Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 103

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 103

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mr. Mclachlan was married In Dalry, Ayr- shire, Scotland, April 9, 1862. to Miss Mary Johnston, a native of that place, born Novem- ber 21, 1842, daughter of Alexander and Ollie (Reid) Johnston, the former also a native of Dalry. The father was a miner by occupation and he and his wife came to the United States in 1856. where they remained but a short time, then returning to Ayrshire, where both died. He was of English descent and son of a mer-

1449

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

chaut of Manchester, England. The grandfather Johnston was a master quarryman and died in Engiand. Mrs. Johnston was a daughter of James Reid, a tailor of Cookstown, Ireland, who died in Scotland.

Eight children were horn to Mr. McLachlan and his wife, of whom four survive, namely : Jennette, born in Scotland, in 1866, married in Black Ridge, Scotland, Patrick Duffy, a native of Ireiand, and they now live in Springfield and have four children-Martin, Mary, Joseph and Panl; Alexander, horn in Scotland, April 10, 1874, a miner now liviug in Springfield, there married Grace Graham, a native of Scotland, and they have one daughter, Mary, horn in Springfield; John, born iu Scotland, September 6, 1878, is uow a police officer of Springfield, there inarried Elizabeth Owens, a native of Eng- land, and they have no children; and Mary wife of John McGinnis, a coal miner of Spring- field, and they have nine children-Hugh, John, James, Alexander, Esther, Martha, Patrick and two deceased.

Mr. Mclachlan resides at 1407 East Ash Street, Springfield, and owns some city property. He has had much experience in the line of min- ing and, while carrying on his work in the moun- tains of Scotland, took part in many dangerous tasks and saw many accidents. He has worked hard during his entire active life, and is now enjoying the rest he has so well earned and de- served.

McLAUGHLIN, Christopher (deceased), for- merly a retired farmer and gardener living in the vicinity of the State Fair Grounds, north- east of Springfield, had heen a resident of San- gamon County since ahout 1853. He was horn at Stanton, Powell County, Ky., February 10, 1846, a son of David and Elizabeth (Morris) Mclaughlin, hoth natives of Kentucky, the fa- ther born August 26, 1800, and the mother Au- gust 4, 1804. David McLaughlin was the son of a Revolutionary soldier who had emigrated to America from Ireland. The father had proved himself a most patriotic and faithful soldier and was greatly esteemed hy ail who knew him. The parents of Christopher McLaughlin emigrated to Morgan County, Ill., in 1852, settling near the town of Winchester, Scott County, and one year later came to Sangamon County, where the fa- ther died January 23, 1887, the mother dying September 7, 1853. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Christopher was the youngest. He received his education in the early suhscrip- tion schools of his day and worked on the farm with his father until he was eighteen years of . age.

In 1864, heing then hut eighteen years of age, Christopher McLanghlin enlisted in Company A. One Hundred and Sixth Illinois, being mus- tered in February 22 under Provost Marshal Isaac Keys. They spent some time at Camp Yates, and their first skirmish was at Claren- don, Ark., after which they camped at Pine Bluff, Ark., marched for three weeks, returned

to Piue Biuff and spent the remainder of the winter there. During the summer of 1865 they were sent back to Springfield, were there dis- charged and paid off at the Revere Hotel. He had good reason to feel proud of his war rec- ord, and hecame a prominent member of the Ste- phenson Post, No. 30, G. A. R. In politicai views he was always a Republican, casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, in 1864, and his second vote for U. S. Grant. He was converted to belief in this party August 8, 1860, during Lincoln's first campaigu for the presi- dency ..

Mr. Mclaughlin served three years as Tax Collector of Loami Township, two years as Road Commissioner and two years as School Direc- tor. He was appointed Supervisor in 1908 and elected to the same office iu 1910. He was a man of integrity and stability of character, and highly respected hy his neighhors and associates. He owned 120 acres of land near Loami. This he sold and later rented land and was active as a farmer up to the time of his death, Sep- temher 12, 1910.

Mr. Mclaughlin was married in Loami, Ill., February 11, 1869, to Miss Fannie Colburn, who was horn September 8, 1852, and died Au- gust 28, 1904, a daughter of Daniel and Cindy (Hoffmaster) Colhurn, who came to Sangamon Connty soon after the Civil War. The mother now lives at Loami, having reached an ad- vanced age. Five children were horn to Mr. Mclaughlin and wife, namely : Minnie, horn An- gust 14, 1869, and married John Loving, a farmier in Sangamon County ; Andrew, born April 20, 1873, is a farmer and lives near Springfield ; Lena, horn June 17, 1875, married Isaac Work- man, a farmer living twenty-five miles southwest of Springfield; and Glen and Gertie (twins), who died in infancy. Seven grandchildren were horn to Mr. Mclaughlin, namely : Elsa MeLaugh- lin, June 2, 1898; Alma Mclaughlin, November 10, 1902; Eari Loving and Loyd Loving, and three deceased, who were the children of An- drew Mclaughlin.

