Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 78

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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Born in Madison County, Ky .. July 8. 1542, Perry Logsdon is a son of Joseph and Lney (Parker) Logsdon, also natives of Madison County. When he was eighteen months old he Was brought to Ilinois by his parents, who set- the in Brown County and remained there from 1544 until 1-65. During the latter year they removed to Schuyler County, settling in Wood- Rock Township, where the father died June 11. 1900, at the age of ninety-one, and the mother May 30, 1992. at the age of seventy-eight years. Nothing of especial importance occurred in the early life of Perry Logsdon until the outbreak of the civil War turned his mind from the stud- ies of school and the work on the farm to graver duties connected with citizenship. December 1, 1461, his name was enrolled and he was mus- tered in as a member of Company H. Fiftieth Illinois Infantry at St. Joseph. Mo. The date of his enlistment papers should have been one month earlier, as he had been accepted as a vol- unteer at that time.

The Fiftieth Regiment took part in many long marches and hard-fought battles, and Mr. Logs- don endured all the vicissitudes incident to a soldier's life. Among his first engagements in which he participated were those at Forts Henry and Donelson, at Shiloh and Corinth. Miss .. and Resaen. Ten .. after which he fought at Altoona and Bentonville. From January of 1864 the history of his regiment is that of Sher- man's army in its march to the sea. At the close of the war the regiment participated in the Grand Review at Washington, and Mr. Losdon was mistered out JJuly 13, 1565, as First Lieutenant of his company. During his absence in the army his parents bad removed from Brown to Sehur- ler County. and hither he came after receiving an honorable discharge. On Friday he arrived at the new home of his parents and, on Monday fol-

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY

lowing, began work in the harvest field, after which he continued actively engaged in farming pursuits.

The marriage of Perry Logsdon and Miss Liz- zie Byers was solemized September 5, 1567, in a log cabin erected of the day of the inauguration of William Henry Harrison as President of the United States. They are the parents of three children : Luella, at home: Julia. widow of George lowell, and now living with her parents : and Charles, who married Grace Cox of Coopers- town, has one son, Russell, and one dangh- ter, Greta Corine. The son is engaged in farm- ing on Section 2. Woodstock Township. Mrs. Ingsdon is an carnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Choreb, and Mr. Logsdon is a con- tributor to the same, as well as to all religious movements, although not personally identified with any denomination. Politically he has been a local Republican leader for years. During the 'seventies he was Township Assessor and a mem- ber of the Board of Supervisors from Woodstock Township. It is evidence of his popularity that he was several times elected Supervisor in face of a customary Democratie majority in his town- ship. Among all classes of people and all par- ties, he is admired and honored as an able eiti- zen and honored veteran of the war. A high honor came to him during 1994. in his election as Representative in the Thirty-fourth General Assembly, comprising the counties of Schuyler, Cass. Mason and Menard, and four years later he was again chosen to the same position. Dur- ing his service as Representative he was a mem- ber of many important committees and always voted for the interest of the people, winning an enviable position in the confidence of his con- stituents. One of the most memorable incidents in connection with his membership in the Legis- Jature, was his attitude as one of the patriotic "One Hundred and Three" who determinedly and persistently stood for the election of Gen. John A. Logan to the United States Senate. In that critical period Mr. Logsdon acquitted himself with honor and fearlessness, and won a reputa- tion by no means limited to his own district. The county which. for so many years, has benefited by his loyal citizenship. is dear to him by the ties of long association, and he has been a persistent champion of all measures for its benefit. In the city of Rushville, where he is a Bank Director. he has a large number of friends among the most honored social circles, and his pleasant conn- try home has been the scene of many rennions of the old friends of the family.

LOOP, Josiah .-- The genealogy of this well- known farmer of Schuyler County is traced to Germany, whence some of the name crossed the ocean to America in a very early period of our country's history. The records show that George Loop removed from Ohio to Indian and thence to Illinois, where he died in Clark County. Dur- ing his residence in Ohio his sun David was born. and from there he accompanied the family to Indiana, where he met and married Mary Beach.

a native of l'enn-ylvania. About 1~IF they re- moved from Indiana to Illinois and settled at Pleasantview, Schuyler County, where he built his first home in Hindis. While he made farm- ing his principal occupation, he was handy with tools and did other work, for a time following the cooper's trade. The shoes that his children were were otten of his own workmanship, for he had picked up an excellent knowledge of the shoemaker's trade.

