USA > Illinois > Cumberland County > Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois. Historical and biographical > Part 27
USA > Illinois > Richland County > Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois. Historical and biographical > Part 27
USA > Illinois > Jasper County > Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois. Historical and biographical > Part 27
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CRAVEN COPELAND, farmer, was born in Virginia, Decem- ber 13, 1824. While quite young, his parents removed to Indiana,
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and while residing there, he attended school for eleven years. When of age he commenced life for himself. He engaged in farming in Indiana, where he remained until 1856, when he came to Cumberland County and bought a part of the farm where he now lives. He now owns a farm of 310 acres of well improved prairie land, which is entirely the result of his own financiering and industry. He is also heir to sixty-seven acres of land in Indiana, valued at $100 per acre. On April 7, 1847, he married Fanny Ribble, of Brown County, Ind. She died June 21, 1873, leaving a family of nine children, all of whom, through the influence of her pure, consistent Christian life and teach- ings, have united with the Christian Church.
WILLIAM H. DEBORD, farmer, was born in Decatur County, Ind., October 1, 1834. His ancestors were all from Virginia. His great-grandfather came to America with La Fayette, and served under him as a Colonel in the Revolutionay war. Our subject came with his parents to Jasper County, Ill., in 1852, and assisted in the improve- ment of a new farm of 240 acres. He remained principally at home until of age. He was afforded fair advantages for an education, and by close application to study, and by improving his opportunities, he prepared himself for teaching, and for ably conducting the respon- sible positions he occupied in after life. When he commenced life for himself, he first taught school one year, then engaged in mercantile business for two years. At the death of his father in August, 1858, he returned home and supported the family. On August 6, 1861, he enlisted as private in Company H, Thirty-Eighth Illinois Infantry, served three years and twenty-seven days in the war, and participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, and other severe engagements, having been twice wounded. He was success- ively promoted to Corporal, Sergeant and Lieutenant, and was chosen one of the " Legion of Honor," a select company organized for special, hazardous service. While in command of Company G, at Chicka- manga, he was taken prisoner, and endured the hardships of Scott's, Libby and Danville prisons. He made several attempts to escape, one of which was successful, but after many adventures and much suf- fering, was re-taken, thrown into a dungeon, and there confined until he was exchanged, when he returned to his regiment. After the close of the war, he came to Hazel Dell, and engaged in mercantile business with M. Sanford, then moved on his fine farm in Crooked Creek Township, and has since followed farming and stock-raising. Being a strong advocate of Republican principles, he was elected from a Democratic district to the Thirty-Third General Assembly. where
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by his vote he gave the organization of the House to the Republicans. He was appointed on several committees, among which were Militia, Drainage, Fish and Game, and the more important Committee on Executive Department, of which he was a leading member. As a legislator he was punctual, quick-sighted. and effective, for which he was complimented by Gov. Hamilton and United States Senator Cul- lom. To his efforts is greatly due the present Compulsory Education and High-license Liquor laws. He has always been public-spirited, and a generous supporter of all matters pertaining to the general good. On June 4, 1865, he married Miss Eliza Sanford, of Hazel Dell. She died May 9, 1878. leaving two children, Mary and Nellie. He was next married, October 26, 1882. to Miss Elizabeth Yelton. To them have been born one child, Thomas.
ALBERT G. DORSEY. a young and prosperous farmer, came to Cumberland County, Ill., from Ohio, in 1866. A year later he bought the farm on which he now lives. It was then unimproved, but hard and constant labor and good management have placed it nearly all under good cultivation. He has built a comfortable residence, a fine barn, and added other conveniences and improvements. When seventeen years old he enlisted in Company D, Twelfth Ohio Cay- alry, as a private, but for effective service was promoted from the ranks. He remained in the service two years, or until discharged for disability received during a charge. On December 26, 1869, he mar- ried Mary E. Cole, of Cumberland County, formerly from Ohio. Having no family of their own, they have adopted an infant to raise.
