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 73
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
The Franklin Cemetery Association. Castleton, elected E. D. Draw- ver. Byron Smith and Paul Newton directors in 1886, with the latter secretary and treasurer.
Snarerille Cemetery appears to have been first tenanted in 1838. when Orange Fuller was buried there. The record of interments taken from monuments is as follows: Sylvina Holgate, '72: Ilannah Downing. '86 : George R. Medlyment, '84; Alex Kissinger. '80; Dan- iel Coghlan, "79; Jasper M. Morris, '82: Henry B. Dorrance, 'S5 ; Frank White, '86; JJ. L. Kennedy, 19th Hinois Infantry : Naomi (Arganbright ) Miller, '63; Julia A. Riter, '61 ; Henry Springer, '77: Rebecca Osborn, '55; Jasper Schwart, '80; Elizabeth Tess, 78; Chas. M. Seranton, `64; Virgil Pike, '79; Mary Vernon, '81 : Isaac Patch, '56; Barbara Dunn, '61; Daniel Zumwalt, '54: Zebulon Avery, 54 : Mary Avery, 475; Phoebe Newton. '49; Benj. Newton, '51 : Phineas Gleason. '74; Lydia Snell, '78; Hannah A. Drawyer, '48; Lydia White, '80 ; Orange Fuller, '38; Hepsebah Fuller. '48; Sarah Fuller. '56; Nancy (Akerly) Griffin, '77: James Griffin, '65: Clarinda P. Riekey. 58: John Rickey, '61 ; Sarah Bunnell, '76 : John H. Bunnell, One-hundred-and-twelfth Infantry: '64 ; Gavin L. Renwick, '74.
In the Catholic cemetery at Camp Grove many of the Catholic pioneers of this township are at rest.
In the foregoing list of tenanted graves many a well-known name appears, and should the reader look through similar lists in the other chapters devoted to township history, familiar names will be brought up as reminders of those whose early toils here are forever ended. With all this the following mention of persons connected with the township at one time or another, will be found a valuable addition.
BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCES.
Henry B. Ackley, son of John and Jane (Nixon) Ackley was born at Kickapoo. Peoria county, September 18, '50. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and mother an Ohioan. His paternal grand- parents being Uriah and Lydia (Sawers) Aekley, natives of New Jersey, of German ancestry. John Ackley came to Peoria county in '38; was married there August 19, '49, to Miss Jane, daughter of William Nixon and Mary Nixon, both natives of Virginia, and
616
BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCES
to this marriage three children were born, of whom Henry B. and Edward E., both of this township, are living. Henry B. Ackley received a practical education in the district schools and on his father's farm. On January 1. 1874 he married Miss Charlotte, daughter of John and Elizabeth Loper, of Ohio and Indiana, respeet- ively. To this marriage one son was born, January 8. 's1, Charles E., who died October 25, '85. After his marriage he engaged in farming, and continued so engaged until '78, when he rented his farm and attended the Northern Indiana Normal School, and when. after completing a course of study, he passed one summer in Kansas ; then purchased Humphrey Avery's business at Castleton, and has carried on a general trade down to the present time. In politics he is decidedly Republican. Ile has served as township clerk and director of the Castleton schools. In religious life he is a member of the Methodist Protestant church, and in society affairs, W. C. T. of the Good Templars of Castleton.
Humphrey and S. G. Avery, two old settlers of Stark county, are the sons of Colonel Miles Avery. who was the son of Cyrus, son of Solomon, son of Humphrey, son of Humphrey, son of Samuel, son of James, son of James, who was the son of Christopher Avery, who came from England in the seventeeth century and settled at Glouces- ter. Mass. Ile was a selectman there between 1646 and 1654. In 1665 he moved to New London, Conn. ; bought the home lot of Robert Burrows; was made freeman in 1669; died and was buried March 12, 1679. Ilis only child. James, born in 1620, in England, was married in England. November 10, 1643, to Joanna Grinnedade, and to them nine children were born, their second child being JJames Avery whose father settled at New London prior to the settlement of Christopher there; was chosen selectman in 1660, and hold the office twenty-three years. lle was an ensign, lieutenant. and captain of the only armed company in the town ; served in and commanded a troop of Pequots during King Philip's war; was at the fort light in 1675, and stormed the fort at the head of his command ; for twelve years he was deputy to the grand court: was in the commission of the peace from 1658 to 165 and was assistant judge of the county court. He moved to Pequonoc, next to New London, and thence to Groton, where he died at an old age.