Leaving Pleasantview about 1955, David Loop removed to Missouri and entered government land in Scotland County, but in 150 Me dispo. ed of the property and returned to Hinois. Shortly afterward be bought eighty arres on Section 1, Huntsville Township, Schuyler County, besides forty acres in Birmingham Township. The land was in its primeval state of wildness, no attempt having yet been made at placing it under cul- tivation and its agricultural possibilities being unknown. After building a house he at oure bezan the arduous task of breaking ground and raising his first crops. The results were grati- fying and he continued on the place until about 17, at which time he had about $00 acres. During that year he removed to Carthage, Ilau- cock County, where he bought a house with four acres of ground. Having sold this place in 1594, he bought property in Camden village. where he died in Isst. his wife passing away eleven months later.

In the family of David Loop there were ton children, of whom three sons and two daughters are now living. One child died in infancy: Sa- mantha died about 1902: George, who was a soldier in Company E. Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry. until the close of the Civil War. died about 1003; An anda is the widow of Nicholas Burwood and res ides at Galesburg. Ill. : John, of Augusta, Hancock County, was a member of Company E. Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry. and served from July. 1861. until the close of the war. Next in order of birth was Josiah, born in Vermillion County, Ind .. July 5. 18H. Mary. Mrs. Robert Redding. is deceased, as is also Caroline, who was the wife of J. M. Walters, of Keokuk. Iowa. Catherine is the wife of Rov. Amos Rigney, of the United Brethren Church. and they make their home in Adair. M.Donough County. Ill. The father of this family was an influential member of the I'nitod Brethren Church. in whose doctrines be and his wife were consistent believers, and to whose support he contributed generously. The various township offices to which he was elected he filled with fidelity and diligence. It was his privilege to hear the illustrious Lincoln in some of his do- bates, and the first speech he listened to was sufficient to convert him to a belief in Ropublican principles, after which he always east his ballot with that party.

T'non the migration of the family to Schuyler County in 1857. Josiah Loop was a child three years of age. Hence his carly recollections cluster around the scenes familiar in his mature years. With the exception of a brief period

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IHISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

Huntsville Township has been his home for many years. When he was twenty years of age ho left home to give his services to the Enion in the Civil War. enlisting October 21. 1561. in Com- pany F, Forty-third Ilinois Infantry, and to. maining with his regiment until he was honora- . bly discharged in October of 1965. On his re- turn to Schuyler County he resumed farming pursuits. In NON be married Miss Lenne daughter of John Pierce. and during the sumne year he and his bride been housekeeping in Kansas, where he and a brother. John Loop, bought land in Cherokee County. While making his home there his wife died in IS73, leaving two sons, Sidney P., now at home, and Charles E., of Chicago. The year following his wife's death he returned to Ilinois and resumed farm- ing in Schuyler County, where in 1976 he mar- ried Mary E. Milton. Afterward he bought forty aeres, to which he has added 120 deres. making a quarter-section farm located on See- tion 12. Huntsville Township. of his second marriage nine children were born. namely : Wil- liam, who died in infancy : John R. a farmer in Birmingham Township: Mary Alice, who died at the age of eighteen ; Amanda J. (Mrs. George Myers), of Camden, Schuyler County : James S .. at home; Lulu Belle, who died in infancy : Ben- jamin N., at home: Enoch M., who died at two years of age; and Amos, at home. Mrs. Loop is a member of the Christian Church. In poli tics Mr. Loop votes with the Republican party. while the memory of war times is kept fresh through association with comrades in the Grand Army Post, of which he is an active member. Throughout the community he is honored as a persevering farmer, patriotic citizen and honor- able man. one whose life has been characterized by integrity and whose success is richly merice.l.

LORING, Jesse Monroe, a well-known and onite popular attorney-at-law. of Rushville, III .. who commands the respect and confidence of a considerable clientele, and has an excellent standing in the estimation of the general public of his locality, was born in Buona Vista Town- ship. Schuyler County, III .. February 11. 1571. Mr. Loring is a son of William H. and Sarah (Grug) Loring, natives respectively of Walesh County. Il., and Zanesville, Ohio, the father being a farmer by occupation. The paternal grandfather was John Loring. of Pennsylvania. the maiden name of whose wife was L'iter. In boyhood Jesse M. Loring attended the district schools of Buena Vista Township and was suh- sequently a student of the Rushville Normal School. His professional education was obtained in the Chicago College of Law, from which insti- tution he was graduated in 1000. After com- pleting his local course. he devoted his atten- tion to the real-estate and loan business. in which he continued until 1901, when he entered upon the practice of law in Rushville. He is a lawyer of solid attainments and is recognized as one of the most promising among the younger members of the Bar of Schuyler County.

