Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 158

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 158

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Mr. Waliace served as Justice of the Peace from 1866 to 1874, and In 1880 was elected a member of the City Common Council of Spring- field. He early developed a taste and taient for literary pursuits, and in recognition of hls culture and scholarship was honored, in. 1894 by having the degree of A. M. conferred on hlm by Franklin College. His first work that at- tracted much attention was a sketch of the life and public services of Edward D. Baker, a 12-mo. volume of 144 pages, published In 1870. In 1878 Mr. Waliace wrote a "Historical Outline of Illinols ;" in 1880, while a member of the City Council, he delivered an address before that body on the life and public services of Judge Stephen T. Logan, then lately deceased ; In 1884 he was the principal author of a Revised City Code, published by authority of the Council ; in 1885 Mr. Wallace wrote for the Ililnois State Register, a series of Biographical sketches of United States Senators from Iifinois, and his last literary work was assisting in the prepara- tion of "The Past and Present of the City of Springfield and Sangamon County," in the third chapter of which, entitled "The Prominent and

Illustrious Dead of the City of Springfield," are found brief blographies of several men who were for a time residents of Springfield, and wilose names are well known to the State and Natlon. The principal literary production of Mr. Wal- lace, which is of Interest to all Americans, Is "The History of Illinois and Louisiana under the French Rule," which Is an elaborate history · of the Mississippl Valley during the first cen- tury of its exploration and occupation by white men, published in 1893. This work is clear and concise in style and Mr. Wallace was most care- ful In his selection of authorities. He was a member of the Illinois Historical Society from Its organization and read a paper at the annual meeting held in January, 1903, on "Fort De Chartres ; Its Origin, Growth and Deciine," which was published that year in the proceed- Ings.

Mr. Wallace was a grandson of Reverend John Waliace, an early Baptist preacher in Ken- tucky, was educated in the Baptist faith and at the time of his death was a member of the Central Baptist Church, of Springfield.

January 14, 1864, Mr. Wallace was married, in Kentucky, to Miss Mary Eilzabeth Hoag- land, of Hunter's Bottom, Ky., wilo was de- scended from one of the oid Knickerbocker fam- illes of New York City, a lady of culture and literary taste, and a graduate of Science Hiii Female Academy, of Shelbyville, Ky., where she spent three years under the Instruction of Mrs. Julia A. Tevis, a celebrated educator. Mrs. Wallace was born October 23, 1837, daughter of Okey and Mary (Giltner) Hoagland, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Bour- bon County, Ky. No children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Waliace. Mrs. Wallace now resides at 710 West Monroe St., Springfield. The death of Mr. Wallace occurred August 10, 1904, at his home on West Monroe Street, Springfield, and he was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, of that city.

WALLACE, (Rev.) Peter, D. D. (Vol. I, pp. 548-549. )

WALLACE, William W., a venerable resident of Springfield who has many interesting recoliec- tlons of early days there, when present condi- tions were not even dreamed of, was born In Prince Edward County, Va., June 19, 1830, a son of Jullan C. and Evellne F. (Godsey) Wal- lace, natives of Virginia. The former was born January 3, 1816, and the latter, April 12, 1812. The father was a shoemaker by trade, who, look- Ing for better conditions, left Virginia in 1836, for Franklin County, Ky., making the trip by wagon. This State continued hls home until his death on March 16, 1881. His wife survived him only until November 6th, of the same year. One son of Julian C., Charles R. Waliace, en- listed in 1862, In the Union Army, and fongiit bravely until the close of the war. Edward A. Wallace, another son, enlisted the same year as his brother, was taken prisoner at the battle of Shiloh, and Incarcerated at Llbby Prison and

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Andersonville, spending nine months in all in these two prisons.

William W. Wallace attended the subscription schools of Kentucky, at the same time helping his father until he was twenty-one years of age. He continued farming until 1858, in his native State, but in that year came to Riverton, Ill., where he took a contract to cut 100 cords of tim- ber. For a year he worked in the timber, and in a saw-quiil, and then for five months worked on a farm, when he returned to the timber, to en- gage with Amos. Grubb. His association with him continued until 1860.

Mr. Wallace was married in Franklin County, Ky., July 18, 1855, to Ann C. Woodruff, born in Franklin County, daughter of John and Mary A. (Petty) Woodruff, natives of Kentucky, where the father was a wagon-maker. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs.

