USA > Illinois > Schuyler County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2 > Part 82
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MILLER, Henry Franklin .- One of the best authorities upon stock raising in Schuyler County is Ilenry Franklin Miller, who, though young in years, is old in experience and rich in knowl- edge pertaining to this important branch of farming. Mr. Miller comes honestly by his lik- ing for stock and his apreciation of a fine ani- mal. Ilis father. John Henry Miller, whose, in- dustrious life is sketched elsewhere in this work. instilled into him the tendencies since so strongiy developed. and the successful manipulation of which have pl ced hin among the mon of wealth and influence in Rushville Township. Mr. Miller was born in this township July 3, 1872. and was educated in the district schools and the Rushville Normal, spending two termis at the latter insti- tution. Upon the completion of his student life
be entered into partnership with his father and brother. Simon, operating the paternal farm of 460 acres, and raising principally cattle, hogs, horses and sheep. Some of the best stock which reached the Chicago market matured on this farm during this partnership, and the three mon worked in harmony and with due regard for the reputation and best interests of the stock com- pany.
Upon the death of his father in 1902, Mr. Miller continued in business with his brother until the following year, when he rented his present farm in Sect'on 27. Rushville Township, which is a part of the old homestead. and to which he per- manently succeeded upon the death of his mother. and the division of the property. He has made many fine improvements on his land, always with the view of increasing his stock, and his farm is a splendid example of the best things known to country life at this stage of the world's progress. In 1907 he erected an eight-room, two- story modern dwelling, having the latest devices for comfort and convenience, and he has also built a barn 36 by 44 feet, ground dimensions, and eighteen feet to the caves. He regards with particular favor Herefoul cattle and Poland- China hors, and has also a high grade of horses and sheep. Keeping in close touch with the markets, and supplying the best demands, he is prospering in his affairs, and financially, faces
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as hopeful a future as any man similarly em- ployed in the county.
The bachelor lite of Mr. Miller ended with his marriage, July 25, 1900, to Carrie Kruse, who was born in this township February 15. 1877, a daughter of Henry Franz and Harriet ( Bead) Kruse, natives of Woodstock Township. Schuy- ler County, the former a son of Franz Henry D. Kruse, a native of Germany, and a very early settler of Schuyler County. Into the Miller home there have come two bright, happy children to add good cheer to this household. They are: Esther William, born June 21, 1905; and Harold Henry, born January 21. 1908. Mr. Miller is a stanch Republican, but not an office sreker, With his wife. he is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, although the latter was reared in the Presbyterian faith. A pleasing personality and a desire to be in harmony with his fellow men have contributed much to the popularity and success of Mr. Miller. He is a master of the best ethics of business, and a promoter of the principle that people receive about what they give out in this world.
MILLER, John Henry ( deceased), formerly an extensive farmer of Schuyler County. Ill .. and father of Simon Burnett Miller, whose sketch appears in this connection, was born in Bippen. Ilanover. Germany. November 4, 1:24. Hle re- ceived his early education in his native country and in 1844, at the age of about twenty years. came to the United Simies, spending the first few months after his arrival in this country in War- ren Conty, Mo., where one of his sisters had settled at an earlier date. During the spring of 1×15 he came to Schuyler County, Ill., first lo- eating in Frederick Township where two of his uncles, Henry and John Wilkes. had previously settled. llere he was employed in various occu- pations by the month. meantime attending school at intervals until 15%, for the purpose of ac- quiring a knowledge of the English language. In that year, the period of the gold fever, he pur- chased an ox-team and with Joel and Alford HIol- land, two brothers of his future wife. he crossed the plains to the Pacific Coast. As the wagon was loaded with luggage, provisions and imple- ments, much of the journey was made by the adventurers on foot. On their arrival in the gold region. the lolland brothers turned their attention to keeping a hotel, while Mr. Miller engaged in digging for the precious metal. After spending nearly two years in the mining region. he returned to Schuyler County in 1 51. and soon afterward bought 160 aeres of timber land, of which a previous occupant had cleared about twenty acres, besides building thereon a log cabin. Taking possession of this land in 1972. by later purchases he increased this holding to 910 aeres, upon which he conducted farming operations on a large scale and with profitable results.