JONATHAN S. FINNEY, farmer, born in Butler County, Ohio, February 26, 1819, commenced life on his own account at ten years of age, by working on a farm, where he remained two years, then worked as a day laborer until he was twenty-three years of age, when he married Rachel E. White, of Union County, Ind., and the same year came to Cumberland County, Ill., settled, and farmed on the site where the town of Hazel Dell now stands. He has owned and worked several farms in various parts of Crooked Creek Township, but in 1865 moved on the farm where he now resides. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, Fifty-Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as private, but won the promotions of Corporal and Sergeant. Mr. Fin- ney has held various public offices, among which were School Direc- tor, Supervisor and Justice of the Peace. He has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church for thirty years. His wife is also a member. In early days he was a strong anti-slavery man, and is now a Prohibitionist and temperance worker. To Mr. and Mrs. F.
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have been born eight children, viz .: Josiah (deceased), Alexander, Mary E., Frances JJ., Milton D., Susan E., Anna and Emily.
JOHN FREELAND, farmer, was born in Hardin County, Ohio, April 18, 1842. He came with his parents to Crawford County. III., and remained on his father's farm until fifteen years of age, when he left home and assisted in driving cattle through to Kansas. Pleased with the West, he remained there ten years, employed in teaming, herding cattle, and for some time was in charge of a large wagon-train on the plains. He endured many hardships in his frontier life, among which were several sanguine contests with the Indians. In 1867 he returned on a visit to Crawford County, III., when he renewed a former acquain- tance with Mary B. Jenuine, to whom he was married November 17, 1868. They are the parents of five children. viz .: Kate, Ora, Etta, Blanche and Frankie. After his marriage he moved to Cumberland County, Ill., and gave his attention to farming, first renting then buying the splendid farm of 160 acres he now owns. He is a man of much physical as well as mental power; social, free-hearted and ener- getic; has many friends, and is eminently successful in all his under- takings.
HENRY N. P. FRITTS (deceased), of German descent, was born in New Jersey, July 6, 1824, and remained at home working on the farm and attending school until of age, when he went to Cler- mont County, Ohio, and there married Hannah Kellogg. After his marriage he engaged in farming, first renting, then buying a farm which he cultivated until 1855, when he sold out and came to Cumberland County, Ill., and bought 103 acres of new prairie land. He improved this, then sold out and bought 260 acres. This he improved, placed in a high state of cultivation, and built a large, fine residence. He again sold out and bought 180 acres, the
present homestead. He built a splendid residence, and otherwise improved his farm; gave his attention to raising fine breeds of horses and cattle. His large estate was the result of energy and economy. He was a strong, active temperance man, a consistent member of the Christian Church, charitable and benevolent, and esteemed by all who knew him. He passed away leaving a widow and eight children.
TIMOTHY KELLY, farmer, was born in County Carey, Ire- land, March 15, 1830, where his early life was spent in farming. In 1852 he emigrated to the United States, landing in New Orleans, La. There were thirty-two deaths from cholera on board the vessel in which he came, and owing to severe storms and quarantine, he
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was over two months en route. He was first employed in railroad construction work, in Louisiana, but, unable to collect his wages, he returned to New Orleans and loaded ships. In March, 1851, he went to Dayton, Ohio, and there worked on the railroad one year, then went to Decatur County, Ind., and hired out at farming for $180 per year. Ile worked eighteen months, saved all his earnings and then went to Putnam County, Ill., remained six months and then returned to Decatur County, Ind. He came to Cumberland County in about 1862. Mr. Kelly has been married twice, his first wife being Mary Griffith, his second, Nancy Lawson, both of Decatur County, Ind., the first wife being deceased. He is the father of nine children, all living but two. He now owns 220 acres of land, well improved, one half mile from Hazel Dell. He also deals largely in stock.
JOHN A. KELLY, farmer, was born November 28, 1842. in Decatur County, Ind. He came with his parents in an early day to Cumberland County. Ill. He was given poor advantages for educa- tion, but when a young man, and even after returning from the war, he attended school one year. thus securing a good business education. When nineteen years old he enlisted in Company F. Fifty-Ninth Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry, being offered several promotions, but always declining. He participated in eighteen general battles, and was wounded in the battle of Stone River. On April 27. 1865, he mar- ried Mary B. McCash, of Cumberland County. They have four chil- dren, viz .: Charlie, Clark M., Milton D., Nettie I. They have also raised one child, Sarah M. Harris. At the close of the war he engaged in farming until 1870, when he run a grist-mill for two years, in Hazel Dell, then returned to farming, which he has since followed. His deceased father left him a good farm, but he has since improved and added to until he now owns 430 acres of land. His system of farming is based upon scientifie principles, and he has all the latest improved farm implements. His land is divided into farms, each having all necessary improvements, a good house, out- buildings, etc. In polities he is a Republican, also a member of the G. A. R. He and his wife are both members of the Christian Church. His high social standing in the community is the result of his kind and generous disposition, strict integrity and sterling worth.
