Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 157

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 157

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Ten children were boru to Mr. Vredenburgh and his wife, namely : Abbie C., born January 31, 1868; Francis D., born March 3, 1870, died April 12 of the same year ; John S., born Febru- ary 16, 1871, was married October 19, 1902, to Mary R. Gillespie, and they live in Springfield ; Anna Elizabeth, born October 5, 1873, was mar- ried May 24, 1899, to C. S. Merrick; Peter, born January 10, 1876, married Miss Pussy Hoskins, January 12, 1897, and they have two children- Thomas Sellers, born December 16, 1898, and Peter, boru January 7, 1904; Thomas D., born . March 24, 1878, was married May 10, 1899, to Miss Lucy Pease and they have two children- W. Ogden, born February 9, 1900, and T. Dore- mus, February 9, 1902; Robert O., born Febru- ary 24, 1880, was married June 20, 1900, to Miss Jessie C. Sholes, a native of Sangamon County, and they have one child, Clarice, born April 15, 1902; LaRue, born July 29, 1882; Ed- ward W., born March 27, 1887, died April 10 of the same year; Reynolds W., born March 13, 1888. Ail the sons are engaged in business with their father and have received good business training.

In religious views Mr. Vredenburgh is a mem- ber of the First Presbyterian Church of Spring- fieid, and he is interested in every measure he believes wiil advance the welfare of his com- munity. In business dealings he has always been actuated by motives of honesty and in- tegrity, and has reached his present successful position through open-handed transactions, hav- ing a reputation that is unsullied by doubt of his honesty of purpose and upright character. He is a great lover of his family and home and has always had their interest in mind in formu- lating his plans. He is genial and kindly of manner and nature, and has a host of sincere friends, among whom he is very popular. He is a Democrat in State and National politics, but in local affairs works and votes for the man rather than the party. He has served as a mem- ber of the School Board of Springfield, but has „ preferred to give his undivided attention to his own extensive interests rather than enter pub- lic life, though he is intensely interested in cur- rent events and issues and ready to do his duty as a private citizen.

WADE, Samuel G. (deceased) .- When two peo- ple have lived together long enough to celebrate their Golden Wedding, the event is of sufficient moment to attract attention from the entire community. Samuel G. Wade, now deceased, and his excellent wife enjoyed this event, on August 28, 1909, and the memory of it will linger long with those who knew and loved them. The Wade home is on Section 16. Curran Township, and is always open to friends. Mr. Wade was born in Adair County, Ky .. February 21. 1834, a son of William and Cynthia (Wheeler) Wade, both of Adair County, where the father was born in 1808, and she in the same year.

The father was a farmer and shoemaker, who spent his life in Kentucky, where he worked at

his trade and farmed. His death occurred in 1850, his wife following him in 1852. The Wades are from Yorkshire, England, but they have been in this country for several generations, as the grandfather, Archie Wheeler, was born in North Carolina. On the maternal side, the extraction is from French stock.

Samuei G. Wade was educated in Kentucky and Illinois, working during his boyhood on his fa- ther's farm. In February, 1856, he came to Illinois, iocating in Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County, where he farmned for a year, then went to Hancock County, living there three years. He then moved to Menard County, to engage in farming for many years. In 1874, he came to Sangamon, County, locating near Pleasant Plains, where he resided for twelve years, farming all the while. In 1887, Mr. Wade moved to Curran, where he continued farming until his death. He also owned land in Capital Heights north of Springfield. For one term, he served as School Director of Curran Township, being elected on the Democratic ticket.

The marriage of Mr. Wade took place in Han- cock County, August 28, 1859, when he was united with Lucinda Wilson, the Rev. Knight officiating. She was born in Floyd County, Va., October 18, 1839. Her parents came to Hancock County, Ill., to engage in farming, living there until both died, the mother at the advanced age of ninety-three years, and the father at the age of seventy years. Mr. and Mrs. Wade became the parents of nine children, six of whom sur- vive : Alice L., widow of William Poor who died February 2, 1907, leaving Ralph E., Effie and Frank ; Albert, a carpenter of Springfield, mar- ried Hattie Barber ; Liliie, wife of Harry Trim- mel of Springfield, has four children,-James H., Paul W., Raymond S. and Russell ; Nora E., wife of William Gaton of Dawson, issue,- Gladys F .; William E., at home; Lola E., wife of John B. Hamilton, a farmer of Loami, issue,- Francis W. and Howard W .; and Archie, Mary and Charies deceased. In addition to the chil- dren and grandchildren present at the Golden Wedding celebration, Mr. Wade had the pleas- ure of entertaining two of his sisters, so that the party was a remarkable one.

