USA > Illinois > Stark County > Documents and biography pertaining to the settlement and progress of Stark County, Illinois : containing an authentic summary of records, documents, historical works and newspapers > Part 56
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David Jackson, born in Rosshire, Scotland, March 15, 1844, is the son of Thomas and Isabella Jackson, old settlers of this county, whose history is given in this chapter. For eighteen years he shared their pioneer labors, and in September, 1862, enlisted in Company B, Nine- teenth Illinois Infantry, completing his term of service in 1865. In 1866, with his brother William, he purchased two hundred and thirty acres on Section 28, and has since devoted his attention to agriculture. He married Miss Elizabeth J., daughter of Robert and Mary Ann (Macgraell) Rainey. Her parents came to America in their youth from Ireland, settled at Philadelphia, and there were married in 1851. Af- ter his marriage, and up to the period of his death, he was engaged in weaving ingrain carpets. His widow remarried, and now resides at Modena, while the survivor of his two children is the happy wife of Captain Jackson. A reference to the history of the United Presbyte-
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rian church. to the G. Army Post, Odd Fellows, history of schools, po- litieal and military chapters, and other sections of this work will point out minutely the place which this family has held here. For eight years he was a member and Lieutenant of the Elmira Zouaves, and when that company was mustered into the Fourth Illinois National Guards elected Captain, July 25, 1877. and again promoted to Major of the Fourth Illinois National Guards. April 7. 1880. During the unfor- tunato "strike" of 1877 he was on active service with his command. Ilis farm adjoins that of his brother William, and the two homes are connected by private road. In addition to his large acreage of rich Elmira land, he holds eighty acres of timber land, is interested in stock-growing, and from a period prior to coming of age. has held an important place in the esteem of his acquaintances and the history of the township.
John Jackson, born in Rosshire, Scotland. August 15. 1836. is the son of Thomas and Isabella (Hyslop) Jackson. He passed his younger years as a shepherd in Scotland, received a common school education there, and emigrated to America with his father in 1850, and settled in this township. He was married September 10, 1860, to Miss Eliza Ann Montooth, daughter of Samnel and Jennie Montooth, both natives of Ireland. Ilis wife hved but four years after their marriage, her death taking place in October. 1864. He married July 3. 1879. Miss Abby Stuart, daughter of Seth and Sally (Harvey) Stuart, both natives of Vermont, noticed in the history of Osceola township. His first purchase of land was in Osceola township, in 1863, being 160 acres. This he sold in 1864, and in 1868 he purchased 160 acres in Elmira, his present place of residence. To his second marriage four children were born, namely : Myrtle J., Isabella F., Ida S., and Charles M., all residing at home. In politics he is a Re- publican, but takes no active part in campaigns. Like his brothers, he takes a deep interest in school matters, having been director for years, and at present clerk of the board of directors. He was a member of the Union League while that was in existence. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are members of the American Presbyterian church, of Elmira and are considered among the first supporters of everything bearing on the social and agricultural progress of this division of the county.
Adam Jackson, son of Thomas and Isabella (Hyslop) Jackson, and grandson of Adam and Ellen Jackson, was born in Roxburghshire, Scot- land, August 9, 1831, of which county his people were natives. One of his uncles served under Wellington at Waterloo. His father was married in 1827. They were the parents of eight children, namely : Betty. married hore ; Adam, above named. William and John, married, citizens of this township ; James, killed during the Rebellion ; Walter, deceased : David residing here, and Ellen. married in Toulon Town- ship. Thomas Jackson came to America with his family in 1850, pur- chased 106 acres of land here, and was engaged in farming and stock- growing until his death, August 6. 1855. His wife still lives here with one of her sons, at an advanced age. Adam Jackson's boyhood was passed as a Scottish shepherd. On coming here he assisted his father in making the family home. On March 20, 1862, he married
Clinton Füllen
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OF ELMIRA TOWNSHIP.
