Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 120

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

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PIPER, Carl Frederick William, one of the representative old residents of Springfield, has lived in his present comfortable home for forty- three years. He owns 267 feet deep with a fifty foot frontage, and his yard is a source of much pleasure to him. His house was among the first to be built in his neighborhood, but when first erected contained only two rooms. In these he reared all of his children, hut as his means increased he added another story. so that he now has four rooms. He was born in Prussia, May 17, 1834, a son of Daniel Piper, a grocer and wholesale dealer, and a man of considerable means in the Province of Brandeu- hurg.

Until he was fourteen years old, Carl Fred- erick William Piper attended school, but at that age began driving a team, continuing team- ing until he came to the United States, at the age of twenty-four years. He sailed from Ham- burg and landed in Quebec, six weeks heing consumed in the passage. He came direct to Springfield, where he joined his brother Fre- derick, and immediately obtained work in the construction of Andrew Kuhu's brewery. When this was completed, he worked on several farms. On October 23. 1864, he married Albertina Wil- helmina (Dahlman) Danphin, widow of Philip Dauphin. Following his marriage, Mr. Piper began hanling sand and coal, being the first teamster in the city to haul the latter. In 1876, Mr. Piper secured some of the teaming for the Elevator Mill Company, and for thirty-one years he thus continued. Following this he was employed as a laborer in Washington Park. Mrs. Piper passed away. November 21, 1910, her remains heing tenderly interred at Oak Ridge Cemetery. In 1862, when the German Lutheran Church of this city had hut twelve members. Mrs. Piper joined it, and continued faithful in its good work until her death. Both she and Mrs. Daniel Pfeiffer had the honor of being married in the old governor's mansion. Mrs. Piper was a domestic in the family of Mrs. C. M. Smith, a sister of Mrs. Abraham Lin- coln, and proud of the fact that she cooked the last meal eaten by Mr. Lincoln just before he left for Washington for his inanguration, and that her hands prepared the Innch the great man took with him on the journey. Mrs. Piper had four children hy her first marriage: Her-

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man of Hot Springs, married Dorothy Gootten- rath; Ameiia, born in Farmingdale, Wis., Jan- uary 10, 1863, married in Springfield in 1881, to Rev. J. C. Kaiser, pastor of St. Paul's Luth- eran Church, of Jonesville, Ind., issue-Huida, Ciara, Otto, Paul, Rutin, Olga, Carl; George and Fred, twins, the former in Petersburg, Iil., married Amelia Hageman, no issue, and the lat- ter a car inspector, married Christina Droege, issue-Amelia, John, Cari, Oiiie, Freda, Eimer and Waiter. Mr. and Mrs. Piper had children as follows: Gustave of Cleveland, married Ad- die Hazei, issue-Edward, Vioia, Ruth; Julius, at home; . Henry, of Cleveland, married Louise Heiden, issue Carl and Henry; Edith married William Walsh, issue-Gerald and George. Mrs. Walsh resides with her father.

During his many years' residence in Spring- field, Mr. Piper has made true friends wilo ap- preciate his sterling traits of character. He has been thrifty, saving his earnings and li- vesting them as a security for his old age, and is now enjoying his deciining years, surrounded by the comforts his frugality has provided, and the love of his children and grandchildren.

PLUMMER, Nathan (deceased), who was for many years successfully engaged in farming in Cotton Hill Township, Sangamon County, was highly esteemed for his steriing qualities and high character, and honored as a veteran of the Civil War. Mr. Piummer was born near Columbus, Ohio, a son of Nathan and Elizabeth Piummer, also natives of that State. The father, who was a farmer, carried on this oc- cupation in Ohio and was accidentally killed in a runaway, following which his widow brought her children to Sangamon County and located on a farm in Cotton Hill Townshlp. There were two sons and five daughters in the family, ail of whom are now deceased.

