Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 119

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 119

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).

John T. Peerce was one of two children, the other being his brother, James E., who was born in Grayson County, Ky., May 30, 1853, and was married, Jannary 20, 1875. to Fannie Mndd, by whom he had the following children : Lizzie, born in Kentucky, December 29, 1875; C. E., December 14, 1876; Robert E., April 18, 1879; Adie J., June 29, 1880; Francis E .. Jnly 7. 1882; Clarence, December 9, 1883: Walter, March 22, 1885; Mattie J .. June 27. 1887 ; John W., July 18, 1SSS; Mark L., March 21, 1890.

Mr. Peerce is a devout Christian and carries his beliefs into his every-day life. He is a devout Catholic and a member of St. Mary's Church. He belongs to Pawnee Camp. Modern Woodmen. He has always been active in polit- ical affairs and is a Democrat in principles. He has served as Alderman of Pawnee.

PEHLMAN, Michael, one of the many enter- prising and useful German-American citizens of Springfield, Ill., has lived in the city since he was two years of age, and has seen many changes incident to the growth and progress of same. He remembers when it was almost withont sidewalks, witnessed the erecting of the foundations of the State House and the placing of the Lincoln Monument, among the many interesting things that have taken place there. His parents located in Springfield in 1868 and still reside there. Michael Pehlman was born in Bavaria, Germany, August 4. 1866, and is a son of Conrad and Barbara (Tovan- rider) Pehlman. both natives of Bavaria, Ger- many, the father born March 3, 1845, and the mother August 7, 1845. The father was a stone mason by trade and followed same after lo- cating in Sangamon Connty. He and his wife

had seveu sons and three daughters, namely : Michael; George, a member of Springfield police force; John, assistant foreman in a mine; Fred, running a truck farm; Kate Green; An- na ; Mary; William, Frank and Henry, working at mining. All live in Springfield, and all were educated in the Third Ward School of the city.

Michael Pehlman began working in a brick yard in Springfield when ten years old and three years later began working in the mines, which he has since followed. He worked twelve years in the Old North Shaft, nine years in the New North Shaft, several years in Trndor & Gray's Shaft, several years in Storms' No. 2 Shaft, one year in the West End Shaft, three years in the Black Diamond Shaft, four years in Peabody Mine at Sherman, Ill., and for the last two years has worked for tho Springfield Colliery Coal Company. He is an industrious and faithfnl worker and has been successful in his investments and private af- fairs. He has three valuable pieces of prop- erty in Springfield, owns a fine home at 1121 North Sixth Street, and also other property. He is a highly respected citizen and has at heart the welfare and progress of the commu- nity. He is public-spirited and enterprising, and is mnch interested in current issnes and af- fairs. In political views he has always been a Democrat. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church of Springfield and helps in its good work. He is well known in fraternal circles, being an active member of the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 6, which he joined in 1901. He is of a social disposition and is popular among his many friends.

Mr. Pehlman was married, in Springfield, April 12, 1893, to Anna Schmitt, who was born in Baden, Germany, July 15, 1870, daughter of Henry and Carolina Schmitt, both natives of Baden, Germany, the former of whom died in 1902 and the latter in 1901. Her parents came to Sangamon County in 1892 and lived at 1123 North Sixth Street, where her father carried on his trade of shoe-maker. Mr. Pehlman and his wife have no children.

PHELPS, Harry Emerson .- Sangamon County is peculiarly well adapted to fruit growing both on account of its fertile soil and the climatic conditions which prevail, and some of the more progressive farmers of this locality have taken advantage of the opportunities offered. special- izing in fruit culture. One of the young farmers who has succeeded beyond even his own expec- tations is Harry Emerson Phelps, who owns fifty-seven acres of very fertile land, three miles west of the city of Springfield. He was born in Springfield, October 15. 1880, a son of Adna and Martha (Meigs) Phelps, the former born in Hebron. N. II., December 28, 1832, while his wife was born in Iowa, in 1840.

