Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 56

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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l'pon the death of John Bartlow his widow was left with the care of nine children. of whom James H., the youngest, was then about a year old. The struggle of this pioneer mother to keep her family together, to educate and train them to noble man and womanhood, was but one of the many proofs of heroism abounding in this county in years gone by. James II. recalls innumerable happenings of his youth in the little log cabin, but none more vivid and pathetie crowds his

memory than that of the flux which the boys used to gather. and which the mother used to spin far into the night when her weary children were supposedly ashop. Often has he awakened at midnight to find this faithful mother still spinning before the fire, and the hum of her veuseless wheel will resound in his ears until the end of his days. Thomas, one of the sons, had his wedding suit made of the cloth som by his mother. She was permitir i to see all of her children married and comfortably established in hours of their own, and all were wont to dwell upon her love and devotion, to recall their lite in the little rude house in the woods, and the many times they were recabed from the field to put out the fire in the big stick chinmes. Of the children, Sarah Ann married William McKee, had a family of eight children. and for several years survived her husband, who was killed during the Civil War; Letha married Daniel Richey, left four sous and four daughters, her death occurring in Missouri and that of her hus- betal in Littletor Township, Schuyler County ; 'I Botnas M. married Miss Catherine, an adopted daughter of Samuel Cooper, and is survived by his wife and six children, who live in Rock Island, Ill .; Isabella is the deceased wife .of James Cooper and had eight children : Phoebe is the wife of Thomas J. Wilson. of Sidney. lowa, and has had ton children. all but one now Living; Elizabeth berame the wife of Joshua Jale. both now being deceased, leaving a family of eight children : Margaret Jane married W. M. Biges. had a family of four sous and four daughters Mr. Biggs dying in Schuyler County and his wife in Hanenk: Ivan L., also deceased, married Martha Raper, who still survives, with one son and four danglers living in Cowley County, Kan. James IL .. the ninth child and subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Phoebe ( Bartlow, Wilson, are the only children of Mr. and Mrs. John Bartlow still living.

About seventeen years old when he left his home and started upon the road for independence. James 11. Bartlow in 1850 came to Rushville. and in the fall engaged as a hand to cut broom corn on different farms in the county. In the winter he worked in a broom corn factory. and November 15. 1555, was united in marriage to Charlotte Moore, mention of whose family may Jy found in the sketch of John D. Moore, on an- other page of this work. The young people es- tablished a home of their own on an eighty-acre tract of land in Littletown Township. the same having been purchased by Mr. Bartow for $500. of which he paid $100 down. The Equidation of the remaining debt of one hundred dollars was the sorest trial in the early life of this well known farmer and politician. He was obliged to borrow the money in gold at fifteen per cent, and when the interest came due he had to buy the gold at a premimn which advanced the interest to about forty per cent. The log house which they found on the land was soon torn down and a larger one erveted in its stead. and in it six of their children were born. Additional land was

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

purchased from time to time, until Mr. Bartlow owned a farm of 270 acres, all in one body. He was a practical and careful farmer. saving al- ways more than he spent. and latring in safe and established agricultural grooves. He made many improvements on his land, eighty acres of which was originally heavy timber, and through his industry it became one of the most produe- tive and desirable properties in the township. Owing to the illness of his wife, the owner moved to the town of Rushville in IS92, but the change did not accompdish all that he hoped, for the companion of his early struggles and later successes died February 2s. 1594. Mrs. Bartlow in early life was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but later united with the Free Methodist Church.

February 15. 1406. Mr. Bartlow was united in marriage to Laura Finch, a native of Virginia. and born January 31. 1855. Jolm L. Finch, father of Mrs. Bartlow, came to Schuyler County in 1856, settling in Buena Vista Township, where he died January 19. 1862. His widow became the wife of William Pickenpaugh, a farmer of Buena Vista Township. Mr. Bartlow is the pa- rent of nine children, and he has thirty-six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. of the children by his first marriage. Salvetus, a farmer of Garfield County, Wash .. married first May J. Townsend, and later Annie Hendricks. and has six sons and three daughters living ; John T., a farmer of Huntsville Township, Schuy- ler County, married Belle Hightower and has tive sons : Jeannette is the wife of William L. Scott, a farmer of Riley County, Kan .. and has six sous ; James C. is a farmer of Buena Vista Town- ship, married Olive Turner, and has two sons and three daughters; Arel is the wife of James Hale, & farmer of Washington, and has two chil- dren ; Iven P. is a farmer of Littleton Township, married Florence Snyder, and has two children : Mollie is the wife of L. L. Horney. a merchant of Littleton, and has four sons and one daugh- ter; Fannie M. is the widow of Fred Greer, and lives in Littleton with her two children : Bruce W. married Ida Sandidge, and has a daughter living. and one deceased. Of the second union of Mr. Bartlow there is a stepson, Carl A. Peck- enbaugh. Mr. Bartlow is a member of the Free Methodist Church and in his political relations votes the Prohibition ticket.

