Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 100

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1126

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The first wife of Mr. Webster formerly was Ellen R. Montgomery. damnghter of Clayion and Julia ( Morris) Montgomery, natives of Ken- tucky, and early settlers of Schuyler County. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Wester were as follows: Nathan S. of Rushville: Martha, wite of L. W. Sloat, of Rushville: Melvina, wife of William MeCrady, of Fort Madison. lowa. Mrs. Webster died April 11, 1995, and Mar + 21. 1597. Mr. Webster was united in mar age to Margaret V. Fields, a native of Virginia, and born February 21. 1866, a daughter of Grote 1. and Ellen P. Fields, the former editor of the Versailles (l.) Enterprise. In early Ffe Mrs. Webster was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she over after was a most devont member. Her sudden death, January 1. 1907. was entirely unexpected, as the night before she had appeared in excel- lent spirits and had entertained friends at her home. During the early hours of the following morning her husband was aroused by her heavy breathing. and she sank into unconsciousness, from which the best medical aal procurable failed to arouse her. She passed paintedis away at 1 o'clock The weekfrom, and W buried January 8. why we see of the church to which she was so desired. The first Mrs. Webster was the mother of the to, owing chil dren: Harry, who married France- K. Farrer

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

and has two children, Beart and Vangh : Clayton M. of Chicago, Ill., who married hatta Sevetus and has one son. Wayne; Nellie G., wite of 1hr- ry Fritzell, connected with the rural tree de livery out of Rushville; Susan, who married Edward Henley and has two sons. Paul and Ray, being afterwards married to Charles Tacke. of Springtie'd, by whom she had one son. Charles J. : and Juliette, wire of Harvey K. Men, in the office of the chicago, Burlington & quincy Rail- road at Kansas Chy. Mo .. and mother ot Hazel and Nellie Allen.

In polities Mr. Webster is a stauch adherent of the Democratic party, and he has been closely identified with its local maleriaking. He now is tilling his sixth form as Justice of the Peace. Aggregating in all a period of twenty-four years. formerly having; served as Town Trustee and Nderman of the First Ward of Rushville, In religion he is a Baptist and fraternally is con- nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. Few men in Rushville and the surround- ing conatry are unfamiliar with the name of John 1. Webster, and he commands the respect and good will of all classes of people.

WEIGHTMAN, William .- Within the present limits of the city of Indianapolis, Ind .. where now stand city homes with every modern con- venience, more than seventy-five years ago there stood a log cabin surrounded by 120 acres of land, the typical homestead of a pioneer, strug- gling to earn a livelihood for his family. In this little home was born William Weightman Jan- ary 27. 1926, and all of his carly associations cluster around that Indiana farm. where his

parents, Robert and Temperance (Arnold) Weightman, endured the vicissitudes incident to frontier existence. The father, a native of Shef- field, England, had immigrated to the United States about 1824 and had settled in Marion County, Ind !. where he met and married Miss Arnold, a native of Pennsylvania. When their eldest son. William, was a boy of thirteen years, they removed to Ilinois in 1839 and set- tled on Section 21, in Camden Township, Schuy- ler County, where the father secured 320 acres in one body, besides acquiring 120 acres where William now makes his home.

During the first few years of the family's res- idence in Illinois there occurred nothing to dis- courage their ambitions hopes. Hardships were many, but the true pioneer never allowed him- self to be disheartened by them. However. after a number of years death came to break up the happy family circle, taking from the home the self-sacrificing and devoted father. It was in the summer of 1846 that his death occurred and in April of the following year the widow re- turned to her old home near Indianapolis, where she died abont 1SIS, There were six sons and two daughters in the family, int the first-born alone survives. After the death of the father he took charge of the land, which had no build- ings excepting a log cabin and a log stable.

The marriage of William Weightman and Mar-

the d. Brown was solenmized May 27. 1ST. For more than sixty years they have been spared in happy married life and. by industry and cheeriul optimism, they have been a blessing. each to the other, and both to their children and their large circle of friends. In their present comfortable home, surrounded by those conve. niences that contribute to the welfare of man- kind, they look back over a long vista of years and delight to recount to their de roulants sto- ries of the early days. It was the mother's duty to spin the wool med weave the cloth from which were made the garmeno worn by the children. Often her work log. for busy until late at night. mint to secure a light by which to sew was the easy task. Tallow candles had lost jet decolle common, and she provided a substitute by serap- ing out a turup and filling the how with lard and a wick. When candles were brought first to the home all were delighted with them. Hor Was the later change to kerosene received with less pleasure. Since then they have witnessed the evolution of gas and electricity, so that their long lives practically have comprehended the development of all the modern methods of lighting.

