Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 162

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 162

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

. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler became parents of the following children. Francis N., Minnie E., Wil- liam J. and Alexander-born in 1872, 1874, 1876 and 1878, respectively. Mr. Wheeler owns hls home at No. 1609 East Glenn Street. Quiet and retiring in disposition, he has never been active in public matters, but supports the Re- publicau party and the Baptist Church, of which he is a consistent member. He also belongs to the G. A. R., and Is prominent in it because of his war record.

WHIPPLE, John H., a retired carpenter and builder living in Springfield, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and a highly respected citizen. He was. born in what is now Casey, Ill., Feb- uary 2, 1839, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Hoard) Whipple, the former born in Switzer- land County, Ind., March 20, 1818, and the latter born in Bourbon County, Ky., In 1816. Ils father was a native of Indiana, who died in Illinois, and her father, a native of Virginia, was a slave-holder and died in Indiana. Both

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

served in the Black Hawk and Mexican Wars. Henry Whipple was a carpenter and builder, moved to Iilinols in 1832, lived there five years, returned to Indlana, and in 1882 moved to Springfield, where he died In 1906. Elizabeth Hoard came to Illinois as a young woman and there met Mr. Whipple. They were married in Casey, Ill., in 1838, and became parents of four sons and four danghters. He was interested iu varions enterprises and worked for a time at milling.

John H. Whipple attended subscription schools in his native State untll thirteen years of age, then worked for six years in the South- western car shops, at Madison, Ind. When nineteen years of age he moved to Columbus, Ind., where he began working at the trade of carpenter, and atter the Civil War moved to Eigin, Ill., where he lived until July 10, 1867, the date of his location in Springfield, which has since been his home.

April 21, 1862, Mr. Whipple enlisted in Com- pany D, Sixty-seventh Indiana Infantry, and served to the end of the war, first under Cap- taln Abbott aud iater under Captaln Simms. He enlisted at Columbus, Iud., and was dis- charged at Indianapolis, in October, 1865. He was taken prisoner at Munfordville, Ky., was paroled and sent to Indianapolis, and afterward rejoined his reglment. He served part of the time under Geueral McClernand, of Springfield, and participated in the Battles of Green River, Nashville, Cumberland River, and many skir- mishes. He is a member of the G. A. R. and has every reason to feel pride in his war record.

Mr. Whipple was marrled, at Columbus, Ind., August 12, 1862, to Miss Lena Zucksworth, who was born in Saxweimer,. Germany, November 6, 1840, daughter of Christian and Henrietta (Limerexoll) Zucksworth, both natives of Ger- many, who came to America, located in Ohio, and iater moved to Iudlana, where they died. They were parents of twelve children and Mr. Zucksworth had three children by a former wife. He was a tanner by trade. Two children were born to Mr. Whipple and his wife: Flor- ence, born In Elgin, February 19, 1865, married John Bennett, professor in Doane College, Crete, Neb., and they have two children, Will- iam, aged thirteen years, and Carl, aged seven ; Annetta, born In Elgin, February 13, 1868, died in Durango, Cal., unmarried, December 23, 1896. Mr. Whipple was reared lu the Methodist faitlı but has never joined any church. His wife is a member of the German Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat and he has been a member of the Masouic Order forty-oue years. He is well known iu Springfield and resides at 1035 South Spring Street. He is npright and rellabie In ail relations of life and has the con- fidence of all who have had dealings with him.

WHIPPLE, Sylvester, a weli-known musician of Springfield, Iil., was born at Madison, Jefferson County, Ind., July 14, 1860, son of Henry and Ellzabeth (Hoard) Whipple, the former born

in Switzerland Connty, Ind., March 17, 1820, aud the latter In Gallatin County, Ky., Febru- ary 23, 1821. Henry Whipple was a cabinet- maker and, in 1850 moved to Springfield, Ill., where he followed his trade. He died there in 1905, at the age of eighty-four years, and his wite died in 1880, at the age it sixty-ulne years. They had been married in Coles County, Ill., May 19, 1839, and ten children were born to them.

The edncatlon of Sylvester Whipple was re- ceived In the publle schools of Madison, Ind. He was always fond of bali-playing, fishing and other outdoor sports, and had a well-defined taste for musle from boyhood. After leaving school he began working in a chair factory, where he remained two years, then pursued the study of music more thoroughly thau he had before been able to do, and made a speciaity of learning plano tuning, which he has since foi- lowed, moving to Springfield from Jefferson County, Ind., in order to have a better field for his work. He has built np a good business and has an excellent reputation among the people for whom he has worked. He is a man of quiet disposition, caring little for public affairs, and being very much devoted to his family and nome. He owns property at 1115 North Tenth Street, where the famlly reside. Mr. Whipple is a Methodist iu religious belief and In polit- icai views is a Republican. He joined the Mac- cabees November 7, 1889, and November 19, 1903, became a member of the Order of Ben Hur. He is of a genial, kludly nature, and readily makes friends.

