Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 96

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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William Thompson, Jr., son of the immigrant.

was born in the Keystone State, and married Mary Peterson, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Abbott) Peterson, of English and German de- scent, who died in Pennsylvania at the age of ninety-ond and ninety yourts, respectively. To William and Elzabeth Thompson were given ten children, of whom James D., the subject of this sketch, was third; William Thompson, Jr., was a millwright by trade, and in 1857 brought his family to Illinois, two years later purchasing a farm in Brown County, upon which he settled May 11, 1839. His hopes ot culivating this farm were not destined to realization, for with the coming of the fall of 1539, his life went out at the age of ftty-four years and seven months. He left a wite and eight children-five giris and three boys who after his death rented land for several years, locating then on a tract in Brown County purchased by the father, where the mother died at the age of eighty-six years.

James D. Thompson was fourteen years old when the family came to Illinois, and sixteen when, through the death of his father, he was obliged to shoulder large responsibilities, Ile remained with his mother and the rest of the children until his marriage, April 3, 1856, to Margaret E. Grosclaude, who was born in France. April 27. 1530, a daughter, of JJames F. and Catherine t. (Jonte) Grosclande, and who callle to America with her parents in 1833, locating in Woodstock Township, Schyler County Mr. Grosclaude died September 30, ISTS, at the age of seventy-two years. The maternal grandfather, Peter J. Jonte, was born in France. in February, 1776, and died October 2, 1846, while his wife, Susan (Landon) Jonte, was born March 25, 1774, and died June 7, 1S12. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were born six children: Mary E., wife of It. T. Briggle, of Springfield, Il. ; Wil- liam J., mentioned elsewhere in this work: Jef- ferson E .. of Fredonia, Kan .; Emily L., wife of A. C. Rowland, of Rushville, In .: Charles W .. whose sketch also appears in a preceding sec- tion ; and Margarette Lorena. wife of Charles .A. Myers, of Los Angeles, Col.

Not only was Mr. Thompson prominently con- nerted with the farming interests of Schuyler County for many years, but he was active in the promotion of its educational welfare. : mons other offices having held that of member of the Board of Education for twenty years. He was a streng and unyielding Democrat, and antas holder who discharged his duties with honesty and ability. He became the owner of several hundred acres of land. the greater part of it valuable, and his prosperity resulted solely from his own ability to succeed. He was a men of genial and interesting personality, a firm bellver in the good existing in all with whom he was associated, and possessing a cheerful philosoph . which tided him over many of the rough pads in the path of life. The wife who shared f's in- creasing fortunes, and who fared for hin ton- derly when illness befell hum in his late- days. left the old homestead after his death and since has made her home in the city of Rushville ..

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

THOMPSON, William J .- The enviable stand- ing of Schuyler Cont,, as one of the finest ag- ricultural sections of Illinois, may be attributed largely to the practical, experienced and pro- gressive men who lung have been at the head of its farming enterprises, and who have suc- ceeded in reaping large returns from the skilled tilling of the soil. Not the least successful of these men is William J. Thompson, who is en- gaged in raising stock and in general farm pur- snits on his finely improved property in Wood- stock Township. Beginning with a small pur- ` chase, he has added to the same from time to time until now he owns 500 acres in Woodstock and Bainbridge Townships, and all of this has been gained by indefatigable labor backed by sound judgment.

Knox County, Ill .. is Mr. Thompson's native place, where he was born July 16, 1858, his father being James D. Thompson, who died July 30, 1807. While he was still quite young the family came to Schuyler County, and here he attended the country schools and aided in the cultivation of the home farm. Upon attaining the required age he was granted a teacher's cer- tificate, but this he never used, preferring to de- vole his attention exclusively to agricultural jan- suits. November 10, 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret J. Arthur, who was born In MeDonough County. Ill :. September 24, 1861, a daughter of Abraham and Antie (Hageman) Arthur, the former of whom died October 14, 1SOS, and the latter May 16. 1905.

