Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 21

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 21

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Mr. Burkhardt is a Woodman and is Cierk of Capital Camp, No. 333, of Springfield. He is a Democrat in political faith and has served as Clerk of Election of the First Precinct of the Second Ward for the past three years. In the Lutheran Church, of which he is a member, he is an important factor, and is ever ready to bear his share in its good work. During ail his connections, both business and social, Mr. Burk- hardt has always tried to do what he believed was his fuli duty, giving good measure of work and much kindiy attention to those iess fortu- nate than he. As a result, he is not only re- spected and honored, but has friends all over the county, where his true worth is appreciated.

BURKHARDT, John M. (deceased) .- The good deeds of many are hidden as long as tiley sur- vive, but after death has claimed them, these same acts of generosity arise to bear witness to the kindness of heart which was so leading a

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characteristic of the man. This is certainly the case with John M. Burkhardt, who for many years conducted a general store on the east side of the square at Springfield. As Sen- ator Cuilom, a warm, personal friend of his, often said of him, he was oue of the best citi- zens Springfield ever possessed. A German by birth, he always lent a helping haud to those of his own nationality, and assisted them in becoming useful citizens of the land both had adopted. Mr. Burkhardt was born in the king- dom of Wurtemburg, Germany, January 5, 1807, a son of a well known tavern, or hotel keeper.

Attending school in his neighborhood, Mr. Burkhardt gained a good knowledge of his nia- tive tongue, and worked on the farm his fa- ther owned, in addition to his tavern. Coming to America, lu 1832, Mr. Burkhardt first ob- tained employment on Pennsylvania farms, but later worked ou flat boats, plying along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers clear to New Or- leans. Finally, he began working in a store lu St. Louis, from whence he came to Springfield. In 1851, he started a general store in the square, operating it until 1859. His beautiful home, one mile east of town, was built by him, and in it he died, August 1, 1868. Although he edu- cated himself in English, Mr. Burkhardt was a man of considerable attainments, and his pen- manship was beautifully clear and even. A natural bookkeeper, his books were kept as models of neatness, each figure being perfectly formed. Reared a Lutheran, in later life, he joined the Grace Lutheran Church of this city. From the time he became a citizen of the coun- try, he voted the Democratic ticket.

On August 18, 1843, he married Mary Eliza- beth Nagel, who was born In Rhine Preis, Ba- varia, Germany, June 24, 1827, a daughter of John and Christina (Goetz) Nagel. Her father was born in Germany, but his wife was a na- tive of France. The latter died in Europe, and her husband then came to America, landing in St. Louis in 1832, remaining there until his death. Mrs. Burkhardt had an uncle Joseph Goetz, who was one of the great Napoleon's picked body guard. She distinctly remembers the bringing back of Napoleon's body from St. Helena. She also recalls many interesting in- cidents of pioneer days in Springfield, which are valuable as giving a distinct picture of those early times. Her memory is remarkable, and she is exceedingly pleasant in manner, hos- pitable and genial, a most delightful lady to meet.

Mr. and Mrs. Burkhardt had children as fol- lows: John; Bertha; Charles; Emma; Anuie ; Jennie; Ida; Lillie; Mary Ellen, who died August 5, 1846, aged ten months and eleven days; Elizabeth, who dled February 22, 1853, aged two years and four months, and Clara, who dicd August 10, 1866, age seven years. John en- listed when only eighteen years old as a private in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at Gun

Town, Miss. Bertha quarried Walter Swift, but died, leaving two sons, Charles and William. Charles Is unmarried and resides at Galesburg. Miss Emma is her mother's dutiful and devoted companion. Annie marrled Alfred Booth of Springfield, and they have one daughter, Mary Elizabeth. Jennie married Arthur Stericker of Manitowoc, aud they have one son, William. Ida married John Davenport of Nashville, Ill., and they have two sons, Adrian and Walter D. Lillie married Frank Miller of Ottawa, Kas. Mr. Burkhardt was a friend of both Abraham Lincoln and Stepheu A. Douglas, but he cast his vote for the former, in spite of being a Democrat, because of his admiration for the man and his principles.