The wife of William Weightman was born in Morgan County, Ill., September 14, 1829. a daughter of John and Sarah (Points) Brown. by whom she was brought to Schuyler County in 1832, and since that year her home has been in Camden Township. Of her ten children all but one were born in the little log cabin that stood on the farm. Inheriting a vigorous mentality and sturdy constitutions from their parents, they aided materially in the upbuilding of the family fortunes and their labors received due rec- ognition from their parents who deeded to them portions of the farm of 440 acres, reserving for their own use the 100 acres on which they began housekeeping. There are now thirty-three grand- children and nineteen great-grandchildren, all of whom unite in giving to the aged couple ven- eration and thoughtful care.

Of the ten Weightman children. Sarah T. died at fourteen years of age and Jobn at thirty-nine : Nancy AA. is the wife of Alonzo Belldon. a farm- er of Camden Township; Lizzie married J. R. Lawson, also a farmer of Camden Township: Charles, who married Sarah Starkweather. lives near the old homestead: William, who married Lillie Starkweather, is engaged in farming at Kiowa, Okla. ; Mrs. Maria J. Auld and her hus- band. Rev. Auld. both deceased. are survived by two sons. Carl and Charles Auld : Jemima is the wife of John W. Marlow. a farmer of Camdeu Township: Laura May (Mrs. Henry Hvicher. man) is living in Spokane, Wash. ; and Sophia G. is the wife of Henry Marlow. a farmer of Camden Township.

Into the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Weightman religion has brought its ennobling and elevating influence. From the early days they have been earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and. as far as possible, have been active in Sunday-school and church work. Their home

HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

was the headquarters of the circuit-riders in the days when they were prominent in the develop- ment of the church. Often religions meetings were held in the Weighnaan log cabin, but after a schoolhouse was built, meetings were usually held there until a house of worship was erected. When the quarterly conferences were held the latch-string of the Weightman cabin was hung on the outside and no visitor was reised enter- tainment. Although there were only two beds in the house, as many as nine guests were often entertained overnight. The ministers who came as guests showed the same cheerful acceptance of circumstances, and the same appreciation of hospitality that those pioneer preachers displayed in every event of their self-sacrificing careers; so that. crowded though the pioneer home might be, the departure of these itinerants was always a source of regret to the family into whose iso- lated lives they brought renewed religious zeal and the joy of uplifting companionship. In the twilight of his useful life Mr. Weightman quietly but often turns toward the past, reflecting npon the changes which it has been his lot to witness. -the building up of churches, the improvement of farms, the growth of his community. the de- velopment of thriving villages, and the many ofh- er transformations which time has wrought. Poli- ties has interested him to a considerable degree and he has given his support to principles sup- ported by the Democratic party ; yet he is not marrow in his political views, being a man of liberal opinions and broad ideas. Long after he and his wife shall have been called from the scenes of earth, their memory will be green in the hearts of their descendants, and thir names will be recorded in the annals of the township, in the development of which they have ever proved active and efficient co-workers.

WEINBERG, Moses .-- The enterprise which im- parts to the city of Rushville. Schuyler County. Ill., its principal commercial activity, and invests the place with a large proportion of its tone and prestige as a business center. is the stock yards there located. The master spirit of this busy mart of trade is the gentleman to whom this writing pertains, and it is his armmen, broad mental grasp and tireless energy that furnish the key-note of snecess in one of the most impor- tant undertakings in that section of the State. The name of Moses Weinberg is associated far and wide with the extent and magnitude of the operation of the Rushville stock yards.