BARTLOW, John Thomas .- Beginning his in- dependent life as a renter in 1.79. John Thomas Bartlow, with no material assers, and no im- petus save his innate pride and ambition. has realized his agricultural dream, and become the owner of a splendid property of 2-10 acres of land in Huntsville Township, Mr. Bartlow represents a noble carly family of Schuyler County, his birth having occurred in Littleton Township. May 1, 1858. Of his father, James II. Bartlow, information may be found elsewhere in this work.

The youth of Mr. Bartlow conformed to that of other boys of his time and place, both educa-

tionally and agriculturally. He was reared farming as a fundamental and altogether wor! occupation, and bis inelination nover has stra from the tasks and compensations of his ralli Ile was at his majority when he rented his Im land in Littleton Township, a small batch | corn and grain, which netted him a small h. encouraging competence. October 26, 1891. married Arabella Hightower, who was born Littleton Township. October 8. 1559, a dan. ter of William Hightower, deceased, who. v. his wife, was born in Missouri, and came e. to Schuyler County. The wife still occupies : old liightower farm, and takes a keen inter in the welfare of her children, of whom +1: survive out of a family of eleven. Of the Maria Angeline is the wife of James Barth of Buena Vista Township: Mary E., lives w. her mother: Job is a resident of Arkans. Joseph O., of Huntsville Township; Sarah, w of Louis M. Logan, of Montana : James Il .. the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) ; a. . Edith is the wife of John Kirkman, of Littlet Township.

Mr. Bartlow and his young wife rented farm of eighty acres in Littleion Township. : in 1853 rented land from the elder Hightow .. moving thereon in 18SI. About this time M- Bartlow invested in forty-six acres of what w Known as the old Shin Nursery, made his ho. thereon and engaged in general farming n. 1502, when he sold out and bought 140 acres Section 15, Huntsville Township. In 1904 soll sixty acres in Section 16 and bought : acres in Section 15, making in all 240 acres one body. This farm formerly was known as t. Moses Hawkins property, and to it Mr. Parti moved January 8. 1905. While not long as ciated with his present home, there are yet m . evidences of his handiwork, which reflect method. system and thrift, and the prope bids fair to become as profitable and valuable any in the county. Directing its future dos: is a man who has learned his lessons in the 1. school of practical experience, who has recer the greater part of his help from within ra' than from without, and who gladly acknowled an umpayable debt to the faithful wife w economy and unfailing sympathy have helpe tide him over many of the dark places of About four years ago Mr. Bartlow began to - cialize in stock. and, preferring Hereford . tle. now has on hand a herd of twenty-one i sixteen of which are recorded. Ile also bt Poland-China hogs, and is an excellent jude all kinds of stock.

In spite of large responsibilities in his i: diate environment. Mr. Bartlow evinces : appreciation of the social side of life. aus genial nature and faculty for putting peop case make him a welcome addition to all - gatherings in the township. He is a nr. of the Independent Order of Odd Fellow . Modern Woodmen of America, and in r contributes to the Methodist Episcopal (" of which his wife is a member. Politics h

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IHISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

gazed considerable of his time and attention, and ever faithful to the best tenets of the Dime- cratie party, he has filled many positions of loral trust, including that of School Director. Assessor and Supervisor, his last election to the litter office having ocenrred in 1902, with a gratifying majority. While previously holding this office be has rendered valuable service in the interest of roads, bridges and general improvements, being especially interested in securing good thorough- fares. To Mr. and Mrs. Bartlow have been born the following named children : Harley R .. and Highly 1. twins, born September 19. 15%1. the former of whom died in infancy, and the latter is living on the home place : Archie Dwight. born March 9, 1556. in Littleton Township. married Gertrude Hawkins, daughter of Moses Hawkins. and has a son. Glenn H .. all living in Hancock County. Ill. ; W. Earl, born in Brooklyn Township. October 22, 1468. is living at home: Fay Welker and Frederick Cleveland. twins, born in Brook- lyn Township June 15, 1505, and living at home. All of the children have been given good common school educations, and all have been reared to habits of industry and thrift. The example of their parents has inspired them with wholesome regard for work, and through them the honored name of Bartlow will continue to dignity and in- fluence the history of enlightened Schnyler County.