McLEAN, A. H .- Many leading corporations of the country owe their present prosperity to their traveling men; without whom it would he in- possible for them to do business. These live, energetic men, traveling from place to place. keep thoroughly ahreast of the times and of the demands of the trade, and, while placing orders. keep their home offices fully informed of the current of affairs. One of the hest representa- tives of the np-to-date commercial traveler of today is A. H. McLean, of Springfield, one of the efficient representatives of the Singer Sew- ing Machine Company. He was born in West Virginia, December 15, 1858, a son of Alexander and Sarah (Miller) McLean. Alexander Mc- Lean was horn in Scotland, hut his wife was born in Pennsylvania. In 1856 he came to the United States, locating in Virginia, where he emharked iu a Inmber business, successfully

1450

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

prosecuting it until his demise in 1865. He had the misfortune to lose his wife in 1862.

A. H. McLean was brought np in Pennsyl- vania, and received his education in the city of Pittsburg. Leaving school, he entered the fac- tory of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, and fonr years later was put on the road to represent the corporation, since which time he has been their faithful exponent. For some time he made Quiney, Ill., his home, bnt later came to Springfield, where he has since resided.

On April 6, 1903, occurred the marriage of Mr. McLean, in Springfield, with Lilly Merser, who was born in 1868. In 1908 Mr. Merser was killed, at the age of seventy-one years. His widow passed away the following year, aged sixty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. McLean are the parents of three children. Mr. McLean is a member of the N. P. L. and is in good standing with this order, which he joined three years ago. In religious faith he is a Catholic. His political sentiments make him a Republican, but he is not active in party affairs. He inherits all the excellent traits of his Scotch father, and is faithful, conscientious and industrious. His house places implicit faith in him and his rep- resentations, as do his customers, and he is es- teemed over the wide territory which he covers.

McMURRAY, Thomas B., a highly esteemed citi- zen of Divernon Township, Sangamon County, who is cultivating the John Egan farm of 160 acres, located on Section 14, two miles east of the Divernon Postoffice, was born in Springfield, Ill., Jannary 19, 1857, a son of Joseph E. and Nancy C. (Parks) McMurray.

Joseph E. McMurray was born in Sweetwater Valley, Tenn., and early in life decided to be- come a minister, but owing to parental objec- tion, had to work his way through Lane's Semi- nary, in Ohio, by doing chores and housekeep- ing. After graduating he came direct to Mui- berry Grove, Ill., where he followed preaching until 1850 and in that year removed to Hardin, Ill. Later he went to Iowa, but eventually re- turned to Illinois, and while in Springfield was forced to give up preaching on account of throat ailment, and subsequently became ticket agent of the Wabash Railroad Company at Cerro Gordo, Ill., remaining there twelve years and dying January 27, 1868. He was married Jan- uary 28, 1852. in Springfield, Ill., to Nancy C. Parks, who was born in Middlebury, Vt., Feb- ruary 5, 1818, daughter of Beaumont and Nancy C. Parks, and she died May 24, 1892. at Auburn, Ill. Fonr children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McMurray : Alice B., born November 9, 1852, at Springfield, is unmarried and now lives at Pon- tiac; Edward P., born August 12, 1855, is a music dealer of Pontiac; Thomas B. ; and Wal- ter S., born February 18, 1859, died at the age of three years.

Thomas B. McMurray was educated in the public school of Auburn, Ill., and later taught two terms in the country schools, paying for his books by working on farms after school and on

Saturday. In 1881 he went to the normal school, from which he graduated June 25, 1885, and once more took np teaching, working until 1891, and in addition teaching innsic during his spare hours. In 1891 he started clerking in a dry-goods store, but in 1892, after his marriage, he moved to a farm in Sangamon Connty, carry- ing on agricultural pursuits and teaching a district school for three years .- At the end of this time he located on the farm which he now cuitivates, the John Egan farm of 160 acres, which he has made one of the best in his part of the township. Mr. McMurray is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church at Divernon. He has always been a Republican, but during the great Temperance campaign that recently swept Illinois, cast all his influence with the ticket of that party, as he has always been a great foe to the lignor traffic.