. Wallace: Jane C. Bashaw; Isabelle Dickerson ; John W., a farmer near Bissell, Ill. ; Charles H., a farmer; Sarah C. Glosc; Nettie Johnson, on a farm near Ransom, Kan .; Louis A. in the Ra- cine Sattlery Plow Works; Frank E., also at the plow works ; Mary Drendel and A. O., who died February 7, 1906. Mr. Wallace is a Republican and belongs to the Christian Church, living out, in his simple, steadfast life, the faith he pro- fesses in his religious connections. He is a kindly man, who has made many frlend during his residence in the community, and his chil- dren have made their mark wherever they have located.

WALSH, Harry T. (deceased) .- Only those whose attention has been called to the matter understand character of the engineer's work or how much responsibility rests on his shoulders. The safety of thousands lies in his care, and seldom is it that he fails to live up to the trust reposed in him and his skill. The late Harry G. Walsh, formerly an engineer with the Wabash system, was representative of his class. He was always at his post, conscientious and faith- ful, and when he passed away everyone con- nected with the road felt that it had lost one of its most valued employes. Mr. Walsh was born in Springfield, December 13, 1868, being a son of Patrick and Mary (O'Connor) Walsh, natives of County Cork, Ireland. Patrick Walsh was for years a leading grocer of Springfield and well-known in the city.

Ilarry T. Waish was educated in a parochial school in Springfield, and early became con- nected with the Wabash Railroad. For years he was on the Danville and Springfield Division, and was well known along his route. In 1894 he left the employ of the Wabash Railroad and was employed four years by the State as Engi- neer of the electric power plant at the States Prisou in Joliet. On leaving there he entered the employ of the Illinois Steel Mills at Joliet, and was there iujured in an accident which caused his death May 25. 1900. His remains were laid in Calvary Cemetery. An earnest Catholic, he belonged to the Church of the Im-

maculate Conception. Fraternally he was a member of the Modern Woodmen and in poli- tics was a Democrat.

Mr. Walsh was married in Springfield, Ill., December 15, 1891, to Edna Page, of that city, daughter of John aud Alice (Demars) Page. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Walsh were: Harry T., born April 4, 1893; John E., born January 3, 1895, and Gladys M., born Septem- ber 3, 1898. Mrs. Walsh owns the home at No. 1427 South Eighth Street, where the family cn- tertain their many friends. They are well and favorably known in their neighborhood and Mrs. Walsh is highly esteemed for her many excel- lent qualities.

WALSH, Michael, an enterprising and public- spirited citizeu of Springfield, Ill., was born in Bethalto, Madison County, Ill., July 29, 1869, a son of John and Mary (Gards) Walsh, both natives of County Cork, Ireland. The father was a farmer, coal miner and business man. John Walsh cast his first Presidential vote for Buchanan, having emigrated to America some years before. He was married at Alton, Ill., and later removed to Springfield, where he and his wife were for many years devout members of the Church of the Immaculate Conception and active in church work. Mr. Walsh died October 14, 1897, and his widow now resides at 420 South Ninth Street, Springfield. They were parents of ten children, of whom three sons and three daughters now survive, and Michael is the third oldest.

In boyhood Michael Walsh attended St. Mary's Catholic School, of Springfield and at the age of eighteen years left school to go to work. He was employed for a time in the roll- ing mills, later worked for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, worked two years for the Citizens Street and Electric Light Company, and spent seven years in the employ of Patrick .Giblin. About 1897 he bought the Jefferson Hotel in Springfield, and after conducting same about five years sold the property. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, although never de- sirious of holding public office. He is energetic and honest in business and enjoys the confi- dence of those who have dealings with him. He is an earnest worker in church affairs and be- longs to the Church of the Immaculate Con- ception and to the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is a member of the Order of Eagles and the Order of Owls, and is of a sociable disposition, being popular among his friends.

Mr. Walsh married. in Springfield, November 15, 1893, to Miss Mary Wilson, who was born in Springfield, daughter of Thomas Wilson. Her father is dead and her mother re- sides in Chicago. They were parents of three daughters and one son, and the latter is de- ceased. The following five children were born to Mr. Walsh and his wife: one who died in childinood ; Thomas, attending St. Francis Col- lege, at Quincy, Ill .; Michael, attending St.

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Mary's School, at Springfield; Mary and Ellza- beth.

WARD, Jeremiah (deceased) .- The keenness of perceptlon, brilliaucy of Intellect, and capability of the Irish race are generally recognized as potent factors in the advancement of its repre- sentatives in all branches of endeavor. Those of them who come to America find a congenial atmosphere in which to attain desirable success, and many annually avail themselves of the ad- vantages here offered. One of those who for many years made Springfield hls piace of resi- dence and field of actlou before death claimed him, was the late Jeremlah Ward, whose activi- ties in the lumber trade are still remembered with interest. Mr. Ward was born in Ireland, a son of William and Rosa Ward, also natives of Ireland. A brother, Nell Ward, and a sister, Mrs. Mary Murray, still reside in Springfield.