Elizabeth (Smith) alvery, daughter of Jonathan Smith, who moved from Connecticut to Plymouth, Luzerne county. Pa., opposite the Shaw- nee Hats. A company, with his brother, were captured by the Indians near the Nanticoke dam. His brother, being lame, was killed and scalped before his eyes, while he was bound out to a squaw, to fill the place of a lost son. He was finally ransomed by a British officer, and settled on 560 acres two miles south of the confluence of the Tunkhan- nock and Susquehanna on the east bank of the latter. Here his eight children were born, namely : William, born March 19, 1785; Elizabeth, February 17. 1790; Susanna, September 22, 1791: Zura. December 15, 1795; Ziba. January 12, 1798 ; Polly, November 24, 1799 : Whitney, July 14, 1804, and Asher M., October 28, 1807. Whitney and Asher were pioneers of this county, as noticed in the chapter on Toulon.
617
OF PENN TOWNSHIP.
Miles Avery was born December 28, 1791, at Tunkhannock, Pa. Ile was the eldest son of Cyrus Avery, who came from Norwich. Conn., to Pennsylvania about 1790, and there married Lydia Marey. a daughter of Colonel Zebulon Marey, whose father came from Dover, Dutchess county. N. Y., as early as 1770, with the Connecticut colony. and is said to have built the first cabin at Pittston, near Old Forge. in 1772. This claim he sold to Ebenezer, his brother, who came the same year to Tunkhannock, and aided in organizing Putnam township and allotting it to the Connectient settlers. Zebulon raised here a family of eight children, all of whom became prominent. Prior to the Wyoming massacre he moved his family to Forty Fort. and there his daughter Sarah, who married John McCord, was born June 4, 1778, nine days before the slaughter of the settlers by the British and Indians. After this event the family returned to Dutchess county. N. Y., using a cow as a beast of burden, as well as a milk-giver during the journey. A few days before the massacre, while Marcy and a few others were scouting for British or Indians, an English Tory's wife discovered them, and called to her husband, "Shoot, Adam. shoot !" That worthy fired and struck a tobacco box in Marey's pocket. which box is now in Porter Marey's family at Tunkhannock. The return fire wounded Adam, and he died soon after. As soon as safety was insured Zebulon returned and settled on the farm where Porter Marcy resides, and resided there until his death, September 2., 34. After the marriage of Cyrus Avery and Lydia Marcy they settled on 500 acres at the confluence of the Tunkhannock and Susquehanna, on the south and east sides of the respective rivers : and later inclosed " Avery Mountain " On this farm all their children were born - Miles, Decem- ber 28, 1791: Zebulon, May 12, 1793; Zebulon (second), July 7, 1794: Solomon, July 28, 1796; Nicholas, September 19. 1797: Jerusha, December 3, 1798; Sally. February 5, 1801; Cyrus H .. November 14, 05; Ilumphrey. November 14, 05: Lydia, March 5, '08: Abel M., ,July 29. '11: Punderson, July 31, '14, and Joseph C .. June 9. '17. Miles Avery married Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan Smith, July 26, '12. Ile died April 28. '48, and his wife followed him May 16. 49. both being buried in Cyrus Avery's cemetery at Tunkhannock. After their marriage they bought of Joseph and Samuel Dailey 196 acres in Falls township, Wyoming county, Pa., six miles south of the month of the Tunkhannock on the east side of the Susquehanna, where their twelve children were raised. He was a farmer, but speculated in Inmber, work eattle and real estate, at one time owning over 5,000 acres in the county and also a saw mill and foundry at La Grange. At the age of sixteen he joined a military company, and held every office from corporal to brigade inspector, the latter for seven years; was commissioned justice of peace by Governor Ritner and served twelve years, and was generally known as " Colonel" or " Squire" Avery. The children of Miles Avery are named as follows: Lydia Ann, born May 1, '13: Ziporah, October 28, '14, died at Neponset, Ill .: Solomon. September S, '16. died April 6. '39; Esther, May 17. 15, died July 30. '83. at South Eaton, Pa : Major Cyrus, March $, '21; Miles, June 3, '23. died October 10, '84 ; Ilumphrey, July 4. '25, a resident of Penn
618
BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCES
township; Elizabeth. May 15, '27. died July 24, '29; Samuel G., May 3, '29; Hannah, November 4. '32, died November 14, '32, and Court- ney, JJuly 18, '34, died May '18, '36.
