Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 80

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

USA > Illinois > Schuyler County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2 > Part 80

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John McCabe, Sr., father of the retired brick manufacturer of Rushville, whose name furnishes the caption of this sketch, was born in l'ent- sylvania, and when guire young, was taken by his parents to Ohio, where he was reared on a farm and where he learned the blacksmith's trade. Ile married Mary Hevel. a native of Ohio, and settled on a farm in Coshocton County, in that State, where he combined farm- ing and blacksmithing. and where his son and namesake, John, was born March 11, 1828. In 1844 the elder McCabe removed to a farm in Marion County, Ind .. and three years later set- tled in Woodland, Ill., where he followed his trade until he became a soldier in the Civil War. Ile enlisted in the Sixty-second Regiment. Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and his son, John, enlisted in 1862. in Company , Eighty-fourth Illinois Regiment. The father, after a year's service, fell in the Battle of Pit sburg Landing, and another name was added to the list of sol- dier heroes. A desolated home in Woodland bespoke the dependence which had been placed upon him, and it became the duty of those still remaining under the family roof to contribute their best to the maintenance of the family.

While still in his "teens." John MeCabe. Jr. began to work in a brickyard. and because he was observant and industrious. succeeded in learning the business in three or four seasons. At the age of twenty-two years, he established a brick yard at Littleton. Schuyler County. and two years later, removed his yard to Macomb. Ill .. where he operated it until his enlistment for the war. In 1-66 he came to Rushville, and in 1879. added to his kilns the machinery for the manufacture of tile. His enterprise resulte: In the constant growth of his business, and ha re-

tired with a competence, and with credit for hav- ing materially promoted an increasingly impor- tant industry. For sixty-tive years he was act- ively engaged in brick-making, selling out in Time], since which time he has enjoyed the quiet repost so richly his due. He was married, in 1551. to Mary Clark, of Indiana, and his family consists of four children, James, Arthur, Howard C. and Cora, two children having died in infancy. Mr. MeCabe is a deeply religions man, and for many years has been identified with the Metho- dist Episcopal Church.

In 1863 Mr. MeCabe joined the A. F. & A. M. at Macomb, Ill., where he was spending the pe- riod of his furlough, having been wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga, and being then obliged to use crutches. He has since taken all of the degrees in the Masonic Order, up to that of Knight Templar, and for thirty consecutive years was treasurer of the Blue Lodge. resigning this office against the wishes of his fellow members. No man stands higher in the estimation of the people of Rushville than John McCabe, the sol- dier, brickmaker and old-time Mason.

MCCORMICK, David .- May, 1907, marked the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of David Me- Cormick upon the farm in Rushville Township, Schuyler County, Ill., which has since been his home. He was twenty-five years of age when he thus shaped his course into independent chau- nels. but he was no stranger to the locality, for in 1836 he had arrived in Rushville with his pa- rents, from Troy, N. Y., where he was born Feb- ruary 17, 1832. He was of rugged Scotch auces- try, descended from men who had the courage to tight for a good cause or invade the wilder- ness in search of homes and fortunes. Both his grandfather, Samuel McCormick, and his father. Andrew McCormick, were born in Scotland, and canne to America in time for the grandfather to shoulder his musket in the Revolutionary War. Andrew McCormick devoted his active life to farming, and his death occurred in IS40, four years after his arrival in Schuyler County. His wife, who was formerly Jane Hill of New York, survived him until 1860.

In his youth, David McCormick had only suel opportunities as be created for himself. To be able to attend the district school was a privilege sufficiently rare to be appreciated, and inspired in him a longing for further knowledge, to be ac- quired during the greater leisure of his mature years. While still in his teens he learned the cooper's trade, which he followed several years in connection with farming, but which he long since abandoned. The farm purchased by him in May, 1857, had some improvements, but these have been replaced for the most part with those better adapted to modern needs. The McCormick farm combined large money making possibilities. with the comforts and refinements possible only under the most favorable country conditions. It gives evidence of the perseverance and good judg- ment of its owner in its overy department, and speaks volumes for the possession of quall-

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

ties which go to the making of a substantial and prosperous far: wer.