Miss Agnes, daughter of Thomas and Janet (Seott) Murray, natives of Scotland, who immigrated hither. The same year he purchased 160 acres of land, erected a house thereon, and here has resided down to the present time. Of their fifteen children, ten are living, the ekl- est. Janet, being married and a resident of this townsh p. Mr. Jackson, in business matters, has devoted his attention solely to farm- ing. Ile has never been a member of a secret society, but for twenty- four years has been a consistent member of the United Presbyterian church. Ile has served as director of his school district for several years. In politieal affairs he votes with the Republican party.
James L. Jackson, a former settler of the county, died in Taylor County, lowa, in January, 1883.
John Leason, better known as Deacon John Leason, finds mention in several pages of this work. In the marriage record many members of his family find a notice. On June 27, 186f, the venerable Deacon was taken from his home at dead of night by a number of men who entered his house. An alarm was given and the people turning out, promptly hunted the assaulting parties to their den. Horror stricken, one confessed, and as a result, Charles Wilson, Enos Mix, George Bodle, Robert Alexander, Miles Avery and George Whitehead were arrested. They were tried before Justices Buswell and Winslow and a jury of twelve men, and fined $25, which the jury considered then equal to $100 in ordinary times.
William Leason. ( Vide sketch of C. L. Gerard.)
Thomas Lyle. (Vide sketch of Asa A. Bunton.)
Carlos B. Lyle, son of Thomas and Mary J. (Craig) Lyle, was born in this township, November 1. 1842. Thomas Lyle came to the United States with his father, when seven years of age, and with him resided in Vermont. Carlos B. was with him during all his earlier years until sent to Abingdon to attend Hedding college. Even after spending two terms there he enlisted as soon as he got home in 1864, in Company HI, One-hundred-and-thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, with which command he served until mustered out, as shown in the military chapter. On March 21, 1865, he married Miss Mary S., daughter of Levi and Tirza (Powell) Ingles, natives of Virginia and Ohio respect- ively. To this union seven children were born, namely : Noble A., Charles M .. Daisy E .. Nellie E., Thomas E., Emma M., and one who is numbered among the dead. His farm on section 17 is a model one. Subjected to systematic cultivation since the war by him, it shows the effect of his care. Ilere, too. he is engaged in stock-growing. In religious matters Mr. Lyle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mrs. Lyle, of the American Presbyterian church. In polities he is a characteristic Republican, was a member of the Union League in war times, and is today senior vice-commander of James Jackson Post. No. 37, G. A. R. A reference to the pioneer chapter of the general history and to the sketch of Elmira township will point out more definitely the part taken by the family, of which Mr. Lyle is a member, in the settlement and progress of this eounty.
Horace E. Lyle, son of Thomas and Mary Jane (Craig) Lyle, was born in this township May 3, 1852; was educated here, and shared in
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BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCES
all the labors of his pioneer father until 1876. On March 23 of that vear he married Miss Ida M., daughter of William and Elizabeth (Lyle) Perkins. In this year also he engaged in agricultural work for himself, and continued solely on the farm until Isso. when he pur- chased Fell & Starrett's meat market at Toulon, which he carried on there for two years, meantime attending to his farm. On disposing of this market, he engaged in buying and shipping stock, and this business he now carries on in connection with the farm of 352 acres. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyle four children were born : Mabe). in 1877, died September 7, 1880; Gertrude, born December 28, 1878; Ilorace B., July f. 1881. and James Bartlette, June 29, 1883. Mr. Lyle has always been a Re- publican. In religious matters he supports every church needing or asking help; in business he is energetic and enterprising, and in social and township affairs, like his parents, always prominent and reliable. Finley Mathison, an old settler of the township, referred to in other pages, died January 11. 1883, in his sixty-third year.
