Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 97

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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After recruiting his weakened health as far as possible, Mr. Tyson returned to his home in Bainbridge Township, and in 1867 purchased 160 acres of land in Section 11, which has since been his home and which he has brought under a high state of cultivation, as well as rendered an at- tractive home. On November 10th. of that year. he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Scott, who was also a native of Schuyler County, born August 29, 1850. Their happy union. how- ever. was destined to be of short duration. for the faithful and beloved wife and mother ex- pired on the 22d of February. 1STS. She was a woman of tender heart, kindly acts and prac- tical Christianity, and her death proved a sad blow and an irreparable loss to her family and friends. Four children were born of this union. Jesse C. Tyson, the oldest. born on August 7. 1568. is a farmer operating the old home place. He married Annie M. Hendrix, a native of Rip- ley, Brown County. Ill., and they have had three children: Levi Frank. born March 17. 1:09. and one child who died in infancy: Orren Wi liam. horn December 10. 1907. Laura, the second child, was born September 15, 1869. and is now the wife of Charles B. Ward. of Bainbridge Township, and they have four children: Ruth Eliza, born October 21, 1843; Sarah Florence,

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

born Jannary 9, 1596; James Rufus, August 5, 1897; William F .. Forn June 16, 1500. Leora, born June 4. 1872, married, in 1859, James D. Dodds, and they have six children : Zelma Ar- villa, born November 16. 1559, was married March 1, 3907, to Hazen F. Ward; Norris E., born March 1, 1802; Ruby E .. born April 3, 1595; Giles O., born June 17, 1SOS; Ray Bur- dett, born December 16. 1900, and Edith Evaline, born December 9, 1004. Stella, born June 11, 1876, died July 12, 1576. Mrs. Sarah J. (Scott) Tyson died February 22, 1878. She was the daughter of Sammel and Elizabeth Scott.

Since fixing his home in Schuyler County, forty years ago, Mr. Tyson bas devoted himself to the interests of his family, and to the high duties of a moral and intelligent citizenship. Since the story period of the Civil War, when age conferred on him the right of franchise, he has faithfully voted the Republican ticket. He has never been an office-seeker, however, and has never held any public position save that of Census Enumerator for Bainbridge Township in 1880 and in 1890. Surrounded now by those comforts of life which, in providing for others. he has guaranteed to himself ; honored and loved by his children, his grandchildren, and great- grandchildren and hosts of friends for his bravery in fields of battle and in the paths of peace. and admired by his more distant associates for those practical and substantial qualities which have brought him worldly success, William Tyson is a man to be envied in no spirit of bitterness. but only in a spirit of regret that more citizens of the world are not cast in his mold of nobility.

UNGER, John C .- It is always a source of gratification to point to the growing success of our young men, for upon them rests the future prosperity of our country. Not the least promi- nent of the agriculturists of Schuyler County, who upon the threshold of middle life has met with a success well merited by his indefatigable la- bors, is John C. Unger, who owns and occupies a finely-improved farm on Section 26. Camden Township, remaining there until his death, on the same township, November 7. 1870. Ances- tors of the family, both paternal and maternal, came of German extraction and were among the early settlers of Ohio, where the father. Eli Unger, was born in Portage County. Early in life he sought the larger opportunities of the undeveloped regions to the west of his home, and became a farmer in Illinois. A brother. Cyrus Unger, married Lydia Biliz and brought his bride to Illinois, where he took up land in Schuyler County in 1862. With them came the bride's sister. Mary Biltz, a native of Stark County, Ohio : in 1864 she became the wife of Eli Unger, who settled on a farm in Camden Township, remaining there until his death. on February 4, 1873. After his demise the widow returned to her old Ohio home, thenee went to .Indiana. but in 1875 came back to the old home- stead in Schuyler County, Ill. Eventually she purchased a home in Erwin, Schuyler County,

where she 'and her younger daughter, Belle, now reside. The alder son. Owen, is dercased. The elder daughter. Cora E., married William Gray and has tive ch Iren, Addra. Forrest, Roy, Jennie and Beulah; they are now living on the old U'uger homestead.