It would be impossible in so shorta review as this, to give in detail the many excellent qual- ities which endeared Mr. and Mrs .- Wade to so many. Suffice to say that when trouble came to a neighbor, they were appreciated most. Then it was that they showed their friendship, aud gave of both time and sympathy to help the af- fiicted. Their lives were filled with hard work, they struggled hard to rear their large family, but they lived to enjoy peace and plenty, and the devotion and love of their children and grandchildren.

The Democratic party long had in Mr. Wade a faithful exponent of its principles, although, aside from serving as School Director, he would not accept any office. His death occurred Au-

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gust 25th, 1911, and his remains were iuterred in Old Salem Cemetery.

WADSWORTH, John T. (deceased) .- The min- ing interests of Sangamon County are of such a nature as to eugage the attention of a nuruber of reliable and substantial men. Many of the English residents of Springfield have invested largely in mlning properties, and their names are connected with some of the most profitable mines in the vicinity. One of the men who, when living, bore his part in the development of the mines at Athens, Ill., was the late John T. Wadsworth, who at the thue of his death held the responsible positlou of superintendent. He was born in County Durham, England, Jau- uary 25, 1842, being a son of Samuel and Eliza Wadsworth, also of England. The latter and his wife never left England, where they brought up their fourteen childreu, died and were buried.

John T. Wadsworth attended the schools of his native place and early engaged in mlning, which continued his life work. Coming to the United States at the age of twenty years, he located at once at Springfield, which remained hls home, with the exception of a short time spent at Athens, where he met his death through accideut. His duties as superintendent called him to one of the lower levels, and when he was in the cage coming up, the engineer lost con- trol of the engine, the cage upset, and Mr. Wadsworth was thrown to the bottom of the shaft, being killed instantly. This sad acci- dent, which plunged all of Atheus in gloom, oc- curred October 21, 1901. He had been a stock- holder In several mines in the vicinity of Springfield and Greenview, Ill., aud was a man of considerable means, although he had earned all he had through his own efforts. He was a member of Adinah Lodge No. 91, I. O. O. F., of Streator, Ill. His religious home was in the Methodist Church of Athens.

On November 26, 1867, Mr. Wadsworth mar- ried, in Springfield, Ill., Elizabeth A. Charlton, born In Pennsylvania, August 16, 1845, a daughter of Foster and Leah Hinde Charlton, natives of County Durham, England, who came to Pennsylvania some years previous to Mrs. Wadsworth's birth. Mr. Charlton dled in 1845, and in 1848 his widow married Thos. Hutton. The Hutton famlly moved from Pennsylvania to Brunswick, Canada, where they lived for ten years. and then came to Springfield. The father died in Tallula, Ill., and the mother died in Greenview. Ill. Mr. Hutton was connected with one mine in the vicinity of Springfield, also one at Greenview and at Tallula, Ill. There were three sons and one daughter in the Hutton fam- ily. No children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth, but they adopted a son and raised a giri. the former, John H., now making his home with Mrs. Wadsworth. The family resi- dence, at No. 1154 North Fourth Street, is owned by Mrs. - Wadsworth. Mr. Wadsworth was a good business man, and as superintendent

earned the good will and confidence of hils muen, who felt his loss very deeply. He had the sterling tralts of character that have made Englishmen such good colouists the world over, and his memory is held in deepest respect throughout Saugaiuon Couuty by those who knew him.

WAKEFIELD, Samuel 0,-The Wakefield fam- ily was closely identified with pioneer history in Illinois, for its members came to the State many years ago, where several .generations have been born. These grand old pioneers accomplished more than they realized at the time, when they braved the dangers of the long journey, the un- certainty of life and the dangers from the In- dians and wild beasts. That they did succeed, our present wonderful development proves be- yond doubt. An excellent representative of this pioneer family is Samuel O. Wakefield, a pros- perous farmer of Section 33, Williams Township, who was born in Clinton County, Ill., June 1, 1851, a son of Charles and Mary (Lowe) Wake- field, natlves of the same place.