BATES, John W .- Three generations of the Bates family have contributed to the character and purpose of Schuyler County, and the sturdy faith and unfaltering industry of the founder. William Bates seems to have filtered through his successors to those now bearing his name, and to be in large measure inherited by bis grandson. John W. Bares, the latter the owner and ocenpier of a productive farm in Section 20. Browning Township. Mr. Bates was born in Hickory Town- ship, Schuyler County. September IS. 15.15, a son of Christopher C. and Serena C. ( Hagens) Bates, both born in Hickory Township, the former in 1832. and the latter in 1536.

William Bates was born in County Tyrone. Ireland, and he had the resourcefulness and adaptiveness of the representative lrish peas- antry. Early in life he realized the limitations of a small tenant farm, and resolved that when he arrived at maturity he would join his fortunes with the land of the Stars and Stripes. Anhse- gently he married a lady of Scotch ancestry, and together they set sail for America. after land- ing in New York. coming immediately to Hickory Township. Schuyler County. This was during the summer of 1524, and the wilderness pre- sented few inducements to a strong and ambi- tious Irishman. He was equal to the demand upon his powers, however, and braved the dan- gers by which he was surrounded. and the ar- (nous work which brought him but small re- ward. His neighbors were few and far distant. and a rude log-house offered but feeble resistant to the heat of summer and the chili of winter. Nevertheless, he won his way to a substantial

competence, and to many- sided influence in the several affairs of the county. He was one of the best known and most successful of the pioneers of 1 24. and his life was an expression of ob- staples overcome, and hardships bravely sur- mented. Under his hundde roof nine children came into the world, attended the subscription spirits, and developed into handy man and woman- blood, One of the most shecessful of these was Christopher, the father of John W. This repre- sentative of the second generation in the county in all ways fulfilled the expectations of his par- rats, and lived an honored and highly useful life, Not only was he a successful farmer and stock- raiser, but he took a keen interest in Democratic InDities, was one of the strongest promoters of his party in the county and tilled many offices of trust all responsibility. Especially was he a moral and upright man. and one of the hardest workers #il most generous donators to the United Brethren Church, of which he became a member in early life. Not only did he help raise the money to build the present elmirch, but donated the ground mpon which it stands. His death oc- corred December 5. ISSO, his wife surviving him until March 14. 1556. The parent of five chit- dren. two of them died in infancy, those surviving minil maturity being Eliza. deceased wife of C. C. Repo. of Browning Township: Caroline Bates, wife of A. J. Rono, a farmer of Warren County, Ill .. and Join W .. the onl, son.

As the only son in the family. John W. Bates early folt his responsibility as a wage carner. and he continued to live on the farm in Browning Township, to which the family moved when he was two years old in 1857. until his marriage. in June. 1 19, to Agnes Campbell, daughter of George Campbell, one of the early pioneers and large farmers of Schuyler County. Mr. Campbell was twice elected County Sheriff. holding also many other important offices, and he was one of the most extensive stock-raisers in Bainbridge Township. where his daughter. Mrs. Bates, was born and reared. Mr. and Mrs. Bates built a dwelling on the old Rates farm and orenpied that until after the death of the father. when they moved to the homestead which they ever since have occupied, and which he has purchased ont- right from the other heirs. He now is the owner of 155 peres. all under cultivation and equipped with the most practical and modern of appliances. He is engaged in general farming and stock- raising. Int finds time to devote to the beantify- ing of his place, and to the promotion of gardens. shade trees and orchard, and those general ad- ditions which hespeak a refined and exacting nature.