Adna Phelps was brought by his parents to Loami. Ill., in 1844. Six years later. removal was made to Springfield. In 1851. Mr. Phelps began teaching school in a small brick structure

1520

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

on West Capital avenne, west of Spring street, which was recently torn down. Among other pupils were Mrs. John F. Peters, Mrs. John Underfanger, I. N. Ransom, H. L. Phelps, as well as many of the other older residents of Springfield, who remember with gratitude and affection their young teacher. After the death of his father, in 1852, he took his mother and returned to Loami. Here he married, Novem- ber 16, 1856, and lived happily with his wife until her demise, January 2, 1904. She bore him a family of whom two sons and four daugh- ters survive : David B. and Matilda reside on the homestead; Lilliau Raisch of Springfield; Eva Cottet, wife of Eugene Cottet; Daisy, wife of Thomas Hessey of Springfield; Harry Emer- son. Mr. Phelps was the oldest fruit grower in the county. He made all of the boxes used for berries, out of pastehoard, tacking them together by hand. He was the first one to bring berries in quart boxes to Springfield. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in Com- pany I, Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, serving to the close of the struggle. Re- turning from the war, he located three miles west of Springfield where he developed his fruit business, thus continuing until advanced years forced him to retire. He spent his last years with his daughter, Mrs. Thomas Hessey, on West Jefferson street, there dying at 4:45 o'clock, Sunday morning, June 12, 1910, aged seventy- seven years, five months aud fifteen days. From the formation of Stephenson Post, No. 30, G. A. R., he was one of its most honored members. He was a man widely known and universally respected, and his loss is deeply mourned by many outside his immediate family.

Harry Emerson Phelps was educated in the country schools and the Springfield Business College. He worked with his father learning at the same time the trade of a carpeuter, but later resolved to devote himself exclusively to fruit growing, and since 1905 has done this. So exceptional has been his success, that his work has attracted the attention of outsiders, and since 1907, he has served as Assistant Su- perintendent of the Horticultural Department of the State Fair, having been recently re- appointed for two years more. For five years he has been Secretary and Treasurer of the Springfield Horticultural Society. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, hav- ing joined the order six years ago, and con- tinned actively identified with it ever since. In politics, he is a Republican.

Mr. Phelps was married in Springfield, III., May 4, 1904, to Louise Anna Mester, born March 9. 1882, daughter of Julius and Frederika (Heimbrock) Mester, the former horn. May 26, 1840, and the latter, August 3, 1840, both being natives of Germany. They came to America, and their six children were all horn here, they' being : Johannah, born February 23, 1875; Al- fred, born August 14, 1877; Edwin who died at the age of two years; Mrs. Phelps; Charles F., born June 2, 1884, and Orrin A., born October

10, 1888. Johannah married Conrad Wirth of Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps have one son, -Adna Emerson, born April 4, 1905. Mr. Phelps is one of the live, progressive young men of the county, and is recognized as a leader in the fruit growing business, of the State.

In the spring of 1899, Mr. Phelps enlisted in the Illinois National Guards, Single Corps, Sec- ond Detachment, and that fall was appointed First Sergeant. The following spring, he was appointed by Adjutant-General Reese, Mounted Orderly. The next spring, he was placed on the Hospital Corps. He is a member of the Sons of Veterans, having held all the offices iu the gift of the local post. He has served as aide- de-camp ou the Colonel's staff.

PHILIPP, Maximilian, a well known and pop- ular citizen of Springfield, Ill., was boru in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany, October 20, 1832, son of John and Martha (Hoeflich) Phi- lipp, both natives of Germany. The father was a painter and decorator and both parents spent their entire lives in Germany. He was for several years a soldier in the German Army. They were parents of three sons and two daughters.