BURNHART, William, who has established a good contracting business in the line of palnting and decorating, has been a resident of Spring- field for about five years. He was boru in Mil- waukee, Wis., March 17, 1868, a son of George and Louise (LeMasters) Burnhart, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Louisville, Ky., aud an early settler of Dayton, Ohio. The father was a contractor in the same line as his son William and for many years worked at his trade in Dayton, where he had moved as a young man. The family later moved to Milwaukee, Wis., where the father built up a good business and conducted it until his deatlı. Both parents are deceased but their three sons and two daugh- ters are all living.

After receiving his education In the schools . of Milwaukee, William Burnhart became asso- ciated with his father and learned his trade, following it several years iu his native city. He removed as a young man to Hannibal, Mo., and carried on a business four years, spent a few years at Danville, Ill., moved thence to Day- ton, Ohio, and later to Indianapolis, where he conducted his business. He eventually located at Decatur, Ill., where he lived until coming to Springfield in 1906. He has bullt up a good trade through his ability and enterprise and has the confidence of his patrons and associates.

Mr. Burnhart was married in Milwaukee, April 7, 1889, to Miss Mary Scott, a native of Quincy, Ili., born in June, 1871, whose parents and brothers and sisters are all deceased. One child was born to Mr. Buruhart and wife, a son, George. Mr. Burnhart is a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church and in politics is a Democrat. He owns some property In Spring- field and also in Milwaukee. He and his wife have won many friends in the city.

BURNS, Barney (deceased), a patriotic Irish- American citizen of Sangamon County, Ill., was a veteran of the Civil War and was much es- teemed for his many good qualities. He was born May 27, 1823, son of Owen and Mary (Bar- nett) Burns, both natives of Ireland, who spent their entire lives there. The father was a farmer and the early years of Barney Burns were spent on the home farm. He was edu-

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cated in Irelaud and remained with hls pareuts some years after leaving school.

Iu 1850 Mr. Burns emigrated to the United States and came direct to Sangamon County, Ill., where the remainder of his life was spent. He engaged iu farming near Springfield and during the last years of his life became operator of a coal inine. Being energetic and industrious, aud having considerable ambition, he made his owu way rapidly in his new home and formed mauy warm friendships among his neighbors and associates. He served three years in an Illi- nois Regiment during the Civil War and ac- quitted himself creditably as a soldier. At the close of the war he returned to Sangamou County and there soou afterwards married. He was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church and active. in church work. In politics he was a Democrat aud, although taking little interest in political matters and caring for no public office, served for a time as School Director. He was a great lover of his home and family and a devoted husbaud, aud also enjoyed the society of his friends.

Mr. Burns was married in Springfield, in 1867, to Miss Mary Ireue Janes, born iu Sanga- mon County, Ill., June 15, 1843, daughter of George W. aud Carrie E. Janes, both natlves oť Sangamon County and members of prominent families there. Of the children born of this union four are living, namely : William, John, George aud James, all married and living In Springfield. Mrs. Burns has a comfortable home at 2021 Peoria Road, Springfield.

BURNS, John E .- The profits from farming activities are such that those who have spent many years thus engaged, feel justified In re- tiring to spend the remainder of their lives in the enjoyment of the plenty thelr industry has accumulated. Sangamon County has a number of these representative men, who, now that they are no longer engaged in arduous toil, are at lelsure to give more attention to local affairs and to dellberate carefully upon reforms and im- provements. Among these men is numbered John E. Burns, of Illiopolls. He was born in Bath County, Ky., October 16, 1824, a son of Dennis and Catherine (Farmer) Burns, natives of Vir- ginla. His parents moved to Kentucky at a very early day in its history, locating on a farm in Bath County, where they died, having brought up a famlly of ten children, six of whom were stalwart sons. Of them all, John E., who was the youngest, is the only survivor. Dennis Burns served the Government as a teamster during the Black Hawk War.