On June 4, 1565. Mr. McCormick married Mar- garet J. Hillis, a native of Schuyler County. Ill., and of this union there are six children, mainly : Carrie J., Scarlet C., Allart H., John A .. Mary J .. and N. F. Mr. Mccormick is a Republican in politics, but has never aspired to politie. I hon- ors. His life has been a quiet and uneventful one, blessed with a good share of prosperity and happiness, and devoted in all ways to the well- being of his family and to the interests of the community of which he is a respected citizen.

MCCREERY, L. J .- Almost from time imme- morial agriculture and education have been re- garded as the bulwarks of community existence. As man progressed towards a larger usefulness and greater happiness through a simplification of the problems of life. these factors draw nearer and nearer together, until the establishment of an ideal country enterprise presupposes a trained and well adjusted mental equipment. It is to these fundamental occupations that L. J. Mc- Creery has devoted attention during the greater part of his active life, and as an agriculturist and educator he has won that recognition due an earnest and painstaking worker. Mr. MeCreery was born in Birmingham Township, Schuyler County, Ill .. November 21. 1557. a son of William Thomas, and a grand-on of Lewis MeCreers, both natives of Ireland.

William Thomas MeCreery was born in Ire- land in 1836, and in 1945. when eight years old, came to America with his parents, and located on a farm in Birmingham Township. He had the advantages of the average country-reared boy of the Central West. and finally, through marriage, united his own with another and still earlier pioneer family of Schuyler County. His wife. formerly Esta Farr, was a daughter of Jacob Farr. who moved to Schuyler County from his native State of Ohio before the birth of his daughter. Mr. MrCreery was not only success- ful in general farming and stock-raising. but he became prominent in politics, and held many offices of local importance. For three terms he served as Representative in the Legislature ( 1876-50) and 18:00) and for several years was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hunts- ville, Birmingham Township. His death occurred in 1901. his wife having predeceased him in 1×56. He was a man of strong character and decided opinions, and his identification with the county and township redounded to its permanent well being.

L. J. McCreery was educated in the country schools, at the Angusta high school, and Knox College. Galesburg. Ill. Ilo has always made his home on a farm. and for eighteen years was identified with educational affairs, for fourteen years as a teacher, and for four years as Su- perintendent of Schools of Schuyler County, to which office he was plated in 1-98. In 1884 he was united in marriage to Almeda Burwood, daughter of Philip and Lucinda (Hood) Bur-

wood. Philip Burwood was born in Germany in 1:20, and in 1831 came to America with his pa- renis, locating presumably in Pennysivania. He arrived in Sebus ler County at an early day, mar- ried in 1-55, and spent his active life in the pursuit of farndig .? To Mr. and Mrs. Mccreery has been born a son. Chester Ray. Mr. Me- Creery is social in his tendencies, and is a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. the Knights of Pythits and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a Democrat in politics, and in religion a Presbyterian. The present high standard of education maintained in the publie schools of Selmyler County is in large measure due to the untiring efforts of Mr. McCreery. He is no mere intellectual visionary, but a practical. energetic, far-sighted educator, in touch with the times and its demands, and with the hopes and possibilities of that great predominating middle class which derives its working equip- ment from the field of human equality known as the public schools.

MCGRATH FAMILY .- Among the older resi- dents of Schuyler County are the MeGrath fam- ilv. James MeGrath came from Pennsylvania to Illinois in 1557 accompanied by his family con- sistings of his wife and nine children-six sons and three daughters-locating at Doddsville. Me- Doyough County, just north of the Schuyler County line. Here he remained until 1865, when he removed lu Schuyler County, settling in the southwest part of the northwest quarter of Lit- thrton Township, which has been the family home to the present time. His children all grew to manhood and womanbood in MeDonough and Schuyler Counties, and four of his sons became soldiers of the Union Army during the Civil War. of these. Lloyd was killed at Vicksburg. Miss. during the siege of that place, and John was wounded at Chickamauga, as a consequence of which he finally died. One remarkable thing in the history of the MeGrath family is the fact that, during a residence of fitty-one years in the same community. none of its members have ever been engaged in a law-suit, either as plaintiff or defendant.