George S. Maynard, son of Ephraim and Betsy (Hubbard) Maynard, was born in Franklin county, Vt., April 7, 1827. Ephraim was the son of an English emigrant, who settled at Oakham, Mass., who on account of lameness did not serve in the Revolution. In 1801 this Ephraim removed to Vermont (two years after his marriage with Miss Hubbard in Massachusetts), and was a farmer there until his death, in August, 1856. Of his fifteen children, three are living: Mrs. Vashti Field, of Fairfax, Vt. ; Charles T., of Bakersfield, Vt., and George S., named above. George S., on coming of age, entered a boot and shoe factory at Westboro, remained there six years, and then moved to Osceola township in 1853 or 1854. In the fall of 1856 he settled in Minnesota, and farmed there until the spring of 1868, when he settled in Ehnira, where he purchased eighty acres, on section 26. In Angust, 1856, he married Miss Esther A. Dugan, a native of Massa- chusetts, of which State her parents were also natives. Their children are : Ilelen M., now Mrs. F. J. Fuller, of Wyoming; Clara, also mar- ried, residing at home, and Charles E., of this township. On February 26. 1868, Mr. Maynard married Miss Rose, daughter of James and Jane (Woods) Hamilton, natives of Vermont, and granddaughter of Petiah and Hannah (Hallanan) Hamilton, of Maine and Massachu- setts, respectively, and of Ebenezer Woods, a soldier of the Revolution and subsequently of the secret police or revenue force. To this union three children were born, of whom Pearl II. and Cora A. are living. He has been a Republican since 1856; he leans toward Methodism, but is not a member of any church: for over twelve years he has served on the district school board, and for years has been connected with Bradford Lodge, 579, I. O. O. F. Mrs. Maynard is a member of the Gaelic church of Ehnira. In business affairs his ex- cellent farm and stock farm have claimed all his attention since his second settlement in this county. Outside business, anything which seems to affect the county, claims his close study, and on its merits his support or opposition.
Donald Me Donald, born in Shieldag, Parish of Applecross, Rosshire, Scotland, July 20, 1820, is the son of John and Ann (McKenzie) McDon-
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OF ELMIRA TOWNSHIP.
ald, and grandson of Finlay and Mary (Frazer) MeDonald, descendants of the few brave men of that clan who escaped English treachery at the massacre of Glencoe. John was married in 1808, and to this union eight children were born, four of whom are living, Finlay, in Marshall county. Kan .. Donald. of Elmira, John of Union county, Ore., and Anna Belle, Marshall county, Kan. The father died in 1857 just on the eve of his departure for America. Four weeks later his widow left Scotland forever, and died in Kansas in 1866. Donald in early vears was a fisherman and at one time a postman (letter carrier). He well remembers when the postage on a letter from Carolina to Ros- shire was $1.25, and from Nova Scotia, 623 cents; from Gasgaw, 26 cents, and from Inverness to Sheldag, 60 miles, 16 cents. In 1840 he apprenticed himself to a gardener, subsequently worked in Yester gar- dens. next at Edinburg, and also in several gardens and nurseries in England. In 1849 he married Miss Ann, daughter of Finlay and Catherine (MeLean) Murchison, relatives of Sir Roderick Murchison, secretary of the foreign missionary society of London, England, who died there some time ago. In 1850 a short time before Mr. Me- Donald went on the Glasgow police force, one child was born, to them, William, who died December 31. 1851, here as the family left Glasgow for Canada in July. 1851, arrived at Quebec in Angust. and ultimately settled in Ehnira. On the voyage Charley E., who died March 23, 1860. was born July 26, 1851. On arriving here he husked corn at fifty cents per day. worked a second month for $10. then started ont in search of work, found employment on a railroad at Utica on the R. I. R., at one dollar per day, but not relishing this work moved to Peoria, where he secured a position in a nursery. There he labored over two years, when he purchased a tax title to a quarter section on 19 Elira, settled there in 1855, and has since been engaged in agriculture and stock-growing. He has raised and edu- cated two nephews, and now has two adopted children, Charley and Tilly. Mr. MeDonald and wife are members of Knox church; he is a school director, Republican in polities, and, as a citizen, is all that one with such experiences should be, useful and intelligent.