Charles Wakefield's father was born In Geor- gla, and came from that State to Illinols at a very early date, becoming the owner of a large estate in Cliuton County. While he was still a new resident of that county, the Black Hawk War broke out, and he hastened to enlist, to help protect his family and the community from Indian atrocities. In 1865 Charles Wakefield, who had marrled and become the father of sev- eral children, moved with his family to Sanga- mon County, locating ou farm land south of Dawson, a year after his arrival there. This continued his home for three years, but he then came to Wililams Townshlp, securIng the farm now the property of Samuel O. Wakefield. This continued to be the home of himself and wife until their deaths, both passing away in 1895. They had nine children, five sons and four daughters, four of whom survive: Samuel O., Millard, Hatson, and Nancy Ann, all of whom live together on the home property.

Samuel O. Wakefield was educated in Sanga- mon County and during his boyhood worked on the farm he now owns, learning thoroughly the calling he has followed all his life. The Meth- odist Church holds his membership, although he attends the Union Mission Church of Spaulding. In politics he is a Republican, but cannot be in- duced to accept public office. He has never mar- rled. He is pleasant and genial, has many friends. He takes great pride in his family hls- tory and the land his father bought and handed down to him. While conservative in his ideas, he favors good roads and other improvements which are for the best interests of his commu- nity, and is one of the reliable, substantial men of his township.

WALDRON, James, now living retired from active life at his pleasant home at 2015 Peoria Road, Springfield, is a representative English- American citizen and is interested in every

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

measure affecting the general weifare of his community. He is a native of Worcestershire, Engiand, born April 25, 1836, a sou of John and Mary (Nickiin) Waldron, also born in England. The father was a mine superintendent by oc- cupation and he and his wife were parents of four sons and four daughters, of whom two sons are now surviving, Thomas, living at Scranton, Kan., and James, of Springfield.

In boyhood James Waldron received a rudi- mentary education in the public schools of his native iand, and while yet a boy began learn- ing the trade of miner, which he followed ail his active life. He worked many years at min- ing in Engiand, rose to the position of a fore- man, and eventually became a mine superintend- ent. In 1881, being at that time thirty-five years of age, he salled from Liverpool to America, landing In New York City. He came on to Bloomington, Iil., where he worked three years, then came to Barclay, Sangamon County. He followed mining in that town three years, then removed to Streator, and two years later to Dawson, where he remained three years before coming to Springfield, which has since been his home. He has lived retired from active life since 1891 and owns the home he now occupies, where he has lived a number of years. He was at one time connected with the old North Shaft, and was for several years engaged as Mine Ex- aminer.

Mr. Waidron was married in England, Decem- ber 25, 1854, to Miss Sophia Southall, also a native of that country, born August 8, 1836, whose parents spent their entire lives there. No children were born of this union. Mr. Wai- dron is recognized as a useful and public-spir- Ited citizen, weli known as a man of Integrity and stability. He is a member of the Third Presbyterlan Church and in politics espouses the cause of the Republican party. He has many firm friends in the city, which has been his home for the past twenty years.

WALKER, Andrew .- It is difficult to do full justice to the veterans of the Civil War, for no mere words can ever repay them for what they endured or risked in their brace defense of their country. Many of the bravest soldiers were for- eign born, but, having come to the United States In search of the liberty not found In their native land, were wliling to go out in defense of their adopted country. An honored veteran of Spring- field who belongs to this class is Andrew Walker, born on the Isle of Man, August 12, 1840, a son of John W. and Margaret (Gibson) Walker. The father was born In Scotland, and by occupa- tion was a soap manufacturer. Not satisfied with conditions on the Isle of Man, he came to the United States, settling in New York State, where he resided for many years. Later he came west to Chicago, where he engaged in man- ufacturing soap, living there until his death. The mother died when Andrew Walker was but an Infant, so the latter has no recollection of her.