MCGRATH, Thomas C., one of the oldest living residents of Schuyler County. IL .. which has been his home for more than half a century. and an honored veteran of the Civil War, is residing on his farm in Section 5. Littleton Township, an object of sincere respect and warm regard to the large mimber of his fellow-citizens who are fa- miliar with his worthy traits of character. IIe is a member of the family which can boast of the high distinction of having given four sons to the defense of the Union in its mighty struggle for existence. all of whom were wounded, one being killed and another dying as a result of wounds received in the conflict. Mr. MaGrath was born is Franklin County. Pat rojving his early edu- cation in the d'elejet schools of that locality. lle is a son of James W. ail Barbara (Jones) Me- Grath, natives of that State and county. His

Margaret. J. Thompson 1

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

paternal grandfather, Jobn MeGrath, was a na- tive of County Tipperary, Ireland, and the lat- ter's wife, Sarah (ColEns) MeGrath, was born in Connecticut. The grandparents on the he ter- nal side, Joseph Jones and wife, were Pen- sylvanians, born in Lancaster County, Jantes W. McGrath and Barbara Jones Were mal- ried in the vicinity of Mercersburg. Pa., in July. 1833. There the father followed his trade of blacksmithing, but in 1955 journeyed with his family, by wagon, to Pittsburg, and thence by boat on the Ohio. Mississippi and Ilinois Rivers. to Schuyler County, IN., stopping at the village of Frederick. Having friends in Doddsville. MeDonough County, be located there, working at his trade until 1865. then moving to a tarm in the northwest quarter of Seetion 5, Littleton Township, Schuyler County, which he had pur- chased. It was wholly a prairie tract, and one of the first pieces of land of this kind to be culti- vated in Schuyler County. James W. MeGrath died January 4, 1892, at the age of seventy-eight years, five months and fourteen days, and hs worthy wife passed away March 1. 1895, aged seventy-three years, one month and sixteen days.

James W. and Barbara Jones MeGrath were the parents of nine children, namely: John f., Jacob, Thomas C .. William C .. Joseph V., James B., Elmora, Sarah E., and Jennie, B. John, the eldest, married Eliza Chandler, who was born in Ohio, and they are the parents of two sons and two daughters. Ile enlisted in September, 1862, in Company G. Seventy-third Regiment. Il- linois Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in the right hip at the Battle of Chickamauga, taken prisoner, and confined fourteen days in a field hospital. Then he was paroled and sent to a St. Louis hospital. staying there two months. After this, he was detailed for duty in charge of prisoners at St. Louis, and was discharged from the service four months later. The wound re- ceived at Chickamauga finally resulted in his death. Jacob died in Pennsylvania, at the age of eighteen months. Lloyd A .. born September 20, 1840, enlisted in the fall of 1862. in Company A, Tenth Regiment, Missouri Volumeer Infantry. and was killed at Vicksburg. June 26, 1863. Wil- Jiam C., born July 31. 1543, is living on the old home place. Joseph V., born October 27, 1844. married Nancy Gregg, a native of MeDonough County, Ill., and is the father of one child, Wil- liam, of Ringgold County. lowa. Ile enlisted in December, 1863. in the Eighth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving through the war. He was wounded in the right side by a rifle ball. at Fort Blakely, near Mobile, Ala., by reason of which he draws a pension. After the war he went to Kansas City, Mo., where he now resides. James B., born February 20. 1846. lives on the homestead : Elmora. born July 1. 1849. lives at Cimarron. Kan., and is the widow of Robert J. MeGinnis: Sarah E .. born December 10. 1551, became the wife of David Werents, and died in September, 1992; and Jennie B. born May 10. 1554. is living on the home place. After the death of their parents, all the surviving mem-

bers eune home to live. James B., owning half of the property, and the remainder belonging to Wi liam C. and JJennie B.

Thomas C. MeGrath, after his school days were over. assisted in the work of the paternal farm, remaining at home until the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion. On May 21. 101. he en isted at Rushville. IN .. in Company G. Six- teenth Regiment. Ilinois Volunteer Lidantry. continuing in service until the termination of hostilities. Since then he has been stecessfully engaged in farming in Section 5. Littleton Town- ship. In politics. Mr. MeGrath has been long an adherent of the Republi on paris, and for six years, tilled the office of Township Assessor with ability and fidelity. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

