USA > Illinois > Schuyler County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2 > Part 88
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As he looks back over the half a century, and more, since he first placed his feet on the soil which he still treads, during which time many of his boyhood friends have gone to other places and some to their long rest, he cannot but be
thankful that he has been permitted to take such an active part in the many great changes which have taken place. He has lived to see the price of land in Schuyler County rise from $25 to $125 an arre, and to witness the rise of vill ges and cities from the forest and the raw prairie. Schools and churches have sprung into life and the township government has been organized and extended-in all of which progress Mr. Rovve has taken the part of a good and enterprising citizen.
Besides his large farming and landed inter- ests, Mr. Reeve is identified with the city of Rushville, being the owner of a business house on the west side of the square, and a splendid residence. In religion he is a Methodist, and in politics, a Democrat, and altogether a splendid type of the American farmer and American citi- zen, firmly attached to his church, his party, his country and his home.
RENO, Benjamin F .- On the farm he now oc- cupies in Section 22, Browning Township, Sehuy- ler County, III., Benjamin F. Reno was born April 22. 1856. Previously, his parents, Jona- than and Louisa (Thornton) Reno, had made for themselves substantial place in the history of the township. having settled here in 1825, when the locality offered small encouragement to the people who sought immediate recognition of their industry and worth. Jonathan Reno long since joined the silent majority, but a distinet and unfailing ccho of the days of the frontier is found in the wife who survives him, and who, with the snows of ninety-five years in her hair. and the kindliness and happiness of one who has lived well and faithfully in her heart, is the joy of the household of her son, Benjamin F. It will be seen that the township has profited by the association of this family for eighty-three vears, and it would be difficult to estimate the good and influence that have resulted therefrom. The wife of the early settler has a remarkably active mind, and her associates delight in her stories of the log cabin and tallow dip days, and especially of the winter of 1830, known as the winter of the deep snow. Almost incredible seem the experiences of the people who were making that early history, and the discourage- ments they encountered and obstacles they over- came, pronounce them people of more than or li- mary purpose and determination. Mrs. Reno re- calls the wigwam of the Indians, and her mans experiences with them, although for the most part they at that time had moved to other hunt- ing grounds, returning. however, occasionally. ** the former place of their abode.
Benjamin F. Reno came upon the scene when many comforts and advantages had been intra- duced into the lives of the settlers, but of ne- cessity his educational chances were limited, awi confined to the subscription schools and study around the hearth when the day's tasks were completed. When his father arrived at the Azo where leisure was more welcome than labor. . . son renewed his ardor and assumed add.tion .. i
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
responsibility, and October 9, 1557. was united in marriage to Ennna Workman, who was born in Hickory Township. Schuyler County, July 5. 1859, a daughter of Joseph Workman, a native of Ohio, and pioneer of Schuyler County. Mrs. Workman, who now lives in Browning Township, was born in Georgia, and came early to this Western Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Reno have been born four children. two of whom died in infancy. Of those living, Guy is a graduate of the Rushville Normal, Class of 1906, and of the business department of the same institution. Class of 1907; and Ellsworth is a student in the district schools. Out of the kindness of their hearts Mr. and Mrs. Reno have given a home, since he was a year and a half old. to John Stambaugh, who now is twenty years old, a grad- uate of the Rushville Normal, and who always signs himself Jolm Reno. lle is now in the mail service.
Mr. Reno is the fortunate possessor of 105 acres of land which he devotes to stock and gen- eral produce. lle is one of the thrifty and suc- cessful farmers of the township, and sustains well the reputation established by his father when Schuyler County was an unhindered wil- derness. Politically, he is a Democrat, and fraternally, is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
RENO, Hon. William C .- The founder of the Reno family in Illinois was Jonathan, who as early as 1825 brought his wife and children to Schuyler County and entered land in Frederick Township near what is known as Reno Lake. From there in 1827 he removed to Rushville Township and entered land on Section 16, later transfering his home to MeDonough County, and eventually going to the vicinity of Spring- field, Mo .. where he died. After his death his widow returned to Illinois and remained in Schuyler County until her death. Their son, Jonathan, Jr., was born in East Tennessee, and about 1531 married Eliza Thornton, a native of the same State. Their marriage was solennized in Browning Township, where they made their home during much of their lives. As a farmer he was industrious and persevering. For a time he also operated a sawmill. At the time of the construction of the Wabash Railroad he had a contract to furnish ties and other material for building ; this he rafted down the Illinois as far as Naples, where it was put into use. With the exception of two years spent in lowa he con- tinued to reside in Browning Township until his death in 1554. a part of his better years being spent on the farm now occupied by Benjamin F .. his youngest son. Politically, he was stanch in his allegiance to the Democratic party. Ilis widow has reached the venerable age of ninety- five years, and makes her home with her son. B. F., at the old homestead. Notwithstanding her great age, she retains possession of her fac- ulties. to a large degree.