Andrew Walker went to school in Elmira,

N. Y., where the family resided, and did his first work on a farm in that vicinity, leaving home when twelve years of age. Upon coming west, he stopped in Chicago, and then went south to New Orieans, in 1856. There he worked at odd jobs, finaliy securing employment on a steamboat, where he learned to be an engineer. For three years he was on a boat that ran from New Or- leans to Memphis. In 1858 he came to Spring- fieid, at first working on a farm. During the fa -. mous Douglas-Lincoln campaign, he heard much of the talk of the times, and was greatly in- terested In it. Going to New Orleans again, at the end of a year, he worked on the Mississippi Central Rallroad as a fireman, continuing with this company until the outbreak of the war, when he came back to Springfield. There he ob- tained employment with the Ilimois Centrai Railroad Company as fireman, but a short time later went to Missouri, where he was fireman on the Missouri aud Northern Railroad. A year later he returned to Springfield for the third time, and enlisted In the Twenty-ninth Iliinols Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in at Nat- chez, Miss. He participated in the batties of Pittsburg Landing and Forts Henry and Donel- son, serving under General John A. Logan. He was honorably discharged at the close of his service. Coming back from the war, he farmed for a year, then entered the Illinois Foundry as engineer, leaving there after a year to become engineer at the State House, which position he held for seventeen years. For a year he was in Spokane, Wash., but since his retirement from active dutles, has elected to make Springfield his home. Neediess to say, he is a stanch Re- publican, and has represented his party in the City Council as Alderman from the First Ward for five years, and did his full duty in that body, as he always has, whether in private life or on the battlefield. Fraternally he Is an Odd Fellow, having joined that order twenty-five years ago, and belonging to Springfield Lodge No. 6, and is also a member of the 'Modern Woodmen. Since Stephenson Post, No. 30, G. A. R. was es- tablished, he has been one of its most enthu- siastic members. The Third Presbyterian Church, of Springfield, holds his membership and has his hearty support.

Mr. Walker was born in Springfield, Aprli 7, 1863, to Nancy Simmon, born and reared in Springfield. Her parents were natives of Ire- land and died when she was a small chlid. Two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Walker: Emma, deceased, and Anna E., wife of Cyrus Chinkee, foreman of the plate department of the Illinois Watch Company. Mr. and Mrs. Chinkee have three sons : Harry, Walter and Robert, all employes of the Illinois Watch Company. Mr Walker owns his beautiful residence, one of the finest in Springfield, at No. 1110 North Thir- teenth Street, and other pieces of city realty, as weli as rich farming iand In the vicinity of Springfield. He is widely known, his association with the State House having brought him into

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contact with men from all over the State, and all who know him like the pleasant, genial man, who has seen so much and has been so closely Identified with the earlier history of Springfield.

WALKER, Benjamin Franklin (deceased), who for many years carrled on farming near Breck- enridge, Sangamon County, was prominent in public affairs in his community and was much respected by all. He made his own way in life, his father dying when the son was a boy and leaving a large family. Mr. Walker was born in Jay County, Ind., November 9, 1853, and was a son of Charles Walker and his wife, farming people, who had seven sons and four daughters, all of whom except one were living at the time of the father's death. The parents moved from Indiana to Schuyler County, Ill., and after the father's death the widow and children all worked to keep the family together. They pros- pered well and Benjamin F. remained at home until his marriage to Sarah Stobaugh, of Chris- tian County, Ill., the ceremony being performed by Rev. Eli Matthew. After his marriage Mr. Walker located in Sangamon County, where he spent the remainder of his life. His mother dled In 1903.

Mr. Walker was married at Sharpsburg, Ill., to Jennle Stobaugh, born in Sangamon County, September 7, 1869, daughter of Andrew and Mary Frances (Nell) Stobaugh, the former born in Iowa, January 20, 1834, and the latter born in Kentucky, December 19, 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Stobaugh were married In Sangamon County, August 12, 1868, and became parents of two children : James William, died at the age of thirteen years, October 11, 1884, and Mrs. Walker.

Four children were born to Mr. Walker, all of whom survive, namely: Charles Andrew, April 18, 1892; Elsie Ethel, December 22, 1894; Jesse Danlel, October 30, 1895; Iva Dot, Octo- ber 26, 1897. The children have all attended the Breckenridge School.

In politics Mr. Walker was a Democrat. He served as Road Commissioner and as Trustee of the school at Breckenridge. He was a member of the local camp of Woodmen and was well known In social and fraternal circles. He be- longed to the South Fork Christian Church, as do the other members of the famlly. He was an industrious and prosperous farmer and owned 195 acres of land in Section 5, Cooper Township, which he had brought to a high state of cultiva- tion. Mr. Walker died August 24, 1906, and his widow now rents her land, but she and the chil- dren continue to reside in the old home. He was actively interested in the public welfare and prosperity and was held in high esteem by his fellow citizens, among whom he has been greatly missed.