McGRAW. James Thomas, who follows farming in Schuyler County, Ill., on an extensive seale, owning a large amount of land, and being, more- over. one of the most prominent and intheutial citizens in his locality, is a resident of Section 27. Littleton Township, where he is known and respected by all. Mr. McGraw was born in Pen- dleton County, Ky .. October 30, 1857. and is a son of Matthew and Julia ( Biggs) MeGraw. both natives of that State and County, the birth of the father occurring November 19. 1534. and that of the mother, January 11. 1842. The ma- ternal grandfather was Thomas Biggs, also a native of Kentucky. In April, 1801. Matthew McGraw and his family moved to Illinois, set- tling in Brooklyn Township. Schuyler County, and living for two years on rented land. The father then bought 160 acres of partly improved land. on which he completed the improvements and farmed four years. afterwards disposing of it, and purchasing 160 acres in Buena Vista Township, in the same county, also partially improved. When he had further improved this place he added 200 aeres to it, 60 acres of which were under the plow. Selling the farm to his son. James, in 1891, he went, in March, of that year, to Audrain County, Mo., where he bought some land, and also a house and lot in Centralia. Boone County. In 1004 he sold the Audrain County farm. and bought another, of So acres, in Boone County. Ile now lives in Centralin, Mo .. where he owns considerable property, the man- agement of which ocenpies his time. James T. M.Graw remained with his parents until he reached the age of 26 years, his education being received in the district schools of Buena Vista Township. After his marriage. he located on a farm of 115 acres in that township. To this he subsequently made additions, increasing his hold- ings to $60 acres in Sections 5 and 5, 300 acres of which is tillable land. There he lived until the fall of 1900, when he moved to a farm of SO aeres in Section 27. Littleton Township. In 1903. be purchased 120 acres in Section 22. and in March. 1907, became the owner of the south- west quarter of that section. This land is all in one hody, and of the highest agricultural qual- ity. Besides general farming, he devotes con-

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

siderable attention to raising horses, Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs.

On January 17, ISSI, Mr. MeGraw was united in marriage with Cornelia Nelson, who was born in Littleton Township. November 7. 1556, re- (riving her education in the district schools in the vicinity of her home, and in the Macomb Normal School. Mrs. McGraw is a daughter of Teel and Jane (Little) Nelson, natives of Penn- sylvania. Ifer paternal grandparents were Henry and Mary Ann (Feel) Nelson, born in Ohio, and her grandparents on the maternal side, Rob- ert and Eliza (Cunningham, Little, were na- tives of Ireland. Five children blessed this un- ion, as follows: Auna Lois, born October 31, 1884, now the wife of William Lenhart, of Buena Vista Township; Ruth E., horn February 1. 1886, who married Roy D. Winters, of Scotland Township, MeDonough County, Ill .; Vera M., born March 9, 1890, who is at home; Beulah A., born October 28, 1891; and Julia M., born Octo- ber 30, 1897.

Politieally, Mr. MeGraw is identified with the Democratie party. and wields a strong influence in local polities. While a resident of Buena Vista Township. he served one term as Collector. and has held the office of Assessor one year in Littleton Township. In April. 1006, he was elected Supervisor of the latter township for a term of two years. He is one of the leading farmers of Selmyler County, and in connection with the civic affairs of the community, mai- tains a high standing.

McKEE, William ( deceased) .-- Ont in the open twilight. within sight of the old and loved auces- tral home. and within the shadow of the trees that he had fostered for more than seventy years, the long, stirring life of William MeKee came to an end December 17, 1897. He died almost on the site of the place where. as a lad, nearly three score years before, he had worked to assist in the erection of a home in what was then a wilderness. Ile loved the scenes of his child- hood, and after he had satisfied that intense longing for a stirring life, so readily vouchsafed to the youth of the early 'thirties and forties, he returned to the home of his father, and there. amid its peace and quiet. honored by ad, he enjoyed the well-earned fruits of his early labor. Although he there lived the uneventful life of a farmer, he retained to the last what may be called the pioneer disposition. being in spirit and habits an unattected man of the people. While he made no religious pretensions, he was blessed with that kindly spirit which prompted him to assist those in want without embarrassing them with a sense of obligation. In his last days he was cheered by the companionship of the aged wife and his daughter and only surviving child. who is now the wife of C. L. DeWitt, of Rush- ville, 111.

