Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 68

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.

beyond the boundaries of the State, and are ship- ped to all parts of the Union.

By the seasoned veteran politicians concerned in the Democratie outlook in Schuyler County, Mr. Foster is regarded as promising vilicial tim- ber. His capacity for public service was em- phatically endorsed in 1906 in his election, by an overwhelming majority, as a member of the lower house from the Thirtieth Senatorial Dis- triet, comprising Tazewell. Mason, Menard. Cass, Brown and Schuyler Counties. In the House Mr. Foster developed rare gifts as a public speaker. championing not only the principles of his party. but showing thorough familiarity with · the needs of the district which he represented. He is prominent socially as well as commer- cially, and is identified with the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows, and Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. November 28, 1900, he was united in marriage to Anna Lee, a native of Schuyler County, and they are the parents of two daughters, Anita, born in 1904, and Lneile, born in 1907. Mr. Foster is a well informed and progressive man, energetic, resourceful, and filled with strong enthusiasm. the conqueror of many of life's obstacles, and an appreciator of the refinements and compensations of existence. Ile is a trustee of the National O. I. C. Swine Breeders' Association, the largest white hog breeders' association in the world. and is at present a candidate for re-nomination as Repre- sentative in the General Assembly.

FOWLER, John C .- At an early period in Schuyler County history, James Fowler, grand- father of John C. Fowler, the latter now one of the well known farmers of Brooklyn Township, came to this then heavily timbered and game filled region and built himself a rabin in a clear- ing. Ile had the sterling traits of the people of New England. among the early representatives of which were some of his ancestors, and he himself bad imbibed his first impressions and early training from Massachusetts, where he was born and spent the impressionable years of his life. Journeying westward in search of larger oppotunities, he pioneered first in Ohio, where he was married and started housekeep- ing, and where some of his children were born, among them John Fowler, the father of John C. The former was a small lad when the family located in Brooklyn Township, and in the year 1849 was united in marriage with Julia Ann Higgins, and of this union four children were born, of whom two died in infancy. Mrs. Mary J. Higgins, another child. died on January 17. 1902, and Ilarrison, the only one of the four still surviving, is a resident of Oxnard, Cal. The mother of these children died April 15, 18. During the year 1857 Mr. Fowler was married to Susannah Mason, and of this second union were born six children. namely: James A., who is a farmer in Morton Counts, Kan. : William II . John C. and H. . Pinkney, who are farmers in Brooklyn Township; Henry Taylor, who died at the age of sixteen, and Dora May, who is the

wife of Jolin Higgins, of Brooklyn Township. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents of this family are now deceased, the former resting in Hackburn Cemetery and the latier, who died within a week of each other, about 1564, resting in Scott's burying ground.

After his marriage, John Fowler and his wife located in Brooklyn Township, and remained there for the balance of their lives. The elder Fowler was a quiet and industrious man, attend- ing weil to his own affairs amt never meddling with those of other people. He was persistently industrious and reaped his reward accordingly, and was honored and rejer I for It's upright- ness and kindliness of character. Politically he was an uncompromising Republican, and was act- ive and helpful in the Methodist Protestant ('Inirch.

The usual tasks, diversions and advantages contributed to the development of John C. Fow- ler, and at the age of twenty-thire years. in 147, he was united in marriage to Alice Glan- don. daughter of John Glandou. one of the pion- pers and prominent farmers of, Brooklyn Town- ship. Mrs. Fowler was born on her father's farm in 1502, and is the mother of three chil- den : Minnie Maude, born January 24, 1SSS; Serena May, born June 3, 1801 ; and Dwight L. born July 19. 1595. Mr. Fowler settled after his marriage on a farm he had previously purchased in Section 16. Brooklyn Township, and for twelve years was increasingly successful at general farming and stock raising. In 1990 he moved to what was known as the Glandon farm. also in Section 16, and which at that time had a small frame house but no barus. He at once Imean the improvement of this property. renewed the fences, erected shelter for his stock, and in 1907. having prospered in the new location, put up one of the finn stand best equipped rural rosi- dences in Brooklyn Township, With his wife he now is the owner of 225 acres of tillable land. provided with the best of modern Improvements and facilities for raising the stock and produce best adapted to this part of Illinois. From the time of his birth on the old Fowler farm in Brooklyn Township, February 1. 1864. Mr. Fow- ler has known no other field of activity than his prosent surroundings, and in them he has fond ample opportunity for working out a sane and wholesome destiny. For many years he has lwen a supporter and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a conscientious voter of the Republican ticket.

