Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 100

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 100

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Mr. and Mrs. McCoy have had children as fol- lows : Milton B., born November 8, 1874, died August 12, 1876; Walter J., born March 6, 1876, married Alice Keys, two children, Hester M. and Marilla J .; Edward O., born December 29, 1878, is a grocer of Springfield in partnership

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

with Walter J., married Edna Hays, one son, Milton F .; Mary Nian, born December 19, 1880, married Charles Franey, a bookkeeper of Roch- ester, one child, Mary Pauline; Eva, boru March 16, 1883, Is at home; Cleveland L., born Decem- ber 16, 1884, married Mame Pearson and re- sides In Rochester ; Elmer C., boru January 28, 1888; Lora L., born March 14, 1891; aud How- ard S., boru June 8, 1893, the last three being at home.

Mr. McCoy Is a Democrat and has served as School Director of Rochester Township for two terms, and for the same length of time was a member of the Board of Trustees. He inherlts his Democratic principles from bis fatber, who was stanch In his support of that party. While Mr. McCoy is not a member of any religious body, he believes in the church and inclines to- wards the Methodist denominatiou, his mother and father having belonged to it. Fraternally Mr. McCoy belongs to the Court of Honor. Sev- eral years ago he severed his connection with the Kuights of Pythlas. He is energetic and progressive, and has accomplished much during his useful life. His property has increased materially in value since he took charge of it. and his success is well merited. He has reared a nice family to do him honor and take their places In the several communities in which they reside. The family occupy a prominent position socially, In Rochester, and their many friends are always welcome In thelr pleasant home.

McCOY, William Franklin .- The service the breeders of blooded stock have rendered San- gamon County cannot be lightly estimated, nor will their names be easily forgotten. One of the men who for years have been intimately connected with this important branch of agri- cultural life is William Franklin McCoy of Section 11, Cartwright Township. He was born June 24, 1844, in Oldham County. Ky., son of Andrew Jackson and Ann (Carder) McCoy. The father was a native of Virginla, while the mother was born in Kentucky, in 1820. The father had been taken to Oldham County, Ky., by his parents, when a lad, and there grew up and married. His wife died when Willlam Franklin McCoy was but four years old, in 1848. In 1858, the father again married and by the second marriage had two children : Mllburn of Kansas City, Mo., and Ellen who lives In Em- poria, Kas. William Franklin McCoy had an own sister, Mary Celesta. who married Willlam F. Phillips, but later died, leaving three daugh- ters, Ida, Eva aud Bozza, all now of Plainfield, Ind.

In 1850, Andrew Jackson McCoy brought his family to Morgan County, Ind., where he car- rled on a building and contracting business, later becoming a merchant. His death occurred at Hall, Iud., December 24, 1863. William Franklin McCoy attended school in Morgan County, entering the Northwestern Christian University at Indianapolis, Ind., after he had served his country as a soldier. He located at

Rome, Jefferson County, Ill., in 1866, and on August 29, 1867, he married Amanda Melvina Beesley, born in Hickory County, Mo., November 20, 1847, a daughter of Robert D. Beesley and Icephenla (Madison) Beesley, natives of Ken- tucky, who emigrated to Missouri and for a time lived in Hickey County, where the mother dled in 1852. Iu 1862, the father removed to Rome, Ill., and theu again to Missouri, where he sold his farm and removed to Texas, dying there September 6, 1890. They had five chil- dren, of whom Mrs. McCoy was the youngest, two others survivlug: Albert II., of Fayette County, Ill., and Eleanor J., widow of Elisha Harlow.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McCoy located on a farm in Fayette County, Ill., wbere they farmed, and from the first Mr. McCoy be- gan buying stock for the market. In 1873, he came to Sangamon County, locating on a farm near Lanesville, where he rented 160 acres for a year, then reuted 410 acres where he began breeding Clydesdale horses, commencing from a grade foundation. steadily building up to the preseut state of excellence for which he is now so famous. He has been very successful in his farin and stock raising. In 1904, he moved to Section 11, Cartwright Township, where he is operating 287 acres. During 1910, one field yielded 110 bushels of corn to the acre, and his other crops were equally good. He is now carrying thirty-two pure breed Clydesdale horses and colts. In 1906, four of his fillies took sev- eral prizes at the International stock show at Chicago. His stock has taken forty-seven premiums at the Illinois State fair In 1906 aud 1907. He exhibits every year, and his product receives prizes wherever shown. Graham Bros. of Toronto, Canada had hard work to beat Mr. McCoy's horses. His success is all the more remarkable as he bas worked up the produce from a grade foundation. His horses always bring the highest prices. In addition to his horses, Mr. McCoy breeds about fifty head of the best blooded Berkshire hogs each year, and his product ranks with the best in the country.

