Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 139

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 139

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

Mr. Sevier was married in Nashville, Tenn., February 22. 1876, to Hannah L. Tate, a native of Tennessee, born in 1852, a daughter of Daniel Tate, a native of Scotland, and his wife, Larinda (Coliins) Tate, a native of Tennessee, Mr. Tate was a prominent citizen and had taken several degrees in Masonry. He held slaves in Tennessee, was in prosperous circumstances, and his death occurred in that State. His widow later married Lewis Campbell, an oid soldier, who served his country in the Civil War, was wounded at the Battle of Shiloh, and died at Mound City Hospital. Her own death occurred at Thebes, Ill. Mr. Jessie Tate, a brother of Mrs. Sevier, was wounded twice in battles in the Civil War and was a Judge of the Circuit Court, Huntingdon. Tenn., where he lives. be- ing wealthy. Another brother, Leischa, now de- ceased, was a prominent citizen of Huntingdon, Tenn .. where his widow and children now reside. Her two brothers Jasper and John were killed on the battle field during the Civil War. Five children were born to Mr. Sevier and wife. of whom the only survivor is Violet, born in San- gamon County. February 29, 1884, wife of Ed- ward Guiss. of Holland, Ind., and they now re- side at Holard, Ind., Mr. Guiss being connected with the railroad. Mrs. Sevier owns eighty acres of valuable land near Forsyth, Taney County, Mo.

SEXAUER, Benjamin Franklin, the enterpris- . ing editor of the "Staats Wochenblatt," of Springfield, Ill., is a prominent and well-known citizen and successful in a financial sense. He is a native of Fountain City, Wis., born April 18. 1871, son of George Jacob and Anna Mar- garet (Hangen) Sexauer, the former born in Baden, Germany, June 10, 1826, and the latter born in Rheinhessen, Germany. George Jacob Sexauer joined the Revolutionists at Baden, in 1848, fought under Hecker, Sigel, Strube, and others, and escaping to Switzerland, came to America in 1852. He settled first at Buf- falo, N. Y., where he was married, and in 1857 came to Chicago. going thence to Galena, Ill., and later to Fountain City, Wis., which he has

1608

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

made his home since 1800. He was a carriage- maker by trade, but has now retired from act- ive lite. Mrs. Sexauer died March 15, 1909, at the age of eighty-two years.

The education of Benjamin F. Sexauer was obtained at Fountain City aud he attended the high school there. As is customary in German families, his parents encouraged him to begin work young, and he learned the trade of car- riage maker, which his father followed. but not being suited with this occupation, learued the trade of printer and iu 1896 became part owner of a Geriau publication issned at Foun- tain City, known as the "Republikaner and Alma Blætter," selling his interest in 1899. He then located In Springfield aud May 1, 1900, purchased the paper which he now publishes. He has met with gratifying success in this en- terprise and has won many friends in the couuty. Mr. Sexauer is a member of the Cham- ber of Commerce and the Business Association, and fraternally is connected with the Odd Fel- lows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the National Protective Leglon. In political views he is a Democrat.

Mr. Sexauer was married, at Fountain City, Wis., April 10. 1900, to Miss Callie Alig, who was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, daughter of Chris and Christina (Fry) Allg, Mr. Alig was horn iu Switzerland aud bis wife in Pennsyl- vania. Mr. and Mrs. Sexauer have no children.

SEWARD, Charles Henry, (who bas American- ized his name from Suhra to Seward) is a na- tive-born citizen of Springfield. where muost of his life has been spent. He has established a large and prosperous business in the line of contracting and building. and operates almost exclusively in the capital city of the State. He is prominent in business circles and has won his present success, through his own ef- forts and ability, having been ieft fatherless at an early age, and being obliged to help iu the support of the rest of the family. Mr. Se- ward was born September 27. 1864, at the corner of Sixth and Carpenter streets, a son of Charles and Dora (Miller) Suhra, botb natives of Ger- many. The father was born at Altenhurg, in 1823, and came to America as a young man, having previously learned the trade of cabinet- making, and served in the Germau Army. His marriage occurred in New Orleans in 1856, his wife beiug a native of the same province as he. and born in 1832. They were the parents of eight children, namely : two daughters and a son who died in infancy; William, who died at Alton, Ill., April 2, 1880; Gussie, wife of Will- iam Canfield, of Springfield; Charles H .: Dora, wife of Charles Hancock, both deceased, Hall- cock. dying December 24. 1904. Dora, dying March 23, 1905; aud Katie, wife of E. L. Har- din.