On August 3, 1892, Mr. McMurray was mar- ried in Divernon, Ill., to Fannie Esther Haire, who was born April 26, 1865, in Sangamon County, the daughter of Johnson and Margaret (Lindsey) Haire. Mr. Haire died March 22, 1869, and is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, at Springfield, the McMurray-Haire-Aldrich monu- ment being near the John R. Tanner mausoleum there. To Mr. and Mrs. McMurray there were born two children : Fannie Marie, born January 15, 1897; and Heywood Thomas, born February 19, 1901.

McMURRY, Thomas .- Agricultural conditions in Sangamon County have changed to such an extent during the past few decades that the en- terprising farmer has been compelled to change to a large degree his methods of treating the soil. New discoveries have been made, power- fnl machinery invented and innovations intro- dneed, and he who would reap the most bene- ficial results from his property must keep in touch with the changes of the times. Thomas McMurry, for many years a scientific farmer west of Springfield, and one of the "Snow Birds," but now living retired in the Capital City, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1839, a son of Michael and Nora (Fitzgerald) McMnrry, both natives of the same county.

Michael McMurry came to America June 10, 1852, his wife having died in 1848, and went first to Jacksonville, Ill., where the rest of his life was spent in agricultural pnrsnits. Thomas McMurry was educated in the schools of his native country and at Jacksonville, Ill., and un- til reaching his majority he worked on his fa- ther's farm. In company with two brothers, he engaged in farming in Morgan County, eleven miles southeast of Jacksonville, which they con- tinued until 1860, when they moved to Sanga- mon Connty and there farmed together until 1880, when Mr. McMurry retired from business activities and purchased his present home in Springfield, at No. 921 West Lawrence Avenue, althoughi he still retains an interest in the land. He is a faithful member of St. Agnes parish of the Roman Catholic Church, and as a citizen

1451

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

ranks bigh in his community. He is an inde- pendent in politics.

On June 16, 1867, in Petersburg, Menard County, Ill., Mr. McMurry was nnited in mar- riage with Catherine Kelly, who was born in that place, December 13, 1850, a daughter of Michaei and Mary (Hogau) Kelly, both natives of Ireland, the former born in Connty Roscom- mon and the latter in Connty Kilkenny. Her father came to America in 1848, settling in Menard County, Ill., and died July 6, 1906, the motber having passed away November 4, 1905. They were both members of the Roman Catho- llc Church, and were married by Rev. Father Conlon in the first Catholle Church erected in Springfield. Mrs. McMurry was the oldest of a family of thirteen children, of whom nine are still living.

There were sixteen chlidren horn to Mr. and Mrs. McMurry and of these the following sur- vive : Michael J., retired, Ilving at No. 225 West Grand Avenue; James P., living In Freeport, Ill., Mrs. McMurry and of these the following sur- vive : Michael J., retired, living at No. 225 West an engineer on the Illinols Central Railroad; John A., who also is an engineer on the same railroad ; Frank A., a conductor on the Chicago, Peorla & St. Louis Railroad, residing in Spring- field; Nicholas E., a teacher in the Wright School at Riverton ; Richard H., a brakeman on the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louls Railroad; Mary W., a teacher in Sangamon County public schools, and Agnes, living at home with their parents. Both of the daughters were educated in the Catholic convents in Springfield, Miss Mary graduating from the Dominican Convent with the class of 1904.

McPHERSON, Mrs. Georgiana .- Some of the heavlest property owners of Springfield are women who have inherited their fortunes from father or husband, and are now administering affairs with ability and foresight. One of these Is Mrs. Georgiana McPherson. She was born In Illinois, April 28. 1857. a daughter of Jera- miah and Sarah Jane (McConklin) Masterson. The father was born in Lonisville, Ky., while the mother was born In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, February 2, 1833. The father died February 21, 1905, but the mother survives, active at the age of seventy-seven years. Mrs. McPherson has a brother and sister who reside on a farm at Bluffs, Ill. All his life Mr. Masterson was a farmer, and succeeded very well in his work.

Mrs. McPherson was educated in Morgan County, and was reared on a farm there, re- maining at home until she married George Mc- Pherson, August 20, 1883. Until 1898 she re- sided on a farm, hut that year came to Spring- field, which is still her home. Mr. McPherson was a prominent farmer. He was a Republican, but Mrs. McPherson was brought up In a Demo- cratic honsehold, her father espousing the prin- ciples of tbat party. Mr. McPherson dled firm in the faith of the First Methodist Church. Mrs. McPherson has connected herself with the First

Methodist Church of Springfield, and gives it generons support. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McPherson, Lilly, born May 17, 1SS4, married Sylvester Bethard, merchant and postmaster of Wrightsville; Elizabeth, born May 22, 1SS7, married Ray Myers, a farmer; Jere- miah B. is connected with a railroad in Okla- homa ; Nellie, born June 2, 1SS9, married Joseph Ingo, a machinist. All of the children have done well, and Mrs. McPherson has every rea- son to feel proud of them. She commands nni- versal respect and has many friends in Spring- field, as well as in her old home.