In the family of Jonathan Reno, Jr., there are five sons and two daughters now living, namely :
William C., who was born in Browning Town- ship, Schuyler County, September 9. INN; Jas- per, a resident of Sedalia, Mo .; Charles, of Is- toria, IN. ; Andrew J., a sus siantisl 'aime v or Warren County. 10 .; Benjamin F. Who remains at the old homestead; Rebecca. widow of 1. B. Sipher : and Matilda, who married W. J. Bates and resides at Browning, Selvler County. Three daughters died in infancy and one passed away after her marriage, During the boyhood years of William C. Reno, he he'ped on the home Farm and attended the neighborhood schools. Chil- dren in that period had low advantages. The schoolhouse where he was a pupil was con- structed of loss, with a floor of junelos and with slabs for benches. Text-books were few and of inferior quality. However, he was a diligent student and made the most of every opportunity, studying with the utmost diligence every book that came within his reach. Thus he gained the foundation of his present broad fund of information.
At the time of the excitement caused by the discovery of gold in the Pike's Peak region, in 150. Mr. Reno started for that region in company with others, making the journey with wagon and oxen. On his arrival he found that only men with capital could work advantageously in prospecting and mining, so he soon returned, content to settle down to the more quiet life of a farmer. October 15, 1461, he was united in marriage with Rebecca A. Wallace, who was born and reared in Browning Township. The young couple began housekeeping on a rented farm, but in 1866, they ren oved to Browning. where Mr. Reno had charge of a warehouse on the river. Soon he returned to the farm, but in 1876 returned to Browning where he has since made his home. In the public life of his town- ship he has been a leader and, politically, has been a prominent Democrat, active in local party work. For ten years he otlivinted as town- ship treasurer. For fourteen years ho served as supervisor and, during four years of that time he was honored with the position of chair- man of the board. In 1872 he was elected .Justice of the Peace, which position he has filled ever since.
A further honor eame to him in 1890. when ho, was selected to represent the Fulton and Schuyler Senatorial District, in the Illinois Leg- islature, where. during his term of service, he was found a faithful representative of his con- stituents and a talented acquisition to the Leg. islature.
Sorrow came into the family circle when the wife and mother was called from earth April 11. 1803, leaving to her husband and children the memory of a self-sacrificing life and a noble Christian character. Light children were born of the marriage, one of whom died in infancy. Sanmel F., the eldest son, is engaged in the real- estate and loan business at Pueblo. Colo. : Selina and Jemima make their home with their father : Mark M. holds the position of Division railroad passenger agent, with headquarters at Burlington.
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la .: Minnie M. married Amos Curry anlat her death left three children -- Marie. Ada and Fred ; Jay is manager of a drygoods state in Macomb. III. and Fred. the youngest of the family, resides .n Linea. Noha holding the responsible position of chief of the baggage and express department of the Chicago, Burlington & Quity Railway, west of the Missouri River. The sons have risen to prominence in their various occupations and. by their success, have added presilze to all lion- ored family name. Fraternally, Mr. Reno is identified with Astoria Lodge No. In, A. F. & A. M., of which he became a member in 198. Since 194 he has been associated with Brown- ing Lodge No. 809. 1. O. O. F. Through a long life he has won and retained the confidence of his fellowmon. Honorable in business relations, alert in promotion of the welfare of the people. patriotic in devotion to county and common- wealth, keen in judgment and progressive in thought. he furnishes a type of the men who have brought Schuyler County to its present de- gree of prosperity and prominence.