Mr. Weinberg was born in Augusta, Hancock County. Ill .. in 1859. His father and mother, Simon and Louisa Juergens) Weinberg. were natives of Germany. Simon Weinberg, who was a merchant by occupation, came to the United States when he was 20 years of age. At first he located in Pittsburg. Pa., and from that city went to Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1956 be established his home in Augusta. Ill., where he was engaged , in the merchandise business until 1875, when he retired from active pursuits. He departed this life in June. 1901. his wife having passed

away in October. 199 They bage the proms of eighteen children thirteen of Woon r. using

In early youth. Mae- Weller attended the public schools of Aretha. Il. com mentodel education at Kins Called the first derupation after finishing W the line of butchering and stock e. m.De. 1597 he left guste and located in K Nr v. Ill., where he Hated himno way ! tak of the stock yards. In this rol has been one of phenomenal ships. Il - ach his dominating influence these yards have not only hold the steel trods af . pagar :: townships, that natura ly tends to Rush'ar, lait have attracted much of the marketis Herders in MeDomyough and Brown Countjes for a d s- tance of twenty-five miles, The : rrangetali- and facilities of the yards are such. chroni Mr. Weinberg's sagacions manipol tion of matters. that farmers ordinarily obtain futter prins. .. sides the saving of transportation and a her expenses incident to shipping elsewhere on the own account. The thorough know edgard la. acquired by him in twenty-five IS there in this branch of trade. Las eradel Mr. Wenn- here to be of inestimable service In the stones farmers who patronize him. at to sapr I Me sub-erving his own interests to a lucifly profit. able degree. His personal transactions in Ese stock amount to more than $100,000 ammail. his own yards are three artes an extent, and Is sheds will accommodate # car loads of stock. The stock shipments of the Rushville yards sometimes require five extra trains werkt. Mr. Weinberg's name is familiar as a bonuscho d word to all stock raisers in Schuyler County, by whom it is recognized as a synonym of fair deal- ing and equitalde treatment. lo maintains # hospitable home, and entertains his guest- int a most genial and cordial manier.

On April 24. 15%, Mr. Weillers was whited in marriage in Birmingham Township, & huyler County, with Flora Bolton Holdige, a dusver of John C. and Elizabeth Bolton, who was born in the State of Pennsylvania. Seven chandre. have resulted from this union, namely : N na. Margaret, Simon. Flora. Elizabeth. Jatob H.r.

Arthur Hobble, by a previous marri a.

In polities. Mr. Weinberg is a supporter o' the Democratic party. although the rxdeinns du ties of his extensive business portal any active participation in political affairs.

WELLS, William, who is the owner of . of the largest and best improved farms in Sommy .. ler County. 11 .. on which it has por-und his wonted ocempation for a mimuber of years. is a native of the locality where he now resides. being born in Littleton Township. Shop. > County, Septonly Be ISE, Mr. W ...

birth of the foyer Having a Pond that of the moster. in Kopen v. the parents of six sols al ... whom the subject of this personal r .

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

third in order of birth. Until Mr. W. Wells reached the age of eighteen years, he was a pupil in the Garrison distr'et school, and a mem- ber of the home circle. At that period he began farming for himself on his father's place, and in course of time became the owner of 520 acres of land, of which 300 acres lie in Oakland Town- ship, and the remaining 160 acres. in Littleton Township. In 1896 he moved to his present lo- cation in Section 25, Littleton Township. where in 1899, he built a story-and-a-half frame house, containing eight rooms and a cellar. AAbout 200 acres of his farm are under cultivation and 55 acres are timber land, the rest being left for grazing. He is engaged in diversitied farming. and besides his general operations, devotes con- siderable attention to raising Aberdeen cattle, feeding from 80 to 100 head per year. Ile is a man of vigorous, enterprising and progressive nature, and all his undertakings have been at- tended by profitable results.

On January 8, 1895, Mr. Wells was united in marriage with Martha Blodgett, who was born in Frederick Township. Selmyler County, Ill., April 11, 1SGS, where in girlhood, she received her education in the district schools. Mrs. Wells is a daughter of Ira and Hannah (Garrison) Blodgett, natives of Vermont and Ohio. respect- ively. Her paternal grandparents. Harvey and Lavina ( Arnold) Blodgett. were Vermonters by nativity, while Lewis and Martha (Van Horn) . Garrison, her grandparents on the maternal side, were born in Ohio. their parents having come from Germany at an early date in the last cen- tury. Four children have resulted from the union of Mr. and Mrs. Wells, as follows: Wil- liam Clarence, born February 29. 1896; Carl Roscoe, born May 9. 1S09; Lewis B .. born August 25, 1901; and Anna Mary, born December 27, 1902.

