Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 66

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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On February 25, 1574. Mr. Dodds was wedded to Miss Naney A. Ward. who has borne him eleven children, namely : Julia. now the wife of William Malcomson, a farmer of Rushville Township. Schuyler County; Oren, a farmer of Bainbridge Township, who married Margaret Bellamy : Alma, wife of Bert Gabbert, a resident of Beardstown, Il .: Curtis, living on the old home farm; Herbert. who died in infancy; Mabel, who, with filial affection and rare jude- ment. is devoting her life to the care of fie household and the motherless children: Law- rence, a graduate of the commercial department of the Rushville Normal College, class of 1907;

Margarette and Veretta Jane (twins), the latter of whom died in infancy ; David and Daisy, also twins, the latter dying young.

The faithful mother of this family died on the 15th of June, 1896. She was a devout Christian, and one of the first converts to join the Mount Carmel Church at the meeting held in the Ward school house by the Rev. Mr. Johnson. Mes. Dodd's character was tender, lovable and help- ful. She was always anxious to assist any one in trouble and never waited for an invitation be- fore doing acts of kindness. In the home es- pecially, the beauties of her being blossomed in their fulness; it was always the abode of the Christian woman, where forgiveness and loving Kindness overrode the rigors of stern justice ; and it was here that the full measure of the loss caused by her death is more thoroughly appre- ciated.

DODDS, Watson, a very creditable type of the younger element among the farming population of Schuyler County, Ill., was born in Bainbridge Township, where his home is still located, on August 31, IST1, He is a son of William J. and Josephine ( llatfield) Dodds, natives of Ohio and Illinois. respectively. The paternal grand- parents. Sammel and Margaret Dodds, were orig- inally from Ireland and the grandparents on the maternal side, Charles and Mary ( Lamaster ) Hattiell. born in Kentucky, were among the pioneer settlers of Schuyler County, their advent in this region dating back to 1821. The career of Samuel Dodds and that of William J. Dodds are portrayed in separate narratives, published in this series of personal records.

Watson Dodds was reared upon the paternal farm, receiving his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. Atter assisting in work upon the home place until he was abont Twenty years of age, he commenced farming for himself on property owned by his father-in-law. on Section 15, Bainbridge Township, where he remained seven years. In 1.OS he purchased 140 apres in Section 15 of the same township. which he improved and developed it into a very desirable farm. This place he disposed of in 1906, buying eighty acres in Section 14, Bain- bridge Township, the purchase price being $110 por tere. It is one of the choicest so-acre tracts in the entire township, and was bought for use as a permanent home. Mr. Dodds raises a fine grade of horses and cattle, and a pure breed of Poland-China hogs. Formerly. he belonged to the Patrons of Husbandry, and for a considera- Me period. was Master of the Grange. A thor- oughly practical farmer. with strong common sense, and sound judgment, he combines all the qualities of a successful agriculturist. He is the bearer of one of the leading names in his locality, the Dodds family having been long and conspicuously identified with the growth and prosperity of this portion of Schuyler Comty.

On July 9. 1802, Mr. Dodds was united in marriage with Eva A. Strong. who was born in Illinois on December 15, 1572, a danghter of

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

Thomas Q. and Angusta Strong. natives of lli- nois and New York respectively. Two Phil- dren have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dodd4, namely: Iva B., born March 1. 1-05, and Forrest L., born June 4, 1505.

In polities, Mr. Dodds is an earnest supporter of the Democratic party, and one of the must active political workers of the townships L'or two years, he held the office of Collector and served as School Treasurer eight years. lle and his wife are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, South, and both are held in high esteem by many friends.

DODDS, William J., a farmer of sterling char- acter and recognized merit, who has been a resi- dent of Selmyler County, Ill .. for fifty years, and pursues his wonted occupation in Section 23. Bainbridge Township, was born in Mahening County, Ohio. December 25, 1849, a son of Samuel and Margarette ( Wilson) Dodds, natives of Ireland. Details in regard to his father's career, and further particulars relating to the family history, may be found in the biographical sketch of Thomas Dodds appearing elsewhere in this connection. William Dodds was brought to Illinois by his parents when he was nine years old, and here received his education in the dis- triet schools and assisted in the work of the home farm until the time of his marriage. After that event he followed farming on rented land for a number of years. In 1876, he bought a farm in Section 23, Bainbridge Township, which has been his home ever since. He owns forty-two peres. operates, in all, 122 acres, and is considered a thorough and systematic farmer.

