Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 77

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

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The district school of Woodstock Township and the Rushville Normal School contributed to the education of Isaac Lewis. Then, as now. he was an earnest student, and possessed an inquiring and adaptive mind. He early was trained to the practical side of farming, and it was while cutting elover for seed at the age of twenty that his team ran away, and through contact with the machinery he lost both of his

bands. A less sturdy heart would have been crushed by : disaster of this kind, but Mr. Lewis looked on the bright side of his affliction. and resolved that so material a catastrophe should not blight his capacity for usefulness in other directions, Natural resource has overcome al- most all obstacles in connection with his mis- bap, and he has filled many positions of tru-t and responsibility requiring manual as well as mental skill.

The pleasing personality and fine traits of Mr. Lewis won him a wife who has materially promoted bis happiness and success, and who has been an invaluable aid to him in the trans- action of his general and political business. Mrs. Lewis formerly was Miss Della Chitwood, daughter of W. E. and Elizabeth ( Stutsman) Chitwood. the former born in Bainbridge Town- ship, and the latter in Woodstock Township, Selmyler County, H., and who have always been well and favorably known residents of Schuyler County. Carefully reared and practically edu- cated, she is a woman of good sense and refine- ment. Early in life she entered the profession of school teaching and continued in that line with nich sureess, up to the time of assuming her duties as deputy in the office of the County Clerk. in connection with her husband, in which she is at present engaged.

Mr. Lewis bas voted the Democratic ticket ever since attaining his majority, and as a politi- cal servant of the people has found an important and iuttuential field of activity. lle was for eight years Assessor of Woodstock Township, and now is finishing his third torm as County Clerk, having been elected to that office first in 1SOS. His last election was November 6. 1906, when a gratifying majority testified to their appreciation of his integrity and ability by giving him their vote. In fraternal circles he enjoys envialde popularity, and is a member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, Willard En- campment, Knights of Pythias and Rebekas. In religion he is a Presbyterian.

LICKEY, John Wesley .- The successful fun- eral director of the first years of the twentieth century is a long way removed from his proto- type of even a decade ago. While members of the profession can seemingly never attain the results achieved by the Egyptians, whose art was inspired by their belief in bodily as well as spiritual immortality, science more and more is coming to the aid of the present generation of embalmers, creating out of what formerly was crude and repellant, an art and science - com- bined. Representatives of this latter-day ad- vancement is the business of J. W. Licker & Company. of Rushville, who, in connection with the conducting of funerals, embalming. and sup- plying caskets and other burial paraphernalia, carry a varied stock of art goods, and mouldings.

John Wesley Licker. establisher of the pres- ont firm, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, December s. 1852. and is a son of Wilson and Ilannah (Hill) Lickey, natives also of Ohio.

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

Mr. Lickey is named for his grand-fathers, John Lickey and Wesley Hill, the former of whom was born and spent his entire life in Ohio. while the latter came at an early day to lili- nois, locating in the vicinity of Brooklyn. In 1849 Mr. Ilill went to Pike's Peak, Colo., to en- gage in gold mining, and while there his wife died. a fact which rendered his home-coming inexpressibly sad. Ile survived for several years, however, his death finally occurring in Warren County. 111. Wilson Liekey came to the vicinity of Brooklyn, Ill., in 1855, when John Wesley was three years old, and in 1861 removed to Vermont Township, Fulton County, where he followed general farming and stock-raising until 1867. Hie then bought the Schenk farm near Brooklyn, Schuyler County. and died there in 1896, leaving to the wife who survives him. and who still occupies the old place, a splendidly improved and valuable prop- erty. Wilson Lickey and wife had seven chil- dren, one of whom died in infancy. The oldest son. James William, lives on the old place; Newton and Abraham (twins) have farmis ad- joining the old homestead in Brooklyn Town- ship; Jane is the wife of Leroy Swift, a farmer of MeDonough County. IN. : and Emma lives at home with her mother. Mr. Lickey was a quiet. unpretentious man. a Republican in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He led a well balanced and industrions life, and was highly respected by all who knew him.

