Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois. Historical and biographical, Part 49

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : F. A. Battey & Co.
Number of Pages: 860

USA > Illinois > Cumberland County > Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois. Historical and biographical > Part 49
USA > Illinois > Richland County > Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois. Historical and biographical > Part 49
USA > Illinois > Jasper County > Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois. Historical and biographical > Part 49

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army as First Lieutenant of Company F, Eleventh Illinois Volun-

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VILLAGE OF NEWTON AND WADE TOWNSHIP.

teers, and served until the promulgation of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, when, on his return home, he was ap- pointed Deputy Sheriff under Harvey N. Love, after whose death he became acting Sheriff. In 1868, he was elected Circuit Clerk and Recorder of the county; was re-elected in 1862.

DANIEL O'DONNELL. Deputy Sheriff, son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Riley) O'Donnell, natives of Ireland, was born, October, 1846, in Jasper County. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and at Saint Mary's College, at Teutopolis, Effingham County, Ill. After his college course he resumed farming until 1865, when he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty- Fifth Illinois Infantry. In 1871, he married Miss Pauline Ponset, daughter of Frank Ponset, natives of Ohio. She died about a year after the anniversary of their wedding, and in 1881, he married Amelia Shoenlab, daughter of Emil Shoenlab, a native of Indiana. They have one child, Alice May. Mr. O'Donnell has served as Deputy Sheriff'since 1879. His father was a stone mason, and on coming to this country, first found employment on the Capitol at Washington, D.C. He came to Jasper County in 1842, and entered 120 acres of wild land near Saint Marie, where he continued to reside until his death in January, 1875. Amelia Shoenlab's father, Emil Shoenlab, was a native of Alsace, France. When a young man he came to Newton, and for a while clerked in a store. He now resides at Saint Marie, where he is engaged in the commission business.

H. K. POWELL, son of John and Frances A. (McComas) Pow- ell, natives of Ohio and Virginia, was born in Jasper County, Ill., November 12, 1848, was reared a farmer, and was educated in the schools at Newton. In 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-Third Illinois Infantry, and served until the close of the war. July 11, 1870, he married Miss Dollie A. Thompson, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Sherman) Thompson, natives of Virginia. In Novem- ber, 1873, Mr. Powell was elected to the office of County Clerk; was re-elected in 1877, and by virtue of an act of the Legislature, he held the office until 1882, when he was again elected. He is the father of four children-Harrie, Julia, Hattie and Robert L.

GILBERT REISNER was born in Jasper County, May 31, 1853. He was reared on a farm and educated in the district school and the high school at Newton. He began teaching at the age of eighteen, and made it his occupation until the death of his father, since which he has been superintending the home farm. He was united in mar- riage in 1882, to Miss Mary Harrah, daughter of D. B. Harrah. John

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-JASPER COUNTY:

C. Reisner, father of Gilbert Reisner, was born in Virginia, Decem- ber 19, 1828, and was the son of Jacob Reisner, who fought in the wars of Napoleon the Great, crossed the Alps, and was with him at Moscow. He was wounded fourteen times, through the effects of which he was discharged from the service, and afterwards came to America, first settling, it is presumed, in Pennsylvania, from which State he removed to Virginia, where he married Catharine Burtran, a native of Worms, Germany. John C. Reisner was one of the very early settlers of Jasper County, a man of the strictest integrity, and to whom many went for advice and assistance. He took a deep inter- est in the church and Sunday-school, and educational affairs of the community in which he lived. He was superintendent of the Sab- bath-school for many years, and although a member of the Baptist Church, he was instrumental in the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church in his neighborhood. He joined the Missionary Baptist Church in 1849, and remained a member of the same until the time of his death, February 25, 1883. He married in Jasper County, March 29, 1849, Miss Mariana Stevens, a daughter of Uriah and Mary (Gilbert) Stevens, natives of Vermont, early settlers of Jasper County, and the first to start a farm where the subject of this sketch now resides. She died October 29, 1857, leaving two children, Gilbert, the subject of this sketch, and Mary Ann. January 21, 1871, Mr. R. married Miss Eunice Stevens, sister of his first wife. Mr. Reisner is a member of the State Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows.

FRANK RICHARDSON, farmer and fine stock raiser, of Wade Township, son of Nathan and Rebecca (Ruthby) Richardson, was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1840. He was reared to farming, and attended the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, where he graduated in 1858. He was educated with a view to the medical pro- fession, but declining health forbade his entering that profession. He was joined in marriage, in 1860, with Miss Esther Weer, daugh- ter of Philip and Sarah ( Roberts ), Weer, soon after which he enlisted as a private in Company M, Thirteenth Ohio Cavalry. After serving six months, he was chosen First Lieutenant of his Company, in which capacity he served with distinction under General Sheridan until the close of the war. Having a desire to raise fine stock, he came to Jas- per County soon after the close of the war, where he engaged in that business. He owns a fine farm of 300 acres in Wade Township. Ho has had born to him two children-Annie and Jesse.