MICHAEL KELLY, of the firm of Mitchell & Kelly, mer- chants and general stock, Hazel Dell, is a native of County Carey, Ireland, where he was reared and educated. In October, 1849, he emigrated to the United States on the "Judy Tower." having been
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forty-three days on the water, and landed at New Orleans, La. He was first employed two years on railroad construction work, in Ala- bama, then went to Indiana and worked on farms by the month, in Rush and Decatur Counties, for about five years. He then, on De- cember 31, 1856, married Nancy J. McPherson, of Decatur County. A year after his marriage he rented his mother-in-law's farm of forty acres, which he conducted until 1861, when he came to Cumberland County, Ill., and bought and opened eighty acres. He now owns a farm of 200 acres, all fine prairie land. one-half mile from Hazel Dell: he has a large barn, three acres of orchard and a $1.000 house. His farm is mostly hedged. In 1881 he bought five acres of land in Hazel Dell, and built a fine, spacious residence, at a cost of $2,000, and moved into town. Two years prior to this, he, with his son-in- law, Mitchell, built a store, their present business location, a building 18x65 feet. They carry a stock of $8,000, and do a flour- ishing business. Mr. Mitchell, his partner, is Postmaster. Mr. Kelly is out of debt, and worth about $25,000. He is a Catholic in' religion, and contributed largely to the building of a Catholic Church in Ireland. He has always been public spirited and charitable. Mr. Kelly landed in the United States with only an English shilling in money, in his pocket, no friends, or even acquaintances. He has had no financial assistance from any one. and accumulated his present wealth by his own skillful management and his industry and economy. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have been born eight children, viz .: John, Lizzie (now Mrs. G. M. Mitchell, business partner of Mr. Kelly) : Mary, William, Frank (deceased), Eddie (deceased). Maggie (deceased), Olive (deceased). John and; William now manage the farm and live at home.
JAMES McBRIDE was born in Lancaster County, Penn., December 17. 1824. His father, James, Sr .. was of Scotch-Irish descent, and came to the United States when a boy. When our sub- ject was but ten years old he was hired out to a farmer, by his father, who took his earnings. Upon the death of his father. Mr. Mc. returned home and assumed the support of the family and manage- ment of his father's business, until he was twenty-eight years of age. On September 12, 1850, he married Elizabeth Zimmerman. who has borne her husband nine children, viz .: John (deceased ), William 1., James H., Barbara A., Samuel V., Andrew R., Sarah J., Emma E., and Mary E. In 1853, with a few dollars earned as a day laborer. he came; to Cumberland County, III., and bought 110 acres of new prairie land, going for the most part in debt for it.
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He now has 441 acres of land. 110 of which are timber. His tarm is well improved, with a good, substantial cottage residence, with a fine barn, a peach and three acres of apple orchard, entirely his own earnings. He was one of the first to raise wheat when it was thought the prairie soil would not produce it, and during one year raised thirty bushels to the acre. He has also obtained fifty bushels of timothy seed from nine acres-the best yield ever known in the township. He has always been a strong supporter of religious and educational institutions. He is a deacon in the Dunkard Brothern Church; his wife is also a member of that denomination. He is a Republican in politics, and was always opposed to slavery.
ANDREW J. McCASH is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, was born November 30. 1843, and came in an early day to Cumber- land County, Ill. He served in the late war in Company B, Second Illinois Artillery for three years and eleven months, being twice pro- moted for meritorious conduct. Saving all his earnings. at the close of the war he bought forty acres of land, has since added to it, and now owns a good farm with many valuable improvements. On April 30. 1868, he married Miss Frances J. Finney, of Hazel Dell. To them have been born these children, viz .: Leota. Mylon O., Estella (deceased), Donald F .. Eleanor, and Samuel J. Mr. McCash has always taken a deep interest in religious matters, having been for three years a minister of the Christian Church, and now having charge of four congregations. He's able and consistent in his teach- ings and conduct, and is a power for good in the community in which he lives. By his many friends and acquaintances he is much respected.
