Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 25

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 25

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After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Campbell began their married life ou forty acres of the home- stead, eventually coming into possession of the whole. Four children were born to them : Max- well M., born November 21, 1862; Jasper S., boru September 23, 1864, died September 24. 1883; Oliver H., boru January S, 1870, died October 12, 1872; Cora, boru June 4, 1873, wife of Richard R. Wells, a farmer of Salisbury Township, has two children, Earl E. and Beuiah. Mrs. Campbell died December 1, 1SS8.

Mr. Campbell now owns 267 acres of fine farm land, and has made a specialty of breeding and raising blooded stock, his horses and large mules beiug noted for their excellence. He also devotes considerable attention to the Duroc Jersey and Poland-China hogs, shorthorn cat- tle and Oxford sheep. Mr. Campbell has held many of the more important township offices. supporting the Republican ticket, and has been a friend of progress. While not a member of any religious denomination, like his father he believes in the good work of the church and at- tends service at the Baptist Church in his neighborhood. He is a man of kindly dispo- sition, genial in manner, who makes and re- tains friends wherever he goes. Interested in the Old Settlers' Association, he has served as its Vice President for a number of years and is an important factor at all their mectings.

CANFIELD, Charies W., who was for many years actively identified with real estate inter- ests in Springfield, Ill., now lives retired from active life, in his home at No. 1404 South Glenwood Avenue, that city. Mr. Canfield spent many years on a farm near Springfield, and has been a resident of Sangamon County for more than fifty years. He was born in New Orleans, La., February 22. 1826, son of Robert F. and Ruth Halsey (Waiton) Caufield. The father was born in New Jersey February 22, 1807. and the mother was horn in New York City in 1SOS. Robert F. Canfield was for many years Interested in the real estate business in New Orleans, to which city he went as a young man. There he was married and there the remainder of his life was spent. His father served in the Biack Hawk War. Robert Can- fieid was employed in the Custom House at New Orleans during the administrations of Presidents Jackson and Taylor, and dealt very extensively in real estate in that city, also

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settling up many of the French clalms against the government. His Grandfather Caldwell came to America from Ireland before the Revolu- tion, serving in that war and in the War of 1812. Robert Canfield's son Henry served through the Mexican War, taking part In every battle in that struggle.

The education of Charles W. Canfield was received in his native city, where for some time he attended a school on LaFayette Square. Up- on leaving school he first took a position as grocery clerk in New Orleans, continuing three years in this business, this being about the time of the Mexican War. Later on he worked for a wholesale grocery house, Bailey & Company, of New Orleaus, then took a position under hls father as a clerk in the Custom House, where he remained three years. In 1853 he came to Illi- nois and for twenty-five years llved on a farm of 600 acres a few mlles west of the city of Spring- field, which had been left him by his mother. He was an enthusiastic and Intelligent farmer and became successful in this occupation. Ahout 1878 he moved to Springfield and embarked In husiness in the line of real estate, In which he achieved a fair degree of success, but for the past few years he has lived retired from active business life. He became well known in the business circles of Springfield and his dealings with his fellows have been inarked by good busi- ness principles and strict adherence to honesty and Integrity of methods. In politics he is a Democrat and in rellglous views a member of the Preshyterlan Church. His mother was one of the organizers of the first church of that faith in New Orleans and was an earnest worker in its interests. Mr. Canfield has given his countenance and assistance to many worthy causes and movements and Is a man of kind and charitahle instincts, interested in the gen- eral welfare and in the needs of the poor. Be- sides his residence he owns other city real estate In Springfield. He is well known in many circles and was a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, whose home he visited in company with his mother. He relates many interesting incidents of Mr. Lincoln's life, one of which has to do with the morning of the latter's noml- nation for the presidency. He and Mr. Can- field had met and were standing at the place now occupied by Bressmer's, when Mr. Lincoln received his notification by telegram of this im- portant event in his life. and said "I've got a little woman at home who wants to see this." On his father's side Mr. Canfield is a relative of Gov. Duncan. He was an excellent shot in his earlier years, and has been known to kill twenty prairle chickens in nineteen shots. He now resides with his son Mark, who Is a resi- dent of Springfield.

Mr. Canfield was married near Springfield to Miss Mary Parker. who was horn In New Jersey and died In Springfield in 1890. Her parents came to Illinois In an early day and spent their remaining years on a farm near Springfield. Eleven children were born to Mr.

