Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 58

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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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

who was born January 19, 1500; William R., born April 30, 1892; Quintin B., born Ortoler 22, 1805 ; Herman 11., born February 9. IST7; Charles S .. born December 7, 1998; and James Clifford, born December 28, 1901. While not associated with any denomination, Mr. Bilderback gives with a liberal hand to the support of the Presbyterian Church, of which his wife is a mem- ber, and in fact throughout his life has contrib- uted generously to both church and Sunday school work, regardless of denomination. Polit- jeally he is a believer in Democratie principles, and carries out this belief by supporting the can- didates of that party. Socially he is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at ]hintsville, Ill., and of Augusta Camp, Modern Woodmen of America. The fact that Mr. Bilderback has spent his entire life in his present locality makes him guard its interests with a jealous eye, and it is safe to say that no project which has for its object the bet- terment of the community, fails to receive his support, in fact, he has, himself. inaugurated many beneficial measures. He has a hospitable nature. and both himself and wife are surrounded by many friends and well-wishers.

BLACK, Franklin P .- The name of Franklin P. Black is associated with successful agriculture and stock raising, with education. clean pol- ities and other enlightening agencies, and in character with the dignity and honor and abil- ity of a fine old pioneer family established in the wilds of Schuyler County by his grandfather. Richard Black, in 1-25. Mr. Black was born in Littleton Township. Schuyler County, June 13, 1STG. one of the family of four sons and two daughters of William T. Black. who was four years old when brought to Schuyler County from Dubois County. Ind., where he was born in 1821. When Franklin P., was a little over eleven years old ( in 1565), he came with the rest of the fam- ily to the farm he now occupies in Section 11, Woodstock Township, and with the exception of temporary absences. has made this his home ever since.

The youth of Mr. Black was devoted to work on the paternal farm, to attendance at the dis- triet school, and to such diversions and opportu- nities as the neighborhood afforded. At the age of twenty-one years he rented a farm and en- gased in produce raising on his own responsibil- ity. February 2. 1STD. he was united in mar- riage to Sarah Kennedy, born in Woodstock Township April 1. 1 59, a daughter of Isaac and Betty ( Wheelhouse) Kennedy. the former of mixed German and Irish ancestry. the latter coming from Yorkshire, England. when eleven years of age. Isaae Kennedy was born in Ohio and came to Illinois in 15%, settling on a farm in Woodstock Township, where his death occurred March 29. 1SS3. After his death lis wife made her home there with her daughter, Mrs. Black, and there her life esine to an end July 16. 1904. Of the four children in the Ken- nedy family. Z. B., is a resident of Littleton Township. Schuyler County: Robert lives in

Beardstown. Ill .; and Hanna is the wife of Thomas Chalkley, of Lincoln, HI. For two years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Black occu- pied the old Black homestead. then moved to a farm a little to the south, in 1595 locating again in Section 10, where they lived until returning to the Black farm to care for the old folks ju 1895. Their loving care of the couple who bad weathered the hardships of the frontier and ri-en to affluence by reason of toil and good judgment. was thoroughly characteristic of Mr. and Mrs. Black, and the family eirele was narrowed Octo- ber 2. 1900, by the death of the father, and March 10, 1902. by the death of the mother. They were members of the Primitive Baptist Church.

To Mr. and Mrs. Black have been born the following children : William Robert, born May 18, 1851, farming part of the old homestead, and making a specialty of raising and breeding reg- istered Poland-China hogs-is husband of Bessie ( Briggs) Black, and father of Robert Karl Black : Homer, born June 16, 18S4. died October 6, 18S4; and Grover C., born February 15. 1887. graduated from the medical department of Washington University at St. Louis, Mo .. May 28, 19es, and now one of the staff of St. Francis Hospital at Macomb. IN. Mr. and Mrs .- Black have given their children every advantage in their power, and all sustain the family reputa- tion for ability and general worth. William and Grover C. are both graduates of the Rushville Normal School and Business College. At the present time Mr. Black owns 150 acres of land, all of it under a high state of cultivation. He has a large and comfortable rural home, ample facilities for caring for products and stock. and he makes a specialty of Poland-China hogs, Red- Polled cattle, and roadster horses. He is a re- sourceful and practical farmer, accepting such innovations as appeal to his judgment and dis- cretion, and is a constant seeker after the ways which broaden and refine country existence. of unquestioned integrity and more than average business ability, he has received many proofs of confidence on the part of his fellow-townsmen, and in his immediate family he is looked up to as the soul of honor, his settlement of his fath- er's large estate without bond having proved per- fectly satisfactory to all concerned. Mr. Black is a Democrat in politics, and always has refused political position.

