Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 134

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 134

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RUTHERFORD, Newton, a successful farmer of Illiopolis, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and highly respected by all who know him. He was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Aprii 15, 1836, a son of John R. and Elizabeth Ruther- ford, natives of Kentucky. They came to San- gamon County, Ill., in 1841, as did their parents, who were also natives of Kentucky. The grand- father of Newton Rutherford was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, but the latter knows very little further of his ancestors. He re- ceived hls education in the country schools and then engaged in farming, which he has fol- lowed ever since. He came to America when five years old and in 1874 moved to Kansas, where he lived seven years, but returned to Illinois and carried on farming in Montgomery County until 1900, when he came to his pres- ent home.

Mr. Rutherford enlisted at Springfield, Au- gust 10, 1861, in Company D, Fortieth Iilinols Infantry, served two years and several months, and in December, 1863, re-enlisted at Scotts- boro, Ala., in the same company, serving until July 24, 1865, when he was mustered out at Loulsville, Ky. He served under Captaln Sam- uel Hooper and later under Captain G. J. George, now residing in Springfield, and partici- pated in the Battles of Sbilolı, Siege of Corinth, Iuka, the Atlanta Campaign, Kenesaw Moun- taln. Griswoldville. Georgia, and many skir- inishes. He was wounded in the Battle of Shlloh and was with Sherman on his famous March to the Sea. He is reasonably proud of his record and is a prominent member of the local

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post, G. A. R. He is a devout member of the Christian Church and in politics is a Repubii- can. He is a man of upright character and trne worth and has many friends.

February 28, 1870, Mr. Rutherford was mar- ried, at Decatur, Ili., to Miss Sarah Knott, who was born in Macon County, Ill., danghter of William and Sarah Knott, the former an early settler of Macon Connty, where her mother was born. Mr. Knott and his wife both died on their farm there. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford, all of whom are deceased.

RUTZ, Edward. (Vol. I, p. 462.)

RYAN, Charies James, a successful young farmer of Sangamon County and a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company, of Chatham, has spent his entire life on the farm he now owns in Section 18, Baii Township, where he was born November 12, 1878. He is a son of Michaei and Anna (Curran) Ryan, natives of Ireiand and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was born in 1835 and died in February, 1880, and the mother, who was born in 1855, died in October, 1879. Michaei Ryan came to America from County Tipperary, and spent some time in farming in Morgan County, Iii. Later he came to Sangamon Connty, where both he and his wife died. His father died in Ire- iand and his mother was killed on the Wabash Railroad at New Berlin, Ill., in 1883. The par- ents of Annie Curran were born in Ireland and both died in Sangamon County. Michaei Ryan and his wife were married at Anburn, Ili., by. Father Hickey, of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and settied on a farm in Ball Town- ship.

Charles J. Ryan was reared on a farm and educated in the country schools of the neigh- borhood. He was fond of inting and playing ball in boyhood and has always been fond of horse racing and other sports. He is an enter- prising and progressive farmer and his land is in a high state of cultivation. He owns 240 acres of iand, where he resides.

November 20. 1901, Mr. Ryan was married. at Auburn, by Rev. Father O'Conner, to Monica Gertrude O'Conner, born in Connty Kerry, Ire- land, September 8, 1878, daughter of Daniei and Hannah (Hagerty) O'Conner, both natives of Ireland, where the mother still resides. the ' father being deceased. Her grandparents spent their entire lives in Ireland. Five children were born of this union : Annie G .. born October 19. 1904, died in 1905; Monica, twin of the pre- ceding, born October 19, 1904, died three weeks later; Gertrude, born in 1907, died at the age of three weeks; Mary Josephine, born May 1, 1903. at home; Julia, born September 9. 1905. Mr. Ryan is one of the best-known farmers of Bali Township and has many warm friends. He is weil acquainted with Father Hickey and James M. Graham, both prominent citizens of Spring- field, who have a warm regard for him. Left

an orphan at a tender age, he early learned the lessons of industry and self-reliance. He is a devont member of the Catholic Church and be- longs to St. Benedict's Parish, presided over by Father Ryan. In political views he is a Dem- ocrat, but votes for the man and principie rather than for party. He is affiliated with the Conrt of Honor No. 25, of Springfield, of which his wife is aiso a member.

RYAN, Michael, a retired farmer of Riverton, Ill .. has been living on his present place since 1875, and is weil known and highiy esteemed in the neighborhood. He was born in Ireland, in 1844, son of Michael and Johanna (Burke) Ryan, both also natives of Ireland. The father was a farmer and both he and his wife spent their entire iives in Ireland, he dying as the result of an accident caused by the running away of a team of horses. Michael Ryan Jr. was thus early ieft fatheriess. He was edu- cated in the public schools of his native country and heiped his father on the farm during his boyhood, being aiways fond of outdoor life.

