Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 108

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 108

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).

1471

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

field, in what was formerly known as the Hutchinson Cemetery. Mr. Mohr then left for St. Louis, Mo., where he soon formed the ac- quaintance of Miss Maria Ann Buittman, whom he married at Springfield, Ill., in the former St. John's Catholic Church. then located on East Adams Street, by the Rev. J. Jansen. He im- mediately found employment with Washington Iles Sr., by the month, and continued four years in that position, uutil he accumulated enough to purchase a five-acre tract from his employer, on South Eleventh Street, between .Laurei and Ash, which was sold when he settled on Sec- tions 14 and 15 in Woodside Township, the present home of his sou and daughter, Anthony Mohr and Franciska Iles. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits and spent the remainder of his life on his farm, where his death occurred November 17, 1887.

Mr. Mohr was highly esteemed hy all who knew him as a diligeut and upright mau. He was a Democrat in political views and a Cath- olic at heart, and remained a faithful member of the Church until his death, when he was anointed by the last rites of the Catholic Church, His wife, Maria Ann (Buittman) Mohr, was born in October, 1832, in Langen, Osnabruck, Hanover, Germany, and came to the United States in 1856, settiing at St. Louis. She re- ceived her education at the St. Benedict Parish school, in Germany. She was a faithful worker all her life and possessed all the qualities of a good mother that anyone could have, her death occurring on the same premises as the death of her husband, on March 10, 1908. To Mr. and Mrs. Mohr the following children were born : Anna Katherine, who passed her school-days at SS. Peter and Paul's School, corner Sixth and Reynolds Streets, Springfield, and died in 1881 on the home farm; Lewis died in Sangamon County at the age of two years; Anthony, whose name stands at the head of this sketch; Mary Caroline, who married Nic Krueger, and agri- culturist and carpenter of Sangamon County, and has a family of nine children ; Regina, who married S. J. Ridder, of Morgan County, Ill., and they have five children; Franciska, who married David Iles, of Sangamon County, and has one child, Ruth, born In 1892; Ludowika, who married, June 1, 1891, in Springfield, Henry Ridder. of Morgan County; and William J., who married Mary Williams, of Sangamon County, and they have five children.

Anthony Mohr secured his education in SS. Peter and Paul's Catholic School, in Spring- field, and was brought up to work on the farm, by his parents, utilizing his spare time to add to his education by study, and daily gaining knowiedge and experience in the line of farm- ing. He remained at home with his parents, assisting his father in cultivating the home farm, and after the latter's death took charge of the property, of which he and his sister, together, own eighty-seven acres. Mr. Mohr has a well- developed piece of iand, which yields good crops, and he has improved it with handsome. substan-

tlal huildings, and raises full-blooded stock. He is recognized as an authority on scientific farm- ing, and is looked upon as one of the township's intelligent and enterprising agricuiturists.

Mr. Mohr has never married. He is a Dem- ocrat in political views, but has never cared for publle office. Reared in the faith of the Cath- oiic Church, he has remained a faithful mem- her of that denomination, and can always be de- pended upon to support any movement for the church or of a charitable uature. He has trav- eiled but iittle, and during the many years he has lived iu the township, he has seen some won- derful changes take piace. A pleasing conver- sationalist and congenial companion, he has made many friends, and is popular throughout his township.

MONTGOMERY, James Frederick, engaged in a general horse-shoeing business at No. 115 South Seventh Street, Springfield, is one of the live, progressive men of the city, aud one who com- mands the respect of his customers by reason of the quality of his work and the honesty of his methods. Mr. Montgomery was born Febru- ary 10, 1874, in Orange County, Ind., being a son of Robert M. and Mary ( Morgan) Montgom- ery. The father was born near Louisville, Ky., but later moved to Orange County, Ind., where he bought 160 acres of land, operating it until his death, which occurred when he was seventy years old. His wife died in Illinois, in 1898. There were three children in their family : James F., Florence, now Mrs. Robert Grandy, of Canada; and Hattie, of Scott County, Ill., who married Thomas Maguire.

Mr. Montgomery's educational advantages were iinuited, and after he was fourteen years old he earned his own living. His first work netted him nine doilars a month, and was se- cured In Orange County, but three months later he came to Carroilton, Iil., where he worked on a farm until sixteen years old. At this time he began learning the trade of horse-shoeing with William Sunderland, at Kane, fli .. remaining with him for three years, and for his work re- ceiving two dollars per week and his board. After he had iearned his trade Mr. Montgom- ery worked at it in Kansas City, Decatur, and other points. He finally started business on his own account, in Illinois, and soon after spent six years at Alsey, Ill., and ten years at Ar- genta, then came to Springfield to open his present establishment. since which time he has built up a large trade which extends over a wide territory.