On February 8. 1556. Mr. Miller was married to Sarah F. Holland, who was born in Nashville. Tenn., January 20, 1839. a daughter of John
and Nancy ( Kelly) Holland, cafly settlers of Schuyler County. Mr. and Mrs. Miller beran.e the parents of two souls and six daughters as fol- lows: Mary Louise ( Mrs. Dean) ; Einna From- ves (Mrs. Armstrong); Nancy Isabella, Delia May ( Mrs. Kiases ) ; Dora Ann ( Mrs. Drovey) ; Frankin 11 .; Anna L. (McCormick) ; and Simon 1. who, with his sister, Isabelle, occupies the old home place of 210 acres. which they how own. John Hl. Miller's arduous and successful life came to an end February 13, 1902, the long- time companion of his toils, privations and she- resses passing away on February 28, 1905. They left a reputation for integrity and devotion to the interests of their family, and of the commu- nity, ju which their children, while inheriting the results of their faithful labors, take a just pride.
MILLER, Simon Burnett, a well known and respected farmer of Schuyler County, Ill., resid -. ing on Section 84. Rushville Township, was born on the place on which he now lives, July 22, 1865, the son of Jolin Ilenry and Sarah Frances ( Holland) Miller, the former born in Bippen, Hmmover, Germany, November 4, 1824, and the latter in Nashville, Tenn., January 20. 1839. (For additional details of the Miller family history, ser sketch of John II. Miller in this connection ). Simon Burnett Miller grew up on the home farm in Rushville Township. in the meantime rereiv- ing his educational training in the local district schools, and thus by inheritance and association acquiring those traits of character which have Jed him to devote his energies to agricultural pursuits, and have contributed to the success which he has attained in that line.
Mr. Miller bas never been married, but has always remained under the parental roof, with his sister, Isabelle, and his brother, Franklin 11 .. giving attention to the welfare of their parents and looking after the large property of the fam- ily. They occupy the home farm of 240 aer s. of which they are now the owners, besides hay- ing an interest in other portions of the estate.
Inheriting the political faith of his father, Mr. Miller is a supporter of the principles of the Ramiblican party. but takes no active part in political contests. In religious belief he is a Methodist, and enjoys the respect and confideuce of a large circle of friends.
MILLS, William Henry Harrison, was born in Moorefield, Harrison County. O., Mareb 19. 1540. lle is a son of Elias and Isabel Jane (Glandon) Mills, natives of that State. Elias Mills devoted many years to farming. but conducted a hotel at Moorefield, Ohio, for a considerable period. Towards the end of his life he moved from Moorefield to Millersburg. O., where he died in 1.93 at the age of eighty-two years. His wife died when her son. William, was quite young. They were the parents of six children. four of whom are living. namely : William H. II. : Theo- dore C .; Lavina, widow of David Davis; and Mary E., wife of Stephen Lewis.
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In early youth Mr. Mills attended the com- mon schools of his native place, completing his education at Franklin College. New Athens, Olio. After leaving college, he taught school until the Civil War broke out, when he enlisted under the first call of the President for three months' troops, joining the Thirteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in West Virginia, being detailed from the ranks as quartermaster sergeant, and was honorably discharged Decem- ber 31, 1861. Subsequently. he taught school several years in Ohio, Illinois and Nebraska. In the last named State he was for some time con- nected with the Press. acting in the capacity of editor of the "Political Forum." He also studied law in that State and was admitted to the bar, but never engaged in practice. The farming ex- perience of Mr. Mills in Rushville Township. Schuyler County, commenced in 1903, but in the following year the farm dwelling was destroyed by fire. and he then established his home in Rushville, 111.
Mr. Mills was married at Macomb, MoDonongh County, Ill .. October 2. 1-95. On that date Neosha M. Teel became his wife, Rev. J. H.I. Brattan, of the Presbyterian Church, performing the ceremony at his residence. Mrs. Mills was born in Rushville Township, on November 25, 1869, and is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Smith) Teel. A sketch of her father's life may be found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are the parents of three children. namely : Ruth Elizabeth Teel. born June 22. 1897: James Teel. born April 2S. 1800; and Theodore Roosevelt Teel, born March 25, 1901. In politics, Mr. Mills is an earnest and stead- fast Republican. He is a man of superior intel- ligence and sound information, and takes a good citizen's interest in public affairs.