Charles Suhra enlisted in August, 1861, as a private in Compauy A. Twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and In November of the fol- lowing year, was discharged on account of a

wound iu the kuee, which compelled him to eu- ter a hospital at St. Louis, aud later one at Cairo, Ill. In 1864, he purchased the property at No. 554 West Cauedy Street, which has since been the family home. Here he died April 30, 1872, and his remains were buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was a faithful and devout mem- ber of St. John's Lutherau Church, to which his widow also helonged. She died January 4, 1909.

Charles H. Seward received a good common school education In the public schools aud a German Lutheran school, and took up special studies in a night school. As a youth he worked at various occupations to help in the support of the family, and in 1SS0, began learning the trade of a carpenter, spending four years in the shop of William Deffenbaugh, and seven years as foreman of coustruction, during which time he did some work on the Illinois State House. He took bis first contract ' ou his own account In 1891, and on many of the buildings he erected, also acted as architect, looking carefully into . all the details Incident to the undertakings. Some of his best knowu work in the city was begun during the last of the year 1903, when he and T. C. Baker, Jr., purchased a biock on South Waluut Street, near his home, and there erected seven handsome residences. Among the con- tracts, he has satisfactorily filled are included those for the erection of homes, business blocks and flats for some of the most prominent peo- ple of Springfield, his business of making plans and erecting buildings during the last two years alone aggregating $70.000. He is now engaged in erecting the St. Jobn's German Lutheran Church, corner College and Monroe streets at a cost of $31,000. His business has constantly in- creased in volume from year to year. His be- ginning was very small but as his promises were scrupulously kept and the interests of his patrons well cared for, his name came to in- spire confidence and he soon won a reputation for reliability and integrity which has heen one of his chief business assets. He purchased the family home in 1889, rehuilt it and has since bought the residence adjoining on the corner and the house next to it on the east, and has reason to be proud of the results of his care- fully planned and executed efforts along this line.

Mr. Seward was married August 14, 1889, to Miss Carrle Malter, born in Springfield May 28. 1869. a daughter of John Malter who died dur- ing the year of her birth. The mother, whose malden name had been Mary Kern. was mar- ried a second time, to Herman F. Bergner and resides in Springfield, near her daughter. John and Mary Malter had children as follows : Kate married Henry Stark, of Joplin, Mo .; Mrs. Se- ward; and John, who died in infancy, Mr. and Mrs. Seward have had ten children : Clara J. Marie, married August 18, 1909. Frank A Lar- son, a carpenter and coutractor who began as an apprentice in 1905, under Mr. Seward, and is now one of the leading yonng men of Spring- field, one sou-Wayne Francis; Charles E .;

1609

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Robert, John, Pearl, Gertrude, George, Thurman Curtis, Florence Iola, and Samuel LaRue. Rob- ert died in infancy. Mr. Seward is a member of St. Johu's Lutherau Church and fraternally is connected with Central Lodge No. 71, A. F. & A. M .; Camp No. 1534, M. W. A .; Banner Lodge, F. C. L .; Lodge No. 58 Order of Owls; San- gamon Lodge No. 2758, M. B. of A .; Guiding Star Court, No. 271, T. B. H .; Improved Order of Red Men, No. 117; and Capital Life Assocl- ation, of Springfield. He is a publlc spirited and enterprising citizen, interested in the improve- ment and development of his native city and county, and ready to forward the interests of any worthy cause which comes to his atteution.

SHAFFER, William H .- There is a tendency to speciallze In every direction, for men have real- ized by long experience that the most money is made in this way. Especially is this true of farming in such regions as Sangamon County, where land values have increased to such an exteut that each square inch of ground must be made to produce to its fullest extent. For this reason a number of the most progressive farmers are operating small tracts as fruit and truck farms, with splendid results. One of the repre- sentatives of the new order of things, is William H. Shaffer. He was born In Morgan County, Ill., August 10, 1842, a son of Henry and Emeline (Tracy) Shaffer, born in Washington County, Md., the former born March 10, 1798, and the latter June 14, 1794.

Henry Shaffer came to Illinois, locating near Jacksonville in the early 'thirties, where for twenty-four years he operated a farm, but later sold it to come to Sangamon County. Upon arrival there, he located on the old Cross farm, in 1854, but three years later moved to the old Jake Miller farm on Sand Prairie. After four years more he moved to the vicinity of Mount Auburn, buying eighty acres of land. At the expiration of two years, he returned to Sanga- mon County, where his death occurred, May 10, 1891. His widow survived him until November 18th of the same year.