Mr. Whipple was married in Springfield, Sep- tember 5, 1888, to Miss Mary E. Shultz, born June 14, 1863, daughter of Dr. Levi and Delilah Shultz. Her father was born August 13, 1840, and died December 18, 1883. Mrs. Whipple's mother was born April 25, 1840, and now lives in Springfield. Both the grandmother and great-grandmother still survive, the latter be- ing elghty-two years of age. Children as fol- iows were born to Mr. aud Mrs. Whipple : Wes- ley S., born June 10, 1892; Helen E., November 28, 1895; Dorothy A., March 22, 1903.

Mr. Whipple sold his property in Springfield and moved with his family to Hermiston, Umatilla Couuty, Oregon, April 15, 1911.

WHITE, Daniel V., a progressive farmer of Sangamon County, and a man whose family has been ciosely connected with the development of that part of the State, resides on Section 27, New Berlin Township. He was born October 2, 1864, in Island Grove Townshlp, a sou of John D. White, the latter born in Vigo County, Ind. He comes of Scotch-Irish ancestry, the family having beeu founded in South Carolina, where his grandfather, John Whlte, was born, and the latter's father, Thomas White, was also a native of that State, where he was born in 1789. The grandfather moved from Sonth Carolina to Tennessee and subsequently to Vigo County, Ind., becoming one of the pioneers of

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

that locality and a founder of the Presbyterian Church there. There he reared and educated his children, passing away March 11, 1852, while his wife died June 26, 1869. There were four sons and two daughters in his family, all of whom reached maturity: Josiah died at the age of eighty years; John D., deceased; Rachel J. died at the age of sixty-three years ; Margaret,, deceased, married a Mr. Woods; Thomas P. and James G.

John D. White maricd Mary J. Luce,. Decem- ber 29, 1863, and in the spring of 1864 moved to Sangamon County, buying land in Island Grove Township, but iu 1878 he sold his personal property, making a trip to California. Not liking that State, he returned to Islaud Grove Township, aud in the spring of 1879 bought 800 acres ou Section 20, New Berlin Township, be- coming oue of the prosperous men of that local- ity. He added to his possessions until at the time of his death he was oue of the largest landowners of the county. His death occurred in Juue, 1905. A strong Democrat, he sup- ported the candidates of his party and was never known to scratchi his ticket or to miss an election. A good Presbyterian, he lived up to his creed and was ever ready to assist the unfortu- nate. Four children were born to himself and wife : Daniel V .; Thomas A., a farmer residing In Indiana ; Gill P., a farmer of New Berlin Township, and one who died In infancy. Mrs. White Is now residing with her eldest son. In adition to their own children Mr. and Mrs. White reared a little girl, Katie, now the wife of Frank Skaggs, of St. Louis, Mo.

After completing his course in the district schools, Daniel V. Whlte had the further advan- tage of attending the Jacksonville Business Col- lege, from which he graduated in 1884. Follow- ing this he worked on the home farm until 1887, and on March 2nd of that year married Eliza- beth King, born in New Berlin Township, daugh- ter of Jeremiah King. now living in Springfield, aged eighty years. Mr. King was one of the early settlers of the locality and a representa- tive man. His wife died in 1885. After mar- riage Mr. and Mrs. White located on the family farm in Island Grove Township, operating it un- tll 1901, when they bought 160 acres on Sec- tions 26 and 27, New Berlin Township. For a number of years Mr. White has given much at- tention to breeding short horn cattle, and has been exceedingly successful in this line of work. At the head of his herd he has a pure breed Bates short horn bull, bought of F. K. Thompson. His product is so excellent that a ready sale is found for his cattle. Mr. White also breeds draft and road horses and Berkshire hogs. Like his father, Mr. White is a Democrat and a Pres- byterian. He has served for twenty years as Clerk of the School Board, and for two terms has represented his township on the Board of Supervisors, now occupying that office. He has always stood for the best interests of the people and is now a member of the Committee on Asy- lums and Hospitals.

Mr. and Mrs. White have two children : Mary E. and Sadie A., both of whom have been care- fully educated, the latter having graduated from the Berlin High School in the Class of 1910. Mr. White is a member of the Odd Fellows, of New Berlin, and also of the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are prominent in the Presbyterian Church, of Bates, Ill., in which they hold membership.