On Angust 14. 1870, Mr. Dodds was united in marriage with Josephine Hattichl, who was born in Schuyler County, August 11, IN49. a daughter of Charles and Mary ( Lameaster) Hatfield, na- tives of Kentucky, who were among the earliest settlers of Schuyler County, arriving about the year 1824, When they located in Bainbridge Township, Indians were much more numerous than white people in this region, and even after the marriage of Mrs. Dodds, traces of the wan- dering tribes were visible in every direction. Charles Hatfield died at the home of his son, Hugh Hatfield. in Bainbridge Township, at the age of eighty-six years, while his widow died at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Dodds, when eight-seven years old. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dodds, as follows: Watson, Charles. Frank. Grover, and Grace A. .1 biographical record of Watson Dodds appears elsewhere in this connection. Charles Podds. who married Bertha Newell. is a stock-freder in the vicinity of Jacksonville. Ill .: Prank is at home: Grover, who married I.'IN Herron, is en- gaged in farming in Bainbridge Township, and is the father of three children. Zilpha. Ben!ah and Sarah: and Grace is with her parents.

In politics. Mr. Dodds is a supporter of the Democratic party. and has rendered ereditable servier in various township offices, Ile has lived in Schuyler County since 1 5%, and has faithfully

discharged the duties of a useful citizen, doing his share to promote the development of the locality, and always being identified with the best interests of the community of which he is it respected member.

DODGE, J. Reuben, a very worthy and credita- ble type of the younger cheinent of the agricul- tural class in Schuyler County, IL., who is liked and respected by his neighbors in Littleton Township, and enjoys the confidence and good will of all who have dealings with him as a farmer and stock-raiser, was born in the same Township, September 20, ISTT. Mr. Dodge is a son of John S, and Rachael ( Moore) Dodge, of Mehran County, IN,, and his grandparents on the paternal side were Solomon and Elizabeth ( Springer) Dodge. Of the children of John S. Inder and wife, three sons and three daughters are still living, the subject of this personal ree- ord bring the fifth in order of birth. Both parents are well known and highly ostremed citizens of Littleton, where they now reside.

In carly youth. Reuben Dodge received his education in the common schools of Littleton Township, remaining at home until he reached the age of twenty-one years. Shortly after at- taining his majority, together with his brother Truman he rented a farm of 230 acres, on which he lived five years. Subsequently, he located ou the ro's farm in Section 16. Littleton Township, his father having withdrawn from active busi- noss in March, 1907. The farm consists of 160 acres, well improved and in good condition. Be- sides general farming. Mr. Dodge devotes con- siderable attention to raising horses, cattle and hozs, and profitable results attend his efforts.

On October 20. 1906. Mit. Dodge was united in marriage with Florence Esther Sweeney, who was born in Camden Township. Schuyler County, 111 .. May 29. 18$5. Mrs. Dodge is a daughter of Jolin and Lucretia (Lake) Sweeney, and her father is a prominent and successful farmer of Camden Township. She received her education marily in Kennedy's Normal School at Rushville, Ill .. also pursuing a course of study in Michigan. in the High School at Flint. For some time, she was a teacher in the district schools in Schuyler County.

Politically, Mr. Dodge is a supporter of the . Republican party, and takes a good citizen's in- terest in public affairs. He and his amiable wife are regarded as among the most estimable jeugdle of the locality.

DOYLE, Simon (deceased), than whom no farmer of the early days in Schuyler County, Ill .. was more worthy or more deeply ro-pected, a citizen of eminent usefulness and a man of Hanneless life, was born in Maysville. Ky .. Sep- tember 20. 1921. Tle was a son of Edward and Tane (Dickson) Doyle, natives of Kentucky, where his father was born in 179%. At an only day Edward Doyle came from Kentucky to Vermilion County, Il. during the 'thirties and thence removed to Rushville. Schuyler County,

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

In early life Simon Doyle followed the cooper's trade. continuing in this orupation and is !. excep' during the period in which he was en- gaged in the Mexican War. On May 26. 1917. he enlisted in an independent cavalry comp my. of which he became Second Lieutenant midler Capt. Adam S. Dunlap, and saw service in the field under Brig. Gen. John B. Wooi. the com- pany being mustered out November T. ISIS. His widow, who still survives. is one of the few pensjoners for service rendered by some member of their family in that war.