On October 1, 1900, Mr. Loring was united in marriage with Bessie M. Danner, who was born in Astori: . Fulton County, IL, and received her education in the district schools in the vicinity of her home. One child, Marguerite May. has been the result of this union.

In politics, Mr. Loring is identified with the Republican party, and wields no small influence in its local councils. Fraternally, he is affiliated with time A. I. & A. M .: the 1. 0. 0. F .: the K. of l'. : the M. W. of A .; Mystic Workers of the World: the M. P. of E .; and Eagles. His re- lgions connection is with the Methodist Epis- copal Church, of which his wife is also a mem- her. In the social circles of Rushville both are held in cordial esteem and their friends are numerous.

MALCOMSON, James .- A representative of the whole sonled and dependable transplanted Irish- man was found in James Malcomson, who, though he spent the greater part of his life under the protection of the Stars and Stripes, retained always traces of his virile nationality, more especially of the quality of adaptability which makes his country men at home in any clime and in abnost any occupation. Mr. Malromson was born in December, 1525, in County Down, Fre- land. a principal maritime and agricultural spo- tion. a son of Robert and Ann Cleland) Mal- comson, neither of whom ever strayed from the humble surroundings of their native land.

Average advantages and an observing mind treated ambitions in the mind of Jones Mal- congon which never could have found realization in the land of his forefathers. Ho was twenty- two years old when he embarked for America, and his first stopping place was New York City, where he worked at shoemaking several years, and where. in 1551. he was united in marriage to Ann Boyle, a native of County Tyrone. Ire- land. who came to the L'uited States with her sis- ter in 1550. Mr. Maleomson continued to ply his trade in New York until moving to Youinestown. Ohio, and from there he came to Pleasantview. Rushville Township in 1872, the same remain- ing h's home until his death. February 18, 1906. In Illinois he abandoned the tools of the shoe- maker for the implements of the farmer. and succeeded well at general farming and stock-rais- ing. developing his valuable property into one of the most fertile and homelike places in the town- ship. Around him ho reared an interesting fam- ily of children, to all of whom he gave every ad- vantage within his means, and all were trained in the duties of house or field, according to their needs and tendencies. In the order of their birth the children are as follows: Mary, wifo of John A. Ballon, who was born in 1951 in New York and who is the mother of three children as follows: Dr. Jose Ballon, a practicing physician of 1.91. South Dakota. Lizzie, wife of Monroe Lennart. who resides at Littleton. Ill. and Chester. I'm married Florence Caldwell and resides in Ruch- ville Township: Ellen Malcomson, born in 1s.

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

wife of Leander Kennedy, and mother of Bessie, Ruby and James Kennedy ; Lizzie, wife of Rol- ert 11. Hamilton, a retired farmer ot Bardo. ji, MeDonough County, Ill., and mother of four children-Mabel, wife of Howard Smith, Maude, John and Eva; William, who is farming on the old home place, on September 21, 1898, 10ar- ried Julia Dodds, born in Bainbridge Town- ship, January 20, 1875, a daughter of Thomas Dodds, and whose daughter. Ruby, was born October 19. 1900, and son, Ralph J., born May 26. 1905; florence, who lives on the home place with her mother : James, who married Addie Dunlap, resides in Bainbridge Township, and has eight children; and Jobn, whose biographical record appears elsewhere in this volunde.