Mr. Montgomery was married at Roodhouse, Ill., in 1895, to Emma Darling, of Sand Prairie. Two children were born of this marriage, Carles and Hal. Mr. Montgomery was married a second time. at Argentine. Ili., in September, 1901, to Miss Laura Deihl, of that town, daugh- ter of Jerry and Maiinda (Slagle) Deihl. No" issue. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery are consistent members of the Methodist Church and In poi- itics he Is a Republican. Fraternally he is a

1472

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Knight of Pythias and muember of the Court of Honor. While not active In public affairs he is interested iu securing good government aud in protecting tbe interests of the people. He is industrious aud upright, and has worked very hard all his life being certainly a self-made mail.

MOORE, Samuel .- Mining and mines repre- sent such a large share of the interests of Sau- gamon County, that no review of it would be complete without the names of some of the men identified with this vast industry. An ex- perienced mining man is Samuei Moore, mana- ger of the Springfield Co-Operative Mine, who is living at No. 1619 North Eighth Street, Springfield. He was born in St. Clair, three miles from Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pa., June 17, 1854, the fourth son of John and Grace (Lamb) Moore, natives of Durham County, England, the former born August 14, 1810, and the latter in 1816.

John Moore started to work in the mines in his native country when very young, was there married to Grace Lamb, the family coming to the United States in 1836 and settling in Schuyi- kill County, Pa., but a few years later removing to Mahonoy City, where Mr. Moore helped to opeu up the mines of the St. Clair Vailey. At that time there were no railroads, but after a rallroad had been constructed between that point and Port Carbon, the miners ioaded their cars and sent them to the canal boats, where the product was disposed of. Mr. Moore rose to be a mine boss, a coai contractor and the owner of a small mine, and during his later years made a trip to Iowa and Illinois, mining in these States for a short time. His death oc- curred in 1897, he having survived his wife some twenty years. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children were : Thomas, a member of the Second Regl- ment Pennsylvania Cavalry during the Civil War, died at the age of fifty-two years; Frank, deceased; John, in Colorado; John; and Mary, George and William, deceased.

Samuel Moore had Ilttle chance to secure an education, as the Civil War had taken so many men away that teachers were hard to secure, and, as a consequence, he Is self-educated. At the age of nine years he went to work picking slate at the mines, and at the age of twelve years began working inslde the mines, pumping air to the men. He then became a mule driver, later a laborer, and finaily a full-fledged ininer. In February, 1876, he came to Springfield and went to work in the oid North Mine, and after one year there began traveling through different States, but in 1880 again came to Springfield, where he has since resided. In 1SSS he took the contract for sinking the Capitoi Mine. and . in 1892 sunk a mine at Selbytown. He sunk the mine for the Junction Coal Company, and op- ened up the big Jones and Adams mines near the Falr Grounds. At this work he is an ex- pert, but has aiso done much mine repair work.

In September, 1908, he accepted his present position as Manager of the Springfield Co-Opera- tive Mine.

Mr. Moore was married lu Springfield, Sep- tember 7, 1882, to Miss Rebecca Roy, of Spring- field, daughter of John Roy, and to this union children have been boru as follows: Grace, Wil- liam R., Elsie, Elmer, twiu of Elsle, Arthur, John, Samuel, Anue, George, Clifford and Wal- ter. Mr. Moore is a Presbyterlan in his relig- lous belief. He is a stanchi Republican in poli- tics and his fraternai connection is with the Knights of Pythias.

MOORE, William Eaton (deceased) .- One of the leading factors of success among the farm- ers of Sangamon County is their growing inter- est in high-grade stock. Probably no man in the region inade a wider reputation for his fine strain of horses than William Eaton Moore, whose farm, now withIn the city limits of Spring- field, was one of the finest stocked in the Mis- sissippi Vailey. Mr. Moore was an extensive Im- porter of the finest breeds, making a specialty of the German coach horse. He made semni- annual trips to Germany for the purpose of purchasing the finest grade to be found in Eu- ropean markets. His horses were soid through- out the United States at high prices, averaging about twenty-five hundred dollars each. Mr. Moore became known aluong breeders and horse dealers throughout the country, both as an im- porter and as a dealer, aud achieved the high- est reputation for enterprise and business in- tegrity, as well as ability in his line of opera- tion. He was successful to a large degree, aud had one of the finest suburban homes of Spring- field, where he and his wife delighted iu enter- taining their many friends.