Harriet J. ( Woods) Mckenzie was born in Indiana April 24, 1845. and came to her sister's, Mrs. Mauck. in Elmira, about the year 1864. On January 17, 1865, she was united in marriage to John C. Mckenzie, died January 6, 1887, in her forty-second year.
William Moffitt, son of David and Elizabeth (Nicholl) Motlitt. natives of Antrim county, Ireland, was born in that county and died here in April, 1879, aged fifty-five years. William Moffitt received a liberal education in his native country, and coming to the United States in 1845, worked at the weaver's trade in Philadelphia until 1854 when he moved west to Elmira, where his brother-in-law, William Mc Bride, had hitherto settled and carried on a blacksmith shop. Here he learned the trade. worked a few years for Mc Bride, and established his own shop in the " Oliver settlement." In a short time after he established a carpet-weaving factory, bringing a loom from Philadel- phia. Both industries he carried on up to the time of his death. Before leaving Ireland he promised to marry Ann Jane Leech, and
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BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCES
from his first earnings in Philadelphia he sent her money to come over. Like a true girl she responded and on the day of her arrival in Philadelphia they were married in 1848. The lady died in 1866, and is buried in the Elmira cemetery. Both of them were rare lovers of literature, the okl gentleman being thoroughly conversant with all the leading writers, and a supporter of fifty-two weekly newspapers. William Moffitt's parents came to Philadelphia in 1848 with a young family. Some time later they moved to Henry county, Ill., purchased a farm near Weathersfield where the father ched in 1854. The mother is still a resident of Kewanee, residing with her daughter, Mrs. Eliza- beth, wife of John Moffitt. Of William Moffitt's children, six are living. namely, John L., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church in Col- orado ; George W., a resident of Stark county, referred to in local history ; Margaret L., wife of Fred Fleming, of Toulon township; Eleanor L., wife of George Critzman, of Kewanee, and Anne J., wife of Jesse Fleming, a farmer of Elmira. The great-great-grandfather was James Moffitt, who was the father of five children, James, born in 1789, David, Jane, William and John. William came to Philadelphia in 1831. James in 1840, and David in 1845. Jane and her family settled in Australia early in the forties. David and his family moved from Philadelphia to Illinois: John went first to Scotland, bnt ulti- mately came to the United States. Robert Nichol, David Moflitt's father-in-law, was a soldier in the British army, was in Jamaica fifty years ago, and it is supposed that some of his children are still there. Many of the grandchildren of those Motlitt's are today scattered throughout the country, but the greater number of their children have crossed the unknown ocean.
Samuel Montooth, born in Tyrone county, Ireland, in 1799, and his wife, born there in 1810, came to the United States in 1830 and to Elmira township in 1858. Lieutenant Hunter, who married their daughter, was killed at Murfreesboro.
Robert Moore, named in the history of Elmira township, who mar- ried Margaret Clark, moved from Lancaster county, Pa., to St. Gene- vieve county. Mo., in the spring of 1822, and operated a mill there until 1835. when. as one of the Peoria colony, he purchased some claims in what is now Elmira township, this county, and took a full share in its first improvement. His family consisted of four sons and six daughters. all deceased with the exception of Robert M. Moore, of Toulon. The latter carried on his Elmira farm for thirty years. In 1844 he married Miss Maria, daughter of Hewes White; in 1874 this lady died, and the same year the family moved to Toulon. Samuel, Orlando and Corydon, her sons, are favorably known here. The two first-named are residents of Barton county, Mo., and the last of Toulon township. His second marriage was with Mrs. Lucina Petteys Van Dewater, a native of Oneida county, N. Y. This lady's two daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Moore died January 3. 1887. in her fifty-fourth year.