BLACK, John Rollo .- The administration of no Superintendent of Schools of Selmyler County has given more general satisfaction than has that of John Rollo Black, the present incumbent of the office. Energetic, practical. and progressive. and thoroughly alive to the needs and possibili- ties of those entrusted to his supervision, this young educator seems to absorb and give out in abundant measure the virile spirit of the prairies. from which he sprung, and over which still broods the indomitable, all conquering influence of the pioneers. Born at Quincy. Ill., February 14. 1877. Mr. Black is a son of John Il., and Teh-

Exames Moore

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

tha (Parke) Black, natives of Illinois, grandson of James P. Black, of Kentucky, and great-grand- son of Richard Black of North Carolina. His ma- ternal grandfather was O. II. Parke of Ken- tucky. The Blacks are of Scotch-Irish descent, and many of the family's numerous representa- tives have been conspicuous in the military. po- litical, commercial and educational affairs of America.

Reared on a farm in the southern part of Schuyler County, to which his parents moved from Quiney in 1882, Mr. Black attended the distriet schools and the Rushville Normal, and from 1897 until 1002 was engaged in school teaching in different parts of the county. During this time he applied himself with such assi- duity that he passed, with excellent standing. the examination for the State teacher's certificate which he now holds. He has been a loyal sup- porter of the Democratic party ever since at- taining his majority, and in 1902 was elected Superintendent of Schools for Schuyler County by a large majority. Though the discharge of this responsibility necessarily is arduous and taxing, Mr. Black finds time and strength for the publication of a school paper called the "Schuyler County School Visitor." which, be- cause of the breadth of the views expressed and the comprehensive ground covered, is proving a moulding factor along educational lines in the county.

On December 25, 1902. Mr. Black was married to Daisy M. Denis, who was born in Rushville, and educated in the public schools and at the Jacksonville Woman's College. Mr. Black is prominent socially, and is identified with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. The life of Mr. Black is dominated by a high sense of responsibility, and by unfaltering devotion to the work for which nature and training have admirably titted him. Hle has sympathy. personal magnetism, and the faculty of getting near to the hearts of the stu- dent class. Ile understands the youth of the land, his ambitions, temptations and possibilities. and therefore can be ot use to fiin.

BLACK, William T., (deceased) .- From 1825 until his death, October 2. 1900. William T. Black was associated with Schuyler County, as a hoy, contributing his small strength to the lifting of pioneer hardships. and, as a man, gain- ing that outlook and. independence which comes of work well done and responsibilities nobly borne. Mr. Black's parents were among the first permanent settlers in Woodstock Township. com- ing from Dubois County, Ind .. where the son was born March 18, 1921. The journey was made with a wagon and team during the stin- mer of 1825, and in a clearing a rude rabin was erected, between the walls of which was enacted a chapter of that history which, with its rude accessories of existence, its demands upon the courage and fortitude of the race, and its ex- pressions of splendid purpose and hope, have

slipped forever into the recesses of a never-to-be ngain, but unforgetable past.

None of the hardships, discouragements, limi- tations or diversions of the carly days of the coumy were absent from the youth of William T. Plack. Far from breaking his spirit or de- velaping discouragement and inertia. they im- Felled to a strong and reliant manhood, to a character the integrity and worth of which never was questioned. and developed a capacity which found its sphere and reward in the hard toil of the farm. During the winter season he walked a long distance to a lug school house. where the common branches were imermingled with a liberal nse of the birch rod. and where the pupils performed all of the tasks, such as sweeping, lighting the fire and bringing in the water. At the age of twenty-five years Mr. Black started on his independent career. renting a farm in Woodstock Township for one year, and then removing to Rushville Township. where he was married, October 30, 1842. to Mathilda Matheny, a native of Morgan County. Ohio, and born March 29, 1823. Mrs. Black's parents were Andrew and Sarah (Harris) Matheny, natives of New England and Virginia, respectively. and they came to Illinois in 1835. purchasing the farm in Schuyler County upon which the balance of their lives was spent. They had four chil- dren and were fairly prosperous, developing one of the fine farms and delightful homes in their township. On both sides of the family there were forefathers who bore their muskets upon the battlefields of the Revolutionary War, and who were closely identified with the agricultural and business activities of the East and South.