McTAGGART, A. T .- The Scotch people have always heen noted for thelr frugality and In- dustrious habits, and those coming from Oid Scotia have transmitted to their children tbe same characteristics which have made for their own success. The McTaggart family comes of Scotch ancestry, and one of its leading repre- sentatives in Sangamon Connty is A. T. Mc- Taggart, a prosperous farmer, residing three and one-half miles south of Pawnee, on Section 19 in the township of that name. He was born on the farm where he now resides, July 15, 1878, a son of Robert and Jane (Carswell) McTaggart, natives of Scotland. Robert McTaggart is now living retired, hnt for many years was a farmer and stock-raiser of this county. A somewhat nnusual feature in the McTaggart family is that three McTaggart brothers married three Carswell sisters, Robert McTaggart being one of these brothers.

A. T. McTaggart attended the schools of Paw- nee Township, and was brought np sensibly and quietly, although he enjoyed the pleasures in- cident to farm Ilfe. Although engaged in farm- ing, Mr. McTaggart planned to engage in other lines. For three years he was in the regular army, enlisting In 1899 and serving nntil 1902, two and one-half years, in the Philippines, and participated in four battles while there.

On February 14, 1906, Mr. McTaggart married Edith L. Fallenstein, born in Springfield, March S, 1885, danghter of German-born parents. Mrs. McTaggart's father is dead, but her mother re- sides in Peoria. Mr. and Mrs. McTaggart have two danghters: Martha Louise, boru February 23. 1907, and Hellen Margaret, born March 20, 1910. Mr. McTaggart jolned the Modern Wood- men of America in July, 1906, and the Royal Neighbors in 1909. He is a Methodist, but bls wife is a Presbyterian. In politics, he is a Repnhlican.

An excellent farmer and good citizen, broad- ened by his years in the possessions of the United States in the Pacific, he commands the confi- dence of his nelghbors, and is a man who is worthy of respect. Never sbirking his duty, he has faithfuliy discharged it both as a soldier and private citizen, and has a pleasant home on his father's farm.

McTAGGART, Charles D .- The McTaggart family Is one of the old ones in Sangamon

1452

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

County, and its representatives are to be found residing upon valuable farms in different por- tions of this region, where they have become leaders in agricultural matters. One of these who is a first-class farmer and business man is Charles D. McTaggart, born on his present farm, December 1, 1872, a son of Duncan and Mary (Carswell) McTaggart. The parents came from Scotland to this country and Duncan McTaggart was one of three brothers who mar- ried the three Carswell sisters. He and his wife farmed and became prosperons, bringing np their iarge famlly in the fear of the Lord and appreciation of the value of hard work, so that none of them have failed to achieve success in life. Charles D. McTaggart attended the schools of his township, and growing to man- hood quietly, has learned to take his pleasure in his home. He has been remarkably suc- cessful as a breeder of fine stock, and his farm reflects the prosperity that has been his, for it is exceedingly weli-kept.

The marriage of Mr. McTaggart occurred three nilles north of Pawnee to Eva Matthew, born in Sangamon County, February 28, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. McTaggart have three fine sons: Leon- ard, born December 19, 1900; Charles Stanley, born September 1, 1902; aud Harlan Deneen, born February 11, 1904. Always a Republi- can, Mr. McTaggart has given his party a hearty support, but his close attention to his business has prevented his holding office. For five years he has been a member of the Wood- men of America. The Methodist Church holds his membership, and receives from him a gen- erons support. Mr. McTaggart owns 160 acres of rich farming land, and his wife owns 160 acres more in Christian Connty. They are excellent peopie, kind-hearted, generous and hospitable, and stand high in the estimation of their neighbors. They have three children of whom they have every reason to be proud, and their home is one of the most comfortable in Pawnee Township. It is conveniently located three miles south of Pawnee, on Section 24, where they welcome thelr many friends upon every occasion.

McTAGGART, Walter Neil .- Farming is the oldest business in the world, and since the cre- ation of man, mortals have been forced to de- pend upon the soil for sustenance. Aggregations of people may build citles ; inventive genius may manufacture many articles, but without the skill and patience of the agriculturist, the world cannot exist. One of the substantial young farmers of Sangamon County, who is fully alive to the responsibilities and possibilitles of the twentieth century agriculturist, is Walter Neii McTaggart, of Section 30, Pawnee Town- ship. He was born on his present farm, Janu- ary 27, 1872, a son of Robert and Jane (Cars- well) McTaggart, both natives of Scotland who came to Sangamon County in pioneer days. Robert McTaggart had a twin brother named Duncan and both were farmers.

