Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 147

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 147

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).

Henry C. Stephens was educated in Jackson- ville, Iii., and after leaving school worked on a farm and afterward engaged in teaming. He located in Springfield about 1SSS and worked as "company man" for various coal mine opera -. tors. He spent most of his active life in work in the mines, and he and his brother, William, did the excavating for the reservoir at Spring- fieid, which is located in the northern part of the city. He has witnessed many changes in the city and vicinity and has done his share to promote its weifare and growth. He was recog- nized as a man of ability in his line of work and had the full confidence of aii who had busi-

ness dealings with him. In politics he is a Re- publican and he is a member of the United Brethren Church. He served three years as a member of the Illinois National Guard.

Mr. Stephens was married, May 25, 1881, at Springfield, Ill., in the house where the family now lives, to Miss Hanna Solomon, who was born in St. Louis, Mo., daughter of Thomas and Catherine M. (Jones) Solomon. Her father is a native of England and her mother of Waiés, and both now reside with Mr. and Mrs. Ste- phens. He was a farmer for many years, but the last few years has been engaged in mining. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ste- phens, of whom five survive, namely: Elsie, wife of Charles Simms, of Springfield, in the empioy of the Illinois Watch Company; Kittie and Etta, in the employ of the Iilinois Watch Company ; Edgar, a conductor in the employ of . the Consolidated Street Railway Company; Or- viile, living at home. There is one grandchild in the family. Mr. Stephens has been fairly successful in his business enterprises.

STEPHENSON, (Dr.) Benjamin Frankiin.

(Vol. I, p. 507.)

STEWART, Captain Theodore A., is a well-to- do farmer of Sangamon County and a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Champaign County, Ohio, in 1844, and is a son of Lewis M. and Hannah (Harbor) Stewart. who were farmers. About 1849 the parents moved to Indiana and there spent the remainder of their lives. Captain Stewart received his early education in the public schools of Indiana, and after his service in the war attended the univer- sity at Ann Arbor, Mich., where he studied iaw. He was admitted to the Bar and began the prac- tice of his profession in 1876, but on account of poor heaith was unable to stand the confine- ment of work in his office and for a time taught school in Sangamon County. He then engaged in farming and secured possession of 260 acres in Sections 28, 29, 32 and 13, and 320 acres in Section 34, aii in Towu 14 North, Range 4 West, part of which extends into Christian County, though the most of it is in Sangamon County. He has been very successful in his agricultural operations and is an enterprising, progressive citizen.

In 1861 Captain Stewart enlisted in the Forty- fourth Indiana Infantry, at Fort Wayne, and served four years and six months. He partici- pated in the Batties of Fort Donelson, Shiioh, Perryville, Stone River. Chickamauga, Mission- ary Ridge, in the Atianta Campaign, then went back to Frankiin, and was mustered out at Nashville. Tenn., receiving his final discharge at Indianapolis. Ind. He proved himself a good soidier and has always been the friend of any enterprise which he thought would be of public benefit.

Captain Stewart was married, in Sangamon County, December 24. 1874. to Miss Maria Co- iean, daughter of Joseph H. and Maria Coiean, who came to Sangamon County from Jersey

1643

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

County, Iii., in 1855. The father died in Octo- ber, 1888, and both pareuts arc buried near Pawnee. Five children were boru to Captain Stewart and his wife, namely : Alma, born No- vember 22, 1875; Amy, November 14, 1877; AI- bert T., February 26, 1880; Frauk A., August 25, 1882 ;. Joseph L., July 24, 1889. Captain Stew- art is a Democrat in politics and fraterualiy is a member of Pawnee Lodge No. 675, A. F. & A. M.