After his marriage Mr. Thompson brought his young wife to the farm, where ever since they have made their home. The ori.inal tract com- prised sixty-two arres on Section 36, Woodstock Township, but since the purchase of that ostate he has added by later purchases until now, as previously stated, he and his wife have the title to 500 acres of Improved and timber lands.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson's family consists of : eleven children, namely: James A., who re- ceived a superior education at the University of Illinois, from which he was graduated in June, 1905; Clarence J. married Belvie Rittenhouse, and lives on a farm in Woodstock Township; Nettie May is wife of Harvey Armstrong. a farmer of Bainbridge Township; Roy F. is on the home farm; Walter E., graduated from the 'Rushville Normal School with the Class of 1907; Katie, Margarette. Anna Lorena and Bertha Emily are with their parents on the old home- stead: Jesse Decatur and Essie Dora (twins), and Gertrude Irene. James A .. the older son, spent five years in the University of Illinois. meanwhile receiving a scholarship and teacher's certificate, and in 1905 taking the degree of Bachelor of Science. After finishing his course at the University he became an instructor at Hampton Institute, Va .. retaining this position until July. 100%. when be accepted a position as teacher in Corea, going to that country in An- . gust of that year, and is now conducting an agri- cultural college at Songdo. Corea, with satisfac- tory sueress. It has been the ambition of the

parents to provide their children with the best educational advantages the country affords, and thus prepare then for whatever duties may await them in future years.

In their religious relations Mr. and Mrs. Thompson hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have contributed gener- ously to the missionary and charitable work of that denomination. Politically he has voted with the Democratic party ever since he attained his majority. For twenty years he held the office of Justice of the Peace. besides having served as Sch of Trusten During the spring v. NOT he- was elected Supervisor of Woodstock Township, in which responsible position he has proved him- selt entitled to the fullest confidence of the peo- ple, and has supported all measures calculated to promote the general welfare, while at the same time aiming to protect the interests of the tax- payers. Besides his other businss connections he is a stockholder in the Bank of Rushville. In church work, in politics. in the Grange, in agri- cultural affairs, and, indeed, in every association of life. he has been ready to do his part and has contributed his quota to the permanent de- velopment of his township.

TURNER, Allen R .- It falls to the lot of few men to look back upon a life so bountifully lengthened out and so diligently, usefully and virtuously spent, as that of the worthy man above named, who still ofrupies the farm in Buena Vista Township, which became his hoam'as early as 1831. The birth of Mr. Turner ou urred in Rushville Township, Schuyler County, Laster Sunday. April 22, 1832, and he is a son of Sam- uel and Rachel (Robertson) Turner, natives of Virginia, and North Carolina, respectively, and grandson of Elias Turner, also a native of the South. Elias Turner's life was not a creditable one, and he furnished a terrible example of the curse of drink. His wife stood his abuse and neglect as long as she could, and then rebelled against bringing her children up in such an at- mosphere. When her son, Samuel, was about six months old. she took the child in her arms with a few personal belongings, and set out about for a portion of Southern Illinois, known as the American Bottom, and which then was the home of Governor Ford. Here she remained about five years, then returned to her native Suite for her older son, Willis, on horseback, later settling with both of her sons in Madison County. Il. After the death of their mother, Sammuel and Willis came to Schuyler County in 1823. this section of the State at that time being part of Pike County, and here Samuel Turner built the fourth house in the county, but three permanent settlers having preceded him here. This house he never occupied however, but returnd with h's brother to Madison County, Where WE taken sick mal finally dird. After > ming up the family affairs Sammel returned to S As er County in 1825. : ial here h's death on fed April G. 1555, he having been born in IT NL 11.4 wife, who was born in 1795, died Ap:0 2. 1-65.

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

Both were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 1840, Mr. Turner joined the first temperance society organized in Schyler County. The lesson of his father's life was a perpetual warning in his ears, sinking so deep into his nature that he never wearied in his endeavor to warn others from the terrible shoal of mental and moral destruction.

Allen R. Turner attended the subscription schools and passed his youth on the home farm in Buena Vista Township. The lure of the mines on the Pacific slope turned his attention from the slow and laborions methods of getting money by farming. and in 1850 he crossed the plains with oxen and a prairie schooner. taking about six months for the trip. He spent about five months in the well known gold camps of California, but his experience was that of the average rather than exceptional miner, and he was glad of the opportunity to return to Sebuy- ler County, where the rewards of labor were comparatively sure. Again he took up the task of farming on the old place which has been his home since he was two years oldl. and the energy of his mature years is evident in every depart- ment of its activity. The place now contains 170 aeres in one of the garden spots of the Central West, and certainly no home in Buena Vista Township has more about it of gennine home- likeness. As the children have grown to ma- turity the two oldest have each boon given 160 acres of the property, the third child hav- ing been given ninety acres adjoining the old place.