Eli Unger wis a cooper and when not em- ployed at his trade, save his a tention to farm- ing. Nor was his interest confined to bis double calling. The schoo,s received his carnest sup- port, and the churches had his regular contribu- tions. Movements for the material progress of the township commanded his allegiance and co- operation. For some years heserved as a Direc- tor in his School District, meanwhile down- plishing nnich for the benefit of local educa- tional work. in political views he was libe :il. voting for the men whom he considered best qualified to represent the proje and promote the general welfare. His only surviving son, John C., received such advantages as the country schools afforded, and while still quite young be- gan to work for others. Carefully saving his wages, he was able upon attaining his majority to acquire property of his own. In May, Is91. he bought eighty acres of land on Section 26. Camden Township, where since he has made his home. At the time of purchase the farm had a small frame dwelling, sorely in need of repairs, and at the time of his marriage he rebuilt the house before bringing his bride to the home. Later he erected a substantial barn and other needed outbuildings. During 1906 he added greatly to the value of the property by erecting a two-story residence with eight rooms and mod- ern conveniences.

The marriage of Mr. Unger took place August 20. 1\05, uniting him with Miss Agnes Blanche Loring, who was born in Buena Vista Township, in April of 1877, boing a daughter of William and Sarah ( Grigg) Loring. After having en- gaged in the stock business for years, Mr. Loring died June 27, 1907, and in his demise another pioneer was taken from among those in whose midst he long had lived and labored. Since his death his widow has been a resident of the city of Rushville. Of their union there were born three daughters and one son now living. and there was also a stepdaughter. Mary, who mar- ried J. W. Liekey. The son. J. M. Loring. is en- gazed in the practice of law at Rushville. One of the daughters is the widow of John Avery and lives in Rushville. Another daughter, Ethel Grace, wife of Mark Sellers, met with a sad fate. Iler only child accidentally fell into the cistern where the water was about three feet deep, with some ice floating on the top. The mother jumped into the cistern in a frantic ef- fort to save the child. No one was near at the time and when found both mother and child bad died from exposure to the cold water and from the struggle to climb out of the cistern.

The family of John C. Unger comprises the following-named children : Leal D., born March S. 1597; Emory P. born November 25, 1900; Vernon William, born September 11, 1903; and

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

Mary Grace, born May 2, 1907. The home farm comprises eighty aeres and in addition, with the assistance of his sister's sont, Sir. Unger operates his mother's farm of 250 deres, which has the unique distin tion of having been transferred only once since the taking out of the government patent. Until the death of William Loring the latter engaged in partnership with Mr. Unger in the breeding of fine horses; in addition, Mr. Un- ger has made a specialty of thoroughbred regis- tered Duroc-Jersey hogs, some fine specimens of which are always to be seen on his farm. So closely bas his attention been given to farming pursuits that he has had little leisure for partici- pation in township affairs, yet he has found time to faithfully perform the duties of School Direc- tor of his district and also has kept posted con- cerning problems affecting the welfare of the na- tion. In presidential elections he votes with the Republican party, but in local affairs he con did- ers the character and ability of the candidate of greater importance than his views concerning is- sues affecting the nation. but not material to the county and township. With his wife he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and has been a contributor to the mis- sionary movements of the denomination.

UTTER, Arthur Frank .-- The breeding of live- stock constitutes a science, while the dealing in them and their advantazeons disposition in the markets of the country, are branches of a busi- ness whose successful prosecution requires rare executive ability. judgment and foresight. Some of the shrewdest men in the United States are en- gaged in the live stock business. and to be a leader in that field. as is Arthur F. Utter. of Bainbridge Township, Schuyler County, is of it- selt a proof of unusual determination and ability.

Mr. Utter is a native of Frederick Township, Schuyler County, born January 9, 1868, a son of George D. and Priscilla J. (Ward) Utter, bis father being a man of strong character and practical abilities, whose life work is reviewed on other pages of this work. The boy was edu- cated in the district schools of his native town- ship, and his early life upon the home farm was spent in ways common to the sons of farmers. He remained upon the family homestead nutil his majority, when soon afterward he was mar- ried and settled with his young bride upon the farm in Section 12. Bainbridge Township, which he now occupies. Ile was obliged to borrow money to make his first payment on his place, but he went to work with determination and energy to clear the farm of debt, and not only has succeeded in that aim, but in the acquisition of other lands, in the establishment of a fine reputation as a live-stock man, and in the main- tenanee and education (the latter still progress- Ing) of a large and intelligent family. He now carries on farming on 230 acres of land. and for many years has been one of the leading breeders of Poland-China hogs and Shorthorn cattle in the county. Mr. Utter is a scientific breeder, a fine judge of live stock, a careful buyer and a shrewd

business manager, so that his rapid progress and high standing were foregone conclusions. He is not only a large breeder and dealer, and an ex- tensive land owner, but has had the foresight to generously protect his family by carrying seven thousand dollars life insurance. All of the above. facts are proof conclusive that Mr. Utter is a man of strong will. fine abilities, and, what is of really more importance to the true progress of American communities, of tender care for those who are dependent upon him for their sup- port and well-being. In politics, he affiliates with the Democratic party, and takes an active interest in publi . enterpris & which promise to advance his community.