During his boyhood days Nathan Plummer worked on the farm for his mother, and hls education was received in Sangamon County. During the early part of the Civil War he en- listed In Company E, Forty-third Hiinois Vol- unteer Infantry, which was later consolidated with the Fifty-third Regiment at Guntown, Miss., after the battle at that place, where the Forty-third was nearly annlhliated, and Mr. Plummer served until the close of the war, be- ing under the command of Gen. Sherman. He participated in many important battles, but was never wounded nor taken prisoner. He was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., and finaliy dis- charged at Chicago.

At the close of the war Mr. Plummer returned to Cotton Hili Township and resumed farming. He carried on the farm where his widow now resides untii his death, and was known as an industrious and able farmer. He was married in Springfield, Ill .. in October, 1860, to Miss Emily Furneli, born in Dover, Del., August 26, 1840, daughter of Jonathan and Sallie Ann (Ciayton) Purnell, the father born near Hager- strom, Md., and the mother at Smyrna, Del.

Mr. Purnell was a farmer and in 1857 removed with his family to Sangamon County, Ill., and carried on farming in Cotton Hiii Townshlp un- til his death. Both he and his wife are now de- ceased. There were two sons and five daugh- ters in the Purneli famlly, and four daughters and one son now survive, namely: Samuel is engaged in farming In Christian County ; Mrs. Plummer ; Mrs. Susan Bosford, of Cotton Hiil Township; Mrs. Adelaide Hawlett, whose hus- band is a farmer in Cotton Hili Township; Margaret, wife of Alonzo Page, of Springfield, a sketch of whom appears in these pages. To Mr. Plummer and wife five daughters and three sons were born, of whom the following survive : Elizabeth, wife of Osborn Boyd, of Girard, Kan .; Nathan, of Rochester; Addie, wife of John Fogle, of Rochester ; Saliie, wife of Charles Patterson, of Pawnee; Samuel, at home with his mother ; Delia, wife of Orrin Richards, of Cotton Hiil Township. In the family are seven- teen grandchildren and three great-grandchil- dren, namely : Marie, Helen, Cecil and Iva Plumminer, children of Nathan Piummer ; Samuel, Rosie, James, Emma and Ralph Rich- ards, children of Orrin Richards; Myrtle, daughter of Osborn and Mrs. Boyd, is the wife of Edward Langdon, and they have one child, Edna Boyd; Essie, wife of Charies Rodgers, the daughter of Chester Huddleston, and Eiiza Piummer, deceased, has two children, Walter and Eima Goodman; Harry, Gladys, and Beat- rice Fogie, are children of Mrs. Fogle; Samuel Piummer married Maggie Wooley, born near Cantrall, Sangamon County, and they have three children : Charles, Irene and Earl.

PLUNKETT, Asa W., retired and living with his daughter, Emma J., on Peoria Road, near the State Fair Grounds, just outside the city of Springfield, Iii., is a member of a family that has been prominent in Sangamon County for nearly a century. He was born in the county, April 3, 1834, son of Robert S. and Ruth (Combs) Plunkett, the father born in North Carolina, June 15, 1808, and the mother born in Green County, Ky. Robert S. Piunkett was a farmer and located in Sangamon County about 1823. He and his wife died there, he in 1890 and his wife at the age of twenty-nine years. He was a son of John H. and Elizabetil (Pur- vines) Plunkett. born In Cabarrus County, N. C., the former October 3, 1782, and the latter, March 17, 1785. They were married February. 19, 1804, and moved to Sangamon County in 1823.