The education of Maximilian Philipp was ob- tained in his native town, and upon leaving school he learned the trade of cabinet maker, at which he worked in many different Geriuan towns, spending some time in Munich. He emigrated to the United States about 1865, landed in New York City, and came direct to Springfield, where he has since resided. He worked at his trade in various positions until 1867, when he entered the employ of John Bressmer Dry Goods Company, for whom he worked thirty-five years in their carpet de- partment, and in 1902 retired from active life.

Mr. Philipp is well known in connection with the St. Vincent Society, a Catholic society which he organized in 1866, and which has grown to be He one of the largest orders in Springfield. is a member of the Church of SS. Peter and Paul. He was an energetic and industrious worker in business life and was regarded with respect by all who were associated with him, and in social circles he has made many warm friends. He owns a pleasant home at 904 East Reynolds Street, besides other city property.

Mr. Philipp was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Philipp, in Springfield, April 30, 1867. She had the same surname, but was of a dif- ferent family. She was born in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, November 14, 1842. Her father died in Germany and her mother brought the fa- mily to America the same year as Mr. Philipp came and on the same vessel. Four sons and four daughters were born to Maximilian Phi- lipp and his wife, of whom seven children sur- vive, namely; Joseph A., in the employ of the John Bressmer Dry Goods Company, of Spring- field ; Elizabeth, J., living at home; Reverend Maximilian J., a Catholic priest, Professor of Libraries in the Josephinum Catholic College,

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

1521

at Columbus, Ohio; Mary, now Sister Chris- tina, a nun in the Ursuline Couveut at Alton, Ill .; Anna M., at home; Catharine, now Sister Ildelphonso, a nun iu St. John's Hospital, in Springfield; Otto, attending a Catholic semi- uary at Meiurad, Ind., preparing for the priest- hood, and oue died in infancy.

PHILLIPS, David L. (Vol. I, pp. 422-423.)

PHILLIPS, Eber .- The soldiers of the Civil War were auimated by intense patriotism when tbey enlisted to save their country from the perils that threatened it. Those of a later generation, removed as they are from the hor- rors of the conflict, cannot appreciate how much these brave men sacrificed, but they can render the honor that Is due the veterans of the great struggle. One of the old soldiers of Sangamon County is Eher Phillips, now living retired at No. 412 South Glenwood Avenue, Springfield. He was born in Richland County, Ill., June 9, 1843, a son of John M. and Virginia (Trainer) Phillips, the former horn in Sumner County, Tenn., in 1821, and the latter in Hardin County, Ky., in 1823.

John M. Phillips was a farmer. He was brought to Illinois by his parents in 1828, at the age of five years. His father entered iand in Sangamon County, but later in life went to Richland County and bought land, farming upon it. In 1863 he sold, removing to Coles County, where he bought land and operated it until his demise. His widow survived him for ten years, dying in Cumberland County. The maternal grandfather of Eber Phillips was in the Re- volutionary War, so that Mr. Phillips inherited his loyalty and patriotism. He had five hrothers and five sisters, there being eleven in the family, but only two sons and four daughters now sur- vive: Thomas A., of Decatur ; Jennie Wallace, of Neoga, Ill .; Minerva Small, of Shelbyville, Ill .; Margaret G. Custer, of Stark County, Ill .; Elizabeth Brown, of Decatur, and Eher.

Eber Phillips was educated in a log school- house in Richland County, and during his hoy- hood worked on the farm for his father. On August 26, 1861, he abandoned his peaceful occupations to enlist in Company E. Fortieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, from Clay County, under the command of Col. Stephen G. Hicks. whose remains are buried at Salem, Ill. When his enlistment expired he re-enlisted, in Jan- uary, 1863, in the Mississippi Brigade, to fight bushwhackers, thus serving until the close of the war. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, being in the marine brigade. On Jan- uary 8, 1865, he was mustered out at Vicksburg. From there he came by hoat to Cairo and thence to Olney. Ill., arriving home February 6, 1865. His parents meanwhile had moved to Coles County, and there he worked for five years. Upon the death of his father he went to Cumberland County with his mother, and worked on a farm until he came to Sangamon County. For many years he worked on the old