RIDINGS, Nelson McNaire .- The success of Nelson MeNaire Ridings is a logical conchi- ion of his inheritance and environment. For many generations his people have tilled the soil, and perfected faxans which ever have represented the best thus far achieved in agricultural science. Mr. Killings himself has prov I no exception to the family precedent, but in Section 9. Camden Township, operated a property the equipment and fertility of which is not surpassed anywhere in Schuyler County. Born in Hancock County, Ill .. December 2. 1849. he is a son of James E. and grandson of William Ridings, both natives of Tennessee. and early settlers of Hancock County. Some time later the family moved to Woodstock Township. Selmyler County. from the vicinity of Pulaski. Hancock County, locating near the home of Robert Brown, where the last days of William Ridings were spent in com- parative retirement. He had seven children. of whom William MeNaire and Mrs. Jane Skiumnett are living, the latter being a native of Joplin. Missouri. Three of his sons, Maek, David and Washington, served four years each in the Civil War. one in a Missouri regiment, another in the One Hundred and Sixteenth Ilinois Volunteer Infantry, and the third in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. In Hancock County. IL .. James E. Ridings mar- ried Elizabeth F. Bennett, a native of Ohio, and daughter of an Ohio farmer. Mrs. Ridings came to Schuyler County with her parents and her unele. Joseph Newberry, from Ohio. set- tling in Bainbridge Township, where Newberry Postoffice was named for the unele. James Ridings was a blacksmith by trade, and this he followed after his marriage in 1910 in the village of Rushville. He later livel in Bloomington for a few years, then moved to Missouri, and after the death of his father, in 1961. returned to the old home farm in Woodstock Township, which ho took charge of and lived upon until his death,
November 7. 1903. Like his father before him he was the parent of seven children, of whont Lorain died in infancy : Nelson MeNaire is a farmer in Schuyler County ; Flota is the wife of James Greene, a farmer in lowa ; Eliza ide- ceased was the wife of Jacob Harmon, Jr .. of the vicinity of Rushy'le; Charles is a farmer of Walnut Grove Township, Mcdonough County. Ill. : Abbie is the wite of Engene Betranch. of Iowa: and Arthur lives on a farm hear Rush- ville.
Through a close application to study during his leisure hours Nelson MeNaire Ridings ar- quired a much better education than does the average farm-reared youth, who depends solely upon the instruction of the local schools. The hardest kind of work claimed his very early Years, and when but ten be drove a team that hauled pork to Beardstown, where his uncle. David Ridings, would help hun unload. During several winners he devoted his energies to team- ing. and the summers were spent in the harvest field. the falls being spent in driving the horses for the old horse-power threshing machine. His father worked for several winters in the packing department of Ray & Little, and the son aided him with this work until his twenty-first year. when he began farming on land he had rented from his father. January 11. 1872, he was united in marriage to Emma Z. De Counter. Faro February 28, 1653. a daughter of Samuel De Conter. mention of whom may be found misewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Ridings have been born the following children : Laura isabell, born December 19. 1572, wife of Walter Warington. a farmer of Camden Town- ship. and mother of a daughter. Lena : James Sammel. born November 10. IST4. married to Lenora Head: Katie E .. born December 21. 1876, deceased wife of Louis French, and mother of Altie and Jessie. the latter of whom died at the age of three years; Daisy, born December -1. 1578. deceased wife of Lee Myers, a farmer of Huntsville Township: Clifford M .. born Deren- ber 2. 1881. living at home with his parents ; Logan J .. born April 9. 1857 : Raleigh, born Feh- ruary 9. 150; and Guy. horn November 18. 1503. Logan Ridings studied law at Des Moines, TH .. graduating in 190%; and Clifford is a graduate of the Rushville Normal and Business College. Class of 1902.
After living on rented farms for several years Mr. Ridings in 1877 bought eighty aeres in Camden Township, which remained his home fur twenty-six years. He was successful at general farming and stock-raising, and in 1903 moved to the farm owned by Samuel Do Counter, which consists of 300 acres in Section 9. Camden Town- ship. He at present is extensively engaged in the breeding of Poland-China hogs black cattie and Belgian horas. He shins several car Triks of stock annually, and is known as one of the best jnozes thereof in Schuyler County. T . farm he occupies has the finest of moderntil provements, has special facilities for stock. and
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
is adapted to the various kinds of produce assy- Fitted with the Central Western Stars.
