Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 84

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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MORRIS, John W .- Since his arrival in Rush- ville in 1866, John W. Morris has filled a large need as an expert carpenter and has accumulated a comfortable competence through the unfailing medium of thrift and economy. His quiet and uneventful, yet useful life began April S, 1832, on a farm in Virginia, in which State were born both his parents, William and Eliza (Palmer) Morris, and his grandfathers, Thomas Morris and Robert Palmer. William Morris es- tablished the family in Ohio upon leaving Vir- ginia, afterward settling in Edgar County, Ill., where terminated his industrious and moder- ately successful career.

With the basis of a common school education and care ul home training, John W. Morris has followed carpentering all his active lite with the exception of traveling for two and a half years for a commercial house, and being employed in a general dry-goods business for the same length of time. Many of the oldest and foremost tam- ilies of Rushville have been his patrons for many years, and his careful, skillful and always reli- able work has secured him continuous employ- ment from one end of the year to the other. The passing of many years has not robbed him of his interest in his labor, or of his skill in the manip- ulation of tools.

In politics Mr. Morris is a stanch Republican, and in religion he is a Methodist. For many years he has been associated with the Masons. His marriage to Elizabeth Cary, of Edgar County, Ill., occurred in 1860, and of this union there are three daughters, of whom Mary C. is the wife of Oliver T. Lawler, a farmer of Schuyler County; Annie E. is the wife of Ed- ward C. Hammon, of Scott County, IL .. and Alice G. is the wife of C. II. Ilackett, of Jackson- ville, Ill.

MOURNING, David Lyon .- To David Lyon Mourning is due the distinction of being the only Republican ever elected to the office of County Judge of Schuyler County, Il. Mr. Mourning has been a resident of Rushville since 1890. coming here from Hancock County. in that year. Ile read law in the office of D F. Miller @ Son, of Keokuk, Ia., where he was

admitted to the Bar in 1SS1. Iu Rushville he has combined a general practice of law with enthousiaste political activity, and besides be- ing a candidate for County Judge on two oc- casions, Was the defeated candidate for State's Attorney ja 1502, and the surcesshul candidate for City Attorney of Rashvilby, for three terms.

Luck or chance has had no part in fashioning the success of Mr. Mourning, and from hun the young man who aspires to lead honors may learn many useful lessons. le was born on a farm in Hancock County, J., March 14. 1837, and the labors of his early years fort little opportunity for idle dreams of ambitions. Work, Conadles work, was the only thing to lift him from his limitations, and place him in the line of more congenial effort. On the jaternal side he in- herits the resourcefulness of the Irish race, and especially of his great-grandfather, Rodger Mourning, who crossed the seas from Ireland, and carved his career in a land of strange people and stranger opportunities. John Mourning, the paternal grandfather, was born in Ireland. Ile married Hannah Ball, and settled on the farm in Kentucky, where Samuel Mourning, father of the subject of this sketch, was both, and where was also born David's mother, Nancy 1. (lyon) Mourning. Nancy A. was a daugh- ter of John and Martha (Martin) Lyon.

David Lyon Mourning received his preliminary education in Hancock County, ill., and by study- ing overtime, and improving every moment of leisure, qualified at an early age as a teacher. It was his savings in this occupation that en- abled bim to begin the study of law at Keokuk, and to live in comparative com.ort while be- coming established as a practitioner. On June 20. 1887, he was united in marriage to Olive Wetzel, a native of Hancock County, 11., and their union resulted in three children: Mabel, Paul W. and Esther, Mr. Mourning adds to bis legal and political qualifications a predilection for the social side of life, and he is prominent in the Modern Woodmen of America and the Mystic Workers. He is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. lle represents the high- est ideals of his profession, and has a growing and lucrative practice.

MUNROE, Thomas Irvin, a very promising young lawyer of Rushville Ill., where he was born January 15, 1881, is a son of Binman and Anna E. (Irvin) Munroe, of whom the father was born in Rushville, July 21. 1852. Thomas and Annis (Hinman) Munroe, the paternal grandparents, were natives of Maryland and New York, respectively, the former born in Annapolis, January 4, 1807, and the latter in Itica. December 10. 1815. The great-grand- parents on the paternal side were John and Anne (Wells) Munroe. Both were born in A spor's, Jon Munroe on August 6. 1763, and his wife January 23, 1771. The maternal grand- parents, William S. and Mary C. (Wells) Irvin. were natives of Harrodsburg, Ky .. and Littleton, 111., respectively. The great-grandparents on

896

HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

the maternal side were William and Anna (Clark) Irvin.