Arthur 1. Etter was united in marriage. Feb- ruary 27. 1999, to Miss Clara Bradman, a auch- ter of C. W. Hradman, who was for many years a prominent farmer and citizen of Bainbridge Township. Mrs. U'tter was born in Lincoln. Neb .. on the 11th of August; 1870. ller father. who is now a resident of Beardstown, Ill., served bravely in the Civil War as a member of the Ninety-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. To Mr. and Mrs. Arthur F. Utter have been born the following children : Fred C. born September 9, 1559, who died August S. 1502; George W., born March 2, 1591; Harry, born March 6. 1:00 ; Charles, born November 15. 195: Benlah, Forn February 26, 180%, and died December 23, 1:00; l'rank, born April 12, 1899. and died May 13. 1900: Thomas, December 25, 1003. and Rdna, born February 10, 1907.

UTTER, George D., a well-to-do farmer. of high standing in his locality, who is living in Section , Frederick Township. Schuyler County, 111., has passed more than sixty-two years in the immediate vicinity of his birthplace, in Sec- tion 6 of the same township. Mr. Utter was born November 13, 1545, a son of John and Char- lotte (Brines) Utter, of whom the former was a New Yorker by birth. Henry U'tter, the paternal grandfather. also of New York nativity. alle to Wabash County. Ill .. in 1815. where he was one of the pioneer farmers of the region, helping to organize the local administration of the county. and was a member of the lower branch of the First, Fourth and Fifth General Assemblies.

The Utter was born in Alleghany County. N. Y., November 11, 1810, and in 1>15, care with his father from the East to Wabash County. III .. where on reaching maturity he was married to Charlotte Brines. the ceremony taking place De- cember 5, 1534. Three years later, his father having died, he moved to Schuyler County, settling on rented land. and in connection with tilling the soil. sold fanning mills then manufactured by Jesse Darnell, covering the territory between Frederick and Quincy, and in all directions from Frederick. Subsequently, he bought forty : pres in Section G. Frederick Township, on which he built a log cabin, and in that cabin the subject of this biographical record was ushered MMto being. John Utter applied himself vigoroush to the task of improving the wild tract on which

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

he had established his home, in Section 6. Be- sides this land he owned some property in the village of Frederick at the time of his death. ou February 14, 1885. When he first located in Selmyler County, in 1837. he made the journey from Wabash County in a wagon, which carried all his effects. Before coming to Schuyler County he served in the Black Hawk War, and about . the year 1851, organized a military company, of which he was elected Captain. The muster days of this company were gala occasions for the peo- ple of the vicinity, who were wont to gather at Pleasantview to watch the drilling maneuvers. Capt. U'tter being the principal drillmaster.

Charlotte ( Brines) Utter was born in Alle- ghany County. N. Y .. April 11. 1807, and died October 15, 1887. By John Utter she became the mother of five children. namely : Edwin, Eliza, Martha, Julia A., and George D. Edwin was born in Wabash County, HIL., June 11. 1835. married Hannab Nelson and had five children, of whom four-Jolm. Lyman, Lillie and Douglas -are living. He served as a soldier in the Civil War, enlisting from that county, and died Odlo- ber 16. 1903, at Quincy. Il .. where his re- mains now lip. Eliza was born in Wabash County. IL., July 29. 1536. She was twice mar- ried, her first husband being James Lane, to whom she was wedded July 16. 1551. and by him she had seven children, three of whom are still living. viz. : Mrs. William E. Young and Mrs. William Patterson, both residents of Frederick Township: and Mrs. Charles Allen, whose home is in Joplin, Mo. Mrs. Lane's second husband was Sannuel O. Beale. He and his wife are de- ceased. Martha Citer, born March 5. 1841, be- came the wife of William Lane and bore him one child, Sarah, who married William B. Utter, and by him had seven children. The parents of Sarah are now deceased. Julia A. U'tter was horn All- gust 6, 1543, and died December 3. 1581.