Walter Neil McTaggart attended the common schools of his township, assisted in farming, and, with the exception of six months, has always lived on his present farm. On January 14, 1897, he was married, in Cotton Hill Township, to Ethel Sarah Funderburk, a daughter of David and Sarah A. (Torry) Funderburk, the former born in Sangamon County, the latter in New Jersey. Mrs. McTaggart was born April 18, 1876. There were two children by this mar- riage: Ray, born December 7, 1898; and Freddle, born June 26, 1901, died fonr months later and was buried in Zion Cemetery.

Mr. McTaggart has been a member of the Court of Honor for elght years, and of the Mod- ern Woodmen for five years, while Mrs. Mc- Taggart is a member of the Court of Honor and Royal Neighbors. Since casting his first vote, Mr. McTaggart has been a Republican and he and his family are members of the Methodist Church. In addition to his large holdings in farm land, he is a stockholder in the Pawnee State Bank. By pursuing industrious and economical business methods, Mr. McTaggart has established for himself a sound financial reputation and has a right to be pround of what he has accomplished. He understands farming thoroughly, and is regarded as an au- thority ou agricultural matters.

MEACHAM, John H., who for the past thirty- six years has been a prominent agricultorist of Christian Connty, Ill., and prior to that time was for a long perlod engaged in the same pur- suits in Sangamon County, is a native of the iatter county, born near New Berlin, February 12, 1834, son of Joseph K. and Ann (Hodgerson) Meacham. Joseph K. Meacham was born in Kentucky and his wife in Virginia, and after their marriage they came to Sangamon County, in 1829, settling at New Berlin and entering land from the Government. There they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1838 and the mother surviving until April 12. 1865, dying the day of President Lincoln's assas- sination. Both were buried at the old home place. They were the parents of three boys and one girl, but John H. is the only survivor of this family.

Mr. Meacham secured his education in an old log schoolhouse near New Berlin, and worked on the home farm for his mother until he reached the age of seventeen years, at which time he commenced teaching school, and continued as an educator for two years and one-half in San- gamon County. He then took np farming as his Ilfe work, and continued operations In San- gamon County until 1875, in which year he re- moved to his present fine property in Christian County, where he has become well known as an agricniturist. He is a Democrat in politics. He was well acquainted with President Lincoln and often visited the latter's offices when he was but a struggiing Illinois lawyer. Mr. Meacham was a School Director for nine years in the Hudson

1453

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

district in Sangamon County, and for a like period since coming to Christian County, as well as Assessor of Mt. Auburn, for three terms. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for a number of years served as church trustee.

On January 4, 1861, Mr. Meacham was mar- rled in Sangamon County, Ill., to Leah Jarrett, who was born August 18, 1842, near New Ber- lin, Ill., daughter of William and Jane Jarrett. The parents had twelve children, of whom the following survive: Eli, living near Girard, Ill .; Irwin, a resident of Nebraska ; George R., Ilv- ing near Modesto ; Wellington, of New Berlin; Mrs. Nancy Huggins, of Loami, Ill. Mrs. Har- riet Hill, living at New Berlin; John, of New Berlin ; and Mrs. Meacham.

Mr. and Mrs. Meacham, who have celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary, have had uine children, of whom the following are living : James, who lives at Roby, Ill .; Lou Weber, of Astoria, Ill .; Ada, who imarried a Mr. Belt, merchant at Buckhart, Ill. ; Hattie, who marrled Perry Peal, a member of the Springfield police force; Mrs. Jennle Troxwell, of Bates County, Missouri ; and John T., also a resident of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Meacham have nine grandchildren.

MEISENBACHER, John, a retired merchant of Springfield, Ill., is highly esteemed by all who know him and has been identified with the best interests of his community since locating there. He was born in Baden, Germany, Aprll 7, 1843, and his parents and grandparents were all na- tives of Baden. He is a son of Adam and Cath- erine (Miller) Melsenbacher, who came to New- ark, N. J., when John was fifteen years of age, and died there. John Meisenbacher recelved his early education in his native country, and supplemented the same by a course in the pub- lic schools of Newark, where he lived from 1858 until 1864, there learning the trade of butcher. In March of the latter year he came to Spring- field and began working at his trade, which he continued until 1869, when he embarked In business on his own account, conducting a shop of his own until 1890 with fair success and win- ning the confidence of his patrons by honcst deal- ing and good service.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 103

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