The marriage of Mr. Turner and Isabella A. Sparks, occurred in Buena Vista Township, March 9, 1852, where she was born January 24. 1831. a daughter of Lemuel Sparks, and they became the parents of four children: Otto. born March 14. 1853. Darwin Samuel, born April 13, 1857; Willis Fred. born March 14. 1854; and Olive Rose. born January 28, 1867. Otto Sparks married Mary Etta Ford: Darwin Samuel mar- ried Emma B. Nelson : Willis Fred married Alice Bertroche; and Olive Rose became the wife of James C. Bartlow. The decease of the mother. Mrs. Allen R. Turner. occurred February 9. 1593, and was much deplored by a large circle of friends. In political affiliation Mr. Turner is a Prohibitionist. and for sixty years has uneeas- ingly advocated temperance. His convictions on this subject are profound and unchanegable. and have been the means of his accomplishing a world of good. In all ways his life has been il- Inminating and helpful, and he has established a standard of moral reetitude and courage far be- yond the average of his fellow wayfarers. By all classes of people in the county he is held in sincere respect, and no citizen in the community has a cleaner or more enviable record.

TURNER, John S .- For nearly fifteen years Mr. Turner has made his home continuously at his present location, on Section 12, Birmingham Township. Schuyler County, where he has ope- rated 160 acres of excellent land, devoted to gen-

oral farming and stock raising. Descended from Southern ancestry. he was born in Adair County, Ky., February 22, 1810, a son of W. S. P. and Sarah (James) Turner, who were born in Vir- ginia and Adair County. Ky., respectively. With his parents, W. S. P. Turner went to Kentucky and settled in Adair County, and there some time later occurred his marriage with Miss James. In 1853, after the birth of six of their children, the parents came to Illinois, and in Browning Town- ship, Schuyler County, Mr. Turner purchased eighty acres of timber land. Making a clearing in the wilderness he erected a rude cabin for the shelter of his family. but this having been destroyed by fire, he later erected a more com- fortable and commodious house, with a stick chinmoy fireplace. After residing on this farm for twenty years, during which time he had cleared and placed under cultivation eighty acres of the tract, he sold the property in 1973 and removed to Astoria, Fulton County, Ill., where for a short time he followed a mercantile busi- ness. It is safe to presume that this venture was not as remunerative as he had anticipated. for in 1874 he went to Hancock County and re- sumed farming. renting a farm upon which he made his home the remainder of his life. Ile passed away at the ripe old age of eighty-three years, his wife also dying in Hancock County. During his early years Mr. Turner was con- verted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. Throughout his life he exemplified the teachings which he professed, and for forty years was a local minister in his denomination. Through his teaching and upright living many were led to follow better lives and all who came in contact with him received an uplift and en- couragement.

Nine children blessed the marriage of W. S. P. Turner and his wife, of this number John S. he- ing the eldest. The next two children, Amanda and George B .. are both deceased. Ellen became the wife of D. M. Stockman. a veteran of the Civil War, and they make their home in Omaha. Neb. Mary is the wife of a Mr. Scott, who owns a large farm in Hancock County, and Al- bert is a resident of Texas. Sarah is the wife of Zachariah Duncan, who is a carpenter in Carthage, Ill, Martha. deceased. was the wife of W. D. Cloud. The youngest child, William R., makes his home in St. Mary, Hancock County.

After receiving a limited education in the dis- triet schools of Adair County, Ky .. John S. Turner gave his services to his father. and after coming to Illinois was an invaluable assistant in removing the timber and underbrush from the farmu upon which the family located. The call to arms at the breaking out of the Civil War found him a young man of twenty-one years who was willing and anxious to do his part as a loyal citizen. In Angust, 1861. his name was enrolled as a member of Company H. Third Illinois Cav alry, his enlistment being for a term of three years. From Camp Butler his regiment was or- dered to St. Louis, from there to Jefferson City

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

and on to Lebanon, Mo. At Pea Ridge they were under tire for three days, many of the Third Cavalry being killed and wounded, and five from Company H met death in this battle. Mr. Turner escaped narrowly with his own lite, for on three occasions his horse was shot under him, ouce at the battle of Pea Ridge and later at a battle in Tennessee, and still later at Bates- ville, Ark. At Memphis, Tenn., the Third Cav- alry met General Forrest in an engagement and also participated in the battle of Nashville. At the close of his teri of service Mr. Turner was honorably discharged at St. Louis, having never been in th hospital during the three years he was in the service, although during that time he had suffered untold hardships both in battle and in long marches.