The boyhood of Asa W. Plunkett was spent on his father's farm In Cartwright Township and he attended school in Richland Creek school house, a crude log building. As a boy, he often hunted coons and deer after leaving school and worked for his father. He built a iog cabin, fourteen feet square, of huckeye timber, and put in one window and one door. When he was a young man he could get up al- most any morning and shoot prairie chickens

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

for breakfast. He made farming his life work and was very successful in same. About fif- teeu years ago he began breeding, raising and training running horses, one of which, Sieepy Fred, made a good record as a race-horse in St. Louis, and was in that city at the time of the cyclone. He also owned several other horses that were a credit to him to their train- iug. He has always been a strong Republican, and while living in Cass County, where he owned a farm, served as Coustable. He served three years as School Director iu Sangamon County. He owns a half interest In a small piece of ground east of the Fair Grounds and here he has lived retired the last nine years. He Is a member of the Baptist Church and a man of probity and strict integrity in business and social affairs. He Is well known in Sangamon County and has many warm frlends.

Mr. Plunkett was married, in Sangamon Conuty, January 12, 1853, to Miss Nancy J. Willis, who was born in Kentucky, July 21, 1831 (the year of the deep snow), daughter of William and Melinda Willls, who came to Illi- nois In 1833, settling near old Sangamo on Pralrie Creek. Childreu as follows were born of this union: two dled iu infancy; Marry E. .died at the age of nine years; Robert, a dealer in race horses, iu Oklahoma City, Okla .; Em- ma J., ilving in Springfield with her father ; Jolın W., a deaier in horses; Lille, wife of Ed- ward Michael, a stock raiser and farmer of Welch, Okla.

PLUNKETT, Cornelius A .- Some of the most substantial men of Sangamon County are utillz- ing their ability aud energles for farming pur- poses, realizing that the soil In this locality pays magnificent interest for all labor expended upon it. One of those profiting from this knowledge is Cornelius A. Plunkett, a farmer and stock ralser of Section 34, Cartwright Township. He was born on his present farm, February 14, 1852, a son of Silas P. and Salina (Keltner) Plunkett. The father was also born on this farm, June 15, 1828, while his wife was born in Cass County, Iil. Mrs. Piunkett was living in Sangamon County at the time of her marriage. Silas P. Plunkett was a son of John Plunkett, a native of North Carolina, who mar- ried in that State, Ellzabeth Purvines, coming afterwards to Illinois and settilng In Sangamon County about 1820. The father of John Plun- kett was a Revolutionary soldier, so that loyal blood is in the veins of Cornelius A. Piunkett. John Plunkett entered wild iand In Cartwright Township, on which his son 'Sllas was born, inaking this farm his home until his death, in 1849, his wife passing away iu 1858, and they, with the great-grandfather, are interred in Richland Cemetery.

Silas Plunkett had seven children, one of whom dled In infancy, while Nellie died at the age of sixteen years, and Albert died at the age of seven years, but the others attained ma- ture years, being : Cornelius; James H., whose sketch appears In this work; Emma, wife of

Thomas Plunkett, faruier of Cartwright Township; Eva May, wife of Marion Turner, a resident of Medora, Ill. Silas Plunkett was oue of the representative men of his time. Ac- tive in politics, he was first a Whlg and later a Republican, and gave excellent service to his party. He was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, in which he served as Deacon for many years. In all public matters he was ever ready to bear. his part in all measures he beileved would work out for the ultimate good of the majority, and he died beloved by many.

Growing up amld healthy agricultural sur- roundings, Cornelius A. Pluukett early learned farmlug, attending the district school when- ever opportunity offered. He remained at home until his marriage, which occurred June 24, 1875, when he was twenty-three years old. His bride was Miss Virginla E. Parker, born in Robinson, Tenn., daughter of Jesse and Eliza- beth (Clinard) Parker. Mr. and Mrs. Parker came to Illinois, settling In Cartwright Town- ship, whence they moved to Meuard Couuty, Iil., buying land and living upon it until they sold it to return to Sangamon County, where they died.

After marrlage Mr. Pluukett built a beauti- fui cottage on a portion of the homestead. He has improved the property very materially, erect- ing substantial buildings, and now has a very comfortable home. He owus thirty-four acres of land, which is highly cultivated and yields large crops. Here three generations have been born, and the land has never been out of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Plunkett are the par- ents of three children: Harry E., born Jan- uary 27, 1879, at home; Daisy Pearl, born No- vember 10, 1881, wife of Cland Hodgen, a far- mer of Auburn Township; and Scott, born September 6, 1885, manager of the men's fur- nlshings department of the Boston Store, of . Chicago.

