Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 152

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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Mr. Tobin married, at Rochester, December 26, 1882, Lida Highmore, daughter of John S. and Mary (Cloyd) Highmore, the former a na- tive of England, and the latter of Illinois. Mr. Highmore came to Sangamon County at an early day and participated in many movements of the time, which were connected with the develop- ment of that part of the State. He was well known as a stock dealer, acquired considerable wealth, and served on the Board of Agriculture. Mrs. Tobin was born at Rochester, December 28, 1863, and grew up in her native town. She at- tended the Rochester school and later the Ill1- nois Woman's College at Jacksonville. Both she and her husband joined the Methodist Church soon after their marriage. Mrs. Tobin had the misfortune to lose her husband Febru- ary 20, 1903, and survived hlm several years, passing away January 22, 1910.

Children as follows were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tobin: Chester, who married, September 5, 1906; Afrey Nead, resides at Mandan, N. Dak., one child, Ruth ; Chelsae Armiza, married William J. Barnes, Jr., issue, William Tobin ; LIlah Highmore is unmarried and lives with her sister, Mrs. Barnes, at No. 215 West Edwards Street, Springfield. Mr. Barnes is a traveling salesman.

TODD, (Dr.) John. (Vol. I, p. 524.)

TODD, John H., a retired farmer living in Springfield, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War

and has a most interesting war record. Mr. Todd was born in Madison County, Ky., March 15, 1841, son of Hardin and Lucy A. (Stagnor) Todd, both natives of Madison County. The parents lived on a farm and both died in Mad- ison County, the father in 1865 and the mother in 1845. They were parents of six children, of whom two are now living, John II., and Eliza, Mrs. Harris, born in 1839, Ilving in Richmond, Ky. John H. Todd Ilved at home with his fa- ther until eighteen years of age, helping with the work on the farm and attending the pub- lic school.

Mr. Todd enlisted in 1861 In Company F, Eighth Kentucky Infantry, under Captain J. B. Bouton, who was killed at the Battle of Stone River, after which B. S. Dixon became Captaln. The first battle in which they participated was Stone River, which lasted two days. Mr. Todd was captured in this battle, held thirty minutes, and recaptured by Colonel Stokes. Before the battle Col. Sidney M. Barnes made speeches to the women of rebel familles, who afterward served him and his men a very nice dinner. The regiment moved on to Murfreesboro, where they camped ten days, then began marching toward MeMinnville, Tenn., thence went to Snow Hill, where they had a short fight with Morgan, then went to Buzzard's Roost, marching all night to reach this point, and fought there all day. Returning to Murfreesboro, they spent three weeks in camp there, then moved to War- trace, Tenn., where they made camp. Thence they went to Tuilahoma, then to Elk River, Tenn., to guard a bridge, and then to Ringgold, Ga., where they engaged in a hard-fought bat- tle. While at Resaca, Ga., in 1864, Mr. Todd cast his first presidentiai vote for Abraham Lincoln. During the winter of 1863 the ariuy was quartered at Shellmound, Tenn,, until Feb- ruary, then went to Lookout Mountain, where they engaged In a battle, and from this place were able to view the all-day fight at Mission- ary Ridge. They came down from the moun- tain, soon after went back to Chattanooga, and three weeks later to Ringgold, and soon after- ward engaged in a battle at Chickamauga which lasted three days-Friday, Saturday and Sun- day. Returning to Chattanooga, they remained there about a month and were mustered out at that place, in November, 1865. Mr. Todd served with bravery and faithfulness and has every reason to feel proud of his record. He was never left behind a day, never was arrested or had cause to be, and never was put on extra duty. He was never really sick a day, and although taken to the hospital at Chattanooga, ran away from it the next day and returned to camp.

At the close of the war Mr. Todd returned to Madison county, Ky., where he lived until 1880, then came to Springfield, Ill., and soon afterward engaged in farming. For many years he has been retired from active life and owns a beautiful home at 1700 South Second

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Street. In religious views he is a Methodist and in politics a Republican.

Mr. Todd was married in Madison County, Ky., October 18, 1866, to Miss Minerva Harris, who was born in 1842, daughter of Overton and Naomi Harris, who came to Illinois four years before Mr. Todd, and both died in that State, being buried in Oak Ridge cemetery at Spring- field. Mrs. Todd died in 1897, in Springfield, and was also buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. She was a devoted wife and mother, made many friends, and did her full dnty in all rela- tions of life. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Todd, namely : William F., born in October, 1869, engaged in grocery business on Washington Street, Springfield, is married and has one son-Harry, born in 1907 ; A. A., born in 1871, is engineer in a laundry in Springfield, is married and has three children -Noami born in 1894, Minerva, born in . 1897 and John H., born in 1905; Smith G., born in 1874, top hand at a coal mine near Springfield.