Mr. Moore was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb- ruary 27, 1848, a son of W. H. and Anna Jane (Eaton) Moore, the former a book publisher. The famlly came to Illinois In 1876. William E. Moore attended high school in Cincinnati and iater took a course in Sewickley (Pa.) College. After. coming west he located in Sangamon County, where he secured a farm adjoining the city of Springfield, and now within its corporate limits.

Mr. Moore was married in Cincinnati, Ohlo, November 10, 1870, to Miss Mary B. McGechin, a native of that city, and they had five children, three of whom are living: Gertrude, Mrs. De- Witt Smith. of Springfield ; Willa, at home; and Jeanette, the wife of J. Russell Yates, of Spring- field. The family are prominent in social and other circles, and have the esteem and regard of their friends and acquaintances, being well known in the city and vicinity. their home for so many years. Mr. Moore departed this life, July 15, 1907.

MORGAN, Michael, an enterprising Irish-Amer- ican citizen of Springfield, Iil .. was born in County Armagh. Ireland. In 1832, a son of William and Mary (McCann) Morgan. He

1473

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

lived with his parents until he was twenty- three years of age and was educated in hls na- tive conntry. Both of his parents died in Ire- land. In 1855 Mr. Morgan emigrated to Amer- lca, landing in Canada June 1, and lived in that country ten years. He was living in Canada during the Civil War and about the time hostilities were over, he came to Il- linois, locating at Springfield, where he has followed mining most of the time since. He has been industrious and thrifty and has be- come the owner of several pieces of property in the city. He is a public-spirited citizen and much interested in the public affairs of his adopted conntry. He now lives at 1729 East Jackson Street, and has many friends in the neighborhood, where he is well known.

Mr. Morgan was married in Ireland, in An- gust, 1852, to Miss Ellen McQuade, born in Ireland in 1832, the daughter of a farmer. Her parents and grandparents died in Ireland. Six children were born of this nnion, three sons and three danghters : William, born in Ire- land, now lives in Springfield, where he is employed by a railroad company, is married and has seven children; John, born in Canada, in 1858, married Ellen Reddy, lives in Spring- field and has fonr sons and two daughters ; Michael, born in Canada, but lives in Spring- field, married Catherine Gannon, who died in 1907 leaving two daughters-Catherine and Josephine; Mary Jane, born in Canada, mar- ried Tom Reddy, of Springfield, and they have one child-Ella ; Matilda, born in Canada, mar- ried Pat McGon, of Springfield, who died in 1905; they had seven children, six of whom are living; another danghter, Ella, was born in Springfield, and died in 1907. Mr. Morgan is a devout member of the Immaculate Concep- tion Catholic Church and in politics is a Democrat. He belongs to the Ancient Order of Hibernians and to the United Mine Workers Union.

MORRIS, James F., a self-made man, and a highly respected citizen of Springfield, Ili., is best known in connection with the work he has accomplished in the interests of the Illinois State Federation of Labor. He has held the office of Secretary and Treasurer of this organ- ization continuously since 1901, and also various positions of honor and trust in public life. He is a man of pleasing manner and interesting personality, and has won influence and position through his force of character and determination to make the most of his opportunities. Mr. Morris was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, June 24, 1859, son of Thomas and Catherine (Farrell) Morris, both natives of that county, where they were farmers.

The education of James F. Morris, was ac- quired in the English National School and he spent his early years on a farm. He was mar- rled in 1SSO, to Bridget O'Dwyer, daughter of Michael and Jonanah (Hanley) O'Dwyer, of

County Tipperary. Soon after his marriage Mr. Morris and his wife came to America. He worked for a time in a freight house in New York City. He came to Illinois .in January, 1881, and first worked for the Spanlding Nursery Company at Riverton, Ill., and soon after began working in the coal mines there. Later, he worked in the coal mines of Peoria County and in 1SS7, became employed in the mines in the vicinity of Springfield.