MOORE, James .- The extremes of poverty and affluence have met in the carver of James Moore, the pendulum of whose life Ins swung between a rude log cabin, sixteen feet square. sheltering res- olute pioneer parents and their twelve children, and a beautiful home in Rushville, including 450 acres of as fine land as is to be found in Schuy- ler County. Many useful lessons fall from the life of this earnest, high-minded retired farmer, and among these the value of industry, definite purpose and belief in one's own good destiny are by no means the least important.
Mr. Moore has far exceeded the biblical allot- ment of life, being more than four-score years old. He was born in Lincoln County, Ky .. Au- gust 30, 1828, his parents, Thomas and Mary ( Elmore) Moore, being natives of the same State, in which one of his ancestors, from North Caro- lint, settled previous to the Revolutionary War. At the age of thirty-five, the elder Moore was appointed a drillmaster of militia for the region of Kentucky in which he lived. and served in that capacity for eight years. The family ro- moved from Kentucky to Schuyler County dur- ing the fall of 1836, and located in what now is Buena Vista Township, but which at that time
had not been visited by a surveyor, or platted in even irregular fashion. The first surveyor was a Mr. Edmonston, who also did the assessing for the whole county. Mr. Moore was about eight years of age when brought to Schuyler County, and his early experiences were along hard and self-sacrificing lines. The constantly increasing number of children in the Moore household proved a drain upon the comparatively meager resources of the crude farm, with its erder implements, but in spite of never ceasing taslis during the summer, and but little leisure in the winter, he gained a fair common school education, and developed great self-reliance aud detern.ination.
The monotonous round of farm life remained unabated for Mr. Moore until the neighborhood in which he lived became infected with the gold fever in the carly fifties. With characteristie readiness to recognize and utilize the opportuni- ties of life, he set to work to make his dream of wealth come true, seeking for some way to reach the opulent land, basking under the perpetual California sun. The winter of 1852-53 found him busy with consultations and preparations for the long jaunt across the plains, and in March he started out with his cousin and a friend, their equipment consisting of two yoke of sturdy oxen, a yoke of cows, a wagon with a cover. and the necessary provisions for six months on the road. The long train left the Missouri River to encounter a thinly settled re- gion. and upon the present site of Omaha was an Indian trading post, surrounded by the huts of a few courageous settlers, The travelers
made settlement in the northern part of Cali- fornia, camping beside Snake Lake, which Mr. Moore thought apropriately named, as thousands of reptiles infested both lake and the immediate country. Mr. Moore found work at Bidwell's Bar for a time, whence he went to Hangtown, and later to Placerville, where he remained un- til 1855. Hle then returned home by way of Panama and New York, reaching the latter place February 1. 1955. His luck had been only that of the average miner, but he had stored his memory with a wealth of var.ed experience, and had gained innch of self-assurance and inde- pendence from contact with the rough elements of the mining eamps.
Again in Schuyler County, Mr. Moore invested his earnings in a farm of 110 aeres in Oakland Township, paying $500 down and going in debt for a similar amount. Much timber and under- growth abounded on the place, but when it was cleared and the land tilled. he sold it at great advance over the purchase price. He then pur- chased 150 acres in Buena Vista Township. built on it a fine residence, barns and outbuildings, and in time added to it until he was the owner of his preent farm of 450 acres. His land is fer- tile and splendidly improved. and has been the spone of important scientific operations in ac- cordance with the best known methods. Mr. Moore has also possessed keen business sagaelly. a trait which has belonged to many members of
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his family, and upon which all have prided themselves. Ile is broad-minded and generous enough to attribute much of his success to the help and sympathy of a capable wife, whom be married Ortober 5, 1559. and who was formerly Margaret 1. Ellis, daughter of James Ellis, one of the honored pioneer farners of Schuyler County. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Moore. the first of whom died at the age of seventeen months, and the second at the age of five months. Lois, next in order of birth. is living with her parents; Bertha is the deceased wife of Joseph Clow, an attorney of Chicago; and her only child, Margaret, is making her home with her Grandfather Moore; Mary is the wife of Robert R. Jones, for some years Wash- ington correspondent of the Chicago Inter-Ocean. and later managing editor of that paper, and is the mother of three children, Robert M., James M. and Ellis R .; and Harriet M. is the wife of George Thomas, a belt manufacturer of Evans- ton.