TOLTZMAN, John .- It is very seldom that a German has to ask help of anyone, for as national and individual people they are indus- trions and thrifty, knowing how to make a place for themselves wherever they may be. Mnch of the strength of Springfield's solid, busi- ness standing is due to the locating there of men of this class, and among them is John Toltzman, of No. 1202 South Sixteenth St. He was born in Germany, July 10, 1853, a son of Gotlieb Toltzman, of Germany. According to the requirements of his native country, Mr. Toltzman served a term in the German army, entering in October, 1875, and leaving three years later. He has pleasant recollections of this period of his life. The parents came to America in 1878, settling in Mansfield, Wis., but after twelve years there went to Spenser, Wis., where both died. The father was a mann- facturer of slate roofing. There were three sons, but John and his brother August, a farmer of Spencer, Wis., are the only survivors. John Toltzman was educated in Germany and came to America with his parents, but when they moved to Spencer he came to Springfield, where he engaged in mining, which has continued to occupy his time ever since. He is now in the employ of the Capital Mine and is one of its most experienced men. He has lived in his present home for the past fifteen years and owns it, as well as other valuable holdings, having been successful in his endeavors.

On Sept. 8, 1893, Mr. Toltzman was married in Springfield. to Charlotte Kinchock, born in Germany, whose parents never left their native land, dying in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Toltz- man have a danghter, Edith, at home. There is a step-son, Emil Kinchock, who lives with Mr. Toltzman and is in the employ of the Wabash Railroad.

Politically Mr. Toltzman is a Democrat. His religious connections are with St. John's Lutheran Church. He is an industrious man, and has known how to save his money, and

because of his ability, thrift and strict probity, has raised himself to an enviable position among his neighbors.

TOMLIN, Edwin (deceased) .- The late Edwin Tomlin was one of the best examples of the older generation of Sangamon County farmers the locality ever produced. Steadfast and np- right, he won and retained friends throughout a long and useful life, and upon dying left not only wealth, but a good name and unblemished honor to those who came after him. Mr. Tom- lin was born in Cape May Connty, N. J., July 29, 1826, being a son of Almarine Tomlin, who was born in the same county in 1800. His paternal grandparents, William Tomlin and wife, were of New Jersey, and the family is of English extraction, having been founded in this country ¿by two brothers, Andrew and William Tomlin. They both settled in New Jersey. Almarine Tomlin, father of Edwin, married Rhoda Smith, danghter of Abijah Smith, and for some years farmed in his native locality, and there seven of his children were born. Realizing then that there was necessity for removal to some place that promised better opportunities, in 1837 he came west, traveling by team, for there were no railroads across the country in those days, Arriving in Sangamon County, he bought land, which he broke and improved, making it his home until he was called to his last rest in 1859. His widow survived him for some years, dying at the ripe old age of eighty-six years, They were parents of three sons and nine daughters, Edwin being the eldest son.

Edwin Tomlin was eleven years old when the family arrived in Sangamon County, and from first assisted in developing the land that fell to his share later in life. His educational advan- tages were limited, for the schools were few, but he made the most of his opportunities. When he left home he settled on 320 acres in Cartwright Township, operating it for some years, but eventually sold that property and bought the homestead, on which he rounded out a long and busy life. He enlarged his stock business until he shipped from six to twelve carloads annually, raising cattle, sheep and hogs. He had great faith in Sangamon Connty land, and certainly demonstrated his ability to make its cultivation pay.

In 1854 Mr. Tomlin married Miss Margaret Correll, born in Sangamon County, a daughter of Thomas Correll, who settled there in 1830, being one of the pioners. Mr. and Mrs. Tomiin had children as follows: Almerine, Cashier of a bank at Tallula, Ill., Charles, a farmer of of Linn County, Mo .; Lee, a farmer of Sullivan County. Mo .; Jacob F., a sketch of whom ap- pears elsewhere in this work; Isaac, who is op- erating the homestead; Frank B., a dentist of Mason City, Ill. ; Eva, wife of William St. Clair, of Cass County, Ill .; Mrs. Witty, a widow, is now making her home with her mother on the old homestead ; and Anna, wife of Frank Drury, of Morgan County, Ill.