George Murray, son of Thomas and Janet (Scott) Murray, whose history is given in this chapter, was born in Roxburghshire. Scotland, May 12, 1840. He came to the United States with his parents in 1853,
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OF ELMIRA TOWNSIIIP.
and here completed a liberal education. On growing to manhood he purchased eighty acres and at once engaged in agriculture and stoek- raising. In 1867 he added eighty acres, sold the 160 acres in 1874, and the same year purchased 240 acres on sec. 27: 80 acres on sec. 26. and eighty acres on sec. 24, to which he has since added 160 acres. With this well-improved farm of 560 acres he has one of the finest farm residences in the whole county, which was completed last year, lawn and grounds well laid out and planted with ornamental trees and shrubbery, one of the best equipped farm vards in the county-all the result of a quarter century's attention to his business and an intelligent appreciation of the true position which a farmer should occupy. He was married in 1866 to Miss Lusetta, daughter of Smith and Sarah (Jordan) Woodward, natives of Pennsylvania. Of eight children born to them, seven are living, namely :- Orville, Margaret JJ., Nina J., Smith A., Lusetta, John T., and Evalina, all residing at home or attending school. In politics he is a Republican, but farther than inquiring closely into a candidate's principles he does not meddle much in them. School interests always claim his attention and he is now school trustee. In religious matters he is not a church member but supports the United Presbyterian Society. Hle commenced his battle with the workl " bare- handed " and conquered it.
William Murray, son of Thomas and Janet (Scott) Murray. natives of Scotland, was born in Roxburghshire, May 22, 1835. Mr. Murray's father was born September 10, 1807 and his mother 1806. Both were descended from a long line of farmers. and when coming to America. in 1853, with their six children, their intention was to adhere to this independent life. The father died here August 8. 1854, his wife sur- vived to see her highest hopes for the family realized, and died here May 27, 1873. William Murray is the third son of this family. David and Gideon, his elder brothers, reside in Elmira and Toulon, respee- tively : Agnes and George also reside here, while Thomas, the young- est, lives at Des Moines, Iowa. In February, 1863, William married Miss Isabelle, daughter of Robert A. and Hannah Faerbairn. Scottish farmers, who came to the United States in July, 1859. Mr. Murray purchased eighty acres in Elmira, which he sold in a few years and settled on a farm of 160 acres in Toulon township. After a residence of nine years there, he soll that farm and purchased 240 acres in Elmira, where he has made his home since and erected one of those comfortable farm residences common in this township. To Mr. and Mrs. Murray seven children were born, the oldest dying in infancy, six now living, namely: Hannah. Thomas S., James, Janet E .. Agnes J. and Eliza, all residing with parents. The family belong to the United Presbyterian Church, and like their father are Republican in sentiment and practice. To follow Mr. Murray's connection with the social, olli- cial and industrial life of the township and county rather belongs to history than to biography, and therefore, in the pages devoted to his- torv, many references to him are made.
Thomas Nicholas died at the house of James Cinnamon July. 1883. aged seventy-two years. le came from Pennsylvania in 1843, settling at Lacon, Ills.
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BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCES
Adam Oliver (deceased) was born December 14, 1814, in Roxburgh- shire, Scotland. His parents, Thomas and Margaret (File) Oliver, were also natives of that country : were married there m 1814; moved to the Highlands some years later, and in 1837 came with their ten children to the United States. The names of this large family are given as follows: Adam (deceased), Margaret (married), of this town- ship; Betsey (married) a resident of Henry county : Andrew (married). of this township; Charlotte (deceased); Ann (unmarried), residing here: William (married), residing in Henry county; Thomas (mar- ried), a resident of this township; Ilenry H. (married), also residing here. and John (married), of Audubon county, lowa. The head of this family in the United States pushed westward without delay, settled at Osceola Grove, but moved in 1840 to the west side of the township, where he resided until his death, May 8, 1885. There also his wife died. Adam passed his earlier years on the lowland farm, and later assisted his father in the duties of shepherd in the Highlands. Ilis father instructed him in writing, reading and figures so well that when of age he engaged in teaching school. On coming here he took charge of much of his father's business and remained with him until 1846, when he married Miss Polly Ann Parks. This lady died at the birth of her only child who bears the same name. In 1849 he married Miss Agnes Davidson, a grand niece of James Davidson, the " Dandy Din- mont " of Scott's " Guy Mannering," and daughter of George and Jessie (Robertson) Davidson (married in 1924), who came from Roxburgh- shire. Scotland. to Marshall county, III., with their five children in 1841. Her Father died there in October, 1865. Adam and Mrs. Oliver were the parents of six children, of whom four are living - Margaret F., of this township (married) ; Jessie (married), residing at Harvard, Neb .: George T. (married), residing on the homestead, and Ella M .. residing here with her mother. It is said that he never had an enemy. In political life he was a Republican ; in religion, a member of the United Presbyterian eburch. and in all relations strictly upright. His death took place May 8. 1885. ( Vide History of Elmira.)