Humphrey cery, fourth son of Col. Miles and Elizabeth (Smith) Avery, was born July 4, '25, in Wyoming county, Pa .; received his primary education there and completed his studies at Madison Acad- emy, Abingdon Centre, Inzerne county, Pa. After his father's failure in '43, Mr. Avery was thrown upon his own resources. At this time he was afflicted with the old-fashioned ague, which kept his purse down at low water-mark. He followed the fortunes of the North Branch Canal-running through Wilkesbarre and Pittston for several months, at the same time that the late president Garfieldl is said to have worked on it. Subsequently he was employed in Boukley & Prices' coal mine, and about this time received, by some accident. the first $100 he ever called his own. He was boarding at Pittston, and found on the street a purse containing over $5,000 in cash and notes. Searching for the owner, he found him in the person of George F. Knapp, of Carbondale, who pressed the $100 on the delighted young Avery. Mr. Knapp's mother proved to be an old friend of Col. Miles Avery, and insisted on a prom- ise from the young man that he would invest the money in lands on which to make a home for himself. This promise was made and car- ried ont. Mr. Avery purchased at sheriff's sale one hundred acres in his own county for ninety-one dollars, which he sold at a profit, and that $100 and the profits arising from its original investment, are in the pleasant home and farm which he owns today in Stark county. On April 27, '54, Mr. Avery arrived at Toulon with $530 in gold. For the first year he made his home with his brother. Samnel G. Avery, who had come hither five years prior to '54. In the fall of '54 he purchased forty acres of land in Osceola township, and in '56 he bought the east one-half of the northeast quarter of section seven. in Penn township. On August 8, '58, he married Miss Emma J., daughter of Chauncey W. and Eliza E. (Wheeler) Davison, both of whom are notieed in other pages. After this marriage Mr. Avery commenced the improvement of his farm in Penn township, engaging in agriculture and stock-grow- ing. was elected constable the same year, which office he held for two Years, when he resigned and went westward, in company with thirty men and thirteen teams, to the Rocky Mountains for his health. At Denver the company dispersed, Mr. Avery and a few others going to California Gulch, on the present site of Leadville, where they passed six months. On returning to Stark county he resumed farming, in '68 purchased 115 aeres in section one. Toulon township, which is said to be underlaid by a vein of fine coal four and a half feet in depth. In 'S6 he sunk a double shaft to this vein, which is fifty-two feet below the surface, and introduced machinery of a capacity of 1,000 bushels per day. - In '70 he purebased a store-building and lot at Castleton, and in '76 a lot adjoining. The former he rented out until '78. when he estab- lished his mercantile house there. This he carried on for three years in connection with his farm. During this time he served as justice of the peace. In '82 he sold his business interests at Castleton to Aekley & Loper, and has since devoted his attention to agriculture and coal-
619
OF PENN TOWNSHIP.
mining. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Avery are named as follows : Clinton, born December 5, '59; Etta May, May 7, 62; Sherman, May 25, '64. died May 6, '65; Milo, April 30, '68; Viola Virginia, July 9. '72; Lorance, December 21, '74, and Myron, August 7, '79, died Sep- tember 9. '80. The eldest daughter. Etta May, married Daniel Bolt, of Castleton, January 5, '83, and is now a resident of Wyoming, Il.
