USA > Illinois > Schuyler County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2 > Part 90
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RUNKLE, Joseph C .- The Runkles came from Germany, the grandparents of Darius Runkle lus ing drowned at sea on the trip to America. Oht of the trest frmiliar names among the farmers of Schuyler County, Ill .. is that of Josoph C. Runkle, who is known throughout the country as a man of large landed possessions, extensive agricultural operations, and abundant general resources, lle was born in Industry Town- ship. W. Doyongh County. III .. March 31. 1.5. a son of Darius and An Maria (Walker) Runkle, pioneer settlers of this locality, com-
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ing from Ohio and Pennsylvania. The paternal grandparents, William and Mary ( Pence) Run- kle. lived in the State of Ohio. Adam Walker, of Adams County, Penn,, cante to Schuyler County, in 1840, settled on Mr. Dodds' farm. William Run- kle was born in Virginia and went to Ohio in an early day following the trade of tanner until IS50, came to Morgan County. Il., took up land, lived there until close of the war. Ilis wite was born in Virginia, she died at the age of St. He died at $4. Darius Runkle, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, February 10, 1813, his wife being a native of Pennsylvania, boru in Adams County, The father worked at farming two years for $10 per month, after he reached his majority, and was then employed for a like period by his brother-in-law as a general-store clerk in Sidney, Ohio. In the Spring of 1537 . he came to Illinois, traveling by boat to Beards- town. Cass County, and walking thence to Dodds- ville, Schuyler County, being compelled to wade through water two miles of the distance between the two places. At Dodd-ville. he took charge of the general store conducted by Summuel Dodds. and while thus engaged, entered up So acres of Government land. In 1 3\ he went back 10 Ohio, and worked two years in a tan yard, Re- turning to Illinois. he sold the Government tract and bought 100 acres of wild land in MeDonough County, which he cleared and improved, and on which he spent the remainder of his days. Soull after his marriage, October 12, 18440, he moved into a log cabin which he had built, living in it until 1866, when he occupied the tino new rosi- dence which was afterwards his home and which was the finest in Meltonough County, costing $10.000,00. He started with $90, and was ob- liged to borrow sin in order to make up the Hee- essary amount wherewith to enter up his first SO aeres. For three years he was a merchant. and was at different times engaged in various lines of business, at one time conducting a stage route. In 14443 and 1NH4, he held the office of postmaster of Doddsville. For many years he was supevisor of school boards, and together with others, he built the first schoolhouse in his district. In M-Donough and Schuyler Counties, he was the owner of more than 3,000 acres of land at the time of his death. 970 in Schuyler County, and 1,940 in MeDonough County. Darius Runkle died March 14. 1896. his wife having passed away February 199, Politically he was a Whis. lle voted first for Henry Clay and at the birth of the Republican party he voted for Fremont. He was a generous public spirited citizen. and of noble character. Joseph C. Runkle was roared on the paternal farm in MeDonough County, Ill., and received his early education in the district school in the neighborhood of his home. In due course of time (1871), he became possessed of 370 acres of his father's estate in Littleton Township, Schuyler County, and 160 deres in Industry Township. MeDononsh Conty. On the latter farm he made his home, improving it. and in- creasing its extent by porelrising 290 aeres more ;
he did own 120 acres of timber land in MeDou- ough County, but sold this in 1907. He now owns altogether oso acres all in one body. He has always been engaged in general farming, and besides the cultivation of the soll, raises a large number of bogs, averaging 250 per year. lle also feeds many cattle, fattening each year about 100 head. In the fall of the; he built a mag- nificent residence, one of the best in Schuyler County.
The marriage of Mr. Runkle took place Feb- ruary 25, 1877, when he was wedded to Susta Little, who was born in the viemity of Rushville, 11 .. Max 15, 1855. Mrs. Runkle is a daughter of Robert and Eliza (Cunningham) Little, natives of Ireland, her father having been born in County Tyrone. The union of Joseph C. Ruskle and Susan Little has been the source of seved children, whose names are as follows: George Darius, born February 10, 1579, a physician. located at Industry. 11. ; Robert clyde, born JImme 14, 1850, a farmer, of Littleton Township; Cassius Wilson, born December 7. 1952; David Everett, born May 14, 15$1: William Lewis, born February 16, 1586; Benjamin Ray, born May 15. ISSS; and Grace Maria, born Novem- ber 30, 1802. The last five are still members of the home circle.