At the age of seventeen years Mr. Ryan came to America, landing at Boston, where he re- mained two years, then spent five years in New York, after which he came to Iilinois, spending one year at farm work near Jacksonville. Later he moved to Decatnr, and after spending a few months there, moved to Riverton and for three years was engaged in mining. At the end of this time Mr. Ryan resumed mining in Clear Lake Township, and three years later came to Riverton and purchased the home he has since occupied. He has lately retired from active life, and is enjoying a weil-earned rest. He has been a hard-working and industrious farmer and miner and success has attended his efforts. He owns a pleasant home and ten acres in River- ton, where he lives.

Mr. Ryan was married in Springfield, in 1873, to Maggie Ryan, born in Syracuse, N. Y. Her parents came from Ireiand to Syracuse, N. Y., and thence later to Springfield, where they iived to the time of their deaths. Twelve children were born to Mr. Ryan and his wife, of whom seven sons and one daughter survive : Michaei, living near Pittsburg, Pa .; William, living in Athens ; Timothy, Thomas, John, Edward and James, at home ; Maggie, living with her brother in Pennsylvania. Mr. Ryan is a faithful member of St. James Roman Catholic Church and is active in its work. In political views he is a Democrat and is interested in the progress and weifare of his community. He is weil known in Riverton and vicinity, where he has many friends.

SACK, William F .- Springfield is one of the most desirable places of residence in the coun- try, especially for those who have retired from active life. and are interested in observing from the outside the various incidents of city life. The climatic conditions are excellent, while the advantages offered are nnsurpassed anywhere.

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HISTORY OF 'SANGAMON COUNTY

One of the men now living from the fruits of their industry is William Sack, of No. 931 North Fifteenth Street, Springfield, who belongs to that reliable class of German-Americans so honored in this country.

He was born December 28, 1847, near the city of Berlin, Germany, being a son of William and Louise (Mundt) Sack, both born in the same locality as their son. A farmer by occupation, William Sack Sr. lived ont his span of years in Germany, as dld his devoted wife, and both are interred in the Fatherland. They bad three sons and one danghter, and the latter, Mrs. Mary Strasberg, of Germany, and William Sack Jr. are all who survive.

Attending the excellent German schools, Will- iam Sack grew to manhood, assisting his father and herding sheep. On November 1, 1871, he salled from Hamburg for America, on a steam vessel, landing in New York City, whence he came to Altamont, Ill., where he spent twenty years. His first employment there was with the Baltimore & Ohlo railroad, as foreman of a construction gang. Later he entered the employ of the Vandalla rallroad, working for them for four years. He was then made section foreman on the Oblo & Mississippi railroad (now Baltl- more & Ohio Southwestern), continuing with tbem for fourteen years. It was then that he moved to Springfield to engage for a short time with the City Street Car Company, but left them to enter the Wabasb Rallroad Company's employ. A year later he engaged with the No. 2 North Shaft, continuing there until he en- tered the Devereanx mine, where he worked until his retirement.

While residing In Altamont Mr. Sack was married, on May 20, 1872, to Angusta Bauer, born in the same part of Germany as he, De- cember 29, 1849. She was a daughter of John and Wilemena (Schoenwald) Bauer, who never left Germany, where the father was a distiller. Mr. and Mrs. Sack became the parents of four- teen children, nine of whom survive: William of Springfield, married to Georgine Busch ; Gns- tav, also of the city, both belng engaged in mining ; Anna, living at home; Augusta, wife of Louis Sterneman of Stannton, Ill., a carpen- ter; Marie and Herman, living at home; Caroline, wife of Herbert Kciter, lives in Spring- field ; and Lonise and Henry are at home. Those deceased are: Gustav, Sopha, Bertha D., Bertha D. and Henry, two of same name.

Mr. Sack is a member of Trinity Intheran Church, as are all of the members of hls fam- ily. He owns his beautifui home, as well as other valnable Springfield realty, having had confidence in the city and recognized the worth of its property. He is one of the best examples of what the Germans have accomplished in this .country, and possesses, in addition to German industry and thrift, other very desirable quaii- ties which have made and retalned for him the warm friendship of all with whom he has been brought into contact.