WHITE, Enoch P., a prominent citizen of Springfield, Ill., is a native of Sangamon County, where his entire life has been spent, and is well known as a veteran of the Civil War.' He was born in Ball Township July 25, 1840, a son of Eli L. and Sarah (Megredy) White, both na- tives of Maryland, the father born near Port Deposit, iu 1789, and the mother born in 1802. Eli L. White was a blacksmith by trade and also worked at farming and carriage making. He came to Illinois in 1838 and settled on ninety-five acres of land iu Ball Township, Sangamon County, and later accumulated 600 acres of land, 245 acres of it in Ball Township and the re- malnder in the southern part of the county. He remained on the farm until his death, which oc- curred in 1850. His wife died in 1863. Four children were born to them, namely : John M. died at Decatur, Ill., in 1910; Danlel died at a tender age; Enoch P .; William M., a wealthy retired farmer living at Appleton City, Mo. The father of Eli L. White was a wealthy farmer iu England, the country of his birth, and after coming to America accumulated a large tract of land on the shores of Maryland and also con- siderable property in the city of Baltimore, and his grandson, Enoch P., is one of the heirs to the same.

Mr. White was educated in the Harmon School, an old log building in Ball Township, and remained on his father's farm until he was of age, then enlisted in August, 1862, in Com- pany B One Hundred Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, In which he was serving when he participated in three battles: Black River, Champion HIIls and Vicksburg. He was discharged on account of disability, at Camp Butler, Ill., in October, 1864. Then, returning to Ball Township, he re- sumed farming and continued successfully in that occupation until 1905, when he retired and moved to Springfield. He occupies a comfort- able home at 1058 Elliott Avenue, Springfield. He has been an industrious and ambitious farmer and has well earned the ease he now enjoys.

Mr. White was married at Woodside, III., Sep- tember 11, 1861, to Martha A. Renshaw, Rev. Miller, of the Baptist Church, officiating. Miss Renshaw was born in Woodside, Ill., March 15, 1843, daughter of Samuel and Martha (Gray) Renshaw, the former born in Tennessee in 1800, and the latter in Virginia, in 1810. Mr. Ren- shaw was a farmer by occupation and located at Louisville, Ky., where he learned the trade of cabinet-maker. Later he came to Sangamon County, Ill., remained a short time at Rochester, then purchased 240 acres of land near Wood-

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side, where he carried ou farming until his death, which occurred in 1870. His widow sur- vived until 1880. They were parents of three childreu : Addie married Warren Bergett, of Woodside, and both died recently; Elizabeth married John White and both are deceased; Mrs. Enoch P. White. Warren Burgett was a school teacher by occupation, became Principal of the Third Ward School of Springfield, and later for four years held the position of County Superintendent of Schools. Eight children were born to Enoch P. White and wife, namely : Etta, boru May 7, 1862, died August 25, 1885; Egbert, born June 5, 1865, died August 3, 1866; Samuel R., born December 2, 1869, died July 12, 1871; William C., born January 21, 1868; Lois, boru May 14, 1872, wife of George Kapes, of Har- vard Park, Springfield; Josie M., boru March 20, 1874, wife of Thomas Green, of Springfield; Clyde, born Juue 5, 1875, is a carpeuter and lives at home; Clifford M., born April 2, 1883, a carpenter living in Springfield. In politics Mr. White is a Socialist and in religious views is lib- eral. His wife is an Adventist. He is an in- telligent and public-spirited citizen and is highly respected by a large circle of friends.

WHITE, Frank .- A number of the Englishmen who came to the United States to find new bomes where they could better their conditions, found congenial employment in tilling the soil, so that in many localities, much credit is due to the people of that nation for the development of the land. This is particularly true in Sangamon County, where a number of native-born English- men are farmers. One who is thoroughly rep- resentative of the best class of agriculturists here is Frank White, of Clear Lake Township, born in Warwickshire, England, May 11, 1827, being a son of Zachariah and Susanna (England ) White, born in Warwickshire and Devonsbire, Engiand, respectively. The father was a ribbon manufacturer, and he and his wife spent their lives in England, he living to be 103 years of age. He and bis wife had nine children, six sons and three daughters, but of them all only Frank and his brother, Henry White, of River- ton, and one sister Mrs. Elizabeth Clay of Eng- land, survive. The father served twenty-four years in the English Army before commencing his career as a manufacturer of ribbon.