GARRISON, George .- The State of Illinois is noted throughont the country for its thorough- bred live stock. its Durham cattle having even more than a national reputation. The day has long passed since the live stock industry was conducted in a haphazard manner ; when the rattle. horses, sheep and swine were turned loose to get their living at their own sweet will, and land which was too poor to cultivate was given up to them. Their wants are now fore- stalled and met almost as if they were human

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beings, and their breeding and raising are con- dueted along carefully considered and scientific lines. There are few citizens of Illinois to whom this grand development in agriculture can more justly be attributed than to the late George Garrison. the pioneer of Littleton Township. Selmyler County, who, through his sturdy labors and rare management, became one of the leading farmers and live stock men of Central Illinois. Ho was the first to introduce thorough-bred Dur- ham cattle into Schuyler County, and was also very prominent in improving the breed of horses and hoes.

Mr. Garrison was born in Butler County, Ohio. on the 16th of June, 1509. the seventh child of Jonathan and Mary Garrison. lle remained at home only until he was ten years of age, when his mother died, and as the family was large and the father in poor circumstances, George com- menced to earn his own living at an age when most boys have not long been in the school room. While still in his 'toens, he applied to a man by the name of Giphart for work of any kind, and was assigned the task of chopping wood and clearing land at four dollars per month. Ile elung to this task until something better offered. which proved to be chopping wood at twenty cents per cord, and at this, and similar work, he continued until he was about sixteen years of age, when he abandoned it for labor on the Miami Canal. After being thus employed for a year, he obtained a situation in a distillery at a salary of eight dollars per month, and during the two years of his work there saved a small sum of money, which he laid aside for further use. His farm work for the succeeding two years brought him nine dollars per month, and his next employment as superintendent of a distillery was at an advance to pleven dollars per month, the young man holding his position during the life of the business, which proved to be eighteen months. Through his persistent labor and self- denying economy he had now saved enough money for the purchase of two colts, but after keeping them for some time he abandoned this first live stock venture in favor of a patent right. of which he finally last complete control, leaving him experience as his only asset. This proved to him of the utmost valne, as he never thereafter ventured into the ways of speculation in an un- familiar field.

At this epoch in his life Mr. Garrison decided upon the course which has anchored so many other young men ina bright and prosperous haven; be determined to get married and settle down to found a home and household. To this end he borrowed twenty-five dollars for the pur- chase of his wedding suit. and on March 10. 1830, was united to Miss Sarah Vaile, like him- self a native of Butler County, Ohio. She was a daughter of Henry and Permelin Valle, and born on the 15th of November. 1810. After his marriage. Mr. Garrison rented land. and. through a friend, procured a team of horses, thereby har- vesting two crops. But his progress was too slow In such a conservative and thiekly settled State

as Ohio, and, hearing many favorable reports of the prosperity of Illinois, concluded to seek a home in tis prairies of that new country. where Inunid was cheap and where energy and enterprise Were at a premium. Accordingly, in September. 1833, with his family, consisting of his wife and two children, he started overland for Central Illinois, and on the 5th of the following October arrived on the banks of Sugar Creek, Schuyler Comoy, and drew up his team in prepara- tion fora permanent residence. At this time he possessed two horses and a wagon and $3; of hard-earned cash. Ile immediately traded one of his horses and his wagon, with one hun- dred doFars in money, for a claim of 2 10 aeres on Snaar Creek, and established his household in a little log cabin, and in the succeeding fifty- four years saw his family circle expand by the addition of nine children ;only one of whom diedi, reared his sons and daughters to ways of industry ind morality, and, with the continous improven em of his property and the splendid growth of his live stock interests, became one of the most prosperous and prominent men of Con- trid Inibois. Mr. Garrison entered this first tract of and at one dollar and twenty-five cents per det. I growing the purchase money of Jacob Sharp, of Fulton County. Il .. and paying him thisty for cent interest for the loan. lle re- mained there for seven profitable years. after which he seid the property and bought a farm in Soption 26. Littleton Township, Schuyler County, addie to it. periodically, until he was the owner of Slo aeres in a body, and all within the town- Ship. For many years before his death this was considered one of the finest farms in Central Illinois, especially for live stock. Ilis boss and useful life ended June 6. ISST, and the good wife, to whose womanly care and faithful man- acomment he gratefully accorded much of his sue- ross in life, followed him to the Great Beyond on the 6th of October. 15$8. For many years they had been earnest members of the Christian Church.