In 1849 Mr. Black bought 120 acres of land. built a small frame dwelling, and in ISGS soll this property and purchased 250 acres in Wood- stock Township. In 1969 he built the residence which remained his home for the rest of his life. and carried on geneal farming and stock-raising with increasing success. Of the six children who came to brighten his home, Austin, a farmer of Woodstock Township, married Nancy King. and had one son ; Athalinda is the wife of Rich- ard Kittering, and has two sons: Harriet died at the age of forty-two years: William II. mar- ried Rachel Boiles, and has five sons and two daughters; Richard married Jano Stevens, and has two sons and one daughter: Franklin P. married Sarah Kennedy, and is mentioned else- where in this work. Politically. Mr. William T. Black favored the Democratic party. but was liberal in his views and, especially in local mat- tors, believed in voting for the man irrespective of party. He was honored by election to va- rions township offices, and invariably discharged his duties with courage and fidelity. In his reli- vions views he was a Baptist and a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, and was generons in his contributions to the support of the church and its missions. He was universally respected and many people mourned the passing from their ken of his tine and sympathetic personality.

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

FLACKBURN, Bryson M., one of the oldest residents of Schayler County. IN .. where he has been successfully engaged in farming in Brook- lyn Township. for more than fifty-five years, al- ways maintaining a high standing as a farmer anul as a citizen, was born in ohio, on the dividing line between Hamilton and Butter Counties, Oc- tober 23, 1825. He is a son of James and Neppie ( Sparks) Blackburn, natives of Ohio and Ken- tucky, respectively. The paternal grandfather. Bryson Blackburn. was a Virginian by birth, and Matthew Sparks, the grandfather on the mater- nal side, was born in Maryland. The Blackburns are of Scotch-Irish desrent. while the Sparks family originated in France. James Blackburn, father of Bryson M .. who was a physician and surgeon, was born in 1805. In boyhood he was bound out to learn the tanner's trade, and boot and shoe making. This occupation not being 10 his liking, he turned his attention to medicine, fitting himself for practice under the tutorship of the famous Dr. Thomas of Cincinnati. family came to Schuyler County in ISED, and he soon after acquired a patent for eighty acres of government land in Brooklyn Township, but after locating on it and making boprovements, dis- covered a defeet in the title, another man having a prior claim. He then entered up a trart of 100 acres, which included a part of the site of the present village of Brooklyn. and establishing his residence on it, applied himself to practice as a physician, his practice extending from forty to sixty miles from his home. In course of time ho sold his farm, and bought a tract of 360 arres in Sections 16 and 21. all of which was covered with limber. After clearing a portion of it. he built a large dwelling, which was destroyed by fire eleven years later. Dr. James Blackburn do- parted this life in December. 1852. his wife. who was born in 1804. passing away in 1576. Their family consisted of five sons and four daughters. of whom the subject of this sketch was the sec- ond in order of birth.

What schooling Bryson M. Blackburn was able to obtain was received in the primary schools of Brooklyn Township, and he remained on the home place. taking part in the work until the time of his marriage. He learned the carpenter's trade-in his early youth, and from 1852 to 1859 was engaged in that occupation at Huntsville. Ill., which was his home during this period. I the latter year, he moved to a tract of eighty acres in Section 20, Brooklyn Township, adjoin- ing the village of Brooklyn on the north. The land contained no improvements and was mostly covered with brush. Mr. Blackburn built the honse now occupied by him. 26 by 16 feet. with an ell, and has increased the extent of his landed property by two purchases, adding sov- enty acres in Section 17. which adjoin the orig- inal eighity acres. This place he thoroughly im- proved, continuing his work as a carpenter until 1890. after which he devoted his whole attention to operation of the farm.

On March 18, 1852, Mr. Blackburn was joined in matrimony with Susan F. Overstreet. who

was born in Kentucky, February 15, 1829, a daughter of Buckley and Nancy ( Brumfield) Overstreet, natives of that State. From this uu- ion nine children have resulted, as follows: Kate, born December 22, 1852: James Levi. who lied in infancy : Frances A., born June 10, 1:57; William Frederick, born January 18, 1:59; Nancy Penelope, born October 9, 1860; Mary Minerva, born September 5, 1862; Robert HI0- mer. born July 11, 1864; Elizabeth, born March 22. 1866, who died at the age of nineteen months, and Charles, who also died in infancy, Of the children still surviving, Kate, the eldest daugh- ter, became the wife of Warren Whitson, a resi- dent of Brooklyn. Ill .; Frances A. is at home ; William F. lives in Brooklyn Township: Nancy P. was married to Charles Duell, and resides in Pike County. Il. : Mary M. Mrs. George Kreu- ter) lives at Doddsville, MeDonough County, Il .; and Robert H. follows farming on the home Place.