Frank White was educated in England, in tbe · intervals of working in the mines, which he en- tered when only seveu years old. He continued to work in the mines there until he was thirty- five years old, his business being the sinking of shafts, a dangerous kind of work. On March 11, 1862, he set sail from Liverpool for Aus- tralia, and after 100 days on the water, ianded in Melbourne with a party of three. They went into the mountains prospecting for gold, finding it on the Big River, and returning to Melbourue and going thence to Patterson, there secured em- ployment in the mines at ten dollars per day. Remaining there a short time, they returned to Melbourne, and after a short stay there, pro-

ceeded to Sidney aud from there, to New South Wales, where they were eluployed in the gold mines two years. They then weut to Victoria, but in a short time set sail for Sau Francisco, Cal. From that city they went through tile mountains of California, still prospecting for gold aud meeting with a measure of success. They remained in California two years, then crossed the country via the Istbmus of Panama.

Mr. White then came to Ogle, St. Clair County, Ill., to resume his old occupation of sinking a sbaft, but after a short stay there, went to In- dian Territory, working there iu the interests of Crandall and Jay Gould, who at that time were operating seventy-seven mines. After a stay of one year there, Mr. White came to San- gamon County, settled in Riverton, where he once more engaged iu siuking shafts, and fol- lowed this business for teu years. He theu io- cated on his present farm in Clear Lake Town- ship, owning 200 acres of rich farming land in the towuship and 300 acres in different parts of the county. Since 1890. he has lived in retire- ment, after his adventurous life.

Mr. White was married in Warwicksbire, Eng- land, to Jane Walker, born in that county. Her parents never ieft England, her father spend- ing his life in mines there. She died in Ogle, leaving one child. Frank White, Jr., who now re- sides at Virden, Ili. Mr. White was again mar . ried on December 26, 1870, to Mrs. Hannal Hewitt a widow with two children, Henry Hewitt. and Mrs. Ella Huck. She died in Riverton, Ill .. November 2, 1891, leaving four children Mrs. Howard Grubb, Rosena White, Edgar and Ar- thur White, all residing at home. Mr. White was married (third) on May 23, 1900, to Mrs. Marian B. (McNealy) Richardson, born Febru- ary 13, 1840, in Menard County, Ill., but her father was a Kentuckian, who came to that county in an early day, settling on a farm where he lived until 1850, then moved to Petersburg, where bis death occurred. His wife was born near Montpelier, Vt., and she came to Peters- burg, Ill., where she died in 1859, having been born March 14, 1814. Mr. McNealy was born in 1807, and died in 1897, aged ninety years. Mr. and Mrs. McNealy had sixteen children, ten sons and six daughters, five of whom survive.

During his long and useful life, Mr. White has witnessed many changes, has visited numerous places and accumulated a fortune, which he has invested in Sangamon County Farm land. An excellent conversationalist, Mr. White talks en- tertainingly of his travels and is a man who stands high in his neighborhood.

WHITE, Gill -Porter .- With a thorough knowi- edge of farming and what can be accomplished with Sangamon County land. the young agri- culturists of this section are making a good record for themselves and their locality. and their success is being quoted throughout the State. One of those who has already accom- plished much is Gill Porter White, residing on the family homestead. Section 26, New Berlin

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Township, born in Island Grove Towuship, Au- gust 27, 1874, a son of John D). and Mary J. (Lnce) White, the former of whom died June 28. 1900, and the latter February 9, 1911.