Mr. Malcomson's farm formerly belonged to Sammel Lowry, father of Thomas Lowry, of Minneapolis, and the latter was reared to man- hood upon it, departing upon his present broad and useful life with the complete equipment of a youthful farmer. In political affiliation Mr. Malcomson was a Republican, but he had no desire for the honors of office. In religion he was a Methodist Episcopalian. Some of his sad- dest memories were in connection with the Civil War, in which he enlisted as a private in Com- pany A. One Hundred and Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving from July. 1862. until July, 1865. After the war he became a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

MALCOMSON, John .-- As the operator of 180 acres of land in Frederick Township. Schuyler County. Ill .. eighty acres of which he owns. John Malcomson is maintaining the family pres- tige for intelligent and successful farming. and for honest and useful citizenship. Mr. Malcom- son was born in Youngstown, Ohio, January 30. 1869. and with his father. James Malcomson. came to Schuyler County in 1872. He was edu- cated in the public schools, and when a youth, shared the general advantages and diversions of his neighborhood, developing a genuine liking for the occupation to which his life is being devoted.

The turning point in the life of Mr. Mal- comson was his marriage. at the age of twenty- one. to Carrie Bellamy, who was born in Brown- ing Township. Schuyler County, a daughter of Josiah Bellamy, one of the honored pioneers and farmers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Malcomson have two children. Maggio and Florence. The eighty acres of land owned by Mr. Malcomson constitute one of the earliest settled properties in his township, and the place is also one of the most valuable and highly cultivated. Ile is en- enged in raising general prodne and stock, and bas a comfortable residence. substantial barns and outbuildings, well kept fences and the most practical of agricultural implements, He is a thorough and painstaking farmer, well abreast of the times, and bids fair to take a prominent place among the wealthy and influential farmers of his neighborhood.

The activity of Mr. Malcomson extends beyond

his home aeres to the general affairs of the com- munity. embracing matters pertaining to educa- tien. polities and religion. De is fraternally con- nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, of Rushville, and the Modern Woodmen of America, of Pleasantview, and in polities favors the Republican party. The public has profited by his conscientious service in several local offices, and he has been, and still is, one of the strong forces in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been a member of the church for many years, has served several years as a trustee. and was the chief solicitor of fund for the erection of the present church edifice at Pleasantview. This church is 20 by 44 feet, in ground dimensions, with a sixteen-foot ceiling, and a basement and heating apparatus. Among its best known con- tributors was Thomas Lowry, of Minneapolis, who spent his youth in this neighborhood. and who gladly donated $1,000 toward its construc- tion. Mr. Malcomson has been unremitting in his devotion to the interests of this denomination. a fact which indicates a warm religious nature, manifested not only on the Sabbath, but every day in the work and every week in the year. Mr. Malemuson is an exemplary young man. of kindly disposition and broad views, and his life fully justifies the confidence and esteen in which he is held by the residents of the township.

MALCOMSON, Robert .- There are few finer examples of filial respect and attachment than are presented in the career of Robert Matcomson, while a resident of Schuyler County. He was born December 18, 1857. in County Down. Iro- land. a son of Thomas and Eliza (McDowell) Malcomson, who were also natives of that county. In 1859. after their marriage. they came to America. first locating in Youngstown. Ohio, but in 1564 returning to their native land, where the wife and mother died. Tenderly placing her remains in the cemetery near her old Irish home. father and son then started back to Youngstown, but their stay there was short and in October of the same year they located in Schuyler County, Robert then being a boy about seven years of age.

Thomas Malromson, a gardener by occupation. was an expert in the rearing of hot-house plants and an artist in the arrangement of flowers and shrubs. In his younger days he was an expert bookkeeper. but not liking that profession. de- spite his proficiency in it. turned his attention to gardening with pronounced snecess. For some rears father and son kept bachelor hall together finding busy and profitable employment In their chosen field. and finally out of their savings. were enabled to purchase sixty acres of land in Section 25. Rushville Township, the place be- ing owned by William D. Clemmons. After thor had created a one-story dwelling they commenced to grub the stone's and clear off the timber event- nally making of it a fine homestead which was subsequently bought by John A. Ballou. The father and son then purchased 109 acres of land

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

in Section 26, in the same township, known as the old David MeMasters farm, Virtually no im- provements had then been made, and the place was little more than a wild blackberry patch. Moving into a sin ill frame building, they re- sumed their lonely housekeeping and the work of grubbing, clearing, cultivating, draining, and gen- eral improvement. but this homestead was only fairly in shape before the hand of death stayed the labors of the father and separated him fromll the faithful son. The deceased was a member of the Presbyterian Church, which he had joined in his native land. and both in religions and educational work he was an active and valued participant while residing in Schuyler County.