On September 2. 1899, Mr. Doyle, with a large party from Schuyler County. left Rushville for the gold fields of California, and there was engaged in quest of precious metal from 1- 19 until 1852, being among the fortunate ones whose labors were rewarded with stevess. Returning to Illinois in 1852, he made but a brief sojourn in Rushville, when buying a lot of cattle and horses he started to drive them through to the Pacific Coast. When he reached the Indian country the drove was stampeded. and 12 head of cattle were lost. Finally arriving at his des- tination. he made a profitable sale of the re- mainder of his stock, but in the meantime had bought a ranch, which he was obliged to sell at a loss. In the fall of 1856, he bought out the interests of the other heirs of his father's es- tate. This consisted of 160 acres lying in Sec- tion 1, Buena Vista Township, where he made his home until the time of his death. Jan- uary 14. 1555. He was a man of great force of character. and while firm in his opinions. was tolerant in regard to the views of others, recognizing fully in all, the innate right to entertain views contrary to his own. He was animated by the most kindly impulses. generous to the needy. and hospitable to all. No one in destitution or straitened circumstances was ever turned from his door empty-handed. In all his relations, public and private. he illus- trated the virtues proverbially characteristic of the genial. chivalrous, sincere and honorable Kentucky gentleman.

On August 5. 1856. Mr. Doyle was united in marriage with Mildred Bagby, who was born in Glasgow, Ky., a daughter of Sylvanus M. and Frances (Courts) Bagby, natives of Virginia. Three children blessed this union, namely : Charles M. Edward M. and John B. The oldest son, Charles M .. was born July 30. 1957. on the homestead farm. where he wow resides. and which has always been his home. He received his education in the district schools, the Rush- ville public school. and Eureka College. Edwar l M .. born September 27. 1819. married Carrie M. Lambert, and lives in Rushville. Before his marriage he and his brother had joint charge o' the home farm. John B. was born Time 12. 192. and died in Joplin. Mo .. September 21. 1.09. Ile enlisted in the Itab Regiment of Volunteer Light Artillery during the Spanish-American War and served as Corporal, being mustered into service July 14. 1598, Charles M. Dovle, the eldest son. bas always made a specialty of

raising Shropshire sheep, and now has more than 100 head of fine, registered stork. He is a prominent and influential citizen, a Dom- orrat in politics, and has twice represented his township on The Board of Supervisors. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the M. W. A. His aged mother, a woman of the most es- timable traits of character, and the object of profound respect on the part of all who know her. still lives with him on the homestead and is on the honored roll of pensioners of the Mex- ican War. She is a devout member of the Christian Church, as was her lamented huis- band.

Simon Doyle was a stanch Democrat in pol- ities, and exercised a strong intluence in local party comeils. He filled various county oflives with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents, having successively served as Treasurer. County Clerk and Sheriff of Schuyler County. In fraternal circles, he was identified with the 1. O. O. F., of which he was a charter member. The loss of such a man was sorely felt throughout the entire community, and his memory is warmly cherished by those who still revert to his broad philanthropy, and his fidelity to the best interests of the locality where the greater portion of his exemplary life was spent.

DYSON, Edwin, editor and publisher of The Rusbrille Tires, is one of the old guard of Ilinois editors, and for more than fifty years h: « been engaged in newspaper work. and for forty years editor of The Times, Mr. Dyson was born in Shaw, Lancashire. England. July es 1%%%, and was the youngest child of James and Hanna Dyson, who emigrated to America in 1×11.

James Dyson, father of the subject of this sketch, was born lime 12. 1509. and was married to llannah Wilson in England, and they came to America with their family of four sons, in company with two brothers and two sisters of Mrs. Dyson. They took passage in a sailing vessel and were thirteen works on the water. landing at New Orleans. Here they met with persons who directed them to Rushville as one of the most promising towys in the new con- try. and they came up the Mississippi and Ili- nois Rivers on a steamboat. and landed at Erie. Schuyler County. continuing their journey over- land to Rushville.

Life on the frontier was a new experience to them as in the old country, Mr. byson had been employed in the textile mills, and soon after arriving in Rushville he started on a pros- proting tour to make a new location. and visited the Galena country, which was then attracting large numbers of settlers. But on his return he was taken ill and died August 4. 1×41. His widow was tlms left in a new country with four young children to care for. but she was one of those self-reliant. sturdy women who sool adapted herself to the customs and manners of her adopted country. She was afterwards

A. P. Rodewald

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

married to Mr. Hampton, and died in Rushville Jannary 6, 1893.