Returning to Astoria after his army service, Mr. Turner was married in that city, September 1, 1864, to Miss Alice Ewing, who was born near Zanesville, Ohio, May 10, 1845, the daughter of Josiah Ewing. After the death of her husband Mrs. Josiah Ewing brought her family to Illi- nois, settling in Astoria, where her death finally occurred. A large family of children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Turner, of whom we mention the following: Mary E., who was born in As- toria October 5, 1865, died at the age of six years; Sally Ann, born in the same city August 24, 1867, died in IS71; Hattie J., who was born in Hancock County, Ill., January 22, 1870, passed away in 1883; Harry E., who was born in the same county, March 24. 1872, married Nellie Burton and makes his home in Nebraska; Wil- liam, born in Schuyler County, May B. 1574. died when three years old; Arthur O .. who was born in Schuyler County, February 27, 1876, chose as his wife Miss Gertrude Erlinger, a na- tive of Cedar County, Mo .. and two daughters have been born to them, Flossie and Alice; David A .. born April 3, 187%, is a farmer in Hancock County, and by his marriage with Miss Cora Irwin he had two children, Alta and Lee I., one of whom died in intaney; George R., born in Schuyler County, August 4, 18SI, now .makes his home in Palisade, Neb. : Bertha, the youngest child, born March 2. 18SS, and is still at home with her parents. For about twelve years after coming to Birmingham Township, Mr. Turner bought and sold poultry and eggs. but since lo- cating on his present farm he has followed farm- ing and stock raising exclusively. Mr. Turner's service in the cause of his country makes him eligible to the Grand Army of the Republic, and his name is enrolled among the members of the post at Brooklyn. Politically he casts his vote in behalf of Democratic candidates, although in no sense is he a partisan. lindustrious and +1- terprising. Mr. Turner is highly esteemed by friends and neighbors as one who has been help- ful in sustaining a high agricultural standard in Schuyler County.

TYSON, William .- Honored alike for his loy- alty to his family, his friends, his country and his principles, William Tyson. the pioneer and

old soldier of Bainbridge Township, Schuyler County, comes of stauch Virginia stock and of that patriotic blood which has done so much to firmly cement the rationality of the United States. He was born April 2, 1841, in a log cabin situated torty rods from his present com- fortable residence in Section 11, Bainbridge Township; served bravely for four years on battlefields and enduring life in a rebel prison, and now, for four decades, has been establishing himself in the substantial domain of agricultural prosperity and in the useful activities of citizen- ship.

The Tyson ancestry, originally of German na- tivity, removed from Germany to England about two hundred and seventy-five years ago, where they remained for more than a century, when some time before the Revolutionary War, Zeph- aniah Tyson, the great-grandfather of the sub- ject of this sketeb, came to America. settling in Virginia. He was born in England about 1750, and there is a well-founded tradition that he served in the Revolutionary Army, finally becom- ing blind and dying in Virginia. Later this branch of the family removed to Ohio, about 1807, locating near McConnelsville, Morgan County, where the widow, after euduring great hardship on account of Indian disturbances, lived to be one hundred years old. Mr. Tyson's great-grandmother on the maternal side is also said to have reached about the same age.

There were three sons and one daughter of this family, the older son. Zephaniab ( 1I.) having been born in Virginia about 1773, and is said to have served in the Indian wars under Gen. An- thony Wayne, enlisting as early as nineteen years of age. also took part in the battle of Tip- pecanoe in 1811, and served in he War of 1812- 14. About 1707, he married Margaret DeLong, who was born in Virginia in 1779. After spend- ing many years in Morgan County, Ohio, they came to Schuyler County, Ill., in 1831 settling in Bainbridge Township, where Mrs. Tyson died in 1842 at the age of sixty-three years, and the grandfather on July 9, 1850, aged seventy-seven. They had a family ot five sons and three daugh- ters, namely : Margaret, born April 8 1799; Aaron, born in Virginia or Ohio, January 17, 1800, and who mysteriously disappeared : Sophia, born in Ohio, July 24, 1803, and married Daniel Berry in 1824; Zepbaniah, born in Ohio October 16, 1805, married a Missouri woman. later re- moving to Arkansas about 1850, where he died leaving two children, a son and a daughter ; Henry, born in Ohio, December 15, 1807. and married Sarah Berry ; George, born in Muskin- gum County, Ohio, February 2. 1809; Moses. born in Ohio December 18, 1811, and married first a Miss Kelso and, as his second wife, Eliza- beth Metz, on June 10, 1849. died in Missouri, January 5. 1875, his second wife dying in 1893; and Louisa, born December 2S. 1813. married John Boling, and died in August. 1896.