Caufield and wife, eight sons and three daugli- ters, and elght of them are now Ilving. They are: Walter, of Springfield, Deputy Game Warden of Illinois; Andrew, foreman for Vredenburg Lumber Company, of Springfield; Willlam, engaged in transfer business; John, a constahle living in Springfield; Mark, a painter by trade; Wade, a farmer living near Spring- field ; Josephine, wife of Jacob Slater, Ilving in Peoria; Fannle, deceased; Georgette, wlfe of William Chamberlain, of Springfield. Mr. Canfield has fifteen grandchildren.

Mark Canfield marrled Maud Gambrel, and they have two children, Glendy Burk and Robert Logan. Mrs. Maud (Gambrel) Canfield is a daughter of Henry and Frances Ford (Davies) Gamhrel, natives of Springfield, Ill., and of St. Louis, Mo., the mother being deceased and the father still living. The mother of Frances Ford Davies was a daughter of Gov. Ford, of Illi- nois, who used his own money in clearing the debts of the State, and became famous in the Mormon War, and she died March 16, 1910, at Lincoln, Ill.

CANFIELD, Erastus D., a prominent and well- known citizen of Springfield, Ill., and a veteran of the Civil War, conducts a small broom-mak- ing factory at his home, 1245 West Governor Street, and Is fairly successful in this enterprise. He has been occupying his present plant twenty- one years and has established a paying husl- ness. Mr. Canfield was born at Geneseo Val- ley, N. Y., April 17, 1837, son of John and Mary A. (Blair) Canfield, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Geneseo. The father moved from Massachusetts to Geneseo Valley as a young man and for some time con- ducted a barrel factory there. He followed the trade of cooper all his life and was located in husiness at various places. He took an active part In politics and became well-known as an eloquent public speaker. He died when his son Erastus was but nine years old. The father moved to Ohlo in 1838 and conducted a factory several years near Hamilton. He dled at Cambridge City, Ind., where the family had located. His widow moved back to Ohio with her children and later went with her son Eras- tus to Minnesota, where he took up a govern- ment claim and lived three years. The mother was a graduate of one of the largest seminarles in the State of New York. She dled In 1865.

Erastus D. Canfield received his education in the country schools of Butler County, Ohio, his inother having returned to Millville, that county, after her husband's death, and as a young man he worked at wood chopping in the winter and on a farm in the summer until he took up the trade of broom-making, at which he worked sev- eral years in Ohio. When he left Minnesota he spent short periods of time in varlons citles. golng first to St. Louis and later to Pana. Ill .. where he worked at his trade. until the hreak- ing out of the Civil War. He enlisted from Pana in Company B, Thirty-fifth Illinols In-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

fantry, and served three years, being mustered out at Springfield. He took part in many im- portant engagements, among them being Pea Ridge, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, in which he did his full duty as a soldier and won a praiseworthy rec- ord. Upon leaving the army he took up the occupation of broom-maker at Springfield, which he has since contiuued there. He and his son Wellington live together at the home of the former. He is now iu his seventy-third year and enjoys excellent health, being able to carry onl his business to good advantage. He is well knowu for the excellent work he turns out and never relaxes his vigilance in keeping up the standard he has set for his product.

Mr. Canfield was married uear Springfield, in 1866, to Harriet Kelly, born near Spring Creek, Sangamon County, and two children blessed this union : Wellington and Johu C., both coutract- ors, living in Springfield. Mrs. Canfield died in 1879 and Mr. Canfield married (second) Eliz- abeth Rodgers, a native of Ohio, who died in 1909, having borne her husband no children. Mr. Canfield is very foud and proud of his nine grandchildren. He was acquainted with Abra- ham Lincoln and remembers him well. Mr. Canfield is a prominent member of Stephenson Post No. 30, G. A. R., and in politics has always supported the measures and men of the Repub- lican party. He is a member of the Douglas Avenue Methodist Church, of Springfield, and is an active promoter of its good work. He helped form the present organization and has always been prominent in furthering its inter- ests. He has been successful in business through his own ambition and energy and is a self-made man, highly esteemed for his many fine qual- ities of mind and heart and his public-spirited and charitable actions.