B. F. ROGERS was born in 1857, in Jasper County, Ill., where he was reared upon his father's farm, and educated in the district

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VILLAGE OF NEWTON AND WADE TOWNSHIP.

school, and the Normal, at Newton, after which he began teaching. His father, Marcellus Rogers, a native of Clarke County, Ohio, was born in 1817, was early thrown upon his own resources, and at the age of eighteen, he went to Logansport, Ind., where he found employment in a store for three years, after which he worked as an apprentice for one year at the tailors' trade. He then went to Lafayette, Ind., where he remained two years, after which he made a visit to his native State, and later, located at Knightstown, Ind., where, in 1839, he was joined in marriage with Dicey Barret, who was born in Virginia, in 1822. She was the daughter of Rev. Samuel and Clarissa ( McComas) Bar- ret. After a residence of nearly twenty years, in Indiana, they came to Jasper County, where he bought 100 acres of land, which he improved, and upon which he now resides. In 1861, he entered the army as Sergeant in the Fifth Illinois Cavalry, and served three years. His father, Henry Rogers, was an carly settler of Clarke County, Ohio, where he published the Western Pioneer, the first newspaper in that county. He reared eight children, of whom Marcellus Rogers is the only survivor. Mrs. Rogers' father, Rev. Samuel Barret, was one of the settlers of Rush County, as early as 1824. He was the pioneer of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in that locality, where he preached for forty-five years. He died October 2, 1863, lamented by all who knew him in life. The fruit of Mr. Rogers' marriage with Dicey Barret, was eleven children, viz .: Commodore, born in 1840; Mary, in 1843; Ann E., in 1844; Charles H., in 1847; John E., in 1849; Valeria L., in 1851; Clara, in 1853; Marcellus, in 1855; Benjamin F., the subject of this sketch, in 1857; Eliza E., in 1859, and Amelia, in 1861. Both Mr. B. F. Rogers, and father, are active Republicans in politics.

CASPER RUSH was born near New Brunswick, N. J., in 1837. While young, he was taken by his parents to Cincinnati, where he was reared and educated until thirteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to a confectioner. In 1862, he married Miss Antoinette Fluchr, a native of Germany, and born in 1839. The following children have succeeded this union: Rosa, Harry, Ida, Walter and Leonore. Mr. Rush's father, also named Casper, came from Ger- many about 1830 and bought a farm in New Jersey, but removed to Cincinnati on account of the German society there, and there died when our subject was nine years old. Mr. Rush is one of the fore- most business men in Newton. His stock of goods is very large and varied, and his trade is proportionately large, and by his social, pleasing way of dealing, he has won universal esteem. He is a kind

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husband, an indulgent father, a gentleman and a much valued citizen.

FRANK L. SHUP, editor of the Newton Press, was born July 4, 1854, in Jasper County. He was reared a farmer, and was edu- cated in the district school until twenty years of age. At twenty- two he began to read law with Brown & Gibson, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1880, at Springfield, soon after which he went to Kansas, located at Kingman, and entered into practice with George E. Filley. He severed this connection May 31, 1882, returned to Newton and took charge of the Press, which he is successfully con- ducting.

JOHN H. SHUP, son of William and Emily (Coffin) Shup, was born in Hancock County, Ind., in 1852, but when a child, was brought by his parents to Jasper County, where he attended school until seventeen years of age, after which he worked upon his fath- er's farm until twenty-one, when he took a course of study at the Normal School of Newton. In 1876, he was appointed deputy County Clerk, and served three years. From 1879 to 1881, he en- gaged in the real estate business, and then entered upon his present vocation of insurance agent for the following first-class companies: Burlington, of Iowa, and the Fireman's Fund and the Union, of California, in the counties of Richland, Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Shelby, Cumberland, Clark, Coles, Edgar, Douglas, Champaign and Vermillion. In 1877, he married Miss Belle Snyder, a native of Indiana, and daughter of David and Sarah (Goodman ) Snyder, and to their union have been born two children-Clella and Ethel.