Peter Troxell farm, returning later to Cumber- land County, where he remained some years, and iu 1873 came back to Sangamon County to continue farming. He also worked iu the construction department of the old Peoria, De- catur & Evansville Railroad, from Olney to Springfield, being associated with this road for six years, and in 1885 returned to Springfield. Ou December 22, 1891, he moved to Quincy, but nine years later returned to Springfield, which has continued to be his home ever since.

Mr. Phillips has never married. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Church. The Republican party holds his support and its candidates receive his vote. He has a comfort- tahle home in Springfield and is in receipt of a pension from the Government, which appreciates his efforts in its behalf a half century ago.

PHILLIPS, James Alexander .- The valuable mines of Springfield have long offered oppor- tunities for men of experience who flock there to take advantage of them. One of those who have become very well known among mining men is the present Republican candidate for Commissioner, James Alexander Phillips, born in Uxbridge, Ontarlo, Canada, October 10, 1855. He is a son of Benjamon and Amanda (Lynd) Phillips, the former born in Nova Scotia aud the latter in Port Whitby, Ontario, Canada. The father was a farmer and lived out his life in Canada. The grandfather's name was Edward Pride, hut on account of troubles relating to his leaving the English Army, changed it to Phillips, as it is still written. His escape was sensational, as he swam for two miles, most of the time under water, for as soon as his head appeared he was shot at, but he managed to come out unharmed. The maternal ancestors were of Pennsylvania-Dutch stock. Benjamin Phillips died in 1897 and his wife in 1894. hoth firm in the falth of the Meth- odist Church. Eleven children were horn to them : Sylvester, deceased; James A., Benja- min, Hector, Maurice; Charles, who was killed in a snow-slide on the Rocky Mountains; Louisa married A. Gray ; Margaret; Amanda married Al. Bedford; Hester; and Mabel, who married Charles White.

James A. Phillips went to school in Ontario and worked for his father until he was twenty- four years old. This was in 1879, and, resolv- ing to better his fortune, he left home, with but seventy-five cents in his pocket, going to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he became foreman in a chair factory, but after three years there he came to Riverton, and from 1882 to 1884 worked on a farm. In the latter year he came to Spring- field, which has since continued to be his home. He became a teaming contractor, hauling coal for nine years. This brought him into contact with the mines, and in 1904 he entered the em- ploy of the West End Coal Company as fore- man. thus continuing.

Mr. Phillips has gone through all the chairs of the Order of Red Men, belonging to Pawnee

1522

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Tribe No. 66. He Is also a Knight of Pythias, belonging to Navarre Lodge No. 142. A strong Republican, he is the logical candidate of his party for Commissioner, and comes before the people with a clean record and untiring energy. Hls associations as a member of the United MIne Workers Association are very pleasant, and he has friends all over the State.

PICKRELL, Jesse A., who was one of the earliest farmers and stock-raisers of Sangamon County, Ill., to introduce improved breeds of hogs, cattle and other stock into the county, was the first of his famlly to come to the State, thongh his parents came at a later date and also settled in Sangamon County. Jesse A. Pickrell was born June 13, 1805, In Montgomery Connty, Ky., a son of Abel and Sarah (Tay- lor) Pickrell. Abel Pickrell was born in Lon- donn County, Va .. March 14, 1782. When he was quite young his father died and his mother took him to Fleming County, Ky., abont 1793. As a young man he removed to Montgomery Connty, and was there married in 1804, to Sarah Taylor, who was born at a place known as Red Stone Fort, Pa., October 31, 1784. Abel Pickrell enlisted from Montgomery Coun- ty in the War of 1812, and in the fall of 1818 moved from there to Shelby Connty, Ky., whence he moved to Sangamon Connty, Ill., arriving in what is now known as Williams Township in the fall of 1831. He and his wife had six children, all born in Kentucky. Mrs. Pickrell died April 9, 1861, and Mr. Pickrell died Jan- uary 3, 1862, both near Mechanicsburg, San- gamon County.