The oldest in his father's family, John Wesley Lickey, early assumed prominent responsibility upon the home farm. and largely through the application of his leisure to studions pursuits. acquired a liberal and practical education. March 30, ISTS, he married Mary M. Arick, step-daughter of William Loring. Mrs. Lickey was also born in Ohio, and lost her father, Henry Ariek. in the Civil War, he having en- listed in an Ohio regiment, and through expos- ure while waiting on the sick contracted the ill- ness which proved fatal. Mrs. Lickey came to Illinois with her mother who subsequently be- came the wife of William Loring. She received an excellent education in the district and nor- mal schools of Rushville, and after completing her training, was for several years one of the popular and successful educators of Schuyler County. Mr. and Mrs. Mickey began house- keeping in Brooklyn Township, and at the end of five years, having sold their farm located in Rushville, where Mr. Lickey followed his early trade of carpentering and building until about 1SSS. Ile then engaged in the grain and eleva- tor business with J. B. Stewart & Company, and in 1892 removed to Industry, and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. So success- ful was he in this line of activity that. in 1996. he sold out his business in order to move to a larger city, and in 1998 hs purchased the stock of the People's Furniture Company. operating the business under the firm name of Liekey & Reece. Mr. Reece was a graduate embalmer. and at the time of his death, May I, 1901, was

greatly missed as one of the best exponents of Ins occupation in Schuyler County. The firm then was changed to J. W. Lickey & Company. the junior partner beig Robert A. Lawler, son- in-law of Mr. Lickey, and husband of his only child, Myrtle Lickey. Mrs. Lickey also is a practical embaliner, and has been of great as- sistance to her husband in promoting his busi- less. Mr. Lickey is a member of the Embalni- ers Stilte Association, and stands in the first rank of those who follow his necessary calling. lle has a finely equipped establishment, and his patronage is recruited from all parts of the township and county. He is a believer in hon- est method- and fair representation, and has won out solely through his grit and determina- tion, and rare common sense. Socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd IN Rows. Mystic Workers, Rebekas, and Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Lickey is also a member of the Rebekas, and both are connected with the Presbyterian Church.

LITTLE, George .- Born February 9, 18OS; died March 5, 1896. Of the early settlers who emte to Schuyler County in its formative period. there were ow indeed who exerted a morp po- tent force in the commercial life of the commun- ity than did George Little. His life was an illus- tration of the masterful control of early limita- tiens, such as was the lot of the pioneer settlers, and the wise utilization of ordinary opportuni- ties that were available to the many, but grasped by few. For more than fifty years his career was identibed with the business interests of Rushville, and his name will long be remem- bered after the present generation has passed away. Mr. Little was accompanied by his par- ents and became one of the builders of Rush- ville, and lived to see the city achieve its mod- ern in.provements in which he played no small part.

George Little was born on a farm near Colum- bia, Lancaster County, Pa., February 9. 1SOS, and was of Scotch-irish ancestry. His father, Jeunes Little, was born in County Tyrone, Ulster, Ireland. in 1786, and his paternal grandfather, James Little-or Lytle, as the name then was spelled-was a native of Scotland. llis mother's maiden name was Rebecca Greer.

It was in 1836 that Mr. Little made his first visit to Rushville and he journeyed from the East on horseback to look the country over, and was so well satisfied that he returned the follow- ing year making the journey by way of the Ohio and Illinois Rivers. At this early day Mr. Little was young, energetic and resourceful and, seeing the possibilities of a mercantile career, at once engaged in business in a small way. Later he formed a partnership with Dr. Adam Dunlap, and conducted a store on the east side of the public square. His store conformed to the ideal of merchandising in those days and was a motley collection of groceries, wearing apparel. drugs and sundries. Ils crudeness and crowded appearance disappeared, however,

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

with the improvement of the community, and at all times arose to the emergency created by an increase of population and r finement of ideas.

In May, Istt, the firm of Little & Ray was formed, which continued until the death of Mr. Ray in Iss1. For a time this firm did business on the south side of the square, and Mr. Thomas Wilson was admitted as a partner, but in 1953 the stock was removed to the present location of The George Little store. a handsome three-story building erected by the founder of the business in IS91.

The firm of Little & Ray did a tremendous business in early pioneer times, and in addition to general merchandising they engaged in pork- packing, and later established the first bank in the city, the history of which is given in the history of the county.

In his Imsiness affairs Mr. Little took keen pleasure and, at a time in life when most men would have sought pleasure in rest and reerea- tion, he found his greatest satisfaction in direet ing the business he had founded, and which is to- day continued under his name as an incorporated company.