At the present time Mr. Bates is filling his third term as Township Supervisor, and he has been a useful member of the Committee on Roads, Bridges and Claims. He is a charter member of the Motid Insurance Company, which he was instrumental in organizing. and which now is known as the Schuyler County Mutual Insurance Company, war of the best insurance companies in the State. and of enormons benefit to the ag-

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

rieulturists. It has been incorporated with a capital of one million dollars, and has a high rating among other enterprises of the kind in the country. Fraternally Mr. Bates is connected with the Astoria Lodge No. 100. A. P. & A. M. To Mr. and Mrs. Bates have been born in chil- dren, nine of whom are living: Estella, wite of Luther Jones, of Riverside. Cal. ; Aunie, wife of Oliver Spiller, of Mitchell. S. Pak .. and mother of Marcella Spiller; Ehoa. a stenographer of five years' experience : Famiie, at home, a grad- nate of the Rushville Normal, and a successful teacher ; Georgie, a student at the Rushville Normal ; Frederick, a prospective graduate of the Normal class of 1909: Lloyd, a student ; Lysle, a student : and Lucile, at home. Winfieldl Bates died in October. 1005. Mr. Bates is a broad- minded and exceptionally well informed man. and has practical and helpful ideas regarding current events. Ilis genial and kindly manner makes him a favorite among his neighbors, and his support of the popular utilities. of education, good roads, and social and religious interests. renders him a valuable and dependable adjunct to the township's best elements.

BATES, William Jefferson .- The rapid develop- ment of the rich agricultural resources of Schur- ler County is due to the strenuous efforts of men of brain and enterprise, who bring to their call- ing excellent judgment and superior business method. and who also find time to promote those general agencies which make for progressivo and practical community conditions. Conspic- nous among this number is William Jefferson Bates, who was born in Hickory Township. Schuyler County. September 26, 1NHL and who. although for the past five years making his home in Browning. is still vitally interested in the fundamental occupation which has brought him wealth. influence and general prosperity. Mr. Bates is a son of William Armstrong and Elizabeth ( Waid) Bates, the latter a native of Missouri, from which State she came with her Im-band to Illinois in 145, remaining about a year in Brown County. The elder Bates in 1836 moved to Schuyler County, settling near the bluffs of the UlEndis River in Hickory Town- ship, and there conducting general farming until his death in 1849, his wife having died the year previous. They reared in their humble home a family of nine children. one child dying in in- fancy, and all born in Schuyler County save Mary. wife of John E. Thornton. of Gallatin. Mo. : and Ferly. deceased wife of W. K. Jones, a farmer of Hickory Township. Albert G. Bates died in Missouri; W. F. M. died in Browning. Schuyler County: Martha became the wife of Benjamin Leek. and both are deceased: C. C. died in Browning Township: Sarah is the de- ceased wife of John B. Reno. of Missouri ; Eliz- abeth is the deceased wife of Felix Thornton. of Missouri ; and William Jefferson is the farmer of whom this sketch treats.

William Jefferson Bates has but slight ree- ollection of his parents, as be was left an or-

phan at the age of five years. He vividly recalls the inciderts that enlivened the pioneer days of the county, of the church association which met in his father's house, and the days when Will- iam K. Jones hired a school teacher ( Scott Wis- dom, a cousin of our subject ) for the boys of the neighborhood, including the subject of this sketch paying him out of his own purse the munificent sum of $12 per month and board. Mr. Jones him- self had a large family, and William Jefferson was given a scholarship, and every winter at- tended regularly. While attending school. young Bates worked at various jobs, and at the age of twenty-one years he began to operate a farm in partnership with his brother. November 11, 1867. he was united in marriage with Mathilda 1. Reno, who was born in Browning Township April 12. 1NI, a daughter of Jonathan Reno, an outline of whose life may be found in the sketch of William C. Reno, on another page of this work.

After his marriage Mr. Bates rented a farm in Browning Township for five years, and about INto bought forty arres of land which they soon after sold and bought 206 acres in Section 22. Browning Township. This property was but slightly improved, and although-entirely fenced, it had no gates, and the only building was an old frame one that, in time, succumbed to the flames. Soon after this calamity Mr. Bates erected a two- story modern frame dwelling and eventually made many fine improvements until, with his various additions of land, his farm reached its present proportions of 440 acres, all in Browning Town- ship and in one body. On his place he has main- tained the highest grades of farming, and has set an example of thrift and resourcefulness which members of the younger generation might follow with profit. While living in the village of Browning. he derives a substantial income from his farm, and is able to surround himself and wife with the comforts and refinements which both have worked and struggled for. sometimes under discouraging and strenuous conditions.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bates have been born seven children: William E. a tarmer in Warren County. Il .. who married Annie Hoke, and has -ix children, Grover C .. Mabel. Sammel E .. Henry B., Zchoa and Ernest: Francis E., married Lina Davis and lives in South Dakota : Laura is the wife of Charles Gise, a farmer of Brown- ing Township: Charles L. a farmer on the old Bates homestead in Browning Township, mar- ried Pearl Heffner, and has three children. Ada. Lulu. Bula: Ida J., wife of Charles Heffner, a farmer of Browning Township, and mother of Harold and Geneva Heffuer : Jonathan, lives with his parents; and Blanche. employed by the Browning Mutual Telephone Company. All of the children have practical common school edu- entions, and have been reared to make them. elves useful in their respective spheres of activity. The family enjoys an enviable reputation through- out the county, and is associated with his h ideals, integrity and publie spiritedness. Mr. Bates has made himself a power as an agricul-

HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

turist and a citizen, and has won the confidence and esteem of all with whom he ever has been Identified.

BAXTER, James M .-- Just fifty years previous to the fall of 1906. James M. Baxter came to Schuyler County with fourteen rugged years to his credit and a wealth of wholesome ambitions which since have found expression in the per- suit of agriculture, war, politics and religion. Perhaps the latter may be considered the key- note of the character of this successful farmer. for he has lived it seven days in the work and fifty-two weeks in a year, and now is rounding out his thirtieth year as Superintendent of the Sunday School of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which he joined in the winter of 1961.

Mr. Baxter was born January 20. 1843. in Car- roll County. Ohio, a son of George and Margaret ( Knopster ) Baxter, the latter of German an- cestry. His paternal grandparents were born and married in Pennsylvania and settled in the wilds of Ohio on what was known as "Baxter Ridge." in Carroll County of that State. three of the brothers of the grandfather locating in the same part of the Buckeye State. John Baxter, one of the brothers of George Baxter, left Ohio in the spring of 1554 and settled in Section 6, Huntsville Township. Schuyler County, but fin- ally went to Brown County, Kan. In the fall of 1857, George Baxter brought the rest of his fam- ily to Schuyler County, locating in Section 5. Huntsville Township, in the Military Tract. find- ing there no improvements whatever. During the first winter he occupied a log house pend- ing the erection of a frame dwelling into which he moved in the spring, and this bons, greatly modified and improved throughout the years. ever since has sheltered some member of the Baxter family. The mother died there in 1805, and the father in 1SOS. George Baxter was one of na- ture's noblemen, a man of fine Christian spirit and large heart, and for many years class-leader and Superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday School. He was no less cartest in his support of local politics, and. whereas, he for- merly was a Whig, he later was identified with the Republican party from the time of its orgamiza- tion in 1854. To himself and wife were born five sous and five daughters, of whom Melissa and Mary were twins, the latter dying in infancy, and the former becoming the wife of Mr. Dusher. but at present living with her brother. Harrison Baxter, of Summer County, Kan .: William lives on the old home farm in Section 5. Huntsville Township; Adeline is the deceased wife of Will- iam Logan, and mother of Grace and Gourer Logan : Elmer is a farmer in Logan County. Kan. : Sarah married Jonas Graham and both are de- ceased : George is a farmer in Idaho; am Mar- garet died in infancy.

At the school which his uncle. John Baxter. had established in 1 54. and which was known as the Baxter School, James M. Baxter received his rudimentary education, and this same school bas had as scholars members of the family

If an aonahas The outbreak of the Civil War found the youthful Loans hard at work ou tle f .... for : . conted in Company K. One limcard utal Meternih Ilomais Volunteer In- BIEN. Han gars, and served until the close a day- day, or suffered from serious illness. Was first sent to Jackson. Tenn. Piby G. it was captured and heid until trad. prinring ten to the regiment at Memphis Tonn. It took part in the siege of Viel share. I'm Latte of Meridian, then went up the Rain to Vasant HMM, where during the third day of a half it gave the rebels a sound the shir z. At Vedow Bayou there was a severe fight la the well into the night, after which the sidis embarked by boat for St. Louis, and som alter dr Ne Grueral Price's army out of Misspart. They next wave General Forrest a Tight then at Nashville. Ten .. vhippel General Hood to a finish, entirely ront- it: '. . aring. At Eastport the army came near starving to deal. the One Hundred and Nine- trish the without ration- for ten days, as the com to Had been entirely stripped. Then going Souche they went to Mobile. Ala .. and Fort- Iolovs. and just before the opposing army came up. Mr. Baxter and some of his associates had zone ido the fort. After the surrender of Lee at Atromattox. the company went to Montgomery. Ala. at g Irma there latek to Mobile and finally w .- discharged at Springfield, IN .. August 26.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 56

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