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Mr. Tomlin always identified himself with the Democratle party, being a stanch supporter of its principles and candidates. His first presi- dential vote was cast for James K. Polk. Al- thongh interested in party matters, he never aspired to political honors. Mnch of his outside Infinence and work were directed towards the advancement of the Methodist Church, of which he was a consistent member. No one who knew hlm ever found him lacking in the essentials which go to make np the truly good man and loyal citizen, and his memory is tenderly cher- ished by a wide circle of warm, personal friends.

TOMLIN, Jacob F .- The keen, shrewd farmer of Sangamon Connty long ago realized that the best resuits could be obtained throngh scientific farming and the raising of good stock, and so the best agriculturists of today are following these lines with remarkable success. One of the most aggressive of the excellent farmers of this county is Jacob F. Tomlin, of Section 36, Cartwright Township. He was born on Section 30, this township, Jannary 26, 1867, being a son of the late Edwin Tomlin, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere In this work. The excellent mother is living, making her home on the home- stead, and enjoys fairly good health.

Jacob F. Tomlin was reared on the farm, attending district school during the winter un- til he was prepared to enter Illinols Coliege, at Jacksonville. Coming home, he settled down to farming in 1893, buying 120 acres of land on Section 36, Cartwright Township, but he now owns 272 in the townshlp, all in one body, and seventy acres In Menard County. He remained with his parents until his marriage, on April 11, 1894, to Fannie Megredy, born near Pawnee, June S, 1865, a danghter of James J. and Ann R. (Hall) Megredy, he a native of Maryland and she of Virginia. Mr. Megredy came to Illinois with his parents, and she with her mother, both families settling near Chatham, where the young people were marrled. They settled down on a farm near Pawnee, and there Mr. Megredy taught and farmed, becoming a man of considerable prominence. He was sent to the State Assembly on the Democratic ticket, and a number of excellent bills were introduced by hlm. The farmn near Pawnee remained his home until his death September 23, 1885. Fol- lowing this sad event his widow Ilved on the homestead untii her daughter married Mr. Tom- lin, when Mrs. Megredy came to live with them, dylng in their home August 19, 1906. Both she and her husband were for many years leading lights of the Methodist Church, and in early days she was very active in church and Sunday school work. There were thirteen children in the Megredy famlly, six of whom lived to maturity, but only three survive: Anna of Springfield; Millard F. on the grandfather's homestead, and Mrs. Tomlin. Those deceased are: Charles. Willlam P., Samuel E., John and six died in infancy.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Tomlln

located on their property, which they have de- veioped into a very valnable farm, with a sub- stantial residence and good barns. This farm Is on the old State road, one mile west of Pleas- ant Plains. There three children were born, as follows : Harry, born February 17, 1895, at school ; Howard Edwin, born May 29, 1896, died February 10, 1898; Helen Louise, born Febrn- ary 7, 1903, in Denver, Col .; Lawrence Me- gredy, born January 18, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Tomlin are consistent and valned members of the Methodist Church, of which he is both Trustee and Steward.

Ever since he began farming Mr. Tomlin has made a specialty of raising good stock, handiing Duroc-Jersey hogs to the number of 400 annually, and from 100 to 200 head of cat- tle. So convinced is he of the money to be made in raising stock that in addition to his Sangamon County property and that In Menard County, he owns 320 acres in Texas, not far from Honston, which he is developing into a stock farın. In addition to his large agricul- tural interests, Mr. Tomlin is a stockholder and Director of the Pleasant Plains State Bank, and his name helps give the institution the solidity that is appreciated by its depositors.

For years Mr. Tomlin has voted the Prohibl- tion ticket, his scruples and principies making hlm an ardent supporter of temperance. He is a Mason, a Modern Woodman of America. belonging to Pleasant Plains lodges of both fraternities, and enjoys his associations with each. Steadfast of purpose, Mr. Tomlin took a farm, the land of which was regarded as poor, and by proper cuitivation bronght it into such a high state of development that he now produces 10,000 bnshels of corn annnally, in addition to his large stock prodnce. Owing to his remarkable success. he is recognized as an authority on agricultural matters, and also stands high in the estimation of his fellowmen as a reliable business man and good citizen.