In politics, Mr. Blackburn is a supporter of the Prohibition party, and has rendered eredita- ble public service in the office of Road Commis- sioner. He and his faithful wife, for nearly three-score years the helpful companion of his joys and sorrows, are communicants of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Both are regarded with the highest respect.

BLACKBURN, Orville, still in possession of his mental and bodily faculties, with scarcely perceptible impairment through waning years, is one of the most vigorous and sprightly survivors of the pioneer period of Central Illinois. When his life began in Schuyler County, which has al- ways been his home except for a brief time in childhood, the region was mainly a wilderness. abinding in wild beasts and game. Wolves, wild dvor, prairie chickens and wild turkeys were plentiful in all directions. In the years succeed- ing his youthful experience, the sexthe, the sickle, the flail. the antique plow, and all the crude contrivances whereby the tedious and laborious process of pioneer farming were carried on, have vanished. These relies of primitive times have given place to the most complete devices in agri- cultural implements and machines that modern ingenuity can design, the low lands have all been drained. the timber has mostly disappeared, vil- lages, schools, churches, stores. public buildings til tasteful habitations brighten the landscape. and still the sturdy pioneer to whom this narra- tive pertains, a forceful reminder of a former generation, pursues the even tenor of his way near the spot where he was ushered into life. But he has witnessed a wondrous transformation, keeping pare with the marvelous development, and doing his full share in pushing forward all the movements that have made his locality what it is today.

Mr. Blackburn was born in Rushville. Seliny- ler County, 10., April 26, 1542, a son of James and Noppie ( Sparkst Blackburn, natives of Ohio and Kentucky respectively. When he was a lit- tle boy his parents moved to Plymouth, Hancock

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

County, Ill., returning five years later to Schus- ler County, and locating in Brooklyn Township, near the village of Brooklyn. In early youth Orville Blackburn attended the subscription schools of those times, and grew up on his fath- er's farm. The latter died in 1852, and Orville remained on the home place with his mother for some years. After his marriage he still took care of the homestead farming until 1566. His mother passed away in 1876. In 1800, to- gether with his brother-in-law, John Henry Walker, he bought a farm, and seven years later. traded his interest in it for 75 acres of land on Crooked Creek bottoms, in the southwest part of Brooklyn Township. To this he afterwards ad- ded eighty acres, and lived there until 1903. Meantime, he and his two sons purchased 270 acres one mile south of Littleton, III .. 50 acres of which were timber land. He worked at the car- penter's trade with his brother. Bryson, doing all the building in this section in early days, and carrying on his farming operations at the same time. He was one of the first grain raisers in this part of the county. In 1903 he sold the farm on Crooked Creek Bottoms, and bought 125 acres in Section 29. adjoining the village of Brooklyn on the east, where he now resides.

The marriage of Mr. Blackburn took place June 22, 1862, on which date he was wedded to Sarah Walker, who was born in Hardin County, Ky., in November, 1537. Mrs. Blackburn, a most faithful wife and devoted mother. is a daughter of Phelix and Rachael (Watts) Walker. natives of the county where her birth occurred. Three children resulted from this union, as follows: Edgar, born July 15, 1805, who lives on the home place; Ama Belle, born in July. 1870, who be- came the wife of James King. of Windom, Kan. : and Ray, born Jamary 29, 1873, who is a resi- dent of Brooklyn Township.

In politics, Mr. Blackburn was identified with the Democratic party until the time of the Civil War, and in recent years, has acted with the Prohibitionists. He has rendered creditable serv- ice on the School Board, and also held the office of Trustee. In religion. he and his excellent wife are adherents of the faith of the Presbyte- rian Church. Both are regarded with profound respeet.