George Tyson. father of William Tyson. left home some time before reaching his majority, first locating in Cincinnati, where after working

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

for a time he bought a flat-boat and engaged In trading along the Obio River. In 1820, be mar- ried Miss Lucinda Bellamy, a native of Culpep- er County, Va., born in 1809. Soon after his marriage, having sold his flat-boat, Mr. Tyson invested the proceeds in a team with which. in 1831, be made the journey to Schuyler County, Ill., locating on Section 11 in Bainbridge Town- ship. Other members of the Tyson family came to Schuyler County about the same time, some of them later moving away, and it is estimated that more than a score of their descendants are now scattered over the States of Illinois, Mis- souri, Michigan, lowa, Kansas, Oklahoma. Col- orado, California and Oregon. George became the owner of 480 acres of land, but becoming restless in 1866, went farther west, and all trace of him was lost. His wife survived bis disap- pearance some ten years, dying in Schuyler county, September 10, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. George Tyson were the parents of the following named children : Charles B .. born September 25, 1831, and died at home in 1852; Joel, born in 1833. died in 1850; Robert, born in May. 1835, died near Peoria, Ill., in October, 1809; Alfred, born March 4, 1837, now residing at Granite, Colo .; Melissa, born in 1839, and died at Baxter Springs, Kan., dying September 4, 1907; Wil- liam, the subject of this sketch; Angelina. who lives in Jones, Okla .; Margaret, living in Bates County, Mo .; Mary, who married Z. T. Kirkham, of Schuyler County, and Levi, who resides at Abilene. Kan. Robert, of this family, married Emily Gillett, and had three children born to him; Alice, who married a Mr. Pike. and lives in Fort Madison, Iowa ; Grant, when last heard from was in Louisiana; and Effie, who married and lives in Kansas City, Kan.

The early life of William Tyson was spent apon the home farm in Bainbridge Township. assisting his father and attending the district school of the neighborhood. He made good prog- ress in his studies, and engaged in teaching when quite young. After being thus employed for several terms, he accompanied the family to Moniteau County, Mo., where the father bad bought land, but which he sold afterward mov- ing to a farm of 300 neres in Henry County. that State. This remained the family home until the outbreak of the Civil War. when the mother and the younger members of the family returned to the old homestead in Schuyler County. It was now that William. a youth of twenty years. proved the patriotic quality of his blood. On the 27th of June, 1861. he enlisted in Company D. of the Cass County Cavalry Regiment. of Mis- souri Home Guard Volunteers. U. S. A., and by reason of General Order No. 25. ( Paragraph Three). Department of Missouri, was discharged from service at Harrisonville. Mo., on February 28, 1862. During the first months of military experience he was one of the force which guarded the first wagon-load of provisions sent to General "Lyon's army after the battle of Wilson's Creek.

After his honorable discharge from the car- alry service. Mr. Tyson returned to the family

home in Schuyler County, and on August 12. 1862, re-enlisted in Company D, One Ilundred aud I.itteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. for : period of three years. During this terrible sea- son of fierce battling and weary marching he neither faltered nor shirked a soldierly duty. He was one of that little heroic band of forty-two who held their own at Buzzard's Roost G .: p. Ga., against such appalling odds in August. 1954. While stationed at the block-house there. they were attacked by Wheeler's famous cavairy. but poured such a withering fire into the ranks of the horsemen as to repel their charge com- pletely. On October 13th, Hood's army opened fire on the block-house, with both musketry and artillery, but the heroic band of Company D hold off the attacking forces for ten long and bitter hours before being forced to surrender. O. the forty-two Union boys. tive were killed, six wounded and thirty-one taken prisoners. Mr. Ty- son being in the latter class. The prisoners were marched to Cababa. Ala., and confined in Castle Morgan, being then transferred to Mil- len, Ga. On November 22d General Sherman sent Kilpatrick's cavalry to rescue them, but on the previous evening they had been loaded on cars and sent to Savannah. Ga .. thenee being removed to Thomasville and, finally to Anderson- ville prison. Mr. Tyson was confined there for three months, and then transferred to Vicksburg, Miss., where he was exchanged and sent to St. Louis. In that city he received his pay and was granted a thirty days' furlough, at the expira- tion of which he reported at Springfield for fur- ther duty, but instead obtained his final pay and honorable discharge from the service, entering again the ranks of peace June 14, 1865.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 96

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