STICKEL, Alexander Wesley (deceased) .- "He never allowed his anger to master him; his life was not show-very unpretentious-and we who knew him best feel our lives are the better for having known him." The foregoing simple trib- ute paid to his memory by a friend who had known him throughout life, while not set iu glowing terms or smooth-flowing phrases, is as great a eulogy as any man could hope for. Alex- ander Wesley Stickel, who is well remembered by business men and agriculturists of Sangamon County, always impressed men in just that way -that they were better for having come into contact with him. A self-made man, who had gained an education only through the strictest economy and hardest labors, while assisting his father on the home farm, when his brothers had gone to the war, he could sympathize with those who were not so fortunate as he, and this, with his other sterling, lovable characteristics, made him one of the most esteemed and respected men of his day and locality. Alexander Wesley Stickel was born near Decatur, Macon County, Ill., February 9, 1849, and died in Springfield, March 23, 1908.

Joseph Stickel, the father of Alexander W., was born in York County, Pa., August 26, 1814, and later moved to Macon County, Ill., in 1857 purchasing a farm near Hillsboro, on which he carried on operations until the time of his death, in 1892. Joseph Stickel married Kathryn Wil- son, who was born in Tennessee, August 21, 1816, and to them were born a family of chil- dren, of whom Alexander Wesley was the young- est of several boys. The youth was but twelve years of age when the outbreak of the Civil War occurred, and after trying to enlist and being refused, he followed his brothers (who had been more successful) as far as he might and then trudged bravely back to the farm, deter- mined to fight it out there. Between times when it was necessary for him to help his father in the duties of the farm, he managed to acquire a good education in the public schools and Hills- boro Academy, in which latter institution he had received a scholarship, and later attended As- bury University (now known as DePauw), at Greencastle, Ind. After leaving the latter insti- tution he returned to the home farm, where he remained until his marriage, after which he moved to the O'Neal farm and gave his entire attention to the cultivation of the soil for about ten years longer, when he removed to Auburn, owning an interest in a coal mine at that place for five years. In 1887 he located in Springfield.

aud after traveling for a Minnesota flour firm for several years, engaged in the grain and hay business. His death was caused by an attack of pneumonia, after oniy one week's illness.

After his marriage and subsequent settlement on the O'Neal farm in Ball Township, Mr. · Stickel became a leader in township politics, and was elected to several responsible offices on the Republican ticket, his popularity being shown by the fact that the township had always been a Democratic stronghold up to that time. When quite young he became affiliated with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, was an official member at McMurray Chapel, where he remained from 1872 to 1877, at Auburu from 1881 until 1886 and hoiding the office of Member of the Official Board of the First Methodist Episcopal Church at Springfield, at the time of his death, having been a member of this congregation for twenty years.

Mr. Stickel was married on the O'Neal farm in Sangamon County, December 24, 1872, to Elia O'Neal, born on this farm, which is situated twelve miles south of Springfield. Her father, Samuel O'Neal, was an early settler of Sanga- mon County, entering some of the land on which he settled, which is now the property of Mrs. Stickel. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk War, being in Captain Iles' company. To Mr. and Mrs. Stickel were born four children, of whom the son, the youngest child, died in in- fancy ; Lilian died September 4, 1887; Florence, living with her mother at No. 1211 South Sixth . Street, Springfield ; and Bertha, who married E. B. Lyons, connected with the State Insurance Department.

STICKLEY, Henry H .- To the younger genera- tion whose day has come since the comforts brought by easy communication have been avail- able, it is a marvel that so much glory, wealth aud comfort have been wrested from the soil within the lifetime of men who stand among us today-that men now living fought the wild beasts of the wilderness and saw the smiling farms of a later day change into cities, where the roar of traffic and the heavy tramp of iron wheels have so lately drowned the voices of primeval nature. Every year the white-haired band that led the van of civilization grows smaller, yet there are many years to come be- fore the last of those who heard the first scream of the brazen-voiced locomotive which brought final prosperity, will be silenced in the sleep that comes to ail. Henry H. Stickley, who be- longs to a pioneer family of Sangamon County, has grown up with the locality. He was born in Springfield, July 14, 1845, a son of Jacob and Minerva (Hand) Stickley, natives of Ohio and Kentucky. The father was a carriage painter. who came to Springfield at an early date. Later he returned to Ohio, where he died, but the mother returned to Springfield and there passed away. The two families were important in Ken- tucky and Ohio.