It was in the spring of 1854, that Edwin Dyson began his newspaper career, and he was then apprenticed to Daniel E. I. Johnson, editor of "The Schuyler Democrat," and as office "devil" assisted in getting out the first issue of that paper on April 20, 1551. Two years later, when the paper was sold to George Washington Seripps, he remained an employe of the office and eight years later removed to St. Louis to take a position on "The St. Louis Republican" (now the Republic).

While a resident of St. Louis he was sought by local Democrats to return and take charge of The Times, then owned by a stock company, and in the summer of 1868 he purchased the paper at Sheriff's sale and since July 2. 1.5%. has been editor and proprietor and has placed The Times in the front rank of country news- papers.

While always upholding the principles of Demoerney, Mr. Dyson has not figured con- spicuously as a politician, and his term of po- litical office-holding has been limited to two terms as County Treasurer.

On April 2. 150. Mr. Dyson was united in marriage to Mary Frances Irvin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Henderson Irvin, who emigrated from Kentucky in 1815. , Mr. Irvin's parents, Starling and Elizabeth ( Leysher) Irvin. had located in Littleton Township as early as 1839, coming from Garrard County, Kentucky. They were of Scotch deseent and removed to Kentucky from Nova Scotia.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dyson, and they are all living. Jennie L. was married to Dwight E. Ray, who died February 27. 1SSS; Orion E. was married to Miss Jessie MeCorkle, and now resides in Chicago; Howard F. is associated with his father in editing "The Times."

DYSON, George .- I'pon the sound judgment. sagacity, integrity and faithful devotion to duty of the directing heads of the ummerons private banking institutions which aremimodate the financial needs of the rural population, depends. in a large degree, the general prosperity of the sections where these institutions are located. In this respect the city of Rushville. Selmyler County. Ill., and the agricultural district sur- rounding it. are signally favored in the manage- ment of the affairs of the Bank of Schuyler County by one so eminently qualified for that purpose as the well-known gentleman whose name furnishes the caption of this personal narrative, Mr. Dyson was born in Rushville. 11] .. March 2, 1867. He is a son of Joseph and Martha ( Wheelhouse) Dyson. his father having been born in England. in 1981, and his mother in the State of Ohio. in ISI1. His paternal gren-grad- father was of English nativity. as was also Samuel Dyson. his grandidither. on the ma- ternal side, his grandparents were George and Mary (Brown) Wheelhouse, the former born in

Lancashire. England, and the latter in Ohio, his great-grandparents living natives of England. Joseph Dyson was the proprietor of a harness business. During the 'thirties, when a mere boy, be came from England to the Luited States. proceeding to Ilmojs and traveling up the Illi- no .- River to the town of Eric, which was then Jorated below the town of Frederick, but all trace of which is now obliterated. Joseph Dyson settled in Rushville, and became very prominent in connection with local affairs. He was long and conspicuously identified with the develop- nous and progress of the place, and served three terms in the capacity of Sheriff of Schuyler County. He died in INN.

Carrer Dyson received his education in the Rushville Union Schools, and after completing his studies applied himself to leaching. For five years, he taught in the schools of Frederick, Huntsville and Browning, Ill. occupying the position of Principal in each. During the last administration of President Cleveland Mr. Dyson was appointed Postmaster of the city of Rush- ville, and since the expiration of bis term in that office, he has served as Vice-President of the Bank of Selmyler County. to the affairs of which he has diligently devoted his attention as pecivo manager. That he discharges the re- spor sibilities of this important position with marked ability and fidelity, is the consensus of of boon throughout the commercial and financial circles of that portion of the State, and he en- joys the confidence and respect of the business and agricultural elements of Schuyler County to an unusual Patent. Although alsorbingly occupied with the duties pertaining to the man- apon ent of the bank. he finds time to take an wartest interest in the general welfare of his city. In polities, he is a steadfast supporter of the principles of the Democratic Party.

On March 26. 100%. Mr. Dyson was united in marriage to Miss Marie Bassett, of Paris, Mo. Mrs. Dyson is of one of the oldest and most prominent families of Missouri and is a cul- tured and charming lady.