CANHAM, John .- Land in the vicinity of Springfield is so valuable that its fortunate pos- sessors will not sell at any figure. This locality was once the home of Indians and wild animals, but today contains some of the highest priced farming land in the country. One of the men owning some of this valuable land is John Can- ham, of Woodside Township. He was born in Cambridgeshire, England, April 25, 1845, a son of John and Phoebe (Baily) Canham, both of England. The father was a farmer and came to the United States in 1854, sailing from Liver- pool and landing at New York. From that city he came to Jacksonville, Ill., and worked in Morgan County as a farm hand for two years before engaging in farmning on his own account. After four years in Morgan County he came to Sangamon County, locating on a farm in Divernon Township and there continuing until his death. There were ten sons and two daugh- ters in the family, five of whom still survive.

The education of Mr. Canham was secured in the excellent public schools of his native place, and during his boyhood he worked on the home

farm for his father. He did uot come to the new home until a year after the father, but after joining the latter worked with him, and came with him to Divernon Township. Still later he located on ten acres of choice land in the vicinity of Springfield, which has continued his home for the past twenty-eight years. He does both farming and gardening on his land, which has been so well developed and in so de- sirable a location that he has refused $400 per acre for it. His home is a comfortable one and in it his children have been born.

On November 12, 1870, Mr. Canham was united in marriage with Sarah Knight, in the city of Springfield. She was born near Somerset, Eng- land, November 12, 1849. Her parents came to America, settling on a farm in Sangamou County many years ago. Mrs. Knight died lu August, 1905, but the father survives, although he has attained au advanced age. For a number of years he farmed and conducted a truck garden. Three sous aud one daughter have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Canham: George, who lives in Springfield being iu the employ of the Wabash Raiiroad Company; Louis lives at home; Cleve lives in Springfield, aud Minuie Ilves at home. There are five graudchildren in this happy fam- ily, who are the delight of their grandparents.

Mr. Canham has taken considerable in- terest in fraternal matters, belonging to Lib- erty Camp, No. 1524, Modern Woodmen. His politicai affiliations are with the Democratic party, but he has never been willing to allow his name to be used ou its ticket. An excellent example of the transplanted Englishman, Mr. Canham possesses those traits of character which have made his nation famous the worid over for so many years, and is a reai home- maker. Frugal and industrious, he has worked hard and saved his earnings, investing them carefully. Developing his property, he has made it so valuable that it is justly regarded as one of the best truck farms in the State. He is an excellent farmer and gardener, understand- ing every detail of his work. His products are so superior that they find a ready sale at fancy prices, and his ten acres yield him an income larger than many a general farmer enjoys from a farm many times its size, which Is unprofitably operated. Never seeking public notice, Mr. Can- ham endeavors to do his fuli duty as a business man and as a citizen, and has won the confidence and esteem of ali with whom he has dealings.

CANTRALL, Jacob M., a retired farmer living at 1115 Patton Avenue, Springfield, Ill., was born near Cantrall, Ill., December 26, 1841, and is the fifth child of Joshua M. and Sarah (Can- trall) Cantrali, natives of Ohio. Jacob M. Can- trall passed his boyhood on a farm near the village of Cantrall, and attended school about one inile from home, in a log school house, where the seats, benches and desks were made of hewed sycamore logs arranged around the edge of the building. His first teacher was

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John D. Swallow and later ones were J. B. Hall, L. J. Sweet, Mr. Coliins, Mr. Mullmer, Mr. Hoyt and Mr. Hickey. Mr. Cantrail still has in his possession a "Reward of Merit" card giveu him when he was twelve years old, by Mr. Sweet. He worked on the farm with his father from the time he was twenty until he was twenty-four years of age, then began farm- ing on his own account on a farm of eighty acres two miles from Cautrall.

December 22, 1869, Jacob M. Cantrall married Miss Marlan J. Tufts, daughter of Thomas J. Tufts, then a resident of Saugamon County. She was born May 14, 1848, and died March 26, 1879. Mr. Cantrall was married (second) Jauuary 15, 1SS0, to Miss Martha Brown. She was born August 28, 1861, and died January 16, 1898. By his first marriage he had two chil- dren, as follows: Ada E., born February 7, 1873, married E. L. Margrett, of Palmer, Ill .; Cora M., born October 12, 1878, married James M. Alexander, February 9, 1898, and they re- side in Springfield. By the second wife the fol- lowing children were born: Jacob Ernest, born July 15, 1883, married Jennie M. King and they live ou a farm north of Springfield ; Ula Joshua, born June 4, 1886, married Elsie LaRue, and they live at 1111 Patton Avenue. Mr. Cantrall was formerly a member of the Cantrall Christian Church, which he joined in 1862, and for seven years was deacon. Since coming to Spring- field he has joined the West Side Christian Church, in which he has served two years as Deacon. He is a stanch Republican and ac- tively luterested in the public welfare. He has lived in Springfield since 1902, retired from ac- tive life, and has many firm friends in the city. He is a man of personal integrity and sincerity and universally respected.

