Company B. under command of Captain T., be- came involved in an unsupported conflict with greatly superior num-
277
GREENUP TOWNSHIP.
bers, and it is due to all engaged, to say that the whole command dis- played a perfection of discipline and soldierly gallantry worthy of the oldest veterans. The Company took an active part in the battle of Chickamauga, and other severe battles. As an officer and soldier, Captam T. was brave, intrepid and daring, and won distinction for gallant conduct. March 14, 1864, he resigned his commission, owing to disabilities, returned home, and gave his attention to milling and stock-dealing. In 1869 he lost $5,000 by fire. He sold the mill in 1872, since when he has principally farmed. He contracted for and built several miles of the P., D. & E. R. R., being defrauded out of consider- able money. This, with his loss by fire, and other adverse happenings, caused a partial failure, but he has regained rapidly, and now owns a fine farm, and is again in prosperous circumstances. He has always been publie-spirited. He gave $1,000 towards scouring the Vandalia R. R. at Greenup, also to securing the P., D. & E. R. R. He now holds the office of Supervisor, this being his seventh year. His wife died in 1857. His second and present wife is Esther Ann Reese.
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.