After receiving a country school education, John E. Burns worked on the farm, but iater bought and sold fine stock. When the war broke out, he eulisted in Bath County in the . far-famed Company M, Seventh Kentucky Cavalry, but in less than a year he was dis- charged on account of disability caused by sickness. During that period, however, he was made Captaiu of his company by unanimous

vote, and participated in several famous en- gagements. At the close of the war, Mr. Burns came to Illinois, locating first in Logan County, near Mt. Pulaski, where he farmed for a year ; but not being satisfied, moved to Lake Fork, near Cornland, and continued farming for three years. Following this, he moved to a farm south of Lanesville, where he farmed for four years, making thereafter several changes until 1891, when he settled on his present place, which he owus. Although elghty-five years of age, Mr. Burns enjoys excellent health and Is a well- preserved man. A grateful Government pays him a pension which his military services merit.

Mr. Burns was married in Bath County, Ky., to Martha J. Self, born in Virginla, but brought to Kentucky by her parents, Joseph and Sarah (Gauldin) Self, both natives of Virginia, and members of first families in that State. Mr. Self was a blacksmith by trade, aud coming to Ililnois with his son-in-law, Mr. Burns, he found work at his calling. Several years later he went to Saline County, Mo., where he and his wife died. Mrs. Burns died on Christmas Day, 1906, having borne her husband five children three of whom survive. Lilliau Ilves at home with her father; Chessella is the wife of Add S. Blair of Mechanlesburg, a farmer; Clay lives in Springfield, where he conducts a feed yard. There are six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren in the family.

The political affiliations of Mr. Burns are with the Republican party. For many years he has been a valued member of Morgan Post, No. 208, G. A. R., in which he takes a deep interest, enjoying meeting hls comrades and living over with them the stirring events of the great struggle. 'Mr. Burns is liberal In his religious views, while his wife was a consistent member of the Christlan Church. Loyal, steadfast of purpose, a man who has worked hard and saved wisely of his earnings, Mr. Burns sets an excellent exampie to the younger generation, and by his earnest life has proven what can be accomplished provided one is will- ing to exert himself and never shirk a duty which lies before him.

Mr. Burns has seen many changes in San- gamon County, since locating here. Some of these ire Is proud of, while he belleves others do not afford evidence of improvement; but he retains his faith in its future greatness and has never lost his Interest In the mighty Common- wealth with which he cast his fortunes after fighting to maintain the supremacy of the Gen- eral Government.

BURNS, Paul George, engaged in a print- ing business in Springfield, and serving as Clerk of the Probate Court, is oue of the progressive young men of the city. He was born in Spring- field, June 20, 1881, son of M. H. and Elizabeth (Schmitt) Burns. M. H. Burns was reared In Columbus, Ohlo, but when a young man moved to Springfield, Ill. In 1877 he married Eliza- beth Schmitt, daughter of Matthias Schmitt, of

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

West Carpenter Street, Springfield. Six chil- dreu were born of this marriage: Matthias M., Thomas N., John ( deceased), Paul G., Mary C. and Henry (deceased). During the Civil War M. H. Burns worked as a teamster.

Paul George Burns was educated in the pub- lic schools of Springfield, until fourteen years old, when he eutered the employ of T. W. S. Kidd, proprietor of the Moruing Monitor, later working for Phillips Brothers. For five years he was foreman of the State Printing Company, and then bought the Capital City Printing Com- pany, in conjunction with Charles Gaa. The partners are still conducting the business at No. 323% South Fifth Street.