Henry H. Stickley was educated in Spring-

1644

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

field and later worked ou a farm, finaliy engag- ing in agriculturai operations for himself. He has spent ali his life in Sangamon Couuty, with the exception of three years spent in Christian County. During the Civil War he proved his worth by eniisting in Coupany H, Thirty-third Indiana Volunteer lufantry, on August 23, 1861. remaining with his regiment mutil August 3, 1865. He was in many important engagements, including the campaign with Gen. Sherman. On March 5, 1862, he had the misfortune to he cap- tured, and was confiued iu the infamous Lihhy Prisou for three months. Ile is a very enthusi- astic meinher of Stepheusou Post, G. A. R. While always voting the Republican ticket, he has not otherwise taken an active part in pub- lic events, aithough he can be counted upou to support any measure he heiieves will help his home city.

On Juiy 5, 1867, Mr. Stickley was married at Springfield to Siduey A. Beligard, who died leaving four children : John A., born iu 1868; Henry H., born in 1870; Sidney Ann, horn iu 1872, and Mary M., born in 1874. Some years after Mrs. Stickley's death, he was married Juiy 3, 1888, to Rosa L. Doherty, hy whom he had one child. Mr. Stickley is a Baptist, and is stanch iu support of his church. As a citizen and as a soldier, Mr. Stickley has done his fuil duty, and he enjoys unbounded respect, both socialiy and in his church.

STIEREN, William,-To those of foreign hirth seeking better opportunities to earn a living and secure land of their own, America has always offered advantages that are hard to resist. For many years Germany has sent some of her hest citizens, who irave adopted this country as their own, and realized many of their dearest hopes and given to their communities much that is good aud true. A prosperous and progressive farmer . of Sangamon County, who has hrought his six- teeu-acre truck farm to a high state of cultiva- tion, is William Stieren, of Spaulding, Clear Lake Township. He was born in Germany March 1, 1845, being a son of John and Leua (Schmidt) Stieren, aiso born in Germany. The parents did not share the enthusiasm of their son with relation to the United States, living and dying in their native land. All of their eleven children are now dead, with the exception of William.

Receiving a thorough Germau training aud education, Mr. Stieren grew to manhood on his father's farm, but having resolved to hroadeu his scope, came to America in 1883, saiiing from Hamburg and ianding in New York City, whence he came direct to Springfield, arriving there ou December 29th. After a short stay in the city he moved to Riverton, where he spent eight years, then began mining, thus continuing un- til he located at Spaulding in 189S. His truck farm is one of the most highly developed in the township, and from it Mr. Stieren gains a good iucome. He purchased it in 1896, and his house, which is a comfortable one, has heen largely rehuilt. During his residence iu Germany Mr.

Stieren served his teri iu the Geriuan Army, participating In the Franco-Prussian War.

On April 20, 1872, Mr. Stiereu was married iu Geruiany to Catherine Hoitzer, horn in Ger- many. Like the eider Mr. and Mrs. Stieren, Mr. and Mrs. Hoitzer never came to Aluerica, dying iu Geruauy. Ten children were horn to Mr. aud Mrs. Stieren, five sons and five daughters, six of whom survive: Lena, wife of Otto Ket- zeuherger, a gardener, iives east of Springfieid ; Sophia, wife of Michaei Raylotts, iives iu Springfield, as do Wiliiam and Charies; Louis iives at home, as does Mary, wife of Harry Pitt- mau, a civii eugineer. There are seventeeu grandchildren in the family. In religious faith Mr. Stieren is a Roman Catholic, heiougiug to St. James parish, of Rivertou. He is a Democrat hnt has never sought office. Couservative and thrifty, Mr. Stieren has carefuiiy saved his earnings, iuvested them wiseiy, aud is proud of what he has accomplished since arriving iu this couutry. Houorable iu aii his transactions with his fellow men, he has firmiy established him- self iu the coufidence of his community aud is regarded as representative of the best interests of his township.