FRANCIS A. STEVENS, druggist, is of Dutch-English ex- traction, was born October 8, 1852, in Newton, Jasper County, received his early education in the common schools and finished at Champaign, Ill., after which worked upon his father's farm until the age of twenty-one, at which time he entered the drug business at Robinson, Crawford County, Ill., in company with E. B. Barlow. He was joined in marriage in 1878 with Miss Anna Wallace, who was born in this county, and is a daughter of W. H. and Hannah (Moor) Wallace, natives of Pennsylvania. To this union has been born one son-William. Dr. U. G. Stevens, father of our subject, was born August 23, 1812, in Canada. While young, he removed with his parents to Vermont and afterward to Kentucky, where he was reared and educated. He had three sisters and two brothers; the latter grew to manhood and became physicians. In an early day he came to Champaign County, III., where, in 1836, he was joined in marriage with Marilla Stanfield, who was born April 8, 1820, in

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VILLAGE OF NEWTON AND WADE TOWNSHIP.

Pennsylvania. The result of the union was as follows: William, James B., Uriah L., Serena A., Harmon, Alpheus, Gilbert S., Stephen, Francis A., Marilla E., Amelia A. and Charles, all of whom are deceased, except Francis A. (the subject of this sketch), and Amelia and Marilla E. Dr. Stevens died in November, 1881, and his wife in 1877. Mr. Stevens is a Knight Templar, an Odd Fellow, a. member of the Knights of Honor and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

A. J. STROLE was born in 1827 near the Shenandoah River, Page County, Va., where he was reared to farming until twenty-six years of age, when he moved to Vigo County, Ind., and later to Jas- per County and next to Elgar County, where he worked on a farm for three years. He married Miss Nancy Step in 1858, daughter of Michael and Matilda (Yager) Step, natives of Virginia. She died in 1860, leaving one child-Michael. Mr. Strole's second marriage was with Miss Wealthy Lane, who was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., in 1832-daughter of William D. and Lucinda (Cox) Lane, natives of the same State. To them were born seven children, viz .: Lucinda V., Charles P., William D., Hiram P., Thomas J., Isaac R. and Martha. Their family circle is composed of two other children, viz .: Clara and Wealthy J. Dillmore, her orphaned nieces. Jacob Strole. father of our subject, was of German descent. He married, in Vir- ginia, Eva Kibler, daughter of Philip and Catharine (Snyder) Kibler. They reared to maturity fourteen children. William D. Lane, father of Mrs. Strole, was born in Tennessee in 1812, and was the son of Isaac and Rebecca (Scruggs) Lane. They settled in Indiana about 1835, locating in Union County, near Liberty; he removed to Clark County, Ill., in 1865, and to Jasper County in 1879, making his home with Mr. Strole, where he died ;in 1880. Mrs. Strole was among the first school-teachers in Jasper County, having first taught here at Island Grove, before which she taught in Indiana. Mr. Strole is a successful farmer and business man. On his arrival here his whole stock in trade consisted of an old horse, saddle and bridle, and $25 in money. He now owns a farm of 280 acres, well improved. He and wife are both members of the Lutheran Church.

WILLIAM TRAINOR, Sheriff of Jasper County, was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1839, and at the age of five years was brought to this county by his father, who died'a year after his arrival, leav- ing a widow and eight children. On the home farm of 200 acres William Trainor was reared, alternating the hardships of a frontier farm life with brief terms at the neighboring schools. In 1864 he

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enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-Fifth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, served as private one month and was then promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant and as such served until the close of the war. In 1880 he was elected Sheriff, and re-elected in 1882. He was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Bowen, who has borne him five children, of whom two only are living-Emma and William. John Trainor, father of our subject, was born in Ireland, and came to America when a young man. He married Jane McComas, a daughter of William MeComas, and to his marriage were born the following children: Thomas, Philip, Peter. Mary, Amelia, William, George and James, all of whom are deccased excepting Philip and the subject of this sketch. George and James died from the effects of exposure while in the army.

G. V. VANDERHOOF was born February 14, 1840, and is the son of Henry and Mary (Rhodes ) Vanderhoof. Henry Vanderhoof was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1812, and there married the daughter of George Rhodes. Mr. V. came to this county as early as 1839, and here his wife died in 1863. In 1861 G. V. Vanderhoof entered the army as First Sergeant of Company K. Thirty-Eighth Illinois Infantry, and served nearly five years. He afterward learned blacksmithing, which trade he followed until 1879. In 1868 he married Miss Mamie Thomas, daughter of Elihu Thomas, a native of Indiana. Mr. Vanderhoof is one of the heaviest implement dealers in Newton, and has the agency for the celebrated Minneapolis Twine Binder, of which he sells large numbers, as it gives the most general satisfaction.