On September 1, 1840, Mr. Little was married to Miss Jane Lloyd, of Pittsburg. Pa. To them were born three children only one of whom, Mrs. Mary Scripps, lived to reach adnit age. but who died in 1874, leaving two young sons, John Locke and George Henry Serippe, to Mr. Little's vare. . February 16, 1852, he was again married. this time to Miss Lydia Elizabeth Scripps, who died March 4. 1906. To them were born tive children, and the surviving ones are: John S., Grace and Virginia E.

During his long and active life Mr. Little lived close to high ideals, and his citizenship was such that it imparted strength and substantiality to every undertaking in which his worth and ability were enlisted. He was companionable and well posted, observing the world from a wide range. and ever retained his faith in the goodness of mankind and in the existence of opportunity for all who seek it. A man of strong purpose. steady application and keen perception. he forged his way to the front by his own unaided efforts, and his long. busy lite contributed much to the commercial prosperity of the city and county which constituted the theater of his activ- ity. In manner he was quiet and mostentations, avoiding all publicity and craving no official or political recognition : and yet he was over ready to lend his personal support to every industrial and social movement that was for the best in- terests of the community. In polities Mr. Little Was a supporter of the principles of the Repub- lican party. and participated in its first organi- zation in Schuyler County and maintained his allegiance to the party's principles to the end of his life.

LITTLE, John Scripps .- Of the men who are lending dignity, strength and speriat qualifica- tions to the banking business in Rushville, none are held in higher esteem than John Scripps

Little. Mr. Little is forty-two years old, having been born in Rushville February 23, 1St, and substantially more than twenty years of his busi- ness life have been devoted to the study of mone- tary science. He was educated in the public schools, and early developed a taste for the kind of routine and precision which are among the most valuale assets of the embryo banker, in 1554 entering into the banking business practic- ally in connection with the Bank of Rushville. He is a man of pleasing personality, and has the faculty of making and keeping friends. Socially he is connected with the Masons, and is a ntem- ber of the Union League and Hamilton Clubs of Chicago. He is a Republican in polities, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Little is of Scotch-Irish-English ancestry, a son of George and Lydia E. (Scripps) Little. the former a native of Columbia, Pa., and the Jatter born in Jackson, Mo. His paternal grand- parents were James and Rebecca (Greer) Little, the former born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and his paternal great-grandfather was James Little, or Lytle, as the name then was spelled, who was born in Scotland, married a Miss Martin, and settled in County Tyrone, Ireland. The mater- nal grandparents of Mr. Little , were George llenry and Mary ( Huler) Scripps, natives of London, England, and Tennessee, respectively, and his maternal great-grandparents were Wil- lian Armager and Grace ( Locke) Seripps, natives of England, the former born in the quaint cathedral town of Ely.

LINCOLN, Charles, a greatly respected veteran of the Civil War, who was formerly engaged in farming in Littleton Township, Schuyler County. Ill., but in recent years, has been a resident of the village of Littleton, where he lives in retire- ment from active pursuits, was born in Brook- lyn. IN., June 15, 1814. Mr. Lincoln is a son of Jefferson and Sarah ( Ryan) Lincoln. Jefferson Lincoln was a soldier in the Mexican War, and after returning from Mexico, he went to Cali- fornia, joining the eager throug of men who made their way to the gold fields in 1849 in quest of the precious metal. When starting homeward again, his journey having already begun, he met an old friend who induced him to remain in California for a time, and from that period he was never again heard from. Two years after the latest advices from him, his wife moved to Frederick. 10., and made her home in Rushville, Ill., until the date of her death. Charles Lin- com remained with his mother until the sunguer of 1562. when he entered the army. receiving his education during his term of service. Ile en- listed at Rushville in August of that year. in Company C. One-hundred and Nineteenth Regi- ment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. his regiment being mustered in at Quincy and constiming a part of the Sixteenth Army Corps, under com- mand of Gen. A. J. Smith. He was in the Army of the Mississippi, and took part in many of the engagements in that department. Upon his dis- charge from the service in the spring of 1945, he

MRS. JAMES D. THOMPSON

койчконт ц рамац.ням

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY

stayed a month at Mobile. Ma., and then came by boat to St. Louis, and up the Illinois River. going to Springfield. 11 .. and finally returning home. Working for a while as a Jarm hand. he afterwards bought eighty acres of land in Section 13, Littleton Township, on which he followed farming for fifteen years. Selling out at the end of that period. he withdrew from active labor, purchasing a residence in Littleton, E:1 .. which has since been the family home.