Jesse A. Pickrell came to Sangamon County in the spring of 1828, returned to . Kentucky on a visit, and in the fall of that year returned to Sangamon County with his brother, William S., the latter of whom served three terms in the Black Hawk War. Jesse A. Pickrell be- came one of the most prominent farmers of his time and was an extensive stock raiser. He displayed an active interest in public affairs and was highly esteemed and respected.

December 18, 1828, Mr. Pickrell was married, in Sangamon County, to Ellzabeth Churchill, and they became parents of ten children, as follows: William O., born February 27, 1830, married Hannah Reed and removed to Kansas: Abel George, born February 19, 1832; Miller H., born March 31, 1835, married Sophronia Fry; Ann M., born September 14, 1840. mar- ried Henry H. Lee, who died Angust 10. 1867 ; Mary V., born December 11. 1842, married Samuel T. Rogers; Amanda P., born August 31. 1844, married Walter F. Swift, and died at Ottawa, Kan., Jnne 19. 1872; John C., born October 27, 1846, served three years in Com- pany B. Twenty-fifth United States Infantry, part of the time as Orderly of Gen. George II. Thomas, and died March 25, 1873; Benjamin F .. born December 10. 1848; M. Gertrude. De- cember 29, 1850; Sallie E., March 6, 1855.

Abel George, the second son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Churchill) Pickrell, enlisted July

20, 1861, in Company C, Eleventh Missouri In- fantry for three years, was commissioned Quartermaster of the regular army July 24, 1862, and mustered out August 15. 1864. Ile was married December 27, 1864, in Jackson- ville, Ill., to Emma H, Winn, danghter of Dr. Charles and Nancy (Branson) Winn, and they became parents of four children, namely ; Cor- Illa ; Alice, who married Robert Lee Winn, a sketch of whom appears in this work; Patsy. Mrs. Floyd Whittemore, of Lanesville; Jessle C., wife of Maycie Cantrall. Mr. Pickrell lo- cated on a farm a half mile sonth of Lanes- ville, and died on the old farm, June 28, 1SS6. Dr. Charles Winn was born Angust 13, 1800, in Virginia, and received his medical education at Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky. His wife, Nancy ( Branson) Winn, was born In Ohio, June 4, 1806.

PILCHER, A. B., who has for many years been a resident of Chatham, Ill., was born in Athens Connty, Ohio, February 28, 1839, a son of Ste- phen N. and Cassandra ( Bean) Pilcher, the former born in Athens County and the latter in Hardy County, W. Va. The father's parents were natives of Kentucky and the mother's of Virginia. Stephen N. Pilcher carried on farm- Ing in his native county until 1865, then moved to Clay County, Ill., and three years later lo- cated in Chatham, where he spent the remainder of his life, Mrs. Pilcher's father, Mr. Bean. was a soldier in the War of 1812.

The education of A. B. Pilcher was acquired in the subscription schools of Ohio, and he spent his boyhood days on a farm. He followed agricultural pursnits until 1875, then moved to Chatham and began working at the carpenter's trade, and has helped erect many of the best residences of that village. He enlisted at Cin- cinnati, Ohio, September 3, 1861, in the Eleventh Ohio Independent Light Artillery, under Cap- taln Constable, served three years, and was mustered out November 7, 1864. In this serv- ice he endured many hardships and took part in battles at New Madrid, Corinth, Vlcksburg, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, and many minor en- gagements. He fonght against bushwhackers in the Missonri hilis. In the hard-fought battle at Inka. Miss., the battery lost every horse and mule belonging to them. Ile acquitted him- self with credit to himself and his company and Is a member of the G. A. R.