Grandfrather Thomas Munroe, who was a physician of note, was related to Nathan Iam- mond and Jonathan Pinckney, both of whom were conspicuous figures in the Colonial days of the country. Dr. Munro . leit Annapolis, Mld .. in 1834, and settled in Jacksonville. lil., whence. in 1842, he removed to Rushville, in the future affairs of which he was destined to take a prom- inent part. From the first he made his influence felt, not only in the sphere of medicine, in which he was an admitted expert, but in politics and society. lle was a graduate of St. John's Col- lege and the Baltimore University, and had prae- ticed medicine and surgery for a year in Annapolis, and during his residence in Jackson- ville. He continued in active practice until 1885. Dr. Munroe served in the Civil War as "chiet" surgeon in the One Hundred and Nine- teenth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with the rank of Major, He was the intimate friend of War Governor Richard Yates, served as best man at Mr. Yates' wedding. and enter- tained the chief executive of the State at his home in Rushville in 1861. He held Richard Yates, Jr., in his arms when the War Governor was inaugurated. Dr. Munroe's forceful and in- teresting personality won him the confidence and friendship of many of the foremost men in the State, and his practical and sagacions advice was frequently sought upon matters of vital imu- portanee.

A world of interesting reminiseence centers around Annis ( Hinman) Munroe. grandmother of Thomas Irvin Munroe and wife of Thomas Munroe. This woman of many years and noble life was presented with a solied gold spoon by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1898, and no honor was ever more worthily con- ferred. The ranks of the daughters of Revolu- tionary heroes have been sadly thinned. and few indeed are the living children of men who fol- lowed Washington and his Generals in the great struggle for fredom from English rule. Not many families were more represented in this war than that to which Mrs. Munroe belonged. Her father, Major Benjamin Hinman, was one of thirteen of this name to become commissioned officers from the town of Woodbury. Conn. Asa and Ephraim Hinman, brothers of Ben- jamin, attained the rank of colonel, and a cousin. Captain Elisha Hinman, had command of a ship of war fitted out by the Colonists. Major Ben- jamin Hinman was aid to General Greene, of Revolutionary fame. John E. Hinman, a son of Major Benjamin, was mayor of Utica, New York. in 1824, and entertained the Marquis de Lafayette on the occasion of his visit to Amer- iea during 1824-5. At this memorable reception, Annis, sister of the mayor, and then nine years old. was present, and one of the pleasantest ree- " ollections of her later life was that of sitting on the knee of the distinguished and patriotic Frenchman. and conversing with him in his un- tive tongue. Annis' only daughter, Mary E.

Munroe, stt suite Lofd Low.estead in

Rushville, butit habits seventy-nine year's ago.

Thomas Inv el the public

schools of University of

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bar in 19001. the general

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energy and r. zd a careful student

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MUNSON, Henry 0., M. D .- Of the leadinz practitioners who kezd _ efter to and inspire confidence In the jobsssss of medicine and surgery in Rustinte _ _ have a more en- viable reputation thes De. Henry A. Munson. A genuine and despreted Waing for his call- ing. the best tr .. e in this country and in Europe. a Dost progressive spirit and a keen aruregion of ex austess possibilities for useful discovery. de the chief contributors causes of the sures with this skillful disciple of Ialmetiom t & a Lleved.

Dr. Munson is a retire of Pottsdam, St. Law- rence County. N. Y .. where by was born August 14, 1907. When gaite ponte he moved with his parents, Gerte A. (Ed Haslet ( Wemore) Munson. froui New York to Towe. where he built up his present strong substitution working in the harvest Sends od 2 . paternal farm. and where he evenimiy sadiel from the High School of Grindeil. I weshi's County. Divel- oping tendeneks : or sus i bro . Jer lite than was possible in the parci of ass! ulture. Le toox up the study of :

State University Metal College. : 1.1 2 180 gradnared from the Hatzezicha Medical College of Chicago.

surgery ber yraz Heutein. he took a course in the offrey Fes: Gr inar College. and in 1844. Morel i Rostride with has since been his home. Wale carelliy in Europe in 1997, Dr. Munson selalized in favesdication along the lines of ere ani eas surgery.