Mr. Morris first became identified with the labor movement by joining the Knights of Labor in 1882. From that time on, he took an active part in the labor movement being very active in the organization of the miners progressive union in 1886, and again in organizing the United Mine Workers of America in 1890, and ever since has been a member of the U. M. W. of A., having represented his union in both District, State and National conventions at varions tinies. In 1901, he was first elected Secretary and Treasurer of the Federation of Labor, and has been re-elected by acclamation each year since. He has given the affairs of the organization the most carefnl attention and has taken a sincere personal interest in the success of the movement. In 1SSO, Mr. Morris was elected Connty Con- stable in Clear Lake Township, Sangamon County, on the Democratic ticket ; elected to the office of City Clerk in the village of Riverton in 1895, on the License ticket, and was elected to the Legislature from the Forty-fifth Senatorial District, comprising the Counties of Sangamon and Morgan, on the Democratic ticket, November 3, 1908, and re-elected November S, 1910. During the sessions of the Forty-sixth and Forty-seventh General Assembly, Mr. Morris served on the following committees : Appropriations, Enroled and Engrossed Bills, Fees and Salaries, Insur- ance, Labor and Industrial Affairs, Libraries, Mines and Mining, Penal and Reformatory In- stitutions, State and County Fairs, State and Municipal Civil Service Reform and State Geo- logical Survey. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Knights of Colnmbns, Catholic Order of Foresters, Inde- pendent Order of Redmen, Loyal Americans of the Republic, Modern Brotherhood of America, United Mine Workers of America, and Order of Owls. He is a member of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Morris takes a keen in- terest in every movement for the public wel- fare and progress and may be depended npon to contribute his share to every worthy cause which comes to his notice.

To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Morris were born nine children, two of whom dled. Those who are living are as follows : Thomas Francis, Josephine Theresa, Mary Agnes, Nellie Marie, Margaret Adela, Nora E., Catherine Alphonsns Patricia. Mr. Morris owns the residence of the family at 824 So. Cleveland Avenue, Springfield. His many friends are chosen from all walks of life and by all, he is accorded sincere respect and esteem.

1474

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

MORRISON, John W. (deceased), who came to Williamsviiie, lil., abont 1850, was a native of · Edinburg, Scotland, born March 17, 1823. His father was a weaver and both parents spent their entire lives in Scotiand. John W. Morri- son was educated in his native country and there learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed most of his iite afterwards. He came to America as a young man and worked at hls trade for a time in New York, then followed the same occupation at various places for many years, and after spending five years in Lafay- ette, Ind., where he was married, came to Wil- iiamsvilie and located In the home where his widow now resides. He went West on a pros- pecting tour in 1862, and was last heard of in Idaho, after which It is supposed he was iost In the mountains, as he never returned.

November 1, 1846, Mr. Morrison was married, in Lafayette, Ind., to Elizabeth Milis, born at Wlliamsport, Pickaway County, Ohio, October 12, 1824, daughter of James Milis. Mr. Milis was a native of Virginia and his wife of Ken- tucky, and they were married in Ohio. They lived for a time in Menard County and were among the early settiers of Williamsville, Iil., where he engaged in the blacksmith and wagon- making trade, and continued in this business un- til his death, In 1866. His widow died In 1869. Four children were born to Mr. Morrison and his wife, of whom but one survives, James W., who resides with his mother. Mrs. Morrison owns a beautiful home in the village, where she has resided the past fifty years, and she is weii known and highly respected in the com- munity. Mr. Morrison was an Episcopalian and his widow is a member of the Christian Church. He was a Democrat in politics. He was a man of rellabiilty and stability of character and had the confidence and regard of aii with whom he had deaiings. He was Industrious and success- ful at his trade and a man of good habits, and ls remembered by many of the older residents of Williamsville as a man of kind heart and a public-spirited citizen.

MORSTATTER, George .- Ever since its incor- poratlon Sangamon County has been noted for its phenomenai development, due not only to the fertility of the land, but to the enterprise and public-spirit of its citizens. Especially has this growth and development been apparent in the last few years, during which it has taken its piace In the front rank of Illinois counties. One who has done his share. in bringing about such a condition of affairs is George Morstatter, engaged In agricultural pursuits on Section 26, Ililopoiis Townshlp, where he has an excellent property. Mr. Morstatter is a native of Germany, born in Bavarla, February 28, 1836, a son of Jacob and Magdallne Morstat- ter, natives of the Fatherland. Jacob Morstat- ter, who was a fruit grower in his native country, came to America at an early date and settled in New Haven, Conn., where he conducted a wine garden untii his death. He had served In the

German army during the Franco-Prussian War. Of his family of six sons and four daughters George is the oniy survivor.