Mr. and Mrs. McCoy have had eight children, seven of whom survive: Charles E., born in Fayette County, October 23, 1869, married Mable Schry ; Albert Franklin, born August 29, 1871, a carpeuter and builder of Springfield, married Gertrude Benedict, and they have three chil- dren,-Robert F .. J. Floyd and Amos LaRue ; Lodema. born iu Fayette Couuty. October 17, 1873, deceased wife of Christian Kautz. dying April 22, 1908, leaving wo children .- Catherine Amanda, wbo makes her home with her grand- parents, and James McCoy Kautz, who lives with his uncle, Henry Kantz; Walter Clifton, born April 15, 1875. a farmer residing near Athens, Ill., married Jane Snow,-Issue, Ora, Hazel and Lodema; William Robert, born No- vember 1. 1878, married Mae Forsyth-issue, William R .; James H., born November 20, 1882, a school teacher of Idaho; Floyd Whitemore, born July 13, 1888, aud Mary Pearl, born March

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24, 1891, both at home. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy have given their children good educational ad- vautages. They are active members of the Christiau Church. Mr. McCoy belongs to the Masonic Lodge No. 333, Tyrian Lodge, the G. A. R. Post at Buffalo, Ill., the Natloual Clydesdale Association aud the National Berk- shire Hog Association.

Mr. McCoy's war record is one of interest, he enlisting August 15, 1861, in Company A, Thirty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered iu Septemuher 15, 1861, for three . years' service or until the close of the war. He was with his regiment, participating in the hattle of Thompson Station, March 5 1863, wheu he was wounded in the right leg aud being cap- tured, was seut to Libby Prison, where for a month he endured untold hardships, hut for- tunately was then exchanged, and went home on May 8, 1863. He then returned to his regimeut and participated in Sherman's March to the Sea, was in front of Atlanta, and was wounded at tbe battle of Peach Tree Creek, in his right arm. He was then sent to Indianapolis. He was honorably discharged March 14, 1865. Hls reginuent was in eighteeu hard-fought battles, traveled by rail and on foot 7,462 miles, 2,917 miles heing covered on foot. His regiment lost more men in battle than any other in Sherman's Army, the total enlistment having heen 2,867. The total number who died of disease 156, killed sixty-one, died of wounds forty-seven, total death rate from all causes, 271, wounded, 269, total loss 540. After the expiration of his first en- listment, Mr. McCoy re-enlisted, and received. his final discharge, March 14, 1865, after nearly four years of hard soldiering. He made a re- markable record while in service for in spite of the temptations of his surroundings, he never used either tobacco or liquor.

Coming of Scotch ancestry, Mr McCoy has in- herited much of the stubhorn tenacity of his race, and has liever given up, once he com- menced to do auything, and as a result he ilas succeeded far beyond bis foudest hopes. His association with the stock breeding interests of Sangamon County, is so well known as to re- quire no further mention here.

MCCULLOUGH, James S. (Vol. I, p. 362.) .

McDOLE, John (deceased), for years living re- tired from active life in his comfortable resi- dence at 919 East Lawrence Street, Springfield, was one of the city's substantial and public- spirited citizens, although prevented by faillng health from taking an active part in affairs. Mr. McDole was a native of Buffalo, N. Y., horn April 3, 1832, son of Adam and Barbara (Cas- per ) McDole, who were natives of Germany, and emigrated to the United States in young man and womanhood. The mother died when John was hut four years of age and his father died in 1865, both passing away In Buffalo. The father carried on farming all his life.

The education of John McDole was acquired

in the public schools of Buffalo, and after leav- ing school, he learned the trade of machinist, at which he worked a short time in Buffalo. He moved to Fort Wayue, Ind., and took a po- sition in the shops of tbe Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Railroad Company, where he remained fifteen years, theu became engineer for the same company, running an engine two years. In 1871, Mr. McDole located in Springfield, ac- cepting a positiou as machinist in the shops of the Wabash Railroad Company, and later tak- ing charge of an engine for them. He con- tiuued in the latter position, until a few years ago, when failing health compelled him to re- sign his position and retire from active life. He was industrious aud thrifty in conducting his affairs, and accumulated several pieces of property in Springfield, including his late resi- dence.