In politics. Mr. Runkle is identified with the Republican party, but is not active in political contests. He is a man of strong character and upright life, and is much respected, as is also has amiable wife, a woman of excellent qualities of head and heart.
RYAN, Edward Joseph .- Of that courageous company known as the very early settlers of Schuyler County, many forms stand out in clearly defined outline, competing the attention of the present generation by the force of some peenfiarity or excellence, and through the gather- ing have of years, filters to us somewhat of that steadfastness which enabled them to con- quer the wilderness and convert its resources to the betterment of mankind. Few men of wealth came hither to share the discomforts of at trars- formation period. Wealth stilles ambition. and patience rarely is its boon companion. These mien had all to gain, and all to surrender to those who should succeed them. He who could do things was a God-send, and the more us ful his acquirements the better. How welcome then must have been Charles Ryan in the loneliness of Schuyler County, the establisher of one of the county's best known families, and the grand- father of Edward Joseph Ryan, Circuit Clerk and Recorder of Rushville.
Charles Ryau was born on a farm in Knox County, Ohio, a son of Charles K. and Elizabeth Louise Ryan. He was reared to agriculture, and when old enough to hew His own way wont to Cincinnati and learned the showmaker's trude. He had few clothes and less vevey, bu that the splendid freedom of choice denbal -o many. and he merrily trudged all the way arms country from Cincinnati to Schuyler County, with a
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kit of shoemaker's tools on his back, content to bide the unfolding of the future, and satisfied with the present so long as he could fast or feast, and so long as the night's Ine curtain was swung in the sky for his sleeping tent. It is not known why his journeying ceased at this partie- ular place, but perhaps the open road had be- come wearisome, and besides he had the spirit of the great unrest which clamors for orrupation of hand and brain. When he began to make shoes in Rushville the town had few houses. but he built up a steady business, and he also engaged in brickmaking, being the first to man- facture brick in Rushville. Ile wa intimately connected with the life of the town and sur- rounding country, held numerous local offices, and served as one of the gnards at the time of the Mcfadden hanging at the Crane Creek bridge. east of Rushville. Mr. Ryan lived to be a very old man, and his wife, formerly Margaret Strong. was spared to share many years with him.
Edward Joseph Ryan was born on a farm west of Rushville, April 22. 1876, a son of Willam M. Ryan, who was born In Rushville, and who was one of the numerous progeny of the pioneer shoemaker. Rebecca Anna (Miller) Ryan, the mother of Edward Joseph. was born in Decatur. Il., a daughter of Jonathan and Martha E. (Baird) Miller, natives respectively of Decatur and Louisville. Ky .. and . grand-daughter of Thomas Baird and Catherine (Poll) Miller, both horn in Louisville. Edward Joseph attended the country school until it had nothing further to teach him, then graduated from the Rushville High School, and also from the three years' course of the Rushville Normal Business Col- lege. For three years he engaged in educational work in Rushville, and in the meantime devel- oped a taste for polities, and through his alle- giance to and support of the Democratic party, was elected Cirenit Clerk and Recorder, for which office he has just received re-nomination. Il: is fraternally connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Ryan repre- sents the reliable material from which the work- ing forces of the immediate future are to be re- eruited for. though having only reached the age of thirty voms. he is well established as an im- portant factor in local affairs, and possesses those qualities of progression and enterprise, of integrity and general worth, which bespeak a larger usefulness than he has thus far achieved.
RYAN, Thomas .-- No family established in Schuyler County during the 'thirties is more substantially represented at the present time than that of Charles Ryan. father of Thomas Ryan, of whom extended mention is made else- where in this connection. Mr. Ryan. among other claims upon the gratitude and appreciation of his successors, manufactured the first brick in Rushville Township, and also followed the trade of shoemaking for several years. The mantle of his energy and res mreefulness has fallen on his
sons, and of these. Thomas Ryan is a successful farmer and stock raiser of Rushville Township. Mr. Ryan was born October 20, 1545, in Buona Vista Township. Sebuyler County, and remained on his father's place until his twenty-third year. lle then married Eben Shields, a native of Ohio, and settled on a farm of his own, which he since has brought to a high state of cultivation. Mrs. Ryan's father and mother came to Rushville in 1857, and the former, who enlisted in the Union Army as a member of the One Hundred and Nineteenth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infan- try, died while in the service. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan are the parents of the following children: Mar- tin, Josie, Homer, Minnie, Herman, Clarence. Lillie and Lena. Mr. Ryan is a Democrat, in polities, and has held the office of Supervisor of his township. le is a progressive farmer. welt informed on currentevents, and a stanch pro- moter of all that tends to the greater culighten- ment of the community.