CANTRALL, Zebulon Graham (deceased), be- longed to a family which has been prominent in Sangamon County, Ill., since its early set- tlement, and for this family the town of Can- trall was named. The first of the family to settle here was Levi Cantrall, grand uncle of Zebulon G. Cantrall. The subject of this sketch was born In Sangamon County, May 7, 1835, son of Joshua Metz and Sarah Cantrall, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Joshua M. Cantrall came to Illinois as a young man and secured a farm in Sangamon County, where he spent the remainder of his life. He dled in 1890 and was buried in Cantrall Cemetery.

Zebulon G. Cantrali received his education in the country schools and remained on the farm with his parents until his marriage, then began farming on his own account. He came to Springfield in 1880 and took up carpenter work, becoming a successful contractor, but on account of failing health abandoned this business and accepted an agency for the Pru- dential Life Insurance Company. He had been a resident of Springfield sixteen years at the time of his death. He was a stanch Republi- can and actively interested in public affairs.

He served seven years as Assessor of Fancy Creek Township, three years as Collector, twenty years as School Director, and was also a Constable. He became a prominent and well known citizen of Springfield and was much es- teemed for his many good traits and his hon- est, reliable character. He was genuinely mourned by his family and many personal friends. Ile was a devout member of the First Christian Church and much interested iu char- itable and benevolent causes.

Mr. Cantrall was married in Sangamon County November 6, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth J. Lilly, who was born in Augusta County, Va., November 19, 1838, daughter of William and Mary B. (Dobbs) Lllly, the father a native of Albemarle County, Va., and the mother of Louisa County, Va. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cantrall: Mary A., deceased ; Mrs. Melissa E. Wormack, of Springfield, whose husbaud is employed as bookkeeper iu a plow- factory; Celia J., wife of Frank Gilman, in theatrical business, now living at Houston, Tex .; Noah M., deceased; Arminta L., and Amelia F., deceased; Alfred E., a carriage painter, is unmarried and lives with his mother ; Zebulon G., connected with a wholesale house In Springfield, is unmarried and Ilves at 127 East Carpenter Street, Springfield, Ill. Mr. Cantrall's death occurred May 3, 1896, at Spring- field, and his remains were interred iu Can- trail Cemetery. Mrs. Cantrall's father, Wil- liam Lilly, participated in the War of 1812, serving in a Virginia regiment.

CAPPS, Jabez. (Vol. I, p. 78.)

CAREY, John M. (deceased) .- Many of the present generation of Irish-Americaus in Spring- field will readily remember the late John M. Carey, for many years a city employe and busi- ness man, whose death occurred November 8, 1909. It was not so many years before, on the night of July 4th, that he had saved the mid- night train from plunging from the Chicago & Alton bridge into the Sangamon River. after a heavy storm had caused a flood that washed one of the piers away. Mr. Carey was born near Queenstown, Ireland, the son of John and Mary Carey, both of whom died In Ireland.

John M. Carey came to the United States as a young man with his two brothers, Thomas and William, and after landing at New York City came direct to Springfield. John became watchman at the Chicago & Alton railroad bridge, where he remained many years, and it was while holding this position that he per- formed the deed that saved many Ilves. On the night above mentioned duriug a heavy storm, which had continued for several days, Mr. Carey became suspicious that the rain would damage the bridge, and, taking a lantern, started out to investigate, finding that one of the piers had washed away. He managed to stop the mid- night train in time to save it and for his services received the sum of $25. Later he accepted a

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

position with the watch factory, where he was employed for uine years, but subsequently went into the grocery business. He finally became a miner for a few years aud then retired, his death occurring at his home iu Springfield No- vember S, 1909. He was a member of St. Jo- seph's Romau Catholie Chureh. He was a Democrat in politics and served for a time as trustee and for years as Justice of the Peace of Ridgely, before that towu was incorporated with Springfield.