SAGLE, Samuel F. (deceased), was a farmer, of Section 23, Mechanlesburg Townshlp, Sanga- mon County, Ili., Rnral Delivery Route No. 21, Dawson. He was born five miles from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, October 27, 1833, a son of John and Mary (Wadsworth) Sagle, natives respectively of Virginia and of Maryland. His parents, who married in Virginia, had nine children, all born in that State, all of whom have passed away. The family moved from West Vir- ginla to Ohio and settled in Muskingum County. where the eider Sagle farmed successfully un- til his death, which occurred in 1872, when he was sixty-seven years old. His wife had died in 1852. John Sagle served his country as a soidler In the war of 1812-14. His father, Peter Sagle, emigrated from Germany to America during the Revolutionary War and fought for the cause of the colonies in that struggle. Mr. Sagle's grandparents in the maternai line were born and reared near Fredericksburg, Md.

Mr. Sagle was educated in Virginia and Ohio and In early life helped his father in his farm- ing operations. In 1853 he went to New Or- leans, whence he came in 1854 to Illinois, settling In Sangamon County. He farmed in Rochester Townsbip forty-nine years (1854- 1903), then sold out and moved to a farm of twenty-five acres in Mechanlesburg Townshlp, which he owned and occupied. He was a Re- publican and he and his good wife were mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Sagle married, in Rochester Townshlp, March 25, 1858, Miss Josephine Sidener, born five miles from Lexington, Fayette County, Ky., a daughter of George Sidener, who came to Illinois In 1849, settling on a farm which lie bought in Clear Lake Township, where he died in 1866 and his wife in 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Sidener had ten children, six danghters and four sons, of whom three are now living : Mrs. Sagle ; Richard Sidener, of Springfield, Ill .; Rebecca, wife of Thomas Nicholson, of Spring- field. James Smith, Mrs. Sagle's grandfather, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

Mr. and Mrs. Sagle had twelve children, nine daughters and three sons, and fonr of them have passed away. William is a farmer in Rochester Township; Mary is the wife of Albert Turly, a farmer, of DIvernon Township, Sanga- mon Connty ; Lllian, another daughter, married Richard Sawes, a farmer of Clear Lake Town- ship; Ada married Leonard Houk, of St. Louis, Mo .; Lnella is the wife of Mahlon James, a photographer, of Strong City, Kan .; Jessie mar- ried Willlam Beaver, a farmer, and lives near Independence, Kan .; Harvey Sagle is a member of his mother's honschold; Carter, another son, lives in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Sagle had twenty-seven grandebildren. Mr. Sagle was personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln and helped to build the Lincoln home in Spring- fieid, Ill. Mr. Sagle died Marcb 28, 1911, and his widow and his son Harvey live in the old home.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

SAMS, Alexander, a useful and respected citi- zen of Springfield, is a veteran of the Civil War aud a man of upright houesty aud probity. He was born In Brown Couuty, Ind., August 10, 1841, a son of Amon aud Rebekah (Fiske) Sams, both of whom were natives of Brown County, Ohio. The parents moved from Ohio to Brown County, Ind., and thence to Peorla County, Ill., where they spent the remainder. of their lives. The father was a soldier in the Black Hawk War, also in the Mexican War. The grandfather of Alexander Sams came to Ohio when that State was a wilderness, and the family is of hardy ploneer stock.

Alexauder Sams spent his boyhood on a farm and has always been fond of outdoor sport. He was educated in the schools of Ripley Coun- ty, Ind., and Peoria County, Ill., and has lived in the iatter State since he was eight years old. He has always worked hard and has been soher and honest. He is now practically retired, but is able to work if it were necessary, and re- tains the happy good nature and optimism that has been his through life. He has lived in Springfield sometime and has always taken great interest in the welfare aud improvement of the community. He is a true friend, a kind neighhor, and ready to anything in his power for the cause of progress. He is a devout mem- ber of the Baptist Church and In politics is a Republican.

Mr. Sams enlisted, at Pekiu, Iii., in 1862, In Company K. Sixty-eighth Illinois Infantry, served five mouths, and was mustered out in the same year. He re-enlisted at Peoria, Ill., in 1864, in Company E, One Hundred Thirty- ninth Illinois Infantry, was discharged and again enlisted, at Springfield, in Company K, Forty-seventh Illinols Infantry, and altogether served over two years. He first served under Captain Jones, the second term under Captain Odeli, and the third term under Captain Rope. He served as picket a great deal of the time and was forced to undergo many triais, hardships and dangers. He is a member of the G. A. R.