SARGENT, Charles E., who is recognized as one of the most thorough, painstaking and sys- tematic farmers and stock raisers of Buena Vista Township, Schuyler County, IL .. as well as one of the wurthiest citizens of his,locality, was born in Rushville Township, Schuyler County, one mile east of Rushville, September 12. 1965. lle is a son of John and Sarah (Potter) Sargent, both natives of Hastings. England. The paternal grandfather, also an Englishman, died in the land of his birth. His son John was the only member of the family to cross the Atlantic. One of the Potters, the mother of Charles E. and one of her sisters were the ones who made their homes in the United States. Jolm Sargent. the father. had two brothers who lost their lives from wounds received in battle while serving in the British army. John Sargent, Jr., made his ad- vent in this country in 1855, coming te Schuyler County, Ill., and lo ating in Rushville, where he entered the employ of Little & Ray. After re- maining with this firm for a while. he settled on a farm in Buena Vista Township, where he was engaged in tilling the soil for a number of years. On retiring from active pursuits he spent his days with Charles E. and another son. James. until the time of his death, January 5. 1904. 11is widow survived him a short time, passing away September 11. 1905. The father was a very in- dustrious and upright man, and was a devout Christian, as was also the mother, both being members of the Presbyterian Church. The Int- ter was sorely afflicted for a long period. but bore her sufferings with pious fortitude and res- ignation. They were the parents of thirteen chil- dren, eight of whom were born in England. And five in Schuyler County. Of the entire family. eleven are now living. Elizabeth, the fourth child. having died when seventeen years old, and Ann. the seventh, at the age of eighteen vars. These surviving are: Sarah, wife of Frank Grat. A retired farmer of Good Hope. MeDonough County, Ill. : John, who is engaged in farming in Litt'e ton Township, Schuyler County; Mary, wife of a
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
resident of Englewood (Chicago) ; Hannah, who married A. J. To'lin, a resident of Pasadena, Cal .; Thomas, who follows farming in the viciu- Ity of Cortland, Neb .; George, who is living in Memphis, Tenn. ; William, a farmer whose home Is near Adrian, Hancock County, Il. ; James, whose farm is in Oakland Towi ship, Schuyler County ; Caroline, who became the wife of Jo- siah Whitehead. a farmer residing near Panora, Iowa; Charles D. : and Ethel, who was married to Edwin Armour, a farmer, of Buena Vista Township. Politically, the father of this family was identified with the Democratic party.
In boyhood, Charles E. Sargent attended school near his home in a schoolhouse that was de- stroyed by fire, and was afterwards a pupil of the Ross district school, in Buena Vista Town- ship. During the greater portion of his youth he was kept at home to lighten the burden of pare upon his parents, remaining with them un- til the time of his marriage. After that event he followed farming on rented land for about twelve years, when he rented the farm of 300 acres in Section 14, Buena Vista Township, which he has since conducted. His farming operations have been very successful, and in feeding live stock, especially, the results of his labors have been protitable. He has turned off from 150 to 200 hogs each year; and about forty head of cattle at intervals of two years. For stock or feeding purposes, he prefers the Black or Short-horn breed. He raises 100 aeres in sinall grain yearly, and a like acreage of corn. Ile is the owner of a fine prairie land farm of eighty acres in Guthrie County, Iowa, all tillable. By his diligent appli- cation to work and his strict integrity, he has won the implicit confidence of all with whom he has had business relations, and is regarded as a model farmer and an exeundary member of the community.
The marriage of Mr. Sargent took place Octo- ber 27. 1857, on which date he was wedded to Catherine R. Young, who was born in Wilming- ton. Del., March 13, 1864. Mrs. Sargent, a wo- man of most excellent traits of character, is a daughter of Samuel and Margaret (MeFeeters) Young. In 1877, she came to Schuyler County with her parents, who settled on a farm in Buena Vista Township. where Mr. Young still lives. Ilis wife departed this life in January, 1905. Be- sides Mrs. Sargent, they had two other children, namely : John, who is engaged in farming in Buena Vista Township, and Martha B., who takes care of her father's domestic affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Sargent have four children, as follows : Paul, born February 19, 1849. and living with his parents; Clarence, born February 15, 1891; Lillian, born June 10, 1892; and Harold, born Angust 11, 1895. All were born In Rushville Township, the birth of Lillian and Clarence Oe- curring in the same house where their father was born, and which is known as "the old toll gate" The parents of this family are members of the Presbyterian Church, of Rushville. In his political attitude, Mr. Sargent has never been a strict partisan, using his judgment freely
Ir' the exercise of the elective franchise, and Jat- ferly voting the Prohibition ticket. He is a man of genial temperament and very agreeable mau- ners, and all who have become closely acquainted with him may be counted ou as his friends.