On the 10th of March, 1880, the popular and venerable couple had celebrated their golden wed- ding. upon which occasion they received many testimonials of affection from children. grand- children and old-time friends. Perhaps the most unique feature of the anniversary was the pre- sentation by the white-haired bridegroom to his great-grandson, Ebenezer Cordell, of the coat. for which he paid in borrowed money but in which he so proudly stood when he was married to the faithful woman of his choice, fifty years before.

Mr. Garrison was a life-long Democrat. casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson in 1926. He was a consistent voter. but never engaged in polities as an office-secker. Except to be known as a thorough and progressive agriculturist. he was unambitious in life, and that aim ho ac om- plished to the full. IT was a moral and helpful character in all the walls of life, and his domes- tie relations were ono! led by the most carnest solicitudle for the comfort and general well-being of those dependent upon him. In a word, he was

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

a large hearted and strong minded man. whose vondnet was always _uided by the moral princi- ples of Christianity.

During their long and happy married life ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. George Garrison, the first two being ratives of Butter County. Ohio, and the other eight of Schaster County, Il. They were as follows: Mary, now the wife of David Fox, a resident of Coffee County, Kan .; muy, who became the wife of Ebenezer Vaile, both of whom are deceased ; Per- melia, Mrs. James Beck, of Brooking. S. D .; Henry, who lives at Industry. MeDonangh County. Il. ; Margaret, wife of Aaron Shusley. of Lewistown, Ill. ; George, who also lives in li- dustry. Il. ; Rebecca, wife of John Forsyth, who resides in Missouri : Amelia, who became the wife of George Kirkham, farmer of Littleton Township: Frances, who died at the age of nine years ; and William E .. whose sketch is elsewhere . published. At the time of the writing of this work ( fall of 1907) there were eight living children, sixty-nine grand-children and eleven great-grand-children.

GARRISON, William E., one of the most sue- cessful and best-known farmers and stock raisers of Sehuyler County, Ill., is a native of the county, having been born in Section 26, Littleton Town- ship. March 25, 1851. He is a son of George and Sarah (Vaile) Garrison, the latter born Novem- ber 15, 1810, and died October 6. 1SSS. The ca- reer of George Garrison is portrayed in a sep- arate record appearing in this connection, and details concerning his family are therein given. The youth of William E. Garrison was passed on the home farm, and his education was received in the district schools of Littleton Township and in the Rushville school. On Jammary 15, 1873, he was married to Elnora Leggy, who was born in Lincoln County. W. Va., February 26, 1532, a daughter of Lewis and Melvina (Finch) Leggy. In ISSO, her parents went from West Virginia to Ohio, and subsequently located in Missouri. Thence, in 1571, the family came to Schuyler County. Ill., settling in Littleton Township, and moving some time afterwards to Buena Vista Township, and there her mother died.

After their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Garrison made their home on the old homestead nutil 1890, and there the births of all their children occurred, as follows: Della. born August 10. 1873; Charles, born November 9. 1874: James W., born September 14, 1877: Nota A .. born Jan- nary 19: 1SSG; and George L., born April 2, 1550. Della is the wife of Charles W. Young, a farmer in Buena Vista Township, and they are the pa- rents of two children-Edmond Dewey and El- nora L .: Charles, who is also engaged in farm- ing in the same township. married Grace Ellis: James W. married Mary Grier, by whom he had one child, Maurice J. born on the paternal farm in Section 25. Littleton Township: Nora 1 .. is the wife of Harry Settles, a farmer in Rushville. and has two children-Madeline Clarice and Harold G .; and George L. is at home. In 1890,

Mr. Carrison bought i tract of land adjoining Rusaville on the month, where he has since lived. lle is now the owner of St acres of some of the jest land in Littleton Township, bring in Suction 25, besides having a lander of town lots in Marshall. Logan County, Okla. He has a very fine home, and is one of the lead ug farm- ers and stock-raisers of Schuyler county, his speciation in breeding being Shorthorn and Red- Polled Angus cattle, and Full banded Durve Jer- sey luzs. ile also keops a mumber of fine Jersey rows for dairy purposes.