On November 22, 1877, Mr. Carey was mar- ried to Catherine Rohau, who was born uear London, Ohio, October 17, 1856, a daughter of Patrick aud Catherine (Sheehan) Rohan, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Carey there were born the following children: Nellie M., who is deceased ; Margaret J., who married Jacob Oweus; William J., of Tacoma, Wash .; Elsie C., Alice L. aud Mary C., at home; and Johu A. and Walter M., deceased.

CARMEAN, Robert .- The calling of farming is not an easy oue. At best it is exhausting work, but he who follows it with any degree of sei- ence will reap handsome profits and iu his de- clining years have all the comforts that come to those whose active lives have been well spent. Robert Carmean, now liviug retired in Spring- field, was for many years engaged iu farmiug in Sangamon County, Ill. He was born in 1848 iu Pickaway County, Ohio, a son of Noah Car- mean. When he was five years of age, in 1853, the family moved to a farm in McDonough County, Ill., and there Mr. Carmean grew to manhood, learning by practical experience the work of farming, which he had chosen for his life ealling, and obtaining his edueation in the public schools. In 1861 the family moved to Morgan County, Ill., and two years later, when but fifteen years old, Mr. Carmean enlisted in Company I, Seveuth Regiment, United. States Cavalry, serving until the close of the war as a member of the Fifteenth Army Corps. He took part in muany fierce engagements and three horses were killed under him, one of which fell upon his leg. After a service marked with sig- nal bravery, he was honorably discharged in October, 1865, at Camp Butler.

After completing his service to his country Mr. Carmean returned to the work of the farm and in 1870 was married to Miss Kate Conley, of Champaign County, Ill., who died in Septem- ber, 1906. having beeu the mother of the follow- ing children : Alexander, Lulu, Katy, Harry, George, John, Robert, Fred and Roy, of whom Lulu and Katy are deceased. In 1875 Mr. Car- mean came to Springfield and for five years was identified with the ice business, but eventually returned to the farm, where he was engaged un- til building his present residence and retiring from active life, in 1897. He is a member of the Second Methodist Episcopal Church, in the faith of which his wife died. His polities are those of the Republican party. He is held in

high esteem by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintauce, both as a worthy comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic, and as a eitizen.

CARNES, Alexander L., a well-known and re- liable citizeu of Chatham, Ill., and a veteran of the Civil War, is now living retired from active life. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, Sep- tember 24, 1844, son of Alexander W. and Mary (Shoemaker) Carnes, the former born in Ger- many in 1814, and the latter born in Ohio in 1812. The father was a preacher in the Methodist Church. IIe came to the United States as a young man and settled in Pennsylvania, going thence to Ohio, where he was married. He died at LaFay- ette, Ind., in 1868, having moved there that year, and his widow died there in 1871. He served in the Eighteenth Ohio Battery two years dur- ing the Civil War and was mustered out at Camp Dennison, Ohio. His parents were natives of Germany aud his wife's parents of Kentucky.

Alexander L. Carnes received his education in Chillicothe, Ohio, and spent his boyhood and youth on a farm. In September, 1861, he en- listed in Company D, Seventy-third Ohio In- fantry, at Chillicothe, under Thomas Beach, and was mustered out at Lookout Valley, Tenu., January 1, 1864. He re-enlisted in the same com- pany the day he was mustered out, under Cap- tain Downing, and received his final discharge at Camp Dennison, in August, 1865, having served his country faithfully and well for four long years. Ile participated iu the Battles of Fredericksburg. Gettysburg, second Battle of Bull Run, Cedar Mountain, Lookout Valley, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Atlanta, Buzzard's Roost, Savannah and Benton- ville, besides many less important skirmishes. He served under Sherman on his progress to the sea, also served uuder Joe Hooker, and held the rank of Sergeant and later Lieutenant of his company. He has a record of which he may well be proud and is a member of the G. A. R.

In 1872 Mr. Carnes moved from Ohio to Illi- nois, and some years afterwards moved to Ken- tucky, but four years later (1899) returned to Illinois. He had served four years as Con- stable while living in Ohio and has always been an active member of the Republican party. For thirty years he has been a faithful member of the Methodist Church and has always been will- ing to promote the cause of education and re- ligion. He taught school in Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois, and is well informed ou subjects of public interest. He is held in high esteem by all who know him. He has spent the greater part of his life in agricultural pursuits, in which he has been very successful. He receives a good pension and is in comfortable circumstances financially.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 25

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