DYSON, Howard F., was born in Rushville, Ill .. December 17. 1870, and has ever since been a resident of that city. He was graduated from the Rushville High School in 1500, and after- wards spent two years at Rose Polytechnic In- stitute. Terre Hante. Ind. On returning home he entered upon new paper work, and has ever since been connected with The Rushville Times,

While engaged in his newspaper work. Mr. Dy- son has devoted some of his leisure time to local historical research. and his "Local Remi- niscences of Lincoln" was published in the Pro- ceedings of the State Historical Society, of which he is a member. His most important service in this line has been rendered as author and editor of the "History of Schuyler County." of which this biographie chapter constitutes a sup- plemental part.

A grauinate of the Rushville High School. Mr. Dyson has over taken an interest in educational

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

matters, and in 1907, he was elected a member of the Board of Education of the Rushville Union School District.

In polities Mr. Dyson has always allied him- self with the Democratic party and has served on the County Central Committee of his party as Chairman or Secretary since 1806, save in the campaign of 1004.

On December 18, 1907. Mr. Dyson was ap- pointed County Surveyor of Schuyler County to till a vacancy, and in 190% has been renominated without opposition for the same office.

On March 27. ISDS, Mr. Dyson was united in marriage to Alice Mary Dearon, of Eastbourne, England. the wedding taking place at the home of the bride's brother in St. Louis, Mo. They have three children: Edwin Arthur, Dorothy May and Marjory Grave Deacon Dyson.

EALES, George H .- The .Eales family is of old Southern stock, George Il. being a native of Ralls County, Mo., born March 19. 1558, a son of James T. and Adelaide ( Lowe) Eales. Both the father and the paternal grandfather were born in Kentucky, the former, with other mem- bers of the family, migrating to Ralls County when he was about six years of age. This trans- fer of the family home from Kentucky to Mis- souri was made in 1810, and in the latter State James T. Eales was married ro Adelaide Lowe, who came of a Virginia stock; in Missouri also occurred the death of the father and the grand- father, who for many years previous has fol- lowed their agricultural occupations.

The children of James T. Eales were all born in Missouri, being the issue of two marriages. His first wife was Adelaide Lowe, as stated. and by this union were six sons and one daughter, of whom George H. was the first born. Albert is living and Charles died at the age of seven years. . Mary J .. now the wife of Isaac E. Groff, and Alfred, are both residents of llan- nibal. Mo., while Justus T. is a farmer of Ralls County, that State, and Benjamin T. is a farmer of Bainbridge Township, Schuyler County. Wil- bur W. Eales, the youngest of the family, is a resident of Watertown. S. Dak., and holds the position of General Agent of the International Harvester Company. The mother of this fan- ily died in Ralis County, Mo .. in 187S.

Mr. Eales' second wife, whose maiden name was Molly Ann Brambles, became the mother of four children: Nellie, now the wife of Otis IIelms, who are residents of New London, Mo .; Otis, who died at the age of fourteen years: Harry, who died when seven years of age; and Otto, who lives in Norfolk. Va., but is now con- nected with the United States Navy, serving on the battleship "Ohio." The mother is making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Helms.

George H. Eales was reared on his father's farm in Ralls County, Mo., was educated in the district schools and remained on the home place until he was twenty-one years of age, when he commeneed to work in the neighborhood for monthly wages, continuing thus employed for

abont a year. In IST he removed to Schuyler County, again securing work as a farm laborer, and on February Ith of that year marrying Miss Sarah Eales, daughter of James Eales, who was his father's cousin. Mrs. Hales was born on the farm now owned by her husband, in Feb- ruary. 1957, and was one of seven children, both 'her parents being honored pioneers of the county. The other members of her family are: Luciana, widow of M. E. Garrison, who is now a resident of Rushville 111. ; Mary Jane, deceased; Madison Kelly, who lives in Indiana : Ant, widow of Horatio Stover, Schuy- Jer County : Josephine, wife of James Madison Armai , and John. a resident of Rushville, living in retirement.

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. George 1I. Eales the former remained on the old home farm for six years, and in 1885 occupied the Girst place in Bainbridge Township, retaining it for four years. In 1889 Mr. Eales rented a farm in Bethel Township, MeDonough County, which he operated for three years, and in 1892 returned to Schuyler County to purchase the old homestead of 200 acres in Section 5, Bain- bridge Township. He has since added many fine improvements to the place, increasing its value and beauty.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 66

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