Mr. Lincom has been twice married, his first marriage taking place in the fall of 1866, which he was wedded to Ana Pahner, a native of Big- land. By her he had nine children. as follows: Mary Jane (Mrs. David Gayi, of Oakland Township. Schuyler County : William, a resident of Canton. Fulton County, Ill .: Sarah O. (Mrs. Usary). of Industry Township. Melonouch County. Ill .; Alfred Barton, who lives at Adair. Ill. : Oscar, whose home is in Canada; Charles E., of Rocky Ford, Colo .: James, who lives in Canada : Thomas, a farmer of Littleton Town- ship; and Nellie Bertha. who died in 1893, at the age of seven years. Auna iPalmer) Lin- com departed this lite March 12, ISDS. On No- vember 11, 1899, Mr. Lincoln was joined in matrimony with Margaret L. Green, who was born in Wayne County. Il .. February 5. ISI0, 4 daughter of James Y. Green. later a resident of Quincy. Il. The father of Mir. Charies Lin- coln was a cousin of President Abraham Lin- coln.

In politics. Charles Lincoln is identified with the Republican party ; is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to the Grand Army Post of Rushville. Ilis religious connection, as also that of his wife. is with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is deeply re- spreted. not only for his excellent qualities as a man and citizen, but because of his worthy rec- ord as one of the few survivors of Schuyler County's representatives in the great struggle for the preservation of the I'nion.

LOGSDON, George William .-- Visitors to a farm lying on Section 20. Bainbridge Township. are invariably pleased with the well-kept or- chards, neat buildings and cultivated fields, nor are they less pleased with the picturesque en- vironment and the splendid view. Standing on the highest point of the farm (which, according to government reports, is only one and a half feet lower than the highest point in the State. near Galena). the eye beholds a delightful vision of smiling valleys, thriving towns, neat farms and waving fields, and one recognizes as never before the fascinating enviroment of the Ili- nois agriculturist, The farm is owned and oper- ated by George William Logsdon, who has been a resident of Schuyler County since boyhood. While he is proud of the entire estate. perhaps he finds his chief source of gratification in the peach orchard of eight acres containing all of the finest varieties of that luscious fruit and said to be one of the finest orchards of its kind in the entire State. There are now 1900 fruit bearing

trees in the orchard, and in addition there is a small orchard of choler varieties of apple trees.

The record of the Logsdon family will be found on another section in the sketch of Perry Logs- don. Suthee it to say in this connection, that Joseph and Lucy (Parker) Jeston moved froma Brown County, IH., to Schuyler County in 1814 and settled in Woodstock Township, where they cleared a farm. Their son, George W., was born in Brown County. November 11, 1552, and was twelve years of age when he emine with his par- ents to Selmyler County, where he attended the district schools. Later he was sent to the Gem City Business College in Quincy, on his re- turn to Schuyler County he targht school for two terms in the county where he was born, but afterward devoted his time to clearing land and cultivaimg a farm.

In 1891 Mr. Logsdon married Miss Margaret I. Kirkham, daughter of Henry and Clara Kirk- ham. both of Scotch lineage. In an early day her father came from his native State of Indiana to Schuster County. H., where he and his wife make their home in Bainbridge Township. The year after his marriage Mr. Logsdon bought 160 deres of Section 29, where he has since engaged itt tilling the soil. raising stock of good grades. and developing one of the finest prach orchards in the State. Of Ins marriage seven children Were born. namely : Lucy C .. Seth D., Goldie E .. Duma Lon (who died in infancy ). Mary Agnes ( who died at the age of three years). Ruth 1. and George M. Fraternally Mr. Logsdon is a Mason. a member of Cass Lodge of Beardstown. Ill., and an ardent believer in the philanthropie principles of that organization. All through his life he has made a study of the money question. which he considers one of our most important national problems. The result of his study has led him to co-operate with the Greenback or Populist party, whose principles he firmly Do- Hoyes to be based on justice, and ever since cast- ing his ballot for Peter Cooper, he has never swerved in his allegiance to the men and meas- ures pledged to secure for our country those monetary changes which he believes to be essen- tial to business success and permanent pros- perity.