SCHENCK, Myron Clark, M. D., a well known physician, of Rushville, Il., whose solid profes- sional attainments and skillful practice have won for him a high standing in the city and its environs, was born in Fulton County, 11L., Feb- ruary 20, 1873, a son of M. P. and Mary C. (Me- Laren) Schenck, both natives of that county. In early youth Dr. Schenck received his preiim- inary education in the public schools of Bushnell, MeDonough County, Ill., after which he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keo- kuk, lowa, and graduating from that institution in 1895. Tle at once commenced the practice of his profession at Littleton, Ill., and during the .ame year moved to Rushville, where he estab- lished his office, and has since remained. Ile has acquired a large and successful practice, and is recognized as one of the most efficient and re- liable physicians in Schuyler County. Dr. Schenck was married in 1593 to Martha L. Wil- son, who was born In Fulton County. II., where she received her education in the public schools. Their union has been the source of two children, namely: Olivia and Paul. As an individual, a citizen and a medical practitioner, the record of Dr. Schenck is of the highest character.
SCHULTZ, Judge Hermann C .- The long, hon- orable and useful career of Judge Hermann C. Selmultz must over elicit admiration and com- mendation from all true appreciators of the fun- damental qualities which, nurtured through the centuries of the German Fatherland, and trans- ferred through migration to the more virile op- portunities of Amerien, constitute the best quali- ties in citizenship which communities bave to offer. Judge Schultz has grown old in the field of agriculture and politics, and has inscribed his name indelibly upon the history of Schuyler County.
Born in Iloflleburg, Prussia. October 2, 1832. Ilermann C. Schultz is a son of Johann and Elizabeth (Felech) Schultz. the former of whom was a sugar refiner in Germany, and died about 1816. The wife, who survived him until 1858. brought her family to America in 1852, and spent the last days of her life in Texas. Her- mann C. received a common school education in his native land, and at the age of fifteen was ap prenticed to a baker for three years, thereafter working as a journeyman in different parts of Germany for two years. Attracted by the reports that came to him fom this side the water, he set sail from Hamburg, and after two months upon the sea arrived in Galveston. Tex .. where he was variously employ al until 1-55. He then came to Schuyler County and engaged in farming in Hicktory Township, which ever Since has been his home. He at first rented land, int finally bought forty acres, to which he added until he
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
owned 263 acres. The development of this prop- erty represented his life ambition, and was ae- complished with the patience, skill and good judgment for which the Tenton is justly famed. Eventually he sold the larger part of his land holdings and returned to the forty acres orig- inally purchased, which now is his home. From 18944 until 1906 he conducted a mercantile busi- ness in Sheldon Grove, and was also Postmaster of the village. Since then he has lived in retire- ment.
While in Houston, Tex., March 5, 1854, Mr. Schultz was united in marriage to Anna Hendon- reich, a native of Germany, and daughter of Adam Hendenreich, who, upon his first trip to America, was shipwrecked in mid-ocean, and, climbing to the top of a mast, hung there for two days ere he was rescued. Mr. Hendenreich eventually located in Houston. Tex. and soon after enlisted in the Mexican War. Having left his wife and four sons and one daughter in the old country, he was joined by them in 1849, and locating in Schuyler County, engaged in farming until his death in 1859. Simon Hendenreich, one of his sons. served in the Civil War as a soldier in the Third Ilinois Cavalry, and his son Fred was a member of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry. commanded by Col. Robert G. Ingersoll, Mr. and Mrs. Sebultz are the parents of the following children : Barmon H., who resides near Table Grove, Ill .: Charles E., who died at the age of eleven years ; Julius C .: Calle. widow of George Flinn, and mother of two children: Laura. de- ceased ; Emma, wife of J. A. Breen, of Peoria. and mother of one child: Ferdina, married to Ilelen Kelly, and living in Peoria: Nollie, de- ceased : and Peter, married to Daisy Reed, and living on his father's home farm. Judge Schultz and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1860, and have been act- ive in promoting the best interests of both church and Sunday school. All of their children are connected with the same church, and all are young people of character and ability, having been trained with due regard to their position as useful men and women of their respective communities.