Pointi ally, Mr. Garrison has always been a supporter of the Demo cratie paris, and white en- teriaihre no ambition for public office. takes an intelligent and earnest interest in ciste affairs. In all enterprises intended to promote the Wel- fare of the township and county, he has taken an active fart, discharging faithinby the duties pertaining to citizenship. Socially, be is affilia- ted with the Knights and Ladies of Security. lle and his worthy hapmate are members of the Christian Church, and both are recognized as very useful members of the community.

GEER, Benjamin F .- Through the course of a life covering a span of more than one-half cen- tury. Mr. Geer has made his home in Selmyler County, and has risen to the rank of one of the most prosperous and progressive farmers of Browping Township, where he was born in No- vemuber of 1852. and where the responsibilities of patriotic citizenship have been efficiently dis- charged. In the course of his life it has been lis privilege to witness many changes in his lo- cality, When he was a boy he attended school. first in the Sackville district, and later in the Hawkeye distri t. in Browning Township. The seldois of these days were far inferior to those of the present time. Text-books were few, meth- ods of instruction were ernde, teachers were often illy prepared for their duties, and the egnijament of the school was meagre. Along other than educational lines he also has witnessed remark: ble changes, Methods of agriculture have been revolutionized since his boyhood. Hland la- bor has been largely superseded by machinery, and now a farmer has neeu of a fair knowledze of nachanies in order to conduct his work with- out exasperating delays. The telephone and the rural free delivery have brought the world to the farmer's door. All of these improvements he has soon, besides many others scarcely less im- portant.

On the farm on Section 28. Browning Town- ship, where he now resides, Benjamin F. Geer was born. a son of Dyer A. and Anna Eliza ( Arnold) Geer, natives of Hamilton County. Objo. The father was born in ISI and, at the age of twenty-one years, enme to Illinois, settling in Schuyler County in 1522 while the country was yet a wilderness of heavy timber from which the Indians had but recently disappeared. After a time he was joined by his brothers. Sidney and Orvis Geer, and he took up 200 aeres of congress land on Section 28. Browning Township. On his

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claim he put op a cabin and hither brought his bride, who had been orphaned in childhood and had accompanied an older brother and sister from Ohio to Ilinois. She was spared to a good old age, passing away October 6, 1001, sustamed to the last by the firm Christian faith which had been the anchor of bet esther years. The father died in February of ISI5. He, too, had been a sincere believer in the doctrines of Chris- tianity and had endeavored in his lite to exel- plify the teachings of the Savior. During young manhood he had been converted in the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, but later he identified himself with the Christian Church, in which for years he officiated as Sunday School Superimen- dent, and to whose missionary enterprises he was a generous contributor. During the car-t- ence of the Whig party he supported its tenets. On the organization of the Republican party he endorsed its principles and ever afterward sup- ported its men and measures.

In the family of Dyer A. Geer there were nine children, two of whom died in infancy, Those who attained mature years were as follows: James, who is engaged in farm pursuits in F'ul- ton County, Ill. : Sidney A., who settled at At- Janta, Phelps County, Neb. ; and there died about 1901; Melinda, wite of F. M. Skiles, a farmer in Browning Township; Milton, who en- listed in the One Hundred and Nineteenth Illi- nois Infantry during the Civil War and died in the service at Memphis, Ten. ; Hiram, who died on the old homestead in 18 2: Benjamin F., of Browning Township; and Louisa, who married James Brines and resides at Ukiah, Cal. Alter completing the studies of the district schools Benjamin F. Geer attended college at Abingdon, Ill .: and on his return home taught two terms of school in Union district. With his brother lie bought the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead and shortly afterward established domestie ties. being united in marriage, Septem- ber 20, 1875. with Miss Delilah A. Rebman, who was born March 30, 1857. a daughter of John Rebman. ISee sketch of Adam Rehman for the family record).

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Geer comprises the following children: Alena, who was born September 1%, 1876, and married Ray Walton, a farmer of Browning Township, by whom she has one child. Dail: Frederick, who was born Jan- uary 7, 1679, who married Jessie Spillers, and has four children, Burton, Bernice, Clifford and Floyd, their home being on a farm in Browning Township: Ilomer S., who was born January 13. 1881. and married Lusetta Walton. by whom he has two children, Pearl and Ansel; Hiram, who was born Angust 11, 1553. and married Ada Kloker, by whom he has two children, Dorothy and Neil: Leroy, who was born November 10. 1SS5, and married Mabel Haffner; Milton, who was born April 20. ISST: Harland, born De- cember 15. 1800: Annie F .. born January 3. 1895: and Eugene. horn October 15. 1898. Dur- ing 1883 the family erected a large residence on their farm, and thither they removed from the