Mr. Pilcher was married at Chatham, Ill., January 15, 1873, to Miss Annie Aldrich, born at Rochester, N. Y., December 31, 1848, daugh- ter of Marcellus and Elizabeth (Crooker) Ald- I'Ich, natives of New Hampshire. Mr. Aldrich was a carpenter by trade and died when Pilcher was a child. Mrs. Aldrich came to Chatham from New York, and her death occurred in 1900. Mrs. Pilcher knowns very little of her grand- parents except that they were natives of New Hampshire. Five children have blessed the unlon of Mr. and Mrs. Pilcher, all of whom survive : Jessie P., born in Chatham. November

1523

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

19, 1873; Mabel C., July 10, 1875; Charles N., November 6, 1877; Faunie M., and Fraukie (twius), January 16, 1887. Frank aud Fanuie live iu Springfield and the latter is married. Charles, Mahel and Pearl live in Chatham, and all are married.

Mr. Pilcher and his wite are among the oldest residents of Chatham and have many warm friends in the community. He has been a hard- working, useful citizen, aud has served as Col- lector of Chatham Township several times. He is a member of the Masonic Order and of the Modern Woodmen of America, and iu religious views is a Methodist.

PILCHER, John, Sr .- Some families have given more than their share in service to their coun- try, their representatives having risked life and limb in more than one of the mighty conflicts which have couvulsed the nation. This is the case in the Pilcher family, ot Springfield, for both the War of 1812 and the Civil War profited hy the heroism aud patriotism of its mem- bers. John Pilcher Sr., of this city, is a man who gave of his hest to his country, aud his grandfather on the paternal side was a private in the War of 1812, surviving to spend a long aud useful life in Kentucky, where he died. Ilis wife survived him, coming to Illinois in 1824, when this State was still iu a somewhat uncivilized condition. John Pilcher Sr. was born in Springfield, March 13, 1842, a son of Moses and Mary E. (True) Pilcher. The father was born in Lexington, Ky., in April, 1800, while the mother came of old Virginia stock. A carpenter, the father found employment at his trade upon his removal to Illinols in 1824, and during his long life there was an upright and honorahle citizen, dying on October 26, 1866, firm in his religious faith.

John Pilcher Sr. was educated in the public schools of Springfield, and until he was eight years of age lived on a farm, hut then re- moval was made to Springfield, which has since been his home. He, too, is a carpenter, hav- Ing learned the trade from his father, and has been employed upon some of the most important hulldiugs in the city. For the past six years he has also heen associated with a steam dye- ing plant, and in all his operations he has shown business sagacity that has resulted in ultimate success. Mr. Pilcher served in the First Cavalry for three months, being mustered out at Monnd City. Ill .. July 14, 1861, and Sep- tember_23. 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Tenth Illinois Cavalry, being mustered out No- vember 22, 1865, at San Antonio, Tex .. and receiving his final discharge January 6. 1866. He participated in the battles of Pralrle Grove. Little Rock, Mulligan Bend. Cotton Hill and Mobile, as well as others of less importance. He is now a member of Stephenson Post, G. A. R., of Springfield. The . Christian Church holds his membership, while he is a stanch Repuhli- can politically.

Mr. Pilcher was married in Springfield, Oc-

tober 26, 1866, to Mary E. Hurst, born in Jack- souville, Ill., March 19, 1850. She comes of one of the most prominent families iu Morgan County. Mr. and Mrs. Pilcher became the par- ents of the following children: Lucilla, horn June 24, 1870; John W., born May 7, 1876; Robert E., born December 29, 1878, and Clara May, horn December 5, 1881. Mr. Pilcher is a man of excellent habits, who has always heen a hellever in temperance, and his devotiou to his family is a matter of comment. Quiet and unostentatious, he has made many friends for himself by his attention to husiness and fair dealing.

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 119

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