TOMLINSON, Elizabeth Ellen .- In these days of women's advancement. members of the gent- ler sex are not only entering ali lines of busi- ness and professions, but are ably demonstrating their right to be there and maintaining the high- est standards of excellence. One of the best photographers of Springfield is a woman, and in her work she displays so artistic a sense of the possibilities of her profession and such keen ap- preclation of detail, that she has a large patron- age, and some of the best photographs made in the city bear her name. She is a native of the city, born February 7, 1877, a daughter of Nich- olas B. and Sarah Margaret (Glllock) Tomlin- son. Mr. Tomlinson was a steam fitter, and spent his life in Springfield, although his parents came from Kentucky to the new State capital. Miss Tomlinson was educated in Sangamon County and Springfield schools, and early showed aptitude. She was a favorite with teachers and pupils alike, and a brilliant future was mapped out for her.

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When oniy thirteen years of age, Miss Tom- linson was forced to earn her living, and ob- tained employment in the woolen miils. How- ever, to such an ambitious giri, this work was not satistying, so sbe learned to be a photogra- pher, studying at night, after a day of hard work. By 1896 she was proficient enough to be- gin working at the profession and iater opened her studio on Adams Street, where she has every appliance and convenience for the successfui prosecution of her profession.

Miss Tomlinson is an earnest and consistent member of the Baptist Church, always ready to give of her time and money towards its good work, and is valued in the congregation. The success of these earnest women, who allow noth- ing to stand in the way of their advancement, but rise steadily through sheer perseverance, may weil be an encouragement to others of their sex who are trying to make a piace for them- selves and prove their worth and capability.

TOMLINSON, Wiliiam D .- A large number of the men who fought for their country are now living retired in Sangamon County. The climatic conditions, combined with the many urban ad- vantages offered there, especially in the Capital City, make this locality an ideal one for those wishing to spend their deciining years in ease and comfort. One who' is representative of this noble class, is William D. Tomlinson, a veteran of the Civil War, who resides at No. 212 South John Street, Springfield. He was born near the city, in 1835, a son of Louis and Adaline (Dillard) Tomlinson, natives of Kentucky, the former born at Lexington. They were married in Sangamon County. Ill.

Louis Tomiinson brought his famlly to Sanga- mon County in 1826, settling north of Spring- field, where he entered land from the Govern- ment and operated it for a number of years. In 1861 the family moved to Springfield, for Mr. Tomlinson had been appointed Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff William Crofton, and for three years served admirably. He also served as Constable and was faithfui in discharging his duties during those tronblous times. He re- sided in Springfield until his death, which oc- curred in 1880, his widow surviving him untii 1886. They had ten children, evenly divided as to sex, but of them only three survive: Will- iam D. and his brother and sister.

William D. Tomlinson attended the Spring- field schools and worked for his father untii he was sixteen years old. When the war broke out his patriotic spirit was fired with the de- sire to defend the country, and he enlisted in Company E. Sixty-third Indiana Volunteer In- fantry, serving three years. He participated in twenty hard-fought battles, among them be- ing those of Nashville, Peach Tree Creek and others of equal importance. He was mustered out June 22, 1865, at Greensboro, N. C. Re- turning home, he resumed farming, then learned brick making, and worked at that trade until his retirement.

Iu 1880 Mr. Tomlinson was married in White County, Ill., to Mrs. Mary C. (Upton) Kerr, both her parents being natives of Illinois. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson; Frank, a printer on the Springfield Record; Junus O., of Springfield ; Alwilda, wife of Harry Hand, of Springfield; Juno, wife of Arthur Arnoid, of Springfield, and Mertell, wife of John Nance, of Springfield. There is one grandchlid iu. the family.

Mr. Tomlinson is a Republican and is very proud of the fact that he was personally ac- quainted with Abraham Lincoln. He owns his pleasant home and receives a pension from the Government he helped to save. He Is a member of Central Lodge No. 173, A. F. & A. M., of Indianapolis, and belongs to the G. A. R. A sturdy, hard-working man ali his iife, Mr. Tomlinson proved his worth both in war and peace, and is one of the most respected men of the city which has been his home for over half a century.

TOWNSEND, Pleasant E., an intelligent and representative farmer of Sangamon County, of which place he is a native, has spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits since leaving school. He was born February 3, 1858, a son of Amos and Caroline (Kline) Townsend, the former born in the East, in 1820, and the latter born in Penn- sylvania, in 1828. The parents came to Sanga- mon Conuty in 1830 and located on a farm near Rochester, where they lived two years, then re- moved to Michigan, but later returned to San- gamon County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The father was a farmer and became a prominent citizen. He served for some time as Schooi Director in his district.