Mr. Ridings has always had the best interests of Schuyler County at heart, and has visonotely endorsed good roads, good schools. churches. b . nevolent organizations, and fraternities. Though not a member, he contributes liberally to the Christian Church, of which his wie is a member. and he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Huntsville. 11. for many years, having joined the Rushville lod .. of the order about IN72. In politics, he isa ): mn- ovrat. but the emoluments of clive have never drawn him from the more peaceful interests of his home. Ile is a man of the str ctest personal honor, the kindliest disposition and generosity of heart, and the noblest aim . in the large things which make for character and development.
RITCHEY. Francis P .- The influx of settlers into Selmyler County in 1831 included George l'. Ritchey. a man with a venturesome spirit, a steady purpose, and considerable mercantile ability. He came from a family of farmers auml pioneers, ard his father, John Rit chey, was al. early arrival in Ohio, where the son was born in 1814. The lad was educated in the early sub- scription schools, married Lucida J. Walker. of Cloverport. Ky .. and during the summer of 1831 Game overland to Illinois, setting on Govern- ment land in Rushville Township. Soon after- wards he embarked in the grocery business in the village of Rushville, disposing of the summe five years later and purchasing the farm in Rushville Township, which he operated with fair sueeres until his death in 1\\\. The same conrage and capacity of endurance which brought him to the wilds of Illinois induced him to seek his fortune in the gold mines of California in 1550. and he undertook the long journey across the plains in an ox train, driving a team of sturdy oxen from early morn until nightfall for six months. He seems not to have been especially successful as an Argonaut, for in 1853 he re- turned and took up the burden of farming and stock-raising.
At the age of thirty years Francis 1. Ritchey left the home farm in Rushville Township, and went to seek his fortune in the State of Kansas. Įle had received a practical education in the pub- Jie schools, had profited by a commercial course in Indianapolis and in Utinois, as in Kansas. engaged in school teaching for several terms. lle also embarked on an agricultural enterprise in the latter State, but the uncertainty of the seasons and the failure of crops interfered with the realization of his expectations and he returned to his former home in Rush- ville Township in 1576. The same year he was united in marriage to Catherine Sands, a daugh- ter of Robert and Frances Sands, natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. Four chi !- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ritchey : Laura E., wife of Noah Moore, of Rushville: Frances: George F .: and Robert F. These chil- dren have all been given excellent educational
and general advantage, and are developing into cajabær :0d society. Factors i stand'n/ a - kanal elocution in Chi-
surgeon at the St. Les Medical School ; and Robert F. is in charge est the old home place in Rushvihe Township.
At the present time Mr. Ritchey owns 265 acres of land in Section 6. in the above named township. all of it improved. and equipped with modern Implements. In addition to general farming he aiways bas on hand various kinds of stork, including high grade For-es, cattle and hogs, and is promoting one of the most modern and scientific Farming enterprises in the State of Illinois. He is a Republican in politics. has held. among other offices, that of Supervisor of Rus'ville Township, aud with the rest of his family, is a devout and consistent member of the Christian Church. Fraternally, he is con- nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. Mr. Ritchey is a man of fine breeding, taet and consideration, and is well informed upon the subjects which interest progressive and intelligent prople. Farming has enlarged and breddeund is mund and perceptions, instead of harrowing them. as is the case with less ingair- ing iren, and he is physically. mentally and metally. a representative of the best agricultural element of his time and place.
RITTENHOUSE, William .- There is no family in Schuyler County. Ill., which has done more for the cause of temperance, morality and relig- ion than that so well represented by Williamu Rittenhouse, whose Homestead is located in Sec- tion 16. Bainbridge Township. He was born in the township. hur a mulle west of his present home. on February 11. 1 57. a son of William and Nancy ( Kelley) Rittenhouse, who were na- tives of Switzerland County. Ind. and rame to Schyier Conaty about IND. In that year he located in Bainbridge Township, which he made his home until his death in 1978. his wife sur- viving him until 1901. Both were life-long ment- bers of the Baptist Church, and true disciples of Christ who devoted their lives to the assist- altre and uplifting of their fellows. They be- wane the parents of fourteen children televen still livingl, as follows: Henry, who is a farmer in Hardin County, Ill. ; Enoch, a farmer of Bainbridge Township; Washington. of Wood- stock Township: Sarah, who is now the wife of James Montague, of Norton County, Kans. ; Rose Ann, wife of Ebenezer Grist, whose hus- band is a Bainbridge Township farmer ; Marion. a resident of Woodstock Township: Mary, wife of Henry Halfield, of Norton County, Kans .; Thomas, who died in 1997: William : James, who is living in the Indian Territory: Hiram. a farmer of Brown County, 11., and Nancy J., How Mrs. Theogets Burnside, living on the old holte- stead : Della. who died at the aze of five years; and an infant. also deceased.