George D. Utter wis roared to farm life, he- ing. the only son at home. He attended the com- mon school and assisted his father, who being an extensive landholder. required his services most of the time. He helped to do the clearing and other preliminary work, and was one of the busiest young men of his day. He remained with his parents until the time of his marriage, and even after that event had to look after the paternal farming interests as well as his own. In May, 1868, he moved to his present lo ation. the pace then containing only a log cabin, with one door and one eight-light window. but being furnished with a cook stove and fire place. Mrs. Utter understood weaving. while Mr. Utter's wife's mother was trained in carding wool. and spinning. and both parents frequently revert to the period, when after retiring for the night. the click and knock of the mother's loom kept the n awake. Finally, they built a small kitchen as an addition to their cabin. which afforded them greater convenience and comfort. In course of time, the old log cal'n case place to a split tial and handsome right-room dwelling. : 4940 shelter was provided for the stock. and fruit

and ornamental trees were set out in abundance. making a bramifu' and attractive hope .. When Mr. Hier first took possession of this place. it Was almost a wilderness and stamp pul ng was the first arduous nell smanitaly inteammates task that confronted him. He well r members the day he left the old bottle for the new other. Det more than a inthe away, and the mother's bars as she sid good-bye. Siver then he and his loyal and devoted wife have spent forty years in helpful compamotship, sharing each others joys and sorrows, and he has the sapere conse ill ness that the long grund intervening has been will spent. He is now the owner of 210 acres of the finest and most competey haproved and i'zaly productive land in Frederik Township, ait is recognized by all as one of its loading agricul- turists. His methods in farming and stock mis- ing are thoroughly practical. and his di ize a and persevering efforts bave been rewarded by abun- dant and rielly mori od sueross.

The marriage of Mr. Etter took place March 1. 1507. on which date he was united with Priscilla J. Ward. Mrs. Etter was bory April 10. 1SIN, a danghter of Apollos amt Jale Bram- bles Ward, natives of Ohio. The Brandde fam- ily history may be found in another pompan of this volume. Eight children were the offspring of this imion. six of whom first saw thelight of day in the crude log cabin above described. The names of the children are as follows: Arthur F. a narrative of whose career appears ale. whore in this connection : Alberi M., born Orto- br 20. 1570; Alice, born Softember 1. 158; P'1- laski, born November 50, IN76: Amy. born Jan- mary 10. 1850: Mary. barn October 21. IN: Minnie, born October 20. 18 9; and Grover. born November 11, 1502. The second son. Albert, is living on the old homestead in Section 7. Fred- erick Township. He was married, July S. 1591. to Helen Gregg, and they are the parents of five children. namely : Marion. Ernest. W'Hiam, Helen and Clinton. Alice Etter, who Iname the wife of Maurice Robinan. is a resident of Chapin. Ill .. and has four children-Able. Beit. Edith and Mabel. Full particulars con erning the Robman family are given in their proper al. phabetical order. Pulaski Uiter, who was a young man of exceedingly bright prome. die Jammary 3. 1596. Amy is the wife of JJdin Itter. residing in Beardstown, and has one child -- Roy. Mary. Minnie and Grover .fr still under the parental roof. All the sons and dangh- ters of the subject of this sketch have received a good common school education, and are fitted by their mental acquirements to fill desirable po- sitions in life.

In political action. George D. Itter has always been identified with the Democratic party but has never sought public honors. Although re- peatedly and urgently solicited to become a can- didat for local office. ho has persistently de- dire. feeling that his time was fils wiped with the duties perante to his free ! his f. mily. le and his worthy wife are or omnl- cants of the Methodist Church, South. . not with

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

are held in the highest extrem by a large de- quaintance, extending throughont Frederick Township.

VALENTINE, Sylvester .- Among the farmers of Woodstock Township who are investing their calling with dignity, progress and refinement of surroundings, mention is due Sylvester Valen- tine, the owner of a farm of 10 acres in Section 16. Mr. Valentine was born in Pickaway County. Ohio. October 10, 1545, a son ot Samuel and Sophia (Young) Valentine, natives of Ohio, and of German descent. The paternal grandfather was born in a German settlement in Pounsyl- vania, and at an early day settled in Pickaway County, Ohio, where, after many years of tilling a prairie farm, he died rich in years and finan- cially prosperous. His son. Samuel, father of Sylvester, came with bis family to Sangamon County, Ill., about 1852, settling near the old home of Peter Cartwright, the famous Methodist