William H. Shaffer was educated lu the primi- tive log schoolhouse of the period, remalning with his parents until their deaths. At that time, he began farming on the Ed North farm, but after a year there went to the Phil Michler farm. The next year he operated the Kane farm, and continued on it for ten years, when in 1906 he purchased twenty acres in Spring- field Townshlp, which has continued to be his home. This is a valuable plece of property, and his home and buildings show what kind of a farmer he is.

On September 24, 1862, Mr. Shaffer was mar- rled three miles south of Mechanicsburg, to Martha A. Staglen, born December 14, 1844. Her parents, Simpson and Margaret Staglen, born in Kentucky In 1794 and 1827, came to San- gamon County in the fall of 1860. The follow- Ing year Mr. Staglen dled in February 4th, but

his widow survived until August 14, 1878. The former is buried in Morton Cemetery, and the latter in Cooper Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Stag- len had seven children, all born In Kentucky, four of whom survive. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer : Henry lives in Springfield; Frank is a farmer of Clear Lake Township; Mary L. married James Col- burn, of Christian County, and died in 1899, leaving a daughter, Pearl Colburn, born Feb- ruary 27, 1890. There is also a grandson in the family, Edward Shaffer, born September 6, 1898, who lives with his grandfather.

Mr. Shaffer is a consistent member of the Methodist Church, in whose good work he is much interested. For many years he has given his vote to the candidates of the Democratic party. Earnest, steadfast and hardworking, never shirking a duty, no matter how unpleas- ant, Mr. Shaffer sets an example to his children and his nelghbors, which they would do well to follow. He is a true Christian, striving to model his Ilfe according to the teachings of his Master.

SHANKLAND, John H. (deceased) .- In the death of John H. Shankland, which occurred June 21, 1909, Sangamon County lost one of its representative citizens, a mau who had done much towards building up the town of Dawson, Ill., in more than one sense. He was a veteran of the Civil War, in which he received wounds, scars from which he carried to the time of his death. Johu H. Shankland was born May 6, 1826, in Montgomery County, Ky., son of Benja- miu F. and Margaret Lucinda (Ferguson) Shankland, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania.

The parents of Mr. Shankland, in early mar- ried life, moved to Kentucky, where they were engaged in agricultural pursuits, and eventually removed to Warren County, Ind., and followed the same occupation up to the time of their deaths. They had the following children, all of whom are now deceased : John H., Thomas, Jesse, Sarah H., Ellen, Amauda and Mary Ann.

Johu H. Shankland was educated in Ken- tucky and during his boyhood days worked for his father on the home farm, but in 1856 came to Illinois and settled In Springfield, where he started to work as a carpenter and builder, a trade he had learned in his native State. Iu 1861, when the call came for 100-day volunteers. Mr. Shankland was one of the first to offer his services to the Union cause, enlisting in Com- pany I, Seventh Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Babcock and Gen. John C. Cook, and after his time had expired he veter- anized in the same company aud regiment, en- listing for three years. He was First Sergeant of his company and took part In many battles, among them being Fort Donelson, Belmont, Shiloh and Corinth, at which latter battle he was wounded in the shoulder and jaw, and car- ried a bullet in his head all the rest of his life. He was taken prisoner by the Confederates May 7, 1864, and served eight months in the prisons

1610

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

at Andersonville, Cahaba aud Florence. After helg paroled July 7, 1865, Mr. Shankland was mustered out of the service at Washington, D. C., the 25th of the same month.

After completing his services to his country, Mr. Shankland returned to Sangamon County aud located in Dawsou, where he followed the trade of carpenter until 1874, then went to Riverton, but two years later went back to Daw- son, his home until his death. He also spent a little time engaged in farmiug. He served as Police Magistrate for sixteen years, was a No- tary Puhlic, and was School Director for twelve years consecutively at one time and for sixteen years consecutively at another. Ile was a popu- lar comrade of Buffalo Post, G. A. R., and at one time was the Commander of his post; had been Grand Master and High Priest of Daw- son Lodge No. 556, A. F. &.A. M., several times, and was also a member of the Odd Fellows aud the Eastern Star. Mrs. Shaukland is a member of the Eastern Star aud the Woman's Relief Corps. She is a faithful member of the Method- ist Church. In politics Mr. Shankland was a Republican.

On December 29, 1877, Mr. Shankland was married In Dawson, Ill., to Mrs. Mary Constaut Rinker, who was horn September 25, 1839, the daughter of Jacob aud Amelia (Crocker) Con- stant, the former a native of Montgomery Couuty, Ky., and the latter of the State of Georgla. The father removed from Kentucky to Ohio, settling in Clermont County, and In 1826 removed to Sangamon County, where six chil- dren were born: Mrs. Shankland, David, James II., Thomas S., Ira aud John. Mrs. Shankland also has three half brothers and sisters, the father having been again married after the mother's death iu 1847. Mr. Constant continued to farm in Mechanicsburg until his death In 1885.