Mr. McDole was married in Fort Wayne, Ind., Octoher 6, 1859, to Miss Jane Fenimore, who was born in Peru, Ind., September 20, 1839, daughter of Ehenezer aud Rachel (Rardiu) Fenimore, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Portsmouth, Ohio. Mr. Fenimore was a tailor and conducted an establishment of his own at Portsmouth, Ohio. He died in Califor- nia about 1861. Two sons and one daughter were born to Mr. McDole and his wife, all of whom are deceased. They had six grandchil- dren, two of whom live in Springfield, Frank McDole and Ada Jaue, wife of Arthur Luckey. They also had three great-grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. McDole joined the Methodist Church and he was affiliated with the Brotherbood of Locomotive Engineers. In politics he was a Republican. He was oue of the most trusted and reliable men employed by the railroad com- pany and stood well with his associates. He was well known in Springfield, where he had iuany warm friends. His death occurred April 22, 1911.

McELFRESH, Charles Henry, M. D .- The med- ical fraternity is represented in Sangamon County by physicians of experleuce, whose records are second to none in the country. They have been carefully trained and sbow in their practice the effects of modern progress. Many of tbem secured their medical education tbrougb their own efforts, laboring hard to earn money for their courses, and their after lives show that they appreciate the responsibilities their pro- fession lays upon their shoulders. One of the most efficient of these practioners in Springfield is Dr. Charles Henry McElfresb. He was born in Clear Lake Township, Sangamon County, July 28, 1864, being a son of John Thomas and Angie (McDauiel) McElfresh, the former born near Baltimore, Md., July 20, 1818, and the latter in Clear Lake Township, July 9, 1841. Tbe father was a carpenter and contractor, who came with his parents to Illinois about 1833, settling at Ebenezer, three miles soutbwest of Jacksonville, in Morgan County. Later he moved to Springfield, wbere he worked at his

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

. trade nearly sixty years. In 1861 he eniisted in Company A Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, hut after a year of service was dls- charged on account of disability.

Dr. McElfresh was educated in the rural schools, and later taught in them for nine years. When he completed his medical course, at the age of thirty-three years, he had speut twenty- seven years of his life iu the schoolroom, as pupil and teacher. During the time he was growing up he had a fondness for all outdoor sports, including hunting, fishing and base-ball. For the first two years of his life the family lived on a farm two and one-half miles south- west of Dawson, the next four years they were at Illiopolis, then three years were spent at Decatur and elghteeu at Farmingdale, when re- moval was made to Springfield, where Dr. Mc- Elfresh has since resided. He practiced one year in St. Louis, three years at Dawson, and after that located in Springfield, where for seven years he has heen in a general practice.

On July 11, 1901, Dr. McElfresh married Dora Bennett, who was born at Winchester, Iil. She is the only daughter of Rev. Perry and Amanda Bennett, who had been for a uum- ber of years a teacher in the Springfield schools, and is a most cultivated, charining lady. There is no issue of this marriage. Dr. McElfresh has been a member of the Odd Fellows since 1899, and of the B. P. O. E. since 1907. He has been examining physician of many of the fra- ternal organizations here. In early life Dr. Mc- Elfresh united with the Presbyterian Church, but when he moved to Springfield he transferred hls membership to the First Methodist Church of the city. Like his father before him, Dr. McElfresh is a stanch Republican. He is a close student and careful practitioner, whose skill has gained him a wide-spread reputation. Earnest, steadfast, conscientlous, he has been more than usually successfui in his practice, and has gained the friendship and gratitude of his patients.

MCELROY, Rev. William N., D. D .- The annais of the Methodist Episcopal Church contain the names of many men who have unselfishly de- voted the best years of their lives to the ad- vancement of the cause of Christianity, and have put personal interests and preferences aside, to give their full time and gifts to what they believe to be their highest duty. One of the well-known members of the Iilinols Confer- ence of that church is Rev. William N. McEiroy, D. D., who has for many years made his home in Springfield. He has served as pastor of nu- merous churches and has heen associated with large fields of lahor. He served as Presiding Elder of the Bloomington District, Champaign District, and has held a similar post in the Springfield District and the Jacksonville Dis- trict. He has heen a member of six General Conferences of the M. E. Church and was a Delegate to the first Ecumenicai Conference of that Church held in London, England, in 1881,