BOICE, John H .- The American progenitor of the Boice family, so long identified with Seliny- ler County. was George Mathew Boice, an Ene- lish soldier, who. upon arriving on this side of the water, espoused the cause of the down-trod- den colonists, and carried a misket through many of the battles of the Revolutionary War. Eventually he cast his fortunes with the State of Virginia, and from there moved to Ohio. in both States following the occupation of farming. A relic of this soldier and pioncer is a bullsove watch, which still keeps good time, and now is the prized possession of his great-grandson and namesake. George Mathew Bode, of Schuyler County.

John Boice, son of the Revolutionary sollier.

and a native of Virginia, came to Schuyler County at an early day. bringing with him his family. which included George Mathew Boice. then a stuall lad who was reared on the Rush- ville Township farm, George Mathew had the average opportunities of his time and place, and upon attaining maturity, married Catherine Nel- son. his childhood paymate, who also had come to the comity with her parents. Henry and Mary ( Tool Nelson, settling in Frederick Township. Catherine Nelson was born in Ohio. The young comple rented a farm north of Rushville after their marriage, and in 1554 bought 120 acres of land in Section 23, Rushville Township, which at that time had few improvements save a few neres of demned land and a log cabin. Here the family lived until the death of the parents, the father dying in 182, and his wife in 1863. They were permitted to witness many changes ere they took their departure. the heavy timber having boon cleared away. and the old log cabin having been supplanted by a frame dwelling of more re- cent construction. Mr. Boice was a Democrat in politics, and with his wife, a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were the parents of six children: Mary C .. who died at the age of three years; John IL .. now operat- ing the old farm ; Augustus R., who died at the age of twenty-three years; Ella. wife of George W. Trone. a prominent farmer and citizen of Rushville : Lizzie May, widow of George S. Har- rington, and a resident of Ashland. Oregon, and George Warren. a medical practitioner of Chi-

Toha Il. Boire, operating the old Boice home- stead. was born within a few rods of where he how lives in Section 23, Rushville Township. April 14. 1852. As the oldest son and living child in the family, he was taught to make him- self useful around the farm at an age when most boys are more interested in pleasure than work, and naturally has succeeded to the entire man- agement of the property. No uncertain aspira- tions have led him away from the occupation of his youth. or lessened in a single degree his ap- preciation of its dignity and worth. He is en- enged in general farming and stock raising. and in the past made quite a fortune out of Berk- shire hogs, which at present he raises only in limited mimbers. He is at present devoting his attention to Angora goats, and has on hand eighteen head of the finest to be found anywhere in this part of the country.

As a Democrat in excellent standing Mr. Roice has held many important township offices, and fraternally is connected with the Modern Wood- men of America. Both he and wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. thus maintaining the family precedent in religion. August 6. 1873. Mr. Boice was united in mar- ringe to Elizabeth 3. Whitsee. a native of In- diana, and daughter of Fred and Eliza ( Souther- land) Whitsre. The Whitsees came carly to Schuyler County, locating in Rushville, where the father died, and whence the mother removed to her present home in Pekin. III. Mrs. Boice

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

has living two sisters and two brothers: Rose, wife of Wesley Boice, of Coffeyville, Kan. ; Mar- garet. wife of James Sweet, of Pekin, Il .; Charles, a farmer in Chalmers Township, Me- Donough County. Il. : and Frank. of Coffeyville, Kan. To Mr. and Mrs. Boice have been born six children, one of whom died in infancy ; Charles married lettie Malatty, and has one child ; Clar- ence is a farmer in Rushville Township; Everett Ray died at the age of eighteen years; Frederick G. is a graduate of the Normal Business Col- lege, class of 1905; Lysle will graduate from the same institution in 1908; and Lulu Elbertine is living at home. Mr. Boice is a conscientious and painstaking int n. his heart over open to the de- mands upon its sympathy and consideration, and his purse-strings drawn in many enuses of char- ity or misfortune.

BONSER, Henry .- A substantial farmer and progressive citizen of Bainbridge Township. Sehuyler County, was born in a little log cabin on the Hill, situated in Section 18. Bainbridge Township, and his birthplace was also the scene of his parents' death. On the home farm. which he operated for many years both before and af- ter his marriage, be resided until 1895, when he removed to his present beautiful home in Section 9. At that time, however, he bought only two aeres of ground, to which he has continuously added until he is the owner of 181 acres, lying in a body and highly improved. llis pleasant and valuable homestead is in both Sections 9 and 16, and as the fine improvements upon it have been the results of his own industry and forethought. he is excusable if he views the place with a large degree of pride.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 58

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