Samuel Gutes leery, fifth son of Col. Miles Avery, was born in Falls township. Wyoming county, Pa., May 3, '29, completed his edu- cation at Madison academy, Luzerne county, Pa .; in '49 came to Stark county and soon after purchased the southeast quarter of section live. Penn township. As stated in the marriage record he married Miss Marriotta Day. October 23. '51. This lady was born at Niles, Mich., January 9, '31. Mr. Avery served as supervisor of Penn township, has been connected with the County Agricultural Society since its organi- zation, and was for several years marshal of that society. In '68 he moved. to Lamar. Barton county, Mo., where he is now extensively engaged in agriculture. His children are Alivilda, born JJuly 20. 52. now Mrs. W. L. Mack; Udella, born January 31. '54, now Mrs. George T. Parry ; Gates, born December 12, '55. married Mary Ilazolette, all of Lamar, Mo .; Jerome, born August 21, '57, married Ellen Little, who died soon after marriage, and for second wife, Rosa Pringle; George, born July 29, '60. married Emma Webb, of Lamar, Mo .: Minnie IL .. born September 5, '62; Lillie G., who married Ernest A. Reed, November I. '82, at Carthage, Mo., a son of I. C. and Luna A. Reed, born at Toulon, October 26, '59, as noted in other pages; Bertrand, born July 1. '67; Beatrice, born July 14. '69, and Tallyrand, born JJuly 30, '73.
Joseph (. Leery, brother of Zebulon and Col. Miles Avery, born June 9, '17, came from Tunkhannock, Pa., to Stark county, Ill., in '39, and here married Martha Marsh, a half-sister of the late Mrs. James Hol- gate, with whom she came to this part of Illinois, as stated in the gen- eral history. Here Mr. Avery purchased the east ball of the southwest quarter of section five, Penn township, built a house and barn, then considered among the best improvements in the township, and a few years later. in '45, moved beyond the mountains to Oregon, where he died at Corvallis, November 18, 'S. He was a surveyor and was engaged in this work here during his short stay in the county.
Robert Me Bocoel (deceased), was born in Ohio, December 19. '25, where his parents - Elijah and Barbara (McKenny) Bocock then resided. lle moved with his parents to Ilinois in '87. as related in their history (given in this chapter), and resided with them until '48, when he married Miss Elizabeth R., daughter of John J. and Abigail (Mitchell) Culton. natives of Virginia and Indiana, respectively, and both of a long line of Irish-American ancestors. Robert learned the cooper's trade in Fulton county, which he followed for three years after his marriage. He was engaged in agriculture in Fulton county. III., until '54, when he came to this township and purchased eighty acres. devoting it to grain farming and stock-growing. Under his wise super- vision and industry it grow into a large estate of 950 acres, thus providing fully for his large family and leaving them at his death, on January 19. '86, all that wealth and an intelligent example of industry and integrity
620
BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCES
should bring. Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. McBocock, six are living, namely: Thomas JJ., William C., Abigail JJ., widow of Jefferson Francis, Sarah M., wife of Frederick Deitwig. James S., and Alva E., all residents of the township where their father settled in '54, and where they grew to manhood and womanhood. The father of this large family was, in political life. an unconditional Republican. For sixteen years he held the office of justice of the peace, and for thirteen years, successively, a member of the supervisor's board. From '61 to '66 he was a member of the Union League, and by his wisdom and prudence aided in averting mob law and in subdning the devices of un- thinking men, who would blacken a proud record by resort to capital punishment for mere sympathy with the rebellion. Though uncon- nected with any religious body, he was a friend to all Christian forms, and in his life was strictly moral. His widow. Mrs. Elizabeth Me Bocock, resides on the homestead, and like her husband, is possessed of those qualities which win success and esteem.