STILLMAN, Stephen. (Vol. I, p. 508.)

STOCKDALE, Wallace Tappen (deceased), was for many years a leading husiuess mau in Springfield, Iii., where most of his life was speut. He was horn at Wapakoueta, Auglaize Couuty, Ohio, January 3, 1843, son of Joseph aud Melissa (Elliott) Stockdale. The father was born in Yorkshire, Engiand, and the mother in Piqua, Ohio, November 5, 1818. Joseplı Stockdale came to Ohio hefore his marriage, which occurred in 1840, and moved to Spring- field, Iil., in 1845, wheu his sou Wailace was about three years of age. He was a dealer in fine stock, especially horses, and a successful husiness mau. He formeriy owned a farm that extended from what is now Ailen Street to Washington Park and other farm laud and city realty. He and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in Springfield. They were parents of four children, who were educated in the pub- lie schools of Springfieid. Wiiiiam Stockdaie served four years iu the Illinois Light Artiliery during the Civil War and died as a resuit. of exposure in the army, ou his return to Spring- field.

Wallace T. Stockdale was one of three hoys who graduated with the second class from the Springfield High School. He also graduated from Bryaut & Stratton's Business College in St. Louis, and was a graduate of Wesleyan Col- iege at Bloomiugtou, Iil. He had a natural taste for books aud learning, and as a young man taught school several years in Sangamon County, earuing the mouey with which he pursued his later studies. He received itis legai education in the office and uuder the assistance of Gen. John A. McCiernand, a prominent man of Spring- field, and was admitted to the Bar iu that city

1645

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

in 1868. He was well educated along many lines, became an expert accountant, and was well fitted to pursue his chosen work.

Mr. Stockdale was married at Springfield, May 19, 1869, to Miss Etta T. Wood, who was born in Belleville, N. Y., December 28, 1846. She is a daughter of Alva and Trypheua C. Wood, the former born in Jefferson County, N. Y., November 1, 1810, and the latter born iu New Hampshire, January 5, 1810. She was one of fourteeu children aud the youngest daughter. Mrs. Stockdale taught school twenty-five years in Springfield schools. Children as follows were born to Mr. Stockdale and his wife: Alice M., a teacher in the Edwards School iu Springfield ; Thomas W., machinery superintendeut in the employ of the Tiger Gold-mining Company, at Harrington, Ariz. ; Mabel, a stenographer, lives at home with her mother. Wallace T. Stock- dale died at his home, 101 East Alleu Street, Springfield, October 27, 1907, and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was au earnest member of the First Methodist Church, oť Springfield, and interested in many heuevolent and charitable movements. He was a strong Democrat all his life aud was active and prom- inent in party affairs. Mr. Stockdale was an example of the higher type of American citizen, interested in the welfare of the community and ready to forward any beneficial public move- ment. Mrs. Stockdale owns the family home and other property located in the same block. She was formerly a member of the Woman's Club, is an officer in the Missionary Society and member of the Illini Historical Club, as are both her daughters.

STOGDELL, George W .- In naming the rep- resentative citizens of any community, we in- variably find that among the most prominent are men who started in life with little or no advantages, either of an educational or finan- cial nature, and worked their way to the top through their own industry and perseverance. One of the successful agriculturists of Sanga- mon County, who are self-made men, is George W. Stogdell, a farmer of Section No. 5, Range 3, Cooper Township. He was born February 6, 1847, near Georgetown, Scott County, Ky., a son of Simeon and Margaret (Moses) Stogdell.