The marriage of Mr. Sams occurred in Ful- ton County, Ill., August 12. 1874, when he was united with Sarah Jane Chambers, who was born August 20, 1851, daughter of Robert Chambers and his wife, who were of oid Ohlo families. Five children were born to MIr. Sams and his wife, namely : Albert E .. May 12, 1875; Ada N., in 1877; Effie L., in 1880; Alfred A. and Al- len E., twins, horn August 1, 1884. The family reside at 1133 North Fifth Street.

SANDERS, Charies Beverly, Jr., one of Sanga- mon County's progressive and energetic young business men, who holds the responsihle posi- tion of Superintendent of the Boynton Telephone Company at Pleasant Plains, Ill., was born in Ashland, Cass County, Ill .. September 23. 1874, a son of Charles B. and Mary (Teai) Sanders.

. When Mr. Sanders was about four years of age the family moved to Lamar, Mo., and at that place he began his school days. As a youth

he carried on the work of a farmer's boy, and when only sixteen years of age rented land and began farming on his own account, operating a property near Lamar for three years. In 1893 he went to Kansas City and for a time was engaged iu work in a nursery, but eventu- ally became employed by the Armour Packing Compauy, and in 1894 weut to Galveston, Tex., where he engaged iu selling horses. He was employed as the overseer of a plantation at Richmond, Tex., for one year and in 1895 went to Houston and later to Sherman, Tex., hut finally returned to Kansas City and in 1896 came to Pleasant Piains. Iu 189S he was fore- man of an extra gang on the Baltimore & Ohlo Railroad, and in 1900 went to work for the Western Uniou Telegraph Company, and during the same year became connected with the Boyn- ton Telephone Company. In 1901 he was given the position of Superintendent, which he has ahly filled to the present time, having entire charge of the building of a system that has over 700 fully equipped telephones. Mr. San- ders has a comfortable home, situated on North Maple Street in Pleasant Plains. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been for six years a member of the Board of Aldermen, as well as being a member of the Board of Education. He is progressive in his views and cousidered one of his community's most dependable citi- zens.

On August 12, 1903, Mr. Sauders was united in marriage with Miss Rosa Kundig, who was born at Pleasant Plains, January 17, 1871, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Volkart) Kundig, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Kundlg came to America in 1868 and settled at Pleasant Plains, where he established a shoe business and later a grocery store, and contin- ued to conduct the latter until his death iu 1901. His daughter, Mrs. Sanders, conducted the business for a time after her father's death and then sold the stock. To Mr. and Mrs. San- ders have been born four children: Amy Vio- let, born Juiy 3, 1904; Willlam II., December 29, 1905; Haroid Eugene, October 12, 1907 ; and Nina Eioise, November 5, 1910.

SANDERS, Charles B., Sr., who is now living retired at Pleasant Plains, Is a representative of one of Sangamon County's oldest and most honored families. He was born May 2, 1828, in Fauquier County, Va., a sou of Albon Nash and Lucinda O. (Powell) Sanders, he a native of Fauquier County and she of Falrfax County, Va., in which iatter county they were married in 1826, after which they settled on a farm. There their children were born, as follows : Charles B .; Albert P., who made a trip over- land to Colorado in 1850, and has since been jost to the family ; Joseph Britton, who eniisted. in the One Hundred Seventeenth Illinois In- fantry during the Civil War, contracted illness, was honorably discharged and came home, where he died In September, 1879; Wilson Fen- ton, also a member of that regiment, served

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

four years, was honorably discharged and dled from the effects of army life in 1883, at the home of his brother, Charles B .; Armstrong, born February 3, 1837, died October 12. 1896; Anne Elizabeth, born in 1840, married Bushrod Poweli Aprii 9, 1861, and died in November, 1863, he surviving her until November, 1895; William E., born in 1844, is a stock operator of Richland, Mo .; and Mary V., born May 21, 1847, married Abraham Epler, and both are de- ceased.

The family left Virginia In 1844 and Albon N. Sanders followed farming in Cass County, Ill., for twenty years, at the end of which time he purchased the hotel property at Pleasant Plains and continued to operate it until his death, January 15, 1893, at the age of ninety- two years, his wife having passed away in 1870. For twenty-four years he served as Postmaster, and was well known and highly respected throughout his section. He and his wife were earnest Christian people, he being a member of the Baptist Church, while she was a Presbyterian.