In polities, Mr. Wells is a supporter of the Democratic party, although not active in polit- ical contests, and entertaining no ambition for public office. He takes, however, an intelligent and discriminating interest in civic affairs, and is faithful to all the obligations recognized by a dutiful and useful citizen. Mrs. Wells is a woman of much amiability and worthy traits of character, and enjoys the cordial regard of nu- merons friends.

WELLS, Randolph R., a well known general farmer and stock-raiser of extensive landed pos- sessions and high reputation, has pursued his wonted calling in Oakland Township. Schuyler County, Ill .. for thirty-tivo years. He was born in Littleton Township, in the same county, May 18, 1847. a son of Rensselaer and Reberea ( Rose) Wells, natives of Ohio and Ilinois, respectively. The paternal grandfather, Charles Wells, after the death of his wife, the grandmother of Ran- dolph R., moved to Rushville. Il., where he died. Rensselaer Wells was born in Lorain County, Ohio. February 22. 1:28, and his wife. Rebecca ( Rose) Wells, was born in Morgan County. 11., August 28. 1826. The former came to Illinois

in 1831 with his father, settling in Littletou Township, Sebuyler County. Rebecca Rose came to Schuyler County with her parents, who wer> also natives of Lorain County, Ohio, whence they first moved to Morgan County. IL., afterwards becoming leading citizens of Schuyler County. The marriage of the young people took place in Littleton Township, in ISH. The father died March 22, 1905, his wife having passed away March 28. 1596. Rensselaer Wells was a model farmer and exemplary citizen. Starting out early in life with nothing but a determination to stereed, he followed farming until he became one of the most extensive landholders in Little- ton Township, owning at one time about 500 acres. In politics, he was a stanch Democrat. and took an earnest interest in the affairs of the township and county, filling various publie offices. Ile was a member of the Board of Super- visors from Littleton Township. Impelled by generous sympathies, he was over ready to lend a helping hand to the needy, and prompt to con- tribute to every worthy cause. He enjoyed the esteem and confidence of all who made his at- quaintance. Of the family to which he belonged, but one member is left, Mrs. MeGinnis, a resi- dent of Princeton, Ill. Rebecca ( Rose) Wells, wife of Rensselaer Wells, came of a family of excellent standing, her father. Randolph Rose, being one of the most prosperous and prominent farmers of his locality. Six children were the result of their union, as follows: George W .. a retired farmer now living in the village of Lit- tleton, Ill. ; Randolph R .; Joba William. a farm- er. of Littleton Township: David D., a resident of Quincy, Ill. ; Charles D., who lives in Little- ton Township; and Mary Alice, who married Aaron Danner. a farmer of this township, living on the old farm first operaied by Grandfather Charles Wells in 153-4.

Randolph R. Wells was reared to farm life in Littleton Township, attending the district schools in the vicinity of his home and assisting in work on the farm. He remained on the home place until the time of his marriage. being then about 25 years old. Immediately after this event, he located on a farm of 160 acres which he had pre- viously purchased in Section ED. Oakland Town- ship, known as the "Billingsly farm." It was wild land, and he first devoted his attention to clearing it of timber and brush, and preparing it for cultivation. In the years succeeding, he has finely improved the property, and now has one of the most attractive homes in the town- ship, having built a spacious and comfortable residence, 54 by 54 feet in ground dimensions. and put up other buildings of corresponding dura- bility and convenience. To his original purchase he has added. at intervals, until he is now the owner of 404 acres in oue body, all lying in Oakland Township. Through energy integrity and wise management, he has acquired a band- some competency, and is recognized by all as one of the leading agriculturists of Seluty ler County.

The marriage of Mr. Wells took place January

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

31, 1883, on which date Emma D. Ellis became his wite. Ms. Wells, who is a woman of >Upe- rior intelligence and excellent traits of character, was born in Oakland Township. August 2s. 1562. a daughter of James and Margaret Ellis, natives of Kentucky. Further particulars in regard to the history of her family may be found in a biographical record of James D. Ellis, appearing on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Wells have had four children, as follows : Laura, born April 6, 1884: Jesse E., born January 10, 1887; Nina, born October 3, 1800 ; and Roy R., born June 7, 180%. Laura is the wife of Jay True Dodds, a farmer of Littleton Township. by whom she has one child, Maxime. Jesse E .. who has received an education fitting him for almost any position in life, is in charge of the home farm. Nina died in infancy : and Roy R. died at the age of four years. The mother of this family is a communicant of the Christian Church. and while the father is not a church member, he has contributed liberally from his ample means towards the support of evangelical work, besides being a generous promoter of all enterprises designed to advance the best inter- est of the township and county. In politics, Mr. Wells is a Democrat. but has never sought polit- ical preferment, having, on the contrary, stead- fastly declined to become a candidate for public office. He is one of the foremost figures in the rural life of Selmyler County.