ADAM RADER (deceased) was born January 8, 1829: came to Cumberland County. Ill., in 1851, and engaged in farming, but. in 1874, retired, moved to Hazel Dell, and lived mostly a quiet life up to the time of his death, which occurred May 5, 1883. He left a well- cultivated and improved farm, and a large estate, valned at $18,000. all of which was acquired by indefatigable labor and rigid economy. He was a member of the Christian Church, and contributed liberally to its support, and was charitableand public spirited. February 19, 1852. he married Nancy Sarter, of Cumberland County, who still survives, living in Hazel Dell, with no family, and uses liberally her ample means in contributing to all charitable and benevolent movements. She is a consistent member of the Christian Church. Mr. Rader was a member in good standing of the Masonic Fraternity, and on May 6, 1883, Hazel Dell Lodge, No. 580, 1. F. & A. M., passed resolutions
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of respect for the memory of the deceased, and of sympathy for the bereaved widow.
MARTIN J. RUFENER, farmer, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio. November 27, 1842, and is of German descent. His great- grandfather was a very early settler of Fairfield County. Ohio, and was there killed by the Indians during the Indian troubles of 1812. His father, Walter N., was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 3, 1810, and during his growth to manhood endured all the hardships of pioneer life. He lived in various parts of Ohio, and married Alvira Kelley, on April 24, 1836, in Fairfield County. They had seven chil- dren, five of whom are living. In 1843, he came to Cumberland County, Ill., and bought 600 acres of land, where he now resides. He still owns 180 acres, after giving to each of his children sixty-six acres. Our subject was reared a farmer, which has always been his business in life. When of age, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was with his regiment in all the battles in which it was engaged. He was married, in 1865, to Lutecia Fox, of Coles County. She died in 1866. His second marriage was to Helen V. Waters, of Cumberland County. They have had six children, viz .: Charles N. (deceased), Hugh K., Hiram B., Maggie M., Mand N., and Effic A. Mr. R. now owns a farm of 146 acres, eighty of which he purchased after his return from the army, with money he had saved from his pay while in the service. He has his farm under a high state of cultivation, with all the necessary improvements. Mr. R. and wife are both members of the Methodist Church, and contributed liberally in money towards erecting the church edifice on their farm, besides donating the land which it occupies. Mr. R. is an active temperance man, and a faithful laborer for the cause. At one time he was Wor- thy Chief and Past Grand Master of the Good Templars.
DAVID H. SANFORD, merchant, was born March 2, 1838, in Decatur County, Ind. His father, Joseph, and mother, Levinah (Barlow), were both natives of New York, the father being a farmer and stock dealer. Our subject was given a fair literary and good business education, and remained at home until of age, when he came to Crooked Creek Township, Cumberland County, Ill., and began the improvement of 120 acres of new prairie land. He first erected a small frame house, but he has since built a good residence and otherwise improved the farm. He is now a grain dealer, and has dealt largely in stock. On May 2, 1861, he married Hulda Barkley, of Decatur County, Ind. They have had one child, Joseph E., a very
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intelligent young gentleman, now telegraph operator and station agent for the D., O. & O. R. R. R., at Hazel Dell. Mrs. S. died April 9, 1869. His next marriage was October 2, 1871, to Frances B. Baumgardner, of Crooked Creek Township. To them have been born four children, viz .: Winnie, Maud, Lulu (deceased), and Frank H. On December 16. 1869, Mr. S. moved to Hazel Dell, and engaged in the mercantile business, carrying a general stock, valued at $8,000, and is express agent. The combination of telegraph office, express office, with his large trade, gives to his place of business an air of life and thrift seldom seen in larger mercantile houses. He is now Treasurer of the Masonic Order. He is an active, working Republi- can leader in politics, and a strong Prohibitionist; has been Justice of the Peace and held various township offices, and was an organizer in the Grange movement; is a member of the Methodist Church.