old cabin home that had been the scenes of many happy gatherings and much quiet enjoyment, The farm orizmaily comprised 157 1-3 acres, but a part of thus Mr. Geer has sold to his children, and now owns eighty-six acres, on which he has ormanar tof and shade trees, also an orchard of one hundred peach and three hundred appie trees. lu former years he was a Republican, but now gives his influence to the Prohibition party, With lus wife he holds membership in the Methodis. Episcopal Church, South, in the up- builling of which he has been actively interested. His conversion took place many years ago when be embra ed the United Brethren faith, but he soon umtai with the denomination to which he now Inyongs. In the twilight of his busy lite, sustained by the recollection of an honorable calleer, cheered by the hope which religion gives, and esteend by the people in whose midst he l'as always lived, he is enjoying the fruits of the busy years of the past and is reaping the reward of a well-spent life.

GLANDON, John A., (deceased),-Substan- tially and prominently identified with the history of Schus ler County from the time of his arrival there in 1856 until his lamented decease on June 22. 1006, John A. Glandon is recalled as a man of Great energy and of peculiar ability as a trader and sportlator, and unquestioned courage and good judgment in pushing his projects to a ste- cossitt reste. Ilis varied and many sided cateer is indiriildy stamped upon the affairs of his en- viromonit. and his unique and forceful personal- ity will not soon be forgotten by those who were privileged to share his friendship or enthusiasm. Mr. Glandon was born in Moorefield, Harrison County. Objo, February 5, 1824, and therefore lived to be eighty-two years, four months and seventeen days old.

The son of William Glandon, who was born in 1750, and of the latter's wife, Naney Magdalene ( Peacock) Glandon, Mr. Glandon's maternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary War who had laid his claim warrant for 160 acres of land on the historie Mount Vernon home. William Glandon had eleven children, all of whom attained maturity, and one of whom. William, his father's namesake, lives in Mount Pleasant. John A .. in youth had but a limited education. but he developed ingenuity of a high order, and was especially cut in the mold of a trader. Left fatherless at the age of twelve years, and the sole support of his widowed mother, he contracted for employment by a mail. carrier, near Moorefield. Ohio, at five dollars per month-a princely sum for toil in those days and for that kind of occupation. At the same time he delved into everything that promised finan- cial returns, and at one time bought a drove of a hundred turkeys, which he drove to market at Louisville, Ohio, a distance of eighty miles. IJe was fortunate in this venture. notwithstanding that he lost quite a number of birds on the way. When his powers were more matured the trading instinct was still uppermost, and he contracted

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

to build two miles of the Pan Handle Rai'road in Harrison County, Ohio, and then went to the mouth of the Big Sandy River, in Kentucky, and built two miles of the Lexington & Big Sandy Raihoad in each instance making a success of his large undertaking.

Mr. Glandon came with his mother to Schiny- ler County in 1-56, and the mother made her home with him until ista, when during a visit to MeDonough County, she sickened and died at the age of seventy-two years. In Schuyler County Mr. Glandon bought 125 acres of land in Section 21, Brooklyn Township, paying therefor $13 per aere, the land having on it a rude log cabin but no other improvements. Ile cleared practically all of this land, built a barn forty by seventy feet with basement, and also cattle barns, hay- ing stalls for a hundred head of stock. In 1>52 he bought the Brooklyn Mills, which be rebuilt and fitted with modern grist machinery, and which proved a fine success. Previous success enabled him to invest in almost any enterprise in the county, and all of his means were gotten legitimately and without the sacrifice of priuci- ple or eneroachment on the rights of his fellow men. At one time he owned 900 acres of land. and was a large raiser of sheep, having, during the Civil War. 1,700 head of Merinos, the wool of which netted him a dollar a pound. In 1865, in company with William Horney, he went to Graystone, Texas, with a team of horses after an old couple that had become stranded, travel- . ing without a unirmur a distance of 2,000 miles. The task was arduous and the way dangerous in those days of civil strife, and the men heaved a deep sigh of relief when they again landed in the county with the old couple in safety. Nor did this venture represent the extent of his thoughtfulnss and kindness to others, for his hand was ever in his pocket, aud he gladly gave whenever the cause had the least semblance of justifiability.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 68

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