The boyhood of Pleasant E. Townsend was spent in his native county, where he was edu- cated in the public schools, and he continued to reside on his father's farm until he was thirty years of age. He then married and began farm- ing ou his own account, which he has since con- tinued with gratifying success, having lived on his present farm some twenty-two years, same being the old homestead on which his father io- cated at a very early date. He owns eighty acres of fine farming land, in an excellent state of cultivation. He is one of the energetic and pro- gressive farmers of his community and has a reputation for integrity and reliability. He has the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and has many friends. He is a man of good habits and pleasant manner. In religious belief he is a Methodist, and In politics au adherent of the principies of the Republican party. . He served during the year 1908 as School Director.

Mr. Townsend was married at Bloomington, Iii., October 20, 1888, to Miss Martha Sauers, a native of Germany, born March 20, 1863, daughter of Richard and Katie Sauers, who came to America in 1868, landing in New York. They made a trip back to their native country but returned to America. Mr. Sauers died iu 1890, and his widow is still living in Springfield.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Town- send, of whom fonr daughters and one son snr- vive : Clarence, born Jannary 19, 1889, attend- ing school at Valparaiso, Ind., has taught school ; Emma H., a teacher in the conntry schools, lives at home; Myrtle, Ruth and Eva, all at home. Those deceased are Florence and Katle. Mr. Townsend has the following hrothers living: Philip H. G., in dairy business in Springfield ; Eli, a farmer living near Mechanicsburg ; George, a farmer living In Michigan.

TRAPP, Henry .- Springfield is the center of the vast coal interests of Sangamon County, and many of her foremost citizens are carrying on husiness along this line. One whose success In the coal business is gratifying because it has heen self-gained, is Henry Trapp, who was born May 20, 1861, in Otto, Fulton County, Ill., a son of Oliver and Maria (Gilson) Trapp.

Oliver Trapp was born near Zanesville, Ohio, and was married in Illinois to Maria Gilson, a native of Buffalo, N. Y. He was a cooper hy occupation and established himself in busi- ness at Otto, Ill., where he enlisted in the Twenty-Eighth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for services in the Unlon Army, in 1861. He served three years and his death which was a result of his army experience, oc- curred at Nashville, Tenn. He and his wife had four children. After his death his widow married John Babcock, who survived her twenty years, dying in 190S. Two children were born hy her second marriage.

Henry Trapp was one of four children born to his parents, and until he was nineteen years of age attended school at Ipava, Ill. He then worked at coal mining and for Charles Foote and in the woolen mills, going thence to the coal mines at Rushville, Schuyler County, in which he continued to work for seven years. The fol- lowing four years were spent in coal mining at Astoria, and the next two at Dunfermline, Ill., after which he went to Cripple Creek, Colo., and worked for three years in the celebrated gold mines there. On his return to Illinois he again took up coal mining, and in 190S, engaged in bnslness for himself. He is a self-made man in all that the term implies, and his success is the result of hard and faithful labor. On first coming to Springfield he had not enough money with which to buy a meal, and this contrasts strongly with the fact the he now owns several valuable properties, In addition to his flourish- ing business. In political matters he is a Re- publican, hut he has never cared for office. His religious views are liberal.

In 1882 Mr. Trapp was married at Knoxville, Ill., to Zella Bates, of Rushville, who died in 1898, leaving two children, Raymond and Nellie. In 1901 he was married (second) at Springfield to Mrs. Alice (Allison) Harvey, and four chil- dren have been born to this nnion: Allen, Blanche. Lawrence, and Charles, the latter of whom died in 1907. Mrs. Trapp had four chll-

dren by her former marrlage; James, Arthur, Ruth and Grace Harvey.

TREAT, Samuel Hubbel. (Vol. I, p. 528.)

TRIMBLE, James A .- Responsible action and carefnl management are accountable for the success in life attained by James A. Trimble, now residing at No. 712 South English Avenue, Springfield, but still interested in farming. He was born in Curran Township, Sangamon Connty, July 27, 1846, and there grew to man- hood's estate. While attending school he had the privilege of studying under the instruction of William Head and John Kincade. When he was twenty years old his school days ended.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 152

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