Episcopal circuit-rider. Sylvester Valentine treasures vivid memories of this splendid preacher. as on many occasions he sat in church and listened to his eloquent and convincing dis- courses. Samuel Valentine died about iss4. his wife having pre-deceased him in 18 2. Both are resting under shady trees in the little cemetery at Pleasant Plains, Ill. They were the devoted and painstaking parents of ten children, tive of whom are living. Of the children. Mary is the deceased wife of William V. Campbell. of Sau- gamon County : Cordelia (deceased) was the wife of James E. Campbell, also deceased : Ellen is the widow of Dr. Philip Williams, and lives in Tennessee; Israel died in Jacksonville, Ill. : Sophia is the widow of Sammel Campbell, of st. Joseph. Mo .; Evelyn is the wife of Mr. David A. Dunkle: Clara died at the age of twenty-two years: India is the wife of John Kirby, and lives in Conway Springs, Kan. ; and Samuel is a blacksmith in Pleasant Plains. In. Samuel Val- entine belonged to the old time German school of thought and action. and was a devout member of the Lutheran Church, which he joined as early as 1835.

Sylvester Valentine was seven years old when he came with his parents to Sangamon County, Ill., in 1852, and he remained on the home place until his twenty-third year. Ile is largely self- educated, although he attended the district school with comparative regularity during the winter time. his summers being devoted to the many tasks which awaited his strength on the okl place. In 1565 he iented a farm in Sangamon County. put in his first crop of corn; while on a visit to Selmyler County that winter met Sarah A. Shupe. of Woodstock Township, whom he married October 5. 1870. The Shape family came to Illinois in 1843. Peter and Sarah ( Wright ) Shupe. grandparents of Mrs. Valen- tine, were Mormons, and they stopped in Schuy- ler County on their way to join their fellow ro- ligionists in Salt Lake City. On the way. Peter, his wife and their three children, were taken ill. died and were buried near Council Bluff's.

lowa. William Shus the father of Mr -. Valeu- tine. then returned to Schuyler County, reaching here during the fall of IN43. On November 19. 1.46, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Hoffman, who was born in Ohio June 20, 1:25. William Shope heis born in Grayson County. Van Detuber 9, 1524. Soon after their nauriage they located on the farm now owned and occupied by the Valentine family in Woodstock Township. Schuyler County. Here William Shape died July 8, 1901. and his wite in 1902. To them were born six children : Sonuel Slope. of Walmit, Kan .; Sarah A. (Mrs. Valentiner of Rashville, Ill. : George II., of Wayland, Il. ; Mary F., wife of Charles F. Jardin, of Macomb, Ill. ; Martha M., wife of Daniel C. Nell, a farmer of the vicin- ity of Macomb: and William Shope, a farmer living in Ragan. Neb.

After his marriage Mr. Valentine returned to Sangamon County, and there followed general farming until again coming to Selmyler County in IMES. Ile then bought eighty acres of land in Section 17. Woodstock Township, the greater part of which was covered with timber and brush, and here he labored early and late, cut- ting down trees and taking out stumps until he had one of the best properties in this part of Schuyler County. This remained the home of the family until 1903, when they settled on the old Shape farm in Section 16, rich in its mem- ories of a fine old family and their struggles to acquire a footing among the prosperous of the land. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Valentine: Lilly M., wife of Charles Newell, a farmer of Woodstock Township, who has five children-Samuel. Ray, Herman. Carl and Ruth : George W., married Daisy Brown and is living in Peoria, Il. : Herbert E., married Maud Rittenhouse and has one son. Glem R., and one daughter. Olive Marie, with whom, and his wife, he lives on the old homestead: and Dwight L., graduated at the Normal School in Rushville in June. 100S, and will engage in teaching the coming winter. Mr. and Mrs. Val- entine are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. and Mr. Valentine is a Democrat in polities. He is a well informed and thoroughly practical farmer, having the respect and good will of his neighbors, and by virtue of industry. perseverance and integrity, filling a need in the general affairs of the community.

VANCIL, Benjamin F .- "A splendid farmer and citizen."-an enthusiastic expression which ev- eryone who has ever had any dealings with Ben- jamin F. Vancil would at once apply to him. ITis long experience and strong capabilities hive carried him to the very bed-rock of agriculture. both in the raising of crops and in the breeding of live stock, and his general intelligence and moral earnestness have inspired unvarying conti- dence in him as a public man. For many years he has been a firm advocate of Proliition, not only supporting its principles as me: sures of vi- tal importance to the well-being of the commu- nity, but consistently voting for the candidates

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 97

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