During all his life, which has been spent in Sangamon County, Mr. Plunkett has been In- terested iu current events, and recails many iu- teresting events in the history of his county, iuciuding the heart-rending occasion of the burlal of the Immortal Lincoln. He has always been proud to foliow that leader In his support of the doctrines of the Republican party. He and his wife are consistent members of the Baptist Church, in which he has been Deacon for a number of years. Fraternally he Is a member of the Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 770, and Camp No. 139, Modern Woodmen of America, of Pleas- ant Plaius. while Mrs. Plunkett belongs to the Court of Honor of the same piace. Both are charming people, sociabie in their tastes, and thelr hospitality is enjoyed by their friends upon numerous occasions.

PLUNKETT, James Huston .- Many farmers of Sangamon County have found it profitabie to devote much of their attention to breeding blooded stock, and one of the men who has ac- couplished much as a general farmer and stock- man ls James Huston Plunkett, born on Sec-

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tiou 34, Cartwright Towuship, January 3, 1854, being a son of Silas P. aud Sallna M. ( Keltner ) l'luukett. The general family history of the Iluukets is given elsewhere iu this work.

Like many auother farmer boy in Sangamon County, Mr. Pluukett grew up to agricultural work, amid a healthy atmosphere. ne at- teuded school ju the Plunket district school, and learued well what was taught him. He re- maiued under the pareutal roof until Septem- ber 14, 1876, and theu married Alice Rawls, born in Cartwright Towuship, a daughter of Hiram Rawls, a pioneer of the county. The young people settled down to married life on the home farm, and iu 1881 Mr. Pluukett bought a por- tiou of it and they moved to their new home. There Mrs. Pluukett died February 17, 1895, a cousisteut member of the Baptist Church, and a worthy, good woman. On Juue 23, 1897, Mr. Plunkett was married to Sarah May Mackey, born in Lincoln, Logan County, 111., May 29, 1872, daughter of William and Sarah M. (Hall) Mackey. Her father had come to Springfield In 1880, where he followed his trade of wagon- making, and there died Angust 13, 1890, an old man, having been born in Liueoln, Ky., No- vember 5, 1834, aud married February 8, 1855. His wife was born in Menard County, August 20, 1839, and died in Springfield Juue 30, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Mackey had children as follows : Mary Ellen, born December 1, 1856, widow of Edward Beach, living in Kansas; Emma Jane, married Joseph Hurt, of Meuard Couuty, Ill., died June 4, 1885; Evangeline, wife of John Roberts, died Jauuary 1, 1910; Minerva Anu, born August 11, 1864, married James B. Cyph- ers, of Springfield ; Nana E., born December 14, 1869, wife of A. H. Hughes of Dawson, Ill. ; Mrs. Pluukett; William Clyde, a member of Company H, Fifteenth United States Infantry, stationed at Fort Douglas, Utah. The family all belonged to the Christian Church. Mrs. . as "Black Jack Hollow," for a period of two I'lunkett's maternal ancestry belonged to good old Virginia stock.

Mr. Plunkett has been very active iu politics, being an aggressive Republican. He served for years as a member of the Board of Supervis- ors, and in 1909 served as its Chairman. In 1908 he was appointed a member of the Board of Review by Judge G. W. Murray, becoming Chairman of this board as well. In addition, Mr. Plunket has served In many other offices, his ability, Impartiality and sound judgment fitting him for almost any office within the glft of the people. fIls services to his party have been very valuable and he is now serving on the County Central Committee. His rellglous affillations are with the Baptist Church. Fra- ternally Mr. Plunkett is a meruber of the Odd Fellows. Modern Woodmen of America and En- campment, and is now Past Grand Master of the first-named order. Mrs. Plunkett belongs to the Court of Honor of Pleasant Plains, Ill. Both are representative people, who know how to do the right thing in the right way, and are often ealled upon for advice and assistance. Their pleasant home is a favorite gathering

place for the friends of both, and uo two peo- ple staud higher lu the county than they.