GEORGE W. SARTER, farmer and stock-dealer. was born October 1. 1824. in Knox County, Ind., and was reared on a farm and given a fair education. At twenty-one years of age he left home and rented a farm, but two years later. upon the death of his father, and he being the oldest child, he returned home and managed his father's business, and supported the family. In 1852, he moved to Crooked Creek Township. Cumberland County, Ill., and settled on a farm of 160 acres, and now owns 253 acres, forty of which are tim- ber, all the result of his own labor and economy. In March, 1853, he married Nancy J. Rader, of Cumberland County. She died June 19, 1855. leaving two children. viz .: Clara B. and an infant (deceased). For his second wife. on March 12. 1857. he married Sarah A. Reeds. She died August 29, 1881. To them were born twelve children, six of whom are deceased. Mr. S. resides in Hazel Dell, in a fine house, with tastefully decorated yard and seventeen acres of land. He is actively engaged, with F. M. Masey. of JJasper County, in grain and stock dealing. He has always been public spirited and generous, and during the war contributed largely to the general fund for the maintenance of widows and orphans. Though an active business man, he never had a lawsuit.
JONATHAN J. SMITH, farmer, was born November 1, 1837, in Licking County. Ohio. In early life he worked on his father's farm, and was given a good education. When of age he left home, worked out by the month until he was twenty-four years old. when he married Harriet Spring, of Licking County, Ohio. They have but one child-Charles H., now a promising young man. attending school at Carbondale, Ill. After his marriage, he engaged in teach-
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ing school, in which he continued for three years, in Ohio; then went to Tennessee two years, where he farmed and taught school; then returned to Ohio, where he remained one year, coming then to Cumberland County, Ill., and locating on the farm where he now resides. Since coming to Illinois, both he and his wife have taught school in the neighborhood for many years-he farming in the sum- mer, and teaching school in the winter seasons. He owns a fine farm, which is well improved. He is public spirited. a liberal giver to all charitable and benevolent institutions, and is highly esteemed by the community in which he resides.
SOLOMON SMITH, farmer, came with his parents, when thir -. teen years old, from Ohio to Clark County, Ill., in 1840, where the family remained five years, and then settled in Cumberland County, Ill. His early life was spent in hard routine farm labor until of age, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was with his regiment in all its battles. He was esteemed by officers and comrades for his courage and dar- ing, being frequently detailed to perform special, responsible duty, which required great risk and good judgment. At the close of the war he returned home and gave his attention to farming, in which he has been very successful. Hle first rented for six years, but now owns 150 acres of finely improved land, and a beautiful residence, the result of his own energy and financiering. Mr. Smith is social and generous, and in consequence has many friends, and commands the respect of all who know him. On January 12, 1871, he married Miss Eliza Carson. They are the parents of two bright. promising little girls-Bertha and Ethel.
JONATHAN O. SPOHN, farmer, was born in Perry County, Ohio, May 16, 1827. In 1840 his father came to Cumberland County anl entered 160 acres of land. Our subject, the oldest of nine chil- dren, was the main dependence of his father in the toils and hard -. ships incident to pioneer life, and when eighteen years of age, upon his father becoming blind, the burden of supporting the family, car- ing for an afflicted parent, and the management of the farm devolved upon him, which duties he faithfully performed until the death of his father, and consequent separation of the family. He served three years in the late war of the Rebellion, was twice wounded, and twice promoted for valiant service. On September 11, 1851, he was mar- ried to Catharine (Shivler, of Ohio. To them have been born six children, viz .: Franklin, Bianca (now Mrs. George Bartee ), Samuel (deceased), Amanda (deceased), Alcina (deceased), and an infant (deceased).
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CAPT. JAMES W. TRAVIS. farmer. was born in Decatur County, Ind .. January 22. 1841. He came with his parents to Cum- berland County. Ill., where he was reared on a farm. In 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Thirty-Eighth Illinois Infantry, and served in the war four years and eight months. At the battle of Liberty Gap, Tenn., after many ineffectual attempts had been made, and sev- eral lives lost, in trying to supply an engaged regiment with ammu- nition, he with one comrade successfully carried it through an open field, under a galling fire directed at them, and distributed it among the soldiers: thus saving the day. He was a member of the " Legion of Honor." and elected by his company to the successive ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain. As an officer, soldier and com- panion, he was brave. intrepid, social, and was highly esteemed by both officers and men. and still enjoys the confidence and respect of his few surviving comrades, who are now his neighbors and associates. After the war he engaged in farming, which business he is still fol- lowing. He has a fine farm of 120 acres of prairie land, and a large, fine residence. His possessions are entirely the result of his own industry and good management. On April 26, 1866. he married Miss Frances A. Rue, of Jasper County. They have five children, viz .: Albert A., William C., James C., Bertha M. and an infant.
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