Simeon Stogdell was born in Virginia, April 3, 1794, and his wife in Kentucky in 1816, and they came to Sangamon County, Ill., in 1860, On October 11tli of that year they located at Berry, hut after one year there, spent a year on the North farm, and a year at a place one mile east of that property. In 1863 the family removed to the Willlam Coe farm, and in 1864 located on the present site of George W. Stog- dell's farın where they bought one acre of land. The father died February 4, 1861, his widow surviving until August 14, 1877. Of their seven children four are now living : Benjamin F., re- siding in Christian County; Martha, residing in Clear Lake Township; Sarah, who makes her home in Kansas; and George W.

George W. Stogdell's education consisted of seventy-five days spent in school when he had reached the age of twenty-seven years, as he was too busy with the work of the farm as a lad to get any chance for schooling, and whatever knowledge he has gained since that time he has picked up by observation and read- ing. As a youth he worked by the month dur- ing the summer and did odd jobs in the winter. In 1869 he began farming and has continued this occupation ever since. To the little one- acre property as a nucleus he has added from time to time and has managed to accumulate a fine property of 123 acres, located on Sectlou 5, where he follows farming and stockraising. Mr. Stogdell is a Democrat in politics, and in 1910 was elected to the office of School Director, having served in that capacity for six years previous to that time. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is serving as a Trustee, aud helped to build the present church in Cooper Township.

On September 9, 1877, Mr. Stogdell was mar- ried in Dawson, Ill., to Eliza A. Clark, who was . born January 3, 1856, daughter of Smith and Katherine Clark, the former born in 1822 in Kentucky, and the latter in 1825 in Pennsyl- vania. Mrs. Clark died in Crawfordsville, Ind., in 1859, and the father left Indiana and came to Illinois on the day of President Lincoln's assassination. Mr. Clark died March 24, 1902, at Exeter, Mo. To him and his wife there were born slx children, of whom three survive, namely : Mrs. Stogdell; Philip E. Clark, who lives in Georgetown, Vermilion County, Ill., and one other.

Of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Stogdell there are now five living : Susan Ann, the wife of James Outerback, a farmer; Mary K., wife of Frank Toft, a farmer of Sangamon County ; George C., living at home; John, who lives near Dawson, where he Is farming; and James B., who lives at home. There are four grandchil- dren, namely : Blanch, Ruth, Neal and Dale Outerback.

STONE, Daniel. (Vol. I, p. 509.)

STONE, George L., is an honored veteran of the Civil War and a highly esteemed citizen of Springfield, Ill., where he lives retired from active life. He has spent most of his life in farming and was fairly successful in this occu- pation. Mr. Stone was born in Greene County. Ill., February 15, 1841, son of Daniel D. and Jane (Scroggins) Stonc, both natives of Ken- tucky, the former born July 12, 1814, and the latter in 1822. The father was a farmer in Greene County and the family moved to Texas in 1845, not long before the Mexican War, re- mained there two years, and then returned to Greene County. In 1850 Daniel D. Stone went to San Francisco. Cal., and remained two and one-half years. He made a trip to Sangamon County in 1860 to attend the Lincolu-Douglas

1646

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

debate, remaining a few days iu Springfield be- fore returning home. He and his wife both died in Greene County, he in 1868 and she June 5, 1854.