Andrew Oliver, son of Thomas and Margaret (Fife) Oliver, was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, March 20, 1820. He is a brother of the late Adam Oliver referred to above, and like him a pioneer of this county. coming here with the family in 1837 and sharing all their fort- unes until 1849, when he married Miss Ellen, daughter of William and Mary Turnbull, a native of Scotland, and like himself a pioneer of this section. Of their six children Mary, the eldest, is the only survivor. In 1846 Andrew Oliver traveled to Dixon, III., and then entered and purchased his first farm on section 31, Elmira township. To this original traet he has added 700 aeres here, together with owning 2,000 acres in Pawnee county, Neb. In 1860 his first wife died, and in November, 1861, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of James Arm- strong, a notice of whom appears in this chapter. They are the parents of four children -Esther (married), residing at Toulon; Belle M .. Agnes J., and an infant who is deceased. Mr. Oliver has filled the position of supervisor of the township for three terms. assessor for several terms, and almost all the minor offices. Ile is a stockholder
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OF ELMIRA TOWNSHIP.
in the first National Bank of Kewanee and in the Haxtun steam heater company. He has been ever identified with religions matters, and is named among the founders of the American Presbyterian Church of Elmira. The several parts taken by members of this family in the set- tlement and progress of this county are told in detail in these pages.
Henry Hall Oliver, born in Rosshire, Scotland, in January, 1832, is the son of Thomas and Margaret (Fife) Oliver, whose family history is given above and whose settlement here is noted in the general as well as in the township history. In 1837 he came to this county with them, but afterwards resided with his brother-in-law. John Turnbull for fifteen years. During this time he studied in the district schools and labored on the farm. In 1851 he entered the Presbyterian College of Macomb, studied engineering. and for two years followed this pro- fession in the employ of a railroad company. In 1856 he entered the Mommonth College and took a scientific course. Also filled the posi- tion of tutor there, as he had previously done while attending the col- lege at Macomb. His health failing. he was forced to forego the pleasures of college life. and the wide field of success in his profession. which appeared open to him. and so returned to Elmira and resumed farming or rather entered upon the agriculturalist's life in earnest. In 1857 he married Miss Mary, daughter of Finley and Catherine (MeLean) Murchison, whose history is given in that of Donald Me- Donald's family. Of nine children born to this marriage, six are liv- ing, namely : David W .. engaged in farming on the homestead : Mar- garet E .. a teacher in the Toulon Academy: Katie E., attending the Northwestern University : William Il. and Charlotte J., students of the Toulon Academy, and Agnes B., residing at home. Mrs. Ohver is a member of the Highland or Canadian Presbyterian Church. and of this also her husband is a member and official. Since 1862 Mr. Oliver has been extensively engaged in buying and shipping stock as well as in stock-growing and farming. The home farm, which he inherited from his father. he has increased to four hundred acres, on which stands his fine residence. This farm is among the richest in this dis- triet of fertile lands, is fully improved and equipped in buildings. machinery and implements. In polities he is decidedly republican : zealous, vet tolerant in religion, unostentatious and refined in manner. Ilis home is a synonym for genuine hospitality. In official hfe, the testimony to his character is indeed substantial. as he has for twenty years been a school director : supervisor of Ehira For several terms. and also surveyor of the county.
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