W. G. WILLIAMS, son of W. G. and Margaret (Knoff) Will- iams, was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1840, and there received his early education, and afterward, for three years attended the Wes- leyan University at Delaware, Ohio, Dr. Thompson being president of the institution and W. G. Williams Professor of Languages. In 1859 he came to Jasper County, taught school during the winter of 1860, and then for eight years practiced dentistry at Vandalia, Ill. In 1870 he bought and shipped grain at Saint Elmo, and then came to Newton and clerked for Fuller Nigh. In 1871 he was appointed deputy, under Sheriff Ogden Monell, and served until 1873, when Thomas Cooper was appointed to office and under him he served three months. In 1874 he was elected Circuit Clerk, was re-elected in 1876, and has served ever since. In 1865 he married Miss Mary, daughter of Ebenezer Copps, one of the first settlers of Illinois, and to his union have been born two children-Claudia M. and Paul. Mr.

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VILLAGE OF NEWTON AND WADE TOWNSHIP.

Williams is of Scotch and Welsh origin. His father was a nephew of Col. Williams, and was born JJanuary 1, 1801, near Wheeling, Va. He was one of the first settlers of Coshocton County, Ohio, and there married Miss Margaret, daughter of John Knoff, and born in Sussex County, N. J., in 1800.

A. J. WOODS was born in 1839, in Gibson County, Ind. At the age of five years he came with his parents to Jasper County, where he was reared on his father's farm until the age of twenty, when he returned to his native State, and at the beginning of the war, in 1861, enlisted in the Twenty-Fourth Indiana Infantry, com- manded by Col. Harvey. He served until 1862, when he was dis- charged on account of disability. On his return he stopped for a while at his old home in Indiana, for medical treatment. He mar- ried, in 1862, Miss Adelia Garner, a native of France. The union was blessed with the following children: Andrew F. (deceased), Neoma, Lizzie, Willie (deceased) and Octavia. Mr. Woods' father, Dixon Woods, was born in Tennessee, in 1808, and was one of the first settlers of Jasper County. He first came with his parents to Indiana, where he was reared, and married Miss Margaret Woods, the result of the union being as follows: Jane, James, Maria, Eliza- beth, John, Patrick, A. J., Joseph, William and Susan. Dixon Woods was widely and favorably known throughout the county and was familiarly called "Unele Dickey," by which distinctive name every- body in the county knew him. He was of Irish descent. The Gar- ners came to Ohio about 1837, and to Jasper County about 1839, where they reared a family of five children.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-JJASPER COUNTY:

WILLOW HILL TOWNSHIP.

M. ALLISON, farmer, was born in Edwards County, Ill., in 1839, and is the second son of John and Sarah J. Allison; the first a native of Kentucky, and the second of Virginia. Our subject remained in the county of Edwards until he was ten years old, at which time he was removed to Willow Hill Township, which was his home until he was nineteen years of age. In August, 1861. he enlisted in the Forty-Third Indiana Volunteers, and was engaged in battle at Fort Donelson, Island No. 10, Fort Pillow, Memphis, Hel- ena, Duvall's Bluff, Little Rock, and others. After returning to this township, he purchased his present farm of 240 acres, now in good cultivation. In 1857 he was wedded to Mary Messenger, a native of Indiana, which marriage was productive of five children,-John C., Sarah J., Mary E., Francis M., and Milton. Mr. Allison is an intel- ligent and grounded Republican, a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the G. A. R., and an enterprising and worthy citizen.

JOHN AUSPACH, farmer, is a native of Decatur County, Ind., and is the third son of John and Lydia (Bailey) Auspach. both of whom were natives of Ohio. Our subject was born in the year 1834, and when ten years of age removed to Ohio, where he obtained some educational training and remained until he was twenty years old; he then returned to Decatur County; remained about seven years, and purchased his present farm of 220 acres, which is largely improved and well cultivated. The consort of John Auspach was Mary J. Park- ison, a native of Indiana, by whom he is the father of two children- George H. and Marion S. In politics he is allied with the Demo- cratie element, and is an enlightened gentleman and a progressive citizen.

H. C. BOLLINGER. physician and surgeon, is a native of Ohio, was born in 1828, and is the eldest son of John and Barbara (Hiser) Bollinger; the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Ohio. Dr. Bollinger was brought up and educated in Licking County, attended Granville College, and studied medicine, chiefly at Hartford, Ind. When a young man he served in the Mexican war, and was stationed on the Rio Grande. His first efforts in medical practice were at Bell Air, Ill., whence, after three years' experience, he removed to Broek-

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WILLOW HILL TOWNSHIP.

ville, in this township. In 1859, he bought the Evermond Mound farm, and in 1864, returned to Willow Hill, where, except for seven years in Hunt City, he has been engaged in practice successfully. In 1851. he married Mary J. Page, who died in 1856. In 1857, he married Maria Rodgers, a native of Jasper County, who also died in 1876. His third marriage was with Louise A. JJones, a native of this township, the fruition of which union was the following children- Homer, Frank, Annetta, Martha E., Jeff, Dora, Clinton and Clyde. Dr. Bollinger is a respected citizen and a grounded Democrat.