LOGSDON, Jacob .-- Prominent among the pro- gressive and successful descendants of pioneers of Selmyler County is Jacob Logsdon, who. through the exercise of practical and praise- worthy qualities. has become the owner of a farm of 250 acres in Bainbridge and Woodstock Townships, and who is further recognized as a leader in political and social undertakings. and is a stock-holder in the Bank of Schuyler Conty. Mr. Logsdon was born near Cooperstown, Brown County. Ill. March 13. 155%, a son of Joseph Low-don, well known in the earlier animals of farming in this part of the State.

I'ntil reaching his twenty-sixth year Mr. Logs- dom remained on his father's farm, having come to Schuyler County in 1865. His eomention is that furnished in the district schools, and on this

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

practical foundation he has built a character and capacity for usefulness which well may be an inspiration to the youth of the coming genera. tion. In ISSA, Mr. Logsdon sought to try his fortunes in the State of Kansas, but after a briet experience in Cowley and Sedgwick Coun- ties, was taken ill and returned to his Schuyier County home for recuperation. Convinced that he lived in a pretty good part of the United States, he since has made thus his home, and as soon as he recovered from his illness he rented land and bought and fed cattle. Thrifty and far-sighted, be laid by an possible of his carn ings, and in 1885 bought his he's eighty acres of land, in Section 12, Woodstock Township, which at that time was practically destitute of improve ments. For two years he farmed this land. and in the spring of ISSS built a small three-room house. October 17, 15%5, he married Amelia Krohe. daughter of Lewis E. Krohe, and born in Bain- bridge Township. Schuyler County, December 26, 1863. Installing his young wite in the little house, the housekeeping and land developing went hand in hand ; children came to gladden the parents and bring sunshine into the well kept home, and a spirit of harmony and speross grew out of earnest toil and unremitting co-operation. In 1903 the house that had witnessed so many changes and given shelter in so many storms. gave place to the modern structure now ocenpied by the family, which has eight large rooms all airy and well furnished. There are few rural homes in the county which afford so many ad- vantages as does this one, and in which is ex- pressed such interest for the physical, montal and moral well being of its inhabitants. With the latest magazines and periodicals always on band, with opportunities for music and varied entertainment, and with the most genial and delightful of outdoor surroundings, this farm may be called an ideal one of its kind. and it is widely considered one of the most hospitable and prodnetive.

To Mr. and Mrs. Logsdon have been born five daughters. of whom Amy Louisa, a graduate of the Rushville High School. class of 190s, gives promise of literary success, having already con- tribmied many readable articles to current peri- odicals: Ada Leonora. horn January 20. 1802, is attending the Rushville High School : Sophia Ellen Lucy was born August 11. 1891; Viola Agnes was born July 11. 1895; and Violet Augusta was born October 3. 1599. The chil- dren are receiving every advantage which means and intelligent direction can command. and will be proficient in musical and other accomplish- ments. The parents of this interesting family are enthusiastic sharers of the interests of their children, and as a result they are their boon companions and most confidential advises. From such an atmosphere come the best men and women in the land. Sometime since Mr. Logs- don retired from active labors on the farm, but he still supervises its management, and is as keenly interested as ever in its output and in- provement. lle is a generous contributor to

many worthy causes, is an earnest if not an ac- tive Democrat, and fraternally is an houored member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. le has been a stock-holder in the Bank of Schuyler County since 1902.

LOGSDON, Hon. Perry .- It would be difficult to fitof an old resident of Schuyler County to whom the name of Perry Logsdon is unfamiliar, for Mr. lagslon has been long and intimately associated with the agricultural and political Iile of the county, and has been especially prouni- nent in Woodstock Townslup. long his home and headquarters. Thirty-five years and more have passed since he acquired his first landed estate in the township. the date of his purchase having been December 23. 1871, and the amount, 120 deres of Section 11. About two years after ac- quiring his first property he erected a commodi- rus residence ou Section J, and in this attractive home he has since remained, welcoming to its hospitable walls the many friends whom he has won in a long and honorable career. At this writing he owns 393 acres, all within Woodstock Township except an eighty-acre tract in Bain- bridge Township.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 77

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