At Princeton. Mo .. 55 1850. Dr. Manson was united in n.reize to fire & C. C'esty. and of this union there are chbres attdren : Helen. Mary and Harriet. The Toute is a member of the Methodist Exempel Chanh. in which be is an active worker. For a tre te was President of the Epworth L. F :-. 13 in other wars be hns

sought the.r. : development and

aid ovat ze's : ? e gente of his

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connection with the have given him

897

HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

a warm and abiding place in the hearts of a large number of patrons.

NALL, James R, a well known and skillful builder and contractor, of Rushville, IN., was born in Rushville Township, Schuyler County, Ill., September 29, 1856. Ile is a son of Charles II. and Elizabeth (Chick) Nall, natives of Ken- tucky and Indiana, respectively. The paternal grandfather was Gabriel J. Nall, of Woodtord County, Ky., where he was born in 1785. Charles H. Nall, who was born October 25, 1823, caine with his father, Gabriel J., from Kentucky to Schuyler County, Ill., in 1831. Elizabeth (Chick) Nall, his wife. was born in Rushville, Ind., and came with her father, James Chick, to Schuyler County, the latter being one of the earliest settlers of the county, arriving in 1836. He located on the farm, in Rushville Town- ship, now owned by W. L. Demaree, and fol- lowed, farming during the remainder of his life, dying in 1859 or 1860. He was a charter mem- ber of the first Masonie Lodge in the county. For many years he was a teacher in the dis- triet schools, in connection with his farming op- erations. After his death his widow went to Grayson County, Tex., where she passed her last days. By occupation Charles II. Nall was a cooper. having learned that trade after coming to Schuyler County, where he followed coopering and farming together until the time of his death. March 8, 1881. He was a man of quiet disposi- tion and unobstrusive manners, thoroughly do- mestie in his tastes and inclinations, and pre- ferring the bome circle above all other at- tractions. ITis family consisted of four sons and two daughlers, namely: Henry and Fannie, deceased : Richard, who died in infancy ; James R .; Lewis, who is a millwright by trade, and lives at Billings, Mont .; and Nettie, wife of Gorge E. Day, R. F. D .. at Ray, Schuyler County. Politically, Charles II.' Nall was the only Repub- lican among the many members of the Nall fam- ily to which he belonged. He was upright and dutiful in all the relations of life, and an ex- emplary member of the community.

The early life of James R. Nall was spent on the home farm, where he remained until 1SS1, and his education was obtained in the district schools of the vicinity. In 1852, he went to work with Richard Day, a well known citizen, in order to learn the trade of a carpenter, and continued in Ins employ for about three years. After his marriage he made his home on the farm in Oakland Township until 1592. when he bought the place where he now lives. consisting of a very attractive residence, with eleven aeres of ground, situated just north of Rushville. The marriage of Mr. Nall took place March 5, 1884, on which date he was wedded to Laura IIar- mon, who was born near Rushville. October 14, 1859. Mrs. Nall is a daughter of John and Martha Am (Ellis) Harmon. (Particulars in regard to the Ellis family may be found in a biographical record of James D. Ellis, ap- pearing on another page of this volume.) Jolm

F. Harmon was a native of Boone County, Ky., who became a resident of Schuyler County, Ill .. early in the Jast century. For many years he was engaged in teaching school, and on the outbreak of the Civil War, enlisted and went with his regiment to Vicksburg. There, bring seized with sickness, he died, and his re- mains are lying in an unknown grave. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Nall resulted in one child, Annie Delle, born March 20, 18 5, who has re- ceived a thorough classical and musical edu- cation. She is now employed in the capacity of bookkeeper in the establishment of Wilson & Co. She is a member of the Christian Church, of Rushville, as is also her mother, a woman of many excellent traits of character.

In 1592. Mr. Nall turned his attention to contracting and building, and nrmy of the finest bn-iness blocks and private residences in Rush- ville and the surrounding country are the result of his skill. Among these are the Vedder Block, and the "Times" Building, in Rushville, with others, which will long stand as monuments of his architectural and mechanical ingenuity.

In politics. Mr. Nall has always been active in behalf of the success of the Republican party, but has never entertained any desire for public office. Praternally, he is affiliated with the Mystic Workers, lle is one of the most prom- inent and favorably known citizens of his lo- cality.