Mr. Morstatter was educated in Germany and assisted his father until coming to America in 1856, and after landing in New York went to New. Haven, Conn., where he secured employ- ment in a factory. One year later, however, he came west to Decatur, Iil., and followed gardening for seven years, eventually moving to Iiliopolis Township and purchasing hls present fine farm of 110 acres. He has been successful in his agricultural pursuits, and has aiso done his duty as a citizen, serving as Road Commissioner in Macon County for several terms. In political matters he is a Democrat. He is a Roman Catholic in rellgious beiief, while Mrs. Morstatter is a member of the Christian Church.

Mr. Morstatter was married In Decatur, Ill., in 1863, to Malinda Barger, who was born in Maroa, Ill., daughter of a Macon County farmer, and to this union there were born two chlidren: Dora, wife of John Erlinbush, llving In St. Louls, Mo .; and Sarah, wife of Andrew Jackson, living In Creston, Iowa. Mrs. Morstatter died in Decatur, and Mr. Morstatter was marrled (second) July 13, 1876, to Mary E. Doolin, who was born In Jefferson County, Ili., October 1, 1855, daughter of a farmer of that county. To this union there were born eieven children, of whom nine are now living : Harvey, who resldes in Buffalo, Iil .; Delliah, wife of James Pear- son, living in Morrisonviiie, Ili .; Anna M., who married J. B. Stubblefield, living in Decatur ; Mary K., wife of Frank Sargent, ilving on a farm near Iiliopolis; Martin R., a resident of Fort Worth, Tex .; Luia B., wife of Charles Roelinger, of Shelbyvlile; Amella E., wife of Harry Henry, of Decatur; Georgia, wife of Gny Ready, of Chatham, Iii .; and Arthur W. There are twenty grandchildren in the family.

MORTIMER, C. F., was born June 23, 1875, and graduated from Bethany College, of Bethany, W. Va., in the Class of 1896. He received his iegai education in the law office of Conkiing & Grout, in Springfield, Ili., entering that office In the winter of 1897 and remaining there abont three years, being admitted to the Bar in 1900. Mr. Mortimer is a Republican in politics and was elected City Attorney in the spring of 1901. He has held no other poiltical office. During the Spanish-American War, he was a private In Troop H, First Illinois Cavairy, Volunteers. He is a member of a number of fraternai and social organizations, including the Modern Woodmen, Court of Honor, Eiks, Knights of Pythias and Masons, being a Shriner and a member of Medinah Temple, Chicago, and be- iongs to the Sangamo Ciub and resides on West Edwards Street.

Mr. Mortimer was marred February 7, 1904, to Frances F. Fawcett, a daughter of Andrew L. Fawcett, a highly respected citizen of many years' residence in Springfield. Both Mr. and

1475

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Mrs. Mortimer are members of the Christian Church,

MORTON, Salmon H .- Strength of purpose, success in business ventures, faithfulness to duty, all aid a man in securing inaterial pros- perity and winning the respect and confidence of those with whom he is brought in contact. One of the solid men of Springfield is Salmon H. Mortou, residing at No. 101 East Madison Street. He was boru in Bureau County, 111., May 9, 1851, a sou of Salmon and Zebiah H. Morton. The parents were born in New York, in 1811 and 1809, respectively. They came to Illinois in 1850, settling in Bureau County. The father died wheu about seventy-eight years old, the mother living to be eighty-three. They both died iu Pierce City, Mo., to which they had moved. Mr. Morton has one brother who lives in Oklahoma, and a sister, Mrs. Vau Buren, living in Missouri. Mr. Morton left home wheu seventeen years old, and learned the broom making trade, worked at it for fif- teen years, and is still engaged in that line.

Having made a study of government and social conditions, Mr. Morton has come to the conclusion that the remedy for existing ills lies in Socialism, and so is a strong supporter of the Socialist party. He realizes that the people have to be educated to an appreciation of the doctrines he holds, and does all he can to present convincing proofs of what he be- lieves. As he is earnest and honest in his convictions, he never lacks for an audience. In religious faith he is independent but attends the Christian Church. He is unmarried.

MOYER, Charles E .- It is to the solid, sub- stantial citizens of any community that we must look for the strength of that section, rather than to the brilliant, flighty operator, who, while occasionally achieving a large meas- ure of success, is often liable to overstep his mark and end his career with a failure that envelops not only himself but others and tends to the detriment of his locality. Charles E. Moyer, an agriculturist of Pleasant Plains, may be depended upon to be a support to his community and a leader in any movement that will assist its advancement, one of the men who do right because it is right, and for no other reason. He was born in Gardner Town- ship, January 16, 1865, a son of Charies aud Mahala (Cruzan) Moyer.

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 108

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