The first marriage of Mrs. Sharkland oc- cnrred to John Rinker, in 1861, he being a na- tive of Pennsylvania and a blacksmith by trade. Ile enlisted during the Civil War in Company H. Thirtieth Illiuols Volunteer Infantry, under Col. J. H. Rhodes, and died in Vicksburg from a con- gestive chill, September 13. 1863. though pre- vionsly having been wounded at Pittsburg Land- ing. Mr. and Mrs. Rinker had one child: An- toinette, the widow of William H. Metcalfe, who has one son, Don R. She makes her home with Mrs. Shankland ou the Dawson farm.

SHARP, George, a farmer of Riverton, Sanga- mon County, Ill., is of that excellent German blood which has ever been potent in the upbulld- ing and strengthening of our American citizen- ship. Ile is a son of Henry and Mary ( Rubley) Sharp, Germans, and was born near Croton Falls, N. Y., November 20, 1852. It was at Cro- ton Falls that his parents settled on coming to the United States. They soon moved to New Haven, Conn., whence they went eventually to Seymour in the same State, where they lived out thelr remaining days and passed from earth.

All of their three children, two sons and a daughter, are living: George; Eliza, who mar- ried Heury M. Manweiler, of Seymour, Conn., and IIenry, of the same place.

Mr. Sharp was educated in Seymour and as a hoy was from the to time, variously employed there. He left that place March 27, 1870, for Springfield, and soon became a Sangamon County farmer, iu which line he has been successful ever since. He now owns a fine farm of thirty acres on the border of Riverton, where he has made his home for the last uineteen years. Ile is a Republican and a Congregationalist, and Mrs. Sharp is a Methodist. She was Miss El- mira Fox, born at Pleasant Plains, Sangamon County, September 2, 1852, daughter of Aaron and Phoebe (Buck) Fox, farming people. They were natives of New Jersey, who were then liv- ing on the old Peter Cartwright farm, having had ten children: Charles W., Millicent, Somu- mers, Smith, Frank, Coleman aud Elmira, liv- ing, and Hannah Jane, Emily and Hannah Jane, deceased. Mr. aud Mrs. Sharp were marrled in Springfield by Rev. Albert Hale, December 9, 1873. They have had a son, Robert F., uow a soda manufacturer at Iola, Kan. He served ju the Spanish-American War, as a member of Company H, Second Nebraska. Robert Sharp aud his wife (whose maiden name was Alice Farley, and who was born in Riverton, Ill.), have had five children: Frieda, Aleta, George and Robert, and Elmira, who Is deceased.

· SHARTZER, Alfred A. (deceased) .- Some of the representative Sangamon County agriculturists have passed from this life to the reward they richly deserved, after a life filled with hard work and many good deeds. One of these most excellent men, who for many years was con- nected with farming interests in this locality was the late Alfred A. Shartzer, formerly of Illi- opolis. He was born in Dauphin County, Pa., February 22, 1841, a son of James Shartzer, also a native of Pennsylvania. James Shartzer was a farmer, who caule to Illinols at an early day, settling in Macon County, where he operated a farm until his removal to Illiopoiis. After coming there he entered the Baptist ministry, continuing in it until hls demise.

Alfred A. Shartzer was educated in Dauphin County and during his boyhood worked for his father ou the farm, but came to Illinois a year before the rest of the family, and, after they ar- rived, resumed his work of assisting his father. This state of things continued until his enlist- ment in Company I, Forty-first Iilinois Volun- teer Infantry. for three years. At the expiration of his term of service, he re-enlisted in Com- pany E, Fifty-third Illinois Volunteer Iufan- try. During their first campalgn the regiment with which Mr. Schartzer enlisted was nearly decimated and the remainder consolidated with the Fifty-third Regiment. Mr. Shartzer served in many hloody engagements, includ- ing the Siege of Vleksburg, and was with Sherman in his famous March to the Sea. At

1611

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Fort Donelson, during the earlier part of the war, he was shot in the head, and he saw active service at Shiloh, Chattanooga and, in other im- portant battles. When he was mustered out at Chicago he was Sergeant. .

Following his discharge Mr. Schartzer went to Sangamon County, where he began farming, thns continuing for several years, then entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad, being sec- tion foreman for seventeen years. Retiring on account of poor health, he opened a cigar fac- tory, operating it for some time, finaliy dying July 10, 1891. For some years he served as a member of the Town Board of Illiopolis. He was a Mason, belonging to Iliiopolis Lodge No. 208, and being at its head for some time prior to his death. He also belonged to Morgan Post, G. A. R. The Methodist Church held his mem- bership, and his wife also early connected her- self with that denomination.