PLUNKETT, William F., a prosperous farmer aud stock raiser of Section 9, Cartwright Towu- ship, Is recognized as a man of strict integrity aud high moral character, whose word is as good as his boud, aud he has the general re- spect of all who know him. He is a native of the towuship where he uow resides, born north- east of the Plaius, October 13, 1844, a sou of John HI. and Mary Elizabeth (Conner) Plun- kett, the latter a uative of New Jersey, who came to Cass County, Ill., with her parents, Beujamlu Couner and wife. Iu Cass County Johu H. and Mary Elizabeth Pluukett were married. He owned 160 aeres of land in Cart- wright Township, where they located, and on that farm seven children were born to theu. About 1859 the family moved to Knox County, Mo., where Mr. Plunkett purchased 240 aeres of land, established a comfortable home, and was prospering well when the Civil War came on. He made his home on that farm until his death, about 1880, his widow surviving him nntil 1895. Their seven children were: Silas P., of Newark, Mo .; William F .; Eliza, wife of William Graves, of Bates County, Mo .; Melinda C., wife of John McSurley, a farmer of Knox County, Mo .; Re- becca, wife of Howard Cox, of Knox County ; Jasper, a farmer in that couuty ; and Benjamin H., of Beardstown, Ill.

The education of William F. Plunkett, which had been begun In Sangamon County, was con- tinued after the family removal to Missouri, and he was reared to farm work. The famlly cherished sentiments of loyalty to the flag of their country and were greatly persecuted by the bushwhackers for that reason. At one time William and his brother Silas had to sec- rete themselves, for safety, in what was known weeks, walting for an opportuulty to join the Federal Army. At length they were able to reach Newark and there enlisted for three years in the Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, The regiment was organized and sent to the front, the first fight being at Kirksville and the sec- oud at Newark. William Plunkett was eap- tnred by old Gen. Joseph Davenport, paroled and turned loose. The Third Iowa soon after came and turned the rebel army ont of Newark, they leaving their dead and wounded on the field, and Mr. Plunkett was discharged and sent home. His brother Silas re-enlisted in 1862 for three years.

After his serviee in the cause of his country Mr. Plunkett returned to Sangamon County and for three years worked at farming by the month. May 14. 1871, he was united In mar- rlage with Miss Adeline Gabberd, also a na- tive of Cartwright Township, and daughter of Lynn Gabberd and his wife, Frances (Fleteher) Gabberd, both now deceased. Mrs. Plunkett was one of four chilldren. each of whom re- ceived twenty-five acres of land from their par- ents, and Mr. Plunkett purchased the shares

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

of the other heirs in the farm and they began their married life there. They lived on the Gabberd farm for about thirteen years, and about 1884 sold it and invested in eighty acres of land on Section 9, where they have a very nice home. He has refused an offer of $200 per acre for his farm and no better farm land is to be found in the connty. He has been very successful in his operations and is able to en- joy a well earned rest from hard work. Sons have been born to him and his wife as follows: William Alexander, of Pleasant Plains; John Lindsey, of Pleasant Plains; Warren, who helps operate the home farm; two sons deceased, Logan and Jessie. They are also parents of two daughters, Cordelia Anna, wife of Isaac Harris, of Springfield, has two children- Adelia and Logan, and Maggie Belle, at home.