NAUGHT, George W .-- The fine old pioneer fam- ily of Naught. so numerously scattered over the fertile lands of Schuyler County, Ill., in no sense loses its dignity or influence in the career of George W. Naught, a representative of the third generation in the Central West, and the owner of a farm of 120 acres in Section 16, Woodstock Township. Mr. Naught was born on Section 36, Woodstock Township. Febuary 25, 1865, and his youth was passed among far different surround- ings than confronted his father, George Naught, who was born in White County, Ill., in 1822, and came with his parents to Schuyler County in 1524. Isane Naught, father of George, was a canny Scotchman who in youth had crossed the sea and settled in Tennessee, his death occurring in Pike County, Ill .. at the age of sixty-six years. Woodstock Township in 1824 was still a happy hunting ground for the Indian, abounding in game, the well worn trail, and the simple wigwam. The paleface was regarded as an intruder. and the lives of the settlers were often in danger. In his rude hut in the primeval timber Isaac reared his family to useful man- hood. and George, like the rest of the children, worked hard and had very few advantages as ad- vantages are now understood. Their home was a great curiosity to the more friendly Indians. and to such an extent did they crowd its room and hospitality, that they had to be driven out in order to make a place for the rightful oc- eupants. Finally they were persuaded to seek other habitations and crossed the creek below Greenwell's Mill. on the Lemoine River. then

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

known as Crooked Cre? When George Naught drove with his grain to que William Mekre Mill, north of Rushville, that community consisted of one little Jog cibin, or upierd by some daring invader of the wilderness. It was the privilege of Isaac Naught to witness and participate in the changes which took place between his ar- rival in 1524, and his death in Isso, and to aceminlate a fair competence through industry and good judgment. He left the legacy of a good name, a noble purpose, and an example of fairness and consideration, traits that are ex- pressed in the general chetracter of the family which profited by his kindness and oversight. Of these children, Jaunes has been a resident of Omaha for twenty-two years; Philip died De- cember 30, 1905: Lizzie occupies the old home with her mother, and is unmarried; and Catherine and Nthey are twins, the former be- ing the wife of William Rt. Davis, residing near Sugar Grove, Woodstock Township.

George W. Naught has harbored no aspirations not in accord with the occupation of his fore- fathers. To him farming is a noble and satis- fying pursuit and one in which he takes infinite pleasure and pride. He remained on the home place until his marriage. November 10, 1856, to Mimic Strunmmel. daughter of George Strum- moj. a native of Germany, and one of the pio- neers of Schuyler County. The young people set- tled on a rented farm in Woodstock Township. and at the end of bve years Mr. Naught pur- chased 120 acres of land in Section 16, known as the Magruder farm, the sole improvements upon which were a log house and a small barn. In this log cabin the family lived until 1901. when the present modern residence was erected. the property now being one of the best im- proved in the neighborhood. The owner is in- terested in stock raising on a small seale, and has a good grade of cattle, hogs and horses. His fences and buildings are kept in good repair, and the visitor is impressed with the general neat- ness and method which characterize the place.

In polities, Mr. Naught is a Democrat, and he has filled several offices of local importance. Fraternally, he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. Camp 50S, of Rushville, and in religion, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Naught are the parents of four children: Esther, born Sep- tember 26, 1887. a graduate of the Rushville Nor- mal, and an educator of note: Dwight. born April 20. 1\00; Mabel, horn February 18. 1894; and Harold, born Jannary 6, 1903. Mr. Naught is upright and honorable. a genial companion. kind to children and animals, and in favor of all measures for the improvement of the conditions by which he is surrounded.

NEI.SON, Andrew H .-- The family of Andrew HI. Nelson. of Rushville Township. Schuyler County. Ill., was established in America long before the discontent of the Colonists culminated in the Revolutionary War. When that time entre, his paternal grandfather. Thomas Nelson,

a farmer by occupation, presumably in Pen- sylvania, exchanged bis implements of hu-ban- dry for weapons of destruction, and followed the martial fortunes of the illustrious Wasains- ton for seven years. During that time he fought on the principal batlefields of the memorable conflict. The maternal grandfather, Benjamin Teel, was also a soldier in the Revolutionary War, serving from start to finish. Henry Nel- son. fatter of Andrew HI., was born in Pennsyl- vania in IND1, and married Mary Ann Teel. He Was a weaver by trade, but when he came to Rushville Township in 1837 he devoted himself to farming. continuing thus until shortly before his death, in IS64.