in which year the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upou him by the Wesleyan Illi- nois University at Bloomiugtou. He has been a resident of Springfield over a quarter of a century and pastor of several churches dur- ing that time. He has devoted a large amount of time to the interests of Christianity iu that city, and to the education of the people aloug the llues of right living, and right thinking, by various methods, and has always takeu an interest in the welfare of the people of the city. Mr. McElroy was for four years editor of the Illinois Methodist Journal (now out of existence), and for many years has been a contributor to various religious papers and magaziues. He speut several years as a teacher before entering the ministry, and is well fitted to reach the hearts and interests of all ciasses, aud ages of people, investing his message with meaning for all.

Mr. McElroy is of Scotch Irish descent through both paternal and maternal aucestors, and was born in Harrison County, Ohio, June 10, 1832. He is a son of Robert and Mary (McFadden) McElroy, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Beimont County, Ohlo. Robert McElroy, his father, was a grand- son of the emigraut ancestor of the family, who came to America in 1760, followed in 1780 by the father of Robert McElroy, who located in Huntington County, Pa., where Rohert was born, four years later. Robert McElroy dled in 1851, and his wife, who was born in 1801, sur- vived him until 1890. Her parents were origi- nally from Maryland, but settled in Ohio at an early day. Rev. W. N. McElroy was one of ten children, beiug the third son.

The boyhood of Mr. McElroy was spent on his father's farm, and he received his early educa- tion iu the country schools of Illinois, to which State his parents removed when he was a child. He was naturally studious, and fond of scien- tific research, and by private study and exten- sive reading, added to his store of knowledge, becoming a man of broad education. He en- gaged in teaching school for several years in Iliinols, interrupting this work by a trip to California, where he spent two years, then re- turned to his former occupation. A few years after his marriage he decided to devote his future life to the ministry of his church, and in 1861 became a member of the Illinois Confer- ence. Besides serving as pastor of several churches, he has traveled extensively in the in- terests of the church as a district superinten- dent, and wherever he went was successful to a gratifying degree, forming warm friends not only for himself, but for the cause in which he labored. He has a convincing and eloquent manner, showing a quick understanding of his audience and a close sympathy with all classes of men, that is invaluable in his field of labor. He served twice as pastor in Bloomington, twice in Champaign, has been pastor at Shelby- ville, at the First Methodist Church at Danville, the First Church at Decatur, the Grace Meth-

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odist Church at Jacksonville and of the First, Kumler, and Laurel Churches in Springfield.

Mr. McElroy was married, October 5, 1856, to Miss Stastra M. Pasteur, daughter of Wesley and Mary (McElroy) Pasteur, who is of French and Scotch descent, on her fathers side, a near relative of Prof. Louis Pasteur, the French scientist. Mrs. McElroy is a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, and was born July 6, 1836, and reared in Illinois, where she received her education, attending the ladies' academy at Griggsville, Ill., for some time. Five children were born of this marriage: Charles G., who married Miss. Inez Martiu and lives in Spring- field; Robert W., a steuographer and clerk for the Wabash Railroad, in Springfield; Mary, the eldest child, married Thomas Crowner and died iu 1896, aged about thirty-seven years; one daughter Martha who died in infancy, and one daughter, Alice, who died at the age of eight years. Mr. McEiroy has been prominent in several fraternal organizations, having been affiliated with the Masonic Order, the Odd Fei- lows, the Union League, the Tempie of Honor and the Sons of Temperauce. He is a man of high intellectual gifts, honored not only by peo- ple of his own faith, but by all who kuow him.

Mr. McElroy, by request of his conference, has just finished writing the History of Method- ism in Illinois, in three volumes, covering the years from its beginning to the year 1900. The work will be not only a valuable contributiou to the history of the Methodist Church, but of the development of the State of Illinois, as well. It is written in narrative form and is of thrill- ing interest.

MCEWEN, Jacob H., now retired from active life and occupying his comfortable home at 517 Ridgley Avenue, Springfield, Ill., spent a short time farming in Sangamon County, and later was engaged in railroad contracting in various western States, until a few years since. He was born in Seneca County, Ohio, February 8, 1838, a son of George and Elleu ( Measel) McEwen, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland. The father was a carpen- ter, who moved from his native State of Ohio as a young man and followed his trade inany years. He died there, in 1856 and his widow survived until 1877. Her father was a soldier in the War of 1812. George McEwen and wife had uine children, two of whom died in iufancy, and the following four now survive: George, of Allen County, Ohio; Mrs. Priscilla Jordan, of Republic, Ohio; Mrs. Mary E. Baker, of Cieve- land, and Jacob H. Since 1893, the family have held annual reunions on the last Thursday In August, and they have been attended by from seventy-five to 150 members. Jacob H. Mc- Ewen has attended nine of the eighteen celebra- tlons, which are held at Bascom, Ohio.