Mr. Plunkett and son are operating an ad- ditional 160 acres of land, making abont 240 acres altogether. Mr. Plunkett has spent his entire life in Cartwright Township except for a few years spent in Missouri, and has always - taken an active and patriotic interest in the growth and development of his native township and county. His parents were among the early settlers there and were held in high estcem. Mr. Plunkett is not a member of any church, but has contributed freely towards the support of churches and schools. He was for some time one of the Directors of the Claysville District school board and took a keen interest in its welfare, being always ready to vote a high salary to a teacher. He has given his children good common school educations and rcared them to usefnl man and womanhood. In polit- ics he has always been a strong adherent of the principles of the Republican party. His wife is a devont member of the Baptist Church. On December 1, 1910, Mr. Plunkett suffered a stroke of paralysis, but has to a large extent recovered from it, having a strong physique and robust health.

POEHLMAN, Conrad. One of the many hand- some residences of Springfield, is that at 1355 Ledley Avenue, owned by Conrad Poehlman, who has for several years been living retired from active life. Mr. Poehlman was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 3. 1845, son of George and Barbara (Mixer) Poehlman, both natives of Germany. The father was a farmer by occu- pation and both he and his wife spent their en- tire lives in Germany.

The boyhood of Conrad Poehlman was spent on his father's farm and he received his educa- tion in the public schools of his native conntry. After his school days he worked for his father and afterwards learned the trade of stone-cut- ter. at which he worked six years in Bayreuth, Bavaria. He emigrated to America in 1868, landing in New York, and proceeding direct to Springfield. He worked for a time at the trade of mason, then became employed in the mines. and several years later entered the employ of the Culver Construction Company. For several

years he has lived qnictly at bis home in Spring- field, surrounded by his children and grandchil- dren and enjoying a well-earned rest after his active and industrious years of work. Mr. Poehlman was a skilled workman in his line and was quick to learn the language and cus- toms of his adopted country, easily becoming adapted to his surroundings. He has been snc- cessful in his work and respected by all who have come into contact with him. He has al- ways been .enterprising and ambitions, and takes an active interest in public enterprises. Politic- ally ne is a Democrat and fraternally is affili- ated with Titanla Lodge No. 166, I. O. O. F., of Springfield. He is a devout member of the Ger- man Lutheran Church and contributed his share towards the good work of that body. In the year 1909 Mr. Poehlman made a trip to his na- tive land and revisIted the scenes of his child- hood. He has many friends in Springfield and is considered a representative citizen.

Mr. Poehlman was married, in Springfield, June 6, 1868, to Barbara Taubenrether, who was born in Bavaria, Angust 4, 1846, and came to America when a young woman. Her par- ents lived and died in Germany. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Poehlman, seven sons and three daughters, namely : Michael, of Springfield ; George, a patrolman of Springfield ; Henry, engaged in mining; Frederick, engaged in farming; William, engaged in mining; John. foreman in the employ of the North Shaft Coal Company, of Springfield; Frank, in dairy busi- ness; Catherine, wife of John Green, an iron molder of Springfield; Anna B. lives at home ; Mary works for the Illinois Watch Company. Mr. Poehlman and his wife have eight grand- children.

POGUE, John F .- Now that many years have passed since the Civil War ended, the people of the country can view fairly and withont dis- crimination the services rendered by the men who responded to what they believed to be their duty. and fought bravely and well for the canse they loved. While the ranks of the old soldiers are yearly thinning, many still remain, to be the objects of veneration and respectful affection from those who are now profiting from their bravery and patriotism. One of the best known veterans of Springfield is John F. Pogue, now living retired, but who for many years was as- sociated with the oil industry, as well as with other interests. He was born in Clermont Coun- ty, Ohio. December 9. 1829, a son of Thomas E. and Grace (Gilkeron) Pogue, both born in Au- gusta County, Va., he in 1798. and she in 1803. The father was a farmer, who resided in Vir- ginia until 1822, but in that year moved to Ohio, which remained his home until 1854. Be- coming imbned with a confidence In Illinois. he moved to the State in 1854, but lived only a year thereafter. dying in 1855, tenderly beloved by his family, to whom he had been greatly at- tacbed. His father had been a Revolutionary soldier who located in Virginia, and there spent

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 120

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