Elijah Borock, a native of Virginia, moved to Highland county, ()., with his parents in his youth. On July 18, '22, he married Miss Bar- bara MeKinney, whose parents came from Ireland early in the history of this country. To this marriage were born seven children, namely : Ilannah M., who married Salem Fonts, now of Kansas: Mary (., who died in infancy; Robert MeK., who died JJanuary 19. '86: Anna, who died aged two years ; Cyrus, and Nancy, who married Levi Fonts, who reside in this county, and Daniel Mek., who died at the age of twelve years. The parents and family emigrated in the year '37 from Ohio to the wilds of Fulton county. this state; bought land and resumed farming, remaining there until '64. when they moved to Marshall county, this state. In '79 the good mother was called to rest at the age of eighty-two years. The father then went into Stark county and took up his home with his son Robert, where he resided some three vears, then moved and made his home with his son Cyrus, until March, 's5, when at the age of eighty-seven years he was called to join his faithful consort who had preceded him to that land of blissful rest.
Cyrus Borock was born in Highland county. O., October 5, '32, and in '37 moved with his parents to Fulton county, this state ; was educated there. receiving only a common country school education : working on the farm during the summer and attending school during the winter. In '57 he married Eleanor M., danghter of Dougan and Sarah ( Hutchison) Fouts, and granddaughter of JJacob and Eleanor Fonts of North Carolina. In '66 he moved to Penn township, Stark county, purchased land on section 13, rented this and engaged in mer- cantile business exclusively for six years, when he resumed his agricult- ural pursuits, but still retaining his store interest until March, 'S6, when he disposed of that interest entirely, devoting his entire time to farming and stock-raising. In polities, he, since its organization, has been a staunch Republican, and during the late war was an active member of the Union League. For four years was a member of the board of supervisors of Fulton county. In 'Of was made a member of the board of supervisors of Stark county, serving in that capacity for five years in succession. In '72 was elected to the lower house of the
621
OF PENN TOWNSHIP.
state legislature, serving there two years; has filled many township offices. assessor, road commissioner, school trustee, and at present is a member of the County and Congressional Republican Central Com- mittees; is a great lover of his township and county and their insti- tutions, bound to them by many ties. In social matters always ready to assist. Is a Mason and one of the charter members of the Bradford Lodge of I. O. O. F. Hlas a family of seven children, namely : Charles W., who married Miss Laura Markland ; Francis M., who married Miss Anna Mahler : Robert L .. Emma L., Sarah A., Cyrus O., and Clarence E., who reside at home. Is not a member of any church but is ever ready to give a hearty support to all.
Thomas I Bocock, born in Fulton county. Ill. July 13, '50, is the son of Robert Mc. and Elizabeth (Cultom Bocock, whose history is given in this chapter. Mr. Bocock received a very liberal edneation in the district schools and at the Normal University. Bloomington. IN. In '54 he accompanied his parents to this county, resided at home until of age and in '78 married Miss Frances, daughter of John W. and Ury (Bird: Proctor, natives of Illinois and Kentucky, respectively. her maternal grandparents being Virginians. During the year 78- 4. Mr. Bocock engaged in farming here, moved to Marshall county in 174, resided there for two years, when he purchased eighty acres on section 33, Penn, where he has resided up to the present time. coupling with his farm and stock growing interests the operation of farm machinery. During the winter of 'S6 7 formed partnership with W. Scott & Co. in buying and shipping of stock. Mr. and Mrs. Bocock are the parents of four children : Cora Estella, born December 19. "75, died October 31. "TS: Otis Lester born September S. '70: Floyd G. December S. 'S] : Fatima, born May 81. '85. (Cora and Otis are known by middle namest. Politically, Republican. He has taken much in- terest in all affairs relating to his township. For nine years he has served as school director and is serving as road commissioner in sixth vear, is a stockholder in the Stark County Central Agricultural Society and has held important offices in that body, while in society matters is a member of A. F. and A. M. Lodge, No. 479. Wyoming, Il. While thoroughly Christian like, he is not bound by any denomination. his name may be found many times among the supporters of all our churches and benevolent societies.