On May 20. 1892. after his father's death, Rob- ert Malcomson was married to Lizzie Adams. born December 25, 18TO, and also a native of County Down, Ireland. She is a daughter of Charles and Ann (Redmon) Adams, and her parents are still living in the old country. Two of her brothers, David and Charles Adams, are living in Chicago, while her sister Jane is the wite of Sammel Dalzell. The brothers and sisters residing near her old home in Ireland, who are either farmers or the wives of farmers, are as follows : Margaret: William McMillan; Wil- liam John, who married Elisa Graham; Minnie, now Mrs. Ilugh Kerr; and Blanch, Mrs. Rob- ert Gamble.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mat- comson hegan housekeeping in the modest house which had been occupied by the father and son. and there remained until the completion of their fine home. This consists of ten large, light rooms, supplied with hot and cold water, furnace heat and all modern improvements,-one of the most complete residences in Rushville Township. To the original purchase of 100 acres Mr. Malcom- son has added fifty acres, so that he has now a homestead of good size, thoroughly improved and embracing a good grade of all kinds of stock.

Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Malcomson. as follows: Anna. Margaret C., Blanche. Minnie Black, Robert Adams and Thomas Charles. Anna was born June 3. 1994: Margaret C., January 1. 1896: Minnie Black. September 1. 1898: Robert Adams, May 20, 1902 ; and Thomas Charles, March 7. 1904. the Lord tak- ing him home the same year. Both parents are members of the Presbyterian Church. In pol- ities, Mr. Malcomson is strongly Republican. and. while earnestly desirous of his party's sue- cess and an active worker therefor, he has always declined the honors which have been tendered him. centering his energies in the proper rearing of his family, and the continued development of the property to which are attached so many ten- der though sad recollections.

MANLOVE, William B .- It is an undisputed fact that Mr. Manlove pays a larger realty tax than any other resident of Birmingham Town- ship. Schuyler County. Ill .. a statement which shows him to be the largest landowner in the

township. To bis original purchase of 170 acres he has added trom time to time. until he how owns over 1.000 acres, all of which has been ac- cumulated through his own industry. His first boyhood efforts were as a farm hand. receiving in compensation for his services the munificent ware of twenty-five cents a day : occasionally he added to his Little heard by trapping in the woods. It was with the money thus earned that he contributed his share toward ererting a suit- able moammer over the grave of his father, who passed away when he was a lad of about six years.

The Manlove family was established in Sebuy- ler County by the grandfather, William Manlove. coming here from North Carolina in 1830. His family originally comprised six children ; Wil- liam. George, Jonathan. David, And Mary and Rachel, but all are now deceased. With his wife, formerly Charity Bodenhanner, Jonathan Q. Manlove came with his father to the wilds of Illi- nois, settling on a lot in Rushville, and it was on this lot in the winter of 1830, that his son Wi !- liam B. was born. Two years later be purchased land near Sugar Grove, which lies south of Rin h ville. living there about a year and then moving to Birmingham Township, where he established his home and spent the remainder of his life. These were indeed trying times to the early set. tlers. but those who were of stout heart ulfi- mately reached success through persistent efforts. After clearing a small patch of ground he planted the land to corn. and from season to selsoll brought more land under cultivation. In 1855 he ererted a log cabin on the farm, his death Of- onering here Jime 9, 1836, at the age of twenty- eight years, his birth having occurred in North Carolina, March 15, 1808. March 5, 1830. he was married to Charity Bodenhammer, who was bort February 4. 1809, and at his death he left his wife with four little children, one of their chil- dren having previously died October 6. 1431. Betsey Manlove, the eldest daughter, was hurt October S. 1832: she died in Kansas in 190%. the wife of William Delapp, his death con ring two years later, Mary Manlove was born Angust 22. 1834. and died October 26. 1-PL. David Manlove was born April 20. 1836, and . now a resident of Linn County, Kansas.

The eldest child born to his parents was Wil liam B., who was born in Rushville. Ill., Derer. her 2S. 1820. The fact that his father died r he was only six years old left little hor . For somring even the meager education whis primitive schools afforded. As his ing be main support the two struggled together to main a living for themselves and the other ch"de the mother's wearing and spinning, however. o tributing at this time more largely to thett than did the efforts of the young child. time after the death of her first husband she married to Jacob Wire, who was born in Carolina December 6. 1800. Her death of 11 about 1847. up to which time William h.d. tinned to make his home with his mother

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 78

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