Mr. Burns has had but two places of resi- dence during his life. He was born at the cor- ner of First aud Mason Streets, Springfield, and when three years old was takeu to the present family residence, on West Jefferson Street, just outside the city limits, iu Springfield Township. In 1904 he was elected Assistant Supervisor of Springfield Township, and re-elected in 1906, being the only Democrat elected to that office iu Springfield Township in over forty years. Iu 1910 he was elected Probate Clerk of Sangamou County, which important office he still holds. In all the connections he has formed, Mr. Burns has proven himself a man of ability, and his couscientious performance of the duty which lies nearest at hand, has made the people repose trust in him, and indicates that he will be called to higher honors iu the future. It is such men as he who prove the contention that this is the age of the young quan.

BURNS, Thomas J., one of the weil known and highly respected citizens of Sangamon County, and an honored veteran of the Civil War, in which he received wounds the scars from which he will carry to his grave, now engaged in farm- iug and gardening on a snug little tract of land in Section 6, Cooper Township, was born August 25, 1842, in Buffalo Hart Grove, Sangamon County, Ill., a son of Benjamin F. and Eliza (Ridgeway) Burns, both of whom were born in Kentucky in 1816. The parents of Mr. Burns came to Saugamon County some time before the "Deep Snow," and Mr. Burns purchased a tract of land in Buffalo Hart Towuship, where he engaged in farming until his death in April, 1870, the mother having passed away in 1865 while her son, Thomas J., was in the army. Of their seven children but two are surviving, Thomas J. and a sister, Mrs. Parthenia Sen- senabaugh of California.

During his boyhood days Mr. Burns worked on his father's farm, and on November 22, 1862, when twenty years of age, enlisted for service in the Union Army, becoming a member of Company K, Eleventh Regiment, Iilinois Vol- unteer Infantry, under the command of Col. Nevins, who was later killed in the battle of Vicksburg. Mr. Burns served three years, during that time taking part in the battles of Grand Bluff, Miss., Champion Hilis, Black

River, the Siege of Vicksburg for forty-eight days aud nights, during which time three charges were made; also in skirmishes or on post duty at Natchez, Canton, Jackson, Yazoo City (for seven days) Port Hudsou, back again to Vicksburg for forty days and nights with a skirmish nearly every day; also took part in operations at New Orleans, Spanish Fort, Fort Blakeley and Mobile, Ala., where he was sta- tioned at the time of the close of the war. The Eleveuth was mustered out at Baton Rouge, La., July 14, 1865. It had a record of which no member need be ashamed, and Mr. Burns always proved himself a brave, gailant and faithful soldier, and that he was a hard-fighting man and always to the front is borne witness by his scars received in battle. He served as Corporal of his company and during its long, wearisome marches was one of the most cheer- ful of the boys in blue.

After his services to his country were ended, Mr. Burns returned to the old homestead in Buffalo Hart Grove, and for the next ten or twelve years alternated between there and a farm in Jewel County, Kan., two years at a tiuie, and he still owns property in the latter State, in addition to his tract of land in Cooper Township, where he has resided since 1903. He is a Republican in political belief, and both he and Mrs. Burns are members of the Metho- dist Church.

On January 17, 1866, Mr. Burns was married to Martha A. Sensabaugh, who was born May 16, 1845, in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of- Joseph A. Sensabaugh, a native of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Burns' mother was a native of New York, and married Mr. Sensabaugh in Ohio, whence they came to Illinois and engaged in farming until their removal to Jewel, Kan. There Mr. Sensabaugh was following agricultural pursuits at the time of his death, while his widow sur- vived him until February, 1909. They were the parents of five daughters and four sons, all of whom are now living.

To Mr. and Mrs. Burns have been born nine children, the oldest and youngest of whom are dead, the others being: Laura, the wife of Charles Leydig of Formosa, Kan .; Ida. the wife of George W. Burke, living in Springfield; Effie B .. the wife of C. M. Smith, of South Dakota ; Minnie, the wife of Charles Ayers, also of South Dakota ; Mattie, the wife of Paul Walker, of the same State; Mabel, who married Louis Rich- ards, of Kansas City. Mo .; Thomas H., living in South Dakota; and Robert W., who lives at home. Mr. and Mrs. Burns have nine grand- children.