The education of George L. Stone was acquired in the old subscription schools of Greene County, Iii., where he occupied a slab seat, and after leaving school he worked for his father on the farm until he reached his majority. He en- listed, February 25, 1862, iu Company E, Sixty- first Illinois Infantry, under Colonel Fry, aud served three years. Their first hard fighting was at the Battie of Shiioh, and they went fromu there to Vicksburg, where they participated in the long siege. They spent nine months near Jackson, Tenn., guarding a bridge over the Hatchle River, theu went to Helena and to Lit- tle Rock, Ark., Mr. Stone being flag bearer In the last-named battie. He was wounded at the Battle of Shiloh and sent to the new House of Refuge Hospitai at St. Louis, where he spent four mouths, then rejoined his regiment at Jack- son, Teun. He was captured at Murfreesboro, December 16, 1864, taken to Andersonville Prison, and heid there uutil April 17, 1865. He welghed one hundred seventy pounds at the time of hls incarceration and but ninety-eight pounds when he was released, In a very weak conditlon. He served as Corporal two years. He was dis- charged with an enviable record and had discharged every duty entrusted to him. He is a member of Post No. 516, G. A. R., at Girard, Iil.

Mr. Stone was married, in Jersey County, Ili., October 13, 1860, to Sarah A. Willlams, who was boru August 28, 1845, aud died June 8, 1896. She was a daughter of Solomon and Eunice Williams, who came to Illinois from New York in 1852, iocating in Jersey County. The father died tilere In 1899. Five children were born to Mr. Stone and his wife, namely: Harvey, born February 28, 1869, lives In Girard; Eunice T., born August 2, 1871, married John M. Lynard, a carpenter and contractor of Springfield ; Dan- iel L., born May 23, 1878, a painter and paper- hanger of Springfield; and Ciaud died at the age of two years and nine months. Mr. Stone has fourteen grandchlidren, all living in Illinois. He owns a iot in Girard, Ill., which contains 62 front feet and is 160 feet deep. He now lives with his daughter, Mrs. Lynard, at 1802 South Second Street. Mr. and Mrs. Lynard have four children : Goldie, Paul, Claud and Lucilie. Mr. Stone is a stanch Repubilcan and actively Interested in public affairs. He served eight years as School Director while living in Greene County. He is a member of the Methodist Church. He is much interested in the history of his State and country and feels reasonable pride In the service he rendered in defense of the unlon. He is a public-spirited and useful citizen, and highly respected by his acquaint- ances. He has in his possession an almanac, published in Hagerstown, Md., iu 1823, which he prizes very highly.

STOUT, Joab P .- Pioneers of Sangamon County have every reason to cougratuiate themselves upon the sagacity which prompted the selection of that iocailty as a piace iu which to found new homes. Climatic couditions and other nat- urai advantages and the cheapness of land con- blned to offer tempting prospects to the hardy farmers who sought a place in which to rear their growing famliies. They did not stop to worry about the lack of schools and churches, for they knew they could easliy provide them, and they did, first erecting rude log, shacks, which served as school houses during the week and as gathering piaces for religious bodies of ali creeds on Sunday. In tique these were im- proved, together with other thugs, and today Sangamou County has some of the finest church edifices aud best schoois lu the State, outside of Chicago. The sons of the pioneers, growing up to hard work, developed fine characters and resourceful habits, and today are numbered among the wealthiest men there. Que of theiu who belongs to a distinctively pioneer family is Joab P. Stout, a large iaudowner of Section 10, Bali Township. Mr. Stout was boru in the house he now occupies, Aprii 3, 1860, being a son of Phiiemou and Louisa P. (Brasfieid) Stout, the former born in Fayette County, Ky., April 19, 1822, and the latter iu Madison County, Ky., August 9, 1825. The parents married In Meuard County, Iil., the ceremony beiug performed by the Rev. Willlam Crow, a Baptist ciergyman. The Stout famlly came to Sangamnou County in a wagon, arriving October 5, 1836, and the graudfather bought land comprising property still owned by the family. Philemon Stout never left this homestead, dying on. it October 1, 1910, and hls remains being Interred in the family cemetery. The paternal grandfather was a nla- tive of New Jersey, who moved first to Kentucky and iater to Sangamou County, where he secured land for ten dollars per acre and died upon it, in 1846. The Grandfather Brasfield went from Virginia to Kentucky, and theuce to Menard County, Ill., in 1834, dying, however, on the Stout farm in 1864.

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 147

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