Many of the most vivid memories of Judge Schultz are connected with his life as a soldier of the Union during the Civil War. No braver fighter ever shouldered a gun or shared in the terrible experiences and privations of warfare. Enlisting in Company F. One Hunded and Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in Anenst. 1862. he was mustered out of the service at Viekshure. Miss., in August. 1865, having participated in all of the battles of his regiment, and escaped withont wounds, illness or imprisonment. The One Hundred and Eighth was one of the most active regiments of the war, and its soldiers were rarely far from the fighting line. It won many distinctions, and Mr. Schultz, for bravery. was promoted from private to Second Lieutenant, Ilis account of the war is both instructive and inter- esting, and like all faithful wearers of the blue. he delights to live over again the incidents which
made up the most vigorous and exciting period of his life.
Early in life Mr. Schultz became interested in Democratie polities, and a reflection of his abil- ity and honesty exists in the fact that he has filled practically all of the township offices, in- eluding that of Supervisor for ten years. He was Justice of the Peace for twenty years, and in 1890 was nominated for County Judge and elected by a large majority, holding the office four years. During that time he demonstrated a high order of justice and wisdom, his decisions suffering but one reversal, and all others stand- ing the test of the Supreme Court of the State. Ilis term expired December 1, 1894, and he there- upon engaged in the mercantile business as here- tofore stated. Judge Schultz has the substan- tial and dependable qualities which win long friendships, loug tenure of office and continuous influence for good. Even his private life has its enduring compensations, for he recently cele- brated his golden wedding, receiving renewed assurance of the gratitude and good will of the community he so faithfully and wisely has served. He represents that class of German- American citizens who, while retaining the ac- rent and general characteristics of their nation, vet enter with heart and soul into the most dan- gerous as well as most pleasant and profitable demands of their adopted country. Judge Schultz has been a Mason for many years, being a mem- ber of the Astoria (Il.) Lodge, and is also member of Schuyler Lodge No. 200. Knights of Pythias.
SCOTT, Thomas W., M. D .-- The life of a faith- ful and conscientious physician is burdened with serious responsibilities and heavy cares. If ani- mated by the ideal spirit of his profession, he must necessarily carry with him, night and day, a chivalrous sympathy with the suffering of his patients and a keen sensitiveness to the correct- ness of his diagnoses, the efficiency of his path- ological methods and the probable results in each case of severe sickness. As a counteractive of this mental friction and anxiety, he has a consciousness that the general results of his daily ministration is the alleviation of pain, checking of the ravages of disease and saving a human life.
Such. doubtless, is the long continued expe- rience of the worthy gentleman whose name stands at the head of this biographical record. and who is a prominent resident of Rushville. Schuyler County, Ill., where he is successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. For almost a score of years Dr. Scott has practiced medicine in Rushville, and has achieved a degree of success possible only to the man of clearly defined purpose, with unbounded faith in himself and his work. The doctor is a native of Scott Connty. Ky .. where he was born April 18. 15/S. the son of Thomas West and Catharine . Fitzger- ald) Scott, Datives of Maryland and Kentuss. respectively. His paternal grandparents were Amos and Nancy A. ( West) Scott, whose birth
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
occurred in Maryland. At least three genera- tions of his family pursued their various ocen- pations in Maryland, his father having been born in Montgomery County, in that State, in 1508, and his grandfather, Amos Scott, in 1777. His grandmother, Nancy A. ( West) Scott, and his paternal great-grandparents. William and Margaret ( Davis) Scott. were natives of the same State. On the material side his grand- parents were Jesse and Lucretia (Sheller) Fitz- gerald, the former born in Virginia and the lat- ter a native of Hagerstown, Md., and his mater- nal great-grandparents were William and Cath- erine ( Neville) Fitzgerald. The family moved to Spott County. Ky .. in 1814, when Thomas W .. Sr., was six years old, locating near Georgetownl. where the lad grew to maturity, and where he was married to Catherine Fizgerald. of Lexing- ton. In 1832. Dr. Scott's father came to Buena Vista Township. Selmyler County, IL., then a sparsely settled locality, in the upbuilding of which he was destined to become a practical and substantial fartor. His days passed with the usual tasks and diversions of the progressively inclined landowner, and his death occurred .Jan- uary 22, 1885, at the age of seventy-seven years.
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