Mr. McEwen was educated in his native coun- ty, and in boyhood worked on his father's farm, which he continued until coming to Shelby County, Ill., in 1859. He worked there one

year and then came to Sangamon County, spend- ing one year at farm work, after which he en- gaged iu work at the trade of carpeuter and followed it a few years in Springfield. He has continued to make Springfield his home siuce that time, although for many years he was en- gaged in contracting for railroad excavation iu the eight States of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kan- sas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming. He has lived retired for several years past and has confined his attention to looking after his persoual affairs and property. He has been a witness of the great growth and devel- opment which has taken place iu Springfield during the past half century and knew many of its early citizens. He was a personal friend and admirer of Abraham Liucolu aud attended his funeral.

December 31, 1863, Mr. McEwen married Sarah Howard, who was boru in Tennessee, No- vember 29, 1835, and was a widow at the time of her marriage to him. Her father, Joseph Hackney, was a native of North Carolina, as was also his wife. He was a shoemaker and In 1852 moved to Missouri, where he worked at his trade until his death, at Middletown. He and his wife were parents of two sons and two daughters, of whom Mrs. McEwen is the only survivor. Five children were born to Mr. Mc- Ewen aud wife, of whom none now survive. Mr. McEwen attends the United Brethren Church of which his mother was a member, and his wife belongs to the Christian Church, and both are interested in church work and other good causes. He is a Republican in politics, and fraternally is a member of the A. O. U. W. He is well known iu Springfield, and has a wide circle of friends, by whom he is most highly esteemed.

McFARLAND, Dr. John D., a veterinary surgeon and substantial citizen of New Berlin, Iil., is one of the men who has contributed largely to- wards the development and advancement of the stock-raising business in his community, through his professional services. He was born in the village of Fowler, Trumbull County, Ohio, Octo- ber 1, 1884, being a son of Arthur J. and Mary A. (Baidwin) McFarland. The father was of Irish extraction, his father having come from the north of Ireland to settle in Ohio, where there were a large number of the McFarlands. Arthur J. McFarland was reared on a farm, but later in life took up railroad work at Fowler, with the Lake Shore Railroad Company. He be- came an expert telegrapher, and still later went to California, becoming the first operator at Oakland, that State, for a new railroad. So efficient was he, that promotion followed rapidly and he was second In line for the office of Gen- eral Passenger Agent of the road, when his father's poor health made him return to Fowler to take up the management of the home farm. Here he lived until 1896, when he went to Cort- land, Ohio, to embark in the poultry business. He is now handling over a thousand White Leg- horn hens and making a success of it, as he has

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

always done of any calling he has followed. Hard work and thrift have resulted very satis- factorily in his case. Always a Republican, he has been identified with the best interests of the several communities in which he has re- sided, and for a number of years has served as a member of the School Board. For some years Mr. McFarland has been a Christian Scientist. Fraternally he is a Mason. He and his wife were the parents of two children, Dr. McFar- land and Roy, the iatter a court reporter of Chi- cago, with brilliant prospects.

After attending the district schools of Fowler until he was twelve years old, Dr. McFarland had the advantage of going to school in Court- land. In 1900 he went to Chicago to enter the employ of Swift & Company, later going with the Oliver Typewriter Company, as a mechanic, thus continuing until 1904, when he entered the Chicago Veterinary College, taking a full three years' course and gradnating in the Class of 1907. He earned his way through college by working during his vacations with the Oliver people. After graduating he located at Athens, Ill., going in October of that same year to Clin- ton County, and establishing himseif there, even buying a home, but his wife's health failing, he sold his home and practice and came to New Beriin in October, 1909. His success has been remarkable and through his skill many valuable animals have been saved. Expert knowledge like his lessens the risks in handling stock and indnces farmers to invest in high-grade breeds. Ifis office and laboratory are fitted with all mod- ern appliances known to his profession, and no veterinary in the county is better equipped to care for suffering and sick animals placed in his charge.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 100

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774