William Rittenhouse was res red on the fam- ily farm, attended the district school of his
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
neighborhood, and on February 10, 1576. married Rachel J. Stoneking, a daughter of Washington and Sarah ( Wardellt Stoneking, and a native of Bainbridge Township. The young couple then began married life on the farm where the hus- band was born, remaining there until 1878, when they removed to Norton County, Kans,, and after a year's residence there returned to their na- tive township. After renting land for some years, Mr. Rittenhouse bought the interest of the beirs in the old home farm, and again assumed the management of the property, remaining on the homestead until October. 1850, when he sold it and bought eighty aeres in Section 16, in the same township.
Mr. and Mrs. Rittenhouse have five children. viz. : Otis T., a farmer of Woodstock Township, who married Eleanor Hudson and has three chil- dren -- James W., Clifford and Ethel: Nancy L., born in Norton County, Kans,, who is the wife of Silvanus Orr and the mother of William II. ; Sarah Jane, wife of Frank Ilman, a farmer residing in Woodstock Township, this county ; Mary M., Mrs. Hugh Logsdon, who is the mother of one child, William A. ; and Robert S.
For fifty years Mr. Rittenhouse bas made his home in Bainbridge Township, and during all this period confidence in his substantial ability and moral strength has been continually strengthening. When he was about twenty years of age he united with the Baptist Church, and for twelve years was an active member of that denomination. He then joined the Free Method- ist Church, and has since been one of its most influential adherents. In 1858. when the local society erected a well-arranged and attractive edifice, he was the largest contributor to the work. and has continued to be a leader in its progress. For years he was Superintendent of the Sunday School, and through the organization in which he is so earnest a spirit, splendid work has been accomplished for the Christian cause, while personally, his entire life, inspired by the teachings of his Master, has won the regard of even those who have not agreed with him in denominational matters. For many years he has also been an uncompromising Prohibitionist cast- ing his first presidential vote for John P. St. John. Although his people were Democrats. the moral importance of the temperance canse so forcibly appealed to him that he finally con- centrated all his political efforts towards the support of the principles which he so thoroughly believed to be right. In his polities, as in his daily life, he is guided by the code of morals which springs from Christianity, so that even his opponents admire his perfect sincerity and thoroughly honor him.
ROBESON, Banning H., a well known. thriving and much respected farmer of Rushville Town- ship. Schuyler County, HL. was born in the vil- lage of Astoria. Fulton County, IL .. January 30. 1863. a son of Delano G. and Sarah Hifier) Robeson, whose lives, together with full partie- ulars in regard to the family history on both
sides, are portrayed in another sketch in this commection. Delano G. Robesou, having spent all bis active years in agricultural pursuits, has How abandoned active labor, and is living in re- tirement. The early youth of Banning HI. Robeson was passed on the paternal farm, and in boyhood he received his education in the common schools. On reaching the period of maturity he applied himself on his own responsibility, his first lo- cation being at Christian Neck, whence he moved in 1994 to his present farm. He is the owner of is aeres of land in Section 9, Rushville Town- ship and his operations thereon have been at- tended by invariable success.
On April IS, ISSS. in Rushville Township. Mr. Robeson was united in marriage with Della V. Anderson, a daughter of Heury Harrison and Hannah (Hindman) Anderson, old settlers of the township. Two boys and two girls resulted from this union, namely : Pearl, Trude, Delano and Homer.
Mr. Robeson takes a good citizen's interest in the imiblic affairs of his locality, and in the spring of 1905, was elected to the office of Road Commissioner, the duties of which he discharged faithfully and efficiently.
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