BURR, Thomas, one of Sangamon County's oldest and most highly esteemed citizens, who is in good health and still looks after his truck garden on the edge of Springfield, Ill., has been engaged in his present business for about thirty- five years, and is now eighty-three years of age. Mr. Burr was born in England, May 2, 1828, a son of William Burr, also a native of England,

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where he spent his entire life and lived on one farm over fifty years. William Burr died at the age of ninety-six years. He had a sister who lived to be one hundred two years old and had seven brothers who served in the British Army during the Revolutionary War, also in the war with France, taking part in the Battle of Waterloo, and died in England. His wife, Elizabeth Kemsley, spent her entire life in England, and both her parents and those of her husband were natives of England.

Thomas Burr received a meager education in his native country, leaving school to go to work at the age of twelve years, and when he was but nine years old he worked for a time on a farm at twelve cents per day. As a young man he emigrated to the United States, sailing in the ship "Southampton," from London Docks, on Thursday, March 24, 1853, and arriving in New York City May 2nd. His only sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, lives in Springfield, and he has one brother, James, living at Raneham, Eug- land. He has a distinct memory of Queen Vic- toria as she looked upon the day of her mar- riage, and also remembers the death of the Duke of Wellington. After locating in Spring- fieid he saw several illustrious men, including Douglas, Grant, Lincoln and Blaine.

After coming to America Mr. Burr spent three years in Ohio, then worked for a time on a cattle ranch, and after spending three years in Springfield, Ill., returned to Ohio. In 1863 he located permanentiy in Springfield, and has since carried on farming and garden- ing. He has been successful in truck garden- ing and is naturally industrious and thrifty.

Mr. Burr was married in Ohio, in 1857, to Miss Martha Young, a native of Ohio, who lived but four years after her marriage, dying at Woodside, Ill., in 1860. She bore her husband one daughter, Amy, who married Amos Young, of Springfield, and had six children, three of whoin survive: James, Minnie and Edward. Mr. Burr married as his second wife his first wife's sister, Nancy Young, in Columbus, Ohio,. August 1, 1860. They at once located iu San- gamon County and became parents of one daughter, Belle, born in Woodside Township, Sangamon County, who married John Dex- heimer, of Springfield, and had eleven children, of whom two daughters and seven sons survive: Theodore, Mabel, Harry, Roy, Grace, Johnnie, Orlin, Maynard and one other. The second Mrs. Burr died May 29, 1899, and Mr. Burr lives with his daughter, Mrs. Dexheimer, at the old home, 1710 South Fifth Street, Spring- field. Mr. Burr has seven great-grandchildren : Charles and Thelma King; Merle Dexheimer ; Norman, Esther, Amy and Bertha Gagnon.

Mr. Burr was stopping at the old American House in Springfield when Buchanan was elected President. He met Abraham Lincoln many times and holds pleasant memories of that great man. He is well known among the old settlers of Sangamon County and remem-

bers many events of the earlier history of the region. He is public-spirited and enterprising and ready to support any worthy object which comes to his notice. He has a comfortable home at Laurel Avenue and Fifth Street and is in good financial circumstances as a result of hard work and careful management. He is a faithful member of the First Methodist Church and is a warm supporter of the principles of the Republican party.

BURT, Alfred Hall, who, for the past forty years, has served as Constable of Rochester Township, Sangamon County, Iil., is a native of California, Branch County, Mich., born December 29, 1847. A son of John V. and Or- villa (Teyrell) Burt, both natives of New York, the former boru at Mt. Morris, that State. The father was a blacksmith by trade and in 1835 inoved to Branch County, Mich., where he con- tinued his trade untii his death, his wife also dying there. They were parents of four sons and four daughters, of whom three sons and two daughters survive. Three of his sons served in the Civil War.