Britton Sanders, the grandfather of Charles B., was of Engilsh ancestry and was reared in Fauquier County, Va., where he marrled Mary Love Gili, February 12, 1798. They made a home in Virginia, he finaily iocating in Lou- doun County, where he died about 1838. HIs first wife died In Fauquler County, and he marrled (second) Annle Ekahel, who died in Loudoun County. He was a farmer and an old "Hard Shell" Baptist minister. Of thelr twelve children, eleven grew to maturIty : Rob- ert Henry, who died In Nashville, Tenn .; Albon Nash, father of Charles B .; Charles L., who died in Nashville, Tenn .; SIdney H., who died In Nashville; Samuei A., who died in Loudoun County, Va .; Beverly C., a prominent whole- saie merchant in Baitimore. was appointed Collector of the Port at San Francisco by Mil- lard P. Fillmore, but returned to Baltimore and there died December 25, 1883; Lewis Fen- ton, about 1834 emigrated to Iiiinols, settled in Beardstown, was for several years County Clerk, and died September 27, 1883; John Gill died in young manhood in Loudoun County, Va .; Wilson S. died on the old home farm, was Colonel of a regiment in the Indian war in Florida, and later became a prominent politi- cian, and died August 23, 1885; and Mary Love, who married Fenton Vandewenter, emigrated to Cass County, Ill., about 1834, located In Spring- field in 1877, and died there about 1903.

Mr. Sanders' maternal grandfather was Jo- seph Poweii, who was a German and settled in Virginia in Colonial days, his ilfe being spent in Fairfax County, where he was a man of note, a County Commissioner and later for many years High Sheriff. He was a prominent Mason, and as a member of that order attended the funeral of George Washington. Of his fam- ily of seven children ali are deceased: Bush- rod died about 1838; Edmond died in Fairfax County ; Jane E. married Wiiilam B. Peak, came to Illinois in 1837, settling In Salisbury, where

he opened the first store iu the town; Walter, for many years Deputy Sheriff of Fairfax County, Va., was the first Sheriff elected under the new constitution; Joseph had made ar- rangements to emigrate to Illinois but took sick and dled; Lucinda O. and Beverly. Beverly Powell came to Illinois with Mr. and Mrs. Peak iu 1837 and settled In Springfield, but in 1844 went back to Virginla and persuaded Albon N. Sanders, by means of letters written by Abra- ham Lincoln, to come to this State. On set- tling iu Sangamou County he became a stanch friend of Mr. Lincoin, although while in Vir- ginia he had been a slave owner. Beverly Poweli, who was Mr. Lincoln's best man at his marrlage, went home to settie up the estate and while there died.

Charles B. Sanders came to Illinois with his parents when he was sixteen years of age and settled in Cass County, having received his edu- cation In his native State. After the famlly settled on the farm he took charge of it until 1858, when he went to McLean County. Iil., with his two brothers, Wilson and Joseph, and there they operated a farm until 1862, when the two brothers enlisted for army service and during the following year the farm was sold. Mr. Sanders came to Pleasant Piains at this tlme and went into the hotei business on the old State Road, and succesfully conducted it . uutil 1864, when he sold out to his father. at which time Mr. Sanders removed to Litchfield, Ill., and embarked in the insurance business. In 1870 his mother died and he and his wife returned to Pleasant Plains to take charge of the hotel, but in 1874 they went to Ashland, where Mr. Sanders took charge of the Transient House. In 1878 he removed to Barton County, Mo., where he purchased a farm, and remained there until 1893. At the time of the death of his father, Mr. Sanders came back and took charge of the hotel, but subsequently bought a small piece of land near Pleasant Plains, where he has since made his home. Both he and his wife united with the Methodist Epls- copal Church when they were young, and both have always taken a great interest in church work. Mr. Sanders was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge, joining over fifty years ago. In 1846 he heard John Hawkins, of Baltimore, speak on Temperance, and since that time has tasted no llquor. To this he attributes his long life and vigorous health. He waiks erect without a cane, reads without glasses and has never had to rely upon the services of a doctor.

On March 7, 1861, Mr. Sanders was married to Mary E. Teal, who was born at Cariisle, Nicholas County, Ky., December 31, 1837, a daughter of Benjamin M. and Ellnor (Bruce) Teai, a lineal descendant of Robert Bruce of Scotland. Her mother's parents emigrated to Georgia, and from Georgia to Kentucky in early days, and In 1855 came to Sangamon County, Ill., purchasing a farm in McLean County during the following year. Her father died in 1882, aged seventy-one years, and her mother In 1888, in Barton County, Mo., both

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

being buried in McLean County, Ill. To themu were boru seven children: Mrs. Sanders; Lu- cian, widow of John Pumpelly, a resident of Bellflower, McLean County ; Samuel F., a famuer in North Dakota; George B., a farmer of Barton County, Mo .; Edward H., a farmer of Iroquols County, Ill .; Sarah J., who married William Briggs, and both died in McLean County ; and Frances T., widow of William Briggs, his second wife.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 134

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