WHEAT, John (deceased), was, at the time of his death, one of the oldest farmers and stock- raisers in Schuyler County, Ill .. his arrival in the county dating back to the early years in the history of the county, and his long-extended lite covering all stages of the development of this region from a barren wild to its present prosper- ous condition. Mr. Wheat was a native of the State of Kentucky, where he was born January 6, 1817, a son of Jeph H. and Mary A. (Cecil) Wheat. also Kentuckians by nativity. He was brought by his mother with other members of the family to Schuyler County, in 1830, his father having died in Kentucky. His mother finally passed away in Schuyler County.

Mr. Wheat was reared to the life of a farmer, and on attaining his maturity, located in Littio. ton Township, where he followed farming for a number of years on land which he rented. after- wards buying farms in several different locali- ties, at intervals, on which he pursued his wonted vocation with uniform success. Ultimately. dis- posing of his farming interests, he withdrew from active pursuits, and on March 1. 1902. pur- chased a home in the village of Littleton, where he. took up his residence, and where his worthy and respected widow now lives.

The marriage of Jolm Wheat took place June 9. 1842. on which date he was joined in wedlock with Julia Snyder, who was born in Hancock County, Ky .. July 20. 1822. Mrs. Wheat is a danshter of David and Cassamokra ( Walker) Snyder, na- tives of the Blue Grass State. Her parents jour- neyed from Kentucky to Illinois in 1930, set-

thing in Littleton Townshipe Salle County. David Suyder was a farmer by opopufica, and became the owner o, hundreds of man of land. which he entered front the fox poop Was accounted one of the sabendo nummers and prominent citizens of bis do Portoen children resulted from the mon of Jen. Wheat and Julia Snyder, as follows: A. M Hierva ( Mrs. Thomas Payher, who died in AAnes i. 1000; David II., who died in Maren. 1000: Margaret. widow of James Irvin, who is at lootac with her mother: Mary, dercanal. a twin sister of Mar- garet : John. Job (10) al Gore. all i who died in infancy ; Luala. when brenne the wile of Jesse Hale, and lives in Litig ton Town- ship: Laura l'. who dwells under the p. ternal roof; Joseph William, whose home is in Sleep- Jock. lowa; and four others. The father of this family departed this life March 28. 1902. Dur- ing the period of his activity he was a man of untiring industry and lett a record for petitude of conduct and a business career beyond re- proach. The declining years of his fastfooul com- panion, who has been a withes of marvelous changes in Schuyler County since the days of her girlhood, are soleed by the tender care of her surviving daughters and the cordial esteem of many friends.

WHEELHOUSE, Robert .-- The breeding of Shorthorn cattle, which, because of Vivir value for beef and dairy purposes. forms one of the most paying and satisfactory of farming special- ties. is being vigorously promoted in Rushville Township, Schuyler County. 11. by Robert Wheelhouse, one of the early and steressinh farmers of the county. Mr. Wheelhouse, who was born in Yorkshire, England. November 13. 3:22. has no recollection whatever of his native land, for when only four years old he was brought to this country in a sailing vessel by his parents Robert and Hannah Wheelhouse. who settled in the wilds of Ohio, and turned their attention to farming on Government land.

Robert Wheelhouse was reared among sur. roundings which developed both his muscle and self dependence. His education has been largely self acquired. owing to the numerous tasks which confronted him in his youth and which per- mitted his attendance at the subscription school of his neighborhood outy irregularly. if at all. during the winter months. In 1945, at the early age of twenty-three. he married Margaret. dangh- ter of Sammel Deweese, of Ohio, and live of the children of this union are living: Margaret. Caroline. Samuel. George and Robert. After his marriage Mr. Wheelhouse settled down 10 general farming in Rushville Township leading an uneventful life until the craze for gohl during the middle of the last century created a general discontent with the slow and laborious methods confidence in the opportu fries this pr solon the Pacific coast, he made the long In peacerss the plains, with his wife and four children. dur- ing the sunnner of 1853. traveling in a covered

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 100

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1126

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1126