William Combs Bocca, born in Fulton county. Ili. May t. Ist, is the son of Robert Me. and Elizabeth (Culton) Bocock, and grandson of Elijah and Barbara ( Me Kinney, Bocock, natives of Virginia and Penn- sylvania, respectively. and on the maternal side of John J. and Abigail (Mitchell) Culton, of Virginia and Indiana, respectively. of Irish ances- try. Robert Bocock came to this township in '54. Here William C. was educated and here resided on the homestead until January, "79. when he married Miss Maria A. Hohes, daughter of Edwin and Salina (Savill Holmes, natives of England. and granddaughter of Eli and Maria ( Baily ) Holmes, also natives of England. For two years after his marriage he was engaged in farming on land rented from his father: but in 'sl he purchased eighty acres on section 15. on which he took up his residence, and has since made his home. Mr. Bocock has
622
BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCES
added to his agricultural duty that of stock-growing and dealing in stock of all kinds in which his father was extensively engaged up to his death. In political life he is thoroughly Republican, in church matters, Christian, but not denominational. Though a young man he has filled several township offices creditably, and is now director of the Castleton graded school district.
John Bentley Brown, deceased, was born in Augusta county, Va. in 1806. When of age he married Miss Betsy, daughter of Thomas and Jane Johnson. all natives of Virginia, and in '37 migrated westward with his family, settling in Peoria county, Il., near what is now known as Edwards Station. In '53 he removed to Wyoming, engaged in mercantile business and so continued in trade until his death, May 23, '80. Ilis widow died there June 30. '51. Of their eight children, five are living: C. W., of Penn, the senior; John M., whose history ap- pears in the chapter on Toulon, Newton G., married, residing in Allen county. Kan .. Martha, wife of C. G. Colburn of Wyoming, and Isa- bella, a teacher in the public schools. John B. Brown was recognized as a man of zeal and earnestness in religions, temperance and political affairs, was a staunch member of the M. E. Church for fifty years pre- ceding his death.
Grammer W. Brown, born in Hampshire county, Va., July 31. 1834. is the eldest son of John Bentley Brown who settled in Peoria county in 37, and came to Stark county in 1853. Hle shared all his father's travels and pioneer labors in Peoria county and Wyoming, and in the latter place was connected with his father's business for some years - thus obtaining a very practical education in the school. on the farm, and in the store. In November, '56 he married Miss Elizabeth C., daughter of James F. and Elizabeth Henderson, natives of Pennsylvania, but pioneers of Tazewell county. Il., where Mrs. Brown was born March 5. 36. In '61 he engaged in agricultural work, south of Wyoming, and in August. 62, enlisted in Company E, One-hundred-and-twelfth Regiment. Ilinois Volunteer Infantry, was chosen tirst lieutenant and made the record credited to him in the military chapter of this work. On the close of the War. he pur- chased a farm on section 14. Penn township, and has since been prom- inent in adding to the live-stock and agricultural wealth of the coun- tv. In politics he is Republican, and in religion a supporter of the Methodist Church of which Mrs. Brown is a member. In public affairs he has always manifested and felt a deep interest in advancing what- ever appeared to be for the best interests of the people, has repeatedly been called upon to fill offices of public trust and responsibility, and has always performed the duties of such offices with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Of his three children. William is married and a resident of Nebraska ; James, unmarried. and George, married, are farmers of this township.
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.