It was in April, 1826, that Mr. MeKre was brought to Schuyler County. Hle was born in Crawford County, Ind .. January 22. 1812. His father came here in the preceding year, and the

rich and attractive country of Central Illinois had induced him to seek a home in the new, wild region. Ile returned to Indiana, and in April, 1826, brought his family here. In the party be- sides the family who came to Selmyler County, were Joel Tullis, Charles Hammond, Isaac Lin- der, Vincent Westtall and James Thompson. Hav- ing purchased for $100, 160 . acres of land in Section 1%, Rushville Township, the father, with the assistance of his thirteen-year old son. com- menced to prepare the way for his wife and six children. The site of Rushville, ahnost adjoint- ing their place, had been selected as the county- seat in the preceding February, but was still but a town on paper. Mr. MeKee staked his claim not on the clear, fertile prairie which stretched for miles around, but along the wooded banks of the creek. The log cabin which the father and son erected was of the pioneer type, with trimmed logs for the walls and the roof of clapboards. Mr. McKee went back to Indiana shortly afterwards, but soon returned, bringing with him the tools and machinery necessary in the construction of a grist mill. and finally set- ting up a band-mill run by horse-power. Ile de- veloped a thriving business, people coming even from Rock Island to have their grain ground. There was also a blacksmith's shop in the near neighborhood, and both establishments did a thriving business from the start. Sae and Fox Indians moved farther north with the coming of the early setflers, but along Spoon River. in Fulton County, there remained a large band, members of which often came to the mill and blacksmith shop. They were lazy but praceable, and gave the pioneers of this region little trou- ble. On the McKee farm is still to be seen a silent memorial of aboriginal days in the form of an Indian trail, which may be traced through a beautiful stretch of woods, once a favorite ren- dezvous of the dusky sons of the forest and prairie. Mr. McKee not only operated his grist mill, but soon after putting it in operation, con- structed a saw-mill, in the early thirties erect- ing a dam across Sugar Creek and operating the latter by water-power. There were several mill sites on that stream, the MeKce dam being lo- ented at what is known as the Main Ford, where the creek is crossed by the road from Rushville to Browning.

In those days one need not go far abroad in search of thrilling adventures, and the hardy race of pioneers who battled against such odds in order to found and maintain their homes have their reward in the permanent extension of Amer- iran civilization and the profound gratitude of their immediate descendants. The MeKee fal- ily experienced all the adventures and suffered all the hardships of pioneer life. Its members struggled through the awful winter of the deep snow (1831) when the level prairie was buried four to five feet deep, and the ravines were tiled to the hilltops.

William McKee. the son. was the last of the one hundred and fifty volunteers in Schus er County to answer Governor Reynold's call for a

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

force to drive Black Hawk and his murderous band beyond the bounds of Illinois. During the winter of 1831-32 the crafty chief had ministered his warriors on the lowa side of the Mississippi for the purpose of invading this State, and the alarmed settlers had called upon the Governor for protection. The one hundred and fifty volun- teers from Schuyler County gathered at Rush- ville in April, 1532, and were eloquently addressed by William Marinshall before starting for Beardstown, Cass County. the general point of rendezvous. They had furnished their own arms and equipments. Mr. MeKee, who was then nine- teen years of age, having been furnished by his father with a wagon and a team of horses. Abra- ham Lincoln, with his company. encamped over night half a mile north of Rushville. The en- tire force of the State finally marched toward Rock Island, and later, in what is now Ogle County, met the disaster known as "Stillman's defeat." In this engagement eleven whites and eight Indians were killed, and after the battle. Mr. MeKce drove over the field and carried six of the dead soldiers to a place where the bodies were safe from the danger of mutilation.

In 1839, because of ill-health, Mr. MeKes went to that vast northwestern region then known as Oregon, where he remained for a year. exploring the country and regaining his strength. Ile re- turned home, one of the main incidents of his trip being the formation of an intinfate friend ship with Dr. Marcus Whifman, who saved that part of the country now inehiding Oregon, Wash- ington, and Idaho, to the United States. During his first trip to the Oregon country Mr. McKee was employed by him in a grist inill for about six months. In the winter of 1812-43 Dr. Whit- man rode from Oregon to Washington. a distance of 3,000 miles, for the purpose of arousing the interest of statesmen at the National capital in the vast natural wealth of the Oregon region, and thwarting the attempt of the British Hudson Bay Company to exclude American settlers and make it a province of Great Britain. IIe was so far snecessful in his mission as to receive the sanction of the United States Government in his project of leading an emigrant train of 875 hardy American pioneers into the coveted terri- tory. This hold and wise action undoubtedly saved this grand region as a part of the public domain of the United States. In November. 1847, this patriotie and intrepid man was murdered. with his wife and twelve other members of his household, by the Cayuse Indians.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 80

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