Andrew HI. Nelson was born May 15, 1834. be- ing three years old when his family arrived in Rushville Township. His carly training aud education did not differ from those of the sons of other settlers, and he was early expected to make his work count and to contribute his share towards the support of the family. It's life passed uneventtully until the breaking out of che Civil War. On May 7, 1861, he enlisted in C'om- pany G, Sixteenth Regiment Ilinois Volunteer Infantry, and was one of the first men of Schuy- ler County to leave for the front. He partici- pated in oany of the important battles of the war, and was honorably discharged from the service June 17, 1864. The following year. on December 25, he married Eliza An Allen, a daughter of Zethemiah Allen, an early settler and prominent farmer of Bainbridge Township. Schuyler County. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have had nine children, namely: William Henry, Allen Z., Lena May, Charles K., Edward B., Stella L., Thomas B., Harry E., and one who died in in- fancy. Lena May, Stella L., and Thomas B. are deceased.

Mr. Nelson is a member of the Christian Church, of Rushville Township, and a liberal contributor towards its support. His farming operations have been attended with success. lle is the owner of 160 acres of fine land, and is recognized as one of the most prosperous farmers and useful citizens of his locality.

ODENWELLER, John L .- The career of Jolin J. Odenweller has been dignified by industry, perseverance and fair dealing. and by prais wor- thy efforts to secure the just and peaceful re- wards of toil. Economy and thrift have made him the owner of a splendid farm of 100 seres in Section 12, Bainbridge Township, and his contribution to the well being of the State is- . sumes still more substantial proportions in his family of educated, cultivated, and refined sous and daughters, all of whom inherit his tendency towards noble and useful citizenship. Mr. con- weller was born in Macomb, MeDonough County. Ill .. July 17. 1850, and is a son of Leonard and Elizabeth (Danley) Odenweller.

Leomira Odenweller was born in Bad n. Gor- many. in 115, and came to America alom psddi. In his native land he had learned the lon . ith and blacksmith trades, and followed the sint- in

bas yarbrough 1

899

HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

Philadelphia, and later in Dayton, Ohio. In the latter city he married, and soon after moved to Macomb, Ill., where he worked at his trades, and in time bought land in Scotland and Industry Townships. On his land he maintained a busy blacksmith shop in connection with farming. and at one time owned 450 aeres, being one of the foremost farmers and business men in the town- ships which be represented. His last year- were spent in retirement in the city of Macomb, where his death occurred in ISST, his wife surviving him until 1889. Of the ton children in this fam- ily three died in infancy, and seven are living at the present time. viz. : Rev. Thomas P., of lowa ; Jobn L .; Simon P., of Maroni; Richard 1., of Pleasanton, Kan .; Isaiah, for many years a prominent citizen of Macomb, but now living in Winheld, Kan. : Mary M., wife of J. M. Miller, of Graham, Mo. ; and Lucinda II .. wite of Ali- chael M. Montgomery. of Shelbyville, 111.

The success of his father permitted John L. Odenweller to acquire a much better education than the average country reared boy. Ile at- tended the district schools, the old Macomb Nor- mal and Abingdon College, and for two or three years taught the school near his home. He also taught in Selmyler County, and while thus el- gaged met and married Lucinda HI. Bellomy, a native of Frederick Township. and daughter of Thomas Bellamy, a Schuvier County pioneer. For a time Mr. Odenweller was engaged in the grocery business in Sciota, Ill., and in 1881 lo- cated permanently in Schuyler County, purchas- ing in Section 12. Bainbridge Township, 160 acres of frirtially improved and. The industry of the owner has brought about remarkalde changes, and it is doubtful it in the length and breadth of the county. is to be found a more homelike. profitable and peasant farm. The mechanical ingenuity of Mr. menweller has been of incalculable benefit to him in making im- provements, and his trained mind has known. how to spend his time and money to the best possible advantage. Of horticulture he has made a scientific study, and he takes particular delight in a seven-acre orchard, and two acres of small fruits. He also follows general farming, and has some excellent stock about his place. Method, economy, industry and faithfulness are the key- notes of his success, and the happy co-operation of his family has furnished an incentive often wanting in even the most prosperous of homes.

Politically a Republican, Mr. Odenweller is by no means a partisan, and he has steadfastly re- fused all proffers of official recognition. Ile is fraternally connected with the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows, and finds a religious home in the Christian Church. A great grief over- shadowed the Odenweller home March 7, 1902, when occurred the death of the beloved mother of the four children. and the helpmate of a fond husband. In this emergency Elsie L., the oldest daughter. terminated three years of successful teaching to assume the duties of housekeeping. She was born in MeDonough County. IL .. O .- tober 22, 1877, is a graduate of the Frederick

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 84

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