In 1876 Mr. Moore left his farm and located in Rushville in order to educate his children, and in 1893 he went to Evanston in order that his daughters might attend the Northwestern Uni- versity. In the education and training of his children he has maintained the same high stand- ards and ideals which made his work as a farmer worthy and successful, and, in their moral and religious development, he has shown great con- sideration and forethought. All of the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of the twelve children born to Thomas and Mary (Elmore) Moore, seven are now living, and all are prosperous and honored members of the com- munities in which they live. No greater contrasts could picture human memory than those cher- ished by Mr. Moore and his brothers and sisters. The small farm of the establisher of the name in this part of the State has been lost in the properties of the Moore Brothers, which, in the aggregate, would cover more than two square miles. Gas and electricity are at the disposal of these people who clasp hands with the crude pioneer days, but all can recall how the cabin was lighted by a tallow dip, and how the mother often would be driven to the expedieney of put- ting her little brood to bed by the light of a burning rag in an iron spoon filled with lard. Throughont all of these changes Mr. Moore has kept his nature serene and his heart young, and today he is conscious of few of the infirmities usually associated with men of his years.
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MOORE, John D .- I'pon no couple identified with the retired farming population of Rushville does the spirit of other days rest more tenderly and impressively than upon Jolm A. and Mary A. (Turner) Moore. The lives of this devored and intelligent man and woman-the former of whom is eighty-two and the latter seventy-seven years of age-express a degree of constancy and philosophy rarely achieved by mortals who have shared in a common struggle for so many years. and this fact, as much as the one of financial
and general prosperity, entitles them to a warm place in the hearts of the people, as it does in the annals of Schuyler County.
Born on a farm in Kentucky, December 7, 1525, Mr. Moore is a son of Thomas and Mary (L'Imore) Moore, also natives of the Bourbon State, who came overland with a covered wagon and horses to Schuyler County at a very early period in its history, locating on land which thus far was a stranger to the ways of the white brethren of the plains. The father erected a cabin near a stream, cleared a space for his first crop. and eventually gained a modest fortune for those dependent upon his care. The son, John D., Inid few early advantages, and his youth slipped by in the dull routine of farming, his eduration being acquired in the Subscription school in the neighborhood of his home. Ile was studious and ambitious, however, and saw beyond the rim of the paternal acres. Especially was he open to the chances around him, and when glad tales of untold wealth discovered on the Pacific coast reached his quiet home, his alert spirit responded with more than average fervor. The winter of 1845-49 passed all too slowly for the youth with golden dreams, and in bleak March he joined an ox-train bound tor Califor- nia. starting fron: Brooklyn, Schuyler County. and arriving at the south fork of the American Hiver. August 12 following. Good fortune at- tended him almost from the first, and in one day he took out three hundred dollars worth of gold. On the south and middle forks of the same river. he was equally fortunale, and in his two years' absence from his home be cleaned up about $2.500. In the tall of 1851 he returned to Schuyler County, fully satisfied with his so- journ in the West. and on February 20. 1852. was united in marriage to Mary A. Turner, who was born in Rushville, March S. 1891, a daugh- ter of Samvel and Rachel (Robertson) Turner. natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respect- ively. Mr. and Mrs. Turner were among the very early pioneers of Schuyler County, coming here from the South during 1529. They had three children. the survivors of whom are Mrs. Moore and Allen Turner, the latter a farmer of Buena Vista Township,
While in California Mr. Moore sent home sted to be invested in land in Buena Vista Township. as his marriage was already a settled plan. and upon it was based his fortune-getting aspirations. The young people settled upon this land directly after their marriage, beginning housekeeping in a rude log cabin with clapboards for shingles. and the most primitive and incomplete furnish- ings. To his first purchase he added ninety Heres after a few years, and thus had a farm of 150 acres, upon which he followed general farming and stock raising for the rest of his active life. More land was added as success in greater do- gree rame his way, and at the present time he is the owner of 700 acres of fine land. practically all nider cultivation, and located in Littiein and Buena Vista townships. In 1895 Mr. and Mrs. Moore moved to the city of Rushville,
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where they own and occupy a pleasant home, which is the delight of their many friends, and the center of never failing hospitality. Mr. Moore has declared many times and oft that the most fortunate event in his life was his marriage in 1852, for his wife has made his home a constant joy, and his life a continuous inspiration to well doing. Many have been the wedding anniversary celebrations of this couple, but the best attended and most important of all was the golden wed- ding. March 1, 1:02, when friends came to greet and congratulate them from near and far, among other tokens of their regard presenting the hus- band with a gold-beaded eane, and the wife with a gold thimble. Both are justly proud of these tokens of esteem, and are also proud of the fact that their health is excellent, their spirits undi- minished. and their interest in life as keen as when they swelled the list of cabin builders in the dawn of the county's history. Cheerfulness, kindness and goodness abound in this comforta- ble home, and from the lives of its occupants he who would may read the value of these inesti- mable qualities.