WALKER, Norton A., one of Sangamon County's most reliable and highly respected farmers, has developed a fine farm and has brought it to a high 'state of cultivation. Mr.

Walker was born in Henry County, Ill., March 28, 1856, and is a son of Charles and Mary Ann (Dugan) Walker, the former born in Ohio, Sep- tember 20, 1823, and the latter born January 30, 1824. The parents were farmers and were married iu Ohlo, January 1, 1844, soon after which they removed to Schuyler County, Ill., where the father died in 1872, and the mother, who died on the farm where her son Norton A. now lives, was buried at South Fork Cemetery, February 23, 1905. The grandparents of Norton A. Walker were deceased at the time he was born.

Mr. Walker received his education in the country schools of Schuyler County and has since been engaged in farming. He has been industrious and ambitious and has spent little time in recreation, being fully occupied with his work. As a child he accompanied his parents to Fulton County and later to Schuyler County, and March 1, 1876, came to Sangamon County and located one inlle north of his present home, where he spent six years. After his father's death (which occurred when the boy was six- teen years of age) he and a brother paid a debt of $600. He helped support his mother and her five small children until he reached his majority, since which time he has been able to acquire and pay for 400 acres of land. He now owns 200 acres and pald an average of $75 per acre for it, although it is now worth $200 per acre. He has been most successful in his agricultural operations and owns two shares in the Farmers'. Elevator Company, of Breckenridge. He is a Democrat in politics and has served two years as School Director. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of the Modern Woodmen and he and his wife belongs to the Loyal Americans. Mr. Walker belongs to the Christian Church and hls wife to the Catholic Church. He Is a man of cousiderable influence in his community and is actively Interested in its progress and welfare. His success is the result of his own efforts and he has shown excellent judgment in the mange- ment of his affairs, adding to his financial ill- terests from time to time as circumstances war- ranted.

May 1, 1878, Mr. Walker was married, at Springfield, Ill., by Father Brady, to Catherine Haney, a native of County Galway, Ireland, born in June, 1857, daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann (Welsh) Haney, both of whom spent their entire lives In Ireland. The father of Mrs. Mary Haney came to the United States aud participated in the War of 1812. Seven chll- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Walker, namely : Mary Ann, born February 23, 1880, married Henry Jett and they live in Sangamon County . and have two children, Chelsia and Oregin; Sarah, born October 25, 1882, married Ben Wil- son, of Christian County, and they have one child, Imo; George, born July 25, 1884, mar- l'led Zella Splcer, and they have one child, Francis; Barbara E., born August 3, 1886, mar- ried Timon Robinson; Katherine M., born August 3, 1SS9, married Leslie Joues, and they

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

live in Sangamon County; Willlam A., born August 5, 1892, and Ruth M., born February 6, 1895, Ilve at home.

WALLACE, Joseph (deceased), lawyer and author, who lived in Springfield, Ill., nearly haif a century, was born. In Hunter's Bottom, Gallatin (now Carroll) County, Ky., September 30, 1834. He was a son of James and Mary (Morris) Wallace, both natives of Kentucky. Both grandfathers of Joseph Wallace emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky, about 1796. Two brothers of Mrs. James Wallace, George and Walker Morris, were prominent members of the Bar in Kentucky. James Wallace and his wife had five sons, of whom two survive.

At the age of two years, Joseph Waliace was brought by his parents to Jefferson County, Ind., where he grew up on a farm and enjoyed the educational advantages offered in the coun- try schools. At the age of eighteen years, he entered Franklin College, in Franklin County, Ind., where he remained several terms, although he did not graduate. When twenty-two years old he began the study of law In the office of Judge Charles E. Walker, of Madison, Ind., and one year later, in the spring of 1857, resumed his studies in the offices of Messrs. Stuart & Edwards, then one of the leading law firms of Springfield and the State of Illinois. In Febru- ary, 1858, Mr. Wallace was admitted to the Bar, by the Supreme Court of the State. During his first years of residence In Springfield he llved with an uncle (by marriage), William T. Grims- ley, an oid-time merchant. In politics Mr. Wal- lace was a Democrat of the old-school type, and although never active In politicai affairs, held several public offices of honor and trust. in which his knowledge of the law and scrupulous devotion to the Interests of the people made his service of great value.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 157

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