Having grown up in Ireland, Mr. Ward lived with. his parents until he came to the United States. He located in Springfield, where he be- came Identified with the lumber trade, develop- ing his business to large proportions. He was a Catholic In religious views. He was actively Interested in the affairs of the community, al- though he had no desire for public advancement.

Mr. Ward was married in Springfield, to Mary Mathune, who has made Springfield her home since she came there from St. Louis at the age of twelve years. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ward: Rosa, born December 2.

1866, lives with her mother; Sophia, born Janu- ary 1, 1874, also living with her mother ; Jere- mlah, born April 7, 1877, and Ruth Buckingham. The family residence is at No. 504 North Ninth Street. The Wards are well and favorably known in Springfield, and are highly esteemed in the Catholic Church, to which they belong.

WARREN, Hooper. (Vol. I, pp. 577-578.) .

WATERS, Daniel .- Sangamon County has a number of pleasant communities In which one may obtain many urban advantages without sacrificing those of a country existence. In Rochester there are very desirable conditions. a fact recognized by many most substantial men, who have located there upon retiring from more active life. One of these is Daniel Waters, born two and one-half miles from Harper's Ferry, Va., September 14, 1830, a son of Levi Waters, born on the east side of the bay, iu Maryland, May 6, 1796. The Waters famlly is a very old one, founded in Virginia prior to the Revolution. Levi Waters married Sarah Dutch, born át Harper's Ferry, in 1799. They died In Virginia. The mother died In 1856, but the husband survived until 1881. Neither ever rode on a railroad traiu. Five children were horn to them: John F., George W., Daniel; Susau C., wife of Richard Russell. and Maria L .. wife of Leander Bates, all of whom died in Viriginia except Mrs. Bates and Daniel.

Daniel Waters attended school in Virginia and worked for his father. Iu 1852 he came to Sangamon County, settling five miles east of Rochester, where he engaged to work ou a farm. Later he began farming for himself on a rented farm, and iu 1864 bought a farm of 100 acres at Buckhart, Cooper Township, forty acres of it was iu timber. Later he sold that and bought 280 acres near Buckhart and lived there uutil 1896, excepting two years at Springfield to educate his children. In 1896 he went to Edinburg, but iu 1904 moved to Rochester, where he bullt hils preseut beautiful home. He stlil owus two farms in Sangamon Couuty amounting to 344 acres. He is heavily inter- . ested iu Pullman, Wash., with his son, iu iand and furniture business.

Ou February 9, 1862, he was married at his wife's birthplace, by the Rev. J. P. Dimmitt, of the Methodist Church, to Harrlet V. Miller, born iu Buckhart, Cooper Township, Octo- ber 13, 1840. Her father, John C. Miller, was born lu Loudoun County, Va., October 19, 1812, and came with his father to Saugamon County iu 1835, entering 2,100 acres of land, now comu- prised in Cooper Towuship. He married Martha Melvine Sattley, born iu Rochester Township, September 3, 1819, who still survives. Mr. Sattley owned many acres of land in early days. The present town of Rochester was located ou the portiou where still stands the old log house in which he lived. and on this land stood the tree which traditiou says sheltered Abraham Lincoln when he made his first speech. Mrs. Waters is one of the following childreu : George H .; Mrs. Waters; Edmund; Sarah A., wife of George Lucas; Eliza E., wife of John Baldwin; Mary A .. wife of S. J. Prather. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Waters; Anna A., born December 19, 1862, dled June 9. 1893, was the wife of J. J. Troxell, had one daughter, Lulu V., who married Dallas Langley, February 6, 1909, and had one child. Byron, born July 11, 1910; George E., born February 17, 1864, died March 3, 1866; Charles MI., born Feb- ruary 28, 1867, lives in Pullman, Wash., where he owns a large department store and consider- able land, married Addie Finney, issue, one daughter, Harriet Mildred, a graduate of Pull- man State College. and a teacher of German and Latin ; twins, Lulla and Lillie. born Janu- ary 29, 1870, the former dying November 17. of that year, and the latter becoming the wife of C. E. Hazelett. living near Rochester and have one son, Glenn Waters, born February 9, 1891. and who graduated from Springfield High School in the class of 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Waters are members of the Methodist Church, and Mrs. Waters belongs to the W. C. T. U., of which slte is Treasurer. She Is also active in the Ladies Aid Society and the Missionary Society. Both are very strong Prohibitionists. Mr. Waters served as Supervisor of Cooper Township eight terms. aud was Treasurer of the School Board for fourteen years. He is one

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of the most highly esteemed men of the town- ship and can look back on a long, useful, blame- less life, filled with good deeds.