At the age of four years Alfred H. Burt accompanied his mother's sister to Swanton Falls, Vt., and three years later came with her to Rochester, Ill., where he received his educa- tiou. Later he was adopted by a man named Levi St. Clair, on whose farm he worked until twenty-three years old, when he engaged in teaming on his own account. Three years later he found employment as tiler in the brick yards at Rochester, and two years later left this oc- cupation to accept the office of Constable, to which he was elected in 1870 and which he has since held. He has served seventeen terms as Constable of the village, and served as Special Deputy Sheriff under Sheriffs Samuel Shoup, Campbell and Charles Werner. He has ren- dered efficient and faithful service in his various offices and has won an excellent reputation in the community. He is active in public affairs and in politics is a Democrat. He is a member of the Christian Church and ready to advance the cause of that organization.

May 3, 1871, Mr. Burt was married in Roch- ester, to Margaret Money, born in Fairfax County, Va., June 6, 1854, a daughter of P. A. Money. Both parents were natives of Virginia and came to Rochester with their family in 1855, spending the remainder of their lives there, where the father worked at his trade of carpenter. The Money family included two sons and six daughters, and of these the follow- ing survive : Louis A., of Denver. Colo .; Henry, of Indiana; Elizabeth, wife of William Camp- beli. of Rochester; Susan, wife of Frank Miller, of Decatur, and Mrs. Burt. Ten children werc born to Mr. Burt and wife, namely : Alfred S. (the oldest), Ida B., Alice H., Lillian M., Mar- garet M., John H., Daisy M., Charles E., and two who died in infancy. Mr. Burt had a warin regard for Abraham Lincoln, with whom

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he was personally acquainted. He owns a pleasant home at Rochester and some farm land.

BURTON, John David .- Sangamon County is noted for its men who know the business of farming in ali its details, and of the townships Loami has its fuli share, prominent among them being John David Burton, who carries on agricultural and stock-raising operations, on Section 14. Mr. Burton was born in this town- ship, August 14, 1855, and has been a resideut here all of his life with the exception of eight years. He is a son of David S. and Elizabeth (Tharpe) Burton, he a native of Ohio and she of Lawrence Connty, Va., just over the Obio State line.

After their marriage these parents came to Illinois, settling in the southern part of the State, in what is known as the American Bot- toms, but the overflow of the river caused them to leave that section. Mr. Burton made a sort of trough or canoe out of a large log and moved his family and his bousehold goods to a higher spot until he could find a place to locate perma- nently. Subsequently, he came to Sangamon County on foot, and purchased a fifteen-acre tract at the Half Way Place. between Loami and Springfield, on which he built a log house. Purchasing a team of oxen. he returned to the southern part of the State and brought his wife and child, Jincy Ann, who had been born at that place, to the new home in Sangamon County. He began at once to clear away the timber on his place, hauling it to Curran, wbere he sold it to the Wabash Railroad. A very handy man with an axe, he was able at times to chop five cords of wood in a day, and he also made rails, hauiing them at night, thus being able to rapidly clear his farm of the timber as well as indebtedness. Having se- cured enough money to clear off all of his ob- ligation, he started to Springfield in the snow with his toes sticking through his shoes. It happened that Mr. Burton's currency was old State Bank money, and gold at that time was at a twenty-five per cent premium; consequently the man refused to accept the money in pay- ment for the land, and being an uneducated man, Mr. Burton did not know what to do. Governor Yates, the great War Governor hap- pened to hear time conversation, and, stepping into the office said : "Young man, let me see your money." Looking it over, be said to the man; "Sir, this is legal tender and good money. You take it." The latter wished to know what the old governor had to do with the matter, but Governor Yates only replied: "This young man wants to pay for his land. Yon take that money, for you can't beat him while I'm here." After receiving the deed, young Burton wished to give five dollars to the governor for helping him out. but the latter said: "No sir, you take that money and get yourself a pair of shocs. My biil is paid." From that day to this. tire memory of Governor Yates has always been

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 21

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