S. B. BOWMAN, farmer, was born in Montgomery County, Ind., in 1844, and is the youngest son of John and Sarah ( Loop) Bow- man, both natives of Virginia. Our subject was reared and educated in Montgomery County. On his twenty-first birthday his father died, and he assumed care of the family. In 1863, he enlisted in the Forty-Second Indiana Infantry, was sent to Sherman's command, and was through many skirmishes and battles, including Savannah, Goldsboro and Fort Fisher; he was twice wounded, and promoted to be Major. In 1875, he came to this township and purchased a half interest in the Hunt City farm, of which he took charge for three years; afterward, he purchased 200 acres near Hunt City, with tim- ber and improvements. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., of the I. O. O. F., and the G. A. R. He was vice-President of the Coun- cil of Montgomery County for two years, and President of the Jas- per County Agricultural Association; he has also been representa- tive of many lodges; is a liberal Democrat and a leading citizen. In 1866, he married Rebecca A. Mills, a native of Indiana; this union was productive of five children-Minnie B., Charles M., Cora M., Nellie and Washington L.

WILLIAM J. CHITTENDEN, physician and druggist, was born in Shelbyville, Ind., February 13, 1841, and is the eldest living son of Lyman and Nancy A. (Castator) Chittenden; the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Kentucky. When Dr. Chittenden was five years old his father abandoned his trade of millwright, com- menced farming, and later moved to Hazel Dell, Ill., where our sub- ject was educated, and whence he enlisted in 1861, in the Thirty- Eighth Illinois Volunteers. From Camp Butler they went to Pilot Knob, Mo., and in 1862, to Pittsburg Landing-a march of 212 miles in nine days; then followed the siege of Corinth and the battles of Perryville, and Stone River. In 1863, he was discharged, owing to an injury to his eyes. In 1864, he recruited a company for guard duty at Memphis and Helena, with which he served as Lieutenant.

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After the war he taught some time; read medicine, formed a part- nership with Dr. West, and began practicing. After two years he came to Willow Hill, which he has since made his home and where he built up a good practice; this, however, owing to his ailing vis- ion, he was obliged to relinquish, and now devotes his time to his drug trade, having a fine store and a full stock. In 1870, he married Sarah J. McCray, of Henry County, Ind., which union was favored with four children-Ora, May, Estelle and Bertram. Dr. Chitten- den is a Freemason, and Junior Warden of his Lodge; he is also post-commander in the G. A. R .; a Republican, and was chairman of the Township Republican Convention and of the Senatorial Con- vention in 1882. The Doctor once obtained a prize in a county pen- manship contest.

EPHRAIM COTTRELL, restaurateur and boarding-house keeper, was born in Wills County, Ill., in 1840, and is the fifth son of John and Catherine (Arnold) Cottrell, natives respectively of Kentucky and Ohio. When Ephraim was ten years old the family removed to Livingston County, where he was reared and educated. After his father's death he remained with his mother until 1873, when he came to this township, and purchased ninety-seven acres, which tract is now largely cultivated. Three years later he exchanged his land for an interest in the store of Curtis & Mason, but soon after he resumed farming. In 1881, he commenced his present bus- iness; he is adjacent to the depot, and is a successful caterer. Mr. Cottrell is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and the I. O. O. F., also of the United Brethren Church, and the Democratic party. In 1870, he married Matilda Lord, a native of England. They are the parents, by adoption, of one child-Letha. Mr. Cottrell is a worthy man and an esteemed citizen.

ISAAC DEBOW, junior member of the firm of Jones & De- bow, owners of the Hunt City Mills, was born in JJasper County, Ill., in 1847, and is the second son of Robert and Naomi (Gosnold) Debow, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively. Grandville Township was the location of our subject's rearing and education, where he remained until 1866, when the family purchased 117 acres in this township, ninety-seven of which are cultivated; here he lived until 1869, since which he has made several exchanges of land. In 1883, in company with Mr. Jones, he built the Hunt City Mills, and since they opened their business, in June last, the same has steadily increased and promises gloriously. They have three "run" of buhrs, and expect to improve and add to their ma-

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Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois. Historical and biographical, Part 49

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago : F. A. Battey & Co. Number of Pages: 860

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : F. A. Battey & Co.
Number of Pages: 860