Mr. White was more carefully educated than many farmer boys aud was given the advantages offered by the school of Bates, Ill., and the New Berlin High School. Completing a three years' eonrse, he returned to the farm and, althongh nineteen years old, rented land from his father and engaged iu farming for himself, making his home with his parents until his marriage. . This importaut event took place March 10, 1897, when he was united with Estella Harrison, born in Alexander, Morgan County, Ill., December 14, 1879, danghter of Cornelins C. and Caroline 1. (Young) Harrison, the father born In Franklin, Morgan Connty, Ill., Angnst 27, 1841, while the mother was born in Scott Connty, Ill., in August 23, 1847. Mr. Harrison left his parents when still a boy, so knows little of the family history, believing however, that he came from the same stock as the late ex-president Benjamin Harri- son. Growing np in Morgan Connty, he enlisted in the United States service at the outbreak of the war and gave his conntry three years of his life, being honorably discharged. Returning home, he later moved to Alexander, Ill., and liere gradually recovered his health, which had been shattered by hard experlenee as a soldler. As soon as able, he went to work on a farin for a Mr. Alexauder, buying and feeding stock. Eventually lie went to work in the elevator at Alexander, where he was steadily employed for thirty years, or until his death, September 27, 1904. His widow is making her home with Mrs. Fred Jones, of New Philadelphia, Ill. They had the following children : Lauis C., telegrapher for the Rock Island Railroad; May Belle, wife of Fred Jones, station agent at New Philadelphia, Ill., two children, fiarrlson and Arthur; Em- erson died in Infancy ; Gilbert C., of Alexander, married Sarah Rubie, two children, Margaret J. and Elsie; Richard N., of Mapleton, Ill., station agent, married Otella Reaken. The Young fam- ily originated in Italy many years ago. Mr. Harrison, like his illustrious relative, was a stanch supporter of Republicanism. Both he and his wife were true, Christian people and devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. While strong in his likes and dislikes, Mr. Harri- son recognized the right of every man to hls own opinion, and was a man whose influence was felt wherever he happened to be.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. White located on his farın on Seetion 26, New Beriln Townshlp, consisting of 140 acres. The property had been rented for some time and was run down, but he soon remedied that by putting in tiling, trim- ming the hedges, and building a beantifnl cot- tage. He not only keeps his premises neat aud orderly, but will not permit weeds to grow in the road along . his property. Many an older farmer conld learn from this progressive young man, who eagerly adopts any method he belleves is a good one for his work. With the exception of

olle year spent in Indianapolis, Mr. and Mrs. White have lived on their tarm, realizing that they prefer rurai pleasures to those offered by a large city. They have three sweet little ones : Harriette, born Jnne 13, 1901; Margaret E., born Angust 29, 1903, and baby John C., born Sep- tember 27, 1905. Mrs. White Is a charming lady, who presldes over her honsehold with simple dignity, welcoming ail visitors with true hos- pitality. Both she and Mr. White are members of the Presbyterian Church and he belongs to the Modern Woodinen of America of New Ber- lin. In poiitles he Is a Democrat.

Mr. White operates 200 aeres of rieh Sanga- mon County land, which he devotes to general farming and stock raising, making a speciaity of raising the best grades of cattle and horses. He has been Highway Commissioner, and while in office was able to give his constituents a thor- onghly business-like administration and execute the work in his department economically and satisťaetorlly.

WHITE, Henry .- The White family is oid and honored in Sangamou County, and originated in England. Henry White was born, in War- wickshire, England, In January, 1835. Since coming to the United States he has labored to advance the Interests of his adopted iand, and is now one of the responsibie residents of River- ton, where he is a hoisting englneer and farmer. He is a son of Zachariah and Susanna White, natives of England, who never came to America, but died in the iand that gave them birth, the ' father passing away In 1874 and the mother in 1870. The father was a soldier in the English army, who participated iu the battle of Water- loo and also fought during the Irish Rebellion, being the color bearer. He was wonnded on two occasions, serving in ail twenty-eight years and eieven months. Later he was interested in mining.

Henry White is self-educated. having been put to work at a tender age. When he was twenty years oid he was made pit boss, later boss of a gang on the surface at the mines in hls vicinity, and continued to work in this manner until 1884, when he sailed for Amerlea, ianding in New York. From that city he came direct to Dawson, Ili., and for a year worked in the mines there, then moved to Riverton. After a year spent In this town. he went to Canada, and spent eighteen months In the Do- minion, but did not like it there and returned to Riverton, where he bonght a smali farm of five acres, which has continued to be his home ever since. He devotes his land to truck farm- ing and Is producing some very fine vegetables. for which he finds a ready market on account of their excellence. In addition to his home place, Mr. White owns realty In Springfield, and is in comfortable circumstances, aithough ali hls property has been earned by his own hard work.

Mr. White was married In England. in May, 1SCO. to Ann Nleklin, danghter of Amos and

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Sarah Nicklin, horn in Engiand, where her parents lived and died. Mrs. White and a sister are the only ones who came to the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Whlte hecame the parents of thirteen children, nine of whom survive: Susanna, wife of Arthur Tyler, a farmer; Sarah, whose husband is In the em- ploy of the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad Company at Springfield; Mary, wife of Benja- mln Harrison, lives in Spauiding, Ill; William H. and Zachariah live at Spaulding; Clara, wife of Alhert Eliott, a farmer of Canada ; Alice Hamrick Ilves in Spaulding; Harry lives in Riverton and Is engaged in mining; and Rich- ard, who resides with his father. There are thirty-six grandchildren and three great-grand- children In the famlly, and Mr. White is de- voted to them all and proud of them and of his family, as he has every reason to be, for hls childreu have grown up to do him credit.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 162

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