On May 9, 1863, Mr. Shartzer was married, at Memphis, Tenn., to Mary E. Johnson, born near Little Rock, Bradley County, Arkansas, December 23, 1844, a daughter of Renben John- son, born in Alabama, as was her mother. Mr. Johnson was a farmer in Arkansas, living there until his death, but his widow came to Sanga- mon County, living there until her death. Her remains lie in beautiful Oak Ridge Cemetery. She had four sons and two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Shartzer had one child, James Lee, now working at the Sangamon County poor farm. Mrs. Shartzer owns her pleasant home in Illi- opolis, and is in receipt of a penslon from the Government on account of her husband's serv- ices in defense of his country.

Although he never obtruded himself upon public notice, Mr. Shartzer was a man of con- siderable force of character and possessed a sincere nature, which found expression in his church work. Ile was a devoted husband and father, a kind neighbor, a loyal citizen, and all his life worked hard to provide for those de- pendent upon his exertions. His memory is tenderly cherished and he is remembered as one who never shirked a duty or sought to avoid a responsibility.

SHARTZER, Atkinson M., a retired farmer re- siding at Illiopolis, Ill., and a veteran of the Civil War, is a native of Dauphin County, Pa., born December 13, 1844. He is a son of Rev. James and Elizabeth (Minsker) Shartzer, na- tives of, Pennsylvanla, the former born in Dauphin County, February 19, 1815, and the latter born in Cumberland County. The father carried on farming in Dauphin County and in 185S came to Macon County, Ill .. where for five years he carried on the same occupation, and in 1863 located in Illiopolis, where for the re- mainder of his life he served as a minister of the Baptist Church, filling that position until his death, February 17, 1899. Six sons and one daughter were born to him and his wife, of whom the following survive: Atkinson M .; Jo- seph, a farmer of Greeley County, Neb .; John

W., a painter and decorator living at St. Louis, Mo.

Mr. Shartzer was educated in the country schools of his native county and worked on a farm in his boyhool. He accompanied his par- ents to Macon County in 1858 and attended school there for a short time. In 1862 he heard the call of his country and enlisted in Company E, One IIundred Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry,' serving to the end of his term and participating in eighteen batties. He was mus- tered out at Washington and honorably dis- charged at Camp Butler, near Springfield. He is a member of the G. A. R., being affiliated with Morgan Post, No. 208.

Mr. Shartzer was married at Lake Fork, Ill., February 14, 1867, to Sarah P. Hall, who was born in Toledo, Ohio, April 20, 1850, daughter of William Hall, who carried on farming in Ohio for many years. In 1856 Mr. Hall brought his family to Sangamon County, where he con- dneted a farm until his death In 1864. His widow survived until 1894. Mr. Shartzer and his wife became parents of eleven children, of whom the following seven survive: James H., an electrician of Georgetown, Ill .; William J., of Illiopolis; Minnie A., married George Davis, an engineer residing in Springfield; John F., a farmer living near Illiopolis; Mary E., wife of William R. Tavner, who conducts a barber shop at Illiopolis ; Anna L., wife of George S. Prater, a barber of Illiopolis; Hattie L., wife of Ver- non Jackson. an electrician living at Newinan, Ili. There are thirteen grandchildren in the family. Mrs. Shartzer died August 16, 1905. at her home in Illiopolis, having been a good wife and mother, and mourned by a large circle of friends. Mr. Shartzer is interested in any pub- lic movenient he believes is for the betterment of his community and is a member of the Meth- odist Church. In political views he is a Deino- crat. The family is one of the older ones of the village, where they have an excellent stand- ing and enjoy the respect of all.

SHEEHAN, Thomas .- Springfield is fortunate in the officers in whose hands are placed the safety and life of its residents. One of the most popular park policemen whose efficiency has been proven during long years of faithful service, is Thomas Sheehan. He was born in Waterford, Ireland, March 2, 1848, a son of James and Elien (Flynn) Sheehan, both natives of Ireland. The parents, who were farming people, came to the United States in 1849, landing in New Orleans, where they remained a few days, when making their way to Naples, Ili. From there they went to Jacksonville, but after a short time there, once more made a change, this time selecting Springfield as their home, and there they re- mained untii they died, the father passing away March 19, 1872, and the mother October 25, 1909. There were seven sons and three daugh- ters in their family, and Thomas Sheehan was the oldest. Only six of this family now survive. Thomas Sheehan was educated in Ireland and .

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 139

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