On the farm in Buena Vista Township were born the eleven children of Mr. and Mrs. Moore. George T., the oldest son, is deserving of special mention as a clergyman of unusual zeal and high character. This minister was one of the early settlers of Des Moines, la., and in youth learned the balcksmith irade. Having ho one to build his church in Des Moines, and no money to hire it built, he put on his blue jeans, went to the concrete factory and made the fifteen hun- dred blocks of concrete necessary for its con- struction, He then, with his own hands, put the blocks together, finished the church in its every detail, and started upon a ministry which hore wonderful fruit as the years passed, and kindlier opportunities came the way of the zealous church man. Of the other children. Andy died at the age of nineteen years: Christopher died in infancy ; James B. married Minnie Scott, and lives in Sherman County, Kans. ; Geneva, a resident of Macomb, Ill., is the widow of Hardin L. Richey ; Mary A. is the wife of Sevalis Ross, of Buena Vista Township; Miner A, lives in Canada ; Wheeler A. lives on the old farm and married Carrie Boyd: Anna B. is the wife of George Demaree, a railroad man living in Danville, III,, and Peter lives with his parents.
MOORE, Lewis Ross, Sheriff of Schuyler County. Ill .. was born in Oakland Township, Schuyler County. September 16, 1864, and is a son of Solomon and Sarah Jane ( Logan) Moore. The father, a native of Kentucky, became a resi- dent of Schuyler County in 1954. buying a farm on Section 27. Oakland Township. where he died July 18. 1877. aged sixty-two years. Ilis wife was a daughter of Joseph Logan, who came to Littleton Township when wolves were plenti- ful and wild game abundant. After the death of Solomon Moore, his widow made her home with her children and died March 6. 1901. at the age of seventy-five years. In religion she ad-
hered to the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Chureb, which was also the religious belief of her Husband. Politically, Solomon Moore voted with the Democratic party.
During boyhood Lewis R. Moore attended the district schools until he was fifteen years of age. when he started out to shape his own ca- reer, and for many years was employed on farms in the neighborhood. Later he turned his atten- tion to carpentering, and was employed at this trade during the summer months for several years. In ISOR he became clerk in a general store in Ray, Ill., where he was employed for three years, and here his circle of acquaintances was widened to include practically every one in the township, and it was most natural that he drifted into local polities, as he had a natural aptitude for making friends. Ho was first elected Collector of Oakland Township in 1898 and served two terms, and in 1900 was elected As- sessor, after which, in 1902. he was chosen to till the position of Township Clerk. During these later years in which he was taking an interest in local polities. Mr. Moore represented his town- ship for several terms on the Democratic County Central Committee, and was also the Ray corre- spondent of the Rushville Times, and 'soon be- came well known through the county as one of the workers in the Democratic party,
In 1902 Mr. Moore was appointed Deputy Sheriff under Felix Jackson, and so well did he acquit himself in this office that in the following emupaien he was chosen as the party candidate for Sheriff by a large majority, and at the elec- tion on November 6, 1906, he received a majority of aff votes. In the administration of his office Mr. Moore has proven himself to be efficient, capable, honorable and thoroughly fearless, a champion of justice and a firm upholder of the law.
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