WATERS, James J., a wealthy and prominent farmer_ of Cooper Township, Sangamon County, has spent his entire life in the county. He was born in Springfield, April 3, 1859, and is a son of John and Mary (Murphy) Waters, both na- tives of Ireland, the former born January 1, 1834, and the latter in 1826. Their parents spent their entire lives in Ireland. John Waters came to the United States in 1856 and spent two years in New Orleans, then came to Spring- field, Ill., where he met and married Mary Murphy, who had come to America in the same ship, although they were not acquainted at the time. He died in Springfield, July 23, 1893, and his widow died August 14, 1910. Both are buried in Calvary Cemetery.

As a boy James J. Waters attended the country schools and took a course in Spring- field Business College. He was reared on a farm and was fond of all kinds of outdoor sports. He own's 400 acres of excellent farm land in Cooper Township, where he lives, and a house in Breckenridge. He is a man of high character and amlable disposition, and much esteemed by all. He is popular among his fel- low citizens and much interested in the general welfare. He is now President of the Farmers' Elevator Company, of Berry and Breckenridge, which institution Is profitable and convenient for the farmers of the community. In politics Mr. Waters is a Democrat, and he is now serving as School Director. He and his family are de- vout members of the Catholic Church and much interested in its good work. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen and of the Anti-Horse-Thief Association.

Mr. Waters was married in Auburn, Febru- ary 15, 1887, Father Finnegan officiating, to Mary Howard, who was boru in Sangamon County, June 29, 1859, daughter of Michael and Mary (Shea) Howard. Mr. Howard was boru in Ireland, September 16, 1822, and his wife, also a native of Ireland, was born April 1, 1834. He died in Christian County, September 16, 1906, and was buried at Morrisonville, and his widow still resides ou the home farm in Chris- tian County. All the grandparents of Mrs. Waters died in Ireland. Eight children were born to Mr. Waters and his wife, namely : Mary, born in November, 18SS, died in infancy; Auua M., born June 2, 1890; John F., November 30, 1891; Mary A., September 7, 1893; James, May 17, 1895; Michaei E., February 6, 1897; Alice, October 18, 1899; Ella Arama, April 17, 1903. The seven who survive reside at home. Mr. Waters and his wife have every reason to be proud of their pleasant home and fine family of children.

WATSON, George Talbott, a successful carpen- ter and builder of Springfield, is a native of the city, born August 29, 1844. His father, Wil-

liam M. Watson, was a native of Kentucky (where his parents were also born), and located in Springfield in au early day. He was for many years a shoemaker and died there at the age of ninety years, having been born in 1809. William M. Watsou married Sarah E. Talbott, who was born in Indiana, daughter of Benja- min Talbott, also a native of Indlana, and a tanuer by trade.

As a boy George T. Watson attended Lincoln School, iu Springfield. He was always fond of ball-games, dancing and music, and his fa- ther was a violin player of considerable locai repute. The house where he was born was next the Lincoln residence, so that as a child Mr. Watson daily saw Abraham Lincoln and was a playmate of the latter's son Robert, knowing the entire family well. After leaving school he learned the trade of carpenter and during the Civil War was employed in Springfield making cartridges for the Union Army. Hav- ing spent almost his entire life in the city, he has always had its best interests at heart, and has been identified with many movements of progress. He was at one time a member of the Volunteer Fire Department. He is a man of social instincts and fraternally belongs to the Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and in politics Is a Republican. He has been fairly prosperous in a business way, has many friends, and is generally liked and re- spected.

Mr. Watson was married, in Springfield, Janu -. ary 14. 1869, to Miss Sarah Pletz, who was born in Yorktown, Pa .. November 28, 1854, daughter of Benjamin and Barbara (Wetz) Pletz, the father born in Pennsylvania, September 14, 1830, and the mother in Amsterdam, Germany, July 21, 1828. Mr. Pletz was a carpenter by trade and moved from Pennsylvania to Illinois in 1856. He died in Springfield, January 23, 1901, and his wife died May 29, 1909. The father of Mr. Pletz was a farmer and a native of Pennsylvania, and the father of his wife was a tanner by trade and located in Harrisburg, Pa., after coming from Germany to the United States. A brother of Mrs. Watson, Andrew Pletz, served In Company I, Seventh Illinois Infantry, and was under the command of Gen. Sherman during part of his service. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Watson: William B., born in Springfield, July 23, 1874, dled there September 27, 1876. and Edward, born in Spring- field, February 1. 1872, was married there, No- vember 14, 1894, to Cora G. Bell also a native of Springfield. The Bell family were early set- tlers in Springfield and prominent citizens. Three children were born to Edward Watson and his wife: Millard Bell, born in Springfield, died January 18, 1909: George E., born March 18. 1897, and Harold, born August 24, 1899.

WATTS, Benjamin, one of Sangamon County's old and substantial citizens, now living in Springfield, Ill., came to the county when three years of age. He was born in the State of New

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

York, June 10, 1839, son of Nicholas and Eliza- beth (Palladay) Watts, both natives of New York, the latter born iu Potsdam, the date of his birth being December 30, 1801, aud hers 1817. The father of Nicholas Watts came from New York to Illinois at an early date and took up goverument land in Sangamon County, where he died. He was a native of Massachusetts and the father of sixteen children, uiue of whom settied in Sangamon County. He was of Welsh desceut The father of Elizabeth Palladay was born in France and- emigrated to New York, later moved to Sangamou County, Ili., and died in Bloomington, Iil. Nicholas Watts was a car- penter by trade and located in Iilinois in 1842. He aud his wife were married in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and their only child was Benja- min. The father died in Farmingtou, Ill., May 7, 1843, at the age of torty one years, font months and eight days.

The childhood of Benjamin Watts was spent on a farm. He lived with his parents nutii sixteen years of age, and atteuded school at Atlanta, Iii. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs and is a Democrat in politics. While a resident of Macou County, Ili., he served as Road Commissioner. He is ill- dustrions and prosperons, and owns the family home at 1015 Sonth Spring Street. He is con- sidered a nsefni and npright citizen and is re- spected by ali who know him. Both he and his wife are members of the First Christian Church and interested in many noble canses.

Mr. Watts was married, in Decatur, Iil., De- cember 28, 1864, to Miss Catherine B. Simpson, and they moved at once to Springfield, where they began honsckeeping . ou West Jefferson Street. Mrs. Watts is a danghter of Jordan aud Clarissa (Sayre) Simpson, and was born iu Cass County, Ili., August 20, 1843. Her father was a farmer and born near Lexington, Ky., July 17, 1808. He came to Illinois as a young man and settled first in Gardner Township, Sangamon Conuty, moved from there to Macon Connty, and finally located at Pleasant Plains, Sangamon Connty, where he died December 27, 1872. Clarissa Sayre was born in New Jersey, October 31, 1816, and when a child was brought by her parents to Daytou, Ohio. Her father, John Sayre, moved to Sangamon Connty iu 1834, and she was there married to Jordan Simpson, October 27, 1835. She died Monday, May 17, 1896. The immediate ancestors of Mrs. Watts were all early settlers of Sangamon Connty, as shown above. Jordan Simpson and his wife were parents of eight children, namely : James W., of Pieasant Piains, Ill .; William J., of Chicago; Mrs. C. B. Watts, wife of Benjamin Watts; Mrs. Margaret Hiilyard, of Kausas; Mrs. Julia Johnson, of Kansas City ; Mrs. Jere- miah Gibson, of Springfield; Mrs. Lncy Smith, of Chicago; Isaac N., was a soidier in the Civii War and died in 1865.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Watts, four of whom died in infancy. Leora May, born in Springfield, September 25, 1865,

married (first) Jacob Faust, and had three chiidreu, aud married (secoud) Aibert Mercer ; Delia, born September 25, 1885; Bertha, born February 22, 1889; Roy, Jannary 21, 1890; Ed- gar N., March 18, 1871, iu Macon County, mar- ried Rhoda Dedmau, in Juue, 1893, aud they have no childreu; Charles N., born in Macon connty, April 19, 1874, married Julia Levinger, April 27, 1899, and they have two children, Lela, boru in Springfield, February 22, 1900, aud Charies E., born November 12, 1902. Mr. Watts and his wife have three great-grandchildren: Velma, Ernest and Lloyd Smith, who are the grandchildren of their oidest danghter, Leora, and children of her danghter, Deiia (Faust) Smith, who married Eimer Smith, December 25, 1901.

WATTS, James Bates, D. D. S., who is weil established in the general practice of his pro- tession in Springfield, Ill., has been promineut in professional circles of the city siuce 1898, when he opened an office there. Dr. Watts is a native of Sangamon County, born near Farm- ingdale, Iii., May 7, 1875, son of Albert Ben- jamin and Ameiia (Dustin) Watts, natives of Illinois. Albert B. Watts is a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Gardner Township, Sanga- man Connty, and well known in the community. He and his wife were parents of eight children.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 158

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